Beginning, Section II, Next Section

Chapter 9

For Lizzy, the first weeks in January passed with alternating speed and slowness. She had days that passed in the blink of an eye and days that dragged out forever. She found that the days when she had the opportunity to spend time with Fitz tended to fall into the first category, but that the hours they spent together seemed to fall into the second.

Lizzy found that the better she knew Fitz, the more she appreciated him.

"He's everything a man should be," she told Jane over lunch at Clyde's in Georgetown one blustery afternoon. "He's kind, he's modest, but he's still confident." She stopped talking and smiled broadly as she thought of him. Jane could see on her sister's face that she was as far gone as she'd ever been for any man. Lizzy had always been cautious with the opposite sex, Jane thought, and though it didn't seem that she'd set aside her good judgment, she wondered if Lizzy recognized that she might have fallen for an attractive face as much as anything else.

"And he's pretty easy on the eyes," Jane teased gently. She had yet to meet Fitz Darcy, and Lizzy heard the undercurrent of concern in Jane's words.

"I'm sure that once you've met him, you'll love him just as much as I do," Lizzy said, smiling.

"Do you?" Jane asked. "Love him, I mean?" She was more than a little surprised. Lizzy had never been one to throw around words like love. For her part, Lizzy blushed and stammered, wishing she could take back the remark.

"I..." she faltered. "I don't..." She couldn't come up with another word as she stared down at her Caesar salad. Jane reached over the table and took her sister's hand.

"It's OK, Lizzy," she said in a comforting voice. "You don't have to know right now."

After lunch, they walked through Sephora to choose makeup to go with their dresses. The pretty young clerk was impressed that they would be attending the Inaugural festivities; she had lived in Washington most of her life, and she said it was always the most beautiful night of the year.

True to their original plan, Elizabeth and Jane, along with Charlotte, had booked a large suite at the Ritz-Carlton near Dupont Circle where they would dress and prepare for the parties. Lizzy remembered her initial disappointment on hearing about Elliot Williamson, but when Charlotte announced that Charles Bingley would be her date, and after Elizabeth and Elliot had been introduced, her annoyance dissipated. Elliot was very charming, and it turned out that he had been a great friend to Fitz. The six planned to dine together before they arrived at the first of the balls.

The entire Bennet family would make the journey from Connecticut, as it turned out. Kit and Marie would arrive early and stay with Lizzy for a few days before the parties; Kylie would arrive with the Governor and Mrs. Bennet on the 18th.

Kit was particularly excited about the trip. She had been contacted by CBS about doing a piece for their Sunday Morning series on being a young woman at an Inauguration. She would interview Jennie Croft, the President Elect's 15-year-old daughter, and Emma Knightley, the Vice President's wife. Ever since she had called Lizzy with this news, Kit had claimed journalism as her vocation. This was the first time she had ever expressed independent interest in anything other than a cute boy at school. Bob had always been concerned that the spoiled, vain Kylie exerted too much influence over her sister; they were the very best of friends, rarely seen out of each other's company. These last few weeks had been different; Kit had even once come into his office to ask his opinion on whether her new hairstyle looked professional.

"You wouldn't believe it, Lizzy," said her father over the phone. "Kit has her nose to the grindstone doing research for her story. I don't think CBS had any idea that she was going to take this so seriously, but the producer who's working with her seems to think she shows a real aptitude for the business."

"Dad, you should tell Kit that you're proud of her, OK?" Lizzy suggested. "I think she's a little bit scared of you." Bob recalled that it had, indeed, been Lizzy to whom Kit turned for help in asking his permission to work on the project, and he said that he would make sure Kit knew that she was doing good work.

At last, the day of January 20th--the day all of Washington had been waiting for--arrived. The day was bright and bitterly cold. Lizzy wanted to skip the Inauguration itself, but she felt like she ought to be there. Fitz showed up at her door with a thermos of coffee and a bag of muffins at 8:30.

"Hi Beautiful!" he exclaimed after kissing her good morning. They had agreed to walk the few blocks to the Capitol, but Lizzy was having second thoughts as Fitz shut the door and a burst of cold air flew into her living room. He wore a gray suit with a gray topcoat and had a dark red muffler bundled around his neck. Lizzy wore a camel wool pants suit with an ivory cashmere turtleneck. Fitz looked at her sturdy, warm boots and admired her anew.

"You are very smart, my dear," he said. "If you keep your feet and your head warm, the rest of you will stay warmer."

"I may not represent upstate New York, but I do know a little about cold weather," she teased him. She put on a long navy down-filled coat and a matching fleece hat and scarf, and together they braved the cold morning.

As they stood on the Capitol steps, they listened to the Chief Justice administer the oath of office to President Croft, who had been a Naval hero, serving for several years in the Middle East. The whole country was alive with a sense of renewed optimism at the beginning of a new administration: Croft's character was beyond reproach. He was a bright, sensible man who appealed to liberals and conservatives alike. His wife, Sophie, was also widely admired. They had a young daughter, Jennie, and their son Jeremy was at Annapolis.

Both Fitz and Lizzy hoped that the Croft administration would bring about an era of bipartisan cooperation that would benefit all of America; they both believed that a strong America was good for the world. Fitz slid his arm around Lizzy's waist; together, they looked up at the Capitol dome as it glittered in the pale winter sunlight, shining against the blue sky. They had come here to make a difference for the people of their districts, but both wanted to make an impact nationwide.

As she watched the ceremonies, Elizabeth reflected that her own work, their work was about to begin in earnest. Congress would come into session next week, and she would finally have a real chance to serve. She considered her companion: he was so very confident and sure of himself. He had been elected chairman of the incoming class of 2000, and although it was more an honorary title than anything official, it meant that people expected great things of him. She was proud to be at his side, but she was also determined that she would make a name for herself, and that he would be just as proud to have her with him.

They had decided not to make a secret of their relationship, because neither of them really knew where it was going at that point. They were happy together, but they were also necessarily aware of their precarious position. Although they hadn't discussed it with each other, friends observed that they couldn't imagine Fitz without Lizzy, or Lizzy without Fitz.

"Are you OK?" he asked her as the crowd on the West Lawn began thin just a little bit.

She looked straight into his eyes and beamed. "I couldn't be better, Fitz." They stopped to talk to Kit's camera crew, and she wanted to ask them a few questions, so they agreed.

"I'm standing with Representative Fitzwilliam Darcy of New York, and Representative Elizabeth Bennet of Connecticut. Rep. Darcy, what did you think of the ceremony?"

"I've seen several inaugurations, and this one is marked by a national sense of optimism," he began. "I believe that President Croft's mandate crosses party lines, and that the American people are ready to work together to make our country better than it's ever been, marked by a new spirit of cooperation and togetherness."

Kit addressed her sister next. Lizzy smiled at her sister before she answered.

"Washington is an exciting place to be right now," she said. "This new president, and the new congress have our work cut out for us, but I think we all share a drive to succeed, to bring American ingenuity and know-how back to the forefront. Today is a wonderful day for the whole country."

They left the Capitol grounds holding hands, deciding to spend a little bit of time together before Lizzy had to meet Jane and Charlotte at the hotel. She was certain that her sister was still asleep, and neither of them had seen Charlotte.

"Char isn't much for the outdoors if it doesn't involve a beach," Fitz explained as they walked up East Capitol Street.

Lizzy laughed. When they reached her doorstep, she invited Fitz inside and went back to the kitchen to make something warm. By the time she returned with two cups of cocoa, he had built a fire. They settled in on the couch and within a few minutes, Lizzy lay her head against Fitz's shoulder and closed her eyes, utterly relaxed.

His heart welled up with delight that she could fall asleep in his arms with such ease. "I love you, Elizabeth Bennet," he whispered, then he leaned in and rested his head against her and joined her in a peaceful nap.

Chapter 10

Posted on: Tuesday, 14 November 2000

It has often been said that a man in evening clothes can do no wrong. In that spirit, Fitz Darcy, his friend Charles Bingley and his cousin Elliot Williamson proceeded to the Ritz-Carlton to meet the ladies.

Although Charlotte had been unusually quiet during the week preceding the ball, Fitz had wheedled one bit of information out of Charles' date: Elizabeth would be dressed in a gown of deep red velvet. Though he had no idea of the style of the dress, he had run one errand before departing for the hotel.

He knew that neither Elliot nor Charles had brought gifts for their dates: Charles and Charlotte were old friends, and Elliot had just met Elizabeth's sister, Jane, though he did seem smitten with her. Fitz wondered how to make an opportunity to give his gift to Elizabeth.

"Jane is truly lovely," Elliot told Fitz and Charles as they drove through Downtown Washington. "She's as smart as she is beautiful and kind. "She's very savvy, and yet she seems to have values."

