Beginning, Previous Section, Section VI
Jump to new as of June 26, 2000
Jump to new as of July 6, 2000
She felt empty and devoid of warmth. The weather seemed colder and the sky greyer when she walked outside. Work was duller and John less energetic and amusing. Her whole world seemed less vibrant and happy than when Will was around. She began to understand what he meant when he said she made his day brighter just by being there. On a whim, Elizabeth pulled out her copies of Wordsworth and Shakespeare's sonnets and Keats to peruse and mourn.
Will called as soon as he was back in Pemberley. "Elizabeth?"
"Will! It's so good to hear your voice again. I know that's silly after a few hours, but it's true."
"I miss you already, too. You sound tired, did I wake you up?"
"It's three o' clock in morning, Will. I rarely write past this late."
"I'm sorry, I'm so confused by all the time changes. I'll go now if you want."
"No, talk to me for a while. Never shy away from calling me any time you want. I'm always ready to talk to you. Tell me, how was the flight?"
"Long and boring after being in your company for so long. I'm still in denial. The last time I was in the house or in my car, I didn't have your love and I was the loneliest man I knew. My life has changed so much in the two weeks I've gone. It's enough to boggle my mind."
"I hope it's a good change."
"Of course it is. Though I miss you awfully so."
"I do too."
"You still love me?"
"Of course I do."
"Just checking."
"I'll let you know if anything changes, all right. Never doubt my love."
"I know I know. I'll let you go back to sleep now."
"Okay. I'll talk to you tomorrow then."
"Yes. Good night. I love you."
"Love you too."
Elizabeth and Will talked nearly everyday. Most of the time they were short conversations just to find out what they did that day and to hear each other's voices. Elizabeth called Jane and told her about the recent changes.
"You finally love Will?!" cried Jane upon hearing Elizabeth's news.
"Yes."
"How did it happen?"
"You know he came here on a business trip, right?"
"Yes. He was so looking forward to seeing you again it almost broke my heart."
"It was so good to see him again after writing to each other for so long. That's when it kind of started. We had dinner together and then didn't see each other until his business was over. Then he stayed at our house for a couple of nights and then he and I drove up to my grandparents' flat in Wales. We stayed the week and had the most wonderful time of our lives. It wasn't anything really special, just being together and doing things together was so delightful and lovely. Living with him like that made me realize that I really loved him."
"Oh, how romantic! How did you tell him?"
"I took him to see this particularly beautiful view in the mountains and told him that I loved him. Quite simply. It took a little convincing I was telling the truth but then he kissed me and-"
"He kissed you?! You've finally been kissed now?"
Elizabeth laughed shyly. "Yeah. It was so heavenly. It still gives me goosebumps."
"How did he react?"
"At first he was disbelieving but then he was so happy and the look he gave me was so filled with love and devotion it overwhelmed me. That and the sheer emotions I had running through me. But the downside is I miss him so much now."
"Don't you talk on the phone?"
"Yes, but it's not the same as having him beside me to make a small observation or a comment to whenever I want. I miss his presence at my side."
"I never had that with Charles. I mean we never had to go through that kind of separation. It must be ghastly!"
"Oh, it is!"
"When do you get to see him again, do you know?"
"He's coming a couple of days before Christmas and staying until New Years' day."
"That's not too long from now."
"For me it is."
"How are you going to work it out in the long run? You can't leave Grandmother on her own, can you?"
"No. And I don't want to take her away from this house, either. And I can't see Will moving in with us. So no, I don't know how it's all going to work out."
"What would you do if he asked you to marry him this visit?"
"I doubt he will, but if he did, I don't know how it'd go."
"You do want to marry him, right?"
"I'm not positive. This whole thing is so new to me, I don't want to rush into an engagement, even with Will. There's no real harm in taking it a bit slower."
"Of course not. Charles and I were together for a long time before we married."
"That's not exactly the same, though."
"I hear Charles is home, so I have to go."
"Don't tell Charles if he doesn't know. I think Will wants to talk to him himself."
"All right. I'll talk or write to you later."
"Bye."
Georgiana was reportedly thrilled and relieved. Will told Elizabeth some of his conversation with his sister:
"At first she was ecstatic. Jumping about and hugging me. You'd think I told her I was married or something. But then she said how relieved she was, and when I asked her why she replied she no longer had to worry about my sanity and that it was your job now."
