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Chapter 77

Posted on Thursday, 6 June 2002

still April 30

"Oh, Will, I-"

"Hey, you can't be back there!" The gruff voice of the security guard startled Lizzy and Darcy and they jumped apart guiltily. Lizzy turned toward the newcomer and showed her staff ID.

"Oh," he said. "Is everything all right?"

"Fine," replied Lizzy with a smile. "This gentleman's foundation gave a very generous grant toward this project and I was just giving him a little update on our progress."

Lizzy couldn't bear to look at Darcy, while the guard was standing there with a doubtful expression on his face.

"Yes, you see," continued Lizzy. "I was explaining that there were some problems here in the past, but that has all been taken care of and I'm sure that things will go very well in the future." She glanced at Darcy, to see if he got the message.

Apparently he had, for he smiled and said, "Ah, that is very good to hear, Ms. Bennet. Perhaps we should be going. We're wasting this man's time."

Darcy led her back out to the exhibit area. As they walked away from the guard, Lizzy prattled about glass fronts for dioramas, and lighting, and anything else of that sort that she could think of.

When they reached the door, Will stepped out, opened his umbrella and pulled Lizzy under it beside him. Moving away from the doors, he pulled Lizzy closer and whispered, "You didn't answer my question."

Lizzy smiled, "What a time to be interrupted! But I did try to answer you."

"Well, you did give an indication, but..."

"I see. You need to-"

"Goodnight, Lizzy! Goodnight, Will."

Lizzy looked over her shoulder and called, "Goodnight, Frank!" She turned back to Darcy, who was smiling ruefully.

"Yes!" she said. "Before we're interrupted again, yes. Yes, yes, yes!"

Lydia tossed her napkin onto the table and started to get up. "Mmm, that was delicious, Mom. Sorry to run, but I need to get to rehearsal."

"Just a moment, if you please," said her father.

"What is it?" asked Lydia, desperately trying to think if there was anything she had done that she shouldn't have and that she might have been caught at.

"Don't look so stricken, child. You've been very good for the past month and a half, and your mother and I want you to know we appreciate the change in you."

"Does that mean I'm off house arrest?"

"Not entirely. But we thought that since you're the star of the play, you might like to host the cast party."

"A party? Where?"

"Here, of course," said Mrs. Bennet. "After the last performance. That's on a Saturday, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"Well then," said Mr. Bennet, "You think about it and let us know if you'd like to do that."

"Um, OK. Uh, conditions?"

"Conditions?" Mrs. Bennet looked puzzled. "Well, of course it means you have to continue to be a good girl."

"No, my dear, I believe she meant regarding the party. Stipulations, I might say. Conditions are as follows: there will be plenty of food, but no alcohol; music, but nothing elaborate-no band, no DJ. You can use the yard if the weather is fine, but remember that the music can't be loud when it gets late. This is to be by invitation for cast and crew and your close friends. This is not to be a general brawl."

"Chaperones?"

"Of course. Your mother and I will be there, and I think we should invite the drama teacher. And family who come to see the play will be around, too." Seeing Lydia's crestfallen expression, he smiled. "We won't be hovering over you the entire time. But we will be home. You know that I don't approve of parents who allow parties when no adult is home."

"Can I choose the food? I mean, Mom, you're not going to make soufflés or anything?"

"Goodness, no. I'll make whatever you decide, Lydia, within reason."

"Cool. Thanks! Let me think about it. Um, can I go now?"

"May I go now?" Mr. Bennet corrected her speech. "Yes, you may."

Lydia bounced out the door. Mrs. Bennet got up from the table and looked around distractedly.

"What is it, Fran?" asked her husband.

"Just looking for a pad and pencil. I should start making a list of things we'll need."

Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair. I hope you appreciate what I'm going through for you, Jane.

Lizzy frowned at the bathroom mirror. "How much time?"

"We should be there in a half hour, so we need to leave soon. What's wrong?"

"My hair. It's always a disaster when it rains."

Darcy leaned on the doorframe and smiled. "You look beautiful."

Still frowning, Lizzy twisted her hair up onto the top of her head and secured it with a few pins.

"See?" Darcy smiled. "Beautiful. Now can we go? I'm getting hungry."

"Where are we going?"

"Fernando's, of course. Didn't I once tell you that we would have our engagement party there? Oh, that reminds me." He put on his jacket and patted the pockets. Pulling out a small velvet box, he said, "In all the, um, distractions, I forgot to give you this. It was my grandmother's, and I thought you might like you to wear it until we get you a ring of your own."

Lizzy opened the box, and then looked up at him, puzzled.

"It's just until you can pick out your own engagement ring."

"But it's a wedding band."

"What?" He took the box from her hand and shook his head. "Unbelievable. I took the wrong box out of my desk. This is a wedding band. It was my grandmother's. I'm sorry."

"Oh, never mind, Will. We can worry about that later." She set the box on her bedside table. "Let's go. I'm getting hungry, too."

When they arrived at the restaurant, their table was waiting, champagne chilling in a silver bucket filled with ice.

Fernando grinned at Darcy's look of surprise. "Happy anniversary!" he whispered, as he filled their glasses.

Once they were seated, Darcy raised his glass and Lizzy did the same. "To us," he said. "Six months, and many more to come."

"To us," echoed Lizzy as they gently clinked glasses.

After they had ordered their dinners, Lizzy smiled at Darcy and asked, "So, Will, how long have you been planning this? And what made you choose the museum as a place to propose?"

"I hadn't planned that, actually. I mean, I had been thinking about how it has been six months and I wanted to propose. I just wasn't sure how. And then we were standing there, and it just seemed right. I had originally thought I might ask you at dinner. I had hoped for something more romantic than a partially dismantled exhibit hall."

"It was sweet. And appropriate, considering it's where we met."

"I went through the litany of proposal places. I thought about a carriage ride in the park, the top of the Empire State Building-"

"I know someone who got proposed to there."

"I suppose since that movie, even before it, there have been many proposals up there. I just couldn't figure out what to do. For a while, I even thought about our favorite elevator. Finally, I decided I'd just wait until the moment felt right."

"It was a lovely moment," sighed Lizzy. Then she giggled. "Until the guard interrupted us."

He laughed and shook his head, "The things that you find funny."

"Oh, come on, Will. This has the makings of a great family legend. I can see you telling our grandchildren about how this guy came at us, guns blazing, and so on and so forth, while all you wanted to do was propose marriage to me."

They both were laughing when their appetizers were placed on the table. Lizzy picked up her fork and then froze.

"What is it?" asked Darcy.

"I just remembered that woman."

"What woman?"

"On Valentine's Day. Remember, I told you that I had an interesting conversation with a woman I'd met in the ladies'?"

"Yes, but you never told me what it was."

"It was about you."

"Ha! So she did want my number!"

"No. She asked me if you'd popped the question yet. It surprised me, because we hadn't gone out that many times. But she said it was the way we laughed, like we had our own private jokes."

"Interesting way to evaluate a couple."

"Yes, she said that the way we laughed together was a good sign. I wish I knew who she was, I'd like to tell her that she was right."

Georgie stood up and stretched. "Chris, do you want another soda?"

"Hmm? Yeah, thanks. Anything with caffeine."

Georgie opened the door to the tiny refrigerator in the "kitchenette" of Chris's studio apartment. "Does Dr. Pepper have caffeine?"

"That's fine."

She popped the top on his Dr. Pepper and her ginger ale. "Here you go. I don't know how you can drink that stuff."

Chris reached for the can and rolled his shoulders. "Thanks, Georgie. It's a love-it-or-hate-it thing, I guess. I've always loved the good doctor. How's the studying going?"

"Not bad. I've been trying to predict test questions and write sample essays."

"You did read all those books, right?"

"Of course I did."

"Then why the little cheater books?"

"Oh, those are great for review. I had a teacher in high school who used to swipe his test questions from those books. I don't think he had any idea that we knew."

Georgie put down her can of soda and stood behind Chris. As she rubbed his shoulders, she asked, "How are you doing?"

"Not bad, although I've stared at some of these pictures for so long, I think I'll see them in my sleep."

"Are all med school textbooks so gross?"

"Guts ain't pretty, my dear."

"Euwww. What's that?" she asked, pointing to a particularly gruesome photograph.

"That's a section of a smoker's lung. See there?" Chris pointed to a second photograph. "That's a non-smoker's lung. See how much healthier it looks?"

"Yes. They should put pictures like that on cigarette packages instead of the Surgeon General's warning, which nobody reads."

"What a brilliant suggestion!" Chris stood up and moved to the sofa. He pulled Georgie down onto his lap. "I need some distraction."

She giggled, "What did you have in mind?"

"How about you tell me something brilliant about Dickens?"

"Hmmm. Names."

"What about them?"

"He had great names. A teacher called Gradgrind. How perfect is that? And then there's Pip."

"Pip? Great Expectations, right?"

"Very good, Mr. Carter. Now, what do you remember about Pip?"

"Not much."

"Well, he's a boy whose future is being molded. A pip is a seed. And the boy is a person who's sort of sprouting from a seed. See?"

"What about the girl, Stella?"

"Estella. The star. The unattainable to be reached for."

"Ah, the unattainable," murmured Chris as he kissed Georgie.

"Not necessarily," she whispered, kissing him back.

Lizzy rolled over and reached for the box on the bedside table. "Will, may I try it on?"

"Hmm? Try what on?"

"The ring."

"Of course. If it fits, I'm sure the other ring will fit, too."

Lizzy took the ring out of the box, and before she could put it on, Darcy took it from her and slid it onto her finger. "Perfect."

Lizzy admired her hand. "I like the way it looks."

