“Well, don’t waffle about. Let’s hear it.”
She tapped her chin, and her cheeks went high and wide. “Where to start...”
“Oh! Wait,” he said reaching into his suit jacket. “I almost forgot, love.”
She narrowed her eyes on his and then scanned down to his hand still inside his pocket. “Whatever have you got in there?” A flutter tapped her tummy, though she wasn’t quite sure why.
He retrieved a square, gold box and held it out to her as he gazed into her eyes.
Slowly she reached out to touch the texture of the box. “You didn’t have to buy me anything, darling.” She’d actually made a point of telling him not to waste money on material things she had no use for.
Her response seemed to please him. With a gentle hold he took her hand, flipped it over, and placed the box in her palm. “I didn’t.”
“Then what is this?” she whispered, not taking her eyes off the mysterious treasure. A feeling in the pit of her stomach told her something very special rested inside that golden box. Something she couldn’t be certain she was worthy of.
“Open it.”
Elizabeth pulled open the box, slowly revealing the most elegant piece of jewelry she’d ever laid eyes on. A double pendant, diamond necklace that had to be at least a hundred years old. Her gasp caught them both by surprise; they took hold of each other’s gazes. Hers seemed to question him. She turned back to the necklace, shaking her head. “It’s stunning, William. But I don’t understand.”
“Would you like to try it on?”
The electric beam from her smile could have lit the whole building. “It looks very expensive,” she said as if that would explain her hesitation.
He dipped his finger and thumb into the box to pull the piece out, making sure to place his other hand under it for support. “And it’s yours. So let’s see how it looks on you. Turn around.”
She complied without a word, lifting her dark hair off her neck.
“This was my great grandmother’s,” he said as he brought it around her and fastened it together. “It’s Edwardian diamond filigree. Mother gave it to me just before her death, and I promised to save it for someone very special. He turned her shoulders so she was facing him once again. His smile went wide. “And I’ve never once thought of giving it to another—until you, Lizzy. It’s perfect on you; two beautiful sights converge to create one glorious view.”
She brushed it with her finger almost afraid to touch it but wanting to make sure she hadn’t imagined it. “I don’t know what to say. It’s so unbelievably lovely, and I feel so honored to wear it, but...”
He took her chin in his hand. “There are no buts, Lizzy. It was meant for you. Always has been, my love.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. “Oh, William. It’s wonderful. Thank you. Oh, and I’ll take such good care of it.” She popped up and over to the door to look in the mirror on the wall. “I can’t imagine wearing something so elaborate, though. Whatever shall I wear—” She threw a look to him over her shoulder. “Oh, the wedding?”
He nodded. “If you’d like; I think it would be brilliant.”
She came over to him, joining him on the couch, feeling optimistic for what their future held. “You’re right. Everything will be brilliant.”
“Now what were you going to say?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Goodness, I had so many things to tell you and you’ve just left me befuddled and stammering like a fool. Let’s see there was the wedding—which was so beautiful, but before that I want to talk about Mary. Oh, my. What has happened to me?”
Suddenly what Elizabeth had to say wasn’t as important as watching her lips move, her eyes light up, and her long lashes fan down over her fine eyes, sparkling with excitement. “Take a breath now, Eliza.” He didn’t often call her by the nickname, but when he did, it touched her deeply and rendered her weak at the knees. He scooted closer and leaned toward her until their faces were mere inches apart. “I want to know everything,” he whispered. “Just don’t...stop...talking.”
His scent and warmth radiated through her, creating a euphoria that calmed her. What had she been saying? She drew in a deep breath. Her eyes connected with his, which darkened and bore through her so deeply she flushed under his gaze. Darcy was a man of few words and many sides, several of which set her teeth on edge. But the one he transformed into at that moment, the one that set her insides on fire and melted her heart—that William Darcy had a hypnotic effect on her.
