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For a while, things were actually going really smoothly. ...Well, Elizabeth still had the occasional rodent on the doorstep to dispose of, and of course the usual squabbles children get into. But on the whole, Elizabeth's life was quite tame. She had not had a call to come pick up a child since the night Eva came to stay at the Bennet mansion. Fries continued to give performances for benefits, charities, and a high society party once in a while. Elizabeth would catch Fries' hands and fingers twitching in his sleep every so often.
Eva became a chatterbox. Once she learned it was okay to talk to people, and that they would reply, and that usually they enjoyed the conversation, she was insatiable. It surprised Elizabeth the most, since her experienced and educated mind had been expecting her to be more like Fries- quiet-spoken and shy. On the contrary, Elizabeth had to start reminding Eva to use her 'inside' voice. And once, Elizabeth caught herself from very nearly telling Eva the 's' word! (Shut up). Elizabeth had counted to ten and then calmly asked Eva to wait until she could pay more attention to what she was saying. Eva, not wanting Elizabeth to miss one word, cheerfully acquiesced and waited until dinnertime.
It was a lull for the Bennet mansion in regards to perspective new parents. A couple hadn't been by to visit in several months. A couple of the young girls asked if anyone was going to want them anymore. Elizabeth had to assure them it was only a matter of time and patience.
Elizabeth woke up one morning with a distinct feeling of contentment. It might have had something to do with the fact that she wasn't woken up by yelling, screaming, crying, things smashing on the floor, or doors banging. But besides this sense of peace, Elizabeth felt content. As she lay in her bed, she reflected over how fortunate she was to have such a profession. Everyday she woke up to make a difference in these kids' lives. Everyday she tried to improve the world around her. Sometimes she failed, but most of the time, she succeeded. She just didn't stop to appreciate what she did very often. This particular morning, Elizabeth did look back on what she had accomplished and was proud of herself. In a good way. In a rather bewildering, disbelieving way. It is often difficult for a self to realize how profound the self is. For a few precious moments, Elizabeth felt the world was perfect.
Then the phone rang and the feeling flew away. With a very sad sigh, Elizabeth shoved the covers off of her, and picked it up. It was a man from the social workers' office asking her to come in for an appointment that afternoon. To Elizabeth's dismay, she checked her calendar and 'to do' list and found she did actually have time for this dratted appointment. It was arranged and Elizabeth hung up.
Elizabeth paused to consider climbing back into the very inviting bed once more for a few extra moments of contentment. But she heard yelling from the boys' hall and the morning began its usual cacophony and chaos. It was time to get the children to school.
Elizabeth walked into the social workers' office fifteen minutes late. "I'm so sorry about my tardiness. I had a couple of disasters in the car."
Disaster was rather an understatement. She had a tomato ketchup stain down her white blouse, she limped along wearing a pair of shoes with one of the heels broken off, her mascara was smeared under one eye making her look as if she had a shiner, and her hair had whisps escaping their ties all around her face. She sat down and dumped her large handbag filled with mothers' necessities on the floor beside her with a heaving sigh.
She looked around. Ed was sitting behind his desk, but it wasn't littered with the usual files, papers, coffee mugs, and half-eaten lunches. It was conspicuously clean. Sitting in chairs at the other corner of the desk was a young couple. A very wealthy, composed, sophisticated young couple. Elizabeth guessed these were prospective parents. But usually they came straight to the mansion. Why was Ed bothering with them? And even more importantly, why was his desk clean for them? Who were these people?
"Hi," said Elizabeth.
The man managed a slight, patronizing smile. The woman just looked down her nose at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth turned to look at Ed, who was wearing a suit for once.
Nervously, he put his elbows on the desk, and said, "Elizabeth, this is Mr. and Mrs. Biltmore. They have come here to adopt Fries."
"There must be some mistake. Fries isn't available for adoption."
"Elizabeth, all of your children are available for adoption. You run a foster home."
"You are mistaken, Ed. All of the children have the choice of being adopted. And Fries has had several offers in the past and has made it quite clear to me that he is not interested. Neither, I believe, is Storm. Any of the other children would be willing to look into the possibility. It always depends upon the parents." It was Elizabeth's turn to look at the Mrs. Biltmore scornfully.
"Generally we let you handle this, Elizabeth, but we feel in this case, you may not be thinking of what's best for the child."
Elizabeth was dumbfounded. She couldn't speak for a full minute.
"Mr. and Mrs. Biltmore have taken a keen interest in Fries and would like to have him as their son. They are quite financially secure and would take good care of him."
