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Chapter 28

Posted on Tuesday, 27 May 2008

As she slowly opened her eyes to the morning light, Elizabeth’s mind played back the events of the previous night. The last thing she remembered was being snuggled against William as they watched a movie, but now she found herself curled up on the sofa wrapped in a blanket. William was nowhere to be seen and she wondered when he had left.

Disoriented, she stretched and moaned as she sat up. Looking at the mantel clock, she could see that it was a quarter past six. Elizabeth pulled the quilt around her, staring blankly across the room. Her head ached and she felt completely drained, even though she had just woken up from a full night’s sleep.

Sir Wilfred, seeing that Elizabeth was awake, began barking for attention.

“What is it, baby?” Elizabeth reached down to pick up the puppy. “What’s the matter?” She stroked his head, scratching behind Wilfred’s ears as the little dog expressed his delight to be in her arms. “Do you want to go outside? I think you do.”

With the quilt still draped across her shoulders and Wilfred cradled in her arms Elizabeth made her way to the back door to take the pup out to the yard. She stared off into the distance; the day was dawning bright and beautiful. Gingerly, she rubbed her brow. “I’m not going to run today,” she said to herself while wondering if William would be out for his morning jog. “I’ll call him later. I’m not in the mood for conversation this morning.” Elizabeth pursed her lips, recalling how William had found her the day before. He must think I’m a basket case. Shaking her head, she headed back toward the house, leaving Sir Wilfred to romp in the garden.

Back inside, Elizabeth wandered into the sitting room and noticed the box of photographs next to the sofa. She picked it up, then sat down in a chair near the garden window. She sighed softly as she stared outside, thinking about the course of emotions she had been through over the past few days. She had been so happy to see William back from London and excited to spend more time with him, but hesitant to delve into her deeper feelings for him, unsure of where those feelings might lead her if she actually gave them wing. And then, when reminded of her wedding anniversary, she felt as if her life had, once again, come crashing down on her, crumbling into pieces as it sifted through her fingers.

Turning her attention to the box, she pulled out a picture of Jonas in the yard of their home in Connecticut, probably one of the last photos she had taken of him before he became ill. It was a close up of his head and shoulders and Elizabeth could really see the rich brown color of his eyes. She gazed at it lovingly. “Oh, Jonas, why did you have to go?” She could feel the pain and longing rising within her. “I miss you so much.” She heaved a sigh. “I wish you were still here.”

Elizabeth closed her eyes as she gently ran her hand across her forehead, then leaned back in the chair. She looked at the photo again, noting the trio of freckles on Jonas’ neck. Smiling, she remembered lightly tracing the line of freckles with her fingertip and affectionately referring to it as Orion’s belt, his personal constellation. Her heart swelled as she tried to relive some of her fonder memories with her husband, but when she couldn’t recall the sound of his laughter a pang of fear struck her. Am I forgetting Jonas?

Unsettled by that thought, Elizabeth shifted restlessly in her seat until she decided to get out of the house for a bit of fresh air.

After tending to the horses, Elizabeth saddled and mounted Thor for a ride. She purposely headed west to avoid seeing William, not feeling up to an encounter with him.

Following unfamiliar trails, Elizabeth tried to clear her mind and enjoy the beautiful countryside that surrounded her. An hour into the ride she steered Thor back around to return home. Passing an open meadow, she noticed a figure in the distance. As they drew closer she recognized Sir Percy. Urging the horse to a halt, Elizabeth watched as he set a small ball down on the ground and after carefully positioning himself swung a golf club, striking the ball to the far end of the field.

He looked to gauge where the ball landed, then set another one down and following the same routine, sent it sailing into the distance. One after another three more golf balls flew across the meadow before Sir Percy turned and noticed Elizabeth watching him from atop her horse.

“Good morning!” he called out while striding toward her. “I had no idea you were watching my game.”

“Your backswing is excellent.”

Sir Percy shrugged his shoulders. “I believe there’s room for improvement.”

Elizabeth smiled, amused with his show of modesty.

“What brings you to my neck of the woods this morning?”

“Just out for a ride.”

“Alone?”

She nodded. “I needed some fresh air.”

“Same for me. That’s why I’m here pummeling golf balls into the thicket. I find it’s an excellent way to relax, ease my mind.”

“Perhaps I should give that a try.”

“Are you in need of relaxation?” Sir Percy looked at her curiously. “Or are you vexed?”

“No, not vexed.”

“Is something troubling you?”

Elizabeth bit her lip as she shifted in the saddle. “I have a lot on my mind.”

“Is there anything I can do to help? If you need someone to talk to I’m happy to oblige.”

“I don’t know,” she drawled, hesitating before completing her thought. “It’s just that sometimes I wish life wasn’t so complicated.”

“How so?” He held out his hand, urging Elizabeth to dismount.

As she eased herself from atop the horse she took Sir Percy’s offered hand then stood silent while gathering her thoughts. “I remember when I was young. I foolishly thought I could plan out my life.” She grimaced as if suffering pain or embarrassment. “But I learned how little power I truly had to control my destiny.”

Nodding in agreement, Sir Percy quietly listened.

“My life hardly resembles what I imagined it would be thirty years ago.”

“Does that disappoint you?” he asked while taking Thor’s reins from Elizabeth’s hand and gently encouraging her and the horse toward a small copse of trees.

“In some ways, yes.”

Sir Percy believed he knew in what ways Elizabeth was disappointed in the events of her life, but said nothing as he watched the emotions play across her face.

“For one thing, I never thought I’d be living in a foreign country hiding from the pain of my past life.”

“Are you hiding from pain, or are you searching for new joy?”

She looked at him askance, pondering if she wanted to delve into this subject with him. “Perhaps a little of both,” she finally responded with tears welling her eyes.

“Are you currently feeling pain?”

Wordlessly, Elizabeth bobbed her head.

“Intensely?”

Again, she inclined her head. “At times it seems almost unbearable.”

“So much that you can’t feel happiness?”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“What would you say?”

“I’ve had many moments of pleasure these past few months, more than I thought I would ever have again.”

“I’m very glad to hear that, Elizabeth, and I know I’m not the only one who would feel that way.”

“I’m sure you’re referring to Fitzwilliam.”

Sir Percy nodded. “But he’s not the only one who cares about your well-being. All of your friends and family want you to be happy.”

“I know,” she said feebly, overcome with emotion.

He watched as she fought to regain her composure. “It appears that you may be struggling a bit with both your past pain and your present joy.”

“I am. I feel as if I’m torn in two.” Elizabeth dabbed the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. “I sometimes miss Jonas so much I ache. I miss his touch, the sound of his voice, being able to curl against him in bed. I miss just knowing he’s there, but then I remember that he’s not here anymore.” Her voice quavered as tears trickled down her cheeks. “And then there are times I feel happy and alive again, and it’s not only when I’m with William. I can’t deny that the time I spend with him makes me feel more than I ever thought I would be able to – more happy, more alive than I’ve felt since Jonas died, but it’s not constant.”

Both Sir Percy and Elizabeth sat down on the soft grass in the shade of the trees as Elizabeth went on to tell him about the previous day and what had prompted her current state of mind. She wiped her eyes. “It’s difficult at times to find balance with such a wide range of emotions.”

“Therein lies the rub.” Sir Percy smiled compassionately. “You know, as well as I, that life can’t be arranged and scripted. We each have to muddle our way amidst the uncertainty of it.”

Nodding, she dropped her eyes and stared at her hands while twisting the wedding ring around her finger.

Slowly winding her way back to Cresthaven, Elizabeth thought about what Sir Percy had said. She knew it was her choice as to how she handled her struggles, but she also knew that losing her husband had been the most difficult ordeal she had ever endured, and was still enduring. It’s not over. I don’t know if it will ever truly be over. Not a day goes by when I don’t think about Jonas, and that’s the most difficult thing to deal with because although I’m happy to be with William, I still miss Jonas. I still wish he hadn’t died.

After leading Thor back to the stable and making sure everything was in order there Elizabeth tended to the garden. Sir Wilfred happily romped alongside her as she clipped spent blossoms and pulled weeds from the beds.

“Get along, now,” she scolded him as he scampered through the pile of debris, scattering the trimmings along the garden path.

Undeterred, the puppy continued to frolic in the flower bed heedless of Elizabeth’s warnings. Exasperated, she finally gave up any hope of completing the task at hand and took the dirty little dog into the wash room to give him a bath.

He wriggled and yelped as Elizabeth scrubbed him clean, but when she wrapped him in a soft, fluffy towel he nuzzled close to her, happy to be in her arms.

“You look so much better,” Elizabeth said as she rubbed the towel across Wilfred’s head. “And you smell nice, too. Now I need a bath.”

She put the puppy in his pen with a few of his toys and scratched behind his ears before heading upstairs to draw a bath.

The hot, sudsy water felt relaxing as she sank down into its depths, immersing her entire body from head to toe. Music from the stereo wafted in from the open bedroom door and Elizabeth closed her eyes as she tried to ease her troubled mind.

