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Chapter 28
Barber's Adagio for strings was playing on the radio when Catherine entered the bathroom. She lit several candles and turned off the lights. On a small table by the tub, there was a glass of merlot, a vase of sterling roses, and a letter. Catherine slipped out of her silk robe and slid into the raspberry-scented bathtub with a sigh. She sank into the water until only her face was above water. She slowly rose into a sitting position and reached for the wine. After taking a large sip, she returned the glass to the table. With a soft smile, she reached for the letter. With a cool silver letter-opener, she slit the envelope. She had waited all day to open this letter. Now, the sweetest anticipation was too much to bear. She sank into the bubbles and began to read.
Sweetest Kate,I am writing this while flying miles above the Atlantic Ocean. I have only just said good-bye to you, and yet I miss you so acutely that I feel that I have left my very soul behind. I can only imagine how difficult it is going to be to live for two months without seeing you.
My beloved Kate—you cannot imagine how wonderful it feels to call you beloved—I am still in astonishment that you are finally mine. I have waited four years for this. And yet, just when our hearts finally found each other, we were ripped apart. What I wouldn't give to be able to turn this plane around.
Kate, I have to explain my actions two years ago, when I first let you know how I felt about you. In truth, I had loved you for two years before then. When we were growing up, you were like a little sister to me. But as you walked across the stage at your high school graduation, you walked with such grace and style that I realized that you had grown up into a gorgeous, exciting and amazing woman. When you kissed Jeremy after the ceremony, I began to hate him, my best male friend. I reasoned with myself that I was only jealous of your relationship because Nicole and I had been having problems. Still, from that day on, I began to realize that I felt a great deal more than friendship for you. I kept it inside for two years, willing the feelings to subside, because I knew that you did not feel the same. Finally, I considered transferring schools in part because you and your boyfriend Colin were becoming so close. I heard that he was planning to propose. I could not stand by and watch that happen. That day in the snow, I had not completely made up my mind whether or not to transfer. I decided it all rested on your reaction. When I told you I was leaving, you teased me, but I thought I saw something in your eyes. I decided to risk it all. When I kissed you, I was nearly rendered senseless. Oh, Kate, and when you ran, I felt so ashamed. I should never have presumed. Then and there I knew that the only way to keep my sanity and pride was to move to Oxford.
When I ran into you at the airport, my heart nearly took flight. When you told me that you were leaving to marry Colin, I gave up all hope. Oh, but then, when I saw you this February, Oh, Kate, you cannot imagine what I felt. And then, to finally be able to kiss you, to hold you…Kate, you are the most amazing woman I have ever met. Please, let's try to make this work. I know that two months are a long time…
Catherine took another sip of wine and pulled a large candle closer as she read the next part.
Right now in my mind, I am with you. You are standing at a railing overlooking a lake. The sun is sinking slowly, painting the sky and land in watercolors. A soft wind stirs your hair. Your eyes are closed. I come up behind you and lift the hair from your neck, and trace your throat with my lips. You sigh and turn to face me. Your gorgeous eyes, the deepest ocean blue, lock with mine momentarily before we kiss. All of our troubles are erased, and there is only you and me, us.Kate, darling, let's make that vision come true. Say you will come to Stillwater the moment you return to England. There is nothing I want more than for you and I to be together at my home. You will return just in time to see the orchards flower, and to see my mother's gardens at their full glory. You belong there with me.
I love you. My heart is, and always will be, entirely yours.
All my love,
Alex
It is hardly necessary to recount the feelings of the lady upon reading this letter. Suffice it to say that all doubt was sufficiently erased from her mind. Her smile was so brilliant that it outshined all of the candles in the room. She ran a slightly damp finger over the signature on the typewritten page. That small inked name was very dear to her, because he had signed it. With a sigh and a smile, she raised the paper to her lips and kissed the signature.
Chapter 29
Catherine bundled her wet hair in a towel and threw her robe about her shoulders. She picked up the letter reverently between two fingers so she would not smudge the ink with her damp hand, and slid it into her pocket. She lifted the train of her robe in one hand and took the wineglass in the other as she walked down the stairs to the kitchen. The lower part of the house was dark, as she was the only one home. She did not bother to turn on lights, because she knew the house so well. The bright moonlight streamed in the windows, lighting her way to the kitchen. She set the glass in the sink and walked to the wide glass doors that led to the kitchen deck. She pressed her face against the glass and made a wish on a star.
Suddenly, the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Every muscle in her body tensed as she turned slowly. She was being watched. She pulled the robe tight around her and quietly slipped a salad fork from the drawer next to her. With every nerve alert, she slid out of the pool of moonlight that illuminated her, and into the shadows. A movement caught her eye. She put one hand on the chair to offer comfort. A small white shape came into the room. A smile crossed Catherine's face as she knelt to pick up the kitten.
"Oliver, you mean thing. What are you doing creeping around the house like that?" She set the fork down and left the kitchen. Not yet feeling tired, she walked into the small parlor. She kissed Oliver between the ears and set him on his feet. He scurried out of the room. Starlight illuminated the baby grand piano in the corner. She sat on the bench and closed her eyes. Her fingers rested on the keys silently, and then began to move in the opening strains of Beethoven's "Moonlight."
In the doorway, dark shadows swirled and formed into a dark shape that moved foreword to lean against the doorpost. Catherine felt the presence, but thought it was the cat. She smiled and continued to play. The shadow moved foreword, carefully avoiding the light that streamed in the windows.
The phone began to ring.
Catherine started to rise, but froze as a hand touched her shoulder, forcing her back onto the piano bench.
"Don't move."
A second hand lifted to caress her throat. She whirled around to face her visitor, and came face to face with Bill Collins. His face was swathed in shadow, but light glinted off of his teeth and in his eyes. With one hand, he covered her mouth as it dropped open in horror.
"Can't scare Oliver, now, can we, darling?"
Collins pulled Catherine to her feet and wrapped one arm around her waist. She tried to push him away as he traced one finger under the edge of her robe. His other arm roughly pulled her closer so that his entire body was flat against hers.
The phone stopped ringing.
Catherine brought her knee up and whirled out of Bill's arms as he doubled over. She started to run for the door when he grabbed her about the waist.
"Now, Catherine, you have been leading me on for a long time and always pretended to turn away from me. Now is your chance. You have me where you want me." His voice was a dangerous, lunatic purr. Collins grabbed both of her arms in a viselike grip and pulled her close. As she struggled, he shifted so one arm pinned her arms down and the other hand tangled in her hair. He covered her mouth with his with insane ferocity.
Catherine thought of an opportunity, and, although she felt ready to vomit, began to kiss him back, trying to ignore the smell of liquor, smoke and sweat that filled her nostrils. His eyes closed, and she was able to slip one hand from his grasp. She reached behind her and felt for a weapon. Her eyes flashed in triumph as her hand brushed the fireplace set. She carefully slid the shovel from its hook. She leaned it against her leg to get a better grip.
All at once, she broke the kiss and brought the handle of the shovel straight up into Collins' jaw. He reeled backwards in agony, and fell to a sitting position. Bill reared up suddenly, his face glazed in pain. Catherine raced towards the door…and into Richard's arms. He hugged her briefly, meeting her eyes with his.
Collins came up behind and tried to wrench Catherine from Richard's arms. He landed a right hook on Richard's jaw. Richard hit him back, hitting the spot that Catherine had slammed with the shovel. Collins screamed in agony as he flew to the ground. He rose to his knees, shaking his head groggily. Finally, he rose to his feet and ran from the house. Richard let him go. He held Catherine to him with one arm as he rubbed his jaw.
Richard had left his sister's house and was headed back to Boston. He decided to give Catherine a call to see if he could stop by. There was no answer, but he decided to drive by the house anyway. There was a strange car in the driveway, and the front door was wide open. As he dialed the police on his cell phone, he saw the struggle through the front window. He told the police the make, model, and plates of the car, and then got out of the car to enter the house. After the struggle was over, he let Collins run because he knew that the police would catch him easily.
Catherine pulled away and saw how Richard's jaw was swelling. She led him to the kitchen, turning on lights as they went. Once Richard was seated at the kitchen table with an ice pack on his jaw, and another on his hand. Catherine put tea water on the stove, and then took a seat. She hid her face in her shaking hands for a moment. Then she raised her head.
