Chapter 4

Lydia remained behind from church the next morning. When she came out of her room, they had already returned and were just beginning to fill their plates with the various brunch options Val had tediously prepared. The scent of bacon, freshly baked muffins, egg casserole, and coffee filled the air.

"Oh! How are you feeling, dear?" Mrs. Bennet asked her youngest daughter. "Here let me make you a plate." She began fussing about the room, getting all of Lydia's favorite foods onto a plate. Lydia moaned and asked her mother to talk quieter as she dropped with a thud into the closest chair, her head falling into her hands. "Does it have to be so bright in here?" she mumbled.

Liz suppressed a chuckle from where she stood by the counter.

"How was your night?" Jane quietly asked as she stepped up next to her and scooped some fruit out of a bowl, placing it on her plate.

"Very good," Liz responded, unable to stop the smile gradually spreading over her face. "And yours? I noticed what time you snuck in."

Elizabeth shot her a wry smirk, making Jane blush.

"Nothing happened," retorted Jane. Elizabeth scoffed and halted her movements, the spoon in her hand stopping midair. Her eyebrows rose reflexively as she glanced unbelievingly at her sister. "I'm serious, Lizzy," Jane insisted. "We just talked… That's it. And don't think I didn't notice your smile just now. You must have had quite the night."

"I'll just say Danny's friend Gale left a very memorable impression," said Liz modestly as she continued scooping some scrambled eggs onto her plate.

"And this is coming from my cynical sister," teased Jane. "Watch out Liz or you might turn into a romantic."

"Not likely," responded Liz. "You know what I think of men."

"That they're 'either conceited, ignorant, or both," Jane quoted.

"Precisely."

"Well they aren't all like that, Lizzy."

"Jane, as I have said before, you have never had an unkind thought in your life," countered Liz, "so of course you're going to say they aren't all bad."

Jane smiled sweetly. "I predict," she said, "that some guy will catch your eye or, dare I say, one may already have." She playfully nudged Liz. "And then you'll eat your words."

Liz was about to retort when her uncle asked if she was interested in going to the range the next morning in Florida City. They had a Fourth of July special for locals and he had a new pistol he wanted to try out. Liz eagerly accepted.

Charlotte had taken her to the range near their campus a few years ago and she had been addicted to shooting ever since. She was now the proud owner of several pistols and went regularly to the range with her roommate. She had become quite accurate, almost always hitting the bullseye, and secretly she loved showing up the males in the lanes next to her. Not to mention, it was the perfect way to relieve stress after a tiring week of classes.

She sat down next to her uncle at the table and eagerly talked guns, happy to have something to discuss with her kindhearted uncle. Her mother, on the other hand, shouted in her direction from across the table that guns were not for females, which just earned a an eye roll from Liz and a groan from Lydia. Her father sat opposite her and when he changed the topic to the day's fishing outing, Liz zoned out. Thankfully, Jane commanded her attention once more.

"What are your plans for the day?" her sister asked quietly, knowing their mother would want to hear should she get wind of their chosen topic of conversation.

"Gale is taking me kayaking through the mangroves near Palm Isle," responded Liz trying not to sound too excited.

"That sounds like fun," Jane responded, her eyes lighting up.

Elizabeth smiled and asked if Jane was meeting Chris again.

"Yes," she admitted. "Is it sad I want to spend every waking moment with him? I mean we just met but it feels like I've known him forever, you know? He's just so thoughtful and kind. Like this afternoon, for instance, he wants to take me for a flight in his plane, but wanted to ensure I felt comfortable enough to go. After I assured him I was not claustrophobic or prone to motion sickness he began looking at where we could go. I think he decided on Key West since I have never seen the 0 mile marker."

"That's sweet of him. I didn't know he was a pilot," Liz said, taking her last bite of food.

"Yes, him and Will both," confirmed Jane. "Chris said it was one of the best decisions he ever made and for a while he wanted to make a career out of it."

Liz felt her phone buzzing in her pocket. Pulling it out, she found a text from Gale and frowned upon reading it.

Elizabeth I can't make it something's come up. Raincheck? -G

She released a disappointed sigh and stuck her phone back into her pocket before rising from the table, ignoring Jane's questioning look. Grabbing her now empty plate, she walked into the kitchen and deposited it into the sink. She was about to begin rinsing it off when Val shouted from the table for her to leave it and go enjoy her day. Liz was about to protest when Val insisted again.

Knowing it would offend her aunt to continue cleaning, Liz began slowly walking to her room, wondering what she should do with her afternoon. Jane would be off with Chris soon and Lydia was in no mood to enjoy the bright sunshine on Palm Isle with her.

