Beginning, Previous Section, Section XXVII, Next Section

Part 24

"So tell me about this offer." Lizzy swallowed hard.

"Charles has invited me to become a full partner in Cherry Blossom. He's offered to let me have the thirty-five percent of the company I'd need to become an equal partner for the cost of thirty percent of the business."

"Very generous terms," William said tightly. "And when did he make this offer?"

"About three weeks ago," Lizzy said in a very small voice.

"Three weeks," William repeated. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I needed some time, Will," Lizzy said as she squeezed and twisted the shawl in her lap. I wanted to come to a decision first." William finally looked at her.

"What decision?" Lizzy swallowed again and forced herself to meet his eyes.

"As to whether or not I would accept the offer," she said," And...if I did, how I was going to finance it."

"Why didn't you come to me? I would--," William blurted out, but he just as quickly restrained himself.

"This is something I needed to do on my own, William. It was important to me," she said as she felt the tears welling up in her eyes. "I never meant to exclude you, I just wanted to--." William placed his hand on hers and she relaxed her stranglehold on the shawl.

"I understand that you wanted to do this on your own. I admire that. But had you come to me--."

"You would have offered me the money," Lizzy spat.

"Among other things, yes." He laughed briefly, much to Lizzy's surprise. "I would have made you the offer, you would have refused it. But I also have contacts with numerous banks and business institutions that could have been useful to you. I might have helped you discuss your options. I assume you've decided you want to go ahead and become a partner?" Lizzy nodded uncertainly. William was not reacting as she had expected and she looked at him warily as he pulled a card from his pocket along with a pen.

"What are you doing?"

"Well, if you won't trust my business advice, perhaps you'll trust my banker's. Why don't you give him a call in the morning?" Lizzy stared at the card he thrust into her hand. This couldn't be happening.

"I don't need advice." William looked at her. "I mean, I've already found...why aren't you screaming and yelling?" William laughed.

"Why should I be screaming and yelling?" Lizzy sighed.

"I tried to talk about this last night, but you had already fallen asleep. I realize that I was probably wrong to keep this from you and that you're probably hurt that I didn't confide in you sooner, but I had to do this the way I wanted to...I had to do this my way and without you being my knight in shining armor," Lizzy spouted. "I love you to death, William, but this is about my chance to become a business success and the last thing I wanted was to have everyone say about me the kind of things they were saying about Livy a few months ago. I really needed to do this on my own, without your money or your fixing things and smoothing the way for me. I had to, Will! I just needed--."

"I get the picture," William smiled after he had placed his hand over Lizzy's mouth. Lizzy pulled his hand away.

"Then you're not angry?" William sat back and shook his head, but he turned and glanced out of the window as he did so. "I've hurt you deeply." It was an agonizing several seconds as William sighed and stared at his fingers and finally looked her in the eye.

"Don't you trust me? Didn't you think I would respect your wishes?" Lizzy began to cry and William took her into his arms. He held her for several minutes until the car pulled up in front of the townhouse. By the time Bates opened the door Lizzy had composed her features. She entered the townhouse ahead of William, but when she saw Christopher and Georgiana talking in the front parlor she felt unequal to facing them. She headed straight upstairs. William frowned at the pair as he passed the door. He mumbled something about it being rather late and followed Lizzy upstairs. William didn't see Lizzy when he first walked into the bedroom, so he went into the master bath where Lizzy was about to remove the pearls.

"Don't," he said. Lizzy turned to him. "I want to savor the way you look tonight one last time. You have never been lovelier, Lizzy Bennet." Lizzy stood there looking back at him, her lip trembling and a tear running down her cheek. William just stood there looking at her in awe, then after a seemingly interminable amount of time he stepped forward and ran one finger down her throat. Lizzy quivered at his touch and William lost all reserve and took her into his arms. He kissed Lizzy passionately, and Lizzy who was still very much confused by William's contradictory behavior, succumbed to the moment and gave up trying to figure it all out. William lifted her off her feet and carried her back to the bedroom where he laid her on the bed and gently dried her tears with kisses.

"That's why I could never go into business with you, William," Lizzy said as she playfully pushed William away. "You won't negotiate fairly!"

"What do you mean?" he asked impishly.

"Do you usually nibble on the ears of your business associates?"

"Perish the thought!" he cried before he launched another playful attack on her throat. Lizzy slipped away and rose to fetch the carafe of coffee to refill their cups. William smiled at her as she poured. Lizzy looked at him oddly. He seemed boyish and charming and wicked, almost giddy. She couldn't figure it out. His behavior was completely the opposite of what she expected it to be. She poured milk into her cup, waiting for the other shoe to drop. By the time she sat down again, he had sobered.

"So you'll call my banker this morning? In fact, why don't I give him a call and tell him to expect to hear from you?"

"I've already financed the purchase," Lizzy said cautiously. William frowned and put down his fork.

"When? And with whom?" Lizzy took a deep breath. "Why didn't you tell me last night?"

"I tried...I told you...well, I know I did try to tell you at some point," Lizzy suddenly felt her head spinning again. She was getting a stress headache.

"So where did you come up with the money?"

"A private source that wishes to remain anonymous." William just stared at her for a minute as Lizzy tried to concentrate on her breakfast.

"Richard." Lizzy shook her head.

"Who, then?" William pouted.

"Do you understand the meaning of anonymous, sir?"

"Do you understand the danger of keeping secrets, madam?"

"There's a difference between 'secret' and 'discretion,' Mr. Darcy."

"True," he conceded. "But I want to know anyway."

"That's not fair. Do I ask you to violate confidences?"

"December 21st in a car heading toward Greenwich: You- 'Did Richard tell you anything about his feelings for Livy?' Me- 'Bugger off, lady!'" Lizzy laughed.

"You said nothing of the kind, but your point is taken. And I have learned my lesson," she replied with an arch look. William smiled back at her and traced the line of her cheek with a finger. "William..."

"Shh."

"We need to talk about this."

"I know. But I am in far too good a mood this morning."

"Why are you in such a good mood, anyway? I don't think I've ever seen you like this!" William pulled Lizzy over onto his lap. Mrs. Reynolds entered the kitchen to ask William about dinner but she aborted her mission and left without a word.

"Why shouldn't I be in a good mood? I am probably the happiest man alive, although I would imagine that Fitz would argue with me," he smiled. "But he'd be wrong." Lizzy looked into William's eyes after this simple confession.

"But I've hurt you deeply. Don't try and deny it."

"Yes, I was hurt, but not as deeply as I thought at first. You were right; last December I was ready to go barreling in and make decisions for you where I had no business interfering. So, in hindsight, I can see your point about not telling me about Charles's offer until you had made your decision. And I also understand about your wanting to do things your way. I'm actually very proud that you managed to pull off the purchase on your own." Lizzy looked deeply into William's eyes but their expression was unreadable. William abruptly stood Lizzy on her feet and rose himself. "I really must get moving," he said, as he picked up his newspaper and headed for the door. "It's nearly eight. Can I have Bates drop you off, or--?"

"N-no," Lizzy said hastily. "I had planned on going in late today. Charles won't expect me. I want to take some things to the cleaners on the way out... You go ahead." Lizzy said, her head was throbbing and she felt as though she was rambling.

"Mrs. Reynolds can take your things along with mine. But suit yourself," he smiled. He came back to the table and bent to kiss her. He left, and Lizzy stared after him feeling oddly uncomfortable. She went into the library and picked up the phone.

"Here you are, Angel," Richard said as he placed the tray on the sideboard. "Shall I pour?"

"Yes, but I'm afraid we won't have time for a leisurely cup of coffee. Adam is coming in here in a minute to give me the first set of figures on the Celebrations site. Apparently, the early advertising has had some payoff."

"It's only 8:20! What's he doing in so early?"

"The same thing I am: running my business," Olivia said as she tasted a bit of her muffin. "Mine are better."

"You haven't got time to make muffins if you're going to have business meetings at 8:20," Richard pouted. Olivia sighed and gave Richard a sweet smile.

"Maybe we should bake tonight." Richard smiled back as Adam came to the open door with a clipboard in his hands.

"Am I interrupting?"

"No, but would you give us a minute?" Olivia asked as she rose from her desk. Adam backed out of the room and closed the door. "Would you like to stay for this? As a principal investor you have a right to hear the gory details." Richard shook his head.

"I have stuff I should get to upstairs. We are having lunch today, yes?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." Olivia wrapped her arms around him and kissed him. "I love you."

"I love you too, Angel," he said as he reluctantly extricated himself and headed for the door. "Why don't you give me a call after you've spoken to Lizzy? That way I'll know what to expect when the big guy comes down to my office for our meeting later." He gestured for Adam to enter and then closed the door with a wink at Olivia.

"He's a nice guy," Adam said as he took a seat.

