Beginning, Previous Section, Section IV

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First Half-Chapter 13

itz appeared at the door, "Are you ready to go, William?"

"Fitz, Charley, and I are going mountain biking," William explained to Alyssa, "but we will return by dinner. Fitz made the arrangements the day after we arrived." He whispered in her ear, "You know I would rather stay here with you, but I shall return soon." He gave her a quick kiss and a bright smile. "I love you."

Alyssa caught his arm for one last hug. "I love you, too," she smiled back.

"Come on, come on, the morning is almost over," Fitz teased the couple. "I will bring him back to you in one piece -- I promise!" 'What a difference a week can make,' he muttered to himself. He almost felt uncomfortable in their presence; the emotional charge they generated could be felt from across a room. He had almost kidded William about that, but knew it would embarrass him too much, and he didn't want to jinx the relationship. He didn't know if he liked William's new vulnerability, but he certainly noticed his friend's new air of peace and contentment.

Alyssa remained on the terrace and watched the three drive by in Joanna's little green sportscar. She had another car she could use, and the rental car was left for Janet. Alyssa enjoyed the refreshing breeze; everything was a brilliant green from the rain the night before. It would be a good day to bring her supplies over to Joanna's garden shed and begin work on the well drawing. That way she wouldn't have so far to transport the completed work.

Fitz appreciated the way the small car handled around the curves, and was glad that his friends had consented to let him drive. The only dark sky on his horizon was the growing feeling that he had about William and Alyssa's relationship. He thought they were a good couple, but that they were going too fast. "How did you and Alyssa get so tight?" he asked William. "When Carol and I left for France, you two were barely on speaking terms."

"Without everyone else around, we had a lot of time to talk, especially on that day-long hike we took. Now it feels like I've known her forever," William replied.

"I like Alyssa very much," Charley spoke up from the back seat. "She really helped Janet through their mother's death and she sure keeps Lucy on track. Besides that, she's terrific with Charley. I like her a lot," he warned.

"I do not intend her any harm," William defended himself, "In fact, I'm going to ask her to marry me."

The silence was deafening. Then Fitz blurted out, "What? Already?" He was astounded that careful, methodical William would make such a serious commitment so quickly. He also did not like the idea of losing another friend to the state of matrimony. Friendships just weren't the same afterwards.

William sounded very decided, "Yes, I am."

"But, you hardly know anything about her, and she knows very little about you," Fitz protested. 'What will this do to our company?' he wondered anxiously.

"I know that her friends and family are all-important to her, and that she takes good care of herself and those she loves. She has definite beliefs and isn't afraid to speak up. Also, she loves being outdoors, and she is very artistic..." William replied.

"And she has a great smile, and beautiful legs," Fitz added irritably, "Are you sure those aren't what you're thinking about?"

William gave him a pat on the shoulder which turned into an uncomfortable squeeze, "You had better not be thinking about them anymore, old friend. I love you like a brother, but I am giving you fair warning." He sat back and watched the scenery go by. "I don't know her favorite color and I don't know how she likes her coffee...or whether she even drinks it. But that doesn't matter. I feel like I know her deep down inside. We'll have the rest of our lives to answer those questions." He thought of how she looked after their lingering kiss on the terrace. 'I am looking forward to our discovering everything about each other together, dearest Alyssa,' he sighed to himself, and let his mind drift pleasurably...

"Do you see that, Charley?" Fitz was complaining. "He can't hear anything I'm saying. Where is the nearest river? The cold water should revive him."

"W-what?" William asked, momentarily confused.

Fitz sighed disgustedly, "The expression on your face looks like one on those cows out in the field."

Charley had been thinking about the conversation thus far. He, too, thought William was pushing it. "Alyssa is very cautious in her relationships. Do you think she is ready to marry you?"

William hesitated, "I believe she is... I know that she loves me."

"Where will you live?" Fitz cut in.

"Possibly Chicago."

"Possibly? What does that mean?" Fitz was feeling angrier by the minute. They had worked so hard to build up their business. 'We should never have come here, especially in the springtime,' he grumbled to himself.

Charley was worried for other reasons, "That would break Janet's heart...Lucy's, too. Are you certain Alyssa will agree to relocate to Chicago?"

"She suggested it," William said tersely.

"I really find that hard to believe," Charley shook his head. "Why would she say that? She didn't ask you to stay here?"

"No, she didn't," William hedged. The conversation was becoming irksome. "Maybe she realizes how important the business is to me, to all of us. But please, Charley, don't discuss any of this with Janet yet, okay?"

"Why not? I can't keep this from her," Charley objected.

"We don't have everything worked out yet. Let's just see how it goes," William pleaded.

"Well," Fitz reminded them, "William and I still need to check out houses for Tom, and there is plenty of work piled up at the home office, so there's no rush."

"A long distance relationship is very hard to maintain," Charley said, "but I don't see any way around it."

William did not want to argue, so he kept his mouth closed, but within he was making a vow to himself, 'You will be my bride before I return to Chicago. We will not be separated again by time, by chance, by anything in my power to prevent.'

They arrived at Middleton Top, rented their bikes and gear, then made to begin the High Peak Trail. The man at the counter warned them, "The old railway consists of several steep inclines which will give you plenty of work, but don't even think about returning that way. The descents are very dangerous, especially with much of the turf soft from the spring. If you veer off the path, you probably won't have much control over where you land." The three men thanked him for his advice and started on their way.

"Hello there, Baby!" Alyssa greeted her nephew. She set down her tools and scooped him up into her arms. Then she held him down so she could nuzzle his tummy. He let out a chortle and flailed his arms, trying to grab at her hair. He finally succeeded, and Alyssa had to cry out for help, "Ow-ow-ow!"

Janet, who had been spreading a blanket out on the lawn, rushed over and gently disengaged her son's chubby fingers from his aunt's hair.

"Ungrateful little minx!" Alyssa said, smiling wryly and rubbing her head.

Janet laughed at her and made a face. "Good Boy!" she stage-whispered to Charley. She set the boy down on the blanket with a few toys and children's books. Charley did not want to be confined to the area of the blanket, so he went a few steps into the grass. He didn't like the scratchy feeling on his ankles, and he returned to plop himself back down among his possessions. Soon he was fascinated by a ladybug that was working her way around his Pooh bear.

Assured that her son was preoccupied for a few moments, Janet glanced at Alyssa. She was busy marking the design into the clay which would be the base for the well drawing. 'So," she asked casually, "how have you been, Lissy? It feels like we haven't had a private chat in a long time."

Alyssa smiled crookedly, "You mean that we haven't discussed William Austen."

"Well, yes..." Janet admitted. "Charley loves him dearly; you know they grew up together. In Charley's eyes, William is an idol."

"What do you think of him, Janet?"

"I like William very much... At least, I think I would if I knew him better. He made a very favorable impression on me when I first met him, in Chicago."

Alyssa laughed, "Everyone made a good impression on you then, and for the first several months of your marriage, Mrs. Bing!"

Janet blushed. "It doesn't really matter what I think, but it looks to me as though you may be in love with him."

"I am," Alyssa said, shivering with remembrances of the morning. "I am madly, gloriously in love with William Austen!"

Janet was stunned into silence. This was not the Lissy she knew, the Lissy who ran from every relationship at the first sign of commitment. "How long have you known William?"

"Barely two weeks," Alyssa admitted. She noticed her sister's subdued air. "Haven't you long encouraged me to open myself up to people? Well, I have and I feel wonderful. I feel free!"

This outburst did nothing to calm Janet's fears. Where was level-headed Lissy? "Do you think he will ask you to marry him?" she finally ventured to ask.

Alyssa smiled tenderly, "Yes, I do."

"Oh Lissy!" Janet hugged her sister. "Oh Lissy!"

Alyssa grinned at her funny, loving sister who was obviously beside herself at the news.

Janet's eyes grew large and she asked frantically, "But where will you live? William will surely move here, right?"

Alyssa busied herself with the clay tablet. "He would," she said reluctantly, "but I told him that I would rather move to Chicago. After all, his work is there..."

