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Act VI Scene VI
Int. Brookline Village Apartment.
July 3, 1990
The first time she phoned, she allowed the phone to ring two times then hung up. The second time it rang three times. The third time, the answering machine picked it up. Elizabeth left her message:
"Hi, it's Liz. Charles, Jane and I are going to the Esplanade early tomorrow for the annual Fourth of July Boston Pops concert. And, well, I was wondering if you two would be interested in going? It should be fun. John Williams is excellent, and he always does the ET theme and Star Wars. We will be packing a picnic basket with cheese, wine, crackers, finger sandwiches, etc… I'm rambling here, sooooo, call me, and let me know if you'd like to join us."
Elizabeth had run out to the grocery store, and when she returned, there was this message:
Hi Liz, it's Will. Sorry I missed your call. Georgiana is looking forward to hearing the ETtheme. The fireworks display should be amazing this year. Let me know if we should bring anything; perhaps a blanket? Oh, and I'll coordinate this, but come here first, and we can walk over. See you tomorrow."
Elizabeth called Jane and Charles, and left this message on their machine:
Hi you two sick lovebirds! William called and said that we should meet at his place and walk over. What do you think? Ah, and Jane, remind me I still have to kill you for neglecting to tell me that she was his sister. Love ya, Charles! Talk soon."
Now it was time to panic, she just realized what she had just done, and didn't know if she could go through with this after all. She did want to see him again. But after what she had done to his sister… Luckily the nose was just bruised and not broken; however, Georgiana received a decent black eye out of it. Elizabeth was just about to hop in the shower when the doorbell rang.
She ran to the door trying to wrap an extremely short towel around her body.
"Hello?" she said tentatively
"Elizabeth, it's William." He said from the other side of the door.
"Oh, what can I do for you?" she asked from inside the apartment.
"Can you open the door?"
"I can't really."
"Why?" he said
"Well, I was just about to take a shower. You've really come at the wrong time."
"I'll wait, if you let me in."
"The thing is William, I am only wearing a towel right now."
"Oh," He smiled mischievously on the other side. "And you don't trust yourself in just a towel?"
She laughed. "I trust myself; but can I really trust you?" She realized what she had just alluded to and became embarrassed. "I'm sorry."
"Liz," he said softly, "will you let me in?" he put his forehead on the door; and at that moment she opened the door causing him to fall against her, pulling down the towel. Luckily, she managed to pull it up in time.
"I'm so sorry. Bad timing for me to lean against the door." He smiled sheepishly.
"What brings you here?" she said trying to hold the towel up and cover certain aspects of her. He did a body check, causing her to blush.
"You." He moved forward, and she moved backwards. "I thought maybe we could have dinner and talk."
"I don't know."
"Elizabeth, you have to tell me what the problem is. I need to know what is wrong. I can't live in a holding pattern--"
She cut him off. "Nobody asked you to."
"Elizabeth, I love you. I'm sorry I couldn't keep my feelings for you on a friendly basis, but don't deny me what I want because I gave in to my feelings. Elizabeth, I fell in love with you a long time ago."
"I was the reason that you never married Autumn." The pieces were starting to fall into place. He nodded his head. "And Winter?" again, he nodded his head. "But there aren't seasons called 'Elizabeth', just hurricanes. William, I'm named after a hurricane." He laughed and enveloped her in his arms.
"Well, we can try and weather any storm."
"That was really bad." She looked at him seriously. "I can't rush into anything."
"I wouldn't say that this is exactly rushing into anything. Elizabeth, I want to marry you." He said frustratedly.
"Marry! When did this come into the equation?"
"When I told you that I loved you. Elizabeth, I need you." She turned away from him. He walked right up to her, slowly turned her around, put his hand under her chin and softly kissed her lips. "I love you, Elizabeth."
"You have the advantage here, William. My resolve is down. I'm standing in the middle of my apartment in a tiny towel, and I have you trying to tempt me. We can't just think everything is all right, because it's not. You want more than I'm willing to give right now. I wanted to take it slow."
"And eleven years isn't slow enough for you?" he said angrily. "Elizabeth, you are being totally unreasonable. I have never met anyone as stubborn and difficult as you. If you want me, want me now; because later I could be gone."
"Don't make me make that decision. It's too hard and not fair."
"And your denying me the woman that I want is fair…"
"I never said you could have me. I'm not something that you snap your fingers and can have at a moment's notice."
"I hope that I never made you feel that way. Elizabeth, we are disagreeing over something trivial. Why can't you just admit that you love me. Stop pushing me away and allow me to love you unconditionally."
"Because you will break my heart."
End of Act VI
Act VII Scene I
Int. Same day; Brookline Village Apartment.
After Elizabeth's declaration, William -- stunned, fell back onto the sofa. "Elizabeth, why don't you take that shower, and then we'll go out for dinner and talk about this." She bridged the gap between them and reached out and stroked his cheek.
Elizabeth came out of bathroom fully dressed in a red and white sun-dress, her tresses laying softly on her shoulders. William smiled when he saw her. "You are by far the most beautiful woman, Elizabeth."
"Can we take a walk through the Public Gardens before dinner?" William assented and led her to his Jeep. He navigated through the narrow streets until he came to Beacon Street. Traffic was light and zipping into the city was a breeze. He parked the Jeep in his garage, and the two of them walked to the Gardens. He carefully put his arm around her waist. The two of them strolled through the park watching mothers wheel their babies, rollerbladers, and many lovers.
William stopped walking and turned Elizabeth to face him. "Elizabeth, I love you. I would never hurt you, ever. If I ever hurt you, it would be unintentional. I remember a little quote, that I think applies to you perfectly. 'Dance like no one's watching, love like you'll never be hurt, sing like no one's listening, live like it's heaven on earth.' You can't keep closing yourself up, and between you and me, we can make that 'heaven on earth'."
Elizabeth looked up to him, "I've been nothing but trouble for you since the first time we met. Why do you want me? You said yourself that I am stubborn and difficult."
"Because I love you. Utterly, completely and unconditionally."
"I didn't know you had a sister. For eleven years, you never once told me you had a sister."
"I've never met your parents." He added.
"I've never been to England. And I would not want to excite your anticipation regarding my parents."
"We can change that." He smiled. "I have a beautiful home in Derbyshire."
"How rich are you again?" she laughed.
"Very rich. Elizabeth, could you and do you love me?" The expression in his eyes bored deep into her. She knew she loved him. She knew that everything he said to her was the absolute truth. But something still held her back. She couldn't quite give herself to him now. It had to be special. She wanted it to be magical. He looked so imploringly at her. Willing her to answer the question in the affirmative. Wanting her to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him. She started walking ahead of him. "Why must you always close your heart to me when I declare my love to you."
"Is that what you think I'm doing? Closing off to you?" she asked impertinently.
"You're walking away. What would you call it?" he asked not unharshly.
