Section I,Next Section

Part 1

he hours couldn't go by fast enough for William Darcy. He wasn't sure what had changed in Elizabeth Bennet's heart, but whatever it was, he was one happy man. She had accepted! Okay, okay, he chided himself while scrubbing in, She accepted one lousy date. Don't act like she's marrying you or anything... Scrubbing furiously at his fingernails, William smiled again, causing several interns and the other resident present in the room to laugh.

"Don't look too happy, Darcy, we wouldn't want to see you explode," warned one of the interns, jokingly. "A smile? It must mean that the world is ending tomorrow," he continued.

The others laughed, and William Darcy just shrugged, amusedly. "My happiness won't last long if you guys don't shut it," he warned, comically, still grinning, "I'd take advantage of my mood while you can."

He went into the OR to do his scheduled lumpectomy, and all smiles were gone. It was time for surgery, and Will Darcy knew how serious it was. His incisions were precise, stitches neat, and the surgery was done relatively quickly. With his patient in recovery, William couldn't wait to leave. He sat in his office, checking the desk clock, the wall clock, and his watch to wait until his shift was over, even though it ended a full half-hour before hers.

Finally it came time, and to the shock of the other people in the ward, he practically flew out of his office and onto the elevator. The minute long ride was almost too much for him to handle, and he nervously raked a hand through his hair, wondering if she was as anxious as he was.

Attempting to slow his rapid fire pace, he wandered into the lab, as if it were coincidental that he happened to be there. Rick was at an electron microscope, but Elizabeth was nowhere to be seen. Not sure if he should disturb his cousin or not, he just stood there, looking like an idiot, until one of the technicians noticed his presence and tapped Rick on the shoulder.

Rick looked up to see his cousin shifting his weight back and forth on his feet, seemingly aimless, but preoccupied at the same time. A sly smile crossed Rick's face, and his eyes gleamed at the prospect of teasing William Darcy.

"So, what brings you here, Will? Surgery too boring for you?" The question was innocent, but Rick's sharp blue eyes missed none of William's discomfort. William wasn't sure if, or what, Elizabeth had told Rick about the date, and he didn't want to say anything that would possibly give his cousin the wrong impression.

"Just hanging out here again, I guess," he responded, vaguely. "You could say I'm waiting for somebody," William relented, cracking a grin complete with dimples.

Rick grinned smugly. "I knew it," he exclaimed, nodding his head, "It was the BMW, wasn't it. Chicks dig the car."

Will laughed, "She did like my car, actually," he admitted, "But I think it was the dog."

Elizabeth heard the conversation from inside one of the lab rooms where she was culturing some samples. Coming out behind them, she was able to completely surprise both men. She cleared her throat and attempted to look menacing.

"Talking about a lady behind her back is neither appropriate nor nice," she commented, snootily, "and I have half a mind to kick both of you really hard." She grinned at both men, who were staring at her with guilt, followed by amusement.

"I'm so sorry, Mistress Elizabeth," Rick apologized, with false sincerity, "I hope that you do not find our comments in complete distaste, I was merely questioning my cousin on his art at managing dates with such fine women as yourself."

"That'll do," Elizabeth agreed, continuing the charade. "Apology accepted. As for you, Dr. Darcy, you might have to take me in that car of yours as payment for your statements."

"Gladly, Dr. Bennet, most kind, benevolent Elizabeth," William said, getting into the game, "A fair punishment from a most gracious queen."

He picked up her hand and kissed it, causing her to blush. Rick wrinkled his nose in mock distaste. "EWWWW! You don't even know what that hand could have touched!" He rummaged around underneath his lab table and tossed William a bottle of Purell. "Purify yourself, man!"

Elizabeth glared at Rick. "I'll get you, Eric Fitzwilliam. That's not a threat, it's a promise."

Laughing, Will took her arm. "Are you ready to go, milady?"

"But of course," she answered, smiling, "but only if you tell me where we're going."

Will shrugged, "I thought we could go to the diner across the street. I have a night shift tonight, so I can't even take you somewhere fancy."

"Fine with me!" She led him to the elevator, and glanced one more time at Rick, who was busily making smooch noises at them. "Watch your back, Ricky, sleep with one eye open. William and I will get you back." Will nodded, trying to appear stern.

William and Elizabeth walked across the street to the diner and were delighted to find it practically empty. They were seated quickly at a booth, but as soon as they sat down, both realized they had a slight staring problem.

"I..." They both began in unison. Elizabeth blushed and William chuckled.

"You go first," they continued, still in unison. They both laughed now.

"Okay," they said again, still in unison, and that broke the tension.

"So, you went to Cornell?" At Elizabeth's nod, he continued. "Georgie went to Cornell, too. Did Kitty or Jane?"

"Jane, Rick, Charlotte and I went to Cornell School of Medicine," Elizabeth replied, absently unfolding her napkin, "but Kitty went to Rochester and now Brighton. Brighton wasn't available when I wanted to go to school, and I think it's turning out pretty well for her. Georgianna too, I assume. You're lucky, only having one sister. Kit and Jane are great, but you met Lydia and Mary." She chuckled.

William laughed, "Sometimes I wish I had more, though, but I grew up pretty close to my Aunt Rebecca's family, that's Rick's mother, and Georgianna, especially after my parents died."

Elizabeth looked up, startled, with compassion in her eyes. "I'm so sorry! I didn't even know about your parents. That must have made for a difficult childhood."

William shrugged. "No more difficult than anybody else's, I guess. I was tall, wiry, and serious. I wanted to be a doctor more than anything, and when I got accepted to college, half of me wanted to leave, but half of me was terrified of leaving Georgianna alone. Rick went to Cornell and I went to Yale, and it was odd leaving somebody I felt was my brother for so long."

Smiling wryly, Elizabeth responded. "I guess this relationship you and I have is incestual then," she teased, "because as soon as I got to Cornell, Rick became the brother I never had. Growing up in my family was hard, but I had it easy compared to my sister Mary. Jane was the prettiest, Lydia mother's favorite, I was my dad's favorite, and Kitty followed in my footsteps. Mary was the odd one out, and I can't say I've been helpful. I probably haven't spoken to her in years! Charlotte Lucas was more a sister to me than she was," she admitted, a little sadly.

"I know the feeling, just because I grew up with George Wickham, my father always expected me to look after him. I never liked him, and once at school, I decided to room with Charles, who I didn't even know, over George. Charles has been a great friend to me, the closest I've had in awhile. I guess you could say I'm sort of a loner." Will looked across the table to meet Elizabeth's eyes and she looked at him with compassion and understanding.

"You and I have more in common than I thought," she commented, absently. "So tell me, how does Caroline Bingley fit into that picture? Did you date her?"

William guffawed, shaking his head. "Lord, no! She was Charles' pesky younger sister with a monster crush on me. I mean, she was nice enough, but she let her sister Louisa convince her that she and I were destined to be married. My Aunt Catherine, whom I believe you met, believes I'm to marry my adopted cousin Anne, provided she doesn't die of Cystic Fibrosis," he said, amusedly, rolling his eyes. "But I'd rather marry for love than marry my cousin, who would make Aunt Cat happy. Tell me, how did this joke war start between you and Rick?"

Elizabeth smiled and shook her head. "In college, Rick had a girlfriend," she began.

"Emily," Will supplied, chuckling, "Am I right? I heard lots about her!"

"Yes, Emily," Elizabeth answered, rolling her eyes. "Daddy paid Miss Emily Fairchild's way into college. She was so annoying and had the personality, in my unbiased opinion," she told him, eyes twinkling bewitchingly, "of a giant rock. She and Caroline would have had a wonderful time together. Rick's room was directly underneath mine, and the fire escape happened to connect them, so when Rick was having 'the talk' with Emily, Charlotte and I climbed down and started making faces in the window."

She dropped her head in her hands, seemingly ashamed, but she was really laughing too hard. "He was trying to concentrate on talking with Emily, and there we were making complete idiots out of ourselves. I guess she asked him a serious question, but Char and I decided to do a pseudo strip tease. We had clothes on underneath our jackets, but he didn't know that... I guess he ended up laughing and Emily couldn't figure out why. So started the joke war."

William shook his head again, gleefully, "he did tell me that his first joke on you was to switch blood and urine samples in your lab."

She frowned. "That wasn't funny. I was tired, and I put a sample on a slide, and I started screaming about it being the weirdest blood sample I'd ever seen, when Rick came in and informed me that he got me. Lately though, our jokes have been regarding our love lives, or lack thereof. We've always had this ongoing one about 'things happening' on dates, and he never lets me forget it."

The gears in William's head were churning at full force. So they tease each other about dates, huh... She did warn him that she and I would get him back, so let's see what she thinks about this idea... "Elizabeth," he began, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, "how would you like to get him back?"

"I'm all ears," she said, leaning forward conspiratorially, "what are you thinking of?"

