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Chapter 67

Posted on Thursday, 18 April 2002

still March 28

Lizzy gasped when she saw the velvet box. Darcy placed it into her hand.

"Open it."

Slowly, Lizzy lifted the lid. Inside was a ring, obviously antique. The stone was large and clear. She stared at it. Nobody spoke. Was this-

Darcy was so happy with his surprise that he was oblivious to the fact that everyone else in the room had stopped breathing. He smiled and said, "Aquamarine is your birthstone, right?"

"Yes, aquamarine." Lizzy continued to stare at the ring. So it wasn't a diamond after all?

"Try it on. Before I returned the ring that Georgie borrowed from you, I took it with me when I went to the jeweler, and he thought this would fit."

"Oh." Was she relieved or disappointed that it wasn't a diamond? She couldn't decide.

"Here." Darcy took the ring out of the box and slipped it onto Lizzy's right hand. He held her hand under a lamp. "It looks colorless, but you can see the aquamarine flashes in the light."

"Oh, so I can. It's incredible. The setting is so intricate!"

"They call it a basket setting. I think it's from the twenties."

"It's beautiful," said Anne, who was beginning to recover from the idea that Darcy might actually propose to Lizzy in front of an audience.

"Will?" said Georgie, "Is that the one that M-"

"It's the one I told you about." He shot Georgie a stern look and turned to Lizzy. "How does it fit? The jeweler didn't want to size it without seeing you try it on."

"It's perfect!" She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. "Thank you, Will!"

"I think it's time for some of us to leave," announced Richard. "Anne-"

"No, tonight I'll be fine with a cab. It isn't that late." Seeing his frown, she added, "You're not the boss of me."

That isn't what I want to be, thought Richard.

"I should be going, too," said Chris, standing and offering his arm. "Come, Morticia, I'll escort you to the elevator."

Georgie followed Chris to the elevator. When she returned, Richard was looking at Anne's gift.

"Wow!" said Georgie softly.

"I know," replied Richard.

"A rare event," added Darcy.

"What are you all talking about?"

"This, Lizzy," answered Richard, holding up the box. "Anne is very private about her work. She rarely lets anyone see anything she's done, much less give it away."

"I have a small watercolor that she did after she visited us in Boston," said Georgie.

"She did a painting for Mark and Erica as a wedding present. They told Mom that, if Anne asked what they wanted, to tell her a seascape. Darce?"

"I have the miniatures of Mother and Dad that Anne did as anniversary gifts for my parents. I think it was the year before the accident."

"I can't think of any others. I don't have anything she's done," said Richard wistfully.

"I had no idea," said Lizzy softly. She set the box down and looked at the others. Shaking her head, she said, "This has been an incredible birthday. Thank you all so much!"

Lizzy hugged Richard, who then excused himself and went back to his own apartment. Then she hugged Georgie, who also excused herself. Lizzy turned and smiled at Darcy.

"What?" he said, holding out his arms. "You aren't going to thank me, too?"

"I'll thank you later," she giggled. "Right now, I want to thank Mrs. R and tell her about breakfast tomorrow."

"What about it?"

"You'll see tomorrow." Still giggling, Lizzy headed for the kitchen.

"Mrs. R? Can I help?"

"Certainly not! You're the birthday girl."

"In that case," said Lizzy, running her finger across the tray that the cake had been on, "I'll swipe the extra frosting. Birthday girl's privilege! Everything was delicious. Thank you for doing this."

"It truly was my pleasure. If you could have seen how excited the two of them were about this party, you'd understand. I think they had even more fun planning than they did tonight."

"When is Will's birthday? I need to think of something special to do for him."

"You have plenty of time. It's in July. I'm sure we can come up with something."

"I'm counting on you to help! Oh, before I forget, I want to tell you not to fix anything for me for breakfast tomorrow."

Richard Fitzwilliam punched the pillow and rolled over. He hated to admit it, but he was envious of his cousin. Not that he coveted Lizzy. She was certainly attractive, but she wasn't what he wanted. He wanted what Lizzy and Darcy had together. But he wanted it with...someone else.

Sighing in frustration, Richard sat up in bed and turned on the light. He walked to the bookcase and took out the box of photographs that he had brought back with him the last time he had been at his parents' house.

Richard remembered the summer he got the camera. He had made Darcy take a picture of him every time he caught a fish. And he had delighted in sneaking up on people and taking "candid" pictures. Rummaging in the box, Richard found the one he had taken of Anne in the midst of a tantrum. Smiling at the picture, he could almost hear her shouting, "Oh yeah? Well, you're not the boss of me!"

Anne must have said that at least once a day that summer. She had been such a tomboy, tagging along after the boys whenever she could. Back then, she had been a "yucky girl," a carrier of "girl cooties." Now, he regretted how mean he had been to her-the teasing, the taunting, the bossing. It had started a pattern they couldn't seem to break out of.

Anne and Darcy had always been friends. Yet, despite their good beginning-and the constant encouragement of her mother-their relationship had never progressed beyond friendship. So what hope did Richard have, if all she saw in him was someone to tease and argue with? He didn't even have friendship as a starting point.

Richard closed the box and put it back on the shelf. He put the picture of Anne in the drawer of the bedside table, turned out the light, and tried to will himself to sleep.

The occupants of the other penthouse were much happier. Mrs. Reynolds was sound asleep, Georgie was burning the midnight oil instant-messaging with Chris, and Lizzy and Darcy were drowsily talking about the party.

"So, Mr. Darcy," said Lizzy as she traced the line of his jaw with her fingertip, "Have I thanked you properly for my party?"

"It was adequate," he deadpanned.

"Adequate? That isn't good enough. I'll have to find another way to show my appreciation." She sat up. "I know! I'll show you how much I like my presents by using them. I'll put on my new robe and go to the study to start learning to use my new organizer."

He reached out and pulled her back down and into his arms. "No you won't. I've got it pre-programmed and I don't want you to mess it up. So you have to stay here."

"I can't model my robe, either?"

"No. You can wear it to breakfast tomorrow."

Lizzy pouted, "No fair. Can I at least keep the ring on?"

"Of course." Darcy took her hand and kissed it. "I'm glad it fit so well."

Lizzy twisted the ring. "Will?" she said hesitantly, "About the ring..."

"You don't like it?"

"I like it. It's exquisite. It's just, well, I'm sure it's valuable, and I feel sort of funny about it."

"It's all right, Lizzy, I can afford it."

"It isn't that. Will, Georgie recognized this ring. I think Anne did, too."

When he said nothing, she frowned and continued, "Will, you didn't buy this ring, did you? All that talk about the jeweler was to distract everyone."

"I really did have the jeweler check the setting and the size."

"He checked it because you already had it."

"Yes. But-"

"Will, this is a family heirloom, isn't it?"

"Lizzy-"

"It was your mother's, wasn't it? Will, I can't take this. It should belong to Georgie."

"It's yours. I want you to have it."

"But what about Georgie?"

"She already has a lot of Mother's jewelry. Anything Dad bought, Georgie has. But there are quite a few pieces that weren't originally Mother's. This ring was my great-grandmother's."

Lizzy gasped and reached to take off the ring. Darcy grabbed her hand to stop her.

"Although it wasn't her birthstone, Mother liked this ring and did wear it often. Now I want you to wear it."

"But, Will-"

"Lizzy, stop. I wish you could have met my parents. They would have loved you. And if Mother were here, she'd see how much I love you and she would want you to have this, especially since it's your birthstone. Think of this as a birthday present from my mother."

"Oh, Will!"

"Shh, Lizzy, don't cry."

"I can't help it. I'm so happy. I've never had anything like this, like us. I've never loved anyone so much. It's sort of overwhelming, almost scary."

"I know," he said softly. "But whenever you feel scared, just hold onto me, and we'll be all right."

- - - -
March 29

When Darcy woke, he could hear the water running in the shower. Shortly after that, Lizzy emerged, wearing her new robe. She twirled around to model it.

"Very nice."

"Yes, it is, although I'll miss borrowing yours."

"Any time you want to wear my robe, Lizzy, it's yours."

Lizzy tossed him his robe, "No, you can wear it this morning. Go take your shower. I'll get you some coffee."

Darcy was washing his hair when Lizzy knocked on the bathroom door, "Room service."

"Can you deliver it to the shower?"

Laughing, Lizzy walked across the bathroom and thrust the mug behind the shower curtain. "Here you are, sir."

Darcy leaned back and rinsed the shampoo out of his hair, then accepted the mug of coffee. He poked his head out and asked, "Where's your coffee?"

"In the dining room." She kissed him lightly and left him to finish his coffee and his shower.

When Darcy joined her in the dining room, he saw that his sister was up, too. He stopped in his tracks when he saw what they were eating.

"That's disgusting! How can you eat all that sugar so early in the morning?"

Georgie giggled. Lizzy smirked, "It's my post-birthday tradition to have leftover birthday cake for breakfast. There's toast for you."

"You're corrupting my sister, making her eat that for breakfast."

"Did I force you?" Lizzy asked Georgie.

"Oh, no," said Georgie, licking a blob of frosting off her fork.

Darcy retreated behind the newspaper, which set Lizzy and Georgie off in a fit of giggles. They laughed even harder when they heard him mutter something about a "sugar high."

Lizzy and Georgie were still chattering away when Darcy left the table. Lizzy took advantage of the opportunity to ask Georgie a question that had been on her mind since the previous night.

"Did you know about the ring, Georgie?"

"I knew it existed, but I had no idea he was going to give it to you."

"You don't mind, do you? I mean, it belonged to your mother."

"I'm glad you have it, Lizzy. Although I have to admit, when I saw that velvet box, I thought my brother was going to propose to you right there in front of all of us. Yuck! It would be like that scene in 'Working Girl,' when the guy says 'So, are we gonna get married, or what?' in front of a whole party."

"Not a dream proposal, that's for sure."

"What would your dream proposal be, Lizzy?"

"I don't know that I have thought about it. Have you?"

Georgie laughed, "When I was little, I imagined a prince and a glass slipper and all that." She stopped when she saw her brother.

"What are you talking about now? I swear, cake for breakfast makes you two giddy."

Georgie looked her brother straight in the eye and said, "We're talking about marriage proposals." She left the room before he could say anything.

Darcy looked at Lizzy, "Is there something I should know?"

"Just that your sister has a Cinderella fixation. Oh! That reminds me, we should get tickets to 'Into the Woods.' Have you ever seen it?"

"No."

"Then we have to go. We could take Georgie. And Chris, too. It's about fairly tales and what really happens 'ever after.' It's Sondheim, how could you go wrong?"

They collected the things they would need for work and headed out of the apartment. As they waited for the elevator, Darcy asked Lizzy, "Were you really talking about proposals?"

