Section I, Next Section
"This court now orders Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy to take one month of leave from his work and the city."
"What?! He can't do that!"
"It was either that, sir, or prison. It's your fourth offense."
"But is that even a standard punishment?"
"I wouldn't advise you to complain, sir. It is to your advantage."
Fitzwilliam Darcy picked up his suitcase and stormed out of the courthouse leaving his lawyers to settle the legal matters. Darcy had been in yet another automobile accident. His lawyers had pleaded innocence due to stress and this was the outcome. An outcast. Sent away from the city to solitary confinement.
A tall young man caught up to Darcy. "Come, Darcy. Let's go have some lunch at the Ritz."
"I'm not in the mood."
"Well, how about a pizzeria?"
"No."
"Then take a walk through the park with me."
"Look, Fitzwilliam, this is not the time to be pitying me."
"Who said anything about pitying you? Just trust me and let's have a nice long walk. Stop by your office and drop off that ridiculously heavy suitcase you always carry around. And your pager and cell phone while you're at it."
"I can't. Someone might need to talk to me."
"Then they can wait," Fitzwilliam said firmly.
Darcy reluctantly complied. Fitzwilliam Darcy was young, handsome, and highly successful in the business world. He lived and worked in New York City. His cousin, Colin Fitzwilliam, was taller and not as handsome as Darcy, but his easy, affable nature and charm made him more appealing. Colin helped out Darcy sometimes but also had many other ventures and travels.
As the two men walked side by side through the park, Colin told his dear cousin of his plan. "I have a friend who is a photographer. She drives all around the country in an RV taking photographs of God knows what. Anyway, I was thinking about calling her and asking her if you could spend a month with her. It would get you out of the city for sure and into the countryside. She's a really great person and would not be in danger of being affected by you. How does that sound? You could keep a diary of some sort and that would help you when you confront the judge in a month's time."
Darcy sat on a bench and buried his face in his hands, running his hands through his hair. "Why can't they just take my license away again?"
"It hasn't worked, obviously. The judge had to try something new besides plunking you in jail or something horrible like that. I think you're lucky to get off this much. Now what do you say to this nice holiday with my friend?"
"What do you mean by she wouldn't be affected by me?"
"Well, Darcy, you know how women can get around you. All gushy and weak."
"Is it any different from you?"
"You're a lot wealthier than I and therefore it is more prominent."
"So, is this woman old or something?"
"No, she's in her twenties."
"What other options do I have?"
"Ummm, no better ones. You could go stay with your aunt in the country."
"All right. What is this woman's name?"
"Elizabeth Bennet."
"She's a photographer?"
"Yep. I'll give her a call today and see when is the soonest she can get to an airport."
"What?"
"She might be in the middle of the Grand Canyon for all I know."
"I'm not so sure, Fitzwilliam...."
"Cousin, it will do you good."
"I'll know who to blame if it doesn't."
"As always, my liege," Colin said with a flourishing bow.
Elizabeth got back to her RV, which she affectionately called Cleo, late at night after a particularly frustrating session with uncooperative clouds and trees. She slung her pack on the sofa and plunked down beside it to pull of her boots. It was only then that she heard the beep of her answering machine declaring to her that someone had called.
After she was barefoot once again, Elizabeth walked over to her machine and pressed the message button.
"Hi, Elizabeth, this is Colin. My cousin got into a bit of trouble and I would really appreciate it if you would be able to take him in for a month. Just give me a call when you get back, even if it's three in the morning."
Elizabeth didn't know what to make of the message. She played it again. A cousin of Colin's--she didn't even know he had a cousin. In a bit of trouble? What kind of trouble? Did he want her to just adopt this kid for a month? There was no other way to find out besides call Colin. So she did.
Looking at the clock while the phone rang, she guiltily realized it would be three in morning for him. Oh well. He had said call as soon as she got back.
"Hello?" came a sleepy reply.
"Colin, it's Elizabeth. You asked me to call you about this rather odd message you left me."
"Oh, um, yeah. Hold on. Let me get up."
"No, stay. I don't want to bother you. I'll call you later on today and catch you."
"I'm fine, Liz. This is better. I'll explain in a minute."
There was a long silence and then he came back sounding more awake. "My cousin got into some trouble I was wondering if you could take him in for a month or so."
"Yes, that's what your message said but could you expand on that a bit?"
"Not really. I would like him to be out of the city as soon as possible. Could you take him in?"
"Will he mind living cooped up in Cleo for that long?"
"I'll tell him to pack light. And you could take him with you. He could help you carry your camera and stuff."
"I've managed for five years without a packhorse thank you."
"It'd give him something to do. Will you take him?"
"I guess so. It'll give me some companionship for once."
"Great. Where are you?"
"I'm on the border of Kansas."
"What's the closest airport?"
"Topeka."
"When can you be there?"
"In three hours."
"I'll tell my cousin to get the earliest flight in the morning."
"So soon?"
"Why not? He needs to get out of the city by Monday."
"Fine. Call me back with his flight information."
"Thank you so much for doing this, Elizabeth. I owe you a big favor."
"You sure do. I'll talk to you later."
"Bye."
Elizabeth hung up and got into her bed at the back of Cleo.
The following morning, message was on her machine from Colin telling her his cousin would arrive on flight 243 in Topeka at ten in the morning. Elizabeth immediately started up Cleo and headed out of the campsite to the highway.
On the way, she wondered what type of character this boy would have. How old was he? She didn't even know what he looked like so he could spot him at the airport. Why did she agree to this? He was probably some really rich, spoilt boy who got caught doing something by the police and now his mommy is sending him off to a type of summer camp. He won't like hiking or living in Cleo. He'll be begging to go back in days.
With this rather optimistic view, Elizabeth drove the three hours to Topeka airport. When she arrived, she was half an hour early. She walked to the gate where flight 243 would be deplaning.
Elizabeth walked up to the desk, and asked, "Excuse me, can you tell me if flight 243 is on time?"
"Yes, ma'am. It will be here at 10:05."
"Thank you."
With half an hour to kill, Elizabeth settled down at the coffee shop with a cup of vanilla coffee and a brownie with crushed almonds on the top. As she waited, she looked around the establishment. She smiled as she recognized one of her photographs on the wall. It was taken three years ago during her last visit to this area. It hadn't been too successful a shoot, but the locals apparently would buy her stuff.
Seeing a National Geographic magazine lying on the coffee table in front of the sofa, she picked it up reverently. This was how she came to be in this profession. She fell in love with all the beautiful pictures in the National Geographic. Other people would be in love with the exotic places that it displayed, but Elizabeth loved the pictures themselves. The delicate balance between light and dark, smooth and rough, wet and dry.
She had been twelve at the time. Elizabeth remembered seeing beautiful vistas that she had wanted to photograph, but couldn't make the beauty come out on film. It took her three years before she got the hang of it. That had been the year her father gave her her first real, professional camera. Since then, she carried it with her everywhere she went. She had it with her right then.
