I know...It's been forever. Thank you to those of you who checked in. It was very motivating :) I am continuing to write albeit life has been hectic - new promotion means I'm doing two jobs instead of one as I transition old responsibilities while scaling up on the new ones. I also find that some of the chapters are harder for me than others. After the intensity of the past chapters this one is light. I think we all deserve it. I didn't get as far as I wanted in events before posting but decided to go ahead as I wanted to acknowledge those of you who have pinged me. Thank you all!
After two days of missing classes and meetings, one of which was entirely unplanned, Lizzy and Will were each snowed under with responsibilities. Add to that midterms and all that needed to be completed prior to spring break and they found themselves consumed by classes, meetings, studying and writing. Given how busy they were, it was fortunate that Nicole Baker was unavailable to meet anytime soon. Matthew had finally spoken to her after paying a fierce game of phone tag. She was friendly and open to meeting on the thin premise that Matthew was doing research as a member of the firm's charitable gifts committee. Her work travel schedule required her to put the meeting off for at least a month. Nicole Baker worked in investment banking and she was expected to lead a roadshow for a company her bank was taking public. The next month would be consumed by travel with potential investors in the lead up to a public offering. After so many years had passed, a few more weeks didn't seem like it would matter all that much. William reluctantly agreed with Matthew to simply wait until she became available.
It was therefore late on a Sunday afternoon when Lizzy and William decided enough was enough. A break was needed from the grind. Hearkening back to one of their earliest dates, the couple made their way over to Whole Foods with the goal of shopping for, preparing, and enjoying a Sunday meal together. Wandering through the aisles, they managed to fill their shopping cart with enough food to make a feast, while maintaining a steady banter.
"Do you think we should invite people over? I don't know how we can possibly eat all of this." William asked as they were loading the groceries onto the counter.
Lizzy shrugged. "I just figured we'd have leftovers. Besides, I feel like I've barely seen you lately. I'm not sure I'm in the mood to share."
That statement earned her a kiss. "Then you've got me all to yourself. I'm here to assist the chef." Lizzy grabbed a colander, cutting board, knife and peeler and set them on the counter in front of him. "Scrub the potatoes and chop them into thick slices. Then do the same to the onions. You can set them into the colander to rinse and I'll get started on the soup."
"Yes ma'am." They were busy, working side-by-side, but the process of cooking together brought its own enjoyment. A kind that William had rarely known. Lizzy was chattering away about the paper she'd been working on and plans for the week. In months filled with abnormal and stressful events, the normalcy of their dinner preparation was bliss.
He was brought out of his reverie by a question."Have you thought anymore about how you want to handle Georgie's competition and our week off from school?"
Any elaborate plans for a vacation had fallen to the wayside when they had earlier thought Lizzy would need to have knee surgery to repair the damage incurred during their holiday ski trip. The pregnancy delayed surgery for the duration and as Lizzy had not yet received her temporary green card, they couldn't plan a flight anywhere with certainty.
"I have been thinking about it. Would you be upset if I left Tuesday morning to meet up with Georgie in DC? Her competition is on Wednesday afternoon and, if she progresses, Thursday. I thought it would be um, nice, to spend some time just the two of us. Maybe you could take the train to New York on Friday and meet us there?" William had been thinking, likely too much, about how to make both of the women in his life happy and he'd avoided voicing out loud his ideal plan...until now. "We could spend the week in the city, take in a show or two, perhaps start to think about any changes you want to make to our place before we move in. May will be here before we know it and I want you to feel comfortable in our home."
Lizzy was open to any of his suggestions and they made sense. William and Georgie had been speaking more regularly and she hoped they were getting to a more comfortable place. Even Lizzy and Georgiana had had a handful of conversations over the past few weeks. Trying to take her sister-in-law's perspective Lizzy asked, "Do you think Georgie would be satisfied spending her spring break discussing renovations?"
"I think we could manage to do more than that with a week in the city. There's a lot you haven't experienced yet and we could do a little bit each day. Besides, you may want to do a bit of shopping for pregnancy frocks and the like. Georgie never finds spending a day shopping as overly onerous, especially if you include a stop at a shoe store or two along the way."
