Greetings Reader I am getting near the end of posting the chapters of this story and am planing on posting the continuation of this story here for those who want to continue reading the sequel I am working on:) Just wanted to take a moment and say a huge thanks for all the support to everyone who has written to me.
On another note. I have published Book three of Through the Window! It is up now on amazon if you would like to check it out. I posted a link to the book in my profile page. thanks and best regards Janie(mj)
Chapter 52: Dinner Party
Mr. Collins sat alone at his breakfast table for the third morning in a row. He ate his eggs, and sipped his tea, and lamented over the fact that his wife still would not speak to him. He called Charlotte no less than six times since she left, but each time the conversation was the same. She wanted a promise that when he came home, he would leave his work, at work and no longer side with Lady Catherine in everything she said. He thought about how he should proceed. If he spoke to Lady Catherine about Elizabeth and told her that he no longer wished to discuss the matter of her engagement to Darcy, she would be angry. She would see it as an act of betrayal on his part, and he would surely lose his job.
If, on the other hand, he didn't say anything to her, if he kept things as they were, Charlotte wouldn't return home to him. He looked around at the empty kitchen and sighed; he had to admit, he did miss his wife very much. He finished his breakfast and took his dishes over to the sink. He was just about to call Charlotte again and try to reason with her when his phone rang, "Hello?"
"Hello, this is Dr. Lavin's office is Charlotte Collins available to speak with?" the nurse asked.
"No, she's unavailable right now. May I take a message?" Collins asked, "This is her husband."
"Yes, please let Charlotte know that when she left the other morning, she forgot her prenatal packs. The doctor wanted her to begin those right away because her iron levels are a little low. So, if she has time to come by the office and pick them up I will be here until noon," she told him.
Mr. Collins was shocked; he didn't know what to say, "Prenatal packs?" he repeated, "Those are vitamins for pregnancy, right?"
"Yes, that's right." the nurse told him. "Dr. Lavin's prefers for his patients to begin taking them as early as possible and since Charlotte's iron levels were a little low, it would be best for her to get going on them."
"Yes of course," Collins agreed. "I will come by and get them for her, she's staying with family in Meryton at the moment, but I'm going to see her later today."
"That will be fine," the nurse told him. "As I said I will be here until noon today."
"Thank you very much," Collins told her as he hung up the phone. He could hardly believe it; he was going to be a father. This changed everything; now he understood why Charlotte's temperament was so different. Living with his mother and sisters as he did, he knew well what "raging hormones" could do to the female mindset. He took in a deep breath and felt better prepared to deal with his wife. He would do his best not to mention Lady Catherine around her. He would do his best to calm her nerves, fears, and worries about the future. He was sure once the baby was born things would go back to the way they were between them.
Of course, he would have to explain to Lady Catherine that he needed to go to Meryton to bring Charlotte back home. Lady Catherine would be fine with him leaving for the day. It was after all Saturday, and there were no pressing matters to attend to.
Collins hadn't told her Ladyship of Charlotte's abrupt departure from Rosings. Now if she asked he would explain that Charlotte went to spend some time with her mother after finding out such wonderful news. This was all working out to his advantage. He wouldn't have to say anything at all to Lady Catherine about his argument with his wife. He could go to Meryton and bring Charlotte back home where she belonged. As he hurried up the stairs to get ready for the day, he was delighted with this new turn of events. It was shaping up to be a rather lovely day after all.
Georgiana came down the stairs to the dining room to find both Richard and Darcy there waiting for her. "This is a surprise; I didn't expect to see either one of you until later this evening for the party."
Darcy smiled, "Sit down Georgiana. Richard and I have some things we need to talk over with you," he told her.
She smiled, "Oh this does sound serious," she teased.
Richard reached over and took her hand in his, "It is not life-threatening serious, but it does concern you," he told her. "And as your guardians, your brother and I felt you should know what has gone on with Aunt Catherine."
Georgiana looked over at Darcy, as the smile faded from her face. "What is it, William, whatever is the matter?" she asked him, feeling very apprehensive all the sudden.
Darcy didn't want to cause her alarm, but he knew this news was going to upset her. "Georgie, you know that Aunt Catherine is not happy about my marrying Elizabeth. You know she has attempted to persuade Uncle John and Aunt Abigail against my engagement as well," he began to tell her.
