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It was more than two hours later when Lizzy awoke and discovered that she was alone in William's bed. She called out his name, but got no reply. She sat up and looked at the clock. It read 3:34 p.m. Lizzy shrieked and jumped out of bed. She looked around on the floor for her clothes, but found neither her pants, nor the turtleneck she had been wearing earlier. There was no sign of her underwear or her shoes, either. Lizzy pulled on William's bathrobe and went looking for her clothes in William's dressing room, but she there was no sign of the clothing or William there. She opened the bedroom door and ventured to the top of the stairs and called out William's name. When she got no answer, she began to become a bit exasperated and headed down the stairs.

"William? I can take a joke, but this has gone far enough. It's after 3:30 and Charles will think I've been kidnapped or something. Will? Where are you?" Lizzy stopped at the front closet. Her coat and bag were missing. Lizzy's heart began to pound as she went down to the ground floor level and peeked into the dining room before she headed for the kitchen. She still saw no sign of William. "THIS ISN'T FUNNY WILL DARCY! IF YOU'RE TRYING TO HOLD ME HOSTAGE HERE, I--." Lizzy was struck dumb by the sight of Mrs. Reynolds and another matronly woman, who were gaping at her in surprise. No one was at home when Lizzy and William arrived at the house. William had said something about sending Mrs. Reynolds out to a movie. She had apparently returned while Lizzy slept to find Lizzy, clad only in the master's robe, wandering about the house screaming like a madwoman. Lizzy turned beet red as Mrs. Reynolds attempted to regain her composure.

"Mr. Darcy isn't here, ma'am," she said. "I spoke with him not a half hour ago and he said he was at the office."

"At the office? But--?" Lizzy excused herself and flew up the stairs. She closed the door to William's room and lunged for the phone.

"William Darcy's office," said Jo, pleasantly.

"Is he there? It's Lizzy."

"Oh, hello, Lizzy. Mr. D is in, but he's with the DARCO people right now and really can't be disturbed. Would you like to leave him a message?"

"Would I?" Lizzy growled, but then thought better of it. "Would you ask him to call me? He knows where to find me."

When Olivia got back to the house, she went up to her room and took out the black dress that had so turned off Lizzy earlier. She smiled as she pulled the dress from the hanger to reveal the dress she would wear on her date with Richard. It was a short black dress somewhat similar to Lizzy's. But whereas Lizzy's dress had a low-cut front, Olivia's matte-knit dress was very modestly high. The back, however, was a different story. The U-shaped back dipped low, almost to the waist. Olivia imagined the sensation of Richard's fingers caressing the bare skin on her back as he held her close. She couldn't stop smiling as she carefully laid out the dress, her lingerie, pantyhose, shoes...she went into Jane's room and, after a few minutes of consideration, decided to wear one of the six pairs of earrings Jane and Lizzy had left for her. When everything was laid out, she went downstairs to fetch one last item before she headed for bath. She grabbed her shopping bag and went into the kitchen to put on some water for tea before she and headed back upstairs. She reached her room and pulled out a bottle of scented body oil. She put down the bag and set it aside and had just begun to gather up her things for her bath when she heard the unmistakable sound of someone entering the house. Olivia went to the top of the stairs and saw Jane enter the house.

"What are you doing here?" Olivia exclaimed, fearing that Jane had come home to supervise her date preparations.

"I just got a call from Charles. He said that Lizzy went to lunch more than four hours ago and hasn't come back. She isn't answering her cell phone. I was hoping that she'd come home to help you; is she here?"

"No. I haven't seen her or heard from her."

"Oh, lord! I hope nothing dreadful has happened to her."

"Did she go to lunch alone? Who saw her last?"

"I don't know. Maybe Charles has found out something by now." Jane went into her bedroom and dialed Cherry Blossom. She came back minutes later with no news. Olivia sat down on her bed, her plans for the evening forgotten. Concern for her missing friend was the only thing on her mind.

"Lisa, I'm on my way to a meeting. If you should hear from Lizzy, get in touch with me right away," Charles instructed. Lisa nodded noncommittally. As soon as Charles was out of sight, Lisa left the desk and went down to the conference room to get a cup of hot cocoa. The telephone rang at the front desk but she didn't rush back down the hall, not wanting to spill the hot liquid on herself. Lizzy disgustedly put down the phone.

"Lisa! I just know she's off somewhere. I'll try back in a bit...better yet..." She dialed Charlotte's cell phone number, the only one among the staff at Cherry Blossom she had committed to memory.

"Charlotte Lucas."

"Charlotte!'

"Lizzy! Where have you been? Charles was looking for you because he wanted the last edits on the Brampton presentation." Lizzy swore; she had completely forgotten about that meeting Charles had scheduled with an important client.

"Is he there? Let me speak with him."

"He left not ten minutes ago. Where are you?"

"It's a rather long and complicated story," Lizzy dissembled. "I'd rather not go into it right now."

"I suppose that this has something to do with your lunch date with William?"

"How did you--?"

"How did I know? Who else picks you up for lunch in a limousine? Omigod! I completely forgot about that when Charles asked. Oh, well. I take it you're not coming back to the office."

"There doesn't seem to be much point, now," Lizzy said, neglecting to mention the obvious. "I'll come in tomorrow morning and finish up what I didn't get to today. I hope Charles found the Brampton file. It was right on my desk."

"He found it and took it with him," Charlotte reassured her. But curiosity quickly overtook Charlotte's better instincts and she couldn't help prying. "So, Lizzy...what did you and William have for lunch?"

More than an hour passed. It was nearly 5:00 and neither Charles nor Jane had had any word from Lizzy. Olivia suggested for the second time that Jane call William and she finally relented. William's secretary, however, informed her that Mr. Darcy was in a meeting.

"I'll call Richard, then," Olivia offered. "I'll have to call him anyway, if Lizzy doesn't show up soon."

"No! You're not canceling this date, Livy, under any circumstances!"

"I'm not canceling anything, Jane. In all likelihood, Lizzy just went out shopping after lunch and lost track of time or something. It wouldn't be a first for Lizzy. But I am not going anywhere, with Richard or anyone else, until I know that Lizzy all right." Olivia located her cell phone and dialed Richard's number.

"Hello?" Richard said as he left Geek Central and headed back toward his own office.

"Hi, Richard." From the sullen tone of her voice, Richard immediately sensed that something was troubling Olivia and asked what was wrong.

"It's Lizzy. She's gone missing. Apparently she left her office late this morning and hasn't been seen or heard from since. Jane is beside herself with worry and Charles and I have tried everything in our power to reach her. She's not answering her cell phone and..." Olivia broke off frustratedly. Richard, after a moment of alarm, sized up the situation and deduced that William had done his job perhaps a bit too well.

"Can I call you back in a few minutes? Hold tight." Before she could answer, Richard closed his phone and jumped into an elevator. Olivia stared at the phone.

"What did he say?" Jane asked.

"He asked if he could call me back," Olivia said, somewhat disappointed by Richard's reaction. She knew that there was probably nothing that he could do to help matters, but she had expected a show of concern, at the very least. Lizzy was his friend, too. Richard got off the elevator and headed straight for William's office, where the DARCO meeting was just breaking up. Richard strode into the room and gave William an unmistakable look that demanded his immediate attention. William nodded toward the window and Richard joined him there as the others in the room chatted among themselves and packed up their things.

"What have you done with Lizzy?" Richard demanded. William was a bit taken aback by the question, but he smiled as he answered.

"She's at my place," he said simply.

"Your place?" Richard smacked his forehead and ran a hand through his hair. "Have you any idea how many people are looking for her right now?" William crossed his arms defiantly, but his voice betrayed his concern.

"What do you mean?"

"She went out to lunch and no one has seen her since. Charles has no idea where she is and he apparently called Jane, and now Olivia's worried..." William sighed.

"Oh, dear. I...well," William's expression changed several times as he tried to both suppress a smile and attempt an explanation of his actions. Someone approached him to wish him a happy holiday and William thought it best to wait until he and Richard were alone before he continued. He slid into his chair and Richard sat on the edge of his desk.

"I was just trying to be helpful," William began with a half-smile. "Lizzy and I went to the house for lunch...well, you know." Richard was amused at William's awkwardness in trying to account for his behavior. "Well, I had originally planned on picking Lizzy up after work and taking her out to dinner to keep her out of your way, but Lizzy fell asleep at my place and an idea came to me. I took her clothes, her bag, her shoes, and everything else she had at my house and hid them." Richard's brows shot up.

"Fitz! You sneaky devil!" William blushed slightly.

"It was rather an inspired notion, wasn't it?" he smiled at his own cleverness, but Richard shook his head.

"Except that you also took Lizzy's cell phone so that no one could reach her and you neglected to let Charles know that she wouldn't be coming back, Jane is worried sick, and Olivia's probably on the verge of canceling tonight out of concern for her best friend...not to mention that Lizzy will probably tear you limb from limb when she sees gets a hold of you." William closed his eyes and muttered something indecipherable.

