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William strode into the large events room where the press conference was to be held. There was already a rather large press contingent present and many of the reporters wore the DARCO baseball caps they had found in their press kits. William scanned the room for familiar faces. Satisfied, he headed for the front of the room, where Christopher, Ed Ferrars and Olivia were engaged in conversation.

"Showtime," William said curtly. Olivia had never seen William look nervous before and said so. "I don't like press conferences. If you ever repeat this I'll deny it, but I always go into these things deathly afraid that I'll say the wrong thing or trip over a wire and take out all the microphones," William said in a low voice. Christopher reassuringly patted his shoulder, but Olivia laughed aloud.

"I thought it was just me. I'm so scared that I haven't been able to hold down any food today." Christopher rolled his eyes.

"You'll both be fine," he smiled.

"You don't have to stand up there in the glare of the cameras, Brandon," William said defensively. "Next time I'll be the silent partner and you can be the front man." An assistant came over and had a word with Ed, who turned and looked at William. William swallowed hard and nodded curtly. Christopher began to laugh again. William tossed him a dirty look as he followed Ed toward the stage. The lights darkened and a spotlight came on. Ed mounted the steps to the stage and welcomed the assembled group to the launch. He made a brief introduction and then stepped aside so William could take the podium.

Olivia stood on the sidelines watching, when she suddenly felt a tug on her hand. She looked to her right and saw Richard smiling back at her. She squeezed his hand and turned her attention to William's speech.

"I don't know why he's nervous, Christopher," Olivia whispered. "He's great." William gave a brief narrative history of DARCO and the Companion series before he stepped down and an audiovisual presentation began on the large screen over the stage. William took a seat next to Bess, who was sitting in the front row next to Jade.

"Very nice, Will," Bess whispered as he joined her. William smiled at his grandmother and as he did so, he noticed Jade sitting just beyond her. He frowned, still trying to recall her name. Jade smiled at William in the darkened room, but he didn't notice. Christopher, meanwhile, took a seat directly behind William.

When the presentation ended, William rose and returned to the stage to talk about the two special Companion editions. Jade looked toward the side of the stage and noted that Richard and Olivia were standing hand in hand. Richard turned to whisper something into Olivia's ear and Jade responded to the gesture with a distasteful look.

"You'd think they'd wait until they were alone before they'd start climbing all over each other." Bess looked at Jade, unsure that the comment was directed at her. She turned to follow Jade's gaze and saw Richard and Olivia looking up at the stage, still hand in hand.

"If you're talking about the two people over there, I'd hardly call holding hands being 'all over each other,'" Bess replied evenly to the woman she now recognized as a guest at Hugh and Kathleen's New Year's Eve party and as the woman who had thrown a fit when Richard stood her up to tend to his grandmother's emergency nearly a year earlier. "As a matter of fact," she added pointedly, "I'm rather happy to see my grandson involved with the right sort of woman...you know, the kind who thinks more of others than herself and more of Richard than his trust fund." Bess's eyes flashed dangerously, and Jade smiled weakly and turned her attention back to the stage. When Jade looked in Bess's direction a moment later, Bess was still glaring at her. A row behind the pair, Christopher observed the interaction with interest.

When William was done, he turned the stage over to the project coordinators. Olivia went up on stage along with the creative coordinator of the Traveler's Companion to answer questions from the press. William resumed his seat beside Bess, who was beaming proudly at Olivia. Christopher patted William on the back and told him he had done well. When the press conference was over, everyone stood to either leave or approach the principals involved in the Companion project and ask further questions, Jade turned and noticed Christopher for the first time.

"Hello, Christopher," she purred as she kissed his cheek.

"Hello, Jade. What on earth brings you here? Don't tell me you've joined the other side and are working for the press."

"Oh, no! I'm here working with DARCO on the launch. I put together this little shindig," she said, gesturing around her. Christopher nodded, certain that at the very least she had grossly exaggerated her role. On his last trip to New York, he had met Ken Hunt and the other people from the Gardiner Group involved in the launch.

"Really? I was under the impression that the Gardiner Group was contracted to handle the launch."

"Oh, it was; I left Sullivan to join the Gardiner Group in January." Christopher nodded in understanding. "How long will you be in town?"

"My stay will be of an indefinite length," Christopher replied cryptically.

"You know, we ought to get together while you're here. In fact, if you don't have a date for tomorrow night..."

"As a matter of fact, I do," Christopher lied, but he knew it was an easy enough one to remedy. He had no aversion to seeing Jade--indeed, he still had a great deal of fondness for her. But he was not about to give her another public forum at which to portray herself as one of the rich and famous. Christopher had seen her picture in the Sunday Times. He knew Jade's game. She wanted fame and she wanted a rich husband. He couldn't fault her aspirations; he just objected to being used to achieve her ends. He had long ago made it clear that he wasn't interested in a serious relationship. The fact that he still had a weakness where she was concerned was something that troubled him as he smiled at her. "Why don't we have lunch later in the week?" Jade's face had fallen at his first pronouncement. The second one deflated her spirits even more.

"L-lunch?"

"...Or dinner," Christopher replied smoothly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I should go speak to a few people. Jade turned and watched him go. Then she caught a glimpse of William and smiled.

"So?" Lizzy asked excitedly.

"It went very well. William was fabulous, I didn't fall on my face or drool in front of the cameras...I'd call it a success," Olivia laughed.

"That's great! I can't wait to see you go online! Livy, I'm so proud of you!" Lizzy said as she peeked out of the window of the cab. Charles sat beside her grinning as he held a similar conversation with Richard.

"Fitz is Fitz...you know, suave, seamless, cool. But Livy was amazing! She really handled herself like a pro," Richard said proudly.

"And how did the press like the product?"

"They ate it up, especially when William had a half dozen of the city's top restaurateurs and a half dozen of the world's top travel writers get up and talk about their experience field testing the laptops."

"Very cool," Charles replied.

"Very cool," Olivia said. "It was William's idea."

"Oh, I think it's perfect! Bess will be so honored!" Lizzy gushed. "Hey, we're almost there. I'll come straight to your office, although I'm dying to see Will."

"Well, he should be down here shortly. Maybe you'll meet up with him before the next press conference." Lizzy closed her phone as Charles closed his. They smiled at each other in satisfaction.

"So what was Livy's assessment?"

"She was ecstatic. Of course, she's still nervous about her own launch," Lizzy said. "What did Richard have to say?"

"He was very impressed. By all accounts, the Companion series should be a big hit. I can't wait to see what my DARCO stock does by tomorrow morning," Charles smiled as he and Lizzy simultaneously reached for their wallets to pay the fare.

"Livy, this is lovely! It looks like your living room in Elverson," Lizzy said as she did a slow turn in Olivia's office.

"I think that was the general idea. And I had nothing to do with it, by the way. The first time I came down here with William and Richard, I had never even thought about furnishing this place. My office was little more than a chalk line on the floor. William told me that his facility planners would take care of everything. The next time I came down for a peek, it looked like this. Richard had called in his mom, and Kathleen brought in Constance."

"Constance?"

"She's Kathleen's best friend and the interior decorator of Richard's apartment, not to mention much of Kathleen's house and William's. I have to admit, I was kind of expecting it to look like your place. You know, industrial, edgy, slick...but I must say I love what I got instead."

"Maybe I should talk to Constance once I become a partner," Lizzy smiled as she took a seat. Olivia took the chair next to her.

"So you didn't tell me how your presentation went this morning." Lizzy smiled.

"We nailed the account." Olivia leapt up to hug Lizzy.

"Congratulations! What was this, your second try?" Lizzy nodded.

"Yes, and they're not only going to have a site, but on the strength of our proposal, they're going to start selling online instead of just having a customer service page. We might be talking about hiring another two full-time people just to cover the additional work!"

"That's great, Lizzy! So we'll have three things to celebrate tonight!"

"Indeed," Lizzy smiled as she slipped off her shoes and dug her bare toes into the thick carpeting. "By the way, who's the hunk out there?"

"You must mean Adam; he's our webmaster."

"And Richard let you hire such a piece of eye candy?" Lizzy asked, rising to peek through the door at him.

"Richard had no input into my hiring decisions. Besides, I pay him to work, not look good," Olivia smiled, recalling her earlier conversation with Richard.

"Why didn't any of the geeks look like that when we were at Pratt?" Lizzy pouted.

"I think it's because he was still a high school freshman at the time. He is a Pratt man, Lizzy, just younger. By the way, did you see the final tally on the 'Geek or Not' page? Richard scored a perfect zero," Olivia boasted with a laugh.

"Yeah, but we scored fours," Lizzy sighed.

"I could have gone higher if I had worn my glasses," Olivia suggested.

"I should have used an old photo of you with long hair. You would have scored a seven! Being in love has really done wonders for your looks, Livy." Olivia laughed.

"I'd return the compliment, but you were always a stunner. I've always hated that about you." Lizzy laughed as William walked in unannounced.

"What's this? You resent the fact that Lizzy Bennet is the most beautiful and desirable creature in the world?" he asked as he bent to kiss her.

"Well, when you put it that way, yes," Olivia replied good-naturedly. "Where's Grandma Bess?"

"She's been with Richard since the press conference. I think they went to lunch and then up to his offices," William said as he settled on the love seat next to Lizzy.

"Lizzy has some great news, William," Olivia prodded as she went to her desk to answer the phone. William turned to Lizzy expectantly.

"It's nothing, really...we just got a big contract today."

"The biggest contract in Cherry Blossom history, Will. It'll probably double their billings!" Olivia called from her desk. William turned to Lizzy with a pointed look.

"That's hardly nothing, Lizzy."

"Well, it's nothing compared to your launch today," Lizzy said self-deprecatingly. Olivia frowned, but she left it to William to correct Lizzy's misconception.