"So do I. Simple. Serious. Forever."

"That sounds good. Forever."

"And it can't start soon enough for me. Have you thought about when you want to have the wedding?"

"We've only been engaged a few hours, Will."

"I thought that was one of those girlhood dreams, the season in which you wanted to get married."

"No. I never thought about it."

"Then how about May? It's too late for April."

"Will! You can't plan a wedding in a month." Suddenly, she collapsed, her head on his chest. "Weddings," she groaned.

"What's wrong?"

"Weddings, wedding plans, Mom. I don't know if I can do it."

"Lizzy! Tell me you're joking! Of course you can do it."

"It will be hell."

"We could elope."

"No, we couldn't. Your family would never forgive you. And in your position, you have to do the big wedding."

"No, I don't. Lizzy, you're the bride. It's your wedding to plan. The only thing I insist that you do is make choices that please you."

"Could we not tell anyone for a bit? I'd like to wait until Mom has calmed down a bit from Jane's engagement."

"If you wish. Although, I was looking forward to telling your father."

"Asking his permission, you mean? Like something out of a Regency novel?"

"Not his permission. Asking his blessing."

"Didn't you do that the day you met him?"

"No! I really didn't. But even so, I don't think he'll be surprised when we tell him."

"Probably not. He asked me the other day if I'd 'dropped the net' on you yet."

"Ah, so he has his suspicions?"

"Yes. He also said that you're a keeper."

"So I've been pre-approved, then?"

"Yes. I told you that he likes you."

Chris looked into Georgie's eyes. "Honey, are we still talking about Dickens?"

"Um, no. I've been thinking, and, well, Will has to go to Boston next week, so he won't be home, and I thought maybe I could stay the night with you."

"Are you sure?"

"I think so. Dr. Lucas and I talked about it this afternoon. And I talked to Lizzy a few days ago, too."

"You talked to Lizzy about us?"

"Not about sex. But about knowing if someone is the one. We still have so much school and stuff to get through, and anything could happen. But if we were finishing our education instead of still being in the midst of it, I wouldn't hesitate for a second."

"Are you sure this isn't about the house party?"

"No, it isn't. Well, I suppose, yes, that made me think. But it has been on my mind. I love you, Chris, and I think I'm ready."

Chapter 78

Posted on Thursday, 6 June 2002

May 1

When Lizzy woke, she noticed two things. First, Darcy was not in bed. The sound of water running told her he was already in the shower. Second, she noticed her hand. She was still wearing his grandmother's ring. A wedding ring. How long until she had one of her own? She was still admiring her hand when Darcy returned to the bedroom.

"Good morning, Lizzy." He bent down to kiss her.

"Mmmm, morning, Will."

"You wore it all night, I see."

"Yes," Lizzy twisted the ring on her finger. "I hope it will come off."

"If it doesn't, we'll just have to get married right away."

She slipped the ring off. "Oops, guess not. That's good. I shouldn't wear it to work."

"Will it fit on your right hand?" He took the ring and slipped it onto her right ring finger.

"It's a bit snug, but it seems to fit."

"Would you wear it that way, then? I'd like to know you have some sort of ring until we're ready to make our announcement."

"What if someone asks?"

"Say it's your grandmother's ring. After all, my family will be your family, too."

She grinned, "Ooh! Richard and Mark and Anne will be my cousins! Wonderful." Then her face fell. "Oh dear, I guess your aunt will be my aunt, too?"

"Aunt Catherine is all right. She'll be a bit shocked that I'm not going to marry Anne. But maybe consolation will come from another quarter, eh?"

"I certainly hope so, for everyone's sake. Have you talked to either of them lately?"

"No. Richard has been out of town again. But I'm going to Boston next week, and I think Anne has a meeting of some sorts at Fine Arts, so maybe we'll travel together. If so, I'll see what I can find out."

"I forgot about Boston. I'll miss you."

"It will be just a few days. I'd invite you along, but I know my hours will be long, and I'd be very distracted at my meetings if I knew you were sitting around in one of those fluffy Ritz-Carl robes, with nothing to do all day but wait for me."

"I know. I couldn't get away anyhow. But I promise you a good homecoming."

"Have some coffee, Charles, that will wake you up."

"Hmmm?"

"Coffee. Here. Drink." Jane pushed the cup toward Charles.

"Why couldn't they run this tour after lunch?"

"I don't know, but we should have a good breakfast and then allow some time for it to settle before we go."

"Is it hard to do?"

"No. Snorkeling is easy. You'll love it. You did OK in the pool yesterday."

"But that was a nice little pool."

"Think of the ocean as a big pool. You said you could swim. You don't have anxiety about water over your head, do you?"

"No, I swim laps at the health club, and I was a lifeguard in my younger days."

"Then you'll do fine. Assuming you ever wake up."

Darcy walked into the small shop and was greeted instantly.

"Good morning, Mr. Darcy! I have everything ready for you. Sit down and take a look. Can I get you some coffee?"

"No, thanks, Hans. Let's see what you have."

"I did some sorting. You did say a solitaire? I have others if you want to see them, too."

"No, I'm pretty sure about the solitaire. But you can mix a few others in tomorrow, if you want to."

Darcy looked over the selection of rings. "Is there any difference in the quality of the stones?"

"These are all top quality. Only the best for you, Mr. Darcy. Of course, I would expect you to take whichever ring you choose and have it independently appraised. Your insurance will probably require it, although I'm sure that the appraisal will show that it's everything I say it is. I have confidence in what I sell."

Darcy smiled, "So do I. That's why I'm here. Hmm, my first thought is to simply pick the largest one. Yellow gold band, I think." The jeweler pulled out several rings in platinum settings and set them aside.

"No pears. I never know which way they're supposed to point." The jeweler pulled out the rings with pear-shaped stones.

"So that leaves me with squares and rounds."

"The squares are called emerald cut, sir."

"Oh? I didn't know that. Hey, this one is a bit different."

"The stone is oval."

"Hmm. The yellow gold is traditional, but the oval stone is just a bit different. That's the one. She'll pick that one."

"Are you sure?"

"Not enough to buy it without letting her choose. But I'm sure enough to have you size it. Here's the receipt for the other ring. Size this to match. If she doesn't choose this one, I'll pay for your work, of course."

"Very well, Mr. Darcy. I'll call you when it's ready."

Darcy stood up and shook the jeweler's hand. "Thank you for your help. I look forward to hearing from you."

Lizzy sat at her desk, fiddling with the ring. She slipped it off and looked inside. She found initials and a date. Wow. 1937. I wonder if the bride ever thought another woman would be wearing this? What should I engrave in my wedding ring? Must ask Mom what's in hers. I wonder if Dad knows what's in Mom's ring? Or what's in his own, for that matter?

As if on cue, the telephone rang. "Lizzy Bennet."

"Hello, Lizzy. How's my girl?"

"Dad! Hi! This is spooky. I was just thinking about you."

"Good thoughts, I hope, because you owe me."

"For what?"

"For offering Lydia a cast party."

"Oh, you did it! Dad, you don't know how grateful Jane will be."

"I got an email from her. She seems to be having a good time. You're a good sister to give her your ticket."

"That's OK. Will has been making it up to me all week by simulating cruise things, like afternoon tea, and chocolates on the pillow-"

"Ah, the pillow? And whose pillow might that be?"

"Dad," she whined.

"Lizzy, you're a grown woman. Your sister is on a cruise with her fiancé. You think I don't have any idea what you two girls get up to? I just try not to think about it any more than I have to."

"That's good, because I really don't like to think of you thinking about that."

"How about we move to a new topic?"

"Good idea."

"Are you free for lunch tomorrow? I have to meet with my editor, so I'll be in the city. We could meet somewhere near the museum, if you'd like."

"That would be lovely, Dad. Um, I was just thinking."

"Yes?"

"See, the other day, Georgie and I were talking about jewelry. She has her mother's jewelry and some of her grandmother's, too. I showed her Gramma's cameo."

"Yes?"

"Well, I was wondering. I know you have your father's medals. You don't talk about it because of your different views on war. But I know you have them somewhere."

"Yes, I do. Considering that I met your mother when she was chanting anti-war slogans, I don't display them. But they're in my study. Why the interest in medals?"

"It's family stuff in general. Georgie's grandmother's wedding ring has a date in it. I wondered if you have Grampa's ring and if it's dated."

"I have lots of family records, if you're wondering about when your grandparents were married. Or is this about jewelry?"

"Just, um, curious. Maybe it's about Jane getting her engagement ring, and Georgie's grandmother's ring, stuff like that."

"Oh."

"Never mind, I don't know what made me bring it up."

"Whatever you say, Lizzy. Next time you come out, we'll dig through family treasures. See you tomorrow, then? Oh, and I assume Will is going to join us?"

"I'll ask him."

"Good. Bye, Lizzy."

"Bye, Dad."

She hung up the telephone and frowned, trying to remember what exactly she had said, and wondering if it had made her father suspicious.

The captain of the dive boat announced that when the last swimmer reached the boat the bar would be open.

Charles rubbed his wet hair with a towel and asked Jane, "What's a Bahama Mama?"

"I don't know Charles, but you probably won't like it. You usually don't like fruity drinks. Have a beer."

"Good idea. You?"

"Just a soda for me."

Charles returned with the drinks and sat next to Jane. "That was great. I am so glad you talked me into this. I wouldn't mind trying scuba diving some time."

"That's more involved. You have to take lessons. The problem is, where we are, the water is cold and the fish aren't as pretty as they are here. I'd be more tempted to learn to dive if we lived in a warm climate."

"Yeah, you're right. Scuba diving in the health club pool doesn't sound appealing."