"My job?"
"I guess she meant it was your responsibility to keep me sane now."
"I don't know if I can handle that kind of pressure, Will," Elizabeth teased. "Then what?"
"She went on about how happy she was for me and asked me for specifics which I barely skimmed over. She wasn't happy about that."
Elizabeth chuckled.
"I'm glad she approves."
"What do you mean approves? She's been hoping you'd love me since the moment I told her I loved you."
"When was that?"
"As soon as she saw how low I was after you left Boston."
"How long did it take her?"
"A week."
"Ouch."
"Yeah, well, she's been the best support for me."
"I'm glad. So now it's my turn, huh?"
"Yep."
"I hope I live up to my predecessor's expectations and standards."
"I doubt you'll have much trouble."
"I hope not. Well I'm going to go write some now."
"Good. Send it to me as soon as you're finished."
"I will. Good night, Will. I love you."
"Good night, Elizabeth. I love you too."
Elizabeth was impatient to see Will again. She anxiously awaited him at Gatwick airport and was extremely vexed and frustrated by his plane's delay. Finally she spotted him coming down the ramp and pushed through the crowd to run into his arms.
Will held her in the tightest hug, her feet dangling off the ground and her arms flung about his neck. They kissed passionately and then began to calm down.
"I missed you so much."
"I missed you more."
Elizabeth kissed him again and said, "Merry Christmas."
"The same to you, my love," he said, looking adoringly at her.
They turned and exited the airport. Elizabeth had the car again, and they drove to Sunbury. Will was delighted at seeing the house and river again, especially with all the decorations put up.
Grandmother gave him a big welcome and brought him out of the cold. Will put his bag in Elizabeth's room and sat down for some hot chocolate and minced meat pies. Elizabeth sat beside him on the sofa, their hands clasped tightly. Elizabeth felt so much happier just being with him.
Will began to get tired from the jet lag after a while and slowly fell asleep on Elizabeth's shoulder. When she realized he was asleep, she shook him awake and led him to her bed where he gratefully climbed in. Elizabeth kissed him and then left to help her Grandmother clear up. Then Elizabeth went to sleep in the extra bed in her Grandmother's room.
When Elizabeth woke up the next morning, Grandmother was already up and about, but Will was still asleep. Elizabeth put on her warm dressing gown and slippers and sat in the living room looking out on the river. She saw some rowing boats go past and thought about how absolutely insane they must be to be out on the water in the December morning.
This was how Will found her when he got up. He kissed her and she smiled up at him. Together they sat in silence, tranquilly gazing out on the river.
That day the three of them drove up to Liverpool to spend Christmas. Once again, Elizabeth did most of the driving. When they reached the house in Liverpool, Elizabeth's grandparents heartily welcomed all of them in.
"So this is the infamous Will Darcy is it?" asked Nana.
Will grinned and bowed formally. "Aye, ma'am. Fitzwilliam Darcy at your service."
Gramps vigorously shook Will's hand, saying, "I'm thrilled to finally meet you."
"Thank you sir. The honour is all mine, I assure you."
"Do come in, my dears. You must be awfully tired, Elizabeth, after your long drive. We'll have the kettle on in no time and you must have some of Gramps' delicious Christmas cake."
Will was initiated into the family in no time at all. He liked Elizabeth's grandparents. It was hard not to like them. They had a wonderful Christmas Eve and stayed up late talking and laughing. Finally, Nana said, "If you don't go to bed, Father Christmas won't be able to visit."
So Will slept in Nana's office on a bed on the floor while Elizabeth and Grandmother shared the guest bedroom.
Christmas morning, Will came in to wake up Elizabeth in their time-honored fashion. Grandmother had long since gotten up to help with the cooking, leaving Elizabeth still fast asleep.
"Elizabeth, wake up. Elizabeth, it's 9:30 on Christmas morning."
Will gently shook her. She turned over to look up at him and smile sleepily. "Happy Christmas, my love."
"The best Christmas I can remember already," he said, kissing her deeply. "Go on and get dressed. Then the festivities can begin."
After everyone was up and the turkey was in the oven, the small group of family and potential family opened presents. There were many that had been sent from America. Some Will had brought and some had been sent by mail.
