“What is it, father?” Her thoughts immediately went to his job, but she was afraid to mention it. “Is everything all right?” She followed him over to his desk where he sat on the edge. She took the seat in front of him—the comfy chair she loved to sit in as a young girl when she and Mr. Bennet read and hid from the others.
“William was here tonight.”
“What?” Instinctively she sat forward and looked at the closed door. “When? Why?”
“He left about an hour ago.” He clasped his hands and rested them on his bent knee. “Apparently he’d been trying to ring you all afternoon.”
Her hand touched the side of her forehead. “Oh, no.” What felt like a large boulder landed in the pit of her stomach. She couldn’t imagine how much that hurt him. “Was he very angry? I should go ring him.” She started to push up from the chair.
Her father held up a hand. “Wait.”
Her lids fell closed, and she lowered back into the chair. “Tell me, father, do I still have a fiancé?” Her heart broke into tiny pieces as she waited. She may have been angry at William, but that didn’t mean she wanted it over.
His lips straightened, and he took a breath. “Honestly, dear. I don’t know. When he arrived, he was out of sorts. Your mother opened her big, blathering lips and told him you and Mary were dining at the Ackerman’s.”
“She didn’t!” A scowl slapped her face; her chest heaved.
“She did.”
“How could she?” She blew out a burst of air. “Never mind, I know. What did he say?”
“I calmed the man, bent his ear a bit. But, my dear, there wasn’t much I could say. I’ve no bloody idea what’s going on with you these days, carrying on with that Granville.”
She stood, placing herself directly in front of him, fists balled at her sides. “Father! I’m not carrying on with him.”
He rose from the desk and gave her a look only a father can give.
“I’m sorry, father,” she said much lower and softer. “But I’m not. I can explain everything that’s happened. I—”
“Lizzy, I’m not the one who needs an explanation.” He put his arm around his daughter and pulled her close. “I love you; you know that. And if you want to talk, I’m always here. But, my dear, you need to get your life straightened and figure out what...or whom... you want.”
Her chin fell to her chest, and she leaned in to him. Tears puddled in her eyes. “I want William...at least that’s what I thought. Everything has been so different lately...so hard.” She dabbed at her eyes. Her sadness quickly turned to anger. “But I’m not the only one to blame. William has been impossible.” He was the one who treated her like a nitwit without any judgment. He was the one who didn’t trust her. As upset as she was, though, she wouldn’t share that with her father. They’d grown too fond of each other. She pulled from his embrace and paced away... “And Georgina...don’t get me started on how much she’s affected us.”
“Well, you’ll be glad to know she’s out of your hair—at least for a while.”
“What do you mean?”
“That Jasper fellow wants to marry her. William’s taken her back home.”
“He’s gone? Without saying goodbye?”
Her father tilted his head and looked down his nose at her.
“Oh.” It pained her to know that William thought she was ignoring him when she hadn’t been able to check her phone. Still, she did ignore his other messages.
Mr. Bennet reached into his pocket, pulled out a folded note, and held it out to her. “He left you this.”
She squinted at it in shock for a few moments before stepping forward to take it. “He wrote me a letter?”
He nodded. “I’ll leave you to it.”
Before he got to the door, Elizabeth’s words stopped him. “You have anything to do with this?”
Mr. Bennet had voiced his distaste for digital correspondence on many occasions. “No.” He opened the door. “Unless you count locking him in the study with a pen and paper.” Before he closed the door, he winked at her and said, “It’ll be all right.”
Unfolding the paper, her eyes blurred. She sniffed, drew in a deep breath, and began the task of discovering what William imparted for possibly his final words to her.
