The Beginning, Section II, Next Section

Chapter 5

Posted on Monday, 17 June 2002

As soon as Elizabeth closed the door, Darcy slumped back into the chair. Not to mention the utter despair he was feeling for himself, he was actually rather worried about Elizabeth. And rather annoyed at himself for his stupid lack of judgment. Ok, so he did like her, it was now obvious. More than just like. He loved her. But could he possibly admit it to anyone? He could barely even admit it to himself. Barely.

Caroline really did a number on him. He was terrified now of relationships. Sure, there were girls like Charlotte, who didn't mean anything, just a good time. But Lizzy was different. Julian did NOT deserve to be with Elizabeth. But what about Darcy himself? Did he deserve her?

That's the hard part. He didn't think so.

"I've behaved like an utter fool," he mumbled under his breath.

"H***, I AM an utter fool."

He looked at his watch, and then to the cabinet, where he managed to take out a wine glass and a nice big bottle of wine. There he remained, slumped in a chair, sipping his wine, and counting his woes.

While the poor man drank and drank, Elizabeth drove. She drove slowly, seeing through tear stained eyes. Julian's apartment was only a few more miles, and she could certainly make it. But no, she couldn't. She, on the spur of the moment, pulled into a gas station, and sat there, the car humming quietly. She wiped her eyes with her hands. Noticing her mascara was running badly, she quickly checked herself in her rear view mirror. Elizabeth decided to take a moment to reflect.

What was she doing? She didn't love Julian anymore, but Darcy had hurt her. How was she to trust him? With her? With anything?

She pounded her steering wheel with the thought of him. His insensitive self. His face flooded her mind, causing her to remember all the times they had stayed up late watching movies, or taken walks in the park. She smiled at the very thought of him taking off his coat and placing it over a puddle for her. A very non essential action, but very dear to her fun loving and romantic heart.

The best thing for her, she thought, was some food. Parking her car, she walked up to the small food mart near the station.

"What's wrong, sweetie?" the cashier lady asked. Elizabeth peered at the nametag on the woman's shirt, which read "Margaret", then up at the face. The woman was wearing bright pink lipstick, blue eye shadow, and looked to be in her late 50's. The woman smacked her gum loudly.

"Men trouble, I guess you could say," Elizabeth said, sniffing.

"Here," the woman handed her a tissue. The place was completely desolate, no one around at all.

After Elizabeth had received her change, she took her pint of ice cream, thanked the lady, and walked back to her car.

The ice cream, of course, reminded her even more of that stubborn Darcy. She started the car, driving once again towards Julian's.

Yet suddenly she swerved into a U turn, deciding she simply couldn't go back to Julian. No matter how idiotic Darcy was, she wouldn't suffer Julian just to torment Darcy. She made up her mind. Taking her cell phone, she called Julian.

"Julian, it's me. I can't come over," she said into the phone. The signs on the side of the road seemed to pass quickly as she watched the taillights of the truck ahead of her.

"Why not?" he asked, sounding very disappointed and angry. Even sounding a little drunk.

"I don't know, I just can't. I have to go.(she paused for a moment). Bye," she hung up the phone and threw it down into the passenger's seat. The phone rang again, but she didn't answer it. When she reached her destination, she was tired and her face incredibly wet. She had thought it over. She couldn't go back to the apartment right now. Therefore, she couldn't find Jane to talk to. All her friends were either out of town or wouldn't understand. She didn't have as many "friends" as you would think, considering that she usually saw right through people. She walked up the steps to the dark and shadowed house, and knocked softly on the door. No answer was heard. The tire swing in the front swung softly with the wind, and Lizzy knocked again, but still, no answer. Finally, after a moment or two, the door creaked open, and the lady inside peered out.

"Elizabeth Bennet, what on earth are you doing here at this time of night? I was quite disturbed to hear a rapping on the door, when I was sitting here, all happy. The baby is actually asleep for once," Elizabeth smiled as the woman opened the door wide enough to let the cold girl in.

"Mary, its horrible, and I don't know what to do. I know you live so far out here, but I need somewhere to stay. I can't go back to Darcy, he's a freaking emotional roller coaster. One minute he is kissing me, and the next, he doesn't think we should be a couple. I'm tired of "just dating". With Darcy, it's a lot more special. And Julian called me too. He wanted me to come over. But I can't. I don't know what to do," Elizabeth collapsed into Mary's arms, and held her tightly.

Mary moved her over to the couch.

"Sit down Lizzy, you shouldn't have drove for so long, and so late," Mary looked at her sister. Mary was younger than Elizabeth, but seemed to have everything going for her.

Being the "outcast" sister for so long, Mary had learned to deal with solitude. She often spent a lot of time alone you know. Yet, at such a young age, the girl had met a man who loved music and reading as much as she. A year later, the two were happily married, and now had a brand new baby girl, named Desserae.

"I know," Lizzy replied, accepting another tissue from Mary, who grabbed a pillow and blanket out of the closet for Lizzy.

"Lay down, Lizzy, I'll get you some tea," Mary said, leaving the room for a moment. Lizzy looked around, smiling at the china cabinet which included some of her mother's favorite china. She also looked at the stuffed animal bears sitting in the corner which were a present from Lizzy a few years ago for Mary's birthday.

"Here you are," Mary presented the tea, and took a seat next to Lizzy.

"Do you need something to sleep in?" Mary asked sweetly.

"Please. Mary, you are so different than we all thought you would turn out," Elizabeth said, sighing, talking somewhat to herself.

"What do you mean?" Mary asked, an inquisitive look appearing on her face.

"Well, we all thought you would be a punk rocker or some silly sort," Lizzy said quietly. Mary looked at her, her head tilted to the side. Elizabeth stared off into space, rather disturbingly.

"Hold on a moment, I'll go get you some of my pjs," Mary said, and left the room again. Lizzy decided she really didn't like to be alone.

Mary handed her the pajamas as soon as she came back, but just as she was about to sit down, the baby began crying.

"You get into your pjs and I'll go get the baby. I'll be right back," Mary left once more. Lizzy hopped into the cozy pajamas, and snuggled into the blanket. When Mary returned, her older sister was fast asleep. Mary smiled, kissed her on the forehead, and went back to her bedroom.

The next morning was interesting for both of the silly people we have come to know and love. I suppose I'll tell Darcy's morning first.

Darcy woke slowly. Very slowly. In fact, I even speculate as to weather he actually awoke at all, the way he moved about.

He apparently had a very severe hangover, because he threw up twice, and had to get a large packet of frozen peas to help his head ache. Jane and Charles had come in incredibly late, and Georgiana had fallen asleep much earlier. Darcy looked at the clock when he finally sat up from the couch. It was nearly 12:30.

Darcy walked over to the counter, either to get something to drink or some more Advil. A small note was left on the table, which read:

-Darcy,

You were asleep, so we didn't bother to wake you. We've gone out to lunch, all three of us. Do you know where Elizabeth is? Jane said she didn't see her when she went to bed, nor when she got up. We saw Julian's number on the caller ID. Is she there? Call me.

-Charles

Darcy pounded his fist on the table. So she apparently hadn't come back last night. I guess they weren't "just talking" after all. He pounded his fist again and slammed his forehead on the table, angrily. When he looked up, his vision was clouded by tears. He feel back on the couch, and somewhat cried himself asleep. Elizabeth's awaking was a bit more productive. She was waken by Mary's husband, Daniel. He was a very handsome man, and Elizabeth was almost jealous for awhile.

"Lizzy, wake up," he shook her. She turned over and looked at him through small slits in her half opened eyes.

"William?" she asked, tiredly.

"No, its Danny. Wake up Lizzy, Mary's got breakfast going, and I do believe Dessi wants to see you," Danny smiled, as Lizzy walked slowly into the kitchen, following him.

"There's that sleepyhead. Here, take Dessi, Liz, she wants you," Mary handed the playful brunette baby to Lizzy, who took her with careful hands. She rocked the sweet little girl, and laughed as the baby smiled widely and grabbed her finger.

"She's got a few teeth in here," Lizzy said, as Dessi chewed on the end of Elizabeth's finger. Mary nodded as she flipped over a pancake.

"Yeah, my girl is growing up," Danny said, taking the baby from Lizzy. Lizzy sat down in a chair, and looked at Mary.

"I was going to take in some of your problems but you feel asleep before I got back," Mary said, sitting across from Lizzy. Mary passed her a steaming cup of coffee, which Lizzy accepted gratefully.

"Sorry," Lizzy replied, sipping the coffee happily. The warm, dark, swirling coffee.

"Don't be. I was tired too. So tell me what is on your mind," Mary looked at her sister.

Daniel came over and put his hand on his wife's shoulder.

"A certain fellow named William perhaps?" Danny asked.

Elizabeth gave him a questioning look.

"You thought I was him when you woke up this morning," Danny said.

"Oh, well, I suppose he is on my mind, along with Julian. But mostly him. And I don't know why. Its not like we are in love or something. We aren't going out, we never have. It's just, he's being a jerk. We kissed, and he seemed to enjoy it, until he made the remark that we should maybe just date and see other people. The thing is, I don't want to see other people. I want to see him," Lizzy looked into the cup and sighed.

"Lizzy, you really got yourself into a fix," Mary commented. Daniel disappeared with Des into the living room, leaving Mary and Elizabeth alone.

"I've noticed," Lizzy sighed again.

"Well, what about this Julian fellow? Last you told me you loved him, and then you called and said it was off, and now you aren't sure?"

