Conclusion

Posted on Saturday, 22-Aug-98

he final preparations were completed and all that was needed was to dress and wait for the guests to arrive. Caroline felt giddy with anticipation while Helena felt dread. It had been a month and a half since she last saw him, and he didn't know she'd be there.

James dressed with ease. Caroline had refused to allow him to see the gown that she had eventually selected, she even went as far as to keep it in Helena's bedchamber. Caroline spent what seemed to her husband an eternity in the dressing room and had an endless stream of servants bring in chilled champagne and fresh fruit. Caroline had also hired a personal stylist because for her husband, she prepared herself to be the most beautiful, alluring and sensuous woman he would see.

When a servant came by with a tray of champagne, James quickly reached up and took one for himself. A strange feeling of nervousness had come over him. Silently he wondered how people would react to the news of his marriage even though Caroline was his life and he loved her more than anything or anyone in the world. He was very certain of his choice and decision, but he still worried about the general reaction.

So lost in his thoughts, James never saw his bride exit the dressing room and stand in the doorway, blushing profusely. She had to call his name softly to get his attention. His eyes followed her sleek body in the red and black halter gown. Her hair was done in a dramatic upsweep with curly tendrils down by her ears and her midriff bespoke of hours of working out and the narrow straightness of the gown, clung tightly to her hips. He blinked his eyes several times and licked his lips. He was astonished and speechless.

Caroline walked closer to him and softly brushed against him. She took the wobbly champagne glass out of his hand and set it on the table. She held her hand out to him, which he took and pulled her very close to him. The honeysuckle scent intoxicated James as his hot breath and moist lips went right for her neck. Caroline giggled.

"Do I disappoint?" she asked, as James nuzzled her neck and decided that the Spring Ball be damned! He wanted his wife and he wanted her now.

"Caroline, you are absolutely, breathtakingly beautiful." As he fumbled with the ties of her dress, Caroline slapped his hand away. The spell snapped, and James kissed his wife sweetly.

"We should head down," he said hastily. "or I shall not be responsible for any actions that may occur within the next few minutes." Caroline laughed as she took his arm and headed downstairs with him.

Nick was already under the marquee outside drinking a glass of champagne and fiddling with the bowtie of the tuxedo. His back was turned away from the door, and had not seen the entrance of his brother and Caroline. The amazed look on his face when he did turn around made James chuckle and Caroline blush. Nick thought she looked beautiful.

The orchestra started off by playing some soft classical pieces. James had hired a very special singer to serenade Caroline later in the evening. For days, she tried to persuade him to disclose who the singer was. He would not budge, although, several times she came very close to figuring it out.

As the guests were scheduled to arrive within the half-hour, Caroline excused herself to check on last minute arrangements. James stopped a young girl carrying a tray of champagne and took two glasses. Nick put his empty one back.

Nick spoke first: "Caroline looks stunning, James, absolutely beautiful."

"I was completely astonished when I saw her too. She is a beautiful woman, but tonight she thoroughly glows."

"So when were you planning on making the big announcement? Before or after dinner?" asked Nick.

"Before dinner. Say, what think you of the general reaction?"

Nick stopped and looked at his brother. "I honestly think people are going to be shocked and taken aback. However, I think it will favorable."

"Charles is married to Liz's sister -- and the diplomat that she is -- she may be able to smooth any ruffled feathers." He leaned closer to his brother, "however, the fireworks should happen when Darcy sees Helena here." He said, nudging his brother. Nick ignored the remark.

Caroline swept into the room with the first guests of the evening, her brother Charles and Janice.

"Sir James, how wonderful to see you again, chap. I see you allowed Caroline to decorate. Exquisite job, Caroline." Charles hugged his sister, and shook James' hand. Nick gave Janice a quick peck on the cheek and shook Charles' hand.

"Caroline did a wonderful job decorating and supervising, she has quite a knack that will come in handy in the years to come." His eyes twinkled when he saw the confused look on Charles and Janice's face.

"I was very happy to see all of your hard work paid off regarding Northern Ireland. I hope that President Clinton pays a visit. I believe it would help." Charles said.

