Bounty Hunter ~ Section VI

    By Danielle L.

    Beginning, Previous Section, Section VI, Next Section

    A few scenes in this story appear similar to a novel by Chris Rogers, but the title is a bit risqué for this board for any repetition of it.

    Chapter 44 - I Believe I Can Fly

    "Hi." Charlotte and Darcy embraced. "When did you get here?"

    "Just a few minutes ago. If you listen carefully, you're being paged."

    "Timing is everything," he shrugged.

    Charlotte sat down in the chair beside Georgiana's bed and pulled out a mini tape recorder. "For posterity's sake." She clicked a few buttons; Darcy took his seat at the edge of the bed and held Georgiana's hand. "Will, promise me you'll let Gina tell me everything without interruption?"

    Darcy swallowed hard and assented with a nod of his head.

    "Okay Gina, start from Tuscany."

    "Well," she sighed. "Will sent me to Tuscany, Italy for my senior year of high school."

    "Why?"

    "We, my brother and I, were getting threats... phone calls, mail. So to protect me, he sent me away. Everything was going well. Will was coming to spend Thanksgiving with me. I was so excited. But about a week before, I started feeling like I was being watched... even in school. I tried to stay around the other students, but I hadn't made any real friends yet, so I just hurried to my classes amongst the crowd and waited for the limo in the headmaster's office. That day... a Sunday. I walked to the little chapel to pray for your safe journey. It was down the road, but still on the property." Darcy stiffened. "I didn't think I was in any danger and I really didn't want Mrs. Annesley to come with me," she defended. "But unfortunately, that's where they were waiting on me. I hadn't even got to the altar when they grabbed me. I don't know if they drugged me then, because I don't remember anything after that. Well, not until a few days later. I felt myself being carried down some steps, but I was too out of it to really know what was going on, but I saw his face..."

    "Whose face?"

    "George's. George Wickham. The only other things I can remember is some lady coming into the room, me throwing up almost every time I woke up or ate something, and Lizzy carrying me away."

    "Do you remember what the lady looked like?"

    "Yes. Blue eyes. Blonde... no, dyed blonde hair. Her dark roots were beginning to show."

    "You don't remember anything else?"

    "No, just fuzzy pictures and scrambled voices. I see them more clearly when I'm sleep, though."

    "Anything that comes to you, I want you to write it down." Charlotte handed Georgiana a pen and pad. "Do you still draw?"

    Georgiana smiled. "I sure do!"

    "Excellent! I'll send you some pencils and a sketch pad." Charlotte smiled, shut off the recorder, stood up, and stretched. "Well, I've got to make a few phone calls and hopefully see Lizzy before I go."

    "You're leaving?" asked an alarmed Darcy.

    "Yes. Don't worry, I've turned this over to the D.A. down here. Frederick Wentworth. He'll take very good care of them," she winked. "Thank you, Gina." She kissed her on the cheek. "I'll be back in a few days, okay?"

    "Okay."

    "Rest easy and take care."

    "See ya."

    "I'll be back," said Darcy. He quickly followed Charlotte out of the room. "Charlotte, are you sure this guy, Wentworth, is good?"

    "Oh don't worry, if he was a judge he'd be a hanging judge. He's a well-known prosecutor; practiced up in New York for 9 years. Put John Gotti away... spent 6 of those years building a case against him. He's relentless to a fault. Now he's come back home to stay. Just in time to prosecute our dear boy." Charlotte dug into her briefcase. "Here's his number. He's expecting you to call."

    "Thanks." Darcy pulled her to him. "I owe you one."

    They embraced.

    "No you don't."

    He let her go. "Does Fitz know you're leaving?"

    "He's coming with me," she smiled.

    Darcy nodded. "Well," he sighed. "I'll see you in a few days then."

    "Take care. Get some sleep! And for God's sake... shave!" she giggled as she strolled down the hallway.

    "Are you okay?"

    "Yes I am," smiled Georgiana. "Yes, I am."

    Darcy sighed in relief. "I think I'll take a walk."

    "You should try to sleep before you fall out," she admonished.

    "In a while." Darcy closed the door behind him.

    "Lizzy?"

    "Hmm?" answered a dazed Elizabeth.

    "I'm going back to Dallas for a few days..."

    "Charlotte?"

    "Yes. It's me."

    "I haven't seen you in ages!"

    Charlotte smiled. "I know. I'll make it up to you when I come back."

    "Come back? Where ya going?"

    "Back to Dallas for a few days."

    "Okay."

    Elizabeth went back to sleep; Charlotte left her room.

    A row was going on in Elizabeth's room. Darcy moved closer to the bed and held out his hand to her. "I'll be right here."

    Elizabeth slunk down to sit upon the pillows of her bed. Darcy embraced her tightly while the nurses administered the sleep agents.

    Chapter 45 - Another Heartbreak

    Posted on Friday, 24 September 1999

    Sunday, December 20, 1998

    Jane and Mr. Bennet were visiting Elizabeth; she had another rough night of it. Now she slept as they whispered between themselves.

    Doctor John Willoughby strolled in, took Elizabeth's pulse, checked her vitals, scribbled something on her chart, and left without a word.

    "Hi," he smiled widely as he saw the patient awake. "How are you this morning?" Darcy kissed Georgiana on her forehead.

    "Fine," she smiled. "I see you shaved."

    Darcy rubbed his chin and laughed. "Feels good to be naked again."

    "Did you get any sleep?"

    "A few hours."

    "Will!" she chided.

    "I'll sleep when I get you home." And make sure Liz is okay...

    Georgiana just shook her head.

    "Did you get any sleep?" he asked.

    "I slept like a baby," she smiled. "When am I going home?"

    "I haven't settled that with the doctor yet."

    They talked for a little while until Darcy was almost sure that his sister was not suffering from the same malady that had Elizabeth in its grip.

    Darcy peeked in the door. "Can I come in?"

    "Yes," answered Jane as she rose to greet her friend. "How are you?"

    He held her tight. "Fine Jane," he kissed her on the cheek. "How are you?"

    "Okay. Tired. Okay."

    "I know what you mean," he sighed. "How's Liz this morning?"

    Jane exhaled heavily, shrugged, and wiped a few fresh tears from under her eyes. "I heard Gina's doing better."

    "Yes," he sighed, wondering. "Why don't you two take a break and let me sit with her for a while?"

    They both agreed. Mr. Bennet went to call home, while Jane called the rest of the family.

    Darcy watched as Elizabeth tried to toss and turn; hindered by the large cast on her arm, she mumbled something, then was quiet. His thoughts wandered over the events of the past few days. Could he forgive his cousin? Ever? Could he forgive himself for involving Elizabeth? Had she forgiven the Colonel? Does she blame me? What was going on inside her head? Why these nightmares? Why this paranoia? What really happened during her kidnapping that she has not told anyone? Does she remember? Would he ever be able to look at her without cringing inwardly?

    Elizabeth screamed out and Darcy rushed to her side. Darcy traced her cheek with soft tiny kisses; Elizabeth whimpered into his shoulder. She wept bitterly as Darcy held her tight to his body, kissing her hair, rubbing her back, and giving her comfort.

    As the door to the room opened, Darcy held up one hand to halt the intruder, whoever it was. Mr. Bennet quietly closed the door, leaned his forehead up against a wall and let the tears flow freely.

    Chapter 46 - What's Going On?

    "Papa, what's wrong?" Jane stroked her father's back.

    "Liz. She's..." Mr. Bennet shook his head in his hands; a few minutes ago he heard his second daughter's cries and could only stand paralyzed before the closed door. He exhaled deeply as he looked upon his eldest child. "She's..."

    Jane quickly peeped in the room and observed the tender scene between Darcy and Elizabeth, and pulled the door back to its closed position. "Another one?"

    Mr. Bennet could only nod.

    "They're missing something," she pondered. "I'll call Doctor Willoughby."

    "I'm not too sure about him. Call Dr. Ferrars and see if he'll fly down today."

    "Liz." Darcy wiped her tears with his thumb. "Are you okay?"

    Elizabeth nodded. "I think so. Thirsty, though."

    Darcy stood up, poured water in a plastic cup and handed it to her. "Here."

    She gulped it down and held the cup out for more. "You shaved!"

    Darcy smiled and poured. "Finally."

    "How's Gina?" Elizabeth gulped down another cup full; Darcy poured more.

    "Anxious to go home."

    "She's that much better?!"

    He smiled. "Yes."

    "That's wonderful!"

    "You're father and Jane are probably just outside the door... in case you were wondering. I gave them a break."

    "Thanks," she smiled and drank down another cup full. "I haven't seen Charlotte, have you?"

    "I saw her, but I thought she came by your room last night..." he puzzled. "Anyway, you know how she is. She won't rest..."

    "Until she puts Wickham under the jail." Elizabeth laughed for the first time in days. Darcy, however, did not; he paced, afraid to ask, afraid to know, afraid to not know. "Where's Fitz?"

    Darcy ignored her question. "You should be famished. I'll go and check on your lunch."

    He quickly exited the room; Elizabeth wondered.

    "Lizzy, we were right outside! If you want something, just call us," admonished Jane as she cleaned up the mess that Elizabeth had made trying to pour her own cup of water with her left hand. "That's what we're here for."

    "Hmpf!" Elizabeth pouted.

    "Lizzy, be a good girl," Mr. Bennet patted her hand. "Are you okay?"

    "Yes."

    "Are you hungry?" asked Jane.

    "No." She gulped down another cup of water, then held it out for more; Jane poured.

