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Posted on Sunday, 15 January 2006
With a bit of help from Elizabeth, Will managed to shake his grim thoughts on the drive back to the Bingleys’ home. Valiantly, she persisted in her effort to sing The Twelve Days of Christmas despite tripping over the words and apparently being tone deaf.
Still laughing, they tumbled inside the front door with all of their purchases. Elizabeth teetered to one side, Will grabbing her arm to keep her upright. The bags fell to the floor around their feet as they both preferred to put their arms to better use; around each other.
“No, no,” they heard Charles say. “Stop that! The last thing we want is for Dolores to catch you two necking in the hall.”
“Charles, it’s just a little kiss,” objected Will with a grin. “And I want one more before we have to play centre stage.”
Charles anxiously listened for a signal of Dolores’ approach while trying to ignore the giggling behind him.
“Enough,” Elizabeth whispered. “Poor Charles! Standing guard for us.”
“I’ll take all of these up to your room,” said Will, “ and be back in a minute.”
“I’ll do that.” With a firm hand, Charles took hold of the bags his friend had just picked up. “You two can go right in there now.” In a quiet voice he added, “I need the break.”
“That’s encouraging,” muttered Will. If he had expected Elizabeth’s family to surround her, congratulate her on an amazing recovery, tell her how much they loved and missed her, he was to be disappointed. They walked into a silent room.
Will studied each face in turn, attempting to discern the thoughts behind their expressions. Mary’s eyes darted between her parents and sister, alighting on Elizabeth with obvious relief. Yet she said nothing, as if waiting for permission. Having met the Bennets only once, on the occasion of Jane’s wedding, Will wasn’t clear about the former relationship Elizabeth had with her mother and father. He did know that their daughter’s involvement with George Wickham had severed communication between them and even her need for support after the tragic beating found none forthcoming. Will wouldn’t pretend to understand any of it. He intended to watch, wait and lend Elizabeth his strength should she require it.
Dolores finally stepped toward her daughter. “Lizzy,” she said, almost sadly. She raised one hand to touch the scars on Elizabeth’s face. “My poor baby. What did he do to you?” She choked on the words.
Elizabeth didn’t flinch. She allowed her mother’s touch, eyes open, unsmiling. Her fingers squeezed Will’s tightly; the only sign of her own distress.
Dolores turned away, hiding her tears although the sound of her sobbing could not be disguised. Mary seemed to understand that permission had been granted for her to speak with her sister and she quickly grabbed Elizabeth’s hand to pull her into a hug while she murmured words that were too quiet for Will to hear. He was not alarmed, however, for Elizabeth’s eyes had closed and she warmly responded to Mary’s embrace by letting go of Will’s hand to wrap both arms around her younger sister.
As difficult as this scene was to witness, both Jane and Will could only hope it boded well for the potential healing of the family. They were apprehensive of the final member’s reaction but when Mary gave way for her father to address Elizabeth, Ted made no move to do so. Realising the danger in waiting too long, Jane quickly intervened.
“Lizzy, you must be tired after all that walking in the mall. Come and sit down. I’ll get you something to drink, too.” She looked at Will, her expression imploring him to stay by Elizabeth’s side and so he sat down as well, taking her hand in his once more and finding that her fingers were cold and trembling. A barely perceptible relaxing of her eyelids told him that she appreciated his presence. Will suspected that his role would be tested once Ted Bennet broke the stalemate for it would be up to her father to make the first overture. Elizabeth certainly would not.
Jane brought a cup of coffee but her sister’s hands were too unsteady to hold it without spilling the contents. Placing the cup on the table beside Will, Jane stationed herself in a chair between her mother and Elizabeth. It then fell to Mary to begin conversation.
“Lizzy, you’re doing so much better than I’d expected! Not that I really knew what to expect, but...” She let out a wavering sigh. “It’s so good to see you, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth could not help smiling at her younger sister. “I missed you too, Mary.” Her first words were spoken in their presence and had not been directed at her parents.
Dolores felt the slight, turning to face her daughter again. Ted’s expression seemed to indicate he had something to say. He opened and closed his mouth, then looked away with a frown.
“Are you staying for dinner tonight, Will?” Jane was desperate to get some conversation going.
“Did I forget to tell you this morning?” he asked. “Georgiana arrived last night. She wanted to make something special and asked if Elizabeth would join us.”
“Oh, that sounds very nice!”
“Who is Georgiana?” enquired Dolores.
“My sister,” explained Will. “She lives in Vancouver but comes home when she can.”
“What does she do in Vancouver?” Dolores was being more polite than nosy.
“She’s a doctor.”
Obviously this answer was not what the lady expected to hear. “My! A doctor!”
“Pity we have no brother,” Elizabeth muttered.
Will’s laugh changed to a cough. “Once my sister sets her mind to something, little can stop her. She decided to become a doctor when she was eight years old.”
“Amazing!” said Jane, then added with a smile, “I still don’t know what I want to be.”
Ted finally spoke. “You have a full time job looking after Lizzy.”
Jane shook her head, feeling offended on her sister’s behalf. “No. No, I don’t. I do the driving to appointments but we share in the household chores and Will is here almost daily, so I don’t even have to drive all the time.”
All eyes were turned on Will, who shrugged. “I can’t cook so I have to find another way to be useful.”
“You can cook!” protested Elizabeth.
He gave her hand a squeeze. “Not as well as you.” Referring to an evening when Elizabeth had returned the favour of preparing dinner, which had not turned out to be as successful as she had envisioned, Will completed the praise with a comment aimed at Ted. “But I hardly need to tell your family that, I’m sure. They must all be aware of your skill in the kitchen.” His shot had the desired effect; Ted’s lips pressed together in annoyance.
It was at precisely this moment that Charles appeared. “Ted, you mentioned something about a problem with the car on the drive here. Do you want to have a look at that now before it gets dark?” Will immediately recognised his friend’s attempt to remove the men from the room but it took Ted Bennet another minute to comprehend.
“Sure,” he grudgingly agreed. His gaze raked over Will as he rose to follow Charles to the door.
“You coming?” Charles’ eyebrows prompted him.
It seemed he had little choice. Will considered that Elizabeth had two supporters to the one questionable member of the group before he asked her with a glance how she felt about him leaving. Her small smile encouraged him to believe that she would be confident enough to deal with any trouble which might arise. In any case, he would not be far nor would he be gone long.
“Stop behaving like a jackass!” Charles pushed against his father-in-law’s shoulder, increasing the distance between the other two men. “I warned you already that I’m not going to tolerate anything that upsets either Jane or Elizabeth.”
“Forget it, Charles. I’ll be going soon and he can cool down without my presence provoking him into doing something stupid.” Will turned his back on them, about to return to the house.
“I don’t want you taking my daughter with you!” Ted bellowed after him.
Spinning around, Will stalked toward him. “Why didn’t you say that to George Wickham when you had the chance? Why did you let him continue to do what he did to your daughter even though you knew exactly what was going on? Good God, how could you let her stay in that situation!” He didn’t stop there. “Not only did you do nothing about it but you deserted Elizabeth as if it was somehow all her fault! What kind of a father are you?” Disgusted, Will left them standing in the snow.
Ted’s face had flushed a deep red. “He has no idea. Who does he think he is, talking to me like that?”
“He’s the man who believed in Elizabeth when the rest of us had given up,” snapped Charles. “If it wasn’t for Will I think she would have just faded away so he has every right to speak his mind about your lack of action.”
“You don’t believe I care about her, either!”
“You have an odd way of showing it if you do. Ted, I love Jane but that doesn’t mean I have to like you. Elizabeth loves Will and he loves her. You’re just going to have to accept that fact and stop trying to make up for all you didn’t do last time! It’s too late and sorely misplaced.” Charles waited, hoping that his words would sink in.
