Beginning, Previous Section, Section IV
Jump to new as of September 6, 1999
Jump to new as of September 8, 1999
Jump to new as of September 12, 1999
Chapter 19
"This is one big celebration!" Robert Bingley gazed around him appreciatively. "There must be more than a hundred people here!"
Ben grinned. "Well over a hundred. That's actually kind of modest considering it's a combined affair to celebrate Rebecca's departure for Europe, Aunt Janna leaving for New York, and..."
"And you receiving your degree!" Robert finished. "Yes, I suppose it is kind of small at that." He winked at his cousin and returned his attention to the people filling the room. "Oh my -! Ben, look over there. That woman in the loud dress."
Ben looked in the direction Robert was indicating. "What about her?"
"That's Aunt Lydia, isn't it?"
Ben groaned. "Oh, you're right! I know my Mum invited everyone in the family, but I didn't really think she meant everyone."
They were both silent for a few minutes as they watched Lydia float about the room from man to man. Robert shook his head.
"Oh, man, that is sad," he said. "How can she do that?"
"Never mind how she can do it!" Ben grimaced. "The real question is how she manages to find willing men? I mean, just look at her!"
Robert looked away instead. "Thanks, but I'd like to retain my appetite for dinner."
Ben stared at his companion for a moment, then chuckled. "That's a bit cruel, Rob."
"I beg to differ," Rob argued. "I hate to see any woman prowling around like that, but it's really pathetic at her age."
"Yeah, you're right," Ben muttered, but his aunt was no longer uppermost in his thoughts.
"Oh, don't look!" Robert turned to face the wall. "She's coming over here."
"Too late," whispered Ben.
"Oh, boys!" Lydia crooned. "Boys, I just had to come over and say hello to my favourite nephews."
The ones with the money! thought Ben disgustedly. He noted the too-bright lipstick and the garish eye makeup on the woman chattering away in his face, all the while trying not to blink at the smoke wafting into his eyes from the cigarette she was waving around inattentively.
"Oh, you two look just like your fathers!" she continued, oblivious to the disinterested expressions on the faces of her nephews. "Such handsome boys, and very popular too, I dare say. You must have plenty of friends here." She looked enquiringly at them.
The eyes of both young men opened in horrified comprehension of her aim in asking that question.
"Yes," replied Robert quickly. "And if you'll excuse me, I see someone I've been meaning to speak with about something rather important." He cast a not-too-apologetic look at Ben and began to sidle away.
"Well, of course, if you must," Lydia pouted. "I'll look for you later, then."
Ben glared at his cousin as he made his escape. Turning back to his aunt, Ben attempted to hide his grimace of distaste at her appearance. Her tight fitting dress was far too young for her, the skirt too short and the neckline too low. Combined with her atrociously applied makeup, she presented a pathetic sight indeed. The wild times of her youth had taken their toll on her, and Lydia looked much older than her forty-two years. That only made her current choice of attire all the more inappropriate.
Lydia moved closer to Ben and took his arm, leading him across the floor toward the other side of the room. "You must introduce me to some of these people, Ben. I know hardly anyone here, and there are so many! Oh, I know all of the family of course, although you children have all grown up so! I barely recognize most of you!" She waved her hand to their left. "Tell me, who is that stunning young woman over there, in the red dress?"
Ben was startled to realize she was referring to his sister. "That's Anna."
"Oh. That's Anna!" Lydia smiled cattily and narrowed her eyes as she appraised her niece's figure. "Well, she certainly knows how to dress to attract attention. I dare say, I must have a word with her later. I'd like to know where she picked up that little number." She put the cigarette to her lips, drew heavily on it, and exhaled the smoke into Ben's face as she turned back to him. "You simply must introduce me to that gentleman over there."
The only man in the direction she was pointing was a friend of Rebecca's. Ben frowned, trying to see past the lingering haze to determine if there was indeed someone else standing with Dan.
"That young man in the blue suit," Lydia supplied helpfully.
Ben shook his head. "I'm afraid you have me at a loss there," he lied. "I believe he's one of Rebecca's friends. Perhaps you could ask her to introduce you?" He sighed in relief as his aunt nodded her thanks, then set off to find Rebecca, a predatory little smile on her face.
Ben shivered in revulsion as he watched her stalk her prey.
"Cold?"
Smiling, Ben looked at Brenda who had quietly slipped up behind him. "No, I'm not cold. At least, not now that you're here." He grinned.
"Naughty boy," Brenda grinned back. "I came to see if you'd dance with me."
