Chapter 46
Having Lizzie in San Francisco was perfect. Last night they had ordered take out and after dinner Darcy had helped Lizzie set up a space to film her videos and do her remote shadowing. This morning he had woken her up with kisses before getting out of bed to shower and dress for work, running late for the first time. Seeing Lizzie saited and asleep in his bed after he finished showering took his breath away. She looked so perfect there. He didn't look forward to leaving her for the day but reminded himself she would be there when he got home. He mentally rearranged his schedule so that he could spend more time with her. With a kiss to her temple he reluctantly left the room and headed downstairs for breakfast.
He greeted his chef, Michael, and informed him he had a guest staying with him. He requested the chef make something special to be heated for dinner tonight and that he make Ms. Bennet breakfast when she came down. Michael normally prepared his breakfast, put together a meal for him to reheat that night for dinner and left the premises by 10 am.
On weekends when his chef was off, Darcy ordered out. He had enjoyed seeing Lizzie cook in the hotel's kitchennet and hoped to repeat the experience in his kitchen. He had never felt a desire to cook but the idea of making a meal with Lizzie was appealing. With that in mind he ask Michael about some beginner recipes that him and Elizabeth could try out over the weekend. Michael with a knowing smile promised to leave a few for Darcy to look over. With a lingering look towards the stairs Darcy left the house to head into work just after 7.
Lizzie woke up shortly after Darcy left. She showered and got dressed for the day. She had nothing scheduled with Gracechurch street and didn't want to sit at Darcy's house without him. She needed to edit the footage her and Darcy had shot last night so she could upload it on time. Lydia had helpfully sent her the footage from her phone of Caroline's visit. She edited the two into a coherent whole. Her and Darcy had discussed what to include and what they should leave out. Ultimately for the sake of having a continuous narrative the majority of the footage was left intact and from Darcy's home they had shot new footage to use for the introduction.
Lizzie had decided to troll her followers and while Darcy was in the footage with her she was deliberately ambiguous about where she was shooting from. Darcy had insisted that she at least let her viewers know they had reconciled. His insecurity about the internet thinking she wasn't with him had been flattering. She would never have classified herself as someone that attracted lots of male attention but Darcy had requested it be made clear to her male followers she was not in the market for a rebound.
Setting her video to upload automatically at 9 Lizzie decided to visit the kichen for breakfast. Darcy had explained last night that his chef was present from 6am to 10am. It was now 8:20. Lizzie was nervous about entering the chef's domain but her stomach rubbled and she could think of nothing else to put off venturing downstairs. Reminding herself that her courage rose with every attempt to intimidate her she bravely set foot out Darcy's bedroom door.
Thirty minutes later she was ensconced in Darcy's kitchen laughing with Michael. She was relieved that Darcy's chef was so friendly. He told her stories about his resturant and about Darcy. She was pleasantly surprised to learn that Darcy had invested in the older man's restaurant allowing him to succeed in his dream of starting his own buisness. Michael had spent almost 20 years as a personal chef for various individuals before opening his own resturant. He had opened his dinner resturant almost 10 years ago with help from Darcy and now Darcy was the only client he kept on as a personal chef. He told Lizzie that Darcy would bring her to his restaurant and he would allow her to eat in the kitchen and try everything he cooked.
After Michael left, Lizzie felt strange alone in the big quiet house. The tour Darcy had given her yesterday had made her realize just how different Darcy's background was from hers. It was something that was easy to overlook in his prescence last night but now without him here she felt like an invader. Deciding quickly she grabbed her phone, purse and put on shoes. She couldn't stay alone here. The only people she knew in this city were Will, Gigi, Fitz and Brandon. She knew Will, Fitz and Brandon were all working and wasn't sure of GiGi's class schedule but decided against calling her anyways. She would go explore on her own so she could think.
