Winkle
William stepped through the doors of Le Cirque and stood for a moment watching Lizzy, who was bathed in the sparkling light of a dozen trees in the courtyard outside the famed restaurant. Her eyes were aglow and she wore a smile as if she knew a secret she was sworn not to share. But William understood that smile. Lizzy wore that smile whenever she found something romantic or whimsical, and she had a great fondness for the lights that were to be found everywhere at Christmastime.
So it came as no surprise to him when she tugged on his arm and insisted that they take the short walk over to Rockefeller Center so they could see the tree. William paused long enough to inform Bates of their detour and then allowed Lizzy to draw him down the block. He was in no particular rush. William relished every minute he spent in Lizzy's company and he was too well sated by the exquisite dinner they'd just shared to engage in energetic activity. Besides, Lizzy was animated enough for the both of them. She remarked on the snow that dusted the roofs, nooks and crannies of the gothic Saint Patrick's Cathedral like the frosting on a gingerbread house. She did a little window shopping in Saks Fifth Avenue, stopping to admire or critique each item in the window. William, amused and feeling extremely content just to bask in her glow, let her do all the talking till she brought up an interesting topic.
“This is sort of like Livy's first date with Richard, you know. They went to Le Cirque and then to Rockefeller Center to look at the tree,” Lizzy said as the pair reached Fifth Avenue and Lizzy drew William to yet another window. This one contained the store's famous animated Christmas scenes and William stood well back so the children crowding around could see. Lizzy joined the children for a minute before returning to his side. “It was snowing that night, too, if memory serves. It's almost as if we're reliving their date.”
“Yes, except that we aren't going up to Uncle Hugh's office to make out on his couch,” William quipped. Lizzy looked at him wide-eyed.
“What do you know about that?”
“Nothing, but I've surmised quite a bit from that tattered document hanging in their bedroom,” William replied. “There has to be some reason why Fitz gave Olivia an IOU for another rendezvous.” Lizzy smiled. She knew the truth of the matter but had been sworn to secrecy by her best friend. William laughed lightly and Lizzy looked up at him. “You know, I can think of a few of Fitz's dates I wouldn't mind reliving--with you, of course,” he added hastily. Lizzy gave his hand a firm squeeze. The couple crossed the street and entered the open mall at Rockefeller Center, which was abuzz with activity in spite of the late hour. They viewed the tree from a distance, but Lizzy was determined to see the seventy-six foot Norway spruce up close. The circled the tree and then watched the skaters in the plaza before William tugged at Lizzy's hand and suggested that they head home.
“Oh, I want to see the star,” Lizzy said as they headed back toward the restaurant, where Bates awaited them with the limousine.
“It's right there!” William said, gesturing with the hand that held Lizzy's. Lizzy pouted at the giant snowflake that hung over the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, just a few blocks north of their location.
“I want to get up close.” William sighed and pulled out his phone as they headed north. He told Bates where he and Lizzy were bound and he and Bates agreed on a spot where the pair would be picked up. The couple strolled north on Fifth Avenue, pausing at the Christmas displays of many shops as they made their way to Tiffany's, the venerable jewelry store that had anchored the corner of Fifth and 57th for decades. After examining the store's Christmas display, Lizzy peered up at the giant snowflake and frowned. “It's not as magical up close, is it?” William tried very hard not to roll his eyes as he began to steer Lizzy toward Madison Avenue, where Bates and the warmth of a limousine awaited.
“Come on, step lively,” he groused playfully. “The night isn't getting any younger, you know.”
“Is there somewhere you need to be?” Lizzy queried dryly.
“Home?” William suggested. Lizzy flashed a quirky smile and he knew he was in for a struggle.
“William, we can be home any time! How often do we get a chance to take in the magic that is Christmas in New York?”
“I've no quarrel with you there, but at the moment I'm rather feeling the chill that accompanies the magic that is Christmas in New York.”
“You're cold?” Lizzy appeared to be stunned by William's revelation.
“Darling, it's thirty degrees out here.”
“But you're dressed for the cold.”
“Correction: you're dressed for the cold. I'm dressed for the limousine.”
“Wimp.”
“I heard that.”
“You were meant to hear that,” she replied. William gave Lizzy's hand a teasing squeeze. “Where are your gloves?”
“In the limousine,” William replied. “Would that I was with them.”
“What, you'd rather be with your gloves than with me?”