"Hey, what happens at Cherry Blossom is no less important than what happens at DARCO. I launched a new product line, but you and Charles have improved your business one hundred percent. That's wonderful, Lizzy. I'm very proud of you. We'll have to add a third toast, to you and Charles, at our celebration tonight." Lizzy colored and Olivia smiled knowingly. William's cell phone rang. He answered it and rose to his feet. "I've been summoned back upstairs for a moment. I'll be back in plenty of time for the launch."

"All right, boss," Olivia replied. "Richard and GB are on their way down." William nodded and left the room. Olivia rejoined Lizzy on the love seat. "Why did you do that?"

"Do what?" Lizzy dissembled.

"You know perfectly well what I'm talking about--." Olivia was interrupted by Olivia's assistant, who showed Bess and Richard into her office. "We aren't through with this yet, missy," Olivia warned before she turned her attention to the new arrivals.

A few minutes later, William returned with Christopher and the group left Olivia's office and went to the podium that had been set up in the large common space outside. The press corps assembled for Olivia's launch was considerably smaller than the one earlier and mostly represented food magazines and technology journals. William introduced Olivia and turned the podium over to her. Olivia gave a brief introduction to the Cook's Companion website, the business-to-business site for food professionals. Adam brought up the site on a large screen and demonstrated its features. William's long-time restaurateur friend, Sirio, placed the first order on the site. He handed Olivia a magnum of champagne as a present. Olivia then spoke about Celebrations, Etceteras and had Adam bring up the public site. This time, Olivia asked Bess to do the honors, much to her surprise, and she became the first person to register at the site and download a sample menu--complete with recipes. When the launch was over, Christopher opened the champagne and everyone drank to the success of both ventures.

As the guests at the launch reception milled about, Jade sauntered over to Lizzy. For her part, Lizzy had spotted Jade earlier, talking to William as Olivia made her presentation. Lizzy felt her blood boil, but she remembered Olivia's advice and forced herself to be calm. In observing the scene, Lizzy noticed that William's attention was on Olivia. In fact, he had given Jade the merest acknowledgment each time she yanked on his sleeve and spoke to him. William also spent more time speaking with Richard--and with Olivia, when she was done with her speech--than he had to Jade. Lizzy was thus able to smile back at Jade with complete complacency.

"Lizzy, I had no idea you'd be here today," Jade said warmly as she kissed the air alongside Lizzy's cheek.

"I wouldn't miss Olivia's launch for anything in the world," Lizzy replied.

"Oh, but you missed William's launch this morning."

"I had an important meeting of my own this morning," Lizzy responded evenly.

"And you couldn't reschedule? This was a very important day for him. I'm sure he was very disappointed that you didn't come."

"I couldn't come, Jade. William understood that." Jade smiled weakly.

"Well, I'm sure he said so."

"Yes, he did. Besides, I saw the whole run-through last night. I would have thought you'd be there, Jade," Lizzy smoothly turned the tables.

"I was busy last night," Jade said icily. "But at least I was here when it counted." Lizzy's eyes glittered with malice.

"Good for you," she said as Christopher walked over with a glass of champagne. He handed it to Lizzy and kissed her cheek. Jade was slightly put out that he did not also offer her a glass but sipped the one in his other hand.

"Hello, Lizzy," he smiled. "I understand that congratulations are in order." Both Lizzy and Jade registered surprise. Lizzy quickly recovered as she realized what he was speaking about, but Jade's eyes immediately moved to Lizzy's left hand. She took little comfort in the fact that there was no ring in sight. Lizzy noticed the gesture and couldn't resist taking advantage.

"Oh, it's not official yet, Christopher. "It should be in the papers in a week or so, once a few details are ironed out."

"Of course, but if that's the case, you ought to tell Will. He's over there singing your praises to the skies." Lizzy smiled and excused herself. She walked over to William, who was speaking with Charles and Jane, who had managed to leave the shop early and make it to the last part of the launch. Without so much as looking in her direction, William took hold of Lizzy's hand and kissed it as she joined the conversation.

"So, Lizzy has managed to snare William Darcy," Jade said mostly to herself.

"That's hardly news, Jade," Christopher replied. She'd almost forgotten he was still beside her, so intent was she in watching Lizzy and William. "I believe that happened months ago." Jade's head whipped around to face Christopher.

"They've been engaged for months?" Christopher's eyebrows rose.

"Who said anything about an engagement?" he said cryptically before he walked away to greet a business associate. Jade watched him in annoyance. Her eyes landed on Richard, who left Olivia's side to go into her office. Jade's curiosity was piqued when she saw Lizzy enter the office a few seconds later. She quickly moved across the floor to investigate.

Richard sat down at Olivia's desk and called to check on his dinner reservations. Lizzy came into the office and went to the love seat where she had left her purse. She dug into it and pulled out a compact and began to examine her left eye.

"It feels like I've got a rock in here," she said to herself as she delicately probed her eye to remove an errant lash.

"Need any help, Bright Eyes?" Richard asked as he hung up the phone.

"No, I think I've got it. By the way," Lizzy said as she dug into her purse again, "The office looks great."

"Thanks. Labor of love and all that. Actually, I had little to do with it. My mother's friend did all the work; all I did was give her a few pictures of Livy's house," Richard said as Jade walked in.

"May I use the phone?" she asked sweetly. "I think the battery's dead on my cell and I need to check my messages." Richard stepped out of her way as she reached for the phone and started to dial.

"So Constance did all this from a few photographs?" Lizzy continued as she dabbed at her eye with a tissue.

"The purple chair was an interesting touch," Jade said just loud enough for the others to hear. Richard looked at her strangely.

"I like it. It picks up that color in the floral and it makes a real statement in the room," Lizzy said.

"Thanks, Lizzy. It's Livy's favorite thing in the office," Richard said, somewhat mollified. He shrugged at Lizzy and left the room. Lizzy put away the compact and rose to throw her tissue into the trash bin behind Olivia's desk.

"Look at this," Jade sneered as she hung up the phone. "Little melon slices on her notepad. How corny can you get?" Lizzy gritted her teeth.

"I designed and had those made for her," Lizzy said evenly. "Crenshaw melons, get it? That's been her personal logo for five years."

"Well, if you're into cutesy...but it isn't very sophisticated, don't you think?"

"Oh, I don't know. I can think of a major computer company that managed to gain credibility in the business world in spite of having an apple slapped onto the front of every piece of hardware it produces," Lizzy said as she headed toward the door. "Sometimes, simple and straightforward is best." Lizzy walked out of the office and straight into William.

"I was just about to come looking for you. How's your eye?" Lizzy smiled up at him.

"You're the best judge, you tell me." William looked from one eye to the other.

"You know, I've always liked your right one a bit better than your left..." Lizzy laughed as she took his arm and headed back toward the reception.

"I think you spend far too much time with Richard."

When the eight people who were to make up the bulk of Richard's dinner party arrived at the restaurant, they found Georgiana, Kathleen and Hugh already waiting for them. Georgiana sprang from her seat to greet her brother and Lizzy, Richard and Olivia, Jane and Charles, her grandmother, and finally, Christopher.

"How are you, little one?" Christopher asked Georgiana as he claimed a seat beside her.

"Well, life basically stinks," she responded without preamble. "First I broke up with my boyfriend, then I was so bummed I scored low on my midterms and now it's time for finals and I had to miss the launch because I had two exams," she pouted. "And I'm not little!" she added as Christopher listened in amusement.

"And how did those tests go, young lady?" Richard asked with mock sternness.

"I aced them, naturally," Georgiana beamed.

"You graduate soon, don't you? What is your degree in?" Christopher asked.

"English literature," Georgiana replied, but as Christopher smiled in acknowledgment, Richard teased his cousin.

"That means she has no intention of ever working for a living," he quipped.

"That isn't true! I start working in Lizzy's office as soon as I graduate," Georgiana said. "I want to learn web site design, but my real job will be writing copy. It'll only be a part-time job at first, but who knows? Someday I may be the third member of the family to run a web-related business."

"I think you'd be the fourth, dear," Bess said with a smile in Olivia's direction. Olivia didn't hear the remark as she was engaged in a conversation with Hugh and Kathleen, but Richard smiled happily.

"I guess you're right, Grandma. And maybe..." she said with a pointed look across the table at William and Lizzy, "Maybe even the fifth."

"The 'fifth' what?" William asked, tearing his eyes away from Lizzy momentarily. Georgiana quickly changed the subject.

"So how long will you be in town, Christopher?"

"A few weeks, at least. I'm still undecided."

"I hear you're opening offices in New York. That's really cool. We'll see more of you, then. Although, I wouldn't mind going back to Kent and spending some time at your estate again this year."

"You know you're welcome anytime, Gee," Christopher said as Richard rose and tapped the table for attention.

"You're probably wondering why I've asked you all here tonight," he began and immediately drew a gasp from Lizzy and Jane. "It's to congratulate William and Olivia on their triumphs today," he said pointedly. Lizzy blushed and lowered her eyes. "Yours and Charles's, too, I might add, Lizzy." Lizzy made herself look up and Olivia frowned at her in confusion. Lizzy gestured a question to Olivia across the table and Olivia shrugged.

"Are you two done?" Richard asked. Olivia glanced up at him and smiled meekly. Richard went on to make a brief toast to his "esteemed and talented cousin" and his "very dear friends," but when he got to Olivia, he struggled for the right words. She had accepted his ring, but they weren't technically engaged, so he couldn't call her his fiancée in spite of the fact that he thought of her thus. He settled for referring to her as "my Olivia," which made everyone say "awwww" and Olivia blush deeply.

There were small shopping bags at everyone's place and Richard encouraged the assembled party to open their gifts. William dug into his bag and found a box containing cufflinks that were shaped like laptops, as did Charles, Christopher, and the other men of the party. The women received pins shaped like laptops, each slightly different.