"He called me, just after Darcy kissed me. Just after Darcy told me he thought we should see other people,"

"And what did Julian want?"

"He wanted me to come over, which I said I would, in front of Darcy. William tried to stop me, but I didn't listen. I think I hurt William, and yet I'm mad, because he hurt me."

Elizabeth stood up and walked around the room, pacing rather.

"Elizabeth, I think you should go back and talk to Darcy. You know you want to, and I know you want to. Just talk to him. It's obvious that you don't like Julian, or love him, anymore,"

"Yes, I don't believe I do," Elizabeth paused and looked at her sister, seeming to remember something. Suddenly, a grin came over Liz's face.

"The funny thing is, Mary, he ran off with Darcy's fiancée,"

Here, Mary smiled, a very wide smile, that asked permission really to chuckle.

Elizabeth granted by laughing herself.

"You wouldn't mind if I used your phone, would you?" Elizabeth asked.

"Of course not," Mary said, handing her the cordless.

The first number she called was Jane.

"Janie?" Elizabeth asked, as the voice asked hello.

"Lizzy?" Jane questioned, "Where are you?"

"I'm at Mary's,"

"Oh, what on earth are you doing out there?" Jane said worriedly.

Elizabeth retold the story of the past night, ending with falling asleep on Mary's couch.

"Dear Elizabeth! My poor sister!" Jane exclaimed, wishing she could embrace her.

"I'm coming home soon, but I wanted to call you first. I'll be there in a few hours,"

"I'll be waiting. Darcy was asleep when we left, and he didn't look too good. Asleep, actually, in his clothes that he was wearing last night. He should probably still be asleep, knowing him,"

"Thanks, Jane. Love ya,"

"Love ya too,"

"Bye"

"Bye"

She hung up the phone, and dialed another number.

It rang and rang and rang.

"Either he's left or Darcy is still asleep," Elizabeth said out loud. Mary looked at her sister sympathetically.

"Go home, Lizzy," Mary said, looking into Elizabeth's sad eyes.

"Thank you Mar, you've really helped me out here," Elizabeth jumped up and hugged her sister.

"Anytime. You come up and visit us again. And bring Jane, ok?"

"Most defiantly," Elizabeth kissed her sister on the cheek and walked to the restroom, where she changed back into her clothes. She then took her keys and purse, and left.

Stepping down the steps rather quickly, she touched the small gold cross around her neck and smiled. She silently said a prayer, asking God to help her get through this. She certainly needed it. What a mess!

When she finally got home, she came inside and sat down, not knowing where she was going. As soon as she sat down, she heard a grunt, and a form rolled underneath her, as she fell unto the form's stomach. It grunted louder.

She pulled off the blanket to revel a very hung over Darcy.

"Elizabeth?" he questioned, realizing it was hers whose face loomed above his.

She looked at him sympathetically, then punched him in the stomach. He doubled over in pain.

"What did you do that for?" he asked, groaning.

"For you being such an pain and worry. And for getting drunk while your sister was here!"

"Georgiana was asleep, and you think I'M a pain and worry? At least I don't sleep over at guy's houses, who happen to be jerks anyway," Darcy launched. He was rather annoyed now, thinking for sure that Lizzy had slept with Julian, and that all was now lost.

"You don't even know what you're talking about, Fitzwilliam Darcy," she cried throwing her hands up.

"So what? You're back together now? Did you enjoy your night? Honestly, Elizabeth, I worried about you all night!"

The last part came out on complete accident, and he wished, as soon as he said it, that he could take it back.

Elizabeth raised her eyebrow and looked at him. He suddenly felt very small compared to her. She loomed over him, looking down and starring hard.

"Mr. Darcy, really! What is this? I mean, you say you don't want to do anything about this obvious chemistry we have, yet you can't contain yourself when I get called to go over to another man's house. Would you make your choice already?"

Darcy looked at her.

"Well, its too late now. You spent the night at his house," Darcy said.

"I SPENT THE NIGHT AT MY SISTERS. ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?" she screamed, and ran out the door. Just as she stormed into the hallway, Jane, Charles, and Georgiana walked past her.

"Lizzy?" Jane asked.

"Jane, I am SO not happy right now. He keeps insinuating that I slept with Julian, and he keeps saying it's too late. I can't handle this!" Elizabeth broke free of Jane's hold on her arm, and walked in a steady pace to her car.

The three entered the apartment to find a disheveled Darcy, trying to piece once more, together, what had just happened.

"Jane, would you take Georgiana downstairs and get her an ice cream or something?" Charles asked his beloved, annoyed at Darcy.

"Certainly," Jane said quietly. Georgiana did not argue.

"I need to talk to him," Charles whispered, sternly. Jane nodded, and left with Georgiana.

"What have you done, Darcy?" Charles asked, his hands clutching into fists.

"I don't have a clue, Charles, I don't," Darcy said, running both hands through his hair in a melancholy way.

"Well, I just saw a very angry Elizabeth Bennet storm through the hallway, so you must have done something. She said something to Jane, but I didn't catch it," Charles looked at Darcy angrily.

"She came back home, and accidentally sat down on me, and woke me up. I made some comments about worrying about her, she said I was indecisive, I said it was too late, she yelled about me something about staying at her sisters, which I doubt, and then stormed out," Darcy replied.

Charles shook his head.

"First off, you old fool, you ARE indecisive. If you could only see the way she looks at you, and the way she likes you, you wouldn't be so da** indecisive. And she called Jane from Mary's house earlier. Mary IS her sister, Darcy, she wasn't making it up, and nothing is too late, especially considering that Lizzy doesn't even like Julian, according to Jane. Would you wake up and smell the coffee? Or those peppermints you and Elizabeth like so much? You are an absurd man, Fitzwilliam Darcy,"

"Everyone has been calling me by my full name today," Darcy mumbled, thinking to himself.

"What was that?" Charles asked.

"Nothing at all," Darcy looked at himself in the mirror suddenly.

"You're right Charles. I do. I love her, alright?"

Charles didn't seem at all surprised.

"You were in love with her since the moment you both met at the coffee shop, I'm sure of it," Charles replied, sighing.

Darcy ran out of the room and down stairs.

"Jane!" he called to her, seeing her and Georgiana in line for ice cream.

"Where did Elizabeth go?" he asked.

"I don't know, but I'm guessing the park," Jane said.

"Thanks," Darcy ran out to the streets and called a cab.

"To the park, please," he said to the driver. His anticipation was excruciating.

Finally, he threw a 20 to the driver, once they had gotten to the park, and left the cab. He searched around the park, calling to her. Finally, he saw her, hidden under a tree, behind a mound of grassy hill, right on the bank of the pond.

He moved up closely behind her, and saw her reflection in the water. She looked so serene, so beautiful. Her face looked melancholy, but her hair fell into her face, which gave her the illusion of a fairy or a princess. She seemed to be whispering to herself, but Darcy couldn't hear a word.

"I'm sorry," he said. She turned around, startled.

"I'm sorry that I didn't kiss you again last night. I'm sorry that I told you that I didn't want to be with you. I'm sorry that I let you run out last night. I'm sorry that I hurt you, and I'm sorry that I thought things about you that weren't true," Darcy said, standing there, his face awash with sadness.

She stood, ever so slowly, and walked to him.

She took his hand in hers. Looking down, she carefully entwined her fingers with his. She seemed content moving his hand, looking at theirs together. She then looked up into his brown eyes, and smiled. She smiled a smile that could have thrilled a person to their very soul, which is exactly what it did. Darcy was so overcome with emotion and excitement by the single smile, that he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to him. She was surprised, but not for long, as she gently kissed him. The moment seemed to last forever, yet it only lasted a moment. When they let go, a feeling of emptiness flooded both of them. Darcy was the one to fix that, kissing her again. He kissed her three times then, short kisses. She smiled widely, and even laughed, making it awfully hard to kiss her. He looked at her and she tilted her head back and laughed. Just a soft laugh, a joyous, happy laugh.

"Elizabeth, maybe this is short notice, or maybe I shouldn't say it. But its true, Lizzy. I love you," Darcy said, as they walked along the park path, hand in hand.

"I love you too William. I wish we would have done something about it sooner, though,"

"Well, we are together now. You wouldn't believe the torture you put me through last night. I was sure that at that very moment you were rushing into his arms, and he was kissing you. And I couldn't bear it," Darcy stopped walking, and pulled her to him, for another kiss. They began walking again.

"Mr. Darcy, you needn't worry. My mind was on you," They walked back to the apartment(it was only a few blocks), and up the stairs, right to apartment 2B.

Jane and Charles saw them walk in, arm around each others waists, and immediately were happy.

"Finally, you guys hooked up. Charles and I have been together for this long, simply waiting for you two, just so we could go on a double date," Jane laughed.

"Or dancing," Elizabeth added. Darcy dipped Lizzy there and kissed her.

Elizabeth blushed.

The rest of the day was spent talking on the porch. Elizabeth reveled a secret she had kept from everyone that afternoon. She had been secretly writing stories, and even had been working on a book. She had been selling her shorter stories to a publisher.

Darcy was elated to hear that her hero in her book reminded her, subconsciously, of him.

When it was around 9 o clock, Jane came out side after taking a shower, and suggested watching a movie.

The four unloaded unto the couch and situated themselves happily(the girls snuggled into the guy's arms), and they watched the movie and sat happily in peace.

A very peaceful, sweet, content night it was for all of them.