"I had planned on calling Charles but I was on the phone all the way back to the office and by the time I got here, everyone was already assembled for the meeting. I'd better call Jane." William picked up his phone and Richard pulled out his cell phone. Both phones rang simultaneously in Brooklyn.

"Hello?" Olivia said.

"Lizzy is at William's house," Richard reported.

"She is? What's she doing there?"

"I'll explain later. Suffice to say, she's alive and well," Richard smirked at William, who looked back at him in confusion. "William's on the phone right now telling Jane the same thing."

"But why? How did--."

"You know, it's nearly 5:00. Shouldn't you be taking a bubble bath or doing your nails or whatever it is a woman does before a date?" Richard smilingly interrupted.

"Why? Do you think it will take me an hour and a half to make myself presentable?"

"I'm willing to bet that you look perfect right now," Richard answered, smoothly avoiding Olivia's trap. "But I know that you women like the whole ritual of getting ready to go out, doing their hair, putting on your war paint and casting spells...whatever." Olivia laughed.

"Do men have pre-date rituals?"

"Yes, but we're all sworn to secrecy at the age of eighteen and we can't talk about it on penalty of death."

William, meanwhile, was trying to explain himself to Jane.

"I'm very sorry to have worried you. Lizzy and I were at my place, she fell asleep and I thought I'd just let her rest. I meant to call Charles and tell him that she wouldn't be going back to the office, but I got caught up in something and it completely escaped my mind."

"William! You gave us all a fright. But I wonder why Lizzy didn't call Charles?"

Part 12

The object of Jane and Olivia's worry, at that moment, was considering her options. She had no idea what William was up to, but she was determined to beat him at his own game. Thus, she began plotting her escape. She had called Jo twice more earlier and learned that William would be tied up for some time. Lizzy went in search of her clothing in William's vast closets, but couldn't find anything. Lizzy tarried a while there, thinking. She decided to avoid a second confrontation with Mrs. Reynolds and snuck into Georgiana's room in search of some clothing to wear. That proved to be more difficult than Lizzy at first thought; few of the size four items in Georgiana's wardrobe actually fit Lizzy's size ten frame.

Lizzy gave up on Georgiana's clothing and went back into William's closets and found an outfit that fit, sort of--a sweat suit--and she added a turtleneck for an extra layer against the harsh wintry afternoon. She put on a pair of Georgiana's socks and then squeezed herself into a pair of her hiking boots. Lizzy tiptoed downstairs, in case Mrs. Reynolds and her friend were still around, went to the front closet and took William's pea coat. She found a scarf in the sleeve and gloves in the pockets. She pulled them all on and slipped out of the house struggling to free her hands from the long sleeves so she could button the oversized garment. She had walked about three blocks before she realized that she had no money, no keys, and no means of getting anywhere. She turned back and reluctantly began to walk toward the townhouse. She pulled off the gloves, which were several sizes too large anyway and shoved her hands into the deep pockets of the pea coat. One of her hands hit something cold. She grabbed it and counted fifty cents in change. Inspired, she made a careful search of all the external pockets and found a crisp twenty dollar bill in the inside chest pocket. Lizzy yelped for joy.

"Yes! All right, Mister Darcy! I don't know what you're up to, but here's where I begin to get my revenge!" Lizzy turned around and headed back for the subway figuring that if she could get home within the hour, Olivia might still be at the house. And if not, she could always go to the shop and find Jane. Lizzy bought a single token and went through the turnstile. As she stood on the platform she realized that she probably looked very much like some sort of escapee, but in the rush hour crush on the subway, hardly anyone noticed her appearance. Lizzy knew that Olivia and Jane would notice, but she'd just have to confront that problem when she got home.

Olivia did go upstairs and begin her ritual as Jane called Charles to tell him her good news. William, meanwhile, apologized again to Richard, who calmly suggested that this incident might be just the thing to convince everyone "and I mean everyone, Fitz," to leave him and Olivia alone.

"I'd hate to think that we're going to have to deal with this up in Connecticut."

"I'll see to it--."

"No, I'll see to it. At the very first sign of friendly interference, somebody's getting punched in the nose. Warn Lizzy!" Richard smiled. He headed for the office door. "Now, if you don't mind, I've to put on some war paint of my own." He strode from the room, leaving a very bewildered William behind. But he didn't stay bewildered for long. William called the house and Mrs. Reynolds answered.

"May I speak with Lizzy, please?" Mrs. Reynolds asked William to hold on. She came back a minute later and told her that Lizzy had left. "That's impossible!" William exclaimed.

"It is certainly not, Mister William. The girl isn't here."

"But she can't have...she...but how...very well, Mrs. Reynolds. I'll be home very soon." William rose and grabbed a few things from his desk and threw them into his bag. In all likelihood he'd have to return to the office in the morning before he left for Connecticut to straighten out a few things, but William didn't worry about that. Where was Lizzy?

Olivia got out of the tub, slathered on a rich lotion all over her body and dabbed scented oil at all her pulse points before slipping into her underwear. She carefully applied her makeup and jewelry and returned to her room, where the clock read 6:00.

"Hour and a half? Hah!" Olivia cried. She pulled on her robe and went downstairs where Jane was in the kitchen making dinner. "I'm running a bit early," she explained, when Jane looked up at her.

"Really? That's never happened to me!"

"Try chopping off all your hair. It saves a world of time," Olivia joked.

"Charles would kill me," Jane admitted. "He's crazy about my hair." Olivia thought about Charles for a moment before she spoke.

"Have you decided what you're going to do about Christmas?" Jane averted her eyes and formed her answer carefully.

"I'm going up to Connecticut tomorrow with you and Lizzy, and I'll stay up there until Christmas Eve. I'm going to spend Christmas day with Charles and Caroline. Charles said he may come up for a day or two, but I somehow doubt it."

"Are you okay with that?" Jane shrugged.

"It's what we agreed upon. Charles wants to spend time with his sister and I want to spend time with mine. Lizzy and I will exchange our presents on Christmas eve." Jane was trying to be stoic about the matter, but Olivia could tell she was not completely comfortable with the arrangements.

"Shouldn't you go upstairs and put on your dress?" Jane said, wiping her hands dry. "I'll come up and give you a hand." The two friends went upstairs. Olivia picked up the dress and showed it to Jane.

"It's short, slinky...but it's not terribly...oh my!" Jane said, as Olivia slipped out of the robe and into the dress. "Wow!"

"So you approve of it?"

"Uh huh! Richard's eye will pop out!" Olivia smiled tolerantly as Jane began to fuss with her accessories. Fortunately, the doorbell rang and Jane ran down the stairs to let Richard in.

Richard arrived with Charles, who he met outside the door. He stood mutely and smiled when his eyes met Olivia's as she descended the stairs to meet him. She stopped a few steps above the bottom of the stairs so she could greet him eye to eye.

"Nice war paint," Richard smiled.

"Wait till you see the spells I cast," Olivia smiled archly.

"Either you started early or they're completely unnecessary. I think I'm already enchanted," Richard whispered, as Jane tugged Charles's arm and led him toward the kitchen. Richard extended his hand and Olivia accepted a nosegay of white roses and mistletoe. She looked down at it and blushed prettily. Richard waited patiently as she screwed up her courage and leaned forward to kiss him, ever so briefly. It was a kiss that held much promise.

"My turn," Richard smiled impishly and brought his lips to hers just as the front door opened and Lizzy walked in.

"Lizzy!" Olivia cried. Richard spun around.

"How do did you get here?" Richard asked. One look at her attire gave him his answer, but he took delight in Lizzy's blush. She knew instantly that Richard knew the story behind her odd appearance.

"By subway," she said with a tinge of asperity, and walked past him into the living room, where Jane and Charles soon arrived and began to pepper her with questions. Richard followed Lizzy into the living room. Olivia slipped behind him and went to get her coat from the closet.

"Yes, Lizzy, where have you been?" Richard smirked as Lizzy shot him a dirty look.

"And what happened to your clothes?" Jane added. Olivia came into the living room with her coat on and took Richard's hand. He glanced at her and, remembering his priorities, led her to the door. He laughed all the way to the car.

"What's so funny?" Olivia asked as Bates helped her into the limousine. Richard took a seat beside her and the car pulled away from the curb and took off.

"Remember your plea for an early rescue this morning?"

"Yes."

"I mentioned it to William in passing and he decided to take matters into his own hands. He invited Lizzy to his place for lunch, took all of her clothes and left her alone in the house."

"He what? You're joking!" Richard raised his hand.

"Scout's honor. Well, actually, I think he seduced her somewhere along the way, based on the silly smile that was plastered on his face as he confessed what he'd done. I wonder what Lizzy is going to do to him when she sees him again?"

"I wonder what he'll do when he finds out she's gone?" Olivia countered.

William swept into the house and headed for the stairs. Georgiana, who was sitting in the front parlor looked up and called his name. William paused, one foot on the steps, to greet his sister.

"Evening, Gee. Say, you haven't seen Lizzy, have you?"