In fact, she caught a glimpse of a great opportunity. She picked up her camera and crept forward so as not to distract the subject. It was a very handsome young man holding a briefcase in one hand and holding flowers in his other. But the flowers were being held limply and upside down. Elizabeth smiled unconsciously at the sour look on the handsome face. She wouldn't be surprised if he were a model for a very good designer. But oh! This was an excellent picture! The way the light lit his sour look was perfect. Snap. Snap. Snap. She lowered the camera and slung it over her shoulder.
Only then did she notice that the gate was spewing out people from flight 243. She picked up her bag and walked out of the coffee shop. She felt awkward and uncomfortable. She didn't know who she was looking for. She had no clues as to his looks or dress. He could be a toddler she would be baby-sitting for all she knew. Stupid Colin never spoke about his mysterious cousin.
Elizabeth sighed and shifted the camera back up her shoulder as she stood off to the side watching the people pass. The handsome flower-bearer hadn't moved away. She wondered why he was hanging around. She assumed he was looking for a girlfriend who would be meeting him. She wouldn't be a wife. No man would bring flowers home to a wife. That's reserved for the courting period. And not many wives would meet their husbands at the airport after a business trip. No, that was reserved for the courting period, too. It's too bad, she thought. He would be a real catch. As if I cared about catching. She turned her attention back to the gate again.
Will Darcy had reluctantly packed and taken a cab to the airport. He found out he lost his license again on top of this exile. During the flight, Will concentrated on reading reports and not his future this month. He didn't entertain much hope of his survival. As soon as he had started to pack, he knew he had made a big mistake. Would Aunt Catherine's really have been that bad for a month? Will hesitated. He would give this photographer a try.
Darcy deplaned and stood looking around. Colin had said Elizabeth had curly dark hair, dark eyes and was medium build. Great, Will thought. How many women fit that description?
Darcy continued to look for Elizabeth as the number of people standing around gradually diminished as they were claimed by passengers coming out of the door.
Then a woman standing off to the side caught his eye. She had dark curly hair, medium build, and ... on her shoulder hung a camera. It had to be her. He walked over to her. She turned dark eyes on him only two seconds before he reached her.
"Hello," he said, putting down his briefcase and sticking out his hand. "My name is Will Darcy."
She smiled slightly. "Elizabeth Bennet," she said and then turned her attention back to the gate.
"I know," Will replied.
Elizabeth looked back at him sharply. "What do you mean you know?" Was this some new kind of pick up line? Do I want to be picked up by this hunk? Not when he's holding his girlfriend's flowers.
"Colin described me to you. And then there's the camera on your shoulder."
"You're Colin Fitzwilliam's cousin?" she asked, incredulously.
"Yes. Who else did you expect?"
Elizabeth didn't reply. She only stared at him for a moment. Then she said, "I ..um...I actually didn't know who to expect. My best attempt was a boy, not an older man."
"I'm not old," Will mumbled.
"I didn't mean you are old, just not a teenager."
"I'm sorry for Colin's lack of organizational skills."
"He didn't do too well, did he?" There was a bit of a silence. Then Elizabeth said, "I'm sorry, you must be tired. Let's go and get your bags and get going. You can sleep in Cleo on the way."
"I'm sorry, who?"
"Cleo. Come on."
Puzzled, Will followed her. How many women was he staying with? Was this Colin's idea of an ideal vacation? Figures. Stupid bachelor ideas were always flying through his head. Once again, Will wished he hadn't decided to do this.
They continued to walk through the airport to the baggage claim. Suddenly remembering the bouquet of flowers in his hand, he thrust them out to her as they walked and mumbled with a bright blush, "Oh, these are for you. A... thank you present for your hospitality."
Elizabeth laughed, and took the bouquet. Will turned a deeper red. Elizabeth said wryly, "You haven't met Cleo, yet, so you might be a little hasty in thanking me for my hospitality."
Once again, Will wondered who Cleo was. He was about to ask when they reached the baggage claim. Will wiggled through the crowd surrounding the conveyor belt to grab his suitcase. Elizabeth waited patiently for him, smelling the beautiful scent of the various species of flowers in the beautiful bouquet. She laughed to herself when she thought that these very same flowers were for his girlfriend. How much she would have scoffed at the person who said these were intended for her!
Elizabeth found a seat away from the throng. She looked around at the people and the building. She had never been in this airport before. She didn't use airports very often, just Cleo.
Finally, Will joined her pulling his suitcase behind him. "Are you all set?" she asked.
Will nodded. Elizabeth turned to lead the way to Cleo. When she came in sight of Cleo, she turned to Will, and said, "It would be best for us to buy provisions before we go out. I need to empty the sewage and stock up on gas and water and other essentials. Excuse Cleo if she's a mess. I didn't exactly have time to clean up. I have to see if you brought suitable clothing. If not, we'll have to get you some here in Topeka, if that's ok with you, Mr. Darcy."
At this point, Will had to interrupt her long spiel and say, "Ms. Bennet, please call me Will. It will do a lot to ease awkwardness."
"Who said anything about awkwardness? But, if that is your wish, I will of course oblige if you call me Elizabeth."
Will nodded, not wanting to say something else that would bring another scathing retort.
They reached Cleo. Elizabeth stopped, and turned a bright smile on Will. "Meet Cleo."
"I'm sorry?"
"Cleo. I told you we'll be living in Cleo."
Dawning realization. Cleo was apparently Elizabeth's RV. Will felt embarrassingly awkward. Was he supposed to bow and say how do you do? The crisis passed when Elizabeth unlocked the door and led the way inside.
Elizabeth was saying when he entered, "I'm sorry Cleo's a bit of a spinster's place. Do you mind sleeping on the couch? It's quite comfortable. If not, you can have my bed."
"I wouldn't dream of putting you out of your bed."
Elizabeth gave him a look before turning and pointing to the door at the very end of the vehicle. "That's the bedroom and the door to the left right before it is the bathroom, but I try to use it as little as possible. Then you see the kitchen with the table and two chairs. This is the living room...well sort of. Finally, the cockpit where I drive Cleo."
"It's nice."
"Don't strain yourself to compliment. I'm sure you're used to much better accommodations. But it suits my lifestyle."
Will didn't try another attempt.
"You can dump your stuff where there is space and then lay out on my bed if you want. I really don't mind so don't be all gentlemanly and go for the couch. But if you could hold out for an hour, we need to go shopping."
Will nodded. He slid his suitcase under the sofa and sat in the comfortable seat next to the driver's where Elizabeth settled herself. Will was a little uneasy when they first began to move. He didn't recall ever being in an RV before. He wasn't sure if he relished the feeling of a house moving around on wheels. He concentrated on fastening his seatbelt--it was being more difficult than usual. He sighed in embarrassed frustration. Why wouldn't this stupid contraption work? He became hotter in the face when a feminine hand took the belt from him and gently slid into its place with a click. Will sat back and stared with undue concentration on the road. The silence was heavy and oppressive. Elizabeth hid all desire to smile, and focused on her driving.
When they were on the road, Elizabeth asked him, "What kind of clothing did you bring?"
"Fitzwilliam had enough brains to warn me a little about what I could be doing. I have boots, socks, trousers, shirts, and this nicer outfit."
"Do you have a backpack?"
"No."
