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Chapter 1

The plane touched down with very little jarring to Elissa's body or nerves. This was quite the contrast the last few hours journey through a bad storm system over the Rockies. Elissa was relieved to know that there would be a driver waiting to take her to the house and save her from having to negotiate the hour long drive on strained nerves and a notoriously bad sense of direction.

Elissa Anne Bennet-Elton was making a steady, but somewhat slow recovery from the last two years of learning how to be a single parent before she was ready. Two years ago, her husband Robert, was seriously injured in a car accident and only survived a couple of days afterward. This gave Elissa time to tell him the things she felt she should, but not the time to learn how to love and live on her own for their two young boys. She was working very hard to keep things normal in their lives, whatever that was. She helped them with school, baseball practice and whatever else boys of seven and eleven were interested in. Her job kept her busy during the day and gave her something to bury herself in at night. She had been teaching elementary school for several years when she lost Robert. She took some time away from the classroom to try to get herself together. Now she used her class and her children to try to fill some of the emptiness and loneliness she found in her life so abruptly. To make matters worse, while trying to make things better, she had a myriad of friends that, over the last year, had tried to get her out among the "living singles" or as Elissa referred to the few she had gone out with as the "better left for dead singles." She knew she wanted to find her prince to rescue her, but she certainly didn't want to kiss another frog!

Elissa knew she needed a change in her life and a few weeks back she got a call from Chelley. Chelley Lucas Fitzwilliam was one of Elissa's oldest friends from college and one of the people she kept in contact with over the years. Elissa had not been the party-girl type in college and was very serious about her studies. She wasn't comfortable with the opposite sex and spent a lot of time on her own. She met Chelley at a college organization meeting and the two hit it off right away. Where Elissa could be called shy and reserved, Chelley was known for being outgoing and personable. Chelley was a great help to Elissa's self-confidence. Chelley introduced Essa (as Chelley renamed her) to Robert Elton, and as they say, "the rest is history." Elissa didn't know if what she felt for Robert was all there was, but she didn't know enough to expect more. When Elissa graduated, Robert proposed and within two years, she had her first teaching job and her first child, Timothy. Over the next four years, Robert's business took off and they had their second son, Alex. When the business took off, so did Robert, on what seemed to Elissa to be one business trip after another. It wasn't long before things started to change and their relationship became strained. She promised herself that she would try to make things the best they could be under the circumstances, no matter how left out she felt. Elissa had given thoughts to the fact that Robert might be cheating on her, but couldn't bring herself to confront him until it was too late. When the authorities called to tell her about the accident, they wanted to know if she knew how to contact the next of kin for the woman that was with Robert. The woman was killed instantly when the car had skidded off a steep embankment and overturned. She knew that he had no coworker going with him on this trip and this told her in the worst way, what she had already known in her heart.

Chelley and her husband Rich came to the funeral and talked Elissa into coming home with them to California. The time away from all the misery and constant reminders of the life she thought she had would be good for her and her boys. They spent two weeks in California being pampered and kept from thinking too much about the life they would soon have to return to. Elissa cherished the time she got to spend with her boys on the Fitzwilliam estate. The house was bordered on the back by the ocean and in the front were several acres of gardens that made the place resemble a small park. While they were staying there they spent many hours having picnics or just playing on the beach. Gardening was also therapy for Elissa and she and Chel planted and weeded in the gardens and talked about what life would bring them.

"Elissa be serious, will you!" Chelley exclaimed one afternoon, "You can't go back to that house and pretend that everything has not changed!"

"What would you have me do?" Elissa cried, "I can't just up and move and start over. I have the house, my job and what about the boys? I can't ask them to give up everything they know!" Chelley relented that Elissa had some valid concerns, "Just think about it alright?"

"I'll try." Elissa replied. She thought that this kind of move was terrifying and at the same time might be just what she needed to make a clean start. Elissa took her boys back home and that is where she stayed until Chelley talked her into coming back. This time she would be coming back alone.

As Elissa retrieved her bags from the baggage claim area she thought about the decision to visit the Fitzwilliams again. Any other time she would have been happy to be back, but the reason she was here was to celebrate a wedding anniversary with a renewal of vows. Chelley and Rich got married on the fly and never had a traditional ceremony. Chelley dreamed of a romantic garden wedding with Elissa as her attendant. This is something that at this time in her life she wasn't sure she could handle. She loved Chel and Rich and wanted to be there for them when they had been there for her. When she had picked up her bags she walked back through the terminal and toward the exit looking for her driver. Elissa finally saw a familiar uniformed person with a sign with her name on it.

"Everett! How are you?" Elissa asked the older gentleman. The limo driver that had picked her up and carted her and her boys around the last time she was here, gave her a warm smile.

"Ms. Bennet! So good to see you again!" was the driver's reply.

"Everett, you know you are supposed to call me Elissa, friends don't use such formality!" Elissa teased.

"Yes, of course, Ms....I mean Miss Elissa, this way please." Everett led her out the doors and to the waiting limo.

Once she was in the car, she settled in for the hour-long drive. On her way to the estate Elissa took in the scenery around her. Could she get used to living in a place like this? Would this be a good move for her boys as well? She was still pondering those questions among others when the car pulled into the long drive lined with evergreens.

When Elissa stepped out of the car, Chelley and Rich were waiting on the steps and she got very big hugs from them both. As they waited for Everett to unload the bags, Elissa got the feeling she was being watched. Her feeling was confirmed as she looked up the steps to the doorway and saw the deepest set of brown eyes staring back at her. For a minute (she thought it seemed like forever) she just stopped and did not move or speak as if there was nothing in the world except those eyes.

Chelley took Elissa by the arm and pulled her back to reality, "Hey, are you alright?"

"I...I'm fine, just a little jet lag, I guess." was all that Elissa could manage to get out.

"Come on, I want you to meet someone special." Chelley chimed.

Why do I dread it when she says things like that? Elissa thought to herself. Oh, well, here goes nothing, I hope.

As Rich helped Everett with the luggage, Chelley helped (or should we say dragged?) Elissa up the steps.

"Will Darcy, this is my dearest friend I have been telling you about. This is Elissa. Elissa Bennet, this is my husband's cousin and closest friend, William Darcy."

There was, shall we say, a dramatic pause or could that be a deafening silence, before either of them could think of what to say to the other. It would depend on which one of them you asked. Will was thinking dramatic and Elissa was thinking painful. Chelley was just thinking of ways to throw the two of them together.

"How do you do?" was William's very stiff British greeting.

How do I do what? No, better not say that Essa. "I am very pleased to meet you Mr. Darcy." Elissa felt as if she was mumbling and could feel the hair on the back of her neck stand up when Will spoke to her. She wasn't even sure if he had heard what she said.

Will, on the other hand, heard every syllable she said even though he wasn't concentrating on her words. He was focused more on her eyes and then on her lips as she spoke in a very definite southern accent.

As the last of the group finally made it up the steps, Chelley ushered everyone into the great room of the house.

"Elissa, I know you are probably exhausted from the flight, but we are having a small get together out on the veranda tonight and you must make a short appearance at least." Chelley said.

"Oh, Chelley...I don't know if I'm up to a meet-and-greet tonight!" Elissa exclaimed.

"Come down for just a little while and get some fresh air and then you can turn in early, ok? Pleeeezzze?????" Chelley purred the please out like a cat stretching and begging to be petted. Elissa knew she couldn't say no to her when she sounded like that.

"Alright, Chel, you win, but only for a little while. I need to go up and change first and then I'll be down." Elissa replied.

"Great, I'll come up and check on you in a little bit. It is so good to have you here!" Chelley gave her a hug and let Elissa start up the stairs as she left the room to check on the party set up.

Elissa had made her way up only a couple of steps when she realized she hadn't said anything else to anyone else before leaving.

As she turned around she said, "Will, it was nice meeting you. I hope we get a chance to visit again before I leave town." Elissa felt as if she stammered out this little piece of poetry at a record pace.

Before Will could reply, Rich answered back, "Oh, Es, didn't Chel tell you? Will's staying here for the wedding too."

"Oh." was all that Elissa could get out with her heart in her throat and a shy smile plastered to her face. The smile was a part to the matching one Will had on his face too.

Chapter 2

When Elissa reached the top of the stairs, she finally felt she could gather her breath again. He's here for the entire week too? This week was going to be just full of interesting possibilities and I'm certain, uncomfortable situations! What have I gotten myself into?...What am I going to wear? Elissa's room was the second guest room on the right side of the hall and had a lovely balcony that it shared with the other two guest rooms on this side of the house. The room was lovely, but it was the view that spoke to Elissa's heart. You could see way out into the ocean on clear days and the sunsets...well...they were good enough to make time stand still. As Elissa tried to concentrate and calm down, she went to the French doors and opened them to let in the cool ocean breeze and hopefully, clear her head of all of the thoughts buzzing around inside.

