Beginning, Section II, Next Section

Chapter Sixteen

Posted on Sunday, 19 September 1999

Georgiana had originally planned to have everyone meet for dinner at a cozy restaurant in town. The day before the event, however, dawned so perfect that the plans were rapidly changed. Elizabeth and William, who had entertained few guests at their London home since the birth of Jeffery two years earlier, offered to have the meal prepared at their house. In such a setting, more intimate than a crowded restaurant, they felt that they could more comfortably converse with the guests. In light of the beautiful fall day, Georgiana and Elizabeth decided to set the table in the sunroom, rather than the elegant dining room or the more informal breakfast room. The room was a modern addition to the house, with an entire wall of floor to ceiling windows that looked out into a garden. The garden was not a large one, situated as they were in the city, but it had lovely flowerbeds circling a bubbling fountain. It was lined with trees that glowed gold and green in the warm autumn light.

Georgiana and Elizabeth went to the market with the cook in the morning for fresh produce for the meal. They returned with laden baskets and several bottles of wine. Elizabeth began to decorate the sunroom with fall flowers while Georgiana made a quick stop at her apartment for appropriate clothing for the evening. She walked through the door and threw her keys onto the counter, then pushed the button on her answering machine. A delighted smile graced her lips when she recognized the low, smooth voice of the first caller.

"Hi, gorgeous. Pick up if you're there...Georgie? {{sigh}} Very well...It's me. Listen, I can't make it to dinner tonight. I have last minute, urgent business in Dublin. My plane leaves at 12:30. Call me if you get home before eleven. Love ya!"

Crestfallen, Georgiana looked at her watch. It was 12:20. There was no way she would catch George before he left town. She had been looking forward to introducing him to her family. In the three weeks they had been dating, she had really grown to like him. George was ambitious and intelligent. Georgiana was sure that he and her brother would get along well. He was also handsome, charming, and he treated her like a lady. Most of her other boyfriends had treated her like she was a little girl. Even her family and friends tended to baby her, even though she was twenty-two. She felt that she was in the middle of her first adult relationship. With a sigh, she pulled a dress out of her closet without even looking at it.

When she returned to the Darcy home to break the news, Elizabeth was greatly disappointed that she could not meet Georgiana's new suitor. But she also had news to share. Charlotte and John were coming to dinner with Charlotte's sister Mariah. And, of course, the Waterpool gentlemen would be there. The evening would not suit its intended purpose, but it still carried the promise of pleasant company.

The gorgeous day broke into a perfect evening. Charlotte and her family arrived as golden light spilled long across the wooden floors. Georgiana stood by Elizabeth and William to greet their guests. Georgiana and Mariah immediately took a liking to each other. They chatted comfortably until Brian and Alex arrived.

Brian was dressed casually in crisp light khaki pants and a dark green shirt that matched his eyes. Alex was dressed a little more formal in a suit and tie. Both brothers had relaxed smiles on their handsome faces. Brian greeted the two married couples warmly before turning to Georgiana and Mariah.

Alex, who had been speaking with John, came to join them. Remembering his dance partner from the Claremont party, he offered his arm to Mariah as they were ushered in to dinner. They chatted briefly about their first meeting at Claremont, then fell silent as they took their places at the table.

Brian grinned as he lightly squeezed Georgiana's hand, "It may sound redundant, because I say this every time we meet, but Georgiana, you truly look lovely tonight." And she did. She was dressed in a cream silk sheath with a soft sweater to match. Her long blonde hair was held back neatly by a pearl clip, and she wore a single pearl in each ear.

His smile grew as his eyes roamed the room. "If I am not mistaken, Alex and I are the only eligible young men in this room. Dare I hope that my competition has set you free?"

Georgiana laughed as she shook her head. "You do know how to turn a girl's head, Brian. I wonder if you can ever be serious. No, George is in Dublin on business. You'll have to inspect 'the competition' some other time." Her own eyes sparkled as she scanned the room. She imitated Brian's tone of voice. "If I am not mistaken, Mariah and I are the only eligible young woman in this room." She smiled at Brian's delighted laughter. "When I am going to get a chance to inspect my own competition?" Her eyes flashed teasingly, "Don't tell me that neither of the Waterpool brothers could find a date for tonight."

Brian grinned and took Georgiana's arm to follow the rest of the party into the sunroom. "Who could hope to hold a candle to Georgiana Darcy." He frowned, "Actually, there was no one we wanted to bring. I'm trying to hook Alex up with someone, and I have been seeing a girl lately, but they are both on holiday this week." He raised Georgiana's hand to his lips, "That just means that you and I will have to console each other for the absence of our 'lesser halves.'" Brian bowed gracefully, laughingly, as he held a chair for Georgiana.

After dinner, the group spilled into the garden to enjoy the last golden light of the evening. Charlotte, Elizabeth, John, and William chatted on chairs placed underneath a large tree. Over dinner, Charlotte had mentioned Mariah's search for a topic for her master's thesis. Alex renewed the conversation as they stood on the stairs. Brian took Georgiana's arm and led her around the perimeter of the garden.

"Is George treating you well, Georgiana?"

She laughed, "You seem to have a great interest in George, Brian."

He smiled, "No, I am interested in you. I want to be sure that he is treating you well."

"He is. Thank you."

He smiled. "I am glad to hear it. You are a charming, intelligent woman, and you deserve the best a man can give you." He grinned, "I may not know you well, but I like you very much. If I cannot persuade you to turn from George for me, at least I can try to be your friend."

Georgiana smiled, "You are such a charmer, Brian...Nevertheless, I pledge my friendship to you."

"And you already have mine. And my loyalty as well. You may ask anything of me." He gave her a lopsided grin as he pounded his fist on his chest in a Roman salute.

"Then...tell me how your brother is."

Brian glanced towards Alex. "Very well, I think. He has not mentioned Kate for nearly two weeks. But he is throwing himself into his work so much that I am afraid that he is sacrificing himself." He looked at Georgiana suddenly, piercingly. "It seems to me that the two of you were once great friends. And now I seem to be on the way to taking his place. How is that?"

Georgiana took a seat on a marble bench. "I think that his great obsession got in the way."

"You cared deeply for him."

She thought for a moment, "I thought I did. But I was fed up with his torch for Catherine, and his criticism of my cousin. In my eyes, Richard is one of the best men alive." She shrugged. "Perhaps the attraction was that he was a handsome face and a piece of home in a foreign land. Anyhow, when he left for Spain without a word, I knew our friendship was not as important to him as it had been to me. He returned very little changed, and convinced me further. I was the one who changed."

Brian smiled, "He did say that." He glanced back towards his brother. "But he is changing. You don't love that hard without some lasting effects. The Waterpool curse, or blessing, seems to be that we fall headlong into love so deep that it takes a great struggle to climb back out. Fortunately or unfortunately it has not happened to me yet. I am told that it is only a matter of time." His voice softened as he studied his brother; "I have no idea what I will do then."

Chapter Seventeen

Posted on Tuesday, 21 September 1999

Here there be dragons...

Georgiana, William, and Elizabeth as were sitting around the cheerful library fire one stormy evening in early October, helping Jeffery build block castles in the library, when they heard a commotion in the hallway. A servant stuck his head around the door, but was swept aside with an imperious wave of a bejeweled hand. The door shivered as the servant slammed into it in his haste to get out of the lady's way. William rose to his feet, followed by the two women, as Lady Catherine de Bourgh swept into the room wearing a bright purple suit, a fur coat, and an irritated expression on her sharp face. They heard a familiar soft voice in the hall, apologizing to the servant. Lady Catherine swung around to fix a glare in that direction.

"Anne don't you dare apologize to a mere servant! Come in here."

Anne entered the room in a neat gray suit, with her dark hair pulled back into a chignon. Her pale face wore an uncomfortable expression and she gave her cousins an embarrassed smile. Her eyes, beneath her stylish wire-framed glasses, were sad. "Good evening, William, Elizabeth, Georgiana," she said as she exchanged kisses with them. She then bent down to see Jeffery's castle.

Lady Catherine ordered another servant to move a chair before the fireplace. She majestically took a seat and bestowed her steely gaze on the relatives standing in astonishment before her. Her eyes rested on Georgiana, and frowned. "I am most seriously displeased with this young lady."

Georgiana glanced at her brother, who, being the first to recover from the shock of this surprise visit, stepped forward. "Whatever for, Lady Catherine? You have not seen Georgiana for nearly a year. What can she possibly have done..."

Lady Catherine waved her hand impatiently. "It is thoughtless enough that she has not visited Rosings lately...but that is not why I have come."