"Yes, Georgie asked me if I had a dream proposal. You know, an image of what I would want."

"Do you?"

"No. I can't say that I do."

"Does Jane?"

The elevator arrived, and Lizzy looked at Darcy curiously as they got in. "Jane? Is there something I should know?"

"Jealous?"

"Nope! I have no worries there, I think Jane is as good as spoken for."

"I think you're right."

"Will, is there something I should know?"

"I think Charles is trying to work up the nerve to-damn!"

"What?"

"I shouldn't tell you. Swear you won't say anything to Jane."

"About what?"

"I think Charles is going to propose to Jane. The other night while you were watching the Oscars, we were talking about rings and proposals. All very theoretical, of course, but Charles had this look about him."

"What sort of suggestions did you give him?"

"Well, the hide-it-in-the-cracker-jack is too corny."

Lizzy groaned as the elevator doors opened at the garage level.

"What?"

"Corny? Popcorn?"

"Oh, right. Well, anyway that sort of cute thing is risky. What if she dumps the box before finding the ring? Too silly. Oh, hell, since I've spilled this much, the conversation was mostly about rings, and whether the woman would want to be surprised or pick out her own." He held the car door and Lizzy got in.

"Oh."

Darcy got in on the driver's side and continued the conversation. "So, what do you think? Would Jane want to pick out her own ring, or would she be willing to accept Charles's choice?"

"I don't know."

"Well, you must know what sort of ring she'd like. Don't girls talk about stuff like that? The dream wedding, the dream gown, the dream ring..."

"The dream cake?"

"You're really on a cake thing, aren't you? Yes, that too, of course. Seriously, Lizzy, do you have any idea?"

"When we were kids, I remember seeing a heart-shaped diamond in a museum, I think it was the Smithsonian, and I thought it would be the most romantic thing for an engagement ring. But I was only ten or so."

"You wouldn't want that now?"

"No, for something you wear every day, it has to suit you. The heart-shaped stone is a sort of frilly party dress thing. I'd want something simple and traditional, and I think Jane would, too but I don't know for certain."

"What do you mean by simple and traditional?" Could she tell that he was fishing for information on more than just Jane?

"Solitaire diamond, plain gold wedding ring. I think Jane would like that, too. Mom almost never takes her wedding ring off. She didn't take it off from the day she got married until she went into the hospital to have Jane and they made her take it off. And, according to Dad, she fought them on it until they threatened to cut the ring off."

"Sentimental or superstitious?"

"Some of each. But I see why she feels that way. A wedding ring isn't jewelry. It's more important than that. I take off all my jewelry at night. I leave in earrings only if they're tiny. But I wouldn't take off a wedding ring with the rest of my jewelry."

"Sounds like the Bennet women have some decided opinions on wedding rings and such. My first instinct was that Jane should choose the ring herself, and now I'm sure. I think I'll call Charles and tell him what you said."

Chapter 68

Posted on Thursday, 18 April 2002

March 30

Lizzy and Jane and their mother settled in the living room to watch television. Lydia, who had gone upstairs to wash her hair, returned clad in her bathrobe, hair still dripping.

"Watcha watchin'?" she asked.

"Really, Lydia," said her mother. "For someone who fancies herself an actress, your diction is appalling!"

"Oh, pahdon me, Mamah. What are you watching this fine evening?"

Mrs. Bennet huffed as Lizzy and Jane laughed at Lydia's posh accent. "Don't encourage her!" Turning to her youngest, she said, "'Easter Parade' is about to start. Come watch it with us."

Lydia plopped down on the floor and began to comb her wet hair, "Which one is this again? Is it the one where they go to England and he dances on the ceiling?"

"No, Lydia, that's 'Royal Wedding.' You always confuse those two movies."

"Maybe it's because they're both Irving Berlin scores." suggested Lizzy.

Lydia shrugged and went on combing her hair. "Whatever."

They watched in companionable silence for a while, making only occasional remarks. Then Fred Astaire began to sing and Lizzy exclaimed "I love this song!"

Lizzy, Jane, and their mother sang along with Fred.

"It only happens when I dance with you
That trip to Heaven til the dance is through.
With no one else do the heavens seem quite so near.
Why does it happen dear,
Only with you?"*

"Ooh, stupid cow!" exclaimed Lydia at the end of the song, "He sings that nice song to her and then she dumps him." She blew a raspberry at Ann Miller's character.

"He'll do better soon enough, anyway," said Jane.

"I know. But she's mean."

Mr. Bennet walked by the living room on the way to his study. He paused at the door to watch his "womenfolk," as he liked to call them, enjoying the movie together. He was pleased that Lydia seemed to have settled down after the "incident" on St. Patrick's Day. Lizzy glanced up and saw her father and winked at him. He grinned and walked on to the study.

Mr. Bennet sat in the armchair near his desk and tried to read a term paper. This was definitely the downside of teaching. Some of his students wrote the most incredible nonsense. He found it hard to concentrate. The image of Fran and three of their daughters sitting together stayed on his mind.

He really shouldn't have been so surprised at Lydia's behavior. They'd got off lightly with the first three girls. Lydia had inherited all of her mother's silliness. He smiled when he remembered Fran when she was only a little older than Lydia. He had been thinking about the day he met Fran ever since reading a term paper on the antiwar movement during Vietnam.

He had seen her on campus one day as he walked past a demonstration in front of Sprague Library. The students were chanting "One, two, three, four, we don't want your f***ing war!" Her sandal had come loose, and she sat on a curb to tighten the strap. He sat down beside her, they started talking, and he was impressed with her interest in the antiwar movement. It wasn't until later that he discovered that she took part in the demonstrations because it seemed a socially conscious excuse for missing class. And it was a way to meet men. By the time he realized how frivolous Fran really was, he was in love and didn't care.

Over the years, he'd helped her become a bit more sensible. And he accepted that she would never be able to balance the checkbook or remember all the things she needed from the store. But on balance, having to stop at the market on the way home four days out of five was a fair trade for all she had put up with.

She had been a good sport about the numerous "vacations" that were really research trips for the books and articles he wrote. She had traipsed across battlefields, taken pictures of monuments, and entertained their daughters when they became bored. She had raised the girls and kept house. She had helped him proofread manuscripts. She had done the carpool thing for all sorts of activities. She had given dinner parties for department heads and deans. And somewhere along the line, she had learned every line of every song Fred Astaire ever sang in a movie, and taught her daughters that there is absolutely nothing wrong with seeing a movie over and over and over again if you really like it.

He set aside the term paper and looked at the clock. Making his way back to the living room, he was in time to hear his wife and three of his daughters singing. He looked in and smiled as he saw Lydia and Lizzy taking a turn around the room, bowing to imaginary passersby and singing,

"Oh, I could write a sonnet
About your Easter bonnet,
And on the girl I'm taking
To the Easter Parade!"*

He applauded. "Lovely, just lovely. It's too bad Mary isn't here to join in."

Jane held up the cordless phone, "Oh, yes she is, Dad. We called her so she could sing along, too. Here, say hello."

He took the phone and walked out of the room.

"Mary! Happy Easter! How are you?"

"Just fine, Dad. Did you get my last email?"

"No, I haven't been at the computer since this morning. I've been trying to read term papers, but the caterwauling from the living room was too distracting."

"I thought they were in fine voice tonight."

"We'll miss you tomorrow."

"I'll miss Easter at home, too. Did you remember to tell Mom that I said thanks for the care package?"

"Of course. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Did you leave any Easter cookies to eat on Easter?"

"Yes. I saved them. Tomorrow we're going to an outdoor service that's being held in a park, and then we'll eat the cookies on the way to breakfast."

"We?"

"A bunch of us."

"Including the boyfriend?"

"Yes, Dad."

It suddenly occurred to Mr. Bennet that Mary had never had a serious boyfriend before, and he began to wonder if he had been remiss in his instructions to her. "You've been seeing him for a while now. Um, Mary, if there's anything you want to talk about-"

"Dad!"

"Well, I just thought-"

"Say goodnight Dad!"

"Goodnight Dad."

"I love you, Dad. Bye!"

After he finished talking to Mary, Mr. Bennet returned to the living room. "May I suggest bedtime? Church is early tomorrow."

Lizzy groaned, "Why is sunrise so early?"

* "It Only Happens When I Dance With You" and "Easter Parade" by Irving Berlin

March 31

Sunrise service on Easter was a Bennet family tradition. Although Lizzy and Lydia grumbled about getting up early, they went along with it because of the huge breakfast they would have after church. They always went to a nearby pancake house and stuffed themselves.

True to form, Lydia ordered gooey fruit pancakes covered in whipped cream. She ate two-thirds of it, and announced that she was "never going to eat again."

Lizzy laughed, "You say that every year, but we won't be home a half hour and you'll be biting the head off your chocolate bunny."

"No I won't. No bunny this year," said Lydia.

"What?" cried Lizzy and Jane in perfect unison.

"No Easter basket this year. I told Mom I couldn't because I have to fit into my costumes for the play."

"No Easter candy at all?" Lizzy was amazed at her sister's willingness to give up chocolate. "But it's a dog suit, isn't it? Surely a few pounds wouldn't show?"

"Ha!" snorted Lydia. "Shows what you know. I do not wear some dog suit like Nana in Peter Pan! I do have a collar and a leash, though."

Wonderful, thought her father.

"Happy Easter, Will!" Georgie bounced into her brother's bedroom brandishing a large chocolate rabbit. "Thanks for my bunny. May I bite the ears off?"

"It's your bunny, knock yourself out," he grumbled.

"Ooh, someone is grumpy. Could it be because you had to spend the whole night in here alone?"

Darcy glared at her, and she giggled. "Or is it because we're going to Aunt Catherine's for dinner?"

He was about to answer when Mrs. Reynolds entered, carrying a bed tray. "Happy Easter, Mr. Darcy."

Georgie propped pillows behind her brother and Mrs. Reynolds set the tray down on the bed.

Darcy looked up and smiled. "Thank you, what a nice thing to do."

"It was Miss Bennet's idea," said Mrs. Reynolds. "The present is from her."

Darcy reached into the tray's pocket and found a slim box nestled next to his New York Times.

"Open it!" said Georgie.

He unwrapped the tie-he knew it was a tie from the shape of the box-and pulled it out. The tie was navy blue with tiny Easter eggs in pastel colors.

"Oh, that is so cute! You have to wear it today!" squealed Georgie. She grabbed the tie and ran to her brother's closet to select a suit to go with the tie.

Years ago, Lizzy had figured why her mother always managed to be the last one out of the house on Easter morning. That was when she ran to the pantry where she had hidden the Easter baskets, and pulled them out to sit on the dining room table.

True to form, they returned home and found three Easter baskets waiting for them.

"Where's Mary's basket?" asked Jane.

