Assets and Liabilities: A Contemporary Pride and Prejudice

Chapter 25

Lizzie spent the ensuing days replaying the evening at the Darcy home in her head. She was surprised by Fitz's warmth and hospitality. She was charmed by his shy but sweet sister Gigi and the siblings' obvious affection for each other. She had enjoyed herself and she had a better understanding of Fitz from seeing him in at home with his timid sweet sister. She recognized the root of his reserve and his penchant for protecting himself and his family.

She wondered what would come of their fresh start. Lizzie had to admit that she was certainly still attracted to him and his behavior towards her made her believe that he still loved her. She knew that at a minimum, she wanted to make amends for her poor treatment. After examining her feelings further and forcing herself to be honest, Lizzie had to confess that she did care for Fitz. She cared about his wellbeing, she wanted to know his thoughts and feelings, and she liked his company. She felt, above all, a sense of gratitude that such a great man had loved her well enough to not only forgive her cruel behavior, but to pursue her after again she had rejected him. She found herself looking forward to Fitz's birthday. She wanted to see how her feelings might develop now that she was no longer holding herself back and looking for his faults. Lizzie even wondered what it might be like if they reconciled and had a second chance to talk about their future together. She wondered how far she was from falling in love with Fitz and how happy they might be if they gave a relationship another chance.

Gigi sent Lizzie an enthusiastic text a couple of days later full of the details of the weekend celebration. It was to be a daytime party including an afternoon of sailing followed by dinner at Fitz's house. Gigi asked Lizzie to come to the house first and they would give her a ride to the lake. Lizzie told Gigi that she was honored to be invited.

When the day of his actual birthday came, Lizzie couldn't help texting Fitz to wish him a happy birthday and tease him about the sailing. He would get his way once more. She would be forced to give it a try and in all likelihood, would come around on the sport. He uncharacteristically responded with a gif of a football player performing a ludicrous victory dance. His silliness only made Lizzie more excited to see him. She then set to work thinking of what to get Fitz for his birthday. She was not amused by Jane and Charlotte's raunchy advice.

Lizzie pondered: what would Fitz want for his 34th birthday? He seemed to have everything he could possibly want, except maybe a little fun. Lizzie called Gigi to vet her idea. When she arrived at the party, Fitz's reaction made it clear that she had made a good choice. He had opened the front door himself and Lizzie was happy for the moment of privacy. Fitz smiled widely at the colorful donkey piñata and the baseball bat that Lizzie carried. He thanked her warmly for the present and admitted that he had never had a piñata before.

"Is there a reason you got me an ass?" Fitz joked.

"That was purely unconscious. I wonder what Freud would say about that?" Lizzie joked back.

Fitz's response was cut off by the shrill and unwelcome voice of Caroline Bingley. "Darcy!" See whined. "What's taking you so long?"

Lizzie mentally steeled herself for the inevitably unpleasant interaction. Fitz smiled apologetically and led her to the kitchen where the others were gathered. Gigi hugged Lizzie excitedly as soon as she entered the room. She was delighted by the piñata that Fitz now carried, "It's so cute!" she cried exuberantly.

Lizzie was happy to see Gigi more self-assured. She was also pleased to see Charlie, despite the way he treated Jane. He expressed that he was thrilled to see Lizzie again and hugged her happily. It was very hard to stay angry with the completely good-natured Charlie. Lizzie noted that Charlie appeared alone, and had not brought his supposed girlfriend. Lizzie vowed to get to the bottom of that mystery sometime that day. Caroline was not nearly as nice as Gigi and Charlie. "Eliza" she said coldly and turned her back whipping her long hair affectedly.

The five of them piled into Charlie's large SUV for the short drive to the lake. Lizzie sat between Fitz and Gigi and she felt quite comfortable, despite Caroline's frequent complaints about her brother's driving, his taste in music, and the air conditioning.

They arrived to the lake and Lizzie saw a rather impressive sailboat and a small group gathered on the dock. Lizzie did recognize a few other guests and greeted them politely and was introduced to the rest soon after. Besides Lizzie and the Darcy and Bingley siblings, the party consisted of Darcy's friends from work and his many years of prep school, college and business school, and more of his family. Lizzie took particular notice of Darcy's aunt and uncle, and a few of his cousins that she had not met before. Though Lizzie was disappointed that Rich was absent, she was very happy that Catherine de Bourgh was unable to make the party. She was further happy to see that Darcy's family was kind and welcoming, if a bit quiet. She noticed a few inquisitive looks, and was happy that she got off so light.

