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Chapter 35

With wide eyes, Lizzy stared at Will, and then slowly looked at Richard.

Richard, not knowing what was wrong, turned to see Will and smiled.

'Hey Will. Could you give us a minute?' He said and then turned back to smile at Lizzy.

Without thinking, Will quickly closed the gap between Richard and himself.

'I'd rather not.' Will said and looked at Lizzy with burning fear and shock.

'Uh Richard, I have to tell you that while I thank you for--'

'Think nothing of it. Listen, I know you may not be in love with me, since we've been apart, but while we spent time together and while I was away... I just... '

'Don't. Please.' Lizzy said firmly with her hand held up in front of him.

Richard looked at her and then at Will.

'Will, do you mind? I'm trying to talk to Lizzy.'

Will turned cold within a second. Unable to believe his eyes, he stared down at Richard and then looked at Lizzy who seemed afraid of what Will was thinking, yet firm in knowing where she stood.

'Richard, please... listen to me.' Lizzy tried again calmly.

Will did the only thing he knew that would be civil and keep his cool. He grabbed for Lizzy's hand and felt her tightly embrace his own.

Richard looked at her, and then him.

'Uh... well... is there something you need to tell me Liz?'

Lizzy bit her lip and then tried to smile.

'Richard, I think you heard a little bit of the story and not the whole version. Eliot and I did break up a little over a year ago, but Will and I have been seriously seeing each other for the past six months or so now. We're now living together too.' She glanced up at William and quickly caught his eye.

Not wanting to hurt her friend, and certainly not wanting to hurt William, Lizzy let go of Will's hand and softly touched Richard's arm.

'You... You're with Will?' Richard asked incredulously.

Lizzy smiled and nodded.

'We love each other... Very very much.' She couldn't help but steal another glance at Will.

Richard tried to smile but couldn't. He then looked at Will with a curious face.

'I thought you were engaged to Caroline?'

Will cleared his throat and then shook his head.

'Uh no. I broke up with her shortly before I started seeing Elizabeth.'

'Ahh... so you two are... together... then.' Richard said with the dawning realization hitting him.

Lizzy nodded.

After thinking it through, Richard chuckled and smiled.

'Guess I should congratulate you two. I'm sorry cousin. Didn't mean to invade territory.'

Will's face softened but he didn't smile.

'Truly I am sorry. Please forgive me Will. Lizzy.' He said looking at them with heartfelt regret.

Lizzy softly nudged Will to respond. Instead, Will seemed to part from his spacing out, still saying nothing.

'Uh... Richard, I know this comes as a huge shock, but do you think we could at least remain civil tonight... for Jane and Charles?'

'Hmm sure... sure. We can talk later about this can't we?'

Will rolled his eyes and turned to leave the kitchen leaving Lizzy and Richard alone. Lizzy, noticing Will's abrupt departure, sighed and bit her lower lip.

'I'm sorry Lizzy. I-I thought that while you and Eliot were through that you would have waited for me.'

'Richard, uh, we were never together like that. I mean, I did feel something for you, but I couldn't while I was with Eliot. So much has happened while you were gone. I honestly didn't expect all of this but I'm happy. Will makes me very happy.' Lizzy said stressing her last sentence.

Richard searched her eyes and then smiled.

'That doesn't change the fact that I feel something for you... That I'm in love with you.'

Feeling the frustration fire within her, Lizzy didn't know how to respond.

Richard, however, knew that it wasn't the place or time to talk about it, and with a friendly peck on the cheek, Richard squeezed her arm and then left. Lizzy just stood there absorbing what had happened.

In a few moments, Jane was at her sister's side.

'What's going on? Will came back looking almost white and extremely calm, then Richard comes back outside with a smile on his face... They aren't even talking!'

'Jane! Oh Jane... Richard just told me that he's in love with me and kissed me. Right-in front-of Will!'

Jane immediately wrapped her arms around her sister.

'Lizzy, I'm so sorry. I didn't think... Oh, are you okay? Is Will okay?'

Lizzy shrugged.

'Well, I don't know about Will. I think he's upset but he's holding back. I just... I don't want Will to get the wrong impression. There was never anything romantic about Richard and me. I always thought us friends. I'm sorry about dinner. Now it's going to be awkward.'

'Don't worry about it. We'll still have a nice evening. Do you need to talk to Will? I can tell him to come inside.'

Lizzy nodded and Jane left to get Will.

After a few minutes, Will emerged from outside and stood at the doorway.

Lizzy looked at him and tried to hold back her tears. After several moments, Lizzy finally spoke.

'I didn't know that was going to happen.' she said, looking at him and then away.

Will said nothing but stood with his arms crossed in front of him, just looking at her.

Feeling she needed to go on, Lizzy looked up to the ceiling trying hard to stop the tears filling up her eyes.

'I never thought of him more than a friend. I told you that and I meant it. I was happy to see him again, but never expected this and if you think for a minute that I wanted this you're completely mistaken Darcy--'

By now the tears were streaming down her face and with seeing them, Will's strong resolve melted and his arms quickly went around her.

Trying hard to stop, Lizzy couldn't.

'I'm sorry,' She said pulling away. 'I'm sorry. I-I think I need to-'

She stopped when she took a few deep breaths.

Seeing Lizzy tear up was painful for Will. While he was outside, he scolded himself for not calling Richard when he heard he was in town. He ignored Richard's call to his office in an attempt to avoid any conversation that would make him sour. He had been so caught up in his own... jealousy? He hadn't thought how anyone else might be affected. How could telling Richard about his relationship with Lizzy have hurt him? Now he felt horrible for not speaking up when he had the chance; now he was left with Lizzy feeling awful and Richard expressing feelings he didn't think Richard even understood. He never expected Richard to come back professing love to Lizzy.

Will looked down at Lizzy, whose face was buried in his shirt. He didn't know what to say. He was feeling too many things; anger at Richard, jealousy towards Richard and Lizzy, and yet anger towards himself. Finally he found his voice.

'I'll talk to Richard.'

Lizzy looked up into his eyes and nodded. She gave him a peck on the cheek and retreated to the bathroom. When she came out she saw Jane waiting for her.

'They're in the study. Come on, Charles has something for you that will make you feel better.'

The girls went out onto the balcony, finding Charles with a glass of chilled white wine.

'Here you go sweetheart. Drink up and be merry. There will be no awkardness; trust me!' Charles said with a wink and tended to the grill.

Lizzy smiled and after chatting awhile with her sister and brother-in-law-to-be, she felt better.

'What happened with Caroline? I thought you two were getting married!' Richard said heatedly.

'I broke up with her.' Will stated nonchalantly.

'What? After finding Lizzy?'

'Lizzy and I weren't dating... I broke up with Caroline before I started to date Lizzy. Why are you upset with me?'

'Because you always seem to--oh I don't know!' Richard said as his arms went up in the air.

'I think you're frustrated about something, but not directly at me.' Will said calmly.

'You think?' he spat back while pacing the room.

Richard stood tall but was still shy of Will. His dark blonde hair and deep blue eyes were vivid with the passionate fire he was feeling. He was upset. He was too late... But then as he played the thoughts over in his mind, he started to cool down.

'I'm sorry Will. I know that... Well, I wouldn't be able to give her... all I would want... all she deserves... You can however... Easily.' He almost said bitterly and then sighed.

'I feel utterly foolish, to say the least, for pulling that stunt back there.'

Will grinned, but deep inside he was upset with him. The feelings couldn't leave him as quickly as he wished they would. It took all he had not to stand up and punch his cousin; if they were ten years younger, he probably would have.

'I can't say I didn't see it coming. Well, I know I didn't expect you to come here expressing your love for her. I knew you had a history... I should have called you, but I didn't think it would truly matter. I thought you would be lively and flirty, but not go out and kiss her. I can't be mad at you completely because you didn't know, but now that you do, if you ever do it again, you will be sorry.' Will said tightly and stared at his cousin to show his resolve.

Richard looked at him and slightly rolled his eyes while grinning.

'You need not fear me doing that again, Darcy.'

Will sat on the couch in Charles' study watching his cousin, two years his junior, processing everything.

'Are you really in love with her Richard?'

Richard leaned against the desk and sighed.

'When I met Lizzy it was like a breath of fresh air. I had been traveling for so long, and while at a Christmas party we met. She was alive and fun, and yet I knew that something was wrong. We talked and talked, had lunch a few times and kept in touch. I grew to care for her, love her. Yes, I am in love with her.'

Will's face fell and he looked at the ground. He didn't like hearing that. As calm as he looked, his stomach was doing somersaults and he was trying to compose himself while talking with Richard.

'I know you're not happy to hear that, but with being away for so long, I sat down and thought about it. She made me happy when I was with her.'