He pulled out a notice that all the doctors, interns, nurses, and physician's aides had gotten in the mail. "The annual charity date auction," he announced, proudly, "we'll sign him up, and he'll be auctioned off to the highest bidder!"

"Ooh, William Darcy, I love the way your mind works," Elizabeth said, eyes glinting mischievously. Oh, is he different than I expected... I could certainly get used to this! I could get used to a lot more than this, she thought, and blushed. "We'll sign him up to be auctioned. How perfect!"

William smiled, delighted that he had made her happy. "Well, my ideas don't come cheaply, you know," he teased, and she looked at him with one eyebrow raised.

She leaned over the table and kissed him on the cheek, mischievously. "Payment enough?"

Dumbfounded, William nodded.

Did she just kiss me? They ate their food in companionable silence, pausing every so often when Elizabeth or William would joke or comment, slyly or otherwise. Elizabeth's thoughts were churning inside her head. Could this be her first meaningful relationship? I hope so, she thought, dreamily.

Will paid the check and stood, waiting for Elizabeth to walk with him. She took his hand shyly, and William could feel his heart rate quicken. He couldn't help the slight smile that overtook his solemn features. "Do you think we could try to make this work, Elizabeth? I really liked spending time with you." His concern was noticeable in his eyes, and she desperately thought of a joke to lighten the moment.

Throwing caution to the wind, she smiled back. "I think we could. How would you like to try the ultimate test to see if you can put up with me?"

I could put up with you forever, Elizabeth, you just don't know it, he thought, but looked at her quizzically. "And what would this be?"

"Come to dinner with me and my entire family tomorrow," Elizabeth said, answering his question and at the same time, asking with her eyes if he would.

Quickly he nodded. "I'll be on my best behavior," William joked, "I promise."

Elizabeth nodded back, "don't worry, I'm sure Rick and Charles are invited. Rick never has food, and my mother feels bad for him, especially when my Aunt Maddy is around. Maddy really likes Rick, and I'm sure Jane invited Charles. Hey, Kitty might even come to town for this. It's my father's birthday, so I'm sure it'll be loud, with many obnoxious people. A perfect test for your intentions." She meant it as a joke, but William took it seriously.

"Then I'll be there."

Walking hand in hand, they strolled back to the hospital lobby. Unbeknownst to the two, Rick Fitzwilliam had just gotten his mail from the desk clerk in Hematology. Opening the letters from administration first, he almost discarded the yellow envelope that was stuck between them. Almost. However, he didn't throw it out, and he opened it.

5th Annual Charity Date Auction!

Rick wrinkled his nose. These things were so degrading. Their only good quality was the fact that it garnered huge sums of money for different charities, and Rick knew that one of those charities was the Cystic Fibrosis fund. Well, he thought, I don't have to sign up to be in it, but I can attend.

A slow smile appeared on his handsome face and if he could have patted himself on the back, he would. I don't have to, but I could get another one up on Lizzy if I sign up her new beau to do it! Wow, the look on her face will be priceless! I wonder if she'd even pay for him! It'll not only get her to show that she wants him back, it'll be so much fun to see my cousin up there! Picking up the volunteer response card, he grinned, a bit evilly.

He quickly signed the name William Darcy in the "will participate in the auction" blank, and grinned at his great idea. He had no idea that at that very moment, William Darcy had done the exact same thing, signing the name Eric Fitzwilliam , grinning just as slyly.

When Rick saw Elizabeth and William entering the lab area, he quickly shoved the response card under the desk and grinned devilishly at them. "So, how'd it go," he asked, quirking an eyebrow at the two.

"A gentleman never reveals anything," William said, tugging Elizabeth's hand and leaning over to kiss her cheek. "Until tomorrow then," he told her, and stepped away onto the elevator.

Elizabeth's hand flew to the spot where he had kissed her, and silently she walked to her office to find her lab coat. Rick watched the exchange, slightly amused, slightly amazed, and slightly jealous. He waited for her to reappear and pasted a smile on his face.

"Are we still on for dinner at the Bennet's tomorrow night?"

Elizabeth nodded, eyes sparkling. Rick, for the tiniest second, allowed his heart to ache. She has beautiful eyes. My cousin is lucky. I hope he knows what he has, and if he breaks her heart, so help me, I'll shoot him myself. He focused his attention on Elizabeth, because she was still chattering about dinner tomorrow.

"Jane has invited Charles, and I have invited both you and William... Kitty should be there, I wonder if she brought Georgianna Darcy! Of course, Mary is going to be there, and probably Lydia. I hope she doesn't bring George."

"I hope she doesn't, too, especially if Georgianna, William and I are going to be there," Rick said, menacingly.

"Please don't fight him. He is Lydia's husband." She said the word 'husband' like it was a dirty word, and that didn't go unnoticed by Rick. "It sounds like you'd fight him, too, Lizzy. I'm sure he won't show up, he knows that if he does he'd have you to deal with. A mad Lizzy Bennet is worse than anything!"

She flopped into the chair beside him. "Except for a mad Rick Fitzwilliam," she said, wisely. "You're not angry about William and I, are you?"

He stared at her. I'm not that transparent, am I? It's not anger, is it? Managing a weak grin, she shook his head. "Of course not, Elizabeth. Things will change, but probably for the better. I haven't seen my cousin in a long time, and now maybe I'll get to." When I could have you, I didn't want you. Now that I can't, do I?

Rick shifted restlessly in his swivel chair. "Are you planning on attending that auction that we got invitations for?"

Elizabeth immediately blushed a bright red, because she was a bad liar and anything she was hiding usually showed up on her pale skin. "I think I might," she said, slowly, and then attempted to hide a smile.

She's up to something, Rick realized, and grinned slyly back. "Well, I am, and I wouldn't miss it for the world."

He's up to something, Elizabeth thought, and narrowed her eyes. "Then neither will I."

Part 2

The next day arrived with a bang. The temperature was positively awful, it was hot, humid, and sticky. Rumbles of thunder could be heard in the distance, and when Elizabeth stepped into work, she and Rick exchanged looks of disgust and apprehension.

"I hate storms, Rick. It brings out all kinds of strange things." Involuntarily she shivered. It was seven in the morning, and the air within the hospital seemed charged with invisible electricity. Elizabeth was dressed in a white t-shirt and jeans, her hair still slightly wet due to the humidity. She put on her lab coat, unable to shake the ominous feeling she had.

Rick, also in a t-shirt and jeans, got up silently to check the supply closet near the entrance to the lab. "Something tells me we're going to be needed in the ER today, Lizzy. I put the samples into the freezer already, just in case."

"Good thinking," she said, smiling. "I don't think we're going to get to work on those today."

William Darcy stepped off of the elevator, clipping something to his ID tag. He wasn't having an easy time, so Elizabeth walked over to help him. She peered at the piece of plastic she was clipping to his tag and smiled up at him. "ER Rotation? You agreed to do an ER rotation? Will wonders never cease?"

"Hey," he said, softly, " you work in the ER, remember? Although I wasn't exactly planning on it being a storm day here, the ER is always looking for extra coverage."

Elizabeth patted his chest. "I'm sure Charlotte will appreciate it." She turned away, pinpoints of color on her cheeks. This just gets better and better, doesn't it, she thought, wryly, and I haven't even kissed him yet!

Rick came by with her stethoscope. "Get ready," he told William and Elizabeth, "It's going to be a long day. Your parents better have some damn good food tonight, Lizzy."

William went toward the main ER desk to put his name on the list for patients and traumas. As soon as he finished, the ambulance bay doors burst open and a convulsing, overweight, greasy man was wheeled in. William did a double-take. I know that man!

"34 year old man with alcohol poisoning. Driver's license says the name is Thomas Hurst." Louisa Bingley's husband! A nurse took over on chest compressions. "His pulse is weak and thready," she informed him, "breathing irregular."

"Get me a toxic screen and a blood alcohol level," he said, remembering his ER training, "and when those come back, a gastrointestinal pump." Several nurses and William wheeled Mr. Hurst into trauma room two to work on him.

Meanwhile, the regular doors were opened, and a woman with a small, bleeding child came in. "Please! Help my baby," she had called, so Charlotte and Rick had taken charge of the situation. The child had been playing on the stairs and had fallen down. Charlotte dealt with the injuries, and Rick stole away to have one of the desk clerks call Child Welfare Services. It was hospital policy to check.

Elizabeth took a head laceration case in trauma room four, finished quickly, and set a badly broken arm in one of the patient rooms. She had just stepped out when another child came in, crying. Elizabeth ran to the child.

"Are you hurt? Where are your parents? What's wrong?"

He shook his head and stopped crying. Solemnly, he answered her questions. "There was an accident on Route 22. My overnight camp bus was hit by a semi truck!" Charlotte had come out of the room to see what was going on, so she ran to the ambulance bay to see five ambulances pulling in with people involved in the accident.