It was not lost on any of the guests that Fitz stayed by Lizzie's side and looked at her devotedly as the group chatted. Lizzie did her best to avoid monopolizing his attention the entire day. When they boarded the sailboat, Lizzie chose a seat next to Gigi to let Fitz talk with his other friends and family. She asked Gigi to tell her about the boat and her experiences sailing. Gigi did not disappoint. She knew a great deal and was animated on the subject of a favorite hobby. Gigi had grown up sailing with her family in the small lake near their home and summer trips on larger bodies of water. She was full of amusing stories and gave Lizzie a deeper look at the Darcy family and Fitz's childhood. Lizzie was happy for the relaxing afternoon and engaging conversation with Gigi. She was beginning to really like and bond with Fitz's adorable little sister.

After a fun lighthearted afternoon, the group caravanned to the Darcy house. They dined al fresco in the backyard. Fitz fell into step with Lizzie and made sure that she sat next to him for the meal. The group ate and chatted companionably. Fitz was eager to hear about Lizzie's first time sailing. Lizzie told him that she enjoyed it and was interested in learning herself. Fitz was quick to offer to give her a lesson.

Charlie, who was seated across the table, chuckled at his friend's eagerness. It only took a few minutes for him to demonstrate his own sentimental side. In a break in the conversation, Charlie took the opportunity to make some inquiries about Lizzie's favorite sister. The inquiries were far from subtle. Lizzie could not help but smile at his keen interest. Lizzie talked up her sister readily. Charlie ate it up and was particularly interested when Lizzie mentioned that Jane had adopted a puppy. He looked immediately excited, then sad when he remembered that he had ended that relationship and wouldn't get a chance to meet the pup. Lizzie figured she may as well ask about his girlfriend.

"Charlie, I'm sorry your girlfriend couldn't make it today. I was curious to meet her." It was not exactly nice, but at least it was direct.

Charlie looked troubled, "I don't have a girlfriend. Where did you hear that rumor?"

"Jane told me. I didn't believe her, but she said it came from a very reliable source," Lizzie couldn't help angle her head towards Caroline. Caroline was busy trying to curry favor with Gigi and didn't notice the conversation between Lizzie and Charlie.

Charlie observed his sister with an odd look. He turned back to Lizzie, "Clearly Jane's source was not so reliable. I'm glad you at least believed me better than the rumors."

Lizzie spoke quietly, "You have every right to date whoever you want Charlie. We all just want you to be happy".

Charlie spoke emphatically, "I'm not dating anyone and I'm not happy!" He calmed a little, "I hope you'll tell Jane the truth".

Lizzie replied, "That's not my place. That message should come from you, Charlie".

Charlie looked pensive. He was obviously second-guessing his decision. Maybe, after a great deal of begging, he could convince Jane to forgive him.

After some cheerier topics of conversation, Gigi brought out a birthday cake and the group sang merrily. Fitz blew out the candles on his cake, and he was promptly asked about his wish. "It may be sappy, but I didn't need to make a wish. I feel blessed that you're all here today and I couldn't ask for anything more". He looked meaningfully at Lizzie.

One of his oldest friends joked, "You seem a little happier to see some of us than others".

Fitz put his arm around Lizzie and pulled her a little closer towards him. He responded light-heartedly, "That's true. I think you barely made the invite list".

The friend responded with mock-affront, "I may not be as fun as Lizzie, but doesn't what we had mean anything to you? Twenty years of friendship down the drain!" He joked dramatically.

Caroline took this opportunity to be horrible. "Eliza, I thought you were seeing someone from your little charity! I remember talk about you and a man named George Wickham. Is it serious?"

Fitz stiffened as he saw his sister go pale and heard Lizzie disrespected. He needn't have worried about Lizzie. She could handle herself.

"No, Caroline. Clearly not," Lizzie answered defiantly. "You really should be careful about repeating gossip". Gigi's normal color started to return and Fitz smiled at Lizzie proudly.

To change the subject, Fitz suggested they try out the piñata. Their housekeeper, amused by the silly activity, had rigged the paper mache donkey to hang from a tree in the driveway. Fitz held Lizzie's hand as they walked to the driveway. Lizzie touched his arm to halt their walk so Gigi could join them. She smiled at the younger woman reassuringly. Gigi smiled back appreciatively and the trio walked together. Something about it felt very natural.

