Author's notes at the end of the chapter.
Chapter 25
Elizabeth shrugged her coat on as she exited the restaurant, with Richard following behind her. Some would have called her crazy - but after two hours of an evening that had been although pleasant, felt more like a vague interrogation with humor on the side - she was ready to call it a night.
The man had skills, and coupled with his charm and good looks, she could see how one would find him irresistible. Their table had gotten quite a few glances from women walking by and after the tenth woman had turned her head she began to wonder if there was something wrong with her.
Here was a young man, seemingly intent on keeping her entertained, occasionally flirty and handsome to boot; and instead of sitting back and just enjoying herself, she was more interested in figuring him out. After openly admitting to her that to him life was simply a series of grand designs, she began to wonder whether she played a part in one of his.
She finished wounding the scarf around her neck and turned to him. He stood still, his gaze intent. "This is where we part ways," she said cheerfully, reaching out her right hand.
He took it, giving a slight wince. "This was definitely not a date. We'd split the bill; I don't get to walk you home; and now we're saying goodbye with a handshake."
"Maybe you should add those to your guide," she replied, grinning, before she turned and walked away, failing to see the contemplative - almost calculating - look on his face.
P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P
He had underestimated his opponent, Richard realised, watching her walk away, thinking that the task would have been easy. Elizabeth Bennet had proved challenging, forcing him to change tactics at some point in the evening. Her expression had turned to borderline wary the moment they had entered the restaurant that was filled with couples and he sought to change her mind about his true intentions without revealing them. She seemed to take the bait, and when he moved on to topics of their recent past, she relaxed and became more forthcoming.
The mention of New York had brightened her eyes, and her mood was catching; he discovered that he too felt instantly more comfortable. She had left England a year after he had; and he told her of the first few months he had spent in Sweden, setting up the design company which in the last year joined alliances with the London offices. After discussing their professional lives with the corresponding highs and lows, he chose to ease his way into personal territory.
Instead of peppering her with questions - that was for amateurs - he regaled her with stories of his childhood, including the years he had spent growing up with his cousins in Pemberley. Her knowledge of the hidden playroom, coupled with his of her knowing about that fateful summer when he fancied himself in love with Adrienne, spoke volumes. It meant she was more than an acquaintance, and perhaps, there was a history as well.
He strolled down the street and turned the corner, stopping before the busy intersection. He glanced at his watch and after a brief moment's hesitation, pulled out his mobile. If things went as planned, then he may have more work ahead of him tomorrow.
P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P
Early on Sunday morning, Georgiana Darcy walked into the kitchen to look for breakfast and was surprised to see her cousin sitting at the table, sipping on coffee as he perused the paper.
"Good morning, Richard. What brings you here? And before ten in the morning, even," she teased, giving him a quick hug as he kissed her cheek in greeting.
"Waiting for your brother," he replied. "I thought he was the early riser in this family."
"Well, I've grown up." He gave her an inquiring look and she grinned sheepishly. "And Sunday breakfasts are our little ritual. We take turns every week and today it's my turn." She pulled out a loaf of bread, butter, marmalade, cream and some eggs, placing them on the worktable.
"If you're wondering how I got in - I caught Mrs. R on her way out."
She gave him a knowing smile. "I thought as much. She wouldn't have allowed anyone in this early, but I'm sure you charmed her properly."
"Shall I put the kettle on?" Richard folded up the paper and stood up, ready to offer his services. Just then the back door slammed shut and William strode into the kitchen. "I was right! What time did you get up?"
"Around 7. Just went out for a quick run," he walked over to give Georgiana a kiss on the forehead. "French toast?"
She grinned. "Yes. I was in the mood for it. Sausage or bacon?"
"Why don't we let our guest decide while I go for a quick shower?"
P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P
Half an hour later, the three cousins sat at the breakfast table, with Georgiana blushing over the praise for the spread.
"It's Mrs. R's recipe. We used to have it all the time when we spent summer at Pemberley."
Richard glanced at William, who smiled fondly as he looked at his sister. "Now I remember. This is a treat though, thank you."
"Anytime," she replied, placing her utensils on the empty plate and reaching for the paper.
"What was it you wanted to go over this morning?" William quirked an eyebrow towards Richard, and Georgiana leaned back in her chair, focused on the arts section.
"Did I say that last night? I must've misspoken," he brushed the question aside, changing the subject. He wondered if having Georgiana here would help his case. Richard speared the last mouthful of his breakfast and swallowed contentedly.
"If it has to do with the office, then I'll see you there tomorrow. Just tell Pam that I'm expecting you."
Georgiana hid a smile behind the paper. "This is because we have a rule, Richard, that Sundays are for leisure."
"How very mindful of you, William. Does that mean you still work Saturdays?"
Brother and sister shared a look. "When it can't be helped, yes, he does, but we try and do something fun in the evenings."
"Speaking of, my Saturday night went well," Richard said casually. "I had dinner with a friend of yours."
The newspaper was set aside as both Darcys looked at him, William with his left eyebrow raised. Richard took a sip of his tea, pausing to increase their curiosity.
"Elizabeth Bennet."
P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P&P
He took his leave before ten am, not long after they had finished their breakfast. Richard put his hand out the window as he drove away for a final wave, trying to recollect the conversation as it had happened. He felt convinced now that there was history there, based on how much Georgiana had related, and how little William had.
After revealing the identity of his dinner companion he noticed that while William kept his questions to the art he had purchased; Georgiana had taken every opportunity to share stories about her friend's education and professional career, almost as if convincing him of her merit.
"Gee, I think Richard is aware of Elizabeth's competence. He would not have gone to her otherwise."
That look his cousin had given him then - one that appeared to contain censure - had been telling, fleeting as it had been.
Had it been one of warning? Richard knew his behaviour as a bachelor wasn't as noble as his cousin's, but neither was it as corrupted as the tabloids made it seem. Georgiana's closeness to Elizabeth was almost sister-like; did William see her as one too? He knew how protective his cousin could be.
He pulled in front of his building and stepped out of his Mercedes coupe, nodding to the uniformed valet as he walked towards the main entrance.
Why was he so interested, anyway?
A/N: It seems that this year, the holiday season took its toll on my concentration - and inspiration as well. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who sent messages asking about this story; and also to reassure you all that this will not be shelved. If anything close to last month's schedule should occur (highly unlikely, I think), then I promise to make the most of those rare moments to work on this story.
I hope everyone had a great holiday. -DCM