Beginning, Section II, Next Section

Part 20

Time passed swiftly with Richard around. He was an energetic, happy, active type of person. He was a Pemberley every day after his arrival. He found any excuse to come over and see Elizabeth. She was glad of his regard and devotion to her but seeing William and Richard together was very difficult for Elizabeth. She knew that no matter what choice she made in her life one of these amazing men would be hurt deeply.

William on the other hand dreaded Richard’s visits. He felt more and more distant from Elizabeth. She no longer went on his weekly visits to his tenants. She did not take the time to sit down with him and discuss Pemberley. She slowly seemed to be fading from his life and it was harder than he had ever realized it would be. The only consolation he had was that Richard loved Elizabeth. It could be worse. At least he could always watch over her, and care for her. She would be his cousin and he would never forget the deep love he had for her.

The days came and went. The Bennets arrive in Lambton with the Gardiners and the days got even more hectic. Elizabeth was ever more glad that she had kept her mother from staying at Pemberley. The only peace she ever felt was in the evenings when her family was gone and she sat briefly with William and Georgiana in the parlor before they retired.

The wedding approached so swiftly that it was hard for Elizabeth to remember that she was the one getting married. She did not realize the whole change that was coming over her life. Or perhaps she did realize it but she did not want to dwell on it. As it was she felt like she was living a lie. She felt like an actor that did not know his lines. She improvised the best she could but felt as if she never really pulled off the part.

Soon all of the planning, waiting, and worry were almost at an end. It was the evening before the wedding. The Fitzwilliams had just departed, dragging their lovesick son home for one more night without his bride. The Bennets left early as Mrs. Bennet was complaining of a cold. Soon the house was empty again leaving Georgiana, William and Elizabeth sitting in the parlor together for the last time.

Elizabeth did not want to be the first to leave. She wanted to freeze this last moment in her mind forever before the hectic wedding day took over her life and changed it forever. William felt in a very similar way. He thought that if they did not fall asleep or go to bed the morning would never come and Elizabeth would be his forever.

Georgiana on the other hand was very tired and wanted to look her best for the wedding the next day. She also thought it would be a good idea to leave Elizabeth and William alone for a few minutes in case one of them might come to their senses and admit what had been obvious to her for a long time. So Georgiana made her excuses and headed to bed, crossing her fingers along the way.

Once Georgiana had left an awkward silence filled the room. It was clear that neither one knew what to say to the other. Soon William broke the silence.

“Well tomorrow is the big day. I would have thought you would have been in bed before any of us, with tomorrow being the day that all girls dream of.” William attempted a laugh and a smile but did not pull it off well.

Elizabeth took this as a hint for her to leave. It stung that he could be so callous but then again he did not know of her feelings and it seemed that he never would.

“I guess I should be getting to bed but then again so should you. You are the best man after all.”

“True, True” William nodded, his smile was a little more real. “Well perhaps we should both go to bed. I will escort you to the stairs if you wish.”

“Sounds lovely.” Elizabeth smiled. William offered his arm to the sitting lady and they walked to the large staircase arm in arm. Before they ascended William turned toward Elizabeth.

“Well I guess this is goodnight. I cannot believe this is the last time I will look at you as a Miss Bennet and not as Mrs. Elizabeth Fitzwilliam. It will take me a while to get used to.”

“As it will me.” Elizabeth responded quietly.

“I am sure you are excited. You will be with Richard now, the man you love.” William averted his eyes during this comment and waited breathlessly for her reply but it was not what he had expected. Instead of a “yes” or a “maybe” he heard nothing but a slight sob coming from the woman across from him.

“Elizabeth what is wrong? Have I said something to upset you?” William reached out and touched Elizabeth’s arm. She quickly pulled it away from his grasp.

“As if you don’t know what is wrong. How could you not know. You are determined to cause me pain because I have caused you pain. It is cruel William, cruel!” Elizabeth turned away and leaned against the banister. William was perplexed but this was not the way he wanted to leave their last moments together etched in their minds. He slowly put his hands on both of her shoulders.

“Elizabeth I have no idea what you are speaking of. If I have offended you in any way, please tell me. You know I would never wish to cause you pain, you know how much I care for you.” He ran his hands up and down her arms, trying to reassure the trembling woman in front of him. Elizabeth stopped her crying and wiped her eyes before turning around slowly to face William. His hands still rested on her shoulders. She gathered on of the strength within her and did what she thought was impossible.

Slowly she raised her hands to William’s face, caressing it softly. She pulled his face closer to hers until she could feel his warm breath against her face. Then she kissed him. She lightly placed her lips on his and kissed him. She felt his hands grasp her shoulders tighter as he responded to her actions. It was nothing compared to what she though were passionate kisses with Richard, it was euphoria. Elizabeth let the nagging voices in her head dissipate as she enjoyed being with the only man she had ever truly loved. Suddenly she felt the strong hands that had been holding her pushing her away. She opened her eyes and felt a distance between her and William. His warm body was gone and cold emptiness in its place. She looked around and saw William standing across the grand staircase, away from her. She crossed the staircase to where he was standing and lightly touched his back. He spun around with tears in his eyes.

“William?” Elizabeth whispered with panic in her heart. Maybe he did not feel as deeply as she did. “What is wrong?”

“What is wrong? What is wrong? How can you ask me that Elizabeth? Why are you doing this to me? You know how I feel about you and now you trifle with me like a child. I thought you were a better person than that but maybe I was wrong.”

Elizabeth pulled back, his words stung inside of her. “I don’t understand William, is that what you are trying to say? You are so wrong about that, I understand more than you know. You are not the one that is going to marry a man that you do not love!”

Elizabeth broke down and started to cry. All that she had held back came flowing out at that moment. William decided he had been too tough on her.

“Elizabeth” he said tenderly placing his hand on her harm “Oh Elizabeth I did not know.” She pulled her into his arms and held her sobbing body close to his. “Elizabeth you know that I will always love you I would do anything for you. You did not have to pretend to care about me to make me help you get out of this engagement.”

Elizabeth’s sobs stopped suddenly and she looked up into William’s eyes. “Pretend? William I am not pretending. I love you.”

“Elizabeth I ask you again to not play with my emotions, they are more real than you realize.” William pleaded.

“William, mine are real too.” Elizabeth whispered intently. William looked at Elizabeth for the first time since she had kissed him. He saw an intensity in her eyes that could only mean that she meant what she was saying. She loved him. His joy could not be contained.

“I cannot believe this, I must be dreaming or hallucinating because you have just said that you love me! Oh Elizabeth say it again my dearest, say it again.”

Elizabeth smiled up into William’s eyes and said very slowly “Fitzwilliam Darcy, I love you more than life itself.” As Elizabeth completed her sentence William swooped in and kissed her as he had always wanted to, deeply, passionately and getting the same in return. It was too much for him to fathom, he had never been so happy in his life. As their kiss extended William let his hands roam freely through Elizabeth’s hair, feeling her soft curls in his fingers. Soon they both looked silently at each other. William had his finger tangled in Elizabeth’s hair. He pulled her closer and her haunting scent of lavender tickles his senses. He spoke to her in gentle, loving tones.

“You cannot know how long I have wanted to do this, to run my fingers through your hair, smell the lavender that has followed me since we met. I cannot tell you the jealous pain that I felt when I saw Richard with you in the hall that first day he had returned. I love my cousin but I have never felt such hurt in my life. But now that is all over, you love me and I love you and we shall be married. That settles that. That is if you will have me.”

Elizabeth stiffened in his arms. She pushed away from his chest softly and backed away.

“What is wrong my dearest? You look like you have seen a ghost.”

Elizabeth shuddered as she spoke “William do you know why I did not tell you about my feelings for you?”

“No, I am not positive but it does not matter now.”

“That is where you are wrong. It does matter now. It matters more now than it ever has. Oh William what have I done? I gave us a glimpse of the happiness we shall never know.”

“What are you talking about Elizabeth?”

“William, I am talking about Richard. I am talking about my wedding tomorrow. I am talking about how we can never be together. I did not tell you about how desperately I cared for you because I knew that if I did and we were to be married, you would be ruined forever. You would not be accepted at parties or in the ton. I would be the tramp of a wife that trapped you into marring me. Not to mention how the Fitzwilliam’s would react…”

“But Elizabeth I don’t care about what people think of me. I have realized in this short time we have been together that I would not care what society thought if I was happy and I would be happy with you.”

“William I am not just worried about what they will say about you. I am worried about what will happen to Georgiana. She is young, she is not even out and this scandal could ruin her chances in society and her chances of happiness forever. I could not live with myself if I caused Georgiana, the Fitzwilliams and you such pain. I am not sure if in twenty years you will feel this sacrifice is worth it.”

“Worth it? But Elizabeth what else are we to do? Are we going to live the rest of our lives without this love because we are afraid. I love you Elizabeth Bennet and I want you be my bride.” William stepped forward and took both of Elizabeth’s hands.

Elizabeth shook her head “William you will regret this, and then you will resent me. It would not be right.”

William stepped closer and Elizabeth spoke softly “No, William it cannot be, it cannot ….” William silenced her protests with his lips.

The two lovers slipped once again into their own world letting the worries and cares of the next day slip away but once again as they were about to completely forget reality they were snatched back to real life. A loud noise echoed in the great hall. It came from the top of the stairs. Still locked in each other’s arms they looked to the top of the stairs. Their stood Georgiana dressed in her night clothes, frozen in her tracks. Elizabeth pulled away as fast as she could from William’s embrace. Georgian had not meant to interrupt and tried to excuse herself politely.