Finally, Ted blew his breath out forcefully. “How can I explain it to you?”
“Don’t bother.”
His hand flew out to grab Charles’ sleeve. “No, you must understand. I have to make you understand.”
“Save it for Lizzy. Really,” sighed the younger man, “I’m not interested in what excuses you have. If she forgives you then I’m not going to argue but my opinion of you will remain unchanged.”
Will stopped just outside the room. He could hear light laughter from inside and it made him smile. At least Elizabeth hadn’t suffered the confrontation he’d had to endure. He felt like an eavesdropper but was reluctant to disturb an obviously enjoyable moment between the Bennet women. Elizabeth’s voice was too quiet to be heard but her mother had no such constraint.
“Well, what was I supposed to think?”
“Mom, only you could jump to such an outrageous conclusion.” Jane sounded breathless, perhaps from laughing. “I wonder what he will say.”
“I’m not telling him!” Elizabeth loudly declared.
The room erupted in giggles as Will entered, feeling he had loitered in the hallway too long already. His bemused expression only served to bring a fresh round of laughter.
Jane leaned close to Elizabeth and quietly said, “You’ll have to tell him now. At least you can wait until you’re alone, though.”
She sighed but did not seem to mind. “Is it time?” she asked, looking up at Will.
He nodded. “I wouldn’t dare be late for one of Georgie’s creations.”
“Oh,” Dolores said with disappointment. “I guess we won’t see you again until tomorrow, then. You will come home after we’ve left, I’m sure. It was a long drive. Dad will want to get back to the hotel early.”
“There will be plenty to keep us all busy tomorrow,” Jane offered. “First the tree, then decorating it and getting dinner ready for so many people!”
“I’ll help you, of course,” her mother said.
“Of course,” repeated Mary.
Before the conversation could degenerate, Will and Elizabeth made their escape. As they left the house he could see Charles still in discussion with Ted, who cast a glance in their direction. Fortunately it was not necessary to risk a confrontation as Will’s car was parked near the end of the driveway. He held onto Elizabeth’s arm, avoiding looking at the other men. Elizabeth just as studiously kept her eyes focussed away from her father. Soon enough they were in the car and had left the Bennets behind.
Charles eyed his father-in-law’s expression as the older man watched his daughter go without a word. He couldn’t help but notice that Ted looked older than his years. It was reasonable to credit Elizabeth’s circumstances as the cause but Charles wasn’t entirely convinced that was the case. Whatever had prompted Ted to turn his back on his daughter when she most needed his help could well be responsible for the change in him as well. As he stood there, trying to understand, Ted abruptly turned and started toward the front door. He didn’t wait for Charles but determinedly strode into the house and through to where his wife and daughters still sat conversing. Dolores looked up, alarmed at his sudden entrance.
“What is it? What’s wrong?”
He ignored her, addressing Jane. “I need to talk to you.”
Charles appeared behind him and heard what was said. “Jane?”
She carefully nodded. “I’d like to speak with you, too, Dad.”
The room which would afford them the most privacy was the one Charles used as an office. It was lined with books, huge volumes of law, which lent it an earthy feel. Jane had always derived comfort from the surroundings whenever she had gazed upon her husband working at his desk. She hoped it would now give her strength to deal with what must be said.
“Jane, I want to know exactly –.”
“No.” She swallowed nervously, summoning up courage to continue.
He frowned at her. “You don’t know what I was going to say.”
“Yes, I do. You want to know about Lizzy, what she can do, what she will be able to do. Most of all, you want to know where Will fits in.” Drawing another breath, she continued in a less tranquil tone. “I’ve spent the last month in therapy sessions with Lizzy. Dr. Wendell has been wonderfully patient and Lizzy has been terribly stubborn. I’ve learned a lot about myself and our family, though; things I’d never considered before. Perhaps I just didn’t want to think about it.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
Jane wasn’t convinced. “Of course you do. It gradually became clear to me, too. You have to be in control. Mom is easy enough to manipulate. She doesn’t know any better. It’s painful to say that but it’s true. I was always compliant and didn’t cause any trouble. Mary is easily intimidated into behaving as you prefer and Cathy... well, now that she’s out on her own and has tasted freedom, I think she doesn’t want to come home. Lizzy was the only one of us you couldn’t control, wasn’t she? She met your attempts with sensible arguments. Lizzy had no weakness for you to exploit.” No longer able to remain seated, Jane got up and walked around the room, running her fingers along the spines of the books.
“That doctor has put these ideas in your head,” her father petulantly observed.
Jane shook her head. “No, I figured it out on my own. It was simple, really. All I had to do was look at the pieces of the puzzle and put it all together but I never saw the pieces before. And now you want to take control of Lizzy’s life because at last she has a weakness. She is unable to live on her own just yet so if you time it right, she’ll move back home and be under your thumb.”
“Is it so bad that I want to make sure Lizzy isn’t going to be hurt again? Why does everyone think I’m guilty of betraying her, that I’ve abdicated all interest in my own daughter? All I’ve ever wanted is what’s best for her.”
“And George was best for her, was he?” cried Jane. “Oh, you couldn’t control Lizzy so when she found a man who used his fists to keep her under control, that was alright! You left her to his barbaric practices because she could best you in an argument!”
“That’s not true!” Ted’s voice broke as he protested. “She was strong and she was smart. She could have avoided it. I never wanted her to get hurt. I never wanted that.” His head fell into his hands, startling Jane with his reaction. “I couldn’t bear to see what he had done to her. There was nothing I could do to stop it. As much as I hated him, I was more helpless than Lizzy because I was scared, Jane.” Looking up at his daughter once more, Ted confessed, “I was afraid of George.”
“She thought you were gay?” Georgiana stared incredulously then broke into a throaty laugh. “I can’t for the life of me imagine what gave her that impression.”
“Apparently,” Will replied, fingering the fork on his plate, “it was my desire to take Elizabeth shopping that set her mother’s mind off on that direction. Then when she learned of how I urged Elizabeth to make frivolous purchases and cooked for her.... well, nails in the coffin, Georgie!”
“Mom was so excited,” giggled Elizabeth. “She’s never met a gay man before. Not that she realises, anyway.”
“Was she very disappointed?”
“A little but not for long.”
Will rose from the table. “Okay ladies, I’ll add fuel to the rumours by offering to clean up while you two put your feet up in there.” He shooed them to the other room with not a word of argument from either woman.
After settling themselves into the comfortable chairs Elizabeth offered her compliments on the dinner Will’s sister had prepared.
“Thank you,” Georgiana graciously acknowledged. “I like to cook when I’m here. I find it relaxing and Will really is hopeless in the kitchen. I’m glad we had this opportunity for a quiet dinner, Elizabeth.”
The two young women had a common source for discussion but they were not entertaining themselves at Will’s expense. Rather, they spoke of his compassion and devotion, Georgiana shedding some light on her brother’s life outside the corporate world.
Elizabeth had known him only in two incarnations, really; the distant, aloof executive and then the intense, romantic man whose strength and support could always be relied upon. Whatever existed between she had yet to discover. The realisation gave her pause to wonder how she could have believed herself to know him. That she loved him was not in question but there was more to him that she’d been privileged to see thus far, no doubt about it.
Elizabeth had thought Georgiana responsible for the classic decor of their home but she was astonished when the other woman laughed, saying that she had no talent for design and that her brother had been the primary decision maker when choosing colours, fabrics and furniture. It provided a moment of laughter when Elizabeth suggested it was yet another item that would lead her mother to believe Will preferred an alternate lifestyle.
The man in question joined them almost an hour later, bringing a bottle of wine and three glasses. He set them down on the table and himself on the floor. As they sipped the wine, conversation slowed until Georgiana noticed she seemed to be talking to herself. Elizabeth was fading, not even trying to stifle yawns, and Will simply stared at her, a faraway look on his face.
