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Marina entered the kitchen with a sunny smile on her face. Richard glanced at his mother and then returned the smile.
"Good morning, Emmy," he said as she claimed the seat at the counter beside him.
Morning, Ricky, Mrs. F," she said as Kathleen placed a mug of coffee in front of her. "Thanks."
"How are you feeling?" Kathleen asked delicately.
"Fine," Marina answered without hesitation. "No sign of a headache when I woke up." Kathleen could only nod; she exchanged another quick glance with Richard and started to serve breakfast. Hugh entered the kitchen and took his place at the counter.
"So what do you young folks have on tap for today?" he asked. Marina shrugged and Richard admitted to having made no plans. "Good, then I can recruit your help for a little project."
"What sort of project?" Richard and Marina asked in unison.
"Painting the pool house deck." Richard frowned at his father.
"We don't have a pool."
"Well, that's what the architect's plan called it and the name kind of stuck," he said, referring to the structure at the rear of the Fitzwilliam's large yard.
"What color are you painting it?" Marina asked as she nudged Richard for the syrup.
"What difference does it make?" Richard asked.
"I haven't chosen one yet. Our first order of business will be going to the paint store," Hugh replied.
"Oh, can I go with you?" Marina asked. Hugh readily accepted her offer. "I love choosing colors," she smiled at Richard. He smiled back, but rolled his eyes as soon as she turned away.
"Good for you! You know, dad, it's going to be very hot out there today," he warned, "And you shouldn't be exerting yourself in all that heat."
"Well, then, I'll let you young people do all the work," Hugh replied with a grin. Richard gaped at him.
"Gee, dad, can you say 'Tom Sawyer'?" Kathleen and Hugh laughed, but Marina was deep in thought.
"Mr. F, what would you say to the idea of us doing something interesting on the floor?" Marina asked after a few minutes.
"Why Marina Escher, I'm shocked at you!" Richard mocked. "Making a pass at my father and in front of mom, to boot!" Marina punched Richard in the arm, but only lightly.
"Silly goose! I was talking about paint." She turned to Hugh and Kathleen. "How about if we did a pattern or design on the floor?"
"What sort of design?" Kathleen asked.
"I don't know: a trompe l'oeil rug maybe, stripes, or a trellis design...whatever you like. I think it would be more exciting than a dull expanse of one color."
"You would," Richard grumbled. "You do realize, of course, what you're getting us into?"
"It'll be a cinch," Marina insisted enthusiastically. "You remember your drafting skills, don't you?"
"Of course," Richard said. He looked at his mother, who exchanged a glance with Hugh. She noted the renewed spirit in Marina's eyes and smiled her assent.
"All right, my girl. Paint away," Hugh said.
"Cool!" Marina said as she leapt to her feet to hug Hugh. Then she sat back down and instinctively reached for the sketchpad at the end of the counter. When she touched it she felt the dampness of the paper and froze momentarily. "Oh, that's the pad I tossed away yesterday in a fit of pique," she said calmly. "Hold on a moment." She rose and went up to her room for another. Richard and his mother both sighed, their discomfort so palpable that Hugh asked what was wrong. Kathleen briefly filled him in about her discovery and quickly whisked the pad and torn out pages to the pantry when she heard Marina returning.
"Okay," she said as she opened her pad. Over the course of a half hour she and the Fitzwilliams decided on the design for the patio deck. Richard agreed to stay behind and begin drafting out the pattern on the concrete surface while Hugh and Marina went to the local home center. Kathleen volunteered to assist her son. She followed him out to her husband's workshop in the garage to get supplies.
"So, maybe yesterday was just a dream," Richard said cryptically as he collected tools. Kathleen smiled sadly and shook her head.
"I only wish; but let's just go along with her. She seems anxious to put yesterday behind her and I don't think we ought to fight her on it."
"We will have to talk at some point."
"I know, I know," Kathleen replied as she followed Richard across the yard.
William carried his mug of coffee and plate of toast out to the terrace of his apartment, where a sunny sky and The New York Times awaited him. He sat down and stretched out his legs, a smile on his face. William felt extremely good that morning as he recalled the previous night. The sound of the phone interrupted his reverie and he rose to fetch it, returning to the terrace as he said hello.
"Good morning, William. I'm calling to tell you what a lovely time I had last night," Lizzy said. William smiled broadly.
"Good morning, Lizzy. I was just thinking about last night, myself," he admitted. "I can't remember the last time I found sitting with a woman for six hours discussing things like Byzantine art and desserts of the Middle Ages so fascinating." Lizzy laughed at his remark.
"I can't remember the last time I found a man who'd listen to me babble about Byzantine art or actually ask for my recipe for honey cake."
"I'd listen to your recipes for anything," William replied. "Have you ever actually baked one, by the way?"
"Oh, yes; every year the museum holds a picnic for the staff and we have a completely authentic menu from a chosen century. Honey cake is my specialty because it's sort of a Renaissance staple."
"In other words, you cheat," William teased.
"Exactly," Lizzy said without a pang of remorse.
"Are you always so cheerful on so little sleep? William asked as he checked his watch. He'd left Lizzy's apartment around 1:30 a.m. and it was shortly after nine.
"Sure, I'm always up this early. Oh--I didn't wake you, did I? I just realized--."
"Actually, I've been up for a while myself. I found it amazingly hard to fall asleep this morning when I got home."
"Couldn't get that description of the 16th century remedy for indigestion out of your head, I take it?"
"I may never overeat again," he sighed. "But actually, I had something else on my mind. Would you care to discuss it over lunch?"
"What century cuisine?" Lizzy asked impishly.
"Your choice."
"Well, I don't mind saying that I've had a craving for a twenty-first century hamburger for the past few days."
"I know a place that makes the best burgers in town, although their style is more twentieth century--circa 1950," William offered.
"Close enough," Lizzy laughed. "Can we talk about a different historical era this time?" William took a deep breath as he suppressed every inclination he had to tell Lizzy that he wanted to discuss the future he had already begun to envision with her. He agreed to discuss whatever she wanted and arranged a time to pick her up. William closed the phone and smiled. His day was looking better and better.
By the time Marina and Hugh returned Richard and Kathleen had managed to map out the preliminary design on the floor. A large circle had been drafted in the center of the space, with a three-inch wide border, courtesy of Richard's calculations. He was in the process of laying lines in the center of the circle to complete Marina's mariner's compass design. As he worked, Richard smiled to himself and wondered if painting the floor was her way of leaving yet another mark on the Fitzwilliam family.
"Oh, it looks great, Ricky!" Marina said as she fell to her knees beside him. "We found a great stencil for the center medallion and the colors we chose are going to be excellent! I talked Mr. F into letting us paint the walls as well so the whole space will be bright and have a strong impact." She went on gushing about her design and pulled out the paints for Richard to see. He sat and listened to her patiently, a small smile playing about his lips. This was a person he recognized--breathless and giddily excited about her work. "What?" Marina said as she realized that Richard was smiling at her.
"What do you mean, 'what'?" he replied.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Richard shook his head.
"Sorry, I was just trying to keep up," he lied as he turned to look at the small cans of paint set out on the floor. Hugh brought Marina a piece of scrap lumber and some brushes. She opened all the cans and dabbed a sample of each color on the board. She fell into a discussion with Richard about the design and what colors should go where. Kathleen nudged Hugh and nodded toward the house. He followed her inside.
"I think they're all right," she said. Hugh nodded and went off to the garage for paint rollers while Kathleen continued to watch the pair from the kitchen window. "I really hope they're all right."
Anne opened her door and welcomed her dear friend and her daughter. She cast an appraising eye over the younger woman as they entered the living room. Yes, she'll do very nicely for Richard, she thought as she offered her guests refreshments and settled in for a pleasant visit.