"What?" Janet exclaimed in alarm. "You mustn't! Your family is here. You can't leave us..." Her lower lip began to tremble. "Charley won't know his Aunt Lissy," she said shakily, the tears beginning to surface, as she sat back down on a stool.

Alyssa got up and consoled her sister, "Dear Janet, people do this all the time. We will visit you often."

Janet was inconsolable -- Alyssa was her staff. "Are you sure, Lissy? Don't you need more time to think about this? You don't know William very well."

"I know that he loves me. How much more did you know of Charley?" she asked softly.

"That's not...the same," Janet snuffled. "Everyone knows we were meant to be together."

They were interrupted by the appearance of Lucy and Mr. Charles Drake who had come to let them know that lunch was about to be served.

Lucy saw Janet scrambling for a tissue, "What's up?" she asked, looking at Alyssa.

Janet burst out, "Lissy's going to marry William Austen and move far away to Chicago!"

Alyssa turned pink, "It isn't official yet... I mean, he hasn't even asked me yet..." she stammered.

Lucy grinned at her discomfiture, "Oh Lissy, everyone can tell that he's crazy for you! Once you realize that you have him wrapped around your finger, you won't need to move." She turned to her guest, "Janet and Alyssa, this is Charles Drake, the secret agent from the United States. You know, the man who posed as Joanna's butler."

Charles chuckled, "I wouldn't exactly call myself 007. It is a pleasure to meet both of you," he said, extending his hand. "Lucy just likes a little drama in her life."

Alyssa thought he couldn't have spoken truer words, and was glad to know that he was aware of the real Lucy. "What brings you back to Pemberley, Charles? I hope that you do not have any bad news concerning Wiggam."

Charles glanced at Lucy, then said, "I told the girls that I would let them know how the case is progressing. People are coming out of the woodwork to testify against Mr. Wiggam, and I wanted to tell them in person..."

"That is very good news," said Janet, once again composed. She had Charley in her arms, and asked her sisters to gather up the blanket and belongings so they could return to the house.

Lunch was very enjoyable, and Charles made it entertaining as well. He had many tales to tell of his escapades, and he had a captive audience. Afterwards, Lucy suggested that she give him an official tour of Pemberley. He laughingly obliged, and invited the rest of the company to tag along. Janet declined, saying that she needed to return to "The Meadows" with Charley. Joanna reassured her that she would give Alyssa a ride home when the time came, so Janet, Baby Charley, and Carol, who felt that she could find better ways to spend her time, gave their good-byes and left in the rental car.

Joanna and Alyssa lagged behind as Lucy recited her litany. "...The current mistress of Pemberley, Joanna Heywood, is the adopted daughter of the late Joseph and Geraldine Heywood, and so is the first generation of owners with not one drop of original D'Arcy blood..."

"That is not technically true," Charles said, "But I won't tell your secret."

The women were agog. Joanna found her voice first, "What are you saying? What secret?"

It was Charles' turn to redden. "I assumed that you knew... I apologise, Miss Heywood."

"Please, continue," Joanna said stiffly. "On second thought, let's go to the library. We may need some encouragement."

Once they were seated in the library, beverage of choice in their hands, Joanna asked Charles to clarify his statement.

"Before we could agree to include you in the sting, we naturally had to run a check on you." He averted his eyes self-consciously.

Joanna flushed at the thought, but realized that it was standard procedure. "Please, go on..." she urged.

"Your maternal grandmother, Anne Mason, was born Anne Atherton. She had three brothers, Oscar, Peter, and Charles, who all died in World War II."

"Yes?" Joanna did not know what this had to do with her.

"When Peter was in France, he fell in love with a young French woman, Julia Belmond. They had a child together, Claire, who later grew up to be your mother. When Claire died in childbirth, Mr. and Mrs. Heywood took you in and later adopted you."

Joanna was perturbed, "Surely, Mother and Father would have told me this story. Why would it be a secret?"

Charles cleared his throat, "Peter was already married to your Great Aunt Dorothy before he went to war. As you know, when Dorothy became a widow, she was invited to live here at Pemberley with your Grandfather and Grandmother Mason. It is my guess that nothing could be done for the little offshoot of the family in France until Aunt Dorothy's death. It would have been too scandalous."

Joanna was dumbfounded. "I still don't understand why I wasn't told."

"Maybe your parents just didn't get around to it, and then they ran out of time. I'm sorry, I know about their deaths, too. My condolences, Miss Heywood."

"I am a Darcy! I am a Darcy!" Joanna chanted as she hugged Alyssa and then Lucy and then Charles. "Thank you, Charles! You have made me unbelievably happy!"

Alyssa and Lucy were delighted for their friend. Alyssa secretly knew of Joanna's insecurities caused by the question of her birth parents. Even though she loved Pemberley dearly, she had always been afraid that she didn't belong there.

"I cannot wait to tell William!" Joanna exclaimed rapturously.

'Of course,' Alyssa thought, the sun shining a little less on her mood.

The three men were enjoying their day out-of-doors. The abandoned railway tracks were easy to follow, though very challenging in the steep places, and the scenery was everything it should be. They did not have much breath for casual conversation, but no one noticed. They were so comfortable with each other that they did not need to talk. Occasionally they stopped to stand and stretch and take chugs from their water bottles, but for the most part, they rode steadily on.

They came to a place where the track sloped sharply upward and then to the left around a bend. On the right, was a short drop-off. They were riding single-file up the hill, when they suddenly heard a long whoop and saw a young bicyclist charging toward them down the hill. It was all they could do to move closer to the right side of the track before the cyclist rode them down. In the process, Charley's wheel hit Fitz's who then lost his balance and rammed into William. Charley watched in horror as his two friends careened toward the drop-off and disappeared over the edge.

"William! Fitz!" he cried out. He dropped his bike and ran over to the edge to check on them. The young girl had also managed to halt her bike, and came to stand beside Charley at the rim.

"I'll go to get help," she offered. She hopped on her bike and was soon out of sight.

Chapter 13

ump. Bump. Bump. It was only a four-foot drop, but William thought his teeth were going to be jarred out of his head. He jagged left, then right in an attempt to regain control of the bike, but hit a rock and was unceremoniously dumped into some bushes. He looked up in time to see Fitz go into a skid. His front tire abruptly sank into mud and he was flipped over the handlebars. William winced as he heard the thud of Fitz landing on his shoulder.

By the time Charley had stumbled down the bank, William was on his feet and making sure nothing was broken. They rushed over to Fitz who was laying stretched out on the ground. As they drew nearer, they could hear moans and a few choice words coming out of their friend.

Fitz rolled to his side and gingerly pushed himself up with one arm. His other arm was limp, the shoulder dislocated. His friends quickly checked him out, then let him rest for a few minutes to get his bearings.

"How is the person who almost ran us down?" he asked, wincing at the pain.

"She's okay. She went for help," Charley replied.

Fitz used some colorful words to describe his feelings towards her also. "What was she doing coming down the wrong way?"

"I don't know," said Charley, "but she sounds like a local person."

William removed his shirt and bound Fitz's arm to his side to support the shoulder until they could get medical attention. Then, with Charley's assistance, they helped Fitz up to a standing position and a brief walk so that his muscles wouldn't stiffen.

It wasn't long before they heard the sound of a motor on the road below. It braked and the young girl bounded out of the passenger seat and jogged up to where they were standing. Her mother followed at a slower pace.

"My name is Mary Waterson," the older woman said, "and this is my daughter Leah. We live a couple of miles from here. I am very sorry about the accident."

The girl approached Fitz hesitantly, "Oh, I am so sorry!" she cried, "I feel terrible. Is it broken?"

"Dislocated shoulder," Fitz frowned. Her look of concern, and the fact that she had promptly brought assistance, helped to pacify his feelings towards her. "I'll be okay," he muttered.

"But we need to get him to a doctor," Charley urged.

"Our car is at Middleton Top," William informed the woman.

"If you gentlemen help your friend into the cab of the truck, Leah and I will bring the bikes," she suggested. Within minutes they were on their way.

