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Chapter 81

Posted on Monday, 24 June 2002

still May 9

Georgie hung up the telephone and turned to Chris. "Dr. Lucas is booked solid today, and since it isn't an emergency, I made an appointment for tomorrow."

"It feels a bit odd, you talking to her about us."

"I have all along. I thought you knew that."

"Yeah, well, when it was just 'maybe' it didn't bother me. Now that we've actually, um..."

"Silly! I won't go into detail. But I want her to know how happy I am. I didn't think it was possible. It's like I just dropkicked George Wickham out of my life. Thanks for being so patient with me, Chris."

"You're worth the wait." Seeing Georgie's blush, he added. "No, I didn't mean that the way you think. I mean I'm glad I didn't rush you. The reward, well part of the reward, is seeing you so happy."

"I can't remember being this happy. My face hurts from smiling. I feel like everyone will know, just by looking at me. And guess what? I don't care who knows!"

"Even the Spanish Inquisition?"

Georgie's face fell. "Oh, right. Will."

"Oh, Honey, I didn't mean to kill your good mood. When does he get home? We'll talk to him together. I don't want you to be on the rack on your own. And maybe if we can have Lizzy there, that'll help. Here, have one of Mrs. R's cookies. That will make you feel better."

Chris opened the container of cookies and stared at them for a minute.

"What's wrong?" asked Georgie. "You look as if you've never seen cookies before."

"Weren't these supposedly for Kitty?"

"Yes."

"But they're oatmeal raisin. Kitty's favorite is chocolate chip. I thought Mrs. R knew that."

"She does. It's amazing how she can remember who likes what."

"So why did she make my favorite for Kitty?"

Georgie shrugged, "I don't know...Oh! Do you think she guessed?"

Lizzy was doodling EBD on a scratch pad when the telephone on her desk rang.

"Elizabeth, uh, Bennet."

"Are you sure?"

"Will! I was just thinking about you!"

"And the thought of me made you forget who you are?"

"No, I was just daydreaming, and I nearly answered the phone Elizabeth Darcy."

"Hmm, I like the sound of that."

"Me too."

"I have some time between meetings, so I thought I'd let you know my plans for tomorrow."

"Do they include me?"

"Absolutely!"

"Good!"

"I'll be done tomorrow morning, and Anne should wrap up her appointments just before lunch. We should be back mid-afternoon. Can you get off work a little early? I could have Anne drop me off at your place."

"I don't know if I can get out early tomorrow. And my place is no good. Jane and Charles are having dinner with Mom and Dad to talk about wedding plans, so she'll be home getting dressed for that. I'll see you at your place after work."

"After work?"

"Yes."

"Not earlier?"

"No, sorry."

"Lizzeeeee."

"Don't whine, Will. CEOs do not whine."

"No, CEOs are accustomed to giving orders. But somehow, I thought that would not be a good approach here."

"Clever fellow!"

"If whining won't work, how is begging? I could-hold on a minute."

Lizzy chuckled as she listened to the sound of a muffled conversation, wondering how much of the conversation the colleague had heard.

"Lizzy? Sorry, I was interrupted. I have to go. I will be waiting at the apartment, counting the seconds until you arrive. I love you!"

"Love you too, Will!"

Georgie arrived home at lunchtime and found Mrs. Reynolds in the kitchen.

"I'm home!"

"Hello, Georgiana. How was the exam?"

"The exam? Oh, right. Pretty easy."

"Mmm hmm."

Georgie watched the housekeeper layer pasta, sauce and cheese. "Is that for tonight?"

"Yes. I got carried away, so I'll make up several pans and freeze some."

"Don't you usually make it in larger pans?"

"I thought this would be a good size for you and Chris. Does he have an oven, or just a microwave?"

"He has an oven. It's small, but I think it works." She paused, trying to decide what to say next. Oh, well, better just bite the bullet. "You made oatmeal raisin cookies."

"Mmm hmm." Mrs. Reynolds sliced more mozzarella.

"But Chris is the one who likes oatmeal raisin."

"Mmm hmm." She reached for the container of oregano.

"But-you knew! How did you know?"

"You were so careful about explaining how I should call your cell phone, not Kitty's home number, that I got suspicious. Add to that you brother is away this week, and how nervous you seemed, I just had a hunch."

"You're amazing. You know everything."

Mrs. Reynolds smiled. She wiped her hands and walked over to Georgie, putting her hands on the young woman's shoulders. "And how are you?"

"I am so happy! Even if you hadn't figured it out already, I probably would have burst from not telling you."

"I'm glad you're happy. You deserve to be happy."

"Thanks. Um, you won't tell Will on me, will you?"

"No, that is between you and your brother."

"Thanks, Mrs. R! You're the best! Since you know, I think I'll stay with Chris again tonight, OK?"

"I expected that. Now, grate some Parmesan on the top of these and we'll pack up one for you to take to his apartment."

Georgie grabbed the cheese and the grater. As she worked, she said, "That would be wonderful. I can pick up salad stuff and bread on the way. I'll call Chris. And then I better send Will an email, so that he doesn't call me."

Darcy sat at the desk in the suite and opened his notebook. He plugged everything in and reviewed the notes he'd made during his meetings. After a half hour of making annotations, he opened his email software and checked his mail. There were several messages from work, one from his sister, and one from Lizzy. He decided to save the best for last, so he started with work, then went on to Georgie's message.

Hi Will!

Finished my last exam (hurrah!). And guess what? I aced Nineteenth Cent America! (hurrah, or to be more in the period, huzzah!) I wonder if Dr. Michaels saw me chatting with Mr. Bennet, and figured he could give no less to a friend of a major expert on the Civil War! Expecting good news on English Lit, too.

Going out to dinner with Chris tonight to celebrate the end of exams, so don't bother to call.

Say Hi to Anne for me. See you tomorrow!

Love,
G

He smiled as he typed his reply.

Hi Sweetie,

Congrats on the good grades. That's my girl! Hope the rest turn out as well. (Not that I have any doubts)

Tell Mrs. R I'll be home mid afternoon tomorrow.

Love,
W

Chris ran down to the door to meet Georgie as she arrived.

"My God, what is all that?"

"Dinner."

"Are we having guests?"

"No! But I bought a few things."

"Such as?"

"You'll see. Here, carry this bag." Georgie put a shopping bag in his hands and they climbed up to Chris's apartment.

"I should have picked you up. Did you haul all of this on the subway?"

"No, most of it I bought nearby." Georgie set the lasagna on the top of the stove and peeked inside the oven. "Hmm, not bad."

"What's not bad?"

"The inside of the oven. It does work, right? I mean, you have used it?"

"Yeah. Not a lot, but it seems to work all right."

"Good. How do you turn it on?"

"You're kidding. I mean, I know you have a housekeeper, but you don't know how to turn on an oven?"

"Don't be such a smarty-pants, Mister Carter. I don't know how to turn on this oven. Does it have electronic ignition?"

"Honey, my car doesn't even have that." Chris struck a match and lit the oven. "There. How hot?"

"Three-fifty."

"How long does it take?"

"About forty-five minutes."

"Good, we'll just pop this into the oven and find something to do in the meantime." He closed the oven door and turned to Georgie. He kissed her and murmured, "I have some ideas."

Georgie giggled, "I still have to make the salad."

"Doesn't take forty-five minutes. Maybe five, tops."

"Chris, mmmm, set, mmmm, table."

"Two minutes. That gets us down to, um thirty-eight minutes. Come on, woman, time's a-wastin'!"

"You're such a romantic!" Georgie laughed as Chris picked her up and carried her the short distance to the bed.

Darcy poured himself a drink and opened Lizzy's message.

Dear Mr. Darcy,

I miss you!

Just a reminder, check your organizer to make sure that you have Sat night's play and party in there. This is Lydia's big moment, and Dad said he'd allow the party only if I drag you and G along. Oh, and Chris is invited, too. I'll email G about it.

Did I mention that I miss you?

Jane just got a huge email from Mom, listing caterers and florists, plus a schedule of when decisions need to me made. I had to apologize to Jane for buying Mom that calendar/planner software! Eloping is starting to sound good. ;-)

And in case I forgot to mention it, I miss you!

See you tomorrow,

XOXOXOXOX,
L

Darcy smiled as he read Lizzy's email. He had suspected that Lizzy's description of her mother's raptures over weddings was exaggerated. Now he was beginning to believe that she hadn't been joking. He opened a new message and began to type.

Dear Miss Bennet,

Received your reminder, and yes, the play and party are on my social calendar. Is this a black-tie event, or should we wear our matching biker leathers?

Miss you, too!

I noticed that you wrote "Eloping is starting to sound good." Is this Jane's opinion or yours? If the latter, I will consult my organizer again in search of appropriate dates. ;-))

Love,
W

Chris nudged Georgie, "Hey, don't fall asleep. We haven't had dinner yet."

"I know," she sighed. "But I'm so comfortable."

"I'm hungry. That lasagna is starting to smell wonderful. I'll go open the wine." Chris got out of bed and put on a pair of jeans. Georgie found his T-shirt and put it on.

He turned around to hand her a glass of wine and gasped, "Wow! If that's all you're going to wear, it won't matter what we have for dinner. I'll never notice!"

Georgie accepted the glass and smiled. "Go sit on the sofa and admire me from a distance while I finish dinner."

Chris did as he was told, and Georgie made salads, sliced bread, and set the table. She managed to find potholders, and took the pan of lasagna from the oven. She looked around and frowned.

"What's wrong?"

"Do you have anything to put this on so it doesn't hurt the table? Never mind, I'll just serve it here." She removed two plates from the cabinet. "Dinner's ready."

Chris held her chair, kissed her, and sat down across from her. He stared at the table as if he'd never seen it before. "What's this?"

"What?"

"The table."

"Oh, I went into that dollar store and bought candles, and then I realized you didn't have any holders, and then I saw the silverware-Oh. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get carried away."

"No, don't apologize."

Georgie looked down at her plate and poked at her lasagna.

"What's wrong, Georgie?"

"I shouldn't have presumed. It's just that, well, most of your silverware is plastic, and the stuff that isn't doesn't match. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to take over like that. I don't want you to think that I'm trying to domesticate you or move in on your space."

"Ah, I see. You think I'm going to be frightened by a little nesting? Honey, it would take a lot more than some dollar-store silverware to scare me. Now, if it was sterling, I might be a bit anxious."

Georgie relaxed. "I just wanted to make dinner a bit special."

"And you did. This is nice. Really."

"Then, um, would you mind if I bought some dishes? There's this really cool place on Broadway..."

