Beginning, Previous Section, Section XIX

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Chapter 30 "French Toast"

Author's Note: This chapter has some adult content and if I were to rate this, it would be PG-13.

Elizabeth put the last of the empty glasses away and then pushed in the bar stools. Jane was listening to her mother talk about how successful the evening had turned out. William was helping Charles put the tables back in order and Caroline wanting to talk to William, but not interested in moving any tables, stood off to the side and talked from there.

Charles, a bit exasperated, said, "Caroline, I'm sure what you've done with your bedroom back at Netherfield is fine, but it would allow us to work faster if you helped us or stopped talking."

"But-"

"The sooner we finish, the sooner we can go home."

Realizing that it meant the possibility of having William to herself, Caroline stopped talking. However, she soon got bored with watching and looked for something else to occupy her time. Her eyes narrowed on Elizabeth. Then she walked over to the bar.

Caroline stood at the edge of the bar and leaned against it. "The bar looks immaculate. I wouldn't know how to begin cleaning it up."

Elizabeth wiped off a stool and then another. "I can't take all of the credit. Charlotte and Maria did most of the cleaning."

"That's right. Their father owns this place."

Elizabeth ignored the tone of disdain in her voice. "They're a good family."

Her voice was insincere. "I'm sure they are."

She did not want to let Caroline get to her. Not when she had had a nice evening. "How was your flight?"

"It was fine. Although the service was not as good as it should've been."

Yeah. It must've been real rough in first class. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Your mother had mentioned that you went to Napa with Jane and Charles this past weekend." She gave her a knowing smile. "Have you ever been there before?"

"No." Elizabeth started wiping down the bar. "Neither had Jane, but Charles and William were so nice to show us around."

"Wh-I-" She cleared her throat. "I didn't know that William went with all of you."

"He was kind enough to help with the driving."

"Of course." She sounded relieved. "I'm sure he also had things to take care of while he was there."

Elizabeth shook her head. "No. He was actually quite attentive."

"Well, Charles is a good friend of his."

"Of course."

Caroline tried to hide her annoyance, but was unsuccessful. "I mean, why else would he go? He's been there thousands of times."

"I'm sure he has."

"And he knows lots of people."

"Oh. I do remember meeting Mr. Bertram and his son."

Caroline had not. "They must be business acquaintances."

"Tom, Mr. Bertram's son, had said that his sister Julia had attended Georgiana's ball."

"Oh." Her lips were pressed together, making a thin line across her mouth.

Elizabeth hid her smirk. Unable to pass up the opportunity, she asked, "How's George Wickham?"

Her shoulders stiffened. "Fine, I suppose. I wouldn't know."

"Really? I was under the impression you two were friends."

"I don't know what gave you that impression."

"That afternoon at Pemberley, I saw you both talking before he left. I just assumed you two must be friends."

Caroline shifted in her spot. "I'd say we're acquaintances."

"Right."

After a moment, Caroline asked, "Do you really think it'll work out between you and William?"

"Maybe. But, William is quite determined that it does."

"Oh really?"

"Yes. He made that very clear when he came back here almost two weeks ago. How did he say it. . . 'I'm determined to show you it's possible to have a future with me.' Yeah. That's it."

"He said that?"

"Yes. You know what it's like when his mind is set on something."

Caroline looked away.

Elizabeth continued, "I was skeptical, but as I said, he was determined." A far away look came over her expression. "I can't believe I dreaded going to Napa with him. He can be so. . ."

Caroline spit out, "Determined."

She gave her a sweet smile. "Actually, I was going to say persuasive."

Before Caroline could contradict her, William came over.

He looked at Elizabeth. "Are you almost finished?"

"I'm done."

"Good. Remember what you said earlier?" He rubbed her arm with his fingertips. "I'd like to get to your place as soon as possible because of my early flight tomorrow."

Elizabeth smiled, wishing she could turn around to see Caroline's expression. "Let me just get my sweater."

"I'll get it. Is it hanging on the coat rack?"

"Yes."

"All right. I'll meet you at the door." He looked up. "Night Caroline." Then he walked to the front.

When Elizabeth turned around, she was pleased to see the astonished look on her face. "It's hard resisting a man like William." She threw the bar towel in the sink. "So, I thought, why resist?"

She walked away, not giving Caroline a second look. She smiled when she saw William looking down at his sweater that she had brought with her.

"Did you do that on purpose?"

William stopped at the red light. "Do what?"

"That whole thing about going to my place, saying it in front of Caroline like that?"

After a moment, the light turned green and William stepped on the acceleration pad. "Well. . . I suppose that was part of the reason."

"I wished I could've seen her face."

"It was priceless."

"You know, she's going to be my sister-in-law. I should make some kind of effort to be nicer."

William turned down Elizabeth's street. "If you think that would be best."

"I'd feel bad for Charles."

"Charles is fully aware that his sister is. . . not well liked."

"Then that's sad."

He reached for her hand. "You're an extraordinary woman."

"Why? Because I feel sorry for Caroline. It's not that hard to do."

"Even with her given attitude, you still manage to feel some sympathy for her."

"Yeah. I guess it's a failing."

He squeezed her hand. "It's a strength." William parked the car in a space that was a few houses down from Elizabeth's place.

William opened the car door and helped her out. They walked down the street, hand in hand.

After a moment, Elizabeth asked, "So, is this a very big business deal you're taking care of Thursday?"

William nodded. "Yeah."

"How big?"

"Pretty big."

"Big enough to buy a vacation house in Paris?"

William chuckled. He said, "Bigger."

"Hmm. . . big enough to buy one in Paris and one in London?"

"Let's just say it's big enough to buy houses there and eight more in other major cities."

Elizabeth's eyebrows shot up.

"But, we already have one in Paris and the one in London is more of a town home."

She shook her head. "You might as well have said you could buy the Taj Mahal."

"The Taj Mahal isn't for sale."

Elizabeth looked at William and when she saw that familiar smile, she laughed. Then she said, "How's Georgiana? Is she nervous?"

"A little. She's looking forward to taking a summer course. She wanted to get familiar with the campus before school started." He chuckled. "I think she just wanted to get away from us."

"I'm sure she'll miss you and your dad, but she is a young lady now."

"Please don't say that. That implies she likes boys and is old enough to make her own decisions."

Elizabeth gave him a gentle nudge. "It was bound to happen."

"I'm her older brother. I can't help worrying."

"She'll be fine."

"I know."

"How's your father taking it?"

"He's constantly telling her how he hates the idea."

Elizabeth laughed. "That sounds like your father."

"Yes, but he's proud of her though."

"I'm sure he is. Does he have plans of his own?"

"Aside from maintaining Pemberley, he said he was thinking about visiting some relatives in England."

"That sounds nice."

They walked up the steps and stood in front of her door. William let go of her hand and then shoved both of his in his pockets.

"Will you tell Richard and Anne I said hi."

"Of course."

Elizabeth looked down at the ground. "So. . ."

"Uh. . ." He cleared his throat. "I should probably get going."

"I thought. . . Aren't you coming in?"

He looked at Elizabeth, then at the door. "It's probably not a good idea if I did."

"Oh."

William did not like the hurt expression on her face. "I do have an early flight tomorrow."

"Right."

"And if I came in. . . I might want to stay."

Elizabeth took a step forward. "What if. . ." She looked up at him. "What if I wanted you to stay?"

"Elizabeth. . . I'd like to stay, but. . ." He traced the outline of her face. "If I stayed and something happened between us," His eyes wandered down her lips. "I'd be happy, but if later, you felt it was a mistake. . .I'd rather not take that chance." He kissed her forehead. "I'd rather wait until you were sure."

Everything was happening in slow motion after that. William hugged her and kissed her cheek. He said good bye and would call when he got in. Then he started walking down the steps.

Elizabeth was not sure what to do. She would not have invited him in if she did not want anything to happen. How could she make it any clearer? He had said something about waiting until she was sure. Wasn't she sure? Wasn't she sure she wanted to be with William, wanted to love him? He was near the bottom of the steps. He was going to leave, not knowing she loved him. What could she say to convince him she was sure?

"French toast."

William reached the sidewalk, but turned around when he heard Elizabeth's voice. "Did you say something?"

"French toast."

He looked at her with a puzzled expression. "French toast?"

"You-you asked me once whether I like French toast or pancakes."

William thought a moment.

"I like French toast because pancakes make me sick. Has to do with college."

William nodded and climbed a step.

"You also wanted to know what my favorite color is. It's yellow, but I look awful in it."

He chuckled.

"You said you wanted to know if I like rainy days. I do, but I hate getting wet."

William was now standing in front of her. "I remember asking you these questions." He held one of her hands. "I also remember telling you why I wanted to know these things."

She hesitated. "Because you wanted to be the only one who knew me in that way."

He nodded, taking a step closer to her. "Elizabeth. . ."

"I want you to be the only one who knows me in that way."

William stared at her.

"You don't believe me."

"Well, it's just that this is so. . . sudden."

"Sudden? Do you think falling in love is something I jump into?"