"No. Are you expecting her?" William shook his head, opened his mouth, closed it, and then bounded up the steps two at a time. When he reached his room he found no sign that Lizzy had been there. The bedroom was immaculate. Mrs. Reynolds had apparently made up the bed and, to all appearances, the room had been unoccupied for some time. William poked his head in the bathroom, but there was no sign of Lizzy there.

"How on earth?" William heard footsteps in the hall and went out to confront his sister. "Are there any clothes missing from your room?"

"Clothes missing?" Georgiana eyed her brother doubtfully. "Why should any of my--?"

"Never mind," William said abruptly. He didn't feel comfortable with the idea of having to explain to his sister why he'd entrapped a naked woman in his bedroom. But he still couldn't figure out how she'd managed to escape. More importantly, where had she gone? William returned to his bedroom and dialed Lizzy's phone number. The phone rang three times before the answering machine kicked in. William chewed his lip impatiently while Jane offered a Christmas greeting and an electronic voice offered him options for leaving a message to one of the Bennet sisters.

"Hello, Lizzy. Jane? Are you there? Pick up...Lizzy? Lizzy! If you're there, will you pick up, please? Please?"

"Where are we going?" Olivia asked as she settled back and peeked out of the window.

"Well, we're a little early, but we have a 7:30 reservation at Le Cirque 2000. But given the traffic on the Bridge, we'll probably arrive right on time."

"And where are we going dancing?" Olivia asked as she pulled aside Richard's paisley scarf and got a peek at the hand-tied neckwear that signified that he was wearing a tuxedo.

"That depends on what kind of music you like to dance to," Richard replied.

"Hmmm," Olivia smiled and leaned against his shoulder. "What kind of music is good for dipping?"

"Don't touch that!" Lizzy cried as she raced down the stairs in her own jeans and long-sleeved tee.

"Why not?" Jane asked. She stood poised to pick up the phone.

"Let him stew in his own juices for a while," Lizzy replied archly. "He deserves it."

"Lizzy, are you going to tell us what really happened?" Jane responded, as she reclaimed her seat beside Charles. She had initially accepted William's explanation at face value until she saw her sister arrive home attired in William's clothes. Now she had doubts that William had been completely honest with her, and Lizzy's behavior betrayed a far more interesting story. Lizzy sat down and, with more than a little embarrassment, told her tale.

"Well, William invited me over for lunch at his place," she began.

"Ooh," Charles smiled. "Why haven't we ever done that?" he purred as he ran a finger along Jane's blushing cheek. Jane turned to him and they exchanged a meaningful look while Lizzy rolled her eyes intolerantly.

"Do you want to hear this, or not?" If she had to humiliate herself, she decided, she wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible.

"We're all ears," Charles smiled as Jane leaned against his chest and turned her attention to Lizzy.

"Well, after...'lunch'...we both fell asleep. At least I thought we did; apparently, William was only pretending to be asleep. The moment I lost consciousness, he took my clothes, shoes, bag, everything I brought with me and every item of clothing that I had at his house and hid them. Then he went back to work, and two and a half hours later--and at this point I wouldn't I wouldn't rule out the possibility that William drugged me--I woke up all alone in his house, only to find myself trapped there." Charles doubled over with laughter, while Jane giggled demurely. Lizzy broke down and laughed as well.

"Why didn't you call the office?" Jane managed.

"Whose office? I called Will at least four times, but he was in some meeting all afternoon, according to Jo, and I wasn't about to call your guffawing fiancé over there. What was I supposed to say: Hi, partner, can't make it back to the office because I haven't a thing to wear?" Charles doubled over anew.

"You could have called me," Jane suggested.

"I didn't even think of that," Lizzy admitted. "My mind was on one thing: figuring out what the heck Will was up to and plotting my revenge."

William finally pulled off his coat and jacket, as he thought about possible hiding places Lizzy could have taken advantage of, both inside and outside the house. He tugged at the knot in his tie and then began to undo his cuffs as he walked over to his closet in search of a casual sweater to change into. He pulled open the doors to his sweater closet and the sight that greeted him made him drop his cufflink. He stooped to pick it up and then stood gaping at the closet, which heretofore had held upward of a hundred sweaters in addition to his underwear, socks and accessories. It was empty. William ran a hand over the shelves as though he thought that the bare shelves were the result of some conjurer's trick. But such was not the case. All of his sweaters were gone. His belts were gone. His socks had disappeared. Even the tray onto which he threw his wallet and loose change every night was missing. The only thing he found in the entire closet was a single pair of boxer shorts. William's mouth went dry. In a panic, William turned to the next closet and, closing his eyes, flung open the doors. He sighed with relief when he found it intact. His suits, shirts, and shoes were neatly arrayed on the shelves before him. William smiled.

"All right, Lizzy. I get your message. You got the joke and you wanted revenge, but you're not going to be too vindictive...yet." William pulled off his shirt and, realizing that he had no sweater to change into, selected a denim shirt from the closet along with a pair of jeans. He threw them on the bed and picked up the phone once more.

"I wasn't very impressed with Olivia's dress," Lizzy was saying as she picked up a chicken thigh and examined it. "Why didn't she wear what we chose for her?" Charles shook his head. He understood exactly why William had trapped Lizzy at his place and silently applauded his efforts.

"You didn't get a good look at it, Lizzy. It was really stunning," Jane countered. "I think Richard will like it very much."

At that precise moment, Richard was getting his first glimpse of Olivia's back as he slipped her coat off her shoulders. He instinctively wanted to reach out a run a finger down her bare spine, but he fought back the notion with some effort. The maitre d' took the coat from Richard, who was content to watch Olivia follow the waiter to the table, rather than go after her. The waiter turned back to Richard when he had seated Olivia, and Richard snapped out of his stupor and made his own way to the table.

"What's the matter?" Olivia asked with some concern.

"Nothing," Richard muttered, still distracted by the thought of Olivia's silken shoulder blades. The waiter brought over a bottle of champagne and two glasses.

"Courtesy of Mr. Darcy, who wishes you a wonderful evening," he said in a delightful Italian accent. Richard raised his glass and seconded the toast. Olivia touched her glass to Richard's and took a sip. She looked around the room, and took in the surreal décor of the restaurant. Le Cirque 2000, housed in a landmark nineteenth century building with exquisite architectural details on both its interior and exterior, was designed to mimic the whimsical and colorful atmosphere of a circus. Olivia had seen pictures of the restaurant in magazines before, but none of them could even begin to compare with the real-life experience. She smiled at Richard.

"This place is wonderful! It's beautiful!" she commented. Richard rested his cheek on his fist, and leaned toward his companion.

"You're beautiful and you look wonderful," Richard replied, and his smile made Olivia's heart skip a beat. She reached out and lightly stroked his cheek.

"And you look very handsome in a tuxedo," she smiled.

"Thank you," Richard returned. He took hold of her fingers, but the waiter appeared with a tray of appetizers and he reluctantly let them go.

"Courtesy of Signor Marconi. He would like to welcome you, Mr. Fitzwilliam and you Miss Crenshaw, to Le Cirque 2000 and hopes that you will enjoy your evening very much. He is busy right now, but he asked me to convey his message and says that he will come to see you himself as soon as possible. The waiter bowed and left. Richard raised his eyebrows.

"I'll have to have another chat with William tomorrow," Richard murmured to himself as he watched Olivia try a small appetizer. He propped his head on his fist again and just watched her eat. She looked up at him and paused.

"What? Do I have sauce on my nose or something?" Richard shook his head and continued to smile. Olivia picked up another appetizer and offered it to him. He ate it from her fingers very impressed with her spell-casting abilities, indeed.

"Lizzy? This is William. Pick up the phone. I know you're there...Lizzy? %$#@^!! Come on, Lizzy...please?" Jane slapped Charles playfully on his arm to admonish him as he nearly spit out his mouthful of food. Lizzy giggled delightedly. William's second call made him sound absolutely pathetic. Only Jane took pity on him, however.

"How long do you intend to make him suffer like that?" Lizzy looked at her watch, which turned out not to be on her wrist because William had taken it off of her as she slept. She smiled at his thoroughness and glanced up at the clock.

"Let's see...has it been two and a half hours yet?" This time, Charles succeeded in spitting his water halfway across the table.

William finished changing and went into one of the guest rooms. He got down on his hands and knees and looked under the bed as Georgiana came down the hall. She spied her brother making a search of the room, opening closet doors, peeking into the bathroom, even opening the window and looking up at ivy on the front façade.

"What are you doing?" William started and promptly bumped his head on the window frame. He swore softly as he straightened up and turned to his sister and peered at her with one open eye.

"I lost something."

"Out the window?" Georgiana replied incredulously. William sighed and walked past her and into the next guest room, where he poked his head into a closet.

"What did you lose? Maybe I can help you find it," Georgiana said helpfully.

"No thanks," William said tersely when he came out of the bathroom. Georgiana shrugged and walked away, thinking aloud to herself that her brother "had lost it."