She told Richard about the letter, that she had been so excited to see it in the mailbox that she had probably forgotten to lock the door. She told what had happened with Collins before Richard arrived.
Richard laid the icepack on the table and took her hands in his. His brown eyes were all at once fierce, gentle, anxious and terrified, "But he didn't…?"
Catherine squeezed his hands. "No. Nothing happened. You, my guardian Angel, appeared." Her eyes filled with terror. "But what now?"
Richard tried to manage a comforting smile. "The police will catch him. He is well known around here, from what I hear." He stood and walked around the table to kneel at her feet. "The important thing is that you are all right."
Catherine leaned foreword and wrapped her arms around him. "I am, now that you are here. If only Alex was, too." She took Richard's bruised hand in hers. "You sure gave him something to remember!" Richard declined to mention that he had never felt such hatred against anyone as he did against Collins, for trying with the woman he loved. All of Richard's strength and hatred had gone into that punch. It was amazing that Collins had survived it, nonetheless remained conscious. He must have had a very thick head.
Catherine gently caressed his hand. She then raised her hand to his sore jaw. She lifted the ice pack to it as she met Richard's eyes. "Thank you."
Her eyes pierced Richard's soul. She looked so lovely and helpless sitting here before him, her damp blonde hair tumbled about her shoulders, her eyes trustingly locked with his. He longed to take her in his arms, to kiss away her troubles, to keep her safe from scum like Collins. But he couldn't. She was in love with someone else, and he would not break her trust or risk losing her friendship by selfishly imposing his feelings on her. She needed his friendship right now.
Richard averted his eyes to take his mind off of her nearness. He took the ice pack and rose to his feet, turning his back as he set the pack in the sink. He closed his eyes as he leaned his hands on the sink edge, and whispered. "I would do anything for you."
Chapter 30
Richard sat at the kitchen table pouring through the newspaper. A steaming cup of coffee sat next to an untouched plate of cold toast. The radio was on, and it droned a newscast about bombings somewhere in the Middle East. Richard ran a hand across his stubble-darkened chin, and tested his jaw for stiffness from the night before.
He had slept in the third bedroom so Catherine would not be alone in the house. Actually, slept is a relative term. In truth, Richard spent the night alternating between dreams of Catherine and visions of terrible revenge on Bill Collins. He had concocted a rather interesting idea when he heard footsteps on the creaky stairs in the hall.
Richard looked up as Catherine entered the room. His eyes crinkled in a smile, but the smile was short lived when he saw how pale her face was.
"You didn't sleep either."
She walked over and put a hand on his shoulder, leaning over him to read the paper. Richard caught sight of purple bruises around each of her wrists. He flinched visibly, but did not say anything.
Catherine's voice was hoarse. "Is it in there?"
Richard turned to look at her. "Nothing. You would think if a teacher was arrested that it would make the front page." He noticed the panicked look that crossed Catherine's face and squeezed her hand. "I am sure they caught him. Tell you what, I'll give the station a call." He rose from the chair and moved to the telephone. Catherine poured herself some coffee and came to stand next to Richard. At one point, his face turned red, and he looked over at Catherine anxiously, taking her hand. His reassuring smile did not reach his eyes. Catherine saw in their brown depths worry and anger. She stepped closer.
Richard shook his head and protested into the phone, but did not seem to be able to be satisfied. He disconnected, looked at her silently, gently touching her lips with his hand to silence her. He dialed a different number. Catherine realized that he was speaking with Charles Bingley. After several minutes, he hung up the phone and stood silently with his hand on the receiver, the muscles in his jaw working to contain his emotions. Finally, he turned to Catherine. The anger in his eyes was unmistakable.
"He had an alibi. They found him at Charles' house, in the drawing room playing cards with Caroline and her fiancée. The officer says that they took him downtown. There was not enough evidence from our case to book him. They did try to lock him up on violating a restraining order, as Charlotte was in Bingley's house as well. Caroline Bingley bailed him out. I called Charles and he said that Caroline had Collins over all evening. Charles stated that he saw them in the parlor around seven P. M. and was next door in the library. He insists that he would have heard him leave. He went back in to visit with them around nine, when he heard a loud noise. Collins was lying on the floor with a fireplace poker in his hand. Caroline and Frank were kneeling next to him. Caroline said that he had become too drunk and went to poke the fire and tripped over the rug. He had broken his jaw on the handle of the poker. They took him to the ER."
Richard's eyes flashed. "Charles cannot understand why his sister would associate with Collins. She has obviously provided a cover-up for him. But why?"
Catherine sank into a chair at the table and clutched her coffee cup in her hands. Her voice shook as she looked at Richard. "What now?"
Chapter 31
Caroline Bingley sat with Bill Collins in the smallest parlor of Charles' house. The door was closed. Collins' jaw was hinged shut with wire, and his head was wrapped. He held a notepad.
"That was idiotic of you, Collins! Whatever possessed you to be so careless. You were to lock the door behind you. I know you want that little witch, but that is no excuse to be careless. If we are going to get the best of the Bennets, we have to be very careful." She smiled like a cat over a bowl of milk. "But there is one good thing that came of this," she laughed evilly, "I now have some very interesting reasons for you to stick with me. The carrot is Miss Bennet, and the stick is this little fiasco you pulled last night."
Collins shook his head and scribbled furiously on his paper. You don't have to worry about me, Caroline. I do want Cat for myself, not only because she is a treat, but because I hate her and her friends and her family for what they have done to me. He looked at Caroline and his eyes frowned. They will pay. I am in this as much as you are now. He reached out a hand to Caroline and she shook it, sealing a pact.
Caroline's eyes glinted evilly. I am glad that I got in touch with this toad. He may be one of the nastiest people I know, but I do believe that he is also one of the most helpful for my cause.
Collins peeled himself out of his chair and let himself out of the room just as Charles entered. Charles grimaced as Collins walked by, and shut the door firmly behind him.
"Caroline, I cannot understand why you would possibly want to befriend that odious man! He has treated Kitty and Charlotte abominably. If you weren't so adamant that he was with you yesterday, I would not have hesitated a second in believing that he was capable of such an attack. But Caroline, please tell me why you are fostering a friendship with him. I have never known you to condescend to befriend anyone below your class, especially anyone so offensive as Collins."
Caroline faked a pretty yawn. "Oh, Charles. You know how I have these little projects? Well, I know that Collins is nasty. I ran into him at lunch a while ago. I made a wager with my Frank that I could teach him society manners. So far I am loosing. But the prospective of losing to Frank is not altogether unpleasant. He requests such a delectable reward…"
The lie did its trick, as Charles cut her off, not wanting to hear the details of Caroline's love life with Frank. As he left, he asked that Collins no longer be invited to his house. He wanted Charlotte and Catherine to feel comfortable in his house. That would be impossible if there was the chance Collins might show up at any time.
Charles walked upstairs to the nursery. Jane was sitting in a chair with Suzie on her lap. Both were sleeping. The book Arabian Nights lay in Jane's hand.
Charles fell to his knees before the pair and slipped the book from Jane's hand. He took his daughter into his arms and removed her shoes. With the tenderest care, he lay her in her small bed and kissed her forehead. Charles then returned to Jane's side. He stood looking at her for a while, marveling at his love for her. She sighed and opened her eyes. Charles kissed her softly and drew her to her feet.
"We must to dinner, my love. Your sister needs us." He kissed her forehead and took her hand to lead her down to the dining room. They walked in upon quite a scene.
Frank was holding Caroline's shoulders and Richard in his arms. Caroline was screeching venomously and Catherine was in tears. Charles dropped Jane's hand and ran to his sister.
He had matured in the years since he and Jane had first met. With a decisiveness and command that would have been uncharacteristic in the past, Bingley took his sister's arm and marched her from the room. He sat her in a chair in the library and wrested the story from her.
Caroline told him that Kitty had accused her of protecting Collins, and Caroline had lashed out to protect her reputation. Charles sighed and walked to the window, a behavior he had picked up from his good friend Darcy.
