William seemed to swallow his anger. He placed a thin smile on his lips. “I did.”
“Then why haven’t you said anything?” She looked up with pleading eyes. “Are you angry?”
He ran his hand down the side of her hair. “I was...at first. You should have told me. But I realized I needed a cool head going into this Remington deal. If I’d have let myself get worked up before I looked at those contract changes well...”
“You’re joking, right?”
“Absolutely not.”
Gobsmacked, she shook her head for several seconds while her mouth hung open. “You’re trying to tell me that you didn’t get mad at me because you needed to have a clear head for work?”
“That’s right.”
Elizabeth didn’t know whether to be relieved or insulted. What did all this mean about her fiancé? “That’s just...well it’s just...urgh! I don’t even know what that is.”
William took a step back. “Are you angry because I didn’t get angry?” He chuckled and put his hands on his hips. “I’m going to need to borrow some of your psychology books to assess the meaning behind that.”
“That is not funny.”
He took her hands in his and gave her a genuine smile. He led her back to the couch to sit next to him. “Look, Lizzy. I understand why you didn’t tell me. And I’m thrilled for you that you have this opportunity. You’ve made it clear you don’t want to enjoy the fruits of my labor. You’re a modern woman. I’m learning to deal with that. As long as there is no further communication with Ackerman, we won’t have a problem.”
Fruits of his labor? Modern woman? Elizabeth stared at William, frozen in a state of shock over this new declaration. William hadn’t wanted her to work. That was no secret. But as time passed and he saw her dedication, her hard work, she was sure he’d take her more seriously and respect her choices. Her face flushed as she fought to choose the right words.
“Lizzy?”
“Do you respect me and my decisions at all?”
“Of course. I love you.”
“Love and respect are two different things, William.”
“I’m being supportive, and I’m being punished for it?”
“Your career is so bloody important to you that you avoided your feelings for the sake of a business deal, and you can’t understand that I’d like to have my own career?”
“Yes, I understand. That’s what I said.”
The sheer confusion on his face had Elizabeth virtually slamming her head against a wall. “You understand, you just don’t respect it. You think it’s a hobby to keep me busy before I have your babies to take care of.”
“Well, I can’t say that wouldn’t be ideal.” He paused, but she didn’t respond. “What’s wrong with that? What’s wrong with wanting my wife at home, taking care of my children? You act as though I’ve committed a crime.”
With those words, she realized just exactly what her concern was. “You’re right. There’s not a thing wrong with you wanting that. I just wonder if I will ever really know who you are.”
His eyes widened, and for the first time since they’d arrived, she saw the anger in them. “What the bloody hell does that mean?”
She turned her body sideways on the couch. “Claude Ackerman is being seen at the hospital.” She watched William’s expression for a reaction.
His face turned unreadable, and he rose from the couch. “Heard the old man is losing his mind,” he said on the way to the kitchen. “Wine?” Though she hadn’t answered, he pulled a bottle of wine from the rack before retrieving two glasses from the cupboard.
She watched him pour the wine, avoiding her stare. “He told me about that deal you almost had with his company.”
William took a drink while walking the other glass over to her. “I’m surprised he remembers. Why were you talking to him about anything at all?”
She received the glass from him and took a larger sip than her usual. “He told me the things you hadn’t told me about the deal. Things like the location of the land...across from a school and family community. And that it was slated for some sort of manufacturing plants. He said you knew all that and still pushed for it to go through.”
He took the seat next to her. “That’s ridiculous,” he said almost under his breath.
“Is this why you’ve commanded me to steer clear of Granville?”
He let out a long sigh and gave her one of those patronizing looks like she was being ridiculous. “It’s all become clear to me now,” he said, looking thoughtful.
She drank and squinted at him over her glass.
“Granville is a master manipulator, and he obviously has interest in you.” He stood with his glass, staring into it. “He got you that spot at the hospital, and then he has his grandfather tell you terrible things about me.” He finished his wine and paced back to the counter. “And I see that it’s working perfectly.”
Elizabeth coughed out something that sounded like half laughter and half shock. It caused William to throw a look over his shoulder before grabbing the wine bottle. “You’re joking, right?” she said getting up. “It all seems a bit elaborate don’t you think?”
“What I think is that it’s about power. You’re just another thing to acquire. Which is why I was right in the beginning when I said you needed to stay away from him.”
Elizabeth gaped at him, wanting to believe him because the alternative was too difficult to face. But even if he spoke the truth, how could she promise to stay away when there was Mary and Claude and the hospital to consider? The desperation in his eyes as he strode toward her told her what she needed to do. She took his hands in hers and stared up at him. “I don’t give a bloody rat’s arse about Granville and his motives. I’m marrying you. I love you. And I need you to trust me when I tell you that if I’m around Granville, it’s not by choice or preference. It’s because he’s at the hospital or because of Patrick and Mary.” He nodded his understanding while she spoke. “So if you want me to trust you when you tell me that what Claude said about you isn’t true, then I need you to give me that same trust.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.