Frantically, she ran to the reception desk. "Call area hospitals and have all traumas deferred to Sense Hospital, the ER is closed here until this accident is taken care of. Got that?" The clerk nodded and picked up the phone right away. Charlotte disappeared towards the ambulance bay to wait for patients, as did Elizabeth and most of the other residents and interns on the floor.

William had pumped Mr. Hurst's stomach. What did you drink, it looks like a cesspool of liquor! He was about to leave the room when Mr. Hurst opened his eyes.

"William Darcy," he croaked, and William figured that Thomas Hurst wanted to thank him. "I could get you a great deal on life insurance. Call me some time."

It was nearing noon when all the patients from the automobile accident were finally brought to the hospital. Darcy had paged his own floor 5 times, Elizabeth 3. Charlotte, while it saddened her greatly, was relieved that there was only one death. Parents had arrived and gone to be with their children, many of who were moved up to Pediatrics, where Charles and Jane were waiting.

At a little after one, Anne DeBourgh was brought in by ambulance, Catherine stuck in traffic coming in behind her. Rick quickly assessed his cousin, and he gravely reported a case of bacterial pneumonia in her already suffering, fluid filled lungs.

"Lizzy," he said quietly, "she's a perfect candidate for the new medicine. If I give it to her now, she can sign consent forms later. Technically, I'm not supposed to because she waived her rights while unconscious to her mother."

"You know what I'm going to say," Elizabeth said, frustrated, "I'd give her the new antibiotics, and then I'd switch her regular inhaler to the new medicine. I'd probably follow that up by the regular shots of the experimental drug, as well, just because the success rates are so high. But she's unconscious, and her mother would have a fit. Annie, wake up!"

Catherine DeBourgh came running into the one free trauma room. "Do something," she shrieked, worried and frantic.

Rick had left to secure her a bed in the ICU, and Elizabeth attempted to soothe Mrs. DeBourgh. "Mrs. DeBourgh, we're doing all we can. She has pneumonia, and we're going to be giving her antibiotics. However, we'd like you to consider possibly switching her medication to the experimental drugs and maybe the gene therapy that is available at this time. It may improve her chances at life."

"Experimental drugs? You give me statistics from the Medical Journals and proven success cases, and then we'll talk. There is tried and true medication out there! What are you trying to do? What kind of doctor are you?"

Elizabeth was used to Mrs. DeBourgh's tirades. "Please, consider it. If Anne wakes up, you know it's up to her," she warned, "and she might decide to do it."

Flabbergasted, Catherine stared at Elizabeth Bennet. "You do not decide about my daughter. If she goes on this medication, promise me that you'll at least give her some joy to look forward to by leaving my nephew William for her!"

Elizabeth gasped. "That's blackmail! If Anne uses the drugs, it'll be her decision! I will not make any promises of the kind!" Her eyes were wide, and she fell silent until Rick appeared to help move Anne.

"It really is up to Anne," Rick said, by way of explanation, "And if she consents, there's nothing you can do, aunt Cat."

Catherine stared at Rick. "My own nephew! Elizabeth Bennet can not possibly have so much influence on both my nephews! Eric, tell me it's not true!" She was speaking to an empty room by now. Both Elizabeth and Rick had disappeared with Anne.

It was nearly three when Elizabeth and William sat in the doctor's lounge, tiredly. Elizabeth absently pushed a stray curl off her forehead, only to have it fall back down. She yawned. It had been raining all day, but it had just started storming. Thunder echoed down the now eerily quiet halls and Elizabeth involuntarily shivered. "Long day," she commented, and wearily, William nodded. He rolled his shoulders and Elizabeth heard them crack. He winced.

"I'd forgotten what it's like to work in the ER," he admitted. "I think I have more respect for you guys than I do for anybody else." She gave him a weak smile.

"It's not always like this. Usually, it's calm enough that Rick and I do most of our work in the lab and with our specific AIDS patients, hemophiliacs, and cystic fibrosis patients. It's usually outpatients with us, but technically, we report to the ER." Elizabeth stretched and watched amusedly as William continued to roll his shoulders. She stood, walked over to him, and began rubbing his tense neck and shoulders.

"Too much for you, oh brilliant surgeon?" She teased him softly, smiling faintly. She felt his laugh through the vibrations of his back against her arms. He closed his eyes and let his head roll back, falling against her stomach. The air felt humid and strangely warm inside the lounge. She drew in a quick breath.

Suddenly, the doors flew open and a doctor walked in. Amusedly, he glanced over their direction. "Don't mind me," he said, rummaging through the refrigerator for a can of soda pop. Elizabeth had practically flown across the room to look for something, anything, blushing furiously.

Part 3

"I'm going to buy a drink, want one?" At his nod, she left the room. Close call, she thought, slightly disappointed, slightly relieved. Rick came in as soon as she left, just as tired. "I'm thinking we should drive together tonight since we're all going. I'm hoping for some of Madeleine Gardiner's cherry pie. Trust me, it's great."

"How many of these have you gone to?" Will's inquiry was innocent, but he worried about her family's reaction to his presence. He didn't know if Elizabeth had mentioned him, other than the fact that he was coming to dinner.

"Seven," Rick admitted. "It makes me feel old, even at 32. You don't have to dress nice or anything. It's usually pretty crowded, but the food is good. I heard your sister was coming into town again with Kit Bennet, so I'm sure you're excited to see her."

"I didn't know she was coming with Kit, actually, but I'm happy to hear she's coming." William grinned.

"Lydia is coming too, which I'll bet means Wickham," Rick warned, "Lizzy told me not to fight him, but I swear if I see that creep try anything with Georgie, I'll kill him." William nodded. "Me too. But I'm sure we're not the only ones who will kill him," he said.

"No, you're not," said Elizabeth from the door. "I don't want any physical fights, but I'm not saying I'm happy he'll be there." She tossed soda cans at both men. "I took liberties buying you each a drink."

"We're driving in my car tonight." She smiled.

"All of us? Or just us three? Oh well, it doesn't matter. See you both later, I'm going back to help Charlotte." After she left again, William went upstairs to check on the OR patients and Rick wandered back to the ER.

It was almost seven, so William came back downstairs to wait for Charles and Jane with Elizabeth and Rick. He found them sleeping in the doctor's lounge, Rick in a chair, Elizabeth on the small couch. Rick looked innocent and peaceful, but Elizabeth looked like an angel. Her hair spilled down her shoulders in black ringlets, her head turned slightly to the left so that he could see the pale, smooth skin of her neck and cheek. William's fingertips burned with the urge to touch her, but instead he moved her feet and sat down. It couldn't hurt to close his eyes for a few minutes until Jane and Charles came to get them...

He was rudely awakened by loud laughter. Charles and Jane stood in the doorway, tears streaming down their faces at the sight. When all three sleeping beauties were awakened, tiredly rubbing sleep from their eyes, Jane spoke. "We came down here to find Rick sprawled in the chair, mouth wide open, and Will a mirror image on the couch with Lizzy's feet in his lap! It was so funny! Is this what you do in the ER?"

Elizabeth stood up. "Let me change my shirt and then we can go," she consented, leaving for the locker room. Rick nodded and headed off for the men's room, leaving Will.

"I did an ER rotation today," he informed Charles, who stared at him like he grew another head. Then he smiled knowingly. "You are a slick man, William Darcy... I'm sure a certain doctor enjoyed your company."

"I hope she did," William responded, quite honestly, standing up and stretching. His shoulders still ached, so he wondered if he would be able to convince Elizabeth to rub them again. Or would that be too presumptuous? I don't know where we stand. I do think she likes me, though.

"Earth to Darcy," Charles teased, "You're a million miles out there! Where are you?"

"Sorry, thinking," was Darcy's quick reply, but he smiled sheepishly. "I was just wondering why I was invited to this dinner, that's all."

"Because I wanted you there," Elizabeth said, pointedly, from the doorway. "We're just waiting for Rick? We'll go as soon as he gets out." Rick came shortly, and the five left to the Bennet house.

The drive was quiet. In Jane's car, she and Charles had plenty to say. In William's car, Elizabeth slept. He watched her through the rearview mirror because she had chosen to sleep in the backseat. Rick followed his cousin's gaze and resisted the urge to laugh.

"You have it pretty bad," Rick commented softly, and William nodded absently.

"I do. I just wish I knew if she felt the same way, but it's early yet. It just makes me wonder, you know? I wish I could just ask, but I couldn't do that..."

Rick smiled to himself. Just wait until the auction. We'll see what happens then! I wonder if I should tell Lizzy to bring some money.

They arrived at the Bennet's home a bit late, and there were many cars lining the street. The house was of modest size, but usually the backyard was pleasant enough to hold the party outside. However, due to the rain, they were forced to be inside. Elizabeth looked a bit apprehensive. These parties never were her sort of thing, too many relatives, too many obnoxious comments, too much of Lydia, and too much of Mary.

