Chapter 25 Friends and Lovers
It was well over twenty fours hours later when William and Richard left William Lucas's offices. Both men were a little shell shocked at the extent of their evil aunt's empire, there were still details coming out from the paperwork that was retrieved, her staff that were arrested and not so loyal to her and the other victims retrieve from five other locations.
William had always felt his aunt was obsessive and a bit borderline but there were no ways he could have guessed the level of depravity she had stooped to. He was trying to figure out how to break the news to Anne.
He and Richard had agreed that the security details should remain in place for all concerned, until they were sure they had apprehended all the key players, which should take three or four days. But also agreed that everyone should know that the main danger, Wickham, had been dealt with.
Driving up to Charles house it sounded like a party, everyone seemed to be out back by the pool as splashing and laughter could be heard. Richard looked excited and William was also a little excited, he was wondering if he could perhaps interest Elizabeth into going on a date with him.
Charles's housekeeper opened the door and invited the two men in, directing them to the pool, just as they thought. Charlotte and Elizabeth seemed to be play some kind of water polo against Charles and Jane, The two younger sisters and Anne were cheering from the sidelines with their feet dangling in the water. Caroline and Mary were sitting in the shade talking up a storm, holding hands…WHOA, William did a double take, at which point Caroline noticed the two men, waved.
"Will, Richard, you look exhausted. Come and sit down, I will get you some drinks and something to eat."
Both Caroline and Mary got up, still hand in hand and headed into the house.
"Don't hold your breath on the drinks and food, the way those two love birds are going on they tend to forget the rest of us exist!" Kitty said making her way over to them. The others were getting out of the pool and walking over as well. William could not help but stare at how amazing Elizabeth looked in a bather.
"What is the news? What has happened?" Charles came up, rubbing his wild curls with a towel.
"Let's wait until Caroline and Mary are back, Kitty go and see if you can help them, just in case they forgot what they went there for." Jane suggested, an impish grin on her face.
Everyone found a seat around the large patio table, the security personnel keeping a discrete distance but staying within earshot, although they had already been updated by William Lucas.
Caroline, Mary, and Kitty emerged from the house carrying trays laden with teas, coffees, cool drinks and snacks. Caroline and Mary positioned themselves on the love seat nearby, and Kitty perched herself on arm of Elizabeths chair.
Richard took the lead and with much animation share with the group what had transpired not only the previous day but leading up to that day. He was mindful of Lydias fragile state of mind and that it was still Annes mother. Although Anne did not seem totally surprised or even upset, Lydia did seem to get emotional on hearing that Wickham was finally apprehended and cheered when she hear he got shot. On winding up his entertaining story, Richard looked at each person in the group. There were moments of shock, but other than that everyone including Lydia seemed okay to move on.
"Just a question…" Lydia spoke up, "you said that this Catherine woman shot Wickham?"
"Yes, she did!" Richard had not gone into too much detail, being cognizant of the audience.
"Where did she shoot him?" Lydia asked.
"Judging by the position of wound, she was aiming for his crotch area." Richard said tentatively, afraid of upsetting any one of the women present.
"Go mom! For once she did something for the greater good!" Anne cheered.
Lydia looked vastly happy at this notion as did Caroline and Mary, Jane looked a little aghast but that did not last long. Even Elizabeth seemed to enjoy that thought.
Caroline looked around the table, "Dinner here tonight, those who still want to can sleep over." Her expression was hopeful.
A round of yesses and of course, was heard all around the table. Caroline was an excellent hostess and Kitty had likened staying at the Bingley's to staying in a 5-star hotel. Caroline made sure everyone was comfortable and catered for. When she heard that Lydia had a passion for Key Lime Pie, it was promptly available in the kitchen. A small ballroom (Kittys words) was made available for Kitty to practise, fully equipped with a sprung floor, barres, mirrors, and state of the art sound system. Richard and William were astounded to say the least to hear such unprompted praise for Caroline. And she in turn looked humble but pleased.
Charles realised that for the first time in her life Caroline was accepted for exactly who she was, she was allowed to be vulnerable and celebrated amongst these people. Being friends with the Bennet girls was like having an immediate posse of supporters. Now Caroline and Elizabeth were in deep conversation, with Mary chiming in every now and again. Caroline and Mary, now there was a jaw dropper, her conversation in the car that night now made sense to him.
William was sitting on the edge of the groups, even Charles could see he looked relaxed, tired but that normal awkward air he normally had in groups was missing. His eyes had not left Elizabeth Bennet for a second. That would not be a bad match, she brought out the best in him, like her sister had brought out the best in Caroline, well Jane and Mary. These girls had a gift when it came to people.
William was wondering what happens next. The bad guys were caught, everyone was safe. Most importantly, Georgiana was safe. It was so strange after so many years of being constantly vigilant. He wondered how he could approach Elizabeth to test the waters, in all of this he realised that he did have feelings for her but she was not like the other women of his acquaintance, his money did not impress her, in fact the only use she seemed to have for his wealth was to make fun of it.
Richard appeared by his side, "I need to head home, I am going to drop Charlotte off on my way."
"I will also head out; I need to share the news with Georgiana." William rose, taking one last look at Elizabeth.
The three of them bid their farewells, William barely remembered the drive home, planning his talk with his sister, he was not sure of her current feelings for Wickham, if she still had feelings for him or not.
Richard and Charlotte spoke non-stop all the way to her house, part of the conversation included William and Elizabeth, both agreeing that the two were going to need a nudge in the right direction before anything would happen.
Charlotte invited Richard in for coffee, he did not go home that night. (Her mother would be delighted).