Chapter 7 : Halfway There

Darcy woke up alone in bed, his hand moved to reach for Elizabeth, but instead met only with the smoothness of the sheets. He sat up, blinking the sleep away from his eyes. He looked over at what he now knew to be a clock and realized that it was earlier than he had expected, not even nine in the morning. He scanned the room for Elizabeth, but found her nowhere in sight.

"Lizzy?" He called out in the direction of the bathroom. When silence answered him, Darcy felt himself to be unaccountably irritated. He picked up the discarded pajamas—trousers for night clothes, indeed, he had shaken his head—and put them on again. Where could his wife be at such a time? As he entered the bathroom, he heard his stomach growling. That answered his question. After the night—and the early morning—they had spent entwined in each other's arms, like himself now, Elizabeth must have found herself hungry.

He showered quickly, once again enjoying the warm, streaming water, and dressed quickly as well. He had become quite used to preparing for the day without a valet, Darcy almost chuckled as he imagined his valet's reaction to modern gentlemen's wear. He proceeded to head downstairs. As he neared the last landing, he heard such a racket coming from the direction of the kitchen as he had never heard before. His brows furrowed, it sounded like people were shouting to a strange melody.

Gingerly, he pushed the kitchen door open. His eyebrows rose at the scene that met him.

Elizabeth and Miranda faced what Darcy recalled was termed a TV. Flashing from it were the moving gray-tinted images of men with long mangy hair, playing strange-looking guitars, shouting and dancing angrily—in Darcy's opinion. Both women sang energetically along as he saw the words to the angry song flash on the TV.

"…we're halfway there! Woah, livin' on a prayer! Take my hand, we'll make it I swear! Woah, livin' on a prayer!"

Miranda's arm flailed along with the song, her other hand held a long black cylinder with a rounded tip. Elizabeth held the exact same item in both her hands, her face was flushed with excitement. She stood bouncing to the beat of the music—if it could be called that. Darcy realized that the objects they held amplified their voices.

Unable to move at the sight he beheld, Darcy watched as both women grinned at each other in between the singing. Watching Elizabeth enjoy the activity, Darcy felt himself grin. Hang the noise. Behind him, Alexander spoke.

"That's Miranda's favorite song. She swears Bon Jovi is the love of her life." He pointed to one of the men in the TV who appeared to be leading the group of rowdy singers. "According to her, he was 'bitchin''."

Darcy's eyes widened. He opened his mouth to berate him his choice of words in front of the ladies, when his forebear held up his hands in an act of surrender.

"Her words, not mine!" Grinning broadly, he continued. "It's supposed to mean very attractive in the eighties—erm, the nineteen eighties that it. Miranda's heyday, she says."

He went past a still speechless Darcy and into the kitchen. He greeted the ladies a good morning, huge grin still in place. The song had just ended and the women turned in surprise to see them there. Recovering from his shock, Darcy shook his head, he chuckled and followed the other man in.

Elizabeth's face turned pink as she saw her husband approaching her, unaccountably shy at the look he gave her. His lips twitched, she knew he was fighting back a laugh. But at the same time his eyes looked at her as if he wanted to pull her in his arms and kiss her.

"I have just been introduced to rock music." She bit her lip as Darcy took her hand in his and raised it to his lips.

"I couldn't believe she didn't know rock! But Lizzy's a quick study, you should have heard her sing 'Sweet Child of Mine', I had never heard it sung so sweetly, like a cross between rock and opera." Miranda pointed at Elizabeth. "You might be unto something there, Lizzy."

Darcy winked at Elizabeth. "I am truly sorry I missed the first performance, my love."

"Oh, ah…I was—the TV was playing the…" she looked to Miranda for the lost word.

"Karaoke."

"Yes…karaoke. Miranda was kind enough to teach me the songs."

"You must sing it again for me, Elizabeth, indeed you know how much I enjoy your singing." No longer able to keep his grin in check, he bowed to his wife. "Good morning, madam."

"And a good morning to you, sir." Elizabeth smiled, eyes shining for Darcy.

Miranda, openly watching them with starry eyes, sighed audibly. When they turned at the sound she made, she started. With an embarrassed smile, she moved to the kitchen counter and started to set the table for their breakfast. Telling them to help themselves to the pots on the stove for more servings, then left the kitchen to accomplish other chores.