The next morning, Elizabeth yawned and stretched, happily. She and Jane were snuggled in William and Charles' arms, on the couch, where they had fallen asleep the night before. Lizzy looked up at the sleeping William, and laughed. She happily snuggled her head against his chest, and pulled the blankets up tighter, never wanting to leave his side. After a few moments, she felt a hand on her back. Feeling startled, she quickly looked up at Darcy, who was looking down at her with a wide grin on his face. She laughed, and pulled herself up to meet his eyes, where he ruthlessly squeezed her tight and kissed her.

Suddenly the two heard a moan, as Jane rolled over, and crushed Charles arm.

Darcy and Lizzy laughed as Charles quickly pulled Jane up to him.

"Morning hottie," Jane said to Charles, eyes still closed. Elizabeth looked at Jane for a moment, then looked at Darcy.

"I'll second that," she said to him, they both embracing in another kiss.

Jane smiled at the two, Charles as well.

"I'm glad they finally hooked up," he whispered to Jane.

She nodded, taking Charles hand.

"We're going to go make breakfast," Jane announced.

Darcy looked at Charles, who was rather confused. Charles just shrugged and let Jane pull him to the kitchen.

"I could just stay here for ever," Elizabeth said, wrapping her arms around his firm tummy. He lightly caressed her back.

"Did you like the movie last night, Lizzy?" Charles asked from the kitchen.

Elizabeth smiled mischievously.

"I wasn't watching the movie," she announced. Darcy laughed at this comment, and Charles actually turned red and blushed. Such an innocent guy.

"So what shall we do today, m'love?" Darcy asked the brunette cuddled next to him.

"Absolutely nothing. We aren't moving from this spot, I tell you,"

"We aren't, huh?" Darcy looked at her.

"Never," she replied, rather sternly.

Darcy reached down and starting tickling the poor helpless girl, who began screaming. Georgiana, Charles, and Jane all looked at them, utterly startled.

"I thought you would refrain yourself from tickling me," Lizzy said, huffing for breath.

"Now did I ever promise that? I don't believe I did," Darcy said, picking Lizzy up. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her to the kitchen and set her down in the chair.

"You guys are all hopeless," Georgiana said, sipping some orange juice.

"We're quite aware, thank you," Lizzy replied matter-o-factly.

The five of them ate a nice breakfast. The girls then, reluctantly, went off to work, where Elizabeth got a very stern lecture about missing so much work.

Georgiana and Charles were playing golf on his lap top most of the time, Charles happily showing her exactly how to pull the club back just enough to hit the ball as far as you need it to go. Georgiana was rather good at it, hitting the ball a few times, then watching Charles again.

Darcy sat at the desk, while Charles and Georgie were on the porch. He was writing some documentations and such, when he suddenly looked up at the mirror in front of him. He smirked as he noticed a red lipstick mark on the color of his shirt.

"That girl is going to be the end and the beginning of me, I promise you that," he said to himself in the mirror.

The day went by rather slowly, to tell the truth. It was a sunny day, altogether. A very rare, no cloudy sky passed the day by. It wasn't until later that day that everyone came home, and had a nice dinner. Georgiana was due to go home a few days later, but she was still enjoying her time with her older brother and his friends. Georgiana was, after Charles sent her off so he could do his work, in her room, writing. She loved writing, whether it was poems, letters, stories, diary entries, or whatever. She actually wrote to engage her mind and improve her handwriting, as well as keep herself busy, something she always seemed to be.

On that sunny afternoon, she was actually writing a diary entry. The entry went something like this:

Dearest Diary,

It's me again. I know I've been writing you a lot lately, but I've had a lot of time on my hands it seems. Since Elizabeth and Jane work, as do my brother and Charles, I have time to do whatever I want to do for the moment.

Well, it's happened, Diary. I did tell you it would. Elizabeth and William have become ... shall I say, an item? And they are the cutest couple you could ever see! Honestly! Well, Jane and Charles are pretty adorable as well, but William and Lizzy just seem so mischievous. He doesn't know that I watch them sometimes. Yes, I was peeking when they were watching that movie last night. Oh, wouldn't William simply kill me if he found out I was snooping! But I simply couldn't help it! They all thought I was in bed, but I mean, two couples, on a couch, watching a movie? I was curious!

Well, Jane and Charles were pretty sweet, mostly watching the movie, stealing a kiss or two. Is this a weird way to learn the fine art of dating? Sorry, I just thought about that. I mean, mom and dad won't let me watch or read or even converse on any topic coming close to boys or dating. But I'm a girl, for heaven sake! I just have to know what's going on here! Anyhoo, where was I? Oh yes, so Jane and Charles were being their sweet little selves, but I noticed Darcy and Lizzy were whispering and kissing most of the time. It was the cutest thing! William would whisper something to Lizzy, she would giggle, and he would kiss her. I hope that I can one day too, find the man of my dreams, and be perfectly content sitting on a couch with him, whispering.

Well, Diary, I must be off. I think Jane and Lizzy should be home soon, and they are going to take me out for dinner. Just us girls! I can't wait!

Love always,

Geogie

Georgiana closed the fuzzy pink diary, replaced the fuzzy pink pen back in the holster in the side of the diary, and set the book back on the shelf. She giggled as she took a picture out of the back of the diary, and looked at it intently.

"Jasper, " she whispered. She then proceeded to kiss the picture repeatedly.

Just then, Elizabeth and Jane burst through the door, to find Georgiana embracing a 3 by 5 snapshot.

"Georgiana!" Lizzy laughed, "what on earth are you doing?"

Georgiana turned a bright red, but showed them the picture.

"Meet Jasper," she muttered.

Jane and Lizzy laughed again, but gave Georgiana a side hug.

"Come on, Georgie, get ready. Its time for a night on the town," Jane flung a ruffled blue blouse at Georgiana, which landed on her head.

"Thanks," Georgiana replied, pulling the shirt off her head, which also messed up her hair considerably.

Jane and Elizabeth proceeded to the closet, where they both found the outfits they were looking for. Deciding the best place for dinner was "The Dancing Frog", they decided a casual outfit would best fit the picture. Both wearing cozy blue jeans, Jane in a pink button down blouse and collar, and Lizzy in a red shirt with a scoop neck, the two went to the kitchen to ask how they looked.

Darcy embraced Elizabeth, his hands finding themselves comfortably around her waist. He looked her over and exclaimed that was, indeed, the most beautiful girl on the planet. He said this rather softly, as not wanting his dear little sister to hear. Of course Georgiana was the most beautiful little girl, but Elizabeth was stunning, in that eye bulging, red lipstick wearing, brown curls falling way.

She looked at him seductively, while taking his hand and squeezing it.

"We'll be back later. Call me if you need me," Lizzy said, noticing Georgiana in the doorway of the room.

"I always need you," William whispered, mischievously.

Elizabeth gave him a smile, but returned toward Georgiana, and ushered her out the front door, Jane following.

"So where are we partying tonight?" Georgiana asked innocently.

The other two laughed, but told her the Dancing Frog was good for good food and a fun time.

The girl's weren't stupid, though. They didn't take Georgiana to a dance club or anything. But the Dancing Frog did have some dancing, thus the name of course.

When they got there, they were seated at a booth, and watched as some people danced on the dance floor. It wasn't anything major dancing, but more like prom type music. The restaurant was obviously made for a younger crowd, but it wasn't trashy or loud.

"This place is awesome!" Georgiana cried as they looked at the menu.

A waitress came by and took their drink orders.

"I'll have a coke, what about you guys?" Elizabeth looked at the other too.

"Sprite," Jane replied.

"Shirley Temple, please. With extra cherries, if you don't mind," Georgiana said eagerly. The waitress smiled at the girls and confirmed there would, in fact, be extra cherries in her Shirley Temple.

"You guys are so cool! No one ever lets me actually have fun," Georgiana looked around the room.

"Well that's a pity, because you're obviously a party girl!" Jane laughed. The waitress came back with the drinks in hand.

"Do you know what you want?" she asked.

"Not yet, give us a few more seconds,"

They looked over the menu and decided.

"I'll have the broccoli pasta," Jane said, handing the waitress the menu.

"The garden burger," Elizabeth said.

"Umm, a BLT, please, " Georgiana kept looking out to the dancing crowd.

Suddenly a group of guys came over towards their booth.

"Hi," a tall, dark headed guy greeted.

"Hello," Elizabeth smiled sweetly at him.

"And what are you lovely ladies up to this fine evening?" one of them asked Jane.

"Well, lets see. We're eating dinner," Jane said. She said it sweetly enough, but Elizabeth could detect the hint of annoyance in her voice.

"That's awesome. Could we join you girls?" the tall one said.

"Well, we do have Georgiana with us," Jane said, looking at Georgie.

"Oh. We'll behave, we promise," they replied.

"Yeah, my little brother is here too," one said. Elizabeth saw that there were three of them, but the booths were rather large. Then she saw a younger one step forward.

"He's twelve, and his name is Matt,"

Jane looked at Lizzy, and Lizzy looked back to Jane. Neither noticed Georgiana's fixed stare at the young blonde headed boy.

"Well, alright," Elizabeth said reluctantly. She scooted over to let them in.

"We're merely looking for interesting conversation," one began.

"I'm Tom," the dark headed guy said. "that's Frank, and this is Peter. And Peter's brother, Mattie," Tom ruffled the younger boy's hair.

"Tom! Don't call me that!" The younger boy looked rather embarrassed.

Jane smiled at Lizzy.

"I'm Elizabeth," Lizzy began, "this is my sister, Jane, and my boyfriend's sister, Georgiana," Elizabeth smirked. The guys looked a little taken a back, but preceded to make conversation.

