Chapter 21

Sunday, July 22, 2001 cont.

Once again, Elizabeth Bennet found herself on the road in the back of her aunt's minivan, and while she was filled with nervous anticipation, as before, this time it was only of a pleasant sort. She smiled at the cell phone that she held in her hand. Before leaving her camp that morning, William had asked her for it. After a few minutes of tinkering with it, he returned it to her.

"I changed your speed dials," he explained. "Number two is now set for my house." Elizabeth held down the 2 button, until the phone beeped, and the screen said 'WILLIAM -HOME'. She quickly pressed the end key before it could start ringing. "Number 3 is set for my cell," he added with a shy look. Elizabeth pressed the 3 button, which greeted her with a readout that said 'WILLIAM -NOW'. She smiled brightly at this.

Then he gave her 2 copies of his name, address and a multitude of phone numbers, including his home, his office and his personal secretary. "If you can't reach me, call Margaret," he told her, "She can always contact me."

Then, armed with each other's vital information, they separated. William had offered her the use of Michael to help pack Longbourn, but she refused him. She still wasn't totally comfortable with the squires yet. William explained he couldn't personally help, because he needed to oversee the packing of the Pemberley trailer, otherwise it would take them twice as long to get back home.

Now they were both headed towards Boston. The plan was that they would each go to their respective homes, and when they were ready, Elizabeth would call William, and he would come and pick her and Jane up at their aunt's and uncle's home. It had been a tiny bit nerve wracking to leave him, but he told her he would be seeing her soon with such certainty, she was relieved.

It was almost two when they reached the Gardener's home. Maddy and Edward had been happy to leave early, once Elizabeth had explained what had happened. They had been with Jane enough over the summer to know how deeply she cared for Charles, and they too had been troubled over Jane's depression.

When the car stopped, the back door of the house flung open, and out spilled the three Gardener children, laughing and screaming in delight at their parent's return, and asking the universal question: "What did you get for ME!"

Elizabeth looked up from the mob to see Jane standing in the doorway, looking very nervous. She quickly hurried to her sister's aid.

"Lizzy," Jane sighed, wrapping her long arms around her. "Lizzy, it is true? Is it really true?"

Elizabeth smiled reassuringly. "Jane, you talked to him yourself. What did he say?"

Jane's face broke into a beautiful smile. "He said he missed me, and that he needed to see me."

Elizabeth's heart swelled at Jane's happiness. It was so good to see her smiling again. "What else?" Jane frowned a moment, "Um, not too much else, mostly we talked about how we wanted to see each other," she shrugged.

"Jane, you were on the phone for a good 15 minutes?" Lizzy questioned, "Surely you must have talked about something more than that."

Jane blushed and looked away. "I'm afraid I couldn't say too much at first, Lizzy. I was crying and he was comforting me." Her voice became very low as she said this, and Elizabeth hugged her again.

"Well, it's probably for the best," Elizabeth concluded. "This way you can talk face to face."

"Oh, Lizzy!" Jane squealed excitedly at the thought of the idea. "How does he look? Did he ask about me?"

Elizabeth sighed as she started moving towards the bathroom. "Yes, he asked about you as soon as he saw me, and he looked wonderful when I left, after he talked to you." She smiled at Jane. "Lizzy, do you think he loves me?" Jane whispered.

"No," Elizabeth answered blithely as she began stripping off her clothes and turned on the shower.

"No?"

"I know he loves you," she grinned at Jane, then ducked under the water.

****

"How do I look?" Jane asked for the fourth time in nearly as many minutes.

Elizabeth repressed her sigh, and said, "You look beautiful, Jane. But you always do," she smiled as she brushed her hair. "Besides, you could go out and roll around in a mud puddle for all Charles would care."

Elizabeth looked at Jane's reflection beside her own. She almost felt sorry for Charles. Elizabeth didn't think she had ever seen Jane looking so radiant. She was wearing a white sun dress that exposed her tan shoulders and arms. Yup, if Charles wasn't hooked before, one look at Jane and he would be the blue plate special.

Elizabeth examined her own appearance. She was wearing a black tank top and shorts, with a deep red camp shirt over it. She wished she had brought something nicer, but she thought she was going to be camping all weekend. She had no idea she was going to 'Pemberley'.

She wondered what it would be like. On the banks of the Hudson River there are numerous historical estates that she had visited. These were huge, elegant palaces. The families that had built them couldn't afford to keep them anymore, so they had been turned over to the state.

It was with a sinking feeling that she realized that the Darcys had enough money to keep Pemberley. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe it wasn't anything like those grand estates. Maybe it was just a nice, big, older house. 'Right', she told herself, 'and maybe monkeys will fly out of my butt'.

She was saved from working herself up any further by the doorbell. Jane blanched and grabbed her hands, her eyes suddenly nervous. "It's okay," Elizabeth said softly. "Come on, it will be fine."

William found the Gardener's home to be close to his ideal. The home was modern, large, and comfortable. It wasn't richly furnished, or lavishly decorated. It was clean, yet had the clutter of an active place, where many people lived and did things. There was a feeling of vitality. He could see this was an active place, were the precious task of raising children occurred. He missed that in Pemberley, sometime. It was his home, and always had been, but at times some of the rooms in it felt like a museum, on display, to be seen, but not used.

