Chapter 7

Saturday March 10, 2001

If you asked William Darcy why he had kissed Elizabeth he probably would have bitten your head off. If he didn't, that meant you were a member of a very exclusive group of people he trusted, but he still probably wouldn't have told you.

Why did he kiss her? Because she was there? Because she was a beautiful girl and he was a red-blooded, heterosexual male? Because he wanted to?

He didn't know, really. It wasn't like he had been planning it, waiting for a chance. If anything, it happened because he hadn't thought about it. He just let it happen.

William decided this was probably the best way to treat it. Not think about it. After all, it's not like he had slept with her. It was just a kiss. People kiss every day, all the time.

But no matter how many times he had dismissed the memory, he was still thinking about it and that was making him crazy. Two weeks had passed since the kiss and he couldn't forget it. 'She probably isn't thinking about it,' he thought sullenly. 'She probably kisses every other guy she sees.' Even as he thought that, he knew it wasn't true. Elizabeth was . . .

He wasn't going to think about it.

He especially wasn't going to think about the dreams. Dreams that had been haunting him with increasing frequency. Dreams that even in the daytime could make his heart race and his palms sweat.

The dreams weren't all the same, but they shared a common theme. Elizabeth, him, naked, sex, you get the picture. Sometimes she was shy, and he had seduced her, other times she had been bold and wild, and had seduced him. He had screwed her everywhere in his dreams; his plane, her car, Twelfth Night, his office, the fabric shop, his bed. Oh yeah, his bed seemed to be a favorite setting for his subconscious mind.

He was troubled by the dreams. Not that he was ashamed of them. After all, if you couldn't fuck a girl in the privacy of your dreams, where could you? No, it was the frequency, the intensity that bothered him. It was the way he woke up moaning. It was the climaxes that left him covered in a cold sweat. It was the way he had memorized the features of her face. It was the way he knew her voice. It was the way her eyes never, ever left him.

That bothered him very much.

*******

He found himself that morning at the Riding of the Marches event with Bingley, somewhere in the wilds of Putnam County, New York. He had spent the week at Meryton working with Charles on the new prototype and could have gone back to Boston for the weekend, but he didn't.

He needed to go. He needed to see her. To confront his dreams and prove that her eyes weren't that fine and fiery, her lips weren't that red and full, her voice didn't have that sultry purr to it and her breasts didn't swell like the way they did in his dreams. He was going to exorcise his dreams with fact. Elizabeth Bennet wasn't that beautiful, no one was.

The Riding of the Marches was notable because it was the first equestrian event of the spring. Besides the equestrian activities, there would be a heavy weapons tournament and an archery competition. The site was a 4-H fairgrounds, with a large ring for horseback riding, as well as the fields needed for fighting and archery.

As they entered the site, Charles made a beeline for the horse ring, with William shadowing behind him. They didn't see Jane, but found Elizabeth standing alongside the fence watching the action inside.

William studied Elizabeth impassively, but inside he was overwhelmed. The Elizabeth he saw there, real and alive, was as beautiful as her dream girl and so much more. Her eyes were bright and lively as they watched the ring. Her lips were sweet and kissable, as she smiled and spoke. Her figure called to him, and he yearned to explore her every curve and to press her softness against him. He was lost. In that moment, he knew she had literally became the girl of his dreams. Fantasy made flesh. His nocturnal icon.

"Lizzy!" Charles called to her.

Elizabeth turned to see Charles and William approaching. Charles gave her a friendly hug, but William hung back and only nodded in greeting to her. If Elizabeth had expected anything else, it was clear she would have been disappointed. Luckily, she hadn't any expectations for their first meeting after 'the kiss'. She had grown accustomed to his low-impact greetings. Truthfully, she would have been uncomfortable if Will had embraced her, or shown her any kind of public affection.

"Where's Jane?" Charles asked.

Elizabeth pointed to her in the ring. As she did, William observed new aspects of Real Elizabeth that his dream girl lacked. He noticed her pretty, small hands, with shapely fingers and long, neat fingernails. He noticed her neck, and its graceful curve. He noticed her well formed shoulders and mused on how she would look in a strapless gown or wrapped up in a sheet, or better yet, wrapped in nothing at all.

Elizabeth noticed William was staring at her again, but his emotionless mask was in place, as usual, and so she had no idea what he was thinking. Did he remember their kiss? Was he regretting his actions? Elizabeth always felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny, but she was determined not to be affected by it.

Charles had taken to thinking of Jane as his 'Angel'. But now as he observed her, riding a chestnut mare, carrying a lance which she purposefully thrust into the target of the quintain, another heavenly creature occurred to him.

"Valkyrie," he breathed.

William noticed his friend's observation and privately agreed. Jane did look like a horse-borne goddess. But if Jane was 'Brunhilda', he thought, did that make Charles 'Siegfried?' It was a sign of the way William's mind worked that it leapt from the idea of Charles and Jane, to Wagner, to Bugs and Elmer. Softly he sang, "Spear and magic hel-met"*

Elizabeth's eyes flew open in astonishment. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Had the somber, proper Sir Fitzwilliam just sang an Elmer Fudd line? Tentatively, she sang the response, "Magic helmet?"

"Spear and magic helmet," he replied, grinning wildly.

Elizabeth felt like she was going to burst with laughter.

William saw her reaction and continued "Oh, Bwoonhilde, you`re so wuuuuuvwie!" He warbled, his eyes shining with mirth.

"Yes, I know it, I can't help it," she answered in a strained falsetto as she preened, tossing her hair back.

"Huh?" Charles grunted, only now noticing his friends. William and Elizabeth lost it, laughing deeply at the situation, until they needed to hold on to each other to stand.

Charles turned back to Jane as soon as he was reasonably sure he was not the butt of their joke. William and Elizabeth regained some of their composure, but their eyes were still very bright. "So, Brunhilda?" he began, moving closer to her.

"Well, I do have a lot of sisters," Elizabeth assured him, clearly enjoying the exchange.

"When do I get to see you ride?" He asked suavely, looking at her sideways.