“Excuse me,” she said, just loudly enough to get her brother’s attention. Her purpose was to allow them a few moments alone as it was obvious that Elizabeth needed sleep. Georgiana miscalculated the time required, unfortunately, and returned to find the couple in each other’s arms at the doorway to his bedroom. Neither was aware as she walked by and plunked herself down in the chair again despite the exaggerated motions and noise that she made. She picked up a book and began reading, occasionally glancing toward Will and Elizabeth, unable to hear what they were saying to one another in soft voices but aware that they were talking. She was not about to forget her promise to her brother; to look out for the best interests of both him and Elizabeth.
Eventually she heard the door close and Will joined her, sitting down in the chair opposite.
“Thanks,” he said. “Elizabeth appreciated the warm welcome you gave her and so do I.”
Georgiana set aside the book. “I like her, Will. I think she’ll be good for you.”
Letting out a long sigh, Will arose and said he was going to turn in, too. “Are you staying up a while longer?”
“Yes, I’m still a few hours behind but I won’t be any more than an hour, I think.” She waited until he had walked away a few steps before adding, “It’s about time you decided to settle down, Will. I might have despaired of ever becoming an aunt.” She ducked her head as a cushion sailed past.
Posted on Sunday, 22 January 2006
Cold surrounded her. Her body was being pushed down, deep below the bright surface. She reached upward, stretching her arm as far as possible but it wasn’t enough.
The brightness above her flashed, breaking open and she felt herself drawn up into the light, grasped around the shoulders and pulled from the sucking hold on her feet. Gasping for air, she shook the water from her face, blinking until her eyes allowed her to see once again.
The pool wall was not far but his hold was too strong for her to break free just yet. More oxygen was needed to restore her muscles to usefulness, then she would make the attempt.
“Don’t,” whispered that voice close to her ear. “It would be unfortunate if you got hurt.” She felt his fingers tighten on her wrists.
“Please....” The sound bubbled as her lips dipped below the surface.
“Please what?”
She had to wait until he allowed her head above the water again. “George, let me go.”
“I didn’t hear you.” His arms straightened, pushing her down once more. She ceased any kind of struggle, gradually feeling the release of pressure on her wrists. Slowly, her body rose to the surface. “Lizzy, I didn’t frighten you, did I?” His tone held a note of mockery. “It’s just a game, you know.”
Just a game.....
The darkness was not as frightening as the strangeness of her surroundings. Elizabeth bolted upright as the door opened and a pale light streamed across the floor. Her fear took over, she cried out again and began straining to free herself of the sheets and blankets. Hands were upon her, pulling her back, holding her arms close. Elizabeth continued to struggle until she became aware that her adversary was another woman and heard her name spoken firmly.
“Elizabeth, calm down. You’re safe here. Nothing will hurt you.”
A name pushed its way past her lips. “Georgiana?”
“Yes!” was the relieved reply. “Yes, it’s Georgiana. You had a bad dream, Elizabeth, but you’re okay.” Her grip on Elizabeth eased, becoming more of a comforting embrace than a restraint.
The adrenalin in her body had reached a peak. Elizabeth began to tremble violently, clutching at her friend as if she feared her disappearance. Tears quickly followed. They could not be stopped, falling rapidly with the intensity of her sobs.
Georgiana held her fast, speaking in soothing tones and waiting out the storm. It became apparent that Elizabeth had long been denying herself this outlet. Rather than abating, her distress grew until Georgiana feared some intervention would be required. Fortunately, that fear was not realised as Elizabeth soon exhausted herself, limply falling back on the bed while occasionally drawing in a shuddering breath.
“Would you like some water?” Georgiana gently wiped a tissue across Elizabeth’s cheeks. Nodding weakly, Elizabeth slowly sipped the cool liquid when the glass was put in her hand while Georgiana allowed a few minutes of calm before speaking again. “Do you want to talk about it?” She observed the other woman’s reaction. There was no refusal, which was enough for Georgiana to settle herself more comfortably on the bed. “Bad dreams always seem less frightening when you try to explain them to someone else.”
Elizabeth stared down into the glass, the water swirling slowly inside. “I’m not sure anymore.”
“About what?”
“What’s real and what isn’t.” She shook her head from side to side in confusion. “The dreams start out the same but the endings are different. It seems familiar and then it’s not.”
“The part that’s the same,” prompted Georgiana, “do you think that may have really happened? Perhaps you don’t remember the end and that’s when your imagination takes over.”
Elizabeth fidgeted with the edge of the blanket. “I remember,” she said very quietly. “I remember it all.”
Placing her hand on Elizabeth’s, Georgiana said quite simply, “Tell me.”
“You don’t want to know.”
“Elizabeth, you weren’t the first woman taken in by George Wickham. I, too, fell for his flattery and smooth words. I didn’t listen to Will’s warnings. He knew what George was like.” Her voice was soft and sorrowful. “I still feel guilty for the worry and fear I caused my brother.”
“Georgiana,” Elizabeth said in a horrified whisper. “I had no idea you were a victim, too.”
“I was lucky, though. George didn’t dare hit or threaten me. He wanted money and that was too much to risk losing. He was also afraid of Will.”
“Will.” Her tone was wistful. “I can’t tell him.”
“He would understand.”
Elizabeth adamantly shook her head. “It would hurt him. I won’t do that.”
It was not the time to pursue the topic further, Georgiana knew. “Let me get you something to help you sleep.” Before Elizabeth could object she suggested a bit to eat or a glass of wine. “Food in your stomach would be good but, personally, I prefer wine because it makes me drowsy.”
A small smile formed on Elizabeth’s lips. “I think I’d like more of that dessert you made tonight. And some wine.”
“Done!” laughed Georgiana. While she went to the kitchen Elizabeth sought a robe in Will’s closet. The plates and glasses were on the table when she appeared, almost hidden in folds of heavy black material. “Hey, that fits you just perfectly.”
“Sure, if I don’t mind not having the use of my hands and tripping on the bottom of the darn thing.” Elizabeth grinned, eagerly sitting down and rolling the sleeves up to her elbows. “This is delicious, Georgiana.”
“I don’t think my brother liked it much. Too much chocolate, not that I think there is such a thing.” Watching her companion closely, she added, “But then, he’s rather particular about everything.”
A pink flush rose in Elizabeth’s cheeks. “I had noticed, actually.”
“A bit of a perfectionist at times.”
“Yes.” His words had comforted her almost every night since he had said them. “There is nothing I want more than to make love with you, Elizabeth. To love you completely, perfectly, as you deserve to be loved.” She blushed again.
“Really, I love him dearly but sometimes his demands for things to be just so drive me nuts!” Georgiana suddenly bit her lip in consternation. “I’m not selling him very well.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Am I expected to buy him?”
“I was hoping you might consider it.” She looked expectantly at Elizabeth, who could not disguise the flush that crept into her face. “I know what you’ve been through this last year and it’s probably too soon to be thinking about it but Will is one hell of a catch.”
“I couldn’t.... He deserves better.” Elizabeth cast her eyes down to her plate.
“And you deserve better than George. I know how Will feels about you and he doesn’t take these things lightly. Too serious by far, in my opinion. I see a hint of lightness in you, Elizabeth; lightness that would do Will some good. It’s buried a bit deep right now but it’s there. Time is a great healer and my brother is no stranger to waiting.”
She looked up, struck by the last comment. “But for how long?”
Georgiana squeezed her friend’s fingers. “As long as it takes. Elizabeth, you have fought hard and you’re strong. It’s that strength and your intelligence that Will admires. I know it won’t be long once you’ve found that key, the one that unlocks the final barrier. Believe in yourself and know that Will is going to be there until the end.”