One of the divers stood in the middle of the group and shouted, "Snorkelers! How are you doing?"

Laughing, they all held fists atop their heads in the "OK" gesture they had been taught.

"All right! You guys did great, even our novices. We'll be back at the dock in about ten minutes. Look around and make sure you've got all your own stuff, plus the snorkel gear you got from the ship."

Lizzy slipped the ring onto the ring finger of her left hand. It looked so perfect. Just a plain, gold band. One that she could leave on all the time. Sighing, she reached for the telephone.

"Darcy."

"Hi, Will."

"Hello, Love. How are you?"

"OK, except for missing you."

"Miss you, too. And while I love you and love to hear your voice, I have a meeting in about two minutes, so if there's something we need to discuss now, then we have to do it right now."

"Ooh, I love it when you do that busy executive stuff," Lizzy cooed.

"Hmm, you want something?"

"Nice! I can't say anything sweet to you without you becoming suspicious? Hmph! Maybe I won't ask you to lunch after all."

"Lunch when?"

"Tomorrow. Dad has a meeting with his editor and I'm meeting him for lunch. I thought you could join us, if you'll be free."

"Yes, I am. Uh, do you want to tell him tomorrow?"

"I don't know. We can discuss that tonight, I guess. Enjoy your meeting!"

"I'll try."

May 2

Darcy looked at his watch. He'd have to leave soon in order to make it to the restaurant on time. He leafed through the stack of messages, then picked up the telephone.

"Conservation Department."

"Anne deBourgh, please. This is her cousin."

"Ooh, are you that nice cousin who gave her the earrings?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Oh, dear, it wasn't you, then."

"Apparently not. Is Anne available?"

"Yes, she is. Please hold."

"Hello?"

"Anne, I got your message. How are you?"

"I'm fine. And you?"

"Just fine. Although it appears that I am the cousin who did NOT buy you earrings. Care to explain that?"

"Not really."

"Aha."

"What aha? Never mind about that. Are you still going to Boston next week?"

"Sadly, yes.

"Aww, Lizzy can't go with you?"

"No."

"That's a shame. Listen, if we can work out the time, could I hitch a ride on the corporate jet? I'd like to save the museum a little money on the travel budget, if you don't mind."

"I'm sure we can work it out. And if the museum really needs to save money, I can put you up in the corporate suite."

"Are you sure?"

"Why not? You'll get the royal treatment if you're with me. I've spent plenty of money at the Ritz-Carl since I moved back to New York."

"Ooh, I love having a rich cousin!"

"Right, Anne. And you would be the little poverty case? I think I know how big your trust fund is, Anne. I'm not shedding any tears for you!"

Lizzy arrived at the restaurant shortly before her father. She was still shaking the water out of her raincoat when he walked in. After removing his own wet coat, he hugged his daughter.

"Lizzy! How are you?"

"I'm great, Dad. Sorry you had to trudge into the city on a rainy day."

They were shown to a table for four. As she sat down, Lizzy noticed that she still had the ring on. Although she had moved it back to her right hand, it still might make her father curious. While her father studied the menu, Lizzy slipped the ring off and slipped it into her skirt pocket.

The waitress arrived to take their order, and they explained that they were waiting for a third person. After the waitress left to get their drinks, Mr. Bennet smiled at Lizzy.

"You seem very happy for a woman who's stuck in a rainy city while her sister is cruising in the sun."

"I am happy, Dad."

"Any particular reason?"

"Just happy. Oh! Here's Will!"

Darcy smiled as he approached the table. He kissed Lizzy and shook Mr. Bennet's hand.

The waitress made a beeline for the table to take Darcy's drink order.

"Do you always get served that quickly?" asked Mr. Bennet.

Darcy shrugged, so Lizzy answered for him, "If the server is a woman, you bet!" Mr. Bennet laughed and Darcy just shook his head.

While they waited for their meals, Mr. Bennet quietly observed Lizzy and Darcy. They seemed to be exchanging looks, but he couldn't figure out what it was about. Finally, curiosity got the better of him.

"All right, you two. When are you going to tell me?" Aha! he thought as they exchanged guilty glances.

"Tell you what?" Lizzy tried to brazen it out, but Darcy shook his head.

"He knows, Love," said Darcy. "I don't know how, but he knows."

"I'm her father. Wait until you have a daughter. You'll see."

"Very well, then, sir. Lizzy and I are engaged."

"Of course you are."

"Dad! You aren't even a little bit surprised?"

"No."

"How come? You were surprised about Jane and Charles."

"Yes, I was. But I hadn't seen them together the way I'd seen you two."

"Huh?" said Lizzy.

"What do you mean?" asked Darcy.

"I knew the day I met you, Will. I watched the two of you greet each other before you realized that I was watching you. And I just knew."

"Really, Dad?"

"Yes, I really did know. So, Lizzy, why don't you put the ring back on?" Mr. Bennet smiled when his daughter gasped. She fished in her pocket and put the ring on her right hand.

"How did you figure out that?"

"You had a mark on your finger, where the ring had been. And I realized that you had fidgeted with something under the table."

"Very observant," said Darcy dryly, as he got up and excused himself to go to the men's room.

"You're scary, Dad," said Lizzy, as her father reached across the table to take her hand.

"What's this? A wedding ring? You're not married already?"

"No. It's his grandmother's wedding ring. He asked me to wear it until I get my own ring."

With a sly smile, Mr. Bennet released his daughter's hand and fished in his pocket. He set a small box on the table.

"Then I was right. I believe this is what you were asking about the other night?"

Lizzy opened the box and saw the gold bands. "It's Grampa and Gramma's wedding rings!"

"I think you wanted only one of them, but take them both. And if this is supposed to be a surprise, you should put them in your pocket. Will is coming." After Darcy returned to the table, Mr. Bennet said, "Lizzy was showing me your grandmother's ring."

"Yes, well, that's just until she can pick out an engagement ring of her own. That reminds me, Lizzy, will you have some time tomorrow to look at rings?"

"I should be able to take a little extra time at lunch, if I don't overdo it today. The problem is coming up with an excuse."

"I don't understand," said Mr. Bennet. "Haven't you told your coworkers?"

"No, we aren't telling anyone for a bit." Lizzy paused. "Dad, I know you don't lie to Mom, but could you just forget to tell her? At least for a while? She's so wound up over Jane's wedding, and we haven't planned anything yet. I'd like to make some decisions before we tell Mom. And I don't want to steal Jane's thunder. One bride at a time in the family, you know?"

"You're right, Lizzy, I don't like to lie to your mother. However, self-interest forces me agree to your plan. With Jane's wedding preparations and Lydia's party, your mother is busy enough. If we added your wedding into the bargain, your mother would be too busy with her party planning to remember to fix my dinner!"

Jane sat on the bed, digging through the bags that surrounded her.

"Are you sure you bought enough stuff?"

"I think so. I want to make a list. Let's see, straw bag for Mom, that shorts outfit for Lydia, earrings for Mary. Women are so much easier to buy for!"

"But that book on the history of the islands was a find. It will be perfect for your father."

"Yes, I think he'll be surprised."

"Did you remember to buy anything for yourself?" asked Charles.

"A few things. Another pareo, some beads." She shrugged. "I really don't need anything."

"Hmm, then maybe I should take this back," said Charles, fidgeting with a velvet box.

"Ooh!" Jane dropped her list and scuttled across the bed to where Charles was standing. "What's that?"

"I shouldn't show you. You might feel bad when I take it back."

Jane held her hand out. "Charles Bingley, you hand it over now."

"Well, maybe I'll save it for Christmas."

"Charles! If you had intended to save it for a later occasion, you should not have let me see the box. Give it!"

Charles held the box above his head. "Do I get a kiss?"

"Depends on what's in the box."

"Ahh, no kiss, no brace-"

"A bracelet? Oh, let me see!"

Laughing, Charles put the box into Jane's hand.

"Oh!" she cried, as she threw her arms around him. "It's beautiful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

After she had demonstrated her thanks, Jane tried on the bracelet. Sapphires and diamonds were spaced along the gold bracelet. "I love it!"

"It's an early wedding present. You know, something blue."

"Charles, how sweet. Most brides wear a blue garter."

"I thought you'd like something a bit more elegant."

"May I wear it before then?"

"Certainly. Why not wear it to dinner tonight?"

Lizzy and Darcy snuggled together on the sofa in his study. A jazz CD played softly. Lizzy was nearly asleep when Darcy spoke.

"Lizzy, do you remember the earrings Aunt Sue got from Richard?"

"Hmmm? Oh, the Egyptian-looking ones."

"That's right. Did Aunt Catherine say anything about them?

"I don't think so. No, wait, there was something. Um...she said that Anne had a similar pair that she wore a lot."

"Anything else?"

"No, but Anne looked a bit, I don't know, uncomfortable, I guess I'd say. Why would she be embarrassed about a pair of earrings? I'm sure your Aunt Sue didn't mind that hers weren't the only pair in the world. Why this interest in earrings, Will?"

"Because I called Anne today, and the woman who answered the phone asked if I was the cousin who gave her the nice earrings."

"So? I don't get it."

"What other cousin might have bought Anne earrings?"

"Richard! Oh, that sounds like progress." Then Lizzy's smile faded. "But it isn't much progress if she's embarrassed about them."

"I'll see what I can find out when we go to Boston."

"Does her mother know that she's gong to Boston with you?"

Darcy groaned, "I hope not. Now is definitely not the time to get Aunt Catherine's hopes up."

"She's going to hate me for ruining everything, Will."

"No she won't. Especially if Richard is well into the picture before she realizes that I'm out."

