Beginning, Section II, Section III, Next Section

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Posted on Sunday, 21 November 1999

Anne felt silly as she gazed out the window. There was, after all, nothing to see. The train was shrouded in darkness as it passed through the middle of the Chunnel. Still, she could not help but stare into the darkness. No matter how many times she made the trip, Anne could never get over a feeling of awe that thousands of gallons of water, ships, and all sorts of sea creatures were floating above her. And here she was, dry and warm, beneath them all. She shook her head and glanced away from the dark window. She met Alex's eyes. He was laughing at her.

"I'm glad to see you smile, Anne. I've worried about you."

"I am just so relieved that Georgiana has been found...and is safe. Right about now, they should all be on their way home."

Alex grinned. "I'm happy that you decided that you still wanted to come along with me. I thought that you would remain in London to meet your cousin."

Anne shook her head. "She'll be surrounded by well-wishers anyway. And the police will probably want to speak with her. I'll see her soon enough. Besides," She winked at Alex. "How could I pass up the opportunity to spend a weekend with England's most eligible bachelor?"

The Waterpool estate was located near a small town about thirty minutes from Paris. It boasted a graceful house and lush gardens surrounded by a thick forest. Inside, the rooms were decorated to correspond with different periods in French history. Anne was impressed with how the house managed to combine elegance with warmth. Unlike the starkly aloof Rosings, this home maintained a gentle dignity and a welcoming grace that corresponded with the romance of the French countryside.

Lady Waterpool looked very surprised to see a woman accompany her son. He had never brought any of his girlfriends to meet his parents. With a warm, delighted smile on her face, she embraced Anne.

"Oh, Alex, why didn't you tell me you were engaged!"

Anne raised her eyebrow as she met Alex's eyes over his mother's shoulder. Alex grinned at her and rolled his eyes. His voice was slightly mocking. "Yes, mother."

Anne laughed as Alex led the way to her room. "I hope that your mother knows that you were kidding."

Alex grinned. "Don't worry." He kissed her cheek. "I'll leave you now. I'll stop by to lead you to dinner at eight."

Anne's chamber was decorated in the baroque style. There was even a beautiful cello on a stand in the corner. Anne hung her clothes in the armoire, then picked up the cello. She plucked the strings thoughtfully as she stood by the window, gazing out across the countryside. While she watched, a tall gentleman appeared, walking towards the house with a sleek black dog at his side. Suddenly, the dog started to run towards the house. A smile touched Anne's lips as Alex entered the scene, falling to his knees to fondle the animal, making the dog squirm on the ground in joy. Alex rose to his feet somewhat hesitantly as the other gentleman reached him. The two men looked at each other for a while before Alex offered his hand. The older gentleman, whom Anne now took to be Alex's father, gripped Alex's hand as he regarded his son. Then with a sudden movement, he dropped it and drew Alex into a warm embrace. Both men started to laugh and clap each other on the back as they walked towards the house. Once, Alex glanced towards her window. When a curious look came over his face, Anne let the curtain drop. She finished unpacking, then collapsed onto the bed. Within minutes, she was fast asleep.

Several hours later, Alex appeared at Anne's door to escort her down to dinner. He knocked several times, then let himself in when she didn't answer.

"Anne, I..."

He stopped when he saw her sleeping form on the bed. Anne's dark hair was unbound for once, her glasses on the bedside table. Without her glasses, surrounded by thick, luxurious hair, Anne's face seemed fragile and vulnerable. Like a little child, she slept on her side with one hand curled tightly under her chin. Alex felt a strange little tug inside as he watched her lashes flutter against her cheeks while she chased her dreams. He shook his head with a funny smile on his face, and walked back out of the room.

His mother was waiting in the dining room. "Where is Anne?"

Alex smiled. "She is sound asleep. I'll have someone bring a tray to her when she wakes up."

The lady poured a glass of wine for her son. "She seems like a nice girl. Have you set a date?"

Alex started, then began to laugh. "Oh mother, we're not engaged. We're not even dating!"

She gave Alex a skeptical look. "Are you playing with me?"

Alex grinned. "No mother. I wouldn't do that to you. Anne and I are new friends, actually. She is Georgiana Darcy's cousin, staying with the Darcys for a while. I invited her along because the family was involved in a search for her cousin. Anne is good company, but we really don't know each other all that well."

His mother raised an eyebrow as she folded her napkin across her lap. "Good enough company to make her the first woman you have brought home to us? What you say may be true, but...Oh, Alex, when will you start seeking happiness instead of hiding in your disappointments? It may feel safe and familiar, though painful...but Alex," She grinned as she took her son's hand. "I'd like some grandchildren before I die."

Anne stood in the doorway unseen. She shook her head, wondering why those innocent words brought a strange pang to her stomach. She straightened her shoulders and entered the room.

"Anne!" Lady Waterpool rose to take her hand. "I am so glad to see you, my dear. Alex was just telling me about your cousin. How are you pulling through this, dear?"

"Georgiana is safe now, ma'am."

Alex's mother interrupted her. "Please call me Isabelle, or Isa."

Anne smiled. "Thank you, Isabelle. They found Georgiana in Switzerland in good health. William said that he was going to bring her home on the early train this morning. Georgiana is a gentle creature, but she has a strong spirit. I am sure that she is just fine."

Just then, Alex's father entered the room. Alex rose to his feet and drew Anne along with him. "Anne, please meet my father..."

The gentleman gave her a smile as he interrupted his son. "Please call me Robert." He tucked Anne's hand into his arm and led her back to the table. "Now, my dear, please tell me about my son." Anne caught Alex's amused smile as she turned to his father. While it seemed that Brian took after his mother, with deep green eyes and an enchanting smile, Alex was very much his father's son. Robert had a more reserved demeanor, and his eyes were the same piercingly bright shade of blue. Anne decided that she liked this gentleman very much. It was easy to see why Alex and Brian both yearned for his approval.

"I haven't known Alex long, but I can say for certain that your son is one of the best men I have met."

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Posted on Thursday, 25 November 1999

The first thing Anne noticed, as she slowly became aware of her surroundings, was that her nose felt cold. It was still dark, but a small silver bit of light slipped around the edges of the curtains, announcing that morning was just a breath away. The faint chill in the air made it all that much more delicious to snuggle back down into the heavy down comforter for a few more stolen minutes of sleep. Anne closed her eyes with a smile on her face. During these past weeks, she had become accustomed to bolting out of bed early each morning to seek news of her cousin. How wonderful it felt to finally be able to slide gently back into her dreams without worry or guilt.

When Anne woke again, her face was no longer cold. A maid had slipped in some time ago to light a fire that now crackled merrily in the grate. The curtains were light pink with the first gauzy slip of sunrise that spread across the land. Anne sat up in her bed and reached for the small lamp on the table next to her. Still too cozy to leave her nest, she took a book from the nightstand and began to read. Soon, a maid appeared with a cup of hot tea and a small roll and adjusted a blanket across Anne's shoulders. Anne held the teacup in both of her hands, letting the warmth enter her blood and awaken her senses. Before the maid left, she pulled the curtains aside so that Anne could watch the sun rise over the French countryside.

Anne was still sitting in bed, lazily enjoying the glowing sunrise when a knock sounded on her door. Anne wondered why the maid felt the need to knock now, when she had entered silently the first two times. As the door opened, Anne was surprised to see Alex, and not the maid, standing in the hallway. Alex crossed his arms across his chest and leaned against the door.

"The maid told me that you were awake." He smiled as Anne pulled the blanket up to cover herself.

"I wish you would have waited until I was presentable." She vainly raised a hand to her tangled hair and naked face. Alex grinned.

"Anne, there are millions of women who pray to look as lovely at their best as you do right now."

Anne raised an eyebrow. "Is Mr. Untouchable Waterpool actually flirting with me?"

It amused her to think so. It also surprised her to think that he should be the first to call her lovely, no matter in what tone it was spoken. Pleasant, yes...even good looking, but she had never been called lovely. Odd that such naked flattery should make her feel so giddy. A blush pinked her cheeks as Alex sat next to her on the bed.

Alex had surprised himself by entering Anne's chamber, but he had found himself eagerly awaiting her company, her quick tongue.

"It's a gorgeous day, if a bit chilly. I've asked a stable boy to warm-up and saddle two horses for us...that is after we have breakfasted." He suddenly looked worried. "You do ride, don't you?"

Anne grinned. "Mother would die if she knew, but yes, I do. I was quite good at it, I believe. There are many things that I did at school that would give mother a heart attack if she knew."

Alex laughed. "What sort of things did you do? I'm trying to imagine you at wild parties in leather and lace, charming every man you come across...one man in particular, I suppose, one who has made you so charming, and so wise about matters of the heart."

