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Part 9

"We have got to stop meeting like this," Richard smiled when he opened his eyes and saw Doctor Fields. She shook her head and crossed her arms.

"You mean you actually wake up that way?

"What way?" The doctor smiled, but didn't answer his question.

"I'm afraid I have to ask you to sit up, Mr. Fitzwilliam. I need to get a close look at that lump on your head." Richard slowly sat up.

"I would have thought that you'd be able to see it clearly from Cincinnati," he groaned. Dr. Fields prodded his head gently and Richard grimaced. When she was done, she informed him that he'd be going for another x-ray.

"Hopefully, it'll come back looking good and you'll be able to leave today."

"Will I be able to play the piano again?" Richard called after the doctor as she headed for the door. She turned.

"Did you injure your hands, too, Mr. Fitzwilliam?" she smirked.

"No, but I actually do use my brains on occasion," he said in all seriousness. "I want to know that I'll have all my faculties."

"Mr. Fitzwilliam, you will leave here with all the faculties you came in with. We didn't drop a one." Richard smiled. Dr. Fields sighed and walked back over to his bedside. "If you're worried about the memory loss, I wouldn't sweat it. People forget things all the time: names, phone numbers, where they left the remote...you probably haven't lost more memory than any normal person does on any given day."

"But what if what I lost...even that little bit...was critical?" Richard asked. He looked down and slowly shook his head. "Something happened and I have no idea what it was. That's not what's worrying me, though. There are...potential consequences to what happened...whatever it was, and I can't do anything about them because I don't know what I did." Richard threw his hands up and dropped them back in his lap in frustration.

"Why don't you ask Ms. Bingley?" Richard looked at the doctor.

"I'm afraid I wouldn't trust her answer. She doesn't exactly have much of an incentive to be helpful. Dr. Fields," he asked after a brief hesitation, "Was I very drunk that night?"

"Your blood alcohol level was within legal tolerances, and given your size, lean muscle mass, and general physical condition, I'd make an educated guess that you had a nice buzz but were nowhere near incapacitated."

"Then it's unlikely that I did anything I wouldn't have done if I was completely sober." The doctor weighed her answer carefully.

"I don't know exactly what you're capable of, Mr. Fitzwilliam, so I wouldn't care to speculate on that. But I will say this: If Ms. Bingley was lying in this bed and you were suspected of attacking her, I doubt that you'd be able to find a doctor who would be willing to testify that your judgment was impaired by alcohol." Richard sighed heavily.

"Thank you, doctor." Dr. Fields sighed. She patted Richard's shoulder and headed for the door. She reached it and turned back yet again. Richard looked up. The doctor pulled a cell phone from her pocket and gave it to him.

"When I came on duty this morning, the nurse told me she had taken this from you twice last night. The second time, you'd apparently fallen sleep on the line. Why don't you call her a little later today? She'd probably appreciate it more than a call at 1:00 a.m." Richard smiled sheepishly, and the doctor left him to contemplate his bad luck.

Lizzy and William showed up in Brooklyn rather early, but Olivia had already begun wielding her magic in the kitchen. Lizzy and William wasted no time in joining her there.

"Hey! That doesn't smell like pancakes!" Lizzy said, as she led William into the kitchen. William bent over and peeked into the oven; he came up smiling.

"It's not. I'm baking oatmeal cookies." Olivia returned William's smile and poured him out a cup of coffee.

"You're too good to us, girl," Lizzy grinned as Olivia filled her cup.

"They aren't for you. I thought I'd bring them to Richard." William's face fell. "There may be one or two dozen extras, however." William took a deep breath and smiled again. "He's really adorable, you know that?" Olivia remarked to Lizzy with a nod at William.

"Yes, I know!" Lizzy grinned. William pulled the cookies out of the oven while Olivia made the pancakes. Lizzy guarded them while Olivia went up to her room to get her vitamins.

"Olivia looks much better today," William commented as he bit into a pilfered cookie.

"You haven't had your breakfast yet, William!" Lizzy cried.

"What can I say, you're a lousy security guard!" She made a face at him.

"You are right, though...she does appear to be in very good spirits. Do you think she's a little excited about going to see Richard?" William rolled his eyes.

"I doubt that. I mean, what could have happened between the time you spoke with her last night and now to shift her attitude so much?" Upstairs, Olivia dug her vitamin bottle out of her tote bag. Impulsively, she sat down on the edge of her bed and pulled her cell phone out of the tote. She looked at the caller ID window. Richard Fitzwilliam had called her, not once, but three times, the last at 12:45 a.m. She put the phone away and, with a smile on her face, fairly floated down the stairs.

When Richard opened his eyes and saw William, he frowned.

"What happened to the nice lady who usually occupies that spot?"

"What are you talking about, Fitz?" William frowned, but Lizzy tapped him on the shoulder and slid in beside him so she could place a kiss on Richard's forehead.

"Well, that's some improvement. Not exactly who I had in mind, but..." William backed away and Olivia took his place. Richard's face lit up.

"Good morning, Richard."

"Hello," Richard beamed.

"How's your head?"

"It's doing fairly well, although it still feels like I've got a size nine head trying to hold a size twelve brain. How's your head today?" Olivia understood his meaning and smiled.

"Better...of course, being awakened in the middle of the night has its disadvantages..." The sudden change in Richard's demeanor was so palpable that even William thought that he and Olivia should be left alone. He took Lizzy's hand and slipped out of the room. William led Lizzy to the visitor's lounge with a smile on his face. Maybe things weren't as bad as he had feared. Still, he intended to find out the truth, and he intended to carry out his original plans. Now that the immediate "crisis" between Richard and Olivia seemed to be resolved, he could forge ahead.

"Want a cookie?" Lizzy pulled a zip-locked bag from her purse. William's smile grew even more. But the offered sweet didn't distract him. He pulled out a small notebook and began to write, the cookie forgotten between his teeth. Lizzy reached over and took it.

"Hey! I was using that!" William cried.

"No you weren't! It was just sitting there. You looked like a puppy with a slipper in its mouth. What's so interesting anyway?" She leaned over to look, but William leaned back and deftly grabbed the cookie from her fingers.

"It's nothing that concerns you," he said with his mouth full.

Inside Richard's room, Olivia pulled up a chair beside the bed. Richard would like to have taken the chair beside hers, but he felt somewhat awkward in his hospital gown. He rolled over on his side and carefully cradled his head on his pillow so that he could see her.

"I hear you may be going home today," Olivia assayed.

"I keep trying to cross my fingers, but my eyes keep crossing instead. That doesn't exactly instill confidence in the medical staff that I'm ready to function outside of these walls."

"I see your sense of humor hasn't been damaged," Olivia replied.

"What's in the bag?" Richard asked, his eyes sparkling like those of a five-year old on Christmas morning.

"A get-well present, but if you're well enough to go home..." She looked down at the bag perched on her lap.

"I could relapse at any minute, you know." Olivia handed him the bag.

"I baked cookies this morning." Richard peeked into the bag and inhaled deeply. He smiled, but he didn't open the container that held the delectable cargo. He rested the bag in front of him on the bed, his arm protectively draped around it.

"That was very sweet of you, Olivia. Thank you. And thank you for coming; I was kind of hoping that I'd be able to spend some time with you before you left."

"I'm leaving in less than two hours," Olivia replied. Richard closed his eyes, annoyed once again that Caroline's deed had cost him more than he'd initially realized. The reality of his situation first began to dawn on him when he caught a fleeting glimpse of Olivia leaving his room a day earlier. That scene in the hospital had thrown into jeopardy the hope that had begun to stir in his breast that Olivia might play a part in his life in the foreseeable future. He had lain awake for some time after that thinking about her and wondering if what had happened would prevent her from agreeing to see him again. But Richard opened his eyes and Olivia was there in front of him, a small smile playing at her mouth. He reached out a hand and awkwardly touched her face. Olivia took his hand and held on to it.

"Sorry, I wasn't trying to poke your eye out. I just needed to make sure I wasn't hallucinating," he smiled.

"Have you been hallucinating?" Richard smiled impishly, delighting in the touch of her hand in his.

"Let's just say I've seen some amazing things in the past 48 hours, some real, some imagined. Trouble is, I'm not exactly sure which was which." Olivia unconsciously squeezed his hand as she stood up.

"You will take care of yourself when they spring you from here, won't you?"

"Scout's honor." He started to make a quip about avoiding flying candlesticks, but thought better of it. "You aren't leaving now, are you?

"I should leave very soon. I have to get downtown early enough pick up my reserved ticket, and mass transit on a Sunday during the Christmas shopping season..." she looked at the expression in Richard's eyes and sat down again.

