Thanks so, so much for your reviews and for sticking with me. I sense some frustration with the pace of the story line but there are some important developments that need to happen so hopefully you'll hang in there with me.
'What's that noise? It can't be morning yet.' Lizzy rolled over and spied her alarm clock. No, it wasn't time for her to get up but clearly Jane had forgotten to turn off her alarm clock. Lizzy stumbled through the darkness to turn it off. Jane's perfectly made bed was untouched since the prior morning. Another unexpected "sleepover" at Charlie's. Climbing back into her own bed Lizzy tossed and turned trying to find sleep again but it was no use. 'Might as well use this time for a run,' she figured. 7:20 and Lizzy crawled out of bed using the light on her cell phone to make her way to her closet. Looking over at her other roommate, Lizzy was amazed that Charlotte could still be snoring away. That girl could sleep through anything. 7:35 and Lizzy was headed out the door.
The crisp cool air felt good in her lungs as she made her way through the quad and up the back streets of Cambridge. The leaves on the trees were long gone but no snow had accumulated yet this season. Lizzy realized that this was probably one of the last times she'd be taking this run. Now that she'd be moving to William's there were likely different routes that were more convenient to his, no their, no his, condo. Lizzy couldn't think of that place as hers. Not yet. There were many things to adjust to and while he was anxious to share everything with her, she still needed some time to adjust to it all. Maybe in a year it'd feel different.
Last night she suggested that she might move back in with Jane and Charlotte once he was working full time in NY. She really didn't feel like being by herself in the condo all the time. William's reaction was decidedly negative. He promised her that he'd try to spend as much time as possible working from a home office in Cambridge. But they were trying to figure out a time nine months in the future. At the end of the evening, they decided to hold on any decisions until they were necessary. It was hard enough to understand what next week would be like, let alone next September.
The conversation with Mrs. Reynolds was far more entertaining. The woman had a motherly way about her and Lizzy could almost hear strains of her own mother's voice as they discussed some of the wedding logistics. It seemed she had things well in hand. The local magistrate had been scheduled for an 11am service at the house Sunday morning. Mrs. Reynolds asked all kinds of questions about her favorite foods and, in particular, the cake. They decided that a lemon cake, with vanilla frosting and chocolate sauce on the side would be ideal. The both loved lemon and chocolate and the combination carried sweet memories from their first "official" date. Lizzy had the number of a local florist in Maine that she needed to call later that day to discuss her bouquet.
Lizzy checked her watch. It was 8:15. She recalled that the Gardiner children started school at 8:00 and thought she could check to see if Maddy was still at home and had time to chat. She'd felt bad that they hadn't spoken since Sunday afternoon and wanted to try and see her. Approaching the house, she was pleased to note that Maddy's car was in the driveway. Lizzy made her way up to the front door and paused to ring the doorbell. A few minutes later and she could see Maddy making her way down the stairs towards the front door.
"Lizzy!" She grabbed her to take her into a hug but Lizzy pulled away quickly recognizing how sweaty she likely was from the long run she'd just taken.
"I don't think you're going to want to hug me given I've been running for the past 40 minutes or so." Lizzy joked.
"Come in. Edward filled me in last night but I want to hear everything from you. The kids are so excited about your wedding. You can imagine the girls! They couldn't talk of anything else while we were trying to get them ready for school this morning." Maddy guided Lizzy towards the kitchen to pour two cups of coffee. Lizzy grabbed the two mugs while Maddy sliced some banana bread.
"I'm so grateful you will all be there and that Edward was willing to stand in for my papa. Are you ok with that?"
"Lizzy, he is so honored. I've always told you that you're like a daughter to us - or maybe a baby sister - I'm not that old," Maddy joked. The women settled into the family room and Maddy looked over her young friend. "You seem to be handling this all so well. Are you truly ok?"
"Yes. I'll admit its a lot. But William is such a sweet man. I'm gaining a better understanding of him and how I can be a partner to him. We're going to start moving my things over to his condo tonight. And I have to admit the wedding planning is fun. Having money can be an advantage in these things. I love my dress and can't wait for you to see it."
Maddy smiled. It was nice to see signs of the girl without worries reemerging. "Alright, so you have something new. What about the other items?"
"My engagement ring is 'something old' and Charlotte and Jane took care of the 'something blue'. I just need the 'something borrowed' and I'll be all set. I'm sure the girls have something I can borrow." Lizzy smiled.