"My pleasure!" Ben took her arm and guided her through the room to the dance floor on the other side. On the way they passed the rest of his mother's sisters.
"Okay," Brenda said when they were swaying to the music, comfortably wrapped in each other's arms. "What's the matter?"
"Oh, is it that obvious?"
Brenda nodded and followed the direction of his gaze. Several women, who she recalled being introduced as Ben's aunts, were grouped around the punch bowl, apparently catching up on family gossip. As she watched, another woman in a gaudy outfit joined the ladies. None of them seemed to mind. Well, one did. Brenda recalled that woman's name as Mary. All of them were Mrs. Darcy's sisters, and the youngest one was not highly favoured by any of her siblings. Brenda looked up into Ben's frowning face.
"What do you find so disapproving, Ben? I didn't realize you were a fashion critic." She giggled.
Ben's expression relaxed slightly. "Oh, I know I shouldn't make a big deal of it, but her whole attitude makes me quite literally ill."
It was Brenda's turn to frown. "You're right, you shouldn't make a big deal of it. It's her life, and from what I understand, your own family has very little to do with her anyway. So what's the problem?"
"Some of it smacks a little too close to home." He said it so quietly that Brenda had to strain to hear the words.
"I'm not sure what you mean, Ben."
By way of reply, he nodded his head in a second direction. Brenda glanced over at the small gathering of young men around a slim laughing woman in a bright red dress. She realized that it was Anna.
"You're exaggerating, Ben," she said lightly. "Anna just enjoys flirting with them. Put those hackles down, now. She's a big girl and can take care of herself."
Ben said nothing, but his eyes never left his sister as he danced with Brenda.
Anna continued to laugh at the comments from her assorted admirers. "Oh, I really could use something to drink. Would any of you gentleman care to get one for me?"
"I will," said one fellow quickly. "What would you like, Anna? Some of the punch, or maybe wine?"
Anna made a face. "Oh, no punch! Too sweet. How about .... oh, something I haven't tried before."
"Is there something you haven't tried before?" smirked one of the other young men.
"Perry!" Anna giggled. "Alright then, just surprise me. But make it something good, Chris." She gave him a look that promised him that his effort would not go unrewarded. "I'm very thirsty."
Chris rushed off to fulfill her request, returning as quickly as possible so as not to lose his place in the throng. He handed her a glass and held his breath while she sipped it.
Anna's eyebrows rose. "Ooh, that is potent! Excellent choice, Chris. Excellent choice, indeed!" She smiled at him, then glanced around at the faces before her. With a sly grin, Anna turned back to Chris. "I think that deserves a dance, at least."
Chris's smile was wide, and aimed triumphantly at the other young men, as he led Anna to the dance floor. Anna snuggled herself close to him as the music changed tempo with a slow romantic number.
Ben caught her eye, casting her a warning glance. Anna merely smiled condescendingly and looked away.
Seeing this exchange, Brenda drew her partner's attention back to herself. "Don't, Ben."
He frowned. "Don't what?"
"Don't go causing a scene. Let Anna have her fun, keep an eye on her to make sure it doesn't get out of hand, and let everyone enjoy the party."
"I have no intention of causing a scene, Brenda," Ben told her. "I certainly don't want to upset my parents, my Dad particularly."
"Of course." Brenda was as aware of Will's angina as the rest of the family, now. Once Ben had discovered the real cause of the frightening episode in the library he had made sure that the rest of his siblings knew as well. He didn't want his little brother or one of his sisters to walk in unawares upon what he had witnessed. His father may not like the constant attention he was receiving now, but in time everyone would become less paranoid and more practical regarding his health.
Ben's gaze swept across the room to where his mother stood with his Aunt Jane. Then he noted that his father and uncles were all gathered on the opposite side of the room from his Grandmother Bennet.
"Brenda?" He chuckled. "Have you had the pleasure of meeting my grandmother, yet?"
"Do you mean the lady over there with the feather boa that matches her shoes?" Brenda smiled at the face Ben made. "Actually, your mother introduced me to her earlier in the evening, so you don't have to go out of your way, if you'd rather not."
Ben let out the breath he'd been holding. "Thanks. I'd rather not."
Swirling her around in a circle, Ben manoeuvred them across the dance floor as far away from his aunts and grandmother as possible.
Rebecca had managed to extract Dan from the clutches of her aunt, although the sight of him in such a predicament made it difficult not to laugh.
"I think you disappointed her, Dan," she chuckled when they were far enough away from the others.