"Sounds like you've met the perfect woman, El," Charles said dryly. "What does she want with a cad like you?"

"Beats me," Elliot rejoindered. "But I'm counting my lucky stars, every day."

Meanwhile, the makeup artist and hairdresser put the finishing touches on Lizzy, Jane and Charlotte. Each of the women was dressed in a white terrycloth robe for the moment; they'd put their gowns on shortly.

"I can't believe you haven't let me do something more than trim your hair yet, Char," said Greg, who had been doing her hair for close to four years now. Her black hair fell almost to her waist, though she wore it up whenever she appeared in public.

"Greg, you know you love my hair!" Char protested. "It gives you something to work with!" He agreed that it did as he placed the heirloom gold combs. The mass of braids was truly a masterpiece. Elana, who was doing their makeup, dusted Charlotte's neck and décolletage with shimmering gold powder and put a dot of gold gloss in the center of her lower lip, then sent her off to dress.

Jane's straight blond hair was sleek, parted on a slant and held at the back with a shining silver clasp. Elana lined her blue eyes with a dark, sparkling gray and used the pale pink lipstick Jane had provided, agreeing that she had made a very wise choice. She used an iridescent sparkle on the arms and back, then sent Jane off to dress.

Lizzy went last. Greg pulled her shoulder-length hair into a French twist to give her the illusion of height, but he left strands around her face in curls for a more romantic look-she had just that kind of smile today. She was very pleased with his work, and asked if she might call for an appointment, since she didn't yet have a hairdresser in Washington.

"Oh, Sweetie, I'd be thrilled to work with you!" he responded with enthusiasm.

Elana went for subtlety with Lizzy's makeup, except in the lips. "You have a great mouth, and your smile will not be outdone tonight, I guarantee it!" the artist said as she chose a deep red matte shade. Lizzy was pleased with the effect, and she did smile. After a dusting with a pearly powder, which seemed to be one of Elana's trademarks, Lizzy was sent to put on her gown.

Charlotte and Jane came out first and opened a bottle of champagne. They were admiring each other, trying to decide who looked better.

"Jane, in that silver, you'll outshine us all," Char started. "I know that dress will drive a certain someone absolutely crazy." Jane wore a silver halter dress by Donna Karan. Her back was completely bare to the waist, but she certainly had the trim figure for it. Along with the dress, Jane wore her own diamond earrings and one of Cornie's diamond necklaces. "I must say, Elana really did a great job with your makeup." Charlotte continued. "I especially love the glitter-it's perfect!"

"Stop it, Char!" Jane protested. "I'm sure nobody will be looking at me if you're standing anywhere near." Charlotte wore a clingy gown of ivory pleated silk topped with a bolero jacket richly embroidered in gold with beadwork. It was a classic Mary McFadden design, and the color made Char's warm complexion glow even brighter. Her hair perfectly complimented the jacket.

At last they agreed that they both looked wonderful.

Lizzy had not yet come out. In her room, she was still hesitating about her outfit. There was something missing, she thought. The gown was lovely: deep red silk velvet, with an elaborately cut bodice that fit Lizzy perfectly. The neckline dipped off her shoulders and went down into three-quarter sleeves; the skirt was cut for dancing, she thought as she twirled in front of the mirror.

Finally, Lizzy decided she'd just go on out there and see what her friends thought.

Charlotte quickly handed her a glass of champagne.

"What's wrong, Lizzy?"

"You both look perfect, but I... don't," she pouted.

"Lizzy, I've never seen you look more beautiful," Jane insisted, and she meant it. Her sister was radiant, even though she did seem dissatisfied with the result of her primping. Jane continued to study Lizzy and finally she had an idea.

"Do you want to switch necklaces?" Lizzy wore Cornie's pearls, which were truly stunning. They had been a wedding gift from Grandfather Bennet; the pearls had been in the Bennet family for several generations.

Lizzy insisted that she could not, that the Art Deco styled diamonds looked too perfect on Jane, and that she was proud to be wearing the Bennet pearls. She was proud, but she wished her necklace were a little bolder.

They continued to sip champagne, and Lizzy studied herself in the mirror. "I guess I'll do," she said finally. Char and Jane joined her in the reflection. Each of them slipped an arm around her waist as they assured her that she'd do better than that.

A knock came at the door, and they knew that the gentlemen must be behind it; Charlotte let them in.

Fitz stood back for a short moment, drinking in Elizabeth's polished beauty. She couldn't have looked more different than the woman he had left earlier, the woman in his arms, who wore her oldest jeans and a sweater.

He crossed the room and they walked together to stand in front of the balcony window. The other two couples were chatting on the couches.

Fitz slipped a case out of his inside coat pocket. "I should have given this to you earlier, and I see that you're already wearing the most beautiful necklace," he said shyly. "But this belonged to my mother, and I hoped that you would wear it tonight."

Elizabeth opened the case to find a choker made entirely of marquise-cut rubies set in gold, with one larger stone dropped from the center. "Oh Fitz, it's perfect! It's exactly what I wanted for tonight," she cried, then she kissed him lightly. Fitz thought for a moment that she was going to cry. He removed the pearls and replaced them with the rubies, all the while delicately brushing his fingers against her neck; the contact sent shivers up and down her spine. This was going to be a long night.

They were called back to the group when Elliot reminded Fitz that their reservations were for 6, and that every place in DC was booked solid. "If we don't want to end up at Burger King, I suggest we get a move on."

As they rode down in the elevator, Charles felt a bit of jealousy creep over him. He and Char had been friends for years, and she had an undeniable exotic beauty, but there was no attraction between them. They were going to this event as a matter of convenience. He thought that Elliot was right about Jane Bennet, she was flawless--an angel. Was she as smitten with Elliot as Elliot clearly was with her? "Who am I kidding?" he asked himself silently. "Elliot is much higher profile than I am. He's quite a catch, and she... wow."

At that point, Charles realized that the angel was actually speaking to him. "I understand you're with the Policy Institute, Mr. Bingley," she said.

"Oh yes, I analyze the actions of all the people around us," he gestured to the representatives and congressional staff in the car. "It's the greatest job."

"I'm a policy analyst with the Brookings Institution," Jane responded. "I work on urban planning issues, primarily, but I'm starting to branch out."

"Do you know Edward Gardiner?" Charles asked about his mentor, certainly she must know him if she worked in the Urban Planning Unit at the Brookings.

"He's my direct supervisor," she said excitedly. "Mr. Gardiner is the best there is."

They talked in this fashion for several minutes until they realized that the rest of the party had grown silent and was observing their conversation. Jane returned to Elliot's side, smiling and contrite for ignoring him. Charles took Char's arm as she winked at him. Fitz and Lizzy were going in Fitz's car, while the other four would be in a limousine with a driver. They would meet at Jaleo, which remained trendy despite having been in the same location for several years, and then they'd make their appearance at the New York ball first.

It was going to be a long night, but it was going to be a good night.

Chapter 11

Fitz held Elizabeth's hand as he drove. It might have been easier for them to go in the limousine with the others, but he had wanted a few private moments with her. He was not aware how much she wanted those moments. He still had fits of insecurity: she was young, dynamic, beautiful and slightly inexperienced. He supposed that part of the reason he found her so appealing was that her eyes were still so wide. He had an unmistakable passion for just governance, but seeing the American political system from her viewpoint helped him maintain his optimism about the future.

Almost since he learned who she was, Elizabeth Bennet had fascinated him--she who seemed to be the last of a great political family. Although she was unaware, he had done some research on her family. The previous generation was very involved. The Bennets had left their mark on most of the states in New England, and they had done good work. However, Fitz was painfully aware that the current generation was less than interested in public service. He wondered: to whom will we pass on this cherished democracy?

They had stopped at a red light, and he glanced at Elizabeth wearing his mother's necklace. It sparkled in the light from Washington's antique street lamps, which lent an air of warmth even on such a cold evening. They squeezed each other's hands and gazed into each other's eyes until a blast of the horn from the car behind them brought them back to the moment. Fitz pulled up in front of Jaleo and handed the keys to the valet, then he handed Lizzy out of the car.

"I've never seen you look lovelier, my Elizabeth," he whispered, gently planting a kiss at her temple.

"Oh Fitz, The way you say that..." she paused, blushing. "It makes me feel like springtime."

Lizzy reflected on the events of the day as they stood in the foyer of the restaurant waiting for their companions. She was almost certain Fitz had said something as she was falling asleep, but she hadn't been able to make it out, as he had spoken very softly, almost as if he was talking to himself and not to her. She was too embarrassed to admit that she hadn't really heard him, so she didn't bring up the subject.

Jane and Elliot emerged from the limo first. Charlotte was fixing her lip gloss just in case they encountered photographers, because she often felt that she couldn't go anywhere without having her picture taken. This fact did not bother Char one bit.