    "You have to eat, my dear."

    "I'm not hungry, Papa. This hospital food makes me sick to my stomach."

    "But it's good for you," soothed Jane.

    "It's a death wish served cold!"

    Elizabeth hit the remote control and turned on the TV. Mr. Bennet grabbed the remote and turned it down.

    "What's wrong?"

    "Nothing. Where's Will?"

    "Getting you something to eat, then he's going to walk Bud and make some phone calls."

    She smiled. "I hope he's going to McDonald's!"

    "No, I believe he asked the nurses about your lunch."

    "Damn! When can I get out of here?"

    "We're not sure. Doctor Willoughby hasn't said anything. Literally," smirked Mr. Bennet. "And..." he looked at the chart. "... this Doctor Clay is a no show, so far."

    "I don't remember seeing any doctors, just nurses."

    "Willoughby normally comes early in the morning... while you're asleep."

    "I haven't seen Charlotte, have you?"

    "She went back to Dallas, but she's due back here tomorrow, I think."

    "They're not going to let her prosecute the case, are they?"

    "No, she's too close to the families," offered Jane.

    "Then who?"

    "Will said it was someone named Fred Wentworth."

    "I think I know him!" Elizabeth wrestled her brain to remember.

    "Anyway, according to Charlotte he's very capable."

    "Good! I won't rest until that bastard is... Has anyone called her husband?!"

    "Whose husband?" Mr. Bennet and Jane asked in unison.

    "Sarah. Sarah Young, Sarah Jarvis."

    "You'll have to ask Charlotte about that."

    Chapter 47 - Diva, In All Her Splendor

    Posted on Saturday, 25 September 1999

    "Where's Lizzy?!" The woman tapped on the registration/information desk. "Where is she?! "Where's my daughter?!"

    "Ma'am, I can't answer that until you tell me who you are," answered the nurse.

    "I'm her mother! And I insist on being shown to her at once!"

    "Ma'am, this is a hospital... could you lower your voice, please?"

    "Lower my voice?! Lower my voice?! I just asked you where she was, you couldn't tell me, so I assumed you were deaf!"

    "I'm not deaf." But I will be! "If you would please just tell me who you're looking for."

    "I want to speak to the director of this hospital! If this is the kind of care my daughter is getting then I'll move her immediately! I'll pack her up and take her back..."

    The nurse tried to interrupt. "Ma'am.

    "And then I'll sue! Oh, where are my smelling salts?! Jane?! Jane?!"

    "Uh, Ma'am..."

    "Oh! I have such tremblings and flutterings all over me!"

    Mrs. Bennet swayed and bobbed at the counter; the poor nurse ran around from behind her station to possibly administer CPR.

    "Spasms in my side, pains in my head and beatings in my heart that I can get no rest at all!"

    "Uh, Miss... Mrs...."

    Mrs. Bennet pushed the nurse away. "I won't stand for being treated this way! Clarence!" she shrieked. "Where's my husband?! Clarence!"

    "All I need to see is some ID!" sighed the nurse in embarrassment and frustration.

    "ID! ID! When I tell your superior's how I've been treated..."

    "Nurse! What is going on here?"

    "Doctor Churchill, I..."

    "Are you her superior?" Mrs. Bennet did not wait for an answer. "This young woman... child! Has stopped me from seeing my daughter!"

    "Uh, um..."

    "She wants ID! I remember the days when you could walk in a hospital to see whoever you wanted! I remember the days when..."

    "Ma'am, those days are over! Newborns are being stolen from their mother's arms," yelled the nurse. "Maniacs are walking around killing and assaulting patients. We can't just let anybody in anymore!"

    "Everyone must show an ID," soothed the doctor. "Now all you have to do is tell the nice nurse," he smiled at the young woman, "your daughter's name and show her some sort of picture ID and she'll give you the room number."

    "I, I don't have any ID," Mrs. Bennet bowed her head and pouted.

    "Not anything?" asked the nurse, incredulously.

    "Do you have any other family here that can vouch for you?" asked the doctor as he rolled his eyes heavenward.

    "My husband, Clarence. Clarence Bennet. And my daughter Jane Bingley."

    "I'll page them."

    "Thank you," he peered at her nametag, "Nurse Fairfax. I'll just show this woman to a seat while you do that."

    "Thank you, Doctor," she smiled shyly.

    Mr. Bennet rolled his neck around on his shoulders and silently prayed as he rode down on the elevator. If I'm calm, she'll be calm. If I'm soothing and in control, she could be warm, and we'll see our daughter together. He vowed this for Elizabeth's sake as the doors opened.

    "Clarence!" she screamed. "Clarence!"

    "Hello, dear," he kissed her on her cheek. "Why are you here?"

    "My daughter is lying up there dying and you ask me why I came?! You must..."

    "I meant no insult, dear. It's just that Lizzy is going to be released soon enough, and I thought you'd like to welcome her home rather than travel down only to travel all the way back," he placated.

    "Well... um, I didn't... I mean, of course you're right. I'll just peek in on her and get the next train going."

    "I'm sure Will wouldn't mind lending you his private jet..."

    "Oh no! No airplanes for me! I'll walk before I..."

    "But you'll be exhausted, my dear," he soothed.

    "I'll take a catnap on the way back and get the house ready in a jiffy."

    "If that's what you want, dear."

    The elevator doors closed.

    Mrs. Bennet gasped loudly as she looked at her daughter from the doorway. Mr. Bennet held tightly on to her elbow for comfort.

    "My poor, poor Lizzy!" she whimpered.

    "Hi Mama," smiled Elizabeth, genuinely glad to see her.

    Jane gave her chair to her mother; Mr. Bennet helped her sit. "Oh Lizzy!" she flopped. "Oh dear Lord!"

    "I'm fine, Mama. Really!"

    "How soon will those scars heal?" she asked no one in particular.

    Jane stroked her mother's hand. "In time, Mama," whispered Jane.

    "Time?! Time?!" Jane filled Elizabeth's cup. "These doctors know nothing of that! Lizzy doesn't have much longer until she's 30! She'll be past the marrying..."

    "Frances!" exclaimed Elizabeth.

    "A little face powder can go a long way!" she insisted to Jane.

    "Fran, can we let that go? For a little while..." pleaded Mr. Bennet. "Please, dear?"

    Mrs. Bennet looked up into her husband's eyes and saw pain, raw, emotional pain. "I'm sorry." She turned back to her daughter. "Have they been treating you well?"

    "Yes, Mama," inserted Jane.

    Elizabeth sipped and rolled her eyes.

    "Good then. My job is done here." Mrs. Bennet stood up. "I'll go home and make your room ready. Good-bye, my darlings!" She kissed both her stunned daughters' on their cheeks. "Are you going to walk me out, dear?"

    Mr. Bennet jumped to attention, his wife put her arm through his, and they walked off into the sunset.

    All was quiet in the room for a long while; both Jane and Elizabeth expected that Mrs. Bennet would come flying back in with some saucy hospital gossip on her lips or some unmarried plastic surgeon on her arm. Nothing happened.

    "Whew!" offered Elizabeth.

    "Wow!" posed Jane.

    They both giggled.

    "She came all the way down here to stay 2 minutes?" chuckled Elizabeth.

    "She loves you," shrugged Jane. "But it was an amazing 2 minutes, wasn't it? I mean she can turn it off and on in a flash!"

    Elizabeth only smiled above her half-filled cup; Jane was beginning to see the light.

    Chapter 48 - Ready To Relax

    "Gina, this is Stan Weston and his wife Mabel."

    "Nice to meet you," she smiled.

    Mabel smiled through her tears. "It's nice to meet you too."

    "Thank you for helping to rescue me, Mr. Weston."

    "Call me Stan," he shook her extended hand and held onto it. "If I'd a known you were going to smile at me like that, I'd a come and got ya myself!"

    Georgiana smiled even wider. "It's good to back with my family and friends."

    "Amen," sighed Darcy. "Amen!"

    "Well, we're not going to keep you... We're going to see Lizzy, then go on back home."

    "Has Will invited you to Pemberley?"

    "No I haven't, but I'll rectify that situation right now. Stan, Mabel, if you're ever in the Austin area, look us up." Darcy tore a sheet of paper from the pad on the table next to the bed and wrote down his name, number, and address. "Don't hesitate to come by. Stay for a few days. You'll always be welcome."

    "What's Pemberley?" asked Mabel.

    "It's our home," smiled Darcy. "Do you fish, Stan?"

    "Never."

    "We'll find something for you to do," inserted Georgiana.

    "Stan's going to retire in a few months... Maybe we'll come up then?"

    "Just let me know when."

    "All right." They walked to the door. "See you then."

    "See ya!" waved Georgiana. "And thanks again!"

    "Take care!" they waved back.

    Darcy walked them down to the elevators.

    "Stan, can I get your address?"

    "Sure." He pulled out one of his cards. "Ya need some more work done, Will?"

    "No. I'd like to send you a little something," he smiled.

    "That's not necessary. Lizzy's gonna take care of all that."

    "No she isn't. I take care of my own business dealings. If Liz wants to give you some of her reward, I have no problem with that. I have no say in the matter. But you're the one that pinpointed their location which calls for a separate understanding."

    Stan was not about to turn down any gratuitous offers, but loyalty came first. "I'll discuss it with Lizzy and see what she wants to do."

    "I'll discuss it with her as well. She'll probably fight me on it," Darcy chuckled. "But we'll come to a resolution soon enough. I'm only doing what's right and she's not going to stop me."

