Open Your Eyes ~ Section I

By Delwyn

Section I, Next Section

Part 1

Posted on Thursday, 21 September 2000

"This court now orders Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy to take one month of leave from his work and the city."

"What?! He can't do that!"

"It was either that, sir, or prison. It's your fourth offense."

"But is that even a standard punishment?"

"I wouldn't advise you to complain, sir. It is to your advantage."

Fitzwilliam Darcy picked up his suitcase and stormed out of the courthouse leaving his lawyers to settle the legal matters. Darcy had been in yet another automobile accident. His lawyers had pleaded innocence due to stress and this was the outcome. An outcast. Sent away from the city to solitary confinement.

A tall young man caught up to Darcy. "Come, Darcy. Let's go have some lunch at the Ritz."

"I'm not in the mood."

"Well, how about a pizzeria?"

"No."

"Then take a walk through the park with me."

"Look, Fitzwilliam, this is not the time to be pitying me."

"Who said anything about pitying you? Just trust me and let's have a nice long walk. Stop by your office and drop off that ridiculously heavy suitcase you always carry around. And your pager and cell phone while you're at it."

"I can't. Someone might need to talk to me."

"Then they can wait," Fitzwilliam said firmly.

Darcy reluctantly complied. Fitzwilliam Darcy was young, handsome, and highly successful in the business world. He lived and worked in New York City. His cousin, Colin Fitzwilliam, was taller and not as handsome as Darcy, but his easy, affable nature and charm made him more appealing. Colin helped out Darcy sometimes but also had many other ventures and travels.

As the two men walked side by side through the park, Colin told his dear cousin of his plan. "I have a friend who is a photographer. She drives all around the country in an RV taking photographs of God knows what. Anyway, I was thinking about calling her and asking her if you could spend a month with her. It would get you out of the city for sure and into the countryside. She's a really great person and would not be in danger of being affected by you. How does that sound? You could keep a diary of some sort and that would help you when you confront the judge in a month's time."

Darcy sat on a bench and buried his face in his hands, running his hands through his hair. "Why can't they just take my license away again?"

"It hasn't worked, obviously. The judge had to try something new besides plunking you in jail or something horrible like that. I think you're lucky to get off this much. Now what do you say to this nice holiday with my friend?"

"What do you mean by she wouldn't be affected by me?"

"Well, Darcy, you know how women can get around you. All gushy and weak."

"Is it any different from you?"

"You're a lot wealthier than I and therefore it is more prominent."

"So, is this woman old or something?"

"No, she's in her twenties."

"What other options do I have?"

"Ummm, no better ones. You could go stay with your aunt in the country."

"All right. What is this woman's name?"

"Elizabeth Bennet."

"She's a photographer?"

"Yep. I'll give her a call today and see when is the soonest she can get to an airport."

"What?"

"She might be in the middle of the Grand Canyon for all I know."

"I'm not so sure, Fitzwilliam...."

"Cousin, it will do you good."

"I'll know who to blame if it doesn't."

"As always, my liege," Colin said with a flourishing bow.

Elizabeth got back to her RV, which she affectionately called Cleo, late at night after a particularly frustrating session with uncooperative clouds and trees. She slung her pack on the sofa and plunked down beside it to pull of her boots. It was only then that she heard the beep of her answering machine declaring to her that someone had called.

After she was barefoot once again, Elizabeth walked over to her machine and pressed the message button.

"Hi, Elizabeth, this is Colin. My cousin got into a bit of trouble and I would really appreciate it if you would be able to take him in for a month. Just give me a call when you get back, even if it's three in the morning."

Elizabeth didn't know what to make of the message. She played it again. A cousin of Colin's--she didn't even know he had a cousin. In a bit of trouble? What kind of trouble? Did he want her to just adopt this kid for a month? There was no other way to find out besides call Colin. So she did.

Looking at the clock while the phone rang, she guiltily realized it would be three in morning for him. Oh well. He had said call as soon as she got back.

"Hello?" came a sleepy reply.

"Colin, it's Elizabeth. You asked me to call you about this rather odd message you left me."

"Oh, um, yeah. Hold on. Let me get up."

"No, stay. I don't want to bother you. I'll call you later on today and catch you."

"I'm fine, Liz. This is better. I'll explain in a minute."

There was a long silence and then he came back sounding more awake. "My cousin got into some trouble I was wondering if you could take him in for a month or so."

"Yes, that's what your message said but could you expand on that a bit?"

"Not really. I would like him to be out of the city as soon as possible. Could you take him in?"

"Will he mind living cooped up in Cleo for that long?"

"I'll tell him to pack light. And you could take him with you. He could help you carry your camera and stuff."

"I've managed for five years without a packhorse thank you."

"It'd give him something to do. Will you take him?"

"I guess so. It'll give me some companionship for once."

"Great. Where are you?"

"I'm on the border of Kansas."

"What's the closest airport?"

"Topeka."

"When can you be there?"

"In three hours."

"I'll tell my cousin to get the earliest flight in the morning."

"So soon?"

"Why not? He needs to get out of the city by Monday."

"Fine. Call me back with his flight information."

"Thank you so much for doing this, Elizabeth. I owe you a big favor."

"You sure do. I'll talk to you later."

"Bye."

Elizabeth hung up and got into her bed at the back of Cleo.

The following morning, message was on her machine from Colin telling her his cousin would arrive on flight 243 in Topeka at ten in the morning. Elizabeth immediately started up Cleo and headed out of the campsite to the highway.

On the way, she wondered what type of character this boy would have. How old was he? She didn't even know what he looked like so he could spot him at the airport. Why did she agree to this? He was probably some really rich, spoilt boy who got caught doing something by the police and now his mommy is sending him off to a type of summer camp. He won't like hiking or living in Cleo. He'll be begging to go back in days.

With this rather optimistic view, Elizabeth drove the three hours to Topeka airport. When she arrived, she was half an hour early. She walked to the gate where flight 243 would be deplaning.

Elizabeth walked up to the desk, and asked, "Excuse me, can you tell me if flight 243 is on time?"

"Yes, ma'am. It will be here at 10:05."

"Thank you."

With half an hour to kill, Elizabeth settled down at the coffee shop with a cup of vanilla coffee and a brownie with crushed almonds on the top. As she waited, she looked around the establishment. She smiled as she recognized one of her photographs on the wall. It was taken three years ago during her last visit to this area. It hadn't been too successful a shoot, but the locals apparently would buy her stuff.

Seeing a National Geographic magazine lying on the coffee table in front of the sofa, she picked it up reverently. This was how she came to be in this profession. She fell in love with all the beautiful pictures in the National Geographic. Other people would be in love with the exotic places that it displayed, but Elizabeth loved the pictures themselves. The delicate balance between light and dark, smooth and rough, wet and dry.

She had been twelve at the time. Elizabeth remembered seeing beautiful vistas that she had wanted to photograph, but couldn't make the beauty come out on film. It took her three years before she got the hang of it. That had been the year her father gave her her first real, professional camera. Since then, she carried it with her everywhere she went. She had it with her right then.

In fact, she caught a glimpse of a great opportunity. She picked up her camera and crept forward so as not to distract the subject. It was a very handsome young man holding a briefcase in one hand and holding flowers in his other. But the flowers were being held limply and upside down. Elizabeth smiled unconsciously at the sour look on the handsome face. She wouldn't be surprised if he were a model for a very good designer. But oh! This was an excellent picture! The way the light lit his sour look was perfect. Snap. Snap. Snap. She lowered the camera and slung it over her shoulder.

Only then did she notice that the gate was spewing out people from flight 243. She picked up her bag and walked out of the coffee shop. She felt awkward and uncomfortable. She didn't know who she was looking for. She had no clues as to his looks or dress. He could be a toddler she would be baby-sitting for all she knew. Stupid Colin never spoke about his mysterious cousin.

Elizabeth sighed and shifted the camera back up her shoulder as she stood off to the side watching the people pass. The handsome flower-bearer hadn't moved away. She wondered why he was hanging around. She assumed he was looking for a girlfriend who would be meeting him. She wouldn't be a wife. No man would bring flowers home to a wife. That's reserved for the courting period. And not many wives would meet their husbands at the airport after a business trip. No, that was reserved for the courting period, too. It's too bad, she thought. He would be a real catch. As if I cared about catching. She turned her attention back to the gate again.

Will Darcy had reluctantly packed and taken a cab to the airport. He found out he lost his license again on top of this exile. During the flight, Will concentrated on reading reports and not his future this month. He didn't entertain much hope of his survival. As soon as he had started to pack, he knew he had made a big mistake. Would Aunt Catherine's really have been that bad for a month? Will hesitated. He would give this photographer a try.

Darcy deplaned and stood looking around. Colin had said Elizabeth had curly dark hair, dark eyes and was medium build. Great, Will thought. How many women fit that description?

Darcy continued to look for Elizabeth as the number of people standing around gradually diminished as they were claimed by passengers coming out of the door.

Then a woman standing off to the side caught his eye. She had dark curly hair, medium build, and ... on her shoulder hung a camera. It had to be her. He walked over to her. She turned dark eyes on him only two seconds before he reached her.

"Hello," he said, putting down his briefcase and sticking out his hand. "My name is Will Darcy."

She smiled slightly. "Elizabeth Bennet," she said and then turned her attention back to the gate.

"I know," Will replied.

Elizabeth looked back at him sharply. "What do you mean you know?" Was this some new kind of pick up line? Do I want to be picked up by this hunk? Not when he's holding his girlfriend's flowers.

"Colin described me to you. And then there's the camera on your shoulder."

"You're Colin Fitzwilliam's cousin?" she asked, incredulously.

"Yes. Who else did you expect?"

Elizabeth didn't reply. She only stared at him for a moment. Then she said, "I ..um...I actually didn't know who to expect. My best attempt was a boy, not an older man."

"I'm not old," Will mumbled.

"I didn't mean you are old, just not a teenager."

"I'm sorry for Colin's lack of organizational skills."

"He didn't do too well, did he?" There was a bit of a silence. Then Elizabeth said, "I'm sorry, you must be tired. Let's go and get your bags and get going. You can sleep in Cleo on the way."

"I'm sorry, who?"

"Cleo. Come on."

Puzzled, Will followed her. How many women was he staying with? Was this Colin's idea of an ideal vacation? Figures. Stupid bachelor ideas were always flying through his head. Once again, Will wished he hadn't decided to do this.

They continued to walk through the airport to the baggage claim. Suddenly remembering the bouquet of flowers in his hand, he thrust them out to her as they walked and mumbled with a bright blush, "Oh, these are for you. A... thank you present for your hospitality."

Elizabeth laughed, and took the bouquet. Will turned a deeper red. Elizabeth said wryly, "You haven't met Cleo, yet, so you might be a little hasty in thanking me for my hospitality."

Once again, Will wondered who Cleo was. He was about to ask when they reached the baggage claim. Will wiggled through the crowd surrounding the conveyor belt to grab his suitcase. Elizabeth waited patiently for him, smelling the beautiful scent of the various species of flowers in the beautiful bouquet. She laughed to herself when she thought that these very same flowers were for his girlfriend. How much she would have scoffed at the person who said these were intended for her!

Elizabeth found a seat away from the throng. She looked around at the people and the building. She had never been in this airport before. She didn't use airports very often, just Cleo.

Finally, Will joined her pulling his suitcase behind him. "Are you all set?" she asked.

Will nodded. Elizabeth turned to lead the way to Cleo. When she came in sight of Cleo, she turned to Will, and said, "It would be best for us to buy provisions before we go out. I need to empty the sewage and stock up on gas and water and other essentials. Excuse Cleo if she's a mess. I didn't exactly have time to clean up. I have to see if you brought suitable clothing. If not, we'll have to get you some here in Topeka, if that's ok with you, Mr. Darcy."

At this point, Will had to interrupt her long spiel and say, "Ms. Bennet, please call me Will. It will do a lot to ease awkwardness."

"Who said anything about awkwardness? But, if that is your wish, I will of course oblige if you call me Elizabeth."

Will nodded, not wanting to say something else that would bring another scathing retort.

They reached Cleo. Elizabeth stopped, and turned a bright smile on Will. "Meet Cleo."

"I'm sorry?"

"Cleo. I told you we'll be living in Cleo."

Dawning realization. Cleo was apparently Elizabeth's RV. Will felt embarrassingly awkward. Was he supposed to bow and say how do you do? The crisis passed when Elizabeth unlocked the door and led the way inside.

Elizabeth was saying when he entered, "I'm sorry Cleo's a bit of a spinster's place. Do you mind sleeping on the couch? It's quite comfortable. If not, you can have my bed."

"I wouldn't dream of putting you out of your bed."

Elizabeth gave him a look before turning and pointing to the door at the very end of the vehicle. "That's the bedroom and the door to the left right before it is the bathroom, but I try to use it as little as possible. Then you see the kitchen with the table and two chairs. This is the living room...well sort of. Finally, the cockpit where I drive Cleo."

"It's nice."

"Don't strain yourself to compliment. I'm sure you're used to much better accommodations. But it suits my lifestyle."

Will didn't try another attempt.

"You can dump your stuff where there is space and then lay out on my bed if you want. I really don't mind so don't be all gentlemanly and go for the couch. But if you could hold out for an hour, we need to go shopping."

Will nodded. He slid his suitcase under the sofa and sat in the comfortable seat next to the driver's where Elizabeth settled herself. Will was a little uneasy when they first began to move. He didn't recall ever being in an RV before. He wasn't sure if he relished the feeling of a house moving around on wheels. He concentrated on fastening his seatbelt--it was being more difficult than usual. He sighed in embarrassed frustration. Why wouldn't this stupid contraption work? He became hotter in the face when a feminine hand took the belt from him and gently slid into its place with a click. Will sat back and stared with undue concentration on the road. The silence was heavy and oppressive. Elizabeth hid all desire to smile, and focused on her driving.

When they were on the road, Elizabeth asked him, "What kind of clothing did you bring?"

"Fitzwilliam had enough brains to warn me a little about what I could be doing. I have boots, socks, trousers, shirts, and this nicer outfit."

"Do you have a backpack?"

"No."

"I think I have a spare one stored underneath Cleo. Do you want your trousers to stay nice? Because I can't guarantee they won't get dirty and maybe torn."

"No, I can just buy more if I need to after this month."

There was silence again. Elizabeth thought about how much this man sounded like he dreaded this month. Maybe this was a close second as to which he disliked more, prison or a month with her and Cleo.

They stopped at a grocery store and bought all sorts of canned and non perishable foods as well as some fresh fruit and vegetables. Next, Elizabeth filled the gas tank and discharged her tank of waste.

When she climbed back in Cleo, she said to Will, "Go ahead and sleep in my bed. We'll be driving for some hours."

Will nodded and moved to her bedroom. He went in the small room and closed the door. Inside, he found a small twin bed with drawers underneath it. On the opposite wall, was a cupboard and a chest of drawers. The wall held pictures of Elizabeth and other various people he presumed were family and friends. The only one he recognized was one of his cousin. It was during his 'shaggy' phase, with a rough beard, untamed hair and more casual clothes. He didn't remember when the phase was nor how long it lasted. He only remembered the lectures he gave Colin about keeping his appearances neat and tidy.

Will took off his shoes and jacket and tie. He climbed into the small bed thankfully. It had been an awfully long day and it wasn't even noon yet. The bed smelled pleasantly of lavender. He wondered if she had done it on purpose, usually scented this room in such a way, or did it completely unintentionally. His last thoughts were a longing for his comfortable, spacious apartment in New York.

When Will awoke several hours later, he was famished. He lay in the bed for a few minutes just reflecting and thinking. Finally his complaining stomach forced him to get out of the bed. He looked at the jacket, tie and shoes still lying on the floor. He picked up the jacket and tie and laid them neatly on the bed. Leaving the shoes behind, he opened the door and cautiously emerged from the small room.

Elizabeth was listening to the radio and softly singing along to Matchbox 20. Will came up to the front to sit beside her. "Good afternoon," he said.

Elizabeth gasped in complete shock and Cleo swerved violently for a few seconds. Cleo was soon under steady control again and Elizabeth... well she was clutching her chest and trying to get the pure adrenaline out of her blood before she said anything to Will. Will had been thrown onto the couch and was in only a little less shock than Elizabeth.

When she could speak, Elizabeth said, "Sir, kindly do not creep up on someone who is used to living alone."

Will sat in the passenger seat and buckled the seatbelt with no difficulty to his relief. "A thousand apologies. I did not even think I would frighten you. It is understandable."

There was an awkward silence before Elizabeth said, "You must be famished. There's plenty of food in the fridge. Help yourself to whatever you want."

"Thank you."

After a couple of minutes, Will got up and made a sandwich. He brought it up to the front. "Do you mind if I eat up here?"

"No, go ahead. I ate an hour ago."

"I'm sorry I slept so long."

"Don't concern yourself. It's perfectly natural for you to be tired. Oh! I love this song! 'My tea's gone cold, I'm wonderin' why I got out of bed at all...*'"

Will left her singing to the song and made himself a sandwich. Elizabeth called out to him, "You might want to eat fresh fruit while you have the chance!" Will grabbed an apple and took it all with him to the front where he sat in silence eating.

Elizabeth promptly ignored him since he wasn't providing any conversation. "... I missed the bus and there'll be hell today, I'm late for work again and even if I'm there, they'll all imply that I might not last the day and then you call me and it's not so bad, it's not so bad...."

For half an hour, neither said a word to the other. Elizabeth refused to feel awkward about it. Finally, she spoke--but only to convey necessary information, not to make conversation! "Topeka is about 9 hours from our destination."

"Where are we going?"

"Tennessee. Oh, and while we're talking, you're welcome to pretty much anything in Cleo."

"Thanks."

And that was it. There was more silence between them until another half hour later Will decided he was thoroughly bored at this pace of life and pulled out his laptop. Elizabeth saw what he was doing, and said, "Will, I'm sorry, you have to put that away."

"What?"

"You can't work while you're with me."

"What the hell do you mean?"

"Colin said I wasn't allowed to let you work. My guess is that this is a forced vacation from your work. If that is the case, then I think it best you're here and you don't work."

"That's ridiculous."

"Put it away."

"I have a lot to do."

"I'm sure Colin makes sure you don't have any work to do."

"Have you any idea who I am?"

"Will Darcy, Colin Fitzwilliam's cousin."

"I am the CEO of Darcy Incorporated."

"Never heard of it. Put the laptop away."

Will was stunned into silence. He was flabbergasted.

"Could you do me a big favor and put the beautiful flowers you gave me into a vase?"

Will, still stunned, nodded and got up. He put his laptop down on the table across from the kitchen. When he regained his voice, he said, "Where is a vase?"

"Bottom left cupboard."

Will looked, and found a thin, blue, glass vase. He looked at the flowers arranged nicely like when he had bought them in the store. He knew nothing about arranging flowers.

"Elizabeth, I don't know how to arrange flowers."

"That's ok. I'll arrange them later, just put them in water for now. Luke warm water, not cold."

Will did as she instructed and then sat back down. "If I'm not allowed to work then what am I supposed to do?"

Elizabeth looked at him in wonder. With a short laugh, she said, "Do anything you want to do. What gives you pleasure? What entertains you?"

"I don't know."

"Of course you do."

"I like the theatre."

"Sorry, I can't even do a one-man play for you now. What else? Do you like reading plays?"

"I don't remember. Last time I read a play was in the beginning of college."

"Why don't you go and get a play from my bookshelves? Read it to me."

Will shrugged and walked into her bedroom again. He scanned over the many books in the bookshelves. Finally, he picked "The Glass Menagerie". He sat down and began to read.

Will wasn't an actor. Elizabeth almost asked him to stop and just read to himself, but feared the rudeness of that request. Instead she focused her eyes on the sky and the landscape, looking for possible photo opportunities.

As the sun set, Elizabeth saw a wonderful view and promptly slowed Cleo down to a stop on the side of the highway.

"What are you doing?" asked Will.

"I'll tell you in a minute," she said, impatiently.

Elizabeth picked up her camera and rushed out the door. She ran down the highway a few yards, backed up and then took one more step forward and looked out to the horizon where the sun was setting behind fields of ripe wheat. The cirrostratus clouds glowed beautiful hues of orange, purple and pink. Elizabeth snapped a few shots and then waited several minutes until the sun was lower, and took a few more shots. When she was satisfied that she had seen all the glory she would be able to that evening, she walked back to Cleo and climbed in, putting her camera to the side and getting Cleo back on the road.

Will decided not to comment on her erratic behavior.

Elizabeth drove well into the night before spotting somewhere to pull in and spend the night. Will had already prepared a light supper for the both of them. Elizabeth eagerly ate his concoctions and said, "The bed or the couch?"

"I'll take the couch," he replied, and so they parted paths.

A few minutes later, Elizabeth lay in bed reflecting over the day. The sorry company Will provided was a bit of a disappointment to her. She could think of no other reason for this behavior except pride. His words came back to her in rather a more haughty voice than originally, but her mind decided to exaggerate to prove her point. Have you any idea who I am?

Maybe he would improve in time.

*'Thankyou' by Dido

The next day, Elizabeth was up early and moved as quietly as she could. Will didn't stir an eyelid. And when she saw the laptop on the floor by his sofa, she knew why. Silently, she picked up the laptop and took it into her room where she locked it away with her other valuables and important documents.

Elizabeth started up Cleo and pulled out of the rest stop they had stayed the night at. Once on the highway, Elizabeth settled into her usual routine.

An hour later, Will began to stir. He was astonished to find they were on the interstate. He looked at the clock and sighed. Elizabeth heard him and looked in the rear view mirror. She didn't say a word. Neither of them did. Not for another hour. Only silence. Elizabeth was getting more annoyed at this impasse.

Finally they were in Tennessee and Elizabeth pulled off the highway. They began to wind their way through the mountains and finally stopped at a campsite in a valley. Elizabeth got out to complete paperwork for renting a space for a few days.

Elizabeth pulled Cleo into a slot farthest from the central buildings. She got out and stretched. Will followed her example. Elizabeth broke the silence and said, "I don't know how long we'll be here. Maybe one day, maybe a week. It just depends on how productive this area is."

Will nodded. "Do you know where my laptop is?"

"It's locked away safe and sound."

"Why? Can I have it back?"

"No, you may not. You know perfectly well why it is locked up. If you're afraid I'll tamper with it and read your stuff, you shouldn't worry. I am completely computer illiterate."

"Give it back. I need it."

"No you don't. I won't give it back and there's not a thing you can do about it. So you might as well swallow it and get ready."

"For what?" Will asked, caught off guard.

"We're going hiking and camping."

"Now?"

Elizabeth nodded and proceeded to open up compartments underneath Cleo containing tents and other various camping gear.

Will did give up. Within an hour they were all ready to leave. Elizabeth checked to make sure she had enough film and her two cameras. Then she locked Cleo and led the way down a path in the woods. Will had no choice but to follow her, wondering what the heck he was getting himself into.

Elizabeth wore cargo pants with the side pockets bulging with film, pocket knife, matches, map, water bottle, and flashlight. Her feet sported heavy hiking boots, looking used and worn. Her thick, curly hair was held up in a brown bandanna. She only wore a plain t-shirt and on her back was a huge backpack filled with goodness knows what. At the top, was tied a sleeping bag. Around her neck dangled one of her cameras. Finally, in her hands was a sturdy wooden staff Will supposed she had found on one of her trips.

Will wore khakis, a collared shirt, a smaller backpack, and only a Palm Pilot in his pocket. He soon felt his breathing become labored and tried to keep it silent from Elizabeth. He couldn't remember the last time he had exercised.

They walked for three hours before they stopped to get some food. Then they set off again. Elizabeth had by now given up on establishing any kind of friendly relationship with this stoic man. She could see absolutely no familial resemblance to Colin Fitzwilliam and nearly said so once or twice.

Late in the afternoon, they came upon an opening in the trees. Elizabeth stopped suddenly and Will ran into her heavily.

"Oh! I am sorry," he apologized, embarrassed at his hard concentration on the ground and consequent lack of attention to his guide.

Elizabeth didn't react but just looked out onto a beautiful valley. She slowly walked forwards then stopped. Will gazed in wonder at the sublime view before him. Elizabeth promptly shed her backpack and began to climb down the steep mountain face. Will, who had no intention of following her, gratefully sat down, depositing his backpack behind him to serve as a backrest.

Will didn't know if he wished he were back in his confining office. He certainly didn't wish he were at his Aunt Catherine's. No matter how bad being with Elizabeth got, it was always better than his aunt's. He liked Elizabeth. She was one of those free spirit sorts. And she was a completely different species of female from the ones he knew in his office, and from the ones he knew in the high societies of New York. But he felt she was decidedly beneath him. He was the CEO of a major chemical company. She was an amateur photographer.

Elizabeth came back half an hour later glowing with the excitement of having taken some good shots. At her signal, Will laboriously got up and donned his heavy backpack once more, smothering a groan.

They walked on as the afternoon sun waxed late. They stopped twice more for Elizabeth to take a few shots. Finally, as dusk drew near, they found a suitable clearing. Elizabeth deposited her backpack and proceeded to rummage through it, pulling out an empty bread bag and a roll of toilet paper. She turned around and walked out of the clearing.

Will turned his back and sat down, exhausted. As little as he liked to admit it, he was completely out of shape. However, by the time Elizabeth returned, he resumed a relaxed and nonchalant attitude, which proceeded to irk Elizabeth more.

Elizabeth built a fire using sticks, leaves and branches she and Will found around the clearing. On the fire, she cooked a meal of baked beans, toasted bread and toasted sausages. The method she used was a simple spearing of the toast and sausages on sticks and holding them over the flames. Will spread out the sleeping bags on opposite sides of the clearing.

After supper, they both climbed into their sleeping bags and closed their eyes. Neither went to sleep. They were thinking about the other. Will's admiration and Elizabeth's ire both increased.

Later that night, Elizabeth woke, and, unable to get back to sleep, climbed out of her sleeping bag and grabbed her camera with the slow film. She took her flashlight and staff. She climbed through the trees until she came to a ledge. Her restless inner senses were rewarded by the sight of a large, orange moon partially obscured by altostratus clouds. The eerie affect was bone-chilling. Elizabeth snapped a few shots. She paused to gaze at the beautiful sight. Even though she had seen many beautiful vistas in her time, she never ceased to be overwhelmed by them. The feeling in her chest, almost an ache at beholding such beauty, was often too much to bear, and the tears would slide down her cheeks. This small release was enough to break her out of the trance.

She had heard that the gases in the ozone caused this effect on the moon. She didn't know how accurate this theory was, but it was a sobering thought. Did that mean that a thousand years ago, people would never have beheld such a moon?

Elizabeth turned around and went back to the clearing where the ever-silent Mr. Darcy was still slumbering. Poor man was probably worn out from half a day's hike yesterday, she thought with some scorn.

Elizabeth crawled into her sleeping bag and slept soundly until half an hour before dawn, when she was awoken again by her inner senses. She walked back to the clearing and beheld the sun slowly lighting the eastern horizon. The view showed more mountain peaks in the short distance from where Elizabeth stood. She took several shots while the sun was still out of sight, and then a few more when it finally showed. When she was satisfied, she turned around and walked back to the clearing.

That day, they walked far through the mountain paths, but Elizabeth wasn't as successful in finding suitable subjects. Will plodded behind her in silence, just taking in his surroundings in increasing wonder.

By the time they stopped for another night under the stars, Will was exhausted again but finding his situation more agreeable. He didn't really mind the bugs and the dampness nor the complete lack of technology and modern conveniences, like showers. It was peaceful, without the steady roar of traffic and the sirens in the night. He liked being able to see the stars without the interference of city lights. He appreciated the quiet beauty around him. He wondered if he should maybe buy a house in the wilderness to retreat to when he wanted.

Elizabeth felt the usual peace and quiet she felt when she was on one of her hikes through wildlife. It's fragile beauty, untouched by humans and civilization was so important to her. This was where she truly felt at home.

For two more days, the couple camped out in the wilderness before returning to Cleo to replenish their food supplies. Will was very grateful to see Cleo again. He desperately felt in need of a shower, and apparently Elizabeth thought so too, for she offered the use of it first. The cleansing of four days' dirt and sweat was so refreshing to our hero. I really must observe he came out a changed man. Elizabeth noticed, but felt what he needed most to change was still there.

Elizabeth decided not to go back out to the wilderness, but to drive to another location and hike from there. North Carolina was a place she hadn't been to in more than three years, so that was their destination.

The first chance Elizabeth got, she called Colin Fitzwilliam.

"Hello?"

"Colin, it's Elizabeth."

"Elizabeth who?"

"The Elizabeth who has your cousin in her custody!"

"Oh! Hi! How is everything going?"

"Does your cousin have, by any chance, a personality?!! He never says a single word. He might as well not be there."

"Darcy is extremely shy and reserved. You can't expect him to just open up to a stranger, especially someone like you who defies all his previous categories of women."

"He must be rather single-minded in that case."

"He's just led a rather different life than you. Liz, trust me. Start talking to him. Don't pester him with questions, just start talking."

"About what?"

"I don't know. Why not start with how you became a photographer? Or how you became such an environmentalist. Or talk about your family... anything that comes to mind."

"I'll try. But it's still going to be difficult holding a conversation with a brick wall."

"I owe you one."

"You sure do."

"Call me next chance you get."

"Count on it."

"Have a great trip."

"Thanks, bye."

That evening, when they sat down to supper in Cleo, Elizabeth took a deep breath and started her monologue.

"I think asking me which came first, my love of photography or my love of the environment, is like asking about the chicken and the egg. My love of the environment spurred my love of photography on. But then photography allowed me to love the environment as I do."

Will didn't say anything. He was surprised she was speaking. He hoped she didn't expect him to answer because he didn't know how. What was one to say in reply? 'Oh that's nice, I destroy the environment for a living'. No way!

Elizabeth continued. "I remember the looks on my mother's face when I would talk about either of my passions. They were ridiculous notions where I came from. I was being too presumptuous. People laughed at me when I spent many months' wages on my first camera. Still have it. I worked in the school kitchens, scrubbing the greasy pans. I hated that job with a passion. My hands would always be peeling and pruned and my nails always dirty. But the one good thing that came out of that job was the food scraps. I would collect them in a box and feed the stray dogs, cats, and birds I would see on my long walk home. I was teased horribly, though. For having to work in the kitchens and for my opinions on the environment. I was, and I guess still am, very vocal about my opinions. Even a few of my teachers scorned me. They said I would never be anybody. My father and my older sister were my only supporters. I was the second in a family of five daughters. My mother was silly and uneducated. She didn't work and failed in her upbringing of her daughters. My father worked a regular office job for the government. So we were comfortable in our life, but not very affluent and certainly couldn't burn money on an expensive hobby like photography. Well, they considered it a hobby. I considered it a passion, a love, a need almost. So here I am, still doing what I love most. Good night, I'll see you in the morning."

She retired before Will even had a chance to say good night. He didn't brood over what Elizabeth said. He did let it soak in, but he didn't ponder or think about it. He just went to bed, grateful for the soft sofa instead of the hard, wet ground.

The next morning, they packed up their gear and started off on another long hike into the wilderness. Elizabeth was frustrated over her lack of success the previous night. There she was, spilling out her past and he doesn't say a d-mn word. But Colin had said give him some time.

So when they had stopped for a break, she started a second monologue.

"My youngest sister Lydia is said to look the most like me, but in character, I think she is the least like me. She has always been the troublemaker, and Mother lets her gets away with it since she is the baby. Jane, my older sister has been my confidante and friend since we were young. She's beautiful and the sweetest person you could ever meet. She literally wouldn't hurt a fly. Mary is the studious one of the family. She put herself through college and is currently earning her masters. Kitty is a work in progress. If she could get away from Lydia, I think she could be quite promising. But I don't know if that'll happen. She follows Lydia around everywhere. Which is sad, really. She lacks any identity of her own."

In a break of her monologue, Will said, "I have a sister."

"I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"Never mind," he mumbled.

"No, I didn't hear. What did you say?"

"I said I have I sister."

"What's her name?"

"Georgiana."

"Really! I think I might have heard Colin mention her. How old is she?"

Will began to warm up to talking to this odd woman. But then, he always liked talking about Georgiana. "She's 16 years old."

"She's an awful lot younger than you--I mean, not that you look really old," she stumbled.

"She's a little over ten years my junior."

"Well aren't there more in between you two?"

Will shook his head.

"What is she like?"

Will hid a smile. "She's shy and sweet and innocent."

"Is that your doing?"

"Partly. But we're both shy and reserved." He couldn't believe he'd just sad that to a practical stranger. He clammed his mouth shut again.

"Does she live with you?"

"Yes."

"And she attends school in New York?"

"Yes."

"A public one?"

"No, private."

"I see."

Elizabeth could tell that was a far as she would get that day. It was an improvement. At least now she knew he had some sort of a human side to him.

They picked up their gear and walked on. That evening, Elizabeth was too tired and grumpy to try again. She did say good night, though.

Elizabeth woke only once to take some beautiful shots in the night. By morning, her mood had improved. She decided to go ahead and ask him a question.

"Do you travel much?"

"Only for business."

"That's a pity. I would love to travel. My big wish or goal is to be a photographer for the National Geographic. I would love to take shots of the aurora borealis in the Arctic, and fly over the Serengeti and take pictures of the stampeding herds. I want to see different peoples and see the natural wonders of this world before they are completely destroyed by man. The rain forests are being demolished at an alarmingly rapid rate. But it's not entirely an environmental issue. It's poverty, it's social, it's political. The people in the countries containing rain forests are so poor they need food. So they cut down the forest to make room for farmland. But the soil is actually very poor for farming. The trees in the rain forest have shallow roots since they don't need to gather water from deep sources. They are held up by the intricate mass of vines between trees. They gather all the nutrients they need from the top few inches of soil. And the forest ecosystem is constantly replenishing those nutrients in a tightly woven cycle of life. So when the men cut down the forest, they have a few years' worth of good soil before it's all depleted and useless. So they have to cut down more forest. It's an evil, vicious cycle. And societies like America's don't help one bit. We are constantly growing our economy and our industries. We constantly yearn for more material things. Companies even create the desire within our bosoms. Advertising tells us we have to have this knick-knack and we buy it. As long as there is a demand, the desperate people will sell it."

Elizabeth stopped, realizing she had run away with herself once again. So much for getting him to talk. How could he with her going on like she did? To fill the awkward gap, Elizabeth picked up her backpack and said, "Let's start out."

Will hadn't turned a deaf ear on Elizabeth. He took in everything she said even though she didn't think so. They came to a stream running down the mountainside. Elizabeth discarded her satchel and took off her socks and shoes. Rolling up her trousers, she waded in to her ankles.

Will was content to sit down and watch her from a cool, flat rock.

"I read this article in a Sierra Club review this month. It was about the Mississippi River. I have a bit of a vested interest in that area. A few miles down river from Alton, Illinois, which is about forty-five minutes away from St. Louis, there is this power plant, called the Sioux, owned by Ameren UE. The plant was built in the 70s despite strong opposition. In a compromise, the plant built its smoke stacks higher, above the clouds, so this way the smoke and pollution can affect and poison locations as far away as New Hampshire! I'm not kidding. Anyway, this plant is one of the dirtiest in the country and St. Louis hasn't been meeting clean air standards. This plant has just now received a permit to fleet, or park, 76 barges and build a massive unloading place near this power plant. 76 barges on the river would be about 12 acres. Directly across from this proposed sight, is a National Scenic Byway called the Great River Road, going from Blue Pool to Elsah. Think about how horrible this barge city would look like. And three hundred feet above this road are bluffs overlooking the Mississippi. On these bluffs is the Mississippi Sanctuary and a beautiful, charming college called Principia College. The eye-sore would be horrible. On top of this, the plant would have to destroy forested wetlands that are ecologically fragile and very important to wildlife along the river. Environmentalist groups have spent millions of dollars buying up the land on the floodplains. And this company is just going to be able to build right on top of that public land. The whole point is to be able to burn more petroleum coke, which is oil refinery waste. Petroleum coke is a lot dirtier but a lot cheaper. This plant doesn't have the scrubbers that should clean the emissions it makes. And petroleum coke is very unhealthy, aiding respiratory problems. The Sierra Club was able to get a two-week period so that the public could be better notified. I really hope that they turn down the plant. In fact, I wish they would demolish the horrible pollution tank now. It's disgusting and despicable and doesn't deserve the space it's on. If I were the activist type, I would plant a few bombs in that plant."

Elizabeth ceased her lecture and kicked the water to the other bank, splashing her trousers in the process. She folded her arms over her chest and crouched meditatively staring into the clear, trickling water.

Once again, Will wished he could have said something, anything. But he couldn't think of a single word to say which didn't sound stupid or pitying or useless.

Elizabeth gave up for the day, tired of practically talking to herself.

Author's Note: Everything I wrote about the Ameren UE plant's plans is true. I attend Principia College and will be heartbroken if they succeed in this plan. If you care even a little, all you have to do is write a letter in protest. Ask the US Army Corps of Engineers to deny the Ameren UE permit and request a public hearing in Illinois. The address is: Michael Morrow, District Engineer, US Army Corps of Engineers, Attn. CEMVS-CO-F (Charles Frerker), 1222 Spruce St., St. Louis, MO 63103-2833 Thanks so much. I'll try and continue this story to your satisfaction. I am also interested in having your feedback.