"You're frustrated, Will." She laughed.
"And you're not? I could unfrustrate you. Quite well, in fact."
"I know you can. I've been there before, remember." She decided to play with him now.
"Oh yes, I do remember." He smiled. "But one thing has bothered me since you and I were together?"
"What?"
"Did you or didn't you?" he laughed and came closer to her.
"Did I or didn't I, what?" she teased back.
"Okay, then did I do a decent job."
"A decent job?" she said incredulously. "In what do you mean?"
"Elizabeth, you know exactly what I am talking about. I've been curious to know if you faked it or not. If you can convince me in a restaurant, and make it sound as if you have been having the grandest steak of all time, yes, it has bothered me that maybe you lied."
"Ah, so your ego needs a little stroking. So if I did lie or fake it, what? Do you combust?"
"No. Can I kiss you?" he said out of the blue.
The shocked look on her face made him smile. "Now?"
"Yes, now."
She nodded her head and he gently leaned into her and kissed her lips softly. Then a steady urging and passion developed. He wrapped one arm around her waist and lifted her up gently. She put her hands through his equally curly hair, and tousled the hair at the base of his neck. "Can we go back to the townhouse?"
"Now." She said softly.
"Yes, now." He smiled. "Elizabeth, I really need you now. Tonight, tomorrow, and last night. Please?"
She took a deep breath; he kissed her again, hungrier. "I think we must take this back to your townhouse, the neighbors will start talking." She giggled.
His eyes shone. "Does that mean you'll…"
"Maybe"
"All I want to do is love you, Elizabeth."
William and Elizabeth walked quickly back to 16 Joy Street. As soon as they entered the house, they were all over each other. They went from room to room, kissing, knocking things over. He unzipped her dress, but did not take it off. She unbuttoned his shirt and, likewise, did not remove it. He stroked her back and she ran her hands up and down his back. He kissed her neck and listened to her moan in delight. It drove him wild.
She played with his hair. Stroking him and teasing him. She went wild for him.
"Now?" he asked. She shook her head 'no'. "When?" She made him follow her into the living room. Looking quickly through his CDs, she selected one, put it in and hit the play button to the stereo. Slowly she started moving to the music, as he sat down and watched her dance. She came closer to him and pulled him up. She moved up against him. Dancing with him, just as in her dreams. He wrapped his arm behind her waist and together they swayed to the music. She pushed him back down on the sofa and moved behind him. He stood again.
I don't want you to be no slave
I don't want you to work all day
I don't want you 'cause I'm sad and blue
I just want to make love to you, baby
love to you, baby
love to you, baby
love to you
Elizabeth moved sensually to the music; bringing a smile to William's face. He sat back down and watched her.
I don't want you to cook my bread
I don't want you to make my bed
I don't want your money too
I just want to make love to you, baby
love to you, baby
love to you, baby
love to you
She lowered one strap down and gave him a big smile. She moved her hips to the beat of the fast music. Enticing him.
Well I can tell by the way that you walk that walk
See by the way that you talk that talk
Know by the way that you treat your girl
I could love you baby till I cry in shame
Elizabeth now came upon him and removed his shirt. Kissing his neck, she asked, "What about dinner?" He made to grab her, but she was too quick and went behind him. Stroking him. He reached his arm behind him and pulled her face to his and kissed her.
I don't want you wash my clothes
I don't want you leave the home
I don't want 'cause I'm sad and blue
I just want to make love to you, baby
love to you, baby
love to you, baby
love to youYeah
Elizabeth extricated herself from his kiss and moved in front of him. She lowered the other strap to her dress and slowly let it fall. He sat up and admired her form. This he could get used to. An impromptu striptease. Elizabeth gyrated slowly and teased him unmercilously.
I don't want you wash my clothes
I don't want you leave the home
I don't want 'cause I'm sad and blue
I just want to make love to you, baby
love to you, baby
love to you, baby
sweet love to you, baby
love to you, baby
I just wanna make love to you, baby
love to you, baby
love to you, baby
love to you
I just, I just want to make love to you, baby
I just want to make love
In one movement, he had her in his arms, his lips hungrily devouring hers and brought her to the sofa. "Now tell me that you love me." He urged her. Covering her body with his, he urged her to admit defeat and tell him that she loved him.
"And if I don't?" she teased. She kissed his lips.
"No more kisses." He said seriously.
"Oh, that's blackmail." He nodded his head. "I love you, William."
Not hearing the soft sweet nothings between the two, Georgiana walked right into the livingroom.
Act VII Scene II
Int. Beacon Hill Townhouse
The Same Day
Mortification reigned supreme for all parties. Georgiana was hysterical, William livid and Elizabeth shocked. Doing his best to shield Elizabeth, he immediately ordered Georgiana out. Once it was safe to do so, Elizabeth jumped up and put her dress on. "Oh this does not bode well. William, go see to your sister."
He quickly put his shirt back on and heeded her advice. "Just don't leave, please."
Georgiana was sitting in the kitchen with face in hands sobbing. He put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a hug. "I -- I hadn't a clue you were here. I never heard you."
"It would've been worse ten minutes later." Georgiana laughed, then cried again. "So when do you two get married?"
"That is a little premature. She may have already left." He shrugged his shoulders.
William couldn't hide the fact that Georgiana did indeed ruin the most perfect moment, and he knew that trying to get it back with Elizabeth would be difficult. Every time he managed to break through, he stumbled upon a roadblock, and it was starting to affect him. This was not normal. Elizabeth was thirty-two and he was… Soon to be forty -- someday. He smiled recollecting Elizabeth telling him that she was to be forty someday.
"Listen, William, I'll stay in a hotel. It's really no problem, that way you can have your privacy. I've overstayed my welcome for too long as it is. I really should be getting back to Pemberley. I've been gone for a while." Although he adored his sister, it did sound perfect. Elizabeth and he could always visit her at Pemberley.
He smiled at the thought. "I've a better idea." He ran into the living room and saw Elizabeth sitting on the sofa. "Liz, come to England with me. I want you to see Pemberley."
"Pemberley?" she questioned.
"My home in Derbyshire. We can leave as soon as possible. Please, Elizabeth, please say you'll come."
Elizabeth thought about it. "I don't have a passport."
"We can get you one."
"Where would I stay?"
"At Pemberley. There are more than enough rooms for you."
"Why should I go?"
"Because one day it will be your home and you should check it out and see what sort of decorating you'd like to do to it." He smiled to her. "Because, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, soon you will be my wife, and I demand, no, I ask of my wife to visit each and every home that she will live in and be comfortable in."
"You are very sure of yourself. I seem to recall a similar proposal several years ago. And then your rushing into a loveless marriage. Didn't Spring redecorate Pemberley and..."
He cut her off. "She never knew of Pemberley. She only knew of this house and the one in Japan. I never told her of the other houses." A thought came to mind and a big smile. "Let's go for a ride."