"Are you trying to suggest I bribe your sister with shoes to go shopping with me?" Lizzy teased.
"Bribe is such a harsh word. I'd rather think of it as entice. Besides, as adorable as I find the rubber bands you've begun to use with your jeans, I think we can afford some properly fitting clothes for you." To make his point, William lifted the bottom of Lizzy's sweater to reveal the bright green rubber band she'd looped through the button hole on her pants to keep them closed. After placing a few kisses on her slightly rounded belly, a favorite activity of his, William stood to pull her into an embrace. He was sometimes overwhelmed by the reality that his baby was growing inside of her. The physical manifestations of the changes that were coming would at times, bring his emotions right to the surface. At these times holding her close was his only option.
The action brought both of them comfort and it was with some reluctance that Lizzy pulled away to look at William, "Have you discussed these plans with Georgiana?"
"Not really. Of course I've told her I'll try to be at her competitions. Aunt Sophia was going to go but I'd rather it just be the two of us. Beyond that we've discussed various options for next week but nothing firm. I was very surprised when she decided not to go to Florida with her friends. I hope there's no trouble with her classmates at school."
William's worry was evident but there was little they could do right now. She caressed his brow and face, hoping to smooth the tension she knew he was holding. "Perhaps it's good to spend the time all together. If there is any trouble we'll ferret it out over the next two weeks. Maybe she simply wants to spend time with you. I know it's what I prefer to do with my free time."
Once again he felt she deserved another kiss. After spending a few minutes enjoying themselves their attention was reluctantly drawn by the sound of the kitchen timer. "Why don't you call Georgie now to make plans and I'll finish up things here."
"That's probably a good idea. I have to get my travel organized as well so if you don't mind, I'll take care of it now before dinner and then we can spend the evening relaxing."
William was still trying to account for the knot in his stomach. Earlier that morning he'd left Lizzy reluctantly, her dark curls spread across the pillow, another pillow tightly wrapped in her arms, having taken his place when he slipped out to get himself ready for his trip. But now he was here in the nation's Capitol, on his way to meet up with his sister. He'd been truly looking forward to spending some time with Georgiana. They'd always been close, at least until the past year or so. The events which had driven a wedge between them would not benefit from additional discussion at this point. They needed to move forward and he knew they needed time together to do that.
Scanning the baggage claim area he quickly spotted her. When had she gotten so tall? Georgie was waiting patiently by the rotating conveyor belts where his luggage would eventually appear. She spotted him a few moments after he'd spied her and a tentative smile spread across her lips. A short wave and they approached one another.
They both began to speak before she paused and signaled for him to continue. "We're you waiting long?"
Shaking her head she responded. "No, I was actually worried I'd be late. The first taxi never showed so I had to call a second one. I originally planned to take the metro but with all of my luggage Richard convinced me a taxi was more logical."
William looked over at the pile of luggage Georgie had pointed to and chuckled. "It's a good thing I rented an SUV for this trip. I was worried about the quality of the roads once we hit horse country but now realize I really needed it for the cargo space."
Georgie blushed and seemed to focus on the tops of her shoes, not sure how to respond. She had been looking forward to time with her brother. After the past year or so she was eager to show him she would be no trouble at all.
It didn't take long before they found themselves leaving the population center out towards the rolling hills of Virginia. Spring was making itself known in the area, much more so than in Boston and it was refreshing to see the emergence of green rather than the persistent brown which dominated New England. 'So different from the city. Lizzy would relish these views,' William thought. He couldn't help it. His mind regularly drifted towards her. Without realizing it, he'd pressed the phone and was dialing her number.
"William?" He could hear the rustling of papers in the background, her voice barely above a whisper coming across the phone. "Give me a minute. I'll call you right back." The phone disconnected before he could even respond. Looking at the clock he realized she must have been in the library. She often parked herself there between classes so she could save herself the trek back and forth to their condo during the day. Even though she was much more mobile, she still needed to be careful of her knee. Wearing a brace helped but often her knee was swollen by the end of the day if she took on too much.
Six minutes passed before she called him back. "Hello love. You're on speaker."
Lizzy laughed, her good humor coming through the car's speaker. "Thanks for the warning. Hi Georgie. Good luck tomorrow. I'll be sending all of my winning thoughts to you. Not that they'll do very much good given how little I know about riding a horse."
