Beginning, Previous Section, Section III

"Lizzy!" Georgiana bellowed from her bedroom as Elizabeth was walking past her room. She popped her head in the door.

"Yes?"

"Lizzy, can I talk to you?" asked Georgiana nervously.

"Of course. What's up?" Elizabeth came to sit on the bed next to the girl.

"Um...well, I need to ask a favour of you."

"Sure, anything."

"I need you to talk to Will about something."

Elizabeth hesitated. She had never liked to get in between William and his sister when it came to authoritative matters. They had a bond that was like very few others, probably because of being orphaned at such a young age, and Elizabeth did not feel it was her place to upset the system they had set up.

"Georgie, if you can't tell your brother about it, I don't think I can do it for you. You two always tell each other everything." Just like he and I used to do

"No, Lizzy, it's not like that. You see, it has to do with Peter." She says as she looks at her hands in her lap.

"Peter? You mean the guy who lives on the floor above you? The one who took you out to dinner a few months ago?"

"Mm hm. Well, I was wondering if maybe you could ask Will if Peter could come with us to the New Years party at Aunt Susie's next Friday. He can stay at his grandparents' house. They live in the district."

"Why do you think your brother will disapprove?"

"Because I know it will be mostly family there and Will will blow this whole thing out of proportion..."

"Georgie, how serious are you and Peter?"

"Pretty serious. We have been dating since that first dinner."

"Georgie! Why didn't you tell me? I would have loved to help you pick out more outfits and give you advice." Elizabeth could not understand why Georgiana had not confided in her more.

"I thought you might tell Will about it and then he would go into his overprotective mode and scare Peter away. You two are so close; I know you don't have many secrets from one another."

"But now you want me to talk to him?"

"Yes. If you would. Please? Or at least just soften him up a little and I'll tell him. Work some of that 'Lizzy magic' on him?" she laughed.

Elizabeth made a feeble attempt to laugh as well. What if her 'Lizzy magic' didn't work on him anymore? She now understood why Georgiana had not told her about Peter. She was still under the impression that Elizabeth was still living with her husband. What a thought?

"I'll talk to him for you, if you want."

"Thanks Lizzy! You're the best." Georgiana gave her sister a big hug.

"Elizabeth?" William's voice could be heard from down below.

"I'll be right there!" she called. "Are you okay?" she asked the young girl before she left the room.

Georgiana's face clouded over momentarily. "Yeah, thanks."

"Richard!" exclaimed Elizabeth, as the tall man with sandy colored hair entered the kitchen. "I didn't know you were here yet. I didn't hear the bell."

"Oh, well, I let myself in. I knew you and my cousin Will would be too busy making eyes at each other from across the room to answer the door for little old me."

"I won't listen to this little pity party you through for yourself every time you come through this door!" she laughed. "You are hardly neglected!"

"Ah, well, I can try can't I?" he shrugged.

"Richard!" William walked though the kitchen door when he heard voices. "I didn't know you were here yet. I didn't hear the bell. Did you Elizabeth?" he asked.

Richard rolled his eyes. "You two even talk the same. It's nauseating."

"And what happened to your last girlfriend, Richard?" William tried to joke, "What was her name? Rita...Regina...?"

"Her name was Rhonda." Elizabeth supplied.

"Ah yes, Richard and Rhonda. Such a happy couple. They had three kids you know." William continued to mock. "Rowan, Ryan, and little Richie Jr."

"Okay! Shut up. I won't make fun of your marital felicity anymore."

William hurriedly busied himself with tasks about the kitchen while Elizabeth watched him silently, following his every move.

"So," asked Richard, breaking the silence, "is there anything I can do? I know I am early."

"No, everything's pretty much under control in here." replied Elizabeth. "Will?"

William turned to his cousin, "Come out back and I'll show you something." The two started toward the door.

"Do I get to see it too?" Elizabeth asked, feeling a bit left out.

"Your potatoes are boiling over." William said as he quickly pushed Richard out the door in front of him. Elizabeth quickly turned to the stove to lower the temperature under the pot. But they were fine. She looked after their retreating backs, her eyes narrowing at their quick escape and avoidance of her question. I guess that would be a 'no'.

As more and more guests trickled in, Elizabeth began to feel more and more uncomfortable. What if someone noticed? What would happen if they all found out her marriage was on the rocks, so to speak. They were fools to think they could even pull this off.

Elizabeth was awakened from her thoughts by an arm circling her waist and William standing at her side. "Are you okay?" he asked.

She turned to smile at him. "Yeah, I'm fine." Maybe this would work out. "You?"

"I'm good." William gave a half smile. "The Bingley's are here."

"Oh, thanks. Could you tell Jane I'll be there in a minute? I have to do something really quick."

"No problem. Is there anything else I can do? I'll get drinks for everyone."

"Yeah, that would be great. Thanks. I'll be right back." Elizabeth slid out William's arm and hurried upstairs. On the top shelf in the guest room closet were her presents to William. She had wrapped them earlier to day, but had stuffed them up there when she heard him coming. Elizabeth walked back down stairs. As she was placing her gifts under the tree, William walked in with the two boys in tow, along with Richard and Charles.

"Excuse me ma'am, we are having a manly bonding session. You will need to vacate the premises immediately." Richard gave a mock bow.

"An' Lizzy! An' Lizzy!" the two boys shouted when they saw her. They each managed to squirm out of William's grasp and run over to Elizabeth, who was still kneeling on the ground, toppling her over with their weight.

"Ooof!" Elizabeth let out, as she fell to the ground, pinned down by two bouncing two year olds.

Nathan and Connor continued to climb all over 'Mount Lizzy'. However, more than one attempt was made to return to an upright position.

"Ahhhhhh!" William growled as he dove in and attempted to pry the two little boys off of Elizabeth. "Unhand my wife!" William protested, pulling her up into his embrace. This only made the boys laugh harder, and soon all four of them were again on the floor. Richard and Charles looked on, laughing. Charles gave a silent prayer of thanks. Things seemed to be looking up.

"Come on, you crazy hoodlums," Charles interjected, "Go find your mother. She'll get you something to drink."

"Oh, I'll get it, Charles. After all, I am unwanted here." Elizabeth shot her haughtiest look at Richard, who only threw his snobbiest expression back, causing both to laugh.

William once again gathered Elizabeth close to him, "Never! You'll never take her from me!"

"I see." Richard broke in. "It's us who are unwanted. I get the hint. Come on Charles; let's give the love birds their space." With a few sly grins a couple of winks, Richard, Charles, Nathan, and Connor left the room, leaving Elizabeth alone in William's embrace. Neither spoke for a minute, but stood comfortably in each other's arms. This was the first time they had allowed themselves to get close.

William dropped a kiss on Elizabeth's shoulder from behind before letting her go. "So what's in the package?" he jeered. "Something for me, perhaps?"

"Maybe. Maybe not. Where's mine?"

"Do I look like a person who wraps gifts ahead of time?"

"Hmph."

"You look great tonight. I love your dress." I don't believe this. I'm flirting with my wife!

"Thanks," she chuckled, "You picked it out."