William rode in the bed of the truck with the girl and the bikes. Leah still looked very distressed, and said in a low voice, "I did not mean for it to happen."

William glanced over at her. She was tall, probably fourteen years old, with long, blonde hair caught in a low ponytail, and green eyes.

"It's still early in the season," she explained, "I didn't expect anyone to be on the tracks."

William thought about the challenging hill, "You have done this before?" he asked skeptically. He was about to denounce her for being foolhardy, but he had to admit that, if he were her age and lived around there, he probably would have attempted it also. "That should be quite a rush!" he finally said, flashing a rueful smile.

Leah realized that he was no longer angry with her. She relaxed a little, and soon they were engaged in conversation.

When they arrived at the parked sportscar, Mrs. Waterson offered to return the bikes so they could immediately leave for the hospital. "Sheffield is the nearest," she advised.

Leah ran over to Fitz who was already installed in the passenger seat. "I'm very sorry that I caused your accident, and that I ruined your day."

Fitz tiredly patted her arm, "It's okay, Kid."

William gave her a wink and a friendly wave as he shifted the car into gear and headed out onto the highway.

Joanna parked her car in front of Alyssa's house and turned to her friend, "Do you have a minute to talk?" she asked.

"Sure," Alyssa wondered what was coming.

"I just want to tell you that I'm very happy for you and William."

"Well, I have you to thank, Joanna. You were right about him all along."

"Have you set a date?"

Alyssa laughed, "He hasn't even asked me."

"Yet," Joanna amended. "But he will."

"I don't know. When I am with William, there is no question of where we are headed, but when we are apart, I realize that we do not know very much about each other." Her conversation with Janet had unnerved her. When she had assured William that she wanted to move to Chicago, she hadn't considered the consequences.

Joanna unwittingly echoed her thoughts, "You won't really move to Chicago, will you?'

"Who told you that?"

"Lucy. She also said that Janet was very upset by the news." She looked earnestly at her friend, "I would be, too. Is it true, Lissy?"

Alyssa nodded. "It is for the best," she said rather unconvincingly.

"How could it be for the best?" Joanna protested. "Everyone who loves you is right here in England."

"William's parents do live in Arizona, and the business is based in the States, and then, of course, there is his friendship with Fitz..."

"Did William tell you this?"

Alyssa looked away. 'Maybe it will be best to get it out in the open,' she told herself. "No, actually I am the one who suggested it to William."

"But why?"

"I just think that our relationship will stand a better chance on more neutral ground. There are too many memories here."

"You are referring to me."

"No...yes, I'm sorry Joanna, but yes. I want William to get to know me without any other issues clouding his judgment."

"You can't be jealous." Joanna studied her friend's face. "You are jealous, aren't you?"

"I am uncomfortable with your relationship, yes," Alyssa admitted.

Joanna frowned. "Moving to Chicago won't change it."

Alyssa feared that she was correct. "But your relationship with William is based on something I do not believe in, an idea that seems contrived."

"Well, your relationship with William is based on a dream!" Joanna shot back.

"No, it isn't!"

"Yes, it is. Are you telling me that dream you've had most of your life hasn't influenced how you feel about William?"

"No, it hasn't. William was not the man in the dream...not until recently."

"But he is now?"

"Yes..."

Joanna countered irritably, "Well, in my dream he is my brother. Tell me, whose dream is more valid?"

Alyssa shook her head, "You are comparing apples to oranges."

"Look at it this way, our beliefs enabled each of us to open up our hearts to William much more quickly than we normally would have...and now we love him very much. If William were not the man he is, we would have found him out and ended the relationship."

Alyssa sighed resignedly, 'Does the end justify the means?' she asked herself. She thought she heard her name called, and turned in her seat.

"Alyssa!" Aunt Kate was walking briskly toward her. She held one hand to her chest as she panted, "There's been an accident, your friends were taken to the hospital in Sheffield. Your brother-in-law is okay, but that young man you introduced me to, William, sounds as though he is in poor condition. You must go there immediately -- hurry!"

Alyssa's heart was in her throat, "No! It can't be!" She looked wildly at Joanna who had already restarted the engine.

"We will stop by for Janet and Carol on the way," Joanna suggested.

Alyssa could only nod; she was paralyzed with fear.

Neither Janet nor Carol were at "The Meadows", so they left a note explaining where they had gone and why. Then Joanna, white-faced and mouth clamped shut, headed the car north towards Sheffield. Both women were too wrapped up in their own thoughts to speak.

Alyssa glanced over at her friend. The strain in her face, her every line, was evident. 'She cares about William so much,' she realized. It dawned on her that their love for William could bind them together instead of drive a wedge between them.

Joanna felt eyes on her, and returned the look; they gave each other a reassuring smile as she pressed down on the accelerator on the straight-away.

"There is no answer at 'The Meadows' nor at Alyssa's house," Charley reported to William who was sitting in the waiting area, looking through magazines. "And Joanna isn't at home either, but I left messages so they won't worry about us when we're late returning."

"Perhaps they all went somewhere together," William suggested. He pulled on the hem of his shirt, trying to get it to straighten out. Wrapping it around Fitz hadn't done much for the fibers.

Charley snickered, "I haven't seen you look this disheveled since grade school. It's a good thing we don't know anyone around here."

William glanced at his watch; it seemed to be taking a long time to set Fitz's shoulder. There was a hubbub at the nurses' station. William looked up to see Alyssa and Joanna trying to get directions. He tapped Charley on the arm and they rushed over to the young women.

"What are you doing here?" Charley exclaimed as he hugged each one in turn.

Alyssa fell into William's arms and hugged him tightly around the middle. "Ahhh..." he moaned, "I think you found one of my bruises."

"Oh William!" she breathed a sigh of relief, "Aunt Kate led us to believe you were half-dead!" Alyssa let go of him and stepped back to check out his injuries.

She took in the scratches on his face and arms. "What happened?" she asked.

"We three were going up a steep hill," Charley explained, "when suddenly a young girl came pell-mell down the hill and almost ran into us."

"Instead, we ran in to each other and Fitz and I went over the embankment. It was not that much of a drop, but between soft ground and not being prepared, we were both thrown from our bikes. Fitz has a dislocated shoulder. Otherwise, we're okay," William finished.

"Alyssa and I were both scared silly," Joanna told them.

"Did you say that Aunt Kate told you about it?" Charley asked. He was confused as to how she could have known. "I wonder who told her William was injured?"

"I don't know," Alyssa sighed, "I'm just glad they were wrong." She kissed William gently on the lips. "That didn't hurt did it?"

"Do that again," he urged her. "And again... No, I think that is the one place where I am not bruised."

"How is Fitz doing?" Joanna asked. "Is he in much pain?"

Charley grinned, "Pain is his middle name." The girls didn't know what to make of his comment, so he elaborated, "Fitz is very creative when it comes to sports. There is never a dull moment with him around."

"This is not his first incident involving a drop-off. Remember the time he got hung up in the tree?" William prompted. The two men chortled. "Fitz was skiing on an advanced hill, when someone swept in front of him. At those speeds, a collision would have meant certain injury."

"So Fitz veered, skied off a ledge, and landed upside-down in a tree. When we got to him, he was making himself bounce up and down until his skis released, and he fell to the ground." Charley laughed, "There wasn't a scratch on him."

"He was lucky that time," William declared.

Fitz finally came out, assisted by a nurse. His shoulder was immobilized, and he was still rather pale, but he had regained much of his spirit. "Well, hello girls! This is a very pleasant surprise."

Joanna put an arm gently around him; logic told her that he was probably more bruised than William. "I hear that you have taken up flying," she said pertly.

"I fear that is my lot in life," Fitz grinned. "I can guess that my amigos have been filling you in on the more exciting moments of my life."

"What would we have to talk about if it weren't for you?" Charley asked innocently.

"That's true enough, Old Married Man," Fitz retorted. He gave William a warning look, "Do you see what is in store for you when you join the ranks?"

"Then my advice to you is to get thee a wife," William retorted. "Then we can all be muddle-headed and mundane together."