Dan raised a sceptical eyebrow. "I think she'll get over it," he said drily. "What an interesting family you have, Becks. There's no shortage of characters, here."
"Too true!" Rebecca lamented. "Nevertheless, I'm sure I'm going to miss them once I've been in Europe for a while. Did I tell you that my Mum and Dad are coming to see the show in Aachen?"
Dan smiled. "No, but it doesn't surprise me. I'm sure they'll be making quite a few trips to see you over the next year."
"Checking up on me!"
"No, that's not what I meant." Dan nodded in the direction of her father. "Your dad seems quite proud of your accomplishments so far. You have a real talent, Becks. You will do well in Europe, and I know you'll be back the next year with even more success."
Rebecca blushed. "Oh, Dan! We haven't even left yet, and you're already fuelling my ego. I think I'll just wait to see how it all turns out. I'm not going to count my chickens!"
"A perfect attitude!" he laughed, then pointed to a group of people nearby. "There's Heather and Randy. If we're going to talk shop, I'd like to hear what classes Randy has opted to enter."
Rebecca agreed, and they moved toward their friends, passing her aunts on the way.
"Did you see her prowling the room?"
"Now Mary," Jane soothed. "I'm sure you're mistaken. Lydia isn't that young and wild girl that she used to be."
Mary shook her head pityingly. "Jane, you are how old? I can't believe you still have those blinders on."
"There's no need to be rude, Mary," Kitty reprimanded her. "Besides, I agree in part with Jane. Lydia isn't young anymore, and try as she might, she won't be getting anywhere with the chaps in this crowd tonight!"
Elizabeth giggled as she overheard Kitty's remark upon joining her sisters. "You're right, Kitty. Too many pretty girls with all of our daughters here, for the young men to be looking Lydia's way."
"Can't you do something about her?" Mary asked Elizabeth.
"I wouldn't waste my time," she replied. "It's only one night, and she's just embarrassing herself at this point."
A high-pitched screech of laughter caused all four sisters to close their eyes, cringing.
"Mama!" they all said as one.
Mrs. Bennet was having the time of her life, earnestly pursuing her sons-in-law around the perimeter of the dance floor. Each time she got closer, they would find something of interest on the far side of the room. At last she had caught up with them in an unguarded moment on the part of Kitty's husband, Sean, whose shift it had been at that time. Thus the squeal of delight from their mother-in-law as she found something amusing in the dry comments of Elizabeth's husband.
"Shall we go and rescue them?" Elizabeth asked the others.
Jane shook her head and laughed softly. "No, let's enjoy it while we can."
Her sisters all stared at her in surprise, then laughed too.
"I think I'll go and save my father from himself," Ben whispered to Brenda on the other side of the room.
"What do you mean?" she asked, trying to locate Will in the sea of faces around them.
"Before he either says something to my grandmother that he'll regret later, or actually strangles her for one of her insensitive remarks about my mother." He pointed to where Mrs. Bennet had managed to sandwich his father between a window and a lively group of Rebecca's friends. Will was looking distinctly irritated as his mother-in-law chattered on at him.
Brenda laughed at the sight, and urged Ben away on his mission. He made a beeline for his father's corner of the room, but before he had crossed halfway he was distracted by a blur of red he caught out of the corner of his eye. He paused and looked to his left.
Anna was whispering in the ear of the man she had been dancing with earlier. She smiled as he kissed her cheek and walked away. Anna stood there for a moment, gazing about the room. Her eyes met Ben's for a second, then she looked away. A few seconds later, she turned around and walked in the direction her friend had gone.
Ben changed course to follow her, an unpleasant suspicion in his mind. He caught up with Anna easily and slipped in front of her to block her path.
"What do you want?" she frowned at him, trying to peer past his form.
"What do you think you're doing!" Ben hissed in her face. "Anna, this is supposed to be a celebration. Every member of our family is here! You are acting like a common tart!"
Anna stared at him, her face beginning to turn red with smouldering anger. "Get lost, Ben. Just because you've decided to stick to one woman for a change, don't pull that holier-than-thou attitude on me!" She turned around and stepped away from him, her goal the doors leading to the service corridor.
Ben grabbed her shoulder and spun her around. Looking beyond her to the exit doors, he frowned angrily. "Oh, how classy, Anna! What, is he waiting for you out there? You were just going to pop out there quickly and then return to the party?" He shook his head in disgust. "I've got half a mind to let Dad know what you're up to."
"Half a mind is right, Ben," she retorted. "Are you trying to give him a heart attack?" Anna chuckled at the horrified expression on her brother's face. "I thought not. So now you'll just have to help me make sure he never does find out!"