“Is that what you’re telling me, William?”
He blinked slowly before his words came out in almost a whisper. “That’s exactly what I’m telling you, love.”
“Then that’s all I need to hear.” Their lips met in a soft, short kiss. “And you’re going to trust my judgement in regards to Granville?”
Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Georgina burst through the door.
“Bloody hell, that Granville.” She jammed her purse on a side table and headed straight for the embracing couple.
Elizabeth dropped her arms in defeat and offered William an I told you so expression about Georgina’s presence.
“What’s happened, Georgina?” William set his wine down and reached for a clean glass for his sister.
Georgina paced to the kitchen. “What’s happened is that Granville Ackerman has no interest in me, and it’s all your fault, dear brother.”
“My fault?”
“Yes. I invited him to dinner, and he said we shouldn’t get involved because of you.” She grabbed the glass of wine he offered, took one sip, and glared at him. “He said you hate him, William. Why did you have to be so hostile? You’re ruining my life.”
Elizabeth stepped away from the two, believing Georgina would continue on a predictable path of immaturity. But her next statement halted Elizabeth in her tracks.
“This is just like back in school. Thanks to you and the stupid land deal, everyone treated me like utter crap. Now Granville will have nothing to do with me because of it.”
Elizabeth turned on her heel and shot William a look. “What?”
William shook his head and looked pleadingly with his eyes. “It’s not what you think, love.”
“Really? Because based on the look on your face, we both know what it is.” She set her wine on the coffee table and
reached for her purse, intent on leaving. Anger and confusion battled, but her heart won out. Why were they fighting about something that happened so long ago? Obviously she was let down by his behavior, but she liked to think he wasn’t that man any longer even though the fact that he lied about it had caused her doubts. And given she wore his ring on her finger and loved him dearly, she owed it to both of them to hear more. But, when she turned back in his direction holding her purse, she found two dark brown eyes peering down at her, and William’s anger fueling his heavy breathing.
“I can’t believe you’re walking out on me over something that happened years ago. And choosing to side with two men who supposedly mean nothing to you. Maybe you are the one who is not being truthful.”
Elizabeth sucked in a breath but didn’t get the chance to defend herself against his accusation.
“You have one bloody chess match with a senile old man and you lose all trust in me?”
Her stomach dropped in an instant when his words took hold. She took two steps backward to gain some distance from him. “I never told you we played chess,” she said almost on a whisper. “I can’t believe you, William.”
The fear in his eyes proved he would not have a quick or credible response, so she turned her back on him and walked out the door.
Chapter 14
A persistent and annoying knock woke Elizabeth from her sleep. A sleep in which she dreamt she was going through a fun house at an amusement park, except there were frightening creatures popping about and instead of the typical riding cart, she was on a smelly mule eating a burger. At this point, she doubted there would even be a marriage, so she had no clue why the donkey surfaced in her nightmare. Maybe it was her subconscious yearning for a return to her simple, uncomplicated life.
“Lizzy, open the bloody door before I call the locksmith.” She heard her mother say.
After the incident with William, she’d taken some sleeping pills to knock herself out and ensure she wouldn’t give in and answer his calls. Last she looked there were eighteen missed calls and a string of texts that began with “Let’s talk this through, love” and ended with, “You’re being ridiculous!”
Elizabeth trudged her heavy body from the bed and opened the door, finding her mother tsking and shaking her head. “You’ve slept passed breakfast and almost into lunch,” she said, entering. She turned, placing her fists at her hips. “What’s he done this time?”
“Thank you, mother. As you can see, I’m doing quite shitty at the moment.”
“Elizabeth, no need for such language...or the dramatics.”
“I’m sorry.” She collapsed onto the bed, debating how much she should tell her mother. Having someone to talk to with Jane gone would be comforting, but Elizabeth suspected her mother was only looking for confirmation for her opinion of William.
“Tell me what’s happened. I didn’t want to push last night. Thought I’d let you sleep on things.”
“Right. I’m sure it had nothing to do with the fact that you were watching Royally Rich on the telly.”
Mrs. Bennet sat on the bed next to her and patted her leg. “Well it is my favorite show, but I’d have turned it off straight away if you needed me.”
Elizabeth sat up and looked into her mother’s eyes, praying for once she would put her best interest first. “I’m just so confused about William. I wonder if I even know the man.”
“What makes you say that?”
She paused and sighed. “He...kept some things from me, and he doesn’t seem to trust me at all.” Telling her mother about William spying on her didn’t seem necessary and would only make her dislike William more.
“My dear, if you’re having doubts, maybe you shouldn’t be marrying the man.”
Elizabeth titled her head to show that was exactly the response she’d expected.
“Honestly, I’d say that to any one of my girls, Lizzy. You need to be certain about something like this. You know I never thought William was right for you, but I’ve kept quiet...” Mrs. Bennet acknowledged an additional head tilt and raised brows from her daughter. “...well, mostly quiet about it. I know you love him, but that doesn’t mean he’s the best man for you.”
