Foundation of Love: The Gypsy Blessing 2

by Wendi Sotis

“Would you mind if I show the tree house to others?”

  “It’s yours, Will.”

  He shook his head. “I may own the land, but the tree house will always be yours.”

  ~%~

  ~Two weeks later...

  “Tom? What’s wrong?” Anxiety colored Mr. Gardiner’s tone.

  “Everything’s fine, Ed. Can’t I make a phone call without sending people into a panic?” Mr. Bennett asked defensively.

  Mr. Gardiner chuckled. “Well, other than business, I’ve never heard your voice on the telephone unless there was a problem.”

  “I guess that’s true enough. Listen, you know I’m not yet up to going to this charity ball event at Netherfield Hotel in Longbourn tomorrow. You’re going, correct?”

  “Yes, Madeline and I are attending. We’ll keep an eye on the girls, if that’s what’s worrying you.”

  “Do me a favor, Ed. Don’t watch Lizzy too closely when it comes to Darcy. I’m not sure whether we’ve done more harm than good in warning him off.”

  “Really! I never thought I’d hear those words come from your mouth.”

  “Then you haven’t seen them together lately, have you? Some things were meant to be, and I believe the two of them being together may be one of them. Darcy knows what the consequences could be, and I trust him. If anyone can find a way around the agreement Lizzy signed, he’s the man who will.”

  “You’re full of surprises today, Tom.” Mr. Gardiner laughed out loud. “I never knew you were a romantic at heart.”

  “Neither did I,” Mr. Bennett muttered, almost to himself.

  ~%~

  ~The next day...

  William stood before his mirror, fiddling with his bowtie. “I really hate these things.”

  Mrs. Reynolds stepped forward and tied it for him. “The tie or the charity ball?”

  “Both!” He scowled.

  Mrs. Reynolds stepped back and smiled in appreciation of her job well done. She tucked a handkerchief into his breast pocket, leaving a touch of color showing.

  “Blue?”

  “You’re escorting Lizzy.”

  He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm himself. “I do not hate that part.” Even if the paparazzi show up this time, it wouldn’t bother me one bit having a picture of us plastered all over the gossip columns.

  “This matches her dress perfectly. I took it over for Jane to check it. I assumed wearing a blue tie or vest would be too flashy for you, so I made sure to get a handkerchief the same color.” She winked at him.

  “Thank you.” He almost laughed at the custom, thinking it was a way for men to mark their territory. With just a glance, everyone would know that they were at the party together. His mood soured quickly. “She’s going to dance with other men.”

  “I’m sure she will, William.” She tittered. “But she’ll return to you in between. And I’m sure you’ve already asked her for at least one dance.”

  “Three.” He nodded and checked his tuxedo in the mirror. I’d rather have asked for them all.

  “You sent flowers?”

  “Yes, two dozen yellow roses.” I almost gave in to the impulse to send red... ten dozen red! Enough to fill every open bit of shelf space in her room, so wherever she looked, she’d think of me. He sighed. I am hopeless.

  William froze. “Jeremy and Kevin did arrive with the limos, didn’t they?”

  “Of course they did.”

  Georgiana and Elizabeth in limos? If something should happen... “Maybe we should all take our own cars.”

  “We’ve already been through this in the past, William. I understand your fear, but you cannot expect something to happen just because your parents’ accident happened while they were in a limousine. No matter what car they had been using, that drunk driver would have hit them.” She kissed his cheek. “You have had these limos specially made. They are nearly armored vehicles. You know these drivers—they have undergone enough intensive training to satisfy even you. You cannot expect those young ladies to arrive at a formal ball in a bunch of Sports Utility Vehicles! I will not allow it. If you’d like to follow behind in your truck, that’s fine—”

  “You’re right, Mrs. Reynolds. We’ll take the limos.” William swallowed hard. “Is everyone ready to go?”

  “Yes, you’re the last.” Mrs. Reynolds tried to hide a smile as William rubbed his palm over his chin, checking to see if he needed a shave. “You shaved three times today, dear. At least that’s how many times I’ve noticed.”