"In the attic. I sent her a care package last week. I baked those cute bunny cookies and sent her those. I know you girls don't eat much candy any more, but I had to do something."

"Peeps!" squealed Lizzy. "Omigod, Mom! You even aged them for me!" Lizzy dropped the package and hugged her mother. She returned to the package and enlarged the holes her mother had poked in the cellophane.

Lydia wrinkled her nose, "I don't know why you like them stale, Lizzy. It's easier to bite the heads off when they're soft." She opened her package of the marshmallow chicks and poked them to make sure that hers were fresh. She took just one from the package, returned the rest to the basket, and removed the knitted bunny that her mother had bought in lieu of chocolate. She waved its paw at Lizzy, who laughed and waved back.

Jane's basket contained jellybeans and a small chocolate bunny. Sweet Jane was the only person in the world who did not eat the ears first. She discretely nibbled on the base of the bunny, so that when she returned it to the basket it would still look nice-a little shorter, perhaps, but nice.

"Lizzy, do you remember the candy store where they had all the fancy chocolate displays?"

"Oh, yeah, Helen Elliott. That's right. When we got past the Easter bunny stage, we used to pick out our own bunnies. Do you remember, Lydia?"

"No."

"I guess Jane and I went to help pick out candy for you and Mary."

"So are you the bozo who bought me the yellow chocolate chick?" asked Lydia suspiciously.

Lizzy laughed, "Geez, Lydia, get over it. That was years ago. It's too bad you never got to go there. One year, they had a chocolate Eiffel Tower. It must have been four feet high."

"I remember that!" said Jane. "We always wondered what happened to that stuff after Easter."

"Maybe they gave it to an orphanage or something," suggested Lydia.

"No, it had been sitting out in the air for weeks during the pre-Easter selling season. Just imagine the germs," said Jane, shaking her head.

Lizzy took another Peep out of the package. "Hey, did you guys know that there's a website of science experiments on these things?"

"Get out!" scoffed Lydia.

"It's true. Come on, let's look for it."

The three went upstairs to Lydia's bedroom and turned on her computer. While they waited for the computer to start up, Lydia remarked, "Mom says Martha makes her own Peeps."

Jane groaned, "Is Mom watching Martha again?"

"Yeah, and then she complains about it." In her best imitation of her mother, Lydia went on, "I could do all of those things if I had a state-of-the-art kitchen and minions to do my prep work and cleanup, not to mention six secretaries, five maids, a personal shopper."

Lizzy laughed, "Enough! We've all heard it. Mom has this weird love-hate thing about Martha."

"I can understand it," said Jane. "Mom has cooked just about everything, kept house, made curtains and quilts and bedspreads for our rooms, all that domestic stuff. But it hasn't made her rich and famous."

"But she has us. Surely that's compensation?" said Lydia, batting her eyelashes.

"Some of us are compensation." Said Lizzy pointedly.

"OK, OK, " said Lydia, eager to change the conversation to avoid a recitation of her faults, "We're on line. What's the URL?"

"I don't know. Type 'peeps' into your browser and see what you get."

More than one website for marshmallow peeps came up on the list. Unfortunately, websites about peeping toms were also listed. Lydia clicked on one of those. Lizzy grabbed the mouse from her hand and hit the "back" button.

"Hey!"

"Lydia, I don't need to know what you look at on the net, but I do not want to look at that website."

Lizzy clicked on the site she wanted. Sure enough, there was a list of experiments done on peeps. The one in the vacuum jar made Jane laugh so hard she cried. All three were laughing so loudly they didn't hear the car pull into the driveway.

Darcy and Georgie arrived at the church in time to meet Aunt Catherine, Uncle Lewis, and Anne. They entered the church together, and somehow Catherine bustled them into the pew so that Anne was seated between Georgie and Darcy.

"Nice tie," whispered Anne under cover of a hymn. "Lizzy?"

"Yes, how did you know?"

"You wouldn't buy a fun tie, Mr. Executive."

"Shh!" Catherine scowled at them. Anne buried her head in the hymnal, but Darcy could see her shoulders shaking.

The sermon was running long, and Anne's attention span had long since been exceeded. Whenever that happened-which was every time she went to church-she would look around the church discretely, observing the other worshipers. She had to bite her lip to stop from laughing at a man two rows in front of her. He was obviously nodding off, and his wife kept elbowing him.

With a sigh, Anne tried to listen to the sermon. Something about frogs? No, about kissing the frog and getting a prince? A fairy tale as a metaphor for the resurrection? Nah, she must have missed something somewhere. She slipped off her shoes and wriggled her toes. As her mind drifted away from whatever it was the minister was saying, she idly pushed her shoes around.

Suddenly, Anne was aware of a rusting sound. Everyone was standing up to sing a hymn. She slipped her left foot into her left shoe. But she couldn't find the right shoe. So she stood up on her left foot and groped around with her right foot, trying to find the shoe before it was time to get up for communion.

Darcy noticed that Anne had been fidgety during the sermon. Not surprising, he thought. The man had droned on for too long. But what was she doing now? If he didn't know better, he'd say she was playing "footsie" with him in the pew. He stood up for the hymn, and Anne jolted to her feet-foot, rather-a few seconds later. She started to wobble, and he held her arm. She smiled up at him, then looked down.

He followed her gaze and saw the stocking-clad foot. A laugh became a cough, which earned a suspicious look from his aunt. When they sat down after the hymn, Darcy leaned down, having pretended to drop the hymnal, and retrieved the shoe. Being a gentleman, he slipped it onto his cousin's foot. Being not quite the perfect gentleman, he ticked her foot as he did so.

Anne jumped slightly and turned to look at Darcy's innocent expression. She jammed her foot into the shoe, pinching his finger in the process. An "ouch" became another cough, earning him yet another scowl from his aunt.

"Girls!" called Mrs. Bennet, "Your aunt and uncle are here!"

"Aunt Maddie! Uncle Ed!" cried Lizzy as the three thundered down the stairs. "Happy Easter!"

After hugs all around, the family moved to the living room to chat before dinner. After a while, Mrs. Bennet excused herself to check on dinner.

"So, Lizzy," said Ed Gardiner, "How's your love life?"

"Fine, Uncle Ed." She had an almost irresistible urge to add, "I'm sleeping with the guy you set me up with." She resisted the urge.

"What's this?" asked Mr. Bennet, wondering what happened to Darcy as a potential suitor.

"Lizzy is seeing an acquaintance of mine." explained Ed.

"Ooh, Lizzy!" Lydia interrupted. "Is it that cool guy from St. Patrick's Day? Or is it his grumpy friend?"

"The grumpy friend, if you must know. I'm surprised you remember any of that night, Lydia."

Mr. Bennet smiled, assuming that the "grumpy friend" was Darcy. I must get to meet this man, he thought.

Lydia frowned, "Not a lot, but I remember that guy. Mmmmm. Is he single?"

"First of all," said Lizzy, "He's way too old for you. Second, he is interested in someone, and she's a friend of mine, so no way am I giving you his number."

Lydia pouted. Aunt Maddie came to Lizzy's rescue by changing the subject.

"I see your daffodils are in full bloom. Don't you get deer wandering through your gardens? I'd worry that they'd eat the flowers."

"Yes, we do get deer," said Mr. Bennet. "But, fortunately, they don't eat daffs. We gave up on tulips a few years ago, but Lizzy's daffs keep coming up and surviving.

"What about your summer garden, Dad?" asked Jane. "Will you do one this year?"

"No. I'm not planting any annuals this year. With the water restrictions, I don't want to put in plants and have them wither. Plus, I've given up on the tomatoes, too. Damn deer eat those, and I can't use the spray on something we're going to eat."

Mr. Bennet excused himself to carve the roast, and Lizzy and her aunt continued the garden discussion, centering on what they were going to plant in their urban container gardens.

The always-efficient maid greeted the family as they arrived at the deBourgh townhouse. Coats were collected, and coffee was served. Once they were seated in the living room, Catherine turned to Darcy and frowned.

"It is very rude to cough in church like that, William. I could understand that sort of behavior from Richard, he's just like his father. But I expect better of you."

"Yes, Aunt Catherine."

"And you, young lady," she turned to her daughter. "I know that affection is normal for a couple in love, but you really must restrain yourself in church. I saw the two of you playing footsie. Shocking."

"Yes, Mother." Anne looked down, knowing she couldn't look Darcy or her father in the eye. Darcy sipped his coffee, hiding his smile behind the cup.

"And that is a particularly frivolous tie, William. Easter eggs?"

"It was a present," said Georgie.

"Anne? I would have thought you'd have better taste than that."

"I didn't buy it, Mother. Lizzy did. And I like it."

"Lizzy? Who is this Lizzy person? Not that awful decorator! No, her name isn't Lizzy."

"Lizzy's a friend," said Georgie. "She saw the tie and thought Will would like it."

"Oh."

Finally, Lewis deBourgh, who had been listening to the discussion with amusement, changed the subject, hoping his wife would forget about this Lizzy person. He would quiz Anne privately after their guests went home.

Chapter 69

Posted on Thursday, 18 April 2002

April 5

"I want to do something different tomorrow."

Darcy looked at her over his coffee cup. "Different in what way?"

"Well, to start with, the flowers at Macy's. I think that's still on this weekend. And there's something I've been dying to do for ages. And then I thought we could go to brunch."

"Where?"

"I want to make it a surprise. We'll just have a ramble."

"Fine. If you pick tomorrow, then I pick tonight."

"What did you have in mind?"

"I thought we could watch a movie. 'Singin' in the Rain' is on cable. I know you like musicals."

"I do. I love Fred Astaire-no child of my mother's would be allowed to think otherwise-but I think Gene Kelly's dance in the rain is the single best dance sequence ever captured on film."

"Your mother is a big Astaire fan?"

"Oh, yes," Lizzy replied as they moved to the living room. "She grew up in New Jersey, and one of the New York stations, I think it was WOR, had the RKO library. Mom says, when she was little, they ran the same movie all week. So you could watch over and over and over. She fell in love with the Fred and Ginger films when she was a kid, and then she taught us to like old movies, too."

"Does your father share her enthusiasm for old movies?"

"Dad makes fun of Mom, but he has his favorites, mostly war movies. I mean, he has probably seen RSRD as often as Mom has seen 'Top Hat.'"

"RSRD?"

"A submarine film, 'Run Silent, Run Deep.' I don't know why, but Jane and I always abbreviate that one."

They settled onto the sofa. Georgie poked her head in and turned to leave.

"Don't go," called Lizzy. "Stay and watch with us."

"You sure?"

"Yes," said Darcy. "If you find our behavior inappropriate, just remind us of your presence by coughing or something."

"Really, William! It is incredibly rude to cough during a movie."

Darcy laughed at his sister's imitation of their aunt.