"Jane, I must say," said Elliot with a gleam of admiration in his eyes. "You're always beautiful, but you look truly stunning this evening. I am going to be the envy of every man in Washington." He clearly admired the figure she cut in her silver gown. Truly, she looked like a photograph, the kind that a teenage boy would cut out of his mother's fashion magazines when he conceived what a woman should look like.

She was very pleased with his reaction. Although it seemed that she had taken up with him with undue haste, Jane was the sort of woman who knew her own heart very well. She sensed that Elliot was a decent, kind man under all his bluster and athletic good looks. Jane had a peculiar theory about relationships: that you should view each new liaison with the attitude that it might last forever. She had never married because she had never met a man she could continue to admire and respect forever; she believed that when she met the man she was supposed to marry, there would come a time when she'd just know.

Jane wasn't sure about Elliot, though she wanted to be; for the time being he was admirable, he admired her, and that would be enough for tonight.

Almost as soon as Char got out of the car, the flashbulbs started popping. Char waved and blew kisses to the photographers, but she didn't get jealous as she noticed that Jane was being photographed more than she was. Amazing, she thought to herself as she watched Jane, who was clearly not accustomed to the attention.

The couples dined on Jaleo's famed tapas and wines from Spain and Portugal; the conversation, laughter and time moved more quickly than any of them had expected. Fitz noticed that Charles couldn't take his eyes off Jane, but that Jane didn't pay him any particular regard. No, Jane talked easily with Elliot and the rest of the table, but she did not single out Charles.

Fitz wanted his friend to meet somebody who would make him happy, but this Miss Bennet was dating Fitz's very own cousin-quite happily from the looks of it. Must there be a muddle to every pleasant evening? Fitz brooded for a moment until he felt a gentle hand on his arm.

"Is everything all right, Fitz?" Elizabeth asked him softly. He couldn't help smiling as he covered her hand with his. "Couldn't be better, my love."

This exchange was clearly audible, and Charlotte broke the tension by leading the rest of the table in a chorus of "awwwww." Elizabeth blushed not a little, and quickly excused herself; Jane followed her sister.

"Lizzy, I know I had my doubts about Fitz, but he's tremendous!" said Jane once they were alone. Lizzy's cheeks were still pink from Fitz's public display of affection, but she was so happy that Jane liked Fitz. "It's obvious that he's just over the moon about you." Both sisters smiled, then Jane continued. "The way he looks at you, it's as if you're the only woman in the world, let alone the room."

"Oh, Jane, I... I've never felt this way about anybody before."

"Have you let him in on that little secret?"

Lizzy admitted that she had not, but that she was still reluctant to put herself in such a vulnerable position; nobody wants to be the one to make the first confession!

Within the hour, the party arrived at the New England Inaugural Ball. It would be their first stop of the evening. The ballroom of the Mayflower Hotel was brilliant with lights and white flowers. Everything seemed to sparkle. They had not been in the room more than five minutes; the men went to the coat check before Deeann Bennet approached her two eldest daughters.

"Well, my darling Jane, you certainly have made up for lost time," Mrs. Bennet insinuated. "He's very handsome," she said, meaning Elliot. "Who is he and what does he do?"

"Mother!" Jane demurred. "This is hardly the time or the place." Despite her mother's continued questioning, Jane would not say another word on the subject, and Dee moved on to Elizabeth.

"Your beau is much better looking than his pictures, and he quite seems taken with you." Dee winked at Elizabeth, who blushed at her mother's innuendo.

"Ummmm, where's Dad?" she asked as if she had not heard her mother. She was answered by his appearance.

"Right here, Punkin." She turned and they embraced warmly. Elizabeth was truly glad to see her father. One of her objectives about this evening was that she wanted Fitz and her father to meet. It meant a great deal to her that they get along, and although she couldn't logically imagine any other outcome, Lizzy had to admit that not all of her thoughts had been logical in the past week or so.

She spotted Fitz talking to Charles and Elliot at the bar and casually guided her father over that way. She was nervous, but the closer they got, the calmer Elizabeth became. Bob was fully aware what his daughter was doing, but he was determined to let her take the lead in the effort to introduce the two most important men in her life. She approached from behind and gently tapped Fitz's shoulder.

He turned around and his whole being seemed to light up. Unaware that Elizabeth was not alone, he picked her up and spun her around, kissing her soundly on the lips. "I haven't seen you in five whole minutes!" he said. "I missed you."

Bob watched the display with some amusement. Here was a young man who clearly adored Elizabeth. It was about time, Bob thought. She had always been such a hard worker, but the sparkle in her eyes showed that she was almost as fond of George Darcy's son as he was of her.

"Fitz," she said as he released her from his embrace. "I brought somebody to meet you." Now it was Fitz's turn to blush as Elizabeth gestured to her right, where Bob stood. From what Bob knew of Fitz's reputation, and from his friendship with Fitz's father, he could be nothing but pleased to notice the growing affection between the couple.

"This is my father, Bob Bennet." Bob extended his hand and Fitz shook it enthusiastically.

"It's a great pleasure to meet you, Governor Bennet." He was absolutely sincere. "My father always spoke so highly of you and your family. It's hard for me to believe that we've never met before."

"We have, my boy," Bob said jovially. "But you weren't much more than five years old. I think my Lizzy was in a stroller. I'm not surprised that you don't remember me." Bob's remark set both Fitz and Lizzy at ease. Jane soon joined Elliot; a waiter approached with a tray of champagne and the men drank a toast to the beautiful Bennet women.

Meanwhile, Dee was receiving guests near the punch table. She was talking with a man whose hair shone in the lights. His tuxedo had a greenish tinge to the black. Kit and Kylie giggled as they watched from a corner. The party had hardly started and already the stranger seemed to be sweating, plus they could see his scalp through his hair whenever he turned his head, which was quite often.

"My dear Mrs. Bennet, it is my great pleasure to meet the First Lady of Connecticut," the man said in a voice loud enough to be audible to the girls in their corner. "To look at you, one would think you were the first lady of the land!"

"Oh Lord," whispered Kit. "He must be a lobbyist." Kylie laughed loudly in response and more than a few heads turned their way.

Dee bowed her head and smiled like the former beauty queen she was. Her companion continued to talk as she queened about.

"I'm William Collins-but my friends call me Willie," he intoned. "I've read so much of your charitable works. You've done so much good from your position, Mrs. Bennet. You ought to be very proud of yourself."

She insisted that he call her Dee, and the pair talked for several minutes. The shiny man described himself as an image consultant and publicist; as they spoke, a plan hatched in Dee's head.

"My daughter Elizabeth is a congresswoman," Dee helpfully informed Willie Collins. "She's a pretty enough thing, so she gets her picture in the papers rather often, but I don't think she makes the most of her opportunities." The two looked at each other and nodded conspiratorially.

"You couldn't make yourself any clearer, Dee," Collins said. "I would be more than happy to be of any assistance to the new congresswoman." He handed Dee his business card and she carefully placed it in her jeweled evening bag. This man Collins was the answer to her prayers where Elizabeth was concerned.

A blond woman wearing a tight lace gown in an unfortunate coral shade approached them and chastised Collins for leaving her alone. "Caroline, my dear, have you had the opportunity to make the acquaintance of Mrs. Dee Bennet, the First Lady of Connecticut?"

Caroline had not. She had never heard of Mrs. Dee Bennet and she had never been to Connecticut. She was here with Willie Collins because he knew absolutely everybody. It didn't matter to Caroline who escorted her unless his name was Fitz Darcy. Caroline held a Mai Tai in her hand; the bartender had mixed it to match her dress.

"Charmed, Mrs. Barnett," she said, stifling an unladylike burp. "I'm Caroline Bingley."

Dee thought the woman was pretty and cultured, and viewed it as a sign that Willie could be of great assistance with Elizabeth's public image. Perhaps he could even do something with Jane!

The orchestra had just started playing. Its first number was slow. Elizabeth and Fitz took the floor, as did Jane and Elliot, Charles and Charlotte, and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Marie danced with Senator Matthews son, James, who was a law student at Georgetown. Kit conferred with her producer. Kylie batted her eyelashes at a waiter, who nonetheless refused to give her a glass of champagne.

Collins took a call on his cellular phone, and could be heard above the music; Caroline ordered another Mai Tai.

And the night was still young.

Chapter 13

Fitz and Elizabeth were forced to dance apart for much of the New England ball. It was the official party for her home state, and there were protocols to be observed. He hoped that they'd be able to avoid some of it at the New York ball, which he'd try to do by showing up a little late. He found that Marie Bennet was next on his dance card. Of all the Bennet sisters, Fitz thought Marie was the one who most closely resembled Elizabeth, although Marie was an athlete and had a very different kind of style. Her gown was deep blue with a high neck that showed off her well toned arms. She had never been very outgoing, but her exposure to so many new people over the course of her introduction to high-level competition had given her an added advantage: the formerly shy girl had something to talk about now, and a lot more experience talking. She was a very popular partner tonight.