William could hear Sir Wilfred barking as he knocked at Cresthaven’s back door for the second time, but still couldn’t detect any signs of Elizabeth being home. Curiously, he turned the doorknob, checking if it was locked. The door opened a crack. “Elizabeth?” he called out while popping his head into the room. There was no response. Halfway in and halfway out of the house, he looked around the room, wondering where Elizabeth might be. The puppy barked excitedly at the sight of William in the doorway.

“Anybody at home?” He stepped inside, craning his neck to see into the sitting room. “Where’s your mistress?” he asked while approaching the noisy pup. “Has she gone out and left you here alone?”

Squatting down, William lifted Sir Wilfred from his enclosure. The dog settled down as William stroked his head and back. “Now, where can she be?” William stood then slowly made his way into the dining room, searching to find Elizabeth.

As he passed through the drawing room into the entrance hall he heard the creaking of a door hinge on the second floor. He stopped at the foot of the stairs. Elizabeth was singing and the sound of her voice drifted downward to where he stood, debating if he should make his presence known or wait quietly for her to descend.

William turned and made his way back to the sitting room. He glanced around the room until his gaze settled on the grouping of Elizabeth’s watercolor paintings hanging on the wall beside the fireplace.

Feeling rejuvenated after her bath, Elizabeth dried her hair and clipped it back then slipped on a white cotton lawn blouse and her new coral and pink floral skirt. Grabbing a pair of sandals from the closet, she carried them out of the room then down the hall toward the staircase. Slowly she descended, and dropping her shoes at the base of the stairs she slid her feet into them before heading to the kitchen to check on Sir Wilfred.

As she entered the room Elizabeth noticed how quiet it seemed. Looking at the puppy’s enclosure she could see that Wilfred was missing. “Wilfred?” she called out and listened to hear him.

The room was completely silent. She quickly raced across the kitchen, worried that she would find the little dog tearing up the sitting room, but what she found instead surprised her. To her amazement William stood in the room staring at the paintings on the wall while holding her sleeping pup in his arms.

Elizabeth was baffled as to why William was here in her house. She hadn’t spoken to him throughout the day, although she had intended to call him, and they had not made any plans to see each other. She wasn’t quite certain what to make of this situation as she continued to eye William from the entryway. He had not noticed that she was there – his attention was entirely focused on the watercolor paintings.

“William?”

He turned at the sound of her voice. “Elizabeth.” A broad smile spread across his face. “You look lovely.”

“Thank you, but what are you doing here?”

“The door was unlocked. I hope you don’t mind I let myself in.” He pointed toward the painting of the church in the valley. “I’ve been admiring your artwork here and I can’t help but wonder why you still haven’t had this one framed.”

She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know. I guess I just don’t ever think about it.”

“Well, I think you should. This is my favorite of the paintings you have here.”

“It is?”

“It is. Don’t misunderstand; I appreciate all of your work, but this one…” William pursed his lips as he once again examined the watercolor. “This one is captivating.”

“Thank you.”

Elizabeth scratched Sir Wilfred behind his ears, stirring him awake. “Some watchdog you’ve turned out to be,” she spoke to the puppy in an affectionate tone. “You welcome anybody who comes through the door and then fall asleep in his arms.”

“Don’t be too harsh with him,” William defended the little dog. “If I had been anyone else he would have attacked for certain.” He rubbed the scruff of Wilfred’s neck before setting him down on the floor.

With his hands now free William wrapped his arms around Elizabeth, placing a kiss on the top of her head. “How are you feeling today, love?” Drawing back, he gazed intently into her eyes.

“I’m feeling better.”

“I’m very glad to hear that.” He again enveloped her in his embrace. “I was reluctant to leave you alone last night. You had me worried.”

“There is really no need for that.”

“But I am concerned about you, whether you think it necessary or not.”

“No matter what I think?”

“Yes, Elizabeth, I care for you and will continue to worry about you. The issue of whether you think I should or shouldn’t is not up for debate.”

“Well, I suppose I can’t argue with that, but I do think you have no reason to be overly concerned.”

Think that if you wish, love, William thought as he held her close. Someday you’ll understand exactly what I mean when I say I care about you.

Their bodies swayed gently as they stood holding each other for several minutes until the puppy yelped at their feet for attention.

“I think he needs to go outside,” Elizabeth said without lifting her head from William’s shoulder.

“Hmmm,” William hummed. “I suppose we should take him out.”

Elizabeth nodded as she reluctantly unwrapped her arms from around William. “Come on, Wilfred,” she called to the little dog. “Let’s get you into the yard.”

The puppy scampered through the kitchen, following Elizabeth and William out the back door.

“I want to thank you for being here for me yesterday,” she said as they strolled down the garden path. “I appreciate your concern.”

Grasping hold of Elizabeth’s hand, William drew her to his side. “It’s entirely my pleasure.”

Her voice caught in her throat as she tried to respond, but instead she clutched his arm and walked quietly by his side, feeling her heart brimming with emotion.

They wandered Cresthaven’s garden before finding a seat in the shade of a spreading oak. Elizabeth found herself at a loss for words, although her mind was burdened with conflicting thoughts. William, noticing Elizabeth’s preoccupation tried several topics of conversation before giving in to the silence. The sound of William’s mobile ringing broke into the quiet. William reached to look at it. “Excuse me for a moment, love. Percy’s on the line.”

Elizabeth smiled while nodding her head. “Of course,” she said as she rose from beside him to fetch the dog.

Catching Elizabeth’s hand, William grinned up at her as he answered the phone. “Darcy.”

“Fitz, old boy, it’s been ages since I’ve seen you,” Sir Percy said, his voice filled with his usual enthusiasm. “I’ve only just heard that you were back in Derbyshire.”

“I returned Thursday.” William gently tugged on Elizabeth’s arm, trying to get her to sit back down beside him. Realizing that he wasn’t going to release his hold of her, Elizabeth took a seat across from William, while he kept his hand wrapped around hers.

“How are matters with Cecilia?” Sir Percy asked.

“I couldn’t say.”

“I do hope Geoffrey gets it sorted for you soon.”

“I’m certain he’s doing everything possible.”

“I’m sure of it,” Sir Percy reassured his friend. “But listen, I thought perhaps you would like to play a round of golf tomorrow morning.”

“Sorry, Percy, I’ve made other plans.”

“How about later in the day?”

“I’m afraid I’ll be busy throughout the day.”

“That’s disappointing. Perhaps we could get together tonight. Maybe the cinema.”

“I won’t be able to tonight.”

“Out with Elizabeth I suppose.”

Smiling, William looked at Elizabeth. “No, not tonight. I’m picking up Ian shortly.”

“Well, then, if you’re not out with Elizabeth tonight I think perhaps I’ll give her a ring.”

William was silent as his friend chuckled.

“Maybe she would enjoy seeing a film with me.”

“You would need to ask her.”

“Have you seen her today?” Sir Percy asked curiously. After his conversation with Elizabeth that morning he was anxious to hear how she and Fitzwilliam were getting along.

“As a matter of fact, she’s here with me now.”

“Is she really?”

“Yes, would you like to speak to her?”

“Indeed, I would.”

William held the phone against his chest. “Percy would like to speak with you.”

With a perplexed expression on her face, Elizabeth reached out to take the phone from William. “Hello?”

“Elizabeth, darling, how are you and Fitz getting on this afternoon?”

Elizabeth glanced over at William, but didn’t meet his gaze. “Just fine.”

“I’m so glad to hear it. You’ll have to tell me more later. Listen, darling, I was wondering if you’d like to go out with me this evening.”

“Well, I don’t have any plans.”

“We could go to the cinema, if you’d like.”

“That sounds very nice. I’d like that.”

Elizabeth handed William his phone after she had hung up from her brief conversation with Sir Percy. “I think he misses Julianne.”

“Possibly.”

“Long distance relationships can be difficult. He should just ask her to marry him.”

“Do you think so?”

“It’s what they both want. I’m sure he’ll talk of nothing but her tonight.”

“Then perhaps he should ask for her hand.”

“I think Sir Percy is afraid of committing.”

He nodded. “That’s not uncommon.”

“It’s not, especially taking into consideration that he’s remained single for as long as he has.”

“He does have a knack for avoiding attachments. In fact, I’m still not convinced that he will settle down with Julianne.”

“You’re not?”

William shook his head.

Elizabeth smiled knowingly. “I suppose time will tell.”

“I think you’ll like this restaurant,” Sir Percy told Elizabeth as they approached the large brick building. “The food here reminds me of the time I lived in New York.”

“Is it authentic?”

“I don’t think I would be the best judge of that, not being Italian.”

“Well, neither am I, but one of my childhood friends was and her family ran a small restaurant. The food they served was very good.”

Sir Percy held the door open for Elizabeth and sidled next to her in the crowded vestibule. “Anyway, the food is rather good, and the atmosphere is quite…what would you say? Nostalgic.”

Elizabeth looked around at the people waiting to be seated inside the restaurant. “It must be good to draw in so many.”

He nodded in response, not wanting to raise his voice to be heard over the din.

Shortly after they were seated and had placed their order Sir Percy questioned Elizabeth about her encounter with Fitzwilliam earlier in the day. “How was your visit with Fitz?”

“It was very nice.”

“And are you feeling happy with life? Or…”

“I’m feeling better than I was this morning.”