"I think I have a spare one stored underneath Cleo. Do you want your trousers to stay nice? Because I can't guarantee they won't get dirty and maybe torn."
"No, I can just buy more if I need to after this month."
There was silence again. Elizabeth thought about how much this man sounded like he dreaded this month. Maybe this was a close second as to which he disliked more, prison or a month with her and Cleo.
They stopped at a grocery store and bought all sorts of canned and non perishable foods as well as some fresh fruit and vegetables. Next, Elizabeth filled the gas tank and discharged her tank of waste.
When she climbed back in Cleo, she said to Will, "Go ahead and sleep in my bed. We'll be driving for some hours."
Will nodded and moved to her bedroom. He went in the small room and closed the door. Inside, he found a small twin bed with drawers underneath it. On the opposite wall, was a cupboard and a chest of drawers. The wall held pictures of Elizabeth and other various people he presumed were family and friends. The only one he recognized was one of his cousin. It was during his 'shaggy' phase, with a rough beard, untamed hair and more casual clothes. He didn't remember when the phase was nor how long it lasted. He only remembered the lectures he gave Colin about keeping his appearances neat and tidy.
Will took off his shoes and jacket and tie. He climbed into the small bed thankfully. It had been an awfully long day and it wasn't even noon yet. The bed smelled pleasantly of lavender. He wondered if she had done it on purpose, usually scented this room in such a way, or did it completely unintentionally. His last thoughts were a longing for his comfortable, spacious apartment in New York.
When Will awoke several hours later, he was famished. He lay in the bed for a few minutes just reflecting and thinking. Finally his complaining stomach forced him to get out of the bed. He looked at the jacket, tie and shoes still lying on the floor. He picked up the jacket and tie and laid them neatly on the bed. Leaving the shoes behind, he opened the door and cautiously emerged from the small room.
Elizabeth was listening to the radio and softly singing along to Matchbox 20. Will came up to the front to sit beside her. "Good afternoon," he said.
Elizabeth gasped in complete shock and Cleo swerved violently for a few seconds. Cleo was soon under steady control again and Elizabeth... well she was clutching her chest and trying to get the pure adrenaline out of her blood before she said anything to Will. Will had been thrown onto the couch and was in only a little less shock than Elizabeth.
When she could speak, Elizabeth said, "Sir, kindly do not creep up on someone who is used to living alone."
Will sat in the passenger seat and buckled the seatbelt with no difficulty to his relief. "A thousand apologies. I did not even think I would frighten you. It is understandable."
There was an awkward silence before Elizabeth said, "You must be famished. There's plenty of food in the fridge. Help yourself to whatever you want."
"Thank you."
After a couple of minutes, Will got up and made a sandwich. He brought it up to the front. "Do you mind if I eat up here?"
"No, go ahead. I ate an hour ago."
"I'm sorry I slept so long."
"Don't concern yourself. It's perfectly natural for you to be tired. Oh! I love this song! 'My tea's gone cold, I'm wonderin' why I got out of bed at all...*'"
Will left her singing to the song and made himself a sandwich. Elizabeth called out to him, "You might want to eat fresh fruit while you have the chance!" Will grabbed an apple and took it all with him to the front where he sat in silence eating.
Elizabeth promptly ignored him since he wasn't providing any conversation. "... I missed the bus and there'll be hell today, I'm late for work again and even if I'm there, they'll all imply that I might not last the day and then you call me and it's not so bad, it's not so bad...."
For half an hour, neither said a word to the other. Elizabeth refused to feel awkward about it. Finally, she spoke--but only to convey necessary information, not to make conversation! "Topeka is about 9 hours from our destination."
"Where are we going?"
"Tennessee. Oh, and while we're talking, you're welcome to pretty much anything in Cleo."
"Thanks."
And that was it. There was more silence between them until another half hour later Will decided he was thoroughly bored at this pace of life and pulled out his laptop. Elizabeth saw what he was doing, and said, "Will, I'm sorry, you have to put that away."
"What?"
"You can't work while you're with me."
"What the hell do you mean?"
"Colin said I wasn't allowed to let you work. My guess is that this is a forced vacation from your work. If that is the case, then I think it best you're here and you don't work."
"That's ridiculous."
"Put it away."
"I have a lot to do."
"I'm sure Colin makes sure you don't have any work to do."
"Have you any idea who I am?"
"Will Darcy, Colin Fitzwilliam's cousin."
"I am the CEO of Darcy Incorporated."
"Never heard of it. Put the laptop away."
Will was stunned into silence. He was flabbergasted.
"Could you do me a big favor and put the beautiful flowers you gave me into a vase?"
Will, still stunned, nodded and got up. He put his laptop down on the table across from the kitchen. When he regained his voice, he said, "Where is a vase?"
"Bottom left cupboard."
Will looked, and found a thin, blue, glass vase. He looked at the flowers arranged nicely like when he had bought them in the store. He knew nothing about arranging flowers.
"Elizabeth, I don't know how to arrange flowers."
"That's ok. I'll arrange them later, just put them in water for now. Luke warm water, not cold."
Will did as she instructed and then sat back down. "If I'm not allowed to work then what am I supposed to do?"
Elizabeth looked at him in wonder. With a short laugh, she said, "Do anything you want to do. What gives you pleasure? What entertains you?"
"I don't know."
"Of course you do."
"I like the theatre."
"Sorry, I can't even do a one-man play for you now. What else? Do you like reading plays?"
"I don't remember. Last time I read a play was in the beginning of college."
"Why don't you go and get a play from my bookshelves? Read it to me."
Will shrugged and walked into her bedroom again. He scanned over the many books in the bookshelves. Finally, he picked "The Glass Menagerie". He sat down and began to read.
Will wasn't an actor. Elizabeth almost asked him to stop and just read to himself, but feared the rudeness of that request. Instead she focused her eyes on the sky and the landscape, looking for possible photo opportunities.
As the sun set, Elizabeth saw a wonderful view and promptly slowed Cleo down to a stop on the side of the highway.
"What are you doing?" asked Will.
"I'll tell you in a minute," she said, impatiently.
Elizabeth picked up her camera and rushed out the door. She ran down the highway a few yards, backed up and then took one more step forward and looked out to the horizon where the sun was setting behind fields of ripe wheat. The cirrostratus clouds glowed beautiful hues of orange, purple and pink. Elizabeth snapped a few shots and then waited several minutes until the sun was lower, and took a few more shots. When she was satisfied that she had seen all the glory she would be able to that evening, she walked back to Cleo and climbed in, putting her camera to the side and getting Cleo back on the road.
Will decided not to comment on her erratic behavior.
Elizabeth drove well into the night before spotting somewhere to pull in and spend the night. Will had already prepared a light supper for the both of them. Elizabeth eagerly ate his concoctions and said, "The bed or the couch?"
"I'll take the couch," he replied, and so they parted paths.
A few minutes later, Elizabeth lay in bed reflecting over the day. The sorry company Will provided was a bit of a disappointment to her. She could think of no other reason for this behavior except pride. His words came back to her in rather a more haughty voice than originally, but her mind decided to exaggerate to prove her point. Have you any idea who I am?