Bespectacled Mary Bennet stood in the kitchen, preaching to an unknown audience. Elizabeth could hear her as soon as she stepped inside. Internally, she cursed herself, but outside, she smiled.

"Do not go in there," she whispered conspiratorially to Rick and William, "Mary is giving a sermon." She paused to listen.

"Really, darling, you should read this book. Dr. Spock is absolutely wonderful. People have been reading his works on children for years, Lydia. Really, you should."

An exceptionally fatigued, whiny voice answered back. "Now, Mary, why on earth would I listen to a Vulcan? Like anybody on Star Trek could tell me how to deal with pregnancy and child rearing."

William swallowed his laughter and managed a shaky smile at Elizabeth. "I've never actually met Mary," he commented, and Rick was quick to point him in the opposite direction.

"I'm sure Elizabeth will help us find Georgianna and Kit," he said, steering him away from the kitchen, "They're much easier to be with than Mary and Lydia."

You got that right, William thought, thinking of Lydia in Vegas. He rounded the corner to see Maddy Gardiner and an unknown woman who reminded him of Mrs. Bennet. She was chattering on and on about dresses, houses, and cars. Madeleine spotted him and was grateful for his interruption.

"William! Lizzy told me Rick was coming, but she didn't mention you!" At her statement, William's face fell slightly. She didn't?

"That's because I wanted it to be a surprise," Elizabeth said, coming up behind William and linking her arm through his. She looked at her aunt and raised an eyebrow. Don't ask, Aunt Maddy, because I really don't know what we are. It's not really clear.

Madeleine wisely kept her mouth shut. "Where is Rick?"

"Right here, Maddy," Rick called, holding up a plate with pie, "And I found your cherry pie! I'm in heaven, woman... I don't know where you learned pie making skills but I'm hoping you'll teach my wife when I get one."

Madeleine laughed. "Ricky, honey, I pity the woman who marries you. You're such a charmer."

He walked over and gave her a hug. "You know I love you, Maddy. Run away with me."

She laughed harder. "Lizzy, restrain him, please."

Elizabeth looped her other arm through Rick's and led them away to find Kitty and Georgianna. She glanced about the room to see her mother and several other people making small talk with Charles and Jane, and was thankful that she was spared from that pleasure. Charlotte and Billy Collins had arrived, and he was simpering in the corner about Catherine DeBourgh to Mariah, Charlotte's sister. William couldn't help but roll his eyes. Aunt Cat is lucky. She found somebody to adequately sing her praise. Billy Collins sure does know how to kneel and....

He was knocked out of his thoughts by an indignant Elizabeth. "I know what you're thinking," she whispered, and he smiled at her.

"Do you now?"

"You're thinking about how Billy Collins is quite good at meeting your aunt's hind quar-..."

Rick interrupted. "Don't say it too loud. He has radar." The three laughed at him for awhile, and Elizabeth shuddered every time he wiped his brow with his handkerchief. His hair was greasy, his face plump, but he looked happy.

Loudly, he proclaimed that happiness to whoever listened. "My Charlotte and I, it's like we only have one mind," he sighed. "We think alike, talk alike, why, even eat alike!"

I should think not, Elizabeth thought, I doubt she even goes out of her way to see you! She wrinkled her nose and Rick looked away, feeling bad for Charlotte. He had always liked her, regardless of if she was plain, and he thought if Charlotte had thought better of herself, she wouldn't be in this predicament. He forced his thoughts away from his pity for Charlotte's bedroom, as well.

Kitty and Georgianna came from one of the back rooms, and both ran over, smiling and squealing happily. Georgianna hugged her brother and then Elizabeth. She did not know Rick, but was pleased to meet him. Kitty blushed when she saw Rick. Wow. She didn't think it to be too big of a secret that she always had a crush on Elizabeth's best friend, but evidently, he didn't know.

Rick, for that matter, noticed how Kitty had grown to look very much like Elizabeth. I guess she's not Lizzy's kid sister anymore, he thought, slightly sad, We've all grown up.

Paul Bennet sought out his daughter, slightly confused. "Elizabeth, is that William Darcy over there? Did you bring him?"

"Yes, Dad, I did," Elizabeth said, blushing as she met his eyes.

"I thought you didn't like him very much," he said, still confused. That was an understatement from the last time they had talked!

"Things change. I heard Georgianna was here, and thought he'd like to go. Besides, he and I are getting along." She smiled at her father. "I like him, daddy."

He searched her face and finally smiled back. "I wish you luck. He's a difficult man, Lizzy, but you're a difficult girl."

"Daddy, he helped Uncle Jim pay for Lydia."

Paul gasped. Obviously William Darcy does more than just 'like' Elizabeth, he thought, wryly. "I should offer to pay him back, but I'm sure he'll tell me that he did it for you and would accept no money from me."

Elizabeth blushed. "Daddy, I think I'm falling for him." Her sentence was so quiet that Paul had to strain to hear her. He raised his eyebrows and smiled again.

"Maybe you should tell him," was all he said by way of advice, knowing that Elizabeth would figure something out sooner or later.

William desperately wanted to know what Elizabeth and her father were talking about, judging by the way Elizabeth smiled and her father's blatant amusement and happiness. I'm hooked on you, Elizabeth, he thought, and I only wish I knew if you are too. He walked over to find her, and she fussed over him with concern.

"You still look tense," she asserted. "Come with me. I'll finish what I started." The odd feeling in her belly was not due to food, and William knew that the house did not just raise a few degrees in temperature. He swallowed thickly and nodded.

"Okay," he managed to sputter. She led him to one of the rooms and sat him on the couch. Walking behind him, Elizabeth again began to rub his shoulders.

"You're good," he commented.

"Rick taught me," she said softly. Her hands were working some sort of magic on his shoulders, neck and base of his scalp. It was all he could do not to groan with pleasure, but miraculously, he kept quiet. Elizabeth's touch was soothing, yet he could scarcely breathe when he felt her light, nimble hands doctor's hands , he thought, absently, on his neck. A cure for all that ails me.

"He's a good teacher," William murmured after a bit, opening his eyes. He turned to look at her. Her face was flushed and her hair was rapidly escaping the braid it was entwined in earlier. Again, he had a hard time thinking coherently. "Elizabeth," he began, but was cut off.

"My turn," she stated, eyes glinting, and William knew at once that he was playing with fire. Her turn? Doesn't she know that if I touch her, I'll never be able to stop? The look in her eyes was unreadable, but she waited expectantly.

"I can't do it as well as you can," he apologized, but she smiled enigmatically at him, a small quirk of her bow shaped mouth.

"You'll learn, then," she said, simply, and sat down. He went behind the couch and rested his hands on her shoulders. Just then, the door burst open as Rick, Kitty and Georgianna walked in.

He removed his hands immediately and pretended to be looking outside at the rain. Rick and Georgianna looked at each other knowingly. Great timing, Elizabeth thought, disappointed, hands rapidly flying to her hair to fix the braid.

Damn, William thought, attempting to appear normal.

"We thought we'd warn you that Mary and Lydia were coming," Kit said airily, a smile dawning on her face, "and to keep your hands off! It's gross!"

Rick held his hand up for a high five, and Kit giggled at Elizabeth's reaction. She glared at the two of them, and then focused on Rick. "You have an accomplice, I take it? Now how in the world is that fair?"

William poked Elizabeth. "You have one, too," he reminded her, and she nodded. "Okay, fair's fair. Georgianna? Whose side are you on?"

Georgianna looked from Kitty to William, and from William to Kitty. "Neither?"

"Wrong!" The other four barraged her with a heap of pillows.

Lydia entered the room to see her supposedly 'smart' siblings and their friends throwing pillows at each other. Daddy calls me immature? These people are supposed to be doctors. Heaven knows why they're not sitting around discussing fungus or something. She put on a theatrical show of sitting down, trying to accentuate the tiny bulge in her stomach.

"Oh, oh, I think I felt a kick!"

Kitty, Elizabeth, William, Georgianna, and Rick stared at Lydia like she sprouted another arm. "Lydia," Kitty said, a bit amused, "You're only two months along. You won't be feeling a kick for some time yet."

"Aunt Linda says I should be feeling one any time now!"

Kitty rolled her eyes. Linda Phillips, her mother's sister, was not totally coherent all of the time. She believed certain things to be true, but they never usually were.

"The sky is green too, I suppose," Kitty sighed, sarcastically.

"Oh, is it? That could be a tornado," Mary said, wisely. Rick clamped a hand over his mouth to keep from laughing.

"A tornado? Who's talking about a tornado? Are the weather conditions that bad?" The aforementioned Aunt Linda had been meandering about the house, pausing in every doorway to see if anything new had been bought. Hearing mention of a tornado, she had peeked into the room slightly alarmed.

"Kitty says the sky is green, Aunt Linda," Lydia said, attempting to peer out the window, "But I can't see. William Darcy's head is in the way."

At the mention of his name, William ducked away from the window, but not away from Aunt Linda.