"So will we see that gorgeous son of yours next Saturday?" the mother asked with a slightly predatory smile for her daughter.
"Oh, I'm afraid not," Anne said, "But my nephew will be here. You've met Richard before, I think," she said to the daughter. The young woman smiled.
"Yes. As I recall he's rather handsome."
Marina and Richard became so absorbed in their project that Kathleen (who had been banned from the yard along with her husband until the deck was finished) had to call the pair inside for lunch. They'd worked without break since Richard paused to fetch drinks hours earlier.
"Do I want to know why you have a blue dot painted on your forehead?" Kathleen asked as Richard held the door for Marina.
"No," Richard said darkly as he headed straight for the stairs. Marina smiled triumphantly, but Kathleen noticed a bright blue splash of paint lying squarely between the younger woman's shoulder blades. She shook her head and decided against mentioning it as she watched Marina wash her hands in the sink. Richard returned a short time later with a freshly scrubbed face and Hugh joined the others at table.
"Yum!" Marina smiled as she tasted the pasta salad Kathleen served.
"Double yum," Richard mumbled around a full mouth.
"I was thinking of grilling steaks tonight," Hugh offered. "Want to help me clean the grate when you're done painting?"
"Sure, what's a little more forced labor?" Richard deadpanned.
"Oh, come on, you're loving every minute out there!" Marina cried. "He's all into it, Mr. F. He did the center medallion by himself while I worked on the compass and you should see the detailing he added."
"I knew if I just did it plain you'd make me add something so I decided to embellish it," Richard said modestly.
"You'll love it when you see it!" Marina said.
"I'm sure we will," Kathleen said, as Marina reached for the pitcher of iced tea.
"Marina, you have a blue--." Kathleen silenced Hugh with a stern look and Richard nearly choked on his iced tea as he tried to stifle a laugh.
"I have a blue what?" Marina asked.
"You, uh..." Hugh saw the warning looks of his wife and son. "You have a blue out there that matches the new seat cushions on our outdoor seating perfectly," he finished lamely.
"I thought that's why you chose it," Marina replied. Hugh just nodded and Richard stifled another laugh behind his napkin. "And I don't know what you're laughing at, big fella. We've got more work to do."
"Ma'am, yes, ma'am," Richard said smartly as he rose and carried his plate to the sink. Marina followed and after grabbing a bowl of fruit and some sodas, the pair returned to the task at hand.
"Why wouldn't you let me tell her that there was a blue dot on her back?" Hugh asked. Kathleen just smiled.
William drove up to Lizzy's apartment building and lucked into a space directly opposite. He got out and crossed the street. He buzzed up to Lizzy's apartment on the intercom and in minutes she appeared in the vestibule.
"Hello," William said as he admired Lizzy's outfit.
"Hey, there!" Lizzy replied as she stepped through the door he held open for her.
"My car is across the street," William said. "I hope you don't mind," he said as he unlocked the door on the passenger side and opened it for Lizzy. "I've taken the liberty of arranging something a little different for lunch than what we originally planned."
"No twentieth century hamburger?" Lizzy pouted dramatically.
"How does twentieth century loin of beef grab you?" Lizzy brightened.
"It grabs me by both ears and wrestles me to the ground without a fight." William smiled at her reply and started the car. In minutes, the couple was on the highway and headed north. "William, where are you taking me?"
"I thought we'd have a picnic and I know the perfect setting." Lizzy smiled and sat back.
"Okay." In less than an hour the couple was approaching the Tappan Zee Bridge. William pulled off the road and Lizzy peered out the window to admire the view along the Hudson River. "Hey, isn't there a castle around here?"
"Yes, there is. That's where you and I are headed," William said, slightly disappointed that Lizzy spoiled his surprise. Not that he would have been able to keep it a secret for long. Lyndhurst Castle, a nineteenth century Gothic Revival mansion, loomed in the foreground. Lizzy gazed at the massive edifice, once the home of financier Jay Gould, and took in the details.
"I've always wanted to come here. Every time I cross the bridge I see the castle and wonder what it's like inside."
"Well, we'll have plenty of time to tour the estate," William replied as he entered the gates. William offered Lizzy the choice of eating first or going for the tour. Lizzy opted for lunch so the couple walked to the picnic area and found a bit of sun-dappled shade to sit in.
William laid out his blanket and sat Lizzy down. Then he reached into his basket and handed Lizzy a small nosegay.
"A tussy-mussy!" she cried. "How sweet," she said as she inhaled its rich scent. Encouraged, William laid out his spread: loin of beef sliced thinly and piled onto rustic bread with fresh salad greens, roasted mushrooms, crumbled goat cheese, and a salad of different types of tomatoes, along with Granny Smith apples and a bottle of sparkling rose wine to accompany all. "Wow! When did you organize all this?"
"This morning," William said. "All it took was a visit to a local gourmet shop."
"I'm very impressed, nonetheless," Lizzy said as she accepted a glass of wine. After enjoying their repast, William packed up the basket and put it in the car before joining Lizzy for the tour. William observed Lizzy's interest in the mansion with a twinge of guilt. Her commentary on the art collection in the historic home reminded him of Marina. In fact, it suddenly occurred to him that the whole day's scheme was remarkably similar to the one he'd spent with Marina at the Cloisters. He still had hopes of salvaging his friendship with her and made a mental note to call her soon. Lizzy was oblivious to William's distressing thoughts; she thoroughly enjoyed the tour and the picnic. When the couple went outside, William told Lizzy that they had to go back to the picnic grounds for dessert. She protested that she was still full from lunch, but William insisted.
"Come on! I made this especially for you," he said as he pulled a container out of the basket and reverently placed it before Lizzy. She eyed him suspiciously before opening it.
"You baked?" William nodded. "This isn't from the gourmet shop?" William nodded again. "What is it?" She couldn't help but smile at his crestfallen expression.
"Taste it." He handed Lizzy a fork and she cut off a small piece and placed it in her mouth. Her lips turned up and she chewed enthusiastically.
"Honey cake! Honey cake that's better than mine! What are you doing three weeks from today?"
"Anything you want," William answered huskily.
"Good. That's the day of our staff picnic. I'm bringing you as my date and this year you're making the cake."
"Diana, dear, do come in," Anne said to the young woman she had watched grow up in the house a quarter mile down the road.
"How are you, Mrs. Darcy?" Diana asked.
"Oh, I've been very well, very well. And you?"
"I've been great. How are William and Georgiana, and Mr. Darcy?"
"Oh, they're all well," Anne replied, recalling Diana's long-time crush on her son.
"Is William still seeing Laura?"
"Oh...no, Laura moved to Europe and they broke up. He's with someone else now," Anne lied. "But I want to hear about you. What made you move back to New York from Los Angeles?"
"Oh, I missed New York and all my friends here. It was fun for a while, but I really got homesick.
"How long were you out there exactly?"
"About six months," Diana replied.
"So what are you doing now?" Anne asked.
"I just took a position at Bergdorf's in one of their designer salons."
"Very nice," Anne said. "Oh, by the way, your mother did tell you about the invitation to dinner Saturday night?"
"Yes, and I'm looking forward to it. It's been a long time since I've seen William."
"Oh, I'm afraid William won't be there. But I have a nephew coming who'll be more than a substitute."
"Oh?"
"His name is Richard. He's as gorgeous as his cousin and twice as available." Diana smiled.
"Really? What does he do?"
"He's an engineer; I couldn't begin to explain precisely what he does, but he works for a very prestigious firm and makes a very good living," Anne said as she recalled the results of her computer research into Richard's company. "I'm sure he'd be happy to explain that to you himself."
"I look forward to meeting him."
"I love it!" Kathleen said for the third time as she carefully walked along the edge of the newly-painted surface.