"We still haven't had dinner."
"We can be alone. We can pick up some wine and some carryout." He reached down to caress her cheek. "Alone, Elizabeth. No Georgiana. Just you and me."
"Sounds good."
"And we can…"
She quirked her eyebrows suggestively.
Ext. Jeep Wrangler heading north on I95
"Is the wind too much for you?" he had to yell over the traffic. Her hair was blowing in every direction and she was trying to keep it out of her eyes. "I can pull over and put the soft top on, Elizabeth." She took to pencils out of her bag and put her hair up in a twist. He had turned on the radio but the hum of the wind and traffic drowned it out. "Amazing how women can do that." She grinned at him. He kept a hold tight of her hand for the whole trip. A comforting way of never letting her go this time.
Quickly grabbing a French loaf and salad stuff at the local grocery store, William headed to his final destination. The sunset on the horizon glowed a bright orange. Elizabeth smiled to him. William pulled into a long driveway and parked the car. After grabbing the food and wine from the back, he helped Elizabeth out of the Jeep.
Elizabeth looked up in amazement at the massive lighthouse. The flood lights were starting to come on and a foghorn sounded in the distant. She noticed the plaque on the side of the lighthouse, Elizabeth's Cove. She turned around to him. "Did you name this?"
He sheepishly grinned and nodded his head. "I knew you'd be here sooner or later. It's fully furnished, come on in."
They walked in together and he took her on a short tour. He brought her upstairs to the actual lighthouse and showed her how it stayed operational.
"I will have people living here year round who will monitor the boats in the harbor, but I haven't found decent tenants yet."
"I can't believe how big it is." She said in amazement.
"Let's go down and eat, I'm famished."
After dinner, they both sprawled on a blanket looking up at the stars and listening to the sounds of the harbor. Tightly in his arms, Elizabeth felt happy and safe and loved. She rolled onto his chest and looked into his eyes.
"I'm too happy, and I'm afraid it won't last. For me it never lasts." He slowly rubbed her shoulder and kissed her neck.
"I love you too much, Elizabeth."
"Maybe too much. It's not natural." He quieted her with a kiss.
"I loved your dance, and you didn't once step on my feet." She smiled
"When did you first fall in love with me?" she asked.
"In New York. At Tavern on the Green, at Casablanca, throwing leaves at each other. I wanted to take you in my arms and kiss you. But we had just promised to stay friends. You wanted to prove that men and women could be friends and not ruin it by love."
"We failed miserably."
"But we gained so much." He slowly unzipped her dress again. "I told you earlier that I wanted you." He whispered in her ear. "That still hasn't changed."
"You only have one thing on your mind tonight."
"It's been every night for eleven years, Elizabeth. Making love to you is something that I have wanted for a long time."
Elizabeth felt the warmth course right through her. She told herself to take the chance. Go to England and make love to him and not push him away.
Elizabeth stood up and held out her hand to him. He slowly brushed himself off and walked into the house with her.
Elizabeth awoke early the next morning. Head on his chest, his arms wrapped tightly around. She smiled at him.
"I had a déjà vu that you were about to tell me that this was all wrong, and I should leave."
"Actually, wrong person. I'm the one who must leave."
"But why? Elizabeth, what is it with you. I had an incredible night. I told you before I refuse to let you go."
Elizabeth laughed at him. "Actually, we both have a concert to go to today. It's the Fourth of July. John Williams is waiting for us."
William pulled her back down to him and did everything to her that is totally unmentionable.
End of Scene II
Act VII Scene III
Int. Beacon Hill Townhouse
Fourth of July
Charles and Jane came over at exactly ten a.m. and with them they brought the morning Herald. Jane couldn't contain herself and pulled out page 11 and showed William and Elizabeth.
Our spies saw Fidelity hunk and Boston Globe reporter mucking it up in the Boston Public Gardens yesterday. They were then seen walking very quickly back to his palatial townhouse in oh so posh Beacon Hill. Hmm...wonder if the silk sheets were used. File this... under the bed.
Picture of William and Elizabeth in tight liplock.
"I'll kill her." Elizabeth fumed.
"Is this a professional rivalry?"
"She's been trying to figure out what has been going on between William and me for ages. She once threatened to out me."
Jane pulled Elizabeth aside. "So what is going on between the two of you. You never went home last night. I phoned several times."
"He took me to his lighthouse."
"And…" Jane said impatiently.
"And we ate dinner, watched the stars, then we fell asleep." However, the gleam in her sister's eye told an entirely different story.
"Oh Elizabeth, I've wanted you to be happy for so long. He will make you very happy. I've never met a man so in love before. However, you are strange, Lizzy. Are you in love?"
"I do love him. Very much so."
"But…"
"I can't quite put my finger on it. It's like he could disappear at any moment. I feel as though I'm in a dream." Jane studied Elizabeth closely and started to say something, but decided against it.
William came up behind Elizabeth, lifted her hair off her neck and kissed it. Jane smiled and blushed at the public display of his affection. Softly he whispered in her ear, "Do we really have to go to the concert. I can think of better things to do today."
"I think we must go to the concert." She stated laughingly.
"Help me get together some things?" she nodded her head. "Elizabeth, your eyes are shining and are even more beautiful than I ever remember." He took her hand and led her to a closet to get blankets. Then quite suddenly, William very backed her up against the wall and kissed her. "I've waited so long for you, darling."
She smiled back at him and kissed him just as fervently. "When do we go to England?"
"As soon as possible. Elizabeth, will you marry me in England?"
"You haven't been divorced a year yet. I thought you didn't want to rush into another marriage?"
"With anyone other than you. Elizabeth, you are the only person who I want."
"I don't know. You're not giving me much time to think this through. Just last week I thought you were married. This is going much too fast for me."
William sighed. "It's either you know you want to marry me or you don't. I don't think that eleven years, like I've said before, is rushing into anything. Do you love me?"
"I love you. I've loved you for a while, too." She smiled. "But let me get used to the idea of the two of us being a couple. I'll go to England, check out this Pemberley place, we can get engaged, and then, I'll consider marrying you."
"I refuse to get married in a blue Armani suit again."
"And you want me in a virginal white wedding dress, looking like a meringue?"
"You'd be the prettiest bride. No, the most beautiful bride." He moved his hands slowly up her back. "No, zip, too bad. I could've taken you here." He smiled mischievously.
She blatantly pushed him away. "Oh you are incorrigible!"
Int. Heathrow Airport
Three week's later
Elizabeth and William deplaned and headed towards the cab stand. William thought a nice train ride through the countryside would turn Elizabeth into a self-professed Anglophile. While Boston was a beautiful place, small and cozy, Derbyshire and the other shires around the area, were magnificent. William was extremely happy bringing home the only woman he deigned worthy of Pemberley. Elizabeth was amazed at the size of the airport. It was a veritable shopping mall.