As they ate, Alexander looked at his companions. He almost could not remember having breakfast without them. Indeed, he could not imagine his house sans Darcy and Elizabeth anymore. He thanked, once again, whatever trick of fate brought them to him. He had stayed up late last night thinking up a plan, he wanted to do something for them for they had done so much for him already in the short time since they entered his life. He knew as an absolute truth that it was they who enabled him to see Evie again. Indeed, it was because of them that she had agreed to spend time in his company. Setting down his fork, he spoke.

"I own another property not so far from here, also inherited from my great-uncle."

Elizabeth smiled as she listened to him, her cup held to her lips.

"I had the floors completely replaced due to water damage earlier this year. I haven't been able to personally visit and check the finished work. Though Miranda had driven down a few months back to tidy up, she says the work was excellent."

"I gather that Miranda serves as your steward as well?" Darcy was no longer surprised. It seemed the woman could do anything—including drive a car.

Alexander laughed. "Yes. Yes, Miranda is that too."

He took a sip of his coffee then continued. "I thought maybe we could stay a few days, it's in the seaside."

Elizabeth gasped, she clasped her hands together. "I have never been to the sea! William and I were supposed to go this spring to—oh, well no matter, now I shall see it." Her voice faltered a bit, but she quickly recovered and smiled once again.

Darcy took her hand and gave it a squeeze. A look passed between them, their future was still theirs, this they firmly believed.

"Perhaps we could ask Evie to be part of our company. I learned yesterday that she has no fixed engagements for the remainder of the holidays. No school yet." Elizabeth brightened, warming up to the idea.

"A splendid idea, Mrs. Darcy." Kissing the hand he still held, Darcy chuckled at his wife's forward thinking, indeed her scheming.

Alexander concentrated on his food, trying to hide the hope that could surely be seen in his eyes, for truly did he hope that Elizabeth would suggest the very thing.

"Is your seaside residence located far from here?" Darcy turned to ask Alexander.

Alexander knew where Darcy was headed with his question. Indeed, he already wore an expectant look on his face.

"It's in the Hamptons, about two hours' drive away." Chuckling, Alexander added. "Yes, we will be taking the car."

It was nearly dusk when the three Darcys found themselves in Alexander's car on their way to pick up Evie. It had taken longer than Alexander had thought to prepare for their impromptu trip. Miranda had arranged with the local stores the delivery of food and other supplies, and had prepared for them a large quantity of food that they were to bring. Meanwhile, he had taken Darcy and Elizabeth to purchase additional articles of clothing, some of which were for the jacuzzi he said mischievously to the puzzled couple. As the afternoon approached, he had began to worry that he had perhaps rushed the plans. What he had been most anxious about though was Evie's agreeing to come.

Coaching Elizabeth on how to use his mobile phone, he had watched as she had called Evie earlier that day. Despite his nervousness, he had almost laughed aloud as she initially shouted at the phone.

"She can hear you just fine, speak normally." He had whispered to her, amused.

And so it was to his great relief when Elizabeth had looked at him with a dazzling smile, signaling that she accepted the invitation.

As they had prepared to leave, Miranda gave Alexander a tight hug, telling him and the newlyweds to have a great time.

"Winter in the Hamptons is beautiful, no crowds, no traffic. Perfect for a cozy group." She handed Elizabeth a small brown bag and winked at her. "Enjoy." She had whispered to her, to the others she added. "And I'll enjoy my short vacation as well! I'll see you when you get back."

Alexander asked Darcy to take the front passenger seat, leaving Elizabeth in the back by herself until Evie joined them.

Darcy ran his hands along the smooth interior of the car as his eyes drank everything in. Beside him, the other man chuckled when Darcy discovered the button that allowed for the window to open and close. It was a handsome machine with its sleek lines and spacious interiors, nothing he could ever have imagined transportation would become. He had a hundred questions on his mind but forgot all of them when the car started to move.

Darcy felt a buzzing of excitement as the car moved smoothly along streets, he let his body melt into the comfort of the seat, its shape following the contours of his back, the warm temperature keeping him comfortable. How could he ever settle for a carriage ride now, no matter how well-sprung? Then he launched his endless questions to a very patient Alexander.