"He's the best," Olivia said. "Coffee?" Adam politely declined, but before he could turn his attention to the figures before him the phone rang and Olivia picked it up. The moment she heard Lizzy's voice she gave Adam an apologetic look. "Adam, would you mind...?"

"Why don't you just give me a shout when you're ready?" he asked as he made his way to the door.

"Are you all right, Lizzy?"

"I don't know," she answered. "Everything feels so strange...so surreal. One minute William seemed to be very upset and the next--. It was like he was two different men!" Olivia sighed in empathy.

"You told him."

"Caroline did, accidentally."

"Sure she did."

"Honestly. She had no way of knowing that I hadn't told Will."

"And I trust he took the news very badly," Olivia said, taking Lizzy through the previous night's events systematically.

"Quite frankly, I can't really tell you how he's taking it, Livy. His behavior is so erratic."

"Erratic?

"Well, perhaps peculiar is a better word for it."

"He's in denial, Lizzy. He's probably trying to pretend it isn't bothering him--."

"But it is, I know it is! Why pretend otherwise?"

"He's doing it for your sake. He doesn't want you to feel badly about doing something positive for yourself, even though your means of going about it unintentionally hurt him."

"But that doesn't make sense! Why should William hide his feelings? He has every right to express his hurt and anger if that's what he's feeling! That's what's making me feel even worse," she concluded. Lizzy ran a hand through her hair and then started when William strode into the library and retrieved his notebook from his desk. He barely acknowledged Lizzy on his way out and she knew he was pretending to not have noticed her when he entered. Lizzy wondered how much he had heard and wanted to run after him and make him speak to her. But she remained curled up in the armchair, tears beginning to flow from her eyes.

"Lizzy? Are you still there?" Lizzy nodded, then managed a weak reply. "Lizzy, I want you to tell me exactly what happened." Lizzy wiped at her eyes as she recounted what had transpired between the pair, from the moment of Caroline's revelation up to and including William's behavior a few minutes earlier in the library. "Put yourself in his shoes, Lizzy," Olivia advised. "The man is hurt, but the last thing he wants to do is add to the pain and guilt you're already feeling."

"I suppose you're right, but I wish I could figure out some way to undo the damage I've done."

"Is he still coming with us to Elverson this weekend?"

"Yes. In fact he even expressed an eagerness to see my old homestead this morning."

"Good. Then you will have to spend some time with William this weekend and get him to open up about what he's feeling. It won't be pleasant, but you'll both get past it." Lizzy got up and went to fetch a tissue from the desk.

"Livy, have you and Richard experienced anything like this?"

"No, but we did probe the psyche of the Fitzwilliam male last night. Richard agrees with me, by the way; half that diagnosis was his." Olivia paused and bit her lip. "Actually, Lizzy, I have been in a similar situation, but not with a man."

"What did you do?" Lizzy sniffed. Olivia took a deep breath.

"I haven't done it yet, but I think I'd better do it now. It's probably not the ideal time, but ever since I saw you and Will last night and knew how much you were both hurting, my conscience has been bothering me."

"You mean you've been keeping something from me?" Lizzy was stunned.

"Yes, Lizzy, and I am sorry. I just couldn't bring myself to tell you about it at the time it occurred."

"Is this some wrong you did to me in our childhood?" Lizzy laughed, prepared to hear of some indiscretion from their days in Pennsylvania.

"No, it's a deception of far more recent vintage. You see, back in December Richard asked me to marry him." There was complete silence for three seconds.

"What?" Lizzy screamed. "Richard proposed? When?"

"The day after we arrived in Connecticut for Christmas. I didn't accept, of course. The very idea of his proposing was ludicrous at the time. But I do have his ring," Olivia said as she looked down at her right hand, where the ring still adorned her finger.

"What did you just say 'Charlotte'? You rejected the man but accepted his ring?" Lizzy laughed, her pain forgotten for the moment.

"We agreed that we were in love and that someday I would probably agree to become his wife, so he asked me to keep the ring."

"And that was the glittery thing on--. Omigod, Livy! I knew you two were on a fast track to the altar, but--."

"Well, we have agreed to put all talk of marriage on hold for a while, but yes, someday in the foreseeable future, I will be a Fitzwilliam," Olivia said proudly.

"And the whole clan already knows about it, right?" Lizzy said as things began to become transparent.

"Just the immediate family; is there any way to hide anything from that clan?" Olivia said. As the words left her lips, both she and Lizzy felt the oppressive weight of Lizzy's frustration settle upon them once more.

"Livy, I'm very happy for both you and Richard," Lizzy said soberly. "And I understand why you kept it from me. It's hardly the same thing as..."

"I know, but fair is fair. I felt like a hypocrite offering you advice I couldn't live by." Lizzy was silent for a few moments.

"I'd better get to work," she said finally.

"Don't hesitate to call me if you need me," Olivia said.

"I won't."

"And do try and talk to William as soon as you can. It may take a while for him to open up, but the longer it festers--."

"Too vivid an example, Doctor Crenshaw! I'll call you later."

By the time Lizzy's cab reached Soho she was in better spirits. She realized that William probably needed some time to come to terms with what he'd just learned and that her emotional reaction earlier was probably due more to fatigue and worry than to William's reaction. If he had been truly angry or upset he would have behaved differently...at least Lizzy thought so. It occurred to her that she had rarely seen William in anything other than a good mood. The one glaring exception was back in January when he was dealing with the DARCO rumors but even then his anger was fleeting and focused. Lizzy had never seen William in a state of emotional turmoil, but she knew several people who had. As soon as Lizzy reached her office she sat down and made a date for dinner with Jane. Then she set about getting to work. As it turned out she was in only a little after nine, and she booted up her computer and began scanning the morning e-mail. She saw a file from William and quickly opened it.

When you're a full partner I doubt you'll have the luxury of getting in late after a night out. You'll have to be in your office reading e-mail at 8:30 like the rest of us. Of course, the real reason why I'm complaining is that you haven't sent me any e-mail yet. ? Lizzy smiled and ran her fingers over the words on the screen.

Richard drummed his fingers on his desk as he listened to Bill Collins drone on about the expense statement for his unit. Danielle arched a questioning eyebrow at him, but Richard didn't seem to notice. Finally, Collins finished and Richard looked around expectantly.

"Are there any questions?" Danielle put her hand to her mouth to stifle a snort. She knew Richard's tone well enough to know that anyone who dared to open his or her mouth was courting Richard's ire. Fortunately, no one risked his censure and the meeting broke up. As soon as people began to file out, Richard picked up the phone to dial.

"Trouble in paradise?" Richard slammed the receiver down when Danielle's unexpected question made him start.

"Geez, Dani! Don't do that!" he hissed. "No, there's no trouble between Livy and myself, if that's what you mean." He sat back and looked at her impatiently.

"Then why are you as nervous as a cat in a dog pound?" Danielle sat down and Richard sighed.

"It's nothing you need to worry about. I've just been waiting for some information and it hasn't come yet." Richard began to drum his fingers on the desk once more and Danielle rose to her feet.

"I can take a hint."

"Thank you."

"Lunch later?"

"I've already got a date with an Angel."

"Lucky you!" Danielle smiled. She pulled the door closed behind her, but before Richard could lift the receiver it opened again and William walked in, saying something to Danielle in passing. Richard slapped his palm on the desk and swore.

"Well, I'm happy to see you, too," William said as he took a seat. Richard glared at him as the phone rang and he picked it up.

"Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. It's been a surprisingly busy morning." Richard shook his head at the irony of having Olivia's call come after William's arrival at his office.

"Did you make that call?"

"Actually, Lizzy called me right after you left my office. She said that William was acting strangely this morning."

"Do tell," Richard said as he sat back. "You don't mind if I take this, do you, Fitz?" he asked William. William lifted a hand in acquiescence and opened the folder in his lap. "How strangely?" William glanced up and then resumed perusing his papers.

"He's there with you?"

"Yes, but don't let that stop you. Just give me the Cliff notes version."

"Well, first of all, before Lizzy even had a chance to broach the issue, Caroline blurted out the information in front of William at the party."

"That makes sense. I couldn't imagine her bringing it up there herself," Richard said as he eyed William closely.

"Lizzy said that William seemed to be very upset at first, as we saw, and then he said that he was very happy for her. He was very warm and supportive after that, and very romantic, as well, but she can't shake the notion that something is terribly wrong. He won't discuss his feelings," Olivia said.

"Eton rules," Richard muttered. William looked up again. Richard waved at him. "Look, I'll see what I can figure out, but it's probably nothing a swift kick in the butt couldn't fix, metaphorically speaking, of course." William looked at Richard again and then at his watch. "I have to go. The CEO is looking quite bearish at the moment. I'll give you a buzz later okay?"

"Okay. Love you," Olivia said.