"Yes, I know she has been difficult," she told him.
"Well a few days ago, I got a call from a gossip rag, they wanted a comment because they were going to run a story that they said Aunt Catherine was about to give them concerning Elizabeth," Richard told her.
"That's awful!" Georgiana told them both. "What did you do?" she asked Darcy.
"I went to speak with Aunt Catherine, and she was determined to go ahead with her plan," Darcy told her. "Needless to say, she wasn't very receptive to what I had to say," he explained, "Things escalated and became rather heated. She threatened to have her attorneys seek to gain guardianship over you."
"She can't do that, can she?" Georgiana asked trying to keep her emotions under control.
Darcy shook his head, "I don't want you to worry, she can't actually get custody of you..." Darcy told her.
"But she can make this all very public while she tries," Georgiana concluded.
Richard nodded his head, "Yes, she could," he told her.
"If she did take this to court..." she asked Darcy, "Would I have to testify?"
He looked over at Richard, then back to her. "I'm afraid you would be called to speak with the judge at the very least," he told her. "I told Aunt Catharine if she did take this to court she would be crossing a line that we could never come back from, but she's determined."
"She hates Elizabeth so much that she would do this to our family?" Georgiana asked.
Darcy let out a heavy sigh, "Aunt Catherine is very old fashioned, she grew up in a completely different time," he told her. "She thinks she's right and that's all that matters to her now."
Georgiana was surprised by the lengths her aunt was willing to go to. "I see," was all she said.
Darcy felt bad for her. "Georgie, you should know that Elizabeth and I discussed this just last night. We both agreed, if Lady Catherine does follow through on this threat and you feel it is all too much for you to deal with, we will postpone our wedding until after you turn eighteen.
Georgiana's eyes filled with tears, "Oh William you would do that for me?" she whispered softly.
He reached over and took his sister's hand in his. "Elizabeth and I both agree we don't want to see you hurt in any of this. We love you, and we are willing to wait if it's what is best for you," he told her.
She closed her eyes for a moment as tears rolled down her cheek. She pulled her hand free from his then got up and walked over to the window. She thought about her mother. "I don't remember very much about our mother. It's just all bits and pieces really," she began to say as she turned back to face her brother. "But I do remember when I was very small that she stood up to Aunt Catherine on more than one occasion. I remember she never allowed Aunt Catherine to bully her," she said. "I'm not afraid of her William, let her do what she will do. We are a family, and our family won't be complete until Elizabeth is a part of it."
"Are you sure Georgie?" he asked her.
She wiped her eyes and smiled, "You and Elizabeth will be getting married in October, and there is nothing Aunt Catherine can do to stop it," she assured him as she sniffled in. "Now I have some errands to run for tonight. I will be back later this afternoon, but in plenty of time to get ready for the dinner party."
Darcy walked over and gave his sister a kiss on the cheek. "I'm so proud of you."
"Don't worry William it will all be fine," she whispered softly. "I have a very strong feeling Aunt Catherine is going to have a change of heart very soon."
"Let's hope so," he told her before heading over to the door.
Richard waited until after Darcy left the room. "What are you up to Georgie?"
She smiled, "Nothing at all," she told him innocently. "I will see you both later this afternoon," she said as she kissed him on the cheek and called for the car.
Elizabeth sat looking at her reflection in her mirror. "It will all be fine," she whispered softly, "Even if his aunt and uncle don't like me, it won't change the way Will feels about me."
"Lizzy?" she heard Jane call from behind her door. "Can I come in."
Elizabeth opened the door. "Yes Jane," she smiled as she opened the door for her sister.
"Are you getting ready so soon?" Jane asked as she stepped inside. Elizabeth had several dresses laying out on her bed, and it was clear she had been messing with her hair.
"Yes," she admitted. "I want to look just right for Will's, aunt and uncle. But I can't settle on what dress I want to wear, though."
Jane could tell she was feeling nervous. "Lizzy, what's wrong?"
"I don't know what it is, but I'm feeling very apprehensive about meeting Will's family all the sudden," she said.
"It's not like you to worry about what people think," Jane commented.