"I recognize this work," Jane said with a smile. Richard acknowledged that on Charles's recommendation, he had contacted one of the artists whose work Jane sells to take on the commission of making the six ladies' pins. Lizzy was amused to see that her pin had the colors of the Cherry Blossom logo in the beaded keyboard.

Olivia looked into her bag and let out a little yelp. All eyes turned to her, except Richard's, whose gaze was carefully averted. Seeing the attention she had received, Olivia carefully removed the box from her bag as she shot a look at Richard. Her pin was as lovely as the others, and she said a terse thank you to Richard as she excused herself to go to the ladies' room. A concerned Lizzy rose to accompany her.

"What's wrong, Livy? You look like you've seen a ghost!" Lizzy asked as soon as they were out of earshot of the others.

"You should have seen what I nearly pulled out of that bag!" Olivia laughed. "Let's just say that it was something I wouldn't want to hold up in mixed company, especially company that included Richard's parents."

"But you will tell your best friend?" Lizzy pleaded.

"Well, the other day, Richard and I went to the Gap and--."

"And you bought sets of underwear in every color," Lizzy finished. Olivia was surprised but quickly recovered.

"Uh, yes. Well, not sets, just bottoms and not every color; they didn't have my size in one color so I skipped it." Lizzy began to laugh.

"No!"

"Yes. We are talking about Richard! The thing is, while we were in the store, I had no idea he was paying such close attention. There's a pair of lime green panties in my bag, Lizzy!" Lizzy laughed hysterically, composing herself only when Kathleen entered the bathroom. The two women stepped outside.

"We have some unfinished business, Liz," Olivia said as she stopped Lizzy from returning to the table. "Why did you downplay the coup you and Charles pulled off today to William? That was major!" Lizzy sighed.

"I know, but compared to what William did today..."

"All William did today was give pretty speeches. You and Charles made a business deal that will put Cherry Blossom on the map and you know that, Lizzy! You were practically doing cartwheels just for making it to the short list. So why the sudden modesty?" Lizzy shrugged. "Oh, I see. I get it," Olivia said and Lizzy shook her head. "You still haven't told him, have you? Lizzy, you can't keep this from William!"

"I just haven't found the right time to bring up the subject yet. He's been so preoccupied with the launch--."

"...Which is now over. Are you staying in the city with him tonight?" Lizzy shrugged, as Kathleen came out of the bathroom behind her, the better to hear the conversation she'd only caught snatches of when she was inside drying her hands.

"Lizzy, the longer you put this off the more he's going to be upset when he finds out how long you've been keeping from him," Olivia reasoned.

"I know. I'll try and talk to him tonight," Lizzy agreed. Olivia turned to say something more but saw Kathleen approach and suggested instead that they all get back to the table. Olivia took her seat as Lizzy made her way around to the other side of the table. When she sat down she noticed the look of concern on Kathleen's face.

"I couldn't help overhearing something of what you and Lizzy were discussing," Kathleen said softly to Olivia, who was seated beside her.

"Oh, don't worry, Kathleen. I think William will understand that Lizzy doesn't want his money. She just wants to do things for herself. It's kind of ironic, isn't it? I mean, I had no qualms about having William set me up in business, but here I am supporting Lizzy's notion of not allowing William to give her a loan." Kathleen blinked at her.

"You mean all that back there--?" Kathleen sighed. "Do me a favor and explain this all to me later," she asked. Olivia nodded as she hid a tiny smile.

The group feasted on an elegant Hong Kong-style Chinese banquet. Georgiana remarked that she had never seen so much food, prompting Christopher to explain that banquets were far more elaborate in Hong Kong. He and William shared tales of their experiences together in Hong Kong, much to the amusement of the others. Hugh and Kathleen added their own experiences to the conversation. Charles and Jane expressed a desire to travel in the Far East, prompting a lively discussion of potential honeymoon destinations. It was then that William began to notice that Lizzy had quieted considerably since the meal had begun.

"Are you all right, Lizzy?" he asked as the plates were cleared and trays of desserts were brought to the table. Lizzy nodded curtly. Then, realizing that William would not be so easily placated, she pleaded fatigue.

"We can leave as soon as we've had dessert. Then we can go back to the house and turn in early. I have to admit I'm rather tired myself." Lizzy murmured something about it having been a very long day for both of them and William wrapped an arm around her shoulders. They snuggled together comfortably and William fed Lizzy tastes of several different desserts. They were comfortable and at ease, Lizzy's secret temporarily forgotten. Fairly quickly, thoughts of anything but each other were absent from their minds. Lizzy and William stared into each other's eyes, completely oblivious to their surroundings.

"Gee," Christopher said as the waiter took his plate, "Do you have a date for the party tomorrow?" Christopher asked suddenly. Gee shook her head.

"I don't know if I'm going to go." William, who had been engaged in a quiet flirtation with Lizzy, looked up.

"You have to come, Gee. You promised!" Lizzy looked at William warningly.

"Well, I don't have anyone to go with," Georgiana pouted. "I don't want to be at a big fancy party all on my own, Will."

"Neither do I," Christopher smiled. "Would you like to come as my date?" Georgiana's eyes lit up, as did William's.

"Christopher! You're too old to go out with Gee!" William blurted out. Christopher laughed as Georgiana glared at her brother.

"I'm only one year older than you," Christopher retorted.

"And I wouldn't ask out a twenty year old."

"No, but that's only because Lizzy would scratch Gees' eyes out," Richard volunteered. Olivia put a finger over his lips to quiet him.

"I don't believe anyone asked your opinion, William," Gee sniffed. "And I'm twenty-one now, remember? I'd be delighted to be your date, Christopher."

"Thank you," Christopher replied with a glance at his watch. Richard did the same and suggested that it was time to pack it in. The party rose and began to make ready to leave. William stared at Georgiana, but Lizzy tugged on his arm and dragged him away.

"He's just offered to accompany her to the party, Will, not proposed marriage. I think it's very sweet of him." William sighed.

"I'd argue with you, but I'm too tired."

"You'd be wasting your time. You know that I am right," Lizzy smiled. "Besides, they make a very cute couple--both are tall, attractive, their coloring is complementary like ours... You know, they'd have gorgeous children--."

"How would you like to sleep in the basement tonight?" William said pressing his forehead to Lizzy's. She smiled innocently and William took the opportunity to kiss her.

"Geez, you two! We just ate!" Georgiana said as she exited the restaurant behind the couple.

"You know, I think you both spend too much time with Richard," Lizzy smirked as she took hold of Georgiana's arm and the trio headed for the limousine. Georgiana slid into the middle seat, much to William's annoyance. Kathleen and Hugh took Bess in their car and Christopher offered Jane and Charles a lift downtown.

That left Richard and Olivia to ride home alone in the other limousine. Olivia slid into the car and unleashed a huge yawn as Richard slipped in beside her. She wrapped her arms around Richard's neck and nestled her head on his chest. By the time the limousine reached their destination, Olivia was fast asleep. Richard gently woke her and she reluctantly scrambled out of the car.

"I promised, didn't I?" Olivia murmured into Richard's chest as she rested her head against his shoulder in the elevator.

"Hmm?" he answered. Olivia sighed as the doors opened and she stepped off the elevator. Richard unlocked the door. Olivia walked in, stopping only long enough so that Richard could remove her raincoat. She headed down the hall yawning, went straight into the guest bathroom and closed the door. Richard watched her go and shook his head. He went to the bedroom, loosening his tie as he went and changed out of his suit. He heard the shower running and thought it odd, but he slipped into a pair of pajama bottoms and turned back the bed covers. After brushing his teeth, Richard got into bed and opened a magazine while he waited for Olivia to appear. After about ten minutes, she emerged from the bathroom wearing a very short, very transparent slip gown.

"I'm awake now," Olivia announced as she climbed onto the bed.

"Me, too!" Richard replied. "Where did that come from?"

"I bought it when Lizzy and I went shopping the other day. I promised myself that after the launch was over I'd treat you to a very special night."

"Just one?" Richard frowned as he ran a finger along her throat.

"Well, one at a time," Olivia replied as she took hold of his hand. She leaned over and kissed him. Richard pulled her closer and buried his face in her neck. Olivia ran her fingers through his hair as Richard kissed her throat, and trailed kisses down her shoulder.

"I've missed you," Olivia whispered as Richard pulled her even closer, lying back against the pillows and enveloping her in his arms.

"I know it's very late, but do you think you have time for one more meeting?" Richard smiled. Olivia smiled in reply and Richard invited her to join him under the covers.

Lizzy and William retired as soon as they got home also. The house was quiet. Bess had gone home with Kathleen and Hugh, and Georgiana went down to the kitchen for a cup of chamomile tea before bed. William was still slightly keyed up, in spite of his fatigue, so he brought a book up from the library to read. William turned on the lamp on his side of the bed and began to read while Lizzy tossed and turned beside him.

"Is the light bothering you?" William asked. Lizzy yawned and shook her head. She sat up and looked over at William.

"I love it when you wear your glasses," Lizzy smiled groggily. William smiled back at her briefly and resumed reading. Lizzy observed him for a moment before she laid back and tried once more to go to sleep. But in spite of her fatigue, sleep continued to elude her.

Olivia was correct, she decided. Even if she did not wish to have William involved in the matter, the fact that she hadn't told William about Charles's offer of a full partnership in Cherry Blossom weighed heavily upon her conscience. It was wrong to withhold the information from him. William would never keep anything he felt was important from Lizzy. He readily shared everything with her--his joys and sorrows, his fears and dreams. She felt that she owed him as much. Lizzy had always trusted William implicitly. So why was telling him about the partnership offer so hard for her?