Part 2

Posted on Friday, 29 September 2000

Elizabeth had so many rolls of film to develop, that she decided it wouldn't be a bad idea to go home and start developing. The seasons were at the point of changing, where they weren't at their best looking. The leaves were turning from beautiful shades if vibrant red and yellow to an ugly brown before falling off the trees.

She announced this to Will as they got back to Cleo. "You have a home? As in a house?"

Elizabeth gave him an insulted, quizzical look. "You thought I lived in Cleo all the time?"

Will shrugged. "I guess, yeah."

"I have a small cottage that I call home base. I use it for a vacation from work and to develop my film. It also serves as my office."

"Where is it?"

"On the bluffs of the Mississippi, close to that college I mentioned."

"Is that why you're so interested in that plant and barge plan?"

"Ah! So you were listening! Yes, that's my vested interest."

"How do you pay bills and that sort of thing while you're roaming?"

"My sister, Jane, gets my mail regularly and pays my bills for me and sends important stuff to me via the internet."

After they had showered and stowed away their gear, Elizabeth got behind the wheel and turned Cleo in the direction of Illinois. It took several hours to get there, the entire drive passing in silence. It seemed like Will had said his quota of words for the day. Elizabeth ignored him and listened to NPR and other music stations.

It was already dusk when Cleo pulled into the driveway of a small cottage nestled in a parcel of wild land. There was no manicured garden and ivy climbed rampantly up the stone walls of the cottage. The roof was low and the windows small. Elizabeth sighed as she looked at it, and eagerly got out of Cleo. She trotted through the long grass of what should have been the front garden. Will followed her at a respectful distance, allowing her to see her beloved cottage by herself for a minute or two.

Finally, Elizabeth stuck her head out of the door. "Will? You coming?"

Will walked through the tall grass and entered the small cottage. Inside, it didn't seem so small. It was one story, with the roof as the ceiling. The front room was the living room with the living room attached. The bedroom door was in the living room, and a third door was in the kitchen. Will couldn't guess what it was, though.

"Welcome to my humble abode."

"It's quite charming." Will looked around, seeing some of her favourite photos on the walls, antique furniture, and an air of home.

"I need to go shopping, but I can offer you a lukewarm soda."

"No thanks, I'm fine."

"Do you mind sleeping on a couch again?"

"Not all. I've gotten quite used to it."

"It'll just make your own bed that much more welcoming when you get home."

Will smiled slightly. Elizabeth was caught by surprise. She didn't show her emotion but just turned to the fridge and put a few drinks onto its empty shelves.

"Shall we unload Cleo? I'd prefer to do it before it's too dark."

Will nodded and headed out of the small cottage. In half an hour, they had unloaded most of the essentials from Cleo, and turned off the water and power inside. In that half an hour, the cottage transformed to look like a tornado had blown through it. Elizabeth stood in a rare patch of open floor, hands on her hips and sighed in exasperation. It was like this every time she came home. And this was ultimately what drove her to leave again, to gain order and neatness back into her home-life even if it wasn't in her social life.

Will looked at her for guidance. He sure didn't know where all this went. In fact, he was surprised that all this junk had fit inside Cleo. Elizabeth looked back at him skeptically, shrugged, and picked up a pile of clothes. She carried them into the bedroom, dumped them on the bed and returned to the front room to repeat the process until the clothes were gone.

"What would you like me to do?"

"Take all kitchen items into the kitchen. Refrigerator stuff put in the fridge."

Will did as he was told. Together, they slowly put away the things and tidied the cottage once more. When they had finished, Elizabeth set about making dinner.

As they sat down to eat, Elizabeth said, "I cannot continue like this any longer. You know quite a bit about me and I feel like I am living with a stranger. I know you have a sister and a cousin and live in New York City. That's it. Could you possibly tell me a little more about yourself?"

She hadn't meant a pleading note to be included in the tone of her voice, but one must presume desperation after so many attempts at civility.

Will was silent a moment, and finished his mouthful of pasta. Eventually, he said, "I don't usually have to tell people about myself. They usually already know everything about my life."

Elizabeth refrained from retorting 'Well I don't.'

"My mother passed on when I was about 18 and my father followed a few years later, leaving me to raise Georgiana with Colin's help. At that time I also took over the company and after I graduated from university, worked for the company full time. That's about it."

"If it makes you feel any better, which I doubt, I can tell you that no mother at all would be better than my mother. But I'm sure yours was sweet and kind and therefore more the loss."

Will stared at his plate and didn't reply. Elizabeth knew she was treading on very thin ice. No wonder he hadn't talked. He didn't seem to have anything to talk about.

"Well what are your interests? Surely you do things for pleasure?"

Will shrugged. "I work most of the time. I also take care of my sister, take her to plays and concerts and play chess with her at home. That sort of thing. What families usually do."

"Not my family. Your sister must be fortunate in having such an attentive brother."

Will shrugged again.

"I'm afraid I don't have much to entertain someone here. I don't have a television. I have a computer but you're not supposed to work. I have plenty of books, but I don't know if you'd like them. We're a little far from places to walk there, and you can't drive. So, I'm afraid you're in for a very relaxing week."

"What will you be doing?"

"Laundry, cleaning house, and developing my photos."

"Would you mind if I watched you a little? I haven't a clue about how the process works."

"I'd be delighted to have company. Maybe you could even try your hand at it. It's not too hard. Just takes practice."

The next day, they emptied the rest of the stuff from Cleo, spreading out the tents and sleeping bags to air, and stowing the other gear not needing further attention in the basement. When they had finished, Elizabeth insisted on taking Will on a long walk of the area so he could walk by himself if he so pleased.

The plot of land Elizabeth owned was small, but beautiful in its natural splendor. Will, who hadn't even seen the back of the house, was shocked to see that the edge of the bluff was a few yards away from the back patio. A railing warned against the danger of continuing further. The Mississippi River sparkled below, meandering its way through the fields of Missouri on the other side. Barges slowly puttered up and down the river, moving masses of coal and grain and other bulky products. But the river was quiet enough to be pleasant to have at one's backyard. The area across the river was undeveloped and beautiful, preventing the spoiling of the view from Elizabeth's cottage.

When Will had admired the view to his temporary satisfaction, Elizabeth led him down a rather overgrown path. Somehow they circled the house and continued to walk through wild brush and forest. Finally, they came out of the brush into a second clearing providing a different view of the river from the bluffs.

Elizabeth led Will down many paths and roads, showing where some secret spots could be enjoyed and where the roads led. When their stomachs started to grumble, they returned to the cottage to have lunch.

Elizabeth was eager to start developing and consequently left Will to himself for the rest of the afternoon. Will spent his first half hour trying to find his laptop hidden somewhere, but finally concluded she must still have it locked in the safe.

Forced into relaxation, Will decided to look at the books she had. He only recognized two authors, John Grisham and Jane Austen. The other books were Patrick O'Brian and Anne McCaffrey and Tamora Pierce and Dorothy L Sayers and Dick Francis. Odd collection, he thought to himself.

There was one book which caught his eye. "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson. He had heard of that book. He had also been told it wouldn't be wise for him to read it. But the warning had been forgotten so he picked it up off the shelf and settled into an armchair.

Elizabeth, meanwhile, was getting into the pattern of developing. The chemicals were out, the shutters were closed, the KEEP OUT sign was on the door and Vivaldi was playing on the stereo. One by one, she developed the films, eager to see what the pictures were and to remember the locations and occasions she had shot the film at.

Will opened the book and began to read.

Elizabeth hung up the wet negatives on a clothesline to dry, looking at the various shots and smiling in pleasant reminiscences.

Will was glued to the pages as he eagerly devoured the revolutionary ideas and concepts.

Elizabeth finished the developing of the negatives and emerged from her dark room. She beheld Will in the armchair, glued to Silent Spring and refrained from interrupting him. She was curious as to what made him pick that book up. She would have expected him to read John Grisham.

Will barely registered Elizabeth's presence in the room again. He couldn't believe what he was reading.

Elizabeth finished her meal and returned to the dark room to check on her negatives. Resolving to wait until the following day to begin developing some of the photographs. She went into her bedroom to call her sister. "Jane! I'm back home. Would you come over tomorrow? I'd love to look through my mail and talk with you about recent goings on. Is eleven o' clock ok? Great. See you then."

Will continued reading. He wondered if this was still true. Surely not. Chemicals had been regulated as a result of this book. America no longer sprayed toxic chemicals all over the fields and even people, polluting the water and killing off wildlife at an alarming rate.

Elizabeth went to bed and still Will sat reading. Around ten at night, he finished the book and resolved to look closely at the dealings in his company. He wanted to make sure that all edicts were complied with and all safety standards met. He was afraid of some manager below him not doing his job properly. He was afraid of some lowly worker deciding to dump wastes into a nearby river instead of doing disposing of them properly. But he would have to wait until he had returned to New York. Only a couple more weeks.

Jane arrived precisely at eleven in the morning. Elizabeth had already holed herself up in the dark room. Will was doing his own laundry, having been given a crash course earlier that morning on how to do it.

Will answered the door and saw a tall, beautiful blonde with clear blue eyes. "Yes?"

Jane was shocked for a full minute. "Who are you?" she finally managed to say.

"Will Darcy. And you?"

"Jane Bennet."

"Oh, I didn't know you were coming. Forgive me. Come in."

Jane slowly entered, still staring in amazement at this gorgeous man in Lizzy's cottage.

"You'll find Elizabeth in the dark room."

"Thank you." She walked over to the dark room door, boasting the sign KEEP OUT. She knocked loudly.

"Yes? What is it?" came a muffled reply.

"Lizzy, it's Jane. You asked me to come round at eleven."

"I'll be done in about ten minutes."

Jane, used to these delays, turned away from the door to behold Will folding laundry. She did her very best not to let her eyebrows raise in suspicious speculation. Will was completely ignorant of the suspicions he was arousing.

Jane sat down at the kitchen table and set the bag full of mail beside her chair. She twiddled her thumbs impatiently waiting for her sister to arrive and explain what exactly was going on.

When ten minutes had passed and Elizabeth was still not showing signs of emerging, Jane decided to ease her curiosity by talking to this stranger.

"How long have you and Elizabeth been here, Mr. Darcy?"

Will looked up, surprised at being addressed. "We arrived the day before yesterday."

"I see. Where have you been?"

"What? You mean where has she been photographing? I'm not sure exactly. North Carolina and Tennessee is all I know."

"Where are you from?"

"I live in New York City."

Elizabeth came out of the dark room. "Jane! Oh it's so good to see you again!"

The two sisters embraced. "How long has it been since you were last here?"

Elizabeth laughed gaily. "Gracious, I don't know! It seems like such an age."

"Please, don't mention that word!"

"What? 'Age'? Why not? You're only twenty four!"

"Anyway, I brought your mail. It's sitting right there."

"Terrific. Thanks so much for all your help. I don't know how I could do it without you."

Jane smiled and kissed her cheek. "That's what sisters are for."

"Let's take a nice, long walk. Will! You don't mind if I leave you here on your own for while, do you?"

Will shook his head.

"Just stay out of the dark room, there is still some light sensitive paper lying out."

The two women left the cottage and began a long, leisurely walk on the bluffs.

"I'm dying to know who that Will Darcy is! He's so handsome!"

Elizabeth laughed a short laugh. "I'm sorry to disappoint you Jane, but it is nothing like that. His cousin is a very dear friend of mine. Will got into some kind of trouble and had to leave New York for a month. Colin asked me to take him in. So I picked him up from an airport two weeks ago and he's been with ever since."

"What's he like? He seemed to be very polite."

"I don't honestly know what he's like. He's very reserved and taciturn. He hasn't had a very wonderful early adulthood. He is CEO of Darcy Inc.- whatever that is. He isn't the best company, but he is pleasant enough. It has been a little bit of a struggle. I sometimes wonder if I'd rather not have him around."

"So the physical attraction isn't a problem?"

Elizabeth gave a short laugh. "No, all the physical attraction I feel is counteracted by his unattractive personality."

Jane shook her head in marvel. They began to talk of other matters. Elizabeth told her all about where she had been in the country and about her successful photographs and her failures. Jane in turn told her all about their family and how Mary was doing so well in college and how Lydia was still as silly and slutty as usual. Jane herself just owned her own little dessert shop in the village. Business wasn't great, but she could live off of her profit comfortably.

They walked together for over an hour and a half. Upon returning to the house, Elizabeth entreated her sister to stay for supper.

During the meal, Jane and Elizabeth did most of the talking. Will just listened contentedly. He found it interesting to watch these two sisters have so many differences, yet share such a deep affection for each other. He supposed that Elizabeth's long absences helped this odd relationship.

After dinner, Jane made one of her secret recipe desserts while Will returned to his book and Elizabeth chatted on with Jane. They passed the evening pleasantly. Elizabeth began to see Will's eyes droop and realized they were essentially sitting in his bedroom.

"Jane, let me walk you home."

The two sisters got up and after Jane said good evening to Will, left the cottage and slowly walked home in the dark. By the time she had returned, Will was asleep on the couch. Elizabeth quietly went to bed.

The following day, Will subtly reminded her of her promise to let him watch her at work. Elizabeth gladly showed him the dark room with its chemicals and trays and the chest of light sensitive paper. She showed him under the light, the negatives of some of her films. He was impressed by the whole process. He couldn't imagine how a beautiful picture came from just this stuff. She explained how commercial developing was different and how the one-hour developers work.

Elizabeth did one photo in front of him so he could see how it should work. They both watched the image form on the paper in the chemical. Finally, Elizabeth pulled it out with a pair of tongs, and hung the picture up to dry.

"I'm impressed," Will said.

"Thank you. I enjoy it every single time. I can't wait to see what the image will turn out like."

"Thank you for showing me. I'll let you work, now. I know I don't like it when someone is breathing down my neck when I'm trying to work."

Elizabeth smiled at him as he left the dark room.

Will spent his idle days trying to relax. He wrote a letter to his cousin and then to his sister, he experimented in the kitchen, getting a few lessons from Jane. He found he enjoyed this past time and became more daring in his concoctions. Elizabeth was always gracious in eating what he put in front of her, and most of the time could think of some compliment to give his attempts, even if it was just 'interesting!'

But inevitably and eventually, Will became restless and very bored. He could find nothing else to do that amused him. He missed the bustling life of New York City. He was too used to that kind of lifestyle.

Elizabeth perceived his trouble, and decided she had been home long enough. She told him one evening after a delicious dinner by Chef Will, that they would be leaving for Florida the next day.

"Florida! Why there?"

"I haven't been in a long time, and this is a good season to be in the south. I can get good shots of really cool skies in the winter on the beach."

"Fine."

"You're leaving me in a week, aren't you?"

Will nodded. He didn't want to sound to happy about it. He enjoyed Elizabeth's company immensely, but the state of his company and the lack of any entertainment in this lifestyle irked him.

So without further adieu, the pair packed up Cleo and left, leaving Jane in charge of the cottage once more. They did stop by to say a fond farewell at the little dessert shop.

For two days, Elizabeth drove southward, through Nashville and through Alabama. They stopped to sleep once at a rest area, and then didn't stop again until they had reached Florida. They spent another night in a rest area and then moved on to a small island in the Gulf of Mexico, called St. George's Island. Half of the island was developed with condos and houses, rich and poor alike. The other half was a state park, containing public beaches and a campsite at the end of the island. It was there, that Cleo was parked for a few days.

The weather was cool. Not warm enough for the spoiled Floridians to go swimming, but warm enough for a New Englander to go swimming and warm enough to watch the small waves crashing on the beach in shorts and a long-sleeved shirt.

Elizabeth and Will spent most of their days walking around the park. Dusk they spent on the beach, looking at the sea and the people. Will liked these moments in silence on the beach with Elizabeth. She looked beautiful with her dark curls blown about in the wind, and her face illumined by the sinking sun reflecting off the water. Around her neck hung her usual camera and her linen pants flowed gracefully in the breeze, showing her bare feet. Will supposed she didn't realize how often her obsession with photography made her picturesque.

After several days, they moved westward towards the peninsula. In St. Petersburg, they stopped for the night and Elizabeth was able to photograph a beautiful, powerful thunderstorm.

The following day, they drove all the way south to the Everglades. Here, they parked Cleo for two days while they explored some of the wild region. One afternoon, they rented a canoe and paddled down a canal for two hours until they came to small lake. Elizabeth caught sight of a dolphin fin swimming near the shores, but couldn't get close enough to photograph it. The canal was sadly lacking in visible wildlife. Most of it was hidden in the massive, jungle-like everglade brush to each side of the canal.

On their return journey, however, Elizabeth was able to get a good picture of an alligator heading straight for their canoe. Their only problem was that this reptile decided it didn't want to stop once it had had its picture taken. Frantically, the two humans paddled with all their might until they could see the creature no more. Will wasn't sure if this was a good thing. But since they saw no more of the alligator, they assumed they were safe, and from then on, kept a wary eye out for anymore alligators or the return of the first one.

On the last day Will was to be with Elizabeth, they left the Everglades National Park and drove into Miami. Elizabeth took him to the airport and helped him carry his things to the departures desk.

Will turned to her and said, "Thank you for putting up with me this month."

"Your welcome. It's a nice change to have company. I'm sorry I put you through so much hard work on your vacation."

Will chuckled, to Elizabeth's surprise. "I needed the exercise. And I enjoyed it all the same, despite the enforced idleness."

"You have your laptop with you, right?"

Will half smiled and nodded.

"You know you never told me why you had to leave New York City."

"That was because I was embarrassed about it. But I feel obligated to tell you eventually. So I will. I had gotten into my fourth automobile accident and rather than do anything worse, they kicked me out of the city on an mandatory vacation to relieve stress."

"Oh. Do you think it worked?"

"I dunno. But I'm sure going to be much more careful about it in the future."

"Just don't drive."

"That's like telling you not to drive. I have to."

Elizabeth shrugged. "I guess now I understand why you never once offered to help me drive."

"Of course. I would have gladly taken on half of the driving if it had been legal for me to do so. Wow. No wonder you thought I was a horrible person!"

"I did not!"

"Well at least a stuck up snob from New York City."

Elizabeth hesitated refuting that one.

"Look me up if you're ever in New York, won't you?" Will said.

"Sure. And look me up if you ever leave that city again," she replied with a wry smile.

"So long, Elizabeth, thanks again."

Elizabeth turned and left the airport. Will flew back to New York and resumed his life as CEO of Darcy Inc.

Part 3

Posted on Sunday, 8 October 2000

It was several years later that Elizabeth found herself heading in the direction of Canada for a summer. As she would be passing through the state of New York, she decided to call Will Darcy and at least tell him she was passing through, thereby leaving him the option of seeing her or not.

She got the number from Colin and called Will's apartment. "You have reached Will Darcy's private line. I am not able to come to the phone right now, but leave a name and number after the beep and I will return your call as soon as I can."

"Hello, Will, it's Elizabeth Bennet. I'm not sure if you'll remember me. You lived with Cleo and I for a month and we're passing through New York State on our way to Canada. If you wanted to get together or anything, give me a call at (904) 386- 2494."

Elizabeth sighed a huge sigh of relief when she hung up. She had felt awkward at the thought of actually talking to him. Nothing had passed between them since he had flown back to New York. It wasn't like she was expecting him to write regularly or something. But still, it was kind of weird to live with someone in such close quarters for that long and still not have any contact after that. She didn't get to know him very well at all.

Later that evening Will returned her call. "Hello, Elizabeth?"

"Yes."

"This is Will Darcy. How have you been?"

"Fine, and you?"

"Just great. So... you're passing through here?"

"Yep. On my way to shoot some of the lovely Prince Edward Island as well as other parts of Canada while the weather is above 0 degrees."

"When will you be in New York?"

"I'll be there in two weeks."

"Could you give me a definite date?"

"Well, I can be flexible, you know. Did you want to get together?"

"No, I'm just asking for a specific date for my useless information file. Of course, I do."

Elizabeth was surprised at his sarcasm. But then, maybe he had changed a little in the time they'd been apart. "Um, you're the CEO with the busy New York schedule. You pick a date."

"How about Saturday, 10th of May?"

"Sure. That works."

"Could I take you to see a musical or a play?"

Elizabeth was not a little surprised. "Um, sure. You pick and I'll enjoy."

"Great. How will I meet you?"

"I really don't know the region very well. I definitely don't want to bring Cleo near the city."

"Understandable. How about if I meet you at the campsite off of I-** and pick you up?"

"I can do that. What time?"

"Noon would be best."

"Fine. It's set."

"See you then."

Elizabeth hung up. Wow! She laughed uneasily. She was now entering his territory. It almost seemed like a date. But that was silly. He probably hadn't thought about her one jot since he had left the airport in Miami. She sighed. This might be awkward.

Two weeks later, Elizabeth pulled Cleo into the campsite she and Will had agreed upon. She was a few hours early. These few hours allowed her to get really nervous. She didn't know what to wear or anything! Why did she submit herself to this torture? Once again, she doubted if he even had thought about her once since they had parted.

Elizabeth decided on a casual skirt with a blouse and jacket that could also work for a nice restaurant or the theatre. She put clips into her newly cut curls. She put earrings in her ears for the first time in a long while. Finally, donning a necklace of silver, she was finished. Looking around, she realized how messy Cleo was. This became how she occupied her time until Will arrived.

When he did, she was surprised, but laughed out loud. A long, black limousine pulled up beside Cleo. Will got out wearing a nice looking suit. Elizabeth exited Cleo and walked up to him, still grinning and looking at the limo, shaking her head.

"What?" asked Will.

"Did you finally lose your license permanently or something?"

Will pretended to be insulted and offended. "We meet after over a year and a half, and this is how you greet me? Implying I continued in my ways of folly."

"Am I right?" she asked him, a smug smile playing across her face.

"No. When I returned to New York from Miami I employed a full-time chauffeur."

"Because you didn't want to end up spending another month with Cleo and I?"

"Once again, you insult me. No, because I couldn't afford to spend another month with you, even if I wanted to. My company suffered during my absence, and I don't trust it to anyone else anymore."

"You never told me what you company did."

Will looked uncomfortable at the question, and replied, "It's a long story. I'll tell you some other time. Meanwhile, let's get in and return to New York."

Elizabeth got in and Will sat across from her. The limo started back to the city.

"I like that haircut for you. It suits."

"Thanks," Elizabeth replied. "It was a refreshing change."

"So tell me how you have been since I left you," said Will.

Elizabeth had been inwardly surprised that he talked as much as he did. Now, she realized it couldn't have lasted long. "Nothing new. I've continued traveling and developing my work. Still actively involved in environmental organizations. Expanding my clientele for my work. That was hard, because I had to learn more about the business world."

"Not a very nice place, is it?"

"Not for someone like me who prefers the peace and tranquillity of the countryside."

"Do you ever meet people on your travels, or do you avoid them?"

"Not always. Last summer was so glorious. I got to stay with a family in Minnesota for a few weeks. They are a young couple recently returned from serving in the Peace Corps in Africa. A lot of the recipes they served me were African. It took some getting used to, but I liked it. They had a three-year-old and a five-year-old. They own a farm, and live in a small wooden house they built themselves. It has no running water, no gas, and no electricity. Above their door, there's a plaque hanging with the words, We live simply, so that others may simply live. I loved that quote and wish I could paint it on Cleo somewhere. But I haven't found an ideal location for it. Anyway, they farm organically. No fertilizer, no pesticides, no chemicals. They farm by the stars and the moon, which means that they only harvest and plant when the seasons say it's right rather than when the farmer has to do it. They use animal feces to naturally fertilize the land; they rely on natural enemies to keep the pests down. They actually breed garden snakes, praying mantises, and ladybugs for this purpose. They rotate their crops so that different nutrients are replaced into the soil and so weeds don't get a good hold onto the land. It was so interesting how these people lived. They taught their children at home. Both were bilingual, speaking German and English. One day, the three-year-old told me how to tell a ripe raspberry from an unripe one. He knew just from his experience. I was very sad to leave that family. But I needed to return to my work. I took their ideas with me, though, and of course I took plenty of photographs."

While Elizabeth had told her eloquent tale, Will watched her with contentment on his face. It was an expression Elizabeth remembered seeing sometimes when they saw a particularly sublime view or when the weather proved unusually pleasant. Now, though, she didn't quite know what to make of it.

"The chemicals used on food production can be very dangerous. It's thought to cause a lot of cancer. That's why a lot of people eat organic food. Just eating organic food tastes a whole lot better."

Will nodded. "We don't get much opportunity to buy organically grown stuff in New York."

"I can imagine not. Where are we going?"

"I thought long and hard about where to take you. Finally, a friend of mine suggested I take you to a nice restaurant either in Chinatown or downtown, whichever you preferred. Then there's a soloist in Carnegie Hall I've heard is really excellent and worth seeing. How does that sound?"

"Wonderful. I don't remember the last time I got to hear quality live classical music."

"So which is it to be? Chinese or... I guess they serve French."

"Do you have a preference?"

"Nope."

"Then I like Chinese better."

They sat across from each in Indian style at the low table. Elizabeth smiled as the food came. Will continued his question, "So what other adventures have you been on?"

"Well. I could tell you about Walt, who is another organic farmer I got to know pretty well close to my home. I have started buying most of my food from him."

"I'm all ears."

"Walt loves to tell his life story and I love hearing it. He grew up in St. Louis and would mow lawns as much as he could to earn money to go to college. One of his regular customers owned this horse he really admired. The man knew Walt admired the horse and one day says to him, 'Walt, if you mow some land I have out in the country all summer for free, I'll give you that horse.' Walt was ecstatic, except for two things. One, was how to get out to the land in the country. Two, was how to ask his parents to keep this horse. So he ends up riding his bike several miles to the country to mow this land. Meanwhile, his mother has said that if he could find someone who would look after the horse in the country, he could keep it. But to find this benevolent person, Walt has to ride his bike and return before dark. This the fourteen-year-old Walt does, going house to house looking for someone who is willing to take care of the horse. Everyday, he has to go farther into the country and has a harder time getting home in time. One evening, he visits a house and the man says, 'Are you the boy who has been asking to keep a horse?' Walt replies the affirmative. 'You'd better leave quickly before my dad comes.' Walt asks why, and then the father comes and begins to drag him off the property. Walt shouts to the other man if there is anyone he knows who would care for the horse. The man shouts back another mile down the road is a Mr. Martin who might do it. Walt, standing back on the road, contemplates visiting this last house. It's time for him to return, but he thought, 'Better to ask for forgiveness than permission.' So he rides to this Martin's house.

"There he encounters this old, seventy-something-year-old man carrying to ten pound gallons of milk from the barn to the cool basement. He stops and asks Walt, 'You the boy who's asking about a place fer a horse?' 'Yes,' replies Walt. 'Mary!' cries the old man. 'Mary! Come out here! God's answered our prayers!' Mrs. Martin comes out, and Mr. Martin sits on the top step. He says to Walt, 'I'm gettin' old and can't bend down to do the gardenin' the way I used. If you come out an' garden for us, I'll keep yer horse. Not only that, I'll feed it, too. But there's one condition. You have to garden my way. That's without chemicals and by the stars and the moon. Are you willin'?' Walt nods eagerly, and that's how their relationship started.

"Walt would go to the Martins nearly everyday for four years. Garden and listen to the old man's wise advice. He had only received an education up to the third grade, yet Walt claims he got his most valuable advice from him. Mr. Martin really became a second father to Walt, whose real father continues to live with him on the farm to this day. This was how Walt learned how to farm organically. Finally, on the day he was to go to college, Mr. Martin called him to come over. Mr. Martin was sitting on the top porch step, and asks his wife to bring him the package from inside. He says to Walt, 'Son, you're never going to come back home again. Oh, you'll come to visit, but you'll never truly come home permanently again. Now, my mamma gave me some wise advice. Never leave home without a good pair of socks and shoes on yer feet. And I know yer parents can get you a good pair of shoes, but I thought you'd need these.' Mr. Martin hands Walt the package, and inside, are two pairs of nice, silk, men's stockings. Mr. Martin hugged him and Walt returned home for his last night. That was the last two-way conversation he ever had with Mr. Martin, for when he returned the first time to visit from college, Mr. Martin was in a coma. Walt still has those same stockings, never worn, in his top drawer. He says if anyone touches them, he'll slaughter them." Elizabeth laughed a little shakily. "For two years Mr. Martin lay in a coma, and every spare moment he had, Walt would spend by his bedside. Mr. Martin had once told him, the best feeling in the world was to have the big toe on his left foot rubbed. So the first time Walt saw Mr. Martin in the coma, he stuck his hand under the blanket and rubbed the left big toe. Sure enough, Mr. Martin's right index finger started moving. Mrs. Martin came and asked what Walt was doing. 'I'm rubbin' the big toe on his left foot.' Mrs. Martin's eyes fill and she says, 'I thought I was the only one who knew that. How did you know?' Walt replies, 'He told me one afternoon while we were on the hay truck.' Finally, Mr. Martin passed on. But Walt claims he still lives inside of him."

Will had remained silent during her story. He liked listening to her talk. He loved the soothing sound of her voice and the intriguing way she told the story. He was content to continue listening. So he said, "Are there any more stories he told you?"

Elizabeth laughed, and said, "You're trying to make me do all the talking are you?"

Will cracked a slight smile. "Maybe. I like hearing what you have to tell."

"Well, in that case. I love the story Walt tells about teasing his grandson. Oh, by the way, Walt went to college, got a business degree, I think he went to graduate school, then he ended up in the insurance business. When he had enough money to retire, he bought some land and settled down to organically farm it just for the pure enjoyment of it. Now it's turned into a small enterprise. He's a canny businessman. But I was going to tell you about his grandson. This little boy is about four years old. And his mother just became pregnant. So Walt takes the little one aside and asks, 'What did your parents do with the old refrigerator when they got a new one?' The little boy replies, 'They traded it in.' 'But what did they do with they're old car?' 'Traded it in.' 'And their old stereo?' 'Traded it in.' 'Yes, but what did they do with their old sofa?' The little boy is beginning to look really puzzled. 'They traded it in.' So then Walt asks, 'What do you think they'll do when they get a new baby boy?' That poor child!" Elizabeth cried. "Walt convinced his grandson that he was going to be replaced by the baby."

Will laughed heartily with Elizabeth. "So the little boy really thought he was going to be traded in?"

Elizabeth nodded.

"I did jokes like that on my little sister," said Will. "She always looked up to me and thought what I said was as good as out of God's own mouth. It was so easy to take advantage of that, and being the mischievous boy I was, I did take advantage."

"Like what?"

"Oh, I don't remember. I think I convinced her once that when her teeth fell out they would never grow back again. And then I guess the usual stuff like monsters in her closet. She believed in Santa Claus until she was eight or something ridiculous like that, and I was the one to break it to her that Santa isn't real."

"Well that's no more unusual than any brother would do. In fact, it sounds as if you went easy on her."

"She is more than 10 years my junior."

"So how old is she now?"

"Wouldn't that reveal my age?"

"Come on, you can't be old enough to have that urge to conceal it. You're, what, 27?"

"Close. I'm 26."

"See, you have nothing to be ashamed of."

Will shrugged. "Except that you think I'm older than I am."

"Well, you act mature for your age."

Will chuckled at her rescue and nodded sheepishly.

"So how did someone your age become CEO of a corporation?"

Will hesitated answering a question about his work. Finally he said, "My father passed on a few years ago, leaving the business and the position to me. For a couple of years, someone temporarily filled in for me while I completed my education."

"Where did you go to college?"

"I attended Harvard."

"Really?! What's it like?"

Will looked puzzled. "You mean the Cambridge area?"

"Sure."

"Um, it's pretty. Not all of Harvard is beautiful old buildings, but Baker Library at the Business School was always a favourite of mine. It has a very colonial look to it."

"What are the teachers like?"

"The professors? It depends. Some I didn't get along well with, some I fell asleep in their classes, and some were geniuses it was hard to sit in the same room with, and then a few became valuable mentors to me in my time of troubles."

"You fell asleep in class?"

"Sure, in a few, like English classes."

"You're kidding!"

"No. Trying to pull absolutely hidden meanings out Blake's "Book of Urizen" isn't my idea of interesting."

"I haven't heard of that book."

"It's a poem. I wouldn't advise you to read it. It would be a waste of your time."

"Oh. But still, spending that much on an education, you should take advantage of it."

Will shrugged. "I paid attention in the important classes."

Elizabeth didn't reply, but seemed to get strangely silent. Will noticed the time, and said, "We really should be moving along. The performance starts in twenty minutes."

They left Chinatown and traveled to Carnegie Hall in the limo.

"Am I dressed okay?"

"You look just fine in that," Will replied. Mentally he rebuked himself, thinking he should have come up with a better compliment than 'You look fine.'

They got out and walked through the elaborate foyer. They walked to their seats in the middle of the bottom level. Only the bottom and second levels were open for seating.

The tenor was one she had never heard of before, but then she hadn't been keeping up with any of the current classical trends. His name was Andrea Bocceli, and apparently he was blind.

Elizabeth leaned over to Will, and asked, "How does he read the music?"

Will shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe he learns everything by ear, or maybe they have music in Braille just for him."

In five minutes, the lights dimmed and Elizabeth settled back contentedly, fully intending to relish the moments. The tenor did have a marvelous, splendid voice. He sang some more contemporary pieces and then the usual arias from operas.

Two stood out to Elizabeth. The first was a love song from Turandot called 'Nessun dorma'. It literally made tears come to her eyes. But the second one made the tears flow down her cheeks. What helped was the background to the song. Will leaned over, and in a low voice, said, "This is a love song from Tosca. A tortured man is condemned to die when his love, a famous singer, Tosca, consents to giver herself to the captor. Right before the act, she kills the captor. Her lover is supposed to go through a fake execution, which turns out to be real. She watches her lover die. And then throws herself off a tower. This song is about the condemned man as he remembers his lover and their love."

Surreptitiously, Will slipped her his handkerchief. She smiled pathetically at him and took it, wiping her eyes and nose.

Once the concert was over, Elizabeth and Will left the hall. Elizabeth's eyes were a little red and she sniffled a little. She offered the handkerchief, but he declined, telling her to keep it.

"Thank you so much for taking me to this concert. I loved it."

"Really? I was worried it wouldn't be your cup of tea."

"Well, of course I'm going to be a little dispirited after that moving aria, but I did enjoy it immensely."

Will smiled at her and they got into the limo waiting outside for them. They drove all the way back to the campsite outside of New York in silence. Elizabeth leaned against the window staring out in pensive thought. Will either watched her or looked out the opposite window, also in brooding thought.

When they pulled up next to Cleo, Will asked, "When are you leaving?"

"I was expecting to leave tomorrow."

"Could you wait until after lunch? I wanted to see you a little more."

Elizabeth was bewildered and puzzled. She hesitated, but could think of no good reason why not, so she assented and said good night.

When she was in Cleo, she picked up her cell phone and called Jane.

"Hello, Jane?"

"Lizzy? Where are you?"

"Just outside of New York City. Do you remember Will Darcy?"

"The handsome man who lived with you for a month?"

"Yeah. He took me out to eat and to a concert this evening."

"Really? How did he know you were there?"

"I told him. He had said to tell him if he was ever in the area. So, I told him, and he asked me out. So we went to this really nice restaurant in Chinatown, and then we went to a concert sung by Andrea Bocceli. It was incredible, Jane."

"Wonderful."

"Anyway, he's taking me out to lunch tomorrow and then I'm back on track for Canada."

"You have your passport and everything."

"Yes."

"Tell me, what does Will do in New York."

"He is very wealthy. Had his own limo. He's CEO of Darcy Inc."

"Really!"

"Yes, why? What does the company do? He hasn't told me anything."

"I take it he knows about your environmentalist views?"

"Yes, so? No one living with me for a month could escape my strong opinions on every issue under the sun." Jane didn't say anything for a bit. "Jane?"

"Oh, well, I don't know if I'm right in telling you this. I occasionally flip through some of your environmental magazines."

"And?"

"And I read an article about chemical companies and toxic wastes."

"So?"

"Darcy Inc. is one of them."

"Will owns and runs a chemical company?!"

"I think so, yes."

Elizabeth couldn't respond for a few minutes. So that was why he would never talk to her about his company. She was furious and hurt at the same time. All of the bad thoughts she had dismissed as being unreasonable returned. She remembered his arrogance the first day she met him. Do you know who I am? She remembered how taciturn and darn rude he could be. Slowly, in her mind, she molded Will into an evil person, running a huge chemical company solely for profit, spewing toxic wastes into pristine rivers and dumping in the ocean on top of dolphins and in the middle of ancient forests.

"What do I do, Jane? I have to have lunch with this man tomorrow."

"You can certainly have lunch with him for Pete's sake. It's not like he's going to directly poison your food."

"But he does indirectly."

"Don't bring up the subject, and if it gets too long a meal, say you need to hurry up and go. You'll be fine. Just don't blow it out of proportion like I know you have tendency to do."

"Of course I won't," she said.

They soon hung up, but Elizabeth stayed up reviewing the evening and their entire acquaintance in a completely different light. Will played the role of a handsome baddy, out to poison the world in return for riches and wealth and prestige. He spent a month with her to spy on her and her ideas.