"I know. It looks beautiful on you." He smiled.

Elizabeth looked down. This was all happening so fast.

"Liz," he said after a pause, "I think we really need to talk." Elizabeth looked up at him. He was no longer laughing, but quite serious. "There are things...things that I need to tell you. But I can't, not now. Not with all these people here. But promise me we'll talk. Later? After everyone leaves?" He was searching her eyes, his hands about her waist.

"Lizzy!" Mrs. Bennet's voice could be heard from the kitchen. William took a breath and steped away from his wife. Elizabeth made to move toward the door, but William's hand stopped her.

"Promise?" he asked.

"I promise." she smiled.

"Come on Elizabeth, our entourage awaits." William took Elizabeth's hand in his and led her toward the dinning room.

The whole party had gathered and assembled around the table, looking at all the food Mrs. Reynolds had set out. Everything was perfect. The food had been cooked to perfection, courtesy of Elizabeth and Mrs. Reynolds, the room looked remarkable, and the whole family had gathered together to celebrate. And I mean the whole family. There were Bennets, there were Gardiners, there were Bingleys, there were Darcys, and there were Fitzwilliams. The only people absent were the Hursts, who were dining with Mr. Hurst's family this year, and Richard's family, but they would see them tomorrow. The whole affair was to be a complete success.

"Ahhh! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" William heard as he reached the entrance to the dining room. He looked on in confusion, only to see Georgiana beaming, and Charles pointing to something just above William's head. Sure enough, just out of sight, was a clump of mistletoe.

William narrowed his eyes at his sister. "Did you just put that there?"

"Of course not!" Georgiana feigned offence. "I have been catching every couple that walked into the room. That's half the fun!" she giggled.

William looked down at his wife standing by his side. She was staring intently at her shoes. He tilted her chin up with his hand and turned her to face him, searching her eyes for any signs of resistance. He found none. Slowly William bent his head down to meet hers. With the first touch of their lips, neither was aware of anything around them. They gave into one another, body and soul. The months of resistance faded away.

William pulled his head back and looked into his wife's eyes. They were glowing. Suddenly, Elizabeth could feel herself being dipped back, and William's mouth upon her own once more. Flashes of light went off all around them, but neither seemed to care. The crowd cheered and took more pictures.

William broke off the kiss and leaned down toward Elizabeth's ear, whispering; "Now we'll have a picture to remember this Christmas by."

Elizabeth smiled as William righted her. She was slightly dizzy. Whether it was from being dipped back or from William's kiss, she did not know.

Jane and Charles were looking on happily, while the crowd died down. Lydia simply rolled her eyes and took her seat. Caroline's whole face puckered unattractively. Mr. Bennet smiled at his daughter and son-in-law. Richard was making 'yucky' faces with the boys. Mrs. Reynolds sighed happily from her position at the kitchen door, before she gathered her belonging, left the house, and went home very content.

When the group finally sat down to eat, William and Elizabeth engaged in conversation with everyone else but each other, however their smiles never left their faces. The phone rang during the beginning of dessert. Georgiana silently stood up to answer it, for it looked like no one else was willing to leave their slice of Jane's triple-layer-chocolate-fudge-cake unattended at the table.

"Jane, this is delicious!" William praised. She looked up from wiping off Nathan's chocolate covered face, and smiled. Charles was having a tougher time getting the towel and Connor's face to make contact, but he relished in the praise of his wife all the same.

"William?" Georgiana entered the room with an odd expression on her face. "The phone's for you."

"Thanks. I'll take it in my study." He excused himself from the table and turned down the hall. Georgiana looked after him as he went; when she could no longer see him, turned her gaze to Lydia.

Chapter Nine

Posted on Sunday, 14 August 2005

"Hello?"

"Darcy?" William cringed at the sound of the voice on the other end of the line.

"What do you want Wickham?"

"Well that's a fine greeting. After all, it is Christmas Eve. You might show me some holiday cheer and good will."

"Exactly. It is Christmas Eve and you are ruining my holiday cheer and good will by your call."

"Oh, well aren't we a little touchy tonight. Is Elizabeth not giving you a nice Christmas present this year? Maybe it's her good will you should be worried about."

William clenched his fists and let out a deep breath, "If the only reason for your call is to insult my wife, then I think we're though. Good-bye George."

"Wait! Darcy, wait. Don't hang up. I did call for a reason. I thought that since it is the holidays and all, you might be a little more generous than usual. You see, I am in need of some funds. I naturally turned to the bank first, as any upright citizen of this fine country should do, but they said my credit was no good. And I'm convinced that stupid restraining order didn't help any. So next, I thought I might turn to you. After all, we are practically brothers. You have plenty of money to spare for an old friend."

"Wickham, we are not, and never will be, brothers. Or friends. Don't think you can call here during Christmas dinner, beg for money, and then get off easy. I have taken just about as much as I can stand from you, and given you about as much as I am willing to give." William's voice was so low and tense, that George had to strain to listen to it.

There was a pause for a moment when neither spoke. Finally, George filled the silence. "Alright. I played nice. Now I'll fill you in on my original plan. I've gained a lot of dirt on you, Darcy, over the years. It just might come in handy now. And I'm sure Lydia would not be opposed to making a second attempt at our elopement. Of course, we wouldn't want to do it in the dark this time, you know. We would let the whole family know. I'm sure dear Georgie would love to hear about our nuptial plans, and your involvement in them. And this time, Elizabeth won't be left in the dark."

"You have nothing on us, George. Go ahead; tell the family about your sordid past. I know Lydia would love to hear how you tried to molest my sister, steal money from my firm, and got caught up in a drug bust a few years back. You are all talk George. You always were."

"Oh, well I see I'll need to bring out the big guns. How would you feel if, as a Christmas present of course, I told your entire family of the status of your marriage at the moment? Elizabeth hasn't been living there with you for quite some time now, has she?"

"You don't know what you are talking about."

"Then that isn't Elizabeth's car I see most mornings as I drive by Charlotte Lucas's apartment?" I am assuming that the family still doesn't know. Otherwise, it would have made the papers by now. 'William Darcy, multi-millionaire, separates from wife, Elizabeth Bennet, after four years of marriage. Scandal suspected.'", William could hear the over confident tone in George's voice. For a moment, it scared him. William knew what George was capable of. What would he do?

"Why on earth do you think you can blackmail me into giving you money? George, you forget that I know everything about you. I know every record that you tried to hide. I even know things that the police don't. There is no piece of information that you could use against me. I know you too well."

"Is Elizabeth there?"

"Why?"

"I want to confirm my suspicions."

"Yes, she is here. We are having dinner with the family, of whom you are not a part of."

"So that wasn't her car I saw at Charlotte's apartment?" William could hear the confidence in his voice fading.

"Look again for the next few days. I assure you it won't be there. She, as well as her car, are here, with me."

"Fine. But what am I supposed to do about my monetary problem, Will? You are loaded. What's a few thousand to tide me over?"

"That is the least of my concerns." He hung up. The fact that George had the nerve to call his house on Christmas Eve, of all times, and beg for money, after all that he had already given him, was beyond William's comprehension.