They didn't speak for a moment and after a while Richard chuckled and looked down at Will.

'I'm glad she's happy, but I just wish it could be me... '

Will grinned.

'Well thank you.' He said sarcastically.

'I never thought you would have broken up with Caroline though. You two seemed so together.'

'Really? Even when I thought she was my proper choice for a wife, things were never quite right. Then I had my eyes opened to true beauty and liveliness. Things have never been so perfect. I can't imagine my life without Elizabeth.'

Richard grinned back and nodded.

'She's worth knowing, and more than worth having.'

After a pause, Richard looked at his watch.

'I think we've been in here long enough. I'm sure she's worried about us dueling it out.'

Will nodded but wasn't satisfied. He felt there was more to say, but seeing that this was not the time for it, he followed Richard outside.

When they returned, they were happy to see Lizzy in conversation with Jane and Charles and even smiling.

Will went to the table and poured Richard and himself a glass of wine.

When Richard took his glass, he cleared his throat.

'I just want to say that despite our side track of events this evening, I am very happy to be here and to find that my best friends are happy. No matter what, I would do nothing to break that up and I support you all the way. Lizzy, I am truly sorry, and hope you will forgive me.' He said with a warm smile although he didn't feel very warm.

Lizzy stood up and gave him a hug.

'Of course.' She smiled and sat back down with Will sitting next to her.

He didn't feel Richard was being completely honest, and leaving things as they did, it would have to do until later. Until then, their kiss replayed in his mind over and over.

'When's dinner? I'm starving.' Richard said as he sipped his wine.

'That's what I like to hear! Dinner should be ready now.' Charles said as he got up and checked on the food. Sure enough it was ready and they all sat down to a hearty summertime meal.

Richard delighted them all with his travel stories. He had recently returned from Russia and was more than glad to be back.

'How long are you staying now?' Jane asked.

'I'm finally able to choose which assignments I'd like now. When they said that there was one for D.C. I jumped for it. I've been wanting to stay home here for a while now.'

'Glad to have you back. Seems everyone is coming back home to Virginia.' Charles said as he served himself another helping of potato salad.

'Hmm, what do you mean?' Richard asked.

'Well, Will is staying close to home now and won't be in England this summer, Georgie is coming home for the summer, and I'm staying put here. You do know that Robert and Marianne are getting married in the fall right?' Charles went on.

Richard started to laugh heartily as he heard his friend talk about everyone.

'Well it seems I did miss a bit, huh?'

Will stole a glance at both Richard and Lizzy, and then continued to eat his meal. He tried to forget the kiss but he couldn't. As he ate, he felt better, but when he watched everyone talking together about anything they could, he felt out of place.

'Excuse me.' Will said, wiping his mouth with his napkin and standing up from the table. Without hearing anyone, he left and walked inside.

He quickly strolled to the front door and walked outside.

Taking deep breaths to calm himself, he shook his head.

'It shouldn't be this hard. We just moved in!' He said to himself.

He stood there trying to control himself and find reason; but it just wasn't coming quick enough. That kiss... he kissed her! He said he loves her!

He felt his body shake and as he stood looking out into the night, he took a deep breath and then shook his head.

'I will conquer this!' He said a bit louder to himself.

Meanwhile, Lizzy tried to keep herself cool, but it wasn't easy with Richard making adoring faces at her. She couldn't concentrate and didn't want to seem rude.

'Excuse me.' Lizzy said, and went into the house.

Searching the lower floor and not finding Will, she noticed movement from the sidelights by the door and went forward.

Slowly opening the door, she saw Will standing with his back to her.

Stepping outside and walking around to face him she saw his eyes closed.

She didn't know what to say. What was there to say?

'I have to confess... ' Will started quietly.

Lizzy looked up at him and waited.

'Ever since I heard about you knowing Richard, and having spent time with him, though it wasn't much... I was jealous. I am jealous. I never thought myself a man capable of such a feeling, but... I can't control my anger just thinking about what he did.'

Lizzy felt awful but continued not to speak.

Will finally opened his eyes, a small tear glistening down his cheek.

'I also have never known myself to be a man who could feel so much passion, so much tenderness... so much... love for a woman.'

He paused and sat down on the front stoop, taking her hand in his, he lightly caressed her fingers and then went on.

'I'd like to believe that this never happened. I'd like to be able to move on and remain friends with my cousin, and be with you without contempt. But I... I don't think... ' He stopped short. Not knowing what he wanted, Will felt his negative emotions speak more than his true heart.

'Will... what are you saying?'

He looked at Lizzy. He saw the woman he loved in front of him, but could not banish the image of Richard kissing her.

'I'm not sure, but I know that I want to be there for you. I want to be the man I was before, the man you make me want to be. I just... I need time.'

Lizzy felt her stomach fall to the ground. Tears welled up within her eyes and she slowly took her hand back.

'Are you saying... that you want to break up?'

Will looked at her seriously, intensely.

'No I don't want to break up with you, but I need time to think. I'm too upset to be with you. I would hurt you unintentionally if I was with you right now. Because I love you... I'm leaving you.'

Lizzy's tears rained down her face and she started to sob.

'You're leaving me? You love me, and you're leaving me? No! If you love me, you'll stay!'

Will stood up and came closer to her. Putting his hand to her face and wiping her tears, he felt himself tear inside, seeing her so upset. But this was how it needed to be, if only for a little while.

'I will always love you Lizzy. I will come back for you when I know I won't hurt you.'

Lizzy looked at him with fire in her eyes.

'You're hurting me right now. Leaving won't solve anything Will.'

Will grinned glumly.

'This is harder for me than you think. It's tearing me up inside to see you cry, but I can't be near you. I know you love me, and I know you don't love him. I just-'

Lizzy went towards his lips to kiss him, but Will took his hands to her arms and softly pushed her back.

'Don't. Please my love... I can't-I-'

'What? You can't kiss me now?! I love you Will. I LOVE YOU!' Lizzy said loudly.

Will's eyes let a few tears drop; and then after a deep breath he looked at her.

'It took all I had not to hurt him when I found him kissing you. To kiss you now would only remind me of him doing what he never should have done.'

Lizzy was unable to say anything. Her tears kept flowing, her throat hurt from holding it in, and before she could even comprehend what Will had said, he was gone.

It took a long time for Lizzy to realize that Will had left. He didn't even take his car. When Lizzy looked down, she realized his keys were in her hand.

She didn't know where he was going or how he was getting there, she just knew that he was gone.

'He left me.' She said to herself.

More tears spilled onto her wet skin and soon she was crying even harder than before.

It was nearly ten minutes later when the front door opened and Charles came out.

'Lizzy? Hey is everything okay?'

Seeing her crying on the stoop Will left vacant a while ago, Charles sat down next to her and put his arm around her.

'He's......he's...he left me.' she said through flowing tears and short sobs. Charles didn't say anything but tightly embraced her in a hug.

'Shhh...I'm sure he'll be back.'

'No...no...he said that he can't be around me knowing Richard kissed me... knowing that Richard loves me.'

Charles felt helpless and knew that if Will left her, he was a damned fool.

'How did he leave? His car is still here.' He said looking towards the street and driveway.

Lizzy shook her head.

'I can't believe it. I never thought he would leave me.'

Charles almost grinned as he looked up into the sky, listening to Lizzy.

'He never left you Lizzy. He's just wound up, and it will take him time to realize that he just needed to cool off.'

Lizzy's eyes stung again with tears falling onto her knees.

'What if he doesn't? What if he's gone for good?'

Charles kept his arm around her and let her cry. He knew he should try and find Will but he also wanted to comfort Lizzy and make sure she would be okay.

After a while, Jane came outside to find them embracing; one comforting the other.

'Is everything okay out here? What? Lizzy what's wrong? Where's Will?'

Charles tried to smile and then nodded towards the street.

Jane caught on and looked sympathetically at her sister.

Gathering her into her arms, Jane motioned for Charles to go inside and talk with Richard.

Lizzy wasn't crying anymore but she was feeling awful.

'Lizzy...I'm sure he'll be back soon. He doesn't have a car to get home.'

Lizzy looked up at Jane and gave her an unconvinced look.

'He has his phone Jane, he could call a car to get him. It's already been what? Forty minutes?'

Jane bit her lip and hugged her sister tightly.

'You can stay here tonight if you'd like. Do you want some cheesecake? I made it this morning.'

Lizzy tried to smile but her thoughts had the best of her. Thoughts of Will were everything.

Slowly shaking her head, Lizzy declined.

'I think I'll just head home.'

'Are you sure? Are you able to drive thinking about this? Maybe he's home.'

'Thanks Jane. I just... I need Jack and some sleep. Hopefully he will be home when I get there... or soon.'

Just then Charles came outside with Richard in tow.