"We got it the first time, mom," Richard said. Marina elbowed him in the ribs. "You know, one more poke out of you and I'm taking you over my knee!" he threatened the woman at his side. She glared at him defiantly.
"You'll do no such thing," Hugh said. "You have a grill to clean." Richard rolled his eyes and handed Marina his empty glass before turning toward the garage and stalking off. Marina planted a light kick on his derriere as he passed by. Richard turned and Marina took off, pausing only long enough to press her glass and Richard's into Kathleen's hands. Richard chased Marina around the yard for a minute, making no effort to actually catch her. The two whooped and hollered as they ran, and Kathleen laughed as Hugh turned on the garden hose and wet them both down.
"Hey!" Richard shouted as he grabbed Marina by the arms and used her as a shield. She screamed as she was drenched in the cold water. Hugh turned off the hose and smiled at the sodden pair.
"The grill?" he said mildly.
"The grill; got it," Richard said as he kicked off his sneakers and trudged barefoot toward the garage. Marina, meanwhile, grabbed a handful of her top and attempted to wring out the water.
"You'd better go in and change," Kathleen said. Marina nodded and went into the house.
"And while you're up there you may want to wash that paint off your back!" Hugh called after her. Marina turned in the doorway and looked at him then tried to peer over her shoulder. She gave up and went inside. Kathleen and Richard doubled over laughing.
On the drive back to the city, William asked Lizzy to dinner but she politely declined, saying that she had other plans. That was in fact, not exactly true. She and a few of her friends had a standing arrangement to go out to dinner and a movie whenever they were available on Saturday nights, a plan that assured that they got out of the house when their social calendars weren't exactly full. But Lizzy felt that she should proceed with caution with William, as charmed as she was by him.
In the back of her mind there was still the disturbing notion--Marina's explanation to the contrary--that William had somehow abandoned something he started with another woman in order to pursue her. Lizzy could not be comfortable about that, especially since the other woman in the matter was very likely about to become her coworker. Lizzy genuinely liked William, she told herself. That was also a lie. She had fallen hard for William the moment she saw him, but she wasn't ready to acknowledge what she was feeling, afraid that William might be as elusive to her as he was to Marina. Lizzy didn't want to get hurt.
For his part, William took the rejection well. He was aware of Lizzy's apprehension; her reaction to his initial phone call told him where he stood and he knew he'd have to work at gaining her trust and building a relationship. But William was a man in love, and he'd allowed his enthusiasm to get away from him. He'd spontaneously put his arm around Lizzy's shoulder as they headed back to the car and felt her flinch slightly. She smiled apologetically and when he started to pull away she asked him not to, but the spell had been broken; the light-hearted, romantic afternoon was at an end. It had been a mistake to ask Lizzy to dinner and William knew it. He decided to give her a few days and try again.
The cookout was a big hit. Richard retired to his father's hammock after dinner, too exhausted to complain when Marina joined him and curled up under his arm for a nap. He played with strands of her dark, silky hair as he thought about the events of the previous day. Marina's behavior had been very disturbing and he tried once again to understand its source. Before he dozed off he decided to have a long chat with William at his earliest convenience.
The following morning, he assisted his father and Marina in laying a couple of coats of polyurethane on the deck. Then Richard went up to the guest room to pack. He was singing along with the radio when he looked up and noticed Marina at the door.
"So you're headed back to the city," she said as she sauntered in and sat on the bed.
"Yes. I have to work tomorrow and I need some time to get myself organized. Where's his carrying case?" Richard asked as Marina as she reached over and stroked his sleeping cat's soft coat.
"In the hall closet; I brought up a bag of food, too. You should take that back."
"Are you coming back with me?" Richard asked as he folded a pair of jeans and stuffed them into the duffel.
"No," Marina said as she pulled Squeaks into her arms and hugged him.
"I thought you needed to find a place. When does this job at the museum start?" Richard asked as he bent to pick up the discarded cat toy and put it into the bag.
"I haven't decided if I should take it, yet," Marina replied. Richard put the duffel aside and sat down next to Marina. Squeaks immediately squirmed out of Marina's grasp and into Richard's lap.
"Because of the thing with William?" Marina sighed and shook her head.
"It hasn't anything to do with William, Ricky. I just don't know what I want to do."
"But--."
"Drop it, Fitz," she said sternly.
"'Fitz'?" Richard replied with a smirk. "Since when have I been 'Fitz' to you?" Marina knew better than to answer that truthfully; it would simply start Richard talking about William again, so she dissembled.
"Since I said so."
"I see. Well, even if you don't take the job why don't you come down to the city and hang out with me for a week or two? We've had barely a day together."
"Maybe I will," Marina replied noncommittally. "But I want to stay here for a while. And I'm going up to New Hampshire next weekend to see my dad."
"Cool!" Richard smiled briefly and then sobered. "Have you heard from your mom?" Marina shook her head.
"Not since that letter I told you about last summer. I'd be surprised if she knows I'm back in the U.S."
"Well, did you let her know you were coming back?" Richard asked as Marina slid back on the bed to curl up against the pillows. He lay across the bed and propped his head to listen.
"Of course; I wrote her over a month ago. I wrote her again to tell her I'd left Paris and was at your place. I even gave her your number and address. She has neither written nor called."
"I'm sorry, Emmy," Richard said as he reached out and touched her foot, the part of her body nearest to him.
"It's okay. I'm used to it."
"Just because you're used to something doesn't mean it hurts any less." Marina squirmed, pulling her foot out of Richard's grasp as she repositioned herself on the bed. Squeaks lay between the two of them and they both absently stroked the cat.
"I realized long ago that my mother didn't want to be a mother. That's why she abandoned me and my dad. I don't know why I bother trying to keep in touch."
"Wasn't that your dad's idea?"
"Yeah, well...as far as I am concerned, my mom is your mom and I have two great fathers." Richard smiled. "And a royal brat for a big brother," Marina added archly.
"You'd better be nice to this brat or you'll find yourself sleeping on the subway when you come back to New York. You do know that you're welcome to stay with me until you find your own place?"
"Thanks," Marina said shyly. Richard sat up and reached for his bag.
"I have to get out of here if I want to do some food shopping when I get home." He scooped up Squeaks, who protested loudly as he headed for the door.
"Let me carry him," Marina said as she took the offended creature into her arms. Richard smiled and led the way downstairs. He pulled out the carrying case and Marina carefully put the cat inside, cooing at him and reassuring him when she closed it. "I'll get you some water. He's going to need to drink on the way." Richard nodded and went into the living room to say goodbye to his parents. When he went back into the hall there was no sign of Marina, so he took the duffel and carrier out to the car. He turned on the air conditioning and placed the carrier on the back seat before throwing his duffel onto the floor.
"Emmy!" There was still no sign of her. Richard shook his head and walked to the front door. As he reached it, the door opened and Marina came outside with two large bottles of water and a brown paper bag. "What's that?" he asked as he took the water from her hand.
"I made you lunch so you won't have to stop at one of those awful fast food places; a couple of PBJ's, some fruit and a brownie." Richard looked at Marina in surprise. "What?" she asked.
"Thanks," he said, touched by her thoughtfulness.
"You're welcome. Did you remember the cat food?" Richard shook his head. Marina pressed the lunch bag into his hand and went into the house. Richard dropped the water and the lunch bag onto the passenger seat and waited for Marina at the car. She emerged from the house with the food and handed it to Richard, who put it in the back of the car.
"It was good seeing you, Emmy," Richard said as he enfolded Marina in his arms and hugged her warmly.
"You, too, Ricky," she said softly. They held each other for several seconds, not talking but sharing the bonds that had sustained their friendship for nearly two decades. "I'll let you know when I plan on coming down to the city," Marina said finally. Richard kissed her forehead.