  “You know how fast my beard grows. I don’t want to take her to the ball looking like I just stepped off a construction site.” He let out a deep sigh and brushed some imaginary lint off his tuxedo.

  “You look very handsome, William.” She straightened his bow tie one more time. “Try not to be so nervous, dear. When you’re nervous, you scowl. You don’t want Lizzy to think you don’t like spending time with her.”

  William’s eyes opened wide. “Are you kidding?”

  She shook her head.

  “Why hasn’t anyone told me that before?”

  Mrs. Reynolds shrugged. “Your friends and family know about it already, and it usually works to your benefit in business situations. I’m sure Lizzy understands by now, as well, but tonight is special. Don’t leave her wondering whether you enjoy being in her company.”

  Unconsciously, his scowl deepened, and Mrs. Reynolds laughed. “Don’t worry, dear. I’m sure it will be a glorious evening.” She left the room.

  Yes, it will be. He looked in the mirror and concentrated on arranging his features so they would not include a scowl. With Elizabeth on my arm, it can’t possibly turn out any other way.

  ~%~

  “Georgiana, take off your cape for a few minutes,” Anne called out as soon as the guys came in. “I want pictures, and I don’t want to have to lug my camera around all evening. Richie, corral them all into the great room for me, please, and be careful of the tripod; it’s already set up exactly where I want it. Lizzy and Jane will be down in a minute.” She turned to Lydia. “I know you’re not going to the ball, Lydia, but I’d like to get a picture of you with your family in a few minutes.”

  Lydia smiled a little sadly. “Thank you, Anne.”

  Impatient to see Elizabeth, William tried not to stare at the staircase. He turned his back to it instead, but his gaze was caught by a mirror on the wall, which was reflecting a perfect view of the same. He turned so that he was looking directly at neither, but both held his attention through his peripheral vision. He jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

  “Nervous, Will?”

  William turned to face Mr. Bennett, which just happened to put the mirror in his line of sight. “Am I scowling again?”

  Mr. Bennett chuckled and nodded. “Actually, you are.”

  William took a calming breath. “I don’t like crowded parties.”

  “Yes, I know—”

  Mr. Bennett stopped speaking suddenly and looked up, but William hadn’t noticed. Movement in the mirror had already attracted his attention.

  “Ah, here are my beautiful daughters now.”

  William was already mesmerized by the sight of Elizabeth standing at the top of the stairs. He held his breath—it was as if he were in a dream. She was wearing Elizabeth Darcy’s gown. The stone in the gypsy’s necklace matched the color as if they were made to be worn together. Her hair was arranged in a way that complemented the period of the gown perfectly. He watched through the mirror as she descended the steps, his heart beating so forcefully, he was expecting her to look around to see what was causing all the noise. She truly was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

  A voice broke through the spell that had come over him, but he couldn’t look away from the mirror. “Close your mouth, William.”

  Elizabeth reached the bottom of the stairs and disappeared from the mirror’s line of sight. He turned his head toward the speaker. Mr. Bennett! What had he said? Something about closing his mouth?

  �
��It may be wise to take a breath every once in a while, too.” There was laughter dancing in Mr. Bennett’s eyes.

  William heeded the older man’s advice.

  Mr. Bennett turned his attention away from William, and William followed his gaze. Elizabeth was speaking to Anne. She was even lovelier in person than she had been in the mirror. How was he going to get through this evening without giving his feelings away?

  Georgiana stopped Elizabeth a few steps away from him. “Lizzy, what period is that gown? I always wondered how it would be to wear a corset.”

  Elizabeth answered in a soft voice meant to be a whisper, but William could hear it. “I think they did wear corsets in the Regency Era, Georgie, but we have something they didn’t—strapless push-up bras!”

  Although keeping himself from examining the subject of the ladies conversation felt as if he were fighting a tidal wave, William was also very aware that Mr. Bennett was watching his every move. He forced himself to look as far away from the neckline of her gown as possible, instead, looking at the ceiling.

  Georgiana giggled. “It does a good job, that’s for sure!”