William paused outside the dinning room to regain his composer before going back in. When he stepped through the threshold, he immediately saw Georgiana's anxious face. He gave her a small smile and her worries melted away. However, Elizabeth was not at her seat, but the clattering of cups from the kitchen directed him toward her.

William entered the kitchen to find his wife waiting patiently for the coffee to finish. "Elizabeth, I need to talk to you about something."

"Sure. Hurry up, though, the coffee is just about done."

"I just got off the phone with Wickham, who had some nerve to call here today, he wanted..."

"William, this isn't a two minute conversation. We'll talk about it later when we have more time."

"But it's important."

"Don't worry, there will be plenty of time later."

"We need to talk about this now."

"William we have dinner guests."

"I don't care. This is important."

"It can wait." Elizabeth made her way to door with the coffee pot and cups.

"No, Elizabeth. We are going to stay here and argue about this until we come to a conclusion without anyone leaving to avoid it!"

"No! I am not going to stay here and discuss this with you! We have a house full of guests."

"Don't you think our marital problems are a little more important than making sure our guests have coffee with their dessert? I'm sure every person out there can either suffer through dessert with out a drink or make their own, with the exception of Caroline, and I'm sure someone will stoop to help her!"

"What's wrong with you?"

"I told you, I got a call from Wickham today. He..."

"This has nothing to do with our marital problems!"

"That's what caused them to begin with!"

"As much as you and I would both like to blame everything that goes wrong in our lives on George, we can't. Our problems have nothing to do with him. You can't always continue to blame Wickham every time you screw up."

"What! It has everything to do with him! It was his entire fault in the first place!"

"Tell me then. What does Wickham have to do with our problems?" Lizzy stood, with her feet apart and her arms crossed in front of her, staring directly back at William.

William fumed, staring back at his wife. What could he say? He had already said too much.

"Lizzy?" Jane entered the kitchen with Nathan on her hip.

"What!" she snapped. Immediately Elizabeth's face crumbled into an expression of remorse. "I'm sorry, Jane. I didn't mean to snap at you."

"It's alright, Lizzy. I just thought I should warn you that your voices were beginning to carry into the dining room. I don't think anyone else noticed, though. I'll get out of your way; this little one needs a diaper change."

"I'll do it." Elizabeth immediately took Nathan into her arms and started for the door.

"Lizzy!"
"Elizabeth!"

Jane and William attempted to stop her from leaving, but she would not listen and continued out the door. William let out a ragged sigh after she left, running his hand through his hair, and leaning back against the counter. Jane could see how much her sister's actions had hurt and angered William. She stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on her brother-in-law's arm. "Come back in," she pleaded, "Just give her time to cool down."

"She doesn't need time to 'cool down'. We haven't discussed anything yet. She always leaves before we have a chance." However, with a little coaxing from Jane, William agreed to re-enter the dining room.

"What happened to the coffee?" Lydia piped up from her seat in between Mary and her Aunt.

"I'll get it." interrupted Jane, before William had a chance to respond. He threw her a smile as she left the room.

It seemed that everyone began to talk at once. Mrs. Bennet was lecturing little Abby Gardiner on the proper way to hold her fork. Richard, Mr. Gardiner, and Mr. Bennet were participating in a heated discussion over a large issue on the news recently. Mary and Lydia were arguing over the order of the bridesmaids in the processional at Kitty's wedding, at which point Mrs. Gardiner mentioned that they should ask Kitty instead of continuing with this fruitless conversation. Tommy and Andrew Gardiner, sitting on opposite sides of Georgiana, were teasing her about still having to go to school, even as an adult. Charles was wrestling Connor back into his seat at the table, yet still attempting to pay attention to Kitty's mile-a-minute dialog about how much she loved Scott and how she wished he could have spent Christmas with them instead of with his family in Pennsylvania. Amid the chaos, Elizabeth returned with Nathan. And for a few minutes, all Elizabeth and William did was stare at each other from across the table in silence.

Silently William contemplated their situation. It seemed almost hopeless at times. How had things progressed this far without his knowledge? And why wouldn't she try to make things better? It seemed that every time he tried to reach out to her, she pulled back. Was she afraid? Afraid to be hurt again? He knew he had hurt her, but why was she being so stubborn about it? No matter how she felt, he would not give up. He would not loose her again.

I want to know why
You're letting this die
Without the blink of an eye
You say that you need time
I say you'll be fine
If you would only see
Like you did before
You became imprisoned
Can I reopen the door

You say it doesn't matter
Then tell me what does
And why that isn't what
You've been thinking of
You say it's never easy
Then tell me what was
Is it never worth the pain
Could you believe it was
When life keeps living
That's what life keeps giving
To us

Once we were one mind
Drifting in one time
And ever true
We were friends
But something is gone from my
Picture of this life

If we could only see
Like we did before
We became imprisoned
Can I reopen the door

You say it doesn't matter
Then tell me what does
And why that isn't what
You've been thinking of
You say it's never easy
Then tell me what was
Is it never worth the pain
Could you believe it was
When life keeps living
That's what life keeps giving
To us

The hope has vanished from your eyes
You were my faith and one truth
There's every reason to get through
And you're why I know there's a reason

Eventually both hosts were drawn into conversations around them, although neither could claim they really enjoyed it.

"Uncle Will?" Abby Gardiner asked from her seat on his left. The five-year-old girl looked up at him with large brown eyes.

"Yes, Abby?" William smiled to the girl.

"How many more minutes until Santa comes?"

"Lots of minutes." Abby's eyes widened. "You have to go to sleep first. Santa won't come until he knows you are asleep." Abby scooted out of her chair and climbed up onto William's lap.

"What did you ask Santa to bring you for Christmas?" she asked. William looked down at the little brown-eyed girl, deep in thought. What did he want? He knew what he wanted, it was just a matter of getting it. However, it was not something that Santa could bring.

"I asked for a white Christmas for your Aunt Lizzy." William whispered conspiratorially to the little girl on his lap, who giggled at the thought. Quickly she jumped off his lap, ran around the table, and sidled up next to Elizabeth, who bent down to hear what the little girl had to tell her. Elizabeth, who had been listening intently to Abby, suddenly looked up at William in surprise. William, who had been watching this whole exchange, smiled.

The Bingleys, Bennets and Gardiners were the first to leave, small children in tow. Soon after that, Richard, Mary, and Lydia bade their farewells, leaving only three tired Darcys, and a house full of dirty dishes.

"We aren't hosting any more large gatherings of this nature in the near future are we?" Elizabeth slumped against the door. William and Georgiana laughed and pulled her to her feet.

"I can see none in the immediate future," replied Will.

"Except the final dress fittings on Sunday." Georgiana piped in. Both Elizabeth and William groaned.

"They'll get a platter of cheese and crackers, and paper cups, that's it." Elizabeth teased.