Little did our poor Essa know, part of the reason for all that commotion in her head was just a few complicated feet away in the next guest room. He wasn't doing much better at making out his own emotions. If there was one thing Will Darcy was, it was in Control. Control was a word Will liked and it was comfortable for him. After all, he ran his own software company and lots of people looked up to him and depended on him. He had a sister that adored and idolized him and hung on his every word. Yes, control was something William was used to having in every situation...except one...women. You could say that William did have some sense of control in the hunt and pursuit of women he was interested in...it was when he caught them that things usually got sticky for him. He usually ended up with two options...they wanted to catch him for good...not good for him! Or they would want to get whatever perks they could out of the "relationship" before moving on...as they would most definitely do sooner than later. As Will changed for the party, he couldn't help the feeling of not being in control. G*d, I hate parties like this! I know that these are just people that Rich and Chelley consider close friends, but I don't know half of these people! I know that I should try to make contacts with some of these people for Rich's business sake, but how I hate to make small talk!...I hate it because I'm no good at it!! William thought that he might be experiencing just nerves because of his lack of "networking" finesse, but his thoughts wandered back to the arrival of Chelley's best friend. Elissa...a pretty name for a pretty face...Hold on! Where did that thought come from? I am an idiot! I just met her and we barely said two words...she's not really even my type. Did I just say type? Oh no...I'm starting to sound like some really bad romance novel! Get a grip Will!! With one last check in the mirror, Will made his way out the door and off to the party in a not very "party" mood. He was convinced this night would be a waste of his time.

As Elissa put the finishing touches of lipstick on and stood back to check her appearance in the mirror, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." she said.

It was Chel, "Elissa...I was just wondering if you needed anything before the party started?"

"No, I'm fine...I guess." Essa replied. "Well, how do I look? I wasn't really prepared for a party so soon, so I hope I won't embarrass you." As Elissa said this, she turned around and faced her friend. Elissa was a petite brunette with a vivaciousness about her. She looked younger than her true age. She always teased her friends that while they didn't always get carded the way she did, she would one day look younger when they were all grandmothers! She had her own "crowning glory" of auburn curls that cascaded halfway down her back when she left it loose and a matching set of eyes that her mother had affectionately called "mud puddles" when she was little because they were so deep brown. The last few years had been hard on Essa, but she was very pretty and had a beautiful soul to match. Essa hoped the cream and fuchsia floral print on her georgette dress was dressy enough for this set of people...especially on short notice.

"Oh Essa...you know you're beautiful in anything, so long as you let people know the beauty that's inside you. And you can't show off that beauty hiding up here...come on let's go." With that said, Elissa and Chelley made their way down to the party and Elissa tried to tell herself that it wouldn't be a waste of her time.

As Chelley and Elissa made their way downstairs, the sounds of the first few guests were coming in through the doors leading out onto the veranda. Before they had made it to the bottom of the steps, Elissa's stomach was in a huge knot that would rival a grapefruit in size. Come on Elissa...hang in there...it's just for a little while. As Elissa rounded the last landing on the steps, she caught the gaze of that same pair of mysterious brown eyes that Will had used to greet her with. Oh Man! Is he something! Nice suit Mr. Darcy! She tried to smile without looking like she was trying to get his attention. She may have secretly wanted it, but she was definitely not ready for it...yet.

Will had decided to get a drink to calm his nerves before the party actually started and took one of the mixed drinks the waiters were carrying over to the bar area. He had just turned around from the bar area when he saw her...this time he really saw her. Is that the same girl that just went up those steps? He took in her soft, flowing dress and the way the color contrasted against the color of her skin, which was creamy and smooth...like pudding...huh? Good lord!...What's in this drink? As Elissa looked up from the steps, their eyes met... those eyes...like dark pools of chocolate...pudding...For heaven's sake...what is in this? Mental note to self: Never drink one of Chel's mixed drinks again and stop with this one! She is lovely though...and I like her hair much better let down than pulled back in that pony tail! I may not want any attachments right now, but would it really hurt to just talk to her...to just listen to her...to just run my fingers through that delicious hair...Get a hold of yourself man! "Will!" There you are cousin, there are a few people that I need you to meet." Rich had come up to Will without being noticed and had to speak to him again before he had his attention. "What is up with you Will? You look like you just swallowed a canary! "Pudding..." Will had mumbled that out before he had realised it. "What...Oh, What were you saying Rich?"

Elissa had looked at Will for a minute after she smiled at him and when he didn't smile back, she thought he might not want to get to know her after all. What an idiot! Essa, how could you think you could even get his attention...let alone keep it with what he must be used to in the way of women. What am I thinking?...I'm not ready for that man or any other man after what happened with Robert...I may never be ready for men again...I need some fresh air! As Elissa headed out the door and down the steps, she smiled a melancholy smile at Chel who was talking to some of the wives of Rich's colleagues. I hope it wasn't a mistake to ask Es to come and I hope she won't be angry with me. This is so important to me and I hope for her!

As the music started to play, Essa recognised the song as Marc Anthony's I Need To Know, as she was trying to remember the words a man came up from behind and took her hand. Before she could process what was happening, the man led her onto the dance floor. Elissa was feeling floored because one...she didn't have a clue who this handsome Latino man was and two...she wasn't sure she could do this kind of dance without making a fool of herself! As all of this was going through her mind, she realised that she was the object of a lot of curious eyes...one set in particular caused her heart to jump back into her throat...breathe Essa...just breathe... As the man started to lead her through the dance, she tried to ask him just who he was and why he grabbed her, but he put his arm around her and she knew she was in trouble...

"I can't dance to this"...she stammered.

"Of course you can Elissa darling! Follow my lead and I will take you where you need to go!

As Elissa and the stranger made their way around the dance floor, Will, without even thinking about it, was making his way around the perimeter. He stalked his way in and around the people on the fringe of the floor, while the whole time, never letting his eyes wander very far from her and that man. Will looked as if he were a tiger stalking his prey and his dark eyes narrowed as he watched the two of them together. He listened to the words of the song and seemed to feel as if the words matched this "despair-like" feeling he had while he watched her hands in the hands of that man. He tried to imagine what it would be like to be that man and to hold her in his hands.

They say around the way you've asked for me.
There's even talk about you wanting me.
I must admit that's what I want to hear,
but that's just talk until you take me there.

If it's true don't leave me all alone out here,
wondering if you're ever gonna take me there.
Tell me what you're feeling, cause I need to know.
Girl, you gotta let me know which way to go,
'cause I need to know.
I need to know.
Tell me baby girl, 'cause I need to know.

My every thought is of this being true.
It's getting harder not to think of you.
Girl, I'm exactly where I want to be,
the only thing is that I need you here with me.

If it's true don't leave me all alone out here
wondering if you're ever gonna take me there.
Tell me what you're feeling
'cause I need to know.
Girl, you've gotta let me know which way to go
'cause I need to know.
I need to know.
Tell me baby girl, 'cause I need to know.

*Song by Marc Anthony

While she was surprised that the man knew her name, she did not have time to question him before the next song started and he did not let her go. She recognised the Alicia Keys tango song, A Woman's Worth. It was one of her favorites. The next thing she knew, she and Mr. Tango were doing a very good impression of that very dance! As Mr. Tango said, if she followed his lead, he would and did show her exactly what to do and the two looked very convincing. They looked so much so, that the other couples and others stopped what they were doing just to watch! Chel was smiling so much that she thought she would burst and Rich looked on in awe of the obviously hidden talent of his wife's good friend. Will was completely taken in...by the way she moved...by the music and the words...and ...what was that other feeling...jealousy? Surely not!...I don't even know her...although...I can say I want to ...especially now! Who is this guy anyway?

Elissa was trying to concentrate on where her feet were going, but her eyes kept looking around to see a lot of others on her. She especially looked to see if a dark pair of eyes were cast her way...she wasn't disappointed. As she listened to the words of the song, she tried to make herself believe them, because she surely had not been treated as worthy in her past and she knew a little more of what she wanted and what she expected out of any relationship in her future.

You can buy me diamonds.
You can buy me pearls.
Take me on a cruise around the world.
Baby you know I'm worth it

Dinner lit by candles.
Run my bubble bath.
Make love tenderly to last and last
Baby you know I'm worth it.

Wanna please,
Wanna keep,
Wanna treat
your woman right.

Not just told,
but to show
that you know
she's worth your time.

You will lose,
if you choose,
to refuse
to put her first.

She will and she can
find a man
who knows her worth.

'Cause a real man
knows a real woman
when he sees her.
And a real woman
knows a real man
ain't afraid to please her.
And a real woman
knows a real man
always comes first
and a real man
just can't deny
a woman's worth.

If you treat me fairly
I'll give you all my goods
treat you like a real woman should.
Baby, I know you're worth it.

If you never play me,
I promise not to bluff.
I'll hold you down when sh*t gets rough
'cause baby I know you're worth it.