"So what do you gals do for fun?" Frank asked.

"Well, we both work at a coffee shop," Jane suggested.

"We like to read, watch movies a lot," Elizabeth laughed.

"What about you?" Matt piped up, looking at Georgiana.

She looked stunned that he would talk to her. She quickly blushed and smiled at him.

"Um, I like to horseback ride," she smiled sheepishly.

Tom, who was sitting next to Elizabeth, nudged her a little. She looked at him, as he pointed with his eyes towards Matt and Georgie, who were already in deep conversation.

"Love birds," Tom whispered to Lizzy.

"She has a boyfriend," Elizabeth half laughed, half whispered.

The girls' dinner came shortly after.

The girls looked at the guys.

"We already ate, don't worry about it," they replied, knowingly.

The girls ate, happily still in conversation. Peter and Frank really seemed entranced with Jane, who was smiling the whole time. She made it known how she knew Georgiana as well, Georgie being the sister of Elizabeth's boyfriend, who's a good friend of her boyfriend, Charles Bingley. The guys were disappointed, but it didn't stop them from having a grand chat with her.

"Would you like to dance?" Tom finally asked Elizabeth. Elizabeth looked at Jane, who thought for a moment, and then shrugged.

"Well, I suppose. But keep in mind its merely a dance, and I have a boyfriend," Elizabeth said sternly.

"It won't leave my mind for a second," he replied laughingly.

The two actually had a nice dance, Jane occasionally viewing them. It was apparent that Elizabeth obviously had something, or someone, else on her mind, but she danced as well as she usually did despite it all.

When the song was over, the two returned to their seats.

"It's getting a little late, boys. We better be going," Jane said looking at her watch. Elizabeth second the motion, thinking Tom was trying to get a little bit too friendly.

" But Matt and I are having such a nice time!" Georgiana pleaded.

"Come on, Georgie, your brother wants you home at a reasonable time," Elizabeth said, standing. She was actually wanting to get back home to see William, but of course wasn't going to say anything.

"Well, if you lovely ladies must leave us, at least let us exchange numbers?" Peter asked as the girls were about to leave.

Georgiana quickly pulled a sheet of paper out of a notebook in her purse.

"Anyone got a pen?" she asked politely. Matt nodded, and handed her one.

Jane wrote down the number reluctantly, and handed it to Peter.

"Here's my number," Georgiana smiled. She then whispered to Matt,

"My parents are rather ... uptight. If you call, just say you need help with your homework."

Matt nodded. The guys gave the girls their numbers, and the parties split, but not before Matt gave Georgiana a quick kiss on the cheek.

When the three girls were heading towards the car, Georgiana kept her hand to her face. It was very very pink.

"So he kissed ya, eh?" Elizabeth laughed, seeing Georgiana's delight and astonishment.

"Um, I think so," Georgie replied, or rather mumbled.

Then suddenly, it was like Georgiana had been struck with something.

"JASPER!" she cried. Jane put her hand to her forehead, knowing it was inevitable that Georgiana would remember her boyfriend sometime.

"Oh no no no no no no no no no! NO! This is SO not good!" Georgiana wailed.

"What's wrong?" Elizabeth asked, checking Georgie in her rearview mirror.

"Oh, he kissed me! I think I just cheated on Jasper!" Georgiana was close to sobbing now. Incredibly dramatic, you know?

"No, no, calm down hunny," Elizabeth said, handing her a tissue.

"Yes, calm down. You couldn't stop that boy from kissing you on the cheek. And there isn't anything wrong with having friends that are of the male gender," Jane added, patting Georgiana on the hand.

"Are you quite sure?" Georgiana asked, sniffing a little.

"Most positive," the girls assured her.

When they got back to the apartment, the guys were on the couch watching football.

"Hey girls, how was the night out?"

Georgiana exploded at the comment, and raced up to her brother.

"Oh William, we met the neatest guys! And they were so nice too!" she said excitedly.

Darcy raised his eyebrow, with a grin on his face.

"Guys?" he asked inquisitively.

Lizzy put her purse down and sat next to Darcy.

"Yes, but none as handsome as my suitor," Elizabeth laughed. Darcy leaned in and kissed her.

"Your suitor eh? And who is this scoundrel? I shall challenge him to a duel," William took her hand and furrowed his eyebrows in a frown.

"Oh, wouldn't that be an interesting site? A man fighting a duel with himself," Elizabeth smirked.

"Indeed?" Darcy lightened up, now, whispering to Elizabeth quietly.

"Come now, you two! Darcy, your sister is present! Get a room why don't you?" Charles said, rather hilariously. Jane laughed and rubbed his chin.

"Oh calm down, Mr. Bingley," she laughed, her golden hair swishing across her back as Charles pulled her to him romantically.

Georgiana blushed.

"I think I'm going to go write a letter to Jasper. I'll see you all in the morning,"

Georgiana backed out of the room quietly.

"We'll be in, in a little bit," Jane said before Georgiana left. Georgiana made no reply, but just smiled and went back into the room.

"Lets dance!" Elizabeth said suddenly, running to the stereo.

"Now?" Darcy asked, surprised by her burst of excitement.

"Yes, now," Elizabeth said pulling him to her.

Jane grabbed Charles, and attempted to dip him, but he fell, pulling her on top of him. They laughed and got back up, but kept dancing and moving to the beat.

Finally, after dancing and twirling and spinning and dipping for a few minutes, Jane and Elizabeth reluctantly shuffled off to their room, but not before a very nice good night kiss.

The next morning was a typical morning, just like any typical morning. It started with breakfast and coffee, and even an after coffee mint or two, and ended with kiss. Georgiana decided to sleep late. Elizabeth went to wake her up, but she begged Lizzy to let her stay in bed. Elizabeth explained that the four of them were going down to the Coffee shop, and they should be back later. Did she want to come?

She said she really needed to just sleep. So Elizabeth left her.

Jane wrote her a note, telling her where stuff was, incase she needed it, and their cell phones.

William was VERY reluctant to leave her, but finally gave in when Elizabeth suggested that they wouldn't be gone that long, and they were just right down the street.

The four headed out happily, and walked to the coffee shop.

Darcy commented that Elizabeth looked just like a French maid in the apron.

"I do, monsieur?" she asked in her little French accent.

"We we, huh huh huh, mademoiselle," he said, French like. The day was rather sweet. When customers were few, Elizabeth could seat herself happily next to Darcy, and he could take a break from his laptop and join her in a cup of coffee and a biscotti.

When customers were many, he typed away at his work, while Elizabeth ran around in her little apron, serving people and taking orders. The same went to Bingley, who worked opposite of Darcy in the booth in the corner.

The days past by much like this, until the day Georgiana had to leave. Of course, every day they went out to eat, or cooked a fantastic meal. Darcy was surprisingly a great chef. They partied, and Georgiana most of the time didn't even feel out of place. Sure she was younger, but everyone included her. It was great.

When she finally had to leave, there were of course tears. Mostly from Georgiana. Lizzy and Jane kind of cried too, being emotional girls. Darcy hugged his sister tightly, and she thanked him for an awesome week. Charles told her that he would most likely be coming back to see her soon, and he might even bring Jane. She smiled, and hugged Jane, who said that should defiantly come back soon. Elizabeth swung the girl around, and promised to write, since Georgie loved writing so much. She said her and Darcy would visit frequently. Darcy nodded, and watched as his sister entered the jet way and exited the gate.

"Come on, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth smiled, putting her arm through his, and leading him down the airport hallway.

The four decided, since Georgiana had left, that they should go dancing. It sounded fun, club hopping and all that jazz.

They girls dressed a little different than usual this time. Elizabeth decked out in a long red skirt that looked a lot like a salsa skirt. She also wore a red blouse and red lipstick. Her hair was let down, and she wore her red high heels.

Jane was very nicely dressed in a long skirt as well. It was a little tighter, and it was orange. She had a white blouse on, that had bellbottom type arm sleeves. Her hair was pulled back in a braid, fashioned by none other than Lizzy herself.

"You girls look amazing!" Charles exclaimed. Darcy couldn't get his eyes off of Elizabeth.

"Last time we went dancing, I could dance with you, but I couldn't kiss you," Darcy said, putting his hand out for her to take.

"Sure you could've. I wouldn't have minded," Elizabeth took his hand, and the four walked to the car.

"Charles," Elizabeth said, looking behind her while they were in the car.

"Yeah Liz?" Charles asked.

"I have to tell you something, Charles," Elizabeth said with built up emotion.

"Yes, Elizabeth?" Charles asked, becoming a little bit frantic by the tone in her voice.

Darcy was wondering where this was going, but Jane knew her sister to well.

"Charles, I just want..." she paused.

"Yes?"

"You ... to know..."

"What Lizzy?"

"That.."

"What on earth are you trying to tell me, you horribly suspenseful woman?!" Charles cried. Darcy turned into the parking lot.

"Charles..." Lizzy whispered.

They all got out of the car, Elizabeth's eyes never leaving Mr. Bingley.

Suddenly Elizabeth grabbed Charles and pulled him close to her.

"Charles.." she breathed softly. He was astounded and didn't say anything. Jane, who was walking next to Darcy, quickly put her forehead on Darcy's shoulder, with a sigh.

"Charles, I want you to know that you are a better dancer than Darcy himself," Elizabeth finally exclaimed with a laugh. Darcy sighed, and so did Charles, who was VERY relieved.