"You're welcome anytime." Marina nodded and they reluctantly parted. Marina opened the rear door to say goodbye to Squeaks as Richard got in on the driver's side of the car. Marina closed the door and stepped away. She waved at Richard one last time before heading toward the house. Richard smiled and waved back.
Richard popped the last of his sandwich into his mouth and realized that he had been royally snookered. Marina had managed to evade his efforts to get her to talk all weekend; whenever he brought up William's name she changed the subject. He decided to let things lie for the time being. Perhaps by the time she came back to New York she'd be over William and things would be as they were between them before. Richard cherished his friendship with Marina. She was his best friend, closer to him even than William, and it pained him to see her suffering. She'd had an awkward childhood and he had always been her self-appointed protector. Richard paused to pay the toll and took the opportunity to wipe his mouth with the handful of napkins Marina had provided.
"What does she think I am, a slob?" Richard grumbled with a smile as he stuffed the wad of napkins back into the bag. As he came off the thruway he remembered Marina's anger days earlier when she accused him of involving himself in her situation with William without her permission. He also remembered the lecture his mother had given him about respecting Marina's wishes. Richard frowned. He wasn't sure he could sit on the sidelines and watch Marina be made unhappy by his cousin. He silently vowed to try and stay out of Marina's personal affairs. But he would have that talk with William.
William was on his terrace again, taking in the approaching dusk and thinking about Lizzy. The phone rang and he smiled. He went inside, carefully closing the door to the terrace behind him and picked up the phone.
"Hey, cuz."
"Richard! Where are you?" William asked.
"I'm home. Squeaks and I just got in," Richard said as he watched the cat sniff around the living room.
"How were things in Massachusetts?" William asked as he settled into a chair.
"Very nice, thanks."
"Aunt Kathy and Uncle Hugh?"
"They're fine. Mom cooked up a storm and dad made me work like a slave."
"How's Marina?" William asked carefully.
"Fine," Richard replied a bit tersely. "We painted all weekend."
"Painted? I didn't know you painted." Richard shook his head and explained.
"We painted that covered patio thing dad built in the back yard."
"Oh. How's she doing?" William persisted.
"She's fine," Richard repeated. "So, how was your weekend?" William shifted in his seat a bit uncomfortably. He wanted to get Richard to say more, but allowed his cousin to change the subject.
"It was great!" William said. "Lizzy and I went to dinner, talked for hours. It felt as though I'd known her all my life."
"So you'll see her again?"
"Already have," William smiled. "We went on a picnic yesterday. Now, I've answered your questions, stop dodging mine."
"Come again?"
"I asked you about Marina twice."
"And I told you she was fine."
"That wasn't an answer so much as a dismissal," William said evenly.
"What do you want me to say? I'm just telling you what she told me, all right?" William was silent for a minute as he tried to understand Richard's reaction.
"Did you two get to talk?" William asked.
"No."
"What happened up there?" William pressed. Richard sighed.
"Okay. Marina said she was all right but I know she's not and she won't talk to me about it."
"I'm sorry."
"You ought to be," Richard groused as he reached into the refrigerator for a drink.
"Richard..."
"What?" he asked petulantly as he continued to unpack groceries.
"I know you're still upset about what happened between Marina and me--."
"You're right, I am!"
"I do care about her and I'd like for us to be friends," William said meekly.
"Great."
"You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were jealous."
"Jealous!" Richard spat. "Jealous of what?"
"Of the fact that maybe Marina was thinking of me this weekend instead of you." Richard blinked at William's accusation. "At least you believed she was." William let him digest the idea for a few seconds.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You aren't even aware of your feelings for her, are you? In fact, neither of you is aware of your feelings. You're quite a pair."
"What are you talking about?"
"You told me that you've never had romantic feelings for Marina," William accused.
"I haven't," Richard countered without hesitation. "Emmy and I--."
"Why not?"
"Why not what?"
"Why haven't you ever considered the possibility?" Richard had no ready answer for that, but William wasn't listening anyway, intent as he was on building his case. "And Marina is in just as much in denial. I hadn't spent three hours with her before I knew that I would have to work extremely hard to get her to look past you and see me as a potential man in her life."
"Are you insane?" Richard sputtered. "Marina and I are like sister and brother--."
"But you aren't actually sister and brother, are you? You're man and woman, and she realizes that even if you don't. I saw how highly she regarded you, how she looked after your cat and your home with loving devotion, how she managed to inject your name or your opinion into every conversation--."
"Stop it!" Richard cried. "This is just a ploy of yours to cover your own guilt, William! Marina spent the entire weekend mooning over you!"
"The heck she did. You told me she was mad at you, remember?"
"She was mad at me for encouraging you to see Lizzy."
"And you don't think she was at all mad for your encouraging me to see her in the first place?"
"I never encouraged you to see her!"
"You didn't? Not even tacitly?" Richard was stumped momentarily. "Listen, cousin, maybe it's time you got in touch with the truth. Maybe it's time both of you did. I'll talk to you soon." William hung up before Richard could say another word. He stood there in his kitchen, stunned.
William held the door for Jessica and took a step backward as she entered the elevator.
"Thank you, William," she purred.
"You're welcome," he replied, busying himself with his wireless. He pulled it out of his pocket and read the number on the caller ID.
"Woman of your dreams?" Jessica said sarcastically.
"My cousin," William said simply.
"Pity." William smiled blandly and allowed Jessica to emerge from the elevator before him. "Does that mean that your big date for the weekend was a bust?"
"How does my cousin calling me on a Monday morning translate into a bad date the previous weekend?" William stopped in front of his door and frowned.
"Wishful thinking, I guess," Jessica said as she continued down the hall. William wanted to tell her that his date had gone very well, but he resisted the temptation. He dropped his briefcase on his desk and dialed his cousin back.
"Hello, Richard; back at work?"
"Afraid so; Tineke and I are just about to upload all our data and hand it over to the CAD guys."
"Is that good?" William asked blankly as he scanned his calendar for the day's schedule.
"It means that our resident tech wizards will do an animated reconstruction of the accident for our client."
"I see."
"Liar." William sighed.
"Did you just call to make me feel mentally inferior or was there another reason?" William smiled as he opened the container of coffee he'd brought in with him.
"Actually, I was calling about the head trip you ran on me yesterday."
"What head trip?"
"That stuff about Emmy being a woman and all that."
"You call that a head trip? All I did was lay down a few facts."
"A few notions, you mean. Neither Emmy nor I have never--."
"Speak for yourself."
"I don't have to speak just for myself. I know Emmy feels the same way."
"Do you? I think you know less about her feelings than you think and she may know even less than you do. At least I hope she does. If she knows more then she's really in trouble."
"What the heck is that supposed to mean?" Richard cried.
"It means just what I said it means," William replied.
"When did you take up speaking in tongues?" William laughed at Richard's complaint.
"Have you given any thought at all to what I told you yesterday?"
"No."
"Why not?" William prodded.
"Because."
"Because--."
"Look, if you're trying to get me to confess to some long-dormant passion you can forget about it."
"Yes, but can you?"
"Have I told you lately that you are the most annoying person of my acquaintance?"
"I've missed you, too, Fitz," William laughed. "Why don't we get together this weekend and do something?'
"Name it."
"I don't know. If the weather is nice we can go out to the island and sail," William suggested.
"That sounds cool. Think your mom can put me up for the weekend?"
"Of course she can! Why shouldn't she, other than the fact that you're a lousy houseguest?"
"Hey, I'm a wonderful houseguest and your parents and sister adore me, even if you don't," Richard replied haughtily. "But I was thinking that with your mom's party and all, she may have already booked my favorite guest room. I suppose I could always bunk in with you--."
"What are you talking about?" William cut in. "What party?"
"Your mom's dinner party Saturday night."
"How come this is the first I've heard of it?"
"I don't know. She's your mother."