"What's wrong?" Jane asked, coming up behind her.

"Gale cancelled on me," she said, only letting a little disappointment show.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Liz. If you want to join me and Chris I am sure he has enough room for both of us to go. Or, I could even cancel my plans with him and we can…"

"No," Liz said interrupting her. "You go enjoy your time with Chris. I will just go read on Palm Isle. Maybe swim some laps. Enjoy the fresh, salty air."

"Are you sure?" Jane persisted.

"Yes, very sure. You both have fun."

"Ok. It's probably for the best anyway," commented Jane after a brief pause. "Chris told me that Gale and Will have some sort of troubled history. Apparently Gale's actions got him discharged from the Navy."

"Yes, Gale told me about his past," retorted Liz automatically, feeling defensive. "Out of the pair, I'm prone to trust Gale over Will. Gale has been nothing but honest and upfront with me."

"I just want you to be careful," said Jane rationally. "Will may not be your favorite person, but you can't argue about Chris' character. He would never befriend someone who was so immoral."

"I guess you are right…" Liz said reluctantly. "But it still doesn't change my mind about them."

"I didn't think it would," said Jane. "I just hoped you may see it from a different point of view."

A melodic tune began playing from where Jane's phone was charging on the nightstand. She read the new text message and eagerly stated Chris was outside waiting for her. Saying goodbye, she grabbed her bag and left the room.

Liz let out a frustrated moan and toppled onto the bed. She was more disappointed than she hoped she let on. Maybe she had misread things last night between her and Gale and he cancelled not because something actually came up but because he didn't want her thinking it was a date. She thought for sure he had been blatantly been flirting with her. Lydia had even remarked on it as she was trying to sneak her into the house late last night. But why did she care so much? She was only here for a few more days and needed to make the most of her break.

Getting up, she quickly changed into her bathing suit, swim trunks, and water shoes before making her way into the living room. Lydia lounged on the sofa, the television on mute with subtitles and a blue blanket draped over her body.

"Where is everyone?" Liz asked her.

"Jane left with Chris and everyone else went for a ride in the golf cart," said Lydia. "I think mom secretly wanted to follow them and see his plane for herself."

Liz chuckled.

"I am going to Palm Isle to kayak," said Liz as she walked to the front door. "I'll be back later."

She stepped into the sun and began the short walk to Palm Isle, determined not to let some guy ruin her weekend.

Liz placed the oar in the water and propelled the kayak forward. She glided through the choppy waters that would lead her towards the mangroves. The sky was overcast now, for which she was happy, since she forgot to apply sunscreen before leaving the house. There was a brisk wind coming from behind her and she knew paddling back would be strenuous. She passed around the tip of Palm Isle and approached the marina inlet. She glanced to her left and right and did not spot any boats coming in or exiting the narrow waterway, so she dipped the paddle in and pushed the kayak forward.

The mangroves sat on the other side of the waterway, opposite Palm Isle. Liz made her way towards one of the small canals that ran through the vegetation. The waters grew calm as she entered within their protective surroundings. Liz looked over the edge of the kayak and into the shallow waters below. She could see the roots twisting into the mushy sea floor. Tiny fish were floating beneath her, and they disappeared into the safety of the roots. She paddled further and saw a turtle sitting on an abandoned log, his little head peaking curiously out of its shell.

She exited the first canal and rowed into the ocean, continuing to paddle parallel to the mangroves. The wind had picked up substantially within the past twenty minutes and the current grew stronger. She worked hard to maintain a safe distance from the mangroves. She could see another canal in the distance and made for it, hoping it would provide some sort of shelter. She glided in as it started raining.

Liz tilted her head up and began laughing hysterically despite the situation. Her stubborn streak would lead her to kayak during a storm. Wiping her hair from her eyes, she glanced up the canal and saw a canopy overhead created by the dense mangroves. She headed towards it, seeing shelter underneath. She continued paddling under the canopy but it eventually deposited her back into the rough ocean.

She heard thunder crack in the sky, and Liz noticed the sky had darkened to an ominous shade of blue. Deciding it was time to make back for shore, Liz began paddling forcefully towards Palm Isle. The risks of staying on the water during a thunderstorm began coming to her mind. She made it halfway back before she needed to take a break. Rainwater had begun filling her kayak, slowing her progress. The wind was pushing her towards the mangroves, and the rain had picked up, making it hard to see even though lightning lit up the sky every few seconds.

She began paddling blindly, trying to use the lights from the tip of Palm Isle as her guide. Eventually she made it near the waterway. Now she just needed to maneuver around the tip of Palm Isle, through a brief stretch of open water, and then to the ramp. From there, she could pull the kayak up onto the beach and make a dash for the covered bar area between the pools.

