Many apologies for the delay. Life has intruded, I'm sure you can all relate and sometimes the story just won't come. Hope this was worth the wait...
William had never been so grateful to be back home as he was today. The past two and a half days caring for, and worrying about Lizzy, had exhausted him. He owed Mr and Mrs. Reynolds a huge debt of gratitude for the peaceful scene to which they arrived. Pulling into the garage they found Mr. Reynolds and a wheelchair waiting. As he brought Elizabeth into the house their bedroom had been re-established on the first floor in what was formerly a guest suite. Apparently Georgiana had also been extremely helpful relocating their clothes and personal items to the room and filling the room with bouquets of pink peonies and white roses. To say William was confused by the turnaround in his sister's attentions was an understatement. Lizzy did not seem inclined to comment one way or another about his sister's behavior so he refrained from any further mention. Once Lizzy was resting, William took himself off to his office to gather his thoughts in peace. Settling into a chair, William realized this was the first moment in the last three days he wasn't actively worried about Lizzy.
"How is she?" Mrs. Reynolds inquired.
William's head shot up, startled by the question. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you come in. Lizzy's feel to sleep straightaway. She's doing so much better even today but the ride was a bit bumpy and it took a lot out of her."
Taking a chair across from William, she could see the sheer exhaustion on his face. She was glad they were back home. "The poor dear. She actually looks a good deal worse than she did that first night. I guess the bruises are in full bloom now. Is the pain better?"
"A little. Lizzy had such a hard time tolerating the pain meds, especially on an empty stomach. Her injuries were bad enough. It was awful to see her stomach upend itself with some of those narcotics. We seem to have finally worked out a good system so she can stay ahead of the pain and not let her get so ill. Every day that passes since the accident seems a bit better. The doctor's tell me that being young is in her favor."
Trying to reassure Will, she placed her hand on his. "We'll take good care of her while you're in New York."
A grimace crossed his face. The last thing William wanted to do was head out of town for two days while Lizzy was still recovering. All their plans had been dashed. William was supposed to be introducing Lizzy to his favorite parts of New York, taking in shows and museums he knew she'd adore. He'd actually been looking forward to the annual board dinner for the first time, knowing that he'd have his bright Elizabeth with him. Now he'd have to go alone, making conversation with the board members and their wives while Lizzy was here recuperating.
Mrs. Reynolds observed the frown her last statement had generated. She could imagine the thoughts going through his mind and knew there was nothing she might say to make him feel better. Shifting topics was her best bet. "I understand your Aunt Sophia is arriving this afternoon."
"Yes. I think given Georgie refuses to leave it's best that someone else is here. Richard has to return to DC so I'd feel better with Aunt Sophia and you both helping with Lizzy and keeping an eye on Georgiana."
"William, you should've seen your sister these past two days. Anything that could be done to make the house ready for you and Lizzy to return was very important to her."
"Is it wrong for me to say that as much comfort as Georgie's solicitousness gives me, it also gives me concern? Prior to Lizzy's accident she barely tolerated her presence?!" William vented, his hand rubbing his temples in an attempt to ward off the blossoming headache.
"Perhaps you should ask her what's different then. There's no use in speculating." Mrs. Reynolds reached up to give William's shoulder a quick squeeze. She'd always believed there was nothing that couldn't be resolved by talking. They just needed to speak honestly with one another.
"You're right." His lips were pressed tightly together contemplating thoughts best left unsaid. He wasn't sure he had the courage to ask the questions which needed asking nor was he convinced he'd like the answer. "I'm going to organize the papers I need for New York and then read for a bit in our room. At least until Lizzy wakes up."
"Ok. I'll bring lunch to you in a warming tray in about an hour so you can eat when you're ready." Mrs. Reynolds offered before stepping out of the office.
William only had a few minutes of solitude before Richard knocked on his office door, "I need to head out but wanted to catch up before I left."
"Of course. I should've come to find you when I first arrived home. Thank you, again, for dropping everything to entertain my little sister." William answered with the now familiar frown appearing on his face.