"Ah, not me, my fine sir. My freedom is worth much to me."

"I thought so, too, once," William replied. He looked into Alyssa's eyes, "But I have found that there are different kinds of freedom."

Chapter 14

ucy looked around the room at her circle of family and friends. Much to Fitz's surprise and discomfiture, Carol was rubbing his feet; Janet was curled up in an overstuffed chair with Charley sitting on the floor in front of her. Alyssa lounged on the couch, leaning on William who was sitting upright. And Joanna was sitting on the floor, back against the couch, watching Baby Charley play with his picture blocks.

Lucy grinned wickedly from her perch in the other chair and said to the group, "Do you know what it is called when there are more than three people in a room, no shoes on and feet off the floor?" Several pillows descended on her head from all corners of the room. She caught a couple of them and wedged them behind her back. "Gee, thanks!" she laughed, making a face at them all.

They had just finished going over the events of the day to the satisfaction of all the different parties. Janet and Carol had been more than confused by contradictory messages from Joanna and Charley, and were glad that nothing too serious had occurred.

Poor Fitz! Everyone was taking a turn waiting on him, including Carol. He couldn't decide what was more uncomfortable, the sore shoulder or the foot massage, but he didn't want to shoot her down when she was actually trying to do a good deed. Oh well, knowing Carol, it wouldn't last much longer. She only had so much to give.

"I'm going to try to catch a flight home on Monday," he announced to his friends. "I'll take a couple of days to recuperate, then tie myself to the desk." Everyone knew that he hated to be confined to the office. He looked at William, "That leaves you or Charley to check out the housing in Budapest for Tom."

Charley spoke up, "I have meetings lined up most of this coming week. I wouldn't be able to go until the following week."

"Well, that leaves me," William sighed. He leaned his head against Alyssa's dark hair, "Say, how would you like to go to Budapest?"

Alyssa shook her head. "Some of us have a regular job with regular hours," she said. She looked up at him and smiled, "But it sounds very tempting."

"Quit your job," he urged. "Come with me." His eyes were doing their best to plead his case.

"You're kidding, right?" Alyssa asked, somewhat perturbed by the implications that her work at the library could be cavalierly thrown aside.

"Not necessary," William answered warily. Fortunately, he realised how it might sound to her. He would never wish to belittle her work. "Of course I'm teasing... just wishful thinking on my part." He thought about what a perverse world it was that he and Fitz were beginning to realize very good incomes from catering to celebrities, whereas people who served youth and the community, were much lower on the pay and appreciation scales. He turned to Joanna, "I'm sorry, but we won't be able to attend the concert with you tomorrow after all. I will need to make travel arrangements as soon as possible."

"That's okay. We girls recently discovered that we can have a really good time together." She craned her neck to look at Alyssa, "Do you think Charlotte will be able to go? How about you, Lucy?" she added, turning back around. "And Janet?"

Janet shook her head, "We will be returning home tomorrow ourselves, but thanks for asking."

Joanna realized her faux pas when Carol added, "Me, neither. I'm going to spend a couple of days in London with Charley and Janet, then I'll be heading home, too."

It was soon decided that the Titanic foursome would make an evening of dinner and the concert on the following day.

Later in the evening, while Fitz and Alyssa were going through her CD collection, Joanna and William had a few minutes to talk.

"When are you going to propose to Alyssa?" she asked.

"Immediately after my return from Budapest," William replied. "There are a few details that I want to take care of first."

"Are you that sure of the answer?"

William smiled tenderly, "Yes, I am." He chuckled, "If I am mistaken, I will probably jump off a bridge."

Joanna reassured him, "That will not be necessary." She pressed for further details, "When do you plan to have the ceremony?"

"As soon as possible," he admitted. "Of course, I will rely on Alyssa's preferences, but every day I feel more impatient. I feel as though any delay takes precious time away from us."

"The Anglican church does not conduct marriages during Lent," she reminded him. "But I think Alyssa will want more time than that anyway." She changed the subject, "My real concern is that you will both be living in Chicago..."

"Did Alyssa tell you that?"

"Yes, and at first I did not want to accept it... but during those long minutes when we thought you were seriously injured, I realized that I would rather have you alive and well somewhere on this earth, than not in my life at all," Joanna admitted.

"No matter where we go, or how long we are separated, Joanna, you will always be dear to me. Dearer than anyone else, save Alyssa."

"Or your children," she added.

"That's a thought!" William chuckled. He looked over at Baby Charley, "But even that idea no longer scares me as much as I thought it would." Something had been bothering him all afternoon; now was his chance to bring it up, "Tell me again, how did you find out about the accident?"

Joanna gathered her thoughts, "Alyssa and I were sitting in my car, talking. Mrs. Bennigan came running over to the car and told us there had been an accident, that you were all taken to the hospital in Sheffield. She said that Charley was okay, but that you were in very poor condition...and she kept urging us to hurry."

"I find this very strange," William murmured. Charley only called 'The Meadows', here, and your house. There is no way that Mrs. Bennigan could have found out. Who would have called her?"

Joanna shook her head, "It doesn't make sense. William, you have met Mrs. Bennigan, right? What did you think of her?"

"I only talked with her briefly before we went on our hike. She really seems to like Alyssa, and she was pleasant to me. What really got my attention was when she called me 'Darcy.'"

"She called you 'Darcy'?" Joanna echoed in surprise.

William nodded. "Alyssa thought she was confused, but I didn't get that impression. I would say that she acted with purpose."

"I had heard about Mrs. Bennigan through Alyssa, of course, but yesterday was the first time that I actually met her," Joanna explained. "She seemed so familiar to me, but in a rather negative way. Kind of a love-hate feeling. I didn't know what to make of it." She looked at William, watching for his reaction, "I think we need to visit her."

"Whatever for?"

Joanna hesitated, "I think she's tied in somehow with everything else... you, me, Alyssa, everything." She revealed her plans, "If your flight isn't until after lunch on Monday, we will be able to pay a visit to Mrs. Bennigan while Alyssa is at work."

"I will try to keep that in mind when I arrange my travel plans," William agreed. They kept a companionable silence as they reflected on their conversation. Finally William shared his thoughts, "You have done a lot to bring Alyssa and myself back together... but I wondered, is there a John Curwood in your life this time?"

"No... not so far. John and I had a wonderful relationship -- I grew to love him very much -- and we had four dear children..." She hesitated, "but he was not my first love."

William was startled by her confession. "Then who?" His eyes grew larger, "Fitz!" he whispered.

"I'm not saying that ours is a true or long-lasting love. I never had the chance to find out because, by the time I was old enough to be eligible, he was already married. I would just kind of like to see..." Her voice faded out, and she blushed self-consciously.

William endeavored to share his knowledge of his friend, "Fitz is larger than life. I mean, he really tries to get some enjoyment or entertainment value out of everything he is involved in. In the past this has included relationships, without commitment. You heard what he said at the hospital... his freedom is very important to him. But he does have kind of an on-again, off-again relationship in Chicago with a very nice young woman named Raushelle."

"Maybe he just hasn't found someone to be his Alyssa," Joanna suggested.

"I don't know... Raushelle comes close. She understands him very well." He didn't want to raise false hopes, "And we all like her very much."

"But, as far as you know, they are not engaged?"

"No..." he had to admit.

It was past eleven and it had been a long day. William did not want to leave without spending a few minutes alone with Alyssa, but knew that he was needed to help Fitz get back over to "The Meadows" and prepare for bed.

Alyssa was gathering up empty cups and dishes to take into the kitchen. William picked up the few pieces that she didn't have space for on her tray; then he winked at Lucy, and went with Alyssa into the next room. He followed her over to the sink, helped her set down the tray, and then gathered her into his arms. "I'm going to have to leave with the rest of them," he explained, "but not quite yet - it's payback time." Alyssa raised her eyebrows questioningly. "That kiss you gave me this morning haunted me all day long," he explained. "Who knows, it could have been the real reason why I went over the edge on the bike. I was too distracted," he grinned mischievously. "Just ask Fitz. He was ready to throw me into the river."