Mrs. Gardener had greeted him and Charles graciously, saying that Elizabeth and Jane would be ready in a moment, then she disappeared into another part of the house. Charles bounced nervously on his toes, his hands in his pockets, until a child appeared. She was small, with brown hair and huge eyes.

"Hello!" the girl said in a friendly voice.

Charles knelt down to her level. "Hello, who are you?" he asked warmly.

"Michaella," the urchin answered. She held up a doll in her hands. "This is baby Emily."

"Pleased to meet you, Michaella and Emily." Charles replied. "I'm Charles. This is Will."

"I know," the little girl nodded, "Lizzy told me."

"She did?" Charles smiled. Then, hearing footsteps, he looked up to the stairs. He was frozen to the spot by what he saw. Standing there, clad in white was his Angel. She looked more beautiful then he had remembered and he was helpless to do anything more than stare.

Jane, for her part was equally enraptured. Lizzy, standing beside her, wondered if she was still breathing. Then her eyes flicked to William's. He was looking at her with a look of pure adoration that stole her breath away.

The four of them could have stood in that frozen tableau for hours if it wasn't for Michaella. She pulled on Charles hand and asked "Charles? Are you going to take Jane away?"

Charles nodded dumbly. He wanted to take her away and never let her go. Then he noticed the nervousness in Jane's eyes and that dropped him back to the planet, hard. "Jane," he said, his voice gentle.

Jane's heart was racing like a wild thing. She couldn't look at him, but she couldn't look away. He looked so handsome, so kind and loving as he stared at her. His voice, the voice of her dreams, brought her back to reality. She blushed slightly and looked down, then she quickly looked back up and said, "Watch the rabbit!"

Charles froze, puzzled. Then Michaella bent down and picked up a rabbit that was on the floor at his feet. Jane walked down the rest of the stairs and stood before him. "I didn't want you to step on the bunny," she explained with a soft smile.

Charles looked at her, then at the rabbit, then back at her. Then he smiled brightly. "Is this your bunny?" he asked Michaella.

"Yes," she said matter of factly, as she placed it into Charles' hands.

"Tell Charles her name," Jane told the little girl.

Michaella giggled, "It's Brittany."

"Brittany?" Charles repeated, as he petted the bunny.

"Brittany Ears," Jane said with a wide smile and Michaella erupted into peals of laugher.

Charles smiled at the pun, and lifted the bunny slightly. "I'm pleased to meet you, Brittany," he told the rabbit, to Michaella's delight.

"Why is the rabbit loose in the house?" William asked Elizabeth, in a low voice only she could hear. He had stolen up behind her and was torturing himself, seeing how long he could go without touching her.

"She's a house rabbit," Elizabeth explained, overcoming the shiver that passed through her body when she heard his voice. She turned to look into his dark eyes. "She stays out during the day, and has a cage she sleeps in at night."

William frowned. "Doesn't she make a mess?"

"No," Elizabeth shook her head. "She has a litter box, just like a cat. She's not allowed upstairs, because of the computer and cable wires, but otherwise, she's an excellent pet."

They watched as Jane and Charles petted the rabbit, using the small furry body as a safe place were their hands could meet. After a few moments of this, Charles asked her, "Are you ready to go?"

Jane nodded and Charles put the bunny down. Elizabeth called out, "Aunt Maddy?"

Madeline walked back into the living room from the kitchen. "Are you going now?" she asked.

"Yes," Elizabeth smiled, "We'll see you later."

The foursome exited the house and walked to the curb where Charles' blue Suburban was waiting. Elizabeth paused, not sure where she should sit. William had climbed into the driver's seat without hesitation. Charles looked at Jane and asked "May I sit with you, Jane?" Jane looked at her sister, then at Charles and nodded.

Elizabeth shrugged and climbed into the front passenger seat, while Jane and Charles settled into the back. She noticed that Charles was careful not to touch Jane. "Did you drive over?" Elizabeth asked William.

He looked at her, his eyes grinning wryly. "Did you think I'd let Charles drive?"

She looked back at Charles, looking nervous and twitchy, and nodded, "I see your point."

Fifteen minutes of driving, mostly in silence, brought them to an exclusive neighborhood. The houses there were old and set far apart. William drove to the end of the street and through a pair of large, wrought iron gates. The driveway continued through a lightly wooded area, and curved around a small pond. Elizabeth had moved forward in her seat, craning her head to try and see everything. Then they rounded a bend and climbed a short incline and the house passed into view.

There was no doubt in her mind that this must be Pemberley. It was a large rectangular building, built of large gray stones. More large, evenly spaced windows than Elizabeth could count faced her. The house was two stories tall. It was elegantly landscaped with plants and trees that looked completely natural for the setting. The house projected a sense of elegance, good taste and comfort. Elizabeth could not help but beam at it in undisguised delight.

It was a mansion, like the estates of the Hudson, but it was more. This was clearly a home. A place where people lived and worked. She looked at William, and appreciated him for this place. The man and the home complemented each other perfectly. Indeed, Elizabeth felt that by seeing the home, she understood William better.

