Beginning, Next Section

Chapter One

Posted on Tuesday, 28 March 2006

There she is again...

No, it wasn't Elizabeth. It was never Elizabeth when he had these episodes. Elizabeth was gone and she would never return.

When will my mind realise that, accept it?

Will Darcy shook his head, anger and frustration welling up with a force that nearly drove his fist into the side of his car. At the last moment he was able to control that primitive instinct, avoid the distasteful display of uncontrolled emotion.

“Are you coming?” Charles Bingley waited for his friend to respond, wondering not for the first time where Will's thoughts ran when he became silent and moody for these extended periods of time. He'd like to think it wasn't his sister-in-law who had captured the attention of one of the most sought after but reclusive wealthy men in the country. However, Charles would have been blind not to notice the way Will's eyes followed her every move, his entire body tensed as if ready to spring on her like some primitive carnivore stalking its prey. Through all of their years of friendship, the wilder student days at university to the austere, responsibility laden existence of the present, Charles had never witnessed Will crack over a mere woman. Elizabeth Bennet was certainly different. Not his own type but his friend was a man of particular tastes, some of which Charles Bingley would never understand. Nor did he overly concern himself with the differences between their preferences. Charles had Jane and that was, in his opinion, all that he needed in this world.

“Will?” he prodded again. Looking in the direction the other man was staring, Charles failed to see anything of interest. “We're going to be late.”

“Right.” Will quickly made himself comfortable in the driver's seat of his low slung sports car and slammed the door, wincing slightly at the lapse in his control. “Where is this place again?”

“Your office?” was the reply, Charles staring at him incredulously. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, I'm fine,” snapped Will, throwing the car into gear. Fine for a guy who needs to have his head examined. He thought, not for the first time, that he was truly losing his sanity.

Charles pulled some sheets of paper from a portfolio lying on the backseat. “Here is the proposal, Will. I made a few small changes to the wording, all to ensure your protection in case of mismanagement on the part of the company. You'll have time to look it over before signing.”

“I don't need to look it over if you wrote it.”

Muttering an oath, Charles scowled. “Will, I'm acting as your lawyer here, not your friend. It's all well and good that you trust me but don't be a fool when it comes to business. You've never been lax before. What's gotten into you?”

“Fine, fine. I'll read it when we get there,” the other man replied, avoiding the question. “Recap the important bits for me.”

Charles shook his head and proceeded to read the sections highlighted in yellow on the pages. Every once in a while he looked over at Will and was frustrated to see a faraway expression. The idiot was not listening! Charles gave up and returned the papers to the folder. After a few moments of silence, Will glanced over.

“That's it?” he asked.

“That's it?” his friend mimicked. “You didn't hear a word. Be grateful I didn't send Caroline to do this job. She'd have had you sign a marriage license and you'd not have a clue.”

Will snorted. “I wouldn't trust her to draw up a parking pass for me.”

“Thank goodness your wits are still functioning that much, at least!”

Throwing a sharp glance at Charles, Will quickly returned his gaze to the road ahead. “What is that supposed to mean?”

Charles did a rapid backpedal. “Nothing. I just hope you're paying closer attention in the meeting this morning. Could you throw off whatever is distracting you? I'd hate to be presenting you with a bill for my services if you're just going to ignore my advice.” He was surprised to notice his friend's knuckles whiten as he gripped the wheel. A sudden deep concern took hold of him. “There is something wrong, isn't there? I think we'd better cancel the meeting. You aren't ready for it and without one hundred percent of your attention it's going to be a disaster.”

“No.” A deep breath restored Will's equilibrium. “I'll be fine. This deal is too important to put off. Please, Charles. As long as you are there I know you'll keep me on track.”

I don't like the way he sounds. “When was the last time you took a vacation?”

“Your wedding,” was the impatient reply.

“That was hardly a vacation! What little I recall of your time at the resort was spent in your room, at your computer, when we weren't involved in the wedding and preparations. You didn't even see the sun, did you?” Charles frowned. He'd always thought Will worked too hard and when he'd brought along the laptop to what was supposed to be a romantic tropical getaway, there was no denying that his friend had some serious quirks to work out in his view of what relaxation meant.

Will laughed, however. “Well, looks who's talking. Did you even open the blinds during the second week there?”

“I was on my honeymoon,” the other man retorted. “You should have been finding yourself some company instead of becoming more intimate with your email.”

Will's eyes narrowed and he focussed intently on the traffic ahead. At least email doesn't rip out my heart and throw it back in my face. “Let's just drop it.”

“No, let's not,” said Charles with vehemence. “You have something on your mind, Will. Spill it. Tell your old buddy what's really bothering you because I've never seen you so turned inside out before and, to tell you the truth, it scares me.”

“Now is not the time.” Will's lips pressed together firmly and his friend knew there would be nothing more said on the subject until Will Darcy decided the time was right.

Charles was not so easily discouraged. “Okay, maybe not now, but you will talk to me. Later.”

“Thank God that's over.” The morning's work had stretched on into the evening. Charles had managed to hide his frustration over Will's lack of comprehension with the finer points of the transaction. It was strangely frightening to see the typically cool, intelligent head of a multinational corporation floundering in simple contract language. If nothing else came of the day's efforts it had given Charles a stronger motivation to get his friend alone for a heart to heart talk. He even began to suspect more than a friend's ear would be required. Will just might need professional help this time.

“I'm sorry, Charles,” Will sighed, his face hidden behind his hands. Elbows resting on the bar, he rubbed tired eyes before picking up the glass of whiskey that sat in front of him. “I should have listened to you and cancelled. I hope I haven't blown it.”

Charles laid a hand on the other man's shoulder. “It's done. Forget about it now. Come back to my place and we'll get something to eat. I don't know about you but I'm starved.”

“Yeah, sounds good.” He tossed back the drink and fished in his pocket for the car keys.

Charles removed them from his grasp. “I'm driving.” Will opened his mouth but Charles shook his head. “Don't argue. You won't win.”

Inside the car silence reigned for most of the ride. Just before turning into the driveway Will spoke. “Thanks Charles but... I've changed my mind. I'll just go home now.”

Charles didn't even look at him. He simply turned the engine off and pocketed the keys. “No, you aren't.” Getting out of the car, he walked around the other side and opened the passenger door. “Come on.” He followed Will through the front door and into the house.

Jane Bingley called from the kitchen, “Is that you, honey?” Will's nerves jolted at the sound but the adrenalin rush faded when Jane appeared, wiping her hands on a towel. “Oh, hi Will! Did you guys just finish? That was a long meeting. How did it go?”

Charles shook his head slightly, enough to give Jane warning to stay away from that topic. “Long is right and no dinner break. Have you got anything for two hungry men?”

She chuckled. “I'll fix you something. Will, what can I get you? Coffee, juice, beer?”

“Coffee, please,” he said after a pause, as if his mind had been elsewhere.

Jane shooed him into the living room to wait while she and her husband went to the kitchen. “What's wrong?” she immediately asked once they were far enough way that Will could not overhear. “Did the negotiations go badly? Will looks like he's in a daze.”

“He's been like that all day, Jane. I don't know what's going on. We were lucky to make a deal at all today. A couple of times I thought Will was going to leave when we recessed. It was as if he hadn't heard anything being said.” Charles laid down the spoon he'd used to stir the coffees. “I'm really worried about him.”

Alone in the other room, Will's eyes took in the comfortable furnishings and subdued colours in his quest to find one face among the collection of photos on display. At last his gaze fell upon a small picture in a ceramic frame and he quickly crossed the room. Placing a finger on the glass surface he closed his eyes and remembered......

She smelled of springtime, fresh air and a hint of honeysuckle. Images replaced words in his mind and he was silent when he should have spoken. Instead of telling her how beautiful she was, how much he loved her, he merely watched; the spark of humour in her eyes and the way her lips teasingly curled upward in a mischievous smile.

Voices broke into his reverie. Will drew his hand back, putting it in his pocket and stepping to the window. When the Bingleys entered they saw the familiar figure looking out at the night sky.

Jane called softly to him. “Will, coffee's ready.”