Lizzy thought about Olivia's situation. Richard had lavished a great deal of expense and attention on her in the past few months, something that Olivia was very uncomfortable with. But in the end, Olivia had gracefully accepted Richard's attentions. Perhaps, Lizzy thought, she should resign herself to her fate. She would tell William about Charles's offer and if William insisted on helping her she would accept his assistance. But she would only accept a loan. Her situation was not the same as Olivia's, after all. Olivia and Richard were undoubtedly headed for marriage in the foreseeable future. Lizzy had seen how Hugh and Kathleen doted on Olivia as though she were already a member of the family. Lizzy's situation with William was not so certain--at least, there had yet to be a formal understanding between them. Lizzy and William were very much in love but they weren't ready to start building a life together, Lizzy told herself.

She rolled over onto her back and stared at the ceiling. She was lying to herself and she knew it. There had long been an understanding between them. William had made it quite clear that he wanted to marry her and build a life with her. Why did the thought of marriage make her palms sweat and her throat constrict? Lizzy turned her head slightly and looked at William's handsome profile. She wanted more than anything else in the world to see that handsome face every morning for the rest of her life. She wanted to bear William's children and share in his passion for antiquing and travel the world at his side and grow old with him and watch as his hair turned from brown to silver and see him tease his grandchildren and one day rest in eternal peace in a plot beside his. All she had to do was say one word. And yet, Lizzy couldn't bring herself to even let William ask the question. She cursed her cowardice, knowing that the real reason why she had not told William about the offer lay in her fear. Perhaps Jane was right: she did need counseling. Or maybe she just needed to take a deep breath and put her faith in William. He would never fail her; she knew that. Lizzy sighed and took the plunge.

"Will?" Her companion did not answer and Lizzy turned to look at him. "That must be some book!" Lizzy joked as she sat up to peer at the page. It was then she realized that William was fast asleep. He still held the book in his hands, and to all appearances he was still reading. Lizzy smiled and removed his glasses. She reached across him and put them on the night stand, then carefully pulled the book out of his hands and turned off the lamp. Still smiling, Lizzy rolled over on her side and closed her eyes. Relieved of his burden William stretched and turned over onto his side. He placed a protective arm around Lizzy.

"Thank you," he whispered, and fell into a deep slumber.

Olivia was dripping with sweat as she came out of the exercise room the following morning and headed for the shower. Richard called to her as she passed by the living room.

"It's for you," he said, handing her the wireless phone. "It's mom."

"For me?" Olivia took the phone as Richard went past her to take a shower.

"Hello, Kathleen," Olivia said as she toweled off her neck.

"So Richard has you pumping iron? I'll have to come by and see that some day," Kathleen laughed. "The reason I called is that matter we were discussing last night."

"You mean about Lizzy?"

"Yes. What's going on? You know, for a minute--."

"That's what happens when you eavesdrop, Mrs. F," Olivia teased as she walked down the hall. She wanted to take off her sneakers but didn't want to sit on the living room furniture in her current state. She went into the guest room, which had basically served as Olivia's dressing room since she began spending time at Richard's apartment. She sat on the edge of the bed and pulled off her sneakers and socks as she recounted the details of Charles's offer of a partnership. She included the discussions that had taken place at Christmas, and Lizzy's reluctance to accept money from William. To Olivia's surprise, Kathleen firmly backed Lizzy.

"Well, I think Lizzy has every right to want to do this on her own. Has she any thoughts about how to raise the money?"

"Well, to my knowledge, she has been considering a number of options. She's done some research on the net and has come up with a number of institutions with programs that are specifically designed to help women who want to go into business for themselves."

"Oh, good. Well, I may have an idea or two of my own. Do you think she would mind if I called her about this?"

"I don't think she'd mind, Kathleen. Lizzy respects you a great deal and I'm sure she would appreciate any advice or ideas you can offer." Olivia gave Kathleen Lizzy's contact information before she hung up and went to take her own shower. Twenty minutes later, she joined Richard in the kitchen, where he was slicing fruit into yogurt.

"I've never seen anyone slice strawberries like you," Olivia smiled as she watched his knife technique.

"Thank you."

"That wasn't exactly a compliment, dearest. I meant that any normal human being would remove the greenery before he sliced the berry," she said as she took the slice of strawberry Richard held up to her mouth in her fingers and carefully removed the leaves.

"Oh," Richard said sheepishly. "I thought they were edible." Olivia rolled her eyes as she poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down at the table while Richard picked the berries out of the yogurt and plucked off the offending leaves. "So what did my mother want?"

"She wanted to ask me something about Lizzy," Olivia said before she realized that Richard probably didn't know about the offer. "It had to do with something we were talking about last night."

"Is this some big secret or can I hear about it?" Olivia hesitated.

"I don't know if I should tell you. Kathleen only heard about it by accident... Do you promise not to mention it to William?"

"What the heck is going on?" Richard asked, eyes wide. Olivia sighed.

"Well, I take it you know that Caroline gave Charles her share of Cherry Blossom." Richard nodded.

"Well, then perhaps you know that Charles has offered to make Lizzy a full partner in the business. After all the discussions on the subject last winter he gave the matter a lot of thought and decided that it was fitting. He made her a very generous offer--because he didn't have to pay anything for Caroline's share, he offered Lizzy an equal partnership for a very low amount."

"I didn't know," Richard said, astonished. "In fact, I'm surprised he didn't say anything about it. I knew he was considering it, of course. We discussed it several times, but he never told me that he'd gone ahead with the idea," Richard said as he placed a bowl of yogurt in front of Olivia along with a jar of honey.

"Well, maybe he felt he shouldn't say anything until he got an answer from Lizzy. She's been mulling over the idea for a few weeks now."

"A few weeks? What's the hold up? It's a no-brainer!" Richard declared as he drizzled honey over his fruit and yogurt.

"The hold up is money. Lizzy doesn't have that kind of cash, and in spite of his earlier offer, Lizzy doesn't want to ask William for help."

"You Elverson girls," Richard scoffed as he shook his head. "Proud, stubborn, and fiercely independent."

"That's why you love us," Olivia smiled. Richard leaned across the table and kissed her.

"I do love you," he confessed. "But Lizzy's insane. I think she ought to swallow her pride and accept his help."

"You would think so."

"What? If you were in her situation, you wouldn't turn to me?" Olivia evaded his question.

"It's not the same thing, really. Lizzy is afraid of commitment. She thinks if she takes William's money--."

"She'll have to marry him? What's so awful about that? I can't think of any two people who are more suited to each other, present company excepted of course. Which reminds me--when are you going to break down and agree to marry me?" Olivia laughed.

"You know us Elverson girls--proud, stubborn--."

"Very funny."

"I thought we agreed that we weren't going to talk about the future until the two websites were well established?" Richard sighed.

"Maybe I should do something to assure their success then. I'll have all of my friends and all my parents' friends use the Celebration site to plan all their parties and benefits and I'll talk up the Cook's Companion site at every restaurant I go into..."

"I'd appreciate that," Olivia smiled challengingly.

"Or maybe I'll just take matters into my own hands..." Richard said cryptically. Olivia raised her eyebrows.

"What does that mean?" Richard pulled her into his lap and kissed her neck.

"You'll just have to wait and see. Nice pin, by the way. I wonder what wonderful person gave it to you?" he smiled at the little laptop that graced Olivia's sweater set.

Lizzy reached her office early, courtesy of Bates, who deposited her at the front doors of the building that housed Cherry Blossom well before 8:00 a.m. William was already at a local television station for a live interview about the DARCO launch. As a result, Lizzy had rushed out of the townhouse with only a few gulps of coffee and half of a muffin in her stomach. Mrs. Reynolds had thoughtfully packed a second muffin for Lizzy, along with a tiny container of her legendary raspberry butter. Lizzy brewed up a pot of coffee and sat down with her muffin to watch William's interview on the television in the conference room. She was blissfully alone in the Cherry Blossom suite, so she indulged herself and commented aloud to the screen.

"You are a gorgeous, gorgeous man, William Darcy!" she smiled. "You tell her! Slap her down for even bringing up those rumors!" Lizzy cried. "Ooh, don't flash your dimples at Katie Couric! They really should have put you on in the last half hour: it's too early in the morning to be sending so many women into a frenzy, although it'll do wonders for DARCO. If people bought stock based on the looks of the CEO, you'd be twice as rich as Bill Gates!" Lizzy crowed.

"Talking to yourself, Lizzy?" She nearly jumped out of her seat when Charles entered the conference room and poured himself a cup of coffee.

"William is on the Today Show," Lizzy explained just as the interview ended.

"Oh. So, you are talking to yourself," Charles smiled as he sat across from her and unwrapped a bagel. Lizzy pushed the container of butter across the table toward Charles, who smiled brightly and rose to fetch a knife. "Last night was a lot of fun," he opined as he carefully scraped every bit of plain butter from the bagel's surface before he replaced it with Mrs. Reynolds's special blend.

"Yes, it was fun," Lizzy agreed. "Didn't Richard and Olivia look like an old married couple? I bet they're engaged before the end of the summer." Charles smiled knowingly. He and Richard had spoken much on the topic of marriage since he confessed that he'd proposed to Olivia shortly before Christmas, but Lizzy was right. All the evidence suggested that a wedding between the pair was imminent, and Charles said as much.

"What about you and William? You two seem well on your way to the altar as well." Lizzy rose and turned off the television.

"I don't believe a couple should begin to even think of marrying until they've dated for a year," Lizzy said.

"Or three?" Charles asked, referring to his own long-term relationship with Jane. Lizzy smiled at him, recalling the number of times she'd asked him when he planned to propose to her sister before he finally did so.

"Well some people need a little prodding," she said archly.

"Not Richard and Olivia, apparently."

"They're an exception to the rule. But personally, I feel a couple needs at least a year to get to know one another."

"Then I should expect some sort of announcement from you and Will around Halloween?" Charles challenged.