    Stan nodded; they shook hands and parted ways.

    "Nice guy, that Will Darcy."

    "Yes he is," agreed Elizabeth, smiling.

    "He even offered to give me a reward."

    "He did, did he?" she raised an eyebrow.

    "Yep. I told him I'd discuss it with ya first."

    "Take it. I'm sure he's taken into consideration all that you've done to help me. He's a good man, a generous man, but also clever in his dealings and steadfast in his words and deeds. So, whatever it is, take it."

    Stan was shocked! He too thought that Elizabeth was going to fight. "Well, I, uh..."

    "But still be expecting a 'Happy Retirement' card from me as well."

    "Lizzy, you don't have to do that," interjected Mabel.

    "I, too, am unwavering in my words and deeds," she declared firmly. "I don't know what I would've done without you. It might've have been too late to help Gina, if you weren't there. Plus, I'll never be able to spend my share of the reward! Neither will my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and..."

    They all laughed.

    "When are they releasing you?" asked Mabel.

    "In a few days, I suspect. I'll be glad to get out of this hospital."

    "Gettin' a little antsy, are ya?" teased Stan.

    "You could say that," she huffed. "I miss my dog, too!"

    "Bud misses you too. She just mopes... waiting for you to come out that door," giggled Mabel.

    "Ya goin' back home?" asked Stan.

    "Frances thinks I'm coming to Irving to stay with them, but she can't stand Bud, and I can only take so much of her flutterings and nerves."

    Stan tried not to laugh. "What about ya sister?"

    "I'm sure Jane won't mind," she yawned. "But 3 kids, a dog and me, might be too much for her. I'll just go back to my townhouse for a while, I guess."

    "You're family ain't gonna be too happy about that Lizzy..."

    "You could come to stay with us?" asked Mabel.

    'Thanks," she yawned again. "I'll think about it."

    "You do that, hon."

    "Come on Mabel, let Lizzy have her rest."

    "Okay. We'll stop by again tomorrow." Mabel kissed Elizabeth on her cheek.

    "Get some sleep." Stan kissed Elizabeth on her forehead.

    "Okay. Later."

    Elizabeth fell asleep before the Weston's quit the room.

    "Liz?" No reply. "Are you asleep?"

    "No. Just thinking."

    "About what?"

    She opened her eyes and smiled. "About what a good man you are."

    "Me?" Darcy returned her smile and sat on the edge of the bed.

    "Yes, you. Stan told me what you want to do and... thanks."

    "You're welcome. But it's not just out of the goodness of my heart, it's business."

    "I know," she yawned. "I know."

    "Before you go nodding off, is it all right if I bring Gina to see you?"

    "Of course! When?!"

    "As soon as you get some needed rest." Elizabeth nodded and closed her eyes. "Sleep well," he kissed her on her forehead.

    Chapter 49 - What Do I Say To You?

    Darcy approached the truck. Bud looked on without her normal exuberance. "Bud, I swear Liz wants to see you, but she can't right now." He rubbed behind her ears. "Let's go get you something to eat... and how 'bout a romp in the park?" Bud yawned. "I know, I know. Not what you wanted but you'll do it anyway, right?" Bud exhaled a single whimpering sigh.

    Darcy whispered to his sister as he rolled her down the hallway. "She's had a pretty rough time of it, so try not to upset her."

    "I won't. They still don't know what's wrong?"

    "No."

    Darcy opened the door to Elizabeth's room.

    "Gina!" she reached out her hands for a hug.

    "Lizzy!"

    Georgiana jumped out of her wheelchair and right into Elizabeth's arms. Suddenly the waterworks began and, in between, exclamations of thanks and kind entreaties clogged the air space. Darcy left them to themselves. They chatted amiably for a long while until they were plum tuckered out.

    "Are you two ladies finished in here?"

    "Yes," answered Georgiana.

    "Good!"

    "Did we pierce your eardrums?" teased Elizabeth.

    "Beyond repair!" smiled Darcy.

    "You Sir, are standing in a hospital full of surgeons."

    "No way! I don't like hospitals."

    "I have power tools in the shed, you know?"

    "They've all been trashed and/or burned."

    "Well, there are other things. Oils, salves, herbs..."

    "And who is to give these esoteric treatments?"

    Elizabeth and Darcy had forgotten that Georgiana was still in the room; their sportive banter and playful flirting was watched and listened to by the overlooked observer.

    "I might be persuaded..."

    "Let your fingers do the walking, so to speak?" he chuckled. "No, that would not do. Not even your sweet ministrations could salvage my hearing."

    "Then the only plausible solution would be to have Gina play the piano for you. 24/7."

    "I would never tire of that. Perhaps you could accompany her by singing?"

    "Then you'd really need surgery!"

    They both laughed. Georgiana's soprano titter was heard amidst the merriment and finally, they realized they were not alone. Embarrassment spread like wildfire across their cheeks.

    "I, I think I'd better take you back." Darcy escorted Georgiana back in her chair. "I'll be back in a little while."

    Elizabeth nodded. "Later Gina."

    "See ya!"

    Darcy rolled his sister back to her room. Georgiana smiled all the way, while Darcy wistfully reveled in the turn of Elizabeth's countenance.

    A man peered in the open door. "Ms. Bennet."

    Elizabeth looked up. "Deputy Jarvis?!"

    He smiled slightly. "In the flesh."

    "Please, come sit down?"

    He strolled over and sat in the chair by the bed. "I'm not stayin' long..." his voice cracked. "I just wanted to... to thank you." He swallowed hard. "For clearing all this up."

    "I'm so sorry."

    "So am I." He looked down then away. "I don't know what to think. How could..."

    Elizabeth patted his hand. "If there is..." she threw her head back to keep the tears from falling. "Can I help?"

    "Thank you, but I can't even imagine what more you could do. I don't know what to tell my kids, my family, her family..."

    Elizabeth pointed to the water bottle and cup; Jarvis poured. "I really wish it hadn't happened this way."

    "If only wishes came true..." he lamented.

    "Thank you." She gulped it down in one big swallow. "Maybe I could come visit when I get out of here?"

    "That'd be nice."

    "How long are you in town for?" she asked as she held out her cup for another drink.

    "This is my last stop." He stood up and poured. "I've been with the FBI for the last 48."

    Elizabeth guzzled the liquid and sighed. "Deputy, if there's anything I can do, don't hesitate to ask?"

    He shook her hand. "I won't, I promise."

    "I'll give you a call to let you know when I'm coming through, okay?"

    The deputy nodded and left.

    "Jane, where's Liz?"

    "Come with me, Will."

    "I didn't want to wake her, I just wanted to drop off these McDonald's french fries to her."

    Jane shook her head sadly and walked on.

    In silence they walked down the hallway, to the elevators, down to the basement, and into unused x-ray room.

    "Will, this is Doctor Edward Ferrars."

    The two men shook hands.

    "What's this all about?"

    "I just want t-t-to ask you s-some q-questions about Elizabeth."

    "Okay." Darcy nodded but raised an eyebrow.

    "W-when you t-two w-were living t-together, did she have any n-nightmares?"

    "No."

    "S-sleepwalking?"

    "No."

    "Violent outbursts?"

    "No." Darcy twisted uncomfortably in his chair. "Where is Liz?"

    "S-she's in the detox lab," answered the doctor.

    Darcy blinked and without thought asked, "Why?"

    Chapter 50 - Yours, Mine, Ours

    Posted on Sunday, 26 September 1999

    Monday, December 21, 1998

    "You don't remember anymore?" asked Darcy.

    "No," tears fell. "I'm sorry. I don't know what they did to her."

    "It's all right Gina," soothed Doctor Dashwood. "Don't stress yourself over it." Doctor Ferrars stood thoughtfully near the door. "We'll find out what's wrong with your friend."

    Georgiana sniffled. "I hope so."

    "Thank you Miss Darcy," inserted Doctor Ferrars. "Doctor, may I walk you back to your office?"

    "Yes, thank you," she smiled shyly.

    The 2 doctors left the room.

    "Hmmm? He doesn't stutter around Doctor Dashwood..." mused Darcy.

    "She has that kind of affect on everyone."

    "Did I say that out loud?" he chuckled.

    "Are you playing matchmaker again?" teased Georgiana.

    "No," smiled Darcy. "Sorry, we woke you, go back to sleep."

    "You should get some as well."

    "I'll try."

    "No. The official statement says that Georgiana had a skiing accident in Switzerland last month and has been brought here for check-up."

    "Thanks Charlotte."

    "You should thank Fitz. He's the one that arranged for the hospital records and such."

    "Well... thank him for me too."

    "He's right here. You can thank him yourself."

    "No. Just tell him what I said."

    "Will..."

    "I've got to run, okay? Talk to you later."

    "Will..."

    Darcy hung up, quickly, and made another phone call.

    "Mr. Darcy?"

    Darcy stood up. "Mr. Wentworth." They shook hands. "I'm so glad you could come on such short notice."

    "This case is my priority," smiled Wentworth. "In fact, it's my only case." Darcy merely nodded. "Where can we speak privately?"

    Darcy led the way to the parking lot. He let Bud out of the truck; the dog stopped, wagged her tail at the visitor. Wentworth bent down and rubbed the dog behind her ears.

    "Fine dog! Is she yours?"

    "No. Liz Bennet's."

    Wentworth stood up. "I'm not going to take too much of your time, Mr. Darcy. I only need the history. With Miss Bennet's and your sister's statements, I've got the details."

