Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Chapter 9
Within what seemed like a few short hours, the hotel gave Liz her wake-up call and she sleepily slipped out of bed and padded tiredly to the bathroom to take her shower.
"This is definitely a cold shower sort of morning," she thought as the water cascaded around her. Even in her groggy state, she could still distinctly remember the feel of his lips on hers, his tentative caresses on her hair and the tightness with which he grabbed her as their passion grew. Liz leaned against the tile, lost in the memories, but finally roused herself enough to turn off the water and get ready for the trade show.
She made her way through the huge crowds and her father was the first to notice her approach, and her fatigue.
"Well, Liz, you had quite a night, did you? I couldn't sleep very well either, but I think that I did hear your door around 2 a.m."
"Yes, and I'm destined to pay for it today. Do you have anything for breakfast. I'm starving."
"Nada. Why don't you get something from the vendors. That actor, George will be here any time now. You can meet him when you get back with breakfast." Liz quickly bought some juices and bagels and made her way back to the booth. As she came upon the booth, she took in the extremely attractive man conversing animatedly with her father, and both looked at her when she walked in.
"Liz, this is George Wickham. George, my daughter Elizabeth. She's the , so she's the software designer, so she can answer any additional questions you may have. I need to tend to the staff for a few minutes. I would like the first presentation to start in about 15 minutes."
"Okay," George replied in a husky voice as he smiled admiratively at Liz, taking in her trim figure and beautiful face. "Your father failed to mention in all his info just how beautiful you are. You don't really need any 'booth bimbos', as you'd draw them in as well as me..."
"Silver-tongued devil!" she thought, taking in his All-American, young Robert Redford-like self, "Flattery will get you everywhere...but a raise. I'm not in charge of that department. I trust that you're fully recovered from your bout with laryngitis?"
"My? Oh, yes, all cured," he said smoothly. "All ready to rock the house." As they took a few minutes to go over his presentation and correct some minor details, Liz also took in his musky cologne and muscular physique.
"Hmm, how did Dad ever manage to pick this stud muffin. Well, at least all the women at the trade show will be at our booth, whether they want software or not!" She smiled inwardly at these thoughts.
The morning and first part of the afternoon passed quickly with Liz watching George's entertaining presentations, and their conversations between shows. With only two shows remaining, George proposed that they break for a soda, to which Liz readily agreed. She did notice several times, that although many women's faces were immediately drawn to George, he seemed to only have attention for Liz and her conversation, a very flattering thought. They bought some sodas and had been sitting down relaxing for a few minutes, when Liz's attention was caught by a familiar figure making his way through the throngs.
She looked up and smiled expectantly at Darcy who started to speak until his eyes fell upon George, who was turning bright red.
"Excuse me, Liz," Darcy said gravely. "I don't mean to interrupt, but your father told me where to find you. I'm afraid that Jane is pretty sick and is asking for you. Charles insisted on staying with her and sent me to get you."
"Yes, let's go. I just have to get my purse from the booth." In her hurry to leave, she had forgotten to make introductions, but she did notice that the two men glaring at each other did seem to already be acquainted. George and Darcy exchanged what she thought was a curious look, as she turning to look back at them, one was embarrassed, the other full of contempt. They left George holding the sodas and hurried out of the convention center, where she found Darcy's limo waiting.
After trying to draw a mostly silent Darcy into conversation, she left him to his thoughts. Mostly monosyllabic answers anyway, she thought, turning to her concern about Jane. She had found out that Jane had spent the greater part of the day by Charles' pool, and, as a result, had come down with heat stroke and had acquired a fairly severe sunburn.
"What was she thinking?" Liz thought out loud and was surprised at how Darcy jumped at the sound of her voice. "She knows that she needs sunscreen...duh!"
Chapter 10
As the limo pulled up to the mansion, Liz noticed with shock that she hadn't quite realized just how successful Charles must be. The extensive, manicured lawns spoke volumes.
"She's upstairs, in the room just to the left," Darcy said as Liz impulsively opened the door, not waiting for the chauffeur, and bounded up the stairs. Once inside, she noticed the opulent staircase and furnishings before being reminded of why she was there. Taking the stairs two at a time, she soon reached the room where Jane was stretched out on the bed asleep.
Charles looked up from his vigil at her side, "She's under sedation right now. The doctor said that she needs as much rest and relaxation as possible. I'm sorry to call you away from work, but she asked for you and all..." his voice trailed off as he stared at Jane tenderly.
"That's okay. Family is more important than business. What can I do?"
"I have to go to the hotel and get ready for my shows or I'd watch over her. Why don't you call your mother and have her get some clothes together for the two of you and I'll send Darcy for them."
"I'd hate to inconvenience him, he must have a lot to do..."
"I don't have that much to do today," Darcy's voice came from the doorway. "I'd be glad to do that for you."
"Okay, hand me the phone, then." Liz made the arrangements with her mother and Darcy left to get their bags. After he left, Charles looked at Liz.
"You know, the funny thing is watching William with you. He's usually stiff as a board around people that he doesn't know well. But he kind of loosens up when you're around. You must have a good influence on him."
"I seem to have that effect on people," Liz joked. "But, he sure didn't look comfortable when he met George, our booth actor."
"That's weird. Maybe he was just thinking about Jane and getting you here as soon as possible. He was pretty worried about her."
"Maybe that's it. He was just preoccupied..." Liz said, but her mind was still thinking about the reaction that George and William had to each other, as if they knew each other, but weren't happy with the acquaintance. Just then Jane moved slightly, grimacing in pain.
"Go on, Charles. I'll take it from here. You go and get your show stuff in order. We'll be fine," Liz whispered to Charles.
"Okay. I hate to leave, though...but duty calls. Make yourself at home. Caroline and Louisa are around here somewhere. If you get hungry, just holler. Forsett will take you to the kitchen to talk to the chef."
"Chef?" she thought as Charles left. "Now this is the place to get sick! I wonder if I have to dress for dinner or if I can just wear my jeans? I wonder if Caroline wears Dolce & Gabbana even at home?" She looked around the room for something to do and noticed a few magazines, mostly fashion but a couple on the Las Vegas area. With some surprise, she noticed that one had a cover photo of a stoic looking William Darcy and a caption reading: 'Las Vegas' Premiere Developer: Our Crown Prince of the Strip'.
Picking up the magazine, she leafed through it impatiently until she came to the article and read with interest about The Pemberley and the oft-mentioned business savvy of Mr. Darcy. Although the article was favorable in general, it hinted at some hard-ball tactics that Liz felt uncomfortable reading.
"Hmm, says that he also has a secret project coming up. I wonder what kind of theme hotel is next? Probably something totally expensive. I wonder how he can find so many rich people to populate his hotels..." She continued to read the article which, while highly praising his business acumen, underlined his standoffish attitude toward others. Liz's eyes soon grew heavy as the previous late night began to take its toll and she fell asleep, slumping over in her chair near the bed, magazine trailing from her hand.
This was the vision that greeted Darcy as he came softly into the bedroom with their overnight bags and he stood transfixed for a few minutes, taking in Liz's tranquil expression and the dark eyelashes against tan skin. Stooping over to quietly place the bags on the carpet, he noticed the magazine on the floor, flopped open to his article and interview. Scowling, he picked it up and replaced it with the others on the night stand, cursing his bad luck that this particular magazine would have to be in this particular room at this particular time. He looked over at Liz and was tempted to kiss her cheek, but instead left the room as softly as he had entered it, pausing briefly for one last gaze before closing the door and joining the waiting three downstairs.