"You've had far too much to drink, Anna!" Ben growled. "Otherwise you would never make a threat like that. I'm warning you. Don't even think of going out there. I won't stand for it." He narrowed his gaze, making sure he had her attention. "I will make sure Mum and Dad find out about your... habits.... if you persist in this. You've become much too blasé about the whole thing. It's time for you to get a wake up call!"
"My, my. What's going on here?"
Ben's head swung around to see Lydia at his side. He groaned inwardly. The last person his sister needed to speak to was their aunt.
Then again, he suddenly thought. Maybe Anna will see what she's destined to become if she continues in this fashion. He held fast onto his sister's arm to prevent her escape as he drew Lydia forward to make a close circle.
"Anna and I were just trying to figure out who in the family we most resemble," Ben said between his teeth.
Lydia laughed. "Oh, that's easy! You look just like Will, and Anna looks very much like Georgiana."
"No," Ben continued. "I didn't mean physical resemblance. I meant our personalities, our idiosyncrasies and such."
Lydia stared blankly at him for a moment, then she suddenly exclaimed, "Ah! I see what you mean." She looked Anna over critically. "I don't think you're too much like your mother. She never had much fashion sense, and definitely no sense of adventure! I've noticed you have a lot of zest for life in you, Anna."
Anna favoured her brother with a smug smile, while Lydia turned her attention to Ben.
"As for you, young man, I see a lot of your father in you."
The remark didn't sound particularly complimentary, much to Ben's puzzlement. When she didn't say anything more, he said "Well, I rather thought Anna was more like you, Aunt Lydia." He cast a quick look in his sister's direction to see her reaction.
Lydia was thrilled with Ben's suggestion.. "I do believe you're right, Ben! And, even if I do say so myself, you couldn't have chosen a better role model, Anna. You will never lack for excitement in your life if you follow my example. I am more than willing to offer you any advice you need. All you have to do is ask. I mean, your mother could hardly give you any pointers. She was such a dead bore! And look where it got her!" Lydia leaned in closer, but never lowered her voice. "She still managed to get herself pregnant, though. I never made that mistake!" She suddenly seemed to recall the third party of their little contre temps. "Oh, sorry Ben. I'm sure your father doesn't find her boring, but honestly... he was never much of a socializer himself."
Ben repressed the urge to snort in disgust. He had never seen much of this aunt in the course of his life, and now he was even more grateful for his mother's insistence on keeping her children out of this woman's sphere of influence.
"Yes, Anna," Lydia continued. "I think it would be wonderful if you stayed with me for a while in the summer. We could have a grand time together!"
Ben stole a glance at his sister and was pleased to see her eyes open wide with uneasiness at the suggestion. She fidgeted, shuffling her feet and attempting not to meet her aunt's eyes.
"What an idea Aunt Lydia!" Ben said, more in Anna's direction. "I'm sure you two would get along very well. You're so much alike and have many of the same interests."
Anna was shooting daggers at him with her eyes. "Thank you for the offer, Aunt Lydia, but I don't think so. With my brothers and sister away for the summer, I'd like to spend it at home with my parents."
Lydia appeared confused. "Well, if that's your choice..... If you change your mind, my dear, just drop in on me anytime. There's no need to call first."
"Thank you," Anna replied shortly. She moved quickly away from them, head down, across the dance floor and into the crowd.
Chapter Twenty
"What did you say to her?" Brenda pulled Ben over to her while her eyes sought out Anna's retreating figure.
"Maybe too much?" Ben looked at her regretfully. "I should go and apologise."
"No," Brenda said quietly, her hand resting on his arm. "I'll go talk to her."
A little searching and Brenda found Anna just outside the front doors of the building, leaning against the wall. Her head was bowed, and the faint sound of sniffling reached Brenda's ears.
"Anna?" she said softly. "Would you like to talk?"
The younger woman simply nodded her head. Brenda put a hand on her shoulder and steered her away from the openness of the main entrance to a more private location near the gardens.
As soon as they were seated on a bench Anna began to sob. She clung to Brenda, much to the other woman's surprise. When at last she had regained some control, Anna released her hold on her friend and sat back on the bench. She continued to sniffle, and Brenda handed her a tissue.
"Now, tell me," Brenda said. "Did Ben say something to upset you like this?"
Anna shook her head dismally. "I'm just so confused," she whispered. "One minute I'm on the top of the world, I think I'm happy and enjoying life.... the next, I'm wondering what I'm doing. Ben hates me, and I'm not too sure how I feel about myself either."
