by Teg
you so I’d better eat it, too. She can’t hurt me if I’m dead already.” He tasted it and his expression took on a look of astonishment. “It’s not bad. Not much like Georgie’s but it’s edible, at least.”
In truth the meal was more than passable. Elizabeth ate all that she had been served and Will even had seconds, finishing up what remained in the pan and ensuring there were no leftovers. He didn’t want to leave any evidence, he told her.
Believing they were done, he was surprised when Elizabeth revealed a cake that had been hidden under a cover.
“Did you make it?” Will asked.
“Yes,” she replied. “Jane helped.” Elizabeth had insisted on making the cake, right down to icing it, with little assistance from her sister. Jane wouldn’t allow her to place the pan in, or take it out of the hot oven. The kitchen had been a bit of a disaster area afterward but the boost to Elizabeth’s spirits was more than worth the extra work.
Will set to cutting them each a slice, suggesting they enjoy it in the living room while watching one of the movies he’d brought. A dilemma presented itself, however. He couldn’t lend Elizabeth his arm while carrying the tray with their dessert at the same time. She gave him a look, indicating the cane that rested beside her chair; the cane that she used in the house daily when he wasn’t there. Sheepishly, he nodded and preceded her out of the kitchen.
By the time Elizabeth joined him, Will had the movie ready to go and the
coffee table pulled up closer to the sofa. She sat down on the middle cushion, leaving him no option but to sit close beside her. Will laughed quietly at the blatant strategy, feeling very much like a sixteen year old being manipulated by a pretty girl. He had no intention of denying himself the pleasure and took up his place next to Elizabeth.
She looked at him curiously. “What movie?”
“The one that made you squeal when you saw the title,” he teased. “If you get bored with the second one you can just go to sleep and I’ll not hold it against you.” She slapped him gently across his chest.
The sun’s heat warmed her skin within minutes. She could leave behind the pain, purge the dead emotions and feel new again. Every stride took her further from the source of that pain and closer to cleansing. She could never be completely untouched by all that had been said, all that had occurred, but these short respites in the tranquil setting she had grown to love could more than make up for the temporary battles fought elsewhere.
There was a sensation of being watched. Why had she not felt it before? Why, in all of her forays in the park, had she never noticed his solitary figure and sensed his gaze upon her?
The reality was that her mind had almost always been deeply engaged in
thoughts and emotions that were better forgotten. An easy target she would have been for any prowling deviant. She was well aware that her safety then was down to the vigilance of Will. Who else was looking out for her? Certainly not George. Never George.
Elizabeth opened her eyes and confirmed what her senses had told her earlier; Will was looking at her, his gaze admiring and not the least bit critical. She reached out to touch his cheek, running her thumb along the edge of his lower lip and seeing his eyes slowly close. His hand sought hers and their fingers intertwined. A contented sigh passed her lips; a moment when words were
unnecessary, even superfluous.
Several sweet minutes of silence passed until Will drew in a long breath and spoke softly. “Let me light a fire. It’s getting a little chilly in here.”
Elizabeth shifted her body so that he could ease his out from under her weight.
An appreciative smile formed as she observed him hunched next to the
fireplace, setting the kindling alight. The flames crackled into life casting an orange glow on the room. Will pushed the table to one side and pulled the thick wool throw rug toward him. Spreading it out on the floor in front of the fire he invited Elizabeth to join him on the softness. She was more than happy to
oblige although it felt very strange to be lying on the floor, the thick carpet beneath her. Will was seated with his back against one of the large armchairs, leaning slightly forward to ease her head onto his lap, her shoulders resting along his thighs.
“I did this for you in the hospital, before you began to show signs of
awakening.”
Elizabeth felt a flutter of excitement, wondering what was to come, yet feeling a vague sense of familiarity as she watched him rub his hands together to warm them.
“Close your eyes,” he breathed, almost sensually.
So gently did his fingers trace along her temples that Elizabeth barely felt his touch. Feather light, whisper soft, back and forth over her cheeks and across her brow his fingers moved. No sound but the crackle of the fire could be
heard. She had long since given herself over to the pleasure Will was offering.
She was nearly lulled to sleep, his technique was so soothing. Elizabeth dared to open her eyes just enough to peer up at Will’s face, an expression of
concentration upon it. Her lips moved as she silently said I love you, Will.
His focus was disturbed, his eyes blinked in surprise. Both eyebrows raised slightly as if disbelieving what he’d seen.
Again her lips formed the words. I love you. She fixed her gaze on his eyes, willing him closer. At the last moment he hesitated, diverting her attention with a whispered comment.
“Whatever is in my power to give you, I do so freely. What is it you want, Elizabeth?”
Without another thought, she leaned toward him and stretched herself up until her lips met his. She held nothing back, sending every wish, every desire she felt for him surging through her kiss. His response was immediate and electric,
creating a vibration which began in her bones and seeped into her very soul, leaving them both breathless when they parted.
Will looked at her dazedly. “I..... am dreaming, I think.” Elizabeth giggled, bringing his eyes into focus on her face. “You are beautiful,” he whispered, one hand cupped against her cheek. “Tell me the truth, Lizzy.”