    Darcy related the whole of his acquaintance with Wickham, while Bud got her morning exercise.

    "I'll be available for you at any time." Darcy handed him his card.

    "Thank you. I'll try not to disturb you until after the holidays."

    They parted ways.

    Darcy and Bud drove off for some much needed nourishment.

    He peaked around the door. "Is she sleep?" No verbal answers, but nodding of heads. "I was wondering if I could speak to you both privately for a minute."

    They all stepped outside Elizabeth's room.

    "I'm taking Gina home today..."

    "Will, that's great news!" exclaimed Mr. Bennet.

    "Oh Will, I'm so happy for you!" Jane embraced Darcy. "What a relief!"

    Darcy smiled. "I am relieved... But that's not my purpose for asking to speak with you privately." Jane and Mr. Bennet looked upon him curiously. "I'd like to take Liz home with me as well."

    "Well, now... I'm not..."

    Darcy interrupted Mr. Bennet. "She took care of me all those weeks and found my sister. It's the least I can do."

    "That may be true Will, but Lizzy will be just fine with her family taking care of her," insisted Mr. Bennet.

    "I realize that, Sir. But I owe her so much."

    "You have enough to worry about..."

    "Gina will have round the clock nurses and she is lucid enough to walk around on her own. Liz, on the other hand..."

    "This is a family matter!" Mr. Bennet huffed. "You don't think we can take care of our own?"

    "Mr. Bennet, I didn't..."

    "Papa," smoothed Jane. "Will didn't mean it in that way." No reply. "Look, you're tired, we're all tired and upset. I think we should all get some rest and look at this in regards to Lizzy's best interest." Both men nodded. "Will, we'll meet you in the cafeteria tomorrow at 12:30 p.m., okay?"

    "Okay."

    "I like Will! Really! But family takes care of family! Your mother and I will..."

    "Papa," sighed Jane. "If she moves in with you, Mama will fire the nurse, drive Lizzy crazy, and they'll both end up in the hospital suffering from a nervous breakdown."

    "Then you take her."

    "We have the room, but there's really no way I can take care of her the way she needs it, not with 3 kids needing my every waking moment's attention. Plus, she'll never get the rest she needs with my boisterous children clamoring for her."

    "Stan and Mabel said they'd take her."

    "The Weston's house is too small to shelter Lizzy and a full-time nurse."

    "Well, um, er, uh..."

    "Papa, Will's offer is the best possible solution."

    "I'll think about it, Jane," he patted her hand. "And wipe that triumphant smile off your face, I'm not going to give up that easily."

    Jane and Mr. Bennet went to Georgiana's room to wish her well, God speed, etc. while Darcy signed papers and finalized last minute details. Soon enough, brother and sister were on their way home to Pemberley.

    Tuesday, December 22, 1998

    "Afternoon Liz," Darcy whispered near her face.

    Elizabeth groggily opened her eyes and fuzzily looked upon him. "What time is it?"

    "Time to go." He pulled the sheet from around her. "Can you walk?"

    "Of course!" she answered. But as soon as she sat up, she felt dizzy and grabbed her head. "Argh!" she exclaimed as she lay back down. "Go away, I wanna sleep!"

    Darcy stood there until she closed her eyes, then he carefully picked her up and carried her to a wheelchair. The morning nurse had already dressed her.

    A middle-aged candy striper wheeled her out of the room, while Darcy grabbed Elizabeth's belongings. When they got on the elevator, the helper asked, "You have her prescriptions and her Doctor's numbers, right?"

    "Right."

    "Where are we going?" Elizabeth asked; her eyes still closed.

    "Home."

    "Where's Jane?" she asked trying to break out of the fog. "And where's my Papa?"

    "They're on their way home."

    Elizabeth nodded. "Okay," she struggled to say as her head rolled heavily and finally drooped in submission of a good nod.

    They put Elizabeth in the car, Darcy strapped her in her seatbelt, thanked the helper, got in and drove off. There was instant quiet as the car rolled along, Elizabeth fell into a hazy sleep, while Darcy watched her out of the corner of his eye. He popped in a CD, he thought she might enjoy, whenever she might become awake and aware.

    After 45 minutes, Elizabeth sleepily quipped, "Are we there yet?"

    "Not yet," he smiled as he remembered Georgiana using that expression more often than not.

    Elizabeth yawned and fell back to sleep, humming softly to a sweet Wagner lullaby.

    In Austin

    "Am I dreaming?"

    "No," whispered Darcy and kissed her forehead as he carried her into the house.

    "It's beautiful!"

    "Thank you," he shifted her, slightly. "It's home."

    "It's our home, sweetheart." Elizabeth smiled, kissed him on the cheek, and then laid her head on his shoulders in contentment.

    Darcy stopped dead in his tracks. Our home?! She thinks we're... she thinks we're married!

    A bright wide smile spread across Darcy's face then he proceeded to carry Elizabeth upstairs and tuck her into bed with Mrs. Reynolds' help. He then whispered instructions and the housekeeper left to do her tasks. Darcy pulled a chair up, next to the bed, and watched her sleep.

    "No! No! Make 'em stop it, please?!" came the screams that woke Darcy up from his repose in the chair. "No! Don't do this! Will!"

    Chapter 51 - Is It Just A Dream?

    Posted on Monday, 27 September 1999

    He hurriedly leaned over to soothe a struggling Elizabeth who was fighting in her sleep. "Hush sweetheart. Everything's fine. No one's going to hurt you. Shh..."

    Elizabeth whimpered into her pillow, while Darcy stroked her hair.

    While in the hospital, Elizabeth had been having nightmares, but when Doctor Ferrars questioned her family and friends, no one had ever witnessed this as a regular occurrence.

    In one particularly torturous dream, Elizabeth snapped her cast in half with such brute force as she fought her fantasized enemies. Two days later, Elizabeth broke out in a rash on her arm and a small pinprick was discovered to be its source; hidden by the cast. After a battery of tests, it was discovered that Elizabeth was injected with a small amount of the same hallucinogenic mixture as Georgiana, but with a dirty needle; administered by Sarah Jarvis when she was held captive for more than half a day. Doctor Willoughby had not done the thorough examination required before applying the cast and it nearly cost her her sanity!

    Elizabeth's nightmares maybe have been the subconscious manifestations of the childhood tortures inflicted by members of her own family. Growing up she suppressed them as much as she could, so as not to appear vulnerable and weak. Or, maybe the nightmares stem from a more recent agony. Regardless, the hallucinogens did cause her to relive most of what had been troubling her all along. And in that state, she shouted for the only people she thought could save her: her father, Jane and now, Darcy.

    The necessary treatments were given, but it had not quite worked its magic yet. No one, not even Jane or her father, could quiet Elizabeth, no one except Darcy and his velvety voice.

    "Are you hungry?" he whispered. Elizabeth nodded, her eyes closed. "Good. It's almost time for your medicine too."

    Elizabeth shook her head and sniffled. "I don't want anymore."

    "No needles, I promise," he kissed her on her cheek. "Pills, okay?"

    She reluctantly nodded her head in agreement and opened her swollen eyes to half-slits. "Will?"

    "Yes."

    "Where am I?"

    "You're at Pemberley. My house in Austin."

    "Why?" her voice cracked, dry.

    "You needed someone to take care of you." Elizabeth just stared at Darcy. "Your arm's badly bruised, that's why you have a cast on, and they..." he cleared his throat to calm his rage. "And I insisted on doing it myself."

    She smiled in her haze. "Thank you."

    Darcy helped Elizabeth to sit up, packed pillows behind her and buzzed Mrs. Reynolds. They ate quietly; him helping her with the soup, each taking turns to steal a look at the other.

    "Do you want juice or water to take with these pills?"

    She shook her head. "I changed my mind. I don't want any more."

    Darcy sighed and instinctively pushed back a curl from the tip of her nose. "You have to. It will deaden the pain," he whispered soothingly.

    Tears fell unbidden from her eyes and she looked downward. "I'd rather be in pain if it will stop me from having those nightmares."

    Darcy lifted her chin with one hand, pushed away more curls with the other and wiped her tears away with his thumb, being careful of the scars and bruises on her face. "We're fine." She wouldn't look at him. "Gina's fine, I'm okay. Everyone and everything is all well and good."

    Elizabeth swallowed hard. "My gut tells me it's not over," she sniffled.

    "I wish... I wish I could allay all your fears, Liz." He leaned down to kiss her nose. "I wish I could..."

    As he spoke she looked up, his lips brushed her lips so softly that it felt as though a feather had passed between them. Elizabeth froze in surprise, but the flash in her eyes spoke volumes; they said 'come hither.' And he did! His lips brushed hers again in a whispered kiss, then again, and once more.

    "You don't know... how glad I am... that you're alive..." he murmured in between.

    Elizabeth could only catch her breath as she leaned in for what was to be a most enjoyable extension of said kiss.

    As it deepened, Darcy stood up from his chair and leaned into the kiss, although he tried to rein in his inner most desires: to make love to her until the sun, the moon, and the stars were no more; cast or no cast! Sprooooooiiiing! He could not help what he felt.

    Elizabeth's hands instinctively sought to wrap around Darcy's neck, but with the cast, she only managed to thwack him on the head.

    Fizzzzzzzzzle! Darcy took that as a sign that his kisses were unwanted. "I, I'm sorry." He stood up to leave.

    "Will!" she winced in pain. "That's not what I meant to do! Don't go?! Please?!"

    He stood confused, and could offer nothing.