From her father, Elizabeth received several classics he thought she should read, and from her mother Elizabeth received her third cosmetic set in four years. Elizabeth sighed and threw them aside to be given away. But then she opened a small box which held a beautiful silver locket. She gasped and opened it. It was big enough to hold photos, but was currently empty.
She jumped when Will whispered in her ear, "Merry Christmas, my love."
Elizabeth turned to Will and embraced him. She kissed him and said, "But why is it empty?"
"I left it up to you to put something in it."
"Of course I'll put your picture in it. Then separation won't be so difficult."
Will smiled at her and then kissed her back. "Thank you for the sweater. You know exactly what I need, don't you?"
"You have a habit of packing inadequately for the weather," she teased. Turning serious, she put her arms around his neck and said, "I love you so much, Will. This is the best Christmas ever."
"I couldn't agree more," he replied, holding her tightly to him.
Elizabeth pulled away and said, "I have one more present for you. I was afraid it wouldn't come in time but it has. Here you go. Happy Christmas."
Elizabeth handed Will a wrapped present which turned out to be a book. On the cover, it said, "Scarborough Fair" by Elizabeth Bennet. Will looked up at her with amazement. He opened the cover and looked at the dedication page after the title page. It said, To the love of my life and backbone of my soul, Will. Will looked back up at her and she smiled shyly.
"I kept it a surprise from you. It was hard since you're so big in the business and usually you know everything that's going on."
"I feel so flattered and honoured. To have a book dedicated to me."
"Come on, it was bound to happen sometime even if I hadn't fallen in love with you."
"I'm still touched. Thank you."
Elizabeth smiled and kissed him before turning back to the rest of her gifts.
They had a huge Christmas dinner with all of Elizabeth's favourites. After the meal they sat around talking and pulling crackers and reading the jokes and tidbits inside. For Will, all this was new. Elizabeth delighted in explaining and showing him all the English customs that she had grown up with, despite living in America, and had always cherished. Will adapted easily and enjoyed himself immensely. I won't deny that Elizabeth had large part to do with it.
At one point, Will called Georgiana and talked to her for a while before bringing Elizabeth to talk with her. Then Will and Elizabeth called Jane and Charles on the speaker phone and exchanged best wishes for the season.
The wonderful day was ended by singing Christmas carols around the piano. Elizabeth and Will shared a carol book and they stood together, Elizabeth's arm around his waist while his went around her shoulder. She couldn't remember a time she had felt so content besides the week in Wales with Will.
On Boxing Day, Elizabeth, Grandmother, and Will drove back to Sunbury. It was another exhausting drive for Elizabeth, but she stayed awake when they returned so that she could enjoy Will's company while she could. They played cards until Elizabeth fell asleep and Will carried her to her bed in Grandmother's room.
The day after Boxing Day, Elizabeth went to work, leaving Will to do business via the internet and phones. Elizabeth went to work early and worked through lunch so she could get off earlier in the afternoon and spend time with Will. They often went out. One evening, they went to see a musical, another evening they saw a Shakespeare play and another time they went out to eat at a fancy restaurant in London.
New Year's Eve, Will and Elizabeth dressed up and went into London to attend a party. Most of the other guests were in the writing industry. Some were authors, some publishers and some editors. Will fit in easily.
There was a live group playing music to dance to, so Will naturally asked Elizabeth to dance, knowing full well how she disliked it. With some persuasion, Elizabeth assented to dancing one dance. To her surprise, it wasn't so difficult or awkward. She was comfortable and content to be held by Will.
Their dance and close proximity excited some gossip. Many of the publishers had heard of Will or knew him a little. He was one of the biggest names in the industry. After their dance, several people came up to them asking if they were a couple and engaged. They said yes to being a couple but no to being engaged. This provided some relief to the many women in the party who had been lamenting the loss of Will.
John was at the party and it was the first time he had had a chance to see Will since the Bingley wedding. As soon as he could, he walked over to Will.
"Will Darcy, how are you? John Barret, Elizabeth's friend."
Will shook John's hand and said, "Of course I remember you, John. How have you been?"
"Good, good. I hear I am to congratulate you."
"Oh no, we're not engaged."
"No, congratulations for cracking the stupid woman's barriers. That's some feat you've done. No one else has been able to get through to her."
Will laughed but said, "You have done it, too. And I guess so did Jane. I'm not the only winner. But thanks for the congratulations. It took a long time but was definitely worth it."