"Ben doesn't hate you." Brenda pushed Anna's hair behind her ear in order to see her face better. "He's very concerned about you. He doesn't want to see you get hurt, or worse. What is it you're looking for, Anna?"
The younger woman's shoulders rose with a heavy sigh. "I don't know. I thought I was trying to be like Ben." She looked up suddenly, horrified at the connotations of her statement. "I didn't mean that! Oh, I'm sorry, Brenda!"
Smiling, Brenda patted her arm. "Anna, I'm not blind to the fact that Ben has been, and continues to be, popular with the ladies. He's a very good looking man, and just the fact that he comes from such a wealthy family is enough to bring the women to him. Not that I'm downplaying any of his delightful qualities, but the money aspect certainly has played a big role in his popularity. And yours, too, I would imagine." She frowned and turned to squarely face Anna. "Are you sure that your admirers are there because they appreciate you? Or is it something else that attracts them?"
Anna sniffled. She couldn't meet her companion's eyes. Although Brenda had left it unsaid, Anna knew what she meant. She fingered the folds in her skirt. "I've messed things up pretty badly, haven't I?"
With a small sigh, Brenda smiled faintly. "You're young and you've made some mistakes. Don't let that affect the rest of your life, unless you mean to learn from them."
Anna thought about what had passed between her brother and herself only a few moments ago. "Ben said I was like Aunt Lydia. Brenda, I don't want to end up like her! I don't want to be an embarrassment to my entire family. I couldn't bear the thought of hurting my parents like that."
"Then you won't turn out like your aunt," Brenda said firmly. "She doesn't care about what people think of her, nor how her family is hurt by her actions. That is the key, Anna. As long as you care, you're on the right track."
They sat quietly for some minutes, while Anna sorted out her thoughts.
"Are you ready to go back inside?" Brenda finally ventured.
"I think so, yes." Anna stood up, smoothed her dress and straightened her shoulders. "I'm ready."
When they re-entered the hall, Anna's followers immediately began to reassemble around her. Brenda, however, was determined not to leave her friend's side. She guided Anna through the room to join Ben. There was an awkward silence between the two at first, but then Anna looked apologetically at her brother.
"Ben, I'm sorry."
He glanced from Anna to Brenda, then settled his gaze on his sister again. "I'm sorry, too. I'm sorry I had to be so cruel about it, but I don't want to see you throw away your life, Anna. And I have to admit that Dad was prominent in my concerns as well. If anything happened to him as a result of your indiscretions coming to light, there would be a lot more people hurt. Our family is very precious to me, as I've come to realize very well of late."
"You know I didn't really mean that remark about Dad, right Ben? I couldn't bear to hurt him in any way." Anna took his hand and squeezed it. "Thank you for caring, Ben. I was just too full of myself to really comprehend what you were saying."
Brenda gave a relieved smile. "How about some coffee, Anna? I think you could use a cup."
"Oh, yes!" she agreed.
Three Years Later
"Oh, Dad! I can't thank you enough!" Rebecca hugged him fiercely. "You have no idea what a difference this is going to make for me in competition."
Will grinned at his daughter. "Well, I had no idea how excited you would get over the mere purchase of a new horse!"
"Oh, but he's not just any horse, Dad," she sighed. "And the difference is that I won't be riding for someone else with this one. I'll be riding a Darcy-owned mount! How on earth did you know which horse I had my eye on?"
"I made a few discreet enquiries on each visit that your mother and I made to see you compete." Will motioned for them to head back to the house. "Your enthusiasm has hardly been understated when looking at prospective horses. And, of course, I hired someone who knew what to look for in a showjumping mount once I knew in what direction your inclination lay."
Rebecca followed him down the aisle of the stable. "He's perfect, Dad. I know we're going to be a great team." She was grinning from ear to ear.
"Speaking of teams," Will said in a more sombre tone. "When do you fly to Canada?"
"The horses will be going next week, and some of us have been asked to fly with them."
Will stopped and looked at her. "You're going next week, then."
She nodded. It had been impossible for her to refuse when asked. Rebecca's excitement at having been chosen to represent her country in the Nation's Cup Series in North America had known no bounds. Even though the team that Britain was sending was made of up and coming horse and rider combinations, effectively reducing their chances of finishing well, the honour of having been selected was not lost on her. She had worked hard and come a long way in the past three years. And now another phase of her education in the sport was about to begin.
"That doesn't leave you much time to spend with family," her father was saying.
