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The following day, Jane and Elizabeth drove downtown to the courthouse. The two women brought their dresses into the restrooms to change into.
"Oh, bother. Jane, I forgot something in the car. I'm going to go get it."
"Lizzy, we're supposed to be getting married in half an hour!"
"I know, I know. I'll be back, don't worry."
Elizabeth left the building and fetched a bag she had hidden in the car. She pulled out white shoe polish and began to write on the back 'Just Married'. Then she proceeded to quickly draw hearts on the side windows and their name on the back windows.
Next she pulled out five tin cans already tied to strings. As fast as she could, she tied them to the bumper. She had scouted out the car the previous night so she would be able to do it more quickly. Finally, she tossed toilet paper and confetti all over the car. In ten minutes she was done. She hurried back inside, washed her hands and changed into the white sundress she had decided to wear for the wedding. She pulled her hair up on top of her head and put pearl barrettes in the curls. Next she donned her pearl necklace and earrings, and finally put the barest of makeup on.
Jane rushed in and exclaimed, "There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you."
"Sorry. I got a little lost getting back from the car. Are you ready?"
"Almost. I need you to do my hair, though. It's not working for me."
Elizabeth helped Jane with her short, blonde hair. In five minutes, Jane was as ready as Elizabeth was. Elizabeth looked at the two of their reflections in the mirror.
"This is so weird, Jane. We're getting married."
"I know. It all happened so fast."
"It was a lot worse for me. At least you knew you were going to marry Charles for some time now. I haven't thought about marriage at all except as a plan I would like to have accomplished."
"Are you nervous?" asked Jane.
"No. I'm kind of happy, actually."
"Why do you say actually?"
"Well, William and I aren't the normal bride and groom. We've been on one date and never kissed."
"You've been on more than one date."
"Only one official date where he asked me out. I've done things with him, like going to see Robin's play or Fries' concerts. But he was always a friend. My son's best friend. My sister's fiancé's flatmate and best friend."
"But you want to marry him?"
"Yes. He's so kind and loving, and I truly enjoy his company above anyone else's besides yours. He's a wonderful father. And he has said he'll be happier with us than he's ever been before. I believe him. He'll feel so much more useful in the Bennet mansion. The kids won't treat him any differently. Hopefully he'll lose his sense of inferiority."
"Do you love him?"
"I don't know, Jane. But if I did, it's highly unlikely he would love me. He's just being a very good friend to me."
Jane looked skeptical, but decided this was not the time to explain her theories.
The women picked up their small bouquets. Elizabeth's was made of peach coloured roses and purply-blue irises. Jane's held gardenias and yellow orchids.
"Shall we?" said Elizabeth.
Jane kissed Elizabeth's cheek and said, "Let's go."
The two sisters walked into the court where a justice sat at the bench, William sat on a stool with his wheelchair beside him, and Charles stood grinning at Jane. Or so I presume it was Jane since why would he be grinning at Elizabeth?
They walked up and stood next to the grooms. Elizabeth smiled and winked at William. He was only an inch shorter than Elizabeth was. Not that she noticed. Just as the Justice was going to start, there was a commotion in the back of the court. They turned to see what it was and saw Storm leading eight, nicely dressed, children to the benches.
Storm smiled mischievously and sat down. Fries brought up the rear, wearing his concert tuxedo, his hair neatly combed for once. He smiled at William and Elizabeth and sat down next to Eva. They were silent and well behaved. Elizabeth supposed it was all right. It must've been planned. Storm most likely, and perhaps Fries was in on the scheme. Elizabeth was actually very happy they were there. As long as they kept on behaving, she might even reward Storm later on.
They turned back to the Justice, who smiled and began to recite the ceremony. It was obvious she took pleasure in these ceremonies which were more rewarding than court cases.
Each couple said their vows and placed the rings on the fingers. Then the Justice pronounced both couples man and wife. "You may now kiss the bride."
Elizabeth turned to William shyly. She felt more than a little self-conscious. William took her face in his hands and made her look at him. For a split second they looked into each other's eyes before he leaned forward and kissed her firmly, but gently. She responded in kind rather to her surprise. A pleasant tingling feeling spread through her and a rush of warmth flushed her face.
They pulled apart after a few seconds. And Elizabeth realized the children were clapping and cheering. William and Elizabeth turned to look at them, smiling in spite of themselves.
Elizabeth helped William into his wheelchair and walked beside him as they left the courthouse. Outside, all the children blew bubbles into the air as Jane and Charles walked down the steps, holding hands and laughing. Storm had the camera and took photographs while Fries had (illegally) pulled the car up in front of the courthouse for the newlyweds to climb into.
