arcy stared at his mobile for a good ten minutes. He debated whether or not to call her. His brain told him to be reasonable and give her time, while his heart said "go man! Call her". After spending five minutes of nothingness, he picked up the mobile and dialed her number. It rang four times; when he was about to disconnect the call, a female voice answered.

"Hello?"

"Elizabeth, darling, I'm so sorry." Darcy sighed into the phone. He didn't really expect this to work.

"I thought we were going to give each other time." She didn't sound angry so that was good, or so Darcy thought.

"God, Elizabeth you know how much I love you." He raised his voice and berated himself for it. Keep steady, man!

Elizabeth had been contemplating what to say next. She was expecting him to call, he always did. But he had to change; he couldn't keep going about thinking he could control anyone who was beneath him. The line was dead for two minutes after Darcy spoke. "Elizabeth, are you still there?" she replied, "Yes, Darcy, I'm still here. I've always been here. Do you see that? You are so frustrating at times. Of course, I love you. It would be unnatural for me not to. If you remember correctly, we were told by the fortune-teller it was written in the wind." Darcy smiled and laughed when he remembered the trip to Aruba with her and the fortune-teller that she forced him to visit. He was quite enamored of everything that was said. All except the part about not keeping the sprite down.

"Darling, but I so want to marry you." He knew he was grasping at straws here and Elizabeth sighed yet again, sort of agitatedly.

"We cannot have this conversation and especially not on the telephone. Stop hiding behind material conveniences. Listen I was just about to go out with Charlene and Annie, and I really don't want to discuss this again. Why don't you go away? Go on holiday, you've been working much too hard. Go where you can't fax, trade, phone, or drive. It will do you a world of good, honestly." She sounded extremely steadfast.

"Yeah, maybe it would be good for me. Can't make any promises though."

"Well, bye and we'll talk later, but not now." The phone went dead on Darcy's line and he stared at it with mouth wide open.

The airplane was crowded, first class was extremely crowded and all he wanted was to get to sleep. He had taken Elizabeth's idea and decided a holiday by himself was exactly what the love doctor prescribed. He felt this emptiness inside him and he wished he could have talked Elizabeth into coming with him, but she was persistent in telling him that he needed time to think things through. He knew she loved him and he thought he knew that he loved her too. He was never passionate about anyone before Elizabeth. She elicited some sort of frenzy.

It was a stroke of luck that his best friend Bingley had married her older sister. Although, at first he didn't approve of the match, once he got to know her and her sister he warmed considerably to the idea. Precious Elizabeth. The flight attendant came by and flashed a great pearly white smile at Darcy and he tentatively smiled back. Ireland. Castles, leprechauns and ghosts. Yes, Elizabeth, I will not use any modern conveniences for your sake and I will reconcile myself.

A tall extremely beautiful woman with flaxen blonde hair sat down beside Darcy and made herself comfortable. She turned to her seat-mate and held her hand out as a gesture.

"Hello, I'm Helena." She had a thick American southern drawl, "I always introduce myself to my seat partners -- makes long and tedious flights much more interesting. And, well with your good looks, I most certainly had to introduce myself to you." Darcy looked at her all agog and thought that Americans were too opinionated. He didn't smile but held his hand out as well and thus spoke, "Darcy Fitzwilliam, pleased to meet you. I think."

She laughed at his words and then tossed her long hair on the other side of her shoulder. "So where are you off to?" She must make some conversation. "I'm off to visit some place in Ireland, oh for God's sake I'll be darned if I can remember the name of it." She did have a great smile, he admitted to himself. The accent was annoying, but then again maybe his British accent was just as annoying to her. "Lahinch!" she exclaimed, "that's where I'm going to Lahinch!"

"Well Helena, I believe we may see quite a bit of each other." He grinned at her and she smiled at him and said, "yeah, yeah", with an incredible smug smile on her face.

arcy never expected to be charmed by this gorgeous American. Her countenance was one of easy manner, a playful disposition and wonderful acerbic wit. For two and a half hours the two of them talked about everything, from the weather, to sports, to the incredible stock market's highs these days, to whether a British actress would win an academy award. Helena gave him a brief background on herself. She was born in New Orleans, in the heart of the French Quarter. She had just competed in the Miss USA pageant, but never made it to finalist -- "Tho' I did win Miss Congeniality and won this trip!" Darcy was indeed shocked. Helena explained that she represented Louisiana and the woman who won for Massachusetts was originally born in California! She told him about the Political Science degree she received from Temple University.

Darcy had to ask her to slow down at least a dozen times, her accent became so thick he thought she was speaking a foreign language.

"You must admit hon, I mean the UK finally has some really cute young men in politics. One must admit that Tony Blair is a really happening sort of Prime Minister." Helena squealed. Darcy raised an eyebrow at her and laughed, he countered with "Yeah, but his friendship with the president could prove detrimental."

"Clinton? Oh he's a big fuddy-duddy. Who cares what he does? Obviously Hilary doesn't, so why should the world population?"

"Are those your professions, Helena, or do you take a jump on the bandwagon sort of attitude about such things?" Helena looked quizzically at him and laughed his statement off. She thought him much too serious.

"Listen Darcy, you are an incredibly handsome man, but lighten up, sweetie." She studied his face and suddenly understood all, "You're runnin' away darlin' ain't cha?" He turned and stared out the window. The fog was thicker now and he had a strong foreboding sense that he would be on this flight for longer than 2 1/2 hours.

"I hit the nail on the head with that one, so spill it. What English rose has sent you packing?"

"Helena -- Miss -- you know you haven't given me your surname."

"Johnstone, love." She replied.

"Miss Johnstone, I've just met you and you expect me to lay everything out before you. But I happen to be an extremely private person. My private life is just that – private." He nodded his head as a gesture that what he just said was final and she would get no more reply.

"I'm very sorry Mr. Fitzwilliam, but your eyes looked so forlorn and well, I just don't see any verve in your appearance; she must be one special lady..." Darcy smiled briefly, he had just thought of Elizabeth's smile and at that instant missed her horribly.

"Did she hurt you real bad, Darcy?"

Before knowing what he was saying he spoke, "No, she has not hurt me, although I can't say that about myself." Helena smiled at him and patted his hand. He continued, "She is the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on, present company excluded." Helena flashed a toothy grin at him. "But you and she have extremely different looks, mind you." She nodded as in agreement and he thus continued, "My cousin, Colonel, once told me that a man should never explain one woman to another woman, but with you I can - how strange! Elizabeth has the darkest of eyes and hair the color of a raven's. Her cheeks are of a peaches and cream complexion. But she refuses to marry me. After two and a half years, she doesn't think I'm ready. Imagine that: me not ready." He let out a low sigh and rubbed his temples. "How did you do it? I never talk about my life to anyone, not my sister or my cousin."

"Must be in my nature. I've always been that type of person. So Mr. Fitzwilliam... you have a sister and a cousin, do you have parents? And what regiment is the Colonel in?"

"Well yes, I have a sister who is nurse at a hospital in Yorkshire. She is twenty-four. Both parents are deceased. Mother died of breast cancer and father suffered a heart attack several days after her funereal." Helena interrupted, "How positively awful, sweetie. Forgive me I'm so, so sorry." She gently squeezed his hand.

"Don't be. It was more than 10 years ago. Now my cousin." Darcy let out a laugh that had Helena completely baffled, "Colonel, is my cousin's name. He is not in the army, navy or marines. His father was colonel in the Royal Air Force and thought he should name his youngest son appropriately, so he called him Colonel – most of the time we call him Cal. He hates the name Colonel, but it drives the women crazy! They all love him. He says it's the dimples." Darcy flashed a smile that showed he had great dimples also. The captain announced over the P.A. system that due to heavy fog they would be circling around Shannon Airport for three-quarters of an hour. Flight attendants made ready drinks for first class patrons. Darcy ordered Jameson's on the rocks and Helena ordered beer.

"I would like to hear more about Elizabeth; she sounds like one really special lady." She sipped her beer.