The letter started with his extreme regret over how he handled himself in regards to Granville and his sister, offering his deepest apologies for having lied. He briefly relayed about Jasper and Georgina—she’d decided to give him another chance since he’d come to the revelation that the sun rose and set on her. Since she’d wanted to go home straight away, and there was business to attend to at his main office, he decided it was best for all if he took her home and stayed for the week. I want to make it perfectly clear, my love, that you are truly the love of my life, he wrote near his closing. As of late, I’m not so sure you see me in the same light. And though somehow we managed past our differences to fall in love, they’ve been the highlight of the last few weeks. A tear streamed down her cheek, and she whisked it away. The truth of the last statement kicked the wind from her. I know you’ve heard things that make you question the kind of man I am, but I’m still the man you fell in love with. I hope we can each use this time apart to reaffirm our love, our intentions, and our goals for the future. I love you. William.
She set the letter down and stared at the ring on her finger, attempting to make sense of his words. The question of engagement she’d asked her father didn’t appear to be clearly answered. She supposed if neither of them were certain, then the time away, no matter how painful, must be the right thing to do. But as angry as she’d been with William, her heart ached for him in that moment, telling her at least there was one truth: She loved him, still.
***
A piece of wet lettuce fell into Elizabeth’s lap as she struggled to eat and drive at the same time. Her brilliant plan to stay busy while William was gone left her frantic and pressed for time everywhere she went. Today, she’d already attended her class—where they’d spent the whole time discussing the thesis—and volunteered at the hospital for a few hours. She wanted to keep Helen happy, so for the time being, she would not cut back on her hours there. Now, she’d have to wear her lunch to her visit with Claude.
A few minutes later, she pulled into the drive. Her unfinished sandwich held no more appeal, so she tossed into the bag. After a quick look in the mirror where she discovered a white clump on her tooth, she grabbed her things and headed out.
“What a sight you are, little lady,” Claude said, opening the door.
Surprised a servant didn’t answer, she smiled uncontrollably and noted his effect on her. In turn, she took pleasure in the fact that her very presence helped Claude in a way that possibly no one else could. “Good afternoon, muffin.” She walked in past him and turned to wait for him to close the door. “And how are we feeling today?”
He chuckled and bowed. “Spoken like a true medical professional. I’m fine, thank you. Can I get you anything?”
“No, thank you. I just had lunch.”
He spread his arms out to the sides. “Well, am I dressed comfortably enough?” He wore gray sweatpants and a white t-shirt. “I take it we are not playing chess today.”
She shook her head and glanced around. “Where do you have your telly?”
“We’re going to watch the telly? Splendid!” He rubbed his hands together and took a few steps past her and to the left. “This way, my lady.”
She followed him without a word down a hallway to a room smaller than she’d imagined. A large black screen hung on the wall. Family photos across the room drew Elizabeth’s attention. As Claude focused on turning on the television, she walked the length of the wall examining each photo to see if she recognized Claude, Granville, or Patrick.
She heard footsteps down the hall and turned toward the door. Granville passed by and then stopped short, leaning back into the doorway. “Oh, hello, Elizabeth.”
“Hello.”
He folded his arms and leaned on the doo
r jam. “Looking for pictures of me in my nappies?”
“That would be interesting, but no. Just waiting for Claude to turn on the telly.”
“There we are,” Claude said, pointing to the screen with the remote control. “Now leave us be, Sonny. For once I get to do something I want.”
“Telly?” Granville said to Elizabeth as Claude took a seat in a black leather recliner.
Elizabeth shot Granville a sly look and made a shooing motion with her hand. Then she walked around to stand in front of Claude who’d already put his feet up. “All right, you. Let’s get up.” She reached into her purse and pulled out a DVD.
His eyes narrowed on her. “What’s that? A movie?”
“Come on now. Get up. No time for questions.” She pulled the lever on the side of the chair, so his feet fell to the floor.
“Blasted, woman.”
Elizabeth ignored his insolence, scanning the room for a player to put the DVD in. When she spotted it, she smiled. “Now I don’t want you to have any concerns about this,” she said as she inserted the DVD. “Do you know how to get this on?” She pointed to the remote indicating he needed to switch it from the television. As he pressed a few buttons, she continued. “Monica has already cleared it with your primary doctor, so please trust me that you’ll be just fine.”