A horn suddenly sounded to her right and she saw a large powerboat coming up the canal heading right towards her. Thinking they could tow her to shore, Liz laid the oar across her lap and began frantically waving her sore arms in the air. Yelling, she hoped they would stop and be kind enough to offer assistance. The boat slowed and she shielded her eyes, trying to spot the captain, silently praying he wasn't some old creep.

She met a familiar pair of dark eyes. "Liz."

"Will?" Liz said surprised.

"Are you alright?" he yelled over the engine and timely thunder.

"Yes, just a little tired," she hollered back. "I got caught in the storm." Obviously.

"Paddle to the aft, and I'll pull you up."

Liz maneuvered the yellow kayak near the platform at the back. Will was already waiting for her by the time she arrived. Grasping onto the edge of her vessel, he told her to roll onto the platform while he held the kayak steady. She followed his instructions and moved onto the safety of his boat. Liz sighed in relief as Will pulled the kayak aboard and tied it off.

Liz removed her life vest and stretched her legs out in front of her, noting how stiff they had become from holding them in a fixed position for so long.

He made his way back and knelt down next to her. "The storm isn't letting up any time soon," he said, his eyes filled with urgency. "We have to head in. Can you stand?"

Will placed an arm around her and helped her up. She noticed his white collared shirt was clinging to his muscled chest and his wet, dark hair fell into his eyes. He pulled her close to him as they maneuvered their way across the swaying boat. Will sat her down in a seat next to the captain's chair and sped the boat towards the other marina.

She must look like a drowned rat, Liz thought, suddenly overcome with embarrassment at her appearance and in general for needing to be rescued. Then, she realized, Will was out alone in this weather too. From his clothes it didn't look like he had been boating, and he had no supplies onboard.

"How did you know I was out here?" she asked. He glanced over, the wind blowing his hair across his face.

"Jane and Bingley had just returned when she got a frantic call from your mom asking if you were with her. After talking with Lydia, Jane put two and two together. I just figured you'd be out this way."

"Oh" she responded, not knowing what else to say. After several quiet moments she inquired, "Where are we going?"

"To my boat," he said matter-of-factly.

"We are on your boat," Liz responded sarcastically.

He turned and stared at her. "My other boat. It's in the marina on the other side of The Club."

Liz still did not fully grasp his meaning, but decided to let the topic drop. She began shivering and wrapped her arms around herself, crouching down to avoid the wind.

"Here," Will said, handing her a hoodie. "I'm sorry I don't have a towel for you."

"Thanks," she said, quickly putting it on, relishing in its warmth.

Several more silent moments passed between the pair with just the engine humming and thunder crashing disturbing their silent thoughts. As they approached the inlet, he slowed the boat down.

"Be careful with my sister," Will suddenly said, his gaze remaining fixated ahead.

"Excuse me?" said Liz, turning to face him and immediately getting defensive.

"She tends to cling to people and get hurt in the end," explained Will. "And I don't want her to…"

Elizabeth cut him off. "Do you think I am intentionally going to hurt her?"

"No. It's just that..."

"Let me explain something to you," said Liz, seething with anger, "I will associate with whoever I want to associate with. Likewise, your sister is her own person. She is an adult and can make her own decisions. You have no right to assume I am befriending her just to spite her, or you, or anyone else for that matter. Your sister is sweet, kindhearted, funny, and honest. Really she's a lot like Jane in many ways, which is possibly why we have befriended each other so quickly. And if you keep isolating her from everyone but your small circle of friends, there may come a day when she wakes up resenting you for it."

During her speech she hadn't noticed the boat slowly approaching a large yacht. Wills face was hardened as he maneuvered the boat through the channel and docked it at the end of the pier. Pemberley she read, recognizing the name from their first day. So he was being modest earlier when he said they were going to his 'other boat.' She glanced up and saw Jane standing on the back of the boat under an overhang.

"Oh, Liz!" Jane shouted happily before stepping into the rain and maneuvering down a spiral staircase.

Elizabeth remained seated as he tied off the boat. As soon as both ropes were in place, she got up and walked towards the back, still seething at his rude assumptions. Stepping up onto the cushioned seat, she prepared to step onto the dock when something grasped her hand. Liz glanced down and saw Will's warm hand enclosed around her own. Despite her state of shock at his assistance, she raised a foot and placed it safely onto the dock.

"Be cautious of Gale," he said quietly, his sincere eyes meeting hers.

She glanced down at him, her eyes narrowing.