Alyssa smile widened during the telling of his story. "Are you telling me that you are easily swayed by a simple kiss?" she taunted him.

"In your case, yes," he agreed. "But now let's see how you fair, Miss Benning." William did a most thorough job of ensuring that Alyssa would dream about his kisses in return.

Alyssa laughed shakily. Her limbs barely wanted to support her. William, himself, did not look unaffected, "What kind of spell have you woven over me?" he whispered, "My plan has surely backfired, and I have been caught in my own trap." He made himself step away from her. "Good night, my love." He gave her a slow heart-melting smile, "Sweet dreams..."

Chapter 15

unt Kate insisted upon serving tea and exchanging pleasantries before she would allow her guests to broach the subject of their visit. During that time her level gaze seemed to take stock of them. She finally spoke, "So, why have you not asked Alyssa for her hand in marriage?"

"Pardon me?" William did not know what to make of this direct attack. Her earlier perusal had already unsettled them.

"What have you been waiting for?" She saw the red flush creep up William's neck. "You always were one to hesitate," she muttered.

"Who are you?" William asked, perplexed.

She chose to ignore his question, "I am glad to see that you have overcome some of your misplaced pride. That is a hard lesson to learn. God knows that it has taken me long enough to conquer it."

William was becoming irritated with her oblique remarks. "Do you know me?" he demanded.

"Like a son. But I was not very motherly back then, was I, Darcy? Poor Anne. She did not want me to break with you, you know," she informed Joanna. "She was very sad over our falling out, and if she had not preceded me in death, I am certain that she would have healed the breach. But pride, Darcy, that legacy that you and I both shared -- it stopped me from doing what I knew was right."

William was bewildered, but Joanna began to make sense of her ramblings. The effect was not one of immediate pleasure. Aunt Kate read the expression on her face. "I died a lonely old woman," she told her, "and you did not. You were the victor. You need not sneer at me now, young lady. I have paid my dues, and I am making my amends."

"William, may I present Aunt Catherine," Joanna said stiffly.

He did not think she was very amusing, considering that he had just buried his aunt.

"Aunt Catherine de Bourgh," she clarified.

William did not have the automatic recollection that Joanna did. He relied more on feelings. He looked deeply into Aunt Kate's eyes for some sign, some hint of their relationship. She seemed vaguely familiar, yet...

Joanna prompted him, "Aunt Catherine did everything in her power to block your possible marriage to Elizabeth Bennet. Then, after your death, when I chose to befriend Elizabeth, Aunt Catherine denounced me and caused a permanent rift between Pemberley and Rosings." She turned to Aunt Kate, "I felt the separation acutely. You have no idea how much I needed you then."

"Bah! You fooled everyone and became one of the best mistresses Pemberley has ever seen, probably because you wanted to prove yourself to me. Your anger toward me gave you the backbone you needed to succeed."

"Anything I did for Pemberley was done in Fitzwilliam's name," she spat, "not yours."

"As you wish," Aunt Kate conceded, but her lingering smile belied her words.

Joanna seethed with old, unhealed wounds. "I did it for love," she insisted angrily.

"Hate is also strongly provocative."

"Yes, I did despise you," Joanna admitted. "Just when I needed you the most, you abandoned me. If it weren't for my Fitzwilliam cousins and Elizabeth, I don't know what I would have done."

"You chose a penniless nobody over me, your own aunt," Aunt Kate sniffed.

"I have never regretted it," Joanna retorted, eyes flashing.

"So, you agree that Elizabeth Bennet was a nobody..."

"Elizabeth was the woman that Fitzwilliam loved. That in itself gave her a position above all others in my eyes."

"Ah yes, the woman you loved, Darcy. I should have trusted your judgment but for my pride. Well, this time I have taken the young woman into my heart, and have discovered that she is everything your wife should be. Your judgment, though impassioned and headstrong, has been proved correct."

William was finally piecing together her place in his past. Disjointed pictures flickered through his mind, but all with the same effect.

"And what are you going to do now?" Joanna demanded, "Tear them apart once again?"

"Indeed not. Darcy has my blessing."

"Your blessing," Joanna growled, "You are still manipulating people."

"For their own good, just as before," Aunt Kate agreed, "and with more discretion."

Joanna fumed.

Aunt Kate turned to William, "Darcy, dear boy, I would like to speak with you privately. Please excuse us, Miss Heywood. Perhaps you would be so kind as to take a turn in the herb garden."

Joanna gave her aunt a bitter look and quit the room.

William was on the point of rebuking Aunt Kate for her treatment of Joanna when he noticed her wistful expression as she watched her niece leave.

"Why are you so cruel to her?" he asked softly.

Aunt Kate pursed her wrinkled lips, "I acted as she expected," she said. "Joanna is not prepared to forgive me, but I thought that allowing her to express her anger toward me may help her begin to heal."

"And so you goaded her?"

"Of course."

"When did you begin to regret your treatment of her after my death?"

"Almost immediately. Dear Anne ragged on me daily for quite a long time. Of course, she would not gainsay me. If only she had..."

"You would have wished her to?"

"Oh yes. Then I would have had reasons to change my mind and perhaps show leniency toward Georgiana."

"Why did you not simply approach your niece and end what you had begun?"

"I could not," Aunt Kate shook her head, "No, I could not do that. Georgiana was doing quite well without me. I did not wish for her to gloat over me. And she was always in the company of Miss Bennet. I could not stand to face them both."

"Elizabeth would not have gloated," William said, but became uncomfortably unsure, "No, if she realized how much it mattered, she would have held her tongue," he decided.

"Perhaps, but that is in the past. I doubt that Georgiana even realized that I helped her in the only way I could."

"How did you do that?"

"I allowed Colonel Fitzwilliam to maintain ties with Pemberley."

"He would have done so anyway," William was quick to point out.

"I would not be too sure," Aunt Kate retorted. "Colonel Fitzwilliam usually did what was expected of him. He even married advantageously, if not happily, out of family honor. I appreciated his loyalty, but I must admit that I loved you best. Perhaps because I was never certain of your allegiance." She exchanged a piercing look with William, "I was right to feel that way."

"The old Colonel Fitzwilliam may have kowtowed to you, but the new one would not. Fitz has learned a few things, too." He sat next to Aunt Kate and took her heavily veined hand in his, "Aunt Catherine, I would not have betrayed you if you had been less blinded by fortune and position. I loved you."

They were silent for a few minutes, preoccupied with their own thoughts. William finally spoke again, "You said that you are making amends. In what way?"

"I have led Alyssa to realize that love is worth the risk," Aunt Kate declared.

William frowned, "How did you do that?'

"I used what we had in common, a love of gardening. I took advantage of the fact that a vole had dug out around her favorite rose. This may or may not have led to the death of the plant, but I ensured that it did by directly exposing the roots to the winter wind while she was at work."

William was astonished, "You didn't!"

Aunt Kate nodded, "I knew how much she loved that particular plant. She treated it as a favorite child and became almost vain about its profusion and size of blooms. My killing it helped her put everything into perspective."

William could not believe the lengths she had gone to in order to carry out her plan. "What kind of lesson were you trying to give by saying that I had been seriously injured on the trail?" he asked.

Aunt Kate explained, "After Alyssa's morning jog she usually spends a few moments in her garden. It has become our time to meet and touch base with each other. I knew that something was bothering her, but she would not tell me. I sensed that it had to do with you, Joanna, and herself. Sometimes a near-disaster helps people to unclutter their thoughts. I was hoping that the young women would come together over their fears for you."

William mused, "It looks as though you have been somewhat successful. But how did you know of the accident?"

Aunt Kate smiled, "I, too, am of the Fitzwilliam line. I feel that I was given "the sight" in order to accomplish my tasks here on earth."

William's mind was racing with everything he had heard. Aunt Kate interrupted his thoughts, "When will you take your place at Pemberley?"

He shook his head, "Pemberley belongs to Joanna."

"But it is your birthright," Aunt Kate protested. "Have you not discussed this with Joanna?"