"Sure, dishes that match would be a novelty. But no drapes, no slipcover for the sofa, no new bedspread, OK?"

Georgie nodded, "OK."

"Good, now eat your dinner."

May 10

Lizzy was delighted to find that she could manage to get out of work early. She let herself into the Darcy apartment, using the key Darcy had given her when they became engaged. As she stepped inside, she was surprised to hear singing.

"I'm as corny as Kansas in August,
High as a flag on the Fourth of July.
If you'll excuse the expression I use,
I'm in love with a wonderful guy."

Lizzy watched as Georgie waltzed around the living room, singing,

"I'm in love,
I'm in love,
I'm in love,
I'm in love,
I'm in love with a wonderf-" *

"Lizzy! When did you come in?"

Lizzy grinned, "Somewhere around the middle. What has you in such a good mood?"

"Um, everything. Exams are over."

"Exams."

"Uh huh. And I checked my grade in that history class, and I aced it."

"Good grades. And this has you singing about a wonderful guy?"

"OK, well, Chris is part of it, too, of course. And my birthday is coming up, and graduation, and my house party. So I'm just generally happy."

"Hence a medley of Rogers and Hammerstein."

"Not exactly. It's waltzes. Before you got here, I was singing a different one. Do you now this one?"

"I woke up singing this morning,
Got out on the right side of bed.
I woke up singing this morning,
And wondering what was ahead.
I took a good look at the sun,
And was I the luckiest one!

It's a most unusual day.
Feel like throwing my worries away.
As an old native-born Californian would say,
It's a most unusual day."

Laughing, Lizzy joined hands with Georgie and they waltzed and sang together.

"There's a most unusual sky,
Not a sign of a cloud passing by.
And if I want to sing, throw my heart in the ring,
Well, there's only one thing to say.
It's a most unusual, most unusual, most unusual day!"**

Georgie and Lizzy collapsed on the sofa, laughing.

"Why isn't Mrs. R out here watching our gala performance?" asked Lizzy.

"She's gone out shopping. Stuff for dinner, I guess. Oh! And I have to run. Sorry, but I guess you don't mind waiting for Will all alone?"

"I'll survive."

Charlotte Lucas smiled at her patient. What a long way Georgie had come!

"I'm very happy for you, Georgie."

"It was just amazing. It was like I said 'Get out of here!' and he went away." Georgie snapped her fingers for emphasis. "I feel so confident, so sure. I don't know how to describe it; it's almost like being let out of prison or something. And once George was out of my head, I wasn't afraid any more. And Chris was so sweet to me. He has been very patient. I really do love him, Dr. Lucas"

"What about your brother? Are you going to tell him?

"Eventually."

"Remember, you thought about this step for some time. He wasn't part of that process, so this is going to be a huge surprise for him. So don't be upset if he isn't immediately supportive. I think he will come around, but give him time to get over the shock. Does Lizzy know?"

"No, although if she thinks about how giddy I was this afternoon, she may figure it out."

"Will she tell your brother?"

"No, I don't think so, although she'll probably try to convince me to tell him."

"I think it's best if you do tell him soon. Give him the opportunity to show he trusts your judgment. Now, I don't want to rain on your parade, but you need to know that this euphoria won't last indefinitely. When you come back down to Earth and life seems mundane again, don't let that make you feel disappointed."

"I think I understand. But right now, I feel invincible. I wish I'd thought to tell George to get out of my life earlier."

"It wasn't as simple as that. You were ready to tell him to go away. That's why it worked. He still may creep back, you know."

"Creep. Good word for him. I know that it isn't all behind me. But I feel better than I've felt in a year and a half." Georgie jumped up and hugged Charlotte. "Thank you for helping me get here, Dr. Lucas."

Lizzy sat in the kitchen, talking with Mrs. Reynolds.

"So do you think they have it all in hand?"

"Yes. Georgiana and Kitty worked out all the menus, the guest list, activities, entertainment, even assigned guest rooms. Georgiana and I have been on the phone with the housekeeper out at Matlock. You'll like Mrs. Clark. She and her husband pretty much run the place, hiring day help as needed when the family is there. When the children were young, there was much more staff. The children and their mothers would spend the whole summer there, with the fathers commuting some days and always coming out for weekends. That was when Mr. Darcy's grandparents lived there."

"I'm eager to see the place. Will has talked about his summers there. He said there are cottages, too? Are those rented out?"

"Oh, no. The Fitzwilliams-the grandparents, that is-had the three cottages built so that each of their children would have an individual house." The housekeeper smiled. "I recall that it was not unusual for the grandchildren all to stay at the main house, and their parents would spend their weekends in the cottages."

Lizzy chucked, "Sounds like a good arrangement. Something for everyone. I know that Will would like to stay in one of the cottages, but we really need to stay at the main house if we're chaperones."

"I don't know. I believe the plan is for a girls' cottage, a boys' cottage, and couples in the main house."

"You'll be out there, too, right?"

"Oh, yes. Betsy Clark and I are looking forward to doing this party together."

"Oh, surely you aren't doing it all?"

"No, she knows the local caterers, and we'll be mainly supervising, which means keeping the waiters out of the wine cellars."

The deBourgh limo pulled up in front of Darcy's building. Darcy was about to get out of the car when Anne handed him a package.

"Here, give this to Richard for me."

"Why don't you come up and give it to him yourself?"

"No, he won't be home yet, and, um, I don't want to be in the way at your place."

"Hmm? Oh, no. Lizzy won't be there yet."

"Well, I'd prefer to go home. Just drop it off at his place, please?"

Darcy kissed her on the cheek, "Very well, then. We'll see you on Sunday, right?"

"Oh, yes, who could resist twenty blocks of food? I love the food festival. The way I figure it, if you're walking while you're eating, you burn the calories."

"There's a flaw in that logic somewhere, I fear. Oh well, see you Sunday."

"Bye, Darce. Thanks for the plane ride."

Lizzy was still in the kitchen when she heard the sound of the door opening. She bolted out of the kitchen, calling for Darcy. He barely had time to drop his bags and briefcase before Lizzy hurled herself at him.

"Oof!" he grabbed her around the waist and swung her around. Setting her back on her feet, he bent down and kissed her.

"Mmmph...missed you...mmmm."

"Mmmm...good...mmmm...be home."

They continued in this manner for a while, and then Darcy remembered that they were still standing in the hallway.

"Where's everyone else?"

"Georgie is out, and Mrs. R is tactfully hiding in the laundry room."

Darcy laughed, and reached into the shopping bag he had dropped on the floor. He pulled out a tin of tea and took it to the kitchen.

"Mrs. R! I got you your Boston Harbour Tea!"

"Oh, thank you Mr. Darcy. How was your trip?"

"Very good, except that it kept me away from here."

"Would you like some coffee or tea? A snack?"

"No thanks."

"Right, then I have some things to do in my room, if you'll excuse me."

"Certainly."

Lizzy smiled as the housekeeper retreated into her suite off the kitchen. "She is the soul of tact," she whispered.

"Yes, she is. I missed you, Lizzy."

"You did?"

"I did, indeed."

"How much?"

"Well, I was hoping to show you."

"Yes, please!"

"Then come here and I'll show you your souvenir."

"What is it?"

"Come see." Darcy took her by the hand, picked up the shopping bag and led her to the bedroom.

Lizzy sat on the bed. "Well? Where is it?"

"Here." He handed her a box. She opened it and smiled.

"Oh, Will, it's lovely. And you even had time to get my name engraved."

"Look on the back."

"Oh! 'With love from WD.' It's perfect!"

He took her foot, slipped her shoe off and sat down with her foot resting on his thigh. He carefully draped the delicate chain around her ankle and fastened the clasp. He kissed her instep and then tickled the bottom of her foot.

"Hey!" She pulled her foot away. Lying back, she raised her leg straight up and admired the ankle bracelet.

Darcy stretched out next to her. "So you like it?"

"Yes, I do. It's a very sexy thing. I've never worn one."

"You're supposed to keep it on all the time, you know. Even, ahem, when you aren't wearing anything else."

Lizzy adopted a wide-eyed innocent look. "Really?" she asked.

"Really." He replied."

Carlton held the door open for Georgie. She smiled at him, "Hi, Carlton, did my brother get home yet?"

"Yes, miss. The car dropped him off about an hour ago."

"An hour?"

"More or less."

"That should be enough time. Thanks." Grinning, Georgie entered the elevator.

When she got home, Georgie found Lizzy and Darcy on the terrace. She greeted her brother, and turned to go back into the apartment when Darcy stopped her.

"Stay, Georgie, have a glass of wine with us."

"Oh, OK. Thanks. I'll go get a glass."

"The box on the coffee table is for you," Darcy called after her. He watched her scoop up the box on the run, and smiled when he heard her squeal.

"Whatever it is, she likes it," remarked Lizzy.

A few minutes later, Georgie returned, glass in hand. She hugged her brother and said, "They're so cute! Thank you!" Then she turned to Lizzy. Pushing her hair back, she said, "See? Lobsters!"

Tiny silver lobsters dangled from ear wires. Darcy smiled, "That was Anne's idea. Actually, they're charms. She suggested buying them and putting them on wires. She bought a lobster and a lobster trap to make one of her mis-matched pairs."

"Very cute idea," said Lizzy. She held up her foot. "See my present?"

"Ooh! That's a very sexy gift. You're supposed to keep it on all the time. It's sort of a sign of ownership." Georgie turned to her brother, "Was Anne with you when you bought this?"

"Yes, she helped me choose one."

"And she didn't give you a feminist rant?"

Darcy laughed, "Come to think of it, she didn't. But she had already humiliated me by holding up T-shirts to estimate size. Oh! That reminds me. I have to deliver Richard's T-shirt. Be right back."

Georgie and Lizzy watched him go. He returned a minute later. "Richard isn't home, so I left the package at his doorstep. So, Georgie, how are things shaping up for next weekend?"

"Great! Kitty and I have made lists and lists and Mrs. Clark is organizing caterers, and Mr. Clark said he'd be sure to have the volleyball net up and the tennis court ready, and Sandy is staying so that he can go, so Kitty is really happy, and..."

Darcy and Lizzy nodded at intervals as Georgie explained the details of the houseparty. Then she excused herself to call Kitty.

Watching his sister bounce through the French doors, Darcy shook his head, "Wow! Is she ever wound up. She has become more cheerful over the last six months or so, but this is over the top. She's bubbling over."

Lizzy smiled, "Lots of good things happening. Graduation, and the party, I don't know what all."

"Well, I don't care what it is, it's just good to see her so happy."