"It is so maddening to have to entertain while Charles is away at his show," Caroline began petulantly the minute that she saw Darcy. "I mean, Jane is no trouble at all, but her family, well, they leave a lot to be desired." Louisa nodded in agreement. "I remember, William, how disgusted you were at the display they made at the Red Lion party. And that Liz dancing with Bill Collins...But perhaps you've changed your mind since then. You did dance a lot with her at the club last night. No two left feet, then?"
"Yes, I did dance quite a bit last night," Darcy replied calmly. "She and I have very interesting conversations." Although he didn't appear to want to continue, Caroline was determined to know the extent of his interest in Liz, even at all costs.
"I'm sure that you two have so much in common. And your wedding will be such a character study. Do make sure that you put a dress code on the invitations so that her sisters will be sure to be fully clothed!" She and Louisa laughed sarcastically.
"That is just what I would have expected from you, Caroline" he responded coolly. "Always imagining more than there is in male and female encounters." He looked at her pointedly and then took a book from the bookcase and sat down to read it, leaving Caroline a little red-faced and slightly confused at his comment. She looked at Louisa, but her sister was studying her card hand and avoiding her eyes. David was shuffling his cards around and began to look for the glass that he'd been drinking out of.
"Louisa, you want to get me a refill here?"
"No, it's almost time for dinner, unless you plan on drinking yours again."
David merely grunted in reply, slammed his cards down and said, "Royal flush, I win again! Now go get me another drink."
"I thought that you were going to go the casino tonight."
"Maybe later, after dinner at least. I'm going to put in a Baccarat tape and get ready for the tables."
"Here's your last drink until ."
"We'll see!" He downed the glass and belched loudly.
"I can see there is SOME merit in not drinking, after all," Louisa frowned at her unrepentant husband who was wolfing down handfuls of peanuts.
"Oh, Louisa, did you ever have such a wonderful meal as we did last night?" Caroline gushed. "William, what was that I ate? I insist on knowing."
"Veal tongue, if you must know," Darcy replied curtly. "It's a French delicacy." He hid a smile as Caroline started to look pale at the revelation.
"Oh, really." was all that she could manage in a weak voice.
"I could have the chef whip some up for you, if you'd like," he continued wickedly.
"That's not really necessary...excuse me, please," she said, running out of the room and almost colliding with Liz in the process.
"What's wrong with Caroline? She didn't look well."
"I don't really know. Could have been something she ate...last night!" They both smiled. "How's Jane? Any better?"
"Still sleeping soundly. I can only stay down here for awhile. Thanks for getting our clothes and all."
"No problem. Would you like a tour of Charles' house?"
"Maybe later. I really don't feel comfortable leaving Jane for long."
"As you wish." Darcy went back to the semblance of reading his book, although his thoughts were very much on her troubling presence, worsened by her form-fitting jeans and t-shirt. She looked at him, puzzled that the conversation seemed over, but shrugged mentally and picked out a book of her own to read, unaware that Darcy's attention had wandered far from his book as his eyes took in her curves, especially when she bent over to look more closely at the books on the bottom shelf. David Hurst, although mostly preoccupied by his peanuts, amused himself watching Darcy for a few minutes, before switching on the TV and inserting a videotape on Baccarat tips.
Caroline returned to the room, her face slightly damp and pale, but determined to keep Darcy at a distance from Liz. She planted herself on Darcy's chairarm, but he ignored her.
"Gee, what do I have to do, sit on his lap? Not that that would be so bad. Or even a lap dance...no, too obvious, even for me. Think, Caroline, think...Hey Liz, what do you think of the sculptor, Rodin?"
"I like his work, actually. Very sensual."
"You should come and look at this reproduction that Charles got a few days ago. It's called 'The Kiss'."
"Yes, I'm familiar with that piece. I saw it in Paris. Quite stunning."
"What do you think, William?" Caroline asked, her eyes glinting in triumph. She had noticed that his book was now closed and he was looking their way.
"I like it very much." He glanced at Liz meaningfully, who started to turn red.
Caroline looked at the two of them, and didn't like what she saw. Fortunately, the moment passed as they were called to dinner. Caroline walked quickly over to William, slipped her arm in his and smiled her most malicious smile at Liz as they walked ahead into the dining room.
Chapter 11
The rest of the evening proved uneventful. Liz ate quickly and returned to sit with Jane. Darcy remained mostly silent and deep in thought. He broke his pensiveness by visiting Jane and Liz briefly before leaving for his own home in Spanish Trails. Although Liz was secretly pleased to see him away from Caroline and Louisa, she was puzzled by his distant manner of communication. After he left, she began to pace around the room, mulling over the past two days and the latest turn of events.
"Maybe he has a lot on his mind, his business and all...Maybe it was just a fling...Maybe he has changed his mind, Maybe, just maybe I just imagined his interest...or worse, maybe, once again I've mistaken passion for real emotion like I did with John Willoughby. Well, I'm not going to think about it now. I'll think about it tomorrow, after all, tomorrow is another day." She dressed for bed and gratefully sank into the plush mattress and was soon asleep.
Her sleep was fitful at best and she arose with the first light of day. She looked over at Jane and was relieved to see that Jane was still sleeping, and with a relaxed expression on her face. Liz quietly dressed i her running clothes and went for a long energizing run to clear her mind. Upon her return, Charles greeted her, sitting on his front steps, reading the paper. He looked up and smiled sheepishly as he took in her amused grin.
"I came out to get the paper but when I saw this article, I just had to sit down and read it!"
"Impulsive type, huh?"
"I guess. Did you sleep well? How's Jane?"
"Fine and she's doing better."
"Good. Now don't worry about staying with her today--I insist on watching her myself. You are needed at the booth, from what your father says. Lydia has heard that Reggie Jackson will be at the trade show signing autographs and she's determined to be there to 'help out' at the booth..."
"Oh no!" Liz said in mock terror. "I can just see it now. Well, thanks. I should shower up and get going, then."
"I'll have Fausett set a plate out for you so that you can eat and run. Do you need a ride there?"
"Thanks Charles, I really appreciate it. I'll just take a taxi there...business expense, you know!" They parted company at the bottom of the stairs. Within a short time, Liz was clean, dressed, had eaten and was on her way to Comdex.
"What a sight!" she thought as she approached the Bennetech booth. "I hope that Lydia doesn't get mistaken for a booth bimbo, although if the shoes fits..." The booth directly across from theirs did indeed have Reggie Jackson, showing off his medals and obligingly signing whatever personal items that the crowd would offer him. She also noticed that Lydia had managed to take a break from her rapturous study of Reggie to actually have him sign her T-shirt. George Wickham was also already there, seeming more than a little miffed to be upstaged on such an important day. Lydia flirted with George whenever Reggie's attention could not be had, which, considering that his wife was also present, was not very often.
"OH, Liz! Did you see Reggie Jackson? Isn't he just the bomb? I'm so glad that Dad let me come and help out!" Lydia gushed, while Mary, who was actually helping, gnashed her teeth. George looked over at Liz and smiled his most ingratiating smile:
"Hi Liz! I hope that your sister is doing better. Before you get any other offers, I'd like to ask you to lunch."
"That would be fine," Liz warmed to his open and artless manner. "So, what is the competition today, other than Reggie?"
"Oh, like there IS any competition," Lydia butted in, "A couple of booths down there is some guy with big hair and another beefy guy handing out little keychains that look like mini-boxing gloves...duh."
"Don King, with Mike Tyson," George whispered with a smile. "I guess that your little sis isn't up on the entertainment world."
"Boxing isn't her thing."