April 6

Charles paced nervously around his living room. He went over his list in his head. He had made dinner reservations, he had directions to the restaurant, his best suit was back from the cleaners. He still wasn't sure about doing this without a ring, but he decided that the intelligence Darcy had gleaned from Elizabeth was worth considering.

When the phone rang, he jumped up and grabbed for it. In his haste, he dropped the receiver. He scrambled to pick it up before the caller gave up.

"Hello?"

"Charles! What is all that ruckus?"

"Hello, Caro. Sorry, I dropped the phone."

"Really, Charles, you can be so careless."

"Yes, yes. What did you call for?"

"I can't call my brother for a nice chat?"

Charles sighed. His sister never called unless she wanted something. "So, what do you want to chat about?"

"Just wondering what your plans are for the coming week. Did I tell you, I have a party to go to next weekend?"

Charles knew that Caroline was not interested in his plans. She wanted to talk about her plans. "No, you didn't mention it the last time we talked."

"It's a business connection. One of my suppliers throws a spring bash for his best customers."

"That's nice. I hope you have a good time."

"Welllllll..."

"What is it, Caro?"

"I need a date. I was wondering if you could set me up with one of your friends. I don't know, um...oh! What about William Darcy?"

"No. Will is seeing Jane's sister. I've told you this before, Caro. He is not interested in you and I am not going to force you on him."

"Hmph! Then what about another of your journalist friends?"

Charles paused, trying to think if there was anyone in his circle of acquaintances that deserved a date with his sister. "No, Caro. No can do. My 'journalist friends,' as you put it, are sportswriters. You hate sports. Sorry, I can't provide you with a date. Go stag."

"Ugh! You are no help at all!"

"Sorry, Caro."

Lizzy sat on her sister's bed, as Jane tried on clothes.

"That one. Definitely that one." Lizzy nodded. Jane twirled around in front of the mirror. Her light blue silk dress rustled slightly as she moved.

"You're sure?"

"Yes, it matches your eyes. Charles will be enchanted."

"Lizzy..." Jane chewed her lip nervously.

"What is it, Jane? You've gone out with Charles lots of times. Why the fuss about tonight?" Lizzy was beginning to wonder if Jane suspected something.

"I don't know. Charles seems rather excited about dinner tonight. He called three times this week to reconfirm the time and to ask how long it will take to drive out to West Orange."

"Where are you going?"

"Highlawn."

"Wow." Lizzy was impressed. Charles had chosen a restaurant with an excellent menu and a stunning view of the city. A very nice place to propose, indeed.

Jane nodded. "I just wonder..."

"What?"

"It's a proposal sort of place."

"Do you think he's going to pop the question?" asked Lizzy, trying to sound nonchalant.

"I'm not sure."

"If he does, what will you say?"

"Yes, of course! So, in case that's what he intends, I want to look perfect."

"Charles thinks you're perfect in every way."

"Mmmm," Jane was frowning at the mirror again. She picked up a beige dress. "Maybe..."

"OK, Jane here's how you can decide. Imagine that you're telling your grandchildren about how Grandpa proposed."

"What?"

"Just stay with me here. You tell them, 'Grandpa and I were sitting in this lovely restaurant watching the lights come on in the city. I was wearing...' fill in the blank. See?"

"What if he isn't going to propose? I don't want to waste my best dress."

Lizzy got up and hugged her sister. "Then keep wearing it until he does propose! Are you OK? I need to get going. I don't want to keep Will waiting."

"I'll be fine. Thanks, Lizzy."

"Now remember, if he proposes, as soon as you can, excuse yourself to the ladies room and call me. I'll make sure my cell is on."

"Lizzy! I can't just say 'yes' and run to the loo. He'll think I'm crazy!"

"I better be the first person you tell. I'm going to be all fidgety today wondering."

"I'm sorry I said anything. It's just a hunch. He hasn't dropped any hints, so don't get your hopes up-not to mention mine. Now go on over to Will's. I'll talk to you later."

Darcy looked in on his sister, who was sitting on her bed, reading a textbook.

"Studying?"

"Uh-huh. Is Lizzy here yet?"

"No. Um, Georgie, do you have a Metrocard?"

"Of course I do."

"Could I borrow it?"

"Omigod! My brother is going to take the subway? A public conveyance? Whatever would Aunt Catherine say?"

"Very funny. Now may I please borrow it?"

"Do you know how it works?"

"Yes! I feed it into the slot and it lets me through the turnstile."

"You have to remember to pick it up when it comes out."

"Of course. I have been on the subway before, you know."

"Oh? I didn't know that." Georgie leaned over the side of the bed and picked up her purse. She fished out the fare card and handed it to her brother. "Here. Have fun."

Darcy took the card, kissed his sister, and said "Thank you."

Lizzy arrived a minute later, declared his khakis and sweater appropriately casual, and they set out on their adventure.

First, they took a subway to 34th Street. Lizzy led Darcy to Macy's, where the spring flower show was still going on. The store was decorated with blooms, and Lizzy entertained Darcy by telling him what the various kinds of flowers were. He kept asking her which ones were her favorites, filing away preferences for future reference. Lizzy answered him truthfully, and acted as if she had no idea what he was up to.

From Macy's, they walked up Broadway, hand-in-hand.

"I never tire of walking in the city," sighed Lizzy. "I grew up in a town that has lots of places with great views of the city, and I've always loved New York."

"I love New York!" Darcy sang the theme from the famous commercials.

Lizzy giggled, "Very good. They've done commercials with Broadway stars, politicians, kids, but never with CEOs. That could be cool."

"I promise I'll still love you when I'm a superstar."

Lizzy rolled her eyes. "To go back to my earlier remark about places with views of the city, Charles is taking Jane to a very nice restaurant that has a marvelous view of the city. I think he's going to propose tonight."

"What does Jane think?"

"She has a hunch that he might. I think it's the restaurant and the fact that he checked with her three times about tonight that has her wondering. You know Charles, he's never nervous."

When they reached the Times Square area, they marveled at the never-ending construction. Lizzy pointed to the construction site behind the old armed forces recruiting station.

"There used to be a microbrewery here. Their beer was pretty good. The food was expensive."

"I only ever went there for a beer, so I didn't know what their food was like." Darcy looked around and smiled, "You know, I never thought I'd live to see the day there was a Disney store in Times Square."

"I know, the area is positively squeaky clean. I sometimes wonder what Damon Runyan would think about it."

"He'd be amazed. I have to say, although it is awfully commercial, with Disney, and Warner, and the theme restaurants and the big toy store and the Virgin Megastore-" he stopped when Lizzy giggled. "What?"

"Sorry, Virgin Megastore always gets me. Is there a discount if you're a virgin? Or can you buy a virgin there? Considering all the, um, non-virgins who used to work this area, it's funny."

"See, that's my point. It's good that the place has been cleaned up. It used to be pretty seedy, with the hookers and the three-card monte guys. This is one of the places that tourists from all around the world think of when they think of New York City. Isn't it nice that people come to this place and can feel safe and comfortable?"

"I know what you mean. I remember being in the area a few years ago and people were standing around watching a world series game on the big screen. That was pretty cool."

"Well, Miss Tour Guide. What's next?"

"We are going to visit one of those commercial enterprises to ride the Ferris wheel."

"What Ferris wheel?"

"Come with me and you'll see."

Lizzy led Darcy into a "major toy store." He let out a low whistle when he saw the Ferris wheel, which took up a space several stories high.

"Do you know what floor space goes for in this neighborhood? Think of the retail space they've given up for this."

"Oh, Will, stop being a businessman. Isn't it cool? Come on."

They went to the lower level and got in line.

"Aren't we too big or too old for this?"

"Nope."

"And we don't need to have a kid with us?"

"Nope."

He was about to ask another question when he heard a woman calling to them. Lizzy turned and waved, "Hey, Em! How are you! Are you here to ride?"

Em Knightly nodded. Darcy waved two families ahead so that he and Lizzy could wait in line with Em.

"Johnny, you remember, Lizzy, right?"

"Hi Lissy," he lisped.

"And do you remember meeting Mr. Darcy?"

The look of concentration on the boy's face made Darcy smile. He squatted down to be on eye level with the boy and smiled. "Hi, Johnny, I haven't seen you in a while, so you probably don't remember me. It's a good thing your Mommy told me who you are. You're so grown up, I don't think I'd have recognized you."

Johnny smiled proudly, and showed Darcy the dinosaur his Mommy was going to buy for him. While the males were having a serious discussion of which dinosaurs were the best, the woman chatted quietly.

"He's good with kids," Em said, with a significant look at Lizzy. "So, my shrewish friend, has he tamed you yet?"

"No comment," replied Lizzy.

"I'll just take that as a yes," smirked Em. When their turn came, it was arranged that the boys would ride in one car, and the girls in another. This came about, in part, because the next available car was Barbie's Dream Car, which was pink, and neither Johnny nor Darcy wanted to ride in it. So Darcy had gallantly suggested that the girls go first. Lizzy and Em got in and waved as they were lifted up. Johnny and Darcy waved back.

"Thanks again for the yarn, Em. Maybe I'll find some time next week to visit you and measure out the yarn for the warp."

"That would be nice. Let's try to make it for a time when Johnny is at preschool and we can have a nice chat while we work."

"Chat, as in you interrogate me about Will?"

"Lizzy, he really-oh my! Did he give you that ring?"

Lizzy glanced down at her right hand. "Yes, it's an aquamarine."

"Oh."

"No, Em, it isn't a diamond. If you want to get ideas of that sort, think about my sister. Will and I think Charles is going to pop the question tonight."

"How wonderful! They make such a good couple. And it's nice that Jane found someone who'll stay in the area. I can't imagine Charles leaving the Times. George never misses Charles's column, especially during basketball season."

When the ride was over, they regrouped, with Em heading for a register to pay for the new-and-Darcy-approved dinosaur, and Lizzy leading Darcy back out to the street.

"Next stop, brunch!" Lizzy announced.

"Good, I'm starved. Where are we going?"

"Just follow me!" Then, in her best tour-guide tone, she added, "Come along, no straggling, please!"

They walked briskly past two large theaters, then Darcy caught her hand, "I thought this was a ramble, not a forced march!"

"You said you were hungry, so I'm trying to get us there quickly."

He smiled down at her and squeezed her hand. "I'll survive. Let's stroll and enjoy watching the tourists."

They walked past a new theater and Lizzy sighed, "That's the new Roundabout."

"Yes, I know."

"Jane and I have a subscription. The new theater is gorgeous, but I miss the old theater-in-the-round."

"The old Criterion?"

She nodded.

"It was an old building, Lizzy. It probably was a difficult theater to work in. The new one has all the state-of-the-art stuff. Some theaters offer backstage tours. Have you ever done that?"

