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Three days had passed since Elizabeth read William’s letter. She’d wondered if she should reach out to him, but as each day turned into night, and she hadn’t heard from him, she began to think he didn’t want to hear from her. What if it was a test? Maybe he was waiting to see if she would call first. She wouldn’t be forced into playing games; he’d been the one to lie, the one to leave, so he should be the one to communicate first.
Entering her front door, a warm, sweet smell wafted under her nose. She followed the scent to the kitchen, and to her surprise found Mary wearing an apron and a fine layer of flour along various parts of her arms and face.
“Well, look at the little homemaker,” Elizabeth said.
“Oh, look, it’s one of my sisters,” Mary said, putting a finger on her chin. “Which one are you, again?”
Using sarcasm was a rare occurrence for Mary; the change, Elizabeth could only attribute to spending time with Patrick.
She set her things on the kitchen table. “I’m sorry. I’ve been so busy between school and the hospital and spending time with Claude.”
Mary gave her a sidelong glance as she wiped her hands on her apron. “I just thought, as your maid of honor, you’d be discussing details with me. Especially with Georgina gone.”
She hadn’t told Mary anything more than William taking Georgina home to reunite with Jasper. “I really haven’t done much at all, but there’s plenty of time for all that.” She moved in on Mary’s work in progress. “What are you making?”
“I’m baking some special tea cookies for Patrick.” She smiled with pride. “The recipe follows all of his guidelines, and they’re tasty, too. Try one.”
Elizabeth peeked at her from the corner of her eye, and Mary nodded. She picked up one of the round mounds and took a bite. “Mmm. I guess you really are quite the homemaker.” Elizabeth finished the cookie while Mary put another batch in the oven. She should have been delighted for her sister; instead she fretted. How would Patrick and Mary make it if she and William couldn’t? And what if Mary fancied Patrick much more than he fancied her? She’d had a habit of preparing Mary for disappointments—softening the blows she saw coming for her sister. She turned and leaned against the counter. “It’s quite nice of you to do this for Patrick. I hope he appreciates it.”
“Of course he does,” she said, closing the oven door. “He will.”
“It’s just...relationships can be complicated and sometimes—“
“Lizzy, what are driving at? Don’t waffle about if you’ve got something to say.”
“I’m just watching out for you. I’d hate for you to get your feelings hurt if possibly Patrick doesn’t care as much as you do. It’s your first relationship, and you might not be able to judge...why are you smiling?”
The grin that found its way to Mary’s face held a hint of playfulness. She folded her arms and gestured with her head to Elizabeth’s right. Elizabeth had no clue what Mary meant, but she followed her gaze to the counter near the window. The only thing that seemed out of the ordinary was a crystal vase of brightly-colored flowers. Her mother had bought flowers from time to time, but it had been a while. And Elizabeth didn’t quite remember seeing a vase that looked like that one. She noticed a small card sticking out of one side, and she drew in a quick breath. “Mary.” She turned and smiled. “Are those from Patrick?”
Mary sauntered over to the flowers, leaning in to inhale their scent. “The courier dropped them just a bit ago.” She turned to her sister with her hand on her hip. “What do you think of Patrick now, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth draped her arm around her sister’s shoulder. “Looks like I don’t need to worry. Patrick must truly fancy you to send you such beautiful flowers. I’m so happy for you, Mary.” She leaned in and gave her a squeeze.
Mary seemed to take notice of her own delight with Elizabeth joining in, so she corrected and reigned herself in, placing a thin smile on her lips. “He’s a good man, Lizzy, and I like him. He is not only good enough for me, he’s good for me.” She smoothed her apron and began wiping up the counter.
“I’m glad you think so. And I’m thrilled you’re happy.” Elizabeth touched Mary’s arm. “But let me tell you, dear sister, it’s perfectly all right to be excited. It doesn’t make you a silly little twit like your sisters.”
Mary’s cheeks went wide, and she giggled. “I suppose you are right.”
“Would you like help cleaning up this mess?”
“That would be brilliant.” Mary handed a sponge to Elizabeth who rolled her eyes. “Then I’m going to take these over to Patrick. Will you be visiting Mr. Ackerman today?”
“I’m not sure. He rang me earlier and said it wasn’t a good day to come.”
“Patrick said his grandfather was under the weather. Maybe that is the reason.”
“Oh, goodness.” Elizabeth stopped wiping the counter and looked right through her sister. A dull ache took hold of her heart and surprised her. “I do believe I’ll make a trip over there after all.”
***
A nurse from the hospital met Elizabeth at the door and let her in. She’d seen the woman, who looked to be in her sixties, at the house once before, but was surprised she’d been there so late. “He’s resting now, but it appears he’s got a virus.”