"I think any peace in Northern Ireland is more than welcomed. How long do you think the cease fire will last?" Janice asked.

"I can't really say Mrs. Bingley, but with the populace voting in three weeks, I hope it at least lasts through then. But enough talk of this, we are here to have a good time."

Charles smiled. "Of course, Sir James. So what is this announcement that will be made?"

James looked to Caroline with a sparkle in his eye and mischievously said. "You will just have to wait."

The butler came outside and announced to the party that people were starting to arrive. James wrapped his arm around Caroline's waist, and they headed to the foyer to greet their guests.

Charles turned to Nick and hoped he would give him the information he wanted. "If this concerns my sister, I do have a brotherly right to know?"

Nick smiled enigmatically. "I really can't say. You'll find out soon enough." He excused himself and went into the house.

"I think this is an engagement party, dear." Janice smiled to her husband.

"Wonderful!" Both Charles and Janice laughed.

Helena checked over her appearance one last time. All she wanted was courage to head down the stairs and into her fate. How could she face him, and with her. She leaned back against the full-length mirror and sighed unhappily, thinking she could handle this night. She said to herself over and over again that most likely Darcy would say hello and move on. It had been well over a month. She shook those thoughts from her head.

A peaceful sense seized her when she thought of dancing with Nick. Being next him, exhilarated her. She knew her feelings for him were taking quite a turn since their dinner, but what she felt for him was strange and new. She knew she was falling in love with him.

A soft knock on the door brought Helena to her senses.

"Helena, its Caroline. May I come in?" Helena smoothed down her dress and braced her shoulders back.

"Sure sweetie," Caroline opened the door and Helena gasped. "Caroline, darlin' you look -- I can't even describe -- absolutely gorgeous!"

Caroline went over and hugged her friend. This was a friendship that had developed and bloomed, as Helena had been very therapeutic for Caroline.

"Well Helena, or shall I call you Veronica Lake?" Caroline held Helena's hands in hers and stood back to inspect the long sheath of her periwinkle dress that came up high on her throat and draped in the back. This dress clung beautifully to every inch of her tall frame. Her straight blonde hair styled just like the actress of the '40s. "This dress is perfect for you. You are going to be the topic of many a discussion tonight." Helena smiled gratefully.

"It's not my appearance or the dress," she admitted truthfully. "I think people will think I'm Kim Basinger." she joked half-heartedly.

"Helena, come on now -- chin up, shoulders back, courage up. Don't worry, I'll protect you." She whispered as Helena lightly kissed her friend's cheek and both headed downstairs. Before heading outside, she took a deep breath.

Caroline and Helena exited through the French doors leading out to the marqueed garden. James worked his way to his wife and Helena, and each took an arm. As was expected, every eligible bachelor turned and gaped at Helena when she walked by on the arm of Sir James. Helena looked around trying to spot Nick within the crush of people. She scanned the room for about three minutes and finally spotted him talking to a woman that she had never seen before.

"Who's Nick talking to?" Helena asked.

James looked around for his brother and found him. "Oh yes, that is the famous Corinne Ashworth. She and Nick were quite the couple during medical school and after. She's quite a celebrated heart surgeon."

Helena felt her heart sink and kept her eye on Nick and watched as he leaned close to Corinne and whispered something into her ear. That woman placed her hand on his cheek and smiled at what he said to her. Helena closed her eyes and turned away when James called her name.

"I would like to introduce you to Senator Mitchell, Helena. I thought you'd like to meet another American tonight." Helena spoke with the former U.S. Senator for several minutes until accosted by a young man wishing to dance with her.

When Nick heard James call Helena's name, he turned and saw the woman that had completely and utterly stolen his heart.

Darcy and Elizabeth walked around the room upon their entrance. Elizabeth was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful decorations that detailed the gardens. Pale blue lights illumined the shrubbery.

"I'm quite shocked at the tasteful manner of the decorations. Caroline is generally not one for proper taste." Elizabeth said, however, Darcy held his tongue in check. Elizabeth quickly noticed her sister and waved to her. Darcy headed to get some refreshments.