"Why, Sir Fitzwilliam, I don't ride . . . horses," she teased.

William's eyes opened slightly in surprise. "But I thought it was your job to carry the fallen warriors away."

"Oh, yes," she said breathily, while looking heavenward, "I ride those brave men to paradise, in Valhalla." She glanced at him wickedly.

William's eyes widened even further, and he was about to reply, when he was interrupted by Charles yelling "YES!" at the top of his lungs. Looking at the ring, Lizzy could see that Jane had apparently hit the target again.

Jane must have heard Charles, because she rode over to them. Elizabeth quickly climbed through the fence to take the reins, and hide the fierce blush covering her face.

'Ohmygod! Who was that?!?' Never in a million years would Elizabeth had expected that from William. 'And why did I say that?' Elizabeth was shocked at her blatant flirting, but upon reflection, she knew her motivation; That was the first time she had seen William laugh.

It was a great laugh. Warm, rich, deep. Laughter that wrapped around your body like a blanket and warmed you. She remembered the way his whole aspect had changed. It was like the cold, hard mask had never been there, replaced by a pair of bright, playful eyes and the most adorable dimples she had ever seen. He had clearly enjoyed their exchange as much as she had. 'And it had been worth it,' she judged. Yes, she would sacrifice her dignity and play the straight man for that laugh again.

"Hello Charles," Jane said happily as she climbed through the fence and into his arms. He gave her a thorough kiss and returned her greeting. "Hi William," she added warmly.

William answered with his characteristic nod and looked past her to Elizabeth.

"What's the schedule for today, Jane?" Charles asked.

Jane explained that she was still warming up and getting use to the horse she had rented for the day. The horse she practiced on at Meryton belonged to the stable. Jane spent enough time with it that it was practically considered hers, but she didn't have the money or time to buy it and keep it, so she had to rent horses for events like this.

"How's this girl doing?" Charles asked, petting the mares head.

"Oh, she's a good girl, but she's a little confused by what's going on." Jane frowned. "I tried to put the barding on her and she didn't like that at all." Jane was wearing her black riding boots and a pair of heavy riding leggings. Over that she had a red turtleneck and a loose tunic with her Coat of Arms on it. She had a gown she would change into later, but for riding she was cheating and dressing like a man.

Charles looked at her, "Are you sure she'll be okay?" he was clearly concerned.

"Oh, yes," Jane said reassuringly.

"Charles, Jane is the best rider I know. She'll be fine," Elizabeth said confidently.

"Well then," he brightened. "I look forward to watching you, my Valkyrie."

Jane blushed with pleasure at his compliment and Elizabeth had to duck her head to hide her smile. Jane and Elizabeth switched places and Jane was off once again. Charles settled against the fence, clearly content to watch Jane for the rest of the day, if needed.

"Elizabeth," William said. "Could I talk to you?"

He drew her away from Charles and asked nervously, "What are your plans for the day?"

"I was just going to help Jane, and maybe get some shooting in. Why?"

His eyes started at her shoulder and slowly drifted up to her eyes as he asked, "I was wondering, if I might have the honor of fighting in the tournament for you."

Elizabeth was caught in the intensity of those eyes, making this simple request seem like so much more. "I'd like that," she answered slowly. "Thank you, very much."

"Thank you," he answered with equal slowness as he took her hand and kissed it. "I have to get my armor from the car. I'll be right back."

Elizabeth nodded and felt him leave. 'Wha?' If Elizabeth had been confused about William before this morning, she was really lost now. He was such a study of contrasts. Who was he? The cold, rude jerk who called her a kitchen girl and wouldn't even say 'hello' to her, or the sweet, laughing man had sung Loony Tunes with her, flirted openly, and now had asked to fight for her? And underneath it all, he was some kind of high tech genius millionaire? Elizabeth was just plain confused by him. Confused, and annoyed at being confused. But she couldn't deny that he compelled her, like a mystery novel. The fact he had a body that she could eat with a spoon didn't hurt either, but would she ever even get the chance to? Did she want the chance?

Damn! He was fighting for her and she didn't have a favor for him! Unlike Jane, Elizabeth didn't keep little tokens on her as a matter of course. It hadn't ever been necessary. If a guy was going to fight for her, he had always given her plenty of warning. In fact, she had always been dating the guys who had fought for her before. One thing she did know was that she wasn't dating William. She grasped onto that certainty and mentally inventoried what she had with her. Her veil? Yes, that would do. She was glad she had worn her good silk chiffon veil today as she carefully unpinned it from her head.

"Elizabeth," his voice was soft and low, like a caress. "Shall we go?" Elizabeth whirled to find him standing behind her, his eyes dark and unfathomable as they sought hers. Startled she nodded and walked silently beside him to the list field.

The list field was crowded with fighters getting into their armor. William found a empty spot close to the ropes and dropped his burdens. Elizabeth was touched to see the first thing he did was set up a folding chair for her. He didn't say anything, letting his eyes shyly speak for him.

Elizabeth heard a familiar voice call her name and turned to see her friend, Avelina. She let out a cry of joy and embraced the taller woman. "I didn't expect to see you here!" Elizabeth said.

"Surprise!" Avelina winked.

Elizabeth looked at the elegant crown on her friend's head. It was made of thin strands of braided gold wire that looped gracefully up to six points, on which rested six pearls. Its shine told of its newness. "Congratulations! I was so happy to see you got your Baronessy," she said sincerely.

"Thank you," she answered, touching the new coronet. Then noticing Elizabeth's companion Avelina said, "Sir Fitzwilliam, good to see you sir."

William stepped forward. "It is good to see you, your Excellency," he said cordially as he kissed her hand lightly. "And my I offer may congratulations to your lord."

Elizabeth watched on. She had never seen William this comfortable with a woman before. It was clear they knew each other, but with his being from Boston and her being from Rhode Island, that was not surprising. There didn't seem to be anything between them but friendship, but still, this was another piece of the puzzle that was William Darcy.

"Yeah, where is Kenrick?" Elizabeth asked.

"He had to run back to the car," Avelina sighed.