Anne tried to keep a straight face, but failed miserably. "I went a little wild at times, but other than one wonderful pair of leather pants..." she grinned. "Yes, there were several special men...unfortunately, I realized that none of them would be suited to my mother's taste. My own weakness ended each affair, a mistake I do not intend to make again. I learned a valuable lesson, and I'm now determined to chase my own dreams. I will no longer let my mother make up for her own disappointments through me." She studied him intently. "Alex, why did you invite me?"

Alex smiled and shrugged. "I enjoy your company, and I'd like to know you better."

Anne shook her head. "Your mother said that I was the only one...why?" She immediately dreaded the question, dreaded his inevitable answer, one that she had heard a dozen times from other men: I care for you like a sister, or you are no danger to me. This unreasonable fear surprised her. His friendship was all she wanted, anyway...right? Anne studied Alex over the rim of her teacup, her eyes glittering with speculation.

Alex wasn't sure how to answer the question, because he had been wondering the same himself. "I don't know. I just...wanted to." He shrugged and rose from the bed. "I'll meet you downstairs for breakfast."

Anne stared at the closed door for a long time after he left.

Alex and Anne spent the morning crossing the countryside on their horses. They stopped every once in a while to give the horses a rest, and stood talking while the horses snorted at the white steam that curled from their nostrils. They spoke about their childhood dreams, shared school stories, and debated politics. Never once did Catherine Bennet enter the conversation, although she was ever present in Anne's thoughts.

As they led the horses back to the stable, she watched Alex. Catherine and Richard would be married in just a few weeks. How would Alex endure it? He had been silent on that topic since their first intense conversation about Catherine. Could he possibly have moved on with his life? Anne felt a sudden urge to decline her invitation to the wedding, although she was a bridesmaid, and come to Alex's side. He would need a good friend. At least she could be that to him. She shook her head as she wondered where this sudden deep concern for Alex's welfare came from. She wondered why it was so important to her that she never saw him hurt, why she had this feeling that she could protect him from it. She also wondered why his deep blue eyes, which had never affected her before, now had the power to warm her heart with just a glance.

That afternoon, Isabelle proposed a trip to Paris for a day of shopping. There was, she insisted, nothing to compare with holiday shopping in Paris. Alex and Robert agreed to come along as 'pack mules,' as they put it. Despite Alex's initial hesitation, Anne was surprised at how cheerfully Alex followed her from shop to shop. She asked him about it once, and he grinned.

"The son of a master shopper hardly has any choice but to play along."

Paris was always an exciting city, but with the approaching holidays, there was an additional excitement in the air. The streets were filled with happy tourists and street performers, and the shops were decorated brightly to add to the festive mood. Isabelle and Robert left them not too long after their arrival. Alex and Anne spent some time in the tourist-packed stores on the main strip, but soon they tired of the crowds. Alex led Anne to more exclusive and welcoming shops in small houses. By two o'clock, Anne had a long list of purchases that would be sent back to London. Alex watched with amusement as she sorted through gloves, flatware, jewelry, and toys for friends and relatives. When Anne had amassed quite a list of purchases, Alex insisted that they stop for refreshments at a small café.

"So, Anne...here we are, shopping in Paris, and you have bought nothing for yourself!"

Anne smiled. "Actually, I would like to find a new dress for the holidays."

After they paid the bill, Alex showed Anne to his mother's favorite dress shop. Anne did not have the time to go through fittings for a custom-tailored dress, so she contented herself with the ready-to-wear models that the store had on hand. She and Alex settled into soft chairs as the shop girls brought a succession of evening wear before them. Many were sent back, too revealing or bright for Anne's taste. A handful of others were waved towards a rack nearby so Anne could consider them later. When they had seen enough dresses to make their heads spin, Anne and Alex waived the sales girls away and flipped through the dresses on the rack. The finally selected seven that Anne would try on.

Anne would not even come out of the dressing room in the first dress. The second and third had about the same success, too plain for the holidays. Alex grinned as he sent Anne back into the dressing room. The fourth dress made Alex's eyes pop out of his head. It was so close fitting and low cut that it left very little to the imagination.

"All we need is a pair of red stilettos and a feather boa..."

Dress number five was lovely. It was made of deep, soft cranberry velvet with a close fitting bodice and a skirt made for dancing. It had thin white satin straps at the shoulders that crossed the low back of the dress.

Alex smiled. "It is simply perfect...except for one thing." He rose to his feet, removed her glasses with one hand and freed her hair with the other. The contrast of dark hair and fabric made her skin look like fine china. The color was perfect for Anne, contrasting beautifully with her dark hair, and highlighting the blush in her cheeks and the sparkles in her dark eyes. Alex bowed over her hand, and led her in a mock waltz. "I think that this is it."

Anne smiled. "Just two more."

The sixth dress was too terrible to show Alex, but Anne grinned as she slid into the seventh. It was fashioned out of a light silk, and covered in a swirling pattern of tiny rhinestones that became denser towards the hem. It had a tastefully teasing neckline, and was full enough in the skirt to leave room for dancing.

Alex looked up from his newspaper as Anne entered the room. His throat went dry as he rose to his feet. It looked like she was covered in a thin web of diamonds. It was the simple, tasteful design of the dress that made it so frankly alluring. As Alex stepped closer, he could see that the dress was no more revealing than the velvet. The style itself was innocent enough for a night at the opera, but the illusion it created took Alex's breath away.

"Well, what do you think?"

"Ah...your boyfriend will be very proud. Other men, I am sure, will be exceedingly envious of him. A dress like that, on you, could stop any man dead in his tracks. As it is, if you don't want me to serve as your bodyguard or fly swatter, I suggest that you find something a little more...less...uh..." Alex fumbled over his words as Anne spun around in front of him.

"Less? As in less dress?" Anne grinned at Alex's discomfort. "I do not have a boyfriend, so no one has any cause to feel either proud or jealous...so why don't you tell me how you like this dress?"

Alex cleared his throat several times, glanced around the room more than once, and then took one more look at her. He grinned as he met Anne's eyes. "In all honesty, Anne, I have to say that I like it very much."

Anne nodded. "Good. Then I'll buy it."

Alex's eyes widened. "No! Don't."

Anne grinned. "And why not?"

"Ah...I don't think that...that your mother would approve. And I'm afraid that it could be rather...um...dangerous." He pulled a nearby velvet cloak over her shoulders and drew it closely around her.

Anne's eyes sparkled mischievously. She spoke in a low whisper as Alex buttoned the cloak at her throat. "I wouldn't buy this dress to please mother, Alex." Alex felt a strange flutter in his stomach, and dropped his hands. He was standing much too close to her. Anne grinned, "it might prove most useful to have a 'dangerous dress.' But since you insist, I'll buy something a little less..." She paused, searching for a word.

Alex's face suddenly broke into an amused smile as he stepped back. "Sexy, my dear?"

Anne laughed all the way back to the dressing room. She did buy the cranberry velvet, but she also secretly had the saleswoman wrap the dress for her. She laughed to herself as she joined Alex. You never know when something like this might come in handy...New Year's Eve, perhaps? She wore a secretive smile as they left the store, and Alex couldn't stop looking at her.

"What is it, Anne? You look like the cat who stole the cream."

Anne met his eyes with a playfully smug smile. "You might find out someday...and then again, you might not."

They met up with Alex's parents at the train station later that afternoon to head back home. They were just about to board their train when Anne spotted a familiar face heading away from another train. She dropped her bag at Alex's feet and ran.

"Georgiana!"

Georgiana dropped her bags and ran into her cousin's arms.

Chapter Thirty

Posted on Sunday, 5 December 1999

Georgiana leaned her elbows on the stone railing of her balcony and watched as the storm moved in. Already, long silver sheets of rain brushed the last color from the late afternoon sky. Soon, the harsh stinging needles of the relentless winter rain would assault the entire French countryside. Georgiana pulled the green wool blanket closer around her with a shiver, then retreated inside as the rain finally reached the house.

She found her cousin lying on her stomach in the warm library by a roaring fire. Dozens of scrapbooks and photo boxes covered the floor near her. Georgiana dropped onto a large pillow next to Anne. "It's finally here. I wouldn't be surprised if it turned into sleet."

A log rolled to the edge of the fireplace with a popping, crunching shower of sparks. Anne rose to her knees and shoved a poker into the fire. "It will just make us all that much cozier in here." She flopped back to her stomach and drew an album closer.

"Could he be any more gorgeous?" Anne angled the scrapbook so that Georgiana could see the photo of Alex dressed up for some charity event, with his mother on his arm. "I mean look at that smile...and those blue eyes...swoon!" She grinned suddenly and shoved the album under Georgiana's nose. "'Though I think that you will like this one better...

Georgiana gave Anne a vague smile. "It's nice..."

Anne laughed out loud. "Oh, come on! Brian looks good enough in jeans and a white T-shirt, but did you not notice how he looks wet?"