"Right back atcha," Richard said. He hung up the phone and looked at William. "Shall we?" The cousins rose and headed down to Danielle's office for a meeting on the quarterly fiscal report.

Roughly an hour later, there was a knock on Olivia's door. She looked up as Kathleen came in.

"I hope I haven't come at a bad time," she began.

"No, not at all," Olivia said, "Please have a seat."

"The office looks lovely," Kathleen said as she took a seat and looked around.

"I believe that you played a principal role in its appearance, and for that I thank you. May I offer you something?" Kathleen declined.

"I realize I should have called before dropping by; I know you must be busy. You must be very excited, too. How are things going?"

"We had nearly 5,000 hits in our first day." Olivia smiled at Kathleen's bemused expression. "That's very good."

"Oh! Well, then, I'm glad to hear it. I just dropped by because I completely forget to give these to you last night." Kathleen produced a set of keys from her purse and handed it to Olivia.

"How did you get these?" she asked as she fingered her car keys.

"Oh, Richard asked me to bring your car down to the city yesterday. Didn't you know?"

"Oh. No, he didn't mention it."

"I assumed that you'd pick it up on the weekend..."

"We're going down to Pennsylvania this weekend. Lizzy and William are coming, too." Kathleen frowned momentarily at the mention of Lizzy and William.

"Livy, did something happen between those two last night? I couldn't help noticing...it's unlike William to leave without saying goodbye and especially to ignore my mother." Olivia nodded.

"I'm afraid William heard about the partnership offer before Lizzy had a chance to tell him." Kathleen sat back in the seat and shook her head.

"So they fought."

"Worse. They didn't fight. Lizzy called me this morning; she said that William barely acknowledged how hurt he felt and she's convinced that he is hurting."

"Oh, dear. I did warn her. Do you think it would help if I had a word with William?"

"Hey, you know him far better than Lizzy or me. It couldn't hurt to try."

"In any event, it couldn't make anything worse." Kathleen revealed the details of her discussion with Lizzy the previous day before she rose to go.

"Wait a minute. I'll see if William is in his office. I know he had to go to a meeting with Richard a while ago." Olivia called upstairs and Jo informed her that William was still on the fifteenth floor. Olivia relayed the information.

"Well, maybe I'll pop up there and visit my son. I can kill two birds with one stone." Olivia thanked her for bringing her car to the city and kissed her goodbye.

Kathleen entered Richard's office suite and smiled at Anne.

"Hello, Mrs. Fitzwilliam. It's been a while since your last visit. Richard is in a meeting, but he should be back at any moment. Would you care to wait in his office?" Kathleen walked into Richard's office and took the seat that William had earlier vacated. She looked around a bit, until her eyes fell on a notepad, on which Richard had scrawled Olivia's name a dozen times. She smiled as she dug into her purse and pulled out a mirror and lipstick to touch up her makeup. A few minutes later she heard male voices in the outer office.

"Richard, your mother is here," Anne informed her superior. Richard exchanged a glance with William, who had been on the verge of leaving the suite. They both marched into Richard's office to greet Kathleen.

"Hello, Fizz," she said as she embraced her only son. "And hello, handsome," she said as William bent to kiss her cheek.

"To what do we owe this unexpected pleasure?" Richard asked. "I was just about to leave for lunch with Livy. Would you care to join us?"

"Actually, I just left Livy. I forgot to give her the keys to the Golf last night. And as for lunch, I'd much rather eat with my nephew, if you aren't already engaged." If William was surprised by her request, he didn't show it. He smiled and told her he'd be delighted to dine with her.

"I have to stop by my office and check on a few things, but then I'm completely at your disposal." Richard eyed his mother suspiciously, but she smiled back at him benignly as William led her away. Richard picked up the phone and dialed Olivia.

"Are you ready for lunch?"

"I'm ravenous. Have you seen your mother? She was just down here a few minutes ago."

"Yes, she just left here with Fitz. She came in and absconded with him before I had a chance to have that talk."

"With any luck, she'll save you the trouble. Shall we meet in the lobby?"

"Will you explain things when I get there?"

"I promise."

William offered Kathleen a seat as he checked his messages with Jo. He sat on the edge of his desk and rifled through a sheaf of papers that she had given him to sign.

"This will just take a minute," he said as walked around his desk and sat down. He pulled out a pen and paused to look at it before he wrote. It was the antique pen that Lizzy had given him for Christmas. He lifted it to eye level and examined the chased silver filigree that covered its ebony barrel. Kathleen observed him as he stared at the pen.

"That's beautiful." William started and colored as he hastened to sign the page in front of him.

"Yes, it's one of my favorites," he said quickly. Kathleen smiled at him, knowing full well that it was the pen Lizzy had given him. William quickly signed the papers and was about to rise when he noticed that he had an e-mail. He considered leaving it for later, but on impulse he clicked on the envelope on the screen.

Do you have any idea how much I love you?

William stared at the screen for a minute, a smile on his face. Kathleen was sorely tempted to lean across the desk to see what had so brightened William's face, but she kept her seat and enjoyed William's pleasure vicariously. He reached out and typed something, and then rose to his feet.

"Shall we?"

"So what are you and my mother hatching for Fitz?" Richard asked Olivia after they had placed their orders. Olivia smiled.

"Before we get to that, notice anything?" Richard looked from Olivia's smiling face to her hands.

"You're still wearing the ring! I thought you said you were going to put it back on the chain." He looked up worriedly. "You haven't lost grandpa's chain, have you?" Olivia swatted his nose with a forefinger.

"No, of course not! I just thought I should try it out more publicly. Who knows? I may even let you switch it to the other hand someday."

"Mind if I practice?" Richard slipped the ring from Olivia's right ring finger to her left. "Now what's the catch?" he frowned.

"No catch. I've just decided that honesty is the best policy. I told Lizzy about the ring today...and about your proposal."

"Really! What brought that on?" Olivia sighed.

"Well, we were talking about her keeping secrets from William...I've been keeping this from her for months." Olivia brightened. "She took it very well and is very happy for us."

"Good. And speaking of secrets, why did my mom come and drag Fitz out of my office just now?"

"She knows what's going on and thought she could be of some help. You see, when she called yesterday--well, maybe I should start at the beginning..."

"Lizzy?"

"Jane! I wasn't expecting to see you until tonight! What are you doing here?"

"Charles and I are going to meet with a caterer," she said.

"A caterer? I thought Livy was catering your wedding."

"Well, that was before she became a full-time businesswoman. It really isn't fair to ask her to take it on now, what with everything she's got on her plate, no pun intended." Lizzy made a face and asked Jane to have a seat. "Anyway, Charles and I have been thinking about it for a while. We talked to her about it last night and told her our decision. She recommended a couple of people for us to talk to."

"Was she okay with that?

"Oh, yes. She's still going to coordinate the wedding and make the cake. I don't think I'd marry Charles if Livy didn't make the wedding cake," Jane laughed.

"I heard that!" Charles said as he poked his head into Lizzy's office. "I'll be about fifteen minutes, okay?" He kissed Jane and disappeared. Jane turned back to Lizzy smiling.

"Jane, did you know that Richard asked Livy to marry her?"

"What? No! But I did see that ring she was wearing last night...oh, but it was on the wrong hand."

"That's because--." Lizzy got up and closed the door to her office lest her conversation was overheard. "That's because she refused him." Jane's mouth dropped open as Lizzy recounted Olivia's story.

"Well, I think she'll be wearing that ring and a wedding gown fairly soon. I'm so happy for them! But I didn't stop in to talk about Richard and Livy's happiness. I'm concerned about yours. You sounded kind of down this morning. What's wrong?" Lizzy sighed and told Jane what had happened, but Charles returned much sooner than they expected and they really didn't have time to talk. Jane and Lizzy reaffirmed their agreement to meet at the shop later and Jane and Charles set off.

Lizzy turned back to her computer and saw that she had a new message. She clicked on the envelope and laughed aloud when she read William's reply.

"I think I do, but I am not averse to being reminded occasionally...or repeatedly...

"So, Aunt Kathy, you never did answer Fitz's question. What brought you to the Darcy Building today?"

"Well, I did have Olivia's keys to return, and I was hoping to have a word with you."

"With me?" William swallowed. "There isn't anything wrong, is there?" he asked, instinctively taking hold of her hand. Kathleen smiled reassuringly.

"I was hoping you would tell me. I was very concerned last night when you left the gala so abruptly." William blanched.

"I...I'm sorry, I had something on my mind--."

"Something so important that you forgot to say goodbye to your own family? Mother was very upset." William ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm terribly sorry, Aunt Kathy. I wasn't thinking. I'll call Grandma Bess as soon as I get back to the office and apologize." Kathleen felt the tension in William's hand and knew she had him off balance. She exploited her advantage shamelessly.