“Oh I am so sorry, I did not mean to intrude. I will just be going back to bed now.” She ran off to her room.

Elizabeth started pacing like a caged animal. She did not know what to do, her instincts told her to run but common sense told her to stay. Almost hysterically Elizabeth spoke “William what are we going to do? What are we going to do? This is not good, this is exactly what I was talking about. I will ruin you and your family. I will ruin you!”

“Elizabeth, calm yourself. Georgiana will be fine. I will go and speak with her, I will arrange things for tomorrow morning. I will not let fear keep us from being happy.”

“You must not do that William, it will only bring pain to you all.”

“Elizabeth just leave it to me, I will take care of it all.” He tried to put his arm around her in a comforting way but she jerked away, her breath was rampant.

“You had better go talk to Georgiana. I need to get some rest. I will go to my room. I will see you in the morning.”

“Yes my dear, I will see you in the morning too. And don’t worry about Georgiana, she is a smart girl. She will be able to handle this, I promise.” He patted her arm reassuringly.

Elizabeth forced a smile and let William give her one last kiss goodnight. She pretended to ascend the stairs but instead she grabbed her cloak, and opened the large front door. As the great wood door swung open rain poured over the threshold. She thought about turning back but her instincts had set in and she knew she had to run. She had to talk to Jane. She would know what to do. So Elizabeth stepped into the rain and ran towards Lambton.

Part 21

Posted on Wednesday, 26 March 2003

The instant Elizabeth crossed the threshold into the dark, rainy night, she knew there was no turning back. She scanned the scene before her trying to remember which road lead to Lambton and which would lead her deeper into the vast woods of Pemberly. These roads that had become so familiar to her during the day now were a foreign maze. The rain was starting to soak through her cloak and urging her forward. Elizabeth took a deep breath and walked quickly down the grand steps of Pemberly turning toward the wide road to the left of the grand estate. She prayed that she was correct in her decision. As soon as her delicately clad feet hit the muddy path her pace increased. Her breath quickened and the rain felt good against her increasingly warm skin. Elizabeth had never felt so driven in her life. As her footfalls grew steady her mind started to drift back to the words spoken and the love that passed between herself and her only love. When Elizabeth realized what she had been doing she shook her head trying to force those lovely memories out of her mind. If she dwelt on them too long she would turn around, return to Pemberly and ruin the lives the people she loved most. She shook her head again, forcing the drenched hood off her head, letting the powerful rain pound against her dry head. She continued on.

“The main road must be coming up soon.” She thought franticly. Without realizing it her body had begun to shake profusely as the rain coursed down her back and mud splashed relentlessly with each step. Her shivering slowed her pace, forcing her to slow down and regain her composure. Her breath was coming in short bursts. Shaking violently along with her tattered body. She could no longer run.

“I will walk for a moment and then continue.” As Elizabeth slowed she felt an indescribably coldness overcome her. She felt as if she was freezing from the inside out. Each step was like making an icicle bend. Every thought and effort she had turned to the effort it took to take her next step. Lost in this effort Elizabeth did not notice the beating of hooves behind her. It was faint at first but grew louder. As the noise approached Elizabeth was torn from her concentration and stood frozen in place. She knew who was behind those steps. She knew that if she saw him again she could never be resolved to resist.

“I must get away!” her heart screamed again. The instincts that had pushed her into this torrential rain now pushed her once again. She knew she must hide. She franticly looked around her for covering. The woods were only a few feet away down the hill. The dark woods stood like a sanctuary for her, a place where she could hide and rest until her pursuer was gone. With all of the effort in her whole body she forced her left foot to move. First one then the other. Each step was prodded on by the stomping hooves growing louder in her ears. She calculated in her mind how much further to go.

“Ten steps, now eight, now six, now four…” Her heart jumped with excitement. She looked over her shoulder and could see a dark figure riding atop a great horse. She squinted to see if she could recognize the face, if she could see it once more. As she looked deep into the cloak that covered the riders face she forgot about her efforts to make it into the sanctuary in the forest. Her feet moved on without her mind directing them. Step after step after step. She did not see where she was headed when her foot faltered on a smooth, wet rock. She felt as if she were in slow motion, feeling her body fall, knowing that soon it would hit the ground and wishing she knew what to do to stop it. As she fell a high, loud pitched noise echoed through the air. Elizabeth had never heard such a noise leave her mouth but before she could wonder more her body reached that hard, wet ground that she had anticipated. First her right arm, instinctively trying to break her fall. Pain swept over her as the arm failed. The rest of her body hid with a deafening thud. The breath that had been in her lungs was now forcefully pushed out and for a moment Elizabeth though she would never breath again.

She lay on the ground, with the rain coursing around her, fighting for breath. She heard a deep voice yell “Elizabeth” and the stomping hooves of horses was exchanged with the frantic footsteps of a man. The dark form she had seen on the horse now bent over her breathless body. His warm hands touched her face.

“Elizabeth, are you ok?” The strong hands shook her lightly. Elizabeth felt the breath she had searched for flow back into her lungs.

“Yes” Elizabeth whispered, not willing to waist any of the air which she had fought so hard to gain. Once again the form touched her face gently and pushed away the wet hair that clung to her face.

“Oh my dear Elizabeth what has happened to you? I thought I had lost you. I will take care of you now. You are drenched and shivering. I must get you inside.” The familiar voice was filled with urgency. The hooded figure offered Elizabeth his hand. She tried to lift her arm to take it but sharp pain coursed through her. She let out soft whimper and fell backwards blacking out from the pain. The figure let go of her hand and stepped back.

“This cannot be endured, I shall have to carry you. Forgive me for any pain I may inflict unintendedly.” Elizabeth was still surrounded in blackness but heard her rescuer unbuttoning his coat and felt the heavy, warm weight of it surround her. Strong arms encompassed her and she could feel the distance between herself and the ground increase. She felt every step the figure took with the pain that rippled through her body as his feet rhythmically struck the ground. She felt helpless and she hated that feeling. She wanted to stand on her own two feet and complete her journey to Lambton, to Jane, to safety but she could not force her voice to speak or her legs to move. But she wanted to do something, something to let the strong arms know that she could not go back to Pemberly with him, that she could not ruin so many lives including her own. With this resolve Elizabeth used all of the effort that still lingered in her shattered body to force her heavy eyelids open. As her eyes opened she saw the blurry face of her rescuer. She whispered to him softly.

“William, William.” She felt the strong, steady footsteps stop as the blurred face looked down at her.

“What did you say dearest?” The sweet voice whispered intently, the blurred face watching her. All of this had happened because she had just wanted to see his face one more time but even now her vision was failing her. She longed to see his strong face and deep eyes and the love that had once burned within them. Elizabeth blinked against the tears that had collected in her eyes, feeling a warm trail as they cascaded down her face. Blinking again and again hoping to clear away the haze that had surrounded her. She spoke again.

“William! I cannot see you, are you there?” Her weak hand reached up to touch the face that hovered above her but as she spoke the face recoiled.

“William? You call for William? You will not be calling for William soon my dear you shall be calling for your dear Joseph when you are Mrs. Joseph Mitchell.”

As soon as the words escaped his lips, the dark form came into focus. The steel blue eyes that she had always seen as friendly now flashed causing her chest to tighten and breath to recoil. Her mind recalled what William had told her this man had said. The things that that he was capable of doing. Now she was alone with him and under his power. She silently wished she was dead.

“ At last you are mine.” The husky voice whispered into her ear. His breath was warm against her cold, wet skin. His pale face approached hers slowly as he gave her a strong, firm kiss. With this he swiftly reached his horse and lifted Elizabeth on. She had never felt such pain in her life. Soon it over came her weak form and she passed out as Mr. Mitchell urged the horse on down the dark drenched road.

Part 22

Georgiana heard a soft knock on her bedroom door. She knew that it could be one of two people. As she turned the doorknob she was not surprised to see her brother standing behind it. She smiled softly at the concerned look he carried on his face.

“Georgie, may I come in?” William asked in a most serious tone. Georgiana stifled an internal laugh and guided him in the room.

“Of course William, I welcome visits from my brother at any time, even one o’clock in the morning.” Georgiana crossed the room and took a seat on one of her velvet trimmed couches. William sat down, still solemn, on the chair across from her. He took a deep breath and started to speak. Georgiana listened without interruption with a light smile on her lips.