'Dessert Lizzy?' He asked brightly trying to cheer her up.

'No thanks Charles. I'm going to head home. I'm sorry to you both and to you Richard... for all of this. I didn't think... well... good night.' Lizzy said and went inside to grab her purse and then came back out.

'Call me when you get home okay?' Jane said as she embraced her sister one last time. Lizzy nodded and then after hugging Charles she turned for the car.

Jane and Charles stood on the stoop while Richard went after Lizzy.

'Liz, are you sure about this?'

She spun around and looked at Richard with tear filled eyes.

'Sure about what? My love for William and not you? Yeah I'm sure.' She answered bitterly.

Richard put both of his hands on his hips and shook his head as he looked down.

'That's not what I meant.'

'Then what? Exactly what did you mean Richard?'

Richard looked up and firmly stated, 'How sure are you about going home to an empty house?'

Lizzy measured him with her eyes trying to weigh the seriousness in his question.

'You know Richard, you are a great person to laugh with and be friends with, but I wouldn't ask you for relationship advice before my mother any day.'

After she paused she stated. 'He'll be home. If not, then don't wait by the phone. I won't be calling you.'

She then turned on her heels and left.

It was late when Lizzy got home. No lights were on when she pulled up the drive. Hoping he was in bed or out on the porch, Lizzy slowly walked in.

Jack greeted her warmly and after being let out, he followed her around the house.

No one. He wasn't home.

Lizzy felt like crying when she found no trace of him, but forced herself to go upstairs and take a hot bath.

Will stared at the wall in his office. He didn't want to be here but he didn't want to go home. His mind was replaying the kiss over and over enough to drive a man crazy.

He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and pulled it out.

Charles.

He ignored the call.

A moment later, Charles again.

Ignore.

Will knew he would get chewed out by his best friend, but right now he wasn't in the mood for it.

Thinking he'd get another call, Will put the phone on the desk in front of him.

Leaning his head back with pain etched deeply in his features, Will closed his eyes and tried to think of his Lizzy. Not Richard's.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

His office phone.

Admitting defeat, Will picked it up. Mainly out of habit he told himself lamely.

'Darcy.' Will said emotionless.

'Darcy what are you doing there? Why aren't you at home with Lizzy?' Charles asked calmly on the other end.

'Sitting.'

'Sitting?'

Will almost rolled his eyes.

'Hmm... well yes Charles. Debating on if I want to sleep on my sofa here or call for a hotel room at the Ritz.' He said sarcastically.

'You can't be serious. Will, you have a wonderful, devoted, beautiful woman in your house right now waiting for you!' Charles cried out.

Will didn't reply.

'Stay there. I'm on my way up.'

Will rolled his eyes. Was he being stupid? Was he a moron for leaving the house, and most importantly Lizzy?

Nothing was making sense to him right now. He wanted it to, but nothing was clicking.

Charles showed up a few minutes later and found Will with the receiver in his hand.

Charles had hung up minutes ago and when he saw Will, he knew he was in for a long night. Both of them were.

'Will...what are you doing?'

Charles stood in front of Will's desk with his hands on his hips waiting for an answer.

'I'm sitting here with the receiver in my hand waiting for everything to make sense.'

Charles made an unsure face and then moved to the other side of the desk. Taking the receiver from Will's hand and putting back on its cradle, Charles spoke to Will.

'Will, listen. Lizzy feels awful for this. She didn't ask for it. You didn't either. Why can't you just go home?'

'Home?' Will said as if hearing the word for the first time.

'Yes Will. Home. Where you belong. With Lizzy.'

'Home.' Will said again soothingly.

Charles thought Will was in a daze, but maybe his words were sinking in.

'Come on. You need to talk to Lizzy. She needs you, and you definitely need her. Come on.' Charles said grabbing his arm to help him up.

Shaking his head, Will stood up tall and looked brightly at Charles.

'You're absolutely right Charles. I will go home. Everything makes sense when you're home.' He said as he reached for his phone.

Charles's smile faded and he shook his head as he saw Will looking through his phone for his pilot's number.

'No...no Will I don't mean Pemberley. I mean to Manassas where Lizzy is. Will! Come on now. Stop this! You're acting really... strange.'

Will stood up and was about to move for the door but was stopped by Charles.

'Charles, Richard and Lizzy kissing is not leaving my mind. I can't get it out of there. I can't kiss Lizzy without thinking that Richard kissed her first.'

Charles stood shorter than Will, but Will's intimidating stance didn't scare Charles. Instead he stood there looking oddly at Will. After a moment of thinking through what Will said, Charles gave a look of disapproval.

'What?! Where are you getting this? So Richard kissed Lizzy. Don't you understand that she loves you? SHE LOVES YOU!'

Will looked at his friend

'How would you fare if Jane was kissed by me and I announced to her that I was completely in love with her; not caring what you thought and not holding anything back? How could you kiss her or be with her immediately after that?' Will asked somberly.

Charles stood in his place for several minutes weighing the questions in his mind. He was thinking his dearest friend almost mad, but had a point.

'I wouldn't know what to think, but I wouldn't want to give up Jane over that.'

Charles moved closer to Will who was now perched on his desk.

'Will, listen, I know that it hits hard to have witnessed such an incredibly absurd scene that Richard created, but think of what you're doing. Think of Lizzy and of what you two have conquered and have now. Isn't that worth more than going back to Pemberley? Isn't that worth more than running away from the reality that maybe someone loves her but that she loves you? She loves you Will... more than you may even realize. You could lose her if you leave. Then where would you be?'

Will thought about it and looked out into the night sky from his office windows.

'I would be devastated if I ever lost her.' He said honestly, soberly.

After a pause, he moved quickly and stood up.

'But Charles...it hurts too much. I don't want to hurt her unintentionally by being with her. I need time away. I need to think things through.'

'How long is that going to take? Come off it Will. This is insane! What are you going to do, stay away a week? A month? Or more? This is ludicrous! You know you're taking a huge risk by leaving behind everyone who loves you just to comfort your mind. She is there to be with you through everything!'

Will didn't look at Charles. He held his head low and shook his head.

'I will stay away as long as it takes not to hurt her.'

Charles sighed and threw a hand up, then and back down to his side.

'Fine! Fine Will okay. Go. Just go. Don't blame anyone if she moves on because you're too thickheaded to realize that things could work out just fine if you would stick around!'

Charles turned around and walked towards the door but not before stopping to turn around and look at his best friend one last time before leaving.

'You know,' he started quietly, 'it hurts her now. You aren't next to her, working through this and showing the world that no matter who comes into the life you two share, that your love is strong...unbreakable. This right here breaks your world just a bit. But if you have to go, I can't stop you. I won't stop you from making a mistake you might need to learn from. If you lose her... just remember, it's done by your own hand.'

Will looked at him.

'I'm not trying to lose her Charles, I'm trying to save us.'

'Yeah well...you're leaving her Will. You're leaving her and for what?' Charles asked giving in.

'What are you giving up for? Trying not to hurt her! You need to work through this to make it work. I don't support this and I don't understand what your thinking is, but if you have to go, then go. I just hope for your sake that she understands, because her understanding is what means something right now.'

Will didn't say anything.

'Okay well I guess we'll see you when we see you. Take care Will, and figure yourself out soon; before it's too late.'

Then Charles just walked through the door.

Will sat back in his desk chair and thought things through. Suddenly he then sprang from his chair, grabbed his phone and his keys for the house leaving his office in haste.

Charles came home to find Richard still there keeping company with Jane over cheesecake.

When he sat down next to Jane on the balcony, he let out a deep and heavy sigh.

Jane looked at him with sad understanding.

'You found him, didn't you?'

Charles nodded slowly.

'And he's not going home?'

Again Charles nodded his hand rubbing his eyes and sweeping across his face before looking at her and then at Richard.

'He was at the office. Sulking; if you even want to call it that. Seems he's going to go home.'

A light of hope shined through Jane's eyes but was quickly diminished when Charles shook his head slowly again at Jane.

'To Pemberley.'

Richard cleared his throat.

'When is he leaving?'

Charles sighed again and in a clearer voice, he replied.

'I left him at the office, so I believe he would be leaving from there, and probably not long after I left.'

'Where to, home or the airport? Where Charles, where?' Richard asked in a hurried manner.

Charles's eyes went wide for a moment as he tried to think.

'Probably home first to grab some clothes, maybe the airport, I have no idea!'

Richard rose from his seat and went inside. Jane and Charles followed calmly behind him finding him walking to the front door.

'Richard, where are you going?' Jane asked.

Richard turned around and looked at Jane and then Charles.

'I'm going to go find him. This is absurd. I didn't want any of this to happen. I didn't know for Pete's sake! I have to make this right! I have to.'