Georgiana looked at the picture again, allowing that yes, the wet shirt made his chest look like a sculpture of a Roman god, but it was the rakishly tousled hair, the crazy grin, the dangerous spark in his green eyes that had first captivated her. She angled the book so that she could study the photograph more closely. A slow grin worked across her face. "Yes, I suppose he does have a body."

Anne laughed. "You suppose?" she noticed a deep blush cross Georgiana's cheeks. "I'm sorry...you're in deep, aren't you?"

Georgiana rose to her feet and walked to the window with a sigh. "Switzerland..."

Anne shoved the books aside and leaned back against the couch. "So tell me."

Georgiana sat cross-legged on the floor next to Anne and recounted her experiences of the past two weeks.

"...And through it all, I kept thinking of the one person I wanted to see the world with, and that person was not George. George had no eye for the beauty of the cathedrals or the local color, and cared only for the fun he could find. Brian, on the other hand, does everything he can to live and breathe each place he visits. Have you ever seen his photographs?" She glanced around her. "There must be some around here somewhere..."

Anne leafed through the album that Georgiana slipped from the bookshelf. "You are right, these are good. Georgiana, what happened in Switzerland? Brian came to find you, didn't he? That proves he cares for you..."

"I thought so, oh Anne," She groaned and hid her face in her hands. "I humiliated myself. I threw myself at him when I was...drunk. And he rejected me-"

"-Like a gentleman." Anne interjected.

Georgiana nodded slowly. "Yes, I suppose you are right. But when I went to apologize the next morning...His old girlfriend answered the door."

"Did you speak with him?"

"Only to say goodbye. He followed me to the train station, but we pulled out just as he arrived. I think that I could forgive him anything...but Anne, I felt so unreasonably...ill. I'll always be nothing but his good friend, little Georgiana Darcy." She shook her head. "And why should that bother me? Why can't things stay as they are? We can continue to have fun, to talk and laugh together...can't we? It's amazing how well we got along. I was so remarkably comfortable around him. So much so that I didn't even consider...until he came to try to rescue me."

Georgiana suddenly cut off that train of thought and gave Anne a piercing look. "Whatever happened to you, Anne? You used to be so...reserved. And now look at you! You seem to have life by the tail. You know what? I wish that just once I could be myself without trying to please everyone. That's why I made the big mistake of going along with George."

Anne shrugged. "I've been through a bit...it will come to you Georgie. You just keep it all inside too much. I think that if you learned to express your wishes and feelings, you could be just as wild and crazy and silly and alive as you wish to be. It just takes courage."

Georgiana turned away quickly as Alex entered the room.

"Dinner is served, Ladies!"

Georgiana was supremely distracted during dinner and missed half of the conversation. She began to answer questions placed to her directly with vague affirmatives or negatives, or even a "mmm," which seemed safe enough. She was surprised, therefore, when Anne and Alex both looked scandalized by one of her answers.

Anne grinned. "You've been looking daft all evening, Georgiana! I'll bet that you haven't heard a word we've said all night!"

Alex broke into laughter. "Good lord, Georgiana, you honestly don't like spending time with us, do you?"

Georgiana blushed crimson, but tried to recover herself. "Well...no I don't!" She grinned. "I'm thinking of visiting Aunt Catherine to get away from the two of you."

Anne laughed, but Alex was suddenly serious. "Anne and I were planning to head back to London on the Eurostar tomorrow...but Anne told me that you are not ready to return. Would you like to stay here? Mother would be thrilled to have you..."

When she hesitated, Anne offered to extend her stay so that Georgiana could have some company. Georgiana wasn't sure how staying in Brian's childhood home would help her to forget her ordeal and embarrassment, but at least it would give her some time away from London to process her experiences and feelings. She would also have the opportunity to get together with friends she had made during her studies in Paris. Georgiana accepted with a smile.

They saw Alex off at the train station the next morning. Georgiana was surprised to realize how relaxed and happy Alex looked since she had last seen him. She smiled to see that Anne's gloved hand remained in Alex's for an unusual amount of time...that Anne seemed reluctant to step back from his farewell embrace... that Alex was almost reluctant to let her go. As the two young women stepped from the platform, Georgiana saw her cousin with new eyes. Perhaps Anne's frank, good-natured companionship was exactly what Alex had needed.

Chapter Thirty-One

Posted on Wednesday, 15 December 1999

The vicious rain pounded the darkening countryside, abusing the single vehicle that made its way down the curving road leading to the Waterpool estate. As the car came to a stop, damp servants hurried from the house with umbrellas to protect the passengers. Others lifted several suitcases from the car trunk. The umbrellas served little purpose due to a vicious wind, and the two new arrivals were drenched by the time they made it to the front door.

Brian stood in the doorway for a moment, looking back at the wet land that surrounded his childhood home. It had been a long time, but it looked exactly as it had when he was barely tall enough to touch the doorknob. A small stream, swollen by the rain, curved down a graceful hill into a dense forest. This stream had been the stage for hundreds of childhood battles. A flicker of a smile hovered at Brian's lips, but it vanished as he turned to his companion.

"I still can't believe you followed me to France. I told you...I have nothing left to give you."

Elsa smiled. "Even so, I have a debt to repay. I just want to be your friend. That's my only angle. No strings attached." She shielded her eyes from the rain. "Look, it's pouring and it's late. You can't turn me away now..." She grabbed his arm. "So show me your home."

Brian studied Elsa for a moment, then gave her a weary smile as he led her inside. "Very well. Since it's late, you can stay. You must know, though, that I'm leaving first thing in the morning. I just thought I'd stop by to see my parents before I head back."

Isabelle was reading by the library fire when Brian entered. His face broke into a smile as he stood in the doorway. Isabelle dropped her book and ran to embrace her younger son. Her eyes sparkled as she took his hands and stood back to take a good look at him. Brian grinned as he apologized for his disheveled appearance. His mother laughed.

"If you arrived covered in mud I would be no less pleased to see you...though I might have you sleep in the stable."

Isabelle embraced him again, laughing as water from his hair dripped onto her face, then stood back and waited patiently for her son to introduce his guest. Her smile was gracious as she shook the young woman's hand, but her sharp eyes noticed Elsa's aloof demeanor. The girl barely glanced at Isabelle as her hungry eyes took in the fine furnishings of the house. Isabelle hid her smile as the girl tried to inconspicuously finger the silk of the window hangings. She reminds me of a ravenous wolf. She is not even looking at my son. Very well, I will humor her.

"May I offer the two of you some refreshment? We have some fine paintings in the dining room that you may like to see, Elsa."

Elsa accepted immediately, but Brian said that he would much rather shower. He left the ladies in the hallway and climbed the stairs to his room. Elsa's flirtatiousness and dazzling smile had won him over once, but now her presence was a little tedious. He wondered when he had lost his attraction for her. He closed his eyes and tried to picture her face before him, but the image of her overblown beauty was replaced by a face that was softer and fairer. Brian realized suddenly that he had not been completely happy since Georgiana's disappearance. He had missed her warm laughter and her shy smile. He missed the innocent flirtation and conversation they had shared. Brian stopped halfway up the stairs, suddenly completely broadsided by a revelation. For the first time in his life, his entire happiness depended utterly and completely on one creature.

Georgiana and Anne were sitting in front of the fire in Anne's room. Cheerful music was playing to counteract the gloominess of the sleet that streaked the window. The women gossiped like girls as they removed the polish from their toenails. Anne went into her bathroom to wash the polish remover from her feet.

"Georgiana, why don't you go into the bathroom next door?" She yelled over the running water.

"Brian's room?"

"You don't have a problem with that, do you? It's not like he'll walk in on you."

Georgiana laughed and picked up a towel. As she opened Brian's door, she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her stomach. Although Brian had not stayed there for months, Georgiana felt his presence. She thought that she could even smell his after-shave.

The room was decorated in such a way that it seemed the perfect refuge on a cold winter's evening. Georgiana tried to imagine Brian standing at the window watching the cold sleet that now pounded the windows, chewing his lip as he labored at his desk, or smiling in his sleep, but her visions changed as her eyes rested on the photographs on his desk and night table. Taken during his many travels, they seemed innocent enough. There were many astonishingly beautiful photographs of landscapes and monuments, but there were also many pictures of Brian smiling next to beautiful women. It was impossible to tell whether each woman was lover or friend, but to Georgiana it did not matter. She knew that most people did much more dating than she did, but Brian's experiences were almost legendary. People tended to joke about the younger Waterpool's 'flavor of the month.' Yes, he did treat each of them better than many men, but few of his girlfriends stayed with him longer than a few weeks, two months at most. Georgiana sat on the bed, thinking of her conversation with Alex during a tour of the house.

"My brother always did like blondes. Perhaps that is why he enjoys your company so much." It had been said in jest, but Georgiana did not take it as such. She shivered and turned away.

"Please do not say that." Alex was surprised. Was she truly bothered by the photographs?