"Caroline, I do not know what has happened in this past day. It seems that Richard and Catherine are convinced that Collins was the one who attacked. I never knew of any friendship between he and you until last night before the attack." He turned to his sister with a troubled frown. "Caroline, I have always trusted you to do the right thing. I know that you have made some mistakes but…" He walked over and took her hand. "Caroline, if he is blackmailing you for something, if you need my help in any way…Only please don't cover for him if he is behind this. We need to prevent anything else..."
Caroline smiled. "My dear Charlie, you know that I would never do anything to hurt you or anyone you cared about. I told you, Collins is a pet project. You have nothing to worry about."
Charles sighed and turned to leave. He paused at the door, "Will you let me know if you need me for anything?"
"Of course."
Charles returned to the dining room to find a more organized state of affairs. John, Richard and Jane were gathered around Catherine, who was seated in a plush chair. Charlotte was talking to Frank. Everyone looked up as Charles entered.
"Charlotte will not be joining us this evening." He waived for everyone to take their seats. As the group found their places, he walked over to Kitty.
"I am truly sorry. I do not know what role my sister plays in this. I believe she is a pawn. Either way, she will not be bothering you any more." He offered his arm to her. "Please let me see you to your seat, Catherine."
Chapter 32
Alexander Waterpool pulled his coat closer about him as he navigated his way through the busy London streets. A cold March rain was just beginning to fall in sheets as he entered the crowded entryway of the London National Bank. He stomped the water off of his shoes and shook his briefcase before he walked through the marble lobby to the elevators. He squeezed into an elevator and was pressed with his back to the door. As the door closed, he looked at the faces crowded together in the small steel room. Suddenly, his heart leapt in shock. Kate was in back of the elevator!
But no, as he looked again, he saw that his heart was playing tricks on him, for the lovely woman in the corner had deep chestnut hair and brown eyes. He averted his gaze when she noticed that he was staring at her, but he could not help himself, and his eyes kept returning to her face. It was uncanny, the same delicate bone structure; the same small, pert nose; the same sweet, full lips; the same dainty, yet confident shoulders. The bell rung in his ear and the door opened, spilling the elevator's occupants into the third floor lobby.
Alex tossed his coat over his shoulder and walked to a small couch, where he took a seat and began to pull several documents from his briefcase. The pretty brunette took the chair opposite and pulled out a cell phone. Alex noticed that she was pregnant. As she spoke on the phone, Alex tried not to eavesdrop, but her voice sounded so familiar.
"Hello? Yes, this is Elizabeth Darcy. Would you please put me through to William's office? Thank you."
Alex started at the name. Of course! It was Elizabeth, Kate's sister. A brilliant smile crossed his face. He slid the papers back into his briefcase and stood. He would let her finish the conversation with her husband in private. He walked to a small desk, where he could still see Elizabeth. As soon as she put her phone back in her purse, Alex walked over.
"Excuse me, but I could not help overhearing the beginning of your conversation. You are Elizabeth Darcy, formerly Bennet?" His eyes studied her face. Yes, she did look very much like Catherine. Elizabeth's face was slightly softer and more luminous with her pregnancy, and her face held a deep contentment and satisfaction with her life that was sometimes lacking in Catherine. Still, to Alex, no woman could compare to his beloved.
Elizabeth was slightly nervous. Who was this stranger approaching her, and how did he know her maiden name? Her husband was a well-known man, and he told her to always be wary of strangers. She held her purse close to her body. "I am."
Alex laughed good-naturedly at her discomfort, "I am sorry, Mrs. Darcy. I should introduce myself." He held out a hand, "I am Alexander Waterpool. I was your sister Catherine's friend for years. I have just recently left her in the states." As he spoke about Catherine, his voice took on a deeper, softer tone, and his eyes lit up. Elizabeth knew that he must be for real.
She smiled brilliantly, recognizing the features of a boy she once knew in the man standing before her. She held out a gloved hand. "Mr. Waterpool, so you are the young man that Catherine has been E-mailing me about. I am delighted to meet you--again."
Alex grinned and squeezed her hand. "The pleasure is all mine. I was feeling out of sorts for missing your sister. Seeing your face has brightened my spirits, because in you I see some of my lovely Kate."
Elizabeth smiled. That the young man was so obviously in love with her sister was written across his face. Elizabeth could understand the pain of separation, as she had felt it when she had suffered through a similar time when she had believed her love for William to be unrequited, that he would never approach her in love again. At least Alexander had the consolation that Catherine loved him, that their separation was only temporary. She decided that the least she could do would be to welcome this young man into her family. She took his arm.
"My dear Alexander, my husband and I are having a few guests over for an intimate dinner tonight. I would be delighted if you should join us. My sister told me to take care of you if we should meet."
Alex grinned. "There is nothing I would like more…" he paused, shaking his head, "Well, except…well…you know." He finished at a loss for words.
Elizabeth squeezed his arm. "Yes, Alexander, I do know very well." She smiled at a gentleman who was walking her way. "Well, Alexander, I have a meeting now. It was nice to finally meet you—again." She grinned, "I will look foreword to seeing you tonight. Here is the address," She wrote a time and an address on a slip of paper.
Alexander bent over the hand of his beloved's sister. Suddenly his day had become brighter. He finished his business and walked outside without noticing the rain. He purchased a small bouquet for his hostess from a vendor and directed for his driver to take him home. His smile defied the very clouds to ruin his evening.
Chapter 33
As one enters through the doorway of the Yellowbelly Inn, it takes a moment for their eyes to adjust to the smoky darkness. The initial reaction of all newcomers is to leave immediately. Not only do the lungs feel constricted by the overpowering stench of old cigars, cigarettes and countless other noxious odors, but the eyes burn with their potency. Invariably, whenever someone new enters the doorway, all activity stops, and the bloodshot eyes of the patrons lock on the newcomer as yellow teeth are bared in challenge. If it seems the newcomer has something to offer the crowd, they will allowed in and offered a drink and smoke. If not, they are promptly and unceremoniously thrown into the street, if they don't turn and run first.
The inn was not an 'inn' so to speak, but one of the more notorious watering holes for all of the scum and lowlifes that Boston had to offer. Once a visitor's eyes adjusted to the murky atmosphere, they would note the intimate small tables along the edges of the room that were divided by curtains or alcohol crates stacked on top of one another. These tables were the location of malicious and illegal negotiations of all sorts.
It was at one of these tables in a corner lit only by an oil lamp that emitted a greasy black smoke, that William Collins sat with his head in his hands. It may amaze the readers that Collins, the stupid scum that he is, was able to obtain admission to such an exclusive 'club.' It only needs to be said that a certain handsome but dangerous young man known by many of us as a most ruthless villain was able to convince his accomplices to let the greasy schoolteacher join them. He saw great potential in Collins' weakness, stupidity and volatile temper.
Collins raised his head momentarily as a waiter placed another drink in front of him. He grasped the glass in both hands and drowned it in one gulp. Making a sour face, he gestured for the waiter to bring another, then lowered his head onto folded arms again.
Collins was in trouble. He had just been caught with a seventeen-year-old girl. He knew that once this hit the media, he would have no chance. Divorce settlement, sexual harassment suit would be lost, and he would have no chance of ever finding another teaching job. Collins had little ambition and even less skill. Where would he ever find another job that was not the bottom of the barrel?
He raised his glass to the light and watched the light reflect off of the drop of liquid left in the bottom. In a sudden fury, he threw the glass away from him with as much strength as he could muster. It shattered against a half naked statuette of a mermaid with peeling paint. The crash was barely audible in the loud room, and Collins got very few strange looks. Apparently shattering glass and volatile patrons were not an unusual sight here.
His eyes raked over the crowd. It was composed of rangy men pretending to be hot stuff, thirty-something women trying to look seventeen, seventeen-year olds trying to look thirty and old men fondling both kinds of women. Collins ground his teeth in disgust. He didn't belong here. As the husband of the daughter of the Mayor of Longbourn, he had seen enough classy parties. That was the life he wanted, not to be accepted only in a hole in the wall club.
Suddenly, Collins sprang from his seat, knocking his chair over in his haste. His lights held a strange light. He would start over. He would no longer stand for being a third-rate citizen. He had connections.
As soon as he got into his car, Collins took out his cell phone. His lips curled over his teeth in a strange smile as he punched a number.
"Hello, Superintendent? This is Collins. I hear that you have a cousin, Lady DeBourgh, in England..."