She chatted happily the whole way on the plane. Even though it was an overnight flight and William was exhausted, he kept her amused with tales of his and Georgiana's early years. Elizabeth nearly jumped out of her skin with the way the cab driver drove, she thought her life passed before her eyes at least a dozen times. William tightly wrapped his arm around her, protecting her.
Once they were out of the cab and safely at Victoria Station, Elizabeth relaxed a little. William rented a whole train car for the ride into Derbyshire, and the Pemberley staff would have the Rolls Royce waiting with Champagne chilling. It would be perfect. Once inside the train car, Elizabeth laid down and quickly fell asleep. William watched as her chest heaved and dropped, he softly stroked her hair, silently declaring to always protect her. He felt his eyelids become heavy and fought off the ensuing sleep that was pulling him. But he lost.
The conductor came by and woke the two of them up at their final destination. Elizabeth seemed a little panicked that she fell asleep. William took everything in stride. The luggage was being unloaded, the car was waiting, all that was left was to bring her home.
Elizabeth laughed again when she saw the Rolls. She had never, ever thought in her lifetime that she would be in a Rolls. It was always too pretentious. William ushered her in and told her that it was about a fifty minute ride from the train stop. She noticed the champagne chilling and handed it to him to open. It opened with a loud pop. William quickly poured the chilled beverage into two stemmed crystal glasses. Made a toast, and they both drank up.
"You will tell me when we see the house, won't you?"
William laughed at her. "Oh, you'll see it." He smirked.
"Why do I think you are making fun of me?"
"I would never do anything remotely cruel to you."
She narrowed her eyes. "Am I missing something in your cloaked words."
"I've cloaked nothing." He laughed harder.
"Gravity makes an entrance. How did you manage to keep Spring in the dark about your houses?"
William fidgeted nervously in his chair. "This is beneath me, but I never told her about them, and when the lawyer told me that I really should have had her sign a prenuptial agreement, he said I could protect myself by putting most of my finances in Georgiana's name. Spring got about half of my base salary and the artwork. Two Gaugin's and one Monet. I hid the rest in Georgiana's name."
"I'll sign a prenuptial, if necessary."
"We don't need to discuss this now. You are to enjoy your vacation away from Gayle Feeney, Jane and Charles, and the irascible Lou Grant."
She smiled brightly at him and snuggled closer.
Pemberley loomed large in the distance, and William smiled when he saw it. The driver drove slowly down the winding driveway over the bridge and finally through the arched gateway announcing Pemberley. Elizabeth was so intrigued with the vast woodlands and parkland that the house escaped her notice. Which couldn't have been more perfect for William. He wanted to present Pemberley and Elizabeth to each other in his certain way.
He helped her out of the car and turned her around to face the massive ornately carved stone building. Elizabeth stumbled when she saw the massive size of the house. All in all, William told her there were roughly one hundred rooms, including the servants area. The parkland itself was ten miles around.
"Who mows the lawn? Not your every day twelve year old." She joked.
"Do you want to see inside?" She nodded her head like a small child in a candy store.
Mrs. Reynolds rushed outside to greet William and Elizabeth, and he nearly swept her off her feet and she demanded that he put her down.
"Let me present Miss Elizabeth Bennet." The older woman shook her hand and told her how happy she was to have her at Pemberley.
"This place is incredible. I was expecting your ordinary, run-of-the-mill house. William neglected to tell me he grew up in a palace."
Mrs. Reynolds shook her head and wagged her finger at him. "You. Unpretentious as always. Baker will show the young lady to her chamber. You, Mr. Darcy, have quite a few letters you need to look at."
William rolled his eyes to Elizabeth and watched sadly as she ascended the stairs, and went out of his sight. William headed into the study to check up on the letters that had been piling up. Nothing of import and most he could bring back to Boston and work on them there.
After being away from Elizabeth for twenty minutes, he ran up the stairs two at a time and stopped at her bedchamber. He knocked and waited for her response. When it wasn't forthcoming, he knocked again. Finally she opened the door.
"How are you finding everything?" he asked nonchalantly.
She pulled him into her room. "You. You deliberately held this from me. How could I possibly redecorate anything as grand as this. Absolutely not one thing is to be touched. It is perfect the way it is."
"That is why I love you. Because even if this was a run-of-the-mill house, you'd still adore it anyway. Did you notice anything else about this room?"
She looked around. "No, should have I?"
He walked her over to a door and opened it.
"Your room?" He nodded his head enthusiastically. "So shall we just keep the doors open, and that way it would seem as though we are sleeping together?"
He gathered her up and kissed her. "Wrong." He laughed. "Very wrong."
End of Scene III
Act VII Scene IV
Ext. Pemberley Parkland
Two days later
Elizabeth was finally able to view the outside grounds and relished in her moments alone. She knew that once she stayed here, it would be difficult indeed to leave. Her days were wonderful with Mrs. Reynolds showing her every aspect of the house. And her nights with William were completely magical. It just felt right with him. She loved waking up with his arms woven tightly around her.
Elizabeth walked down by the pond and saw all the different types of fish swimming around. She sighed contentedly and knew then that she would not want to ever go back to Boston. Yes, she would miss her sister. But the telephone and the airplanes solved the problem easily.
William quietly came upon Elizabeth and softly wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her neck and whispering nearly a thousand 'I Love you's'. Elizabeth turned around quickly and kissed him with such passion and abandon, that it really shocked him.
"I'm not dreaming, am I?" she asked breathlessly.
"Not on your life, Elizabeth."
"William, now, I need you now." She slowly removed her shirt.
"Here?"
"Yes, here. Now, Will, now." William brought her to a secluded spot in the gardens and removed his clothing. Elizabeth smiled happily at him and allowed him to do things to her that made her realize that it was not a dream.
"I love you, William." She said breathlessly.
"Elizabeth, now will you marry me?"
"Oh, yes."
"I do have a ring for you, or I should say waiting for you." She reached up and kissed him again.
"Can we spend tomorrow together, just the two of us. Preferably in our bedchamber?"
He smiled broadly. "Anything you want, darling. I could send the servants away, and the two of us could have the house to ourselves?"
"William, as long as I'm with you, nothing else matters."
The next day
The phone rang incessantly and William groggily reached over to grab it.
"Hello?" he said harshly.
"William, it's Jane, I'm sorry if I woke you."
He got his bearings together and apologized. "I'm sorry, Jane. Yes, I was sleeping."
"Is Elizabeth keeping you on your toes?" she joked.
"Something like that." He smiled.
"William, there is a bit of a problem here in Boston. But I don't want you to get excited okay?"
"What happened?" William whispered, trying not to wake up Elizabeth.
"Gayle Feeney has published your divorce papers in the paper, and it turns out that Spring has decided to sue you for more alimony."