“Better, but not happy.”

“I don’t judge all my moods on a happiness scale. There are many other emotions to measure by.”

“I wouldn’t know about that.” Sir Percy chuckled. “I live my life pursuing only that which makes me happy.”

Nodding her head, Elizabeth grinned. “So I’ve heard.”

“You mustn’t believe everything you hear, darling.”

“Oh, trust me, I’ve seen just as much as I’ve heard.”

“I’ll not say another word. I know you well enough to realize I’ll not win this argument.”

“There’s nothing to be won or lost,” she said with an air of playfulness. “You really shouldn’t be afraid to talk openly about your feelings.”

“Firstly,” he said while wagging his finger, “I believe we were talking about your feelings. Secondly, I’m very afraid to talk about a great many things, just not afraid to admit it.”

“You are correct; we were talking about my feelings.” Elizabeth chuckled. “And you’re not the only one who’s afraid to talk about feelings. It has been pointed out to me several times that I am unwilling to discuss emotional aspects of relationships.”

“Much like you’re avoiding a discussion now.”

“Not you too!” Elizabeth exclaimed affably. “Is this some sort of conspiracy for me to pour out my heart to all of Derbyshire?”

“Only to those of us who care about you.”

Elizabeth smiled, shaking her head. “It’s moments like this that I wonder why I’m still living here.”

“I believe I know the answer to that question.”

“I’m sure you think you do.” She arched her brow.

“Yes, indeed, I do.” Sir Percy looked at her smugly. “Shall I give you a clue?”

“By all means.”

“It has to deal with an attachment you’ve formed.”

“Hmm.”

“With a particular male you’ve been seen with of late.”

“I see.”

“This relationship is one of mutual attraction.”

She eyed him curiously, but made no response.

“Would you like me to continue? Or shall I just tell you?”

“Whichever you prefer, I’m sure I don’t know either way.”

“This male in question is, oddly enough, of the four-legged variety.”

Elizabeth laughed aloud.

“It’s nice to hear you laugh,” Sir Percy said, then reached across the table, placing his hand atop hers. “Seriously now, about your time with Fitz today. Were you happy to see him? Happy to be with him?”

Elizabeth shook her head, knowing that Sir Percy wasn’t going to let this subject drop until she had satisfied him with an answer. “Yes,” she replied, “I was happy to see him this afternoon. Happy to be with him.”

“Marvelous.” Sir Percy gave Elizabeth’s hand a squeeze. “I’m glad to hear it.”

Their appetizers arrived and the conversation turned toward the taste of the food until, in between bites, Sir Percy asked, “Do you think perhaps you love him?”

Surprised by the question, Elizabeth’s brow furrowed. “Why can’t two people spend time together without love entering the picture?”

“It’s human nature, the natural course we take, wandering down the road of life looking for someone to travel the path with us.”

“Now that sounds like the answer of someone who’s not searching, but who’s already found someone to go through life with.” Elizabeth arched an eyebrow, giving Sir Percy a penetrating stare. “Tell me, Percy, about the time you spent with Julianne last week. You, who rates everything on a happiness meter, were you happy to see her?”

The apples of his cheeks flushed pink as Sir Percy stammered, trying to think how to respond to Elizabeth’s unexpected query.

“I’ve heard it said that love affects a person’s senses. I’m inclined to believe that because you, dear sir, have apparently been struck speechless.”

“I’ll thank you for not turning the table, Elizabeth. We were exploring your feelings, not mine.”

“And I’ve already told you about my feelings of happiness. It’s time for you to answer the same. It’s only fair.”

“You expect me to play fair?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Hmm.” He pursed his lips. “I suppose there’s no way out of this one.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “There’s no avoiding it, so you may as well start talking.”

Although, at first resistant, Sir Percy opened up to Elizabeth, telling her about his visit to Hertfordshire the previous week and the time he spent with Julianne. He spoke very fast and with a great deal of animation. Elizabeth listened and smiled. She knew that she had to be right about Sir Percy’s feelings for Julianne and that he soon would ask her to marry him.

Sunday morning Elizabeth was just about to leave for church when she heard a car pulling to a stop outside. Peeking out the kitchen window, she was surprised to see William’s Mercedes in her driveway.

As she opened the door William and Ian were passing through the garden gate. William was wearing a charcoal gray suit with a white shirt and deep red patterned tie, and Ian, with his hair neatly combed, looked charmingly sweet in his blue wool blazer and starched white shirt. He tugged at his collar, trying to loosen his tie as they approached the house.

“Good morning,” William greeted Elizabeth.

“What a surprise!” she exclaimed while giving Ian a hug. “It’s so nice to see you, and so unexpected.”

“Dad and I came to take you to church,” Ian informed her.

Elizabeth cast a questioning glance at William.

He smiled, revealing his dimples. “Yes, I thought we could all ride together since we’re heading in the same direction.”

“I like that idea,” Elizabeth said, then motioned toward the car. “I’m all ready. Shall we go?”

“Certainly,” William replied as he followed Elizabeth down the pathway while Ian ran ahead and settled himself in the backseat.

William opened the door for Elizabeth and made sure she was comfortable before taking his own seat behind the wheel.

They all chatted on the ride to the chapel and when they arrived Ian hurried into the church, not waiting for his father and Elizabeth.

Taking Elizabeth’s hand, William strolled slowly toward the building. “You don’t mind that we dropped in on you this morning, do you?”

“Not at all.”

“Good.”

Ian had already found a seat inside and was talking with two elderly women sitting in the pew behind him.

“Good morning, Elizabeth,” one of the women said when William and Elizabeth joined Ian. “We’ve just been speaking with this remarkable young man. He tells us that he’s come to church with you and his father.”

“Why, yes, he has, Trudy,” Elizabeth replied, then introduced William to the ladies.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Darcy,” Trudy’s sister, Constance, said. “I hope to be able to see more of you.”

William grinned, noticing that Constance was winking at him while shaking his hand. “I have no doubt you will.”

“I’m so glad to hear it.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” William said, trying to ease his hand from Constance’s surprisingly strong grip. “I hope you enjoy today’s service.” He motioned toward the front of the church, drawing everyone’s attention to the pulpit. “It looks as if we’re ready to begin.”

Elizabeth sat down between Ian and William and held the hymnal as they sang. The service seemed long and the bright sunshine was a welcome change from the dimly lit chapel when they emerged from inside.

“So, Fitz, how did you enjoy today’s service?” Simon Thatcher asked as he greeted them at the door.

“I enjoyed it a great deal.” William shook Simon’s outstretched hand.

“And how are you today, Elizabeth?” Simon extended his hand to her.

“I’m very well,” she replied while shaking his hand. “And you?”

“I couldn’t be better,” he replied then turned his attention to William’s son. “Did you have a chance to speak to Henry today? He and Rory had a fantastic time last night and can hardly wait for your next outing.”

“Yeah, it was brilliant,” Ian replied enthusiastically. “Dad says we can go again in a few weeks.”

“I’m sure the lads will be happy to hear it, but until then you and your father should call ‘round.”

Ian nodded as his father assured Simon that they would indeed visit so the boys could spend more time together.

“Well, I won’t keep you any longer,” Simon said as he shook William’s hand again. “Give me a ring this week.”

William agreed as Simon gave a quick wave of his hand then turned away, striding swiftly across the churchyard.

“Dad, can I have the keys to the car?” Ian asked.

“All right, but don’t start the engine.” William retrieved the car keys from his pocket and handed them to his son.

Eagerly taking the keys from his father, Ian agreed then quickly ran across the parking lot.

“Simon Thatcher is a very good man,” Elizabeth remarked, glancing over at William as they started their slow walk to the car.

“Yes, I haven’t known him long, but he does seem to be.”

“It’s nice that his sons have befriended Ian.”

“You should have seen them last night. They were fast friends.”

“That’s wonderful, but it’s hard to imagine anyone not liking Ian.”

“I’d have to agree. Ian is very genial.” William took hold of Elizabeth’s hand. “Would you like to join us for a picnic lunch today?”

“I would love to.”

“Splendid.” He smiled broadly. “We have a bit of time before lunch. I could drop you home and you can join us later, or you could spend the day with us at Pemberley.”

Elizabeth thought for a moment. “I really don’t like the idea of leaving Wilfred alone for such a long period of time, unless…”

“Unless?”

“Unless I brought him along with me.”

“Wonderful idea. Let’s fetch Wilfred before we go home.”

Ian liked the idea of having Elizabeth’s puppy along for the day and even held Wilfred on his lap after they retrieved the pup from Cresthaven.

It was a happy reunion between Sir Wilfred and his mother, Lady Rowena, when Ian took them both into the garden. While the dogs romped and played in the yard Ian tried persuading Elizabeth and his father to join him for an excursion to the pond.

“Please, Dad,” the boy pleaded.

“Not today, Son. We can go anywhere else, but I’ll not have you chasing two dogs into the water.”

Ian was about to make one last plea, but the resolved expression on his father’s face changed his mind. “All right,” he said reluctantly with a pout on his lips.

They enjoyed a pleasant lunch in the garden, and afterwards took a stroll. As they walked along the crest of a hill Elizabeth looked out over the vista, stopping when she noticed the small chapel nestled amongst a cluster of trees.

