[A/N: This story was written in my pre-fanfic time. I think it's a fairly enjoyable read, so I'm posting it as a one-shot.

The baby's name is Mary in this story, which is what I had named Eliza and William's daughter in my main timeline stories, but I'm leaving it that way. That name kept sticking in my head for some reason so I keep reusing it, lol.

Also, I know I'm posting quite frequently, I'm trying to clear out all of my ideas/stories before the new season, because I know that that will probably distract me with even more ideas and I want to wrap up what I already have.]

The Wee Bairn

William trudged up the steps to his house. He was exhausted, he had spent all day doing paperwork, the new chief was starting tomorrow and he wanted to have comprehensive files for him to review. There was even a file on the work Eliza had done for him. He decided to give credit where credit was due. He was starting to realize that she had saved his life as many, if not more, times than he had saved hers. I'll get her a small gun and try to stop worrying about her every two seconds.

With that resolution firmly made in his mind he started to feel better. Then he saw the bassinet on his stoop. What in blazes is this now? He bent down to look inside. A tiny baby swaddled in a pink blanket was sleeping inside. A note was pinned to the front of the blanket. William sat down next to the baby and took the note.

Dearest William, he read, I'm so sorry to drop off little Mary like this but I had something urgent to take care of. I'm hoping you can watch her, just for a few days. I also thought it would be a good idea if she met her papa! Thank you! Olive

William, stunned, let the note slip from his fingers. He looked over at the baby. What do I do with you? And then she burst out crying.


Eliza was standing in the kitchen staring at a pot full of burnt food. Ivy had gone to her mother's, leaving Eliza to fend for herself. She had left her food, all Eliza had to do was heat it up, but then she had forgotten about it on the stovetop. She sighed, Well, I most definitely lost my appetite now, I didn't know food could smell so horrid.

She was just about to try to clean the pot when there was a knock on her door. It must be William, he's the only one who pounds with his fist. The knocker is perfectly serviceable, I don't know why he can't figure out how to use it. Maybe I can convince him to buy me dinner. She perked up a bit with that thought and went to the door.

When she opened the door her mouth fell open with shock. He was rumpled, there was an odd greenish stain on his shirt, and he was holding a baby that was crying. "William? What?" "Can I come in?" "Yes, of course. What is going on?" He had gone into the drawing room and was bouncing the baby up and down, "I don't know what to do! Why won't she stop?" Eliza was flabbergasted, "Why are you asking me? I don't know anything about babies!" "But you're a woman!" She glared at him, "That doesn't instantaneously make me a mother!" "Don't you have some sort of inborn instincts? Here!" He said thrusting out the baby to her.

Eliza crossed her arms. But both baby and William looked so pathetic she felt bad and took the baby from him, "I think she's hungry. Or needs her diaper changed. Or maybe she's tired." "She not tired, she was sleeping when I found her." William told her. "You found her? Take her to an orphanage." Eliza said. "It's not that simple." He sighed in frustration and ran his hands through his hair causing it to stand up on end. He dug around through his pockets, and then finally pulled a piece of paper out of one of them, and held it up for Eliza to read.

Eliza breathed in sharply, "She's yours?" She asked shocked. He shook his head vehemently in the negative. "But it says here..." she began to say incredulously, "I know what it says, and I also know how to do math. I haven't erm... been intimate with her mother, or anyone, in over a year, there's no way that baby is mine." His face turned bright red. "That explains your grumpiness." Eliza muttered under her breath.

"Did you you just say...? Aaargh, Eliza, this past year has been utterly exhausting, I'm getting older, I don't have time to go chasing skirts around. Why am I talking to you about this?" He grumbled, "How do we get her to stop crying?" "We?" Eliza raised an eyebrow at his choice of pronoun. "Please, you have to help me, just for tonight and tomorrow morning, I'm meeting the new Chief tomorrow, as soon as I'm done, I'll come get her. I can't bring her to the office!" He was pacing and the baby was still crying. He wanted to scream. He came over to the baby and tried reasoning with it, "Please stop crying wee bairn, what do you want?" He asked her. Eliza tried not to laugh, "I don't think she understands." His shoulders slumped.