"I heard that," William called after her as he peeked under the bed. He rose and went back into the hall. He looked up at the pull-down stairs to the attic. He contemplated going up, but the sound of Mrs. Reynolds on the stairs made him reconsider for the moment. It was enough that one member of the household thought him daft.

"Will you be ready for dinner soon, sir?"

"No," William said decisively, as he strode past the housekeeper and went down the stairs. "I'll be dining out tonight," he said as he reached into the front closet for his pea coat. He laughed when he discovered that it was missing. He reached for the leather jacket that hung next to its empty hanger and headed for his car.

"Courtesy of the chef, signor, signorina," a second waiter was saying as he brought a second appetizer to the table. "Enjoy."

"Do you think we'll actually get to place an order?" Olivia speculated aloud. She gamely tasted the new addition to the table. "Mmm," she said. "Try it."

"I don't like artichokes," Richard pouted like a ten year-old. Olivia fixed a motherly glare upon him.

"Try it," she ordered, and she picked up a baby artichoke on her fork and put it to his mouth. Richard obediently ate it and smiled. "Now, wasn't that good?" Richard chewed thoughtfully.

"Yes. But, I still don't like artichokes." Olivia rolled her eyes.

"Good. More for me." She languidly tasted another piece while Richard watched with increasing interest. The couple finally did get to place a dinner order, but the restaurant's gracious owner came over to the table and introduced himself and insisted that they let the chef decide on the perfect meal. The executive chef appeared at their table and recited a menu, which Richard and Olivia agreed to, and subsequently enjoyed. At least, Olivia enjoyed the meal. Richard spoke and ate very little, content to listen to Olivia's comments on the wild mushroom risotto and the osso buco. He occasionally asked a question or made a brief comment, but only as an excuse to hear the sound of her voice again.

Olivia was radiant...Richard couldn't be certain whether it was her own beauty or his addled mind that convinced him that she was the most beautiful woman in the world at that moment. Somewhere in the back of his mind it occurred to him that she would probably think him a dullard for his uncharacteristic social ineptitude, but he couldn't help himself. Richard was acutely aware of the significance of the evening and he felt more than a little overwhelmed. From the moment he had set eyes on Olivia as she descended the Bennets' staircase, he knew that he would never be the same again. Richard tried to rally himself lest he spoil the evening with his apparent lethargy. His rapier wit had abandoned him along with his appetite and his will to do anything other than gaze upon the perfect creature before him. Every time she looked at him he found himself reduced to staring at her, an idiotic smile a permanent fixture on his handsome face.

For her part, Olivia was becoming a bit worried. Richard was very quiet, uncharacteristically so. She had fallen for the charming and loquacious Richard and had since come to know and appreciate the intellectual Richard, the serious businessman Richard, and the silly clown Richard. She had never pegged him as the strong silent type. In any of his personas, silent was not a word to be associated with Richard Fitzwilliam. Olivia looked up and Richard smiled again...things couldn't be too bad, could they? But Richard had barely eaten anything. What's wrong with him tonight?

What's wrong with me tonight? Richard wondered. I can't eat, I can't form whole sentences...I hope I'm not drooling on my tie.

"Are you coming up to Connecticut tomorrow with the rest of us?" Olivia asked as a waiter came to clear away their plates. He refilled their wine glasses and departed before Richard answered.

"Yes, but I have a few things to do in town tomorrow, so I may not arrive in Greenwich until late in the day." Okay, buddy. Not bad. Now concentrate and maybe you can do that again. Who knows? You may be able to manage a whole conversation before midnight!

"I don't have any idea what time we're leaving town. I'm completely at the disposal of William and Lizzy," Olivia said as she swirled the wine in her glass. Richard was mesmerized by the action of her fingers for a few seconds. Then he chuckled.

"Neither of them will be disposed to going anywhere until they've settled a few things," he concluded.

Lizzy went upstairs and found a watch to put on. It was after eight and by her reckoning, she should expect William at any minute. She knew he would come in search of her. It was not in William's nature to be satisfied with the way she had left things, and she had purposely aroused his curiosity so much as to assure his arrival. Lizzy smiled when she noticed the suitcase she had pulled out in order to pack for her trip to Connecticut and wondered if William had looked in his closets. She decided to spend her time waiting for William packing, although she couldn't resist thinking about ways to possibly secure her luggage from future retaliations.

After about a half hour, Lizzy put aside the suitcase and went downstairs to put on some music. Charles and Jane had gone out to rent a movie, so she had the place to herself for the time being. Lizzy went into the kitchen and poured out a glass of the wine that was left over from dinner and went into the living room to await William's arrival. She didn't have long to wait. There was a knock on the door and Lizzy drained her glass before she approached the door. She opened it and saw William looking...she couldn't quite put her finger on it...unnerving, she decided, as William strode past her without a word and went to the hall closet. He took out his pea coat and held it up for Lizzy to put on.

"Hello, William," Lizzy purred, as she slipped into the huge garment.

"Hello, Lizzy," William replied benignly. He scooped Lizzy up into his arms and carried her out to the car as she laughed. "What's so funny?"

"What do you think you're doing?" was Lizzy's reply.

"I'm returning you to the scene of the crime," William said as he got into the car on the driver's side.

"Mine or yours?" she laughed. "And would you mind closing my door before you whisk me away?" William sighed and got out of the car. He looked back at Lizzy as he headed for the door, afraid that she might attempt to elude him. But she sat in the car patiently until William returned. He got in and drove off.

"You didn't answer my question."

"What question was that?" William replied tersely, his eyes on the road. Lizzy sat up in her seat--a bit ungracefully, as the pea coat swam about her frame and made movement awkward--and looked at him.

"Shouldn't I be the one who's mad?" William spared her a quick glance.

"Oh, I'm not mad," he said with a sly smile. Lizzy touched his forehead and he winced and jerked his head away.

"What happened?"

"Hunting accident," he murmured. Lizzy folded her arms as well as she could manage within the voluminous sleeves.

"May I ask what your intentions are?"

"Honorable," was William's only reply. Lizzy felt oddly aroused by William's odd demeanor, but she couldn't resist needling him. After all, they were in a car crossing the Brooklyn Bridge and kissing him then and there wasn't an option.

"May I ask why you stole my things this afternoon?"

"I wanted you to stay put...fat lot of good, it did," he muttered as an afterthought.

"Had you considered asking me?" Lizzy teased. William shot her another glance before he turned onto the FDR Drive.

"Would you have done so?"

"No."

"Uh huh."

"...Unless you gave me a good reason to," Lizzy continued, "Mister Smug Man. Why didn't you?"

"Does a man always have to give a reason?"

"Does a woman always have to obey?"

"Did you have to scare me half to death by disappearing?" He finally turned and looked at Lizzy fully, but only briefly. He quickly returned his attention to the traffic up ahead.

"What did you think," Lizzy laughed. "That I climbed out of the window on a bed sheet rope, ran screaming from your house and got carried off to some mental ward?" William sighed and shook his head.

"I thought...I..." William busied himself with turning off the highway as an excuse to evade the question.

"Did you really expect me to stay?" No answer. "Where did you think I'd gone?" No answer. Lizzy quickly grew frustrated. The car came to a halt at a light and Lizzy calmly opened the door. She was about to step out when William grabbed her sleeve. But the pea coat was no obstacle to Lizzy's escape. She merely slipped her arm out of the coat and got out. She stepped onto the sidewalk and stood with her arms folded across her chest.

"Get back in here!" William barked.

"No! Not until I get some answers." Lizzy cried laughingly, in spite of the chill in the air and the snow whirling about her.

"Have it your way." William closed the door and sped off. He only drove about ten yards before he stopped. He got out of the car and walked back to Lizzy, the pea coat in his hand. "Let's negotiate," he said, wrapping the coat around Lizzy's frigid shoulders.

"Too easy!" she giggled, and William quickly thawed her cold lips with a very warm kiss.

Richard had so well recovered his composure that by the time the dessert arrived, he was chatting away like his old self, much to Olivia's relief. Jacques, the pastry chef, personally presented Olivia with a miniature laptop crafted out of dark chocolate sitting in a pool of raspberry sauce as he introduced himself to the couple. Richard suspected that William had had a hand in the dessert offering as well, and chalked up another item on the mental note he was drafting for his next conversation with his cousin. Olivia shared her dessert with Richard, who had originally declined one, but how could he resist a chunk of dark chocolate dripping with raspberry sauce offered on the fingertips of the woman he was now certain he was hopelessly in love with? Richard wondered if it would be déclassé to lick the sauce from those delicate fingertips, but Olivia beat him to it and he stared at her hand jealously, to Olivia's obvious amusement.