William drove the vehicle to the front and parked before a large black door. He rarely used this door, generally coming in and out though the garage entrance. This door was strictly for receiving guests. William believed in his heart that he had never welcomed a more important person to his home than Elizabeth. He had noticed Elizabeth's excitement and pleasure with the house. He was grateful for her expressive manner, which rarely left him confused as to her feelings.

He was so happy she liked his home. It wasn't rational, but William couldn't help but feel it was proof that she liked him. He puzzled at the contradiction. Why is it he could be so certain on her feelings for the house, yet so uncertain as to her regard for him?

It didn't matter, he told himself. If it took him years, he would court her until she loved him as he loved her. He gave her a warm smile as he cut the engine and exited the car, quickly walking around to help her out. Elizabeth's eyes glowed with enchantment.

She felt like Cinderella at the prince's ball. Her Prince Charming took her hand and walked with her up the short flight of steps to the landing, then through the large black door. "Welcome to Pemberley," he said, this time his voice was his own, his tone sincere.

Elizabeth was astonished as she walked into an entrance hall that was the size of her living room. Waiting there for them were Georgianna and another, older woman. William walked directly to the ladies, and introduced Elizabeth and Jane to Mrs. Reynolds, his housekeeper.

Mrs. Reynolds was a kind looking older woman. She was tall and elegant, but friendly and warm at the same time, much like the house she cared for. She greeted Elizabeth and Jane warmly and encouraged William to take them on a tour.

William asked Elizabeth if he could show her his home. She smiled, but then looked back at Jane, who had been uncharacteristically quiet.

"Will, Jane and I are going to talk," Charles indicated a room with his head.

Jane looked at him, and nodded once. They disappeared down a side hall, leaving the rest of the party. Mrs. Reynolds excused herself, and William and Georgianna began the tour.

Elizabeth was impressed. The house was like nothing she had ever seen before. William explained how the oldest part of the structure had been built in 1822, with three major additions following. He spoke in a warm, private way. It was clear he was proud of his home, but not because of the fact that he possessed it, rather his pride came from the fact that Pemberley possessed him. He was proud that he was a part of the house and its history.

He showed Elizabeth the formal receiving room, the parlors and dining room, that were rarely used, and then he showed her the casual dining room and study that he and his sister used every day. Elizabeth was touched by the beauty and grandeur of the house, but also by the loneliness. The intense emptiness of it all. It must have been very hard for a boy who spent most of his childhood alone.

When they returned to the main hall, Georgianna separated from them, pleading a project and William walked Elizabeth up the grand, curving marble staircase. She was delighted by every element of the home, especially the tiny little details that she noticed everywhere.

The upstairs presented a long, U shaped hallway, that had doors lining it on either side. William led her down one hall, explaining that the guest rooms were down the other side and were rarely used.

"So, these are your family's apartments?" She asked lightly.

William smiled, recognizing her tone, "You might say that." He opened a door, "This is my studio."

Elizabeth gasped as she walked in. The floor was made of highly polished light hardwood. The walls were wainscoted, the upper half painted a soft warm blue. The embossed tin ceiling was white. Huge windows revealed a view of the north side of Boston, miles away. Elizabeth had not realized until then how elevated the house was. The room was comfortably finished with a pair of sofas facing a large entertainment unit. Rich Oriental rugs covered parts of the floor; while full bookshelves lined two of the walls. A computer table dominated one section, and a large drafting table faced the windows, availing its user of the ambient sunlight.

The room was everything that she would expect of William, Elizabeth observed, as she turned to see him studying her reaction. "Do you like it?" he asked.

Elizabeth nodded. "I love it."

"Good" he replied simply, but there was no hiding the pleasure in his voice. He led her through a side door, announcing that this was Georgianna's workshop. Elizabeth had been glad she had seen William's studio, otherwise she would have been shocked all over again.

It was like her personal dream come true: large, bright, airy. It was a sewing space par excellence. Elizabeth noticed with delight the large cutting table, the shelves of fabric and trim, the two sewing machines, sitting in a place of honor, as well as the racks of garments in various stages of completion.

Elizabeth felt frankly envious of the room. She could happily move in here and never want to leave.

William took in her pleased observations, then directed her back to the hall. His heart was racing as he led her to the door belonging to the corner room. "This is my room," he said simply.

Elizabeth noticed he had withdrawn slightly. She knew enough of him to recognize that it meant that this was a 'big deal' for him. She observed a new looking lock on the door, and wondered at it as she passed over the threshold, then her eyes turned to the room.

She stared in open mouthed amazement at what she found. Slowly her eyes passed over it from left to right as she struggled to take it all in. The first thing that caught her attention were the windows. Large and bright, they dominated the two exterior walls. The right hand set opened to a balcony that overlooked the city below. Then she saw the bed and everything stopped. It was fantastic. The other furnishings, the art on the walls, the priceless rugs on the floor, were all forgotten as she moved closer to the bed.

It was enormous. Huge and heavy, made of rich wood that had darkened with age. It had four posts that climbed skyward, topped with round orbs which were so large Elizabeth's hands could not encompass them. The head board and foot board were heavily carved with a floral and vine pattern. Elizabeth ran her finger over the carvings of the footboard.