"Georgiana, how well do you know Brian?" She shrugged. Alex sat on the bed and patted the comforter next to him. "I assume that you have heard his romantic history, as has everyone who hears London gossip. As you well know, our positions in society often guarantee that our private lives are regarded as public property..."

Georgiana gave Alex a wan smile. "He's a regular Don Juan, isn't he?"

Alex sighed. "He has done quite a bit of fishing. Yes, Georgiana, fishing. Our parents were violently in love with each other when they married. Over the years, that love settled into something strong and good. They gave us boys an ideal vision of love. I thought that I found what I needed as soon as I was old enough to love. Since then, I have become more of a realist. Brian, on the other hand, has been chasing rainbows all of his life. For the most part, it was the women, and not my brother, who ended each relationship. He wanted so desperately to try, you see, but the women eventually realized that they were not what he was looking for, and ended it before they could be hurt. Brian's not dating for the glory or to coddle his ego. He seriously believes that his soul mate is out there somewhere."

Georgiana lifted a picture from Brian's nightstand. "And Elsa?"

"Elsa was one of the more persistent ones. I think that she was the closest Brian ever came to love, but she betrayed him without a backward glance. I cannot believe that he will take her back lightly, no matter what happened in Switzerland."

Georgiana was not sure whether she had been relieved or saddened by the conversation. It did, however, strengthen her resolve to quench the tiny spark that was growing in her heart. No matter that she preferred Brian's company above that of all others, she refused to be just another stop on his search for true love. She would not delude herself into believing that she could possibly be the one...no doubt all of those others had felt the same way at first. It was much better to let him go.

Georgiana started towards the closed bathroom when the door flew open. Georgiana suddenly found herself face to face with Brian-who was wearing nothing but a towel and that wonderful, crazy grin.

"What are you doing here?"

Brian casually leaned against the doorpost. "Shouldn't I be the one to ask that question? You are, after all, in my bedroom."

Georgiana stepped back, but a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. She lifted her chin. "Did you follow me here?"

Brian laughed and shook his head. "How was I to know you would run from me to my family home?" He chuckled at Georgiana's reaction. "Since I don't have to be at the hospital until late tomorrow, I decided to stop by to see my parents before I head back to town. It's a rare thing for an intern to get an entire weekend off...but they had fourteen interns from Norway as part of an exchange program over the weekend."

Encouraged by his good-natured banter, Georgiana finally found the courage to meet Brian's eyes. His brilliant smile and the laughter in his green eyes warmed her very soul. Brian had forgiven her...that was certain.

Brian, of course, was not thinking of forgiveness. In his book, Georgiana could do nothing wrong. As he stepped towards her with a warm grin and open arms, he was thinking only of her smile.

Georgiana stepped into Brian's outstretched arms, but as her hands met bare skin, Georgiana flushed and leaped back. Forcing herself to look away from his wonderful body and warm eyes, Georgiana stammered an apology and hurried from the room. An amused smile crossed Brian's face as he closed the door after her.

Georgiana wrapped a blanket around her as she settled herself into the window seat. She sighed and rested her forehead against the cool windowpane. She suddenly didn't care one bit about Brian's past, about the danger involved. Perhaps she should take Anne's advice. Even if she ended up being hurt, at least she would have tried.

Georgiana's reverie snapped when someone knocked on her door. Brian entered, fully dressed, with a lopsided grin on his face. "I didn't greet you very well before." As he sat next to her in the window seat, he noticed Georgiana's frown. "Do I make you uncomfortable?"

Georgiana smiled sheepishly and stopped braiding the edge of the blanket. "Well...you are squishing me against the window."

Brian apologized with a grin as he leaned back and put an arm around Georgiana's shoulders. She leaned back against him. "Brian, why did you come to Switzerland? You missed a day at the hospital. Will could have done just as well alone...and you would have been saved a great deal of grief."

"I couldn't concentrate on anything knowing that you could possibly be in danger. I knew the area, so I thought that I could help your brother a great deal. Are you sorry that I came?"

Georgiana avoided his gaze. "I'm sorry that I made a fool of myself in front of you."

Brian grinned. "Don't be. It happens to all of us. I'd much rather it happened with me instead of...George." He tightened his arms around her. "Did he hurt you at all?"

Georgiana shook her head. "The only thing that really bothered me about him, apart from our last horrible evening, was that he wasn't..."

Brian brushed a lock of golden hair from Georgiana's cheek. "Wasn't what?"

Georgiana took a deep breath. "He wasn't you."

Brian started, then looked at her intensely. "Do you mean that?"

Georgiana gave him a teasing grin. "Don't look so surprised, Mr. Waterpool. You are very dear to me."

Brian rose to his feet and pulled Georgiana with him. "Well you are dear to me, too. I just want to explain about Elsa. You see, she..."

"Brian! You weren't in your room, and this door was open..." Elsa smiled. "Oh, Georgiana! I didn't know you were here..."

Georgiana pulled her hands from Brian's grip. "Yes I am. Brian, it looks like Elsa needs you."

Brian shook his head. "Elsa is pretty independent. I'm sure that she will understand that I need to speak with you..." he looked at Elsa intently. "Alone."

Elsa waffled, but she eventually left the room. Her simpering smile left Georgiana cold. "So I was right."

Brian shook his head. "No, you weren't. We aren't together."

Georgiana stepped back. "So why did you go to her after you left my room that night? Why is she here with you?"

"She followed me both times. She wants me back. I won't have her. Please believe me, Georgiana."

Georgiana walked towards her door. "I wish I could, Brian. But Alex told me that she is the closest you ever came..." She paused. "Either way, it makes no difference to me. I don't know why you are so insistent. I have no claim on you. Thank you for stopping by. Goodnight, Brian." Georgiana opened the door for him.

Brian took her elbow. "Georgiana, you have a larger claim on me than you know. After meeting you, how could any man look twice at Elsa?"

Georgiana gave him a weak smile. "I don't think that I can handle your flattery tonight, Brian. I am too tired. Goodnight."

Brian sighed. It was clear that she did not care as much about him as he would wish. If she did, she would realize that Elsa had no prayer. He had thought that his feelings were so obvious. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Goodnight, then, Georgiana. But this isn't over. I'll do anything to get my dear Georgiana back."

The next morning, Elsa left for Sweden. Brian tried unsuccessfully to talk Anne and Georgiana into returning to London with him. The girls remained in France for another week until a very important event pulled them back to the British Isles. In another week, they would join their family and friends at the wedding of Catherine Bennet and Richard Fitzwilliam.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Posted on Monday, 20 December 1999

"I specifically told you not to lose any weight, Georgiana! We'll have to take in some seams." The dressmaker teased Georgiana as she slid pins into the material underneath her arms. "Wait, don't move!"

Georgiana grimaced as her arms began to ache from holding them straight out at her sides. She tried to keep her body still as she craned her neck to see her reflection in the mirror. "I'm sorry. I guess I really haven't thought too much about eating in the past few weeks."

The dressmaker smiled and patted her shoulder. "Don't worry honey, I heard all about what you've gone through. Listen, it's no trouble at all, really. See? I tuck the seams here, and voila!" She noticed Georgiana's pained expression and laughed. "You can relax now, sweetie. We'll get you out of this thing in a jiffy."

Georgiana obligingly lifted her arms as the dressmaker gingerly slid the dress over her head. She then collapsed into an armchair and began to shake her arms to restore her circulation.

"Georgiana, if you wear that you'll have the men falling at your feet!" Anne swirled into the room in a dark green velvet dress.

Georgiana laughed and rose to her feet. She lifted the hem of her satin slip and did a mock curtsey for her cousin. "Do you think so?" She did a pirouette in front of the mirror. "You may have a point...and if I wore this, I wouldn't have to go through any more torturous fittings..." Georgiana winked at the dressmaker as she slipped a robe over her slip. Georgiana poured herself a glass of water, then walked over to her cousin as Anne twirled in front of the mirror. "You look gorgeous, Anne!"

"Bless Kitty for choosing dresses that actually work for all of us!" Anne stood in front of the three-way mirror and piled her hair on top of her head. "Do you think that Alex will like this?"

Georgiana nearly dropped her glass of water. "Alex is coming to the wedding?"

Anne nodded. "They were friends for years before they got together. He can't really not attend, and he thinks that it will be the final step in his cure." She sighed as she glanced in the mirror again. "No, I suppose he won't even see me. He'll never be completely over his first...Kitty!" Anne shot Georgiana a wary look before she turned to smile at the young bride as she entered the room. "When can we see your dress?"

Catherine smiled as she helped Anne out of her dress. "You will see it on Saturday. Until then, no one but Lizzy, Jane, the dressmaker, and I are allowed to see it." She helped the dressmaker carefully place Anne's and Georgiana's dresses on the mannequins and cover them with dust cloths while the young women dressed.

