I am so, so, so sorry for keeping you waiting. One person asked me what my posting schedule is and to be honest, I don't have one. I try to post when I have something worth posting but generally more than once per week. I was trying to push to a certain point in the story but it is taking me much longer, and more words to get there then I thought it would. I guess that's what happens when you change your own storyline! At any rate, Here you go. I didn't get as far as I would like but hope you like what's been written. I'm travelling a LOT over the next two weeks so I will have lots of plane time to sit and write - uninterrupted by kids, work, life... Thank you so much for your lovely reviews! I had a big smile on my face for two straight days after my last post! Here you go!
"I'm sorry, did you just ask me to marry you?" Lizzy asked confusion evident on her tear-stained face.
"Yes." Kneeling down in front of her on the cold sand, William kept hold of her hand, "Lizzy, I meant what I said before. I've never trusted any woman the way I trust you. I've told you things that I've told only a few other people and that was after knowing them for years. Look, I know this isn't ideal, but I think, I really think we could do well together." William said these last words quietly. He was so nervous about this conversation and her response. He desperately wanted her to say yes and he didn't want this to simply be an 'arrangement.' He wanted them to try and make this work.
Lizzy understood the significance of his ask. This would solve her problems and yet she knew that wasn't a good enough reason to marry him. She never did things half-way and had always believed she would only marry once. She'd always believed in the whole thing, 'for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health,' and didn't want a divorce in her early 20's. It just wasn't who she was. "William, what are you really asking me. I'm not interested in getting married to someone solely to solve my problem or anyone else's problems. If this is simply a way out of a bad situation with your aunt, it's just not a good enough reason for me." Lizzy answered.
This was exactly the answer he would've expected from her. Anyone else, Caroline Bingley, heck most girls would've seen dollar signs and said yes without hesitation. But William understood that for Lizzy, her ultimate answer depended on how he addressed this concern. "Lizzy, I'll be honest with you. This isn't my ideal scenario. I wouldn't be asking you to marry me right now if it wasn't a neat solution to both of our problems. But you must also know that you're the only woman I could envision asking. And it's not because of your immigration issues. I truly wish we had months to get to know one another, to date, to have fights, to figure out how to make up, and all of that. You're the person I want to do all of that with, for the first time, ever. Given this situation, I think we should go through all of those phases of the relationship, but we'll need to do that while we're already married. You know in some cultures, certain Indian and Jewish families I've known, that's the norm, even today. It's just no longer the norm among our cultures." William hoped he'd said enough but decided it was best to be quiet now.
She'd listened closely to every word. His blue eyes were staring so intently at hers as he spoke. His voice so earnest and patient with each word he uttered. Lizzy hoped she was as thoughtful, "I hadn't thought of it like that. I think that helps me actually. But William, this is the biggest decision I've ever made and I think I'd like to sleep on it. Is that ok? Can I give you my answer tomorrow?" She was nervous and she hoped her request didn't seem unreasonable. A guy certainly never wanted to hear 'let me think about it' when he proposed marriage but she figured this was an unusual situation.
"Of course. I didn't mean to take you by surprise like this. I hadn't planned to bring it up this morning...you were walking away and well, it just happened. I couldn't let you go while you were so upset... misunderstanding my intentions." William responded, relief flooding his senses. It wasn't 'a yes,' but it wasn't 'a no.' And knowing Lizzy's personality, it was a very reasonable response. He stood back up and pulled her to her feet. Holding her hand they walked back towards the path entrance that would lead them to the house.
Walking quietly for a few minutes, Lizzy decided she couldn't leave things on such a heavy note. Searching her brain, she tried to think of something they could talk about. 'Food, that was a generally safe topic,' she thought. "William, I need to know what kind of food you like and dislike. I want to begin planning the shopping list for our trip to Whole Foods tomorrow and it'd be helpful to know if there are foods or ingredients that you can't stand and especially if there are any foods you're allergic to."
William smiled. This was exactly the kind of conversation he wanted to have with her, for years to come. "I love anything Italian or Mexican. I don't really like curry and I'm allergic to eggplant. I hate cooked carrots but like them uncooked. Actually any vegetables that are mushy are very unappealing to me," he paused. "Does that help?"
"There's definitely a lot we can make with that list. Do you eat salad?" Lizzy asked.
"Yes, my mom always made me eat salad as a kid so I've learned to eat it." William admitted.
"Great. I'll work up a list. What time do you think you'll be back to go shopping?" Lizzy asked, trying to push out of her mind the other conversation they'd have tomorrow.
"Richard and I will be leaving here after breakfast. I'll need to drop him off at the airport. I think 1:00 is a safe assumption. I'll swing by your house around then and text you if I'm running late. Does that work?" William asked.