"I'll take all of the good thoughts and wishes I can get. This is my first competition in almost two years. I hope I do well enough to continue to Thursday but if not, let's hope I simply don't embarrass myself. Thanks for lending me my brother." She'd been debating whether to say anything but was so glad William was coming to this, her first competition in so very long. Her therapist had been encouraging her to be more open and to say what she thought. Well, as long as it was kind. She really wanted to get back to the close relationship she'd once had with her family. It was hard. William had so many concerns but wasn't it right to want his attention too? Sometimes she was unsure.
"I should be thanking you for taking your brother off my hands for a few days. Now maybe I'll actually get all of my work done before Spring break is upon me. I have two more papers to finish and I have no idea how I'm going to get them both done in the days I have left while also studying for my Psychology midterm. Remind me why I didn't drop that Spanish lit class when I had the chance? I don't know how I'm ever going to get all of my work done by Friday." Georgie looked over at her brother but could easily see he was entertained my Lizzy's complaints.
"I'm not taking the fall for this. Just because I'm trying to make sure you eat regularly and get enough sleep. I better not hear reports of all nighters."
"Heaven forbid. Let me just make it to Friday ok?" Lizzy teased.
"By the way, have you decided when you're coming to New York?"
"My last paper is due Friday afternoon and I think I'll be working right up to the deadline. Do you mind if I get a morning train on Saturday?"
He really had hoped she'd be on a train on Friday but knew he was being selfish. William's voice softened. "Alright. Seriously, don't push yourself too hard ok? You need to take care of yourself and the baby."
She could hear the tenderness in his voice. "I will. I love you. Drive safely and send me a text once you two are settled."
The call disconnected and Georgie sensed that William would have little interest in talking for a little while. The silence which followed was comfortable however. The passing scenery was beautiful and the the music on the radio fit the mood. An hour later they were entering another small Virginia town, if it even could claim 'town' as a designation, when Will slowed the car and brought it to a stop.
"Care to grab a bite to eat?" William asked as he turned off the car. Georgiana looked up at the sign, Ginnie Mae's Luncheonette. "Sure. This looks like the kind of place dad would have us stop at."
A smile crossed his face, "Yea. That was my thought too. Mom would always make faces but I know she loved stopping at places like this too. She was a sucker for warm apples. Let's hope they have em."
"Just like Aunt Sophia's weakness for Tennessee BBQ, or as she would say, the finer things in life." The siblings laughed. Glad for the happier memories of their parents and the bond of family that brought them together. It helped keep them on an even keel.
The diner was cozy. Bright yellow cafe curtains dotted with small green leaves brightened the windows. The restaurant was about half full and they were directed to grab an open table by a middle aged woman manning the counter. Menus and water glasses were quickly doled out with a promise to return quickly.
"I'm so sorry that I left you hanging here without a proper welcome. My niece is s'posed to be here helpin me but her little one has a sore ear so I'm holdin down the fort on my own. Don't worry tho, the food is good even if the welcome isn't as warm as usual." She gave the brother and sister a broad smile, a bit of her bright pink lipstick stuck on her front two teeth.
William and Georgie looked quickly at one another and back up to the smiling waitress. "We've got time so don't worry too much about us. I'd appreciate a cup of coffee while we look at the menu."
"Of course sweetie. And you dear? Can I get you anything?"
"Um, can I have some ice tea?" Georgie asked tentatively.
"Dear, if you're that nervous asking for tea you're never going to get what you want in life. I'll bring you your tea but I want to hear your voice loud and clear when I take your order for dinner." With that, the waitress turned and bustled off to the counter to get their drinks. Georgie turned bright pink while William placed his hand on top of hers and squeezed it. He was tempted to get up and walk out but Georgie actually seemed ok. She was studiously reviewing the menu avoiding eye contact. To be honest, he'd had similar thoughts to those voiced by the waitress but would never have said it so plainly. Frustration with his sister's continued timidity and guilt that he'd put her in a situation where she was taken advantage of competed for his mind's attention. This is what likely kept him quiet on the matter.