As the young women left the parlor, Anne took Catherine's arm. "Kitty, Richard is so besotted with you that he has given you no time to yourself. We've talked the guys into getting him out of the way so that we can take you all day. I think that it's time Georgiana and I got to know our future cousin-in-law." She looked at Georgiana. "Though I suppose we are already sort of relatives through Lizzy and William..." She grinned. "Either way, you are ours for the day."

Richard, Will and Charles were standing in the front entryway. As soon as he saw his fiancée, Richard completely forgot his line of thought and went to take her in his arms. The rest of the group watched with great amusement as the lovers embraced. Finally, Darcy cleared his throat.

"Well, gentlemen, the club awaits."

Richard stepped back with a sheepish look on his face. "Sorry Will. I forgot that we weren't alone..."

William laughed. "That is quite obvious." He took Richard's arm, and Anne took Kitty's. The two lovers threw many warm glances and smiles to each other as they were practically dragged apart.

The girls had booked a day at one of London's finer spas. Through the course of the day, they were rubbed, cleansed, steamed, moisturized and polished within an inch of their lives. When they were finally left to luxuriate in a hot tub, the young women began to talk. Although such an atmosphere promotes the sharing of deepest secrets and wishes, Georgiana and Anne both held back and let Kitty talk.

As she watched Kitty's animated face and quick smile, Anne was trying to find what qualities the woman possessed that had so completely bewitched Alex. She tried to push the thoughts away, almost afraid that Kitty could read her mind. Anne failed, and could not help but wonder if she, herself, had anything to offer that could possibly turn Alex's head from this charming, intelligent, beautiful creature.

For her part, Georgiana was wondering what had possessed Kitty to invite Alex. Sure, they had been great friends, but didn't Kitty see how painful it would be for him? Perhaps she had done it as a courtesy, bowing to their past friendship but never expecting him to take the invitation seriously. Either way, what would happen now that he had accepted the invitation?

As the women crawled from the water to wrap themselves in big, fluffy towels, another worry entered Georgiana's mind. Would Alex bring Brian? With the uncertainty that stood between them, Georgiana had no idea what to expect from Brian when she saw him again.

As for Kitty, she floated through the day on a sparkly cloud of pure joy. She was so in love that she could not fathom that not everyone else in the world felt as happy as she did. In this great, joyful mood, Kitty turned to her companions with a laugh. "So, who are the two of you bringing as your dates to the wedding? From the looks on your faces, I'm sure that both of you have someone special in mind. Am I right?"

Anne and Georgiana exchanged glances that held equal measures of worry, amusement, and revelation. Georgiana quickly covered her discomposure with a laugh. "Actually, I'm told that bridesmaids never have trouble finding men...so I think that I'll fly solo."

Anne giggled. "Or if we're lucky, maybe mother will bring some more of her 'young men' along. After all, the one she sent Georgiana's way was such a winner..."

Kitty laughed along, and slipped her hands into the arms of her companions. "Today has been lovely. It would be even more perfect if I could...possibly...see Richard, if only for a little while?"

Anne and Georgiana exchanged a smile. "We thought so. We're meeting the men, Jane, and Elizabeth at a restaurant in three hours. That means that we have just enough time to go home and take a nap before we have to meet them."

In the spirit of the approaching holidays, the restaurant was decorated with holly, candles, evergreens, and several well-placed sprigs of mistletoe. A brass band played holiday favorites and dance tunes while couples spun around on the dance floor.

Most of the younger members of the wedding party met that evening. Several of Richard's friends had joined the group. Georgiana found herself talking a great deal with a very pleasant young man. Within minutes of his introduction, Stuart Appleton had charmed the entire table with his good humor and quick smile. When he asked Georgiana for a dance, she readily accepted. The two new acquaintances laughed a great deal while they spun across the dance floor.

When Alex and Brian saw the group seated across the room, Brian asked his brother if he would like to leave. Alex turned to him with a grin.

"If I can't make it through this, how am I going to last at the wedding? In fact..." He took Brian's arm and walked quickly across the room to the large table.

Those who knew of his past with Kitty shot Alex surprised or worried glances as he greeted everyone. But the smile on Alex's face never wavered. He gracefully and warmly congratulated Catherine and Richard. He chatted with William about Georgiana's return. He asked Elizabeth about her son's welfare. Then he turned to Anne. Her smile was wary, and her eyes anxious. Alex suddenly wanted nothing more than to put her mind at ease. As he asked for a dance, her relieved smile shoved all other thoughts into the background. As Alex took Anne's hand to lead her to the dance floor, he suddenly had a feeling that all was right with the world.

After his brother left, Brian slid into Anne's empty seat. He had noticed Georgiana's absence, but could not bring himself to ask about her. As he turned to speak to Elizabeth, she turned to look at the dance floor.

"Isn't she lovely, Brian? It's so nice to see her laughing again."

Brian followed her gaze. Georgiana was in the arms of a tall, good-looking young man. She was laughing, and she looked lovelier than he had ever seen her. His heart sank as the man spun her back into his arms. His voice was slightly hoarse as he spoke to Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, who is he?"

She smiled. "That gentleman is Richard's friend, Stuart Appleton. He is a very charming young man."

Brian leaned back in his chair. "So it seems." He saw his brother take Anne into his arms. "It looks like Alex will be here a while. Excuse me, Elizabeth, I have to leave."

Elizabeth took Brian's arm. "Please stay, Brian. We can pull up some more chairs."

Brian glanced again towards Georgiana and her young man. "I can't stay. Maybe I'll see you at the wedding."

As Alex slid an arm around her waist, Anne gave him a piercing gaze. "That seemed to go well. What are you thinking, Alex?"

Alex laughed suddenly. "I was thinking that it was much easier than I ever expected. In fact, I felt very little. She looks happy. So...let her be." He grinned and pulled Anne into his arms. "And let me be happy, too."

Anne's gaze dropped. "Oh no, Alex, I can't be your..."

Alex smiled. "My what? Rebound? No, Anne." He ran a hand through her hair. "You're not a rebound. You've come to mean so much more to me. You are the reason I just made it through that. When I was looking at Kitty, I believe I was thinking only of you." Anne's eyes glowed with such hope that Alex had to laugh. And then he frowned. And then he kissed her.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Posted on Thursday, 13 January 2000

Draped in garlands, wreaths, and pure white snow, the church seemed to have appeared straight from the pages of a child's storybook. Snow had been falling in thick, fluffy flakes since early morning, but by late afternoon it had lightened to the texture of sparkling fairy dust. The wedding guests laughed gaily, covered head to toe in white, as they entered the building through ornately carved, heavy oak doors. The rafters rang with cheerful conversation as people paused in the entryway to stomp slush from boots, to brush snow from wool coats, and to rub the chill of winter from rosy cheeks. Finally, warmed by indoor heating and laughter, the guests continued into the beautiful sanctuary.

The Waterpool men were among the last to file into the velvet-carpeted, candle-lit sanctuary. The cushioned pews were packed with wedding guests seated shoulder-to-shoulder, so Alex and Brian slid into the last available space on the center aisle near the back. As they took their seats, a hush came over the crowd and a string quartet began to play. Brian was secretly glad that they were seated in an area that would provide them with an inconspicuous escape, if needed. At the moment, Alex's shoulders were relaxed and his face was serene as he glanced around the sanctuary. Brian was not so sure, however, that his brother would be so calm once Catherine entered the church. He could still not understand Alex's decision to attend the wedding. Did he come to exorcise old ghosts? To nurse one last hope? To punish himself? Brian had lived through his brother's heartache after Kitty rejected him twice. He had read letters that were never sent. He had helped Alex choose the ring that now, he knew, rested somewhere beneath the satiny blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. And here he was again, supporting Alex as he finally bid farewell to a dream in a little English church.

As the strings launched into Pachabel's Canon in D, Brian's stole another glance at his brother. Alex's eyes were now turned towards the back of the sanctuary. His face was not as immobile as before, but there seemed to be no trace of sorrow or regret. As Brian watched, Alex drew the corners of his lips down. Brian held his breath, waiting for the familiar haunting, naked pain to surface on Alex's face. Instead, the firm lips formed into a small smile, then into an amused grin. Brian let out his breath in amazement when he realized that his brother's eyes were actually dancing. He turned quickly to see what had caused Alex's sudden good humor. Anne? Brian glanced back toward Alex's face. Sure enough, he was smiling openly at Anne de Bourgh. And the lady, as she stepped carefully into the sanctuary, was giving Alex a mischievous grin as she tucked a glittery handkerchief back into the bodice of her dress.

Alex's voice was warm with amusement as he murmured to himself. "The same material as the dress. I wonder..."