Meanwhile, Will called Colin on his cell phone. "Colin?"

"Yeah."

"Did I wake you up?"

"Yeah."

"Sorry."

"It's okay."

"Well, in that case... I took Elizabeth out this evening."

Colin, who had sighed in resignation of being the supportive cousin, sat up in bed. "Oh yeah, I remember now. How'd it go?"

"Really well. We talked a lot-"

"You mean she talked a lot and you listened a lot?"

"Um, yeah, anyway, she really liked the meal and the concert. You were right. She does like classical music."

"She is a close friend of mine, Will. Of course, I knew that kind of stuff. Did you talk about yourself at all?'

"Yeah. I talked a little about Georgiana-"

"That doesn't count. What about yourself?"

"Oh, well she had a lot questions about my Harvard education I answered. She seemed horrified to find out I slept through some English lectures."

"That's understandable considering she never even had the chance to go to college."

"What?"

"She never went to college. Just through high school."

"She doesn't have a single college degree?"

"No. Didn't you know that?"

"No, I assumed she would have gone to four years of college at least!"

"Not everyone has millions like you do, Will."

"But still, why not get into a state university or something?"

"I don't know. Ask her yourself. It's late, Will, and I have a breakfast meeting tomorrow."

"Oh, sorry. Thanks for talking."

"Yeah. Talk to you later."

"Bye."

Will hung up and sat back in his seat, watching the lights flit past his eyes. She didn't even have a college education! She was the equivalent of those poor white trash who settled for working at McDonald's and Wendy's all their lives. Will's admiration and respect for her sunk with just this one fact about Elizabeth. His snobbish, Harvard views came into boot, knocking out the common sense that usually prevailed in his mind. He had agreed to take her out to lunch. He couldn't honorably back out of the engagement. Well, maybe if he kept it really quiet, no one would know he had taken a trashy white lady out to dinner and a concert and then lunch.

Needless to say, when Will's limo pulled up, neither of them were in the best of moods. Both were cold to the other. Elizabeth just thought how it validated her assumptions. Don't worry. Only an hour and a half at the most.

"I need to be back by 1:00 at the latest."

"Fine."

They drove in silence to a small sandwich deli. They ordered their sandwiches and sat down at one of the tables by the window. In silence they waited for their food until Elizabeth could stand it no longer.

"Do you enjoy what you do?" she asked in a tone that suggested sharpness.

Will seemed surprised at such a relatively intelligent statement. "Yes, I suppose sometimes." There was a long pause. "How long have you been a photographer?"

"Since I was about 12. I only started selling my stuff when I was a junior in high school."

I'm surprised you got even that far.

When their food came, Elizabeth resolved that her stubborn and willful self just would not stay quiet. She had to tell him what she thought of him. How many activists did she know who would give their eyeteeth to have this opportunity of talking to the CEO of Darcy Inc.?

"In vain have I struggled. It will not do. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I despise and hate you."

"Come again?" Will said, eyebrows raised in utter amazement and shock.

Elizabeth hadn't meant it to come out that harsh! But once begun, there was no turning back now.

"I found out only last night that Darcy Inc. is one of the chemical companies causing so many of the problems I and the organizations I support are trying to fight."

"How so?" said the indignant CEO. Was this mere high school graduate fanatic environmentalist accusing his company?

"You are one of the myriad of corporations who doesn't care about the people living around your filthy plants, and about the environment that we all live in!"

"I don't think I have to sit here and listen to this rubbish from a mere, uneducated photographer!"

"Uneducated? You think that just because I haven't had Harvard education consisting of sleeping through classes, I don't know a darn thing about the environment, which I happen to have lived in close proximity to since I was 16! I have seen the damage your company's kind has done. In some cases, it's irreparable! I doubt we'll ever recover from the destruction wrought by the chemicals."

"You know nothing about it. My company has always had a clean reputation! We pass government inspection every year. You cannot link my company with the others."

"Can't I? Why don't you take a closer look? Stop wearing blinders."

Will knew he would not be able to contain himself any longer if she stayed. Since the only way out was by his limo and he certainly didn't want to sit alone with her for half an hour, he said in a soft, low voice, "The limo is outside. Tell him to take you back to the campsite."

Elizabeth needed no second request. Quivering with suppressed anger and outrage, she got up and walked out of the restaurant to the limo, asked to be taken home, and left Will sitting alone in the deli, also fuming from her accusations.

When Elizabeth returned, she immediately left the campsite and headed north to Canada. She knew the sooner she was back into nature, the sooner she could calm down and forgot she ever knew a Will Darcy. Meanwhile, she had to vent to someone. Her closest friend besides Jane, was Colin. She hesitated about calling Will's cousin. But after she couldn't reach Jane, she dialed Colin's number.

"Hello, Colin?"

"Elizabeth?"

"Yeah. Do you have a minute?"

"Hold on." He covered the mouthpiece and she could hear him asking some people to leave his office. "All right. Talk to me. I thought you would have been at lunch with my cousin."

"I was. But it didn't work out."

"What do you mean it didn't work out? You weren't trying to form a relationship! You were going out to lunch. Are you okay? Are you ill?"

"No, I'm fine. It's just that I learned last night that Will is CEO of Darcy Inc. which is a chemical company. One of the very ones I fight against with Greenpeace and Sierra. After I came out honestly with my opinion of him, he accused me of being uneducated. Probably because I didn't waste my time learning rubbish I'd never use in life and couldn't afford anyway. I'm very sorry, Colin, but I hate your cousin."

Colin took deep breaths, squeezing the bridge of his nose between his eyes in frustration. His cousin was not the brightest man on Mars. And Elizabeth could possibly be right about her accusations. She usually didn't accuse needlessly or erroneously.

"Will really does think his company is clean and safe."

"Well he's wrong."

"Where did you get this information?"

"Greenpeace magazine."

"All right. I'll get a copy and check up on it. I'll show Will the article in which Darcy Inc. is mentioned."

"He called me uneducated, Colin!" she cried. Her eyes started to fill and her throat clenched. The insult now reached into her heart, stinging cruelly. Will's comment had hurt her greatly.

"I'm really sorry, Liz. I told him last night you never went to college. That must be where he suddenly got this prejudiced view. I thought he knew."

"I don't go around publicizing the fact that I was too poor to go to college!"

"I know, I know. I'm fearfully sorry, Liz. I'll talk to him a little. Set him straight."

"What will that do? He obviously thinks I'm the lowest of the low. White trash is probably reverberating around his tiny brain."

"Don't fret over it, Liz. Where are you headed?"

Elizabeth sniffed loudly, and in a pouting voice, said, "Prince Edward Island seems appealing right now."

"That's a good idea. Why don't you head up there? I've heard it's particularly beautiful this time of year. Cool off, and forget about today. I'll handle Will and I'm sorry this happened. It's partly my fault."

"If he gets in trouble again, tell him to go to live in one of his factory towns for a month and get a taste of what it's like."

"I'll talk to you later on. Have a successful shoot up in PEI."

"Will doesn't think I'm successful."

"He doesn't know any better. Forget Will. Concentrate on a nice calendar to be sold next year with your photos."

Elizabeth sniffed again and sighed a loud sigh. "Thank you, Colin."

"Anytime, dear."

"Bye."

Part 4

Posted on Sunday, 22 October 2000

The first thing Colin did when he got off the phone was call his cousin. Darcy refused to answer, letting the cell phone ring in his pocket as he was riding back to New York in his limo. He was livid with anger. What right did she have to accuse his company of pollution? He had always prided himself on running a clean company. He had once admired Elizabeth, but was now thankful he had not done anything rash like caused her to think he liked her. He could imagine how her type would cling to him and think they were dating when they weren't. Caroline was the worst at this. Will shuddered and turned his thoughts more pleasantly back to Elizabeth. Woah! Where did that come from?

Colin, meanwhile, had decided to take initiative and see what the article was that riled Elizabeth so uncharacteristically. He called his secretary and asked her to find him the latest Greenpeace magazine. Puzzled by this request, she nonetheless hit the phones finding out where to get one.

By the time Colin was leaving the office, the secretary had brought him the said magazine. He stayed in the office long enough to read the article. As soon as he had reached the end of the article, he stuffed it in his overcoat pocket and walked out of the office building. Turning left, he trotted down the crowded sidewalk as best as he could, brushing shoulders and hitting his briefcase into others as the mass of people rushing homeward fought against him. Finally, he had reached the building housing Darcy Inc. He entered the revolving doors. His footsteps echoed in the lobby as he walked to the desk.

"Excuse me, but is Mr. Darcy still in his office?"

"I'm sorry, sir. Mr. Darcy left before lunch and has not returned. Did you have an appointment to meet him?"

"What?" Colin responded absently. "Oh, no, I just need to speak to him. Never mind. Thank you."

Colin walked back out onto the crowded street and headed for the nearest subway station. He impatiently waited in line for the next train to come. All the while, his mind was rapidly working on how to diffuse the situation. He knew and loved Elizabeth dearly, and apparently so did Darcy, if he had actually taken her out to dinner, a concert and lunch in two days. Colin couldn't blame his cousin there. But he could blame him for completely blowing it. Granted he wasn't blameless himself, considering he had told Darcy that Elizabeth hadn't gone to college. And Elizabeth didn't help matters with her incredibly environmentalistic temper. But this article certainly justified her anger. There must be something in error with this article. Surely Will would know if this sort of polluting were going on. That was what he was going to find out now.

At the stop to for Fifth Avenue, Colin got off and walked out of the subway up to the Avenue. He hurried down the wealthy street until he reached Will's place across from Central Park. He banged on the door. Eventually Will answered it. He looked very different from usual in boxers and no shirt. Will glared at him.

"What?"

"Can I come in?"

"Why? Are you going to berate me for her treatment of me?"

"A little, but I'm also going to show you something you'll really want to see. Come on, old boy. Let me in."

Will passively opened the door wider to let his cousin in. The contrast between them was so acute, Elizabeth would have given her pinky finger to photograph the two of them seated across from each other in expensive, leather arm chairs, Colin in his business attire, and Will in only boxers, his hair a mess and a five-o-clock shadow on his face.

Colin started by saying, "You were wrong about commenting on Elizabeth's lack of education. It wasn't by any choice of hers that she never went to college."

"How can you say that? Everyone can go to college in this country!"

"Not so. And not with the Bennet family at least. Jane, the eldest, was so beautiful, her mother pushed her into a career of modeling. She did really well and made some good money at it. Most of the money she sent home to her family. When she could, she got out of modeling and opened up her own little shop. Elizabeth was already showing promise as a photographer and had been selling her stuff at craft shows during high school. Mary was the academic one, lacking any other talents. The two younger daughters, Kathy and Lydia, were hopeless for anything. So when Elizabeth graduated, there was no money to send her to college to refine her talents. She knew this and didn't ask for the money. She, instead, took off on her own, supporting herself with a little help from Jane, and mostly making a decent success at being a photographer. In two years, she was making enough money to send some home to her family. When it came time for Mary to graduate, the efforts of both Jane and Elizabeth and a scholarship allowed Mary to attend a good school. In this way, Elizabeth sacrificed her chances to go to college. She's wanted to, still does. Probably explains why she asked you so much about your experience in Harvard and got upset when you didn't take advantage of the privilege to attend university. Elizabeth isn't stupid, she's very bright. You were completely wrong to condemn her and ridicule her like you did. She was very hurt by your comments."

"Are you done lecturing me?"

"Yes."

"Good, now get out."

"What?"

"I said get out. You haven't anything more to say to me."

"I'm not done. She was justified in calling your company one that pollutes."

"What!!?"

"Look at this! This is her source."

Will looked down at the magazine that Colin had stuffed in his face. He scowled, seeing it was Greenpeace. Colin's eyebrows raised, imploring to at least look at it.

Will took it from Colin's outstretched hands, and saw on the cover, a picture of a river with ugly, green/brown looking froth on the surface of the water near the banks. Floating in the forefront, trapped by a branch protruding from the river's depths, was a dead fish. Perched on the branch was a kingfisher that was missing its left leg. In the background, farther up the river was a big pipe spewing out foul-looking liquid into the water. The headline read, "Save Our Rivers: Companies that pollute our water systems".

Will glanced warily up at Colin, who said, "I think you might want to read the article."

Will didn't want to. He was afraid to. He knew that his company was mentioned. Maybe even more than that. Maybe his company was the feature company doing the worst damage. His employees had told him that they complied with every code and regulation. Apparently they didn't. Something had gone terribly wrong, and Will did not want to see the results in this highly public magazine.

Nevertheless, Will flipped to the featured article. There, he saw more pictures of what damage had been done by pollution, and then one picture of a chemical plant. Will read the caption and saw that it was one of his plants located in Washington.

"Companies that pollute our water systems.

Deep in the heart of Washington's pristine natural forests, flows the Soule River, once famed for its trout. Surrounding it were beautiful trees reaching up to the sunlight, providing a canopy of mottled shade. Birds sang and chirped noisily over the steady sound of rushing water. It used to be a beautiful sanctuary from the modern world. No more. In 1986, Darcy Inc., and big chemical company based in New York, built a plant in the town of Brighton, five miles from this picturesque spot of wilderness. By the year, 1990, the pristine wilderness down river from the chemical plant was diminishing, the birds were silent, the fish were dying or were born mutilated, and general wildlife populace surrounding the river, gradually died off. But more than this, the human populace that uses the water from this river have recorded unusually high rates of cancer and other related diseases. Farmers' livestock are being born deformed or not at all. Mr. Humphries, a resident of Brighton, says, "Everything were fine til the plant come. The chem'cal plant come and the birds go, the deer go, the fish go, the people get sick. That plant be bad, no doin' good to no one." The mayor of the town, Mr. Hastert, replies to the accusations, "This here town was small and flailing in economy once the loggers had to go somewhere else to find work. The Darcy plant helped boost the economy real good. We want to keep the plant, but we would also like to live without the constant fear of cancer." The company itself refuses to talk to Greenpeace about the said pollution. Only Mr. Wickham, manager of the Brighton plant made a comment: "This Darcy plant is clean, and has had a constant reputation of being clean. Every year we pass government inspections." This would indicate somebody else as the culprit until one knew that a secret pipe runs toxic waste underground to discharge in the Soule River. Citizens in Brighton are currently being mobilized to march against Darcy Inc. and its polluting chemical plant. If you want to help, send a petition to Darcy Inc. at ---- Building, 486 -th Avenue, New York, New York, 10009."

Will finished the article and buried his face in his hands. "We're ruined," Colin heard him say.

"Of course, not. You'll just have to investigate Wickham and fix the problem, put a couple of million into cleaning the mess up and move on, taking better care in picking your managers."

"It's not as simple as that," said Will, looking up. "You read that families are affected... high cancer rates... lawsuits galore... God knows what else!"

Colin didn't know how to respond for a minute. Then he (forced) cheerfully said, "Well, surely if you respond immediately and take care of the delicate situation with due care and caution, you can wiggle out of this one losing only a few million. As long as there is no paperwork or evidence linking the national headquarters to the pollution, lawsuits can only be filed against that particular plant."

"I know I haven't seen a word of this before, but what if some of my employees have?"

"I don't know Will. I would get on the phone with a real lawyer immediately and ask him. If you work this properly, Darcy, you'll be able to survive this ordeal and then go back to Elizabeth and be able to apologize."

Will looked sharply back to Colin. "I don't think Elizabeth and I are going to be in contact ever again."

"You mean your opinion hasn't changed even after all this?"

"No," lied Will.

"Well! You are heartless! I wash my hands of you."

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Fitzwilliam."

"Don't thank me! Thank Elizabeth! She's the one who told me where to find the article.". He had a scowl on his face (quite unusual for this cheerful character) and a horrible craving for macaroni and cheese.

Will ceased to acknowledge Colin's presence who realized it was time for him to be going. He walked out the door and went home, in a decidedly miffed huffy mood.

Elizabeth had put her favourite CD in the stereo and was promptly singing along to "Aquarius" by the Fifth Dimension. "When the moooooon, is in the seventh house, and Jupiteeeeer aligns with Mars. Then peeeeace will guide the planets. And loooove will steer the stars. This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius, age of Aquariuuuuus. Aquariuuuuus, aquariuuuuuuus. Harmony and understanding, sympathy and trust abounding...." She rolled down the window and stuck her head out into the wind. Opening her mouth she tasted the rushing breezes. They tasted like butter. She had thought that since she was a kid sticking her head out of the window. The wind tastes like butter. Suddenly, coming back to reality, she swerved back into her lane and pulled her head back in time to keep it from being swiped off. Settling down again, she sang more, "Let the sun shine! Let the sun shine in! The suuuuun shine in!...."

Two minutes later, "G-d, I feel like hell tonight. Tears of rage I cannot fight...." This was her favourite Sheryl Crow song. "Are you strong enough to be my man? Lie to me, I promise, I'll believe. Lie to me, but please don't lee-eeve!"

Elizabeth was trying hard not to think about earlier that day. She had angrily put several hundred miles between her and Will. Every now and then, she would get doubts. Maybe Jane had been wrong. Maybe it wasn't Will's company that was bad. He had seemed honestly shocked at her accusation. But then his words about her education came back and her throat involuntarily clenched. She fought back more tears.

Music was definitely the best medicine. "I'm blue, da ba dee da da bee dee da m da dee da dai n' dai dee da ba. I'm blue da ba dee dan dai dee dai. ... I have blue house... I have a girlfriend and she is so blue. Blue are the people here that walk around... Blue are the feelings that live inside me. I'm blue da ba dee da n' dai da bad dee dan dai...." ["Blue" by Eiffel 65] Elizabeth bopped her head and up and down with the beat of the music, successfully forgetting everything else (except driving). Her curls went wild, flying about her face, with the wind from the open windows to help. She ignored the weird looks she got from cars passing by. She didn't care. She was rid of Will, she was going to Prince Edward Island, and she didn't have a care in the world.

The song changed. The next one was a soft, saddish one. "Coming Up For Air" by Patty Larkin. The gentle guitar and soothing voices in harmony calmed our adrenaline-high heroine down to normal. Except this only made her think about other things. She did have cares in the world. She was a tree-hugger, an environmental freak, she would always have cares in the world as long as poachers killed elephants and black rhinos for their horns and tusks, as long as people slash and burned beautiful rainforests, as long as the threat of oil drilling in Alaska's wildlife reserve existed, as long as companies like Will's polluted the world. Depressed again, Elizabeth waited until the next song came on to sooth her again.

"Sittin' on the dock of the bay, watchin' the tide roll away. Sittin' on the dock of the bay, wasting time." ["Sittin' on the Dock on the Bay" by Ottis Redding] Elizabeth whistled along and told herself, I need to go back to San Francisco.

"You took your coat off, and stood in the rain. You were always crazy like that. And I watched from my window. Always felt I was outside looking in on you. You were always a mysterious one with dark eyes and careless hair. You were fashionably sensitive but too cooool to care. You stood in my doorway, with nothing to say, besides some comment on the weather..." Elizabeth sighed and decided to think about Will just to get him off her mind for good once she thought everything she could about him and wasted the subject. "Well excuse me! Cuz I mistaken you for somebody else. Somebody who gave a damn, somebody more like myself! Theeese foolish gaaames are tearing me! You're tearing me! You're tearing me apart. And yooour thoughtless woooords are breeaking my heaaaart! You're breaking myyy heart. You took your coat off and stood in the rain, you were always crazy like that." ["Foolish Games" by Jewel]

Elizabeth turned the radio off, too spooked by how much Will seemed like the guy in Jewel's song. Where did that thought come from? She hardly knew him. And Will didn't smoke. And she couldn't see Will standing in the rain like that. But still, she had felt like she was outside looking in on him.

Music was too uncanny like that sometimes. She concentrated on the road and tried not to think at all. Ha ha ha. Not! Anger was still a-boilin' in her breast! She wasn't going to forget today too soon.

But she did. In two days, once she was on Prince Edward Island, she didn't think of Will again. She had successfully pushed him out of her mind for good. She took plenty of beautiful pictures. The sunsets and sunrises were each sublimely beautiful. However, sitting alone waiting for conditions to be just perfect for the photograph, she wished she had someone to be with. In these moments, she used to relish the unbroken connection between her and nature. But this time she felt a lack of human companionship. She wished for someone to share this with. She wanted... she didn't know what- or who- she wanted. She just knew that loneliness was starting to gnaw at her contentment. And that wasn't a good sign.

Elizabeth stayed on Prince Edward Island for two months before traveling up to Nova Scotia for two weeks. Finally, she took a leisurely drive back to the United States. On the way, she made several stops for a couple of days in particularly interesting places. At each stop, she made sure to buy a leather bookmark for her collection and something for Jane. By September, she was back in the States. She took her time going home, visiting Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts while the seasons were turning the leaves into miraculous colours.

The first thing Darcy did was call Greenpeace to talk to someone about the article.

"Hello, this is Fitzwilliam Darcy, I would like to speak to someone about the article on Darcy Inc."

The secretary hesitated, not knowing how to deal with the head of the company calling the Greenpeace headquarters. "Hold on one moment, please."

Darcy impatiently waited for several minutes. Finally, someone picked up. "Hello, Mr. Darcy. Blair Hyll, Head of Human Relations."

Great. Just great. He called to reconcile differences and find a plan to work out and he was dumped with a human relations jerk. Will sighed unconsciously, calming a boiling temper.

"Mr. Hyll, I was hoping to speak to the author of the article, ... a Ms. Jennifer Greer."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Darcy, she is out on assignment and cannot be reached at the moment."

"Is there someone else I could speak to about the article?"

"What is it searching for, Mr. Darcy?"

Will sighed and asked himself the same question. He decided to just explain himself to the nitwit and hope he could put him through to a man with sense. "I am searching for a way to resolve this problem. As CEO of Darcy Inc. I had no idea any of this was happening. I have been constantly informed our company was clean. I would like to speak to someone who can explain the sources of the article, who they spoke to and other pieces of information that can help me get to the root of the problem and solve it."

Mr. Hyll had not expected this reply. He had expected an outraged CEO denying every piece of fact in the article. Maybe filing a lawsuit on them, but not a request for help in solving the problem!

There was a long pause. "Umm, alright, Mr. Darcy. That's very... noble of you. Would you mind holding on for minute?"

"No, not at all," Will sighed, exasperated.

While on hold, Will pulled on a sweatshirt, opened the glass doors, and stepped outside on to the balcony overlooking Central Park. He leaned on the railing, waiting. Inadvertently, his thoughts turned to Elizabeth. She had been right. She was justified to a certain extent. But her manner still made him angry. She was probably well on her way out of the country. Good.

"Mr. Darcy?"

"Yes."

"Hi, I'm Rachael O'Sullivan. I might be able to help you."

"Great. Could you tell me who Greenpeace spoke to in Brighton?"

"Yes, sir. George Wickham was our primary target. He refused to help much. We spoke to several employees."

"Could I have their names, please?"

"Of course, sir. Brad Numan, Hart White, Ryan Franks, and Gerard Collester."

"Who else?"

"We couldn't speak to anyone more in the company. Besides the national headquarters."

"Who did you speak to there?"

"A Mrs. Younge."

Will refrained from cursing loudly. "What did she say?"

"She denied all accusations saying that the plant passed all government inspections."

"Is it possible to find out the inspector?"

"We do not have that information, sir."

"Of course." Will paused for a minute.

"Is there anything else I can help you with, sir?"

Will remained silent still, thinking rapidly.

"Sir?"

"Oh, um, yes. I was wondering if I could speak to someone about what it takes to clean up this kind of damage."

"I will see what I can do, sir, if you would not mind holding some more."

"No, please, go ahead."

Will was put on hold once more. He scrubbed his face in stress and frustration. There was going to be some butt-whuppin' tomorrow. How could something like this have happened? And why did he have to learn about it in this way?

"Mr. Darcy. I have the number of a toxic waste clean-up expert who can give you better assessment and advice about what to do."

"That's marvelous. Could I have their name and number, please?"

"Dr. Cap Denny. His number is 342-867-3485."

"Wonderful. The last thing I wanted to know is how to lessen the negative publicity your organization has so kindly provided my company."

Ms. O'Sullivan sounded slightly uncomfortable when she said, "I think, Mr. Darcy, that if you allowed one of our reporters to follow you through your process of solving this problem, we could publish a second story on how your company handled the problem."

"Would this be another bashing of my company, or actually a good look at how it's dealt with?"

"I promise it will not be another bashing, Mr. Darcy. That is not our organization's purpose. True, we are anti-corporation, but we are not malicious. We just bring to the public's attention horrors and wrongs that must be redressed."

"Thank you for your help."

"You're quite welcome, sir. I am relieved at your reaction to this situation."

Will hung up and set the phone down on a table. He ran his hands through his curls and hung his head, trying to think, and not having much success. He needed to call his lawyer. He needed to know what damage could be done to the national company. He needed to know what action he could take against Wickham and Younge and possibly even the government inspector who had passed his company so many years without drawing attention to problems that should be solved. He needed to know if he should be getting his resume in order.

Will straightened resolutely and walked back inside, picking up the phone on the way. He dialed his lawyer's office and only received an answering machine. It was after office hours. He hung up and dialed his lawyer's cell phone.

"Hello?"

"Forster? This is Will Darcy."

"Mr. Darcy! How can I help you?"

"I hate to disturb you so late, but have you perchance seen the latest Greenpeace magazine?"

"No, why?"

"Darcy Inc. is featured on the front cover, and it's not for the wonderful chemicals we produce everyday."

"Are you serious?"

"Couldn't be more so. It's a plant in Brighton, Washington. George Wickham is the manager and might have been bribing government inspectors to pass the plant on inspection. Meanwhile, there might be another lady helping him out in headquarters, a Mrs. Younge. Not only are there ill families surrounding the plant who could sue me to bankruptcy, but there's also the cost of cleaning up all the damage."

"Calm down, Mr. Darcy. We don't have to accept blame for any of this."

"What do you mean? Who else are you gonna blame?!"

"The manager George Wickham seems the likely culprit. If he knows we're onto him, he will split and probably leave the country. The first plan of action is to have him arrested and detained until we can investigate the situation. Then we find out who knew about this. We need to keep your reputation milky white."

"Above all else, please don't let it ruin my future life!" Where did that come from?

"Of course, Mr. Darcy."

"But if Wickham is to blame, then does the entire financial burden fall on him?"

"Probably not. The costs will be so high that he will be bankrupt in months."

"Will my company survive such losses?"

"I do not know, sir."

"What's the best plan of action to take with the families affected by the chemicals?"

"I suggest, sir, paying for their medical expenses as long and as much as they are needed. This way, we might get away with no lawsuits against Darcy Inc."

"Of course."

"At the office, sir, I would suggest keeping your usual air of authority and command. Don't let anyone under any circumstances think you are under any stress or strain."

"I know."

"Is that all, Mr. Darcy?"

"For now. I will keep you posted."

"Very good, sir."

Will hung up and plopped into a chair. Disliking the sudden silence in the room, he went over to his sound system, glanced through his CDs and picked Brahms' Requiem. He put it into the player, turned the volume up and then plopped back into the easy chair. He let his hang back and ran his hands through his hair again.

Having a revelation, he picked the phone back up and called Colin.

"Hello?"

"Colin?"

"Will! Are you calling to beg forgiveness?"

"What? No! I was calling to tell you I'll be flying out to Brighton, Washington tomorrow morning."

"To see the damage?"

"And the families. And Wickham. If he's still there, I'm putting him in jail."

"Good idea. I wish you luck and good fortune."

"Thanks. Keep an eye on the news and my house for me until I get back, will you?"

"Sure."

"I'll talk to you when I return."

Will flew out on the earliest flight to Seattle and from there, drove a rented car to Brighton. Greenpeace had put him in touch with the community leader. Will decided to go straight to his house. It was small, two bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room. Will felt awkward when he knocked on the door.

A woman dressed in slippers and an apron over worn clothes answered the door, "Yes?"

"I was wondering if I could speak to Mr. Fenton."

"He's at work."

"Could you tell me where he works?"

"He works down at the lumberyard. It's over yonder about three blocks and down that road two miles on the left."

"Thank you ma'am."

Will drove to the lumberyard, pulled his BMW up next to a well-used pick-up truck and got out. He walked up to the first man he saw and asked where he might find Mr. Fenton. The man pointed him out working on a couple of tools under the shelter.

Will walked up to him. "Mr. Fenton?"

"Yeah?"

"Hello, my name is Will Darcy."

"Darcy?"

Will fidgeted a bit. "Yes. I was wondering if I could have a long talk with you?"

"Ah've said all Ah'm gonna say to t' publick."

"I understand that. But I was hoping you could show me the damage done by the plant. I need to get an idea of what I'm dealing with." Will took a step closer. "Mr. Fenton, I would like to assure you I had no idea any of this was happening until yesterday. I have come here as soon as I could to remedy the situation."

"Ya'll cain't fix it lahke that. It be a mighty big problem. You got people sick and the water tainted and all such stuff."

"That's what I was hoping you could show me."

Fenton eyed him suspiciously for another minute before nodding and said, "Lemme jus' go talk to me boss."

Will nodded and stood back waiting.

Fenton came back and Will followed him out of the lumberyard. They walked up to Will's car and got in. "Ah'm gonna take ya someplace real shocking."

Will prepared himself for a shock but was still affected by the sight of the river several miles downstream from the plant. Fenton showed him the water. "Tha's whut we drink. It be tainted by your plant."

"How many families have been affected?"

"Oh, lots. The Smiths and the Gregorys, the Freemans and the Blackmans, the Muenches and Harrises. There are coupla more famlies not 'fected so bad."

Will continued his interview with Fenton for another half an hour, finding out when the problems started to occur and what they had already done about it. And what Wickham's actions had been toward the community.

After their interview, Will took him back to the lumberyard and proceeded to visit each of the families Fenton had named. Will was penitent, humble, and very, very apologetic. He promised the families to pay for their medical bills until the problems were cured. He promised the families there would be new management at the plant and cleaner standards.

Will stayed at the only motel in the town. He called Dr. Denny and asked him when he could fly out to Washington. The expert said that under the circumstances, he could be there by the next afternoon. Will agreed to meet him at a certain spot and hung up.

After a fitful night in which Elizabeth was featured in his dreams, Will went to the local law authorities. He explained who he was and how he wished to keep Wickham available to pay up damages and possibly be put in jail. The Chief of Police was only too happy to come up with an excuse to incarcerate Wickham. Together, they went to the chemical plant and proceeded to arrest Wickham. Will ignored all threats and curses aimed at him, and proceeded to clean out Wickham's desk into a box to take back to New York with him. He made sure he didn't miss a thing. Even Wickham's hard drive was taken.

The Chief of Police, seeing Will doing this, stuttered, "Uh, sir, we don't have a warrant for that kind of thing."

"Oh, this isn't for you. I'm his employer and this is technically mine. Don't worry, I'll take good care of it."

The man didn't try and prevent Will again.

That afternoon, Will met Dr. Denny at the Dunkin Donuts of Brighton. Together, they drove out to the site Fenton had shown him the previous day. Dr. Denny 'hmm'ed and 'err'ed over the site for a while before Will became impatient. "Well?" he asked.

"It doesn't look good. How long has this been going on?"

"About eight years."

"Hmm, very bad. It'll take a lot of work. Do you have a list of chemicals that can be in this water?"

"Yes, but with them all mixed up, any combination of the chemicals could react infinite numbers of ways."

"True, but I need that list all the same."

"I will send it to you as soon as I have it. Can you clean this place up?"

"What? Oh! Yes, but it will take time and a lot of money."

"Would you be in charge of this clean-up operation?"

"Yes."

"Will you?"

"You want to go ahead with this?"

"Do I have another option?"

"No."

"Then please, get to work as soon as possible."

Will returned to New York a different man. Visiting the site and the families had affected him in ways he didn't even want to think about. Colin noticed it when he talked to him on the phone. "Are you all right, man?" Colin had asked.

"What?"

"I said, are you all right?"

"Oh, yeah, yeah, of course. I'm just fine. Doing great."

"Sure," Colin had replied, totally unconvinced. "Do you want to watch a movie together?"

"What did you have in mind?"

"How about U 571?"

"Naw, too heavy."

"The Great Escape?"

"Too old."

"Chicken Run?!"

"Yeah that's sounds okay."

"You're kidding, right?"

"Yes, of course I'm kidding! Anyway, I've already seen it with Georgiana. It's actually a really cute movie."

"You're sure you're okay, cuz?"

"Yes! I'm fine!"

"You pick the movie then."

"Me?"

"No, I'm talking to Leonardo diCaprio standing next to me! Of course you! You keep rejecting my ideas!"

"How about... Erin Brockovich?"

Silence. "You're still joking, right?"

"No."

"Do you know what that movie's about?"

"I heard it was really good. And it's got Julia Roberts in it."

"No, man. You do not want to see this movie! It's- it's- it's just not going to be very- it'll be awkward."

"Can you talk some sense?"

Colin sighed and quickly said, "I've already seen it and hated it."

"Oh, sorry. Well, how about a Hitchcock movie?"

"An oldie? I thought you said you didn't want to see an old movie!"

"I changed my mind."

"You know what, let's just go out to eat like we usually do."

"Sure."

"How's Chinese?"

Will stopped short. "Chinese?"

"Yeah."

"No, no, I couldn't. Not Chinese. How about French?"

"Okay, if you want French. What's wrong with Chinese, though? We haven't had Chinese in ages."

"I took Elizabeth to a Chinese restaurant."

"Oh! I see!"

"What? What? Don't- don't say that! You- you- just shut up! Leave me alone! I don't need you down my back all the time, okay?!"

"Will! Will! Calm down! I didn't say anything! For Pete's sake! You're taking this way too far. Look, we'll meet at 7:30 at Che' Pierre's."

"Fine."

"Cool off before then."

"Go jump off a cliff."

The meal was much more pleasant than the phone conversation. Will had cooled off. Colin avoided the subject of Elizabeth and just asked him everything about his Washington trip. Wickham was still being detained. Darcy Inc. was already paying for medical bills and the clean up job was underway. Will's stock had taken a hard hit, but his prompt and decisive actions had helped. He had given his lawyers the files and other information collected from Wickham's office. It had been confirmed that Mrs. Younge was helping Wickham. The government inspectors that had passed the plant on inspection were being found and brought before their supervisors and sometimes the court. In all, the crisis was settling down as much as possible.

Colin was proud of his cousin. He was beginning to redeem himself after the horrible way he had treated Elizabeth. Colin knew that Will thought about Elizabeth, but stayed off the topic at all costs, preferring to remain friends for the time being.

"Charlie's coming home."

"Really?" replied Colin. "I thought he'd never come back to the Big Apple!"

"Guess so. He got tired of tramping about Europe and decided to settle down here again."

"What's he going to do?"

"I think he's going to take up a position at Hawley & Dram's.

"How long do you think he'll last there?"

"Two, maybe three months."

"Is that a bet?" challenged Colin.

"No. He's just come back from two years of traveling the world. I'm not going to presume to know his character anymore. He'll have done some proper soul searching and he'll probably have morals and ethics and horrible stuff like that!"

"Maybe you should plan a trip around the world, then," muttered Colin, just loud enough for Will to hear.

Will ignored the comment, knowing full well to what he was referring to.

"When's Charlie arriving?"

"Two weeks from tomorrow."

"You going to meet him at the airport?"

"Probably, unless his sister's there, too."

"She wouldn't meet him out of kindness on her own, so as long as you don't make it known that you are going to meet him, you stand a pretty good chance of avoiding her."

"I've actually done remarkably well since Charlie's left. I hate it that such a valuable friendship to me has to come with such a horrible burr. ... Why don't you get the same treatment?"

"Because I haven't got nearly the same worth as you, my dear cousin, for which I am grateful only in those circumstances. Well, and recently, of course."

"Thanks," replied Darcy, dryly.

"Anytime."

Two weeks later, Darcy stood in the corner of the room at the JFK airport. He kept a close eye on the crowd milling around and on the passengers deplaning. Finally, he spotted a tall, well-built blonde man in khakis and a polo shirt holding only a John Grisham book. Elizabeth read John Grisham. Will walked forward confidently.

"Charlie! You old fleabag! How have you been?"

"Will?"

The two men embraced, laughing. Charlie's eyes held wonder. Will had changed since he had seen him last. But then so had he.

"I didn't know you were meeting me here."

"That's because I didn't tell you. In case the information leaked out to your sister."

"Oh yeah. Have you guys seen each other much while I was gone?"

"Nope, not at all. It was like I was on vacation. I'm sorry Charlie, but much as I love our friendship, I cannot abide your sister."

"It's not like you make it a big secret."

"Then why doesn't Caroline take a hint?"

"Denial. Come on, let's get out of here. I'm so exhausted! I never learned to sleep on planes."

"Sleeping pills are the best way to go."

"But then I'm afraid I'll snore horribly or drool over the beautiful chick sitting next to me!"

Will laughed at the mental picture, threw an arm around his best friend and guided him to the baggage claim.

"So how've you been?" asked Charlie.

"Oh, it's been a very tough year, but I'll tell you on the way home. What have you been up to recently? Last I talked to you, you were in Spain researching some weird kind of spider."