Chapter 34
The first true week of spring was truly gorgeous. The East Coast was blessed by pleasant warm and clear weather, finally free from the viscous winter storms that had pounded them again and again. The streets shone with melting water and the air was fragrant with that scent that preludes the coming of the loveliest of seasons.
Richard leaned back in his chair and looked longingly out of the floor to ceiling windows of his apartment. He was up to his elbows in paperwork for the hospital, and could not find an excuse to leave his computer. With a sigh of resignation, he loosened his collar and tore his eyes from the horizon, trying to shake this bout of spring fever.
Richard was surprised when his doorbell rang. He rolled down his sleeves and raked a hand through his hair before opening the door. When he did, he smiled broadly. In front of him was a vision of spring. Catherine was wearing a light green dress and held an armful of daffodils. As she kissed him on the cheek, Richard inhaled the light perfume of her shampoo.
"I have brought you a little spring to brighten your day." Catherine headed towards the kitchen to hunt for a vase. Richard followed her. He grinned when she bent down to look in a cupboard.
"Don't you have any vases?" Her voice was muffled as she leaned into a cupboard.
Richard dropped to his knees beside her and took the flowers from her hand. "To tell you the truth, you are the first woman who has brought me flowers!"
Catherine rose to her feet. She frowned as she pulled a large glass beer mug from an overhead cupboard. "Well, I suppose this will have to do, although it really looks tacky in comparison with the rest of this place!" Richard's apartment was a wonderful suite of light and space. The large windows caught the full benefits of the afternoon sunlight and managed to avoid the glare of full sun. The living room had smooth hardwood floors strewn with soft hunter-green rugs. The furnishings were also wood with cream and green cushions. The room managed to look both elegant and cozily inviting at the same time. That it was rather well decorated for a bachelor's apartment was due in part to Richard's mother and to a long-gone former girlfriend.
Richard followed Catherine back into the inviting living room and watched in amusement as Kitty brushed some medical journals from the coffee table and arranged the vase in its center. "There, that will do." She turned to him with a smile.
"I am here to kidnap you. It is such a gorgeous evening that you cannot possibly remain indoors. I have packed a picnic for us. I thought that we could drive up the coast a ways."
Richard was more than willing to comply. After all, he had worked all morning. What did one more hour at the computer compare to an afternoon with Catherine Bennet? He was scarcely able to conceal his delight at the thought of being kidnapped by this young woman.
They transferred the picnic basket and blankets from Catherine's car into Richard's Mercedes. Richard slipped a CD into the player and smiled at Catherine as he pulled out of Boston. "So what has brought you into Boston on this fine Sunday?"
Catherine smiled. "Jane and I were looking at bridal gowns. Richard, she would be very pleased if you would come to the wedding. If you happen to be in England in July…"
Richard laughed, "To tell you the truth, we have a family estate in England. If we lived there, I suppose my father would be an Earl. Dad was a younger son, so he joined the Foreign Service. He came to the states seventeen years ago, before his brother inherited the title. Randolph died ten years ago, but Dad will not return to claim his title until the Prime Minister recalls him. He has come to like the United States very much. I may return some day, so as to keep the title in the family. I would very much like to visit my birthplace. I have not been to England since I was ten. Somehow on all of my trips abroad, I have never gotten around to it. And I do have several relatives whom I have not seen since then. My cousin William and I were very close as children. Perhaps it is time to arrange a visit."
Richard grinned, turned up the music, and settled in for a nice drive.
Catherine looked at him with her mouth open. Richard had just tossed out the fact that there was an Earldom waiting for him should he ever decide to return as someone else might mention the weather. An Earldom! And here he was in the states, working long hours in a big Boston hospital.
She reached over and turned down the music. "Richard, I am curious. You are very wealthy, you could be titled, set for life. What has drawn you to the hospital? You seem so stressed about work sometimes, so worried about your patients. I am not sure I understand…"
Richard smiled at her. "I love people, Catherine. I love the looks on the faces of new parents as their child yawns for the first time. I love how brave the little kids in the cancer ward are. I love to watch how close families become as they say good-bye to a loved one for the last time. Yes, I could return and claim my title. I could settle into a cushy position in the House of Lords. I could move back to the estate in the country and live for hunts and parties. I probably will once I get married and have a family to care for, so that I can work decent hours and spend time with them. But right now, I need to discover myself, and I like myself the most when I am helping others. Catherine, I don't want to take the easy way out. I want the challenge of paving my own path. Can you understand that?"
Catherine looked out her window, suddenly embarrassed at her naiveté. Titles and fortunes had always impressed her. When she began working with her students, she began to grow from a child into a woman, to care about how her actions influenced other people, but she still had a lot to learn about life. For some strange reason, Richard's nobility caused a lump to rise in her throat. She knew without a doubt that if she had the same kind of opportunity, she would take it without thinking twice. She turned back to Richard with tears in her eyes, disappointed at her self for her own shallowness. "Yes, Richard, I think I am beginning to."
Chapter 34
Catherine and Richard sat in silence for the rest of the ride. They pulled up to a public picnic ground on the shore and spread a blanket on a flat rock a little ways from several young families. Catherine pulled a container of salad, some fresh wheat bread, a thermos of homemade chicken soup, strawberries and wine from her hamper. Richard's brilliant smile as he sat next to her made her turn away with the pretense of pouring the wine.
The conversation in their first few hours of the trip had led to some soul searching. Catherine finally realized that she had made many mistakes in her life. She had been selfish, insincere, and inconsiderate. In the quiet twenty minutes before they stopped, she questioned her past behavior. It was time for a change. And one had to begin now. She reflected on a conversation with Charlotte the week before.
"You do realize that he loves you, don't you?"
Catherine laughed. "Richard is a great guy, he has never shown me anything but the greatest consideration. I don't, however, agree with you. He has never made any advances, and I have never seen anything in his behavior to make me suspect any kind of attachment other than friendship."
Charlotte sighed in frustration. "Come on, Catherine, don't be so dense! The flowers, the phone calls, the way he always holds the door for you, helps you off with your coat…Can you honestly say that you have seen him act that way around any other woman?"
Catherine had dismissed that conversation, but as she sat next to Richard in the car, noticing his frequent glances in her direction, she could not help but realize that she had been wrong; that, in fact, she had really known it all along and had encouraged it. She had been leading him on. This realization pained her to her very core. Richard was a wonderful man. He was sweet, intelligent, handsome, funny, brilliant, kind… Catherine enjoyed his friendship, but she secretly relished the fact that he loved her, even if she could not return that love. She realized that she had been selfish and cruel. Richard was the last person in the world that she wished to hurt, and here she was, taking him on a secluded picnic, giving him hope. She was so ashamed of herself.
So, as she handed Richard his wine, noticing how he smiled as their hands touched, she knew what she had to do. If there was any chance of stopping this, now was the time to do it. To let it develop further would be pure cruelty; dangerous, perhaps, for her as well. She took a deep breath.
"Richard," her voice was shaky as she lowered her eyes.
"Yes?" He smiled. He knew in his heart that she loved Alex, but he could not help but hope, especially when her lowered lashes fluttered so enticingly.
His smile was so gorgeous that Catherine threw her napkin aside agitatedly and rose to her feet. "It will not do. I cannot think of a way to say this…and yet I must…but I can't" Her face was anguished as she paced in front of him. Finally, she squared her shoulders and sat down.
"I can do this. You are my friend, not someone to fear. But oh, Richard, I wish this wasn't so." By this time, Richard was becoming alarmed. A great change had overcome her since she had first come to see him that day. Had her done something wrong? He clutched both of her hands in his, searching her face for what he could do to change this behavior.
Catherine finally raised her eyes to meet his. She squeezed his as she began to speak. "Richard, you must know that I am in love with Alex." Richard's eyes left her face momentarily, searching the water, and then returned her gaze. She continued. "Richard, you have been a wonderful friend, seeing me through everything with Collins, and with Alex leaving, and terrible Caroline, Richard, you are one of the best men I have ever had the privilege to call my friend." Her mind worked furiously. That is why this is so difficult, because I cannot stand the fact that what I am going to say might hurt you. I hate to presume that I am important enough to hurt you with this, and it is so cruel to do this to you right now, but… "Richard, several others have brought it to my attention, and I have noticed it myself, that you may have developed a…fondness for me that reaches above friendship." Her eyes searched his, seeing in their Chocolatey depths surprise, regret, and a glimmer that affirmed her fears. He was in love with her, and apparently hopelessly so. He opened his mouth to speak, but she raised her hand.