Jane gasped in surprise when she saw her newly decorated car. She turned to look at Elizabeth accusingly. Elizabeth laughed and blew her sister a kiss. Jane and Charles got in the car and after waving goodbye, drove away to their honeymoon in a bed and breakfast in the mountains.
Fries came up the steps to hug Elizabeth and vigorously shake hands with William. Storm took another picture of the three of them.
"Storm, dear, however did you manage it?" Elizabeth asked.
"Oh, I have a few tricks up my sleeve."
"Thank you so much. It means a lot to Jane and I."
"I didn't do it for you," Storm teased. "I wanted to see the wedding so I had to bring the brats along."
Elizabeth tried to look disapproving, but didn't quite manage it. She hugged and kissed Storm. "Would you do me a favor and pick up the stool William used in the courtroom and take it home?"
"Sure."
"And one more thing." Elizabeth tossed Storm her bouquet and walked off after William, who was heading for Charles' car.
When they were in the car, Elizabeth asked, "So where are we going?"
"There's this really nice fondue restaurant on the riverbank. I thought it would be fun. Does that sound suitable to you?"
"I think it's a nice idea. Do you know how to get there?"
"Sort of. It's off of Call Street."
"I know where that is."
As they drove along, William asked, "So you managed to deck Jane's car, huh?"
Elizabeth grinned. "It was a close call. I was gone long enough for her to start searching for me. And I had to get ready in a flash."
"Well you look beautiful."
"Thank you. May I say you look quite dashing in a tuxedo?"
"You may."
"So tell me. Can you apply for a handicapped license plate?" asked Elizabeth.
"I think so. But you can only use it when I'm in the car."
"But no one's ever gonna know."
"I will."
"Not if you're not there."
"It's an ethical issue, Elizabeth," William said half-seriously. He knew she was just winding him up.
"I know, I know. But when you have seven children to move across a parking lot, it's another issue."
William changed the subject. "What did Storm say to you?"
"She was just saying that she wanted to see the wedding and she had a few tricks up her sleeve."
"Like bribery and threats?"
"Storm is actually a responsible baby-sitter. I trust her implicitly. Over the years she has become adept at managing the children. Fries is less involved, but he's no less responsible."
"You've trained them well, have you?"
"Of course. I don't know how I managed before I had their help."
"We always manage."
The couple spent a pleasant evening at the fondue restaurant. Elizabeth had never had fondue before, and William took great pleasure in teaching her the knack and the timing for the pieces. A live Cuban jazz band was playing on the patio where they sat looking out over the river. Their conversation was relaxed and pleasant.
After the long dinner, they took a stroll down the promenade beside the river. It was a cool, quiet evening.
"Elizabeth, would... would you push me?" William asked quietly.
He had never allowed anyone to push his wheelchair before. It was a matter of stubborn pride to him. But this meant something more, something different. Elizabeth didn't reply, but stepped behind him, took hold of the rubber-covered handles and began to gently push the chair down the promenade. It was not difficult at all. William folded his hands in his lap and leaned back, resting his head against her arm.
Elizabeth didn't know how long they walked before they reached the estuary and they faced the sea. Lights flickered on the horizon like the stars in the heavens. It was a clear night, but being in the city obscured most of the visible stars.
Elizabeth stood still watching the waves gently crash over the rocks a few feet away. Then she felt William's hand on hers, drawing her in front of him. He pulled her down onto his lap.
She hesitated. "Won't I hurt you?" she asked.
William shook his head. She carefully sat on his lap and suppressed a deep sigh as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close against his chest. She closed her eyes in contentment and listened to the rhythm of his breathing mixed with the ebb and flow of the ocean.
William couldn't believe this was happening. He felt like any moment he would wake up from this incredible dream. She was so special to him and he held her tenderly, her soft cheek resting against his. Mentally he reminded himself she considered him a close friend, and nothing more.
Half an hour later, Elizabeth stirred. William let her go and she stood, straightening her rumpled dress.
"Shall we start back?" asked William.
Elizabeth nodded.
"Sit on my lap and go for a ride," William said.
Elizabeth eyed him warily. "I still remember the last time you did that."
"But this is different. The path is straight."
"How do I know you won't veer off onto a side path?"
"You'll just have to trust me," William replied, with a boyish look of contrived innocence on his face.
Elizabeth sighed a resolute sigh and carefully sat back down on his lap. William began slowly to push them along. They picked up speed until Elizabeth had her arms around his neck to stay on.
"William, I swear, I'll do something horrible if you don't slow down?"
"Like what?" he challenged.
"Like making you do the laundry for the next five months."
"You wouldn't dare. I would do it so awfully you wouldn't be able to help taking over."
"I'll think of something."
William slowed down a little.
"You're all bark and no bite," retorted William.
