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Jane came back into her room with the phone. "It's for you." She raised an eyebrow. "It's someone named Edward."
"Thanks, Jane." She took the phone and ignored her sister's questioning look. "Hi, Edward? Yeah, I'll be there. . . I'm running late. . . Oh. . . All right. See you in a bit." She clicked the phone off and returned her attention to her clothes.
Jane took the phone and waited for Elizabeth to explain.
After she changed her shirt and changed into jeans, Elizabeth put on her shoes and walked to the bathroom. Jane followed her.
She watched Elizabeth fix her hair and apply lipstick. She cleared her throat.
Elizabeth avoided eye contact with Jane. "I'll be at the coffee shop." She walked out of the bathroom.
"Elizabeth, who's Edward?"
"From work." She picked up her purse.
"Work?" She followed Elizabeth to the door.
"Yes. He works in the Math department." She walked out the door. "I'll see you later."
Elizabeth walked onto the sidewalk, not looking back at Jane who wore a stunned expression on her face. She knew she should not have left Jane like she did, but she did not have the time to explain and their discussion troubled her. She was running late, but the walk to the coffee shop would give her time to think about their discussion.
She did not realize how much she and Jane had lost touch with each other in the last few months. When she thought about it, Elizabeth realized that this was the first time they really talked about Jane's relationship with Charles. She mentally kicked herself for getting so wrapped up with work and William. William? Technically, there was nothing between her and William which she made sure of before she left him that day at the airport. The memory of that day replayed in her mind at the most unsuspecting times which seemed to be frequent lately.
She turned to join Jane, but was held back by William. "Elizabeth." She turned to face him. Before she could answer, his lips were on hers. His kiss was slow, tender and she felt his lips linger on hers after they parted. His voice was low. "Are you sure about this?"
Elizabeth touched his face. With a certainty she did not feel, she said, "Yes." She hugged him and whispered, "Bye, William."
She felt she had done the right thing. She had to put a stop to things before they got serious. Indeed they were heading in that direction. There were times though something nagged at the back of her mind, but this time it turned into a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. For the first time she had second thoughts about her decision.
She knew every relationship had their ups and downs. However, she also knew that there would be no ordinary ups and downs in a relationship with William. She tried to imagine both of their families meeting. Elizabeth was sure that it would certainly not be easy. If the anticipated meeting between Charles' family and her family was any indication of what to expect, she could only imagine what it would be like if it were William, whose reputation was greater than Charles'.
Elizabeth was half way to the coffee shop, so she quickened her pace. She knew William cared for her, but would that be enough to sustain something lasting? Her father's and mother's marriage was built on an attraction and later developed into a caring relationship. At times it was hard to believe they cared for each other, considering the way her father would tease and seclude himself from the family in his study. Elizabeth stopped in mid-stride. Even though she knew her father and mother cared for the other in their own way, her father's disappointment in marrying someone unequal to him in mind and understanding was apparent.
She took a tentative step towards the coffee shop. That was something she could not bear. The idea that William would realize she was a mistake. At the present, it seemed they were of a similar mind and understanding, but what about in the future when other serious factors were brought in? Would they be of the same mind and understanding where their families and friends were concerned? What about when it came to social obligations? She did not know anything about such things. And what about when it came to starting their own family? Would their children attend private school? Being a public school teacher, she would never agree to such a thing. Then the question of where they would raise their family was a major concern for her. If they chose to live in Philadelphia, she had a sinking feeling that their children would not experience any social diversity in school if they attended a school according to their social standing.
Marianne and Jane had told her to reconsider her decision. She concluded that what she had decided was the right thing to do.
Elizabeth walked through the coffee shop doors and then scanned the room for Edward. When she spotted him, she waved and walked towards his table.
Edward stood up. "Elizabeth." He kissed her cheek. "It's nice to see you. Did you get here alright?"
Elizabeth sat down. "Yes. I just live down the block. I'm sorry if it took me a while." She hesitated, "I had some things on my mind."
Edward studied her face. "Another surprise party?"
Elizabeth laughed. "No. Just things."
"Mm-hm." He leaned in closer. "What's his name?"
She looked at Edward, a bit surprised. "What do you mean?" She sighed. "Just because I had something on my mind, doesn't mean that it was about a man."
"Right." Edward waved at someone. "School is over, so it can't be about work." He stood up to greet the person he waved over to their table. "So, that only leaves one thing. Hi, Marianne."
"Hi, guys." She put her purse down. "Leaves what?"
"Hi, Marianne." Elizabeth shot a warning look at Edward. "Nothing."
"That work is over, so that means she must've been thinking about a man on her way here."
"Ah, I see." Marianne grinned. "So you've taken my words to heart?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "No. . . well, not exactly."
Edward looked at Marianne. "You know who the guy is?"
Marianne said, "Yes. Remember I told you? It's that guy William."
Edward thought for a moment. "William. . . William. . . oh, the millionaire."
"Right."
Edward turned to Elizabeth. "You must be playing hard to get."
Elizabeth's mouth dropped. After a moment, she said, "No. I'm not doing anything of the sort. I thought it was best-Wait, a minute. Why am I talking about this with you?" She looked at him and then at Marianne. "And I have thought about it, and I think I've done the right thing."
Edward, not wanting this to turn out bad since it was supposed to be a celebratory meeting, said, "All right. Why don't I get us some coffee and we'll commiserate over how we aren't working for the next three months."
This lightened the mood. Elizabeth said, "I'll have tea please."
"All right. Marianne?"
"Latte with a shot of espresso."
They both gave her curious expressions. Marianne said, "What? Do I have to be working to have my caffeine fix?"
They shook their heads. Edward walked off to get their drinks. As soon as he was out of ear shot, Marianne leaned over to Elizabeth. "Elinor will be here in five minutes."
"Marianne! Does Edward know?"
"I told him my sister might be joining us."
"Wait, does Elinor know?"
"Well. . . I told her that I was having coffee with some people from work and that she should join us."
Elizabeth put her hand on her forehead and shook her head. "You're asking for trouble."
"Relax. With you here, she won't suspect a thing."
Elizabeth was about to say something about planning things against the least suspecting, when both ladies were interrupted.
"Excuse me, may I join you ladies?"
Marianne was ready to tell the guy where he could go, but when she got a look at the tall stranger, she blurted out , "Yes!" She cleared her throat. "I mean, please do."
He took a chair and placed it in between them. When he sat down, he looked at Elizabeth, but neither said anything.
Marianne looked at both of them. He was obviously quite taken by Elizabeth, but she only looked at him with surprise. "Elizabeth, do you know him?"
Elizabeth blinked several times and choked out, "Yes. Yes, I do." She managed to look away and say, "Marianne, this is William Darcy."
Marianne's expression was equivalent to an 'Oooh.' She held out her hand. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Marianne Dashwood."