"Maybe..." Lizzy said evasively. "Oh! I think that's mine," she exclaimed as she ran to her office to answer the phone. She was hopping to hear from Will about the interview. "Hello?" she said breathlessly.

"Hello, Lizzy. This is Kathleen Fitzwilliam. Have I called at a bad time? Livy said you always came in early."

"No, your timing is perfect. How are you?" Lizzy sat down, wondering what had prompted her call.

"I'm fine. And if you have a few minutes..."

"Of course, Kathleen."

"Good. I'm not sure you realized it, but I overheard your conversation with Livy last night."

"My conversation?" Lizzy frowned in confusion.

"Yes, about William. I confess I was somewhat concerned about what I overheard and pumped Livy for details..." Lizzy couldn't imagine Kathleen doing such a thing, but she listened with growing interest. "The reason I called is, first and foremost, I wanted you to know that I support your decision one hundred percent." Lizzy smiled.

"You do?"

"Of course I do. But I also agree with Livy. You've got to tell Will." Lizzy sighed heavily.

"I know. I tried to tell him last night, but--."

"Lizzy, the longer you keep it from him, the more hurt he is going to feel. He'll accept your decision whatever it is, no matter how disappointed he may be that you won't accept his assistance. But he'll be hurt by what he can only perceive as a conscious deception on your part."

"Do you think he will ever be able to forgive me?" Lizzy asked, her heart suddenly filled with dread.

"Oh, he will forgive you, but it will take a while. Men can be amazingly stubborn about things...especially Fitzwilliam men. Now, if you're willing to accept a little help from an expert on the subject of the stubbornness of Fitzwilliams..." Lizzy laughed.

"Fire away!" But the next words she heard were not from Kathleen's lips.

"Good morning, dear."

After the problems he'd encountered the previous week, William didn't take any chances with traffic. He arranged for Bates to pick up Lizzy from her office and bring her to the townhouse after work. Lizzy's dress was already at the house. Lizzy had made an appointment with a salon to do her hair at lunch, so she arrived at William's house with her hair swept up in a sleek chignon. William arrived home shortly after Lizzy's arrival and was amused to find that Lizzy had closeted herself in the guest room. William contented himself with a brief visit with Georgiana before he went up to his room to change. When William came downstairs in his tuxedo, he found Christopher sitting in the library.

"I suppose I should ask about your intentions and your prospects," William chuckled as he poured himself a brandy and offered one to Christopher.

"I'm not at all certain I'd pass muster. Really, Will, you must scare away half of Georgiana's suitors!"

"Only half?" William sighed.

"What happened with Gee, anyway?" William imparted to Christopher the full story of Georgiana's painful break up with Garren.

"And the awful thing is, I really don't think the break up was such a bad thing. She's a bit young to be so seriously involved." Christopher shook his head.

"When you were twenty one--."

"But the world was a different place then. Besides, Meagan and I were nowhere near as serious as Garren and Gee."

"Then why were your parents so alarmed?" Christopher laughed, but he suddenly grew serious as Georgiana entered the room dressed in a pale blue gown. She looked elegant and lovely, nothing like the kid sister he used to tease. Rather, Christopher saw in her the woman that William unconsciously dreaded her becoming. Both men rose to their feet.

"Hi, Christopher. Will, Lizzy said to tell you that she will be down in a moment. I'll go let Bates know we're about ready." With that, she left the room. Christopher turned to William.

"It's too late, you know. Like it or not, your baby sister isn't a child anymore. And if Garren won't be a part of her life, I can guarantee you there'll be dozens of other men who'll want to take his place. Get used to it." Christopher left William to ponder his words as he went to join Georgiana. William stood for a moment staring at the mantle, until he heard footsteps behind him. William turned around to see Lizzy standing in the doorway. A smile began to form on his lips as he took in her appearance. But he abruptly frowned.

"What are you doing in here? And what's the matter?" Lizzy asked.

"You aren't wearing the dress I bought you in Paris. I thought you were going to wear it tonight," William said as Lizzy walked into the room.

"I hope you don't mind," she said as she looked down at the form fitting black strapless gown she had chosen for the evening. "I thought--." Lizzy lifted her eyes to William's and as she did so he put a finger under her chin and gently lifted it. He caught sight of the diamond-paved bow that rested on Lizzy's left collarbone.

"How on earth did you--? For a moment, I thought--." William frowned again, as Lizzy smiled.

"You thought they were your mother's 'lucky pearls'? They are; Bess gave them to me the other day and I thought I would wear them tonight. They didn't go with the other dress," Lizzy pouted, as William ran his fingers along the pearls at her throat. "I hoped you would understand and--." William silenced her with a kiss. Lizzy wrapped her arms around him as the kiss deepened. William suddenly broke away and took a few steps to put some distance between himself and Lizzy.

"Will?"

"I...I'm sorry. Seeing those pearls brings back such memories..."

"I'm sorry Will. The last thing I wanted to do was upset you..." William spun around.

"Upset me? Lizzy, you have no idea..." William walked back to her and took her face in his hands. "Just when I think I can't love you any more than I do you find some way..." William laughed sheepishly and Lizzy saw the brightness in his eyes that belied the fact that he was near tears. "I can't even find words," he said as he ran a hand through his hair. Lizzy looked at him expectantly. "You know what this means to me, to see those pearls around your neck. Grandma Bess must have told you..."

"She told me that your mother often wore them because she thought they brought her luck, and that she wore them on all the most important occasions in her son's life. That's why I thought I should wear them today." William put a hand over his mouth, but Lizzy pulled it away and took him into her arms. He held her tightly.

"I love you, Lizzy."

"And I love you, William."

"Oh, brother," Georgiana said from the doorway. The couple looked up. "We're waiting outside. Or would you rather have Bates drop us off and come back for you?" William smiled, but Lizzy took him by the hand and followed Georgiana toward the front door.

"I'm not finished with this," William whispered as they stepped outside. Lizzy turned to him and smiled before she got into the car.

"I hope you are never finished with me."

As it turned out, Lizzy and William traveled alone. Christopher and Georgiana rode in their own limousine. William took the opportunity, therefore, to tell Lizzy about the many occasions on which his mother appeared in the pearls.

"After a time I began to wish she'd wear something else for fear my friends would think she had no other jewelry," William laughed. "But she told me what these pearls signified to her and why she wore them. Henceforth, I was always happy to see them. It always meant that good things were about to happen," he concluded softly as he squeezed Lizzy's hand tightly. He decided against telling her that it was his mother's fondest hope that one day the pearls would adorn the woman who became her son's wife. It was enough that Bess had known it and convinced Lizzy to accept his mother's legacy. William looked deep into Lizzy's eyes and fervently wished for the one good thing to happen that he wanted most in the world.

"Help, please," Olivia said as she turned her back to Richard. He fiddled with the zipper of her gown and completed the task she had begun. Olivia turned around to face him and straightened his tie.

"Gosh, you look good!"

"You look pretty gorgeous yourself! I like that color blue on you...does wonderful things for your eyes."

"Blue and brown, eh? I don't believe you, Silly Man. But I feel far too good to argue with you," Olivia smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Richard instinctively put his hands under her arms and slid them down her sides. When he reached her hips his eyes opened wide in panic.

"Where is it?"

"My chain? I took it off. Everything shows in this dress."

"Then--." Olivia disentangled her fingers from behind his head and pulled down the front of her dress so that Richard could see where she had pinned the ring to the bodice. Richard visibly relaxed.

"I never leave home without it."

"You could just wear it, you know." Olivia silenced him with a kiss. Then she abruptly pulled away and went down the hall. "Hey! I wasn't finished!"

"I had to get my jacket," Olivia explained when she returned. "All ready...shall we go?" Richard wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.

"Are you sure you want to go this shindig? I'd be quite content to stay home and have another special night with the love of my life," Richard pleaded as he followed Olivia to the elevator. "I'll even make dinner." Olivia raised her eyebrows at him and smiled. "I'll play Chopin for you on the piano and feed you grapes..."

"At the same time?" Olivia asked archly.

"Did you know that you're only wearing one earring?" Richard asked, as the elevator doors were about to close. Olivia bolted for the door and slipped out of the elevator. She ran back to the apartment door and then turned as she heard Richard begin to laugh. Olivia put her hands to her ears and felt the two earrings. She put her hand to her throat and felt the necklace and fixed an angry glare at Richard as he unlocked and opened the door. He leaned over and kissed her as she unsuccessfully attempted to dodge him. "Come on, what difference does it make if we're a few minutes later?" Richard melted Olivia's resistance with a wicked smile and he led her back into the apartment.

The DARCO gala had a twofold purpose. It celebrated the launch of the Companion series, but it also featured a silent auction of Companion laptops decorated and/or embellished by prominent artists, designers and celebrities to raise money for the Fitzwilliam/Fitzwilliam Foundation, a charity established by William and Richard to assist victims of domestic violence seek higher education and job training. The laptops had been on display in the lobby of the Darcy Building for several weeks to promote the cause and the auction. Guests now circulated through the lobby placing their bids before they headed up to the special events room that overnight had been magically transformed into a ballroom.

Jade was standing near the entrance to the ballroom when Lizzy and William stepped off the elevator with Christopher and Georgiana. Only Lizzy noticed her as the foursome swept into the room and she wondered, wickedly, if Jade was there hoping for a photo op. Lizzy spared Jade a dazzling smile as she walked past and Jade turned and watched the couples with interest, curious about the woman on Christopher's arm.

William's height gave him and advantage in the crowded room, and he immediately spotted Jane and Charles off in a corner near the windows. William caught Jane's eye and smiled as he led the group over.

"Jane, you look amazing," he said as he kissed her cheek. Jane, however, was far more interested in Lizzy's appearance.