Oh, Will, if the reason is what I think it is, please remember that you said that!

Richard found the package by his door. Juggling his mail and a bag of Chinese food, he unlocked his door and used his foot to nudge the package inside. He dropped the mail on the dining room table, set the bag of food in the kitchen, and returned to the door to pick up the package.

On the front of the bag, in Anne's writing, it said,

Richie,
Since I couldn't find any flamingoes in Boston, I settled for one of Boston's indigenous species. Enjoy!
Anne

Richard opened the bag and removed the T-shirt. The design showed a half-dozen dancing lobsters, wearing top hats and carrying canes. He chucked when he remembered the flamingo in sunglasses on the shirt he had bought for Anne. Hmm, maybe we could go out on the boat this summer, and show off our souvenirs?

* "A Wonderful Guy" from South Pacific, Rogers and Hammerstein
** "It's a Most Unusual Day" Adamson and McHugh

Chapter 82

Posted on Monday, 24 June 2002

May 11

Mrs. Reynolds ran to the door of the apartment when she heard the banging.

"Darce!" Richard yelled as he pounded on the door.

The housekeeper opened the door and started to greet Richard, but he ran past her and stood in the hallway, shouting.

"Darce! Dammit Darce, where are you?"

Darcy walked into the hallway and Mrs. Reynolds retreated into the kitchen.

"Richard? What's wrong?"

"What's wrong? You, for one thing. How could you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Scuttle off to Boston with Anne. How could you treat her like that? And what about Lizzy?"

"Treat Anne like what?"

"Like you don't know! I ought to punch you, you sonofa*****! What do you have to say about this?" Richard thrust the morning paper at Darcy.

"Ah," said Darcy, as he read the column. "I think this has been taken a bit out of context. But I suggest you talk to Anne about it."

"And that's it?"

"Talk to Anne."

"My God, are you two-no, I refuse to believe it."

"Believe what you want, but shouting at me won't change anything. Go talk to Anne." Darcy handed the paper to Richard and returned to the dining room. He heard the slam of the door as Richard left.

Catherine deBourgh smiled like the cat that got the cream as she read the morning paper.

"Oh, Lewis, it is turning out as I hoped it would. I knew that trip to Boston would be just the thing. I didn't think Anne would be so clever about it, asking for a ride with William."

"What are you talking about Catherine?"

"Anne and William, of course. I am a bit annoyed that I had to learn it from the columns, though." She held out the paper and added, "I must run. I have an appointment at the salon. I'm getting frosted."

"Take a sweater."

"What? It isn't-oh, very funny." She tossed the paper onto the dining room table and left.

Lewis picked up the paper and found Augusta Elton's column. It contained the typical questions and answers about celebrities and bits of gossip about New York's elite. The lead item was the one that had made his wife's morning.

Ask Augusta
Well, here's a little something from a source in Boston. Seems that VERY eligible William Darcy and his cousin, Anne deBourgh, were quite cozy in their suite at the Ritz Carlton this past week. (Don't worry, my dears, they're cousins by marriage, not blood.) W and A were seen holding hands at an elegant French restaurant. And the next day they were spotted flirting and laughing as they shopped in Quincy Market. Stops along the way included a chic jewelry store. Perhaps the wedding bells that A's mother have hoped for will be ringing soon.

A sleepy Anne entered the dining room just as her father finished reading the "news" about his daughter. As she kissed her father, she noticed what he was reading.

"Oh, Dad, you aren't really reading that trash! I hate Augusta Elton! She is so smug, sometimes I wish I could smash her face in. Stupid b****!"

"You're going to hate her even more when you see this."

Lewis handed his daughter the newspaper. She almost choked on her coffee when she read it.

"Stupid, stupid, STUPID, b****!" screamed Anne. "Omigod! I have to call Lizzy!" She dashed from the room and took the stairs two at a time, grateful that Catherine wasn't there to hear and see the unladylike behavior.

Mrs. Reynolds picked up the crumpled newspaper from the floor. She took it to the dining room.

"Excuse me, Mr. Darcy. Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

"And Mr. Fitzwilliam?"

"Jealous snit."

"I beg your pardon?"

"There was something in one of the columns about Anne and me being in Boston together. He's jealous. I think he's off to talk to Anne. Do you think I should warn her?"

Mrs. Reynolds scanned the column until she found the item in question. "Disgraceful! Some people don't have enough to do, that's all I have to say. May I suggest that you call Miss Bennet?"

"I doubt Lizzy reads that stuff. But I will give her a call."

He refilled his coffee cup and went into his study. Lizzy answered the telephone on the second ring.

"Hello?"

"Good morning, Love."

"Will! Held any interesting hands lately?"

"Oh, God, you've seen it."

"No, but I've heard about it. First Anne called to tell me there's nothing in it. Then Mom called to ask what I was going to do about it."

Darcy groaned, "Wonderful. Do you suppose there's anyone in New York who hasn't read it?"

"Hey, Fussie Gussie has quite a following."

"Stupid cow."

"Don't worry, Will. I'm not angry."

"We were talking about Richard and she got a bit upset. I reached out to comfort her. It wasn't really holding hands."

"I know. Anne explained it. Will, I trust you. And anyway, we know where Anne's heart lies."

"Speaking of Richard, I had quite a confrontation with him this morning. He burst into the apartment, practically accused me of seducing Anne."

"You're kidding!"

"No, he was ragingly jealous. I told him to take it up with Anne."

"Do you think he went to see her?"

"I hope so. If she knew how jealous he was, she'd have more hope. "

"Will, you didn't set this thing up did you?"

"Absolutely not. You know how I feel about those columns. Although, if it does some good for Anne and Richard, I'll have to rethink my opinion."

Richard leaned on the doorbell. A flustered maid answered the door in a matter of seconds.

"Good mor-"

"Where is she?"

"I'm sorry, sir, I-"

Lewis deBourgh walked into the foyer. "Richard!"

"Where is she?"

"She? You mean Anne?"

"Yes, Anne!"

"Upstairs in her room or her studio." He smiled as he watched Richard take the stairs two at a time. Look out, Little Girl, this could be your chance.

Richard opened the door to Anne's bedroom without knocking. "Anne!" He looked around and saw the open door across the room. Striding through it, he called her name again.

"Richard," she said levelly. "How nice to see you."

"Don't play cute, Annie. What were you up to in Boston? What the hell did you think you were doing?"

"What's it to you?"

"I don't like you messing around with Darce!"

"I wasn't. How dare you believe that crappy column!"

"Then it isn't true?"

"No, it isn't! You always think you know everything. You're not the boss of me!"

"That isn't what I want!"

"Oh yeah?"

Richard had been moving closer to Anne while they shouted at each other. When he reached her, he said softly "This is what I want." He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He had been teasing her when he kissed her under the mistletoe at Christmas. This time he wasn't kidding around. He meant that kiss as he had never meant anything in his life.

Anne had heard the expression "to be kissed senseless," but hadn't thought it possible. When Richard broke the kiss, she had to remind herself who she was and where she was. But she was acutely aware of who he was. She looked into his eyes and caught her breath as he stroked her cheek.

"I can't do it any more Annie. No more games. I love you, Annie, I guess I have for a long time. I-" he broke off, suddenly aware of his surroundings. Anne's studio was filled with beautiful watercolors and pastel drawings. Then he saw the painting of the boys and the dog and the girl following behind them. He smiled, "I remember that summer. You tagged along-Anne! Even then?"

She looked down. He lifted her chin and saw that her eyes were swimming with tears. "Even then? Oh, Annie, and I tortured you so. It's a miracle that you don't hate me."

"It is a sort of miracle, it's love," she whispered as she pulled his head down so that she could kiss him again.

Richard swept Anne up into his arms. He nearly took a step toward her bedroom. No, it's too soon. Think! He kicked the bedroom door closed and walked over to the huge armchair near the window of the studio. He sat down, holding Anne on his lap.

"Annie," he murmured between kisses, "My own Annie." He pulled back and looked into her eyes. "I'm sorry, I know it irritates you when I call you Annie. That's why I've always done it. But I'll try to stop myself."

"No, it's all right. I like it now. The only other person who ever calls me Annie is Dad."

"Your parents! This is going to be a helluva shock, especially for your mother."

"Daddy knows how I feel about you. Mother will just have to deal with it."

"Will I do as a substitute for Darce? I know Aunt Catherine has had her heart set on the two of you-oh, now that's going to be odd. What do we call each other's parents?"

"What"

Richard kissed her, then said, "When we get married. Do I call your mother 'Mother,' or do I all her 'Aunt Catherine,' as I've always done?"

"Married?"

"Uh huh," he kissed her neck. "Mmmm."

"Richard." Anne was having trouble concentrating, but she didn't think she could have been proposed to and missed it.

"Mmmm."

"Richard!" Anne pushed him away. "What about getting married?"

"You know, bride, groom, minister, flowers." He tried to resume kissing her, but she pushed away.

"Yes, Richie, I know. But I'm racking my brain here, and I don't remember you asking me."

"Oh! Uh, I guess I didn't. Right. Stand up, then, so that I can get out of this chair and kneel down."

Anne smiled, "No, you're fine where you are. But I would like to hear you say it."

Richard cleared his throat. "Ahem. Anne deBourgh, my own Annie, I have spent years teasing and torturing you. Please forgive me for that, and allow me to put that energy into making you happy. I love you. Will you marry me?"

"You won't tease me any more?"

"Wellll, I won't be so mean about it, how's that?"

"Hmmm..."

"Anne!"

"Sorry, darling, just savoring the moment. I never expected you to ask."

"And now that I have?"

"Ahem. Richard Fitzwilliam, I believe I fell in love with you the day I met you. And, yes, I will marry you."

They sealed the engagement with a lengthy kiss, then Anne began to giggle.

"Hey, what's so funny about kissing me?"

"Nothing funny about the kiss. That was lovely. I just had a thought. If you're willing to announce our engagement right away, I know how we can get even with Awful Augusta."

Chapter 83

Posted on Tuesday, 16 July 2002

still May 11

"Annie?" Richard whispered.

"Mmm hmm."

"Before we go downstairs to face the music, could I look at your pictures?" Seeing the apprehension in her eyes, he added, "I promise I-"

"No! Don't promise to be kind. I want your honest opinion."

"What I was starting to say before I was so rudely interrupted," Richard paused to kiss the tip of her nose, "Was that I promise not to make fun of anything. That's what you've always been afraid of, isn't it? I would joke, Georgie would try desperately to love everything, and Darce would search for just the right compliment on style or subject matter."