"You'll be the one who will push me to biting."
They made it to the car with no misadventures, and Elizabeth pouted good-naturedly while they bickered the whole way home. Everyone was in bed by the time the newlyweds walked into the Bennet mansion.
"Do you need anything?" asked Elizabeth.
"I'm fine."
"Then I will retire for the night."
"Good night, Mrs. Bennet," William replied.
Elizabeth stopped and laughed a little. "It'll take an awfully long time to get used to Mrs."
"You're not the one who had a whole name change."
"True. Now you know what most women suffer."
"I know, I know."
"Good night," Elizabeth said. She leaned down and kissed William briefly. "Thank you for everything."
"Likewise."
Elizabeth went up the stairs and looked in on all the children. They were all sound in their beds asleep. She went into her bedroom, and sagged against the closed door.
"What a day," she murmured to herself, and began to take out her hair and jewelry.
Soon she was in her bed and lay awake thinking about the whole day. Her heartbeat increased as she thought about the short kiss they had shared after the vows.
The following morning, Elizabeth woke early as usual, and made sure to keep the children quiet so William could sleep as long as he wanted. She made the children breakfast, and once they were either on their way to school or in the playroom or practice room, she made pancakes.
On a tray, she assembled the stack of pancakes, a jug of maple syrup, a glass of orange juice and a glass of milk, along with two slices of bacon. She took the elevator next to the kitchen up to the second floor and knocked on William's door.
She balanced the tray on her knee and opened the door with her free hand. She walked in and set the tray on the bedside table. He was still asleep, breathing softly. Elizabeth chuckled at the sight of William in a child's bed with dinosaur sheets.
She sat down on the edge of the bed. William woke up to the feeling of the extra weight on the bed. He rubbed his eyes sleepily.
Elizabeth smiled at him. "That's no fair," he mumbled.
"What's not fair?"
"You're up and dressed and awake and I look horrible in the mornings."
"Who said life was fair? Cheer up. I made you breakfast in bed."
William grabbed the headrest and dragged his body upright. The bed groaned a little at the extra stress.
"We're going to have move you own bed in here soon. This bed won't take such abuse much longer."
"Not abusing it," William replied defensively. "I'm using it."
Elizabeth placed the tray on his lap.
"It smells marvelous, thank you. How long have you been up?"
"About an hour and a half."
"Really? How could you?"
"Habit. Did you need any help this morning?"
"No, I'm all right."
"Well, whenever you're ready, we can take the van over to your apartment and move some more things over here if you like."
"Sure."
"I need to be home by two, though."
"Ok." William finished off the pancakes. "This reminds me of when I first met you."
"Does it?"
"Sure. You job was to feed me in bed."
"That's right. I lived for it," she replied sarcastically. "This doesn't remind me of that time. You're one hundred percent nicer now than you were."
"Really?"
"Come on, William. You practically bit my head off every time I came. I dreaded going to your place every day."
"You're joking."
"Nope. You were a grumpy old bear to deal with. Ask Jane. Every time I would come home and complain."
"Well... I'm sorry."
"Don't fret. You improved significantly."
"I'm glad."
"So am I. But you know it was all Fries' doing."
"You think so?"
"I know so. You would still be the same grumpy old bear if it hadn't been for him. He charmed you like a snake charmer charms his cobras."
"I won't deny it. He's the best thing that's ever happened to me."
"We'll start the adoption papers this evening. I want to get them done as soon as possible."
"As do I."
William finished off the orange juice and put the tray on the bedside table. "Thank you. That was a nice treat."
"Don't expect it to be routine. You can darn well get up for breakfast like the rest of us," she said teasingly.
She stood up and took the tray. "I will leave you to get dressed. You can use my bathroom, or the boys' bathroom, whichever you choose."
She left the room, and William began the laborious morning routine of getting bathed and dressed. It usually took him at least an hour.
They spent the morning making a couple of trips to move things into the mansion, and then spent the rest of the day working. William used Elizabeth's office to get some paperwork done while Elizabeth sat down with Fries at the kitchen table to teach him some European history and algebra. Fries whined substantially, complaining that she shouldn't have to be teaching him the day after her wedding. Elizabeth knew when he was BS-ing and promptly told him so.
Between two and three-thirty, all the rest of the children came home from school. William was there to listen to them all chatter about their day. He was there to help them if they had any homework. And he was there to help cook the dinner and put them to bed.
Elizabeth was pleased. She was happy he was becoming so involved. For selfish reasons as well as just a warm tingling feeling inside at the display of fatherly devotion. Well... she considered it fatherly devotion though someone else may not.
Once the children were mostly in bed, Elizabeth was doing the dishes when William came in and said, "Did you want to watch the West Wing with me?"