"The bed has been in my family for as long as the house," he said quietly. "My grandfather was the last Darcy to be born in it," he observed. "My mother died in it."

Elizabeth turned to face him, "And you sleep here, every night?" her face was awash in wonder. "That's so amazing to me, William," she turned back to the bed, shaking her head in amazement. "The history of it all, the richness. I have nothing I can compare it too." She smiled thoughtfully and looked at him again, "Is it haunted?"

"What?" It was the last thing he expected to hear.

"The bed," she explained, "Do the spirits of your ancestors watch over you while you sleep?" she asked, tilting her head.

He grinned, "I've never thought about that. You always say things that surprise me, Elizabeth," his eyes were warm with admiration.

"It's a valid question," she shrugged. "This is such an amazing bed," she said as her eyes ran over it.

"Would you like to lay down on it?" he asked. His voice was distant and emotionless. Elizabeth knew he was very nervous.

"May I?"

He gestured simply, and Elizabeth walked to the left side, kicked off her shoes and hopped up to lay on it.

Silently, William laid down on the opposite side. "Did I take your spot?" she asked.

"No, I usually sleep on the right," he said as his hand reached out and took hers.

"It's very nice, William," she told him approvingly. "If I had a bed like this, I would never want to be away from home." And it was very nice. It was soft, and comfortable. Elizabeth felt the richness of the bedclothes beneath her, but more than that, she could feel the age of the bed wash over her. It wasn't just furniture, it was a legacy. She knew, lying there, that this was the bedchamber of all the Masters and Mistresses of Pemberley. She thought of them all, using this place as their private abode: living, loving, dying in here. She could feel on the back of her neck the whispered echoes of all of the Darcys' joys and the sorrows. It was almost overwhelming. Pushing those thoughts away, she rolled on her side to face him. Seeking to lighten the moment, she smiled and said, "It must be very useful when you bring home dates," she said lightly.

William turned his head to her. He bit his lip, then said simply, "I've never brought anyone here."

"What do you mean?" she asked puzzled. "You're not a-"

"No," he assured her, "I'm not a virgin," he grinned with half his mouth. "What I mean is, when ever I've been with someone, it was either before my father died, and I was in my old room, or afterwards, I would take them to one of the guest rooms." His eyes clouded, "It just never felt right to bring them here." He shrugged as his eyes refocused on hers, "this is a Darcy place. It is special. It's a little hard to explain." He looked embarrassed and then said in soft voice, "You are the first person who isn't a Darcy to lay on this bed since before I was born."

Elizabeth trembled from his intensity. "Is that why there is a new lock on the door?" she asked. It seemed the safer question.

"Yes," he answered with a nod. "I didn't want other people coming in here."

Though he never said it, Elizabeth just knew one of those other people was Caroline Bingley. "Why me?" she whispered, her eyes huge.

William's eyes warmed to hers, "You know why," he said just as softly. "You belong here."

Elizabeth's heart raced and her breath deepened in her chest. She stared at his eyes, lost in them, knowing everything he meant, but unable to accept it all. He was sharing so much of himself with her, she felt confused, lost. Slowly he leaned closer to her, and kissed her limp, puzzled lips, gently teasing them back to life, until they responded fiercely to his own. Elizabeth closed her eyes and reveled in the sensation of his kiss. For once she didn't stop thinking as his arms pulled her closer to him. For once she thought about exactly what was going on. William wanted her, and she wanted him, but she knew, if she made love to him in this big, ancient, Darcy bed, she would never leave it. She would completely surrender herself and her life to him.

A part of her wanted that very, very much. She wanted to let him take her, literally, body and soul, but she knew she wasn't ready yet. They still had so many things to work out. She knew if she fell into his arms, he would love her, but would she love him? Would they have the foundation to support them the next time they fought? Or would they be ripped apart, and left in a worse situation than before?

No, it wasn't time yet. As much as her body craved him, and what he was doing to her, she couldn't surrender herself to him yet.

Her awareness returned to his silky soft lips, kissing hers and his hands gently caressing her face. Focusing her will, she opened her eyes and stopped. It killed her inside. William opened his eyes and slowly pulled back. His eyes gently questioned hers. "I want to," she told him earnestly. "God knows, I want to, but I can't, not yet."

He nodded in understanding, and laid back a moment, trying to calm his ravished pulse. She was right, of course, William had let himself be seduced by the vision of Elizabeth here, the way he had dreamed of her so many times, and he had forgotten himself. He was grateful when the phone rang.

"Darcy," he said as he picked up. Elizabeth noted there was a matching phone on her side.

"Thank you, we will be right there," he said into the phone and hung up. "Dinner is ready," he said pleasantly. The passion that had darkened his eyes had faded and he was only warm in his look. Elizabeth smiled and rose from the bed, and let him take her back down stairs to the smaller family dining room.

When they entered the room they found Georgianna already there. "What about Jane?" Elizabeth asked.

"I think they need time alone. If they get hungry, Charles will come out. Don't worry," he said with a reassuring smile.

"Yeah," Georgianna agreed. "Charles spends as much time here as at his own house."