Anne, who had come to stand behind Georgiana, leaned forward to whisper an apology in her ear. Lady Catherine's sharp eye rested disapprovingly on her daughter. "Anne I would know what you have said to your cousin."

Anne blushed. "I just apologized."

Lady Catherine frowned. "I do not see why you are constantly apologizing for your mother. I have done nothing wrong. But this impudent, headstrong girl..."

Georgiana stepped forward. "Aunt, I fail to see what I have done that you so disapprove of. Please enlighten me so that I may make amends."

Lady Catherine looked down her nose at her niece. "Pray that it is not too late for that, young lady. I have come about Sheldon Frankworth."

Georgiana hid her smile behind her hand. Her aunt had traveled all the way to London about that? She feigned a lightly interested smile. "Sheldon Frankworth, aunt?"

"Yes, Sheldon Frankworth, Georgiana. The gentleman you were to entertain."

"And so I did, Aunt Catherine. We went out to dinner."

"Once! And then you ran off with the impudent waiter!" William and Elizabeth looked at Georgiana in surprise. Georgiana had told them about George, but not how they met.

Georgiana stared at her aunt in wonder. How on earth did she find out about that?

Lady Catherine continued, "He called on us during a visit to his home in Kent. He told me the whole story. You were to show him a good time. An alliance between the two of you would be desired."

Georgiana could not hide her shock. "An alliance, Aunt? Desired by whom?"

"The Frankworths are a very respected and old family. Sheldon may be a lawyer, but he has plenty of money and importance. You are pleasant to look at, and rich, but I think you are too quiet for today's young men-thank goodness-and too headstrong for most of the more distinguished gentlemen. I doubt you will get a better offer."

William interjected. "From what Georgiana told us, Frankworth is old enough to be her father, looks like a toad, and is as dry as the Sahara. How could such a match be a good alliance for my sister? They have, after all, met but one time. I would rather see her a pauper married for love, than to send her with the highest prince in a marriage of convenience. Although, whatever her situation, I will see her well provided for." Georgiana's eyes sparkled as she smiled at her brother.

Lady Catherine sighed grandly, "You constantly exhaust me, nephew. You have disappointed me in many ways..." she shot a glare in Elizabeth's direction. "And the way you have raised Georgiana leaves much to be desired. She should have been married by now, not sent to Paris, the seat of iniquity, to study. But because she is not attached, it is your job to make sure she is soon...to a wealthy man of good standing. But if you will continue to encourage her impudence...to not encourage the men I send her way..." She shot a glare at the young woman, "If Georgiana married Mr. Frankworth, she would have the security of being a lady of leisure. True, she is an heiress, but she is constantly in danger of fortune-hunting young men. What if she falls in love with one of them? If she married Mr. Frankworth, she would be settled and could give up her silly notion of continuing in school. She is on the path to ruin." She sighed, "I wonder why I let you and Richard become her guardians. She would have been much better off raised with my Anne."

Anne sighed and shook her head at Georgiana. She wore an ironic smile as she glanced in Lady Catherine's direction. "Mother, it seems to me that I have no more succeeded in that area than Georgiana has." Georgiana's eyes sparkled as she smiled at Anne.

Lady Catherine stared at her daughter, "Impudent, ungrateful child," she muttered to herself. Then she glared at Elizabeth, "That is not my fault."

William's face was stormy. "Aunt, I will remind you that you are in my house. I love my wife very much, and expect you to respect her as such if you wish to remain in my home. And, forgive me Anne," He smiled at his cousin, "I would have never married your daughter Lady Catherine. She--Is--My--Cousin. As for Georgiana, she is an amazing young woman. If you visited her more often, you would know her many values and accomplishments. I have no doubt that she will find a man worth ten thousand Sheldon Frankworths."

Lady Catherine rose to her feet with a red face. "What right have you to treat me in this manner? I see the influence of coarse people in you, William. I will not stay in this house. I will remove myself to the Ritz, where I will await your apologies. Anne, come along."

Georgiana shook her head at her cousin. Anne turned to her mother. "I think that I am going to stay here, mother."

Lady Catherine glared at her daughter. "I--Will-Not-Have--It! You are not well. You need to be in a clean, healthy atmosphere."

"I cannot imagine an atmosphere more so than the house in which we presently stand. Forgive me, mother, but I have a sudden wish to get to know my relations." She turned to Georgiana. "I am a little tired. Will you show me to my room, Georgiana?"

"And now the pollution is showing its effect on my daughter. I will not cause her danger by taking her away while she is tired, but I will hold you responsible for her. If these two young ladies come to ruin, It will be your fault, Fitzwilliam Edward Darcy." With that, Lady Catherine swept from the house, leaving a startled William and Elizabeth to deal with a crying two-year old who couldn't understand why the tall lady had looked at him with such anger as she called him 'the heir of Pemberley.'

Chapter Eighteen

Posted on Friday, 24 September 1999

Anne collapsed onto the bed in her room with an arm flung across her forehead. "I can't believe that I have lived with that woman for twenty-two years. She alienates everyone I care about. And she expects me to marry well, but how can I with her breathing down the neck of every man I date?" She sat up on the bed and looked at her cousin. "Oh, Georgiana, I am so sorry. I tried to stop her from coming...she said that she would never try to hook me up with Frankworth. I asked her, then, why he was good enough for you, if not for me." A smile crossed her face, "But let's not talk about that...man. Tell me about this waiter."

Georgiana laughingly told her about her date with Frankworth, and how George came to the rescue. "Your mother said that Frankworth told you what happened?"

Anne frowned as she undid the buttons of her suit coat. "He said that you were inattentive throughout the dinner. He said that you actually laughed when a waiter dumped a pitcher of water on him. (I would have loved to see that!) When he had changed into dry clothing, he returned to wait with you for the taxi...but he saw you get into a car with the waiter! He was furious...he thinks that you planned the whole thing. Mother was livid." She laughed, "Have you seen this George since then?"

"Oh, yes! We have been dating for a month. George is so handsome, and charming, and intelligent...he's working three jobs to put himself through law school. But don't tell your mother...she'll see him as one of those 'treasure hunters.'"

Anne smiled, "are you in love with him?"

"No... But I really enjoy his company."

They began to unpack Anne's suitcases. She turned to her cousin with a mischievous smile, "I'm planning to fully use my time in London. I'm hoping that she will remain at the hotel without me. Maybe for the first time in my life, I'll be free from her watchful eye."

Georgiana regarded her cousin with some surprise. The Anne de Bourgh she knew was a sickly shadow of a thing, nothing like this excited young woman whirling about the room with great energy and bright, lively eyes. The Anne she knew never would have said a word against her mother. "Anne! You have truly changed since I saw you last. Where is this energy coming from? Are you not ill?"

Anne removed her glasses and glanced into the mirror. She tore the ribbon from her hair and shook her glossy brunette hair free. Her face actually showed more color than usual-due, no doubt, to the excitement of her arrival in London. Anne laughed, "Not for a while. I am only sick of my life in Kent. (Ooh, though I do have circles under my eyes...) It can be convenient to feign a fainting spell to escape a long evening in the parlor. And my books are a good escape...but I am so excited to see people my own age! Mother thinks that it would be below me to work. So, since I returned home after graduating from college I might as well have entered a convent for all of the entertainment and intellectual stimulation there is at Kent. I tell you what, this little bird is ready to fly from the nest." She stood in front of the closet, surveying her clothing. "Georgiana, do you have any blue jeans I can borrow?"

"Of course!" They headed down the hallway to Georgiana's bedroom. "I was surprised that she even let you go to school."

Anne grinned, "She didn't have a choice. I spoke with her current companion, who upheld my argument. She told mother that if she wanted me to find a suitable husband, I would have a much better chance in school than I would cloistered at Rosings. Of course, that was not the main reason I wanted to go, but I knew that it would be the argument most likely to work." She laughed as she pulled on a pair of jeans and a sweater, "Obviously, mother is angry (Ooh, this is much more comfortable. Mother will not allow me to have pants in the house.) angry that this goal was not fulfilled before graduation, but what can you do?" She shrugged, "It was, after all, an all female university, though we did have our share of social mixers." Anne faced Georgiana with a laughing smile as they headed back towards her room, "Do you know any young men who might put up with my company for a while?"

Georgiana grinned, "I wonder if Brian has broken up with his current girl. His relationships last a maximum of three weeks...just long enough for your visit!"

Anne laughed as she began to plait her hair. "Well, whatever he is, he must be better than Frankworth..."

"Oh, he is!" Georgiana interjected enthusiastically, "He is one of the best men I have met. He's absolutely gorgeous, charming, kind, funny...and you don't have to worry about his being a treasure hunter. Although he is a younger son, he is going to inherit from several wealthy relatives. And, he is currently in medical school."