"What did he forget this time?" Elizabeth asked. Kenrick was legendary in the kingdom for being forgetful. Besides being a knight, he was the chief herald for the kingdom. Last year, he had forgotten his staff of office at Coronation and at the Crown Tournament that followed a month later. As punishment, the King had given Kenrick a quest: that he would appear before the Court at Pennsic in 'regalia fitting a gentleman of his station' and there he would recite, before the assembly, the names of all the Kings and Queens of the East from memory. More people turned out that night to see him complete the quest than for any other reason, and the crowd had roared when he did it successfully.**

"His belt," she answered with a rueful smile and shake of the head. Just the month before, the Royalty had presented Avelina with a Court Baronessy, and Kenrick, her fiancé, had been made a knight.

"He didn't leave it home, did he?" Elizabeth gasped.

"No, I packed it, it's in the car," she answered.

Just then the man in question appeared. Kenrick Burne was probably Darcy's age, somewhere in the late twenties. He was tall and with a strong build, but nothing like the muscle-fest William was. His hair was short and thick, with tight curls covering his head like a mat.

"Sir Kenrick," William said proudly, offering his hand and slapping the man on his back.

Kenrick returned Will's greeting and joined the group. "Lady, um," he fumbled.

"Lady Elizabeth," Avelina filled in for him.

"Right," he said embarrassed, "nice to see you again," he said, shaking Elizabeth's hand.

"Congratulations, Sir Kenrick," Elizabeth smiled.

"Thank you."

"Elizabeth, could you help me with my armor?" William asked.

"All right, I'll try," she wrinkled her nose doubtfully, "But you'll have to tell me what to do."

"It's easy, Liz," Avelina encouraged her.

With Elizabeth's assistance, William was soon in armor, lacking only his belt, helmet and gauntlets. He looked at Elizabeth meaningfully as she handed him his belt.

"What?"

"Your favor, my lady?" he gently reminded her.

"Oh, sorry." Liz grabbed her veil from the chair. Straightening her shoulders, she looked into his warm eyes, which seemed to be seeking something from hers. Touched, she smiled shyly and said in a low formal voice, "Sir Fitzwilliam, I give you this token for you to wear as a sign of my favor, and to remind you to fight honorably on my behalf."

William took the veil. "My lady, I am greatly touched by your gift and promise I will fight nobly in your name." The words were a formula, but William's eyes spoke of his sincerity.

He gathered up his gear and entered the list as Elizabeth sat down next to her friend.

"So, you and the Ice man?" Avelina asked curiously.

"Ice Man?"

"Spill Elizabeth," Avelina commanded.

"Okay, but then you have to tell me about Kenrick's knighting."

"Deal," she said, slapping Elizabeth's hand playfully.

Elizabeth sighed. "Where to begin. Do you know his squire brother?"

"Which one?"

"I don't know the other one. I mean Sir Charles."

"Oh yeah. I love him. He's so sweet."

"Well, he's moved into my area and he and Jane seem to be having a thing."

"Get out!" she exclaimed. "Your sister Jane? Oh, they must be the perfect couple."

"They're over at the ring now." Elizabeth indicated with her head. "Anyway, they've been seeing each other, and Will's been in the area working with Charles, and so we've kinda been hanging together, and . . . " She trailed off suggestively.

"And have you got a 'thing' with Will?"

"Truthfully, I don't know what we have," she said uncertainly, as she opening her hands and dropping them into her lap.

They stopped as the men came back to stand with them. "We're starting with 5 man melees." Kenrick explained. It was a popular game, in which five man teams would face each other. To keep things fair, the members of the chivalry would be limited to one per team.

"You up?" Avelina asked.

"We both are," he nodded towards William.

William gathered up his sword, shield and his helmet. Elizabeth called to him before he left. "William."

He looked at her. Elizabeth stood on her toes and kissed him lightly on the lips. "Good luck," she whispered.

The small curving of his lips into a smile rewarded her, and he nodded and was gone.

Elizabeth turned to see Avelina kissing Kenrick tenderly, and then he too departed.

"So, where was I?" Elizabeth asked as she settled back into her seat.

"You don't know about you and Will."

"Well, I don't." She snapped. "One moment he's cold and arrogant, and rude, and the next, he's kissing me," she shrugged. "I don't get it. " She turned to lift an eyebrow at her friend. "Why do you call him the Ice Man."

"Everyone calls him that," Avelina insisted.

"Because he's so quiet and cold?"

Avelina looked confused. "No. Have you ever seen him fight?"

"No."

"Just watch" she commanded.

Elizabeth watched. William had a team of four men against Kenrick and his team. She watched him giving careful directions to his men, then they formed a line to face their opponents. When the marshal called, "Lay on," his team carefully advanced. Under his direction, two men focused on Kenrick, immobilizing him, while the rest of his team pressed the remaining four opponents towards the whirling windmill that was William. When Kenrick's companions were dead, William turned on the now weakened knight and was able to finish him off quickly.

"Oh my god!" Elizabeth breathed. In a very short time, William's team had completely beaten Kenrick's, losing only two of their own.

"See what I mean?"

"He's like a meat grinder." Elizabeth marveled.

"That's why he's the Ice Man. No one is colder on the field. He just lines them up and takes them out."

She watched as William helped the fallen men to their feet, and then he shook every man's hand, his face pleasant, if not smiling. "But, he seems friendly enough on the field."

"Oh, yeah," she agreed. "Frankly, Liz. I don't understand you saying he's cold. He's always been friendly and cordial to me."

"I don't get it myself," Liz shook her head. "At Meryton he always looks like he wants to hide, but here . . ." A thought occurred to her. "How long have you known him?" she asked.

Avelina thought a moment, "I don't know, three years maybe?"

"Where you engaged when you met him?"

"No," she shook her head. "But Kenrick and I were a couple."

"So maybe he acts differently around single women?"

"Maybe," Avelina conceded doubtfully. "But there are plenty of single women in Boston," Avelina disagreed. "I think that maybe he's just shy in a new situation."