"I understand that you are very fond of horses, and that you ride very well," he said to her to start their conversation.

"I... thank you. I do love horses." Marie still had some trouble accepting compliments, but she looked him straight in the eye and went on. "There were times when I preferred them to people, but I hope I've outgrown that by now. However, riding is my passion, and I hope to increase my skill as the years go on."

"My sister, Georgiana, is studying to be a veterinarian at Cornell," Fitz mentioned. "She hopes to specialize in equine medicine." Marie expressed a desire to meet Georgiana, which is exactly the outcome Fitz had hoped for.

"She will be at the New York ball. You and Jamie should come with us." Fitz had known the Matthews family for many years, and was hoping to have a chance for some conversation with Jamie. Their dance ended, Marie and Fitz walked to the edge of the floor where Elizabeth stood with Jamie Matthews, contemplating the woman who seemed to be dancing with a potted palm. She seemed to be coming toward them now.

"Fitz, do you know that woman?" Lizzy asked quietly.

"Everybody knows that woman," Jamie said wryly. "That's Caroline Bingley."

"She doesn't look at all well," Marie said.

"Is she related to Charles?" Lizzy asked.

"Sister." Fitz confirmed as she approached the group, brandishing a glass of champagne. Fitz glanced around the room in search of Charles, but he did not see his friend. Caroline smelled of perfume and alcohol, and Elizabeth feared that she would fall out of her strapless coral dress, which looked to be about a size too small.

"Caroline," Fitz said with all the enthusiasm of an air kiss. "Can I get you a chair, perhaps a cup of coffee?" Fitz motioned to a waiter. The orchestra started playing again. "Marie, I believe this is my dance," said Jamie as he took her hand and led her on to the floor. Elizabeth was also engaged for the next dance. She whispered her apologies to Fitz, who said that he could handle Caroline on his own.

"Aren't you going to ask me to dance?" said Caroline.

"Caroline, you're in no condition to dance." He said sternly. "Besides, I'm going to sit this one out." All evening he had been looking forward to watching Elizabeth dance with her beloved father.

"Are you having a good time, Fitz?" she asked. He indicated that it was a lovely party, that everything was beautiful and that he was, indeed, having a good time. He expressed his most insincere wishes that she was also having a good time and searched for a way to extricate himself from the situation. Help came in the form of Charlotte and Elliot, who could not have been more welcome.

"Well well, Caroline, I see you're painting the town--whatever color that is--again," said Elliot. "Who escorted you, anyway?" Elliot knew she couldn't have come with anybody really important, or he would have known about it already.

Caroline hiccuped and took a sip of her coffee. "Willie Collins, " she said. "He's a publicist, and he knows everybody." She paused for a moment and looked at Fitz, who had moved away from her to watch the dancers. "He ought to have asked me, though. It's not fair," she whined.

Charlotte sat down next to Caroline and shook her head. "Life's not fair, dearie," she advised. "I think you're old enough to know that by now."

The New York ball was underway at the Willard Hotel, just a few blocks from the White House. Security was tight there, as some high-level VIPs were expected within the hour. Kit arrived with her producer and camera crew, and as her sister's party approached, she was taping an introduction.

"This is Kit Bennet reporting from the Willard Hotel," she tried. "Can we do that again?" she asked Leah, who had been in the business for years. "Sure, I thought you sounded fine, but if you want to do it again, we'll do it again." she said. "Talent," she thought to herself, but this young girl had potential, and a sharpness Leah hadn't expected from this publicity stunt.

"This is Catherine Bennet reporting from the Willard Hotel where we await the arrival of Vice President and Mrs. Knightly. Emma Knightly is expected to move among the first social circles here in Washington, and establish the tone for younger set. As many have said today, this is the start of a new era, and the excitement in the air is unmistakable." Kit paused for a moment.

"Very nice!" the veteran producer said. "You're really good at this, Kit. I think you've got a future in this business." The camera crew needed some indoor footage, and Kit walked in with her sisters and their escort.

"I hope you're having fun, Kit," Jane said.

"Yes, every time I turn around you're working again, but I'm very impressed with what I've seen so far." Lizzy added. Kit blushed at being praised by the older sisters she had looked up to her whole life.

"It means so much to me that you think I'm doing well," she said. "And yes, Jane, I am having a very good time."

Jane and Elliot sat at a small table away from the dance floor. It seemed to Elliot that he hadn't been alone with his date all night, and he was out to rectify the situation. "Have I mentioned how beautiful you look tonight, Jane?"

"I think you have, but that doesn't mean you can't mention it again." They both smiled, and Elliot motioned to a waiter, who brought glasses of champagne.

"The best thing about Inaugurations is that the champagne flows like water. We might all wake with splitting headaches tomorrow, but tonight it's all about the bubbly."

"You're as drunk as Charles' sister," Jane joked. She was a little concerned at Elliot's buoyant mood, but only a little. Elliot shook his head, smiling, and then kissed Jane.

Charles returned to Charlotte with two glasses of champagne and a scowl on his face after observing Jane and Elliot from a distance. All he could hear was the light sound of her laughter; all he could see was the warmth in her eyes and her smile.

"Here." He handed one of the glasses to Charlotte and drained the other one quickly, setting it down on a convenient tray.

"You're a fun date, you know?" Char wisecracked. She looked at her old friend. Charles was always good company, even when he had a lot on his mind. His behavior tonight didn't make sense. "Look, I could have come with Matt Damon."

"I'm sorry, Char." Charles looked at her and saw with some relief that she was more concerned than annoyed. "I'm being a jerk."

Jane and Elliot were dancing, and Charles followed them with his eyes. "I know what's wrong with you, Charles." Char brightened up considerably. "It's Jane Bennet, isn't it?"

"Is it that obvious?" He looked so forlorn that she had to laugh, but her laughter was contagious. All this would get sorted out tomorrow, or the next day, or the day after that. Right this minute Charles and Charlotte were going to dance.

Both were excellent dancers, and their contrasting good looks made them a striking pair.

Fitz and Jamie Matthews were deep in conversation over coffee and dessert; Elizabeth went with Marie to find Georgiana.

After a few minutes, the desired introduction was made, and both young women almost forgot that they had, in fact, arrived with dates. Their shared love of horses recommended them to each other, and before fifteen minutes had passed, they agreed to go riding together at Rosings Farm, Georgiana's Aunt Catherine's horse farm; Marie had heard much praise of its stock. The two were fast friends by the time they went in search of Fitz.

"So," Fitz concluded. "I could really use your expertise on my team, if you're interested. I know you will have other offers, but give mine some thought." Jamie agreed that he would think about putting his expected law degree to work on Fitz's staff, and they shook hands as the ladies joined them.

The whole room stopped when Vice President and Mrs. Knightley arrived. They took the stage and waved excitedly. Emma was beautiful in a white satin gown by Richard Tyler. The band broke into "Till There Was You," from The Music Man and the second couple danced in front of the jubilant crowd. Fitz took the opportunity to dance with Elizabeth.

"I kind of liked being separated from you," he said as they twirled around the floor. Elizabeth pouted prettily and Fitz chuckled. "Because it makes me so very happy to see you again!" Neither of them had had much to drink that night, but both Lizzy and Fitz seemed to be captured by the bubbles that were the theme of the decorations. All was light between them at that moment.

They stopped dancing and stood face to face, hand in hand. gazing straight into one another. Where they stood, the music receded, though around them were couples dancing and a whole world that had not noticed them stopping for a moment.

"Lizzy, I think..." Fitz paused for a split second to correct himself. He had to say exactly the right words, because he knew he'd never say them to another woman as long as he lived. "I know," he said, and paused again for emphasis. She was so... she was everything he had ever dreamed of bound up in one woman. He glanced at her whole face as she waited patiently for him to finish, so confident and filled with joy. It was too much for him to resist: he had to kiss her, right there in the middle of the dance floor at the Willard Hotel, with cameras all around, and dancers, and who knew what else.

Fitz boldly captured her, smoothing his hands over the velvet of her gown, jolting her senses with his kiss; there was nothing else, anywhere. As Elizabeth struggled to regain her composure, she busied herself adjusting Fitz's tie. She still wanted to touch him; well, what she wanted was to be back at Pembroke House, to put an end to this insanity, but there was still the California ball to attend.

"As I was saying..." Fitz began, only to be interrupted by the band loudly playing Hail To The Chief. President Croft and the First Lady had arrived. This was an unexpected surprise, and all attention turned to the new leader.