Elizabeth regained her power of speech. ...A bit too much, I would say. "'Take good care of him'? You'll 'take good care of him'? How would you know how to do that?" she asked the couple. Without waiting for an answer, she turned to Ed, "And how can you be the judge of that? Do you know these people well? I know you don't know Fries! How could you possibly know?"
"Now Elizabeth, don't get irate."
"Don't patronize me, Ed," Elizabeth hissed through her clenched teeth. "I will never allow my children to leave my care unless they want to. Mr. and Mrs. Biltmore are... welcome... to come to the Bennet mansion and meet with Fries, as is the custom in my experience, and if he is agreeable, we shall talk again. But without his consent, I will not let you snatch him away."
"Elizabeth you have no choice. He is in the state's custody. You have temporary responsibility for him only. It is better for him to be adopted than to live in this permanent state of limbo. It will be good for him to belong to someone."
"He does belong to someone! He belongs to me! He is my son. He calls me mother. He loves me as I love him, as a mother loves her son. You cannot take him away from me."
"You are thinking of only yourself, Elizabeth. You have to think of the child."
"I am. He's already lost one mother. It will be devastating to him to lose another. If you ask him, and he says he wants to go with the Biltmores, then fine. I will gladly give him up because I love him that much. But if he says no, I will fight until the fires of hell freeze over to protect him."
"You will lose your license if you are not careful."
"You wouldn't dare. How many impossible cases have I taken and turned into bright, caring young children? I have built up my reputation as one of the best rehabilitators in the country."
"You can't pull rank in this. It will not matter. And you cannot go to court because you have no legal standing. Elizabeth, there you are powerless. We have decided it is best for Fries to be adopted."
Elizabeth closed her mouth, and began to contain the boiling anger within herself. After two minutes of deafening silence, Elizabeth asked quietly, "May I ask how you met Fries?"
"We've seen him at several parties we've gone to," said Mr. Biltmore. He had a nasal, Cambridge accent.
"He was so charming and talented, we felt we would just love to adopt the little boy." Mrs. Biltmore's voice was extremely haughty and also, surprisingly, had a nasal tone to it.
Elizabeth snorted. "And if Fries wasn't so talented, would you have adopted him? Would you have noticed him in the condition he came to me in? If Fries suddenly decides he doesn't want to pursue music anymore, and instead wishes to complete a sociology degree will you still care for him? I think not."
"If you are worried about your investment, we will pay you for the money you spent on the piano tutors of course." Mr. Biltmore didn't even seem to have heard what Elizabeth had just said.
"I can't believe this!" Elizabeth muttered to herself. She turned to Ed. "You should be fired for this!"
"On the contrary, Elizabeth. I expect a promotion."
Elizabeth snapped. She stood up, picked up her handbag, walked to the door, opened it, walked through it, and slammed it as hard as she could. She stalked out and jumped into the van, slamming her car door as well.
The whole drive home she was thinking. Thinking and thinking. By the time she reached the Bennet mansion, she was somewhat calmer. She wanted to speak to Fries immediately, but he was at his piano lesson. Elizabeth talked to Jane instead.
Jane listened patiently, though not without her own share of distress at the news.
When Fries finally returned home, Elizabeth followed him into his practice room.
Fries noticed her distress, but waited patiently for her to tell him whatever the news was.
"Fries..." she started. "Do you wish to be adopted?"
Fries gave a little snort. "Of course not. Wherever did you get such an idea? You're my mother."
Elizabeth's face broke into a smile and tears started to come to her eyes as she held out her arms to hug Fries. Though he was getting to the age where hugs from mothers were uncool, he nevertheless went to her and let her crush his small body to her.
When she finally let go, he asked, "Now will you tell me what brought this on?"
"There's a couple who are trying to adopt you."
"I haven't met anyone."
"Apparently you have. At a couple of parties."
"Well that could be any number of people."
"Do you recognize the name Biltmore?"
He thought for a minute, then shook his head. "All those snobby names sound the same after a while. So I say I don't want to be adopted and that's the end of it. Why the tears?"
Elizabeth wiped her eyes (smearing her mascara even more dreadfully- but Fries tactfully ignored it) and said, "The state may sign you over no matter what you say."
"They can't do that! I'll run away before I live with some twat like them!"
"I know, Fries. Calm down," Elizabeth said hypocritically. "I'm going to see what I can do, all right?"
Fries nodded, clearly distressed still.
Elizabeth left him to his practicing and began to call connections.
Fries meanwhile, tried to concentrate on his practicing but found it rather repulsive under the circumstances. If he hadn't been so good at piano, he wouldn't have been invited to play at parties. And if he weren't playing at parties, no rich couple would be trying to kidnap him from Elizabeth.