Maddy had been wondering how to help and now she had the perfect idea. "Lizzy give me one minute. I'll be right back." She ran up the stairs to her bedroom while Lizzy sipped her coffee. A few moments later she came down the stairs holding a small velvet bag. "Edward gave me these earrings for our tenth wedding anniversary. If you'd like to borrow them, I'd be happy to lend them to you for the wedding." Taking Lizzy's hand, she poured the contents of the bag into Lizzy's open hand. Diamond teardrop earrings sparkled against her skin. "Maddy they're so beautiful, but are you sure?"
"Yes. For as beautiful as they are, they can only be appreciated if they're worn in moments of happiness. I'd like to add the memory of your wedding to their story. Now, put them on so I can see how they look." Maddy insisted.
Carefully, Lizzy took off the silver earrings she typically wore and placed the diamonds in their place. Moving across the room to a mirror on the wall, she took in her reflection to admire them. She'd need to wear her hair up so that everyone could admire them.
"So beautiful." Maddy said as she joined Lizzy at the mirror.
"They certainly are. Thank you."
"No, I mean you. William won't be able to take his eyes off you."
Lizzy smiled. "I don't know about that. I've never been one to turn heads but I'll make a respectable bride in all of this finery."
"Stop being ridiculous. I've seen the way that boy looks at you. There isn't a woman more beautiful in the world to him than you."
"Ok, now you're letting your romantic nature get the better of you. But I really do love the earrings. Thank you for lending them to me. I'll take good care of them."
"I know you will." Maddy smiled. She couldn't wait until her friend realized how smitten William was with her.
William was relieved to find a quiet corner of the student union to make his phone call. "Good morning Dr. Annesley, its William Darcy calling. How's my sister doing now that she's back at school?"
"We had a very good meeting this morning. She seems to be doing much better having spent a week with family. I've started her on some medication that should begin to take the edge off of some of her depression as well. She's very excited for her weekend in Maine with you and her cousin. Although, she mentioned some anxiety around the other guests you had invited as they are almost all unknown to her."
"This was what I had wanted to discuss with you." Over the next ten minutes, William canvased the issues around the codicil, his decision to marry quickly, and of course, Lizzy. He was glad the doctor didn't interrupt his story but then realized that she likely had a lot of experience listening. "I've been wrestling with how to discuss all of this with Georgiana and was hoping for your advice."
"That's quite a story but I've been in this business long enough to no longer be surprised by such things. So what are your plans with regards to sharing all of this with your sister?"
"We talk every other day. I was planning to tell her today about Lizzy and the wedding. I'm unsure how much to share about the codicil and Lizzy's situation. I don't want her to think that I'm only doing this because of the custody issues and I'm sensitive to any judgments of Lizzy."
"Your sister is no longer an innocent. She's had some very challenging life experiences which have forced her to confront the complexities of the world. I would tell her everything you just told me. It's important that she's aware of the codicil but also equally important she knows just how much you and Lizzy care for one another. It sounds to me that ideally, this would all be happening much more slowly but outside forces and decisions made by others aren't allowing for that."
"As much as I hate to hear that my baby sister has been forced to grow up faster than she should have, I appreciate what you're saying. Wish me luck and please let me know how she seems when you see her on Thursday."
"I will. Enjoy your wedding planning." Dr. Annesley said as they ended the call. Darcy's stomach reminded him that he needed to grab some lunch before his next class so he headed over to the cafeteria. He started day dreaming about the upcoming weekend while his turkey and cheese sandwich was being made.
"Hey Darcy. How goes the planning for this weekend?" Charlie came up next to his friend startling him out of his reverie.
"Hey Charlie. Wanna join me for lunch?"
"Sure. Let me put in my order and I'll meet you at your table."
William picked up his sandwich, poured himself a bowl of the tomato bisque soup and headed out to pay. The lunch room was packed but he managed to find a table near the corner where they wouldn't be disturbed. He enjoyed the few moments of quiet before Charlie sat down across from him.
"I still can't believe you're getting married this weekend. It's great and I'm looking forward to it, it's just such a big step to take. How are you feeling about it all?"
"Honestly? I can't wait. Lizzy is amazing. I feel so fortunate to have found her." William beamed.
"I can't get over this smiling version of a Darcy. It's a strange beast to behold." Charlie grinned. "By the way, I caught up with Rich last night and we were thinking that we could have your bachelor party up at the Inn in Lambton. That way the girls can use the wine cellar for their festivities."
"What bachelor party? I don't recall ever agreeing to anything of the sort." William growled.
"Oh come on. We can't let you get married without a sendoff and I know that Jane and Charlotte are already planning something for Lizzy. They were busy discussing last night at my place."