All Elizabeth knew was how little she understood William.

*****

William was having the time of his life. As he expected, he was advancing quickly through the tournament without a single defeat. Will loved fighting. He loved the honesty of challenging his skills and strength against another man's. It was just him and his opponant. No socal rules, none of the meaningless blather that haunted his professional life.

But the best part was Elizabeth, the woman of his dreams, was watching him. She nodded at his salute at the beginning of each bout and she smiled and clapped for him, for him! when he won. It couldn't get better than this.

In fact, it got much worse.

He was fighting Sir Edward, known as Fast Eddy to everyone, when his eyes were caught by something wrong. He focused on the horse ring and saw a horse rearing up. In a horrible instant, he knew it was Jane being thrown, even before he heard her scream.

Elizabeth was still turning towards the scream as he dropped his great sword and ran towards her. "Liz! It's Jane!" He yelled. He watched the horror come over her face, then she was up and running with him to the ring.

When they got close they saw a knot of people on the ground. Elizabeth paused only long enough to grab a tackle box from her gear, then she flew to her sister's side. "What happened?" she asked Charles.

Jane was on the ground, her body held and supported by Charles, as tears ran down her face. "She was shooting her bow and the horse reared up. She couldn't get her foot clear."

Elizabeth nodded. Speaking in a low, calm voice, she told her sister, "Jane, I've got to get this boot off, okay." She looked to Charles, "Hold her tight," she instructed. Without being asked, William lifted and supported Jane's thigh as Liz carefully began working the boot off. She grimaced as Jane cried out, but continued working it smoothly, saying "I know it hurts, Jane, but I've got to get this off. It's okay, Jane, it's okay," she soothed.

When Jane cried out again Charles stopped Elizabeth, "Cut it off!" he barked.

Elizabeth kept working the boot carefully. "Charles, these are hundred dollar boots. I don't want to ruin them if I don't have too."

"Damn it, just cut it off!" he insisted.

Liz looked up at him, "I've got it" she said as she pulled the boot off completely.

William continued supporting Jane's leg while Lizzy took a good look at at her ankle. "Jane, can you wiggle your toes?" She nodded as her sister wiggled. "Good, how about the whole foot?" Elizabeth made sure that Jane could move her foot in all directions and put an cold pack from her first aid kit on it. "I don't think you've broken anything. It looks like a nasty twist."

Jane nodded.

"Let's get her out of the ring," Charles said. He rejected William's help and tenderly carried Jane to the grass beside her equipment.

Elizabeth gave Jane four Motrin and some water. "I was worried about that horse."

Jane shook her head. "It wasn't the horse's fault. The bowstring startled her. When she went up, I tried to stay on, but my hands were full with the bow." She sighed, "I realized I was going down and tried to kick my heels free, but..." she shrugged.

"I'm just glad you didn't break anything," Elizabeth said.

"We should take you home," Charles said somberly. He hadn't left Jane side.

Lizzy nodded. "Yeah, can you carry her to my car?"

"No, I'll take her." He touched her face gently. "I think you should stay at Netherfield tonight. It's closer."

"Charles, our house is only 15 minutes further away," Liz reminded him.

"I know," he answered Liz, "but I want to make sure she's okay." He looked at Jane, "Please?"

Jane gave him a brave smile and nodded, saying, "Thank you."

"Let's go," he said softly, picking her up. Elizabeth and Will followed them, both feeling like an outsider watching something very private. Will opened the door of the Suburban and Charles carefully placed Jane inside, kissing her head as he did.

"Um, I guess I'll gather up all the stuff and follow," Liz said uncomfortably. "When you get to Netherfield, make sure she keeps her foot up and keep it iced. I should be there soon."

"Elizabeth, I'll stay and help you," William offered.

"Thanks," she nodded. They waved Charles and Jane off, and Elizabeth opened the back of her wagon. Suddenly, all the color drained from her face and she sat down heavily on the tailgate of her car.

"Liz?" He sat beside her and saw her trembling. He took her into his arms as a strangled sob escaped her throat. "Liz?" he asked worriedly.

"Will," she said brokenly between sobs. "I was so scared."

"Shhh," he told her. "It's okay. I understand."

Elizabeth cried fearfully against his shoulder, which was still encased in armor, while he held her close and made soft, comforting sounds. After a few minutes she quieted and lifted her head up, her cheeks still wet. "I'm sorry about that." She smiled weakly, "That's just the way I am. I'm fine in a crisis, then afterwards I fall apart," she looked at William gratefully.

He squeezed her shoulder. "I understand." His eyes were warm with sympathy. He wanted to say more, but his brain couldn't think of anything to say, so he just rubbed her shoulder in a way he hoped was comforting.

"I'm sorry we have to leave early," she said, pulling herself together and drying her face. "You were doing so well in the tournament."

He shook his head gently. "Doesn't matter."

They got up and started slowly walking back to the site. Elizabeth replayed the events of the fall in her mind, and remembered how William had yelled to her right after Jane screamed. "How did you know about Jane?"

"I could see her from where I was standing on the list field," he said quietly, his eyes dark.

"Oh God!" she said horrified.

"Yeah, it was scary to watch," he nodded. "She was good. I could see she was trying to hang on, but with her hands full ... " he shrugged.

Together they gathered all their belongings and reassured their friends that Jane was going to be okay. As they got into the car Liz turned to him and took his hand. "Thanks," she said as she squeezed it.

"I'm glad I could be here for you," he said, squeezing back. He wished he could say more.

Silently they drove to Netherfield. Elizabeth's stomach was in knots from Jane's fall and William's was in knots from wanting to talk to Elizabeth, but not knowing what to say.

*"What's Opera Doc" Warner Bros. 1957

** True story.

For an idea of what Jane looked like, click here

Chapter 8

March 10, 2001, cont.

William directed her as they drove north along the Hudson river. Route 9W is an old road that travels the west side of the Hudson from Manhattan to Albany and further. Soon they reached the town of West Park, which was well known for the number of large mansions on the river side of the road. Most of these great estates have been given to churches when the property taxes became too much for the families that owned them, and which then turned into Monasteries and Convents. William told her to turn left onto a smaller road. After a few miles, she turned again onto Netherfield road.