"Sounds like the perfect guy. So, why aren't you dating him?"

Georgiana laughed, "We are becoming good friends, we don't need to date for that. Besides, I have George. What do you say? If I can set a date, will you come?"

"I would love to. This Brian sounds too good to be true."

"You'll have to decide for yourself. Anne..." she held up a severe black-sequined dress she had pulled from one of Anne's suitcases. "What on earth is this?"

"Ah...I brought it to please mother. She expects invitations to several society events while we are here." She rolled her eyes, "As you can see, I don't need much in the way of formal wear in Kent. Will you come shopping with me?"

"I would love to! Anne, I am so glad that you are here."

Anne dropped a stack of shirts into a drawer and reached over to hug her cousin. "So am I, Georgiana. To tell you the truth, I'm awfully glad mother is upset at you. Otherwise who knows when I would have found the opportunity to leave Rosings."

Chapter Nineteen

Posted on Monday, 27 September 1999

"So he's an enigma...Most men are!"

Anne gingerly rose to her feet so she wouldn't smudge her freshly painted toenails, and placed her hands on Georgiana's shoulders as she looked over her head into the mirror. "Forget about trying to figure out your Mr. Mysterious. We'll doll ourselves up and treat ourselves like the goddesses we wish we were. (I can't believe I've been here a month. It's about time I met your friends, my dear!) I'll even wear the contacts that mother has forbidden me to have." She rolled her eyes, "You would think that I was twelve instead of twenty-two."

George Wick had been unapproachable for the first two weeks following his return from Dublin. The second weekend in November, however, Georgiana was able to convince him to meet her at a small club after work. She had then quickly called Brian and asked him to come as Anne's date. When she had returned to her bedroom to tell Anne about the proposed entertainment for the evening, her bright smile barely concealed the clouds in her eyes. George's behavior since his return had been frustrating and confusing. Georgiana was beginning to get the feeling that he was purposely avoiding her. But her cousin's energy and optimism kept her from dwelling on the increasing problems in her relationship.

"You know, Anne, I think that your company is very good for me."

Anne grinned wickedly, "I am so thrilled that mother was mad enough at all of us to go back to Rosings alone. She may have cut off my allowance, but I have enough in the bank to last for quite a while out here." Anne picked up a remote control and cranked up the volume on the stereo. "So...let's get started. There's nothing like a little girlie soul music to get us in the party mood."

In the next hour, Anne and Georgiana giggled like teenagers as they curled, painted, primped, scented, and polished themselves. When a maid appeared to announce Brian's arrival, they took one last laughing glance in the mirror and then went downstairs. For once, Brian did not compliment Georgiana on her looks, but his eye held an appreciative gleam as he raised her hand to his lips. He smiled crookedly as he glanced at each of the girls. "I must be the luckiest man alive. Are both of you angels going to be my dates tonight?"

Georgiana laughed, "Well, Brian, I hope that you are on your best behavior tonight, because I fully expect you to sweep my dear cousin off of her feet. We are going to meet George at the club."

Brian's smile diminished a little as he placed Anne's arm through his. He had been looking forward to another round of flirtatious banter with Georgiana, who was looking particularly well tonight. He was not, however, looking forward to meeting her boyfriend, although he had been pushing for such a meeting for a long time. Brian glanced at his date and decided that, to his taste, Anne was a little too thin, and her face looked slightly pale and withdrawn. But he did not write her off. Her sparkling brown eyes carried a hint of challenge, and her mouth curled flirtatiously in the corners. When she smiled, her face became enchanting. During further conversation, Brian discovered that a lively mind and a wicked sense of humor bubbled beneath Anne's sedate exterior. He decided that it just might turn out to be an interesting evening, after all.

The club was crowded by the time they arrived. A live band was warming up in front of a large dance floor. As soon as they found a table, Anne dragged Brian out to dance. George walked up behind Georgiana and wrapped his arms around her waist. "So here is my little elusive kitten. Can I have a kiss?"

She turned around with a smile on her face. "I was beginning to think you would never show up. Now I can finally introduce you to some of my friends." She hid her surprise at his appearance. George had dark circles under his eyes and it looked like he had not shaved that morning. While a little stubble can be sexy on some men, on George's face it served as a poor cover for his sallow complexion.

George's face darkened, "Friends? You didn't say anything about bringing anyone with you."

"You didn't expect me to come to a club all alone to wait for you, did you?" She paused, "George, are you all right?"

Instead of answering, George pulled her onto the dance floor. His face was bleak as he swept her into his arms. Georgiana attempted conversation several times, but George's face was closed and his eyes searched the crowd. When the song ended, Georgiana saw that Brian and Anne had returned to their table. She dragged a reluctant George over to meet them.

"Anne, Brian, I would like to introduce you to George Wick. George, this is my cousin Anne de Bourgh, and this is Brian Waterpool. They have been looking forward to making your acquaintance."

Only Brian noticed the slight downward turn of George's lips as Georgiana introduced him. His stomach rolled as he studied the face of the man before him. This George bore a marked resemblance to the one he had known years before. He was, however, thinner, paler, and had darker hair. Brian silently prayed that he was mistaken. As the women went to the restroom, Brian did his best to draw the man out.

"Tell me, George, have we met?"

George averted his gaze. "I doubt it, Brian, although everyone has heard of your family. I have never moved in the most fashionable circles."

"Did you attend Oxford?"

George's eyes darted around the room. "Where is Georgiana?" He muttered. "No, I did not have that privilege."

Brian narrowed his eyes. Something about this man was setting him ill at ease. "And what are your designs on Georgiana Darcy?"

George locked Brian's challenging gaze, "What is it to you? Everyone knows of your many conquests, Mr. Waterpool. Why can't I have my triumphs?"

"It depends on your intentions, Mr. Wick. She is a wonderful woman. I hope you can bring yourself to deserve her."

Georgiana and Anne returned to the table ignorant of the vicious exchange between their dates. George quickly rose to his feet. "Georgiana, I have several phone calls to make. Can we leave now?"

Anne caught George's arm. "You can't drag Georgiana away now! Besides I have not had one dance with her handsome boyfriend."

George glanced towards Georgiana, but she merely nodded. He frowned, but allowed Anne to lead him to the dance floor. Brian put his arm around Georgiana.

"I am worried about you, Georgiana. George reminds me too much of a man I once knew. What is it that attracts you to him?"

Georgiana rested her head against Brian's shoulder as the music began. "Honestly, I don't know. He was so funny and charming...I enjoyed his company immensely. But he has changed lately. He seems so withdrawn, and his eyes are haunted. He will not tell me what is the matter. I have the strangest feeling now, almost as if he does not want to be around me. His eyes are so distant whenever we speak."

Brian rested his chin on top of her head and wrapped his arms tighter around her. "Who could not want to be around you? Georgiana, if he ever says or does anything that makes you uncomfortable, please let me know. I have a strange feeling about him, so be careful. But if you truly like him, I will not presume to tell you what to do. I just hope that he treats you as you deserve." He took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the smallest tear from Georgiana's cheek.

Georgiana met Brian's eyes as she smiled. "You are such a wonderful man, Brian." There was a new intensity in his gaze as he gently touched her cheek that nearly floored her. For a moment, Georgiana's stomach fluttered with a feeling that he was about to kiss her. Indeed, his head lowered slightly towards her, and he rested his forehead against hers as he held her gaze. A forceful hand on Georgiana's shoulder effectively broke the spell.

"Georgiana, we have to go."

She did not protest. Confused by her conflicting emotions, by George's behavior, by the now defeated look in Brian's eyes, Georgiana wanted nothing more than to curl up with a book in front of the fireplace. She gave Anne a quick hug. There was a slightly awkward moment while she stood before Brian, but she finally took his hand and kissed him on the cheek before taking George's arm.

When they left, Anne turned to Brian. "What do you make of him?"

Brian's eyes remained trained on the door. "I don't like him."

Anne grinned suddenly, "Is it jealousy that I am hearing?"

Brian smiled ironically as he met Anne's teasing gaze. "Miss de Bourgh, I suddenly have a strong urge to get out of here. Would you accompany me?"

They ended up in the library of the Waterpool home. Brian left Anne for a moment as he went to find his brother. When the two men returned, Anne was seated on the floor, surrounded by photo albums. She rose to her feet with a smile. "Sometimes I am a little too nosy." She pointed to a photograph of the boys' mother and father at a nude beach in the south of France.

Alex laughed as he walked forward, holding out his hand. "I try to forget that my parents were young once. Welcome to our home, Miss de Bourgh. I am Alex, Brian's older brother."