"Apparently she goes in for other sports," George nodded in her direction as Lydia had gone back to her rooted position in front of Reggie Jackson's booth. The morning passed quickly as George managed to capitalize on Reggie's crowd by commenting on him during his own show and throwing Bennetech T-shirts into his booth. Reggie responded by tossing signed baseballs into the Bennetech booth, to the delight of all present.
At one point, George took a break and disappeared, returning with Reggie Jackson and all of Jackson's medals draped around his neck.
"OOH, you have Reggie's medals!!" Lydia squealed. "I just love a man in Reggie's medals." And gave George a very suggestive look which he catalogued for later use. Liz just shook her head and Mary just looked disgusted. Mr. Bennet, although he was beginning to get a little tired of Lydia and her comments, looked slightly amused.
Lunch time rolled around and Liz gratefully took a break. As she and George walked to the vendors, she noticed that he smiled furtively to a young woman at the Mike Tyson booth. "Hmm, I'll have to ask what that was all about," she made a mental note to herself, which was all but erased by the conversation that she and George were soon to have.
"So," began George, once they had food and were seated. "How long have you known William Darcy." He looked around him quickly.
"Not long, really. Just a few days."
"I suppose that you noticed that yesterday was just a little awkward for the both of us to be together."
"Yes, I had, actually. I suppose that you are going to enlighten me..."
"Well, William and I go way back. We practically grew up together, you might say. His father, George Darcy was kind of my godfather, if you will. Mr. Darcy was a very influential man who helped my father out a great deal. He even helped him to finance his own little hotel, the Center Strip Inn."
"Can't say that I've heard of it," Liz began but was interrupted by George.
"You wouldn't, of course. It was bulldozed about a year ago. When my parents died, it was to go to me. I was supposed to run it, and I did a pretty good job of it."
Liz shifted in her seat, wishing that George would stop beating around the bush and just get to the point.
"Anyway, to get to the point," George continued, as if he had read her mind, my father hadn't been the best at keeping books and old Mr. Darcy, because of his love for me, helped me out financially, so that I could keep the hotel running."
"Skip to the end, already," Liz was thinking impatiently. "What does this have to do with William?"
"When old Mr. Darcy died, he left a proviso in his will for me. I hate to bring this up, since you know William and all, but you have to know what kind of a person you are dealing with..."
"So, what happened?" Liz replied, trying to hurry him along, since their lunch break would be ending soon.
"To make a long story short," George said (while Liz groaned inwardly), "William refused to grant me the money and since my little hotel was just next to his Pemberley and he apparently needed the space, he bought out my hotel and had it bulldozed for parking space."
"WHAT?!" Liz was clearly shocked and missed George's eyes glinting with something dark. "Your father must have really been in arrears for him to be able to do that."
"Yes, sadly he was," George gave his best sorrowful facial expression," and the Center Strip Inn was all I had left of him..."
"Despicable!" Liz cried. "I didn't think that William was capable of being so ruthless."
"Well, he always gets what he wants. Including women. That's why I just couldn't let you go on without giving you a little warning. I really appreciate and admire your father and would hate to see you go through what some of the other...well, maybe it isn't any of my business."
"I hate it when people do that. Finish what you have to say, and I'll decide what to think."
"Well, it's just that he's such a love-'em and leave 'em type of guy. Why, when we were both studying business at UNLV, I had to comfort, I lost track of how many women. His MO was to get the ones who seemed the hardest to get at, and once they were in love, Adios!"
"Hmmm." Liz was clearly thinking over all he had said and was trying to think it all through clearly. George was rather pleased with his day's work, as he was thinking:
"Okay, the Darcy-Liz thing is done. Now for number two."
Liz stood up and abruptly said, "I think that it's time that we get back to the booth."
"Agreed," smiling a triumphant smile.
Chapter 12
"Liz, you must be worried about Jane. Why don't you go on and spend some time with her at Charles' house. It would probably do both of you a world of good. Besides, I have Mary...and Lydia," he added as an afterthought.
"Thanks, Dad," Liz replied with a tight smile. "I could use some time off."
"Why don't you just take the rest of the week off, or at least tomorrow."
"I think that I might just do that. Charles has a pool and a gym, and right now, I could really use a strenuous workout."
"Have fun," her father kissed her on the cheek. "Give my love to Jane."
"Will do, thanks Dad," Liz replied and gathered up all her things, leaving an amused father, an annoyed Mary, a starry-eyed Lydia and a smug George to watch her leave.
Her arrival at the Bingley mansion was a dream to some and a nightmare to others. Jane was awake and eager to talk to her, as she was in little pain and had much to ask. Charles was affable, as always and withdrew to leave the two sisters in private.
"So, what is the scoop on William?" Jane asked.
"Boy, you don't beat around the bush, do you?"
"Are you kidding? I've been mostly dead for the past little while and I intend to catch up as soon as possible!" Noticing Liz's strange expression, she said, more softly, "Liz, what is it? What's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing, everything. I'm not quite sure what to think, sis. Let me fill you in on what I just heard..." And she proceeded to tell Jane about William, and his withdrawn behavior and George's diatribe.
"Well," Jane said once Liz had finished, "It's possible that George made it all up, you know. William doesn't seem like that kind of a guy. He is successful, yes, but doesn't strike me as a hateful sort."
"George did seem really sincere."
"Isn't George an actor?"
"Jane, come on. William has told me himself that he doesn't let his head be ruled by his heart. I must have just imagined his affection, in my case, but I really don't know what to think of all of George's accusations."
"What does your instinct tell you?"
"I wish that I knew. I'm just so upset and confused that I wish that I could punch someone or something."
"I heard Charles say that he has a punching bag in his gym..."
"Perfect! I think that I'll go take out some of my aggressions on it instead of on the one that I'd really like to punch."
"Sis, take care and don't jump to conclusions this time. Remember, all men are not Willoughby."
"You mean, even if they seem like it?" Liz grimaced and went off to find Charles' gym. Charles directed her to the gym and left, happily returning to Jane's side alone. Liz was left in the gym with all her thoughts and emotions, and the longer that she thought, the angrier she became. She pulled on the gloves that Charles had provided and started socking the punching bag with all her might.
"I see that you saw Mike at the trade show," came an amused voice.
"Yes, I did," Liz replied defensively. "What are you doing here?"
"Came to workout. Charles didn't tell me that this was a private session."
"Not private, just necessary."
"Want to talk?"
"Not particularly."
"It might help."
"Somehow, I rather doubt that." She eyed him defiantly.
"Let me guess. Something tells me that you had a talk with George Wickham today."
"Might have."
"What did he have to say? You know, I've heard almost all of his stories."
"Stories, are they?"
"Yes, which version did you get to hear today?"
"I'm not sure that I want to discuss that with you."
"As you wish." He mock bowed and left the room, flushed with anger. Liz leaned against the wall for support and felt empty. Maybe George had lied or at least fudged the story to his own ends. She couldn't decide and felt the full weight of her oppressive emotions. She ran all the way back up to Jane's room, tears blurring her vision, unaware that her flight did not go unnoticed and had softened the heart of the observer in her favor.
Meanwhile, back at the trade show booth, Lydia was still trying to flirt with George, who, for lack of anything better to do, was flirting back. That is, until he spied his next conquest. Sidling up to her as she walked by the booth, he began smoothly:
"Did anyone ever tell you that you look just like Tyra Banks?" She smiled at him and they walked off toward her booth, as Lydia stood and watched in astonishment.
"Tyra Banks? As if! Tyra doesn't have nasty little freckles..."