“Is something the matter?” William asked.

“No, I was just looking at that old church.”

“Ah, the chapel in your painting.”

She slowly nodded her head. “I’m beginning to think it is.” Turning to face William, she laid her hand on his arm. “Let’s go have a closer look.”

“Right now?”

“Yes.”

“It’s a rather long walk.”

“When have you seen a long walk deter me?”

“I was thinking more about myself.”

Elizabeth gave William’s arm a squeeze. “Come on; don’t tell me you’re too tired.”

William groaned, then caught hold of Elizabeth’s hand. “All right, if you insist.”

“As a matter of fact, I do.” she said with a raised brow, then quickly turned to head down the incline of the hill, tugging at William’s hand as she went.

Keeping a brisk pace, Elizabeth pulled William along behind her as Ian ran ahead with the dogs. When they reached the gravel path, which led to the large wooden doors of the church, the small stones crunched beneath their feet and slowed their pace.

“Can we go inside?” Elizabeth asked while pulling on the large iron door handles. The door held fast, locked tight.

“I’m afraid not,” William replied.

“Why not?” Ian asked as he rushed to look through a window.

Following Ian, Elizabeth peered over his head through glass panes. “I can’t really see anything in here.” She hurried to the next window, stepping carefully through the flower beds. “Oh, look. I can see into the chapel.”

Ian stood on the tips of his toes trying to catch a glimpse inside the building.

Elizabeth motioned for William to join them. “Have you seen this?”

“I have,” he said as he stood beside her, looking through the window.

She chuckled. “I suppose you would have.” Elizabeth gazed up at William. “I wish we could go inside. When is it open?”

“It’s only open a few hours through the week. They no longer hold services here,” William informed her. “Not very many church goers in the area anymore.”

“That’s a shame. It’s such a charming place.”

“This place is brilliant,” Ian exclaimed as he ran across the pathway toward a small cemetery.

Chuckling at Ian’s enthusiasm for a graveyard, Elizabeth and William followed the boy as he explored the aging headstones.

“These must be at least 200 years old,” Elizabeth said, running her hand over the rough surface of an old stone marker.

“Even older than that,” William replied. “This is an old parish church. It hasn’t been used in quite some time, but some of these graves date back three or four hundred years.”

“There’s a lot of history here.” Elizabeth glanced around. “We should come back sometime when the church is open.”

William nodded in agreement. “We will.”

In the middle of the night Elizabeth awoke abruptly as if shaken in her bed by some unseen force. The ticking of the clock echoed across the room as she looked around, her eyes adjusting to the shadowy darkness. “I must have been dreaming,” she said to herself as she laid her head back down, hoping to regain sleep.

An hour later she lay awake and certain that she would remain so for the rest of the night. She threw back the covers and lowered herself out of bed. Bundling up in her flannel robe, she slid her feet into her slippers then headed downstairs to the kitchen.

After fixing a cup of chamomile tea Elizabeth settled down on the sofa in the sitting room. Her box of mementos sat on the table beside her. Lifting the lid, she pulled out a stack of photographs and slowly looked through it, trying to remember each of the occasions that had been captured on film. She smiled at the tender memories, laughed at some of the more outrageous ones and cried when she held the last photo in her hands, saddened again by the thought that these images were all that remained of her husband. These flat, lifeless pictures and the memories she kept within her were all she had left of him.

She sat staring at that photo of Jonas thinking about how her life had changed and about the things she missed when Sir Wilfred came scurrying into the room yelping for her.

“Come here, baby,” she said, reaching down to pick up the pup. She stroked his head as he eagerly greeted her. “Were you worried that I had left you?” She nuzzled her cheek against him. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to leave you.”

With Sir Wilfred in her arms Elizabeth rose from her seat and took the puppy out to the garden. As he ran off she looked toward the horizon. The sky was clear and the air was crisp. She breathed it in deeply. “I should really go for a run this morning,” she said aloud, then before changing her mind, she quickly closed the garden gate and hurried inside to put on her jogging clothes. It had been days since she had run and she felt if she didn’t go out today she would start sinking back into that lonely abyss that she had only recently climbed out of.

As she approached the gates to Pemberley Elizabeth could see William jogging towards her. A smile curled her lips as he quickened his pace to greet her.

“I was beginning to think you had given up running,” William said as he came to a rest.

“I know, I was worried about the same thing,” she replied, stopping a few feet from where he stood.

“How are you this morning?”

“I’m all right.” She nodded. “And you?”

“Very well,” he said distractedly as he noticed Elizabeth’s flushed cheeks and heavy breathing.

“I decided I had better get out jogging again. Sometimes I can be very lazy.”

“That’s understandable. At times it can be difficult to stay motivated.”

“Yes, it can, but I can’t imagine that you would struggle with that.”

William gazed at Elizabeth intently. “You might be surprised at what I struggle with.”

She looked at him, trying to decipher what he was thinking. “Perhaps I would.”

For a brief moment they stared into each other’s eyes, sharing a current of unspoken longing, until Elizabeth abruptly broke the connection by turning away and pointing back towards Cresthaven. “I should probably get home. Charlotte and I are going out today and I…I need to wash my hair.”

“Of course.” William raked his fingers through his hair. “I wouldn’t want to keep you from that, but I am heading in your direction so, if it’s all the same to you, I’d like to accompany you.”

“Oh…okay, please do.” Elizabeth gestured toward home and the pair began jogging.

After a few minutes of silence William glanced at Elizabeth, trying to gauge what might be troubling her. “Is something the matter?” he finally asked while lessening his pace to a steady walk.

Elizabeth slowed down in order to remain at William’s side. “No…not really.”

“What precisely does that mean?”

She cast a puzzled look at William.

“Is something not the matter? Or is something really the matter?”

A grin formed on Elizabeth’s lips as she chuckled inaudibly. “It means that there might be something bothering me, but I’m either not sure of what it is, or not sure if I want to talk about it.”

“Hmm.”

“It’s a complicated thing,” she said trying to explain her meaning.

“Undoubtedly,” he replied with a hint of mirth in his voice.

Her smile broadened as she absently drew closer to William. “I think the best way to describe it is that today, this morning, I do have something bothering me, but I haven’t quite decided if it’s really bothering me.”

“That makes positively no sense at all.” He laughed, taking hold of her hand.

Elizabeth’s cheeks reddened. “I suppose it doesn’t, but really there are many things in this world that don’t make sense.”

“And what might one of those senseless things be?”

“There are so many of them.”

“Tell me one.”

“You’ve put me on the spot.” She bit her lower lip. “I can’t really think of one right now.”

“You can’t think of one thing that doesn’t make sense?” William shook his head. “I can think of plenty.”

“Well then, you tell me one.”

“No, I already told you your explanation made no sense. You need to answer the question.”

“All right.” Elizabeth pursed her lips, trying to think of an answer. “Driving on the left hand side of the road – that makes no sense at all.”

William scoffed. “Maybe not to you.”

“Or to millions of others who drive on the right side.”

“I’m afraid I can’t accept that answer. It’s purely subjective.”

“And yours wasn’t?”

“No, it wasn’t.”

“Oh, yes it was. Just because it doesn’t make sense to you doesn’t mean it’s senseless to everyone else.”

William laughed in response, pleased to have drawn Elizabeth out of her sullen mood.

“Don’t tell me your answer wasn’t subjective,” Elizabeth continued to playfully scold him. “I’d like to see you name one thing that doesn’t make sense to anyone.”

“Anyone on the entire earth?”

“Yes.”

“Very well.” William thought for a brief moment. “Love.”

“Is that your answer?”

“It is. Love makes absolutely no sense to me or to anyone else I’ve ever known.”

Elizabeth made no response, just bobbed her head as they continued down the lane.

“So, do you concur? Or does love make sense to you?”

“Oh, no.” She glanced over at William. “Love doesn’t make much sense to me at all.”

Their eyes met momentarily. William smiled while noticing Elizabeth’s cheeks redden as she coyly averted her gaze. With his hand still enveloping hers he drew her in closer to his side and they walked without speaking until they reached Elizabeth’s garden gate.

“I’ve missed our morning runs together, Elizabeth.” William took hold of both her hands.

Looking down at their hands clasped together, Elizabeth inclined her head. “So have I.”

“I hope to see you out running again tomorrow.”

“I’m sure I will be.” She looked up at William.

“I’ll look forward to it,” he said, then without another word he took her face in his hands and kissed her longingly, leaving Elizabeth breathless as she watched him jog away.

“What’s wrong with you today, Elizabeth?” Charlotte asked as they wandered into another dress shop, the fourth one of the morning. “You have about as much energy as a tortoise.”

Elizabeth chuckled. “I’m just tired, that’s all.”

“Are you having bad dreams again?”

“No, I just had a bit of trouble sleeping last night.”

“You should try a cup of chamomile tea before you go to bed. It will help you to relax.”

“Yes, thank you, I know.”

Charlotte eyed her friend as she leafed through a rack of dresses. “So, what’s on your mind?”

“What’s not on my mind?”

“I don’t know, you tell me.”

“It’s complicated, Charlotte, and not something I want to discuss at the moment.”