"Falling in love?"

"I . . ." Elizabeth looked around. "Is it all right if we talked about this inside?"

He nodded.

They walked into the apartment. Elizabeth walked towards the living room and William shut the door behind him. Then he took a seat on the couch. Elizabeth paced in front of it.

They both started at the same time.

"I-"

"You-"

William deferred. "Please."

"You don't believe me."

William ran his fingers through his hair. "It's not that I don't believe you. This past weekend, lots of things have happened. I figured it would take you some time to. . ."

"Tell you how I feel?"

"I'd rather you take your time, then to rush yourself."

Elizabeth let out a heavy sigh and sat at the opposite end of the sofa. "I understand why you want me to be sure. And if you want to wait, then. . ." She looked up at him. "But, I know. I've known for a long time."

"Elizabeth, I just. . ." He took her hand. "Why are you telling me now?"

She squeezed his hand and pulled him closer to her. "I didn't want you to leave, not knowing that I'm in love with you."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

He swallowed hard before he said, "You don't think this is sudden?"

"No, but I guess I can see how it would be for you."

"Then I hope you don't misunderstand my surprise as reluctance. It's just. . ."

"I'm sorry."

He shook his head. "No don't. I just. . . it's almost like a dream."

"I know I haven't done anything to show you how I feel, but I didn't want to act on something I was unsure of."

"And you're sure now?"

She nodded. "I was scared. That's stupid, I know. It's just that, you're too good to be true, and I had a hard time believing you wanted me."

"Elizabeth-"

"It's not that I didn't believe you."

"Then?"

"I just. . . I'm not sure how to explain it. I have feelings for you, but I couldn't admit it before."

"Couldn't or wouldn't?"

She chuckled and said, "Maybe a little bit of both. For a long time, I thought I'd never find anyone who I could trust and love completely."

He squeezed her hand. "And now?"

"Now. . . I'm not scared anymore."

William smiled from ear to ear.

"But, I hope some day you'll forgive me for my stupidity and all the time that was wasted on it."

"I wouldn't change a thing."

"Really?"

"Well, maybe one thing."

"What?"

"I would've insisted on meeting your mother sooner."

Elizabeth laughed.

He caressed her face. "When did you know you were in love with me?"

"Well," She arched her eyebrow. "I figured that any man who could turn Fanny Bennet into an ally was worth a second look."

He chuckled. "I told you I was a resourceful man."

"You are indeed."

He drew her face to hers and kissed her. When he pulled away, she looked at him with her brow wrinkled.

I wanna be loved.

I wanna be loved.

I wanna be loved.

I need to be loved.

"What's the matter?"

"It's just. . . when the woman you've been pursuing admits she loves you, well. . . that wasn't quite the reaction I was expecting."

His tone was indignant. "I'm sorry you were disappointed, but I didn't think it would be nice if I-"

"What?"

"If I. . ." He looked at her. "Well, what would you have done if I told you that I loved you?"

I wanna be loved with inspiration.

I wanna be loved starting tonight.

Instead of holding conversation,

Hold me tight.

She reached up and slid her fingers around his neck. She leaned forward and gave him a deep, slow kiss. When they parted, she let her lips linger on his.

"Oh."

"I wasn't finished." She kissed him again in the same way except William felt himself fall back onto the couch.

I wanna be loved.

I crave affection.

Those kisses of yours,

I could gladly share.

I want your eyes to shine in my direction.

Make me care.

"Uh. . . Elizabeth?"

She nuzzled the spot behind his ear. "Mm-hm."

"You're making it. . . very difficult for. . . me to leave."

She kissed him. Then she said, "Do you want to leave?"

"No."

"Good."

I want the kind of romance

that should be strong and equally as tender.

I only ask for the chance to know the meaning of the word

surrender.

He held her face before she could continue her assault on his neck. "But, if I don't leave that means I'm staying."

"Didn't I tell you I wanted you to stay?"

"Yes, but-" The assaults continued. He managed to say, "Are you sure?"

She answered him with a lingering kiss.

That was enough for William.

I wanna be thrilled by only you dear.

I wanna be thrilled by your caress.

I wanna find each dream of mine come true dear.

I wanna be loved.

He returned her kisses with an ardor that took Elizabeth by surprise. She tried to find a grip or some footing to balance herself over William. Instead, she slipped and tumbled onto the ground.

"Ouch!"

William jumped to the ground and kneeled next to her. "Are you going to be all right?"

Elizabeth rubbed the back of her head. "Yeah."

He sat on the edge of the couch. "Are you sure? Should I get some ice?"

She got up and kneeled in front of him. "No." Then she laughed.

When he reached over to touch the back of her head, she cringed. "Elizabeth, we should take care of this."

"But. . ." She closed her eyes, mesmerized by the way he rubbed the bump forming on the back of her head.

William's initial concern soon subsided when he saw how Elizabeth reacted to his touch. He drew her closer to him and kissed her. Wanting her to be closer, he pulled her up on the couch with him.

The movement was so quick, Elizabeth was surprised to find herself straddling him. She soon got over that and was distracted by how slow his hands were working their way up her back. It caused her to entangle her fingers in his hair. William pulled her closer and covered her mouth with his own.

Elizabeth parted and returned her attention to his neck. She unbutton his shirt and kissed his collarbone the way he had done to her before.

William nuzzled her ear, his voice was hoarse. "Elizabeth, not here."

She looked up at him and then her eyes wandered in the direction of the hallway which led to her bedroom.

Before she knew it, William carried her off, her legs wrapped around him. When they reached the door, William walked to go through, but instead bumped Elizabeth against the door.

Elizabeth rubbed her head again. "Maybe we should open the door first."

"I'm so sorry. I thought it was already open."

He reached down and turned the knob, opening the door. They tumbled onto the bed in the darkness.

"I'm really trying to make this a pleasant experience."

Elizabeth laughed. "Maybe you should stop trying."

"Right."

He pulled off his sweater that she was wearing. At one time he found it charming on her, now annoying, it impeded his progress towards her collarbone. She managed to unbutton his shirt and was reminded of the wonderful image of him in a towel. She slid off the shirt, discarding it somewhere in the dark.

William was not having the same luck. Under the sweater was a shirt. Eager to reach his destination, he had forgotten about it. Sensing his disappointment, Elizabeth slipped it off. Her reward was immediate and she felt the familiar pressure of his lips on her collarbone.

Elizabeth closed her eyes and savored the moment. She could not believe that she had been avoiding this, had been afraid of this. Elizabeth only allowed herself to dream about what being with William would be like. She never realized that being with him could be better then what she imagined. She would have berated herself for all the lost time between them, but all she could do was enjoy the present.

She let out a soft sigh when she felt one of William's hands slide down her arm. Although he was gentle, he moved with a certainty that left no doubt of his intentions. The sigh emboldened William to touch her lips with his own. It started off as a light kiss, but when Elizabeth's fingers grazed his chest, the kiss deepened.

He was hesitant at first, afraid that at any moment Elizabeth would change her mind. She had kept him at bay for so long, it was almost hard for him to believe that this moment was happening. Almost. If anything, he knew that when Elizabeth decided on something, she did so with a tenacity that was at times exasperating.

But, that was hardly the case at the moment.

He knew when Elizabeth had decided to admit her true feelings that they would be able to come to an understanding. And once that was settled, they could pursue more intimate aspects of their relationship.

The fact that all of that was happening at the moment concerned William, but those concerns were soon forgotten when he realized that Elizabeth was determined to have him.

Who was he to argue with what a woman wanted? Especially if it was him and that the woman was Elizabeth.

He looked down at her for a moment. William imagined countless times what it would be like to be with Elizabeth. When her eyes fluttered open and gazed at his, he touched her face before kissing her. The reality of Elizabeth underneath him had pushed him over the edge.

"William. . ."

"Mm-hm. . ."

She steadied her breathing. "Do you. . ." She felt William's hands on her hips. "Do you have any. . ."

Her skin was softer then he had imagined. "Any what?"

His hands were so warm. "Any. . ." She dug her fingers into his hair and lifted his head up. "Any. . . you know."

It took a moment to realize what she was asking. His breathing was labored. "No."

Elizabeth swallowed hard. "I don't either."

William fell back beside her.

She let out a deep sigh.

"We probably should stop then."

"Yeah."

Elizabeth propped herself up on her elbows. "Are you sure you don't have any?"

William looked at her. "I didn't know. . .I didn't expect that tonight we'd. . ."

Elizabeth rested her head on his chest. "True."

He stroked her hair. "I suppose I should go then."

"Oh." She thought for a minute. "I'm sorry."

He lifted her face. "I'm not."

She smiled. "I'd like you to stay, but I know that would be selfish."

"I'd like to stay too." He rubbed her cheek with his thumb. "But, if I stay, you have to put something on."

Elizabeth looked down at herself and laughed. Her shirt was already off and her pants were undone, practically leaving her in her bra and underwear. She got up and searched the floor for something to put on. "Where's that sweater?"

He chuckled. "I don't know."

"Found it."