Charles sighed and put his hand on his hip while Jane bit her lip and looked at them both with worry.

'I understand that you didn't want this to happen Rich, but unfortunately it has. If you find him, I wish you better luck than I had.'

Richard's smile was faint and soon faded when he kissed Jane on the cheek and shook Charles' hand.

'I'll call you later.'

Richard decided not to go to Will's house, knowing that Lizzy was there and most likely would not be happy to see him. Therefore, his options were limited yet many. Will could be anywhere. With great hesitation, Richard called Will's phone. He did not expect an answer and was surprised to hear Will's voice on the other end.

'Not surprised you're calling. What do you want?'

Richard grimaced at the harsh tone of his cousin's voice.

'I'm calling to talk you out of going to England.'

'Really? Well talk all you want.'

'Will! You're being ridiculous. This is totally absurd. How can you possibly consider leaving her?'

Will stayed silent.

Richard sighed and asked where he was.

'I'm on the road.'

'On the road to where?'

Will paused. He didn't want to leave. He knew he was being an ass for thinking about it. Finally he responded.

'On my way home.'

'Home as in the airport to go to Pemberley or to your home where Lizzy is waiting for you?'

'Richard why don't you meet me at the house? I'd like to settle this. In fact, meet me at your place in twenty minutes.'

Without so much as hearing a response from Richard, Will hung up.

Will was the first to get to Richard's. He pulled the company car into the driveway of his secluded home in the residential area, Woods of Pine Lake, and parked. He rubbed his forehead and then his eyes. While he sat there waiting for him, he thought about what he wanted to say and what he shouldn't do to his cousin.

He didn't have to wait too long. Richard soon pulled up the drive and when he parked, he emerged from his car and walked slowly to where his cousin sat in a company car.

Will opened the door and got out. Standing tall and in front of his cousin, Will looked at him with sharp and dangerous eyes.

'Get inside.' Will said calmly.

Anyone but Richard might be fearful of the look Will was giving him, but Richard had seen this look before. He turned with a sigh to enter the dark house.

Once they were inside, Will walked to the living room and stood at the fireplace.

Richard stood just inside the room and watched Will stand there.

'I'm sorry Will. Truly I am. But my love for Lizzy, my kissing Lizzy shouldn't have you acting like this.'

Will turned around and looked at him.

'Acting like what?' Will yelled and then continued, ' Richard, do you honestly think a man violently in love with the woman of his true heart would just take that lightly? And with that person being their very own blood!'

'I didn't know you two were together! If I had known that, I never would have dreamed of kissing her!' Richard replied, getting rather agitated himself.

'I don't know if I believe you. Your reputation seems to prove otherwise.'

'My repu... Will do you even know what your talking about? I've never interfered with your love life and we're certainly not going to sit here and tally against each other how many women we have had in our lives when only one woman matters here!'

Will kept his eyes on Richard and then looked to the side with his hands on his hips trying to think through everything.

Richard stepped forward a bit and then addressed him.

'Will you're freaking out and acting all insecure over a simple misunderstanding. A simple... easy matter to fix.'

'Simple misunderstanding? Easy matter to fix? Richard I hardly think this is easy or simple.'

'It certainly isn't a reason to leave the woman you say you love! I kissed her; it's not like she attacked me. Do you really think that abandoning Lizzy is the best solution? You can be so immature sometimes, Cousin!'

Will burned inside at his cousin's words.

'I wasn't going to leave her. Not like that, not the way you imply.'

'Well if she stays here and you go flying off across the Atlantic for who knows how long, it sure looks like it! You really think that will solve any of your problems? Huh? I don't see the logic or the romance in that at all.' Richard spat back.

Neither of them said anything for a moment and then Richard calmly but firmly spoke.

'If you do leave, I promise you that I will be here for her and I will help pick up the pieces you left behind.'

He then moved closer to Will and pointed his finger at him,

‘She is sitting at home right now. YOUR home... probably crying her eyes out because of what you've done. Now I don't know about you but I wouldn't want that on my conscience. Knowing that the woman I love is crying because of something I did. Because of something that I could control...'

Will clenched his hands a couple of times and stared at the fireplace, then let his hands hang down to his sides and looked at Richard.

With a resigned air he started, 'That was a stupid thought I admit, but I'm not doing it so there is no need to tell me about the immaturity of the matter.'

‘What the hell were you doing thinking about it in the first place! Damn it Will! Think a bit would you?! How is it that a man who is the CEO of several companies, who would do anything to see his sister happy and never hurt, go and do something as childish as you just did tonight?

With determination, Will continued, 'I am not going to England. I'm staying here. With Elizabeth.'

Richard felt the sting of the words and understood his cousin's meaning.

'She's in love with you, Will. I also understand how much in love you are with her.'

'Do you? Do you really?'

Richard's gaze at his cousin was fierce but met Will's.

'Will, I do understand and you have no threat of me to taking her away from you, ever! It was obvious tonight how much she loves you. I will get over her and move on!'

Will looked away and then sat down on the sofa.

Richard stood in his place and waited to cool down a moment before saying anything.

'Will, look...listen to me. I haven't been around for a long time. Lizzy was the last woman I had a real connection with, but I knew that she was with Eliot. When I heard through a spotty grapevine that she wasn't with him anymore, feelings for her started coming back. However, I knew that with my career, I couldn't be there for her like she deserves. Now that I'm here, I could think of nothing but seeing her and loving her. I never even considered she might be seeing someone, let alone my own cousin. I only want her happiness, so if she finds that happiness with you, then I am more than delighted for you both.'

Will looked straight ahead but listened to every word his cousin said. Richard continued on when he didn't see his cousin respond.

'But this behavior of just up and going without Lizzy...this is mad. You are acting so childish about this.' Richard said and quickly put his hand up when Will looked at him with words about to cut from his tongue, 'You really are, I'm sorry to say it. You know in your heart that Lizzy loves you and would never leave you, so why would you leave her? I know that I was wrong in my doing and I am truly sorry for it, but I can't change it and I can't take it back. I do love her, but not at all in the way you love her. I may only be in love with an image of her and I can see that I feel nothing like you do...'

Will folded his arms and kept looking straight ahead.

'Will?'

'What?' He snapped at Richard.

Sighing heavily, he wondered if he was getting through to him.

'Richard, I thank you for your apology but I'm not going to sit here anymore and listen to you pour your heart out for Lizzy and me.'

'Well then grow up and go home! I wouldn't be here talking to you if you did what a man in love does!' Richard said exasperated.

Will stood up.

'Grow up? Grow up?! Richard I hardly think you can talk-'

'No! You listen to me,' Richard said closing the gap between them, ' You go home now and you talk with Lizzy about this. She's already hurt that you left her at Charles and Jane's. Her pain and her tears were quite evident! She will be even more upset to find that you even thought about going to Pemberley, especially over something stupid like this! Now go. Leave. I don't want you here or to even speak to you until you resolve things with her. You owe that to her.'

Richard's voice was firm and his words held water. Will kept his gaze on him intensely until he registered everything he said. Without so much as a word, he passed by Richard and walked out the door.

'I know Jane... I know. And I will, if he ever comes home. Did Charles say he was coming home?'

'He didn't know. But I'm sure he's on his way.'

'Probably not.' Lizzy sniffed into the phone.

Jane felt horrible for her sister and a bit upset at Will for overreacting. She understood from the information she heard that it would be a shock to see something like this happen and hoped Will would calm down enough not to do something irrational like going to Pemberley and leaving her sister behind.

'Don't think so negatively Lizzy.'

Lizzy shook her head and took her finger to her cheek to wipe away a drifting tear.

Will made the turn onto the driveway and parked. The house was dark and looked empty.

'Maybe she left.' Will thought to himself as he got out of the car and walked to the porch steps.

'Two days in this house and this happens.' he said to himself as he unlocked the front door. Peeking inside he saw no lights were on. Disposing his keys on the side table in the hallway, Will decided against calling out her name and simply went to search for her upstairs.

In his room he noticed the mussed bedspread and several spent tissues about, but no Lizzy.

He checked the closets and found her clothes were still there. Upon seeing this, he knew she wasn't gone. He then went downstairs to the garage and found her truck and his cars parked in their spots.

Silently closing the door to the garage, he walked to the kitchen and the living room finding no clue of Lizzy's whereabouts.

'Where could she be?' He wondered.

Thinking of all the rooms, he then thought of one place he hadn't checked.

'The deck.' He said to himself.

Slowly and quietly he walked to the deck door. The lights were off and there on one of the deck chairs, sat Lizzy. Her legs were curled up to her chest, and one hand supported her head while the other held a phone to her ear. Jack, laying next to her with his head down on the floor, noticed a movement in the dark and popped his head up to see Will open the deck door.