“How about discussing it over lunch?”

“I’d be happy to, just so long as I don’t have to look at another dress today.”

“All right.” Charlotte stepped away from the clothes rack. “Let’s have lunch.”

“Where shall we go?”

“I think we passed a little place down the block. Let’s go there.”

“Okay,” Elizabeth said, then hurried to the door, eager to put an end to their shopping excursion.

A half block down the street the two women found the restaurant Charlotte had noticed earlier and they were quickly seated at a corner table of the Blue Boar Inn and awaiting their meals.

“Tell me now, Elizabeth, what’s troubling you?”

“I feel like I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster this past week.”

“Why? What’s been happening?” Charlotte asked.

“So much has been going on. I feel totally overwhelmed,” Elizabeth replied, then relayed to Charlotte all that had happened, including the day of her anniversary.

“Elizabeth, why didn’t you ring me? You shouldn’t have had to cope with that alone.”

“But that’s not the hardest part.”

“It gets worse?”

Elizabeth nodded. “I’m afraid I’m forgetting him.”

Charlotte looked concerned, but made no response, waiting for Elizabeth to expound.

“While looking at those photos I could remember the occasions, but there’s so much I can’t remember. I’m afraid I’m forgetting Jonas – what he sounded like, what he really looked like. A photograph can’t truly recall his smile and I’m afraid I’m beginning to forget all the little things about him. I don’t want to forget those things, Charlotte, I shouldn’t forget them.”

“Oh, Elizabeth, I don’t know what to say. I had no idea.”

“How could you know?” Elizabeth shook her head. “Don’t worry about it.”

“But you’ve been suffering and I…”

“You didn’t know because I didn’t tell you.” Elizabeth swallowed hard as tears welled in her eyes. “I tell you very little, trying to keep it all to myself, thinking that I can handle anything and everything that life has…” The tears that had been threatening to spill now streamed down Elizabeth’s cheeks and she found it difficult to continue speaking.

“Hey.” Charlotte reached over, taking hold of Elizabeth’s hand. “You don’t have to prove to me you’re a strong woman. I already know that you are.”

Elizabeth brushed the tears from her eyes.

“Elizabeth, I can’t pretend to know what it is you’re going through, but, for what it’s worth, I don’t think you need to worry about forgetting Jonas. The two of you shared so much. You made a life together, a family together, and you’ll always have that.” Charlotte scrutinized her friend, gauging her mood before continuing. “But perhaps you may not be able to recall some of those things because Jonas is now taking a less prominent role in your life in order for you to have some new experiences.”

Charlotte leaned back in her chair, watching Elizabeth’s brow furrow, and waiting for an impassioned response to her remarks. Her surprise was great when Elizabeth merely shook her head and said, “I don’t know. At this point, I truly don’t know.”

“You don’t need to figure it all out right now,” Charlotte tried to reassure her. “Although I know you, and that’s…”

“That’s exactly what I want to do,” Elizabeth interrupted, finishing Charlotte’s sentence.

“Take it a day at a time, and don’t be afraid of what the future holds for you, Elizabeth.”

Sighing deeply, Elizabeth inclined her head. “That sounds so much easier to do than it actually is.”

“I know,” Charlotte agreed. “Just remember that you’re not alone.”

Chapter 29

Posted on 2013-06-27

Elizabeth was reading the morning newspaper at the kitchen table when she heard a car pulling up the driveway. Thinking it might be William, she went to the window with Sir Wilfred traipsing behind her. Peeking out, she was surprised to see Ralph and Bessie getting out of their car. Excitedly, Elizabeth hurried outside to greet them.

"Bessie! Ralph! I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow."

"Elizabeth!" Bessie turned to greet her. "How are...oh my, what is this?" she asked upon seeing the puppy.

"Oh, this?" Elizabeth picked Wilfred up. "This is Sir Wilfred."

"I didn't know you were thinking of getting a dog," Bessie said as she reached out to pet the pup.

"Well, I wasn't really thinking about it," Elizabeth drawled. "He was actually a gift from Mr. Darcy." She glanced over at Ralph who looked at the puppy with a stern eye, then walked silently past them as he carried the luggage to the house.

"I see." Bessie scratched Sir Wilfred behind his ears. "Not the sort of gift I would expect from Mr. Darcy, but he seems to be a fine little dog. That I would expect."

"He is. He's been very good company for me while you were away."

"Well, that's lovely, although puppies can be a lot of trouble."

"He's actually very well behaved. Aren't you, baby?" Elizabeth nuzzled Sir Wilfred then wrapped her arm across Bessie's shoulder. "Welcome home, Bessie. I'm so glad you're back."

Bessie heaved a sigh. "It feels as if we've been gone ages."

"It does." Elizabeth nodded. "How is Nell?"

"She's much better. Lucy, her eldest, is with her, caring for her now that the worst is over."

"I'm so glad she's all right. That was a horrible scare."

"Aye, that it was. I couldn't bear the thought of losing my dear sister. Thank the Lord she'll be with us a while yet."

"Indeed."

Once inside the kitchen Bessie set her packages on the counter. "I think I'll fix some tea and we can have a sit."

Elizabeth put the dog down then retrieved a pair of teacups from the cupboard. Before long Elizabeth and Bessie were sitting at the table catching up with each other's news while sharing a cup of tea.

When Ralph entered the kitchen he glanced at the two women. "If you won't be needing me, missus, I'll be tending to the chores."

"All right."

"Does that dog need to go outside?"

"Well, I don't..." Elizabeth glanced at Wilfred. "I suppose, yes, he could use some time in the yard."

"Come on, then." Ralph reached down and scooped Sir Wilfred up.

"Thank you, Ralph," Elizabeth called out as he strode to the back door.

Ralph grumbled while closing the door behind him. Elizabeth smiled at the thought of Wilfred romping around at Ralph's heels as he tended to the garden.

"Oh, that man." Bessie shook her head. "As if it would kill him to smile."

"He reminds me a bit of my grandfather. He had a gruff exterior."

Bessie nodded. "Mine as well. I suppose that..."

The telephone ringing interrupted Bessie and she quickly rose to answer it. As she held out the phone to Elizabeth she covered the mouthpiece. "I think it's Mr. Darcy," she whispered.

"Thank you, Bessie." Elizabeth smiled, then took the telephone from her. "Hello?"

"Elizabeth, how are you?" William asked from the other end of the line.

"I'm very well, and you?"

"I'm glad to hear that Bessie and Ralph are back with you."

"Yes, I'm very glad too."

"I trust all is well with her sister."

"Yes, she is doing much better."

"Good news, indeed," he paused for a moment. "Well, love, I rang to tell you I just received word from a shopkeeper in Derby that a certain item I've been waiting for has arrived. He's holding it for me and I was wondering if you'd like to drive out with me tomorrow afternoon to pick it up. We can take in dinner if you'd like. What do you say?"

"I think I'd like that very much."

"All right, it's a date."

The following afternoon Elizabeth was ready to go out and waiting for William to arrive. She parted the curtains at the kitchen window, looking to see if his car was coming up the driveway.
"A watched pot never boils," Bessie said as she entered the room and noticed Elizabeth at the window,

Elizabeth chuckled. "I know."

Bessie peered over Elizabeth's shoulder, looking out on the horizon. "It looks as if we might get a spot of rain."

"Hmmm."

"Be sure to bring a jumper with you."

"I'll be fine. We'll be in the car most of the time." Elizabeth pointed out the window. "There he is." She turned to face Bessie and placed a reassuring hand on her arm. "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."

"I don't know." Bessie cast a doubtful expression. "I think you should plan for the worst."

Smiling, Elizabeth gave Bessie a half hug. "If it'll ease your mind, I'll take a jacket with me."

"Aye, it will."

Elizabeth went to find a light coat and when she returned Bessie was inviting William into the kitchen. Her eyes brightened as a smile curled her lips when she saw him. She chuckled to herself, thinking that she would be able to report to Sir Percy that she did, indeed, feel happy to see William and spend time with him on this particular evening.

William looked up and caught the sparkle in Elizabeth's eyes. He quickly approached her, taking her hands in his own when they met. A lump formed in his throat and he found himself speechless as he gazed at her. He wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her, but knew that would need to wait.

"Shall we go" Elizabeth asked.

Unable to speak, William nodded his head and turned to lead Elizabeth out the door.

"Goodbye, dears, have a lovely time," Bessie called out after them as they left.

After opening Elizabeth's door and making sure she was settled, William got in the car and started the ignition.

"Are you going to speak to me at all today?" Elizabeth asked, amused with William's peculiar behavior.

A dimpled smile formed on his face as he shifted toward her. "Yes." Leaning forward, he softly kissed her lips, then without saying another word turned back around and pulled the car out of the driveway. Elizabeth blushed as the corners of her mouth drew up into a contented smile. "So, what is it we're going to pick up in Derby?"

"A book."

"What sort of book?"

"It's just an old book I've been trying to find."

"I think it's wonderful that you have such a love of books. Hugh shares that love as well, doesn't he?"

"He does."

"He's more like you than I initially thought."

"How do you mean?" William asked. "You don't see much similarity between us?"

"At first, no, I had difficulty seeing any common traits."