"When did you hear about it?" William asked suspiciously.
"She called and invited me last Friday. I think she said that you'd be there; she seemed to be in need of warm male bodies to fill out the guest list." William frowned.
"Well, I'll give my mom a call. And if she does have a house full of guests you can bunk in with me."
"Cool."
"I'll give you a call when I know something," William said absently as a mailroom clerk knocked lightly on William's open door and then handed him a stack of correspondence. Distracted by it, he failed to understand why Richard was laughing when he turned his attention back to the call. "What's so funny?"
"Well, if I have to explain it...just call me when you know something, Will." Richard laughed again. "I'll probably call you first to ask about this weekend."
"Very funny," William smirked and hung up the phone. He read through a few pieces of mail before he picked up the phone to dial his mother. The housekeeper answered the phone. "Hello, Mrs. Reynolds. Is my mother on the premises?"
"She's right here, sir. Hold on, please." William booted up his computer while he waited for his mother to come to the phone. He immediately sought out the Asian stock exchanges to see how the market was shaping up for the day.
"Hello, William," Anne said warmly. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, mother, and a little confused."
"Confused about what?"
"I've just spoken to Richard. I invited him out to the house this weekend to do some sailing and he told me that he'd already had an invitation to a dinner party you were hosting Saturday night." Anne blanched; she'd completely forgotten about speaking to William about the party.
"Oh, yes; what is the confusion?" she said calmly.
"Am I on the guest list?"
"Well, to be honest, no. I didn't think you'd want to come."
"What made you come to that conclusion?"
"The party is to celebrate Diana's return to the east coast." At the mention of the name, William felt his teeth clench.
"Why on earth are you giving her a party?"
"Well, someone should, dear. Besides, it's been such a long while since I've had people over. Since your father's illness we've been virtual recluses. Now that he's well again, Diana's return provided an easy excuse to have some people over."
"You could have had a "Hooray! George Darcy got a clean bill of health" party and invited his son, you know," William teased.
"I would still have to invite Diana. She is staying with her parents and there would be no way to avoid the invitation. I knew you wouldn't want to see her so I already told her that you had other plans. I hope you don't mind."
"No," William replied. "You've probably spared me a very uncomfortable evening. I wish Diana would get it into her head that I'm not interested in her."
"I think her effort to wean herself from you by flying to the west coast was an abject failure."
"Swell," William grumbled. "So I guess getting in a little sailing on Saturday is out of the question?"
"You can do whatever you want, William. But I can't guarantee that you'll be able to avoid her if you come out to the house."
"I'll rethink my plans and let you know. May I speak to dad?" Anne carried the phone into the study where George Darcy, convalescing from a recent heart ailment, was reading. She handed him the phone and kissed his forehead. William and his father spoke for a few minutes before George called Anne back to the phone.
"Yes, William?" Anne said when she got back on the line.
"Should you speak with Diana and she asks, tell her that I am very much spoken for," William said.
"Well, that's what I told her," Anne replied.
"How did you know?"
"How did I...are you saying that you really are spoken for?"
"Well, sort of," William smiled, "I'm working on it." Anne was shocked by the news.
"But you just broke up with--."
"I've met someone new."
"So soon?"
"Yes; she's beautiful, intelligent, funny, talented--."
"William, don't go rushing into anything. You know what happened last time--."
"I'm not rushing into anything. I've simply met the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. I'm taking it slow and easy, step by step, but I will win her." Anne felt her throat go dry. How was it possible that Kathleen had succeeded so quickly?
"I...I'm happy for you," Anne said weakly. "Do be careful," she said before she hung up. She sat down with a worried look on her face.
"Are you all right?" George asked as he took one of his hands into his. She nodded. "Anne?"
"It's nothing. I'd better get back to Mrs. Reynolds. We're working out a shopping list." With that she quit the room, leaving her husband slightly concerned.
Richard called his mother mid-week to check on Marina. Kathleen understood the reason for his call, although he never came right out and said it. After a few minutes of small talk, she told him what he wanted to know.
"I think Marina had an ulterior motive for sprucing up the patio. She's been working out there since you left Sunday."
"What's she doing out there?"
"Well, I've gotten a commission for her to do a birth certificate for the grandchild of a friend. It's the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen. She's been working on it for days. But I also think she's working on another one of her books. She had the lights on out there into the wee hours last night and when Hugh checked on her, she said she was writing out something."
"How is she, mom?" Kathleen sighed and resisted the urge to vent her frustration about her young friend's emotional state. She told Richard only what she felt she could, that Marina was working very hard at keeping herself busy. Kathleen didn't need to explain to her son that it was a classic case of avoidance behavior.
"She's not dealing with her feelings, in other words," Richard said glumly. "She'll get over him soon, won't she? I mean it wasn't like they were serious or anything."
"Richard, I don't think...I don't think this has anything to do with William." Kathleen knew she had said too much, but having gone so far she plunged ahead. "This is more about Marina trying to figure out where she stands with...with all of us: her mother, us, and you. She's questioning her decision to come home and what she's come home to."
"What are you talking about? What do you mean, 'where she stands' with me? And why should she question her decision to come home? She's back here where she belongs, surrounded by the people who love her," Richard said insistently. He was immediately reminded of his conversations with William earlier in the week and quickly forced his cousin's mocking questions from his head.
"Well, things...things are not always as simple as they may seem on the surface," Kathleen said. Richard waited, but his mother said no more.
"Tell me, mom. I really need to understand this." Kathleen sighed.
"You'll have to have this conversation with Marina."
"There's something you're not telling me," Richard accused.
"Richard, Marina and I have always talked about things that she would feel uneasy discussing with you. I can't violate her confidence."
"Since when has Emmy felt that she couldn't discuss something with me?" Richard asked defensively, hurt by the implication.
"Richard, Marina may be your best friend, but she is first and foremost a woman. There are just things--."
"Is it something about me?"
"Richard--."
"I'd just give anything to know why she's been so angry with me."
"Speak with Marina."
"Well, ask her to call me sometime, will you," Richard replied sulkily, frustrated by his mother's refusal to answer his questions.
When Marina returned from her trip to the artist's supply store, she found a note on the counter that said she'd had a call from Richard. She sat down at the counter and pulled out her phone, but after checking her messages, she decided to return another call first.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Lizzy. This is Marina."
"Hi, there! I've been hoping you'd call back. Charles--Mr. Bingley and I were discussing you this morning."
"What about me?"
"Well," Lizzy said delicately, "We know we'd said we'd give you some time to consider the offer he made you. But we were kind of wondering if you had come to a decision yet."
"Oh...well, to be honest, no. I really haven't had much of a chance," Marina admitted.
"Well, Mr. Bingley suggested that we give you the whole week to decide, but I thought I'd give you a call and shamelessly encourage you." Marina laughed at Lizzy's playful tone. In spite of the awkward circumstances that linked them, Marina liked Lizzy. Her forthrightness immediately erased any of the residual awkwardness Marina felt.
"Have you fulfilled your end of the bargain?" she asked boldly.
"Yes; I called William, as you insisted. We went to dinner last Friday."
"And--?"
"And we had a lovely time. We had a picnic the next day, too." Lizzy confessed.
"Sounds serious," Marina teased.
"Hardly," Lizzy answered sincerely. "He's really nice, but I'm not ready for a serious relationship. I'm certainly not ready to rush into anything with him."
"Don't hold back on my account," Marina urged. "If you think that you need to pace yourself because of me--."
"Pace myself?" Lizzy laughed, but she silently admitted that that was precisely what she needed to do. She knew that she could get in over her head with William very quickly if she didn't take things slowly.
"I'm really glad the two of you hit it off. I knew you would." Lizzy felt a pang of guilt, but she quickly brightened.
"So have you found a replacement stud yet?" It was Marina's turn to laugh.