"What could be more important to you than your own grandmother?" William took a deep breath. Kathleen waited a moment as William struggled for words. Kathleen waited till he was ready to speak to interject. "And speaking of your grandmother, she thought I should speak with you today also." William, who had opened his mouth, shut it abruptly. He stared at the surface of the table between them for a few moments.

"I'll call and speak with her."

"Well, actually she wanted me to speak with you. After our talk with Lizzy yesterday, you see, she thought that perhaps we were wrong to ask her not to tell you about us." William shook his head as if to clear his ears.

"Pardon?"

"You know, I don't think your mother ever told me where she left my car," Olivia pouted.

"It's in the garage at her place. We'll pick it up after work or, better yet, we can leave it until Friday, if you want to drive to Pennsylvania. But go on with your story."

"That's it, basically. She thought that if she spoke with William, she might get him to open up."

"Well, I hope she brought along a scalpel," Richard said. Olivia's cell phone rang and she reached into her bag with an apologetic pout for her companion.

"Hello? Oh, Ken! How are you? No, I hadn't heard...oh, my, I'm sorry to hear that. I was looking forward to your returning soon...oh dear..." Richard's face registered concern as he signaled to the waiter for the check. "The launch was fabulous, and our toaster and egg mouse pads were a big hit! Our write-up in the Times said that they're destined to be traded on E-bay as collectibles. Uh huh...yes, but Jade...well, no, we're just following the game plan you and I had mapped out in the winter. There's no need to alter anything...yeah, especially since she just came into the project a week ago...I was assuming you'd be back on your feet in a week or two. Maybe we should put off the second round of print ads until you're back. No..." Olivia glanced up at Richard sullenly. "How is your daughter? I'm glad to hear she's fully recovered. Please stay in touch, Ken. There's a meeting of the board next week and I'll let them know and we can discuss our options then...yes. Goodbye." Olivia sighed and closed her phone.

"What is it?"

"You remember Ken Hunt. It turns out the damage to his leg is worse than initially thought. He's going to go back into surgery to repair nerve damage and then he'll have to go through a month or two of therapy before he's on his feet again."

"Bummer. He put in a lot of time on the DARCO campaign. It's a pity he wasn't here to see it all come to fruition."

"I know," Olivia said sadly. "He's rather depressed about it. He's also been critical to advertising my sites," she pouted. "I was really looking forward to having him back on the team." Richard looked at her earnestly for a moment.

"Tell me: what really bothers you more, the fact that Hunt is out of commission, or the fact that his being out of commission means that you're stuck with Jade for another two months?"

"Well, when we spoke to Lizzy yesterday we thought it best if she didn't tell anyone about our involvement in her endeavor."

"I still do not have the pleasure of understanding you, Aunt Kathy," William said warily.

"Perhaps I should explain from the beginning. When I came out of the restroom at the restaurant Tuesday night, I overheard a conversation between Lizzy and Olivia. They were discussing Lizzy's need to talk to you about Charles's offer. Well, quite frankly, I didn't really know what they were discussing at the time and so I called Livy yesterday morning and she explained it all to me."

"Uh huh."

"Well, I spoke to mother about it and we agreed that Lizzy needed our help."

"Your help?"

"Well, naturally she needed financial help from somewhere. I mean, the girl does have some money, but she isn't able to finance a venture of that size on her own. So mother and I decided to co-sign her loan."

"Excuse me?"

"William, you are not dense," she said impatiently. "We made it possible for Lizzy to acquire a partnership in Cherry Blossom." William simply stared at his aunt open mouthed. "We asked her not to tell you. She wanted so much to do this on her own and we didn't think that it was so important who her co-signers were. But then we thought that you might take it badly if she kept our little secret. I know how men get sometimes. They get their noses out of joint whenever things don't go the way they want. Hugh blusters and carries on. My father would storm around the house giving everyone the silent treatment." Kathleen eyed him appraisingly. "I should think you'd be more like daddy than Hugh. Fizz sulks...I can't stand it when he does that. There's nothing more loathsome on a grown man than a pout. I don't care how adorable he looks when he does it--it's just stupid." William blinked again and self-consciously ran a hand across his lips.

"So, you co-signed her loan..."

"Yes, and we thought we should tell you about it. We're so proud of her for becoming a partner. Oh, and we made it quite clear that there was no pressure. We didn't want her to feel obligated to us or to you because of this..."

"Of course not."

"So--. Oh, excuse me, where were we? You were about to tell me why you were so upset last night and I completely went off on another tangent."

"Now I know where Fitz gets it from," William muttered to himself. "He learned from a master."

"Pardon? I didn't hear you." William looked at his aunt, who was delicately picking at her salad with a fork. She looked up at him and smiled.

"I don't mind admitting it--I don't like the idea of being stuck with Jade for the next two months." Richard smiled.

"This is a first. You've never had any squeamishness about the women in my past before."

"Don't flatter yourself," Olivia countered. "My dislike for her has nothing to do with her excellent taste in men." Richard wasn't completely convinced. "Look, she comes into the picture at the last minute. That's not her fault, and I know it's a tough assignment, particularly for a new member of a staff. I can understand her wanting to contribute, but under the circumstances she's acting as though there was nothing in place when she arrived and she's trying to change everything. I mean, she's acting as though she wants to make lemonade out the situation when Ken and the team have already made lemon soufflé."

"I have no idea what that's supposed to mean."

"She wants to totally redo the publicity campaign we spent three months putting together." Richard nodded. "And on top of that, she's trying to make a play for William." Richard laughed.

"If you're basing that on the picture in the Times--."

"And the dozen times or so a meeting she says, 'Why don't we run this by William,' or her propensity for glomming onto him whenever he appeared in our offices or at a press event this week. It was nauseating. And get this--she actually called up Lizzy last week and tried to chat her up just so she could get closer to him."

"She has about as much of a chance of succeeding with Fitz as I have of walking to Scotland."

"I admit that I was upset about something last night," William said meekly. Kathleen gazed at him expectantly. "All right. I found out about Lizzy's partnership offer accidentally."

"Accidentally?"

"Yes," William sighed. "Caroline mentioned it to Lizzy, not realizing that Lizzy had yet to tell me about it."

"So you were angry at Lizzy last night? Oh, dear," Kathleen said sympathetically.

"I...I, well..."

"Well, were you or weren't you?"

"I was...a little, at first."

"It wasn't her fault if someone else told you before she was ready."

"I realize that, Aunt Kathy."

"But it bothered you that she didn't tell you sooner."

"I've never kept anything from her," he said with an expression that was dangerously close to a pout.

"And does it follow that Lizzy owes you the same level of disclosure?" William toyed with his meal. Kathleen frowned and William put down his fork.

"Well, I should hope that she would trust me as much as I trust her," William said meekly.

"It's not merely a matter of trust, Will," Kathleen said as she, too, laid aside her fork. "You are both individuals, complete, and separate human beings, for all that you may think of yourselves as one."

"What do you mean?"

"It's very common for two young people to fall in love and think that the whole world revolves around them. They think that because their hearts are joined they become one person. But they don't. You're still you, and Lizzy is still Lizzy. You each have your own minds, your own perspectives, and your own way of doing things. You have to respect the fact that Lizzy didn't feel as comfortable with the idea of talking to you about some things as you may have. But you should expect that. When I married, mother counseled me to be obedient to my husband and to live by his rules. I did as she said for the first few years and quite frankly, as much as I adore my husband, I was miserable. Finally, Hugh asked me why I was no longer the happy, carefree girl he had married. So I told him that I felt stifled and frustrated. He asked me why and I told him what mother had told me. He told me to forget what she said and be my own person. You have to let Lizzy be herself, warts and all, and recognize that you won't always see eye to eye on some things. That's healthy, Will, trust me."

"I understand that, but that's no reason for her to keep things from me." Kathleen squinted at him. "I'm not suggesting that she had to do things my way, but don't you think that it's fair for me to expect her to tell me when something important is going on?"

"Yes, I would certainly hope she would."

"But she didn't," William said petulantly.

"I'm disappointed in you, William." He looked up at his aunt. "You're a pouter, like Fizz."

William returned to his office and was slightly disappointed that there was no new message from Lizzy. He had a slight headache, so he told Jo he didn't want to be disturbed for a half hour. He pulled off his jacket, loosened his tie and lay on the leather couch. When he got up fifteen minutes later, he walked over to his desk and sat down. His head still hurt and he searched through his desk for something to stop the pain. He called Jo and she brought him a bottle of painkillers and a glass of water. He thanked her gratefully and sat back in his chair, his eyes closed as he waited for the drugs to take effect. When he opened his eyes, there was still no message from Lizzy awaiting him.

I'm very disappointed, Ms. Bennet. I was expecting to return to find at least a dozen effusive protestations and declarations of love. A minute later, Lizzy replied.