Holding his hand up, Richard began, "Don't William. What do we have family for if not to let them help in times of crisis? I can't always be available so let's take advantage while I'm stateside and in a desk job. I'm just so relieved that Lizzy will recover. We all are." Looking around at the piles of paper, Richard realized that his cousin was preparing to depart again. "When do you leave?"
Sighing, his eyes took a similar tour about the stacks of paper before answering, "Tomorrow morning. I've arranged for a helicopter to pick me up at 5:30 to take me to the airfield in Portland. Meetings with staff start at 9 and I don't want to be away for any longer than I need to be."
"When do you return?"
"I hope to be back by 6:00 in the evening on the 3rd. We've got the board dinner tomorrow night and the meeting and lunch the next day. If I can truly leave by 2:00, I can certainly be here by 6, if not before."
Richard smiled, "Timed down to the second. Be safe, my friend."
"I almost hate to ask but, how has Georgie been? Have you learned anything more?"
Shaking his head, "She's been unbelievably quiet. Maybe contemplative? And full of energy to do anything to help ease the burdens for you and Lizzy. She's actually been the model of a concerned and caring sibling. I've tried every angle to see if I could ferret out what's driving her change of demeanor but she's been very effective in her evasive maneuvers," Richard smirked.
William thought about this and resigned himself to the necessary conversation he'd have to have with his sister and potentially his wife. "Thanks for trying. I appreciate it. When are you heading out?"
"I'm leaving now. I, um, I don't know the next time we'll be together. Maybe Easter? Guess we won't be going to Aunt Cathy's this time though." Richard laughed at the thought of their annual trials, rather, their annual visits.
Joining in the brief moment of laughter, William smiled, "No, I guess we can avoid that visit this year. I'll see you at your parents then and will talk to you many, many times before. Thank you for everything." The two men embraced before Richard quickly took his leave, neither man willing to admit the presence of tears in their eyes.
Another twenty minutes passed and William finally felt organized for his departure. Grabbing a stack of papers to read in advance of his meetings, he headed back to the room to which they'd been relocated. Entering as quietly as he could so as to not disturb Lizzy, he was grateful to find her resting so peacefully. It had truly been a difficult few days for them and yet he felt they'd been drawn even closer together. She'd been suffering from headaches, often prompted by quick movement, or when her stomach expelled its contents. At times the only thing he could do for her was to rub her back, hold her hand or keep a cool washcloth ready for her. The poor reaction she'd had to many of the medicines intended to relieve her pain made him resentful of the doctors who'd suggested them in the first place.
An hour soon passed, and Mrs. Reynolds entered bearing soup and sandwiches. The rattle of the serving cart roused Elizabeth from her sleep. "Oh I'm so sorry dear for disturbing you."
Lizzy quickly disabused her of the notion that she was bothered, "I've been sleeping more than I've been awake these past few days. I'm so happy to have a home cooked meal."
"Mrs. Reynolds soup is known to have healing properties. I'm sure that one bowl full will cure most of your aches and pains." William teased.
"Well then, you two better start eating it before it gets cold," Mrs. Reynolds chided before leaving them to their lunch.
Patting the bed beside her, "Climb in bed and sit beside me while we eat lunch," Lizzy offered.
William looked skeptically at her before gingerly setting himself down on one corner. He'd been steering clear of making close contact ever since her injury and Lizzy was beginning to get frustrated. "I'm not made of glass. You can sit beside me and I won't crack in half."
"I've never said anything of the sort," William retorted.
"You haven't needed to. The only time you've really touched me, outside of holding my hand, or rubbing my back, is when you've needed to help move me somewhere. Even then I feel as though you've been afraid I would break. You're leaving tomorrow and I want you to hold me. I miss you already and you're still here. I promise, if I feel any pain, I'll tell you and help you readjust so that I'm more comfortable. And to be honest, feeling your touch will likely heal me faster than even Mrs. Reynolds chicken noodle soup."
William was missing her too and so it took only a little coaxing to convince him to climb into bed with her. Helping Lizzy to adjust her place in bed so she could more easily eat, William created space for himself and joined her for lunch.
"See now, that wasn't hard was it?" Lizzy said with a crooked smile.