"Richard, I esteem you above many other men. Perhaps I even love you. But that esteem, that love, is not the same love that I feel for Alexander. And that is why I must do this. I realize that I have been selfish in seeking your attentions, in encouraging your esteem. I have been leading you on, I think. And if what I believe is true, then I am truly sorry. I wish that things could be different for you, but my heart is otherwise engaged. You may think me cruel to take you on this little day trip, to give you hope, and then to spring this on you. I must have you believe that this was in no way my intention. It was not until our conversation that I realized what I had to do. Richard, please tell me that we may still be friends. And if I have been incorrect, please lay my fears to rest." Catherine dropped her gaze to her hands.
Richard rose to his feet and walked a few paces away, his shoulders moving in a great sigh as he collected his thoughts. Finally, he walked to Catherine and knelt before her, taking her hand in his.
"My dear Catherine, it is true that I have developed a great concern for your welfare…" his face took on an unreadable expression as he amended his statement, "no, I must be fully truthful, as you have been to me…" His brown eyes again returned their gaze to the sparkling ocean. Dear Lord, give me strength. After the pause of two heartbeats, He looked directly into her eyes. "I have grown to love you above reason, above that which I have felt for any other woman. I have fallen for you, Catherine. Perhaps you have encouraged it, but you must not take all of the blame, for it was my heart to give. And I gave it freely, all the while knowing that yours was otherwise engaged." He paused, searching for something in her face. Not finding it, he continued, "Catherine, I know that you love Alex, and probably always will. I will move on. But I do believe, and I want you to know, that I would do anything for you. And Catherine, I adore your friendship as much as I covet your heart. So I will keep my feelings silent, never to be spoken of again. I have loved before and I will love again. A part of you will always be with me, but I will be OK." He regretfully admitted that there was but one way for them to remain friends. His voice was softly hoarse as he continued, "I do believe that we can never be alone together like this, at least not for a long while, because I find it very difficult not to…" His eyes raked across her lips as his voice caught in his throat. He rose from the sand and walked quickly back to the car.
Her heart tore in two as Catherine watched him go. She whispered after him "For your sake, my friend, I wish it wasn't so, but my heart is not mine to give."
Chapter 36
Catherine's last day at Longbourn Junior high went well. The students threw a small party for her. Catherine was especially touched when several girls who had always seemed to dislike her presented her with a bouquet of flowers. Catherine was surprised to find that she had tears in her eyes when she walked out of the school for the last time.
She also, however, let out a sigh of relief. Her experience had been rather tumultuous. For the past week, no one had seen or heard from Mr. Collins. Many said he had skipped town. Catherine was still extremely nervous around the school. The more distance she put between herself and anything associated with Bill Collins the better.
As she pulled into the driveway of the small house she shared with Jane, the sun was shining on the wet pavement. Snow melt ran off of the eaves of the house with pleasant plattering sounds. Small animals ran about in the yard looking for seeds that had been trapped by the snow and were now revealed by the spring thaw.
Catherine turned the key in the lock and entered the house. She set her box of school mementos on the table and turned on the answering machine. The first voice she heard made her cheeks flush and her heart skip a beat. She sat in a kitchen chair with a big smile on her face.
Hi sweetie! It's Alex. I just wanted to congratulate you on your last day of school. I am so glad that it is finally here, because it means that I will see you in two short days! Well, I will talk to you tonight, honey. I love you.BEEP
Kitty, honey, it's mom. Call me when you get in. Your father and I have met a handsome young man that I think would be just perfect for you! And now that you are coming home you can spend some quality time with him. I showed him your picture and he is eager to meet you. Kitty, he is very well off. And you are 22 now. You can't expect the men to line up…
BEEP
Hi, It's Elizabeth. Jane, I want to warn you, Mother has found a man she thinks would be the ideal wedding planner. His name is Gustav, or something. Watch out! Kitty, I am so excited that you are coming home to us Sunday! I have made up a room for you. I am so glad that you decided to stay with us, instead of going home. Mother has met a "nice young…
BEEP
Catherine smiled. She had made the right decision in accepting Lizzy's invitation to stay at Pemberley for the summer. Mother was rather irritating most of the time, but whenever she had a "nice young man" in mind for one of her daughters it was best to stay far away.
Kitty was looking foreword to a nice quiet evening at home. All she wanted to do was unwind, put her feet up, have a glass of wine, and watch a movie. Always a sucker for fairy tales, she had picked up EverAfter on her way home. She hung her yellow coat on a kitchen chair and started towards the staircase to change. Suddenly an arm snaked around her waist and lifted her off of the stairway. A hand closed over her eyes. She was kicking and screaming when she was finally set back on her feet.
She planted her feet firmly and forced the hand off of her face, furious. In front of her were all of her friends, laughing. Charles put a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Kitty, but you were headed the wrong way!"
Catherine's frown was replaced by a smile as she studied the faces before her. There was a cake in the shape of a pencil on the table, and a bunch of balloons with her name on them.
"What is all of this? You guys are crazy!"
Charlotte stepped foreword. "Well, we use every excuse we can get to celebrate something!"
Jane smiled. "Actually, this is a combination graduation/end of student teaching party, since a few of us will not be in London to celebrate with you."
Charles led Catherine to a seat on the couch, and everyone came foreword with a gift. Most were silly; some were serious.
Jane gave her a beautiful silver pen. John and Charlotte handed Kitty a beautifully decorated basket of red pens, pencils, rulers, chalk, a leather date book, and a box of orthopedic shoes. Charles presented an electronic pocket organizer. Suzie gave Catherine a Beanie Baby owl.
"Because you make kids smart," She said.
Catherine hugged each person as she thanked them.
Richard was the last to come foreword. He and Catherine had not seen each other since their quiet, uncomfortable drive home from their picnic together on the beach. Now, he gave Catherine a gentle smile as he handed her a small box. Catherine squeezed his hand before taking the gift. She untied the ribbon and opened the box. Inside was a simple gold pendant in the shape of a cloud. On the back in tiny letters it said,
Always follow your dreams-Richard
Catherine stared at it a moment before turning to him. "Richard, you didn't have to…"
He stepped foreword and held up a hand. "Nonsense. It was the least I could do."
Catherine removed the gold chain from her neck and slid the pendant onto it. She turned to Richard and asked him to clasp it on her neck. No one in the room missed the look that crossed his face as she lifted her hair and he fumbled at her neck to close the clasp.
As she hugged him in thanks, He whispered in her ear, "I know that I probably shouldn't have, but it was the very least I could do." Catherine sighed. "Thank you Richard. I wish…" She smiled softly and pulled away. "Thank you." She left the room to get some punch from the kitchen.
Richard released her reluctantly and turned to Charlotte. "Would you like me to cut the cake now?" He lowered his face as he slid the knife into the cake, so as to hide the pain in his eyes.
Chapter 37
The sun was just rising that Sunday morning as Bingley's car pulled up in front of the airport. The wheels of Catherine's suitcase made small tracks on the dew-wet sidewalk as Jane and Catherine walked through the electronic doors. Charles returned to the car to find a parking place.
Catherine had bid her good-byes to John and Charlotte at Bingley's house the night before, because they had to leave at five thirty to get to Boston by six. The plane was due to leave at seven AM. She hated airport partings because they were always the worst kind, always in a rush as an airplane was boarding. Jane and Bingley rose early to accompany her to the airport.
Charles went to park the car as Jane and Catherine headed for the gate. While Catherine stood in the check-in line, Jane ran to the washroom. Once she was checked in, Catherine took a seat by the window, where she could see men loading luggage onto the plane. There was a smile on her face, as she was anticipating her reunion with Alex.
Richard jogged into the terminal. He smiled as he saw that Catherine had not yet boarded the plane. He walked over and crouched in front of her. His smile was calm, sincere.
"Catherine, we had an emergency surgery. I was afraid I would miss you."
She smiled. "I am glad you came."
