by Teg
guaranteed....
In ten years I could be happily married to Will, with four little boys and a house my mother never even dreamed about. She giggled at the image, determined to pursue this line of thought until she fell asleep.
Charles planned a pre-emptive strike. Rather than go to his own office when he arrived at work the next morning, he went to Will’s. He wanted to be sure to catch the man before he could leave instructions not to be disturbed. Staring for a moment at the figure slumped at the desk, however, Charles’ first words were not the polite greeting he had anticipated.
“Good Lord! Have you been here all night?” Will gave a brief nod and resumed staring into the empty glass he held in his hands. Charles took note of the bottle, nearly empty, parked beside him. “What’s going on? I tried to get you last night but you didn’t answer your phone. Does this have something to do with Ted’s visit to Lizzy?”
A guttural noise issued from the direction of the desk. “Not exactly.”
Charles ensured the door was firmly shut then pulled a chair up beside his friend and sat down. “Okay, you’ve got me thoroughly confused now. Just last night I was saying to Jane how I see a confidence in Lizzy that was never there all these months and I figured it was a good thing. I sure didn’t expect to find you moping about, staying up all night with a bottle for company. Did you two have an argument?”
A smile crept into the corners of Will’s mouth. “When don’t we argue?” He
then became serious once more. “Yes, it was Ted’s visit but not Ted himself that had me thinking all night.”
“Dolores said Lizzy had some kind of breakdown. I thought she was
exaggerating.”
Will looked up to see the concern written in Charles’ gaze. “No, it was no exaggeration. Elizabeth didn’t even recognise where she was. She thought her father was George.” Carefully, he set the glass down on the desk. “I never thought I’d feel sorry for that man but the look on his face was devastating.
Elizabeth... I thought she’d faced the worst but I was wrong. I think it’s only the beginning, Charles, and...”
“Will, you’re not giving up!” Charles slapped his palm on the polished wood.
“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you give up on anything! It would kill Lizzy if you leave now.”
“Don’t be an idiot, Charles,” growled Will, abandoning his chair and walking unsteadily across the room. “I could no more leave Elizabeth than I could take my own life. There are too many things unsaid, though, too much I don’t know about her relationship with George and how this all came about. Somehow I’m in the middle of it and I have to know the truth.”
“What are you talking about? What do you mean you are in the middle?”
“Hear me out before you say anything else.” Drawing in a deep breath, he
began. “George Wickham and I go back a long way. My father worked with his for many years before starting up this company. He then hired Bill Wickham as a senior manager. Our fathers were close enough friends that we kids were
often in one another’s company. George was trouble, though, and I knew it. He was always looking for a scapegoat for his crimes, too. It began with petty vandalism but eventually escalated. By the time Bill passed away, he had a heart attack in his sleep, George was convinced that he was owed a job here by virtue of our parents’ friendship. My father would have given him one until I stepped in and advised him not to. George’s idea of work is to sleep until noon, show up at three to flirt with the secretaries and then go home at five. Call me a tyrant but I expect employees to earn their pay.” Will returned to his chair but remained standing beside it. “My father was disappointed, naturally. He died not long afterward and everything fell to me. George tried to persuade me to give him a chance but I refused. That was just the beginning. He used many people, women, in his efforts to either manipulate me or gain the upper hand. I became his personal symbol of everything that was wrong in his life.”
“I had no idea you knew him so well. You never said anything to me, even
when Elizabeth began seeing him.” Charles fell silent, suspecting what Will had not yet said.
“No, how could I? When I learned of his involvement with her I had already lost my chance. It would have only appeared to be jealousy, which I admit did exist, or that I held a grudge and wanted to make their lives difficult.”
“Well, I wouldn’t have seen it as either!” scoffed Charles. “Why would you care what George thought of your actions? Elizabeth didn’t know how you felt, anyway, so she wouldn’t believe the jealousy bit.”
Will sat down heavily in his chair, his head resting in his hands. “She knew.”
At his friend’s surprised expression he explained further. “I told her the night before your wedding. I hadn’t intended to but the timing and the setting worked against me. It seemed to be perfect; romantic and she looked so beautiful.” He quickly dismissed the memory. “I botched it completely. You would laugh at my ineptitude.”
“Hardly.”
“Never mind. Elizabeth knew of my feelings for her and if she so much as
hinted to George about it, he could never let it lie.”
“She wouldn’t have said anything, I’m sure.” Still, Charles found himself wondering what Elizabeth had thought of Will after that.
“Not intentionally, I agree, but if he did figure out where my interest was then she wasn’t going to be safe.” He laid his hands, palm down, on the cool wood.
“I think that’s what happened.”
Charles’ head snapped around to look at Will intently. “You think he beat her because you were in love with her?”
“I think that was part of it and I have to know, Charles. I want you to make arrangements for me to visit George.”
Alarmed, the other man’s voice was grim. “Will, don’t do that.”