"I'm not going off to war you know. I'll still be here next week."
"So, no honeymoon then?"
"Sadly no, but maybe over Spring break we can go somewhere. Once Lizzy has proper documentation. By the way, does Lizzy know about these party plans?" William asked.
"I don't know but Jane and I are of the same mind. Just because it's quick doesn't mean you're not having every element of a proper celebration. We'll play some pool, have a few beers, and toast the two of you. It'll be fun.
William sighed knowing it was a lost cause. "I can't drink too much. Sunday's going to be a long day and I plan to enjoy all of it."
"Deal," Charlie grinned
WD: Did your roommates mention a bachelorette party?
EB: Nooooo
WD: They're planning one and the boys are planning one for me apparently
EB: ru ok with that?
WD: I guess
EB: It's kinda sweet
WD: hmmm
EB: don't be a grump. btw we need to get rings. wanna meet in the square at 4?
WD: u r a fast learner - see you at 4
EB: what does that mean
WD: u already know how to distract me and make me smile
EB: c u at 4 :)
Given that he was meeting Lizzy at 4, he decided not to go back to his condo but rather to hang out on campus for the afternoon. Having gotten through one of his cases in the library, he headed back to Casperson, the student center, to make his call to Georgie. She should be done with classes for the day and he hoped to catch her before her afternoon activities began.
"Hi Wills," Georgie said after two rings, "A little early for your Tuesday call aren't you?"
"Hi Georgie. I have some things going on tonight so I thought I'd try to reach you now."
"You must be pretty busy these days. Every time I talk to you there is something you are running off to do. Want to share what or who has been keeping you so busy lately?" Georgie asked with unusual forthrightness.
"Actually, yes. I have some things I want to discuss with you. I think I've mentioned to you a woman by the name of Elizabeth Benetez, Lizzy."
"Yes, actually every time we've spoken her name as come up."
Darcy was shocked. Had he really mentioned Lizzy in every conversation? That was surprising, or maybe not. She'd been in his thoughts often over the past month or so.
"Well, the reason I've mentioned her so frequently, and why its so important to have you and Richard in Maine this weekend is that we're actually going to be married on Sunday. I can't imagine getting married without you there by my side Georgie."
"You're doing what?!" Georgie exclaimed.
"There've been some things going on that I want to share with you, in full transparency, and some of these events are driving me, us, to get married very quickly. The are not, however, influencing who I am marrying. If Lizzy had not agreed, as much as I'd want to protect you, I would not be marrying right now."
"Please tell me your reasons, and what they have to do with protecting me. They'd better be good or else I'm calling Dr. Annesley to get YOUR head examined." Georgiana demanded.
William shared with her the details of the codicil and his fears and concerns about Aunt Cathy taking custody. He also shared the issues Lizzy was confronting. They'd likely be played out in the papers so he might as well be honest with her from the start. "Georgie, I know this is a shock. You will certainly be interested in knowing Lizzy yourself and, I hope, building your own relationship with her. I am really looking forward to you meeting her. Lizzy is a remarkable person."
"Who else knows?" Georgiana asked.
"You can talk to Richard about all of this or Dr. Annesley. No one else in the family knows about the wedding and I'd like to keep it that way. I don't want Aunt Cathy to hear of it prior to its taking place and, given Uncle Henry's political situation, I don't want to place him in a position of having to take a stand on immigration by knowing in advance of the marriage. Once it's done he can take any stand he pleases but it's important for him to have plausible deniability in this." William decided he should stop talking and simply give Georgiana room to ask questions.
Georgiana was quiet for several moments. "I hope you know what you're doing Fitzwilliam Darcy," she said solemnly. She didn't like the idea that her brother was marrying anyone, let alone an orphan illegal immigrant. It smelled like trouble and she was not going to be so easily fooled this time.
"Georgie, you know I love you right?"
"Yes, and I love you too William. I am grateful that you're protecting me from Aunt Cathy and I will do my best, given the circumstances."
"Ok," he sighed. "I guess that's the most I can hope for. I will talk to you on Thursday but call me if you want to talk before then ok?"
"Sure."
"Have a good rest of your day my sweet." William said just before Georgie hung up.
'Well that went well,' William thought prior to packing up his things to go and meet Lizzy.
What do you think of our little Georgie? She's not the most trusting soul. And yes, I know you all want the wedding but I am hoping you can trust me. I am pretty excited because I actually figured out the ending to the story this weekend - although it's not going to happen anytime soon...Comments, reviews, thoughts. All welcome :)