The silence, which had been welcome at the beginning of their journey was becoming oppressive. "Why didn't Caroline come today?" she asked.

"Because I didn't tell her I was attending, and we departed before she woke," he said dryly.

"I see," said Elizabeth. "What ever happened to her sister, Louisa?"

"The Hursts live in Washington DC. Louisa negotiates the contracts between the government and BP and her husband is a lobbyist. They were only up to visit Charles and Caroline for the holidays at Twelfth Night."

"They seemed familiar with the SCA," she observed.

"Yes, actually, Louisa brought Charles and I to our first events."

She wanted to ask more, but they had reached the house.

Netherfield was a huge colonial style home. It was elegantly landscaped with flowering bushes decorating the grounds. Elizabeth drove past the many windows looking out the front and around the side to park in front of a large garage with four bays.

William lead her into the house. It was large, elegant, richly furnished, and completely devoid of any personality. It screamed 'rich people rent me' to Elizabeth. William told her he was going to his room to change his clothes, and showed her to the guest rooms. She ignored the home's decor and found Jane.

She was in a bedroom, on the bed. She was wearing a tee shirt Elizabeth didn't recognize and by the size of it, she guessed it was Charles'. Her foot was elevated on a pile of pillows, and her head was resting on Charles' chest, who was laying beside her. Elizabeth guessed she was feeling better.

"We're here," she announced.

"Oh, Lizzy," Jane yawned. "I'm sorry, I'm just so tired. Charles says it must be the natural pain killers, what are they called?"

"Endorphins, Angel." Charles had also changed out of his garb and was wearing a tee shirt and flannel pants.

"Right," Jane agreed sleepily.

"How are you feeling otherwise?" Elizabeth asked.

"Better, I was just resting with Charles." She lifted a hand to indicated him, which he grasped and kissed softly. Charles for his part, looked just as wiped out as Jane.

If Elizabeth didn't know better, she'd swear she was witnessing an afterglow. "Okay, you rest up. I'm gonna get cleaned up, then I'll see about some dinner."

She left them in mid-snuggle and did exactly that. The kitchen, when she found it, was large and well stocked. Elizabeth took a quick inventory, then pulled out a pound of pasta and a jar of tomato vodka sauce. Further hunting yielded a loaf of italian bread and feeling satisfied with the ingredients, Elizabeth got to work. The water was starting to boil when William came in. He had changed into a dark gray v-neck ribbed sweater and jeans. Elizabeth grinned privately as she noticed his bare feet.

"How's Jane?"

Lizzy smiled. "She's fine. She resting now and Charles is keeping her company."

"Good," he examined the kitchen. "Don't tell me your cooking."

Lizzy shook her head ruefully. "I know, but it is after 5pm, and it helps me relax," she said defiantly.

"We could have ordered take-out," he reproached her.

"From here? There's nothing near by. It would be cold by the time it got here. Besides," she said, looking up at him from her work, "I'm not making anything fancy. I'm just boiling up some pasta and warming sauce."

"What's that?" he asked, looking at the bowl in front of her.

"Oh, um, and some garlic bread too," she admitted.

William looked at her and slowly dipped his finger into the mixture of butter, garlic and herbs in her bowl. Liz watched as he drew it to his mouth and tasted it in a slow exaggerated motion. "It's not too garlicky? Is it?" she asked, her eyes transfixed on his mouth.

"It perfect," he said darkly as he lowered his mouth to hers. Elizabeth opened her mouth to his urgings and an explosion of garlic flooded hers. With it came his tongue, gently touching, taunting hers to play.

Elizabeth's mouth worked on its on volition, joining his in a game of exploration. She made a low noise, as her hands slid up his chest and around his neck, pulling him closer, her body pressing against his.

A deep growl erupted in his chest as his arms wrapped around her, one arm clutching her back, the other pressing her head to his. He pinned her against the counter as the kiss went on, their desire burning so hot it singed them, yet called them closer.

The sound of a door slamming reached their ears and they froze. Then the unmistakable voice of Caroline Bingley rang out "I'm home!"

William stepped back, as Elizabeth gasped, shocked at her actions, then looked into William's face. What she saw there weakened her already wobbly knees. On his face was a look of pure, naked desire, like she had never seen before. Desire so strong is ripped through her chest like an axe and stopped her lungs from drawing breath. And then it was gone. Buried behind a pleasant, yet meaningless mask as he silently turned and exited the kitchen.

Elizabeth sagged against the counter as her thoughts whirled through her head at light speed. She had made a serious misjudgment of William Darcy. One she would never make again. She had thought him reserved, controlled, cold and basically harmless. Now she knew differently, she had seen the hunger in his eyes. She understood something that perhaps he didn't even know. William Darcy was still a knight errant looking for innocents to rescue and dragons to slay, but he also a something else. Underneath that virtuous exterior, there was a big, hungry monster who liked to eat little girls.

Elizabeth finished cooking automatically, as her mind tried to adjust to this realization. She had seen the monster in him, and Elizabeth doubted if she would ever trust him again. She was both scared, and deeply, deeply excited.

********

Dinner that night was what could charitably be called 'strained'. Caroline, while being pleased that William was back early from the event, was furious at the imposition of having the Bennet girls as house guests. She snipped at Elizabeth's cooking, eating as little as possible and making comments that, while not sounding mean, could hardly be taken as anything but.

William had disappeared behind his superior mask and Elizabeth was still shaken by her discovery in the kitchen. Only Jane and Charles seemed to be enjoying themselves and ignoring everyone else.

After dinner, Liz gave Jane some Tylenols with codeine from her first aid box and Charles carried her into the living room. Elizabeth cleared the table and washed the few dishes, then found the others sitting with Jane.

William was sitting at a desk, typing on a laptop. Charles and Jane were sharing a couch, Jane reclining and Charles holding her injured foot in his lap. Caroline was leaning besides William's chair, looking bored.