She slipped it on and shimmied out of her jeans.

He watched the outline of her figure in the moonlight and was pleased to figure out she had taken off her jeans. She turned around to do something else, but he could not see. "What are you doing?"

"Getting ready for bed." When she was finished, she returned to be and lay next to William. "Is this better?"

He stroked the arm of the sweater. "It helps."

She saw that he was still wearing his slacks. "Are you going to sleep in your pants?"

"Maybe I should."

"That doesn't sound comfortable."

"But, I usually sleep in my boxers."

"Oh." Her voice was playful. "Well, I promise to behave."

He laughed. "All right." He unbuttoned his pants. "Are you sure it's all right for me to stay?"

"Yes, but if you want to leave-"

"No."

"Then stay. We can. . . talk."

It was quiet for a moment before they both started laughing. Then they settled under the covers. Elizabeth found her place in William's arms and rested her head on his chest again.

He kissed the top of her head. "This is nice."

"Mm-hm."

He was drifting off, when a realization hit him. "Elizabeth?"

She yawned. "Yes?"

"Did I. . . did I tell you that I love you?"

"No."

"I'm sorry."

She yawned again. "But, I know."

"Elizabeth, I love you." He waited for a response. "Elizabeth?" He looked down and saw that she had fallen asleep. He smiled and kissed the top of her head again. He whispered, "I love you," again and was soon asleep as well.

*I Wanna Be Loved sung by Etta James.

Chapter 31

"Fruit or Chocolate? Part 2" or "What William Ordered that Night"

Author's Note: This chapter has a PG-13 rating.

"Elizabeth, is there anything else you want me to get for tonight?"

"No. I don't think so."

"All right. I'll be back in a bit. Have fun doing the laundry."

Elizabeth heard the door shut before she could make a comment about the fun potential of doing laundry. She looked around her room, making sure she did not forget anything else. When she finished checking, she picked up her basket and headed out to the laundry room that was in the back of their apartment building.

When she got there, she was glad to see that no one else's laundry was in and she hoped she would be finished by the time someone else came along to use the community washer and dryer.

She sorted through her clothes, discovering that she did not have a lot to wash. When she got to the light colored clothing, she came across William's cream colored Henley sweater. She buried her nose in it, inhaling a mixture of her light lavender scent and William's spicy, but woody fragrance. The memory of the morning after William had spent the night drifted into her head.

There was a knock on her bedroom door. "Elizabeth, I stopped by to change and I'm going to pick up something for breakfast. Did you want anything?"

"Jane? Uh. . ." William covered her mouth with his own. She pushed him away, giving him a surprised look. "No. I'm. . . fine." His hands were quite curious this morning.

"OK. Oh! There was a message earlier this morning from Anne on the machine. She's looking for William."

The sound of his name made him cease his attention on Elizabeth's collarbone for a moment. Just a moment. Elizabeth concentrated on responding, "Uh. . . All right. I'll make sure. . ." She had to catch her breath. "I'll make sure he calls her."

"Oh. . . All right."

A few minutes later, they heard the door shut, signaling Jane's departure.

Elizabeth tried to slip out of bed, but William pulled her back in. "Where do you think you're going?"

She fell back in bed, laughing. "To get the phone. You have to call Anne."

He nuzzled his nose behind Elizabeth's ear. "I'll call her."

She loved it when he kissed her there. "Well, you'll need a. . . phone."

He moved to her other ear. "Mm-hmm."

"William. . ." She forced herself to get the words out. "When are you supposed to leave?"

"Soon."

"When. . ." She got distracted by his hand on her knee. "Are you always like this in the morning?"

He looked up at her. "I've never had you with me in the morning before."

She closed her eyes when she felt his hand slide up her thigh.

Then William's pants started ringing.

"William."

"Ignore it."

"It's probably. . . Anne."

He kissed her. "Probably."

"So, answer it." When she refused to kiss him again, he sat up, pouting as if he was a child denied his treat. She crossed her arms. "Answer it."

He huffed a sigh and searched for his pants which had some how ended up on the other side of the room. When he answered the phone, his tone was harsh, "Either someone has died or you're in a ditch somewhere."

Elizabeth giggled.

"Nice hearing from you too, Will."

" Anne? What is it?"

"Silvester has been waiting for you for half an hour at the house and the jet is ready to go."

He tried to grab Elizabeth, but she dodged his clutches, and made it out the bedroom. "All right. Tell Silvester I'll be there in twenty minutes and to start loading the luggage."

"He already has. What about the jet?"

William ran his hand through his hair. "What about it? It's mine. It can wait."

"Will-"

"Twenty minutes, Anne."

"All right." She hung up.

William put his clothes back on, but did it with great reluctance. When he walked out of the bedroom, he had managed to get his pants and shirt on, but he left his shirt unbutton. He found Elizabeth in the kitchen, wearing just his sweater, bent in front of the refrigerator.

"There isn't much left for breakfast, but I could find something."

William took her by the hand and pulled her to him. "I don't need breakfast." He kissed her.

She braced herself on his chest.

William's hands were doing some exploring of their own. He pulled away, surprised at what his explorations discovered.

Elizabeth smiled at the wide-eyed expression on his face. "What?"

"You-you. . ." He let his hands feel the smooth skin on her bare back. "What happened to your-your-"

"I took it off last night."

"When?"

She shrugged. "When I was getting ready for bed."

"THAT'S what you meant when you said you were getting ready for bed."

She tilted her head back and laughed. When she looked back at him, she was surprised to see a serious look on his face. "What's the matter now?"

He gave her a light kiss. "You shouldn't have let me find out about this."

Before she could even ask why, she felt one of William's hands change directions. "Oh."

Sufficed it to say, William was late again.

Elizabeth laughed to herself when she remembered how they scrambled to look as if nothing had happened when they heard Jane at the door. She was sure that the way William's shirt was buttoned in a haphazard way and her flushed complexion gave them the appearance of two teenagers who should not have been left alone. However, when Jane walked in, she did not give a second look at how William's hair was pulled in different directions or that Elizabeth's sweater was on backwards. Elizabeth was thankful for Jane's discretion, but as soon as William had finally left, Jane did not hold back on the teasing.

She muttered to herself, "She'll never let me live that down."

Elizabeth loaded her first batch of laundry in the washer and when it shook and started its first cycle, she closed the lid and sat in the lounge chair across from it. Her attention was captured by the magazine basket on the floor next to her. She picked up one of the flashy fashion magazines.

She read all the headlines that popped off the cover in red and yellow bold letters, but was caught by one in particular: "The Ultimate Guide: How to Know that HE'S the ONE!" Normally, she would usually pass up such silly nonsense, but that was before she had a reason to actually look at it.

Elizabeth read through them, amused that "He takes off his socks in bed," had made the list. She was about to abandon the magazine for one on gardening, when the last line caught her attention, "He says something that reminds you why he's the ONE."

Elizabeth shut the magazine and thought about that line. She had had second thoughts about how fast things had progressed between her and William and when William was gone, it was easy for her doubts and insecurities to swell. It had felt right at the moment, but having time alone to think about it, Elizabeth could not help feeling that perhaps they should have taken things at a slower pace.

However, her doubts were soon taken care of when she spoke to William later that night. He had promised to call when he arrived and settled in. Their conversation had started off awkward, but they reached a turn in the conversation that made her doubts and insecurities a distant memory.

"Hold on a minute."

"All right." She heard a door shut. "What are you doing?"

"I was just shutting the door to the balcony."

"Balcony? Where are you?"

"In my room."

She had forgotten how even some of the bedrooms at Pemberley had private balconies. "What were you doing out there?"

"Just looking out."

"I remember the view from the balcony in the room I stayed in when I was there. It was lovely."

He hesitated. "Uh. . . yes."

"I get the feeling that's not why you were out there."

"Well, no. I. . . Being on the balcony reminds me of that first night you stayed here."

"But. . . we were in separate rooms that night."

"Yes, but that night. . . I had walked you to your room."

She laughed. She said, "Because I got lost."

"Right. Then we went our separate ways." He let out a long sigh. "When I got to my room, I had gone out to the balcony to think about you."

She smiled even though she knew he could not see her. "That's sweet."

"Well . . . that's only part of it."

"What else happened?"

"You might think it's crazy."

"No, I won't." She hesitated. "I thought about you that night too." When he did not respond, she continued, "I was a bit overwhelmed. I didn't realize just how. . . well off you were." He chuckled. After a moment she said, "I also felt lucky that at one time you liked me, even if it was brief."

"Elizabeth," He raked his hand through his hair. "I liked you more than you knew. When I came out on the balcony, I was coming out to. . . decide whether to go back to you or not."

She did not know what to say.

"I was trying to figure out what to do, but I saw that your light was on." He sat down on his bed. "Then I realized that if I went to you, you might not have wanted me."

"William-"

"I stayed on the balcony until your light went off because that meant you had gone to sleep and I wouldn't have been tempted to go to your room."

"Then. . . you must've noticed that it was on for a long time."

He let out a small laugh. "Now that you mention it, it was."