There seemed little else to be said between them. Elizabeth felt she had to consider all that she knew as well as what Georgiana had revealed before she could make any other decision. Silently, they finished their wine and each went back to bed, although it was some time before either was able to sleep again.
Will awoke to the smells of coffee and breakfast cooking, the thought of seeing Elizabeth at the table urging him out of bed immediately. He was more than pleased to find both young women in the kitchen chattering and laughing as they watched over the pans of bacon, eggs and....
“Crepes!” he exclaimed. “I haven’t had those in years, not since Mom used to make them for us on Sundays!”
“Good morning to you, too,” his sister replied with a lift of one eyebrow.
“Ah, good morning.” He was more interested in Elizabeth’s activities, however, moving closer to stand behind her and wrap his arms about her waist as she pushed the crackling bacon in the pan. Lowering his mouth to her ear, Will bid her good morning in a low voice, allowing his lips to graze just below her earlobe, then down the length of her neck to the shoulder.
“Don’t mind me,” chuckled Georgiana. She made a mental note to point out to her brother that Elizabeth wasn’t the only one contributing to his professed torment.
Will looked over the kitchen. “Is there anything for me to do?”
“Eat,” Elizabeth blandly remarked.
“Yes, ma’am!” He quickly sat down at the table.
Plates of bacon, eggs and crepes were placed in the middle and all three enthusiastically started in. No mention was made of Elizabeth’s interrupted sleep. She had spent the rest of the night undisturbed, feeling refreshed in the morning as if nothing untoward had occurred. Her first thought upon awakening, after finally recognising whose bed she was in, was to recollect Georgiana’s words; it won’t be long once you’ve found that key, the one that unlocks the final barrier. She did not yet know what either were but felt, perhaps for the first time, a willingness to open up and examine the store of dark memories.
It was Christmas Eve, however, and Charles had made sure to invite Will and Georgiana to partake of the festivities with the family. The day was precisely planned; the Bennets would arrive around eleven that morning, a short visit to ensue before the hunt for a tree would commence. When reminded of this during breakfast, Elizabeth suddenly realised there was no tree in the Darcy home, either. It was something she insisted must be remedied.
“There’s still the artificial one in the attic, isn’t there?” Georgiana asked her brother who nodded an affirmative. “We just didn’t bother to put it up the last few years, ever since I went away to medical school and only came back on visits. If you bring the boxes down, Will, I’ll assemble it this afternoon and we can all decorate it tonight when we get home.”
“I’d love that!” Elizabeth enthusiastically nodded, urging Will to put the idea into action. By the time he’d retrieved the dusty boxes, showered and dressed, they had enough time to rush out the door and arrive at the Bingleys as the others were getting restless. As everyone was putting on their coats Will turned to Elizabeth.
“Would you like me to go with you?”
Elizabeth had been undecided as to whether or not she preferred Will’s presence on the tree expedition. She could see his apprehension and suspected something unpleasant had already occurred between the two men. Of course, he would never say so; adding to the anxiety she was experiencing was the last thing he wished to do. Yet she knew what he would not tell her; her father might cause a scene if Will came with them. Elizabeth’s decision was to remain silent, knowing that this man would not leave her side unless she asked it of him. She simply held his hand a little tighter and felt the answering squeeze of his fingers.
As it turned out, there were five of them setting out to get the tree. Mary sat in the back of Charles’ van with Elizabeth and Will while their father claimed the passenger seat in front. Several attempts at making safe conversation fell flat, eventually leaving Charles to discuss the weather with Ted.
In a quiet voice Mary ventured some questions that were as far from controversy as possible. Elizabeth was thrilled to give her sister such attention and Mary appeared to relish it, too. Will suspected that the younger woman had come with them mainly to spend more time with the sister whose company she had been denied for more than a year and he was content to merely listen to their excited voices while gazing out the window.
Considering the late date, Will wondered what sort of selection of trees Charles expected to find but he didn’t count on the expert eyes of both Elizabeth and Ted. The two Bennets had been doing last minute tree shopping for years and knew just what to look for. No sooner were they out of the van than the search was underway.
Too dry. Too bare. Too short. Too narrow.
It finally came down to the final choices. Elizabeth eyed the specimen her father presented. After careful consideration she pronounced it lacking in character.
“Character?” Charles looked a little closer at them.
“There’s nothing about it that sets it apart from the others, nothing to make it special,” she explained.
Charles was only more confused. “It’s a tree.”
“Let’s have a look at yours, Lizzy,” said Ted. He studied it, occasionally clucking his tongue. “A bit crooked. Look at the branches. Not a straight one in the lot.”
“Perfection isn’t everything.” All eyes were on Will for daring to comment.
“Overrated at times, I think,” added Elizabeth with a smile she tried to hide.
“We’re talking about a tree that’s going to be covered with lights, tinsel and hanging decorations. Hardly a candidate for perfection,” scoffed Charles.
“Symmetry is important,” Ted corrected. “Without it you’re going to have a lopsided monstrosity in your living room.”
Elizabeth flinched. She reached for Will’s arm as she saw him angrily step forward. “Some people,” she managed in a shaky voice, “see only the potential and not the defects such an object offers.”
Ted suddenly seemed to realise that they were no longer talking about the sad looking fir beside his daughter. “Some people confuse the difference in importance between objects and people.”
“Yes,” sighed Charles. “They do.” He pointed to Elizabeth’s tree. “We’ll take that one. I like all the curvy branches.” Mary patted his arm in approval, her smile indicating how pleased she was that he’d averted an ugly argument.
The tree was tied to the roof rack on the van, Mary worrying the entire trip home that it would come loose but the drive was without mishap. Even conversation was sparse, leaving Charles’ assurances and Mary’s fretting the only other sounds inside the vehicle. Before the engine was quiet Elizabeth out of her seat, struggling to open the side door. She felt Will’s arm wind around her waist, gently pulling her back so that he could reach the handle. Then he helped her down and followed her to the front door. Elizabeth paused a moment before entering the house, glancing back at her father as he helped Charles deal with the tree.
The warmth and smells of dinner greeting them inside the door brought comfort to Elizabeth’s agitated nerves. Memories surfaced, of childhood holidays with her sisters; excited voices as they ran down the stairs to see what Santa had left. The recollections were not painful but sweet, giving rise to a desire for more, to see the eagerness of her own children and feel the joy that they would bring.
“Lizzy, you must be exhausted.” Her mother approached, holding out her hand as if to lead Elizabeth to a chair. “Let me get you a cup of hot chocolate while you catch your breath.”
“Mom,” Jane entreated. “She’s not fragile!” The prospect of hot chocolate brought back even more pleasant memories, however, and Elizabeth was happy to accept. Dolores gave her other daughter a smug smile before retreating to the kitchen. “Well, how did it go?” Jane asked.
“Round one to Elizabeth,” declared Mary, flopping onto the couch.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“She picked the better tree.” Mary began poking through a box on the floor at her feet. “I wondered where these went!” she said, holding up a strand of star shaped lights. “What else did you pilfer from home, Jane?”
“That’s Lizzy’s box, actually.” Jane glanced apologetically at Elizabeth. “I thought you might like to put some of your own decorations out so I brought them up from downstairs.”
“Oh,” breathed Elizabeth. “Jane, that was so thoughtful of you. Thanks.” She stared anxiously at the box.
Will saw her reaction, considered what it meant, then pulled the box closer to her. Elizabeth touched its surface, closing her eyes. Then she inhaled deeply and bravely opened the lid.
Posted on Sunday, 29 January 2006
Tiny stars sparkled with reflected light from the window. Elizabeth lifted the string from the box to reveal a bed of tissue padding the remaining contents. Her fingers touched the paper as if testing it, then she withdrew her hand.