Walking through the crowds he heard her. That laugh. Soft, yet deep -- throaty. He turned around and saw her. Helena was talking with James and Caroline and looking as gorgeous as ever.

Quickly, Darcy made his way back to Elizabeth and slowly pulled her off to the side. Running a hand through his curly hair, he said: "I don't know what she's doing here, but you're going to meet the beauty queen. I just want you to be prepared."

Elizabeth looked around the room. "Where. Where is she?"

Darcy nodded in the direction of James and Caroline. "The blonde woman in the blue." Elizabeth trained her eye in the region that Darcy was nodding. And then she saw her.

"Oh." She said quite crestfallen. Elizabeth really wasn't quite sure what to expect when she thought that she would have met Darcy's one-night stand, but drop-dead gorgeous somehow never entered the picture.

Darcy immediately saw her response, "Darling, I had her, but wanted you."

"What is she doing here?"

"I don't know, she must have come with Caroline."

"But how would she know Caroline, Darcy?" Elizabeth put her hands on her hips and pursed her lips pensively.

Darcy thought for a moment. "Caroline came to Ireland, Elizabeth. I didn't tell you because of the accident, and I didn't want to upset you more than you needed to be."

"Did anyone else show up in Ireland, Darcy?" she gave him a stern look, then quickly laughed. "You really were inundated with women weren't you?"

"I was inundated with you, Elizabeth." he said roguishly.

She patted his face. "Good answer."

"So you feel comfortable meeting her?" he asked.

"Well, it must be done."

Caroline walked over to Charles and Janice, leaving James and Helena to themselves. James turned to Helena. "Are you enjoying yourself, dear?"

"Very much. It is a lovely party."

"Have you seen Darcy?"

She swallowed. "No. Is he here?" James tilted his head in the direction of Darcy and Elizabeth; and there she saw a beautiful petite woman with dark cascading curls, beautiful bright sparkling eyes and a countenance that spoke of complete happiness. "That is the lovely Miss Bennet. Do you have courage enough to be introduced to her?"

Helena nodded and took James' arm. He led her to the spot where Darcy and Elizabeth were talking to Cal and Rachel. Cal first spotted the gorgeous blonde and gently cleared his throat for Darcy to turn around.

"Hello, Darcy." Helena purred smoothly.

"Hello, Helena," He answered easily. "I'd like to introduce you to my fiancée, Elizabeth Bennet."

Helena looked to Elizabeth then to Darcy and with a very big smile, said very brightly, "Very nice to meet you." Helena gave Elizabeth her hand and she shook it. "Fiancée, huh?" she winked at Darcy, "Well, it's about time. I've heard wonderful accounts of you from Darcy and James."

"And all good I tell you. So Liz, how are you feeling?" James added.

"I feel wonderful, James. The baby is very active much like his papa."

"I think she means my daughter is very energetic like her mama. So Helena, how came you to be here in Somerset. I would have thought by now that Caroline would have driven you away." He laughed while James glared at him.

James watched the transaction and waited for fireworks or Darcy's stammer, but it never occurred. He watched amazingly at Helena as she commandeered the situation to her benefit.

"Caroline and I have become great friends. She really is a wonderful person."

"How long are you in England for, Miss Johnstone?" asked Elizabeth.

"Helena, please. I can't really say. Caroline begs me to stay and keeps postponing my return home." Helena saw Nick walk Corinne to the dance floor. Elizabeth noticed where her eyes had drifted to and smiled.

"Are you enjoying this part of England, Helena?" Darcy asked, trying to get her attention back.

"Very much. I've met some great people." She turned back to watch Nick and frowned slightly. "I've met with some wonderful people." she reiterated, then returned her full attention to the crowd before her. "With the way I talk, I'm surprised they haven't packed me off yet." She joked.

They all laughed as her southern accent became thicker to show what she meant. "I seem to recall that you had a hard time understanding me at first." Darcy mused.