They shook hands. "I'm pleased to meet you as well."
Edward walked over and gave each lady her drink. "Oh, I didn't know we had another person joining us." He held out his hand. "I'm Edward Ferrars."
William shook his hand, discrete in examining the other man. "William Darcy."
Edward sat down, but when he realized just who he was, he looked at Elizabeth who was looking down at her cup. Then he looked at Marianne who coughed and nodded at the same time.
Marianne waited for Elizabeth to say something, but she sat quiet, not looking at anyone. Marianne, attempting to lighten the situation, said, "We all work together."
Edward, following Marianne's lead, said, "That's right. Marianne actually was student teaching in Music and then was offered the position. I teach Math."
William nodded and shifted in his seat.
Marianne added, "We're all here celebrating. Today was the last day of school." She looked at Elizabeth who continued her vigilance on her tea. "You can imagine how happy we are about it."
Silence occupied the table.
After a moment, Elizabeth cleared her throat. "I. . . uh. . . have to go." She stood up.
Everyone else stood as well. Marianne was the first to speak. "Are you sure?"
Edward said, "Would you like to bring your tea with you?"
Elizabeth looked at each person. Then she picked up her tea. "All right. I. . . forgot, there's something I have to do. . ."
William asked, "May I walk you out?"
All eyes were on Elizabeth. She shifted in her spot. "Sure." She said good bye to Marianne and Edward. "Tell Elinor I said hi."
"Right." Marianne avoided Edward's questioning look.
Elizabeth walked out with William following her. When they got outside, she stood on the sidewalk, looking around. She saw a trash receptacle and threw her tea away.
"Didn't like the tea?"
Elizabeth turned around. "I didn't want to leave it behind. Edward bought it."
"That was thoughtful of him."
They both stood on the sidewalk, unsure of what to say. Then Elizabeth started walking towards her apartment. "I have to go."
"You didn't drive?"
Elizabeth turned around. "No. I walked."
"Let me give you a ride. The car is here."
Elizabeth looked at the familiar sleek Crown Victoria. The driver came out and opened the door to the back seat. He tipped his hat. "Ms. Bennet. It's nice to see you again."
Elizabeth stood her ground. "Thank you, Silvester, but it's not far."
William took a step towards her, but it was Silvester who said, "Please, Ms. Bennet. It would be a pleasure."
She felt William's hand on the small of her back, guiding her towards the car. She was not sure if she should be angry or flattered at their determination. She walked to the car and looked at Silvester, "Thank you."
When they were both secure in the car, Silvester got in and drove towards Elizabeth's apartment.
William looked at Elizabeth, "Is Marianne the one you go to kickboxing class with?"
"Yes." She looked down, disturbed that he would remember such a detail. "We were actually waiting for her sister."
"Is she a teacher too?"
"No. A counselor, but at a different school."
William nodded.
Elizabeth snuck a glance at William. He had a slight shadow on his cheeks and his hair was longer than she remembered and it was also tousled. He was in jeans and a black sweater, the same outfit he wore that day they went to a baseball game. She shook her head, shaking off the warm memories of that beautiful day.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes. I just. . . had something in my eye."
William leaned closer. "I don't see anything."
"I. . ." She had forgotten how exquisite his eyes were. "It's gone."
"All right." He leaned back in his seat.
Elizabeth sat at the edge of her seat. It would be faster if I got out and walked.
William observed her. Her agitated state showed promise, however, he had a fifty-fifty chance that it would be in his favor.
When the car came to a stop, Elizabeth flew out of the car and up the steps.
William followed her, stopping on the sidewalk.
Elizabeth stopped half way up the steps and turned around. "Thank you for the ride."
"You're welcome."
Mesmerized by his smile, she walked back down the steps. She stood a few feet away, taking in his presence.
"I thought you had something to do."
Snapped out of her daze, she said, "Uh, yes." However, she remained in the same spot. "Why are you here?"
He took a step towards her. "Isn't it obvious?"
Elizabeth swallowed hard. "Business? You're here on business."
He shook his head.
"Charles! You're here to help him with wedding plans."
"I'll help him if he needs any, but he's not the reason why I'm here."
Elizabeth shook her head. "But, I thought. . . we decided. . ."
He took another step towards her. "Actually, you decided."
She was about to disagree, but she was silenced by his hand stroking her face.
"I've always done what other people wanted, even if I. . . disagreed. But, not this time." He brushed away a strand of hair on her forehead. "I know you said it wouldn't work out between us because of our different backgrounds. I remember you also said that if things got too serious, you didn't want to hurt me."
Elizabeth nodded, unable to break away from William's gaze.
"I came here to tell you what I think should happen between us." He took both of her hands into his. "I think we should see each other. In fact, I think things between us aren't serious enough."
She struggled to get the words out. "I-I don't want to hurt you."
"I would rather take my chances, than not having you in my life."
Elizabeth shook her head and withdrew her hands from his. "But, that would be like leading you on. That's why I said we should stop seeing each other when I did. At least then, it wasn't too difficult or painful."
His eyes leveled with hers. "Can you honestly say you feel absolutely nothing for me?"
She looked away. "No."
"I know I haven't done anything to prove myself to you, but that's why I'm here."
"To prove yourself?"
He nodded. "I'm going to show you that it's possible to have a future with me."
She hesitated. "And what if I say no?"
He reached for her face. "I only ask for one chance."
She stammered, distracted by his gentle caresses, "It-It sounds like I don't have a choice."
He raised his other hand on to the other side of her face. "You do. I just hope you choose me."
Elizabeth could not put two words together.
"Elizabeth?"
"Uh-huh."
"It was a long flight. . . it's been two months since I've seen you. . ."
She felt one of his hands slide behind her neck.
"Would you mind if. . ."
Before she could answer, she felt the hand behind her neck pull her to William's face and his lips were on hers. Then she felt his other hand on her hip, pulling her body towards him.
When she could not breathe, William pulled away.
"Is this how you plan to prove yourself to me?"
William chuckled and released her. "No. That was purely for my own satisfaction."
Elizabeth blinked several times.
"I won't do anything like that again until. . . when I know you'll welcome it without a doubt." A small smile appeared on his lips. "I plan to win your approval the old fashion way."
"Which is?"
"Through hard work."
"Hard work?"
He nodded.
"Would you care to elaborate on that?"
"No."
They stared at each other. One of them feeling annoyed and the other amused by the situation.
Elizabeth rested her hands on her hips. "It won't be easy."
"I don't expect it to be."
"And you can't use any of your. . . millionaire. . . tactics."
He chuckled. "I hadn't planned to."
She walked up to him and leveled her own look at him. "Just because I'm going along with this doesn't mean that I've changed my mind about us."
"Then why are you doing this?"
"Because I know if I don't . . . you'll never leave me alone and Jane would never let me hear the end of it."