“I refuse to answer that,” William said as the couple reached the corner. “Now, where's Bates?”
“Over there,” Lizzy said, pointing at the northeast corner of the intersection. “But let's walk on a bit. I want to look in the windows at FAO Schwartz.”
“May I at least procure my gloves first?” William asked archly. Lizzy rolled her eyes and stepped off the curb to cross to the side of the street where the limousine was parked. “Wimp,” she muttered again. William chose to have a word with the chauffeur rather than take her bait, however. The couple crossed the street once more and continued north on Madison. They peered in the windows of the toy store, but instead of turning toward the car, which was now awaiting them at the curb, Lizzy turned north again.
“Oh, wait; we have to see the windows at Barneys! Livy told me they were hideous this year.”
“Ooh, we can't miss that, can we?” William said mockingly. “Bates could just drive us there, you know.”
“But it's just a few blocks! Don't be ridiculous, William,” Lizzy said. William sighed and gestured with his head for Bates to follow along. The chauffeur smiled and watched as Lizzy led his employer from one window to the next.
“No, not Calvin Klein! You can't wear his things,” William insisted as they stood in front of the eponymous boutique.
“Why not?”
“His clothes are austere, angular and lean, the sort of thing Olivia could get away with. You're--.”
“I'm what?” Lizzy demanded.
“You're curvy and sensuous. You don't have an austere bone in your body, I'm delighted to say.” Lizzy smiled and the couple continued their walk. Lizzy took great interest in the windows at Barney's, which inexplicably paired its Christmas theme with an homage to Cher. William was more interested in the windows displaying men's clothing, so it took some time for the both of them to see the entire display. Now can we go home?” One look at Lizzy's impish grin gave him his answer.
“Couldn't we make one more stop?”
“Where now?”
“Park Avenue; I want to see the trees there.”
“You can see trees elsewhere, you know. In fact, you've seen several: at Le Cirque, Rockefeller Center, hell! Every street we've past since we left Rockefeller Center has been lousy with trees!”
“It's not just the trees, Will; it's the lights! And nowhere are they more dramatic than on Park Avenue, with lighted trees running down the entire boulevard.”
“Haven't we got a photo of that someplace?” Lizzy elbowed him in the ribs as she started walking. William sighed and followed. He didn't bother to signal Bates. He knew the driver would use his instincts. William also knew that Bates would be laughing at his expense.
“William! Where's your sense of Christmas spirit?”
“I wish I had brought it with me. It'd be another layer of something to keep me warm.”
“You've got your gloves. What are you complaining about?”
“I'm complaining because you're draped from earlobe to ankle in sheepskin and I'm freezing, comparatively speaking, in just a wool jacket.”
“You need one of those neat swaggering great coats Richard always wears. Where does he get them?”
“I have no idea. All I know is--.”
“Isn't it lovely?” Lizzy had paused and grabbed one of William's arms as she took in the sight of the Christmas trees that stood on the median of Park Avenue, from 96th Street and all the way down to approximately 44th Street. There were two trees on each median, each strung with white lights. The overall effect was that of a strand of diamonds laid out along the center of the fabled avenue, glittering in the night. William was forced to admit to himself that the Park Avenue lights were one of his favorite Christmastime sights. But he wasn't about to reveal that to Lizzy. She protested strongly when he practically forced her into the car and ordered Bates to take them home. William immediately felt better, once he was safely inside the vehicle and moving, but Lizzy pouted. He gently pushed in her protruding lip.
“Hasn't anyone ever told you what happens when you make those kinds of faces?”
“You mean when big strong men with delicate constitutions trample all the joy out of your evening?”
“Am I so wrong to want to take you home and spend the rest of the night in front of the fire?”
“We can do that anytime!”
“I might have frozen to death before the night was out!”
“Big baby!” William rolled his eyes. Lizzy reached up to touch his cheek. She felt his ear in the process and recoiled.
“Oh, dear, you are really cold, aren't you?”
“You could say that.”
“Poor baby,” Lizzy cooed, snuggling closer. “We'll have you home and sipping hot chocolate in front of the fire in no time.”
Mrs. Reynolds greeted Lizzy and William at the door and relieved them of their coats when they reached the townhouse a few minutes later. Lizzy drew William into the library and sat him down in front of the fireplace, which Mrs. Reynolds had thoughtfully lit in advance. William pulled her into his lap when she turned toward the other chair.