Once the kitchen was relatively clean, all three Darcys said good night, to tired to even think anymore. As Elizabeth slipped into bed that night, she watched her husband coming out of the bathroom in his grey t-shirt and navy blue sweat pants. He was trying, wasn't he? She had to admit it; she had seen a distinct change in him since she came back. He was aware of her concerns and needs, playful, open, honest, and most of all, around. Even though his firm was still at work over the holidays, even Richard was still there, he had taken time off to be with her. To try to fix what was wrong. She knew that it was not easy for William to leave matters at the office in the hands of other people. He liked to be in control, at least supervising in case anything came up. However, for the past week, and the next, he had cleared his schedule, only working from home when necessary. He was trying. Moreover, he was being nice about it. She knew that he had overheard all of the mean and nasty things she had said about him to Jane, but he never brought it up again. Nor did he throw her words back in her face when they proved to be untrue.

They had spent two months apart, and it had been awful. Elizabeth made a resolve. She would try just as hard, even if it hurt her in the end. Tomorrow was Christmas, after all. She would show him that she forgave him, that she was willing to put her heart in his hands once more.

"Liz, wake up! Wake up! It's Christmas!" Elizabeth blinked several times as the morning light shining through her windows, temporarily blinded her. As she shifted she could see William raised up on one elbow above her, nudging her awake. His eyes were bright, like a boy. She smiled at the picture of him. He always woke up early, especially on Christmas. Down the hall, they could hear Georgiana rising as well. She too was an early-Christmas-riser.

"Will! Come on! Let's go!" Georgiana's voice could carry pretty far for someone so small.

As the couple rolled out of bed, William placed a hand on Elizabeth's arm, stopping her from going any farther. "I know that we didn't really get to talk last night, with dinner and Wickham, and all, but please- today?"

Elizabeth nodded her consent. It was their first step toward reconciliation, and she would not run away this time.

"Merry Christmas, Liz." William smiled.

"Merry Christmas."

"Hurry up!" Georgie shouted from the hall.

"Let's go before she breaks down the door." laughed Elizabeth.

The Darcy family settled around the tree on the floor, William and Elizabeth sitting side by side near the sofa, and Georgie sitting cross-legged leaning back against a large armchair. They each took turns going around the room opening gifts since they were such a small bunch, they wanted to make the excitement last longer.

"Mine first!" exclaimed Georgiana who dove under the tree and came up with a box for Elizabeth. "I hope you like it! It's really easy to shop for you. All I have to do is find something that I like, yet don't need. I really wanted one too, but I thought you would appreciate it more." Inside the small box was an envelope.

"Georgie! A gift certificate for an all day spa treatment! Wow! Thank you so much! I love it."

"And, since it is no fun to go alone, I got one for Jane too." She smiled; it was nice to see Elizabeth so happy again, especially after this past week.

"Thank you, Georgie." The sisters smiled and hugged. "Me next!" Elizabeth pulled out two matching boxes for Georgiana. "Here you are." Inside the large box was a beautiful pink cashmere sweater. Inside the small one was a matching hat and glove set.

"Lizzy, it's gorgeous! Thank you!"

"This is for you." She handed William his gift. Once again, Elizabeth's present was in two parts. William opened the oddly shaped one first. "Aftershave?" He smiled and laughed. "This is the brand I used to use."

"I know, you don't wear it anymore, and I don't know why you ever stopped! You should, it smells good." Elizabeth was rather embarrassed by her gift now that she had given it. She did not want William to know that she liked the smell of him, with or without aftershave.

"Thank you," he smiled, "I will. You know, the only reason I don't wear it is because I couldn't find it anywhere. Where did you get this?"

"I ordered it directly from the company. I figured that would be safest. They shipped it really fast, too!"

"As in 'last week' fast?" He could not help tease her a little. Elizabeth could not meet his eye, but before she could feel too guilty, she felt his hand on hers. "Thank you, Liz." He was still smiling.

He put down the aftershave bottle and picked up the other gift. Elizabeth was excited about this one. She had searched long and hard to find William a gift he would like, something not too personal, yet affectionate, and something he did no have already. When she came across this at an antique dealer, she bought it immediately.

"Don Quixote!" She bought him a hardback of the classic book, one of his favorites. Not only that, but it was a rare copy, rather old too. "Wow! How old is this?!" William began to flip through the front to find a publishing date. "1765! Where did you find this?" She could tell he was excited and it made her happy.

"In an antique store, the guy there specialized in books."

"Thank you! I love it!" He gave her a hug. He could not help it.

"Okay! My turn!" William reached around Elizabeth and handed her a small box. "Merry Christmas, Liz."

Slowly Elizabeth unwrapped the paper. He did a pretty good job of it, she had to admit. She had seen some of the other gifts he had wrapped. Inside was a large, black velvet box. Elizabeth glanced at William, unsure of what his gift contained. He was smiling in anticipation, waiting for her reaction. She opened the box. Inside was a beautiful necklace, alternating black and white pearls spaced out on a thin silver chain. It was vaguely familiar to her. She had seen it before. "William, is this-"

"It's the necklace we saw in that jewelry store when we went to the beach in North Carolina last summer."

"How did you know? I didn't tell-"

"You didn't have to tell me you liked it. I could see by the way you looked at it."

"When did you get it? We saw this on our last day there."

"I got it when I flew down to North Carolina for a conference a few months ago." He was smiling, obviously happy at the way he was able to surprise his wife.

"You remembered." she whispered.

"Of course." William leaned into kiss her cheek. Elizabeth turned to look at him. She was not ready for that much physical affection quite yet, and William saw it in her eyes. He pulled back resignedly. He knew in the back of his mind that she needed space, and he would give it to her.

"Thank you. It's beautiful." She smiled up at him, and all his insecurities left.

"Now Georgie," started William, "to receive your gift, you will need to come with me." He helped his sister up off the floor and walked her out of the room. Curious, Elizabeth followed as well. They reached the door of an unused sitting room off the east side of the house. No one really used this room. At one point, it had been the former Mrs. Darcy's sewing room, but after her death, neither William nor Georgiana tended to use it much. Therefore, Elizabeth had not gone near that part of the house since she got here, assuming it would be just as it always had been.

The door was shut, not unusual; however, to open it, William produced a key and unlocked it. What was he hiding in there?

"Close your eyes." he commanded of his sister. She acquiesced. Pulling his sister in the room, William stepped behind her. "Open them."

There in front of her stood a brand new 'baby grand' piano. "Will!"

"Do you like it? I knew you needed a new one, because you are not taking ours when you move out. I thought it was time you had one all your own."

"Do I like it?! Will, it's the best present ever!" Georgiana ran up to William and gave a great big hug, almost crying with excitement.

Elizabeth felt awkward as she stood and watched the siblings rattle away about the different features of Georgiana's new 'toy'. Part of her wanted to be happy and excited with her sister. Another, deeper, more hidden, part of her looked down to the necklace box she still held in her hands. No! she chided herself. She would not be jealous over Georgiana's gift. But part of her could still not help comparing her necklace to a piano. And not just any piano, a baby grand! And all her own. She tried to push the thought to the back of her mind. This would not do. It was natural for William to give his sister such a great and thoughtful gift. After all, did she even really deserve a Christmas present herself? She had been the one who left. She should be glad the William had even thought to get it for her.