Fitz thought about it for a moment, and decided that he had probably got his point across; Elizabeth looked at the First Couple with admiration. They had been together for many years, through his distinguished career as an Admiral; they had raised two children and run a spotless campaign. That was the sort of union she hoped to build sooner or later. "Sooner," she whispered to herself, glancing up at Fitz, who stood next to her and still held one of her hands.

She was glad that he held her hand, otherwise, she thought she might just float away.

Chapter 14

By far, the California ball out-glittered the other parties they attended that night. Char was truly in her element at her home state's soiree; and Elliot seemed to have a large number of friends there as well. Lizzy couldn't help being surprised.

"Oh, the Williamsons are a Northern California family. Marin County, I think. Fitz would surely know." Charles informed her as they danced. She nodded and smiled. Charles couldn't tell what Lizzy was thinking about, but he did know one conversation he wouldn't mind starting with her, and Liz had just given him the perfect opening.

"So, um, how long has your sister been seeing Elliot?"

"Why Mr. Bingley, if I didn't know better I'd say you were fishing for information." Lizzy played the coquette, but if Charles was going to ask questions, she was going to answer them. Yes, she liked Elliot, but she hadn't forgotten her scheme to get Jane and Charles together in the first place.

"Perhaps I am," he said, trying to sound mysterious. Then he almost pleaded with her. "How long?"

"Not long. Just a couple of weeks."

Charles was relieved to say the least and it showed on his face. "So it's not serious, tonight is just a casual date?"

"I didn't say that." She hated to disappoint her friend, neither did she want to give him false hope. Charles looked crestfallen and Lizzy went on. "In addition to being smart and beautiful, Jane is a very loyal person. She doesn't have casual relationships, and that makes it far too easy for her to get hurt." Charles didn't know what to say, so he said nothing.

"I like Elliot," Lizzy continued. "He's good looking, he's a ton of fun, plus he's great at getting tables at the best restaurants, I just don't know that he's ready to settle down, whereas I think that's what Jane wants."

"To settle down?" Charles asked, dreamily. His eyes saw a scene that was different from the glamorous bustle of the Ritz-Carlton's ballroom. He thought of a house with a green yard, a big dog, a Volvo in the drive, and Jane with a couple of tow-headed kids--their children. "That'd be great," he said.

The song ended and Lizzy squeezed Charles' hand as he walked her back to Fitz's side. Was it too much to hope that everything would work out in the end?

Lizzy and Fitz sat out the next dance. He wrapped his arms around her waist as she stood in front of him, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Getting tired? It's been a long day, I could take you home..." he said softly. She thought about it for a second, and enticing as the idea of going home with Fitz might be, she was having a good time. She was getting tired, but not that tired. Everything was far too beautiful to leave.

"No no, this is the first party where neither of us has any obligations," she reminded him. "I want a chance to enjoy my date."

Charlotte approached them with a group in tow, these were the beautiful people. "Liz, Fitz, I want you to meet some friends of mine..."

"Julia, Matt, Rob... Liz Bennet and Fitz Darcy. Aren't they the absolute hottest congressmen you've ever seen?" Char performed the introductions and then disappeared off into the crowd.

"You're in Congress?" said Matt Damon. "I'm impressed... hey, have you met Jennifer Lopez yet?" Within a few minutes, Lizzy and Fitz had joined the celebrity crowd and were being introduced by their first names to groups of people whose faces they recognized.

"Does this kind of thing always happen when Char is around?" Lizzy whispered to Fitz after half an hour and several glasses of champagne; Fitz merely smiled and kissed her again, much to the delight of their famous companions.

When they came up for air, Lizzy was greeted by a face she had not expected to see: her youngest sister, who was dancing with a man at least twice her age. Kylie was supposed to have been with their parents, but the Bennets weren't here. They must have gone to bed hours ago.

Kylie had also changed clothes. She had been wearing a pink jacket over her black dress at the New England ball, which she was not wearing now. She had put her hair up, added some enormous earrings and changed her makeup. Her dress was strapless, and though it fit her, she could easily suffer from the same problem as Charles' sister had earlier, Lizzy thought.

She found Jane as soon as possible. She did not know Kylie's dance partner, but he seemed very friendly with her, too friendly. Charlotte must know him, but Charlotte was nowhere to be found. "Elliot knows almost everybody, where is he?"

"Right here, how can I help?" he said, appearing at exactly the right moment and sliding an arm around Jane's shoulder.

"Do you see that man, the one dancing over there?" Elizabeth pointed out Kylie, but did not identify her as their sister. "Do you know who he is?"

Elliot looked for a moment and recognized the man. "Good lord, that's George Wickham. What bad taste to show up here on a night like this." At Lizzy's puzzled look, Elliot went on.

Wickham, he told her, had been elected to the Senate from Montana the previous term. The election had been bitter, and ugly, and Wickham was behind in the polls until a few weeks before election day, when his opponent had suddenly withdrawn from the race. Although the man claimed health and family reasons, word on the street said that the real reason was much less pleasant: blackmail.

"Of course, nobody can prove anything," he said bitterly. "Jeez, I hope Fitz doesn't find out he's here." As fate would have it, Fitz had already seen the dancing couple. Kylie turned around to grab yet another drink from a passing waiter, she laughed out loud as she sloshed her glass and most of the room noticed her.

Fitz spotted Elizabeth talking to Elliot and Jane and walked to join them, still trying not to show how much Wickham's presence affected him, though at least Georgiana had left with Marie and Jamie half an hour ago. Had they left because they'd seen Wickham? He should have foreseen something like this and kept Georgiana away from the Inauguration, but he'd counted on a man of Wickham's disgraced character not being welcomed among a civilized crowd, despite the power of his office.

"So, who's the little tart dancing with the Senator from Montana?" he asked, in an attempt to make a topical joke to break the tension.

Jane, Elizabeth, and Elliot stared at him. Jane was simply shocked; Elliot was surprised to hear his cousin say anything so crude, and Elizabeth's face was almost blank except for the rage in her eyes.

"That," she informed him. "Is Kylie. My youngest sister."

Fitz fell asleep in an armchair by the fire, berating himself for his stupidity, time and again replaying the terrible scene at the ball. Liz had stared him down with malice in her eyes. "I cannot believe you said that," Fitz admonished himself.

What could he do to make up for his stupid blunder, how could he explain? He considered calling, but she had been very angry when she had walked out. Fitz had wanted to follow her, more than anything, but Jane stopped him. She warned him that he was going to have to wait out this storm.

A block away, Lizzy was pacing in her bedroom. She knew that Marie, Georgiana and Kit were downstairs on the couches. They were watching movies and eating popcorn-they were being girls, and part of her wanted to join them. Sometimes she felt that she was still a girl, despite her new office. She looked at herself in the mirror one last time: her face was pale, but her hair had stayed up very nicely. She remembered the happy moments--beautiful kisses and words she'd longed to hear-and thought how she had wanted this night to end, certainly not here, alone and upset. Lizzy changed into her pajamas and went down to watch TV with the girls.

"You look surprisingly calm," said Marie.

"Yeah, when you blew through here earlier we thought you were going to knock some tiles off the roof." Georgiana cracked.

"Cheesecake Bite?" said Kit, offering a plate. Lizzy sat on the floor next to Marie and they continued watching The Philadelphia Story.

"You know, Katharine Hepburn's character has always reminded me of you, Lizzy." Marie said.

"Oh, totally." Kit agreed.

"Which is funny, because Fitz reminds everybody of Cary Grant," said Georgiana. "I mean, just in general."

"Fitz is just... Fitz." Said Lizzy. "I should really call him, if he's still speaking to me. He had no idea she's my sister."

"Be thankful for that," Kit said, rolling her eyes. "Everybody knows she's my sister and it's so embarrassing sometimes."

Lizzy walked into the kitchen to call. She could still hear Georgiana and Kit teasing Marie about Jamie.

"OK, so, the burning question," Kit began. "Did he kiss you good night?"

"Kit!" Lizzy knew Marie would be blushing.

"Yeah!" Georgiana continued. "You two were looking very chummy toward the end of the evening. So did he?"

"Yes. Yes he did." Marie said. "And that's all I'm saying... except that he asked if I'd like to go out again."

Lizzy walked back in, without even making her phone call. "Well well, little sister. You got a goodnight kiss." She said brightly. "Hey, I didn't get a goodnight kiss..."

Georgiana tossed a pillow at her. "Elizabeth Bennet, change out of your jammies and walk the half block to Pembroke House. I'm sure my brother will kiss you good night." Lizzy wasn't as sure as Georgiana seemed to be, but she decided to take a chance.

Chapter 15

Lizzy stood out in the cold January night and shivered until her pounding on the door stirred Fitz from a restless nap on the couch. She couldn't remember ever having been so cold before

He stumbled to the door, still half-asleep, quite unsure what he'd find when he opened it.