"Oh! They were fascinating! They would lure their prey by scent towards the hole where the spider was hiding and then pop! the spider would come out and bite the prey with paralyzing venom. Lethal stuff to humans, too."

"Wonderful. I heard about the spiders."

"So after Spain I went to Morocco. Amazing place! The people there were so odd. Friendly, yet wary."

They collected Charlie's bags while he chattered away like a magpie. Will did a very good impression of listening attentively. He got the gist of it all, but couldn't focus too well. He had grown too accustomed to zoning out on people outside of the office. It was the best thing to do when sacked with a woman trying to impress him. The only person he had met he didn't zone out on was Elizabeth. Elizabeth... I wonder where she is now.

"Hello! Earth to Will!"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I just recalled something I had forgotten. Continue, I was listening."

Charlie looked skeptical, but still continued his narrative.

When they were in the car, Charlie paused in his narrative to say, "I heard that you got a month's vacation a while ago."

Will schooled his face into the impenetrable façade he put on for business. Charlie noticed. "Yes. I did get away from New York for a month."

"Where did you go?'

"I roamed. Some of Kansas, some of Tennessee, some of North Carolina, some of Illinois, and some of Missouri."

"Who were you with?"

"A friend of Colin's."

"Do I know him?"

"No."

"Did you enjoy yourself?"

Will hesitated. "Yes."

"That's wonderful. But still, I wish you could have seen some of the places I've seen...."

Will zoned out again. He had been disturbed by the memories Charlie stirred up with his questions. Did I enjoy myself? Was it not a time of surreal contentment and happiness?

The two men went over to Colin's apartment and caught up on the things men need to know about themselves. I, being a woman, do not know what these things are, therefore I refrain from straining my imagination trying to think of some. So you imagine them to your own heart's content. I will continue with my story. Though I will say Charlie found out all about the Brighton/Wickham fiasco, just not how Will find out. That, he learned later on from Colin alone.

A year passed with clear progress showing in Brighton. The plant had been shut down until repairs could be made and facilities for dealing with the toxic waste built. Wickham was prosecuted and consequently sentenced to five years in jail as well as paying Darcy Inc. a certain amount of money never disclosed to the public. Mrs. Younge was fired and blacklisted with no mercy. Greenpeace followed the progress as promised and was to feature an article on the company once again when the clean up was complete.

Charlie did settle down to an accepted career and led a happy social life as well. Will rarely joined his friend at these social occasions. Colin tried his best to bring his cousin out of his shell, but failed time and again.

Elizabeth, meanwhile, had been growing in fame and success. The result of this was deals with companies wanting to merchandise her photographs. After at least a month of dithering over whether this was a step she really wanted to make, a hint of her father's retirement spurred her in the direction of financial security. This meant a trip to New York to meet the men who wanted to buy her pictures. And, of course, this meant a call to her dear friend, Colin:

"Colin? Hey, this is Elizabeth."

"Lizzy? How have you been? I haven't heard from you in ages! Where are you?"

"Actually, I'm at home."

"Wow. Are you developing?"

"Well, sure. I'm always developing when I'm home, but that wasn't the reason why I came home."

"Is there anything wrong?"

"No, Colin. Listen. I'm going to New York to make a deal with some company who wants to make merchandise out of my pictures."

"That's great! Congratulations!"

"Thanks. I've convinced Jane to take a vacation and come with me. We're taking Cleo. But I wanted to see you while up there."

"Of course. I'd be hurt if you didn't. We could got out to dinner somewhere really fancy."

"The good part is that I'll be able to afford it with this new deal I'm making."

"Who said anything about letting you pay for the bill?" Colin laughed. "Don't fight me on this one. Do you mind if I bring I good friend of mine? I wouldn't want Jane to feel left out. It can be a blind date."

"I don't know, Colin..."

"He's a really terrific guy. He traveled all over Eurasia and some of Africa a couple of years ago."

"Okay."

"Wow, I finally get to meet the infamous Jane Bennet in person!"

Elizabeth laughed. "Don't get your hopes up. Besides, you've seen enough of her pictures to know what she looks like."

"Naw, modeling pictures don't count. They never look like they're human, and it's not their real character. This way I'll get to know her."

"We'll look forward to it. I will be in New York by the 15th."

"Do you want to do this before or after you meet with the bigwigs?"

"Before, I think. A stress reliever. How about 6:00 p.m. on the 14th?"

"Sounds great. I'll tell ole' Charlie boy to be there."

"Where shall we meet you?"

"If you're in Cleo, do you want me to come pick you up?"

"Please. We'll be in the campsite off of I-** to the south of the city."

"I'll pick you up at 5:00 then."

"Till then."

"Bye, Liz."

The drive to New York was a very relaxing and pleasant one for the two sisters. Elizabeth had with her an entire portfolio of her best work. Jane was just along for the ride, and was enjoying her time off with her favourite sister.

It took two days to reach New York. Elizabeth only stopped three times to snap some pictures. They arrived at the campsite at three in the afternoon. They rested and prepared themselves for the dinner. Promptly at five o' clock, Colin pulled up beside Cleo.

He jumped out as Elizabeth ran up to him and hugged him. Colin laughed at her reaction, holding her tightly and spinning her around.

"Da-n! it's good to see you!" he said.

Elizabeth replied, when back on firm ground, "Likewise, Mousier. Colin, I would like you to meet my sister, Jane."

Jane, who had been standing to the side, came forward with her hand outstretched. Colin, was more struck by her beauty in person than from the pictures of her modeling career. In real life, she was sweet, modest, gentle, and kind. On top of all this, she was beautiful. Colin took her hand, and bent to kiss it gallantly.

"To meet you, Jane, is an honor that will not be overshadowed for years to come."

Jane blushed prettily. Elizabeth chuckled, and said, "Shall we be off?"

"Of course, mademoiselle. After you."

Elizabeth climbed in the front seat while Jane sat contentedly in the backseat, silently listening to the two old friends talk. There weren't many subjects they missed. But Jane did notice a glaring absence of Will Darcy's name. Elizabeth had informed her of their last conversation together. And she knew that Colin knew about their... conflict. So it was likely that he would not mention his cousin around Elizabeth. Still, it was a shame. He had seemed a decent sort, and very handsome, if she could recall correctly.

About fifty minutes later, they arrived at the restaurant. Ten minutes later, Colin had found a parking space. Another ten minutes later, they walked up to the restaurant. It was a nice, Italian establishment. Classy, but not snobbish. Colin saw Charlie already waiting for them at their table. He walked over, leading Elizabeth and Jane.

"Charlie, I'd like you to meet a dear friend of mine, Elizabeth Bennet, and her sister, Jane Bennet."

Charlie stood up, and gently shook hands with both of them. His eyes, once on Jane, seemed to have trouble removing themselves. Elizabeth did not fail to notice this and couldn't resist a teasing smile at Jane, who blushed furiously.

They sat down, Colin across from Elizabeth, Jane sitting next to her sister and across from Charlie. Jane had difficulty with making eye contact with Charlie. He didn't seem to stop staring at her, and he made her a little nervous. Elizabeth's hand taking her own calmed her down a little. Elizabeth looked at her sister with affection and encouragement. Jane relaxed and smiled back. Colin, noticed this and was touched. He didn't have a sister, and Will's sister was so much younger than he was, he only looked at her with almost a fatherly look.

The dinner progressed well. The conversation was light, relaxed and fun. The only tension in the group was between Jane and Charlie, who seemed like they had trouble keeping their minds off of anything else but each other. Elizabeth smirked inside, but on the outside ignored them. Colin nudged poor Charlie a couple of times, but then gave up, with a roll of the eyes at Elizabeth.

Will played the message over for the fourth time. Will, this is Colin. Elizabeth is in town for some business deal. I'm taking her and her sister Jane out to the Arqua Restaurant if you want to join us. I think you should. Charlie's going to be there. 6:00 at the Arqua.

He wanted to go but he didn't. He wanted to be able to go but knew it was a stupid idea. Elizabeth still hated him. He wished he could be able to sit there and talk with her and her sister and his two favourite mates. But it was not to be. But... he could spy on them through the window. He longed just for a glimpse of Elizabeth again.

This was what he did. It began raining as he rode in his limo to Church Street. He only had his usual overcoat. He didn't care. He got out anyway and walked up to the restaurant. He was in luck. He could see their table from the window. He hunched his shoulders and pulled his coat around his body. Ignoring the weird looks from passersby, he stared unabashedly at the happy group. They were laughing heartily at some comment Colin had made. Elizabeth looked positively radiant in her cocktail dress and her curls pulled up off her neck. Her eyes were merry and the smile seemed to spread across her face. Will sighed unconsciously. He didn't notice Jane sitting next to Elizabeth, he didn't notice Charlie's weird behaviour to Jane, and he didn't notice Colin. He could only focus on Elizabeth. Indeed, she seemed to be the only one in focus in the whole scene. It all stopped when Elizabeth looked his way. Will quickly ducked out of sight, his breath heavy as he leaned against the brickwork, head tilted up to the rain, eyes clenched tight, trying to capture the scene in his memory forever.

"Is something wrong?" asked Colin, looking behind him at where Elizabeth was staring.

"I don't think so. I just thought I saw someone looking at us through the window. He seemed vaguely familiar, but it must be my imagination. It's raining so hard outside someone standing in it would have to be out of his mind."

That last phrase caught Colin's attention. He had a suspicion. "That reminds me, I need to check and make sure the meter hasn't run out of quarters. Do excuse me, won't you?"

Elizabeth, the only one paying attention, nodded, adding, "I'll visit the ladies room."

Together, Colin and Elizabeth left the table. Colin winked at her as they separated. It took several minutes before the couple left behind noticed that they were alone. The effect was deep blushes on both sides.

Colin walked out of the restaurant, borrowing an umbrella from the rack by the door. He saw a man leaning against the wall of the establishment further down the sidewalk.

Colin trotted up to him, and soon recognized his reprobate cousin. "Will!"

He looked up at Colin and stood erect, turning away.

"Will, wait, come back!" Colin trotted up to his cousin. "What are you doing?"

"I'm going home."

"Why don't you come inside and join us?"

"You know I can't."

"No I don't."

"Of course you do. Remember? Elizabeth hates me? Probably so does Jane by now."

"That's silly."

"Try asking her yourself. Have you even mentioned my name to her?"

Colin faltered.

"That's what I thought. I'm going home."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, have a good night."

Colin knew it was hopeless, but at least now he had a better gage of his cousin's feelings toward Elizabeth. Why else would he come all the way there to just stare at her through the window? If this was the case, then Colin meant to do something about it. He wasn't going to just sit back and let a perfectly good couple go to waste. And besides, there were many advantages to having Elizabeth as a cousin-in-law. Maybe Will could cure her of that wandering itch.

Colin walked back into the restaurant, replaced the borrowed umbrella, and seeing Jane and Charlie still alone and in deep conversation, he went over to wait by the ladies' room door.

In three minutes, Elizabeth emerged. Colin caught her arm, startling her for a second.

"Sorry."

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah. I just didn't want to interrupt the lovebirds over there, you know?"

Elizabeth grinned and nodded knowingly. "Follow me, amateur."

"At your service, master."

Elizabeth led the way to the table. "Oh, Jane, Charlie! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to leave you two alone so rudely. Forgive me."

The couple had jumped apart guiltily at the sound of Elizabeth's voice. Colin hid a smile and pulled out Elizabeth's chair for her.

The dinner lasted only another half an hour. As they stood in the foyer, Colin asked Charlie, "Charlie-boy, did you want a ride home? It's horrible weather to be taking public transportation home."

Elizabeth eyed Colin suspiciously. The way he had asked Charlie that question made it seem like Charlie had begged Colin to ask him.

Charlie played innocent and replied, "Oh, why Colin, thanks. It'd be much appreciated, if the ladies didn't mind."

He was looking at Jane, who blushed and shook her head. Elizabeth said, "Why, Charlie! It's an hour back to Cleo at the campsite."

"Oh, that's all right. It'll give me more time to talk to you."

Ha! Yeah right. He's just dying to ask my opinion on deep sea fishing.

It was settled. All four of them would be driving back to Cleo. Driving was slow and difficult for Colin, who didn't use his car much while in the city. The rain was pouring down in torrents. A couple of times he was down to forty miles an hour on the interstate. For Charlie's good fortune, the drive lasted an extra half an hour.

By the time they were nearing the campsite, the rain had let up to a light drizzle. Colin pulled up next to Cleo and turned off the car. Jane and Charlie, oblivious to the outside world, were still quietly conversing. Elizabeth and Colin looked at each other.

"Do you want to come inside?" Elizabeth asked.

"Sure. I haven't seen Cleo in years."

They got out and Elizabeth unlocked the door. They walked in and closed the door, leaving the lovebirds to themselves.

"Did you set them up on purpose?" demanded Elizabeth almost immediately.

"Me?" he said in an innocent voice. "Actually, I wish I could claim credit for this one, but I can't. I had no idea playboy Charlie would settle down on one girl."

Elizabeth's warning system perked up. "Playboy?"

"Elizabeth, believe me, if he was just picking Jane up, I would be the brick wall between them. He's never acted this way to any girl I've ever seen before. Jane's really special. I would not be surprised at all if Charlie stopped going to social parties altogether."

Elizabeth wasn't totally convinced. But then, Charlie's nature had seemed impeccable this evening.

Recalling her duties of hostess, she asked, "Did you want something to drink? Tea? Coffee?"

"I'm fine, thanks."

"Are you sure? You have a long drive back with a lovesick Charlie."

"Hmm, you're right. Do you have a Coke?"

The two sat down on the sofa with Coke's in hand. Colin took a deep breath, and said, "Elizabeth, you know there's one topic we've avoided all night."

Elizabeth squirmed uncomfortably. "There's no rule that we have to talk about everything."

"He's changed."

"Good."

"For the better."

"Fine."

"He's sorry."

"Really! What a way to find out!"

"Did you want him to come crawling back on his knees?"

"It'd be a start."

"Be realistic, Liz."

"I am. He hurt me really badly. It took me months to forget what he said, but even now, when I'm at my worst and when I'm depressed, his words come back to haunt me."

"He didn't know enough about you, Liz."

"And he made so much effort to find out," she retorted, sarcastically. "Even after an entire month together."

Colin sighed. "I just wish you'd give him a second chance."

"Why? Did he tell you to tell me that? Or do you just wish to reconcile your beloved cousin and your friend? If it's the former, tell him that's something he needs to talk to me about in person. If it's the latter, until the pigheaded cousin asks for forgiveness, I'm not giving him anything except maybe a finger."

Colin knew that was that. Elizabeth would not be persuaded to change her verdict. Stubbornness was one of her less lovable qualities.

Colin stood and walked to the door. "I'd better interrupt whatever is going on out there before they make a mess in my car."

Together, Elizabeth and Colin walked outside. Jane and Charlie had actually gotten out of the car. Jane took a step away from him and said, "Good night."

Charlie smiled stupidly. "Good night."

Colin smiled at Elizabeth and gave her hug. He kissed her cheek and said, "Call and tell me what happens tomorrow. Don't sign anything without reading all the small print. And don't let them have even an inkling hinting that you don't know what you're doing."

"All right, all right. I know. I'll call you. Drive safely. And thanks for dinner. Charlie, it was wonderful meeting you. I hope to see you more."

Charlie smiled at Elizabeth (for once) and said, "That would lovely, Elizabeth. Thank you for a marvelous evening." The last comment was directed more at Jane.

The drizzling rain cut short their good byes. Colin and Charlie got in the car while Jane and Elizabeth went into Cleo.

"Well?" said Elizabeth.

"It was a beautiful evening. I really liked the lasagna I had. I meant to get the recipe."

"Jane," Elizabeth whined. "You know I want to hear more about you and Charlie. Colin and I could almost see the sparks flying between you two."

"Nonsense, Lizzy. He was just a charming dinner companion."

"Right. And our mother is a genius," she replied, sarcastically. "Come on, Jane. Then why did you agree to see him again?"

Jane looked surprised. "How did you know that?"

"I didn't. I guessed. Now I know. Jane, he was practically drooling over you!"

Jane blushed.

"Don't you like him?"

"Of course, I do!"

"What did you two talk about for so long?"

"Oh, this and that. We didn't have to talk about anything substantial. Just being in each other's company was enough."

Elizabeth sighed. "How romantic. I wish someone like that would come and swoop me off my feet."

"You don't count Colin?"

"No. He's just a dear friend. We've known each other for years. I don't think I can even remember how we met. He's one of those friends you've had so long you can't remember not having them. So! What have you and Charles got planned?"

"If you don't mind, he was going to come and pick me up as soon as he got off work. He wants to take me out to dinner and a show."

"Of course! Go right ahead. I'll probably be so tired from my meeting I'll come home and crash."

"Thanks."

"Are you excited?"

"Are you kidding? I'm not going to sleep a wink tonight!"

Elizabeth laughed at her poor sister. But inside, Elizabeth could not help but acknowledge a twinge of jealousy.

Part 5

Posted on Thursday, 7 December 2000

This section is dedicated to my best friend Calla, for her 19th birthday, on the 7th of December. I hope we get to see many more birthdays together.

The following day, Elizabeth completed a deal selling her rights to a company who would merchandise her work. She would receive royalties as long as the sales went on. She was pleased with the deal. Her work would be well known and the deal would provide her with enough money to be comfortable and still save some and still support Mary in school.

That evening, when Jane had left with Charles, Elizabeth called Colin.

"Hello, Colin?"

"Elizabeth?"

"Who else would it be? Do you have that many female callers?"

"As a matter of fact I do!"

"Sure."

"Hey, do you mind if I put you on speaker phone? My hands are kind of busy."

"No, not at all. What are you doing?"

Elizabeth heard some changes on the other end and then heard a more distant Colin saying, "I'm cooking. I have a friend over for dinner."

"Hmmm, a female friend?"

"Sorry, only an old chum of mine."

"Did you know that Charles took Jane out tonight?"

"No, I didn't, but I figured he had asked her out. So you're all alone in Cleo?"

"Yep."

"So you called me."

"What else was I going to do? Talk to my mother?"

"No, I'm glad you have me to call if nobody else. So... how did the deal go?"

"Very well. I signed off on it after some negotiations."

"What will they be making out of your work?"

"Oh, the usual things: flowers, chocolates, promises you don't intend to keep...Just kidding. That's one of favourite movie quotes. They'll make different items. Calendars and posters, even a screen saver, I believe."

"Wow. You'll be famous."

"Not quite." She heard a loud clanging noise. "Colin? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, sorry. Just dropped a couple of pans. Anyway, I was going to ask you if you could, like, send me the stuff, or tell me where to get it. I want to start a collection of it."

"I'm flattered, but I'm sure they'll send me the stuff, and I sure don't want it. I'll send it all to you."

"Thanks. What will you be doing now?"

"Actually, I really don't know. I still don't have freedom since Mary is still in school and my father is looking to retire soon. I think I'm just going to go back on the road photographing some more."

"Why don't you hitch up with a magazine or a company?"

"I like doing the freelance work. I like the schedule it allows me to have and the freedoms."

"Won't you ever want to settle down and have a life?"

"I do have a life. Just not an average life. And maybe one day I will lose the urge to be traveling constantly. But right now, I don't think I've seen enough of this country to satisfy me. And then there is the rest of the world."

"I will never understand you."

"I don't expect to be understood by people like you."

"What do you mean 'people like me'?"

"People who get up at 7 and go to an 8 to 5 job in the big city then come home and have another life. You lead double lives. One at work and one out of work. My work is my life."

"I know a few people like that. My cousin, Will, being one of them. Except I guess you would call people like him a workaholic."

Colin expected Elizabeth to pick up that subject. Like 'How is your cousin, by the way?' or 'Speaking of Will... what is he up to?' Anything on that subject. But instead, she said, "When is your chum coming over?"

"He came over at eight."

"Isn't he late?"

"No. I mean he's already here."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were entertaining company now. I'll go."

"It's okay. I'm still cooking."

"Well then where is your friend?"

"He's around and about. We're close enough that I don't have to entertain him per se."

"I see. So, when are you going to be leaving your 8 to 5 job?"

"I don't see any such plans in the near future. I lead my double life quite happily, thank you. At work, I make enough money to do the things I want to do the rest of the time."

"Must be horrid."

"It's not so bad. You get used to it and I don't mind my job that much at all."

"Well, I'm going to let you go. I'm sure I'm distracting you from your cooking. And Lord knows you need the extra concentration."

"You don't know how good my cooking is!"

"You're right, I don't. I'm fine with my current diet."

"Call me again before you leave New York, won't you?"

"Sure."

"When are you leaving, do you know?"

"No, sorry. It might be longer than I anticipated if Jane and Charles become more attached."

"Yes, I could see how that would happen. Well, maybe you and I can go out alone one evening."

"That'd be nice."

"Call me later on then."

"Bye."

"Good bye."

Colin hit the speaker button, hanging up the phone. He turned back to the simmering sauce on the hob.

"Why did you do that?"

"Do what?" asked Colin, his back still to his guest.

"You damn well knew I had to listen to the entire conversation. Why did you do that?"

Colin shrugged and said innocently. "You could have left the kitchen any time you wanted. I needed my hands to do the cooking. Really, Darcy, you are paranoid. What do you suspect me of?"

Will eyed Colin's innocent back warily. "I suspect you of something along the lines of matchmaking."

"Oh! Preposterous! Me? Matchmaking? Never."

It turned out that Jane had the night of her life and was fast falling in love with Charles. The same could be said about him, but he was more lovestruck. Elizabeth, therefore, prepared to spend quite a few days in New York. She did travel a little bit around the city and around the New York countryside taking pictures. One evening, Colin took her out to dinner and a movie. Elizabeth enjoyed his company, except when he tried to introduce Will into the conversation. Elizabeth's opinions about Will had not changed one bit. Will had yet to call and make an apology about his horrid behavior to her that last time she saw him and there was the unforgivable crimes on the environment his company was responsible for.

Jane and Elizabeth left New York a week and a half later. Jane was more subdued on the way home than she had been going up. Elizabeth was a little concerned. She finally broached the subject to her sister.

"How did you leave things between you and Charles?"

"He's going to write me."

"That's it?"

"What else can he do? Move to Elsah? Impossible."

"So you two are just going to have a long distance relationship indefinitely?"

"For now, yes." After a long pause, Jane continued, "But, Lizzy, if things did become serious enough between us, I would consider moving to New York again."

"And do what?"

"I could easily take up modeling again. Not as high profile as I used to, but for catalogs and other low-key jobs. Enough to make a modest living."

"And live with Charles," Elizabeth finished.

"If it came to that, yes. But Lizzy, it is still very, very early on to be predicting my future."

"Of course," Elizabeth agreed, with a distinguishable smirk still on her face.

The two sisters took their time returning home. Elizabeth had more leisure to stop and take pictures. She tried to take Jane to places she had never been before. Jane, however, did not seem to be too keen on sightseeing and birdwatching at the moment, so Elizabeth resignedly took her home to Elsah.

Elizabeth decided to go ahead and develop the three rolls she had taken while she was home. At the same time, she compiled another folder of her best works to be sent to her new partner. When she had done everything she needed to do at home, she prepared to go out in Cleo once more.

Right before she left, Jane received a letter from Charles. When Elizabeth came to say good bye to her sister, she witnessed a very happy and almost completely contented Jane.

"Good bye, Jane. Remember to pick up my mail and check up on my house, won't you?"

"Of course, Lizzy. Be safe and I hope you get some good stuff. Call me every once and a while, right?"

"Only if you will give me news about you and Charles. I don't get to watch soap operas on Cleo, so you and Charles will have to suffice."

Jane blushed scarlet. "I will tell you the censored version of our relationship."

Elizabeth laughed at her sister's embarrassment, and hugged her affectionately.

"Good bye, Lizzy."

Will had taken up a new hobby. Avoiding Colin. Colin had become excessively fond of bringing up the subject of Elizabeth. Colin kept telling Will he should call Elizabeth and apologize to her. Deep down inside, Will wanted to get back into Elizabeth's good graces, but he didn't want to do that by calling her and begging her forgiveness. He still had enough pride to be disgusted by that proposal. Instead, he hoped to see her some day, so he could apologize in person and right after that, strike up an intelligent conversation with her, so she would immediately see he had changed. Will kept these daydreams to himself, and instead... avoided Colin.

In other aspects of Will's life, things were going fine. The company was back on its feet with extra careful eyes watching environmental regulations. Will had a somewhat limited social life. He attended the necessary social events for his company, but avoided all dates and rarely chose to go out with his friends. Charles had been the most successful at bringing Will out of his apartment and office, until he met Jane. Will found the constant chatter of a man lovesick over the sister of Elizabeth to be insufferable. Therefore, Will became a hermit. He was not in love with Elizabeth. He had liked her company before their argument, but that was all. He did not think about her everyday, nor wonder where she was at that moment, nor wish he was living in Cleo again, nor look for her photographs every chance he could. Believe what you will.

Elizabeth was successful at her merchandising. It took quite a few months for things to start rolling, but once they did, her work became a fad. Even her company partner had not expected her work to become so popular so easily.

As promised, Elizabeth sent Colin the things ahead of time. Little did she know exactly what Colin was doing. Colin had decided that he was going to wage a campaign against his cousin.

It was a usual Monday morning, Will was feeling grumpy at the amount of work sitting on his desk to be done that day. He didn't complain, but just rode the elevator up to his office, walked through the office ignoring all the looks from the personal assistants. On his desk, however, lay a calendar. He looked at it, confused, turned to his personal assistant, and asked, "What's this?"

"It was delivered for you, sir."

"By whom?"

"I do not know, sir."

Will picked it up and tossed it onto a chair by his desk, sat down and started to do his day's work. It wasn't until his lunch break did he pick up the calendar to let an expected guest sit down in the chair after the lunch hour. He paused before throwing the calendar in the waste paper basket. His eyes caught the name, 'Elizabeth Bennet'. Startled, he took a closer look.

The calendar was named 'Nature's Clouds'. Will turned it over, and looked at the back. There he saw twelve striking pictures of different cloud structures. One was at sunset, one was of a thunderhead, and another was of some stratus clouds. He recognized two of the photos from Elizabeth's portfolio. He had sort of known that she was doing this, but had never really grasped the concept of her becoming almost a household name. But she wasn't. This was just a calendar that had appeared on his desk. It did not mean that she was successful and it did not mean that she was a household name. That was taking it a bit far. No, this was just a little souvenir that could be found in those roadside shops. Colin must have sent it to him, mistakenly thinking he still cared about her. Will took the calendar and put it in his wastepaper basket. He was not going to start thinking about that woman again.

The second time a Bennet product arrived on his desk, it was a mousepad. Will stared at this thing with a beautiful picture of some clouds perfectly framing a mountaintop. The sun hit the clouds and the mountain just right to produce a marvelous effect. He had to admit to himself that it was an excellent photo. Shaking his head, he put the mousepad in the same place he had the calendar.

Over the next few months, many more objects sporting Elizabeth's work on them were placed mysteriously on Will's desk. He grew more and more annoyed, but had stopped throwing them away. Instead, he had a box in which he collected the items. Finally, the scariest mysterious deposit of Bennet paraphernalia was a screensaver.

Will had come in half an hour late to his office. He was prepared to work the day, but was disconcerted by his computer being turned on. He slowly walked in, turned on the office lights, put down his briefcase by the door, and faced the screen. On it, Elizabeth's photographs were flashing every ten seconds. Some of the photos he had seen before. Indeed, one or two were becoming particularly famous. Will stood staring dumbly at the screen. While what should have been going through his head was 'How did someone get onto my computer to change my screensaver?', he was truly thinking of Elizabeth. For he had seen one photo he was sure had been taken when he was with her. He recognized the place, time and beauty of the photo. Surely he could not be wrong.

Will's personal assistant walked in with papers and a small envelope. Will was startled out of his reverie by the lady. He looked up at her vacantly as she began to rattle off all the meetings he had to attend and all the calls that had come in already. Finally, she stopped, looked at him, and asked, "Mr. Darcy, are you all right?"

"Huh? Oh, I'm fine."

"Do you remember anything I said?"

"Yeah, just tell them to call Jim and tell him-"

"Mr. Darcy, I said they had already talked to Jim and Jim sent them back to you."

Will stared at her. "Ms. Wilson, how did this new screensaver get on my computer?"

She looked at the screensaver for minute, and said, "Oh! Those are beautiful! How did you get that?"

Will sighed heavily and buried his face in his hands.

"It's Elizabeth Bennet! I love her work. I have a calendar of hers. Actually... I think I got it out of your trash can last year."

Will said, "Ms. Wilson, can we continue the day's briefing?"

"Yes, sir."

She started back over his schedule and calls. Finally, she ended by giving him the odd white envelope, and said, "This was left for you."

Will examined the envelope and murmured, "Thank you, Ms. Wilson. If that will be all...."

"Yes, sir," she replied, and left his office, closing the door behind him.

Will started to open the envelope as he walked over to the door to pick up his briefcase. He stopped in the middle of the room and read the card.

Will, You really should get some better passwords on your machine. That was just too easy. I think it is high time you made some sort of apology to her. - Colin

Will turned back to his desk to pick up the phone. He called his cousin, and learned he was out of the office. Will left a message for Colin to call him back, and hung up. There was nothing more that he could do. Well... he could delete the screensaver off his computer. Nah, they were beautiful pictures, and it was a lot better than flying windows.

By the time Will was leaving after a full day of work, he had forgotten that Colin was supposed to call him back. He remembered as he left and spotted the card Colin had written him. Instead of going home, Will went straight to Colin's apartment. It was a gamble, since there was no guarantee that Colin would come home after work. Will was in luck. Colin was there, and seemed a little intimidated by Will's appearance as soon as he saw him. Will walked into the apartment and shut the door.

Belatedly, Colin said, "How nice to see you, Will. Come in and make yourself comfortable."

"What are you playing at?"

"I'm trying to get you to come to your senses."

"Has it worked so far?"

"No."

"Then why don't you quit? Stop bugging me!"

"I won't until you at least apologize to Elizabeth."

"And who are you to be her knight in shining armor?"

"I'm her good friend. One of her best, in fact."

"And that gives you the right to break into my computer?"

"Any way it takes, cousin. You are one of the most stubborn men I know. And you are being one of the most cruel-hearted over Elizabeth. For Pete's sake! She's a genius at what she does, and you accused her of being uneducated. Maybe she doesn't have formal education, but she doesn't need it in what she does. Just like you wouldn't expect a car mechanic to have an English major. You were totally out of line saying what you did, and you... need... to... apologize!"

Will's impregnable stern glare did not waver once. He just turned around, walked out of the apartment door and slammed it shut. That was the last time the two cousins saw or spoke to each other for many months. The deposits of Elizabeth's merchandise ceased, and relations between Will and Colin remained strained. Will secretly missed the gifts of Elizabeth's things; he began to buy the things whenever he found some he didn't already own. The box of items came out of his closet, and he began to use them around his office and then finally in his apartment. The last step was framing his favourite poster of hers and placing it on his home office wall... even though it did not match the décor!

Charles felt the break most acutely, particularly at this time with a long distance relationship forming with Jane. He was vulnerable and needy, without his girlfriend or two best friends to turn to. It was ultimately this change that forced Jane to make the decision to move to New York.

The decision was a major one that caused Elizabeth a lot of anguish. She was not at all certain this was a wise thing for Jane to be doing. Not only this, but she would also have to find someone else to take care of her house while she was away on long trips. Someone had to fetch the mail and water the plants. Maybe she should either give up her wandering lifestyle, or move her homebase to a more convenient location. The only advantage to Elsah was the beauty of the house, surrounding environment, and the community. But if she wasn't picky, she could certainly use another homebase. Maybe even New York, but the rent for an apartment she never used would be too much.

Jane began making preparations to move to New York while Elizabeth was still on the road. When Jane had found several modeling job offers and had an agent once more, Elizabeth drove home to handle her domestic affairs. Elizabeth visited Jane the following day after her return to pick up the mail as well as to say hello. The two sisters hugged each other tightly, and then proceeded to weed from each other the tales they had not recounted by telephone. Jane handed her sister the boxes of mail- there was more of it than ever before- and then said, "There's one more thing that was delivered to you. I've been keeping it alive for over a month now."

"Alive!?"

Jane brought out a potted hyacinth. The blooms were just coming out in a beautiful lavender color and a sweet fragrance. Elizabeth was well pleased, and putting down the crates of mail, took the pot- which in itself was a beautiful work of pottery and glazing. Protruding from the soil was a clear plastic cardholder, holding a small white envelope that would inform the sisters of her benefactor. Elizabeth opened the card and read I am truly very sorry. My words and actions were unpardonable. I hope you can learn to forgive in due time. I am trying hard to change. Congratulations on your success as a photographer, you are really very good at what you do. Will Darcy. Elizabeth was absolutely shocked at receiving an apology from high-and-mighty Will Darcy after so long a silence between them. Had it taken him this long to realize what he was doing was wrong?

Jane was pressing to see whom the plant was from. Elizabeth made a quick decision not to show her the card, and told her dismissively that it was only from the company congratulating her on her success.

"That's right! I had no idea you would be such a hit!"

"Neither did I," Elizabeth replied, drolly.

"I'm quite proud to claim you as my sister."

"Almost as well known as you."

"Oh, Lizzy, I was only well known among the fashion industry. You're becoming a household name!"

"Not really. Hoover is a household name. Coca Cola and Mr. Clean are household names. Not Elizabeth Bennet."

"Whatever you say," Jane said submissively.

Elizabeth hated it when her sister did that. Frustrated, she plopped the plant in one of the mail crates and picked them up to carry them home. There, she sorted through her mail, throwing out the junk, putting aside the bills and bank statements, and finally opening the private mail. There was a surprisingly large amount of private mail. Upon opening the second and third pieces of mail, she realized she was so famous she was starting to receive fan mail. Elizabeth pushed aside all mail at this revelation. It was too much of a shock to her. Instead, she left the kitchen table filled with mail and immersed herself in her dark room. She worked for several hours, refusing to think about what she had just realized. But finally, she knew she would have to accept the fact some day. Might as well be that day. So Elizabeth left the dark room and stared warily at the piles of mail for a few minutes. Then she sat down, and began sorting the fan mail from the other private mail. Over the course of the next week, Elizabeth answered every piece of fan mail by hand, wanting to show appreciation for the support.

Jane came over for dinner one evening to discuss their future plans. Elizabeth started out by being doubtful of Charles' commitment to a relationship that moved her sister to New York. It took Jane some persuading before Elizabeth would support Jane's move to New York. In the end, Elizabeth called Colin.

"Colin, what do you think about this thing between Jane and Charles?"

"What do you mean what do I think?"

"Well, is he serious about the relationship, or is it just another fling to him."

"Why?"

"If Jane is going to give up a settled, comfortable life here in Elsah and move to New York to be near him, I want to make sure he won't break her heart in a couple of months and leave her living alone in New York, possibly without work."

"Liz, I think I can safely say Charles is very serious about Jane. In fact, I've never seen him this attached to a girl before. He is really looking forward to Jane's move and has talked to me about it quite a bit. You can be as safe with Charles as any other guy who wants his girlfriend near him."

"Thanks Colin."

"Sure. I'll be here for her anyways. And I have the vested interest of more frequent visits from you if Jane moves to New York."

"So you were biased in your opinion, huh?" she teased him.

"Not at all. Truly, you can put your mind at ease. Jane wants to do this, and so does Charles. It would be wrong of you to prevent them, even if it was the wrong thing to do."

"I know," she sighed. "Well, thanks for your advice, oh wise one."

"Anytime, doll."

But then there was the question of what Elizabeth would do. Elizabeth told Jane of her idea to move homebase to a more convenient location. Together, they discussed other alternatives, but could not find a better option than New York where Jane, Colin and Elizabeth's company was centred. So it was decided that Jane and Elizabeth should lease an apartment jointly, where Elizabeth would stay there whenever she was in the area, but would otherwise stay in Cleo. Both sisters would sell their houses in Elsah.

"What am I going to do with all this stuff that won't be able to fit in the apartment? And what about my dark room?"

"We'll just have a to find an apartment that can accommodate your dark room and your stuff you could easily sell off."

"Yeah, I'm sure ebay would be ideal for some of my old junk."

Jane smirked and said, "You never know. If you wait until the height of your fame, you could make a lot of money off of furniture you used to own and use."

"I don't think it will ever come to that, sister dear."

"We'll see."

Elizabeth didn't know what to think about the flower and card Will sent. She had a hard time convincing herself he had actually sent it instead of someone else sending it in his name. The very fact that he had sent her a live potted plant instead of a bouquet of cut flowers from the hothouse seemed to imply he did know her quite well. She was touched by the show yet not ready to forgive him. If he was so changed, then why did Darcy Inc. still exist? Shouldn't he close down the horrible polluting company if he had truly changed. And why had it taken so long to send an apology? His words still made Elizabeth wince in shame and anger. If Elizabeth did not feel so insecure about her lack of a formal education, she would pass off Will's harsh comments with a shrug. But she was insecure and Will's words therefore hurt her doubly. She resolved not to reply in any manner to his gift, but to just go on with life. She only prayed she would not run into him while in New York. But how likely was that to happen? New York had millions of people. What was the chance of them meeting there?