"Come here, you." William was suddenly at her side propelling her out the door. "I saw that look." he teased. Elizabeth tried to adopt her most innocent expression. "You thought that was all you were getting, huh? Put on your coat."

"What?" She was clearly confused.

"Put on your coat." he repeated. "It's cold out." Elizabeth did as she was bid, wondering if William was still sane. "Follow me, and close your eyes." She felt William's hands grip hers, pulling her forward and out the back door.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"Just wait." She heard. "Georgiana, could you open that door please? Okay, good. Now stay with Elizabeth until I get back. And make her keep her eyes closed."

Elizabeth heard some strange sounds, like large objects being shifted around. She knew by now they were standing outside of William's tool shed, but what present she was about to receive out of said tool shed was still a mystery. She heard the sound of snow crunching under feet, William had come back out. Georgiana gasped.

Seconds later he was at her side again, his hand in her own. "You can open your eyes now."

As soon as she did, Elizabeth saw her gift in front of her. It was a shiny wooden sled. A Toboggan really, with red trim and red blades. This was no ordinary sled; this was the sled for sledding pros, people who really loved snow. Tears came to her eyes. Not from the excitement of the new sled, but from the fact that William had made it. He had made it himself, in his workshop! Upon closer inspection, she could see his fine craftsmanship. There was no manufacturing logo on in, marring its beauty. In place of that was a snow angel painted across the lightwood.

William was watching her earnestly, waiting for her reaction.

"You made this?" It came out only slightly louder than a whisper.

"Yes, and let me tell you that it is a lot harder to make a sled that it sounds. I have been working on this thing for months! I only just finished it a few days ago. Richard thought it turned out well when I brought him to see it yesterday night." William was excited. "What do you think?" His voice sounded hesitant.

Elizabeth stared at the sled in front of her. He had started this months ago, before she even left. It was the most thoughtful gift she had ever received. Elizabeth was so overwhelmed she could barely breathe. She turned her face upward to look in his eyes, her own eyes welling with tears. "Can we go sledding?"

William's face broke out into a huge grin. Her answer obviously pleased him.

"Anytime you want."

William and Elizabeth took the new sled out for a test drive first thing after breakfast. He sat on the back, she in front of him, with his arm wrapped around her waist.

"Hold on!" he yelled from behind as they pushed off the top of the hill. "I haven't tested it out yet!" The two sped down the hill, faster and faster until they reached the bottom when William stuck out his legs to bring them to a halt. "Well, we survived! I guess it passes inspection." Elizabeth turned in his grasp to bestow on him one of her largest smiles, eyes bright. Their gazes met. Elizabeth felt safe and warm in his presence. "My little snow angel." He murmured into her hair.

Chapter Ten

Posted on Friday, 30 September 2005

"Will, Elizabeth, Georgie! Come in! We haven't seen you all for months!" Susie Fitzwilliam exclaimed as she ushered her niece and nephew in her home that evening. "Richard should be in the living room with Anne. Catherine is giving your Uncle David a hard time about something or other and Stuart and Trisha should be here shortly. Go in, I know Richard is desolate without you. I have to go make sure dinner in coming along. I'll be right in."

Susie Fitzwilliam was more high spirited than her husband, but they seemed to get along fine. Richard took after his mother; his brother Stuart, after his father, but even Mr. Fitzwilliam Sr. had a livelier personality than Stuart. It is the way it always had been. Five years ago Stuart had married some society heiress named Trisha. Elizabeth thought it sounded like the name of a Barbie. William agreed.

"Hi Will!" Anne Elizabeth de Bourgh's voice carried through the room, loud enough to be heard by her mother down the hall, her intention of course. Anne did all she could to aggravate her mother. It was one of her joys of life. "Lizzie you look wonderful. I love your necklace, is it new?" Before she had an opportunity to respond, Anne continued, twirling a lock of her reddish hair around her finger, as was her habit. "Georgie, how's school? How much longer do you have left?"

Anne and Georgiana soon took themselves off to another corner to catch up.

"Well, it looks like I lost my conversation partner, you'll have to do Will." Richard smiled at his cousin. "So, Elizabeth. How do like your sled?" he smiled.

"I love it!" she beamed. She and William took a seat on a couch across from Richard. "We took a test ride this morning. I approve."

"Lizzy! Will made you sled for Christmas?!" Anne, who had just heard the story from her cousin across the room, joined in. "That's so cool!"

Elizabeth's reply was cut off by a pretentious voice that entered the room. "Do not speak in that vulgar tone Anne, dear. It is hardly becoming."

"Hello Aunt Catherine." William dutifully stood up to give his Aunt a kiss. "Merry Christmas."

"You did not really give your wife a sled for Christmas, did you William? What would people think? You really must think of all these things, you know. Anne, sit up straight!" Catherine de Bourgh marched regally past William toward her own daughter and niece. Lowering her head near Georgiana, she waited for a kiss of greeting. Georgie sent a pleading look toward her brother but only received a nod in return. She mumbled a greeting to her Aunt, kissed her quickly on the cheek, and returned to her seat. "Georgiana, how are your piano skills coming along? Are you practicing constantly like you should?" Georgiana rolled her eyes and turned to mumble a response to her Aunt. Elizabeth stifled a giggle from her seat across the room. When Catherine felt that she had given as much advice as she needed to for the moment, she took a seat in far corner of the room where she could observe all.

"It's nice to see you, Mrs. De Bourgh." Elizabeth spoke up from her seat when it looked like Catherine was not going to greet her. William's Aunt always made a point to show everyone that she disapproved of his choice of bride, and Elizabeth always made a point to show everyone that it did not faze her.

Catherine barley looked up when addressed so; preferring to ignore the remark all together, she scarcely nodded in return. The room cringed in embarrassment, everyone trying to imagine that that woman was in no way related to them.

Voiced were heard in the hall and soon Richard's parents entered. "Ah, Elizabeth! Don't you look lovely." David Fitzwilliam strode over to his nephew's wife and took her out stretched hand.

"Merry Christmas!" she replied with a smile.

"Merry Christmas to you. Georgie! Look how much you've grown. I'm sure William here will have to bat the boys away with a stick, you're getting so pretty." He laughed as he came over to give her a kiss on the top of her head.

"I hope I won't have to be doing that for a while yet." William cut in.

Georgiana sent a pointed look toward Elizabeth who only slightly shook her head in return.

"It's nice to see you Uncle David." She blushed at the compliment.

"How is the firm, Will?" Susie inquired.

"It's doing well, I believe. I have been taking some time off for the holidays, so any detailed questions should be directed in Richard, rather than me, but all in all, we are doing well."

"William," interrupted Catherine, "you are letting your business be handled entirely by Richard? You should not neglect it so. It is not good practice." Richard bristled in his seat.

"I can assure you, Mrs. de Bourgh," Elizabeth spoke, "William is in no way neglecting his duties. In fact, it is quite the opposite."

"Hmph!" Catherine silently settled back into her chair, keeping her permanent glare fixed in Elizabeth. William took her hand and gave it a tender squeeze.

Anne attempted to break the silence, "Lizzy, how are Jane's children doing? They were growing so fast the last time I saw them."