Fries decided to call William. William listened quietly, but was just as alarmed and outraged as Elizabeth had been. He didn't do anything at the moment, but decided to wait and see if Elizabeth could sort things out on her own. William thought he would rather like to adopt Fries himself.
The following evening, William hitched a ride to the Bennet mansion from Charles. Jane directed William to the study. He knocked on the door and waited until Elizabeth said come in. He slowly opened the door, and poked his head in.
Elizabeth saw him and forced a smile.
"William. What a pleasant surprise. Do come in."
He wheeled himself in, shutting the door behind him.
"How are you?" she asked.
"I'm ok. How are you?"
"Me? Oh, I'm just dandy." She avoided eye contact, and aimlessly shuffled some papers on her desk.
"I heard about what's happening."
Her charade dropped instantly. "You did?"
William nodded.
Elizabeth broke down into tears again, sagging into her desk chair and burying her face in her arms on the desk.
Alarmed, William moved behind the desk and awkwardly laid a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"Elizabeth, there's no way they could take Fries away from you. You're his mother. You made him who he is today."
She sobbed a little more on William's shoulder, and then managed to compose herself somewhat. "I've tried everything I've thought of. But I have no power under the law."
"Why don't you adopt him yourself?" he asked.
"I tried to today, but the Biltmores are considered better parents on paper. They're rich and young and... and... and married." She began to cry again.
"But you're wealthy and young, too."
"But I'm single. And they won't let me adopt him."
"Marry me, then," William blurted out.
He surprised them both.
"What?"
"Marry me. Then Fries will be our son for good."
Elizabeth laughed a little. "That's very noble of you, William. But marriages don't work when it's just for the child. You don't have to do that."
"Do you have another solution? Elizabeth, plenty of people marry for practical reasons."
"Marriage is sacred, though. It shouldn't be taken lightly."
"I'm not taking it lightly."
"When did you come up with this idea?" she asked.
William didn't want to tell her the truth- that he had wanted to for a long time. "Umm, that isn't the point. Tell me, is there some better plan you have in mind for keeping Fries? Is there some better husband you could find? One who would love Fries more than I do, one who would support you better than I will? If there is, then marry him. If there isn't, marry me."
"What happens after we're married?"
"We adopt Fries."
"What about after that?"
"It's up to you."
"What do you mean it's up to me? This is your idea."
"Well... usually, married couples live together and raise children."
"Are you suggesting that's what you want to do?"
"I would be more than willing to move in and help you out with the children. But this house isn't exactly conducive to a handicapped man. And provided you want me around at all."
"Of course I'd want you around. I'm not heartless, William. And actually, this house has an elevator. Granted it's a bit antique, but I'm sure I could get someone to look at it and make sure it's still sound. I've locked it up to prevent the kids playing on it."
"Why in the world does this house have an elevator?"
"My father had one installed so that when he was drunk he could make it to his bedroom." She laughed at William's skeptical look. "I'm serious. I wasn't surprised to find he was a drinker. And being such a sophisticated gentleman, it galled him that he couldn't pass out on his own bed."
"How very convenient."
There was a pause. Then Elizabeth asked in a quiet voice, "Are you serious about this? I don't want to be trapping you into a marriage you would despise."
"Trust me, Elizabeth. I won't feel trapped. Only blessed. The more I think about this idea, the more I like it. But I don't want to force you into anything. This has to be thoroughly mutual."
"I like the idea, too. As long as you are willing."
William laughed a little at their apprehension.
"So we get married, adopt Fries, I move into the Bennet mansion, and you will tell me immediately if you ever feel uncomfortable or anything like that."
"Agreed, as long as you do likewise."
"Well then. When does this take place?"
"Do you think we should tell anyone?" asked Elizabeth."
"I don't know. What do you think?"
"We can't do a big ceremony."
"Would you want one anyway?"
"No. Would you?"
"Not particularly. There's no one I would ask to it that is nearby anyway."
"So we go to the Justice of Peace and ask Jane and Charles to come?"
"Shouldn't we bring your children?"
Elizabeth winced. "Much as I love them, I'm not sure it would be a wise idea."
"But with all four adults away, who's going to look after the terrors?"
"Storm and Fries are usually capable of handling them. And though I would love to have those two with me, I can't have it both ways."
"We'll figure it out somehow."
"So we're telling Jane and Charles now?"
"And Fries. We should ask him if he's willing to be adopted by the two of us."
"I can't see him saying no considering the alternative."
"Let's go and ask him now. Jane will have supper on the table very soon if my nose is any reliable judge."