"Helena, I have never admired, loved, been in awe of any woman like I am with her. She is my life" He sighed as he finished his sentence. Helena smiled and drank her beer. Darcy readied himself to explain all about his rocky courtship with Elizabeth Bennet.

harlene and Annie noticed how despondent Elizabeth was while Darcy was gone. But as they kept reminding her it was she who told him to go on holiday in the first place. No matter what they did or said or where they went, Elizabeth was in a funk and was hard-pressed to break out of it.

Charlene rang up Cal to talk some and any sense to her. And true to his word, he invited her to his parents cottage in the Cotswolds for a week. Elizabeth loved Cal like a brother and when told that Georgiana would also be of the party, she could not refuse. Cal was to pick Elizabeth up on Sunday afternoon. It was a perfect plan as it was a three hour trip from Derbyshire, and Cal would find out why Darcy and Elizabeth were estranged.

"Did you see Darcy to the airport?"

"I thought I had better not." She replied sotto voce.

"Hmm... Well Georgiana is pleased as punch to spend time with you; it really worked out well, her time off from hospital. Elizabeth's eyes brightened when Cal brought up Georgiana. She was excessively fond of Miss Darcy and worked hard to loosen Darcy's grip on his much younger sister. Darcy and Elizabeth, during the early stage of their relationship argued much about his stifling of Georgiana.

"I'm very pleased to see Georgie, since she's been away at hospital we never talk; her schedule is always so hectic." Elizabeth glanced at Cal and knew that he wanted to talk more personally, "Cal, I must tell you right off that I need time away from him; it seems that he has other feelings right now that just don't include me and until he can sort them out, we need to be apart. As much as I love him, my sticking around would be detrimental rather than helpful" She hoped that would be enough to stave off any questions, but as she thought she was wrong.

"Liz, the man is completely off his rocker for you, surely you must see that. I can tell you truthfully that I have never seen a man so completely and madly in love before. Jesus, his eyes sparkle like the Queen's jewels every time your around."

Elizabeth held her hand up to silence him then she continued, "But you must also realize that he cannot go around controlling people. I know that he was allowed every luxury in the world, but his treatment of people is horrendous. I think this trip to Ireland is perfect for him. He needs to rough it a while. Lord, Cal, he's been gone four days and I do miss him excessively, but it needed to be done."

"And George, Liz. What about George?" Elizabeth looked alarmed when Cal brought him up. Darcy's arch-enemy had been trying like the devil to woo Elizabeth away, and several times she was tempted to go with him. With his easy and playful manner, it made him a favourite among the ladies, whereas Darcy was always offending someone or something.

"I happened to see George Thursday night, when I was out with Charlene and Annie. We danced a couple of times, it was nothing. I still don't know why Darcy won't tell me what happened between the two." She pouted to him and his hands gripped the wheel tighter. His face became stony and Elizabeth knew that a change of subject was imminent.

"So what's up with you and Rachel? I thought you two got on so well." Cal sighed and answered.

"Rachel is wonderful and we do get on as you so eloquently put it. She is on the continent. She'll be joining us on Wednesday evening. Do you think she's much too young for me?" Cal's playful temper was coming back and the thickness of the air was finally receding.

"Of course, why Cal, she's just disposed of the nappies." She laughed at her attempt of a joke. Cal shook his head and laughed also. They drove companionably for about an hour before either spoke again. Elizabeth's thoughts flew naturally to Darcy and she missed him greatly and if she could, she would have called him. But he was staying where modern conveniences were unheard of.

"Liz, how's that beautiful sister of yours. Is Bingley treating her well?"

"Janice is very, very happy. Although, Henry keeps her very busy, motherhood definitely agrees with her. She has never been happier. And Bingley, well I still think he is in awe of her and the baby." If there was one thing Elizabeth loved talking about it was her sister and nephew.

"And Caroline is she excessively happy about her sister and nephew?"

"Oh Lord, what a segue, Caroline shoots daggers at Janice and I. She pays no attention to little Henry, which is a pity."

"And she hasn't quite given up on Darcy either, of course, it's just a presumption on my part." He knew he hit a nerve in Elizabeth, but silently he was still trying to find out what separated those two.

"Caroline refuses to give up, indeed. It's been over three years since he ended the relationship, and she sticks around like a bad penny. You're not supposing that Darcy would be vulnerable to her. Surely, he's made of stronger might than that." The last of the words came out hard, she sunk back into her seat and fought to keep the tears in check. He would never compromise himself in that aspect, or would he? He was never an open person and kept all of his feelings to himself. Good God! Caroline has no clue where he was now anyway. But was she certain. She thought for a moment then continued on, "Just what are you about Colonel? Toying with my emotions. I thought I was to have a nice visit. Now please enough of this inquisition. I need to rest, I'm tired." He glanced over and saw all the worry on her face.

elena and Darcy had fixed on dinner while still in the air. She was grateful that he told her everything about Elizabeth, George, Caroline and Georgiana. She did notice a faraway look of longing in his eyes when he spoke of Elizabeth. If two people were destined for each other, it were they. But she also saw the ridiculousness in him. Did he really do the things he said. If anyone needed a lesson in love, Darcy Fitzwilliam was the ideal student. And Helena had plans.

True to his word, Darcy met Helena the next evening at eight and the two of them strolled down the dirt path to the local pub. From the outside, the pub looked unlike anything Darcy would frequent in London, But Helena persisted, then took his arm and forced him through the door. The fiddler stopped playing and everyone stopped and stared at the two strangers. Darcy blushed deeply and Helena spoke:

"H'yall, well we're not royalty so strike up the music love!" An older woman greeted the guests and showed them to a table, she took their drink order and within minutes plopped down two perfectly pulled pints of Guinness, the frothy foam was perfect and showed a shamrock. Darcy laughed because this was a far cry from the whiskey he ordered and Helena just drank up. The woman introduced herself as Moira O'Kelly and explained that she was the proprietor of the "Tam O'Shanter" and they were most welcome. Darcy and Helena both ordered the Irish stew and Moira told them the selection was the best thing in the house. Once Moira left Helena leaned closer to Darcy and spoke.

"Well, love, don't let that good drink go to waste, drink up! Drink up!"

"If you must know, I was never one for stout."

"Yeah and Arthur Guinness is turning in his grave. Take the glass, put it to those incredible lips and drink, like this." Helena showed him how it was done and in the process got some foam on her top lip. Darcy unconsciously wiped the foam off.

"I'm sorry that was too forward." His blush spread wide across his face.

"Honey, stop being a stuffed shirt and enjoy yourself. Besides I wanted to look like the "Got milk" ad anyway. Now drink up honey!" She grinned and started moving to the music.

Darcy and Helena talked companionably for several hours. He explained about his business in London. How being in charge was hard because when problems arose, they most always went to him and not the plant manager. He admitted that stress was daily part of his life. He allowed that it felt unnatural for him not to be tied to his mobile, although he did bring it with him. Two weeks of no work and no Elizabeth was going to be excruciating.

Helena delved a little into her personal background. She told him she was an only child. Had a definite stage mother who pushed her pretty daughter into contests and shows and plays. That after she didn't make finalist in Miss USA, she was definitely calling it quits and settle down to a "normal" job. Probably working in state politics in Louisiana.

"Helena you know almost everything about me, but I know nothing about you other than little things. Don't you love? Surely there must be a man out there longing for you." Now it was Helena's turn to sigh and regret getting too personal with this handsome gentleman.

"Of course I love. But I haven't quite found him yet and when I do, I tell ya, I wouldn't let him go for the whole wide world. No way sir. He would be too special for me. My schedule has not been conducive to a steady relationship so far. But I am perfectly happy to meet with handsome young men in airplanes and have them spill their guts out to me. Truly honored sir!" He sensed she was avoiding the bigger picture, but unlike her, he didn't persist.

"Well Helena, what do you say to dancing a jig? I would be most honored if you would join me."

"Well sir, I can't exactly turn down that offer now can I." She extended her hand to him and he grasped it. "You know Darcy, you are even more handsome when you're more relaxed. I think this vacation is going to do you a world of good."