"What are you doing out here?" Georgiana inquired as she exited the elevator and found William and Lizzy scanning the Sunday Times in the lounge.

"Olivia's with Richard," Lizzy related with a big smile. Georgiana returned the smile and sat down.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, rising again. "But I'd better give this to Richard right now, before it melts." She carried the brown paper bag down the hall toward his room. She reached his room at the same moment as Dr. Fields

"If that's more ice cream, I'm afraid your cousin won't be here to eat it." Richard heard the doctor's voice and turned. Olivia dropped his hand as he did so.

"You're free to go, Mr. Fitzwilliam. Your second x-ray looks very good. That clot seems to have dissolved and the swelling in your cranium had abated somewhat. And I think that should you run into trouble," she added, with a meaningful look at Olivia, "You'll be in good hands." Richard sat up and thanked the doctor for her care and promised that he'd take better care of his brain in future. Dr. Fields went down the hall and repeated her news to William and Lizzy before she went off to sign the release papers. William went along to take care of any necessary paperwork.

"Well, I'll leave you two to talk," Georgiana said, as she edged toward the door.

"No," Olivia said, rising again. "I really have to go if I'm going to make my train." Richard turned back toward her as Georgiana slipped out of the room.

"What are your plans for New Year's?" Richard asked. Olivia's expression dimmed slightly.

"New Year's?" Olivia blanched. "I wasn't...that is, I don't plan on doing anything on New Year's Day. She quickly turned around and began to pull on her coat and scarf, leaving Richard to wonder what he'd done wrong. When Olivia turned back, she looked herself again.

"I take it you still plan on calling me on the 15th?" she smiled.

"So far, that's my only plan for that day," Richard said, reaching out and touching her face again. This time, he caressed her cheek. Olivia, in response, reached out and stroked his hair very lightly. She bent forward and kissed his mouth. Then she walked around the bed and made for the door. When Richard had turned around, she was gone.

Lizzy went down to Pennsylvania Station with Olivia, while Georgiana and William took Richard back to their place. In the cab, Lizzy noticed that Olivia wore a tiny smile and a sparkle in her eye that spoke volumes. Lizzy, for once, was content to be left in the dark. On Track 6, she and her best friend shared a warm hug before Olivia boarded the train.

"Olivia, I'm so very, very glad you came."

"So am I, Lizzy. I'll write in a day or two." As soon as she was settled in her seat, Olivia closed her eyes. She tried not to think. She tried not to worry, or dream, or consider, or plan. She didn't even want to hope. She just savored the moment repeatedly, until she got off the train in Eaton.

On Monday morning, when Olivia opened her e-mail, she found among hers messages one from "rfitzwilliam@fitzfitz.com" and spontaneously understood Lizzy's obsession with her e-mail.

Thanks again for the cookies. They work even better than pain medication!

At his desk, amid the members of his legal department who were animatedly discussing the status of the DARCO Companion project, William turned aside for a moment and wondered if his e-mail to Olivia sounded "Richard-like" enough to set the wheels of their budding relationship in motion.

"Well, I think that we've got to get her back up here somehow," Jane was telling Charles as he concentrated on negotiating the rush hour traffic across the Brooklyn Bridge. "Lizzy said that Olivia was positively glowing when she left."

"Maybe that was because she was lugging two heavy bags through Penn Station," Charles scoffed. "Look, she's taken on the second project I offered her and I can't really promise you anything more than that. We're a web-based company, Jane. Telecommuting is the whole idea!" Jane sighed and leaned back.

"We can't just leave things as they are. They could be so right for each other."

"Jane, if Olivia and Richard think they're right for each other, they'll figure things out for themselves. They're adults and hardly in need of our assistance." Jane huffed at his tone, but she silently prayed that Charles was correct. After a tedious trip up the FDR Drive, they arrived at William's townhouse. Mrs. Reynolds directed the visitors to the library, where Richard was temporarily installed in William's workspace.

"Charles, Jane! Come on in," Richard waved. His eyes were on the keyboard before him. He hit the send button and turned his attention to his company.

"How are you feeling?" Charles inquired as he shook hands with Richard, who subsequently received a hug from Jane. He joined the couple on the large sectional sofa at the far end of the large room.

"I'm beginning to hear normally again. For the first few days I felt like I was in a tunnel," Richard said as he eased himself onto the sofa. His movements were still very deliberate, as sudden movements flared up the dull ache that persisted in his head.

"I'm sorry I didn't see you at the hospital; I had to..."

"I know," was all Richard could say. He really didn't want to think about Caroline. After a few minutes of awkwardness, Charles and Richard were able to forget about her entirely and began to talk about a range of topics. Jane broke into the conversation to remind Charles of the purpose of their visit.

"We came by to invite you out to dinner. You've been cooped up here for four days now. You must be a little stir crazy," Jane smiled. Richard readily agreed to the idea and went upstairs to change into warmer clothes. While Jane and Charles waited, William came in from a late business meeting. Although he was happy to see Jane and Charles, he refused the invitation to join them for dinner, pleading fatigue. But he was glad for Richard's sake that they were going to get him out of the house for a bit of a breather. Long experience had taught William that Mrs. Reynolds could be an overbearing if well-intending nursemaid. Neither he nor Richard were inclined to coddle themselves, and William had noticed with some amusement how happy Richard was every evening when he returned, giving Mrs. Reynolds a diversion from smothering him with her attentions.

Richard came downstairs and spoke briefly with William before the trio departed. William went up and changed into casual attire and did a number of small tasks--returning phone calls, reading mail, and the like--before he sat down to dinner. Afterwards, he went into the front parlor and listened to music for a while. But a short time later, he wandered into the library in search of something to read. William sat down at his desk from force of habit--he had designated the desk area as Richard's domain for the length of his stay and had intended to steer clear of it for the duration. He was about to get up when his eyes fell on the computer screen that Richard had abandoned. After a few minutes of wrestling with his conscience, William clicked on Olivia's message and read the entire string, bottom to top, that he had initiated two days earlier.

Don't eat too many of those cookies! They are for medicinal purposes, you know!

No need to worry; I'm eating them sparingly. I want them to last at least nine more days.

"Nine more days? Why nine?" William wondered.

I can make more, you know.

I know. In fact, I'm counting on that. But I'll only want them if they're hand-delivered. I suspect that their benefits lose their power in shipping.

Hand delivery is a distinct possibility. I have been invited to spend Christmas with William and Lizzy up in Connecticut.

That's wonderful! I'll take you sledding on Suicide Hill.

I don't think so!

It's just a name Fitz and I cooked up as kids. It's not THAT bad!

You may not be up to engaging in extreme sports so soon after your injury. And I am no daredevil.

Then I'll think up some gentler activities for us to partake of. Do you ski?

You call that "gentler"?

You've never seen me on a sled. I was a competitive luger for awhile, before my mother found out.

In that case, Suicide Hill is definitely out!

William smiled. Richard and Olivia's correspondence brought back fond memories of his early relationship with Lizzy, and he envied Richard's luck in actually knowing the lady he was writing to.

All right, you pick the activities. I'll do anything you suggest.

I haven't even decided whether or not I'm coming yet!

You just said that you were.

I said I have been invited; I have not yet accepted.

I see I have my work cut out for me! What do I have to do to persuade you?

You strike me as a man who loves a challenge, Mr. Fitzwilliam. Figure something out!

Are you really going to make me wait until after Christmas? Convicted felons get time off for good behavior, you know. William's eyebrows went up.

Are you a convicted felon?

No, and I suppose that in light of recent events, that good behavior angle wouldn't fly anyway.

"Ouch!" William empathized.

I've already granted you the benefit of the doubt.

I appreciate that, and I can probably dig up a few character witnesses, too.

You WOULD have character witnesses!

Maybe I need a different strategy: What can I offer you in Connecticut that you can't get at Christmas in Elverson?

Mr. Fitzwilliam, you make me blush!

Madam, what are you thinking? (Too bad Fitz, doesn't have a vid cam on this thing.)

Are you still at William's house? I assumed that you'd be at home by now.

You met Mrs. R--she's small but feisty. You wouldn't know it to look at her, but she can kick my butt from here to Sunday. She's holding me captive here. I've taken to stealing napkins at meals so I can make a rope and escape from my room.

Aren't bed sheets the traditional medium?

You want me to tear up Porthault linens? Your Elverson roots are showing, my dear.

Sorry. I suppose I would disappoint you greatly, then, if I were to ask what Porthault linens are.

You know what they say: If you have to ask... But now you've totally distracted me from my mission. How do I get you to come back to Connecticut?