"William," Mrs. Reynold's voice called from the kitchen. Elizabeth followed William into the large kitchen. She was expecting something very modern and industrial, but was pleasantly surprised. The kitchen was large, as large as her living room and kitchen combined, but it was homey. This was clearly Mrs. Reynolds's center of operations and it reflected her tastes, from the oak cabinets to the blue checked curtains.

"William, could you get that serving plate for me," the older woman asked, pointing to a large platter in a tall cabinet. William got the dish and handed it to her. Elizabeth was touched by the ease of their interactions. Like his SCA household, Mrs. Reynolds was another member of William's 'created' family. Elizabeth realized with a start that she generally approved of the members of William's 'family' more than the members of her own.

"Do you like the kitchen?" William asked.

"It's lovely, but it's not at all what I expected."

"No?"

"I was expecting something less homey, something more professional, like a restaurant," she shrugged. "But I like this," she clarified. "It's comfortable, like a real home."

"This is a real home, Elizabeth," William corrected her. "Pemberley may look a little like a museum sometimes, but this is a real kitchen." He looked around the room, "When I was a child, I played in here while my mother would cook dinner, just like you did in your home, I suspect."

Elizabeth looked at him, taking in his meaning. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you," she said contritely.

William's shoulders dropped an inch. "I'm not offended. I just want you to understand me, and my home is a big part of who I am." He was trying too hard to reach her.

"It's a lovely home, William." She tried to reach back. "Thank you for sharing it with me."

Mrs. Reynolds had been listening, while being careful to make sure she was giving no outward sign that she was. She knew this was the woman William had chosen, but she feared he was trying too hard. She was torn between wanting to help him, and knowing she couldn't. She had to let him work this out himself.

"William, could you carry this to the table?" She indicated the serving platter before her that she had filled with pasta. "Elizabeth, could you get that basket of bread?"

Elizabeth was happy to be able to do something, and the three of them proceeded to the dining room, where Georgianna was already seated at the table. As they set the food down, Mrs. Reynolds said, "I'll be going home now, dear. Don't worry about cleaning up. I'll see to it in the morning." She stooped to give Georgianna a kiss goodbye on the cheek and accepted one from William, then she left through the kitchen.

"She won't stay to eat with us?" Elizabeth asked as she sat down.

"No, she has her husband waiting for her," William explained.

Feeling a bit stupid, she tried again. "She's really great," Elizabeth observed.

"Yes, she took over running the house when our mother died. She has been like a mother to us both."

They served themselves and began eating. The pasta was topped with a cold pesto sauce that was perfect for the hot July weather. Not that it was hot in Pemberley. The rooms were all comfortably cool.

As she ate, she felt herself relaxing. Pemberley was still overwhelming, but sitting and eating food that she had helped carry out made it easier. She was glad there weren't any servants or anything. It was just William and Georgie and her, exactly like they would have been at her house. She realized that William was right, this was a home.

Georgianna had been telling Elizabeth about her June trip to the Florida Keys when Charles wandered in, looking a bit shell shocked.

"Bingley?" William asked concerned.

Charles passed his hand through his hair. "Um, Jane said she needs ice cream," he said simply.

"Oh dear," Elizabeth worried.

"I'm on it." Georgianna sprang out of her chair. "Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth followed Georgianna into the kitchen and straight to a large freezer standing in the corner. "What does she like?" Georgianna asked.

"Super-triple-death-by-dark-chocolate-chunk," she answered.

"Got it," Georgianna said as she grabbed a pint. "Haagen Daz okay?"

"Fine," Elizabeth said surprised as she peeked into the freezer.

Georgianna got a spoon and handed the pint to Charles. "Did you want any, Charles?" she asked.

"I'll just share some of Jane's," he said weakly.

Elizabeth and Georgianna shared a look, "No, I don't think so," Elizabeth protested. "You do want to make up with Jane, right Charles?"

He nodded.

"Then don't eat her ice cream."

"She's right," William agreed. He was leaning against the counter with his arms crossed. "Listen to her."

"Would you like some ice cream, Charles?" Georgianna repeated.

"Yes," Charles said in a confused tone.

"What kind," Georgianna asked, already back in her freezer.

"I'll just have a small dish of vanilla, I guess" he said.

Georgianna grinned at Elizabeth and fixed him exactly that, then sent him back to Jane with a pat on the back.

"Poor guy," Elizabeth said watching him disappear.

"It will be okay, Elizabeth," William assured her. "They have to work this out, and I'm sure it's not easy for them," he sighed. "But ice cream doessound like a good idea."

Georgianna reached into the freezer and tossed William a pint. "What would you like, Liz?" she asked.

Elizabeth took a good long look in the freezer. She was amazed by the largest collection of ice cream she had ever seen outside of a store. "Georgie!" she gasped.

"I had a lot of stress over the past year," she said offhandedly.

Elizabeth fixed her with a smile, "I hear that," she agreed. "Have you got any Cherries Garcia?"

Georgianna handed her the pint and helped herself to one as well. Elizabeth was pleased to see that no one bothered with bowls, as Georgianna simply passed out spoons.