"It's on my list of things to do, but I haven't yet."

"What about that?" He pointed across the street at the wax museum.

"On my list." She gasped, "Oh, no!"

"What's wrong, Lizzy?"

She pointed at an empty store. "The Museum Company store closed. I got lots of great gifts from them. I know I'm prejudiced, since I work in a museum, but I think museum gift shops have excellent merchandise, and before the Museum Company, the only way to get it was to go to the museum, or shop from their catalog, if they had one."

"I agree. I have done a fair amount of shopping at the Met and at your little place." He grinned at her offended expression. "And when we were in Boston, at the Museum of Fine Arts."

"They have a great catalog."

Darcy pointed at the large bus terminal. "Are we taking a bus to brunch in the 'burbs?"

"Nice alliteration, but no." Just a bit farther. Oops, mind the construction." She turned to walk up Ninth Avenue. "Not far now."

"Ninth has a lot of great little places. Maybe I've been to yours."

"Maybe," said Lizzy, shielding her eyes from the store they were passing.

"What's wrong?"

"Pet store. I can't look. I always want to take them home with me."

"You could have a pet. My building-um, lots of buildings in the city allow pets. Dr. Lucas has a cat, why couldn't you?"

"Right now, Jane and I are home on a rather irregular basis, so it wouldn't be fair to the animal. Anyhow, here we are!"

Darcy held open the door to Zuni, a restaurant he'd seen, but not tried. Lizzy watched him as he looked around at the brightly colored paintings on the bright yellow brick walls.

"Two for brunch?"

"Yes, thank you." They followed the waiter to a table. Before Darcy could pick up his menu, Lizzy took it from him.

"I'll order. You did say you're hungry, right?"

He nodded. The waiter set down a plate of tiny corn muffins and asked for their drink order. Lizzy announced that she could place the entire order then.

"We'll have frozen margaritas-mine with salt, his without, split an order of corn fritters, and then we'll have the breakfast quesas."

"Very good."

"It always is," Lizzy smiled at the waiter.

Darcy leaned against the back of the booth and smiled. "You like this being in charge thing, don't you."

"You've arranged so many wonderful evenings for us, I wanted to do something for you. And since I don't have your expertise at finding elegant restaurants, I decided to go for a fun day."

"And it has been fun. How did you arrange to meet Em at just the right time?"

"That was just one of those happy accidents."

"Really?"

"Yes, why?"

"I just wondered. I thought maybe this was a test."

"A test of what?"

They paused while the waiter delivered their drinks.

"We've been together for a while, and I thought you might be checking me out in some areas that haven't come up."

"Like what?"

"Oh, willingness to do random things, like wander around Macy's and look at flowers." He paused and added, "The kid thing."

"The kid thing?" Lizzy wrinkled her brow in confusion.

"You know, 'is he good with kids?' I thought that was one of the standard tests-does he like kids and dogs and is he kind to his sweet old mother?"

"No, that was not a test. Although, I have to say it, you were great with Johnny. However, you did reinforce sexist behavior when you backed him up on that refusal to ride in the pink car."

"We men have to stick together. Do you have any more tests in store for me?"

"What, more? I said that wasn't a test." Lizzy leaned forward and put her elbows on the table, her chin resting in her hands. "You want a test? I had something nice planned for after this, but if you want, I could take you shoe shopping."

Darcy groaned, "Noooo, please, not shoes! Anything but shoes!"

He reached for one of the corn muffins. Lizzy took a blue one, noticing that he had taken a yellow one. She leaned back and watched as he bit into it. Suddenly his eyes widened.

"Jalapenos," smirked Lizzy. "They're not in the blue corn muffins."

"It's good, just a surprise."

The waiter brought the plate of corn fritters, served with honey. Darcy watched Lizzy twirl one of the fritters in the honey and take a bite of it.

"Mmm, yummy."

Darcy did the same and nodded. "Delicious. So what's after brunch?"

"A stroll to recover, then, well, you'll see."

The waiter set down two huge quesadillas, topped with fried eggs and pineapple salsa. Darcy stared at the plate.

"A stroll? You expect me to get up and walk out of here unassisted? This is huge! Not to mention heart attack on a plate," he said, lifting a forkful of the cheese-and-sausage-filled quesadilla.

"It's healthy. It has fruit on top. And black beans, that's a veggie."

"Right," he laughed, "Nutrition lessons from a woman who eats birthday cake for breakfast!"

When Darcy had finished his own meal, Lizzy offered him a wedge from her quesadilla. "I can never finish this if I have an appetizer. But it's all soooo good."

"Maybe we should walk all the way home to work this off," he suggested, accepting the extra food.

After they finished, the waiter arrived to ask if they wanted dessert.

"You must be joking!" replied Darcy. "It was delicious, but I'm stuffed."

Lizzy smiled at the waiter, "We may be back for dessert later."

"What, next week?" laughed Darcy, as the waiter disappeared to get their bill.

When the bill was delivered, Darcy reached for it, but Lizzy snatched it away.

"No, no! My plan, my treat." She glanced at the bill, took out a credit card, and placed it in the folder. She looked up to see Darcy smiling at her oddly.

"What?"

"This is a first."

"Your first time, here? Yes, I know."

"No, the first time any woman I've dated has bought me lunch."

"You're kidding!"

"No. The only other time I can remember was at Christmas when Anne and Georgie took Richard and me out for an evening. And that was a family thing, not a date."

"I'm surprised at your not knowing any generous women."

He shrugged, "I have the money. They expected it. It's supposed to be the price a man pays to have an elegant lady on his arm for social occasions."

Lizzy looked at him in amazement. "I wish I had that fancy organizer with me."

"Why?"

"I'd like to look at the calendar and check what century we're in!" She paid the bill and they left, still laughing.

Once outside, they retraced their steps to 42nd Street and the wax museum.

"OK, let's check this off our New York list," Lizzy laughed as she paid the admission fee. They wandered around the famous tourist attraction, remarking on how lifelike the statues were.

"Look, they got the comb-over right," remarked Lizzy as she looked at a figure of a famous politician.

"You are cruel, woman!" He smiled as Lizzy laughed. Then he saw her expression change. "Uh-oh. I can sense the little gears turning. You're up to something."

"I wish I had a camera with me. I could take your picture in here. Then we can tell people you're so famous that you're in a museum!"

Darcy looked down at his casual clothes, "Sorry, Lizzy. I don't think a CEO appears in Madame T's museum in anything but a conservative suit. Cute idea, though."

They continued to make their way through the museum, and were surprised at the amount of time they spent there. On their way out, Lizzy looked at her watch.

"Jane is home, primping. We could go back to Zuni for dessert? They have this killer cheesecake."

"Are you really ready to eat again?"

"No. But we could go and buy some to take out and eat later."

"Are we at the end of the ramble?"

"Except for returning home, yes."

"Then we'll get the desserts and take them back to my place. Georgie is at the library this afternoon."

"Oh, I see."

Emma Knightley and her son returned home in time for lunch. They found George sitting at his desk, marking up photocopies of a book for his next taping. He looked up at his wife and smiled.

"Hello, Darling. How was the trip?"

"We bought a dinosaur." replied his wife.

"Come here, you, and show me your dino!" George held out his arms and his son jumped into his lap, almost hitting his father in the head with the new toy. George pulled back a bit and looked at the stegosaurus. "Cool!"

"Guess what, Daddy?"

"What?"

"We saw Lissy."

George looked over Johnny's head, and Em nodded at him.

"Lizzy took Will Darcy to ride the Ferris wheel."

"Yes!" Johnny picked up the narrative. "Will took me in the men's car. Mommy and Lissy rode in the pink one."

George looked at Em and smiled, "It's the kid test."

"The what?"

"The kid test. You get a guy around kids to see if he's any good with them. Don't make that face, Em. You all do it with the better prospects."

"I didn't do that with you!"

"Oh, sure, and those picnics with your friend Harriet and her baby were just for fun?"

"Really, George Knightley, I don't know where you get your ideas. And don't be telling them to Will!"

Darcy nuzzled Lizzy's neck and sighed, "I think I'm ready for that dessert now."

Lizzy looked at the clock. "No. Now it's too late. You'll spoil your appetite. I'm cooking dinner for you. We'll have dessert after dinner."

He stroked her back. "Or we could just stay here."

"No. Dinner stuff is at my place."

"But you didn't want to go over there before Jane leaves."

"That's right, we'll have to kill a little time here first."

He grinned wickedly, "I'm sure we can think of some way to kill at least 20 minutes."

Chapter 70

Posted on Thursday, 18 April 2002

Still April 6

Jane was standing in front of the mirror checking her hair and makeup for the fifth time when the intercom buzzed. She buzzed Charles in and met him at the door.

"Wow! Jane, you look stunning."

"Thank you." She smiled at him, then frowned at his serious expression. "What's wrong? Is it too dressy?"

"No, no. You look perfect. That's the problem. I'm afraid to kiss you. I'll mess up your makeup and then I'll have to wait while you fix it."

"Silly! You can kiss me without wrecking my face."

"Don't say I didn't warn you!" Charles wrapped his arms around Jane and pulled her close and kissed her.

"Mmmm,' murmured Jane when they broke the kiss.

"I'd like to stay here longer, but we do have a reservation to make, and I'm parked illegally, so if you're ready?"

"I am."

Charles opened the door, "Then let's be on our way!"

It was a cool evening, promising to be cold later. The sky was clear overhead. When they reached the parking lot of the restaurant, Charles pulled into a spot that faced the city.

"When we were kids, we'd come up here to look at the city. I never get tired of looking at the skyline, even now that it's different."

"The twin beams look spectacular from here. Come inside, it's getting chilly."

Inside, they surrendered their coats and were shown to a table by the windows. A waiter gave them menus and asked what they wanted to drink. Charles ordered champagne, which Jane took to be a promising sign.

Jane had been gone for about a half hour when Lizzy and Darcy arrived at the apartment. Lizzy peeked into her sister's room and sighed.

"What is it?" asked Darcy.

"Jane is so neat. She had half the garments she owns on the bed, and now her room is neat as a pin."

"So she put the clothes away."

"That's just it. I'm not that disciplined. Sometimes when I get home from a date, I just push the excess clothes to one side and fall into bed."

"You don't do that when you stay with me, Lizzy."

"That's because you're so neat I want to live up to your standards. Plus, I don't have much stuff at your place. Wait until-" she stopped herself before adding something presumptuous.

Darcy smiled. "Wait until you move your stuff into my apartment, you mean?"

"Will, I didn't mean to assume-"

"No, I didn't think you did. But it does sound like a good idea. Although, I have to admit having a choice of two places to go isn't bad, either."

The waiter opened the bottle of champagne, filled the glasses, and discretely left the couple alone.

Charles lifted his glass, "To us."