He turned and smiled, appearing completely at ease. “Thanks.” Seeing the tray of sandwiches, Will took one before sitting down.

“I'd love to stay but I've got a class to teach tonight. Sorry.” Jane grabbed her purse from one of the chairs and dug out her car keys. “I'll be back in a couple of hours, though. Will you still be here?”

“Probably,” replied Will with a grimace. “Charles has a lecture to give me. Those are never short, you know.”

Jane laughed, waving on her way out the door.

“Okay, you can stop acting now. It's just you and me.” Charles folded his hands together and rested them against his chin.

“There, you're in your lecture pose. Go ahead. Tell me how stupid I was.”

“You were very stupid. Happy now?” Annoyed, Charles dropped his hands and picked up his cup to occupy them. “You're like Jekyll and Hyde, Will, up one minute and down the next. I seriously wondered if you were having a breakdown. You've never been confused by contract language before but today it was like you were a novice!”

“So I was a little distracted.” Will shrugged. “I made you earn your money for a change.”

“Stop trying to avoid the issue.”

Will's irritation was growing. “What's the issue, then?”

“When was the last time you saw a doctor?” Facing a problem head on was Charles' preferred method. He saw his friend's eyes narrow and knew there was a storm brewing behind them.

“You're straying a bit from the professional path.”

“Oh, for God's sake, Will! I'm your friend. Don't retreat behind that professional mask. I consider you a brother more than a friend. If I can't be concerned about your health then who can?” He couldn't help the anger that coloured his voice. “Now, have you seen a doctor recently or not?”

Will forced himself to relax against the back of the chair, giving every appearance of indifference. “I had a physical last month so you may rest easy. No brain tumours, no strange lack of reflexes and my heart is as strong as a bull's. Does that answer your question?”

Not quite. “Did you do the psy test?”

“It's not part of the routine.”

“It is under your company policy. You aren't exempt from the rules, Will. I can take it to the board of directors if you'd prefer.” He left the threat hanging in the air between them.

Finally Will said, “I thought you were my friend.”

“I am. Looking out for your health is part of my responsibility as your friend but as your company lawyer I have an additional responsibility to look after those interests. You aren't doing your job, Will. You aren't up to the stress, that's obvious. If you don't want to open up to me about what's bothering you, fine. Just don't expect me to ignore the signs and let you fall apart without doing something to stop it.”

“I think you're being melodramatic.” Will adamantly refused to discuss his state of mind, however, although he relented where the psychological examination was concerned. He had no choice; Charles would make certain of it.

Chapter Two

“Of course. I didn't expect details but can you at least let me know what you will report to the board? He's like a bomb about to go off and I don't want to see anyone caught in the blast.” Charles had slipped out of his office for an hour just to meet the doctor without Will being aware.

“Look, Mr. Bingley, I can see you have a tremendous concern for Mr. Darcy so I'll give you a brief summary, no more than I could say to the company directors. As far as the test scores go, he is well within normal parameters.” The doctor lowered his voice. “Now, that can mean one of two things; he is coping with whatever elevated stress is in his life right now or he has mastered the art of concealing the strain. My opinion, for what it is worth, is the latter. My report contains only the information as it pertains to the test scores, as the company contract requires that alone.”

“Damn.” Charles shook his head, disappointed. “I was hoping to force him into taking time off. He'll never do it voluntarily.”

“I'm sorry this was not helpful,” apologised Dr. Sarouk. “If I can be of any other use, please let me know.”

Charles left the doctor's office feeling less hopeful than when he went in. He would just have to find another way to get his friend to see reason.

“Will?”

He stared at the phone, then at Charles sitting on the other side of the desk. “Hi Georgie. What's up?”

“I wanted to give you warning that I'm coming to visit you,” she teased.

“Oh. When?” Will picked up a pen and flipped open the calendar on his desk.

“Tomorrow.”

The pen dropped. “That's a bit short notice. Some emergency conference that you have to attend?”

“Can't I just want to see my big brother? It's been almost a year.”

Will suspected his friend of having a hand in this timely trip but refused to voice that thought aloud. “Sorry, Georgie. Of course I'd love to see you, too. What time shall I send the car to pick you up?”

She gave him her flight details. “I love you, Will. See you tomorrow!”

Slowly replacing the receiver, Will gave Charles a penetrating stare. “What did you say to her?”

“Nothing. Jane called her,” he smugly replied. “And now that I've managed to get your signatures where I need them, I'll leave you to your beloved work.”

“Bring Jane for dinner Friday night,” Will called before the other man left. “You can fill my sister in on all the gory details then.”

“Thanks! It will save me the trouble of sneaking around behind your back.” Charles' laughter could still be heard after the door closed.

Will frowned, touching the pen to his lip while he thought of how to survive the next week as easily as possible. There was little left of the afternoon. He soon gave up hope of accomplishing any more project reviews and decided to go home early. His housekeeper would need to get Georgiana's room ready and no doubt add some of her favourites to the grocery list. The rest of the evening Will spent quietly with a book, although few pages were turned in those hours of silence.

Mired deeply in paperwork the next afternoon he was startled when his office door opened and a rush of fresh air rolled over him. Georgiana Darcy barely paused in the opening before covering the distance separating her from her brother and giving him a hug. After releasing him from her grip she sat on the corner of the desk and flung her purse onto its surface, sending a few papers flying.

“When you said you'd send the car I figured you'd be in it, Will. What a bore it was, riding alone from the airport.” She grinned sheepishly. “You always make me feel like a little girl when I see you. Do you think I'll ever be grown up in your presence?”

Her enthusiasm elicited a chuckle from him. “I hope you aren't this intimidated by your patients, Georgie.” Seeing the excited sparkle in her eyes brought an unexpected feeling of calm settling around him. The sensation was almost unfamiliar; he had been too many months in a state of heightened tension.

Georgiana examined the files spread over the desk then clucked her tongue in disapproval. “You spend too much time here, Will. You always have. I forbid you to come to work tomorrow. It's Friday, so you can make it a long weekend and we can waste the day together.”

He knew better than to argue. Like him, Georgiana had inherited the Fitzwilliam stubbornness. When they were younger it had been a cause of much strife between them. They had both learned to give and take, knowing when the other person could be persuaded and when any effort was useless. “I can promise you the full day if you allow me to finish up just two more things now.”

“It's always just a little more, isn't it?” she pouted. Brightening a little, she relented. “Okay. Don't take more than an hour, though. I'll go downstairs and say hello to Caroline but I definitely can't take her any longer than that!”

Laughing heartily, Will held his hands up in surrender. “I promise, Georgie. I wouldn't want to be the cause of some violent act of feminine aggression when Caroline offers you one compliment too many if I've overstayed my limit.”

“Good!” She slid off the desk and kissed his cheek. Another flurry of papers were set in motion when she grabbed her purse.

When she was gone Will reflected with amazement at how she was able to bring a sense of peace to his life even as she disrupted his routine existence.

Georgiana spent a brief five minutes with Caroline Bingley before seeking out Charles in the neighbouring office. Ensuring the door was firmly closed and no one would overhear their conversation, she bypassed the customary pleasantries and got straight to business. “He looks tired but other than that... what's got you worried? Has he said something?”

Charles shook his head. “If you'd seen him the other day, Georgiana, you'd wonder if he was the same man. He's cracking, I can see it bit by bit, but I have no idea what's at the root of it all. He's refused to talk to me so I had no choice and called in the big guns; you.”

She smiled. “I'm a GP, Charles. I had some basics in psychology but I'm no expert.”

“You two are all that's left of your family. Maybe he won't open up to you either but I had to do something. He won't listen to me.”

“Oh, he won't be in the office tomorrow. I told him he had to stay home with me,” Georgiana grinned.

“Great! You've accomplished more in five minutes than I've done in a month!” He closed his briefcase and leaned back in his chair. “Will invited Jane and me to dinner tomorrow night. I hope to see you've worked some magic by then.”

Her smile disappeared, replaced by thoughtful concern. “Okay, tell me truthfully. What symptoms have you seen?”