Elizabeth stopped at the large, yet mostly empty bookshelf and noticed an old favorite lying horizontally across the row of book-of-the-month type bestsellers.

"What are you doing, Will dear?" Caroline asked as Elizabeth flopped herself into an overpadded loveseat.

"I'm writing to my sister." William answered mildly.

"Oh, Dear Georgianna! I do miss her. How is she doing?"

"Fine, she seems to be enjoying her classes." His eyes never left the screen, despite Caroline's raptures.

"Oh, you must tell her I said 'hello'! I so look forward to getting to see her again soon."

William said nothing. Behind the pages of her book, Elizabeth smiled privately.

"William, you type so quickly!" Caroline observed brightly.

"No, I don't." He answered. "But I could type much faster if you would stop leaning over me."

This was too much for Elizabeth. She screwed up her face, trying not to laugh.

At that moment, William rose from his chair and went to the bar. "Would anyone like a drink?" he asked.

"I have my usual, Darcy." Charles answered. "Nothing for Jane, I'm afraid." He smiled sweetly at Jane, who was looking sleepy but happy beside him.

"Which usual is that Charles."

"Umm, run & coke."

"You don't have a usual drink, Charles?" Elizabeth asked.

"Not, really. I like to think that I do, but I guess it changes with my mood," he shrugged. "Luckily, I'm easy to please," he looked at Jane as he said the last part. Jane yawned and curled on her side. It was clear the drugs were starting to effect her.

"Elizabeth?" William asked.

Elizabeth's mind went blank. "What are you having?"

"Straight scotch," he clipped.

"Single malt?"

William nodded.

"May I taste yours?"

William walked over to her and handed her a glass. Elizabeth sipped the amber liquid carefully.

"Oh, I like that. Could I have some, neat."

"I didn't know you enjoyed fine scotch."

Elizabeth lifted her shoulders. "There's a lot about me you don't know." 'And I you, William.'

"Indeed." He regarded her as he poured her drink.

"So, what shall we do tonight?" Caroline asked brightly.

"I'm sorry," Jane said, "But I'm ready for bed."

The group rejected Jane's apologies as being unnecessary and Charles carried Jane to her bedroom.

William typed and Elizabeth sipped her drink as she read. "What are you reading, Eliza?" Caroline pounced.

"Its a Rex Stout novel. "Too Many Cooks"

William turned around and fixed her with a hard look. "You stole my book."

"Were you reading this? I'm really sorry, I didn't know."

His eyes smiled at her. "It's okay, Elizabeth, I was just giving you a hard time." He leaned back in his chair. "Do you like mysteries?"

'That's a loaded question,' she thought. Elizabeth nodded. "Some. I usually get hooked on a series and then I'll go and read every book in it. I love Rex Stout, and Ellis Peters, and um, of course, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle."

"You've read all of the Sherlock Holmes stories?" he asked skeptically.

"Yes, actually a couple times," she nodded. "My father gave me the complete works when I was in high school and I just poured through them."

"That sounds so boring!" Caroline objected. "Why would you read a story again, after you already know how it ends? Isn't that the whole point to a mystery?"

Elizabeth tilted her head, "I guess for some people it would be, Caroline. But I enjoy the stories for themselves. Knowing the ending doesn't diminish the pleasure for me," she smiled. "Sometimes, it even increases it, these books can become like a familiar friend."

"I suppose, that might be the case," Caroline sniffed. "It would be lucky if you found yourself without any friends."

William got up to refill his glass. Caroline was clearly on the war path, and he found that drinking helped to curb his instinct to put her face through a wall. "Another glass, Elizabeth?"

"No, thanks. I prefer to slip rather than gulp."

William lifted up half of his mouth ruefully at this.

"Eliza, dear! What are you wearing?" Caroline cooed loudly.

Elizabeth was confused. She was wearing the jeans and tee shirt she had pulled on this morning to drive to the event. Caroline pulled her out of the chair and continued, "Oh! Those jeans are so cute! I really like them. William?"

He looked up cautiously, "Yes?"

"Look at Eliza's jeans! Aren't they cute! Don't you think they would look nice on me!"

William looked at her a long minute and turned away, shaking his head. "Oh, no, Caroline. Not tonight."

"What do you mean?" she asked. "Eliza, what does he mean?" she asked dumbly.

"I don't think we should push the matter," Elizabeth said, feeling uncomfortable with bring thrown into the middle of some sort of game between William and Caroline.

"No, William, I insist you tell us what you mean."

"I mean, Caroline," he paused to take another large gulp. "That I'm not going to compare your asses tonight."

Elizabeth had been wondering if that much scotch had been affecting William, and now she had her answer.

Caroline gasped, "William, I'm shocked!" Elizabeth actually though she sounded pleased. "I can't believe you would say such a thing. " Elizabeth had to agree with her there. She was surprised William had called Caroline's game so bluntly.

"Eliza! We must punish him!" Caroline grabbed Elizabeth's arm. "What should we do to him."

Elizabeth looked at Caroline, and then at William. She wondered if Caroline was always like this, or was this special for her? William seemed to be enjoying himself, at Caroline's expense, so Elizabeth decided to play along. "Punish Mr. Darcy?" she shrugged. "That's easy enough. Laugh at him," she looked daringly in his face. "Make fun of him."

"Laugh? At William?" Caroline's performance now attempted to resemble astonishment. "Impossible! There is nothing to laugh at! He has no faults."

Elizabeth nearly lost it at this and she covered her snort with a cough. "Oh really William." She turned on him. "A man without fault? I didn't realize I was so blessed by your presence," she said archly.

William looked at her, his eyes amused, but there was something more. "No man is without fault." He paused to take another sip, "Certainly not me."

"Apparently not, if drinking is to be considered a vice," Elizabeth said saucily.

William lifted his eyebrows, acknowledging her challenge. "I have some faults, but I have tried, most sincerely, to avoid the common failings of mankind."

"Failings like arrogance, or pride?" Elizabeth said offhandedly.