She knew what he meant; she had practised the words before the mirror since the day she’d come home. Slowly, carefully, she said it. She voiced what he most wanted to hear. “I love you, Will.”
Nothing had prepared him for it. Imagine as he might, Will had not any
expectation of hearing such words from Elizabeth’s lips, certainly not so soon.
From the moment she had begun to show real signs of awareness he had been
filled with fear; dreadful anticipation of her demanding he not be allowed back to her room. Each day that passed had lessened the fear and strengthened his determination to win her heart. It had been his goal, in addition to seeing her restored to health, the day she was released from the hospital bringing him both joy and despair. Seeing her daily had been his lifeline. He didn’t know what to expect once Jane took control.
Cautiously, Will raised a hand to touch her face, to caress it as he had done countless times before without her knowledge. He watched Elizabeth close her eyes, a whisper of breath passing over her lips as she exhaled, then inhaled deeply. “What is it?” he asked. “What makes you smile so sweetly?”
Without opening her eyes, she said quite simply, “You.”
He could not resist and touched his lips to her own. “I love you, Elizabeth. I have forever loved you, I’m sure of it.”
“I know.” She had spoken more to him in those ten minutes than in the months of his visits but all of it was sincere, all of it must be said. Whether he knew it or not, Elizabeth remembered everything, his words and efforts, while she lay in that hospital bed seemingly insensible to anything around her. The very first thing she had realised was the scent of him, every day, as he leaned over her and kissed her hello and goodbye. When he had left, oh how she missed it! He reminded her of sultry summer days and dazzling sunlight. Nothing compared to the tantalizing lure of those images, drawing her very spirit from the
shrouded depths where it lay trapped. When his voice reached inside her,
exquisite and resonant, she naturally followed, never looking back and wanting only him. She said it again, hushed but urgent, “I love you, Will.”
Suddenly, quietly, he said, “I’ve wanted to dance with you for months, Lizzy.
Dance with me now, please.” He stood and helped her to her feet, wrapping his arms about her waist and holding her securely. There was no music but they didn’t need any. Their hearts beat strongly and in rhythm, their feet moved slowly in time. Will supported her as she clung to him, head resting against his chest and her hands savouring the contours of his back, relishing the sensation possessively. Many times he’d imagined them together like this; the reality was
far beyond his fantasy. “Lizzy,” he said, a sudden apprehension seizing him.
“Are you sure?”
She raised her head and looked at him. “Yes,” she murmured against his lips.
“Oh, yes.”
His hands captured her face, indulging their desire with kisses intended to claim her heart for his own. Elizabeth had long ago taken his and Will had never entertained the wish to have it returned. “I will not let you down. I promise.” His words flowed over, around and through her, every utterance
affirming his constancy and finding refuge in her receptive heart.
Jane eyes her husband’s profile as the street lamps alternately brought his features into light and darkness while he drove. The evening had been
delightful, although she couldn’t believe how tired she felt after only a few dances. It certainly wasn’t advanced years, not with her twenties barely left behind. Jane was forced to concede that Charles had been correct and, in spite of her original protest, it was time to give Elizabeth more freedom and curb her own mothering instincts. After all, the goal was to make her sister self
sufficient eventually. During the early weeks of her recovery Lizzy had been pushed to get her to the point that she was able to go home. Once there it was no time to start babying her. It would undo all the previous progress.
Yawning loudly, Jane hazarded another glance at Charles and found him
silently laughing at her. “Alright, I admit it. You were right.” The tender smile accompanying her words softened the sting.
“I didn’t think you’d be able to stay awake this long,” Charles said with a smirk.
Jane laid a hand on his knee. “I’m glad we did this. Thank you for dragging me along.”
“It’s been a long time since we’ve enjoyed ourselves. I think we should do it more often now.” He anticipated some resistance but was pleasantly surprised by her reply.
“Yes,” agreed Jane. “Maybe, just maybe, Lizzy and Will could join us in the future. When Lizzy is stronger and ready to face the world again I want to be there for her. We used to do so much together and I miss it, Charles.”
Putting his hand over hers, Charles gave her fingers a squeeze. “I’m sure Lizzy does, too. Have you made that appointment for her? She’s been talking more and I think it’s time that she deals with what she remembers, or doesn’t.”
“I was going to speak with her about it tomorrow. You know how stubborn she can be. If I make an appointment with the doctor and Lizzy decides to be
uncooperative then where does that get us?”
“The doctor will know what to do, whatever reaction Lizzy has.”
She knew he was right; again. “Of course. I’m afraid for her, though. She’s been through so much and it’s all so unfair! Forcing her to relive it, even if only in memory, is going to be painful.”
Charles squeezed her hand again. “It’s necessary, though. I think once she starts, the questions will pour out, too. She’s going to want to know everything; what happened to George, where he is now.”
“At least those answers are pretty straightforward.” Jane sank against the back of her seat. “How do I explain why mom and dad still haven’t come to see her without making Lizzy feel like she’s done something wrong?”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
They were silent, each seemingly considering the challenges that still lay before them as a family. Finally, Jane drew a deep breath.