"William Darcy! Oh, my goodness, who did he come with? Did he come with you, Lizzy? My dear niece, do you know how much money William makes a year?"

William stared at Linda Phillips, incredulity written clearly on his face. "Not much more than your niece, I assure you," he said, attempting to be civil.

"Nonsense," Linda responded, waving her hand in the air, "I know you make probably double what she makes, being a surgeon and all... Exactly what is the sum?"

"Aunt Linda!" Elizabeth's indignant gasp was finally heard, "William doesn't have to answer that!"

Rick sat behind the couch convulsing in laughter. An evening with the Bennet family. Wouldn't miss this for the world! Georgianna and Kitty faced the window, tears streaming down their faces from laughing so hard. Kitty was embarrassed at her aunt, and she assumed Elizabeth was too. Mary, for that matter, picked up an old guitar and was picking out some kind of melody, badly.

"Mary!" Linda focused her attention on her strangest niece. "It is not becoming for a girl to play that wretched instrument! Don't you agree, William?"

"What? I don't mind it," he said, absently, and Elizabeth could have slugged him. Mary quickly began playing some chords, missing every other note. Realizing his blunder, William groaned to himself. What is this? Could it get any worse?

Mrs. Bennet came to find her sister, and it progressively did get worse. They started speaking about money, and cooing over Lydia's baby. Kitty opened the window because the small parlor had gotten quite stuffy, and by this time, Elizabeth wanted to crawl out of it. Mary strummed the guitar badly, Rick laughed, Georgianna and William looked confused as to what to do next.

Finally, Billy Collins relieved them of their troubles by calling loudly "Dinner!"

The seating arrangements could not be any worse. William somehow was seated between Lydia and Mary, Rick between Linda Phillips and Billy Collins, Georgianna and Kitty split by Mariah Lucas, and Elizabeth sat with Madeleine Gardiner and her mother. Mary looked up at William curiously.

"Have you ever thought of putting your money in a CD account? I've heard it is best for men of your financial status," she commented, with an air of superiority.

"Ah, well, I can tell you it's well taken care of," William mumbled, eating his potato that was remarkably good.

"If you ever need a financial advisor, I did study accounting in college. Among other things, of course," Mary offered, and William nodded mutely.

"I'll keep you in mind, Mary," he said, politely.

Across the table, Rick rapidly ate his food, hoping to run away. Linda Phillips had been questioning him constantly about how much money he made, how much money Elizabeth made, and how much money William made. He wanted to throw his food at her, and would have, but Georgianna had caught his eye and indicated that he shouldn't.

"Elizabeth," her mother started, eyes glinting, "you've done very well! Very well indeed!"

She blushed again. Can I ever stop blushing? "I haven't done anything, Mother. He and I are just friends." For now.

"Just friends, Lizzy? Since when do you bring William Darcy here as a friend? If that's all he is now, sink your teeth in! Get him! Get him!"

Madeleine shushed her sister-in-law. "Now, Francine, dear, Elizabeth will decide what she wants to do... It will not help you screaming at her like that!"

"Excuse me," Elizabeth said, and stood. She walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table there, grateful for the quiet. Her cousin Jenny Gardiner was already there, and appeared amused when Elizabeth came in.

"Rough out there," she commented, and Elizabeth agreed.

"Sometimes, I can't take all of them together!" Slowly, taking Elizabeth's lead, William and Kitty followed. It was much safer in the kitchen, anyway. After a couple minutes, Rick and Georgianna came and took the remaining seats. The dinner, from that point on, was pleasant enough.

Part 4

Pleasant described the week that followed very well indeed. When Elizabeth did not see William, she e-mailed him. Rick rented his tux for the auction since it was a black tie affair, and William did the same. Elizabeth took Kitty and Georgianna to one of the newer shops on Gracechurch Street to buy dresses for the auction.

The auction was rapidly approaching, so Rick slyly told Elizabeth to bring money. She brought her checkbook just to please him, but she was almost positive she wouldn't be using it. Who would I bid on? Last time I checked, I was sort of 'involved' with somebody who is not going to be an auctionee!

She spent the afternoon of the auction getting ready with 'the girls', and it made her laugh. It was high school all over again! Jane's dress was lavender, v-necked satin. It was sleeveless, but without straps. Her blonde hair was done up intricately in some sort of braid. Elizabeth thought her sister looked beautiful, and even though she would not be bidding, Jane would donate to the David Gardiner Cystic Fibrosis fund. It would make her aunt happy.

Kitty wore a dress of dark green, long sleeved, with a wide neckline. Her dark hair was pulled back with a jeweled clip, and she had gotten her makeup done. Elizabeth was fairly shocked with the transformation of her baby sister. Georgianna wore a deep purple dress similar to Jane's with a long, straight bodice, but it was high necked.

Elizabeth wore a deep blue, square necked dress. It was sleeveless, thick straps that crossed her back. The skirt was not straight, but it was long and slightly flared. Jane had done her mass of curls up and put little sprigs of flowers in the twist. She worried that the neckline was too low, but Jane assured her that she looked beautiful.

They had agreed to meet 'the boys' at the hotel where the auction was held. William had heard from a secret source that Elizabeth was wearing dark blue, so he had gotten a dark blue cummerbund to surprise her. He scanned the room for his sister and the three Bennets. Charles spotted Jane and trotted off to see her, and he finally saw Kitty Bennet talking to his sister. Kitty really does look like Elizabeth, he mused, and my sister picked a very pretty dress. They were with another woman, a dark-haired beauty, and when he realized that it was Elizabeth, his breath caught in his throat. That neckline... That dress...

He continued walking over to the trio, hoping that his walk wasn't as erratic as his heartbeat. "You look amazing," he murmured in her ear, and she shivered at the feel of his breath in her ear.

"Thank you," she said, thickly, "I'm glad you like it." She narrowed her eyes at him, a small smile creeping across her mouth. "How interesting, Will... I see we have a similar choice in colors this evening." Not to mention that you should wear a tux more often, William Darcy... You have no idea how good you look!

He nodded at her, and then smiled. "A little birdie told me you were wearing dark blue."

"I see," she said, simply, secretly thrilled that he went to so much trouble. Holding his arm out to her, he gestured to the ballroom where the auction was held. "Shall we?"

She took his arm and followed him into the room, pausing when she saw Rick. He looked wonderful in his tux as well, but his cummerbund was a bright green. Elizabeth quirked her eyebrow at him, amused.

"Green?" Rick shrugged and followed Will and Lizzy, a small smile threatening to explode on his lips. Tonight is going to be fun! He sat on Elizabeth's right side, William on the left, Kitty on Rick's right, and Georgianna next to Kitty. Jane and Charles joined them, holding hands and laughing.

The auctioneers, a young man in his early 30's and a young woman in her late 20's stepped onto the stage. Loud cheers erupted when they did.

"I know you are all anxious to get this auction started, but first we're going to tell you how it works. First, you will stand when you are making a bid. Second, you must specify what charity the money is going to, or if it's going to the hospital's fund. Third, we need the money within 48 hours." Loud cheering was still going on.

"We have many men and women up here who are going to be auctioned off, all volunteers, so the money can go to the charities. Please be kind, okay? Bidding will start at ten dollars for everybody, and I do mean everybody. The people being auctioned will be called up at random, and I suggest you give them a good long look as they're walking up here. Are you ready?"

Catcalls and cheering hit a fevered pitch, and Elizabeth smiled at William. "Good thing you're not doing this, huh?" William didn't hear her, so she repeated it, louder. He still didn't hear, so she indicated that she'd tell him later. "Later," she mouthed, and he understood.

The first man called on to be auctioned was Henry Carson, Dr. Darcy's intern. Darcy cheered loudly for the boy as soon as the auctioneer called his name. He sauntered up on stage and took a small bow. The catcalls followed him, and Henry laughed.

"Do I hear 10?"

"TEN!" A nursing student named Alice stood.

"We've got ten, do I hear twenty!"

"TWENTY!" Kitty stood, waving her arms.

"THIRTY!" The call was from somewhere in the back of the room.

"Forty," Georgianna Darcy said softly, standing up.

"Did I hear a forty? Do I hear a fifty? Fifty? Going once, going twice, Henry Carson, you're going to the pretty little lady in the purple dress." Georgianna stood, blushing prettily as she made her way up to claim her 'date'.

The next up was a petite blonde from pathology. She went for thirty dollars to a young intern from radiology. She was followed by a tall, muscular orderly who went for sixty dollars to a tiny nurse. Finally, Rick Fitzwilliam was called, much to his dismay.

"Got you!" Elizabeth called gleefully as Rick reluctantly stood up. He glared at her, but put on a good-natured smile as he walked up to the stage. A doctor in the radiology lab began screaming and jumping as he passed her. Elizabeth vaguely remembered her name to be Rachel something or other.

Rick stood on the stage and smiled his charming smile at the ladies, hoping somebody would bid.

"Do I have ten?"