"Hey!" Darcy exclaimed, grabbing Elizabeth and dipping her.

"I'll show you who's a better dancer!" Darcy cried, picking up Elizabeth. She shouted and began kicking softly.

"No, you bad bad man!" she said, as he carried her into the club.

The music was loud, once again, and they were actually very excited. Darcy finally set down Elizabeth, who had attracted attention with her flails.

"Alright, alright. You're my prisoner, now dance!" Darcy exclaimed, pulling Elizabeth onto the dance floor. Charles waved at them as they left, and he and Jane took a seat in the corner.

Darcy quickly spun Elizabeth and dipped her. She, being light on her feet, did this with great ease and grace. A few people stepped away from the dancing couple, and a few even stopped to watch.

"Since when did you get so good, Mr. Darcy?" Elizabeth inquired as they brushed bye one another.

"Since my partner is also my girlfriend, I feel much more at ease dancing with her, I suppose. Plus all those lessons at the academy when I was younger," Darcy replied.

The song then ended, and Darcy went back to his seat with Jane and Bingley, expecting Lizzy to follow him. Yet he turned around and noticed Elizabeth engaged in a conversation with a young man.

This is where our hero began to pout. Yes, pout. He sat down rather annoyed. Elizabeth noticed this and excused herself from the conversation.

"Excuse me, sir," she said to Darcy, putting on her innocent attitude.

Darcy looked up at her.

"Sir, is your name Campbell? Because you look mmm mmm good, " Elizabeth smiled sweetly.

A huge grin came across Darcy's face just then, as he looked at Elizabeth with her sweet smile, hands folded behind her.

"Are you coming on to me, Miss Bennet?" Darcy asked, sweetly as well.

"I might be, sir," she stood starring at him.

"Well, come here then," he said pulling her unto his lap. She smiled and kissed him.

For about an hour the four of them danced and talked. Charles and Elizabeth surprisingly danced a lot, seeing as how Jane and Darcy were rather big talkers.

Then a slow song came on.

"Charles, will you dance with me some more?" Elizabeth asked sweetly.

Charles looked over at Jane and Darcy who both got up and began to slow dance too. Why not, right?

"Well, alright," Charles said, taking Lizzy's hand. She rested her chin lightly on Charles shoulders as they rocked back and forth.

"Charles, I'm really glad you're my friend. And I think you and Jane are perfect for each other. You both are so sweet," Elizabeth muttered.

"Thanks."

Charles smiled, and then continued, "You and Darcy are so free spirited. Me and Jane are shy," Charles was sort of talking to himself now.

"Nah, you guys are awesome," Lizzy said hugging Charles.

The song was just about to end, and Charles gave Elizabeth a kiss on the forehead. They then walked back to the table.

"Are you hitting on my woman?" Darcy said when they got back.

"I wouldn't dream of it," Charles said, taking Jane's hand.

Elizabeth sat next to Darcy and sort of snuggled up next to him.

Suddenly, a figure ran up to the table.

"Elizabeth! You're with this ... this ... this ... GUY?!" Everyone looked at the black silhouette, whose face was just revealed by the hanging lamp above the booth.

"Why, yes, Julian, I am. He doesn't cheat on me, and he doesn't make me feel crappy, like you did?" Elizabeth starred at the man in front of her. She put her hands on her hips, with a scowl on her face.

He just stood there, dumbfounded. Suddenly, he brought up his fist, and hit Darcy incredibly hard in the eye. Darcy suddenly got rather mad, stood up, clenched his fist, and knocked Julian over. Someone screamed, and Darcy stood there, quite mad.

"Go, get out of here, go!" Charles yelled as the four ran to get out before a bouncer came.

They jumped in the car, two big guys chasing them.

"Hit the gas!" Jane cried. They sped away quickly, laughing. Darcy and Lizzy were in the back seat, Darcy slumped over, Elizabeth inspecting his eye.

By the time Charles had floored it and was speeding down the street, Elizabeth and Jane were in a burst of laughter. They really couldn't contain themselves, swearing over and over that, although they'd had some interesting relationships in the past, the guys they were with now were certainly the most exciting.

Darcy moaned with pain as his eye swelled up and turned two beautiful shades of purple and blue.

"I think it makes you look rugged," Jane commented, as Darcy tried to look at his eye through Lizzy's compact mirror.

The four drove home in rather high spirits. All but Darcy of course. He was in pain.

When they got in the door, Elizabeth threw down her purse and keys and disappeared into the kitchen, opening and closing drawers and cupboards.

"Sit down," she ordered Darcy as he wandered in.

He obeyed silently. Jane and Charles had gone off to change into their nightclothes, while Elizabeth continued on her search. At last, she found the object of her obsession.

"A plastic baggie!" she announced, holding up the box. She seemed so triumphant in her succeeded quest that Darcy had to smile.

"Hold still," she ordered again, as she placed a bag of ice to his eye, and held it tight.

"Ah!" he whined, feeling the cold pressure. She told him to shhh, and to hold it on his eye.

"It will help the swelling to go down," she replied.

Suddenly, she disappeared into the bedroom. When Lizzy returned, she was carrying a book.

"A book of poems," she said, placing it on the table. "go get changed, and I'll read you some to take your mind of your eye."

Darcy had nothing better to do than simply obey her. He walked, carrying the bag of ice, into Charles bedroom(for Jane and Charles were in his, Jane showing Charles her scrap book made in junior high) and changed into his blue and white striped pajama pants and white t-shirt.

When he came out, Lizzy was in her big fruit t-shirt, scatters with cherries, watermelons, strawberries, and everything. It was her favorite t-shirt, being so colorful.

"Come," Lizzy said in an old movie seductress's voice, "sit by me." She rubbed a spot next to her on the couch, indicating she wanted him to take a seat next to her.

Darcy looked at her with suspicion, but sat next to her, and gently put the ice back on his eye.

"Good boy," Lizzy patted Darcy's head, but he grabbed her wrist instead.

"Nurse, what will you do to make me feel better?" he asked innocently. She eyed him, pulling the sheets up on the pull out bed/couch.

"I will read you a poem or two, you naughty boy. Now, listen," she demanded, opening the book.

"Ahem," she said, clearing her throat. Darcy wrapped his arm around her for a better and more comfortable position.

"This one is from an independent chic. I like her work, it kind of makes you think. It's called "With Both Hands".

Flames, they burn, through my independent mind,
My peers cause pain, but what are they to find?
Expectations of this girl, are highly overrated,
But then again, perhaps, she's completely jaded,
Just a girl like me, to tell you my life story,
Yet all the twisted facts, seem so completely gorey,
A flash of light, my mind, it reruns back,
A destined child of dream, pessimism there she lack,
Yet in a corrupt world we face, and it just seems no one understands,
Just let go our minds be free, and grasp life with both hands

By Michelle Hershea."

Elizabeth looked up at Darcy. His eyes were closed.

"Shall I go on?" she asked, taking the bag of ice from him and setting it on the coffee table.

He nodded silently, rather tiredly.

"Ok, here's another one,

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough.

A.E Houseman.

Can Live On

A majority of people don't understand
the torment of my soul
The painstaking effort it takes to climb
a thorn ladder to reach my goals
Hate and agony is the plague of my brain
With fear tagging along
As I go through my day
Trying to live life like in the songs
Just when I think life is unbearable
Happiness is depleted and gone
I look into the eyes of a friend
And I can live on

By Alexander Greggon.

Oh, aren't these cute? I love poetry," Elizabeth was now rather lost in the world of poetry, and proceeded to read such poems from authors such as Shakespeare(this book of poetry had ALL SORTS of poetry) Emily Dickinson, modern poets of the time, just anything at all.

Darcy didn't make any reply at all to her reading, and when she glanced up, she realized he was fast asleep.

"Poor sweetheart," she said, kissing him lightly. She got out of the covers and pulled the sheets up neatly. Then the returned to her room to sleep.

The next morning, surprisingly, Darcy was at the kitchen table when Elizabeth came out. It was incredibly early in the morning, close to 6:15, but Elizabeth heard a stirring, and came to see who it was.

"What are you doing up so early?" she asked him when she saw him sitting there.

"My eye is hurting a bit," he replied. He had a bag of ice in his hand, returning it to his eye every moment or so.

"Hmm," she bent of her kissed both his eyelids.

Then she began singing. Please don't ask me why. But this, of course, is Lizzy whom we are talking about.

"I'd like to dance till, two o'clock, or sometimes dance till daaaawwwwwwnnn, or if the band could stand it, just go on, and on and ON!" Elizabeth spun round the kitchen, making quite a spectacle of herself.

"Just once!" she whisked by Darcy on her tiptoes, smiling widely.

"Just once!" she laughed and seated herself in his lap.

"Just once, just once! I'd like to be not evil, but, a little worldly wise! To be the kind of girl designed, to be kissed upon the eyes!"

Darcy looked at her. He then chuckled and kissed her upon the eyes, just as the lyrics suggested.

"Thank you, sir," she said, smiling. Just then, the phone rang.

Darcy stood to answer it, but Elizabeth beat him there.

"Hello?" she asked.

"Hello. Is a there a Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy present?" the voice asked.

"Indeed, here he is," she handed the phone to William.

Darcy took the phone.

"Hello?" he asked. Elizabeth shrugged.

"Hello, Mr. Darcy?" the voice asked.

"Yes, can I help you?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Darcy, but your parents have both been in a terrible car accident. I'm their lawyer, Jonathan Goldbloom. The doctors did everything they could, sir. Your parents didn't make it."