He looked down, hiding his amusement. When his smile disappeared, he looked up at Elizabeth and said, "I have to go."
Her serious expression was replaced by surprise. "You're leaving? Now?"
"Well, I got here about an hour ago and I haven't been by the house to unpack."
"You mean, you went to the coffee shop from the airport?"
"Actually, I stopped here first. Jane told me where I could find you."
"Oh."
He smiled. "Don't worry, you'll see me again."
Her tone was indignant. "I-I wasn't worried about that."
They stood on the sidewalk for some time. With an expectant look, William said, "Well?"
Thinking he was expecting something from her, Elizabeth's tone was indignant again, "Well, what?"
"You know I won't leave until you go in."
"Oh, right."
She walked up the steps and when she reached the top, Elizabeth looked back, not quite believing what had just happened. When she saw William's solitary figure on the sidewalk, she was quick to avoid his gaze. She went through the door and shut it.
William walked to the car. Silvester stood by it, holding the door open for him.
"Everything go as expected?"
William stood in front of the opened door and looked back at Elizabeth's apartment. "Better then expected."
"Oh, thank goodness. She just walked in." Jane hung up the phone and approached her sister. "Elizabeth, are you alright?"
She let Jane guide her into the living room. She sat on the couch in an almost catatonic state. "He's here."
"Yes. So, he did find you."
Elizabeth nodded in an absent-minded way.
"What happened? Did he say something to upset you?"
She shook her head, shaking of her daze. "Well, he-I-then. . ."
"Start from the beginning."
"I was at the coffee shop with Marianne and Edward-"
"Marianne was there?"
"Yes. Edward had gone to get us some tea and coffee when, out of no where, William showed up." Elizabeth sat at the edge of her seat. "At first, I thought I was imagining things, but when he sat down. . ." Elizabeth closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. "God, he smelled good."
Jane stifled her laughter.
Elizabeth stood up and paced in front of Jane. "Then Edward came back with our drinks." She stopped and turned to Jane. "Do you think William thinks I'm seeing Edward?" Elizabeth continued pacing. "No, I think he knows I'm not." She started to laugh.
"What's so funny?"
"I-I got up and walked out."
"You left him there?"
"No. No. He followed me, but I was so nervous, I didn't know what William was going to do, so I made up some excuse to leave." She shook her head. "Marianne isn't going to let me live this down."
"What happened after that?"
"Well, we walked out, he gave me a ride here and. . . he dropped me off."
Jane looked at her sister with an arched eyebrow. "That's all?"
Elizabeth bit her lower lip and sat down. After a moment, she said, "Well, not exactly."
"What else happened?"
"I. . . he said. . . he was here because of me."
Jane sat up in her seat. "He said that?"
Elizabeth nodded. "And he said that he was going to prove himself to me." She sat at the edge of her seat, her head in her hands. "I think he was serious too." She turned to Jane. "What am I going to do?"
"Well, what did you say?"
In a dazed manner, she rubbed her lips. "I said I'd give him a chance."
"Oh, Elizabeth!" Jane hugged her. "I'm so happy for you."
"Jane, wait." She pulled away from her sister. "I don't think this is a good thing."
"Why not?"
Elizabeth looked down. "I'll admit, I do like him, but. . .I don't think a future with him is possible."
"That's ridiculous. Of course it's possible."
Elizabeth shook her head. "I've thought about it. Do you think the wife of William Darcy, CEO, would be allowed to continue being a teacher? And what if we had children? Where we would raise them?"
Jane put her hand on her sister's arm. "Those are valid concerns, but both of you could find a way, if you really wanted to."
"I don't think it'd be that easy."
"Of course not. That's something both of you would have to work on together."
Elizabeth looked at her sister with doubt. "I don't know, Jane."
Jane looked at her sister for a moment. "Elizabeth, you've always done things on your own. You've never had to rely on someone else for anything." She squeezed her sister's arm. "It's not a sign of weakness if you choose to rely on someone else from time to time."
Jane, sensing from Elizabeth's quiet manner that a change in subject was needed, asked, "Are you free tomorrow night?"
"Uh. . . yes."
"Good. Charles is coming over for dinner and we'll be going over some wedding details."
"Well, I did promise I'd help you with wedding details." Elizabeth's eyes widened. "Wait, is he bringing-"
"Charles still has to ask, but I'm sure William will be here too."
"Jane!"
"Elizabeth, he is the best man."
"I know, but. . ." She sunk in her seat.
"But, what?"
"It's just. . . if someone had told me this morning that the man I've been trying to forget for the last two and a half months would pop back into my life with an unwavering determination to win me over, I would've laughed out loud." She looked down. "I suppose I'm just a bit overwhelmed."
Although Elizabeth's heated feelings were promising, Jane understood that Elizabeth should not be pushed into this. "It'll be alright. It's not like you'll be alone with him."
"Right." Elizabeth did not sound like she felt reassured.
"C'mon. I'll show you what we came up with so far. Charles can only take so much talk about weddings."
Elizabeth laughed and let her sister lead her to the dinner table where it was covered with wedding magazines.
"You what?" Charles stood stock still in the middle of William's bedroom. When Jane told him that William had come looking for Elizabeth, he was just as surprised as Jane. William had not given the slightest indication he would be coming to California, let alone coming to see Elizabeth. When Jane told him that Elizabeth had returned, he walked over to William's house which was only a few houses away, and waited for him to show up. When he did, he followed William into the house, spewing forth question after question.
William chuckled. "I kissed her."
"Just like that?"
"Yes."
Charles watched his friend walk back and forth from his suitcase to the closet. "And she let you?"
William looked up from his suitcase. "I think it was so unexpected, she didn't have time to react. Don't worry, I won't have another lapse in self control like that again."
"I can't believe you got away with it."
A mischievous smile spread across his face. "It was worth it."
Charles laughed. "I'm sure it was."
William closed the suitcase on his bed and put it down on the floor. He picked up another suitcase and opened it.
"Gees, it looks like you're moving in."
William chuckled.
"How long are you staying?"
William shrugged. "As long as it takes."
"You're really serious about this."
William looked up at his friend. "Absolutely."
"I'm glad you've finally come to your senses. So, what's your plan?"
"My plan?"
"Yes, how are you going to get Elizabeth to change her mind about you?"
"Well, I haven't. . . I haven't worked out the details yet."
"You mean, you have no idea what you're going to do?"
William did not answer.
"I can't believe this. William Darcy doesn't have a plan."
"Well, this isn't something you can map out or put on a schedule." He let out a short breath. "Elizabeth is hardly the predictable type and besides, you've no idea how hard it was just getting here."
"What? There weren't any flights to California?"
"Some of us aren't lucky enough to have the reassurances of the woman they love."
"Since when did you ever need reassurances?"