The screen flashed black for a beat, and he set the device down. “Granville won’t be jealous now?” He gestured to the screen. “I might be old, but I still have a little spark in me.”
“Claude! Don’t be ridiculous. We’re going to be doing yoga.”
“Yoga?” His face screwed up like a child refusing medicine.
“Yes, yoga.” It’s a very effective treatment that helps overall health and mental and physical wellbeing. This program is very elementary. Nothing too challenging.”
Claude set the remote on the side of his chair. “Yippee.”
She glanced around the spacious area in front of the screen. There was plenty of room, but to be safe, she would make a minor adjustment. “Help me move this?”
They each took a side of a caramel-colored wood coffee table and scooted it to the side. “You’re certainly getting a right bossy, little lady.”
“Just doing my job, sir.”
“Too well it seems, madam.”
“Stop stalling now.”
Elizabeth snatched the remote and began the DVD, exuding a confidence she didn’t truly possess. They made it through the introduction and warmup without many pauses. They laughed together on some of the poses neither was able to pull off despite it being for beginners. Elizabeth called an end to it when she saw a damp sheen forming on Claude’s forehead. “That’s enough for today,” she said.
“Thank God.”
After Elizabeth found her way to the kitchen to fetch them water, the two sat on the couch facing each other. “You did well, Claude.”
“You sound a bit surprised. I’ll have you know I played rugby once upon a time.”
“Impressive.” Elizabeth nodded and sipped her water.
Claude watched her, and his expression changed. “I never thanked you for agreeing to this. I’m sure Granville guilted you into it somehow. Maybe I’m being selfish, but I do appreciate it.” He looked away as if his own words embarrassed him.
“Not at all. I’m happy to be here.” She touched his hand resting between them to get his attention.
When his soft eyes met hers, she saw a wealth of memories, but she saw something sad as well.
“I never did like being dependent,” he continued. “Sometimes, I feel like a burden to my grandsons.”
With her emotions already vulnerable, she fought to stay composed. She grinned through her empathy for him, and just as she was going to speak, he wagged his head.
“Then again, I think those ungrateful nitwits wouldn’t have a thing if it weren’t for me.”
Elizabeth laughed and tried to convey her relief without saying the words. Opening a floodgate of tears would help neither of them. “I’m sure you’re right.”
“But I don’t want to be a burden to you.”
“Claude, trust me when I say you’re helping me as much as I’m helping you.”
He tapped her on the knee. “Now wouldn’t I love it if that were true?” He propped his chin on his fist and seemed to be looking for the truth in her eyes.
“It is true.” Elizabeth suddenly felt torn between wanting to confide in Claude and not wanting to cross that line. When it looked as though he pulled the thoughts right from her head, she moved to get up before he could ask her. “And it’s also true that it’s time for me to go.”
“Oh, of course.” Claude pushed to the edge of the sofa. “Let me walk you out.”
“I’ll walk her out, Grandfather.” Granville materialized in the doorway as if he were waiting backstage for his cue.
Claude didn’t seem to mind and eased back against the couch. Elizabeth hoped she hadn’t worn him out too much. “I’ll see you soon, little lady?”
“Yes, you certainly will.” She squeezed his arm before walking toward Granville. “Thank you.”
He stepped to the side to allow her to pass. She made her way to the door, stopping just before to allow him to open it.
“I hope you know how much we all appreciate your coming,” Granville said when the door shut behind them.
She turned and gave him one slow nod. “I do.” They walked toward her car; Granville watched her as she pulled her keys out. “I was thinking of including Claude in my thesis.”
“Really? You find his case that interesting?”
“To be honest it’s more about convenience. Though I do find the man fascinating.”
