ick left the hospital late that evening and headed to his ancestral home in Somerset. Something in what Darcy had said bothered him endlessly. "She wasn't the problem." Now, anyone could find a problem with Caroline. It was in her nature to be what some people would call bothersome. But James loved her. That was what had confused him the most. How in the world could James have gone through years of Caroline's pining for Darcy and not think any less of her. Sure Darcy had money, good looks and brains. He did very well for himself and his sister. Now with Caroline showing up in Ireland with Darcy... No, he told himself, I will not be the one to tell James that.

It was very early in the morning when Nick pulled into the drive of his home. There was a light northwesterly breeze that most people would find refreshing during the better part of the day, but now Nick thought it to be ominous. The cloud cover foretold something that was out of sorts. He stayed outside looking at the clouds slowly passing over the moon. After a few minutes of this meditation, he entered the house. Noticing the light on in the study, he found James sitting with his feet propped up on the huge desk nursing a Scotch.

"It's a bit late to be drinking, you think?" Nick said breaking through James' thoughts.

"Not really, I've just started, actually. I was wondering if I could still drink into the wee hours of the morn. Like old times," he laughed. "I haven't done this in a fearful long time. So, you were on the fly today. Did a Mrs. Jones give birth to octuplets? You look like you need a drink, too. Shall I fashion one for you?" Nick nodded enthusiastically and made himself comfortable on the sofa. "I say, Nick, how many babies did you deliver today?"

"Not a one, actually. However, I do have a new patient. Are you ready for this one?"

"What?" James walked over to Nick and handed him his drink.

"Elizabeth Bennet." Nick said as James threw his head back and roared with laughter.

"I see the Fitzwilliam genes are going to continue. Where was that blasted cousin of ours? I hope he was with her when she got the news. Elizabeth having a baby. Maybe even Caroline will leave..."

"She almost lost the baby, James," Nick reproached. "It seems that Darcy and Elizabeth have been quarreling, and she took up with George Wickham. I know, amazing isn't it? Well, something happened and George threw her down the stairs at the cottage they were staying at. Darcy flew from Ireland when Cal broke the news to him. I think he was with a woman."

"Ah, yes, that would explain Miss Helena Johnstone answering Darcy's mobile." Nick furrowed his eyebrows together and looked at his brother curiously.

"Wait, am I missing something here? Who's Helena? And why are you ringing Darcy in Ireland?"

James got up from the sofa and began pacing back and forth. It was time for him to tell his brother. He immediately headed toward the window and thoughtfully looked out it for a few moments before speaking.

Without turning to face Nick, he explained all. "Caroline and I were married a fortnight ago. Then, a week ago, for no reason -- or so I thought -- other than seeing George Wickham, she took off. Mentioned something about making a mistake. When I heard that Elizabeth refused Darcy's marriage proposal, I just knew that Caroline went to him." James paused and took a big gulp of Scotch, "I called his mobile and that woman answered. An American. From the southern States. It would seem that our cousin Darcy has been inundated with women. I know what you want to say, Nick, I don't think I need to hear your ranting tonight. See the need for the Scotch?"

Nick drained his drink and quickly went back for more. "I knew you were impulsive, but this is bordering on the utmost ridiculous. Why in the world would you marry that golddigging woman? What has she ever offered you? You know how she follows Darcy around like a lovesick puppy." With news like this, he would need to drink the night or early morning away as well.

James laughed heartily as he witnessed Nick pushing back glass after glass of the Scotch, "Because I happen to love that golddigging woman. I've been in love with her since the first time I laid eyes on her. Yes, she is troublesome, vain and petty, to be sure; however, I think with a man who loves her utterly and completely, she just may see things differently. I would be willing to go to hell and back for her." he said quietly.

Nick was astonished with what he was hearing. Caroline was much too difficult a woman, and now she was part of the family.

"James, but does she love you? Could you actually stay married to a woman who didn't love you?" Nick asked tentatively.

"I will not divorce her, if that is what you are thinking. No," he shook his head, "she loves me. She hasn't quite realized it yet, but she will. When the lightbulb goes off in her perfectly coiffed head of hers, that is when she will have made me the happiest of men." James smiled at the thought, and Nick looked questioningly at him.

"I only hope you are doing the right thing, and I hope that you have not talked yourself into something that most likely will never happen. She will always have deep-rooted feelings for Darcy. Please don't delude yourself, I beg you not to." He pleaded with his brother.

"Nick, you don't understand her as well as I do. She has feelings that she is afraid to unlock. Darcy hurt her badly, and I was there to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. I was always there for her. It took her long enough to realize my motives. Our marriage is a definite love match."

"Does the name Sydney Adamson ring a bell with you?" Nick asked.

"That is not fair, Nick. Sydney was young and inexperienced. I was young and roguish. That never would have worked." Nick looked at him and said nothing. Nothing could change the determined look that James had on his face. Nick noticed that the decanter of Scotch was empty and went to the sideboard and retrieved a fresh, unopened bottle. He poured himself a double and quickly downed it before it could burn.

"Shall we drink to your nuptials, brother? No matter what happens, I will honour your decision. Luckily, her sister is already married or she'd be trying to fix me up with Louisa." Nick laughed in mock horror.

"Yes," James replied, "I don't think I could picture you with that ninny."

The two brothers conversed and drank for several more hours and as the clock struck five, the phone rang. The butler announced that a young woman who was barely perceptible was on the line for Mr. Hampton.

Thinking it was for Nick, James mused, "I hope you don't have to deliver a newborn in your drunken condition,"

"I'm not on call tonight," Nick answered as he went to the phone. "Ah, hullo, Nick Hampton here." The rattle on the other line made Nick wince in pain and pull the phone away from his ear. "I'm sorry, bad connection. Could you ring back?" he slurred.

"No! You can't hang up, sweetie, it took me nearly forty-five minutes to get through. We're having a bad storm here in Ireland. Can I speak to Mr. James Hampton, please?"

He turned to James, who was starting to nod off, and told him the phone was for him. James perked up and immediately went to it.

"Hallo. James here," he stated authoritatively.

"Hey you! Do you remember me? Helena. Helena Johnstone?" she asked inquiringly.

"Of course, I remember you. How do you do?"

"Fine. Er... um... It's stormin' real bad here, ya know? But enough of the small talk, okay? Listen, hon, Caroline has come back and she knows that you called here. She wants to go home. To you. I've ordered her tickets for the flight home. I was hoping you could meet her at the airport. That way, I know that she'll be okay." Helena waited for a response and when one wasn't forthcoming, she ventured, "I know that you're not happy with her, but I believe she has seen the error of her ways. I don't know you, sir, and I bet'cha you're a very nice man and all... I think all she needs is reassurances from you that you will take her back."