    Elizabeth put her head down, this was not going right. Such sweetness had turned ridiculous in an instant! She began to chuckle. Soon, her giggles had turned to out-loud laughter. "I only meant to... I only meant to... put my arms around you... Not brain you!"

    Despite his turmoil, he began to laugh himself. It was quite infectious! Darcy returned to his seat in front of her.

    Suddenly she stopped laughing. "Kiss me again," she whispered and leaned towards him.

    He gladly obeyed. "At your service, Madam."

    As the kiss deepened, she wisely used her left-hand to caress his cheek and play in his hair. They stayed that way until she yawned in his mouth. Instead of being offended, Darcy laughed heartily and kissed her forehead.

    "Stay with me?" she murmured as he tucked her in.

    He straightened up with urgency. "Liz... I don't think that would be such a good idea," he struggled to say.

    Oh, Darcy wanted to stay! It wouldn't take much for him to change his mind. It's just that he could not promise proper behavior in the dark bedroom of a beautiful and desirable woman.

    She looked at him earnestly. "Please?"

    That did it! Darcy sat back down in the chair beside her. "All right." He turned off the lamp on the table near her bed.

    There were several minutes of silence. In the dark, neither needed to adjust their eyes to the dimness in the room nor the blurring of the other.

    His image still burned brightly in her mind's eye; even if Elizabeth closed her eyes, she could hear Darcy breathe, picture him bat an eyelash, and envision the slightest movement as he shifted in his seat.

    Darcy had imagined himself in this very position, although under different circumstances; he could detect the differences of when she inhaled or exhaled, imagine her bat an eyelash, and behold the slightest movement as she re-positioned her head on the pillow.

    He quietly scooted his chair further up and leaned his head on her pillow. They kissed lightly and quietly and tenderly until she fell asleep.

    Chapter 52 - Stardust

    Posted on Tuesday, 28 September 1999

    Wednesday, December 23, 1998

    Elizabeth opened her eyes to see Darcy staring down at her.

    "Good morning," he whispered as he kissed her forehead.

    "Mmmm," she stretched and yawned. "Did you stay here all night?"

    "Yes." Darcy smiled and Elizabeth brightened. "You asked me to."

    "I know... That chair couldn't have been very comfortable? I'm sorry."

    "If you asked me to choose between this chair and any hospital, I'd choose this chair every time."

    "Thank you for staying," she smiled shyly.

    "You're welcome."

    "Where's Bud?"

    "At the Weston's. They have your truck as well."

    "Why?"

    "I thought it best for your recovery. And I'm not sure how the staff would've reacted to such a large dog."

    "He's very playful," she pouted.

    "I know that and you know that, but not everyone else does," he soothed. "Don't worry."

    "I'm not worried, they're the ones that got her for me. Bud knows Stan and Mabel almost as well she knows you.... I just miss my dog," she sighed.

    For a few moments there was silence. At length, Darcy asked, "You must be starving?"

    "I am."

    "Good. Mrs. Reynolds should be up in a few minutes."

    She wrinkled her nose. "I was hoping for some french fries..."

    "No McDonald's for you, young lady! We're watching your sodium intake."

    "Damn!"

    "What was that?"

    "Nothing." She looked away.

    "Let me help you up?" Darcy gently pulled her up and had enough presence of mind to toss the pillows behind her back, all the while suffering under the spell of her soft silky hair against his unshaven chin. "How's that?"

    "Fine, thank you." He turned to leave. "Will."

    Darcy turned back to face her. "Yes?"

    She pointed to her forehead and smirked. "Is that the only kiss I'm gonna get today?"

    He tried to hide a smile, but could not. "Well..." he walked over to her. "It's that morning breath thing, ya know?"

    "Oh!" she guffawed. "If I was able to reach you, I'd sock you one!"

    He laughed and leaned in. "If you insist..." Darcy whispered against her cheeks, then traced his lips to hers. Elizabeth's innards were aquiver. "I thought... I had only... dreamt this," he mumbled.

    "I wasn't... sure myself..." There was a knock on the door, startling the two lovers. "But nothing beats a failure but a try," she sighed.

    There was another knock. Damn!

    "Come in?"

    The door opened slowly. "Your lunch is here, Miss Bennet."

    "Thank you, um, uh..." Elizabeth looked at Darcy.

    "Mrs. Reynolds. Liz, this is Mrs. Reynolds. Mrs. Reynolds, Elizabeth Bennet."

    "Hi and thank you, Mrs. Reynolds."

    "Hello yourself and you're welcome," smiled the venerable housekeeper as she laid the tray on the table near the bed. "If there's anything you need or want, just dial 1." Mrs. Reynolds backed out of the room and closed the door.

    "Need some help?"

    Elizabeth was reaching for the tray. "As you see."

    "Here... scooch back first."

    "Scooch?" she snickered.

    He smiled. "Gina's term."

    "Ah," she smirked as he help her 'scoot' back to the headboard. "Is that soup really hot?"

    Darcy took a spoon off the cart and dipped it in the concoction; he sipped. "Yes!" he coughed.

    "It'll take a few minutes to cool off." Darcy nodded. "Then come here..." she patted the edge of the bed, "... and entertain me."

    "At your service, Madam." He bowed and obeyed. "Now... although I have several ideas of how you might be entertained and myself in the process, however, I await your instruction."

    "You know what I want." Elizabeth gave him her best impertinent and pouty look.

    Darcy raised and eyebrow. "I'm not sure."

    "Ooh! Will Da..." She was quieted quite judiciously.

    A few moments passed, the soup cooled, passions rose... then another knock on the door. Double damn!

    "Yes!" they both exclaimed, agitated, of course.

    "It's me," came a voice from the other side. "Can I come in?"

    Darcy looked away. "Oh Gina, of course!" Elizabeth straightened herself as much as a one-handed invalid could. "Come in."

    The door opened slowly. "I didn't mean to disturb you, but I haven't seen my brother," Georgiana raised an eyebrow as she passed Darcy, " all morning."

    Darcy blushed. "I was just making sure Liz was all right." Georgiana stared unconvinced. "I had made plans to join you for lunch downstairs," he defended.

    "Umm hmm," she doubted. "Anyway Lizzy, how are you this morning?"

    "Fine, thank you. And you?"

    "Wonderful! Hey, it's a beautiful day, are you well enough to stroll in the gardens?"

    "I haven't even attempted to stroll across this room!" laughed Elizabeth.

    "There's a rose garden right beneath this room. What if I had the balcony..." Darcy pointed toward the french doors, "... opened and set you up out there?"

    Elizabeth's eyes widened considerably. "Would you?"

    Anything for you! "Absolutely!"

    "After my brother and I have lunch together and you get some more rest, I'll join you out there, okay?"

    "Okay," she smiled. "Thanks."

    "See ya later! Coming Will?"

    "Not right now. I have to help Liz eat."

    "Umm hmm," she doubted. Georgiana left.

    Georgiana hovered over her brother's shoulder while he worked. "Can I help?"

    "Thanks, but this is business. Boring stuff. Nothing here for a teenage girl to toy with," he dismissed with a wave.

    "I've grown up a lot in the last few months," she bristled.

    Darcy reached to touch her hand. "I'm sorry. If I... if I had the power to turn back time, I'd wipe him from our family history." And from this earth!

    "I wish it as well. But you can't pin your dreams on something that cannot possibly happen," she shrugged.

    "That is very mature of you."

    "Dr. Ferrars helped me a lot. I mean, all those days of solitary confinement with no bed... I had plenty of time to think. But just talking to him for 2 hours brought out all my fears and worries. I'm not saying I'm fully recovered, of course, but I have a goal now."

    "And what is that?"

    "To be able to walk down the street without fear."

    "I'll do whatever I can to help."

    "You can start by letting me finish my senior year at my old school." It was not a question, merely a statement.

    Darcy smiled. "I'll get Mrs. Annesley on it right away."

    "And I want to take martial arts lessons again."

    "Good! Anything else?"

    "Small steps, big brother, small steps." She patted his shoulder and kissed his temple. "I'm having lunch with Lizzy, do you mind?"

    "No." Georgiana headed toward the door. "You like her, don't you?"

    "Of course! Anybody who'd risk their life to save another, has to be liked, but now I'll be able to get to know her." And with that she left him to his work.

    Chapter 53 - Titsy?

    As promised, Darcy had instructed the staff to open up the balcony off Elizabeth's bedroom.

    Darcy peeked in. "I see you're already washed and dressed."

    "Ready for my outing!" she smiled and puckered as he walked over.

    He kissed her forehead. "Good!" He walked towards the fluttering heavy draperies. "It's a beautiful day. I hope you won't tire yourself out?"

    "I'm not planning on it," she said a bit disappointed. "Are you joining us?"

    "No. I have a lot of work to do. I'm just here to carry you out."

    Elizabeth held out her arm, he walked back over to her and picked her up. "Is that the only kiss I'm going to get?" she pouted.

    He raised an eyebrow at this scenario of déjà vu. "I don't want to be interrupted again..." Darcy shifted her in his arms, pulled out a chair and placed her in it.

    "Oh, I don't mind," Elizabeth purred. "Really!" she smiled. "And no morning breath!"

    All she had to do was smile and bat those eyelashes and he would give into her desires. He was caught in her trap.

    "I..." he leaned down near her face.

    "Lunch is served!"

    They both jumped at Mrs. Reynolds voice.

    "Don't say it," Elizabeth whispered and rolled her eyes.

    "Say what?"

    "I told you so."