Charles drew in a deep breath, then slowly exhaled. “Preoccupied, absentminded, forgetful. More than just simply forgetting appointments or other negligible things. I've had to frequently remind him of facts that I know he could recite faster than me. His temper has been quick to fire, too.”

“Edgy, poor concentration, difficulty with simple tasks. Does that sum it up?”

“Yes, that's about it. You might add moodiness to that list.” Charles suddenly looked embarrassed. “He did have a physical recently. I consulted the results in his file. Nothing odd showed up.”

“Not surprising.” Georgiana glanced at her watch. “I'd better go. Hopefully Will won't make me wait any longer before he's done. I'll see you tomorrow, Charles.”

He nodded. “Good luck.”

Her expression was determined. “Don't worry. We'll get to the bottom of this. I'm not leaving until I know my brother is okay.”

Will stretched his legs out along the sofa, laying his head back on the small pile of pillows at one end. Dinner had been good, and filling! He hadn't expected Georgiana to cook but she had insisted and the result was far from disappointing. Will hadn't eaten so much at one meal in weeks.

Then she informed him that it would be his turn to cook the next night.

Will had already decided on a barbeque. Everything could be grilled with little preparation required and he was quite comfortable with the use of the apparatus.

“Here you go,” said Georgiana, handing him a glass of wine. She chose a large stuffed chair and curled herself up in it.

“Thanks,” her brother said. “I could get used to this.”

“To what?” she asked. “You already have a cook, a maid and a wine cellar.”

He had to think about it. What did he mean? “I've missed your company, Georgie. You've been gone a long time.”

Her first impulse was to tell him to find a girlfriend if he was lonely but she knew the answer wasn't that simple. “I'm sorry I wasn't able to come home more often.”

He shook his head. “Pay no attention to my whining. I'm proud of you, Georgie. You set out to become what you've always dreamed of being and you accomplished it.”

“I couldn't have done it without you, Will,” she said in a quiet voice. “You were my rock when things were tough and I felt I couldn't keep going.”

He made a strange noise, somewhere between a snort and a sigh. “You could always do it. You're strong, Georgie, stronger than you think.”

So are you, Will. The conversation was promising and she wondered how much she could steer it before he grew suspicious. “When are you going to come to Vancouver and see my place? It's not grand, I'll admit, but I like it.” She added teasingly, “There are lots of pretty nurses at the hospital.” Unexpectedly, his entire body seemed to tense. Gone was the relaxed openness of a moment earlier. Georgiana quickly sought to regain his former ease, completely changing the subject, while reviewing her words for some clue to what triggered his reaction. “Caroline offered to help me with the decorating. Can you imagine?” Her brother appeared lost in thought, however. Georgiana prodded him with a softer voice. “What do I have to do to get you to come visit?”

He didn't respond immediately; his eyes, with the vacant faraway look, turned in her direction. “Lizzy, I'd do anything for you. You only have to ask.” The words were tenderly expressed.

Startled, Georgiana managed to conceal her surprise, filing away the name for later examination. “I am asking, then. How about coming back with me? Take a few weeks off and spend them with me. You aren't indispensable, you know. Okay, as my brother you are but not as CEO. The company won't collapse if you take a vacation.”

Will seemed about to accept but something caused his eyes to lose their enthusiasm, replaced by a haunted look. “Sorry, Georgie. The wine has gone to my head. We can talk about this tomorrow, okay? I really need to turn in now.”

“Sure,” she readily agreed. “I'm still operating a few hours behind so I'll read for a while, Will.” She silently admitted that he looked very tired. “Oh, turn off your alarm. Remember you promised to spend the day with me so don't be trying to sneak off to work before I get up!”

Chuckling, Will leaned down to give her a kiss on the forehead. “Don't stay up too late if you expect to prevent me from escaping.”

Georgiana watched him leave the room, concern now ignited by the unanswered questions arising from the evening's discussion.

Chapter Three

He longed to touch her but it wasn't his privilege. Yet she looked so.... perfect. Allowing his eyes to convey his admiration, he schooled the rest of his features into dignified respect. Even from this distance he could see the sparks of challenge in her eye. It took every ounce of control to maintain his place, for that curve of her lips was so inviting. He could well imagine their texture, the moist feel of their warmth against his own. The corners twitched upward mischievously, as if sharing a private joke, only he wasn't favoured with the secret. It did not stop him from appreciating the moment, however.

Laughter floated in the air, like music in its purest form. He closed his eyes to listen. The sound enveloped him in a soft embrace, caressing him. The temptation was powerful to remain suspended in the pleasure but he forced his eyelids to open, to find her once more and reassure himself that she did exist.

Her dress flowed from her shoulders like silk, clinging in the most tantalizing places and luring him in. He resisted, of course. Not by choice but by necessity. Her smiles were not for him. No invitation was offered, nor did he expect it..... not yet.

Soon, though.... he hoped it wouldn't be much longer.....

Will opened his eyes. The room was bright with late morning sunshine. He checked the clock and was amazed to discover he'd slept in for some hours. His awakening senses informed him that breakfast was being prepared and it smelled better than the usual fare he fixed for himself. Throwing off the blankets, he reached for some comfortable clothes and pulled them on, then hurried to the kitchen.

As suspected, Georgiana was at the stove. She laughed when she saw him. “Now, there's something the cat dragged in!”

He felt a bit offended at her ridicule. It was his habit to crawl out of bed and go straight to the kitchen, saving the last half hour's rush for necessities such as a shower and shave before changing into more formal office attire. Never had it occurred to him that his appearance might be considered a source of amusement. “What do you mean?” he frowned.

“I don't remember you being such a slob when I lived at home.” Holding a spoon aloft, she pursed her lips and gave him a critical evaluation. “I can ignore the obscene message on your shirt, Will, but please do something about your hair. Those curls are unruly at the best of times but I simply won't be able to keep a straight face if I have to look at the way it's flattened on one side of your head. I'm sure I won't be able to eat my breakfast for laughing!”

He grunted, awarding her a smile before retreating to see to her request. When he returned, hair tamed and the offensive shirt exchanged for a plain one, the plates were on the table and Georgiana was just sitting down.

“You're spoiling me,” Will exclaimed, wasting no time in sampling her culinary efforts. “If this is what I may expect every day I'll be happy to pack my bags and leave when you do.”

Staring at him in annoyance, she said, “It's true, then. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.” Will merely lifted an eyebrow as if amazed she ever doubted it.

Georgiana had decided to avoid any serious discussion for the day and asked if Will would mind getting the old photos down from storage. He was surprised by her suggestion but agreed and the rest of their day was spent poring over old mementos of family holidays, birthdays and day to day life. They laughed together at the atrocious fashions of their childhood and were comforted by each other's presence at the more melancholy moments. Early photos of their parents reduced both brother and sister to silence as they recalled their own feelings at the loss of these special people.

The afternoon flew by and they had to hurriedly gather up all the memorabilia to put it away before Jane and Charles would arrive. Wine was chilling, the barbeque heating and Will fingering the grilling fork with impatience when their guests appeared.

Charles drew Georgiana aside while Jane spoke with Will. “I see I hadn't underestimated your skills. He looks better already.”

“Don't speak too soon,” she cautioned. “We had a wonderful and relaxing day, which Will sorely needed, but there's something lurking behind that smile. I am so grateful that you had Jane call to warn me of his condition.”

“You know I'd do anything for him,” Charles adamantly stated. “He's like my brother.”

Georgiana was struck by his use of the same phrase that Will had said the previous evening. She glanced over to make sure her brother was still occupied out of earshot. Jane was just rinsing the plate which had held the meat until Will finally placed it on the hot grill. Now she left him to oversee the cooking, joining her husband and Georgiana.

When they were all comfortably seated, glasses of wine at hand, Georgiana was ready to pursue her next line of enquiry. “Has Will been dating anyone recently?”

Jane appeared thoughtful but Charles immediately shook his head. “No, he hasn't. I'm certain of that. He's been like a hermit for years. That hasn't changed.”

“Well, now it's even more strange,” said Georgiana, disappointed with this confirmation. “He seemed quite relaxed last night but his mind was obviously elsewhere at one point. He slipped up and called me Lizzy. The way he spoke indicated some pretty intense feelings for this woman. If he hasn't been seeing anyone do you have any idea who Lizzy might be?”