“It'll be warmer if we share,” William smiled. Lizzy snuggled in his arms as Mrs. Reynolds entered the room.
“Georgiana called while you were out,” she informed the others. “She just wanted to confirm that she and Mr. Brandon are arriving Saturday.”
“Oh, good,” William said. “Would you speak to Bates and arrange for a limousine to pick them up and be at their disposal for the duration of their stay?”
“I've already taken the liberty,” Mrs. Reynolds replied smugly. She winked at William and turned to leave.
“Oh, Mrs. R?” The housekeeper turned back at the sound of Lizzy's voice. “I'm afraid I've walked William over a good bit of prime New York City real estate and he's taken a chill. Do you think you can scare up something to warm him? How about some of your wonderful hot chocolate?” Mrs. Reynolds looked at William doubtfully, but she nodded and left the room.
“How about some brandy for a starter?” William called out after her. Mrs. Reynolds appeared a moment later with a tray bearing a decanter and a pair of snifters. “That's splendid,” William said as he watched her pour. Lizzy slipped out of his lap to fetch her knitting bag from the sofa on the far side of the room.
“Took a chill, did you?” Mrs. Reynolds said sotto voce as she handed him a glass. “I thought you wore that duffle coat tonight because it's the warmest one you own.”
“Hey!” Mrs. Reynolds squeaked a little “oops” and excused herself. Lizzy smirked at William, who tried unsuccessfully to adopt an air of insouciance.
“So you really weren't cold back there?”
“You felt my ears? It was bloody freezing out there!” William asserted, but Lizzy was unimpressed. She returned to the hearth and made a show of sitting in the chair opposite William's.
“I guess you won't be needing me to warm you, then.” She pulled out her knitting and watched William as he, in turn, watched her knit. He wore an odd smile that aroused Lizzy's curiosity. She resisted the urge to question him and tried to concentrate on her knitting.
“May I pour you a brandy?” he asked, breaking the tension.
“No, thanks; I'll wait for the hot chocolate,” Lizzy said. William smiled again as Mrs. Reynolds reappeared.
“Here we are,” she said, setting down the tray. “Shall I pour?” At Lizzy's nod she lifted the pot and began to fill the mugs. “I just happened to be making donuts when you came in--.”
“At night?” Lizzy asked curiously. Mrs. Reynolds always made her famous donuts in the morning, to be enjoyed with a cup of fresh coffee. The housekeeper handed Lizzy a napkin and extended the plate that held the warm sugar and cinnamon-dusted confection. Lizzy eyed the housekeeper and saw the smile she exchanged with William. She sat back in her chair as Mrs. Reynolds left the room. “Good donut,” she said.
“Fabulous donut,” William concurred with his mouth full.
“You know, every Christmas my grandmother would bring Jane and me to the city to take in all the sights. We'd see the windows at Macy's, Lord and Taylor's and Saks and then we'd go over to Rockefeller Center to see the tree and ice skate,” Lizzy said nostalgically.
“Why didn't you tell me? I've had fantasies about seeing you do a double axel,” William quipped. Lizzy extended a stockinged foot and lightly kicked William's calf. He snorted and took a sip of chocolate.
“By the time we got back home we'd be freezing and exhausted and giddy from all the excitement of shopping and touring and skating. Our grandmother would get us into our flannel jammies and we'd have hot chocolate and donuts in front of the fireplace before we went to bed.”
“Well, isn't that an amazing coincidence,” William smiled. “I really wish Jane had mentioned the skating.”
Lizzy burst into laughter.
“So this evening was all about helping me to relive my childhood?”
“Not exactly,” William corrected. “You know how I feel about the idea of you in flannel.” Lizzy rose to her feet and launched herself at William. He had just enough time to set down his mug before Lizzy reached him. She threw herself into his lap and grabbed his face.
“I do so love you, William Darcy.” He opened his mouth to respond, but his words were smothered by Lizzy's short-lived but extremely passionate kiss. It ended almost as quickly as it had begun when Lizzy abruptly looked up.
“What's wrong?” William asked breathlessly.
“What's wrong? William all the lights just went out!”
“Not all of them, apparently,” he said as Lizzy turned her head toward the windows. The room had gone completely dark, revealing an eerie glow that came from the rear garden of the townhouse. Lizzy frowned in the dim light afforded by the fireplace and walked to the window. She gasped at what she saw. William rose and joined her.