“Wait until the tree is ready.” She put the star lights back in the box and closed it.
Jane understood her reluctance to explore further while everyone else was watching. There were bound to be some reminders of her time with George. She slid the box behind the chair. “Good choice.”
Dolores appeared, carrying a tray of steaming cups. “Here you go,” she announced. “Hot chocolate for everyone.” She handed a cup to a bemused Will.
“Thank you,” he said, trying hard to look grateful. Elizabeth peered at him as she sipped at her own cup. Feeling a little pressure, he tasted the beverage. It was as sweet as he expected.
“Well,” began Dolores, “did you have fun getting the tree?”
Will nearly choked at the outrageous question. “I hadn’t realised that selecting a tree was such an art.”
“Oh! Lizzy will teach you all about it, I’m sure,” she said with wide eyed eagerness. “Teddy taught her everything from the time she was a little girl but she’s been able to pick them better more times that he does. Lizzy will teach your children the same thing!”
“Mom!” hissed Jane, but Will was laughing.
“Make room! Here we come!” A rustling mass of greenery preceded Charles into the room. “Where is the stand? I can’t see a thing.”
Jane jumped up to guide him to the proper corner. “Over here.”
Will took advantage of the confusion to lean close and whisper in Elizabeth’s ear. “How many children do you want?”
She looked at him suspiciously but there was a sparkle lurking in his gaze. “How many do you want?”
“I asked first,” he persisted.
“Two.”
“Six,” he countered.
Elizabeth grinned. “Three.”
“Five.”
She let out a sigh. “Looks like we meet at four.”
“It’s a deal. Just don’t tell your mother.” He was up and out of the chair before she could say another word. Elizabeth watched him help Charles wrestle the tree into place, allowing herself the pleasure of open admiration.
“Lizzy.” Dolores had quickly settled herself in Will’s seat as soon as he’d left it. “He seems to be nice enough. Is he?”
Offended, Elizabeth responded hotly. “Does it matter?”
“Of course it matters! If he’s another George then I don’t want him anywhere near you anymore.”
Her daughter stared incredulously. “It’s a bit late for that kind of concern.”
Dolores impulsively covered her mouth with one hand. “No, Lizzy. It’s not too late. Don’t let it happen again. Get rid of him now.”
A burst of laughter threatened to erupt from Elizabeth. Was her mother actually encouraging her to throw away the chance to capture a rich husband? “Mom–.”
“I know that George fooled us. We can’t let Will do the same. My dear Lizzy,” she sniffed, pushing Elizabeth’s hair back from her face. “You have no idea how hard it was to not be able to do anything to stop George. Please don’t make us go through that again.”
Elizabeth shook her head. She wanted nothing more than for her mother to go away. Under other circumstances Dolores Bennet’s inability to perceive her own foolishness would be amusing but Elizabeth didn’t want to hear what other advice was about to be offered. “Jane,” she called. “Can we take that box upstairs?”
“You’d like to go through it now?” Jane hurried over, retrieving the box from its hiding place. “It will still be a while before the men are satisfied that the tree won’t fall over. Mom,” she said, turning to Dolores. “Could you keep an eye on the stove while I help Lizzy?”
“Of course,” was the hurried reply, their mother having no idea what kind of help her daughter required at the moment but sure it wasn’t anything she could do.
Jane carried the box up to Elizabeth’s room, her sister following. She deposited the item on the bed and waited.
“Some of it will stay here for your tree,” Elizabeth quietly said. “Some I will share with Will and Georgiana.”
Jane sat back to give her sister some space. Elizabeth lifted the tissue paper out and set it on the bed beside her. Several fragile ornaments were next, carefully arranged so as not to touch one another. One by one, Elizabeth brought each to light until several dozen surrounded them and the box was empty. A huge pile of tissue had accumulated and fallen to the floor.
“Where would you like to start? I’ll wrap up the ones you’re going to take with you tonight.” Jane pulled a handful of the packing toward her.
Elizabeth knew exactly which ornaments she intended for Will’s tree. She handed Jane a glass ball first. It was a delicate item etched with snowflakes which shimmered rainbows of reflected light. A filigreed porcelain angel was next, ivory white with a tiny crystal heart held between its hands.
“These are beautiful,” Jane exclaimed before wrapping a pair of silver doves. “You’ve always had the best taste, Lizzy. Not like those gaudy things Mom brings home every year.”
Elizabeth laughed. “I remember you were always excited to find out what she’d bought. How much of that stuff ended up coming here with you? Last year there seemed to be quite a lot of it on your tree.”
“More to come, too, I imagine. You haven’t seen the presents she’s already stuffed into my closets and you know we’ll each get a new ornament just like when we were kids.”
With a sweep of her arm, Elizabeth gestured toward the bed. “There’s my collection. The good, the bad and the ugly.” It was colourful and varied, the assortment representing examples from every taste imaginable. Jane picked up a small bear, its fur matted and worn. Elizabeth’s voice was expressionless. “You can have that.”
“But Lizzy, Dad gave you this and I remember when, too. That was the year you were really sick and missed a lot of school.” That Elizabeth wanted to give up this item was disturbing to her sister. It had brought the little girl such comfort while she was confined to bed day after day.
“I don’t need it anymore.”
Jane heard what she hadn’t said, however. “Okay, but when you want it back just ask me.” She was saddened to think that Elizabeth and their father would persist in silence.
“Here. These are for your tree.” Several small Victorian styled decorations were pushed toward Jane. “I want you to keep them.”
“Oh, Lizzy! I can’t accept these! They must have cost you a fortune.”
They cost me a lot more than money.
“Finally! Where’s Jane?” Charles wiped his brow with one hand, reluctant to loosen his grip on the tree with the other.
“She’s upstairs with Lizzy. They took that box of decorations up there to pick through it.” Mary was eyeing the other boxes in the room, eager to get started with the lights.
“I’ll go get them.”
No sooner had Charles left than the doorbell rang. Will went to answer it but found Dolores was there first.
“You must be Dr. Georgiana!” She had taken the young woman’s hand in hers and was pulling her into the house. “You and your brother look so much alike! I’m Dolores Bennet, Lizzy and Jane’s mother. Oh, there you are Will! I was just telling your sister that the resemblance between you is unmistakable.”
He nodded. “Georgie, you’re just in time. Charles managed to get the tree settled into place at last.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Bennet,” Georgiana said before addressing Will. “I put our tree together without breaking a nail or severing an artery. Wait until you see where I put it.”
“Come in and sit down,” chirped Dolores. “Will, I think it’s okay to bring out the wine and other drinks now. Could you look after that? I don’t know where Charles keeps everything.”
Despite feeling he could really use a drink, Will suggested that they wait another few minutes until Charles himself returned to take care of the hosting duties. Dolores was easily convinced, scurrying back to the kitchen while exclaiming something about pots boiling over.
“Is she for real?” Georgiana whispered.
“Wait until you meet the rest,” countered her brother in as quiet a voice. “Ah,” he said more loudly, catching sight of Ted watching them. “This is Elizabeth’s father, Ted Bennet. My sister, Dr. Georgiana Darcy.” Will felt some satisfaction seeing the expression on the older man’s face grudgingly change to respect as he took Georgiana’s hand to shake it firmly.
“You must be very proud of Elizabeth, Mr. Bennet. I am amazed at the progress in her recovery. She’s quite the fighter!” Georgiana’s smile was confident but not challenging.
That she caught him by surprise was evident. Ted’s features softened until he looked almost vulnerable. “Lizzy was the most strong willed child I’ve ever seen. When G... when she was hurt I was afraid all that strength was gone.”
“What a relief for you that she still had that willpower to bring her to where she is today.”