Lizzie briefly regretted her impulsive decision to go to San Francisco with Darcy. Had she of realized just what his life might be like here she didn't think she would have come. She shook her head, that wasn't true. Sleeping in his arms and waking up with him wasn't something she would have missed for anything. She would just have to deal with the rest that came with him, even if it made her uncomfortable. As the front door shut behind her, Lizzie took a deep breath and looked around. A giggle escaped her. Darcy had a freaking estate and he called it a house. She would have to be sure to clarify exactly what he meant when he said things in the future. She didn't want to agree to french food for dinner and find herself in Paris.
Lizzie eyed the gate as she arrived at it. She had assummed there would be some sort of button to open it. At a glane she didn't see anything. closer inspection finally revealed its secret. She was relieved she wouldn't have to climb the surrounding fence to escape. Once on the otherside with the gate shut behind her did it occur to her that she was effectively locked out. Her only thoughts had been on leaving, she hadn't considered that she wouldn't be able to get back in until she saw Darcy, or called GiGi. She shrugged, she would be fine until then. To the right and left the Darcy property extended so she crossed the street and decided to turn right. As she walked along she took in her surroundings. Darcy's home literally was in the middle of the city. She passed various boutiques and cafe's. Stopping at a cute coffee house Lizzie went in. She ordered and Italian cream soda to go and sipping her drink countinued on. The storefronts she passed were pricey and upscale. She eyed them dubiously.
It was official she decided, she had landed in some sort of parallel universe. She Lizzie Bennet had no buisness here, but here she was. With relief she finally spotted a store that looked promising, it sold books She went inside it with relief. The window claimed to specialize in rare and first editions. Breathing in the smell of leather and paper she closed her eyes and calmed down.
"New to the area? " a pleasant voice ask. Opening her eyes Lizzie saw a woman older then herself, well dressed in clothing that screamed designer, n her thirties smiling at her. Lizzie glanced down at her own worn comfortable jeans and sweater. She blushed. Before she could respond though the woman continued on. "I'm Anne. This little shop is one of my favorite places to visit. It has such a soothing atmosphere."
Smiling back Lizzie said, "Lizzie. I made an impulsive decision to visit someone special and feel like Dorthay must have when she landed in Oz."
"Regretting your decision?" Anne ask kindly.
"Yes and No. I don't think I quite knew what I was getting into," Lizzie said ruefully.
"I assume your someone special is more then just a friend," Anne guessed. Lizzie nodded. "Perhaps having an unbiased friend to talk to will help. Would you like to join me for the day. I have a few errands I'm running. Your company would be welcome."
"I wouldn't want to intrude," Lizzie said but she was dying to accept.
"You wouldn't be intruding. This is my first stop. Jacob, the owner takes care of my Christmas book order." Walking towards the counter she greeted the cashier and ask if the owner was in. The cashier told her he was and went to go get him. An older man with a full white beard and twinkling eyed stepped out of the back room.
"Anne!" he cried jovially. "That time of year again isn't it. How many this year?"
"There are 21 toddlers, 33 kids age 6 to10 at the shelter this year and another 24 between the ages of 11 and 16 and one 17 year old."
"Hmmm, I shall put an order in for the proper selections. What do you want to do for the Christmad book this year? Twas the night before Christmas? "
"What do you think Lizzie?" Anne ask. Turning to Jacob she said, " This is my friend Lizzie, she is helping me out today."
"Charmed to meet you my dear. What was your favorite Christmas book?"
"The Polar Express," Lizzie responded promptly.
"Perfect!" Anne exclaimed. "That one this year Jacob. I've just had a brilliant idea. The theme this year can be made around it. I can get new pyjamas for each child as part of it. Your brilliant Lizzie. It was fate that I met you today," she said beaming at her.
"I don't think you can call me brilliant for that. All I did was name my favorite Christmas book," Lizzie said laughing. She was glad she came into the book shop and met Anne.
"Much less messy then last years," Jacob said with a chuckle. "Last year Anne did If You Take A Mouse To The Movies."
"The Christmas version of Give a Mouse a Cookie?" Lizzie ask delighted. "That book is so fun!"