Coffee and iced tea soon appeared on the table along with the smiling waitress looking at them expectantly. "I'll have a cup of the bean soup and the chicken fried steak. A side of hot apples too please." The waitress nodded her head and turned her attention to Georgie. Looking her straight in the eye, Georgie's voice was clear when she ordered. "I'll have a chicken salad sandwich and hot apples as well." The waitress smiled at Georgie and squeezed her shoulder. "Better. Now keep it up dear."
William wondered at the interaction. Was it that easy? Had he been too soft? Did he just need to tell her to get some confidence and get on with it? He'd have to mull this over for awhile.
They didn't wait long for the food but it was flavorful and filling. The hot apples tasted of cinnamon and sweetness. It was a perfect ending for their meal. "Mmmm, these are so good. I just don't get to have them often enough."
"Lizzy's a good cook. I'm sure she'd make them for you sometime if you asked."
William shrugged "I'm sure you're right. Although there are some things you should only have on occasion and in a certain context. Warm apples seem like that kind of thing. I think it's because of the memories that come with them."
Georgie frowned but couldn't deny her feelings were more happy than sad. She was glad to have something with William that was special to just them and their memories of their parents. It dawned on her in that moment that William was going to soon be a dad. He'd be making new memories, not just with Lizzy but with his son or daughter. It was such a big deal and yet it simply hadn't occurred to her in this way. The realization nearly burst from her lips. "You... your going to start having these kinds of memories with your kid. It's kind of...just wow! Are you excited?"
William's entire face lit up. "It's amazing isn't it? I still can't believe it." Will laughed, "Maybe Auntie G can teach her niece or nephew all about warm apples?"
It was another surprise. This idea that she'd be important to Will's baby. The baby wouldn't have grandparents so she could be important, maybe really important to someone. She stuttered a bit before she could get the words out. "I'd love to. I can't wait." Georgie's smile matched William's. The thought of sharing moments and memories of their parents with Will's child gave her a warm bubbly feeling inside. It was something she could do.
The rest of the meal passed by quickly, with little of consequence happening in the diner while they consumed the basic yet good food set before them. "We should probably hit the road. I know you want to check on Mint and maybe try the course a few times today before the big event starts tomorrow. If we get back on the road now we should be there by 2:30."
The pair arrived at the competition course not long after two and William dropped Georgie off at the stables before heading over to the inn they'd be staying at to get them settled. He'd been happy to see Georgie eagerly welcomed by a few of the other girls from school. Georgie's real happiness though was when she was reunited with her horse. They seemed to talk and actually understand one another, Georgie wrapping one arm around the horse's neck while Mint nuzzled her face and shoulder. He'd read about animal therapy and wondered how much Georgie's recovery had been aided by being focused on caring for Mint as much as time, the therapist or any of the medications they'd tried. It was also nice to see one of her friends, Amelia, invited them to join a few of the families for supper that evening. Georgie seemed to want to go so he readily accepted. It would be good to get to know the families Georgie was in school with a bit better and get a bit more perspective on how things were going for his sister.
The time alone in the Inn allowed William to get caught up on email. The pace of work at Pemberley Enterprises was picking up. Or rather, the pace had always existed, he was simply getting drawn into it more and more. He was glad for it. Finally he was beginning to fulfill the plans his father had laid out for him. And now that he had a baby on the way, he was beginning to fully understand his own father's hopes for him and Pemberley. It was a heavy burden but one he would do his upmost to fulfill.
He was tempted to call Lizzy again but decided against it. She made it clear she needed to stay focused and he didn't want to distract her. He sent her a quick text instead, letting her know they'd arrived and that he'd call after supper. Despite his resolution to not call, he couldn't help but repeatedly check his phone to see if she might have texted or called. The hours crawled by and he was relieved when supper was over and he could finally stretch out in bed and call his wife. "Hi love."
"Hi." The word was a soft caress in response to the simple words with which he had started the call. The warm rosy feeling filled her before she could continue on. "I was hoping you would call soon. Did you have a good dinner with all the moms and dads of Georgie's friends?"
Will groaned a bit. "It felt like a work dinner. Everyone was 15-20 years older than me. It got better once the conversation turned to discussion of the markets and real estate. Fortunately we only ventured towards politics once. It always gets awkward when people express an opinion and then realize who our uncle is. Better to avoid it for mine and Georgie's sake."