"That's interesting because he is very little like his mother. In fact, other than looking a great deal like her and his penchant for peanut butter, Hugh doesn't share much in common with her."

"Well, you need to remember, Hugh didn't really say much to me the first month I knew him so I didn't have much of an opportunity to see similarities."

"True."

"How is Hugh, by the way?"

"I've only been able to speak to him once since Celia took him back to London, but he seemed fine. A little withdrawn, but I think he is all right."

Elizabeth looked thoughtful. "That's understandable."

"Anyway, what about Ian?"

"Ian?"

"Yes, do you see similarities between Ian and me?"

"Oh, yes."

"For instance?" William held out his hand as if he were impatiently waiting for a treat.

"Well, for starters, he's almost an exact replica of you."

"Quite. What else?"

"He's crazy about soccer."

"You mean football?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"And he plays violin."

William nodded. "Not well, like his father."

She chuckled. "Did you dislike practicing as much as Ian does?"

"More so. My mother had to hide my riding boots to keep me off my horse until I had practiced my music lessons."

"That's another thing. Ian loves to ride horses."

"Both lads do."

"Yes, I know."

"Are there any other similarities?"

"Let me see." Elizabeth eyed William, watching the dimple in his cheek deepen. "Ian has a bit of a tenacious streak in him, just like his father has."

"You think I'm tenacious?"

"Sometimes, I do."

He laughed aloud. "All right, but Ian, I would say, has more than a bit of a tenacious streak."

"Which isn't a bad quality to possess."

"There are far worse attributes."

"There certainly are."

Elizabeth and William continued to enjoy their conversation as they traveled to Derby and when they arrived their first stop was at the bookstore to pick up William's long awaited tome. Once he secured his purchase, William led Elizabeth to a little Mexican restaurant on London Road.

"I like this place. It's quite charming," Elizabeth commented as she glanced around.

"Wait until you taste the food."

"Good?"

"Very."

They were seated at a window table. "Have you heard from Peter lately?" William asked after they had placed their order.

"As a matter of fact, I have."

"How is he?"

"He is doing very well. He's working at a small law firm for the summer, trying to keep his mind on his studies rather than on a certain girl."

"Just one girl? I would have thought he'd have several."

"Until recently that's been the case, but this one..."

William inclined his head. "She's caught his fancy," he said knowingly.

"Yes, and I'm fairly anxious about it."

"Why would you be anxious?"

She looked at him in disbelief. "I'm his mother. It's my job to worry about who my son falls in love with."

"I wasn't aware there was a written code for mothers."

"It's not a written code, per se. It's more of an unspoken tenet."

"I never knew about that." William grinned while shaking his head. "And to think what my mother must have been through when I married Cecilia."

"Poor woman." Smiling, Elizabeth reached across the table, placing her hand atop William's.

"Yes," he said while capturing her hand in his own. "I'm just glad she wasn't around to suffer through my marriage to Caroline."

Elizabeth's nose wrinkled as she chuckled softly.

"You know, she never expressed any signs of dislike towards Celia," William said thoughtfully. "If she didn't like my wife she never hinted about it."

"Your mother sounds like a good woman."

"Yes." William caressed Elizabeth's hand tenderly as he gazed intently into her eyes. "She would have liked you."

Elizabeth smiled in response.

"Without a doubt, she would have adored you," William reiterated.

"I would love to have met her. What was she like?"

"My mother was a remarkable woman. She was intelligent and talented and had a kind, generous nature."

"She sounds lovely."

"She was." William nodded. "What about your mother?"

"My mother?" Elizabeth raised her brow. "My mother is a character."

"In what ways?"

"In the most amusing ways." Elizabeth laughed, then related several humorous stories about her mother as they enjoyed their meal.

As they emerged from the restaurant William gestured toward a row of stores that ran the length of the road. "Shall we pop into a few shops and have a look?"

"We could."

"There's an antique shop nearby."

"I love antiques."

"Okay, then." He grasped Elizabeth's hand and started down the lane. When they reached the antiquities store William opened the door for her. A porcelain tea service caught her attention, and she went to look at it while William perused a cabinet filled with old books and maps. When he joined her several minutes later, she was holding the teapot, examining the markings on the bottom.

"Are you considering purchasing it?" William asked.

"I think my sister Jane would love this."

"You should buy it for her."

She pursed her lips and stared at the pot a moment longer before nodding her head. "I think I will."

William took the teapot from Elizabeth, set it on the tray, then carried the entire tea set to the counter. "Have you decided on it, then?" the shopkeeper asked.

"Yes," Elizabeth answered.

While Elizabeth and the shopkeeper transacted their business, William peered through a glass case filled with jewelry. Leaning down, he tried to get a closer look at a silver brooch.

"Would you like me to take something out for you?" the man asked.

William glanced up, nodding his head. "The floral brooch at the top."

"That's a beautiful piece." He handed the pin to William. "Late 1800's."

"Hmm." William held it up. "What do you think, Elizabeth?"

"It's lovely," she replied after looking at the pin William held out.

"I agree." William turned over the price tag then looked at the shopkeeper.

The man behind the counter raised his brow in question, then tipped his head in Elizabeth's direction.

William shook his head. "Not today, I'm afraid."

"Well, sir..." The shopkeeper jotted some information on a business card. "In case you change your mind." He handed the card to William.

Nodding, William took the offered information. "Thank you."

"Good day to you, sir." He inclined his head. "Ma'am."

As William pushed the door open a flash of lightening bolted across the sky, followed by a rumble of thunder in the distance.

Elizabeth looked out on the horizon, noting the dark clouds that had swallowed the sun. "Bessie said we'd get rain today."

"It seems likely," William said while holding his hand out to check for raindrops. "We should hurry to the car."

Halfway down the block the clouds opened and began spilling rain onto the streets of Derby and all who were unfortunate enough to be caught out of doors, including Elizabeth and William. William ducked into the doorway of a music shop, pulling Elizabeth with him. The eave offered little protection so William quickly opened the door and the couple escaped the torrent. Standing by the entrance, they watched as the rain drenched the cobbled lane.

"And I left my jacket in the car," Elizabeth sighed, shrugging her shoulders.

"You'll be all right," William said as he huddled close to her side. He glanced around noticing the racks of sheet music, CDs and records. There was no one else to be seen in the store. It appeared lifeless, except for the sounds of music coming from the overhead speakers. William cocked his ear to hear the music. "Moondance. Van Morrison," William said when he recognized the tune. "This song is brilliant. I haven't heard it in ages." He started singing the lyrics he could remember as he wrapped his arm around Elizabeth's waist. "I remember dancing to this song. It must've been my first year at university...yes, Ophelia Sutton! Definitely first year."

Elizabeth laughed aloud, amused by William's reminiscence.

"Doesn't it make you want to dance?" he asked as he began swaying to the music.

"Yes." She giggled as William tried to dip her back. "I, too, remember dancing to this song, but it was the summer before my sophomore year in high school, and it was Gary Jacoby. He was my first sweetheart and my first kiss."

William raised his brow. "Well then, this dance is dedicated to the memories of Gary and Ophelia, wherever they may be now, they are forever bound to us and this song."

They continued dancing until the music stopped, but William kept his hold of Elizabeth, waiting to hear the next song begin. Another Van Morrison song started playing - this one had a slower beat. "Does this remind you of any of your former sweethearts?" he asked Elizabeth.

"No." She shook her head.

"Good." William began swaying again, holding Elizabeth close. He sang half of the first verse in her ear, then whispered, "this one is dedicated to us and our memories of being caught in a rainstorm."

Elizabeth smiled, enjoying the dance, the sound of William's voice singing in her ear, and the playfulness of his mood. Neither of them noticed the appearance of the sales clerk until the song was over and the young woman asked if they needed any assistance.

"I'm glad you asked," William replied. "I'd like a copy of this disc you have playing now."

"This one?" The girl pointed upward.

"Yes, indeed." William approached the clerk while pulling his billfold from his breast coat pocket. "In fact, I'll need two copies of it." He turned to Elizabeth. "One for each of us."

"I'll need to check our stock," the clerk said then turned, heading to the back of the store.

"Okay." William set their packages on the counter and pulled Elizabeth close. "Take your time," he said then softly kissed Elizabeth. "I don't think I've ever enjoyed the rain as much as I have today."

"I always enjoy the rain."

He kissed her again. "I can see why."

Elizabeth smiled as she rested her head on his shoulder causing William to sigh contentedly and keep his hold of her, only reluctantly letting go when the salesgirl returned with two CDs. After completing the transaction the clerk handed William his purchase. "Thank you, sir. Come again."

"Only when it's raining," he replied, then took his handful of bags and headed to the door.

The rain still fell steadily from the low dark clouds. "It doesn't look as if it's going to let up." Elizabeth sighed.

"We should probably dash now." Setting the packages down, he quickly slipped off his jacket and held it out for Elizabeth. "Put this on." Elizabeth slid her arms through the coat sleeves. "That should help you keep dry." After grabbing the packages he pushed the door open. "Ready?"

Elizabeth nodded, then stretched out her arm to shield her face from the wet drops. "Let's go!" she cried out as the couple started their run to the car.