“I’m not asking for your opinion. I’ve weighed the dissuasive arguments
already. I want to see his face when he lies to me about how remorseful he feels. I’m not letting him get away that easily.” Will’s determination was written in the taut line of his jaw. He stared fiercely at a point on the far wall.
“Will, he’s not getting away with anything. He’s in prison, just as he should be.” Charles’ frown deepened as he tried to think of every angle he could use.
“Save your breath. If you won’t help me I’ll just find someone else who will.”
The tension in his body eased a little. “Charles, I have to do this; for Elizabeth, for myself and for us as a couple. There are some issues that must be settled before we can move forward together. Both of us have a deep seated anger
directed at George Wickham. I need answers that only he can give.” Will
shrugged, impatience evident in his voice. “Just get me in there to see him, Charles!”
Against his better judgement, Charles relented. “I’ll call this afternoon and let you know when, but get this straight, Will. I’m going with you. You aren’t the only stubborn one around here.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Posted on Sunday, 19 March 2006
Jane welcomed her sister when she appeared for breakfast. “You slept well, I hope. You aren’t usually this late in getting up!”
Elizabeth smiled cheerfully. “I did sleep well, thank you. It was a good day yesterday and I hope today is even better.”
“Wow, what’s inspired this confidence, Lizzy?” She poured them each a cup of coffee while Elizabeth made herself some toast.
“I made some decisions yesterday, Jane.”
Caution replaced her sister’s bright expression. “You’re going to move in with Will.”
Laughing, Elizabeth assured her that was not yet in her plans. “I’ll confess that Will and I have touched on the subject of marriage and,” she added a little shyly, “children. There are a few things I have to sort out first, though. I’m going to call my old boss later today.”
“Lizzy!” cried Jane. �
��Do you think you’re ready to go back to work?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “No, that’s what I’m going to talk to him about. I can’t go back there but I do need to start thinking about what I will do to make a living.” She explained the path she had chosen, the one she’d explored after speaking with Dr. Wendell the previous day. Jane was not as enthusiastic as she hoped.
“Have I been too sheltering, Lizzy? Did I not let you do enough on your own? I hope I haven’t done something to make you want to leave.”
“Oh, Jane, of course you haven’t!” Elizabeth took her hand and held it tightly.
“You have been wonderful and I couldn’t have asked for any better support for these past months. I just need to be more independent. I can’t stay here
forever.”
“I don’t mean to be negative but I don’t think you should move out yet.”
Returning the gesture of squeezing her hand, Jane looked troubled. “I’d say the same thing if you’d told me you planned to move in with Will, you know. I
really believe you need more time. If it’s independence you crave then let’s work together on a plan to achieve that independence without taxing your
limits. One thing at a time.”
“Like what?” Elizabeth’s tone was patient.
“Well, finding a job first. You’ll need an income to live on your own eventually so you can save money in the meantime. Then it won’t need to interfere with your doctors’ appointments and physio. Oh, and the swimming you do with
Will.” Jane winked saucily. “I know you enjoy that.”
“Yes, the swimming,” grinned her sister, then she sighed unhappily. “You make a good argument, Jane, but I can’t help feeling how much of a burden I’m
placing on you. I don’t want to interfere so much with your life that... that you put it all on hold.”
“Lizzy,” whispered Jane. “My life was on hold the minute you arrived at that hospital, almost dead. What would I have done without my dearest sister, my best friend? Compared to those months of waiting and watching, hoping for
some change in your condition, the time since you’ve come home has been
relaxing. Maybe I am being selfish in wanting you to stay but in my heart I only want the best for you. I want you to succeed and be happy.”
“You, selfish? Never, Jane!” Biting her lip, Elizabeth met her sister’s steady gaze. “I’ll forget this idea of an apartment of my own on one condition.”
Jane chuckled. “What’s the condition?”
“I’m serious, Jane.” Elizabeth looked down at their hands. “I have the feeling that in putting your life on hold you have also put other lives on hold. I want you to be happy, too. Don’t wait for me to leave the nest before you start filling it.” She looked up to see Jane with bright cheeks. “I’m sorry if I’ve
embarrassed you or if you feel I’m interfering. That’s the last thing I want to do.”
“No. No, you’re right. I did ask Charles to wait until... well, at the time it was unclear what we were waiting for but I could not imagine going through a
pregnancy while you were lying in the hospital in a coma.” Her cheeks flushed again and she said, “You and Will were getting along so well lately and we hoped your talks with Dr. Wendell would help... and... we already talked about maybe starting our family soon.”
“Oh, Jane!” Jumping up from the table, Elizabeth excitedly pulled Jane to her feet and hugged her close. “I can’t wait. Oh! I sound like Mom!” she laughed.
“I’m going to help you, too. You’ll see.”
Walking into the office building sent a flutter of nervousness through
Elizabeth’s stomach. She had not seen any of her former co-workers in quite some time, although all had either called or sent cards since her recovery had begun. Jane had accompanied her but was prepared to sit and wait while she spoke with Dr. Jim, as the staff had always called him.