Richard moved to sit in the chair next to her. Nothing more was said as they watched the activity of the ground crew, but it seemed that both were at peace. The discomfort caused by their earlier exchange seemed forgotten momentarily. As the ground crew pulled away and the airport announced the boarding call of the first class passengers, Catherine reached over and squeezed Richard's hand.
Jane returned, holding two cups of coffee and a brown bag. She greeted Richard and took a seat next to them, giving Catherine a cup and a bagel.
Charles joined them just as they called for Kitty's row to board. Charles hugged her first. Richard was next. He held her tightly, closing his eyes, as if to memorize the feel of her in his arms. Once he released her, he nodded to Charles and Jane, and walked out of the terminal.
Jane had tears in her eyes as she hugged her sister.
"Catherine, I am so glad that you came over here for your student teaching. I have really enjoyed getting to know you better, sister."
Catherine smiled. "I have too, Jane. I can't wait until you come back. We will have so much fun finishing the plans for your wedding! I am going to miss you until you return."
Jane laughed. "I doubt you will think of anyone but Alex once you are back. But don't worry," She smiled at Charles, "I know the feeling exactly."
They embraced again, and Catherine walked onto the plane. She slid into her window seat, and gazed out the window as the rising sun turned the damp runway into a brilliant Persian rug of pinks and oranges. As the plane taxied down the runway and lifted into the air, Catherine felt the weight of her troubles leave her. Her life was about to begin.
Chapter 38
Ten hours into her flight, Catherine was beginning to almost wish that she had waited the extra month to come across with Jane and Charles. To her right was an older gentleman who had fallen asleep immediately after take-off. Looking out the window had soon lost its novelty, and she now pulled the small window shade to block out the garish daylight. On the screen in front, Emma was playing. Catherine loved the story; more so now that her own love story seemed to somewhat mirror the one in the movie. At the moment, however they were showing the scene with Mr. Elton. In a way, he was a slight shadow of the disgusting Mr. Collins. A shiver went through Catherine's frame, and she averted her eyes. Digging in her carry-on, she pulled out her CD-player. She pulled the rough airplane blanket closer about her and closed her eyes.
Across the Atlantic ocean, Alexander Waterpool and William Darcy were talking over glasses of wine in the Darcy's London home. Ribbons of rain flowed down the wide windows of the study. Both men rose eagerly as they were called in to join Elizabeth at the dinner table. Elizabeth stood in the doorway to greet them. Now nine months pregnant, Elizabeth was lovelier than ever. Alexander was again struck by the resemblance between blonde Catherine and her brunette sister. He grinned as he kissed Catherine's sister on the cheek. They would leave for the airport in two hours. There were only a few more hours to wait for his sweetheart! Seeing the smile on Alexander's face, William made a toast to Bennet women, and three glasses met in tribute.
Catherine's eyes flew open. She lifted the window cover and stared blankly out at the gray clouds as she played with her college ring. Long plane rides have a way of encouraging internal reflection. She reached in her bag and pulled out a small piece of paper. She knew what she had to do.
Hundreds of miles away, Richard Fitzwilliam was watching the evening news. The problems in Yugoslavia were escalating. The newscaster announced that they were sending more American troops into the area. Richard's eyes moved from the television to his framed diploma from medical school. He rose from his seat and caressed the wood frame. The plaque next to his diploma, however, was what he focused on. With a sigh, he lifted it in his hands and glanced back towards the television. The plaque read: "Lt. Richard Fitzwilliam, Top Gun, 1995."
Chapter 39
Richard set down the telephone with a sigh of relief. Lucky again. He would not be going, at least for now. He picked up the plaque and ran his fingers over the engraved surface. The words that were spoken at his graduation from flight school rang in his mind.
You men are among the best of the United States Air Force. You are among the best in the world. Some of you will go beyond this time with further active service. Others will pursue their chosen professions. But when this nation is in trouble, you men will, with courage and honor, be the heroes that this great nation calls to protect its freedoms, as well as the rights of civilians in other nations. And I have the greatest confidence that you will do so with grace and integrity.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am proud to present your heroes, the United States Air Force class of 1995!"
Richard set the plaque back on his desk, thinking of the phone call he had just made.
" Hopefully, this conflict will be concluded before we have to send you. But, Richard, you are among those at the top of the list. Your skills are well known. If we do have to send more…" a pause, "You are not on the list this time."
Richard picked up the telephone again as he sank into a chair. "Hello, John? Oh, Charles, Hello. This is Richard. Would you and John like to join me for a drink? Yes, it has been a rough…no, not entirely because of her departure…All right, I will see you at eight. Thank you."
Catherine was asleep when the airplane began its descent to London's Heathrow airport. The ping of the seat-belt light startled her, and she opened her eyes as the pilot began to speak.
"I hope everyone had a good flight. We should land at Heathrow in about ten minutes. London is currently fifty-two degrees and there is a light drizzle. We will experience some light turbulence as we land, but that is perfectly normal. Please fasten your seat belts and secure all luggage underfoot and in the overhead compartments. Once we land, please wait until the plane has come to a complete stop before leaving. Thank you for flying Norwest."
Catherine ran a brush through her hair and turned on the overhead light. Using a small purse mirror, she reapplied her lipstick. Tiny butterflies were beginning to dance in her stomach.
As the plane glided lower, small raindrops began to sparkle on the window. As they burst through the heavy cloud layer, the green hills of England appeared below, darkened by the weather. A smile played on Catherine's lips as the airport grew in size. She was finally home!
Alex and William held umbrellas above Elizabeth's head as they raced/waddled towards the airport. The incessant rain did nothing to dampen their spirits, however. Catherine was coming home! Alex dipped his head from under the umbrella as the hum of a plane went over their heads. He smiled as he read the red letters on the side. Norwest. An American company. Catherine's plane? He did not even notice the rain that drenched his face.
They hailed a people-mover cart and it conveyed them to the terminal. Once they arrived, William eased his wife into a chair and went to get her a cup of hot tea. Alex walked over to the window and stared at the empty runway, as if he could will the plane to land that much quicker.
Catherine was floating as the plane touched down. She did not even feel the wheels touch the runway. It seemed like an eternity before her row was allowed to exit. Finally, she grabbed her bag, maneuvered through the tunnel, and stood at the entrance to the terminal. Her eyes darted across the faces of strangers embracing loved ones, searching.
Suddenly the crowds thinned a little and a dark head moved towards the door. A pair of blue eyes were also searching faces. They brushed over her own face before returning to lock with her own eyes. Catherine dropped her bag and ran.
Alex stood rooted in place as Kate ran towards him. She seemed to move in slow motion, but finally, she was in his arms, hugging him with such force that it threatened to knock him over. He gazed into her face wordlessly, smiling. Catherine gave a small cry and wrapped her arms around his neck and brought his lips to hers. Alex lifted her in his arms as he welcomed her back. Catherine was crying and laughing so hard that she felt that her heart would burst.
And then she was in her sister's arms. Even William gave her a hug, but it was short, for Alex had to hold her again. He did not let go of her waist again until they climbed into William's Jag to head home. Elizabeth and William exchanged a smile as they tried to ignore the young couple in the back seat. Alex winked at Catherine and brushed a tendril of blonde hair from her face.
"Welcome home," he whispered, before he claimed her lips once more.
Chapter 40
The bar was crowded for a Thursday evening. The pool tables were surrounded by men trying to show off for young women who were trying to look sexy by perching on the edge of the tables with a drink in one hand. The music that poured from large speakers at the back of the bar was turned up so that the thumping bass vibrated right through the floor up the legs and set the heart into an odd, thumping rhythm that was slightly uncomfortable to anyone who was stone cold sober. Flashes of white teeth, glitter, and red leather showed through the slight haze that mystified the room and made normal-looking people seem alien and beautiful in the strange world of Boston nightlife.
For the life of him, John could not understand why Richard would choose this particular place. Richard, while several years younger and more in tune to the twenty-something crowd, had never seemed like the type to hang out in a trendy club.
Charles and John tactfully brushed off several inebriated young women before they saw Richard. He was sitting at the bar in a section that was slightly removed from the meat market of the rest of the room.
John and Charles sat next to Richard at the bar with curious expressions on their faces. His call had sounded urgent, but here he was, conversing calmly with the bartender, sitting relaxed on a bar stool. He greeted the gentlemen with a smile and motioned for them to take two empty stools next to him.