Elizabeth and Jane put their houses on the market, and began the arduous task of sifting through their things to decide what to keep and what to throw out. Elizabeth, who had less stuff than Jane, flew to New York to stay with Colin and look at some prospective apartments. Elizabeth would be financing the move and the first several months of rent while Jane got on her feet with modeling once again.

Colin picked up Elizabeth from the airport and they drove to his apartment, talking along the way.

"Oh, Charles has invited the two of us over to his place for dinner tomorrow night. I said it was okay, I hope you don't mind. I think Charles wants to get to know his potential sister-in-law."

"Please don't take it that far. I am still a little nervous about this whole thing. I know Charles is a really nice guy, but this whole plan is a little too spontaneous and impulsive for my taste."

"I cannot believe this! You're someone who flies about the country, coming and going on a whim!"

"That's different! That isn't life changing, like Jane is doing."

"Relax, Liz, everything is going to be okay. Most kids who come to New York looking for glamour and fame don't have the connections and credits you and Jane have. You already know three men very well here in the city and you have stable careers."

"Three men?"

"Charles, Will, and I."

"Oh. When are you free to come and look at apartments with me?"

Colin sighed at her unwillingness to talk about Will. She was just as bad as Will. "I can go all tomorrow."

The pair of them looked at most of the apartments available, and Elizabeth decided on one that had several rooms, one of which was ideal for a dark room. There would be plenty of room for Jane and a small room that Elizabeth could live in.

That night, Elizabeth and Colin went over to Charles' apartment for dinner. He cooked quite well, actually, and his apartment was nice, though perhaps lacking in some feminine touches. Elizabeth got to like Charles a whole lot more and felt infinitely better about Jane's move after the pleasant evening.

Charles expressed a wish to see the apartment Elizabeth had chosen when they went to close the deal the following day. Elizabeth acquiesced, resigning herself to a closer acquaintance with Charles than she would have expected. He was all ease and friendliness to her. It helped a lot that Colin and Charles were best friends. This meant Charles was already along the lines of a friend Elizabeth would make anyway.

The next day Elizabeth signed the contract leasing the apartment starting two months from that day. Elizabeth returned to Elsah, bringing photographs and measurements of their apartment to Jane so she could have a better time choosing what to keep and what to sell.

Will learned about all of this via Charles, who came to visit him several days later. Will never asked about Elizabeth, but didn't have to, since Charles provided him with more than enough information by talking about Jane.

Will did not know how he felt about Elizabeth moving to New York. It meant there would be a bigger chance of them meeting. Did he want to meet her again? No, he decided. He would be too mortified to hold his head up in front of here. And he was certain she had not forgiven him. Even after he had sent her the potted hyacinth, she had not ever contacted him. He deserved it, he thought. For he had said mean things to her. In Will's mind, the most pressing and puzzling question was, why did he even care? He did not know her very well and she did not like him and he had not liked her before. So why did he think about her so often? Well... he did know her better than any other woman he knew. And he had to admit he wished he had never said those nasty things, and he did like her now a lot more than he did before. But that was no excuse for this stupid behaviour. He resolved to put her out of his head for good. Ha ha ha.

Elizabeth sold her house remarkably quickly, and had to hurry to move her things out before the new owner came to take possession of the house. Elizabeth suspected her new success as a popular photographer was behind the sale. The buyer asked her for any of her old photos she didn't want. Elizabeth explained there were never any photos she would not want unless they were ruined ones.

Jane sold off the superfluous household items and packed up the rest of the things. When the time came for them to take possession of the new apartment, Elizabeth employed a moving van and led the way with Jane in Cleo. Jane still had not sold the house, but Elizabeth felt it best to go ahead and move, allowing Jane more time to start her work. She had no doubt they would sell the house soon. Elizabeth refrained from putting it on the market under her name just to sell it off quickly.

Charles met them at the apartment and Jane couldn't get out of Cleo quickly enough to hug him. Elizabeth, moved by the sight, quickly picked up her camera and took some shots of a couple long separated and finally reunited. She felt better about the move after that.

With the help of Colin and Charles, the two sisters moved into the apartment on the sixteenth floor. It took several days before the house started to look neater and more like a home.

Charles was at their apartment very often, and almost always had dinner with them. Elizabeth was happy in the knowledge that Jane was so much happier. Colin came over every once in a while, as well.

Will had heard they had moved into the apartment the week before. He wondered what it would look like. Was there another dark room? There must be if Elizabeth had nowhere else to do her work. What was she doing in the city? She rarely ever stayed this long in one place. Did she have anything new being sold? Did she still drive Cleo? Or had Cleo retired? ...Will resolved once again to put the woman out of his head.

Elizabeth did not stay long in New York. She didn't like it nearly as much as Elsah, but it did serve well as a homebase. She would enjoy visiting with Jane, Charles, and Colin when she came back to develop her pictures. And it was so much more convenient to have the company so near, as well. But New York was quite a big change from the tiny village on the banks of the Mississippi. To make it seem more like home, Elizabeth hung several of her pictures of the Mississippi and the surrounding wilderness on her walls. However, as soon as she could, Elizabeth left New York and began her travels, once again.

Jane began to start modeling again, receiving surprisingly good offers considering her long absence from the business. She would soon be able to support herself once again without Elizabeth's help. She and Charles remained steady, and Jane grew more and more confident that this was the right decision.

Elizabeth stayed away from the city for five months straight. She hadn't been to the west coast in so long that she decided to spend quite a bit of time there, especially since it would be harder to go there now that her homebase was on the east coast.

Elizabeth's return was a surprise to her sister and friends. She hadn't given them any warning, wanting to surprise them after such a long absence. That evening, Charles was introducing Jane to a good friend of his. Colin would be there, and Charles obviously extended the invitation to include Elizabeth.

Colin thought it was just another dinner party at Charles' place, and didn't think much more about it. Only when Colin arrived and found out that Will was to be the friend Jane was supposed to be unacquainted with did he realize what that night was going to be like.

Colin talked to his friend in the kitchen. "Charles! What do you think you're doing?"

Charles looked at the oven to make sure the roast was doing fine and said, "Colin, I have not the foggiest idea of what you're talking about. Please calm down and do make sense!"

"Didn't you know that Elizabeth was coming tonight?"

"Yes. I invited her myself. What's wrong with that? We haven't seen her in five months."

"But Will is coming."

"Yeah, so."

"Does Jane know that Will is going to be here?"

"Actually, now that you mention it, I don't think I told her who my friend was. It was such a surprise to me that Will would actually accept my invitation that I forgot to mention who he was to Jane. She doesn't know him anyway, and I thought this would be the best way to acquaint my girlfriend and my best friend with each other."

Colin buried his face in his hands. This was going to be a loooong night. "Charles, did you not know that Will and Elizabeth have had a past history?"

"No, I didn't. I thought Elizabeth didn't know who he was. You never mentioned Will when she was around. How do they know each other?"

"When you were travelling, Will got exiled from New York. I arranged for him to stay with Liz in Cleo for a month."

"Oh! How pleasant!"

"No, not these two. They didn't hit it off very well and now they hate each other. They've avoided all contact with each other for this long, and now we have accidentally brought them together."

"Oh... dear."

"'Oh dear' is right. Elizabeth is going to be furious with me when she finds out."

"Furious with you?"

"She always blames it on me."

Charles was silent for a bit. "Colin, I think you're exaggerating this whole thing. Liz and Will are mature grownups. I think they can handle one evening together without any untoward things happening. Besides, with Jane, you and I around, they will hardly have to talk about anything unpleasant. I for one, am determined to enjoy myself with my dearest friends around me tonight. Oh- could you get the door while I check on the potatoes?"

Colin resignedly walked over to the door and opened it. Elizabeth gave him a big hug, but then noticed his gloomy mood. "Are you all right? Have I got into your black book while I was gone?"

"Will's going to be here," Colin said, bluntly.

"Will?" Elizabeth stammered.

Colin nodded dolefully. Jane came back from greeting Charles in the kitchen. "What's the matter?"

Elizabeth said, "I'm going home."

Charles came out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on his apron. "Elizabeth! How good of you to come back again? How was your trip? I've been hearing bits and pieces of it from Jane every now and then, but you must tell us all about it at dinner. Oh! Close that door, Colin, it's cold out there. Forgive me for not giving you a hug, but I'm a little bit sticky. I'll give you a kiss instead." Charles kissed Elizabeth's cheek avoiding touching her with his hands.

Colin obediently shut the door sealing Elizabeth's fate of being doomed to spend an evening with Will. Charles ushered them into the living room and proceeded to take orders for drinks. They sat around in the living room talking until Charles had to check on the meal. Conveniently, the doorbell rang, and Colin got up to answer it, with a resigned look on his face. He had yet to speak to his dear cousin since that afternoon Will had refused for the last time to give Elizabeth the apology she was due.

When Colin left the room, Elizabeth gave Jane a panicked look. "Jane what am I going to do?"

"I don't know. Just ignore that it ever happened."

"That's impossible! Oh Jane, is there no way I could get out of this engagement? Can't I go home with a headache?"

"No," Jane said firmly. "This is the first time in over five months we've all been together. Will is surely not going to make a scene in front of his friends."

Colin, meanwhile, had opened the door, and the two cousins stared each other down. Will finally caved in, and walked in the open door. Colin shut it and neither said a word. Will heard Charles in the kitchen and went in to see how he was faring.

"Charles, good evening."

"Will! I'm delighted you're finally going to meet Jane." (Will had neglected to ever tell Charles he did actually know Jane.) "They're all sitting in the living room. Why don't you get a drink and join them? I won't be a minute."

Will poured himself a Dr. Pepper and walked through to the living room. He nearly dropped the soda on Charles' new gray carpet when he saw Elizabeth sitting beside her sister on the sofa. Elizabeth did not look at him, but Jane stood up and held out her hand to Will.

Will recovered from his shock, somewhat, and took Jane's hand. Jane said, "It's a pleasure to encounter you once again, Will."

"Likewise," he managed to say and then before he said anything he regretted, he decided to retreat to a safer distance. Will walked over to the window and looked out on the streets of the city, which is wholly entertaining in itself.

There was a rather ugly, long silence unbroken until Charles came out of the kitchen and said in a boisterous voice, "Dinner is coming along fine. Anyone want a refill?"

There were heads shaken but no verbal replies. Charles began to become nervous. He absolutely loathed uncomfortable situations like this. But it did not make him incapable of finding a solution.

"Elizabeth, do tell us what are the latest adventures you have experienced."

She laughed shakily, and said, "I don't have any real adventures, like hanging off the edge of a cliff for dear life, but I did have plenty of neat experiences on my travels."

"I'm sure I haven't heard half of them," said Charles, "so do begin to recount some of them to me."

Elizabeth faltered, but then began to tell a few of her stories. She felt nervous in the same room as Will. She was self conscious about the way she acted and sounded, and especially her grammar and vocabulary. She felt so stupid and... uneducated and inadequate. She felt like she was being judged by Will.

Charles left to put dinner on the table and Jane went to go help him. This left three rather awkward and uncomfortable people in the room. After a long silence, Colin said to Elizabeth, "So you still live in Cleo?"

"Yes."

"Isn't it time you retired Cleo and bought another RV? I mean, you use it so much, I'm sure Cleo must have at least a hundred thousand miles on her."

"Yes, but I'm afraid I'm too sentimentally attached to Cleo to replace her. I know very soon there will come a time when I have to replace her, but that doesn't mean I'm looking forward to it. I should probably replace her now. She broke down in Utah of all places. Had to spend three days in a motel waiting for her to be fixed."

"What was wrong with her?"

"Oh I don't know. I never understand what the car mechanics spout out at me." Elizabeth suddenly realized how ignorant she must sound, and stopped talking.

Jane popped her head in the door and said, "Dinner's ready."

The other three walked into the dining room where the circular table was nicely laid and a delicious meal was waiting. Charles sat with Jane on his left and Will on his right, with Colin sitting with Will on his left and Elizabeth on his right.

Conversation during the meal was light and pleasant. News of any interest was relayed to Elizabeth and plans in the future discussed. They talked about politics and movies they had seen or not seen. Charles began to think there was never anything to fear from this evening after all. He had all of his dearest friends at his table talking pleasantly. What more could he want?

When everyone had finished, Charles cleared the plates and brought out coffee and a rich cheesecake, made with the New York recipe. When talk had slowed down, Charles glanced at Jane, who nodded. He stood up and said, "It was such a surprise to have all of us here, tonight. And since this opportunity is so rare, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you, with immense delight, that Jane and I are engaged."

Elizabeth was surprised. She had no idea it had come to this. Colin had figured as much, and stood up to enthusiastically shake Charles' hand and give Jane a hug and peck on the cheek. Will followed suit, which left only Elizabeth staring numbly at her sister.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked.

"Well it was hardly the sort of thing you say over the phone. We haven't told anyone else until you knew."

Elizabeth was silent a minute and then laughed and shook her head. She stood and hugged her sister tightly. Then she said, "I'm really happy for you both, but just a bit... shocked. I had no idea you were this serious. I guess I was still thinking of you two as when I left." Elizabeth hugged Charles and said, "Congratulations."

Talk resumed with a more excited pitch. Elizabeth remained silent for a while before coming out of her reverie to join the conversation. Half an hour later, Elizabeth and Jane got up to go home.

"I'm afraid I actually have a deadline to meet in two days," Elizabeth said. "I haven't given the company much to work with recently. I must be off to the dark room. Thank you so much for a lovely evening, Charles."

"You're welcome. I'm so pleased you're home."

Elizabeth gave Colin a hug and nodded curtly at Will, "Good evening."

She walked out of the apartment and waited while Jane and Charles shared a more private good bye. When Jane joined Elizabeth outside, they walked all the way to the elevator and then out of the building before talking to each other.

"So, what do you think?" asked Jane.

"About what?"

"About my engagement."

"Well, I was really surprised. You never gave me any hints."

"Do you think I'm being foolish or too rushed?"

"No, not at all. Well, I do think that, but only because I have not seen you together much. I have complete faith in your judgment. Charles is as nice a man as you could find, and I think I would have a much stronger instinct to dislike him if I were really upset about the engagement. ...Did that come out right?"

"I understand. You like Charles and you're okay with him, you just need time to adjust."

"Yes, that's what I said. So what are your plans, then? Have you set a date for when you're getting married?"

"Not yet. We were kind of waiting until you came home. I didn't want to set a date and you not be there. Nor did I want to suddenly move out of the apartment that we're renting jointly."

"Don't worry about me, Jane. I can handle myself. As long as you keep me well informed of your plans, I promise I will be there to support you whenever you need it. So that means... you are not allowed to have any early childbirths, all right? If you want me to be there for you in the hospital room, you have to make sure you are punctual."

Jane laughed and said, "I'm not thinking of children any time soon."

"You never know. One of my teachers from high school was pregnant a week after she married."

"I'd like more time than that to get adjusted to marriage. We haven't talked a lot about what we would do with our jobs. I guess I would keep mine until I did have any children, and then I would stay home and look after them."

"Sounds like a sound idea. Or you could do the modern thing and have Charles be the stay-at-home parent, and you support the family."

"I don't know if I could on my modeling."

"Well, you have plenty of time to think it over."

The three friends left in the apartment sat in comfortable silence in the living room. Charles broke it, saying, "What have you been up to Will? I haven't seen you for ages."

"I haven't been doing much more than working and avoiding your sister."

"Oh, Caroline. Sorry. What's she doing, now?"

"Well, I keep running into her at places. It's getting more and more suspiciously coincidental, if you know what I mean."

"I wouldn't put it past her to stalk you. Have you made your intentions clear?"

"Several times, but she feigns surprise and says she just wants to be friends blah blah blah."

Charles was silent for a while. Then asked, "Is there something wrong between you two? You don't talk to each other anymore."

Colin shrugged and said, "Ask him."

Will looked down at his clasped hands in silence for a long time. The silence was now uncomfortable, strained, and tense. The rift between the cousins and friends was becoming more apparent to Charles. Finally Will said in a very quiet, low voice, "I did apologize to her, Colin."

Colin was- and looked- surprised. "You did? When?"

"She was still living in Elsah at the time."

"I had no idea. How did you apologize?"

"I sent her a potted hyacinth and a note saying I was sorry and asking for her forgiveness."

"Did she reply?"

"No."

"How do you know she ever received it?"

"I don't."

"Well it could happen."

"I doubt it. It was delivered from a flower shop in Elsah and Jane took care of her mail and would have given it to her. Is there anything else you think I should do? You can obviously see from this evening that she still hates me and does not forgive me. Did I ever behave condescending or mean?"

"No, but then you didn't exactly act very friendly, either."

"How could I when I was certain of cold rejection?"

"Elizabeth isn't like that. If you made the first move to reconciliation, she is likely to respond in kind."

"It's useless, Colin. Give it up."

Charles, who had been listening the banter, said, "Well I hope you won't let any of this interfere with many pleasant evenings like tonight."

"No, Charles, I think we can safely meet without any untoward scandals."

Elizabeth worked hard to turn in a new portfolio of photographs for the company to work with. This meant long hours in her dark room. She did come out once to see Jane shooting for a catalog. And Colin came over to visit with her one evening.

"Heard about Will's apology," Colin said.

"Really."

"You didn't reply."

"No."

"Why?"

"What was I going to say? It took you long enough? I don't forgive him and he still hurt me really badly."

"At least he apologized."

"Sure."

"So there's no possibility of you two making up in the future?"

"Not by the looks of it. He doesn't seem too keen to get on my good side anyway. It really does seem like he has said an apology but did not mean it."

Colin was sad, but was at a loss as to how to solve the problem. He couldn't solve it. It was up to Will and Elizabeth. He needed to let them run their own course.

Elizabeth turned in her portfolio and decided to stay a couple of extra weeks working on the rest of her photographs and putting them into order. Meanwhile, the group of friends had dinner one evening at every apartment. The last one Elizabeth attended before she left the city was at Will's apartment.

Charles was picking Jane up from the studio and taking her to Will's, so Elizabeth traveled to the luxurious building in front of Central Park alone. She was five minutes late when she rang the doorbell, feeling not a little apprehensive over eating dinner at Will's place.

Will answered the door, and let her in, saying, "Good evening."

Elizabeth entered the apartment shyly. "Thank you."

Will led her through to the kitchen saying, "Colin called to say he would be about half an hour late. Jane and Charles should be here any minute."

Elizabeth panicked. Alone in Will's apartment. Good Lord, what was she going to do?

The apartment was very nice. Richly, yet tastefully furnished and decorated. His wealth was shown subtlety rather than overtly, and Elizabeth had to confess she liked his tastes.

In the kitchen, Will asked, "Can I get you something to drink?"

"A coke or Sprite is fine, thank you."

Will fetched a Sprite from the fridge and asked, "Ice?"

"No thank you." Will poured the can into a glass and handed it to her. "Thanks." After a long pause, Elizabeth asked, "How is your sister?"

"Georgiana? She's doing fine."

"Is she at college, now?"

"Yes, she's attending Cornell University."

Elizabeth guessed that Will expected her to know where that was, but didn't want to ask.

Will checked the dinner, found it satisfactory and then turned back to Elizabeth. He had to think of something to say, but couldn't seem to think straight. Her work. Ask her about her work.

"How is your work coming along?"

"I'm doing quite well, actually. I still enjoy doing what I do, and I used to think that after a few years, I'll have seen everything that could be seen. But even now, I find new wonders in nature to take pictures of."

"It must be nice."

The polite thing would be for Elizabeth to ask how Will's company was doing, or something along those lines, but she did not want to ask one bit. She knew it was probably doing just fine polluting the countryside mercilessly.

"I wonder what's keeping Jane and Charles?"

"Probably bad traffic. Elizabeth..." She was shocked to her him start this way. "Did- did you... receive my... apology?"

Elizabeth looked down at her glass and swirled patterns on the marble countertop. "Yes, I did."

"D-do you forgive me?"

Elizabeth sighed, and knew she must be honest. Oh why didn't Jane and Charles ever arrive on time? "You said you were trying to change. I might be more willing to forgive you if I saw more evidence of the change. As I do not, I am more inclined to believe Colin put you up to apologizing than you meant it."

Will was silent. Elizabeth was not going to be the next one to speak again. She had spoken honestly, and he must live with what she said. The doorbell rang. Elizabeth scowled. Perfect timing as always, Jane.

Will did not move to answer the door. "I..." he started. "I do not-" He tried again. "I will try harder." Then he left her to answer the door.

Elizabeth was in wonder. She didn't understand what he meant. Why did he want her forgiveness? Why should he care? Because now they were thrown together so often nowadays? Her face burned scarlet for some reason. Thank goodness she was leaving the next day.

Jane and Charles came through the door to the kitchen. Charles gave Elizabeth a kiss on the cheek. "You do look a bit flushed, Liz, are you too hot?"

"Yes, I think I shall go to the restroom to splash my face with water," replied Elizabeth a little shakily.

"Don't bother, Will, I'll show her to the bathroom," said Jane, and led her sister out of the kitchen and through the hall to the bathroom. They passed Will's office and Elizabeth, who glanced in as they passed, stopped short in surprise. She backed up and looked inside the room. There, on the wall opposite the door between two windows, was one of her photographs on a poster on the wall. She knew it instantly. It was one of her favourites. In horror, Elizabeth recalled she had taken it in Tennessee when Will had been with her.

"Lizzy? It's right here."

Elizabeth turned to catch up to her sister. Jane left her alone in the spacious bathroom with marble and silver fixtures. Elizabeth leaned wearily on the sink and stared at herself in the mirror, having a mental dialogue with herself.

Why is he acting like this? It must be because he doesn't want animosity when we're thrown together so often. Then why does he have one of your pictures up in his office? He probably just likes it. He was there when you took the picture, so he probably bought it to remember the place because he liked it. So he did mean his apology? It sounds like it, doesn't it? But he hasn't changed. Hasn't he? He has never said a single unkind word to you since the argument. Maybe he does regret saying those things. But then why didn't he apologize much much earlier? Pride? Stubbornness? And he said he was trying to change. His company is still evil, so how much changed could he be? That's right. His company best reflects his personality. Look at what they do, not what they say, right?

"Lizzy?" Jane asked, knocking on the door. "Are you okay?"

"Just a second, Jane, I'll be right out."

Elizabeth splashed her face with cold water and dried it with a towel. She took a deep breath, and then walked out to the living room where the others were seated.

"Didn't get lost, did you dear?" asked Charles.

"In a way, yes. I was lost in a daydream. Sorry."

Will handed her her glass of Sprite, but did not look at her. Colin rang the doorbell, and Will left to get it.

The evening went well. Conversation was relaxed and pleasant. The dinner was excellent and Will received compliments even from Elizabeth. She, however, rose to leave early, as she wanted to be on the road the next morning before eight. Colin and Charles gave her goodbye hugs and Jane said she would be home later that evening. Will, being a polite host walked her to the door.

He expected her to just say good bye and leave, but she instead paused, and said, "Will, I must add that I still believe your company is the reflection of your true character. I hold that grudge against you just as high as your words to me."

Will could think of no other reply than, "I hope your trip goes well. Be safe and good night."

"Good night," Elizabeth murmured, and left the apartment.

Elizabeth packed that night, and talked a little to Jane before going to bed. She slept uneasily, with too much on her mind. The next morning, she rose early.

Jane said, "Lizzy, you're getting too much mail for me to keep all of it for five months. Why don't you rent a few of the Post Office boxes so I can forward the mail there for you to pick up periodically?"

"Fine. I'll be going south to Florida for a bit. I'll choose a few strategic PO boxes, and will tell you which one to forward to each week. Thanks so much for all you do for me."

"It's no trouble, at all, I assure you. Drive safely and remember to always lock your doors."

"I worry more about you here in New York than myself. Don't walk alone at night, and stay out of the bad parts of town."

Jane kissed her sister and embraced her. They said goodbye, and Elizabeth left the city, heading south.

Part 6

Posted on Saturday, 23 December 2000

Elizabeth did choose several PO boxes allowing Jane to send mail to her. Her fan mail had increased slightly, and Elizabeth still felt obligated to answer it all by hand. She tended to go through a lot of stationary.

Elizabeth did not like Florida too much. She didn't like the natural environment there or the lack of changing seasons, or the touristy-ness about the place. But it did have some decent clouds to photograph.

Elizabeth was not in Florida long before she picked up her first chunk of mail from the post office she had chosen. She emptied the crate on Cleo's floor and returned the crate to the post office. She sat in the middle of the mess.

"Junk mail, junk mail, fan mail, junk mail...Jane, I thought you were screening for me. Junk mail, good grief! How did I get on everyone's mailing list? More fan mail. Bills. Nice to have a change. Catalog, fan mail... junk mail, bill, catalog, magazine, promotional newsletter from Sierra Club, bill, offer of free CDs, and finally, more fan mail. Oh, and a letter from Jane. Wonderful." She opened it and read a long rapturous letter about how happy Jane was. Figures. What newly engaged woman would not be?

Not feeling up to reading fan mail just yet, Elizabeth sifted through the pile of mail to find the magazine. She found the Greenpeace magazine and looked at the cover.

How a company cleans up their mess

Elizabeth opened up the magazine and began to flip through it. Finally, she came to the cover article.

Several years ago we featured an article on Darcy Inc. polluting the little town of Brighton, Washington. Immediately following the release of the article, Greenpeace learned from the CEO of Darcy Inc., Mr. William Darcy himself, that the central office had no knowledge of the violations in Brighton. Darcy Inc. proceeded to embark on an expensive clean up. Not only did the company meticulously clean the surrounding environment of as much of the damage as possible, but also it is paying for the medical bills of the affected families living near the polluted site. In return for professional advice, Darcy Inc. allowed Greenpeace to follow in-depth the process of how a company cleans up the damage it creates.

Elizabeth read on, absorbing the detailed accounts of how the company dealt with the crisis. She read about how the company had Wickham arrested and put in jail, how Will himself visited the site and the families, how the Greenpeace experts helped create a way to clean up the toxic waste and return the environment to its natural state, how the plant was shut down and the workers received continuous compensation for time they could not work, and finally how the plant was reopened with cleaner machinery and a new manager.

Sam Withers looks at the now-clean site and says, "[Brighton] used to consider Darcy Inc. as the bad guy. They were pollutin' and hurtin' our kids. But now we know it was jus' Wickham that was the bad guy. Darcy Inc. has been real good 'bout the whole thing, 'specially considerin' how 'spensive this'll all be. In our eyes iz worth it. A lot more of us in Brighton'll be loyal to Darcy Inc. for many years to come."

The article finished and Elizabeth put it down slowly in complete and utter shock. She could not have imagined in her wildest dreams the result this article recounted. After not hearing about the Brighton pollution for several months, she thought Will had just hushed it up really well and continued on his merry way. But he had been solving the problem the entire time! She picked up the article and read it again more carefully, taking in how much Will must have personally put into this. She couldn't completely tell, so she grabbed the phone and dialed Colin's number. It rang and rang until the answering machine picked up. "Darn!" she exclaimed in frustration. She did not want to wait. But she had no choice. "Colin, this is Elizabeth. Could you call me as soon as you get this message? Thanks, bye." That should produce a fast reply.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth paced Cleo. Did this make Will a good guy? She remembered what Will had said in answer to her accusation. I will try harder. And then again, she remembered how she had used his company as a measure of his character. Well now the company looked better than any other corporation in the country. He had obviously known about this from the very beginning. Why didn't he tell her? Did he not want to be the one telling her? Or maybe he was just waiting until the project was finished. But then why hadn't he told her when he had the chance in his apartment. For surely the project must have been finished then if it appeared in this magazine so soon after. Oh why did this have to happen?!!! Everything she thought about Will was now turned upside down, and worse, she had made a complete ass of herself to him. In fact, she was downright cruel. She insulted him just as badly as he had her. There was misunderstanding on her side, so maybe there was misunderstanding behind what he had said to her. Well...and prejudice. She hadn't wanted to believe Will was a good guy. Because he had insulted her, she wanted to hold the grudge in spite of the fact that he was civil and had apologized.

Elizabeth screwed her face up and buried it in her hands. She had made a downright mess of everything. How could she ever look him in the face again? Should she apologize to him? Congratulate him? Thank him? What?

Hmmm, did Colin know about this? Or Jane or Charles? Why didn't she know if they did? She needed Colin to call back very soon or she would drive herself bonkers. Instead, she tried calling Jane, but she wasn't there, either. What else could she do?

Elizabeth stared stupidly at the piles of mail on the floor. She did not want to be doing this anymore. She felt in a weird mood, like there was no direction in her life anymore. Some god had just turned out her light and she was lost in the dark. Her only option was to wait until Jane or Colin lit a candle for her to see just a little, and maybe enough to see the map to get out of the dark. Where had she gone wrong?

After three more minutes of just sitting on the floor waiting for something to happen- the best scenario being the floor opening up and swallowing her- she got up and decided she would just have to continue her routine. That meant going to the driver's seat and heading for some really beautiful place she had never been to. There, she would take outstanding pictures that Will would buy and hang up in his bedroom and to which he would look at when-

Good God she needed a distraction! A good one. Maybe she should go home. That was it. Go home, see Mother, see her beloved Father and maybe see a couple of her sisters- preferably Kitty and Mary.

Elizabeth got into the driver's seat and headed for home. This did not currently solve her problem of occupying her mind during the drive. She thought about Will, the article and her stupid behaviour constantly while she was driving. Well, at least it kept her awake.

It wasn't two hours later when Jane called Elizabeth back. She grabbed the phone and said, "Hello?" in anticipation.

"Liz?"

"Jane? Oh! I'm so glad you finally called me."

"Finally? How long ago did you call?"

"Two whole hours ago! Where have you been?"

"Grocery shopping. Elizabeth, are you okay?"

"NO! I'm not okay!!!" Elizabeth snapped exasperatedly. "Jane," she continued in a whine, "I just read the article about Darcy Inc. cleaning up their act in my Greenpeace magazine."

"That's terrific. I'm sure Will's stocks will go up now."

"You knew??"

"Of course, I knew, dearest. We've become close friends and what with Charles and I being engaged.... What kind of closed off world do you think I live in?"

Elizabeth was at a loss for what to say. Her own beloved sister knew all about this and never breathed a word. Only one word came to her mind. "Why?"

"Why, what?"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Oh..." Jane started, vaguely. "I... didn't think you'd care."

Elizabeth banged her head on Cleo's wheel, causing the horn to honk each time. (Don't worry, gentle readers, she had pulled over.) "Jane! Do you realize how big a mug I've made myself in front of Will? I've outright accused him of being a horrible man as well as been rude to him every time I've seen him, almost all on account of the report you first told me about!"

"Oh yes! I remember now. That was ages ago!"

Elizabeth whimpered pitifully. She could publicly hang herself from mortification. "What will I do?" she moaned.

"Lizzy, I think you're being totally irrational," Jane said sharply. "Will knows you did not know anything about the clean up-"

"Why didn't anyone tell me about it?" Elizabeth interrupted. "Wasn't I there for enough dinners for it to become part of the dinner conversation? Why was I kept in the dark? Because I assume Colin knows all about it and Charles."

"Of course they knew. Colin helped him out and Charles... well, he's Will's best friend."

"So why wasn't I informed of it?"

"I think you would have to ask Colin. I was just told not to tell you about it, that's all."

"Why?"

"I told you, I don't know why!"

"Jane! What am I going to do?"

"You've already asked me that once and I told you you are making a bigger deal of it than necessary. You should be happy! You love the environment, remember? You wish all companies did what Darcy Inc. did, right?"

"Yes," Elizabeth moaned. "That just makes it all worse!"

"You're being silly, Elizabeth. I'm sorry I can't help you any more than this, but I really must run and put the ice cream in the freezer before it melts any more. Great talking to you. Call again soon. Bye." Jane hung up.

Elizabeth stared in disbelief at the phone and then flung it behind her onto the couch, and dropped her head onto Cleo's wheel once more, this time leaving it there with the horn protesting loudly to all who drove past.

Colin was more forthcoming. Elizabeth tried to sound less desperate when she talked to him on the phone later that night. "Colin! Hi! How are things going? How's your job? How's your love life? Are you still dating that blonde from the Bronx?" Her voice sounded weird in her ears- high pitched and forcedly happy.

"Elizabeth, your message sounded urgent on my machine, is anything the matter?"

"Me? Oh no! Everything's just peachy keen here in Georgia. Ha ha ha. Get it? Peachy keen in Georgia! Ha ha ha ha...ha......ha." Colin was not laughing.

"Are you okay, Liz?"

"Of course, I'm fine. In fact, I'm better than fine. I'm doing just great! How are you?"

"Fine. Why did you call, then?"

"Just to chat! Why else would I call you?" Elizabeth exclaimed, trying to sound hurt.

"Oh... I don't know. Maybe to talk about the article in Greenpeace."

Elizabeth was silent, her façade immediately dropped.

Colin, sounding rather smug, said, "Ah ha! That's what I thought."

"You're really mean, you know that Colin?"

Colin laughed. "I just love it when you're disconcerted."

"I am not disconcerted."

"Tell me what you want to know."

"Why didn't anyone tell me about this before? I mean, this has been going on for years! Why wasn't I informed of it?"

"I'm sorry. It must have completely slipped my mind!"

"Colin, please!" The desperate tone was back in her voice again. "Just tell me how this all got started in the first place! Did you put him up to it?"

Colin became more serious then. His cousin's reputation was still at stake with Elizabeth. It was his duty, therefore, to paint Will in the best light possible. Fortunately for Colin, who could not make up fibs and stories to save his life, all he had to do was tell the truth.

"The day you accused Will, he came home to me and I suggested he verify if this was true, as I, at least, knew you would not make something like this up. He called Greenpeace, talked to them, and made the deal with them that they would help him out while he allowed them to follow his actions. Will was truly very upset about the whole affair. He had had so much faith in his company being the cleanest in the industry that it hurt his pride a great deal when this happened. He was also deeply mortified and sorry for the families affected by the polluting. He visited them all personally and learned the best way to say sorry to a child who will forever have bone marrow problems and to a young woman who will never give birth to her own child. It was a very, very humbling experience, and I felt so awful for him when he would come home nearly in tears for the horrible things he had witnessed that day. Some families were gentle, seeing that Will wasn't the real bad guy, but then there were always the families who were so hurt by the polluting that they were blinded to Will's compassion, and just saw in him the figurehead of a company who had hurt their lives so irreparably. They were not nice at all. I can't blame them, though. Neither did Will. He took it like a man and did his very best to relieve suffering and repair damages. It helped when he was able to take a lot of his vengeance against some of the culprits, but they only got a slap on the wrist compared to what Will had to deal with. He took other hard hits. The stocks in the company plummeted after the article; he lost profit and I believe dipped into savings the last two years to make it by. I know you think that's silly since he still lived in his Central Park apartment and had his limo, but as CEO of such a company, he had to maintain at least the image of a successful company to help it out a little. I admit, I was not the best support for him through this ordeal. We got into an argument and didn't speak to each other for an extended period of time. In fact, until you first came home after Jane's move. Georgiana was some help, but she's away at school, and Charles was always the best, but Will felt like a third wheel with Jane as well. Over time, things improved. It'll still take time to get the place fully back to normal, and Greenpeace have said that it might never be normal again. But I'm so relieved that this is all over with. Will can have a welcome respite. Charles and Jane are getting married, Will and I are back to normal again, and hopefully things will be going well with the company soon."

Elizabeth's eyes were filled with tears. She had never felt so awful in her entire life. She might as well have hit Will upside the head with a fire iron!

"Liz? You still there?"

Elizabeth sniffed loudly and said, "Yes, I'm here. Why didn't anyone tell me, Colin? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth, I really am. But Will didn't want us to. I can only guess at his reasoning."

"I was so mean to him, Colin," she whispered, and blew her nose on a Kleenex.

"I don't think so, you always seemed civil."

"No, Colin, I was mean and cruel and heartless and totally b----y."

"If you say so. Although I think if you said sorry to Will now, it would mean a whole lot to him."

"I can't! I don't want to face him ever again. How will I hold my head up for shame?"

"You two are both absolutely incredible! You neither of you want to apologize to the other. Just do it, and I promise you will feel better."

"I'll think about it, Colin."

"No, stop thinking, and just do it."

"Maybe," Elizabeth said, noncommittally. "I have to go," she lied. "I'll talk to you later."

"Sure. Come back to New York, soon, won't you?"

"I'll see. Oh, and please don't tell Will you talked to me, will you?"

"Unless he asks me outright, good bye, Liz." Colin hung up.

Elizabeth hadn't even had the chance to say, not even if Will asked outright.

Life did not go so well after that. The candlelight provided briefly by Jane and Colin was not enough to let her find the map out of the darkness. She tried working some more, but seemed to have lost some of her enthusiasm and flare. So she decided she really would visit her family. It had been some years since she had seen them. She spoke to her father occasionally, but never to her mother. Mary was doing excellently in her college and would be graduating with a Master's degree in religious writings of the early 19th century very soon.

The visit was not all that special. Elizabeth was happy to see her father again; who looked like retirement was not agreeing with him as much as he had expected. Elizabeth rightly guessed that too much time spent with her mother was wearing him down. She wondered if he should think about a divorce. He was still young as men went in bachelorhood, and he might find a lot more enjoyment in life by being single than by being married to her mother.