Been there, done that, Mr. Darcy. I have been sitting here trying to think of new ways to convey my affection for you.

I'm fairly content with your usual methods. In fact, I'm rather fond of them.

Sorry, William, but I am determined to innovate. I wouldn't want you to become bored with me.

Why don't you come back to the townhouse tonight and we can think up some innovations together. And I can also reassure you that I am NOT, I repeat NOT likely to become bored in the foreseeable decade. Lizzy giggled to herself as she read his message.

I'm very sorry, but I've already made plans with Jane to do some research this evening.

Come again? You and Jane are doing research into our love life?

Yes. She knows you quite well. I thought she could offer some insight. Besides, they say absence makes the heart grow fonder. You'll be much happier to see me tomorrow if we're apart tonight.

Jane doesn't have THAT KIND of insight into me, I hope. And as for absence, twenty-four hours hardly signifies.

Well, then, maybe you shouldn't come down to Elverson until Sunday.

That wouldn't be absence; that would be torture.

All right, all right, if you're going to complain! Come down on Friday with me.

I can hardly wait to see Elverson through your eyes. I want to find out all about your past.

Don't get your hopes up. I am what I always was.

You must have been quite a precocious and fascinating child, then!

You are a very wicked man, Mister Darcy!

I am what I am! Are you sure you have to see Jane tonight? We could better spend this evening both being what we always are.

I hate to change the subject, Mr. Landlord, but I think the thermostat in my office is faulty again. It's very warm in here. William's headache was completely gone.

You know, I'm having the same problem over here. William smiled as he hit the send button. Lizzy felt emboldened by their exchange and decided to gamble.

I do really need to see Jane. I need some advice about dealing with you.

You've done fine on your own so far.

Have I? I'm not convinced that I really know what makes you tick. Lizzy bit her lip and waited. William took a phone call from Danielle and was busy for ten minutes.

That ticking you hear whenever we're close is just my heart. There's no mystery to it; it only beats for you. Charlotte and Mina left Lizzy's office after a short meeting. She turned to her computer and typed.

*sigh*

William strolled into Richard's office shortly after 6:00 p.m.

"Oh, good, you're still here. I think I found that--." Richard put his finger to his lips and pointed toward the sofa in the corner of his office, where Olivia lay sleeping. William stood looking at her for a moment, as if in a daze.

"Adorable, isn't she?" William flinched, and Richard gestured with his head toward his desk. William colored slightly and followed him.

"Why didn't you send her home?" he asked when the two of them were seated side by side on the guest's side of his desk. Richard shrugged.

"She wanted to wait for me. I was all set to meet her downstairs when I decided to look at those figures one more time. When she got tired of waiting in the lobby she came up here and camped out."

"Well, you can take her home. I found the glitch."

"So did I. Danielle is already gone, so I was just leaving her an e-mail."

"Well, before you do that, why don't we just make sure we're on the same page?" William and Richard compared notes on the fiscal report. When they were certain that they agreed on their findings, Richard finished his e-mail and sent it off.

"Hello, William." William turned and saw Olivia sitting up on the sofa.

"You look as though you're ready for the weekend," he smiled.

"I think the launch got the better of me," Olivia said as she rose and joined the cousins at the desk. "Did you find the problem?"

"We found it and have corrected it. Ready to go?" Richard asked as he rose and pulled on his jacket. Olivia nodded.

"William, what are your plans for the evening?" she asked as they headed for the elevator. "I got an e-mail from Lizzy that she's having a sisters' night with Jane."

"I guess I'm having a lonely bachelor's night," William replied.

"Care to join us for dinner, pal?" Richard asked with an affectionate pat on his cousin's shoulder.

"Richard's making roast chicken," Olivia smiled. "He makes a very good roast chicken."

William returned her smile. "This I have to see."

Olivia neglected to warn William that he'd have to endure a trip to the market on the way home, so he soon found himself roaming the narrow, crowded aisles of Fairway searching for the ingredients Olivia wanted for baking muffins.

"Why are we looking at baking supplies if you're making chicken?" William wondered aloud.

"I told you to wait in the car with Bates," Richard said with a nudge in his cousin's side.

"Actually, this is quite interesting," William replied. "I had no idea there were so many different types of soy sauce." Richard laughed.

"You'll have to let Livy take you to Chinatown one day."

"Richard?" He was immediately contrite. Olivia laughed. "Go do salad." Richard tapped William on the shoulder and headed for the produce section on the upper level.

"Didn't we just pass lettuce downstairs?" William asked as Richard handed him a basket.

"Organic, Will. You have to eat organic. That stuff downstairs will kill you," Richard said with mock zeal. William shook his head and handed the basket back to him. He wandered over toward the shelves where a dizzying assortment of natural foods was on display. He picked up a bottle and began to read the label.

"Need some help?" William turned and saw Jade smiling up at him.

"What are you doing here?" he blurted out before it registered in his mind that aside from being an abominably rude question, he was the one who was out of place in a supermarket.

"I live around the corner." William nodded awkwardly. "I shop here all the time. I had no idea that you did, too."

"This is a first for me. My housekeeper...uh, my housekeeper normally does the shopping," he replied, feeling slightly silly for having explained himself.

"It must be her night off, then."

"No, as a matter of fact, it isn't," William said as he replaced the bottle on the shelf.

"Is Lizzy with you?" Jade continued, as she quickly cast a glance down the long aisle.

"No, she's in Brooklyn tonight."

"Oh, so you're all alone."

"No, not exactly..." Jade laughed.

"Come on, William, admit it! What are you doing at Fairway at 6:45 on a Friday night?"

"Can't a man do a little shopping without having to make excuses for himself to passersby?" William asked.

"You sound a bit defensive," Jade smiled.

"I have nothing to be defensive about, Ms...forgive me, but for the life of me I can't remember your name." Jade paled.

"Jade. Jade Ng."

"Jade. I apologize, I'm usually fairly good with names and especially the names of people who have been guests in my own home."

"Well," Jade said, attempting to hide her mortification, "You've been very busy lately, what with the launch and everything," she said with a smile. William nodded and looked down the aisle silently wishing for Richard to appear. "But if you're at loose ends, perhaps you'd like to join me for dinner tonight. I'm making steak." William was slightly taken aback by her boldness, particularly given the fact that he had just revealed that he couldn't even remember her name.

"Actually, I already have dinner plans, thank you," he said, looking for a way to put an end to the conversation. He saw Richard pass by at the head of the aisle. "I should go. My friends are probably looking for me. Goodnight."

"Perhaps another time?" William pretended not to hear her last words, which were spoken as he said his goodnight. A few long strides brought him to the end of the aisle, where he saw Richard and Olivia talking.

"Oh, here he is," Olivia said. "We're done if you are, William."

"I'm quite done," he replied, and happily led the others back to the waiting car.

"Hello, Maria," Lizzy said as she entered the folk art gallery. "Where's Jane?"

"Hi, Lizzy. Jane's in the office."

"Thanks," she said as she headed for the back of the shop. Jane looked up as Lizzy poked her head in and waved. Jane waved back as she spoke on the phone to Charles. Lizzy ducked out of the office and perused her favorite display case in the shop.

"So, anything new?" Maria pointed at a row of Sterling silver pens.

"These came in yesterday. Aren't they beautiful? Handmade, each unique--I think I want all of them, and I don't even like to write." Lizzy went behind the counter to get a closer look at the pens. Maria stood aside and watched as Lizzy picked up, hefted, and admired each of the five pens in the display.

"I think I want them all, too!" Lizzy smiled. "Dare I ask how much they are?" Maria knew the question was rhetorical, because it was Lizzy's habit to ask that about all of the shop's latest acquisitions, and because anything Lizzy bought was sold to her at its wholesale price. Lizzy pulled a pad out of her bag and wrote the name "William" with each pen. The ink was identical, but each pen felt slightly different in her hand. Jane came out of the office with her jacket. She smiled as she watched Lizzy play with the pens.

"Planning to buy one, Lizzy?"

"I'd like to, but I can't decide which one I like. They're all so beautiful." Jane nodded in agreement.

"I can put a couple aside for you while you think about it," she suggested. Lizzy stared at the pens for a minute, then shook her head.

"You'd have to put them all aside. Maybe I'll come in again and look at them. But right now, there are margaritas with our names on them at Tecate."

"Let's not keep them waiting, then!" Jane and Lizzy said goodbye to Maria and headed to a Mexican restaurant down the block from the shop.

Richard insisted that Olivia relax, but he drafted William into kitchen duty. William stood to one side and watched as Richard expertly separated the skin from the chicken and spread a lemon and herb butter into the void.

"What on earth are you doing?" William asked, when his curiosity got the better of him.

"I'm roasting a chicken," Richard said as he squeezed lemon juice into its cavity. He placed the chicken on a rack in a pan along with new potatoes and slid it into the oven.