"Excuse me?"
"I asked if you want to watch the West Wing with me."
"I heard you, I just don't know what you mean."
"It's a television show about what goes on in the West Wing of the White House. It's practically the only show I watch. It's really good."
"I don't think I've seen it."
"Do you ever watch television in the evenings?" he asked.
"Not that I ever remember."
"Well try it out. It's a good show."
"But I have to finish these dishes first."
"Elizabeth," William said. "The dishes can wait. Come on. You've been working all day. Relax a bit."
Elizabeth eyed him. "You're a bad influence on me."
"No, I'm not. I didn't say to slack off on all your responsibilities, I'm just suggesting you find some down time for yourself so you don't burn yourself out."
"You've gone over this before."
"And you didn't listen to me the first time so I'm trying again. And I think I remember you saying you wished you had someone else there for you. Well... I'm here for you. And this is me fulfilling my duty to keep you sound of mind and body. Come on. It'll start in a couple of minutes."
Elizabeth sighed. She threw down her rubber gloves and followed William to the den. She could hear Fries practicing as they passed his music room. She stuck her head in and said to the lad, "Don't stay up too late. You still have to read to chapter fifteen in Great Expectations by tomorrow."
"I know, Mum."
"Good night, dear." She blew him a kiss and went to the den.
William was in the process of shifting himself onto the sofa. He settled his legs into position and then looked for the remote control. Elizabeth watched with a bit of amusement as he saw the controller sitting on the TV. He swore softly and proceeded to reach for his wheelchair.
Elizabeth walked in, picked it up, and tossed it him.
"Thank you."
She sat down and for an hour, she miraculously forgot about her worries and things to do. She just simply enjoyed watching the show. Afterwards, she looked at William and said, "Thank you, William. I needed that."
"Good. Now go up to bed."
"I can't. I still have to finish the dishes and I have to-"
"Elizabeth. Go up to bed. I'll finish the dishes."
"Fine."
"Ok then. I'll see you in the morning."
She stood up and after stretching, she bent down and kissed William's cheek. "Good night."
Elizabeth went upstairs and was soon fast asleep in her bed. William sat for a good ten minutes before making the effort to lift himself into his wheelchair and move into the kitchen to wash the rest of the dishes.
Two days later, Jane and Charles came home. They looked very happy. Who wouldn't? As soon as they could, Elizabeth and Jane locked themselves in a room to talk.
"So how was it?" asked Elizabeth.
"It was very beautiful. Very romantic. Quaint, but not too rustic."
"So everything went well?"
"Definitely. We enjoyed ourselves immensely."
"I'll bet you did."
"What about you?"
"We're okay. We've settled into a sort of routine. We've been moving things in the morning and then working in the afternoon. Me with the kids and he in my office doing whatever he does."
"What did you two do after the wedding?"
"We went to this nice fondue restaurant and then took a stroll down the promenade. It was very beautiful. Then we went home and to bed."
"Here?"
"Yeah, why not?"
Jane looked uncomfortable. "Well, I don't know. I just thought you would have wanted more privacy and gone to his apartment."
"Jane... we didn't sleep together if that's what you're thinking. He's sleeping in the room across from mine. It used to be Drew's."
Jane looked shocked. "Oh my gosh Elizabeth! You haven't slept with him?"
"Jane, how could I?"
"What, are you waiting for your second marriage?! Elizabeth!"
"It's a freakin' arranged marriage."
"But you're two good friends, consenting adults... married... why not?"
"Because... because.... Oh Jane, don't you see? We never discussed it. And I don't want to... imply that he can do it at all. I mean, he was in an accident, can't move his legs, I don't know what other kinds of... problems he has, and I didn't want to just assume he could sleep with me."
Jane sat still with her hands over her mouth looking at Elizabeth. Elizabeth squirmed uncomfortably. "And he's never said anything. I don't want to put him into a situation where he has to say he can't do it. And I'm not that type anyway. I don't have the confidence or gumption to... seduce a man! If he doesn't make any moves, say anything, or do anything, then I certainly will not. I'm just not like that, Jane. You know that. It's too uncomfortable to me."
After a minute of silence, Jane said, "I understand, Lizzy. I just can't believe it."
"Well, you better get used to it. That's kind of how things are around here."
"So he spent his wedding night alone in a dinosaur bed?"
Elizabeth looked sheepish. She nodded.
"Goodness. That's definitely a story to tell the grandkids."
Elizabeth snorted.
"Charles has never said anything to that effect, but I'm not saying it's impossible."
"Whatever, Jane. I'm just happy things are going well so far. He's been good for me. Helping out and telling me to relax every so often."
"Good. I'm glad. We'll be such a big happy family here. If only you and William would get together properly."