"Helena I think so too. I really do think so." He grinned at her and twirled her onto the dance floor.

The Next Day

Darcy stared at his mobile. Again, he debated whether or not he should call Elizabeth. After telling Helena all about her, he really felt the need to hear her voice. He wished he could reach out and stroke her cheek and kiss her lips. But that was impossible. She was at her flat in Kensington and he, well, was in an incredibly, magical part of the world and already felt as though he had the luck of the Irish. Darcy again lost the urge not to call, and silently made a mental note to work on his willpower during this holiday. After staring at the mobile, Darcy dialed her number. The phone rang twice when the answerphone picked up:

"Hello! You've reached Elizabeth and Lydia. We are away for the moment and will return within a week's time; kindly leave a message at the bleep." Darcy stared at the phone in shock and horror then ran furious hands through his hair. He threw the phone down and headed out of doors. He walked and walked not really sure where he was being led; however, he wasn't entirely surprised when Fate brought him to Helena's bed & breakfast. She had had this extremely calming effect on him and he wanted to talk.

Siobhan O'Malley remembered Darcy from the evening past and gladly accepted him into the sitting room while she collected Helena. Before leaving, she told him that every male guests were starting to fall very hard for the extremely outspoken American. Darcy laughed and said that he wouldn't be surprised if she found love whilst on this holiday.

Siobhan winked at him and took her leave. Darcy heard loud footsteps on the stairs and immediately arose to greet her. Helena entered the room looking distinctively different. Darcy noticed she looked years younger than her 25. Her rose-colored sweater and blue jeans with cowboy boots gave her the look of a teenager. She had her long hair pulled back in a ribbon and wore no makeup. To Darcy, she was even more breathtakingly beautiful.

"Well Darcy," she smile, "and what do I owe this honor. I thought by now my abrasive manner and southern twang would have driven you far, far, away."

"Certainly not, I assure you. I rang Elizabeth." His face darkened and Helena pointed to the chair for he to sit in. "She's gone away... for a week. I didn't know she was planning this. I thought we could talk."

"Why of course, sweetie. But don't you worry about her. She probably off visitin' her sister or friends. From what'cha told me, the girl is nuts about ya! Look last night you were extremely relaxed and had not one worry in the world. Lets loosen you up again. That stuffed shirt attitude is not very becomin' on ya. So what have you planned?"

He smiled then spoke, "Well, I thought we could check out this gorgeous, lush countryside on horseback. On my way over, I noticed some stables at the crossroads. You have been on horseback before?"

"Yes, I ride, a little."

"Well then, madam, after you." He bowed to her and she giggled at his formality. "But first sir," she tried in a really bad British accent. "I must get my baseball cap."

Darcy and Helena settled on two indigenous horses and slowly started trotting through the fields. A light mist started and brought to life all the exotic smells of the field. A scent of jasmine, lavender and heather permeated the air. Helena was completely awed by the panoramic view that lay beyond. The eight hues of green, gray, white and browns was as spectacular as she has ever seen. The hedgerows gave the scene below a perspective of never-ending rolling hills as the trees dotted the faraway landscape. "Darcy, the brochure was right. This place did fall from the Heavens." Darcy nodded in agreement and continued on checking out the wondrous sights and smells that nature had provided for them.

The ruinous monuments were a testament to the troubles and hardships that the Irish had fought for well over two hundred years. Darcy and Helena stopped by the beautiful Cliffs of Moher and tied the two horses to a post. The light mist blocked any beautiful views that would have been seen, although the rapid, raging Atlantic below made known its existence. They walked up a small pathway and trekked around the small castle. Not many visitors were there due to the weather, but Helena and Darcy looked around and enjoyed the sounds. "Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day, Helena." He said softly. "Mmm." Was her only reply. They headed back to the post and untied the horses. Darcy helped her onto her horse and quickly climbed atop his. Helena signaled to Darcy where to meet her. She handled her animal expertly and raced off through the clearing. Darcy remembered her words "a little" and laughed to himself. He dug his heels into the beast and went after her.

s soon as Elizabeth alighted from the car, she rushed into the waiting arms of Georgiana. Cal was left struggling with all the luggage.

"Who said feminism was alive and kicking?" he said and Elizabeth and Georgiana laughed at his exaggerated movements. "Yes, yes, you two get re-acquainted. I'm fine. The hernia hasn't bothered me in many, many years now!" Georgiana rolled her eyes and took Elizabeth's arm in hers and walked over to the gazebo for a private chat.

"How was the drive, Lizzy? Did Cal drive too fast?"

"No. He kept the speed down this time, too many police on the roads. How are you Georgie. London just isn't the same with you gone." She hugged her friend tightly.

"Hospital is busy, and I'm learning so much. I'm pleased that my brother took your advice and is on holiday in Ireland. It will do him a world of good, you know. I've tried to talk him into taking a holiday for over ten years but he always refused. Especially after what had...." Georgiana remembered that Darcy hadn't told Elizabeth what had happened seven years prior. Georgiana glanced at Elizabeth and braced herself to ask the one personal question she needed an answer to. "Lizzy, why didn't you accept his marriage proposal?"

"Georgiana, I love your brother with all my heart and soul, but he has to learn to respect me and my family. He cannot stay in a room longer than two minutes with my mum and he's not once in two and a half years said a word to my father."

"Lizzy, your mother despises him and your father doesn't exactly exert himself with Darcy either. He's trying." She pleaded in his defense.

"Listen Georgiana he still tells me how I was the last person in the world he ever thought he'd want to marry. He said that when he proposed! Because my family doesn't have the income that yours has, I am four steps beneath him. To your brother I should be grateful that he loves me. That's wrong Georgie. We love each other because Fate would have us. I would love your brother if he were a penniless urchin out of a Dickens novel." She placed her head in her hands and waited for Georgiana's response. "I still think he has feelings for Caroline. And I was his token girlfriend. You know the one who came from a below middle-class family. Nosy mother, distant father."

"Elizabeth that is the most ludicrous thing I have ever heard you say. My brother adores you! Surely you must see that. He can't stand Caroline and all her pettiness. You have misunderstood him. I know you have. Good grief, Lizzy he talks about you all the time!." Elizabeth was exasperated and wanted it to end immediately.

"Did you and Cal conspire to bring me here to get me to change my mind. Until your brother can prove to me that he has changed and that he can spend more than two minutes with my family, I will not consider it. I will not force my family on him. But if he wants to be my husband, he must also realize that my family are part of the package." She abruptly turned and walked away. Cal saw Georgiana shake her head and Elizabeth walk into the woods knowing she needed to be alone. Georgiana came up behind Cal muttering how obstinate and headstrong she was.

"No such luck, Gee?" She shrugged her shoulders.

"You know Cal, sometimes I feel like taking the two of them, locking them in a room together and just letting them beat the stuffing out of each other." Cal laughed and walked her towards the house.

"Does Caroline know where Darcy is?" Cal asked once inside the house.

"I don't believe so. Why do you ask?"

"Well if Caroline knew that Darcy was on holiday and in his state, who knows what she could accomplish? But..." He dropped the thought and remembered something else. "Doesn't Darcy take his mobile everywhere with him?" Georgiana caught the gleam in his eye and smiled at him.

"Indeed, it's his lifeline. Are you suggesting we have Lizzy ring him?"

"I am, cousin. I am.

Elizabeth came down to dinner looking extremely pale.

"Are you getting enough rest Lizzy. You look much too peaked. I have some iron pills and could give you something to help you sleep?"

"No. I'm well Georgie. Just thinking too much, that's all." She smiled.

"Well in any case, I would like to check your blood pressure. I have my kit with me." Cal laughed at Georgiana "So when do we start calling you Doctor?" Georgiana shot him a look of contempt and ignored his laughter. She turned to Elizabeth when she explained, "I have been seriously considering furthering my career in the medical field. I have been under the tutelage of Mr. Harris for nine months and he says I have a lot of potential." She smiled brightly, and Cal apologized for his faux pas.

"Georgie that's wonderful! A doctor, well Darcy will be extremely proud of his shy little sister."

