by Teg
His face was bright red. “I’m sorry I ever mentioned it.” Will was forced to wait another five minutes while his sister struggled to stop laughing.
“I’m sorry,” she finally managed. “I’ve just never heard a man with such a complaint.”
“You know it’s not a complaint, Georgiana. It’s Elizabeth’s well-being I’m concerned about.” All humour was at an end for Will.
“Of course. Then let’s get back to the original question.”
He sighed. “What was that?”
“Are you willing to risk a future relationship with Elizabeth and your children just to keep your position as the Big Man at the Office?”
His sister’s suggestion was taking root. “I’ll concede that what you say makes sense but what about –?”
“The business?” she finished for him. “Will, I’m not asking you to resign or give up all interest in it. I wouldn’t let you do that anyway. I have as much to lose as you do if it goes under. I trust you. Trust yourself. If you choose the person to take your place I’m sure there will be no discernible difference.”
Will didn’t answer for some time. He sat silently, eyes closed but his mind busily working. Finally, when Georgiana had neared the end of her patience, he said, “I will.... think about it.”
“Where is she? Where is my beautiful Jane?” Charles hid a grimace as his
mother-in-law pinched his cheek. “Oh, such a handsome young man!” gushed
Dolores Bennet. “You and my daughter will make the most perfect babies!”
She was stubbornly oblivious to the bright flush in his face with her comment.
“Now, where is that daughter of mine?”
“At least let us all get in the house first, Dolly,” came the exasperated voice of her husband. “Hello, Charlie.”
Charles stepped back to usher Dolores through. Mary was behind her, quietly waiting her turn to escape the cold and placing a modest kiss on the cheek of her brother-in-law. Bringing up the rear, laden with bags and boxes, was Ted Bennet. Charles relieved him of some of his burden.
“Bring the rest through here,” he said, nodding toward the living room.
Dolores had already completed her inspection of the room. ‘Where is your
tree? Don’t tell me you’re one of those conservationist types, getting all worked up about killing trees and what a waste it is for a couple of weeks in the year! You could always get an artificial one, you know. Not as nice looking but it would do if you’re dead set against real trees. You’ve got to have a Christmas tree of some sort, though. We had one very year when Jane was
growing up. She –.”
“Dolly, you are rambling.” Ted gave her a stern look. “Let the boy get a word in.”
“Thank you,” said Charles. “First of all, Jane is out getting some groceries. We weren’t expecting you until later this afternoon. Secondly, she thought Ted might like to pick out the tree tomorrow. I understand that you and Lizzy used to do that together every year.”
Ted’s gaze drifted away while his wife responded to the suggestion. “What a marvellous idea! Oh, but is Lizzy capable? I thought she couldn’t walk. What if she falls into a coma again and he can’t wake her up?”
“Oh, for God’s sake, Dolly! People don’t just fall in and out of a coma,” Ted angrily barked.
“Well, how am I supposed to know that?” she whined. “I don’t watch all those medical shows like you do. Where is Lizzy, anyway? Does she stay up in her room?”
Feeling his patience waning, Charles tried to remain polite when he said, “No, she had a therapy session this morning and Will took her to that, then they were going shopping. I’m not sure what time they will be back. Can I get you
something to drink or eat? You must have left early this morning.” He didn’t wait to hear any reply but escaped to the kitchen to make some coffee.
Surprisingly, Mary opened the door behind him.
“Charles? Can I help you in here?”
She looked frazzled and he recalled that she had spent the last several hours in confinement with her parents. “Thanks, I appreciate it,” he said with a
sympathetic smile.
They weren’t long in getting a plate of cheese and crackers together, the
cookies Jane had baked were already arranged on a tray and needed only to be unwrapped, and Charles carried the coffee cups to the living room while Mary brought the rest.
“Is this Will?” Dolores immediately asked, holding up a framed photo. “I don’t have my glasses so I can’t see it too clearly but I seem to remember he’s a very handsome fellow. Where did I put my glasses? Teddy, do you know what I did with them?”
“Left them in the car, maybe?” he mumbled in a tired voice.
“Oh, yes! Would you be a dear and get them for me? Charles, did I understand rightly that Will has been working very closely with Lizzy on her therapy?”
She completely ignored her husband’s grumbling as he went to do her bidding.
“Er.. I don’t think I said that,” Charles said, distracted by the departure of Ted.
“Jane was pretty busy with everything else and Will offered to take Lizzy to her appointment.” The fact that his friend also collected Elizabeth’s clothing and other necessities for her stay at his place was not something that needed mentioning. Elizabeth had been giddy with excitement that morning and Jane all too eager to shove them out the door together.
“Oh, but shopping afterward! Such a considerate young man!” She suddenly
looked thoughtful, a puzzled frown slowly creasing the heavy makeup around her eyes. “Well, he must frequent the more exclusive shops, I imagine. The sales staff in those places are most helpful.” She continued to look unsure, though.
“I think they were going to the mall, actually. Lizzy had a list of things to buy.”
“Where will you get the tree tomorrow?” Mary spoke up.