"Mind the puddle!" William called out a warning to Elizabeth while trying to steer her clear of the rainwater that had pooled in the street, but she didn't hear him and tramped both feet through a big, sludgy hole.

"Oh, great," she muttered under her breath. At this point Elizabeth stopped trying to dodge the raindrops. "What's the use?" she thought to herself, "I'm already drenched."

"Come on, Liz," William motioned for her to hurry along. "You'll catch your death out here."

She carefully hopped over a few small puddles before finally catching up to William. He had the car unlocked and was waiting to open the door for her. "Hurry, get inside." William grabbed Elizabeth's jacket from the back seat and set it in her lap as he slid behind the wheel and started the ignition, turning the heater to its highest level.

"What a pitiful picture we make." William ran his fingers through his wet hair.

Elizabeth pulled her coat up to her chin, trying to warm up and perhaps wick some of the wetness from her drenched clothes. Her lips quivered as the cold settled deep in her bones. Noticing Elizabeth's discomfort, William popped open the trunk then jumped out of the car without a word. After rummaging through the boot he returned with a blanket. "Here now." He offered it to her. "Wrap this around you."

"Thank you." Elizabeth took the quilt and covered herself with it.

"Better?"

"Yes."

"Let's get you home."

"Elizabeth, you're soaked to the skin!" Bessie shook her head as she took Elizabeth's coat from her, draping it across a kitchen chair. "Let's get you upstairs and into something dry." Bessie ushered Elizabeth out the doorway where the older woman turned back to look at Mr. Darcy who was standing near the backdoor. "I'd better get something dry for you too."

"No, don't bother, I'll be off. I just wanted to make sure Elizabeth was all right."

"Don't worry about her; she'll be taken care of. You'd best worry about yourself and getting out of those wet togs."

"I will, thanks." William turned to leave. "Tell Elizabeth I'll ring her later," he called out to Bessie.

"Yes, yes, go on now." She motioned for him to leave then hurried upstairs.

Dressed in her warmest pajamas and snuggled in a quilt Elizabeth sat by the blazing fire in the sitting room. Ralph had built up the fire when he saw Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy running into the house dripping wet from the rain. Elizabeth held a mug of steaming broth that Bessie had prepared and insisted that she drink. The hot soup warmed her as she slowly sipped it. "Mmmm..."

"That'll warm you up in no time," Bessie said. "Now, have you got everything you need to make you comfortable? Your book." Bessie pointed to the side table. "Here's the clicker in case you want to watch the telly." The telephone ringing interrupted Bessie. "Hello?" she said into the receiver. "Yes, just a moment." She held out the phone to Elizabeth. "It's Mr. Darcy."

Elizabeth took the phone and began to talk to William as Bessie tended the fire before leaving her alone in the room. "Yes, I'm bundled in a quilt eating chicken soup. What are you doing?"

"I was just wondering how you were feeling."

"I'm all right. Still a bit chilled, but I'm okay."

"Good, I'm glad you're all right. That was quite a downpour."

"It was." Elizabeth pulled the blanket tighter around her. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. I felt like a drowned rat, but I'm fine now. Oh, before I forget. I have your package in my car."

"That's right, Jane's tea service. I forgot about it in the rush to get in the house."

"I'll bring it 'round tomorrow."

"That would be great, thank you." Feeling a tickle in her nose, Elizabeth tried to stifle a sneeze, but wasn't able to. She grabbed a tissue to wipe her nose.

"Gesundheit," William said, concern filling his voice. "It sounds like you may have caught cold today."

She sneezed again. "Maybe."

"You should get into bed."

"I think I will."

"Well, goodnight, Liz. Take care of yourself."

"Okay. Goodnight." Keeping the warm quilt wrapped around her, Elizabeth trudged upstairs and climbed into bed.

Elizabeth woke to the sound of her bedroom door creaking open. She opened her eyes, squinting at the brightness of the sun.

"I was trying not to wake you," Bessie said as she neared the bedside. "How are you?"

Elizabeth groaned as she rolled over. The pain in her throat kept her from responding. Pulling the blankets up around her neck she moaned again.

Bessie felt Elizabeth's forehead. "You're burning with fever," she exclaimed, then rushed downstairs to fetch a remedy. When she returned Elizabeth remained curled up in the bedclothes. "Here now." She urged Elizabeth to sit up. "Take this." She held out a small glass with a greenish brown liquid. Moaning, Elizabeth managed to prop up onto a pillow. Her nose wrinkled as she looked at Bessie's offering.

"Come now, I'll have none of that," Bessie scolded. "You'll take this and feel better for it." Without further argument Bessie held the glass to Elizabeth's lips, making certain her patient drank the potent draught.

Elizabeth's face contorted as the vile tasting tonic burned its way down her throat. "What was that?" she asked hoarsely.

"That was Granny's cure for what's ailing you." Bessie placed an extra pillow behind Elizabeth and motioned for her to lie back. "You should start feeling better in no time at all."

"If I don't drink any more of that concoction I'm sure to be," Elizabeth complained in a raspy voice as she sank into the downy softness.

"Oh, you'll take more of it all right," Bessie said. "But now you need to rest, and after you've eaten lunch I'll have some more of Granny's elixir ready for you."

Too tired to argue, Elizabeth merely groaned and snuggled back down to sleep.

Several hours later Bessie returned with a bowl of hot soup and another dose of tonic for Elizabeth to take. "How are you, dear? Are you feeling better?"

Rubbing her throat, Elizabeth nodded. "A little bit."

"Good. Now eat your lunch. You need to keep up your strength." Bessie sat in a nearby chair as Elizabeth ate the soup.

"Where's Wilfred?" Elizabeth asked huskily.

"He's with Ralph in the garden. Don't you worry about him."

When Elizabeth had eaten the little that she could she took the glass of bitter cure that Bessie offered her. Wincing, she swallowed it down. "Bleck!" She felt a shiver run down her spine. "That's awful," she grumbled as she pulled back the comforter and started to slide her feet over the side of the bed.

"Just what do you think you're doing?" Bessie asked while placing the quilt back up over her patient.

"I'm tired of being in bed. I want to get up."

"You need to get more rest before you start running about."

"I feel fine." Elizabeth moved to get out of bed again.

Bessie pulled up the comforter, casting Elizabeth a reproving look. "You need to rest."

Not wanting to be told what to do, Elizabeth once again pulled the blankets off and tried to get out of bed, but Bessie, who stood close to the bedside, prevented her escape. "Bessie, I don't want to argue..."

"Neither do I, so back under the covers with you."

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed for a brief moment before she fell back against the pillows, deciding that she really didn't have the strength to get out of bed.

"Here's your book if you feel like reading."

Pulling the covers, Elizabeth pushed the book aside then snuggled back down into the warmth of her bed.

The moon was high in the night sky when Elizabeth blinked her eyes open. Her skin was dripping with perspiration and her throat felt raw and dry. In the darkness of the room she reached toward her nightstand, groping for the glass she knew would be there. Throughout the evening Bessie had been in and out of her room, bringing water and juice as well as her grandmother's panacea. She winced as she took a swallow of cool water, feeling it burn her throat. "Ugh," she moaned while shifting under the covers. "I hate being sick." Rubbing her brow, she tried to soothe her aching head. She thought about getting up for some aspirin, but decided it wasn't worth the effort and nestled back down into bed.

When she awoke the next morning Elizabeth's head felt clearer than it had the day before, and as she sat up in bed she recalled some of the images from her dreams she'd had throughout the night. They weren't haunting or disturbing to her, but they seemed very clear and vivid, and a bit on the unusual side. She recalled seeing Sir Percy and Charlotte in one of the dreams, and also remembered having a strange ocean voyage in another. She couldn't recall ever having such dreams before, almost as if they had played right out of a movie.

Bessie came in with a breakfast tray as Elizabeth was musing. "I see you're up already. How are you feeling?"

"Better. My throat isn't hurting as much," Elizabeth said while rubbing her hand on her neck. "Your grandmother's horrid potion seems to be working well."

Chuckling, Bessie nodded her head. "Aye, that it does. It's cured many a cold over the years."

"What's in it? No..." Elizabeth held up her hand. "Don't answer. I'd rather not know."

Bessie smiled and placed her hand on Elizabeth's brow. "You're not feverish."

"No, I think my fever broke during the night." Elizabeth tugged on the blankets, tucking them up to her chin.

"You should stay in bed today, just to make sure."

"Um hmm." She nodded in agreement.

"Are you hungry?"

"Not really, I'm starting to feel sleepy again."

"You should probably eat something and take some more elixir."

Elizabeth shook her head. "I'm not so sure about that. I think that tonic was a little too potent."

The older woman chuckled. "Did it affect your dreams?"

"Yes, they were very strange. They almost seemed like hallucinations. Are you sure your grandmother's potion is legal?"

Laughing, Bessie nodded. "Aye, perfectly legal and it does a very good job of clearing the head."

"No kidding."

"I'll leave this here." Bessie set some juice and toast on the bedside table. "You might be hungry later."

"Okay," Elizabeth responded then slid down in bed. "Thanks."