They were getting close to the house. Lizzy reached up on her tiptoes and gave William a quick kiss, "That sounds good to me." She let go of his hand. Walking into the DeBourgh home holding his hand just felt like asking for trouble.
William paused, staring after her. 'She'd kissed him. That had to be a good sign, right?' He was torturing himself and needed to put those thoughts out of his mind. 'He'd get an answer tomorrow,' he kept reminding himself.
Lizzy raced ahead and entered the house first. She encountered Richard sitting in the dining room alone with a cup of coffee when he immediately greeted her, "Good morning. How's the head feeling after all of that wine?"
"I'm feeling much better. Thank you for everything last night. The Advil, explaining my absence to Professor Gardiner and, of course, rescuing us from the wine cellar." Lizzy said with a wide grin breaking across her face.
"Advil and I are old friends. That was a simple problem to solve. Of all of the reconnaissance and rescue missions in which I've been involved, fInding you in the wine cellar was uniquely entertaining so I think its my duty to thank you for that one," Richard teased. "Did my wayward cousin join you on your walk this morning?"
Looking out the window, Lizzy was puzzled to see that William had disappeared from view, "He was with me but I'm not sure where he's gone? Well, I should probably head upstairs and pack up for the return to Cambridge." Lizzy stood up from her chair and started to walk towards the door when she hear Richard speak again.
"You know I don't bite."
Lizzy turned around, confused, "excuse me?"
"You seem to have a habit of running away from every conversation with me. You're not in any danger if you stay here and have a cup of coffee with me," Richard flatly stated looking over his shoulder at her.
Lizzy paused and decided that if this was William's closest relative, which he seemed to be, she'd be well served to get to know him a little better. "My apologies for giving you that impression. It was never my intent." Lizzy turned back towards the table and poured herself a cup of coffee. Sitting down beside Richard she asked, "So I presume your aunt asked all of the essential questions but is there any question unanswered?"
Richard laughed, "I wasn't meaning this to be an interrogation but I guess my interest is fairly obvious. My cousin is a very good man and he's had a pretty difficult life. Most people only see the facade, you know... wealthy, fairly good looking, responsible and put together. But I know how much all of that has cost him. I really do care about the people he surrounds himself with."
"Well I'd say he's more than fairly good looking, but if your ego needs to take him down a notch I'll let it slide," Lizzy returned.
"You really do have quite the wit and you don't let anything go. You're a formidable opponent," Richard answered with a nod in her direction. "So allow me to be direct...what are your intentions towards my cousin."
"I'm not sure I am willing to answer the question you are truly asking. My life has its own challenges and I've been trying to take things one day at a time. Of course, forces around me don't always comply." Lizzy looked chagrined as she said this last statement but pushed thoughts of William's question out of her mind and refocused on her conversation with Richard. Looking up from her coffee and across the table directly at the army Captain, "Right now, my intentions are to take your cousin grocery shopping tomorrow and make him a set of meals so he doesn't eat out every day this week. And I'll answer your question before you ask. I'm doing it because he's been very selflessly helping me with a problem and I want to help him in return. Also, I'll admit to you that he's quickly become a dear friend, I care about him and want to make sure he is eating properly. No one can eat properly if they are eating out every meal. Beyond that, I think he's pretty hot and incredibly selfless. But you already knew that," Lizzy answered with a smirk.
"Thank you. I'm glad to know he has someone who will help take care of him. Darcy has a tendency to take care of everyone else in his circle and sometimes I worry that his friends don't realize that he could use a little help too." Richard added with a smile. "Alright, enough of this serious conversation. I thank you for humoring me." Standing up from the table, Richard moved his chair and walked over to the door holding it open for Lizzy. They walked towards the staircase together and Lizzy headed quickly up the stairs. Richard started down the hall towards the game room when he found William coming in through the front door.
"Where've you been?" Richard asked.
"Georgie called as I was coming back from the beach and I caught up with her for a little. I'm thinking of running up to Pemberley to check on some things before next weekend. Wanna join me?" William asked Richard.
"I wish I could but I promised Anne yesterday that I'd go to her club with her for some tennis. She seems fairly obsessed with the whole club thing. I guess any excuse to escape Aunt Cathy is a reasonable one." Richard said.
"Alright. I'm going to head out when Lizzy and the professor leave. Want to have a round of pool before we need to head out for the day?" William asked.
"Sounds good." The two cousins settled into their familiar routine, one that had kept them occupied since their teenage years. It was a safe way to pass the time as their Aunt Cathy never disturbed them and the focus of the game kept them in a comfortable silence.
The trees were passing quickly outside the window and Lizzy enjoyed watching the landscape around her change from scrubby pines to the taller pine and maple trees that had already given up their leaves for the season. Lizzy thought about a classmate who had once told her he'd have an arranged marriage with some girl from India when he graduated college. She'd never thought they might have something in common when he had told her his story. In fact, she was blown away when she had first heard his story and had actually pitied him at the time.