When they were done, Richard helped Olivia into her coat and they left the restaurant arm in arm. Richard had a few words with Bates, and left the car behind as he led Olivia toward Fifth Avenue, a short block away. Before they even reached Rockefeller Center, Olivia could see the bright light of the tree. She stopped at the corner and turned to look up at St. Patrick's Cathedral, which was awash with reflected light. Looking north, a giant snowflake of lights hovered above an intersection and twinkled in the night sky. Richard lightly tugged on Olivia's arm. She turned back and walked a block south to Rockefeller Center where hundreds of people were milling about admiring the magnificent Christmas tree that lit up the entire area like a beacon. Olivia had seen huge trees before but this one, lit by over 30,000 lights, was unlike anything she had ever seen. Richard led her around the plaza, and she looked down on the ice rink set below street level and watched the skaters twirling about in front of the golden statue of Prometheus. She sighed and smiled at Richard, who returned her smile and held her close in the crush of tourists. He watched the snowflakes settle on her dark hair and eyelashes and decided that he should probably get her out of the cold.

"I have a surprise for you," he whispered in Olivia's ear. He led her by the hand into one of the smaller buildings in the center. Richard had a brief word with the security guard, who handed something to Richard before the couple got into an elevator and rode to the top floor of the WPA-era building. Olivia looked at Richard quizzically, but asked no questions as Richard pulled a set of keys from his pocket and let himself into the offices of Harris Fitzwilliam Associates. He turned on a light and led Olivia down the corridor to the office of Hugh Fitzwilliam. He unlocked the door and they entered the handsomely decorated suite.

"What are we doing here?" Olivia finally asked as Richard brushed the last vestiges of snow from her hair and took her coat.

"I told you that my father's office had a great view of the tree. Look!" He took Olivia's hand and walked to the window. The couple was nearly at eye level with the top of the tree, where a huge gold star rested at its peak.

"Wow!" was all Olivia could say. Richard pulled off his own coat and threw it on a chair. He came up behind Olivia and again was tempted to run his hand down her back. He fought the urge and rested his hand on her shoulder.

"This place always meant Christmas to us, my sisters and me. Every year, from the time we were very small, we'd come here to watch the tree lighting ceremonies. Christmas didn't officially begin in the Fitzwilliam household until we had seen the tree lit." Olivia craned her neck to get a glimpse of the people on the street below and Richard took the opportunity to slip his arms around her waist and nuzzle the exposed spot on her neck. He felt a tiny frisson in Olivia's body as it she at first stiffened then relaxed against his. She placed her hands over his and they stood there in the dark office, illuminated only by thousands of Christmas lights on the tree outside, and talked about happy Christmases past.

Lizzy slipped out of the pea coat and headed for the front parlor, but William grabbed her by the hand and led her up to his room. She entered with a wry smile on her face, which she carefully shielded from William, who took her to his closet and pointed.

"Where are my clothes?" he demanded.

"Where are my clothes?" Lizzy countered, struggling to maintain a straight face. William looked at her and then averted his eyes. He was having considerable difficulty keeping his own countenance. He cleared his throat and repeated his question.

"Look here, young lady. I removed a handful of things; you emptied an entire closet! What did you do with my clothes?"

"Have you looked out the back window?" Lizzy suggested as she casually walked over to the bed and sat down. William huffed and then joined her.

"Lizzy..."

"Yes?"

"Where are my clothes?" he pleaded.

"Is that why you brought me back here? To get your precious closet back in order? It's making you crazy, isn't it? I know...you're afraid that I rolled your sweaters up into little wrinkly balls, aren't you? Rolled them into wrinkly, ugly, unsightly little balls, and shoved them up the chimney, especially the cashmeres," she laughed. William glared at her, but in a moment of weakness, he cracked and shot a worried glance at the fireplace. Lizzy fell back on the bed laughing.

"That isn't funny, Lizzy," William said with a hint of impatience.

"What? That I've fallen in love with a neat freak?" She rolled over and away from him, writhing in laughter. William gave in to his instincts and swatted her bottom. She yelped and leapt from the bed.

"Where are my clothes?" Lizzy fought back her smile and attempted to be serious for a minute. She wrapped her arms around her frustrated beloved and held him close.

"Don't worry. I didn't harm them, I promise. In fact, they never even left the room. All you have to do, my sweet darling, is give me back what's mine and you can have your things back." She kissed him lightly on his nose as he looked into her eyes. She smiled, and William smiled back, then he lifted her and in one motion threw her over his shoulder and carried her into the bathroom. He deposited her in the claw-footed tub, put one hand on the faucet and in the other, aimed the hand-held showerhead at her face.

"Last chance," he said menacingly.

"What does your father do?" Olivia asked, as she wandered around the office looking at the trappings of the successful businessman.

"He's in real estate development," Richard said. He had dug into his father's bar and come up with a chilled bottle of champagne. He uncorked it and offered Olivia a glass. They toasted to Christmas and to new beginnings and sat together on the commodious leather couch in a corner of the office. They soon fell into conversation and lost all track of time as they grew more comfortable and relaxed in each other's company.

"Go ahead! Do it! I dare you!" William turned the knob but just slightly. Lizzy didn't flinch. He relented and put down the showerhead and offered her his hand. She took it and stood up. "You know I love you, Will, you have no moxie."

"You're right. I have no defenses where you're concerned," he replied as he helped her from the tub. William walked back into the room and went into the suit closet. He pulled out several suits and on the hangers, underneath the suits were Lizzy's things. He handed her her turtleneck sweater, her slacks, and her shoes--which had been stuffed into a pair of Wellingtons. William pulled Lizzy's purse out of a box at the top of the closet and her underwear out of the pocket of a suit.

"Where's the rest of it?" William shrugged. Lizzy put her hands on her hips and glared at him. "What do you mean you don't know? I had a pair of jeans, a skirt, and at least a half dozen tops in there," she said pointing to the empty closet. "What have you done with them?"

"Ooh, it's cold in here," William said calmly, as he crossed his arms and made a show of shivering. "I could sure use a sweater about now."

"Is this an attempt at gaining a concession?" William didn't answer. He walked around in circles, flapping his arms against the nonexistent cold, occasionally stopping to peek under the bed or behind a chair. "Amateur," Lizzy spat. William stopped and looked at her.

"Okay. I'll stop carrying on like an idiot if you give me my stuff back."

"What do I get back in return?" Lizzy challenged.

"Your stuff...and my undying devotion?" William suggested, as he wrapped his arms around her.

"I already have that!" Lizzy said, as she ran her fingers through his unruly curls.

"My continued undying devotion, then," he amended. He bit Lizzy's earlobe and Lizzy immediately surrendered.

"You really know how to take all the fight out of a girl," Lizzy said as she pulled back the bedspread and shifted the mattress to one side. To William's amazement, there, still neatly folded, albeit somewhat flattened, was his missing sweater collection. William couldn't begin to imagine how Lizzy managed to get everything under the mattress so neatly.

"Let's just say I had some time on my hands," Lizzy quipped, in answer to his query. William carefully removed the stacks of sweaters from the box springs and placed them back on the shelves. "William, those sweaters don't go there. I thought you were into color coordination."

"I am, but right now I'm more interested in recovering the use of my bed," he acknowledged with a sly smile. They restored the mattress to its proper place in no time. William insisted on testing it for good measure.

"Wait a minute! Where's the rest of my stuff?" Lizzy cried as William pushed her onto the bed and pulled off her shoe.

"Oh, it's not here," William said matter-of-factly as he tickled the sole of Lizzy's bare foot.

"What do you mean it's not here?" Lizzy managed as she struggled to free her foot from William's torment.

"I ran out of hiding places and I was pressed for time so I took them with me this afternoon. They're in a bag in the trunk of the limo."

"What time is it?" Richard asked. He started to move his arm from its place around Olivia's shoulder, but she took hold of his wrist and turned it to read.

"It's hard to tell in this dark, but I think it's almost 11:00. I didn't realize we'd been talking that long."

"Are you ready to go dancing?" Olivia snuggled more deeply into Richard's side.

"Do we have to? I rather like it here, just the two of us."

"And the tree," Richard added.

"And the tree," Olivia amended.

"But I've been looking forward to dancing with you all week!" Richard sighed. Olivia turned her head to look up at him.

"We can dance together at William's party Saturday night," she suggested.

"Not good enough," Richard decided. He removed his arm and stood up. "May I have this dance?" He extended his hand to Olivia, who took it reluctantly. She stated the obvious.

"There's no music."

"No imagination," Richard sighed. "Shall I hum, or would you prefer that I turn on the stereo?" Olivia looked across the room where she could just make out a small sound system nestled among the books. She pointed toward the far wall and Richard went in search of music. When he returned to her side, Tony Bennet was crooning a ballad. Richard took the champagne flute from Olivia's hand and they fell into a romantic dance that neither ever wanted to end. One minute their feet were firmly on the plush carpet of the office of a real estate mogul, and all of a sudden they were in a world of their own. They started out looking into each other's eyes but before they knew it they were kissing...until Olivia stumbled slightly. Richard stepped back, and Olivia threw her head back, giggling.

"I think you're inebriated, Miss Crenshaw," Richard declared, as Olivia admitted to being, perhaps, just a bit tipsy as Richard led her back to the couch.

"But you are, too!" Olivia accused. "You've had more to drink tonight than I have!" Richard didn't try to argue with her, although he was only slightly buzzed.