"How is Georgie? Is she feeling nervous about the competition tomorrow? Were you able to get a feel for her relationship with her friends." She'd been bursting with curiosity. All of the fears William had been carrying had been transmitted to her over the past few months. It had been a bit difficult focusing on her own work when she'd been thinking about William's concerns.
He shrugged before realizing Lizzy couldn't see his movements. "It was, I guess it was fine. Georgie's reserved in the best circumstances. She seemed to be glad to meet up with the other girls from school. But I can't imagine she'll ever be the life of the party. She seems to hold herself apart, listening five or ten times more than she ever contributes and usually only when asked. Actually, there was one interaction today that I can't seem to get out of my head."
Lizzy waited a moment for William to continue speaking but he seemed to be lost in his thoughts. She thought to prompt him. "Tell me about it."
"Oh well, it was kind of nothing but, we were at this diner for lunch today and Georgie was, well, like she always is. Hesitant. Shy. The waitress just called her out. I'm still trying to figure out what I think of it but this random waitress insisted that Georgie speak up when it came time to order her lunch and...she listened," William paused, "Is it really that simple? Can I just say to her, snap out of it and get some confidence? I swear there are times I want to say just that."
Lizzy needed more information and asked him to explain. William described the interaction in detail before asking, "Am I too easy on her? I just don't know what to do?"
"First of all, I think you're being too hard on yourself. You should be celebrating that her reaction was the right one to the situation. How do you think she would have responded a year ago? Second, I think it might be right to start expecting her to act a little more like a young woman with a voice and some responsibility. Just remember, this is a good thing."
He knew he'd feel better after talking to Lizzy. "Thank you. I wish you were here with me. I'm so glad I can talk about this with you."
This conversation was a bit too serious in Lizzy's mind. "That's what I'm here for. To listen to you fret."
"Fret? I don't fret." William's reaction to her implied tease made Lizzy giggle. "You're laughing at me! I share my worries and concerns and you laugh?" In the face of her laughter he couldn't stay serious and he started to chuckle as well. Forcing a grumble he uttered. "I don't fret."
"No. Definitely not. You worry but never fret. I apologize."
"No you don't. You wanted to tease me."
"Yes I did. And it worked right?" She paused, "Did you ever expect that you'd be spending so much time on these kinds of issues for your sister?"
"No. Absolutely not. Let's hope we remember all of this when our own reaches this age or, even better, inherits your personality so we don't have to worry about it."
Lizzy groaned. It was too much to take in and thought it wise to change the subject. "So it seems Charlie finally told Jane they're going to Paris for spring break."
"How'd she take it?"
"Jane flipped. That was the second phone call I got while sitting in the library this afternoon. Her squeals almost got me kicked out of the stacks." Lizzy's laughter belied how happy she truly was for her former roomie. "I don't think I've ever heard Jane so excited. She's begged me to go shopping with her Friday afternoon for last minute items she absolutely has to have before she leaves for Paris."
"I guess that means you really won't be coming down until Saturday." William mumbled, not hiding his disappointment very well.
"I really think it's better if I wait until then. I can barely conceive of going shopping let alone getting myself packed and navigating train stations this Friday. Are you mad?"
"No. No, of course not. I just miss you. It's lonely in this bed without you and I wish you were here with me. I'm not good at small talk with strangers either. It takes a lot out of me so I'm tired. Don't feel sorry for me. Have fun with Jane and I'll be there waiting at Penn Station Saturday morning."
"Well I can't wait til Saturday. I should probably get off the phone. I'm pretty tired too and I've promised myself I'm going to get another page done on my paper before I go to sleep tonight."
"Ok. I've got some reading I should do myself. I love you. Sleep well."
"Love you more. Sweet dreams."
They disconnected and William sat in his bed thinking back over the call. He really should be glad Lizzy was taking the time with Jane, especially given that Lizzy wouldn't be with her friends for their senior year. He needed to remember that and do what he could to create opportunities to spend time with her friends.
I'm off to my 15 year reunion for business school but will eagerly be checking email for comments, constructive criticism, and questions. :) They keep me going...