"I see," he said solemnly. "Are you to be Cyrano to my Roxanne? If you put her on the phone, Miss Johnstone, I'll give her the necessary information she requires."

Helena paused before answering, "Well, sweetie, just one teeny problem."

"Well, what?" he uttered drunkenly.

"She doesn't know I've called. I got her telephone book out of her bag and called you on my own. But she told me all these things. You see, sweetie, I don't want to get involved. I create more problems than I solve. I want to go home and I can't do that if Caroline is still here. Do you see the quandary I'm in?" The reception on the phone made it very difficult for James to exactly understand what she was asking.

"I'm sorry, Helena, but I don't see how I fit in to your 'problem'."

"No, you wouldn't. If I take Caroline to Heathrow, will you pick her up? That way I can, hopefully, take a plane back to the States. Mr. Hampton, you must. I won't tell her that you'll be there, please?" The desperation rang out in her voice and James felt almost sorry for her.

"I believe we could have a deal if and only if you give me information that I want and I can tell you about Darcy."

"You've heard from him?" she said a little too quickly. "I did wish to say goodbye, but I don't think I'll be able to," she said sadly.

"What went on between you and my cousin? And what the hell went on with my wife and my cousin?"

Helena sighed. "Nothing happened between your wife and Darcy. He is very much in love with this Elizabeth. I became a confidante to Darcy, that is all," she lied.

"Hmm... I don't believe you with regards to your story. However, I will believe you in regards to my wife. Darcy isn't that stupid. Elizabeth is fine, although she is with child, and Darcy is probably patting himself on the back congratulating himself."

Helena gasped quite loudly into the phone causing James to laugh. He would find out about this woman with whom Darcy had a liaison.

"I will be flying with Caroline to Heathrow and then catch a connecting flight to the States."

James thought a minute, then countered, "I have a better idea. Seeing that you have managed to get my wife to see the error of her ways, why don't you come and stay with us in Somerset? We have more than enough room, and a friend of Caroline's is sure to be a friend of mine. Besides, you can tell me all about your trip and how well of a confidante you were to Darcy?"

Nick shook his head when he realized what James was doing. James confirmed with Helena that he would definitely meet her at Heathrow at two.

"Well, Nicky boy, I guess I should get some sleep if I'm to see my wife." James turned on his heels and exited the study. Nick went back to the decanter and poured himself another glass.

Heathrow was packed with tourists and other people trying to get to their specific destinations. Caroline waded her way through Terminal 1 with the ease and poise of royalty. Helena kept falling by the wayside as she would get cutoff from Caroline time and time again. Once through customs, Caroline mentioned that they would go to her flat in London. It would take about an hour to get there.

Helena tried desperately to see if anyone had spotted Caroline once they went through the doors to the people waiting for loved ones.

"Caroline, please, why are you in such a rush?"

"I hate the crush of the airport. It rattles my nerves," she huffed.

Like the dramatic parting of the Red Sea, the crowds parted on cue to show a lone man standing and waiting. Helena knew immediately it had to be Sir James. His features and height were the same as Darcy's, but his eyes smiled more. Caroline noticed him and gasped. He stood there wearing the simplest of smiles on his face that blazed with love for the woman on which it was fixed.

Caroline turned to Helena and noticed the sheepish grin on her face. "You blasted woman! How dare you meddle!" she hissed at Helena. However, as Caroline saw the smile on his face, her demeanor softened and she quickly changed her tune. "Forgive me, Helena, I really should be thanking you. It seems he is willing to give me another chance."

"Oh, Caroline. Just go to him," she reprimanded, as Caroline did as she was told. She threw her bags down and ran into his arms. James enveloped Caroline in his arms and told her over and over again how much he loved her. Caroline brought James over to Helena and made the introductions. The amazement on Helena's face, brought much laughter to Sir James and Caroline.

"So Miss Johnstone, we finally get to meet. No more talking during bad weather whilst in Ireland." he smiled.

Helena took his hand and firmly shook it. "It is an honor, Sir. I mean, I've never met royalty before. It's just a little strange." she blushed.

"I say, well, just so you know, I am not royalty, just titled and you may call me James. I find the 'sir' to be too pretentious." Helena flashed him her brilliant smile.

James brought the luggage carrier around and placed all the bags in it. He mentioned to the two women that his car was outside waiting for them. He moved ahead of the ladies and Helena turned to Caroline.

"I can't believe you! The man is drop-dead gorgeous and you were ready to throw it away for Darcy," Helena whispered.

"I thought looks weren't everything?" she said nonchalantly.

"Do you love him, Caroline?"

"Helena, when I saw that look on his face... a face that radiated all the love he felt for me and no one else... I absolutely melted. He truly loves me! And I must admit, I do love him. Very much so." she squealed. James turned around when he heard Caroline's declaration.

"Oh, Caroline, I'm very, very, happy for you."

Helena stared at the scenery while James and Caroline quietly talked about past mistakes. The beautiful landscape that whizzed by made Helena long for home, crawfish and spicy jambalaya... The long ride to Somerset finally ended with Helena looking agape at the palatial estate that was Sir James Hampton's home. There must have been thirty-five rooms, at least, she thought.

The butler came out and had the servants take care of the luggage, while James took each lady on his arm and escorted them into the house. Tea and sandwiches were brought into the sitting room. James noticed the sadness in Helena's eyes and brought her into the conversation. A conversation that would also test the mettle of his wife and, unfortunately, sacrifice Helena. James needed to know how strongly Caroline felt for him. He started with the information he learned last night.

"So, Helena," James said, "did you tell my wife the news that I gave you earlier this morning?"

Caroline looked perplexed and shot a quizzical look to Helena.

"I haven't. I didn't think it was my duty or my obligation to do so. Why don't you tell her yourself?"

"Yes and let's see how she reacts to such wonderful news," he joked.

"Will you two stop talking as if I'm not here. What wonderful news?"

"Of course, love. Elizabeth Bennet is expecting a bundle of joy, and Nick is to be her doctor," he turned to Helena and explained, "My brother is an obstetrician."

Caroline blanched upon hearing the news, "Elizabeth is pregnant?" She turned to James and asked, "How did Nick come upon this knowledge?" She quickly tried to correct herself but had already exposed her true feelings on the matter.

James looked Caroline squarely in the eye, for he wanted to see her reactions with all the information that he had. "Elizabeth and George Wickham were together at her cottage in Scotland. There was a fight and he threw her down the stairs. Darcy is out for blood. What confuses me is where Darcy was and when he found out?"

Caroline put her tea cup down and told James about Darcy's abrupt departure Friday morning to an unknown location, leaving Caroline and Helena by themselves.

"And that is what is so confusing! Nick said something about Cal having to send the chopper to Ireland, and that he flew back Saturday morning."

"No, he left Friday. Right, Helena?" Helena turned her blushing face and took a long sip of tea. "Helena, he did leave on Friday, didn't he?"