Elizabeth never really liked her mother. She loved her, to be sure, as every daughter loves her mother, but she did not like her. They did not get along well; they had different principles, morals, and ethics, as well as different goals in life. Elizabeth was out to make herself successful, happy, and educated, not necessarily in that order, and her mother's goal was to have all her daughters married. She was well on her way to getting one daughter married, and this seemed only to make her more hungry for another engagement. The result was constant nagging about Elizabeth's looks, her occupation, her solitary lifestyle, her wardrobe, her posture, her way of talking to men, and her silly thirst for more education.

Elizabeth would find respite with her sister, Kitty. Kitty wasn't so bad as long as she wasn't around Lydia. Unfortunately, she was around Lydia an awful lot. The two of them prowled the malls draining their father's retirement pension, they neglected their studies, and they filled their heads with horrible trash read from magazines like YM and Seventeen. Elizabeth tried to start influencing at least Kitty in the right direction, but Lydia convinced Kitty to look upon Elizabeth as too wholesome and a goody-goody just trying to make her into a stiff-necked, up-chinned minister's wife. Elizabeth, not being able to cope with this opposition, resorted to talking with her father more and more frequently during her short stay.

Elizabeth's father had always held Elizabeth in the highest esteem. Mary was doing very well, but it was Elizabeth who seemed to have the most sensible and practical head on her shoulders. She had been supporting herself at 18 and had already been contributing to the family earlier than that. She was wise with her money and was becoming very successful. Elizabeth had a determination that always made her stand out from her other sisters. Even Mary could not surpass Elizabeth in that field. For Elizabeth had fewer advantages than Mary enjoyed later on. Elizabeth always made her own chances.

Mr. Bennet considered taking a page out of his daughter's book. Maybe he should strike out on his own and have some fun and some independence for a little while. He felt Lydia was a lost cause, Mary was nearly on her own, and Elizabeth and Jane were long gone from the nest. There was only Kitty who might benefit from his guidance. Elizabeth suggested he take Kitty to some places he found of interest, and try to persuade Kitty into more wholesome interests than boys and shopping. By the time Elizabeth left her family, her father was resolved not to sit back and waste the rest of his life.

After the visit, Elizabeth did feel better. She didn't feel any less lost herself, but she did feel like she had helped someone else find their way in the dark. Too bad she couldn't find her own exit.

Elizabeth lacked ideas about where to go after she left her family. She still did not feel the same drive she used to feel about photography. Did she need another vacation? It hadn't been that long since her last. And she usually took her vacations whenever she wanted or needed them. She had only just returned to work and she would need a new portfolio to turn into her company before long. How was she to find the inner peace she had used to have?

Elizabeth wracked her brain to find out how she was going to get back into her groove. She could try the usual methods of aroma therapy or professional help, but she was certain all of that would be useless. She could go to her favourite places and see if she could take pictures there. Or... she could find Will and talk to him and get it out of her system. Maybe she wouldn't even have to talk to him. He hadn't said sorry to her face, he had just sent her a thoughtful gift (which, coincidentally, still lived as a centerpiece on her table) and a short apology. Maybe if she did the same thing she could get back her inner peace and stability. But what would she send him? One of her photos framed? Nah, too egotistical. A flower? Nope; copycat and a little too girly. Cologne? Too personal. Food? Hmmm. That's an interesting idea. Maybe she could... bake something for him! Cookies? Cake? Fruit cake? Or maybe she should stick to buying him some candy and cookies and some wine. No, no wine. Suddenly, she had a brilliant idea. She could go visit Brighton, Washington and do a whole photo shoot on the now clean site! Elizabeth was amazed at her own ingenuity.

Deciding on this, (and maybe she could send the photos with the cookies) she set off across the continent towards Washington.

It took her many days to get there. When she arrived, she explored the town to find the most beautiful spots. She stayed for four weeks taking advantage of the different weather patterns to take various pictures. On the last week, she had the idea of taking pictures of the people of the town as happy citizens enjoying life. Her favourite one was the group of little girls playing in the river in their bathing suits. When she felt like she had purged her soul of her guilt, she started the journey to New York, but this time, taking opportunities to stop on the way and take pictures. She had better success on the way home, giving Elizabeth a minor sense of relief. She had heard of writers having writers' block, but didn't know if there was an equivalent for photographers.

Elizabeth reached New York, and surprised her sister by her sudden entrance. Charles was there, and looked as surprised as his fiancée.

"Good morning, Jane, Charles," she said, cheerily, giving them both a kiss on the cheek before she entered her dark room and shut the door.

Elizabeth opened her bag of finished films and sorted through them to find the ones taken in Brighton. She always kept a journal with detailed records of which picture she took at what location, date, and time. Then when she turned her portfolios into the company, they were labeled properly. Using this, she determined which films she should develop first. Someone knocked on the door.

"Lizzy?"

"Come in," she called.

Jane walked in. "Why are you home so suddenly? Why didn't you call and tell me?"

"Well, since it seems to be a habit for you guys to keep information from me, I thought you wouldn't mind if I arrived in my own home without informing anyone."

Jane looked hurt. "How long are you going to be mad at me for not telling you? Elizabeth, I had no choice to tell you. I could not betray Will."

"So you value Will's good opinion over my sanity?"

"Don't be ridiculous. Are you still overreacting about the whole Brighton thing? I thought you would be over it by now. I haven't talked to you since."

"I know. I am not over it. I am in the middle of it. Now, if you would be so kind as to leave my laboratory, I have a couple portfolios to put together."

Jane looked like she wanted to talk some more, but closed the door anyway. Elizabeth began to develop the films from Brighton. She worked for some hours before she came out for lunch. Charles had left and Jane was waiting with a sandwich made for her sister.

Elizabeth was not yet inclined to discuss with her older sister what she had been doing lately. She was too focused on the task ahead. She had to make this portfolio just perfect and send it to Will so she could have her peace of mind back.

Elizabeth returned to the dark room for several more hours, working until a headache from all the chemical fumes drove her out of the room, leaving the ventilation fan on high in the meantime.

The following day, word spread around that Elizabeth was home, and Colin paid her a visit after his work. Elizabeth was in no more of a mood to talk to Colin than she was to talk to Jane, but Colin was more forthright in asking her questions, so she soon divulged a few of her recent adventures. She did, however, keep quiet about her visit to Brighton and her current project. Colin did not stay long and left knowing little more than he did when he arrived.

Three days later, Elizabeth had finished developing all of the pictures she wanted. Then she began a search for the best format to present the photographs. She finally settled on buying a blank scrapbook and carefully matted and pasted the photographs into the scrapbook with a small handwritten inscription of what the picture was of. Some of the pictures were in a very artistic black and white, while most of them were in vivid colours. Buy the time she had finished the project, she was exhausted, but very, very proud of herself. It was one of the best works she had ever done.

For the last touch, she wrapped the scrapbook in silver paper, wrote a note on a pink post-it note, and put it on the front. It simply stated, I am sorry I am so blind. I have never felt so awful as when I read the article spelling out what an idiot I am. Forgive me? -Elizabeth

Elizabeth enclosed the precious book in bubble wrap and put it into a cardboard box to mail to Will's apartment. She walked to the nearest post office and relinquished all responsibility of the entire affair. As she walked home, Elizabeth felt so much more free and unfettered. She still had a little bit of guilt holding onto her, but she at least felt like she could concentrate on her work once more.

The seasons were changing and the weather was becoming colder and crisper. Winter would soon be upon New York. Elizabeth still had to work during the winter, for there were often beautiful scenes of untouched landscapes covered with pristine, white snow. Winter skies also produced unique cloud formations.

"Elizabeth, you will be here for Christmas, will you not?" asked Jane, one evening after Elizabeth had spent a day in the dark room.

Elizabeth looked up from the book she was reading. "I will try my very best to be here, yes. I cannot guarantee I won't be detained by some particularly bad weather. Oh, and I wanted to get out and take some pictures on Christmas Day, as well. I was thinking about visiting some of those charity soup kitchens and if I can, take some pictures of celebrations through some windows. If the conditions are just right, it should produce some very unique effects in a photograph."

Jane nodded, tuning out on the photo technical stuff. Jane wasn't always interested in the ins and outs of how Elizabeth thought through her ideas.

Will had had a horrible time since Elizabeth left. He was agonizing over what she said. She still thought him a horrible man because of what that Wickham had done years ago. But the article was going to be published very soon, he knew. After quite some deliberation, Will had decided not to tell her about the clean up himself. He was sure to make the situation worse. So he had kept silent and now she knew. He was unsure of how she felt about him now. ...Well... she sounded guilty, but that wasn't the effect he had quite desired. What did he want? He wanted her to instantly see what a wonderful guy he was and how he was changed since he had insulted her in such a horrible way. He wanted everything to be as it was before their argument.

Will looked at the note. He had been totally surprised when this package arrived. The return address was Jane's so he assumed it was something she was giving him for some reason. He had opened it and had been shocked at seeing the note from Elizabeth on the outside. He knew she had read the article, because he had asked Colin when he couldn't stand waiting any longer.

Will unwrapped the book and opened it. The title page said, "Restoration" by Elizabeth Bennet. He began to flip through the pages, reading the short inscriptions describing each shot. By the time he reached the end of the book, Will was in tears. This... gift was beyond any expectation he had ever had. Each photograph was poignant and beautiful, holding more than a thousand words within them.

Will closed the book and stared at the blank cover. It was a beautiful, green marble pattern. He picked up the note that had come with it. He read it again twice. She was asking him to forgive her. But he had asked first. So... if he asked and then she did, did that mean that she forgave him before asking his forgiveness? What should he do? Should he call her up and talk to her, or go over and see her? Will didn't feel up to doing either, so he just locked the book and the note safely away, and continued on with this work, but with extra thoughts now fresh on his mind, but there to stay an awful long time....

Elizabeth spent the fall and early winter traveling about collecting more photographs. Cleo was becoming older and older, and Elizabeth feared would soon collapse and not move another foot. Elizabeth did return to New York for one week to develop some of her films and produce her last portfolio of the year to the company. Jane reminded Elizabeth of her promise to return for Christmas and Elizabeth nodded once more, kissed her sister goodbye, and left New York once again.

This time she went north. She didn't go an hour away before she stopped to take some pictures on the coast. As it was growing late anyway, Elizabeth only drove another hour up the coast before stopping for the night.

The next morning, Elizabeth intended to continue north to Maine's coast. She felt uneasy about driving in the current weather conditions. During the night it had snowed a foot and the roads were treacherous and icy. On top of this, there was a light fog from the sea. Elizabeth made the decision to go ahead and start driving north. The sun would soon melt the snow on the roads anyway. She began driving, taking a state highway. She was not twenty-five minutes outside of the small coastal town before a semi truck passed her, going at least ten miles more than she was. Elizabeth shook her head in annoyance and a little worry at such recklessness.

Suddenly, the semi hit an icy patch and began to skid. Elizabeth instinctively slammed her foot on the brakes; consequently, the brakes locked and Cleo skid forward from her velocity and mass. The semi's back end swung towards Cleo from the other lane and Elizabeth, not knowing how to stop the collision, closed her eyes and braced herself. A split second later, the semi smashed forcefully into the middle of Cleo. The RV was pushed off the highway and rolled down the shallow embankment until it collided with the edge of the forest, and crashed one final time, to end up on her side, wheels still spinning and steam beginning to rise from the engine.

Elizabeth was unconscious for some while. She awoke to the sound of someone trying to get into Cleo from the passenger door, which was, strangely enough, above her. The face was blurred and hazy and sounds seemed to bombard her mercilessly. She was confused and hurting. Someone was talking to her. She looked up at the stranger. He was offering her a hand. What was she supposed to do with it? Shake it? She was too stiff to move. She wanted to go back to sleep. She closed her eyes again.

The next time she woke, she was strapped to a funny bed that moved on wheels. People above her were talking too much. She didn't want to start thinking just yet, so she closed her eyes.

The last time she woke up, she was in a white room, lying in a bed. A nurse came in and cheerily greeted her.

"Good morning, Miss Bennet, how are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, thank you."

"That's excellent!"

"Excuse me, could you tell me where I am?"

"You were in a nasty accident and are currently in the ----- Regional Hospital. Is there anything I can get you?"

Elizabeth was silent a while. She needed help. If she could remember correctly, Cleo would be totaled and she needed someone to come pick her up to take her home. She needed to call Jane.

"Could you bring me a phone, please?"

"Certainly."

Elizabeth tried calling Jane, but only got the dratted answering machine. She tried Charles' place, expecting someone to be there. No one was there, either. She tried Jane's cell phone. Now Elizabeth began to feel worried, and a bit of the shock was wearing off, leaving turbulent emotions behind. She dialed the last number she knew would help her, Colin's apartment.

The phone rang and rang and rang. Elizabeth almost hung up when she heard, "Hello?"

"Colin! Thank God I found you!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

"Actually, this is Will. Is this Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth tried to be calm and brave and cool, but there was not a shred of chance that this was going to happen. She broke down and started to sob uncontrollably. Will, poor dear, was beside himself with worry, confusion, and wonder, besides a little self-consciousness. Why did she burst into tears when she learnt it was him?

"Elizabeth, calm down, what is the matter?"

It took Elizabeth quite some time before she could speak intelligibly, and even then, her breaths would come in quick, uncontrollable gasps followed by an occasional hiccup.

"I- I need C-Colin."

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth, he's not here. He went out of town on a two-day business trip. I was just in here checking his apartment for a few minutes. Is there anything wrong?"

"Do you kn-now where J-Jane is?"

"No, I'm sorry, I don't. Elizabeth, can I help you with something?"

"I've been in an a-accident and I n-need h-h-help." (SNIFF)

"Where are you?"

"Kent, a c-couple of hours along the c-coast." (hiccup) "I'm in the ----- Regional Hospital."

"Can you wait until I come to pick you up?"

"You don't h-have (sniff) to come up here. Just find Jane and tell her."

Will ignored this and said, "I'll be there as fast as I can. Hold on." He hung up and Elizabeth buried her head in her pillow and tried to drown her woes in sleep. It didn't work, and she was left to brood over the impending meeting with Will.

Two and a half hours later, Will walked into her room. To the consternation of both, Elizabeth started to cry again. She covered her face with an apology and tried to regain her composure. Will stood awkwardly at the door. He closed it behind him and remained there indecisively. Finally, he decided he couldn't stand it anymore and moved over to the bed and took her in his arms.

Elizabeth was more than stunned at this action, but gratefully accepted the support. They remained several minutes in this pose, with Will soothingly stroking her back. When Elizabeth had stopped crying, she pulled away and sniffed. Will handed her his handkerchief and she accepted it thankfully.

Finally, Elizabeth was composed enough to say, "I'm so sorry, Will, I have never been in such a state before."

"Well I'm sure you've never been in such an accident before, either. Don't apologize."

Elizabeth wondered if that had a double meaning. "You didn't have to come out here, you know."

"I know."

There was a long, awkward silence. Then Elizabeth said, "Don't you want to know what happened?"

"I'll listen when you're ready to tell me."

Elizabeth gave a short laugh. "I'm not as traumatized as it may seem, Will. I'm okay, really."

Will raised an eyebrow. She certainly did not look okay. There were several cuts on her face and a bruise on one cheekbone. There were probably other injuries to the rest of her body. The hospital staff had informed him that she had sustained no major injuries, luckily. On top of this, her eyes were red from crying and her hair was in a wild, curly mess. She had a rather pitiful look about her, which paradoxically made her look fragile and attractive.

Elizabeth began to tell Will about the accident. She couldn't tell him much, as it had all seemed to go so fast and then she was unconscious for the rest. "Cleo is totaled. Somehow, I need to fetch everything from inside her and get it home or store it somehow."

Will asked, "When will you be able to leave the hospital?"

"Now, I think. I don't see why I should remain any longer. I've already talked to the police and called my insurance company."

"I'll go and see about getting you released."

He left and Elizabeth thought to her dismay that he was perfectly nice and sweet. This made her own behaviour to him seem all the more worse.

He came back and she was allowed to get dressed in her laundered clothes from the accident. Elizabeth was loathe to wear them again, for she could not help but think that the last time she wore these she was in Cleo, but she had no other option. Together, they left the hospital after signing the paperwork.

It was still freezing outside and Will realized Elizabeth didn't have any outer clothing. He took his coat off and put it over her shoulders. She looked up with surprise and gratefulness in her face. The coat dwarfed her shrunken figure and her pale face gazed up so endearingly at him. Will turned and hurriedly walked towards his car.

Elizabeth got in Will's car and asked, "Where are we going?"

"We're going to get a couple of rooms at a bed and breakfast I saw open on the way here. Then we can solve the problem of getting your stuff from Cleo."

"I need to call Jane as soon as possible and tell her what has happened and where we are. Do you really not know where she is?"

"I'm sorry, I don't know." After a few minutes of thought, Will asked Elizabeth, "You're not going to faint on me are you?"

"No," she laughed. "Why would you ask that?"

"Last time I took someone home from the hospital they fainted and I had to take them back."

"Who was that?"

"Georgiana."

"Oh dear. No, I've only fainted three times in my life. The last two were because I was sick in my stomach. My first time was when I was a little girl in elementary school. It was right before we ran the mile in physical education class. I was dared to turn my face red. So I held my breath and pressured the blood to my head. I had done it many times before, but that time, I guess my pride let me push it too far, and the next thing I knew, I was laying down on the wet grass. My classmates didn't believe I had really fainted. And when I told my teacher, he still made me run the mile!"

"You poor thing," Will said, unsympathetically. "Just don't try any of those tricks while you're in my charge, will you?"

"I haven't done it for years."

Will pulled up to a large Victorian house with a sign outside saying, The Green Tree Bed and Breakfast. He parked and Elizabeth opened the door to get out. She put her foot on the snow outside but felt a sharp pang of pain in her hip. She cried out. Will hurried over to her door, and asked, "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," she gasped. She took Will's offered hand and slowly stood up, feeling no further pain.

Will closed the door and followed Elizabeth into the B&B. They rented two adjacent rooms and Elizabeth found the bed too inviting to resist. She crawled into it and was soon fast asleep.

Will woke her up when he knocked on her door. "Come in."

Will entered to find Elizabeth deep under the covers. "I'm sorry. I didn't know you where asleep."

"Don't go. What is it you wanted?"

"I wanted to ask you where Cleo is right now?"

"The police told me she is at the mechanic's shop on Devon Close off of Main Street."

"I'll go there now and try and salvage some of your necessities for now."

"I'll come with you."

"No, you stay here and get some rest."

"Will, I'm fine. Really."

"Elizabeth, do you really want to see Cleo in her present state, or do you want your last memory of her to be a good one?"

Elizabeth looked down, knowing he was right. She should not go with him. Without looking up, she said, "Thank you, Will."

"Stay here and keep warm. I'll have the lady downstairs bring you some hot chocolate if I can."

Will left and ten minutes later the owner of the B&B came up with a tray of hot chocolate and cookies. Elizabeth thought about Will and decided they had to have a talk and clear the air between them. Right now, she felt like she wanted to earn his friendship again. Ever since she saw him after their argument, he seemed more nice and pleasant than when he had spent a whole month with her and Cleo. Cleo...Elizabeth grew sad. Cleo was gone, and if she were to continue traveling all over the continent, she would have to buy a new RV. She had the money, but she wasn't sure she wanted to continue what she had been doing for the last eight years. She started to consider traveling around the world for a magazine, maybe even National Geographic. But they would want more of an education than she had. Just a popular image was not going to get her the job she desired. She would have a while to think about it. Either way, she had a contract to fulfill until the first of July the next year. Maybe she could hitchhike across the countryside.

Will drove to the mechanic's shop that held Cleo. As he drove up, he saw the wrecked RV waiting to be taken apart for her good parts and sent to the dump. She did look a sad sight. The side where the semi had hit her was dented inwards severely and the windows were smashed.

Will talked to the mechanic on duty and was given permission to go inside and get Elizabeth's things. He drove his car next to Cleo and entered through the passenger door. Glass was all over the floor and the sofa was destroyed beyond recognition. He gazed at the driver's seat for a long while. The semi's end had nearly hit her door, which surely would have killed her. She was very fortunate to have come out of the accident with so few injuries. He'd been that close to losing her. What would he have done if she had died? Will shuddered to think about it. He turned himself to the task of scavenging through the wreck and salvaging whatever he could.

The first thing he did was to locate her camera, her bag of films and her journal. He knew those were the most important things in there. Her camera had been safe inside its case. He carefully put everything he found in his car. He slowly worked his way back, picking up things and taking stuff out of the cupboards and compartments. Finally, he made it to her bedroom. He emptied the closet and drawers, trying his best not to be affected by moving her undergarments to the car. Will took the safe out of its place intact and put it in his trunk. Lastly, he went through and took the pictures off the wall and the curtains off the windows. He took out everything he thought she could use and want.

To check he was not missing anything, he pulled up the sofa cushions, dusting off the glass. This was where he had slept, he remembered. He still thought of his month in Cleo often. There was a film wedged in a crack of the sofa. It looked used and he knew Elizabeth would want it. The accident had made the film accessible. He took his keys and pried it out of its place. He put it in his pocket, and took one last look around. Deciding he was finished, he talked to the mechanic about taking Cleo to the dump. He gave Darcy Inc.'s address for the billing address. The last thing Will did before leaving, was take the license plate off of Cleo.

Elizabeth went into the bathroom to relieve herself. When she washed her hands and looked in the mirror, she was horrified at her reflection. There were cuts on her face and a green and purple bruise on her cheekbone. She touched it tenderly and winced. She looked absolutely awful. Her hair was in a wild tangle and her clothes were wrinkled and torn in places.

Elizabeth was acutely embarrassed about Will seeing her in such a state. Indeed, Will was seeing her in increasingly vulnerable conditions. Elizabeth looked at herself again. She wished she could clean herself up a little, but she had nothing to do it with. No toiletries, no brush and no more clothes. Elizabeth left the bathroom in despair. She had never been vain, but she did endeavor to look respectable when in civilization. And especially around Will. For some annoying, stupid reason, Elizabeth had always cared about preserving his good opinion. It was almost as if she wanted to flaunt what he had given up. Elizabeth became angry at herself for thinking this way. He was better at flaunting what she had given up than she was. He was rich, incredibly handsome, and now he was turning out to be a nice, charming guy.

Elizabeth crawled miserably under the covers again. She remembered her resolution to call Jane and reached for the phone. It was too far away. Elizabeth apathetically let her hand flop. She lazily closed her eyes and snuggled deeper under the covers. It wasn't two minutes later before she was fast asleep.

Elizabeth woke up to the knocking on the door. She looked at the clock. It said nine AM. Goodness! Had she really slept that long? Another knock came at the door. Elizabeth guessed it would be Will but was conscious of her appearance, which would be even worse after a night's sleep. She had no choice, however, but to say, "Come in."

Will entered carrying a small duffel bag. "How are you feeling this morning?"

Elizabeth groaned and buried her face in the pillow. "Decidedly ugly," came her muffled reply.

Will smiled a little. "Ah, so you've taken a look in the mirror, have you?"

Elizabeth groaned again. "Go away, Will, please!"

"All right," he acquiesced. "But here are some clothes and some other things you might need to freshen up." He left the bag by the bathroom door and said as he left her room, "Come and get me when you're up."

Elizabeth sat back up after the door was shut. She didn't want to stay in the pillows too long, or she would nod off to sleep again. Elizabeth got up and hurried to the bathroom through the cold. She grabbed the bag and closed the bathroom door. She turned on the hot water in the shower and waited for it to heat up. Meanwhile, she emptied the bag onto the floor. Her toiletries were all there and so was a whole outfit he had picked out for her to wear. Hmm, he had good taste. Elizabeth turned a bit scarlet when she discovered he had also added some undergarments. But Will truly had been very thoughtful.

It was not half an hour before Elizabeth came out of the bathroom, warmly dressed and feeling much, much better. Her hair was still damp but at least the curls were under control. Her face still didn't look too good with all of the scrapes and the bruise, but she preferred that to covering it up with makeup and looking like a plastic doll.

Elizabeth walked out of her room and knocked on Will's door. "Come in," he called. She entered to find a room similar to hers. Will sat at a desk beside the window, working on a laptop computer which appeared to be online.

He stood up and looked her over. Elizabeth squirmed under his steady gaze. "How are you feeling now?"

"Much better," she admitted with a smile. "Thank you ever so much for all you've done."

"It's nothing," he said, modestly. "Are you hungry?"

"I'm ravenous!"

"Good, because we'll miss breakfast if we don't hurry."

Will turned to his computer to disconnect and shut down. Elizabeth felt bad that she was keeping Will from his work. She still didn't quite know why he was doing all this for her. Why was he being so nice? Did he just want to be friends again? Or was he doing this because she was so close to Charles and Colin?

"Will?"

He looked up from the laptop as he shut it. "What?"

"Thank you." Elizabeth walked over and gave him a hug. Surprised, Will returned the embrace, but was careful not to take it any further. Elizabeth, too, was surprised she had been so forward. What had possessed her? Her mind started to go fuzzy. Her vision began to blur. In a daze she murmured, "Will, I'm blacking out."

Elizabeth didn't know how long she was out, not too many minutes, but when her mind regained order and her vision cleared, she said, stunned, "I think I just blacked out!" She was leaning on Will heavily. Will supported her with his hands wrapped around her, her head tucked on his shoulder.

Will replied caustically, "Yes, you did. Do you want to lie down?"

Elizabeth stood up straight, testing herself. She felt a little woozy, but otherwise fine. "No, I'm okay. Maybe I just need to eat something."

"Yes, that must be it." He sounded dubious. "You're sure you're okay?"

"Yes."

Will stepped back from her, still ready to catch her if she toppled. Elizabeth laughed hesitantly. "Sorry. I know I said I never faint, but truly, I don't know why it came upon me. It's not like I had suddenly stood up."

They walked downstairs and ate a breakfast of pancakes, sausages, hash browns and fresh fruit. Elizabeth was so hungry she finished off her plate. Only after she had did she think about what this might look like to Will. So she said, "I don't usually eat this much, you know."

Will smiled slightly at her embarrassment. "I know. Naturally, you would feel hungry after being in an accident and going into the hospital and then sleeping."

"Come to think of it, I haven't eaten since breakfast yesterday, before the accident. I declined the hospital food. I've heard too many infamous stories about that stuff to eat it."

"Quite right," he agreed.

There was a pause. Then Elizabeth asked, "What are we going to do today?"

"I've emptied your things from Cleo. I don't think I've missed anything. I think you'd still be able to go see Cleo if you want to, but I have arranged for her to be properly taken care of."

Elizabeth knew what he meant. She had no desire to see Cleo in a smashed up state. "So we can go home?"

"Yes, we can go home if you want."

"Why wouldn't I? I feel horrible as it is for keeping you from your work."

"It's fine, don't worry about me." There was another break in the conversation. "What are you going to do now?"

"I don't know. I think I've had enough of that kind of wandering life."

"You mean you're going to settle down?"

"Not necessarily. I might go to college, if I could get a decent job at a magazine I would travel around the world taking photographs. It just depends. I don't know what the future holds for me."

"I feel quite envious of you. I am decidedly grounded to New York."

"When was the last time you left the city?"

"When I went to Brighton. Then before that, the last time I had left was when I spent a month with you. So you can see I don't get out much."

"I don't see why. You have the resources to go almost anywhere you want."

"But not the companionship. What's the fun in climbing the temples in Mexico or sailing down the river Nile if you don't have someone to share the experience with?"

"I beg to differ. You must recall how much I am alone."

"We are different. I don't understand how you can be alone so much."

"I do yearn for companionship sometimes. I should have got myself a pet monkey or a parrot to keep my company."

"You probably would have lost it."

"Yes," Elizabeth replied, laughing. "I suppose you're right. It's illegal to own a monkey anyway."

"Are you finished?"

"Yes."

"Let's get on the road and get you home."

Elizabeth collected her few belongings and met Will in his room as he packed up his things. "Do you know where my wallet is?"

Will stopped and looked at her. "Um, somewhere in the bottom of my trunk. Sorry, I didn't think about you needing it. But don't worry, I'll take care of everything."

Elizabeth let him do so only because she promised herself she would pay him back in full. They checked out of the bed and breakfast and walked to the car.

"Do you want me to drive?" asked Elizabeth.

"No, why?"

Elizabeth got in and said, "Well, I just don't think I recall ever hearing of or seeing you drive since you spent the month with me in Cleo."

"Well... I still drive when the need arises. Besides, I wouldn't have thought you would want to drive so soon after your accident."

"I wouldn't have liked it, but I think I could do it."

"I'm okay to drive unless you get uncomfortable with my driving."

Elizabeth smiled. "Don't worry. I'll tell you the first moment I feel uncomfortable."

They began the long drive home. After a long silence, Elizabeth observed, "I never called Jane."

"Does she have any reason to worry?"

"No, I didn't leave a message when I tried to call her yesterday, and she is accustomed to long periods of no communication with me."

"Well, as long as she isn't worrying, I don't think you need to call."

Elizabeth agreed and silence resumed. Both of them wanted to bring up the subject of their argument and the long break between them, but neither had the guts to do so.

They listened to music and NPR for an hour before Will finally decided to bite the bullet. He would be a fool to let this opportunity to have this talk with her during the drive home pass him by.

"Elizabeth," he started. "Do... do you... have you forgiven me now? I dearly regret being such a stupid jerk to you and can offer no excuse. But I would like to start anew with you."

Elizabeth gave a shaky laugh. "I think I can forgive you if you forgive me for being such a cruel witch to you even after you had apologized so nicely."

"I don't need to forgive you. You were perfectly justified in thinking I had not changed."

"But you had."

"But you didn't know that."

"Then why didn't you tell me what you were doing in Brighton?"

"Because I wanted it to be more complete before you knew. Besides, letting you discover it in a Greenpeace magazine seemed to me to hold more conviction, validity and force for you. It was more effective that way than me, in a way, trying to win your good favour by bragging about what great deeds I was doing. Do you get my drift?"

Elizabeth sighed. "Sure. I guess I can understand a little."

There was a small pause. Will said, quietly, "The book you sent me was the most beautiful gift I have ever received in my life."

Elizabeth squirmed uncomfortably at such a compliment. She enjoyed it, to be sure, but she felt awkward being in such a position. "I wanted to convey how impressed I was... my gratitude... my awe... my apology...."

"It worked," Will said, with a short laugh.

"Good. I certainly worked hard and long enough for it to."

"Really?"

"What? Did you think I walked out to Barnes and Noble and bought it? Of course it took a lot of work to make."

"I'm flattered."

"You should be," Elizabeth responded with good humor.

There was another small pause. Finally Will said, "So... we forgive each and start over?"

"Yes, I think so, don't you?"

"Yes."

"So it's settled then. Shake on it."

Will and Elizabeth shook hands and then Elizabeth quipped, "Now put both hands back on the wheel. You're making me nervous." After a glare from Will, Elizabeth observed, "Won't Colin be pleased with us?"

"You have no idea the lectures I've received from him...."

"Actually, I was on the receiving end of a few myself after I read the article."

"I can imagine. But still, he had good motives at heart."

"True. Still, I'm not going to let him off so easily. We needed to sort things out on our own. It wasn't going to happen with his interference, even though it was kindly meant."

"Are you going to tell him that?"

"Of course not. It would damage his fragile ego too much," she replied, sarcastically.

"Couldn't agree more."

The silence that ensued was more companionable than they had ever had before. It was unembarrassed and lacking the usual awkwardness of nothing to say to a person one didn't particularly want to talk to in the first place.

Then Elizabeth said, "Well! If we're on friendly terms then I have a lot of catching up to do."

"Catching up?"

"I never told you that I think your apartment is very nice- quite to my surprise. I never told you what I thought about your political views. Oh, there's tons of things I never said because I was mad at you."

Will didn't know whether to laugh or be angry. He decided the former. Their conversation the rest of the way home was amiable and wittier than Will was used to. He enjoyed himself immensely and rather regretted pulling up to her apartment so soon.

Will walked with Elizabeth up to her apartment. She knocked on the door for several minutes before finally deciding that Jane was not home and she would need her keys to get in. So they went back down to Will's car and began to empty out the trunk. Elizabeth became more embarrassed at the sight of how much Will cleaned out of Cleo. Eventually, they found her keys inside a flower vase.

"Why did you put them there?" asked Elizabeth.

"Probably because my hands were full and that was the easiest place to put them."

Elizabeth took an armload of stuff as she went to open her apartment. Together, they emptied all of her belongings out of Will's car into Elizabeth's apartment. Elizabeth offered Will a cup of hot chocolate, tea or coffee, but Will declined.

"I really should get back to my office. I didn't give them any warning of my precipitous departure."

"I don't know how I can thank you enough for helping me out."

"I'm glad I was there for you. Here's my cell phone number. Call me if you have any more problems."

"You mean like fainting?"

"Yes, like fainting."

"I promise I will. Thanks again, Will."

"Rest up and get well."

They said goodbye, and Will left her apartment. When he had shut the door, Elizabeth sat down on the sofa and just sat there, stunned, for several minutes.

A knock came at the door. Elizabeth answered it and found Will standing there. "Sorry," he said. "I just found this in my pocket and thought you would want it."

"Thanks. Where was it?"

"It had been wedged in the couch somehow, and the accident allowed me to reach it."

"Wow. A mystery film. I wonder what's on it. Thanks."

"You're welcome. Bye."

Elizabeth closed the door, looking at the film. It wasn't that old considering it was good film, which she had only been able to afford in the last six years. She put it to the side and sat back down on the sofa. She got to thinking: the last time she had been in this apartment, she had had Cleo, she had not been on speaking terms with Will, she had had some sort of a steady livelihood. But now, she was not sure how she was going to earn her money.

When energy returned to her, Elizabeth began to find temporary homes for all the things that came out of Cleo. Most of it went in her room. With the apartment looking clean again, Elizabeth decided to crawl into the bed and rest a while until Jane came home. She hadn't even turned out the lamp before she was fast asleep.

Part 7

Posted on Friday, 29 December 2000

I have to credit Nana for her "tale of the tinsel" and my father for the chess game.

Jane returned to find the apartment occupied to her great surprise. Elizabeth had only just left a few days ago. She'd never returned so quickly before. Maybe something was wrong.

"Lizzy?" Jane walked into Elizabeth's room.

Elizabeth had woken at the sound of Jane's voice. She sleepily smiled at Jane. "Where have you been?"

"I have been working a lot recently. What happened to you?" she asked, upon seeing Elizabeth's face. She came in and sat down gently on the edge of Elizabeth's bed.

Elizabeth sat up and began to recount what had happened. "My dear sister!" exclaimed Jane, clutching Elizabeth's hand tenderly. "How I wish I had been there for you!"

Elizabeth gave a short, embarrassed laugh. "Jane, I was well taken care of, I assure you."

"Who? Colin?"

"Well, that was who I called, but he's out of town."

"Oh my goodness! That's right! He had to fly down to Atlanta to sort out something or other. Then who helped you? Charles?"

"Hold on, Jane, let me tell my story. I called Colin's place and Will picked up. He had been checking in on the apartment and happened to answer the phone. I didn't realize it was he at first and when he learned of my distress..." Elizabeth paused in fond remembrance. "He... he was very kind and said he was coming to get me immediately."

"Really?!" Jane exclaimed. "See? I told you he was a very sweet guy."

Elizabeth was pained at her sister reminding her of her horrible treatment of Will earlier. "I know, Jane. Will drove all the way to the hospital and was so compassionate and gentle and thoughtful. He took me to a bed and breakfast. While I slept, he emptied all of my belongings from Cleo."

"Everything?!"

Elizabeth nodded. "But what I noticed more were the little things, like the bag of things he knew I wanted in order to freshen up. He never mentioned how horrible I looked-"

"Probably didn't notice," Jane mumbled.

"What?"

"Nothing."

Elizabeth continued, "And he was just so amiable in conversation, too."

"Why has it taken you so long to notice? You amaze me so much, Lizzy. So, did you talk and reconcile your differences while you were alone together?"

"Yes, we did."

"Wonderful! You're going to be friends again."

"We're on the right path, yes."

"I'm so pleased. ...Oh! But Cleo! I'm so sorry, Lizzy dearest."

Elizabeth's face fell and she fought back tears. "I know it seems absolutely ludicrous to love a stupid RV, but it was just the two of us traveling alone for so long, that she truly did become a companion to me. To anyone else it would be an imaginary friend, but to me, I felt like someone was listening to me and sympathizing with me, and, yes, sometimes even teasing and laughing at me. I already miss her."

Jane hugged her comfortingly. "You had to retire her soon anyway. I think it is rather heroic that she sacrificed herself to protect you."

"Yes, I suppose that is the best way to look at it."

There was a pause. "I truly am very sorry I was not here for you."

"I guess it all turned out for the best. Will can probably get away from his own company easier than you can from your job."

"You're right. Are you sure you're okay? You have a few cuts and a nasty bruise."

"I think the cuts are just from the glass and the bruise... I don't know what I hit. Other than that, they said I was fine and very lucky blah blah blah."