"They are doing well, Connor seems get into trouble enough for the both of them, but they are growing fast."

"No doubt due to their loose upbringing by your sister." Catherine muttered.

"Georgiana, how is school?" Susie spoke up quickly. "Do you have any plans for your time here?"

"I...uh...school is good. The same really, exams and papers, and whatnot."

"That's good." The conversation seemed to lack a little.

"Well, even though I can hardly pull myself away from this gripping conversation," Richard put in, "I pray you will excuse me for a moment, nature calls." He stood.

"Richard!" Catherine bellowed. "Do not be so coarse. Susan Fitzwilliam, you should really have taught Richard some manners. I would never let him get away with such talk growing up."

"Leave him be, Catherine" David spoke to his sister. "Use the restroom Richard, but hurry back."

"Yes Sir!" Richard saluted and left. He made his way down the hall. As he passed the front door, it opened and in walked Stuart and Trisha.

"Stuie!" Richard cried to his ever proper brother. He knew his brother hated the moniker, and Trisha, even more. Therefore, he and his cousin Anne never called him anything else.

"Richard. It's nice to see you. Trisha, you remember my younger brother Richard, do you not?" She nodded. Stuart always said that, even if Richard saw Trisha every day, he would always 're-introduce' them as if they had not been in company together for years.

"Pleasure." she simpered. Richard had to admit it; the two were made for each other. Neither of them had any personality. What they ever did for fun, he did no know.

"Uh, yeah, well," he continued, "the others are in the living room. I'll be there in a moment. Everyone's here."

"Thank you, Richard. Come along, Trisha."

"Lighten up, Stuie!" Richard laughed, "It's just family. No need to be so posh." He turned up his nose at his brother, turned on his heal, and headed for the bathroom.

Dinner went over well if one could ignore Catherine's frequent insults to everyone and anyone. The table was full of lavish foods and delectable desserts, fitting for the Christmas season. The entire company rose after they finished eating to make their way to the living room for coffee.

"Agent Skywalker," Richard and Anne whispered to William from behind as they walked down the hall.

"Agent Vader," he replied. William laughed to himself. As children of ten and eleven, William and Richard had come up with secret agent names. The two boys were always close, in age and in personality. Stuart, being four years older and boring, thought their game was childish, but Anne, who was two years younger and idolized her older cousins, thought it was the best game in the world and wanted to play too. The boys had tried to shake her off, not wanting an eight year old girl to play with, but she would follow them around the yard begging them to let her play. Finally they gave in to her nagging, letting her pick her own secret agent name. 'I want to be Agent Princess Pony!' she had said. She would forever be stuck with that name.

"It seems that operation 'Yule Tide' shall need to commence." Anne said. "There is only so much of this woman I can take."

"Who?"

"My mother! Now, Richard, you take her down, William, you tie her up, and I'll gag her." She laughed.

"Yes, Princess Pony. But couldn't we just knock her out, or put her under some kind of anesthetic first. She is always loudest when she senses danger." William teased.

"No time. We must be swift. We will go with plan B. Alright...break!"

The group disassembled quickly. It was a strategy they used to keep Anne's mother under control. They would strategically put certain people in her presence and take others out. Elizabeth and Georgiana were never allowed to be left. Susie could only be left in the presence of David and Stuart/Trisha. William and Richard would bear the brunt of her tirade until Anne gave them the signal to switch. It was a very meticulous plan to have been worked out by children, but it was a Christmas tradition.

"What! Wait a minute!" cried Richard. "I had to stay with her the entire time at Easter. Why can't I get the later shift this time?"

"Oh, alright," mumbled Anne, "I'll stay with Will, you pull out Lizzy and Georgie."

"Okay."

"What about me?" asked William, "Why can't I go?"

"You get to have them both to yourself at home, Cuz," put in Richard, "Share the wealth."

William smiled. "Fine. Let's go."

Anne and William went over to entertain Catherine, while Richard directed Elizabeth and Georgiana towards the other end of the room.

"I'm so full, I don't know if I'll be able to get into the car." Elizabeth remarked playfully. "We won't be able to come here very often if this is the way we get fed each time."

"You and Will should have been here for Thanksgiving!" Richard put in, "There was barley enough room for our plates, the table was so full!"

"I'm sure you and Will ate your share at your parent's house." Georgiana said. "It was strange not to have Will here for Thanksgiving, but I understand that you have family too, Lizzy. I would have gone with you two if he had told me sooner, but he only told me that day. Will promised he would come here next year no matter what."

Had William spent Thanksgiving alone then? I thought that maybe he would make up some excuse as to why I wasn't there. But from what Georgie says, it sounds like he told them all he was with me.

"The food tonight was excellent!" she said, trying to change the subject. "Your parents have a magnificent cook. I send my compliments to Mrs. Warren."

"She really outdid herself this time." replied Richard with a smile. "Although, I have to say, while it may sound treasoness, I did prefer your sister's chocolate cake to Mrs. Warren's cheese cake. But don't tell her said anything!" he whispered conspiratorially.

"Your secret is safe with-"

"Richard!" broke in Georgiana, "Then are you the one who ate my piece of cake while I left to get the phone?"

Richard only laughed, and ducked as a pillow was hurled in his direction. "I should have known that Wickham's phone call could only bring about your ruthless behavior." she laughed, "Nothing good ever comes from his direction."

"Well," he sobered a little, "we'll make sure that nothing of his ever comes in your direction again. First he attacked you, and now he is an accomplice in a mysterious cake abduction."

"Wait! What?" Elizabeth started. "What do you mean he attacked you? When?" She turned to Georgiana, whose eyes grew wide like a frightened rabbit. Richard was staring guiltily at his hands in his lap. She looked from Georgiana to William across the room, who was silently nodding at what ever Catherine said with a vacant stare.

"Well, um...it was a long time ago." Georgiana shot a quick nervous gaze toward her brother, who was still oblivious to the upheaval in their corner of the room.

"Georgiana, what do you mean he attacked you, what happened? Why did nobody ever tell me?"

"Elizabeth?" William was suddenly standing at their side. He face showed no concern or anxiety so she assumed that he was still ignorant of what she and his sister were discussing. "Are you two ready to go? It's late and Dear Aunt Catherine over there is getting a little cantankerous." He said, nodding his head in her direction. Elizabeth checked her watch. It read 8:37, hardly late, but she could understand his desire to leave. However, Elizabeth did not want to leave until she and her sister-in-law had a little chat. Ready to argue that she wished to stay a little longer, Georgiana cut her off.

"Sure, let's go." Elizabeth took hold of her hand as she stood up to pass. Georgiana smiled softly at her sister and gave her a small nod, indicating that they would continue their conversation later.

Elizabeth watched William and Georgiana head toward the closet to retrieve their coats and say their good-byes when she noticed Richard still sitting there. She turned to him and asked in a low voice, "How many people know?"

"Just William, my parents, and myself. And Georgie, of course," he smiled wryly.

"Thanks." She stood to leave. "I'll see you later Richard. Merry Christmas."