'Well I would hope he...'

Lizzy turned around at the sound of the door opening to see Will looking at her intensely.

Lizzy looked down and then paid attention to her phone call.

'He just came home, let me call you later.'

Not able to hear the rest of the conversation, Will waited patiently for her to end the call.

'Yeah I will...yes and you too. Okay...love you too. Bye.'

She clicked off and set the phone down in her lap, keeping her head down.

Will turned on the deck lights to see her more clearly. He saw only her profile but could tell she had been crying.

'Was that Jane?' Will asked timidly.

Lizzy didn't say anything, but with a defiant look, she raised her head and set the phone down onto the table in front of her.

'Yes it was.' She eventually replied in a cold voice.

Will felt his hands grow clammy and he tried to clench them more to release his tension. Looking at her, he felt worse and regretted his earlier actions.

'I'm sorry.'

Lizzy looked up, somewhat shocked that he would apologize.

'I wasn't thinking. I couldn't think. I needed time to think things through. I was very upset, I still am, that Richard kissed you.'

Lizzy looked down again.

After a moment, Lizzy wiped her cheeks.

'Yeah, well what do you want me to say?' Lizzy asked.

Will didn't know and only shrugged.

'The truth?' He said sheepishly.

Lizzy looked up at him and sighed.

'The truth was said back at Charles' house. I wasn't lying to you. I never have.'

Will's mind flashed through memories of their relationship and she was right...she had never lied to him and he had never lied to her.

'You never have, I know. We both tell each other the truth.'

Lizzy softly nodded.

'I don't think I was ready to hear or witness anything like I did tonight. I wasn't planning on any of this, and I know you weren't either, but it was very hard for me to see all of that.' Will said slowly.

'I understand that, but the thing is, I don't understand how that behavior could come from you.' She replied firmly.

Will's eyes fell to the floor before him.

'From me?'

'Yes! From you.' Lizzy said with emotion. ' I hold you in such a high regard that seeing your reaction to something that was surprising to both of us, I just... I thought you would have been more manly about it instead of trying to run away from the situation.'

Will felt the words sting his ears.

'Are you going to run away from every hard situation we face together?' Lizzy asked now standing up looking at him in the face.

Will met her challenging stare and shook his head.

'Well Will, tonight proved something different. We just moved in with each other and it hasn't even been a week! Did I leave when Caroline kept throwing herself at you? Did I ask for time away when you got in the accident?'

Sheepishly Will shook his head.

'No! I didn't do that did I? I could have... believe me I could have Will, but did I?' She cried.

Will said nothing and only stood in his place with his head down.

'I stayed by you.' Lizzy hissed.

'I know you did. I-'

'No! Listen to me Will. Our relationship does not have to be this way, but you're making it hard for both of us. I didn't move in here so I could move out less than a week later! I moved in here because I want to live with you. I want to spend my life with you! Damn it Will!'

Will raised his head at hearing the raw emotion flooding with her words and saw her eyes well up with tears. He went to reach for her as he said,

'Lizzy please...don't cry. I-'

Lizzy pulled away.

'Don't touch me! I don't want someone who can't stand a simple misunderstanding, who can't kiss me or touch me because someone else did.' Lizzy hissed again.

Will looked her square in the eye and then took a deep breath.

Lizzy turned around looking towards the backyard trying to calm down.

The two of them stood in their places not saying a word, but waiting for the tension to break.

Silence prevailed for a long while until Lizzy let out a deep breath and slowly turned around.

Will's eyes never left her, and when she looked up at him, she said nothing but walked towards him and kissed him.

A long heartfelt kiss embraced Will, and soon his arms were around Lizzy.

Lizzy let a tear fall as she kissed him, but put her hands on his chest and then pulled away.

Looking deeply into Will's eyes, Lizzy studied him for a moment and then spoke.

'You didn't deny me this time, but how could you have denied me the first time?'

Will looked down at her and pulled her closer.

'I never wanted to deny you, but I don't want any other man's lips upon those that are mine. I love you with all of my being, and it hurt when I saw Richard kiss you. You must understand that.'

'I do understand that, but I don't see that being stable grounds for leaving me.' She stated firmly.

Will almost grinned.

'Elizabeth, I truly am sorry for leaving you at Charles and Jane's. If I was the man that I was brought up to be, I would not have thought of it. I thought I needed time to clear my head; to think things through. I even debated on going to Pemberley.'

When the words left his mouth, he regretted it.

'Pemberley?' Lizzy started to pull away from Will, but his arms locked her close to him.

'No I'm not going to Pemberley, I'm staying here at home with you.'

'Pemberley...' Lizzy said to herself.

'Lizzy...'

She looked away and then back at him.

'You were thinking about going back to Pemberley?! William Darcy, what the hell is wrong with you?!'

Nothing came from him and then Lizzy struggled to be free.

'Let me go!'

Will did as she said and watched her walk inside.

'Lizzy please stop!' Will said quickly following her.

'No Will. Why should I?' Lizzy asked walking to the stairs.

'Because I want to talk to you!'

Lizzy stopped on the stairs with Jack barking on the step behind her.

'Stop it Jack!' Lizzy said and then looked at Will, ' You had the audacity to leave me at my sister's place and then go wherever the hell you went, and then had the audacity to even think about going to Pemberley?! Why would I want to talk to you after hearing that? Go! Go to your precious Pemberley if that's where you want to be instead of with me.'

'That's not what I want, Elizabeth!' Will cried back now feeling the frustration at not being understood. He was becoming anger at how the conversation was turning.

Lizzy huffed and turned to go back up the stairs.

Will shook his head and then took the steps two at a time to go upstairs.

Finding her in the bedroom, Will stood in the doorway watching her grab a bag and pack his clothes.

'What are you doing?' Will asked as calmly as he could.

'What does it look like? I'm packing your bags for you to leave.' Lizzy replied while stuff his dress shirts into the duffel.

'I'm not leaving.'

'Like hell you aren't. You said you thought about it, well then maybe while you're there you can think about leaving Pemberley and coming back home after you grow up.'

'I'm staying right where I am.' Will said with his arms folded.

Lizzy looked up brushing a few strands of hair from her flushed face.

Looking at him and thinking him to be a stubborn donkey, Lizzy's eyes went wide.

'Fine! I'll go then. You know what, I'll go to Pemberley and you can stay here. Then you can't have me or Pemberley...you'll only have this place.'

Lizzy dumped all of his things onto the bed and then turned for her own. Neatly folding her clothes into the duffel, Will watched her for a moment longer and then went to the bed and stopped her.

'What-what are you doing? Stop it...Will stop touching my stuff!'

Will clasped his hands on her own after pulling the clothes from her hands and laying them on the bed.

'Look at me Lizzy.' Will sat on the bed still holding her hands and waiting for her to look at him.

Looking at the wall, Lizzy flatly refused.

'Lizzy...this is ridiculous. I'm sorry, okay?' Taking his hand and gently guiding her chin to face him and looking into her eyes, Will lightly smiled.

'I'm sorry Lizzy, for leaving you, and for not staying to work things out. I'm sorry for thinking about leaving you to go to Pemberley. I'm sorry for not being the man you think of me and instead showing you a coward who left when times get bad. I'm sorry for not being the man you see me as. Please...Elizabeth...forgive me.'

By now, Lizzy had tears flowing down her face but her features were grim. She was trying to stay strong and upset. Instead, she didn't want to be, she didn't want to fight with him. She wanted him to stay and go on with the life they were living before Richard's kiss.

'Say something please.' Will asked gently.

Lizzy looked down and wiped her eyes.

'Will...I'm hurt by the your actions tonight. You acted selfishly and thought only of yourself and not about me. I don't like this. You might have been able to do this to Caroline, but I'm not tolerating it. You don't leave the ones you love when things get tough. You stay with them till the end.'

Will nodded and squeezed her hands.

'I promise you I will stay right here. Where you have stayed for me, I will stay for you. I'm truly sorry Lizzy. I really am.'

Will stood up and put his arms around her.

Lizzy allowed herself to be pulled into his embrace and feel good in his arms.

'Will...I do forgive you, but you need to talk next time something happens where it gets hard. I can't help you if you don't tell me. And if it involves us, I need you by me. I need you to walk through this with me...together. Leaving doesn't solve anything. It only makes things worse.' Lizzy said and felt his arms hugging her tighter.

'Oh Elizabeth, I'm ready to be the man you see me as. I'm never going to leave you again. I was so stupid and foolish.'

He then pulled her away and held her at arms length.

'Look at me. Lizzy, I promise you that from this moment on, you will never be alone.'

Lizzy smiled and nodded.

Will did the same and hugged her again.

Jack started pawing Lizzy's ankles to get her attention which worked promptly.