"I bet it was. So you've forgiven Elizabeth for all the misery she must have put you through?"
"Of course. I could never properly blame her anyway."
"True love, huh?"
Will nodded.
John asked, "What are you two going to do now?"
"We're not sure. We're kind of stuck in this position for a while. I hope it will change soon, though. I'm not sure how much of this long distance relationship I can stand."
"Must be tough. Well you have all my support and my best wishes."
"Thanks. Keep an eye on her for me will you?"
"Afraid she'll be fickle?"
Will snorted, and replied, "Hardly. She never got dates before I came along anyway. I meant just take care of her. Make her eat and sleep. You know, like you did before."
"I'll do my best. She can be difficult."
"I know it well."
The two men shook hands again and parted.
When it came close to midnight, everyone gathered in the largest room holding the band. The countdown began. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one! and the band played 'Auld Lang Syne'. Will and Elizabeth were in the midst of this crowd looking at each other silently. Slowly, Will leaned down and kissed her. Elizabeth remembered the last time they had spent New Year's together, they had passed their opportunity to kiss. What a contrast to this time. Everything had changed since then.
On New Year's day, Elizabeth had to take Will to the airport. They went through the same routine as last time, except setting a date for seeing each other two weeks later. No, this time, they didn't know when they would see each other again. This made the good-bye so much harder.
Will asked, "When is the next time you have days off of work?"
"I don't know. I'll find out and tell you."
"Do you have to work, still?"
"What do you mean?"
"Doesn't your writing support you, yet?"
"No, not yet. It helps a great deal and I think we could actually afford the full rent."
"I won't accept the full rent. Spend that money on plane tickets to Boston."
"I promise the first break I get, I'll be on a plane to Boston."
"Bring Grandmother with you if you can."
"I'll see."
The time came for them to say good-bye. Elizabeth's eyes began to fill and her throat clenched. Will folded her into his arms, and said, "Thank you for the most wonderful Christmas and New Year's I can remember."
Elizabeth smiled wanly. "You're very welcome. The same is true for me."
"Until we meet again, my love."
Elizabeth nodded. The couple kissed and then Will boarded the plane. Elizabeth turned away and walked out of the airport, making a big effort not to cry.
Will and Elizabeth's relationship developed more and strengthened. They learned not to yearn for the physical presence of the other, but instead were satisfied by talking on the phone and writing to each other. They learned how to be in a relationship that transcended the physical. In this manner they could survive the long periods of time they spent apart, but they couldn't go on forever like this. Will often visited when Elizabeth had a three or four day weekend, but this only temporarily satiated their need to be together. Sooner or later, some decision was going to have to made about a long-term arrangement.
Elizabeth saved up her time off work and planned to go to Boston for two weeks in May. Grandmother said she didn't want to go but to send her best wishes to Will. This left Elizabeth with the problem of how to have Grandmother taken care of while she was away. Finally Elizabeth had to call her mother and persuade/bully her into visiting for the two weeks she would be in Boston. Elizabeth never talked to her parents. Mrs. Bennet didn't even know her older daughter was dating a millionaire.
Both Will and Elizabeth impatiently waited for her long visit. Eventually, the day came for her arrival in Boston. It had previously been agreed upon that only Will would meet her at the airport, and he would bring her to Jane and Charles' place afterward, thereby providing some time alone for the reunited couple.
So Elizabeth came out of the international flights wing and found only Will waiting for her. It didn't matter since Will was the only person she wanted to see at the time. They embraced tightly, neither saying a word yet. They stood this way for several minutes, just reveling in the novelty of being with each other again.
Finally, they parted and started walking to the car, their hands clasped tightly. Elizabeth smiled when she saw the champagne coloured Lexus. "You still have this car?"
"Why not? It still works, still looks nice."
"I don't know. I just thought you would have bought a new one by now."
"Maybe I will someday."
They made small talk until they reached Jane and Charles' place. Jane ran out of the mansion when she heard the car and hugged Elizabeth as soon as she was out of the it.
"Oh Jane! I've missed you so much."
"So have I, Lizzy. You do look well! Come inside. Hello Will. Find her like you left her?"
"I'm afraid not. She keeps improving every time I turn my back."
Elizabeth laughed and followed Jane into the mansion. She met Charles there and hugged him, too. Inside, they sat down in the living room and talked like they had used to in the days of old. Elizabeth so enjoyed those times with the four of them together. Now she was enjoying it even more after such a long absence.