    "Ah, good! I'm starving!" exclaimed Georgiana from behind the housekeeper. "Perfect timing!" she smiled at everyone as she sat down.

    "Perfect timing," smiled Elizabeth behind gritted teeth.

    "Have a wonderful afternoon ladies!" Darcy bowed and left.

    "Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds, I can handle it from here." The housekeeper smiled, nodded and left. "So Lizzy, how did you rest?"

    "Very well, thank you. You seem in chipper spirits today."

    "I am!" Georgiana smiled and scooped the fruit salad onto Elizabeth's bowl. "I still sleep odd hours, but I'm fine otherwise."

    "Really? I mean you've been through such an ordeal."

    "You didn't expect me to bounce back so fast, right?" Elizabeth nodded. "I admit to struggling with myself every now and then, but as I told Will, with counseling, freedom and love, my self-esteem and self-worth will continue to grow."

    "You sound like Dr. Ferrars," chuckled Elizabeth.

    "He's been a big help to me. I just got off the phone with him. He says hello and hopes you're doing better." Elizabeth smiled. "I plan to see him at least once a week, even if that means flying to Dallas on a school night."

    "He's very good, but isn't that a little drastic to be flying back and forth?"

    "It probably is, but I feel very comfortable with him."

    "You could talk to me, if you wanted to?"

    "I intended to talk to you, but not about that... but yeah, it would be good to have another woman's perspective. A sister!"

    "I'll help as much as I can."

    "Thank you."

    "What did you want to talk to me about?"

    "Lessons."

    Elizabeth smiled. "Hapkido or Karate?"

    "Both!"

    "I am officially a teacher, you know?"

    "I know. Will told me." Elizabeth smiled again. "We've just got to work out the logistics."

    "You brother has already been learning some techniques."

    "Really?!"

    "He catches on quickly. But until I am better, I can't help you."

    "What about your father?"

    "He's down here more than he's home and in my humble opinion, he's the best teacher there ever was. Patient, honest, considerate, kind. Which reminds me of something." The medicine not only made her giddy and excitable, but it also made her forgetful. "I have to see if he patented his style of the art."

    "I'm sure Will took care of that."

    "Hmmm. I'll ask him."

    "I think it's a good idea for me to learn some sort of defensive techniques. A source of confidence and empowerment." Elizabeth agreed. "I always wanted to learn... I even took a few lessons, but I was too shy to stay with it."

    "I know. Will told me."

    "Did he also tell you that I tried it because of you?"

    "He mentioned it."

    "I remember you from the wedding. I kept my father in stitches," she chuckled. "I would kick in the air and say 'Titsy taught me!'"

    "Titsy?"

    "You're Titsy!" They both laughed. "You must remember that I had a lisp as a child?"

    "I don't remember that!" snickered Elizabeth. "You hardly spoke!" she blurted.

    "Yeah, that too!" snorted Georgiana.

    "When you first said Titsy," she gasped for air. "I thought you were paying homage... to my rather... bountiful..."

    "I never thought about that!" Georgiana pointed and fell out her chair in hearty laughter.

    "A, a Freudian slip, perhaps?!" guffawed Elizabeth.

    "Stop! Please?!" roared Georgiana.

    "Okay, okay," she sniffled. "We'll be serious." Elizabeth held her head up in a dignified air. "Serious."

    Georgiana righted herself and the chair. "Yes, serious." She sat down again. "Well, anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!"

    They both giggled while trying to maintain composure.

    "Oh Lizzy, I haven't laughed like that in months... years!" she wiped her tears. "Thank you."

    "No problem."

    They ate quietly, or as quietly as intermittent chortling would allow.

    "You know... any style of martial art would be just as beneficial?"

    "Yes, but I've made up my mind. I like both you and your father. I realize I'm falling into a comfort zone, but so be it. The first step is the most important."

    They talked of other things: womanly and worldly, silly and otherwise, and after more than 3 hours passed, Elizabeth offered a great yawn to her company.

    "Sorry!" she giggled.

    "I'll get your nurse."

    "Thank you."

    Georgiana instantly went to find the home care nurse and when they returned, Elizabeth was fast asleep in the chair. They carried her to bed, tucked her in and left.

    Chapter 54 - I Can See Clearly Now

    A knock came to the door; Elizabeth wiped her tears and fingered her hair into place. "Come in."

    Darcy opened the door. "You rang?"

    "Yes."

    He entered the room and closed the door. "What may... Why are wearing your hair like that?"

    "Why didn't you tell me?" she sniffled.

    Darcy, sensing her fretful state, crossed the room in an instant. "Tell you what?"

    "I saw myself... in the mirror!" she cried and hung her head.

    "Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth," sighed Darcy as he kissed her on the top of her head. "You are still beautiful."

    "That's not what I saw!"

    Darcy sat down on the edge of the bed. "The doctor said you will heal. You must believe that."

    "How can I?"

    "Liz," he admonished. "In all the weeks we stayed together, I don't ever remember you fussing about the way you looked."

    "I never had to before."

    Darcy chuckled and lifted her head. "And you don't have to now. Believe me when I tell you that your bruises have diminished considerably." He softly kissed her. "Considerably." His tongue traced her lips.

    Elizabeth sighed inwardly. "You sure... know how to... make me feel... so... good!"

    Georgiana peered in the door. "Did you get enough rest?"

    "Yes." Elizabeth's smile lit up the room. "Yes, I did."

    Georgiana had seen her brother leave Elizabeth's room only a few minutes ago all dreamy and smiles; she thought to steer the subject away from any possible awkwardness for herself. "We just got the most gaudy Christmas card from Caroline Bingley."

    "I don't doubt it," she frowned.

    "Do you... Of course you know her!" Georgiana contorted her face. "What a stupid question I almost asked! Duh!"

    Elizabeth laughed. "Oh, I know her, but I'd sure like to forget her."

    "I take it then that you and she are not the best of friends?"

    "Dear Lord No! Gina, we can't even be in the same room most times."

    "What happened?"

    "Which time?" she smirked.

    "All of them!" she giggled.

    Elizabeth and Georgiana shared horror stories of Caroline.

    "I've already checked. So, on Sunday, January 17th..."

    "No Will!" she giggled. "That's only 30 days away." He smiled. "I agreed to one more month."

    "Okay," he chuckled. "February it is. We'll meet at the Meyerson Symphony Center."

    "What's playing?"

    "The Marriage of Figaro will be playing on the 17th of January. As far as February is concerned, I have no clue."

    Elizabeth smiled sweetly. "I'll be there, regardless."

    They spoke in hushed tones to each other, into the wee hours of the morning. They talked of their past encounters and present happy circumstances. Their future together was not put forth out loud since the current state of affairs was all novel and newly sprung. That is not to say that, the unspoken was not wished nor the inferred not desired.

    Chapter 55 - Something Wicked This Way Comes

    Posted on Wednesday, 29 September 1999

    Thursday, December 24, 1998

    Georgiana slid herself into a chair next to her brother at the breakfast table.

    "What are you doing?"

    "Eating. Why? More goals to discuss?"

    "I meant, what are you doing with Lizzy?"

    "That's not something I wish to discuss with my much younger sister."

    "She has a nurse you know?"

    "And?"

    "You don't have to carry her around and be in her room constantly, do you?"

    "No, I don't. But I want to do it."

    "Why?"

    Darcy was getting frustrated with the line of questioning. "Why are you asking, Gina? I thought you liked Liz?"

    "I do... I just don't want you to hurt her."

    "What, what makes you think I'd do something like that?" he nearly exclaimed.

    "Well..." she sat up straight. "I've seen you with other women." Darcy turned a deep crimson. "You get bored too easily and in a few weeks you're through."

    "I, I..."

    "How do you feel about her?"

    "I don't know how I feel," he defended. "I didn't think I had to know how I felt immediately after the first kiss."

    "I didn't say you had to declare your undying love or anything. I just think... Well, if you're just grateful to her for rescuing me then..."

    "I am grateful."

    "I said just grateful. If you don't have any other feelings for her, then you need to leave her alone." Darcy sat thoughtful. "And if these feelings are just physical, then leave her alone as well." No reply. "She's very vulnerable right now, Will! What if it was me?"

    His attentions were returned to the present; he nodded and Georgiana left the room.

    Once Darcy was sure that Georgiana had left the wing, he paced. What am I doing?! The situation, as his sister presented it, had brought up what was forever present in the shadows of his mind. Yes, he wanted her... with every fiber of his being! Yes, she was vulnerable right now, but he had always wanted her and he had always gotten what he wanted! His psyche flicked back to all those encounters of the past year and the affect she had on him. The hold she had on him. The spell she cast on him. Her beautiful face, her long fluttering eyelashes, those oval exotic eyes that were so dark they were almost blue, her thin curvy figure topped off with an ample cleavage, those legs that practically reached up to her throat. All the animalistic impulses of the past came flooding back. That's nothing but physical attraction! He concentrated his mindset on what non-physical aspects he liked about her, but his brain kept advancing back toward the obvious. Coming up with nothing tangible, as a true businessman would, he gave up... for now.

    "Charles!" exclaimed Darcy as they hugged. "Isn't this a bit early for you?"

    "Well..."

    "Did you get up before the crack of dawn?" he laughed.

    "Hello Will darling," purred Caroline who was watching the touching moment from the window in the corner and secretly hoping to receive the same.

    Darcy stiffened and loosed his friend. I should've known! "Caroline." She held out her hands to him and he, guarded as usual, walked over to her. "And how are you this Christmas Eve?"