“Yes,” he said, wondering if the young woman’s choice of words was deliberate.
“Hi, I’m Mary.”
“Another sister,” surmised Georgiana, smiling warmly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mary.”
Will persuaded everyone to return to the living room, casting one longing look up the stairs before taking up a position next to his sister’s seat. He was well aware that it could have been worse; he might have had to deal with Ted alone while they awaited the others to join them. Georgiana, however, was able to defuse the tension with her genuine interest in promoting her new acquaintance. Grateful for her timely appearance, Will was content to remain silent. Fortunately, it was not long before Charles, Jane and Elizabeth returned.
“Let’s get started!” Mary was impatiently fingering the boxes of ornaments.
It seemed that there was a method to decorating a tree and each Bennet had a specific task. Mary was the first with the lights. Once arranged to her satisfaction, she began exchanging the bulbs to ensure that the colours were evenly distributed. She stepped back to inspect her work, flushing with pleasure when the others expressed their compliments.
All three sisters participated in the hanging of ornaments. Elizabeth entreated Will to join in, for which he had no objection. It provided many opportunities to lure her behind the tree for a more private reassurance of his partiality. If Jane noticed, she said nothing and seemed to be directing Mary to the opposite side more often than not. When the last item was in place, the angel atop the tree, it was their parents’ turn to contribute.
“Lovely,” exclaimed Dolores, her hands clasped together under her chin.
“I think you’ve outdone yourselves this year, girls.” For the first time since he’d arrived, Ted looked and sounded genuinely pleased.
“Now,” his wife continued, “everyone into the dining room because dinner is ready and we don’t want the food to get cold.”
“It’s just an excuse to get us out of the room so she can park the presents under the tree,” Jane whispered to Georgiana.
“Would you like some help, Jane?” she offered.
“All hands are appreciated with this crowd!” She laughed and led the way to the kitchen.
Posted on Sunday, 5 February 2006
It had been many years since Will and his sister had spent Christmas with more than just the two of them. Even then it had been only their parents, for there was no other family close enough. Familiar as he was with Jane’s style of setting the table, it caused him a moment’s pause when they entered the dining room. The centrepiece was a large affair, too big to be called attractive. Will reasoned that it must have been Dolores’ doing.
Elizabeth was quick to choose a seat at the table as far from her father as possible. When everyone was finally seated, Will found himself between her and her mother. The three sisters were happily arranged at one end of the table. Georgiana was opposite her brother, between Mary and Ted. This proved fortunate, as the latter was unable to see over the huge arrangement in the middle to observe Elizabeth’s every expression. It did not stop him from watching Will, however. Perfectly aware of the scrutiny, Will made no effort to disguise his own feelings. Georgiana attempted to engage Ted in conversation in order to ease the situation, successfully.
After more than an hour at the table, during which not one unpleasant scene arose, it was time to return to the living room and hope to further avoid argument. Charles lit a fire at the request of his mother-in-law.
“Oh, there is nothing like a fire on Christmas Eve. I really wish we had a fireplace,” Dolores said as she peered over Charles’ shoulder in fascination. “Do you think we could have one put in, Teddy? It would be so pretty to watch in the evenings.”
“I don’t think you can add a wood fireplace to your house,” cautioned Charles. “A gas fireplace wouldn’t be a problem, though.”
“Oh, no!” she objected, wrinkling her nose in disgust. “That’s not the same at all. There wouldn’t be that nice woodsy smell.”
“Wouldn’t be any smoke, either,” her husband added. “No risk of sparks flying out and burning the house down.”
“Dad!” Elizabeth was glaring at him. “Are you trying to frighten Jane?”
“No,” he quickly assured them. “No, I wasn’t. I’m sorry, Jane.”
“Gas fireplaces are quite nice, actually.” Georgiana addressed her comment directly to Dolores. “I have two in my apartment in Vancouver.”
“Two!” The other woman was in awe. “Where did you have them built?”
Georgiana ignored the reactions from the others. “They were already in the place when I leased it. One is in the living room, of course, but I also have one in my bedroom.”
“Oh, in your bedroom! My, that sounds romantic, don’t you think so?” She nudged her husband with her elbow. “What about your home, Will? Do you have any fireplaces?”
He shook his head, worried that it might mean Dolores would want to visit in order to suggest a few nice locations. Perhaps his own bedroom would be one. That was one area of discussion he wished to avoid. Elizabeth was also impatient to get away. She suddenly remembered that there was a bare tree at Will’s place, providing the perfect excuse to make an escape. At the first opportunity she reminded Georgiana of their plans. Immediately, it was announced that they would need to leave in order to complete their project before the hour grew too late.
Dolores fussed as Will assisted Elizabeth with her coat. “Don’t stay out too long, Lizzy, or you’ll still be in bed when we get here tomorrow!”
“What time are you coming in the morning?” Jane asked.
“Why, for breakfast of course!” her mother replied, as if amazed such a question was necessary. “Jane, you haven’t changed your mind about wanting me to make breakfast like I always did at home?”
“No,” she slowly answered.
“Dolores,” suggested Charles. “We don’t tend to get up very early since there are no children to appease. Could we make it more of a brunch than breakfast? Will and Georgiana could join us, then.”
Momentarily distracted by the mention of children, Dolores did not immediately reply. “Oh, it has been too long since we’ve had children around at Christmas. I cannot wait until we have grandchildren to spoil!” She looked directly at Jane with these words.
Elizabeth felt her sister’s unease and caught Jane avoiding her gaze. Admitting to herself that she had wondered at the Bingley’s childless state once she had left the hospital, Elizabeth had been afraid that such a question would be too personal. She was more aware than anyone else just how much the couple wanted children but Jane’s behaviour with their mother’s ill expressed remarks raised a suspicion. Had she and Charles delayed parenthood while Elizabeth’s fate was unclear?
The thought of the sacrifice that entailed made Elizabeth draw a sharp breath. Her mother’s attention shifted.
“I wish we’d known our grandparents, then,” said Georgiana before Dolores could form a sentence. “Will and I never met them. Only one was still alive when I was born but she lived in England.”
Unwittingly distracted, Dolores expressed her sympathy for them. “You must have a very small family, then.”
“It’s just Will and myself, really. There are a few cousins in England but we never saw much of them.” Georgiana glanced toward the door. Elizabeth’s fingers were already on the handle.
“Alright, let’s go,” decided Will.
“Goodnight Will, Georgiana.” Dolores gave each a quick hug, then looked at her daughter apprehensively before clasping her close. Elizabeth appeared surprised, although her expression softened and she seemed to welcome the embrace. Her mother whispered something then stepped back and wiped away a tear.
Outside, Elizabeth inhaled the cold air. Exhaling slowly, she felt her head clear of confusion and reached for Will’s hand. He watched her carefully as if unsure what to say. She looked down to see that Jane had not forgotten the small box of ornaments that was to leave with them. Will had it in his other hand. Relieved, she smiled at him. “Let’s go home.”
A warm smile spread over Will’s face despite the wistful nature of his thoughts. Home. I wish it was our home, Lizzy, and not just mine.
Crystal sparkled, the lights glittering in the branches. Elizabeth knew she’d never seen a more beautiful tree. Everything was white and pure. Her own ornaments shone brilliantly where she and Will together had placed them. Her favourite, the angel with a heart delicately balanced in her palms, was prominently displayed near the top. Georgiana had chosen a location that showed the tree off to perfection. Against a backdrop of dark walls in the dining room, the sight was breathtaking.
Elizabeth listened to the quiet voices of Will and Georgiana as they shared with her their memories of past Christmases. It was so different from anything she had experienced. Accustomed to a large and boisterous crowd, the elegant and relaxed atmosphere of the Darcy home was a refreshing change Elizabeth welcomed after the emotional scenes and confrontations of the day. She lost herself in imagining what the future might hold; several small children, faces lit up with excitement and surrounded by bits of coloured wrapping torn from the gifts they’d just uncovered....
