Posted on Sunday, 7 January 2001, at 11 : 07 p.m.

Author's Note: I just can't seem to stay away from these characters I developed in the 'Reflections' series. So, here is a little scene from waaaaay back. I think it's self-explanatory.

"Fifteen. If I sell off fifteen shares then that should free up -." Will Darcy paused in his calculations to glance up at the traffic light. It had changed to green without his noticing. Quickly applying his foot to the pedal, Will sent his car zipping through the intersection. It was a full three blocks before he returned to his previous musings.

"I could secure a half interest in Wolcrest and with Charles' portion we would have control." Will was in the habit of mulling over potential business deals on his drive home. The road back to Pemberley from his choice of office location in Leeds was lengthy enough to allow him ample opportunity to fully assess a proposal. The one dominating his thoughts today was a possible takeover opportunity of a publishing firm. The deal was attractive to him as he had no fingers in that pie as of yet.

The last few months had seen Will sinking himself into business and money matters as deeply as he could. To outward appearances he was the dedicated, hard working young executive trying to learn everything as quickly as possible. Inside he was painfully aware that his activities were a disguise for his attempts to better his people skills; to improve his manners in interacting with his employees and clients. Twice each month he would meet with several of the more knowledgeable staff to discuss imminent stock trades that seemed appealing. Will allowed his people a great deal of independence in planning and investigating different options, although he would make the ultimate decision regarding each scenario.

So far these meetings had been beneficial in more ways that one. Firstly, Will had never had so many successful financial dealings in such a short period of time. Secondly, his staff hadn't been as excited about work in all the time he'd known them. Some brought incredibly detailed proposals to the meetings and it was clear that their respect for their employer had been raised a notch or two with the added flexibility he had granted them.

Will had also learned a few things about himself. When exactly he had realized his lack of personal involvement in the business had affected the efficiency of his employees he couldn't pinpoint. The excitement in the office had risen gradually as his people, at first shocked and wary, became enthusiastic and eager to seek out the most lucrative offers they could find. Aside from the privilege of being able to utilise the information not capitalised upon by the boss, employees providing solid, well documented proposals also received a hefty bonus in their pay packets. This more than justified the improved opinion of Mr. Darcy in the eyes of the hired help.

Another red light and Will's thoughts changed direction while he waited.

I wonder what she would think of me now? I have changed, I'm sure of it.

Similar considerations had passed through his mind more than once a day since the early spring of that year. Each time, he would indulge in several minutes of optimistic reflection before taming his wandering imaginings into less fantastic directions.

The sound of an impatient car horn stirred Will from his reverie and sent him on his way once more. In a few minutes he had escaped the confines of the city and was out on the country roads, windows freely drawing in the fresh air. Summer in the country was Will's favourite time of year. The scents of the earth, wildflowers and warm sunshine combined to make him feel more peaceful and content than he had a right to feel of late. The long drive back to Pemberley provided ample opportunity to enjoy the benefits of summer and it helped to counteract the stress of self inflicted character examination.

By the time the car rolled down the long drive and pulled up in front of the garage, Will had weighed all of the options on the publishing stock deal and was summing up the results. He left the car out in the open, intending to return later and take another refreshing drive after dinner while the light remained, and headed for the side door of his home. Briefcase swinging and whistling cheerfully, Will rounded the hedge leading into the lower garden and was brought to a forceful halt when he collided with someone.

For a moment he stared in stunned disbelief at the figure sprawled in the rosebushes at his feet. She looked incredibly like Elizabeth Bennet! But no... she couldn't be here. She wouldn't be here. She shouldn't be ---- in the rosebushes!

Will started from his shock and hurriedly knelt down beside the young lady, completely disregarding the wet garden soil seeping into the knees of his trousers. Her hands were vainly pulling at the skirt that stuck to a thorny branch, threatening to reveal more than was already visible of her shapely, tanned legs. Placing a hand behind one shoulder, Will brought her to a more comfortable sitting position and was shocked once more at the realisation that this was,
indeed, his Elizabeth.

Their gazes met, stunned surprise in hers as well.

"Mr. Darcy!" Her voice was hardly more than a whisper but his heart leapt at the sound.

A chorus of giggles alerted Will to the fact that they were not alone, much to his embarrassment and disappointment. Tearing his gaze from Elizabeth's face he turned to see a trio of young women watching them in obvious amusement. His face flushed a deep red as his mind struggled for words.

"Okay, that's enough," Elizabeth warned her friends, her hands continuing their attempt to extricate her skirt from the grip of the rosebush. "One of you could stop cackling and help me."