"Arrogance, yes," he started pacing. "But I think you must be careful with pride. Certainly there is nothing wrong with one's pride in a job well done, or a goal achieved. However, I do have a failing I haven't been able to correct."

His eyes found and held Elizabeth's. "I hold grudges. It takes a lot to lose my good opinion of someone, but once it's gone, it's gone forever. I don't forgive as easy as I should, perhaps." He looked away. "I guess you'd say I'm resentful."

Elizabeth walked towards him. "That is a failing, but I can not laugh at it."

William faced her, his eyes were boring into hers, but Elizabeth couldn't for the life of her read them. What was he trying to say? She didn't understand all these hidden meanings, and she wanted some time to think.

At that moment, Charles finally came back into the room. He looked happy. "Well, Jane's asleep. Would you like to watch a movie?"

"That would be nice," Caroline oozed. "What shall we watch? Something romantic?" she smiled at William.

Elizabeth for her part wasn't interested in a movie, but she would be a good house guest and not say anything.

"I know!" Charles announced. ""Henry V" I just got the DVD this week and I've been wanting to watch it." Charles looked pleased with himself while Caroline looked distinctly annoyed. Elizabeth suspected that would not have been Caroline's first choice, but she was stuck with it now.

"I'm going to go check on Jane," she said, walking towards the bedrooms as the others moved towards the large 'playroom' with the entertainment center.

Elizabeth stopped at the bathroom and washed her hands and face. Was this the longest day she had ever had? It seemed like it. Her emotions had been wrung six ways to Sunday, what with the Tournament, and Jane falling, and then Will. She stared into the mirror for a moment remembering his kiss. He could kiss. That was for sure. She didn't know if it was the result of ample practice or natural talent, but wow! Then her blood ran cold as she remembered the look he had given her. What would have happened if Caroline hadn't come in? She had no idea.

Elizabeth checked on Jane and found her sound asleep, so she returned to the library. She was surprised to be joined by Will a few minutes later.

"Not watching the movie?" she asked.

"No," he replied, settling into a chair near her.

"Don't like Shakespeare?"

"No, actually, I like that movie quite a bit. It's having to translate the English into English every two minutes for Caroline that I can pass on."

She smiled, "What is the story with her anyway?"

He sighed. "Have you ever heard what 'Sales' stands for in tech companies?"

Elizabeth shook her head.

"It means 'Sell Anything, Let Engineering Suffer'."

Elizabeth smiled, but was still confused.

"Caroline's mother was Karen Pryce. The Pryce in Bingley-Pryce. She was a technical genius. A real one. She came up with all the innovations and her husband made the company a success." He paused to take a drink. "People in our industry have grown up on the legend of this brilliant woman named Bingley. So, as she grew, Caroline was expected to take her mother's place. Except she couldn't. Caroline, sadly, has neither her mother's technical brilliance, nor her father's business genius. If anything, Charles is his mother's heir. But, the fact remains that Caroline was a problem. They needed her for appearances, but had to keep her from doing anything too dangerous, so she was buried in sales."

"Is she good there?"

William took another drink and grimaced. "No, she is the kind of salesperson that promises things that haven't even been invented yet, and she has no idea how to price the merchandise that she is selling. She's almost a liability to the company. Luckily, she also has a short attention span, and works very little. The company uses her for public displays, and it Charles' job is to make sure she has enough money to keep her at the mall."

Elizabeth frowned. "And what about you and her?"

He snorted a bitter laugh. "There is nothing between her and me. Caroline thinks she can catch me." He looked at her squarely, "Yes, I have noticed." He started pacing again. "But she can't. I've been stalked by better women than she, and it's not going to happen."

"Why not?" Elizabeth couldn't figure out if he was being boastful, or arrogant, or just painfully jaded. She knew he was a little drunk.

"Because I will not be caught by a wife. I will win one." He turned to her in mid-pace. "I will win her heart, her love, her devotion." He stopped and looked at Lizzy, "And she will win mine."

"And what will this princess be like?" she asked, not sure if she was intrigued or appalled.

"She will be someone I can respect. Beautiful, at least to me, intelligent and articulate. She will be educated, and have well formed ideas, that she can argue persuasively. She will be confident and have a natural elegance to her. And most importantly, she well share my interests and values." As he spoke, William had continued his pacing, gesturing with his words as he illustrated his perfect mate. He ended his monologue in front of Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was taken aback. "Well, William, with a list like that no wonder you haven't been caught, or won."

"It's only a matter of time, Elizabeth. I'm waiting for the right woman." He looked intently at her. Elizabeth could feel her heart rate climb.

"Oh, there you are, William!" Caroline descended upon them with a flourish. "What have you been doing? I can't blame you, I couldn't understand a word of that movie!"

Elizabeth had to cough to cover the laugh that struggled to escape her.

"Eliza? Aren't you going to watch the movie? I figure you would enjoy something like that!"

Shakespeare was clearly not Miss Bingley's cup of tea. "Actually, Caroline, I was just enjoying a moment of quiet. It's been a busy day."

"Oh, yes. You must be tired," she simpered.

Elizabeth nodded in agreement.

"May I show you to your room, Elizabeth?" William asked.

"Yes, thank you." Elizabeth rose from her chair. "May I take the book with me?"

"Be my guest," he said, a smile playing around the edges of his mouth.

Elizabeth wished Caroline a goodnight and followed William down a hall. "The bathroom is right there, you'll find it's fully stocked, but if you need anything, just ask. Bingley and I travel all the time, so we always have lots spare toiletries on hand." He showed her to a large room, tastefully decorated in green and roses, with a large bed.

"Do you need anything else?" he asked.

"No, thank you," she said wearily.

"Are you okay?" his face showed concern.

Elizabeth sighed. "It's been a long day, and I am tired. And this evening . . ." she looked at him frankly. "This evening was just plain weird. Will, I don't like to play games. I say what I think and I expect other's to do the same."

He looked at her a long moment then said, "Good, so do I."

"But Caroline -"

"Don't worry about Caroline," He said softly, his face moving closer to hers. "I don't."

Elizabeth looked up into his eyes, only inches away and her stomach dropped.