Elizabeth's stomach was tied in knots. "I know it's not. I'm usually the one telling you not to worry. It's just that Lady Catherine said things about me that aren't true to his Uncle Fitzwilliam, and now Will is talking with Georgiana, and we may have to postpone our wedding."
Jane was stunned. "What did she say that would cause you to have to postpone your wedding?" she asked as she walked over and sat down.
Elizabeth told Jane everything Will told her the night before. "Will said she wouldn't be able to get guardianship of Georgiana, but neither of us wants to put his sister through the turmoil of going to court. The press would have a field day."
Jane felt bad for her sister. "Lizzy from what you have shared with me about Georgiana I suspect she's going to surprise you in all of this. She loves both you and Darcy. She won't let the threats of her aunt keep you from getting married."
Elizabeth smiled, "You are probably right. I just don't want Georgiana to feel as if she has to sacrifice herself for our happiness."
Jane took her sister hand in hers. "I'm going to give you my best 'Lizzy advice' and tell you not to worry. Darcy adores you, and so does his sister," she encouraged.
"You are right, I'm being ridiculous," she admitted.
"Ok, so for tonight's dinner, let me help you pick out your dress," Jane said as she walked over to her sister's closet. She began going through the dresses then settled on a beautiful pale yellow, sleeveless, knee-length dress, that showed off her waist. "This will look really nice. You will look classy, but not stuffy," she said as she handed the dress over to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth took the dress and smiled. "Just what I was hoping for," she told Jane before turning to the mirror and looking at her hair. "Now what do I do about my hair?"
Jane smiled, "I will help you, just relax, we have lots of time."
Georgiana looked up at Roger. "I don't want my brother to know you brought me here today to see my aunt."
"I understand Miss," Roger told her as he pulled up the drive at Rosings Park and then got out to open her door. "Should I pull the car around or just wait here?"
Georgiana took in a deep breath to collect her courage. "Wait here for me; I don't think this will be a long visit." Georgiana went inside and waited in the living room until her aunt came.
"Georgiana, you dear girl," her Aunt Catherine gushed as she came into the room. "It is so sweet of you to come and see me. Please come and sit down."
"Thank you," she said as she followed her aunt over to the sofa and sat down across from her in a large wingback chair.
"I wanted to tell you; I saw your portrait pictures. They were lovely, but I think if you would consider having them redone by my photographer they could be truly magnificent," Lady Catherine told her.
Georgiana ignored her comment about the portraits and came straight to the point. She took in a small breath then cleared her throat. "Aunt Catherine I came to see you today because William told me about the argument the two of you had. He told me that you have threatened to seek guardianship over me, so I wanted to come and speak with you myself."
Her aunt's demeanor changed. "So he has sent you here to plead his case, is that it?" she snapped at her.
"No, William didn't send me here to see you," she told her. "I came of my own accord because I wanted to speak to you about Elizabeth."
Lady Catherine raised her brow. It was clear she was not happy having her niece come to speak with her on this matter. "I have nothing further to say about that woman!" she snapped. "I have told your brother if he insists on marrying her I will be left with no choice but to protect you," she began to say, "I made a promise to my dear sister..."
Georgiana interrupted her. "Aunt Catherine, both William and I are of the same mind on this matter. I know you keep saying you want what is best for us, but asking William to break off his engagement with the woman he loves is not what is best for him. If you really wanted what was best for him, you would want his happiness," she told her as she dug deep for the courage to continue speaking. "My mother would have loved Elizabeth. She would have adored her because she makes William happy."
"You are too young to understand such things!" Lady Catherine yelled at her.
"No! I'm not too young," she corrected her. "I look at my brother, and I see how happy he is. For the first time since we lost our father, he's truly happy. When the two of them are together, it's clear how much they love, and respect each other. Why would you want to take that away from him?"
"She's not his equal!" Lady Catherine began to yell louder. "She's beneath him in every way possible!"
"No Aunt Catherine, that's not true, they are perfect for each other!" Georgiana told her. "If you would just stop being such a snob for a half a minute and really look at the world around you, you might actually see what the rest of us see."
Lady Catherine was taken aback. "How dare you speak to me in such a manner! I'm your aunt, have you forgotten yourself, young lady!"