May 3

Lizzy had just stepped outside when she saw Darcy pull up in front of the 79th Street entrance to the museum. Smiling she ran to the car as he got out to open her door.

"Hi, Will!"

He kissed her, then said, "Ah, my Lizzy, punctual as ever. You are an amazing woman, do you know that?"

"I think I've heard that before, but you have my permission to tell me whenever you wish."

As they drove downtown, she asked where they were going.

"I hope you won't be disappointed that we aren't going to Cartier or Tiffany, but this jeweler has been in business for ages and he made several pieces for my mother."

"Made? Like from scratch?"

"Yes, my father would go to Hans with an idea, and together they'd design it. He made your wasp, by the way."

"Did you see that I'm wearing it today?"

"Yes, I noticed. I think he'll be quite pleased by that. Um, Lizzy, if you don't see something you like, Hans can get other rings or we can design something that suits your taste."

"I'm sure I'll find something I like."

"I want you to be absolutely sure. You're going to have this ring a long time, you know."

Darcy found a place to park within a block of the shop. When they entered, Hans greeted them cheerfully, and Darcy introduced him to Lizzy.

"Aha, so you're the lady with the wasp. I still don't understand why I had to remove the stinger."

Lizzy smiled, "It's a private joke, based on something in Shakespeare."

"I see. Well, sit here and I'll show you some rings."

Hans set the tray of engagement rings in front of Lizzy.

"Oh my," she said. "So many of them! I can't look at this many at once. Uh, let's see. Well, here are some I know I don't want. This, this, this, and those three there. Let's set them aside. And take out the platinums. I like gold better. It looks warmer to me."

Darcy and Hans smiled at each other over Lizzy's bent head. She had just eliminated the rings that Darcy had predicted she wouldn't like.

"Hmm, well, that one is certainly huge, but I don't know about the emerald cut."

"You know what that is?" asked Darcy. "He had to tell me."

"Ah, Mr. Darcy. Young ladies always know about diamonds, am I right Miss Bennet?"

Lizzy laughed and nodded.

"You may try them on, you know," said Hans gently.

Lizzy slid the ring with the large square stone onto her finger. She shook her head. "Oh, it's way too big."

"We can resize the band to fit you."

"No, I mean the stone. Too big." She put the ring back in the box and turned the box over."

"The prices aren't on the boxes, Lizzy," said Darcy. "Don't think about the cost. Think about what you like."

"This is difficult. There are so many." She looked at the rings for a while longer. "OK, this, this, and this. Pull them out. Hmm, now these all look like reasonable candidates."

Darcy smiled. His choice was still in the running. In fact, most of the rings left were fairly similar-all single stones, either round, square, or that one oval.

Lizzy picked up three rings (including Darcy's choice), slipped them onto her right pinkie, and turned them so that she wasn't looking at the diamonds.

"What are you doing?" asked Darcy.

"Looking at the bands. See? This one is shiny. That one has a matte finish. Just thinking about that without being distracted by the stones. Hmm, that's odd."

"What is?"

"Well, most of them are too large for me. But this one is about my size. Maybe it's an omen."

Darcy suppressed a smile, as Lizzy put the rings back into their boxes. She looked at them and then called Hans over. "Is this an illusion or is this one oval?"

"Yes, it's an oval cut."

"I don't think I've ever seen an oval stone."

"Sure you have, Lizzy. Isn't the Hope diamond oval?"

"I mean in an engagement ring. That's kind of different." She slipped it onto her ring finger. "Ooh, it fits. And the band matches."

"Matches what?" Darcy looked confused.

"Oh, um, matches what I sort of thought I wanted."

"Ah."

"Will? I think this is it."

He smiled, "Are you certain?"

"Yes. I wanted something very plain and traditional. But this shape is unusual without being odd."

Darcy leaned down to kiss Lizzy and whisper, "You want to be just that wee bit rebellious?"

Lizzy giggled, "Yeah, I can be conventional for just so long...Hans, we have a winner."

Hans looked down at Lizzy's hand and smiled. "He picked that one, you know."

"What do you mean?"

"Mr. Darcy came in the other day to look over what I had, and the oval stone caught his eye. He said you'd choose that one."

Hans had Lizzy slide the ring on and off a few times to check the fit. When they were satisfied that the ring was, in fact, just the right size, it was time to leave. Suddenly, Darcy turned back to the counter that contained rings.

"Wedding rings. We should pick those out, too. Hans, what would match Lizzy's ring?"

"Oh, Will, let's not do the wedding rings today. We have plenty of time for that."

"Oh."

"And it's pouring again. It will take ages to get back uptown. We really don't have time."

"All right. I'll get the car and pick you up."

"Thanks, Will."

As soon as he was out the door, Lizzy fished in her purse and held out something to Hans. "Can you take a quick look at this?"

Their conversation was interrupted when Lizzy saw Darcy's car stop in front of the shop. She thanked Hans for his advice and ran out to the car.

"Whew, it's pouring."

"Yeah."

"Ooh, I love my ring. I can't believe you knew which one I'd choose!"

Darcy concentrated on his driving.

"Will, are you OK?"

"I'm fine."

"You should be happy. I chose the right one."

"I thought I knew you well enough to predict your choice."

"And you did. You're so clever!"

"Hmmm."

Lizzy gave up on conversation and admired her ring all the way to the museum. Before she got out of the car, she removed the ring and put it into the box. With a rueful smile, she said, "Now that I have this, I guess we should think about when we're going to announce the engagement."

When Darcy made no response, she turned to him and said, "Will Darcy, something is wrong. Why are you sulking all of a sudden? Tell me!"

"We can talk about it tonight.

"We can talk about it now."

"Tonight, Lizzy. You have to get back to work and I have a meeting. I'll see you tonight."

Lizzy stood and watched as his car pulled away. Earlier, she had feared that she would get no work done because she'd be thinking about her new ring. Instead, she'd be worrying about what was upsetting Darcy.

Chapter 79

Posted on Monday, 17 June 2002

Still May 3

When Lizzy arrived at the Darcy apartment after work, Georgie was waiting in the living room.

"Lizzy!"

"Hi, Georgie. How are you?"

"I'm fine. But did something happen between you and Will?"

"Why do you ask?"

"He came home from work a little early, and went straight to his study. He said he couldn't concentrate at work. But he seemed, well, sad. And it didn't seem like a bad-day-at-work sad. It was more of a fight-with-Lizzy-sad."

"I don't know, Georgie. We, um, went out at lunchtime and he was OK, and then he just wasn't. I don't know what's wrong, but I'll talk to him. Do you have plans for tonight?"

"Just a date with a history textbook."

"Then you can wait on dinner? I don't know how soon Will is going to want to eat."

"I'll be in my room, wasting away."

"Georgie! His mood can't have been that bad!"

"Oh yeah? Go talk to him."

Instead of going directly to the study, Lizzy walked into the kitchen. "Mrs. R?"

"Hello, Miss Bennet."

"Hi. How soon do you intend to serve dinner?"

"It's boeuf bourguignon. I can serve it in a matter of minutes or hold it for an hour."

"Um, did you talk to Will this evening?"

"Only enough to find out that he didn't want anything to eat or drink. he seemed out of sorts."

"Hmmm. I don't know what's bothering him, but I'll see what I can do. And I guess we'll just eat when we're ready."

"Can I get anything for you in the meantime?"

"No thanks. I'll be fine until dinner."

Lizzy rummaged in her purse, found what she was looking for and headed for the study. She knocked lightly and called, "Will?"

"What?"

"May I come in? We need to talk."

"Fine."

She entered the study and stood by Darcy's desk. "That 'fine' didn't sound very fine to me. Come sit by me and tell me what's bothering you."

"You don't know?"

"No. And I have something I need to talk to you about, but I don't want to do that until we take care of what's bothering you."

They sat on the sofa. Lizzy turned to face Darcy, but he wouldn't look at her.

"Will?"

"I don't know how to say this."

"Then just say it."

"Are you sure you want to marry me?"

Lizzy gasped. "How can you ask that? Of course I'm sure. I love you!"

Then why don't you want to tell anyone? Why didn't you want to look at wedding rings?"

"Oh! That's what this is about. Will, look at me. Will?" she reached up and placed her hand on his cheek. "It isn't that I don't want to tell anyone. I just don't want to tell Mom yet, and you know why. And I don't want to do a formal announcement yet because Mom would have a fit if she found out from a newspaper."

"I know, but..."

"Do you want to tell Georgie and Mrs. R tonight? I was sort of waiting until Jane got home, but we can tell your sister now, if you'd like."

Lizzy reached into her pocket and pulled out her engagement ring. As she slipped it on, she said, "Will, thank you for this ring. It's beautiful, and I'm proud to be your fiancée."

She kissed him, then said, "You have to stop this jumping to conclusions thing. Now, I have an idea, and I want your opinion. Tell me what you really think about this, because it's a little unusual. But let me explain it before you say anything. Agreed?"

He nodded. She removed his grandmother's ring and held it out. "Here, now that I have my ring, you should have this back."

"No, keep it."

"Let me finish. I want you to keep it for me until I can give you this." She reached into her pocket and pulled out another ring. "This was my grandfather's wedding ring. The reason I didn't want to look at wedding rings today was that I've been thinking that we might use our grandparents' rings as our wedding rings."

Lizzy bit her lip anxiously as Darcy stared at the rings she had placed in his hand.

"Will? If you don't like the idea, just say so. I know it's kind of unconventional. And if the ring is promised to Georgie or something like that, I'll understand."

"The ring is mine to give to you. I never intended to ask you to give it back.'

"I'm not giving it back. I'm asking you to keep it for me."

"And this is what you want?"