"To us," Jane echoed.

After taking a sip of his wine, Charles looked around and said, "This place is beautiful. How long has it been here?"

"The building is quite old, although it stood empty for a long time. It was pretty much a ruin, and then it was rehabbed and turned into a restaurant. In its sorry days, this was a favorite spot for parking, or so my father tells me. He went to Montclair, you see. That's where he met Mom. The story is that lots of the college kids would drive down here for a dark place to be alone. Of course, Dad claims that he never parked here, but there's always a hint of a smirk, so I don't know."

"Your father is a neat guy. I bet his classes are packed."

"The history majors love him. He does his best for the survey courses, but he knows those students go into the survey courses with low expectations. My mother was like that. She was a home ec major and hated history. She tells me she sat in the last row of her history class, and played trivia games with a friend. They used to write in the margins of their notebooks and quiz each other about musicals. Mom would write 'Cheek to Cheek' and her friend would answer 'Top Hat.' Like that."

"Does your father know that she didn't pay attention in history class?"

"They didn't take the same history courses. But after she met him, she paid more attention in class so that she could impress him by knowing things."

"That sounds devious."

"Mom did her best to teach Lizzy and me every trick she knew. We're just too honest to use what we know."

Charles reached across the table and smiled. "I can't imagine you being sneaky, Jane. You'd feel guilty and confess right away. Your goodness is one of the first things that made me fall in love with you."

They sat gazing into each other's eyes until a polite cough from the waiter signaled the arrival of their appetizers.

Lizzy stood at the stove and swatted at Darcy's arm snaking around her waist. "Stop it, Will! I can't shake the pan when you're behind me."

"Work around me." He kissed her neck.

"Will!" she squealed, elbowing him gently. "Now stand back and watch."

Lizzy shook the pan and the strips of squash and carrots flew up in the air and fell back into the pan.

"Hey, that was good. Where did you learn to do that?"

"Mrs. R taught me. She said to practice with cold veggies in the pan so that I'd learn the wrist action without burning myself. As they say, it's all in the wrist."

Darcy kissed her again and got out of the way as she opened the broiler and turned over the chicken.

"Smells good. You are becoming a wonderful cook, Lizzy."

"Mrs. R is a wonderful teacher. She could open a cooking school."

"Now, now, give credit to the student. You're better at this than you give yourself credit for."

"Thank you. Now, how about you make yourself useful and slice the French bread. The bread is on the cutting board, and you can find a knife in the block."

"I have to work for my dinner?" he whined.

"Yes. You have one minute, and dinner will be ready. Go!"

The waiter removed the first course and set down their main courses. The sea scallops were perfectly seared, nestled in a bed of wild rice, and garnished with slender strips of orange rind.

"Oh, it's so pretty!" exclaimed Jane. Don't they do a good job on the presentation?"

"You sound like a restaurant critic, Jane."

"I appreciate this sort of thing. I know some of the tricks they use."

"Like what?"

"See how the sauce is drizzled on the plate in a pattern?"

"Yes."

"You should see how quickly a chef can do that. They put the sauce in a squeeze bottle, like a ketchup dispenser. Cookbooks always tell you to drizzle the sauce from the end of a knife or from a small spoon, but the squeeze bottle is faster."

"Amazing. I'm sorry for all the crummy joints I've taken you too, Jane. I didn't know you were a connoisseur of gourmet cooking."

"No, don't apologize. I love our regular haunts. I know all sorts of gourmet things because of my mother. Mom belongs to a cooking club and they all try out recipes on the group. She's always passing along helpful hints to me. It's all part of her lessons on how to catch a man." Jane gasped as soon as the words were out of her mouth. "I didn't mean-"

"It's all right. I consider myself well and truly caught. And I couldn't be happier about it." He lifted his glass and clinked it against Jane's. "Here's to your mother and her excellent tutelage."

They turned their attention to their plates, each wondering what the other would say next. Jane pushed the rice around her plate while she thought about her blunder. Charles had made light of it. But what did he mean by "caught?" Was it "caught" as in an infatuation? As in being in love? As in wanting to get married?

Charles looked at Jane, who was toying with her food. Had she understood what he meant? That he was happy to be with her? That he would be happy to always be with her? Charles wanted to continue, but somehow, he felt awkward about asking something so personal in a public place. Did guys really propose in restaurants?

"That was delicious, Lizzy," said Darcy as he got up and started to pick up dishes.

"I'll do that."

"No, let me help. I don't mind."

"You don't clear the dishes at home."

"No, Mrs. R wouldn't let me. But that doesn't mean I'm helpless, you know. Lizzy," he paused, then continued, "Does it bother you that Mrs. R waits on us?"

"No. There's something about it that feels more like being taken care of than waited on. And at the end of a long day, it's nice to have dinner just appear on the table like that." I could get used to that. There's a LOT that I could get used to.

"Are we finally going to have that dessert you've been touting?"

"Oh, yes. Coffee?"

"Yes, please."

"You go sit and I'll take it into the living room."

Darcy sat on the sofa, long legs extended in front of him. He leaned his head back on the cushion. I could get used to this.

"You look comfy." Lizzy smiled and set the tray down on the coffee table.

He reached up and pulled her down to sit next to him. "This is comfier."

"Comfier? Is that a word?"

"It is now. Now, tell me why this is great cheesecake?"

"It's lightly flavored with orange and has this lovely layer of chocolate ganache on the top." She picked up a forkful and held it out. "Here, try it. Good?"

He nodded. "Mmmm."

To Charles's delight and surprise, the couple at the next table decided to leave without having dessert. That left a boundary area of empty tables, which gave them a bit of privacy. It's now or outside in the parking lot, he told himself.

"Jane."

"Yes?"

"Earlier, when I said I was caught, well, I want you to know that I really am happy. You've made me incredibly happy, Jane. But there's one more thing you could do that would make my life perfect." He paused, took her hand in his, and took a deep breath. "Marry me."

"Oh, Charles!" she whispered. "Yes. Oh, yes!"

He lifted her hand to his lips and whispered, "I love you, Jane."

There were tears in her eyes as she whispered, "I love you, too."

He turned very serious. "I, um, didn't buy you a ring because I, um, didn't know what you'd like. I thought about it, but then I thought that maybe you wouldn't like my choice but you wouldn't want to hurt my feelings and since you're going to wear the ring forever I want it to be exactly what you want."

Jane smiled, amazed at the length of the sentence he could get out in one breath. "That's sweet, Charles, about wearing it forever. What a lovely thought."

"I did see one I liked in Tiffany's, but I want you to see it. Maybe we can go shopping next week?"

Having finished their cheesecake, Lizzy and Darcy lounged on the sofa, discussing entertainment options for the evening. She had almost talked him into watching a video when her cell phone rang.

"Yess!" She punched the air as she sprinted across the room and pulled the phone out of her purse.

"Jane!" Lizzy whooped with glee. She looked at Darcy and gave him the 'OK' sign. "Congratulations, Jane. I'm so happy for you...Absolutely! I'd kill you if you asked anyone else...Right, I understand...You can tell me all-well, as much as you want to tell me-tomorrow. Say congrats to Charles for me, if you're going to tell him you phoned me...Wait, don't go back to the table yet. I think Charles just phoned Will."

Darcy found his jacket and pulled out his ringing cell phone.

"Hello? How are you, Charles?" Darcy glared at Lizzy, who was making 'hurry-up' gestures. "Congratulations. She's a wonderful woman...Yes, Lizzy is here. I'll tell her." Smirking, he turned to Lizzy and said, "Guess what, Lizzy? Charles and Jane are getting married!"

Lizzy spoke into her phone, "Ooh! Will is being a jerk. He's talking to Charles as if I don't know what's going on!" She stuck her tongue out at Darcy, who laughed and spoke into his phone again.

"I'm happy for you, Charles. Let me know when you set the date. I'm sure Jane will be back from the ladies' any second, so I'll hang up now. Congrats, man!"

"OK, Jane. They're off the phone. Go back to your fiancé. Ooh! I just called Charles your fiancé. Doesn't that sound wonderful? Bye, Jane."

Lizzy flopped onto the sofa. "Well, that's going to make Mom happy. Poor Dad is going to be sick of hearing about caterers and veils and lace and cakes and churches."

"Do you think Jane will want a big wedding?"

"Mom will want that for her, and I think Jane wants it for herself. She'll make a beautiful bride. I'm going to be maid of honor."

"Shouldn't you wait for Jane to ask you?"

"She just did. Oh, I hope she picks out nice dresses for the wedding party. I've been to enough weddings to see some pretty horrific bridesmaid dresses."

"I'm sure you'll look lovely in whatever she chooses."

"Oh, you do know just the right thing to say, Will!" She thanked him with a kiss and a smile. Then the smile faded quickly.

"What's wrong? Please don't tell me you're tired of my kisses."

"Never! But I just realized that Jane is going to have to ask Caroline to be in the wedding party. Ugh! And Caroline will try to bully Jane into hideous dresses that look good on a stick figure. Oh, and I just ate cheesecake."

Darcy looked puzzled, and then figured out the connection between stick figures and cheesecake.

"Lizzy! Don't fuss. Jane will pick out something that looks good on you. Doesn't maid of honor get more input on the dresses than a bridesmaid? And don't go on some radical diet. I wouldn't trade your curves for some stick figure."

"Curves? So help me if you say I look healthy..."

"Hmm, not healthy. How about beautiful? Sexy? Enticing? Stunning? Did I mention sexy-mmmph..."

April 7

"Will! What is it with you and frying pans?" Lizzy used her hip to nudge Darcy aside.

"Cooking is sexy!" he returned to his attempt to get his arms around her.

"Uh-huh. Do you to this when Mrs. R is cooking?"

"Euww, no! She's practically my mother!"

Lizzy poked at the strips of bacon in the frying pan. She put down the fork and pushed Darcy away from the stove. He caught her in his arms and she looked up and giggled, "Didn't Mrs. R teach you not to play near a hot stove?"

He kissed her, then said, "Maybe you make me so hot I can't tell the difference."

"Nice try, Will, but Jane and Charles will be here any minute. Be helpful and scramble the eggs. There's a whisk in the drawer."

Lizzy returned to the pan of bacon and heard the rhythmic sounds of the whisk hitting the bottom of the bowl. She was about to remark on his excellent technique when they heard Jane and Charles enter the apartment.

"Bagel delivery! And we have pastries, too!"

Lizzy turned down the heat under the pan and ran into the living room. She hurled herself at the couple, trying to hug them both at one time.

"Congratulations! Oh, I am so happy for you two!"

Darcy followed at a more sedate pace. He hugged Jane and shook Charles's hand. Lizzy and Jane walked to the kitchen, chattering excitedly. Charles watched them and sighed.