"Actually Darcy, most of the time, I was just ignorin' ya." Laughter. She looked around for Nick again, but lost sight of him. However, she did see a person that she had been trying to avoid, "I see that I am being followed by a man that I have refused to dance with. I guess I should head in the other direction. Miss Bennet it was really nice meeting you. Honestly."

"And you, too, Miss Johnstone." Helena walked away and James took his leave shortly after by telling the crowd before him that right now was the perfect time to make his announcement.

Elizabeth turned to Darcy, "Helena is in love with Nick." she said enigmatically.

"What? How do you know that?"

"Darling, she couldn't keep her eyes off of him the whole time she was talking with us. And by the way he was staring at her, I would say it was reciprocated." She smiled knowingly.

The Ball picked up full swing and guests were amazed at Caroline's transformation, especially around the beautiful American. She conversed easily with anybody. Many people remarked how nicely Caroline and Helena got on with each other. As Caroline was notorious for chewing up and spitting out women, this came as a genuine shock to people.

James spotted his wife and quickly walked to her side and led her out to the dance floor. Dancing to "So Near and Yet so Far", James twirled Caroline around the floor. After the dance ended, he mentioned to her lightly that he would like to make the announcement now as they could easily get everyone's attention before dinner. He walked over to the stage and spoke into the microphone, claiming the attention of the party revelers. Pulling Caroline beside him, he waited for all to be assembled.

"I want to thank all for attending this Spring Ball. I hope the three week's notice, wasn't too short of a timespan," he joked. "As many of you here tonight are wondering why I would deign to open my house and invite nearly 400 people, and most of you, I have heard through grapevines suspect that I may be quite touched in the head; however, you are probably not too far from the truth," he joked again and the crowd laughed.

"First things, I would like to thank the lovely Caro for the wonderful job she did bringing this together." James allowed the applause before speaking again. He pulled her closer to his side. "I have decided that I would like Caro to take over control of the household here, as she does a wonderful job. Nevertheless, I thought something more permanently was in order." Janice squeezed Charles' arm.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to introduce to you Lady Caroline Hampton, and we wish you to celebrate in our joy." Collective gasps and "oh mys" resounded through the garden. Helena, as well as, Nick held their breaths waiting for the response that came. Clanking champagne glasses indicating to the groom to kiss his bride.

Charles and Janice looked at each other in amazement. Darcy and Elizabeth headed over to them, not concealing their shock regarding the announcement. Nick was heading to his brother when Charles grabbed his arm.

"So when did all this take place?" Charles asked, more hurt than angry.

"They married about a month and half ago. We were sworn to secrecy," Nick turned to Darcy. "Helena brought them together, again."

"Why were they not together, Nick?" Elizabeth asked inquiringly.

"I'm not sure. Listen, I know this is hard to take in. I felt it too. But James adores Caroline; and she is very good for him and to him. From what I've seen."

Elizabeth turned to Darcy, "That means that she was married when she showed up in Ireland, right? And she never said anything?"

"Not a word," Darcy answered.

Charles started gesturing to Caroline who promptly came over to her brother.

"Oh Charles, I'm sorry you had to find out this way. We didn't want it to get out and I knew that you would be upset if I had told you earlier. It was for the best."

"Caroline, this is just so unlike you. You, who are the most meticulous and proper person I know. To elope! He'd better treat you well."

"I don't think you need to question his treatment of me. We are very happy together." Caroline turned to Darcy and Elizabeth. "I never saw you two earlier. Congratulations on your upcoming arrival. I also heard through the grapevine that you are to be married. Again accept my best wishes."

Darcy leaned into Caroline and kissed her cheek, "Congratulations, Caroline. You will make my cousin very happy." But he thought, if it's at all possible.

"I thank you, Caroline. We are very excited and happy. But this is your day." Elizabeth said noncommittally.

The parties talked for several more minutes then Nick pulled Caroline aside, "How's Helena faring?"

"Why don't you ask her yourself. I don't understand why you are avoiding her. Has she done anything to offend you?"

"Good God, no! I am so mad about her. Caroline, I love her."

"Then why did you invite Corinne?"

"We are friends. Only friends."