"I had no idea it was so complicated." Richard laughed.

"Neither did I until Livy taught me. Want to help with the mushrooms?"

"No." Richard handed William a paper bag full of mushrooms. Olivia came into the kitchen a bit later and observed William making a salad. She smiled as she heard Richard correct William's slicing technique in the identical manner she had often corrected Richard when she taught him how to cook. Olivia opened a bottle of wine, poured out some for each man and then took her own glass back to the bedroom.

"Is she all right?" William asked.

"She's just tired. She worked twelve-hour days for the past two weeks, put in long hours this week, and on top of that her contact lenses have been bothering her. I really want her to kick back and rest this weekend. You too; you look awful," Richard said.

"What?" William laid aside the knife and put the sliced mushrooms into the salad bowl. "I'm fine."

"If you don't mind my saying so, I don't think you are. You've also had a grueling few weeks, and you're T and C."

"Please?"

"Tired and cranky; do you realize you snapped at Danielle today? You never snap at Danielle. You never snap at anyone, except for me and that's only when I push you to it."

"Fitz, I'm fine! If I snapped at Dani today...I'll apologize to her in the morning," William replied uneasily.

"There! You just did it again!"

"I did not! @#$^&!!!" Richard smiled and picked up his glass.

"Would you like to talk about it?"

"I should tell you first off that I have spoken with William--by e-mail at least--so I don't feel as panicked as I was when I spoke to you this morning," Lizzy said after she and Jane had settled into a booth and ordered drinks.

"Has he opened up about his feelings?"

"Only the usual ones: love, lust, worship, adoration..." Lizzy replied in a bored tone, while Jane laughed. "Seriously, Jane, Will has no problems telling me how he feels about me. He just won't tell me how he feels regarding himself. It's rather frustrating."

"He's a man, Lizzy!"

"I never doubted that for an instant, Jane. Any more pithy insights?"

"Well, if you're not going to listen--."

"I'm all ears," Lizzy said as a waiter approached with their drinks. "Wait a minute. I want to taste this and then I'll be all ears." She sipped her drink, as did Jane.

"Mmm. Did you know that Charles has never had a margarita in his life? Whenever we come here, he just drinks beer."

"Poor guy...doesn't know what he's missing," Lizzy smiled. "All right. I'm all ears." Jane put her glass down and looked at Lizzy very seriously.

"Generally speaking, men are not complicated creatures. They are, after all, just men." Lizzy giggled and Jane had a difficult time keeping a straight face as she continued. "Men are pretty much ruled by three things: their instincts, their wallets, and their proximity to the remote." Lizzy laughed.

"I see you've given my problem a lot of thought, Jane. Thanks!"

"You're welcome," Jane said as she scanned the menu. "I don't know what I want to eat. Would you split an order of nachos with me?"

"Go for it." Jane waved over the waiter and placed an order. When she looked up, Lizzy was frowning. "What's wrong?"

"I'm pondering your profound statement. William rarely watches television; does that mean that he's ruled by only two things?" she asked archly. Jane smiled back at her.

"Sorry, I should have continued my lecture and not have left you hanging and worried," Jane smiled. "William is not your average man--."

"Here, here!" Lizzy cried. The sisters raised their glasses in a toast.

"Of course, therefore," Jane continued her speech, "normal rules just don't apply."

"There really isn't anything to discuss," William said as he put his feet up on the coffee table and relaxed. Then he promptly put them back on the floor and sat up. "Oh; sorry. Will Olivia scream if I put my feet up on the furniture?"

"Fitz, it's still my furniture. And no, Livy won't scream. She puts her feet up, too."

"How has it been, having her here full-time?"

"It's been great. I'd just as soon she stayed here permanently, but it would really be kind of cramped if she moved everything up here and settled in."

"Hence, you're looking to build a house."

"Yes, but we'll probably have to consider getting larger digs in town as well. I should ask Uncle Stewart to keep his eyes open. But I believe I asked the first question."

"And I've answered it," William said as he stared into his glass. "There's nothing to discuss."

"So, there are no discernable residual effects of having found out about Lizzy's partnership offer from a completely unexpected source in the middle of a huge party."

"I've already been subjected to an inquisition today," William said a bit testily. "Your mother is far more subtle, by the way."

"She's had twenty-five more years of practice than me. If you're still behaving like a jerk when I'm fifty-five I'll be so smooth you won't even notice my technique, promise." William frowned.

"What do you mean 'behaving like a jerk'?"

"Come on Fitz! We all saw you storm out of there last night."

"Perhaps I was upset because my bid failed to secure the Versace for Lizzy."

"I don't see why you would want to spend $15,000 on a $3,000 computer you could get for free in the first place, anyway. Especially one with so many gewgaws on it she couldn't ever use it. And even if you were teed off about not having the winning bid, you still behaved like a jerk." William bristled at his accusatory tone.

"I could have been at home having a nice quiet evening, but no. Instead I have to go spend a half an hour in a supermarket, where I was accosted by an annoying woman, and now I have to sit here and be accosted by my annoying cousin."

"What annoying woman?" Richard asked, ignoring the insult to himself.

"Jade something or other."

"Jade? She was in Fairway? What was she doing there?" he asked as Olivia came into the living room. She had showered and changed her clothes.

"I don't know. She said she shops there all the time. She invited me to have dinner at her place." Richard laughed and shook his head.

"Well, thanks for choosing to stay with us," Olivia quipped as she took a seat beside William.

"It was a no-brainer. And speaking of no-brainers, shouldn't you be checking the oven, Fitz?"

"I will say this right now," Jane began as she stirred her second margarita with the tip of her finger, "William Darcy is hot. He is sexy, he is gorgeous, he is charming. He is hot, Lizzy, get it?" Lizzy giggled.

"Will is hot. Got it."

"So don't worry about any of the other stuff."

"What other stuff?"

"Any other stuff, Lizzy! He's not an axe murderer; he's not a child molester. Hold onto him." Lizzy began to laugh.

"So this is your advice?"

"It's the only advice I can offer, under the circumstances. No matter how much or how little he discusses his feelings, no matter how often he belches in public, or leaves the seat up in the bathroom, or forgets to call, William Darcy is hot and you'd be crazy to let him escape."

"I had no intention of letting him escape, Jane," Lizzy laughed.

"Good, because I can think of ten reasons why you shouldn't." Lizzy begged Jane to continue. "Okay. Number one: He's hot." Both sisters began to laugh again. "Number two--."

"He's hot?" Jane shook her head, which only heightened the effects of her alcohol-induced buzz.

"He's my best customer. He gets all his presents for his friends and staff there. In fact, he's my only corporate client, and if you blow it with him it could cost me plenty."

"I'll be careful," Lizzy said reassuringly.

"Number three is he's hot."

"Number four?"

"Will is my best friend. It would put a real strain on our relationship if I have to console him for his loss of my idiot sister." Lizzy felt her sides begin to ache as the waiter arrived with their entrees. "Number five: he's hot."

"Thought so."

"Number six: William is the best thing that ever happened to you. Have I ever told you that you have a real talent for picking losers? Until you became involved with Will I thought your love life really stunk."

"Richard wasn't a loser!" Lizzy argued.

"No, but he was all wrong for you."

"Well, in comparison to Will, I'd agree with you. But he's a wonderful guy."

"Yes, he's a wonderful guy--for Olivia. Which brings me to number seven: Richard is not William, who, by the way, is hot." Lizzy had to put down her fork. She couldn't eat and laugh at the same time.

"I'm glad we're nearly at the end of the list. Could you get this over with before my dinner is ice cold?"

"Nothing simpler: hot, hot, and hot." A woman sitting at the table across from the sisters leaned over.

"I have no idea who you're talking about, but if you ever decide to dump him, I want you to give him my name and number."

William helped Olivia set the table while Richard prepared the string beans. Olivia asked William what was bothering him.

"Why is everyone asking me that today?" he asked wearily as he sat down in a chair and looked at her.

"First and foremost, we're asking because we all care about you a great deal and because you haven't been yourself all day. Plus," Olivia said, taking a seat opposite him, "I spoke with Lizzy today. You left her feeling very confused this morning"

"Confused?"

"She's worried about you. She thinks she's done something fairly awful to you and you're behaving as though it was nothing at all." William scratched his head.

"I know she felt bad about having kept it from me. I just tried to...well I didn't want her to feel bad about it. I really am proud of her."

"Yes, but Lizzy does feel bad, Will. She was very upset this morning when you left." William put his hands over his eyes and rubbed them.

"You mean I made things worse because I didn't throw a tantrum or sulk like your friend in there?" he said nodding toward the kitchen, where Richard was plating their dinner.

"Why didn't you just tell her the truth? Lizzy would have felt bad, you would have been uncomfortable for a little while, then kissed and made up." William smiled at Olivia as Richard brought in the first two plates.