Darcy laughed as he led Charles to the living room, "Come on, Charles. She's only going to the kitchen."

"No, it isn't that. I want to marry Jane. I want to be married to Jane. But I can't get all that worked up about the wedding. When I woke up this morning, she was wide awake, making a list of potential bridesmaids. Oh, before I forget, would you be one of my groomsmen? I'm hoping my old college roommate will be my best man, but I'll need groomsmen to balance the parade of bridesmaids."

"I'd be honored."

"Jane was pleased when I said I wanted to ask you."

Darcy couldn't resist. "So when you woke up this morning, you started making a list of potential groomsmen?"

"No, that was not the first thing I thought of when I woke up. We discussed it on the way here. Jane and I agreed that it would be nice to have you in the wedding party. First, because you're a friend, and second, because Lizzy is in the wedding party."

"The best man and maid of honor usually get paired off for dancing and so forth. What's this guy like?"

Charles laughed, "Married. Don't worry about it."

"Whew! Women get weird about weddings, and I wouldn't want Lizzy falling in love with her partner for the day."

"Talk about weird, I don't know what to do about my family. I suppose Jane should ask Caroline and/or Louisa as a courtesy, and I probably should ask Hurst, my brother-in-law. He has a tendency to drink too much at these things, and I'd rather not have him passing around a flask in the limo."

"Breakfast!" called Lizzy.

They settled at the table and began eating. Jane and Lizzy were still talking about dresses and where to buy them.

"Mom might offer to make your dress, or let you wear hers."

"I'm too tall for Mom's dress, unless we added something to the hem. And I don't know if I'd like it on me anyway. Plus, it's well, you know..."

"Hippie?" suggested Lizzy.

"Hippie?" asked Darcy, almost choking on his orange juice. "You mother was a hippie?"

"No," replied Lizzy. "But she had an outdoor wedding, and the dress wasn't fancy. It was sort of a peasant dress, and instead of a veil, she wore flowers in her hair. Hey, it was 1970, people had weddings like that. At least she wore shoes!"

Jane giggled, "You should see their wedding pictures. Dad had long hair-"

"Bet he'd like to have that hair now," laughed Lizzy. "But Jane, you shouldn't laugh at Mom and Dad's wedding pictures. Wait until you're married 30 years and your kids make fun of your pictures!"

Everyone laughed, but then fell silent. Around the breakfast table, four people were trying to imagine their lives 30 years into the future-30 years older, certainly, and with luck, 30 years married.

April 8

"Damn!" Lizzy scowled at the electronic organizer in her hand.

"What's wrong?" asked Georgie.

"Oh, I did something stupid to this thing and deleted a bunch of appointments, including my dentist appointment. Will is going to be disappointed. He took so much trouble to program this thing and teach me to use it."

"He'll forgive you."

"I need to look at a calendar." Lizzy leaned over Darcy's desk and looked at the calendar on it. "Yup, I'm sure it was this morning. I hope Dr. Davis's schedule is flexible. I hate being late for things."

"How late are you?" asked Georgie.

"Late enough," muttered Lizzy. "Look, I've got to run. Don't say anything to your brother. I'll figure it all out somehow. See you tonight."

Lizzy ran out of the apartment. As soon as she reached the lobby, she pulled out her cell phone and ran out of the building.

Darcy had been on his way to the study to pick up his briefcase when he heard his sister's voice.

"How late are you?"

"Late enough. Look, I've got to run. Don't say anything to your brother. I'll figure it all out somehow. See you tonight."

He realized that Lizzy was on her way out of the room and retreated quickly to the dining room. After he heard the door to the apartment close, he waited a minute or two until he was sure Lizzy was gone. In that time, he thought about the implications of what he had overheard.

Darcy collected his briefcase and walked out of the apartment. He took the elevator to the lobby and asked Carlton to hail a taxi. He knew he was in no shape to drive.

The driver had to ask for the address three times before Darcy heard him. Traffic was heavy, and Darcy drummed his fingers on his briefcase. The control freak was headed for a situation over which he had no control. How late was "late enough"? Should he say something to Lizzy, or wait for her to say something to him? She had confided in his sister, but not in him. He didn't want to ask Georgie to betray a confidence, but if Lizzy didn't say something to him tonight, he would have to ask her. Either that or lose his mind.

Darcy thought back to the previous weekend, and how they had met Em and Johnny. When Darcy had asked if the ride on the Ferris wheel had been a test, he'd been teasing. Now he wasn't so sure. Was Lizzy checking out his potential as a father? Had he passed the test?

Lizzy got to work feeling miserable. Jane greeted her with a mug of coffee, but Lizzy shook her head, mumbling, "Nomacaine."

"Oh, I forgot. How is Dr. Davis?"

A grimace appeared on half of Lizzy's face. "Sadistic. I hate this dead-face feeling."

Jane smiled and followed Lizzy into her office, "I'm going shopping at lunch time."

"Oh?"

"Yes, Charles is picking me up and we're going to look at rings." Jane tried to sound calm, but by the time she reached the word rings she was squealing.

Lizzy hugged Jane and gave her a lopsided grin. Then she held out her organizer and asked, "Who has one of these?"

"Frank has one. Why?"

"I screwed it up, and I don't want to tell Will."

Jane returned to her office, although she knew she wouldn't get much done. She sat at her desk doodling hearts and writing her soon-to-be new name.

Lizzy, meanwhile, completed her volunteer roster for May, scheduled a training session for "explainers," and sorted the mail on her desk.

A few hours later, Jane burst into Lizzy's office, "He's here! I'm going! Bye!"

Lizzy shook her head and smiled, this time with her whole mouth. She decided to face the difficult task of dealing with the intimidating world of electronic gadgetry. She picked up her organizer and headed for Dr. Weston's office. His secretary waved her in.

"Hi, Lizzy! Still struggling with that thing?"

"Yeah, I wiped a bunch of stuff out and I don't know how I did it."

"Hmm, let's see."

After a half hour, Lizzy seemed to be able to input dates and identify them as repeating or one-of-a-kind items.

"Good," said Dr. Weston, "I think you have the hang of it. Go back to your office and input all sorts of dates-birthdays, anniversaries, whatever. Just use this thing enough to make sure you understand how."

"Thanks, Frank! You're a gem."

Darcy finished reviewing the contracts, which now bristled with sticky notes. He got up and looked out his window. Being the boss had its perks, one of which was the coveted corner office. He enjoyed the view for only a few seconds, and then his secretary buzzed him.

"Mr. Gardiner on the line. Are you available?"

"No, please take a message."

"Yes, sir.

Darcy ran his fingers through his hair. Relatives, what would he say to her relatives-or his, for that matter? He cringed, imagining a conversation with her doting uncle, Hi, Ed, guess what? I knocked up your niece.

When Jane returned from lunch, Lizzy was waiting for her.

"So? Did you find a ring?"

"Charles saw one he really liked in Tiffany's. It turns out that it was a diamond wedding band, not an engagement ring. But the one next to it in the case was just gorgeous."

"Did Charles like that one?"

"Yes, he was pleased with my choice. It has to be resized, so I won't have it for another week."

"Tell me what it looks like!"

"It's a cluster. One large stone in the middle and little ones around it. It looks like a flower."

Lizzy smiled, thinking back to her comment about a solitaire setting. Good thing I didn't advise Charles!

When Lizzy got to the apartment, Georgie was in the living room and Darcy was in the study. Georgie ran out to greet her at the door.

"Hi, Lizzy, how did it go?"

"Frank helped me restore the data. I think I have the hang of it now."

"That's good."

"Well, didn't I tell you I'd figure it out?" said Lizzy.

"Yes, you did, Lizzy," said Georgie, "But you look tired."

"Dr. Davis had an opening in the schedule so he took me right away." She wiggled her jaw. "I'm sore, though. I think I'll go see if there's some Motrin or something in the bathroom."

Georgie returned to the living room. Lizzy found something for the pain in her jaw.

Darcy heard Lizzy come in, and as she and Georgie passed his study, he heard a bit of their conversation.

"Well, didn't I tell you I'd figure it out?"

"Yes, you did, Lizzy, but you look tired."

"Dr. Davis had an opening in the schedule so he took me right away. I'm sore, though. I think I'll go see if there's some Motrin or something in the bathroom."

Darcy was sitting at his desk, head in his hands when Lizzy entered the study.

"Will! What's wrong?"

He looked up at her numbly. He was just beginning to get used to the idea, and then she went and-he couldn't even think it, much less say it. And why had she confided in Georgie, but not in him?

"Are you ill? Have you had some bad news?" She knelt by his desk chair and looked up at him. He seemed to be studying her face, as if trying to recognize her.

"Will, say something! What's wrong? Is it to do with me? Did Georgie tell you?"

He reached down and held her chin, as if to study her face further.

"Ouch!" she cried, pulling back. "My jaw still hurts."

"Your jaw?"

"Yes, it was an awkward filling. I swear, Dr. Davis was leaning his whole body weight on my jaw!"

Darcy's eyes seemed to have glazed over. Lizzy put her hand on his brow and looked at him worriedly, "Will, are you all right?"

"Dr. Davis. He's your dentist?"

"Yes."

Darcy's confused expression scared Lizzy. Finally she sighed and said, "All right, I'll tell you the truth! I screwed up the organizer and almost missed my dentist appointment. I ran out of here in a hurry this morning because I was late and I hoped he could fit me in. Not that I was eager to have a filling replaced, but it was something I needed to do."

"Filling."

"Yes, an old filling was going bad."

"You were late to the dentist."

"Yes, I just said that."

Darcy slumped forward onto his desk and rested his head on his arms.

"Will Darcy! Tell me what is the matter with you!"

He looked up and said wryly, "Who was it that said eavesdroppers get what they deserve?"

From her chair in the living room, Georgie could hear Lizzy shout, "You thought WHAT?" And then the door was slammed and Georgie couldn't hear any more conversation.

Chapter 71

Posted on Wednesday, 24 April 2002

Still April 8

Georgie tried to read, but it was difficult to concentrate when she was worried about what was happening in the study. Obviously, Darcy had made an assumption that Lizzy thought was unwarranted. But what could be the problem? Things had been going so well.

SLAM! Georgie jumped at the sound of the study door banging shut. She could hear Lizzy stomp toward the bedroom.

SLAM! The bedroom door closed.

Georgie was trying to decide whether to ask her brother what had happened when she heard the study door open again. She kept her head down, as if engrossed in her book, but she peeked over the top of it. She could see Darcy walk toward the bedroom. Halfway there, he stopped. After standing in the hallway for about a minute, he turned and walked into the study.

SLAM! Georgie decided that this was not a good time to talk to either party.

In the bedroom, Lizzy was stuffing possessions into a tote bag. How could he even THINK it? As if I would do that so lightly. And he tells me I had no right to do it! Ha! If I don't have the right, who does? Not that I would, but I do not like to have the choice dictated away from me. Damn control freak!