"Dad, everyone is at home now! I mean, Ben lives here and Anna won't be going to Glasgow for her new job for another month." Rebecca took her father's arm as they walked across the lawn toward the house. "I'm sure you won't miss me. I was hardly ever home anyway!"
Will chuckled. "I missed you whenever you were away in Europe."
"You and Mum will be too busy with your new grandson this time."
A huge smile lit Will's face. "I can't deny that! However, I think little William's time will be monopolized by his big sister. Sarah just doesn't want to leave the little fellow alone!"
"Oh, she's just at that age, isn't she? Has to be mama to the new baby." Rebecca shook her head, laughing.
"Kevin's nose is a wee bit out of joint, though." Will grimaced, recalling some of his own son's antics when each successive sibling had arrived. "Well, it's still early days. The baby is only a couple of months old!"
"And he still has Rich to chum around with."
"Yes. This house has never been more full!" Will shook his head. "Your mother and I were supposed to be going to Spain for a holiday next month, but do you think I can tear her away from here now? Once that baby crossed the threshold of the front doors all thoughts of a holiday went right out the window." He scowled at the ground.
Rebecca grinned. "I think Kevin isn't the only one with his nose out of joint."
Will's scowl was re-aimed at her, then he laughed. "There might be a kernel of truth in that. You know how your mother is with babies. That's why we had five!"
They were still laughing when they passed through the main doors into the house. Rich met them at the bottom of the stairs.
"Dad, you just missed Aunt Janna's call."
"Oh," Will groaned. "Did you speak with her?"
"Yep. She wanted to know if you'd managed to convince Mum about Spain yet, otherwise she'll change your reservations to another destination. She said something about Tahiti?" Rich shrugged his shoulders. "I told her you'd ring her back."
"Good Lord," Will grumbled. "Your aunt needs to get herself a love life of her own, so she'll stay out of mine. Thanks, Rich."
"No trouble, Dad," he shrugged again before turning to his sister. "Bec, can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Yeah, sure." She followed him into the music room, leaving their father in the hallway.
Will debated as to whether he should retreat to the library, or peek in on Ben to see how he was doing. He eyed the closed study door for a few minutes as he weighed the pros and cons of sticking his nose in on his son's efforts.
After another minute he headed for the library.
Kathleen sat under her favourite tree in the garden overlooking the lake. Having completed her first year at university she felt a renewed sense of self confidence in her ability to tackle life's little disappointments.
Or big disappointments, she thought with a slight wilting of her shoulders. Almost immediately, she straightened up once more and her chin came up determinedly.
Four years had been a long time, but in the end she and Jason had come to agree on one thing. Each needed to go on without the other. He was nearly finished university, soon to embark on a new and exciting life away from England. Opportunities to continue his studies abroad had come to him from many sources, and he would be a fool not to accept.
Kathleen, herself, had found university to be something that she had enjoyed immensely, and she was grateful that she had been able to go, although a tiny part of her still wondered how it would have all turned out if her daughter had survived.
Shaking off these sad musings, Kathleen turned her attention to the lake before her. The still surface of the water rippled suddenly as a fish nudged at an insect. She breathed in deeply, smiling contentedly at the scents from the flowers that surrounded her.
"So, what do you think?"
Rebecca stared at her brother for a moment. "It's..... Gee, Rich, what do you want me to say?"
Rich appeared a bit peeved with her response. "I hoped that you'd see my point of view and give me an honest opinion."
"Your point of view?" she asked quizzically. Sighing, she turned back to contemplate the canvas. "I'm no art critic, you know," she warned.
Rich grinned. "You don't have to be. I don't want a critic's opinion. I want to know what the average person sees when they look at it."
"Oh, so I'm average, now?" Rebecca shot him a look out of the corner of her eye.
"You know what I mean!" Rich coloured.
"Ah, he's managed to lure you in here to judge his efforts has he, Rebecca?" Elizabeth chuckled. "I told you it's lovely, son." She patted him on the cheek before taking a seat on one of the sofas.
Rich rolled his eyes. "Thanks, but since you are my mother, you're a bit biassed."
Rebecca wondered how he could think his sister would be any less so. "Okay, Rich. It's a portrait, obviously."
Elizabeth looked at her daughter, an expression of confusion developing on her features. "Portrait?"
"Yes." Rebecca pointed to a patch of gray near the top left corner of the canvas. "That's his hair, and over here," she indicated the bottom right corner, "you can see his ring."
"His ring?" Elizabeth was getting more confused as she leaned forward to peer at the area in question.