Elizabeth laughed as she saw the almost childish excitement in Darcy's eyes. This was a side of him she had never expected during the beginning of their acquaintance. All that haughtiness, all that pride had hidden the gem of a man that he was and she wondered not how she fell so deeply for him.

When they stopped at Evie's residence, Alexander let out a long breath. Elizabeth reached out to squeeze his arm. She smiled at him in encouragement. He nodded wordlessly as if fortifying himself, then stepped out of the car to meet Evie who was, just then, approaching.

"Hello." He sounded breathless to his own ears.

"Hi."

"Thanks for agreeing to come with us on such short notice."

"Well, I–I didn't really have anything planned until the New Year, so… And Elizabeth is hard to say no to." She chuckled.

The truth was that she did have two engagements that she had chosen to cancel after Elizabeth's call. After her new friend voiced the invitation, Evie had felt time stop. Alexander's house in the Hamptons held many memories, the thought of being there again with him had been overwhelming. She had paused for a moment, a pivotal moment. If she said yes, she knew that it would mean opening her heart again, it would mean daring to hope again. When she saw Alexander's name flash on her phone, she had almost panicked. How many times had she hoped for that to happen, how many times had she longed for him to reach out to her even in just that one way? So it had been almost with disappointment—and alarm—when she heard Elizabeth's shouting voice instead. She had nearly dropped her phone as she jerked it away from her ear. Why was she shouting?

Now as she stood opposite Alexander, she felt the weight of his gaze. Hope sprung within her. She felt that he was reaching out, and she was ready to meet him halfway, to listen at the very least. Why else would she be there?

"I'm glad she was able to persuade you."

He smiled shyly at her and motioned to the bag she carried. Evie wordlessly handed it to him. He opened the door for her, then Evie, smiling just as shyly, thanked him.

They drove through busy New York streets, past buildings that still captivated both Darcy and Elizabeth, entered into what Alexander told Darcy was the Interstate Highway, a road, seeming to Darcy, so massive and smooth that his jaw dropped in astonishment.

Just a short while after that, they stopped to have late dinner.

"It's still quite a long way." Alexander said.

After their meal they headed back to the car, Darcy took Elizabeth's hand and rested it on the crook of his arm. They walked close together, not needing the excuse of the cold weather for such proximity.

"Would you mind so very much if I sat with you the rest of the way, my Lizzy?"

"Of course not, William. You know I would feel quite the opposite." She touched the cleft on his chin with her finger. "But will you not miss the view from the front seat?"

"I'd most rather share this new experience with you, my love."

Elizabeth smiled deeply. Beyond pleased, she kissed his cheek.

As they resumed the drive, husband and wife sitting together, Alexander glanced at Evie from the corner of his eye. She sat quietly appearing to be completely absorbed by the passing nighttime view. Realizing how quiet their company had become—for even his relatives were only whispering to each other—he moved to play music from his playlist, only to realize that he had not connected his phone. Evie saw him fumbling with one hand and quickly offered to help.

"Let me get that."

"Thank you."

"Do you want me to play your driving playlist?"

"Yes, if you would, please. That is unless you'd prefer your playlist." I still have it, he added but only to himself.

"No, that's alright." She laughed. "I might hurt your cousins' ears if I start singing."

Alexander watched with a nostalgic heart as she performed the same tasks she used to.

"This song is new." She played the first song that appeared on the list. A smooth, almost sinous beat filled the car. "I don't recall you liking Daft Punk."

"Ah, yes." He was fighting a blush. "Instant Crush, it's been out for years I think, but I just recently heard it and, well, I really liked it."

Alexander did not mention that upon happening on the song, he found some of the lyrics quite relatable to his emotions at the time.

And we will never be alone again. Can I give it up or give it away?

He hadn't been able to catch the rest of the lyrics, but those lines stuck to him. Knowing that someone else said those words, felt those feelings was somewhat comforting to him.

"It's nice, I like it." Evie said, her head nodding to the beat.

Behind them, Darcy spoke.

"I much prefer this music to Miranda's boulder music."