"You save your prayers and hopes, Jane. It doesn't look likely at all."
"Lizzy, tell me again why William took your name. You never explained it all fully to me."
"Basically it was because Fries has already sort of established himself as Fries Bennet. And I didn't want to relinquish my name. It means a lot to me, and frankly, I was not willing to take someone else's name, especially a man's name who I'm not truly marrying, if you say marriage has to have consummation. So he was okay with taking on the Bennet name. It has something to do with leaving his old life behind. He can go around more anonymously with his new name. I liked that idea. How many times do you hear of the husband taking on the wife's name? I mean, most of the time if the wife doesn't take the husband's name, it'll be just she who has the maiden name, not the kids or the husband."
"I know."
"Did you and Charles discuss it at all?"
"Not really. It was pretty much always assumed I would take Bingley."
"Yeah, at least you're not changing initials. JB."
"I hadn't considered that."
"It's still a change though. What does it feel like to be called Mrs. Bingley."
Jane laughed a little. "It's odd. Something that'll take a while to adjust to. I don't know how long it'll take for me to respond to that name."
Elizabeth heard Fries calling her name. "He's probably stuck on some math problem. We're working on factoring quadratic equations today."
"Yuck. I'm glad you're doing that. I'll stick to the English thank you very much."
"I'm glad you're back. I tried to teach him Dickens, but it didn't work."
"What would you do without me?"
"I'd send him to school."
Elizabeth shuffled through the mail, frustrated. William watched her.
"There's no news. I've already looked."
Elizabeth got through the pile and looked up with annoyance.
"What?"
"How can you be so patient?" she snapped.
William realized her anger wasn't really directed at him. He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. He didn't reply.
"It's been... what? Three weeks since we sent the adoption papers in?"
"You of all people should know it takes time."
"How do you know?"
"I don't. I guessed."
"Well, you don't know all the ins and outs of this."
"What do you mean ins and outs?"
Elizabeth sighed deeply, running a hand through her curls. She sat down at the chair she used in their office. She started to speak, but Eva poked her head in the door.
"Lizzy, can I have a popsicle?"
"No, dear. We're going to have dinner in an hour. Jane's cooking it right now."
"Please?"
"I said no," Elizabeth replied firmly.
Eva pouted and left the room.
Elizabeth turned back to William behind the desk and sighed again.
"Careful, Elizabeth."
"What do you mean careful?"
"Don't take your annoyance out on the children."
Elizabeth sat upright, defensive. "You think I'm taking it out on the kids? You think I should let Eva eat a snack right before dinner? She can't be allowed to use her previous abuse as an excuse to always get what she wants."
"Elizabeth, Elizabeth, stop. I didn't mean that. I just said be careful because you're nearing that point. You're already snapping at me, don't start snapping at the children."
"I'm not snapping at you, William."
His eyebrows raised. Elizabeth avoided his eyes.
"I'm going to go check on the kids," she said as she stood up.
"Sit down. You haven't finished, yet."
"Finished what?"
"As far as I could tell, you were going to tell me some important information you have heretofore withheld about the ins and outs of the adoption."
"Oh yeah." She plopped back down on the chair and leaned her head back on the head rail. "When I first saw the Biltmores, when they first told me they were taking him away from me, I noticed other things."
"What do you mean 'other things'?"
"Hold on, let me finish. Ed's desk was clean. It's never clean. He looked... I don't know... subservient to the Biltmores. Like he obeyed them or something. And I know this is not standard practice of adoption. This has never happened to me before. They've always met the child and sought the agreement of them. And then the very last thing he said in reply to my saying he should be fired for this, he said, 'On the contrary, I expect a promotion.'"
"Really? What are you implying?"
"I think... that the Biltmores are donating a substantial sum of money to the social office to sway everything in their favor. Those workers want to do everything they can to make these Biltmores happy- even at the expense of Fries- so they can get these much needed funds."
"How could you prove it?"
"I'm not a detective! I can't prove anything. I just have a hunch, that's all."
"A hunch?"
Elizabeth stood up. "You know, if you're going to make fun of me, why don't you give me warning next time so I don't have to bother telling you anything."
"Elizabeth, I'm not making fun. Really. I'm not."
Elizabeth wasn't convinced. "I'm going to help Jane finish dinner."
She walked out and shut the door behind her. William was left behind in deep thought.