In the study, Darcy stared out the window without seeing anything. I said I was sorry! She didn't have to blow her top like that. Where's that famous Bennet sense of humor when you need it? All right, so it wasn't true. But doesn't she know how it affected me when I thought it was? Doesn't she care about my feelings?

Lizzy went into the bathroom to find the personal items she had in there. Eavesdropping! How low can you get! Is this what it would be like? Him spying on everything I do? I can't even have a conversation with his sister without him listening in on us? She dropped her hairbrush and turned to pick it up. Tears came into her eyes when she saw her bathrobe hanging next to his. She brushed them away and returned to her packing.

Georgie gave up on trying to read. She set down the book and went into the kitchen.

"Hello, dear."

"Hi, Mrs. R."

"Are you all right? What's the matter?"

"Didn't you hear the door slam?"

"Yes," the housekeeper answered, checking the very low flame under a pot on the stove.

"They're having a fight."

"Yes, dear."

"Shouldn't we do something?"

"No. Let them be, dear. I've slowed dinner a little, and we'll just have to wait and see what happens."

"But-"

"All couples argue, Georgiana. I know your memories of your parents are rather idealized, but, well, let me say that this is not the first time I've heard a door slam in this apartment."

"Really?"

"Yes. Your parents loved each other very much, but even so, they had arguments from time to time."

"But Lizzy sounded really mad," answered Georgie doubtfully.

Darcy glanced at his watch. How long had she been in there? Dinner would probably be ready soon. But Mrs. R had undoubtedly heard the doors slam, and probably put dinner on hold. He dropped onto the sofa, remembering the fight they'd had back in February. She had come to him, then, and made him talk to her. They had sorted that out. Would she come to him again, or was it his turn to make the first peace overture?

Lizzy put the bottle of Motrin back in the medicine cabinet. Her jaw hurt less than it had, but she felt a twinge of the other pain and sighed. Ironic. He tells me he thought I was pregnant, on a day when I KNOW I'm not! Why didn't he just ask me what was wrong, instead of doing the Darcy long jump to a bad conclusion?

She thought about her conversations with Georgie. They had been talking about Lizzy being late to the dentist. Georgie had asked how late, and Lizzy had said "Late enough" and asked her not to tell her brother. She pictured Darcy overhearing this. Suppose I'd heard Jane say it, or Lydia. I'd probably think the same thing. Suddenly, the whole thing struck her as incredibly stupid. She looked at the overstuffed tote bag in her hand and the bathrobe still on its hook. She went into the bedroom and flung her self down on the bed.

Darcy couldn't take the suspense. He had to at least try to find out what she was doing. He opened the study door and glanced toward the living room. Georgie wasn't there. He could hear low voices coming from the kitchen. She must have gone to talk to Mrs. R. He tiptoed to the bedroom door and listened. He could hear muffled sounds. What she crying?

He pulled out his handkerchief and eased the door open. Extending his arm through the opening, he waved the handkerchief and said softly, "Truce?" When he didn't get an answer, he looked into the room. Lizzy was lying, face down on the bed. Her body was shaking.

"Lizzy?" He crossed to where she was and sat next to her. "Lizzy, I'm sorry. Please don't cry."

She rolled onto her back and looked at him, "I'm not," she said.

He reached out and wiped away a tear that was slipping down her cheek. "What's this then?"

She giggled, "Laughing tear. I just-well, it struck me as ludicrous, really. I tried to picture your face overhearing my conversation with Georgie this morning. Why didn't you say something then?"

"I heard you ask her not to tell me. I wanted to wait until you were ready to tell me. I hoped you'd say something tonight. But why is it funny?"

"It's ironic, actually. You thought I was pregnant. But I can tell you absitively posolutely that I am not." She rubbed her abdomen and asked, "Do you guys have a heating pad? The Motrin didn't do anything."

It took Darcy a minute to process what she had said. "Oh. I see, although I don't find it terribly funny to see you in pain."

"No, well, it explains why I flew off the handle like that."

"I haven't known you to suffer like this before. Is it always this bad?"

"No. Usually, I'm fine. But every once in a while my body turns traitor."

"I think Georgie has a microwave heating pad. I'll ask her to nuke it for you. Meanwhile, you're going to have supper in bed. Where's your nightshirt?" Darcy glanced around and saw the tote bag. Lizzy followed the direction of his gaze and bit her lip.

Georgie heard the sounds of the opening and closing of the study door followed by the bedroom door.

"See?" said Mrs. Reynolds. "At least he isn't sulking in one room while she fumes in another."

"I guess that's a good sign. Here," said Georgie, holding out her hands. "Let me set the table. I need to do something."

"All right" Mrs. Reynolds handed over the tray of dishes and silverware. "But don't go listening at keyholes."

"Really, Mrs. R! As if I would!"

"Yes, dear."

Georgie carefully set the table, wondering what the muffled voices in her brother's bedroom were saying. She didn't want to hear the conversation, but she very much wanted to know that it was taking a positive direction.

"Will, don't look like that. I was angry, but I wouldn't have left."

"It doesn't look that way," he said sadly.

She sat up and put her arms around him. "I couldn't leave." She kissed him softly.

He smiled at her, "Because you love me?"

"That too, but I was thinking about how my bathrobe won't fit into the tote bag."

Laughing, he pushed her back down on the bed and stood up. He deposited the tote bag on the bed. As he left the room he said, "I was going to dig your nightshirt out for you, but if you're more worried about leaving the bathrobe than me, you can find your own effing nightshirt!"

A pillow followed him into the hallway.

"Excuse me, Mrs. R?" Darcy entered the kitchen. "Could you put Lizzy's dinner on a bed tray? She isn't feeling well."

"Certainly." Mrs. Reynolds looked at him, trying to decide if she should ask about putting his dinner on a tray, too.

"What's wrong, Will?" asked Georgie.

Darcy raked his fingers through his hair. Did they know how much men hated talking about this stuff? "A small misunderstanding magnified by stupidity on my part and raging hormones on hers. Could Lizzy borrow your microwave pillow?"

"Oh." Recognition dawned in Georgie's eyes. "I'll get it right away."

After Lizzy finished her dinner. Darcy picked up the tray. Lizzy tossed the heating pad on the bed.

"Does that need to be reheated?"

"Thanks, Will, but no. I'm feeling better. It's all this TLC that's wording wonders." She slid down under the covers.

When Darcy returned, he sat next to her and said, "You should move in. Then maybe you and Georgie would synchronize and I'd have to go through this only one week each month."

"You know about the brothel effect?"

"WHAT?" Darcy's eyes opened wider.

"When women live together, their cycles often become synchronous. It's driven by pheromones."

"Yes, I've heard about that. It has to do with sweat, I believe. But I didn't know it had a name."

"It's also called the dormitory effect."

"I think I like that name better. The idea of you and Georgie in a brothel is not something I care to think about!" He smiled down at Lizzy. "I have some paperwork to look at tonight. I read contracts today, but made no sense of them. I really need to take another look. Can I get you a book or anything?"

"Thanks, but I'm not totally incapacitated. It's been quite a day, and I think I'll go to sleep early. OH! With everything else that's happened today, I forgot to tell you. Jane and Charles bought a ring."

"Did you see it?"

"No, it's being resized. But I'm glad I didn't make suggestions to Charles. She chose a cluster style. A center diamond with little ones around it. I thought she'd surely go for a solitaire."

When Lizzy woke, Darcy was lying on his side, looking at her.

"You're staring," she said.

"Can't help it. You're beautiful. Feeling better?"

"Yes. I'm sorry for throwing a fit yesterday. But I still can't believe you thought I would do such a thing."

"I didn't think you would. That's why I was in shock when I heard you tell Georgie you'd been to the doctor."

"Dentist."

"I know that now, but all you said was his name. Lizzy, promise me that if anything is troubling you, you'll come to me and talk about it."

"Of course I would."

"But you didn't tell me about the problem with the organizer."

"That was a little thing I could handle on my own. Anyway, why did you assume that I was pregnant? We've been careful."

"Yes, but nothing's perfect. And after last week with Em and Johnny, it seemed like pieces falling into place."

"I told you that wasn't a test."

"I know. But it got me thinking."

"About?"

"Kids." Darcy paused. "Do you want kids?"

"Yes. You?"

"Yes, eventually. But not quite this soon. Just promise me Lizzy, that if anything, well, you know. That you'd talk to me about it."

Lizzy got out of bed. Over her shoulder she said, "If I get pregnant, Will, I promise that you'll be the first one I'll tell-no matter who the father is."

A pillow followed her into the bathroom.

Charles reached for the ringing telephone on his desk. "Bingley."

"Hey, Charles, it's Lizzy."

"Hi, what can I do for you?"

"Do you have a passport?"

"Yes."

"Can you get a week off at the end of the month?"

"I think so."

"Good, make plans to go away with Jane on the 27th. I'll explain later. And get me your passport number as soon as possible. Bye!"

Charles stared at the receiver. What was Lizzy up to? And where were they going that he'd need a passport. Hmm, passport. It was in the desk at his apartment, last he knew. He hoped it was still there.

Smiling at her brilliant idea, Lizzy made another telephone call.

"Holiday Cruise Agency, how may I help you?"

"This is Lizzy Bennet. Please connect me with Marie."

"One moment."

"Hello, Lizzy! Getting ready for your cruise? The tickets should be in any day now."

"Hello, Marie. Um, I'm not going."

"Oh, dear, what's wrong?"

"Nothing bad. I'm not going because I want to send my sister's fiancé in my place. Can you arrange that?"

"Your sister is engaged?"

"Just this past weekend. I know they won't want to be separated for a week, and I thought changing the tickets would be a nice engagement present."

"It's short notice, but I can still do it. Give me his name and address. Oh, do you know if he has a passport?"

"He does, and he'll get me the number as soon as he can."

"Right, then let's get this started. This is a very generous thing for you to do, Lizzy. I know you both were looking forward to it."

"Jane is worth it."

"What a good sister you are!"

"Thanks, Marie, it's kind of you to say that." Lizzy hung up the telephone, and went to her sister's office to tell Jane of her plans.

Charles decided it was time to bite the bullet. He made the call he'd been dreading. He figured if he called her at work, the need to behave like a professional might make her take the news more calmly.

"This is Caroline."

"Hi, Caro. How are you?"

"Charles! I haven't heard from you in a while. How are you?"

"I'm on cloud nine. Jane and I got engaged this weekend."

"You did WHAT?"

Charles cringed at the screech that came from his sister. He was about to say something else when he heard an odd sound come from the receiver. It sounded like...glass breaking? He hung up the telephone quietly. Hmm, that went well-NOT.

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