    "Fine, thanks," she kissed him on his cheek. "I was so worried about you! I nearly withered away while you were in the hospital." Caroline eyed him hungrily. "But you look as good as you always did. No bullets can harm the man of steel!"

    Darcy winced at the Superman implication, it had been nearly a year since Elizabeth called him such, yet he still remembered it. Although she meant it as a snide remark at the time, he allowed it, but no one else would have that pleasure.

    "Rehab," he stated coolly. You should try it!

    Caroline eyed the drawing room as though a police officer doing a cavity search. "Oh, how lovely this house is! You've outdone yourself this year, Will!"

    "I'll tell the staff that you approve."

    She was used to his sarcastic quips and merely thought them endearing. "Tease!" she tossed her head back and gave out what she thought was a seductive snort.

    "Charles, let's talk?"

    "What about me?! What shall I do with myself while you two talk business?" she whined.

    Try leaving! "It's a wonderful day outside, why not stroll in the gardens?"

    "Walk? In the gardens? Surely you jest?" she tittered. "Cassini would slay me himself, if he heard that I traipsed in the dirt in his shoes!"

    "I'm sure," smiled Darcy. He escorted Bingley out of the room.

    Caroline nearly hugged herself. He's coming around nicely... The holidays always make a man romantic! Maybe that's why he asked Charles to come down here? Ooh, Mrs. Caroline Darcy! How wonderful that sounds! She pointed her hand in front of her, fingers out flat. I wonder how big of a rock I can get out of him? Maybe an heirloom! She twisted her hand and imagined showing off her ring to her friends. No, an heirloom won't do. I'll have to create my own! This activity kept her occupied for a good while.

    Darcy expressed his wish, to both Mrs. Reynolds and Annesley, not to be disturbed as he and Bingley ensconced themselves in his study.

    "How are they?" asked Bingley.

    "Gina surprises me daily with her youthful exuberance and bounce-back approach," he smiled. "I thought this experience would do her in, but she seems determined to grow from it."

    "And Lizzy?"

    "Better and better," he further brightened.

    They talked for the better part of the morning.

    Georgiana startled when she entered the drawing room.

    "My dear, dear Georgiana! Merry Christmas darling!" Caroline ran across the room and feigned a kiss on both cheeks.

    "Merry Christmas Caroline."

    She immediately noted the coolness of Georgiana's countenance. "What's the matter dear?"

    "Nothing. I was just looking for my brother."

    "Oh, he and Charles are locked away somewhere! But you can talk to me?" Caroline lead her to the couch. "We always used to talk."

    No, you talked... about everything and everyone! "Caroline, there is nothing the matter with me. I just wanted to know if we were going shopping today."

    "Well, I can take you shopping. In fact, I've been wanting to speak to you about a gift for your brother," she leaned in conspiratorially. "I want to get him something extra special... if you know what I mean?"

    "He really doesn't want anything." Georgiana stood up and walked towards the door, smiling. "I just thought we'd go to pick up a Christmas gift for our houseguest, Lizzy."

    Caroline blinked, her mouth opened to accuse, to shriek, but she only whispered, "Lizzy who?"

    Georgiana turned to face her. "Lizzy. Your sister-in-law's, sis..." The view was priceless.

    Caroline's eyes bulged, she turned a ghostly pasty white, and a little spittle trickled out of her still open pie-hole. "What is she doing here?" The venom dripped slowly as she asked this question.

    Georgiana briefly explained the current living arrangements (minus the kidnapping part) and with a few minor embellishments on Elizabeth's injuries. She left Caroline to her own puddle of despair.

    "Merry Christmas!"

    "Hi Dr. Knightley, come on in!"

    "Emma. And we're not going to stay long."

    "Please come in?"

    "This is my husband Jeremy."

    "Hello Jeremy, nice to meet you."

    "Nice to meet you as well, Lizzy. You sure we're not interfering with your rest?"

    "No problem, but, if I may ask, why are you here?"

    "I promised Dr. Ferrars that I would check in on you while I was in town."

    "Spying?"

    "No!" laughed Emma. "Well, not really. I just wanted to make sure you're taking your medicine and healing properly. Plus, we don't get to see Will as often as we'd like."

    "You know Will?"

    "Since childhood," answered Knightley.

    "Will introduced us," smiled Emma.

    "Really?!" asked Elizabeth.

    "Oh yes! Will was donating a hospital wing in his father's memory a few years back and..."

    "And I tagged along," chimed Knightley. "I begged Will for an introduction and in a blink of an eye..."

    "We fell in love."

    "Love at first sight, eh?" chuckled Elizabeth.

    "No," laughed Emma. "I also grew up in Austin, but of course, Jeremy didn't remember me, although he used to pull my hair," she rolled her eyes. "But when I was 12, my Father moved us to Houston after my Mother passed on."

    "I remember the day you moved..."

    "Liar!" she chortled. "His brother kept in touch with my sister."

    "They got married while they were in college."

    "Still he didn't remember me."

    "Emma, you were very young then."

    "You should've seen his face when we were introduced! He was dumbfounded when he realized who I was!"

    They chatted amiably for half-hour about how Darcy and Knightley grew up together in Austin. Knightley's family estate, Donwell, is right next to Pemberley, but because of the acreage, nearly 10 miles separates the houses. They took their leave, and Elizabeth felt well enough to walk them downstairs and quite possibly join Darcy and Bingley wherever they were at present.

    "Thank you Dr. Kni... I mean, Emma. It was nice meeting you Jeremy."

    "Same here. We should all get together some time. How about dinner next week?"

    "I'll ask Will about it, but..." Elizabeth leaned in closer and whispered. "You might have to do some serious begging... He's going to explode when he finds out that I've even left my room."

    They all snickered.

    "I'll call him tonight," winked Knightley.

    Elizabeth walked them to the driveway. "I was only kidding. I'll be going home tomorrow..."

    "No! Why?" asked Emma.

    "Is Will kicking you out?" teased Knightley. "Where is he?"

    "My brother in-law arrived this morning to take me back home, so they could be anywhere in this house."

    "When will you be coming through San Antonio again?" asked Emma.

    "I'm not sure. But I'll plan something soon, okay?"

    The Knightleys waved good-bye and Elizabeth returned to the house to search for Darcy.

    "It was bad enough that you had to hide out with her in God knows where! But did you have to bring her here?!"

    "Caroline..."

    "Don't interrupt me Charles, I'm gonna have my say! Will, if I mean anything to you, you'll throw that slut out of this house, this instance!"

    "Who are you to tell me what to do?! In or out of this house!" Darcy sneered.

    "I don't know what you two were doing behind my back, but I'm willing to forgive you, not her. Back-stabbing bitch! This little trait is inherent in her family!"

    "Caroline, shut up!" exclaimed Bingley.

    "I will not!" she glared at her brother. Then just as quickly turned back to face Darcy and smiled prettily. "I've stood by and waited for you Will, and now you want to throw away what we have?" Darcy narrowed his eyes, but Caroline would not relent. "I will not stand idly by and watch my happiness float down the gutter to a tramp from a family of tramps!"

    "Caroline, you and I have nothing going on! Never did!" Darcy took long strides toward the door.

    She ran after him and pulled him around to face her. "That cow is probably pregnant and you're trying to do right thing, am I right?! Isn't that just like all the Bennet girls?! And I hear tell she's illegitimate!" she cackled. "I told you that I'd forgive you no matter what happened! If you want me to raise the bastard child, I'll do that for you too!"

    "Caroline, you have lost your mind!" snapped Darcy. "I won't listen to this... this ridiculous ranting!" He glared down upon her before he opened the door. "The rumors, lies, and innuendoes about the Bennets stop right here! No more lies!"

    "I speak nothing but the truth! Look what happened between her little sister and George Wickham! I mean 3 kids by that man?! Neither of them are worth the money you give them!"

    Darcy's next words stalled in his mouth when he heard a gasp from the doorway. He spun around and saw a stunned Elizabeth; she stood there with her mouth and eyes wide open.

    Chapter 56 - Upheaval!

    Posted on Thursday, 30 September 1999

    Darcy pushed Caroline away. "Liz, I'm..."

    Elizabeth ran away in tears. Darcy called after her and then followed, post-haste, but was unsuccessful in his pursuit. Elizabeth managed to slam shut her bedroom door and lock it before he got to it.

    Elizabeth crumbled to the floor and wept furiously.

    Darcy lightly stroked the door. "Liz!" he called out. No answer, only sobbing. "Liz, I'm sorry! I'm sorry." She bewailed with even more fury. "Please let me in? We can talk about this. I didn't..."

    "Go away!" she cried. "Go away," she whispered.

    Darcy leaned his forehead against the door and listened to her for several more minutes until he heard someone approaching. He quickly retreated to his room as Mrs. Annesley came up the steps.

    Back in the drawing room.

    "You really did it this time, Caroline!"

    "It was my place to do it! He needed to know how I feel!"

    "It's always about you!" Bingley shook his head and paced in front of the door. "Before you wreak any more havoc, you'd better leave." He threw his car keys on the table.

    "I'm not going anywhere! He'll come to his senses and do as I say."

    "In your dreams Caroline," he sighed. "Why don't you just wake up?"

    "Oh, I'm wide awake now! I see it all! I know it all! And if I have to keep reminding Will of her lowlife connections, then I'll do that!"

    "And just how do you know about Wickham and Lydia?"

    "Do you think she's the only one capable of digging up dirt on other people?! Ha! Will doesn't even lock the drawers in his office. And I had a key made just in case!"