Brian rang for coffee while Alex leafed through the albums with Anne. When the maid arrived with a tray of coffee, tea and scones, they settled into chairs around the fire. Alex stirred his coffee and sat back into his chair.

"Tell me more about this George." He glanced at Anne. "Brian told me that he did not form a very good impression of the man."

Anne sipped her tea. "I agree. George seems to be very secretive. It sounds like he has changed a great deal since Georgiana first met him. Mostly since he returned from a business trip to Dublin. I ask you, what kind of business would take a law student with three jobs in that direction?"

Alex turned to Brian. "And you said he looked familiar?"

Brian rose to his feet and walked to the fireplace. "Alex, when I first saw him, I would have sworn that it was George Wickham. This man is much thinner and very pale. He also has blue-black hair. I seem to recall Wickham having light brown hair."

"It could be dyed."

"Could be...but, lord, Alex, what if it is him? He has tangled himself with Georgiana Darcy. Can you think of a reason why he might do so?" Brian's eyes burned intensely as he faced his brother, already knowing the answer that he, himself, did not wish to vocalize.

Alex's face went gray. "Revenge."

Anne stared at Alex, "Who is George Wickham, why would he revenge himself on Georgiana, and what on earth are you," she corrected herself, "We going to do about it?"

Alex came to sit next to Anne on the couch while Brian angrily stirred the fire. "Make yourself comfortable, Anne. It is a long story..."

Chapter Twenty

Posted on Thursday, 30 September 1999

For the first time in a week, Georgiana actually spent the night at her flat instead of the Darcy home. Her sleep was plagued by disturbing and confusing dreams. It seemed that her mind was trying to make sense of her doubts and dreams, fears and desires, but it only succeeded in making her more befuddled. Because of her tormented dreams, when an annoying buzzer shook her awake, Georgiana felt as if she had not slept at all. She mumbled grumpily, burrowed herself further into her down comforter, and thrust her pillow over her head to block out the grating noises of morning. But the buzzer didn't go away. She slapped her bedside clock, but it didn't stop. Georgiana opened an eye and saw that it wasn't even light outside yet. The clock read 5:30. The buzzer rang again, accompanied by insistent pounding. She rolled out of bed, groaning as she flipped on the light. As she opened the door, Georgiana was overcome by the scent of roses as a huge bouquet was thrust in her face. Her voice was still thick with sleep. "George, what are you doing here so early on a Saturday?"

As Georgiana shuffled into the kitchen to find a vase for the flowers, George caught her around the waist and planted a warm kiss on her lips. "I couldn't wait to apologize. I realize that I have behaved less-than-human in the past few weeks, and I want to make it up to you."

Georgiana blinked twice and her face cleared, "I thought that I had done something...what was wrong?"

George smiled. "Nothing but an extremely hectic couple of weeks at school and work. But that is over now. I am off from school until the new year! The second year law students have a month off before the holidays for optional workshops and conferences around the country, and to court internships for next summer. Because I have attended dozens of workshops and already have my internship lined up, I am free until next semester."

Georgiana turned from the coffeepot to give him a hug. "Oh, George, I am so glad to hear that. What do you have planned?"

He grinned, "For starters, I have a surprise for you. I decided that we have not had enough time together, so I have planned a mini-break for us...we are going to completely withdraw from friends and family and spend time focusing only on us."

Georgiana laughed, "And when is this mini-break going to be, George?"

"That is part of the surprise...we leave in an hour!" He stopped her mouth with a kiss. "Now, before you protest, hear me out. I have spoken with your brother, (yes I know we never met, but that does not mean that I can't call him on the phone) and he is going to spread the word. He agreed that you need a vacation. I told Anne and Brian last night, and made them promise to keep my secret. I also called your professors and they said that all of the work is on the syllabus, so you can see them once you return. Do you have any further protests?"

Georgiana kissed his cheek. "Only that I hate to pack. But if you will help me, you wonderful man, than how can I resist? Can I call everyone to say goodbye?"

George grinned, "I did it all for you. Besides, it is very early on a Saturday to wake anyone up..." he ducked as she tossed a towel in his direction. "Remember, from now on, it is you and I. Forget everything else. I told them not to expect to hear anything from you for a while."

Georgiana's spirits soared as they packed. She was becoming very excited for this little adventure. George's smile was as clear as the early morning sky, and it seemed that whatever had been bothering him was over. Despite a vicious pillow fight when George criticized Georgiana's packing skills, they were flying above the English Channel, settled into the comforts of the first class cabin, within an hour and a half.

Later that morning, Anne stopped by Georgiana's flat to pick her up for lunch, as they had planned the day before. When Georgiana did not answer, she went back to the lobby and tried the telephone. Finally, she returned to the Darcy's home. William called everyone he could think of while Anne tried to reach the Waterpools. No one had heard anything. It seemed that Georgiana had simply disappeared. William drove back to the flat with Anne and a spare key. Georgiana's passport was not in its usual place of honor on her desk, and the closet was open with clothing strewn everywhere. William walked into the kitchen to check her calendar, and stopped short when he saw the roses.

Anne's stomach clenched in fear as she remembered what Alex had told her about George Wickham the night before. With a silent prayer that they were mistaken, and a hopeful smile and a falsely bright voice, she turned to William. "I suppose that she and George sorted out their differences. The dozen roses must have been an olive branch for his distant behavior these last few weeks..."

William's voice went dry. "There are thirteen of them, Anne."

Chapter Twenty-One

Posted on Thursday, 7 October 1999

Georgiana smiled in her sleep, wrapped in the warm mist of a lovely, lovely dream. Suddenly, her fantasy world fell into tiny, fragile silver threads that dispersed as her body began to shake involuntarily. Her eyes snapped open as George finally succeeded in waking her. Georgiana sleepily realized that she was in an airplane, not the spring garden of her dream...that the man who had shaken her so roughly was not the gentle green-eyed prince she had dreamt of. Georgiana glanced out of the window as they broke through silver-gray storm clouds. Below her, the river glistened like a sleek black snake. The airplane circled the city once before landing smoothly in a light rain. Georgiana's eyes were still slightly unfocused as she mentally gave closure to the dream and turned her mind to the journey that was ahead. It was not terribly difficult, because Georgiana was about to embark on an adventure that promised to be just as lovely as the one that she had taken in her sleep.

Georgiana was immensely pleased to see that George had reserved a beautiful two-bedroom suite for their stay. On the flight down, she had briefly entertained the small worry that, by bringing her on this trip, George was taking this relationship where she was emotionally unprepared to go. George unknowingly rose higher in Georgiana's esteem because he had, she thought, booked this suite to give her the choice. George entered the room behind her, so his angry frown went unobserved. He had registered as a newlywed couple so that the management would let them alone. Because it was off-season the hotel decided to upgrade their single room to the honeymoon suite. George started to ponder a tactful way of switching to a single, when he saw the smile on Georgiana's face. He smirked. Perhaps this would work in his favor, after all.

Georgiana told George to join her as she leaned out of the window to admire "the city of a hundred golden spires." Prague spread before her like a dream, polished by mist and rain. Although November was not the best time to travel, the city held almost as much enchantment as it would have if they had arrived in the middle of June. As it was, they would be able to wander the twisted, narrow streets of old town without running into huge groups of tourists. George held her waist and pushed her slightly. When Georgiana gasped and clutched his shirt, George laughed. "I was only playing! You should know, honey, that you can trust me..."

After a long, hot shower, Georgiana took a nap to make up for the sleepless night she had spent in her apartment. Once again, she was cocooned in the soft satiny web of the sweetest dreams. Several hours later, George knocked on her bedroom door, chasing away dream butterflies, and asked her to dress for dinner. Feeling much refreshed, Georgiana dressed and met George in their sitting room.

They hopped onto a tram and made their way to the Charles Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks on the river. The 600 year-old statues that lined the bridge seemed to be alive, highlighted as they were by the setting sun that turned the melting rain clouds into ghosts. George asked Georgiana to pause by the statue of a famous martyr, who supposedly died on the bridge. He took her picture as she rubbed the statue for luck.

By the time the eerie sunset started to fade, George and Georgiana made it to the open-air restaurant. To ward off the chilled air, large gas heaters were positioned among the tables to warm the restaurant's patrons. As they waited for their food, George explained that the astronomer Tycho Brahe had designed the clock that faced the restaurant. While they watched, small figures of knights, skeletons and kings came out of the clock and danced to the bells. Following a fabulous five-course meal, George took Georgiana on a walk along the river. "They say it is not safe to walk at night, but I have been here many times and have never met with any problems." He wrapped an arm around Georgiana's waist as he led her back towards the bridge.