"Well, we did kiss and make up," he admitted.

"But you haven't made up really, William. You've been less than honest with Lizzy just as she's been less than completely forthcoming with you." William nodded as Richard brought the last plate in and joined the pair. They ate in silence, save for Olivia and William's praise of Richard's chicken.

"Have I really behaved like a jerk all day?" William asked after a while.

"I wasn't with you all day," Richard replied with an impish grin. Olivia shot him a look.

"You know," she smiled at William, "I recall a morning in Elverson when Lizzy received an e-mail from you. She was having difficulty admitting her feelings, too. I locked her in my office until she sent you a reply." William smiled.

"I think I'm going to put you in my will."

"Maybe we should lock them in the basement this weekend," Richard suggested. "I thought I saw an air mattress down there." William shot Richard a look. Olivia rose and began to clear the table.

"Should I do the dessert?" she asked rhetorically. William rose and carried his plate and glass into the kitchen. He scraped his own plate and began to do the dishes. "Do you do the dishes often?" Olivia asked teasingly.

"At Lizzy's house, yes. I think Mrs. Reynolds would be shocked and horrified if I did the dishes at home."

"We do have a dishwasher, Fitz," Richard said helpfully.

"It's only a few plates, and Lizzy has taught me that glassware shouldn't be put into the dishwasher." Richard and Olivia exchanged an amused glance. Olivia took out three dessert plates and made ice cream sandwiches, using her oatmeal cookies as a foil for banana ice cream. The trio retired to the living room to enjoy their treat.

"So when are you having me over for dinner again?" William said as he wiped his mouth with his napkin.

"You know you're welcome anytime, Fitz."

"But you're right, William. We ought to have a dinner party and invite you and Lizzy and Jane and Charles. I can make a paella and some tapas to start--why don't we do it sometime next week?"

"I'm going away next week," Richard protested. William smirked.

"Aunt Kathy is right--you do look stupid when you sulk," he said.

"My mother said no such thing!"

"Yes she did, at lunch today. She said you looked adorable but stupid."

"Did not!" William smiled at Olivia.

"I rest my case."

"Jane?" Lizzy called from her room.

"Yes, Lizzy," Jane called from the bathroom, where she was removing her makeup.

"What if William never opens up and talks about it?"

"He'd still be hot, Lizzy."

"Just checking," Lizzy said as she shook her head and turned off the light next to her bed. She slid under the covers with a smile on her face. "Jane?"

"Yes, Lizzy."

"You're the best."

The following morning, Olivia went up to Ed's office for a quick chat about Ken Hunt.

"Yes, I heard about the second surgery. What a blow!" Ed sighed.

"Well, that's why I wanted to speak with you," Olivia said. "With Ken out of the picture, we're going to be working with Jade for the next two months." Ed nodded. "Are you still okay with what we set up with Ken, or would you rather rethink our strategy?"

"There is absolutely no reason to change any of the plans we made with Ken. I spent much of last week trying to convince Jade of that, especially since phases one and two of our strategy worked so well."

"I'm glad you agree with me. I was kind of thinking that I let my personal dislike of the woman cloud my judgment." Ed smiled wryly.

"Jade suggested that you probably didn't like her because of her past with Richard."

"Past? She called two or three dates a 'past'? No, Ed, my dislike of her is totally due to present circumstances. But I am willing to work with her for as long as I have to. I just don't think it's right to undo all of Ken's hard work. I know that after this month, when I'm no longer formally attached to DARCO, it'll be up to you to decide what to do regarding publicity. But I would really like to continue to work with Ken down at my shop, and if he can't physically come to work, I'd like to see if he'd be interested in telecommuting. If you're interested in sticking with the Gardiner Group beyond the current campaign let me know and I'll bring it up with Maddie Gardiner."

"Do they have a teleworking program?

"I have no idea, but the Gardiners promised us their top person when we signed them on, so I should think that they'd be happy to have Ken back on the job as soon as possible anyway they can manage it."

"You really don't like Jade, do you? I thought it was just me. I'd have to run this by William, but I think you can count me in."

"I doubt if William will have a problem with it," Olivia smiled confidently.

Lizzy knocked on Charles's door and smiled when he waved her in. Lizzy knew instantly that he was speaking with Jane and gestured for Charles to hand her the phone.

"Hi, Jane. Did you set aside that pen for me as I asked?"

"Well, to tell you the truth, Lizzy, your description was rather vague. Tell me again which it is." It took a minute, but after Jane described each pen, Lizzy made her selection.

"Can you wrap it up and bring it home at lunch time? I want to take it with me to Pennsylvania."

"Sure thing."

"Thanks, Jane. Want to speak to Charles again?" Lizzy handed the phone back to Charles and he finished his conversation. When he was done, he sat back and waited to hear what Lizzy had to say.

"I'm sorry I was late this morning, but I had to go to the bank."

"No need to apologize, Lizzy, I could hardly be called a clock watcher."

"But don't you want to know why I had to go the bank this morning? Go on, ask!" she said excitedly. Charles smiled.

"All right: why did you go to the bank this morning?"

"To get this." Lizzy opened her purse and removed an envelope. She reverently handed it to Charles. He eyed her warily before he lifted the flap. When he removed the check and read it, he understood Lizzy's excitement.

"You got the cash! I was beginning to think you'd changed your mind. Did you go to Fitz after all?" Lizzy shook her head.

"I got my own loan, with the help of Kathleen and Bess Fitzwilliam, who co-signed it for me."

"Kathleen and Bess? How'd that happen?"

"Well, they overheard Livy and I discussing your offer and the next day they called and volunteered themselves."

"What did Fitz think of that?" Lizzy's smiled faded slightly.

"He doesn't know. Kathleen and Bess didn't want me to tell him."

"Speaking of telling him, Liz, Caroline was very upset when she found out that she'd accidentally spilled the beans. She had no idea that Fitz hadn't been told yet."

"Oh, she needn't worry about it," Lizzy said in a tone that didn't totally fool Charles. "He was a bit upset, but it blew over quickly. He's very happy for me and we plan to celebrate this weekend in Elverson."

"I'm glad to hear that. And, uh..." Charles rose and leaned across the table and kissed Lizzy's cheek, "Welcome aboard, partner. We'll have to sit down with the attorneys and sign all the papers, but that can wait till next week. And we should have a celebration of our own after the signing. But in the meanwhile, I'll just give you this." Charles smiled wickedly and handed Lizzy a thick folder.

"You really know how to make a partner feel welcome, Charles."

"Whoo hoo!" Olivia shouted. "I'm so happy for you, Lizzy! We'd better make sure and bring some champagne with us. We have to toast your success!"

"Thanks, Livy."

"Have you told William yet?"

"No, he's still in meetings. But I left him an e-mail so he should be calling me as soon as he gets out."

"Well, in that case, let's keep this short. You're wonderful, I love you, buh bye!" Lizzy laughed at Olivia's antic, but as soon as Lizzy hung up the phone it rang.

"Hello?"

"Hello, beautiful."

"William," Lizzy sighed. "I love your voice, do you know that?"

"Is that why you left me three messages and an e-mail?" he quipped as he quickly read over a letter Jo was waiting for him to sign.

"No, that's not why I left you three messages and an e-mail, Mr. Smarty Pants. I left you three messages and an e-mail because I had some good news I wanted to share with you, but now I have half a mind not to tell you."

"If I apologize for my impertinence will you tell me?" William smiled and handed the signed letter back to his secretary.

"Perhaps."

"Suppose I promise to make it up to you later?"

"That's better."

"So what's your news?"

"Well, it technically won't become official until I sign the legal documents, but I am now a partner in Cherry Blossom." There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line and for a split second Lizzy felt her heart stop.

"That's wonderful, Lizzy! I hadn't expected it to happen so soon."

"Neither did I, but I called my bank after I spoke with--."

"Aunt Kathleen told me that she and Grandma Bess co-signed your loan."

"Oh? Good--I wanted to tell you about that, but they asked me not to. I wonder what made Kathleen change her mind?" William smiled.

"Go on with your story. You called your bank..."

"Yes, I called them and asked if they would agree to a loan if I had co-signers. Grandma Bess and Kathleen went to the bank that morning and filed papers, or whatever it is they made them do. I picked up the check and gave it to Charles a little while ago."

"Well, this calls for a celebration! We should have a party."

"Well, I'll settle for a glass of champagne and a quiet weekend in the country with a handsome baritone."

"I hope you're referring to me."

"How can you doubt that? You're the only handsome baritone I know."

"I'm very relieved to hear that. So are you still able to leave the office early today?"

"Yes, but I have to go to back to Brooklyn after work to pick up my stuff. Why don't you meet me at the house?"

"I'll do that. I'll give you a call before I leave the office."