Maybe he would improve in time.
*'Thankyou' by Dido
The next day, Elizabeth was up early and moved as quietly as she could. Will didn't stir an eyelid. And when she saw the laptop on the floor by his sofa, she knew why. Silently, she picked up the laptop and took it into her room where she locked it away with her other valuables and important documents.
Elizabeth started up Cleo and pulled out of the rest stop they had stayed the night at. Once on the highway, Elizabeth settled into her usual routine.
An hour later, Will began to stir. He was astonished to find they were on the interstate. He looked at the clock and sighed. Elizabeth heard him and looked in the rear view mirror. She didn't say a word. Neither of them did. Not for another hour. Only silence. Elizabeth was getting more annoyed at this impasse.
Finally they were in Tennessee and Elizabeth pulled off the highway. They began to wind their way through the mountains and finally stopped at a campsite in a valley. Elizabeth got out to complete paperwork for renting a space for a few days.
Elizabeth pulled Cleo into a slot farthest from the central buildings. She got out and stretched. Will followed her example. Elizabeth broke the silence and said, "I don't know how long we'll be here. Maybe one day, maybe a week. It just depends on how productive this area is."
Will nodded. "Do you know where my laptop is?"
"It's locked away safe and sound."
"Why? Can I have it back?"
"No, you may not. You know perfectly well why it is locked up. If you're afraid I'll tamper with it and read your stuff, you shouldn't worry. I am completely computer illiterate."
"Give it back. I need it."
"No you don't. I won't give it back and there's not a thing you can do about it. So you might as well swallow it and get ready."
"For what?" Will asked, caught off guard.
"We're going hiking and camping."
"Now?"
Elizabeth nodded and proceeded to open up compartments underneath Cleo containing tents and other various camping gear.
Will did give up. Within an hour they were all ready to leave. Elizabeth checked to make sure she had enough film and her two cameras. Then she locked Cleo and led the way down a path in the woods. Will had no choice but to follow her, wondering what the heck he was getting himself into.
Elizabeth wore cargo pants with the side pockets bulging with film, pocket knife, matches, map, water bottle, and flashlight. Her feet sported heavy hiking boots, looking used and worn. Her thick, curly hair was held up in a brown bandanna. She only wore a plain t-shirt and on her back was a huge backpack filled with goodness knows what. At the top, was tied a sleeping bag. Around her neck dangled one of her cameras. Finally, in her hands was a sturdy wooden staff Will supposed she had found on one of her trips.
Will wore khakis, a collared shirt, a smaller backpack, and only a Palm Pilot in his pocket. He soon felt his breathing become labored and tried to keep it silent from Elizabeth. He couldn't remember the last time he had exercised.
They walked for three hours before they stopped to get some food. Then they set off again. Elizabeth had by now given up on establishing any kind of friendly relationship with this stoic man. She could see absolutely no familial resemblance to Colin Fitzwilliam and nearly said so once or twice.
Late in the afternoon, they came upon an opening in the trees. Elizabeth stopped suddenly and Will ran into her heavily.
"Oh! I am sorry," he apologized, embarrassed at his hard concentration on the ground and consequent lack of attention to his guide.
Elizabeth didn't react but just looked out onto a beautiful valley. She slowly walked forwards then stopped. Will gazed in wonder at the sublime view before him. Elizabeth promptly shed her backpack and began to climb down the steep mountain face. Will, who had no intention of following her, gratefully sat down, depositing his backpack behind him to serve as a backrest.
Will didn't know if he wished he were back in his confining office. He certainly didn't wish he were at his Aunt Catherine's. No matter how bad being with Elizabeth got, it was always better than his aunt's. He liked Elizabeth. She was one of those free spirit sorts. And she was a completely different species of female from the ones he knew in his office, and from the ones he knew in the high societies of New York. But he felt she was decidedly beneath him. He was the CEO of a major chemical company. She was an amateur photographer.
Elizabeth came back half an hour later glowing with the excitement of having taken some good shots. At her signal, Will laboriously got up and donned his heavy backpack once more, smothering a groan.
They walked on as the afternoon sun waxed late. They stopped twice more for Elizabeth to take a few shots. Finally, as dusk drew near, they found a suitable clearing. Elizabeth deposited her backpack and proceeded to rummage through it, pulling out an empty bread bag and a roll of toilet paper. She turned around and walked out of the clearing.
Will turned his back and sat down, exhausted. As little as he liked to admit it, he was completely out of shape. However, by the time Elizabeth returned, he resumed a relaxed and nonchalant attitude, which proceeded to irk Elizabeth more.
Elizabeth built a fire using sticks, leaves and branches she and Will found around the clearing. On the fire, she cooked a meal of baked beans, toasted bread and toasted sausages. The method she used was a simple spearing of the toast and sausages on sticks and holding them over the flames. Will spread out the sleeping bags on opposite sides of the clearing.
After supper, they both climbed into their sleeping bags and closed their eyes. Neither went to sleep. They were thinking about the other. Will's admiration and Elizabeth's ire both increased.
Later that night, Elizabeth woke, and, unable to get back to sleep, climbed out of her sleeping bag and grabbed her camera with the slow film. She took her flashlight and staff. She climbed through the trees until she came to a ledge. Her restless inner senses were rewarded by the sight of a large, orange moon partially obscured by altostratus clouds. The eerie affect was bone-chilling. Elizabeth snapped a few shots. She paused to gaze at the beautiful sight. Even though she had seen many beautiful vistas in her time, she never ceased to be overwhelmed by them. The feeling in her chest, almost an ache at beholding such beauty, was often too much to bear, and the tears would slide down her cheeks. This small release was enough to break her out of the trance.
She had heard that the gases in the ozone caused this effect on the moon. She didn't know how accurate this theory was, but it was a sobering thought. Did that mean that a thousand years ago, people would never have beheld such a moon?
Elizabeth turned around and went back to the clearing where the ever-silent Mr. Darcy was still slumbering. Poor man was probably worn out from half a day's hike yesterday, she thought with some scorn.
Elizabeth crawled into her sleeping bag and slept soundly until half an hour before dawn, when she was awoken again by her inner senses. She walked back to the clearing and beheld the sun slowly lighting the eastern horizon. The view showed more mountain peaks in the short distance from where Elizabeth stood. She took several shots while the sun was still out of sight, and then a few more when it finally showed. When she was satisfied, she turned around and walked back to the clearing.
That day, they walked far through the mountain paths, but Elizabeth wasn't as successful in finding suitable subjects. Will plodded behind her in silence, just taking in his surroundings in increasing wonder.
By the time they stopped for another night under the stars, Will was exhausted again but finding his situation more agreeable. He didn't really mind the bugs and the dampness nor the complete lack of technology and modern conveniences, like showers. It was peaceful, without the steady roar of traffic and the sirens in the night. He liked being able to see the stars without the interference of city lights. He appreciated the quiet beauty around him. He wondered if he should maybe buy a house in the wilderness to retreat to when he wanted.
Elizabeth felt the usual peace and quiet she felt when she was on one of her hikes through wildlife. It's fragile beauty, untouched by humans and civilization was so important to her. This was where she truly felt at home.