Georgiana stood up. "No, I have not! I know exactly who you are. You are a controlling and manipulative person who throws about threats when she doesn't get her own way, and I'm not afraid of you."
Lady Catherine was so angry she began shaking. "Clearly this Bennet woman has already had a very negative influence on you!" she shouted. "Why if your parents were alive today this could never have happened. Seeing your behavior here today only confirms my fears and that you must be removed from having any contact with that woman!" she said as she walked over to her desk and picked up her phone. "You can tell your brother his attempt to have you sway me has failed. If he marries that girl, I will sue for custody for your own good!"
Georgiana came this far she was not about to back down now. She walked over to her aunt and looked at her intently. "If you make good on your threat to hire lawyers and attempt to get custody of me from Richard, and William, I will go to the press myself! I will talk to every media outlet that will listen, and I will tell them just what kind of woman you have turned into," she warned her. "I will tell them all about the kind and generous Lady Catherine de Bourgh and how she refuses to see or speak to her own daughter. A daughter who has done nothing wrong. A daughter who is being cast aside, for no other reason than marrying a man who dedicates his life to healing the sick and carrying for the poor!" she said. "Tell me, Aunt Catherine, what do you think the 'Feed a Child Foundation,' or the 'London's Ladies Society' would think of one of their top board members being such a hypocrite. What do you think they would say about the bad publicity? All I have to do is give one interview and the press will have a field day picking apart your oh so pristine reputation of caring for the poor, and underprivileged when in fact you consider them all to be beneath you."
"You wouldn't dare do that!?" she shot back at her.
Georgiana smiled, she knew she struck a nerve with her aunt. "Just try me, Aunt Catherine," she warned her coldly. "I'm not so timid and afraid as I once was, and I'm becoming a lot more like my mother every day!" she said as she walked over to the door. "Darcy and I don't want a war with you Aunt Catherine, but if you dare to fire the first shot, I will retaliate, and I will win."
Lady Catherine stood and up followed her out. "You come back here, young lady! You can't talk to me like that!"
Georgiana didn't listen to her. She just walked out and got into the waiting limousine, then headed back to London. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she reached for a bottle of water from the mini-fridge and took a big sip. She knew Lady Catherine would back down now; she knew that her reputation meant too much to her to chance any kind of scandal coming back on her. Lady Catherine was all about appearances, that was what mattered most to her. She would never risk having those in her circle of friends know the truth and think badly of her. She saw a look of panic in her aunt's eyes; she wouldn't make good on her threats, not now.
Collins wasted no time in seeking out Charlotte once he arrived at the Lucas's home. After greeting his in-laws, he led his wife out into the gardens where they could speak privately. "Charlotte, I want you to come back home with me today," he told her. "I know why you reacted as you did before, and all is forgiven," he assured her. "I'm not upset with you, and I understand."
Charlotte's eyes narrowed. "What exactly is it you think you know?"
He walked over and took her hand in his. "The doctor's office called, the nurse said you left your prenatal vitamins at the office, and since you are slightly anemic they wanted you to begin taking them right away. I went and picked them up for you," he told her. "I know we are expecting a baby."
Charlotte was angry. "The nurse should not have told you."
"I admit, it would have been nice if you were the one to tell me such joyous news, but it doesn't matter now. I'm thrilled that we are having a baby and knowing about this has helped me understand why you've been acting as you have," Collins told her.
Charlotte took in a deep breath; she knew that he would react this way if he knew she was pregnant. That was one of the reasons she didn't tell him about the baby right away. "So, when you said that you understand why I reacted the way that I did and that all is forgiven..." she began to say, "You said that because you believe I was upset because..."
"Yes, because of the hormones you are dealing with," he interrupted her and finished her sentence for her. "I realize you would never have made such unreasonable demands on me if you weren't pregnant."
Charlotte pulled her hand free. "William, you are mistaken if you think the only reason I said the things I did was because of hormones. If you came here thinking you can drag me back home to more of the same, then you have wasted your time. I meant what I said. I will not come back to Rosings until you choose what is most important to you."
"Charlotte, you're being unreasonable about this. If I tell Lady Catherine that I will not be her support in all matters, she will not believe she can trust me," he told her. "Surely you can see, we need this job now more than ever."