"Don't tell me what to do," she said. Yanking her hand back, she lifted her other foot from the rocking boat and onto the safety of the wooden dock.

"Liz!" Jane yelled as she rushed up the dock towards her. Her hair had changed from its normal dirty blonde color to a shade of light brown thanks to the rain. Liz noticed she was barefoot and her mascara was running in lines down her cheeks. Jane took Liz in a tight embrace and breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "I was so worried! We heard reports of hail and water spouts in the area and had no idea where you were! When you didn't answer you phone I panicked!"

"I'm fine, Jane," Liz responded. She closed her eyes, hugging her sister tightly, relief flooding her. Spotting Will standing nearby watching them quickly resolved her to shorten their tender reunion, embarrassment overcoming her.

Pulling back, she suggested they head inside as a crack of thunder sounded and shortly thereafter lightening lit up the sky. She began pulling Jane towards the yacht, anxious to get out of the rain, when Jane suddenly halted and turned around.

"Thank you, Will," Jane said sincerely. He offered a curt nod, glanced over at Liz, and then motioned for them to proceed towards Pemberley.

Even if Liz had conjured up the nicest yacht her imagination could orchestrate, Will's still would have been better. Every detail, down to the floors and light fixtures, were elegant. Tan upholstery and rich woods greeted her upon stepping through the sliding glass doors. A large flat screen TV occupied part of the wall. Opposite was a large inviting sectional sofa that had white privacy blinds behind it. They were currently closed but Liz could hear the rain still violently hitting the glass. The room had a warm glow from the light fixtures in the ceiling and the plush white carpet beneath her feet was now growing damp. She was just wondering where the staircase at the end of the room led when Georgiana approached her.

"We were so worried, Liz!" she said, giving her a tight hug. "Come, I'll take you to my room and so you can get some dry clothes and take a hot shower."

Liz graciously accepted and she followed her towards the staircase. They descended two floors and walked up a corridor that held several doors. Her bedroom was airier than Liz would have expected. Windows spanned the opposite wall and the entire room was white with light brown wood. A small crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling above the king sized bed and a small sitting area occupied the corner. Georgiana walked into the closet and retuned a few moments later with some dry, folded clothes. Motioning to the en suite bathroom, she told her where to find a towel and graciously said to help herself to anything she could find.

She had never appreciated a hot shower more. Letting the water run over her sore shoulders and legs, she thought back on the past hour. Yes, she was grateful Will had come to rescue her, but he was completely out of line to assume she was intentionally going to hurt her. And his comment about being cautious of Gale? If anything, she should be cautious of him for allowing Gale's military career to be ruined for something he didn't do. But Will had risked his own life to search for her. Not to mention he offered up his sweatshirt… and then there was that awkward moment when he helped her onto the dock… Liz pushed those thoughts aside. No, he was still as arrogant as ever for telling her what she should and shouldn't do.

Stepping out of the steamy air, Liz reached for a towel feeling refreshed. Her bathing suit, shorts, and Will's sweatshirt were still wet when she finished getting ready and she began rummaging through the cabinets searching for a plastic bag.

"Liz? How are you doing?" she heard Georgiana say through the closed door. Walking over, Liz opened it and was surprised to also see Jane with her. She held her cell phone up to her ear and in the silence Liz could hear her their mother's frantic voice.

"Ok mom," Jane said calmly, eyeing her sister. "Yes, she's right here." She held the phone out to Liz and she reluctantly took it.

"Hi mom," Liz said, readying for the backlash. "Yes, I'm fine… No, I didn't know it would storm… Ok… I'm not sure… Yes… Ok hold on, and I will check with her…" Glancing at Jane she said, "Mom wants to know if you have plans with Chris tonight." Liz couldn't figure out why she didn't ask Jane that herself when she was on the phone with her a few seconds ago.

"He mentioned taking me flying later tonight since we couldn't this afternoon but he already has plans for dinner," responded Jane. Their mother, already hearing Jane's response, did not wait for Liz to relay the message. Instead she proceeded to tell them both to come home since the worst of the storm had passed and they had elite dinner plans for that night.

"Yes, mom, we will be home soon," said Liz before quickly hanging up the phone. "Well, it turns out our mother already has plans for us." After explaining the situation to Jane and Georgiana and getting a plastic bag for her wet clothes, Liz and Jane made their way to the living room once again. Chris, wanting to spend more time with Jane no doubt, graciously offered to drive them home. Liz thanked Georgiana one last time and began walking towards the back sliding door. Caroline, who sat in a nearby seat, shot her a scowl. Thankful only one of Chris' sisters was present, she quickly glanced away and met Will's eyes before fixating her gaze ahead, where it was deemed safest.