"What!"
Elizabeth rolled over and gave William a big smile. Then realized he was talking on the phone.
"Who're you talking to." She said sleepily.
He mouthed "Jane." Elizabeth smiled and lazily turned over.
"I'll call my lawyers here, they can figure something out. Has Gayle mentioned Liz in anything?"
"Will, they are saying that she is the reason your marriage broke up. Spring has been condemning her in the press."
"Oh God! I'll take care of it here. Did you want to talk to her?"
"No, no. Just you. William, please protect her. She can be quite vulnerable."
"Don't you worry, she's in good hands. Thank you, Jane."
Elizabeth rolled right into his arms, and he pulled her close to him. "Elizabeth, this is where you belong."
"Mmm.. right here. I don't ever want to leave."
"Nope, we are staying the whole day in this bedchamber, and I've given the servants the day off. Which also means we must fend for ourselves for food."
Her eyes twinkled.
"Right now, I think you are what I want. Coffee afterwards." She smiled.
Act VII Scene V
Int. Pemberley House
Same day
They both ventured down the stairs at noon and headed into the massive kitchen. William stared at Elizabeth realizing that her state of undress would have shocked the servants. Her clingy, sheer peignoir left little to the imagination, but that she felt comfortable walking around the house, or castle as she so-called it, in it, brought a small satisfactory smile to William's face.
He sat her down at the breakfast bar and proceeded to look for food. Quite a comical sight, as he had neglected to ask where they kept the food. He was able to locate the refrigerator and pour her a glass of orange juice. Couldn't locate the coffee maker or find a kettle for tea. He couldn't even find bread to toast.
"We could venture forth and eat out?" he said.
"But that would require my taking this off and putting on clothes. But I am hungry, so why not." He bent down and kissed her nose.
He chased her up the stairs and had an uncommonly good view of her taut legs and thigh muscles. She took the stairs two at a time to beat him to their room. Although the servants had given Elizabeth her own room, she never stayed there. The first night she swore she heard ominous footsteps and the settling of the house frightened her. And she told William that that was the story she was sticking with should the servants ever come in and see them wrapped tightly in each other's arms. Ghosts at Pemberley, William had echoed. It worked for him.
Elizabeth put on a long button down brown skirt and cowboy boots with a taupe sweater. She again put her hair in a twist with two pencils. William took her hand and led her out to the car. His sporty 1964 MG flew down the narrow and twisty roads. The leaves were starting to turn a beautiful hues of orange and red and gold; and it reminded Elizabeth of Central Park in New York.
"We should go back to New York, Will."
"It works for me. I'll have to stop at my lawyer's while we're in town. Is that okay with you?"
"Sure, but why?"
"Oh, it's nothing of great importance. Just a couple of post-divorce issues and pre-marital issues." He smiled.
"What sort of post-divorce issues? I thought it was over and done with."
"Listen love, it is over and done with. These are minor issues, so don't you worry your pretty little head over them."
"Condescending jerk."
"What?"
"I called you a condescending jerk."
"Why?"
"Don't worry my pretty little head? I'm sorry, but one does not talk to Elizabeth Bennet in that manner." She shot him a suggestive smile which he understood and gave one back.
William pulled into a small dirt parking lot and both alighted from the car. He led her into a small dinerish-type of pub, that was bustling with people inside. He found a small, corner table and sat down. The waitress came over and gave him a big hug.
"Why William Darcy, gracing us with your presence. What brings you, lad, to Lambtonshire?"
"Ah, the food, Sam. And Pemberley." He smiled. "Sam, this is my fiancée, Elizabeth Bennet." Sam checked her finger and saw no ring.
"Isn't she missing something?"
Elizabeth laughed. "He told me that I should be getting it soon." She leaned closer to the waitress. "But I think he has to purchase it."
Sam laughed. "Yes, William Darcy is the type of person to just run out and buy everything. You have a good man there. Hearts are breaking all over the county." She turned to William. "And you, Will. She is a feisty one. Good breeding and nice figure. She's a tussle under the sheets."
Elizabeth blushed a deep crimson, and William laughed at Sam's forthrightness. She had quite hit the proverbial nail on the proverbial head. Sam came back and plunked down a pot of piping hot coffee and crumpets to start off with.
"So what think you of England, Liz?" he said while stuffing a crumpet in his mouth.
"It's wonderful. This part of the country is just so breathtaking, I don't think I want to go back to Boston. I could do some freelance writing for the local newspaper."
"You've already started thinking about staying here?"
"Well, yes. Isn't that what you wanted me to do. Fall in love with Pemberley and stay here forever?"
"Yes." He said slowly. "But my bond fund at Fidelity is white hot now, I can't just pack up and leave Boston."
"Okay, you stay in Boston, and I'll live at Pemberley." She smiled.
"We wouldn't see each other much."
"Oh, I could live with that. What with one hundred rooms to occupy my time, and freelancing for the local newspaper, you'd hardly be missed." Her eyes twinkled with the white lies.
"And nights alone in a haunted house?"
"Baker would be there to keep me company. He is quite dashing in his butler digs."
"And would he share your bed, too?" he leaned over the table coming within inches of her lips.
"Possibly…" he immediately kissed her making her blush all over again. Sam cleared her throat and asked if they were ready to order food.
After brunch, Elizabeth and William walked through the small town arm in arm. The whole town greeted William and commented on the beautiful woman that he would not part with. Everything was quaint and small and lovely. And Elizabeth felt more and more like an outsider. What with the American accent and her way of dress, she felt like an outsider. When William would talk to old friends and neighbors, his British accent would become so thick that even she had a difficult time understanding what he was saying. The Bostonian/Britishness about him seemed to seep away. Here he was in the north country and here was home.
He felt her pull back and become a little closed up when she was being introduced to people. She would smile prettily, maybe say something witty then walk ahead. It dawned on Elizabeth that she did not want to share him. She wanted him for herself, only. William brought her to a small boutique and told her to buy anything that her heart desired. He wanted to go see his lawyers and fix the Spring problem and Gayle Feeney's problem.
"We had them fax over the articles that were in the Boston papers. William, it's not looking good. It seems that this Miss Feeney person has been checking out your finances for about four months. She disclosed to your ex-wife that you had more money than you admitted to. She now wants you to make one hundred thousand dollar monthly payments."
William chewed the inside of his cheek while listening to the lawyer. "What exactly is being said about Elizabeth."
"It seems that there has been a rivalry between Miss Bennet and Miss Feeney for a couple of years. Miss Bennet has the job that Miss Feeney wanted, etceteras. Your ex-wife has been calling her a trollop and husband-stealing tramp, it's been plastered all over the paper. Your friend's wife protected you when she called."
The lawyer showed him four days' worth of newspapers. His picture plastered on the front page along with Elizabeth Bennet's. "Here we are about to invade Iraq, and this is more important? Unbelievable! Have you talked to Spring's henchmen?"