"I wish!"
"Well, I know a few if you're interested. In fact, if you're free tonight--."
"I'm in Northampton, Lizzy."
"Northampton?"
"Massachusetts; I went home after the interview."
"Oh, I didn't realize; I thought you were staying in the city with your friend."
"Actually, my friend and I spent the weekend up here at his parents' place. I'm still here and he's gone back to the city."
"Oh, I see. Say, this friend of yours doesn't happen to be a stud by any chance, does he?" Marina's visceral response to Lizzy's casual statement was irrational fury. Why, do you want him, too? She caught herself before the words even reached the tip of her tongue.
"Why do you ask?" Marina managed suspiciously.
"I was just wondering. According to what William told me, you and--Richard, was it? He said you two were very close. I was kind of wondering if you two weren't destined for--."
"We're just friends."
"Oh."
"Our relationship is purely platonic."
"Bummer. He sounds like the perfect guy for you, at least William seemed to think so," Lizzy said. Marina imagined that William would say such a thing, if only to assuage his own guilt about what had happened. Lizzy's thoughts ran along the same vein and she wisely changed the topic. She began to talk about the job offer and she and Marina quickly became absorbed in the more comfortable discussion. When the call ended, Kathleen walked into the kitchen.
"Was that Richard?"
"No," Marina said as she went to the refrigerator for a drink. "I'll call him later." Kathleen wasn't convinced by the insouciant tone of Marina's response, but she decided against pressing the matter. She would try and allow the two young people to deal with their own problems.
Lizzy walked out to her car and tossed her tote bag into the backseat. She looked up as she was about to get into her car and saw Charles Bingley leaving the building. She walked over to him instead.
"Charles?" The curator looked up and paused so that Lizzy could catch up to him. "I just spoke with Marina on the phone."
"Has she given you an answer?"
"No, not yet, but she does sound really interested. She promised to call with a decision by the end of the week."
"Good. If tomorrow's meeting goes well, I may be able to sweeten the offer on the table."
"Oh?" Lizzy asked, folding her arms and looking to her superior for enlightenment.
"This is not for publication just yet, because it may yet not happen. I should know for sure by this time tomorrow, but the word is we may have our funds sooner than we planned."
"How?" Lizzy asked eagerly.
"It seems that one of our larger contributors has decided to match our grant. The director is trying to sweet talk him into giving us the money now rather than next spring when the grant will begin. He sounds pretty hopeful. If nothing else, he thinks he'll be able to get at least part of the gift early and he's willing to designate a significant portion of it to our budget, since we've been understaffed for so long. When I told him what a treasure we'd found in Marina he seemed very excited."
"So you'd be able to hire her full-time?"
"Yes. I'll have to speak with that calligraphy studio about this, but I think we can still work something out." Lizzy smiled at the news as Charles turned back, headed for the bus stop.
"Can I drop you off somewhere?" Lizzy asked.
"Thanks, Lizzy. It's been murder not having a car this week," Charles grumbled as the pair turned toward her car.
"Charles," Lizzy asked when they were on the road. "If this deal comes through for us, it may just be the thing to get Marina to make a decision in our favor."
"I hope so. I looked through our other candidates' resumes again today. None of them has her range of skills and experience."
"I know," Lizzy said. She suspected that Marina's decision would hinge on more than just the size of the salary and compensation she was offered, but she couldn't quite say what it might take. After dropping Charles off, she headed home. She reached her apartment and headed straight for the shower. She and William had a date for that evening. By the time he arrived, Lizzy had an idea of how to find out the answer to her question.
Richard was sprawled over the sofa watching television with his cat lying on his abdomen. The phone rang and he tried to reach it without getting up. Failing, he sighed and picked up the cat and sat up to retrieve the phone.
"Hi, Ricky"
"Hey, Emmy. What's up?"
"Nothing much; your mom said I should call you."
"Is that the only reason why you called?"
"Will you sulk if I said yes?"
"Probably," Richard admitted. He had, in fact, been sulking most of the evening, troubled by his earlier conversation with his mother.
"Good. It's the only reason why I called. I've been busy working on a commission and it's got to be done by Friday," Marina gloated.
"Mom said it was beautiful," Richard smiled.
"She thinks everything I make is beautiful," Marina replied self-deprecatingly.
"So do I; you're an amazingly talented person, Emmy," Richard said, and Marina felt a blush rising to her cheeks.
"Thanks."
"You don't believe me," Richard pouted.
"I'm not sure I should believe anything you say anymore," Marina said. Richard, who'd reclined again, sat up abruptly. Squeaks leaped off the sofa and ran out of the room.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Richard demanded.
"I don't know. People always say things...you know. You can't always believe what they say or take them too seriously."
"I'm not 'people,' Marina. And I've never told you anything less than the absolute truth." Marina knew that he was correct about that. If anything, he'd always been far more forthcoming and truthful with her than she wished. She ran her hand through her hair in frustration.
"I'm sorry, Ricky. You're right; I shouldn't lump you in with everyone else."
"What's going on?" he asked suspiciously.
"I just told you; I'm--."
"No, not your work; I want to know what's cooking in that head of yours. What's all this crap about not believing in people?"
"It's not 'crap,' Ricky. I wish it was."
"Does this have anything to do with your mom not writing you back?"
"Yeah, that too."
"What does that mean?"
"It's a long story and I haven't got time to go into it."
"Throw me a bone here, Emmy," Richard pleaded. "I've been out of the loop for too long. I'd like to try and help, if you let me."
"You can't help, Ricky. I'm a big girl and I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I proved it by living completely on my own for nearly three years, didn't I?"
"Yes, you did, Emmy, but you're home now. Let me in."
"No," she answered too hastily. "I...I need to take care of myself. Neither you nor anyone else can do that for me."
"Don't be--!" Richard cut off his reply and ran his hand over his chin. "Look, you know I'm here for you, right? If you do need someone or something--anything--call on me." Marina bit back a sob and nodded. She coughed and found her voice.
"Okay." She hung up the phone and Richard lay back on the sofa, even more confused than he'd been earlier. He dearly wanted to know what was going on in Marina's head and why she wouldn't share it with him. He also wondered why he suddenly cared so much about it. Apparently he'd never been privy to every thought in her head before; why did he suddenly want to know what she was thinking? He'd managed to go for years without incessantly worrying about her when she was an ocean away. Now he couldn't seem to get her out of his mind.
"Darn you, William!" he groaned.
William, at that moment, was sitting in a movie theatre completely ignoring the film on the screen in front of him. He was distracted by his earlier conversation with Lizzy, who was sitting beside him enjoying the movie. Over dinner, Lizzy had asked about him to tell her about Marina. In truth, William had very little to tell. When it came down to it, his knowledge of Marina was based more on Richard's depiction of her rather than the brief time he'd spent in her company and he was forced to admit that even Richard's description was sketchy.
"I mean, she's a really lovely person; I'm sure you saw that when she interviewed with you. But she's a bit shy and rarely talks about herself," he said. Lizzy nodded and set aside her burger.
"Tell me something about Richard, then," she said after wiping her mouth with her napkin. William was taken aback by the question.
"May I know why you're asking all this?" Lizzy quickly set about laying his fears to rest.
"I'm sorry, I should explain. When we interviewed Marina we were quite explicit about the fact that we were ready and willing to hire her on the spot. But she wanted some time to think about our offer, understandably, and we gave it to her. At first I was convinced that she was hesitant about the job because of me," Lizzy said, coloring slightly. "But I told you how she insisted that I call you as a condition of taking the job," Lizzy said with a slight smile at the memory. "When I spoke with her earlier today, I got the distinct impression that there's something else going on. I thought it might involve her friend, Richard." William shook his head.