Elizabeth stayed at Jane and Charles' mansion while Will stayed in his townhouse in Chestnut Hill. Everyday, Will came over for breakfast and stayed with Elizabeth until late at night. They did various things around the city, visiting their old haunts like Marché's and the old apartment. It was all very nostalgic. On the weekend, Will took Elizabeth to Pemberley. The last time she had seen it was her visit before the Bingley's wedding, when she had learned her grandfather had passed on.
The estate was still beautiful. Will took Elizabeth on a tour of the house and grounds. It was slow and leisurely, while they talked about various things other than what they saw.
Elizabeth asked him, "Do you love Pemberley?"
Will looked at her. Carefully, he replied, "Not as much as you."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Wasn't that what you wanted to know?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"You want to know if I would give up Pemberley to go to England and be with you, right?"
Elizabeth was unable to deny the claim. She said, "Does that mean you would?"
"Of course I would."
Elizabeth smiled up at him. "That's wonderful."
"Are you asking me to?"
"I don't know. But it might end up like that eventually."
"Why does it have to be eventually?" Will guided her along a path along the cliffs.
"It doesn't, I guess. It's just that I've always been one to put off making momentous decisions. So I look at it in the future."
"Come up here. There's something I want to show you."
Will reached down to help Elizabeth up some steep rocks on the cliff. She pulled herself up and stood very close to Will on a small, flat rock platform on the tip of the cliff. They looked out over the Atlantic Ocean, the waves crashing below creating a salty spray in the air.
Will said to her, "You showed me your favourite place in Wales, now I'm showing you my favourite place in New England."
Elizabeth sighed, "It's beautiful, Will. I do miss the New England coast sometimes."
"Do you think you'd ever want to come back to New England?"
"I don't know. I really don't. I think I want to see more of the world before I settle down in New England again--if I do."
"Elizabeth, I'm sure there are supposed to be 'right moments' to say this, but I never figured out when they were, so I'm just going to go ahead and do it." Will cleared his throat and before Elizabeth realized what he meant, he said, "I love you more than anything. You are the light of my life, and I wish you to spend that life with me until I die. Will you marry me?"
Elizabeth was positively speechless. She looked wide-eyed at Will who appeared anxious and nervous. Elizabeth opened her mouth and then closed it again. She laughed shakily and replied, "I never thought I'd hear those words spoken to me."
"Elizabeth, please don't do one of your avoiding jobs again."
Elizabeth sighed, frustrated. "I really want to say yes and be happy. But all these mundane things are getting in the way."
"Like what?" asked Will, not sure whether to be elated or worried.
"Like where we live! We're separated by that!" she cried, gesturing at the Atlantic Ocean. "It's a pretty formidable obstacle, Will. And granted that even if I said no and hid in England again, I still wouldn't even consider anyone else, I just don't think I could do it, Will."
"My love, if you want to be in England, that's fine. I said I would give up Pemberley for you. Georgiana is getting out of college and she can settle down happily here."
"It's not just Pemberley. Your companies are here."
"Correction, one of my companies is here and I'm selling it."
"What?"
"I decided I didn't want Derbyshire Publishing Company tying me down here for just this reason, and so I had already decided to sell it. I haven't found the right buyer yet, but I'm working on it."
Elizabeth was once more rendered speechless.
Will continued building his castles in the sky. "I'll move over to England and can easily conduct the rest of my business from there. It's mostly done over telecommunications anyway. You can quit your job and write full time without any worries."
"But what about Grandmother?"
"I don't mind living in the bungalow on the island if it means being with you."
"I can't ask you to do that!"
"Why not? Because I grew up in Pemberley? I'm telling you what I want and you are denying me that for reasons which aren't even legitimate. Is this your way of saying you don't want to marry me?"
"No! I do, I do, I just don't know how we're going to make this work."
"I've told you, but you have snobbier notions for myself than I do. I don't mind living in the house on the island to be with you and your Grandmother."
Elizabeth could think of nothing more she could protest about or any other barriers to put up. She wanted desperately to marry him but was stalling and shying away from reality. The only thing left was to give in.
"Fine," she sighed.
"I don't want your answer to be a resigned 'fine'. Honestly, do you want to marry me?"
"Yes, I do."
"Will you marry me?"