She blinked away from his gaze to focus. “Er...well.” She giggled like a school girl and wondered for the hundredth time if she was too unworldly and unsophisticated for Mr. William Darcy, leader of one of the largest real estate development companies in the country and head of the notable Darcy family estate. After all, she actually was, technically, still a school girl. She returned her attention to his waiting stare, his eyes instilling confidence in her that whatever she thought she lacked held no significance to him; she, and only she, would become his wife. “Suddenly I don’t feel so much like talking.”
William’s arm slid around her waist, and he pulled her closer. “I suppose I could find the strength to wait to hear your reports.” He nuzzled her in the crook of her neck, and she tilted her head with a sigh. “Oh, Lizzy. I hadn’t realized how much I missed you until this very moment.”
Her hand went to his broad shoulders. “Oh, William.” His lips pressed softly into her neck. “Oh...Georgina!” Over his shoulder she spotted his sister walking in from the hallway.
“I do hope I’m not interrupting anything,” Georgina said, strolling over as if she were modeling on the runway at Plaisterers’ Hall. Elizabeth’s mouth hung agape. What the hell happened to her ruddy twisted ankle? No one heals that quickly.
Elizabeth popped up to greet her, and the two women successfully executed a side hug/air kiss greeting. “Georgina, I had no idea you’d be accompanying William back home.” She speared William with a glare, hoping his amorous attention was not a ploy to soften her up. Surely, the necklace was not. His eyes bounced away as hers connected. “Yes, well...” he said, standing. “I felt brutish abandoning my sister, but I couldn’t wait any longer to get back to you, love.”
Elizabeth didn’t respond as Georgina spoke too soon. “Yes, I’m afraid my big brother still feels responsible for me, Lizzy. I admit being alone right now is the last thing I need.”
William excused himself to the kitchen to fetch coffee and biscuits.
Elizabeth remembered a root canal she’d rather have been at and considered bolting for the door. But, she reminded herself that his family would soon be her family and she was in no position to throw stones about on that topic. “I’m sorry you’ve had such an awful go of things lately.” The words felt forced. Her mind spun at how her visit would affect her and William. She wanted to know how long but couldn’t bring herself to ask. Later, when she had privacy—if she got privacy—with William, that’s when she’d get her answers. “Is there anything I can do?”
“Thank you, Lizzy. I will so enjoy having you as a sister.” She flopped down into a chair. “But for now, I’m only capable of wallowing in my own self-pity. I’m sure you understand.”
“Right.” No, she didn’t understand. Not at all. Georgina had a skill for tossing criticism wrapped in a pretty polite bow or simply turning any topic around to focus on herself. So completely opposite from the shy young girl she’d heard so many stories about. “Of course, Georgina.”
“But I’ll have you know that there’s not a single man out there worth a damn. All scoundrels they are. You’ll be keen to appreciate my brother and hang on for dear life because it’s a bloody jungle out here.”
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows and worked to churn up a response that didn’t sound contrite. “I’m lucky to have him.” Her hand instinctively went to the necklace, and she wondered if Georgina knew William would give it to her.
Georgina appeared not to have heard Eliz
abeth and pointed her gaze toward the window. “I never thought the day would come, but talking about myself has become tiresome. Let’s change the subject, shall we?” She turned back to Elizabeth as William entered with a tray and set it on the table. “Did William tell you the good news?”
“Good news?” Elizabeth said, eyeing a nervous looking William.
“Yes. Aunt Anne has agreed to host the wedding at the country club. Isn’t that brilliant?”
“The country club?” William handed her a cup of coffee with a nominal grin. She set it down on the coffee table just as soon as it reached her hands. “The one we had lunch at after Easter?”
William nodded, and Georgina pushed to the end of her seat brows heading up to her hairline.
“That’s an hour away,” she continued. “You expect our guests to travel that far?”
“You adored the garden, remember?” William said. “And we do want an outdoor ceremony.”