"Since. . . I. . . it's easy for you to talk that way. You're engaged and planning your future."
Charles laughed, but his smile faded away. "It's just, I've never seen you give up on anything before. I was worried for a while, but now I'm glad to see you back to your old self."
"Well, I'm not at a hundred percent yet." He put away the empty suitcases. "I still have to come up with ways to see Elizabeth. I would ask her out every night, but I think need to be more subtle then that."
Charles thought for a moment. "You did say that you would come with me and Jane to that winery."
William stared at his friend. "Winery?"
He rolled his eyes. "I talked to you on the phone about it just a couple of days ago. First, I asked you if it was alright if your family could sit with Jane's."
William replayed the conversation they had on the phone. He remembered Charles asking him that and then telling him that Elizabeth said hi. "Oh, gees."
"What?"
"That's what you asked me to do?"
"Yes. You're not backing out, are you?"
William laughed. "Of course not. I didn't realize-never mind. Elizabeth's going?"
"I don't know yet, but Jane said she was going to ask her."
William raised an eyebrow, suspicious about his friend's plans. "Why do I get the feeling we were being set up?"
"What?" Charles laughed.
William shook his head. "When are we supposed to go?"
"Next weekend."
"Next weekend?"
"What? Is that a problem?"
"Well. . . I was hoping. . . I wanted to see her sooner than that."
Charles rolled his eyes. "You don't need a reason."
"I just. . . I don't want to push her."
Charles nodded, understanding his friend's cautious approach. "Hmm. . . well . . ." Charles slapped his forehead. "I'm having dinner with Jane tomorrow."
William rolled his eyes. "That's nice."
"No. At her place. We're going over some wedding details and she wanted Elizabeth to join us."
A flicker of hope appeared in William's eyes.
Charles looked at his friend, expecting an answer. "Well?"
"Well, are you asking me?"
"Do you need me to ask?"
"I suppose not, but I would like you to, if it's all the same."
Charles let out an exasperated sigh. "William, will you join us for dinner tomorrow?"
"I would be delighted."
He clapped William on the shoulder. "Excellent." Then he watched William walk into his closet. "What are you doing tonight?"
William talked from inside the closet. "I . . . I have to call everyone at home to let them know how things are going. . . I need to check the house, see what the house keeper has left for me. . ."
"So, you're doing nothing."
William stepped out of the closet with a shirt on a hanger. "Uh. . . what kind of dinner will it be tomorrow?"
Charles looked at him with disbelief. When he saw that William was serious, he said, "Nothing formal. Jane is making dinner." He watched William walk back into the closet. "Are you picking your outfit now?!"
There was a pause before William said, "No."
Charles laughed. "Stop what you're doing. We're going out for a drink."
William walked out of his closet. He stood in place for a moment and ran his hand through his hair. "Do you think I should wear my white collared shirt or my gray turtle neck?"
"It's too warm for a turtle neck-wait. No. We are not going to spend the evening like this." He walked over and took William by the arm. "We're going for a drink, however, judging by your state of mind at the moment, we may need several."
"But-"
"No talking about outfits or speculating on what Elizabeth thinks or feels." He pulled William by the arm out the door. "I already have enough sisters."
"But-"
"Not another word, or they'll hear about this back home." Charles handed him his coat.
William took his coat. "All right."
Charles shook his head and opened the front door. "I'm going to need a double."
"Good morning, Elizabeth."
"Morning." Elizabeth opened the refrigerator and frowned at the sight of the orange juice carton.
"Sleep well?"
She chuckled and then shut the door to the refrigerator. "Not really."
Jane looked at her sister with sympathy. "Nervous about tonight?"
Elizabeth walked over to the counter and stood next to her. "Maybe just a little."
"Well, I'm almost done picking out what to make for dinner." Jane pushed the cookbook towards her. "Want to help pick a dessert?"
Elizabeth flipped through the pages. "I'm sure whatever you choose will be fine."
Jane said, "All right." She looked at her sister for a moment. "Why don't you take a nice long bath? I'm sure that will calm your nerves."
Elizabeth shook her head. "No, it's alright. Besides don't you need help getting things together?"
"Well, I still have to make a list of all the things I'm going to need." Sensing that her sister needed to do something to occupy her, Jane said, "Why don't you go out for a walk? By the time you come back, I'll have gone to the market, and then you could help me by putting things together."
"Are you sure? I could help you at the store too."
"I'll be fine." She gave her a playful nudge. "Besides I'll get through shopping faster without you."
Elizabeth laughed. "All right. I'll see you in about an hour." She walked towards her room to change out of her pajamas and into something for walking.
Then she said goodbye to Jane and walked out the door. She stopped at the top of the steps, letting her eyes adjust to the morning light. When her eyes readjusted, she walked down the steps, breathing in the morning air.
She walked towards the park she and Jane usually went to on their walks. Since Elizabeth had fallen into a routine with Marianne and kickboxing class, it had been some time since she and Jane had walked to the park. Elizabeth noted to herself that she would have to make an effort to try to do both.
Elizabeth remembered the last time she walked with Jane to the park. It was on the day she was going to meet William for the first time. She remembered feeling anxious and nervous about the blind date. Jane was not forthcoming about what to expect and when they had met Charles on their way home, he was just as allusive as Jane about the date with William.
She reached the park and continued walking on the pathway. She could not believe that it was nearly three months since that memorable blind date, and yet, it felt like so many things had happened.
Elizabeth had to admit that William had been the only man to make her experience such a range of emotions and most of them were not unpleasant. She wondered, if they were to have a relationship, would it always be like that? One minute she would be confused about his feelings and the next it seemed so obvious. Other times she was resolved to act in a way that would not betray her own feelings, but then with a look or gentle touch, she was ready, more like wanting, to let him do whatever it was he was thinking and trying to hide behind his smoldering gaze.
She sighed and shook her head. After two and a half months of resolving herself to the fact that she would never have William in her life, he shows up unexpectedly and in a matter of minutes, she had almost come undone. Almost.
Although she still believed her reasons for not seeing William were valid, her feelings were not firmly against the idea of letting him have his chance to prove himself. She had to give some credit to Jane's words.
"William could quite possibly be the one to make you exquisitely happy, and I don't want you to miss the opportunity."
He only asked for one chance. He had one shot to show that he was worth her future happiness. Only one thing nagged at the back of her mind. Would she be worth his future happiness?
The sound of a basketball dribbling on the court brought her out of her thoughts. When she saw who was on the court, her first instinct was to turn and walk the opposite way, but it was too late.
"Morning, Elizabeth."
She walked towards the court. "Morning, William."
He looked down, dribbling the basketball. "Did you sleep well?"
"Not really."
He chuckled. "Me neither. Charles was determined to go out for drinks when he found out I was in town."
Elizabeth smiled. "I suppose between Jane, my mother, and sisters, even the nicest guy could use a break."