“Oh, William! Whatever possessed you?”
“Trees,” he replied cryptically. “You have this fascination for Christmas trees. You started talking about them the day after Thanksgiving. You wouldn't rest till we had a tree in nearly every room of the house. Poor Mrs. Reynolds has never had to cope with a tree in her kitchen before.”
“Oh, it's just a tiny rosemary topiary,” Lizzy said absently. But her eyes were riveted to the scene before her.
“Shall we go downstairs?” Lizzy turned her eyes to William and nodded. She put her boots back on and William took up the throw that was lying on the sofa. The pair made its way down to the lower level and into the dining room, where William unlocked the French doors. Lizzy stepped outside and into the winter wonderland. There were a half dozen large terra cotta planters arrayed on either side of the brick path that led to the rear of the garden. Each planter contained a live tree aglow with thousands of white lights. At the rear of the garden, the arbor was adorned with lights as well. William took Lizzy by the hand and led her to the bench under the arbor. He carefully dusted off the seat and, wrapping the throw around their shoulders, sat down with Lizzy to enjoy the scene before them. From her vantage point, Lizzy could see that the doors that opened to the garden were also outlined in lights. The entire effect was lovely and Lizzy said as much to William.
“And all you wanted to do was parade up and down Park Avenue,” William said smugly. “After I'd managed to keep you out of the house all day till everything was ready, you decided to go visit every other bloody Christmas tree in the general vicinity.” Lizzy kissed away his teasing complaint. William pulled the blanket a little more snuggly around his love and returned the kiss with interest.
“Hey,” Lizzy said as she drew away. “I'd love to stay here and show my appreciation, but it's rather chilly out here.”
“Do you think so? I'm feeling rather warm myself,” William replied cheekily.
“There's a switch!” Lizzy laughed. “But if you don't mind, there's half a mug of hot chocolate upstairs with my name on it.”
“We don't have any mug with your name on it,” William muttered as Lizzy took hold of his hand and started back toward the house. “Oh, wait! I need to see the lights on the other side of this tree!” Lizzy ruthlessly tugged on William's arm and dragged him toward the house. “Oh! Look at that one! I must see it close up!” He laughed and teased Lizzy all the way back up to the library where she retrieved her mug and sat down in front of the fire. He could tell that she was genuinely chilled, so he laid the throw on the rug and sat down on the floor. He extended his hand and Lizzy joined him.
“It's warmer down here,” Lizzy said as she nestled herself into a comfortable position.
“Good; as you know, I'm a big fan of `warm,'” William smiled.
“Are you? I'm a big fan of `hot,' which I suppose explains my fascination with you,” she said as she pulled his face to hers for a kiss. “Aside from the fact that you're the sexiest, sweetest, most generous man I've ever met.” William smiled and shifted positions so that they were lying on the floor with Lizzy's head cradled in his arms. He reached up to the chair and grabbed a pillow to make her more comfortable.
“Excuse me; you were saying something?” he asked when he was finally settled.
“Nothing important, apparently,” Lizzy sighed. She reached up to toy with a tendril of William's hair as she stared into his eyes. “Thank you for that surprise. It was wonderful.”
“I'm glad you like it, love. It's been very popular among the household staff. In fact, they're insisting that I do it every year.”
“Ooh! Could we have lights on the trees up in Greenwich?” Lizzy asked pleadingly. William pouted.
“Wait a minute! You promised me a show of appreciation. I haven't received anything yet and you're already demanding more, you ungrateful wretch!” William cried as he struggled to maintain a straight face. “First you drag me all over Christendom to look at trees done by complete strangers--.” His words were abruptly cut off by Lizzy, who pulled his head down and fused her mouth to his. She rolled William onto his back and kissed him senseless. Lizzy smiled in satisfaction when she came up for air and noted the dazed expression on his face. She began to tug on his turtleneck and had it halfway off when William took an interest in the proceedings. “Should we be doing this down here?” he asked, although he made no effort to impede Lizzy's progress.
“It's nice and warm down here,” Lizzy said reasonably. “And Mrs. R has just gone up to bed.” William instinctively lifted his head and looked toward the door, which was wide open. He turned back in alarm as Lizzy unzipped his pants.
“Uh, Lizzy?”