Charles ordered a beer and turned to his friend, yelling over the crowd. "Rich, what's going on?"
Richard held up his glass, watching the lights dance on the amber liquid before he placed it to his lips and drowned it in one gulp. He turned to his friends with a smile.
"Gentlemen, we are celebrating my last evening in the States."
John and Charles rose in one motion from their bar stools with shocked faces. Charles gripped Richard's shoulder.
"Rich, tell me you are not being sent…"
John's face was also troubled as he returned to his seat. "I can not believe it."
Richard raised an eyebrow and gave a slight grin. "Nope. They are not sending me. I volunteered. Maybe they do not need my battle skills, but I do have other skills that are desperately needed. They need doctors in the refugee camps. I have signed up to help."
Charles sank into his seat and searched Richard's face for signs that he was drunk, that this was a joke. Richard's eyes were clear and steady. He was clearly sober, and the expression in his eyes said it all. Charles ordered a stronger drink.
"Rich, why?"
Richard shrugged. "I am a young doctor, still trying to prove myself in my profession. The intensity of this experience will truly test my skills. I guess I also felt somewhat guilty watching others get ready to leave. I think that this will be a very interesting opportunity."
John tore his eyes from a news release on the TV above the bar. "Richard, I am surprised. I am sure that it would be interesting, but you are just getting settled here in Boston. And there is the danger…" He gestured towards the television screen, which showed footage of the burning skeleton of a building.
Richard played with his glass. "It is done. Tomorrow morning, I am going to board a plane for London, where a group of doctors and nurses from the US, France and Great Britain is assembling. We should be in Southern Europe by Wednesday."
Charles shook Richard's hand. "I must say that I am proud. I had hoped that you would come to my wedding, but…good for you, Rich."
John was silent for a moment before he, too, shook Fitzwilliam's hand. "Take care of yourself, Richard."
Richard grinned slightly, and then glanced towards the back of the room as the lights dimmed to a soft yellow that danced off of the haze of fake fog. A young woman dressed in a long white dress with a red flower on one shoulder walked on stage and began to sing in a deep, throaty alto as a band began to play the blues. The crowd became quiet as people returned to tables that were scattered around the stage.
Charles grinned. Now he knew why Richard had chosen this place. The patrons were not the greatest, but the music was. It was the perfect place to either forget your woes or to relive them. He looked at Richard, but Rich did not seem to be paying attention to the music anymore. His eyes were riveted to the television screen as it showed thousands of refugees pouring across the borders of Yugoslavia.
Chapter 41
John found Charlotte in Bingley's hot house. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She laughed and whirled around, threatening to run her soil-black garden gloves through his hair. She stopped when she saw that behind the smile, John's eyes were sad. He took the trowel from her hands and told her about Richard's decision.
John held Charlotte in his arms for a long time. In the short time they had known Richard, he had become very dear to them. Knowing part of the reason he had decided to leave, Charlotte was broken-hearted. She had not cried or carried on, but her face took on a blank, mask-like expression. John finally led her to a chair and sat on a stool at her feet. He took her hands in his.
"Charlotte, at least we know that he is not in immediate danger. The refugee camps are fairly distant from the fighting. And being part of a volunteer mission, and not acting in a military role, he is not likely to end up near the fighting. Richard is a smart man. He will take care of himself."
Charlotte's face was haunted. She knew all to well that Richard was too noble to turn down a request for help no matter how dangerous. If he were needed, little would keep him from walking right into Belgrade to help the victims. She closed her eyes and clasped John's hands tightly in a silent prayer as tears squeezed through her eyelids.
"Dear God, please watch over Richard."
The next morning, John woke to find that Charlotte had already left the room. He rose groggily and walked to the window. Seeing a small figure making its way across the damp lawn, he dressed quickly and grabbed a jacket. He came upon Charlotte at the edge of a freshly tilled garden. She had great tears rolling down her face, and was clutching a letter in her hand. John took the letter and slipped it into his pocket. He wrapped his arm around her and walked over to a small stone bench.
John removed his jacket and spread it on the damp stone to create a dry seat. As they sat, he wrapped his arms around Charlotte. She made a tiny sob and turned, burying her face in his shoulder. John whispered in her ear as he smoothed her hair with his hand. His eyes closed as he held her close.
Finally, Charlotte's shoulders stopped shaking and she looked up with a puffy face. Her eyes were filled not with sadness, but with relief, and her mouth tweaked a little at one corner, slowly blossoming into a full grown smile. John's forehead lost its worry wrinkles as he smiled tentatively, as he asked after her well-being.
Charlotte dashed tears from her cheeks as the smile turned into a slightly hysterical giggle, and then a full blown laugh. Suddenly, she was laughing so hard that tears renewed their flow down her reddened cheeks. By this time, John was very worried. Had she lost her mind? He chaffed her hands with his as she was overcome by some sort of hilarity. Charlotte began to look up, but as soon as their eyes met, she was again overcome with laughter, and slid to her knees in the damp grass, hiding her face in her hands. Charlotte had let her Brittany Spaniel off of her leash, and the lovely dog returned to them periodically as if to reassure them that she was still there. The dog came to sit in front of Charlotte and pressed her nose to Charlotte's knee. This brought another round of laughter and tears from the lady.
John was completely lost. What on Earth is going on here? She has gone completely daft! "Charlotte, are you all right? I believe that something in this letter has caused your reaction. I would like to read it, if I may." Charlotte's eyes met his for a moment.
"He is gone!" She stated breathlessly.
"Richard?" Charlotte started to laugh again, shaking her head helplessly.
John's gray eyes were dark with concern and uncertainty.
Charlotte's shoulder's shook all the harder as she fought for control. John opened the letter, and understood after the first sentence. In an astonished voice, he spoke, "Collins is gone?"
Charlotte's face was beaming as she raised her eyes to meet his. She took a deep breath, trying to control the giggles that kept sneaking out. "Yes…slipped the country…" Suddenly, she stopped laughing completely, and her face beamed as she rose to her feet. John stood too, only to be almost toppled as she threw her arms around him. Her eyes glowed with joy and freedom.
"He is gone!"
John laughed outright and held her as tight as he could without breaking her. "My dear John…" Her damp face was so near his own, her mouth swollen from biting her lips while she tried to contain her laughter, that she did not get the chance to finish her sentence. Instead, he literally took her breath away.
Chapter 42
Catherine woke to the gentle patter of rain on the open window. A soft, cooling breeze blew through the window, carrying the spring fresh scent of rain. It was still quite early, only the faintest blush of dawn tickled the soft rain clouds. Catherine snuggled back into her comforter, smiling to herself, blissfully content. Then it occurred to her. The rain smelled different. The bed felt softer. She was in London!
The thought cleared the velvet drowsiness from her head and she rose from her bed. She threw a wrapper about her shoulders and walked over to the window seat. Although in the distance the clouds were starting to dissipate, giving way to a beautiful sunrise, the gentle April rain continued to fall. Catherine curled up on the window seat, tucking the edge of an afghan underneath her toes. She remained in the window, watching the last of the rainfall, until the sunrise gave way to a perfect golden morning.
The delicious scent of roast coffee drew her from her reverie, and she slid off of the window-seat to open the door. A housemaid entered with a tray laden with all sorts of delicious spring foods. Catherine thanked her and took a seat at a small table.
Her breakfast tray held a small vase with a blush-pink rose, and two notes. One was from her sister, welcoming her home and proposing a morning of shopping together. The other was from Alex. Catherine smiled as she read of his joy of having her back again. He wrote of a surprise that he had planned for her that evening. Catherine held the note to her heart for a moment before she left the room to take her shower.
When she returned, the bed was made and a fresh bouquet sat on another small table. Catherine flopped onto the bed with a sigh and a smile. She was not accustomed to this kind of affluence, but she could sure get used to it.
Downstairs, William was reading the newspaper in a large armchair when Elizabeth kissed him on the ear. She slipped the paper from his hands and moved to sit on his lap. William smiled and kissed her softly on the lips. Elizabeth took his hand and set it on her belly.
"The little one is restless today. I think that baby is getting spring fever, too."
William's face glowed with wonder as he felt the life within her rounded belly.
Catherine leaned against the doorway watching her sister and brother-in-law. She waited until Elizabeth returned to her feet to enter the room.