He stopped dribbling the ball and looked up. "He told me about that afternoon when he met your family."
The mild disappointed expression on his face caused her to hesitate before she walked towards him. "My mother was determined that we all show perfect behavior." She held up her hands and William passed the ball to Elizabeth. She walked towards the basketball hoop. "That lasted for about two minutes."
William laughed and followed Elizabeth. "Charles actually enjoyed meeting your family. He says it's been a long time since he's felt like he's a part of one."
Elizabeth looked at him. "That was sweet of him to say." Then she bounced the ball twice before she took the ball, held it up for a shot. "But, he also mentioned that you and your family are special to him too." She pumped her arms up and the ball went sailing through the air. It hit the rim.
William jogged over to retrieve the ball. He passed it back to Elizabeth. "Charles is a good friend." Elizabeth held the ball up for another shot. "I guess you could say he's like a brother." When Elizabeth leaned back to make her shot, William added, "Some day we might even become brother-in-laws."
The comment caused Elizabeth to throw the ball short. Nothing but air.
William caught the ball, wearing the traces of a smile on his face. "Did you also play basketball?"
Elizabeth blinked several times. "Basketball?"
"Well, you look like you've shot the ball before. I thought maybe you played basketball besides softball."
"No. Actually, my father and I would just shoot hoops, nothing serious."
"Oh." William bounced the ball, picked it up, arched back, and released the ball. The ball hit the back board and fell into the basket.
"Did you used to play basketball?"
"Not on a team. Just with Richard and Charles." He passed the ball back to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth took it and bounced the ball from one hand to the other. "My dad and I would play Horse or take free throws." A smile spread on her face. "Some times we'd shoot two out of three." She brought the ball up, above her head, and released the ball. It bounced on the rim twice before it fell off, missing the basket.
"Two out of three?" William rebounded the ball and bounced passed it back to Elizabeth.
"Yeah. It was silly." She dribbled the ball. "If one of us made two out of three shots, we'd go for a root beer at Lucas Lodge. One time we shot for who would go with my mother to pick out new drapes for the living room." She passed the ball to William.
William took it and did a lay up. "So, who had to go with your mom?"
Elizabeth watched William dribble the ball. "Well, if my dad made the shots, I had to go. If he didn't, he had to go." She smiled to herself. "Suffice it to say, saving face as a basketball player was not high on his list, so he missed all three."
William laughed. His smile faded when an idea crossed his mind. "You want to play?"
"What? Two out of three?"
William nodded.
"What would we be playing for?"
He looked down, bouncing the ball from one hand to the other. "If I make two out of three shots, every time I ask you out, your answer is yes."
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at him. She thought for a moment. Then a small smile appeared on her lips. "What if I take the shots? But, instead, if I don't make two out of three shots, all you have to do is tell me where and when, and I'll be there."
William was not sure if she was serious. She had missed the two she had just taken a few moments ago. However, when he looked at her, she had a serious expression on her face. Maybe she wants to go out with me just as badly as I want to go out with her. He shrugged and bounced passed the ball. "All right."
Elizabeth caught the ball and walked to the free throw line. She dribbled the ball a few times. "Oh, and if I do make the shots," She held the ball, "This ball is what you'll cuddle up to on your dates."
William looked at her with a bewildered expression. Before he could ask her why she seemed upset, Elizabeth had released the ball. It hit the backboard and fell into the hoop.
Elizabeth bent down to pick up the ball. She bounced it from one hand to the other before she picked it up to shoot again. "You know, usually, when a woman is asked out on a date, she likes to have the choice of saying yes or no." She pushed off the ground on her feet and shot at the hoop.
William watched the ball ride the ring of the hoop before it fell in. He sighed and passed the ball to her.
Elizabeth took it and held it. "Besides, why would you want to go on a date, if you knew that I didn't say yes because I actually wanted to go on the date." She reared back and shot the ball. This time it went in, catching nothing but net.
She ran up and retrieved the ball. "I probably should've told you there was a reason why my father always took the shots."
William could not help laughing. After a moment, his smile disappeared. "Sorry."
Elizabeth bounced the ball back to him. "Why did you make that bet?"
William looked down at the ball, palming it in between his hands. "I. . . I just wanted to be sure."
Elizabeth walked up to him. "What happened to proving yourself the old fashion way?"
William looked up at her. "You're right."
When she looked at him, she was surprised by the nervous expression on his face. "Maybe you should take some time to think about what you want to ask. Then you can ask when you're ready."
He nodded and bounced the ball a few times. "How about now?"
Elizabeth's brow furrowed. "Maybe you should take a little more time."
He passed the ball to Elizabeth who took it and prepared herself to shoot. "Now?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "No." She shot the ball, hitting the rim.
William rebounded the ball and went up for a basket. "Now?"
"No."
William waited for her to take another shot. "How about now?"
Exasperated, Elizabeth held the ball in her hands and looked at William. "No!" She bounced it back, harder then she had intended.
William held the ball. "Well, when can I ask?"
Elizabeth stood in front of him, shifting in her spot. "Well, since we're supposed to go over wedding details with Charles and Jane tonight, you can ask then." She gave him a nervous smile. "So, I can think of an answer."
He looked down. "All right."
"I have to get going. Jane should be back from the store by now."
"Do you two need any help?"
"No. We'll be fine."
"Uh. . . should Charles and I bring something for dinner?"
"No, I think Jane has it covered."
"So. . ." William walked towards her.
"I should get going."
"Right."
"See you tonight."
William nodded and then Elizabeth turned and walked away. He watched her walk out of the park. She never looked back.
William stayed a little while longer, thinking about what had just happened. He knew it was impetuous of him to make such a wager. He could not help feeling embarrassed and that he might have given Elizabeth the impression that he was a bit desperate.
He leaned back and shot the ball. It hit the back board and bounced in the basket. He forgot that he should not have underestimated Elizabeth. He was pleased though that she did not stay angry at him for very long. In fact, she gave him a bit of hope.
The sun by now was high in the sky and more people were clamoring to get on the court. William collected his stuff and walked back to his house. It was several hours before he and Charles would have dinner with Jane and Elizabeth. He decided that he would freshen up and take Elizabeth's words to heart. He was going to figure out how to ask her out.
Elizabeth looked at the flour, eggs, and butter. "Jane, what did you want me to do with all this again?"
"I wanted you to make that cake." Elizabeth gave her a blank expression. "From the book. . . sitting right in front of you."
Elizabeth looked down and saw the cook book. "Oh right. Sorry." She began reading the recipe, but soon she became distracted, again. "What are you wearing tonight?"
"I don't know. I haven't really thought about it."
"Oh." She was quiet for a moment before she said, "Because I was just wondering. . ."
Jane did not say anything, waiting to see where Elizabeth was going with this.