For two more days, the couple camped out in the wilderness before returning to Cleo to replenish their food supplies. Will was very grateful to see Cleo again. He desperately felt in need of a shower, and apparently Elizabeth thought so too, for she offered the use of it first. The cleansing of four days' dirt and sweat was so refreshing to our hero. I really must observe he came out a changed man. Elizabeth noticed, but felt what he needed most to change was still there.
Elizabeth decided not to go back out to the wilderness, but to drive to another location and hike from there. North Carolina was a place she hadn't been to in more than three years, so that was their destination.
The first chance Elizabeth got, she called Colin Fitzwilliam.
"Hello?"
"Colin, it's Elizabeth."
"Elizabeth who?"
"The Elizabeth who has your cousin in her custody!"
"Oh! Hi! How is everything going?"
"Does your cousin have, by any chance, a personality?!! He never says a single word. He might as well not be there."
"Darcy is extremely shy and reserved. You can't expect him to just open up to a stranger, especially someone like you who defies all his previous categories of women."
"He must be rather single-minded in that case."
"He's just led a rather different life than you. Liz, trust me. Start talking to him. Don't pester him with questions, just start talking."
"About what?"
"I don't know. Why not start with how you became a photographer? Or how you became such an environmentalist. Or talk about your family... anything that comes to mind."
"I'll try. But it's still going to be difficult holding a conversation with a brick wall."
"I owe you one."
"You sure do."
"Call me next chance you get."
"Count on it."
"Have a great trip."
"Thanks, bye."
That evening, when they sat down to supper in Cleo, Elizabeth took a deep breath and started her monologue.
"I think asking me which came first, my love of photography or my love of the environment, is like asking about the chicken and the egg. My love of the environment spurred my love of photography on. But then photography allowed me to love the environment as I do."
Will didn't say anything. He was surprised she was speaking. He hoped she didn't expect him to answer because he didn't know how. What was one to say in reply? 'Oh that's nice, I destroy the environment for a living'. No way!
Elizabeth continued. "I remember the looks on my mother's face when I would talk about either of my passions. They were ridiculous notions where I came from. I was being too presumptuous. People laughed at me when I spent many months' wages on my first camera. Still have it. I worked in the school kitchens, scrubbing the greasy pans. I hated that job with a passion. My hands would always be peeling and pruned and my nails always dirty. But the one good thing that came out of that job was the food scraps. I would collect them in a box and feed the stray dogs, cats, and birds I would see on my long walk home. I was teased horribly, though. For having to work in the kitchens and for my opinions on the environment. I was, and I guess still am, very vocal about my opinions. Even a few of my teachers scorned me. They said I would never be anybody. My father and my older sister were my only supporters. I was the second in a family of five daughters. My mother was silly and uneducated. She didn't work and failed in her upbringing of her daughters. My father worked a regular office job for the government. So we were comfortable in our life, but not very affluent and certainly couldn't burn money on an expensive hobby like photography. Well, they considered it a hobby. I considered it a passion, a love, a need almost. So here I am, still doing what I love most. Good night, I'll see you in the morning."
She retired before Will even had a chance to say good night. He didn't brood over what Elizabeth said. He did let it soak in, but he didn't ponder or think about it. He just went to bed, grateful for the soft sofa instead of the hard, wet ground.
The next morning, they packed up their gear and started off on another long hike into the wilderness. Elizabeth was frustrated over her lack of success the previous night. There she was, spilling out her past and he doesn't say a d-mn word. But Colin had said give him some time.
So when they had stopped for a break, she started a second monologue.
"My youngest sister Lydia is said to look the most like me, but in character, I think she is the least like me. She has always been the troublemaker, and Mother lets her gets away with it since she is the baby. Jane, my older sister has been my confidante and friend since we were young. She's beautiful and the sweetest person you could ever meet. She literally wouldn't hurt a fly. Mary is the studious one of the family. She put herself through college and is currently earning her masters. Kitty is a work in progress. If she could get away from Lydia, I think she could be quite promising. But I don't know if that'll happen. She follows Lydia around everywhere. Which is sad, really. She lacks any identity of her own."
In a break of her monologue, Will said, "I have a sister."
"I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"Never mind," he mumbled.
"No, I didn't hear. What did you say?"
"I said I have I sister."
"What's her name?"
"Georgiana."
"Really! I think I might have heard Colin mention her. How old is she?"
Will began to warm up to talking to this odd woman. But then, he always liked talking about Georgiana. "She's 16 years old."
"She's an awful lot younger than you--I mean, not that you look really old," she stumbled.
"She's a little over ten years my junior."
"Well aren't there more in between you two?"
Will shook his head.
"What is she like?"
Will hid a smile. "She's shy and sweet and innocent."
"Is that your doing?"
"Partly. But we're both shy and reserved." He couldn't believe he'd just sad that to a practical stranger. He clammed his mouth shut again.
"Does she live with you?"
"Yes."
"And she attends school in New York?"
"Yes."
"A public one?"
"No, private."
"I see."
Elizabeth could tell that was a far as she would get that day. It was an improvement. At least now she knew he had some sort of a human side to him.
They picked up their gear and walked on. That evening, Elizabeth was too tired and grumpy to try again. She did say good night, though.
Elizabeth woke only once to take some beautiful shots in the night. By morning, her mood had improved. She decided to go ahead and ask him a question.
"Do you travel much?"
"Only for business."
"That's a pity. I would love to travel. My big wish or goal is to be a photographer for the National Geographic. I would love to take shots of the aurora borealis in the Arctic, and fly over the Serengeti and take pictures of the stampeding herds. I want to see different peoples and see the natural wonders of this world before they are completely destroyed by man. The rain forests are being demolished at an alarmingly rapid rate. But it's not entirely an environmental issue. It's poverty, it's social, it's political. The people in the countries containing rain forests are so poor they need food. So they cut down the forest to make room for farmland. But the soil is actually very poor for farming. The trees in the rain forest have shallow roots since they don't need to gather water from deep sources. They are held up by the intricate mass of vines between trees. They gather all the nutrients they need from the top few inches of soil. And the forest ecosystem is constantly replenishing those nutrients in a tightly woven cycle of life. So when the men cut down the forest, they have a few years' worth of good soil before it's all depleted and useless. So they have to cut down more forest. It's an evil, vicious cycle. And societies like America's don't help one bit. We are constantly growing our economy and our industries. We constantly yearn for more material things. Companies even create the desire within our bosoms. Advertising tells us we have to have this knick-knack and we buy it. As long as there is a demand, the desperate people will sell it."
Elizabeth stopped, realizing she had run away with herself once again. So much for getting him to talk. How could he with her going on like she did? To fill the awkward gap, Elizabeth picked up her backpack and said, "Let's start out."
Will hadn't turned a deaf ear on Elizabeth. He took in everything she said even though she didn't think so. They came to a stream running down the mountainside. Elizabeth discarded her satchel and took off her socks and shoes. Rolling up her trousers, she waded in to her ankles.
Will was content to sit down and watch her from a cool, flat rock.