"I see that you are determined to continue as things were before and I can't do that," she told him as she began walking back toward the house.
At that moment as he watched her walk away, he realized she meant it, that she really would stay and he would lose her. He ran after her. "I will quit," he called out.
Charlotte stopped abruptly and turned around. "What did you say?"
Collins walked over to her and took her hand in his. "I said, I will quit," he repeated himself. "If that's what you want me to do, I will do it."
"Why?" she asked him as her heart began beating faster. "Why would you do it?"
Collins shook his head in confusion. "Because you want me to?" he told her.
Charlotte decided to speak directly from her heart. She didn't want to play games. She needed, to be honest with him. "William, when we married, we both had our own reasons for doing so. If we are honest with each other, neither of us was in love with the other. I'm not an overly emotional person..." she said as her eyes began to fill with tears. "At least I didn't think I was, but now, now that I'm going to have a baby I realize I want more. I need more."
He looked into her eyes, and in a rare moment of vulnerability, he spoke honestly with her. "Charlotte, you are right. I wasn't in love with you when we married. I'm not a very romantic person either," he told her honestly. "Lady Catherine wanted me to marry. She felt it important that I have stability around me," he admitted. "So, I came here to see my cousin, I knew he had daughters, and I thought perhaps through them I might meet someone and find a wife. I haven't ever been very good with people, but with you, I thought maybe things were different. From the first moment, I saw you..." he smiled. "I noticed what a calming presence being around you held for me. I felt at ease for the first time in my life. You're the first woman who hasn't tried to control and dominate me into being who you want, and over these past few months, I have come to cherish being with you. Knowing you are going to be there in the evening when I come home and in the morning when I wake up has made my life better. I may not have loved you when I first married you, but I have come to over these past few months. I miss you terribly, and I want you to come home."
Charlotte swallowed as a single tear rolled down her cheek. "William I'm not looking for long romantic declarations of love, or even for you to fuss over me. I just want to be respected and treated as though my thoughts and feelings matter."
"I can do that," he told her, feeling hopeful for the first time. "Will you give me another chance and please come home?"
"What of Lady Catherine?" she asked him.
"I will give my resignation at once," he told her.
"I don't want you to quit your job," she told him. "I just don't want your job to invade our life. If I want to drive to the main house, then I will. If we want to sleep in late, then we will. I don't want my life dictated to me by another person, not my mother or Lady Catherine."
He thought about what she said. "I can't promise that I won't ever fall back into old habits from time to time. But I will promise to try to separate my work life, from my home life. If you help me to remember not to go too far, then I will listen. I want to make this work."
She wiped her eyes and smiled. "I will come home with you. I want to make things work as well." She didn't tell him that she loved him, but she was beginning to feel a fondness for him that was not there before. The fact that he was putting their life together above Lady Catherine did mean a lot to her.
Collins leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips, then he whispered. "I can hardly believe we are to be parents!" he said excitedly. "Have you told your parents yet?"
"No, I have only told Lizzy," Charlotte said to him.
He wrapped his arm around her. "We could go and tell them now, together if you like," he suggested.
She smiled, "I would like that," she told him as he led the way back into the house.
It was just past six when the limousine pulled up outside Will's, London home. Charles's driver opened the door for them, and Elizabeth waited as each one of them got out of the car. Jane took Elizabeth's hand and whispered. "It will be fine," Jane told her. "I will be here with you."
Elizabeth smiled, "Thank you, Jane," she told her as they got out and went inside.
Darcy was waiting near the entryway for Elizabeth, as soon as he saw her all the stress he was struggling with just faded away. He smiled and took her hand in his. "My aunt and uncle just arrived a few moments ago," he told her.
Elizabeth's heart was racing, as Charles along with Jane led the way into the living room. Mary and Kitty followed behind them and then came Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy could feel her hand shaking just a little. "Lizzy, are you all right?" he asked her.
She stopped just before they went into the living room, she whispered softly. "What if they don't like me?"
Darcy looked into her eyes. "They will like you," he assured her. "Besides it only matters that I like you," he said as he kissed her. "And I love you very much."