Squeals of delight filled the air, the children babbling in their eagerness to show one another each new treasure. Elizabeth and Will looked on. His pride was never disguised where his sons and daughters were concerned and it made his wife laugh at her own past foolishness in thinking his pride was offensive. There could not be a more loving man; husband, brother or father.
“Elizabeth, what are you thinking?”
She started at the touch upon her arm. Will was looking at her, amusement in his eyes. Elizabeth’s cheeks grew hot. “I was just.... it’s silly.” She suspected he had an idea of where her thoughts had been.
The hour had already grown late; much later than Elizabeth had been staying up recently. She had no desire to sleep yet, however. The pleasant feelings her imagination fuelled were far too satisfying to abandon. Georgiana was yawning, whether in earnest or as an effect to lend credibility to her announcement that she was going to bed. Will and Elizabeth continued to sit in silence, lost in the comfort of each other’s presence. A whispered comment finally disturbed the quiet.
“I could almost believe you are here to stay, Lizzy. Selfish as it sounds, I don’t want you to go back to Jane’s next week.”
She snuggled against his chest, closing her eyes and allowing imagination to take over again. “There’s nothing selfish about it, Will. I don’t want to leave, either. You and Georgiana have made me feel like this is my home.” Elizabeth touched his cheek with her fingers. “How is it you chose me? Why me when almost every other woman in this city, this country, would gladly fill my shoes?”
He shook his head, taking her hand and pressing it against his lips. “You know that answer. They want the money, the places my name can get them into, my house, my car. They don’t want me and they certainly don’t want my children.” Eyes sparkling, Will softly kissed her. “We’ll have beautiful daughters, just like their mother. Six of them.”
“Four,” she amended. “Sons, and as handsome as their father.”
“If we must argue then I’m glad it’s about the children,” he laughed.
Elizabeth suddenly grew solemn. “What if I can’t have any?”
“Then I shall be content to spoil you, and you alone.” Pulling her close, Will held her tightly. “I love you, Elizabeth; children or no children, other family members notwithstanding.”
“For better or for worse?” she quipped.
He chuckled quietly. “Oh, that will come, my dear. Before another year is complete I will be calling you my wife.”
Elizabeth drew in a deep breath. “I want that, too, Will. I know I have to put this year behind me, though. I’m going to do that.”
“There’s no hurry.” Their lips met, the rest of his words muffled in the joining.
Jane leaned her back against the closed door. “Thank goodness that’s over with!”
“Wasn’t that bad,” Charles commented. “No temper tantrums, no fist fights. Only a few tasteless remarks.”
“Mom’s norm.” Making a face, Jane turned out the lights and they headed upstairs. “I’m worried about Dad and Lizzy, though.”
“Jane, don’t. They need time to sort out their feelings, just like everyone else. You worrying about them isn’t going to do anybody any good, least of all you.” He stopped her as they entered the bedroom. “I’ll have to provide a distraction.”
“Oh?” she said, a smile betraying her understanding of his intent.
“Your mother expressed a wish.” Charles brushed the hair back from her face.
“Nothing new about that.”
“Shall we oblige her?”
Jane giggled. “The stores are closed now and I don’t think Santa had enough notice.”
His smile broadened. “Some compromise may be reached.”
She appeared thoughtful. “Let’s... discuss it some more.”
Mary Bennet was silent, listening to her parents bicker over the day’s events. The arguing was nothing out of the ordinary but their topic was one that hadn’t been addressed in a long time. This in itself was enough to encourage her attention.
“There’s something not right about the whole situation,” her father was saying. “Can’t you see it in her eyes?”
“Her eyes! You dwell too much on what you think you see in Lizzy’s eyes. I’ll tell you what I see, shall I?” Dolores was in full steam, rolling over his objections without batting an eye. “She’s a little girl again, scared and unhappy. I wanted to hug her, to make her feel better like I did when she was a toddler and scraped her knees, but the grownup part of her won’t let me. And she won’t let you, either.”
Ted’s expression hardened. “No, but she’ll let him in.”
“Will. Yes, and why not?” She puzzled over that for a minute. “I think you’re wrong, Teddy. Oh, I know what I said about George but this time I really do think you are wrong. Charles would never defend him if he was hurting Lizzy. He didn’t defend George.”
“He didn’t stop him, though.”
“Neither did you.” Mary immediately wished she could have taken back her words. They hung in the air between them.
“How dare you speak to me like that!” If he hadn’t been driving, Ted would have turned to face his daughter. He stared ahead, hands gripping the wheel tighter. All three could recognise the truth in her words, though no one felt it more than Ted. “I’m sorry, Mary.” His voice was harsh with emotion. “If I could have done something, I would have.” A heavy sigh followed. “At least you two can get along with her, make things right between you. I doubt she’ll ever forgive me.”
Mary looked out of her window, unwilling to think further on the subject. She had no idea, really, what Elizabeth would feel. There was no way to broach it without offending her sister, she was sure. There was one thing she was certain of, however. She’d seen the way Will and Elizabeth looked at one another and it was not the same as she’d seen with George Wickham. It even made Mary consider believing in fairy tales.
Posted on Monday, 13 February 2006
Will was a bit disappointed that he didn’t have the pleasure of breakfast prepared by Elizabeth. He was curious, though, to hear what her mother would be making for them all a little later that morning.
“Well, bacon and ham, French toast and biscuits, eggs however you like them; scrambled, fried, omelettes! Nothing exotic. Just plain, old-fashioned fare and plenty of it.”
Their timing was excellent, for they arrived at the Bingleys’ only minutes before the rest of the Bennets. Dolores went directly to the kitchen. Will questioned Elizabeth with a look.
“She’ll call when it’s ready. I’m not doing a thing.”
Jane and Mary set the dishes and cutlery on the table in the dining room, leaving Charles to entertain the others.
Elizabeth left her chair to sit on the floor by the tree, looking over the many presents stacked underneath. It was something she had always found relaxing and now, with the tension her father’s presence inspired, she felt the need to seek out the familiar activity. The sound of a bag rustling brought Elizabeth’s attention around to see Georgiana sit down beside her.
“I brought some of the gifts from home, but not all of them.” She indicated the bag. It was large and overfilled. Elizabeth wondered how she had failed to notice Georgiana put it into the car. “Is there room, do you think?”
“We’ll find room,” replied Elizabeth with an eager, childlike smile.
Georgiana removed the gifts from the bag, one by one, handing them to Elizabeth. She was amused to see how much attention the other woman paid to the name tags. Georgiana had carefully selected the parcels. She was certain that nothing too personal was amongst them. At any rate, she thought Will would know if any were unsafe to open in company. At least, she hoped he did!
“I’m glad you thought of this,” Elizabeth said when the last one was placed. “It makes you and Will more a part of things today.”
Georgiana found a reply was unnecessary when her brother sat down on the other side of Elizabeth, naturally drawing away her attention.
Across the room the scene was observed by two men with rather different views. Charles didn’t know what to make of his father-in-law. He had appeared alternately confrontational and sympathetic, understanding and obtuse. There might be a happy medium somewhere but it wasn’t very clear to him if it could ever be achieved. The man had said nothing beyond his initial greetings.
“Come and eat,” called Jane from the doorway.
Will felt his stomach grumble in anticipation of the feast. The smells wafting from the kitchen were enticing. He held out a hand to assist Elizabeth to stand. She chose that moment to lean in for a kiss, refusing to move on until the others had already left.
“What is it, Elizabeth?” he asked, brushing her cheek with his fingers. “Is it the tension between you and your father?”