Brian started to ask what on earth his brother was talking about, but he completely lost his train of thought as the next young woman entered the sanctuary. Georgiana's head was bowed as she entered, but she seemed to sense his presence, and when she finally lifted her head, her eyes immediately found his. Brian shot a wink and a grin in her direction, bringing a bright smile and a slight blush to her face. Brian's stomach clenched when he realized that Georgiana's escort was that Stuart she had danced with the other night. Although Brian and Alex had planned to skip the reception, Brian had a sudden urge to go...to wipe that smug smile from the face of the handsome groomsman as he, Brian Waterpool, swept Georgiana Darcy off of her feet.

Then the bride entered. Her face was radiant with excitement. She was beautiful. Once again, Brian saw the ghost of a frown cross his brother's face, but it was soon replaced by a distant smile. Alex's eyes did not leave Catherine's form as she walked down the aisle towards her new destiny. When she finally stood next to Richard and the congregation was seated, Brian tried to discover Alex's state of mind.

"She looks beautiful, and very happy. I very much hope that she will be..." Alex's whisper trailed off reflectively. Then he shrugged and turned to Brian with a grin. "Did you notice Anne's little accessory? Remind me to tell you a story..." Brian smiled and settled back into his seat. It seemed that a quick-witted little brunette had saved his brother.

The ceremony began with not too unusual little hitches: a crying baby, a vocalist who forgot a few words, a violinist who broke a string, and a three year-old who decided to steal a bouquet from one of the bridesmaids. These little incidents, however, only added warmth and personality to the ceremony. At one point, Georgiana read a poem to the bride and groom. Her voice was soft, but eloquent, and Brian was utterly captivated. His pulse raced when, just once, Georgiana's eyes found his before she returned to her place by the altar. From then on, Brian's complete attention was fixed on one object.

The ceremony continued as weddings usually do, with a rich mixture of song and prayer, tears and laughter, solemnity and jubilation. When the moment finally arrived, the last light of the winter dusk had faded, leaving only a soft candlelight glow to touch the faces of those present. In a voice slightly rough with emotion, Richard pledged his heart to Kitty. As the rings were exchanged, Georgiana, with tears slipping down her cheeks, unconsciously met Brian's eyes across the sanctuary. They shared a warm smile for a moment that seemed suspended in time.

Then the church bells rang and the congregation rose to its feet, celebrating the new union. Brian barely noticed as Kitty and Richard shared a lingering kiss before racing from the church into a waiting horse-drawn carriage. With a guilty afterthought, Brian glanced at Alex, but his brother was already pushing past him to join the throng outside. As Brian watched, Alex vaulted the railing and sprinted to the car that was to carry the bridesmaids to the reception. From the small group of girls, he extracted one dressed in a long, gray wool coat. Brian's eyebrows rose as Alex placed his hands on the girl's waist and lifted her into the air, spinning her in a circle with a yell of jubilation. By the time Brian reached them, Alex had pushed the hood back, revealing a mass of dark curls. Before Brian could speak, his brother had wrapped his arms tightly around Anne de Bourgh and was kissing her thoroughly.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Posted on Monday, 7 February 2000

Although he had fared well during the ceremony, Alex's throat was beginning to tighten with each footstep he and Brian took through the line towards the bride and groom. Confident that he was truly healed, Alex hadn't thought about his reaction should he come face to face with Catherine after she was married. Much like with bruises, it is often impossible to tell if an emotional wound is healed until you poke the spot to see if it still hurts. Would old scars tear open, or would Alex feel nothing? Alex's was not as much a fear of facing a married Catherine as it was a fear of his reaction to such a confrontation. To soften the sharp pang of worry that gnawed at his stomach as he anticipated the moment to come, Alex glanced past the newlyweds and locked his gaze on Anne's slight figure. His spontaneous behavior and his obvious affection for Anne were not part of an act to hide his reaction to Catherine's marriage from Brian and other friends and acquaintances. Nor did he use her as a balm on old wounds. He had connected with Anne on a deeper level than he had with any other woman. That connection had led to a true devotion, and honest love for her person. But all of the love in the world could not erase the memories of his former passion for Kate. Just as he began to consider turning away to escape the receiving line, it was too late. The surge of the crowd had brought him face to face with her.

Catherine wore an expression of naked astonishment as she faced him. She and Alex had been friends for so much longer than they were lovers. She could not ignore this history when sending the invitations for her wedding. But she had never expected him to come, knowing how she had hurt him. Her expression became wary as he stood silently before her. But his expression held no accusation. A nostalgic softness warmed his blue eyes, and his smile was slightly ironic as he held out his hand. Catherine's face relaxed somewhat as she smiled.

"You came."

Alex regarded their clasped hands for a moment. "You understand that I had to."

She met his eyes again. "I know." In an impulsive movement, she whispered, "Please forgive me, dear friend."

Alex's smile warmed as he dropped her hand. "No forgiveness needed. You did what both of us needed. I can tell that you are truly happy. Don't be sorry for that. Congratulations, Catherine." His statements rang true, and he smiled again as he felt completely freed. Alex made his way through the rest of the line in a daze.

Then he finally stood in front of Anne. Her bright smile and the tilt of her chin contradicted the gleam of worry in her eyes. He knew that she had seen his exchange with Catherine. Alex hurt to think that he might have caused Anne any unhappiness. While another group surrounded the newlyweds, Alex quickly pulled Anne through the nearby curtain into a small alcove.

Anne stepped away from him and turned to look out the window. Once again, the sky had opened, and thick snowflakes fell through the twilight to blanket the ground. Anne pressed a hand flat against the window.

"So it is done."

Alex smiled softly as he stepped forward and spread his hand on top of hers. "So it is."

Anne turned to face him. "And you..."

Alex drew an arm around her waist. "Want nothing more than to hold you."

Anne blushed, but the familiar rebellious gleam that Alex so loved danced for a moment in her eyes. "Am I to be your crying shoulder, then?" She asked, raising her chin defiantly.

Alex shook his head, smiling as he drew her closer. "Yes, Anne, for the rest of my life. My crying shoulder, my best friend, my greatest sparring companion, and..." He brushed a chestnut lock aside as he brought his lips to her ear. "You will be everything to me, including my one, dearest love." And he gathered her into his arms, drawing strength and peace from the beat of her heart.

Although she was nearly overcome, Anne could not resist tossing just one more arrow in his direction. "And who says that I want to be all of those things."

Alex grinned. "My dear, your lips may be beautiful liars, but your eyes are not."

Anne turned her back to him again. "Your timing leaves something to be desired. So now that she is married, you are looking for your next."

Alex shook his head. "No! Have your forgotten the first time I kissed you? Surely you don't believe that..."

Anne smiled sadly. "I shouldn't have said that. It was unfair. Still, you must understand my hesitation. I don't think that I could survive if you hurt me."

Alex nodded and clasped her hand. "I speak the truth, Anne. I will never hurt you. But I will not force you into this, either. From now on, the call is yours. If you decide that you do want me...my desires will remain unchanged." He kissed her hand and began to walk away.

As Alex lifted his hand to part the curtain, he heard Anne softly call his name. When he turned to face her, she stepped forward and slid her arms around his neck.

"You said that it was my call." She slid a hand into his thick hair and brought his face to her level. "I do trust you." And then she kissed him. Alex let the curtain drop as he wrapped his arms around her.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Posted on Monday, 28 February, 2000

The snow clouds had finally dispersed, and bright moonlight flooded through the floor to ceiling windows that lined the walls of the ballroom of the Fitzwilliams' London home. Inside, candles lined the walls and flickered in crystal chandeliers, casting a warm, rosy glow over the wedding guests as they moved around the dance floor. The low murmur of voices and the gentle whisper of silk dresses mingled with the bright sounds coming from the band that played at one end of the room. On the edges of the floor, older couples and small children watched the younger, more ambitious, dancers as they spun across the highly polished dance floor. A large group of giggling teenagers dressed in satin and velvet leaned over the railing of the balcony that circled the room to secretly observe their latest crushes, who were gathered in a far corner of the ballroom trying just as covertly to observe the girls while they exchanged boyish insults.

On the other side of the room, next to a huge gilt mirror, Brian Waterpool watched the festivities with an amused sparkle in his eyes. He had lost Alex almost immediately after their arrival, but Brian saw his brother now as he chased Anne de Bourgh around the dance floor. Brain grinned the young lady slipped from Alex's arms to claim another partner for the next dance. Anne's spitfire personality belied her reserved appearance, and she was certainly not the complacent young woman that most people took her for. Brian laughed as Anne shot Alex a wicked smile over the shoulder of her newest partner.

When Alex and his lively partner disappeared behind other dancers, Brian glanced around the room. His grin deepened as his eyes rested on another object that held a great deal of interest for him. Well, hello, gorgeous! Brian had not seen Georgiana during the first hour, and she had just now appeared on the dance floor. Brian thought of going to meet her, but he decided that he would much more enjoy her coming to meet him. So he returned to his spot against the wall and watched her as she danced with various young and old men. He did not have to wait very long. Within three dances, he caught Georgiana's eye and grinned with anticipation as she found her way to his side.