"Good-bye Lizzy. Merry Christmas to you." He stood as well to give her a peck on the cheek.

The car ride home was eerily silent. Georgiana was contemplating how she would explain everything to Elizabeth, Elizabeth was wondering what had really happened to Georgiana and why she was never informed of it, and William was trying to find a reason his wife was not being as warm towards him as she was that morning and what he did to make her so. All in all, each had much to think on.

As they entered the house, Elizabeth fiddled anxiously with her scarf while waiting for William to unlock the door.

Once safely ensconced in the house, William spoke first. "Elizabeth, can we-"

"Lizzy, could I talk to you?" interrupted Georgiana, "It's kind of important."

"Of course, let's go up to your room." She hurried Georgiana up the stairs. William watched the interaction between his wife and sister in bewilderment. He had a feeling he had missed something.

"Elizabeth?" he called after her. She turned to him from her position on the steps.

"Yes?"

"I'll be in our room when you're done. Come find me, okay?"

Elizabeth nodded and continued on up with Georgiana.

"Now, Georgie, what is this about George Wickham attacking you?"

"Lizzy, I'm sorry I never told you," she blurted out, eyes tearing up, "But by the time I felt I could tell you without you thinking less of me, which I know you would never do, you and Will had been married for a while and it seemed a little late to bring it up. I mean, what would be the point? It happened years ago. I just wanted to put it behind me. There's nothing anyone could do now."

"Oh, honey, it's okay," Elizabeth pulled Georgie in to her embrace, "You didn't have to tell me. Georgie, I love you, like my own sister and all I want is for you to be happy and safe."

"I know, but when I heard what George did to your sister Lydia, I knew that I should have told you. You could have talked to her! I should have made his character known!" By now, Georgiana was crying on her sister's shoulder. "Will always said that I could tell you if I wanted, but that it was my decision and he wouldn't say anything to you without my permission. Lizzy, I wanted to tell you so many times. I just never got up the nerve to do it. I didn't really want to relive the experience. I'm sorry!"

"Darling, it's alright! I am the one that should be sorry. I should never have asked it of you. I had no right to do it."

"Lizzy, can I tell you? I feel like I need to tell you. I feel like you should know. I want to tell you."

"Of course! Georgie, you know you can always tell me anything. No matter what."

They sat on Georgiana's bed together and out came the whole story. Every once and a while they would have to stop and cry together, but eventually the whole story was told. Elizabeth stayed with Georgiana until she fell asleep, holding her in her arms. As she sat on the bed with her sister, she began to think about what all this meant to her. That's why William didn't tell her! Not because he felt he couldn't trust her, but rather he had promised his sister he wouldn't. And even when he found out about Wickham and Lydia, he still held to his word. But...

A light knock in the door interrupted her thought and in popped William's head. Surprised at the sight of his sister asleep in his wife's arms, he stepped into the room with concern on his face. Elizabeth made a motion for him to stay quiet as she gently laid Georgiana on the bed and silently quit the room.

"What's wrong? Why was she crying?" William asked her as she closed the door. He was beginning to panic. He was sure something was different about those two women tonight; he just had yet to figure out what it was. What had happened to make his sister cry and how had he missed it so completely?

"She's fine, William. She just needed someone to talk to." Elizabeth smiled up at him reassuringly and led him down stairs to the study "On another note, there was something I wanted to talk to you about involving Georgie. It has nothing to do with this, though."

"Well, what was this little incident? Should I be worried? Georgiana is a sensitive girl. When she's upset it usually means something is horribly wrong. The last time I saw her cry herself to sleep was..." William stopped short on the stairs.

"Was when?" she prompted.

"...was...er...well, it was over four years ago." he spoke briskly. "What was it that you wanted to talk to me about regarding Georgie?" William changed the subject and continued down.

"Oh, yes, well do you remember a while back, early September I think, when I went up to visit Georgie at school?" Elizabeth plopped down on the large sofa in the room. "She had a date with that boy who lived on the floor above her. Remember?"

"Yes, what of it? What happened?" He was clearly beginning to panic. He strode towards her and grasped her by the shoulders. "Elizabeth what are you trying to tell me?!"

Struggling to sit up and not to laugh, she replied, "William, don't panic. Nothing happened, at least not what you are thinking."

"Well what did happen?" He narrowed his eyes at the woman sitting next to him.

"Now I can see why she didn't want to tell you. I'm not doing such a great job myself."

"What?"

"Never mind. Look, all I am trying to say is that Georgiana and this boy Peter have been dating since then and she wants to invite him here for New Years. That's all!"

"Here! She wants him to come and stay here? With her? No! Absolutely not!"

"William, she just wants him to come for the party. He would stay with his grandparents in the city. It's not a big deal, she was just scared to ask you because she thought you would react as you did." she replied cheekily.

"How serious are they?" William asked after a pause. "She is too young to be thinking about anything like that. She still has years of school left if she wants to become a lawyer."

"She is the same age as I was when I met you."

William's face softened at that. He looked down to his wife and smiled. "That doesn't seem possible. I can't compare you two, it's unnatural. She is my little sister, the person who I took trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, the one who I used to drive around to ballet practice. But you, you are my wife..." he stopped.

"The person that left you."

"I...," he paused for a moment, "The woman that I love." He took hold of her hands once again. "Elizabeth, we really need to talk about this, once and for all."

"I know. I just don't think I am ready to make any decision about our future yet. I just need a little more time."

"How much time? Liz, I hate living in this state of uncertainty. I would rather just know if you plan on staying or leaving after this is all over."

"Well, I don't know right now!" She took a breath and calmed down. "I don't want to make a rash decision and come to regret it later."

"Liz, you always have a home here, with me. You know that, right? You know I would do anything for you?"

"Yes, Will, I know." She tried to smile at him.

"Then what makes this so hard for you? We can do this Liz, I promise. No more working late."

"You said that before. What happens three or four months from now when it starts all over? William, I don't want to go through this all again."

"You won't! I'll have no need to work late now." Thank goodness

"Why? How do you know? You don't know what will come up months from now."

"I just...know. That's all. And besides, even if something does come up, which I know it won't, I'll let you know and we'll work it out. I promise, Liz. Just give us one more chance."

Elizabeth looked into his eyes. He was pleading, begging her to stay. This was not the same proud man she had married. "I'll think about it, Will. I'll let you know. That's all I can give you right now."

William was feeling lazy on Sunday afternoon. He was lounging about in a pair of jeans and his Duke sweatshirt. Elizabeth, Georgiana, Jane, Mary, Kitty, Lydia, and Mrs. Gardiner were all upstairs making the final alterations to the dresses for the wedding; and he, banned from the upper level of his home. Elizabeth's Aunt had graciously agreed to make all the bridesmaids dresses for the wedding, which was considerably faster and cheaper. That left William alone in the house with papers for work to read and no possible distraction, even though he desperately wished for one. On Christmas Eve, Richard had dropped off a huge stack of folders for William to pursue before next Monday, when he would return to the office after his two weeks vacation. It was not something he was really looking forward to doing, but he knew that it must be done, and soon, for Kitty's wedding was on Wednesday. Eventually, after he gave up hope that some disaster would prevent his doing his work, he settled himself down in his study.