Don't blame me! You distract yourself far better than I ever could!

True, but I'd still rather be distracted by you.

"I don't believe I ever got around to thanking you." Richard 's voice shattered the tomblike silence of the library and William nearly jumped out of his skin.

"For what?" he managed, hoping against hope that Richard hadn't caught him reading his private correspondence.

"For starting that string," Richard replied as he slid into a chair opposite the desk.

"It might have been Lizzy's doing," William argued perversely, as he rose and went to the bar.

"Too subtle...more your style, discretely manipulative. Besides, Lizzy doesn't have my e-mail address."

"She told me that on the night you met you gave her your card and told her to call you."

"I did. My card has my Darcy.com address on it," Richard replied smugly. He gazed at William for a moment. "Why?"

"Insurance."

"Et tu, Fitz?" Richard accepted the soft drink that William offered. Richard had temporarily sworn off alcohol.

"I'm not pushing, just facilitating." William sat back down at the desk.

"Hardly necessary; we were planning to keep in touch. In fact, I was planning to call Olivia when her first e-mail showed up. I thought it odd that her first message to me was a reply to something I never sent."

"Does she know that it was me?"

"I didn't mention it. I'd rather have her think really well of me," Richard smiled. He stretched and let out a huge yawn. "So tomorrow you're off to Pennsylvania, Charles is off to Cambridge in my place, and I'm still stuck here with the Tigress."

"Gee?"

"Mrs. R! Man, she'd be an asset to any terrorist cell on the planet! You know, she won't let me get out of bed before noon?" William laughed. "I need to go home soon, Fitz. She's worse than that nurse at camp!"

"No one's that bad. As for when you leave, that's between you and Mrs. Reynolds."

"Then you won't agree to smuggle me out in your luggage?" William laughed again as they both rose to head up to their respective beds. "One more favor, Fitz, since you're 'facilitating' things. Figure out a way to help me to convince Olivia to come up to Connecticut for the holidays." William didn't answer, but that's precisely what he intended to do.

The cousins separated at the top of the stairs and said good night. William went into his room and opened his laptop. Within a minute, he was in typing an e-mail message.

Hello beautiful! It's nearly midnight and I was just thinking about you.

What are you doing online so late?

I uses I was feeling kind of nostalgic.

Nostalgic? About what?

About late night e-mails to a woman of mystery.

Do you still find me mysterious? William chuckled at several alternatives before replying.

I can think of several mysteries...but I'd rather investigate them offline. Why are you on so late?

I was just hanging out hoping that some hot young stud would write--and passing the time chatting with Olivia. That reminded William of his reason for going online in the first place. He dug into his wallet for Olivia's card. He found it and sent off an e-mail. After a genial opening, William got down to business

I will be in King of Prussia tomorrow and Thursday to attend the Tech Expo. I was wondering if we might meet for dinner one evening in Philadelphia. I'd like to get your opinions on a project I'm working on for the DARCO Companion. William shifted his attention back to Lizzy.

What would you like this hot young stud to write you?

You know, I think you're right--some things are better undertaken offline. I can think of lots of things I would like to hear you say--"hear" being the operative word. I want to feel your breath against my neck as you whisper sweet nothings...and I want to be able to whisper my replies in your ear. [Sigh] I'm sorry, Mr. Computer Mogul, but technology sure leaves much to be desired sometimes.

Sometimes, only the real thing will do. I can think of "much to be desired" right now, myself. I'll be back in New York tomorrow night. Don't make any plans. We have some research to do.

Research?

Have you any idea how much money I put into research and development of DARCO's product? Now you tell me that it's inadequate? I'm sorry, but I can't accept that judgment without making a few field tests.

What do you have in mind?

"He calls me a woman of mystery; what is he talking about?"

I need sound, solid proof of your assertion that my computer's technology leaves much to be desired. I think a comparison test is in order and I volunteer myself as a Guinea pig. Interested in joining me? Lizzy giggled. William pulled off his turtleneck and carried the laptop over to his bed and sat the computer on his lap.

What do you have in mind?

Well, since we have to be apart tonight, we can start this experiment now to see how far technology can take us. When I get home tomorrow, we can try another experiment and decide if the real thing is any better. Lizzy suddenly felt quite warm.

Anything for science... William bit his lip and tried to think about how to begin. He was about to type when a message came in.

Good to hear from you, William. I'd love to meet with you and talk about the Companion. But as for meeting in Phillie--that won't be necessary. I'll be at the conference as a rep for one of my clients. Why don't I track you down at the DARCO booth tomorrow?

Olivia

William smiled. Things were going very smoothly. But he quickly put aside thoughts of Olivia and returned his attention to more pressing matters, and was online for sometime after that with Lizzy, in the interest of science.

Lizzy, not surprisingly, awoke the following morning with thoughts of William uppermost in her mind. She quickly showered and dressed and rushed downstairs to make breakfast. While the coffee was brewing, she turned on her laptop. By the time she had scrambled her eggs she had composed a message for William in her head. She sat down at the table with two thoughts in her mind: sending a message to William that would keep him thinking of her while he was in Pennsylvania, and trying to figure out where she could find a lab coat. She smiled wickedly as she began typing her note. When she had sent it, she noticed for the first time a message that had been sent by Olivia the previous night.

"I wonder how that escaped my notice?" Lizzy grinned.

Hey Lizzy!

I just want you to know that I'll be having lunch with William today at the Tech Expo. He wants to talk to me about the Companion project (I can't imagine why, buy I'm not going to refuse a date with a handsome millionaire even if he IS yours!) Seriously, I promise to behave myself and just use him a little, enough to make a few friends green with envy. Think you can talk him into walking through the Expo venue with me on his arm for about a half hour? (Hah!)

Livy

"Why don't you get your own millionaire?" Lizzy smiled. But after recent events, she was not about to make any such suggestion to Olivia directly.

Take good care of my baby. You can use him a little, but not so much that he forgets that he IS mine.

"Not that that is very likely after last night." Lizzy added a bit more before she sent the message off.

And if Sara Jefferson is at the Expo, you can kiss William ONCE. Make it count!

I'll catch you later...

Lizzy erased the last word and changed it to "tomorrow." She had other plans for "later." She finished her eggs and went in search of her Yellow Pages directory.

William awoke to the sound of thunder. The dark stormy morning, along with a forecast of stormy weather throughout the day, led William to decide to cancel his flight to Pennsylvania and have Mrs. Reynolds call Bates. He had made it a point to never fly in bad weather if he could at all avoid it ever since Emma, the last woman he was involved with before he met Lizzy, was killed on a short flight between London and Dublin nearly three years ago. Although weather was not found to be the cause of the crash, the weather that day had been stormy both in Chicago--where he was at the time he learned of her death from Richard--and in Ireland. He had been wary of traveling in stormy weather ever since.

He wandered down to the kitchen where Mrs. Reynolds was making oatmeal. While she went off to alert Bates to the fact that he'd be driving to King of Prussia, he helped himself to a bowl of the steaming hot cereal. He put the bowl on the small table in the kitchen and went for a cup of coffee. When he turned back to the table, he saw Richard, in robe and pajamas, blond hair askew, sitting in his place and inhaling the scent of his breakfast. William sighed and reached for a second bowl.

"Thanks, Fitz," Richard said, as he took the spoon William offered him. William sat down, just as Mrs. Reynolds returned to the kitchen.

"Mr. Bates will be here in...what are you doing out of bed, young man, and in bare feet, too? Do you want to catch your death of cold?"

"Mrs. R, I haven't had a cold since I was eleven," Richard groaned, with a look at William, who was smiling at the exchange.

"Oh, and you think that walking around in bare feet in December is a good time to test your immunity? It's a wonder that you survive on your own, Mister Richard."

"I have truly been blessed, Mrs. R." She cast a withering glance at him and walked away.

"That wasn't so bad," William laughed.

"It's only 7:30. Wait until she gets warmed up," Richard countered. "Speaking of the time, shouldn't you be on your way by now?"

"I'll leave as soon as Matt gets here."

"Matt who?" Richard frowned.

"Matt Fitzwilliam. He's home from school for the semester and he'll be interning with me until mid-January." Richard shook his head. "What?"

"Nepotism," Richard said distastefully. "I wouldn't hire my own mother if she couldn't pull her own weight." William snorted.

"You'd never deny your mother anything, Mama's Boy," William smiled. "And I think that a guy with a year and a half at Wharton under his belt can pull his own weight as an assistant."

"Jo isn't going with you?" asked Richard as he rose to fetch orange juice.

"No. It's just a day trip and I really won't need her," William replied.

"I thought that it was a two day conference," Richard asserted.