"Thanks Lizzy, but I haven't told him yet." She glanced slyly at Cal, and he sat back in the chair and let her run away with it. "I was going to ring him on the mobile tonight after dinner. You know he takes that bloody thing with him everywhere." Elizabeth felt as if she could have kicked herself in the head. She could call him. Yes, of course, why didn't I... Oh! Elizabeth you can be quite silly and ridiculous at times.

"Would you mind if I rang him first?" It was the first time all day Cal and Georgiana had seen a smile on her face. And her face lit up a thousand fold.

"Of course, Lizzy. I'll speak with him when your done."

Elizabeth excused herself from the table and headed into the study. She quickly dialed his number. The phone rang close to seven times before it was answered.

"Hello?" Elizabeth stifled a gasp as the woman with the funny accent answered Darcy's mobile.

"Hello," she choked out. "May I speak with Darcy please?"

"I'm sorry love. He's showering right now. Can I have him give him a message for you. He shouldn't be too much longer now."

"Georgiana. Tell him Georgiana rang." Elizabeth quickly disconnected the call. She could not control her rapid heartbeat nor the ensuing cold grip that overpowered her. Calmly, she picked the phone up again, quickly left a calculated message on the answerphone and hung up.

Several minutes went by before she realized that she had been screaming for Cal.

Darcy came out of the bathroom fully clothed and with a big boyish grin. "Thanks for waiting for me. I'm extremely embarrassed. I don't know how that happened."

"Honey, the horse reared up and threw you off. I thought you were the expert horseman?" She teased.

"That's it. I am." He said. "I've been riding since before I was walking. And I have never been tossed off a horse in my life. I somehow suspect that horse saw that puddle and thought I needed a small bath." Darcy grinned brightly and her and she returned it. "Did I hear the mobile? I thought I did."

"Yeah, it was Georgiana."

"Oh. Oh well, I'll ring her back after dinner. So are you completely famished like I am?" She nodded her head affirmatively. "Well good. I know of a little shabeen tucked away where I've been told the food is incredible, drinks are never ending and the people are at their most friendliest."

"That sounds well and good, darlin', but don't you think we should talk. I mean you're enjoying yourself and all, but you're not looking at the big picture here regarding you and lady love. Now I don't want to have to say it sweetie, but'cha can't avoid the problem. You said earlier that you wanted to talk and you've avoided the problem all day. I'm willin to listen to ya. But'cha have to say something first. You know what I mean?" Darcy stared at her and realized that what she said was true. He promised her after dinner they could talk. He grabbed her hand and headed out the door.

"Caroline!" Darcy spat out.

eorge listened to Elizabeth's message twice to be sure he understood what she was saying. She sounded a bit too methodical for him to be sure it was really her. She sounded pained and that disturbed him. Her message was clear -- come and get her by 10.00 am the next morning and they would go to Scotland.

His biggest obstacle, however, was Lydia. He had been trying to pawn her off to his friend Denny, but he, too, thought her too empty-headed, a great body, but absolutely no brains.

"Lyd. You have to leave. Now." George said.

"I don't wanna leave. We've been having a good time. I thought I was staying the week. What gives?" She pouted to him and rolled over on the bed. He threw her clothes at her and made reference that this friend was special. "Hey what gives? You're not that nice of a person. No, you're getting something for this gesture of goodness."

George physically dragged her out of bed and told her to dress. "Listen, I have to go away for a week or so. I'll call you when I'm back. I promise, Lyd." He leered at her as she closed the bathroom door.

George grabbing the car keys off the wall, he yelled to Lydia. "Lyd. I'm off, let yourself out. And lock the bloody door!"

"Whatever!" She yelled through the bathroom door.

George arrived promptly at 10.00 am just as Elizabeth had instructed. He was also silently pleased that she was waiting outside when he pulled up. She quickly put her luggage into the boot of the car and then slid into the passenger side of the car. She leaned over and gave him a small kiss on the cheek.

The two parties did not notice Georgiana staring out the window.

"What in the world happened, babe?" George asked when Elizabeth was settled in the car.

"Oh, George can we be quiet. I just need to think."

"Sure, doll, but you have to tell me where in Scotland I'm going." He quickly glanced at her and noticed her red swollen eyes.

"Drive up to Glasgow. We'll go to my cottage. We can stop on the way and pick up some groceries." George nodded and changed the station to something more soothing. Elizabeth pushed the seat back and presently fell asleep. George slowly stroked her cheek and smiled wickedly to himself. "Well Darcy," he thought to himself. "whatever you've done now, you'd be hard-pressed to get your lovely Elizabeth back, this time."

George woke Elizabeth hours later when they were near the Scottish border. While she looked a little bit more rested, her eyes were still red and swollen. Elizabeth took his hand in hers and gently squeezed it as a manner of thanks.

"Doll, are you ready to talk?" She murmured in the negative and continued her watch out the window. The Scottish landscape was extremely breathtaking and the bright sun reflected brilliantly. Elizabeth wished for a downpour to match her emotions.

George pulled into the carpark of Ro-Jacks and Elizabeth hopped out of the car. She told him she'd make him pasta Florentine for lunch. He reminded her to pick up a bottle of chardonnay. She was back within 15 minutes and gave George the directions to her cottage. George pulled into the drive and grabbed the carrier bags from the back seat.

"George, follow me into the kitchen and then I'll show you to the room you can stay in tonight." They placed the carrier bags on the kitchen table and she took him on the tour of the cottage.

"So this is your birthday present from Darcy." He let out a low whistle, as he examined each exquisitely decorated room. The last room she showed him was his bedroom. She turned on her heel and told him that she would go hunting for some wood. Actually, Darcy had stocked a cord of wood in the shed. He offered her assistance, which was promptly refused. She reminded him that she was a woman, not helpless.

She returned with dirt on her nose and her arms overweighed with wood. George, playing his favourite role of a gentleman, relieved Elizabeth of her burden.

"Thanks, George." He started a fire and then sat on the sofa. He patted the cushion beside him, indicating where Elizabeth should sit. He slyly put his arm around her shoulders and told her that his shoulder was there for her to cry on, if she needed it.

"Don't be foolish, George. I'm going to prepare the pasta. Would you care for a drink? Over on the settee is some single malt scotch, it's Darc.... Just help yourself."

"I will thanks. Can I prepare one for you?" She nodded in agreement and he fixed her a scotch, neat. After lunch, George offered to do the washing up. Elizabeth took off for a bath and some solitude. As she entered her bedroom, her memories of Darcy came flooding back. The room was exactly as they had left it. His pyjama bottoms were carelessly strewn on the chair by her vanity. His cologne, which had spilled on the carpet, was pervasive. Her sobs became harder to stifle.

As she went into the bathroom to prepare the bath, she unconsciously used the same bubble bath that she and Darcy used when lounging around on a boring Sunday afternoon. Most Sunday afternoons at the cottage were anything but boring.

Elizabeth thought back to the day that she received the cottage as a token of his love of her. Last May 25, he picked her up from her flat and blindfolded her in the car and told her in no uncertain terms was she to remove the visor. She had no idea where he could be taking her and all her questions went unanswered. He kept the conversation light and only played the CD player as the radio would have let on to their whereabouts. Otis Redding always put them in a great mood. Once they arrived at their destination, Darcy told Elizabeth to hold tight in the car for two minutes. He ran over to her side of the car and helped her out of it.

Taking her arm companionably he led her to a narrow passage. At the foot of the path, he turned her to face him and removed her blindfold. Slowly he turned her around and in front of her stood a doll-house cottage with the biggest bow wrapped around it. The look on her face when she realized what he was giving was one that neither of them would soon forget. Her walked her to the front door and posted on the door was the deed in her name to the abode and the surrounding three acres. She squealed so loud that Darcy most definitely had to silence her with a long-lasting kiss.

He fumbled with the key in the lock as Elizabeth giggled. He gave her an eloquent look and proceeded to open the door, he went in and took stock of the dwelling. When finished, he came to where Elizabeth patiently waited and, in one exaggerated swoop, picked her up and carried her over the imaginary threshold. He looked lovingly into her eyes and wished her a very happy birthday. He gently put her down in the family room, as he called it, and then took her on the tour. The first room he showed her was her studio that he personally supervised the construction on. Elizabeth was an extremely talented painter and Darcy knew this location would break any blocks that she would encounter.