They played a vicious game of poker for Czech korunas. Because one British pound was worth about 54 kr., it seemed that they were playing with a great deal of money. The game did not last terribly long because Georgiana was exhausted. After several hands, and after receiving a warm kiss from the cocky winner, she returned to her own room. Before she crawled into her soft bed, Georgiana peeked into all of the drawers in the tables and the desk. She found a postcard in the desk drawer with a lovely picture of the city. Deciding that it would not violate George's 'no contact with the outside world' rule if she sent a quick note to William, she took out a pen and began to write.

Dear William, Elizabeth and Jeffery,

George said that we were to forget about London and our connections during this mini-break, but I'm sure that a little postcard won't hurt if he doesn't know about it! We just arrived in Prague, and I already love the city. We are on the waterfront, and the buildings are absolutely beautiful. George says that this was one of the few cities lucky enough to escape the bombings during WWII. Tomorrow, George is going to take me to the castle to see St. Vitas Cathedral. I'm sure that it can't compare to our two magnificent national treasures, but I am excited to do some more sightseeing. Thank you for working with George to keep this secret from me. I was so surprised! Say hello to Anne and all of my friends for me!

Love,
Georgiana

Chapter Twenty-Two

Posted on Monday, 11 October 1999

Elizabeth rested her head on William's shoulder as he read the postcard to her. He absently stroked his wife's hair as he studied Georgiana's words. As he finished reading, William met Elizabeth's questioning gaze. When she nodded silently, William kissed her softly before he rose from the chair and picked up the telephone. Georgiana had been well and happy upon her arrival into Prague, and apparently she was not taken against her will. William's initial joy at the news was greatly dampened with the realization that George had lied to Georgiana about notifying William of their plans. He just prayed that the Waterpools were mistaken in their belief that this man was George Wickham. William hated himself for not insisting that he meet George when Georgiana's acquaintance with him began. Elizabeth had repeatedly assured him that Georgiana was a grown woman now, that she could take care of herself. But William could not get the trusting smile of the little blonde angel she had been as a child out of his head. He was her guardian, her family. Nothing, not age, nor distance could change that. So William would deny her nothing. She was one of three creatures on earth that William would willingly die for.

Now that he had an idea of where he should start looking for her, William's first course of action was to call Scotland Yard. A week ago, they had posted a missing person notice on Georgiana Darcy. William asked them to modify the original posting. She may still be missing, but she was on the continent. The London police could do nothing for her.

Later in the evening, William called Alex and read the postcard to him. William had tried to contact the waterfront hotels, and had tracked down several contacts in the Prague police department, but was unsuccessful in finding any information on the missing couple. He told Alex that he was leaving for Prague that night to track them down on foot. "Knowing what you do about Wickham, Alex, will you stay in contact with Scotland Yard? If this is our man, they have a high interest in this, too. I will let you know what I find out."

Alex returned the telephone to the receiver just as Brian entered the room. Alex rose to meet his brother at the door. His face was serious. "There is news."

Brian's eyes widened in fear and he gripped his brother's arm as he waited for Alex to continue. When Alex told him about the postcard, Brian sank into a chair with a relieved smile on his face. "Lord, Alex, you really scared me. I thought that you were going to tell me that..." He stopped short, "Then she is all right. And with George. In Prague."

Alex shook his head. "We don't know that. The card was sent a week ago, the day after she arrived in Prague. In the card, she was still calling it a mini-break. How many people do you know who take mini-breaks that are longer than an extended weekend? William is on his way down there."

Brian rose to his feet, shaking his head as he stirred the fire. "This is all my fault. I never should have kept my suspicions silent. I just didn't want her to think that I was meddling..." He stared into the flames. "I am going with Will."

"No, you are not." Anne walked into the room. "He left the house just after he spoke with Alex. Besides," she studied Brian intently. "missing class when you are in med. school is not wise. It would be best to remain right here until we hear more."

Brian started to protest, but eventually the stubborn set in Brian's jaw slowly relaxed. "I suppose you are right, but if this goes on much longer, forget school. I'll not let Georgiana suffer for my blindness."

Anne took his hand and led him out of the room. "I have a surprise for you." In the front hall, the butler was fondly caressing a beautiful chocolate lab. Anne scratched the dog behind a velvet ear. "Her name is Artemus. A friend of mine is moving away, and the dog can't come along. I told her that I knew someone who would love her..." Anne smiled as Brian fell to his knees in front of the dog. "I know that she can't fill Georgiana's shoes as friend and confidant, but until she returns..." She smiled. "Arte is a very good listener."

Artemus cocked her head to one side as Brian held his hand out to her. She looked straight into Brian's eyes for a moment while she seemed to be measuring his worth. Then she gave his hand one lick and fit the top of her head into the curve of his palm.

Anne left Brian to his new acquaintance and returned to the library. Alex had his back to her while he mumbled into the telephone. When he turned around, his face was tense with worry. Upon seeing Anne, he stepped backwards and his face returned to his now characteristic, protective, emotionless mask. His smile was hollow. Anne's eyes narrowed as she studied his face.

"Hiding again, I see."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me, Anne?"

She stood facing him with her hands on her hips. "Alex, why on earth are you so emotionally frigid?" She paused as she waited for him to meet her gaze. "Is it still Catherine?"

Alex started, "I've been led to believe that discussing the subject is like beating a dead horse. Everyone I know has long tired of it."

Anne's voice was firm. "What little I know, I learned from Georgiana. Now, tell me."

"You don't know me, Anne. I don't see why you should care."

She shrugged. "Curiosity killed the cat. Seriously, Alex...I'd love to see you roaring mad. This dullness does not become you. Those blue eyes would be so much more stunning if they stormed than in their current glazed state."

Alex's eyes snapped, but he reined in his temper. "You asked for it." He gestured for her to take a seat, thinking that she would bore of the subject soon enough, which she did not. Strangely enough, with her guided questions he felt almost a certain freedom once he was finished. Not once did she roll her eyes or seem annoyed with his ramblings. She merely asked him to elaborate on certain areas and emotions, and led him to brush over less significant ones. Once he was finished, she pushed him further.

"And what are your feelings now?"

"I don't know. It doesn't hurt so acutely, but I still feel very bitter whenever I think of it."

"What will you do when you see Catherine again?"

"I already have. I ignored her."

"You must realize that with your common connections, you will be thrown together soon enough. What will you do?"

"I suppose that I will be distant and reserved."

"What if she broke her engagement? Would you go back?"

Alex thought long and hard. "She is not the girl I once knew. Perhaps I have escalated her to a dream so much that the reality..." He shook his head. "No, I don't think I could, at least right away. I cannot think of one thing that we could even talk about. She hurt me twice. I think that I would always fear, expect, that third rejection. It would take a lot of effort to go back to her. Even then..."

"Do you still love her?"

Alex rose from his chair. "Anne, you are really pushing me here..." He ran a hand through his hair. "Although a reconciliation is something that I have dreamt of for two years, it will never happen. Part of me will always cherish the time we had together..." He glared at Anne suddenly, "No. Are you satisfied? I don't. I went through too much after we broke up. I went from idolizing her, to hating her, to wanting her so bad I thought I would die, to...I'm not sure what I feel. Her presence still makes itself felt, but not as it once did. We are two different creatures now, Anne. She still commands a part of my imagination, but she has no place in my hopes or dreams now." He stood at the window, silent for a long time.

Anne felt suddenly uncomfortable. "Thank you, Alex. I feel that I...know you better now."

Alex turned to look at her, studying her carefully. "Why are you here?" His question was abrupt, but not meant to insult.

"Elizabeth asked me to stop by and ask the two of you to dinner. She has a sudden urge to be surrounded by friends...now that William is headed for the continent. Will you come?"

"We will meet you there." Alex turned to the window, dismissing her. Anne left the room, closing the door quietly behind her. She waved the butler away and let herself out.

Brian sat motionless on the front steps. Artemus' head rested on his knee, and Brian absently caressed the dog's ears while she looked up at him with liquid eyes. He glanced up as Anne stood beside him. "It is a beautiful night."

"It is. Are you thinking about Georgiana?"

Brian grinned, "You are wonderfully direct, aren't you, Anne?" He shook his head, "Actually, I was going through my neurology exam in my head to try to forget about all of this."

Anne smiled. "I see that you and Arte are getting along well."

Brian smiled as the dog raised her head at the sound of her name. "Yes, I think that we are going to be very good friends. We seem to understand each other."

Anne patted Brian's shoulder, and Artemus's head. "I am sure that Georgiana will be fine. Will you join Elizabeth and I for a late dinner? I already convinced your brother to come."

Brian smiled as he rose to his feet. "I'll think about it. Goodbye, dear Anne."