Anne looked at Richard wide-eyed. "My God, that's exactly right. How did you know?"

"I know you better than you think, Annie m'love." He lifted Anne and set her on her feet as he stood up. "Come on, show me your gallery."

Richard stood in front of the painting of the children. He reached out his hand and Anne took it. He squeezed her hand gently.

"This is amazing. Looking at it brings back such memories. I can almost smell the sea air and hear you whining, 'Wait for me!' I even remember that red dress. I always thought it matched your temper."

"I loved that dress."

"Why don't you wear red any more? Why the black?"

Anne shrugged. "It bugs Mother, I'm sure you know that. I did my time in pink frilly frocks. I saved some of the worst gowns as a reminder. I swore that if I ever had a daughter, I wouldn't force her to be someone she didn't want to be."

"I understand. I was lucky. My parents let me be myself, although Dad was never very comfortable with my musical-comedy phase in high school. But I promise, Anne, whatever our children want to be-within legal limits, of course-I'll support their decisions."

Richard kissed Anne and then turned to look at another painting. This one showed a stormy sea and a small boat. Barely discernible through the rain, two yellow-clad figures struggled with the sail.

"What a contrast. The other one is sunny and bright, but this one, I didn't know that watercolors could produce such, um, I can't find the word. Power? Yeah, power. I get such a strong sense of the awesome power of the sea. It's frightening to think of that little boat and those people in that storm."

"You really got all that from this picture?"

Richard nodded and a tear slipped down Anne's cheek. He wrapped his arm around her and she leaned her head against his shoulder. Richard kissed the top of her head and asked, "What's wrong?"

She looked up and smiled. "Nothing's wrong. It's just overwhelming to know that you felt it. That's what I felt when I painted this. Do you remember the day you and Darce got caught in that sudden storm?" Richard nodded and Anne continued, "I was so frightened, and I hid in one of the window seats and watched the storm. I drew sketches of the waves and then found myself drawing the boat, even thought I couldn't see it. I found the sketches a few years ago and painted this from them and from memory."

Darcy looked up as he saw his sister pass his study. "Have you been shopping?"

"Yes."

"Those bags look heavy."

"No, not really." Georgie slipped into her room.

Darcy looked at Lizzy and said, "That was odd."

"What was odd?

"Georgie. Usually she likes to show off her purchases, but today she was almost furtive about them."

"Oh." Lizzy shrugged, "Maybe it's an engagement present for us." Or maybe she's setting up housekeeping?

Richard and Anne found her father in his study, fiddling with his computer.

"Daddy?"

Lewis looked up and smiled. "Oh good, you haven't killed each other after all."

"Of course not!" Anne said, dropping Richard's hand and walking to stand beside her father.

Richard stood up straight, and began, "Uncle Lewis, Anne and I want to get married."

"Ah, are you here to ask my permission, or to discuss her dowry, or-"

"Dad!" Anne protested. Her father rolled his desk chair back and pulled Anne onto his knee.

"Richard, my little girl is very precious to me."

"And to me," replied Richard.

"I certainly hope so. Do you promise to love, honor-"

"Love, honor, cherish, protect, and defend."

Anne giggled, "Protect and defend, isn't that for the Constitution?"

Richard smiled. "Anything precious should be protected, Annie m'love." He turned to his uncle, "I think you know that Anne and I will marry, permission or not. But we would like to know that you'll be on our side when, um..."

"When you tell Catherine?" asked Lewis with a wry smile.

Lizzy knocked on the door. "Georgie? It's me."

"Come in, Lizzy."

Lizzy looked at the paper strewn across Georgie's bed. "So, what pattern?"

"It's 212. I've always-how did you know?"

"I saw the Fishs Eddy bags. I love to look at their dishes. Are these for your hope chest?"

"Well..."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to pry."

"Actually, I wanted to talk to you."

"About dishes?"

"Not exactly. Well, sort of. I bought these for Chris."

"Moving in?"

"No, I mean, he hasn't asked me. But I expect to, um, spend more time there, and if we eat in, it's nice to have matching dishes."

"I see. Did you, ah, spend time there while your brother was in Boston?"

Georgie blushed. "You've guessed."

"Sweetie, you were singing and dancing around the apartment. I know what can produce that mood and it is not acing a history final." Lizzy hugged the younger woman and said, "I'm happy for you."

"It's more than that. I think I'm finally over George Wickham. You see-"

"Wait. I think this is something you should tell Will."

"I know, I want to but I'm nervous. Chris said he'd help me tell him."

"All right, I won't tell on you. But you should do this soon."

"Will you stay in the room? Please?"

Lizzy smiled, "Of course I will."

When Catherine deBourgh arrived home-with her perfectly frosted coiffure-she found her husband in his study, surfing the Net. This was not unusual, but when she turned around, she saw an extremely unusual sight. Richard and Anne sat on the sofa, playing backgammon. Anne was sitting sideways, her knees across Richard's legs. She reached forward to move her game pieces and Richard kissed her cheek.

"Hey!" giggled Anne, "No fair distracting me!"

Richard looked up and saw his aunt. "Hi, Aunt Catherine. I like your hair."

Catherine's voice became even frostier than her hair. "What are you two doing?"

Anne glanced nervously at her father, who was leaning back in his chair watching the scene before him. Since her father showed no sign of helping, Anne looked at Richard.

He smiled at his aunt and answered, "Playing backgammon."

"That is not what I meant and you know it!"

"Tea, ma'am?" The maid nervously entered the room. Anne sat up properly and pushed the backgammon board aside so that the maid could set down the tray. Anne smiled at the maid and thanked her. The maid retreated quickly.

"Tea, Mother?" asked Anne sweetly, holding out a cup. Catherine accepted the cup and sat down, regarding her daughter and nephew suspiciously.

Anne took a deep breath, grasped Richard's hand and said, "Richard and I are getting married."

When Anne had instructed the maid to bring tea as quickly as possibly after Mrs. deBourgh's return, she had had the foresight to ask that they use her mother's favorite Sèvres cups and saucers.

Catherine gripped the saucer tightly, not wishing to drop the antique china. She looked at Richard and Anne and then turned to her husband. "And how long have you known about this?"

Lewis looked at his watch. "About a half hour."

"And you can sit there calmly?"

"Yes."

"What about William?"

"I hope he'll be my best man," said Richard casually, and Anne looked at him, amazed at his calm demeanor.

"Really, Richard!" cried Catherine. "First you try to cut your cousin out of the picture, and then you expect him to be your best man! Have you no scruples?"

Richard patted his pockets as if looking for something. Anne elbowed him in the side. She turned to her mother and started to explain. "Mother, I am not in love with Darce. I never have been. And he isn't in love with me, either. Darce is a dear friend. He and Lizzy and Georgie have spent months trying to set Richie and me up. And it finally worked."

"Although, ironically, the thing that really did it was that bit in the newspaper," said Richard. "Hey, Annie, do you think Darce did that?"

"No, he wouldn't. But, Mother, did you have something to do with that? I know you were very excited that I went to Boston with Darce."

"Certainly not! I have no wish to see my daughter's name bandied about in those trashy columns."

"Uh huh. Trashy columns that you read."

"Well, of course. One wants to find out what one's friends are up to."

After rehearsing in front of her mirror for fifteen minutes, Georgie decided she was ready. She peeked into the study, "Will?"

"Yes, Sweetie, what is it?"

"Could I talk to you?"

"Certainly. What's on your mind?"

"I think I'm ready to cut back on visits to Dr. Lucas."

Lizzy looked up, surprised. This was not the conversation she expected.

"Are you certain?" asked Darcy.

"I don't think I can let go completely, but I don't think I need so much help now. I don't know how to say this..."

Here it comes, thought Lizzy.

"But I think I'm over the rape and George and the fear, and all of it."

"Oh, Sweetie, that's wonderful!" Darcy crossed the room and embraced his sister. "I'm so happy for you."

Once in her brother's arms, Georgie let the whole story out in an almost incoherent rush. "And I wanted to, but then I couldn't, and Chris was so kind about it, and it was the middle of the night, and it just came to me that I couldn't let George ruin the rest of my life, and I just sort of exorcised him, and then everything was all right, and it was wonderful!"

Georgie pulled back and smiled up at her brother. Darcy caressed her cheek, "So that's why you've been so happy."

"Yes," she answered, relieved that he was taking it all so well. "I feel as if I've sprouted wings and I could fly. I had no idea it could be so wonderful, and Chris, well he has been so good to me-"

"Wait a minute."

Uh oh, he just got the whole picture, thought Lizzy apprehensively. She stood up and led the two over to the sofa and pushed them down. She joined them, so that Georgie was on one side of Darcy and she was on the other.

"What exactly has been going on?" thundered Darcy. Lizzy took his hand and murmured, "Will, don't yell."

"Don't yell? Did you know about this?"

"I suspected, but I didn't want to say anything if I wasn't sure."

"Don't take it out on Lizzy, Will!" Georgie stopped short, amazed at herself.

Darcy was startled, too. He stared at Georgie. He had always known that his sister looked like their mother, but he had never felt the resemblance so strongly before.

Finally she said, "I'm sorry I yelled like that, Will."

"No, you're right. I shouldn't have shouted at you. Oh, Lord, Georgiana, you looked just like Mom there for a minute. That feistiness she had. I haven't seen it in you in a long time. You must be cured." Darcy kissed his sister, then turned to Lizzy. "I'm sorry, Love, I didn't mean to imply that you were keeping something from me."

"Paranoid Control Freak," she whispered as she kissed him.

"So," said Georgie softly, "Are we all OK?"

Darcy leaned back on the sofa and ran his fingers through his hair. "Well, I don't know about OK. This is a lot to process, Sweetie."

"I know. It was a lot for me to process, too. I was only going to tell you the George part now. Chris said he and I should tell you about us together. But it all is so connected, that the whole story just sort of tumbled out."

The doorbell rang, and Georgie turned pale. "That'll be Chris. Will, promise me you won't hit him or anything?"

Darcy sighed, "All right. No hitting."

Georgie got up to answer the door. After she left the room, Darcy turned to Lizzy, "What do you make of all this?"

"She is genuinely happy, Will. You have to consider that. She can make her own decisions. I think she gave this one a great deal of thought. She had one terrible experience. And Chris was patient and careful and, apparently, showed her what a good experience it can be. Give him credit for that. He didn't seduce her or force her."

"I know. But she's my baby sister."

"Oh, my dear William. Your baby sister is about to turn 23. It's time to let her be a grownup."

He sighed, "I know."