She didn't know what to say. There were so many things she might tell him, so many words she might say; all she had to do was choose the one that would make everything better between them. The attempt even to form a sentence in her mind left her fumbling. She stood freezing in the light of a safety lamp that activated as Fitz approached the door.

He couldn't believe his eyes, or his luck. To think that he had feared she would never speak to him again! Lizzy looked so small standing on the portico of his grand house in her pajamas, boots and long coat. Her breath came quickly and her eyes were bright. She must have run all the way.

Cold air flooded the foyer, but Fitz did not notice. He was still dressed in a thin shirt; the studs had come out hours ago and his braces still hung from buttons in the waistband of his trousers. His eyes were shadowed but hopeful, and his hair was a mess. He did not dare speak; he almost couldn't breathe, but his joy at seeing Elizabeth was beyond what mere words could express.

Both thought several minutes passed as they stared at each other, but on the clock only a few seconds ticked away.

"Fitz, I..." she started to say something, and still not knowing exactly what, she stopped for a split second."

"Yes?"

"I love you," she stammered. Lizzy couldn't believe she had said it, and to blurt it out that way! That wasn't why she came over here, she simply wanted... what had she wanted? Had she come to clear the air or to declare her feelings. It didn't matter now.

Later, they would both recall that the next gesture was straight out of the movies. He lifted her into his arms, then carried her over the threshold of his home and up the grand staircase. In between kisses, she shrugged out of her heavy coat and let it drop to the floor; then she tugged off her boots and tossed them behind her.

He was overjoyed. The woman he loved returned his feelings. This was the sort of moment that has inspired poets from the dawn of time, he thought as he set her down at the door to his bedroom. He stepped back for a moment, to savor the intensity of his emotions.

"I love you, Elizabeth," he told her. "I think I fell in love with you the moment I laid eyes on you." She stood on tip-toes and circled her arms around his neck. "Are you going to talk all night?" she asked playfully.

"I see your point," he agreed, and there was no more conversation.

He woke her the next morning with a cup of coffee and a kiss. They discussed their plans for the day snuggled under the covers.

"As much as I'd love to stay here all day, I'm supposed to meet Charles for breakfast. Would you like to join us?" Fitz asked.

"No, I'm supposed to go to Jane's for breakfast with the family. They're going back to Connecticut tomorrow and I won't see them again until Easter recess."

Fitz recounted his favorite moment from all the parties, which had happened relatively early. "I loved watching you dance with your father. He obviously loves you very much."

Lizzy grasped his hand and looked into his eyes. "You really miss your parents, don't you?" They held each other for a long time before departing for their respective breakfast appointments.

Marie and Kit were already dressed when Lizzy met them at her place. She wouldn't answer their questions directly, though she admitted that she did get her good-night kiss. Within a few minutes she was dressed in something more presentable than flannel pajamas that had spent most of the night balled up on the floor, and they were on their way to Jane's place in Foggy Bottom.

When they arrived, Lizzy was slightly surprised to find Elliot in attendance. "I thought we'd be the first to get here, but I didn't know you were coming, El." Liz remarked.

"Oh, I've been here." He and Jane exchanged a knowing and not-so-secret smile. Lizzy noticed, of course, but she also knew where and how she had spent last night, so she didn't say a word. "Heard from Mom and Dad yet?" Lizzy asked Jane as they walked into the kitchen.

"Not yet, but you know Mama." Dee was a notorious late sleeper, and Kylie wasn't much better, only her status as a high-school student kept her from staying in bed until noon every day.

"I'm so sorry I walked out on you last night," Lizzy apologized to her sister. "What happened to Kylie after I left the party?"

"You don't have to apologize to me; she's my sister, too," Jane remarked. "You do need to square things with Fitz, though."

Lizzy turned seven shades of pink. "Things are quite square, thank you." They both smiled, and their smiles turned into boisterous laughter.

"What's all that racket?" Bob Bennet called from the living room in a gruff voice. He poked his head into the kitchen and saw his two eldest daughters looking happier than ever. "Ah, there are my girls!" Lizzy and Jane ambushed him from both sides with kisses on the cheeks and giggles, just as they had done when they were small.

The three of them walked back into the living room, where Kylie sat with Dee on a sofa. Marie and Kit sat with Elliot at a table, and the Phillips' were expected at any moment. Kylie looked very different than she did at the California ball. She wore a bright pink sweater set and a short navy skirt, her hair in a French braid. Lizzy thought she wore too much eye-shadow, and that her nail polish was an unsightly glittering fuschia, but Kylie was just 15. You had to make allowances.

Lizzy stared at her youngest sister, wondering how much their parents knew. How had she even come to attend that party? Thinking about it gave Lizzy a headache and she asked Jane for a cup of tea.

"Liz, honey, why didn't you bring Fitz Darcy with you?" Dee called from the sofa.

"He was meeting a friend for breakfast today, but he sends his regards," Lizzy improvised and hoped that her mother wouldn't ask any more questions. Dee nattered on about what a good catch Fitz was, and what an attractive couple they made. Obviously she's seen his financial statement, Liz thought. She stayed in the kitchen as long as she could. She had an easier time coping with her mother if she didn't have to be quite so close.

Charles was waiting for Fitz at Jimmy T.'s when he showed up.

"You look more relaxed than I've seen you in I don't know how long, Fitz." He said. "What's your secret?"

"She loves me." Charles rolled his eyes, but he knew he'd be the same way if he could earn the love of Miss Jane Bennet.

"Well, what about you?" Fitz asked as he studied the menu that he knew by heart. Charles hesitated for a moment. Actually he froze like a deer in headlights.

"She's the most incredible woman I've ever met." Charles confessed, sure that Fitz had noticed his mooning at Jane the previous night.

"Huh?" Fitz asked, confused. "Who? What woman?"

"Jane Bennet."

Now, this was a problem. Cynde approached the table and took their orders, which saved Fitz from responding immediately. He wanted pancakes, scrambled eggs, toast and sausage, plus home fries and juice. And a refill on his coffee. Charles would have two fried eggs and toast, and a glass of tomato juice.

"You're not eating anywhere near enough, Charles," Fitz said. "Cynde, bring him a waffle and syrup with that." Cynde smiled at Fitz, who was obviously crazy.

"Look," he told his friend. "Elliot told me something last night that you might need to know. He's going to propose to Jane Bennet. He wants to marry her."

Charles was dumbstruck. Elliot, the life of the party who would never settle down, wanted to marry the girl of his dreams! But Jane must be the girl of everybody's dreams and Charles knew that Elliot was the better catch by far.

The idea of Elliot being a family man didn't make sense! He reflected on his fantastic vision of the night before, but it was more than just a fantasy. He knew, Charles felt in his bones that Jane was a woman he could love and respect, that they could share a good and useful life together. She inspired him in so many ways, and he would do his best to inspire her.

"Hey, Chuckles," Fitz captured his friend's attention. "Aren't you going to eat?" Their food had arrived. Charles wasn't hungry any more, but he picked at the waffle.

Fitz devoured his diner breakfast with relish. He hardly noticed that he had upset his friend with the news of Elliot's plan to propose. It was happy news, Fitz thought.

They talked of the new administration for the rest of the meal, then Charles took his leave.

He walked toward the Capitol, not looking where he was going. If Elliot could make Jane happy, then he was best for her. If she truly loves Elliot, she should marry him, no question about it. You can still be her friend, a hopeful voice told him. You work in the same field and she actually works with Edward Gardiner. The hopeful voice was talking sense now! Jane could be part of his life, even if she could not be part of his dreams.

Charles reached the Capitol grounds and leaned against the trunk of a huge sugar maple. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Jane and Elizabeth carried some dishes into the kitchen after everybody had finished eating.

"So, Kylie?" Lizzy continued the discussion that had been interrupted earlier. "What was she doing there?"

"Apparently she came with Aunt Bunny and her husband," Jane explained; Lizzy rolled her eyes.

"And how did she come to look so..." As Lizzy searched for the most tactful word to describe her young sister's appearance, Jane stared at her as if she had lost her mind.

"Lizzy, I said she came with Aunt Bunny." They could hear their mother and Aunt Bunny out in the living room quizzing Elliot about his prospects and talking with relish about the very great honor of the youngest Bennet girl dancing with a senator, of all people. Both sisters felt that their presence was required, lest their family suffer any additional humiliation at the hand of its matriarch.

If only you knew, Mother, Lizzy thought silently as they walked in. She caught her father's eye as he shook his head. For all her loyalties, Dee could try one's patience. Everybody in the room seemed to recognize that as fact, with the notable exception of Dee and Kylie, whose mirth would not be restrained by any means.

Chapter 16

This part is dedicated to an old friend whose initials are the same as Charles Bingley's. :) Anyway, enjoy. BTW, Luna Diner on Connecticut just south of Dupont Circle has the best tomato soup I've ever had. I've been totally craving a bowl, but I keep getting myself slapped back in the hospital. One of these days I'll get back there for lunch.