"That's because you made me! I think you're trying to take advantage of me," Richard countered. Olivia found his charge hysterically funny.

"Isn't that supposed to be your job?" she managed between giggles.

"You think I should take advantage of myself?" Richard feigned confusion, which only made Olivia laugh more. "Look, I'm a thoroughly modern man and I think that women...the right woman, I should say...is perfectly capable of seducing me." Richard's eyes challenged Olivia. She stared deeply into them for a moment. Then she shook her head vigorously, throwing herself slightly off balance so that Richard had to reach out to steady her.

"I don't know you well enough, yet. Maybe next year." Richard was amused by her suggestion.

"Okay. Let's agree to meet on this date next year, and you can have your way with me. How does that sound?" Olivia smiled for a moment, then her expression changed and she suddenly scrambled to her feet.

"Where are you going?" Richard cried, fearing that she was about to become sick.

"I want that in writing," Olivia replied as she went to Hugh's large oak desk and pulled out a pad and pen. She returned to Richard and, stumbling over his outstretched foot, fell conveniently into his lap. "Let's see," she said as she prepared to write what Richard dictated.

"I, Richard Anthony Power Fitzwilliam..."

"Power?" Olivia squinted.

"Power. I, Richard Anthony Power Fitzwilliam do solemnly swear--."

"No!" Olivia whined. "Not 'swear,' and not 'solemnly,' certainly. You're giving me permission to seduce you, not taking an oath of office!" Richard reached around Olivia and took the pen and paper from her. With some difficulty, he continued to write as Olivia read aloud.

"I, Richard Anthony Power Fitzwilliam, do faithfully promise that on the anniversary of this date, the 20th day of December in the Year of Our Lord 2000, that I will meet one Olivia...middle name please?"

"B."

"B?"

"Just write B. I hate my middle name." Richard cast a smirk at Olivia and continued.

"...One Olivia B. Crenshaw at a location to be mutually determined for the express purpose of a night of private revels. I also vow to allow, nay encourage, Ms. Crenshaw to seduce, enchant, entice, and in every other sense of the expression, have her way with the author of this document. She is hereby authorized to achieve her desired ends by whatever means she deems necessary, including but not limited to a liberal application of alcohol, whispered endearments, flagrant flattery, lies calculated to induce ardor, lingerie (or not!), props, and all manner of feminine wiles (whatever those are). This promissory note is good for one year from the date issued (specified above), with options for perpetual renewal. Signed, Richard Anthony Power Fitzwilliam and witnessed by--." Richard paused and handed the pad and pen to Olivia.

"Oh, I get to sign it, too?" Richard pointed to the spot. Olivia signed it and placed a kiss next to her name. She gave it back to Richard with an enigmatic smile. Richard kissed the spot next to her name and tore the page from the pad.

"Here you are, madam, one ticket for a night of debauchery." Olivia blushed as she accepted it and read the document over again as Richard occupied himself with inhaling the intoxicating scent at the nape of her neck. Richard then adjusted her position so that she was cradled in his arms. He kissed the tip of her nose, then between her eyes, then her forehead, her right temple, her left...

"That tickles," Olivia giggled. Richard pulled back slightly and waited until she had composed herself. Then he kissed her again, this time concentrating all of his attention on her mouth. After a few moments, Olivia began to squirm again and she lightly pushed Richard's face away. She smiled up at him as she ran her fingers along his jaw line. Richard was somewhat amused by her expression.

"What is going on in that 'just a bit tipsy' brain of yours?" he asked. Olivia's smile grew wider.

"I was wondering what you were doing on April 25th." Richard frowned and shrugged. "I think you're right. I am inebriated," she confessed.

"I already know that. You didn't answer my question."

"Well, you seem very willing to give out permission slips," she smiled. "I was just wondering what other days you were available." Richard shook his head as Olivia began to laugh again, not quite equal to the task of confessing to the woman in his lap that he'd gladly give her any and every day she wanted. He held Olivia in his arms for a long time, gazing into her eyes. She stared back, smiling. They couldn't find much to say anymore. They remained as they were, each knowing that this was the beginning of something monumental. Neither wanted anything more than to hold onto the other for as long as possible. Richard played with the spiky strands of hair that framed Olivia's face as Tony Bennet sang of love lost and found. The clock struck midnight, and Richard thought it was appropriate, if not desirable, to leave.

Olivia rose and slipped on her shoes while Richard cleared away the glasses and straightened up anything that had been moved out of place. He left his father a brief thank you note and they descended to the lobby staring deeply into each other's eyes. Richard returned his father's keys to the security guard, and the couple walked arm in arm back to the limousine. Olivia rested her head on Richard' chest as the car made an all too short trip to Brooklyn. Richard alighted from the car and led Olivia to the door.

"I had a wonderful time," Olivia smiled.

"Me, too." Richard brushed a snowflake from Olivia's cheek and kissed the spot as if to reclaim it as his own. Then he took her in his arms and kissed her deeply. When he pulled away, Olivia brushed the snow from his hair and gave him another brief kiss on his lips before she disappeared into the house. Richard returned to the car and Bates headed back toward the city.

"She's a very nice girl, if you don't mind my saying so, sir," said Bates, after Richard lowered the privacy screen between the front and rear of the car.

"I don't mind you saying so at all," Richard sighed.

Not surprisingly, Olivia could not fall asleep easily when she went to bed. For a half hour, every detail of her hours spent in the company of Richard Fitzwilliam replayed over and over again in her head. While she enjoyed the memories, she decided that if she weren't destined to sleep she'd use the time productively. Thus, Olivia made her way down to the kitchen to make up a mug of peppermint tea and then repaired to her favorite armchair in the living room, where she pulled out her needles and two skeins of cobalt blue wool to begin William's mittens. She cast the appropriate numbers of stitches onto four double-pointed needles, and with a fifth began to work the cuff. Because she was working with two strands of yarn and big needles, she made quick progress. She was nearly at the fingertips when she thought she heard Richard's voice (which had been entertaining her imagination as she knit) turn into William's. Olivia started, almost dropping a stitch in the process; what had caused William Darcy to intrude upon her thoughts of Richard? Before she could wrap her brain around the question she heard William's voice again and realized that William was standing outside the front door, undoubtedly directing his words of endearment to Lizzy. Olivia wondered with a wry smile whether William had any idea just how far his voice carried in the wee hours of the morning.

"Sneaking in after curfew, Lizzy?" Olivia quipped a moment later when Lizzy tiptoed into the house and headed toward the stairs. It was Lizzy's turn to be half-frightened out of her wits.

"What are you doing up? I would have thought...what on earth are you doing?" Lizzy asked, distracted by the enormous blue mitten that Olivia was finishing off.

"I'm making snow mittens for the boys."

"What boys?" Lizzy asked, slipping into a chair.

"William and Richard; they apparently are planning on a snowball fight sometime over the holidays." Olivia completed her casting off and handed the mitten to Lizzy, who eyed it suspiciously.

"Uh, I'm not the expert knitter here, but even I know this is too big." Olivia laughed.

"I know; it's intentional. They're going to be felted." Seeing as that explanation was insufficient, Olivia went further. "You see, the idea is to knit them very big and loose, and then toss them into the washer with very hot water. They shrink to the right size and because the weave becomes very dense they're virtually waterproof." Lizzy looked at William's mitten with renewed interest.

"Ooh, I want a pair, too!" Olivia rolled her eyes.

"You could knit your own, you know." Lizzy gave her best impression of a sad puppy. Olivia sighed. "All right, all right. I'll make you a pair, but it'll have to wait until William's and Richard's are done." Lizzy brightened.

"Speaking of Richard, how was the date?" Olivia tried to curb her enthusiasm, but the look in her eyes spoke volumes she hadn't intended to reveal to Lizzy.

"It was very nice," Olivia said. Lizzy nodded knowingly.

"I can imagine. I felt the same way you did after my first date with Richard," Lizzy smiled at the memory. Olivia wondered if Lizzy was being disingenuous in an attempt to wangle details of the date out of her or if she did indeed harbor a nostalgic memory of her brief romantic relationship with Richard. Either way, Olivia decided, Lizzy was wrong on two counts: she had no right to be waxing poetic about Richard having just left the arms of her current amour, and Olivia certainly doubted that Lizzy felt the same as she did after her first date with Richard. Olivia put up a hand.

"I know, I know...you don't want to know about my dates with Richard," Lizzy conceded. "But you must allow that Richard is excellent company."

"I would certainly allow that," Olivia replied with a secret smile.

"I kind of miss that about him," Lizzy said. "He is so--."

"Whatever he is, or was, I don't think we should discuss it," Olivia cut in, as she took the mitten back from Lizzy and placed it in her bag. She collected her needles and put them in the bag as well.

"Well, what did the two of you do tonight?" Lizzy asked, realizing that she had to tread more carefully around her friend.

"We went to Le Cirque for dinner, and--."

"Oh! How's Sirio?" Lizzy interjected.

"He's very well, a very charming and gracious man. We had a lovely dinner at the restaurant, and then we took a walk and saw the tree," Olivia said, her eyes aglow at the recollection.