Lizzy looked up and saw Georgie and Chris in the doorway. She stood up and took Georgie by the hand. "Come on, Georgie, let's leave them to have a little talk." As she left the room, she looked at Darcy and said, "Be nice."

As he drove up the Merritt Parkway, Richard reached over and took Anne's hand. "Are you nervous?" he asked.

"A little."

"Come on, Annie. We survived your mother's response. By the way, the whole thing with tea was brilliant, especially using her good Waterford china."

"Sèvres china. Waterford is crystal, Richie. The Sèvres cups and saucers are from a set of antique French china. Anything Mother has that's an active pattern or is in stock at Replacements she might drop or throw, but she would never drop one of those cups."

"Brilliant. You do know how to handle her."

"And you know how to sass her. I couldn't believe you. She asked if you had any scruples and you looked around to see if you had any in your pockets!"

"Scruples! Oh, I thought she said rubles."

Anne laughed, "You are adorable, do you know that?"

"Yup."

"Also insufferable."

"Yeah, I know. It's all part of my charm."

Mrs. Bennet spread out the caterers' brochures on the table on the deck behind their house. "This one has a lovely terrace, which would be perfect for cocktails if the weather is good. Of course, they have a tent just in case. Now, this one doesn't like to do outdoor things, but they do have a glassed-in porch that might do for cocktails."

Jane picked up each brochure, looked at it, nodded, and handed it to Charles. Charles tried to hand a brochure to Mr. Bennet, but the man shook his head, "Sorry, son. I will sign the checks, but I do not make the decisions around here."

Mrs. Bennet had moved on to the subject of table linens and flowers. "You can't really choose linens until you've decided on the colors for your attendants. But most places do stock a nice variety. I think pink tablecloths look nice, but you could go with white and just use colored napkins for an accent."

Mr. Bennet stood up. "Charles, let me show you the gardens."

"Hmm? Uh, yes, thanks."

The two men got up and started down the steps. Mrs. Bennet looked at them. "Where are you going?"

"Hawaii's looking pretty good about now," whispered Mr. Bennet. To his wife, he said, "Just down to look at the gardens and make sure the tables are set up correctly."

By the time the men had finished inspecting the gardens, Mrs. Bennet had gone upstairs to change for dinner, and Jane was wishing for something stronger than her glass of iced tea.

"Sit down, Chris." Chris sat on the sofa. Darcy sat in his armchair. Darcy sighed and began, "Georgie and Lizzy won't let me kill you, so you can rest easy on that score. I'm not quite sure I've taken all of this in, but I have to admit that Georgie is very happy, and that is very important to me. She's old enough to make her decisions, and I have to respect that. Not to say that I like it, but I respect it."

"Mr. Darcy-"

"What happened to calling me Will?"

"No, for this, I have to call you Mr. Darcy. I've thought about this a lot in the past few days. I love your sister. And I would do anything to make her happy. We've sort of had this unspoken agreement that, if we were at the end of our studies right now, we'd get married. But we have a lot of school yet, and I don't know if it's a good thing to do. I think part of me has been hoping you'd get the shotgun and make me marry Georgie. Oh, God, I didn't mean that the way it sounded."

Darcy had to suppress a smile, as he imagined himself in a similar situation facing Lizzy's father. Trying to sound stern, he asked, "Then what is it you mean to say?"

"For a few months, I've thought about asking Georgie to marry me. But I don't know if it's the right thing to do. My remark about the shotgun was simply to say that it might be a relief to have someone else make the decision. There are several problems. School, for one. Money for another. I have student loans to repay, and when I start as an intern, I'll make very little money. I know Georgie has money, although I have no idea how much. I don't want you-or anyone, but mostly you-to think I'm after her money."

"So you've thought about her money?"

"I'd like to say money doesn't matter, but that's naïve. I have several married classmates, and I've seen that money-or lack thereof-is often a problem. I can't support a wife in the manner to which Georgie is accustomed. I mean, my apartment is tiny, I don't have a lot of money for designer clothes and fancy food. And I don't know if it's fair to ask her to accept that."

"Georgie has an income from a healthy trust fund. She could support a husband in the manner to which she is accustomed."

"I had no idea."

Darcy looked at Chris appraisingly. "Would that bother you?"

"No, I don't think so. Do you mean my male ego and all that? No, that isn't the problem. My concern is getting you to believe that I love Georgie, and I love her for who she is, not what she has."

"I do believe you, Chris. Which is not to say I'm not still fighting the impulse to kill you for sleeping with my baby sister. But I won't get out the shotgun. I want her to be happy-and you as well, of course. And if you helped her be free of her fears and anxieties, then I am indebted to you. But if you hurt her..."

"Understood."

"Good. Now can you go back to calling me Will?"

Chris relaxed and grinned, "Yes, Your Eminence."

Laughing, Darcy said, "Just remember, Mr. Carter, the Inquisition never rests."

Mr. Bennet, Jane, and Charles sat on the deck, enjoying the quiet of the back yard. No more talk of weddings and parties, just the sounds of nature. A pair of blue jays squawked at the bird feeder, and a chipmunk scampered beneath the feeder, scooping up seed spilled by the birds.

Mr. Bennet pointed to the chipmunk, "I call it Hoover, because it practically vacuums up seed."

Jane smiled, "Do you remember the summer Lizzy hand-tamed a chipmunk? Sammie ate sunflower seeds right out of her hand."

"Sammie?" asked Charles.

"Oh, yes, originally Samson, then after she had a litter, Samantha, Sammie for short. Lizzy spent weeks tempting the little creature with peanuts, tossing them closer and closer until Sammie would take one from her fingers. From there, she progressed to a palmful of seeds."

Lydia joined them on the deck and flopped into a lounge chair. "I remember that chipmunk. Lizzy had to stop taming them when our neighbors got a cat. She didn't want to make the little things too trusting. Hey, speaking of Lizzy, is she here yet?"

"No, not yet," said Jane. "Oh! Is that a car door I just heard?"

"Hello?" called a voice from inside the house.

"Mary!" cried Jane. " I didn't know you'd be here tonight. We're out back!"

Jane ran to the back door just as Mary emerged.

"Jane!" Mary wrapped her arms around her eldest sister. "Congratulations, let me see the ring!"

"Look at you! You look great!"

"Thanks. I wouldn't miss tonight for anything. Speaking of that, where's our little Sarah Bernhart? Or is it Heartburn?" asked Mary.

Lydia got up from her chair and walked behind Mary. "Meow!"

Mary turned and laughed, "Under the circumstances, shouldn't that line be 'Arf,' dear?"

Lydia was thunderstruck. What happened to Mousy Mary? Who was this confident girl with the killer highlights? "Hey! When did you get your hair done?"

"Hmm?" said Mary. "That's just the California sun!"

Lydia snorted.

Mary turned back to the door, "Peter! Oh, babe, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to leave you standing there." She walked to the back door and led a young man out onto the deck. "Everybody, this is Peter. Peter, this is my father, my sister Jane, her fiancé Charles, and our leading lady, Lydia."

Peter shook hands with everyone in turn. When he got to Lydia, he winked at her and said "Arf." Lydia stood there with her mouth open. How did Mousy Mary catch this surfer god? The campus must be crawling with them, if Mary could snag one. Lydia turned to her father and asked, "Dad? Can I go to Stanford?"

They were all still laughing at that when Lizzy, Darcy, Georgie, and Chris arrived. After introductions were made, Mrs. Bennet joined the group. She looked at her watch and began organizing carpools to the restaurant.

Lydia wasn't joining the family for dinner, as she was having a light supper with the cast. Plus, she told them, she was saving her calories for her party. Lydia left first, amid a chorus of "Good luck!" and "Break a leg!" Then everyone else piled into cars and drove to a nearby Italian restaurant.

If Susan Fitzwilliam was at all suspicious, she was determined not to show it. So when the car pulled into the driveway, she stepped out onto the front porch and smiled blandly.

"Hello, Richard. Anne, dear, it's good to see you." She kissed her son and then her niece. "Come inside and have a drink. Dinner won't be ready for a while yet."

"Where's Dad?" asked Richard.

"Right here," said his father. "So, what is it you want to talk to us about? Is this good news, as in glass of wine? Or bad news, as in snifter of brandy? Or wonderful news, as in glass of champagne?"

Richard looked at Anne. The smiled at each other and said, "Champagne."

Richard added, "Use the Waterford." Anne giggled.

"Since when do you know from Waterford?" asked Sue.

"Oh, Mom, you'd be surprised at what I know about."

Matt Fitzwilliam handed around flutes of champagne. "So, to what are we drinking?"

Richard held up his glass, "To everyone's good health!"

They all sipped.

Matt looked at his son. "Want to try again?"

Richard smiled and faced Anne. He held up his glass and clinked it against hers and said, "To Anne, your future daughter-in-law."

"To Anne!" echoed Matt.

"Hallelujah!" said Sue.

"You aren't surprised!" said Richard.

"To be honest, I've been hoping," said his mother. "I had a feeling there was something going on, back at Christmas. Then today, when you said the two of you wanted to talk to us, well, I've had my fingers crossed since you called."

"May I ask an indelicate question?" asked Matt. Seeing his son blush, he added, "Not, that! I don't want to pry into anything that personal! What I wanted to ask is, Anne, how did your mother take the news?"

"She was surprised."

"I'll bet. She didn't get angry? Throw things?"

Richard laughed. "She couldn't throw anything. She was holding an antique teacup when we told her."

Now Sue laughed. "Oh, Anne! You didn't trot out her Sèvres, did you?"

"Yes, I'm afraid I did. It kept her usefully distracted, if you know what I mean."

"Well, you needn't worry about managing us. We're delighted for you. And if you need help with your mother, leave her to me. Matt just lives to push her buttons, but she and I get along well."

"Thanks, Aunt Sue. Uh, do you think it's weird if I continue to call you Aunt Sue and Uncle Matt? I've called you that for so long, Mom and Dad sounds funny to me."

"Anne, my dear, you can call us whatever makes you comfortable. I just want you two to be happy."

When the Bennets and guests arrived at the restaurant, they were shown to a large table at the back. Lizzy giggled, "Uh-oh the dreaded back table."

"Didn't we always end up at this back table when we came here for pizza when we were in high school?" asked Jane.

"Yeah. It's the biggest table they have, and I guess they figure big groups get rowdy."

"Elizabeth!" said Mrs. Bennet sternly, "We are not going to be rowdy."

"No, Mama," replied Lizzy sweetly. She raised her water glass, holding her pinkie out at an aristocratic angle. Georgie stifled a giggle and concentrated on the menu.