Sir James noticed that Helena had become rattled. "I could have heard Nick wrong, but he said that Cal called him on his mobile and sent the chopper to Ireland."

"Wait! He left on Friday unless he..." Caroline stared at Helena. "He did come back, didn't he?" Helena slowly nodded her head. "Oh, I see it clearly now. You wanted Darcy all to yourself..."

"Caroline, regardless of what Helena wanted, you are my wife and it shouldn't matter to you what Darcy does." He said forcefully.

Caroline avoided eye contact and thought for a minute, then said, "Yes, you're right of course." James laughed at her.

"You're not looking at me, Caroline. You always turn away from me when you're lying to me."

"I do not!" she turned to Helena again, "But I do want to know why you neglected to tell me he came back. Well?"

James kept his eye trained on Helena for any sign of truth that she may or may not speak. If she told the truth, he could then gauge Caroline's reaction. He finally wanted her to be over that blasted man.

"It really was nothin'. When I came back to the cottage that night, we saw each other. He explained about his fight with Elizabeth and that she dumped him. He was naturally upset, and we talked. That's it." Helena turned to look out the window. James saw her close her eyes. To him, she seemed like she wanted the interrogation to end.

"But what exactly happened Friday night?" Caroline persisted.

"Caroline, please. It's not necessary."

"I think she is right, Caro. We need not know what took place. It does not concern us." James looked knowingly at Helena as she shuddered when she realized that he figured out her secret.

fter the interrogation ended and James was satisfied that Helena was in fact hiding something, he took her on a quick tour of the mansion. Helena oohed and aahed. Due to the lateness of the hour and all parties being beyond exhaustion, James directed her to the bedchamber. He informed her of a bellpull behind the tapestry that would ring down to the servants' area should she be in want of anything. Caroline tried once more to question Helena, but she pleaded exhaustion and begged to be excused. James instructed the butler to have a warm bath prepared for Miss Johnstone. Dinner would be served in her room if it was to her liking. Taking a book from the library, she was ready to keep to herself. A television was also provided for her entertainment.

Caroline and James followed suit and instructed the staff that they would stay in their room for the evening. Nick should not be disturbed, and he should not be the one to do the disturbing, also. Caroline headed to the walk-in closet that James had already fully stocked with top designer outfits and the laciest and sexiest of sleepwear that any man could want. When Caroline brought out a slip of a nightdress, James shook his head no and asked her if he could do the honours and pick her evening wear. She capitulated, and he studiously went about his task of looking for appropriate attire for the evening.

"Pumpkin," James asked from the closet, "you wouldn't mind wearing orange tonight, would you?" Caroline laughed at him. She had already discarded her clothing and walked into the closet wearing only her underclothes. "Ah, I see. Maybe not orange." James grinned sheepishly. He walked over to her and put his hands on her face and slowly drew her lips to his.

"You're beautiful," he murmured. His kiss grew and her response was exactly what he had been hoping for. Any longing for Darcy was properly exorcised. They threw themselves upon each other madly. As they were wildly groping and pawing at each other, Caroline stared deep into his eyes and told him quite matter-of-factly, "I love you, James."

"Well, Lady Hampton?" Caroline giggled and propped herself on her side. She ran her hand up and down his chest. "Are we to give this marriage a go? Or do you still want my cousin?" Caroline feigned horror and playfully slapped his arm.

"I can safely say and hopefully, you'll believe me -- that Darcy is no longer an object of my affection. Lord Hampton, I do truly love you."

"Right, Lady Hampton, now enough talking." His eyes glinted with what was to happened next, and she gave body and soul to her husband.

Elizabeth was kept one extra night at the hospital and slept fitfully. Her emotions were in turmoil, despite having talked at length to Janice. Unfortunately, Janice did not have all the answers and told Elizabeth that any answer she needed would have to come from Darcy and her own heart. Darcy refused to leave her side while she was still a patient and had the hospital staff bring in another bed into her room. His emotions were also in turmoil. He loved Elizabeth, but could not help feeling terribly guilty. He wished he had been stronger around Helena. With impending fatherhood, things were even more complicated and he still didn't know where he stood with Elizabeth. The memory loss had been wishful thinking on his part. However, she had been thoroughly checked by a neurosurgeon and declared completely healthy, which relieved Darcy greatly.

Janice and Charles headed back to London greatly missing their baby Henry. They didn't think that Grandma Bennet was the best person to keep him for longer than twenty-four hours. Elizabeth was released into Darcy's custody and quickly ensconced at Pemberley. Mrs. Reynolds fretted over her, and Darcy took care of her every whim. But she still hadn't talked to him at length.

Darcy phoned his mobile hoping to reach Helena and to apologize for his abrupt departure. The phone rang and rang and after several minutes a knock on the door forced him to disconnect his call.

"Come in," he said.

Elizabeth slowly opened the door and made her way to the leather chair that faced Darcy at his desk.

"Are you okay?" he asked anxiously. She cocked her head to the side and stared at him. Elizabeth had thought hard about what to say to him. Her feelings she now felt were embarrassment and ridicule, for not believing in him and instead listening to and believing Wickham's lies.

Darcy sighed tiredly and rubbed his temples when she didn't answer him. He thought about trying a different tack. He opened his mouth to speak, then quickly shut it when he realized he wasn't quite sure what he wanted or needed to say. Elizabeth held her gaze at him and saw him becoming uncomfortable.

He thought she could see right through him. She was hoping he would give a sign about their relationship.

Elizabeth gave up this style and finally spoke. "Thank you for the letter, although I don't think it produced the desired effect you had hoped for." She smiled ruefully and lowered her eyes to her lap.

A brilliant flash of distress lit his eyes. "Elizabeth, had I thought that Wickham would have retaliated against you... I never should have left you with him. I had the opportunity to get rid of him and I failed." He got up from the desk and walked around to the front where he stood before Elizabeth. "Darling, I don't know if you still want to make a go of this. I don't know if you still love me." Darcy took her small hands into his larger ones.

Elizabeth sighed. "Of course, I still love you, Darcy, but you have to talk to me. Why did you never tell me about Georgiana? If we are to be a couple, we must communicate with each other and that means the good, the bad and the ugly. Do you really think Georgie would have had a problem with my knowing about her pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage?"

"Elizabeth, I was protecting Georgiana. If you had been in my position..." He gazed at her now flat stomach and smiled. "As a matter of fact, in years to come you will find out. When you are in charge of someone else, you do everything you can to protect them. I adore my sister and what she went through was a bloody nightmare."

Tears slipped down Elizabeth's cheeks and Darcy brushed them away with his hand.

"And Helena, Darcy? You told me you would explain about her." Elizabeth whispered, keeping her gaze lowered from his eyes. She could sense his nervousness.