'Cause a real man
knows a real woman
when he sees her.
And a real woman
knows a real man
ain't afraid to please her
And a real woman
knows a real man
always comes first
and a real man just can't deny
a woman's worth.

*Song by Alicia Keys

When the song ended, just as if in a movie, a small bit of applause was what brought Elissa back to reality. As she and Mr. Tango stepped off the floor and over toward the tables, a faster song started and as if the excitement in her body from the dance wasn't enough to put a little wiggle in her walk...the look she got from Will as she went by was enough to put a little extra in there just for show!...There! Take that Mr. Glare right through my poor pathetic self! If she had been able to read his thoughts, she would have known that those were no where near the thoughts he was having.

As the tables were set up around the floor for a light supper, Elissa sat down at the first empty one she could find. The jet lag and the tango had sort of done her in and to be wading through the feelings she was having right now...she really needed to sit down!

"How exactly do you know my name...Mr.?...I don't even know who you are!" Elissa shot the man an exasperated look.

"My name is Paul Santos. I am a friend of Chel's. We work together at the university and I also teach Latin dancing. Chel told me about you and well...she thought you could use a little excitement...I hope you don't mind. You really are a fabulous dancer...have you ever taken any lessons?"

"Well, Mr. Santos, I am glad to know that you don't just go up to strange women and do this wherever you go! I am however a little...upset with my...friend for trying to add so much excitement into my life at one time!! I still feel like my heart is beating a supersonic speed! I thank you for the compliment...I did take some lessons when I was a lot younger, but nothing I ever got to put into practice...until tonight that is. Maybe when I have recovered somewhat you can show me some slower...easier on the...well...less active dances. Right now, I think I need to find my friend and see what other surprises she has in store for me...it was very nice meeting you and thanks for the dance!"

"My pleasure, Essa and I'll save you a slow one!" Paul replied.

As Elissa made her way through the crowd and up the steps, she happened to pass by where Rich and Will were standing. Rich called out to her as she walked by, "Es...Essa?...Where did you learn to do that? You've been holding out information from Chel and me you sly thing!"

"Richard Fitzwilliam!" Elissa drawled with her distinctive southern charm, "You aren't trying to make me out to be some sort of closet disco queen are you? I haven't ever danced like that...or danced in quite some time for that matter. I have a very sneaky friend to thank for my latest opportunity to display my obvious lack of talent and if you'll tell me where she is...I'll go thank her right now!!"

"Oh Essa...you know how Chel is...always the one to try to add a little excitement to our lives!" Rich laughed as he turned to Will, "Will that is one of the secret talents of my wife...you may get your turn yet to experience Chel's way of livening things up a bit!"

"Richard...I'm not sure that I'm up for any of Chel's livening up talents, so maybe she'd better just practice on you." Will said with a small sense of sarcastic humor in his voice.

"I think I agree with Will..." Elissa replied without thinking..."maybe Chel could spend her talent focusing on someone who is ready and waiting for it." Did I just say that I agree with Will? He sure didn't sound too amused by what happened...maybe he won't think I had a hand in the planning of that little exhibition now anyway...why do I care what he thinks anyway?

What does she mean...ready and waiting for it? Does she think I need to liven up...Can she be thinking that I am too dull?...probably. Well maybe we'll see how she reacts to this little bit of liveliness..."Elissa if it's not too much trouble...maybe you could show me how to ...I mean...would you care to dance with me later? Oh G*d, that was smooth...Mr. Control...yeah right!!

"I...um...well...I suppose I could handle one more dance tonight...so long as it's not another tango! Elissa knew she was talking, but she felt as if her body and her voice were detached or on some sort of wicked time delay. "If you want to dance now, I can find Chel later...would that be ok with you?"

"Now is fine with me too." Will replied back, hoping he wouldn't sound as wimpy to her as he did to himself.

"Excuse us for a little bit, Rich?" Will asked his cousin.

"No problem...I'll just see if I can find that wife of mine." Rich said to himself as he left the two of them alone.

"Shall we?" Will said as he offered her his arm.

"We shall!" Elissa laughingly replied as she lightly took his arm.

Chapter 3

As the two of them made their way to the dance floor, mercifully, the music changed from very fast to a very slow song. It took Elissa to realize the irony in the song that was playing, to the situation she was in. The Look Of Love by Diana Krall was beginning as she and Will made it onto the floor. How appropriate!...A song about the look of love and I can't even look at the man...Dear G*d, Help me get through this...and please no sweaty palms!!!

Wow! He is very, very, very tall...and built...yep, tall, dark and devastating! Thank goodness, dry hands...for now!
I am gonna drown in those eyes...oh my!

As Will took Elissa's hands in his, he marveled at how tiny and delicate her hands seemed in his. She is so delicate...like a porcelain doll...petite...fragile...beautiful! Lissa you have the most exquisite eyes...like I'm drowning in a dark ocean...oh my!

The look of love is in your eyes,
a look that time can't disguise.

The look of love, it seems so much more than just
words can ever say
and what my heart has heard,
well it takes my breath away.

I can hardly wait to hold you
feel my arms around you,
how long I have waited,
waited just to love you,
now that I have found you,

You've got the look...of love...
is on your face,
a look that time can't erase.

Be mine tonight,
let this be just the start
of so many nights like this.

Let's take a lover's vow
and then seal it with a kiss.
I can hardly wait to hold you
feel my arms around you.
How long I have waited,
waited just to love you,
now that I have found you...

Don't ever go...
Don't ever go...
I love you so.

*Song by Diana Krall

Even after the music changed and more people moved out onto the dance floor, Will and Elissa hadn't noticed. They remained content to stare into each other's eyes and not say anything at all.

"I think the music has changed...Will...Will?..." Essa was trying her best not to laugh, but she was still nervous and our girl gets the giggles when she's nervous.

"What?...I...What is so funny?" Will finally snapped out of his daydream state and realized that Elissa was giggling almost hysterically now and he had no idea what was so damn funny. "Did I say something...or do something to get you in this state?"...Will was starting to sound a little annoyed.

"No...no...it's not anything you said...it's just...it's just that...can we sit down for a minute?...I am having trouble catching my breath and trying to explain." Elissa pleaded through her giggles.

"Certainly, let's sit over here where it's more quiet." As he said this, Will led Elissa over to one of the garden benches that had been placed off to the sides of the dance floor. "Now...would you please tell me if I made a fool of myself or something to make you laugh like that..." He waited rather nervously to hear her answer.

"Will, I'm sorry if I made you think that I was laughing at you. I wasn't...I just realized that we were still standing out there on the dance floor and when I tried...well...I said something to you and you...you obviously didn't hear me. I just couldn't believe...you weren't nervous were you...about dancing with me?" Elissa felt like she wasn't making any sense as she continued, "I just can't imagine that you could be nervous as I was...I mean about dancing with a stranger...with me. I just found the whole situation...well...funny. I'm so sorry if I offended you...I didn't mean to, honestly."

"I am not offended...I'm relieved, actually." When Will said this he got a curious turned up brow from the lady. "I mean to say that ...yes...I guess I was a little nervous too. I got distracted and then you were laughing...I thought it might have been something I said or did. I'm glad to know that it wasn't." He waited to see if she thought he was foolish and when she didn't seem to...he was able to relax...a little.

"I have a few bad habits that people who know me have to over look occasionally, I'm afraid. One of those is nervous giggles...I'm really glad that you're not offended." Essa said with a sigh of relief. "I promise to try not to break into giggling hysterics again."

Trying to relieve any stress Essa was feeling and before he could think it through he said what was running through his mind. "I like the way you laugh...and the way it makes you smile..." He stopped in mid-sentence, not entirely sure he had spoken aloud until he saw the blush creep into her cheeks. "Oh,...I'm sorry...I didn't mean to embarrass you...I just meant...well...I didn't want you to feel awkward about it anymore." What must she think of you now...Mr. Cool and in control!

"I must admit, your comment took me a little by surprise...not unpleasantly surprised though. I am trying not to say something embarrassing, but I'm not embarrassed that you would say something so nice to me. Thank you."

While Will looked at her she tried to make him feel more comfortable by telling him she wasn't embarrassed when in truth she felt like she was going to melt under his powerful gaze. Is it really hot out here or is it me? I think I'd better find a way to gracefully get myself to my room...I really need to think...or scream...or do cartwheels... "I think this day is finally starting to catch up to me...perhaps I should go up to my room now. I hope I will see you tomorrow though?" she said the last with almost a question in her voice.

"I am glad to hear that you want to actually talk to me again and I hope you'll let me escort you inside." Will was hoping she would say yes so he would not have to part with her so soon.

"Thank you...it's not necessary, but if you insist...I would not mind the company a little longer." Did I just say that?...Oh Nooooooooo....that didn't sound anything like throwing yourself at him, did it Essa? Oh shut up!...I need to remember to tell my conscience to shut up more often!

"I do insist. Let me tell Rich or Chel that you are going up, so they won't be worried. I'll meet you at the steps, alright?" He went into the crowd to find their hosts.