Elizabeth suddenly felt better, all the fear and worry she was struggling with just seemed to melt away. "I love you too," she whispered back before they went to join the others.
Darcy held on to her hand and introduced her. "Uncle John, Aunt Abigail, this is my fiancée, Elizabeth Bennet."
Abigail came over and extended her hand. "Elizabeth, it is so very nice to finally meet with you," she said. "Darcy has told us so much about you."
"He speaks very highly of the both of you as well," Elizabeth told her, as John came over to join them.
"So, Richard tells me that you are a photographer," John commented. "I saw the photos you did for Architectural Heritage. I must say I was very impressed. The way you captured the surroundings and structures themselves, was seamless."
"Thank you," Elizabeth said. "I learned a lot about the thought process that went into the building of these older historic homes. It was amazing to get to explore them as I did."
Abigail smiled, "I thought Georgiana's portraits came out beautifully as well. You really captured who she is. I love that you took them at Pemberley instead of in a studio."
"Thank you, Georgiana is a very beautiful person; she made my job easy. The camera loves her," she told them.
"Tell me, Elizabeth, do you plan to continue working after you and Darcy are married?" his aunt asked.
"I wanted to. I planned to, but I realize that it may not be possible for me to do things in the same way that I do now," Elizabeth told them both.
"Oh really, how so?" John asked her.
Elizabeth smiled, she explained what happened with the reporter pretending to be a potential client. "My sister Mary will be coming to work for me full-time screening clients to make sure they are really potential clients, and not reporters and the like."
John understood, "That's a very clever idea," he agreed then said. "I'm surprised Darcy didn't offer Richard's help. He could help get your sister set up with what protocols to use. I know Richard screens some of Darcy's potential appointments from time to time, just to be sure everything is on the up and up."
"Perhaps if Richard has the time he wouldn't mind doing so, it would help things go more smoothly," she agreed.
John smiled, "I will go and have a talk with him myself right now," he assured her before he walked away.
Elizabeth was just about to protest when Abigail told her, "Oh don't worry about it dear, John likes to feel useful, especially when he thinks he's coming to the aid of beautiful young lady such as yourself, you will get used to it. He's forever giving Darcy and Richard grief about one thing or another, but it keeps those two boys in line."
Elizabeth smiled, "That's very kind of him."
Abigail took her hand in hers. "Now tell me all about the wedding. I hear it will be in October. A fall wedding seems so romantic to me. The nights are crisp and cool makes it perfect for cuddling."
Elizabeth blushed a bright red as they continued talking. She decided she liked Will's Aunt Abigail very much. She was a down to earth kind of person who was genuinely warm and caring. "Well, we decided to get married in October to share the occasion with my sister Jane. We are having a double wedding."
Abigail smiled, "I think that's a wonderful idea. When Darcy first mentioned it to us, I thought it a very fitting way to handle the situation. I'm very close to my older sister as well, and I think I would have been beside myself if she wasn't able to attend my wedding."
"Jane and I have always been inseparable," Elizabeth told her. "She really is my very best friend."
"Tell me how you and Darcy met," Abigail encouraged her.
Elizabeth laughed, "Well it's not your usual love story," she said as she explained how they first met and how their relationship progressed from there. "I think I first realized how much I cared for Will when he came driving up that night in the rain to rescue me."
"Oh, that's very romantic," she said "John and I didn't hit it off at first either. He was very rough around the edges, but he has settled down. Of course, I like to take all the credit for helping him improve," she smiled.
Elizabeth felt better after talking with her. She was so afraid that Will's aunt and uncle would be like Lady Catherine, it was such a relief to find they weren't. She continued chatting with Abigail about the wedding and her family as Darcy came back over to join them.
Mary stood off to the side of the room and watched as Kitty and Georgiana got to know each other. She tried to jump into the conversation a few times, but she wasn't up to date on all the latest fashion trends as they were. She looked over and saw Jane and Charles speaking with Darcy and Elizabeth, while Richard was speaking with his father. She was beginning to feel, like the odd duck out again when she heard Richard calling out to her.
"Mary" he called her name to get her attention.
She turned and walked over toward them. "Yes?" she replied feeling nervous.