"It is. But after I left you last night, I realized that I urgently need to be back in town tonight," William smiled and downed the last of his coffee just as Mrs. Reynolds led Matt into the kitchen. Richard looked at William expectantly, but William had already turned his attention to the new arrival. The young man had the classic Fitzwilliam features: tall, athletic, blue-eyed, and handsome, but his hair was the color of William's. Richard offered him a glass of orange juice and Matt joined the others at the table.

"You were missed at Thanksgiving," William commented. Richard cast William a look that said otherwise.

"I spent the holiday with some friends in L.A., but dad told me all about it," Matt revealed, with a meaningful glance at Richard.

"Swell," Richard muttered. He could only imagine what kind of mangled report Uncle Stewart had passed on to his older son. As if on cue, Matt congratulated Richard on his engagement. Richard just smiled and picked up his juice and left the room.

"Did I say something wrong?" Matt asked. William slapped him on the shoulder.

"I'll explain in the car. Bates ought to be out front by now."

"Nothing simpler. Go to a college bookstore. Or better yet, a bookstore at a medical school," Charlotte suggested.

"Thanks!" Lizzy beamed. She made a mental note to call the store at New York University.

"What do you need a lab coat for, anyway?" Lizzy froze.

"Uh, a daughter of a friend of mine is going to be a doctor in a play," Lizzy managed, averting her eyes.

"Well, when she's done with it, you should borrow it and play doctor with William," Charlotte quipped as she left Lizzy's office.

Richard went up and took a shower. He came downstairs and went into the library, where he found Georgiana at the computer. She looked up at him apologetically.

"Sorry, but I have a paper to turn in today and my own printer seems to be on the fritz. I'm almost done printing." Richard sat in the chair opposite her and waited, wondering whether or not she, too, had read his e-mail from Olivia. By the time she was done, Richard had decided that she hadn't. But as soon as she was gone, Richard had concluded that he should delete the correspondence before someone else discovered it. He opened his e-mail and called up Olivia's last message. Georgiana popped back into the library to ask if he'd look at her printer and he agreed to do so. When he was sure he was alone, he reread the string and decided he didn't really want to lose it. He picked up the phone and dialed his office.

"Hello, Anne. It's me," Richard began.

"Oh, Richard...Danielle was just in here asking about you. If you hold on a minute I can probably catch her." Before Richard could speak she had put down the phone. Richard drummed his fingers for a few seconds until he heard Danielle's familiar voice.

"Richard? How are you? I came back into town yesterday and heard that you'd been in the hospital."

"I'm okay. As everyone keeps telling me, my head is probably the toughest part of my body."

"Then it's unlikely that any sense was knocked into you, eh?"

"Danielle, I'm wounded! I thought you adored me!"

"You know I do. But that doesn't mean I'm blind to your flaws, dear. How is your head and how long will you be out?"

"I still have a bit of a headache. I'll be working from home for the rest of this week...well, Fitz's home, anyway. And by the way, what were you doing out of town?"

"Oh...I had to take care of a personal matter," she said, cursing herself for slipping up. William had sent her out of town to meet with a prominent consulting firm. Richard was not supposed to know about it.

"Is everything all right?"

"Oh, yes. Everything is fine. I'm more concerned about you," she responded sincerely.

"Thanks, Danielle. I'm really okay. Listen, I called the office because I need a few things over here."

"Name it and I'll see that you get it." Richard waited while she obtained a pen and paper from Anne and she took down the short list.

"Consider it on its way. And if there's anything else I can do just ask," Danielle said. Mrs. Reynolds walked into the library and began fussing about Richard still being barefoot.

"See if you can find a file to stick into that package," Richard smiled.

"So Richard isn't even involved with this girl? I'm almost sorry I missed it," Matt laughed.

"I wouldn't go repeating that in front of your cousin," William advised as the limousine sped down the highway. "Which reminds me; you're going to meet the lady under discussion today, and I wouldn't mention the incident to her, either." Matt nodded. "When we get to the conference I want you to try and look her up."

"How do I find her?" Matt asked reasonably.

"When I e-mailed her back last night, she said that she'd be at the conference's communications center. Look for Olivia Crenshaw and let her know that I'll be able to meet her at 1:00."

"How will I recognize her?"

"She's about Gee's height--maybe a bit taller--short brown hair, big brown eyes, slim, pretty. But I bet that your best clue will be a nametag." Matt and William exchanged a glance and Matt shook his head.

"Sorry, Fitz. Oh, I guess I should start calling you Mr. Darcy." William shrugged. He gave Matt a few pointers about how to conduct himself and a short list of tasks to accomplish. He had decided to bring Matt along because he wanted an extra pair of eyes and ears on the Expo floor. He was particularly interested in hearing any gossip that had to do with the Companion. When the car arrived at the Expo, the pair split up. William was to speak at the plenary session. Matt went to do a quick tour of the conference before he went in search of Olivia.

"You didn't have to come yourself, you know," Richard said after he kissed Danielle on her cheek and led her to the library. He sat down at the desk and pulled two thick files out of the bag in order to get to the Companion that lay at its bottom. As it came out of the bag, a small plastic bag from a pharmacy fell out. Richard picked it up.

"This must be yours." Danielle pushed it back toward him.

"You said you needed a file. I stopped at Duane Reade on the way." Richard threw back his head and laughed, then he had to hold his head as the pain shot through it. Danielle rose from her chair in alarm.

"It's all right, it's all right," Richard claimed, as he lowered his hands. The tears in his eyes did nothing to convince her. But Richard was insistent. "I was laughing, not crying...at least, mostly laughing. I was only kidding about that file. Look, since you came all this way to see me, why don't you stay to lunch?"

What else might I need later?, Lizzy asked herself as she made her way back to her office, her purchase tucked in her tote bag. Her mind was so occupied she twice nearly walked into people. When Lizzy stopped at the diner to pick up a sandwich on the way back to her office, the waitress had to call her name twice before she let go of the bill in her hand. Lizzy decided to make one more stop on the way back to her office and smiled for the rest of the afternoon.

"Oh, my God, they made three of them!" Olivia uttered when a co-worker pointed out the man who had asked for her at the hospitality desk. She walked over and introduced herself. When Matt smiled, she knew that she had guessed correctly.

"Hello, Miss Crenshaw, my name is Matthew--."

"Fitzwilliam," Olivia smiled.

"You know of me?" Matt didn't think it likely.

"Lucky guess. Please call me Olivia. I take it you're here with William?" Matt smiled at her; she was prettier than William's description had let on. She was dressed in a deep red business suit, with pearls at her neck and ears. When she came out from behind the counter, Matt admired her figure as he followed her across the floor. By the time they reached the ballroom where the plenary session was taking place, Matt was beginning to wonder why Richard wasn't engaged to her. Olivia opened the door to the room and slipped in, with Matt close behind. William looked up from his place to the right of the dais and smiled. Olivia and Matt stood at the back at the room for a few minutes until the session broke up. Matt reluctantly left Olivia with William and went off to take care of a few things William had asked him to do.

"How are you, Olivia?" William asked as he escorted her to the limousine. They made small talk, William remarking about how different Olivia looked ("my business woman persona," she explained) and Olivia asking after Richard. They went to a restaurant away from the conference venue and sat down to lunch.

"Are you pressed for time?" William asked.

"Are you kidding? When the conference coordinator found out that I was having lunch with the CEO of DARCO, he practically pushed me out of the door. I'm afraid he thinks that this lunch will somehow benefit his conference."

"Actually, I was only thinking about benefiting you. Why don't we order?" Olivia tried to contain her curiosity through her seafood salad and William's grilled salmon. She declined dessert, but had a cup of coffee while William came to his point.

"You're familiar with the Companion, aren't you?" William opened.

"Yes, I've read about it, and I've seen Lizzy's," Olivia replied.

"What do you think of it?" Olivia gave a wry smile, and William encouraged her to be brutally honest.

"I think it's really cool!" she answered enthusiastically. "I mean, it's not the kind of thing I'd want to have to do all my work on, but if I was on the road or in the field, it would be ideal. I'd much rather carry it than a regular laptop. It's big enough to have the capacity you'd need to do real work, but light and portable. And I never could stand to use one of those palm things; too small. The Companion fills a niche somewhere in between...no, actually better." William smiled.

"I should have brought a film crew to capture that testimonial. I'm glad you like it. My intention was to fill just that niche you spoke of. In fact, I want to fill several." William opened his briefcase and pulled out a Companion and handed it to Olivia. She took it and looked at him, questioning.