“Georgiana, I shall not pretend any further that you did not see what occurred between Elizabeth and I on the stairs just now. Elizabeth and I are worried that we might have caused you, my dearest sister, unintended pain and confusion. I know that it must have come as a shock to you to see… what you did but I have good cause. You see, dear Georgiana, I have been deeply in love with your friend and your cousin’s fiancé for many months now. This attachment goes back before our time here and even before the time we spent together at Aunt Catherine’s. I have been… in love… with Elizabeth since I first met her in Hertfordshire when I was visiting the Bingleys. To make a long and dramatic story shorter and a little less dramatic I shall skip the time we spent together in Hertfordshire and come to the first turning point in our lives. I knew that Elizabeth was alone in the cottage her cousin inhabited so I saw the opportunity I had been waiting for. I went to her and proposed. Georgiana, I was horrible. I insulted Elizabeth and her family in a most thoughtless and arrogant way. Elizabeth rejected me, rightfully so. I was dejected and hurt. My pride was stung but my heart ached I knew I had made a big mistake. As I returned to London, my pride was bleeding and my heart was falling apart. Then that night that Richard came home with a gleam in his eye. You and Bingley were both there. I felt like I had been in a pit of despair since that fateful night at Rosings but I did not know how much more my despair could increase. Richard, filled with joy and excitement, did not see my pain. He shared with us the news that was to change his life and mine forever. You know the rest of my story from there. I continued in my love for Elizabeth, fighting continually to forget her for Richard’s sake but the more I tried to forget the more she was thrown in my path. I did not mean for this to happen but I have now found that all of the love I have spent on her and the sorrow I have shed for her was not in vain. I don’t know how or why but tonight Elizabeth has returned my love. I know it is improper and it will cause a certain scandal but I do not believe I could ever be happy again in my life if I let this opportunity pass. Do you understand what I mean?”

Georgiana sat silently tears glistening in her eyes. The story that had just unfolded before her was even more touching than she had ever imagined. She had seen the longing looks that her brother had often betrayed but she had no idea of his deep love and devotion to their dearest friend. She did not know what to say.

Disturbed by her silence William stood and crossed over to the couch where his sister sat. He placed himself next to her putting a comforting hand on her back.

“ You have been silent my dearest sister and now I think I see tears in your eyes. I know that this news must be surprising and a bit unnerving at first but I know, more than I have known anything in the past, that this is the right decision. I hope that one day you can come to accept it.” William paused, waiting for some kind of reaction from the young woman he had always yearned to protect from any pain or heartache.

Georgiana turned to face her brother, tears now streaming down her face. As the tears ran down her porcelain cheeks they swiftly reached her mouth that was in a sweet smile. Georgiana nodded her head and finally spoke squeezing her brother’s free hand as she spoke.

“ Oh William, you can have no idea how happy I am at this turn of events. I am going to have the most wonderful sister in the world. I could not have asked for more.” Georgiana flung her slender arms around William’s neck. William was stunned. He put his arms around his sister in unbelief.

“Can this be true? You could not have suspected. Was I that obvious? Oh I am too happy to be embarrassed. It has all worked out for the best then. I will speak with Richard tonight and you can speak with Elizabeth. She is so worried that she will ‘ruin’ our lives by breaking up this wedding.” Georgiana released her brother and sat back, tears still in her eyes and on her cheeks.

“William I will assure her that the only way our lives would be ruined is if she walked out of them. Things will be hard at first with Richard but I will not let her marry someone she does not love in order to ‘save’ me from anything. She is such a frustratingly considerate individual.”

“Well then” William stood with determination in his voice “ I think I should be off. It is late but I do not think this should wait until the morning. Will you speak with Elizabeth and assure her of your support in this prospect?”

Georgiana nodded her head. “Of course I will. I will go to her room directly, there should be no more of this ‘sacrifice’ nonsense.”

William smiled warmly at his now grown sister. He was so proud of her maturity and common sense. He leaned forward to give her one more hug. “Georgiana, I could not have asked for a better sister. I will see you in the morning and I hope you will fill me in on what happened between you and Elizabeth.”

“Of course I will” Georgiana assured her brother. She rose from her seat and accompanied William to the chamber room door.

“I guess we part our ways here.”

“Yes, good luck to you my brother.”

“Have no worries, I shall return in one piece.”

“I will see you in the morning.”

With that William headed toward the grand staircase and Georgiana toward her dear friends room. Georgiana walked quietly down the dark hallway until she reached Elizabeth’s door. She knocked lightly, no answer. She knocked again, still no answer.

“She must be asleep. This cannot wait till the morning I HAVE to see her tonight.” As quietly as possible Georgiana entered the dark room. The only light came from the light glow of the fire in the fireplace.

“Elizabeth, Elizabeth wake up, I have heard the good news.” Georgiana gained no response from the darkened bed. She walked closer until she could look in through the bed curtains. As she pushed her head through the heavy drapery she was surprised to see an empty bed meet her. Something did not seem right. Georgiana’s heart jumped and she knew she must get William before he started his journey to the Fitzwilliams. She jumped to her feet and ran as fast as her little feet would carry her. Down the hall way to the stairs, and to the main hall. She flung open the door to the sitting room where they had spent the evening. It was empty. She ran down the hall into the library. She was not there either. Her mind started to swim and she did not know what to do. She cried out.

“William! William!” Looking around franticly for any clues of where he could be. A sudden chill when through her back when she saw the front door wide open rain pouring through. Georgiana ran to the door yelling into the darkness once again. “William!”
The cold rain splashed against her face as she strained to see his form in the blackness. As she searched a strong hand landed on her small shoulder. Her heart raced, she let out a high-pitched scream and tried away from the hand and into the rain. The hand held her tight and she heard a familiar voice call her name.

“Georgiana, Georgiana. What is going on? What is wrong?” It was William. Tears of relief poured down her face. She turned and buried her face in his chest.

“William, I thought you had gone. I didn’t know what to do and then the door was open and I was afraid.” William pulled his sister away from his chest and looked her in the eyes.

“Georgiana, WHY are you afraid? What wrong?” Georgiana shook her head and spoke in a quivering voice.

“It is Elizabeth. I went to her room to speak to her and when I opened the door… William she was not there. I don’t know where else she could be. I searched all down stairs. Did you see her? I hope that you saw her.” William could clearly see the panic in his sister’s eyes. The grasp he had on her arms grew stronger.

“You did not see her anywhere?”

“No William, I searched all over.”

“Are you positive?”

“Yes, I am. You can check again but I didn’t see her anywhere.”

William released his sister and paced in a small circle. His mind was clearly deep in thought.

“Georgiana, what made you look out the door here? Did you hear something outside? What compelled you?”

“I saw the door had been left open and I thought perhaps you had already left to see Richard. I was worried and wanted to catch you before you were gone.” William’s eyes opened wide and he looked intently at his sister once again.

“The door was left open? You did not open it?”

“No it was open when I got down here. You did not do it then?”

William ran his fingers through his hair roughly.

“No, I didn’t, I didn’t even come past here when I left you. I went to my room to change for the long ride when I heard you yelling. I came as fast as I could.”

Georgiana put her wet hand on William’s arm. “William I don’t have a good feeling about this. Elizabeth could be out there, somewhere all alone and lost.”

William patted the sweet hand that rested on his arm. “I will find her. Perhaps she had gone to Lambton to see her family. I am sure she is there. I will ride to Lambton and all this shall be resolved.”

Georgiana nodded “Oh I am sure you are correct. She must have gone to see Jane. I cannot believe she would have gone in the rain but one cannot explain what a woman in love might do. Yes you should go. I am sure you shall find her warming by the fire at the inn in Lambton. I will just was the thoughts of her alone in the rain right out of my mind and just wait for you to return.”

As Georgiana spoke, almost to herself, William prepared for his wet ride. Putting on his rain jacket and hood. His pair of strong leather gloves. Thinking of nothing but finding his newly acquired love. After he was dressed he kissed his sister lightly on the forehead, headed to the stables where he found his ever-ready steed. He patted the caramel colored horse as he mounted him with determination. He took the reigns and urged his horse forward into the foreboding night.

Part 23

Posted on Friday, 4 April 2003

Richard walked to the front of beautifully decorated church on the grounds of Pemberley, it was full of guests waiting for he and his beloved to be joined together. The sun shone brightly around and the flowers that were skillfully placed around the chapel only added to the feeling of excitement in the air. Richard’s excitement heightened when he heard the traditional tones of the wedding march echo in the chapel and the room fell silent. All eyes were turned to the chapel doors. Light shone through the hinges and under the door. Richard saw a shadow cut across the light and he knew that must be his love. The ushers swiftly opened the doors and the light blinded him. He could only see the outline of a lovely woman joined arm in arm with a gentleman. As Elizabeth and her father stepped further into the quite room, their forms came into focus. Richard’s heart warmed at the lovely smile that shone on Elizabeth’s face.

“And to think” Richard said to himself “She is MY bride.”

Elizabeth glided down the isle her eyes focused on Richard. Their intense gaze did not leave his face. When Elizabeth and her father stopped at the alter Richard walked forward and reached for the delicate hand stretched out to meet his. He felt like they were in slow motion, going slower every minute. He felt like he would never capture the delicate hand that was stretched out before him. Reaching harder and harder, he was almost there. His fingertips brushed Elizabeth’s gloved hand. He felt the delicate material tickle his fingertips. As he was about to claim his prize he heard a loud noise echo from the back of the chapel. It startled both he and Elizabeth. Richard searched the back of the chapel to identify the cause of the disruption while Elizabeth withdrew her hand and searched for the source of the noise as well. As their eyes scanned it came again. The whole congregation now turned in their seats to search as well. Again the piercing noise came. Again and again, like thunder cracking in a deafening cacophony.

“That is enough.” Richard slammed his fist on the alter and started down the isle to put a stop to the mysterious noise. His pace increased as he reached the large doors that vibrated with every crack. Richard slowly reached for the handle that would unveil his mystery when he heard a familiar voice.

“RICHARD! RICHARD! Open this door this instant! I must speak to you!”

