“How about coffee?” William said, picking up a plate.
“I’d love that...if it’s just the two of us. We have a few things to talk about.”
William turned, brows knitted together, about to speak until Anne and Georgina returned.
“I’m famished, and this all looks divine,” Georgina said.
“Be sure to ask me, ladies, if you have any questions about the food...or anything,” Anne said.
“I think we’ll be able to manage,” Mrs. Bennet said. Then she pointed to the flatware. “You see, Mary. These shiny things are used to eat the food with.”
Mary, who rarely saw use for silliness, giggled. Elizabeth attempted to glare at them, but she might as well have been invisible.
William jumped in before Anne could react. “Aunt Anne, Elizabeth and I appreciate this very much. The wedding will be spectacular here.”
“Yes, thank you, Anne,” Elizabeth said, feeling the burn as it came out. The awkward sensation made her feel as if she were being ungrateful, which she most certainly was not.
“Well we’ve hosted some wonderful Darcy weddings here, so I couldn’t imagine not having yours here, dear,” Anne said, only looking at William. She picked up a plate and began placing items on it. “Now if we can just get Georgina a proper man, we can continue a brilliant tradition.”
“I’m working on it, Auntie.” Georgina had managed two full plates and was already sitting at a table eating.
“Not hard enough, Georgie dear. Not to worry, I’ve taken care of things.”
“What do you mean?” Georgina said around a mouthful of baked bread.
Everyone took to the tables with their plates of food keeping their eyes on Anne.
“You know, the Ackermans are members here as well. Claude is on the board. At least he used to be, the poor old coot. I also happen to know that Granville is playing golf today. I asked him to step over when he’s done.”
William sighed and turned to Elizabeth. “So that’s why it had to be today,” he whispered to Elizabeth. He shook his head and waited for a response from his fiancée.
“Don’t say anything, William. It won’t make a difference, and you’ll only cause a row.”
“Ooh, wonderful, Auntie,” Georgina said. “But I wish you’d have told me so I could have fixed myself up.” She opened her purse and pulled out a mirror as Anne approached her to sit down.
“Exactly why I didn’t tell you ahead of time. You young people fixing yourself up. It’s horrid what you do to yourselves.”
Georgina frowned and put the mirror away before turning back to her plate. “This veal is to die for.”
“I like the beef wellington, Lizzy,” Mary said.
“I like that one as well. I’m not partial to Veal.” She glanced to William for support.
He patted her knee and gave her a small nod. “I should have told you that, Aunt Anne. Elizabeth doesn’t eat Veal,” he said to her relief.
“Doesn’t eat Veal? That was going to be my top pick.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint you Anne, but—”
“Just because you are not partial to veal doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be the hit of the wedding.”
Not wanting to be disrespectful, Elizabeth waited for William to speak on their behalf. He’d made a point of telling her whatever she wanted was what he wanted, so she fully expected him to reiterate that to Anne.
William speared a piece of beef and quickly put it into his mouth. Elizabeth’s breath quickened as she glanced to her mother and sister.
Mrs. Bennet attempted to change the subject. “This curvy looking lettuce tastes wonderful.”
“Those are courgette ribbons, mother,” Elizabeth said, remembering what she’d read on the card and hoping she sounded knowledgeable.
“So about the veal,” Anne said, relentless.
“I’ll have to agree with Auntie,” Georgina said. “This veal melts like butter.”
“So does lard,” Mary said.
All eyes turned her way, but she focused her attention on Anne. “I think we can all agree that a woman’s wedding day, which ideally should only happen once...” Anne’s brows raised, and Mary continued speaking to everyone this time. “...should be a day in which the bride’s vision comes alive. Anyone generous and kind enough to help make that happen is merely a sponsor to her dream.”
The corners of Elizabeth’s mouth couldn’t have turned up any further at the thought of her sister had come to her aide.