Elizabeth lowered herself into the tub and slowly allowed the steam and the aroma to remove Darcy Fitzwilliam from her thoughts; unfortunately, the wails became louder. George listened outside her door and heard the wretched sounds coming through the door.

aroline was quite shocked by the scene she was witnessing just now. As Darcy and a woman, other than the perfect Miss Bennet, were holding hands and smiling as if they had not a care in the world. Darcy was mortified by the implications and quickly let go of Helena's hand. Helena, was extremely confused by this encounter. According to Darcy, only his family and Elizabeth knew where he was staying and she was quite certain that Elizabeth would not have told Caroline where to find him. Caroline tried smiling sweetly, but silently she was condemning George. He told her that Darcy was in Ireland feeling somewhat dejected by Elizabeth's recalcitrance.

Darcy stared with wide-eyed horror back and forth from Helena to Caroline. Helena sensed and broke the tension by introducing herself to Caroline and shaking her hand firmly. Caroline, for ceremonial reasons, accepted it.

Darcy finally spoke, "What are you doing here?" he said angrily.

"Well, if you invite me in, I will explain all."

"Very well." He said irascibly as he showed her to the sitting room.

Helena grinned at Darcy and Caroline and then said, "Darcy, you and Miss Bingley must have a lot of catching up to do. So, we can have our dinner tomorrow. Remember it's St. Patrick's Day. Miss Bingley, it's been a real pleasure. Darcy, until tomorrow." She grabbed her jacket and bounded for the door. Darcy extricated himself from Caroline and followed Helena outside.

"Just where do you think you're going?" he demanded.

"I - I believe it has something to do with being a third wheel. Talk with her and tell her once and for all that you would like to be friends, but that's all. You have to be strong right now. For Elizabeth." She added softly.

Helena turned around and started to walk away. Darcy stood there quite dumbfounded. He went after her, turned and cradled her chin in his hands. Raising her lips to his, Darcy kissed her. Helena unconsciously pulled him closer, drowning in his kisses. The heat and passion they felt overwhelmed them. Just as soon as she got her bearings, she pulled away.

Helena walked away without acknowledging what had just taken place. She realized then that her friendship with Darcy Fitzwilliam had taken a disastrous turn.

Darcy stood staring at the spot where Helena had just stood. Her scent lingered lightly. He felt intoxicated by her. Something about her made him want to kiss her. Her abrasiveness was unlike anything he had ever seen. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and remembered with a heavy heart that Caroline was patiently or impatiently waiting for him.

Caroline had taken it upon herself to pour a glass of wine. She had been thinking of what she was to say to him. He seemed to get over Elizabeth very easily. With an American -- a gorgeous American at that. And so tall -- maybe only 3 inches shorter than Darcy. As she slowly sipped her wine, Caroline made herself more comfortable in this huge cottage of his. When Darcy holidayed, he certainly spared no expense, she thought.

Darcy came in and sat on the overstuffed-size armchair. To Caroline, he looked like he had the world on his shoulders and didn't know how to unload it. She offered him a drink, which he accepted cordially. He looked at her warily and sighed heavily. He just stared at her not making a sound. Not looking incredulous or angry, he just stared. To her, it was unbearable. His eyes, she thought, looked as though he had been shot through the heart. Caroline came here for one reason and one reason only. She wanted him back and would go to hell and back to secure that. However, she had not anticipated the scene that she came upon.

"Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Caroline said wistfully.

"What?" Darcy was amazed. Had Caroline actually said something sensible? How could she possibly have any clue to the torment he felt right now. His thoughts went to and fro – Elizabeth and Helena. Two distinctly different women. Elizabeth was -- is -- the love of his life. But Helena, sweet, sweet Helena, had not one bad bone in her body.

"Dylan Thomas. Your mood, I sensed something." She informed him. He abruptly rose and went to the liquor cabinet and poured something stronger.

"What are you doing here?" he said wearily.

"I thought I would keep you company. I remember how you get when things don't quite go your way. Elizabeth must be a fool."

"No," he hesitated, "the only fool here is myself. Now tell me again, why are you here?" He sounded more dangerous and he wanted the truth.

"Darcy, we are good for each other especially during tumultuous periods. I thought I could help you. It really is quite innocent. You don't mind my staying here for the evening. I neglected to find a hotel, and I refuse to be seen in one of those garish bed & breakfasts." His confused feelings would not allow him to argue with her even though he knew deep down that there was nothing innocent about Caroline.

Remembering that he and Helena had been on their way to dinner, Darcy asked if she would join him. Naturally she accepted most graciously. She would find everything out tonight, especially if he continued to slam down the drinks.

Darcy awoke with more than a sledgehammer-type headache. He conveniently forgot that Caroline could most definitely drink him under four or five tables. When she started doing shots of really cheap tequila, he should have called it quits, but his emotions got the better of him and he continued. Thankfully, he was alone in his bed. He could never have reconciled the thought of waking up beside Caroline -- of all people. He turned to look at the clock and it read quarter past eleven.

"Great!" he reprimanded himself, "so much for making the most of the morning." Rolling out of his bed, he put on his robe and padded downstairs; pulled by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Darcy smiled to himself when he remembered that he didn't have to make the usual pot of mud he always made.

"Good morning, Darcy!" Caroline enthused.

"Caroline, don't you ever have a hangover? How can one person drink so much and never, ever get sick or a headache?" He shook his aching head in disbelief.

"At university I practiced. I could out drink all the men -- even the footballers and cricketers. But you -- my, oh my! You look like hell." She handed him a steaming cup of coffee and sat down on the other side of him. He looked awful. "I don't think Dylan Thomas meant for you to take his word as Gospel." She grinned at him and he grinned back. Something about her today was different. She wasn't being catty or spiteful, or better yet, all over him like usual. No, he liked this Caroline.

"You're absolutely right, he didn't. Hmm... do I smell food?"

"Yes. Now I have prepared some black and white pudding, Irish sausages, and scrambled eggs. Does that sound okay to you?" He nodded his head and she prepared a plate of food for him. They talked and ate; talked some more, very companionably for an hour. Darcy went upstairs to change, while Caroline put the dishes in the sink. He informed her that a cleaning lady did come daily to straighten up.

He came downstairs outwardly looking a like a new man, but he still had that haunted, disturbed look in the depths of his chocolate eyes, and Caroline wanted to break through that.

"Well, you look ten times better. Have you planned your day?"

"I thought I'd take the horse out that I had yesterday. And since you don't ride, why don't you go on tour of the west. The sun is out today and the Cliffs of Moher are absolutely breathtaking. I was planning on a little golf also..." He was interrupted by the ringing mobile. Caroline started. "Ignore it. It's just Georgie. I'll try her back later. I promised no modern conveniences, and the mobile is just too modern." Caroline was a little taken aback by his going off on his own, but she was in and they were getting along tolerably well. No, she thought, things were moving quite well, if slowly.

Helena had been at the stables at 11.30 am and requested, Lulu, whom she had had the day before. As she toured the countryside and stopped to talk to some of the locals, she was amazed at how relaxed and open the Irish people were. Three of them invited her into the house for bread and tea! She continued on to the Cliffs of Moher. With the sun finally out, she hoped to get an incredible picture of the view that she had seen on the postcards.

She hitched her horse to the same post that she and Darcy had and immediately she remembered his kiss. How it had lingered on her lips even after she had walked away. She never anticipated him doing that. She didn't encourage him. Yet, she didn't exactly not want it to happen, either. No, she thought, he loves Elizabeth. This would never work.

She continued up the stone steps to the cliffs. Today it was overcrowded. Even at this early hour, the tourists were in full force. Today was St. Patrick's day, she remembered. Well, that accounts for all the tourists, she thought glumly. Another American had espied her and was working his way to her. She didn't really feel like talking to anybody right now. With her training, she could put on a convincing smile at the drop of a hat if the situation required it. She flashed him a brilliant smile, and she thought she saw him drool by her acknowledgment.