"Would you. . . would it surprise you that I was hoping you'd come back to my room?"

William's back straightened. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Because. . . I thought you might not have wanted me too."

He could not help laughing at the irony. "Elizabeth, let's get one thing straight. . . I'll always want you."

"Always?"

"Yes, don't ever forget that."

"All right."

"And. . . I probably should've mentioned this first, but. . . I'm madly in love with you."

She grinned. "I love you too."

"Now that we've got that straightened out. . . what are you wearing right now?"

The steady rocking of the washing machine stopped, signaling its cycle was finished. Elizabeth stood up and switched the load into the dryer.

"How's the laundry going?"

Elizabeth turned around. "Oh, hi Jane. I've managed to keep it down to two loads, so I'm half way finished."

"Oh, that's good." She sat down on the seat across from her. "I got everything we need for tonight."

"Are you sure I'm not intruding?"

"You won't be intruding. Besides, I don't want you to be home alone, wasting away for William."

"I'll have you know I had a stellar movie line up to watch tonight."

Jane laughed. "All the more reason to have dinner with us. You'll get to see Charles' house."

"True." She started the last load of clothes in the washer. "So. . . How long will it be until you move in with him?"

"I. . . uh. . . What are you talking about?"

"Come on, Jane. You don't have to worry about hurting my feelings." Elizabeth turned around. "You're hardly here. You guys are practically married already."

"Well. . . we've talked about it. I just. . ."

"I'll be fine."

"I just feel like I'd be leaving-"

"I won't be alone."

Jane arched an eyebrow. "No, I suppose not." She leaned forward in her chair. "I must admit. . . I'm a little surprise at the progress you two have made."

Elizabeth felt the back of her neck burn. "Yes. . . well. . . it's nice."

"Nice? If you could've seen yourselves that morning, I'd say you had more than just a nice time."

Elizabeth shifted in her spot. "I guess you could say it was more than nice." She gave her sister a concerned look. "Did it really seem sudden? Do you think. . . Does it seem like it's all happening too fast?"

"It depends on the people. Do you think things are happening too fast?"

Elizabeth hesitated. "I thought it might be, but. . . I don't know how to explain it. There were all these things that I was worried about. Things that I was sure we wouldn't be able to work out."

"So, have you?"

Elizabeth chuckled. She said, "Actually, no we haven't."

Jane's eyebrows shot up. "Elizabeth Bennet is willing to brave uncertainty?"

"I know it sounds so unlike me, but. . . all those things I worried about, I worried about because I thought we would never be able to agree or work things out because. . . William is so different than anyone I've ever. . ."

"Loved?"

Elizabeth laughed. She said, "I was going to say I've ever known. But, you can say that too."

Jane's face lit up. "Elizabeth, you mean you-have you told him? Has he told you?"

"Yes and yes."

Jane leaped from her seat and embraced her sister. "I'm so happy for you." She stepped back. "I knew it. Anybody who saw you two together could tell you were meant to be. You just needed time alone to figure that out."

She arched an eyebrow at Jane. "And I suppose that's what last weekend was for?"

Jane gave her a sheepish look. "Well. . . we did find a place for the wedding in the process."

"True." Elizabeth looked at her sister. "Thank you."

"There's nothing to thank me for."

Elizabeth shook her head. "That weekend, being with him, getting to know him again, I realized he'll never change. That whatever happens, whether we just stayed as friends or were more than friends, he'll always be this wonderful person." Elizabeth smiled to herself. "I hope some day I'll deserve him."

Jane squeezed her arm. "You do."

Elizabeth shrugged. "I hope so."

"I think you do. And I'm sure he feels the same way about you."

"I didn't understand how he could be so sure about us. It was a little scary. I mean, to trust someone so completely with your future happiness. . ." She pulled at a loose thread on the hem of her shirt. "I was so worried about not being able to live up to it that I forgot about my own. I know it took me a while to realize it," She snuck a glance at Jane. "But, I know now. I have everything I want. I finished school, got a great career, and I have. . . William."

"What about all those things you were worried about? I remember how you were concerned that you two were so different."

"We still are, but I think. . . I know that we'll be able to work things out. He's made his feelings clear on that too. He's so important to me." She looked at her sister. "This is all new to me, trusting someone else so completely, but it also feels right. Does that make sense?"

Jane gave her sister a reassuring smile. "Perfectly."

She buried her head in her hands. "Listen to me. I sound like a love-sick heroine of a novel."

Jane gave her a playful nudge. "It's great though, isn't it?"

She laughed. "I wouldn't trade any of it for the world."

"Good." Jane hooked an arm through her sister's. "Why don't we pick out a couple of movies for tonight."

"Jane, I think watching movies with me is the last thing you and Charles want to do tonight."

Jane threw her head back and laughed. She said, "Contrary to what you think at the moment, there are other ways to have fun with your significant other."

"That's easy for you to say. You and Charles have had all the fun you want. William and I. . ." She blushed.

"Are just getting started?"

Elizabeth looked up to see Jane's sympathetic expression. Elizabeth lowered her head. "Yes."

Jane lead her sister out of the laundry room. "Only two more days."

Elizabeth groaned. She said, "Don't remind me."

Elizabeth stood in the doorway. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I'm almost done with the steak. Charles, did you need any help with the potatoes or the vegetables?"

"Well, the vegetables are done and the potatoes. . ." He shook his wooden spoon in the air, the potatoes stuck on it. "I'm working on it."

Elizabeth laughed. "How come you're not cooking the steak?"

Jane was the one to answer. "Because he burns it."

"I think the proper terms are charred or blackened."

"Yes, but that's if it actually comes out blackened. When it's cooked beyond human consumption, then it's burnt."

"Well, if we were back at Netherfield-"

"We're not, so that's why I'm cooking it."

Charles went about his work muttering something about, "I have cooks. . ."

Jane rolled her eyes and then looked at Elizabeth. "I've already told him that when we have children, they're going to know how to cook."

"Of course. You don't want them growing up to be useless."

Jane chuckled, but Charles, hearing the comment, said, "I can cook if it becomes necessary."

"Scrambled eggs doesn't count."

"I can make toast too."

Jane laughed.

Elizabeth smiled to herself. She could not help missing William at that moment.

"You could set the table."

"Huh? Oh. Right. Plates?"

"In the upper right cupboard."

Elizabeth reached up and took out three plates. She opened the drawer and took out three place settings. "I'll be back for the glasses."

"All right." When Elizabeth left the kitchen, Jane walked over to Charles, helping him with the potatoes. "You know. . . I don't think we've ever had to spend time away from each other as much as William and Elizabeth has."

He wiped his hands on a towel. "No, we haven't." He threw the towel down on the counter and checked on the steak. "I'm thankful for that, but I think Elizabeth and William will be fine."

"Of course they will be especially with the progress they've made."

Charles smiled, but not one of his usual smiles. "Of course."

Jane gave him a curious look. Before she could say anything, the phone rang.

Charles was quick to get it. "I'm expecting a call." He pushed talk on the cordless phone. "Hello? Oh. . . Excellent. . . Yes. . . Yes. All right. I'll make sure. No, it's fine." He chuckled. "I'm positive she won't mind at all. . . All right? Bye." He hung up the phone and looked at Jane. "I forgot to bring in William's mail today."

"Oh."

Charles hesitated. "You don't suppose Elizabeth would mind bringing it in, do you?"

Jane raised an eyebrow. "No, but-"

"Good." Charles left the room before Jane could finish. The table was set and Elizabeth was on the couch reading a magazine.

She looked up when she saw Charles approach. "Is this Caroline's?" She held up a copy of Vanity Fair.

"Yes. I guess she forgot to take it with her when she left."

"When did she go?"

"The day after the engagement party."

"Oh." Elizabeth put the magazine back on the table. "Charles, Caroline and I are going to be sister-in-laws and-"

Charles waved his hand. "Don't worry about it. I know Caroline is not easy to get along with especially when. . . well, when William is involved."

Elizabeth nodded.

"But, I think she's realized that William is genuinely interested in you."

"How is she taking it?"

"It's hard, but I think she'll get over it."

Elizabeth looked at him with doubt.

Charles sat next to her. "She was interested in William for a long time, but for the wrong reasons. I think it's hard for her to admit that you need something more than just money and the right connections to have a successful marriage." He looked down. "I just hope someday she'll find someone who'll make her happy."

"I hope so too."

He smiled, appreciating Elizabeth's sympathy for his sister who he knew probably would never appreciate it. "Thanks." He stood up. "Dinner's almost ready, but I forgot to bring in William's mail." He gave her a sheepish look. "Would you mind bringing it in?"

She figured he wanted some time alone with Jane before they got into dinner and then a movie afterwards. "I don't mind at all."

Charles pulled out a set of keys from his pocket. He held out one of them. "Here's the house key and you can just put the mail on his desk in his office."

"Is there anything else I should do?"

Charles suppressed the smile that threatened to spread across his lips. "No."

"All right. I'll be back in a minute."

"Take your sweater with you. It's a bit chilly outside."