He welcomed her warmly with a huge smile and bright eyes in his round face.
Years of sitting behind a desk, coordinating a migrating and busy staff, had lent weight to his form but not his character. The genuine delight in seeing
Elizabeth walking and talking again was evident in his enthusiastic words upon her entrance, and then his disappointment equally obvious when she explained her real reason for visiting.
“Elizabeth, are you sure you’ve taken enough time to consider this? Your years of experience, your natural talent for working with people; those are not things so easily let go.”
“I have thought long and hard on this, Jim. I really believe my trust in others has been too far eroded for me to perform my job adequately.” Her voice was quiet but the determination was there.
Jim tapped a finger on his desk. “Is it your trust in others or the confidence in yourself?” he asked. When she didn’t answer he chose another tack. “Currently you are on a long term disability. Even so, your return to work would be
gradual, not suddenly dropped back into the full weekly grind. In that capacity you wouldn’t have a caseload for some time. I’d be assigning you to light duty tasks until you feel up to speed again and your doctors pronounce you fit to return to full-time status.”
“Then I’d be a body taking up space. Hardly any use at all,” she argued. “You’d be better off with a full-time worker who can do the whole job.”
“Elizabeth Bennet!” he reprimanded. “What is the goal of this office and its staff?”
She hesitated, then said, “To aid those in need; to assist them to find within themselves the means to correct their mistakes, to persevere and succeed.”
Meeting her gaze, he added, “That applies not only to the people who are
unfortunate enough to find themselves on our doorstep but also to each of our families, friends and co-workers when they also find themselves in need.”
Elizabeth’s gaze fell away as Jim went on. “I doubt you’ll ever find yourself more in need than you are right now, Lizzy. A more experienced group of
supporters would be hard to find in any workplace. You have your family and doctors to help you on a personal level. If my advice is worth anything then I suggest you give your professional future a chance before declaring it
unachievable.” His tone softened as he placed a hand on her arm. “Go home
today and think about what I’ve said.”
Elizabeth nodded silently, then stood to leave. Jim walked her to the door, opening it and following her out into the main room. Jane sat where her sister had left her but the room was now full of people. Elizabeth heard her name called from several directions at once.
It was all a bit overwhelming in the first few minutes but she soon relaxed enough to appreciate the loosely organised reception that had resulted from Jim’s mention that morning of her impending visit. She introduced Jane to
everyone and listened in dazed embarrassment at the praise of herself as each one spoke with her sister. The group did not consist of staff alone, for several of Elizabeth’s former clients, now gainfully employed and independent of
social assistance, arrived during the course of the hour or so that they remained in order to express their own thanks for all Elizabeth had done for them and to wish her continued progression in her recovery.
By the time they left, Elizabeth knew the truth of what Jim had said and there was no longer that frightening blank picture in her future.
There was something to truly celebrate about New Year’s that year. The old one was left behind without a regret, the new one ushered in with quiet but
confident anticipation. Elizabeth had made many strides forward in the week since Christmas and, despite the road ahead still being long with frequent bumps, it was brighter than she could remember seeing in many months. In
contrast to her desire to spend every waking moment with Will, she took Jane’s advice to go slowly, sharing more household responsibilities and regaining lost skills.
Quite by chance, on
a Saturday afternoon when Jane was out shopping, did Elizabeth discover Will’s plans to visit George when she overheard him talking to Charles as she folded clothes. At first she was shocked by the idea, then wondered why it had not occurred to her. “I’m coming with you,” Elizabeth
announced, interrupting them.
Will looked up, any indication of pleasure in seeing her eradicated with her statement. “What? No, you’re not. Charles?” He looked at his friend, urging him to concur.
“I would advise against it as well, Lizzy.” Of course she demanded to know why, but Charles was prepared. “Regardless of the dubious psychological
benefit of facing your attacker there remains the impression such a visit would leave. You would be seen as granting George Wickham forgiveness. We know
that’s the furthest thing from your mind but in the eyes of many others,
including George, it would appear as such. If there’s something you need to say, I suggest a Victim Impact Statement. It would serve as a legal means to support an objection when he is eligible for parole. Jane and I drew one up while you were in a coma, detailing the family’s loss and the effect his actions had upon us all. George is likely to behave himself in prison so a fresh
reminder of the danger he presents would be well served at that time.”
Elizabeth was silent for a few minutes, absorbing what he had said. “Then I’m back to the beginning. I want closure. I didn’t realise it before but hearing you talking made it all make sense. I have to see George to put all this behind me.”
“You’re rushing again,” Will patiently pointed out. “I don’t believe you need to see him at all to achieve closure and you can’t possibly be ready to face him yet.”
“I am not rushing!” she argued. “If anything, I’ve avoided it for too long! I’m ready. I am!”
“You’re not ready for this.” Will was adamant. “Besides, seeing George might just make your dreams worse. What if the mere sight of him proves to be too much?”
“You mean I might end up bashing his head in?”
Will knew she was perfectly serious. “There has to be another way without