They walked out of the kitchen to the den, where William had told her they did most of their hanging out. William took one end of a long couch and Elizabeth took the other end while Georgianna took a recliner.

"What are you eating?" Elizabeth asked William, eyeing his ice cream.

William passed her a spoonful. "It's vanilla swiss almond."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, "Very nice," she said after she swallowed. "Would you like a taste of mine?" William sat up and leaned forward, letting her feed him.

"I like that too," he said.

"You should! It's your other favorite flavor," Georgianna piped up, just a bit disgusted by their antics.

"Really?" Elizabeth asked, her eyes widened.

"Yes," William shrugged guiltily. "That's why there is so much of it in the freezer."

Elizabeth laughed at this, and soon the others joined in. "I was going to compliment Georgie on her excellent collection, but I see it is a joint effort."

"Oh, no," William protested. "Georgie gets all the credit for this. She got me hooked on it."

"It's better than Scotch," Georgianna said pointedly.

Elizabeth lifted an eyebrow at this, but William didn't seem inclined to respond, so she let it go. "I'm just impressed that you can have that much ice cream in the house and still be thin," she said to Georgianna.

"Oh, that's because I make myself throw up after I eat it."

Both William's and Elizabeth's eyes flared at this, then Georgianna, in an exasperated tone said, "And that's called joking." She sighed heavily, and added "I'm going upstairs," as she left the room.

Elizabeth looked at William, her lips pursed together to keep from laughing. William just shook his head and rolled his eyes.

Elizabeth stood up to take the remainder of her pint back to the freezer. William followed. "You know, I used to get really stressed, because I felt like I had to watch over my younger sisters," she looked at William and sighed. "But I had no idea."

William looked aside, "She's not so bad."

"Are you kidding me? She's great! She's smart and talented and funny." She smiled at him. "You did a good job."

"Thanks."

"I just can't believe how much responsibility it must have been. How old were you when your father died? 23?"

"24." He said quietly. "It was hard. It is still hard. But Georgianna is a good person. The only real fights we ever get into are because I don't understand her."

"Don't feel bad," Elizabeth said off-handedly, "No one understands a teenage girl." She reached out and took his hand, "You did something most other people couldn't do, I mean, I'm 25, and the idea of taking responsibility for my youngest sister scares the living daylights out of me." As she said this, she realized that she hadn't given William as much credit as he deserved.

"It must have been so hard on you last summer," she said slowly as they returned to the den and their sofa.

William understood what she was referring too. "It was," he said distantly, "the worst part of it was the betrayal. I had no idea what was going on. George came right out of the blue, and to target Georgie in that way, it was horrible," his face carried the remains of his anguish, "unforgivable."

"Slick," Elizabeth said softly.

"What?"

"Oh, when I met George, at the April fighter practice, he told me he was changing his SCA name, so I suggested 'Slick'.

William's eyes slowly lip up into a grin. "You didn't."

"I did," she assured him. "Of course, I didn't know exactly how slick he was, it took me another two months to find that out."

"That's my fault, Elizabeth, I never should have left you alone with that thing."

"I am a big girl," she reminded him. "I can, and I did, handle him pretty well on my own."

"Yes, you did. No doubt about that. It's just if I had told you before hand, instead of being stupid, you wouldn't have had to find out the hard way," William said, his voice leaden with guilt. Then he noticed Elizabeth smiling at him. "What?"

"It's just," she shrugged, "sometimes you are the easiest person to talk to," she smiled, "and it's wonderful."

William smiled back, his dimples showing. "I feel the exact same way," he said, moving to sit closer to her, "that's why I get so frustrated when I can't seem to make myself be understood."

"I know." she said softly. She needed to say something. "It was my fault, before in the kitchen." Elizabeth looked down a moment, "It's just, it seems like you live in a palace, Will. That's very weird for me."

William put his arms around her shoulders and pulled her close to him, "It's not a palace, it's just a big, old house."

"It must have been a very lonely house, when you were growing up."

William shook his head. "It wasn't that bad, then." He smiled at a memory, "My mom had the ability to make the whole place feel warm and alive. It's now, when it's just Georgianna and me, that the house feels lonely."

Elizabeth was touched what he was sharing with her. She knew it was for her alone. She reached out and touched his face lightly with her fingertips. "Kiss me," she breathed.

William smiled against her touch. He pulled her into his lap, his lips meeting hers. She felt so right in his arms. Whenever anything else was difficult, or wrong between them, in his arms she always felt right.

It seemed like they had only begun when they heard a loud giggle behind them. "I guess they've worked it out too," Charles said.

Elizabeth and William parted and looked back to see Charles and Jane standing arm in arm in the doorway, smiling at them. Elizabeth blushed slightly while William secretly gave her hand a squeeze, as she moved off his lap. Charles and Jane came around them and settled on the other sofa.

"So, you two all right?" Elizabeth asked.

Jane smiled as Charles leaned over and kissed her tender spot behind her ear. She giggled in response and said, "I think so."

Elizabeth looked at William who lifted his eyebrows at her.

Jane continued, "Lizzy, Will, Charles told me everything you did to help us. I wanted to thank you. If you hadn't gotten involved, we might not have gotten back together."

"No," Charles corrected her, "We want to thank you."