How she was going to make a decision? It was so appealing to simply say yes and let her short term troubles melt away. And yet, she knew it was momentous. She had never taken the easy way out of a problem. In fact, she was pretty sure she was in this predicament because her parents always took the route which seemed easier in the moment but inevitably created more problems later. And when it was all boiled down, that was her problem. She didn't want to repeat her parents mistakes.
Edward Gardiner had been watching his young student since they departed Mrs. DeBourgh's. He had seen the exchange between Lizzy and William as they left. It was a bit more than mere friends. Since they'd made it onto the highway, Lizzy had fallen into silence, much more so than usual. He hoped that Mrs. DeBourgh hadn't done or said anything to add to the young woman's woes. Edward allowed another twenty minutes to pass. When she still hadn't spoken he decided he needed to figure out what was going on. "Lizzy, you seem lost in thought. I hope the visit wasn't troubling for you."
"Oh, I'm sorry professor. I'm being a terrible riding companion." Lizzy said.
"Are you ok? You aren't usually so quiet and I just wanted to make sure that nothing occurred to upset you."
"No, nothing upset me but I do have a lot on my mind. Do you think that perhaps you and Maddy might help me think through something tonight. I need to make a decision and I simply cannot think my way through it on my own. It's a decision I ultimately need to make alone but would love another perspective. I just don't trust myself." Lizzy asked.
"Of course, we'll put the kids down early and give you all the time you need Lizzy. I've said it before but will say it again, you're like a daughter to us and we will do all we can to help you."
"Thank you. It really means a lot to me." Lizzy replied. The rest of the ride passed quickly. She shared her impression of Catherine and Anne DeBourgh. The caricatures that these two women presented to the world gave them a lot of fodder for discussion. Lizzy was curious as to how her professor would deal with all of the 'helpful suggestions' from his patroness.
"I learned long ago to listen respectfully. Generally there is at least one thing she says that resonates and that I can do something with. I make sure I report back quite thoroughly on that one item giving her full credit for the suggestion. That generally seems to satisfy. She's a bright woman with not enough of an outlet for her ideas. While eccentric, I've learned to glean the best from her and ignore the rest," the professor admitted.
"It is quite a skill that I would benefit learning. I found most everything she said outrageous and ridiculous. Of course in that light, I guess she's not much different from my own mother except with more money." Lizzy acknowledged with a laugh.
Switching on the radio, they quickly found NPR and tuned into "Wait, wait don't tell me," one of Lizzy's favorite radio shows. She'd even treated herself last year to a live show when they were in Boston. The show and company lightened her mood and she was able to breathe a little easier, at least for a few hours at any rate.
William could feel a change in the air as he approached home. The tall white pines, native to Maine interspersed with the sturdy red pines, lent the air a fragrant and fresh scent. Breaking through the trees William took in the welcoming view of his family's home, the one that represented all that was calm and warm. The happiest memories of his life had occurred in this home and he couldn't wait to be back here next weekend with Georgie and hopefully Lizzy. Pulling up to the garage, he opened the door and pulled inside. 'Probably should have warned Mrs. Reynolds I was stopping by. I hope I don't give her a heart attack by popping in.' William thought to himself. Walking through the mudroom he called out," Hello? Mrs. Reynolds, it's me, William."
In her mid-50's, Mrs. Reynolds was still full of energy and she quickly came out of the kitchen, arms wide to embrace her boy. "William, what a surprise. I wasn't expecting to see you until next weekend. Is everything ok?"
Returning the hug William released her, "Everything is good. I was at my Aunt Cathy's and realized I wanted to pick up something before next weekend. I was also hoping to review some plans with you. I'm going to need your help."
"Of course. Let me prepare some tea and sandwiches and we can have a little lunch while we chat." Mrs. Reynolds returned to the kitchen and began preparing their lunch. William looked around, trying to imagine Lizzy in this same kitchen preparing meals. He hoped Mrs. Reynolds would like her. "So, tell me about these plans for next weekend."
"You know already that I'm bringing Georgie and Richard up here on Friday evening. I am potentially bringing several other guests as well. One of them is particularly special to me and I want to make sure we take very good care of her." William began.
At the mention of 'special' and 'her' in the same sentence, Mrs. Reynolds face lit up. She would do everything in her power for such a woman. "Are you aware of any specific preferences we should take into consideration? Any likes or dislikes?"
"I'll have to think about that. Perhaps I can send you an email later in the week. I would like her room to be near Georgie's. I'll be inviting up some others as well. I think we may end up with a total party of 7 or so, including me, Georgie and Richard. I'll confirm with you by Wednesday, ok?"