Elizabeth and Catherine said good-bye to William and left for their morning of shopping in London. As they rode in the back of the car, Catherine patted Elizabeth's tummy.
"How long?"
Elizabeth smiled. "About a week." She squeezed Catherine's hand. "Kitty, I am so glad that you are here to help me through this!"
Chapter 43
Catherine and Elizabeth entered the house, followed by a train of servants carrying various packages, boxes and bags from their morning of frantic shopping. After removing their light coats, they collapsed onto the couch in the parlor. Elizabeth asked that tea be sent in to revive them. Soon, they were chatting happily over Earl Gray tea and raspberry scones.
A delivery man arrived almost on the heels of the servant who came to refresh their teacups. He presented a long silver box wrapped with a burgundy ribbon to Catherine. After receiving his hefty tip, the delivery boy waited just outside the doors to the parlor for the pretty maid.
Catherine smiled as she opened the box. Wrapped carefully in layers of silver tissue was a long dark blue velvet dress with blue satin straps. Another small box tucked inside revealed a pair of dainty, strappy blue shoes and a pair of sapphire earrings. Elizabeth and Kitty looked at each other and then roes from their seats. Once they were in Elizabeth's mirrored dressing room, Kitty donned the dress. Elizabeth sighed and declared that for the first time she almost wished she was not pregnant so that she could try it on. They played with Kitty's hair and Elizabeth's collection of jeweled hair combs for a while before Elizabeth's lady's maid entered the room with another small box.
Kitty sank onto a satin bench to open the box. Inside was a beautiful white flower and a note. The note instructed her to pin the flower in her hair, and to be in the parlor at 7:30.
Elizabeth smiled, but as she watched her sister primp in the mirror, she began to wonder. She thought that Alex was a really great guy. The gifts and elaborate plans, however, may be going a little too far. From what she had read in Kitty's letters and from what she had seen so far, the entire relationship seemed to be based on Alex's trying to either turn Kitty into a princess, or to impress her. Was that really love? As Kitty grabbed her hand to pull her towards the hair accessories again, Elizabeth banished the thought from her mind for the moment. The two had very little time together in the States, and Kitty had just returned. Of course there would be excitement and desire to celebrate their relationship. After everything settled down, then Alex and Kitty would have time to renew their acquaintance, to get to know each other all over again.
When Kitty was finally satisfied with her appearance, she sprayed some light perfume on her neck and descended the staircase to wait in the parlor. At exactly 7:30 another delivery came. A long box contained 24 pure white roses. After inhaling their sweet fragrance, Kitty handed them to a servant to place in water. She slipped the tiny note from the box.
Catherine,
A car is waiting out front. The driver will bring you to me.
Catherine tossed a light cape over her shoulders and kissed Elizabeth on the cheek.
Elizabeth waved good-bye. "Have a good time, Kitty. Take care of yourself!"
Kitty leaned out of the window to wave good-bye. The car was a dark silhouette against the setting sun as it pulled out on to the street and headed towards inner London.
Chapter 44
"Infernal London rain!"
Alex stood by the window, staring moodily out at the busy street. Taxis splashed gray rainwater onto the sidewalks as they rushed by. Alex turned on his heel and walked back into the restaurant. The maitre 'd stood with white gloves folded behind his back. Alex slipped a fiver into the man's hand.
"The table you have placed us at is too public. Please find us one by the window." He smiled nervously and walked back into the lobby to wait.
Finally, a sleek black Mercedes pulled up in front of the hotel. He watched, fascinated, as an elegant foot, followed by a shapely leg, extended from the door that the driver held open. A white glove appeared around the car door as the driver offered his hand to help the lady out of the car. A bright head shone momentarily before it was covered by a dark umbrella. Alex swore against the rain again before he raced towards the entrance.
Kitty's eyes lit up as a firm arm circled her waist and led her through the door. She peeked her head out from under the umbrella to meet Alex's smiling blue eyes. Once they were safely inside, Alex took Catherine's cloak from her shoulders. With a mischievous smile, he pulled her behind a large potted plant near the cloak room.
"Hello Kate." He tipped her chin and lowered his lips to hers. She melted against the wall with a sigh when Alex finally stepped back. He grinned and took her hand.
"Dinner is waiting, honey."
The Maitre 'd had placed them at an intimate table that was in a corner near a large window that looked out over the garden in the courtyard of the hotel. Alex pulled a chair out with a flourish and his hand slid down Kate's arm to squeeze her hand before he took his own seat. Catherine and Alex spoke very little during the meal. Both seemed out of sorts. Finally, Alex rose and took Kate's hand. "Let's get out of here."
The rain let up slightly as they slid into Alex's limousine. As soon as the car was in motion, Alex's lips found Catherine's. He slipped the flower from her hair, removed the golden combs, and tangled his fingers in the golden curls. Catherine's hands slid up Alex's back. The Limo went over a bump, sending Catherine onto Alex's lap. Alex slid one hand up the length of Catherine's leg and leaned her back against the seat. He loosened his tie.
Suddenly Catherine's eyes sprang open. She placed her hands firmly on Alex's chest and pushed him away. "No, Alex. I am not ready." Alex murmured a protest into her hair, but she moved away. "Not now, and especially not here." Alex finally sat back and ran a hand through his hair. His blue eyes were clouded as he reached towards the minibar to pour some champagne.
"All right, Kate. I am sorry." He sighed as he leaned back against the seat. As Catherine took a sip of champagne, she watched him over her glass. He was so gorgeous that every glance made her want to melt. Those blue eyes, that dark hair that was so boyishly tousled…he was the kind of man that she and her friends would have called 'delicious.' Funny that she had never noticed his looks before. Just now, the disappointment in his eyes hurt her. She so wanted to please Alex because she had hurt him so in the past. But she was not ready for a more physical relationship with him. Something warned her not to make the mistake of diving in headfirst. For one of the first times in her life, Kitty was thinking with her head before her heart.
She leaned over and kissed Alex on the cheek. He smiled down at her and held his arm out. Catherine slid over and leaned against him as he wrapped his arm around her. He sighed and rested his chin on her head. "You have no idea how you affect me, Kate." He smiled. "Well, I suppose the hotel is out, but I do have other plans for us." He tapped on the partition. When it opened, he murmured something to the driver. The window closed again and the car made a slow U-turn. It stopped in front of the opera house.
Alex led Catherine up the grand stairway into the crowded lobby. There were people in magnificent gowns and priceless jewels everywhere. Several distinguished gentlemen greeted Alex and kissed Catherine's hand. Alex led her up another stairway and through an elegant hall. He opened a door to a tiny room with several velvet chairs, a table, and a mirror. At the end of the little room was a velvet curtain. Alex pushed the curtain aside to reveal the box seats and the theater. The box was in a prime location, and Catherine immediately picked up the opera glasses to scan the crowd. Several members of the Royal Family were present, as well as the usual dignitaries. Kitty turned to Alex with a smile.
"What is it tonight?"
Alex grinned. "Cinderella." He had guessed her reaction.
Catherine threw her arms around him and laughed. "Oh, thank you. It is my very favorite. Magic, Romance, A handsome prince,…" She kissed Alex on the lips. "Though not half as handsome as my prince…" she was interrupted by the strains of the opening music. The lights darkened as the curtain rose. The dancers painted the story in exquisite detail and when the glass slipper was placed on the lady's foot, Catherine had tears in her eyes.
As they rose to leave the theater, Alex whispered into Catherine's ear. "Kate, you are my Cinderella." At that moment, she certainly felt the part.
Back in the limo, Alex again claimed Catherine's lips. His arms tightened possessively around her waist, but he seemed unable to quench his thirst for her. His lips brushed her ear. "Stay with me tonight." Catherine fought valiantly against the tide of emotions that threatened to overtake her. Her head was swimming and her body felt languid. All she wanted to do was stay in Alex's arms, to drown in his searing kisses for eternity. But deep inside it did not feel right. Their relationship had accelerated at such a feverish pace that such a night would change their relationship in a way that she was not prepared to deal with. Pulling away was one of the hardest things she had ever done.
Alex kissed her at the door of the Darcy home, but declined to enter. He stood under his umbrella staring at the front door for a moment before he returned to the limo.