"Not yet, we wanted to hear from you first. Any thoughts on how you want to proceed?"
"I'll pay her. But not what she wants, and can we get retractions from the paper?"
"Can you get blood from a stone?"
"It shouldn't be that difficult. I'll deal with Spring. Ring her lawyers and tell her I'll give this amount." He wrote a figure on a small piece of paper. His lawyer gave him a questioning look. "Just give them the amount. And for God's sake absolutely no negotiating." He walked out of the office, and headed to get Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was surrounded by ladies attending to her every need. Hat boxes surrounded her feet and old fashioned a-lined and empire-waisted dresses were draped over two chairs. William laughed when he saw the bemused look upon her face.
"Enjoying yourself, love?"
"Not particularly. Can you become my knight and shining armor and rescue me?" He helped her down off the pedestal and explained that they would make the purchases on a different day. Because of who he was they weren't terribly put out, just mildly so.
The bright sunshine was quickly being replaced by tremulous storm clouds, and William thought it necessary to head back to the house. Quickly taking the winding roads back, the first splatter of raindrops hit the windshield. Then as if the heavens opened, a drenching downpour came about. William pulled the car over to the side of the road and waited it out.
"Are you going to tell me what you had to do at the lawyer's?"
"No."
"Did it have anything to do with me?"
"Indirectly."
"How 'indirectly'?" she asked, now getting annoyed with him.
"Very indirectly. Liz, it's not important." He reached over to squeeze her hand and kissed it softly. Playing with her ring finger (the wrong hand, mind you), he remembered the ring he wanted to give her. Tonight would be a perfect night to finally become engaged to the woman who stole his heart nearly twelve years ago.
End of Scene V
Act VII Scene VI
Int. Pemberley Conservatory
Mrs. Reynolds set the room to the exact specifications that William had asked her to do. If he was to propose to Elizabeth, it was going to be the most memorable night of hers and his life. He had what he sought for so long, and it gave him peace of mind to know that they would finally legalize the union.
Elizabeth had been kept in the dark regarding this room. William had purposely asked the staff to close off the room to her, as this was the one room that would be the most romantic setting to profess an undying love. He looked over the indoor garden and waterfall. Rubber trees and huge ferns made a pathway to a small fountain and the table exquisitely set for two. William kissed, then placed a long-stemmed red rose on her plate. After making sure everything was perfect, he headed out of the room to wake Elizabeth.
Elizabeth groaned and stretched lazily after William lightly shook her to wake her up. He scooped her up in his arms and held on tightly, slightly squeezing her.
"I'm not going anywhere, Will." She said softly.
"I know. I just had the need to hold you."
She leaned back against his chest and sighed contentedly. She had been wondering of late why she fought him for so long. Obviously at first when she started having feelings for him she was engaged to Joseph Reed, and it wouldn't have been right to think of one person, while living with another. But William did it. He loved her, even when he was engaged and married. She suddenly remembered his first disastrous proposal. Three-thirty in the morning, drinking hot coffee, and his eyes full of love; and she didn't see it. His transfer to Japan did make her feel a sort of emptiness. His arrival back with a wife in tow, she thought would destroy her. She snuggled closer. She could hear the rhapsodic rhythm of his beating heart and it lulled her into a serenity that she had sought for so long. Elizabeth reached up and over, drew his face to hers, and kissed him softly.
"Perfect." He said while smiling. "We must dress for dinner. Mrs. Reynolds laid out your clothes on the bed in your room."
Reluctantly releasing her, William helped her off the bed and shooed her into her room. Elizabeth froze when she saw the clothes that were laid out. The Armani dress stared back at her. She recalled not packing it; however, Jane had been rifling through her closet… she put two and two together -- William.
After showering and other toilettes, Elizabeth put on the dress, stockings and shoes. Fluffed out her mane of curly hair, spritzed it with spray. After nearly an hour of waiting for her, William came to her door and asked for her hand. She readily gave it to him; however, his hand went up her arm, across her shoulder, down to her breastbone, and then softly down her back. She jumped slightly at his touch. The electrical impulses that his fingers released, still made her tingle all over.
"The skin is soft as silk, the color of peach, and as clear as stilled water." He kissed her neck. "You are dangerous." He whispered into her ear.
"Are we dining out tonight?"
He smiled mischievously at her. "Something like that, but it will be just the two of us."
"I can't wait."
William led Elizabeth into the library and through a hidden door in the paneled wall. Wall sconces lit up the ornately decorated hallway as she looked around in wonder at the detailed artwork that lined the walls. Tightly holding her hand, he stopped her at another ornately carved mahogany door, bent down to lightly kiss her. Then standing behind her, he reached around, opened the door and led her into the indoor garden. Small angel lights illuminated the trees and vegetation. The soft rumble of the waterfall gave an exotic feel to it.
Elizabeth turned around to face William and beamed so brightly. "Oh William, this room is incredible. How did you…" She buried her head into his chest. He noticed the tears and softly brushed them away.
"No tears tonight, Elizabeth. Tonight we are fantastically happy." She laughed. He explained to her how the room came to be and where the plants were imported from. A hired servant came around with two beautifully fluted champagne glasses and gave them each a glass.
William toasted her, clanked her glass and the two of them staring deeply into each other's eyes, took a sip. Another servant came around with hors d'oeuvres: warmed goat cheese over bruschetta, spinach and feta cheese pinwheels and your basic shrimp cocktail. Elizabeth tried everything and loved it all. That this was all for her, made her feel wonderful.
Sounds of soft beautiful music came from the corner, and Elizabeth spied a small band. She looked directly into his eyes with as much love as she could possibly muster and not give in to the tears that were welling in her eyes. It was all so much, and just for her, it was difficult not becoming emotional. William saw her fight back the tears and brought her over to a lover's bench.
"If you must cry, do so. Don't hold anything in, love." Elizabeth laughed, then the tears flowed freely down her cheeks. He pulled out a beautifully crisp handkerchief and softly wiped her eyes, then kissed them. Wiping her cheeks and kissing them. After drying her face off and putting the handkerchief away, he pulled out a small jeweled box. Going down on one knee, he took hold of her left hand and quietly placed the engagement ring on her finger.
"Elizabeth, you have been foremost the most important person in my life for the past twelve years, and I have waited for this day to take place for just as long. Knowing that I have your love, you have made me the happiest man. I would go to the ends of the earth for you and with you. Accept this ring as a token of my undying love and respect for a most beautiful woman."
The tears came fast and furiously and trying to look at the heirloom ring was difficult, but she did manage to wrap her arms around his neck and hold onto him tightly, giving him small loving kisses all over his face. Again, he took out his handkerchief and wiped her face, whispering 'I love you'.
When she was finally able to look at the ring, she gasped. The platinum band was simply set with a marquise-cut diamond surrounded by tiny mother-of-pearl.