"I think she needs her diaper changed." Eliza said. "Olive didn't leave me anything, I don't have diapers or milk or whatever else babies need." William said worriedly. "Maybe we can use a pillowcase, could you go into my father's room? The top shelf of the wardrobe has sheets and pillowcases, bring some down." Eliza told him. William nodded and took the stairs two at a time.

Eliza sat on the floor in front of the fire, cradling the baby, "You're very lucky your mama left you with William, he may not know what he's doing but he'll keep you safe. You can trust him." William stopped in the doorway upon hearing this. He felt a little calmer. Then he cleared his throat and came over to Eliza.

"William, did you bring the whole bed?" "I was't sure what she would need." He spread the blankets on the floor, and a pillow. Eliza carefully placed the baby down. They both stared at her. Eliza gingerly opened the diaper. "Whoa, how can something that small make a smell that large?" William asked aghast. "Are we supposed to keep the nappy?" He asked. Eliza was holding her breath, she shook her head, "Burn it." She said through clenched teeth. William hurried out of the room with it.

When he came back, Eliza was trying to tie a pillowcase around the baby. William sat down next to her. He looked at Eliza's work critically. "Maybe we should knot it like this?" He tried making a tie at the side. "There!" He said rather pleased with himself. Eliza looked at it and tugged it lightly. "It's definitely tight, I don't think it'll open." He looked at her askance, "Why? Were you planning on using the pillowcase again anyway?" Eliza giggled, "Most definitely not." They both looked at the baby. She was quiet now and rather cute, waving her arms and legs around.

William leaned forward and tickled her tummy, she gurgled happily. "Do you want children William?" Eliza asked curiously. He looked at her with surprise. "I, I don't know. I assumed I'd get married one day and have children, I haven't thought that far ahead. I'm so used to being on my own and busy with work. I have some money saved but I'm by no means wealthy, if I had to currently support a wife and child it would be a little difficult." He shrugged. The he gently put a hand on Mary's belly to stop her from rolling over.

They sat silently by the fire for a while, then Mary started fussing again. William leaned forward and picked her up. He gently held her against his shoulder, "Do you have milk by any chance? Maybe she's hungry." "I have to check, Ivy is at her mother's house for the next few days. She stocked up before she had left, but I don't actually know what I have." William chuckled, "Let's go check." He carefully stood up with the baby and they headed down to the kitchen.

Eliza opened the icebox and just stared inside, not even knowing what was what. "I have a better idea, you take Mary, I'll look for the milk." William said, passing Mary to Eliza. Then he smelled something. "Does she need her diaper changed again?" He asked bewildered. Eliza blushed, "That might be the pot on the stove." William looked inside curiously, "What did you do? Was that edible at some point?" Eliza sighed, "I got distracted and forgot the pot..." William laughed and shook his head, "Once Olive comes back for Mary I'm making you dinner, and you're going to help me." "You're that good of a cook then?" She asked wryly. "I can do more than boil eggs Eliza." He said with a grin. "Touché." She said realizing he had a point. "Aha!" William held up the milk triumphantly. He sounded as proud as a man who had gone hunting and had brought back a wild boar.

Eliza was talking baby talk to Mary as William heated up the milk in a different pot. He wasn't going to touch whatever it was that Eliza had tried to heat up. He stuck a finger in the pot and tried the milk. "I think it's okay." Then he paused, "I don't have a bottle." Eliza looked thoughtful. "Go into my father's study, there should be something in there we can use, maybe from one of his science experiments." William headed upstairs again.

He entered Henry's office. He hadn't been in there since Henry had been alive. Memories started flooding his mind. He shook his head, he didn't have time to reminisce. He saw a table in the corner with various sized droppers. "Perfect!" he muttered to himself. Then he saw a photo of him, Eliza, and Henry standing side by side. He picked it up and smiled. Eliza was smirking, William recalled saying something to her and she had had a sarcastic retort. Henry had told them to stand still, but neither of them had cooperated. In the end, William was scowling at whatever Eliza had said to him and Henry looked exasperated. He replaced the photo, grabbed the droppers and headed back downstairs.

"Eliza, I think these will work! I'll just put them in some boiling water first." William said. "Okay, she's not fussing as much now." Eliza told him with not a little relief. William quickly went to work then came over with the milk and sterilized droppers.