Chapter 13
Liz sat on her bed and felt her eyes begin to swell, not only with tears, but the physical aftermath of them. Jane tried to cheer her up by telling her that she was feeling much better and thought that she would be up and around the next day. That worked for about five minutes and then Liz lapsed back into her tearful reverie.
"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you," Jane smiled. "Charles has passes for all our family tomorrow night to his last show, and then he wants to go somewhere fun."
"Do you really think that you'll be up to it?"
"Pshaw, pinkish skin, that's all. Besides, I have some painkillers here if I need."
"Can I have some?"
"They are not for emotional ills, hon. Don't you want to talk about it?"
"What's to say? I could have made the biggest mistake of my life. When will I learn to discern between good and evil? That stupid Willoughby has clouded my ability to make good decisions. I hate him until the day I die!"
"You ought to give William a chance, you know, to explain. I'm sure that there is a logical reason for all this, somehow..."
"You should have seen his face. He was so angry. If Wickham lied, then I have been the biggest fool ever. If he told the truth, then what do I do with these emotions? I really started to fall for William."
"Why can't you just talk to him?"
"I don't think that he wants to...his face was like a stone when he left."
"Well, if Wickham lied, of course William would have every right to be upset. Anyone seeing you two together could see how you both feel about each other."
"Felt, I think. Past tense." Liz began crying again and laid back on the bed. Jane tried in vain a little while later to convince her to go down to eat dinner, but she declined, saying that she wasn't hungry. Jane left her and Liz fell into a fitful sleep, which took her well into the early morning.
Upon waking, in her early confusion, she thought that she had gone blind. Stumbling to the bathroom, she discovered that her eyes had swollen partially shut and splashing cold water on them didn't quite do the trick. She went down to the kitchen to get some ice.
"What the..."
"Sorry, I can't see very well."
"So, I noticed."
"Sorry." In more ways than one, she thought.
"You missed dinner. You must be hungry." said matter of factly, without emotion.
"Yes, I just wasn't hungry. Can I get past you to the icemaker?"
"Liz..."
His closeness, although desired, made her realize that she probably looked like a train wreck.
"Just let me get past. I really, really need this ice."
"No, I want to talk to you."
"Please, William." Liz started to cry again.
"Oh, mumble mumble," was all she heard as he muttered something under his breath and drew her close to him, stroking her hair. "Why won't you talk to me about it? How long does this impasse need to go on?"
Being in his arms, warm and encircled was enough. She sighed slightly and nestled there, content to just be held. How long they stood like that, in the darkness of the kitchen, she didn't know. His lips kissed her hair softly, tentatively.
"I don't know what story Wickham has imposed on you, but you must allow me to defend myself, at least in some little way."
"SSSHHHH..." she whispered. "Let's just go with this moment, just like this."
They stood there for a few more minutes until Darcy cleared his throat.
"Well, I've got to go. I have to be at the office and get some work done that I've been neglecting. Are you going to Charles' show tonight?"
"Yes, I imagine so."
"May I pick you up? Maybe we could talk on the way..."
"Yes, I think that I would be able to talk about it by then."
"See you later, then, Liz." William bent and softly kissed her cheek. Her hand touched the spot where he had kissed and watched him go, listening for the door before reaching for the ice.
Chapter 14
"Hi Dad!" Liz smiled at her father.
"Hi Liz! I'm glad to see you, although, if I remember right, I told you to go have some fun!"
"Well, I just couldn't stay away from my favorite man in the whole world!"
"Dear Lizzy." Her father smiled at her affectionately. "Now where is that actor? He was supposed to be here 15 minutes ago. He sure keeps his own hours."
"How did Lydia work out yesterday?"
"After she finally got tired of staring at Reggie and his medals, she started hot and heavy on George, but, I have to say that I think that George's attention was pretty much taken with some other girl."
"Yes, some girl named Mary King. Her uncle Don was here doing promos with Mike Tyson in the Mannatech Booth." Mary, who had been listening in, inserted her opinions.
"Mary King?"
"Yes, Lydia thinks that she's a 'nasty freckled thing', but apparently George doesn't. They were looking awfully tight by the end of the day yesterday."
"Hmmm, isn't that interesting?" was all that Liz could manage to say or think, at that moment. Just then, George sauntered into the booth, casting a smug look at Liz, that only Mary observed.
"George, you're late," admonished Mr. Bennet.
"Sorry," he replied nonchalantly. "I had a hard time getting a taxi here."
"Well, you're here now. Let's get busy. I want your first show in 10 minutes."
"Okay boss," he said. "So, Liz, what's new?"
"Not a whole...but I did hear that you have a new girlfriend?"
"You could call her that, I guess. She's coming by for lunch. Would you like to go with us?"
"No, that's okay. Three's a crowd and all. Is it serious already?"
"Could be, could be. Her uncle has really taken a shine to me."
"That's always encouraging!"
"George!" Mr. Bennet bellowed. "Now, if you wouldn't mind terribly."
"Sorry Liz. Duty calls!" George began his show and Liz couldn't help glancing over at the Mannatech booth, where she was surprised to see both Don King and Mike Tyson glaring their direction.
"Gee, I hope that she's not the jealous type. I'd hate to see George get in a tangle with Mike." She went to her booth duties and soon forgot all about the Kings as she continued to mull over William and George and their situations.
"Say Liz," Mary began nervously. "Who is that guy over there?"
"What guy?"
"The one in the gray suit. He's been here every show."
"Must like George's presentation."
"No, I'm sure that that is NOT the case. He does stare at him a lot. But that expression doesn't seem to be a friendly one."
"Well, as long as he doesn't ruin his concentration. Does George seem to notice him?"
"Not at all."
"Well, keep an eye on it, but I wouldn't worry too much, Mary."
"Okay," Mary walked off, to get a look from a different, and more subtle vantage point. The day passed without incident. Mary King came and collected George for lunch, and Liz saw that she seemed to be a shy, sweet young woman who hung on George's every word. Mary, her sister, seemed disgusted by their loving display. She did notice that the grey suit appeared to be following George whenever he went anywhere and she made a mental note to find out more about it by stopping by the Mannatech Booth.
At the end of the day, George left with Mary King, and the Bennets went back to their hotel to get ready for dinner and Charles' show. Liz was unnerved to hear a knock at her door much sooner than expected.
"William, you're early...or am I late?"
"No, I'm a little early. I thought that we might have that talk?"
Chapter 15
Liz looked at him expectantly.
"Okay," he said, taking a deep breath. "I'm not surprised that Wickham would try to draw you in. He's been my worst nightmare for years...and this past year was no exception. Let's see, where should I begin?"
"With the beginning?"
"No, that takes too long. I'll sum up since we only have about 15 minutes until we need to find our seats in Charles' theatre."
"Okay, sum up, then."
"Right. Anyway, as you have probably been told, my association with Wickham goes way back. Our fathers met at UNLV when they were in business classes together. My father saw how much Mr. Wickham wanted to succeed and how determined and honest he was, so since my father had some pull, he managed to help old Mr. Wickham with a loan and set him up in owning his own hotel, the Center Strip Inn."
"Yes, some of that sounds familiar. Go on..."
"Old Mr. Wickham passed away, and his son wanted to take over the Inn, but my father insisted that he take some business classes, accounting, management and such, so that he would be able to handle it and even paid for all of his school. We took many classes together, George and I, and although he was smart enough, he tried his hardest to schmooze the professor instead of doing any real work, especially if the prof was female..."
"I think that I get your drift. Please continue. This is fascinating."
He looked at her sharply, not able to gather whether she was being ironic or really believed him.