The following week, a buyer came forward to take the apartment. Charles took care of the transaction and by the next week, William and Charles had completely moved out of their apartment. A lot of the furniture was given away to needy families. The rest was moved into the Bennet mansion and placed where it was needed. Elizabeth worked hard to redecorate William's room. He felt very bad about her doing most of the work, but she insisted she do so since he moved in for her. Fries helped almost as much as Elizabeth, mostly doing the painting. William's own bed replaced the small twin-sized one. William's bed was specially made strong to sustain the heavy use of allowing William to lift himself in and out of the bed. The rest of the furniture was also brought in from the apartment. A month after William first moved in, he was living in a room all his own. He liked it. It was pleasant. It took some getting used to. It still felt new every time he went in. But he was happy with it.
William had taken over the office but wasn't there the entire day, which was what Elizabeth had feared would happen. He came out to play with the children frequently, he'd come out to investigate noise and squabbles, and he helped out with chores around the house. He said it gave him a small work break.
"Tell me, Elizabeth. Do we get priority over Fries? I mean, as foster parents do we get priority in an adoption?"
"Yes. We should do. Relatives get first priority, we get second."
"Good. Any news?"
"No. Usually they contact the relatives and give them so much time to come forward."
"So... say there's this aunt who comes forward to claim him, but she is a horrible parent and just wants him to do her housework. Will they give Fries to his aunt instead of us?"
"It really depends on the situation. But it has been known to happen. And the child can argue and complain all they want but it's not always taken into consideration."
"If Fries happens to be taken away from us, we can just wait until he's 18 and then he's free to come back to us, right?"
"I think so, yes."
Elizabeth heard her name being yelled down the stairs. "Elizabeth!!!!!!!!"
She sighed and stood up. She looked up the stairs at Fries on the third floor. "What is it? You know I hate having my name yelled about the house."
"Do you know where my glasses are?"
"No. Have you checked your music room?"
"Will you go look?"
"No, you can come down and look yourself. I was busy talking to William about you."
This piqued his curiosity. He started to run down the stairs. "You did? What did you say?"
"I'm not telling."
"Fine, then. I'll ask William."
"He's not telling, either."
"Yes, he will."
"I will?" said William, coming up behind Elizabeth.
"Won't you?" asked Fries in a pleading voice.
"Don't think so. Find your spectacles and get back to work," William replied.
"Ha," said Elizabeth triumphantly. "This is what is called a united front."
"Whatever," mumbled Fries as he sulked and walked off.
"You have your lesson with Dr. Strovsky in an hour."
"I know!"
William turned to Elizabeth. "You're baiting him," he accused.
"All in good fun," she protested.
"Elizabeth, don't do that."
"All right, I won't do it again. ...Much."
"Oh! I forgot to tell you, someone called for you while you were in the shower this morning."
"Who?"
"Stuart Hampton or something."
"Oh, him. He's the social worker working with me."
"I thought it was Ed."
"No, Ed isn't the usual guy."
"Isn't it unusual for social workers to be men."
"Yes, but not unheard of."
"Just wondering. So what does this Stuart person want?"
"Either he's coming by to check up on the kids or he's setting up a date for some prospective adopters."
"Really! What kind of check up?"
"He takes the kids aside and asks them questions to make sure we're treating them ok. Stu doesn't check up on us often. I guess because we've been doing this for so long and he trusts us. We have a good rapport."
"What happens when there're people looking to adopt?"
"They are sent by and usually I'll ask them for dinner. They can stay the night in the guestroom if they come from a long way away. If they're still interested, we just get them more interaction time until they've decided one way or another."
"What's it like for the other kids left behind?"
"It takes some long bedtime talks, a lot of love and affection, and a lot of tears, frankly. But I try to really teach them to be happy for the adopted one. There's still jealousy, but I do my best to keep it to a minimum. It's hardest for the kids who have been here longer and they see a newcomer go so soon."
"I'll bet. I need to write Fenna back or she'll accuse me of playing with the kids in the middle of an Instant Messaging conversation again."
"How many times have you done that to her?"
"Only once. Max came in asking something and we got distracted. But Fenna won't let me forget it."
Elizabeth chuckled. "So the whole office knows you're an old married man, do they?"
"Married, yes. Old, never."
"Don't they know you have nine children?"
"They know I live in a madhouse with nine children."
"You discredit us to your peers!"
"With good cause."
"Whatever." Elizabeth flashed him a smile and walked out of the office.
William paused for a long while, staring at the door. He so enjoyed these long conversations. The good-natured banter, the battles of wit, the teasings and the jokes. She made his life so much livelier.
He turned to his computer and replied to Fenna with an apology about the delay.
Playing with your children again?
No, actually. I was talking to my wife. William paused before hitting send. It gave him a small thrill to say that. 'I was talking to my...wife.' My wife. My wife. My wife. William sighed, scrubbed his face and then hit enter.
Well I won't be the one to stand between a couple of lovebirds.
Hardly. She's gone anyway.
What do you mean 'hardly'?
We're an unconventional couple.