Charles was grateful for the change of subject and spent some time describing the farm where they could cut their own fresh tree, the family’s long history in the area and the delightful time they’d had the previous year when he and Jane had picked out their first tree together. “Lizzy came along, too, and then helped us to decorate it. We had a great time that evening and I’m sure it will be just as much fun when they bring the tree home this time.”
Ted had returned and seemed startled at the mention of that Christmas. “Lizzy was with you last year? I didn’t think George would.....”
“He was here, too,” Charles quietly informed them.
“You welcomed him into your home.” The tone was bitter.
Charles let his breath out slowly. “We welcomed Elizabeth into our home.
George was endured.”
There was silence for a few moments, even Dolores eyeing her son-in-law cautiously. At last, Ted spoke again. “How well has Elizabeth recovered,
really? I suspect Jane’s descriptions are sugar-coated so I’m prepared for the worst.”
“The worst?” Shaking his head, Charles barely contained a derisive snort.
“Seven months ago was the worst when Jane was convinced her sister would
never awaken. Every day since then has only gotten better. Do you have any idea what it’s like to lose all hope when you’ve spent months wishing a miracle would happen? I had to watch Jane experience that and I’m telling you, I don’t want to ever go through it again.” He couldn’t stay still, got up from his chair and paced the room. “It would have been easier if Lizzy had died that night but thank God that didn’t happen.” Pausing in his steps, Charles looked at both Bennet parents, trying to keep his anger in check. “Did you call the hospital, even once, in all this time? Did you know what was happening to your
daughter? To either of them?”
“I did.” Mary’s meek voice squeaked. All three turned to stare at her. “I had to know. I love my sister, too.” Her gaze fell to her lap where her fingers were picking at a brightly patterned napkin.
/> “Good for you, Mary.” Charles stood tall, smiling at the young woman. “Look, I’m sorry it has come to this. I didn’t mean for things to get unpleasant but it’s better now than when Jane arrives or, heaven forbid, Lizzy and Will return.”
“That brings us to another point,” began Ted. “What is going on between them?
What sort of fellow is he? I wasn’t impressed with him when we first met and I’m certainly not going to approve any kind of –.”
“Approve? Approve!” Charles laughed. “Ted, after abandoning Lizzy over her mistake in getting involved with George Wickham how can you even sit there and suggest that your approval is important with regard to Will Darcy? He’s one of the finest men I know and wouldn’t harm a fly if it bit him. He’s also been there for Lizzy, unlike her family! Oh, don’t get me started, Ted.” He glanced at his mother-in-law who was just opening her mouth to speak. “And don’t you say a word, Dolores! I don’t want either of you upsetting Jane with all this garbage. It’s going to be tense enough as it is. Elizabeth doesn’t want to see either of you but Jane convinced her to at least give you a chance. Don’t blow it.”
The sound of the front door and Jane’s voice startled them all.
“Honey? Is that Dad’s car out front? Can you help me with the groceries?”
“Not a word,” Charles commanded, one finger punctuating the air. “Coming,
dear!” He hurried to help Jane, Mary following just as quickly.
Jane was thrilled to see her sister. “Mary! Oh, you look beautiful! What have you done with your hair?”
Charles offered to bring the bags from the car so the ladies could take them to the kitchen, giving him the opportunity to cool off while they chatted. He hoped Jane’s parents were doing the same.
Elizabeth tossed a handful of snow at Will, managing to make some fall inside his collar. She laughed as he tried to remove most of it before it melted.
“You’re going to regret that,” he teased, then instantly swore when her eyes widened and the smile disappeared. “Lizzy, I’m sorry. You know I didn’t mean it, right? I wouldn’t hurt you.” He dropped the snow he’d picked up but made no move toward her. “Lizzy?”
She looked up, met his eye and smiled weakly. “I know.” Reaching out her arm to him, Elizabeth’s smile warmed when he took her hand. “Take me home,
Will. Please.”
Their walk had been pleasant up until then. Will cursed his stupidity and
careless choice of words. The morning had been productive; Elizabeth had
completed the shopping she needed to do and he had succeeded in outfitting her in a new winter coat, boots and all the necessary accessories. It had been a satisfying experience to watch her eyes light up when they’d entered the store and she’d seen all the displays of beautiful clothing. He had persuaded her to try on whatever caught her eye, silently indicating to the saleswoman to put aside the items that she most liked so that he could pick them up later. When they came to the coats Will made no secret of the fact that he wanted to
purchase one immediately and urged Elizabeth to be completely frivolous in her selection. She was too excited to object and he was only too pleased to see her enthusiasm. When their shopping excursion came to an end he suggested a walk in their park to test out her new boots and make sure the coat was warm enough for winter.
Elizabeth insisted on trying out her new gloves to ensure that snowballs could be thrown.
There were few people in the park, some walking dogs which Elizabeth
stopped to admire. Then they set out on her favourite path, the one she used to run daily so long ago when the weather was fine. The air was cool and
soundless but for the occasional chirp of a bird and their own breathing. Will steadily held her arm as they walked the snowy trail. As they approached a curve in the path she pulled him to the side and quickly kissed him, then
laughed and broke away, scooping up snow and lobbing it at him as she
continued ahead of him.