Jane and Charles shared a startled look. Charles was uncomfortable as he replied, “Jane's sister is Lizzy.”

“But it can't be her,” Jane quickly added.

“Why not?” Georgiana looked from one to the other, waiting for an explanation. “Do you know of any others? I can't think of any. Knowing Will's aversion to socialising how many Lizzys can he have met?”

“There was never anything between them,” Jane said with finality. “She's my sister and he's Charles' best friend. That's all there is to it.” The simplicity of the situation was contradicted when she abruptly left her chair, snatching the glass of wine and quickly walking toward the nearest garden as if to examine the rosebushes. Georgiana was at a loss for words.

“Forgive her, please.” Charles' eyes were filled with sorrow. “Jane and her sister were always very close and the last six months have been painful for her.”

“I don't understand.” Georgiana's gentle tone succeeded in drawing him out.

Charles cast a glance back toward the barbeque before lowering his voice even more. “Despite the answer my wife gave you I believe her sister is the Lizzy you are wondering about. I noticed long ago that Will was mesmerized by her whenever she was around. Honestly, I hoped I was wrong because he never seemed to do anything about it.” Closing his eyes, he let out a soft sigh. “It's all too late now, anyway.”

Dismay filled her. “What happened?”

In a voice hardened with suppressed anger, Charles said, “She got involved with a man who turned out to be an... an animal. Nobody realised it at first and Lizzy was very good at keeping it all quiet. When the truth became known it caused a great divide in their family. Jane would never think ill of anyone, you know, and she was the solitary member who stuck by Lizzy. Their father was disappointed in his daughter's lack of common sense, as if that really had anything to do with such a situation! Mrs. Bennet preferred to assign the blame to Lizzy, saying she brought it all on herself.”

Georgiana cringed at the narrowminded views of Jane's parents. “Jane is to be commended for supporting her. Lizzy is still with this man, then? Is that what has Will so distressed?”

Charles shook his head. “Will didn't know anything about that trouble. As I said, I'd seen the way he watched her before she hooked up with this guy. There was no way I'd tell him any of that crap that was going on. He might have hunted the fellow down and killed him.”

While he spoke Georgiana watched her brother. He tackled his job at the grill as he would any other; with determination and finesse. Why can't he do the same socially? she lamented.

“The pressure on Jane was enormous. There were times I wanted to go over and throttle her boyfriend but I knew that would only make things harder for Lizzy. However, the worst finally happened. One night they argued and he -.” Georgiana's eyes were drawn back to Charles when his voice suddenly went silent. Patiently, she waited as his jaw muscles contorted in proportion to his emotion. “Lizzy was unconscious when she arrived at the hospital.”

A sharp gasp escaped her lips. Georgiana was all too familiar with the condition of women who appeared in emergency rooms following a domestic dispute. “Oh, I'm so sorry!”

Charles accepted her sympathies with a short nod of his head. “Lizzy has been in a coma for several months. I think even Jane is starting to lose hope.”

Georgiana could only imagine the grief her friend was feeling, drawn out over such a long period of time. Afraid to ask what had happened to the man who had put her there, she placed a comforting hand on Charles' arm. “That's horrible.” Then she inhaled deeply. “It's possible that Will isn't able to cope with his own grief. Perhaps he can't even admit to himself that he's grieving.”

He met her gaze with more than just sorrow for his wife's sister. “You may be right.”

“I'll try to work on that tomorrow.” The thought of the next day's challenge was daunting. “I'm sorry to have upset Jane, though.”

Charles sighed. “It is easily done these days. Don't feel guilty. Anyway, I think it's time we changed to a less traumatic topic. It looks like the steaks are done.”

Jane had also noticed Will removing the meat from the grill, the signal that everyone should grab a plate and make their choices. He hadn't seen any of the exchanges between the others and they gave no indication of the earlier unease. The rest of the evening went flawlessly.

“Tell me about Lizzy.” Her voice was quiet, almost gentle, but the words cut into him like a knife, opening him up and exposing his insides to the world. Will wasn't prepared for it and did not answer.

“Will?” Georgiana persisted. “It's me, remember? When mom died, when dad died, we had each other. Don't shut me out now.”

“What do you want to know?” his voice croaked, betraying him with a response.

“Whatever you wish to say. I'm here to listen.” She waited and, after a few moments, the angry creases relaxed ever so slightly, hinting that he was ready to talk. “You called me Lizzy the other night. She must be someone special. Tell me something about her.”

Honeysuckle......

“Beautiful,” he whispered.

Her laughter drifted through the trees.....

“So lively... vibrant.” His eyes remained closed. It hurt too much to open them. “I'd never known anyone with so much enthusiasm for life.”

He saw her from a distance, shocked at first that a grown woman would be climbing a tree, but then to see her hanging upside down from a branch! A smile came naturally to his lips. Here was a young woman unafraid to do the very things that had been forbidden him as a boy.

How long he stood in the concealment of the trees he could not say, but when she at last left her playground he felt a pang of remorse at her absence. The lightness in his heart had gone with her.....

“I'd seen her in the park almost daily after that. I'd take my usual walk, choosing the most secluded pathways with the least chance of meeting anyone else, always knowing exactly where I could find her.” Will paused, pain reflected in his eyes. “I didn't know she was Jane's sister then. When Charles pressured me to make a fourth on a date with his girlfriend and her sister I was appalled that he would ask me to do something like that.”

“She's not my type.”

“What's your type, Will? She's a girl. Isn't that enough? I haven't seen you out on a date since... well, since you took over your dad's company.”

Will resented the interference in his love life, even if it was non-existent. “So you'd pair me up with the ugly duckling just so you can devote yourself to Jane alone.”

“Geez, Will! Don't be so heartless!” Charles' eyes darted guiltily over his shoulder.

Will instinctively followed suit, then instantly froze. There she was... how could it be her? She was his fantasy, his obsession; the woman he wanted but was afraid to reach out, to touch.

Her smile was thin as she approached the pair. With eyes that sliced through him she said, “You know how the story turns out, don't you?”

“Story?” he mumbled through a tongue that refused to move.

“The ugly duckling turns out to be a swan.” Her words slapped him before she turned smartly on her heel and strode away.

“Oh, Will,” sighed Georgiana. “How could you?”

“She was the beautiful swan and in my arrogance I lost my chance.” He couldn't speak anymore. The memory of his stupidity and her reaction was too strong. He had never forgiven himself.

“Did you apologise?”

Will pulled his mind back to the present. “Apologise? I don't know. It was a long time before I met her again. Not until Charles' wedding.”

“Why so long? If she was Jane's sister I thought you would see her frequently.”

Will grimaced. “No, we were never invited to the same get togethers. If I spent Friday night with Charles and Jane you can be sure Elizabeth chose Saturday to visit them.”

Nodding her head, Georgiana concluded, “Until their wedding. It couldn't be avoided then.”

“Exactly.”

“Sorry, Will. Lizzy is Jane's maid of honour. I know you two don't like each other but do you think you can manage to be civil for at least one week together before the wedding?” Charles looked hopefully at his friend. “I don't care what happens after that but for Jane's sake I can't stand the thought of any friction between you two giving her reason to panic.”

“I'm not a child. Of course I can behave like a gentleman.” His blood raced at the thought of two weeks in her presence. Each day would be an opportunity that he was loath to waste.

“I had a week to pretend she didn't affect me, that I wasn't already lost to her. Georgie, I'd never felt so out of control in my life. Every time she walked into a room I could think of nothing else but her. I was sure my feelings were etched upon my face.” Will abruptly left his seat to walk about the room, moving quickly as if his words might give chase.

Georgiana sat motionless in her chair, unable to offer him relief despite it being the one thing he most needed. “What happened during that week, Will?”

He looked down, his eyes searching desperately for the means to reveal what he'd tried so hard to suppress but which had come back to haunt him night after night. “Everything.” He sighed. “Nothing.”

His sister went to him, turning his body toward her and peering up into his face. “Let it out, Will. You're torturing yourself. I'm not going to judge you.”