"I want you to have that. And I'd like you to consider coming to work for me." Olivia was both surprised and confused. She held the machine in her hands, fighting the urge to open it and play. She was suspicious of William's sudden generosity.

"Come to work for you?"

"Not full-time; I would like to hire your services as a consultant."

"Consultant?" Olivia still held the prize in her hands as though she would have to give it back if she didn't agree to William's offer. William saw her hesitation.

"That's yours either way. I have been giving these to a few select people to try and getting their feedback. You'll be the only person to give her feedback before she actually got one," William smiled. Olivia rested the computer on her lap as William explained his proposition.

"When I first developed the Companion, Richard complained that it was merely an executive plaything, and he was right. I had no problem with that; we executives buy a lot of toys. But I've been thinking about ways to expand the Companion's potential market. What I plan to do is to make several models of the Companion. What you've got there is the Executive Companion. By the end of next year I want to have three other versions of the Companion on the market...an Investor's Companion, a Travel Companion, and a Cook's Companion. Each version will be pre-configured with a special software bundle designed expressly for that version. The computer will also be available with customized configurations via special order. Now, granted, they'll still be playthings, and expensive playthings, at that. But DARCO isn't looking to compete with IBM, Dell, or Compaq. We're looking to fill a niche market: specialized portable computers for professional in various fields. That's where you come in."

"Excuse me, William," Olivia began tentatively, "but I don't see the Companion as a tool for web designers..."

"No, no. That's not what I was thinking about. Your training as a web designer, coupled with your love of cooking, and your background as a caterer make you the perfect person to work on the Cook's Companion project," William declared.

"I'm very flattered William, but what you need is a..."

"What I need is a person with vision. I want someone who can envision what a cook would want and need in a computer, and have the computer smarts to create it. I've got software people to do the grunt work; what I need is someone with your range of talent."

"So why do you want to escape?" Danielle asked over her post-lunch ice cream. "If I were imprisoned here, they'd have to drag me out." Richard looked at Mrs. Reynolds warily as she came to clear the dishes.

"Let's just say that I'd like to be in my own place again. I miss the solitude, I crave my own stuff, I haven't worked out in five days, and I'm tired of being tortured by the Dragon Lady." Danielle laughed. Richard gaped at her.

"I'm sorry, Richard, but I'm on Mrs. Reynolds's side. You need looking after, and you may as well give in to it, 'cause I don't think that file I bought is going to spring you." Richard sighed.

"Well, I suppose it could be worse," Richard admitted. He played with the puddle of melted ice cream at the bottom of his bowl and abruptly switched gears. "Danielle, have you seen William lately?"

"Not this week. Why?"

"Did you get the impression that he was up to something when you saw him last?" Danielle averted her eyes, pretending to be interested in the china displayed in the mahogany breakfront.

"Don't tell me that you've become paranoid during your stay here," she responded.

"No, it's nothing like that. In fact, I'd noticed his strange behavior since before my accident." Afraid that Richard would begin to ask questions she ought not answer, she asked about his accident. Richard answered her very briefly, and Danielle didn't pursue the matter. She decided that it was time she returned to work. When she left Richard briefly wondered at her evasiveness. But after a few minutes, he went back to the library and moved his e-mail messages into his laptop.

When she returned to her desk, Olivia could not resist opening the Companion and looking at it. It was identical to Lizzy's on the outside, with its sleek metallic surface. She turned it on and a crowd gathered around her, as she carefully examined all of its features. The computer had been personalized for her and included Internet access via DARCO. She quickly closed the computer and tried to put a quick end to the speculative comments her gift had aroused.

She ran into Matt a while later in the lobby. He invited her for a cup of coffee and they went into the lounge and found seats in a corner. Due to the late afternoon hour, only a few other of the conference attendees were still around. Matt was amused at Olivia's knowledge of his family, although, given the story William had told him earlier, he wasn't surprised by it. They chatted for about fifteen minutes, until Bates appeared and announced that Mr. Darcy was out front and ready to leave. Matt reddened and glanced at his watch; he had been keeping William waiting for ten minutes. He apologized to Olivia and quickly took his leave. William was waiting at the car, looking slightly put out. He got into the limousine when Matt and Bates appeared, and it soon took off on the road back to New York.

"I'm sorry, Fitz. I was having coffee with Olivia and completely lost track of time," Matt confessed.

"You found her company that distracting?" William deadpanned, without looking up. Matt grinned sheepishly.

"I thought she was really hot." William groaned. "Hey, you don't have any rules against employees, you know...spending time together?" William glared at him.

"Olivia lives in Pennsylvania; you'll be working in New York," he warned his younger cousin.

"Yeah, but I go back to Wharton in January. She'll only be a short distance away."

"Aren't you forgetting something?

"What?" Matt asked ingenuously.

"Richard," William replied simply.

"I thought you said he wasn't involved with her!" William sighed. Here was a potential complication he hadn't considered. Matt was five years younger than his cousins, but his interest in the opposite sex easily matched either of the other Fitzes. He had hoped to employ Matt as a go between in William's rather complicated scheme to bring Olivia and Richard together. But Matt's reaction to Olivia gave him pause. William thought back to the interactions between Olivia and Matt that he had witnessed at the conference. There had been nothing on Olivia's part to make him worry. But Matt was another story. And with the family set to gather again in Connecticut and Richard eager to have Olivia join them, this was all he needed.

"He wasn't, then," William cautioned. "But they..." William had to think. What were they? And did William really have any right to warn Matt off? William knew that being subjected to the ordeal of having to compete with his cousin for Olivia was the last thing Richard deserved. He would have to keep an eye on Matt and do everything in his power to discourage him without being too obvious. Richard was right: subtlety was William's style, and the plan he was about to implement had to be carefully orchestrated if it was to be successful. He couldn't afford to do anything that might tip off either of the two parties involved, and if Matt tried to interfere, William would have to handle him with some delicacy.

Richard was lying on the sofa in the front parlor, listening to music when Mrs. Reynolds showed in an unexpected guest. Richard slowly sat up and was as surprised to see Lizzy, as he was surprised to see her.

"Richard! What are you still doing here?" she asked self-consciously. Oh, so, is this your urgent business, Fitz? Richard smiled knowingly; he could tell at a glance that the couple had big plans for the evening.

"I was resting. What are you doing here?" he responded, trying to suppress the smirk that was prying at his lips. Lizzy evaded the question by asking about his condition. Richard answered pleasantly, but it was obvious to him that Lizzy was upset by his unexpected presence and a bit disappointed that her plans to surprise William were going awry. Richard took pity on her and claiming a headache--which wasn't a lie--he went into the library and retrieved his Companion before he retired to his room.

Olivia slipped out of her business suit as soon as she got up to her hotel room around 7:30 and changed into a pair of flannel pajamas. Although she had agreed to stay at the conference venue overnight, she had no intention of attending the social events planned for conference attendees. Olivia opened her container of Chinese takeout, pulled out the Companion and booted it up. After carefully checking out all of its specs for the second time, she decided to inaugurate her e-mail with a message to Richard. She clicked on the icon that put her online and set up her e-mail program. She found that a message from Richard was already waiting for her.

Day 5 in captivity:

My captors have tried to break my spirit by constant harassment and searching all incoming correspondence. Mrs. R. has even sunk so low as to steal the nuts out of my butter pecan ice cream. (She claims that it was vanilla all along, but I know she's trying to play with my head.) Had a friend on the outside smuggle in my laptop and a file. File is of no use, unless I'm trying to escape a hangnail, but I refuse to be broken. Have reestablished communications with the outside, using alternative means. Try and contact me again, but don't let anyone else know.

Hopefully yours,

Richard

"Oh, dear!" Olivia laughed. She read the message again, her eyes focusing on the last three words. She set aside her lo mein and typed a reply.

You really are bored, aren't you? Richard was about to shut down his browser when Olivia's message arrived. His eyes lit up.

Bored doesn't begin to cover it. How's life on the outside?

Life's pretty good out here. Had I known how badly you were suffering I would have baked you a cake with a real file in it. But considering your depiction of Mrs. R., I doubt that she would have let you have it.

It's the thought that counts.

Isn't there a finite date on your prison sentence?

No! That's why I have to break out of here!

Have you tried simply walking out under the cover of darkness?

I can't see in the dark.

Maybe I can Fed-Ex you a cake with a flashlight in it!

I do believe you are making fun of me. How are things at the Expo? Had I known you were going to be there, I wouldn't have let Fitz talk me into going to Cambridge. Of course, I didn't go to Cambridge--Charles did, but I wish I'd known just the same.

I'm beginning to babble, aren't I?

Maybe Mrs. R. drugged your ice cream.