"Hi sweetie!" she said.

"I'm sorry, miss, I don't normally do this sort of thing. But weren't you in the Miss USA pageant last week?"

"Yep, Miss Louisiana. Didn't make finals though"

"Oh, I knew it was you right off. Miss Congeniality. I see why. Would you -- I mean, Miss -- can I have your autograph. The boys back home at the shop will be so jealous to know that I met a beauty pageant contestant."

"Why sure, honey!" He fumbled around for a pen and piece of paper and handed them to Helena.

"Could I also have a kiss?" He asked.

Helena rolled her eyes and leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. He whistled out loud and told her that she was absolutely gorgeous and the winner had nothing compared to her. She thanked him and moved on her way.

She headed down to the post to untie Lulu. She mounted the horse and headed in the direction of the Lahinch Centre. She was about three quarters of mile away from the center of town when she saw a dark black horse heading in her direction. She noticed the rider right off and tried to turn before he could see her, but it was too late. Darcy had already started calling her name.

She smiled to him and stopped the horse in the center of a the field. He had a hard time getting his horse to stop within a mark of hers. He laughed at the way her horse whinnied when his horse came a little close. She pulled back on the reins to back Lulu up. Darcy's horse reared again, but this time he didn't fall off. He commanded the horse down. Helena's horse was still spooked and refused to stay still. Helena had to maneuver her horse around his horse.

"I'm sorry about last night. I still don't know what came over me. Helena, you looked so beautiful all day yesterday."

"I shouldn't have walked away. I was shocked to say the least. I hear you tell me over and over again how much you love Elizabeth and I know you do, sweetie. I think you're just a little confused right now. I like you, Darcy, but I was not expecting our relationship to go in that direction. You need to concentrate on Elizabeth now and I am disturbing that..." He cut her off.

"No! Absolutely not. Helena you have been more friend to me than anyone in all my 35 years have. You're a very open person. I'm not -- or wasn't -- and I like that. I like you. Elizabeth would adore you!"

"Darcy you need time to think about what you want. You want Elizabeth, but yet you kissed me. I never gave you any sign that I was interested in you. All I wanted was to help you get through a bad time. I adore our friendship, as new as it is, and I probably will adore Elizabeth...."

"Can we have that dinner tonight?" he interrupted again. She remembered Caroline.

"What about your houseguest?" Her face darkened.

"Caroline? She's been an angel." Helena looked up at him quizzically, and he quickly explained all. "And if you don't mind, she will be joining us. Please Helena?" He beamed the brightest smile that she most certainly could not refuse. She thought it most definitely had to be the dimples.

Caroline spent the day viewing God's greatest beauties and did not enjoy it at all. This was not working for her. He should be spending the day smelling the newly bloomed flowers, sharing the rabbits hopping along the downs. Not off playing golf or riding a steed. It took her hours in a tourist-packed motorcar to tour the west coast, and by the time she headed back to the cottage, she was completely and utterly exhausted. She had been trying to plan when to make her strike during her outing, but she would relish taking it a little bit slower. Being nice was extremely tiring and fruitless.

Darcy and Helena had waited for Caroline to come in to inform her that the three of them would go back to the Tam O'Shanter for dinner. Caroline trudged upstairs muttering and cursing the American. She hopped into the shower quickly and was down by half past seven. With Caroline on one arm and Helena on the other, they made their way to the pub. The mobile rang again and again he chose to ignore it. Helena patted his arm and congratulated him on relaxing.

Helena occasionally glanced from Darcy to Caroline; Caroline did the same. Darcy was oblivious to the wheels turning in each woman's head. The sweetness in Miss Bingley's manner gave Helena pause. Caroline was curious to see how deep Miss Johnstone's claws were into him.

The two women were evidently sizing each other up; Darcy was none the wiser.

"Cal, he's not answering. I don't know if he shut the mobile off or what?" Georgiana cried.

Cal and Georgiana had tried all day to explain to Darcy about Elizabeth's disappearance with George Wickham.

"Gee, we'll have to wait until tomorrow. Have you tried her sister, Janice. Maybe, just maybe, he brought her there?" She nodded affirmatively and told him that Janice hadn't heard from Elizabeth in days.

"It's just not like her. To go off with George. How is Darcy going to react when he finds out. He'll be furious. I'm furious! I can't believe she would runaway like this." Georgiana sobbed into Cal's shoulder.

"Shh, shh. Gee, we'll do everything we can to find her. Listen, it's dinnertime, and you haven't eaten anything all day. Why don't we see what cook has whipped up?"

"Why would she just leave like that. What happened when she called him last night?" She asked.

"I don't know, Gee. I just don't know."

lizabeth and George spent the day companionably walking amongst the woods and groves. The fresh air seemed to revitalize her and gave her a clear perspective of her relationship troubles. George, unbelievably, did most of the listening. Elizabeth kept questioning Darcy's love for her, and George held back denouncing Darcy as a cold-hearted fool. The sun started dipping behind the mountains and nightfall was imminent. The coldness and bleakness of the sunless sky caused Elizabeth to shiver. George pulled her a little closer to him, as they made their way back to the cottage.

Elizabeth remembered that she wanted to hear the whole story of the falling out between Darcy and George, and she was willing to spend the whole night listening to his tale. George explained how he had grown up with the Fitzwilliam's as a foster son, and the natural son was intrinsically jealous of his relationship with his father.

"Over the years," he said, "Darcy became more aloof and I had a hard time trying to break through his tough exterior. We never saw eye to eye and he wished me gone. I attended the same schools as him. He got his degree in economics. I couldn't bear more after high school, so we parted ways. I didn't see him again until the funerals of his mother and father. They were my parents also; it was devastating. I was absolutely devastated; Darcy and Cal were given the guardianship of Georgiana.

The Fitzwilliams left a little provision for me in the codicil – that Darcy and I run the company together. Darcy said that until I received a degree, I would not be able to partake in the family business. I still didn't want to go to university, so he reneged on the codicil. I explained that I had no head for numbers and maybe I could do something else. He thought not and gave me money. Let's just say the guy bought me off and told me that I would never get my hands on his business. A couple of years after the death of her parents, Georgiana started rebelling -- getting drunk all the time, dabbling in drugs, and shoplifting. She even colored her hair purple at one time. She was a complete embarrassment to the family. At the age of 17, she ran away. She was gone for two months. Nobody had a clue to where she was. She materialized at Pemberley exactly two months to the date of her disappearance -- pregnant," he said very seriously.

Elizabeth gasped with horror. She could not believe this was the Georgiana she knew and loved. She felt the tears well up in her eyes and tried to blink them away. "Oh, poor Georgiana. He never told me." George looked at her incredulously and gave her a small smile.

"Georgiana fell down the steps at Pemberley. I have heard that when Darcy found out about her condition, he threatened to kill the boy who did this to her. He also became very violent toward his sister and caused her to fall. He brought on the miscarriage."

"Darcy adores Georgiana; I have never seen him raise his voice to her. He loves her at times like she was his own daughter. This is unbelievable, to say the least," she said slowly.

"Now, but seven years ago they were two very different people. When I heard about Georgiana's miscarriage, I rushed to be with her. Darcy refused to allow me into Pemberley. He said that this was family business and I had no right to be there."

"Contemptible!" Elizabeth spurted out, "you were, no -- are family. Georgiana needed all who loved her to be by her side. I never knew. I thought he was more caring than that. I guess when I think of it now, he really hasn't changed. I was just a minor diversion for him. He probably belongs with someone; someone with the likes of Caroline. I believe they are perfect for each other." She said sadly.

George positioned himself closer to her on the davenport and took one of her hands and kissed it lightly. Her heart started palpitating furtively, when she realized where this was heading. She leaned her head closer to his, and he followed her lead.

"So, when they started naming off the final contestants, my contingent was a hootin' and a hollerin' so loud that they had to ask them on live TV to keep it down!" Darcy laughed so hard his face turned a bright red. Caroline looked bored. "And when my name wasn't called, well they all got up and left the auditorium. Twenty-five people just upped and left." She grinned.