“I couldn’t agree more,” William said holding up his fork and nodding to Mary. “Anne?” he added turning to his aunt.
“I suppose.”
Elizabeth felt the tables turn with both her family and her husband-to-be on her side. She might just pull this thing off. Somehow the group, led mostly by suggestions from Elizabeth, managed to build a menu for the wedding as they filled their stomachs to the brim with exquisite dishes. Elizabeth’s spirits were lifted, and she was feeling much more positive about the reception. She even captured a few moments alone with William while Anne and Georgina took Mrs. Bennet and Mary to see the grounds.
William stood and held out his hand to Elizabeth. She took it and allowed herself to be pulled into his arms. A slow dance began to only a quiet hum of a tune from William.
“Soon we’ll be having our first dance together as man and wife,” she said, softly into his neck.
“And you’ll be Mrs. William Darcy.”
Her silence was meant to tell him she hadn’t decided if she would take his name or not, an issue they’d debated enough and would only ruin the moment. Their feet moved in time together and his firm, comforting embrace told of many nights of wedded bliss ahead.
Then his phone rang. He loosened his grip on her waist and pulled back. He retrieved the cell from his breast pocket, still with one hand on her hip. Elizabeth sighed; she had little energy to hold disappointment back.
With a quick apologetic glance, he answered the call; his hand slipped away.
“Darcy,” he said just before mouthing “I’m sorry.”
She returned to her chair and watched his expression quickly turn from the romantic groom he was a moment ago.
“No...no. Send it to me now, and I’ll look it over.” He gazed around the room looking for something. “Okay, give me ten minutes.”
“What’s wrong?” she said, when he tapped the screen and looked at her.
“There’s a problem with the Remington deal. I need to get to a computer...straight away.” He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m sorry, love. We’re all set here, right?”
“Sure,” she said, weakly.
Taking a few steps backward, he headed toward the door. “And we are still on for coffee tonight?”
“Yes, we’ll talk then.”
Her inflection on the word, talk seemed to produce her desired effect. “Most definitely,” he said with a firm nod. “And please know, love, I’ll get through this busy time soon and be all yours. I’m going to prove to you that all this is worth becoming Mrs. William Darcy.”
She folded her arms while fixing a playful stare at him.
He stopped in the doorway. “Or, pardon me.” He bowed. “Mrs. Elizabeth Bennet...or Mrs. Elizabeth Bennet Darcy.” He smiled. “Have to run, love. See you.”
Elizabeth reminded herself that this was one of the biggest deals of William’s career. Maybe life after the wedding wouldn’t be as hectic as it had been. She turned to the menu to double check all of the selections. When she reached the end, the door creaked opened. Expecting to see the women returning, she was surprised by Granville who appeared equally caught off guard.
“Elizabeth? I didn’t expect...I mean I was told Anne Darcy was looking for me.”
Dressed in brown slacks and a golf shirt with the country club logo on the chest, he walked over to her.
“She should be back in a moment.”
“It’s wonderful to see you,” he said, continuing to approach her. She wondered when he would
stop, but she stayed in place.
“You as well,” she said.
When he was merely a step away, he looked down on her. “Do you mind if I wait?”
And there was that look again. Just as she wondered if that’s how he looked at other women, the answer settled in the pit of her stomach. Even so, she delivered a confirmation, knowing William would not approve. “Of course.” Granville had a way of drawing her in quite easily, but she pushed the notion from her mind. “There’s still food left if you’re hungry.” She turned from his gaze, but his hand caught her wrist. Her pulse quickened to her surprise, and she looked back at him.
“I’m fine, but I’d like to say something while I have you alone.”
Elizabeth’s eyes fell to her wrist; Granville released it. “What is it?”
“Monica Edwards called me. She told me what happened with my grandfather.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know what to do. I...”
“Please, don’t apologize. I merely wanted to thank you, and say that I hope this doesn’t deter you from spending time with him.”