When she awoke several hours later Elizabeth felt well enough to get up out of bed. After showering she dressed in a pair of comfortable flannel pajamas and her favorite old sweatshirt. She found a thick pair of socks in Jonas' chest of drawers and put those on over a pair of her own socks.

The expression on Bessie's face when Elizabeth entered the kitchen was one of surprise. "What are you doing out of bed?" the housekeeper asked.

"I'm tired of being in bed."

Bessie looked at her skeptically. "I don't know if you should be up yet."

"I'm feeling much better and I just can't stand being down any longer. I'm going to find something to do in the other room."

"Oh, I suppose that'll be all right, but you'd best stay down. And make sure you don't catch a draft."

Elizabeth went into the sitting room and as she neared the sofa she noticed a package on the end table. She picked up the box and checked the label. "Oh, Jane's tea set. I almost forgot about it." As she carefully set it back down, she saw the CD William had bought for her sitting on the same table. Picking up the disc, she smiled, remembering their dance in the record shop. "Mmmm," she hummed softly, slowly settling onto the sofa. "He must have brought this over while I was sick." She turned the disc over, reading the list of songs on the back. "I missed seeing him."

"I see you found Mr. Darcy's gift," Bessie said when she came into the room.

"Yes." Elizabeth nodded.

"He called yesterday afternoon while you were sleeping. Said you left your package in the car." Bessie pulled out a quilt to cover Elizabeth. "Are you comfortable?" she asked while tucking the blanket around her.

"Yes, I'm fine."

"Okay," Bessie said hesitantly, still unsure if Elizabeth was well enough to be out of bed.

Once Bessie was out of the room Elizabeth decided to turn on the television and surf through the channels to find something to watch. She found an interesting documentary and was curled against a pillow when she heard William's voice in the kitchen. As she shifted to get up Sir Wilfred bounded into the room, happy to see Elizabeth. "Here you are." She picked the puppy up and was scratching him behind the ears when William entered.

"Bessie tells me you're feeling better."

"Yes, I am."

"She also tells me that you're stubborn." He raised a brow. "But I already knew that."

Elizabeth smiled. "I felt horrible yesterday, but I'm better now."

"I'm sorry."

"No need to be."

"I dragged you out in bad weather."

"It's not like I've never been caught in a rainstorm before."

"But I do feel responsible for causing you to feel poorly."

Shaking her head, Elizabeth set the dog on the floor then stood up. "Well, since you put it that way." She arched a single brow. "It is your fault that I've been sick."

Dimples formed on William's cheeks as he smiled at Elizabeth. "Indeed, I'm to blame and now need to make amends." Kissing her on the forehead, he enfolded her in his arms. "What can I do to help you feel better?"

"This is a very good start." She wound her arms around his waist as she rested her head against his chest.

"Mmm, I'm happy to oblige." He tightened his hold of her. "What else can I do for you?"

"Oh, I don't know."

"Have you eaten dinner?"

"No."

"Perhaps we could get some take out."

"I'm not sure what Bessie has planned."

William let go of Elizabeth. "Wait here." He turned quickly to find the housekeeper.

"Bessie's fine about taking the night off," William said as he came back into the sitting room. "How does Chinese sound to you?"

"Chinese food sounds good."

"All right." William pulled out his mobile phone and used the speed dial to call the restaurant. After placing the order he turned to Elizabeth. "They don't deliver this far so I'll need to pick it up. Come along with me."

"It's not likely that I'll be able to get past the sentry at the door."

"I think she's downstairs. I'll have a look." William peeked into the kitchen, then motioned for Elizabeth to join him. "She's gone, let's go." They hurried to the back door, and as William turned the handle Elizabeth slipped on her clogs that sat near the door. "Come along, love." He gestured for her to move quickly.

"I feel like a teenager sneaking out in the middle of the night."

"Something you were accustomed to as a youth?"

She grinned, but made no response.

Elizabeth waited in the car as William ran into the restaurant. She could see him through the window and watched as he picked up their dinner. He was smiling when he came out carrying a large paper bag filled to the brim. "He is so good looking," she said aloud, surprisingly struck by William's raw appeal. Her cheeks flushed as she thought about her growing desire for him and their increasing intimacy.

Once in the car William handed the sack to Elizabeth. "You don't mind holding this, do you, love?"

She shook her head in response as she took the bag

"Are you feeling well? You look a bit off color. Perhaps I shouldn't have taken you out, not being fully recovered."

Chuckling, Elizabeth again shook her head. "I'm okay." She felt herself blushing again. Here she was reddening because of her racy thoughts about him and he was concerned that he was causing her to suffer a relapse.

"What is it you find so amusing?"

"I'm just glad to be feeling better and to be out with you." She smiled, trying to not raise his suspicion about the underlying cause of her mirth.

"Oh."

"You don't believe me?"

William raised a brow.

"I am enjoying spending this evening with you. Can't you tell? I even dressed for the special occasion."

"I actually like your outfit," he said, eyeing Elizabeth's very casual attire.

"Yeah, flannel pajamas and a baggy sweatshirt - very appealing."

"It doesn't matter what you wear, you always look beautiful. You could wear an expensive gown, or a pair of tattered jeans, or nothing at..." William stopped abruptly, realizing what he was saying.

"Nothing? Really?" Elizabeth grinned broadly.

The tables were now turned as William's face reddened after comprehending what he had just said. Even though he could see that Elizabeth was amused he couldn't hide his embarrassment. He couldn't think what to say.

Elizabeth began giggling, then said, "You know, I think we should get home before our food gets cold."

"Right." William shifted the car into gear. As they drove back to Cresthaven he shook his head and smirked a few times then chuckled when it struck him again at what he had said to Elizabeth

"There you are," Bessie said as Elizabeth and William entered the kitchen with the food. "You should not have gone out into the night air."

"Bessie, I'm all right. I am feeling well, don't worry," Elizabeth replied.

The housekeeper looked at her skeptically. "I would hate to see you have a relapse."

Elizabeth smiled. "I know, and I appreciate that, but I am truly feeling better," she reassured Bessie. "In fact, I am starving. Let's get dinner on the table."

Bessie made sure the couple had everything they needed before disappearing for the remainder of the evening. Finding themselves alone, William and Elizabeth pulled their chairs closer together to share their meal and the conversation eased into a pleasant discourse.

"I didn't know you spoke Spanish," William said. "Are you fluent?"

"Fairly fluent, but I could stand to make improvements."

"What other languages do you speak that I'm not aware of?"

"I know a little French, and am beginning a study of Italian."

"Why Italian?"

"I'm thinking of travelling to Italy."

"Really? When are you planning to go?"

Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not sure, probably after I've learned the language. I need to do a little research as to when the best time to visit is."

"What part of Italy do you plan to tour?"

"I'd like to see all the major cities. You can't go to Italy without seeing Rome and Venice, but where I really want to go is Tuscany."

"That doesn't surprise me at all."

"Why doesn't that surprise you?"

"Because Florence is the capital of Tuscany and all the major Italian artists are connected to the area."

She smiled, feeling rather transparent to him. "I'm not going to Italy just for the art."

"You wouldn't be the first one to travel for that reason."

"There are other things I am interested in besides art, you know."

"I'm sure there are."

"Yes, there are."

"Good." He grinned. "I'm glad there is more you want to see, in fact, I could make a list for you of things to see in Italy, but not just Florence."

"Okay, when I'm ready to take my trip I will let you know."

"But you don't really need to know the language to travel there. You can get by with your Spanish and English."

"I know, but even if I wasn't going to Italy I still want to learn the language."

As they discussed Elizabeth's plans to visit Italy they were interrupted by William's mobile phone ringing. He took it out. "Darcy," he answered the call. "Anne, how are you?"

Feeling a bit annoyed that William had answered his phone, Elizabeth returned to eating her dinner. When the call ended she reached over and took William's cellphone out of his hand. A surprised expression crossed his face.

"First rule of the dinner table: no cellphones allowed."

"Okay, sorry about that that."

"I never allowed Jonas or Peter to have them during meals."

"I've honestly never given it a thought." He shrugged his shoulders. "But I usually eat alone."

"You can have it back after dinner."

Smiling, William nodded, liking the fact that Elizabeth felt free to scold him when he did something to upset her.

Elizabeth returned his smile. "So, how is Anne?"

"She's well, but I don't know about her sometimes." He shook his head. "She has come up with a barmy notion to have a surprise party for Percy next week."

"Is it his birthday?"

William nodded. "Thursday next, and Anne has already invited practically everyone Percy's ever known in his life."

"I don't see what's wrong with that. It sounds like..."

"Well, the problem is she's invited all these guests to my house for this party."

Elizabeth laughed. "That's kind of funny."

"Strangely, I'm not finding the humor in this situation."

"Oh, come on. Throwing a party is no big deal."

"Maybe not for you."

"Hasn't Anne already planned the whole thing? What's left for you to do?"

"I don't know. She said something about arranging the food and...I don't know. It's all in the email she sent me."

"You know, if you need any help I'll be happy to take care of some of these things, and I bet Charlotte would jump at the chance to help throw a party, especially a surprise party for Percy."

"That would be fantastic, if it wouldn't be too much trouble. I'd really appreciate it."

"Well then, let's check out that email and give Charlotte a call."