'What is it Jack?'

Will and Lizzy looked at him wag his tail and head for the door.

'I have to let him out.' Lizzy said.

'No let us both. Come on. Come on boy! Outside.'

Barking and running down the hallway, Jack went downstairs and waited by the front door.

Lizzy and Will walked down the stairs together, and once at the front door, Will opened it for Jack to go outside.

Instead of waiting inside, Will took Lizzy's hand and walked onto the porch.

'We okay now?' he asked as he watched Jack sniff around the front lawn.

'Yes we are. Let's just put it behind us.'

Will smiled.

'I love you Elizabeth. I really do.'

Lizzy slightly blushed and kissed him on the cheek.

'I really love you too Will.'

'Let's go Will! We're late!' Lizzy yelled from the bottom of the stairs.

She walked to the kitchen to grab Will's car keys while Jack kept pawing at her legs.

'Not now Jack, we've got to go.' She said as she turned from the counter and walked towards the door.

'Will! I'm out the door!' she yelled and then mumbled to herself.

It had been a week and a half since the incident and things were going better than expected. Will had improved over night to Lizzy's point of view. More attentive, more affectionate, and talking with her more regarding how he was feeling about things, even if they were little things.

They were making progress, and Lizzy felt that Will understood and kept his promise after their fight.

Lizzy had to look back on the fight now and laugh. How comical she was and how adorable he looked!

Will paid her more attention now, and it wasn't smothering to Lizzy, it was just right. He became the man he was when they first started dating if not a better man because of all this.

Lizzy checked her phone to see the time. Shaking her head and patting Jack goodbye, she went into the garage and opened the door.

Heading straight for the BMW, Lizzy unlocked the car and got into the passenger's side.

Still no Will. They were already late as it was.

Today was the day that Georgie would be arriving, and they wanted to greet her at the airport instead of having her take a taxi to Richard's to pick up her car and drive home.

Lizzy sat patiently in the car, her arm resting on the side door with her hand covering her mouth. She was watching the door to the house, trying to will it to open and have him come out.

Again she checked her phone for the time.

'Officially twenty minutes late. Good one Will.' She said to herself.

She glanced at the driver's seat, then the steering wheel; she took her left hand and laid it on the horn.

A long loud beep came from underneath the hood of the car. Soon Lizzy was tapping it to make short loud sounds to signal Will to come.

Watching the door, she kept going even when she saw Will emerge from the house.

Rushing quickly, Will was pulling his blazer onto his shoulders as he made his way to the driver's side.

'Sorry sorry sorry.' Will repeated.

Lizzy only giggled.

'We're only twenty minutes late and have a 40 minute drive.'

Will shook his head at her with a grin and turned the car on.

'Okay, okay we're leaving, all right? Reversing now.'

Lizzy sat back in her seat as Will pulled out of the garage.

They were both relatively silent until they got onto the main road. Lizzy had delegated herself the DJ in the car and was soon playing her favorite CD.

'Do you want to get dinner after we pick her up?' Lizzy asked as she zipped up her CD case.

'That is the plan, my love.'

'Any idea where you want to go?' She asked as she tapped her fingers to the beat of the song.

'I had thought of letting Georgie choose where she wanted to eat.'

Lizzy was humming to the song and after she finished the chorus, she replied.

'Hmm yeah, that sounds good.'

Will nodded and continued driving to Dulles Airport.

'Gate 14 baggage claim 3' Lizzy said as she read the arrivals board.

Will looked in the direction of the baggage claims.

'That's down there. Come on.' he said, taking her hand.

'It hasn't landed yet; we still have a few minutes.' Lizzy said as they made their way to baggage claim 3.

'Do you want something to drink while we wait?'

Lizzy nodded as Will walked with her towards an open café.

After ordering a drink to share, they found a vacant bench to sit on and wait.

'I hope she's not cranky.' Will quietly said as he was watching the door for her.

Lizzy looked at him and after a sip of their drink, she asked,

'Does she not like to travel?'

Will looked at her quickly and then back at the door.

'No. No, she likes traveling, but sometimes the jet lag gets to her.'

'Oh.'

After a few moments of silence, Will's grip on Lizzy's hand tightened.

'There she is.'

Without warning, Will stood up pulling on Lizzy's hand and they walked to where Georgie stood, scanning the crowds for her brother and Lizzy.

'Georgie!' Will called out.

Georgie turned her head at the sound of her name and smiled.

'Will! Lizzy!'

Squeals of delight came from her as she jumped at her brother in a strong embrace.

All three were smiling as they embraced each other.

Georgie tightly hugged Lizzy and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

'I'm so glad to see you two! You really didn't have to come though; I could have taken a taxi to Richard's.'

'There's no need. We'll be happy to drive you there after dinner if you'd like.' Will said with a big smile.

Georgie nodded and pointed to the baggage claim.

'Let me just grab my luggage and we can go.'

Linking arms with both Lizzy and Will, Georgie led the way to the baggage claim.

After talking about her flight and about dinner, Georgie noticed one of her bags move by.

'Oh, that's mine.' Georgie said as she went to reach for it.

Will grabbed the bag from her and stood to wait for the next.

'Oh! That one too!' She cried as she saw her small duffel make its way towards them.

Will went to grab it and put it with the other large bag. Turning to go, he felt Georgie's hand on his arm.

'Wait...I have more.'

Will scowled at the present luggage.

'How many more bags do you have?'

Without so much as a blink of the eye, Georgie, standing and watching for the rest of her luggage, simply replied,

'Four more.'

Will's eyes went wide and Lizzy, watching with much amusement, surpressed her laughter.

'Four more?!' Will asked in disbelief.

Georgie slightly turned to look at Will and then the other two bags.

'I'm here for the summer, Will. I need everything.'

Will's shoulders slumped and he looked at the luggage at his feet.

'How much stuff do you have?' He said to himself more than to the others.

'I heard that.' Georgie said and soon pointed out another two bags.

Will hesitated, but soon grabbed the other two bags. The latter of the two was quite heavy and made Will let out a deep breath after putting it down.

'Georgie what do you have in here?' Will asked calmly.

Georgie looked down at the bag and then grinned.

'I told you. Everything came with me.'

'Even the kitchen sink?'

Georgie gave him a look and then turned to Lizzy and rolled her eyes.

Lizzy could only smile and mouth to Georgie, 'Men.'

'I saw that Miss Bennet.' came Will who stood ready to grab that last two of the six bags, not to mention the carry-ons that Georgie had on her shoulders.

'And just what are you going to do about it, Mr. Darcy.' She said with emphasis on his name.

Will grumbled something to himself and perched lightly on the heavy bag he had just set down.

It didn't take long for Georgie to spot the rest of her luggage and after making a quick check of the tags, she nodded and they were off.

Will toted as much of the luggage as he could handle, while Lizzy and Georgie took the rest.

'Think this will fit in the truck?' Georgie asked as they made their way to the parking garage.

Will, ahead of the two girls, rolled his eyes and then answered.

'I'm sure it would but we'll have to see if it fits in the BMW first.'

Georgie giggled.

'You brought that instead of the truck? Oh Will...'

'I didn't know you would have this much luggage now did I? You might as well move here for school.'

Georgie rolled her eyes playfully at Lizzy and then called out to Will.

'Maybe I just might!'

When they arrived at the car, Will was amazed that all the luggage fit in the trunk. Proud of his arranging the luggage to fit just right, they all got inside and left the airport.

'How hungry are you?' Will asked looking in his rearview mirror to his sister.

'Oh I'm actually quite hungry. Where are we eating?'

Will pulled up to the ticket gate and handed the man his ticket.

'Four dollars.'

Will looked at Lizzy.

'Do you have four dollars?'

Lizzy looked in her purse and pulled out a five.

'Here.'

After receiving change, Will handed Lizzy her dollar and then resumed his conversation with Georgie.

'It's up to you. I wanted you to pick.'

'Hmm...well how about we eat at Olive Garden. I'm hungry for their seafood pasta. Haven't had that in ages!'

'Mmm good choice Georgie.' Lizzy said.

Will took that as the choice of the night and headed in the direction for the closest Olive Garden.

'Oh that was delicious. Thanks for dinner, you two.'

'Our pleasure, Sweetie.' Lizzy said before taking the last bite of her cheesecake.

'I don't suppose we could pick up my car tomorrow do you?'

Will shook his head as he looked down at Lizzy's cheesecake and took his fork nonchalantly and scooped a bite into his mouth.

Looking at Lizzy with a sly smile as he ate his bite he then turned to his sister.

'That's not a problem. I took tomorrow off, so I can take you. Lizzy has to work in the morning.'

'Are you off in the afternoon?' Georgie asked.