As Will looked for Chel or Rich, Elissa made her way to the landing of the veranda steps and as she turned to look for Will, he came up beside her. "Waiting long?" he said with a small smile that hinted at dimples.

"That was quick! You are fast on your feet Mr. Darcy!" Elissa tried not to let her mind wonder just too far at how the rest of him might be...Stop that Elissa! I thought I told you to shut up!

As they walked up the stairs and down the hall to the guestrooms, they both tried to think of something to say, but were having difficulty with anything that seemed to make sense and not be inappropriate for two people who just met. As they came to Elissa's door, she finally got up the courage to speak to the man she was trying desperately not to stare at. "I thank you for the safe escort to my castle door gallant knight!" She said with a small laugh.

"Always glad to be of service to a damsel in need Madam!" and as Will spoke the last word, he took her hand and placed upon it the lightest and most exquisite of kisses.

Not certain that her knees weren't about to give out on her, Elissa let out an audible sigh and replied, "This is where you turn into a frog right?" She didn't mean to say out loud what was going through her mind, so when she realized that she had, she turned the color of a very, very ripe tomato!

Will wasn't sure he had heard her right or what in the world she meant by that, but was very pleased to see the way the color came over her features. He couldn't help but be curious and had to ask, "I beg your pardon?"

"I think I'll just say good night Mr. Darcy." Elissa managed to quietly say as she went inside her room and closed the door.

"Good night to you too...until tomorrow, Elissa." Will replied with a curious smile on his face as he turned to make his way to his own room. The room that was right next to hers.

Chapter 4

After Elissa had changed into her gown and robe for the night, she decided to call her boys. It was still early and wouldn't be so late back home. Even if it was, they might still be up as her father let them usually get away with everything! She needed to hear their voices and to tell them that she loved them and that she was all right. While Elissa was in California, her boys had stayed back in Texas with their grandparents. Elissa had grown up in the Galveston area and loved where she came from. She was the middle of three daughters born to Thomas and Francine Bennet. Thomas was a professor of literature at one of local community colleges and Frannie was a stay at home domestic goddess. Her parents had finally given up on having a son by the time daughter number three came along.

Jane, the oldest girl and her mother's favorite, had an angelic temperament and face to match. She had made her mother's life by marrying into one of East Texas' wealthiest cattle families. Charles Bingham was as amiable a character as Jane was sweet. Elissa sometimes found herself quite envious of the way they got along and the general happiness that always seemed to surround them. She loved them both dearly, but couldn't help but covet the way they were together when she compared her relationship with Robert to theirs.

Mary was the youngest Bennet gal. Mary was....well...Mary was her own girl. She seemed to inherit none of her mother's good looks, as did Jane or her father's wit, as did Elissa. Mary had a sort of radical independent streak and always had a cause. Right now the cause was keeping the Gulf of Mexico safe from refinery pollution. This was not an easy topic to sell to people whose bread and butter came mostly from the petroleum companies in the area. Elissa loved Mary for her dedication to things, but always felt kind of sorry for the way she never seemed to take an interest in her personal life...in particular, a certain Marine Biology major of her acquaintance. Elissa thought Mary ought to show more of her kind heart in personal situations where this young man was concerned.

Elissa was definitely a "daddy's girl." After Jane had been born and was dubbed her "mother's pretty baby", Thomas Bennet felt kind of left out in relating his interests and insights to Jane. When Elissa came along, and was by no means ugly, and had the good sense to favor her father, she was his to mold and influence into the person she was today. She was reserved and quiet, but thoughtful and sincere. She enjoyed many of the things her father loved. He always said she was his "soul-mate child sent from Heaven to save him from being an old man." He took her everywhere he went and showed her all the things he was interested in. Even her name had been his inspiration. Elissa loved to hear her father tell the tale of how she had gotten her name and he loved to tell it whenever he could. Elissa's father was an old soul. He loved the sea and sailing and good books. His daughter was the same. Thomas Bennet was so enamored with the sea that he named her after the Tall Ship Elissa, an 1877 iron-hulled sailing ship. The ship is now harbored in Galveston and acts as a living museum to the way commercial sailing used to be. The tale of the Elissa had inspired Thomas Bennet and took his breath away the first time he set eyes on her. His daughter, Elissa, had the same effect on him. The Elissa had been saved from salvage in Greece and painstakingly restored to her former glory over many years. Thomas always told his Elissa that the ship was "not a replica of what used to be, but a survivor of what was." He saw in his daughter the same kind of determination to survive whatever life threw at her. As if the ship's own history was not enough to inspire the name, it also incorporated his love for literature in that the name Elissa came from the epic Roman poem, The Aeneid, in which the tragedy of Dido, Queen of Carthage is told. Dido was originally a Phonecian princess named Elissa who fled from Tyre to Africa and founded Carthage. The ship is one of the favorite places she and her father and now her boys spent a lot of their time.

As Elissa finished her call to her boys, she couldn't shake the melancholy that had come upon her after hearing them say their goodnights and hearing her father tell her all of the fun things that they were doing. She tried to read but couldn't get past the first paragraph before having to start all over. She had too many things and too many people on her mind. I have got to get some of this out of my head...I'll never get any rest like this! Maybe if I go sit out on the balcony and listen to the ocean for a while...it sounds like the party has started to die down now.

Elissa put her robe back on and as she hadn't brushed her hair, a ritual she always did before going to sleep, she took her brush with her. She opened the door and walked out onto the balcony. The moon was shining bright and was reflecting off of the water, giving off a soft light all around. There was soft dance music wafting its way up to her through the lilac and rose vines Chel had growing on this side of the house. The scent, soft music and warm breeze were enough to help Elissa forget everything around her for a little while. If only I could stay frozen in this moment when everything seems so peaceful and perfect...as she thought this she started to brush her hair and breathe in the intoxicating fragrance of the flowers around her. She brushed her hair slowly from the top all the way to the ends and as she did, she began to hum along to the love song that was being played below. She didn't even notice that she wasn't alone in this perfect world!

After Will had said goodnight to Elissa, he just didn't want to go back down to the party. He felt he needed some time to think about the woman he had met to try and understand what he found about her that was so interesting to a man such as himself. He went to his room and took off his jacket and tie and hung them both back up instead of just throwing them on the chair. Will was even control over the wrinkles in his clothes...not that there were hardly ever any to notice. Why is it that this woman...what is it about her that's so...why can't I stop thinking about her? I've met plenty of women and taken whatever I wanted out of the relationship without so much as a second thought. Why should this one bother me so much? She isn't the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, but then...there is something about the way she looks at me. It's almost as if she can see inside me...I don't know if I'm comfortable with that prospect. I felt like such a fool around her too! I never feel that way...not really. I am reserved and I do like my privacy, but I can't seem to put coherent thoughts together when I'm near her...why is that? And why does it bother me so much?

As Will pondered these and a dozen or so related questions, he opened the doors to the balcony. As he hadn't turned on the light in his room except in his dressing area, there was barely any light coming from his room. He decided some fresh air might help to clear his head as he sat in one of the deck chairs on the far side of the balcony. Will hadn't been sitting there long when he heard the doors to the room next to his open and watched its occupant step out onto the balcony. He couldn't believe what he was seeing! The person that was clouding his thoughts was less than ten feet from him and wearing less than was proper for two strangers sharing a balcony! He didn't know what to say...afraid that he might scare her, so he said nothing. He just watched her as she walked silently to the railing and looked out over the ocean. She breathed in heavily, taking in the fragrance of the flowers and started to hum to the music from below. How she manages to take my breath away every time I see her...what is it about this strange, beguiling woman? How I wish I could talk to her...see what she is about...what kind of person she really is! As Will was thinking this, Elissa started to brush out her long curls and Will was about to come undone! What is she doing?...her hair...it shines even more under the moonlight...and looks so soft...what it must feel like...if only I could run my fingers through it! Will didn't realize it, but as he sat there watching Elissa, for what seemed like forever, he let out a very long and somewhat loud sigh.

Although Elissa was lost in her own thoughts, she was not entirely deaf to the sounds around her and when she heard someone sigh very close to her, she started! She turned quickly around and tried to make out who it was that was on the balcony with her. It was very dark and there was very little light coming out of the rooms, but with the moon shining and her eyes adjusting, she was finally able to make out the shape, if not the face, of her companion. I may not see the face, but I'd know that shape anywhere! It's Will! Oh Lord! I forgot that we share a common balcony on this side of the house! What must he think of me out here and in this...she looked down and did up the tie on her robe as she quickly tried to think of something to say.

While Will would have been content to have watched her a while longer, he knew he had to say something to her so she wouldn't think he was weird or anything. As he stood to approach her, he say her quickly tie up her robe and slowly look back up at him. "Ms. Bennet,....please forgive me...I didn't mean to startle you. I came out here for some fresh air before retiring for the night. I didn't realize you were out here until just now, as I have been sitting here for some time." He knew he was lying, but he didn't want her to be angry with him for watching her without saying anything. He continued, trying to make her more comfortable, "I can go back inside if I am disturbing you..." He hoped she wouldn't agree to that.