"Well, I'm sure you are. Oh, Lizzy, I'm so glad you're okay. I don't know what I would do if you weren't." Jane gave Elizabeth a long, heartfelt embrace.

When they parted, Jane asked, "Is there anything I can get for you?"

"No, I'm fine for now. If I did want something, I'm quite capable of getting it myself, Jane."

"Oh, well... I was just checking."

"Thank you."

"What will you do now you can't travel?"

"I suppose I'll have to go and get a job at McDonalds."

"No, indeed. You have several options in front of you, but none of them are so degrading. There is a right place for you, you just need to find it."

"Maybe I should go back to school."

"Can you afford it?"

"With a large student loan I might be able to. I'm not worried about the cost. I'm worried about getting in! I doubt many good universities accept women who only completed high school quite a few years ago."

"But you had excellent grades in high school, and you would score well on the SAT, and you have an excellent career to your credit. It's not like you're leaving this career."

Elizabeth shrugged. "We'll see."

Christmas was a week later. Elizabeth didn't see or talk to Will until then. Jane and Elizabeth were both asked to come home for Christmas, but Jane claimed she had to work and Elizabeth said she had no way of getting home. Charles' sisters were abroad and Colin and Will only had each other and Georgiana for family. The result was a plan to have Christmas together.

Will invited everyone over to his apartment for Christmas Day as well as to spend the night, since he didn't see why they should all travel home in the cold that evening.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth developed her films. Elizabeth did this for inspiration. She had so many gifts to find for people and she had no clues. She couldn't even seem to pick up hints that people dropped. She so disliked using her own photographs to give to other people unless it was like the book she did for Will, or the time she gave Jane a really nice picture of Charles framed. Jane was often difficult since she got all of her clothes at a high discount from her modeling jobs and anything else she wanted she went out and bought.

In the end, she bought Colin a book, Jane a fondue set, Charles a CD, Will a Far Side daily calendar (hoping he found Far Side funny), and Georgiana a card saying IOU: a shopping trip with me.

Christmas Day finally arrived. Elizabeth and Jane took a taxi to Will's apartment and knocked on the door. Elizabeth liked the wreath on the door with its white lights and red bow; the brass knocker was at the centre of the wreath.

Will opened the door. "Jane, Elizabeth, Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas to you too, Will," said Jane and kissed him on the cheek.

Elizabeth followed her and smiled a little shyly at Will. "Happy Christmas," she managed to say.

Will smiled at her. "How have you been feeling? You haven't called so I presumed you were fine."

"Yes, I've been fit as a fiddle, thank you."

To Elizabeth's utter surprise, Will caressed her face. "The scratches have gone and you can only barely see the bruise."

They stood close together, looking each other in the eye in front of the still-open door for several minutes. Elizabeth was acutely aware of the warm, lightly callused hand on her face. Her breathing became shallow and her head was light. His eyes were so beautiful. She had never noticed before how beautiful they were. And his hair, curling in that impetuous way....

They both heard footsteps outside in the hall and Elizabeth instinctively pulled away. Colin came up to the door. "This is a welcome!" he cried, upon seeing Will standing by the open door. "Cousin, I had no idea you cared so much."

"Happy Christmas," Will said, in a less cheery voice than he had used with Jane and Elizabeth.

"Happy Christmas, Will. And you, Elizabeth. Come here and give me a hug. I heard about your accident.'

Elizabeth hugged Colin tightly. She caught a glimpse of... jealousy? on Will's face before he turned around to close the door. Colin's embrace felt good- comforting and supportive.

"I'm so sorry I was not there for you," Colin said as he held her.

Elizabeth laughed and pulled away. "Everyone says that, but I assure you, Colin, that it turned out for the best." Elizabeth extended a friendly hand to Will. "Will and I got some quality time together did we not?"

Will smiled at her. Elizabeth looked back at Colin who was looking at them with interest. "So...you two have reconciled your differences, have you?" he asked.

"Quite," said Elizabeth. "Shall we find the others?"

Will stretched out his arm to indicate the way through the hall. "Everyone else is in the living room."

"Last one again, am I?" said Colin.

They walked into the living room where a beautiful tree, about nine feet tall, dominated the room. It was decorated in an exquisite collection of silver and crystal ornaments. Tinsel draped elegantly from the evergreen boughs and a lovely angel topped off the whole effect. Underneath, lay the presents, wrapped in colourful wrapping paper and bows.

A pretty young woman stood and said, "Colin, Happy Christmas."

"Same to you, Georgie." Colin hugged her and kissed her cheek.

"Have you been keeping yourself out of trouble," she asked.

"I should be asking you the same thing!" cried Colin, laughing.

"No, you shouldn't. I have not the prior history of getting into trouble like you do."

"Well said," added Will, smiling. "Georgiana, I don't believe you have ever met Elizabeth. Elizabeth, this is my sister Georgiana."

"Elizabeth Bennet. I do not believe I have had the honor and privilege of making your acquaintance."

"Honor?" laughed Elizabeth. "That's a first! I am the one to be honored. I have heard so much about you."

"And I about you. At the risk of sounding too gushy, I must take this opportunity to tell you how much I admire and love your work. I first discovered it when I bought a calendar of yours. Only after several months did Will tell me that the Elizabeth he told me about and the Elizabeth Bennet I admired were one and the same."

Elizabeth flicked a glance at Will, who avoided her eye contact. He talked about her to his sister? Was this a good or a bad thing? "I am glad you like my work. I certainly do love doing it." She stopped abruptly. "Well, I did love doing it."

No one missed her meaning and the room was quiet for a minute. Then Elizabeth broke the silence by saying, "Shall I put my gifts under the tree?"

"Yes," said Will. "By all means, everyone. Add your stash to my meager pile."

"It is a beautiful tree," Jane added.

"Thank you. It has quite a bit of family history to it."

"What, the tree?"

"No, the tree is real. But the ornaments and the tinsel are very old."

"The tinsel is old?" asked Elizabeth.

"Yes. It's not just ordinary tinsel. It's about 25 years old and made of lead. It drapes better than the modern stuff."

Jane laughed at Will and asked, "How do you have 25-year-old lead tinsel?"

"My parents traveled a lot when I was little. In Germany, they had not yet banned tinsel containing lead, which, as you know, is very poisonous, especially around children who eat small things. My mother bought $20 worth of the stuff and returned to the states with fine, lead tinsel. But the following year when she tried to buy some more, she found out that Germany, too, had banned it and she couldn't find it anywhere. So every year we use this ancient tinsel and carefully take off and store each strand. It's probably illegal, so don't tell the authorities. But Georgie and I have found that it is better than the modern tinsel."

"That's so interesting," exclaimed Jane, inspecting the tree for a closer look.

Elizabeth placed her presents under the tree.

"I should probably go and start the roast potatoes," said Will.

"Do you need help with the dinner, Will?" asked Jane.

"A pair of extra hands would be a boon," he answered, as he began to unbutton and roll up his sleeves.

"I'll help," Elizabeth said. "I'm good at being told what to do, but don't expect any culinary expertise."

The two of them walked into the kitchen. As she walked, Elizabeth wondered what she had gotten herself into. The meeting at the door had been bad enough.

When in the kitchen, Will said, "If you could peel the potatoes, that would be lovely."

"Lovely?"

Will smiled, embarrassed. "A phrase I picked up from my mother."

Elizabeth returned his handsome smile (hers, sadly lacking the dimples) and picked up the peeler. "Where am I putting the peels and where do I put the potatoes?"

Will showed her and she started while he began to stir the cranberry sauce. "What have you been doing with yourself since you got home?"

"I've been working in my dark room."

"Did you develop that film I found under the couch?"

"Good grief! I forgot all about it! Now I'll have to search my apartment and find it again. And I was so curious to see what was on it, too."

"Just watch it turn out to be blank or ruined or something equally anticlimactic."

"Yes, that would be my luck."

"Come now, you're luck isn't so low, is it?"

"I call being virtually unemployed low on luck, don't you?"

"You're not even close to being unemployed."

"How do you suppose I make my bread, then? Royalties aren't enough to sustain me forever. I have to keep a steady stream of new stuff going to them until at least my contract ends this July."

"You don't have to travel around in an RV to find good photos, do you?"

"Not everyone works the same way. Each artist finds their inspiration in different ways. For me, it's being outside in nature. It's so beautiful."

"Then I suggest you work for one of the environmental magazines. National Geographic would be best for you. I think I recall you saying that was a dream of yours."

"It still is. But I doubt they would employ a popular photographer without a single college degree."

"Then go to college."

"I want to go, but I don't know if I could get in."

"Nonsense," Will said, as he began to cut her potatoes and put them into a pan of fat. "I'm not saying you could necessarily get into any school you wanted, but I'm sure you have a pretty good chance of getting into a good school. Why don't you at least try?"

"I'll see."

"Why didn't you and Jane go home for Christmas?"

"Because... we don't like our family that much."

"Oh. That is too bad."

"I suppose. I like my three younger sisters individually, but not together. And I love my father, but not when he is around my mother or younger sisters. So, Christmas gatherings are rather a chore than a pleasure."

"I only have Georgiana and Colin."

"I want to say lucky you, but I know you won't agree with me."

"From the sound of it, my situation does seem more pleasant, but usually I would favour a larger family."

"Have you opened any of your presents yet?"

"No, Georgiana and I agreed we would wait until everyone was here."

"So Father Christmas hasn't sent you anything, yet? Were you a bad boy?"

"Oh yes, a very bad boy," he replied with a wicked smile. "And since Christmas is already here and I have nothing to lose now, I can go on being even more bad." Will lobbed a handful of potato peels at her. She shrieked and tossed her own handful at him. Unfortunately she hit him on the apron while he had hit her in the face and hair. Quite a few peels still remained in her tangles, the rest on the floor. Elizabeth had a black look of barely contained fury on her face. Will laughed and pulled her over to the sink. He began to pull the peels out of her hair while she stood there, her arms crossed over her chest and an angry pout on her face.

"Come on," said Will. "You're not going to get me to believe that you have been a good girl all year."

"You had better believe it! I am always a good girl."

"What? You've never had coal in your stocking? Not once?"

"Not once, thank you very much."

"You haven't truly lived if you've never gotten coal in your stocking."

"What did you do to get coal in your stocking, then?"

Will hesitated, and looked her in the face with a smirk. "I fell asleep in classes at Harvard."

Elizabeth couldn't help but smile. Will picked up a wet cloth and proceeded to hold her chin while he not so gently wiped her face off. Elizabeth screwed her face up and said between wipes, "You know, my mother used to do this to me when I was a little girl."

"Why did she stop?"

"I grew up."

"I would never have guessed."

"Ow!" Will had rubbed her bruise too hard.

"I'm sorry." He continued more gently, avoiding the bruise. He finished and put the cloth down. Elizabeth opened her eyes to find him gazing softly down at her.

The colour rose to her cheeks. She pulled away slowly and turned back to the potatoes. "Thank you. I had better look presentable now, or else it will be your fault and I shall receive the shame."

Will turned to check the turkey in the oven. "No, you look more than presentable."

Elizabeth chose to ignore the comment, not sure what it meant.

Ten minutes later, the two of them left the kitchen. One sad and the other relieved to be back in company again.

"Shall we open our presents now?" asked Will.

They all sat around the living room and Georgiana eagerly handed out all of the presents. Together, they unwrapped their gifts and a somewhat chaotic period ensued with people chatting across the room, thanking givers and replying to receivers. Will opened his gift from Elizabeth and laughed at her choice of gift.

"Elizabeth?"

"What? Don't you like it?" she asked, worried.

"Of course I like it. But I thought that Larson would be a rival of yours in a sense if he sold daily calendars as well as you."

"I wasn't about to give you my own stuff. How conceited is that?"

"Then I'll just have to buy it myself, shall I?"

"If you want it, yes, you will."

"Would you autograph it?"

"Don't be ridiculous."

"I'm not being ridiculous. I could probably make a 150% profit off it on Ebay."

Elizabeth gave him a wicked look. "I doubt that."

"Do you want to make a bet? I bet you that I can sell an original photograph of yours signed by you for 150%."

"How can you judge something like that since it won't cost you anything to get the photo and signature from me?"

"I'd still like to try and see how much I could get from it. I'll give you all the money."

"I don't need your handouts, thank you."

"Don't be silly, Elizabeth. It's not a handout if it's your own work."

Jane interrupted them. "Are you two going to keep this up, or are we going to finish our Christmas?"

"Sorry," replied her sister.

Georgiana squealed with delight. "What is it?" asked Colin.

"A DVD player. I've been asking for one for a while now."

Georgiana ran over to Will and gave him a hug. He patted her back. "You'll have to read the instruction book and hook it up yourself."

"Of course, Will."

Elizabeth asked, "Do you have any DVDs to play on it?"

"No, not yet."

"Pity. Otherwise we would be able to watch one tonight. I must confess, I have never seen one before."

"Really? They have better sound and pictures, as well as extra features sometimes, like scenes that were cut out and the trailers and commentaries by the directors."

"It does sound nice, but I think I'll wait to buy one until the price has come down from the skies and I've made my first million."

Elizabeth received a set of warm pajamas from Jane, a pair of boots she needed from Colin, a CD of Brahms from Charles, and a beautiful paperweight with a colourful shape in the middle of a glass ball from Georgiana. The last present she opened was from Will. She had subconsciously left it 'til last. She opened it to find a book on the history of photography. She looked up to thank him and found he had been watching her open it. His face was amused.

He said, "I actually was browsing the bookstore and happened upon it. I started to read it in the store and found it very fascinating. You probably already have it or already know everything it talks about, but still, I couldn't come up with a better idea."

"No, a lot of this stuff is new to me. My skill at photography has been very much hands-on learning. Thank you so much, Will. It will be highly useful. And I have so much more free time to read, too."

Not long after that, they all sat down to a big feast in the dining room. Georgiana said, "Elizabeth has promised to take me shopping, Will."

"Really?" he said, an eyebrow raised at Elizabeth.

"I couldn't think of anything to give her, not having met her and not having the advantage of hearing her talked of by you. So I decided we could just go have a night out on the town together, get to know each other and I can actually get her something she will like and wear rather than stick in the back of the closet interminably."

"Rather good idea, I think," said Charles. "Christmas shopping is becoming harder and harder every year."

"The worst to shop for are grandparents and other elderly people who have everything they could possibly want and not want," said Colin.

"Do you even have any grandparents?" asked Jane.

"Well, I have one on my mother's side."

"When was the first time you didn't go home for Christmas," asked Charles.

Jane replied, "I didn't go back the first year I left home. Mother told me not to come home but to stay at some rich man's house."

Elizabeth laughed. "Mother's way of catching a husband."

"Didn't work, did it?" said Colin.

"No, it didn't."

"Good thing, too," muttered Charles.

"When are you two getting married?" asked Georgiana.

"As soon as the weather turns warm."

"What kind of wedding will it be?" she asked.

"A small one."

"Mother doesn't even know about Charles, yet, does she?" asked Elizabeth.

Jane replied, "I think she has a suspicion, but I have not ever said the words 'I am engaged'."

"Why aren't you telling her?"

"For fear of her coming up to meet Charles and in the act dissuading him from marrying me."

Charles looked insulted. "That is impossible, my love!" He gently kissed Jane's hand, stretched across the table. They held each other's eyes for a long silence.

Colin cleared his throat. "What are our plans for the rest of the day? Did you ever get a DVD to play, Georgie?"

"Yes, I did. But it's a bit of a chick flick, I'm afraid."

"We can stand a chick flick, can't we?" challenged Charles.

"Speak for yourself," replied Colin with snort. "Are the rental stores open?"

"I doubt it," said Will. "And I don't think anyone will be volunteering to go out and check."

"You have some decent movies, though, do you not?"

"You all can look through the collection and pick one if you want. Or we can play a game of some sort."

"Like what?"

"Pictionary, monopoly...."

"Why don't we play pictionary?"

"How does that go?"

"There are teams that draw a card and depending on the space they are on the board they draw what the card says and the teammates have to guess what it is."

"We can give it a shot. If we don't like it, we can try something else, right?"

The group moved to the living room once more. Elizabeth stayed back to help Will clear the table while the others cleared the living room of the unwrapping debris. She leaned over and blew out the candles. "It was a splendid meal, Will."

"I'm so glad. I had an excellent helper."

It didn't take long before everyone was assembled.

"We need to split into two groups."

"Elizabeth, Colin and Will against Georgiana, Jane and I."

"Sounds okay to me."

The board was set out and pads of paper and pencils distributed. Elizabeth's team drew first and started on the category of people and places. She looked at the card. Martin Luther. Good grief! How was she going to pull this off? Charles turned the minute glass over and Elizabeth grabbed the pencil.

Will and Colin immediately started guessing. "Cross? Church?" "Steeple?" "A long time ago?" Elizabeth nodded her head. "Bible?" "Latin?" "Oh wait, who translated the Bible?" "King James!" "Germany?" "What's that? A door?" "Something on the door. A notice. A piece of paper. Hammering on the door." "What is it?"

The time ran out. Elizabeth exploded. "Martin Luther!! Look! The 95 theses on the church door, the translated Bible, lived in Germany... Come on guys!"

Will and Colin laughed at themselves with everyone else. "Sorry, Elizabeth. We'll do better next time, we promise!"

"And you graduated from Harvard?" she mumbled.

The time passed in this manner. The game was fun, exciting and challenging. The best parts were the All Plays, where it was a race against time and the other team to see who guessed it first. It was also fun to see what people chose to draw as clues... and how well they could draw. Colin was pitiful at drawing and would often put Will and Elizabeth totally off track.

When Elizabeth, Will and Colin had won, they put the game away and brought out some chocolates and tea. Elizabeth took her cup of hot tea out onto the balcony to look at the falling snow.

Inside, Georgiana put on her new CD of The Snowman soundtrack. Her favourite song played, "Walking in the Air".

We're walking in the air,
we're floating in the moonlight sky;
the people far below
are sleeping as we fly.

The snow fell gently, lightly down with no wind to disturb the curtain. The streets were unusually empty for New York. The light was eerie and beautiful. The silence, deafening.

I'm holding very tight,
I'm riding in the midnight blue,
I'm finding I can fly
so high above with you.

The door opened. A warm coat was placed about her shoulders. She looked up at Will who winked back at her. He joined her leaning against the railing.

On across the world
the villages go by like dreams,
the rivers and the hills,
the forests and the streams.

"It's so beautiful."

Will nodded. "I doubt you brought your camera, did you?"

"Of course I did. But some moments are beyond my ability to capture on film."

Children gaze open mouthed,
taken by surprise;
nobody down below
believes their eyes.

We're surfing in the air;
we're swimming in the frozen sky,
we're drifting over icy mountains
floating by.

"I love this song so much," said Elizabeth, softly.

"It is very beautiful."

"I love the sound of a boy soprano."

"Too bad their voices change eventually."

Suddenly swooping low
on an ocean deep,
rousing up a mighty monster
from his sleep.

We're walking in the air,
we're dancing in the midnight sky
and everyone who sees us
greets us as we fly.

When the song ended, Elizabeth stayed at the railing beside Will, his coat draped over her shoulders. She wanted to savor the magic of the moment. When it had died away, she stood up, handed Will his coat and walked inside.

Will remained outside gazing at the snow and thinking reflectively.

It was decided that Jane and Charles would share the sofa and Elizabeth announced she would sleep on the floor of the living room. Colin said he would join her, allowing Will and Georgiana to have their own rooms. Will became jealous at the thought of Jane and Charles and then Elizabeth with Colin, so he jovially suggested that they all sleep in the living room.

Sleeping bags were produced and other warm blankets and covers while people changed into their pajamas. Will asked Elizabeth if she wanted to play a game of chess before they went to sleep. She agreed and so they crawled under the covers with the chessboard between the heads of their sleeping bags.

The match took quite some time with each of them making their move after careful thought. In the end, Elizabeth found herself to be stuck. If she moved her queen to take the pawn, the other queen would get her. If she didn't move the queen, the rook could take her and if she took the rook, the other rook could get her. If she moved any other way, the rook would come down to where her queen used to be and put the king in check. If she intercepted the check with her knight, the rook would take the knight and put her king into checkmate. There was nothing she could do. Sighing, she tipped her king in resignation.

"You know, your mistake was when you moved the queen over. As long as it stood behind your pawn, the queen was not in any danger. It was an excellent game, though."

They looked around and found that everyone else had fallen asleep. Will put away the board and said, "Would you like one last cup of tea?"

"Yes, please."

Elizabeth and Will walked to the kitchen. In silence he poured the tea into mugs and handed one to her. They walked back out to the living room. They moved to stand by the window, farther away from the others, sleeping.

Elizabeth took a sip and looked out onto the snow-covered Central Park. It had stopped snowing and the snow lay over the city like a white blanket. It was untouched and unspoiled, pure and innocent.

Elizabeth felt a warm hand under her chin. She looked up and held her breath. Will was looking at her in such a way as to make the heat rush to her head. The silvery light of the winter moon shone on his face, producing a singular effect. Neither of them said anything. His thumb gently stroked her chin, brushing her lip once. Will's eyes seemed to flick between her eyes and her lips. Finally, they rested on her lips and she realized he was leaning down. Her heart pounded mercilessly and her breath was shallow. She closed her eyes and felt his lips gently, lightly pressing against hers. He pulled away briefly and then returned to place a firmer, longer kiss. Elizabeth bravely returned the kiss, desperately trying to convey the same passion he seemed to transmit to her. Her one free hand came up of its own volition to caress his slightly rough face. Her other hand carefully held her mug of tea. She felt his own free hand come round to her back to pull her closer to him.

Finally, they parted. Elizabeth stared wide-eyed up at him. He started to smile but it died away. He was so unsure and hesitant. Elizabeth realized it was her move next. Will may have been forward, but he was not so forward as to continue unless he knew she welcomed it. Shyly, Elizabeth raised on her tiptoes to kiss him. He met her with relief.

Somehow he had managed to get rid of his mug and he took her own mug from her hand, freeing it to wrap around his neck. They clinched more tightly for several minutes. Eventually they separated. Will added a couple more light kisses on her face before desisting to ask her, "Would you go out on a date with me sometime?"

Elizabeth nodded, unable to form words quite yet.

Will became aware that they both stood by the window wearing nothing but their pajamas. He was especially aware of Elizabeth's lack of attire. With a deep, ragged sigh, he said, "We should get to sleep. You go on. I need to check and make sure the door is locked and everything is secure."

He was lying. He just didn't want to see Elizabeth getting into her bed.

Seeing her reluctance, he added, "We'll have plenty of time to talk. Right now, it's cold, you're shivering in case you hadn't noticed, and it's late. Get some rest."

He dropped one more kiss on her mouth before releasing her and turning away from her. Elizabeth realized she really was cold. She touched her lips with a trembling hand. They were still tingling. A little shakily, she walked to her sleeping bag and crawled into it. She curled into a ball and tried to make sense of what had just happened.

Will was a very handsome guy and she had recently learned how sweet and kind he was. This evening, she had so much fun just being with him. She didn't think it was because the others were all there as well. She still couldn't believe it had happened. She had never felt so incredible before in her life. She felt like that song, flying through the air.

Elizabeth heard Will enter the room. She closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep. She listened as he walked over and crawled into his own sleeping bag across from hers. He paused. Then she felt his gentle hand stroking her curls away from her face. She felt a soft kiss on her cheek before his hand left.

Will crawled into his sleeping bag and settled down to try and get a few hours of sleep before everyone else woke up on Boxing Day. He, too, was so excited he couldn't seem to fall asleep. He finally was getting somewhere with Elizabeth. He couldn't remember when he first felt attracted to her, but it was certainly before they argued, or else he never would have taken her out in the first place. Now, he had a date with her and she seemed to like him. It had only taken him three tries. He had had so many opportunities throughout the day and finally, he took the most perfect one to finally pull the guts together enough to do what he had wanted to do for many months.

Both of them finally managed to get to sleep and dream of the other. Georgiana woke first and started preparing a light breakfast. Will was next to wake up. He immediately looked over at Elizabeth. She looked adorable when she slept. He wanted to wake her up by kissing her, but didn't feel he could. Someday, he hoped to be familiar enough to do so.

Will got up and showered, shaved and dressed. When he came back to the living room, he found Colin and Elizabeth up. Elizabeth looked at him for a second before avoiding his eyes and blushing deeply. She grabbed her things and headed for the bathroom. She felt decidedly ugly in the mornings. But what did that matter when he had lived a whole month in Cleo, where she dressed any way that worked and they went hiking for several days without a bath or shower?

Will chuckled and went into the kitchen to help his sister with breakfast. Twenty minutes later, Elizabeth was refreshed and dressed. She felt better but not quite up to having a tęte-ŕ-tęte with Will just yet. Colin was in a grumpy mood in the mornings. He ended up waking Jane and Charles. With everyone up, they ate breakfast.

Jane and Elizabeth and Charles did not stay long after that. Both claimed they needed to do some work on improving their apartment before it got so bad they couldn't walk into it. Elizabeth's clearance of Cleo did not help things one bit.

Elizabeth paused a few minutes behind Jane and Charles when they said goodbye. Will and Elizabeth faced each other in front of the door once again. He took her hand and stroked and squeezed it gently. "I'll call you about when is a good time to go out for a movie and dinner or something. It's all up to you, really."

"I'll do whatever you want to do, Will," she answered, shyly.

"Well, one of us has to decide. We'll come to an actual decision later on, shall we?"

Elizabeth nodded, still acting rather shy for her character. Will smiled a little and leaned down to kiss her firmly on the mouth one last time. Elizabeth relished the feeling before he let her go. She smiled up at him and then said, "Thank you for everything, Will."

Then she left and walked after Jane and Charles. I'm walking in the air. I'm floating in the moonlit sky...

Neither Elizabeth nor Will alerted their friends to the developments happening between them. Will emailed Elizabeth suggesting a time and date. She agreed and two days after Christmas, Elizabeth dressed up in a long skirt of grey wool with a lavender blouse and a woolen cardigan with a hood. Over the top, she wore her long winter coat. She hoped they wouldn't go anywhere too nice for dinner, because she didn't have many things she could wear to such a place.

He came to pick her up at six. Elizabeth had made sure Jane would not be there when Will picked her up. She answered the door and smiled at him. He looked her over appreciatively. "You look very nice, this evening," he commented.

"Thank you, Will, for saying the compulsory greeting to a date."

"No, I truly mean it. You look very nice."

"If it was genuine, I thank you. If it was not genuine, I think you disguise it very well."

"Thank you, I think."

"Shall we be off?"

"Do you have everything? Gloves, scarf?"

"I'm fine, thank you Will."

They left. "Where are we going?" asked Elizabeth.

"We're going to eat at a favorite restaurant of mine that I thought you might enjoy. It has Thai food and is excellent. It's always a clue when the natives from around about go to that restaurant."

Elizabeth nodded in agreement. "Where is this restaurant?"

"You'll see."

"Are we walking or driving? And if driving, who is doing the driving?"

"We are driving and I brought my handy dandy limo driver to do it so I can be more pleasantly engaged in the back seat."

"You are cocky, aren't you?" she laughed. "Who says anything is going to be happening in the back seat?"

Will winked at her and they continued out of the stairs over to the vehicle which usually transported Will around but made Elizabeth impressed despite her past rides in the limo and despite Will's air about it. He seemed to think that owning a limo and man to drive it was nothing.

When they sat in the back seat, Elizabeth asked Will, "Now, where are we going?"

"I can't pronounce the name very well. It's Thai, so you'll just have to wait and see."

Elizabeth sat back in a small pout.

"Have you cleaned your apartment yet?"

Elizabeth winced. "A little."

"What does a little mean? 'A little' meaning you haven't made it worse or 'a little' meaning you've actually made some improvement?"

Elizabeth grinned wryly, "'A little' meaning we haven't made it worse."

"Ah, I see. You know, you're never going to get the mess truly cleaned up unless you either move into a bigger apartment to accommodate all of your junk or buy another RV."

"I don't think I want to buy another RV. It's not a lifestyle I want to continue."

"So basically your apartment is going to be a mess until you decide how you are going to continue your life."

"Yes, exactly. And right now, I really don't know what I am going to do."

"You can always start making plans. You can apply to a college and start in the second semester, but I don't think you will have as much success getting in at this time. Or you could apply to National Geographic and see if they will take you as you are... which I basically don't see as anything less than perfect."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes at his 'charm'. "Well done, Will," she teased. "I have been thinking about taking on a job at National Geographic and I have decided that it would mean settling down into that job for quite some time."

The limo pulled up to a small Thai restaurant, with neon lights advertising take out and delivery. Will opened the door and offered his hand to Elizabeth to help her out. They walked in and the hostess sat them at a table for two beside the large tropical fish tank.

They ordered three dishes to share and a plate of rice each. After they had ordered, Will said to Elizabeth, "Continue on with what you were saying. A National Geographic job means settling down. And you don't want that?"

"Well, it would be a long-term job, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for that, yet. I have always wanted to go to college, and I'm thinking that if I do take a job at National Geographic, I would be tied down there for some time before I could get back out to college for at least four years. And probably by then I won't want to spend four years of my life in college. I've also been doubting whether I want to spend my life doing photography. I might find I have other talents or other things I could enjoy doing in life. Maybe I want to go teach photography in a high school, or maybe I could go into advertising with my skill, you know?"

Will nodded. He was actually very impressed. He had learned after their argument that Elizabeth was far from unintelligent. She wasn't well educated in fields other than her own, but she still continued to impress him with her thirst for knowledge and her love of learning. She had such an open mind about things. True, once she closed her eyes to something, it took quite a bit of effort to open them again. Will felt he was the prime example. She had had reason to hate him, though. And here she was expressing an interest in finding new things to explore and do. She didn't limit herself to what she knew.

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. Was Will reverting back to his previous reticent self?

Will caught the look and quickly sat up straight, clearing his throat. "I completely agree with what you're saying. I think you should go into college now. Well, not right now, since you do have that contract to complete. But I think you should start applying for next fall. I'm sure a lot of deadlines are in January so you'll have to move fast. You'll need to take the required exams to get in, like ACT and SAT. You need to contact your high school and get your transcript sent to the colleges."

Elizabeth nodded and sighed. "It's such a big undertaking. I'm hesitant about doing it for just that reason."

"Don't let that stop you. You need to just wade through these difficult proceedings with the help of maybe a couple of admissions workers. I'm sure that with a name as big as yours, they will be eager to help you apply to their institution. You would be a symbolic figurehead. 'Look at us! Elizabeth Bennet attends our school.'"

"I'm not so sure I like being used like that. Well, maybe I just don't like using my own fame to further my future plans."

"That's ridiculous."

"Why?"

"Because you've made that fame."

"So, I don't want to be standing on that. I want to be equal with everyone else around me and to get ahead on my own merits. In other fields."

Will shrugged. "I can kind of see your point. So what areas are you interested in?"

"I don't even know. I have not a clue as to what is out there for me to do. There are so many things that I could do and I don't know what they are. That's why I tend to want to go to a liberal arts school, so I can explore many different venues."

Will nodded. Their food arrived and they began to eat. Their conversation shifted but Will suddenly became aware that if she was going to leave to go to some college in the country, that college could be all the way in California. So what should he do? Hurry up and establish a steady relationship with her? Give her up as a lost cause? No, they had too many common links like Colin and Charles to never see each other again. And with Jane in his town, she would come to Jane's place for breaks and he could see her then. But still... she would be going away....

After dinner, they went to see a movie. Elizabeth liked the movie well enough, but didn't think too highly of it for art's sake. During the movie, Will had had the guts to actually put his arm around her shoulders. To his immense relief and delight, she accepted it and leaned her head on his shoulder to watch the movie.

On the way home, they sat beside each other. Elizabeth decided she had to ask the question that had been niggling at her for some time. "Why were you so silent and sullen when you stayed with me and Cleo?"

Will seemed surprised at the question, but gave it some thought before he answered. "I was shy, embarrassed... uncomfortable."

"But I tried my very best to make you at ease."

"I know. And it wasn't lost on me; I was just not a very nice guy and I was angry at having to be there in the first place. Don't take it to heart. I thought you were a really neat person. Of course there were times I didn't like you. For example when you made me walk eight miles a day up a mountain, or made me eat stew off of a campfire. Now I can look back on those days with fondness. At the time, I was a spoilt city boy who didn't like being upstaged by a girl."

Elizabeth laughed at him. "That does set my mind at ease. As long as it wasn't anything that I could have changed."

Will grinned wryly. He did like Elizabeth an awful lot. What he wouldn't give to be back in Cleo for a month with her....

"What are you doing for New Year's Eve?" he asked her.

"Nothing that I know of."

"Would you like to go stand in Time's Square and watch the ball drop with me?"

"Only if there aren't any other plans I have to be involved in. I don't want to suddenly spend a lot of time with you while snubbing Jane, Charles and Colin."

"Of course. I understand. Well, you find out if there is anything going on and call or email me with an answer."

Elizabeth nodded.

They got back to her apartment and Will helped her out of the limo again. They stood a little nervously on the sidewalk.

"Thank you so much for a lovely evening, Will. I had a great time."

Will smiled. "Thank you for saying the compulsory goodbye for a date."

Elizabeth sighed exasperatedly. "I mean it, Will. I did enjoy myself."

"I'm glad. I had great time as well."

"That's a bonus."

"Remember to contact me about going out with me on New Year's Eve."

"Won't it be freezing?"

"Of course. The point is to get so bundled up you stay warm, or so drunk you don't notice the cold."

Elizabeth replied dryly, "I think I prefer the former."

"Ah promish I'll be shober," Will said, in a mock drunkard's accent.

Elizabeth laughed and said, "You had better, otherwise I'll leave you on your own." There was a pause. Elizabeth began to get very cold. "Good night, Will, and thanks again."

"What? I don't get the compulsory end of the date kiss?"

"You didn't ask for one," Elizabeth teased.

"Do I need to?"

"In my experience, yes. I have only dated gentlemen."

Will winced playfully. "That was a low blow." A pause. Will took Elizabeth's hand and said gallantly, "May I kiss you Miss Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth held her nose up in the air in a haughty caricature of a snob (just picture Caroline Bingley). "You may, Mr. Darcy."

Will grew serious and cupped her face with his hands. Elizabeth winced, ruining the moment. "Sorry," she whispered. "Your hands are cold."

Will smiled down at her. "So you can tell how much practice I've had with this, can't you?"

Elizabeth grinned back at him. A second later, Will's lips pressed against hers, making her forget about the cold altogether. When he pulled away he raised an eyebrow at her.

Elizabeth sighed and said, "I'm sorry, Will. I feel inhibited by the sneaking feeling that we're being watched." She glanced at the limo waiting beside the curb.

Will replied, "Don't worry about him. I have him well trained."

Elizabeth smiled teasingly at him. "So you do have a lot of practice!"

Will shrugged nonchalantly. "Only as much as is expected of a man of my stature. But don't let that phase you. I think I can safely promise that you are the first photographer I have ever dated."

"Oh, I am flattered," she replied drolly.

"That is always my aim, my lady." Will's face grew serious as he gazed down at her. "Though I doubt I could flatter you enough." He leaned down and kissed her again. This time, Elizabeth returned the kiss.

When they parted, Elizabeth said, "Now that you have had your compulsory good night kiss, may I go up to my apartment?"

"One more kiss for good luck."

"Good luck for what?"

"I don't know. Good luck for getting home, I guess."

"All right, one more kiss for good luck."

This time Elizabeth stood on her toes and initiated the kiss. They parted. "That'll keep me going," Will said. He kissed her a couple of times on the face and then released her.

"Good night."

Elizabeth turned and went into her apartment building. She didn't think she could pull off an excuse in front of Jane. She was so giddy and flushed with happiness and excitement. Well, she could always try. Elizabeth paused to lean against the wall beside her door. Will's touch still sent tingles through her. She felt like she was in high school again. She stood straight and pulled out her keys.

Inside, Elizabeth found Jane watching some television. "Where have you been?" asked Jane, putting the TV on mute.

"I was out in the city."

"I gathered that, but what were you doing? You know how dangerous it is to be out in New York at night."

"I know, but I was with Will."

"Will?" Jane's eyes widened and she sat up straight. "You went out with Will?!"

Elizabeth nodded.

"I had no idea you two were that friendly to each other! Where did you go?"

"We just went out to dinner and a movie."

"A date."

"Sure, if you want, you can call it a date." Elizabeth was a little annoyed at having to explain herself like this.

"That's incredible."

"What's so incredible about it? We've reconciled our differences and have corrected our misunderstandings about each other. He's a really nice guy and he asked me if I wanted to go to dinner and movie with him. I said yes and so here we are! Big deal." Okay, so she wasn't telling the entire truth. So what?

Jane raised an eyebrow. "You are a bit defensive, aren't you?"

Elizabeth threw up her hands in exasperation. "It's so difficult having a sister who is in my circle of friends."

Jane called out after her retreating younger sister, "I beg to differ. I believe it is you who is in my circle of friends."

Elizabeth came back into the living room. "Tell me again who first brought you to New York? Who first introduced you to Colin and then Charles? Who first introduced you to Will? Hmm... I think that was ME!"

"Introductions don't count as your circle of friends," Jane called out as Elizabeth walked back to her room. "You were gone when the four of us started to do stuff together."