"Well the impression you are giving is something very different. She's been all over you, and Helena has noticed several times. She can't keep her eyes off of you."

"Jealousy," he smiled. "can be a wonderful thing."

Caroline slapped his arm, "Nick, you are incorrigible."

"Perhaps. I see that dinner is about to be called. May I escort you to your husband?"

James announced dinner and told them that they would be feasting on true imported Creole food brought in especially for the woman who helped James and Caroline find and keep each other. Chef James Brightzen from New Orleans started with spicy Jambalaya and crab fritters. As they moved on to entrees, people raved about the food, and Helena smiled as the chef would periodically come out and have her taste test the next course.

The main event for desert was Helena's all-time favorite, and Brightzen was renowned to make the best Banana's Foster. All in all, dinner was a success. Caroline, James and Helena looked as happy as ever. After dinner, people came up to Helena thanking her for introducing them to foods they normally wouldn't have eaten, especially in England.

James noticed his surprise singer coming out to sing with the orchestra. Caroline nearly fainted when standing right in front of her congratulating her on her marriage was Natalie Cole herself.

Caroline flung herself into James' arms and barraged him with kisses. Ms. Cole informed Lady Hampton that she would sing after the next song which was being dedicated to James and Caroline.

James asked Helena to dance after drinks and cordials were served. The two sailed across the dance floor enjoying light conversation and terrific music. In the corner, just swaying to the music, but not actually dancing, James spied Elizabeth and Darcy. He swiftly moved closer to the two of them and had a plan. As he had picked out the music list and the order in which they were to be played, his plan would be perfectly executed. And he relished in it.

"Hello, there!" James smiled brightly. Helena looked up and smiled also.

"Hello, James." Darcy scowled.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything." The music ended and James inwardly smiled to himself. "Liz, fancy a dance with me?"

Elizabeth looked to Darcy and James, and then to Helena, "You're abandoning Helena, James."

"Oh come on, I would never do that to her. Darcy can dance with her. Can't you, cousin?"

Darcy looked to Elizabeth who shrugged her shoulders in assent. Darcy held out his hand to Helena as she awkwardly took it.

"What is up with him?" Darcy asked.

"You two don't seem to get on that well, I take it." She observed.

"Not quite. He's always despised me. Now probably even more because of Caroline."

"Darcy, Caroline and James are good for each other. She loves him and he adores her."

Darcy moved Helena briskly across the dance floor.

It was just one of those nights
Just one of those fabulous flights
A trip to the moon on gossamer wings
Just one of those things

Darcy turned white when he heard the words.

"Oh God, the man hates me!" he said to Helena.

James smiled serenely at Elizabeth as he moved her softly around the dance floor, when she heard the words to the song.

It was just one of those things
Just one of those crazy flings
One of those bells that now and then rings
Just one of those things

"James, you are a bastard." Elizabeth said sweetly.

Helena walked around the gazebo and stared at the moonlit sky. Nick came up behind her slowly and placed his hand on her arm. She turned to face him and gave him the brightest smile he'd ever seen. It nearly melted his heart.

"Helena, will you dance with me?"

She smiled. "Of course." She said brightly as she held out her hand to him, but he didn't take it. She looked up at him confusedly.

"Not now, I've promised the next dance to Corinne. I'll get you when the right song comes on."

"Oh." She said while looking downwards, so he could not see the hurt and touch of jealousy that flashed through her. He brought his hand up, stroked her cheek and then very enigmatically walked away.

Helena sat at a table and watched as the Hamptons danced to Miller's "Moonlight Serenade". She smiled beatifically at them and watched the other revelers enjoy their time with their loved ones. Darcy and Elizabeth were whispering sweet nothings in each other's ears. His smile along with hers, heating up the room. She noticed painfully that Corinne's head was placed very comfortably on Nick's shoulder. She wondered why he would ask her to dance nearly two hours before and then ignore her in that time. She felt lonelier than she had ever felt before.

The maid walked around with a full tray of champagne glasses and Helena took two. After the song ended, Nick approached Helena. She sat up straighter and finished the second glass of champagne.