"I couldn't tell you about that. I still haven't spoken with Marina. I have spoken to Richard, however, and he's somewhat confused about where Marina's head is these days. But I do have a theory of my own," William said thoughtfully.
"Care to share it?"
"I'm not sure I should. I might be wrong and in any event, it's not likely to be anything you could use as an incentive to get Marina to accept the job."
"Try me," Lizzy prompted. William looked into her eyes and knew he'd never be able to deny Lizzy anything she asked of him.
"All right. It's just a theory, mind, but I think that Marina is in love with Richard."
"She said they were just friends," Lizzy replied. William shook his head knowingly.
"I suspect he's in love with her, too," he smiled. Lizzy's eyes lit up.
"Oh?"
"They're both in denial; quite pathetic, when you think about it."
"Sounds kind of depressing, to me." Lizzy frowned in confusion. "I should think that if Marina was in love with Richard she'd want to be near him. Why is she still up north if he came back to the city?" William shook his head.
"I couldn't begin to explain. My guess is that they're going through...something." William explained Richard's reaction when he learned what had happened at the museum that day, and how his ultimate support for William's decision had cost Richard and Marina some grief.
"Well, I could understand why Richard might support your decision, but I can't understand Marina's reaction to it," Lizzy said. William shrugged.
"I can't explain it, either, but I tend to think that it was part and parcel of her frustration with him. I don't really know."
"Well, you're right. That doesn't help me at all," Lizzy sighed. "I sure wish I could do something for Marina, though. She seems...sad, for lack of a better word. After what you just told me I'm not sure I haven't done her a disservice in trying to convince her to take a job with us."
William had squirmed at Lizzy's conclusion, so Lizzy had tactfully changed the subject. Now, as he revisited the discussion, he still felt uneasy. He squirmed uncomfortably in his seat, and Lizzy turned and for the first time noticed his distraction. She gently shook her bucket of popcorn, but William didn't react. Lizzy put the container aside and, wiping her hands, grabbed hold of William's arm. He immediately turned to look at her and she took the opportunity to kiss him full on the lips. He stared back at her in shock. She simply smiled sweetly, retrieved her bucket of popcorn and turned her attention back to the screen. William smiled and put his arm around her shoulder. She looked up and winked at him. When she shook the bucket for the second time, William accepted the invitation and helped himself to a handful.
The following afternoon, Lizzy called Marina again and was able to tell her the good news about the museum's benefactor.
"I know that we were going to ask you for a decision on Friday, but Mr. Bingley asked me to ask if you'd be willing to interview with us again," she said.
"Why? I mean is there some sort of problem?" a confused Marina asked.
"Oh, no, not at all," Lizzy assured her. "In fact, we're in a position to be able to make an even more attractive offer. We have just received a very generous grant that would allow us to offer you a position as an assistant curator right away."
"Oh my!" Marina gasped, drawing looks from Kathleen and Hugh, who were sitting at the kitchen counter with her.
"Mr. Bingley would like to meet with you again. Of course, if it's impossible for you to come down, I'm sure he'd be willing to speak with you by phone."
"Well...oh, I'd have to think...what about my internship?" Marina asked herself aloud.
"Well, that's one of the things he'd like to talk about. He's spoken with Mr. Wooten, but neither man wants to commit to anything without speaking to you first. We were kind of hoping to meet with you and Mr. Wooten together."
"I see. Well, I can always come back down. That's no problem. But I'm going up to New Hampshire for the weekend to see my dad," Marina said as she flipped open her appointment book.
"Well, let me know what your schedule is like for next week and we'll set something up," Lizzy said. "And you'd be welcome to stay at my place when you come down," Lizzy said tentatively.
"Thanks," Marina said. "But I wouldn't want to impose."
"It would be no imposition at all." Lizzy didn't press the issue. Instead she and Marina discussed a few tentative dates and times for their meeting. Lizzy promised to call back as soon as she'd consulted the others and could firm up a time. "I'll call you soon."
"Thanks, Lizzy." Marina hung up the phone and explained to the others what had happened.
"You'll go down, won't you?" Kathleen asked. Marina nodded.
"I'd be crazy not to go."
"Why don't you give Richard a call, let him know you're coming," Hugh suggested. Marina smiled weakly and sighed.
"Yeah, as soon as I know when I'm going," she promised. She picked up her drink and left the kitchen. Kathleen watched her go and sighed heavily. The more she thought about it the more she regretted ever agreeing to have any part in Anne's scheme.
>"Well, hello, stranger," William said as Richard approached William's Jaguar.
"Hello, yourself," Richard replied. "It feels a bit odd talking to you without holding a phone to my ear," he quipped as he threw his duffle and suit bag into the back of his cousin's car. "Coffee?"
"Desperately in need of the stuff," William confessed. He gratefully accepted the travel mug his cousin offered him. "You know, in spite of everything I may think about you, you make an awfully decent cup of coffee."
"Thanks," Richard smiled.
"Who's going to take care of the little fleabag while you're away?" William asked as he pulled the car out into traffic.
"My cat is not a fleabag! And if that's what you called him when you were over here, it's no wonder he was so indifferent to you," Richard complained. "And he'll take care of himself. I'll be gone less than 48 hours." William shrugged and the two men took off for Long Island. In less than two hours they were aboard William's sailboat and hoisting sail in the Long Island Sound. They spent the entire morning on the boat, returning to the house shortly after 2:00. They entered the house from the terrace and found Anne talking with Mrs. Reynolds and some of the wait staff that had been hired for the day. The cousins also noticed that there were a few guests already in the house. As Richard expected, some of Anne's guests would be spending the night. Since William had made a date with Lizzy for later that evening, Richard would be staying in his room. The two cousins headed for the kitchen in search of sustenance. As they entered the vast space, they saw a small army of caterers already at work.
"Perhaps we should go out for lunch," Richard suggested.
"Nonsense," William said before plowing into the throng. Richard retreated to the terrace, where he saw a familiar-looking blond woman sitting at the far end of the space.
"Gee?" The woman didn't respond, and Richard frowned. He walked to the edge of the terrace to confront her. He was about to call her again when he heard his name called.
"Richard!" Confused, Richard spun in time to barely catch the young woman who came barreling into his arms. "Mom told me you were coming," Georgiana said as she hugged him tightly.
"Hello, sweetness," Richard said as he pulled her away so he could look at her. He turned to look at the woman behind him. She was on her feet now and facing him. She was decidedly not Georgiana. Richard returned her friendly smile.
"Oh, Richard, this is Jane. Jane this is my cousin, Richard. Isn't he delicious?"
"You don't have to answer that," Richard said hastily as he tried to suppress a blush.
"Even if I agree with Georgie?" Jane said archly. Richard blushed even more, much to William's amusement. He had emerged from the kitchen in time to see his cousin nearly accost a stranger. "Hello, William," Jane said when she caught sight of him.
"Jane," he said simply before kissing her cheek. "Hello, Gee," William said as he gave his sister an affectionate hug. "They'll bring something out to us," he told Richard as he tossed him a bottle of water. The foursome sat down at a table to talk.
"I understand you're forsaking us this evening for another engagement," Jane said with just a hint of a pout.
"Yes, I didn't know about this party till mid-week for some reason," William said with a glance into the house at his mother. "I'd already planned my weekend by then."
"Who cares?" Georgiana said. "Richard is here." Richard smiled at William smugly. Jane laughed and William looked at her. Then he looked at Richard pointedly.
"What?" Richard asked, confused. William simply sighed as a servant appeared with a tray for the two cousins, who enjoyed their lunch while Georgiana provided an entertaining critique of some of Anne's houseguests. William surreptitiously observed the interaction between Jane and Richard with mild concern. When he was done eating, he rose to his feet.