They had made a vow to each other, that they would leave their work at their respective offices and not let it interfere with their personal lives. However, there were nights when Lizzy would cook a simple dinner for herself and Fitz and they would admire each other's legislative work.

"You are so right about public transit, Fitz," Elizabeth began as she dished up a plate of spaghetti. "Your speech in front of Congressman Shuster's committee was exactly what they needed to hear. Highway funding is one thing, but public transit has so many benefits for the environment as well. I'll bet you could get some corporate support for your bill..."

She spoke of Fitz's initiative to create additional tax incentives for companies that encouraged their employees to use public transportation. They were both aware that in most metropolitan areas, job growth happened in the outlying areas where public transit did not yet reach. It was a complicated issue that would require cooperation and compromise between transit authorities, local governments, and corporations, but Fitz felt that enough good would come of his idea that he proposed it anyway.

"Well, I thought you made quite a good showing in that hearing on genetic patenting," Fitz responded. "You had clearly done your homework, and I think the scientists who were testifying were as impressed as I was." Representatives Bennet and Darcy had moved out of the gossip columns, and they were very glad to be old news by now. Fitz was beginning to think that it might be time that he learned to cook a little bit, so he could do more for their casual dinners than bring a bottle of wine. That would be a nice surprise for the love of his life, he thought.

There was little question in Fitz's mind that Elizabeth was exactly that. He had never felt as much ease in a relationship before. In the weeks since he and Lizzy had acknowledged their love, Fitz felt more secure in every area of his life. He felt no need to rush anything, but when the time was right, Fitz knew in his bones that he would ask Elizabeth to be his wife, and that she would agree.

Charles had an unexpected stroke of luck as the city woke from winter. On a slow afternoon he thought he'd drop in on Edward Gardiner, his long time mentor. Mr. Gardiner had been out of the office that day, but help came to him in the form of Jane Bennet.

Charles smiled broadly. Miss Bennet was every bit as lovely in a tweedy suit and glasses as she was in an evening gown.

"Mr. Gardiner is in New York this week, working on a project at the UN," she explained. "Can I be of assistance?"

He said he had wanted to take Mr. Gardiner to lunch. Jane smiled. "Well," she said. "I haven't eaten yet..."

Jane and Charles walked a few blocks to the Luna Diner on Connecticut Avenue. The day was surprisingly warm; full of promise that winter would be over soon. Lunch stretched out and turned into dessert toward the end of the day as they prepared to cross the busy street toward Xando.

"Xando has S'mores," Jane confided. "I just love S'mores." She giggled like a little girl and seemed not at all like a policy analyst as she took Charles' hand and led him jaywalking through the late-afternoon traffic.

"This is, by far, the best working lunch I've ever had," Charles said, coming very close to sighing. Jane agreed as she stacked a graham cracker with a chocolate bar and a big marshmallow and held it over the flame. She broke off a piece and fed it to Charles, who thought he had died and gone to heaven as he accepted the treat.

A voice in the back of Jane's head asked her what she was doing. What about Elliot? Good, loyal Elliot who had hinted that he wanted her to marry him but hadn't come right out and proposed. She didn't know what she'd say if he were to ask, which she knew was an answer in and of itself. Hadn't she always said that she would know when she'd met the right man? Just know, feel it to the very depths of her soul? Was that how she felt about Elliot?

Elliot was a good catch. He was terribly handsome and men didn't get much more charming. He had appealed to her in so many ways from the moment they met. She repeated the phrases everybody else used to describe the man she'd been seeing since the year began, then she looked at the man across the table. He seemed so good, so right. She saw Charles and knew for the first time that there was more to him than met the eye.

"All right, Charles," Jane said. "I made one for you, now you make one for me. It's only fair."

He stacked up the sweets and melted them as she had, looking to her for approval at every step. The look on of anticipation her face was almost more than he could bear.

"What does she want from me?" He remembered the night they met, thought of the hour or so before he'd realized the depth of her and Elliot's attachment. He offered her a piece of the gooey sweet. Nothing had changed for him since that night, and the sensation of her lips on his fingers was as much as either of them could handle. Jane closed her eyes and murmured her enjoyment. Charles quickly paid the check.

Neither of them said a word until they were outside. Charles spoke first, taking both of her hands in his and looking deep into her eyes.

"You can't have it both ways, Jane." He felt strong, stronger than he had ever felt before. She nodded, wondering how he had heard the voice in her head saying those very same words.

"I know." As Charles walked toward the entrance to the Metro station, Jane felt completely alive, as if she'd been asleep her whole life until that day. She wanted to stop him from going, but she knew that the only way he would stop was if she asked as a free woman. It was all so confusing.

Jane wandered around Dupont Circle for several minutes. Elizabeth would be no help at all. She and Fitz were like married people. They loved each other deeply, but Fitz and Elliot were related. That would naturally bias her. Although Lizzy had always been her confidante, Jane didn't think she could take this problem to her sister.

It wasn't a problem, really. She had been surprised at the sudden chemical reaction to Charles Bingley. How different was it than the feeling that had drawn her to Elliot?

"It's not that the feeling is different, but the man most certainly is." She and Elliot had jumped into an affair. That's what it was, she reasoned as she reached into her pocket for her phone. She needed to talk to somebody.

Char did not answer. Jane felt that her only choice was to talk to Elliot. 7:00, she thought. He'll be in his office. He was a hard worker, she reasoned as her guilty feelings increased, although nothing had really happened. Had it? She had wanted Charles for a few moments. Only his goodness had stopped her quest. She would always value him for being strong when she had been weak.

"Capitol Hill," she said to the driver as she got in the cab.

Jane passed through the security checkpoint and walked toward the offices of the House Ways and Means Committee in search of Elliot. Most of the staff had gone home, or more likely they had scattered to area watering holes. She reasoned that if she couldn't find Elliot, she'd go home herself to ponder the error of her ways. She'd call him later, after she calmed down.

By now, Jane hoped that Elliot would have gone out drinking with co-workers. She asked herself what she was thinking coming to see El at work. "This is not a good idea, not at all," she whispered to herself as she tried the handle on his office door.

Locked! Jane breathed a sigh of relief and turned to go, but she heard a voice inside yelling for her to wait just a minute. Elliot's voice.

A very disheveled Elliot unlocked the door as he tucked in his shirt and tried to wipe the smudges of dark lipstick from his face. As he realized exactly who was behind his door, his face fell and he went white with shock.

"I can explain!" he said.

"I'll bet you can," Jane said. She looked around the room. "What did you do with her?"

"Who? Charlotte?" Elliot asked, surprised that Jane knew his closely guarded secret.

Jane had not known. The idea that her boyfriend and her best friend betrayed her was shocking. "Charlotte? My Charlotte?"

"I suppose you should say 'My Charlotte'" Elliot said. "She and I have been secretly married for ten years. I asked her to come here to finally get the annulment we were supposed to have had ten years ago, because I want to marry you."

"Well, you won't need it now, will you?" Jane struggled not to cry. So much had happened. She couldn't possibly take it all in. At that moment all she wanted to do was run away.

"Things just got out of hand!" Elliot pleaded.

"It seems that way, doesn't it?" Jane hardly recognized her own voice.

"I love you, Jane. Truly I do."

"Save it for the Reliable Source, Elliot." Jane said. She threw his apartment key on the desk as she left. Her heels clicked down the empty halls as she ran from the office. Blindly, she reached into her pocket for the business card Charles had given her earlier and dialed without a further thought.

"Are you all right?" Charles asked as soon as he heard her voice on the phone.

"No," Jane admitted. Within half an hour, they had reached Charles' Woodley Park townhouse. Jane washed her face and changed into the flannel pajamas and robe he offered her. She did not believe that anyone would find her attractive in her present condition, but to Charles, she remained a precious jewel. That she had called him after what had happened between them earlier was a clear sign that she trusted him, although he knew he had done little to earn her trust.

He also knew that earning the trust she had given freely might be the most important task he had ever undertaken. When Jane fell asleep late that night, Charles carried her gently into his bedroom, tucked her in and returned to sleep on the couch.

Chapter 17

Several months had passed since the night they all thought of as "The Matter" happened. Jane seemed subdued and threw herself into her work. Charlotte expressed her deep regret to Jane, and to her parents, then she quickly and quietly filed for divorce. Elliot went on as if nothing had happened. When he thought about it, what had? He was still quite the man about town, the quintessential bachelor with his picture in the paper every other week.

Jane refused to discuss The Matter with anybody, but she could tell that almost everybody else was talking about it behind her back--everybody except Charles Bingley. In the space of a few months he became a valuable colleague, a good friend, and very possibly more if she could just find the words to say so.