The tapping of the drum started slowly. Nick looked at Helena with his heart about to explode. The swell of the violins started. "I think this is our dance." He said softly -- slowly wrapping his hand around hers and leading her out to the dance floor. Ms. Cole came closer to the microphone while the pianist played the intro. Helena carefully wrapped her arms around him making sure to leave enough room between them.

Like the beat, beat, beat of the tom-tom
When the jungle shadows fall,
Like the tick, tick, tock of the stately clock,
As it stands against the wall,
Like the drip, drip, drip, of the raindrops,
When the summer show'r is through;

Nick glided Helena across the floor. He moved his lips to her ear and sang the next line softly:

So a voice within me keeps repeating -- you, you, you;

Helena looked at Nick and smiled. He expertly moved her around the dance floor. He moved his hand to the small of her back and pulled her closer against him.

Night and day
You are the one,
Only you
Beneath the moon
And under the sun.
Whether near to me or far,
It's no matter,
Darling, where you are
I think of you
Night and day

The electricity between the two thrilled them both. He moved his arm tightly around her waist and twirled her around. She closed her eyes and readily gave in to the emotions bubbling inside of her.

Day and night
Why is it so,
That this longing for you follows
Where-ever I go?
In the roaring of the traffic's boom,
In the silence of my lonely room
I think of you
Night and day.

Helena tried to pay attention to the words that Nick was singing in her ear, but the nearness and his breath tickling her, drove her to near madness. She laid her head on his shoulder and moved closer to him.

Night and day
Under the hide of me,

Nick continued to sing into her ear, causing a rush of excitement to overtake her:

There's an
Oh, such a hungry yearning,
Burning inside of me,
And its torment won't be through—

He gently rocked her and twirled her again around the floor then accentuating the next lines seductively:

'Til you let me spend my life
Making love to you,
Day and night,
Night and Day

Ms. Cole repeated the last quartet twice; Nick wrapped his arm around her waist and without saying a word slowly led her to the gazebo.

Helena in her acute state of dizziness, leaned against the trellis in the gazebo when she spied the water fountain raining down with blue water. The moonlit night shadowed her as she ran down the garden path, Nick looked after her bewildered as he watched her go to the swing. Slowly he walked to her. Helena swung higher on the swing then flung one shoe off. Then the other. She stopped swinging when Nick came closer.

Nick laughed. "What are you doing?"

She lifted her eyes to him and then slowly brought them back down and took off her stockings. Helena discreetly put them in her purse and laid it on the railing of the gazebo. Nick started to walk over to her, but she ran away from him to the water fountain. Helena -- lifting her dress to her ankles, ran into the fountain.

"You'll ruin your beautiful gown." He called after her.

"Doesn't matter, James bought it," she laughed. She splashed around the blue water with her feet. She went further into the fountain and pulled the skirt higher up her calves. And splashed some more. Moving deeper into the fountain, she needed to pull the skirt up to her knees as the water trickling down was soaking her. Nick watched her as she splashed in the water without a care in the world. Helena stopped for a moment, looked at Nick and watched him as he spied her.

She put the pulled up skirt in one hand and held out her free hand to Nick. "Come to me," she said softly.

Nick stood still, while Helena kept her hand out to him. Mechanically, he took one shoe off then the other and removed the socks. "I'll ruin this tux."

"Come to me, Nick," she said earnestly.

Nick quickly forgot about the tux and walked stealthily to her. Taking her hand into his, he drew her to him and brought his lips to hers and kissed her. Helena dropped the skirt into the water and brought her arms around him, squeezing him, holding him and loving him. Nick kissed her lips, her cheeks, her nose, her ears and her neck.

"I love you, Helena. I've loved you since the first time I laid eyes on you." Nick said hopefully. "I love you and need you and want you."

Helena held his face in her hands and smiled to him. "It was that damn cheese and cracker shindig we had, wasn't it?" He kissed her again.

"Oh, darling, yes, cheese and crackers and Spicegirls and that bathrobe and your legs and your impertinence."