Elizabeth shut her door. She changed into her pajamas and crawled into her warm bed. She closed her eyes and re-lived her date with Will. Imagination is an incredible gift we humans have.

Will did some finagling the next day. He set Colin up on a date with one of his many admirers in his office. The date was set for New Year's Eve. Next he called Charles and casually put the idea into his head that it would terribly romantic to spend New Year's Eve alone with Jane.

Word soon got round to Elizabeth that everyone else had plans for New Year's Eve. Elizabeth wasn't sorry at all. In fact, she was rather pleased as she sent an email to Will agreeing to going with him and asking him where and when.

Will couldn't believe his luck when he had read the email. He felt sure Elizabeth would find a way to duck out of it. Maybe she wasn't just being nice to him. He replied to her email telling her he would pick her up at her apartment and they would drive as far as they could towards Time's Square. PS Remember to dress really warmly.

On the 31st of December, Will drove up to Elizabeth's apartment in his black limo and went up to her door. He knocked and Elizabeth opened it.

"Come in," she said and left him to walk in and close the door himself. "I'm just trying to find my other glove."

"Do you want any help?" he asked.

"No, just have the patience to wait there and I won't be a minute."

Will looked around. The apartment was still a bit of a mess. Organized mess. Mess they couldn't really help. Not unwashed dishes and clothes lying about, but stacks of boxes in the living room and a stack of books in the hallway. Stuff that didn't have its proper place.

"Where's Jane?" he asked.

"She went out with Charles. They wanted to spend New Year's Eve alone together this year."

"How romantic. I wonder where they got that idea from?"

"Here it is!" She came walking out of the hall closet pulling it on. Her curls were tied up into a mass on the top of her head. She wore a large ski jacket and ski pants with boots. She was pulling on her gloves and around her neck was a scarf. Finally, in her hands was a woolly hat. It was an eclectic style but Will didn't mind a bit. She looked particularly cute with her flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes. Will's outfit matched and looked classy, a stark contrast to Elizabeth's attire.

"Ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

They left the apartment and walked down to the limo. "Have you ever done this before?" asked Elizabeth.

"What?"

"Spent New Year's Eve at Time's Square."

"Not for a long time. I think I did it once when I was in university, but not since then."

"What's it like?"

"A mass frat party in the streets is my best guess at an explanation."

They drove towards Time's Square until they met roadblocks. There, they got out and walked toward the crowd. It was cold, but not too cold. Elizabeth felt fine except for her nose. Will grabbed her hand as they started to walk through the crowd. He pulled her close to him and then guided her in front of him, one arm circling her protectively.

They walked into the crowd as far as they could, avoiding pockets of particularly wild people. The noise was incredible. Elizabeth was fascinated as she looked around. She stopped and pulled out her camera. Will saw what she was doing and waited. Elizabeth held it up and took a few shots, then put the camera safely back inside her jacket. They continued until they found a good spot to watch and not be run over by maniacs.

"You brought your camera?" Will asked with a raise of his eyebrows.

Defensively, Elizabeth said, "Why don't you wait until I have developed them before you pass judgment? You would be amazed at how much you will miss."

"I will gladly wait until you have developed the pictures, but I have a sinking feeling I'll lose my case then."

"You will. I always carry my camera around with me."

They watched the excitement and entertainment around them as the clock grew nearer to midnight. Elizabeth began to get colder. She rubbed her nose to get some feeling back into it.

Will noticed her discomfort and said, "Come here."

"What?"

"Just come here."

She came beside him and he reached out to encircle her in his arms, hugging her tightly to his body. "I didn't realize you were so desperate for companionship," she quipped.

"Are you warmer?" he asked.

"Yes."

"I rest my case."

"You are benevolent, aren't you? Sacrificing yourself for my comfort. How heroic!"

Will kissed her forehead and added in a lower voice, "Well, I can't deny that I enjoy this sacrifice."

Elizabeth grinned up at him. Will rubbed her back a bit and then rested his chin on her head. Together they stood in the crowd and watched the excitement and the bright spectacles. Dick Clarke was doing his thing and MTV had their studio somewhere nearby. Millions of people were surrounding them, with thousands of policemen milling around the masses. Every now and then they saw a street performer. One had a tiny monkey with him.

Will asked her, "Do you have anything valuable on you?"

"Just my keys and my camera."

"I can feel the camera," he replied, dryly. "Where did you put your keys?"

"They're in the pocket of my pants."

"Good."

"Why?"

"There can be pickpockets in the crowd."

"Do you want me to move my camera?"

"It would be more comfortable, yes."

They broke apart and Elizabeth shifted the camera so it hung down her back. While they were apart, Will asked, "Are you hungry? I stuffed my pockets full of snacks if you're interested."

"What did you bring?" she queried, beginning to explore the pockets on his jacket. She found a bag of nuts and took them out.

"Do you like nuts? I couldn't remember," asked Will.

"Yes, I do. I like all nuts except hazel nuts."

"Well I like those so you can give them to me."

Elizabeth turned around with the bag in hand to see a huge puppet of Father Time coming around the buildings. She handed Will the nuts and took out her camera. She took a few shots of Father Time and then looked around for something else.

Will leaned down and asked her, "What are you looking for?"

"I don't know. Something interesting."

"Like that?"

Elizabeth turned to look. A man was balancing a beer bottle on his nose while his buddies stood in a circle and watched. Elizabeth quickly took a couple of shots before the bottle fell with a smash and a splatter of beer over nearby trousers.

"Yes, like that," Elizabeth said when she was done.

Will looked a bit proud of himself. Elizabeth laughed at him and took a couple of nuts from the bag.

Two hours later, midnight began to draw near. Excitement grew in the crowds. Elizabeth and Will, who had both become closer as the evening wore on, turned to watch as the Father Time puppet made its way back towards the ball.

Ten minutes later, the countdown began as the last seconds of the year began to tick away.

Elizabeth turned to Will and shouted at him over the noise, "Do you think the world's going to end like a lot of people think?"

Will leaned down to say in her ear, "If it does end, I can't think of anyone else I'd rather spend the last night of the world with."

Elizabeth couldn't reply because of the noise. This was a good thing, as she couldn't think of a witty, teasing reply. She was flattered and happy. She turned to watch the countdown. She took out her camera. She took a couple of shots of the numbers as they crept down.

10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...0!!!! The ball dropped, fireworks exploded in the sky, the crowd roared thunderously and cannons shot out tons of confetti and scented streamers from the tops of the buildings. Quite a few people had champagne bottles that they popped and showered over people. Elizabeth used up her film and then put her camera down.

"Are you finished?" asked Will.

"For now."

"Good," he replied and turned her around to face him. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her firmly. Elizabeth gladly returned it, careful to keep the camera out of the way. When they broke apart, she couldn't help but smile.

"You know you don't always have to come second to photography."

Will shrugged and smiled down at her. "I know where your first love will always be."

Elizabeth flushed at the implication that she had a second love. Well... maybe she did. Robert Burns' "Auld Lang Syne" song began to play and Elizabeth and Will joined in.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!

For auld land syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

At the end of the song, Will kissed Elizabeth once more. "Happy New Year," he said.

"A very Happy New Year to you, too," she replied, grinning up at him.

It took at least an hour before the couple was able to get to place where the limo could pick them up. Elizabeth was rather tired by the time she was able to sit down in the limo.

"Goodness! That was an adventure."

"Are you sorry you went?"

"No. I think it's nice to say I did welcome one New Year in Time's Square. I don't think I would do it again. I enjoyed myself but it was a bit too wild for me. I think a friend's party would do for me. ...Or just sitting at home with my favourite people."

"I'll keep it in mind," Will replied. "I told you I haven't done it in years. I think this one will last me at least another decade. And when I'm a decade older, I probably won't want to spend that long standing up."

"Don't be ridiculous. You're not that old."

They went to Elizabeth's apartment and Will walked her up to the door. They paused in front of it.

"Jane will probably be asleep."

Will took this as an excuse for why she wouldn't invite him. He was okay with it. He had only walked her up to be sure she got in all right. His best luck would be for Elizabeth to have forgotten her keys in her apartment and Jane was at Charles' place. Then Elizabeth would have to go to his apartment to stay the night. But Elizabeth did not forget her keys. She held them in her hand.

"Thank you for a wonderful time."

"I'm glad you liked it. And I'm glad we both came home relatively clean. No one threw up on us and we missed the champagne showers."

"It does seem rather a waste of champagne, you know."

"I quite agree."

"Well, I'll say good night to you now before we both become embarrassed at our lack of conversation."

Will smiled at her. "You never lack conversation."

She scowled at him. "Good night."

"Good night, Elizabeth."

He only kissed her lightly on the lips before turning away. Elizabeth was a little disappointed, but didn't let it show. She opened her door and went into her apartment.

Part 8 (A)

Posted on Saturday, 6 January 2001

Elizabeth still owed Georgiana a shopping trip. Three days into the New Year, Elizabeth called Georgiana. But it was Will who actually picked up.

"Hello?"

"Will? This is Elizabeth."

"Hi! What can I do for you?"

Sheepishly, Elizabeth said, "Actually it was Georgiana I was hoping to speak to."

"Georgiana?"

"Yes."

"All right. I'll go find her."

"Thanks."

There were a few minutes of silence and then Georgiana picked up. "Hello?"

"Hi, it's Elizabeth Bennet."

"You don't need to give me a last name, you know. I know it's you when you say Elizabeth."

"Oh, okay."

"Do you know what's up with Will?"

"No, what do you mean?"

"Nothing." She mumbled. "He was fine a minute ago."

"I was calling to see when you were free to go on that shopping trip."

"I'm free tonight, if that was what you had in mind. I won't be in town much longer."

"Tonight's great. Where shall we meet? It's a little too difficult for me to get to your apartment."

"I'll meet you at -----."

"That's fine."

"Is six o' clock okay?"

"Yep. I'll see you then." Elizabeth paused a second. "Could you put Will back on?"

"What, are you going to promise to take good care of me or something?"

"Nothing of the sort," Elizabeth laughed. "I just wanted to chat for a minute."

Georgiana gave the phone back to Will.

"Will? I... um... I had a really great time on New Year's."

There was a pause. "I'm glad," he finally said. "It was the best New Year's I've ever had," he admitted.

Elizabeth smiled shyly to herself. "Anyway...um... I'm taking Georgiana out tonight."

"That's nice."

A few seconds later, she finally said, "Maybe we can go for coffee some time?"

"Yeah, sure."

"I'll talk to you later then."

"Have fun tonight."

Elizabeth met Georgiana for dinner and then they walked around several of the shops talking and looking at various things. Georgiana tried on a few outfits for a giggle and Elizabeth would occasionally take a couple of pictures of Georgiana modeling. Through that evening, the two girls got to know each other much better and both came out of the adventure closer friends. Will was never a main topic of conversation, which was actually what Georgiana had expected. She suspected enough of Will and Elizabeth's attachment to anticipate questions about him. But Elizabeth talked only about Georgiana, herself, and other common topics of conversation. This improved Georgiana's opinion of Elizabeth. She felt like Elizabeth really cared about her.

Elizabeth bought a skirt for Georgiana and then at nine o' clock, they went home. Georgiana was able to bring a favourable report to Will who waited up for her return. Will was pleased to say the least, but he was losing confidence.

Three days later, Will called Elizabeth. "Would you like to go for that cup of coffee?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Shall I meet you at the Starbucks on the corner of your street?"

"Are you sure? I can travel to another one more convenient for you."

"No, it's silly for two of us to travel. I'll meet you there in say... forty minutes?"

"'Til then."

Will was waiting inside when she walked up to the shop. She ordered a mocha cappuccino and a brownie. She joined Will at his table.

"What have you been up to?" asked Elizabeth.

"Not much. Just the usual work in my company."

"As if I know what usual work in any company is like," Elizabeth replied drolly.

Will smiled a little. He wasn't like his usual self. It seemed like something was on his mind. So Elizabeth didn't waste time asking him what the matter was.

Will hesitated, keeping his eyes on his coffee. "I... I have really enjoyed every moment I've spent with you."

"As have I," said Elizabeth.

Will held up a hand asking her to allow him to finish.

"However, I think we should stop seeing each other."

Elizabeth's face was a mixture of hurt and bewilderment.

Will continued, "I have too much of a feeling that I'm pushing you. It's an uncomfortable feeling."

"How so?" asked Elizabeth, not willing to let him go without some more explanation.

"Well, you've never suggested doing anything but coffee, which, to me, is the very first stage of a relationship. And even that was only a suggestion. I acted on it. I don't want this to be a one-sided relationship." Elizabeth started to speak. But Will continued, "And I know that right now, you'll protest and say that it isn't so... but that doesn't mean much right now, right here. It just means you're trying to spare my feelings." He shrugged. "And maybe it wasn't meant to work out. If that's so, I hope it doesn't mean we can't still be friends."

Elizabeth was stunned and speechless. Will didn't give her much opportunity to speak anyway, for he soon got up from the table, put on his coat. Elizabeth still sat there staring at her coffee cradled in her hands. Will paused before leaving. He stooped, kissed her cheek tenderly, and left the store, leaving a forlorn Elizabeth.

Part 8 (B)

Posted on Friday, 19 January 2001

Elizabeth was stunned and speechless. Will didn't give her much opportunity to speak anyway, for he soon got up from the table, put on his coat. Elizabeth still sat there staring at her coffee cradled in her hands. Will paused before leaving. He stooped, kissed her cheek tenderly, and left the store, leaving a forlorn Elizabeth.

She wasn't long in staying there. She slowly walked back to her apartment. Once she was home, she became restless and bored. If she were idle for too long, she would start to think too much. She was hurt and upset. She finally resolved to clean the apartment to keep active.

During this deep clean, Elizabeth found the mystery film Will had given her. She swore that she'd develop it the next time she was in the dark room and tied it to the door handle so she wouldn't lose it again.

Jane soon came home and noticed Elizabeth was in a foul mood. For once, Elizabeth did not confide in Jane. It was too complicated to explain anyway. Jane gave up trying.

Over the following few days, Elizabeth seriously began to research and apply to colleges. NYU was her first choice but she had serious doubts about getting in. She also applied to Pace University in New York City and Boston University. It took some work and quite a few phone calls to send the right transcripts to the right places and to formulate a portfolio to send along with a questionnaire.

Only after all this was done did Elizabeth feel free to return to her photography once again. She had taken to walking the streets of New York just observing and taking pictures. Her favourite ones were those of ordinary people going about their lives. Her best one was of a street musician with his dog.

When she had five rolls to develop, Elizabeth immersed herself in her dark room. She spent a couple of days on them before taking a day off from the fumes and the darkness.

Elizabeth dressed warmly and grabbed a knapsack to put her camera, some food, matches, and water in. Then she took a train and a taxi out into the wilderness. There, she was able to think properly. It had been so long since she had been out in nature. She missed her long hikes through wilderness and woodland. But she wasn't going to go back. No, she needed to continue with her life and go on to do bigger and better things. She was applying to colleges and hoped to take up a new career- a new hobby.

It was not long before Elizabeth got to thinking about Will. What had happened? Was he just making excuses for breaking up? Were they ever a couple in the first place? They had only gone on a couple of dates.

She stopped and turned around to look at her long trail of footprints in the snow. She sighed, took off her knapsack, brushed the snow off of a boulder, and sat down. She thought as she ate a sandwich.

Will had broken up with her. She didn't want to use the word 'dumped'. He said he felt he was pushing her. Had he been pushing her? Elizabeth considered it for a long while. Yes, she supposed she had felt a bit rushed. But wouldn't she have said something if it got uncomfortable for her? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe she would have kept quiet so as to spare his feelings. Why did she feel rushed? Because she didn't have much experience with dating. She moved around too much to date for long. She hadn't had a boyfriend longer than a month since high school. But... this was different. She was in New York for good. No, she wasn't. She was going to college in nine months.

Elizabeth stood up again, slung the sack over her shoulder and continued on her walk, occasionally stopping to take pictures.

Elizabeth woke early, refreshed from her long walk in nature. She decided to return to the dark room. She dressed in old clothes and her lab slippers, pulled her hair back and ate breakfast. Once she was stocked up and ready to go, she went to her dark room. On the door handle, she spied the mystery film she had never developed. Finally, she was too curious to delay it anymore. She cut the film off the handle, went in, and began work on revealing what the film held.

It wasn't long before she spied clues indicating the film to have been taken a few years ago, before she did the deal to sell her work. One particular picture really reminded her of Kansas. Suddenly, a trio of pictures caught her eye. They were of a man in a business suit in a crowd.

She was almost certain but she decided to make a print to be sure. Impatiently, she waited for the light to penetrate the sensitive paper. Then she tossed it into the chemicals needed to reveal the image in color. When it was in the final bath, Elizabeth turned on the light to see the image coming through.

Slowly, a dark suit became visible, then a briefcase, next appeared a bouquet of flowers held upside down, and finally the handsome face of Will Darcy. Elizabeth pulled it out of the bath and held it up to the light. Her heart clenched. He was definitely very good looking, despite the sour look on his face. She smiled sadly at the flowers. They had been for her. She hadn't even known who he was when she took the picture. He was just a handsome face in the crowd. He looked so proud and stiff. He never looked like that anymore.

Elizabeth stared at, examined, and contemplated the photo for quite some time, before hanging it up to dry and going back to the rest of the film.

When she left the dark room, she took the finished, dry photo of Will to her room, and propped it against her mirror. For several days she would smile at it when she saw it, before remembering what had happened and becoming sad once more.

Over the next week, not a single day went by without Elizabeth thinking about Will and wishing she could tell him this or show that to him. In truth, she greatly missed him. By the end of the week, Jane had somewhat figured out the root of her sister's discontent. During one meal together, Jane said, "Elizabeth, I'm sure Will would love it if you asked him to go to the museum with you. I think I recall him saying he was looking forward to that exhibit."

"You think so?"

"I know so," replied Jane, though she actually had never heard Will say anything of the kind, but somehow, she knew that he would want to go.

"I don't know, Jane. I think Will said what he did because he wanted to get out of the relationship but didn't want to make me feel bad."

"No."

"No? That's it, just no? What kind of advice is that?"

"It's not advice. I know you're just fussing about, not doing anything but feeling sorry for yourself and this is just an excuse for not doing anything about it. So... I'm not going to go on and on about what Will really thinks, because frankly, I don't know. But I do know it's not that. So you fix it, not me."

Elizabeth wasn't too happy with this answer. It wasn't that she wanted out of the relationship. She just didn't understand why Will did it. He was probably just insecure, but she was too, so that didn't help matters.

Following the meal, Elizabeth picked up the phone and dialed his number. It did take a few tries to pull the guts together to dial the full number. It started ringing and she nearly panicked and hung up. Sheer will forced her not to.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Will, this is Elizabeth."

"Hi."

"I was... um wondering if you... would like to go to the museum exhibit with me this afternoon."

There was a pause. Then Will said, "What time?"

Elizabeth nearly let out an audible sigh of relief. "Is three o' clock okay?"

"Yeah, shall I meet you there?"

"That's fine. See you then."

They hung up and Elizabeth slunk onto the bed. How did something so easy as asking a friend out to the museum become so difficult?

Elizabeth kicked herself for being early. She didn't like this waiting around for him to show up. She never had any doubt of his showing up, but she certainly hated the waiting. She really didn't know what she was going to say when he arrived. A simple 'Hi, how are you?' just didn't seem to cut it.

Five minutes later, he walked up to her, hands deep in his overcoat pockets and a neutral look on his face. Elizabeth couldn't help but be a little disappointed. She didn't know what she expected, but it was definitely more than this. Little did she know how much he was restraining himself from at least kissing her cheek in greeting. He had no idea why she wanted to meet with him, but he decided to presume that she just wanted to be friends. He was not one to give up a friendship like hers, and so had resolved on not pushing things.

"Hi," Elizabeth said, and mentally smacked her forehead. She surprised herself sometimes at how stupid she could be.

Will cracked a light smile. "Hi."

"Shall we go in? My nose is nearly frozen off."

"You didn't have to wait outside, you know."

"I know."

They walked up the steps and pushed through the revolving doors into the warm building. They took their coats off and hung them in the cloakroom. Then they walked into the art gallery and began to look at the displays. Neither of them spoke for a good ten minutes. Finally, Will asked, "How's your work going on?"

"Pretty good. Not as hot as I used to be with Cleo, but I'm learning to pick up shots around the city."

"Do you just walk around or do you have a purpose?"

"Usually I just walk around and take pictures of what I see, but every now and then I'll know the shot I want and I just have to wait for the right conditions to make it perfect. It's different in civilization than it was in the nature. Usually I wouldn't notice a shot unless the conditions were perfect right then. But here, I can see a good shot and, as I said, I wait for the right moment."

"Are you going to send a lot of your contemporary, civilized work to your company?"

"I don't know. I'll see. If I don't have enough of my usual nature stuff, then I'll have to send them the other stuff, but I've kind of made my reputation as a nature artist, so I don't even know if the company would accept any other kind of work."

"That's rather single minded."

"Tell me about it. But I guess that's business."

"True."

They came up to a particularly odd looking painting. Elizabeth stopped and stared at it for a couple of minutes. "What is it?" she asked, turning her head sideways to see if it was better.

"I don't know, what does the title say?"

" 'Fall'."

"That's it?"

Elizabeth nodded.

"Who's the artist?"

"Some name I can't pronounce."

"Huh. Interesting."

Elizabeth continued to stare at it. "You know, I think it's some kind of hidden map used in the Vietnam War by the Viet Cong."

"What makes you say that?"

"Well look. That's a river and that splash of brown is a bridge."

"A bridge?"

"Yeah. And then this is a tree and that's a...."

"I don't think Vietnam had one tree to put on a map, it had whole forests."

"Fine then. You come up with something!"

"I will," he said indignantly. "It's a display of emotion."

"That's original," Elizabeth snorted.

"Hear me out."

Elizabeth stood back and crossed her arms over her chest with a skeptical look on her face.

"The artist is in turmoil over some relationship. And the lack of red shows the absence of love in the relationship. The black represents depression and sorrow and the blue streak is the lifeline the artist is trying to cling onto."

Elizabeth felt like he was talking about her in some code language she wasn't sure she understood. Was he saying he didn't love her? Did she ever think he loved her? A small part of her mind said yes, she did. The bigger part of her mind said no, she never got that far. But then what was he saying? Or was he not meaning her at all?

"What about this one?" Elizabeth asked.

Will moved over to the next one. After studying it for a while, he started. "This painting represents the artist's hope over the same relationship. The cross represents the prayers said every night- hence the yellow dots in the blackness up there. He... prays for the girl to return to him, see that stroke that looks like a boomerang? And here's that lifeline he's still clinging too, trying to survive everyday without her."

Elizabeth was silent for a moment. His analysis was just too farfetched for him to really think that was what the artist meant. Therefore he must mean her. But what was he trying to say? It did sound very much like he really did think it was she who did not want the relationship and he did. From what he said, it seemed like he was almost pining for her. But that was ridiculous. Still, she had to send some kind of message back. So she moved to the next painting to contemplate it.

"So from what you say of the first two, I think this one is the final painting in the trilogy. It represents the return of the girl. The lifeline is gone and there is the red and the lightness that lacked in the other two." Elizabeth smirked and said, "It also seems to have more of a woman's touch. ...Yeah, I think the painting is generally happy and more content now that he knows that the girl loves him and they're together."

Good grief! She hoped Will wouldn't construe that she loved him. She felt very strongly, but she wasn't sure she could say she loved him per se.

"I see," said Will.

Was that a good 'I see' or a bad one? They moved out of that room to more conventional paintings where one could not really improvise as much about what the painting was of. It was usually straightforward with mythological, Biblical or historical subjects.

An hour and several interesting discussions later, they walked out of the museum and stood on the sidewalk, unsure of what came next. Elizabeth soon realized it was her move, so she thought about asking him to go have a cup of coffee with her, but realized that was rather unoriginal and she didn't want a repeat of what happened the last time she had asked him. So instead, she said, "Did you have somewhere to be right now? Because there's an ice cream parlor down the street and I wondered if you wanted to join me in getting some."

Will did actually have somewhere to be, but he figured his cousin would forgive him for standing him up just this once. Will raised an eyebrow. "Ice cream?" and pointedly looked at the snow pushed to the side of the sidewalk.

"If you want something warm, you can get hot fudge," she said, defensively.

Will grinned and nodded. They began walking down the street in a companionable silence. They ordered ice cream, (Will did get the hot fudge) and took it outside to eat and walked towards Washington Square Park.

"You're dripping," said Will.

"Oh drat!"

"Didn't you feel it going all over your hand?"

"No! My hands are numb."

"Then why don't you put your gloves on?"

"Because that would only result in getting the ice cream all over my gloves."

"You just don't know how to eat ice cream properly, do you?"

"You're right. I'm out of practice. Now are you going to give me a napkin or are you just going to stand there laughing at me?"

"I don't have a napkin."

"Then what do you expect me to do?"

"Lick it off."

"No. I haven't washed my hands."

"Then I'll lick it off."

"Gross! No way!"

"Then you're either going to have to let it freeze on your hand like that, wipe it off on the nearest passerby or try and wipe it off with a leaf."

"There aren't any leaves on the trees, Einstein. And I am not going to do the first two, either. Fat lot of help you are!"

"I'm not the one who didn't come prepared."

"As if you did?"

"Sure. I got napkins."

"You do?!! Then why don't you give me one?"

"Because you didn't ask me."

"Yes I did."

"No you didn't."

"Yes I did."

"No... you didn't."

"Well I'm asking now."

"What will you give me in return," he said, holding the napkin tauntingly out of reach. She tried to grab it from him a couple of times but he moved away.

"Nothing. Why should I give you anything for a stupid napkin?"

"Because I have something you need. It's part of the capitalist world. Supply and demand. I supply something you demand."

"You're darn tootin' right I demand it! Come on, Will, just give me the napkin," she whined.

"What will you give me for this napkin?"

Elizabeth gave up trying to grab it and sighed heavily, glaring at him. "What do you want?"

"You know what I want."

Elizabeth didn't know what to think about that. But she decided she had had enough of guessing games. If they didn't come to some kind of understanding now, she would just go home and be haunted by that handsome picture on her mirror.

"Fine. You have it."

"What?"

"What you want."

"And what is that?"

"Well if you don't know, then I sure don't."

"I know what I want but how do I know you know what I want?"

"I know you know what you want and I know I know what you want."

"But that's not enough for me. I need to know you know what I want."

"And how do I let you know I know what you want?"

"By saying what I want... and what you'll give me."

"But what if I don't know what you want."

"Then you would have lied when you said you knew what I want."

"So?"

"So then how do you know what you're giving me if you don't know what I want?"

"Whatever it is I'll give it to you... within reason... if you just give me that darn napkin!!"

Will thought for a moment, and then said, "Nah. I think I need to know you know what I want... and what you're giving me."

Elizabeth sighed deeply. "Fine. What is it you want?"

"Ah ha! So you don't know what I want!"

"No, I don't. Happy?" she snapped, irritated.

"Yes."

"So?"

"So what?"

"So aren't you going to tell me what you want?"

"Maybe."

"No, you can't say maybe, you have to say yes."

"Says who?"

"Says me."

"Fine."

There was a pause. "I'm waiting."

"And meanwhile, you're ice cream is getting worse."

Elizabeth looked down to see her ice cream had dripped over her hand even more. She licked it off the cone and some of the scoop. "I think I'm going to have brain freeze."

"Shouldn't affect you too much."

Elizabeth gave him a look. "Are you going to give me the freakin' napkin or not?"

"After you give me what I want."

She rolled her eyes. "Do we have to go through this again? Tell me what you want and I'll give it to you within reason."

"What's within reason?"

"Well I'm not going to give you a car or a house or something I can't give you."

"Okay."

"So?"

"So what?"

"So aren't you going to tell me what you want?"

"After you finish your ice cream."

"What?!"

"Well, I don't want to give you the napkin before your finished because then you'll just get more messy after you've used this hard-earned napkin to clean off. So I figure rather than go through two napkins needlessly, I can save a tree by not telling you what I want so you can't give it to me so I would have to give you the napkin."

"You're absolutely demented, you know that?"

Will grinned and nodded.

In silence they finished their ice cream. Then Elizabeth turned to him, outstretched her sticky hand and said, "Now can I have the napkin?"

"Only if you give me what I want."

"Tell me what you want."

"You."

"Fine. Now give me the napkin."

"Really?"

"Yes. Give me the napkin!"

"You give me your word?"

"Yes. So now will you give me the napkin? You're gonna give me frostbite in the hand that focuses my camera!"

Will handed her the napkin and she snatched it. She began wiping off the gooey mess but found that some of it had dried on and wasn't coming off with a napkin. Will saw her problem and suggested, "Go put some snow on it."

"What?"

"Melt some snow on your hand to wash it off."

"As if my hand isn't cold enough as it is??"

"Fine then, don't accept my advice!"

"And where has your 'advice' gotten me today?"

Will brushed off an imaginary speck of dust off his overcoat and said arrogantly, "Oh I don't know, it's gotten you a mighty handsome boyfriend."

"Ha! Looks aren't everything," she grumbled.

She spied a water fountain several yards away and stalked over to it. However she found it out of service and cursed a little too loudly. She took a quick look over to Will still sitting on the bench. When he turned his head to look at a particularly fine bitch (now, now readers, I meant a she-dog. Get your minds out of the gutters!!) run past, Elizabeth ducked behind a large tree and used snow to wipe off the ice cream. A minute later she walked jauntily back to Will.

He had a suspicious and teasing look on his face when he said, "What did you do behind the tree?"

"None of your business."

"Of course it's my business. I own you now, remember?"

"I... was... looking at some particularly interesting bark on the tree."

"Really! Huh. Well show me this interesting bark of yours."

"No, no, no. You wouldn't find it interesting."

"Now how do you know that? If you find it interesting then surely I will."

"Not necessarily. You know? Now that I think about it, there wasn't anything interesting at all."

"I see. How did you get the ice cream off?"

"I used the water fountain."

"Really! Well now, isn't that funny. I thought the water fountain was broken, but maybe I was mistaken. That's just terrific because I need a drink after that mighty rich chocolate."

"You don't want to drink park water, do you? Why don't we go get a soda or something?"

"I don't mind park water. It's free, isn't it?"

"Huh, as if you'd care about that."

"I'm rich because I'm thrifty."

"Sure."

"You just wait here while I go and get this drink. I'm parched from arguing with you."

He started to walk off. "Wait," she said.

"What?"

"It doesn't work."

"The fountain? The fountain doesn't work? Well then how did you wash off that ice cream? Or does the fountain only work for you? Will you come with me to make it work so I can have my drink?"

Elizabeth glared at him. He innocently gazed back at her, the teasing showing itself in his eyes and the twitch in his mouth. "I didn't use the fountain."

"So how did you wash it off?"

She ducked her head and mumbled something. "What's that?" Will asked. "I must be hard of hearing, say that again."

She said, "I said (mumble mumble mumble)."

Will came up to her and lifted her chin up to look at him. "Repeat that one more time."

"I used the snow like you said to," she finally said, as defiantly and dignified as she could.

Will leaned forward and kissed her soundly. When he pulled away, he said, "I knew you'd see things my way eventually."

She smiled at him before he began kissing her again.

They stayed in the park until six in the evening when it got too cold for the couple. Elizabeth said, "Are you busy?"

Will looked down at her and said, "Not anymore."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I've canceled my plans for tonight."

"When?"

"Now."

"You can't do that."

"Course I can."

"What were you supposed to do?"

"Meet with a couple of my employees for dinner."

"You have to go then."

"No I don't. We're going to dinner together."

"We are?"

"Isn't that why you asked if I was busy?"

"Yes, but you are busy so we can't have dinner."

"I told you I wasn't busy so we can go to dinner."

"What about your other engagement?"

"I'll give 'em a call from the restaurant to let them know I am unavoidably detained from making it."

He kissed her but she pulled away saying, "That's... that's...."

"That's my privilege as head of the company. It's not like I do it regularly. Now come on, I'm getting too cold."

They quickly walked to a nearby restaurant and sat down.

After they ordered, Will asked, "So... what took you so long?"

Elizabeth sighed and said, "Well, it was partly because I had things to attend to, partly because I was working, partly because I was procrastinating, and mostly because I was doubting."

"Doubting what? Your own feelings?"

"No, not at all. I was really, really upset and I thought it was your way of trying to get out of a relationship you didn't want without hurting my ego."

"You mean blaming you for a breakup I wanted."

"I wouldn't have put it that way, but yeah."

"What or who put you straight?"

"Well, Jane suggested that you would like to go to the museum with me, the paintings did most of it, and then your behavior told me I should go ahead and risk it."

"Risk what?"

"Risk completely humiliating myself and breaking my heart."

"Flattering."

She just shrugged and ate her soup. "I think I'll ask what in the world caused you to think I didn't care some other time."

"Good. It'll give me time to come up with an answer."

"You don't know why?"

"Or don't remember."

"You're so weird."

"Tell me about it."

They continued with their meal, enjoying their light bantering back and forth with some serious conversation mixed in now and then. Afterwards, Will accompanied Elizabeth home. Outside her door, they kissed good night. Will held her for a minute before saying, "I may make light of it a lot, but I should let you know how very happy you have made me."

"I would say me too, but that wouldn't sound right. I guess I should say I've made me happy too."

Will smiled down at her and then let her go into her apartment.

Times improved with the group of friends. However one thing remained to be resolved. Just a minor detail like Elizabeth's future. She didn't tell Will about her college applications. Whenever he asked what her plans were, she would vaguely answer him or avoid the subject skillfully. Elizabeth didn't want to inform him of the applications until she got a favorable reply.

The first college to accept her was Boston University. When Elizabeth received the missive in the mail, she immediately called Will's office and asked him to come over for dinner that night. Will complied without having any idea what the big news was.

Elizabeth had cooked a meal and was ready when Will finally arrived that evening. Elizabeth opened the door and greeted Will with a kiss. "Come in, my love. Dinner is just ready."

Will looked suspiciously at her. She was unusually jittery. Will helped her get the meal on the table and then they sat down together. Jane had agreed to eat at Charles' place to allow Elizabeth and Will privacy.

When they sat down, Elizabeth said, "I got some good news in the mail today."

"I knew something was up. What is it?"

"Well... I never told you that I applied to a few universities back in January. And I got my first reply today."

"Really! Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I didn't want to tell you unless I got in. So I got in to Boston U. and so I'm telling you."

"Boston University??"

"Yeah. It's a really good school. I can't believe I got in!"

Will seemed less than excited for her. In fact, he wasn't at all pleased.

"What?" asked Elizabeth.

"Boston?"

"Yes... so?"

Will squirmed in his chair a bit. "I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but... what did you expect me to do? I can't move from New York. Do... do I mean so little to you that you would move to Boston now?"

"No! Of course not! Will, I know you can't move. Boston is only one of the three that I applied to."

"So you're saying that it could be worse? Seattle? Alaska? If you insist on going away for college, then I think I have a right to have my engagement ring on your finger."

Elizabeth put her hand over Will's on the table. "Will. I'm flattered, really. But you're getting the wrong impression. The other two universities are here in New York City." Elizabeth grinned. "I don't think I could stand being away any more than you. I chose nearby on purpose. Now, Boston is the only university that has replied yet. So if NYU and Pace reject me, then I will be going to Boston. All right?" She added playfully, "But do I still get the engagement ring if I stay in New York?"

Will gazed across the table at her. "I think I would still insist upon it. That would warn off all those college lads."

Elizabeth grinned at him and then leaned across the table and kissed him. When she sat back down, Will said, "So shall we go looking for a ring Saturday morning?"

"What? You mean you don't have it with you?" she teased.

"Of course not. First of all, I didn't plan the proposal. And second, I want to get a ring you would like and wear, rather than hiding it away."

"You proposed? All I heard was that you wanted me to wear a collar declaring me yours."

Will got up from the table, came around to her chair and got down on one knee. He took Elizabeth's hand and asked, "Elizabeth, will you marry me?"

Elizabeth smiled down at him and said, "Of course I will."

She leaned down and kissed him.

By the next month, NYU and Pace had accepted her. NYU restricted Elizabeth to studying art and a liberal arts degree. Since Elizabeth was fairly sure she wanted to pursue an Environmental Science degree, she chose Pace University.

The month before she began classes, Will and Elizabeth got married in a small ceremony. (Will finally got to meet her family.) They went on a honeymoon to Switzerland, Germany and England for 3 weeks before returning to New York so Elizabeth could move in to Will's apartment on Fifth Avenue and get ready for classes.

Elizabeth completed her Environmental Science degree in four years and went on to get a Masters from Columbia University. She took a high-ranking job with Greenpeace for three years before going to part time while she and Will raised two sons and a daughter. Elizabeth continued to do photography for enjoyment, but never went back to it as a full time job.

Jane and Charles were, of course, married and soon moved to Paris, where Jane studied fashion at the Sorbonne. Colin found some girl or other to cater to his character. But things didn't work out between them. Colin remained a bachelor.

Cleo was recycled to make other metal products. Elizabeth had Cleo immortalized in one of her best-selling posters. And... Elizabeth and Will named their daughter... Cleo.

The End

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