The whole time that Will was walking toward Elissa, she was sure he could hear the pounding of her heart! She felt as if it was going to jump right out of her chest! As Will spoke to her, she felt the hair on the back of her neck do the "attention" call and she tried not to gasp out loud. While he explained to her what he was doing there, she was trying to come with a sensible and giggle-free reply. Our girl was trying not to be nervous, but after all....she stammered when she answered.

"Mr. Darcy, please do not worry...you did startle me, but you are not disturbing my privacy...it is a balcony that we have to share you know. Yes, you are disturbing...but it's not my privacy that's beating out of control! Shut up will you Essa dear? I can't handle two conversations right now!

"It seems as if we both needed the fresh air tonight. I hope everything is alright...I had thought you would be rather tired after the long day." Will was trying to find a way to get her to tell him something about her ...anything about her.

"I admit that I'm tired...just not sleepy! This is another one of those bad habits I was telling you of earlier Mr. Darcy. I sometimes can't sleep when I have a lot on my mind." Why did you tell him you have a lot on your mind? Now he may ask...maybe he won't.

"Nothing troubling I hope. If you want some company, maybe it will help to talk for a while before bed." Now there's staying away from risky talk for you! Will what's the matter with you, are trying to scare her away? "We can talk about where we're from...what we do for a living...whatever you'd like, but I must admit I do have a question I've been wanting to ask you?"

"You do?...Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to sit and talk for a while." As they sat down in the chairs, Elissa asked him, "What was the question you had for me?" Do I really want to know?...oh yeah...I definitely want to know.

Will took a breath and swallowed, "I was wondering about your name?"

"What about my name and which one, first or last?" Essa was trying to answer and not stare at him.

"I was wondering about your first name...Elissa...it's unusual and very...pretty...ahem...How did you get it?" Will was trying not to kick himself for throwing in thatpretty comment as he waited for her to answer.

"My father gave it to me actually. I'm named after a Tall Ship. I know...that sounds ironic, doesn't it...tall ship...short girl. My father has a weird sense of humor I suppose." After she laughingly said this she told him the story of her name as he sat looking at her intently. "He has always loved the sea and anything connected with it and I guess it was kind of a natural thing to name the child you love after something else in your life that's important to you. Any other questions?" Why did you say that? Do you want to bore the man to death? Alright, conscience of mine, scram! Before I really let you have it!

"Well actually, I was wondering about the frog comment? Would you care to tell me what that was all about? It was...an interesting thing to say. Do I look like a frog or something?" Do I really need to know what she meant? Maybe that wasn't a good question to ask...too late now Will!

"Oh that!...Oh no...you don't ...I mean you don't look like a frog at all! It's just that ...this is reeeeally embarrassing! When you kissed my hand and we had been talking about knights and damsels in distress...well, you know the fairy tale about kissing the frog and his turning into the prince?...Oh Lord!...this is so totally stupid...please...promise not to laugh?" She held her breath to see his reaction to what she was trying so lamely to say.

He tried to smile reassuringly, "I'll do my best not to laugh, I promise."

"Ok, but remember...I did say it was stupid, didn't I? Well it's kind of like the fairy tale in reverse...do you see?" She was willing him to understand so she wouldn't have to finish the embarrassing explanation and have him think she was trying to throw herself at him...not that she hadn't thought about it...just a little.

"I'm trying, but I'm still not sure what you mean by in reverse." Will looked really confused.

"Well...instead of you being the frog to start with...and then...turning into the prince...and ..." she couldn't bring herself to look at Will, afraid that he might be put off by her remark in regards to himself as a prince.

The light had finally started to shine on our Mr. Darcy and he realized that she was comparing his earlier behavior and his person, to the fairy tale prince and hoping(or he hoped she was hoping) that he wouldn't turn into a frog. He finally finished her sentence for her..."You are hoping that I don't turn into the frog? Is that correct? Well, I haven't noticed any strange cravings for flies lately, but I promise I'll let you know if I do." She is unbelievable! Do women who really hope in a Prince Charming still exist? I hope so...and I hope I don't start to look like a frog to her anytime soon! This revelation is not going to help me sleep...it's going to be a long night...

They both enjoyed a small laugh over Will's comment about the flies and as their laughter faded and they struggled to find something else to talk about, there was a heavy silence that hung in the air except for the melody of What A Difference A Day Makes by Dinah Washington from below. Essa felt uncomfortable and uncomfortably drawn to staying in the presence of this man. She couldn't explain it and wasn't sure she wanted to. She just wanted to be...and be here with him.

What a difference a day makes,
twenty-four little hours.
What the sun and the flowers
where there used to be rain.

My yesterday was blue dear,
today I'm part of you dear.
My lonely nights are through dear,
since you said you were mine.

Lord, what a difference a day makes,
there's a rainbow before me.
Skies above can't be stormy,
since that moment of bliss,
that thrilling kiss.

It's heaven when you
find romance on your menu.
Oh, what a difference a day makes
and that difference is you.

*Song version by Dinah Washington

Will wanted the same for himself, but at the same time felt an urge to push himself to find a way to put some distance between them. He also wanted to take her in his arms and shelter her from whatever it was that was making her so sad. He was also afraid. He was afraid because he didn't know what she might want from him and was confused by what it was that he wanted from her...well...he knew what part of him wanted...but what about his heart? This was not an area where he felt like he had a lot of control at the moment.

"I think maybe I'd better let you get some sleep...it's been kind of a long day for me too. I hope you'll excuse me if I say goodnight to you now? I hope we'll get to talk again tomorrow." As Will said this, he stood up to move away from her and back toward his own room.

"Oh...no...it's quite alright...really. I thank you for the company and would also like to talk to you again. I hope we get that chance tomorrow." Elissa didn't want to sound disappointed, but she wasn't sure her voice wanted to cooperate. Don't sound like a hurt little child, Es, so he may not have liked your Prince Charming comparison...it is a lot to live up to after all. I probably won't see much of him after this...smooth Essa....real smooth.

They stood apart for just moments and both felt that they wanted to say something, but couldn't put the words out there...they were just there together and then they parted and closed their doors. Doors that led, not only to their rooms, but for now, also the doors to their hearts.

Chapter 5

The day dawned bright and sunny, which was quite the contrast to our poor Essa. Elissa had tried her best to get some sleep after her encounter with Will, but just when she would drift off into lullaby land, she would start dreaming of dancing with Will. She could feel his arms around her...feel his breath as he leaned down to kiss her tenderly, but as he pulled back from her, it wasn't Will's face she saw...it was Robert's. Elissa would wake up sweating and breathing hard, she would toss and turn and then go back to sleep. She repeated this pattern for most of the night. Every time she would end up startled out of her dreams of Will by the image of Robert again in front of her. There could only be one reason for this...she was having feelings of guilt. After what he had put her through, what could she possibly have to feel guilty for? She couldn't understand it at first and then it hit her...this was the first time and first man since Robert that had touched her. Will had touched her not just in the physical sense, but in the emotional one as well. She felt something for this man, not that she knew what that something was. How could she really? After all, they had only just met. Still she knew that this wasn't any ordinary chance meeting and Will was definitely not your ordinary guy!

After she had showered and dressed for the day, she left her room with a little uncertainty in her manner. She had no idea what Chel had planned for them today and wasn't sure of what to expect from Will either. She felt uneasy at the thought of seeing Will after yesterday, but longed to see him anyway. As she walked down the hall, Will came out of his room at almost the same moment. She smiled nervously at him, but he made no effort to reply in kind, he just looked at her and turned to make his way downstairs. She couldn't understand what would make him behave in such a way! Have I suddenly grown two heads or something? As she stopped at the top of the stairs and watched him make his way down, she tried to replay in her mind what had happened last night. Was what she said so abhorrent to him that he could not even bring himself to speak to her this morning? She saw him turn at the bottom of the steps and look back up at her. The look on his face was strange! It was like a storm of emotions and conflicting thoughts going on behind his dark and troubled eyes. For Heaven's sake Will...what is wrong? Why do you look at me like that? The look on her face was one of painful confusion and she did not know what to do. She knew she had to find Chel so they could talk about Will, but she did not know if she could look at him again so soon if he still wore that look on his face. After a couple of minutes trying to decide what to do and although she had no appetite, she headed for the dining room.

When she entered the dining room, everyone was already there. "There you are sleepy head! I was just about to come and pull the covers off and drag your butt out of bed the way I used to when we were in school!" Chel said as she handed Essa a plate.

Elissa hesitantly replied, "Thanks Chel, you're all heart! I know I'm running late, but you don't have to publicly broadcast my over sleeping tendencies of the past! I am quite reformed now...usually anyway. I had some trouble falling asleep last night that's all." She tried not to look in Will's direction as she spoke, but it was as if he were a magnet pulling her in.