"I read this article in a Sierra Club review this month. It was about the Mississippi River. I have a bit of a vested interest in that area. A few miles down river from Alton, Illinois, which is about forty-five minutes away from St. Louis, there is this power plant, called the Sioux, owned by Ameren UE. The plant was built in the 70s despite strong opposition. In a compromise, the plant built its smoke stacks higher, above the clouds, so this way the smoke and pollution can affect and poison locations as far away as New Hampshire! I'm not kidding. Anyway, this plant is one of the dirtiest in the country and St. Louis hasn't been meeting clean air standards. This plant has just now received a permit to fleet, or park, 76 barges and build a massive unloading place near this power plant. 76 barges on the river would be about 12 acres. Directly across from this proposed sight, is a National Scenic Byway called the Great River Road, going from Blue Pool to Elsah. Think about how horrible this barge city would look like. And three hundred feet above this road are bluffs overlooking the Mississippi. On these bluffs is the Mississippi Sanctuary and a beautiful, charming college called Principia College. The eye-sore would be horrible. On top of this, the plant would have to destroy forested wetlands that are ecologically fragile and very important to wildlife along the river. Environmentalist groups have spent millions of dollars buying up the land on the floodplains. And this company is just going to be able to build right on top of that public land. The whole point is to be able to burn more petroleum coke, which is oil refinery waste. Petroleum coke is a lot dirtier but a lot cheaper. This plant doesn't have the scrubbers that should clean the emissions it makes. And petroleum coke is very unhealthy, aiding respiratory problems. The Sierra Club was able to get a two-week period so that the public could be better notified. I really hope that they turn down the plant. In fact, I wish they would demolish the horrible pollution tank now. It's disgusting and despicable and doesn't deserve the space it's on. If I were the activist type, I would plant a few bombs in that plant."
Elizabeth ceased her lecture and kicked the water to the other bank, splashing her trousers in the process. She folded her arms over her chest and crouched meditatively staring into the clear, trickling water.
Once again, Will wished he could have said something, anything. But he couldn't think of a single word to say which didn't sound stupid or pitying or useless.
Elizabeth gave up for the day, tired of practically talking to herself.
Author's Note: Everything I wrote about the Ameren UE plant's plans is true. I attend Principia College and will be heartbroken if they succeed in this plan. If you care even a little, all you have to do is write a letter in protest. Ask the US Army Corps of Engineers to deny the Ameren UE permit and request a public hearing in Illinois. The address is: Michael Morrow, District Engineer, US Army Corps of Engineers, Attn. CEMVS-CO-F (Charles Frerker), 1222 Spruce St., St. Louis, MO 63103-2833 Thanks so much. I'll try and continue this story to your satisfaction. I am also interested in having your feedback.
Elizabeth had so many rolls of film to develop, that she decided it wouldn't be a bad idea to go home and start developing. The seasons were at the point of changing, where they weren't at their best looking. The leaves were turning from beautiful shades if vibrant red and yellow to an ugly brown before falling off the trees.
She announced this to Will as they got back to Cleo. "You have a home? As in a house?"
Elizabeth gave him an insulted, quizzical look. "You thought I lived in Cleo all the time?"
Will shrugged. "I guess, yeah."
"I have a small cottage that I call home base. I use it for a vacation from work and to develop my film. It also serves as my office."
"Where is it?"
"On the bluffs of the Mississippi, close to that college I mentioned."
"Is that why you're so interested in that plant and barge plan?"
"Ah! So you were listening! Yes, that's my vested interest."
"How do you pay bills and that sort of thing while you're roaming?"
"My sister, Jane, gets my mail regularly and pays my bills for me and sends important stuff to me via the internet."
After they had showered and stowed away their gear, Elizabeth got behind the wheel and turned Cleo in the direction of Illinois. It took several hours to get there, the entire drive passing in silence. It seemed like Will had said his quota of words for the day. Elizabeth ignored him and listened to NPR and other music stations.
It was already dusk when Cleo pulled into the driveway of a small cottage nestled in a parcel of wild land. There was no manicured garden and ivy climbed rampantly up the stone walls of the cottage. The roof was low and the windows small. Elizabeth sighed as she looked at it, and eagerly got out of Cleo. She trotted through the long grass of what should have been the front garden. Will followed her at a respectful distance, allowing her to see her beloved cottage by herself for a minute or two.
Finally, Elizabeth stuck her head out of the door. "Will? You coming?"
Will walked through the tall grass and entered the small cottage. Inside, it didn't seem so small. It was one story, with the roof as the ceiling. The front room was the living room with the living room attached. The bedroom door was in the living room, and a third door was in the kitchen. Will couldn't guess what it was, though.
"Welcome to my humble abode."
"It's quite charming." Will looked around, seeing some of her favourite photos on the walls, antique furniture, and an air of home.
"I need to go shopping, but I can offer you a lukewarm soda."
"No thanks, I'm fine."
"Do you mind sleeping on a couch again?"
"Not all. I've gotten quite used to it."
"It'll just make your own bed that much more welcoming when you get home."
Will smiled slightly. Elizabeth was caught by surprise. She didn't show her emotion but just turned to the fridge and put a few drinks onto its empty shelves.
"Shall we unload Cleo? I'd prefer to do it before it's too dark."
Will nodded and headed out of the small cottage. In half an hour, they had unloaded most of the essentials from Cleo, and turned off the water and power inside. In that half an hour, the cottage transformed to look like a tornado had blown through it. Elizabeth stood in a rare patch of open floor, hands on her hips and sighed in exasperation. It was like this every time she came home. And this was ultimately what drove her to leave again, to gain order and neatness back into her home-life even if it wasn't in her social life.
Will looked at her for guidance. He sure didn't know where all this went. In fact, he was surprised that all this junk had fit inside Cleo. Elizabeth looked back at him skeptically, shrugged, and picked up a pile of clothes. She carried them into the bedroom, dumped them on the bed and returned to the front room to repeat the process until the clothes were gone.
"What would you like me to do?"
"Take all kitchen items into the kitchen. Refrigerator stuff put in the fridge."
Will did as he was told. Together, they slowly put away the things and tidied the cottage once more. When they had finished, Elizabeth set about making dinner.
As they sat down to eat, Elizabeth said, "I cannot continue like this any longer. You know quite a bit about me and I feel like I am living with a stranger. I know you have a sister and a cousin and live in New York City. That's it. Could you possibly tell me a little more about yourself?"
She hadn't meant a pleading note to be included in the tone of her voice, but one must presume desperation after so many attempts at civility.
Will was silent a moment, and finished his mouthful of pasta. Eventually, he said, "I don't usually have to tell people about myself. They usually already know everything about my life."
Elizabeth refrained from retorting 'Well I don't.'
"My mother passed on when I was about 18 and my father followed a few years later, leaving me to raise Georgiana with Colin's help. At that time I also took over the company and after I graduated from university, worked for the company full time. That's about it."
"If it makes you feel any better, which I doubt, I can tell you that no mother at all would be better than my mother. But I'm sure yours was sweet and kind and therefore more the loss."
Will stared at his plate and didn't reply. Elizabeth knew she was treading on very thin ice. No wonder he hadn't talked. He didn't seem to have anything to talk about.