    "But, that's... that's criminal!"

    "I'll do whatever I need to do to keep my friends close and my enemies even closer!"

    "Your enemies?"

    "My worst enemy," she huffed.

    "But how... Why?" Bingley was completely bewildered.

    "It's none of your damn business!" Nobody slaps me and walks away scot-free! "But I'll make sure she pays and pays dearly," she cackled wildly. Then she turned flippant. "In the meantime, I'll marry Will."

    His features hardened. "I've been troubled by your attitude for a long time now and..."

    "You think I care little brother?" Caroline flopped in a chair and rolled her eyes.

    Bingley locked the door. "It doesn't matter whether you care or not."

    "What are you doing?"

    "You," he spat, "will not interrupt me. I've tried to overlook your hatred and disdain for the Bennets. I have no clue as to what goads you so. However, I will brook no more spiteful comments or ungracious behavior on your part. Especially to my wife!" Caroline rolled her eyes. "I can't believe I let you get away with this for 11 years! But no more! You will never be allowed in my house again..." Caroline yawned. "No more excuses for you when you refuse an invitation from Jane, because there will be none." Caroline smirked. "No more lying for you when you do something completely uncalled for." Caroline contemplated her nail polish. "No more giving you money..." Bingley finally got Caroline's attention, she looked up in shock. "... and whatever little money you have left, you should learn to spend it wisely."

    "Charles, you can't! That's not fair!"

    "Your weakness," he smiled. "Is no longer my problem."

    "Why are you doing this to me?!" she whined.

    He walked over and leaned on the arms of her chair. They were nose-to-nose; Bingley's normally laughing blue eyes turned ice cold. "Because now I see you as you really are... A money hungry Jezebel who is willing to prostitute her body, her mind and her soul for the all-powerful dollar! And the more money the man has, the more you change."

    Caroline pushed Bingley away. "I don't need you! When I marry Will Darcy, we'll destroy you and your precious Bennets!" And with that she ran to the door, unlocked it and went to her bedroom.

    Friday, December 25, 1998

    Ever-present staff scurried around greeting the early morning rising master of the house with holiday wishes, Darcy merely nodded as he passed them by. He lumbered into the breakfast room and immediately upon seeing Caroline, his mood spiraled even lower. The dark circles under his eyes, from lack of sleep, took on a purplish-black shade. His bruised lips, from biting them throughout the night, turned ashen gray. His red eyes, from glaring in the dark, turned bloodier. His cracked and dry throat, from holding back tears, suddenly swelled shut.

    "Merry Christmas!" she chimed cheerfully.

    Merry Christmas?! Go to... There were things he wanted to say to her, but now was not the time! Not when he did not have control over his emotions, not when he could only see her spilled blood, not when his hands ached to be around her neck... No, now was definitely not the time!

    In an instant, he turned back to retreat, only to run smack into Bingley who was not in the best of moods either.

    "Will, my car is gone!"

    Darcy stood dumbfounded. "What?"

    "Maybe Caroline took it..." The rest of the sentence died on Bingley's lips as he saw his sister coming towards them. "Oh no!"

    Darcy's heart began to pound in his ears. "Lizzy!"

    The 2 men ran to her bedroom, pounded on the door for a few seconds, tried the knob and found it unlocked. A heightened sense of foreboding struck them both as Darcy flung it open... Their fears had been realized. Elizabeth had flown the coop!

    Chapter 57 - Runaway

    Posted on Friday, 1 October 1999

    "Jane! Thank God you're up! Honey, have you heard from Lizzy?!"

    "Charles, what's wrong?! Why should I be hearing from..."

    "She gone Jane! Gone!"

    "Gone?! What do you mean gone?!"

    "Gone! Bye-bye! Arrivederci! Sayonara! See ya, later! Buenos No..."

    "I get it!"

    "Sorry, honey."

    "Now, tell me why she left?"

    "Caroline upset her and..."

    "Why would you take Caroline with you?! You know they hate each other!"

    "She insisted, honey. I had no..."

    "Charles Emerson Bingley, if anything happens to Lizzy, I'll never forgive you!"

    "But, Jane, baby, sweetheart, I..."

    "Be ready to room at the YMCA!" Jane slammed the phone down in his ear.

    In Dallas and Irving

    "Papa! Lizzy's run away!"

    Mr. Bennet blinked his eyes to get a look at the clock. "Of what are you speaking?"

    "Charles just called me in a panic. He went to pick up Lizzy at Will's, but took Caroline with him, they had a fight and now she's gone!"

    "Jane, calm down!"

    "Is that Jane?!" screeched Mrs. Bennet. "Oh my Lord something's happened!" She sat straight up in the bed. "Charles has lost all his money and they are destitute! Oh my poor, poor Jane!" she wailed.

    "Calm yourself Fran!"

    "Oh Lord, even worse, he's run off with another woman! Oh Jane, Jane, Jane..."

    "Nothing's wrong with Jane, Lizzy's missing!"

    "Oh that again!" she huffed. "Clarence, you know your daughter as well as I do, this is just another attempt to get attention!" Mrs. Bennet pulled the comforter over her head, flopped back to the bed, and covered her ears.

    Mr. Bennet rolled his eyes and whispered. "Jane what happened?"

    In Austin

    Darcy slammed the phone down, head hung low, mumbling and cursing to no one in particular, or rather an indifferent desk sergeant. A sudden movement jerked his senses to aware mode.

    "Charles!" he bellowed from his study. Bingley peered around the door. "Get in here!"

    "Will, now..."

    "Did you know?!" he pointed and sneered.

    "No. I..."

    "Then how did Caroline find out?!" his arms flailed wildly.

    "From what she..."

    "I've had it up to here with her!" he waved above his head. "This is the last straw... the last straw!!!" He pounded the desk. "Charles, if I ever see your sister's face again, I'll kill her!

    "Will, I..."

    "I swear I will!" Darcy pushed his chair out from behind his desk and stood. "That's it! No more!" He paced. "How am I ever going to explain this to her?!" He looked heavenward.

    "Will..."

    "She'll never speak to me again! How am I going to fix this?!" Darcy stopped suddenly. "Charles, you have to help me?!" His eyes wild and pleading. "She'll listen to reason! She'll listen to you! She just..."

    "Will!" Darcy stared blankly at his friend. "Let's sit down and talk about this... rationally, calmly. I'll tell you what I know and you'll tell me the whole story, then I'll do my best to help you."

    Darcy had calmed. They talked for 10 whole minutes without any outbursts.

    "I've got to call Charlotte, the Gardiners, and..." he fidgeted. "... and Mr. Bennet."

    "I'm sure Jane has already informed her father."

    "Second hand?!" Panic sprung forward and so did Darcy out of his seat. "You know he didn't want Liz to stay here in the first place! He's gonna hear that I screwed up and come down here and..."

    "Will, calm down!"

    "... that's why I haven't heard from him! He's on his way..." Darcy wanted to flee. "...probably packing his swords and ninja gear..."

    Bingley was quite disturbed by his friend's abnormal behavior; he stood up and grabbed Darcy by the arms. "Will, calm down! Right now, there's nothing you can do. The police have been notified and they're on their way, right?"

    "Right," stuttered Darcy.

    Just then the phone rang, making them both nearly jump out of their skin; it was picked up by Mrs. Reynolds in another room. Bingley and Darcy stood silent until a voice over the speakerphone called out.

    "Mr. Darcy, a Mr. Bennet is on Line 1 for you."

    Darcy hung his head and walked over to the phone. "Thank you Mrs. Reynolds." He took several hard swallows then pressed the button. "Mr. Bennet, I..."

    "What in the devil have you done to my daughter?!?!"

    "Mr. Bennet, I..."

    "Mr. Bennet, this is Charles. This was no fault of Will's, my sister upset her and..."

    "Excuse me, Mr. Darcy," Mrs. Reynolds' voice interrupted. "The police are here to see you."

    "Thank you. Please show them in?" Darcy sat down heavily and rubbed his temples. "Mr. Bennet, I'm leaving you on speaker, in case you have something to add."

    A quick knock followed and two plain-clothes detectives (Brandon and Eliot) entered.

    "Mr. Darcy?" asked Brandon.

    Darcy raised his hand.

    The interview took no more than 15 minutes, however, some very interesting questions were brought to the surface by Detective Brandon that neither Darcy nor Bingley could fathom. How did Elizabeth know that Bingley's keys were on the coffee table in the drawing room? And how did she get off the property with security on guard at every post?

    Bingley stood bewildered, Mr. Bennet seethed, and Darcy paced furious.

    Oh, heads will roll, that's for certain! For incompetence, for ineptitude, for in... and anything else I can think of! But I'll have to get a dictionary and get back to you. Okay, back to the story!

    "Charles," Mr. Bennet's voice broke through the collective fog. "What did Caroline say to upset Lizzy?"

    Both men froze in horror. The moment of truth had arrived! At length, they both explained the situation to the fullest.

    To say that Mr. Bennet was beyond shocked would be a gross understatement. There are no words to describe how Daniel felt initially when he was thrown into the lion's den, nor what the Jericho occupants felt when they heard the noise outside and saw their beloved city walls crumble in front of them, nor what Lot felt when he realized his wife had been turned into a pillar of salt after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah; so I won't try. I'll just say that an unnatural noiselessness fell upon the phone line, followed soon enough by a click and then the hum of dead air.

    Continued In Next Section

    © 1999 Copyright held by the author.