"I've been wondering why you never made finals. Did you slip or fall? Or was your look not what they wanted?" Caroline asked cattily.

"Well there were 50 contestants. Not everyone could win. But I was selected as Miss Congeniality, so in essence I did win," she retorted. Darcy winked at her and mouthed "great job".

All three spoke on a potpourri of topics. Darcy and Helena could easily talk about the day's news, while Caroline would puff and sigh and try to get involved in the conversation. Helena tried getting Darcy to talk about Elizabeth, but Caroline quickly changed the subject. She needn't talk about her worst enemy.

"Darcy, how is sweet Georgiana doing? I haven't spoken with her in what seems like weeks." Caroline batted her eyes ferociously, and Helena had to bite her lip to keep from howling out loud.

"Georgiana is very well. I'll be ringing her tomorrow. How are Charles and Janice? Have you seen baby Henry recently?"

"They are fine, I presume. The baby is a baby. What else can I say?"

Helena interrupted, "I have two nieces and a smattering of nephews and let me tell you, hon, they are my life. I would die for them. Caroline, you should love him like he was your own. Once they start talkin' and becomin' little people, it is the most special time."

"I thought you said you were an only child?" Caroline asked primly.

"I am, but all my girlfriends' kids call me Antie Neena. I treat them just as if they were made of my own blood. I love them so much!"

"Baby Henry adores his aunt and his uncle. He will be a bruiser when he grows up. He's so smart. He knows just how to manipulate people into getting what he wants. Very smart fellow indeed!" Darcy laughed and geared the conversation to more of his liking. "Helena, I want to hear more about the beauty pageant... hmmm, let's see, one-piece or a bikini?"

"Bikini, of course."

"Black gown or black and white gown?"

"Black, off the shoulder."

"Talent?"

"Dancing."

"Ah, yes, that should have been quite obvious."

"Why is that, Darcy? Why should her dancing be obvious?" Caroline interjected angrily. She felt very left out of this conversation.

"I had the privilege to dance with Miss Johnstone last night. She is extremely good. Very flexible." Darcy looked at Helena as he answered Caroline's question. Helena felt uncomfortable and moved the conversation in a direction in which Miss Bingley could participate.

"Caroline, Darcy tells me that you're an assistant art collector for the British Museum. That sounds awfully interestin'. Is that what you studied at college, sweetie?"

"I went to Cambridge University with Darcy. That is how we met. I didn't go to college," she replied snidely. Darcy shot her an angry look and she softened her tone. "I received my degree in Fine Arts. But I majored in romantic languages. Mr. Fitzwilliam loved when I would talk to him in French, especially after...."

"Yes, thank you, Caroline. She speaks French and Italian quite fluently and beautifully, I may add. Well, by my clock it is nearing one o'clock. Should we call it a night?" Both women agreed. As before, the women took up each arm of his and went home.

Elizabeth sat staring at the starless sky from her bedroom window, willing Darcy to think of her. She still had hard time comprehending the story that George told her today. Her emotions were playing games with her head and heart that before she knew that she had kissed him, it was over.

Darcy sat staring at the star-filled sky, willing Elizabeth to think of him. His heart filled with sorrow because he did not know where Elizabeth was or if she were safe. He felt lonely bathed in the moonlight that he and Elizabeth shared on numerous occasions. A small tear formed in his eye as he remembered her kisses, her caresses and her sweet nothings.

n Ireland and Scotland, the sun shone so brightly that the morning dew glistened like tears on the freshly blossomed wildflowers. Two lovesick humans, thinking only of each other, slept ever so fitfully. He dreamt of her peaches and cream complexion and she dreamt of his strong arms holding her so firmly as they should never let her go.

Darcy rolled out of bed groaning inwardly. It had been nearly six days since he spoke to his beloved, and he considered calling her sister to see if she was in fact staying with her. He splashed some cool water on his face to invigorate himself and headed downstairs. Caroline would never deign to wake up earlier than 8.00 am, so Darcy knew he had the cottage to himself for at least two hours. He filled the kettle with water and prepared to make tea this morning. He really enjoyed Caroline's coffee and could wait for her to make more. The paper had been delivered and he sat in the morning room waiting for the kettle to boil.

He enjoyed the silence of the house and swore he could hear Caroline's faint snores from the bedroom at the top of the stairs. Birds chirped happily, and Darcy was ready to greet the world. The paper had nothing of import in it. He checked the markets. The FTSE wasn't doing too well, but the NYSE was incredible. He could just see it reaching the 9000 mark within the next month. The dollar was certainly holding its own and, with Japan in a financial crisis, today would be a good day to do some light trading on his personal accounts. Making more money was always palatable.

He thought about the mutual fund that he had set up for Elizabeth and checked to see what the NAV was. It was underperforming this past quarter, and he realized that it was underweighted in some particular bonds and mortgage-backed securities. The commercial paper wasn't doing much and he considered selling it and investing in US Treasurys instead. It seemed to be the way to go nowadays. He made a mental note and wrote down the figures. Darcy rubbed his neck in anticipation of his day and smiled broadly to himself. He was making Elizabeth a very wealthy woman. He knew that, if Lydia found out about any of this, she would demand her fair share of the jackpot.

The hall clock chimed seven times and Darcy got up and made another cup of tea. This time, he toasted some bread and buttered it – all the while humming. He laughed to himself and thought Elizabeth would think he had lost his marbles on his holiday. He was relaxed, happy, and more in love with her than ever. He could not wait to see her, to hold her, to kiss her and of course to marry her. Family and all. This was to be a glorious day!

Elizabeth lifted her heavy head from the pillow and groaned at the sun. She cursed the brightness of it and begged for snow or rain, either would do, in fact. She wanted her depression to register with everyone. No one should be happy if she was so miserable. The birds be damned! she thought. As she sat up in the bed, she remembered a poem and slowly started to recite it:

Sometimes the sky's too bright,
Or has too many clouds or birds,
And far away's too sharp a sun
To nourish thinking of him.
Why is my hand too blunt
To cut in front of me
My horrid images for me,
Of over-fruitful smiles,
The weightless touching of the lip
I wish to know
I cannot lift, but can,
The creature with the angel's face
Who tells me hurt,
And sees my body go
Down into misery?
No stopping. Put the smile
Where tears have come to dry.
The angel's hurt is left;
His telling burns.

Sometimes a woman's heart has salt,
Or too much blood;
I tear her breast,
And see the blood is mine,
Flowing from her, but mine,
And then I think
Perhaps the sky's too bright;
And watch my hand,
But do not follow it,
And feel the pain it gives,
But do not ache.

She slowly got out of bed and made her way into the kitchen. The house was still, exactly how she preferred it this early in the morning. She tried to shake the dream she had of Darcy last night. She had come to a decision last night that she was ready to end the relationship. Oh, she loved him. But the realization of his character and now his infidelity brought out emotions that she didn't know she had.

After having filled the tea kettle and setting it on the stove to boil, Elizabeth picked up an old magazine that had been left from another visit and began looking around the cottage wistfully. Keeping the cottage would be out of the question, even though she loved the idea of just driving up here, being well-concealed from any people and painting the groves. She could paint the same grove five times and each time it still looked different. Darcy had been her biggest collector. Shaking her head to remove him from her thoughts, Elizabeth thought to herself, You can do this. You can make it on your own. The faint sigh that marked her resignation was interrupted by the shrill call of the whistling tea kettle, which summarily brought Elizabeth back to reality.

Elizabeth settled comfortably in the sitting room on the davenport and remembered her kiss with George last night. It was unexpected. It was even interesting. But his lips didn't have the strength or softness of Darcy's. She unconsciously brought her fingers to her lips and traced the lower with her index finger. She felt a sob coming and stifled it.

George had pulled away first, not she. His look gave her much anxiety. To her, it almost looked like he was conquering something that he never thought he could conquer. Almost as if he were playing a game, and Elizabeth was the prize that two men wanted. And I'm here comparing two distinctively different men with two very different temperaments!