"I know it's just dinner and we're going to discuss wedding plans, so we really don't need to get all dressed up."
Jane, busy slicing vegetables, responded with a, "Mm-hm."
"But, we should look nice. I mean, we shouldn't be wearing something we'd normally wear around the house."
"Probably not."
"But, then again, we don't want to wear something that would look like we're trying to impress them."
"Uh-huh."
"I wonder what they're going to wear. Do you know what Charles is going to wear?"
"I have no idea."
"Oh."
Jane waited for Elizabeth's next comment, but when she did not say anything, Jane asked, "Do you know what William's wearing?"
"No. Do you?"
"No. But, why would I know?"
"Right. Of course." Elizabeth resumed her attention back to the recipe.
With a small smile pulling at the corner of her lips, Jane asked, "Would you like me to find out?"
Elizabeth was quick to say, "No." With a bit more control she said, "I don't really care. It's not important."
Jane shook her head. "Right."
Elizabeth continued. "I mean, tonight is not a big deal. It's just dinner and we're going to talk about your wedding."
"Uh-huh."
"The attention won't be on me or William."
"Sure."
"So, it shouldn't matter how I look."
"If you say so."
Elizabeth looked up at Jane. "What do you mean?"
"Well, it has been a while since he's seen you."
Elizabeth stirred the flour in the bowl in an absent manner. "Yeah."
"I'm not saying you should dress up like you're going to the opera, but you should make some kind of effort to look nice tonight."
"I. . . I don't want him to think I'm dressing up for him."
"Of course not."
"But, I think he's going to ask me out tonight and I don't won't to look like some slob."
"That's probably a good idea."
"Maybe I should wear a skirt."
"That sounds-"
"No. It's too much."
"Actually, that-"
"I'll wear jeans. That wouldn't be out of the ordinary."
"But-"
"And maybe a pretty top."
"Well-"
"Yeah. That sounds like a good idea. Not too much, just right."
"I suppose-"
"And, it's not like I care whether he asks me out or not. In fact, I don't care if he does or not."
"Sure."
"So, it shouldn't matter what I wear."
"Right."
Elizabeth looked at Jane. "What do you think?"
Jane sighed. "It sounds like you've got it all worked out."
"I do? Oh, right. I do."
Jane watched Elizabeth stir the flour in the bowl. "You know, in order to make a cake, you need to add other ingredients."
Elizabeth looked down at the bowl of flour. "Right." She focused more attention on the task and eventually had a batter going. Then she said, "He did say he liked it when I wear a skirt."
"Then maybe you should wear a skirt."
"No. I shouldn't be getting dressed up for him."
"All right. If that's what you think."
Elizabeth stopped stirring, and rested both hands on the counter. "He's going to ask me out on a date."
"That's good."
"No. It's not." Elizabeth looked down at the cake batter. "What do I say?"
"Yes."
"But, what if I don't want to go on a date?"
"Of course you do."
"No, I don't."
"Yes, you do."
"No, I don't."
Jane put down her knife. "Elizabeth, you want to go on this date so badly that you're talking about what to wear when he asks you." Elizabeth's mouth fell open. Jane continued, "You're going to wear a skirt and you're going to say yes."
"But-"
Jane picked up her knife and pointed it at her. "No buts. You're going to do it."
Elizabeth resumed mixing the batter. "All right."
Jane shook her head. Then continued prepping the rest of dinner.
After a moment, Elizabeth said, "Which skirt should I wear?"
Jane willed her eyes not to roll at Elizabeth's comment. With an equanimity she did not feel, she asked, "What did you have in mind?"
That was enough to allow Elizabeth to talk with little participation from Jane. She had never seen Elizabeth in such a state. Usually, such trivial things never concerned Elizabeth. Rather then believing that her sister was reliving some hormonal teenage angst that she missed out on, Jane knew there was much more to it then that. Elizabeth's denial about going out with William only reaffirmed Jane's suspicions. Elizabeth had it bad. The only problem was getting her to let go of her fears and to admit and accept her true feelings.
Dinner had carried on with no major incidents. Except perhaps William's initial shock and eventual pleasure at seeing Elizabeth in a skirt. Try as he might, he could not block out the memory of the first time he had seen her in a skirt. They were riding in a car together and because of the bumpy road, her skirt would slide down, each time revealing a smooth thigh. Of course, the incident did not repeat itself while they ate dinner, but the memory lingered in his mind and it took every ounce of his self control not to look down at Elizabeth's lap in the hopes that history would repeat itself.
Elizabeth was not completely unaware of William's attention towards her. A small part of her enjoyed how he would stare at her in such an open manner. Another part scolded herself for being easily affected by such a gesture. Regardless of what her feelings were, Elizabeth decided that she had to keep them in check.
She willed her eyes to stay focused on her plate or on Jane, but it was difficult because of William's sweater. The last time she had seen it was when she had gone over his house for lunch and he had helped her finish her grades. Although it was easy to remember a sweater like that, it was the memory of him in it, taking a break from cooking lunch, and leaning on the counter and drinking a beer that kept replaying in her mind. He looked at her with such ardor then, it did not help that he looked at her now with the same fervor from across the table.
Since they were near the end of dinner, the conversation turned to Jane's and Charles' wedding.
"You two should invite who you want." Elizabeth looked at Jane, then at Charles. "I know mom and Caroline are giving you a hard time about the guest count, but you're not getting married to make them happy."
"You're right, Elizabeth." Jane looked at Charles.
Charles shifted in his seat. "Well, it's easier said then done."
William asked, "Has Caroline shown you a guest list of the people she wants to invite?"
"No."
"Tell her to make a list and you and Jane will go over it. Then you and Jane can decide who will be invited from the list."
Elizabeth added, "You should ask mom to do the same thing."
"That way both of you still have control over who gets invited and how large it'll be."
Elizabeth thought for a moment. "That would be a good way to appease both of them. You don't have to approve of everyone on the list. In fact, after you go over the lists from Caroline and mom, you could make your own list. It'll be a final list that they can't argue over."
William looked at Elizabeth. "I was thinking the same thing."
Elizabeth shifted in her seat.
Jane and Charles shared an approving smile.
After a moment, Elizabeth cleared her throat. "It sounds like we got that part settled. What else did you two want to talk about?"
Jane shuffled through some papers. "Well. . . both of you know about the trip next weekend, right?"
William leaned closer. "Yes. Charles reminded me about it yesterday."
Elizabeth nodded.
Jane continued, "We'll drive up Friday morning." She looked at William. "Charles mentioned that you would share the driving with him."
"Yes. It's a long drive."
Elizabeth's brow furrowed, feeling she had missed something. "Where exactly are we going?
"We're going to look at some wineries in Napa Valley."
"But, isn't that. . ." Elizabeth thought for a moment. "That's a seven hour drive."