Chapter 6

Posted on Wednesday, 3 July 2002

Darcy hung up the phone slowly. He looked at Elizabeth, a bit in shock.

"What? What did he say?" Elizabeth asked, looking nothing short of worried.

Fitzwilliam couldn't open his mouth, he couldn't utter a word. He was in literal shock. He wouldn't dare move, for fear of collapsing to the floor. He wanted to scream, but couldn't.

Elizabeth, seeing the brown in his eyes turning green, from cause of tears, rushed to him. She came to him and wrapped her arms around him, and he grabbed her, fearfully and forcefully, holding her tightly, and crying into her soft brown hair. She just rubbed his back as they stood there, one feeling the most utmost pain for the loss of ones parent's, and the other, feeling the pain for her friend. As she held him, she heard his sobs, and felt his body shake, standing next to her. Silently, she led him over to the couch, not moving from his arms.

Elizabeth asked no questions, but held him. He finally let go of their embrace, tears streaming down his cheeks. She had never seen him like this before. What had caused this fit of utter despair? He stopped crying for a moment, looking into her eyes. She reached out and held his hands tightly, as if for dear life. He returned the pressure. Running her hands softly through his hair, she looked at him, waiting for him to reviled something to her.

Finally he whispered.

"Come ... here ... please?"

She faithfully obeyed, resting into his embrace on the couch. The two laid back, and he cried all the more. Elizabeth didn't know why he was crying, but she felt tears coming to her eyes as well. She stroked his hair softly, as he slowly calmed down. Finally he just cried tears, his mouth closed, thinking. His eyes were wide as he thought of his childhood. He remembered when his parents took him and Georgiana to the beach. They were both so young. He and his father would search for sand dollars(also known as tests), as his mother and sister sat on the beach and looked at all the pretty shells his sister had collected. He remember his father's arms wrapping around him while they played in the water. He remembered the big sand castle they made, which Georgiana accidentally knocked down when she ran to give William a hug. He remembered when they had sat on their towels, roasting marshmallows and singing campfire songs. The memories he had.

Suddenly he was brought back to the present, as he felt a hand on his chest, as a face leaned over him, blocking the over head light, and casting a shadow over his eyes. He opened them to reveal Elizabeth, looking at him. She quietly kissed him. He savored the kiss with all his emotion. It was soft, but after they released, he couldn't open his eyes, as he felt so entranced by her.

"Please," he muttered. She understood, and kissed him again. He finally, after about 30 minutes of sitting there, embracing her, told her what he knew.

"My parents," he chocked, "they're ... dead."

He began to sob again.

"Hush sh sh sh sh," she rubbed his chest lightly to calm him down.

They sat there for a long while. Elizabeth actually fell asleep.

Fitzwilliam's mind raced on, but when she woke back up, she sat up and he laid his head in her lap, where she proceeded to graze her fingers through his hair softly Just the feeling of her touch soothed him more than words. Soon he was asleep.

Charles and Jane slept in later. Jane came in first, noticing Darcy was asleep.

She also noticed they both had tear stained faces.

"What's wrong?" the observant girl asked. Elizabeth, noticing Jane was up, raced to her sister to hug her.

"What?" Jane asked, worried as always.

"William's parents died, he got a call this morning," Elizabeth managed to say. Jane looked absolutely horrified.

"Oh poor Darcy!" Jane cried, wanting to run and hug him. But she let the poor man sleep.

"Does Charles know? Is he up?" Jane questioned, looking around.

"No, I believe he is still in his room,"

"Who should tell him?"

Elizabeth looked at Jane, wondering what she was really thinking. Jane managed to seat herself in a cozy chair, while Elizabeth followed her example.

"Tell me what?" Charles questioned, yawning. The girls directed their attention to him immediately. Elizabeth starred at the wallpaper, trying hard not to look at either of them.

"Take a seat Charles, I know how much they meant to you as well," Elizabeth said, recalling all the times Charles and Darcy talked about their childhood together. She remembered how the Darcy's and the Bingley's were always such good friends.

"Love, Darcy's parents died," Jane said softly, taking his hand.

"What?" he asked, in a state of shock.

"Someone called this morning," Lizzy added, still starring at the wall. For some reason, the little tan pattern made the kitchen and her world seem a lot smoother.

"No ... I won't believe it," Charles looked angry. Jane looked at him sympathetically, as if she knew he would take it like this.

"Elizabeth, was it this Julian fellow? Perhaps he's been pranking ... or maybe Caroline. I know I shouldn't think ill of my sister, but really. They can't be dead. They were the sweetest people! Cautious too!"

"Charles, sit down," Jane said softly, not wanting him to waken Darcy.

Charles argued. Jane finally got up, took him by the shoulders, and physically insisted that he should sit down. She gave him a look to tell him he should heed her advice. The look in her eye was enough, and he sat down reluctantly.

"I don't know any details," Elizabeth sighed, placing her face in her hands. She heard a slight rustle over by the couch.

"Elizabeth?" Fitzwilliam called.

She got up and went to the couch.

"Please don't leave me," he whispered, and closed his eyes again, after she had taken his hand. Not once did she think he sounded or acted babyish. In fact, she thought that his crying made him more mature. She wanted to help him, and felt useless. His face looked drained, but she felt his forehead and then kissed it.

"You have a fever," she exclaimed, brushing the curls away from his face. He made no attempt to move. She could see small drops of sweat forming on his brow. He didn't look relaxed at all.

"Jane, will you please get me a wet, preferably cold, washcloth? And Charles, please get him something to drink. Like juice or something?"

"Its alright, William, its alright," she cooed into his ear, hugging and rocking him.

Jane came back with the cloth, which Elizabeth dabbed on Darcy's forehead. She rung the wash cloth into his hair, wetting it. She then smoothed it away from his face. He opened his eyes, and for the first time, smiled.

"Thank you Lizzy," he said softly, squeezing her hand.

Mr. Darcy, being painfully exhausted, wanted nothing more than to sit there with Elizabeth rocking him. He also thought to the moments when his mother would rock him, when he was sick. She used to smile down at him as he attempted not to cough. She would smooth his forehead with her hand, and gently lay him back in his rocket shaped bed. Then she would cover him up with his astronaut blankets, kiss him on the forehead, and turn off the lights. He used to fall asleep looking at his night light, which was in the shape of none other than...Saturn. A bright, red and blue planet nightlight.

He also remembered when he was younger, and it was late at night, sometimes raining, Georgiana would run into his room and hide in his bed with him, afraid of the lightning or the boogieman. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the mean boy, used to tease his sister about the boogieman, who liked to grab little girls by the hair and swallow them alive. Then, William would hold his sister, and tell her that there was no boogie man, or that mom and dad were there to protect her from anything. Then, on a weird parental sense, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy would come in and hug their children, and explain to Georgiana that everything was all right, and that they could both come out and get a glass of water if they were frightened, but that they needed to go to bed.

Elizabeth woke him up, just then, insisting that he drink something. He sat up as she handed him the glass of orange juice, which dribbled down his chin. She honestly couldn't help but giggle a bit. He looked at her, talking to her with his eyes. They sat for a moment in silent communication, neither speaking. Charles and Jane came over and sat with them, each giving Darcy a tight hug. Jane looked into his eyes, and rested her arms around his neck, while talking to him.

"Don't worry William, we're here," she said hugging him tightly.

Charles hugged him right away, tears streaming down both their cheeks.

"Come on, old man, don't cry," Charles said to Darcy, some what laughing.

"Me? You're crying too," Darcy said, hugging his best friend once more.

It seemed like Darcy was a little bit better.

"Oh, Georgiana!" he exclaimed suddenly. He tried to move, but nearly collapsed. His sister must be in terrible pain. He had to talk to her.

"Here," Elizabeth said, trying to hold him up a bit. He went to the phone slowly and dialed.

It rang and rang and rang. But no answer.

"I don't know what to do," Darcy said, burying his face in his hands. He sat down at a chair, and tried the phone again. Again, the same prevail.

Elizabeth put her hands on his shoulders, then bent down and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Darcy rubbed her arm with his hand in a loving motion.

"Thank you, you guys," Darcy said.

Later, when Elizabeth and Darcy were alone, on the balcony and talking, Darcy asked her what to do.

"What do you mean?" she asked quietly, taking a sip of wine. Both had been out on the balcony for an hour or two, just talking. Elizabeth felt sorry for Darcy, but really enjoyed the deep way he was talking with her.

"I mean, should I fly to Pemberley and find Georgiana and bring her back here to live with me? Or maybe I should wait it out, for someone to call me and tell me what to do. Or should I find another place for Georgie to stay?" Darcy began to get upset again, things reeling through his mind.

"William, love, calm down, we'll figure this all out later,"

"What do you think I should do, Elizabeth?" he asked her again.

She smiled at him,

"I guess, if I were you, I would go there tomorrow. But I don't know about Georgiana living with you. I figure you should probably just figure it out when you get there,"

"And will you come with me?" Darcy asked, looking at her intently.

"Of course," Lizzy smiled.

"Do you think Jane and Charles will also?"

"I wouldn't doubt it for a second,"

Darcy smiled at Elizabeth, and then tipped his head back, looking at the stars. You could barely see them, but they were there. The sounds of the night flooded past both of them, making them feel like they were honestly apart of the city.

"Elizabeth," Darcy muttered.

She looked at him, but he didn't take his eyes off the stars.

"My parents were so happy, Lizzy. They had such a perfect life. I want their perfect life, Elizabeth, I do," Lizzy didn't say anything, she just listened to Darcy.