"I work with one of the local shelter's every year to put on a Holiday celebration," Anne explained to her.
"She doesn't just work with them during the Holidays. Our Anne here helps out year round."
"People are in need all times of the year. Do you have a copy of Polar Express in your stock that I can purchase to use as a guide for me and Lizzie?"
"I believe I do. Let me get it for you." After finding the book Jacob handed it over to Anne and wished the ladies good luck."
"Its about lunch time, I know a great little cafe. Let's head there and you can unburden yourself to me about your special someone if you want or we can strategize for planning the shelter's celebration. "
Chapter 47
Darcy's phone rang. Glancing down he saw his sister's name on the screen. Picking it up he said, "Hello GiGi."
"Is Lizzie with you?" she demanded not bothering to say hi. "Lydia text me yesterday that Lizzie was returning to San Francisco with you. I have a three hour break so I headed over to the house to keep her company since you were working and she isn't here."
"She isn't with me. I had meetings this morning and had to be at Pemberley Digital for them. What do you mean she isn't there? Did you check the whole house?"
"I did. And I tried calling her but it goes right to voicemail. Her phone must be off or dead. She has been having problems with it reccently," GiGi said the concern in her voice apparent.
"Michael was there when I left. I'll call him and find out if he saw her," Darcy said, trying to keep the worry from his voice so his sister wouldn't pick up in it.
"Let me know what he says."
"Why don't you check the security footage by the gate to see if she left. She may be out on the grounds."
"I'll do that."
...
After hanging up with Michael, Darcy frowned. Lizzie hadn't said anything about leaving to Michael. San Francisco was a big city and Lizzie didn't know anyone other them himself, GiGi, Fitz and Brandon. A quick text to both Fitz and Brandon revealed that Lizzie was not with one of them, nor had she contacted either.
He called GiGi to ket her know Michael had seen Lizzie this morning but she hadn't mentioned going anywhere to him before he left. GiGi told him that Lizzie had apparently set out on foot from the Darcy property around 10:30 according to the security footage. Concerned she may have gotten lost or injured in a city she didn't know he cleared his schedule for the day determined to go back to the house and begin looking for her.
It was just after noon when Darcy reached the house. GiGi waited for him impatiently. Deciding to split up and walk down Lambton street Darcy went left and GiGi went right to search for Lizzie. The siblings stopped in the various shops to see if a female matching Lizzie's description had gone in, at the coffehouse the barista was no help but a customer who was seated with a laptop nearby was. The customer had recognized Lizzie from her vlog and assured GiGi that Lizzie had been in the shop about an hour ago leaving when she was arriving.
GiGi promptly text her brother the information and waited for him outside the shop. Joining GiGi,the Darcy siblings continued to look for Lizzie. Glancing at the storefronts, Darcy halted and said thoughtfully, "None of these stores are likely to draw Lizzie's attention." He stared thoughtfully for a few minutes and then remebering the nearby bookshop he had bought the Jungle Book from he said, "I do know of one shop that Lizzie wouldn't have been able to resist."
Upon enetering the bookshop the siblings discovered Lizze had come in. The cashier went on to mention her and another lady had meet with the owner and offered to go get Jacob. Darcy and GiGi both sighed with relief. Apparently Lizzie was not alone wondering around a strange city. Jacob recognizing Darcy smiled and ask what he could do for him.
When Darcy mentioned looking for Lizzie, Jacob started to chuckle.
"So the young miss with Anne is who you have been twitterpated over for the last few months. I assume she liked the Jungle Book? And have you been able to discuss Tolstoy with her successfully? The first edition of The Adventures of Pinocchio you requested has arrived by the by. It is I am pleased to say in pristine condition."
"Anne?" GiGi ask latching onto the relevant information as Darcy blushed.
"Anne Wentworth. She has recruited Lizzie to help her for the day with planning the shelter's celebration. It was Lizzie who suggested the book for this year, The Polar Express."
"She's with Anne?" Darcy said eagerly.
GiGi laughed. "If she is with Anne, she is perfectly safe William. We don't need to worry about her.'