Their waiter arrived and described the specials. Darcy and Mr. Bennet conferred over the wine list while the rest of the group debated ravioli versus manicotti and Caesar versus house salads. When the wine was opened and poured, Mr. Bennet raised his glass and said, "To our own star, Lydia!"

Glasses were clinked, and the toast was repeated, "Lydia!" Lizzy and Charles grinned at each other, clinked Peter's glass and all three said "Arf!"

During dinner, Georgie asked Mary about living in California and Darcy asked Peter about his studies. Mr. Bennet and Chris discussed various hospitals at which he might intern. Lizzy quizzed Charles on the basketball playoffs and the chances of the Nets really going the whole way.

Mrs. Bennet looked around the table and saw three daughters with three very handsome men. Jane is already engaged, and Lizzy can't be far behind. It's too early for Mary, of course, but-look at her hair. When did she have that done? My, she will look lovely as a bridesmaid, isn't that a relief? I do wish Lizzy wouldn't talk about sports, it's so unlady-like.

Mr. Bennet glanced at his wife and said to Chris, "Look at her, mentally pairing them off like she's Mrs. Noah. Be glad that Georgie isn't my daughter, or my wife would be planning your wedding, too!"

Chris laughed, "I can think of worse fates."

In the interval between dinner and coffee, Mary excused herself to go to the ladies' room. Lizzy got up to join her, and Jane followed, too.

"Don't," said Mrs. Bennet.

"Don't what, dear?" asked her husband.

"No remarks about women never going to the ladies' room alone. It was funny when Cosby did it. It is not funny when you do it."

"Yes dear," sighed Mr. Bennet.

Once safely in the ladies' room, Lizzy squealed, "Oh, Mary, he's gorgeous!"

"He sure is!" echoed Jane. "If I'd known such cute guys went to the Dean's List teas, I'd have studied harder! Lend me your lipstick, Lizzy?"

"And a great sense of humor, too," added Lizzy. "Jane, do you have any blush?

Hands on hips, Mary Bennet looked at her sisters, "Hands off, you two! He's mine! Oh, that's a nice shade, let me try it."

Lizzy laughed and hugged her, "Well done, Mary! I wish I could hear Mom's thoughts."

Mary put on some lipstick and then groaned, "No way! No triple wedding! Sorry you guys, but you'll have to settle for a double wedding. I am not ready to get married, I don't care what Mom says! Anybody got a spare scrunchie?"

"Quadruple!" giggled Jane. We could make Georgie an honorary sister! Here, Mary, try this one."

"Quintuple!" suggested Lizzy. "Don't forget Anne. Will said Richard threw a fit over that thing in the paper about Anne. Maybe Richard finally came to his senses and spoke up."

Still laughing, they returned to the table.

"What was going on in there?" asked Darcy.

"Just borrowing Jane's-"

"Lipstick."

"Lizzy's new blush"

"A hair scrunchie."

Mr. Bennet looked at Darcy and smiled, "Aren't you glad you asked?"

The bill arrived, and the men all reached for wallets.

"No," said Darcy, as he picked up the folder. "Let me get this."

"Split it," said Charles, tossing a credit card to Darcy.

Mary looked at the credit cards. "Silver?"

"Platinum, daahling, puhleeze," replied Lizzy.

"Gold cards and platinum cards are getting fairly common," remarked Mr. Bennet. "I wonder what element will be next?"

"Uranium!" said Georgie.

"Titanium?" suggested Chris.

"Iridium!" cried Lizzy.

"Plutonium," laughed Mary.

"No, unununium," decreed Peter.

The table fell silent as everyone stared at him.

"What's that?" asked Charles.

"It's one of those synthetic elements. Until they decide which scientist or planet to name it for, it gets one of those strange numerical names. You know, the ones at the end of the periodic table. They have half-lives that measure in fractions of seconds."

"Ah, yes," laughed Mr. Bennet. "Like the paycheck of a man with daughters. Here one second, spent the next!"

Backstage, Lydia checked the fit of her dog collar and retied her sneakers. She mussed her hair just a bit and smiled at her reflection in the mirror.

A voice behind her said, "Good doggie!" and she laughed.

"Hey, Jim, you ready to do it one more time?"

"You bet, Lyddie. Carol? All set?"

The third lead smiled and smoothed her hair. "Yeah! Let's do it!"

The three actors piled up their hands in then raised them high with a rousing cheer. The director looked into the room and called, "Places for Act One, please!"

Out in the auditorium, Lizzy explained the story to Mary and Peter. "Lydia plays Sylvia, a dog. The play is about this dog and the couple who take her in. The people are empty-nesters, about to enjoy the freedom they've waited for while they were raising their kids. Then the husband finds this dog in the park and takes her home. The dog begins to come between the husband and wife. There's nothing sexual about it, but the dog does sort of become the 'other woman' in the situation."

The lights dimmed, and they waited for Lydia to make her entrance. Lydia was dressed casually, in jeans and sneakers. She had on kneepads, which made it possible for her to do some of the scenes crawling on all fours. Elizabeth was amazed at how easily Lydia slipped between the moments that required dog-like behavior and the moments that required human behavior. Lydia fawned over her master one moment and glared at her mistress the next. Her boisterous behavior when she wanted to play got laughs.

At intermission, her sisters and their dates talked about the play.

"I can't believe it. She's really good!"

"I know! Isn't it clever how they do the leash with both of them holding it, rather than clipping it to her collar?"

"And the way she wanted to play with the other dogs in the park. Too funny!"

"The boy who plays her new master is good. What's his name? Jim something?"

"Yes. Mom says Lydia has a crush on him," remarked Jane.

"Ah, backstage romances," sighed Lizzy.

From somewhere in the milling crowd, a voice called out "Dearest Gwendolyn! Darling Cecily!"

Lizzy turned scarlet.

Jane laughed, "Speaking of backstage romances..."

"What's this?" asked Darcy as a man with sandy brown hair joined the group.

"Jeff!" exclaimed Lizzy.

"Hello, Gwen!" He kissed her hand. Lizzy giggled. Darcy frowned.

"Will, this is Jeff Wilson. He played Jack to my Gwendolyn in a summer school production of 'The Importance of Being Earnest.' Jane was Cecily. Jeff, this is Will Darcy, my, uh, fiancé."

Jeff's eyebrows shot up. "Fiancé? Say it like you mean it, darling!"

"Shh! We haven't told Mom yet."

"Oh! A clandestine romance, how thrilling!"

"Jeff, behave yourself."

Jeff looked at Darcy. He smiled and said, "It appears that lovely Lizzy is turning into Lady B. I desired her more when she was Gwendolyn and was willing to flirt with me."

Lizzy swatted Jeff with her program. He laughed and said, "Seriously, congratulations. I won't say anything. When are you going to tell the parental units?"

"Later tonight. I don't want to intrude on Lydia's moment of glory."

"She's good, isn't she? Oh, they're blinking the lights, time to go back. Nice meeting you, Will. Take good care of my sweet Gwendolyn!"

As they returned to their seats, Darcy started to say something, but Lizzy cut him off. "Later, Cardinal Richelieu! Now watch the play."

Lydia continued to get laughs as the very human dog. Now that Sylvia had been to the groomer, Lydia's costume had changed, and she wore a red dress with matching kneepads. Her hair, which had been messy, was now neatly combed and sported a little red bow. Her devotion to her master was charming, and Lizzy wondered how much of the adoration was acting and how much was Lydia's crush.

When the end of the play came, there were some sniffles to be heard during the epilogue, many years later, when the couple talked about the departed Sylvia. But the applause was loud and sustained, and Lydia took several bows, as Charles, Peter, and Lizzy chanted "Arf, arf, arf!" Finally the curtain came down and the house lights went up.

From behind the curtain, voices could be heard singing. Lizzy and Jane joined in as they walked out of the auditorium.

"There's no business like show business,
Like no business I know.
Everything about it is appealing.
Everything the traffic will allow.
Nowhere do you get that happy feeling
When you are stealing that extra bow."*

Lizzy looked up at Darcy. "It's a tradition here. The cast always sings that on the last night."

"Did you sing it when you were in that play?"

"Mmm hmm."

"With what's his name?"

"Jeff? Of course. Oh, Will, let it go. Just wait until some old flame of yours shows up and see how you like it when I turn green!"

*"There's No Business Like Show Business" Irving Berlin

After dinner, Richard and Anne settled into the porch swing. His parents tactfully left them alone.

Anne sighed, "I'm exhausted. What a roller coaster of a day! This morning I thought you were going to throttle me, and now here we are, engaged."

"All's well that ends well, as the Bard says."

"But that wasn't our play, remember?"

"What? Oh, you mean the Twelfth Night party. Yes, my dear Beatrice, I do remember that party. I had no idea that you could act so well. And you-"

"Peace! I will stop your mouth!" And she did.

Meanwhile, in the house, Sue Fitzwilliam talked, or rather, listened to her sister-in-law.

"But what about poor William? Anne says that she and William never had any intentions toward each other, but I'm not so sure. The poor boy was always so sweet to Anne, and now Richard just steps in and takes her away."

"Catherine-"

"And how do we know Richard isn't going to run off with the Foreign Legion or whatever it is he does? And then where will she be?"

"Catherine-"

"He has never been serious about anything, and I swear, Susan, if he hurts her, I will not be responsible for my actions. He is just like his father, and-"

"CATHERINE!"

Silence.

"Catherine, my son is not the ne'er-do-well you paint him as. He is, in fact, very like his father. They both have merry dispositions, but underneath that is a strength and intelligence that you can rely on in any situation. Haven't you realized by now that they both turn up the silliness when you're around because they know that it nettles you? And yes, Richard has done his share of globetrotting, but since he returned to New York, he has expressed an interest in putting down roots. And from what I gather, Will is likely to put down some roots of his own any day now."

"You mean that girl he has been seeing?"

"Yes. They're more serious than you realize, Catherine. Let the children be happy in their own way. Now I really must go. They've been out on the porch swing for a while, and, um..."

"Yes, of course. Good night, Susan."

"Good night, Catherine. Give our love to Lewis."

While the rest of the group waited around to congratulate the actors, Mrs. Bennet and her two eldest daughters returned home to complete the party preparations.

"Well," said Mrs. Bennet, as she opened bags of chips, "Isn't Mary the sly one? She never told me that her boyfriend is so cute."

"All we ever got in her emails was how smart he is and his plans for grad school," replied Jane.

"And her hair!" cried Lizzy. "Miss Mary-No-Artificial-Chemicals Bennet got her hair highlighted. Amazing. But I'm glad she's happy. Peter seems nice and they look good together."