"I thought you were going to wear your new dress," she complained. "I was looking forward to seeing you in mint green." Lizzy laughed and drew Jane aside to tell her the tale of the necklace. "I understand, Lizzy. I would have done the same thing. So he likes them on you?" Jane asked as she stole a glance at William, who stared at Lizzy unabashedly while the others in the group spoke around him. Lizzy smiled at William and, as if drawn by a magnet, he went to her. She led him to the dance floor.

"You know, I should be circulating among my guests." William said at some point during their dance.

"Guests? What guests?" Lizzy smiled.

"You are a wicked, wicked lady, Lizzy Bennet. Don't ever change," William smiled as he continued to stare into her eyes. Their dance ended far too soon for William's liking, and he reluctantly began to circulate among the tables, Lizzy's hand in his. When they reached the table where the Fitzwilliams sat, Lizzy took a minute to sit down beside Bess, whose eyes had watered up when she saw Lizzy approach.

"Are you all right, Grandma Bess?" she asked worriedly.

"You have no idea how beautiful you look tonight, Lizzy. Just beautiful," she said as she embraced the younger woman. Lizzy felt her own tears come as she whispered her thanks to Bess.

"William had pretty much the same reaction," Lizzy said as she reached for a napkin.

"I expected that he would," Bess replied.

"What's all this blubbering about?" Hugh demanded. "I thought this was a party, not a wake." Stewart was equally confused.

"Who died?" Bess frowned at him and at her son. But William, who had been speaking with his uncles, instantly understood and went to Bess and bent to kiss her.

"You're the most wonderful person on the planet, you know that?" he whispered as he hugged her tightly. Bess held him for a moment.

"That's only because I love you dearly and want more than anything in the world to see you happy." William smiled.

"I'm very happy," he said as he rose and took Lizzy's hand. He promised to return in a while and went on to the next table.

"Where're Richard and Livy?" Hugh called after them. William shrugged.

Olivia and Richard arrived a few minutes later. Olivia looked radiant as she entered the party on Richard's arm. Richard led her to his family's table to greet his relations.

"Olivia, you look fabulous," Hugh said as he rose to kiss her.

"You do look wonderful, dear," Kathleen agreed. "That necklace is wonderful on you."

"Thank you, I love it!" she replied with a shy look at Richard, who was greeting his uncle. Olivia went to Bess's side and bent to kiss her.

"You're glowing again, dear," Bess observed and smiled impishly as Olivia blushed. "It does wonders for your complexion. What a great beauty regimen, although I suppose it takes just the right man--."

"Bess!" Olivia cried. She took hold of Bess's hand to silence her. Bess lifted Olivia's right hand and saw the ring. She looked at Olivia expressively. "I lost my pin...you see..." Olivia blushed again. Bess began to giggle as Richard came around the table and claimed Olivia's hand for the dance.

"I should make you carry this in your pocket," Olivia said to Richard on the dance floor.

"But it looks so beautiful on your hand," Richard pouted.

"All right, but you'll have to do all the explaining."

"No problem. I'm more than happy to tell people that you and I are--." Olivia covered his mouth with a hand.

"Don't you dare!"

William moved from table to table greeting his guests with Lizzy at his side. She had long since grown accustomed to playing this role. She was received and treated as William's spouse, although he always introduced her for the first time by her full name and when it was appropriate he also gave her professional title. Lizzy was growing weary of performing this social requirement, though, and William sensed it and suggested that they sit a while. He led her to his table, where Richard and Olivia were sitting with Charles and Jane. As they crossed the room, Lizzy stopped in her tracks when he saw Caroline dancing with a man nearby.

"Caroline is here?" she blurted out.

"Oh, yes. She has been the foundation's largest contributor, aside from Fitz and myself, since the beginning."

"Good for her," Lizzy replied. "I had no idea."

"Caroline has many faults, but she has her priorities in order," William admonished her.

"Such as her priorities about men?" Lizzy teased.

"I thought you said you two had made peace."

"We have, I think. That doesn't go for her and Livy, though." William's mouth opened and shut, then he continued on to the table.

"I'd better have a word with Fitz."

"You'd better have a word with Livy and Caroline, if you don't want to see World War III," Lizzy quipped as they reached the table.

"Hello, Bright Eyes," Richard said as he and Charles rose to their feet. "You look lovely."

"Thanks, Silly Man," Lizzy replied teasingly.

"Fitz is quite right," Charles smiled. "There's something about you that looks very special tonight. I noticed it earlier."

"Thank you, Charles," Lizzy said, a bit flushed from all the attention.

"I hate to add to this sickening display of male fawning, but you do look great, Lizzy," Olivia said. "The necklace is lovely. Bess told me about the pearls but they're even prettier than she described them." Lizzy, Jane and Olivia began a discussion of the pearls, which led to a discussion of Olivia's jewelry. William, meanwhile, caught Richard's attention and the cousins rose and walked a short distance from the table.

"You do realize that Caroline is here." Richard looked around and spotted Caroline on the dance floor.

"So?"

"So," William sighed, "The last time she and Olivia were in the same room, they very nearly came to blows."

"Oh!" Richard blinked. "But that was months ago. Surely..." William shrugged.

"I'd like to avoid any nastiness at this event."

"Of course," Richard smiled. "I'll make sure Livy asks Caroline to take it outside," he quipped as he headed back to the table. When he got there, however, Olivia was rising from her seat to dance. Richard's friend Skip had approached her during Richard's absence.

"Hello, Angel." Olivia looked up.

"Skip!"

"May I have this dance?" Olivia glanced at Richard who was engaged in conversation with William.

"Why not?" She gave Lizzy an expressive look and rose to her feet. She caught a glimpse of Richard's surprised expression as he returned to the table and winked.

"Hey, Fitz," Skip smiled. "I'll bring her back safely. Scout's honor." Richard cast him a withering look and sat down. "So," Skip began as he took Olivia into his arms, "You're still with that clown."

"I'm hopelessly in love with that clown," she reminded him.

"Lucky man. So, uh...who's the stunning brunette you were speaking with? Maybe you could introduce me." Olivia smiled.

"She's hopelessly in love with William Darcy." Skip rolled his eyes.

"And the blond is Bingley's, I suppose..." Olivia nodded. Skip sighed and Olivia couldn't help laughing.

"There must be some other woman at this party for you..." Olivia looked around and froze momentarily when she spotted Caroline. She recovered quickly, however, and Skip hardly noticed.

"Hmm...do you know her?" Skip said, looking in Georgiana's direction. She was standing between Christopher and her Uncle Stewart.

"Tell me, are you only interested in women who are with other men?" Olivia teased. "I see plenty of women standing around solo..." Skip spun her around and caught her up again.

"How about that one?" he asked about Caroline who was walking toward the bar.

"Be my guest. Just don't ask me to make the introductions."

"Do you know her?" Skip asked suspiciously.

"More than I care to," Olivia replied cryptically as the dance ended. "Now if you don't mind, I'd like to return to my clown." Skip smiled.

"He is a very lucky man," Skip repeated. Olivia smiled as he walked her back to the table. "Here she is, Fitz. Safe and sound; not even a fingerprint." He winked at Olivia and left.

"Hello, handsome," Olivia said to Richard as she kissed his cheek. She turned her face forward and met Lizzy's eyes. Lizzy didn't have to question her look.

"I already know. I saw her earlier." Richard took her hand and squeezed it.

"Caroline's being here isn't a problem for you, is it?" Olivia looked down at his hand in her lap. His fingers ran over the ring on her finger and Olivia smiled.

"No," she shook her head. "No," she repeated with a smile for Richard. William sighed in relief, causing Lizzy to look at him.

"Were you expecting trouble?" William shrugged.

"I know they've never gotten along. I wouldn't like to see them get into anything here," he replied quietly.

"Will, Livy is perfectly capable of behaving herself, you know. We Elverson girls are very classy," Lizzy whispered in defense of her friend.

"Not to mention beautiful," he smiled as he put a finger to her cheek and kissed her.

"Let's go dance before I throw up," Richard smirked and he rose and escorted Olivia to the dance floor, where they noticed Christopher and Georgiana engaged in a dance. "She seems to be having a nice time," Richard observed.

"Good for her, and good for Christopher. It was really sweet of him to ask her to be his date."

"Yes, although I suspect he had an ulterior motive for asking her."

"Such as?"

"Such as not wanting to appear at this thing stag. Not to mention the added bonus of making William crazy," Richard chuckled as he spied William observing the couple on the floor.

"Why should Christopher be afraid to show up without a date?" Olivia asked.

"You have no idea what it's like being wealthy and good looking and alone at a party, do you?"

"I think I may have been insulted just now, but since I'm not wealthy, I'll let it slide. Enlighten me." Richard laughed.

"You were definitely not being insulted madam; I was speaking of wealthy bachelors."

"Oh."

"Women swarm all over wealthy bachelors at these things."

"No!"

"You end up feeling like a piece of meat in the butcher shop."

"Or the perfect little black dress at Loehmann's?" Richard eyed her with amusement.

"Whatever. I love you, you know that?" he said suddenly.

"Yes, yes...so you keep insisting," Olivia said in a bored tone. "By the way, your grandmother has an uncanny ability to tell when you and I have just made love," she said.

"You mean she has an uncanny ability to tell when you have. She just assumes my participation," Richard teased. A short distance away, Christopher and Georgiana were sharing a laugh.

"Well, never mind what Richard thinks. I loved studying English literature."

"Well, I am certainly not about to dissuade you from your interest, Gee. Most of my favorite authors hail from my native land. But tell me, how do you expect to make the transition from lit major to Internet-based business mogul?"

"I haven't figured that out yet. I'm not even sure what I really want to do yet. I am interested in web stuff, though. That's why Lizzy offered me the job. She thought it would be good for me to work for a while and test the waters, as she put it, before I come to any decisions. I just want to have fun."