"That should be fine. Can you tell me a little bit about this girl you are inviting?" Mrs. Reynolds inquired with a smile.
He knew what she was asking and was trying to figure out what he should disclose. "Lizzy, Elizabeth, is a junior at Harvard College. She's...very different from the girl's I've typically known: independent, bright, and well read. Very self sufficient - because she's had to achieve a lot without a lot of support or advantages - given her situation in life. She's incredibly kind but can have a biting wit. Richard certainly finds her entertaining and she had Aunt Cathy twisted in knots." William said, a beautiful smile gracing his face.
"So she's met Richard and Aunt Cathy already and I'm only hearing of her now? I'm insulted I think." Mrs. Reynolds teased.
"Please don't be. It was quite the small world moment this weekend. Lizzy was staying with her faculty advisor for Thanksgiving as her parents are gone - well that's a long story that I'll let her tell when she's ready - but anyway, her advisor is funded by an endowment from Uncle Lewis and Aunt Cathy. As a result, he came to visit Aunt Cathy and she tagged along. Hence she met Richard, Anne and Aunt Cathy. It was quite a surprise when we saw each other yesterday." William explained.
"Oh all right. I'll give you a pass on that. So how serious is it with this girl, if I can ask?"
"Ummm. It's very serious in some ways. I'm here to gather a ring. There are events that could make it prudent for us to marry quickly and that's why I came here today." William admitted.
"Are you telling me you got the girl pregnant?!" Mrs. Reynolds exclaimed.
"Good G-d no! It's nothing like that. I can't explain Lizzy's side of things but leave it to say that it would benefit her to be married. She's NOT pregnant or anything like that! I should probably fill you in on some requirements I've recently learned about from my father. Perhaps you can provide me with some perspective on what my father was thinking in his final months." William answered.
"Your father? What did he do." she asked.
William filled her in on the conditions of the codicil and his conversations with his uncle and aunt. He also shared the recent conversations with Richard, Georgie and her therapist. Mrs. Reynolds was horrified by the idea of 'her Georgie' being subjected to the whims of Catherine DeBourgh and understood William's desire to do anything to influence THAT outcome. "So you think this Lizzy is the one you'd like to marry to overcome this ridiculous codicil? Does she know?"
"Well, I um, I actually asked her this morning. She was taken by surprise, to say the least and she's supposed to give me an answer tomorrow. If it's a 'yes' then I am going to suggest a wedding here next Sunday. If it's a 'no' then I'm going to try and use next weekend to convince her to change her mind. I'm going to need you to help me either way." William said looking down at his hands.
Mrs. Reynolds was quiet for a few minutes, absorbing all of this information. "You are sure about this girl, right?"
"Yes, she is the only one of my acquaintance I can imagine asking." William said assuredly.
"Alright then, we have our work cut out for us." she answered.
They ate in silence for the next ten minutes, each processing the conversation. William gave her a kiss on the cheek and then headed upstairs. He knew there were several rings in the safe upstairs and he hoped one of them would be the perfect one.
Opening the safe in his office he removed the jewelry case. He wanted to give her a ring that had meaning in his family. He thought she'd appreciate the significance of it all and hopefully, make this more than a convenient excuse to solve their present challenges. Sitting at his desk he began to look through the pieces. There were some gaudy pieces that someday should be reset. Quickly those were put aside. He found two older rings though that caught his eye. One was set in white gold, it looked to be a two-carat diamond with four rectangular sapphires framing the center diamond. It was beautiful albeit a bit ornate. The other was older, set in yellow gold, it was feminine and elegant. The center diamond was just as vibrant as the first ring, although a bit smaller. Ten small, round diamonds clustered around the center diamond like petals on a flower. The setting on this one was plain, no etchings or engravings on the outside. Turning the rings over he observed an inscription on the yellow gold ring. It was a bit worn but turning on his desk lamp he could make it out, 'To my beloved Elizabeth, 1812'. He'd found his ring. William quickly put the jewelry back in the case and returned it to the safe. With a smile on his face he checked the time. It was 1:30. He hoped the jewelry in town was still open so that he could get the ring checked and cleaned. He wanted it to be ready to present to Lizzy tomorrow.
Racing down the stairs, he popped into the kitchen to say good bye to Mrs. Reynolds. She gave him a long hug and wished him luck. "Please call me tomorrow evening. I'll be thinking about you all day and won't rest until I've heard from you."
"Of course. Thank you and I'll talk to you tomorrow."
If you are interested in seeing the rings that I wrote about, I found them on etsy and the jewelry shop is called SITFine Jewelry. If we could afford one of these two rings I'd be bugging my husband to buy one of them... I'll try to post soon but am going camping this weekend so it might be tough...Comments, reactions?