"Now how do we do this?" He muttered to himself. He looked around and pulled a chair next to and a bit behind Eliza. "If you hold her, I'll feed her, I'll have to refill the dropper, it'll be easier if we do this together." He said, hoping his idea would work.

"Okay." Eliza turned slightly to make it easier for him. He filled the dropper and leaned forward and held the dropper to Mary's lips. She started to drink the milk. William and Eliza both sighed with relief. "I can't believe it's working!" Eliza said. William looked at Eliza and grinned. "She's fast, hold on Mary, time for a refill." He filled the dropper again. He put his left arm around the back of Eliza's chair so he could reach Mary easier.

William was very close to Eliza, she could feel the warmth emanating from his body. He smelled like aftershave, baby, and milk. She was getting warm and feeling slightly flushed. She must've shifted because he turned to look at her, "Are you alright? Are you arms tired? I can take her." Eliza shook her head, "No, no, I'm fine, don't worry."

After a few more droppers worth of milk Mary seemed content to sleep. William sat back and stretched. He glanced at Eliza. "Lizzie..." She looked at him in surprise, he hadn't called her Lizzie in years, not since she told him she was too old for nicknames. "Thank you. Seriously, thank you. I don't know how I can ever repay you for your help." "Will... we're friends, we don't keep score." He grinned, she hadn't called him Will in ages.

"I can take Mary home tonight, then could I bring her by tomorrow before my meeting?" Eliza shook her head, "I'll keep her tonight too, you should go rest." William shook his head, "I can't put all that on you alone." He paused, "Is it okay if I stay? This way if she wakes up or fusses we can take turns tending to her?" Eliza didn't answer right away. "Only if you want me to, I didn't mean to impose." William added slightly embarrassed. "Of course it's fine if you want to stay, I was thinking of sleeping arrangements." She blushed again. "I think we should stay together." She said hesitantly. It made sense, he thought. He nodded. "Why don't you pass her to me, you can get ready for bed first." She nodded.

William was resting on the settee with Mary on his chest. When Eliza came down she heard him singing something softly to her. It's a Gaelic lullaby. How does he know that? She wondered. "William?" She whispered. He stopped and looked up. "I'll take her, why don't you wash up as best as you can?" He nodded and carefully gave Mary to Eliza. "I'll be in my room with her. Join us when you're done." Eliza said. Her face bright red. William nodded.

He headed to the washroom and looked at himself in the mirror. I look worse than I do when I'm completely drunk. Amazing. His hair was sticking up, his clothes were rumpled and covered in milk and baby fluids. He pulled down his suspenders and unbuttoned the shirt and took it off. He washed his face as best as possible. Maybe there's something of Henry's I can wear. I can't sleep how I usually do. He grinned mischievously at the thought of walking into Eliza's room naked. She probably wouldn't speak to me again. He chuckled.

William went back into Henry's room and looked at the wardrobe critically. There was a very long nightshirt. I am not wearing a dress. He thought absently. Then he found an undershirt. That'll have to do. He took off the suspenders and put the undershirt on. It was a tight fit but it would do for one night. His pants were clean enough.

William knocked tentatively on Eliza's door and then opened it. She was on one side of the bed head propped up on her arm, Mary was in the middle of the bed. Eliza looked up and smiled at William, "She snores!" He laughed softly and lay down on his side opposite Eliza, "I hope she sleeps through the night, otherwise it will be rough." He whispered. "I know." Eliza whispered back. "I changed her diaper once more, hopefully she won't need anything else for a while. Will, what are you wearing? Did your clothes suddenly shrink?" She asked upon seeing the too tight shirt.

"Sorry, I had to borrow the shirt from Henry's room, I think mine is beyond repair." She stared at his chest. She hadn't realized how muscular he was, she thought the seams would burst.

William misunderstood her stare, "I'm really sorry, I can replace it if it rips." Eliza shook her head with a smile, "I never cleaned Father's room. I couldn't bear to do it just yet. It's okay, he would've wanted you to have whatever you need." William reached out and touched her arm gently, "Lizzie, if you want help, cleaning his room, I'm there for you." She nodded, "Thank you. Good night William, get some rest, you'll have to get up early to go home first to change before your meeting." "Yes. Goodnight Lizzie." He squeezed her arm and then lay back with his arms behind his head. Eliza fell asleep on her side.