"Where was I...oh, yes. My father arranged for George to assume the ownership of the hotel, even though George was flat broke and his father hadn't left him with anything but his name...the hotel wasn't that profitable."
"MMHMM."
"My father contracted cancer later that year and started to set his affairs in order. He had always felt a real bond with George, so he left him enough money to pay off the loan on the hotel. When my father died, George came to me and wanted the money up front...said that he was going to pay off the hotel. What he did with all that money is beyond me, I confess. About six months later, he came back to me, asking if I could loan him a couple of million. Said that he was needing to pay off some debts to keep the hotel running. I refused, because I had heard rumours around town about his gambling and, well, prostitutes.
"He never told me any of that!"
"Yes, I'm sure," William responded dryly. "George was so mad at me that he cursed and swore every oath that I've ever heard, and then some. Talked about getting even with me, etc."
"He was mad."
"Yes. I didn't hear anything more from him until just this past year when our paths crossed again, and if only I could forget...but you have to know the truth."
"The truth, yes."
"My younger sister, my only sibling, was at UNLV for her 2nd year in theatre. George managed to conveniently run into her often, and they struck up a relationship of sorts. She was gradually convinced that she was in love, and George also convinced her that he was able to launch her screen career, since he was now making movies. What he didn't tell her was that his Center Strip Inn was a front for a porno film production. He talked Georgianna, my sister, first into letting him take some cheesecake photos in swimwear, and then in lingerie for her 'portfolio'. Should I continue, you look a little pale?"
"No, don't stop now. I must hear this."
"Okay. After he had her confidence, which wasn't hard since she is naive and trusting, he started to try to make love to her. What she didn't know was that the hotel rooms were all wired with cameras that recorded black-market videos of usually the hard-core stuff. I got suspicious one day when she broke down and told me where she was spending so much time. I investigated it and the place was busted. He was going to put 'their' video on the net, and had he succeeded, his revenge would have been complete, indeed. I decided to buy out the note on the hotel and had it razed. I made it into a parking lot for The Pemberley."
"How is Georgianna?"
"She's fine, now. Poor thing. I hope that someday she'll be able to trust men again, but she had quite a blow."
"And George?"
"He deserves a blow, at least one. He spent some time in jail, but not much...that's Las Vegas for you. Georgianna left to study abroad for awhile. She wanted to be as far away from George as possible."
That's understandable. HMMM."
"Liz, I don't know if you believe me, but I can give you all the supporting documents that I have."
"That's not really necessary. What a story...now what about Anne?"
"Anne? What does Anne...just a second, let me get that," he said, picking up his cell phone from his belt, "What's that, Gordon? Oh, all right. Be right there."
"Emergency?"
"You could say that. I may not get back for Charles' show. Please apologize for me. Sorry to have to run off..." He practically sprinted to the door, before turning and giving her a long, serious look. "Please believe me. I am telling you the truth about all this." With that he opened the door and was gone.
Liz was left with her thoughts, all jumbled and confused. She was not able to concentrate on Charles' brilliant show for all she could think about was the recent revelation that she had received.
Chapter 16
"I suppose you're wondering what this is all about?"
"I imagine that it has something to do with your excellent niece, Mary."
"That is right. Let me come right to the point. I've had you investigated, Mr. Wickham and I would advise you to stay away from Mary or else I will have to convince you in a way that you won't possibly be able to refuse."
"We're in love. It's not fair."
"Come, come Mr. Wickham. That acting won't work on me. Remember, I'm in show business, too."
"Oh, yeah, old man?" Wickham sneered. "Well, what do you intend to do about it, if you can do anything?"
"I don't intend to do anything, myself, that is." He stepped to one side, "But HE does."
Wickham looked over to the shadowed figure before his eyes widened in recognition, but not before he was able to duck the gloved fist that laid him out on the ground.
"Let's get out of here, I heard someone coming," the other man said as they both walked away as quickly and nonchalantly as possible.
The man in black who witnessed the whole incident chuckled to himself. "Gee Gordon, you brought me out for this?" and, with a swish of his cape he melted into the night.
Chapter 17
Liz spent the rest of the night, in form of dreams and a great deal of the next morning trying to sort out her feelings. She went for her usual run to clear her head, opting to run in the direction of The Pemberley. As she took in the construction area, the parking lot and the impressive hotel being built, she had an epiphany:
"Duh. Once again, I've been taken in by a pretty face, and very little else to go on...I didn't even know George and I believed him. Wonder if he lied about William and his supposed engagement to that Anne person? I'm so gullible. I'll bet that if I met Jack the Ripper, I would have said, 'Oh, Jack, how nice to meet you...what's that knife for?' And William is such a great guy. I've really screwed it up this time..." She ran hard all the way to the Stratosphere, taking in their billboards for the pseudo-Spice girls, thinking about Lydia at that, and back to her hotel.
Meanwhile, a crowd was gathering at the Bennetech booth, a rather large crowd, unusual for the last day of any trade show. Mr. Bennet watched the action with great amusement and wished that Liz wasn't so slow at arriving.
When Liz finally came to the Bennetech booth, she pushed through the throng with no little amazement.
"Dad, hi! What's up?"
"Well, my dear, it would seem that our humble booth has somewhat of a celebrity in George. Last night he stopped a would-be attacker from a mystery woman and got a black eye for his trouble. He's being hailed a hero and everyone is on the look-out for the woman who ran off."
"Oh. Is George okay?"
"As you can see, he appears to be doing just fine!"
She looked over and George caught her eye, with his own mismatched ones. He was sporting a true black eye and looked for all the world like a sheepish person, caught in some unwelcome limelight. Lydia, curiously enough, was also there, hanging on his arm and on every word. George smiled wanly at Liz, which Liz could barely return, her emotions returned to their previous state of upheaval.
"What next?" she thought to herself. "That this day will come to an end and we can get on the plane and leave. I can't wait."
The day was long and torturous to Liz. She did notice that, although many booths still had some traffic, most people directed themselves first to their booth. The Mannatech booth, bereft of its celebrities of the past few days, was empty. Not even Mary King was around, she mused. Just regular booth staff. They must have anticipated a slow one.
Soon they were able to pack up their booth belongings and prepare to go back to the hotel for their luggage. Lydia stayed behind with George and said that she would meet them there. They hailed a taxi and drove to the Monte Carlo, almost in silence until Mr. Bennet spoke:
"Well, Liz, wasn't that a fine day's performance for George?"
"Performance? What are you implying, Dad?"
"I was highly entertained by the day's events. Don't tell me that you weren't at least diverted, somewhat?"
"My mind was somewhere else, I guess. What do you mean when you say 'performance'?"
"Oh, nothing. It was quite a fun day, though, for me...really passed the time." The taxi pulled up the their hotel and they got out, passing the huge poster of Charles as they entered the building.
"I wonder if Jane has us all packed, or if she is saying good-bye to Charles, even as we speak..." They went up to their rooms and Liz let herself in to her own.
"Hey Jane, you alone?"
"Yes, Charles is supposed to see me off at the airport. He has all the flight info and everything. Is William going to come, too?"
"Not exactly. I doubt that he will ever want to speak to me again after last night. And Lydia is having George bring her. He got a black eye last night from stopping an attack on a woman."
"Poor George. What a nice guy to save that woman."
"Yes. Are we all packed then? I would hate to miss our flight."
"Anxious to be gone?"
"You don't even know the half of it!" They gathered up their luggage and headed for the airport.
At the airport, Liz noticed that Jane looked distracted and that she kept looking around.
"Charles is supposed to be here...Oh, I hope that something didn't come up. I hate to have him be late."