Do explain.
I thought you said this problem was urgent.
It was until you mentioned your love life. Now I'm interested.
I hardly know you. Why should I tell you about my love life?
Just because we've only met once, doesn't mean we don't know each other much better through our conversations online over work.
Except for the fact that we only ever discuss work.
Well this is our chance to become better acquainted.
William proceeded to tell this almost perfect stranger about the situation with Elizabeth.
You got it bad.
Tell me about it. But this doesn't help me one bit.
I would suggest telling her.
Of course you would. You're not the one in the situation.
Then find some mutual acquaintance, like Charles, or someone else. Ask them to find out how she feels.
And if I learn she doesn't feel the same way I do? Which is most likely.
Then you just work harder at making her love you. But subtly. And you stay married and you stay happy.
Great. I'm doomed for life.
Now if we're done discussing your love life, the problem I have is actually urgent.
For once, this was your fault.
I know. Now pay attention.
I'm all ears. Or rather all eyes....
Life was easier for Elizabeth once the men had settled in. With William and Charles helping with chores and giving the children some of their attention, Elizabeth and Jane were able to relax a little. They had more time to themselves, which they generally spent with their husbands.
Elizabeth loved the easy relationship she and William had fallen into. Their compatibility was remarkable. She loved talking to him. She felt like she could tell him anything. And she loved it that he brought her out of herself. She could be someone completely different in front of him. She didn't have to be a good mother. She didn't have to be conscious of how good her sister was in comparison; she could just say anything she wanted- whatever was on her mind. She could let her guard down. And frankly, William loved her all the more for it.
One evening, William had retired to his room and was reading a Stephen King novel before turning out the light. He hadn't talked to Elizabeth nearly all day since she had been so busy. She knocked on his door and walked in.
She looked exhausted. She flopped down on his bed and lay her head on his thigh. He put his book down and smoothed the curls away from her face.
"Where've you been?" he asked.
"I had to go to the grocery store."
"Why?"
"Because we're running low on food."
"I didn't notice."
"That's because you only go into the kitchen for the occasional drink."
"Couldn't it have waited until tomorrow?"
"No. Because tomorrow I have to take Max to his soccer practice and Fries to his guitar lesson and Eva to her tutor and Rowena to her jazz class. Wednesdays are always busy, you know that."
"What about Thursday?"
"Thursday is when the Wilson's are coming over for dinner and so we needed food before then."
William continued to stroke her hair gently.
He began to talk to her in a soft, soothing voice. "This morning Eva came into my room already chattering away. About some dream she had or something. I was still only half-awake. She came bounding in full of energy. She climbed onto my bed and made sure I was fully awake before continuing with her dream. That's why she was so late getting down to breakfast. I had to remind her three times that you were waiting downstairs for her.
"Robin has already made his wish list for Father Christmas. He asked me for a stamp to send it to the North Pole. So I gave him one. I tried to suggest he give it to me and I would take care of it, but he insisted he wanted to mail it himself. So later on that afternoon, I went to the mailbox and took it and stowed it away for your December shopping list.
"You should have seen Storm come home this morning. She looked so angry she lived up to her name. She tried to explain it all to me, but I had a bit of trouble following it all. Finally, she noticed the look of confusion on my face, I guess. Because she threw up her hands and said grown-ups wouldn't understand and stalked up to her room. I tried really hard, but I didn't see where the anger came in.
"Fries played me the latest piece he's learned on the guitar. I was sort of busy working, but whenever he offers, I just have to take him up, because he rarely ever plays the guitar for people. I actually prefer listening to him on the guitar than the piano. Well, it depends on the piece, but the guitar can be so gentle and peaceful, and when I've been stressing over work for a couple of hours, a few minutes of Fries playing the guitar for me can make me relax so dramatically, even Fenna will notice. I get so proud of him so often. He's still my best friend, but he's become so much more. He's my son, now. I know we haven't adopted him officially, but in my mind, he's my own son."
William paused. "Elizabeth... I know I married you for practical reasons. I wish I could have married you for other reasons. I wish we were a real husband and wife. I wouldn't give you up for the world, so if you can't love me, I understand and I will respect you and be here for you until death do us part. But... I can go no longer without telling you how much I do love you. And it's almost daily torture to see you, talk with you, do things with you and not to know. And not to tell you. So just tell me... could you ever love me?"
He listened but heard only her quiet, steady breathing. He leaned to the side to see her face, and saw that she was fast asleep. He sat upright and banged his fist on the other side of the bed. "Damnation!" he swore softly. After finally gathering the guts and finding the 'right' moment to tell her, she falls asleep. He didn't know when he would be able to tell her again.