William looked uncomfortable, "Thank Elizabeth, she was the one who figured it out."

"No way, Darcy. I know you had just as much to do with it," Charles objected. "It doesn't really matter anyway. All that matters is I've got my Angel back."

Jane flushed and dropped her eyes, then slowly looked at Charles with a lovely smile. Charles put his arm around her shoulder and the two settled comfortably on the couch.

"Do you want any dinner?" William asked.

"No, thanks," Jane said grinning, "We had ice cream."

Charles met her eyes and gave her a quick, wicked look, that caused her to bite her lip in response. Elizabeth and William both decided they didn't see that. "Where's Georgianna?" Charles asked.

"She went upstairs," William answered. "She's probably working on her garb."

"Oh Jane!" Elizabeth exclaimed, "You have got to see her workshop. It's to die for!"

"Oh?" Jane asked. William rose from the sofa and took Elizabeth's hand. "I see we are going to have to have a repeat of the tour," he said in a teasing voice. William led the group up the back stairs, that were off the kitchen. As they passed by William's room, Elizabeth asked, "Can we show Jane your room?"

Charles whirled. "You saw William's room?" he asked Elizabeth, his voice full of surprise.

"Yes," she said slightly puzzled. "He let me see it and lay on his bed."

Charles gave William a look that spoke volumes. William simply said, "Why don't we find Georgianna."

They walked to her workshop, from which they could hear music blaring out. Elizabeth recognized the music as the new Blink 182 song and started smiling. Georgianna was dancing in front of her cutting table as she sang along loudly. Elizabeth was tempted to join her, but Georgianna noticed her guests and shut the music down before she had a chance.

"Georgianna, I don't think you have had a chance to really meet my sister, Jane." Elizabeth said.

Georgianna shook Jane's hand, her face very red and her low greeting almost inaudible.

Elizabeth had forgotten how shy the girl could be in front of strangers. "What are you making?" she asked, trying to draw her out.

"Oh, I'm just making some field tunics for Charles," she said her voice a little stronger.

Charles came up behind Jane and lightly ran his fingers though her hair. "That's going to be someone else's job, soon, I hope."

Jane smiled at him so sweetly it was dangerous to diabetics. Georgianna looked at Charles, and then at Jane, her eyes getting larger every second. "You?" she exclaimed, "You are the Jane? The Angel?"

Charles smiled possessively as he put his arm around Jane's waist, "Yes, Georgie, this is my Angel."

"Oh, my god!" Georgianna whimpered, her face covered with surprised and delight. "You're the angel!" She hopped forward and hugged Jane tightly, then pulled back, "I've heard so much about you!" she giggled. "Can I take your measurements?"

Jane couldn't help but smile at the girl's enthusiasm, even if she didn't understand it all.

Charles interrupted Georgianna's happy visions of sisterhood. "Easy Georgie, slow it down." He smiled at Jane, "We still have some things to work out before you start planning anything." His words not withstanding, the look he gave Jane assured everyone that Jane would be a part of the Pemberley family sooner than later.

Jane gave him her beautiful Goddess smile that was made for Charles alone. Then she turned back to Georgianna, "What else are you making?" she asked politely.

Georgianna was only too happy to show both Jane and Elizabeth all of her projects and her stash of treasured fabrics. William and Charles knew they were in trouble and called a retreat, begging the ladies to not leave them for too long.

As the two men walked down the hall, they heard the sudden burst of laughter that accompanied women the world over, especially when they talked about men.

Charles and William ducked into William's studio. Normally, this would be the time for a drink, but William was mindful he had to drive the ladies home, so he abstained.

"Okay Darcy," Charles began, as he helped himself to the small bar. "You let her into your room? You let her lie on your bed? My God, man! You've never even let me sit on the damn thing!"

William's eyes smiled tightly, "That's because I don't plan on marrying you, my friend."

Charles smiled. "Ah-ha! Now the truth comes out," he gestured as he walked the room. "Have you asked her?"

"Not yet, it is too soon," he said with a negative shake. "What about you? You and Jane seemed quite cozy together."

Charles beamed. "She is the most amazing, exceptional woman I have ever known, Darcy."

"So you are going to marry her?"

"Damn right I am," he crowed. "I'm waiting for just the right moment to ask her."

"Don't wait too long."

"I won't, trust me. I almost lost her once, I'm not letting her go again." He looked at his glass. "Don't you wait too long, either, Will."

William looked out the window, "Charles, the second I think she will have me, I'm hers." He looked away with a wry snort. "I don't know who I'm fooling, Charles. I'm hers already."

"It's a hard thing to admit, isn't it?"

"What?"

"That you are helpless, that you are in love's thrall, that you would do anything for that shapely little hand."

William smiled at Charles' characterization, but the smile faded as he realized Charles was right. He would do anything for her. And the worse part, the part that really galled him, was that he hoped, he prayed, that she knew it too.

****

The girls had spent the better part of an hour, gossiping, trying on garb and examining fabrics, when they heard something. It was a deep rumble that traveled through the floor.

"Oh, it's William," Georgianna said. "I guess he wants you back," she grinned cheekily.