Feeling guilty, Elizabeth stood. "Ten!"

"TWENTY!" Rachel glared at Elizabeth, who sat down quickly.

"Thirty," called Kitty, standing up.

"FORTY, and you sit down!" Rachel was back up, this time standing on her chair.

"Fifty," Kitty said, getting a bit miffed.

"Sixty." Rachel glared at Kitty. "He's my Stud-Muffin."

Kitty laughed. "Seventy."

"Eighty."

"Ninety!" Rachel was quickly running out of cash and soon would break into her checkbook.

"One hundred," Kitty called, just as smugly.

Rick felt the urge to run away, but also was strangely drawn to the women fighting over him. He had seen Rachel around and thought she might have been interested, but Kitty Bennet baffled him. He'd known Kitty for almost eight years!

"One-twenty," Rachel said, determined to win.

"One-fifty." Kitty only had $152.24 in her wallet, and there was no way she was going to lose.

"One-fifty? Do I hear one-sixty? Okay! Going once, going twice, sold to the lady in the green dress!" Kitty squealed as she went up to get Rick from the stage, but she was tripped by Rachel. It almost started a brawl, but Rick saved the day. He leaned down and gave Rachel a peck on the cheek. "Thanks for bidding," he drawled.

"Anytime," Rachel sighed, dreamily, "anytime."

During the bidding war, nobody had noticed Caroline Bingley. She had come into the room and sat in the back row, just to observe. She had seen Will Darcy sitting with Elizabeth Bennet, and she was not happy. People around her were moving, however, because she was wearing enough perfume to kill somebody.

People were called up steadily for the next hour. Alice, the nursing student, had bought a good-looking young doctor for only sixty dollars. Joanna, one of Elizabeth's interns, was bought for eighty dollars by one of Darcy's interns. A receptionist, Crysty, was bought for sixty as well, and somebody whose first name eluded Elizabeth, but her last name was Spring, bought a young physician's aide from surgery for fifty dollars. Finally, a nurse named Lise was bought by a good-looking endocrinologist for seventy dollars.

Elizabeth eagerly waited for the next name to be called. She was enjoying herself, laughing at the bidders and the bidding wars. However, when the name was called, her mouth went dry and she could hardly squeak out a word.

"Will William Darcy please come to the stage?"

She could feel Rick's gaze as her eyes grew wide. William stood nervously, looking at Elizabeth. She didn't know what to say. The cheers were getting louder, so William made his way up to the stage.

When the bidding started, Elizabeth was about to get up and bid, but she was beaten to it.

"One hundred and twenty dollars," came the call from the back of the room. Elizabeth's heart stopped beating. It was Caroline Bingley.

A young woman named Katt was sitting three rows up from Caroline, and was tired of being assaulted by her perfume. She was the other receptionist on duty on the seventh floor, and she did not like her one bit! William Darcy was too good looking to be stuck with Caroline, so she stood.

"One-thirty," she said, smirking at Caroline.

"One forty." Caroline glared at Katt, who wished she could throw a tortilla at her.

Peg, a doctor on the neurology floor, had met Caroline in the elevator one day. She also knew William Darcy. She didn't want to see the two of them together, so she stood.

"One fifty!"

Caroline shrieked with indignation. "He's mine!"

"One sixty," called Aja, another intern on Elizabeth's floor.

"Two hundred!" Caroline was standing on her chair, hopping like a bird on a wire.

Elizabeth bit her lip, and stood. "Two-fifty." What are you doing? You're buying affection! But you can't let that... that... THING have William!

"Two seventy-five," Caroline countered. Who does she think she is? She's not getting him!

"Three hundred fifty." Elizabeth closed her eyes. You are making such a spectacle of yourself. You are being a complete fool. What will William think of you?

William shifted uncomfortably on stage, loosening his bow tie to a chorus of catcalls and screams. Did she bid three hundred and fifty dollars on me? He took a deep breath. Please, Caroline, don't bid again!

Dumbstruck that Elizabeth had bid so much money, Caroline couldn't squawk out another bid. She wobbled on her five inch heels and grabbing the back of the chair for support.

The auctioneer cleared his throat. "We have three hundred fifty, is there a three hundred sixty?"

Before Caroline could open her mouth, she watched in slow motion as the auctioneer banged his gavel, and Elizabeth stepped to the stage. Caroline's jaw dropped as William met her halfway. She couldn't make out what they were saying, but they held hands so tightly Caroline thought she'd throw up. William Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet? How wrong. How deceitful. How sick.

Elizabeth led him to their seats, and when they sat down, she leaned over to his ear.

"I just paid $350 for you, Will. I hope you're worth my money." Her mischievous glance was clouded by what appeared to be tears. She turned away. I paid $350 dollars to do what? He probably thinks I did it to spite Caroline.

William placed his finger under her chin and turned her face to him. Her lower lip quivered ever so slightly, and without taking notice of anybody around them, he pressed his lips to hers in a kiss that took both their breaths away. Nobody existed in the crowded ballroom for the time they kissed. There was no Caroline Bingley, no auctioneers, and no siblings. It as if time stood still.

All too soon, it ended. They stared dreamily ahead. Elizabeth's thoughts hadn't completely come back to her, but she sat with a slight smile until the auction ended. Will thought the look was so cute, but failed to realize that he looked the same way. Neither of them noticed the increased catcalls from their party when it happened, either.

Part 5 A

Posted on Wednesday, 17 June 1998

The auction went for about another hour, and then the doctors, nurses, and various other personnel of Pride Hospital were allowed into the banquet hall for dinner and dancing. The big news of the night was Elizabeth Bennet's bid on William Darcy, but surprisingly enough, it wasn't the biggest bid. An oncologist, Dr. George Knightley, bid $400 for a medical student, Emma Woodhouse. Elizabeth knew them vaguely because they were regular volunteers at her blood drive.

However, Elizabeth wasn't really thinking of anybody else around her besides William. After eating dinner, they moved to the dance floor, and hadn't left since. Jane and Charles had gone past them a couple of times, and neither Elizabeth nor William had even acknowledged their presence. They were too engrossed in each other, dancing cheek to cheek, eyes closed, holding on tight enough to raise eyebrows about their intentions.

Caroline stewed in the corner watching them, wondering if it would be rude to cut in. There is not any space between them at all! They are in public, too! I thought as much of Elizabeth Bennet, but not my William. Oh, that's sick. Oh, the horror. She stood up, and smoothed her burgundy dress. Maybe I'll apply my lipstick, first. Caroline walked towards the ladies' bathroom and in the doors, pausing before she entered the stall.

When she sat down, she heard voices outside and grew angrier by the moment.

"Don't you think Elizabeth Bennet and William Darcy look good together? I doubt she really had to pay $350 for him. I heard he had it really bad for her for a long time."

Caroline threw open the stall door. "He has not 'had it' for her for a long time! He had it for me before that lab rat Elizabeth Bennet!" She washed her hands and threw open the door of the bathroom without giving anybody a chance to speak. If they would have, they would have saved Caroline heaps of embarrassment.

Attached to her five-inch black pump was a long trail of toilet paper.

Head held high she marched across the dance floor and tapped William on the shoulder. He didn't notice Caroline's incessant tapping for almost a minute. Looking up from Elizabeth's hair, he squinted at her.

"Yes Caroline?" Elizabeth turned to look at Caroline as well, her head still resting comfortably by his collarbone, and her arms were around his neck, fingers curled in his hair.

Elizabeth pursed her lips and almost had to bite them to keep from laughing. Is that toilet paper? Tell me that's not toilet paper... She managed just a small snort and reluctantly pulled away from William.

"Ah, Caroline," Elizabeth started, but couldn't finish. She gestured towards Caroline's foot, but Caroline had already thrown herself into William's recently vacant arms. Elizabeth didn't know what to do, so she excused herself to find Rick, who was dancing with Rachel.

Part 5 B

Posted on Wednesday, 17 June 1998

The song ended and Rick moved to the next woman that he had promised a dance, another intern named Laura. Being desired is hard work! He looked over to Elizabeth who was in the middle of a fit of giggles. Trying to see what she was laughing at, he scanned the room and found Caroline Bingley with a wad of toilet paper trailing from her foot. He burst out laughing and assured Laura he wasn't laughing at her.

Caroline looked at William smugly. "I saved you," she informed him.

"What?"

"I saved you from Elizabeth Bennet!" She looped her arms around his neck. "I came through, William, just in the nick of time, too. However will you thank me?" Caroline batted her eyelashes at William and giggled much like a goose honking.

"What?!"

"Gosh, William, you seem to be rendered speechless, so I'll take the time to enlighten you on how bad Elizabeth Bennet looks this evening. That neckline is too revealing," she began. A little voice piped up in her head, very rudely. That's just because you can't wear it, Caroline, don't be stupid. You don't want him to say something along those lines, do you? "Not to mention the wrong color. Women should be bright!"