Georgiana smiled as she gave her hand to Brian. "I didn't think that the two of you would come. I'm so glad that you did!"

"You know that I couldn't possibly be satisfied with a mere handshake, Georgiana!" Brian laughed as he pulled Georgiana into his arms. "Alex wanted to spend more time with Anne." He winked at Georgiana, "And I had my own reasons."

Georgiana smiled as he released her. "You're insufferable, Brian...But you do have a certain amount of charm."

"And you, my dear, look absolutely stunning." He held out his arm to her. "Will you dance with me?"

Brian's warm smile and the inviting sparkle in his beautiful, soft green eyes made Georgiana's heart race. She forced herself to break the gaze after only a few delicious seconds. "I have to find Stuart again. The wedding party dance is next. Maybe later."

Brian frowned. "You'd leave me alone for that dull...American?" He playfully tried to pull her towards the dance floor as the band started another song.

Georgiana laughed. "He may not have British class or Waterpool charm, but he is good company. There is something refreshing about his American attitudes."

"Refreshing? Are you saying that I am a bore?"

"At least he doesn't tease me mercilessly."

"So you're falling for him." Brian laughed, but he held his breath as he awaited her answer.

Georgiana smiled. "You never know. He's everything most women look for in a man."

Brian's voice softened as he took her hand. "But you are not most women, Georgiana. Where does your heart lie?"

Georgiana frowned. The conversation was becoming a little too personal for comfort. "Excuse me, Brian. I see that Stuart is looking for me." She tried unsuccessfully to free her hand from his grasp.

"Stuart has had you all night. Let me have a chance." Brian's face was serious.

Georgiana shrugged and gave him an impish smile. "Sorry."

Brian took her other hand. "Please don't play hard to get. It's not like you. Come into the conservatory with me. I need to speak with you."

The tone in Brian's voice left his wishes fairly clear. Georgiana knew that she was standing on dangerous ground. Brian had searched for his soul mate for so long, and she knew that she couldn't possibly fill his lofty expectations, but she was sorely tempted to try. "I'll meet you after the next song."

Brian gave her a triumphant smile and kissed her hand before he turned her over to Stuart.

Stuart handed her a glass of champagne. "You and Brian seem to be close."

Georgiana smiled. "You could say that."

"How is he reacting to his fiancée's return to London?"

Georgiana's glass shattered on the floor. Stuart immediately knelt to wipe up the mess, giving Georgiana time to regain her composure. "His fiancée?"

Stuart smiled at Georgiana while he carefully wrapped the glass shards into his cloth napkin. "Ex-fiancée, actually. Some ladies by the bar were talking about it. Surely Brian told you...if he's your friend..."

Georgiana shook her head. "I guess we're not that close." She followed Stuart to the edge of the room, where he discarded the remains of Georgiana's accident.

Stuart smiled gently and took her hands. "You're very pale. Georgiana, I'm sorry. I assumed that you knew. But now it seems that you..." His eyes narrowed suddenly. "Do you love him?"

Georgiana covered her reaction with a flippant laugh and a lame attempt at skirting the issue. "So you assume that every pale woman is head over heels in love?" Georgiana shook her head. "What did they say about his fiancée."

Stuart obtained a glass of water for Georgiana and pulled her into an alcove. "You are very pale. I think that..." He shook his head and smiled. "No, I won't press you." He took a seat next to her. "This Elsa apparently ran away with a skier from Norway one week after Waterpool proposed. The engagement was never announced, and the family kept it a secret. Elsa has realized her mistake and is desperately seeking a reconciliation."

That is why he was so shaken the night I met him. Georgiana hid her trembling hands in the folds of her skirt. "And Brian knows that she is here?"

Stuart nodded. "The ladies said that the two were seen together in the British museum on Tuesday."

So that is what he wanted to share with me. Georgiana lowered her head to hide the tears that sprang to her eyes.

Stuart pulled a handkerchief from his pocket. "Oh, Georgiana, you've got it bad."

Too sad to deny it, Georgiana nodded miserably.

"So I don't have a chance?" Stuart grinned at Georgiana's surprised expression, and put an arm around her. "There's still hope. Elsa was unfaithful to him. Maybe he won't take her back."

Georgiana shook her head, "You don't understand. Brian has looked for his one true love all of his life. Elsa has tried this before, and was unsuccessful as far as I can tell, but Brian didn't seem to really mind that she was after him. If he actually loved her enough to propose to her...I think that she will ultimately win him back."

Stuart shrugged. "It couldn't hurt to ask him about it. And Georgiana..." He squeezed her hand. "Don't underestimate your own power. You're a beautiful, intelligent, kind, charming, exciting woman. Brian would be a fool..." He smiled. "I guess what I'm saying is that sometimes we can't just wait for things to happen to us...we have to make them happen. If you really want Brian..."

Georgiana gave him a big smile. "You're sweet, Stuart. And you are right. Would you mind terribly if I asked you spare me for the next dance?"

Stuart rose to his feet, drawing Georgiana with him. "Not at all, my dear. Your matters of the heart are much more important than anything I could claim from you." As she hugged him, he bent with a smile to whisper in her ear. "Good luck, Georgiana."

Chapter Thirty-Six

Posted on Monday, 6 March 2000

Georgiana's burst of inspiration carried her only as far as the hallway outside of the conservatory. She peeked through the doors to see Brian standing at one of the huge windows with his back to her. Taking a deep breath and squaring her shoulders, Georgiana stepped quietly into the circle of moonlight. But when Brian started to turn from the window, Georgiana's courage failed her and she ducked behind a huge potted fern. Oh, what am I doing? She closed her eyes and tried think of something witty or brilliant to say to Brian.

"Georgiana...Are you playing hide and seek?" Brian's green eyes danced with amusement as he stood in front of her. Georgiana jumped, nearly knocking the plant over. Brian's eyes left Georgiana's face for a moment as he reached out a hand to steady the plant. "Don't worry, I won't give away your hiding spot..." He whispered. "Who are you hiding from? Stuart?"

Georgiana's eyes widened as she glanced longingly at the door. I can't do this. I can't! "Ummm...Hi, Brian!"

Brian laughed. "Are you going to come out from behind there?"

Somehow, Brian had suddenly gained the power to turn Georgiana's mind into pudding with one glance of his deep green eyes. Georgiana blushed, nodded, and relinquished the security of the dark green foliage. Now, say something brilliant. "Ah, how are you?"

Brian grinned. "Fine. And you?"

"Fine. I heard that Elsa is back in town." Oooh! Stupid! Stupid!

Brian raised an eyebrow. "She is. Not for long, though." He sighed. "Georgiana, are we still friends?"

"Of course we are!"

Pleased with the warmth of her response, Brian took her hands. "Then will you just trust me about Elsa?"

Georgiana nodded slowly, considering. "I will try." Then, "Do you still love her?"

Brian gave her a grin that weakened her knees. "What do you think?"

"Um...I don't know." Georgiana stepped back nervously as Brian moved towards her.

Brian laughed. "You silly girl. Elsa took one look at me yesterday and knew exactly where she stood. I wish that you could do the same..."

Georgiana reached down to smooth her skirt and collect herself. "You wanted to talk to me, and I..." Brian grinned and took her arm.

"You keep edging back towards that fern. Come into the light, where I can see your beautiful face." He led her to a small, carved stone bench by the window. "So what were you doing on the floor behind that plant?"

"It doesn't matter. Brian, we are friends, aren't we?"

Brian nodded. "Your friendship mean a lot to me, Georgiana."

The tone in his voice took the next words from her mouth. She turned away towards the window, trying to collect her thoughts. When she turned back towards him, Brian had moved considerably closer to her. "You mean a lot to me, Georgiana." He took her hand. Georgiana read an unfamiliar intensity in his warm green eyes.

Georgiana lowered her eyes to stare at their clasped hands. "I can't concentrate when you look at me that way," she whispered.

Brian grinned. "How am I looking at you?"

Georgiana blushed. "Like you..."

Brian raised his hand to her face. "Like I want to..." He leaned closer.

"Georgiana? Oh!" Anne stopped short and turned bright red as Georgiana and Brian leaped to their feet. "I am so sorry...Kitty is going to throw the bouquet, and then they are leaving...I'm sorry."

Georgiana was blushing fiercely as she followed Anne back into the dining room. Brian was close by her elbow. "Georgiana, I do need to talk to you." He whispered urgently.

Georgiana's heart leaped. "Meet me after the party. We can talk then."

But somehow in the confusion of the bouquet toss and a mass exodus of guests, Georgiana and Brian missed each other. Georgiana stood behind with her family, watching the last of the guests leave. At one point, Anne turned to her with a teasing sparkle in her eyes.

"So...you and Brian?"

Georgiana shook her head sadly. "We'll see. You and Alex?"