"No."

"Will you tell Alyssa?"

"I do not think so."

"Your wife will have the right to know all of the facts," she pointed out.

"I am sorry, Aunt Catherine, but this is something that I will not allow you to involve yourself in."

Aunt Kate studied him intently, "I bow to your wishes," she finally said, "I will not create another gulf between us..."

"Thank you."

Aunt Kate leaned back and closed her weary eyes. She heaved a great sigh and said, almost to herself, "I wish that I could see you and Alyssa married... and I wish that I could spend some time with Joanna."

"Perhaps you shall," William said gently, patting her hand.

Aunt Kate sat up and said very definitely, "Oh no, my work here will be done the moment Alyssa says 'yes.'"

William began to protest, but Aunt Kate held up a hand, "I am tired, dear boy. I am ready for my rest. I shall miss you, but we will be together again some day."

They went out to Joanna who was sitting in the car, still angry. Aunt Kate placed a hand on the frame of the window and leaned toward her niece, "I am very sorry, Joanna, for everything. I wish that it could have been different, and I hope that someday you will believe me." She turned around and slowly made her way back to the house. She glanced back once as the motor started on the car, then disappeared inside.

Chapter 16

he Bings and Carol had left on Sunday, Fitz on Monday, and William's flight would be early Tuesday morning. Life was going to seem very dull indeed, Alyssa thought as she opened the door to William. She gave him a wide grin in greeting; she was going to miss him very much. William said the trip to Budapest would only take two weeks but, considering what had happened in the last two weeks, it could seem like forever.

"The evening is yours," William said after he greeted her with a lingering kiss and a red rose. "Would you like to go somewhere? The Raven? The cinema? 'Full Monty' is playing -- it's supposed to be very good."

Alyssa shook her head, "Let's stay right here. I have a nice bottle of wine just waiting for us."

"Good, I was hoping you would say that." He held up a book. "I brought something to show you."

Alyssa's interest was piqued, but William insisted that the book would wait until later. He sat it down on the couch, then took Alyssa into his arms. He kissed her gently along her neck and worked his way up to her lips as his arms wrapped more securely around her. Alyssa would willingly have allowed him to repeat the process, but he drew away. "You drive me to distraction," William admitted, "but I want us to take our time and enjoy getting to know each other."

Alyssa agreed, though inside, she did so reluctantly. It felt so natural to be in William's arms, and it was such a strangely liberating feeling for her to trust someone this much. 'But times like this are exactly why I do trust him,' she thought wryly.

Alyssa set the rose in a vase of water and poured two glasses of wine. Then they settled near each other on the couch.

"How was the concert the other night?" William asked.

Alyssa rolled her eyes and laughed, "Do you remember 'New Kids on the Block'?"

William nodded, "Dimly. I'm glad I missed it then."

"Actually, they're not bad and we had a lot of fun. We all joined in singing and acted like kids again." She began to sing, dramatically gesturing with her arms, "I don't care who you are, where you're from, what you did as long as you love me."

"You have a pleasant singing voice."

Alyssa inclined her head regally, "Thank you, but I normally only sing for private audiences."

William grinned, "Then I shall endeavor to get an invitation."

"It's all in whom you know, but I think, in your case, something could be arranged."

William proceeded to talk about how he and Fitz had started the business, and that Charley had joined later. In turn, Alyssa explained how she had decided to become a librarian, and gave him humorous anecdotes on some of the patrons she had met. Just casual chitchat, on safe subjects, as they got used to being around each other.

"Would you like more wine?" William asked, raising his glass. He rose from the couch to go over to the table and retrieve the wine bottle. His muscles had stiffened up a little from sitting so long and Alyssa noticed. William saw the look of concern on her face. "It's nothing, just some kinks left over from the bike ride."

"Let me see," Alyssa suggested. She moved over to a footstool and prompted William to sit in front of her. She felt gently in the area of his shoulder blades. She could tell by his flinching that she had found some of his tender muscles. She rubbed firmly in small circles and gradually felt William relax.

"You have all kinds of hidden talents," William said, grinning back at her. "Do you do this for all of your guests?"

Alyssa laughed and said, "Really just for close friends and family. You should feel privileged."

"I do," William agreed. "Say, if you ever get tired of being a librarian, you could go into business as a masseuse. Your hands are a lot stronger than I would have expected."

"That's from throwing books at noisy patrons," Alyssa retorted.

William grinned, "I don't know, I remember the day Joanna and I stopped by to ask you to lunch. I think the way you wield a stamper has something to do with it."

Alyssa blushed, then purposely dug her fingers a little harder into his back, just enough to get his attention. "You know it's because I had seen you and Joanna kissing," she said. "I was pretending to be stamping all over your face."

"Whoa, I better remember to stay on your good side," William said in mock seriousness. "So," he threw over his shoulder, "I was in your thoughts even before the picnic..."

Alyssa leaned forward and whispered into his ear, "I cannot tell a lie. You bothered me from the moment I first saw you." She straightened up and began to feel around the rest of his back but his shirt kept rumpling up.

William pulled it up and over his head in one swift movement, "That should help," he said.

Alyssa caught her breath at his sudden bare skin and she wasn't sure that she would be able to concentrate on the massage. It wasn't as though she hadn't seen plenty of backs before, but this was William's back, and it was obvious that he took good care of himself. She began to explore his back gingerly, self-consciously, then decided to close her eyes and let her fingers do the 'seeing' for her. She enjoyed the feel of his smooth skin, and the muscles that rippled beneath. "What do you like to do to keep in shape?" she asked.

"Some weights, jogging or running of course, racquetball, golf, skiing when I have the chance. How about you?"

"Anything that lets me be outdoors: jogging, hiking, tennis, some golf, cross country skiing." Whenever Alyssa came across some tight muscles, she would knead them until they slowly relaxed, and every once in a while William would sigh appreciatively. Soon she was essentially done with the massage, but allowed her hands to run across his back, just to enjoy the sensation.

William suddenly sat up, twisted around, and pulled her into his lap, "That was terrific!" he said, followed by a quick kiss.

Alyssa's hands had come to rest on his chest. He was much too close for comfort if she was supposed to keep her wits about her.

William gave her a lazy grin. "I think I shall have to marry you now that I know you can do that," he declared.

"Are you asking me?" she asked lightly, trying to read his expression from under her lashes.

He kissed her nose, "Not yet. But I want you to give it some serious thought. When I do ask you, I want to do it right."

"Well, right now the odds are in your favor," Alyssa admitted, "but who knows? If you stay away too long..."

"Let's set a date right now," William suggested, "Two weeks from today I will be at your door, dressed for an evening of dining and dancing. And you will greet me in a ravishing dress that will mesmerize me so completely that you will have to carry on both sides of the conversation until I can get you alone."

Alyssa laughed at his dramatics. "Okay," she dimpled, "it's a date."

William grew serious, "But first there are some things that I need to share with you...about me." He helped her get up, pulled on his shirt, and led her over to the couch.

They sat close to each other and supported the book between them as William flipped it open. "This is a family album," he explained, "one of the things given to me from Aunt Catherine's estate. I thought you might like to meet the family."

William turned to the last pages and pointed out recent photos of himself, his parents, and Aunt Catherine, who was actually his great-aunt. "My father John and my mother Anne," he said. "I recently found out that a long time ago in our family, the eldest sons usually had 'Darcy' somewhere in their names. I didn't realize it until my mother and I were going through this album together soon after the funeral. I always thought she had come across the name in some book she was reading. She had probably explained it all to me before, but it didn't sink in the first time."

He turned back a page, "Here are my grandparents, Charles and Jane, and their two children, my father and Aunt Catherine. Then, this is where the name 'Darcy' comes in -- my great grandfather Biller, Jane's father, was named James Darcy Biller. He married Rachel White," he explained, indicating the people as he identified them.

He flipped almost to the front of the book, "It goes all the way back to the 1860's with Darcy John Biller. He was my first relative to come over from the Old Country."

"Where was he from?"