"What? Excuse me, Caroline. I don't have the patience to sit here and listen to you." Before he could get away, she held her arms tighter.

Narrowing her eyes at him, she appraised him thoughtfully. "I believe you found her pretty at one point. Something about fine eyes? But I never saw anything special in her William, and I wish you'd come to your senses."

"You're right about that Caroline," he said, and she beamed at him. "I did find her pretty, but that was when I first knew her. Now I find her to be the most beautiful, intelligent woman of my acquaintance."

What about me? Caroline was confused. I was rich before I started working. My hair is straight! My eyes are pretty, too! She looked at him and clapped her hand over her mouth. In her haste, Caroline actually said "What about me?" out loud.

"If I ever gave you that impression, Caroline," William began, and Caroline looked at him like a deer caught in the headlights. Suddenly, her eyes lit up. Making a small grunt of indignation, she pressed her lips firmly to his. William floundered around trying to push her off holding his lips tightly shut, shocked and although he'd never admit it, completely and utterly repulsed. Pushing her away, he stepped back and glared at her.

"What the hell was that for, Caroline? Are you crazy?" He resisted the urge to spit out of politeness, but wiped his mouth nonetheless. "Are you having comprehension problems, or just delusions? Last time I checked, there was nothing between us at all!"

"Well, William, you don't have to put it that way... Of course there was something between us! Ever since you and Charles were in medical school, almost eight years ago, I just knew your heart raced with the same passion as mine!"

"Passion?" William spluttered, trying to understand Caroline's thoughts, "maybe for medicine, Caroline, but never for you! You're Charles' kid sister! I'm sorry if you thought that way, and I really don't want to hurt you, but after all this time, you didn't see that there was nothing between us?"

Caroline looked at him again, angrily. "And you think that Elizabeth Bennet would want my leftovers? Please! I can't believe we're breaking up this way!"

William struggled not to make a face at her, chanting his new mantra in his head be polite, she's Charles' sister, be polite... "Caroline, I'm sorry," he said, gentlemanly, "I never meant to give you this impression."

"Maybe, one day," Caroline sneered angrily, "you'll come to your senses and come back to me. Until then, I hope you have fun with that little... little... BLOOD doctor!" She spun on her heel and stormed away without direction, toilet paper flopping out behind her. William finally noticed her paper trail and laughed. He only stopped when he noticed a confused Elizabeth, gazing at him with a mix of curiosity, pain, and anger.

"What was that all about, Will? She kissed you!"

Part 5 C

Posted on Thursday, 18 June 1998

William nodded. "Exactly, Elizabeth. She kissed me, not the other way around. She attacked me, I swear Elizabeth, why would I want someone like her when I have you? There is no comparison, you have to believe me."

Her face softened and a small smile drifted across her mouth. "I believe you," she admitted, finally, and held out her hand. William took it and they resumed dancing. Caroline sat down huffily in the back of the room and crossed her legs. Is that toilet paper on my shoe? "Ewwwwwwww," she moaned, poking at it, hoping it'd come off, how long has it been there? Did Will see it?

Rick finished his obligatory dances with all the women who had asked and went searching for Kitty. He noticed the way her eyes lit up when she looked at him, and wondered if she had feelings for him that he hadn't expected. They chatted lightly about school, work, and Kitty's upcoming graduation. He noticed a little bit later that Elizabeth had left, so he took Kitty and Georgianna back to their hotel room, promising to call Kitty before she left for Brighton again.

William had taken Elizabeth home because she had to be at work the next day. Both were excited at the prospect of this relationship, and Elizabeth had taken a shower and gone to bed happy. So happy, in fact, that she hadn't even minded knocking on the wall to tell her obnoxious neighbor Mrs. Bertram to shut up the stupid pug. She had just fallen asleep when Jane burst into the room, excited and loud.

"Lizzy, the most wonderful thing just happened!"

Groggily, Elizabeth sat up. She squinted at the harsh light that her sister had turned on.

"What is it, Jane?"

"Charles proposed!"

Elizabeth leapt out of bed to hug her sister. "I'm so happy for you, Jane!"

"Oh Lizzy, we are to be the happiest couple in the world!" She giggled and jumped around excitedly for a couple moments, and then turned serious. "I just hope there's somebody for you out there. It'd be wonderful to see you happy, too!"

"Until I'm as sweet and kind as you, Jane, I couldn't possibly be that happy." She hugged her sister, ignoring the little voice in her head that whispered What about William? so softly, and persistently. Don't rush things. Let them develop, her more rational mind urged, as she smiled at her sister again.

Part 6 A

Posted on Friday, 19 June 1998

Things developed nicely in the three months before Jane was going to move out and Kitty was going to graduate medical school. Jane's boxes were packed in the apartment and lining the walls of the small living room, and her new roommates were bringing in their belongings as well. Elizabeth found it hard to watch Jane leave, as was expected. However, she had grown very accustomed to having William around, because during the last month, he had been in her apartment almost as much as she had, while Jane spent most of her time at Charles' apartment.

Her comfort level with William had grown exponentially, almost to the point where she expected to see him every night if she didn't see him in the day. It was a Thursday night in early May now, and Elizabeth and Rick had left work to go help with the house. Kitty and Georgianna were moving into the apartment, and Rick was off-and-on dating Kitty. It was nothing serious, but there were so many boxes to move and so much to do in preparation for both the wedding and the graduation.

Rick knew that Kitty nervously awaited her placement in the hospitals she had selected. He also knew that she wished to work at Pride, but that spots were limited for internship in cardiology, what Kitty had declared her specialty. Georgianna wanted to be a surgical intern, and he knew that William was pulling for his sister, but Rick didn't know how much could be done. Pride was both girls' first choice, Sense was their second, even though Wickham was there. Elizabeth and William had gotten in touch with Dr. Elinor Dashwood for Georgianna, and Dr. Edward Ferrars in the emergency room for Kitty.

Elizabeth and Rick came home to an empty apartment, and it was surprising only because people were usually there to move boxes, rearrange, and clean. They both changed out of their work clothes and into old shorts and t-shirts to work on the apartment. It was a real pain separating all the boxes and keeping them separated, but Elizabeth and Rick, armed with magic markers, color coded them to help organize. It, coincidentally, was the same way they ran the lab at Pride.

Sweat ran down Elizabeth's brow and she tucked an errant curl behind her ear before she hauled a particularly heavy box from Jane's room into the living room. She pushed, but it didn't give way. Concentrating so heavily on moving the impossible box, she didn't notice William's entrance until she felt the box moving much easier. As soon as it reached it's destination, she looked at him, eyes glinting with good humor.

"Thought I couldn't handle it myself, huh," she teased, and he leaned up against the wall, arching an eyebrow at her.

"Well, you know... I mean, you looked so cute there pushing it, but really, Lizzy, it wasn't moving." He continued to lean against the wall, smirking ever so slightly, but his eyes gave away his mirth. Elizabeth didn't mean to give him an ego complex, but he looked good.

She punched him playfully in the arm. "Oh yeah? Who asked you? Eventually, it would have gotten there." He caught her fist and pulled her closer, to which she readily agreed to and ended up pinning him to the wall, which of course he enjoyed.

"If you don't move, I promise it won't hurt," she teased, softly, leaning in and kissing him tenderly. It could have lasted longer, but Rick cleared his throat.

"Okay, I think I'm going to be sick, guys... Liz, I finished dotting Georgianna's stuff with the red marker. Is she going in the third bedroom or is that staying the study?"

Reluctantly, Elizabeth pulled away from William and followed Rick to the third bedroom. For the longest time, Jane and Elizabeth had made the third bedroom into a makeshift study and it held their 'wall of photos'. Over 200 photographs covered the walls of the room dating back as long as 7 years for some, 2 weeks for others. If there were any spaces left, every time Jane and Elizabeth got film developed, they'd be gone.

She frowned. "I don't want to take this all down, nor do I want to pack up all the books and the computer. Do you think Georgianna and Kitty would mind sharing a room again? It does make it easier to have a study, I think."

Rick shrugged, thoughtfully. "Well, it does depend on how much emphasis they put on their personal lives and what they do regarding sleeping and whatnot." Immediately following his words, he blushed. Willing her not to pick up on his little slip, he switched to teasing her.

"How long do you plan to be having that bedroom anyway?"

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at Rick and picked up the pillow on the sleepaway sofa in the study. However, she put it down. "I guess I'll have to ask them what they want to do, and I'll have to get used to taking the photos down, too."

Rick looked over the photos, from the one of Jane and Elizabeth proudly holding their college diplomas, to the one of he and Elizabeth covered in pudding after the kitchen had become a war zone during finals one year. "You might not have to," he said, trying to be convincing, but he knew at one point she would. He looked at William carrying the boxes from Jane's room to the living room and smiled knowingly. She might have to take it down sooner than she thinks.