She laughed, "All of those things? Not just because I happen to be a beauty queen and would perhaps look good on your arm."

He frowned at her. It was his turn to hold her face in his hands. "Helena, you are very special to me."

"But what about Dr. Ashworth?"

"She's a friend. Just a friend." He kissed her again, more passionately.

"She didn't look like just a friend?" Helena said impertinently.

"Ah, but did she get a kiss like this?" again he kissed her.

"Oh dear Lord, no!" she teased.

James and Caroline walked down by the fountain when they saw two people in it. Caroline called out to the two and when they didn't respond, headed further down the pathway.

"Who could possibly be in the fountain?" Caroline asked.

"I think it's Nick. Possibly with Corinne? Though I don't see her as the type to frolic in a water fountain." He joked.

Helena looked over Nick's shoulder when she heard voices, but Nick continued to kiss her again. Caroline gasped at the sight of the two soaked individuals, then immediately started to laugh.

"Good grief, Helena, in the water fountain?" Helena smiled as she laid her head on Nick's shoulder.

"Caro, I think the water fountain is the best place for those two. They look as though they need a good soaking. I think they need to cool down, too. Well Nicky boy, is this the one?"

Nick turned from his brother and tightly wrapped his arm around Helena's waist, he looked into her wanting eyes and said without looking at his brother.

"Yes."

Epilogue

Posted on Saturday, 22-Aug-98

September 3, 199-
4.36 AM

he breathed deeply and exhaled quickly. She moved a pillow around to make her more comfortable, but it wasn't working. The pain grew steadier and steadier; it came more frequently. She hated the idea of waking her husband, especially when several false alarms had caused him to get a little angry with her. But this time it was for real, this really hurt. And she needed him.

"Dearest," she tried waking him up, "Darcy, darling, it's time." She squelched the urge to scream by biting down on the pillow. She waited for the contraction to end before she tried again. She timed it -- seven minutes.

Darcy murmured something unintelligibly and turned over. In between contractions, she tried waking him. When all else failed, she tried the last resort:

"DARCY FITZWILLIAM! EITHER YOU GET UP AND CALL NICK, OR YOU WILL BE DELIVERING THIS BABY YOURSELF!"

Darcy flung the sheet and duvet back and watched his wife grimace in pain.

"Good God, Elizabeth, why didn't you wake me up sooner?"

She took deep breaths as he fumbled with the telephone. "What the hell are you doing!" she cried in pain.

"Darling, I'm phoning Nick." He turned nervously to her. "Just keep breathing, darling."

"Don't tell me what to do! Bloody cheek telling me too…Darcy! rub my back." She cried.

Darcy flung the phone down and ran to his wife. After the contraction, Elizabeth told him to phone Nick. Again fumbling with the phone, he managed to dial the number and it rang several times before it was answered.

A sleepy sounding southerner drawled out a soft "hello."

"Good morning, Helena."

"Oh Darcy, hmm… What time is…" she turned to look at the clock. "ah 5.00, are you okay?"

"No, no, I'm fine, it's Elizabeth… The baby, you know."

"Oh right, I'll get Nick." Helena turned over to wake up Nick and handed him the phone.

"Darcy, is this another false alarm?" Darcy assured him it wasn't and by listening to Elizabeth in the background, he figured it couldn't have been. "Listen, go to hospital. I'll meet you there in about forty-five minutes." Nick handed the phone back to Helena and she promptly hung it up.

"So this time it's for real, huh?" she snuggled closer to him

Nick smiled. "With the way Mrs. Fitzwilliam was screaming at him, I'd say yes. It's for real." Then kissed Helena.

He sat on the edge of the bed and in the dark looked for his boxers that had been discarded the evening before. Helena sat behind him, kissing his neck and rubbing his stomach. The glint in her eye when he turned to look at her told him that he was not going to the hospital in forty-five minutes.

"You always say these things take a while. Do you have to leave right now?" she asked petulantly.

He smiled to himself and felt happier than he's ever felt. He quickly discarded the boxers again and brought her under him.

"I love you, baby." he said.