He looked down at her beautiful face again. He picked up the controller and moved the bed to the flat position. He punched the pillows a couple of times, and then gently moved Elizabeth as carefully as he could up beside him, finally resting her head on his shoulder. She murmured and snuggled up closer to him. William held still for a minute before he covered them both with the duvet and turned out the light.
As he lay in the dark with her cradled against his side, he tried to rationalize his actions. He would have taken her to her room if he could. But he couldn't. And he didn't know she was going to sleep so soon. And he couldn't wake her up, for that would be cruel. And the bed wasn't big enough for her not to be so close to him. This was the only comfortable way for her to sleep, so she wouldn't be falling off the bed. And if she woke up, she could always just get up and go to her own room.
After he had assuaged his guilt somewhat, he allowed himself to relax and enjoy the feeling of her snuggled against him. He listened to her soft breathing and wished with all of his heart that this was the norm instead of the exception; that this was by choice rather than by mistake. But he had to count his blessings. He was married to her. She wore her ring on her ring finger all the time. She behaved like she could love him someday if she didn't now. But maybe he was making that up. Maybe his heart just wished so badly that it made his mind believe.
Slowly, he began to drift to sleep, dreaming of Elizabeth.
Elizabeth woke up in the middle of the night, wondering where she was and whom she was with. It didn't take her long to remember falling asleep while he was talking. Instead of going to her own room, she just settled her head back in the crook of his arm and went back to sleep.
In the morning, William was first to wake up. Which surprised him since he had expected Elizabeth to wake up long before he did. She had one arm draped over his ribs with her head on his upper arm and shoulder. His arm was numb as a result, but he didn't dare move for fear of waking her. He knew she would want to be woken up, but he also thought she should get her rest while she could. Jane and Charles were more than capable of getting the kids ready for school. William remembered Elizabeth mentioning Jane turning off her alarm occasionally just to give her a sleep-in. He just hoped Eva wouldn't come in like she had the previous morning.
Not twenty minutes later, she began to stir. William held his breath, hoping she wouldn't be irrational and angry when she woke. Suddenly, she shot up.
"Oh good grief. I've overslept!"
"Calm down, Elizabeth," said William. "I'm sure Jane and Charles took care of everything. It's not that late."
"Are you positive?"
"Almost."
She relaxed a little, but not like she had been the previous night.
William pushed the button to raise the upper half of the bed upright so he could sit up more. Elizabeth rubbed her eyes and sighed. She looked at him and said, "I'm sorry I fell asleep in your bed William."
William wanted to say, 'I wish you would fall asleep in my bed every night.' But he chickened out. "That's okay. I didn't mind a bit."
"We should get moving. I'll see you later."
She kissed his cheek and left his room, closing the door gently behind her. For one ghastly moment, William was afraid he couldn't take it anymore and would snap and start crying. But somehow, he managed to take a very deep breath, and think about how fortunate he was to be her husband. The feeling didn't completely go away for the several days, though.
Elizabeth, meanwhile, had left the room as soon as it wouldn't seem awkward. She was mortified that she had slept there that night. She felt it was cruel to William, to sleep there to taunt him in a way. She kept cursing herself and wishing she had had the sense to go to her own room when she began to get sleepy. But she so loved being with him. And he was being so gentle and it was soporific.
The rest of the day, things were outwardly normal, but underneath the surface, there was a trace of awkwardness between the Bennets. It didn't last long, but its damage was longer lasting. Elizabeth wouldn't go to his room in the evenings. And William thought this was an indication of her feelings for him.
"Hello, the Bingleys and Bennets."
"How are you doing today? May I speak to Mrs. Darcy?"
"She's not here right now, may I take a message?"
"Can you tell her to call Texton Financial Marketers? We have some deals she will be interested in looking at."
"Sure. But can I just tell you you suck as a salesman?"
"Excuse me?"
"I said you suck as a salesman. You didn't get past the first line of defense, which is the daughter. You told me the business you are not going to have with my mother because since you have already told me, I won't give her the message. And my parents know that I do this and trust me because I graduated from Harvard Business School. I'm telling you you suck as a salesman. I hope no one is monitoring this call so you get fired. Have a nice day."
Storm hung up forcefully and turned around.
"Tell me, Storm, my love. Why did you do that?"
"Because he deserved it and I've always wanted to speak my mind to those phone salespeople."
"You always speak your mind."
"And I pride myself on it, thank you."
"It'll get you into a lot of trouble one of these days," warned Elizabeth.
"Who says it hasn't already?"
William patted her back and said, "I'm proud of you, Storm. I've taught you well."
"William, don't encourage her," admonished Elizabeth.
"Thank you, William. I only learn from the best," said Storm.
"Harvard Business School?" muttered Elizabeth as she turned back to her accounts.