It was William’s voice. Richard was taken aback. Why would William be pounding on the chapel doors during the ceremony, when he should be performing his duties as the best man? Puzzled, Richard stood frozen in time his hand moving slowly towards the door. As he pondered the pounding grew louder and louder. His head started to vibrate with every thunderous crack. Richard grabbed his head and turned to look at his bride to gain some reassurance in his task. As he turned the lovely surroundings started to spin around him, colors bleeding together. Slowly the colors began to melt away, slowly at first and then faster until he was left in a shocking, cold darkness.

He heard the noise again but this time Richard began to regain his senses. He was at home in his own bed, the night before his wedding. He heard William’s panicked voice once again.

“RICHARD! If you don’t open this door I shall have to break it down!”

Richard shook his head trying to figure out what was going on. It could be a prank, it was not much like William to be a jokester but he could not put it past him. Or it could be something more serious like one of Mrs. Bennets ‘fits’. Richard chuckled to himself.

“What ever it is, I guess I had better let him in” a big groggy Richard got out of bed, felt his way to the door of his chamber, unlocked and opened it. Standing before him in the hallway was a drenched and frantic William holding a flickering candle. A puddle surrounded his boots and now started to leak into Richard’s bedroom. Richard gestured for William to enter his dark room. Richard went to the table near his bed and lit another candle as William silently entered. Richard turned to look at his cousin.

“What is going on Darcy? It is the middle of the night, not to mention tomorrow is my wedding day. This had better not be a silly prank. I shall hear nothing of it!” Richard smiled and sat in the chair next to his bed.

William shook his head solemnly and took a deep breath. “No Richard I am not here to play some silly joke on you. I am here for matters far, far more serious. It is about Elizabeth.”

Richard felt a chill go through his body as he shot straight up in his chair.

“Elizabeth? What do you mean? Is something wrong? Is she ok? Tell me man, what are you speaking of?”

William shook his head again and crossed the room to where his cousin sat. Kneeling at his feet he looked into Richard’s eyes and spoke.

“Richard, I don’t know how to tell you this but… Elizabeth is .. she is missing. Georgiana found the front door wide open at about 1:30 this morning and after searching Pemberley she is no where to be found.”

Richard’s breathed in sharply, contemplating the news he had just heard. Cutting off William’s narrative he spoke.

“Perhaps she has gone to see her family. She is close to Jane. I cannot explain it but perhaps she is at the inn in Lambton. That is the only logical explanation. It is the night before her wedding, there can be no other explanation. I can ride to Lambton and seek her there myself. I am sure that is where she will be.” Richard spoke confidently as if trying to convince himself.

“No” William almost whispered, “She is not there. I have been there already and they have not seen her since the party this evening. I came here hoping that she had come to see you but I now know that even this last glimmer of hope is lost.”

“What do you mean is lost? She must be out there somewhere.” Richard paused and a deafening silence filled the room. “Oh Darcy, I cannot bear to think of it but perhaps she did not leave of her own will. I mean Elizabeth is a bright girl, she would not venture out in this weather without a good cause, and I can see none that could compel her. She must have been taken, that is the only explanation.”

William’s head dropped and he nodded “That thought has been crossing my mind endlessly. The door being left open was my first clue but I dared not think it until I had checked out all other possibilities. Oh Richard, I am sorry, this is all my fault. Oh we have got to find her, we must. I cannot bear to think of what might have happened to her because of me.” William broke down. Warm tears rushed down his face and uncontrollable sobs wracked his body. Richard was shocked at this extreme reaction. He put a strong hand on his shaking back.

“Darcy, I don’t know how you could blame yourself, it is no one’s fault but the scoundrel that might have taken her. You must gain control of yourself so we can find her as soon as possible. Please I need your strength in this hunt, you must be by my side as we search for her, please tell me you will be strong for me and for Elizabeth.” Richard stood and offered his hand to his kneeling cousin.

William raised his eyes to meet those of his cousin. The earnestness that burned in them and the concern that was etched in his face forced a pang of guilt and regret to course through his chest. To think that only two hours before he had been plotting to ruin this kind man’s heart and life. Guilt weighing heavy and his fear of losing Elizabeth running deep he grasped the hand in front of him and rose to his feet pushing down all the feelings of pain, remorse and love that he had carelessly let run free just moments before.

“Oh Richard I am sorry, I should be the one supporting and comforting you. You are right, together we will find her. I feel that we must put together a search party and first search the grounds of Pemberley. It will be light soon and the rain seems to have slowed. I know we will find her. I am sure we will.”

“Yes Darcy I agree. First Pemberley and we will approach the subject of beyond Pemberley if we do not find her there. God forbid.” William nodded and stood slowly. The two men parted with a sound, meaningful handshake. A pact that bound them together to find the woman that they both loved. At this William headed back down the dark hall he had just run down and headed for his waiting steed as Richard went to explain the situation to his parents. Richard would meet him once he had organized a search party to follow but William could not wait till then, he must get started in his search or go mad waiting. Breaking through the front doors of the grand Fitzwilliam estate, William mounted his horse in the light drizzle that torrential rain had become. He urged his tired horse onward down the long drive and towards Pemberley. In each stomp of the beating hooves he could hear Richards words echo in his ears. He turned his damp face to the heavens and pleaded.

“Yes Richard, God forbid. Oh please God, forbid.”

Part 24

The swishing of leaves echoed in the quite damp forest. Every tree was starting to look the same to William and every unproductive step in the wet mud made the dark hole within him darker. Each step without a trace or a clue meant that she could be farther away. Each splash of mud and crack of branches made him feel as though he might never see her again. His mind retraced the events of that early morning after he left the Fitzwilliam’s. He had raced back to Pemberley, determined to find and help his dear Elizabeth. He was sure it was a matter of time and he would find her. He searched the roads of Pemberley, going up and down each one. When this produced no trace he dismounted and continued his search on foot. Meticulously searching through lush summer brush that covered his forested land.

Remembering these early hours of frantic searching he cleared his throat. It was now rough from screaming Elizabeth’s name and straining to listen for a quite response. None came. He had long since stopped calling and pointed all of his efforts toward searching and not thinking about the what ifs and could bes that had been haunting him.

The one comfort in this nightmare was the reaction of his tenets and the surrounding towns. Countless numbers of volunteers were now scouring the countryside searching for the same reward as he was. Even deaf Mr. Walus was taking part in the search. He was only one of close to a hundred. William did not know that a person could have such an effect on so many individuals in the short amount of time that Elizabeth had been at Pemberley. He was now glad to have so many caring individuals helping in the hunt. To be completely honest at first William had been quite miffed at the number of people that joined the search. When he first started to look for Elizabeth he wanted to be the first to once again see her smiling face and to touch her soft hand but as the hours passed without her discovery these silly feelings dissipated and all he wanted was to hear the words “We have found her.” He didn’t care who’s lips they came from, as long as they came.

Lost in his thoughts and in the search for further clues William was unaware that a group of volunteers were approaching until they were beside him speaking solemnly but with optimism. He heard a familiar voice among them.

“Mr. Darcy, it is good to see you. Have you found any further information about poor Miss Bennet? We have been searching all morning and have found nothing.” One of the men spoke gently but William did not raise his head from the hunt.

“No I have found nothing further and I have heard no new news. The search has now been extended to beyond the grounds of Pemberley but something makes me stay. I feel as though she must be here, I can feel it.” William spoke more to himself than the band of men that followed his muddied footsteps. One man placed his hand upon Darcy’s back and spoke in a kind voice.

“Mr. Darcy if you don’t mind me saying so, I think you need a break. The word is that you have not stopped since Miss Bennet went missing this morning. You must stop and have some food and a warm drink or soon you will be no good to anyone.” William shook his head.

“I don’t want to go back to Pemberley without her. I could not bear it. I shall continue my search and I will eat when she is found.” Darcy stepped away from the rough hand and continued on his invisible path. The familiar voice spoke loud and clear.

“Mr. Darcy, you may come and refresh yourself at my home. It is but five minutes away from here and I have hot coffee on the fire as we speak. I believe my cook may have even left some cold ham and bread that we can feast on. I feel it is the least I can do to help you after all you have forgiven of me.”

William turned around slowly and faced his pastor, Mr. Mitchell. A sincere smile rested on his young face. He had been actively involved in the search since early in the morning. William was surprised at his vigor but remembering Mr. Mitchell’s professed feelings for Elizabeth he understood his motive and though it still made jealousy raise in him, he knew that the eyes of a professed love would be more effective than twenty men. Feeling that he and Mr. Mitchell were somewhat in the same boat he felt a kind of kinship with the man. It was from this newly formed kinship that William agreed to head for Mr. Mitchell’s in order to rest his weary body and refresh his soul.

“Mr. Mitchell, thank you for your offer. I would greatly appreciate your hospitality and company.” Mr. Mitchell nodded and gestured for William to follow him through the dense forest branches. The other men continued to search where William had left off.

Mr. Mitchell had not lied. His home was just minutes away from the forest grove that William had been scouring. As they crossed the welcoming threshold William felt his body give way and his muscles start to relax. Mr. Mitchell offered William his most elegant chair. William took in the surroundings. A roaring fire blazed in the fireplace. Blankets warmed there, as if prepared for such an occasion. William longed for one but did not ask. He did not remember the parsonage being so cozy, so warm, so homey.

“Your housekeeper has made this a lovely place, Mr. Mitchell. I am sure you are as pleased with it as I am.”