Granville’s face fell, and when Elizabeth caught sight of it, he pulled it into a firm grin.
“Of course, I’ll leave his name out if that’s your concern.”
“No, no, that’s not it. I trust you.”
“Is something else the matter then?”
He paused, and his eyes flashed away and back. “You’ll think I’m ridiculous, but the way you spoke of Claude just now...I suppose I was a bit jealous.”
Elizabeth couldn’t help but snort; her hand went to her mouth. “I do apologize. It’s not ridiculous...but it is a bit silly.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Yes, I’m aware of that.”
An awkward silence fell between them. Elizabeth looked down at her keys and realized she’d better leave before this went any further. “Well, I really should be going now.”
She opened her door, and Granville took two steps backward.
“Before I go, could I ask you something?” she said, unsure of why the thought entered her brain.
“Anything.”
“Why is it that you didn’t tell me about your business dealings with William?”
“I didn’t see it as my place to inform you.”
“And why have you not spoken about it now that I know?” She assumed a business man like Granville would take any upper hand he could get, especially one that showed William in a bad light.
Granville slipped his hands into his pockets and lowered his head, keeping his eyes connected with hers. “Lizzy, I’m sure you’re aware how much I fancy you. And I know you’ve made it quite clear we are to be nothing more than friends. But if perhaps there could be more, I’d rather win you because I’m a better man and not because he’s a worse man.” With that he turned on his heel and walked up the drive.
Chapter 18
Three days had passed since Elizabeth read William’s letter. She’d wondered if she should reach out to him, but as each day turned into night, and she hadn’t heard from him, she began to think he didn’t want to hear from her. What if it was a test? Maybe he was waiting to see if she would call first. She wouldn’t be forced into playing games; he’d been the one to lie, the one to leave, so he should be the one to communicate first.
Entering her front door, a warm, sweet smell wafted under her nose. She followed the scent to t
he kitchen, and to her surprise found Mary wearing an apron and a fine layer of flour along various parts of her arms and face.
“Well, look at the little homemaker,” Elizabeth said.
“Oh, look, it’s one of my sisters,” Mary said, putting a finger on her chin. “Which one are you, again?”
Using sarcasm was a rare occurrence for Mary; the change, Elizabeth could only attribute to spending time with Patrick.
She set her things on the kitchen table. “I’m sorry. I’ve been so busy between school and the hospital and spending time with Claude.”
Mary gave her a sidelong glance as she wiped her hands on her apron. “I just thought, as your maid of honor, you’d be discussing details with me. Especially with Georgina gone.”
She hadn’t told Mary anything more than William taking Georgina home to reunite with Jasper. “I really haven’t done much at all, but there’s plenty of time for all that.” She moved in on Mary’s work in progress. “What are you making?”
“I’m baking some special tea cookies for Patrick.” She smiled with pride. “The recipe follows all of his guidelines, and they’re tasty, too. Try one.”
Elizabeth peeked at her from the corner of her eye, and Mary nodded. She picked up one of the round mounds and took a bite. “Mmm. I guess you really are quite the homemaker.” Elizabeth finished the cookie while Mary put another batch in the oven. She should have been delighted for her sister; instead she fretted. How would Patrick and Mary make it if she and William couldn’t? And what if Mary fancied Patrick much more than he fancied her? She’d had a habit of preparing Mary for disappointments—softening the blows she saw coming for her sister. She turned and leaned against the counter. “It’s quite nice of you to do this for Patrick. I hope he appreciates it.”
“Of course he does,” she said, closing the oven door. “He will.”
“It’s just...relationships can be complicated and sometimes—“
“Lizzy, what are driving at? Don’t waffle about if you’ve got something to say.”
“I’m just watching out for you. I’d hate for you to get your feelings hurt if possibly Patrick doesn’t care as much as you do. It’s your first relationship, and you might not be able to judge...why are you smiling?”
A Rival for Mr. Darcy Page 15