Elizabeth followed her down the hall toward Claude’s room. “Is he going to be all right?”
“I’m sure he’ll be fine in a day or so. It’s only his age that makes something like this a little more concerning than if you were to have it.”
“I see.”
“He’s already got a prescription from his doctor. I’m just going to tell him I’m leaving.”
They stopped at the doorway to find Claude sitting up in bed, a newspaper folded on his chest, and his eyes closed.
“Well, you’ll tell him I left then?” the nurse whispered.
“Of course. Thank you.” She waited until she heard the nurse close the front door before she stepped into Claude’s room. She’d never been there before, so she took a moment to glance around. The modest size and traditional furniture didn’t surprise her. She’d figured that Granville had the master bedroom, but Claude didn’t seem like the type of man who needed the extravagance. An old wedding photo sat on his dresser that drew out her smile. She easily recognized a young, handsome Claude in a dark suit and tie, and his blonde bride wore a conservative cream-colored dress and a sweet smile.
“You spying on me, missy?” Claude’s voice came out low and raspy.
She turned, the delight from the photo still evident on her face. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I was. I’ve nothing else to keep me occupied.” She walked over to the bed, straightening her smile.
“Didn’t I tell you not to come today?”
She pursed her lips to keep up her sass. “I don’t take orders from you or any man.” She placed a hand on her hip and looked down on him.
He coughed and put his fist to his mouth. “Hand me that water,” he said, nodding to the glass on the side table.
As quick as a whip, she reached for the glass and placed it into his hand. “Here you are, Claude.”
He watched her over the glass as he sipped. His eyes sparkled, and she caught sight of his teeth through the water, revealing his trick.
“Oh, you, little—” She picked up the newspaper and smacked his shoulder with it.
“Blimey! I’m a sick man.”
“Right. Sick in the head.” She sat on the edge of the bed. “I can see I wasted a trip and worried when you’re just fine.”
“I suppose I will be fine. But I do hate being stuck in bed. Marie says I have to at least for a day or so.”
“She seemed nice.” Elizabeth sang the last word and drew it out so Claude would get her intention.
“Oh, please. I’m too old for such tomfoolery.”
“I was merely suggesting you might enjoy her company...besides in this manner, I mean.”
“I appreciate the suggestion, my dear.” He patted her hand and then reached for his glasses from the side table. “Now,” he said, slipping them on. “We have more important things to attend to. Six across...”
They chatted and worked on the crossword for about an hour before she noticed his forehead glistening. She forced him to finish his water and rest his eyes. The only way she could convince him was if she agreed to read from a book of poetry by William Wordsworth.
Elizabeth pulled a soft chair next to the bed, leaned back, and flipped through the worn pages.
“Page two thirteen,” he said with his eyes closed. “One of my favorites.”
She read a few lines to herself and realized she’d read that one before. She loved his choice and began reciting quietly. By the time she made it to the end, his breathing appeared slower. She continued on and read the next poem. A calm settled between them, a light breeze wafted through the window which was slightly ajar. For the first time in weeks her body and mind rested in peace. Soon she couldn’t be certain if he was awake or asleep, and she couldn’t keep her own lids from closing.
Blackness turned to a hazy gray as Elizabeth awakened and opened her eyes to a low rumbling sound. Claude slept peacefully next to her. Recollection hit and panic set in. She sat up and glanced to the clock on his dresser. Six-twenty. For a moment, she paused and a grin crept onto her face at how relaxed she must have been to have slept the night there. But she’d had lots of plans for the day ahead, so she gently picked up her purse and tiptoed out, planning to call and check on him later.
On the way home, she treated herself to a latte though she possessed enough energy to face her day. The only problem that became apparent was a slight stiffness in her neck from the chair. The good night’s rest left her with more clarity than she’d had of late, and as she drove home, she decided she’d call William in the hope they could talk things through.
Approaching the house, her throat dried up, and she almost dropped her cup. William’s car sat parked outside her house.
She pulled into the drive and stepped out of her car, William approaching her at a brisk pace.
“William.” As she scrambled for what to say or whether she should tell him where she’d come from, he pulled her into his arms.
“God, Lizzy. I’ve missed you. I’m so sorry.”
“I missed you, too,” she whispered, her voice giving off a slight tremble.
William pulled back to catch her gaze in his before taking her face in his hands. He kissed her, slow and deep, her heart pumping back to life with every second they stayed connected.
With his hands still pressed into her cheeks, he said, “I couldn’t stay away any longer. And I couldn’t run from the truth either. I’m sorry I kept it from you, but I was ashamed.”
Elizabeth braced herself for what he might reveal but even more so for what she’d have to confess.