"My father has just come up with a very good idea, and I wanted to make sure you wouldn't mind. Elizabeth was telling us how you are going to be coming to work for her to screen potential clients. If it's all right, I do have some thoughts that might make your job go easier," Richard offered.
Mary nodded her head. "Sure," she agreed. "I appreciate any help you have to offer."
John smiled, "See I knew she would think it a wonderful idea," he told Richard. "Now I'm going to speak with Georgiana and leave the two of you to work out the details," he said before leaving.
Richard smiled, "I hope I didn't put you on the spot just now," he told her. "My father likes to help, and sometimes he can get a little carried away. With him, there is no waiting; it's always no time like the present."
"No, it's fine, really. I often get carried away," she told him without thinking. "I mean I get carried away with talking about work and stuff like that..." she mumbled.
Richard laughed, "Ok well I would be willing to help you in any way I can," he told her.
Mary felt embarrassed; she could feel her hands getting sweaty as she tried to keep her nerves under control. "I told Lizzy it wouldn't be a problem helping her with some of her computer security issues, although I wasn't really sure how to begin screening her clients for her. I can run simple background checks and make sure people are, in fact, who they claim to be, but I'm not sure what else she will be looking for."
Richard was impressed. "Sounds like you're doing fine to me," he told her. "How about we get together early next week for lunch and I can give you a few tips on dealing with people face to face. I know a thing or two about reading people, and especially nosey reporters."
Mary smiled, "Sure, I can manage that. I have classes in the morning, but my afternoons are free."
"Great, I will have my assistant call you with the place and time," he told her then said, "So you work in computer security?"
Mary tried not to show how nervous she was feeling. "Yes, I do work with computers," she told him trying to remember not to get carried away. "I have written some security software and am studying computer programming as well.
"Security is a big part of the tech field; the more open people are about themselves on the Internet, the more vulnerable we all are," Richard commented.
"I agree completely," Mary said. "I really do think with identity theft on the rise these days people will want the peace of mind of knowing their money is secure and I really think there is a need to help people protect their privacy."
Richard listened as she talked about her schooling and her plans to make Elizabeth's set up more secure. "Anyway, those are a few of the ideas I have." She looked down at the floor and away from him. She hoped she wasn't boring him with all her nerdy talk. "Sorry if I got carried away there," she told him blushing a little. "As I said I can get carried away."
Richard smiled, "No I love your enthusiasm. It's good to be passionate about the things you love."
Mary shrugged her shoulders and tried to think of what to say next, but when nothing came to mind, she began to move away.
Richard could see how nervous she was. "Tell me, Mary, what else do you enjoy?" he asked her.
She took in a small breath. "I like music, I play the piano but not very well," she admitted. "I can play the guitar, though. I think I like it much better than the piano."
"My mother insisted I take piano lessons growing up but after a few lessons the instructor declared me unteachable, and that ended that," he laughed.
"I did take lessons on the piano, but my mother wasn't exactly encouraging in that endeavor, so I picked up the guitar and taught myself to play," she told him. "It's a smaller instrument, and it's a lot easier to practice on my own."
Elizabeth looked around the room, and breathed a sigh of relief; Mary was chatting calmly with Richard. Kitty was laughing, with Georgiana and Darcy's uncle. His Aunt Abigail was talking with both Charles and Jane about the wedding, and she found herself feeling very at ease. Darcy came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "Do you think they would notice if the two of us slipped away. I have this uncontrollable urge to kiss you," he whispered into her ear.
"Yes, I think they would notice," she told him as she leaned her head back against his shoulder feeling very content to be there in his arms. "Especially since we haven't had dinner yet."
Will leaned down and kissed the side of her cheek anyway. "Have I told you how much I love you?"
She shook her head no. "Not in the last hour or so," she teased him.
"Well I must make up for it then," he whispered into her ear. "How about if I take you home tonight after dinner, then I can kiss you properly good night."
Elizabeth laughed, "You would drive all that way just to have a single kiss goodnight?" she teased him.
"Yes," he assured her. "I'm absolutely willing to drive all that way to have more time with you, and my goodnight kiss. Besides then I can stay over with Charles, and see you early tomorrow morning for breakfast."
"I would like that very much," Elizabeth smiled and said just before his uncle called them both over to join them.