"All right then."
Elizabeth began to stand up. William stayed her. She looked at him questioningly.
"Are you sure about this?" William asked her seriously. "Or are you going to regret this in a day or two- or even a year from now?"
Elizabeth regarded him seriously. "I can't say for sure. Everyone has some doubts about a step as big as marriage. And for this to come so suddenly.... But I don't think we're being rash. I don't think I'll regret this. Even if things change some time from now and we're not happy with our arrangement- say if you find some other woman you want to marry- I still don't think I would consider the decision to be a bad one. Under the circumstances, it's the best solution."
William smiled at her. He rested one of his hands on her cheek. "I expect to be much happier as a husband and father with you than I am now. I want to thank you ahead of time."
Elizabeth laughed uneasily. "You'd do better to see how much work being a father of nine or ten will be before you thank me."
William leaned forward and chastely kissed her forehead, then let her go and turned his chair to leave the room.
"Where's Fries?" he asked as he left.
Elizabeth replied, "Check his music room first. He'll most likely be there."
They found Fries practicing diligently on his guitar. He stopped when they entered. Elizabeth pulled the piano bench up to Fries' chair and sat down. The lad looked expectantly at the couple.
William looked at Elizabeth, who gave him an exasperated look in return and began to explain their rather wild idea.
"William and I have come up with the only solution to the problem we can think of," she began. "I can't prevent you from being adopted by the Biltmores except by adopting you myself. But I can't adopt you myself since I'm single. So William and I are going to get married and adopt you if you are willing."
Fries looked understandably shocked. "You two? Married?"
William bristled a little bit. "What's wrong with that idea?"
"But that's so calculated."
"It's hardly a new concept. Look through the history books. Besides, do you have a better idea?"
"No."
"The question is, do you want to be adopted by us?"
"Of course I do."
"All right then. We'll probably do it in a quiet formal ceremony with just Jane and Charles. Do you mind?"
"I guess not."
"Any questions?" asked Elizabeth.
"What happens after I'm adopted?"
"William is going to move here."
"Wait," said Fries. "Does this mean I actually have to... obey William and stuff?"
Elizabeth chuckled. "Yes. It means he will be your father."
"That's weird," he said.
"Why is that weird?" asked an offended William.
"Because you're by best friend, not my dad!"
"William isn't going to turn into some domineering ogre once he gains the title of father. It doesn't work like that. Everything will be the same as before, he'll just be living here and helping out a whole lot more if he wants."
"Oh. Well that's cool."
"Good. If neither of you have anything more, we should get to the dining room. We're going to be late for supper."
"Do the others know?" asked Fries.
"You're the first to know," replied Elizabeth.
Fries smiled a cheeky grin. "I love being the first to know."
"That's probably because usually you're the last," Elizabeth mumbled.
It took some work to persuade Jane and Charles that this was a good idea and the only possible solution to keep Fries. When William and Charles were driving home, Charles asked about what would happen after the marriage and adoption.
"I'll move into the Bennet mansion."
"So I'm losing my flatmate, am I?"
"Yes. Much as I love living with you, Charles," William said sarcastically, "Did you really think it was forever? For goodness' sake, when are you and Jane getting married? It's ludicrous that Elizabeth and I are marrying- after having gone on one date- before you two."
"Frankly, the reason is because I didn't want to leave you on your own. I didn't know if you could live on your own."
"I cannot believe you didn't marry because of me! You could have told me at least."
"I didn't want to make you feel bad, like you are now."
"But that's just wrong! Of course I feel bad now. I've prevented you from marital bliss because I'm handicapped."
"Don't go getting those stupid ideas now. Things have turned out well in the end anyway. You get married, we get married."
"Are you moving in there as well, then?"
"I think so. It's not like there's not enough room for us here. And Jane is needed here."
"Well then. When are you going to get married?"
"Since this is news to us, we haven't set a date."
"Are you going to plan a big wedding?"
"I don't think so."
"Well why don't you come and get married with us?"
"You mean a double elopement?"
"I don't think of it as an elopement, but rather a private wedding."
"Maybe it's an idea. I'll have to ask Jane. I know I don't have any family I would want to ask. And you would be there, so that takes care of my best friend. But it'll have to be up to Jane."
"Of course. The women always have the last say."
"You're going to learn very quickly that that's the way things are in marriage."
"How would you know, you're not married."
"Oh, trust me. Jane and I are enough like a married couple for me to know that at least." There was a pause of silence. Then Charles asked, "Are you sure about this? It still seems a bit brash."
"Too noble an act for a guy like me, you mean?"