She laughed while she picked up her sweater. "You're not my brother, yet." She walked out before he could say how lucky she was to have a brother like him.

Jane saw Charles come back in the kitchen with one of the place settings.

"What are you doing?"

"Uh. . ." He put the plate back and then the silverware. "We won't be needing these."

"She's just taking in the mail."

Charles did not respond.

Jane turned off the oven and looked at Charles. "What's going on?"

"Everything will be fine."

"Charles."

He smiled, amused at the stern tone in Jane's voice. "Let's just say, we shouldn't be expecting Elizabeth back tonight."

Even though William's house was only a few doors down, the chill from the shore had reached the residential area through a thin layer of fog. Instead of putting on her sweater, she tied the arms around her neck, figuring she would be back for dinner in no time.

When she reached the gate, she stood in front of it for a moment. She felt strange going into his house when he was not there. Knowing she was being silly, she lifted the latch. She walked up the steps, stopping in front of the mailbox. When she made sure she had all of it, she unlocked the door and went inside.

She shut the door behind her, but she was surprised by a light coming from somewhere in the house. She remembered the office was in the back of the house, but it did not look like it was coming from there. Elizabeth put the mail down on an end table next to the door. She hoped Charles had forgot to turn off a light somewhere, but she grabbed something heavy from a table just in case.

She walked towards the source of the light which was coming from the kitchen. She heard some noise and gripped the object in her hand tighter. Her mind was telling her to go back to Charles's place, go back and get some help. But, she was already at the doorway. She stepped into the kitchen, turning towards the source of the noise.

"William!"

He looked up, his brow wrinkled. "What are you doing with my mother's statue?"

Elizabeth looked down at the nude bronze male figure. She placed it on the counter with care. "I thought-I needed something-" She looked at William. "What are you doing here?"

He walked towards her. "I'm happy to see you too." He undid the sweater around her neck. He held his Henley in his hands. "You still wear this?"

"Well, yeah." She shifted in her spot. "You weren't here."

William put the sweater down on the counter next to the figurine. He took her hand. "I'm here now."

"I can see that." Elizabeth released his hand and put her hands on her hips. "What are you doing here?" She pointed at the statue. "I was ready to hit whoever had broken in."

William slid one of his arms around her. "Well, my mother would be glad that you didn't hit me over the head with that." He pulled her closer. "I thought you'd be happy to see me."

She tried to stay upset, she did not like being scared silly, but his arms around her made it difficult to stay upset for very long. "I. . . I am." She looked up at him, a shy smile on her lips. "I'm very happy."

He bent down and kissed her, breathing her in. His lips lingered over hers while he spoke, "Good." He pulled away, but his nose still touched hers. "I have dinner ready."

Elizabeth gave him a curious look before she looked over at the kitchen island that had open containers and plates set. "But, what about Charles and Jane?"

"They're not expecting you back for dinner." He took her hand and lead her over to the island. "I hope that's all right."

She sat down on a stool. "Did they know about this?"

William sat on the stool next to her. "Jane didn't know. I wasn't sure if I'd make it back tonight."

"Why didn't you tell me last night that you were coming back early?"

He passed her one of the containers. "Well, I didn't know I'd be coming back until this afternoon."

Elizabeth took the container. "I thought you were going to help Georgiana move in."

"I did, but. . . she got tired of her older brother hanging around and my dad. . ." He chuckled. "He said I might as well come back because I was useless."

She laughed and said, "So, that's why you're back early?"

He nodded and said, "Yeah. Charles had called. . . Caroline had just left. . ."

"I see. Giving you a heads up?"

He cleared his throat. "I'd already made plans to come back." He picked up another carton. "When I told Charles about my plans, he told me you were supposed to be having dinner with him and Jane. Since I wasn't sure I'd make it back in time, I told him not to say anything."

"I still would've liked to know about the possibility."

He put his fork down. "I didn't want to disappoint you if I couldn't make it." He looked at the food. "And I wanted to surprise you."

Elizabeth squeezed his hand and looked at the food too. "It's a nice surprise. The food is good. It. . ." She took a closer look and then picked up another container. "Fleur de Lis. But. . ." She looked at William. "We've had this before. This is what we had that night we had dinner."

He smiled, pleased that she remembered. "Our first date."

"How. . . You remembered?"

"Of course I remember." He rubbed her arm. "I'll never forget that night."

"I thought I was just going to have tea and then go home afterwards."

He nodded. "I didn't know what to expect." Then he gave her a long look. "I had no idea."

Elizabeth returned his look. "When did you know?"

He returned his attention to his plate. "Know what?"

"When did you know you loved me?"

William kept his eyes on his plate. "It's hard to say. I don't know when or where it happened. I was in love with you before I knew it."

Elizabeth did not say anything, but wore a slight expression of doubt.

"You don't believe me? Elizabeth, love is something that you can't quantify or account for, it just happens."

She picked up her fork and shrugged. "All right."

He blinked several times. Then he raised an eyebrow at her. "So, are you saying when I became friends with your mom is when you knew you loved me?"

Elizabeth remembered the reference. "Well . . . actually, I think that just gave me another reason to love you."

He leaned on his elbows on the counter. "So, you knew you loved me before that."

She tilted her chin up. "Yes."

"Then when did you know?"

"I think I'd fallen in love with you a long time ago, but I didn't admit until. . ."

He leaned closer. "Until?"

Elizabeth pushed a slice of a carrot back and forth on her plate. "That night you combed my hair and you told me about how you used to comb Georgiana's hair."

"Combing your hair made you realize you loved me?"

Elizabeth laughed. "No. When you were combing my hair. . . I started thinking about things." She tucked some hair behind her ear. "I. . . I thought about what it would be like to see you combing our daughter's hair. . ." She smiled, but didn't meet William's eyes. "That's when I knew I loved you."

When she looked up at him, she was met with eyes that held her gaze. Then he broke away. "I think I understand what you're talking about." He rubbed the back of his neck. "But, I'm afraid mine isn't as. . . lovely as yours."

She took his hand. "Tell me."

He shook his head. "I don't know. You might not like it."

"Of course I would." She tugged his hand. "Tell me."

He could not deny her anything, especially when she looked at him with such warmth. "Well. . . it was that day in the gym. Before we talked."

"What do you mean?"

"I. . . uh. . . saw you working out, punching the bag."

She looked at him with disbelief. "Really? But, I was sweaty and I bet I looked awful."

He shook his head and said, "I don't think there's ever been a woman in the gym before. It was a surprise, but. . . a pleasant one. I don't know how to explain it. Seeing you in there. . . the way you were. . ." He shrugged. "I was gone, totally lost."

"Well. . ." She sipped her water. "I guess I should. . . be careful who I'm sweaty and gross around. I might be misunderstood as a flirt."

He laughed. "Yes, you should be careful." The humor in his expression faded into a serious one. "Elizabeth?"

"Yes?"

It took a moment for him to begin. "You said one of the things, one of the reasons why things wouldn't work out between us was because of our different backgrounds."

"William-"

He waved his hand in the air. "I thought about it because that morning, I didn't want to leave. And when I had some time to think about it. . . a lot of what I do requires me to travel."

"I understand-"

"No, but you see, I never had a reason not to travel anywhere."

"But, William, if you have to-"

"I don't."

Elizabeth looked at him with disbelief. "You can't just not work."

"Actually-"

"William, I know you're rich and everything, but. . . I don't want you to have to change anything because of me."

"Well, I'm not changing too much. I just won't travel as much."

Elizabeth opened her mouth, but closed it.

He took her hand. "I talked with my father about it. You know what he said?"

The beginnings of a smile appeared on her lips. "What?"

"He said, 'It's about time. You act like the company will fall apart if you're not involved.' Then he went into how I could find other ways to occupy my time."

Elizabeth did not miss the provocative look he gave her, but she could not ignore what he was implying. "So, are you saying you're not going to work anymore?"

He shook his head. "I'll still work. I'll still be a part of the company, just not in such in an involved way." He looked at her. "If I can help it, I want to be with you, where ever, whenever. If that means that I don't travel as much, then I won't. And. . ." He leaned in closer to her. "Maybe when I have to travel, I can schedule it when you can come with me."

Elizabeth's brow wrinkled. "Oh."

It was not the desired reaction he had hoped for. "You don't like that idea?"

"No, it's not that." She stood up and paced across the room. "I guess. . . It's just surprising." She leaned back against the sink. "I mean, I didn't like it when you left either, but. . . most people just deal with it. I didn't expect this."

William stood up and walked over to her. "People cut back on work all the time." Elizabeth still looked unsure. He took both her hands in his. "Haven't you ever tried cutting back on work?"

A corner of her mouth lifted. "No." She gave him a hesitant smile. "But, I guess this means I'm going to have to find a way to cut back as well."

And if you want love

We'll make it.

Swimming a deep sea

Of blankets.

Take all of your big plans

And break 'em.

This is bound to be a while.

He gave her a light kiss. He tilted his head towards the kitchen island. "We still have dessert."

Elizabeth arched her eyebrow. She said, "We didn't have dessert that night."