"Only if you agree."

"Lizzy, I think it's a beautiful idea. I'm touched that you thought of this."

"When we marry, we join two families together. Using heirloom rings symbolizes this. While you went out to get the car, I showed Grampa's ring to Hans. He says resizing it will be no problem, and there's room inside to add our wedding date and initials. I think probably only the date will fit inside your grandmother's ring."

"Your ring, you mean."

"Right. My ring. By the way, when I was checking out the bands this afternoon, I was making sure that my engagement ring would go with the wedding band. Why don't you try on your ring?" Lizzy picked up the ring and slid it onto his ring finger.

"It's a little loose, but I'm sure Hans can fix that. When did this idea occur to you?"

"Very soon after you gave me your grandmother's ring. I remembered that Dad had a lot of his father's stuff. I tried to be subtle when I asked him if he had his father's wedding ring. I said that Georgie had her mother's ring and some other old jewelry, and I have my grandmother's cameo ring, blah, blah, blah. I thought I talked around the issue well enough to distract him. But he figured it out, and brought the rings with him the other day."

"Which explains why he wasn't surprised when we told him."

"Yes, partly. But if Dad says he knew that day when he saw us together, he means it. He's always been able to read me. I could never lie to him, he always could tell what I was thinking."

"I guess I need to work on that."

"On what?"

"On figuring out what you're thinking. I have a knack for getting it wrong."

"Well, I promise you many years to practice. Deal?"

He smiled and said softly, "Deal," as he leaned in to kiss her.

Caroline Bingley sat in her sister's dining room and stared into her cup of coffee, pondering an idea.

"Caro? Hello? Were you paying any attention to what I was saying?" asked Louisa Hurst.

"Hmm? Oh, Lou, I just had a brilliant idea. We could throw an engagement party for Charles and Jane."

"What? Just an hour ago, you were saying that she wasn't good enough for Charles. And why is a party such a brilliant idea?"

"Because Charles is friendly with William Darcy. I can invite William to the party. And I can ask my best clients, all the right people..."

"I don't think-"

"Oh, it will be lovely, maybe black tie. Ooh, and I have just the right dress.

"Caro-"

"The one I didn't get to wear to the opera."

"Caro," said an increasingly exasperated Louisa, "Think back to the opera fiasco. What about the woman he took instead of you?"

"What about her?"

"Isn't she Jane's sister?"

"So?"

"So, she'll be at the party."

Caroline snorted, "No she won't. I have no intention of inviting her."

"But she's the bride's sister. You can't leave her out."

"Well, if you think I'm going to let her anywhere near William Darcy-"

"Enough!" Arthur Hurst had finally reached his limit. "Caroline, no party. Not here. Louisa, I forbid to you get involved in this nonsense."

Stunned, all Caroline could come up with was a sarcastic "Oh, really?"

"Yes, really. You dream up these ridiculous schemes, and then you drag your softhearted sister into them. I'm tired of hearing you whine and moan and plan and scheme."

"Well!" Caroline huffed. "If you don't want me to be here-"

"Caroline, you are my wife's sister, and as such you are welcome in our home. But your fantastical schemes to catch a rich man are not welcome."

Caroline turned to her sister and whined, "Lou?"

"Sorry, Caro, but he's right. You need to be more realistic. I think we should talk to Charles and Jane before planning a party. It should be for their friends, not yours."

"But-"

"And like it or not, we also should involve Jane's sister in the planning."

"Certainly not!" Caroline shook her head vehemently.

Hurst stood up. "Caroline, you snubbed my sister when Louisa and I got married. Don't pull the same crap on your brother. Now, if you ladies will excuse me, I have some spreadsheets to go over before the quarterly report goes to the printer. Excellent dinner, Lou. Goodnight Caroline."

"Mmmph ... Will?... Mmmph..."

"Shhh."

Lizzy pushed back and took a deep breath. "Will, I need to breathe once in a while. And we need to have dinner. I'll get Georgie and we'll go to the ding room."

"In a minute."

"Will! Stop that!" Lizzy slid down the sofa.

"No." Darcy moved closer. Lizzy slid away and stood up.

"Will, I'm glad you've recovered from your doubts, but your sister and Mrs. R are worried about you. They told me you were grouchy. We need to let them know that you're OK. And poor Mrs. R is holding dinner."

He sighed, "Very well. Come to think if it, I am hungry. I skipped lunch today."

"I'll tell Mrs. R that we're ready for dinner. I'll just say that you had a bad afternoon at work, but you're feeling better now. Shall we tell them at dinner, or should I just wear the ring and see if they notice?"

Lizzy walked to the kitchen, keeping her hand in her skirt pocket. "Mrs. R? Will is fine. Just a tough afternoon. He skipped lunch and it made him cranky. Your good dinner will be just what he needs."

"Ten minutes?"

"Thanks. I'll tell Georgie."

As they walked into the dining room, Lizzy put her left hand on Darcy's arm and said, "You know, Will, we have to think about-oh no! I've started already!"

"Started what?"

"The left hand thing."

"What's that?"

"Every woman becomes left-handed when she gets an engagement ring. Jane did it. And now I'm doing it, too."

"Doing what?" asked Georgie from behind them.

"Showing off her new, um, jewelry," answered Darcy smugly.

Georgie grabbed Lizzy's hand and squealed. "Oh, I'm so happy for you both!" She hugged Lizzy, then her brother.

Mrs. Reynolds entered the dining room, carrying a large serving dish. Darcy took it from her as she asked, "What is all the fuss about?"

"They're engaged!" crowed Georgie.

"Congratulations!" The housekeeper embraced Darcy, then Lizzy.

As she returned the embrace, Lizzy asked, "So will you call me Lizzy now?"

"Certainly not. When I said I couldn't call you by your first name, it was because I hoped you'd go from Miss Bennet to Mrs. Darcy. You're the best thing that has happened to this family since ... since..."

Darcy grinned and finished the sentence, "Since a certain housekeeper-slash-fairy-godmother arrived?"

Mrs. Reynolds patted his cheek affectionately and returned to the kitchen.

"Now, listen," said Lizzy as she sat down at the dining room table, "We aren't announcing the engagement yet, so please don't say anything."

"Why not?" asked Georgie.

"For several reasons. First, we haven't given much thought to a date, and given Will's status as a very eligible bachelor, we don't want to be in the gossip columns for any longer than necessary. Second, my mother is over the moon about Jane's engagement and upcoming wedding. I don't want to crowd Jane's glory or add to my mother's excitement level."

"Oh."

"And," added Darcy, "there's your Aunt Catherine to consider. We're hoping that things are progressing with Richard and Anne. That, we hope, will take the heat off of us."

"So just let us get ourselves organized, OK Georgie?"

"Will you tell Jane? and what about Richard and Anne."

"Yes, I'll tell Jane. But I don't know about the others. Will?"

"Let's wait a bit. As I said, I have hopes for those two."

SLAM! Caroline Bingley left her sister's apartment.

Hurst poked his head out of the small room he used as a home office. "Lou? Are you speaking to me?"

"Yes, of course I am, Dear."

"I'm sorry that I shouted like that. And you know that I've never used the 'f' word to you before, but-"

"Huh?" Louisa tried to recall the conversation. "You didn't use the 'f' word tonight."

"No, not that 'f' word," he chuckled. "Although I was angry enough. I meant forbid. As I recall, you promised to love, honor, and cherish. I don't recall hearing you say obey."

"Damn right. Obey, indeed!"

"Then why didn't you object to my decree tonight?"

Well, at first I was too shocked that you would put your foot down like that."

"And?"

"I was relieved. You're right. I am a pushover where Caro is concerned. She has always known how to get her own way, even when we were little kids. It has to stop."

"So, to try another 'f' word, am I forgiven?"

"Of course, Dear."

May 4

Lizzy put the vacuum cleaner and the feather duster in the closet and returned to the living room to inspect her work. She wanted the apartment to be tidy and clean when Jane returned. She was about to check the contents of the refrigerator in preparation for making dinner when the telephone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Miss Bennet?"

"Yes. Who's calling, please?"

"This is Louisa Hurst. I'm Charles Bingley's sister."

"Mrs. Hurst, we haven't met, but I've heard Charles speak of you. And I've met your sister."

"Ah, yes, well, I may be getting myself into the middle of something, but I wanted to speak to you about Jane and Charles."

Expecting a lecture on Jane's unsuitability, Lizzy tried to keep her voice even, "Yes?"

"Have you given any thought to an engagement party?"

"No, I haven't. I suppose we should do something."

"I thought it would be nice if we worked out something together. After all, we are going to related-in-laws once removed, or something like that."

Lizzy laughed, "Oh, dear, I'll have to look that up. I'm not quite sure how that works. A joint-sponsored party sounds lovely, Mrs. Hurst."

"Please call me Louisa."

"And you should call me Lizzy."

"Have you heard from Charles and Jane?"

"Yes, Jane has emailed me. They're having a wonderful time."

"Oh, good. I understand that you gave Charles your ticket?"

"Yes, that's my engagement present to them.

"Wow, Lizzy, that's generous. And here, I've been waiting for Jane to pick a china pattern!"

"Don't be too impressed, Louisa. It was enlightened self-interest. I had no desire to be stuck on a ship with a weepy lovelorn sister. I'll talk to Jane and Charles when they get back tomorrow, and I'll let you know how they feel about the party. Give me your number and I'll call you next week."

"That would be wonderful. thanks."

"Thank you for calling me. I appreciate it, given that, um, well, to be honest, I gather that Caroline doesn't approve of Jane."