Mitchell nodded his head. “Oh yes, I dearly love this place. It is no Pemberley but it is what I very happily call home. If you will excuse me I will bring you some hot coffee and cold ham.” With these words Mitchell exited to the kitchen.

The warmth of the fire and his great lack of sleep was starting to take a hold on William. He could feel his eyes starting to droop and his body starting to relax. He tried to keep his mind on Elizabeth and his goal to find her but the temptation of sleep started to overcome him. Tempted to dive in to the warm darkness that surrounded him. His head started to drop and his mind started to fall into a deep slumber. As the darkness surrounded him he began to remember the occurrences of the night before. The tender kisses and sweet words of love that were spoken. As he remembered he smelled a familiar scent surrounding him. It was the light, heady smell of lavender. The scent that had haunted him so many nights now seemed to tease him once again. The smell became stronger and stronger until he awoke in a start.

Sitting up straight in his chair the tired man shook his weary head. “I must have been imagining it all.” He said to himself. William stretched his neck and shoulders taking a long deep breath. As he breathed in he smelled it again, this time it was unmistakable. It was not the memory or ghost of Elizabeth that carried this intoxicating smell it was something in this house. William’s heart quickened as he remembered with new eyes the things that Mitchell had said only a few weeks before. The fear and rage it had produced in him and the warnings he had given Elizabeth.

“It couldn’t be, there must be some other explanation.” Looking over his shoulder into the kitchen William could hear the clink of Mitchell trying to take on the duties of a housekeeper. William silently grasped the arms of his chair and raised himself as quietly as possible to his feet. He took another deep breath through his nose to reassure himself of what he had smelled before. The scent still lingered in the air. William followed this smell. It lead him down a dark hallway with doors on each side. William remembered this house had many rooms in order to accommodate whatever size family the residing pastors may have. He passed a small staircase to his right. His instincts told him to ascend it but his nose told him to continue on. As he reached the final door in the hall he was almost overpowered by the strong smell of lavender that met him. His heart was beating fast now, his eyes constantly checking down the hallway for his host but never seeing his form. Breathing deeply, trying to slow his heart and steady his shaking hand William reached for the door handle. His fingers rested on the cold metal. He grasped tighter and slowly turned the knob until he heard the click that he had been waiting for. After casting one last glance over his shoulder, William slowly pushed the door open into a light drenched room. At first William could see nothing but the bright sun that shone through the window but slowly his eyes adjusted. The room was covered in lavender. The dresser and bookshelves, the floor and the bed. As William’s eyes rested on the lavender covered bed he noticed a form lying in it. His heart jumped into his throat as he realized that this small form, almost hidden under the mass of bedding, was Elizabeth, his Elizabeth. Forgetting the circumstances and the horrible night they had all experienced William rushed to the bedside and placed a tender hand on the mass of curls that covered her face.

“Elizabeth” William whispered. “Elizabeth, wake up dearest, can you hear me?” Elizabeth did not move. William placed his hand on her shoulder and shook her lightly. The covers fell back to reveled that she was clad in a delicate white nightgown. The gauzy white fabric accented her dark beauty and created a beautiful picture. William was frozen once again forgetting the precarious position he was in until he hear the squeak of hinges behind him. William was sucked back into reality and turned to face Mitchell with newly open eyes that were full of rage.

“What is the meaning of this?” William demanded pointing to the unconscious form that lay on Mr. Mitchell’s bed. Mitchell just stood in the doorway, stone faced without saying a word. Nothing could have infuriated the volatile Mr. Darcy more at this moment. Darcy stood to his full stature and towered over the slender Mr. Mitchell. He repeated his question.

“Mr. Mitchell, I will ask you one more time and if I gain no response then I shall not hold myself responsible for what I may do. Mitchell, WHAT is the meaning of this? Why is Elizabeth in your home, in your bed? What is your explanation for this?”

Mitchell defiantly looked up into Darcy’s eyes and pushed past his taunt form. He sat on the bed by Elizabeth’s head and gently caressed her hair. He acted as if Darcy was not even there. William could contain himself any longer. In three long steps he crossed the room and grabbed Mitchell’s hand violently. He pulled him from the bed and pushed him against the wall.

“You may NOT touch her! You may NEVER touch her again or I shall see to it personally that you are not alive to try. “ With each statement William squeezed Mitchell’s arm harder, feeing the bones against his fingers . Mitchell did not react, he did not even flinch. William felt he was at his wits end he turned the man around and twisted his arm behind his back pushing his face against the rough wall.

“This is you last chance Mitchell, you tell me what you have done to her. I swear that if you have harmed her in any way, death will be a relief for you little man.” Pressing harder with each word, Mitchell’s face scraped against the gritty wall. Finally Mitchell was reacting. He was twisting with discomfort and whimpering lightly. Soon Darcy’s determination paid off and Mitchell broke down.

“OK ok Darcy, I will talk. Just let me go! LET ME GO!” William loosened his grip and Mitchell ran to the corner like a injured dog. He looked up at Darcy with defiance in his eyes.

“You think you are so smart and virtuous Darcy coming in here like a knight in shining armor. Well I know what you really are. I know what you really do. I saw you last night. You were not so virtuous then with Elizabeth in your arms and her kisses on your lips. I saw it all! You being so high and mighty but you are actually stealing your cousin’s bride. I guess I cannot blame you. I mean who could resist her? Not very many men could claim to be untouched by her bewitching powers.”

William took an aggressive step forward and growled “That is enough of that kind of talk! Tell me what happened next.”

Mitchell laughed and nodded. “ I knew that it was my turn, just like you , when I saw her leave so franticly in the rain. I knew that since you had held her I might be able to too. She ran so swiftly, she is a strong girl but soon the rain got to her. I decided it was my time and I swept in to rescue her. Too bad she had already fallen, she tripped on a rock you know. She has not been much good company since but none the less I can at least say that for a few hours she was mine. In my home and in my arms.” Mitchell spat out the last words as if her were spitting poison at Darcy. The words had the desired effect. William lunged forward and put his hands threateningly on Mitchell’s exposed neck.

“What do you mean she was yours, you had better not have laid a hand on her or so help me God…”

“Tsk, Tsk, Tsk” Mitchell shook his head “Oh what a dirty little mind you have Darcy. I am a man of God and you accuse me of such things. No no no, that will wait until our wedding night for there is no way the dear Colonel will marry her now after spending the night in another man’s house. I don’t even know if you would have her now, my dear Mr. Darcy. So that means she is mine. I have won and no matter what you do to me it does not matter.”

Darcy’s grip tightened and he growled “ You know nothing of love you fool. You have not tainted Elizabeth you have only tainted yourself. If you think that you can ruin her you will be sorely surprised. She will not be your bride, even if I have to stop you with my bare hands.”

“Oh Darcy, you will not have to kill me, my friend” Mitchell laughed delighted, for I am claiming the honor of killing you. Using his free hand Mitchell swiftly reached into his coat pocket and grabbed a short but sharp pen knife.

“I did not mean for things to turn out this way but what ever will be will be, eh Darcy.”

At the sight of the knife Darcy jumped back looking for anything he could use as a weapon. His hands rested on the candle stick that sat next to the bed. He picked it up and used it as best he could to block Mitchell’s swift blows. Lost in their battle neither man noticed the rush of footsteps that flooded the hallway. The door was burst open just as William wrestled the glistening knife out of Mitchell’s hand. Neither man had acquired any deadly wounds but several scratches gave the illusion of greater injury. The men ran forward, restraining Mitchell and relieving Darcy. Richard burst into the room, first seeing the blood covered William and then the still form of Elizabeth on the bed. Richard ran across the room and gathered the limp body in his arms, looked warmly at William and ran out of the room. William could hear the strong beating of hooves as Richard raced away with Elizabeth in his arms.

Part 25

Posted on Wednesday, 9 April 2003

As the beating hooves disappeared into the distance William felt his body give way. The hours of restless searching and the intense battle that just took place left his body ravaged. William felt his knees give out and blackness surrounded him.

The next thing William remembered was opening his eyes to darkness. He could not see much but the familiar feel of the comforter and the musky smell reminded him that he was once again in his own room. For a moment he considered the possibility that he had dreamt the whole ordeal. The declaration from Elizabeth, the ensuing search and his battle with Mr. Mitchell. He considered this theory until he tried to sit up and felt his muscles twinge in pain.

“That was not a dream. It was all real. Elizabeth loves me but has been claimed by her fiancée and I am once again alone. Elizabeth, the last time I saw her she was hurt! Oh what a weakling I am! I don’t even know if she is dead or alive and here I am resting in bed. ”

With determination William pushed through the pain that seared through his body and he rose from his bed. He quickly lit a candle and dressed. He was determined to discover the truth of what had happened to Elizabeth. William opened the door and thrust the lit candle into the hallway. The candle illuminated the hall and the great clock that stood outside his door. It’s hands read one o’clock. William shook his head and sighed.

“It was less than twenty four hours ago that this all began. With the goodbye and the kiss and finally the words of love exchanged. Oh, it seems like an eternity, a dark eternity since those lovely moments.” With these thoughts he turned toward his goal. He knew where Elizabeth’s room was before the disappearance. He hoped that she would be there once again. During the many nights she had possessed it he had often taken comfort by just walking down her hall and knowing that she was near. Now he just prayed that he would find her there, alive.