A weak smile twitched at the corner of his mouth. “Don't be too sure.” Will walked away from her but only to further compose his next words. “Have you ever been so taken with someone or something that it is more than an obsession? Elizabeth was that to me. Day and night she was in my thoughts, my dreams, yet I couldn't even speak to her. Where would it get me? She didn't know me, not really. I didn't know myself, either. Everything that had ruled my life prior to her entrance was pushed aside. I brought work with me, of course. It could not be escaped.”

He closed the laptop and left the table. Just as he reached the edge of the terrace he looked back and saw her. Their eyes met for a brief moment before she hurriedly looked away but that was all the time it took for his senses to flee.

Hope flared in him. Had she forgiven him for his ill-chosen words so long ago? There hadn't been animosity in her expression. It had almost appeared to be... approval?

Quickly, his gaze searched the terrace for her but to no avail. She had disappeared but the gift of that moment was irreplaceable. With a lighter step, he went back to his room, the rest of the day stretching before him with more promise.

“The week wasn't as bad as you thought, then?” Georgiana pushed his hair back, trying to see into his eyes. “Did Lizzy encourage you?”

“No.” The word was clipped. “I encouraged myself. I imagined it all; the inviting looks, soft expressions, all of it. It was far too easy to believe she was interested and since all I wanted was Lizzy, I saw everything the way I wanted to see it. I deluded myself into believing she wanted me, too.”

The silhouetted form was unmistakeably hers. The warm breeze sent her skirt trembling teasingly about her shapely legs. He couldn't tear his eyes away; he was inexorably drawn closer. With her back toward him she did not see his approach but he could tell she sensed his presence. He watched his own hand as if it belonged to another, reaching up to push her hair aside and expose her neck. The scent of honeysuckle swirled in the air around them. His senses responded drunkenly; the temptation of her proving too much to resist.

Lips lightly touched the back of her neck, the taste of her skin a heady elixir.

When she spoke her voice was deep and sultry, inviting an intimacy scarcely imaginable. “I thought you'd never get here, George......”

The day had ended badly. Georgiana was undecided whether seeing her brother reduced to tears was a positive sign or not. She had learned so much in the hours spent listening to him open his heart, revealing his pain and when he reached the point where he could not go on she sent him to bed. Exhausted, Will fell asleep in minutes and his sister was left to piece together the rest of the puzzle while wondering if she had done the right thing.

Georgiana had never met Elizabeth Bennet. She knew Jane, however, and concluded that the opinions of two people she respected could not be wrong. Lizzy must be a woman worthy of her brother.

Will had committed a gross error when he'd dubbed her the ugly duckling. Georgiana could fully understand the other woman's reaction; offended and angry, she was not interested in anything that Will could possibly say to redeem himself.

As for her brother, Georgiana was all too familiar with the awkwardness he felt when dropped into a social situation with people he'd never met. He had expressed his reluctance in a most unflattering way; to be paired with a complete stranger, a woman no less! There was no denying that he was out of his element if he ever hoped to gain this woman's good opinion. He simply lacked the necessary skills to engage her attention long enough, to charm, cajole or flirt; these were alien to Will Darcy. He was a man who believed in being direct, an approach which generally led to him falling flat on his face when it came to matters of the heart.

Georgiana could recall only one girl he had ever referred to in a romantic manner and the result of bringing her to the Darcy home to meet the family had been a disaster. Their parents had been everything that was proper; polite and generous as hosts but they made it clear that this young woman had set her sights well above her due. Will was humiliated and never again spoke of any woman who interested him, let alone brought one home to be subjected to such intense scrutiny.

At the age of thirty three, wealthy and single, her brother was one of the most coveted prizes in the country, yet he deftly avoided all attempts to match him up with the hopefuls. Elizabeth Bennet had managed to capture his attention and his heart without any effort or intent. It was an amazing accomplishment!

The challenge before her was clear. How to approach it was not. What could be done for a man who was hopelessly in love with a woman who firstly, disliked him and secondly, was in a coma with little chance of recovery? His pain was beyond comprehension. Georgiana prayed it would not completely break him.

Chapter Four

Briefly lost in thought, he had stayed too long on the balcony. Her swim was complete and her companion had joined her. A lovers' kiss was shared in the warm breeze, scented of hibiscus under the warming sun and the watchful eye of a man whose heart could not let her go.....

Will pulled the blanket up over his head in an attempt to shut out the voice but not only was it persistent, there was an arm attached to its source and that arm proceeded to pry the covering away from his face.

“Will, wake up. I've brought you some coffee.”

He groaned and rolled over. “Coffee?”

Georgiana handed him the mug once he had pulled himself upright. “It's past noon. I was afraid to let you sleep any longer.”

He finished her thought. “I might never wake up.” Smiling grimly, Will interrupted her before she could begin. “You can say it, Georgie. The pain can't get any worse.”

“I'm sorry for pushing you so hard yesterday. You seemed ready to explode and I just wanted to help you, to ease the pressure. I had no idea what I'd be tapping once it began to flow.” She brushed back the hair from his forehead. “How are you feeling now?”

“Numb.”

“You know there is still a long way to go yet, don't you?” she gently reminded him. “Would you like me to find you some recommendations for a doctor?”

“No.” He offered her a weak smile. “We've always been here for each other. I'd like to keep it that way.” The smile faded. “Unless that's a problem for you.”

“Will, I'm here for you, whatever you need, but I'm not a psychologist. There may come a time when you'll have to take that extra step.” She nearly laughed to see his mouth set in a stubborn line. “As for today, finish your coffee and then take a shower. I'll make you some lunch and we'll see how the rest of the day goes.”

Feeling more rested, having eaten and exhausted the various mundane topics of conversation, Will was ready to answer more of Georgiana's questions. She wished to know why he believed Lizzy's dislike had grown in intensity while his own feelings had been the reverse.

“Whatever her opinion may have been at the time, my fate was sealed that night on the terrace when I decided to throw caution to the wind and reveal how much I cared for her. Only, like a clumsy teenager, I forgot that words might be appreciated.” Will's embarrassment was acute but he forced himself to continue. “I don't know what I was thinking; perhaps wanting to show her how tender, how gentle I could be. I walked up behind her and kissed her, kissed the back of her neck as if I had every right to this intimacy. The surprise was on me, however. She had been waiting for someone else and, mistaking me for him, she turned around and kissed me. Not just any kiss, mind you!” Will's expression as he recalled the scene made any further description unnecessary. “I confess that I took full advantage of the situation. It wasn't long before she realised her mistake and fortunately there was no one to witness my punishment.”

“But didn't you tell her that you loved her?”

“Oh yes, but it was a little late by then,” Will said, shaking his head at his own foolishness. “I should have said something before accosting her in the dark.”

“You didn't exactly accost her, Will. You were showing her how you felt and didn't she participate? Just a little?”

He raised his eyebrows at his sister. “Georgie, she had no way of knowing my intent. What would you have done in her place?”

She reluctantly agreed but it left her feeling no less offended on her brother's behalf. He was no danger to anyone and she only wished others could see that. “It must have been terrible for you both to go through the motions the next day, during the wedding, as if nothing had happened.”

“The bride and groom were oblivious to everything else. Elizabeth and I played our roles, danced together and smiled for the pictures.” Wryly, he added, “I stayed until the end, the last to leave. I didn't want to sleep, but neither did I want to feel anymore. I just couldn't make a decision so I waited until everyone else was gone and went for a walk on the beach.”

The sun was just rising over the water, a distant ship visible on the horizon. He stretched his cramped legs; hours spent unmoving on the chaise had made them stiff and sore. Seabirds swirled in the sky above him, occasionally diving low to pluck a fishy victim from the water. He watched in morbid fascination at the struggling forms which dangled from the sharp beaks.

A movement to the left caught his eye and he turned his head, noting one of the hotel's staff had come to retrieve glasses left on the nearby tables. Another bird cried, a piercing sound in the stillness of the morning. Will rose, working the kinks out of his back with more stretching and bending. When he straightened he was no longer alone on the beach.