"No, that's not what I mean. But it's such a big step and you're taking it lightly."
"I've given it some thought. Honestly, Charles, and this stays between you and me, I jumped at the chance to ask her. You're going to laugh at me, and you're going to say it's not possible and it can't be real, but I love her. She means everything to me. And I've realized that for some time. So why wouldn't I want to marry her?"
"William! I had no idea. Haven't you told her?"
"No. I couldn't."
"So you're marrying the woman you love without her knowing of that love? That's just asking for trouble, man."
"I'm not going to take advantage of her."
"What do you think you're doing right now? You're taking advantage of this situation to marry her."
"But it's what she wants."
"Except she doesn't know the whole truth."
"It doesn't change anything."
"Yes it does. What happens when you become frustrated in the marriage? Any move you make when you're married will be very different than if you made it before."
William didn't reply for a minute. "So maybe this wasn't the brightest idea I've ever had. But I'm going to go through with it. I would have liked more time to go the usual way of things with Elizabeth. But Fries is in danger right now. So for his sake, things are going ahead of schedule."
"I hope things work out for you two."
"You better. You and Jane will be in the middle of things if they don't."
"Vice versa, my friend."
"As if you and Jane could ever have problems."
"You never know. Thirty years from now...."
"Thirty years from now I doubt we'll still be living together."
"I hope not. No offense."
They continued to talk as they walked into the apartment. It wasn't until one in the morning before they said good night and retired.
Jane agreed with Charles to wed with Elizabeth and William. The children were informed of the plans, but only a few of them had any idea of the implications. To them, it just meant the two men were moving in permanently instead of visiting often. It meant two new playmates. Or it meant two new pairs of watchful eyes. Or it meant two more people to talk to (Eva). Storm was genuinely happy for them. The fact that she might get more pocket money out of the men didn't occur to her, of course. She respected William ever since the night he had helped her out.
William and Charles immediately put their apartment on the market and began to pack up things to gradually move over to the mansion. Since the mansion was so well furnished anyway, much of their own furniture was to be sold or given away.
One of the issues on the top of William's mind was where he was to sleep. He doubted he would be in Elizabeth's room. One afternoon, as William sat in the kitchen watching Elizabeth prepare dinner, he got up the guts to ask Elizabeth.
"Well," she said as she chopped up some onions. "It's kind of a... a sticky question. I don't think I feel comfortable inviting you into my bedroom. There's a bedroom across from mine that is vacant. We can go look at it as soon as I finish slicing these if you want. There are a couple more bedrooms on the second floor and then there's the third floor, but I thought it would be a little difficult for you living on the third floor."
William nodded.
When she had finished chopping the onions, she washed her hands and started to walk towards a door that William had always supposed to be a closet or pantry. She opened it. Inside, was a small room with oak paneling and a green plaid carpet. She turned and beckoned him inside.
"Welcome to your own private elevator. Notice it is next to the back door so my father could get in and upstairs without anyone the wiser."
William wheeled himself inside.
"Just push the second floor." He did, and they slowly began to move up. "I had someone come in and look at it and she declared it to be sound. So all I had to do was clean it. A few spiders had taken residence until they starved to death, I'm sure."
"Thank you."
The elevator stopped at the second floor, and Elizabeth opened the inner and outer doors.
"Welcome..." she said, "to the second floor."
William followed her down the hall.
"This is the boys' wing."
William read all the names on the doors.
"Bathroom."
They passed the landing with the grand staircase sweeping down to the front door. This was what William had seen. They moved forward to the opposite wing.
"The girls' wing. Bathroom. And this is where Jane sleeps."
"So where do you sleep?"
"On the other end."
She showed him to the end of the hall, and then turned around and they went back past the elevator.
"This is the room I spoke of," she said. "It's conveniently close to the elevator, but it doesn't have a bathroom. So you can use mine. There's enough boys sharing the other bathroom as it is without exacerbating the problem with a man who has to shower and shave every morning. Is this agreeable to you?"
William looked at the room. It was decorated with dinosaurs in primary colours. His eyebrows rose.
"Well of course you would redecorate however you like."
It was bigger than his room in the flat. There were large windows and a decent sized closet. Everything else would be moved out or redecorated.
"I like it."
"Let me show you my room."
She walked across the hall, diagonal from the room William was to inhabit. He followed her in and looked around.
It had a quiet, understated elegance to it. The furniture was antique, Queen Anne revival. Her bed was queen-sized with soft yellow sheets sprinkled with small periwinkles.
"I made my bed for once. Usually this room is a mess. Just a warning."
William grinned at her. "I forgive you."
"Oh. Thanks," she replied sarcastically.