"And did you go dancing?"

"Yes," Olivia replied curtly, hoping Lizzy wouldn't ask any more questions. She rose and made a display of yawning to signal that she was through chatting. "I'm heading up to bed. It's after 2:00." Lizzy said good night, and let Olivia go. Lizzy remained where she sat for a while. She tried to imagine Olivia and Richard dancing, but she could only see herself in Richard's arms that first night back in late August. Disturbed by the notion, she went up to her own bed, where sleep eluded her for more than an hour.

Olivia, meanwhile, pulled back the covers and crawled into bed, still somewhat disturbed by Lizzy's reaction. Not that she could blame Lizzy; Richard had left quite an impression on her as well. What she felt wasn't jealousy. If anything, she was somewhat envious of Lizzy's longer history with Richard. But Lizzy had had a choice to make, and she had chosen William--with a judicious push from Richard--and it didn't seem possible to Olivia--or at least palatable--for Lizzy to be thinking about Richard so soon after leaving William's arms. After all, if William had said those words to me, I would be hard pressed to name another man, much less think of him romantically... Olivia closed her eyes and heard again William's deep, mellifluous voice uttering words meant only for the ears of his one true love. "I'll be dreaming of you all night and thinking of you every waking moment until you're in my arms again." Olivia smiled as she drifted off and fell into a deep sleep hearing those words spoken to her in Richard's voice.

At 6:30, Richard was already in his kitchen making coffee. While it brewed, he went down to the workout room and began his sit-ups. He was still haunted by the dream that had awakened him an hour earlier. He had been unable to go back to sleep; the dream had thrown his mind into chaos. Even now, that image still bothered him...

"You know, when I agreed to be a part of your wedding party, I thought the most difficult thing about it would be getting used to the idea of wearing a skirt," Charles said as he struggled with his cravat.

"Kilt," William corrected tersely. Richard glanced at his cousin, who seemed to be more nervous than he was. Richard shook his head and took over the task of tying Charles's cravat.

"How come your 'kilt' is different than the rest?" Charles asked William when Richard done adjusting his attire.

"We're all wearing the tartan my father commissioned expressly for this ceremony," Richard explained, "But Fitz over there is wearing his own tartan...the Darcy." Charles was impressed. Charles glanced over at William's kilt.

"And I suppose yours and his are longer than mine because I've got better legs?" Richard laughed and slapped Charles on the back. He whispered in Charles's ear as the three men made their way to the base of the altar of the ancient church where Richard was about to take his bride.

"Good God, man! Really?" Charles exclaimed. "Doesn't it itch?" William rolled his eyes and Richard laughed as the processional began. Richard paid no attention to the bridesmaids, flower girls or the maid of honor as they made their way down the aisle. He found all the preliminaries tedious. All he wanted was to see Olivia and to make her his wife. Finally, she appeared, on the arm of his father. Hugh was beaming proudly as he escorted his future daughter-in-law down the aisle in his kilt. He winked at Richard, who didn't notice--he only had eyes for his beloved. Finally, she reached the altar and Hugh stepped back and allowed his son to claim his bride. Richard pulled back the veil and saw Lizzy beaming at him. He started, as did William.

"But...but where is Olivia?" Richard managed, as the priest began to say prayers in honor of the couple. Lizzy nodded towards the bridesmaids and for the first time, Richard saw that a tearful Olivia was among them. Richard looked at her and then back at Lizzy. "But I'm supposed to be marrying Olivia!" he said painfully.

"Nonsense," Lizzy replied confidently. "It's me you've always loved. Olivia was just a surrogate I provided for you until I decided which of you I wanted." Richard could hear William growling behind him, but his cousin didn't say a word.

"What you wanted? What about what I wanted? What about what Olivia wanted? I love her!"

"Nonsense!" Lizzy repeated. "You love me, you always have. And now I'll be yours forever. Turn around and say your vows, dear." Richard simply stared at Lizzy. This could not be happening. He repeated the thought aloud, "This cannot be happening," and he repeated it again and again, over and over to himself as the priest asked if there was any reason why the couple before him should not be joined in holy matrimony. Richard tried to explain the situation, but for some reason he could only repeat that one sentence. He looked to Olivia desperately, silently pleading. But Olivia took his silence on the matter for acceptance of the switch, and she turned and ran up the aisle. Richard turned to William, but he was staring coldly at Lizzy, who lovingly gazed upon Richard. She had his arm in a steely grip and he could not pull away. He began to shout, and his voice became louder and louder with each repetition.

"This can't be happening!" Richard heard himself shout as he awoke in a cold sweat. An hour later, Richard was still troubled by the disturbing dream that he could not erase from his mind. Even now, it retained the power to chill him. He abandoned his workout and headed for the shower.

Richard had gone to his bed the previous night secure in the knowledge that he was a man in love. He knew he had lost his heart to Olivia the moment she smiled at him from the top of the stairs at the Bennet house. He had lain awake for nearly an hour trying to reconcile his feelings for Olivia with those he had formerly held for Lizzy and decided that he'd never really loved her at all. The whole thing had been a manifestation of his desire for a loving relationship of his own, the kind he had fought so assiduously to give William. But lacking his own true love, he had allowed himself to fall for the woman he had intended for his cousin. But it had all been an illusion. When Olivia arrived in New York, Richard knew that he had found a proper object upon which to lavish his affections. He had slowly regained his perspective and now things had taken their proper course; Richard had found happiness and love in the person of Olivia B. Crenshaw. His perfectly crafted rationale had begun to crumble in the face of a disturbing dream, however, and Richard had began to doubt what had seemed so clear to him just hours earlier. Had Lizzy been telling him a truth he had been in denial of all along? Was she really the one he wanted?

Richard paused in the middle of buttoning his shirt and confronted himself in the mirror. Was it possible that, in spite of everything that had happened over the past few months, he still had some feelings for Lizzy? No, he decided. It was not true--it could not be. And even if it was, it didn't matter. Lizzy and William were very much in love with one another. Hadn't William told him just a day earlier that they planned to marry someday? But Richard knew that facts had nothing to do with emotions. Richard looked himself squarely in the eye.

Richard had thought of little else but Olivia since the Thanksgiving fiasco, and his feelings for her had blossomed over the past few weeks of almost daily e-mails and telephone calls. Even now, Olivia dominated his thoughts. Richard could only think of Lizzy as a potential impediment to the happiness he had found in Olivia's arms. He would not, could not, allow anything to come between and Olivia. So why had he had that dream? Richard strode into the kitchen and poured out a cup of coffee. He poured in some milk and stirred it as he mulled over an array of thoughts. He was distracted by the sound of his phone ringing.

"Good morning. I hope I haven't called too early. I didn't know whether or not you'd be going into the office today," Olivia began after Richard's greeting.

"I am going in, though only briefly. I have a few things to do before I can leave town. How about you?" Richard replied, noting that just the sound of Olivia's voice had put him at ease.

"I'm still awaiting word from Lizzy and William, and she's apparently decided to sleep late. I have no idea what the day holds for me."

"Would you like to ride up to Connecticut with me? I'm thinking of leaving town earlier than I'd originally planned, around three or so to avoid the rush hour traffic," Richard suggested between sips of coffee.

"I'd like that, if Lizzy and William don't mind." Richard chuckled.

"The way those two have been lately, they probably wouldn't even notice your absence."

"Too true. But I'll ask Lizzy just the same. I guess I'll get back to my mitten making until Lizzy wakes up. By the way, the reason why I called was to thank you for a lovely time last night," Olivia said with a hint of shyness. Richard's apprehensions faded even more.

"I had a great time, too. I'm already looking forward to our next date," Richard smiled. He heard a tiny sigh on Olivia's end of the line and his smile widened.

"Me, too. I'll call you back after Lizzy wakes up." Richard said goodbye and left for the office feeling considerably better. He was able to purge all thoughts of his dream from his mind and headed across town with but one thought in his mind: in a few hours he would be with Olivia once more.

"Are you sure Mrs. Reynolds has them?" William asked as he reluctantly handed Georgiana his set of keys. She nodded as she surreptitiously rolled her eyes. "Don't go running off somewhere with your friends. Lizzy and I will be arriving sometime in the afternoon," he warned, and Georgiana rolled her eyes again. "And don't roll your eyes at me, Gee. You know that given half a chance you'll take the first opportunity to go running off with Tineke or David."

"It's not like Mrs. Reynolds won't be at the house, William," Georgiana reasoned.

"No, but Mrs. Reynolds isn't the one who left her keys in Connecticut, is she?" William replied with mock sternness. Georgiana sighed and smiled patiently at her brother. He kissed her cheek and hopped out of her car in front of the Darcy Building. Georgiana rolled down the window on the passenger side.

"Hey, is Olivia coming up with you?"

"Yes," William replied.

"Great. I want to hear all about her date with Richard last night," she grinned.

"Don't let Richard hear you say that," William warned, remembering his cousin's threat. "Drive safely," he called as she sped away. William walked into the lobby and just managed to slip between the closing doors of an elevator. He pushed 40 and stepped back.