He then turned and looked at her, all the while holding her hand.

"When I figure all this out, when all this pain and everything, when it really begins to lessen, do you think we could think about moving closer?" Elizabeth thought for a second, and gave him a questioning look. He didn't want to ruin anything, so he thought quickly and proceeded.

"Maybe talk about marriage..." Darcy looked into her eyes.

"William, its true we've known each other for awhile. And I love you, God knows its true. I don't know if you're really ready though, or if you will be any time soon,"

"I don't know if I will be either. But Elizabeth, I just love you so much,"

They were both silent. She quietly got up and walked over to his chair, where she sat on his lap and buried her face in his shoulder, her arms around his neck. She was silent. His eyes widened at her sudden movement, but slowly his hands found their place, holding her.

Darcy, for a split second, could think of nothing but Elizabeth Bennet. Love can erase everything, even if it's only for a moment. The wind began to blow, chilling them both.

"Lets go inside," she said, taking his hand, "You are a tad sick, don't forget."

"I won't, " Darcy said, slipping his arm around her waist. All four of them decided to get a good night sleep, so after a kiss or hug, they all went to bed. Elizabeth and Jane climbed into the king sized bed, and turned out the light. Elizabeth tried desperately to sleep, but she couldn't. After counting sheep backwards, and trying to think of something tiring, she got up and went to get a glass of water.

Quietly tiptoeing, as so not to wake William, Elizabeth crept into the kitchen. Knowing the layout well enough to find the cups in the dark, she felt her way around. She did this all very skillfully, and barely made a sound. As she put the water glass to the tap in on the fridge, she heard a stirring.

"Elizabeth? Is that you?" the voice from the couch asked. It sounded just awakened, but she figured he couldn't sleep well either.

"Yeah, William, I was just getting some water," she took her water glass and came and sat by him.

"I can't sleep," Darcy said as she sat down.

"That makes two of us," Lizzy replied, sipping some water. She laid back next to him, and took his hand.

"Its quiet, and peaceful," Darcy mumbled.

"I agree," Elizabeth put her head on his shoulder. The two laid like the for awhile, until they both fell asleep.

The next morning, before Elizabeth and Darcy awoke, Charles and Jane were up and making breakfast. Early in the morning there had been another phone call, asking Mr. Darcy to come to Derbyshire, Michigan and get his sister as soon as possible, and to take care of the will and other things that needed attention. Charles intercepted this call, and assured the speaker that Darcy, along with himself and their girlfriends, would be there as soon as they could. When he hung up, he explained the situation to Jane, and asked her to call the airport and find out if there were any tickets to go to Derbyshire that afternoon.

Jane was soon off the phone, and explained to Charles that there was in fact tickets to Derbyshire, and that the plane was leaving at 2:14, PM. Charles told her to buy four tickets. She called them back and bought the tickets.

A little while later, Elizabeth and Darcy woke up. Charles explained the dealings of the morning, and that he had bought four tickets. Darcy told Charles how obliged he was, and decided the day would be harder than he thought.. It was almost noon though, and they should really be off. The four rushed to pack. Elizabeth and Jane quickly through together two suitcases. They both, sadly, had to leave most of the regular necessities, like a blow-dryer and curling iron, because they had no time to pack.

Darcy was so happy to go see Georgiana again so soon, but told Charles it would be a very difficult day. Charles nodded in agreement. The four took a cab to the airport, and after a trip to the restroom and to grab some bagels, they were comfortably seated on air flight 204.

Jane was happily seated next to the window. Elizabeth was a little afraid of flying, as was Charles. Darcy needed leg room, therefore, Jane sat by the window, then Charles, then Elizabeth, and Darcy in the aisle seat. Since it was such a long flight, they showed the movie "Bridget Jones's Diary". Darcy and Elizabeth honestly held hands the entire trip, never letting go. Well, only when they had to eat, but that was it.

"So what are you thinking about?" Elizabeth asked Darcy, as he sat there with his eyes closed. She had been watching his a little while, as he sat up tall, feigning sleep. She knew he wasn't though, because it was obvious he was thinking deeply.

"Hmm, not much, really," Darcy mumbled quietly. Elizabeth turned to look at him. He looked down at her eyes starring up at him. She obviously didn't buy that. She put her hand to his cheek and smiled.

"Be creative," Elizabeth said, resting her head on his shoulder once more.

"Well, mostly thinking about meeting Georgiana. I don't like to see my sister cry, you know. And I'm thinking about my parents. How much I'm going to miss them. The last time I talked to mom was just the other day, I mean ... she called to talk, etc. I miss her. And dad too. I mean, I haven't even faced Georgiana. That will be literal hell. I can't stand it when she cries! It makes me cry even more," Darcy whispered the last few words, another tear sliding down his cheek. Lizzy reached up and wiped it with her sleeve, as she wrapped her arm around his.

They didn't talk much on the way there. Elizabeth tried to engage him in conversation, more than once, but he seemed distant and drawn back. When the plane arrived, they went to the luggage pick up and got their bags. Then they all got a cab, which drove them to Pemberley. Upon arriving, a young girl ran out of the house to greet them. Once excited and happy, this girl was torn down and sobbing. She cried with every emotion in her body, her wails shaking her violently. Darcy received her with very similar actions. He bent down and took the girl into his arms. She just held him tightly and sobbed. They both closed their eyes, trying to fight the pain.

Elizabeth couldn't stand to watch, and put her head into Jane's shoulder, who patted her softly. Elizabeth couldn't bear two people she loved to be in such agony. Charles came behind Elizabeth and Jane, and hugged them both with arms spread wide. Not one face was dry. Mrs. Reynolds later came out of the house, more somber than ever. Her hands neatly clasped, and her head bowed, she stood, waiting the new Master of Pemberley to enter his domain.

The young girl looked at her brother and cried,

"Wil-liam.. I'm so..glad to-see you," she hugged him tightly, almost smiling. He patted her back with such effort to smile. He had to be strong for Georgiana.

He suddenly stood and took Georgiana's hand, leading her into Pemberley. The others imitated his actions, following him slowly. Darcy wiped a tear, and suddenly look stern faced.

"Charles, you would like your regular room, of course?" Charles nodded.

"Jane can have the room next to yours," he turned and looked at Jane, "if you like."

"Very much so," she answered, following Charles up stairs.

"Elizabeth, if you would like, you could have the room next to Jane's. Its right across from mine," he gave a faint and forced smile. She looked at him sympathetically. Georgiana had stopped sobbing for a bit, and now stood looking up at her, while holding William's hand.

"Of course," Elizabeth returned the forced smile, and followed him up as well.

"This, and Charles room, are the best guest rooms in the house. If you need anything to eat, at any time, just ask. My room, as I said earlier, is right across the hall, so just come get me if you need something," Mr. Darcy looked tired as he held his sisters hand.

"I'll go unpack," Elizabeth suggested, noticing the two would probably prefer some alone time. She was right, as Darcy gave her a grateful smile. He and his sister made their way to the garden, as she opened the door to the room. It was most lovely. There was a crystal vase in the corner on a beautiful hand painted table. A full length mirror was stationed right next to the dresser. The curtains had been drawn, and the sun light poured in the gloomy house. She smiled at the teddy bear placed on the bed. The floral bed covering was neatly made, the floor nicely scrubbed, and everything was in place. It gave the room almost a Martha Stewart look ... perfect. Cozy. Flowery.

She placed her bag on the bed and started to unpack. Such a place it was. Such grandness about it. If she had visited it any other time, she would have been in complete shock over the vines growing up the side and the wrought iron gates. Such a Victorian look, just as she pictured her dream house. But the devastation of such a time as this caused her to focus more on the brother and sister's obvious unhappiness, rather than the splendor of the house itself.

A slight knock was heard on the door. She opened is carefully, reveling her sister.

"Jane," she smiled.

"Oh, Lizzy, this is miserable. I can't bear to watch their faces," Jane said, hugging her sister. Elizabeth returned the hug, and nodded.

"We'll have to bear it, for William's sake. We can't leave him,"

"I wouldn't dream of it. Charles was crying too. Oh, its just so ... so..." she couldn't finish her sentence.

"I'm going to take a nap, Jane. I'm so tired now,"

"Grand idea! Simply grand. I don't know if it was the flying or the crying which did me in worse," Jane smiled and hugged her sister again, squeezing her hand as she left. Elizabeth slowly closed the door, and removed her shoes. Falling on the bed, not at all lightly, she was quickly asleep, a fitful one to say the least. A few hours later, she was awaken by a handsome but dreary face above hers.

"Lizzy?" he asked gently. She sat up slowly.

"Lizzy, its almost time for dinner. Would you like to come down?" he asked. He could tell she had been crying too, and took it greatly to heart. She was so sensitive to his feelings even. She, yes she, was in pain for him.

"Yes," she took his hand as he helped her to her feet.

"Let me freshen up a bit," she said quietly. He smiled and left the room. She looked in the mirror. Her hair was a mess, and there were tear stains soaking her cheeks. She quickly washed her face, combed her hair, and put on her shoes. As she came down, she noted that everyone was there except Georgiana.

"She feel asleep when we were in the garden, so I carried her back to her room. I don't want to wake her, she's had a really rough day," Darcy said, as she descended the staircase.

She also noticed that Jane and Charles had changed, and she was still in her big t-shirt. She was a bit embarrassed, but Darcy obviously took no notice. She seated herself next to him.