"Well what are your interests? Surely you do things for pleasure?"
Will shrugged. "I work most of the time. I also take care of my sister, take her to plays and concerts and play chess with her at home. That sort of thing. What families usually do."
"Not my family. Your sister must be fortunate in having such an attentive brother."
Will shrugged again.
"I'm afraid I don't have much to entertain someone here. I don't have a television. I have a computer but you're not supposed to work. I have plenty of books, but I don't know if you'd like them. We're a little far from places to walk there, and you can't drive. So, I'm afraid you're in for a very relaxing week."
"What will you be doing?"
"Laundry, cleaning house, and developing my photos."
"Would you mind if I watched you a little? I haven't a clue about how the process works."
"I'd be delighted to have company. Maybe you could even try your hand at it. It's not too hard. Just takes practice."
The next day, they emptied the rest of the stuff from Cleo, spreading out the tents and sleeping bags to air, and stowing the other gear not needing further attention in the basement. When they had finished, Elizabeth insisted on taking Will on a long walk of the area so he could walk by himself if he so pleased.
The plot of land Elizabeth owned was small, but beautiful in its natural splendor. Will, who hadn't even seen the back of the house, was shocked to see that the edge of the bluff was a few yards away from the back patio. A railing warned against the danger of continuing further. The Mississippi River sparkled below, meandering its way through the fields of Missouri on the other side. Barges slowly puttered up and down the river, moving masses of coal and grain and other bulky products. But the river was quiet enough to be pleasant to have at one's backyard. The area across the river was undeveloped and beautiful, preventing the spoiling of the view from Elizabeth's cottage.
When Will had admired the view to his temporary satisfaction, Elizabeth led him down a rather overgrown path. Somehow they circled the house and continued to walk through wild brush and forest. Finally, they came out of the brush into a second clearing providing a different view of the river from the bluffs.
Elizabeth led Will down many paths and roads, showing where some secret spots could be enjoyed and where the roads led. When their stomachs started to grumble, they returned to the cottage to have lunch.
Elizabeth was eager to start developing and consequently left Will to himself for the rest of the afternoon. Will spent his first half hour trying to find his laptop hidden somewhere, but finally concluded she must still have it locked in the safe.
Forced into relaxation, Will decided to look at the books she had. He only recognized two authors, John Grisham and Jane Austen. The other books were Patrick O'Brian and Anne McCaffrey and Tamora Pierce and Dorothy L Sayers and Dick Francis. Odd collection, he thought to himself.
There was one book which caught his eye. "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson. He had heard of that book. He had also been told it wouldn't be wise for him to read it. But the warning had been forgotten so he picked it up off the shelf and settled into an armchair.
Elizabeth, meanwhile, was getting into the pattern of developing. The chemicals were out, the shutters were closed, the KEEP OUT sign was on the door and Vivaldi was playing on the stereo. One by one, she developed the films, eager to see what the pictures were and to remember the locations and occasions she had shot the film at.
Will opened the book and began to read.
Elizabeth hung up the wet negatives on a clothesline to dry, looking at the various shots and smiling in pleasant reminiscences.
Will was glued to the pages as he eagerly devoured the revolutionary ideas and concepts.
Elizabeth finished the developing of the negatives and emerged from her dark room. She beheld Will in the armchair, glued to Silent Spring and refrained from interrupting him. She was curious as to what made him pick that book up. She would have expected him to read John Grisham.
Will barely registered Elizabeth's presence in the room again. He couldn't believe what he was reading.
Elizabeth finished her meal and returned to the dark room to check on her negatives. Resolving to wait until the following day to begin developing some of the photographs. She went into her bedroom to call her sister. "Jane! I'm back home. Would you come over tomorrow? I'd love to look through my mail and talk with you about recent goings on. Is eleven o' clock ok? Great. See you then."
Will continued reading. He wondered if this was still true. Surely not. Chemicals had been regulated as a result of this book. America no longer sprayed toxic chemicals all over the fields and even people, polluting the water and killing off wildlife at an alarming rate.
Elizabeth went to bed and still Will sat reading. Around ten at night, he finished the book and resolved to look closely at the dealings in his company. He wanted to make sure that all edicts were complied with and all safety standards met. He was afraid of some manager below him not doing his job properly. He was afraid of some lowly worker deciding to dump wastes into a nearby river instead of doing disposing of them properly. But he would have to wait until he had returned to New York. Only a couple more weeks.
Jane arrived precisely at eleven in the morning. Elizabeth had already holed herself up in the dark room. Will was doing his own laundry, having been given a crash course earlier that morning on how to do it.
Will answered the door and saw a tall, beautiful blonde with clear blue eyes. "Yes?"
Jane was shocked for a full minute. "Who are you?" she finally managed to say.
"Will Darcy. And you?"
"Jane Bennet."
"Oh, I didn't know you were coming. Forgive me. Come in."
Jane slowly entered, still staring in amazement at this gorgeous man in Lizzy's cottage.
"You'll find Elizabeth in the dark room."
"Thank you." She walked over to the dark room door, boasting the sign KEEP OUT. She knocked loudly.
"Yes? What is it?" came a muffled reply.
"Lizzy, it's Jane. You asked me to come round at eleven."
"I'll be done in about ten minutes."
Jane, used to these delays, turned away from the door to behold Will folding laundry. She did her very best not to let her eyebrows raise in suspicious speculation. Will was completely ignorant of the suspicions he was arousing.
Jane sat down at the kitchen table and set the bag full of mail beside her chair. She twiddled her thumbs impatiently waiting for her sister to arrive and explain what exactly was going on.
When ten minutes had passed and Elizabeth was still not showing signs of emerging, Jane decided to ease her curiosity by talking to this stranger.
"How long have you and Elizabeth been here, Mr. Darcy?"
Will looked up, surprised at being addressed. "We arrived the day before yesterday."
"I see. Where have you been?"
"What? You mean where has she been photographing? I'm not sure exactly. North Carolina and Tennessee is all I know."
"Where are you from?"
"I live in New York City."
Elizabeth came out of the dark room. "Jane! Oh it's so good to see you again!"
The two sisters embraced. "How long has it been since you were last here?"
Elizabeth laughed gaily. "Gracious, I don't know! It seems like such an age."
"Please, don't mention that word!"
"What? 'Age'? Why not? You're only twenty four!"
"Anyway, I brought your mail. It's sitting right there."
"Terrific. Thanks so much for all your help. I don't know how I could do it without you."
Jane smiled and kissed her cheek. "That's what sisters are for."
"Let's take a nice, long walk. Will! You don't mind if I leave you here on your own for while, do you?"
Will shook his head.
"Just stay out of the dark room, there is still some light sensitive paper lying out."
The two women left the cottage and began a long, leisurely walk on the bluffs.
"I'm dying to know who that Will Darcy is! He's so handsome!"
Elizabeth laughed a short laugh. "I'm sorry to disappoint you Jane, but it is nothing like that. His cousin is a very dear friend of mine. Will got into some kind of trouble and had to leave New York for a month. Colin asked me to take him in. So I picked him up from an airport two weeks ago and he's been with ever since."