"Caroline had hopes that Charles would marry a socialite, thus throwing her into the paths of rich men. Frankly, she had the same hopes for me, and I let her down. Charles is her last chance for a leg-up on high society. It isn't up to Caroline or me to approve of Jane. I do like Jane, but even if I didn't, the important thing would be how she makes Charles feel. And I know that he's very happy, so that makes me happy."

"I appreciate your candor, Louisa. I'll call you next week."

A moment after Anne stepped off the elevator, Richard opened the door to his apartment.

"Hey, how did you get up-Annie! Hi."

"Hello, Richie. I got up here by taking the elevator."

"Sorry, I didn't expect it to be you. A few of the guys are coming over to watch the game."

"What game?"

"Basketball. You know, tall men in short pants. Bouncing and passing a large ball, throwing it at a net."

"I think I've heard of it. Anyway, I came here to see Georgie."

As if on cue, Georgie opened the door to the Darcy apartment.

"Hi, Anne, thanks for coming over. Will is at Lizzy's tonight, and I really need someone to talk to."

Richard pouted. "What about me? I was right here, why didn't you come to me?"

"Insufficient X chromosomes," replied Anne. She held up a bottle of chardonnay. "You boys can drink beer and belch and watch your game. We ladies will sip wine and chat."

"Swill wine and discuss the evils of men, you mean."

Anne handed the bottle to Georgie and turned to face Richard. Pinching his cheek, she said, "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Georgie disappeared into the apartment. Anne was about to follow her when Richard grabbed her hand and whispered, "There's a lot I'd like to know." He kissed her hand, then dropped it abruptly when he heard the elevator nearing their floor.

Anne shook her head and said. "Happy belching."

He watched her enter the apartment and shut the door. When she shook her head, he'd glimpsed the earrings he had given her. He was still smiling when the elevator door opened and his friends stepped out.

Georgie and Anne settled themselves on Georgie's bed, wine glasses in hand and a bag of pretzels between them.

"OK," said Anne. "What is it that you need me for? Is there a problem with Darce and Lizzy?"

"Oh, no, they're great. In fact, they're at her apartment now. She's making dinner for him."

"How domestic. Sounds like they're in the 'playing house' stage."

"What's that?"

"It's what I call the stage in a relationship where they try out bits of married life. I've seen lots of friends go through this stage. She cooks dinner for him, they take a vacation together. They practice being together before moving in or getting married."

"Then what?"

"Depends on the couple. Then they get married. Or then they split. Or then they keep playing house. If it's any comfort to you, I'd bet that Darce and Lizzy are on the path to marriage, not splitting."

"Yeah, I think so, too."

"So if it isn't about Darcy and Lizzy, it must be about you and Chris?"

Georgie nodded.

"What happened? Did you have an argument?"

"No! Nothing like that. We're, um, thinking about, well," she took a deep breath and continued, "With Will out of town next week, I'm thinking of spending the night at Chris's apartment."

"If you're looking for a cover story, I'm no help. I'm going to Boston, too."

"No, it isn't that, it's just, well, I need some advice."

"Have you talked to Lizzy?"

"I can't. I'm not ready to tell Will, and I don't want to put her in the middle of this. I need to talk to someone older. Not old old. Just a little older than I am."

"I guess I qualify."

"And more experienced. Well, not that it would take much." Georgie blushed.

"I think I see."

"It's just that I'm scared. I want to do this, but I'm afraid I'll disappoint him. He knows about George and all that, but I'm afraid he'll expect me to, uh, know more than I do."

"Chris is a decent guy. He'll be patient."

"I know, but, Anne, tell me what to do. What do guys like?"

Anne reached for the bottle of wine, filled her glass and took a long swallow. "I'm going to be the last of the goddam Mohicans."

"Huh?"

"Georgie, my dear cousin, you are asking the wrong person. After next week, I'll be the only member of the family who hasn't had a relationship that was serious enough for sex."

"Never?"

"Not ever. I've never dated a guy I wanted to get that close to. And most of the guys I've gone out with in the last few years have been gay."

"You've been dating a gay guy?"

"Not dating, really. But I have a few gay friends, and they like to go out sometimes with a woman-one with whom there's no pressure. The costume guy at the Met, the one who helped with Lizzy's present. We go out to dinner from time to time."

"Does Aunt Catherine know?"

"God, no. Mother can be pretty clueless about some things. Dad understands. He isn't crazy about it."

"Because they're gay?"

"No. It's just that he'd like to see me in a relationship that could become more than a friendship."

"Does he know about Richard?"

"Yes, he-oh, man, does everyone know? I thought your brother could keep his big mouth shut."

"It shows, Anne. Lizzy knows, too. While you and Richard and I were trying to set up Will and Lizzy, Will and Lizzy and I were trying to set up you and Richard."

"Well, I'm glad that one of your projects worked out."

"I wish I could help. Oh, Anne, and you've been waiting for him all this time."

"It was never a conscious decision to wait for him. It's just that nobody has come along to make me not want to wait for him." Anne sighed. "But this isn't helping your problem."

"Actually, it did help. I always think of you as being so confident and all. It helps to know that people who seem to have it all under control are as messed up underneath as I am."

"You've guessed it. I'm a disaster deep down inside. The confidence is an act. But Georgie, don't do that with Chris. Don't pretend to know more than you do or be more certain than you are. Trust him, and tell him how you feel."

"Why can't you do that with Richard?"

"Big difference. You know Chris cares for you. You started out with a dating relationship and moved on from there. Richard and I, well, we have a long history of sibling-like behavior. He sees me as someone to tease, not someone to love."

Anne picked up the wine bottle and saw that it was empty. "Oops! All gone. I think that's a sign that I should be going."

After she left the Darcy apartment, Anne stood in the foyer for a minute, staring at the door to Richard's apartment. She considered joining the boys and showing off that she did, in fact, know the rules of basketball, having played in school, and been a longtime secret Knicks fan. Then she thought better of it, deciding that anything she did would only give Richard more ammunition to tease her with. Sighing, she hit the 'down' button and waited for the elevator.

May 5

Darcy looked at the table with a doubtful expression. "That's all we're having for lunch? Maybe I should have asked Mrs. R to make up a care package."

"Will! They've been facing nonstop food for a week. They won't be very hungry."

"But I'm hungry. I got a lot of exercise this morning."

Lizzy giggled, "Nobody said you had to run so far."

He grinned wickedly as he closed the space between them, "I didn't mean my run. Although building up my endurance is important."

Their kiss was interrupted by the sound of luggage banging its way through the door to the apartment.

"We're home!"

"Jane!" Lizzy ran to her sister and hugged her. "You look great! Nice tan. And Charles, look at you in your island shirt. Hey, your hair looks a shade lighter."

Charles kissed Lizzy on the cheek. "Thanks again for giving me your ticket. We had a great time."

"That's OK. I had a pretty good week myself."

Jane's suitcases were placed on her bed, souvenirs were extracted and distributed, and then everyone sat down to lunch.

"Not more food!" groaned Charles. "I don't need to eat for a week."

"Food!" said Jane. "I almost forgot. Lizzy, here are menus and some other stuff from the cruise. And here's our picture from formal night."

Lizzy looked at the photograph. "You two look wonderful. Will, isn't this a good picture?"

"Excellent. You'll have to get a nice silver frame for it. Start a collection." Darcy handed the photograph to Jane and excused himself for a moment. He returned with a glossy brochure and handed it to Lizzy.

"Ooh! How beautiful! Jane, look, it's the QE2. Will promised me a cruise to make up for missing ours."

"The itineraries are listed in the back. I checked a few that I like, but it's your choice."

"Hmmm," Lizzy was still enjoying the pictures of life at sea, especially the one that showed a couple dancing on deck in the moonlight.

"A cruise would make a good honeymoon," Darcy remarked casually.

"I don't think so," replied Charles. "We just got back from this cruise."

"I think he means us," said Lizzy, holding up her left hand.

"Lizzy!" cried Jane, as she jumped out of her chair and ran to her sister. "Oh, I'm so happy for you!"

"Congratulations!" Charles reached across the table to shake Darcy's hand.

"What did Mom and Dad say?" asked Jane.

"Dad wasn't at all surprised. Mom doesn't know."

"Why not?"

Lizzy explained their reasons for keeping the information private for a little while. Then she moved on to the topic of an engagement party for Charles and Jane. Darcy immediately offered the use of his apartment, but Lizzy declined.

"No. Caroline would take over and use the party as an excuse to visit the apartment three times a day. Do you want to go through that? Do you want to subject poor Mrs. R to that? No offense, Charles, but Caroline can be relentless. Louisa is nice, though."

"Caro has always walked all over Lou and me. Maybe Lou has reached her limit. It's about time, I'd say."

Chapter 80

Posted on Monday, 17 June 2002

May 7

Mrs. Reynolds stood at the door to the dining room. "Excuse me, Mr. Darcy, Carlton just called. Your cousin's car is here."

"Thank you, Mrs. R. Ready, Lizzy?"

"I guess so. Do you have everything you need?"

"Yes."

"Briefcase?"

"Yes."

"Clothes?"

"Right here." Darcy picked up his garment bag.

"Did you pack enough shirts?"

"Yes, and if I didn't, there is such a thing as a hotel laundry service. And Boston does have its share of department stores." Seeing Lizzy's frown, Darcy laughed. "I have done this before, you know, Love."

"I know," sighed Lizzy as they got into the elevator. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you, too." Darcy pulled her close for their usual occupation in the elevator. Before they reached the lobby, Lizzy pulled back and removed a small package from the pocket of her jacket.

"Here. It's a small engagement present for you." She tucked it into his jacket pocket. "Open it when you get to the hotel."