"Yes!"
"Finally!" he cried and pulled her into his arms to kiss her. Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh at the ridiculous in their conversation. She might as well call it an argument over his proposal.
When Will had released her, he said, "When we return to Boston, we can go looking for a ring. I didn't want to get one myself and have it all handy for my proposal because I wanted to get one you liked."
"That's so thoughtful. It's much better this way. I'll have fun dragging you around all the jewelry stores."
Will smiled, and said, "I won't mind one bit. Come on, let's get back to the house. Georgiana is due home soon."
The newly engaged couple walked back to the mansion and talked until Georgiana arrived. She walked into the main hall and called out, "Elizabeth! Will!"
Elizabeth came out of the drawing room with Will and went downstairs to greet her sister-to-be. This whole new way of looking at her surroundings was a little disconcerting to Elizabeth.
The two women embraced. "How are you Georgiana? I hear you're just about to finish all your schooling."
"That's right. I've done well and can't wait to get out into the real world."
"Just wait until the 'real world' bites you in the butt. Then you'll be sorry you ever left the safe conclave of the academic world."
Georgiana kissed Will's cheek affectionately. "Hello, brother, dearest. My! You look one hundred percent better than when I last saw you. Must be Elizabeth's presence."
Will blushed and laughed. "Something like that, yes."
Elizabeth and Will shared a private, intimate look behind Georgiana's back. They walked into the morning room and sat down to talk. When Georgiana was busy with something, Will asked Elizabeth in a whisper, "Can I tell her?"
"I don't see why not."
When Georgiana returned, Will smiled and said, "Georgie, we have some news hot off the press for you. Elizabeth and I are engaged."
Georgiana was off her seat in a second, rushing over to hug and kiss them. She squealed with delight. "Oh! You'll be my sister, how ripping! That's so wonderful, I'm so happy for you both!"
Will and Elizabeth took her exuberance patiently. When Georgiana was calmer, she asked, "What did you mean 'hot off the press'?"
"She said yes a couple of hours before your arrival."
"Really?! You asked her today? Where?"
"Up on the top of our cliffs."
"How romantic!"
Will decided to tell his sister now while she was happy about the engagement his second piece of news. "Georgie, I'll most likely be moving to England to live with Elizabeth."
Georgiana's face fell, but she said, "I was expecting it, though I can't say I won't miss you terribly."
"I'll leave Pemberley to your capable hands. You can use it all as your own then. Have parties and guests and use it more than I ever did."
"I'll take good care of it with Mrs. Reynolds' help. But you will come back and visit often, won't you?"
"Most likely."
Elizabeth and Will and sometimes Georgiana spent a lot of bonding time together that weekend. Elizabeth felt happier than she had ever in her life. She often caught herself looking in wonder at her fiancé and marveling at how she had won such an amazing man. Will felt more happy and satisfied than he had ever before. What was funny was that he often had the same thoughts about Elizabeth that she had about him. Awe and disbelief.
Monday morning, Will took Elizabeth around the jewelry shops until finally, she picked a ring of white gold with a blue, oval sapphire surrounded by small diamonds. Then they went to Jane and Charles' place to announce their news. It was met with delight and comments like 'it took you long enough'.
Elizabeth's visit soon came to an end and she was sent off by her two best friends and her fiancé. She returned to her house on the island, expecting chaos and catastrophe.
To her utter surprise, Elizabeth found neither. Instead, she found her mother and grandmother calmly having tea in the garden.
"Hello Elizabeth! How was your trip?"
Elizabeth was too stunned to answer. She dropped her bag.
"You must be tired. Come and have a cup of tea."
"N-no thanks. I'll just put m-my things in my room."
After doing so, she returned, expecting to see reality instead of what must be a dream. But no, her mother and grandmother were getting along! Elizabeth dazedly sat down.
It didn't take more than a minute for Elizabeth's mother to spot her sparkling engagement ring. "What's that?"
"What? Oh, my ring?"
"Yes, of course the ring!"
"I got engaged."
"Really!" screeched Mrs.Bennet. "Who is he?"
"Will Darcy."
Grandmother cried, "You're engaged to Will?! How wonderful!"
"You know him?" asked Mrs. Bennet.
"He's stayed here countless times."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"You didn't need to know."
Elizabeth interrupted, "Mother, it came around rather suddenly."