“Of course not. He’s a wonderful man. I enjoy his company, truth be told.”
“I envy the man to have such a beautiful and charming companion.”
She flushed though she knew accepting such a compliment bordered on inappropriate, not to mention dangerous. A moment of silence passed between them as she scrambled for a response. Thanking him seemed obvious, but the way in which it was delivered was critical. “Granville...” And then, a dash of clarity swept over her as she realized she was likely overthinking, and this was how the man operated twenty-four-seven. Unfortunately, his insistent blue eyes argued the point.
Mary and Mrs. Bennet entering the room rescued Elizabeth from the moment
“Well this certainly is a grand place to have a wedding,” Mrs. Bennet had been saying as she entered. “Oh, Mr. Ackerman, hello.”
Elizabeth caught a change and slight awkwardness in her mother’s tone.
“Good afternoon, madam...Miss Mary.” He gave them a slow nod.
“Hello, Granville,” Mary said, looking wide-eyed. “Is Patrick with you?”
“Oh, no. He steers clear of the country club. The lawn makes him itch terribly.”
Elizabeth belted out a chuckle which she quickly swallowed at seeing Mary’s reaction. “Where’s Anne and Georgina?”
“I believe they’re looking for Granville.”
“I see,” Granville said. “Maybe I’d better wait here. I’ve just been having a nice chat with Elizabeth about my grandfather. Elizabeth has been so kind to him at the hospital.”
“It’s nothing at all,” Elizabeth said, hoping to avoid being fussed over.
“Speaking of the hospital,” Mrs. Bennet said, stepping closer. “I think it’s a wonderful place for Lizzy to get experience.”
Elizabeth’s stomach dropped when she spotted William returning to the room. “Mother,” she said, putting a hand on her arm.
“And I must thank you,” Mrs. Bennet continued, ignoring her daughter. “It was most gracious and generous of you to arrange it so Lizzy could work there.”
William narrowed his eyes, first at hearing Mrs. Bennet’s words and second at realizing the person with his back to him was Granville.
“William, you’re back.” Elizabeth managed a strained smile, and all heads pointed his way.
Mrs. Bennet took Mary by the arm. “Come, Mary. Let’s load up some of these left overs before we shove off.”
Chapter 13
“Granville, there you are,” Georgina shrieked, walking back into the conference room. `
Elizabeth couldn’t imagine things getting any more uncomfortable as William settled in next to her and glared at Granville.
“Georgina, hello.” Granville didn’t disguise the surprise in his voice at seeing her when Anne was the one who summoned him.
Anne entered a few seconds behind Georgina. “Apologies to all. Mr. Beekman caught us in the hall and had to tell us all about his daughter going to the states to become an actress on one of those dreadful soap operas.”
“I thought it sounded exciting,” Georgina said, causing Anne to provide an oh, please eye roll behind her back.
Just as Georgina reached the awkward threesome, Granville stepped forward with a smile. But he kept going right past her toward Anne. Mouth agape, Georgina folded her arms and feigned interest in the leftovers Mary and Mrs. Bennet were piling on plates.
“I thought you were going to the office,” Elizabeth said quietly to William.
“I see that.”
She sucked in a breath of air before answering. Getting William riled in the presence of Granville could prove disastrous.
William recovered quickly. “I used the computer in the business center.”
Elizabeth nodded but didn’t dare turn her eyes toward Granville and Anne who spoke close to the door. She managed a glance at Georgina who was now holding a fork and eating something straight from a tray while keeping her eyes glued to Granville. How did that woman stay so thin?
“All right, dear,” said her mother. She held two full plates stacked. She looked like she’d just made off with the royal jewels. “We’re going to toddle off now. Are you coming?”
Elizabeth and William exchanged glances, both seeming to have something to say.
“I could drop you home later?” he said to her.