Yeah! And she took out the nuts to make room...that makes perfect sense! Olivia shook her head. She pushed the computer aside and went to clean up the remains of her meal. When she came back to the computer, there were two messages waiting for her.

Before I forget; have you come to a decision re: Fitz's invitation? Olivia clicked on the second message.

I'm not above begging, but I'd rather exhaust all other methods first. Are you open to bribery? Olivia shook head again and smiled. She clicked on the third message, which arrived while she was reading the other two.

Minks, jewels, cash?

You're not dealing with a material girl, Fizz. Richard was tickled by her use of his family's name. It sounded good, coming from her. Another message soon appeared on Olivia's screen:

I promise to drive nothing but dad's Rover for the next two months (the wily old fox still refuses to let me have it ant any price, but I'm free to use it whenever I want).

And another:

How about an all-expense paid trip to Scotland, complete with accommodations in a spooky castle, rickety stairs, and your choice of ghosts.

And another:

Or an all-expense paid trip to Scotland, complete with accommodations in a cozy cottage within walking distance of said spooky castle. No ghosts. No central heat. Loads of charm.

And yet another:

How about if I buy some land around Elverson and we'll all come down there next year if you promise to come this year?

And yet another:

Or I could simply try asking really nicely: Olivia, won't you come up to Connecticut and spend some time with me this Christmas? I'll be very lonely without you Olivia was moved by his simple and earnest plea. She was about to write and explain that she had to talk with her aunt before she made a decision when more e-mail arrived. Olivia smiled at Richard's persistence.

Hi, Olivia!

Sorry I had to leave so abruptly today. Perhaps we can tray again, next time I'm down in Pennsylvania--maybe over dinner?

Matt

Olivia sighed.

"Just when you think you've got your Fitzes straightened out, another one shows up. Well, Mister Fitzwilliam, unlike my dear friend Lizzy, I prefer to deal with my Fitzes one at a time and, quite frankly, you can't begin to measure up to your cousin." She reached out to hit the Reply button, and typed a message while she answered the phone.

She was involved for several minutes denying an involvement with William Darcy to a colleague. She quickly explained the true nature of her relationship with William and when she hung up, she hit the send button.

After dropping Matt off at his parent's apartment, William arrived home and found Lizzy sitting in the living room. He was thrilled to find her there and was on the verge of telling her so when he heard Richard cry out. William and Lizzy ran up the stairs and found Richard on his hands and knees on the floor. They helped him up and he allowed William to lead him back to bed. Lizzy asked what had happened.

"Nothing," Richard growled. He wouldn't meet Lizzy's eyes. William quietly asked Lizzy to wait for him downstairs. When they were alone, he confronted Richard.

"I fell off my chair, that's all." William turned and looked at the small desk, where the Companion sat, its screen still aglow.

"Where'd that come from?" Richard glanced at the laptop.

"I had it sent over today," he grinned ironically. "I thought I needed a bit of privacy." William returned the grin, a bit sheepishly.

"Do you want it?" William went over and picked up the laptop, making a conscious effort not to look at the screen. He handed it to Richard. "If you need anything..."

"No. I think I ought to get some sleep. Falling over didn't exactly improve my headache." William repeated his offer of assistance and left the room. Richard turned his eyes to the screen and read Olivia's message again.

I'm sorry, but I really don't think that it would be a good idea. I should have mentioned before that I'm kind of seeing someone. It isn't serious yet, but I have hopes... Thanks for your kind invitation, but I really must decline.

Richard ran a hand through his hair and shut down the computer. He resisted the urge to throw it against the wall and placed it carefully on the night table. He lay back on the bed and covered his eyes. Just when he began to feel as though things were moving forward, his hopes had been completely shattered by the misdirected e-mail.

William awoke early Friday morning and looked in on Richard. He found him sound asleep, so he continued on his way downstairs. A short time later, he brought breakfast up to Lizzy on a tray.

"You are really going to spoil me," Lizzy smiled as she sat up and smelled the rose that lay across the tray.

"I have to confess; I'm just the waiter this morning. Mrs. Reynolds made the breakfast," William said as he slid back under the sheets beside her. "This time, though, I did bring enough for two." He leaned over and uncovered the plates.

"Well, I appreciate the gesture, anyway," Lizzy smiled.

"It's the least I could do after I ruined our plans for last night."

"You didn't ruin them. We'll just have to reschedule. Besides, I was concerned about Richard, too." William sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "What? Is there something wrong?" Lizzy asked.

"No. No...hey! It's a workday. Eat up; I've got to get out of here in an hour!" William cried playfully, successfully distracting Lizzy from asking about the worried thoughts that he'd been having since he left his troubled cousin the previous night. Since she had driven up to his place, Lizzy didn't wait for William to drop her off. That afforded William an opportunity to check in on Richard once more before he left. The second time he looked into the guest room he found Richard awake and staring at the ceiling. William knocked on the open door.

"It's a little late for that. You're already halfway in," Richard mumbled through a yawn.

"I just wanted to check and see if you're okay," William said, coming into the room and pulling the desk chair over to the bed.

"I'm okay," Richard responded as he sat up. "In fact, I've decided to go home this morning."

"Is that wise after last night?"

"I'm fine, Fitz," Richard countered testily. "I just want to go home, all right?"

"All right," William replied, rising. Richard squinted up at him.

"You didn't tell the Tigress about my fall last night, did you?" William shook his head. "Good. I'm outta here, and I need you to back me up on this," Richard declared as he headed for the bathroom.

"If you're planning to leave right away, I'll wait and drop you off on the way to the office." Richard called out from the shower that he intended to leave as soon as he was dressed. William sat down on the bed and thought again about the seemingly sudden change in Richard's mood.

Not unexpectedly, Mrs. Reynolds made a fuss about Richard's leaving, and she let him go only after he promised to adhere to her strict instructions, which were too numerous for Richard to keep in his head. She redid the bandage on his forehead and hugged him twice before she let him out of the door.

By the time Bates pulled up in front of Richard's apartment, the groceries that William had had Mrs. Reynolds order had already arrived. Richard allowed William to unpack the groceries while he went into the living room and rested on the sofa, unwilling to admit that he felt fairly lousy and probably should have stayed put for a day or two more. William came into the living room.

"That's everything, unless you need something else," William assayed, as he pulled on his suit jacket. Richard couldn't resist a wry smile.

"If you're angling for a tip, forget it!" he said as he stood up. "What do I owe you for the groceries?"

"Consider it a get well present," William replied waving off Richard's move toward his wallet. "Besides, you may not want anything Mrs. Reynolds ordered." William pulled on his overcoat. "I have to go, I'm running late. But if you need anything, give me or Mrs. Reynolds a call." Richard nodded and William let himself out. Back in the car, William dialed Charles's office. He knew that Richard would probably not be calling anyone, and he meant to have a back-up plan for assuring his cousin's well being.

"Hello, Charles. How are you?"

"Hello, Fitz, I'm good...very good. How's the patient?"

"That's why I'm calling. He has insisted on going home today and I let him go, in spite of my better judgment. I was wondering if I could impose on you and ask you to check in on him."

"It would be no imposition at all. In fact, I was planning to stop by and see him today. Why were you against his going home? I should have expected him to go home earlier," Charles inquired.

"He had a little accident last night. He claims he fell off a desk chair, but I'm a little worried that there was more to it than that. Anyway, he's not in a mood to be trifled with. If you can stop by or call today, I'd truly appreciate it. And if you can, take Jane with you. He's less bearish when there's a lady present." Charles laughed at William's depiction of Richard, but he agreed to the scheme. William rode on to his office feeling only somewhat relieved. He dialed Georgiana and gave her a similar message. She, too, promised to check in on Richard.

The patient, in the meanwhile, sat for some time staring at the laptop before him on the coffee table. After a while, he picked up the machine and stared at it a while longer, thinking back to the e-mail that had sent him on a tailspin into quiet despair. With sudden resolve he rose from the sofa and took the laptop into his dining room-cum-office and stowed the laptop in his desk. Then he pulled on his jacket and left the apartment. He slowly walked the two blocks to Caroline's building. He stared up at it and took a deep breath. After a moment's apprehension, he approached the doorman, this time an older gentleman who somewhat resembled Bates.

"Good morning sir," the doorman greeted Richard. "How may I help you?"

"I...I'd like to see Caroline Bingley."

"Bingley...do you know the apartment, sir?" the doorman asked as he scanned his list. Richard strained to remember for a moment, but he hadn't a clue. "Ah, here it is--10 C. Whom may I ask is calling?" Richard hesitated a split second.