Will's head swung back in her direction and he reached out toward the snarled branch that was tangled in her clothing.

"Oh don't, please," she began to protest. However, as it was evident that the care he was taking had a positive effect on the uncooperative greenery, she lapsed into silence and merely watched his hands at work. "That's marvellous!" she cried as the last thorn came free. Examination of the garment revealed no lasting damage. "Oh, it's not even torn!" Elizabeth smiled gratefully at him. Another round of giggles punctuated this remark.

Will held out an arm to assist Elizabeth to her feet. Her hair was dishevelled, several rose petals lingering in the soft curls. Will itched to reach out and gently pull them free but the proximity of the sniggering trio discouraged any precipitate action.

Suddenly recollecting his manners, he untied his tongue and murmured, "Please forgive my clumsiness, Eliz... er... Miss Bennet. I hope you are not injured." His eyes spoke volumes but Elizabeth was too overcome by her own embarrassment for more than a cursory read and that told her merely that he was expressing the concern that anyone would for someone being potentially injured on his property.

Or is it? she mused as Will continued speaking, adding an invitation for her friends and herself to partake of tea, inside. The others were quick to accept. Elizabeth noted them appreciatively eyeing their host on the walk back to the main entrance. He seemed to be unusually talkative and practically cheerful, as well. This was something over which she puzzled during the next hour in his company.

What is she thinking? Will's mind was far from the chattering conversation of the lady seated beside him. Despite the non-stop questioning, and his informative yet concise answers, one part of his brain remained fixated on the silent member of the party. Does she wish to be far away from here? From me?

The clock chimed three times and the ladies rose from their seats. Exclaiming that they still had another visit to make before heading back to their hotel, they began to file out of the room. Will swallowed his apprehensions and walked beside Elizabeth, mentally rehearsing what he wanted to say. An ideal opportunity arose as the others became distracted by the structure of the well in the centre of the courtyard and Elizabeth stayed behind, near to him. Will drew closer and spoke in hushed tones.

"Are you staying long in this part of the country?"

Elizabeth met his question with an enquiring gaze. "We are to go on to the Lake District tomorrow."

"Oh." The disappointment in his tone was obvious. Elizabeth's expression became thoughtful.

"Liz! Come on, did you hit your head when you fell in the flowers? You seem to be off in space somewhere." Her friends were waiting for her under the arched walkway which led to the driveway where they had left their car.

Elizabeth came to a decision and abruptly turned to face Will. He looked at her in surprise as she said nothing for a moment but merely stood there, an enigmatic smile on her lips. Then those lips moved and words tumbled out.

"I can skip the visit to the Lakes. I've seen them many times with my aunt and uncle. My friends could go on without me and I'll catch them up later on."

Will's smile was instantaneous. He leapt upon the opening before she had a chance to change her mind. "I could show you more of Pemberley, some of the grounds that aren't open to the public. We could pack a picnic lunch and - "

"Liz, are you coming?"

Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder. "They're getting impatient." She looked at Will once more and saw a man she at once recognised yet, at the same time, didn't know at all. Smiling, she held out one hand. "You've been most patient with us. I am grateful for it."

Will took her hand, wishing he might raise it to his lips and brush a kiss across her soft skin. He settled for a modest shake and returned her smile. "It was the least I could do after tossing you into the garden."

"Oh, that!" she laughed. "I thought that was the way you pick up women." The sparkle in her eye was delightful to see.

Will sighed as he caught the foot tapping motions from the figures beyond her. "You'd best be on your way before your friends wear a hole in my path." He paused and then plunged right in. "Would one o'clock tomorrow be convenient for you?"

"Yes," Elizabeth replied quickly. "That will be fine."

"I'll send a car to your hotel at half past twelve."

"Thank you," she whispered as they neared the other ladies. All private conversation was at an end.

Will watched them get into the car. He stood, immobile, as the vehicle made its way down the long driveway before disappearing behind a cluster of trees. His thoughts were in a fog, a joyful fog.

"Tomorrow." He didn't realise he was speaking loud. "Everything will have to be just perfect for tomorrow." A sudden thought occurred to him and his eyes opened wide. "Mrs. Reynolds! I must speak with her and arrange the meal! The wine! The menu!"

Will spun on his heel and practically raced back to the house. The front entry doors slammed back upon his bursting through them. The sound of his running footsteps echoed in the open hallway. His voice bounced from every wall and ceiling as he called out Mrs. Reynolds.

But nothing was louder than the voice in his head.

Elizabeth was here and she's coming back!

The End