“No,” she said, offering him a smile. “I just wanted a little private time with you before my mother starts in again.”
“I’m not afraid of her,” he grinned. “I’d like to tell her my plans, to see her reaction.”
Elizabeth’s brows drew together in mock disapproval. “Six daughters, Mr. Darcy? You cannot know the trouble so many girls would cause. And just think of the cost of all those weddings! Oh, never mind. You have more than enough money to spare.”
Will laughed at the accuracy of her impersonation. “Alright, my dear. I shall settle for one or two daughters and a few sons. Merely to spare your mother’s nerves of the trial in finding them all husbands, of course.”
“Of course.” She looked up as they passed through the doorway. “Mistletoe. You know what that means.”
“I’ll never get my breakfast,” Will moaned. “I’m about to expire, you know.”
“Just one kiss.” Elizabeth put on her best wide-eyed look, completely unnecessarily as he was more than willing to oblige.
“Oh,” said a voice behind them. “I came to see what was taking you so long but I should have known.” Mary appeared amused and a bit pensive. “Mom was getting frantic about the eggs going cold.”
“Can’t have that.” Will wrapped Elizabeth’s arm under his own, meeting her puzzled gaze. “I don’t like my eggs cold.”
“You’ll like my mother frantic even less!”
Despite the appearance of chaos and harried nerves, the Bennets performed a rather strict adherence to routine. Following a quick tidying up after breakfast, it was time to open the gifts. Mary displayed the same childish enthusiasm that she had shown the previous evening, promptly sitting down beside the tree and awaiting the signal to begin distributing the presents.
Elizabeth was more excited than anyone else. She found herself realising how much she had missed the atmosphere such a family Christmas brought and that it might never have occurred again. They all owed Will so much and Elizabeth knew the rest of her family couldn’t comprehend the scope of it. Jane and Charles were the exception, of course. They had always been her support, at times unknowingly.
Tension seemed to dissipate once the opening of the gifts began. Various cries of delight, laughter and thanks filled the room. Will observed more than once that Dolores had to wipe her eyes. It was Elizabeth’s reactions that brought him the most satisfaction, however. The shock and surprise when she saw what he had given her, the clothes she had tried on and loved but not bought at the time, gave Will more pleasure than anything else that day. Elizabeth immediately wanted to go upstairs and change into one of her new outfits and Georgiana offered to help her. When they returned, the effect was stunning.
Even Ted could not resist a compliment. “You look beautiful, Lizzy. Just beautiful.”
Will crossed the room to take Elizabeth’s hand, kissing her cheek and then leading her to a chair. He spoke low enough that only she could hear. “Beautiful only begins to describe you.”
Jane and Charles began cleaning up the paper and boxes that were strewn about the floor while Mary tidied the piles of opened gifts. The phone rang as Charles walked past on his way to the basement with his hands full. “Would you mind answering that?” he asked with a nod toward his friend.
Will left the noisy room and quickly picked up the phone in the hallway. Before he could say anything a female voice shrieked “Merry Christmas” so loudly that he nearly threw the receiver away. Tentatively, he put it to his other ear. “Uh... Merry Christmas to you.”
“Oh, my! You don’t sound like..... Did I dial the wrong number?” The words were somewhat slurred and punctuated with giggling.
“That rather depends on who you are trying to reach.”
“My sister but you don’t sound like her husband. Oh, never mind. Have a very merry one anyway!”
“Wait!” Will suddenly suspected that if she hung up they might well be repeating this conversation in a few minutes and he preferred to spare his ears another assault. “Are you looking for Jane?”
Another squeal of laughter caused him to wince. “Yes! You aren’t Charles, though. I can tell.”
Will thought it was hardly a laudable feat and refrained from commenting. “Of course, you’ll want to speak with your sister. Just a moment.”
“Oh, any of them will do. I suppose everybody is there now.”
Will had the distinct impression that this young woman took after her mother more than the rest of her sisters. “I’ll find one,” he said, returning to the living room. He handed the phone to Elizabeth, his expression confused as he shrugged his shoulders and silently mouthed the name “Cathy?”
Elizabeth eagerly said, “Cathy! Why didn’t you come home for the holidays?”
There was a brief silence before Will heard that painful noise again. “Lizzy? Lizzy! Is that really you?”
“Yes,” was all Elizabeth managed before Cathy rattled on.
“I can’t believe I’m talking to you! Jane said you would be home, when was that? Oh! Months ago now! I’ve been so busy with classes and exams and ... well, you know.” She finally had to take a breath and Elizabeth squeezed in a question.
“Where are you?”
“Florida! I came down with a few friends. Well, my boyfriend and his family but don’t tell dad! You know how he is.” Cathy’s voice rose even higher in pitch with her excitement. “Lizzy, you have got to come to Florida with us next time! I’ve missed you and now that jerko George is gone you can do whatever you want.”
Elizabeth fought the urge to reach through the phone and strangle her younger sister. “It sounds like a fun time, Cathy. I’ll think about it, okay?”
“Great!”
“Do you want to talk to mom now?” She didn’t want to wait for confirmation and was already making her way to her mother’s seat to get rid of the phone as soon as she could. “Bye, Cath.”
Dolores pressed the phone to her ear and imitated her youngest daughter. “Merry Christmas, Cathy! Oh, sweetheart, where are you? Are you having a good time? Did you get your presents that I sent?”
Not wanting to hear any of the ridiculous conversation that was sure to follow, Elizabeth grabbed Will’s hand and led him out of the room. They stood in the hallway for a moment, Will waiting for her to speak. Finally, Elizabeth let out a long chuckle. He smiled.
“Is she always like that?”
“Flighty? Foolish? Self-centred?” Elizabeth pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Yes. I honestly don’t know what she expects to accomplish at university other than partying. I’m surprised she qualified for her second year.”
“She might surprise you further and actually graduate. Stranger things have happened,” he gently suggested.
“I’m not going to think about it, though.” Elizabeth moved closer, placing her hands on his chest and looking up into his face. “I prefer to think about what you said last night.”
His eyebrow twitched upward. “What did I say?”
“You want to marry me.”
“I don’t recall saying that.” His arms tightened about her waist.
“Not in those words, no. You said it much better,” she whispered seductively.
“How so?” Will touched his lips to hers.
“Just like this.....”
“Close your eyes.”
She laughed nervously, never quite sure what he was planning.
“Are they closed?”
“Yes.” They were. She waited for the touch she knew would come. There it was; a brush against her shoulder.
“Ahh, no peeking!”
Such a tease! He did it on purpose, the touch to startle her into opening her eyes. She almost scolded him for it.
“Alright, you can look now.”
She blinked. The light had been turned off, only the table lamp behind her providing illumination. It was barely enough to see the objects displayed before her.
“Oh, George!” she cried, realising just what they were. “How did you know I wanted them?” Gingerly, she touched one of the delicate ornaments.
“I could read your mind,” he said, so seriously that for a moment she could really believe him. “Actually, I saw you looking at them when we were out. I waited until you moved on and then I bought them. Afterward I met up with you in the coffee shop.”
“So that’s what was in the bag! I never suspected a thing.”
He watched her for a moment as she fingered each decoration in turn. “You like them, I take it.”
“Oh, yes.”
“How much?”
His question made her smile. “How much do you want me to like them?”
He allowed his lips to quiver with anticipation. “Show me.”
Elizabeth’s eyes flew open. She breathed rapidly, relieved to have awakened before the dream had progressed any further, yet disturbed to have George Wickham continue to invade her thoughts, awake and asleep. She was determined to find a way to banish him once and for all.
There had to be a way.
The clock beside the bed taunted her with the hour. Elizabeth burrowed further under the blanket, drawing it up to the tip of her nose.