"What's he like? He seemed to be very polite."
"I don't honestly know what he's like. He's very reserved and taciturn. He hasn't had a very wonderful early adulthood. He is CEO of Darcy Inc.- whatever that is. He isn't the best company, but he is pleasant enough. It has been a little bit of a struggle. I sometimes wonder if I'd rather not have him around."
"So the physical attraction isn't a problem?"
Elizabeth gave a short laugh. "No, all the physical attraction I feel is counteracted by his unattractive personality."
Jane shook her head in marvel. They began to talk of other matters. Elizabeth told her all about where she had been in the country and about her successful photographs and her failures. Jane in turn told her all about their family and how Mary was doing so well in college and how Lydia was still as silly and slutty as usual. Jane herself just owned her own little dessert shop in the village. Business wasn't great, but she could live off of her profit comfortably.
They walked together for over an hour and a half. Upon returning to the house, Elizabeth entreated her sister to stay for supper.
During the meal, Jane and Elizabeth did most of the talking. Will just listened contentedly. He found it interesting to watch these two sisters have so many differences, yet share such a deep affection for each other. He supposed that Elizabeth's long absences helped this odd relationship.
After dinner, Jane made one of her secret recipe desserts while Will returned to his book and Elizabeth chatted on with Jane. They passed the evening pleasantly. Elizabeth began to see Will's eyes droop and realized they were essentially sitting in his bedroom.
"Jane, let me walk you home."
The two sisters got up and after Jane said good evening to Will, left the cottage and slowly walked home in the dark. By the time she had returned, Will was asleep on the couch. Elizabeth quietly went to bed.
The following day, Will subtly reminded her of her promise to let him watch her at work. Elizabeth gladly showed him the dark room with its chemicals and trays and the chest of light sensitive paper. She showed him under the light, the negatives of some of her films. He was impressed by the whole process. He couldn't imagine how a beautiful picture came from just this stuff. She explained how commercial developing was different and how the one-hour developers work.
Elizabeth did one photo in front of him so he could see how it should work. They both watched the image form on the paper in the chemical. Finally, Elizabeth pulled it out with a pair of tongs, and hung the picture up to dry.
"I'm impressed," Will said.
"Thank you. I enjoy it every single time. I can't wait to see what the image will turn out like."
"Thank you for showing me. I'll let you work, now. I know I don't like it when someone is breathing down my neck when I'm trying to work."
Elizabeth smiled at him as he left the dark room.
Will spent his idle days trying to relax. He wrote a letter to his cousin and then to his sister, he experimented in the kitchen, getting a few lessons from Jane. He found he enjoyed this past time and became more daring in his concoctions. Elizabeth was always gracious in eating what he put in front of her, and most of the time could think of some compliment to give his attempts, even if it was just 'interesting!'
But inevitably and eventually, Will became restless and very bored. He could find nothing else to do that amused him. He missed the bustling life of New York City. He was too used to that kind of lifestyle.
Elizabeth perceived his trouble, and decided she had been home long enough. She told him one evening after a delicious dinner by Chef Will, that they would be leaving for Florida the next day.
"Florida! Why there?"
"I haven't been in a long time, and this is a good season to be in the south. I can get good shots of really cool skies in the winter on the beach."
"Fine."
"You're leaving me in a week, aren't you?"
Will nodded. He didn't want to sound to happy about it. He enjoyed Elizabeth's company immensely, but the state of his company and the lack of any entertainment in this lifestyle irked him.
So without further adieu, the pair packed up Cleo and left, leaving Jane in charge of the cottage once more. They did stop by to say a fond farewell at the little dessert shop.
For two days, Elizabeth drove southward, through Nashville and through Alabama. They stopped to sleep once at a rest area, and then didn't stop again until they had reached Florida. They spent another night in a rest area and then moved on to a small island in the Gulf of Mexico, called St. George's Island. Half of the island was developed with condos and houses, rich and poor alike. The other half was a state park, containing public beaches and a campsite at the end of the island. It was there, that Cleo was parked for a few days.
The weather was cool. Not warm enough for the spoiled Floridians to go swimming, but warm enough for a New Englander to go swimming and warm enough to watch the small waves crashing on the beach in shorts and a long-sleeved shirt.
Elizabeth and Will spent most of their days walking around the park. Dusk they spent on the beach, looking at the sea and the people. Will liked these moments in silence on the beach with Elizabeth. She looked beautiful with her dark curls blown about in the wind, and her face illumined by the sinking sun reflecting off the water. Around her neck hung her usual camera and her linen pants flowed gracefully in the breeze, showing her bare feet. Will supposed she didn't realize how often her obsession with photography made her picturesque.
After several days, they moved westward towards the peninsula. In St. Petersburg, they stopped for the night and Elizabeth was able to photograph a beautiful, powerful thunderstorm.
The following day, they drove all the way south to the Everglades. Here, they parked Cleo for two days while they explored some of the wild region. One afternoon, they rented a canoe and paddled down a canal for two hours until they came to small lake. Elizabeth caught sight of a dolphin fin swimming near the shores, but couldn't get close enough to photograph it. The canal was sadly lacking in visible wildlife. Most of it was hidden in the massive, jungle-like everglade brush to each side of the canal.
On their return journey, however, Elizabeth was able to get a good picture of an alligator heading straight for their canoe. Their only problem was that this reptile decided it didn't want to stop once it had had its picture taken. Frantically, the two humans paddled with all their might until they could see the creature no more. Will wasn't sure if this was a good thing. But since they saw no more of the alligator, they assumed they were safe, and from then on, kept a wary eye out for anymore alligators or the return of the first one.
On the last day Will was to be with Elizabeth, they left the Everglades National Park and drove into Miami. Elizabeth took him to the airport and helped him carry his things to the departures desk.
Will turned to her and said, "Thank you for putting up with me this month."
"Your welcome. It's a nice change to have company. I'm sorry I put you through so much hard work on your vacation."
Will chuckled, to Elizabeth's surprise. "I needed the exercise. And I enjoyed it all the same, despite the enforced idleness."
"You have your laptop with you, right?"
Will half smiled and nodded.
"You know you never told me why you had to leave New York City."
"That was because I was embarrassed about it. But I feel obligated to tell you eventually. So I will. I had gotten into my fourth automobile accident and rather than do anything worse, they kicked me out of the city on an mandatory vacation to relieve stress."
"Oh. Do you think it worked?"
"I dunno. But I'm sure going to be much more careful about it in the future."
"Just don't drive."
"That's like telling you not to drive. I have to."
Elizabeth shrugged. "I guess now I understand why you never once offered to help me drive."
"Of course. I would have gladly taken on half of the driving if it had been legal for me to do so. Wow. No wonder you thought I was a horrible person!"
"I did not!"
"Well at least a stuck up snob from New York City."
Elizabeth hesitated refuting that one.
"Look me up if you're ever in New York, won't you?" Will said.
"Sure. And look me up if you ever leave that city again," she replied with a wry smile.
"So long, Elizabeth, thanks again."
Elizabeth turned and left the airport. Will flew back to New York and resumed his life as CEO of Darcy Inc.