"I'm so happy to see you spending time with Mr. Bingley," Edward Gardiner said to her one afternoon. "You've never spent enough time networking, and you know how much who you know matters in Washington." He smiled, and his eyes twinkled. "Mark my words, Miss Jane, Charles thinks very highly of you; and he has impressed all the right people in this town. I believe he's going places, and you could certainly do worse than to go along with him."

Jane blushed, but said nothing in response. As soon as she left Mr. Gardiner's office, her face displayed a wreath of smiles. Co-workers noticed the change in her disposition almost immediately, but still she said nothing. When the phone in her office rang from an outside line, she picked up after one ring."

"What's up?" Jane's sister asked in greeting.

Oh well, Jane thought as she came down from the hope that Charles would be on the other end. "Not so much, Lizzy. Did you need something?"

Lizzy had only called to invite Jane to dinner at Pembroke House the next evening; Jane readily accepted.

"Should I, um, bring somebody?" She wanted to know.

"A date? It's not that formal, just dinner and some conversation. I haven't seen you in weeks," Lizzy said with a note of regret. "We've both been so busy." It was true. Since the inaugural, being a Congresswoman had kept Lizzy on her toes: she had signed on to co-sponsor Fitz's slightly controversial legislation to encourage cities to improve access to public transit; she had even suggested some additions to the bill and combed both the House and Senate for supporters. Plus, she continued to impress observers with her work on biotechnology issues.

Not to be outdone, Jane had worked hard analyzing the data on a study about trends in public housing as correlated to statistics on homelessness in various American urban centers, and she had been guest lecturing at the George Washington University. The Bennet sisters had proven that they were more than just fodder for the gossip columns, they were capable women with bright futures.

Jane arrived at Pembroke House the next night, having come straight from work. She believed Lizzy about the casual dinner, so she didn't go home to change before dinner. Jane's makeup had faded, and the dark circles under her eyes showed that she hadn't been sleeping as much as she could. Jane rarely looked anything but lovely; tonight, she looked tired. Her face brightened visibly when Charles and Fitz walked in from the library. The look that the two guests exchanged piqued Lizzy's interest. To think that she thought she was playing matchmaker! It was clear from the way her sister and friend clasped hands and smiled at each other in greeting that they were already on the way to being very much in love.

Jane and Charles talked quietly before dinner, Lizzy had no idea that they discussed business.

"Would you look at them, Fitz?" Elizabeth nudged her sweetheart. "Are they not the cutest couple you've ever seen?"

Fitz was working on honing his sense of humor. He knew the importance of not being so serious among family. Elizabeth had helped him so much with that. "I believe that we are cuter, my dearest," he remarked. Elizabeth bit her lip to restrain her laughter.

Fitz knew of Charles' romantic interest in Jane-he had known it for some time-but if Lizzy had a fault, it was her smugness when she believed she was right. He wasn't sure about Jane, though. Certainly Lizzy knew her sister, but she did want Jane to recover from the matter with Elliot, and quickly. Had Lizzy really given Jane enough time to get over everything that had happened?

He walked to the front window; in doing so, he stood close enough to Jane and Charles to overhear their conversation.

"I'd love to get an advance copy, if you don't mind," said Charles.

"I'm sure Edward would have no objection. He holds you in such high regard, you know." Jane responded. "In fact, I'd love for you to review a couple of sections that I'm writing. Do you have time to stop by my office early in the week?"

Charles told her he would be delighted as Fitz passed them again.

"I hate to break up your shop talk, but I believe dinner is served." Fitz remarked. Who was right now? He and Elizabeth would have a conversation later.

"Now, I have a few announcements that may especially interest you Bennets," Fitz began as they helped themselves to coffee and slices of Mrs. Reynolds dark chocolate torte.

First, I had a call from Jamie Matthews today. He accepted my offer of a job as my chief of staff and legislative right-hand man. However, he said he had to consult with somebody about it before he signs on the dotted line, so to speak. I believe that by now Jamie is half way to Kentucky to ask your sister Marie what she thinks about the idea of basing herself out of either Potomac or Middleburg. If I'm not mistaken he plans to do the asking on bended knee. Fitz beamed as he announced the surprise.

"Mama will be shocked. She never would have thought that Marie would be the first of us to marry!" Jane said.

"I hope for Jamie's sake that she says yes!" Lizzy remarked with a twinkle in her eye.

"Also," Fitz continued. "I received a note from the dean of the Newhouse School of Journalism at Syracuse thanking me for recommending Miss Catherine Bennet. She did exceptionally well in her interview and although her application came in late, she has been invited to join the class of 2005 when it starts in September."

As they toasted their younger sisters' good fortune and hard work, both Lizzy and Jane thought of Kylie, who had requested that she be permitted to quit high school to pursue her dreams of being a beauty queen. Dee was all for it, but Bob put his foot down for the first time in Kylie's young life; neither the girl nor her mother knew any way around the will of the Governor.

Fitz and Charles went back to the library after the table had been cleared-Fitz wanted Charles to look at the new drafts of the public transit bill. The sisters were happy to have a few moments to themselves over a cup of coffee.

"Kit, I mean Catherine, sent me a fax last week," Lizzy began. "She wants to know if she can stay at my place during her summer internship with CNN."

Jane marveled at the change in her baby sister. "I'm so proud of Kitten, I can't say how much," she said. "Of course you said she could..." Lizzy nodded.

"And I promise not to tell her you called her Kitten behind her back." Lizzy went on to relate the tales she had heard of Senator Wickham's campaign. "I understand there were crimes committed, mostly tidy things like blackmail, but it almost assuredly goes as high as fraud." Lizzy paused a moment, worrying her lower lip with her teeth as she did when she had something in her head that needed to be worked out.

"I wonder if I should tell somebody."

Jane wanted to know whom Lizzy was planning on telling. "Everybody in Washington knows already, Liz, and the rest of the world has the sense not to care. Besides, now that he's reached his goal of a senate seat, perhaps he'll go about the business of serving his constituents." Jane sounded like the Washington insider she was; after all, she had been around the capital city longer than her sister the Congresswoman

Liz did not mention that Wickham had made her feel slightly unclean when she met with him about the transit legislation in his office. That fact made her uncomfortable, and she knew it revealed her insecurity about being a woman in a position of power and responsibility. I am just going to have to get over that. Lizzy thought to herself. Aloud, she agreed with Jane, though she did so reluctantly.

"You're right, Jane. I'm glad at least one of us doesn't blow things out of proportion all the time." The sisters smiled at each other, and Lizzy was reminded how beautiful Jane really was.

"So, you and Charles seem to be getting on rather well..."

In the library, Fitz was moving in the same direction, but at a different speed. "It looks like you and Jane have been doing some work together," he mentioned to his friend. Charles cleared his throat and colored a little.

"You could say that. She's got a good head on her shoulders." Charles responded, trying not to reveal anything if he could. He knew Fitz and Elliot were friends as well as cousins, and he wasn't sure what Fitz's opinion of Jane might be, although he had been very pleasant to her over dinner.

"And great legs." Fitz added.

"I think she likes me, but sometimes I can't tell," said Charles after recovering from the surprise of hearing his dear friend admire Jane.

"What makes you think that?" Fitz asked. Charles was silent for a few moments. He wasn't sure whether Fitz meant that there was no way a woman like Jane could be interested in him or whether he really wanted an answer. Fitz could be so enigmatic sometimes.

"There's nothing I could really describe, nothing I could put my finger on; I guess it's just a feeling, but it's a strong feeling." Fitz studied Charles' face as he considered his friend's words.

"Well then, I think you two will be just fine."

Jane and Charles left together that night, in Jane's car. She drove slowly down the residential streets of Capitol Hill and turned at the Botanical Garden to stop in front of the Capitol, which glowed in the dark night.

"It's not that late, Jane," Charles started. "Do you want to go get a drink or something?"

"Actually, I had a question to ask you." She took a deep breath. "You've meant so much to me over the past months, since everything that happened with Elliot and that whole disaster. I just wondered if you knew how much..."

"I... I hoped that I meant something to you, but to answer your question, I wasn't absolutely positive until..." He was not swayed by her words as much as he was affected by the expression in her eyes.

"That wasn't the question, Charles." She smiled, and he smiled; they linked their fingers together there in the front seat of the car, bathed in the light from the Capitol grounds. "I admire you professionally, I respect you as a person, but most of all I love you for everything that you are," she said, barely above a whisper from her nervousness.

"Charles, will you marry me?"

Charles reached into his pocket and pulled out a black velvet box. "Great minds think alike, my darling Jane." Inside was a ring, a classic diamond solitaire. "I would be honored to be your husband. Will you be my wife?"

He slipped the ring on her finger and with that, Jane and Charles were engaged to be married

Continued In Next Section