On one wall was a John Constable landscape painting and on another was a seascape. The walls were painted a soft blue and yellow curtains hung over the windows.
"It's a beautiful room."
"Thank you. My father's third wife actually had taste, thank goodness. I like this room. But I'm rarely in it except to sleep. So it's a peaceful place to me. It's quiet and it actually makes me sleepy just being in it. Come, here's the bathroom."
It was spacious and old fashioned like the room. The bath was porcelain and sat on four lion paws. The fixtures were gold and the rug on the floor was a dark violet color. White tiles lined the walls but for a line of tiles at breast-height which were decorated with vivid violets. A towel rack held matching violet towels. Above the sink was a mirror with a delicate gold trim.
"It's cute," said William.
"Cute?" she replied with the raising of one eyebrow.
William didn't rise to the bait.
Elizabeth asked hesitatingly, "William, is there anything you need in particular.... I mean, does Charles help you do things?"
William decided to be amused rather than embarrassed. She was obviously taking care of the embarrassment.
"I take baths. And I can take care of it myself generally. I'll yell if I need help."
"A-and how often does that happen?"
"Only about twice a week," he replied nonchalantly.
"Twice a week??"
"I'm joking. Don't worry about it. If you're uncomfortable with anything, Charles is literally right down the hall."
"Ok. All right. Are you sure?"
William chuckled. "Yes, I'm sure."
"Anything else?"
"What's upstairs?"
"Fries and Storm live upstairs and then there's the attics."
"Attics? You have more than one?"
"Yep. My father collected things, so we have a weird assortment of objects and antiques besides the usual Christmas decorations and boxes full of memorabilia."
"What kind of memorabilia?"
"Well," she started as she walked back into the bedroom and flopped down on her bed. She stared at the ceiling as she said, "I've sort of kept things done by all the children I've had. Things like artwork, school papers, pictures, and any other silly little things I can look at to remember them by. I have other boxes full of stuff I'm keeping for the children. Things that give them clues to their pasts. Like clothes they came in, dolls they loved and grew out of, and other things the authorities have given me. I ask for them specifically sometimes. Pictures of the children from earlier years... toys." Elizabeth turned on her side and propped her head on her hand, looking at William. "I keep important documents like medical forms and school reports in my office. I give them to the new parents when the children are adopted."
"Do you have Fries' things somewhere?"
Elizabeth nodded.
"Can I see them sometime?"
"Sure. Soon they'll be yours, too, anyway."
"Speaking of offices, Elizabeth, I work at home."
"Oh yeah." She thought for a moment. "I don't see why you can't work here, if that's what you're asking."
"Where would I do that?"
"I don't use my office except for the occasional business. You can take it over and use it as long as I can keep my files in there."
"I don't want to invade your space."
"Nonsense. I told you I don't use it."
"But you were using it when we talked about getting married."
"That was an exception. If I need to use it, I'll ask you. But on the whole, I only use it occasionally. We can rearrange it to your tastes, I'll consolidate my mess, and you'll be just fine. It's bigger than your current office."
"I still feel bad about it, though."
"Don't."
William smiled at her. She looked so innocent and young lying there on her bed. He couldn't resist the impulse to reach over and push an errant curl away from her face. "You still want to go through with this?"
"Have I given you any implication I don't?"
"No."
"Then stop asking."
She sat up suddenly and kissed the top of his head before walking out the door. William was left alone to deal with his roiling emotions. Okay. So maybe this wasn't the best idea in the world. It was going to be very difficult to keep living like this. To always be in her immediate vicinity.
He looked around the room once more. He felt the same peacefulness she described. A kind of Eden-like serenity. He left the room, closing the door gently behind him.
Fries met him in the hallway and said, "Come on. You wanna see my room since you're up here?"
"I thought it was on the third floor."
"It is. But I want to get the chance to be the first kid to ride in the elevator."
"You have a thing for being the first, don't you?"
"Hey, when you're a kid growing up with eight brothers and sisters, you gotta get ahead somehow."
"I thought you never had trouble getting ahead. You're so superior in everything you do."
"You're flattering me. And you shouldn't."
"Why shouldn't I?" William asked as the elevator moved up to the top floor.
"Because fathers shouldn't flatter."
"Why shouldn't they? If I'm proud of what you do, why shouldn't I say so? If you were horrible at everything and I still bragged about how good you were, that's one thing. But when the whole world sees it, what's the crime?"
"Just don't do it publicly and humiliate me."
"Come on. Have I ever humiliated you??"
Fries looked at him with a look that signified a definite yes.