He caught her once, braving the attack to press forward and plant a cold, snowy kiss on her lips. She had ammunition, though, and pressed it against his ear to effect her escape, her laughter floating through the nearby trees.
Then all the fun was quickly extinguished with a few words.
Silently, they walked back to the car. Will could not let go of the disappointment he felt with himself.
Elizabeth had forgotten the entire incident, reliving the sense of freedom she’d felt while they played on the secluded path. All of her pain ceased to trouble her; she refused to let it disturb the peace she had found in those brief
moments.
“Oh.” She suddenly stopped.
Concerned, Will looked at her anxiously. “What is it?”
Elizabeth’s face reflected shock. “I didn’t get you a present!” Will’s relieved laughter did not console her for this oversight. “How could I?”
“Lizzy, I have you. I don’t need anything else.” He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her into his warmth and gently kissing her brow. “All I’ve ever wanted is you since the first moment I saw you here in this very park, hanging from a tree.”
She snorted in surprise. “But I thought...”
“You thought the first time I’d seen you was when Charles tried to talk me into a blind date?” He laughed softly. “No, my dear. You cannot imagine how stupid I felt when I recognised you and realised what I’d said and done. I just kept piling mistakes on mistakes after that.”
Unexpectedly, Elizabeth kissed him. Then she looked him in the eye and said,
“I wanted you when you first kissed me.” He seemed a little confused so she enlightened him some more. “The night before Jane’s wedding.”
“But you said –!”
“I was awful, I know. I’m sorry.” She was genuinely regretful and held on to him more tightly, wishing the hurt she’d caused could be as simply erased.
It was nothing compared to what she had suffered, however, and Will was
struck by a new thought; had George Wickham known her true feelings?
Chapter Sixteen
With a bit of help from Elizabeth, Will managed to shake his grim thoughts on the drive back to the Bingleys’ home. Valiantly, she persisted in her effort to sing The Twelve Days of Christmas despite tripping over the words and apparently being tone deaf.
Still laughing, they tumbled inside the front door with all of their purchases.
Elizabeth teetered to one side, Will grabbing her arm to keep her upright. The bags fell to the floor around their feet as they both preferred to put their arms to better use; around each other.
“No, no,” they heard Charles say. “Stop that! The last thing we want is for Dolores to catch you two necking in the hall.”
“Charles, it’s just a little kiss,” objected Will with a grin. “And I want one more before we have to play centre stage.”
Charles anxiously listened for a signal of Dolores’ approach while trying to ignore the giggling behind him.
“Enough,” Elizabeth whispered. “Poor Charles! Standing guard for us.”
“I’ll take all of these up to your room,” said Will, “ and be back in a minute.”
“I’ll do that.” With a firm hand, Charles took hold of the bags his friend had just picked up. “You two can go right in there now.” In a quiet voice he added,
“I need the break.”
“That’s encouraging,” muttered Will. If he had expected Elizabeth’s family to surround her, congratulate her on an amazing recovery, tell her how much they loved and missed her, he was to be disappointed. They walked into a silent room.
Will studied each face in turn, attempting to discern the thoughts behind their expressions. Mary’s eyes darted between her parents and sister, alighting on Elizabeth with obvious relief. Yet she said nothing, as if waiting for permission.
Having met the Bennets only once, on the occasion of Jane’s wedding, Will
wa
sn’t clear about the former relationship Elizabeth had with her mother and father. He did know that their daughter’s involvement with George Wickham
had severed communication between them and even her need for support after the tragic beating found none forthcoming. Will wouldn’t pretend to understand any of it. He intended to watch, wait and lend Elizabeth his strength should she require it.
Dolores finally stepped toward her daughter. “Lizzy,” she said, almost sadly.
She raised one hand to touch the scars on Elizabeth’s face. “My poor baby.
What did he do to you?” She choked on the words.
Elizabeth didn’t flinch. She allowed her mother’s touch, eyes open, unsmiling.
Her fingers squeezed Will’s tightly; the only sign of her own distress.
Dolores turned away, hiding her tears although the sound of her sobbing could not be disguised. Mary seemed to understand that permission had been granted for her to speak with her sister and she quickly grabbed Elizabeth’s hand to pull her into a hug while she murmured words that were too quiet for Will to hear.
He was not alarmed, however, for Elizabeth’s eyes had closed and she warmly responded to Mary’s embrace by letting go of Will’s hand to wrap both arms around her younger sister.
As difficult as this scene was to witness, both Jane and Will could only hope it boded well for the potential healing of the family. They were apprehensive of the final member’s reaction but when Mary gave way for her father to address
Elizabeth, Ted made no move to do so. Realising the danger in waiting too long, Jane quickly intervened.
“Lizzy, you must be tired after all that walking in the mall. Come and sit down.
I’ll get you something to drink, too.” She looked at Will, her expression
imploring him to stay by Elizabeth’s side and so he sat down as well, taking her hand in his once more and finding that her fingers were cold and trembling. A barely perceptible relaxing of her eyelids told him that she appreciated his presence. Will suspected that his role would be tested once Ted Bennet broke the stalemate for it would be up to her father to make the first overture.