"How were you able to get this back from your wife?"
"She never had it. Elizabeth, we never need to think of Spring again. She was a mistake that we need never, ever think about. Right now, tonight is about you, me and the rest of our lives."
William led her over to the table for dinner. Roast lamb in a mint sauce with potato and baby-candied carrots was the entrée. Elizabeth sat down and cried a little more when she picked up the rose.
"Tavern on the Green, red rose and we danced. You've loved me ever since?"
"I fell badly. When I was away from you, it became torture. I finally rearranged my schedule just to come and visit you at your hotel. Casablanca playing at that old movie house really was a fluke. After walking through the most romantic park of all time, I wanted to kiss you and love you. As soon as I got back to Boston, I told Autumn I couldn't marry her. I told her that I fell in love with another woman."
"She probably took it badly." She held onto his hand. "You don't have to tell me this." She said sweetly.
"No, I want you to know. She did not take it badly, it seems she wanted to call off the engagement anyway." He smiled at her.
"I have always been curious about Winter. She didn't have a brain in her head. What attracted you to her?" she laughed.
"She was a momentary lapse of better judgment. We were together for a month, and next thing, she is begging to get married. I obliged her, and then the rest is history."
Elizabeth looked down at her ring again. "This is incredibly beautiful, where did you find it?"
He took a hold of her hand and singled out her left ring finger. "This ring has been in my family for over two hundred years. You are the only woman I thought worthy of it." He looked deep into her eyes.
The soft strains of a violin solo interrupted William. He listened with rapture to the music. He had pulled off the most successful night of his life so far. The food was delicious, the champagne and wines were wonderful. Elizabeth was absolutely sparkling.
Finishing up dinner, William applied to her for a dance. She readily agreed. He held her firmly in his arms and the two of them danced for most of the night.
"You have turned me into a princess tonight. I don't think I'll ever forget this." He spun her out and this time she purposely came in a little too close. He wrapped his arms around her, and gave her such a passionate kiss that her knees grew weak and he had to steady her.
"I think the princess needs to go to bed?" his eyes shone.
She said not one word; just took his hand and the two of them headed to the bedroom.
End of Scene VI
Act VII Scene VII
Int. Pemberley -- Elizabeth's and William's Bedchamber
Elizabeth rolled over into his arms and felt an emptiness. She moved her hand to the left and felt nothing. She lazily lifted her head off the pillow and focused her eyes to look about the room. She sat up quickly and looked down to her hand. Had she dreamed the whole thing? The ring was there. Nervously she called out his name. No answer. A little louder she called out his name, and he came running into the chamber.
"Are you okay?" he said soothingly.
She put her hand to her heart, then held her arms out for him. He quickly went into her arms and gave her a kiss.
"I thought I dreamt it all. Everything."
He took her face into his hands and kissed her nose. "No dream, love. We are together."
"Where were you?"
"I had to check the fax machine I was waiting for the lawyers to send me some documents. It's nothing."
"Is it the prenuptial agreement."
He shook his head. "I don't want you to sign one. No, just some documents concerning Spring."
She looked at him, then asked. "Will you tell me, please?"
He sighed, the held her tightly. "Spring found out that I have more money than I led her to believe, and she wants more alimony."
"She left you, right?"
"Yes. She left me."
"And she wants more money?"
He nodded his head again. "Did you realize what you were marrying when you did it? How much is she asking for?"
"How much is not important."
"Will, I am to be your wife, you could let me know these things. I can help you out." He smiled at her and squeezed her.
"I have it under control. Do you really enjoy Pemberley?"
She nodded her head enthusiastically. "This place is paradise for me. I adore it here, why do you ask?"
"I was thinking about giving Georgiana the Beacon Hill townhouse and moving here."
"But what about your white-hot bond fund?"
"I'll see if they'll let me transfer it to London. I have a townhouse in Leicester Square also."
"Will, that would be perfect. Oh no!" she said suddenly.
"What?"
She laughed. "I forgot to call Jane and tell her about us."
"Liz, it's the middle of the night in Boston."
"So…" she twinkled at him. He raised an eyebrow and handed her the phone.
Charles answered the phone groggily, then handed it over to Jane.
"Lizzy, how nice to hear from you. Are you enjoying Derbyshire?"
"Yes, very much. Jane, I did it." She said mysteriously.
"Did what? You married him!"
"No! But we are getting married. He asked me, and I accepted."
Jane whooped it up on the other side of the Atlantic. Charles came on too. "Elizabeth, it's about time." William saw the amused look on Elizabeth's face.
"Hold on, you two." She turned to William. "Can you hit the speaker button, and we can all talk?" William did as asked.
"Hello, Charles." William said; Jane and Charles acknowledged him.
"Congratulations, you two. Have you set a date?" William and Elizabeth looked at each other and laughed. That was the one thing they didn't do.
"Not quite. How about right now, we set a date." Elizabeth said. William nodded his head. "December 31. New Years."
Jane spoke: "Where in Boston or England?"
Elizabeth looked at William, and they both gave each other knowing glances. "New York."
"New York!" Both Charles and Jane said. They could hear William give Elizabeth a kiss. "Why New York?"
William now spoke: "That is where we fell in love."
Jane yawned, "Listen you two, we are very happy. But it is very late and we have an early morning. Lizzy, I'll call you later this afternoon."
Charles reiterated what Jane had just said and they all hung up.
"You know what that means now?" Elizabeth said cheekily.
"What?"
"We have to leave Pemberley so I can look for a wedding gown." William looked at her with as much tenderness and love; but regretted the decision to get married in New York. He wanted to protect her from the mud slinging of the ex-Mrs. Darcy, that was gathering much press in Boston.
Int. Logan International Airport
September, 1990
William and Elizabeth arrived back on American soil as two people deeply and madly in love. They had already planned that Elizabeth would quickly give up her Brookline Village apartment and move in to the Beacon Hill townhouse. Georgiana had decided to travel to Greece while her brother was at Pemberley.
As soon as they headed to the arrival gate, reporters and photographers were at the ready and flashes were blinding the people getting off the plane. Elizabeth turned to William and gave him a questioning look.
Gayle Feeney stood slightly behind the crowd, Elizabeth saw her and immediately went up to her. "What is the meaning of this?"
"You've become quite the celebrity, Miss Bennet." Miss Feeney said facetiously.
"What does that mean?"
"You destroyed his marriage and then you go off to shack up with him in England."
Elizabeth laughed contemptuously. "You are being absurd."
Gayle noticed the ring on her finger. "So you're engaged. The tramp and the playboy." Elizabeth raised her hand to slap her, but William saw the transaction and grabbed her hand before she could do anything.
"She's not worth it, Elizabeth. Come, let's go home." Elizabeth pulled back slightly and whispered to him, shaking all over. "Tramp. She called me a tramp."