"Eat your lunch Mrs. Darcy and stop talking. If you're good and eat all your soup you might even get a treat," he teased back.
Lunch passed in comfortable silence with comments not much more significant than discussing the quality of the soup, Lizzy's amazement that they'd literally relocated their bedroom onto the first floor, and a review of William's travel plans. William tried to probe, once again, into her feelings about spending time with Georgiana. He was suspicious and wanted to see if she'd give anything away...to no avail. Scraping the last bits of soup in her bowl, Lizzy held up her bowl, "I'm a proud member of the clean bowl club. What's my prize Mr. Darcy? I believe I'm owed one."
Her teasing smile almost did him in. Even with the cuts and bruises on her face, she was a beautiful woman. Placing a soft kiss on her lips and then behind her ear, he growled, "I have a prize for you but I think you're going to need to wait a few weeks for it."
Kissing his neck in response, Lizzy whispered, "I think I'll be glad to get that prize now if you will."
William pulled back and leaned against the headboard, drawing himself away from her kisses and suggestions,"Oh no. You've convinced me to sit with you in this bed but nothing further will happen until you are fully recovered."
Pouting Lizzy folded her arms gingerly in front of her, "You are no fun, sir!"
"Nope. I care more about your recovery then I do about those activities. Now, my Aunt Sophia is going to arrive this afternoon. What can I do to ensure you ladies have a pleasant visit while I entertain the old white men in New York City." William asked, decidedly changing the subject.
Lizzy reached over to grab her iPhone and handed it to William,"You can help me pick out some books on Audible. Between this concussion and my wrist, I can't read, watch TV, or do anything with my hands. Thank G-d Maddy had the idea of Audible. Staring at your handsome face won't be a ready activity for me my love and I don't want to drive your relatives crazy."
William was tempted to kiss her impertinent grin off her face but took her phone instead, and began to scroll through the options trying to find a few books that could keep her entertained while he was away.
Injuries still made Lizzy prone to excessive sleepiness and William found himself quickly joining her in a well-deserved nap. After the stress and sleeplessness of the past few days, it was really no surprise to anyone that the two were found dozing in spite of the bright sun streaming through the west facing floor to ceiling windows.
After peeking in to check on the couple, Sophia Fitzwilliam used the afternoon to get herself settled into a guest room and quizzing the Reynolds and Georgiana about the state of her niece and nephew. "It's hard to believe its been so terrible. They look so peaceful that if it weren't for the bruises on Lizzy's face, you'd think they hadn't a care in the world."
"Once they're awake you'll see the dramatic difference. The prior times Lizzy's been here she was buzzing around doing a million things at once. Seeing her so quiet and passive is startling and belies any sense that all is fine. William too seems to be truly thrown by the change. I know they haven't known one another for long but he seems to already depend on her energy. I don't know how to exactly describe it but these past few days, he seems almost a bit heavier." Mrs. Reynolds advised, attempting to prepare Sophia for the changes she would quickly observe.
"I think you're attempting to brace me for a shock. Well it's our job to see to their recovery and that is precisely what we'll do." Sophia said with the determination of an army sergeant.
William had actually slept for over two hours when he finally awoke and took the opportunity to carefully examine Lizzy's various bruises. He hadn't been so venturesome in their prior quiet times as he'd been too consumed with worry. Marking each and every black and blue mark with a gentle caress and a kiss which promised to heal, occupied the next twenty minutes before he carefully covered her and went to find his aunt. Sure enough he found her sitting with Georgiana. Sophia was attempting to teach her young niece how to knit a pair of warm socks, apparently for Lizzy. William raised his brows questioningly towards his Aunt who simply shrugged in response before setting the project aside to greet her nephew.
"I understand that Lizzy is still sleeping a good deal and I'm glad to see that you got some rest as well. How long did you sleep?" Sophia had looked over William carefully and noticed his haggard expression but decided to focus her comments on his recovery rather than lamenting his slightly unkempt state.