“I knew what I was doing with that land deal...” He shook his head. “Not at first, but when I found out, I’d pushed for it despite what it could do to the community.” His eyes darted away for a moment. “I’d kept details from Claude; I would have done whatever it took to make the deal happen. I’m not proud of it, but I was trying to prove my worth to the company...at whatever cost. I know I should have been honest with you about it, but I couldn’t bear for you to think less of me.”
She took hold of his wrists as he held her. “William, I know you’re a good and honorable man. You made a mistake. And I forgive you for.”
His hands slipped from her face, and he took a step back. “And for not trusting you?” His hands went to his pockets, his head down, his eyes looking up at her. “I was desperate to know what was happening at the hospital. I hadn’t meant to spy, but when I went to see you and you were with Claude, I left. I feared they would turn you against me.”
Her lips pulled to a thin line. “No one can do that.” She stepped forward and took his hand. “When Claude told me about that deal, I defended you. I told him you’re not that man anymore.”
He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingers. “I’m not. I may not be perfect, but I’ve changed, and now I’m the man who still wants to marry you, Lizzy.”
She gave him a nod and touched his cheek. “Come, let’s talk this through.” She led him to the house and inside where they went straight to the parlor. Elizabeth smelled coffee which meant someone had been up and about.
Before she could get one word out to William, her mother’s voice called from the kitchen. “Lizzy, is that you?” Her voice drew near, and she continued. “Granville called, he said you left your phone there last night.” Mrs. Bennet stopped short and held up her hands. “Oh, William. What a...surprise.”
William turned and gaped at Elizabeth. “Last night? Is that where you just came from?” Fury burned in his eyes.
Mrs. Bennet backed away into the kitchen. “I’ll leave you two be.”
“William, it’s not what you’re thinking.”
“Really, because I honestly don’t know what to think anymore. My God, Lizzy, please tell me what’s going on.”
Her face twisted in pain at seeing the hurt in William’s eyes. She went to the couch and patted the seat next to her. “Please, sit and let me explain.”
He complied but didn’t look at her. Instead, he leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees.
She began by explaining how she’d been spending time with Claude at the hospital and how he’d wandered off and Granville arranged for all his care at home. Reluctantly, she admitted to agreeing to the arrangement of seeing Claude in his home and finished by telling the truth about last night—that she’d simply fallen asleep while visiting Claude. William remained silent during her explanation and seconds after as well.
“Please say something, William. Say you believe me and that you trust me. The same way you expect me to believe and trust you.”
He shifted sideways to face her, took her hands in his and looked deep into her eyes. “I believe you,” he said in almost a whisper. “But I can’t help but ask myself, why you? Why can’t it be someone else from the hospital?”
Elizabeth lowered her gaze for a moment and then brought it back to him. “I can’t really answer that except to say that Claude trusts me, and I make him feel better. And that’s what’s most important.”
He shook his head and dropped his lids. “I think we both know that’s not all there is to it. Granville has been after you since the day he met you. And he’ll take every opportunity to get close to you.”
She drew in a breath to protest, but he continued.
“I understand Claude’s effect. His disappointment in me was part of the reason I hid this, so I know how you feel. But I don’t trust Granville and for that reason, if we are to have a chance at starting fresh, I think the best thing is to cut all ties before they both pull you in too far.”
Elizabeth’s eyes went wide. She drew back in surprise though she shouldn’t have been. If she’d had time to process that was exactly what she’d expect from William. Aggravation bubbled up inside her they were back to square one. “What Granville wants is of no consequence to me. But did it ever occur to you that he has changed...just as you have changed?”
William flew from the couch and paced across the room, ranting along the way. “Why do you continue to defend that man?”
She followed him over to the window. “I’m not defending him! I’m defending my own judgement. I’m defending the right to make my own decisions. Something you seem to think a proper Darcy wife should not possess.” She folded her arms and waited for him to turn around.
“That is simply not so!” he said, turning to her. “But a Darcy wife should process common sense and proper decorum.”
“Urgh! How dare you, William!”
“I’m sorry, Lizzy, but this whole thing is ridiculous. The way you’ve been acting since you met them. I’m offering you a wonderful life with me where all your wishes are granted and—”
“Like our wedding? Seems to me everyone but me is having their say.”
William placed a hand on his hip and ran the other one through his hair. “Oh, bloody hell. Would you have preferred the donkey and the burger van? Sometimes I do believe you have no idea what your wishes are. Now are you going to listen to reason or am I going to—”
“Stop! Don’t you dare say another word, William. You want an answer? The answer is...I wouldn’t marry you if you were the last man, on the last donkey, pulling the last burger van on earth!” Elizabeth turned on her heel, rushed to the door, and left William standing in her home.