Mary was quiet throughout the night, William occasionally woke up to check on her. And Eliza. Eliza's a pretty deep sleeper. He thought absently. He heard Mary fuss, "Come here." He whispered to the baby. He picked Mary up and lay her on his chest. She settled pretty quickly and they both fell asleep.

The next day the light streamed in through the windows. William yawned and looked down. Mary was still asleep over his right shoulder and Eliza must have curled up against him during the night, she was lying on his left side, her head on his chest, her arm draped over his torso.

He realized that he had wrapped his left arm around her. She's going to be embarrassed when she wakes up but if I try to move she'll wake up anyway. He sighed, he was comfortable and he wanted to stay like that. Then he saw the time and realized he'd have to get moving so he wouldn't be late.

"Lizzie? Lizzie, wake up, it's morning." He stroked her arm gently, "Eliza..." "Hmmm?" She asked and then she opened her eyes. They widened in surprise when she saw she had draped herself across William. "Oh!" She sat up quickly, "I'm sorry William, I, I must've been cold in the night and..." She stammered. He sat up carefully. "It's fine, honestly." He smiled, "Mary slept well, so did I, I hope you did too." She nodded. "I'll take her, why don't you go? You'll be late." Eliza said to cover her embarrassment. She held her arms out. William shifted Mary and looked at her mock sternly, "Now be good for Lizzie and I'll be back as soon as I can." He kissed her on the forehead and handed her over. "I'll come back as soon as the meeting is done, I'll stop at the store on the way to get proper diapers and milk. Have a fun ladies' day." She laughed, "We will."


"Please, DI Wellington, have a seat." The chief gestured to the chair. "Thank you sir." William sat down. "I was looking for you this morning. I thought you'd be here early preparing to brief me. When I had asked, they said you hadn't arrived yet." William tried not to squirm. "I apologize for my tardiness. I, I had an unexpected issue arise, it's being handled." The Chief gave him an icy stare. His blue eyes were very piercing. William was feeling uncomfortable. "I would like to get off on the right foot with you, DI Wellington. I expect punctuality, efficiency, and reliability." "Yes sir, I completely understand sir. It won't happen again. Would you like me to get the files you need sir? I have everything in my office." "Yes, please do." William nodded and hurried off to his office.

Thank goodness I had prepared all this yesterday. He gathered the pile of files and headed back to the Chief's office. William had just sat down when there was a knock on the door. "Enter." The Chief said.

Honeychurch nervously stuck his head in, "Sorry sir, I have a message." "Hand it over man, and be on your way." The Chief said brusquely. "It's for Duke sir, not for you." Honeychurch said uncomfortably.

William looked up, and took the note. Honeychurch ran out and William opened it, his face paled. "Something amiss?" The Chief asked him. "Mary's ill?" He muttered to himself. He looked up, "Sorry sir, it's fine, we can continue." "Has someone in your family taken ill?" The Chief asked, a note of concern in his voice.

William sighed. He decided to tell the truth, and if it hurt his career then so be it. "I found a baby, Mary, on my stoop yesterday. A lady friend of mine left her for me to watch her for a few days. She mistakenly assumed I am the father. Which I am not. But I took Mary to a friend to help me care for her until I can find her mother and now she has written me to say that she took Mary to the doctor because she has a fever. How is that possible?" William looked up confused. "She was fine when I left this morning. I don't understand how babies work, and neither does Eliza." He ran his hand through his hair, "This was a terrible idea."

The Chief eyed him, "You could've taken the baby to an orphanage." William stiffened, "No!" The Chief raised an eyebrow, "Sorry sir, an orphanage is no place for a baby. Eliza is capable, she'll figure it out." The Chief leaned back in his chair. "Is this Eliza the same Miss Eliza Scarlet who comes up in your reports?" William nodded, "It's a long story." "She seems rather brilliant." "She is," William sighed, "Honestly Sir, if she was a man she'd probably be the best detective Scotland Yard has ever seen."

"What do you prefer to be called? William? Wellington? Duke?" The Chief asked him. William looked surprised at the shift in topic, "My men call me Duke." The Chief nodded, "Very well, Duke. I want you to take the next few days off." "Sir?" William said flabbergasted.