The group had a ball hitting the piñata and collecting the silly goodies that had been stuffed inside. The party wound down and the guests began to make their goodbyes. Fitz gave Lizzie a look that asked her to stay and she was happy to comply. Caroline was the lone holdout, clearly hoping for an invitation to stay later. Fitz had higher hopes for his evening, but did not want to be rude. He wanted to show Lizzie his improved conscientiousness. He tried to be polite as Caroline hung on his arm and batted her eyelashes at him.

After a snide remark from Caroline on her outfit, Lizzie had enough. "Thanks Caroline. It has been great to see you again. Fitz and I made plans to spend the rest of the night together. I hope you don't mind."

Caroline looked at the man himself, hoping he would contradict Lizzie. He was too busy smiling at Lizzie fondly. Lizzie elbowed him in the ribs and he substantiated her fib, "Yes, that's right. I'm sorry Caroline, Lizzie and I already made plans." They smiled at each other conspiratorially. Caroline huffed off, hopes dashed.

Lizzie asked him, "I hope you don't think that was horribly rude".

"I would never think that about you," Fitz eyes twinkled with amusement.

Gigi asked innocently, "What do you have planned? Are you going out for dessert?"

Lizzie blushed, but Fitz saved her from answering. "We told a white lie so Caroline would give us some space. We'll be staying in to talk about the last year".

Sometime later, they were arranged on a couch in a cozy family room with a glass of wine each.

"Thank you for coming today and for your kindness to Gigi," Fitz voiced.

"I had a nice time. Gigi is a sweetheart. Getting to know her has explained a lot about you and your character. Your email explained a lot too".

Fitz looked at Lizzie intently, "I'm sorry. I should have told you about Gigi earlier. I know that now".

"We both made mistakes, but I'm glad you did tell me ultimately. I'm grateful that you trusted me with that information even after everything that happened between us".

"Of course I trust you. I'm sorry about the rest of the email. I thought I was calm, but I was plainly still upset and angry".

"You had every right to be upset, Fitz".

"No, you were right. I should have talked to you more about our relationship. I should have told you about my feelings".

"I didn't talk to you about anything serious either. We're at least equally to blame". Lizzie spoke again, "I'm sorry that I said our relationship was just a fling. I was angry when I said that. I've missed talking with you. I miss tennis. I even miss your startup emails." Lizzie smiled.

"I missed you too," Fitz said. "I'm so sorry for what I said about your family. I have thought about that a lot and I want to make amends."

Lizzie gulped. "Thank you for saying that, Fitz."

"Of course, thank you for showing me how wrong I was. Do you think they'd like to come sailing this summer?"

Lizzie raised her eyebrows. "Yes. Are you sure you want to be stuck on a boat with all my family for hours?"

"Yes, please let me know a good weekend. All the Bennets are welcome."

"I will ask them, thanks." Lizzie sipped for a minute and thought about family. She asked Fitz, "How is Rich?"

Fitz explained that Rich was working on a very sensitive project for some high-profile clients. He added that Rich would be very disappointed to find he missed out on the piñata. The rest of their conversation was focused on lighter topics and catching up on the last month of happenings with work and their friends. They ate dessert and laughed together. Fitz told Lizzie about some of the outrageous startups he heard about in Asia and she told him about a recent Meryton lecture on the Higss boson and particle physics. She was surprised that he seemed genuinely interested. Now that she was paying more attention, Fitz was really impressing her.

Lizzie noticed the late hour and felt she should be respectful of Fitz's time. "Fitz today has been wonderful, but I should get home soon."

"So soon?" He looked at the clock and realized that it was much later than he had thought. "You're right. At least let me thank you for coming today and for being so kind to Gigi".

"I was very happy to be invited. Please thank Gigi for me," Lizzie smiled. She felt this banal exchange of pleasantries false in the face of everything they had been through. She may as well ask for more, "It's been nice to see you again Fitz. Do you think we could see each other again?"

Fitz positively beamed. He lost no time in asking if he could take her to play tennis the next weekend. Lizzie agreed and joked that she had been practicing and did not intend to lose this next game. At her car door she waited for him to finally kiss her properly, but he gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek. Lizzie waited for more, but Fitz simply opened her car door for her and wished her a safe drive home.