William glanced at her as he said, "England, actually, and not that far from Ashbourne." He paused.

Alyssa was looking for similarities in the faces of William and his ancestors and did not notice at first that he had stopped talking. She glanced up at him questioningly, then remembered his last statement, "Really? That is quite a coincidence, isn't it? No wonder you have a natural affinity for this area."

William held her eyes as he resumed his narrative, "John Biller has an interesting story. I always knew that he was the second son of a family of prestige and fortune from this area, and that there was a falling out with his father, and John left on a ship bound for the States. What I did not know, until recently, was that in the process he altered his name. Instead of John Billerton he became known as John Biller. The country was in the midst of the Civil War, so it was easy for John to cover his tracks as he made his way inland. He eventually settled in the midwest in northern Illinois. There he bought some land, married a local girl named Susan Adams, and established his own dynasty. It was a long, back-breaking process, but eventually he established a fine farm that prospered and grew for several generations."

"It sounds as though he created his own American dream."

William nodded, "If John had not gone to America, his life would have been very different."

"I would assume that he, as the second son, would have gone into the clergy or military, and would have had to marry advantageously."

"Actually, his lot would have been slightly different. His elder brother, Henry, died in a hunting accident. John would have been next in line to inherit the estate, but they could not locate him, so instead, his sister Elizabeth inherited everything." William paused again.

Alyssa was looking at him expectantly so he continued his narrative, "Her name was Elizabeth Billerton...until she married George Rogers. Her parents were Harold and Anne Billerton...and her maternal grandparents had the last name of Curwood."

Alyssa's eyes grew large with understanding. "Is it true? Georgina and John Curwood? John Billerton would have inherited Pemberley?"

William nodded, "And I am the eldest son of eldest sons."

"Then you have some right...to Pemberley?"

"Technically, but not in my eyes."

"Have you told Joanna? She will be delighted."

"No, and I am not going to. She would hand over the keys to Pemberley with no thought to herself. In this case, I feel that possession is nine-tenths of the law. Her branch of the family has held Pemberley for generations, so it belongs rightfully to her." He continued thoughtfully, "It also means that Joanna and I are related, however narrowly. For all those reasons, I will not tell Joanna of my discovery and I am asking for your silence as well."

"Then why did you tell me?"

"I do not want any secrets between us, Alyssa. And I hope that you are able to understand my decision." He paused, then said earnestly, "I would not wish to take Joanna's inheritance away from her, though I doubt that the law would decide in my favor at this point anyway. But, I want you to know, that I am doing quite well for myself. Our business has increased enormously."

"My independent American!" Alyssa teased.

"Yes, I think so. I was not brought up knowing about my family heritage, nor surrounded by history as you are here. I love Pemberley, but I also know that you and I can create our own Pemberley anywhere we decide. We can start anew just as John Billerton did long ago."

Alyssa thrilled with the thought of herself and William working together and realizing dreams that they created together. "Do you think we can meet the challenge?" she asked saucily. "I've heard that building a house is the true test of a good marriage."

"I have no doubt that we shall get along quite well," he assured her, then added, "so long as you choose to agree with me." He smiled at her expression.

"I have another saying for you," Alyssa retorted, feigning injury, "If the wife isn't happy, nobody's happy!"

William held the side of her face in one hand, feeling the softness and curve of her cheek. He leaned forward and kissed her tenderly, "Then we shall be two of the happiest people on earth, for your contentment shall be my first priority." He sat back, then looked at his watch. "It's time for me to leave if I'm going to catch that plane in the morning." He got up from the couch and pulled her up beside him. Arm in arm they walked to the door.

"I wish I could see you off," Alyssa said, "but I have to work."

"It's just as well that we say our good-byes here," William admitted, "I don't think leaving you is going to be very easy for me."

"Oooh, I love you, William Austen," Alyssa whispered. She kissed him with so much feeling and want that William almost lost himself in her embrace.

"I love you, too, and I will be back for our date," William promised. One more kiss and he headed for the door.

Alyssa shivered with emotion. "How do you do it?" she asked shakily.

William was confused, "How do I do what, dear Alyssa?"

"Make it feel like the first time. Like I never kissed anyone until I kissed you."

William reflected, "Perhaps because, every day, I anticipate your embrace more and more."

Alyssa smiled, "Then I hope we feel this way for the rest of our lives."

"We will," he assured her. "Love you..." and he disappeared into the night.

Chapter 17

lyssa sat at the desk, chin in hand, missing William for about the hundredth time. 'He should be there by now,' she calculated. 'I'm glad Fitz is the one who usually does the traveling, because I have the feeling that I'm going to be a very selfish girlfriend.' She almost said 'wife', but then she looked down at her hands and sighed, 'I wonder why he hasn't actually asked me yet? We've discussed our way around it numerous times.' A fleeting fear swept through her at the thought that perhaps he was not ready to commit himself to the relationship. 'Maybe he's having doubts...We haven't really known each other very long. This separation is a good thing; it will give us time to reflect.'

Her thoughts were logical, but her feelings were telling her that William was the one, whether she knew him for two weeks or two years. She couldn't believe the change in him from the first time she had met him. But then again, her friends were pretty surprised by the changes in her, too.

She had confided in Charlotte that morning as they sorted through the books that were in the overnight book return. Charlotte was more pleased than surprised, and rather looked like the Cheshire Cat. As if it were her doing!

Now Charlotte was over at one of the long tables assisting Jim Kendall ... again. He seemed to come in almost daily now. There they were, shoulder-to-shoulder, perusing maps that had been spread out before them. Charlotte had whispered to Alyssa on one of her trips past the desk that Jim had been selected to cover a project for the Geographical Society. In September, he would be going to Nepal. Between now and then, he would gather the latest and most comprehensive information that he could find and have organizational meetings with his staff. Charlotte was instrumental in helping him use the Internet as a resource.

The telephone rang, interrupting Alyssa's reverie. "Ashbourne Library," she said automatically.

"Ahem, um, do you have any foreign language tapes for...hm...Hungarian?" asked a muffled voice.

Alyssa grinned at the unseen William, "Actually, Sir, it is more effective to receive private lessons. I could teach you whatever phrases you need to know."

"How do you say, 'I love you'?" William asked in his normal voice, which was low and rich.

"My, you're planning to be rather friendly with those Hungarians, aren't you?" Alyssa said playfully.

"Only one."

The sound of his voice was making Alyssa feel a little giddy. "What was it you wanted to know how to say?"

"I love you."

Just three words, but William was able to put enough feeling into them to make her glad that she was sitting down. "Well, if you say it just like that enough times, you'll have her eating out of your hand," Alyssa advised. "And if that doesn't work, you'll just have to show her how you feel."

"I intend to...in about 13 days," he countered. "So, how are you, Alyssa?" he asked tenderly.

"I'm missing you already," she admitted, "Where are you, at your hotel?"

William confirmed that he had already checked in and he gave her the number for his room in case she needed to get in touch with him. Then he asked, "Say, what kind of food do you like? French? Chinese? McDonald's?"

"I will eat almost anything," Alyssa admitted, "though I have a weakness for Italian, especially Tiramisu. I could just eat that and skip the dinner. How about you?"

"Italian is terrific. There are a couple of pasta dishes that I'm known for, but I also like French country cooking, and grilling."

"I can make birthday cakes," Alyssa said ruefully, "and I can boil water." She didn't want to admit that the cake mix came out of a box.

William laughed, "We each have our specialties." He continued, "Fitz and I know our way around a kitchen pretty well, and we like to have friends over for dinner. We usually entertain together since we basically have the same set of friends."

"Sounds like fun," Alyssa responded. "You can let me know when it's someone's birthday, and I can bring the cake."

"It will be my birthday on May 5. Will you make one of your cakes for me?"

"Of course!"

"Oh no! I'm sorry, Alyssa, but I have to go. I have an appointment in half an hour... I'm sorry we can't talk longer."

"I'm just glad you called," she said softly. "I love you, William. Take care of yourself over there, and come back to me."

"I'll wrap this up as soon as I can," he promised. "Love you."