William rubbed his hand through his hair, resulting in an even wilder look then his initial appearance. Looking over at the clock, he was shocked to see how much time he'd let pass. His aunt's worried expression however, calmed his desire to berate himself for sleeping the day away. Even he could recognize when he'd surpassed his limits. Clearly the last few days had pushed him. "I'm feeling fine and Lizzy's recovering. That's what matters. I want to review Lizzy's needs and my travel plans so that hopefully we can all relax for the few hours before it's time to return to bed."
"If that's how you want it, then I'm all ears." Sophia smiled ruefully, recognizing her nephew's tendency to deflect attention from himself and deciding to humor it for now. Her smile turned to a frown as William detailed all of Lizzy's injuries and the steps needed to aid her recovery. She had a much better sense of the hill they needed to climb but wasn't about to let them sink into melancholy. After assuring William he had nothing to worry about, she hustled off to find Mrs. Reynolds to make arrangements for dinner.
It was clear the home was being influenced by the force of Mrs. Sophia Fitzwilliam. The supper meal was arranged in a sitting room right off of the newly established bedroom. The checkered tablecloth and coordinating plastic china were brightly colored providing a festive atmosphere akin to a child's birthday party. Of course, any party intended to rouse spirits by Sophia Fitzwilliam usually involved bbq and bourbon. This one was no exception and all, except Georgiana were invited to join in both tastes. As Lizzy had finally forgone all narcotics, finding an intense dislike of their ill affects, the bourbon went a long way towards easing her aches and pains.
Lifting the moods of her nieces and nephew proved to be a bigger challenge however but she wasn't one to shy away from a challenge. "Well Lizzy, it didn't take you long as a Darcy to use up your allotment of woe. Georgie and William have also exhausted their supply so I expect only clear sailing in the days ahead. As such, I propose a toast. To the end of injuries and days of recovery. It can only go up from here."
"I'll drink to that," Lizzy raised her glass encouraging her solemn husband and sister to join her.
Sophia took Lizzy's agreement as license to plow ahead. "Your injuries are impressive but did William tell you about the time he broke his collarbone and was stuck in a cast that covered half his upper body for weeks?" Sophia asked. William groaned, quickly recalling the pure embarrassment he felt at the incident. "Aunt, I really don't think Lizzy is interested in this story."
Looking around it wasn't hard to identify that this had to be a good story. Georgiana was actually giggling and William's ears had pinked.
"No. I've never heard about this but based on the reactions I'm seeing, I can't wait."
Sophia seemed to be in her element. Lifting her glass of bourbon to sip, she leaned back to begin her story. "I remember it well. I believe it was the school band concert and William must have been in grade 7 or 8."
"Grade 7," William mumbled.
"Of course. It was shortly after your 13th birthday. Anyway, William was performing a tuba solo and his mother invited all of us to watch her boy. She was so proud."
Lizzy couldn't resist, "I'm sorry, did you just say tuba solo? How come I'm first learning now that you play the tuba?"
"Because I don't," he answered shortly.
"William is correct, after this incident, he never did play the tuba again. So unfortunate because I think he did have real talent. At any rate, all of the students had walked out onto the stage carrying their instruments. William looked so handsome in his suit and tie. His mother had bought him a brand new suit because he'd grown so much during the year, along with a new tie. I'll never forget the tie because you'd insisted you wanted the one that had a music score printed across it. Your mother thought it was adorable and was humored that you were so excited for the big concert."
Attempting to preserve some amount of his personal dignity, William tried to curtail the conversation. "I really don't think Lizzy needs the play by play here. It really isn't necessary. I fell and broke my arm that afternoon and didn't want to ever see, let alone play, a tuba ever again after that day."
Lizzy pretended some confusion, "I can't imagine why falling would cause you to abandon a musical instrument. I think I need every detail to better understand the story." Her cheeky grin let William know he was going to have to endure each embarrassing moment, much to his chagrin. Resigning himself to his fate, William downed his glass of bourbon and refilled his glass.