Lizzy toyed with the idea of coming home early but she also wanted to give them time to spend together.

'It's up to you. I don't want to intrude on your space since you just got back and all; and you probably want some time with your brother.'

Georgie only laughed.

'What? With Will? Oh I love you Will, but I have all summer with him. We talk constantly since the incident. I'm fine with you around, Lizzy. Please come home tomorrow before lunch. '

Smiling wide, Lizzy nodded.

'Okay, I will.'

'Good. Good. Well I'm ready to go.'

After paying the check, the three headed home.

It wasn't too late when they arrived back at the house.

Georgie sighed at the sight of it and was happy to be home.

'Oh by the way, Lizzy's dog Jack lives here too. He's a bit rowdy at first, but a good dog nonetheless.' Will said as he pulled into the garage.

Georgie waved her hand.

'I'm fine with that. I'm sure he's wonderful.'

Lizzy smiled proudly and nodded.

'He is. But don't be afraid to just tell him to shut up if he barks like mad for no reason. He can be sort of crazy.'

As Will and Georgie got out of the car, Will turned his finger around his head in the motion of crazy and making a silly face.

'I see you.' Lizzy said and Will smiled as he shut the door. Unlocking the trunk, Will sighed as he saw the luggage neatly packed.

'Maybe you should take a picture.' Lizzy said as he stood there and patted his upper arm as she walked by.

'Oh very funny.' Will said and started to take out the baggage.

After they all got inside, Georgie took her luggage, mainly with the help of Will, to her room.

'Are you coming downstairs or turning in?' Will asked as she sat on the bed.

'Hmm... I'll just turn in. I'm hoping to get on a good sleep schedule.'

'Okay Sweetie. See you in the morning.'

A kiss good night and a closed door behind him, Will made his way into his bedroom and found Lizzy reading a book, ready for bed.

'You going to read all night?'

Lizzy looked up with a mischevious grin.

'Yes, unless you want some sleep.'

Will smiled.

'Well sleep is the ultimate conclusion. I am tired from the day but maybe there is something else we could do. It is rather early.'

Lizzy closed her book and set it on the nightstand. Clasping her hands in front of her, she crossed her legs and looked up at Will who stood in front of the bed.

'I can think of numerous things to do.'

'Can you?' Will asked mischievously.

Lizzy nodded.

'Then will you tell me?' Will said sitting down on the edge of the bed.

Lizzy shook her head and crawled to where Will sat.

'Why not?'

Lizzy's lips were close to his ear and a light warm breath hit it.

'I'll show you.' Lizzy whispered.

Will grinned and then took her in his arms and fell onto the bed.

'Please do.'

The sun was rising over the peaks of the trees when Lizzy emerged from the master bathroom and grabbed her phone.

Rushing downstairs as quietly as she could, she found Will in the kitchen sipping his morning coffee and holding an extra cup for her.

'Here love, have some of this. I only filled it half way.'

Lizzy looked at the cup in her hands.

'It's hot chocolate.' Will said when he noticed she wasn't drinking it.

Lizzy's lips upturned and she gratefully took a big drink.

'Ready to go?' Will asked as Lizzy drained the remaining liquid and set the cup in the sink.

'Yes I am.'

Kissing him goodbye, Lizzy went to the fridge and grabbed her water bottle.

'I'll call you when I'm on my way home.'

With one more kiss, Will nodded and Lizzy went to the garage, leaving Will with a lopsided grin on his face as he watched her leave.

She always took her truck to work, so when she got in that morning, she found a small paper bag with a note taped on it.

Smiling, she pulled the truck in reverse and backed out onto the street.

She was determined not to open the bag until she got to work. She knew Will had put it there.

The morning was beautiful to Lizzy. The sun was shining colors of red, orange, yellow and a little pink. The blue sky was still yawning to the idea of a new day as the sun's rays stretched into the blanket of night and opened the sky with light.

Lizzy smiled at the day beginning. The humidity was low and there was no chance of rain.

'Today will be a good day.' She said to herself.

Lizzy got to her desk and sighed at seeing so many notes regarding her plans for the day. Setting down her purse and the bag from Will, she shook her head and booted her computer.

'It's going to be a long morning.' She said to herself.

Within 30 minutes, Lizzy was on top of her game with her workload. Since Caroline was no longer with the team, Lizzy had taken back her workload and any other projects assigned to her from John.

Slowly, her other teammates, Michele and Krista filed in.

'Morning Lizzy.' Michele rang out when she reached her desk.

'Morning.' Lizzy mumbled as she finalized her morning reports.

'What kind of day are we expecting?' Krista asked getting to the point.

Lizzy looked up at Krista and then back at her work.

'Busy. Very busy. I have a half day today, so I'll need one of you to cover my clients tonight.'

'Well I have a meeting with John at 1, so that cuts out a good two hours of work.' Krista said.

Lizzy looked at Michele, while trying to keep her calm about getting the work done.

'Michele?'

Michele looked at her with her hands up.

'I can try, but no promises.'

Lizzy sighed.

'Great. Well I'll have to speak to John about hiring someone new. I don't think I can handle two full workloads on my own like I originally planned.'

Turning back to her screen, Lizzy typed away answers to her emails.

Once Lizzy left, Will read the paper, checked his emails and voicemail and then made breakfast for Georgie and himself.

It was nearly 6.30 and he knew Lizzy would be into work soon.

Will had been in good spirits ever since he woke up. He actually couldn't place the last time he was in a foul mood since the incident.

Humming to himself, Will scrambled the eggs and watched the sausage sizzle.

Hearing a soft shuffle from the hallway, Will turned around and smiled.

'Morning, Sunshine!'

'Hi Will. Making breakfast?'

'Yes of course, would you like some?'

Georgie made her way to the stovetop and grinned.

'Yes please.'

With a short nod, Will took out two plates and scooped the eggs and sausage on them. Turning off the stove, he picked up the plates and walked into the dining room.

'Tea?'

Georgie nodded and Will left to the kitchen to get the tea things.

'Will?' Georgie called out.

'Yes?'

'Is Richard home, do you think?'

Will heard the question and grabbed the tray to bring into the dining room. Setting it down on the table and handing a cup to Georgie, he thought.

'I believe he would be. I haven't talked to him since I last saw him.'

'Oh. Well I'll call him in a while.'

Smiling, Will sat down at his seat and took up his paper.

'We can stop by after you get ready, Sweetie.'

'Did Lizzy leave for work?'

Will turned the page and straightened it out.

'Yes she did; pretty early. She should be home in a few hours.'

'What are we doing when she gets back?'

Will took a few bites of his breakfast after setting the paper down for a moment and then looked at Georgie.

'Whatever you want to do. Which reminds me, tomorrow we are having lunch with Charles and Jane. They wanted to see you. You have yet to meet Jane.'

'Oh I can't wait!'

Will smiled and then turned back to his paper.

Georgie looked up and was confused.

'What are you doing reading the Arts and Living section?'

Will kept reading.

'Hmm, just reading about what's out there.'

He then scowled.

'No you're not...what are you reading? Let me see.'

Will pulled the paper away from Georgie's reach.

'You can read it when I'm done.'

Georgie's hand flew faster than Will had anticipated, grabbing the newspaper right out of his hands.

Quickly she scanned to see what was on the page he was reading. Trying to snatch it away, Will kept missing as his sister was too fast for him.

Suddenly Georgie's eyes went wide with glee and she began to laugh.

'Oh Will! This is too much. I never knew you were into this stuff!'

Will closed his eyes and silently prayed she wouldn't continue.

'Please just give it back to me.'

Georgie shook her head.

'No. No, I want to read this... especially yours.'

Will sighed and clasped his hands together looking bored at waiting for Georgie to finish.

Giggling at her brother reading this in the paper, she was delighted when she finished and carefully tossed it back at him.

'Hope it's true, Will.'

'I have no idea what you're talking about.'

'Psh! Sure you don't. Of course if I was CEO of several companies such as yours, I don't think I would want to be caught interested in it either. On the other hand, I think they are fun, so I don't see what the big deal is.'

'Again,' Will said as he sighed and opened the paper back to it's page, 'I have no idea what you're talking about.'

Georgie rose from her seat picking up her empty plate and tea cup.

'Oh I think you do...Scorpio.'

It was nearly 10 when she felt her stomach growl. Pausing to stretch, she reached for the bag Will left in her truck with the note still attached.

'Good morning, Beautiful,

Hope you enjoy your snack. : ) See you this afternoon.

Love,

Will'

Lizzy smiled as she read the note and opened the bag.

Inside she found a container with sliced apples, peaches, raspberries, and bananas sprinkled with sugar. A fork was supplied along with a little bar of chocolate.

Lizzy grinned and began to eat the fruit.

'What's that?'