The words were the exact thoughts Elizabeth had before falling asleep the night before. “I’m just so angry at him right now that I can’t think straight.”
“Then take some time. You don’t have to make any decisions now. Maybe have some time apart, concentrate on school, the hospital.” She glanced to the clock on the side table. “Speaking of which you’re late, aren’t you?”
“I called in last night to say I wouldn’t be coming in. I know that’s horrid of me to skive, but I can’t face it, and I can’t face—”
“What?”
“Nothing.” Talking about Claude Ackerman was another topic she should steer clear of. She didn’t want to hear any more bad news from him. “I just need a break. I’m going to lie down for a bit longer.”
“All right, dear. I’ll leave you be. Come down later and we can talk more if you like.”
“Thank you, mother.” Elizabeth scooted back in her bed, not feeling better about William but at least feeling grateful her mother didn’t make matters worse.
When Mrs. Bennet reached the door, she turned. “One more thing, Lizzy. That Anne Darcy treats William just like a child. I suppose she’s been like a mother to him. If you think I’m unbearable, imagine what it would be like to have her for a pseudo mother-in-law.” She nodded and closed the door.
She should have known she wouldn’t escape the conversation unscathed. And with that she flipped the covers up and over her head. Then the door clicked open again. “Please, mother!”
“It’s me, Lizzy,” Mary said.
Pulling the covers back down, she spotted her sister with a noticeable grin she couldn’t bear to diminish with rejection. “Sorry. Come in.”
Mary hopped on the bed next to her like a dog greeting her master. “Look, Lizzy. Patrick’s sent me a picture of him. Can you believe it?”
Elizabeth scooted up against the headboard and spied the image Mary held up to her. Patrick sported a hint of a grin with eyes diverted slightly to the side capturing his awkward personality. “It’s a very nice picture.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. It’s not the way he looks that matters. It’s the fact that he did it. That means something, don’t you think?”
“Considering he’s not really the selfie type of guy, I suppose you’re right.”
Her hand fell to her lap, her smile faded. “What’s wrong? I thought you’d be excited for me.”
Elizabeth painted on a sweet smile. “I am excited for you. I just had an awful day yesterday.”
Her sister turned toward her. “You can talk to me you know. I might be able to help.”
Mary thought so highly of William, Elizabeth didn’t want to shatter that image or put a kink in their special relationship. “I know. And I will if I need to. I just have to work some things out in my head first.”
“Are you sure?”
Elizabeth nodded.
Mary furrowed her brows. “Because if there’s something happening with you and William, I want to help. You two have to be all right. You just have to.”
Elizabeth reached out and touched Mary’s arm. “Don’t worry. Everything’s going to be fine. Besides, there’s something much more important for us to focus on right now.”
“What’s that?”
Snatching the phone from Mary’s lap, Elizabeth giggled and said, “It’s your turn to send Patrick a picture.”
“Hey.” She reached for the phone, but her sister held it above her head. “Oh, no. I couldn’t.” Her eyes lit up, and she lowered her arm. “Could I?”
“Of course you could. That’s what you do. It’s what you should do.”
“I guess if he can do it then I should, too.”
“Exactly.”
“But I’m horribly unphotogenic.”
“You’re beautiful, Mary. You just
don’t know it yet.” Elizabeth handed the phone to her sister. “Take a few until you find one you’re happy with.”
“Should I take my glasses off?”
“That’s up to you...but I don’t think you need to.”
The two sisters played with different angles, lighting, and levels of smiles until they obtained the perfect balance to give Mary the confidence to send it. “What should I say?”
Elizabeth thought for a moment, reminding herself that these two were both inexperienced in the relationship department. “You could just let the picture speak for itself?”
Mary seemed to consider it only for a moment. “No,” she said as she typed. “I have something better.” She typed it out, hit SEND, and then turned the phone to Elizabeth. How blessed we both are with not only intelligence and an affinity for beautiful music, but also extremely good looks. This followed by a winking symbol.
***
Mrs. Bennet took her phone and headed to the garden, glancing over her shoulder several times. This is for her own good. She repeated the phrase in her mind as she dashed round the corner.
Granville picked up on the first ring sounding out of sorts. “Mrs. Bennet, pardon my rudeness, but this isn’t a good time.”
“Oh? What’s wrong?”
“My grandfather disappeared before his appointment at the hospital.”
“Goodness. I’m so sorry.” Before she could ask one of the many questions she had, he spoke.
“Thankfully, they’ve located him. He was still inside the hospital. I’m just on my way over there now.”
“Well I won’t take but a moment to tell you that William and Elizabeth just had a row.”
There was a beat of silence on the line, and Mrs. Bennet thought they may have disconnected. “Granville?”
“Sorry. Is she there now?”
“Yes, why?” Mrs. Bennet peeked around the corner as if she was certain she’d be discovered.
“I was just thinking about the timing of all this. Elizabeth was to spend time with my grandfather this afternoon. The woman in charge, Monica, told me she called in sick when I asked if she was there.”
A Rival for Mr. Darcy Page 12