Darcy though was already pulling out his phone and dialing Anne's she picked up he quickly ask, "Is Lizzie with you?"
A tinkling laugh greeted his question. With understanding Anne said, "My dear boy, do I have something of yours?"
"Anne," Darcy said tightly. "Just tell me if she is with you or not. She disappeared without a word and her phone goes straight to voicemail. GiGi and I were very concerned about her. She doesn't know anyone in San Francisco. "
"Your concern is charming but misplaced. Shall Fredrick and I meet you for dinner tonight? I' ll make sure to bring what you want with me," Anne said smiling.
"Anne, where are you?"
"Out with a new friend. If she has no dinner plans perhaps she will join us."
"Your not going to give on this are you?"
"No, I'm not. 6 at Mansfield?"
"4:00," Darcy countered stubbornly.
"My, my I was unaware you knew how to leave the office to much more before 6. You must really miss what I have with me."
"I have nothing pressing in the office, we could meet up now for lunch."
"We are just finishing with lunch now. You will have to wait until dinner. Goodbye," Anne said laughing. After hanging up she said smiling at Lizzie, I hope you don't have dinner plans. I'm afraid I just committed you to a 4 o'clock engagement."
"The person I'm visiting is a bit of a workaholic and the other three people I know in San Francisco I haven't mentioned my visit too. So I'm free."
"Why don't you tell me about it?'
"Well there is this guy. I think I might be in love with him. We come from two completely different worlds, I hadn't realized how different until I got here. Now part of me wants to pack up and go home, back to my own safe little world. The other part is determined to try and see if I can make it work with him. I've never felt the way I feel about him about anyone else. If it weren't for well our history and differences like this," she said vaguely gesturing around, "I would think he was the one. I had started to think he was and came to San Francisco determined to find out."
"So the only thing making you question if he is the one for you is I assume a difference in your backgrounds?"
Lizzie nodded, "I'm a grad student with mountians of student loan debt and he owns a multi-million dollar company and helps others start their own business and live their dreams We couldn't be any more different. His home is gorgeous and perfect like some sort of museum but once he was gone I couldn't wait to get out of it. I felt like I couldn't breath in it."
"So you ran away and found me."
"Yea," Lizzie said quietly. "The thought of giving up and leaving makes me want to die on the inside I just feel like though that I'm not enough for someone like him. Being here makes me question my worth. At home I know who I am and-"
"Stepping out of your world is scary, but it is part of growing as a person. When I married my husband I was 27 and considered myself all done growing, I learned that one is never done growing. If he's the one you can't let a little thing like a different background then you are used to stop you. It's a foolish prejudice to have. If you want to overcome it and grow you can Lizzie," Anne said giving her hand a squeeze. "Besides if you did pack up and leave, he might just go after you."
"You have no idea," Lizzie said with a groan and proceeded to fill Anne in on her history with Darcy.
Once she had told Anne everything Lizzie felt relieved. Anne had laughed hysterically as Lizzie recounted her various interactions and misunderstandings with Darcy. It had taken the better part of two hours but in the end Anne said, "Running doesn't appear to be an option, you'll just have to stand and face your fears. He isn't letting you go. "
She was thrilled with the girl Darcy had fallen in love with. She knew Darcy well enough to know he would love Lizzie forever and never stop trying to win her. As Lizzie had talked Anne had detected the undercurrent of love in her voice. that made her sure of the couple's future happiness. Lizzie had taken a big step by coming to San Francisco with Darcy, someday soon she would be making him the happiest of men. Much sooner then Lizzie currently expected Anne suspected. Lizzie was head over heels in love with Darcy she just had to get over her prejudice. It was ironic that out of all the women who threw themselves at him for his background, the only one Darcy wanted held his background against him. Darcy had been friend's with her husband long enough for her to realize that he had probably had to overcome his own prejudices against Lizzie's background. Based off Lizzie's story he had in his usual awkward fashion with the delicacy of an angry bull.