She didn't see him, thankfully. Dropping a towel onto the sand, she stripped off her shirt and shorts to reveal a tanned and toned body clad in a bikini. His breath caught in his throat and he silently stepped back into the shelter of the shrubbery.

She approached the water's edge, testing it with one foot before striding in with determination. The birds fled with her approach and the water itself parted, rippling around her form and leading her deeper. Then she went under in one fluid motion.

The shrieking gulls taunted him as Will retreated to his room.

“You stayed there the rest of the time, didn't you?” Georgiana shook her head sadly. “You never do anything by halves, Will; throwing yourself into work, into life and into love. What is it about Lizzy that held your interest?”

“I told you yesterday; her enthusiasm and vibrancy. She seemed to immerse herself in life the way I do, meeting difficulties like they are challenges to be conquered.” His eyes were alight with excitement as he spoke. “You know the feeling. That's why you chose to become a doctor, isn't it? The challenge, the satisfaction when you find a way out, that's the reward. In your case it's people's lives that are affected and it's what makes me so proud of you, Georgiana.”

She tried to hide her smile. He was clever, twisting his answer in order to avoid it. “What did Lizzy do that made you proud of her?”

“Much like you, she dealt with people; difficult people. I don't have that kind of patience. Needy, grasping individuals who would prefer to skirt through life on someone's coattails make me more annoyed than anything else. Lizzy, though,” he continued in a low voice, his gaze somewhere in the distance, “Lizzy saw beyond the surface, through the disguises they put up and would gently pull it down, exposing a fresh personality, almost newborn, and release it back into the world.”

Georgiana's concern was rising as his description of Elizabeth took on a surrealistic quality. “Aren't you deifying her a little?”

He looked at her then; a hard and intense gaze. “No. Elizabeth was not a perfect person but I am convinced she was perfect for me.”

Softly, his sister said, “Yet she didn't see through your disguise.”

He shook his head. “She didn't see through George's, either.”

Swallowing nervously, Georgiana asked, “How do you know all this, Will? What exactly do you know about her relationship with... him?”

“Very little.” His expression changed, lines creasing his forehead in an attempt to hold back the strongest emotion. “Like a cruel twist of fate I was thrown into Elizabeth's company quite often after Charles married Jane. She never seemed at ease with my presence but then I wasn't very relaxed, either.” Recalling a pleasant scene between them, he smiled. “We did have some lively debates which I found very enjoyable. It only deepened my admiration for her even if her intent had been to put me off.”

Georgiana was familiar with her brother's love for a good argument. “Were you civilised or provoking?”

“Oh, a little of both,” chuckled Will. “I'd heard Jane and Charles talk about Lizzy so often that I felt I knew every facet of her. Finally I had the opportunity to learn first hand what made her the remarkable woman she was.”

“I cannot see how it could be a worthwhile endeavour.”

Elizabeth shot him a look of disgust. “That's exactly what I expected to hear from your lips. You and your kind, up in the lofty glass towers looking down upon the rest of us lowly bottom feeders.”

“My kind?” Will's eyebrows shot upward. “And what do you consider my kind? Sure, I'll admit that I've never given much thought to the unemployed welfare class other than to avoid supporting their habits. I work hard and have no sympathy for lazy people who prefer to sit on their behinds and expect the world handed to them on a plate.”

“A very commendable attitude,” she sneered. “How generous of you to paint all of those beneath you with the same brush!”

“I assure you I do nothing of the sort. It has been my experience, however, that the more one grants a certain calibre of individual, the more they will take and subsequently expect the next time around. Please correct me if I have erred in my observations.” Will studied her with an unflinching gaze.

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed. “You know I cannot refute your opinion as long as there continues to be people as you have described. I shall assure you that there are more that do not fit that description than you think.”

“I do not doubt their existence, Elizabeth. I've heard much of your successes.” His mouth quirked up at one corner. “I could choose to believe it due to your exemplary abilities, of course.”

She blew out her breath forcefully. “Well, that's hardly likely!”

Will's eyebrow followed the example of his mouth. “My belief or your abilities?”

Elizabeth's face reddened in embarrassment. “I have no idea what you have heard. If it is from Jane then it could very well be so exaggerated that I resemble Mother Theresa.”

His laughter startled her. “No, it's Jane who would resemble Mother Theresa.”

“You're right.” She grinned. “I still don't know what you've heard but I get results only because I work hard, too, and it's not the sitting in an office kind of job, either.”

“Touché.” He watched her in silence for a moment before getting back to his original question. “So why do you do it?”

“Everyone deserves self respect.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes slightly, saying, “Alright, not everyone. Not the serial killer down the street. Jane might think so but I've never aspired for sainthood. Let's speak generally. The people I work with have lost their self esteem or never had any. Without it they can't raise themselves above the state of dependence in which they live; dependent on welfare, dependent upon others to provide and care for them. A lot of these people just give up, so depressed at their inability to be independent that they just don't want to try anymore. I listen. I respond. I don't offer any free rides. I expect them to work just as hard as I do. I expect them to learn to respect themselves and to carry that confidence out into the world.” Her chin came up and her eyes defied him to disagree “I love my job. It's great for my own self esteem to see what a difference I can make with a little effort. Can you say the same?”

“I've never seen the need to improve my own self esteem,” he blandly replied.

Elizabeth didn't bother to hide her smirk. “I have no trouble believing that.”

“Hey!” called Charles from the doorway. “Are you two still out here arguing?”

She quickly left her chair, casting a triumphant glance at her companion. “No, we're done.”

Will followed her into the house. Just inside the door she stopped, allowing him a brief opportunity to whisper in her ear, “Incidentally, Charles is my informant, not to mention two people I've recently hired who cannot seem to say enough good things about you.” He left her standing open mouthed as he stepped forward into the room.

“You've hired some of her clients?” Georgiana stared at him in surprise. “Will, that's wonderful of you!”

He impatiently dismissed her comment. “They are good workers and came highly recommended by Charles. Don't praise me for doing a good deed.” He fell silent again.

Encouraged by his openness and the way in which his emotions were less intense than when they had begun, Georgiana was now wary of broaching the most difficult part of all, wondering if another night's rest would give her brother more strength to face a discussion of Lizzy's current condition and future prognosis.

It was Will who decided to forge ahead. “Charles was out of town when Jane received the phone call late one night from the police, informing her that Elizabeth was en route to the hospital. They wanted Jane to meet them there. She was hysterical when she called me, only managing to get out a few words. Of course she was in no condition to drive and I got to their house as quickly as possible to take her.” Will closed his eyes, his memory of that place crystal clear.

Flashing lights, pulsating red.... people were rushing... rushing past him... in his way. Jane clutched his hand, his arm... she couldn't speak. He had to enquire at the desk for her. Two police officers, summoned by the duty nurse, approached, wanting to take Jane to her sister but she clung to Will, afraid to go on alone. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, drawing strength from somewhere.

He was not prepared for the sight of her. Expecting a broken arm or something similar, the sight that greeted them caused bile to rise in his throat. Jane gasped and promptly began sobbing, turning to Will and burying her head against his chest. His face must have reflected the horror he was feeling for one of the officers looked away until Will heard his own voice demanding the details.

The second officer related the facts in a detached tone, explaining how the victim had an argument with her boyfriend who then became abusive. A neighbour, overhearing the incident, called police but the worst had been done by the time they arrived. He added that the boyfriend, George Wickham, was in custody; there was no need for concern that he might return to do more damage. He had been caught in the act and was spending the next few nights in a cell.

Will had stopped listening when he heard that name. Rage gripped him, surging through his veins. Before he could react, Jane was at her sister's side, holding Elizabeth's hand and offering words of love and encouragement between tears. He heard her trying to cling to hope despite the frightening reality of the battered form that lay unmoving before them. He watched as she gently reached out to the beloved face only barely recognisable.

“I wanted to kill him. I would have killed him then and there if he'd been in front of me.” Will ground his teeth together, anger rising anew. “How could he have done it? Her beautiful face, so bruised... the blood... What could have happened to make him turn on her like that? How could any man do that to a woman?” Covering his face with his hands, Will groaned, “I should have warned her. Why didn't I do it when I had the chance?” His hands fell and he turned a tortured gaze on Georgiana. “I could have prevented it.”