William walked swiftly but as quietly as possible down the long hall. As he approached the door he saw a dim light glowing beneath it. This brought hope into his heart. Perhaps she was fine and well. Perhaps he would see her smiling face when she opened the door. William quickened his pace until he reached the closed door. He knocked lightly. He heard quite footsteps coming closer. His heart rate increased and he said a silent prayer that those footsteps would bring him joy.

The door knob turned slowly as if the perpetrator was trying to be as quite as possible. The door opened slowly and William’s heart sunk. The face that greeted him was not Elizabeth’s smiling face, it was Richards face filled with concern. Surprise registered in his eyes when he saw William standing on the other side of the door.

“ William” Richard whispered “What are you doing here? You should be in bed. What are you doing up?”

“Richard, I wanted to see how Elizabeth was doing. I don’t remember anything after you left with her, it is all a blur. Please tell me— is she ok?”

Richard sighed deeply and put his hand on William’s arm to guide him into the room.

“William, things are not looking well. Please come in and sit down, we will talk.”

William let Richard lead him to a chair next to a dimly lit lamp. The lamp rested on a table next to the large bed in the middle of the room. William had given Elizabeth this room because of it’s beauty and grace but now it was all juxtaposed against her form lying motionless in the middle of it. She still wore the light nightgown that Mitchell had placed on her. There was no sign of life but for the movement of her chest up and down with breath. Richard spoke again.

“William, since we recovered Elizabeth from that rake’s house she has not stirred. The doctor has been here and he is afraid that as a result of her fall she has injured not only her arm and her ankle but she might also have hit her head. He has tried to warn us that this might mean that Elizabeth, this is so hard to say, but that Elizabeth might never wake up again.” Richard’s voice broke and tears were filling in his eyes. William sat back in stunned silence. An emptiness that he had not felt since his parent’s deaths settled in his chest.

“What do you mean she might never wake up? That is not possible. Not the strong Elizabeth I know! The doctor must be wrong, he must be.” Richard nodded somberly.

“Yes you are right William, he might be wrong. It is for this reason I am taking Elizabeth with me and returning to London. There are specialists there that can examine her perhaps help her wake up again. We will be leaving in the morning. We are all packed.”

These words fell heavy on William’s weary ears. The reality of what Richard was saying started to come into focus. William could feel a steely anger coursing through his veins. He was not going to loose her again.

“You will not be taking Elizabeth out of this house until she is awake and well. It is not safe to travel with her in this condition. Bring the doctors here, she can stay here as long as need be.”

Richard just shook his head. “William, it will not work. There are too many doctors and I cannot put you out any longer. I owe so much to you most of all my fiancée’s life. If you had not found her, I don’t know what might have happened.”

“Richard, do not thank me with words, thank me with actions. Please do not move Elizabeth in this condition. I beg of you. Don’t take her from Pemberley.” Richard was surprised with the force in William’s voice. It was becoming clear that William was not going to let go of this easily.

“William, it is not a choice. We are leaving tomorrow morning and that is that. I am not going to argue about it.” Richard took out his pocket watch and glanced at it in the dim light. “It is about time you should get back in bed. You have had a rough day. I will see you in the morning before we depart.”

Richard spoke in his most authoritative voice and stood to make his point clear. William stood too but did not move to leave. He just moved closer to Richard until he was inches from his face. When he spoke Richard could feel William’s hot breath on his face.

“I will not go to bed and I will not leave this unresolved. I will not let you leave this house tomorrow with Elizabeth. It is not an option.”

Richard stepped back, taken off balance by the anger that he could see growing in William’s eyes.

“William, I am sorry but our plans remain unchanged and will remain unchanged. I must ask you to go now. I am afraid that your lack of sleep has gone to your head. Come, sleep will do you good.”

Richard reached out and put his hand on William’s arm to guide him to the door but as Richard rested his hand on William’s arm William snapped into action. William took Richard’s hand roughly and as Richard was stunned. William forced him backwards against the closed door. Richard was shocked. He had never seen his cousin act in such a violent matter, especially to himself. The pain of his grip radiated and he looked up into Williams raging eyes.

“William what are you doing?”

“Richard I will say it again and perhaps this time you will listen to me. You will not take her away from here. You will not leave this house. You will not tell me what to do in my own house. Do you understand me Richard? I know you think you are so great and mighty but you are not her husband yet and you have no real choice over what happens to her, do you?” As William spoke these words a light clicked on in Richard’s mind. Everything fell into place. The friendship, the familiarity, the intensity of William’s reaction to Elizabeth going missing and now the anger at her leaving once again. There was only one explanation and Richard spoke in a voice filled with disbelief.

“Oh my goodness, I can’t believe it. All this time!” Richard’s eyes slanted and a voice full of distrust continued. “You are tricky, tricky tricky Mr. Darcy. Did you think I would not figure it out?” With these words Richard silently glared at his cousin. William loosed his grip and dropped Richard’s hand. He knew he had been discovered. William looked away trying not to meet Richard’s eyes, realizing this was a harder moment than he could have ever imagined. Richard took the offensive now.

“You backstabber, you cad! You LOVE her don’t you! Don’t look away—you are in love with my fiancée. You don’t want her to leave now because you don’t want her to leave EVER! Oh I cannot believe I did not see this earlier. Well what do you have to say for yourself.”

William did not respond. Richard grabbed William’s shirt coarsely and asked once again.

“What do you have to say for yourself?”

William turned his head and met Richard with a steely gaze. He knew he had to speak the truth.

“Yes” William whispered in a defeated tone “I love her. I love her more than life itself. You will never be able to understand the intensity of the love that I feel for Elizabeth.”

These words, these stabbing words of betrayal made Richard’s blood boil. He forgot about being a gentleman, he forgot that Darcy was his cousin and all he could think of were the words this man was speaking about his loved one, his fiancée. The tables had turned and Richard forced William into the exact position that he had just been held in. Pushed up against the door Darcy did not fight. Some how deep inside he knew that he deserved everything that he was going to get from Richard.

“How DARE you! We are not only friends but family and you go and fall in love with my future wife! I never thought that you would have stooped that low. And now you tell me that I don’t LOVE her like you do? William, don’t you ever let yourself imagine that your schoolboy crush can equal the undying love that is SHARED between Elizabeth and myself.” William knew he should not respond, that he should just let the words roll off of him until the tirade was over but he couldn’t control himself. He felt compelled to respond.

“Richard don’t speak of matters you know nothing about. I have loved Elizabeth for longer than you have even known her. I have loved her since I met her in Hertfordshire when I was visiting the Bingleys. Not only did I love her but at Rosings, the last night that we were at Aunt Catherine’s, I proposed. I can see from the surprise on your face that Elizabeth never told you of this. She rejected me that day and then you came, as always riding my coat tails. She said yes to you and I thought I had lost all hope until she came here. We became close, familiar and I felt hope that once again I could prove myself. So cousin do not speak of school boy crushes because you will not like to find out what the schoolboy actually is in this story.”

Richard listened with growing intensity. Every word brought up new insinuations that boiled his blood. He could not take it any more.

“What are you trying to tell me William? Are you actually trying to tell me that Elizabeth reciprocates these feelings?” William did not respond and Richard tightened his grip on William’s shirt. William’s silence gave him all the answers he needed “I cannot believe this, I cannot believe that my cousin and the only woman I have truly loved could betray me like this!” Richard released William’s shirt with disgust and sat once again with his head held in his hands.

This was a surprising response for William. He did not know that Richard would respond so violently. ‘This is not right.’ William thought ‘Elizabeth would not want it to be this way. Not with her out of the picture. It would kill her to think she broke up the friendship between me and Richard. I cannot let it end like this.’ Making this silent resolve William crossed over to the distraught Richard and spoke.

“Richard I believe I have deceived you.” Richard raised his head to look at William as he spoke. “I do love Elizabeth but I do not believe she returns those feelings.” Richard looked at William skeptically.

“HOW do you know she does not return you feelings William?”

William sighed deeply. “This is not going to be easy for you to hear Richard. Are you sure you want to hear this story?” Richard just nodded his head. “Alright, I was not sure of what Elizabeth felt for me, friendship or love, until just last night. We met at the foot of the stairs in the main hall to say our goodnights for it would be the last time she would be in Pemberley as Miss Bennet. As we spoke I felt a surge of urgency. I felt as though I needed to tell her of my feelings, let her know that I still loved her.”

Richard shifted uncomfortably.

“I told you this would be difficult.” Richard nodded.

“Continue please, I am waiting for the part where she does not love you.” William continued, ignoring the sarcastic jab.

“Well like I said before, I wanted to let her know that I loved her and that I wanted to marry her but all that I did I could not get out the words. Before too long the words ‘goodnight’ were exchanged between us both and I knew that I waited too much longer I would miss my chance. So as she started up the stairs I grabbed her hand, took her in my arms and I kissed her.” Richard flashed a deadly glare.

“What does this have to do with her not loving you?”

“You will see. So I kissed her, like I had always wanted to and as I had had to watch you two kiss since your engagement. It was amazing, everything I had hoped for… ok I will skip over those details. I can see you are not interested. Well as I set her down I looked in her eyes and said ‘I love you.’ She just looked back at me and slapped me in the face. At that moment we both saw Georgiana standing at the top of the stairs. She had seen it all. Georgiana ran away to her room and Elizabeth was devastated. She insisted I go comfort my sister and apologize for what she had seen. I did exactly as she requested. I went up stairs and apologized. After speaking with Georgiana I went back downstairs to drown my sorrows when I noticed the front door open and Elizabeth gone. I might never know if she left because of my advances or if Mitchell was the culprit but either way you now know the truth and can be assured of your wife’s love and devotion.” William concluded his narrative. Though it was completely false William felt that he had done the right thing. The right thing for Richard and the right thing for Elizabeth.