"Yes." Jane smiled. "And William offered to drive some of the way."
Charles added. "We'll rent a car and switch off in the middle."
Elizabeth sank in her seat. She knew about this trip and that there was a good chance William would be accompanying them. Now that it was confirmed, she was not sure how to feel about it.
Jane saw Elizabeth's serious expression. "Charles, will you help me clear the table?"
The pointed look from Jane told him that there was no choice. "Of course." He could not help giving his friend a sly look before he cleared some dishes and followed Jane into the kitchen.
"How would you handle the guest list?"
Elizabeth blinked several times, unsure of what he meant. "The guest list?"
"Yes. If you had Jane's and Charles' dilemma."
Elizabeth brushed off a crumb from the table. "I'd probably just invite who I wanted."
"You wouldn't have your mom draft out a list?"
She thought for a moment and added, "Well, I probably would just to keep her busy."
He chuckled. "Would you take her suggestions under consideration?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "I already know who I'd want at my wedding."
"Who?"
"Well, my mother and sisters, the Gardiners, and. . . the Lucas's. They were very supportive when my father died."
William nodded. "Any other friends?"
"Maybe Marianne, but she's been bother-"
"What?"
Elizabeth felt her cheeks burn. "Nothing."
William was not sure what he had said to upset her.
She shifted in her seat. "What about you?"
He thought for a minute. "Well, there's my dad and Georgiana of course." Elizabeth nodded in agreement. "Richard, Anne, their parents. . . Charles. . ." Elizabeth raised her eyebrow. "Perhaps Caroline."
"Perhaps? Wouldn't Charles be offended if you didn't invite her?"
"No." He looked at her for a moment. "He would want me and the person I was marrying to do what we wanted."
Elizabeth looked at him, doubting what he said. "Well, what if the person you were marrying doesn't want Caroline to attend."
With a smile forming on his lips, he said, "If that's what she wants. . ."
Elizabeth shook her head. "You say that now."
William leaned closer to her. "And I'll always mean it. . ."
"What about other guests? I'm sure there are other people, acquaintances, that you'd want to invite."
William shook his head. "No."
She tilted her head to the side. "But, wouldn't other people expect to be invited?"
"Well, it's like you said, I wouldn't be getting married to make other people happy."
Elizabeth looked down at the place empty place setting. "But, it sounds like you want a small wedding."
"Maybe." His voice was low. "I don't care who's attending the wedding, as long as the most important person was there."
Elizabeth could not bring herself to look at William. She could feel his stead fast gaze on her. At the sound of the phone ringing, she jumped up from her seat.
"I'll get it."
Before anyone could say anything, Elizabeth had the phone. "Hello?"
"Hello? Elizabeth?"
"Aunt Maddie?"
"Yes. I know it must be late over there, but I had a question for Jane about Laura's flower girl dress. I hope I didn't interrupt anything."
"Oh, no." Elizabeth avoided William's gaze. "We just finished dinner and we were talking about the wedding with Charles and William."
"William is there?"
Elizabeth shifted in her spot. "Yes. He's here."
"Oh. I just sent a thank you note over to Pemberley."
"A thank you note?" When Elizabeth said this, she heard William's chair scrape against the hardwood floor.
"Yes. Laura's class was invited to tour the grounds of Pemberley."
Elizabeth looked over at the dinner table, but William had left his seat. She looked around the room and saw him looking at some pictures hanging on the wall. "When did they go?"
"Oh. A few weeks ago. I thought you knew."
"No. I didn't." William's back was facing her, so she could not see his face.
"Well, since he's there, would you mind thanking him for me?"
"Of course."
"Is Jane available?"
"Yes. Hold on." Elizabeth walked to the kitchen and handed the cordless phone to Jane. "It's Aunt Maddie."
Jane took the phone. "Thanks."
Jane chatted with their aunt and Charles washed the dishes. He looked over his shoulder. "Dessert should be out in a minute."
"All right."
"Is there something wrong?"
"Uh, no." Elizabeth shifted in her spot. "Nothing's wrong." She left the kitchen and walked over to William who had an unusual fascination with the pictures on the wall. Elizabeth stood next to him, unsure of what to say.
William pointed to one of the pictures on the wall. "That's a nice picture."
Elizabeth looked at the picture he was pointing to. It was a picture of Elizabeth and her sisters when they were children. "I was eight when we took that picture."
"It's charming."
"Thanks."
He pointed to another picture. "Is this your father?"
Elizabeth looked at the picture of her father blowing out candles on a cake. "Yes. That was taken a year before he passed away."
William saw what he thought was sadness cross her face. Before he could comfort her, she said, "My Aunt Maddie wanted me to pass along her thanks."
He shifted in his spot, unprepared by her comment. "She doesn't have to thank me. It was Georgie who showed Laura's class around the grounds."
Elizabeth turned to him. "Whose idea was it to invite all those children?"
"Yours."
"Mine? I never asked you to invite Laura's-"
"No." He turned to face her. "I had told Georgie about your idea." Elizabeth stared at him with a curious expression. "The night of the ball . . . on the balcony."
Elizabeth remembered their conversation that night and when her thoughts drifted to what else transpired on that balcony, she cleared her throat. "Right." When she regained her composure, she said, "I didn't think you'd take me seriously."
With an earnest look, he said, "Of course I do."
She felt herself grow warm inside and had to look away. She pointed to another picture. "This is a copy of one of my mother's favorite paintings."
William looked at it. "Monet's Lily Pads?"
She could not help smiling, pleased that he knew what it was. "Yes. It's one of the few things my mother and I both like."
William looked at the other pictures. "Are there any other paintings you like?"
"Uh. . . I like the paintings from Giverny. But, I also like Van Gogh and Degas."
"Have you ever been to an exhibition?"
"No. But, I've seen some of their works at the County Museum of Arts."
"We'll have to go to an exhibition some time." Before Elizabeth could respond to the comment, William's attention was captured by another picture. "I thought you said you've never been horse back riding."
"I haven't." Elizabeth looked at the picture that had captured his attention. She could not help laughing. "I didn't think having your picture taken on a pony counted as riding experience."
"Of course it does." He took a closer look at the picture. "How old were you in this picture?"
"I was seven."
"What's happening in this picture?"
Elizabeth looked at another picture he pointed to. "That was on Halloween." She smiled at the fond memory. "Jane and I were in high school by then. We loved the movie Grease. She dressed up as Sandy and I dressed up as Rizzo."
"My sister loves that movie." He looked around the other pictures. "Are there anymore?"
Elizabeth was amused by the question. "Why would you want to see more pictures?"
"Because I like learning more about you."
"I think I'll disappoint you. There's not much to learn."
William shook his head. "I was thinking about you earlier and I realized that there are a lot of things I don't know about you."
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at him.