He felt as if he aged twenty years with that question. He took a deep breath and paced around the room, stopping every now and then to say something but then not saying it. His confused feelings did not give him the strength to admit to this woman that he did indeed sleep with Helena. He thought about it for a little longer, realizing that he didn't need to let Elizabeth know. Nobody knew but himself and Helena, and he didn't think she would tell anyone. A small smile played on his lips, and he answered Elizabeth's question.

After he finished explaining all that he thought she needed to know, he gently smiled at her. He was safe.

"Did you sleep with the beauty queen, Darcy?" To say Darcy's shock was great would have been an understatement. Elizabeth had never been this forward before.

"On what basis do you pose the question?" was his reply.

"Let's call it women's intuition. Your movements and the bang-on guilty look you carry around with you. Truthfulness is more important. If you say no, I walk out of here probably never to come back. However, if yes is your answer, I walk out of here and try to rationalize things. I've hurt you, and I'm trying to deal with that." She got up and went over to Darcy and placed a soothing hand on his arm. "I'm not perfect and you're not perfect. Nevertheless, there is a child in the mix, and the two of us must think of that first."

He turned to face her and felt all the love he ever had for her swell his heart to the point where it would burst.

"After I left you in Scotland, I contacted Cal. He said he would take care of the issue with you and bring you back to his house. He told me to go back to Ireland. Let things die down here. That night, thinking of you, I drank the better part of a bottle of whiskey. I let Helena stay at the cottage because I didn't think I'd be back. I was so hurt. Elizabeth, this is really no excuse, but it is the only thing that I can give you now. You chucked me and Helena... She is a good person, darling." He stopped and saw the steely look on her face. He ploughed on, "Helena told me in no uncertain terms that this was a one-night stand. She never expected anything of me or from me."

"And what has become of this Helena?" Pacing, Elizabeth asked through clenched teeth.

"I don't know. I left her when I heard of your accident. Elizabeth, I love you. It's always been you that I've wanted."

Elizabeth sat heavily in the chair trying to absorb all the information. She was angry, mad, and furious. She wanted to throw things and yell and make him hurt. But just looking at him, she could tell that he had beat himself up pretty badly regarding the affair. Elizabeth rubbed her stomach, giving Darcy a moment's pause before she put him at ease.

"I need time to think," she offered.

"I know."

"I don't know how long."

He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. "I can't lose you. You do know that," he pleaded.

"You won't lose me." With that, she left the study.

Helena became restless and decided to explore the mansion. She turned left out of the her bedchamber and proceeded down the grand marble staircase. She came upon along corridor that was completely darkened and hesitated before continuing. As she walked further down the corridor, she heard the most beautiful piano music and drifted slowly to it. A flood of light poured through the semi-opened door. She quietly knocked, and when no one answered, she slipped into the room. She was expecting to see Caroline or Sir James playing the piano, but this room had no piano. The lights and a stereo had been left on. After the song ended, the presenter announced that she had been listening to Satie, Gymnopaedia 1. A contemporary song that she didn't know came on next.

She went to the window seat and placed her hot forehead against the cool glass.

Love is blind, as far as the eye can see. Deep and meaningless, words to me

'Too true,' she thought.

Easy lover, I need a friend. Road to nowhere, twist and turns but will this never end

Helena's thoughts went right to Darcy and the morning he left her. She wondered about him still.

Well my dear you'll know that he pleases me, but sometimes illusion ain't no revolution that ain't no release in me

Helena never allowed any emotions to bother her. Being in the cutthroat profession she had been in, had toughened her up. But she never thought she would have felt so deeply for a man that she had really barely known. She cursed herself over and over again for being weak and a ninny.

Heavy footsteps reverberated throughout the hall and she quickly tried to wipe a falling tear that coursed down her cheek. She didn't need Caroline or James to see her in this condition.

Too much of something is bad enough, but something's coming over me to make me wonder. Too much of nothing is just as tough, I need to know the way to feel to keep me satisfied

Nick appeared at the door and stopped short when he saw a woman on the window seat. Her silk robe had fallen carelessly off one leg. Nick's eyes were riveted momentarily to the long, shapely leg of the mystery woman. The clanking of the chardonnay bottle and the tray of cheese and crackers notified Helena that she was not alone... Helena got up and apologized for intruding upon his privacy.

"No, no intrusion. I must say I wasn't expecting anyone in here. Was the radio too loud?" I wrapped myself from around your finger

"I became stifled in the room," she answered. He glanced at her. Hold me too tight or left to linger

He held out his hand to her and introduced himself. Something fine built to last, slipped up there I guess we're running out of time too fast

"You look as though you've been crying." He said nonchalantly. Yes, my dear you know he soothes me {moves me}

"Just a little homesick. Missing the good ole U S of A," she answered too quickly. He eyed her suspiciously and sat down on the sofa.

There's no complication, there's no explanation it's just a groove in me

"Ah, yes. America. I've been to New York and Boston on conferences. Great place to visit. Don't think I could actually live there." He grinned.

"It's not quite that bad, albeit much larger than your country. But in Louisiana, the people are awfully nice."

"Indeed." Too much of something is bad enough {bad enough}, but something's coming over me to make me wonder. Too much of nothing is just as tough {just as tough}, I need to know the way to feel to keep me satisfied "So, are you enjoying Europe?"

"Yeah. It's very quaint, I believe is the word." She flashed her brilliant smile and his smile showed the same dimples as Darcy. Although Nick was a fair version of Darcy, the resemblance was striking. Nick's hair was a bit shorter and not as curly. He seemed to be a slightly taller also. Helena found herself staring at his features. He broke through her thoughts when he offered her a glass of wine.

"Yeah. That would be great."What part of no don't you understand {understand understand}

She took the proffered glass, and he held out cheese and crackers for her. She indulged. Normally Helena would eat the cracker and leave the cheese off.

"I understand from my cousin that you spent some time in Ireland." I want a man not a boy who thinks he can Nick stared at the stereo and turned back to Helena, who had blanched at his question.

"Yes. We spent some time together." Boy who thinks he can She looked at him helplessly with a sort of begging look for him to kindly change the subject.

"You've no doubt heard that his girlfriend is expecting?" he pushed on. She nodded.

Too much of something is bad enough {bad enough}, but something's coming over me to make me wonder. Too much of nothing is just as tough {just as tough}, I need to know the way to feel to keep me satisfied.

"I'm sorry if I've rubbed you the wrong way, Dr. Hampton. I won't disturb you any longer." Nick stared at her. She put down the wine glass and headed towards the door, where she abruptly stopped and petulantly said, "I don't know how to get back to my room."

He looked at her strangely. Her beauty was remarkable. Christy Brinkley came to mind when trying to describe her features. And the petulance was quite lovely. How'd he get off to a bad start?