Richard on the other hand was even more infuriated by the new developments that William had related. He could not contain his outburst any longer.

“William” he spoke in bitter tones “I hope you know that if Elizabeth dies I will consider you her murderer. You are no better that Mitchell, perhaps worse because you were attacking from within. She trusted you and you ruined that trust. If she dies I will have written on her tombstone ‘Elizabeth Bennet- Murdered by Fitzwilliam Darcy’

William rolled his eyes and spoke softly, trying to remind himself that he deserved all of the abuse he was receiving.

“Richard never forget that there would be no punishment greater than knowing that Elizabeth was no longer on this earth.”

Richard stood abruptly and cut off William.

“You know what Darcy, I have had about enough of you. I don’t think I want to see you any more. I would like to request that you leave.”

William nodded “I understand completely. It might be best for all involved if we do not see each other in the near future.”

Richard chuckled ironically “In the near future? William I never want to see you again and I would appreciate it if you did not try to contact or see Elizabeth ever again. I think you can understand my reasoning.”

William’s heart ached ‘I should have kept my stupid mouth shut’ he thought to himself. He knew that this was the only way. If Elizabeth truly loved him and she awoke once again then William would be there. If Elizabeth never awoke, William would live his life to the best of his abilities so he could see her in the hereafter. Before he left William had one request.

“Richard, in a moment I will walk out of that door and your life forever but before I go I must have a last moment with Elizabeth. Please give me that.” Richard considered the implications of this final request and decided that one last moment would hurt no one but himself. He would allow it. He nodded and gestured for William to sit at Elizabeth’s bedside.

“Keep it short” Richard hissed.

William ignored the order and spoke.

“Elizabeth, my love. This is the last time I may see your glowing face again. Even in sleep you are beautiful to me.” William gently took Elizabeth’s hand and put it to his lips. He kissed it gently and pressed the limp fingers to his face. “Never forget that I love you. Never forget that I would die for you. And if you do not make it out of this deep sleep my dearest, I hope you will be waiting on the other side to greet me. Then we may be together, in peace. I love you.” William placed one last tender kiss on Elizabeth’s forehead and turned to face Richard. William extended his hand.

“I guess this is goodbye then. Good luck in life and take care of her. There are no other hands I would trust her in more.” Richard briefly grabbed William’s hand and shook it. They both nodded and William turned to walk out the door.

As the door shut behind them William felt a knot welling up in his chest. He raced for his room, trying to hold the knot down until he crossed his threshold. He walked in to the comforting familiarity of his room and released his control. That night William wept. He wept for his cousin, he wept for his loneliness, and most of all he wept for the only woman he could ever love.

Part 26

Posted on Friday, 11 April 2003

The morning after William and Richard’s confrontation William kept his end of the bargain. He stayed in his room until he saw the carriage that carried his future disappear behind the tall trees of Pemberley. He had spent the morning listening carefully for any sign of a change of heart. William had never known Richard to be a hard hearted man but he knew that last night he had crossed the line. Now he knew that his life would never be the same.

To be honest the truth had not yet sunk in. The truth that he would never see her face again or hear her voice. The truth that her sweet spirit might not be long on this earth. It had not sunk in and he did not want it to. He did not want to think of life where he would not walk down stairs and be greeted with her smile. As he considered these thoughts his heart became heavy and as he was trying not to think of her being gone, all that kept coming to his mind was her absence that burned like a gaping hole in his chest.

Still looking out the window William’s thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. There was only one person it could be. Georgiana. She had tried to speak to him earlier but he had not opened his door. It was too hard to face her and rehash all of her whys and hows but he could no longer ignore it. He spoke aloud for the first time since his good-byes the night before.

“Come in” William granted. The door slowly opened and the tear stained face of his sister, walked through the doors. Georgiana was taken aback by William’s appearance. It was clear he had slept. His eyes were red and swollen with bags under them and his voice was rough. She was afraid to speak but she was too worried about him to repress her concerns.

“William” she spoke softly “William are you ok? I am so worried about you.” William looked at his sister, nodded and started to speak.

“Georgie,it is just that she is gone… gone for good.” William’s voice broke and Georgiana rushed forward taking her brother in her frail arms. He buried his face in her shoulder and let all of the pain that was building inside of him release. Georgiana rubbed his back gently and whispered comforting messages.

“Oh William, it is ok. I am so sorry, so sorry. We will get her back, I know we will.” She let him cry and mourn, repressing her need to morn and her need to question. She reminded herself that he had let her cry on his shoulder when she had been devastated by Wickham, it was her turn to be the strong one.

After several minutes of tears William calmed himself, raised his face and looked into his little sister’s eyes. She was becoming such a grown woman. A woman of grace, and love, and tenderness. A woman that reminded him so much of his Elizabeth. He spoke hoarsely to his sister.

“Georgie, I am sure you know by now that Elizabeth is gone. Richard has taken her to London, she is not in good health.” Georgiana nodded.

“Yes, I know. Richard told me this morning. I got to see her one last time. William, I am sorry this has upset you so much but hopefully she will be better soon and you can pick up where you both left off. You were so happy. The love in both of your eyes the other night on the stairs speaks for itself. A love as deep and intense as that will endure, I am sure.” William shook his head somberly and pointed to the bed.

“Georgiana you might want to sit down, I have to talk to you about something that happened last night. It may change the way you see things.” Georgiana sat on the bed as William looked out the window with his back to her.

“Well I went to Elizabeth’s room last night. I don’t mean to shock you and I know it was improper but I had to know how she was. I had not seen her since Richard took her from Mitchell’s house yesterday morning. So like I said, I went to he room last night. After I knocked Richard opened the door. I was surprised to see Richard in her room but I knew something must be wrong for him to break propriety in such a blatant manner. After I entered he told me the news of how bad off Elizabeth really was. My heart sunk, I felt such guilt and remorse. I was in a terrible state. It was just at this point of emotional climax that he proceeded to tell me that he was going to take her, in this condition, to London in the morning. Well Georgie to be honest, I was furious. I could not believe he would risk her life and take her from me once again. So in the midst of these feelings, I over reacted. I ended up threatening Richard physically and telling him that he could not take her. I am so ashamed when I look back on my actions last night but I could not help it. My love for Elizabeth had possessed me and overwhelmed my common sense. Well Richard is a bright man and figured out why I cared so much. In short, he figured out that I love her.” Georgiana let out a light gasp interrupting William’s narration.

“Oh no, William. What did you do?”

Still looking out the window William responded in a matter of fact voice. “Well I did the only thing I could think of, I admitted it. I told him that I loved her, I told him the whole story. Well almost the whole story. When he started questioning Elizabeth’s integrity I could not take it. I did not want to tarnish her name, especially if she was dying. I could not live with that and I know she would not wish it. So I lied. I told him that she did not reciprocate my feelings and that I was just a man full of unrequited love that kissed his cousin’s fiancée causing her to run away into a dark rainy night. You know the rest of the story. Richard was infuriated. In Richard’s eyes if Elizabeth dies, I killed her with my own hands.”

“Oh William, this is not good. Why didn’t you just tell the truth. I would have backed you up, I would have told him that she loved you too. You didn’t have to ruin your happiness, it could have been different.” At these words William swiftly turned around and spoke in a strangled voice.

“Don’t you think I know that? I have been rethinking those moments all night. I wish I could take it all back. Richard does not want to see me ever again. He does not want me to contact him. He won't let me contact Elizabeth either. He has forbidden me from ever seeing again. Now I can be nothing to her. I won’t even know if she is dead or alive. It is over, I have lost everything but you my dear. Everything.”

Georgiana did not know what to say. Her heart was full of sorrow for her brother and the pain he must be going through. To have lost your true love and in such a manner, it would devastate any man. She gestured for him to join her on the bed, she had an idea. William crossed the room and sat next to his sister. She placed her hand on his and spoke with a little excitement in her voice.

“William, there is one flaw in your story. Richard forbade you from seeing or contacting Elizabeth correct?” William nodded

“But he did not say anything about me did he?” William shook his head indicating an nonverbal ‘no’.

“ Well then my brother, here is my plan. I say we follow Richard to London and open our town house. I will spend my time tending to and caring for my dear future “cousin” and you will know everything. Then when she awakes, you shall have an ally for I will be her consistent companion. Richard would never suspect me, it is perfect!” When Georgiana finished William sat in silence. Georgiana was worried that she had said something wrong or caused him more pain but after a few moments her brother spoke in a soft, shaky voice.

“You would really do that for me Georgie? Would you really be willing to do that?” He grasped her hand tightly in his and looked at her with hope gleaming in his face. Georgie nodded with tears in her eyes.

“Of course William, you are my brother, I love you and all I want is to see you happy.” She smiled as a tear rolled down her face. William spontaneously leaned over and hugged his sister in a tight embrace. When he pulled away his face looked stern.

“Georgiana you had better get back to your room, young lady.” Georgiana was taken aback, he had seemed so happy just moments before. This was a strange and drastic change. She felt a little shaky as she gazed at her brother with a questioning look.