"Well, there's Caroline. She looks like she came to say good-bye, for whatever that's worth."
"Oh, hi Jane, Liz. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Charles isn't going to be able to make it. Could you and I talk...in private?" said with a pointed look at Liz, who, smiling wryly left them to sit in the waiting area. She absentmindedly picked up the evening edition of the Las Vegas Times and scanned the headlines...and gasped.
"What? That big, fat, liar!" was all that she could manage. "Oh, if I ever see him again..." she fumed and folded over the paper, as she heard the boarding announcement over the loudspeaker. Jane found her seat next to her a few minutes later, her eyes downcast and a little red.
"Jane, are you all right?"
"No, but maybe someday I will be. Oh, Liz, I've just received the biggest shock. It turns out that Charles couldn't meet me after all because he had to take an early morning flight...back to his wife."
Chapter 18
"His wife?!?!?! Caroline told you that he was married?" For the first time in a few days, Liz forgot all about Darcy and Wickham.
"She said that he was going to tell me today, but had an emergency. Oh, last night he did tell me that he had something very important to talk to me about, but I had no idea that it was this..." Jane buried her head in her hands and sobbed as though her heart would break. Liz could only stare at her for a moment in concern before saying:
"Impossible. Anyone who has met Charles knows that he is without guile and that he is madly in love with you. How could there be a wife involved?"
"I don't know. All I know is what Caroline said..."
"Caroline. I'll bet she's up to something."
"Oh, Liz, how can you think so meanly of her? Why would she do anything so hateful to her own brother?"
"Think meanly of her? Actually, I was giving her the benefit of the doubt. Don't worry, Jane. I'll get to the bottom of this and...good-bye Las Vegas." The plane took off and Liz once again saw the illuminated city from the air, but this time without all the anticipation of before.
"Sure is quiet. Are Lydia and Kat asleep?" She looked around, located Kat, Mary, and her mother and father. No Lydia.
"Dad! Dad! Lydia didn't get on the plane."
"Yes, I know," he replied in a tired voice. "She called my cell shortly before boarding and told me that she had an audition for a part in a revue and wanted to know if she could stay a little while longer with one of her new friends, a Mrs. Forster."
"Are you sure that you want Lydia by herself in Las Vegas? That seems like madness, given her lack of self-control...you saw how she was at the booth."
"Now, hon, you know that Lyd will never be happy unless she is exposing herself in some public way, and this way at least she'll get paid for it!"
"Dad! That's not funny. This is Lydia we're talking about, not some little stripper."
"Liz, I'm sure that she'll be just fine," Mr. Bennet answered firmly. "Don't worry, you'll see that she will behave herself."
Liz looked around for something to read, something to entertain her. Oh yeah, the paper, she thought and opened it up to the page that most interested her.
"Jane, do you remember what I told you last night about George and today about his heroic effort?"
"Yes."
"Well, get a load of this..." She turned the page so that Jane could read it and heard her sister gasp:
"I never knew that someone could be so fake and despicable. 'Heroic act is just that.'"
"Can you believe that he tried to make people think that he'd done something great when all he did was get beat up for trying to con Mary King and her uncle. Worm. Don King says here that his private investigator found out all kinds of shady things on George and that's why he wanted him away from Mary."
"Well, I guess, then, that William was telling the truth."
"William, yes I guess that he was." Liz looked out her window, thinking about William, his touch, and his kisses in the hotel hall. "I suppose that George was also lying about his engagement with Anne..."she thought. "My skills at discernment could sure use some work. How am I going to find out the truth about Charles for Jane?"
Her thoughts occupied her for the rest of the trip, and she noticed, with satisfaction that Jane had fallen asleep and that her face had relaxed somewhat, giving Liz hope. She started to outline a plan to get the information that she required and smiled as the announcement came on that they were soon to land in Kansas City.
"The sooner to get my plan in motion," she said softly to herself, and almost smiled in anticipation.
Chapter 19
Upon Charles' return, he immediately went to find Caroline who was reading a People magazine and drooling over the Sexiest Man of the Year photos.
"What do you think, Charles? I personally go for Pierce Brosnan over Harrison Ford, though Harrison is still quite attractive."
"What did she say?"
"What did who say?"
"Don't be so obtuse. Jane of course."
"What did you expect her to say? She said good-bye. She WAS leaving on a plane, you know."
"No, I mean about my trip. Did you get her phone number or address or anything?"
"I thought that you already had it, or I would have asked for you."
"Did she say anything else?"
"Only that she had a nice time, lots of good memories or something like that."
"That's it? That's all she had to say?"
"Give or take a few syllables, yes."
"Oh, okay." Charles walked away dejectedly. Caroline shot Louisa a sly grin and lazily got up out of her chair. "I think that I'll go take a hot tub...want to come Louisa?"
"Yes, there is much to talk about!" The two sisters left Hurst to his game of solitaire and were heading out to the hot tub when they heard the doorbell.
"I'll get it!" Caroline called. "It's probably William. Maybe we could talk him into hot-tubbing with us..."
"Hi Caroline, is Charles around?"
"Yes, but he's a little depressed and I think wants to be alone. Why don't you come hot tub with us...or even just me."
He gave her a sharp look. "I think that I'll just check in on Charles. Sorry to pass up your offer." He felt nauseous, knowing what tricks she could possibly have planned with the two of them in a hot tub, and the sight wasn't pretty.
"Ho, there, Charles," he said, catching sight of him moving toward his bedroom. "Wait up."
"Hi, William," Charles responded without energy. "What brings you here?"
"I came to see how your send-off with Jane went."
"I didn't go," he began gloomily. "Just as well, from what Caroline said."
"Caroline? What does she have to do with it?"
"I had an emergency...one of my illusions had a problem and I had to quickly get a replacement part...had to drive several hours one way just to pick it up before the store closed. I told Caro to give my apologies and was hoping that I'd get some kind of response...a phone number or something. But nothing but, 'thanks for the memories'."
"Caroline was sent in your place?" Darcy's face started to look grave. "Would you excuse me for a minute?"
"Sure," Charles replied glumly and went to sit on his bed.
Darcy went straight to the hot tub room and got right to the point.
"Louisa, would you excuse us? I'd like to talk to Caroline, alone."
"Sure, William," she replied, shooting Caroline a very meaningful look. Once she was out of earshot, Darcy began his line of questions.
"What exactly did you tell Jane?"
"Why?"
"Because you know as well as I do that Charles and Jane are in love, though who knows why you would want to mess that up?"
"Why do you think that I would do anything so hateful?"
"I'm not sure. But I do intend to find out. What did you tell her?"
"Well, Charles told me to apologize to her for being so married to his work. Maybe she took it wrong, I don't know."
"Maybe she had some help in taking it wrong."
"Are you accusing me of deliberately trying to break them up?"
"What did you say? Exactly?"
"You have no right to ask me these impertinent questions. I don't have to answer to you for anything. He's MY brother, so butt out."
"He's my best friend and you will tell me the truth."
"I'm not going to tell you anything, you bully."
"Oh, I think that you will," he said picking her up forcefully and carrying her into the house.
"Well, if you wanted to get friendly, why didn't you just say so. I would have just walked, William dear," she cooed as they passed Louisa and David, staring openmouthed as Caroline dripped all over the marble floor and Darcy.
"I have had about enough of your charades. You and I don't have any thing going on, nor will we ever. You are going to tell Charles right now what you told her or you'll be sorry. I mean it," his eyes bore the seriousness of his statement to her and she shrunk before his gaze.
"All right," she answered crossly. "Charles, come here, I have to talk to you."