When they exited the workshop, Elizabeth could hear the rumbling better. It was loud, and becoming more familiar. As they walked towards the back stairs, she realized it was organ music. With a gasp, she recognized Bach's Toccata & Fugue in D minor.

"That's William?" she asked astonished.

"Yes, that's him." She looked at Elizabeth's face. "Oh, it is just a recording. He doesn't play the organ." She grinned at the idea.

"Is he angry?" Elizabeth questioned as she listened to the menacing music.

"No," Georgianna said with surprise. "No, this is what he plays when he's in a good mood."

Elizabeth looked at Jane, who giggled, and lifted her eyebrows. "Great," she murmured, "I'm dating Captain Nemo."

They entered the den to find both men stretched out on a respective couch, reading. Georgianna walked to the stereo and snapped the correct button out of the dozens there to turn the music off.

William looked up frowning, "You didn't need to shut it off," he scolded, as he rose to a sitting position. Jane happily sat on Charles' couch, letting him drape himself around her. Elizabeth just looked at William, her eyes shiny with amusement as she bit her thumb. "You called?" she asked.

"I missed you," he replied, a smiled playing around his mouth. Elizabeth carefully walked over to his couch and let him make room for her. William didn't kiss or embrace her, but he did take her hand in his. "It's after 11," he informed her. "As much as I hate the idea, we should probably take you back soon."

Elizabeth bit the inside of her lip. She knew William was right, but she didn't like it. "No!" came from the other couch. Charles had wrapped his arms around Jane's waist, who was giggling. "You can take yours back if you want. I'm keeping this one!"

"Charles," Jane laughed, bending low and putting her face next to his. "I can't stay. What would I wear?"

"Angel's don't need clothes, silly Angel," he teased her back, nipping lightly at her nose.'

"Ewww! Okay, I'm still in the room here!" Georgianna announced.

"You can go to bed," Charles informed her as he played with Jane's nose.

Jane frowned prettily. "They're right, you know. We should go back."

Charles pouted. Elizabeth wanted to pout too, but she knew it wouldn't help. The group gathered up their things and the sisters said goodnight to Georgianna, making promises to see her at Pennsic.

There was no question this time as to seating arrangements. Elizabeth hopped into the passenger seat while Charles and Jane ensconced themselves in the back.

"Why did you use Charles' car?" Elizabeth asked.

"Because I need to get another car," William answered.

"Oh, Stop!" Charles protested from the back.

William ignored him, "The Porsche is too small for more than two people, and the truck still had the trailer attached, and Charles didn't want to wait for me to unhitch it."

They both ignored Charles' objection to this.

"I didn't want to take the Limo, because then I would've had to call my driver in, and I had given him the day off," he looked at Elizabeth, "so I find I need a new car. Something that can comfortably hold five adults. Any suggestions?" He lifted a brow at her.

"Well," Elizabeth said slowly, "I've always been fond of the Jag, for a sedan. But the Mercedes is nothing to sneeze at either." She grinned, "what are your thoughts?"

"Possibly the Mercedes," he nodded, "Or perhaps a Lexus"

"The Lexus is nice," Elizabeth agreed seriously, then laughed at the conversation. "I can't believe I'm discussing this with you."

"Why is that?" he asked pleasantly.

"Because I could never afford any of these cars!"

"But if you could, Elizabeth, what would you choose?" his voice was serious.

"I guess I would have to test drive them before I made a decision. These things are very personal."

William's eyes flicked to hers. "Good answer."

"Thanks," she replied. "Will you let me know what you get?"

"Of course," he said. It was the truth, but it wasn't the answer he wanted to give her. He wanted to give her so much more, but in the end, he gave her what she truly needed, and what was hardest for him to give: time.

Silence fell between them. The ride to the Gardeners was short, because it was a Sunday night, and traffic was minimal. When they reached the house, they all climbed out. Charles took Jane to the back of the house, while William walked with Elizabeth aimlessly up and down the sidewalk.

"So what's next?" she asked.

"Next we say goodnight, and you go back to Meryton. I call you every night, and we see each other again in two weeks for land grab," he slid his arms around her, a move which she reciprocated.

"And you are really going to call?"

"I am!" he said fervently, "But if you need me, at anytime, you have my numbers," his tone was light, but his eyes were serious.

"And I know where you live now," she replied teasingly.

"That's right," he smiled, "and you are welcome at my home at anytime."

"Anytime?"

"Anytime," he grinned, "Just barge right in."

"Oh, maybe I will. Maybe I'll sneak in while you are at work and hide in your bed," she teased.

"I'll leave the door unlocked," he whispered roughly as his head tilted towards hers.

"Hmm," she sighed, her mouth moving closer to his. "Promise?"

"I promise," he breathed as his lips took hers. They stood there, on the quiet sidewalk kissing in a long, slow, steady fashion until their legs grew tired. Finally, with regret, Elizabeth told him she had to go in.

"I'll miss you," he said, before kissing her one last time.

Elizabeth closed her eyes, then she turned and walked quickly for the back of the house. She passed Charles walking out, and said a rushed good bye to him. The sisters hurried inside, and washed up silently.

Neither one could talk about the evening, or what had happened. They just needed to rest, and be alone with their feelings.