"Oh come now, Mum! You know it's Dad!" Rebecca winked at her brother. "It is really good, Rich. Has it been graded, yet?"
"Um, yeah," he hesitated. "I got an A." Rich frowned slightly as he watched his mother examining his painting.
"Well," Elizabeth said, straightening up. "I'll have to go and bring your father down to see this again. I don't think he realized it was a portrait of himself." She hurried out of the room.
"What did you say that for?" sputtered Rich. "Rebecca, I told you the assignment was to paint a concept, not an object, but a concept! How on earth did you twist it around to become a portrait?"
Rebecca waved her hand in the air. "Oh, they'll never know the difference, Rich. Make them happy and pretend it's a portrait of Dad, and maybe later you can paint one of the both of them."
He grinned. "Just you remember that it's me doing the painting, and you don't come along and decide to tell everyone what they are!" Rich paused and bit his lip in thought. "Yes, I'll do a real portrait of them, Rebecca. That's a great idea. Thanks!"
Will laughed. Elizabeth frowned at him.
"I don't see what's so funny," she pouted.
The laughter stopped abruptly and her husband cleared his throat before speaking. "Dearest Elizabeth, you cannot tell when your daughter is teasing you." He smiled at her incredulous expression.
"Do you mean..... Rich's painting isn't....?" Will's eyes were still laughing at her, to Elizabeth's consternation. "Oh, that girl!"
She whirled around to leave the room, but Will caught her arm and masterfully spun her around so that she came to a halt, resting against his chest with his arms wrapped about her waist. "Not so fast, my dear." His voice was low and he whispered the next words so close to her ear that his breath warmed her cheek.
Elizabeth relaxed into his embrace, turning her face to meet his. Their lips touched, gently.
"Do you know that I love you?" Will murmured.
A quiet giggle sounded in her throat. "I should think myself well versed in the many ways you love me, Will, after all these years together."
"Ah, there have been a few," he agreed. "But there will never be enough years for me to share with you, no matter how long I live."
Their lips met again. Elizabeth's arms rose to encompass Will's neck and draw him closer. Their bodies pressed together, softly murmured words of love exchanged between them.
The door to the library closed noiselessly. Ben smiled to himself as he stood on the other side. With the example of his parents' solid and loving marriage, he knew that he and Brenda would do very nicely together as well.
He gave an imperceptible sigh and went back to his study. His father's advice would wait for another day.
Epilogue ~ Eleven Years Later
Brenda scanned the faces on the lawn, looking for her husband's. She did a mental inventory as she searched, tallying up the children. Kevin, Sarah, William, Trisha. That took care of her own. She saw Anna's two boys, Cory and Rhys, as they raced after William. Robert Bingley's little one, Ivy, was toddling around on the grass, her mother following with arms outstretched ready to catch her. Brenda chuckled at the site. It had been a good number of years since any of her children had been that age.
Charles was standing with his daughter, Beth, who looked nearly ready to burst at eight months pregnant with twins. Jane was close by, speaking with Georgiana.
Brenda frowned. She still couldn't see Ben, but Rich and Aaron were just passing by her.
"Rich, have you seen your brother?"
"No," Rich shook his head. "Didn't he come back with you?"
"No. I suppose I'll go take a look in the house." Brenda left the two young men, skirting along the edge of the cedars bordering the walkway.
"Brenda!" called a voice.
She stopped and turned. Rebecca came hurrying up to her. "Brenda, I didn't have time earlier, since I was late in arriving. I wanted to introduce you to Jurgen." She gestured to the man standing a few paces away to come forward.
Smiling, Brenda extended her hand. "Pleased to finally meet you, Jurgen. Rebecca's parents told us so many nice things about you."
As he took her hand firmly, Brenda sized up her sister-in-law's fiancé and was satisfied with what she saw. Will and Elizabeth had met him the previous summer, when Rebecca was in Germany. Shortly after their visit, Jurgen had proposed. Unfortunately, their competition schedule hadn't allowed Jurgen time to come to Pemberley in the intervening time, although Rebecca had managed a few trips.
"Rebecca has a wonderful family," Jurgen said in a thick but pleasant accent. "I am very pleased to have been accepted into it so readily."
They spoke for a few more minutes before Brenda excused herself to continue her search for Ben. She was waylaid once more, by Kathleen this time.
"I can't stop long, Kath. I'm looking for Ben. You haven't seen him, have you?" she explained.
"Not recently." Kathleen looked over her shoulder. "There's Anna. She might know where he is."