Part 6 B

Posted on Saturday, 20 June 1998

Elizabeth frowned again. "You know what," she said, slowly, "it wouldn't even make sense to keep these pictures up after Jane leaves." She shrugged. "Kitty and Georgianna probably could care less about them anyway, and if we did keep it as a study, they'd put their own things up too." Her expression was sad.

Rick nodded reluctantly. "That seems to be a wise decision, Lizzy," he agreed, "I'll have Jane bring some more boxes home from the hospital's supply bin." He disappeared to call her and Elizabeth sat on the couch, looking over the pictures again.

There were some that dated back to when she had just graduated college, and even one of Jane in high school. There were pictures of Kitty's visits, when she still had braces and glasses, and Lydia, still looking young and innocent. Rick dotted many pictures, and there were even a couple of Jane and Charles. Most recently there was one from the auction of Elizabeth and William dancing. She sighed, lost in her own thoughts, musing about separating pictures to give to Jane and some to keep for herself.

William stacked Georgianna's boxes in a different corner of the living room and wandered into the kitchen to get a drink. He didn't hear any sounds coming from the other rooms, and with his glass of water, went searching for either Rick or Elizabeth. Rick was on the phone in Elizabeth's bedroom, and Elizabeth was staring into space in the study. He put down his glass on the end table in the hall and placed both of his cold hands on Elizabeth's shoulders.

She shrieked and hopped off the couch. "Rick Fitzwilliam, I swear on my life I'll kill you!" However, when she turned around, Elizabeth was in for quite a surprise.

"William Darcy!"

He laughed so hard that tears streamed down his face. "You... You..." William couldn't squeak a word out. After letting him laugh for a couple minutes, Elizabeth got tired. Standing on the couch so she could reach his face, she silenced him the best way she could think of.

When Rick finished speaking to Jane, he heard odd noises in the study. When he walked in, he found his cousin and best friend in a passionate clinch. He rolled his eyes heavenward, and vaguely wondered why me? Seeing the discarded glass of water on the end table, he smirked. Picking it up, he tiptoed into the study and dumped the contents of the glass on the two lovers.

Sputtering, they looked at him with venom in their eyes. When Jane came home with Charles and a heap of boxes, she found Elizabeth, Rick, and William calmly moving boxes. However, at a second glance, she realized that they were all soaking wet in various places on their clothes. Jane and Charles looked at each other and sighed.

They began taking down the photographs, putting them into only one box for the time being. It saddened both Jane and Elizabeth to do so, but Jane agreed with Elizabeth's feelings on the subject. When some of the wall was unearthed, Elizabeth cursed.

"We're going to have to paint this," she informed the group, "because the tape peeled off the paint in places."

Visions of paint all over his clothes and in his hair swam through Rick's head and he laughed. "When they're down, we'll paint. Then Georgianna will have her own room."

They continued taking down pictures, pausing to look at various photographs along the way. It took nearly two hours to take all of them down, but when they were finished, all that was left on the wall was Jane's diploma, Elizabeth's diploma, and a framed picture of the Bennet girls.

Part 6 C

Posted on Monday, 22 June 1998

Elizabeth's diploma and the framed picture stayed on the wall, at least for now. "Until Kitty and Georgianna decide which room is which," she rationalized, nodding her head. Checking her watch, she was about to open her mouth to take requests for dinner when the house began shaking. At first it felt like nothing more than a passing train, but they weren't near the tracks. The pictures on the walls wobbled, and William made an amazing diving catch to save the one of the Bennet girls. Luckily, the diplomas fell on the couch.

In rapid succession, Elizabeth's, William's and Rick's beepers went off, followed by Charles'. It was truly the oddest occurrence any of them had witnessed. "911 beep from the ER," Elizabeth murmured, and Rick nodded his head. Grabbing his lab coat from the kitchen chair, he headed out to his car, Elizabeth on his heels. Rick and Elizabeth were on call that night, and William was on emergency call, meaning he was only called if there was an emergency.

"What the hell!" Elizabeth's voice had raised at least an octave in pitch as the shaking continued.

"Tornado?" Rick's guess fell on deaf ears as a huge clap of thunder sounded not too far in the distance.

"I'd assume so," William answered, and peered out the window cautiously. How they hadn't noticed the weather conditions were beyond him because the sky was an odd greenish-black. They had driven home in a small storm, but nothing compared to this. Jane flicked the radio on, and there reports of funnel clouds, twisters, and slight damage. Suddenly, the report was interrupted by another newscaster, and he broadcasted a huge accident caused by the tornado on one of the interstate freeways connecting the two counties in the area.

Elizabeth, Rick and William got into William's car to get to the hospital. They arrived almost an hour later, due to weather conditions. No new funnel clouds were present, but there were sheets of rain. Finally, they pulled up to the hospital in a sea of red, blue, and white lights from police cars, ambulances, and fire engines.

Charles had pulled up behind them, because Louisa had paged him with news that Thomas, her oaf of a husband, had been trapped on the roadways with the twister. Elizabeth, William, and Rick ran into the hospital to find a frantic Charlotte Lucas-Collins trying to close off the ER again, but to no avail. The accident had occurred in the middle of the two hospital districts, making the number that went to Pride the same that went to Sense. Sense's smaller affiliation, Sensibility, was also bombarded by victims.

Elizabeth and Rick went to work with the patients after a grateful hello from Charlotte. William waited in anticipation and with anxiety in the surgery ward, positive that it was going to be a long night. Charles finally saw Thomas "Michelob" Hurst wheeled in, undoubtedly drunk and confused. He waited as Hurst was attended to, and then called Louisa to let her know that Hurst was at Pride.

It was close to 5am on Friday. Patients had come in steadily since 9pm, and were just dwindling as dawn approached. Elizabeth yawned with fatigue, and wandered into the hematology lounge. Again she sat, rubbing her eyes, pushing curls off her forehead. She had no clue where Rick was and eyed the couch longingly.

Knowing she couldn't sleep, Elizabeth walked over to the window, opened the blinds, and stared outside. It was still raining hard, but the fierce winds had died down. The hospital was stuffy because it was unusually warm for early May, and Elizabeth contemplated opening the window. She cracked it open just a touch and inhaled the smell of the rain. It had always soothed her as a child, and she really was looking for some quiet.

Strong arms encircled her waist and she reflexively leaned into them. "I thought I'd find you here," William said, nuzzling her neck.

"You thought right," Elizabeth murmured, smiling softly. "Sleep. I really need sleep."

"So sleep," came the suggestion from somewhere near her collarbone. His mouth was slowly enflaming Elizabeth, and she pulled away before she got distracted.

"Not here," she argued, weakly, not sure what she was speaking of, the sleep or something else. He tugged her onto the couch with him.

"Sleep, Elizabeth," William insisted, "I'll cover."

She shook her head sleepily, much like a stubborn child. Nuzzling up to his chest, he was forced to lie down, too. As he entered the realm of dreams, he truly believed he could spend the rest of his life like this.

Part 6 D

Posted on Thursday, 25 June 1998

Rick debated waking the two of them. They did look peaceful, and he was well aware of the lack of sleep the tornado had caused. However, he was positive that Elizabeth would want to go home. She was off so she could help Jane with last-minute preparations for the wedding, provided there wasn't too much damage done to the bridal shop.

Rehearsal dinner was fast approaching so Rick mentally reminded himself to pick up his suit from the dry cleaners. He was not looking forward to an evening with Lydia Wickham, Caroline Bingley, and Mary Bennet in the same room. He doubted there was enough toilet paper in the world to shut the three of them up or even make them pleasantly mortified. He made another mental note as an afterthought, chuckling to himself. Get drunk. Get very drunk.

Besides, Rick figured Kitty would probably be there with him. The thought was enough to make him smile, although he'd be the first to admit that the relationship was nothing serious, especially because of the age difference. But Katherine Bennet was a fun girl, and Eric Fitzwilliam liked to have fun.

Looking over at William and Elizabeth one more time, Rick smiled again. He knew of his cousin's little secret in a tiny black box involving gold and a diamond, but he knew what a chicken William Darcy really was. He was waiting for "the sign" from Elizabeth, but Rick thought Lizzy was giving him signs left and right. She sprawled on him so comfortably that Rick vowed never to listen to any excuse Will had to say about his postponing the proposal.

Checking his watch again, he decided it was time to wake them. "Napping on the job, are we? Let's see if I don't write up a warning, even if you are my equals," Rick said, purposefully loud. "Sleeping when there's an emergency situation..."

Lizzy bolted upright. "There's an emergency situation? How come you didn't wake up sooner?" She scrambled about the room, picking up her coat, stethoscope, jacket, and rubber band to tie back her hair.

"Lizzy?" Elizabeth ignored him in her hurry to put herself back together.

"Lizzy?" Rick tried again, but she didn't listen.

"LIZZY!" Finally, she heard him and paused long enough to look up.

"I got you big time," Rick said, and ran out in the hallway, Elizabeth on his heels.

Continued In Next Section