“No!” she cried, her own anger mixed with the horror in hearing his tale. “You could not have prevented it, Will! Don't ever think that you could.”

“But I knew him, Georgie! He'd always been violent; as a child, a teen and now an adult,” he persevered, growing more agitated by the moment. “I should have told Lizzy about him as soon as I saw his wretched face at Charles' wedding! But no, I thought she'd see through him right away. She's so clever and his type is what she dealt with every day! It's my fault. If I'd told her the truth, let her know of his record, the bar brawls and the -!”

“No, Will.” Georgiana took hold of his face with both hands, forcing him to look at her. “Even if you'd warned her she wouldn't have believed you. Did I believe you when you told me he was no good?” He tried to shake his head but her grip was too tight. “No, I had to learn for myself. Fortunately for me it was a man in a parking lot who took the beating, the poor soul. Don't do this to yourself, Will. Don't take the blame for George's actions.”

She released him and he collapsed in the chair, what was left of his reserve crumbling as his head fell into his arms. Georgiana wanted to reach out and hold him, like their mother used to comfort them as children, but his anger was still too close to the surface and any touch might set him alight. Words were of no use; she could only sit and watch helplessly as the emotions claimed him in succession until he was left empty and spent, a hollow shell of a man whose one wish in life was denied him.

When she felt his awareness was returning Georgiana put another question before him. “When was the last time you visited Lizzy?”

Will's head moved slowly side to side. His lips parted, the response sluggish. “Not since that night she was brought in.”

She was astonished with his answer. “What? Why haven't you gone since then?”

“I don't want to remember her that way. I want to remember her like she was when she was alive.” Pain was evident in every line of his face as he met his sister's gaze. “I know how that sounds. I know she not dead but... she's not alive, either. I just... can't.”

“Will....”

“No, Georgie. You know what some believe, that a comatose patient is aware, can hear what's going on around them. She hates me. I have no business in her hospital room, by her side. She wouldn't want me there.” His posture once again conveyed the obstinance of his decision.

Georgiana was silent for a few moments, then slowly, quietly, she said, “Lizzy has been surrounded by love and encouragement for months and there has been no improvement. Maybe she needs something different to motivate her to rejoin us.”

Will looked up, his expression indicating his mind was considering her suggestion. “Make her angry? Wouldn't that do more harm than good?”

“Will, at this point is there any difference?”

With a sharp movement of his hand he dismissed the idea. “I'm not family. Jane would never allow it.”

Waiting until she was sure he was listening, Georgiana pointedly replied, “Charles said Jane is losing hope of Lizzy recovering.” She saw the muscle twitch in his cheek and his face turned away.

“She can't give up,” he whispered. “There are machines.... tubes feeding her. If Jane gives up.... she'll be gone, truly gone.”

“Then what are you going to do?” Georgiana waited anxiously for some sign from him, something to show that his love for this woman was not just in his memory.

“She must know.” Will took a deep breath while his sister puzzled over his words. “Jane must be made to realise that I won't let Lizzy slip away without doing everything I can to bring her back.” Determination brought his chin up and he sat tall in the chair. “Tomorrow I'll see Elizabeth.”

Chapter Five

His heart was beating at a rapid pace the further they advanced down the corridor. Jane had not spoken to him since they had entered the elevator and left Georgiana in the main floor waiting room. His sister had squeezed his hand reassuringly but once the elevator doors closed all the confidence she had reinforced promptly fled Will. Alone with Elizabeth's sister, he began to realise that her silence was one of disapproval.

There was nothing he could say.

At the end of the hall a door stood open into a dimly lit room. Will suddenly noticed that every room had a glass wall separating it from the corridor, presumably so that the nursing staff could more easily monitor their patients. Blinds could be closed to afford more privacy for visitors attending their loved ones. Jane entered and immediately closed the view from outside.

Will stopped in the doorway, unable to move one step closer. As his eyes adjusted to the dim light he heard various mechanical sounds, his mind struggling to identify them in an effort to stay calm. He forced his eyes to take an inventory of the room's contents. Two chairs sat against the far wall on either side of a window. Blinds were drawn, diffusing the sunlight which would otherwise be streaming in.

The bed, of course, dominated the room but he avoided looking at it, choosing to examine the various pieces of equipment with their displays of incomprehensible numbers and graphs, whirring sounds and occasional beeps.

Finally his eyes came to rest on the bed and the figure under the blanket, still and silent. His mind refused to acknowledge that this was Elizabeth; his Elizabeth. Gone were the bruises that he remembered from three months previously but also gone were the luxurious locks of hair that would trail down her back and teasingly along her neck. A gauntness in her face reflected the toll her prolonged condition had taken on her body. Her eyes were closed, of course. Will found himself silently urging her to open them, anxious to see the laughter, or even scorn in their light one more time.

“Will.” Jane was looking at him strangely. “I think you should sit down.” She quickly took his arm and led him to a chair, pushing him into it. “Do you feel okay? You don't look well.”

He shook his head. “No, a little lightheaded. I think it's -.”

“Put your head between your knees,” Jane briskly ordered. “I don't know what you expected, Will, but the first time I saw Lizzy with all those machines around her I nearly fainted. Thank goodness the nurse had come in with me and she made me sit down right away.” Taking the chair next to him, Jane stared at the floor for a few minutes before asking the question that had been plaguing her ever since Charles had told her of his friend's request to see Lizzy. “Why did you wait until now to come? If you loved her, how could you stay away?”

Will had asked himself that question many times and still hadn't found an answer that adequately explained his feelings. “When I brought you here that night,” he began slowly, “and saw what George had done to her, all I wanted was to get my hands on him. If he hadn't already been in police custody I would have tracked him down.” He forced his eyes to take in Elizabeth's appearance, so near to him and yet unreachable. “My beautiful Lizzy... what he did was monstrous. Yes, Jane, I loved her and still do. Despite that, her feelings were the opposite and that was one reason I dared not come here.”

Jane clucked her tongue. “You never asked about her.” Her tone was accusing.

“Charles, in his concern for you both, confided in me daily. I was never uninformed.” Again his eyes travelled to Elizabeth.

“You said it was one reason. Are there others?”

Will's voice was so quiet she barely heard his reply. “I was afraid. As long as I didn't see her and Charles kept me up to date on her condition then I wouldn't have to feel again what I felt that night... when I thought she was dead, that George had killed her.”

Jane said nothing, then quietly left her seat, moving to the small table beside the bed and opening the drawer. She turned back toward Will, a bottle of lotion in her hand. “Every day I come and apply body lotion. I start with her feet but all of her skin needs the attention. It's so dry in here and without proper blood circulation her skin doesn't get the oxygen it needs to remain healthy. Massaging in the lotion keeps it supple and encourages the blood flow.” She added tentatively, “You may help me if you wish.”

Will had listened carefully and was astonished to hear Jane's offer. He readily accepted and joined her at the end of the bed where she pulled back the blanket covering Lizzy's legs. Again Will was struck by the evidence of the muscles' lack of use.

“Hold out your hand,” Jane said, squeezing out the lotion into his open palm.

“Honeysuckle!” he murmured in surprise. Bittersweet memories assailed him. The taste of her lips...

“Yes,” smiled Jane, her voice bringing him sharply back to the present. “Lizzy's favourite. The doctor suggested strong familiar scents might help to trigger a release from her coma but so far it's not made any difference.” She began on one foot and Will did the same to the other, slowly working the lotion into the sole and massaging the arch, ankle and toes. Her skin was very soft but cold to the touch until the motions stimulated circulation and warmth brought some colour to her pale flesh.

Jane's fingers moved up along Lizzy's lower leg, flexing the muscles by lifting and bending it at the knee. Will said not a word, merely watched and duplicated her actions. The scent of the lotion brought back memories of the times he'd been fortunate enough to stand close to Elizabeth and enjoy her nearness. He would not allow his thoughts to wander there again, however; not in Jane's presence. Diligently, Will focussed on his task and was therefore startled when Jane began to speak.

“I brought a friend today, Lizzy. You remember Will Darcy? He asked if he could visit with you. I know you don't get many others coming to see you and didn't think you'd mind.”