The elevator doors opened, and they stepped into the lobby. Carlton held the front door and they walked to Lewis deBourgh's limo. Anne was seated in the back, and slid over to make room for Darcy and Lizzy.

"Good morning, Darce. Morning, Lizzy."

"Hi, Anne. Thanks for dropping me off at work."

"No problem. That's the beauty of private planes. No check-in deadlines."

"It sounds decadent. I wish I could go with you."

"No," said Anne with a wry smile, "You wish you could go with Darce."

Anne looked tactfully out the side window as Lizzy kissed Darcy goodbye. After the chauffeur closed the car door, Darcy sighed as he watched Lizzy walk to the museum entrance.

"It's only a few days, Darce."

"I know. I promise not to pine and sigh in your presence."

"Thank you."

"Mrs. R?"

The housekeeper turned around and set down the dishtowel. "Georgiana! I thought you'd left already."

"I'm leaving in a few minutes. I wanted to talk to you about this week. With Will gone, let's keep suppers simple. I have finals to study for, so make light things and we can eat in the kitchen."

"You don't intend to live on soda and potato chips while you study, do you?"

"No, of course not. But don't spend time on fancy meals for just us. Take advantage of Will's trip to have an easy week. In fact, you'll have one night off. I'm planning to study with Kitty and spend the night there tomorrow night."

"That's nice. I'll make some cookies for you to take over with you."

"Um, thanks. I have to go. See you tonight."

"Is there anything I can do for you, sir?"

"No, that will be all." Darcy tipped the bellman, who left the suite and closed the door behind him.

"Nice digs," said Anne, looking around the living room. She wandered to the bar. "Ooh, fresh cookies! Does every guest get this treatment?"

"I don't know. I've spent a great deal of money here over the past year, so they're very nice to me. Goodies like that just pop up from time to time."

"The next time you come to Boston, bring Lizzy. She would love this place."

"I don't spend much time in the suite. I usually have so much to do that I get back here and just fall into bed. I'll be out for dinner tonight, but I have tomorrow free. Let me know if you'll be available, and I'll make reservations somewhere."

"Let me call Marcus and see what he has planned."

Darcy went into his bedroom and unpacked. After freshening up in the bathroom, he was about to put on his suit jacket when something crinkled. He removed Lizzy's gift from his pocket and opened it. Nestled in the tissue paper was a linen handkerchief. On it, Lizzy had embroidered his initials, in an elegant cipher design. In the opposite corner was her signature stingless wasp. Then he noticed that the wasp was in the middle of a golden circle. No, not a circle. An engagement ring. He tucked the handkerchief into his breast pocket, adjusting it to show off the monogram. Then he took his organizer out of his briefcase and sent Lizzy a brief message.

When he finished, Anne was about ready to leave for her appointments.

"Ready to go, Darce?"

"Yes, just about."

"Good. Our schedules seem to be in sync. I'm free for dinner tomorrow, but busy tonight. So don't wait up for me!"

Lizzy stared at the telephone on her desk, willing Darcy to call, when her computer beeped.

"Ooh! I've got mail!"

She opened the message, and laughed. Obviously, he had sent the message from his personal organizer. It was short and to the point.

Arrived BOS OK. Tx for hanky. Miss U!
Love,
W

Lizzy replied in kind, hoping he would have a chance to pickup messages.

Miss U 2!
XOXOXO,
L

She was about to get some coffee when her computer beeped again. She ran back to her desk and opened the message.

Miss U more!
XXXXX,
W

Anne unlocked the door to the suite. She could see that lights were on in Darcy's bedroom, so she called out, "Honey, I'm home!"

Darcy emerged from his room, clad in a hotel bathrobe and toweling his hair. "Hi. Did you have a good day, Dear?"

"Long day, but good." She clutched her chest. "Damn, you could give a girl a heart attack, answering the door like that. You're so handsome, why didn't I fall in love with you?"

"Because I wouldn't have been the interesting challenge that Richard is?"

"You're probably right. I am such a masochist!"

"Even a masochist doesn't want to hear a description of my long and boring day. So tell me about yours."

"OK. Did you leave me any cookies?"

"Yes, the plate is right where it was this morning."

"Mmm, good." Anne dropped onto the sofa and sighed, "Ooh, comfy. Marcus and I had a good time getting caught up. You know, industry gossip-who's looking to move, who got a promotion, that kind of stuff, which I won't bore you with. And we looked at the painting. I think they can clean it without doing any further damage."

"Couldn't their own people determine that? Marcus, or someone?"

"Insurance likes an outside opinion. The damage wasn't as bad as they thought at first. But you always worry that something like this could undermine the integrity of the original paint. But I think it will hold up. What is wrong with this world? I will never understand acts of vandalism."

"Did they catch the person who threw the ink?"

"Yes, they caught him."

"Why did he do it?"

Anne shrugged, "Just a nut as far as anyone can tell. Sad, really. On a lighter note, did you call home?"

"Yes, I talked to Mrs. R. Georgie was out at an exam. I messaged back and forth with Lizzy between meetings, and I talked to her before I went down to the gym."

"Ah, the gym. Hence the shower, which I guess would have been cold?"

"Cold?"

"Exercise and cold showers. Isn't that the prescription for frustrated lovers?"

"You-" Darcy stopped short before he said 'You ought to know.' Instead he said, "You read too many novels!"

May 8

Georgie took two iced coffees to a table and sat down. She didn't have to wait long. Kitty arrived and flopped into a chair.

"Whew! Glad that one is over. Only one more exam to go."

"Today was my last. Um, Kitty, remember we talked about you covering for me?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I told Mrs. R that I'd be spending the night with you tonight. If she calls, she's supposed to use my cell number. She probably won't call at all, but if she does call your place, we're studying and I'll call her back. OK?"

"Sure, no problem."

"I can't stay long. Chris and I are going to celebrate by seeing a matinee."

"What are you seeing?"

"I don't know. It's Chris's turn to choose."

"Well have fun, honey. At the movie and, um tonight."

"Oh, God, Kitty, don't make it sound like that. Now I feel like I should be singing 'Say a Prayer for Me Tonight.'"

"What's that?"

"It's a song Gigi sings when she agrees to let what's-his-name-Gustav? Gaston?-take care of her-beautifully. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge."

"Georgie! You make it sound like you're turning into what's-her-name in the opera. Not Camille, but the Camille character."

Georgie leaned back in her chair and coughed dramatically. "At least I'm dating a med student. Maybe he can cure my consumption!"

Giggling, the two young women left the coffee shop. Outside, Kitty hugged Georgie and whispered "Good luck!"

Lizzy and Jane rode up the escalator to the lobby. They passed the registration desk and found the concierge desk, where Louisa was answering a guest's questions. She smiled quickly at Jane and then returned her attention to the young woman who was holding a subway map.

Louisa stood up and walked out from behind the desk. She hugged Jane and turned to shake Lizzy's hand.

"Hello, Lizzy, I'm pleased to meet you."

"Hi, Louisa, nice to meet you."

"Thanks for coming down to my hotel. I thought it might be nice to eat here. Have you been to the Hudson before?"

"No, it's, um, surprising," said Lizzy. "The outside looks old, except for the center part. And then when you get in here, all this brickwork looks old. And the little courtyard makes you forget you're in a large building."

"Well, come sit down and we can talk."

They were seated immediately, and looked over the menus for a few minutes. Louisa made a few suggestions, and then the waitress arrived to take their orders.

"I feel a little funny about this," said Louisa. "The party idea was originally Caroline's, but she saw it as an excuse to invite her clients and spring a trap for William Darcy."

"Will?" gasped Lizzy.

"I'm sorry, I thought you knew about her pursuit of Mr. Darcy."

"Don't be embarrassed. I did know about it, but after the opera, I thought she'd figure it out."

"So did I, but hope springs eternal and all that. I'm trying to head Caroline off before she makes a fool of herself. And I don't want her to do that at your expense, Jane."

"Thanks, Louisa. I'm pleased that you want to do this party for us. It means a lot to Charles that you're working together on it. What do you need me to do?"

"As the guest of honor, all you need to do is show up," laughed Louisa. "We'll do the work. The only other thing we need, beyond your presence at the actual event, is a guest list. Work on Charles to get some names, too."

"I can do that."

"It will be good practice for planning the wedding," said Lizzy.

"Don't remind me," Jane groaned. "Mom has a list of 300 people for the wedding so far."

Lizzy laughed. "Don't worry, Janie. Dad is letting her blow off steam. He'll reel her in before she can spend that kind of money."

Anne and Darcy were shown to a window table in the exclusive French restaurant. "Very nice," said Darcy as they were seated. They ordered drinks and read the menus.

"Some day," said Anne, "I'm going to go to a French restaurant and order French toast, French fries, and anything else like that."

"Not here, Anne, please. They know me here. Don't embarrass me."

"Oh, all right. I'll be good." Anne looked at her cousin, and noticed the square of linen in his pocket.

"Hey, nice hanky. Is that hand-embroidered?"

"Yes, it is. Lizzy did it."

"Aww, a little token of love to take on your travel to keep you from pining."

"Speaking of pining, any progress with Richard?"

"No. I can't figure him out sometimes. He can go from serious to flip like that." Anne snapped her finger.

"So, were the earrings serious or flip?"

"What earrings?"

"The ones Richard bought for you. You're wearing them."

"How did you know about that? Did he say anything?"

"No he didn't, but I have my methods. I figured it out from the conversation at Aunt Sue's party."

"Well, since you're so smart, what do you think he meant?"

"I don't know, Anne. That's why I'm asking you."