They ate rather silent, no one trying much to enter a conversation. Darcy didn't notice Elizabeth much that evening. After dinner, Charles and Darcy engaged in a game of billiards, as Jane and Elizabeth inspected the library. A grand library it was too. The night went by quickly, and Jane and Lizzy were in bed sooner than usual. Sleeping, the girls paid no notice that Charles and William were up till four o'clock, talking. And crying a bit too.

The next morning they all ate, a little more conversation, but not much more. Georgiana talked awhile with Lizzy, but she wasn't in high sprits, as was expected. She often didn't come to meals, but had them taken to her. All she really wanted to do was stay in her room. Lizzy didn't blame her.

William acted much the same way. Incredibly distant. She wished she could console him, help him in some way. But he didn't give her time to try. A few days later, she was feeling more lonely than she had in a very long while. Jane and Charles had gone to visit Charles family, and Darcy, Georgiana, Mrs. Reynolds, and Elizabeth were all by themselves. Darcy was distant, Georgie was quiet, and Mrs. Reynolds, well, she never said anything anyway. She was as sweet as she could be, though. Very mournful looking. Elizabeth spent most of her time in the beautiful garden. It was more beautiful than anywhere she had ever been. With gorgeous blooming roses and talkative daisies(who just kept smiling at her), she felt the most at home there. It was the only place on the whole ground that wasn't gloomy. That, and the lake. The garden over looked the most beautiful lake, too. She just wanted to jump right in, but she had no bathing suit. Oh well, maybe another time, she thought. The days went by, and Darcy set out to settle matters of the will, estate papers, all sorts of things. He came back at night, to sleep, of course, but was gone most of the day. She had gotten two kisses since arriving, and the thoughts of those kisses were the only thing keeping her going..

One day, she walked along the lake edge, softly thinking to herself. She was humming a tune quite happily, even though she felt not so giddy inside. Her hair was undone, and was quite free. She was wearing a very delightful sun dress, and looked very pretty. She wanted to feel pretty even more than look it. Maybe even Darcy would notice her. But he hadn't. It brought her down that her boyfriend was being like this, but there wasn't anything she could do. He was mourning, she knew that. But if only he would kiss her ... just one more time.

Suddenly she heard a noise, and quickly hid behind a tree. She noticed Mr. Darcy was coming up the hill, completely soaked. He had apparently been swimming, but the scowl he wore on his face was enough to determine that the water hadn't helped calm his spirits. He came so very close to the tree she was hiding behind that she stepped back. She accidentally stepped on a branch, producing a cracking sound. He quickly adjusted his gaze at the tree, where he saw the slightest hint of her skirt. She saw his gaze follow to her skirt, and realized she was caught. She came out from behind the tree and looked at him. His cheeks turned bright red, as he mumbled hello, and walked quickly up the hill. She looked after him. Hello was the first thing he'd said in awhile.

That night, as she was in her bed, she heard him come in late. She snuck to his door, listening to him getting ready for bed. She wanted to talk to him, that's all. Or even just listen to him.

She heard him grumble something, and heard a shoe hit the floor. She took another step towards the door. No noise. Another shoe. His feet scuffed the wooden floor towards the door. Elizabeth jumped back, a bit alarmed. He opened the door with surprise on his face. She hadn't seen him since the episode at the lake, and he looked painfully embarrassed, not to mention hopelessly annoyed. He now looked so alarmed that she began to cry. Mostly from being startled, and seeing his angry face.

"Lizzy?" he stepped into the hallway. She backed up a bit.

"Elizabeth, what's wrong?" she went to open her door, but he took her by the wrist.

"Lizzy?" he questioned pathetically. She wasn't mad ... just a bit confused. He was more so.

"Nothing," she replied. She tugged her hand a bit, and he let go, looking more alarmed that she would shun herself from him.

"You're crying," he took a step forward. His brow was furrowed, and she saw the dark out line of his face. His black silhouette stood in the door way, as the light from his room hit her softly. He reached up to wipe her tear as she moved toward him slowly, her nightgown glistening in the light.

"I haven't talked to you, or seen you," she whispered. He nodded,

"This is simply maddening, Lizzy," he began. She looked closer and noticed there were dark rings around his eyes.

"I should say the same thing," she replied.

"I've been through hell, and its still progressing. They consider me the Master of Pemberley now. Can you believe it? I wasn't supposed to be the Master of Pemberley for awhile. Now I have the burden of making sure this house is in right care, that my sister is taken care of, everything. I thought I would just have fun being in my twenties, you know? I had to call work, they understood and let me off awhile," Elizabeth nodded her head. He was obviously upset, but she was happy to just hear him talk to her.

"But now there's so much paper work, so many things I must handle. I can't, Lizzy, I really can't! The stress of these past days, or weeks, or whatever they are. Look, I can't even keep track of the days now. And sleep is the worst, Elizabeth, I mean, for heaven sake, I see my parent's dieing every time I close my eyes! I just watch re-runs of that drunkard's car hitting my parent's car. And them toppling over that rail, their car smashing to pieces," The hallway was eerily silent.

He looked at her with such agony that her heart burst in two. She rushed to him, holding him more tightly than before. He did cried. Hard. He couldn't stop. She cried too. The re-runs in his mind were too much. The stress was too much. The thoughts of missing his parents were too much. He honestly couldn't handle it.

She took his hand and bid him follow her into his room. He did. The tears had stopped for the moment, and she thought it best that they talked more. He smiled and kissed her gently, and the two laid down, and talked a while, in the dark. They just sat quietly, Darcy's large arms wrapped around her. She felt so happy.

"Fitzwilliam, just talk to me, would you? Tell me what stresses you out. I want to hear it. I want you to be yourself, and I don't want this stress to hurt you as it has," she said softly, but sternly. He actually smiled at the concern.

"If I must, darling,"

"Oh and you must, dear," she smiled and kissed him again. He told her about the will, how the estate was left to him. He said he figured he would be moving back to Pemberley then. She looked up at him with alarm, and she could see the sadness in his eyes.

"I don't think I can take care of Georgiana the way she needs to be though," he said. "I think she might move in with Mrs. Reynolds, in a house not fifteen minutes from here. She said she loved Pemberley, but that she couldn't stand being in here. I, on the other hand, welcome back happy memories. I feel bad for her though. I wish she didn't have to suffer," he trailed off, just talking.

"I wish you didn't either," Elizabeth said sweetly. He squeezed her, and the two silently sat there in the dark., until they fell asleep.

The next morning, Elizabeth awoke early to the sun creeping in the window. She got up, careful not to wake William. The night before she didn't notice how beautiful his room was as well. Certainly one of the grandest rooms. It was rather large, which she also didn't notice before. She walked around, examining the large bookshelf to the right of the sleigh bed. It held a vast amount of literature. She noticed his selection varied from romance to war stories to mysteries, and anything else. The walls were a very dark forest green, with a brown trimming, making the room seem awfully dark. If it weren't for the large window that reached the floor, the room seemed the only light that would enter would be artificial. She heard him move and turned to look behind her. He had brought his hand up to whisk a dark curl from his face, and then brought it to the pillow beside him. His eyes closed softly, his lashes resting peacefully. She figured that he was at peace for the moment, in his dreams.

Suddenly, she saw his eye lids lift slowly, and his head turn towards her. She smiled at him, so sweet and tired looking. He looked actually rather embarrassed. He sat up, softly running his fingers through those curls.

"I don't want to cause any alarm," Elizabeth said, heading for the door.

"They won't be up for another hour at least, Lizzy. Come talk to me," he said so sweetly that she couldn't refuse. The two went to the balcony outside his room and gazed at the lake.

"Shall we take a dip?" he asked, laughing. She looked at him and realized he was serious.

"What if we get caught?" she asked, cautiously.

"Who cares if we do?" he asked, a mischievously look in his eyes.

She looked at him as he stood up. Suddenly he picked her up, and carried her down stairs. She had no idea what was going on.

"What are you doing William?" she asked, as he opened the door skillfully, while holding her. Suddenly, she realized he was heading straight for the lake.

"No no no no no! Fitzwilliam Darcy, you put me down this instant!" she cried persistently kicking her feet in the air. Nothing slowed him though, and soon she found herself in the murky water, gulping for air.

"You nerd!" she cried, coming out of the water. Thankfully it wasn't a white night gown she was in, but purple. It clung to her though, which made her rather un easy. He stood by the bank, laughing as her curls dripped in front of her eyes. They blazed with fury. She started to walk up the hill, mad like. He stopped laughing and watched her.

"Aww, Lizzy, I'm sorry, I was just havin some.." suddenly she spun around and launched forward with all her might, knocking him over and into the cold lake. He came up, sputtering. This time she was laughing hysterically.

"Take that, punk!" she cried, still laughing. At first he was mad, but then began laughing too. He quickly got out of the water, and pulled her back in with him. She didn't mind it this time. They splashed in the lake, and eventually fell onto the bank, exhausted.

"I haven't had that much fun in awhile," Darcy said. Elizabeth said nothing.

"Especially with the recent happenings," he said, gravely.

"Hmm," she rolled over and faced him, her hands tucked neatly under her cheek. He brushed a curl away from her face, and stood.

"Come on, lets go get dry, and then get some breakfast," the two walked hand in hand back to the house. He seemed much cheerier the rest of the day, and even Charles couldn't figure it out. No one had witnessed their lake escapade. Of course, there was a lot of times where William was rather sad. But Elizabeth made him smile now. He knew she was there for him. Even if he was moving back to Pemberley...

Continued In Next Section