“William, have I upset you in some way? I am sorry if I did something wrong. I just want you to be happy.” William could see his sister was truly distressed. Sensing this he let a big smile cross his face and squeezed her small shoulders.

“Oh I am sorry, I did not mean to frighten you. I was just kidding but you HAD better get back to your room! It looks like we have a lot to do if we are leaving for London tomorrow!” Georgiana let out a sigh of relief and lunged forward for one last hug.

“William I am so happy! We will make this work. We will get her back!” Georgiana bounded out of the room with determination in her heart. William lay back on his bed to think of what had just transpired. He turned it over and over again in his mind, thinking of every possible situation that could come to pass. He smiled as he thought.

“This might just work, it is at least worth a try!” He stood up, changed into fresh clothes. He felt more energy than he had in months, maybe even years. He rushed downstairs to find his man servant Barker. He found him talking with the cook in the kitchen. William rushed up with excitement oozing out of him.

“Barker, Barker! I must speak with you.” The middle aged man came as swiftly as possible to talk with his master. “Georgian and I will be leaving for London in the morning. There is a lot to do in a short amount of time. We may be gone a very long time!”

Section 27

Posted on Monday, 21 April 2003

William closed his book and looked once again at the large grandfather clock in his study. It read 4:50.

“Where could she be? She has never been this late before.” William opened his book and tried to start reading once again but soon his thoughts overcame him. His mind wandered over the past two months that he had been in London with Georgiana.

That first night they had arrived it was late. Georgiana was fast asleep on his shoulder. He carried her gently inside to her usual bedroom and then retired to his own. As he sat on his bed, preparing to sleep. He could feel his body tingle with excitement and perhaps exhaustion. It was electric just to be in the same city as Elizabeth again. It was a comfort to know that she was moments away and that tomorrow Georgiana (his little spy) would actually be by her side.

“Perhaps she is awake” William thought to himself as he settled into bed for the night.

In his study William laughed. “I was so naïve then! To think that she would be awake and waiting for me. If only that had been true.” But it had not.

The next day Georgiana, as planned, took a carriage to see Elizabeth in the late morning. She did not arrive home until 4:30 pm. William was worried for his sister and also for what could have happened at the Fitzwilliam’s townhouse but the bright smile on her face let William know that everything went well that first visit. She silently entered his study and took off her bonnet. The smile continued to grow as she tinkered around the room. William watched her with growing anticipation until he could not stand it any more.

“Georgiana Darcy, you cannot make me wait any longer. Please tell me what happened and why you have that smile on your face!” Georgiana let out a little giggle and ran to sit next to her brother. She spoke as if she were bursting.

“Oh William it went so well. Richard was not at all hesitant to let me in. In fact he was excited to see me. He was in somber spirits but he led me personally to Elizabeth’s room. I am sorry to say that she still has not awoken. I am sorry for that William but I am not sorry for the opportunity it gives me to become a fixture in Elizabeth’s day. I read to her, played piano for her and I even ventured to sing for her. I don’t know if she can hear me but I like to think she does.” William was happy. He was saddened by the news that his love was still asleep but happy that someone so near him could be with her and more importantly, could keep him posted on what was going on in her life. Hearing Georgiana talk about reading and singing to Elizabeth put an idea in his head.

“ Oh dearest Georgiana, I am so glad that you have found success. I hope I have not asked to much of you in this task yet I venture to ask more. You say you read to her as she sleeps. Do you think that she could hear you?” Georgiana shrugged her shoulders.

“ I don’t know William, perhaps she can hear me. I like to imagine that she does.”

William sat up straight in her chair and took a breath of courage. “ Well I was thinking perhaps when you read to her you might be willing to read something a little unconventional.”

“What were you thinking of William?”

“I was thinking that perhaps you could read letters to her. Letters from me. I know it is against propriety but I have already thrown so much caution to the wind that I am willing to risk it. That is if you are willing to risk it. I don’t want to throw your reputation out the window with my caution. Did I just make any sense at all?”

Georgiana could not help but burst into laughter at her brother’s awkward request. Soon William joined her. As they both settled down, Georgiana answered in her most serious voice.

“Of course I will William. I already told her how much you miss her. Now the words will be yours instead of mine. I do have to say, my brother, that you have turned out to be quite a romantic.”

William gave his sister a perplexed look. “ And what would YOU know about romance may I ask.”

“ I do read brother. I do read!” They both resumed their laughter.

Over the past two months Georgiana had gone to see Elizabeth almost every day. And every time Georgiana crossed Elizabeth’s threshold she held a letter from her brother. William had enjoyed his evenings alone with his sister. She would fill him in on what had happened that day and then they would talk. Sometimes about Elizabeth but most of the time about anything in general. It was just comforting to have her around. She was growing up into such a wonderful woman and he was proud to just be around her and see her grow.

“If only Elizabeth could see her now” William often thought. “She would be so proud.”

William was pulled back to reality by the chiming of the grandfather clock- 5:30.

“Georgiana, if you are not home soon I shall have to go out to look for you!” William stood up and started to pace around the room trying to decided what to do next. If he went to Richard’s, their gig would be up and he might not let Georgiana come back. That would leave no hope for his future. That was not a good plan but as his worry grew William drew up a better plan. He could send someone else to go and look for Georgiana.

“Yes, that is it! I will send one of the servants to go find her. That will be less suspicious.” William headed for the door of his study as he reached for the door knob it turned in front of him. William was surprised and taken aback. The door opened and a flushed Georgiana stood in front of him. A wave of relief washed over William. He took his sister by the hand and pulled her inside the study.

“Georgiana, WHERE have you been? I have been so worried about you. Is everything ok?”

Georgiana took off her bonnet and faced her brother.

“Yes everything is ok” she spoke quietly. “There is good news brother, Elizabeth is awake.” Her soft voice trembled as she spoke the words. William’s heart jumped with excitement. He felt like he must have fallen into one of the many dreams he had predicting this day.

“AWAKE! Oh then she is ok! She is going to live! This the best news you could have told me. I am so happy.” William took Georgiana in his arms and spun her around in circles. Her feet lifted from the ground. He placed her down and looked at her still somber face. William was confused.

“Georgie, what is the matter? Why are you so down trodden? Is there something wrong? Please tell me that Elizabeth is ok, is that what is upsetting you?” William took Georgiana’s hands in his during his urgent questioning. Georgiana’s eyes were filling with tears. When she looked up into William’s face a tear fell down her face.

“William, she is awake and well, this is the good news. When I came in this morning she was laying there, awake in her bed. Her mannerisms and her countenance were as if nothing had ever happened to her. She was so warm and loving and greeted me with a hug.

“We conversed for hours. She said that she could hear my voice in her dreams. I told her that I had visited her almost every day since the accident. Then she asked me about you, if you had visited. I told her no, that you had been busy. She obviously does not know about what happened between you and Richard. I don’t know if that is good or bad but I was happy that she wanted to know about you. I mean, at least she wanted to see you. I decided this was my chance to say more about you. I wanted to explain everything that had happened but before I could say anything Richard came tromping in. He was glowing William, literally glowing. It was heart wrenching to see him so happy when I knew that happiness was going to end but when he started to speak those emotions soon melted away.

“ He sat down next to the bed and took Elizabeth’s hand in his and turned to me. He said that as soon as Elizabeth could walk they were to be married and they wanted me to be her maid of honor. His voice was so determined. I tried to act excited for them both and flattered at their request but inside I felt absolutely sick. I tried to look into Elizabeth’s eyes and see if she had any of that love and tenderness left in her that I had often detected but I was so upset I could not see right. Everything just started to blend together. I don’t know what is going on. Oh William, I feel like I have failed you. I don’t know what we can do now.”

William sat in silence at the news he had just received from his sister. His body felt numb and all of the hope that had been building up inside of him for two months started to dissipate. What could he do now? That question stumbled through his mind, over and over again. What could he do now? A faint glimmer of an idea flashed in his mind.

“Georgiana, I will not kid myself or demean you by trying to pretend that this is not discouraging news but we have been up against worst. At least Elizabeth is awake and at least you are still her friend. I have another plan. I feel quite silly having all of these ‘plans’ like I am a silly conniving school girl but this is worth at least one last try.” Georgiana nodded and smiled.

“William, I will try what ever you want. I know you would be heart broken if you lost Elizabeth as your wife and I would be heart broken if I lost her as my sister. We are in the same boat together William and we shall get to shore.” William smiled at his sister. She was so strong and determined now. He was so proud.

“Ok, you have been reading my letters to Elizabeth for the past two months, correct?” Georgiana nodded. “Well when you go to visit her next you will take the letters to her with one last additional letter. It will express everything that I talked with her about on the stairs that night and explain the circumstances of her present situation. I will once again ask for her love. At that point all we can do is wait. Will you do that for me Georgie?”

“Like I said William, I want this as much as you do. I will do anything to help. I will bring the letters tomorrow and then we shall both wait earnestly for her reply.” At these words William jumped up and sat at his desk.

“I will start writing now. You need to have some dinner. I will meet you as soon as I am done.” Georgiana nodded and silently exited the room for dinner in order to let her brother write in private. She thought that he might be late to dinner but he did not join her at all. She sat in the parlor waiting for him so they could spend the evening together as they usually did, but he did not come. In fact she did not see him the rest of the night. Soon she gave up and went to bed. As Georgiana slumbered William stayed locked in his study fervently trying to write the letter that may salvage any scrap of happiness in his life.

Continued In Next Section