"We didn't stay for dessert."

"So, you mean you ordered-Was it fruit or chocolate?"

He stepped closer.

She was about to ask again, but got distracted by William rolling a strand of her hair between his fingers. "What are you thinking about when you do that?"

"Do what?"

Elizabeth raised her hand and touched his. "That."

William let go. "Oh." He took a step back. "I. . . uh. . ."

She took his hand, pulling him near her again. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing."

She saw that his cheeks were turning red. "What were you thinking about?"

He looked up at her. "Nothing in particular."

She gave him a playful smile. "So, whenever you take my hair like that you're thinking of nothing in particular?"

He reached up and brushed the apple of her cheek with his thumb. "Well. . . I wouldn't say nothing in particular."

She leaned into his touch. "Is this what you were thinking about?"

He nodded. "One of the things."

She looked at him. "What else were you thinking about?"

Your body is a wonderland.

Your body is a wonder.

(I'll use my hands.)

Your body is a wonderland.

He let his fingers trail down her neck and stopped on her shoulder, but his thumb rested on her collar bone. He pushed the collar of her shirt back, so that his thumb could trace her collar bone all the way to where her shoulder connected.

Elizabeth tried to regulate her breathing. "Oh."

He bent down and whispered in her ear. "That's not all." He kissed the spot behind her ear and then moved onto her lips. She leaned against the sink for support. His kiss was tender, but given with an authority that demanded Elizabeth's complete attention.

You tell me where to go and

Though I might leave to find it

I'll never let your head hit the bed

Without my hand behind it.

When William parted, he let his lips linger down her neck. Soon, she felt them graze her collar bone and her shoulder. When he reached the end of her shoulder, he gave it a soft kiss.

When William stopped, Elizabeth opened her eyes. She managed to say, "That's all you were thinking about?"

He let out a small laugh. He said, "Well, we'd need to be somewhere more private if you want me to show you what else I was thinking about."

Elizabeth looked down at herself and then at him. Her shirt had been unbutton down to her navel and she saw how she had untucked William's shirt.

She was careful to work her way out of William's embrace and walk out of the kitchen. William stood in place for a moment, thinking she would return, but she did not. He walked after her.

Damn baby

You frustrate me.

I know you're mine all mine

But you look so good it hurts sometimes.

He stopped at the bottom of the stairs. "Elizabeth, where are you going?"

She stopped halfway up the stair case and turned around. "Some place more private."

He stared at her for a moment. "What about dessert?"

"Well, if you'd like to stay and have dessert that's fine." She turned around and started walking up the steps again. "I'll be waiting in your room."

He looked back at the kitchen and then at Elizabeth's figure which eventually disappeared into the hall. He jumped up two steps then stopped and went back downstairs to the kitchen. He threw the dessert into the refrigerator, but left everything else out.

Then he ran upstairs, taking them two at a time, tripping over them once. When he reached his bedroom door, he stood outside, trying to regulate his breath. When he was breathing at a normal pace and he thought he looked calm, he walked into the room.

His eyes were drawn to Elizabeth sitting on his bed. When he got further into the room, he saw that all she was wearing was one of his collared shirts he wore with his suits.

And if you want love

We'll make it.

Swimming a deep sea

Of blankets.

Take all of your big plans

And break 'em.

This is bound to be a while.

"I guess you didn't have time to unpack."

He walked over to her and sat in front of her at the foot of the bed. "No, but I see you've found something."

Her voice was playful. "Do you mind?"

"Not at all." He moved towards her. "Well, not yet anyway."

She moved to fold her legs under her, but he stopped her, letting them drape across his lap.

Your body is a wonderland.

Your body is a wonder.

(I'll use my hands.)

Your body is a wonderland.*

"Your Body is a Wonderland" by John Mayer from Room for Squares

"You know, I could get used to wearing your clothes."

"I could get used to seeing you wear them."

"It really doesn't bother you?"

He shook his head. "I think you look better in them than I do."

She laughed. Before she could debate otherwise, William brought her face to his and kissed her.

"William."

He kissed her again. "Yes."

"Do you have any. . ."

He looked at her and nodded.

"Are you sure?"

He reached over to the night stand and opened the drawer.

Elizabeth blinked several times. "Are those all just for tonight?"

He shut it and ran his fingers through his hair. "I just wanted to be prepared."

She laughed. "I think you've accomplished that." When he did not look at her, she reached for his face. "I'm sure we'll have other opportunities to use the rest in the future."

He looked up at her and gave her a shy look. "Really?"

She shook her head. Then she grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him to her and answered him with a kiss.

He returned her kiss with a tentative one, but when she gave him that look, that look of wanting, it was enough to return his former ardor.

Elizabeth was pleased that he did not need a lot of encouragement, but when she felt his hand work its way up her leg, she pulled away.

"William."

He moved down her neck. "Yes?"

"I . . . uh. . . I just realized something."

"Uh-huh."

She bit her lower lip. It was hard to ignore his hands. "You've probably been with more. . . experienced women before."

This made him look up and cease his errant activities. "What did you say?"

"Well, what I meant was. . . a man like you. . . you've probably been with women who. . . are experienced in stuff like this."

His brow creased.

"Well, you know about my experience, so. . . I just. . . I'm probably not as experienced as those other women."

"Elizabeth, I'll admit I've been with other women, but I know, being with you will be nothing compared to what I've experienced before." He lifted her chin up. "I can tell you now, I hope I'm the last person you'll ever be with."

She smiled. "Me too." Elizabeth kissed him. His response was immediate and Elizabeth eventually had him on his back.

She started to undo his shirt, but he withdrew from kissing her. "Uh. . . Elizabeth?"

"Yes?"

"You just made me realize something else."

She stopped trying to unbutton his shirt. "What?"

"Well. . . even though I've been with other women before, I realize that might give you the impression that I'm an expert or something and then there's also the whole power image of me being the CEO of a company contributing to that idea too." He looked up at her. "You know that's just an image and well . . . I've been with Isabella and one other woman in college, so-"

She covered his mouth with her own. After a moment, she said, "I'm sorry to have brought that up. Perhaps we should talk about this more."

His eyes widened. "Well. . . I. . . uh. . ."

She gave him a playful smile. "That's what I thought." She sat on his lap, straddling him and pulled him up by the collars of his opened shirt. "Why don't we stop talking and focus on the task at hand."

He blinked several times, surprised by her directness. However, he realized he liked it and reached for her face. "Yes, ma'am."

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It seems our beloved couple did not make it to dessert, in a manner of speaking. Well, I suppose as the author I could've done something about it. But, as you can see, they were both quite determined to. . . pursue their own interests.

I'm sure we'll get to that part eventually.

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What? It is William Darcy.

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Don't give me that look. You saw how prepared he was.

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Please, if you were Elizabeth Bennet, you'd take every opportunity to enjoy yourself at the moment too.

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Yes, well. I suppose I can see how this can be a bit tiresome. But, please. Indulge me. This is the last chapter and I couldn't very well put the ending right after that horizontal line. There's a reputation here to consider. I mean, it is William Darcy we're talking about here.

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Before anyone asks, NO. There will be no 'alternate' version of their *clears throat* encounter that will be posted on other sites or available for e-mail. I think your imagination could do a much better job than I ever could put down in words.

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Ah! At last!

Elizabeth was drifting off to sleep, but was awakened by the warmth of William's body sliding next to hers.

She looked up at him. "Where were you?"

He caressed her face. "I thought we could take a break."

She gave him a playful smile. "Is the break over?"

He chuckled. "Not quite. I brought up some dessert."

Elizabeth propped herself on her elbows. "What is it?"

He turned around and reached for a mug on the night stand. "It was much prettier before, but . . . I got careless putting it away."

She took the mug and looked inside. When she realized what it was, she looked up at him with astonishment. "It's chocolate."

"Chocolate mousse actually."

"You mean. . ." She laughed. "Even after our discussion about the implications of ordering chocolate on the first date, you still ordered it?"

He nodded.

She arched an eyebrow. "Were you trying to seduce me?"

He nuzzled her neck. "Me?"

She tried to keep the mug from spilling. "If I had known about dessert, it would've changed things."

He pulled away from her. "How?"

"Well, one thing, I probably would've kissed you that night."

"All because I ordered chocolate for dessert?"

"Well, yes." She put the mug on the night stand next to her. Then she turned to William and gave him a challenging look. "I wouldn't have wanted to be outdone."

He laughed, but before he could speculate on what else might have happened that night, Elizabeth had captured his attention, allowing him to test out those speculations.

Once again, dessert was forgotten.

THE END

Epilogue "Of Course"

One year later. . .

"Elizabeth, I have to hear what happened from you." Mrs. Gardiner put her tea cup on the table. "I've heard it from Jane and your mother, but I want to hear it from the source."

She smiled at her aunt. "Of course." She looked at Georgiana. "Do you mind hearing it again?"

"Of course not." She sat at the edge of her seat. "I still can't believe he did that. Out in public too."