"Thanks." Brenda sidestepped a rosebush and ended up at Anna's elbow. "Hi!" She nodded at Anna's husband. "Hi, Sean."
Anna smiled. "Hi. The gardens are beautiful, Brenda."
"Oh, thank you. Did you happen to notice your brother about? I can't seem to find him."
Anna frowned. "Now that you mention it, I don't recall seeing him since we came back here, either." At the concerned look on Brenda's face, she added, "Don't worry. I think I know where he is. Would you like me to find him and bring him home?"
"Would you? I know I'm just a worry wart, but he's been under a lot of pressure for a while. I'd feel better if he was here with everyone else."
"It's no trouble." Anna put her cup down on a nearby table. "I'll go now."
Kathleen joined Brenda as her sister walked away. "I noticed you met Jurgen."
"Oh, yes." Brenda turned to face her. "He seems like a nice man. He's been very attentive to Rebecca this afternoon."
"Yes, he is that."
Brenda tilted her head to the side as she regarded the younger woman. "And when are you going to find yourself a young man of your own?"
Kathleen laughed. "That's a very good imitation of Grandmama! She still asks me that every time I go to see her."
"That's because you are the only one of her granddaughters not yet married!" Brenda leaned closer. "Sarah might displace you soon, though, if your grandmother ever realizes that she's twenty, now."
"Oh, the poor girl! Well, Grandmama's tactics will not induce me to find a husband any sooner than my snail's pace will allow. I hope Sarah manages to avoid being subjected to her attention, though." Kathleen sighed. "It's not easy to listen to that every time."
"I imagine it isn't." But Brenda's mind had wandered from the conversation as she caught a glimpse of Anna leaving the gardens, walking briskly in a direction away from the house.
"Ben."
The voice was soft, barely heard above the whispering of the leaves rustling in the warm spring breeze.
"Anna," he replied just as quietly, his eyes never wavering from the words in front of him.
His sister knelt down on the grass beside him. "Everyone is back at the house. I knew you'd still be here. Will you come with me now?"
"In a few minutes. Just give me a few more minutes."
Anna watched his face closely. Ben had been a rock for the rest of them this past year. Seeing him so vulnerable at this moment was tearing at her heart.
"Did you realize the significance of this place?" He didn't wait for her reply, didn't look to see her shake her head. "This is where they first loved one another, where I was conceived." Ben finally turned his head to meet his sister's eyes. "You, too."
"How do you know that?" Anna's eyes were round and tear-filled.
Ben smiled faintly. "Dad told me. He had to explain why he didn't want Mum buried in the family vault. He said she was too free-spirited to be confined in that cold, dark place. She'd never be happy, never be able to rest surrounded by all of those stuffy old Darcys."
Anna's laughter was hindered by a soft sob. "I can believe it." She took hold of Ben's hand and held it tightly. "This place feels like Mum and Dad. They're together now, the way they should be."
"Yes." Ben ignored the tears that fell from his face to the grass. "It was hell to watch him fade away all these months. Oh, he put on a brave face for the kids, but every night he'd be walking the halls. I often found him sitting in the gallery just staring at Mum's portrait. Many times he'd fall asleep there."
"And that's where you found him when he....." She stopped. Blinking away more tears, she looked up at the trees, away from the marker in front of her. "He was devastated when she died."
"It was cruel. She should never have gone before him, and not as suddenly as she did." Ben touched the letters on the stone with his fingertips. He traced the Darcy name, then let his hand fall back to his side. With a sigh, he rose to his feet, drawing Anna to hers as well. "We'd best get back to the house before Brenda sends out a search party."
They slowly walked across the little clearing toward the trees. Ben paused at the edge where the grass met the path that would take them back to Pemberley, looking over his shoulder to the small incline where the one large stone marker stood at the top. The sun made a brief appearance, throwing a bright beam of light onto the very spot where his parents now lay..... together.
"Goodbye," he whispered. Gripping Anna's hand, he followed the path back home.
The sun continued to shine on the little clearing. The breeze set the leaves fluttering, and the sounds of the birds and the brook lent a serenity to the surroundings.
A woman's soft laughter filtered through the branches of the trees as a shadowy form raced along the grass to the top of the hill.
Another laugh, this one deeper, came from the direction of the brook.
The shadow on the hill extended a hand, beckoning.
A second shadowy form joined the first.
The two figures appeared to blend into one another.
"I'll love you forever," whispered the leaves.
The sun disappeared behind a cloud, the shadowy figures vanished and the clearing was enveloped in the dusk of the fading day.
The End