"Goodnight, Elizabeth," he said in a deep voice that would haunt her for days. He kissed her once, slowly. "Sleep well," he breathed and left.

Elizabeth sat on the bed and didn't move for a long time. His eyes remained before her. What had he meant? They seemed so expressive, but Elizabeth simply could not wrap her brain around what they were trying to express, and she was afraid to guess. The last thought she had, before she fell asleep, was that his eyes had held something like hope.

****

William went to his room and closed the door. He had one of the nicer suites in the house, due to the frequency of his visits there. As he striped his clothes off, he asked himself what he was going to wear.

This seemed like a stupid question at first. At Netherfield, he had always worn his pajama bottoms, and a tee shirt, if he was cold. At Pemberley he slept naked, but he didn't feel comfortable enough here to do that, as he was always aware he was a guest. (The presence of Caroline did nothing to relax him either.)

But tonight was different. She was here. His goddess. His Elizabeth. He knew he wouldn't see her. He had wished her goodnight. Even kissed her goodnight. But still, she was just down the hall. A few doors away. What if she should need him? His mind played out a number of different fantasies in which he might see her: A fire, a nightmare, her becoming lost in the dark, sleepwalking. All equally improbable, his conscience mind knew, but still, he couldn't bring himself to out on his old cotton pajamas.

He quickly dismissed the idea of sleeping naked. No, that would not be good if he actually did somehow encounter her. Although he did stop to have a very brief fantasy on how she would look with longing at his naked body.

For the first time in his life, he was wishing he had something fancy to sleep in. 'This is absurd!' he told himself. Nonetheless, he found himself going though his dresser to take an inventory of what was available. Pajamas had already been vetoed. Sweats? no. His briefs? maybe. The black ones might do. Ah! Running shorts! Yes! Not underwear, but more reveling than pants.

He changed into the shorts and went to the bathroom to get cleaned up. He specifically ignored the fact he spent extra time on brushing his teeth, but he did stop himself from taking a shower. 'Let's no go crazy here,' he told himself. He kept his mind occupied until he crawled into bed and turned out the light.

Then he had to face the fact that he was alone, and would be alone, all night long. He sighed and his expression settled into a petulant frown. Every nerve ending in his body told him there was something wrong here. The most beautiful girl he had ever known, the girl he had kissed with great vigor today, was just down the hall, and not here.

He knew exactly what he would do with her if she was here. His dream Elizabeth had been upgraded by RealElizabeth 1.0. His gut clenched with desire as he remembered her. He remembered just how she had felt in his arms, clinging to him as she cried on his shoulder. He remembered the way her body had trembled. He wanted to make her tremble again, not with fear, but with pleasure.

Then he remembered their encounter in the kitchen. He smiled at the irony of that, 'Oh yes, she was his kitchen girl'. Her remembered the softness of her lips, her taste, which he could sense even through the garlic butter. He remembered her scent.

It was possible the running shorts were a bad idea, as they had now become too tight and very uncomfortable. William growled in frustration and wiggled out of his shorts, then froze. He strained to listen as he heard his door quietly open and close.

"William?" her voice called to him.

"I'm here," he said softly.

The moonlight caught her as she approached his bed. She was wearing a nightgown of virginal white, trimmed with lace at the neck and sleeves. Her hair was completely loose and hung like a dark cloud around her face. Her eyes were bright, and nervous.

He rose off the pillows, the bed clothes sliding down to reveal his bare chest. He watched as her eyes looked at him with open admiration. "William, I'm sorry, I don't know why, but I, I couldn't stay away," she said, her cheeks burning with shame. "I know you must think me horrible, but believe me, I've never felt like this before. William," her voice rose, "Please, please take me." She looked at him with such longing he couldn't have resisted her, even if he had wanted too.

"Come to me, my beauty," he said confidently." He embraced her trembling frame. "I know, the passion is too strong for me to deny either." He brushed her silky locks away from her face. "I need you, darling." He kissed her, gently at first, softly, until her trembling left her and he felt her relax in his arms. Slowly he kissed her harder, with more passion. She moaned into his mouth as he pulled her body closer. He could feel her nipples harden through the thin silk of her nightgown.

"William," she gasped in longing as he kissed along her jawbone to her perfect, tiny ear. She cried out when he sucked the soft delicate skin under her ear. "Darling, I must touch you," she begged, thrusting the sheets off of him. Then she froze, her eyes round as saucers as she beheld his manhood. He was fully erect, painfully so, as he watched her reaction.

With an impatient roar, he grabbed her shoulders and pushed her onto her back. "Elizabeth," he breathed. "I need you, please Elizabeth," he moaned as his laid on top of her. Her hands slid up his chest and around his neck as she pulled his lips to her. With total abandon, she kissed him as deeply as she could. Her hips were rubbing against his hardness, fueling his desire. "William," her voice was a sexy, throaty purr, "Fuck me now!"

He needed nothing more. He rose up on his knees and ripped her nightgown from her, reveling her glorious body. Her thighs were parted and he could see her wetness in the moonlight. Her eyes watched him as he drank her image in. She was not shy, but proud of her body, and the desire she had created in him.

She held out her arms and he fell to her, kissing her desperately. Her hands had stroked their way down to his hips, and were pulling him to her in mute pleading. He pulled back to look at her face as he entered her tight warmth. He saw her eyes widen in pleasure as her breath rushed out.

He pulled her body close to him as he filled her. Again and again, he thrust into her hot, slippery sheath. "William, William," she cried in blissful oblivion.

He was reaching his peak. He reached down and pulled her hips tighter. "Now, Elizabeth," he growled into her ear. Her cries heightened in pitch, as her muscles spasmed and tightened around him. "I'm coming, my love," he sighed as he burst into her in a rush that left him weak and breathless.

He laid back and closed his eyes as his breathing returned to normal. He drew his hand over his face, remembering, then sighed and pulled off the sheet and dropped it on the floor. He pulled the blanket over him and rolled over. He was alone, and he would be alone, all night long.

His last thought as he drifted off to sleep was my love?