Anne shrugged, "I ran into him at the museum. He had bought earrings for Aunt Sue. We had lunch, and I let him finish my cake, and he bought me a pair of the earrings. For all I know, he went back to the shop to take another stab at getting the saleswoman's number, although he swears he didn't."

Anne made light of the situation, but Darcy could see the hurt look in her eyes. He reached across the table and took her hand in his. "I wish there was something I could do, Anne. Maybe I should talk to him."

"No! Please, I'd be too embarrassed. You really want to help? Get engaged. Then we could have a party to celebrate, and since Richard will try to take credit for it, well, it might get him thinking."

"You know I want to help, but if I get engaged, it will be because I want to marry Lizzy, not because I want to promote your relationship with Richard."

"Hey, I'm not asking to be the central focus. I'll settle for being a side benefit."

"How about a glass of wine?" Chris held up a bottle.

"Ooh, champagne!" squealed Georgie.

"I thought tonight is worth celebrating. It probably isn't as good as the kind you drink at home."

"That's all right." She paused, then grinned wickedly, "Hey, are you trying to get me drunk so that I won't back out?"

Chris handed Georgie a glass. "If you have any doubts, now might be a good time to discuss them."

She shook her head. "No, I'm OK. A little nervous, maybe."

Chris clinked his glass against hers, "Me too." He put his arm around her and pulled her close. They sipped the wine and snuggled for a while.

Finally, Chris took the glass from Georgie's hand and set it down. He slipped his hand behind her neck, lowered his head to hers and kissed her. After a few minutes, he felt her tremble, and he realized that she was crying.

"Georgie, Honey, what is it?"

"I can't," she sniffed. "All of a sudden, I just, I don't know, I thought I could, but I can't."

"Shh," Chris said, holding her gently while she sobbed against his chest. "It's all right.

"I'm so sorry."

"Shhh, it's all right." Chris rocked her gently as she cried. He pulled back and stood up. "I'll be right back."

He returned with a box of tissues. "Here, cry it out if you need to."

"I'm sorry, Chris. I feel like the worst sort of tease."

"No you aren't." Chris held the hand that wasn't full of wet tissues.

"George said I was a tease, that I had flirted and led him on and that I had no right to say no." Chris hadn't thought Georgie could cry any harder, but she did. He pulled her into his arms again.

"Georgie, you're not all the awful things he said you were. He's a despicable beast and I hope they never let him out of prison. If he ever comes up for parole, I'll go talk to them and they'll never let him out."

Georgie continued to sniffle and whimper. Chris grabbed a handful of fresh tissues and handed them to her. "Here. Just drop the old ones on the floor. There you go," he said soothingly.

"I hate that man for what he did to you, how he has taken away your ability to enjoy something so beautiful. He robbed you of your innocence, your trust in people, your confidence, so many things. But you're getting yourself back together. It takes time. Dr. Lucas warned you that the old memories could pop up from time to time. You just need to learn to deal with them. You've come so far, Honey, don't let tonight set you back. It will be all right, I promise. I love you, Georgie. Georgie?"

Chris realized that she had stopped crying. "Georgie?" he repeated softly. He looked down and saw that she had cried herself to sleep. He looked at her tear-streaked face, thought of every curse word he had ever learned, and mentally applied them all to George Wickham.

Chris gently lowered Georgie to the sofa and stood up. He found a pillow for her head, and tucked a blanket around her. He picked up the champagne bottle, and wondered if it was ever acceptable to swig the contents from the bottle. So much for celebrating, he thought.

Georgie woke up and tried to figure out why she wasn't in her bed at home. When she realized that she was on the sofa in Chris's apartment, she remembered what had happened earlier. She sat up and looked around. Chris had left a night-light on. She looked over at the sleeping alcove, and saw his form on the bed. If only I hadn't been so stupid, I would be sleeping next to him now.

She walked over to the bed, and looked at Chris. Then she crossed the room to the window and looked out. Here and there, she could see lights on in some apartments. And in others, she could see the flicker of a room illuminated only by a television as someone stayed up for a late movie. She wondered what worries kept other insomniacs awake at two in the morning.

She felt strange being there in the middle of the night. Although she wasn't alone, she felt lonely. "Damn you, George Wickham, you are not going to ruin my life!" she whispered. Crossing the room, she picked up the pillow from the sofa and carried it to its usual place on the bed.

Chris rolled over and woke suddenly when he discovered that he wasn't alone in his bed. "Georgie?" he whispered.

"I'm awake," she answered.

"I'm sorry I left you on the sofa, but I was afraid you'd be scared if you woke up to find me carrying you to the bed."

"No, I'm the one who should apologize. I'm sorry about, well, you know, everything. And thanks for tucking me in."

Chris sat up, "Well, I'll take the sofa now."

"No, you don't have to do that."

"Georgie, Honey, there's a limit to-"

She reached out and grabbed his arm before he could get out of bed. "Stay."

"Georgie..."

"Stay. I was nervous all afternoon, and it built up until I panicked. But now I feel calm. I guess I cried my nerves away. Now I really am sure."

May 9

When Chris woke, the first sight that greeted his eyes was Georgie, sound asleep next to him. He sighed and slipped out of bed slowly, so that he wouldn't wake her. He poured himself a glass of water and walked to the window. Looking out, he thought of all the people that lived nearby that he would never meet. The odds of finding someone who was so special, so right, out of all those strangers, were astronomical. Yet he couldn't imagine not having found Georgie.

He yawned. It was way too early to get up, especially on a day when neither of them had an exam. So he got back into bed. Georgie murmured something in her sleep and snuggled close to him. He wrapped his arms around her and went back to sleep.

"This is fun," said Anne, "I'm so glad you suggested coming here for breakfast. I haven't been to Quincy Market in ages."

"Georgie used to love to come down here and just wander. It's great for people-watching in the summer. She used to take a pad with her, pick out a few people to watch, and then make up a story about them."

"She writes?"

"Just for her own pleasure, no intent to write the Great American Novel or anything like that. You should understand. You're very private about your artwork."

Anne stared down into her coffee cup.

"You're very good, you know. I have the painting you did for my parents. And the one you did for Mark and Erica is excellent."

"Don't say it. With my connections in the art world, etcetera, etcetera. It's something I do for myself. I fear it would lose its therapeutic value if I went public with it."

"I understand." Darcy glanced at his watch. "The shops will be opening soon. How about some retail therapy? I've never met a woman who could resist that!"

"Ooh! What a chauvinist you are!"

"Oh, please. I've seen your wallet. You have a credit card for every department store in North America."

"Ooh!" Anne stood up and stamped her foot. "I hate it when you're right."

Darcy stood up and gave her a little punch on the arm, "Funny, I always like it when I'm right."

Laughing, they walked to the other end of the market, and were about to go into a shop when Anne stopped. "Wait!"

"What is it?"

"Look. Isn't that too cute? Come on, I have to buy one." Anne led Darcy to a cart, where the vendor was hanging up T shirts.

"Good morning!" the young woman smiled at the couple. "Can I help you?"

"Yes," replied Anne. " I want one of those. Large, or maybe extra-large."

"For the gentleman?"

"Um, no. For someone about his size." Anne took the two shirts and ordered Darcy to turn around. She held the shirts against his back and conferred with the vendor.

"Are you done yet? I feel silly."

"Hush, Darce, or I'll make you try them on." Anne could feel him shudder as she held a shirt against his back. She turned to the vendor, "I'll take the extra large, just in case. He'll probably only wear it out on the boat or something like that and he'll want it loose and comfy."

"That's a good idea. It is preshrunk, but over time, there is a little additional shrinkage."

Anne pulled out her wallet and asked over her shoulder, "Darce, should I get one for you?"

"Thanks, but no. I wouldn't want to compete with Richard in a fashion contest."

Georgie woke up in Chris's arms, her head resting on his chest. She gently lifted herself up and looked at him, as if she could memorize his face. His eyes fluttered open.

"Hey," he said sleepily, "Watcha lookin' at?"

"You, of course. Do you know, you have very long eyelashes. Why do guys get long eyelashes, and girls always have to wear mascara?"

"I have no idea. Do you always worry about stuff like that in the morning?"

"No. This is an unusual morning, though."

"Yeah," Chris said softly, smiling. "Are you OK?"

"Uh-huh. Very OK. I'm sorry about last night."

"Shh. Don't even think about it. We didn't get the best start. But things got better later." He kissed her.

"Mmm, much better." She kissed him back.

Anne and Darcy stood in a store just a block from Quincy Market. He turned to Anne and asked, "What do you think?"

"I don't know. Men think it's sexy, but some women think they're uncomfortable."

"I think it's sexy."

"Hmm, and then there's the possessiveness about it, like a mark of ownership."

"But it doesn't have to be permanent. It can be removed."

"Well, if you're determined, I'd say that one."

"I like it, too. Good choice!"

Chris poked his head into the bathroom. "I'm going to run down to the corner for bagels. Can you make coffee?"

Georgie peeked out from behind the shower curtain and made a face at him. "Yes, I can make coffee. I am not entirely helpless, you know."

"Just checking."

"Sesame with butter!" she yelled as he closed the bathroom door.

By the time Chris returned, Georgie was dressed and searching for coffee mugs. She had set the small table with Chris's mismatched dishes, suppressing a desire to run directly to Macy's to upgrade his tableware.

"Hi Honey, I'm home! Wow! I have always wanted to say that."

Georgie giggled, "Ooh, I missed you so much while you were gone!"

"Good! Let's eat."

She unwrapped the bagels and set them on the plates. He held her chair as she sat down, kissed her, then sat down across from her. He lifted his coffee mug and clinked it against hers.

"I love you, Georgie."

"I love you, too, Chris."

Continued In Next Section