Will thought the opposite but remained silent.

Before moving on to her sister's hand and arm, Jane pulled a cd from her bag, placing it in a portable stereo Will had not noticed in the corner. “I finally bought that cd I told you about last week. What do you think? Will? Do you like it?”

He nodded, then realised she expected him to speak. “Yes, it's very nice.” He'd no opinion, actually, only now paying attention to the music playing softly. It was pleasant, he discovered, and the kind of tune that encouraged one to move. He thought Jane clever in her choice. “It almost makes me feel like dancing,” he said, directing his comment to the silent member of their party. “But if you'd rather not, I'll understand.”

Jane stared at him in amazement. It had taken her nearly a week to begin her one sided conversations with Lizzy but Will had been with her less than an hour. He grinned self-consciously, passing her the bottle of lotion. Will admired Elizabeth's long, slender fingers as he worked the lotion into them. The nails were trimmed short and straight. He'd never had the privilege of holding Elizabeth's hand and felt a little awkward at the intimacy of massaging and caressing her body while she lay completely unaware. The last time he had touched her.....

“When you flex her arm, like this, be careful of where the monitors' cables pass underneath. I accidentally disconnected a monitor line one time and the machine sounded an alarm, scaring the heck out of me and bringing the nurses running.”

Will nodded, examining the convoluted mass trailing from the side of the bed. His eyes were drawn to the heart monitor's display; the rhythm slow but steady with no variation. He felt a stab of disappointment, irrationally hoping some miraculous change would have occurred when Elizabeth knew he was present.

“Come on, Lizzy,” he whispered. “I know you're in there. Where's that feisty woman who can crush me with a few words?” He could feel Jane's eyes on him as again she was astonished. When he met her gaze no longer was there any disapproval evident. His friend's gentle-hearted wife understood Will's pain as clearly as her own and offered sympathy as well as gratitude for his effort.

Feeling that gratitude was undeserved, Will fell silent, although his hands continued to work the muscles in Elizabeth's shoulder. He marvelled at how Jane could spend day after day in this sterile environment and still retain her good humour. He knew that apart from the healing of her cuts and bruises Elizabeth had shown no sign of improvement, yet her sister displayed little ill effect of what surely must be agonising disappointment. To grieve for a loved one not yet dead but for whom hope was slowly dwindling.....

With a start Will realised the direction of his own feelings. He became angry with himself for giving up on her. Elizabeth. With renewed determination he gently dabbed the honeysuckle scented lotion on her forehead and slowly swirled it along her temples in a circular motion, beginning with hardly any movement and gradually expanding the circles outward. He moved his fingers ever so gently along her brow, down the length of her nose and across her cheekbones; behind her ears, following the line of her jaw and then under her chin to the hollow of her throat. All the while Jane watched in fascination.

Finally, placing his thumbs in the middle of her brow, Will softly brushed them outward and down along her temples, then repeated the movement across her cheeks and then her chin. He did it again and again, until the colour which rose in her face satisfied him. He glanced over to find that Jane was in one of the chairs, observing him.

“Thank you, Will,” she said in a voice that was close to breaking. “That was beautiful.”

He hadn't been expecting praise and her comment embarrassed him, causing him to turn away again. Jane checked her watch, knowing that their visiting time was up. With a sigh she moved to Will's side and put a hand on his shoulder. “I want to speak with the nurses before we leave. I'll be back in a few minutes. Are you okay here?”

“Yes,” he nodded. “I'm fine.”

Jane took Elizabeth's hand, bidding her sister goodbye. “I'll see you soon, Lizzy.”

When he was alone with her, Will picked up Elizabeth's hand and placed it against his lips. His senses were filled with images of honeysuckle.... flowers woven through her hair... He inhaled deeply, trying to drown out the antiseptic odour of the room with the sweet scent of her skin.

“Lizzy,” he murmured. “Do you know how much you are missed? You didn't believe me when I said I love you, I know that. I couldn't have gone about it any worse.” He pressed her hand to his cheek, fervently believing that she could hear his words. “You have been in my thoughts constantly. My waking hours are spent dreaming of you; asleep I relive losing you. My God, don't let me lose you forever, Lizzy. Not this way, please.” Hastily, he wiped away the tear that escaped, gently resting her arm back on the bed. Leaning over, Will placed a kiss on her brow then whispered as his lips passed her ear, “I do love you, Elizabeth Bennet.”

He didn't want to leave. It was ironic. All those weeks, steadfastly refusing to see her in this state and now it was an effort to walk through the door to go home. With one last caress of his finger against her cheek, Will turned toward the exit and walked out.

Jane wished she could offer him some hope but her own had been exhausted and now she was relying on Will to help her hold on a little longer, just until.... She was afraid to think of what may come and how soon.

“How did it go?” Charles asked the moment she walked in.

Jane cast aside her purse and shoes, curling up on the sofa beside him. “Please hold me, Charles. This was the most difficult morning ever.”

He wrapped his arms around her reassuringly while his mind entertained all manner of alarming scenarios. “What happened? Was there a change in Lizzy's condition when you arrived?”

“No, nothing like that.” She sniffled. “Perhaps it will be a relief even if that happens one day. Oh, Charles, how could Will be so much in love with my sister and none of us know it?”

He smiled weakly, no intention of telling her he'd suspected it for some time already. “Was it that bad?”

“I showed him how I rub lotion all over her arms and legs, massage and manipulate them to keep the joints and tissues working. I thought he'd balk when I suggested he assist but I was wrong! I saw a side of Will I'd never seen before. He was gentle and spoke so sweetly to her. If it's true, that she can feel and hear what is going on around her, she cannot be untouched by his devotion.”

For all that her report sounded positive for his friend, Charles could not rest easy while his sister-in-law's life was still in the balance. Should she not recover it wasn't likely that Will would ever be the same man. “What was he like afterward?”

“He's going to come every day, he said, in the afternoons so Lizzy isn't alone as much anymore.” The idea clearly thrilled her.

“Wonderful!” Charles said for his wife's sake. He wasn't as optimistic about Will.

He held out his arm, waiting for the touch of her fingers. It was the same hand she had used to strike him but this time she rested it lightly in his palm. He avoided her eyes, not wanting to see what she felt; her disgust and repugnance for him. Her body was light and pleasing in his arms, the scent of her as delicate as the blossoms intertwined with her hair. If he focussed on those flowers he could fool himself into believing her nearness meant nothing...

The music could not have been sweeter but made it impossible to remain invulnerable. The evening had only begun and the ache was nearly unbearable. The dance over, they parted company, politely. He couldn't help himself and watched her disappear into the laughing crowd...

“Will? What are you doing up at this hour?” Georgiana's sleepy face peered at him from the kitchen doorway.

Will lifted a glass, half full of milk. “I was thirsty.” He didn't even try to make the answer sound convincing.

His sister pulled out a chair and sat down at the opposite end of the table. “You didn't say much after you saw her. How do you feel now?”

“I want to go back.” He raised his eyes to stare somewhere beyond Georgiana. “Part of me is still there.” He felt a touch on his hand and brought his gaze back to her. “Help me, Georgie. Help me find a way to survive this. It's going to be so hard and I don't know if I can do it alone.”

“You aren't alone, Will,” she hurriedly assured him. “You have Jane and Charles as well as me. Trust them, too. Lean on them when you need to.”

For a long moment he said nothing. Then, quickly, Will stood, drank the rest of the milk and squared his shoulders. Chin up, he smiled at his sister. “I have to work in the morning even if some people get to sleep in.”

She grabbed for his hand as he turned away. “Are you going to be okay?”

Uncertainty briefly clouded his expression before the more familiar look of assurance took its place. “I think I will.” He smiled at her again. “Have I thanked you yet?”

“No, but if you feel the need to thank me for putting you through all this torture I might just pack you off to a shrink first thing tomorrow.” The flippancy in her words contradicted the real concern on her face.

“Stop worrying,” he said in a quiet voice. “I promise I won't do anything melodramatic.”

Georgiana got up from her chair, stood close to her brother and patted his cheek. “I'll hold you to that.”

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