“Yes, but—”
“Half the guests will be our friends and family,” Georgina put in. “I’m surprised by your reaction, Lizzy. I’d have thought given your family’s circumstances...”
Elizabeth fought the frustration rising up in her as her future sister-in-law continued.
“Well, I’d have thought you’d be more grateful.”
What could she say? Georgina was right, but the implications would be far-reaching. Her parents not being the least of the problems this could cause. Mother might be insolent at first and father would be too proud even given his shaky position at the firm. But the bottom line was, this was their home and this was where she wanted to get married. She turned to William, her eyes pleading for some assistance.
He gave her a tight smile. “You’ll agree it’s a wonderful offer, Elizabeth. The type of wedding people expect for us...” He paused to dodge the daggers that shot from her eyes. “...that we want for us, could get very expensive for your family.”
A lump formed in her throat. Oh, the humiliation if she were to burst into tears over wedding plans. She inhaled slowly and turned to her fiancé. “William. It’s very generous of your aunt to offer, but this is our wedding, and I’d like all of the decisions to be ours.” As she spoke her confidence grew, and she was determined that money and power would not take over her life. “If we want to get married on the side of the road sitting on the back of a donkey and serve snacks from a burger van then that shall be our choice.”
“What tosh,” Georgina said under her breath. William rose and went to her side, aware of the quiver in her voice she tried to hide. He took her hands in his. “I will sit on a donkey if that’s what you really want. But it’s not what I want. It’s not how I pictured our wedding. I see the day as grand and perfect, and you’ll be the most beautiful bride on earth, and not once did I picture our guests eating burgers and hot dogs.”
“You know what I meant, William. Can we at least think about it?”
“Of course. But please consider that many Darcys before me have married there, and this will be a great burden lifted from your family.”
Elizabeth agreed to consider the offer, feeling both selfish and blindsided at the same time. So much for her plans for a romantic dinner for two at William’s flat. Instead they took Georgina out to dinner where she appeared to enjoy her first meal since her starvation diet, which consisted of half the menu. Elizabeth had planned to share every last detail of Kitty’s wedding, knowing William felt horrid to miss it, but she held off, preferring not to risk the young woman’s negative comments. And when William brought up school, Georgina said to Elizabeth, “I applaud you for continuing your education despite no longer needing a career. The women in the Darcy family are intelligent and well-educated.”
Elizabeth clasped her hands in front of her and leaned forward, unable to hold her tongue any longer. “Then why is it you are no longer at the University, Georgina?” She’d traveled to Italy the summer after her first year, met a man, and stayed well into the next school year. When she found out he was engaged, she returned home and had yet to re-enroll.
Georgina straightened in her chair. “I’m considering my options.”
“I see. Well I’ve considered my options, and once I complete my schooling I fully intend to pursue a career as well. William knows I want to work after the wedding.” She glanced to him expecting his full support but was met with an uncomfortable grimace he quickly covered by shoving a piece of bread in his mouth. In that moment she thought of her first encounter with Granville and how taken he was with her career choice. It was unfair to compare the two men and yet as the thought crossed her mind she found herself speaking of that very man. “Speaking of weddings,” she said, attempting to lighten the mood. “A young man from the wedding has been to call on Mary.”
“Really?” Georgina couldn’t have sounded more surprised if her lobster had gotten up and walked from her plate.
“Yes. Patrick Ackerman.”
Elizabeth checked the two for reactions; William’s was unreadable, but Georgina appeared deflated as if she were waiting for a visit from Jude Law and Rowan Atkinson showed.
“What?” Elizabeth asked at her sour expression. “He’s got potential. He’s a...pleasant young man.”
“If I’m remembering right, he’s a boorish twit whose eyes lingered on me far too long for my liking. I believe they attended a fundraiser at the club.”
“Well now he’s a graduate of UCL and is being groomed by his older brother...Granville.”