Having warmed to her story, Sophia smiled broadly and continued, "Everyone had filed out on stage and the first set had gone off beautifully. William played his little heart out and we were all so proud. The band was organizing themselves for the next piece when, for some reason, William must have adjusted his chair, not realizing how perilously close his chair was to the edge of the stage. When he picked up his tuba and leaned back, one of the legs of the chair slipped off the stage sending William and his tuba tumbling off into the audience. The poor boy was unable to break his fall and ended up breaking his collarbone and arm. Mr. Srebnick, I believe that was the name of his music director, took William's brand new tie to create a bit of a sling and the concert was paused while we ushered William out of the room and off to the hospital. Anne was beside herself with worry so Henry and I took her to our home while George took William to the hospital."
Lizzy was doing all she could to restrain the laughter longing to burst from her. By this point, William was bright red with embarrassment all the while trying to feign disinterest in the story. Looking over at Georgie, Lizzy could see Georgie biting her lip trying to keep from laughing as well. "My poor dear William. That must have been very painful. I think I can well understand why you might avoid being on stage." Lizzy attempted to sympathize before leaning over to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"I can see through your pity words Elizabeth Darcy. Don't try to play me." William said defensively.
"Alright then, to two klutzes. May our children get my musical talents and your skiing talents." Lizzy offered in a toast. Everyone happily drank to that sentiment. Sophia was fairly pleased with her success in lightening the mood and began sharing some other family anecdotes of her own children and one of Georgiana. Georgie even managed to laugh at herself when William and Sophia related a story of when she'd somehow gotten herself stuck in a tree and they had to call the fire department to get her down. For weeks afterward, Richard, Robert and William would meow whenever Georgie came near as a way to tease her for about being stuck like a cat. All in all, it was the most comfortable meal they'd all had together and the happy, and slightly drunk group agreed to turn in early knowing that William had a 5 am start to his day.
Carrying Lizzy gingerly back towards their bed, William was glad to find them both happy and relaxed for the first time in days. This happiness translated into comforting one another. Lizzy was feeling sore after spending so many days lying in bed and convinced William to give her a bit of a massage. The massage quickly progressed and William found he was having extreme difficulty keeping to his task. Lizzy was not making it any easier and, despite his earlier protests, they both found tremendous comfort in gently making love that night before they each fell into a deep sleep.
For William the following two days passed by with military like precision and yet achingly slow. His mind kept drifting back to the night before he'd left. He hadn't realized how much he appreciated Lizzy's laughter and wasn't even too upset that his aunt had used his own humiliating accident to draw them all back to a better frame of mind. Memories of slowly and gently making love to Elizabeth kept a smile on his face as well. Being with her, enveloping himself in her love, made him feel whole. In the moments since her injury, afraid to even hold her, he finally appreciated how essential she'd become to his happiness. In fact, the city he loved, New York, had become a gray and dismal place when confronted by the lonely townhouse, meetings and the winter slush on every street corner. He'd been looking forward to visiting Times Square, Central Park and Rockefeller Center with Lizzy. Instead he spent his two long days in meetings. First he needed to get updates on each of the business units before locking himself inside a windowless boardroom with twelve others for hours of presentations. Finally he was swept off in a car with darkened windows with these same individuals and their respective spouses for dinner. Most had the courtesy to send their regards to Elizabeth without probing about her absence. Of course his Aunt Cathy's lawyer did not share these good graces.
"I know your Aunt Catherine will be positively dismayed to hear that your new wife isn't here to support you at this meeting. You're beginning to take over the business and Mrs. Darcy should recognize the need to be here by your side at such a pivotal moment. Perhaps she didn't appreciate the importance. I'm sure you aunt would be happy to educate her."
"You're too kind but you needn't worry. Elizabeth is spending time with my sister in Maine. While I would have loved to have Lizzy here with me, I felt it was more important for her to be in Maine with Georgiana. I'm sure you know how precious my sister is to me." William had no desire to share any information about the accident. He and Richard had concocted this story which, while containing elements of the truth, accentuated the positives, and provided no fodder for criticism.
"Excellent news that dear Georgiana is in Maine. I'm sure Mrs. DeBourgh would be happy to spend a few days visiting with her beloved niece as well. I'll let her know they're situated close by," the sniveling lawyer continued.