Too much of nothing so why don't we give it a try, too much of something we're gonna be living a lie

"Helena, wait. I'll take you up to your chamber, but first let me apologize. I never should have brought him up. It's just that we all really like Liz and..." He couldn't continue.

"I know," she said softly.

"Well, we could polish off this wine. It might help you to get some sleep." Too much of nothing so why don't we give it a try, too much of something we're gonna be living a lie

The same presenter came on the radio and announced that the song they had been listening to was the SpiceGirls', Too Much from their hit movie, SpiceWorld.

Nick changed the station to something a little bit more soothing. Helena accepted his apology graciously and came back into the room. Nick told her how shocked he was to hear of his brother's marriage to Caroline. It was wholly unexpected. Nick did most of the talking and Helena did the listening.

The stately grandfather clock struck twelve. Helena feeling the power of the wine asked Nick if he could take her to the bedchamber.

"Oh, course." He offered his arm to her and explained the easiest way to find her way around the house.

arcy hired the best private investigator to locate Wickham and had started receiving reports almost immediately. P.I. Warner was experienced in tracking down missing persons and came highly recommended from the police station in London. Within the first twenty-four hours, Wickham was seen coming out of a tart's flat. Warner gave Darcy the address and the feeling he had as he was writing it down made him sick to his stomach. Lydia!

Darcy motored off to London from Derbyshire early the next morning hoping he would confront Wickham and see him off to prison to rot. Mrs. Reynolds was given complete control over Miss Bennet's care and that lady was asked to take it easy today. She mentioned that she was planning on taking a tour of the park later in the afternoon with Georgiana.

Darcy raced into London at breakneck speeds. He was stopped by one officer but only issued a warning. Darcy felt as though he was racing against the clock and the devil. He wasn't exactly sure how he would finally confront Wickham. He had years of anger, hatred and disdain to deal with, and he didn't feel like having Wickham's blood on his hands. Stupid Lydia, he thought. Only that girl could get herself into all sorts of trouble. How in the hell could she possibly have two level-headed sisters.

Once in London, Darcy started to relax. He knew that it was only time before he could confront George, and he relished the thought. Lydia would prove difficult. She could be quite determined when she wanted.

The phone rang incessantly for five minutes and the woman fumbled with the receiver, "What." she said groggily.

"Hullo, babe, get ready and meet me in quarter of an hour?"

"Yeah, right. You take off for one bloody week, and I'm supposed to drop what I'm doing to meet with you. Where the hell have you been, anyway?" She pulled the blinders off her eyes and blinked at the morning sun.

"Who's with you?" he spat out angrily

Lydia turned around to the empty spot on her bed and sighed, "I've been sleeping with my teddy bear, actually," she laughed as she took the stuffed animal and tossed it off the bed.

"Good girl. I've missed you, babe. So will you meet me?"

"I guess so. Where? Can we get breakfast, I'm hungry," she whined.

"Yeah. Meet me at Turandot Square at 9.45. Have you talked to anybody, by the way?"

"Janice left a message. Seems Elizabeth had an accident, but she's fine. Other than that, no. I've been quite lonely. You'll tell me where you've been?" she pouted.

"Yeah, I'll tell you. Okay, so now you have forty minutes. Hurry." Lydia jumped out of bed and threw herself into the shower. With her thick hair, instead of blowing it dry, she carelessly put it in a tail and was done with it. She grabbed the keys off the table and started to head out the door.

Darcy surprised her at the doorway. "Good Lord, what are you doing here?"

"I'm looking for George and I've heard from someone that you and he have been 'together'," he snarled at her. "And Elizabeth is at Pemberley. She said you could get clothes together for her."

"I don't exactly have time, you know. I have to meet George in," she checked her watch, "ten minutes."

"Listen, you're his ticket out of this city. He'll wait," He said forcefully, as he grabbed her arm and led her back into the flat. "This place is a pigsty."

"Yeah, well, the charwoman decided to go on holiday. What exactly happened to my sister. She tumbled down some stupid stairs and everyone goes running to her," she tossed off somewhat exasperatedly.

Darcy shot her a look of pure contempt but kept his tongue to himself. If anyone needed a verbal lashing, it was Lydia. She tore through Elizabeth's drawers and grabbed some items, stuffing them into her sister's gym bag.

"You're coming with me, Lydia," he said authoritatively.

"Like hell I am. I'm already late meeting George. I'm going nowhere with you," she headed out the door, and he ran after her and proceeded to direct her to his car.

George was nervously fumbling with the watch he had taken off his wrist. Lydia was now more than fifteen minutes late and, if she wasn't here soon, he would leave without her. The next sight was one that he had never in his wildest dreams anticipated. Darcy pulled Lydia out of the car and pushed her toward George.

George attempted to get into his car and escape a conflict with an irate Darcy, but that gentleman was just little too quick for him. Darcy grabbed George by the shirt and backed him against the car.

George took a swing at Darcy and landed a punch on his head. Darcy, now furious, held George at arm's length and hit him square on the jaw. Lydia screamed. George kicked Darcy and caused him to stumble backwards, disorienting him. Wickham came after Darcy and landed a punch on the nose. Lydia tried to help George by attacking Darcy, but he flung her off like a flea. Darcy saw red and ran into George, physically pushing him against the car again and pummeling him ferociously.

Two squadron cars came upon the scene and saw two bloodied gentlemen inches away from killing each other. George whispered into Darcy's ear, "I kissed her you know. And she enjoyed it. You were nothing to her, Darcy."

"Shut it, George, if you know what's good for you." George laughed wickedly and Darcy with all his might pulled back is balled fist and landed the best punch right in the nose. Blood squirted all over Darcy's and George's shirts. Wickham now saw the police and demanded Darcy's immediate arrest. Darcy would have very willingly gone, but the police came up and tagged Wickham with the handcuffs. Lydia screamed at the police officer telling him to arrest the other man. Darcy went to his car to get a rag out and wipe the blood that had trickled from the cut he sustained.

The officer explained the charges to Wickham. Lydia and Wickham both blanched when one of the charges was attempted murder of an unborn child.

"How the hell was I to know that she was pregnant, Darcy?"

"What about Georgiana, Wickham, when you beat her to a pulp? Or telling Elizabeth that I threw her down the stairs when I found out that YOU got her pregnant. Except you told Elizabeth that someone else was responsible. You are a lying, deceitful excuse for a human being. I hope you rot!"

Lydia sat down on the curb unable to take all of this in. "You mean Liz is pregnant and George pushed her down the stairs? And he took off with your sister who is ten years younger than he?" Darcy nodded his head. Lydia went up to George and kicked him right in the groin. Hard. Wickham winced with pain and the officer pushed him into the vehicle.

Darcy walked away and Lydia ran after. "Why didn't you tell me that he caused her accident?"

"Did it matter?"

"I think so."