“I would be very pleased if Lizzy chooses to be with Will, whether it be
marriage or something less official. There’s no doubt of his feelings, the strength of commitment he has for her. Lizzy, though....” She hesitated.
Charles knew what she was trying to say. He’d already cautioned his friend about the same thing. “Will was a lost cause long ago where Lizzy is
concerned. Whatever she decides will not change the way he feels. He was
quite hopeful the other night.”
“I’m not sure she even knows what she feels.”
“Trust her.”
“What if she moves too fast?”
“Trust Will.”
“You have an answer for everything, don’t you,” chuckled Jane.
Charles flashed her a toothy smile. “That’s why I’m paid the big bucks, my dear.”
They arrived home laughing, something that had not been heard often in the Bingley home for a long time. Charles opened the door to a very quiet house.
Jane peered around him into the dimly lit entry. A softly flickering glow came from the direction of the living room.
“You go first,” she whispered.
Charles stifled a snort, amused by his wife’s suddenly delicate sensibilities. He took her hand and pulled her forward as he stopped in the opening to the living room. A low fire cast a meagre light into the room but it was enough to reveal the two figures snuggled together under a blanket on the floor in front of the fireplace.
“How sweet,” murmured Jane.
Will stirred with the sound, rolling slightly toward them and peering sleepily up at the couple. “Ah, you are home.”
“Sorry to disturb you,” Charles said. “You had a pleasant evening, I take it?”
“Very pleasant, thank you.” He carefully slipped out from under the blanket without letting any cold air in on his warm companion. “Did you enjoy
yourselves?”
“Yes,” replied Jane. She met Will’s gaze, her expression apologetic. “I’m sorry I’ve not been more considerate of your feelings since Lizzy came home. I’m really going to try harder to give you both the time and space you need but please don’t hesitate to tell me when I overstep the boundaries.”
“That is.... very generous of you, Jane.” Will was finding it difficult to believe everything that had happened in that one day. “I know we share the same goal; making sure Elizabeth heals as quickly and fully as possible.” He looked down to where the young woman was still asleep at their feet. “I think right now it’s time to get Sleeping Beauty up to her own bed.”
Elizabeth felt his gaze upon her and opened her eyes. They sparkled, firelight reflecting in their dark depths.
“Time to properly tuck you in for the night,” he said in a hushed voice. “Are you awake enough to tackle the stairs?”
She stretched languorously before replying. “With your help.”
He took her hands and assisted her to stand. For a moment she held tightly to his arms, wobbling slightly while adjusting her balance. Then her smile
warmed him and they moved toward the stairs.
Outside the bedroom door Elizabeth paused. “Are they back yet?”
“Yes,” Will said. “They’re just having a glass of wine in the kitchen.”
Her mouth formed a round ‘oh’ before being replaced with a wistful smile.
“Thank you,” was all she said aloud but her eyes declared much more. She
couldn’t let him go without a kiss, though, and wrapping her arms about his neck Elizabeth did just that. They stood for some time in the doorway, bodies gently swaying together while the promises made earlier in the evening were confirmed in their embrace. At last they moved apart and Will pushed her
lightly into the room. Elizabeth blew him one last kiss and closed the door, leaning her back against it and closing her eyes, a radiant smile on her face.
Chapter Thirteen
Jane had silently observed her sister through breakfast, a thousand thoughts running through her mind. Elizabeth herself seemed to be far away, needing to be asked several times if she wanted more toast or juice. In spite of her
promise, both to herself as well as to Will and Charles, that her anxious
behaviour would be curtailed, Jane was finding it difficult to accomplish.
Elizabeth was a strong willed woman, equally independent, and although those qualities contributed to the success of her recovery thus far it was also apt to lead her into trouble. There were certain avenues in life that Elizabeth wasn’t ready to travel no matter what she might believe.
Once Charles had left for work Jane poured them each a cup of coffee and sat down at the table, looking directly at her sister. “Lizzy, I think we need to talk about you and Will, where you are going with the relationship.”
Elizabeth gazed at her sister with a challenge in her eyes. “I love him,” she said. The words had come more easily with each repetition so that now there was no hesitation at all.
“I do not doubt your feelings,” Jane carefully said. “I am concerned about the seriousness of the relationship so quickly, particularly when you haven’t even put the last one behind you yet.” She noticed the flicker of Elizabeth’s eyelids with those words. “You’ll have to talk about him sooner or later, Lizzy. I know you’re avoiding it and that you remember more than you are letting on.” She set her cup down firmly on the table’s surface, pushing it out of the way so that she could lean closer and speak more softly. “I’ve made an appointment for you to see Dr. Wendell on Friday.”
Elizabeth’s lips pressed tightly together. When she spoke it was with
determination. “I have nothing to tell her.”
“Don’t be foolish. You know better than the rest of us how important it is for you to examine what happened and how you feel about... George. You spent
years working with people who needed to do the same thing, confront their past mistakes before they could move on, go forward with their lives.” Jane’s voice began to show frustration. “I was so afraid I’d lost you, Lizzy, in all the months and months of pain watching you fade away! I’m not going to let that happen now that you’ve come this far.”