"Yes," agreed Mrs. Bennet. "They do make an attractive couple."

"That isn't what I meant, Mom. I mean that I like the way they are together. Not hanging all over each other, but you can see the affectionate smiles, the way they catch each other's eye, things like that."

"Mmm. I suppose. Take these outside." She handed baskets of chips to Lizzy and a tray of dips and vegetables to Jane.

Once outside of their mother's hearing, Lizzy asked, "Jane, do you think Mary and Peter are, um..."

"Oh! I wonder. I know that Mom is putting Peter in your old room, not in with Mary."

Lizzy chucked, "She didn't think he could survive the passionate purple room?"

"Lizzy! My room is lavender."

"Way too girlie for a surfer, dude."

"Uh, you are, like, so mean, Lizzy."

"Oh, Jane, that is, like, so not true!"

Charles and Darcy arrived in time to stand on the deck and watch their fiancées giggling and arguing like valley girls.

Darcy elbowed Charles, "So, do you think they're arguing over which of them has the better fiancé?"

Charles laughed, "Nah. We're each so perfectly matched, it's a draw. Shall we go down there and control our women before they start pulling hair?"

Lizzy turned and saw the men walking toward them. She ran to Darcy and Jane ran into Charles's arms."

Mr. Bennet stood at the window, smiling at the scene in front of him. Georgie walked up and stood beside him. She grinned at Mr. Bennet, "You'll get used to it. Trust me on this."

Realizing that several family members and guests would be going outside any minute, Mr. Bennet asked Georgie, "What do you suggest? Perhaps a bucket of cold water?"

"No, I have my own method. Tell me, do you have a favorite show tune?"

Mrs. Bennet was watching Chris remove large bags of ice from the freezer when she heard a woman's voice from the general direction of the back door.

"What good is sitting alone in your room?
Come hear the music play." *

Chris snorted.

"Are you all right, Chris?"

"Yes, um, cold. The ice is very cold." Chris carried the ice outside in time to see Georgie finish singing as the couples stood glaring at her.

"Life is a Cabaret old chum.
Come to the Cabaret." *

Darcy stalked toward his sister, singing in a menacing tone.

"I used to have a sister known as Georgie."

Everyone was now out on the deck or in the yard. All eyes were on Darcy, who was struggling to find a suitable rhyme to "Georgie." His sister decided to save him-or maybe not-by singing a new line.

"Who broke up all her brother's little orgies."

Seeing that her brother was about to grab hold of her, Georgie ran away. "Georgiana Darcy!" bellowed Darcy as he chased her across the lawn.

Georgie hurled herself at Chris, "Save me!"

Chris gallantly stepped in front of Georgie. Darcy skidded to a stop inches in front of Chris. The two men stared at each other, trying no to laugh. Finally, Chris shrugged and stepped aside.

"He's your brother, Honey. You deal with him."

Everyone laughed and returned to setting up for the party. Mr. Bennet walked down the steps to the lawn and joined Charles and Darcy.

"You know," he chucked, "I used to regret not having a son. It never occurred to me that I could import them simply by marrying off my daughters."

"That reminds me," said Darcy softly. "Lizzy and I talked about it and we'd like to announce our engagement to the family tonight. Lizzy didn't want to announce it earlier and take anything away from Lydia's night to shine, but once her party is underway, we thought it would be all right."

"Do you mind if I act surprised?" asked Mr. Bennet. "It might help keep peace at home."

Soon Lydia and her guests arrived and took over the back yard. The older members of the family went into the house to escape the noise. Mary and Lizzy stood on the deck, watching the festivities. One boy, who appeared to be about fifteen, rummaged through a cooler, checking every can.

Mary nudged Lizzy, "Look. Bet he's searching for beer."

"Oh, no. Lydia wouldn't dare. Not after St. Pat's Day!"

"Oh, right. I remember you told me about that. She really was?"

"As a skunk, as the saying goes. I suppose we'll have to wander through periodically to make sure everything is OK. Let's take the first watch. I'm just dying for a sandwich."

Lizzy and Mary strolled through the crowd and helped themselves to some food. Feeling rather full of herself as the star of the evening, Lydia sidled up to her sisters.

"Where's Peter, Mary? My friends would like to meet him. Or are you afraid one of us will steal him away?"

Mary smiled sweetly and said, "Not worried in the least. But he's inside talking to the other men and doesn't want to play with the children."

Mary turned and walked to the house. Lizzy put her finger under Lydia's chin and gently pushed it up.

"Close your mouth, Lyddie. Apparently they teach confidence at Stanford." To herself, she added, Brava, Mary!

A few hours later, Mr. Bennet looked at his watch. "You're up, Will."

Darcy sighed, and Chris laughed, "C'mon, Will, this should be a snap for the Spanish Inquisition."

Darcy walked out to the deck and surveyed the scene. Several couples were dancing, a group of kids discussed the play, and others were eating. Darcy thought the group had been larger earlier. Had some of the kids gone home, or were they sneaking off to the darker corners of the yard? With a sigh, he walked down the stairs and ambled over to the coolers. He began to search through the ice and water. No beer, at least, he thought.

"Can I help you?"

Darcy looked up to see a girl he judged to be about seventeen.

"Hi. I'm Carol. Are you looking for anything special?"

Darcy glanced at the can in his hand. "Ginger ale. Mrs. Bennet wants some and there's none left in the house." He stood and smiled, "You were very good tonight. Well done."

"Thank you. We had fun doing the play. Lydia and Jim have become an item, but I'm free."

YOU may be free, but defense attorneys are not. "Well, enjoy the party."

Darcy climbed the stairs to the deck two at a time. He found Lizzy waiting for him.

"Looks like you made a conquest."

"Is she looking at us?"

Lizzy nodded. Darcy reached for her, pulled her close, and kissed her. As they broke the kiss, Lizzy asked, "Trying to make the kid jealous?"

"Jealous? Oh, Love, you know I'd never-"

"Eeeyoww!" Lizzy shrieked as Darcy touched the cold soda can to her neck. She frowned and said, "You know, we haven't made the announcement yet. I could still change my mind."

Darcy stood up extra straight and gave her a haughty glare. "Madam, I have spoken to your father and he has given his consent. I am afraid it is no longer up to you."

Lizzy glanced at her watch and smirked, "Funny, I could have sworn it is the 21st Century!"

"We'll see about that!" Darcy declared as the opened the door. He swept Lizzy up in his arms and carried her inside. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw Carol watching, mouth agape.

Lydia sidled up to Carol and nudged her. "Hellooo? What are you staring at?"

"That gorgeous man with your sister."

"The blond surfer god?"

"No, tall, dark, and handsome."

"Him? He's such a grouch!"

"Who cares? He is so hot!"

Darcy set the can of ginger ale on the kitchen counter and reached into his pocket. He pulled out Lizzy's ring and said, "Ready?"

She held out her hand and he slipped the ring on it. They walked into the family room hand in hand. Darcy returned to the armchair he had been sitting in earlier. Lizzy perched on the arm of the chair and rested her hand on Darcy's knee.

"Mom? Everyone? We have an announcement to make."

"Lizzy!" shrilled Mrs. Bennet, who had spotted the glint of the diamond. "Oh, my! You're-really? Are you really engaged?"

"Yes, Mom!" Lizzy jumped up and hugged her m other. Then she ran to her father who stood up and wrapped his arms around her.

Mrs. Bennet watched her husband and his favorite daughter. "Thomas!" she said accusingly.

"We're busted!" whispered Lizzy to her father.

"Yes, my dear?" Thomas Bennet tried to look innocent.

"Why do I get the impression that you aren't surprised?"

"Well, I had my suspicions."

"Suspicions?" She looked around. "Jane? You knew? Lizzy, how long have you been engaged? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Mom, don't be angry. I didn't want to crowd Jane's time in the limelight. And we didn't tell you earlier today because this was meant to be Lydia's big night."

"Hmph! Well, I hope you've been looking at the brochures I've been sending Jane. Or do you intend to be different as usual?"

"We haven't made any decisions yet, Mom. Please focus on Jane's wedding for now." Lizzy tried not to laugh at the stricken look on Charles's face. "I'll let you know when we set a date. We haven't told Will's family, except for Georgie."

"And I haven't told anyone, not even Chris," added Georgie.

Jane stood up. "Come on, Mom. Let's take the cake out."

As they left the room, Mr. Bennet gave Lizzy a little shove. She sighed, "Yes, Dad," and followed her mother and sister to the kitchen.

Mrs. Bennet pulled a large tray out of the pantry. Lizzy gasped, "Oh, Mom! The puppy cake! I remember the time you made one for my birthday!"

The cake was a profile view of a sitting dog, familiar to readers of a famous comic strip. This time, the dog was wearing a red collar with a heart on it.

"Oh! You added Sylvia's collar!"

"Look at these, Lizzy," Jane removed a large plate of cookies from the pantry."

"Are they chocolate?" asked Lizzy as she swiped a cooked in the shape of a dog biscuit. "Mmm, delicious!"

Someone should get a picture of that," said Darcy as he looked at the cake.

"Right behind you," laughed Mr. Bennet, camera in hand.

The cake was placed on a table in the yard. Lydia, Jim, and Carol posed behind it."

"Smile," called Mr. Bennet.

After the picture had been taken, Jim grabbed a cookie and held it above Lydia's head, "Beg, Sylvia!" he commanded. Giggling, Lydia held her paws up and panted. Mr. Bennet snapped another picture.

"Yearbook candid!" laughed Jim. "Mr. Bennet, please make sure I get a copy of that. Hey, Lydia, maybe you could use that as your senior picture next year."

"Bite me!" hissed Lydia.

"Masters never bite their dogs, Sylvia!" replied Jim.

After dessert had been consumed, the New Yorkers congratulated Lydia and her castmates one more time, made their excuses, and headed home.

"Whew!" laughed Lizzy, as Darcy pulled onto the Garden State Parkway. "Mom handled it better than I thought."

"I think it's great!" said Chris. "I know you said you hadn't picked a date, but have you any idea about when the wedding will be?"

"Truly not," said Lizzy. "We haven't talked about where, how large, any of that."

"I vote for eloping," laughed Darcy. "Next week."

"Just think," cooed Mrs. Bennet. Two daughters engaged!"

Mary double-tied the trash bag and set it down with a thud. "Only two, Mom!"

"Did I say anything?"

"Mom, I know what you're thinking. Two down, two to go. I'm not about to get engaged. I'd rather have my share of the family finances go to tuition, not a wedding."