Elizabeth nodded in agreement. "Your brother is full of surprises."

Anne entered the sitting room. "Are you telling that story again?"

Georgiana gave her cousin a reproachful look. "We all sat down through your engagement story a whole bunch of times."

She sat next to her cousin and patted her arm. "I know. And now I understand what that glazed expression meant."

Elizabeth laughed and Georgiana nudged her. She looked at Elizabeth, "Please tell us what happened even though some of us might not appreciate it."

Anne shook her head.

Elizabeth put her tea cup on the table as well. "For Spring Break, William suggested we go to New York for the Impressionist exhibition at the Museum of Natural History and Art. Since I'd never been to New York and impressionistic paintings are my favorite, we went."

Elizabeth sat up in her seat. "When we had gone through the whole exhibition, William had suggested we go through it again."

Mrs. Gardiner looked at her with astonishment. "Wasn't the exhibition extensive?"

"Yes and it was on a Sunday, so there were lots of people too. I was a bit surprised, but he reminded me that we might not get another opportunity to see these original works of art in one place again. So, I thought why not?"

Georgiana clapped her hands together. "He's so clever."

Anne snorted.

Elizabeth continued, "Well, we got halfway through the exhibition when we stopped at a particular painting." She continued telling them the story while at the same time reliving the experience.

"William, does this painting carry some kind significance?"

"I don't think so. Why?"

"This is eighth time we've looked at it."

William looked at her with surprise. "Really?" He looked back at it. "Do you know anything about the painting?"

Elizabeth studied it. "Well, it's by Claude Monet." She read the plaque under the painting. "Lady with a Parasol."

"Do you know anything about the people in it?"

She studied the painting again. A lady with a parasol stood on a grassy hill and in the foreground was a little boy. The vegetation of the hillside was set off by the white clouds that dotted the blue sky. "Isn't the lady Monet's wife and the child is his son?"

William nodded. "That's his family."

Elizabeth smiled and turned to William. She was startled by the serious look on his face. "Is something the matter?"

"No." He took her hand. "It's just. . . we've been seeing each other for several months now. . ."

Elizabeth took a step towards him. The grave tone of his voice worried her.

"I hope during that time I've proved to you that underneath the CEO title and my family's extensive history, that underneath all that, is just a man." He glanced at the painting on the wall. "A man who would someday like to have a family of his own."

Elizabeth felt something well up at the bottom of her throat. "Yes, I know." She was moved by the genuine warmth in his eyes.

"But, before I can start a family, I need a wife." He took out a small, black velvet box. "And I know there are some things we'll need to work out when we decide to start a family." He took the ring out of the box, held up Elizabeth's hand, and slipped the ring on her finger. "But, we have to rest of our lives to figure that out."

He looked up at her, waiting for an answer.

Elizabeth looked at the man in front of her. She had been entertaining thoughts of a future with William, but that was always done in secret. Now was the moment she had to come face to face with those thoughts. Elizabeth could no longer deny it. Even before William asked, she already belonged to him.

She heard a distant voice in the crowd. "Say, yes!!"

Elizabeth blinked several times. I thought I already did. However, the apprehensive look on William's face told her otherwise. She stammered out, "Yes-Yes."

Then there was a round of applause and a few people came up and congratulated them.

Too stunned to say anything else, William guided Elizabeth out of the gallery and into a quiet corner of another less occupied gallery.

Elizabeth looked at William who had his hand over his chest while he took deep breaths.

"Are you all right?"

He held up his hand. "For a moment there, I thought you were going to say no."

Elizabeth laughed. She said, "I was a bit surprised, so I hope you'll forgive me for my momentary loss of speech."

He looked at her with an amused expression. Then William gathered her in his arms. "You're going to be my wife."

She felt her cheeks burn. "And you're going to be my husband."

He drew her face to his and kissed her.

When they parted, Elizabeth smiled at him. "I had no idea. I can't believe you proposed to me in front of all those people."

William let out a small laugh. "I didn't think I could do it, but I suppose the painting provided a lot of inspiration."

"We need to get a copy of it."

"I'll find out how much it is."

"You can't buy-well, maybe you could." They both laughed.

Elizabeth's features were bright. "He's still trying to buy that painting."

Anne said, "He's quite determined."

"I told him we don't need it."

Anne shrugged. "Well, you know how he can be."

Elizabeth shook her head and laughed.

Mrs. Gardiner said, "Elizabeth, that's such a lovely story. I would've never have guessed that William could be so. . ."

Georgiana said, "Romantic?"

Anne said, "Crazy?"

Mrs. Gardiner laughed. "I guess you could say all those things."

Elizabeth smiled. She said, "When I asked him what caused him to do it, he told me that he wanted to surprise me and that he wanted us to have a good engagement story to tell our children."

Georgiana let out an, "Awww." While Mrs. Gardiner raised a hand to her heart.

Anne shifted in her spot. "Speaking of children, that's what I came in here for. They should be arriving soon."

Georgiana looked at Elizabeth. "I'll never get tired of hearing that story." She stood up. "I'll be out front to meet them."

Elizabeth stood up as well. "Are you sure? I know you're working on getting ahead with some reading for school."

Georgiana waved her hand. "It's summer time. It can wait. Besides, I love giving tours."

"Thanks, Georgiana. We'll be there in a minute."

Anne and Georgiana walked out of the sitting room, leaving Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner behind.

"Are you nervous?"

"About the tour?"

Mrs. Gardiner shook her head. "Georgiana will be fine. I meant about the wedding."

"Oh. Well. . . not really actually."

"That's a good sign."

She shrugged. "Everything's been arranged and it's not going to be a large wedding like Jane's was."

Her aunt looked at her with concern. "Does that bother you?"

"No. In fact, I prefer it."

"Did William have a say in it?"

She laughed. "Yes of course. Fortunately, we both wanted the same thing."

"That's wonderful. I also think that it's nice that you both decided to get married on the grounds."

"I thought his mother's garden would be a lovely setting."

"It is. How did your mother feel about your wedding plans?"

Elizabeth smiled to herself. "She wasn't pleased at first, but when I told her she'd be spending the weekend at Pemberley, she was more then happy about it."

She laughed. "I suppose she was eager to find out if all the childhood stories were true or not."

"I just hope that Mr. Darcy, I mean George, isn't too. . . surprised by mother's. . . personality."

"Mr. Darcy has always been kind."

"Yes, but my mother has a knack for abusing that."

Mrs. Gardiner patted her on the arm. "She's improved a lot and I think they'll get along well."

"I hope so."

They walked out of the sitting room to join Georgiana and the group of kids.

Mrs. Gardiner said, "I think it's such a nice thing that the Darcys opened up their home during the summer, so that children can see the grounds."

"It was difficult organizing and getting it started, but Mrs. Reynolds has been so helpful getting it going."

"Is this something they'll be doing every summer now?"

"It looks like it."

When they reached the group, two boys broke away and ran towards them.

"Mom!"

"Elizabeth!"

They were both tackled by Harry and James.

Elizabeth kneeled down in front of them. "Are you enjoying the tour so far?"

Harry shrugged. "We've already seen some of this stuff."

James asked, "Where's Austen?"

Elizabeth laughed. "Well, perhaps when your daycare group leaves, you can stay and see Austen afterwards."

They both gave her wide grins and ran back to their group.

"Will you be able to stay for a little while afterwards?"

Mrs. Gardiner said, "I don't see why not. And I'm sure they'd also like to see their Uncle George."

Elizabeth nodded. "I'm sure he'll want to see them too."

They followed the group on the rest of the tour, making sure the twins did not dominate Georgiana's attention.

"Will all your sisters be able to come to the wedding?"

"Yes. Jane offered to have them stay at Netherfield. I guess she thought mom would be enough for one house."

Mrs. Gardiner laughed. "And the Lucases?"

"They're staying at Netherfield too."

She looked at Elizabeth. "How does Charles feel about his house being over run by your family and friends?"

"He doesn't mind at all. In fact, he told me he likes it when there are lots of people in the house." She snuck a glance at her aunt. "If you meant how Caroline feels about it. . ." She sighed. "She volunteered to stay with Louisa while everyone was at Netherfield."

"Ah. I see." She studied Elizabeth's expression. "Have you two. . ."

"Reconciled? Well . . . she's been invited, but we haven't received a response."

"I'm sure she'll come."

Elizabeth shook her head. "When William and I got engaged, Caroline. . . I wouldn't say she's been avoiding us, but. . ."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Do you think you two will ever be friends at least?"

She shrugged. "I want to get along with her for Charles' sake, but I don't think things will be all right until she finds someone for herself."

"Do you think she loved William?"

"I don't know if she ever loved him, but she had been pursuing him for a long time. I don't think it's something you recover from quickly."

"You're probably right." They walked passed the pond. "When are Jane and Charles coming in?"

"They'll be in this weekend. They wanted to have some time to settle in and get things ready for next weekend when everyone else started coming in."

"How was their honeymoon?"

"Jane loved it. She'd never been to Paris before."

"I thought it was so generous of the Darcys to offer their home there."