"Lydia, you have cared about no one in your whole pathetic life. You only looked out for you, and even then you did it badly." Lydia started to cry.

"How are she and the baby?"

"They are well. Hopefully resting now. I must get back. Perhaps you'd like a ride back to the flat?" She nodded yes and said not one more word to Darcy on the return trip home.

Posted on Tuesday, 28-Jul-98

Author's Note: Just a little disclaimer, I fully use the PG-13 rating and then push the envelope just a tad:) -- Laura

A Fortnight Later

arcy stared at his mobile for a good ten minutes. He debated whether or not to ring her. He hadn't talked to her since the day she went back to her flat in Kensington. Life had returned to a semi-normal state for Darcy and Georgiana. She returned to her nursing job in Yorkshire and Darcy threw himself into purchasing the coal mine in Scotland. Elizabeth went back to painting and putting up a brave face.

He reread the invitation again and wondered what his cousin James was up to. He didn't normally request people to his house for a Spring Ball. However, the one line that caught his notice was an announcement that would be made at the Ball. Darcy recorded the date in his diary and emailed his p.a. with the necessary information, so as not to double book him for the same date. The mobile sat on the cradle as he again wondered whether or not to ring her. He finally gave up the guessing game and dialed her number.

Elizabeth picked up the phone. "Hello?"

"Hello, darling." He smiled at the sound of her voice.

"Hi. It's been a while," she said softly.

"You wanted time. I wanted what you wanted, darling. I've received something by post today."

"Oh, the mysterious invitation to Sir James' for the Spring Ball?" She laughed at him teasingly. "You forget, Nick is my doctor."

"How are you and my daughter doing?" He laughed, enjoying this playful banter.

"Your son and I are wonderful. I heard the heartbeat the other day," she announced excitedly. "It was the most amazing thing."

"I would like to come to your visits, Elizabeth. It's important to me, too."

She hesitated a little. "I know and I want you to be there, but Nick just wanted to check everything out and give me clean bill of health. Lydia is going away tonight. Would you like to come down? I've missed you horribly and am dying to get a good look at you."

Darcy agreed with delight. "Oh, Elizabeth, I need to see you too, but you only want to see me, eh?" Elizabeth laughed. He checked his watch and tried to figure out what time would be reasonable to make it to London from Derbyshire. He figured if he left around three, he could definitely make it to her by seven or eight depending on the traffic on the motorway.

"Would you like to go out for dinner?" he asked.

"How about a decent home-cooked meal? Your favorite. I have everything I need here."

"Lovely. I love you, darling."

"I know you do."

Caroline had managed to drive the servants crazy with the details of the Spring Ball. All people within the house were sworn to secrecy regarding the marriage nuptials that had taken place just a short month ago. James and Caroline, with the help of Helena, concocted this crazy notion of telling nobody, but celebrating by giving a ball with a small gathering of three hundred or so family and friends.

Nick found it quite trying not mentioning that his bachelor brother had finally taken the deep plunge, and hitched himself to Miss Bingley. Every time he thought of Caroline, somehow Helena would invade his thoughts. She was beautiful indeed. Their first meeting was such a disaster, but she had been quite civil and polite during chance encounters. To Nick, however, they were few and far between.

Now that James was asked to be on the task force pushing Northern Ireland Peace Accord, Nick never did get to see much of Helena. He found himself really longing to talk to her and get to know her a little better. Caroline created a monopoly on her new best friend. He couldn't count on both hands how many times he wanted to go to her bedchamber just to see her.

He sat back in his chair at the hospital and sighed. He had to figure a way to talk to her. Especially before this blasted Spring Ball when every eligible bachelor would be racing to her.

A pretty, young nurse interrupted his thoughts and brought him back to his surroundings. "Mrs. Farrelly is ready for you, sir. They've just wheeled her into the delivery area. You should go scrub up."

"How many centimeters?"

"Nine, sir." He smiled at the nurse and ruffled some papers together.

"Anesthesiologist been in to see her?" he asked.

"No, sir. She wishes to do this without the drugs." she said, leaving Nick to change into his operating scrubs.

Darcy arrived at Elizabeth's in good time and by her expression at the door, she was very happy to see him too. Although she was covered in a mixture of cinnamon and flour from the efforts of baking his favorite cinnamon cookies, he did not hesitate to pull her to him and kiss her.

"Mmm... you taste," he thought about the right word, "very appetizing." he said cheekily. She brushed by him and headed into the kitchen. Darcy was amazed when he saw the state of the kitchen. Pots and pans strewn everywhere. Flour all over the counterspace. But the fragrant smell of cinnamon did permeate the whole flat. Elizabeth handed him a tea towel and put him to work helping her clear away the clean dishes making the sink ready for the dirty ones. He rolled up his shirtsleeves and immediately started to follow instructions.

"Darling, what is for dinner?"

"Oh, can't you smell that gorgeous aroma from the pork loin?" she said abstractedly, trying to put the cookies on a platter.

"Pork loin? With applesauce and stuffing? Delightful. I just happened to bring a wonderful red wine... what?"

She glanced at him quite eloquently: "I can't exactly have wine now, can I?" Darcy whacked his head with his hand as remembrance. She laughed heartily at him and told him that he could drink the wine. All of it.

"Elizabeth, a glass of wine is not going to hurt you or the baby. In fact, I've read that a glass of wine is quite encouraged."

"Have you? And have you started reading, What to Expect When You're Expecting, too?"

"Guilty," he said sheepishly. "I picked up a copy last week. Fascinating stuff in there. Though it does go into too much detail." He smiled.

"Well, that's good. I want to know what to expect and the too much detail is exactly what YOU should know." He moved behind her and placed his hands on her stomach and softly caressed her. She gently leaned her head against his chest and allowed the wonderful sensation of his hands on her consume her. But dinner would burn if he did not stop that now.

Dinner was a quiet affair with Darcy asking relative and sometimes useless questions; Elizabeth did allow herself a small taste of wine. After washing up and splashing each other so both were sufficiently soaked, Elizabeth went to her room to change. Darcy followed moments later. Knocking on the door, he heard her faint "come in" and opened the door.

Nick headed out of the hospital and blinked at the rarely seen bright sun. He walked down the street and found himself face to face with the woman constantly invading his thoughts.

"Nick!" Caroline called.

"What brings you ladies to London? Caroline, you should have phoned the flat. We could've set up lunch?" Nick admonished.

"We've been shopping for the ball and with your schedule, I thought you'd be too busy. However, we are staying at James' rooms at the Dorchester for a couple of nights. James is in Belfast and not expected home until Friday. We could have lunch tomorrow?" Nick thought momentarily and stole a sly glance at Helena who had turned away.

"I happen to be off tonight. Why not tonight? I'll have my secretary set something up. How does that sound?" Helena looked at Nick and gave a small smile indicating her consent. Caroline pronounced it was a wonderful idea. They all readily agreed to an eight o'clock dinner and Caroline told him to meet them at seven for cocktails at the bar in the Dorchester.