As Elissa spoke to Chel, Rich was eyeing Will curiously. "Funny...Will said he had the same trouble too, didn't you cousin?"

Will was taking a sip of his coffee and nearly choked on it as he gave Rich the look. The look was what Will used whenever he wanted Rich to understand that he had better mind his own business! Will did manage to reply, "Yes...I did have a little trouble myself. I hope your sleep troubles soon pass Ms. Bennet." As he did not look at her when he spoke and said her name so formally, Elissa had her doubts as to whether or not those sleep habits would be gone so soon.

"Thank you...Mr. Darcy," she said his name with noticeable emphasis so that maybe he would get a pointed reaction as well. "I wish you the same...luck."

Chel was watching and listening to the obvious chilly interaction between the two with great interest. What must have happened with them? They seemed so lively together last night...I wonder if something happened after they left the party? Chel decided she'd better get Essa out of the house and find out.

"Essa, we need to get a move on if we plan on being back here by dinner, so get your rear in gear!" Chel chided her friend as she got up from the table. She went to say goodbye to her husband.

"Very eloquent for the breakfast table my dear." Rich said as he took Chel's hand in his and kissed it.

"Oh, hush up!" was Chel's reply as she leaned down to kiss him. "See you this afternoon, we should be back in plenty of time to get to dinner."

Will watched Rich and Chel with interest and then looked at Essa who was walking toward the door. He watched the look on her face as she watched Rich and Chel. It was a very sad look...almost a longing. He knew that look well and felt it too.

Essa caught Will's eye as she quickly tried to see his reaction to the couple. I just don't get him! He seems so warm and then cool as ice...well, I guess I shouldn't worry about any interest from Mr. Darcy. He's made it pretty clear this morning that he wished our acquaintance to go no further than casual. I guess I'm back to being Ms. Bennet. I'd like to say "his loss"...but somehow...I feel like it's mine.

As Will had watched Essa for several moments, he turned his gaze back to his breakfast. He couldn't read what she was thinking and couldn't look at her any longer not knowing what was going on in her head, but convinced that it wasn't kind to himself. Good going Mr. Control...you felt like you needed to push her away...well you've managed to give her a pretty good shove! I wonder if I'll ever have the kind of relationship that Rich and Chel have? I wonder if Elissa will ever be ready for that kind of relationship again? I wonder if she and I could have had that? Well, judging from how I treated her and the reaction I got from her this morning...it's not likely now. Stupid move, Will...really stupid!

Richard had explained to Will what had happened with Elissa and her husband the day before Elissa had arrived. Will had never met Elissa before and had only heard of her in passing. Richard and Chelley thought it would be best to tell Will in case any awkward conversations came up as to being married or where her husband was. Will had thought a lot about that conversation since he had met Elissa yesterday. How could anyone do that to his family? What an awful thing for her to go through...she finds out he was cheating on her on the same day he has a serious accident and then he dies! How did she manage to pull herself together? I guess she had to with two little boys to take care of. I know I had to when my parents passed...I had to keep going for Georgie's sake. I know how hard it is for Elissa. She must have a very strong character, but she still seems so...sad and lonely. I wish she could be happy again...I hope she's happy again some day. I hope I am too, for that matter.

Will finished his coffee and left the dining room just after Chel and Essa left. He went to Rich's study to make some business calls and to call his sister. It had been a couple of days since he had talked to her and he wanted to be sure she was ok. Georgie had gone through a lot in the last few years. It was hard on her when their parents had died and she was only ten...so young to have to go through something so hard! Will thought about Elissa's boys...it must be very hard on them too. Elissa must have a hard time being both mother and father to them and for boys it's so important to have a man's input in their lives. Chel had said that they were close to their grandfather, but Will knew that even that was not the same as always having someone there you could turn to.

As Will talked to Georgie, she could sense there was something troubling him. She always could tell from his voice if there was something the matter. She was always afraid to pry, but she couldn't help asking him if everything was ok.

"William, are you sure you're ok? You sound a little strange...like you've got something on your mind that's bothering you? Do you want to tell me about it, it might help?" Georgie was hoping that he would feel she was old enough to confide in when he needed someone close to talk to. She knew it was difficult for him to trust people enough to confide in them.

"No...nothing is wrong. I just didn't sleep very well last night. I'm fine and I don't want to worry about you spending your last couple of weeks at school worrying about me. I'll see you in a couple of weeks and then we can spend a lot of time together. I'll try and call you in a day or two and remember, if you need to get in touch with me, I'll be here until the end of the week, Ok? I love you Georgie, bye."

"I love you too big brother, take care. Bye." As she said this she hung up thinking that Will had not told her the entire truth. Maybe she needed to call Cousin Richard and see what she could find out from him.

As Elissa and Chelley had pulled away from the house and headed for the city, Chel decided to ask her questions where Essa couldn't escape or evade the topic. She knew she needed to proceed with caution though, because our Essa had a temper when she wanted to show it, you might want to find a place to hide.

"Essa, you know me...I'm not trying to be nosy or anything, but I couldn't help hearing the chilly way you and Will were addressing each other this morning. Do you feel like sharing anything with me? Maybe I can help?" Chel held her breath and waited for the bombs to fall.

There were no bombs, just sighs as Essa tried to decide what to tell Chel about last night and then this morning. She didn't think Chel would blab back to Richard what she would say, but she also didn't want Chel to think she was being silly over a man she just met.

"Chel, how well do you know Will? I mean, I know he's Richard's cousin and they're close, but how well do you know him?" Essa was hoping that Chel could shed some light on Will's puzzling demeanor.

"Well...what exactly do you want to know? I've gotten to know him better in the last year, since Rich and I were married in such a hurry, we didn't see Will until after we were married. I think he thought I was some sort of fortune hunter or something at first. He really didn't act like he knew what to make of me at first. I think he knows better now, I think he might even like me a little bit!" Chel said the last with a laugh.

Essa let out a small laugh at Chelley's remark and said, "Why would he think you were a fortune hunter? What's all that about?"

"You have to understand, both Richard and William are independently wealthy, powerful men. Will more so than Richard. This puts them in some awkward positions with people they don't know really well. Think about it...how would you start to feel if, when you met someone new, you never knew what they were after? What if they only like you for your money or social status? Would you be able to trust very easily without some apprehension? I also think that maybe Will has been hurt by this problem and pretty badly, from what I sense. I don't know who she was, but she definitely left her mark on him and he doesn't let people in very easily anymore. Does any of this help you with what was going on at breakfast this morning?" Chel was starting to wonder about her friend's curiosity and why she wanted to know so much about Will.

"I can't say if it helps yet, but it does explain his attitude or mood swings if that's what you want to call them. Don't read too much into this Chel, please? I don't know why his change in behavior bothers me, it just does. One minute he's so kind and sweet and it seems like we're making some sort of connection and the next...I don't know what happened next, we were talking last night and all of a sudden it was like he had to get away from me as quickly as possible...why would he do that?" Essa was exasperated by Will's behavior and Chel could tell that it was really bothering her. "And then this morning...he wouldn't even talk to me...it was like I had two heads or something the way he looked at me! It was very strange...almost as if he was battling something inside himself and couldn't or wouldn't let me near him! I just can't explain it!"

"Will you let me decide what to read and what not to read into it? I promise I won't jump to any conclusions, but there was definitely something in the way he was looking at you last night. I was so hopeful for you both! Don't give up on him yet ok? Maybe he felt he was getting too close to you too fast...if he does have an issue with trust...maybe things were moving too fast for him. Maybe he was afraid you couldn't or weren't ready to feel anything for him what with Robert and all...look, I'm not saying throw yourself at the man, but give him a chance and just be yourself. If he's interested, and I think he absolutely is, he'll let you know it when he's ready. Don't let him push you away either, just because it's the easy way out...and that goes for both of you. Don't run away from happiness Es, you are both long overdue in that department!" Chel hoped she got through to her friend because she had thought, long before they met, that they would be good for each other.

"I can't make any promises for Mr. Darcy, but I'll try Chel...I'll try my best." Elissa sighed as she looked out the window at the trees buzzing by.

When Elissa and Chel were finished with the fittings at the seamstress' shop Chel informed Elissa that she was treating her to a day at the spa. This would be good for her and might take her mind of other things. Essa reluctantly agreed and resigned herself to being poked, prodded, mud baked, waxed and steamed until her brain couldn't think for a while. After they had made their way through all of the treatments, they had their hair and makeup done.

"Essa, are you ever going to cut that hair of yours?" Chel was just teasing, but Essa wouldn't like her teasing her about her hair, she never did. Chel always did this as a joke between them since their college days.

"Chel, are you ever going to tweeze that one eyebrow and make it a matching set? Leave me alone about my hair Chelley dear!" Essa teasingly replied.