"Goodbye, Brian." She took a few steps then turned back to face him. "Brian, do you love her?"

Brian grinned, "Why, are you interested?"

Anne laughed, "Who could resist a Waterpool?"

Brian lifted her hand to his lips. "Very many women, I have found." He smiled. "I am very fond of Georgiana, although not unreasonably so. For her sake, I hope that George turns out to be the prince she has dreamt of."

Anne withdrew her hand from his grip. "And for your sake?"

Brian's smile vanished. "I just pray that he is not George Wickham. Goodnight Anne."

Chapter Twenty-Three

Posted on Wednesday, 20 October 1999

George bent to light another candle, and winced as a now familiar sharp pain shot through his back. His features twisted with worry as he straightened up, stretching towards the ceiling as if he could erase the pain like he could a simple kink in the back. George grimaced as he glanced around the room. The preparations were ready. The lights were low, and candlelight danced on the walls. The air was filled with soft music, and champagne chilled in ice at the table. It would be tonight. A romantic dinner, a walk under the stars, and then to his hotel room. The seduction would be complete, his revenge fulfilled. There was nothing that could stand in his way. But his smile was more bittersweet than triumphant at the thought of what would follow this night. He was about to ruin someone's life. For the first time in his life, he was beginning to feel a twinge of conscience, but it was not nearly as demanding as the twinges in his back. He shook his head to dash the treasonous thoughts from his mind as he drew the curtains aside to let the full moonlight spill through the windows. No remorse. His life was the first ruined, after all. He deserved every bit of satisfaction that the fulfillment of a ten-year dream would bring.

George turned suddenly as he heard a brush of silk behind him. Georgiana walked into the room that connected their suites. Her smile was warm as she kissed him lightly on the cheek, but George read mere friendship in her blue eyes. So he had not succeeded in making her love him...but what did it matter? She liked him, admired him already...there was no way he could lose tonight. He could not fail to win her over.

As George held her chair, his eyes rested on the soft, sweet curve of her cheek, and registered the trusting glow in her eyes. Once again, his conscience struck a little pang in his stomach. He took a seat opposite Georgiana at the small table. A waiter from the hotel appeared through the doorway with a tray of silver-domed plates. Once the waiter was dismissed, George poured the champagne. He then took a small container from his pocket and extracted three small pills. His hand shook slightly as he studied them before he swallowed them with a sip of water. Georgiana's eyes met his as she set her fork on her plate.

"Again, those pills. And you are drinking champagne, George!" She admonished him.

"I am always careful, but I have to take them at every meal. And this is our last meal in Switzerland. You can't have a farewell celebration without champagne. After all," his voice held a tint of bitterness, "What is it going to do...kill me?"

Her voice was concerned. "George, what is wrong with you?"

He started, "Nothing. It is nothing." He gave her a charming smile. "Now let's eat before this lobster runs off of my plate." But as Georgiana returned her gaze to her plate, George was once again haunted by the concerned look in her eyes. She really did seem to care about him. He was not used to that.

Elizabeth, Alex, Brian, and Anne were building card castles with Jeffery on a rug in front of the fire when the telephone rang. From the smile that crossed Elizabeth's face when she answered the phone, the identity of the caller was fairly obvious. She murmured softly into the telephone for a while, then turned to her guests as she pressed the intercom button. William's voice carried through the room as he greeted everyone, giving them his piece of good news.

"They were registered on a train to Interlaken! They only arrived there two days ago."

Brian leaped to his feet. "I spent a month there! I'll be there in four hours, Will." He did not wait for William to respond, but raced from the room to prepare for his journey. William's laughter echoed through the room as he bid Anne, Alex and Jeffery goodbye. Elizabeth took the phone into the study so she could speak with her husband in private.

Alex turned to Anne with a smile. "I am going to leave this in their hands for the weekend. Mother and Father are moving back to our home outside of Paris for the winter. I'm going to join them for the weekend." He rose to his feet and tousled little Jeffrey's dark hair with a hand as he smiled at Anne. "Anne, I have really enjoyed having you around during this time. Everyone else is a little ruffled. It has been nice to talk to someone else with a cool head. I can't promise much in the way of entertainment...but Anne, would you like to come along? Brian obviously won't be joining me. Mother and father are great people, but they can be tedious if you spend too much time alone with them."

Anne laughed. "So you want me to come along to serve as a buffer?"

Alex grinned as he helped her to her feet. "No, I want you to come along because I enjoy your company. That you would be a 'buffer' is a bonus. You told me once that I needed to re-learn my social skills. Wouldn't you, who are my best critic, be the perfect tutor? Say you will come along, Anne."

Anne smiled. "I would love to."

Chapter Twenty-Four

Posted on Wednesday, 27 October 1999

The November moon shone eerily white in a cloudless sky, surrounded by the first stars of evening. The night was not, however, as still as the clear sky seemed to promise. A bristly wind howled down from the mountains and rattled the windows of the old hotel, causing the candles that lit the room to flicker. The shadows on the wall danced like disturbed spirits.

Georgiana was becoming increasingly disturbed. George did not seem to notice the diminishing light as the evening progressed. He had barely glanced at the fine meal spread before him, content to fill his stomach with liquid refreshment. He filled his glass alternately from the champagne bottle and a carafe of wine. Each time he refilled his glass, George seemed to become more silent and withdrawn. Georgiana felt almost as if he had forgotten that she was there.

Soon, it was fully dark. George upended the carafe into his glass one last time. When only a drop remained, he seemed to finally notice his dinner companion. He silently rose to his feet and came to her side. As George's face re-entered the circle of candlelight, Georgiana could see that his cheeks remained untouched by the alcohol he had consumed, but his eyes held an odd glow as he silently took her hand.

Georgiana rose to her feet as the first flutter of fear stirred in her stomach. She suddenly realized that although she had spent a great deal of time with him, she hardly knew this man at all. George led her towards the window, where her face was bathed in starlight and his in shadow. His hands were cold as he brushed her collarbone. Georgiana drew back. George's eyes were distant and no smile touched his lips. "Relax. I've planned this for a long time."

Georgiana started at the coolness of his voice. She suddenly knew two things for certain: she would never love him, and he did not love her. This revelation made George's behavior all the more disturbing. If he did not love her, what was his motivation in planning this evening?

George's eyes bore into hers as if he was reading her thoughts, but he offered no insight into his own. He merely nodded grimly. "Dance with me."

George pulled her back into his arms. Georgiana did not protest, but she was nervous just the same. For a little while, he just held her, but soon he was kissing her with an unexpected ferocity. Georgiana put her hands on his chest and leaned back in his arms. George merely moved his lips to her neck. Georgiana grasped his chin with one hand and forced him to look at her.

"George, what are you doing?"

George began to smile as he slowly ran his hand up her arm. "I want to hold you, Georgiana. I want to make you mine." He leaned closer to whisper into her ear. "Come to bed."

She frowned as she pulled away. "Why are you doing this?"

George started forward with a lazy smile. "Come, Georgiana. Haven't you always dreamed of a real man?"

"Yes..." But not George. He had few of the qualities that she had hoped to find in him. "I want a man who has integrity and charisma, sincerity and compassion for others. Someone who makes me laugh, who fills my heart with joy. I want a man who makes me feel like a better person for being around him."

George stepped forward, suddenly realizing that things were not going his way. "Right, and I'm none of those. Have you ever met someone who filled that description?" He asked sarcastically.

Georgiana started, but for some strange reason, she suddenly felt like laughing, so she did. "Actually, yes I have!" Her heart gave a small leap of joy as she stared at George. Suddenly she knew exactly where she wanted to be, and it was not here with him. So for the first time in her life, she broke up with a man. "I am going to bed, George. Alone. Something has gotten into you, and I don't like it at all. I am going to catch that 8am train whether you are there, or not. Goodnight."

"Prude!" George made a lunge for her, but Georgiana saw him coming. Georgiana had the advantage of having finished one glass of champagne to his...bottle, and was quicker on her feet. She neatly raised her knee, sending George to the floor. She quickly turned and slipped through her door, locking it behind her.

Georgiana's pulse was racing when flung herself onto her bed. As she stared out the window at the mountain peaks that glowed ghastly white in the moonlight, she milled over the evening. The small flutter of guilt that tugged at her heart was soon overcome by an overwhelming sense of freedom and empowerment. Georgiana smiled as she pressed her face into her pillow, and soon fell into a deep sleep.