"William Darcy." In seconds, Richard was granted admission to the building. He took the elevator up to the tenth floor with some trepidation. He got off and looked up and down the hall. Caroline's voice ultimately led in him in the right direction.

"Richard! What are you doing here? Where's William?"

"He just dropped me off, Caroline. I'm the one who wanted to see you," Richard said as he strode toward her purposefully. Caroline took a step backwards, apparently unnerved. Richard stopped at her door.

"May I come in?" Caroline wanted to refuse him, but either could not or was afraid of what he would do if she did. She stepped aside and Richard walked into the apartment. He stopped just a few feet inside, where a pale stain, obviously his own blood, remained on the carpet. He felt slightly nauseated as he turned and looked at Caroline, who was still standing by the door.

"I...I was on my way out when you came," Caroline managed.

"This won't take long. I only have one question. Why did you assault me?"

"I didn't assault you, Richard. I merely threw something in your direction and...and I didn't really mean to hit you."

"You call that an explanation?" Richard sat down on the sofa where he had deposited Caroline that night. His hands were clenched into fists and he kept them in his pocket as he tried to control the anger that had overtaken him the moment he encountered his own blood. Richard still had no memory of the incident, although his surroundings looked vaguely familiar. "According to my attorney, I can press charges. The evidence is extremely compelling, especially since your neighbor was kind enough to call the police." Richard's smile disturbed Caroline. She closed the door and approached him, emboldened by fear.

"You wouldn't dare! Who would believe that I assaulted you!" Richard laughed.

"Anyone with eyes, Caroline, or anyone who's seen my medical records. If you think you're going to convince anyone that I attacked you and you hit me in defense--."

"Look at you! You're built like a linebacker! Why should I attack you? No one would believe that I hit you first!"

"All right, Caroline. Have it your way." Richard rose and headed for the door. "My attorneys will be in touch with you--." Caroline desperately grabbed at Richard's arm and he turned around.

"Just tell me why you did it. That's all I want to know." Caroline let Richard's arm go and fell into a chair.

"It was an accident, I told you." She kept her eyes averted, but Richard believed her. But that still left his question unanswered.

"Why?" he urged.

"I don't know. I needed you that night and you rejected me. I needed someone and you...you're still stuck on her, aren't you? You're in love with Lizzy. You...William--everyone's in love with Lizzy. I'm sick of hearing about her and how happy she is. I wanted you that night and you wanted her." Richard simply stared at her, taken aback by her revelation. He really didn't know what to say. Her answer offered little comfort.

"Did I do something...did I encourage you in any way?" Richard wanted to know everything about that night, to have everything out in the open. But Caroline merely shrugged. Richard ran his hand through his hair in frustration.

"I really can't remember. I was talking with Charles that afternoon. He kept going on and on about his blasted engagement. And out of the blue he says something about Jane hoping for a double wedding. Something snapped inside me. When I got off the phone I just went out walking. I must have walked around for hours, aimlessly. I felt so angry at this little goody two shoes who--out of nowhere--manages to capture William where I couldn't.

"I had been walking for some time when I saw you through the window of that restaurant. I thought," Caroline lowered her head. "When you brought me home," she said a few moments later, "I thought...I--." Richard could tell that Caroline was crying, but he felt disgust rather than empathy.

"You thought you would use me to get even with Lizzy?" he growled.

"No!" Caroline cried. "I thought I could make you love me," she murmured pathetically.

"Or else?" Caroline cringed. "For Pete's sake, you could have killed me! Is that what you consider loving? And then you had the audacity to show up at the hospital and carry on as though nothing had happened!"

"I did not! I came to apologize. I am sorry, Richard. I never meant to hurt you. I just...I..." she repeated through her tears. Richard sighed and shook his head as he turned and headed for the door. "Richard," she cried, as she followed him. "Please. Don't leave like this...can't I make it up to you?" Richard didn't bother to turn around.

"For the record, Caroline. It wasn't Lizzy I was thinking of that night, not that it makes any difference anymore."

Richard walked back to his apartment, trying not to think as he went. He stopped at the little overlook that lay at his door. He stared out over the water, relieved that he had solved one problem. But the other might not be so simple.

'I'm kind of seeing someone'...that isn't such a big challenge, Fitzwilliam. After all, you're the guy who made Madeline Berringer cancel her wedding...temporarily. Richard smiled to himself.

"Of course," he said to no one, "Those were my more unscrupulous days. The question is do I want to be unscrupulous where Olivia is concerned? Would it even be unscrupulous to pursue her if she's 'kind of' seeing someone else? But I have hopes... Richard sighed and went up to his apartment.

He pulled off his coat and went in search of something to eat. In his haste to escape the ministrations of Mrs. Reynolds, he had skipped breakfast, and he was starving. He opened his refrigerator, where he found an array of cold cuts, his favorite seven-grain bread, condiments, juice, and two large bottles of root beer. In the otherwise barren freezer sat one pint of pistachio ice cream. Richard smiled and made himself a sandwich. He poured out a glass of root beer and carried the meal into the dining room.

He ate his sandwich while he scanned his address book for the number of a florist. He found it and was about to dial when the intercom buzzed from downstairs. The doorman informed him that Georgiana was visiting. He told the doorman to send her up, unlocked and opened the door to the apartment, then returned to the dining room and dialed the florist.

"Good morning, Dave, this is Richard Fitzwilliam. How's the family? Yes, I'd like to order a dozen long-stemmed roses...no, I want them to be pink, like the blush of her cheek. They are to be sent to Mrs. Valerie Reynolds, 5 East 74th St." Georgiana entered the apartment and followed the sound of Richard's voice to the dining room.

"The card? Just write: 'Will you marry me?' and sign my name," Richard chuckled. He looked up at Georgiana, whose mouth fell open. When he hung up the phone, he looked up at her expectantly. "What are you doing here?"

"William asked me to check on you. I called about a half hour ago and when I got no message I cut class and came over...you're asking her to marry you?" she gushed.

"I really don't expect her to accept. It's just a joke." Georgiana's eye widened even further. Richard rose and carried his plate into the kitchen. Georgiana followed him.

"You proposed to Olivia as a joke?" she cried, near hysteria. Richard eyed her strangely.

"Olivia? Who said anything about Olivia?"

"You proposed to someone else?" Richard laughed.

"I proposed to Mrs. Reynolds, silly. Look what she did!" He opened the refrigerator and pulled out the ice cream. One spoon or two?" Georgiana retrieved two spoons and they sat down together at the dining table.

"So, have you spoken to Olivia since she went home?" Georgiana pried shamelessly.

"No," Richard said, his handsome features darkening. "We've exchanged a few e-mails."

"Well, why don't you call her?" Richard squinted at Georgiana.

"Isn't it finals week? Shouldn't you be cramming or something?"

"If you don't want me to pry into your personal life, just say so." Georgiana smirked.

"Don't pry into my personal life, Gee."

"Why not? You and Olivia are so perfect for each other and you should be calling her and trying to get her to come back up here to take care of you right now!" Richard cast a withering glance at her. He pushed the container in her direction and laid down his spoon.

"I have got to get back to working out," he said as he rose and went into the kitchen.

"Yes," Georgiana replied, as she brought the empty container into the kitchen and handed him her spoon. "Olivia wouldn't like you with love handles!"

"Out! You're cutting into my quality napping time, young lady, and I've had about as much as I can take of you for one day." He attempted to look at her fiercely, but it made his head hurt, and rather than being intimidated anyway, Georgiana put her arms around him and hugged him.

"I'll leave if you promise to take good care of yourself." Richard pulled away and raised his palm and crossed his heart. "And do you also promise to call Olivia?" Richard pointed towards the door. Georgiana grabbed her coat and bag and left laughing. Richard followed her to the door and locked it behind her. He went into his bedroom and pulled off his clothes. He eased into his bed and lay back among the pillows, staring up at the ceiling.

I'm kind of seeing someone...

"I could just wait and call her on the fifteenth and see what she has to say...maybe she's waiting for an invite from this other guy before she makes up her mind abut Christmas..." Richard rolled over onto his side and stared out the window. "Get a grip, Fitz! What are you about, here? Is this troubling you because you don't like being outdone by some other guy, or is there more to it?"

Richard had to admit to himself that he had thought about Olivia an awful lot since that afternoon he had seen her fleeing his hospital room. And when she came to visit him the next day, she had left more than a small impression... Richard mulled over his feelings for Olivia, but before he got very far in his ruminations he fell into a sound sleep that was interrupted a few hours later by the shrill sound of his telephone.

"Hello?" he answered groggily.

"Are you all right, Fitz?"

"I was fine until you awakened me from a sound sleep, Fitz. What's up?"