Anne gave her cousin a radiant smile. "Oh, yes!"

Brian craned his neck to watch the house disappear as Alex drove them home. When the house was out of sight, he stared blankly out of the window. Alex glanced at his brother several times, noticing Brian's distant expression.

"Georgiana?"

"I don't know. She was supposed to meet me, but I couldn't find her. Someone said that she left with Stuart Appleton." He shrugged and gave his brother a half-grin. "So...Anne, huh?"

Alex gave Brian a big smile. "Yes. Crazy, stubborn, amazing Anne.

Brian's gaze returned to the window. "You deserve some happiness. I wish you well."

Alex reached over to grip Brian's shoulder. "I wish no less for you, little brother."

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Posted on Tuesday, 14 March 2000

It had started to sleet. Even from the deep recesses of her closet, Georgiana could hear it clicking against the window. She emerged from the closet, deposited a mound of clothing on the bed next to a large suitcase, and went to look out of the window. Below in the street, pedestrians raced towards shelter with their arms above their heads to protect their faces from the ruthless weather. Georgiana turned from the window with a sigh to resume her packing. Hopefully the weather would not prevent them from leaving for Pemberley the next day. Georgiana was anxious to return home for the holidays.

Georgiana had just started on her second suitcase when the doorbell rang. She pulled a sweatshirt on over her T-shirt and ran a hand through her hair. "I hope it's nobody important." She opened the door.

Brian was thoroughly wet. His hair was plastered to his head, but as he ran his hand through it, it curled slightly from the damp. His green eyes danced and his grin was disarming as he leaned against the door. "I'm making a mess..." He smiled apologetically as his coat dripped water and ice all over Georgiana's rug. "I hope that I'm not disturbing you..."

She gave him a warm smile as she stepped aside to let him enter. "No, you're not disturbing me. Quite the opposite, actually. I was hoping for a break. Come in!"

Brian smiled. "Where should I put this?" He gingerly removed his coat, trying not to shake too much water about the room.

Georgiana hung the coat over a chair. There was an awkward silence while they stood looking at each other. Then Georgiana smiled. "Tea?"

Brian nodded. "Tea would be nice." He followed her into the kitchen, noticing several boxes on the floor of the hallway. "So why are you packing? Are you moving out?"

Georgiana handed a towel to Brian. He dried his hair vigorously, leaving it tousled and slightly curly, making him look like a sweaty little boy after a long rugby game. Georgiana turned back to the teapot to hide her smile. "We are going to Pemberley for the holidays. I was packing, and desperately wishing for a diversion, when you came. Sugar?"

Georgiana made a plate of little buns and cookies and led Brian into the small sitting room. Brian set his cup on a little table and pulled his chair close to Georgiana's. "So, when are you leaving?"

Georgiana stirred sugar into her tea. "Tomorrow."

Brian nodded, unable to conceal his disappointment. "From what I remember of your home, I can't think of a nicer place than Pemberley to spend the holidays."

Georgiana offered him the plate of treats. "Are you going to your home in France?"

Brian shook his head as he spread jam onto a scone. "We are all going to visit family near Longbourn." There was another awkward pause while they sipped their tea and silently observed each other. Georgiana wanted to ask Brian why he was there, but she was a little afraid of his answer. Brian was trying to find a graceful way to continue their conversation from the night before. As Brian glanced idly around the room, his eyes rested on a large rectangular object wrapped in brown paper that was propped against a chair. He laughed and rose to his feet. "Is that what I think it is? You've left it wrapped for all this time?"

Georgiana smiled. "I've been waiting to hang it in the gallery at Pemberly."

"That's right. Alex told me your story. May I see it?" When Georgiana nodded, Brian carefully pulled the paper away to reveal the painting. He fell to his knees in front of it and ran a finger along the frame. "It is a fine piece. I can see why you and Elsa wanted it so badly." He gave Georgiana a warm smile. "I was so distraught that day. I'm afraid that I was terribly rude to you."

Georgiana came to stand beside him. "I understood. Alex told me why you were out of character that day. And you did apologize to me the next day."

Brian grinned. "The first couple of times I saw you, I thought that there was something going on between you and Alex."

Georgiana smiled. "To be honest with you...I did have a crush on him when we were in Paris, and then when I saw him again a little bit of it remained. But for some reason, it quickly faded. He is a great guy, but he's not really..."

Brian took her hand. "He's not what you need." He grinned. "It's Alex's loss, but I must admit that I'm glad."

Georgiana blushed. "Me too."

Brian clasped her hand in both of his. "Listen, Georgiana, about last night..."

Georgiana took a deep breath. This subject had been hanging over them since Brian walked in the door. She lowered her face to hide her smile. "What about it?"

Brian bit his lip as he studied her, suddenly, uncharacteristically, nervous. "I was hoping that...I wanted to..."

Georgiana smiled and finally met his gaze. "I think that I have an idea..."

He smiled hopefully. "You do? And do you..."

"Georgiana, where did I put that...Oh, not again!" Anne groaned as she stopped in the doorway with a horrified look on her face. "I am so sorry. I just...I'll leave now." Anne darted back into the hall, closing the door behind her, but Brian and Georgiana could hear her cursing herself as she walked back down the hallway.

Brian laughed. "Anne sure does know how to pick her moments, doesn't she?" He leaned closer, whispering, "Anyway, I..."

The phone rang. Anne poked her head in the door. She wore an embarrassed, apologetic smile. "Georgiana? I'm so sorry to disturb you again, but...it's Will. He needs to talk to..." She saw the irritated look on Brian's face and grinned, backing out of the door. "Forget it. I'll tell him that you'll have to call him back."

Brian groaned. "So much for the smooth talk." He gave Georgiana an ironic grin as he lifted a hand to her face. "I've been trying to go slow, but we keep getting interrupted, and I'm afraid that I won't get around to doing this before you leave..." He leaned closer. "Georgiana, I don't know how you feel about me, but I...I think that I..." Georgiana could feel his warm breath on her lips. Her heart leaped into her throat, and she closed her eyes with a shaky smile.

Rrrrinnngggg!!!!

Georgiana's heart almost stopped, and she jumped into the air when the doorbell rang. There was the sound of rapid footsteps in the hallway. Georgiana was barely able to meet Brian's eyes. Brian gave a low laugh and forced her to look at him.

"Georgiana, I'm trying to kiss you, and I'm not going to let any of your relatives stop me again." He pulled her into his arms, his voice softening, "Unless you don't want..."

Suddenly, they heard Alex's voice in the hallway. He called Brian's name, and knocked on the door of the sitting room. Brian's green eyes glowed with a combination of amusement, irritation, desire, and anger. The effect was so disarming that Georgiana felt like she was going to faint right into his arms. She smiled shyly. "If you are going to...kiss me..." She blushed, "Then you'd better do it quick, for it seems that your family is now working against us, as well."

Brian laughed delightedly, his green eyes dancing. "Oh, you wonderful creature," he murmured into her hair as he wrapped his arms firmly around her.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Alex strode into the room.

"Listen, Brian, I've been looking for you everywhere. We were supposed to meet Mother an hour ago. What's gotten into you..."

Anne was just behind him. "I told him that you were busy, but he wouldn't listen. Georgiana, Will said that he really needs to speak with you as soon as possible..."

Brian glared at his brother. "Alex, don't you and Anne have something better to do? If you don't mind, I'm trying to kiss Georgiana!"

Ignoring Alex and Anne's astonished exclamations, Brian brought his lips close to Georgiana's ear.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart."

Georgiana smiled. "Don't be sorry. Just kiss me."

And so he did, kissing her so sweetly that Georgiana melted into his arms in a near swoon. But their delicious interlude was immediately cut short as Lady Catherine de Bourgh strode into the room.

"What in heaven's name is going on in here, Georgiana? Anne?"

Brian gave a defeated sigh and leaned back with Georgiana still in his arms. "You must be Lady de Bourgh."

The lady pulled herself up to her full height and pointed her chin at him. "I am. And you, young man, get out of this house immediately. Do you honestly think that Georgiana Darcy will have anything to do with a younger son??" She weighted the last two words with the voice of impending doom.

Brian rose to his feet, pulling a dazed Georgiana with him. "I most sincerely hope so," he said softly. He turned to Georgiana and bent to whisper in her ear. "Don't listen to her, darling. I hate to say goodbye like this, but it seems that we must. I wish that things were different, that we had more time so that I could tell you..."

"Mister Waterpool! Please remove your hands from Georgiana!"

Brian sighed. "I think that I'm in love with you, Georgiana." He bent to kiss her softly. "Please remember that. And when you return..." He glared at Lady de Bourgh. "We'll see what happens from there." He kissed her cheek, and gave her a long gaze before he tore his arms from her waist. "Come on Alex." He grabbed his coat and stomped out the front door.

Continued In Next Section