Grandmother knew she was lying but nodded.
"Is he rich?"
"Mother! I've known Will for years. You know of him, surely."
"I don't keep track of all your friends, child, really!"
Elizabeth sighed.
Grandmother stood to take the dishes into the kitchen. This left Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth alone.
"Where are you going to live? When are you getting married?"
"We don't know." Elizabeth lowered her voice. "I can't leave Grandmother alone, so I think he'll be moving in here."
"What? No, you can't spend your first years of marriage here! You must buy a big house and lots of land and cars."
"But who will take care of Grandmother? I will not leave her alone and I will not move her from this house."
"I'll live with my mother."
"What?"
"I said I will care for her."
"Here?"
"Yes."
"But what about Tallahassee?"
"Lydia is gone and you know your father and I don't get along too well. I realized these two weeks that Mother doesn't have long, so I want to spend that time with her."
Elizabeth didn't know what to say. She was saved from thinking of something with Grandmother's entrance.
"I heard you two talking. I don't need looking after like a baby."
"Grandmother, if something happened to you and you were alone, you'd be helpless. It's not good for most people to live alone, especially on an island you have to carry everything to."
Mrs. Bennet said, "Do you object to me moving in with you?"
"I suppose not. I can't say no and force Elizabeth to spend her first years as married woman with Will here."
"Are you sure? It was Will's idea to move in here."
"I'm quite sure. You two need your time alone and your space. He's a millionaire for Heaven's sake. He can't live here."
"A millionaire?!" cried Mrs. Bennet.
Elizabeth got up and said, "I'm going to call Will, then."
She left her mother's screeching cries of happiness and praise and advice. She picked up the phone and dialed Will's number, knowing it was four in the morning for him.
"Hello?" came the sleepy answer.
"Good morning, my love. Sleep well?" she teased.
"Elizabeth! Are you okay? Did your flight get through?"
"I'm fine, Will. I just had some news that couldn't wait. Mother was staying with Grandmother while I was away and has decided to remain here so I can go with you."
"You mean your mother is going to take care of Grandmother so you can marry me?"
"Is there an echo?"
"That's wonderful! But you'll still want to live in England, won't you?"
"We can travel around and see the different parts of England. Maybe Switzerland and Germany and all over."
Will chuckled at her enthusiasm for travelling. "We'll see."
"I just wanted to let you know. Go back to sleep."
"I love you."
"Love you too."
Things moved fast after that. The wedding date was set and a small ceremony planned for close family and friends. It was to be held in Boston. Elizabeth quit her job and moved over to Jane and Charles' house until after the wedding.
Dresses and rings were chosen and the small list of invitations sent out. The chapel was booked and Pemberley decked out for a small reception. Elizabeth's parents and sister came as well as her aunt, two uncles, two cousins, and her three grandparents.
Soon, the day of the wedding arrived. Only Jane and Georgiana were bridesmaids and Charles as the best man with Richard as a groomsman. Elizabeth and Will recited their wedding vows and exchanged the rings. Finally they kissed their first kiss as man and wife and then walked arm in arm down the aisle. At Pemberley they received guests and had a banquet before boarding a flight to the Swiss Alps.
Richard hadn't seen Elizabeth since he accused Will of being in love with her. He was struck by how different she was. So changed and altered--for the better. He admitted that his cousin was changed just as much. They suited it each so well now, but they both had to be molded first before they could fit together. But the molding had been done only when separated.
Beside Richard, John wiped tears from his eyes and sighed. Richard turned to him, and said, "Would you like to go out for a drink with me? It looks like we both lost someone dear to us."
John smiled wanly and nodded.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Will contentedly sat next to one another as man and wife on the plane, heading for three weeks of marital bliss before returning to the real world.
In that real world, Elizabeth became a renowned fiction writer for young adults. She and Will, who maintained the rest of his companies after finally passing Derbyshire Writing Co. to Georgiana, traveled extensively promoting her books as well as just seeing the world together.
Mrs. Bennet and Grandmother lived together until Grandmother's passing eight years later. Jane and Charles began to produce offspring, providing a haven for Elizabeth to confirm her resolve in not having children, preferring to touch many children's hearts and influence them through her writing rather than concentrating on a few of her own.
Elizabeth Bennet and Will Darcy were a model couple for those around them and lived happily ever after in adventure, creativity, devotion, and love.