“Yes, William?” She began to slowly trail kisses down the center of his torso, beginning at the base of his throat. Before she reached his navel, William had forgotten what he wanted to say. As she pulled down his pants a bit further, he found his voice, but barely.
“Will you at least close the door?” he squeaked.
“I can do that,” Lizzy said. She scrambled to her feet and closed the library doors, turning the lock to prevent interruptions. Before she rejoined William, she slipped out of her long knit skirt and sweater. Knowing William's fondness for lingerie, she slowly raised her slip to reveal her lacy garter belt, which held up black silk stockings. William sat up to better enjoy the sight of Lizzy's slow striptease. She slipped a finger under the elastic of her panties and looked to William for encouragement. At his nod, she removed them with aching slowness. She then ran her hands back up her body to her breasts. At William's second nod, she removed the brassiere and playfully tossed it at him.
He left it where it fell, draped over his head as he quickly shrugged off his turtleneck and the rest of his clothes. Lizzy went to him and knelt between his legs. She took hold of the bra at both ends and hooked it over the back of his head, using it to pull him closer. William pulled Lizzy into his arms for a passionate kiss. Lizzy dropped the bra and wrapped her arms around his neck and together they laid back on the floor.
“You know I've always dreamed of doing this,” Lizzy said breathlessly as William gently rolled her over on her back and entered her. “I've always fantasized about coming in here and distracting you from your work, getting you so hot and bothered that you'd take me right on the desk.” William was briefly distracted by the comment.
“Really? We'll have to compare fantasies--later. Much later,” he murmured into her ear. Lizzy was content to wait, absorbed as she was in the reality of the moment. She wrapped her legs around William's back and squeezed tightly in an effort to draw him even more deeply into her. William groaned his approval and accelerated his pace. Their lovemaking was brief but intense, a variation on their usual behavior, but neither Lizzy nor William had any complaints as he rolled over onto the floor, exhausted and happily sated.
“Feeling appreciated?” Lizzy asked as she wrapped a corner of the blanket over herself.
“Very,” William panted. He lifted a hand and placed it on Lizzy's thigh. “Any remaining concerns about my Christmas spirit?” Lizzy propped herself up and looked at William.
“What did this have to do with Christmas spirit?”
“I have no idea. You know how scrambled my brains get whenever you show your `appreciation,'” he smiled. Lizzy shook her head and threw back the blanket.
“I'd better get you up to bed.” But William resisted when she tried to pull him up.
“No, I'd like to stay down here a while longer,” he said as he pulled Lizzy back into his arms.
“It's a shame we can't see the lights from here,” she said as she rested her head on his chest.
“We could move down to the dining room…” Lizzy lifted her head and looked at William as though he'd gone mad.
“Well, I've had a few fantasies of my own, you know. You, me, a table full of food…very Tom Jones, but without damaging the Persian.”
“No, no, we couldn't have that. But I'm sorry my love; I couldn't eat another thing tonight.” She kissed William's pout. “We could work on the logistics, though…”
“We'd probably have to move the table. The bare floor is too hard near the windows.”
“Well, we've got that spare comforter--.”
“I thought Mrs. Reynolds put that in Gee's room for her visit?”
“Well, she won't be needing it till Saturday, then, then, will she?”
“Mrs. Darcy, I like the way you think,” William grinned.
“Thinking has nothing to do with this. Shall we?” This time, William was more than happy to vacate his comfortable spot. “Of course, I'll have to be on top this time. I want a good view of the lights.”
“Oh, like you'll be paying any attention to them while we're going at it.”
“I beg to differ; I noticed that the library ceiling needed painting.”
“I'm crushed! Here I thought I'd captured your undivided attention.”
“Well, now you have incentive to try harder,” Lizzy said saucily. “I'll go get the comforter. You go prepare the dining room.” William smacked Lizzy on her bottom as she made her way upstairs. As he headed in the opposite direction he marveled that one woman could have such a dramatic impact on his life. He could only look forward to what the future held for the happy newlyweds.
“I can hardly wait,” William smiled to himself as he stood at the French doors and gazed out at the lights, which seemed an apt metaphor for the joy Lizzy had brought to his life. The lights sparkled and danced on the chill winter winds, mesmerizing William as he stared out at the landscape.
“I thought you were moving the table.” William spun around at the sound of Lizzy's voice. He pulled Lizzy into his arms and turned back to the window.
“You know, I'm beginning to understand why Christmas lights are so special.”
The End