George snarled as he heard her slide the lock home, suddenly sober. "I will not let a stupid little girl ruin this for me." He was furious that he had let alcohol dull his senses so that she slipped through his fingers before he even realized what was happening. Now that she was gone, he sank into a chair with a groan. Every day he was becoming more certain of his near future. The menacing disease that he had tried to ignore for so long was finally catching up with him. The incessant pain in his back, his lack of energy, the slow wasting away of his body, all told him that he was dying. George's face turned to an ugly mask of hatred as he stared at Georgiana's door. This was all her brother's fault. If not for them, he would not have sunk so low into the only kind of life he could lead, a life that led to this. He would never have met sweet Lydia (although it was not their meeting that he regretted, but their parting). He would not have had to hold her as her lifeless body grew cold, killed by the same disease, her terrible accidental gift to him, that he knew would catch up to him some day. He would not have to watch his life slip through his fingers.

George rose to his feet with great effort and blew out the candles. Very well then, my dear. We have one more stop on our trip together. I will not force this now; you will come upon your ruin willingly. Then you will know the fear, pain and shame that I have lived through. Your family will face the terrible destruction of their perfect princess. You, my dear, will never forget the name Wickham, for it is the name of your dark angel. He mockingly blew a kiss towards her door. So sleep well, Georgiana. Dream sweet, for your dreams will soon be flavored more with arsenic than angels. He laughed harshly and retreated into his own bedroom.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Posted on Wednesday, 27 October 1999

William met Brian at the train station at eleven that night. Brian's trip had taken longer than he had expected, because he had to arrange airfare to Zurich, then sit in the train station for an hour and a half until a train left for Interlaken. His face was gray with fatigue as he clasped William's hand. Because the front desks were not helpful at that time of night, the men decided to start their search at seven AM. William went to his room, but Brian was unable to sleep, suddenly energized by his mission, and by the arrival in the country that he had come to love so well. He talked the doorman into letting him take a cup of tea from the dining room, and settled into a soft chair in the entryway.

Brian had not been sitting for very long before he heard voices in the hallway as a group of young people came down the stairs on their way out for the night. Brian glanced over to see a familiar pair of brown eyes studying him. He involuntarily rose to his feet with a frown on his face. The tall blonde whispered something to her friends, then started his way. She stood before him silently, then held out her hand.

"Forgive me?"

Brian stared at her intently, then dropped her hand with a laugh. "Of course, Elsa. What did I ever deny you?"

Elsa smiled. "It's so good to hear your laughter again, Brian. I had secretly hoped that I would run into you here, but I thought it wasn't possible."

Brian gestured for her to take a seat. "How was Russia?"

Elsa blushed. "You say that so pleasantly. One would think that you were asking a casual friend about a summer vacation."

Brian raised an eyebrow. "Well, how would you have me act? Should I stomp and storm and throw a jealous rage? Should I call out your Norwegian skier?" He shook his head. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, Elsa, but I'm not in a dueling mood today."

Elsa blushed. "You always were the gallant, Brian. But...did it honestly not bother you? Were you not very angry?"

He shook his head. "I was mad at first, I felt betrayed, but...you're entitled to your life and I..." He smiled. "I've been busy."

Elsa frowned. "A new girlfriend?"

Brian smiled as he shook his head. "No, but an enchanting friend. I am here to rescue her." He told her about Georgiana's disappearance.

"And a fine knight in shining armor you make, Brian." Elsa felt a twinge of jealousy. Brian was so obviously unaffected by their reunion that, even if he was not admitting it, it seemed that he was on his way to falling for this friend. Elsa rose to her feet. "Well then, if it's only for old times sake...will you come out with us tonight?"

Brian considered it, then nodded. "I suppose I wouldn't mind spending time in the company of such a lovely woman...even if she betrayed me..." He grinned as she glared at him. "I was teasing, Elsa. You should know that by now." He took her arm and they walked out into the wind to join Elsa's friends.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Posted on Wednesday, 3 November 1999

Georgiana woke just as the sun began to peek over the mountains the next morning. She showered and packed as quickly as she could, then slipped the dead bolt on her door and opened it a crack. Wickham was awkwardly hunched in a chair near her door. His snores provided the sound cover necessary for Georgiana to sneak from the room. She breathed a sigh of relief as she walked downstairs into the lobby. She had wished for excitement and adventure, but this had turned out to be more than she had bargained for. Now, more than anything, she wanted to be home, safe with her loved ones. Georgiana set her bags on the floor as she buttoned her coat to guard against the chill wind. As she did so, a masculine voice behind her spoke her name. She turned around.

Brian's laughter was filled with surprise and delight as he pulled Georgiana into his arms. He rested his chin on her head. "I'm so glad to see you."

Georgiana laughed. "Oh, I can't believe that it's really you..." She looked up at him in confusion. "What are you doing here?"

"We're here to rescue you." Her brother stepped up behind Brian. Georgiana extracted herself from Brian's embrace and ran into William's arms. William hugged her tightly. "Thank God that we have found you. You must come home immediately. We've all been so worried. "

Brian nodded, "There is no telling what could have happened if we had not come..."

Georgiana pulled back. "Do you two have so little confidence in me? As it happens, I was on my way to the train station...alone, as you can see."

William gripped her arms. "George..."

"...Is George Wickham. He is sleeping soundly upstairs."

Brian's face paled. "Did he...?"

Georgiana smiled grimly. "Nothing happened. He's an animal. I decided to leave, so I did. I am headed to Paris...to take some time for myself."

Brian shook his head. "Stay with us tonight. We'll get you safely back to London tomorrow."

Georgiana smiled at Brian. "As long as you are not staying in this hotel..."

The pulsing beat of a live band sifted through the blue haze of cigarette and cigar smoke. Brian pulled Georgiana through the crowd to a small table.

"Are you still sure you want to do this?"

Georgiana laughed. "I have a lot to forget about tonight, Mr. Waterpool, and I expect you to do the job. Are you man enough?"

Brian grinned. "Now that's one I've never been asked...I don't think you will be disappointed." He motioned for a waiter as he held Georgiana's gaze. "You're doing shots tonight, my dear. Think you can keep up?"

Georgiana choked down three shots to Brian's amusement. Her smile was much more relaxed when she asked Brian to dance with her. Without waiting for a reply, she grabbed his hand and dragged him onto the floor. Brian had always thought of Georgiana as a reserved person, but on the dance floor, she was completely uninhibited. She obviously loved to dance, and did it well. For his part, Brian was just praying that he wouldn't kill somebody. They headed back to the table when Georgiana began to feel winded. Brian grinned.

"Something lighter, perhaps?"

Georgiana laughed, "are you wimping out on me?"

A while later, Georgiana again dragged Brian onto the floor. This time, the music had turned slow and sultry. Georgiana's smile held a challenge as she eased into Brian's arms. He paused for a split second before he slid his hands around her waist. For a while, they just swayed to the music, but soon they both fell into the beat. Brian splayed one hand across Georgiana's shoulder blades as he dipped her backwards so that her long hair brushed the ground. As he slowly pulled Georgiana back to him, she slid her hands up his sides. Her lazy smile and wild eyes were driving him crazy.

"I didn't know you could be like this, Georgiana."

She laughed breathlessly. "There are lots of things you don't know about me, Brian."

He gave her a crazy grin. "Then I suppose it is a good thing that William decided to get some sleep."

Georgiana gave a low laugh. "I suppose." Another couple drunkenly lurched into Georgiana, pressing her closer to Brian, so that their faces were inches apart. Brian could feel her breath on his neck. "My brother isn't nearly as fun as you, Brian," she said in a low voice.

Brian stared at her mouth, so close to his own, wanting suddenly, so badly, to claim it. Georgiana licked her lips and swayed in his arms. Brian's mouth was centimeters from hers when he realized how drunk she was. With a sigh, he straightened up. He had to get her back to the hotel.

Brian ended up half carrying Georgiana from the front entry to her new room. He unlocked the door and set her in a large chair. She smiled sleepily-drunkenly, he told himself-and Brian was almost lost. He steeled himself and bent to unbutton her wool coat, which she was obviously so unable to do herself. As he tried to slip her arms from the sleeves, Georgiana snuggled against his chest.

"I...want you to stay."

Brian rose to his feet and groaned. "No, Georgiana, not like this."

Georgiana began to fumble with the buttons on her shirt. "I'll...I'll bet that I'm twice the woman that El...Elsa is."

Brian stopped her hand. "Georgiana, you need to go to bed."

She smiled lazily. "Now that's the best idea I've heard all day." She leaned forward and placed her lips on Brian's.

Brian rocked back on his heels and cradled her head with his hands, shaken to the core. "No, Georgiana. I can't. Please understand."

Georgiana tried to rise to her feet. "Who would have thought that...Mr. 'God's gift to women' Waterpool would turn out to be such a disa-ppoint-ment?"