"Not now, Caroline, can't it wait?" came Charles' plaintive voice.
"No, Charles, I don't think that it can," William replied.
"Okay, what is it? And make it brief, okay? I'm not in the best mood right now and want to be left alone."
"Charles," she began tentatively. "What I actually told Jane was not that you were married to your work. I did apologize for you, though."
"Thanks a lot. Is that all you have to say?"
"Uh, no, that is, I um..."Darcy gave her a menacing look. "Okay, I admit it. I told her that you went off to see your wife!"
"My WIFE?!?!? I don't have a wife and you know that, you little..."
"Calm down, Charles, this isn't like you..."
"You, why would you say a thing like that? You know that I in love with her. You did this on purpose."
"I did." Caroline was defiant. "I thought that if they were out of the way, that William would come back to me and things would be like before..."
"I never was with you, you're so delusional," William stared at her in disbelief as she ran off sobbing.
"William, how can I get her back? I don't even know where to begin."
"I do. Let me get on the net and see what we come up with. There has to be some way for you to clear up this mess..." William put his arm around Charles' shoulders and they walked downstairs together toward the computer room.
Chapter 20
Around midnight, Kansas time, the phone rang. Several times, since the household was asleep. Liz stumbled to the phone and mumbled a:
"Hello? Is this an emergency?"
"Hello, Liz. I was hoping to find someone up, even at this late hour."
"Who is this?"
"Liz, this is Charles."
"Charles? from Las Vegas Charles?"
"Yes. Could I talk to Jane, please?"
"Well, I dunno. What's it worth to you?"
"Please don't make me beg. Caroline has really screwed things up and I need to talk to Jane bad."
"But you're a married man..." said in a teasing tone.
"C'mon Liz, you're torturing me. Please just wake her up."
"Okay. Hey Janie there's someone who wants to talk to you."
"Hello?"
"Jane, I, this is Charles. Please don't hang up. Let me explain about Caroline's stupid comment..." Liz quietly left the room, closing the door behind her and breathed a big sigh of relief.
"One down, one to go," she thought. "How ever am I going to get a second chance with William?"
William was seated next to Charles for the first part of his conversation, and straightened in his chair when he heard Liz's sleepy voice come over the speakerphone. He listened with rapt attention until Jane came on, then left the room quickly.
"How am I ever going to get her back? I can help Charles, but why can't I seem to help myself?" He sighed deeply, shaking his head as if to rid himself of the memory of their passionate kisses and her cat-like eyes of topaz.
Chapter 21
"He's going to meet us at the airport. Isn't that great?"
"Yes, that's wonderful!" said Liz, wishing that William would also magically appear with Charles. "It will be good to see him again."
"I can't say that I will be so very happy to see Caroline again. I've forgiven her, but I'm not sure that she's very...trustworthy."
"Well, good for you, Jane," Liz beamed. "You're finally getting the old Liz spirit of things!"
As they landed at the airport, Liz could feel her stomach knotting in anticipation of the week ahead.
"Please let me see him, just once," she silently begged.
Charles was on time, and, true to form came bearing a huge sheaf of roses. Jane turned red just to see him, ear to ear grin and flowers. All the people in the airport turned to watch them walk by, arm in arm, but they had eyes only for each other, making Liz feel very much the third wheel.
"So, how's things, Charles?" Liz ventured. "Everyone doing all right...your sisters, your friends..."
"Yes," he responded absentmindedly. "All fine."
"HMMMM," thought Liz, "the fish just ain't bitin' today." They pulled up in front of the Treasure Island and Liz could see that the pirates were battling it out and smoke was bellowing from the 'lit' ship. "This will be a fun place to stay...although apparently I won't be having too much company from the looks of things."
Charles helped them get installed into their room, and he and Jane left almost immediately afterwards for a private dinner. Liz felt the excitement and anticipation drain from her, leaving her sad and slightly depressed.
"Well, what did you expect...that William would be waiting for you at the airport with flowers? You never even told him that you believed what he told you. Well, no use sitting around feeling sorry for yourself, get up! Do something! Let's see, according to this guide, The Pemberley is getting ready for its grand opening. I ought to go down and see what it looks like now that it's completely built."
The taxi left her standing in front of the massive hotel, feeling breathless and stupid. "What if he sees me? Oh, what rot. I hope that he does...why else would I come here?" She walked the grounds in the front of the hotel, taking in its elegant lines, and immaculate lawns. "He certainly has taste, I have to give him that..." she said out loud.
"Why, thank you," came a soft voice from the shadows.
"William?"
"Hi Liz, I was wondering how long it would take you to get here."
"You knew that I would come, did you? Pretty sure of yourself."
"Wishful thinking, actually. Would you like your tour now?"
"Yes, I believe that I would," she smiled up at him so beguilingly that he groaned:
"OH, I told myself that I would be calm and go slow, but I just have to..." his lips came closer and closer to hers and tenderly began to explore her mouth as she moved closer to him.
"Well, this isn't exactly the kind of tour that I had in mind, but I'll take it..." she sighed contently, leaning into his body. Her closeness made him softly kiss her hair, her eyes, her cheek, and made a trail back to her waiting lips.
'I want to lay like this forever
until the stars fall down on me'
she lightly sang into his ear. He tightened his grip on her, remembering the car ride and the first time that he had really touched her, and the thrill of her touching him back.
"Now, about that tour," she said teasingly after a few minutes.
"Yes, of course." He released her reluctantly. "But I have to warn you...I want to show you every room in the hotel..." smiling suggestively at her as they walked hand in hand toward The Pemberley.
Chapter 21
A slamming door in the distance, and Liz sleepily opened her eyes. "MMMM, William is that you...?" It took a moment for the fog to lift and for Liz to get a bearing on her surroundings. On a couch, in her own hotel room.
"That was a dream? That was the most realistic dream that I've ever had. I can still taste his lips..." She padded over to the bathroom and turned on light. It was around 11:30 p.m. and she had been asleep all of three hours. Liz brushed her teeth and washed her face, and was ready to go back to bed when she saw the bit of white sticking out from under her hotel room door.
"What's this? Let's see...oh, an invitation to the grand opening of The Pemberley, compliments of the hotel, also a Derbyshire Group...formal attire, cocktails, buffet. Sounds like a plan...for tomorrow night." She was about to throw the paper away when she noticed the writing on the reverse side. With a large smile, she impulsively kissed the invitation and slid it into her purse to keep.
Within a few minutes, she was standing in front of The Pemberley, looking up at the intricate detailing on the architecture.
"Beautiful. He sure has taste." She said out loud.
"Thank you," came a soft voice from the shadows. "It took you long enough."
"Do you ever have deja vu? Cause I'm having a real case of it right now. Will you pinch me so that I know that I'm not dreaming this time?"
"Okay, I'll pinch you, first."
"Ow, okay, I'm really awake," she smiled in relief. He caught his breath as the moon and the pale lights illuminated her face, angled up toward his, but he controlled the urge to kiss her.
"Will you come to the grand opening tomorrow? My sister Georgianna will be there and I'd really like for you to meet her."
"Yes, I will come. I would like very much to meet your sister."
"She is looking forward to meeting you. Can I send the car around to pick you up? The festivities don't start until around 7:30, so I could have you picked up around 6?"
"Six would be fine. The trade show ends for the day at 4, so that would give me enough time. Why didn't you come to the airport with Charles?"
"I didn't know if I'd be welcome..." his face took on a sort of melancholy expression.
"I believe you. And if I hadn't fully believed you, the newspaper article I read completely convinced me. William, I'm sorry. I should never have trusted Wickham."