"You know I'm just teasing...your hair looks great any way, but I must say...it looks really great now. I'm so jealous! What do you say we go buy ourselves something terrific to wear tonight since our heads look so good? I think we need outfits to go with them!"

"Oh, Chel...I don't know...I'm not sure I should go tonight. Is anyone else going besides you, Rich, Will and me? I'm not sure that I can handle any more warm exchanges with him tonight." Essa knew that she was being a chicken and she knew Chel was going to tell her so.

"Who promised me they would try no matter what Mr. Darcy had in mind? Essa come on you're going and that's final and I dare you to pick something that would knock his socks off!" Chelley had that challenge look in her eye, she knew Essa didn't hesitate to pick up her challenges. She'd never hear the end of it if she did.

"Show me to the stores and I hope you have your charge card with you girl! Let's go find something that is "knock-your-socks-off" material or if he hasn't changed his tune about me, something that is "eat-your-heart-out-mister" material!" Essa replied back with renewed vigor.

"Let's go girl! Look out boys...gorgeous, determined women of the world coming through!" Chel bantered back.

After three stores and six shopping bags later, Chel and Elissa were on their way back to the house. The closer they got, the more apprehensive Elissa began to feel about tonight. Chel sensed her nervousness and squeezed her hand to show her support and love. Elissa took a deep breath as she got out of the car and headed up to her room focused on putting together a look that would at the very least, get him to notice...at least she hoped he would notice.

Will had worked with Rich for several hours before Rich talked him into going out on the golf course that wasn't far from the house. Will hated to play golf with Rich. It wasn't that Rich was good, Rich liked to talk when he played golf. Will did not feel like talking today. He knew what Rich would want to know.

"So, cousin, you going to play in silence all day? If you unburden your thoughts to me, it might improve your game?" Rich teased.

"If you'd shut up long enough to let me concentrate, it might improve your chances at survival!" Will shot back.

"Ouch! Something or should I say, someone, has gotten to you haven't they? Care to discuss it?" Rich silently hoped he would share it with him. He was worried about his always-in-control cousin.

"I'm fine Richard and no...no one has gotten to me. I can't imagine why you would think that." As Will answered Rich, he winced and missed his putt.

"Oh...you can't can you? Would the mention of a certain little lady from the great state of Texas, have anything to do with this acidic mood you seem to be in? Come on, Will, I know you...and I saw the way the two of you were looking at each other last night and then again this morning. Something happened, I thought it was all good last night, but this morning...what did happen?" Rich waited for the golf club to come flying at his head, but it didn't.

"Shut up Richard! Nothing did happen and nothing is going to happen. I don't know anything about Elissa and we just met. Besides, she doesn't seem like she's ready for any new relationships right now. Leave it alone, will you please?" Will hoped that this little discussion would end Rich's efforts to know more.

"Will, Essa's been through a lot in the last two years, but she's moving on. She is stronger than you seem to think, don't forget, Chel and I were there...I've seen her all the way through these last two years and she needs to move on with her life. She's young, beautiful, smart...what are you afraid of...is it the fact that she has children? Are you uncomfortable with that? If you are, you have to know her sons are great kids...its such a shame that their father was such a jerk and had to end up the way he did. They all deserve much better than that. You could all be so good for each other. What's wrong with you?" Rich knew he had said too much, but he was determined, whether Will hated him for it or not, to make Will see what he was throwing away before it was too late.

"What are you trying to do? Set me up with a ready-made family? Rich, I don't mind that she has kids and I'm sure that they're great if they're anything like her, but I'm not sure that I can be what they need. I haven't felt close to anyone in a long time, not like this..." As Will said this, he knew he had been caught letting out info he didn't mean to let out. "Don't look at me like that Richard! I know what I said...yes..I felt something...feel something for her! It scares me that I could feel so much for someone I barely know and so soon too...how can that be good? I don't want to leave my heart that open to being hurt again...I've done that already...never again." Will knew that Richard would not leave it at that.

"She's not like that Will. Es, doesn't have a mercenary bone in her body, although, I can't vouch for her temper, Chel says you really don't want to make her mad! Essa's been through so much and so have you. Don't let this really great woman get away from you because you...you're afraid...do you think this is easy for her? How scared must she be? She had a husband she thought she could trust and she finds out that he really didn't love her after all...at least not enough to be only with her. Not only that, but she finds out in the worst way! Come on...she's being brave and your being....a coward!" Rich was really waiting for that club now. He softened his tone, "I know you are worried about being hurt or hurting her, but Will, don't let worry keep you from what could be the best thing that ever happened to you. I know you've been talking about making that move out here from Boston, now might be a really good time to do that. Chel's got Essa thinking about moving out here too. We both think it might be a fresh start for her and the boys and I know it could be for you too. Just promise me you'll think about it ok? Think about the possibilities if the two of you are in the same place? Don't give up on her yet Will!" Rich was determined to win his cousin over to his way of thinking.

"You say she's thinking about moving?...out here?...permanently?" Will's eyes shot up and went from black to warm brown again. The dark storm brewing had dissipated and new thoughts were swarming around in his head. Well, maybe I shouldn't give up on this...on her..on me so fast! "Richard, I know we talked about a move, but I'm still thinking about it, so don't pester me ok? You really think she was starting to like me?"

Rich was trying hard not to laugh at his cousin's quick change of momentum, from getting far, far away from Essa, to getting to know her better...much better. "Yes, Will, I think, although I have my doubts as to what she sees in you...I think she was definitely starting to "something" about you. So do I take it you'll be coming with us to dinner?"

"Wild horses couldn't keep me away!" As Will said this, the putt he attempted, went straight into the hole.

Chapter 6

As Elissa buckled the strap on her very high heel, she started to feel a little self-conscious about her dress. I know I said I wanted to make him notice, but what kind of notice are we talking here? She looked in the mirror and sighed, it would definitely get her noticed. Elissa had chosen a little black dress, a very little black dress is what she was really thinking. It was a velvet dress that landed just above the knee and on her that was pretty short. It was sleeveless with an asymmetrical neckline that dipped low to one side of her chest, not too low mind you, but hopefully enough to make Will mind! Stop that, Essa! Don't get too carried away, he may not even care...but something tells me he will absolutely look! She took one last look at the dress and when she was satisfied, she turned her attention to her hair. The hairdresser had swept her hair back in a soft, braided up-do that showed off her shoulders and neck. Chel had loaned her a dangling pair of earrings to go with the stones on the mesh inset on the bodice of her dress. The package was stunning... it was the contents that were shaking! She picked up her perfume and put it on in all the right places and with the feeling that she was as ready as she would ever be, she picked up her black bag and headed downstairs.

As Elissa came out of her room, Will was coming out of his. "Evening, Mr. Darcy!" Elissa slowly drawled as she looked at him from over her shoulder while she kept on walking toward the end of the hall. She knew her legs might give out on her any minute and she still had to get down the stairs. She also knew when to play hard to get... if he could do it, so could she!

Will was so dumbstruck at the sight of her, he didn't even get the chance to reply because she just sauntered on down the hall, but he enjoyed watching her go! When she had gone by him, he felt like all the wind was sucked out of his lungs and was replaced by the scent of her perfume. It made him feel slightly dizzy to inhale it as he watched her walk away from him. He made his way downstairs and when he caught sight of her again, she had her back turned to him. This time he noticed she had her hair pulled up and it gave him a chance to observe that she had a lovely neck and nice shoulders. He was so mesmerized by what he was seeing that he hadn't heard Rich address him.

"Will...Will? Are you ready to go?" Rich asked him somewhat amused.

"What?...Oh...ready...yes...I'm very ready." Will never let his eyes leave Essa as he said this.

As he answered Rich, Elissa turned around to face him. She was certain she heard interest in his voice, now she saw it on his face. "Something interesting Mr. Darcy? You seem sort of distracted this evening. I hope there's nothing wrong." She was enjoying the distraction this man was going through.

"Oh...no...nothing wrong I assure you. That is an...interesting dress Ms. Bennet...you look very nice in it this evening." He was trying to resist the urge to growl as best he could.

"Why this old thing?" she teased. "I just dragged it out at the last minute, but thanks for the compliment. You look very... interesting too...Mr. Darcy." She could see the corners of his mouth turning up as she spoke.

"Please... call me Will, Mr. Darcy seems so formal." he replied.

"Only if you call me Elissa." she said.

"Elissa it is then... are you ready?" he asked.

"Ready?...Yes, I am definitely ready." She couldn't believe she said that.

Will was not exactly sure what she meant, but he was hopeful. It was going to be an interesting evening!

The restaurant they were going to was called Stories. It was a three-story building that had a reception and bar area on the first floor, a restaurant on the second floor, and a dance club on the third floor. It was a place that was new and exciting. Rich and Chel had been there a couple of times before and were eager to share it with Will and Elissa.