Lizzy looked up from enjoying her snack and looked at Michele who stood next to her desk.

'It's fresh fruit with sugar.' Lizzy answered happily.

Michele sat down at her desk keeping her eyes on the container in Lizzy's hands.

'It looks really good.'

Lizzy turned in her chair to face her.

'Trust me. It is.'

'So when are you leaving?' Michele asked watching Lizzy eat.

'In about an hour or so. I want to talk to John about hiring new meat.' Lizzy said with her eyes opening wide at the prospect of training someone new and having her workload cut in half.

'Good idea Bennet. Okay, well I'll take care of you tonight. Is Will planning something special tonight?'

'No, his sister is in town, so I wanted to spend time with them. She's here all summer, but being she's just in I want to see her.'

'I understand. Well, you better see John before Krista. She'll be back from her meeting in a few minutes.'

Lizzy swirled back to her desk and set the empty container down.

Managing a list of points she wanted to bring up to John, she was about ready to go when her phone rang.

'Lizzy Bennet.'

'Hello Love.'

'Hi Will. Thank you so much for the snack. I just finished it.'

Will chuckled.

'Did you?'

'Oh yes. Michele was watering at the mouth while I ate it.'

Will smiled and then continued.

'Georgie and I are heading over to Richard's now to pick up her car. Did you need anything while we were out?'

'No, I'm fine. What time will you be back do you think?'

'Around noon. Georgie called him earlier and told him we were on our way. Apparently he's leaving for my aunt's house in New York this weekend, so he won't be there tomorrow night. He has to leave in a few hours so we have to make the visit short.'

'Is he gone the entire weekend, or longer?'

'Just the weekend. He'll be back on Monday.'

Lizzy thought for a moment and then turned her attention to Will again.

'Okay, well I'm just about to head into John's office for a quick meeting. Once I finish up with him, I have a few more things to cover and then I'll leave.'

'When do you think you'll be home?'

'Hmm no later than 1.'

'Okay see you then. Love you.'

'Love you more.'

Darcy and Georgie hardly spoke the entire way to Richard's. Georgie was enjoying the scenery while they drove the back roads. Darcy was trying to enjoy himself, but his mind was occupied. He hadn't talked with Richard since the night of the dinner. A part of him was hesitant to even come over and just say hello. He tried to resolve that his cousin would still love him and support him and most likely be happy with the decision he made to stay with Lizzy. But how would Richard fare when they saw each other together or heard of one another? Would he be upset? Would he keep everything inside? Would he be able to move on?

'Will?'

He shook his head at the sound of his name and looked over at his sister.

'You missed the turn.'

'Oh. Sorry.'

Will turned around and took the turn he missed. Pulling into the driveway, Georgie hopped out of the car and made her way up the porch steps and pressed the doorbell.

Will sighed as he turned the engine off and got out of the car. Slowly he made his way up the steps to join Georgie.

After a moment, Richard came to the door.

'Georgie!! My how you've grown! Come in come in you two.'

Richard held the door open and let his cousins in. Georgie went on ahead into the kitchen while Will dragged behind. Richard stopped him before following Georgie's lead.

'I'm assuming things are settled for the good between you and Lizzy?'

Will looked at his cousin for a long moment and then nodded.

'Good.'

Slapping him on the back, Richard smiled and then walked into the kitchen.

'What are you doing in here?' Georgie asked when the men joined her.

'Oh I was just getting a snack ready for my trip.'

'Richard...bacon, mayo and ketchup? What kind of sandwich is this?" Georgie asked as she eyed the sandwich gingerly.

'It's great! You should have one. Want one?' Richard asked holding up one of his sandwiches.

Georgie shook her head in disgust and turned towards the refrigerator.

'Is the car in the garage? We need to get back before Lizzy gets home.' Will asked while he stood watching Richard make his snack and humming.

'Hmm yeah it is. Where it always has been, Will. So do you have any plans while you're here for the summer Georgie?'

She searched the fridge, finding nothing good to eat and shut the door.

Huffing she stood against it and watched Richard slap mayo on a slice of white bread.

'That's disgusting.'

'Georgie...' Will warned her.

'No, I don't have plans for the summer except for spending time with you guys and meeting everyone.'

'Don't you know most of the group?'

'Yeah, but I want to meet Lizzy's family. Tomorrow night we're having dinner at Charles' house.'

'You'll love Jane. She's wonderful.' Richard said looking up at Will.

'She is.' Will replied.

'Well, when I get back from seeing mom, we'll have to get together. We could have a barbeque here or something.'

Georgie's eyes lit up.

'Oh I'd love that! Let's do it!'

Will smiled at his sister's exuberance.

'When do you leave Richard?' Will asked as Richard cleaned up.

'In about twenty minutes, so the keys are in the bowl next to the garage. If you want, you can hang out here any time; but you know that. You have the house keys, both of you do. I'm all set after I pack this up.'

'Well, call us when you get back.' Georgie called from her way to the garage.

'Will do, Sweetie!' Richard called back.

'Okay, well we'll see you when you get back.' Will said as he turned around to head out the front door.

'Wait a minute, Will... wait.'

Richard caught up with Will who stood at the front door.

'Between you and me, we're cool. We're fine. I didn't want you thinking that I was upset with you or anything like that. You worked things out with Lizzy and you didn't make the mistake of leaving, so I have no reason...'

'No, you have no reason, but thank you all the same. I'm glad that we are... cool.'

Richard smiled and shook his head at his cousin.

'Well I just wanted to tell you... so I'll let you go but I'll call when I get back.'

'Okay Richard. Tell everyone we say hello, okay? Be careful on your way there.'

Will clapped his hand on Richard's shoulder and then left.

'Thanks Richard!' Georgie called from her car as she was waiting outside for Will.

Richard waved goodbye.

'Bye guys!'

While he watched his cousins leave, Richard heard his cell phone ringing.

Smiling he answered.

'Hello sweetheart, ready for the weekend?'

Lizzy finally helped John see the need for another member on her team. It took her about forty-five minutes to prove her case and show him that the work was now doubling and another person would be needed to help with the workload. When the meeting was over, she dashed to her desk to get her things ready to go.

'You leaving?' Michele asked as Lizzy sorted her work out.

Lizzy looked up from her desk and grinned.

'Yeah, I'll be out of here in a few.'

'Okay well I'll work your clients tonight. I have to stay late for a meeting in the afternoon.'

'Thanks Michele. Hope you have a great weekend. You too Krista!' Lizzy called over the cubicle.

Krista's hand popped up, waved and went back down.

'Well I'm out of here. I'll see you guys on Monday.'

Driving home, Lizzy was glad she had the rest of the day off and the weekend ahead of her.

She had no idea what the plans were for the rest of the day, but it was better to do nothing at home than be at the office.

It didn't take her long to get home and when she did, she was pleasantly surprised to find Georgie and Will already home with lunch ready.

'Good day at work?' Will asked after kissing her hello.

'Hmm. Had to fight tooth and nail to get John to hire me a replacement for Caroline.'

'Oh she's not there anymore?' Georgie asked with curiosity.

'No, thank goodness. She works in another department in another building. I'm glad to be rid of her. Now I only see her when I have to, and it's rare.'

'Does she still live with Charles and Jane?'

'No she moved into Jane's old place when we moved out of there. I have no idea if she even spends time there or at Louisa's.'

Georgie laughed at the thought of Caroline being kicked out of work and home because of her actions.

'Come on... let's eat.' Will said looking at his sister smiling.

After lunch, the three of them enjoyed the day by resting and watching a few movies. Afterwards they took a walk around the park and then had dinner on the deck.

'Tomorrow you will meet Jane. I know you want to meet the rest of the family, but Jane isn't cruel and would never invite everyone over at once for that. You have to meet the family in turns. Jane is first and then my dad.' Lizzy said while sipping her wine.

'Oh I can't wait to meet all of them. The stories you've told me have given me pictures of what I think they are.'

'Well I don't think I'm far off. When I say that Lydia is a trip, she really is and nothing can stop her. You won't meet Mary, I don't think. She may be staying the summer at Princeton to continue school and Nick might show up a couple of times this summer; but everyone else you are more than welcome to meet. I especially can't wait to have you meet my mother. '

Georgie smiled and with a glance at Will, Lizzy smacked his arm.

'She's not all bad, she's just... a bit to get used to.'

'That's putting it nicely.' Will said.

'Bite your tongue sir. She's still my mother.' Lizzy said and then stopped.

'Yeah that is putting it nicely isn't it?' Lizzy finished and then rolled her eyes.

'It's definitely a treat, meeting the Bennets.' Will stated and sipped his wine.

Lizzy rose with her glass to fill it up and on her way into the house remarked.

'We wouldn't have it any other way.'