"William insisted. He said it was the least he could do for all that they've done for us."

"He's so thoughtful." Mrs. Gardiner checked her sons, making sure they stayed away from the pond. When she shooed them away from the edge, she returned to Elizabeth. "Where will you two be going for your honeymoon?"

She grinned. "We'll be touring France and Italy."

"That should be exciting."

"I've never been to either, so I'm looking forward to it. We're going to end the trip in England and visit their ancestral home. Georgiana and Mr. Darcy are planning to meet us there."

"It sounds like you've got the whole summer planned out. I bet it's going to be hard getting back to work in the Fall."

"I think it'll be hard at first, but that first day of school always reminds me why I love teaching."

"How are you handling the home situation? Is William going to stay behind?"

"He's going to join me after the first month of school is over. He wants to make sure things will be all right and I'll be busy with school anyway."

"A month?"

"That's what we're planning, but you never know."

She laughed. "Right. How's the house? Did you finish moving in?"

"Yes. It wasn't that hard because Jane and I donated most of the furniture in our apartment to the Red Cross. Charles and William already had a lot of nice stuff."

"It must be nice being able to live down the street from Jane."

"It is."

"So, you guys are going to live in California during the school year and then come back to Pemberley in the summer?"

Elizabeth nodded. "At least, for a year. I'm going to apply for a Master's program for next Fall." She smiled to herself. "William's hoping that I'd consider going to school out here."

"What would you like to do?"

"I'll have to research the different programs. I had planned just to go to State, but now. . . there are endless possibilities."

They reached the verandah where juice and cookies were waiting for the children. However, before the children could have any, Mrs. Reynolds stood watch. "Good afternoon, children."

All the little faces peered up at the impenetrable fortress that was the housekeeper. They replied in a chorus, "Good afternoon, Mrs. Reynolds."

She gave them all a smile of approval. "Before you all have your snack, you'll have to wash your hands."

There was a general moan of dissension from the group.

Mrs. Reynolds stayed firm. "If your hands aren't clean, no cookies. Now, all the girls follow Ms. Darcy and the boys follow Mr. Reynolds."

At the opposite ends of the verandah, there were wash basins and maids, ready with bars of soaps.

Mrs. Gardiner saw the twins were becoming a bit too excited about using the wash basin. "I'll go help Mr. Reynolds with the boys."

Elizabeth started pouring out drinks for the kids. Most of them were almost finished with washing up and had their snacks, when they were welcomed by a great booming voice.

"What's going on here?"

The children jumped in their spots except two.

"Uncle George!"

The two boys ran up to him and nearly knocked him down.

"Boys!"

Mr. Darcy waved off Mrs. Gardiner. "I'm all right. No harm done." He crouched down to say, "Did you have your cookies and juice?"

Harry nodded.

James said, "Are you going to have your snack too?"

He smiled. "Thank you for asking, but I've already had mine." He looked around at the other children. "Boys, where are your manners? Aren't you two going to introduce me to your friends?"

Harry and James went about collecting the other kids in their day care group and bringing them forward for Mr. Darcy to meet. He greeted each of them with a solemn handshake and saying, "Good afternoon". When he met all fifteen children, he said, "Would you all like to meet a friend of mine?"

Before the children could answer, Mrs. Reynolds cleared her throat and threw Mr. Darcy a warning look.

"Uh. . . Before we go meet my friend, make sure you finish your cookies and drinks out here first. Don't want to make a mess inside."

The children were very careful to put their glasses back and finish their cookies.

"If you're ready, line up behind Harry and James."

Once all the children were lined up, he lead them into the sitting room. The center table had been cleared to allow room for the children to gather there, but in place of the table was a spotted Great Dane.

"Whoa! What's that!?"

"Is it a dog?"

"It's HUGE."

"Don't touch it. It might bite you!"

Harry and James knew the dog immediately. They both walked over to the dog and petted it. Harry looked at the other children. "This is Austen. He can catch rabbits."

Hesitant at first, when the dog did not eat one of the boys, the other children came around to pet the dog.

Georgiana went to direct the traffic. "Careful. One at a time."

Mr. Darcy sat in an armchair and whistled. Austen's ears perked up. Then he stood up and walked through the children, and sat next to Mr. Darcy's feet. The children followed.

"It's all right. Just come and sit over here."

When they were all seated, a little girl with dark hair and pigtails asked, "Does Austen really catch rabbits?"

Mr. Darcy chuckled. "Well, he scares them out of bushes."

The little girl's lower lip trembled.

"Oh, but it's just so that they don't ruin the garden. When we catch them, we set them free over in the woods."

The little girl gave him a small smile. "Oh."

More of the children asked other questions about what they saw while they toured the grounds. Elizabeth watched the interaction between Mr. Darcy and the children. He handled their questions with humor and patience. He also knew how to captivate their attention with his voice and animated hand gestures.

" Is the tour almost over?"

Elizabeth felt William standing behind her, his hand resting on her hip. She turned her head towards him. "Almost. This is my favorite part of the tour."

"My father does have a way with children."

She nodded. "When we have children, we will have absolutely no influence over them if they're with him."

He kissed her temple. "Fortunately, that won't be for a while."

"I know."

"Just making sure."

She shook her head.

After a moment, he said, "It looks like everything is under control here."

Elizabeth gave him a light smack on the arm when he tried to nuzzle that spot behind her ear. "William, I can't just leave them here."

"You wouldn't be leaving them alone. My dad is talking to them, so that could take a while. Plus, Georgiana's here and so is your aunt." Since William was standing behind her, he was able to reach under her shirt and place his hand on the small of her back. "I'm sure you won't be missed."

Elizabeth withdrew herself from William's touches and lead him away from the group, just outside of hearing distance. She rested her hands on her hips. "There are nearly twenty children here."

"Who are all being watched by responsible adults."

She took a step back when William stepped forward. "But. . . it's daytime!"

He slid his hands on her hips. "You didn't say that this morning-"

She dragged him away from the sitting room and into the hall.

He continued, "Or in the music room or under the willow tree-"

"That was different."

"True, but look at it this way." He took her into his arms. "This will be good practice for when we have our own children and have to sneak away when we can."

She laughed. "You're incorrigible."

"You still have a week to change your mind, you know." He lead her towards the stairs. "But, I don't think you'll find much sympathy with your friends when you tell them the reason why you left me was because I wanted you all the time."

"Well, when you put it that way, of course not." She climbed the stairs. "I thought it would be more accurate to say that you make me do things that I would not normally do."

He pulled her along. "I had fully intended to go horseback riding yesterday. But, you . . . and besides, at the time you didn't seem against the idea, in fact you-"

"You know I can't say no when you-"

"Or how about when you give me that look."

When they reached the top of the stairs, Elizabeth held back. "We can't."

He turned around and saw a genuine look of concern. "Is something wrong?"

She shifted in her spot. "It's just. . . I don't know if I can. . . with all those people down stairs. . ."

He held her face. "This is a pretty big place."

"I know. . . but my aunt and the children will probably stay for dinner."

He sighed. "We'll come down for dinner tonight, but tomorrow. . . we'll miss breakfast."

She let out a small laugh. "All right." And she allowed herself to be lead away. "Do you think. . . Does anyone notice when we're gone?"

"Probably."

"That's a little embarrassing."

They stood in front of what was William's bedroom, was now their bedroom. "No. They understand."

"Understand what?"

William opened the door. He always made sure the door was opened whenever he was going to carry her in. He picked her up. "That we're in love."

Elizabeth grinned, letting him carry her inside. "Of course."

Author's Notes:

I'd like to take this time to thank a few people. . .

• Thanks to Peg & Spring for archiving this monstrosity and to Ann for providing a home for it.

• Thanks to Amy I., my former editor. Your support and feedback gave me the confidence to post this story in the first place.

• Thanks to the West Coast Dwiggies, Victoria Lynn, Elizabeth S., Christen, and Whitney for representing.

• Thanks to the Dwiggie Stock-Mid-West-Australian connection: Julie, Elli, Shemmelle, Mo, and Sarita for opening my eyes to the sexual tension that was apparently rampant throughout the story. I thought I was saving it for the last two chapters. :)

• Thanks to Danielle L., Sharni, Karen-Marie, Jane Michelle, Audrey, Jean-Louise, Shazza, Joey, Jen, Theresa S., and Tanisha. I could always rely on all of you to respond, giving me the peace of mind that someone was reading my story.

• I've been recently made aware that there are other readers out there who've never posted a response and I want to take the time to thank you, whoever you all are. Thanks to Jane B., Brenda Tan, tJean, Katharine Meg, Liz K., Maria K., Tammy C., Lynn F., and Jennifer Deanne for bringing this to my attention. If you all hadn't, I would've continued believing that the usual twenty or so same people were reading my story.

  Although I will probably never know how many people I've reached, I hope you've enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

• If I've forgotten anyone, please, please, forgive me. I know there's always someone that gets forgotten. Thank you.

• And finally, a special thanks to my husband, Mark, who encouraged me to write and who was a source of great inspiration for this story.