As the group entered the reception area, Elissa looked on in amazement at the sights around her. The building had a plush entrance which included deep burgundy carpets and seating areas with rich leather seats, obviously for people who had to wait for a table. As she was with a Darcy and the Fitzwilliams, she was not one of those people tonight. Just ahead of them was a staircase that led to the restaurant level. As Elissa went to make her way up the steps, she caught her heel on one of the lower steps. She thought she might fall backwards, but before she could even begin to lean backwards, she felt a hand on the small of her back, helping her to right herself. As she looked around, she saw Will standing just behind her. She was embarrassed that she might have looked foolish in front of him and started to blush. He just looked at her and although she couldn't tell what he was thinking, the look he gave her, not to mention the hand he still had on her back, made her shiver.

"You're not cold are you?" Will was trying hard to concentrate on her face, although he was having difficulty keeping his eyes off of her neck.

"No... no I'm not cold. I just had a chill run... no...I felt a little chill...must be the air conditioning... I guess." she said smiling nervously. Why?.... Why did I just say that? I'm trying to find out if he's still interested, not make him think I'm easy! "Your giving me chills just by looking at me Mr. Darcy" Get a grip on your mouth girl! Stop saying things without thinking about them for heaven's sake!

I'm giving her chills? he thought to himself. I think I like this different Elissa, not that the quiet one isn't interesting too! She hasn't given me any reason to think she wants me to move my hand either...that's got to be a good sign. Maybe coming here tonight wasn't a mistake after all.

As the hostess showed them to their table, Elissa noticed they were seated at a semi-circle booth that faced the windows and gave them a beautiful view of the ocean. Chel got in on one side of the booth and Rich slid in beside her. It was Elissa's turn next and as she scooted in next to Chel, Will sat down next to her. When he slid into the seat, Elissa couldn't help but notice that he was exceedingly close to her, so close that his thigh was right next to hers! It wasn't that she minded, but the thought of this man's thigh merely inches from hers was enough to cause her to be distracted. She also couldn't help but feel his eyes upon her. It was almost as if she felt him as he watched her, studied her, soaked in her appearance. Remember to breathe and for G*d's sake, don't giggle Essa!

Will hadn't meant to sit so close to Elissa when he sat down, but apparently his body had thoughts of its own. He wasn't about to move away from her, lest she think that he didn't want to be so close to her that he could feel the heat coming off of her blush. He was also having trouble not being distracted by the thought of her shapely, silk-stocking clad thigh being so close he could nearly feel her. While he didn't want to scare her off, he wanted her to know that he did have intentions toward her. He absolutely wanted her to know he was interested! As he was thinking about all this, he felt something brush against his leg...it was her! Lord, does she know that she just moved her leg up against mine?...and it's still there! Will couldn't believe the tingling sensation he had running up his leg...it was delicious!

Chel had asked Elissa if she could sit her bag next to Essa's on the seat and Elissa had to move over just a little to make more room. She had forgotten about how close she was to William until her leg made contact with his. Yowza!! Either I've got some really bad static electricity in these hose or this man is giving off sparks! As Elissa thought this, she turned to Will and as if they both had the same thought, they both looked down to their legs at the same moment. When they looked back up, they held each other's gaze for several moments before being drawn out of their solitude by the waiter asking for their orders. Neither Will or Elissa said anything to the other, nor did they make any attempt to remove this bridge of contact that had formed between them.

Elissa knew it felt good to have physical contact with this man and she was loathe to part from this feeling. Will was having the same kinds of thoughts, but was also thinking of whether or not to take the chance of putting his arm on the back of her seat so that he might "accidentally" touch her neck or shoulder. When he thought about the fact that she seemed receptive when their legs touched and that she hadn't moved away from him, he thought it was worth the risk.

After they had finished their dinners and there was a change of pace in the conversations, he smoothly leaned back and feigning the excuse of tapping Chel on the shoulder to ask her how long the restaurant had been open, he slipped his arm around her back. After he had gotten Chel's answer, he made no move to bring his arm back down. Elissa was well aware of where Will's arm was and could feel his hand just inches away from the back of her neck. As if the leg wasn't enough, the hair on her neck went straight up as she felt his fingers lightly tracing circles on the nape of said body part. Oh my G*d! What did he just do?...what is he still doing?...Does he realize he's doing that? Elissa dared to glance in his direction and the look he gave her told her that he certainly knew what he was doing and there was no doubt... he was enjoying it!

Rich suggested that they go upstairs to the club level to have after dinner drinks and to see what the dance floor was like. As Will got up, he turned to Elissa and held out his hand to help her up. When she placed her hand in his, it was like it belonged there. His hand felt made for hers. Will felt as if the empty space in his palm had been made just for the hand that belonged to this woman and how nice it was to hold it there.

The couples made their way up to the club level and found a table close to the dance floor. The group made their drink orders and watched the crowd as they waited for their drinks to arrive. Will was not as close to Essa as he had been in the restaurant and was longing to touch her again. Elissa was also missing the feel of his body next to hers. Will was determined that with the next slow song they played he was going to ask her to dance. He wanted to hold her again.

Elissa was hoping he would ask her to dance, although she was also nervous about it too. The more she tried to play it cool and not let him see how she desired his company and his touch, the more her responses failed her. She wanted him to talk to her, look at her and touch her. She felt like her senses were betraying her when she couldn't help but respond to any and all of his overtures.

Chel told Essa she needed to use the ladies room and used this as an excuse to get Elissa off away from the boys and ask her what was going on.

"Es, I need to use the ladies room, care to go too?" Chel was giving Essa the eye and trying to make her understand that she needed to go too.

"Yes, I think I need to go too. Excuse me Will?" Elissa had to put her hand on Will's shoulder as she stood up to steady herself because she felt a little weak in the knees.

"Certainly." Will said as he stood and took her hand to help her by his chair.

Will and Rich watched the two ladies walk away and then Rich had to ask Will how things were going.

"Well, you two seem to be pretty chummy for two people who are so quiet this evening! What gives cousin?" Rich was grinning wildly.

"I honestly couldn't tell you, but I'm glad for whatever it is. Elissa doesn't seem angry with me anymore and I'm glad about that, but as for the rest... I just don't know. I can't say that I care if it keeps her close to me tonight though." Will let out a sigh as he looked in the direction the two ladies went.

After wading through a crowd of people, the ladies finally made it to the restroom. Chel couldn't keep her curiosity inside anymore.

"All right Essa, what is going on between you two now? Barely a few words at breakfast and now you're so close to him you could be part of his suit! Did he say anything? Did you two talk about what happened?" Chel gave her this look that made her understand that her friend wouldn't let her leave until she had some answers.

"I honestly don't know... I don't know what is going on in that head of his! I know I said I wanted to get his attention... well, I don't think that's a problem anymore. The question is now... what do I do with it? I know what would normally be the conclusion here, but Will is such a mystery that I'm still not sure what he wants from me, but I am getting an impression of what I think he wants." Elissa wasn't sure she knew what to do now that she had seemingly piqued his interest.

"Just take it one step at a time... do what feels comfortable for you, but just don't rush into anything until you've had a chance to talk to him about all of this. Remember what we talked about this morning. Even though I want you to be careful... I think you and Will need to have some fun!" Chel grinned mischievously as she said that. Chel gave her friend a hug for support and the two left the room to make their way back to the table.

As Chelley and Elissa came out of the restroom, Chelley walked on ahead of Elissa just a couple of steps. As Chelley got closer to the table, she bumped into Paul Santos, the man that had danced with Essa at the party the night before.

"Chel, I didn't know you were coming here tonight... it's good to see you and your lovely friend again." As he said this, he turned to Elissa, "Elissa I hope you haven't forgotten that you promised me a slow dance...I hope you keep your promises."

"I certainly try to...although this evening..." before she had a chance to finish and as she shot a pointed look at Chelley, he cut her off.

"Well then, there's no time like the present right?" he said. Elissa didn't have time to object before he had led her onto the dance floor. Elissa was completely uncomfortable because she didn't want Will to get the wrong idea and she was afraid that whatever progress they had made tonight would be undone. While Essa had finally realized that Will should not see Paul as a threat, she was not sure that Will knew that. This made her nervous about what he would think.

As Chel returned to the table without Elissa, Will looked concerned as he asked, "Did Elissa get lost?"

"No... a friend of mine asked her to dance." she turned to Rich, "You remember Paul Santos from the university, don't you dear? He was at the party last night and was that man that danced with Es then too."

"Oh yes...he's the one that's..." Rich was interrupted by Will.

"Chel, who is this guy and what do you know about him? How well does Elissa know him?" Will didn't know he sounded like a tiger ready to pounce, but Chelley could tell. This calm, controlled man was jealous. Way to go Essa!

"Pull your claws back in tiger! I need to tell you something about my friend Paul." Chel leaned over very close to Will and whispered all he needed to know about her friend Paul. Will soon learned that he had nothing to worry about Paul taking Elissa's attentions away from him. Paul liked to dance with women, but that was all that Paul liked to do that involved close physical contact with the female form. Will was very relieved!

Continued in Next Section