"I can hardly wait."

"Till I pick you up or until I call you?" William asked in amusement.

"Until I hear your voice again," Lizzy purred. William grinned. "Don't you like hearing the sound of my voice?"

"Well, I have to admit, I can think of a few sounds I like," he said suggestively. "Otherwise, I think I prefer the thought of you to the sound of you, the sight of you to the thought of you, the scent of you to the sight of you, the touch of you to the scent of you, and the taste of you above and beyond all else combined." Lizzy smiled as she pondered the statement. "Lizzy? Are you still there?" An exaggerated sigh was his only response. "Hey, I have a meeting to get to at some point today."

"Yes, with me, later this afternoon," Lizzy whispered wistfully. "I do love you, William Darcy."

"Likewise, I'm sure," he laughed. Lizzy hung up the phone and did a silent dance of joy.

Shortly after 4:30, Lizzy arrived at her house. She found the box containing the pen on the dining room table. She took it into the hall, where her bag was waiting and stashed it inside. Then she ran upstairs for a quick shower and change. When she came out of the bathroom in her underwear, her hair still wrapped in a towel, she heard voices downstairs. Lizzy quickly pulled on her jeans and a tee shirt and went to investigate. She found Olivia and Richard in the kitchen. The teakettle was boiling, but neither of them was paying attention, since they were very much absorbed in a kiss. Lizzy smiled and walked over to the stove and turned it off.

"Hello," she said when Richard and Olivia looked at her. Olivia immediately hugged Lizzy and congratulated her again. Richard took his turn next.

"Congratulations, Bright Eyes! Tell me, is that the official headdress of the new Cherry Blossom partner?" Lizzy smiled and modeled it for him.

"Yes; do you like it?" She pulled the towel off her hair while Olivia made tea. "Where's Will? I thought he was coming with you two."

"He said he wanted to make a stop to see Jane," Richard explained. "We also asked him to pick up a couple of bottles of bubbly. We have a little celebration planned." Lizzy smiled and left the two to comb her hair and finish her preparations. William arrived a short while later and Lizzy came down just as he entered the house. She dove off the steps and into his arms and he spun her around and kissed her.

"Congratulations, my love," William laughed. He put Lizzy down and joined the others in the living room. "Do you realize that there are four business owners in this room?" he said with a proud smile for Lizzy.

"And two of them have great legs," Richard observed.

"Why thank you, Fitz," William said with an impish smile. "Shall we go? We're going to be in bad traffic as it is." He led the foursome outside, where the Range Rover was parked in front of William's SUV. The foursome was soon on the highway, with Lizzy and William chatting happily about summers spent in Pennsylvania with the Crenshaws in one vehicle, and Olivia napping while Richard drove in the other. When they crossed the Pennsylvania border, they stopped to get gas and stretch their legs. Olivia and Lizzy headed for the restroom. Olivia had just washed her hands and was rearranging her hair when Lizzy grabbed hold of her hand.

"Whoa, girl. I want to see this ring Jane told me about," she said as she held Olivia's right hand and examined the ring. "It's beautiful. I don't know how I managed to miss it Wednesday night." Olivia smiled.

"William."

"True," Lizzy sighed. "Still, you'd think I would notice a diamond ring, especially on you! So, it's still on the friendship hand, eh?" Olivia chuckled.

"Well, Richard occasionally moves it to the other hand. He says it's so I can get used to it."

"Very smooth, that guy." The two women came out of the restroom laughing and found William waiting for them. "Where's Richard?" Lizzy asked.

"He stayed with the cars," he said as he led the women outside.

"Do you two want to go on ahead to the house while we pick up food?" Olivia asked.

"Oh, I was looking forward to going to the supermarket. Maybe we should let the boys go on ahead while we shop." Olivia agreed. She and Lizzy went back to the Range Rover and a few seconds later, Richard knocked on William's window and stuck out his thumb. William put the SUV in gear and drove ahead about twenty feet. Lizzy and Olivia laughed as Richard chased William the length of the parking lot.

"I do hope William gives him a ride," Olivia said as she adjusted the seat and rear view mirror in the Range Rover.

"I think he'll have to. William doesn't know how to get to the house, otherwise." They drove off and saw that William's vehicle came up on their rear with Richard in the passenger's seat. "Problem solved," Lizzy smiled.

"Speaking of problems, did you resolve anything with William?"

"Well, we did exchange a bunch of e-mails yesterday, and I spoke to him on the phone a couple of times today. He's acting like his normal self."

"That isn't good."

"Why not? I mean, he still hasn't opened up, but if he wants to put it behind him, I'm kind of inclined to let him. I thought about it a lot last night," Lizzy revealed. "I still plan to try and talk with him this weekend, but if he really doesn't want to deal with it, I think I ought to accept that and move on." Olivia was pensive for a moment.

"William had dinner with us last night. Did he tell you?" Lizzy shook her head. "Well, not knowing of your resolution to forget the whole thing, I told him about your phone call yesterday morning."

"Oh, no," Lizzy said as she ran her hand through her hair.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to interfere, but, well... First of all, Kathleen came by the office to drop off my car keys and she had seen you and William leave the party the other night looking rather strained. She asked about it, so I told her what happened and she went up to see William. They had lunch, and presumably, a talk. Then, when Will came over, Richard asked him what was up. He was uncharacteristically cranky. Finally, I sat and talked with him for a few minutes and he seemed to mellow out."

"William was cranky?"

"Well, he has had a tough week, and I suppose he can't have felt too comfortable about everyone asking about Wednesday night. But after a good meal and a couple of glasses of wine he kicked off his shoes and played Gershwin for us on the piano, so he ended the night in good humor."

"I didn't even know he could play the piano," Lizzy said, surprised.

"Well, he made Gee do all the playing at Christmas, but both he and Richard took lessons as children and play very well."

"Maybe I should ask him to serenade me sometime," Lizzy smiled.

"Oh, by the way, Fizz and I want to have you and William, and Jane and Charles over for dinner sometime next week. Maybe we can talk him into playing for you then," Olivia suggested.

"Do you always call Richard 'Fizz'?" Olivia smiled.

"I call him a lot of things. Why?" Lizzy shrugged.

"It's so cute. I don't have a cute name for Will."

"Honey, he doesn't need a cute name. He needs a hot name."

"Have you been speaking to Jane?" Lizzy laughed.

"Yes! And I must say, I agree with her assessment one hundred percent."

"Be it ever so humble, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera," Richard smiled as he ducked his head and descended the steps to the living room. William followed behind. They had just arrived at the house and Richard had given William a quick tour.

"Nice little place...I like it," William said as he followed Richard into the kitchen. "You know, I've always regretted building such a large house in Vermont. For one thing, when I'm there alone, or with just Gee or Lizzy, it feels way too big. And when I fill the house with guests, I negate the whole point of going away."

"Perhaps now you understand the appeal of the playhouse!" Richard said as he reached for a couple of beers from the refrigerator. The cousins repaired to the living room and settled comfortably.

"Is Olivia planning to hold onto the house?" Richard shrugged.

"We haven't really talked about it. And there's no need to rush into a decision." Richard suddenly smiled. "Hey! Before Bright Eyes gets here and tries to destroy the evidence, would you like to take a peek into her childhood?" William's smile was sufficient to send Richard to the bookshelf. He returned with a couple of photo albums and sat beside William. The cousins looked at pictures of Olivia and Lizzy taken over the years, from the time they met until the recent past. Richard shared with William his favorite picture of Olivia, taken when she was just five years old.

"Now I know what your children will look like--I hope," William teased as he heard the Range Rover pull into the driveway. Richard grabbed the albums and restored them to their place while William went out to help Lizzy and Olivia bring in the groceries. Richard joined him a moment later.

"Did you give Will the grand tour?" Olivia asked as she handed Richard a pair of bags. He nodded. "So how did you spend the other 58 minutes?" she smiled. Richard bent and whispered in her ear. A slow smile spread across Olivia's face. "Wicked boy! I was going to do that!" Lizzy, meanwhile, handed William the last of the groceries and pulled Olivia's tote bag out of the rear seat area.

"So what have you and your cousin been up to in our absence?" she asked. William smiled enigmatically.

"Oh, Fitz just showed me a few things. Apparently he's quite at home here."

"I'm not surprised," Lizzy replied. "Livy was telling me that he's spent at least a dozen weekends here since January."

"Yes," William concurred. "Fitz has become quite the domestic animal. You know he cooked dinner for me the other night."

"So? You've cooked for me," Lizzy countered as she held the door for William.

"Yes, but that's me. Fitz is--." William paused in the entrance to the kitchen, searching for the right words.

"A good cook? I hope that's what you're planning to say because I'm doing the cooking tonight as well. Care to assist, Bright Eyes?"

"I'd be delighted."

Continued In Next Section