The Chief sighed, "I love my wife very dearly but we were never blessed with children. I do not know precisely what the needs of a baby are either, but I can imagine they are extensive, and no matter how brilliant your Miss Scarlet might be, she probably does need assistance. And as your attention seems divided between work and your domestic life I think it would be prudent for you to take a few days off."

William looked very confused. "Am I being punished?" He asked. The Chief looked surprised, "What gave you that idea? Don't you want to help your friend and the baby?" "Of course, I, I don't think I ever had time off." William said, still stunned by how differently the meeting was going from what he had planned.

"Really? You work every day?" The Chief asked, eyebrows raised in surprise. "Yes Sir, except for a few days when I was in the hospital. I had been injured chasing a culprit, he shot at me. I caught him though. That was years ago." William explained. The Chief was silent for a moment then said, "Then I think you deserve a few days. With pay."

William was nearly speechless, "Thank, thank you, I don't know what to say." "Go, and when you come back you can let me know how everything turned out. I can go through your files on my own." The Chief told him. "Yes Sir!" William practically flew out of the office. He grabbed his coat and headed back to Eliza's, rightfully assuming she'd return there after having gone to the doctor.

"William!" Eliza said in surprise when she opened the door. Her hair was in disarray and Mary was crying in her arms, "Did your meeting finish so soon?" He shook his head, "No, but the new chief gave me a few days off, paid." Eliza looked shocked, "Really?" "Yes, I told him what happened and he was very sympathetic. I don't know why." He said, taking Mary from Eliza and eyeing her critically.

He put his lips to her forehead, "She's very warm." "I know, after you had left she had started crying and nothing would appease her." Eliza told him. "What did the doctor say?" William asked sitting on the settee with Mary. Eliza sat down next to him, "He said it's common, babies develop fevers occasionally. We have to keep her cool and he gave me some medication for her to swallow, and a salve to rub on her chest." William nodded. "I was just about to give her a bath." Eliza said. "Okay, should we put her in the kitchen sink?" William asked. "I suppose so, I hadn't thought that far ahead." They headed to the kitchen and Eliza plugged the sink and filled it with cool water that had been left in a pail. "It's ready William. Here give her to me, you'll get your coat wet." She took Mary and William took off his coat, waistcoat, and gun. He undid the top buttons of his shirt and rolled up his sleeves as high as they would go.

Eliza carefully placed Mary in the shallow water. William came over with a washcloth. He gently wiped Mary's head while Eliza held her steady. "I think she looks a little less flushed." William said. Eliza nodded, "I'll dry her off, why don't you go get the medicine, it's on the table in the hallway." William went to fetch it and when he came back Eliza had Mary laying on the kitchen table on some towels.

William opened the salve and wrinkled his nose, "What is this? It smells worse than her diaper. Didn't think that was possible." He muttered. Eliza laughed, "If it works, who cares?" He snorted. He put a little on his fingers and rubbed it onto Mary. She calmed down almost immediately. "I think it's magic. Can we get some more?" He asked Eliza, who laughed in relief, "I'm so glad it worked. Will..." "Hmmm?" "You're sure everything will be okay at work? I wasn't sure if I should have sent you the message, but I had been concerned if you came back here and we weren't home, you'd worry." She said.

"You did fine, I'm glad you told me. Thank you." He looked into Eliza's eyes. I don't think there's anything I can say or do to let her know how grateful I am. Absently he touched Eliza's cheek with one hand. Before he could say anything, Mary giggled. They both turned their attention back to her.

"I think someone's feeling better!" William said wrapping her up in a fresh pillowcase, "I didn't get to go to the store. Do you want to go? Take a break and I'll stay here with her? If you had no other plans for today that is. Lizzie, I apologize, I never even asked if you had any meetings today." Eliza shook her head, "It's fine. I'll go pick up a few things for her." She didn't tell him that she had had a case that she had to turn down, it would have upset him.

"Here." He said reaching into his wallet, "I hope this is enough." He said handing her some money. Eliza put the coins in her pocket, "It should be plenty, I'll pick up some food for us too, you must be starving." He laughed, "I am, but I didn't have time to even think about it."

Eliza said goodbye and headed out. William took Mary up to Henry's room. He had spotted a photo album the night before. He retrieved it and headed back to the drawing room to show Mary the pictures.