"Well, there's nothing wrong with that," Christopher agreed.

"What did you do when you finished college?"

"By the time I was done at Cambridge I had already come into my inheritance, so Brandon, Ltd. was waiting for me to take the helm." Georgiana looked at him wistfully.

"Don't you wish you could have had an opportunity to do something else? I mean don't you wish you'd had the opportunity to spend a year in France, like Will and Richard, or to just have fun for a while?" Christopher smiled at Georgiana's concern.

"My family acquired an estate in France when I was about ten. I spent many summers there."

"Oh! I had no idea," Georgiana said. "May I visit you there, too?" Georgiana said teasingly.

"Of course. Are you planning a trip to Europe some time soon?"

"I don't know yet. My friend Sophia and I were thinking about taking a trip together this summer to celebrate our graduation, but we haven't made any firm plans. Will suggested that I go to the Bahamas, but I want to see Europe."

"So you won't be visiting me in the islands, then," Christopher smiled as the dance ended and he led Georgiana toward their table. Georgiana was laughing at his joke when she took her seat.

"Having fun, Gee?" William asked as a waiter came to the table to fill their glasses.

"I'm having a great time," she replied with a smile for Christopher. Lizzy squeezed William's hand in a warning as he glowered at Christopher, and then rose and excused herself from the table. William watched her curiously as she made a direct path to Caroline, who was standing by her table, where several people Lizzy had been introduced to but could not name, were sitting.

"Hello, Lizzy," Caroline said with genuine warmth. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, Caroline. Charles told me that you had returned from the coast, but he didn't tell me that you'd be here tonight. How have you been?" she asked civilly.

"I've been fine, and I wouldn't miss tonight for the world. I have strong ties to this charity."

"So Will has told me," Lizzy said, slightly embarrassed about her initial suspicion.

"Oh!" Caroline said, suddenly. She took hold of Lizzy's arm and steered her away from the table. "I must tell you: while I was in California I was recognized. Twice!" Lizzy was at a loss to guess Caroline's meaning until Caroline explained that she was talking about Lizzy's web site.

"You're kidding!" Lizzy exclaimed.

"No!" Caroline smiled proudly. "I was in a mall and two young men approached me and asked if I was 'Karoline." Lizzy laughed, both at the imagined scene and Caroline's apparent pleasure in it. "And a few days later, a man at a restaurant came to my table and actually asked for my autograph!" The two women shared a laugh as Lizzy wondered to herself whether she could ever have dreamed that such a conversation could ever take place between them. Caroline glanced at Lizzy's table. "William looks well." Lizzy glanced at him.

"Yes...I mean, yes, he's very well, thank you."

"And I see that Olivia is still with Richard..." Caroline said with a look toward the dance floor.

"Why does that surprise everyone? Richard hasn't so much as thought about another woman since he met her," Lizzy averred.

"Lucky girl," Caroline sighed.

"Yes, she is. She knows about your role in the rumors, by the way. I thought I should warn you..." Caroline looked at Lizzy.

"Why, that's civil of you, Lizzy. Should I have my wine tasted by a servant?" Lizzy laughed as Caroline looked into the glass in her hand.

"I'd mind my P's and Q's if I were you."

"From the looks of things, she could care less that I am here. She only has eyes for Richard."

"He has that effect on women," Lizzy said as Kathleen came to her side. Lizzy felt the tension when Caroline's eyes met Kathleen's.

"Good evening, Mrs. Fitzwilliam," Caroline said simply.

"Caroline." Kathleen turned her attention to Lizzy. "We'd like to take some pictures of the family in a little while. Would you come and join us in the hall in about ten minutes?"

"Of course, Kathleen."

"Now where is that son of mine?" Kathleen said as she looked about.

"There," Caroline said as she pointed to the dance floor. "I assume you want Olivia as well." Kathleen thanked Caroline and moved away. "Hell hath no fury...," Caroline said.

"Yes and a Fitz never forgets," Lizzy quipped.

"Do they forgive?" Lizzy looked Caroline in the eye. She had spent a good deal of the day wondering the very same thing.

"I couldn't say." She was about to make her way to the hall when Jade approached. She greeted both women effusively. "I had no idea you two knew each other."

"Well, you know, when you're part of the New York social scene..." Jade said. Behind her, Caroline rolled her eyes and shrugged noncommittally, much to Lizzy's amusement. "So," Jade continued. "You look very nice, Lizzy, quite the accessory on William's arm." Lizzy smiled tightly and again turned to go. But Jade clutched her arm as she continued. "This is a fabulous party. William really went all out."

"Actually, the foundation is the party's host, Jade" Caroline said smugly. "There was a committee of ten people who put this affair together, including myself. All William had to do tonight is show up looking gorgeous."

"And he did his job very admirably," Lizzy smiled. Richard and Olivia went past. Caroline averted her eyes but Olivia gave Lizzy an odd look as she went by. Elizabeth excused herself and followed them to the table where William explained that they were all wanted outside and led the way into the hall. A professional photographer was waiting and she took photographs of several configurations of the family. Christopher leaned against the wall casually observing the proceedings. Jade wandered out into the hall to speak to him when she noticed him standing alone.

"What are you doing out here? Did your date have to leave to make her curfew?" Christopher gestured with his head and Jade turned to see Georgiana taking a picture with Lizzy and Olivia. "Oh. Well, it's not eleven, yet, anyway."

"That's really catty, Jade, even for you." Christopher remarked.

"Well, it bugs me to see that you prefer that child's company over mine," she pouted. Christopher laughed.

"That 'child,' as you call her, is less than five years younger than you. She also happens to be beautiful, charming, and completely devoid of malice. I'd forgotten how appealing that could be in a companion," he said as he walked over to join the Fitzwilliam clan. Caroline came out into the hall in search of the ladies' room. She came back a short time later and observed Jade's jealous pout.

"Your claws are showing, dear," Caroline quipped as she passed.

"Well, I don't see you on a millionaire's arm," Jade retorted.

"Come inside and see my date, then," Caroline replied smoothly. "Actually, I doubt that he's a millionaire, but he's a lovely man and I'm having a great time." Jade turned away from her and Caroline recognized herself in the younger woman's behavior.

"Look at those two. They're so smug," Jade said, crossing her arms. Caroline turned and looked at Lizzy and Olivia as they posed for photographs with William and Richard.

"Those are some rocks on Olivia's neck," Caroline said with interest.

"I saw something just like them at K-Mart," Jade groused, dangerously within Kathleen's hearing.

"Oh, do you shop at K-Mart, dear?" Caroline said. "I had no idea they did knockoffs of Harry Winston jewelry!" Kathleen turned her head and her eyes met Caroline's. "That's where I saw them about a month ago," Caroline said with the tiniest smile for Kathleen as she turned to go back to the ball. Kathleen, impressed by Caroline's unexpected defense, watched the woman go back into the party before she spared a withering glance at Jade. Hugh came and took her arm and together they led the Fitzwilliam clan back inside. William immediately led Lizzy to the dance floor.

"You and Caroline seemed kind of chummy," he observed.

"We're back to our normal forced civility," Lizzy replied. "I had no idea she was one of the party's organizers. I think going to California was good for her. She seems happier."

"I'm glad to hear it. But only one woman's happiness interests me right now," William said as he gazed deeply into Lizzy's eyes.

"Georgiana's?" William sighed at her tease. "Mrs. Reynolds?" William shook his head. "Grandma Bess. Don't try to deny it, Will."

"You know I've only been thinking of you all night." Lizzy smiled.

"Dare I ask what you've been thinking?" William leaned over and whispered into her ear. Lizzy's eyes opened wide. "Oh my!"

Richard and Olivia made the rounds of the tables much as William and Lizzy had done earlier, but unlike Lizzy, Olivia had only rarely been exposed in such a manner. She nonetheless bore with the ordeal good-naturedly, and Richard pointed out that it would be good for business if she became known among the prominent families of New York. Olivia had the most fun during their rounds when she reached the table where Skip and several other friends of Richard's were seated. "Hello, Angel," all the men at the table greeted her in unison. The women at the table were less than amused but Olivia took it in good spirits. She and Richard continued their rounds until they reached the other side of the room and they approached one last table.

"After this we can sit down, all right?" Richard whispered as he reached out his hand to greet the event's organizer. He was in the midst of congratulating the entire organizing committee, most of whom were at the table, when he felt Olivia tense. She had looked down to see that she was standing beside Caroline's chair.

"Hello, Olivia," Caroline said simply. "I was just admiring your jewelry a while ago. It's quite lovely." Disarmed, Olivia instinctively put her hand to her throat and murmured her thanks. Then she felt herself moved along by Richard's gentle tug on her hand. She was being introduced to others at the table.

"Caroline's right," an elderly matron smiled. "That necklace is stunning on you." Olivia managed a smile. Richard sensed Olivia's discomfort and led her back to her seat.

"Are you all right?" She nodded, but lowered her head. Richard put his arm around her shoulder and Olivia raised her hand to pat his. Jane smiled broadly as she noticed the ring on her hand and whispered something to Charles, who quickly asked Jane to dance and led her away.

"What do you think that was about?" Richard asked. Olivia shook her head.

"I'm not ready to forgive her." Richard kissed her temple.

"You have the Fitzwilliam thirst for vengeance." Olivia raised her eyes to meet his. "Just kidding," he smiled.

"I don't want vengeance. It just hurts."

"I know, and I'm sorry," Richard said as he squeezed her closer.

"Ooh, Richard!" He looked up and Tineke approaching with a bewildered David in tow.

"Tineke?" he asked with obvious amusement as Olivia lifted her head to look at the excited woman.

"Uncle Hugh just told me that you're planning to build a house!"

"Uncle Hugh?" Richard asked suspiciously.