Elizabeth prepared more tea and looked out the window. The forest animals were waking from their slumber and foraging for food. A small fawn came close to the window and looked as if it could see Elizabeth staring at it. The eyes reminded her of Darcy and its dark coat reminded her of his colouring. A pang of absolute hurt coursed through her blood.

Caroline came downstairs looking as if she spent hours in the bathroom. Makeup perfect and not one hair out of place. To Darcy, it was comical because his tousled hair looked unkempt and unruly. He'd seen Caroline once before fairly au naturel, and she swore he'd never see her like that again. Caroline mechanically went to the coffee machine and started making coffee. It suddenly dawned on her that he'd been up for hours and hadn't made one pot.

"Excuse me, Darcy, but why haven't you made the coffee? Don't tell me you don't know how!"

"I can't," he laughed. "No, really, what I make looks and tastes bloody awful."

"You expect me to believe that! I think its sheer laziness on your part. And if you think I'm cooking your breakfast again this morning, not a chance."

"Caroline, did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?"

"More like the wrong bed," she muttered to herself. "What time is it, anyway?"

"10 a.m."

"Can I use the mobile?"

"Certainly. If it's a private call, you can use the study," he said.

"No, it's just Bridget. You know -- see how things are going?" He nodded and continued to read the paper. Caroline reached across the table and huffed at Darcy for not handing it to her. She dialed the number and waited for an answer.

"Bridge? Bridge you sound awful... hmmm. Hmmm? Oh, no! Really? I didn't know. Mark? Rebecca?" Darcy looked over the morning paper trying to make heads or tails of the conversation she was having. Caroline acknowledged him with a shrug of her shoulders. He mouthed, "Now what?" Caroline put her hand over the mouthpiece and told him that Mark and Bridget had apparently broken up over the weekend. Bridget was caught kissing a teenager by Mark himself. Darcy had to laugh at that one. Bridget could get caught doing a lot of stupid things, but this one took the cake. Caroline finished her call and put the phone back on the table.

"I just can't believe it. Bridget and Mark. They are so in love." Darcy felt a pang of hurt and quickly raised the paper over his telltale eyes.

"Maybe they just need time apart?" He tried to rationalize. He understood the quandary that Mark must be in, and he felt bad for the old chap. His thoughts flew to Elizabeth and knew he had to call her. Just to hear her voice.

"If you think so. I'm going back to bed – I've got a sudden headache. Wake me up later?" He agreed.

"That poem that you mentioned the other night. Do you know it by memory?"

"Well, yes, Thomas has always been one of my favorite poets."

"Could you recite it for me? Now?" he asked.

"Now?" He nodded his head affirmatively. "Okay, here it goes:

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

"Caroline, you quoted me a poem about death?" He frowned.

"Well, that night you looked like death." She replied with a daring glint in her eye, "I'm off to bed. Care to join me?"

"You said you had a headache," he cracked. She grunted then turned on her heel and made her way to bed.

He picked up the mobile and started dialing Bingley. He hadn't talked to his best friend in over two weeks and felt like he had been neglecting him. The phone rang four times before Janice picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Janice, darling, how are you?" Darcy said. Finally a rational voice.

"Oh, Darcy. Weren't quite expecting to hear from you. Are you ok?"

"Do you worry about everyone?" he said with feeling.

"I guess I do. I think it's my nurturing nature, you know, with sisters like Elizabeth and Lydia?" she joked.

"Oh, yes, of course. And speaking of Elizabeth, can I talk to her?"

"Well, no." He seemed a little taken aback by her brusqueness.

"And may I ask why?" he sounded more irate than was intended.

"Well, Darcy, if you must know, she's not here."

"Hmmm. Do you know where she is?"

"No." He wasn't having much luck. "Darcy, did you and Elizabeth quarrel?"

"Well, she did refuse my marriage proposal. I wouldn't exactly say we didn't argue, but I thought I left on good terms. She spoke with me before I left. Is there something going on that you're not telling me?"

"No. Of course, not, Darcy. You're just being a little paranoid. Elizabeth probably just needed some time to think. You should at least give her that much. She does love you." She hated lying to him. Janice knew exactly what Elizabeth had done and could not condone it, but she also didn't want to be the one to tell him either.

"Does she? Janice, she refuses to marry me. I love her more than life itself, and she can be so frustrating at times. What do I need to do?"

"Darcy, I'm sorry I can't be more help to you. Charles is at the office by the way. I'll talk to you soon. Bye." She quickly hung up the phone. Darcy sat staring at the phone now completely agitated. He would still make the most of the day. The weather was perfect and the Lahinch Golf Course was loudly calling his name.

He shut the mobile off and stuck it in the desk. He retrieved his golf clubs and headed to the course.

It came to him suddenly. Driving the golf ball about two hundred fifty feet, it finally dawned on him. What he really needed was time alone to think. Mark and Bridget would reconcile; they always did. Darcy and Elizabeth would marry and make a lot of little babies. But did she want children, he didn't know? Did she still love him? He couldn't answer that one either. Everyone said she did, but did she just try to placate him?

Helena had been helpful, but a major diversion. His attraction to her shocked him. He was madly, passionately in love with Elizabeth. So how could he be attracted to another woman. And Caroline, oh, if Elizabeth knew about Caroline, there would be hell to pay.

The resolve was to finish the week in Ireland and then head somewhere, anywhere he could be really alone and think. To get lost in his thoughts of Elizabeth. Remembering how cryptic Janice sounded, he drove the golf ball as hard as he could, and the patrons around him congratulated him on his shot. He was inches from the hole. He walked to the hole and knocked it in. Tiger Woods eat your heart out, he thought laughingly. He really wasn't that great of a golfer, but he seemed to do fairly well when he didn't think about it too much.

He decided to tell Helena and Caroline that he would be leaving on Friday morning to an unknown destination.

George awoke and spied Elizabeth in the study reading. He came up behind her and kissed the top of her head. She lifted her head up and smiled to him. He pulled her up and proceeded to kiss her full on the lips when she stopped him.

"No, George," she said firmly.

"Elizabeth, you can't keep fighting your feelings for me. Doll, I want you. I've wanted you for so long. God, Elizabeth, I've been in love with you for years. Don't you see that? Haven't you known that?" He took his hands and softly traced the outline of her cheeks, running his finger along her lower lip. He knew he was succeeding when she closed her eyes and allowed the sensation to consume her body. He didn't stop as he bent down to kiss her neck that she had arched back. Her images of Darcy touching her made her pulse quicken and her heart beat rapidly. She yearned for him; her body responded to Darcy's touches. She became blinded by his rich brown eyes. She focused on his eyes and saw Wickham standing in front of her. Quickly, as if she had been slapped, she came back to reality and forcefully pushed him away.

"Don't do this, George. It's not right for the both of us. You only want me because you can't stand Darcy. What better revenge on him than to take his girlfriend away. I need a friend, not a lover -- a friend. I hope you can respect that."

Hiding his smugness, he agreed, but he knew he would have her.

Darcy summoned Helena and Caroline to the cottage for a talk later that afternoon. Caroline could stay at the cottage and he was inviting Helena to stay also, if she so chose.

"I'm leaving Friday morning, -- early. So, Caroline, you probably won't even see me at all unless you can get up before noon." He smiled at her and she sighed agitatedly. "I need to go and think things through and, frankly, I can't do that here with so many distractions." Caroline opened her mouth to speak and quickly closed it again. She could add nothing to the conversation and, though she wished him to stay, she knew it would be fruitless to try and persuade him.

"Oh, Darcy, your Elizabeth is one really lucky lady. She will see that. And regardin' my stayin' here. Well, if Miss Bingley has no objection, I think it would be interestin', I'm sure. Miss Bingley and I can roam around the countryside picking up some very eligible bachelors!" Caroline threw her a look of utter disgust and just folded her arms over her chest and sighed, yet again.

"Thank you, Helena. Miss Bingley will try to be on her best behavior," he turned to her, "won't you, Caroline?" She acquiesced.