"He seems to be softening to ya, Caroline. That's a good sign."

"Nick isn't all that bad. Just a little rough around the edges, but he has potential."

"Caroline, don't we all have potential?" Caroline laughed and linked hands with her friend again and continued on to Joseph's.

As promised, Nick was at the bar waiting for the ladies at seven. Nursing a Scotch and soda and picking at the stale peanuts, he cautiously watched the doorway. Caroline flitted in first and quite alone.

"Sometimes I think men flock to Helena like the bee to a flower. She was stopped by some American. Another southerner," she added distastefully.

"You should have tried to save her then." He tried to say it nonchalantly, but it didn't quite come out that way.

"We can always move the reservation back to 8.30, Nick." She eyed him suspiciously.

After ten minutes had gone by, Nick felt it his duty and obligation as a gentleman to rescue Helena. Nick witnessed Helena trying to get rid of the man, but he wouldn't move on and had taken hold of her hand. Nick came up behind Helena and softly put his hand on her back. Helena turned at the warmth and gently smiled at him.

"We've been waiting. Your drink has become quite watered down," he whispered softly in her ear.

"Thank you, Dr. Hampton," She turned to the other man. "I'm sorry, but I really must go. It's been an honor meetin' another southerner. Alabama sounds wonderful, and I'm sure your wife's arthritis problem would have been more painful here in damp, foggy London."

When the man left, Helena thanked Nick. "I didn't think he would ever let me go. He actually asked me if I wanted to go up to his room! I swear some men are just pigs! They see a pretty face and bam! They think of one thing and one thing only." She stopped when the other patrons heard her ranting. "Oh Lord, I'm so sorry, Dr. Hampton, you don't need to listen to me. No one else does either. I'm sorry."

"Helena, please stop calling me Dr. Hampton, it's Nick. You are totally within your rights to rant and rave, because certain men think of one thing and one thing only," he echoed. "However, many men have never seen a woman as beautiful as you."

She blushed. "Thank you. That is the kindest thing I've ever heard."

He laughed. "You must be toying with me, Helena," he said while grinning. "You are an incredibly beautiful and intelligent woman."

"Thank you for saving me."

"It was all my pleasure."

She looked at him and saw a hint of softness in his eyes. She thought she knew what the look was, but quickly turned away and headed into the bar.

Elizabeth was pulling a nightdress over her head when Darcy walked in. With her back to him, she was unable to observe him. Slowly, he undid the top button of his shirt then the one after that until it was completely unbuttoned, and the two sides were flapping with his movement. The cool crisp linen of the nightdress felt good against her suddenly feverish body. She sensed his movements but did not turn around.

He watched the nightdress slip over her shoulders, her arms, down past her hips and fall gently down to her ankles. He walked behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders, slowly caressing the strap off her shoulder. He moved her dark hair off her back and placed it over her bare shoulder. Bending down he kissed the back of her neck -- softly, passionately, fervently. Barely audible moans came from her moist lips.

The crisp linen nightdress that just seconds before clothed her fell with a swoosh to the floor. Turning her around to face him, she brought her hands inside his shirt and slowly shed him of it, kissing his shoulder and his neck. Darcy pulled back to inspect her and her minutely bulging middle. Kneeling in front of her, he pulled her close to him and slowly pressed his lips to her stomach. Elizabeth stepped out of her nightdress and helped him with the khakis.

Wordlessly, they strolled to the queen-size bed. Gently, Darcy picked her up and cradled her in his arms. This time his lips finding hers. With a ferocity of absolute and unconditional devotion, he made love to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth lay in his arms, smiling, while he played with the curls on the top of her head.

"What are you smiling about?" he asked innocently.

"Oh, was I? Maybe I should put on a serious face or frown, perhaps." She giggled.

"Absolutely not, madam. I want you happy, happy, happy."

"Do you know what would make me very happy, Darcy?"

He shook his head.

"Marry me."

Darcy smiled broadly and kissed her head. She rolled over and propped herself on one arm. Scrunching her nose at him, she inched her way under his arm. "Marry me," she said again.

"Yes, my love. I will marry you."

"Good. Now I am happy. Darcy, I've always loved you." She turned over, closed her eyes and presently fell asleep.

Ten days later

"I want the marquee set up two days prior to the Ball. I need light blue lights set up around the perimeter of the house. Yes, of course, I realize that this is short notice, but I phoned five times and received not one damn reply back. You can do this. I have complete faith in you. Honestly. Must hang up. I will see you two days before the actual date of the Ball. Yes. Yes. I see. Well then. Money is no object, I assure you. Right. Bye."

Caroline sighed haggardly. Three phone calls in one hour, and she still felt as though she hadn't accomplished much. James knew when Caroline planned something of this magnitude, it was better for him to stay away or at least out of sight.

Helena sat in the garden reading a book enjoying the soft breeze of a beautiful spring day. Although, the rain could be depressing at times, the lovely color of the beautiful landscape was what kept her from leaving, not to mention Caroline's entreaties to stay.

James came out to the garden and spied Helena deep in concentration with her book. Taking a seat on the chaise beside her, she put her book down and smiled to him.

"How are you, Helena?"

"I'm well. It is such a beautiful day I wanted to enjoy it before the rains came back. Your gardens are exquisite."

"Yes, I've always prided myself on the landscape of the house." He moved the chaise closer to her. "You've been quite sad lately." he observed. "I can talk Caroline into letting you go back to the States. We hold no one against their will," he said jokingly.

Helena cracked a small smile at the joke, while James returned it. She didn't really know what she wanted. The one thing she did know was that she would definitely be around for this Spring Ball when The Hamptons would finally announce their marriage.

"Ya know what? I'm quite enjoying myself here."

James smiled, then just as quickly became quite serious, a darkening expression overtaking his face. "Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet will be here for the Spring Ball. How uncomfortable will that be for you?"

Helena looked carefully at him; she raised the sunglasses off her nose and placed them on her head. "Ah, so this was the reason for this courtesy call. Still trying to find out what happened between the two us, are you?"

"I want my guests to feel comfortable, yes. Let's just say I'm not looking for a cat fight."

"Elizabeth is pregnant!" she said indignantly.

"And she is a feisty creature who will cut anyone down to the quick with that sharp wit of hers," he said hotly.

He stood up.

"James, why is it so important for you to know? Why must you constantly feel like you are in competition with him. You have Caroline, this wonderful house and happiness. Just let it go."

He looked at her blankly. "Did you have an affair with my cousin?"

Helena stared at James angrily. "Why is it so important to you?"

He sat back down. "I want to know what happened between Caroline and Darcy in Ireland. She went there for one reason. You were at the bed and breakfast, she was in the house with him -- and quite alone."