"He's fooled people all of his life, he's good, a consumate actor in the truest sense of the word. Are you cold?"
"A little," she replied, wrapping her arms around herself.
"Looks like you could use a little help," he smiled, as he wrapped his arms around her and there they stood, leaning into each other's warmth.
After what seemed like an eternity, Liz shyly looked up at William's face and almost gasped as his intense gaze. Their lips met, and locked for a long, delicious time, until Liz softly said:
"I need to get back to the hotel. I have to be at the booth early. If you keep kissing me, I'll never want to leave."
"Then why leave?"
"We've already been through this, remember?"
"Yes, I guess we have. Okay, let me give you a lift." He wrapped one arm around her and walked her to his car, and held her for one long moment against the car before sighing heavily and kissing her passionately, pressing against her. She pulled his head closer to hers, running her fingers through his thick hair. "Well, get in before I kiss you again." He said thickly. She climbed in dutifully and he slammed the door forcefully, climbing in his side and driving erratically down the avenue. Once at the hotel, he let her out with a terse
"I'll see you tomorrow."
"You're not going to walk me up, I take it then," she looked a little hurt and his expression softened.
"I don't dare. Don't take it in a bad way."
"I won't. Thank you for the ride."
"Thank you." He reached over and kissed her softly on the lips. "Now, go to your room, and quickly!"
"See you tomorrow!" she said as she got out of the car, grinning from ear to ear, watching him speed away.
Chapter 22
The day seemed interminably long, as Liz watched the clock and dreamed of 7:30 and the grand opening. Finally, she was dressed for the evening and in the limo that Darcy had had sent for her and they were pulling up to The Pemberley. It was all lit up, and one of the most beautiful buildings that she had ever seen, making her feel almost inadequate. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she got out of the car, and started to enter the hotel.
Her entrance was noticed by quite a few, as Liz had dressed herself with care, in a sheath dress of ruby that clung in all the right places without being vulgar. She scanned the crowds, trying to locate William but didn't see him anywhere, and was beginning to feel a little desperate when she felt his presence next to her.
"Madam, you look ravishing," he said, lifting her hand to his lips and giving her an intense look that made her melt. "Please come and meet my sister." He led her over to a young woman about Lydia's age, who was elegantly attired and who appeared to be nervously watching people arrive.
"Liz, this is my sister, Georgianna. Georgie, Liz. I need to take care of some details, but I'll leave you two together. I imagine that you both could use a little calm in all this storm!"
"What did he mean by that, Georgianna?" Liz asked as Darcy left.
"Only that he knows just how much I hate crowds. They make me nervous. William tells me that you have 4 sisters."
"Yes, 5 girls in one household. It was quite interesting growing up."
"I would have liked to have had a sister, but William is the best big brother that a girl could hope for..."
"I would have liked to have had a brother. I was kind of a tomboy among girly-girls."
"You don't look very tomboyish tonight!"
"Ah, yes, the magic of evening wear!" Liz replied, smiling widely as the two continued to speak comfortably, unaware that William was watching them from a distance and very satisfied with what he saw.
Others also saw the evening's interaction between Liz, William and Georgianna, capturing it on film for the next day's edition, and commentary on how the hotel mogul's heart appeared to have been permanently booked. Georgianna withstood the majority of the evening's festivities and crowds until around 10 p.m. when she begged to retire.
"It was very nice to meet you, Liz," she said. "I hope that we'll get to spend some more time together before you go back to Kansas."
"I would like that."
"I'm sorry to cut and run, but I'm not very good with crowds, you know." Georgianna gave William an affectionate hug, and with a wave, was gone.
"Well, Liz, alone at last!" William said with a roguish grin.
"Hardly alone. Look at this crowd."
"Alone enough. Would you like your tour of the hotel Pemberley now, my lady?" He asked, bowing deeply at her, then holding out his hand.
"Why sir, I would be delighted!" She took his proffered hand and they began to explore the hotel entry, the casino, the offices and the entertainment area. "Don't you have any other rooms that I haven't seen?" she asked with mock innocence.
He looked at her out of the corner of his eye, "Why, Miss Bennet, are you suggesting that you'd like to see the actual hotel rooms themselves? Why ever would you be interested in that?"
"Oh, don't make it sound like I want to jump you, William," she replied with a lilt in her voice. "I just want to see those high roller suites that I'll never get to see otherwise."
"Sounds like a good excuse to me."
He unlocked one of the uppermost rooms and through open the large double doors.
"Taa daa," he gestured toward the opulent suite and Liz was taken aback to see the rich furnishings, the sculpted carpeting and the marble bath with gold fixtures.
"It's like a palace, almost. I'm almost afraid to breath in here, let alone touch anything. Beautiful."
"Yes, beautiful," his voice became husky as he pulled her close to him.
"Oh, look at the view. It is stunning!" said Liz, trying to draw his attention out the massive picture window.
"Yes, it is." He continued to stare at Liz, pulling her closer until his arms were locked tightly around her. She, in turn, reached up and gently stroked his cheek.
"This has been a wonderful evening, William. Thank you for inviting me and for introducing me to your sister. I like her very much."
"I was hoping that you'd like her like a sister..." he began tenderly.
"Well, she reminds me a little of Jane. Kind and sensible."
"Because, " he continued, "I'd like for her to be your sister, too. Elizabeth Bennet," he sank to one knee, holding one of her hands, "you must allow me to tell you how much I admire and love you. Please relieve my suffering and consent to be my wife."
"Oh." Liz sat down overcome on the nearest sofa.
"Is that a yes or a no?" William queried gently.
"Actually, that was an oh," she smiled at him, still on one knee. "Why don't you come and sit next to me for a minute." His handsome face began to take on a less confident expression at her words.
"Liz, do you love me?" asked tentatively.
"Oh William, with all my heart. How can you forgive me so easily for thinking such horrible things about you. And for saying such things to your face. You ought to despise me."
"Despise you? No, I've been angry, amused, lustful, annoyed, but I've never despised you. Quite the contrary, dearest, loveliest Elizabeth!"
"William, I am so in love with you. Yes, I will marry you."
"Great! I'd hate to have to take this back to the jewelers...!" She gasped as he opened the little box to reveal a large, perfect, princess cut diamond ring that was flanked on either side by baguette diamonds.
"It is gorgeous."
"No, it will be gorgeous...on you." He slipped the ring on her finger and noticed with amusement how, like a child she was fascinated by the sparkles it made in direct light. She turned to him with such a look of love and contentment that he kissed her long, and she kissed him back with equal passion, running her hands up and down his back before pulling his body closer to hers.
"Liz," he groaned. "We have to get married as quick as possible or I won't be responsible for my actions."
"Okay, how about tomorrow...The Chapel of Love, one o'clock.!"
"Chapel of Love? Somehow I had something a little more...um, formal in mind? Oh, I see, you were pulling my leg. Well, for that I'll just have to..." He moved toward her, but she leaped up from the couch swiftly and ran away from him, giggling wildly. "Come here, you little minx..." He started to chase her through the spacious suite, trapping her near the bed.
"So, this was your plan, huh?"
"Actually no, but it is a good idea!" he said, lunging at her and pinning her to the bed.
"Did you take wrestling in high school, or something?"
"How did you guess?"
"I'll bet that you never wrestled a girl!"
"Never wanted to...until you." His lips parted hers until she sat up, out of breath.
"We will have the most breathless wedding night, William."
"Night? Who says that it will only take the night?!"
She laid back down next to him, smiling her best seductive smile, "I'm counting on it!"