"For instance, I don't know if you like French toast or pancakes. I also don't know what your favorite color is or if you like rainy days."
Elizabeth wore a bewildered expression on her face. "Why would you want to know those things?"
"Well, because. . ." He looked down. "I hope. . . someday I'll be the only one privileged to know you that way." He looked up at her and stared at her for a moment before he said, "Is it all right if I ask my question now?"
She stared at him for a moment before she realized he was asking her something. "Oh. . . your question." She shifted in her spot. "All right, if you're ready."
William cleared his throat. "Are you free tomorrow afternoon?"
"I'm not sure." She turned towards the kitchen. "Jane-"
"Yes. You're free."
She felt the back of her neck grow warm. "I suppose I am."
He chuckled. "I was wondering. . . if you'd like to get lunch."
It was a brief moment before Elizabeth said, "Sure. Where?"
The pleasure William felt from her acceptance was obvious from his charming smile. "How about The Lodge? I hear they have great pizza."
She laughed at the reference to one of their previous dates. "That sounds good."
They agreed on a time and that they would meet there. When they had finished discussing the details, as if on cue, Jane and Charles walked out with dessert.
"There's water for tea. William, would you like some coffee?"
"No. I'm fine."
Charles sighed.
Elizabeth turned to Charles. "What's the matter?"
"I don't know how much longer I could've waited until I could have a piece of cake." He sat down and took a bite of his slice. "Jane wouldn't let me have any until-"
Jane swatted his arm. "Why don't we finish going over the trip for next weekend."
Elizabeth and William walked over to the table and joined them. They were soon enjoying dessert and talking about the trip to Napa. It was obvious William was eager about the trip. Elizabeth had mixed feelings. She had grown accustomed to not seeing William over the last two and a half months. It was not easy, but she learned to live with it. Now, in a twenty-four hour period, she had seen him three times and each time, there was no doubt of what his intentions were towards her. When it rains, it pours.
Jane and Elizabeth walked the gentleman out, but on William's insistence, they did not go as far as the bottom of the steps. Jane and Charles stood a few feet away, in an embrace, saying their good-byes.
Elizabeth and William stood a few feet in front of each other, trying to ignore the couple's intimate gesture.
William cleared his throat. "Since school is out, what are your plans for the summer?"
"Well, I still have to attend planning meetings for the next school year, but other then that. . . I don't have any set plans. Just to help Jane of course." She shoved her hands in her pocket. "How about you?"
"I have a couple of business trips to go on. I plan to visit Georgie once she settles in at her new school. Other then that. . . I don't' have any set plans either."
"What about your dad? I thought he'd want you back home."
Not if I came back empty handed. "He thinks being in California is the best thing for me right now."
"Oh." She felt her cheeks grow warm when he gave her a charming smile. In a playful tone, she asked, "Are you going to be like this the whole time you're in California?"
His smile disappeared and in it was replaced with a bewildered expression. "Like what?"
"Like. . . this." She threw her hands in the air. "Charming and . . . sweet."
He stepped towards her. "I didn't realize it was a problem."
"It's not a problem. It just makes things difficult."
"Difficult?"
"Difficult to stay objective." Why does he have to stand so close?
"You did say it wouldn't be easy." Oh god. She's biting her lower lip.
"I did. But, I was talking about it not being easy for you." She felt his breath on her face when he let out a deep sigh.
Then he said, "What gave you the impression this is easy for me?"
"Because you. . ." And that's when she saw the struggle he concealed so well. It was the one thing she could not forget no matter how much she tried: The smoldering look in his eyes that meant he wanted to touch and taste her. So overwhelmed by this realization, all she could say was, "Oh."
He raised his hand to her, but when he realized what he was about to do, he stopped himself, but allowed his finger tips to graze her arm. "I'm trying my best."
"I know you are." His words carried numerous meanings. However, what she was most grateful for was his restraint.
He took her hand. "I have to get going."
"All right." She did not know why, but it bothered her that she could not do anything to reassure him.
He squeezed her hand before he let go. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Right."
He turned to Charles who waited with Jane.
Elizabeth walked up the steps with Jane following her. When they both reached the top of the steps, they turned around and said, "Good night."
The gentlemen waved good bye and walked to Charles' car.
The ladies walked into their apartment. Jane shut the door behind them. Elizabeth walked into the living room and was shortly followed by Jane.
"That wasn't so bad, was it?"
Elizabeth gave Jane a wary look.
"It looked like you two were getting along fine."
"You think that if it gives you comfort."
Jane gave her sister a playful nudge on her arm. "C'mon, Elizabeth. Are you going to sit there and tell me you didn't enjoy William's company?"
Elizabeth hesitated. "I won't deny that I did, it's just that. . ."
"What?"
"I don't know how to explain it. I know how he feels and what he wants, but I. . ."
"Elizabeth, you don't have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable."
"I know. It just makes me feel awful that I can't return his feelings."
"At all?"
Elizabeth thought for a moment. "I am attracted to him, but I can't say I feel anything more." She looked down at her hands folded in her lap. "He deserves more than that."
"You have to give it time."
"Time? But, wouldn't you know right away? How long did it take you to realize your feelings for Charles were deeper than just a physical attraction?"
"I don't know how long it took, but I remember the moment."
Elizabeth looked at her sister, waiting for her to continue.
Jane smiled to herself. "It was after the first time I spent the night at his house." A faint blush spread across her cheeks. "When I woke up to get dressed, Charles and my clothes were gone."
"Gone?"
"Yes. There was a robe on the bed, so I put it on and went downstairs. Charles was in the kitchen making breakfast."
"That's sweet."
"But, that's not what made me fall in love with him."
Elizabeth's brow furrowed.
"When I asked him about my clothes, he said that he sent them out to be cleaned and pressed."
Elizabeth could not help laughing. "So, that's what did if for you?"
"Don't laugh, Elizabeth. You'll understand when it happens to you."
Elizabeth wiped the smile off her face. "I'm sorry. It's just that it's hard for me to believe that I'll fall in love with William because of something trivial that he's done."
"It's not what he's done or what he'll do, but the thought put into it." Jane sighed. "Charles cared enough, so that I wouldn't go through the day with wrinkled clothes. Who worries about things like that?"
Elizabeth smiled. "I suppose it is endearing."
Jane shook her head. "Mark my words, when it happens to you, I will never let you live it down."
"If, Jane. If it happens."
"At this rate and considering the type of man William is, it will happen."
Elizabeth did not respond to Jane's comment, but instead, she said, "Good night."
When she went to bed, she did not fall asleep right away. Instead she thought about her discussion with Jane. Elizabeth remembered things William had done for her in the past and she figured she should be madly in love with him by now, but she did not feel like she was. There were moments of exquisite pleasure and sweet anticipation, but was that love? She knew it was not and that her words to William about things not being easy were a true understatement.