Brian shook his head sadly and scooped her into his arms. "I am so sorry I let this happen to you, Georgiana. It was utterly stupid of me. It won't happen again." He gently set her on the bed and removed her shoes. "Sleep well, Georgiana." He brushed a lock of hair from her cheek and pulled the blankets over her.

Georgiana's eyes closed and a smile crossed her face. As Brian turned to leave, he heard her voice again, slurring softly. He could have sworn that she just said that she loved him. He stopped and turned to look at her, serenely bathed in moonlight. The strange thing is, he thought, I almost wish that it was true. More than ever he wished that he could take back the evening. He would never forget her drunken profession that was so obviously only a product of her drunken imagination.

Brian shook his head as he softly closed her door. Although he was dead tired and drunk, his heart was racing. Brian closed the door to his own room and collapsed onto his bed. You don't do things like that to nice girls like Georgiana. She just left her sick boyfriend and what do you do? You get her trashed. You watch her do and say things that will humiliate her if she remembers them in the morning. Great job, Brian. No wonder you can't hold onto women. You may be a smooth talker, but you make a miserable friend. He was yanked from his reverie by a knock on his door. He opened it to find Elsa, clad only in a T-shirt. She gave Brian a slow smile.

"I thought we could talk."

To give credit where credit is due...I just finished watching "The Cutting Edge." The plot of the second part of this chapter is shamelessly pilfered from that movie.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Posted on Tuesday, 9 November 1999

"Georgiana!"

Georgiana frowned and shoved the pillow more firmly over her eyes to block out the harsh sunlight that poured through a crack in her closed curtains. When she heard her name repeated, she sat straight up in bed and stared around her unfamiliar room. What...? Then she noticed that she was still wearing her evening clothes. Her memory returned with a stunning blow, and Georgiana groaned loudly as she sank back into the pillows and pulled the covers over her head.

"Georgiana!" There was another round of insistent knocking on her door. Georgiana cringed as she rose to her feet. Her head was spinning wildly, and she grasped the door-jam to regain her balance, then opened the door. William looked her over closely, shook his head, and walked into the room.

"Hangover?" Georgiana nodded miserably as she eased herself into a chair. Will's jaw clenched, but he said nothing as he walked over to Georgiana's suitcase and began to pack the few items she had taken out after her move the previous day. Georgiana gingerly rose to her feet.

"Will, I can do that myself. Go...have breakfast or something."

William stared at her. "Georgiana, what has gotten into you?"

She gave him a weak smile. "It is nothing. I just had a rough night. It's probably a good thing that you went straight to bed last night..."

William shook his head. "I didn't do that, Georgiana. I had to clean up some dirty business." He took Georgiana's shoulders and made her take a seat on the edge of the bed. "Yes, your friend did turn out to be George Wickham. He set out to destroy you. He is now on his way to Zurich, to be held in custody."

"In custody? He may have been a slime, but he didn't kidnap me, if that's what you think..."

William shook his head. "No, it is much more. Wickham's father worked for our father. When the elder Mr. Wickham died, our father took pity on the boy, promising that he would see to his future. Because young George showed an affinity for the church, father set money aside for his seminary expenses. After father's death, George rebelled against that decision. He led a wild life before he told me that he had decided to go into law. By doing so, he had forfeited his claim to father's gift. George was livid with rage when I told him. Fearing that he would try to bring harm to our family, I gave him a large amount of money to help him get started. He applied for one of the scholarships provided by the Waterpool family. George was able to charm his interviewers. He won the scholarship, but the Waterpools soon found out that he did not claim the money I had given him in the application. The amount was too high for him to be eligible for this particular scholarship, so it was revoked."

William walked to the window and opened the drapes, letting the sunlight flood the room. Georgiana winced and turned her back to the window as her brother returned to her suitcase. "George had always led a wild life. To support his adventures, he became involved with various schemes of a rather dangerous group. He fit into their world so well that he began to be given larger assignments. George fell in love with Elizabeth's young cousin, Lydia, who was also tied in with this group. He approached me several months before Elizabeth and I became engaged. Apparently, Lydia was dying of AIDS. George asked for my help. Unaware of his illegal activities, I gave him the money to place her in a comfortable, well-staffed hospital. After her death, George became a point man in a network that funneled arms and money from the continent to various Irish separatist groups. Once he realized that the British Government suspected him, he was thought to have disappeared into Europe. Apparently, that was not the case. I do not understand how he managed to return to London, to leave his name so relatively unchanged, to enter school without anyone finding out. It was a major oversight on everyone's part. Anyhow, when he disappeared Scotland Yard approached me, knowing that I had been keeping close tabs on him. An informer told them that Wickham was on the verge of insanity...partially because he found out that he was dying from the disease, too."

William took Georgiana into his arms as he continued his story. "Yes, Georgiana, he intended to seduce you, to give you the disease. Scotland Yard warned me that an informant told them that he was planning revenge...not only on our family, but also on the Waterpools. Wickham had developed an intense hatred for us, fueled by his financial disappointments, fanned by Lydia's death."

Georgiana buried her face in her hands. William lifted Georgiana's chin and took her hands. "Brian was the first to suspect your...friend." William did not notice the frown that furrowed Georgiana's brow or the sudden blush that covered her cheeks at the mention of Brian's name. "Alex and I never really took him seriously, because we never believed that George would be so stupid to return to London. Once you disappeared, our suspicions were raised. When we heard that you were in Prague, and then Switzerland... There is a large black market for weapons in Prague because the economy is so poor. George brought you there while he was negotiating a deal. Then, here in Switzerland, George met with a group of wealthy contributors--Irish ex-patriots living in Europe with their families to escape the unrest in their homeland."

William wiped the tears from Georgiana's face. "Last night, I asked Brian to divert your attention while the Swiss police took George into custody. Thanks to you, dear Georgiana, Wickham can not harm anyone. He was not one of the top men, but he was an important link in the chain. Nevertheless, I wish that I could undo this. I'd rather have him on the loose than to know that you were in his power..."

Georgiana paled visibly. She gave Will a quick hug, then rose to her feet. Her voice was tired. "I think that I need some time alone."

William nodded. "You have an hour before our train leaves for Zurich. Take a hot shower and I will send a breakfast up for you." Georgiana nodded silently as William closed the door. Georgiana took a long shower, letting the hot water pound her body as she tried to sort out her many emotions.

After she had left her luggage in the lobby with William. Georgiana went upstairs to get Brian. She wanted to apologize to him for her behavior last night. On the train, William would be with them and she would not have an opportunity to speak to Brian alone. Although she was terribly embarrassed and ashamed, Georgiana was almost surprised to realize that a small part of her wished that he had not acted so much the gentleman. As she paused outside of his door, a slow smile spread across her face. But then again, that is one of the reasons I like him so much.

A stunning blonde opened the door. Georgiana gasped. "Elsa? What are you doing here?"

She smiled sweetly. "Well, I have missed Brian terribly, so I stopped by to talk last night after the two of you got back." Her wink sent a sick tremor through Georgiana's stomach.

Brian walked up behind Elsa. He smiled delightedly to see Georgiana at his door. He reached for her hand. "Good morning, Georgiana."

Georgiana's eyes narrowed as she took her hand from him. "It seems that I..." wasn't good enough for you. She turned away. "Goodbye, Brian."

Brian started down the hall after her. "No Georgiana, it's not what it looks like! She just came over to talk." Curious heads poked from several doorways.

Georgiana, suddenly the ice princess, gave Brian a glare that froze him in his tracks. "That's what they all say, but I never thought I'd hear it from you." She turned on her heel and strode down the hall.

Brian's forehead was furrowed as he returned to the room. "What did you say to her?"

Elsa caressed Brian's bare shoulder. "I told her that I came over to talk."

Brian brushed her aside angrily. "And that is all that we did. I told you that we were finished. I suppose that you led Georgiana to believe..."

Elsa became angry. "And why not? I still want you. Good lord, Brian! No wonder you go through relationships like some men go through shoes. You have no idea how to hold on to women!" She stormed from the room.

Brian threw a shirt over his head and ran to Georgiana's room. It was empty. He bumped into Will in the lobby. "Good morning, Brian, are you ready to head for the train station?"

Brian glanced around the room impatiently. "Where is Georgiana?"

William frowned. "She decided to go to Paris after all. She needs some time alone to think before she comes home..."

Interlaken is a relatively small town, so Brian raced on foot to the train station. He reached it just as the train was pulling out. He ran up to the platform, searching the windows for her face. When he finally saw Georgiana, dashing tears from her cheeks, he raised one hand. Georgiana locked her eyes with his, shook her head, and turned away.

Continued In Next Section