"I love you too, sweetie."

Same day;
5.25 PM

"Okay Liz, Just one more push."

"I can't, Nick. I'm too tired. Just reach in and grab it." She breathed.

"Liz, I can't do that. With the next contraction, you must bear down and push. Do you understand? Elizabeth, do you understand?" he said angrily.

"Nick, you don't have to yell at her." Darcy said dangerously.

"Okay, Darcy, how do you want me to do this. She's given up. That child needs to come out now!"

"Liz, you have a contraction coming. Darcy get behind her and push her up when I say so. Okay, Liz, push, push. Good girl. Relax." The contraction was too short for anything to happen and Nick frowned.

"I thought I was going to push her up?"

"Darcy, do you trust me or not? I could get another OB in here." He said in a tight voice.

"Nick, this is ridiculous." Darcy offered.

"You're right. So let me do my job."

Elizabeth during her respite started laughing, "I'm the one in pain here and you two are fighting. Oh God!"

Another contraction -- a big one came and Nick took charge and ordered the nurse to make ready the bassinet. "Good girl, Liz. Okay, I see the head. A lot of dark curly hair. Darcy, push her up. Liz, bear down, bear down. One good push… There -- you have a daughter." Nick held up the slimy child who was screaming her lungs out.

Elizabeth relaxed against Darcy's chest. He cried tears of joy. Nick laughed and pronounced her a beauty as he placed her on Elizabeth to nurse. Darcy did the customary cutting of the umbilical cord.

Several minutes went by before Nick gently explained that they needed to check the baby over before giving her back. "Liz, the nurse will wrap you in some warm blankets while we administer to her. Do you have a name?"

Darcy and Elizabeth both nodded.

"Well?"

"Not yet, when the family is assembled we'll tell." Darcy declared.

Nick smiled and shook his head. "Ah, that reminds me. The nurse said everyone is waiting for news." He turned to administer to the infant.

Darcy bent down and kissed his wife, "I love you more than anything in this world."

She smiled knowingly. "I know, but even more than your daughter, papa?" she laughed.

"Hmm… that's a tough one." He winked at her. "Mama, how does that sound?"

"Honestly. Very strange." She laughed again.

Nick came back and placed the baby in Elizabeth's arms. This time she was wrapped in a pink blanket with a pink hat.

"She looks like you, Elizabeth," Darcy said, while putting his finger in the baby's hand.

"She looks like an alien, actually," Elizabeth mused.

"My daughter does not look like an alien," he said indignantly.

"You're right, she looks like your Aunt Catherine." She smiled.

Darcy laughed then informed her that people were waiting outside to meet the newest addition to their family.

"But I look terrible, can't they come back?"

Nick admonished her vanity considering that not many women look glamorous after childbirth.

"Well if you put it that way. Send them all in."

And send them in, he did -- Georgiana as well as Cal, Rachel, Caroline, James, Janice, Charles and Helena came into the room bearing gifts and food for Elizabeth.

Georgiana spoke up first, "So have you two picked out a name? You've kept it such a secret."

"I know, why don't we guess?" Helena offered.

Nick put his arms around her and kissed her. "But first, can we tell them our news?" Helena gave the thumbs up.

Darcy sitting behind Elizabeth nodded his head, as did everyone else.

"Helena and I are getting married. December 31, in New Orleans." Nick smiled.

A cacophony of congratulations greeted the two and the sound of a crying child reminded them exactly why they were there.

"So, Elizabeth, what's the precious angel's name?" Helena drawled.

Darcy cleared his throat and Elizabeth softly nudged him.

"Okay, now don't laugh. We thought long and hard and we wanted a British name and one that would be distinctive…" Darcy rambled.

"Oh Darcy, that is not true at all." Elizabeth interjected lightly. "We have given her the name of Brianna Spencer Darcy Fitzwilliam."

"How lovely," Georgiana cooed. "May I hold her?" Darcy smiled and brought the baby to his sister.

Darcy returned to his place beside Elizabeth, the woman who with much determination and love and a complete willingness to give him a second chance, made his life complete.