"I'd better get my shower and change. It's getting late. You stay here and enjoy the scenery, but don't forget what I told you the other day," William said with another meaningful look. It took Richard a moment to catch his meaning, but he nodded briefly and watched pensively as William went into the house. Anne joined the party on the patio shortly thereafter and was pleased to see that Jane had already been introduced to Richard and that the pair was chatting easily. She only wished that Georgiana wasn't being so possessive of her cousin. Anne was aware of the crush her daughter had had on Richard since she was a small child. She was all but over it, although she still tended to be rather territorial whenever he was on the premises. She assumed that Jane would not be deterred by her behavior, but to be on the safe side she sent her daughter on an errand to pry her from Richard's side. Then, claiming a need to speak with her son, Anne went into the house, leaving the pair alone.
"Well, that was subtle," Jane said as she watched Anne depart.
"Hmm?" Richard replied absently, his thoughts on William's reminder.
William went into the house and sought out his father. They visited for a while in George Darcy's study before William went up to take his shower. Anne waited till William was dressed before knocking on his door. When she entered she found him checking himself out in the mirror, fingering damp tendrils of hair into submission.
"Big plans tonight?" she asked. William smiled.
"Dinner, a little dancing perhaps."
"So exactly who is this girl you've fallen for?" Anne asked as she straightened William's collar.
"Her name is Lizzy Bennet. She's an assistant curator at the Cloisters," William said as he turned to his mother, who took up the task of taming a particularly stubborn curl on his forehead.
"Bennet? She isn't related to Jane Bennet, is she?"
"No, not to my knowledge," William replied as he reached for a bottle of cologne. "She's originally from New Hampshire."
"I see. And is she as smitten with you as you are with her?" William hesitated.
"I hope so," he said with a slight shrug.
"But you don't know for sure," Anne said. "Will, do be careful. You know how many girls would love to latch onto you. You're handsome, you're wealthy--."
"Mom, Lizzy is not interested in my money. In fact, I doubt that she even knows I have any."
"She must know you're an investment banker. Even without your trust fund, that would make you quite a catch."
"I suppose; but you needn't worry about her. She's not that sort of woman."
"Someone ought to worry. I don't want to see you end up like Richard."
"Richard?"
"Kathleen told me that Erin used him for what she could get and then dumped him when she found a man who could give her more than he could."
"What does that have to do with Lizzy and me?"
"I want you to be careful. Don't go rushing into a relationship with someone you barely know and start making plans for the rest of your life."
"Mom, Richard didn't rush into a relationship with Erin. They dated for nearly a year and he was in no way, shape, or form ready for a long-term commitment to her. What happened to him was tragic, but hardly a cautionary tale."
"You said that you wanted to marry this Lizzy!" Anne exclaimed as she followed William to the bathroom, where he grabbed his electric razor and put it into his shaving kit.
"We have no plans to go rushing off to Vegas any time soon, all right?" William kissed Anne's forehead and went to pick up his bag. He stopped and regarded his mother for a minute. "What's gotten into you all of a sudden? I usually leave here with the words 'William, when are you going to find a nice girl and settle down?' ringing in my ears." He smiled and headed for the stairs.
"I just don't want to see you get hurt."
"And here I always thought you wanted grandchildren regardless of what it took," William chuckled at his mother's horrified expression. "I've got to get going. I want to get back to the city before six." He kissed his mother again, extended his goodbyes to the rest of the family and departed. Anne watched him go with mixed feelings. In one respect she was happy to see William looking so positive and happy, but her concerns for her son were genuine; she didn't want to see him rush into a relationship. She'd seen many a woman throw herself at William, and she wanted to be certain that when her son did marry it would be to the right woman. Of course, she also preferred for him to marry sometime after her nephew tied the knot, she thought with an impish smile. She went out to the terrace to check on him, but found only Jane and Georgiana sitting at the table.
"Where's Richard?"
"He went for a walk," Jane said.
"Alone?" Anne asked, her tone very nearly accusing. Jane shrugged.
"He didn't seem to want company," Georgiana replied.
"Oh. Well, when he returns you should probably all go up and change for the evening's festivities," Anne said as she looked toward the shore and saw Richard standing alone on the beach. Even at that distance she could tell that he was deep in thought, and worried that all was not yet right with him. She sighed sympathetically and went into the house.
"You look amazing!" William said when Lizzy opened the door.
"Thank you," she said as she smiled and accepted a bouquet of exotic flowers. "These are beautiful."
"Thanks. Mom's gardener chose them for me. I think they're cymbidium orchids."
"Yes, they are," Lizzy said as she went into her kitchen in search of a vase. "What was that you said about a gardener?"
"Oh, I had my mother's gardener select them. It's really hard to pick the right flowers for an occasion...you know," William said sheepishly.
"Your mother's gardener?" Lizzy repeated.
"Yes; I was at my parents' house out on the island today. Fitz and I were sailing in the Sound. The gardener was cutting flowers for a dinner party my parents are giving tonight and I asked for some."
"Oh," Lizzy nodded. William watched her arrange the flowers for a moment.
"I told my mother about you today," William said tentatively.
"Don't tell me; she said I wasn't good enough for her son," Lizzy smiled.
"Not in so many words," William admitted. "She wouldn't let me leave the house till I promised not to elope to Vegas."
"Does she behave that way to all the women you go out with or am I special?" Lizzy asked as she placed the vase on the dining table and joined William on the sofa.
"I think you're special. Who cares what my mother thinks?" Lizzy beamed at him and he bent to kiss her. But after a minute she broke away and suggested that they get going so as to not lose their reservation. William sighed and rose to leave. Lizzy also sighed and reminded herself to be careful lest she lose herself entirely to William's charms.
Richard went downstairs and entered the large reception space, where several of Anne's had already begun to assemble. He reluctantly waded into the crowd, intent on speaking with his uncle. He was accosted, however, by a neighbor of the Darcys who had known Richard for years. He was forced to stop and make polite conversation with their two daughters, to whom he had just been enthusiastically reintroduced. Richard caught a glimpse of Jane across the room and returned her smile. When he succeeded in extricating himself from the Donners, he once again attempted to reach his uncle. He had nearly succeeded when Anne took hold of his arm and led him over to a group of young socialites.
"Richard, I like to introduce you to some people your own age. This is Diana Morrison; she's our guest of honor tonight." Richard smiled blandly as he shook her hand. "This is Joanna Etheridge--." Before Anne was done introducing the four women, Richard was feeling trapped. He tried to ignore the unabashedly predatory gleam in the eyes of the last woman he shook hands with and looked up to meet eyes with Jane once again. He gave her a look that fairly screamed "save me," and she immediately came to his rescue.
"There you are," Jane said as she took his arm and drew him away with a proprietary grip on his arm. "I thought you were going to meet me on the terrace." She avoided making eye contact with Anne or any of the women in the little circle. Richard chuckled as she led him outside.
"I think I owe you my firstborn," he said as Jane released him and straightened his tie.
"And now you might just live to have one. You looked as though you might be eaten alive back there."
"Thanks for the rescue," Richard said gratefully. "Aunt Anne told me she needed an extra male body in there, but--."
"She didn't tell you it was for a human sacrifice?" Richard turned and looked at Jane.
"You know, you remind me of someone," he said, but he made a face as if to expel the thought from his head. "May I ask you something?"
"Sure, ask away," Jane said as the pair ambled toward the railing.
"No offense intended, but is there some sort of biological explanation for the fact that every woman I've met from the North Shore is a blond?" Jane laughed.
"Biological, no--but there is a chemical explanation: peroxide." Richard's eyes widened.
"No!" Jane laughed.
"Not me, mind. William can attest to the fact that I was born blond. But foursome trying to figure out how to divvy you up back there--I knew them all in high school when they were mousy brunettes." Richard laughed at Jane's joke, but he was reminded again of another's sense of humor and the thought quickly sobered him.