"You won't be in school forever, you know."

"That's true. Then I'll get a job, establish a career, and then I'll be ready to think about marriage."

"I doubt Peter will wait that long."

"Oh, for goodness sake! Did you marry the first man you dated? You always said I'd be a late bloomer-OK, face it, you thought I'd never 'bloom.' But I'm enjoying myself at school and I am content with my life as it is. Now I want to go to bed. Peter and I need to get up in time to catch the train to the city tomorrow."

*"Cabaret" Kander and Ebb

Chapter 84

Posted on Tuesday, 16 July 2002

May 12

Darcy, Lizzy, and Georgie stood on Ninth Avenue, looking at the stalls of the International Food Festival.

"Will, stop looking at your watch," said Georgie.

"Yeah, Mr. Take-a-Cab-Everywhere," giggled Lizzy. "We're early. Jane and Charles went down to Penn Station to meet Mary and Peter. They're taking the subway and should be here soon."

"Here they are now!" cried Georgie, waving.

"Good morning," said Darcy.

"Hi, how was the train?" asked Lizzy.

"Pretty full. And late."

"Well, it's Sunday, they figure people are more forgiving on a Sunday. Peter, is this your first visit to New York?"

"Yes, it is. Gosh, the subway trains are long. And so many people!"

"Hmph!" replied Mary. "Don't act the rube because you don't come from a place that has subways. You know that Los Angeles is an ecological nightmare because of the heavy dependence on cars as opposed to public transportation."

"What can I say? We Californians love our cars."

"And in consequence of that fact, your air is brown!"

"OK, Mary. Ecology lesson is over," chided Lizzy.

"I'm hungry."

"Charles, are you ever not hungry? Just hang on a bit longer. We're still waiting for Chris, Richard, and Anne."

"Hey, speaking of Richard, where was he this morning?" asked Georgie.

"Out." said Darcy. "He left me a note saying he'd meet us here."

"Does he know where?"

"I think so. I left my cell on so he can call me."

"Hey, guys." Chris joined the group and was greeted affectionately by Georgie. "Am I the last one?"

"No, Richard and Anne."

"Oh?" asked Chris. "Is that waiting for Richard and waiting for Anne, or is it waiting for Richard-and-Anne?"

"We wish," sighed Georgie.

"Hmm, I wonder," mused Darcy. "He was very jealous yesterday and I told him to talk to Anne. Maybe-" He pulled out his cell phone. "Darcy...Yes, we are...Yes, everyone except you and Anne...Uptown end...You're kidding! In New York City?...Right, see you in a few minutes."

"Richard?" asked Lizzy.

"Yes, he's on his way. And he must have taken a cab, too. He said he was stuck in a bit of traffic on 57th outside the tattoo convention."

"Tattoo convention? Get out!"

"That's what he said."

"What about Anne?"

"I doubt she has a tattoo."

"Ha ha. I mean, is she with him?"

"I don't know-oh, here they are."

A car pulled over and Richard and Anne got out.

"Uncle Lewis?" said Darcy. "Are you doing the festival with us?

"No. I'm on my way to a golf date. Just thought I'd drop the kids off."

"Thanks, Daddy!" Anne leaned in the window and kissed her father. She turned to the group and handed out sheets of newspaper. "Page six! Check it out!"

They all stood in the street, reading Susan Russell's gossip column in a major New York tabloid newspaper.

Gussie, Gussie, Gussie! Do your homework, hon. You did get part of it right. Anne deBourgh is going to marry her cousin, but not the one you identified. The lucky man is Richard Fitzwilliam. What your spies (oops! forgive me, sources) saw was William Darcy comforting his dear cousin when she was away from New York and homesick for her Richard. I wish you joy, Anne and Richard. Kiss kiss!

"Anne!" cried Lizzy and Georgie in unison as they ran to embrace her.

"Congratulations!" Chris shook Richard's hand.

Richard looked at his cousin. "I'm sorry, Darce, I should have known you wouldn't..."

"Think nothing of it, Richard. How did Aunt Catherine take the news?"

"I'm not sure she has processed it yet. Uncle Lewis is pleased, though."

"We did it! crowed Georgie as she high-fived Lizzy. "Anne, how did you get that into the columns so fast?"

"I know someone who knows Susan Russell. You know how those two columnists love to dig at each other. I couldn't resist planting that item. That'll show Augusta Elton a thing or two!"

When the celebration settled down, Charles reminded them that they had twenty blocks of food ahead of them and he was becoming faint with hunger.

Drinks were individually selected and consumed, but food was declared to be communal. Chris bought a blooming onion, Lizzy bought sweet potato fries, Richard and Darcy bought ears of roasted corn. Jane, conscious of the need to begin shopping for a wedding dress, bought a fruit smoothie and declined fried food.

After the first round of food had been tasted, the group began to look around for more things to try.

"Popovers!" squealed Lizzy. "Will, this isn't far from your office. Did you know this was here?"

"No, but I'll remember it. I wonder if these are as good as Mrs. R's?"

Lizzy gave him a taste. He nodded, "Close."

"Egg cream!" cried Anne as she raced toward a booth.

"Euww, that sounds weird," said Peter.

"Yeah," laughed Charles. "Especially since it has neither eggs nor cream in it. Don't ask why. It's one of those New York mysteries."

Anne returned with her beverage-essentially an ice-cream soda minus the ice cream. She linked arms with Georgie and drew her aside. "Well? Do you have news to share, cousin?"

Georgie nodded.

"And?"

"Oh, Anne, it was wonderful! You should try it."

"You sound like that old commercial. 'Try it, you'll like it.'"

"You should. You will."

"I'm sure I will. He kisses me and I go weak in the knees. I can't imagine-"

"Annie! Come look at this," called Richard.

"What is it?"

"A fried Oreo."

"No way."

"Yes, way. It's battered and then deep fried. Try it."

"Is it any good?"

"Yeah."

"Is not!" Lizzy interrupted. "The filling all melts into the cookie."

"Charles?" asked Richard.

"Sure." He took a bite, then shook his head, "Nah, too weird."

"Darce?"

"No, it even looks strange."

"Hey!" Chris looked around. Where'd they go?"

"Jewelry," sighed Darcy, as he watched his sister and Lizzy point at earrings.

"Beer," said Richard, pointing to a nearby stall. "On tap. I'm buying. Sorry, Peter, root beer for you if you aren't twenty-one."

The men consumed amber ale while the women browsed through inexpensive jewelry, belts, purses, and ten-dollar Hermes-knock-off scarves.

"So, Richard," asked Darcy. "Where did you propose, if it isn't too personal to ask?

"Her studio."

"The studio?" gasped Darcy. "You saw it?"

"Yes. She's good Darce. No, not just because I love her. I mean she's really good. Do you remember the time we got caught out on the boat in that storm?" Darcy nodded and Richard continued, "She painted it. One look at the picture and that feeling of terror came rushing back. The emotion in her paintings, it's incredibly strong."

"I'm impressed. She hadn't trusted any of us to see her work. It shows how much she loves you, Richard."

"I know."

"Hey! Where's my beer?" asked Lizzy when she reached Darcy's side.

He offered her a sip. "Here. Buy anything?"

"No, but it's fun to look."

"I could have sold my earrings six times, though. Women kept asking me where I got them." Anne held back her hair to show off her flamingo earrings.

"Richard?" asked Darcy.

"Who else?" she laughed.

"Hey, I have excellent taste!" said Richard, defensively.

"Of course you do, Darling."

The group resumed its stroll through the festival. The crowd was getting denser and the walkers were getting full.

"Hey, Lizzy, fancy a bit of goat?"

"Don't be gross, Charles."

"It's right there."

"No, Not gonna happen. But look at those desserts on the other side of the street!"

"Apple tart!"

"Cheesecake!"

"Brownie."

"I want ice cream."

After desserts had been finished, the group walked to an area where a band was playing. People were dancing in the street, so the couples took advantage of a slow song to join the dancing.

"What a great day," sighed Lizzy.

"I love you," replied Darcy.

"Did you have fun?" asked Richard.

"Yes," sighed Anne. "I'm finding out what I always expected. Requited love is much better than unrequited love."

"What do you want to do next?" asked Mary.

Peter shrugged. "I don't know. Something touristy, so I have something to write about on postcards. Empire State Building? One of those boat rides?"

"Do you have to stay at home tonight?" asked Chris.

"I don't know, should we test Will's good nature?" giggled Georgie.

"This was fun," said Jane.

"I think I'm hungry again," said Charles.

When the band finished its song, Mary and Peter excused themselves, saying they were heading off to the boat piers to check out a ride around Manhattan. Chris and Georgie offered to go with them, and the other couples headed uptown again.

"It's getting warm," said Lizzy, pushing back a stray lock of hair.

"Hey!" cried Anne, grabbing at Lizzy's hand. "When did this happen?"

"A little while ago," said Darcy smugly. "We just didn't want to say anything until you two got yourselves sorted out."

"You coward!" said Richard. "You and Lizzy could have taken the heat off of Annie and me. But no, you left us to face Aunt Catherine without your support. She's still afraid you'll be devastated at our engagement."

"It's nice to know that she's concerned about me. Maybe we'll tell the family at Georgie's graduation dinner this week."

"Oh, yes, do. That way you can tell Uncle Matt and Mother at the same time. That should offer some comic relief!"

That night, Lizzy signed as she snuggled closer to Darcy. "Today was fun, but I'm so tired. It will be a rest to go back to work."

"Will you wear your ring to work?"

"Oh, yes, we've told Mom. There's no going back now."

Darcy stroked her hair, "As if I'd ever want to. Do you know, I don't think I ever did the food festival before."

"Too low-class for the proud Mr. Darcy?"

"Don't joke about it, Lizzy. You have taught me so much about having fun and finding happiness in all sorts of ways."

"You have loosened up, that's for sure. But have you loosened up enough to be OK about Georgie not coming home tonight?"

"I know I have to let her grow up. And, well, here we are, you know? What's sauce for the gander should be sauce for the goose. Is that how the saying goes?"

"Not quite, but close enough. Will, do you know how happy I am?"

"I have some idea." He kissed her.

"And are you happy?"

"Oh, Lizzy, do you have to ask? You have changed my life. Without you I might have turned into a grouchy old hermit. Without you-mmmph. Mmmm."

"Well then," said Lizzy softly when they came up for air. "Give your sister a chance to find happiness, too."

Darcy sighed. "I hadn't looked at it that way. Thanks, Love."

"Goodnight, Will."

Continued In Next Section