"Sorry, I just wanted to make sure that you were okay." Richard sighed.

"Hasn't your minion reported back to you yet?"

"Come again?"

"Gee came by. She found me alive and well and I sent her away so I could sleep."

"Oh. Well, as long as you're all right. Look, if you need anything..."

"I know your number." Richard unceremoniously hung up on his cousin and with little effort returned to sleep. William turned away from his phone and smiled at Danielle.

"He's okay; a little surly, but then he never did like being awakened from a sound sleep. Now, what have you got for me?" Danielle pushed a folder across the desk.

"It'll be an expensive undertaking, William, far more than I thought it would cost. And my calculations aren't based upon my own research; I asked some of the top names in the business for advice. My meeting with Phipps and Associates was very enlightening."

"Good, good..." William murmured, as he perused the contents of his folder. Danielle observed him closely and saw his expression change from curiosity, to interest, to fascination with the more esoteric details, to satisfied smiles. "This is great, Danielle! Is there more?"

"More? Boss Man, I don't think I can go any farther with this. I mean, I can only approach this from my own area of strength and this is out of my depths."

"I think I know someone for whom this area is a strength. Care to join me for lunch?" Even before Danielle could answer in the affirmative, William buzzed his secretary and reserved a table at one of the best restaurants in the city.

Richard didn't sleep for every long. He was awakened by a disturbing dream of a confrontation between Olivia and Caroline, wherein Caroline hit Olivia over the head with a candlestick before Richard could save her. He sat up too quickly and cringed at the searing pain in his head. He was about to lie back down when he heard the intercom buzzing. Cursing, Richard got out of bed, grabbed his jeans from the floor and headed for the door. Minutes later, he welcomed Charles into the apartment.

"What time is it?" Richard asked as he followed Charles into the living room in his bare feet. "Shouldn't you be at work?"

"I left a little early," Charles replied as he sat down. "Jane and I are going to the theatre tonight to see The Nutcracker, so I thought I'd stop by and look in on you before I met her." Richard sighed.

"So, William called you as well?"

"That obvious, huh? Well, as it so happens, I was going to call you anyway." He insisted as Richard sat down in his favorite chair and yawned. "The place looks different," Charles noticed, looking about him.

"Mother had a decorator in to redo the living and dining rooms as a birthday present. She said that at thirty I was too old to have 'early bachelor' décor."

"Nice," Charles decided.

"I miss my leather couch. I can't watch football on that thing," he said gesturing at the elegantly tailored piece of furniture on which Charles was sitting. "Can I offer you something?"

"No, Jane and I are going out to eat shortly." As if on cue, the intercom buzzed yet again. "That'll be her. I asked her to meet me here." Richard sighed and headed for the door. He came back down the hall a few seconds later.

"Let her in, will you?" I need to put on a shirt." Richard disappeared into his bedroom and Charles admitted Jane. When Richard came back, he overheard Jane asking Charles if he'd asked Richard about Olivia as yet. Richard shook his head and went into the room to greet his new arrival.

I may be able to postpone my trip to Japan until after Christmas.

How can you solve your pre-Christmas delivery problems if you do that?

Lizzy, are you trying to get rid of me?

Perish the thought! But I thought you wanted to go to Japan to try and speed up production or something.

William felt a twinge of guilt as he read Lizzy's reply. He couldn't tell her that the supposed delay in the arrival of the Companion was just a ruse. The Companion was right on schedule. In fact, William had actually pushed back the scheduled January launch by a month or two. True, he would have to go to Japan and square his decision with his investors, but facing their displeasure was a risk worth taking if he wanted his elaborate scheme to work. He returned his attention to Lizzy's message, and decided to change the subject.

What do you say to a Christmas party in Greenwich? If we're going to spend the holidays up there, I'd like to do it up the way my parents did, with a party for everyone in the neighborhood.

It sounds like a lot of fun. By the way, has Olivia accepted your invitation to come up for the holidays? I think Richard would love it if she came .

I haven't received a reply. Why don't you give me her e-mail and I'll drop her a line?

William hit send and promptly began an e-mail to Olivia before Lizzy even received the message. There was no reason she had to know as yet that he had already spoken with Olivia via e-mail twice. He had relied on Olivia's discretion and she didn't disappoint him. The less Lizzy knew about his preliminary discussions with Olivia the less he'd have to deal with Lizzy's over-enthusiasm about the possibility of Olivia spending more time in New York.

Olivia,

I hope you've been able to give some thought to my offer. I am eager to have you on board for the Cook's Companion project. In fact, even if you are not yet sure about it, I'd like you to come up to New York next week to see what we've been doing on the other two projects. I think it'll give you some perspective on what I'd like for you to take on.

William

Olivia's e-mail is babeinthewoods@mindspring.com .

Thanks. William added it to his address book where he had already recorded oecrenshaw@mindspring.com.

Hi, William!

Actually, I have been giving a lot of thought to your offer, and I think I have a few ideas I'd like to run by you. My schedule next week is hectic, but I can probably come up for a day. Would Monday or Tuesday work for you? William pulled out his appointment book.

Be sure and let Olivia know that Richard wants her there.

Now, why would I want to do that?

Come on, Will! You know Richard is interested in her! You admitted it, yourself!

That doesn't mean that Richard has admitted it, nor am I willing to force their company on each other. You know how I feel about that, Liz. William sighed and felt a sudden desire to go to church to unburden his soul.

Monday would work best for me. I can fly you up for the day, if you like. Do you like helicopters?

Are you kidding?

William, we wouldn't be forcing them on each other. Just helping them along.

William rubbed his eyes. He was having trouble keeping up with two conversations at once. He sat with his eyes closed for a minute. When he opened them, he decided to dispense with his conversation with Olivia first.

I'm not kidding. If you're adverse to flying, I could book you on the Metroliner from Philadelphia.

Actually, I think I'd get a kick out of traveling to New York by helicopter, if the weather's okay.

Then I'll give George Knightley a call and arrange to pick you up from his place.

I'm psyched. I'll put together a brief presentation on some of the ideas I've worked on and try to flesh out a few of them for you and send them on ahead.

I look forward to seeing them. My secretary will call you about a specific time for the meeting and any other information you may require. Why don't you plan on spending the whole day in town? I know Lizzy will want to see you.

Thanks, William, I will. I look forward to seeing you next week, and I'll probably send you something over the weekend. William took a deep breath and exhaled as another e-mail came in.

Are you still there?

Yes. I was just e-mailing Olivia. William hit send and then cursed himself. Lizzy would probably follow up his message to Olivia with one of her own.

One more thing, Olivia. Have you given any thought to my invitation to spend Christmas in Greenwich? William sent off the message and hoped it would arrive before whatever Lizzy might decide to send.

"No one ever said this would be easy," he murmured to himself as he turned to his real work, which had lain forgotten on his desk for a half an hour. He suddenly remembered that he had left Lizzy waiting for him.

I have some work to do. Want to have dinner tonight?

Jane is going to be out with Charles this evening. Why don't you come over and we'll cook together?

What are we going to cook?

What would you like for dinner?

I haven't a clue about dinner, but I have some definite ideas about dessert!

Richard sat on the sofa for a while after Jane and Charles left. Their visit had been mercifully brief; nonetheless, Jane managed to mention Olivia's name at least a half dozen times as Richard stared blankly at her. He finally gave in to his urge to call her and went in search of his appointment book. He had gone through his desk twice before he remembered that he had left it at his office when he and Bill Collins had gone over to Creighton's office. Richard swore and scratched his head. Then it occurred to him that he had her number stored in his cell phone, but a thorough search of the premises told him that the phone was not in his apartment. He flopped on the sofa in frustration when he remembered that he had left it in the library at William's house. He called Mrs. Reynolds to confirm his suspicions (Mrs. Reynolds giggled like a schoolgirl when she thanked him for the flowers) and returned to the sofa defeated.

Richard briefly considered an e-mail, but decided that he wanted, no needed, to hear the sound of her voice. He wanted to know how things stood between them. If he was to have any hope of seeing Olivia again, he'd have to take a direct approach. He decided to retrieve his telephone from William's house in the morning. For now, he just wanted to sleep again. He pulled off his shirt and pants and crawled back into bed. Within minutes, his emotions buoyed by the thought of hearing Olivia's voice very soon, he was fast asleep.

Richard, I'm growing a little concerned because I haven't heard from you since your e-mail Wednesday evening. I hope you are well, and back online soon. It's lonely here without you.

Hoping she hadn't revealed too much of her emotions, Olivia clicked on send, and a second unopened message entered the queue on Richard's message list.

Continued In Next Section