"Ignore her, Elizabeth. Let's just go home. I'll have Henry come back for the luggage. We need to leave now."
Rushing her down the corridor (practically jogging) as the photographers were chasing, Henry had the door opened and got them in the car quickly.
"Sorry, Mr. D. It's been a nightmare out here. Miss Bennet you are indeed a sight for old sore eyes." Normally she would have given him her bright smile. But she couldn't, the word tramp resonated through her ears.
Elizabeth moved into William's arms, and he held onto her tightly. "What is going on?"
"It's Spring, love. She's being extremely vindictive. I have everyone working on it."
She pulled away. "You knew about this." It dawned on her. "That is why you had to go to your lawyers. To fix this problem. What exactly has been said about the two of us."
"Liz, it's all lies. Just ignore them."
"Tell me, now."
William took a deep breath and pulled out of his briefcase the press clippings. Pictures of Elizabeth and William together and pictures of Spring and William, kissing and looking very much like the happily married couple. That one picture brought tears to her eyes.
She read the accompanying articles and gasped. She was portrayed as your basic home-wrecker who did everything possible to ruin a most loving marriage.
"How could they possibly print such out-and-out lies? How is this going to look at the Globe. They'll fire me, William."
William looked down at his feet. Henry knew what had been going on and always maintained that Miss Elizabeth Bennet was the best person and the only person for Mr. D.
"So Miss Bennet, I understand you and Mr. D are officially engaged. Well if you allow me to congratulate you, I knew that this would happen."
She smiled to him. "Henry, thank you. But for some reason, I can't see Mr. Darcy actually marrying a tramp and a homewrecker."
He shot her a furious look, and then bellowed. "That is enough, Elizabeth, those are all lies. I have known you longer than any other person. I have loved you longer than any other person. I did not love Spring. You were always in my mind. That is why she left me because I couldn't stop thinking of you."
"And now it seems she wants you back…"
He cut her off, "And she will never have me. You -- You are the only thing that I need. I love you, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth turned to look out the window. "Henry, can you take me back to my place, please."
End of Act VII
Act VIII Scene I
Int. Brookline Village apartment and Beacon Hill Townhouse
September 28, 1990
Elizabeth checked her machine and yet another message from William. She archived it. She had been home for two weeks and doggedly followed by paparazzi everywhere she went. Her neighbors were not happy, and Jane and Charles did everything they could to bring William and Elizabeth together. For two solid weeks, he tenaciously called her three times a day. She refused each and every phone call. He stopped by, she ignored him. He had flowers sent, she didn't accept them. She sent the ring back, by bonded courier. He sent it back to her. He refused to break off the engagement.
Spring was running out of things to say about Elizabeth; because that woman had maintained a respectability about herself, most people were calling Spring vindictive, nasty and a woman scorned. When Elizabeth was stopped by nosy reporters or photographers, she would go on her merry way. She answered no questions. If she wore a scarf, it became her protector. She found herself putting on big sunglasses and large hats to protect herself. Only when she came home to the sanctity of her home, did she allow herself to fall apart. She must have listened to William's messages at least a hundred times. She wanted to be back at Pemberley.
The comings and goings at the Beacon Hill Townhouse were quite the water-cooler topic of the day. Georgiana rushed home when she heard what had been happening. Jane and Charles offered to have Elizabeth stay with them. But she refused. Georgiana called, and she was refused. Joey Tribbiani called and she was able to talk to him, and he allowed her a shoulder to cry on.
Elizabeth climbed the steps to the statehouse for her interview with William Weld. He was the GOP party candidate for the Governor's seat in Massachusetts. As she entered the door, she saw William walking out. He smiled brightly when he saw her.
"Liz!"
"Mr. Darcy." She acknowledged.
He pulled her aside, "Elizabeth, this is ridiculous. I love you. What on earth is this Mr. Darcy stuff."
"I'm late for an appointment. I can't really talk right now."
"You can't seem to talk quite a bit. Spring will be gone soon, love."
"Execution or sniper?"
He laughed, "Actually not a bad idea. I miss you." He leaned down to kiss her, and she was tempted, but right when his lips were to touch hers, she gave him her cheek. He picked up her hand and stroked it lightly. William looked around, and saw the camera angling to get a good picture. "Kiss me now, Elizabeth."
"What..." She said, and it gave him the opportunity to kiss her so passionately. He kept one eye-trained on the photographer. When he saw the photographer finish up, he pulled her closely him. "What are you doing?" she pushed him away.
"Photographer wanted a good shot. We gave it to him. Elizabeth, have dinner with me. Come home with me. Marry me."
Elizabeth looked at her watch, "I'm meeting with Weld right now. I'll come by tonight."
He gave her a big smile. "I'll send Henry to pick you up?" she nodded her head. "Liz, have you missed me?"
She nodded her head, and quickly went to her appointment.
Henry waited outside at eight-thirty and escorted Elizabeth into the car. She was half expecting William to be in the car as he was wont to do, but she was alone. It worked perfectly for Henry. He wanted to talk to her.
"Hello, Henry." She smiled to him.
"Hello, Miss Bennet. Georgiana has headed to New York for a couple of days, you and Mr. D. will be alone." She blushed at the implication. "Have you been wearing that glorious ring?" Elizabeth nodded her head and turned to look out the window.
"He's been terrible without you. He's not sleeping, up at all hours, at the office working and screaming at lawyers. He offered Spring five million dollars; she took it, the cunning witch. I never did like her." He added.
"I don't think you should be telling me this, Henry. But he offered her how much?"
"He told her and these were his exact words, 'If you don't leave Elizabeth alone, I will see to it that you are deported back to Japan, and you will see absolutely none of the money that you want.' She's a cruel woman."
"How did you hear all that?" she said sounding intrigued.
"It took place right here in this car. He went to see her. He told her in no uncertain terms, was she to call him or you; and that if one more derogatory remark was in the paper about you, he would pull the funds faster than she could blink."
"He can't have anyone deported." She said realistically.
"Oh but he can, she doesn't have a green card. She lost it when they got divorced. They weren't married long enough." He laughed.
"Henry, why are you telling me this."
"Because, Miss Bennet, that man loves you more than anything, and he will never be happy without you. Go to him and tell him that you love him too. You two have the same hollow look about yourself. And two beautiful people like you should be sparkling and bright; not melancholy and dull." Henry pulled up in front of the house. Elizabeth leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you, Henry. You are very sweet. I don't think we'll be needing you tonight." She smiled brightly to him. William came to the car and helped her out. He walked her to the door and saw Henry drive away.
"Now, where does he think he's going?" he scratched his head.
She tossed her head to the side, "I sent him away." She took a hold of his hand. "I told him we had no use for him tonight." He felt the ring on her finger and beamed the brightest smile.
"I love you, Elizabeth."
"I love you, too, Will."
End of Scene I