"This is Henry, he took care of me for many years. Almost like I'm taking care of you. He was a very good man. Eliza is his daughter. She's my... my everything." He said softly. He touched a photo of Eliza. She was about 16 years old in the picture. "She vexes me so, but I care about her very much." William turned the page. "This is that blasted dog." He muttered at the photo of Skip. He glared at the picture.


"And an extra bottle. And you'll need more diapers." Eliza was bewildered as the sales lady placed item after item into Eliza's arms. Who knew babies need so many things... "Thank you for your help." Her arms were full of various items, some she didn't even know the purpose of.

"Of course! And we also have some very interesting nightwear." The sales lady told her. "For a baby?" Eliza asked confused. "No, for the mother." The sales lady winked, "to keep your man interested in having a baby number two!" Eliza turned bright red, "Thanks but that won't be necessary." "If you change your mind..." Eliza quickly paid and ran for the exit.

Once out of the store, she put her hand in her pocket to count her change, but to her surprise, it was empty. Much more expensive than I had thought. She headed to the bakery anyway. She had a tab with them and it was in good standing, maybe she could get some bread at least.


When she returned home, William was sleeping on the settee with Mary on his chest. They look so peaceful. She tiptoed into the kitchen with her purchases and began to put things away and attempted to make her and William some sandwiches.

William strode in with Mary, "Ah, I thought I heard something. How was shopping? Did I give you enough money?" He asked. "Yes." Eliza lied. She didn't want him worrying about finances. His face lit up when he saw the sandwiches. "I'll take Mary so you can eat." Eliza said. "Thank you." He sat down and devoured the meal.

"Did you two have a nice afternoon?" Eliza asked, bouncing Mary on her knees. William swallowed and nodded, "Yes, I showed her an old photo album." Eliza laughed, "And what did she think of it?" "She couldn't believe how young I looked. She also said you're very pretty." Eliza laughed again, "She's very chatty." "Indeed." William gestured that he'd take her back so Eliza could eat. He held Mary under the arms and jiggled her up and down. She giggled happily.

Eliza was happy, exhausted but happy. William looked at her, "You're smiling." "I'm happy. Exhausted, but also happy." She said with a grin,. "I know what you mean. I didn't think I could feel this way." He smiled at Mary and then looked a little sad. "I don't understand it, she's not mine, but I feel so protective of her. I... I love her." William said, "Lizzie, how am I going to give her up when Olive returns?"

Eliza pulled her chair close to William, she placed a hand on his cheek. "Maybe you'll see Mary again, and maybe you won't, but whether she ever knows it or not, you changed her life. You kept her safe, warm, and fed. You didn't leave her at an orphanage or abandon her. She's happy right now, being with you. Cherish each moment and keep those memories in your heart."

William covered her hand with his. He closed his eyes and pressed her hand harder into his cheek. Then he turned his head slightly and kissed Eliza's palm. "Thank you Lizzie." They looked deeply into each other's eyes. Then there was a knock at the door startling them both. "I'll go get it." William said, handing Mary back to Eliza.

It was a messenger. William took the note and absently opened it. He had forgotten that he was at Eliza's house and it had probably been meant for her.

Miss Scarlet,

Despite our meeting being cancelled due to your conflict, I am still interested in hiring you for my case. If you should be free next week instead I am willing to wait.

Regards,

Mrs. Blume

William's brow furrowed. "William, who was it?" Eliza called up to him. "A messenger. You have a message." He handed it to her, "Why did you lie to me?" He asked her. She unfolded the note with one hand and read it quickly, "I didn't want you to worry. It's just one case." She said slowly. "Eliza, I know you don't like turning down work. If I had known..." William said, feeling guilty. "If you had known you would've missed your meeting and been in trouble at work. I can turn down one case if I have to. And see, it didn't even matter, I can work on it next week." She told him. William still looked troubled. "Truly Will, it's fine. Please don't worry yourself about it." She said earnestly. "Okay." He replied but still felt bad over it.

She felt Mary squirm a bit. William took her back and touched her forehead, "I think her fever is gone." William said. Eliza leaned forward and stroked Mary's head. "I think you're right."