"Rock—he means rock." Alexander blurted.

Their soft laughter was followed once again by a contemplative quiet. As they drove further on, they left behind the traffic attached to densely populated cities and Alexander increased their speed.

"How fast are we going?" Darcy asked Alexander, excitement in his eyes.

"Sixty five mph, erm, miles per hour." Alexander grinned at Darcy in the rear view mirror.

"Sixty five!" Their best carriage could only go as fast as fifteen miles per hour pulled by the best horses.

"Oh! To feel the wind blowing on your face at such speed!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

"What are the speed limits in the UK?" Evie asked, curious at the couple's reaction to Alexander's acceleration.

"They are–are very slow drivers." Alexander stammered.

"Oh. Well maybe you should slow down?"

"No!" Darcy and Elizabeth burst out at the same time.

Evie's eyebrows raised in surprise and curiosity. She looked at Alexander who in turn, shrugged his shoulders biting back a laugh.

"Would you mind so very much, might you indulge me if I ask for my window to be opened for a short time?" Elizabeth asked the couple seated in front.

Once again, Evie and Alexander looked at each other. When Evie nodded, Alexander lowered down all the windows of the car.

A blast of cold wind entered and almost at once reddened their cheeks. Elizabeth closed her eyes and lifted her face, she felt as though she were flying. Without really intending to, she unbound her hair from its simple bun. Soft tendrils flew about her face before being swept back by the wind.

Darcy's senses were all stirred. The impossible speed, the dark of the night, the cold bite of the wind, the almost sensual beat of the song, the fragrance of Elizabeth's hair, its tips reaching him, touching his face as if in invitation—all had his heart beating fast. He checked on their companions and before he could think, he gripped Elizabeth's arm and turned her to him. He caught her hair and wrapped the tresses around his fist. Mouth moving quickly, he kissed her, thrilled as he felt her melt into him.

The kiss lasted only a few seconds, but to Elizabeth, it seemed that time stood suspended. His passion poured from him and into her, connecting them as they were meant to be connected. When he broke the kiss, she was left reeling. Their eyes met and the look he gave her was a promise.

In the front seat, Alexander quickly shifted his eyes away from the rear view mirror. He had caught the end of the kiss. He did not know if he wanted to laugh or to groan. He glanced at Evie who seemed oblivious to the amorous coupe. He still could not quite believe that she was there sitting next to him. As if to convince himself that she was real, he reached out to her.

Evie felt a light tap on her forearm. She looked at Alexander as he briefly turned to her.

"Cold?" He mouthed.

"It's okay." She mouthed in return, smiling.

Alexander's beach house was a splendid five-bedroom, two storey structure. The older gentleman uncle favored the darker exterior finishes, this Alexander had not changed for indeed they suited the classical lines and features of the house. The interiors, however, were redone in lighter shades at the same time the floors were replaced.

Turning on the rest of the lights, Alexander surveyed the place.

"Miranda was right, the lighter colors definitely look better, they make it look even more spacious."

"You went with white." Evie said looking pleased, her eyes roamed her familiar surroundings. "Looks really good with the hardwood floors."

Alexander nodded, he did not know why he felt embarrassed. Perhaps it was because during the renovations, he had asked Evie for her opinion of the colors. It was the both of them, as a married couple, that he had envisioned using the house. And if he was honest with himself, the reason he had avoided coming down there was because of her, of her absence. He had never thought that he would see her back there again. He did not want to make her uncomfortable, but try as he might, Alexander could not take his eyes off her.

"It looks great." Evie smiled at him.

"Yes." He smiled back, eyes tender.

Evie shifted, feeling conscious of his gaze. She tucked her hair behind her ear and looked around.

"Where are your cousins?"

"They went to the beach. Lizzy could hardly stand still when she heard the sound of the ocean. I told them not to go in the water." Then tentatively, he took a step towards her. "Would you–would you like to follow them?"

Evie took a deep breath. It was as if she felt every cell in her body, every ion in her brain commit to a decision. Letting out a breath, she looked straight at Alexander.

"No. Let's stay here."

A/N:

Sorry it took so long! I do hope this chapter makes up for the wait. Thank you so much for your reviews, follows and favorites!