  Elizabeth nervously laughed. “I’m so self-conscious. I never wore anything cut this low before. Jane says it’s not obscene, but I feel so exposed!”

  “It is cut deeper than anything I’ve seen you wear, but it looks great, Lizzy. Nothing’s visible that shouldn’t be. The square neckline really suits you.”

  “Well, if it’s not showing, it’s only just,” Elizabeth replied.

  Judging from Mr. Bennett’s all-out laughter, William was positive he really had just let out a slight wince.

  It is a very nice ceiling, really. Vaulted. Painted... ceilings should always be white. It reflects the light of the room...

  “What’s so interesting up there, Will?” Elizabeth asked.

  He looked down at her quickly. Elizabeth was gazing up at the ceiling to see what had caught his attention. As if he suddenly had no control over his eyes, they took advantage of her distraction. William wished he could send a message back in time thanking Elizabeth Darcy for packing that dress in the trunk.

  “The, uh, sheetrock is... expertly finished,” he muttered hoarsely.

  “I’ve noticed that, too. You’ve hired the guy who did this house to do the sheetrock for Pemberley.” Still looking up, Elizabeth leaned back just a little too far and lost her balance.

  Automatically, William’s arms came up around her protectively, and he pulled her to his chest. They stared into each other’s eyes for a moment before he loosened his hold on her. He couldn’t help from glancing down again as he took a step away from her. Yes, he was right—Elizabeth had blushed all the way down to her neckline. William’s hands traveled slowly from around her back to her bare shoulders, making sure she had regained her balance before he let her go. If his fingertips brushed her radiant skin a little longer than was necessary, it was an accident, of course.

  She was a little breathless. “I haven’t worn heels this high in a while.”

  A nod was the only response he could manage at the moment.

  Anne shouted, “Guys, please do me a favor, and don’t you dare even think about touching the ladies until I’m through taking pictures. Everyone gather by the fireplace.” She glared at William, but he barely noticed. He couldn’t take his eyes off Elizabeth for long.

  “The gown looks... nice on you,” he managed to say. Nice? Idiot!

  “Thank you. You look very handsome.”

  Giddy warmth coursed through him as she took his arm, and they started moving toward the hearth.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but after almost falling, I think I’d better hold on to you. Jane talked me into these four-inch heels. I’m getting used to them, but I’d rather not break my neck.”

  He placed his hand over hers. “That’s fine.” Fine doesn’t even come close to what I feel about having you on my arm all night. I cannot have one sip of alcohol. Not a drop. If I lose one bit of control, I’ll confess everything and kiss you senseless!

  Elizabeth chuckled. “You’re nervous about the ball?”

  He closed his eyes for a moment. “I’m scowling?”

  She smiled brightly as she nodded. “Don’t worry. I know most of the people who will be there. I won’t leave you unless absolutely necessary.”

  Then let it never be necessary.

  ~

  It wasn’t just the heels that had almost caused her to topple over—it was him. He was more handsome than any other man she’d ever seen. She hoped Anne would take some extra pictures of him alone in that tux. She just might ask her friend to enlarge one to poster size so she could hang it in her room.

  As he led her to the placement in the group where Anne directed them, she looked up at him and smiled.

  Black was his color, although she often found herself thinking the same thing with any color he wore. With that touch of blue in his pocket, his clear blue eyes were so intense they seemed to glow. Her heart hadn’t stopped pounding since she glimpsed him in the mirror from the top of the stairs. But it was William’s scent that had put her into a state of intoxication once she was near him. How was she supposed to get through this evening without making a fool of herself?

  She still couldn’t believe that she was William’s date for the ball. The yellow roses that had been delivered earlier in the day were more than a subtle reminder that this was not a romantic date. They were going as friends, she kept reminding herself. Even so, if they ended up never leaving the house, this had already been the best date she could ever imagine, and they hadn’t even danced yet!

  When Georgiana had helped to organize the ball, she had shown Elizabeth the list of music that would be played and told her they were doing this the old-fashioned way—dance cards had been distributed with the invitations. Several lines of Elizabeth’s card had already been filled up, mostly by the men of their party and old friends. Elizabeth hoped William wasn’t disappointed when he realized the dances he had chosen were going to be slow dances.