There was a knock on the door yet again, both of them headed upstairs together this time. Eliza opened the door and a willowy woman with curly red hair was standing there. "Hullo! I'm Olive." William came to stand next to Eliza. "Willie! Awww... there's my Mary!" Mary gurgled and Olive took her from William, "How's my girl? Did Willie take good care of you?"

"Olive, not that it isn't good to see you, but where were you? And Mary can't be mine. It doesn't add up, I double checked." William said. "Oh, I know, I realized it after, I had forgotten that I hadn't seen you in over a year. Doesn't time fly?" She turned to look behind her, a man was coming up towards them from a waiting carriage, "Ah, there he is, that's Tim, my husband! We just got married!" A gangly man stood next to Olive and wrapped his arm around her. He looked at Mary fondly. "Hiya! Thanks for watching our little angel. Olive told me you wouldn't mind."

A thousand thoughts ran through William's head. He picked one, "Will I be able to see her again?" He asked. He was looking at Mary. Eliza saw Olive's pretty face sadden. "Willie, we're moving. To America." William visibly stiffened, "Oh. I see." Eliza put a hand on William's back. "Can I say goodbye to her?" William asked. Olive nodded and passed Mary back to William. He stood off to one side talking to her.

"Glad I found you Liz! Can I call you Liz? We had gone to Scotland Yard, they told me Willie is usually here if he's not at his own place." She paused to breath. "Thank you for helping him, we had a short relationship but I always knew I could trust him." She leaned forward and whispered into Eliza's ear, "You're very lucky, keep him close." Eliza flushed with embarrassment, but nodded.

William came back with Mary and handed her to her mother, "I'll bring you the things we bought for her." "I'll help ole' chap." Tim said, following William inside. Eliza looked at Mary and whispered, "Be good little girl, and we're both here for you if you ever need us." The men came back and loaded the waiting carriage. "So long, and thanks again!" Olive said. She stood on tiptoe and kissed William on the cheek. Then turned to the carriage. Tim helped her in, and they waved goodbye as they pulled away.

William was silent, he went back inside and sat heavily on the settee, his head in his hands. Eliza came in and sat next to him. She put her hand tentatively on his back. He looked up, she could tell he was forcing himself to smile but there were tears in the corners of his eyes. "I miss her already." He said miserably.

Eliza wrapped her arms around his neck and he in turn pulled her close, his arms encircling her waist, his forehead resting on her shoulder as he breathed deeply. She stroked the nape of his neck and muttered soothing sounds.

Eventually his breathing evened out and he looked up and wiped his face roughly with his hand, "Sorry about that." He said sheepishly. She stroked his cheek with her thumb and smiled, "You never have to apologize to me for your feelings."

"Lizzie..." He took her free hand, kissed her palm and placed it over his heart, "I can say 'thank you' half a million times and it still wouldn't be enough. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate everything you've done to help me. How much I appreciate you." "It's okay, I know." She curled her fingers into his shirt, "I know Will."

"I should go, you're probably sick of me by now." He said with a smile. She grinned, "Will, I just realized, we hadn't argued once!" He thought about it, and burst out laughing, "Why, you're right, would you look at that!" He grinned back at her, not making a move to leave, "Can I buy you dinner? Whenever you'd like." He asked hopefully.

"Tonight would be good. I think I have run out of food to burn." She told him. He laughed again, "Tonight it is, I'll pick you up around 8?" He asked. "Perfect!" Eliza happily acquiesced. William leaned forward and kissed her cheek, "Dress nice, I'm taking you to Cafe de I'Europe." He whispered in her ear.

Eliza's eyes widened, "Will, that's very fancy. It's booked weeks ahead!" "It's fine, the owner owes me a favor, I'll get a good table." William said, his face was still very close to hers. She tilted her head slightly so their cheeks touched briefly. "See you later." She murmured. "Yes. Later." He said huskily, this time after speaking he got up and let himself out. Eliza released a breath she hadn't even realized she was holding in.

Full of excitement, she made her way upstairs to find a suitable gown to wear for that evening. She was happy that the day had shown her a glimpse of a different side of William. And now, she was full of anticipation, eager to learn more about him, and to spend more time with him in the days to come.

The End

[A/N: Once again I had written 98% of this and no ending, so it's a bit abrupt of an ending, but it was just meant to be a short story anyway.]