"That is so thoughtful however, my aunt might want to wait a few days as Georgiana contracted the flu, hence the change in plans. I'm so disappointed that my girls couldn't join me here in New York. Lizzy was too good to agree to stay with my sister, nursing her back to health." William hated to lie but the last thing he needed was his aunt jumping in a car to arrive when he wasn't there.
Mr. Rollins moved a certain two steps back once William conveyed this little tidbit, clearly not wanting to contract any virus he might be carrying. "You're so thoughtful of your aunt's health. Thank you for letting me know. I would hate to be responsible for sending her into a sick home. As you know, she and Anne are so delicate. I'm going to step out to the restroom but please send my regards."
William was relieved to construct a scenario that would keep the lawyer away from him and his family. His aunt would use any advantage to gain an edge and the flu was certain to keep her away for a few days anyway. It reminded him they'd probably need to make their way back to Boston sooner rather than later however.
As routine as the days seemed to be in New York, the time in Maine was a bit more interesting. In addition to Sophia Fitzwilliam's efforts to keep things interesting, Lizzy had decided she needed to take a more direct approach with Georgiana. She was not about to let her sister-in-law continue to treat her poorly or without care but she certainly didn't want others to fight her battles. This was something she would deal with herself. It wasn't as hard as Lizzy thought given Georgie's eagerness to be the supportive sister ever since the return from Maine.
Lizzy slowly woke the second day since William had left. They'd danced around one another, Sophia playing the intermediary but now they were actually alone. "Don't leave Georgie." As Lizzy had begun to open eyes and she saw that he sister-in-law was about to scuttle off. She wanted to stop her and with her wakening brain said exactly what she was thinking. "We need to talk and you keep running away."
"I'll just get you some coffee. I'm sure Aunt Sophia or Mrs. Reynolds will want to know that you've woken."
"I appreciate the coffee but I don't need them. I need to speak with you. Will you come back, alone?"
"Um, well, if you insist." Georgie offered.
"I do, insist that is." Lizzy calmly replied. "It's important for us to talk."
Georgiana quickly exited the room but it didn't take her overlong to return. She'd been avoiding this conversation, hoping it wouldn't come, but it was no use. At least Elizabeth hadn't complained to her family members. If she'd said something to William, Richard or Richard's mum she'd have heard about it already. Bracing herself, she returned with a tray for Lizzy with coffee, toast and jam.
"Thanks. You've been remarkably attentive and I'm curious as to why," Lizzy began.
"You're injured. What kind of person would I be if I didn't help?" Georgie answered.
Lizzy looked hard at Georgiana. This was no time for prevarication. "We both know that I followed you down that slope. Now, I was an idiot for not paying attention. I shouldn't have followed you, but you did absolutely nothing to make sure I got down safely either. And before that, you did nothing to make me feel welcome or to be nice. So, I'll ask again, what's up? Why are you helping me, or maybe I shouldn't drink this cup of coffee." Lizzy gestured to the coffee, with one brow raised.
Georgiana blanched. She was used to people tip toeing around her. Rarely did anyone directly address her and she knew every word Elizabeth said was correct. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
"Excuse me?" Lizzy asked in stunned disbelief.
"I never wanted you to get hurt. The look on William's face when you were injured? I love my brother. I never want to see that look ever again. I'm sorry. I should've made sure you were ok. I didn't mean it." Georgiana answered, face down focused resolutely on the floor.
Lizzy took a deep breath. They might not like one another but they had a common interest. "Believe it or not, I love your brother too. He is an incredibly good person and I'll do anything for his happiness, including helping his spoiled younger sister. But I don't trust you. You'll need to earn that now. I won't wipe the slate clean but I'll always look for the good. I just need you to show it to me." The two women sat in silence. Georgie was disappointed that Lizzy had judged her harshly. It was a little unfair, but only a little. "I think I want to rest a bit more. When I wake later, maybe we can plan a welcome home dinner for William. I think he'll deserve that much after his marathon meetings and taking care of the two of us."
Georgiana shook her head in agreement and left Lizzy alone. She had much to think about.
I have a bunch of vacation coming up and I'm not sure if I'll make a lot of progress. I'll try. There is some solid plane time so I'll do my best to make the best use of it!