The mention of the man’s name caused a reversal of expressions from Georgina and her brother who froze mid chew. William now held that same look of disgust that had rested on his sister’s face only moments ago.
“Granville? Now that’s more like it,” Georgina said.
“And how do you know this, Elizabeth?” William asked. He put his napkin on the table as if the meal was over.
“They came round for tea yesterday.”
William’s eyes widened, and his chest filled. “Tea? Granville Ackerman came to your house to have tea? With you?”
Elizabeth flustered under his tone which felt too loud for the quiet dining atmosphere. How had she created this conundrum? “Well no. Not with me. It was for Mary. Granville accompanied Patrick who came to see Mary.”
“I didn’t know Granville was in town. How long is he staying?” Georgina asked, ignoring her brother’s flaring nostrils.
Her question went unanswered. “Well, there’ll be no more of that.” William said, sternly.
“No more of what?” Elizabeth asked. She folded her arms, a universal signal William would most likely overlook.
“Tea or anything with Granville Ackerman. He’s not someone you should allow in your circle or let get close to you...ever.”
“I think I can judge for myself whom I should let in my circle. Besides if he’s helping Patrick, and Mary likes Patrick, then what’s wrong with that?” Elizabeth kicked herself for bringing him up. How would she tell William about the music festival?
“He’s not to be trusted and Lizzy, you’re too trusting.”
Was she so naïve she couldn’t see in Granville what everyone seemed to be telling her? Perhaps his reputation preceded him. “How can you be certain? Do you know him?”
His eyes darted away for a moment before he answered. “I know enough about the man. Just promise me you’re going to steer clear of him.”
Elizabeth needed time to figure out how to handle the situation given she’d already promised Mary she’d go. She rested her hand on his forearm and gave him a sweet, innocent smile. “It’s getting late and I have class in the morning. Let’s talk more about it tomorrow, shall we?”
He seemed to take a moment too long to consider her offer. But just as she inhaled to present a counter argument, she caught the change in his expression, the slow blink of his lids to cover those dreamy blue eyes, and all seemed to be right again. At least for the time being.
Chapter 5
Elizabeth’s phone vibrated in he
r purse as she sat in the waiting room, wondering why she’d been summoned to the hospital by the human resources manager. Reaching into her purse, she took a quick look at the screen recalling before she saw the number that she’d missed an appointment with the florist. She’d been so excited to hear about the internship she’d forgotten about the appointment and rushed out to buy suitable business attire. How would she explain it to William? He too had said he would be late and to start without him. Typically, that meant a good chance he wouldn’t arrive at all. Now neither would be there to select flowers for the wedding, except for Olivia the planner she’d barely spoken to.
The door across from her opened, and a short, stout woman stood in the doorway. “Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth rose and smoothed her knee-length, skirt and buttoned her smart blue blazer before stepping forward and shaking her hand.
“I’m Deborah Searls. Thank you for coming on such short notice.”
“Pleased to meet you, Ms. Searls.” Elizabeth glanced down to find Deborah’s hospital-style wedges which did nothing to add to her lack of height.
“Call me Deborah.”
Though still confused about the meeting, Elizabeth gave a nod and followed the woman into her office. She shot a last glance behind her, wondering where the other applicants were. She had been at the top of her class and her professor had mentioned some special opportunities would become available. Elizabeth should have been chuffed at the prospect, but it came without warning, something that didn’t sit well with her.
Deborah walked behind a shiny oak desk and gestured to the chair across from her. “Please, have a seat. And pardon the rubbish,” she said as Elizabeth sat. She used her forearm to shove a pile of papers, pens, and what appeared to be candy wrappers to the side of her desk, peeking at Elizabeth in the process. “I hadn’t planned on company today.” Clasping her hands and resting them on the desk, the woman examined Elizabeth, causing her to fidget in her chair. “May I have that?” Deborah said, gesturing to the application in Elizabeth’s hand.
A Rival for Mr. Darcy Page 4