"I'm not followin' here. What does my sleepin' with your cousin have to do with Caroline?"

"Did he show any inclination towards her at all?" he demanded.

"No."

"What happened when he came back and Caroline went to Dublin?"

"He was upset and very drunk."

"And?"

Helena closed her eyes. "Elizabeth ended the relationship. She told him it was over. He was very upset."

"So you took advantage of him?"

"No!"

"Did you sleep with him?" he persisted.

"Yes." She said very softly.

Caroline had just come up behind the rhododendron bush when she heard voices and was about to call out to her husband and Helena, but listened to the interrogation instead.

"Good God!" Caroline's face was bright red.

James whipped around and came face to face with his shocked wife.

"Why did you do that?" Caroline said angrily. "Why did you allow it to gnaw at you?" she asked of her husband.

Helena got up quickly and spoke first. "Caroline, I'm sorry. You didn't need to hear that."

"I allowed it to torment me, Caro, because you've always compared me to him. I've always wanted you. I needed to know that you wanted me."

Caroline sat down on the chaise that Helena had just given up.

"So my friend sleeps with my ex, and my husband demands to know because it will prove my fidelity? Is that correct?"

James looked at Caroline, "Yes."

"Do you have any faith in me at all?"

"Caro, you know I..."

She cut him off. "No. No I don't. What I did was senseless, but you don't pry into someone else's business because of it." She shot a look to Helena. "If you thought for once that I didn't suspect, you're daft."

"Caroline," Helena started. "I don't even know what to say. I'm sorry."

Caroline laughed, "You're sorry for being caught up in the tangled web of this family. Instead of mooning over him, I should have forewarned you. He will always go back to Elizabeth. I wouldn't give him one more thought." she looked thoughtfully at Helena. "I knew that this had been bothering you; I think you should pay more attention to what is going on around you instead," she told her friend honestly.

"Caro, we need to talk."

She looked at her husband and sighed, suddenly tired. "I believe we do." She gave him her hand and quietly they sauntered around the park.

Helena came in the house wiping the tears from her face. She should have really left before it had come to this. How could she possibly face these people. She wandered down the hallway hoping to get to the kitchen. How did she manage to get into such a pickle. Finding the kitchen, she poured a glass of water from the tap and sat at the table that had been scrubbed down. Taking a hard sip, the tears flowed quite freely. Yes, that was it, she could leave. The sooner the better.

Caroline spoke nothing but the truth about getting tangled in this family, and the web got tighter and tighter, until the suffocation became unbearable. Helena put her face in her hands and considered her options of leaving England and traveling back home. She spotted a figure out of the corner of her eye. She quickly tried to compose herself, but was found out.

"Helena, are you all right?"

"You always happen upon me when I'm upset. Yes, Nick, I'm fine; just very homesick."

"I don't believe you. Something is bothering you. You can tell me." He sat opposite her. She raised her eyes at him and started laughing.

"I've never seen you in this state of undress before." He looked down and realized that he was shirtless and was only wearing a pair of shorts and sneakers. His chest glistened with sweat from the hard workout.

"Well, now we're even. You didn't have much on the first night I saw you either." Helena blushed at the recollection. "A little too late to blush, dar... I've just had a workout. So now, why are you upset?"

"I'm fine, really. When did you get back from London?"

"That doesn't matter right now."

He got up and went to her. He put his hand behind her chair and knelt down beside her. She became aware of his scent and tried to push whatever thought had just popped into her head out.

"I don't believe you," he said softly. His gaze was steady upon her.

"Truly. I'm fine," she became mesmerized by his being so close.

"Helena, would you..." His fingertips accidentally brushed her neck. The thrilling impulse brought them closer together. She turned to look at him and realized that he was closer than she thought. His lips not even inches from hers. She licked her lips and tried to focus on anything but him.

"What?" she barely managed.

He looked at her, studying her and not really listening to what she had just said. He moved in closer and parted his lips to speak.

"Trust me," he whispered.

"Yes," she said slowly.

"Have dinner with me tonight?" he said huskily.

"Yes," she murmured, not understanding what had just happened.

He moved back and smiled at her. "Great. You'll feel better in no time. I promise you'll have a great time."

She took a deep breath, "A great time," she repeated. "Nothing fancy?"

"Absolutely. Nothing fancy. Wipe those tears and meet me in an hour."

True to his word, Nick took Helena to a small cafe not far from the house that allowed a bit of privacy. The music was Italian and provided the atmosphere.

Nick was slyly able to wrap his arm around her waist, and lead her to the table. Pulling the seat out for her, she thanked him and sat down comfortably.

"Would you like some wine?" he asked.

"Yes, a merlot, please."

Nick motioned to the waiter and ordered a bottle of the house merlot. Helena looked around the surroundings and thought everything delightful. A very small smile played upon her lips.

"Will you let me in on the secret."

"No secret, sweetie, just feeling much better. I owe you a big thank you."

"Absolutely not," he feigned shock. "I wanted to do this." Her face took on pinkish hue, as he smiled happily at her.

Nick kept Helena occupied throughout the evening and she quickly forgot the episode from earlier in the day. He managed to keep her amused with tales of medical school, growing up in Somerset, of old girlfriends, roommates and the like. Helena enlightened him about beauty pageants and divulged how much she hated them. She completely opened up to him and told him about life in New Orleans, on the road, and different fights that would break out among the women.

"They could be quite catty at times..." His eyes sparkled at her and she could feel the warmth rising in her cheeks. The flushed look was very becoming to her, he thought.

"Medical school wasn't quite as difficult as most people imagine. We fooled around more. James thought that I would definitely flunk out..."

"Why an obstetrician?"

"That was the biggest joke in my family... I love women." He winked at her.

"Do you like children..."

"Sometimes.... Pregnant women are easier, and I generally give in to their whims."

"Many women must love having a handsome doctor. It quite rarely happens."

"One woman was ready to leave her husband for me. When I told her that I was involved, it quickly ended her infatuation." He laughed.

After dinner, Nick took her on a stroll down by the beach. The clouds had held off all day and a nice warm breeze enveloped the both of them. They strolled leisurely, not saying a word, just enjoying the other's company.

Helena finally spoke: "I can't thank you enough for this wonderful evening. You've been a good friend." She took his hand and squeezed it.

Nick stopped and faced her. "A friend, indeed." he turned so she wouldn't see the hurt look upon his face.

"A very good friend." She said and then smiled.

"Helena, I thought... maybe we could..." he faltered. "Would you like to start heading back?" he finally said. She nodded. "Thank you, for the lovely evening."

"It was all my pleasure."

They drove in companionable silence. When he pulled into the driveway, she leaned over and quickly gave him a small kiss on the cheek. She hurried into the house, leaving him to stare after her.

Continued In Next Section