“All right.” She gave Mary a half hug and whispered a sweet thank you in her ear for all she’d done for her. As she watched them walk away, she dreamt of one day doing the same for Mary, picturing her sister in her own beautiful wedding dress.
Turning back to William, she noticed Granville and Anne strolling over. Georgina quickly swallowed her food and dropped the fork on a tray, sending a clatter to echo across the room.
“Shall we go back to my flat now?” William said to Elizabeth.
Her lips pulled in a tight line as she head gestured toward Georgina, their third wheel.
“She’ll be here for a while. She and Anne can never leave this place without an hour of farewells.” He wrapped his arm around her waist. She hoped it wasn’t for Granville’s benefit since his eyes went right to William’s grasp as he stepped up with Anne by his side. William continued to speak as if Granville wasn’t there. “Besides, I have a bottle of wine I’ve been saving for us. Anne, if you’ll excuse us, I’m taking my fiancée home.” He nodded as he walked past Granville. “Ackerman...”
Elizabeth expressed her extreme gratitude to Anne and reminded her of the menu they’d decided on which was documented on the clipboard. Her eyes connected for a moment with Granville’s, and though she would consider her behavior rude, getting away from a potential scene took top priority.
On the way to William’s flat, Elizabeth tried to bring up what had happened at the club, but William suggested they wait. Instead, they listened to a CD of a string quartet Anne had recommended to play at the wedding. Elizabeth tuned out the awful sound, wondering why William hadn’t been anxious to question her about what he’d heard at the club. Maybe he hadn’t been able to make out what her mother said. Either way, she would have to tell him tonight just as she expected the same honesty in return from him.
William moved his head to the music, but Elizabeth heard only the sounds of Anne’s voice insisting the classical group did all the best weddings at the club.
“Do you think we should use them?” she asked him between songs, praying his answer would match hers.
“I suppose they’re as good as anyone.”
She leaned forward and pressed the button to turn the music off. “That’s what you are basing your decision on?”
He executed a swift double take from her to the road and back to her again. “What do you mean?”
“You don’t make a decision like this about one of the most special days in your life based on whether they are ‘as good as anyone.’ You’re not buying a loaf of bread, William.”
“Actually,
I’m quite particular about the bread I buy. You know I hate those loaves with the seeds on the crust.”
Elizabeth slumped in her chair, slapping her head back against the headrest.
“All right, love. What do you think of them?”
She kept her head facing forward and closed her eyes. “They’re ghastly. No one will dance to that. They’ll think our wedding is a bloody bore.”
“So tell Anne you don’t want to use them.”
Her eyes shot open, but she only turned her head as if she were too drained to move. “Me?” she said, weakly.
“When you become my wife, will you stop being afraid of my aunt?”
“I don’t know. But if you’re not afraid of her, then why don’t you tell her we don’t want to use her music choice?”
“Fine. I will.” His voice sounded much more confident than the expression on his face.
When they arrived at William’s place, he went straight to his computer, inviting her to get comfortable. “I won’t be but a moment, and then I’m all yours.” The way his gaze cautiously peeked at her told Elizabeth he knew he was pushing her limits of understanding.
Elizabeth sat on the couch, mentally reviewing how she would tell him about Granville. She took to the bride’s magazines she’d left there and revisited some of the pages she had marked. Everything blurred in front of her as she watched William’s reaction in her mind’s eye. She had to get the conversation over with before her nerves completely took over.
“William, please. We need to talk.”
He glanced up from his computer, wrinkles forming in his forehead. “Yes...we do.” His eyes fell back to the screen; Elizabeth huffed and folded her arms. Her crossed legs jiggled. “I need to tell you something, William. Can’t that wait?”
He sat back in his chair and stared across the room at her in a way she couldn’t read. “I’m sorry. I’m finished now.” He rose and came toward her.
Instead of waiting for him to sit, she bolted up in front of him. “When you came back this afternoon, did you hear what mother was saying to Granville?”
A Rival for Mr. Darcy Page 11