William moved into a small hallway. The ceiling was lower and it was lit more dimly. Fries walked ahead of him. He pointed behind them and said, "That's an attic." Then he pointed to the door beside them. "That's an attic." The next door he said, "That's the linen closet. This is the bathroom, that's Storm's bedroom, and this is mine."
It was at the end of the hall. William went inside and saw that it was long and narrow with many windows shedding light. The ceiling sloped down to about four feet at the facing wall. In one of the end walls, was a large bay window with a window seat. At the other wall, a platform had been built five feet up. On it was a queen-sized bed. Beneath the platform was a built-in desk and bookshelves where Fries' computer sat. On the screen was some sort of music-writing program.
"What's this?" asked William.
Fries dashed to the computer and turned off the monitor. "Nothing."
"If it was nothing, why did you turn off the monitor?"
"Because I forgot Elizabeth dislikes it when we leave it on using up power."
"Sure," answered William sarcastically. He decided not to pursue it at the moment. "When did you move up here? I always imagined you being on the second floor."
"I was, until I began to be a more permanent resident when I got older."
"Do you like living up here?"
"Yes. It's quiet. Except when Storm plays her heavy metal music."
"How often does she do that?"
"Only when she's mad. Which means I generally can't risk going over and asking her to turn it down."
The rest of the room housed an old sofa, a chest of drawers and a closet. The wall held an assortment of posters. One of the three tenors performing in Rome, one of the Beatles, another of a Salvador Dali painting, and the last one was a list of music jokes in score order. 'How do you know an alto is at your door? She can't find her key.' 'What's the difference between a soprano and the PLO? You can negotiate with the PLO.' 'What does a vacuum cleaner and an electric guitar have in common? You plug them in and they both suck.'
William found himself chuckling at a lot of the jokes.
"Where did you find this?" he asked Fries.
Fries grinned. "I bought it at a music competition. If you're done inspecting my room, Elizabeth wanted me to send you down."
"I wasn't inspecting."
"Yes, you were."
"One silly little piece of paper declaring you my son and you turn troublesome and defensive!"
"I was always difficult."
"No, you used to be a darling little boy. Whatever happened?" William teased as they left the bedroom. "If you let me inspect your room like that now, I reserve the right to inspect at any undisclosed future date I want."
"No, you can't."
"Why not? What are you hiding?"
"Nothing. It's just an invasion of my privacy."
William laughed. "You lose all rights to privacy when you get parents."
Fries shoved his wheelchair forward a bit.
"I may be in a wheelchair, laddy, but I'm still stronger than you," William warned jokingly. "If you don't like it, you can always move in with the Biltmores, who will put you on display constantly."
"No, thank you. I'll just invest in door locks."
"And I'll learn the thieves pick-locking trade."
They continued to banter as they descended to the first floor in the elevator.
Elizabeth looked up as they came into the kitchen. "There you are. I was just going to go look for you. Fries, would you round up the kids and tell them supper's ready."
"Mum, the kids know that whenever you're cooking, they have ten minutes between the time you say dinner is ready and it actually is."
"Tell them I mean it this time."
Fries walked off mumbling, "You said that last time."
Elizabeth turned on William. "Stop smirking and put these vegetables on the table. I'm really ready this time."
Ten minutes later dinner was ready on the table, just as the children gathered to sit down. Everyone sat down- Elizabeth at the head, William at the foot, and four children on either side. Storm was out with her friends.
The meal was peaceful for a typical Bennet mansion meal. Elizabeth managed to control Eva's chatter enough to let the others have a chance to say something. Dessert was only a minor disaster. They had two cookies each instead of homemade peach cobbler.
William helped get the kids into bed, making sure all teeth were washed, all faces scrubbed, all clothes put in the dirty clothes hamper, and kids in bed with the lights out and a kiss from Elizabeth.
Fries retired to his practice room and Elizabeth and William did laundry in the laundry room.
"This... is a never-ending job," Elizabeth stated.
"Well, you get two more people's laundry to do soon."
"Yay. I can't wait."
"When are we getting married?"
"Jane and I thought Wednesday."
"Wednesday's fine for me. Check with Charles, though."
"What's he gonna say? Sorry I can't come to the wedding, I have a meeting?"
"Just make sure."
"I know."
"Did you call and make an appointment?"
"Jane did."
"What do you want to do after?"
"I hadn't thought about it."
"Jane and Charles are actually planning on going away for a couple of days. So we can't do anything big."
"Let's just go out to dinner, then."
"All right. I'll leave it up to you."
William opened the dryer and began to take out and fold clothes on his lap.
"I suggest taking two cars."
"Why?"