"Well, he told me I could just call him Hugh, but I can't quite bring myself to do that."

"She calls dad Uncle Stewart, too," David smirked.

"So what kind of house is it going to be? Have you chosen an architect yet?" Tineke continued. Richard invited the pair to sit down.

"We haven't made any firm decisions. We know what we want in terms of location and space, and we've looked at a few plans, but we'd probably have to have one customized to fit our specific needs..."

"Have you considered hiring an architect to design it for you?" Richard eyed her warily.

"I thought your dad only did commercial architecture," he replied.

"I'm not talking about my dad, I'm talking about myself. I will be taking my certification exams at the end of the month, and--."

"Wait a minute," Olivia said. "You're in architecture school?"

"Rhode Island School of Design," Tineke said proudly.

"David, are you dating an older woman?" Richard teased. "You sly devil..."

"What does age matter?" Tineke asked.

"Boy, I wish William had been here to hear that," Richard quipped to Olivia.

"So may I have you look at my portfolio next time you're in Connecticut? And if you tell me what you are interested in, I'd be happy to come up with a design concept for you to look at--." Olivia smiled encouragingly, but Richard furrowed his brows.

"Let me understand this--you, a young lady who has been guilty of short sheeting me--want me to allow you to design my house? And to place the woman I care more about than anything else in the world inside of it?" Olivia nudged him.

"She'd just be designing it, Richard. Licensed contractors would do the actual building. I think it's a neat idea. I'd like to see your portfolio, Tineke." Richard shook his head.

"All right, but if you knew what this girl is capable of you'd be very afraid."

"Silly Man!"

Much to William's dismay, Hugh cut in on his dance with Lizzy, leaving William alone on the sidelines. He wandered back toward his table, after briefly considering cutting in on Georgiana and Christopher, who were dancing again. After a moment's thought he decided to go for it, until a stern glance from Lizzy decided things for him. He took a step back and pouted at her.

"I do believe he'll will give her back," Caroline chuckled at William's expression. William smiled, realizing he'd been caught. On an impulse, he asked her to dance. "Why not? I can fulfill my greatest wish: to dance with the handsomest man in the room." William eyed her for a moment.

"Wouldn't your date object to your saying that?"

"My date is not blind, William! Even he'd have to admit what every other woman in the room already knows," Caroline laughed as William colored slightly.

"You had a good time in California, I take it?"

"I had a great time. It felt good to go somewhere where no one knew what a mess I'd made of things. It gave me a chance to lick my wounds and put things into proper perspective."

"I'm very glad to hear it," William said with a wink for Lizzy who was gaping at him in surprise over Hugh's shoulder. "You've done a phenomenal job on the party, by the way."

"Thank you. We worked very hard and Andy thinks we'll pull in between $200,000 and $350,000 with the auction. There's a bidding war going on for a couple of the pieces."

"I hope that doesn't include the one I bid on," William replied. "Perhaps I should run downstairs and increase my bid. I rather had my heart set on giving Lizzy the Versace."

"Then you'd better pay a visit downstairs before the bidding is over." William smiled.

"A gentleman never abandons a woman on the dance floor."

"And William Darcy, you have always been a gentleman, alas." William colored again and Caroline laughed at him until her date came to claim her.

"Care to dance?" Christopher took Olivia's hand and led her to the floor. "Penny for your thoughts."

"I'm sorry, Christopher. I was just thinking about something," Olivia smiled with a becoming blush on her cheeks.

"Does it have to do with Caroline's presence?" Olivia smiled tightly.

"I kept telling myself that it doesn't matter anymore. William, Lizzy, and even Richard can be civil toward her. I feel petty and mean-spirited because I can't," Olivia pouted. Richard danced by with Georgiana and made a face at her. Olivia's mood was broken and she giggled.

"You must remember," Christopher said as he quietly admired the beauty of her face when she smiled, "We've all known Caroline considerably longer than you have. I don't claim to know her well, but I certainly know enough of her to not take her very seriously."

"Yes, but she never did anything that would have ruined you."

"And she didn't ruin you," Christopher reminded her. "You triumphed over every adversity and stand here tonight a success." Olivia smiled.

"Thank you, Christopher."

"So, how's the date going?" Richard asked Georgiana.

"Very nicely. I don't think I have ever talked to Christopher so much. He's a very interesting man."

"Most of your billionaire bachelors are," Richard said matter-of-factly.

"Christopher is a--?" Richard put a finger to her lips.

"Would you like to be trampled by a few hundred eager women? Yes, give or take a few hundred million. He makes William and me look like paupers. Granted, he inherited much of his wealth at twenty, but he's managed to triple it over the last decade or so."

"Really!" Georgiana said, quite impressed. Richard nodded.

"I suppose this means that he's going to supplant me in your eyes as the most wonderful man alive..."

"No one can ever replace you in my eyes, Richard. You're still the best!" To prove her continuing loyalty, she hugged him tightly.

"Do you think we should break that up?" Olivia smiled as she observed the hugging cousins.

"You're the one with the prior claim. Gee is only mine for the evening."

"You make a very handsome couple. And, of course, you've made William into a complete basket case," Olivia laughed.

"He knows he has nothing to fear from me. I wouldn't harm Georgiana for the world. I think she stands a chance of greater danger from that young man." Christopher gestured toward a man standing on the sidelines. He had the look of a man spellbound.

"Adam? I'm afraid she's out of his league," Olivia sighed.

"What makes you think so?"

"Adam is my employee, so I know a little bit about his background. I think William would approve of him even less than you."

"More's the pity. It would probably be good for Georgiana to get out and date a little again." Richard and Georgiana came over and the couples switched partners.

"Hello, Angel," Richard smiled.

"Hi, Tiger."

"You're smiling again." Olivia rested her head on his shoulder.

"Yes, I am."

"So what did Christopher say that restored your spirits where I couldn't?"

"Who said you couldn't? Just being near you is a balm to my spirit," Olivia said.

"Yes, but apparently Christopher had the quick cure. What did he say?" Olivia lifted her head and looked Richard in the eye.

"He said I was a success." Richard smiled.

"That you are, my love."

"Where's William?" Lizzy asked Caroline when she encountered her after her dance with Hugh.

"He went down to the exhibit for a moment to check on something," Caroline replied, not certain whether or not Lizzy should know about William's bid. Caroline introduced her date, a prominent surgeon she'd met on the plane on her way back to New York and whom she'd been dating ever since. Lizzy made polite conversation with the couple, although she wanted nothing more than to have William return so she could leave. It was getting late and William had promised that they would not stay too much longer when last they talked.

"Oh, by the way, Lizzy," Caroline said. "Charles told me about his offer to make you a full partner in Cherry Blossom." She turned to her companion to explain what Cherry Blossom was and what the offer meant, but Lizzy didn't hear a word of it because she looked up as Caroline spoke and saw William looking at her openmouthed. Lizzy didn't know what to say. She felt her heart racing and for a brief moment hoped that she'd faint and remove herself from the noose that Caroline had unwittingly laid for her. But Caroline noticed William and introduced her to the surgeon. William's social instincts kicked in and he made polite conversation for a moment while a pale Lizzy stood beside him as still as a statue. Finally, William made some excuse and drew Lizzy away. He walked back to the table in silence with a stunned Lizzy in tow. Richard and Olivia were already saying their good-byes to the family and Christopher and Georgiana had left moments earlier. William didn't bother to stop at the Fitzwilliam table. He picked up Lizzy's wrap and handed it to her and headed for the elevator. Lizzy managed to smile weakly as people spoke to her; she barely heard the words. And then she was inside the limousine and William was shaking his head.

"I have a really bad feeling about this," Olivia repeated, as the car taking her and Richard home sped north.

"Look, I know Fitz looked rather spooky back there just now, but does it follow that something awful has to come of it?" Richard said as he pulled Olivia's hand from her mouth to stop her from chewing her manicure. "This is Lizzy we're talking about! And above all else, Fitz worships her."

"But will he forgive her?"

"Angel, we don't even know what is going on between them. Maybe we shouldn't jump to any conclusions." Olivia was pensive for several moments.

"Richard...what would you do if you found out I'd kept something from you like that?"

"That all depends. I'd like to think I could take your pragmatic view of things and accept that it's your right to choose when and what you tell me."

"But what would you really do?"

"I'd sulk like a three-year old, because although I can agree with your viewpoint on an intellectual level, I don't think my heart would be able to cope with it," he said with a squeeze of her hand.

"Why do you think hearts are so illogical?" Olivia mused as she snuggled closer to Richard.

"If they were as coldly rational as our brains--uh...make that your brain--they'd miss out on all the fun stuff they get to experience," Richard replied with a nibble on her earlobe. As if to prove his point, Olivia quivered slightly and smiled. "I will say this," he continued seriously, "We Fitzwilliams tend to wear our hearts pretty close to the surface, and that can sometimes play havoc with our brain functioning."

"You didn't do that when you were dealing with losing Lizzy. I mean, you didn't get all emotional and cry in your beer, to my knowledge."

"But I didn't really have anyone fooled, did I? Fitz is going to feel it and things are going to be awkward between them for a while."

"How long, do you think?" Olivia asked as the car came to a stop in front of their building. Richard shrugged.

"But they'll survive this. They've come too far to let something like this change things. Lizzy will just have to wait out William's 'stiff upper lip" routine and his 'Thank you sir, may I have another,' attitude and then they'll get around to the heart of the matter. He won't sulk like a baby," Richard said as he waved at the doorman and led Olivia to the elevator. "It'll be far worse for her."

"Maybe we should stay in town this weekend and let them work things out alone," Olivia suggested but Richard scoffed at the idea.

"If they want privacy, Fitz's got plenty of his own real estate to go to. We've got a neglected garden to salvage this weekend and Fitz and Lizzy's love life is not going to keep us away from it!"

Continued In Next Section