After about an hour of work, the doorbell rang. Jumping at the chance for escape from his work, William almost ran to the door.

"William."

He pulled the door open wider, surprised. "Aunt Catherine!"

"How are the boys, Jane? Did they enjoy Christmas, now that they are old enough to be conscious of it?" asked Mary, as Elizabeth pinned the hem of her gown up by her feet.

"I think they liked it well enough. Nathan decided that he likes to eat wrapping paper, Connor likes to pull off every ornament in his reach and hand them to me, and Charles is just as bad as the two of them put together! He gave the boys the brilliant idea that is would be good fun to bring snowballs into the house and pelt them at me."

Lizzy laughed, "That sounds like Charles...or Richard. What are they doing today during your reprieve?"

"The last I saw of them, they were out in the snow with their child-at-heart father making a snow fort"

"He wants to teach them the tricks of the trade early, huh?"

"I guess, but I can foresee many more snowballs headed my way in the future if this keeps up!"

"Aunt Catherine! What are you doing here?"

"What do you mean, what am I doing here?! Am I not allowed to visit my own nephew if I so chose?"

"No, of course you are always welcome here. It's just...I wasn't expecting you, that's all." William stammered. "Oh," he added as an afterthought, "please come in. I'm sorry, Elizabeth is unavailable at the moment."

"I know. That is what I am here to discuss with you"

"Pardon?"

"You heard me, young man! I am here to talk to you about that wife of yours! If that is still her position in this house!"

"Aunt, I have no idea what you are talking about, but it does not sound complimentary to either my wife or myself."

"I knew she was trouble! From the first moment I saw her, I knew she was never good enough for you!"

"And why would you say that?" William took a breath to calm his temper.

"Look at her family William! Did you not consider this before you married her?"

"Consider what exactly?"

"Kitty, your dress is complete, correct? We don't need to make any adjustments?" asked Mrs. Gardiner.

"Oh, yes. It's finished. The seamstress called me the other day to let me know all the alterations were finished. I brought it over so I could leave it here for Wednesday. Do you want to see it?" she finished shyly.

"Of, course!" Kitty and Jane left the room to retrieve the dress and put in on. In a matter of minutes, the door opened again to reveal an ethereal beauty dressed in white satin.

"Kitty, you look gorgeous!" Lizzy exclaimed. "Oh, you are going to make the most beautiful bride!"

"All the Bennet women thus far have been beautiful brides! You are no exception, Kitty"

"I would have looked gorgeous too," broke in Lydia, "if I had had the chance" She send a glare toward Lizzy, who ignored her.

"Aunt Maddie is right, you look beautiful Kitty!" Jane added, quickly changing the subject.

It was then that Georgiana noticed something lacking from her friends ensemble. "Kitty, do you have a necklace to wear? What jewelry are you wearing?"

"I don't know. I don't think I have anything that would really be appropriate. Aunt Maddie, what do you think?"

"Well, I-"

Elizabeth broke in, "I might have something that would work, Kitty. Georgiana, do you think that my diamond pendant would look nice?"

"That would be perfect, Lizzy!"

"You wouldn't mind if I wore it? Are you sure?"

"Kitty, I won't be wearing it on your wedding day, therefore the only thing to do is let you wear it. It just sits in my jewelry box anyway. I don't wear it often. It needs a night out. I'll be right back, let me go get it for you before I forget."

"Thanks Lizzy!"

Elizabeth removed herself from the guest room they had transformed into wedding central and turned toward her own room. A moment after she had begun, raised voices were heard from below. As she reached the top of the stairs, Elizabeth could make out the owner of both voices and the topic of their conversation.

"I knew she was trouble! From the first moment I saw her, I knew she was never good enough for you!"

"And why would you say that?" William took a breath to calm his temper.

"Look at her family William! Did you not consider this before you married her?"

"Consider what exactly?"

"How her upbringing would affect our family position!"

"And how, Aunt Catherine, is our family position threatened by my choice of wife?" He asked with forced calmness.

"What do you think the newspapers will think when this story gets out, William? The press will have a field day! You need the support of a stable family in order to succeed in business."

"What story? There is no story here. My business and our position as a family are neither destroyed nor threatened by Elizabeth's presence here." William was losing his patience with his Aunt quickly.

"Exactly! As much as I dislike the girl, her presence here would have been tolerated. It is her absence that concerns me now!"

"What-"

"I have heard from a most trustworthy source that your devoted little wife has abandoned you. That she has left you. Now, I have no idea why that stupid girl would throw away all this once she had it, and I would say it was in your best interest too, but there are things that cannot be ignored by that girl's selfish actions."

"Where did you hear of such a lie? What trustworthy source has been slandering my marriage and my wife?!" William knew it was impossible that she should know the truth, but there was always a chance that she did, and he wanted to know from whom.

"I have a very valuable employee in my service, a man by the name of Bill Collins, who is presently in a relationship with a close friend of your wife. Apparently your Elizabeth had been staying with her for several weeks, months even. Now, would you like to contradict the truth of my statement?"

William said nothing. Elizabeth needed to have a talk with Charlotte in the near future about diplomacy...and her choice in men, if that was the same Bill Collins that she knew.

"I see you say nothing. Well then, that only confirms what I knew to be true."

"Aunt Catherine-"

"You will divorce the girl quickly and quietly. I don't want a big scandal to feed the papers. The sooner it is done, the better. None of your romantic notions about chasing after her. That would only cause a scene. You are better off anyway."

"This may come as a surprise to you Aunt Catherine, but I have no intention of divorcing my wife, now or ever." William's face had darkened with rage considerably in the last few moments.

"You must! I will not have the Darcy name slandered about in the papers because you did not do your duty to the family and cut off that gold digging tramp when you had the chance! You will do as you are told, William. I could make it very uncomfortable for you if you do not."

"You have gone to far Aunt! You do not come into my own home, my wife's home, and insult her in that manner! You have shown her every possible disrespect, as a person and as my wife." William was furious now. "I love her, and I always will. Nothing you can say or do will change that! We will remain married until and if she wants to change that fact. And I can assure you now that I would give or do anything to make her change her mind! So, Aunt, you seem to be wasting your time here. Perhaps you should leave." William strode past his fuming Aunt and held the door open for her. Catherine de Bourgh, who was not in the habit of brooking disappointment, held her head high and slowly walked toward the door,

"You will regret this William." With that he slammed the door and went out the kitchen door for a walk to cool off.

Elizabeth collapsed on the top step where she had been listening, her legs no longer able to support her. She had heard both doors slam. William had defended her and their marriage to his family. What was that he has said? He would do anything to make her change her mind if she did want to leave. Was that true? She had never known William to lie about things like that. She smiled. Maybe they could go back to the way things were after all. Maybe they could rebuild their marriage. He had already told her as much last night. Now he was telling the world. Well, obviously, there was only one thing left to do.

Elizabeth picked up the phone and dialed.

"Hello?"

"Charlotte! It's Lizzy. I can't believe you are dating that slimy toad Bill Collins!"