"Well, if Jane and Charles are going on a mini honeymoon, you and I need a separate car to do whatever we want to do."
William looked at her carefully. "Are you going to decorate their car?"
Elizabeth grinned mischievously. "You wanna help me?"
"How? We're going to be getting married ourselves!"
"Minor detail," she scoffed.
"Elizabeth," he said in a warning tone of voice. "Don't do anything rash, all right? I don't want to be left standing at the altar."
"Except we're not going to be standing at an altar."
"Minor detail," he shot back.
"Just trust me," she said coolly.
When they had finished the laundry, William asked, "So what do we do now?"
"We wash the dishes."
"More work?" he complained.
"You'd better get used to it."
"I would do this during the day."
"You can do these chores whenever you want to, my dear, as long as they get done in time."
"In time for what?"
"In time for the next meal in the case of dishes, in time for the kids to wear the clothes in case of the laundry."
"Deal."
After the dishes had been done, Elizabeth began to clean out her office so William could move in as soon as possible. William posted himself out of the way in a corner and kept her company with conversation while she worked.
"When do you have time to go to a jewelers to pick out your ring?" asked William at one point.
"My ring?"
"Yes... generally when you get married, you wear a ring."
"Oh. I hadn't thought about that. You don't have to give me one."
"Nonsense. If we're going to do this, we have to make it believable. You're going to have to wear a ring."
"I have one my grandmother gave me you could use."
William moved over to her. He caught her face with one hand. "Elizabeth, I want to get you a ring. One you will like and wear."
Elizabeth's heart pounded loudly in her chest and her breathing shallowed. She didn't know what to say. The situation was awkward. Difficult. She would usually crack a wise-ass remark or a joke, but she knew to do so at this moment would be cruel to William. She realized she wanted him to give her one, and she would be proud to wear it. It would be a symbol of their union.
"All right," she said softly. "Only if you choose and wear yours."
One of her eyebrows lifted in challenge.
William smiled slightly. Elizabeth couldn't help noticing the irresistible dimples in his cheeks. "Fair enough," he said. "Do you want to go tomorrow?"
Elizabeth had to try to concentrate for a minute before she brought her mind back to reality. "Umm.... I can't do it tomorrow. The day after?"
"You'll pick me up?"
She nodded, and pulled away to turn her attention to filing some papers.
It was past midnight by the time Charles and Jane returned from their evening out. Charles and William went home while Jane and Elizabeth stayed up for another hour talking about the next few weeks.
"What am I going to do at the wedding?" asked William.
"Well... usually one says vows and gets hitched."
"No, I meant.... I can't stand up, Charles. How am I supposed to go through the ceremony?"
"Like you are now?"
"Sitting? She's going to be standing above me? Don't you see how awkward that is?"
"You mean humiliating."
"I did not say humiliating," William replied, hotly.
"But that's what you mean. Your dignity is hurt."
"So what? I admit I'm ashamed of the thought of not being able to stand at my own wedding."
"William, I thought you had accepted who you are by now. It probably hasn't even crossed Elizabeth's mind." Charles paused. "But... if it bothers you that much, I suggest you sit on a stool so you're about Elizabeth's height. She's shorter than you were standing up. Then you'll be able to look her in the eye when you say your vows. How does that sound?"
"It's not perfect, but it's better than looking at her waist."
"I know there's a stool with arms and of suitable height in the kids room in the Bennet mansion. We'll pick it up next time we're there."
"Don't tell Elizabeth that I made a fuss, will you?"
"Of course not."
Two days later, Elizabeth picked up William and they went into the city to look at several jewelry stores. Elizabeth felt rather awkward, but William's attitude set the tone for her. He was easy and friendly. She enjoyed just being with him.
Elizabeth chose a ring she loved but one she didn't feel guilty asking for.
"Are you sure you want this one?"
Elizabeth smiled and nodded. "I don't like flashy jewelry."
"It's beautiful, I agree."
The ring was made of platinum, and was flat with ivy and flowers engraved on the metal. William chose a medium width band of gold.
It took only two hours. They had a cup of coffee together before going to Elizabeth's lawyer's office to sign a prenuptial agreement. William had insisted upon it so no one could accuse him of marrying Elizabeth for her money.
"Don't you have a lot of money of your own anyway?" asked Elizabeth. "How else do you live like you do without an income?"
"I have insurance money and investments and a small inheritance," he replied.
Elizabeth eyed him. "How small an inheritance?" she asked suspiciously.
"Only half a million from my father."
"Only half a million?"
"Well it wasn't much considering how much he made. I don't live extravagantly either, which helps a great deal."