"What are you doing here?" he heard Richard ask. William turned.

"I might ask you the same thing. I thought you had errands to run today."

"I have a few calls to make first and I want to check on a few things going on at Geek Central before I go away," Richard said as the elevator doors opened on 15. He stepped out of the elevator and William followed. Richard turned left instead of right and walked down the hall.

"Where are you going?" William asked.

"Anne's not in until nine. Danielle will already have hot chocolate brewing in her office." When William and Richard arrived at Danielle's open door, they saw her, dressed in jeans, sweater, turtleneck and hiking boots, dancing over to her desk to the tune of "Jingle Bell Rock." She froze mid-boogie when she saw the cousins grinning at her from the door.

"Danielle, I thought you knew the Darcy Corporation policy about dancing on the premises before noon," William said, trying to sound serious but failing miserably. Richard pulled off his jacket and entered the room.

"That policy only applies to solos," Richard joked as he took Danielle in his arms and joined her in the dance. William smiled and after a second, threw off his pea coat and cut in, much to Danielle's surprise. When the song ended, Danielle poured out cocoa and the trio sat down.

"You two are related," Danielle quipped, "I sometimes have my doubts."

"William doesn't expose his silly side very often," Richard smiled. "It's his repressed British upbringing. But the Fitzwilliam genes will out in the end."

"Speaking of jeans," Danielle peered admiringly over the end of her desk, "I didn't know you owned a pair, Boss Man!" William looked down and it occurred to him that he had never before worn jeans into the Darcy Building, not even when the building was an open construction site. He met her gaze and shrugged.

"Coming from you, that's rich," Richard countered. "I thought you didn't believe in casual dress."

"I don't believe in freezing my butt off in three-degree weather either. Who'd have thought that the day would come when you would be the most formally dressed among us?" Danielle smiled at Richard's woolen slacks and cashmere sweater. "What are you two doing here, anyway? I thought you were all going off to Connecticut to get an early jump on the holidays."

"I left in a hurry last night," William replied with a self-conscious glance at Richard. "I've just come in to pick up a few things."

"I came in to make a few calls and to have a word with our friend down the hall," Richard explained in turn.

"'We' don't have a friend down the hall," Danielle said pointedly, knowing that Richard was referring to Bill Collins. Richard just smiled. William changed the subject by asking about Danielle's plans for the holidays. While the two talked, Richard went through the CD rack and made a few selections. After about fifteen minutes, the cousins rose to depart. Danielle rose to give each man a kiss.

"Thank you for that case of wine, William," Danielle said after she kissed his cheek.

"I hope you and Harper both enjoy it." William smiled. "And I thank you for my afghan. I've already installed it in my library." Danielle turned to Richard and gave him a big hug and kiss.

"I think I'll miss you most of all, Scarecrow," she quipped. Richard smiled at her reference to The Wizard of Oz, and offered his best wishes for a happy holiday. Richard went down the hall to his office with William trailing behind.

"What time are you heading north" William asked.

"I'm trying for three at the latest," Richard replied. "By the way, you don't mind if I take Olivia off your hands today, do you?" William, who'd only meant to stay long enough to have his question answered, sat down.

"How was the date?" Richard slid into his chair and smiled. William read his cousin's expression with satisfaction.

"It went very well," Richard admitted, and offered only a cursory description of the evening.

"Pleased to hear it. By all means, take Olivia up if you wish," he said as he rose to head for his own office. "I'll let Lizzy know."

Lizzy already knew by the time William reached his office, packed up his things and called her. Olivia had asked her if she'd mind the switch as soon as she came down to the big breakfast Olivia had prepared.

"In return for your French toast, you can have anything you want," Lizzy replied, smacking her lips. "I can't believe I slept so late. I had planned to be at Cherry Blossom by nine. Oh well," Lizzy sighed. "If I run into the office, grab my stuff, straighten out a few things and get back here by noon, I should still have time to pack before William gets here."

"What time is he coming?" Olivia asked as she poured out a second cup of tea. Lizzy had no idea, but she was sure that she wouldn't be ready whenever he came. "Well, why don't you let me help? If you know what you're taking, I can pack while you're out," Olivia suggested.

"Olivia Beatrice Crenshaw, I love you!" Lizzy cried as she hugged her friend.

"If you really love me, you'll never call me that again. We had a deal, remember, Eliza?" Lizzy promptly apologized and the women went upstairs to see to the packing. Lizzy returned to the house shortly after one. She and Charles had gotten caught up in a small crisis. She flew into the house in a panic, but calmed when she saw that Olivia had packed everything as she had asked and saw to other tasks around the house as well. The phone rang, and Lizzy dove for it, expecting William. She was not disappointed.

"Have you gotten through that hefty 'to do' list of yours?"

"With a little help from my friend, yes. Are you on your way over?" Lizzy opened the top drawer of her dresser and pulled out an item or two of lingerie she hadn't had the courage to reveal in front of Olivia. She opened the suitcase as she spoke with William and stuffed them in. William told her that he'd be at her place in twenty minutes. Lizzy went downstairs and found Olivia on her cell phone with Richard.

"It seems we're both leaving at once. Richard just gave me the same ETA." Olivia helped Lizzy bring down her suitcase, cosmetic case, and three shopping bags full of gifts. They were placed besides Olivia's large Pullman and shopping bags. "Maybe it's a good thing that we're going in two cars," Olivia laughed.

The friends sat and worked at their respective knitting projects while they waited. Lizzy had gotten about three feet of her scarf done and aside from the first six inches, it was looking quite good. Olivia had begun working on Richard's mittens. She had finished William's while she waited for Lizzy to wake up. She would have to find a yarn store in Connecticut if she wanted to make Lizzy's mittens over the holidays, but she'd worry about that another time. Lizzy rose and went to the window at the sound of a honking car. She quickly stuffed her knitting into a bag just before William rang her doorbell. Less than two minutes later, Richard arrived.

"I'm afraid I'm double-parked. Tall, dark and grizzly over here apparently took the last spot on the block," he said as he went straight for the luggage. Olivia paused in her bag sorting and looked up at William. He didn't appear to be grizzly at all in spite of the fact that he was unshaven. In fact, she had never really noticed how handsome he was before. When Richard came back into the house, Olivia went upstairs to use the bathroom before they left. Richard sat down and tried not to look at Lizzy, who in turn looked at him frequently. William noticed a certain tension between the two and attributed it to Richard's earlier declaration that he would brook no further interference in his courtship of Olivia.

For Richard's part, he felt no great tugging at his heartstrings as he watched Lizzy and William together. He wanted once and for all to lay to rest any lingering doubts he had regarding Lizzy as well as assure himself that Lizzy had no lingering designs on him. But the memory of the dream came flooding back into his mind as he observed her, and he felt somewhat uncomfortable. Olivia came downstairs with her coat on and Richard rose to escort her to his Mercedes. William began to pack his own car and suggested that the four stop at Harpy's for an early dinner.

"Mrs. R is probably cooking her heart out as we speak," Richard complained. "She's had a day and a half to prepare for our arrival."

"I'll give her a call and let you know what she says," William replied as he headed for his own Mercedes.

"What happened to the Jag?" Olivia asked as Richard's opened the door to his deep blue sedan.

"I figured--correctly, I might add--that we'd need more trunk space," Richard explained as he got in and led the way toward Queens and the Triborough Bridge. Olivia picked up the box she had found in the passenger seat. It was gaily wrapped in paper that bore the logo of New York's premier toy store.

"Would you mind if I put this in the back seat?" she asked. Richard glanced at the package in her hands.

"Oh. That's for you. Open it," he smiled as he fiddled with the heater.

"You got me a present from FAO Schwartz?" Olivia frowned. Full of curiosity, she ripped open the paper and found a model car. She laughed and she held it up for a closer inspection.

"Your very own Land Rover, circa 1963. It's not a Range Rover, mind, but it's the thought that counts," Richard said as he grabbed the handful of wrapping paper from her lap and casually tossed it into the back seat.

"I love it!" Olivia smiled. "Whatever possessed you?"

"I went to the store this morning after I discovered that I was a teddy bear short of a picnic." Richard met Olivia's smirk with one of his own. "No, seriously; I had one tea set, three cousins, and two teddy bears. It was a recipe for disaster," Richard tried to explain over Olivia's giggling at the double entendre. "Are you planning to giggle all the way to Connecticut?" Richard finally asked with mock exasperation.

"Unless you have a better idea," Olivia smiled as the car came to a stop at a light. Richard didn't hesitate; he leaned over the car's center console and kissed Olivia. William, in the car behind, spitefully honked his horn and Richard rolled his eyes when Olivia began to laugh again.

"I see this is going to take a few tries," Richard remarked as the light turned green.

"At least!" Olivia said airily, although her heart was racing. "I can be very slow at some things." She and Richard exchanged a sidelong glance. Richard slipped his right hand into hers and silently prayed for heavy traffic.

Continued In Next Section