  If she wasn’t used to her heels by the time the first fast dance began, she’d just take them off, but she was planning to slip them back on for William’s dances. He had always been pictured in the gossip magazines with tall women. Maybe if she appeared taller, he’d be attracted to her? It was worth a try, and if she was still wobbly, it would be nice to have an excuse to hold onto him a little tighter.

  Guilt washed over her. OH! I can’t believe I was thinking of trying to trick him into liking me! No. I’ll wear the shoes only if I’m used to them by then, and that’s it.

  “Lizzy, are you all right?” Anne looked at her over the camera, where she had been setting up the shot.

  “I’m fine, Anne.”

  “You’ve suddenly become so pale.”

  Elizabeth could see Jane’s head turn quickly in her direction.

  “Really, I’m okay. I was just thinking about dancing in these heels.” At least that was vaguely the subject I was thinking about.

  Jane’s half-curious, half-worried expression changed to a smile. “You’ll do well once you have a chance to get used to them, Lizzy.”

  “Before we begin, I have an announcement to make,” Ann proclaimed. “I’ve decided what I really and truly want to be when I grow up. A photographer!”

  “That makes a lot of sense, Anne.” Georgiana’s enthusiasm fairly bubbled over. “You already do a fabulous job.”

  Everyone agreed.

  “Thank you. As a photographer, I’d love to do a long photo shoot of all of you dressed like this, but we don’t have time now. You all are going to have to dress up for me again another day. For now, let’s just go with a classic group shot and then couples alone. Guys stand behind your dates and put your hands on their waists.” She looked through the camera lens. “Almost set.” Anne looked up from the camera and huffed. “Come on, Will, you’re too far away. Move in closer to Lizzy. That’s it! Everyone cozy up so we’ll all fit in the shot.”

  Eli
zabeth glanced over at Brian and Georgiana. They weren’t cozied up, but Anne wasn’t pointing that out. Suspicion niggled at her mind.

  William leaned down and whispered, “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  Elizabeth couldn’t stifle her shiver at the feel of his breath at her ear. She turned her head to look at him. His face was a lot closer than she was used to without heels; they almost brushed lips. She withdrew an inch and breathed, “Yes.”

  A series of clicks that could only have come from the camera were the perfect excuse she needed to turn away from William before she ended up kissing him.

  Strange, Anne is still fiddling with the camera’s focus, not taking photos. She’d better hurry before I make a fool of myself!

  A few seconds later, Anne was satisfied. “Perfect!” She set the timer and rushed to get in the picture with Richard. “Everybody smile.”

  The camera clicked several times in quick succession... the same sound she had heard just a minute ago.

  I knew it was the camera I heard before. I wonder who Anne was sneaking photos of?

  Anne turned to face the group. “Everyone move to the side except Will and Lizzy. You two stay right where you are; you’re standing in the perfect light from the skylight. Let me just zoom in.” Something happened to the camera, and the lens retracted. “Oh! I shut it off by mistake. Don’t move; it’ll take me a minute to set up the focus again.”

  Elizabeth could have sworn Anne was holding back a mischievous grin. What was she up to? Had she guessed her feelings for William and was gifting her with a minute in his arms? Whatever it was, Elizabeth wasn’t going to complain.

  Chapter 23

  As William helped Elizabeth into the limo, she could almost see the waves of anxiety rolling off him, and instantly, she knew why. Months ago, Georgiana had told her that she didn’t remember the accident that had taken her parents’ lives and almost ended her own, but from what Charles had said, William had been driving behind them and witnessed the entire thing.

  Many of the people he cares about are in these two vehicles tonight. No wonder he’s a nervous wreck!

  As he settled in beside her and made certain everyone was wearing his seatbelt, it seemed as if each one of his muscles was rigid with tension. His leg was bouncing up and down with such force that the seat was shaking, and she was afraid he’d cut his finger if he didn’t stop turning his ring so forcefully. She wanted to wrap herself around him and whisper comforting words, but she was sure that would only make things worse.