"Earth to Lissy!" Charlotte said a few moments later.

"I'm sorry, Charlotte. I guess I'm having a hard time concentrating today."

Charlotte chuckled, "Oh, you're concentrating all right --- just not on work!" She moved closer to her friend. "I have some news of my own, you know."

"What is it, Charlotte?" Alyssa was afraid she knew what was coming, "Does it have to do with Jim?"

Charlotte nodded happily, "He's asked me to join his team. Lissy, I'm going to Nepal!"

Alyssa hugged her friend tightly, "Oh, Char! I am so happy for you!" She held her at arm's length and asked seriously, "But what will you do there? What will your job be?"

Charlotte blushed slightly, "Personal assistant," she said avoiding Alyssa's eyes.

"What does that mean?"

"I will help Jim in any way I can."

"Will the Geographic Society be paying your wages?"

"No...."

"Charlotte..." Alyssa said wistfully, "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I love him, Lissy." She looked up at her friend defiantly, "It will all work out in the end, you'll see."

"I hope so, Char."

Saturday found Alyssa shopping for a dress with Janet, and much to their great relief, Charley had agreed to watch his son for the day. The women had already looked through three stores, and Alyssa had tried on several dresses, but they were all too short, too tight, too low, or too bright.

"Come on, Lissy," Janet encouraged her, "Live a little dangerously." She watched as Alyssa turned around before the mirror. She had on a little red dress that showed a lot more skin than she was used to.

Alyssa frowned, "You didn't have to make a spectacle of yourself for Charley," she muttered.

"But you look great! If I had your legs, I'd wear it," she said emphatically.

"William and I want our relationship to be based on honesty, and this isn't me."

"There is nothing wrong with a little fantasy," Janet said sagely. "Listen to an old married woman."

"I want to look around some more," Alyssa decided. She could see that her sister was not looking forward to more shopping. "Let's stop and have some refreshment," she suggested.

They soon found themselves seated at a small table with steaming cups of tea in front of them.

"I'm sorry, Janet, but this date is really important to me. I don't want to pretend to be someone other than who I am."

"I understand, Lissy," Janet smiled.

"Honesty is always best," Alyssa continued. "William agrees. He doesn't want any secrets between us."

Janet sighed gratefully, "I'm so glad to hear that, Lissy. I was afraid that he hadn't told you about his mum and everything."

Alyssa had no idea what she was talking about, "What about his mum?"

"Well, you know, how she feels about Brianna and all." Janet soon realized that, no, Alyssa didn't know. "I'm sorry, Lissy. I'm sure William will explain it all to you in good time."

"It seems to be general knowledge, so why don't you tell me now?"

"It's just that...well, William's mother is very fond of a young woman named Brianna Hartley. Everyone thought that William and Brianna would marry... but they didn't."

"Where is this 'Brianna' now?" Alyssa asked evenly.

"When her father was promoted to manage the Chinese/Hong Kong branch of his company, Brianna moved over there with her family. She married one of the top salesmen, but I've recently heard news of their divorce. I don't know what she is doing now."

"So...does Charley feel that William...loves her?"

"He did, but it was a long, long time ago. I'm sure those feelings have died out, or he wouldn't be so interested in you, Lissy."

"When did you find out about the divorce?" Alyssa persisted.

Janet thought for a moment, "Actually, I think we heard about it a couple of days ago when Charley was on the phone with Fitz. Fitz said something about her stopping by their office."

"It sounds like she is interested in renewing relationships."

"I think Brianna was friends with all three of them in high school. She probably wasn't looking for William in particular."

"But you don't know that," Alyssa said irritably. "Do you know what? I'm really getting tired of all this shopping. Let's just go back and get that red dress."

Chapter 18

lyssa pulled on her black strappy high heels and stood up carefully. With those on, the top of her head would probably be level with William's eyes. She looked long and sleek in her ankle-length black evening gown; the fabric clung in all the right places and the color showed off her alabaster skin. Diamond earrings glittered elusively through the strands of her hair that curled around her ears. At the last minute, she had decided against wearing a necklace. The strapless dress and bare skin showed off her graceful neck to perfection.

The eye shadow made her eyes look large and smoky. She had lightly brushed some glimmering powder on strategic areas of her temples, hairline, and shoulders, just enough to add to the illusion. The lipstick had been a problem. Many red shades made her mouth look garish, like a clown. Finally she had found a plum-tinged red that was dramatically dark but not harsh. Just a few more dabs of 'Beautiful' and she was all set.

The red dress was hanging in her closet. She had decided to remain true to herself, and had gone shopping in Birmingham one afternoon. The black dress was classic, and gave her much more self-confidence than the red one ever could.

'Just forget about Brianna,' she told herself sternly as she looked in the mirror one last time. 'William loves me.' She thought about his daily phone calls, his little gifts that he had mailed to her, and she felt much better.

She heard a car door close. 'He's here!' she thought frantically. She searched for her wrap and went into the living room. The doorbell rang.

She wasn't used to wearing heels, and had to concentrate to make it over to the door in one piece. She should have worn them around the house during the afternoon, she chided herself. She opened the door cautiously.

Alyssa's heart was in her throat as she allowed William to come through the doorway. 'Breathe!' she warned herself. William, complete with tux, looked mysterious, sophisticated, better than an ad for men's cologne. 'Oh heart!' she cried.

William took her hands and led her into the room. He slowly spun her around as he looked her up and down, then moved in close to whisper, "Stunning..." He gently held her chin up with one hand and looked at every feature on her face, then her lustrous hair, her earrings. He ran his fingertips along the smooth column of her neck. "Lovely..." His eyes captured hers, "I have missed you, Alyssa Benning."

"Oh William, I am so glad you are finally here," Alyssa returned. She beckoned him closer and offered her lips for his welcoming kisses. They hugged each other tightly, just glad to be together again. Their feelings had not diminished in the two weeks, and they both knew it.

William reluctantly released her and stepped back. He brought out his handkerchief to dab at his lips. "Our carriage awaits," he explained.

Alyssa laughed, "I have it on good authority from Cindy Crawford, that my lipstick will not rub off."

William regarded her with amused disbelief. He had just allowed his fingers to tangle in her hair during the embrace, yet she still looked great... and she wasn't worriedly running to the mirror to repair any damages he had done. 'Does she even realize how beautiful she is?' he wondered. 'She is a natural like those roses of hers.'

He helped her settle the shawl around her shoulders. She would be glad to have it; it was quite cool outside. He gave her another lingering kiss, "Are you ready to go?" She nodded happily.

William decided that it was a very good thing that his hands were preoccupied with steering and shifting the gears on the car. He kept sneaking peeks at Alyssa's profile on the straight-aways. "Tell me all the news," he urged. "Talk to me."

Alyssa laughed, "Ashbourne only has so much news. It is a very small town."

"I just want to hear your voice," William explained. He picked up her closest hand and kissed the palm.

Shivers ran through Alyssa like strands of electricity. "Well, I have almost completed the well drawing. I'll show it to you tomorrow," she promised. "I have not seen very much of Joanna, except when she stops by to talk to me while I'm working on the well drawing. Charlotte is quitting the library in six weeks."

"Charlotte is? Why?"

"She is going to Nepal in September as part of a Geographic Society team," Alyssa began. 'No, no secrets,' she reminded herself. "She is actually going as Jim Kendall's assistant," she amended.

"Your voice tells me that you do not entirely approve."

"Oh William, no, I don't. I just don't want to see Charlotte get hurt. I don't think Jim will be able to offer her the kind of life that she wants for herself."

William gently reminded her, "Charlotte is old enough to know her own mind. I think she is going into this with her eyes open." He paused, "You know, it isn't that uncommon ...living together."

"I know," Alyssa sighed, "But people with mutual goals, long-term goals, don't you think they should be able to make a commitment to each other?"

"No one needs a piece of paper in order to make a commitment. The commitment is here," he tapped his chest, "and here in your head. If it isn't, then the piece of paper means nothing anyway."

"You're right, of course," Alyssa admitted. She was silent as she thought about the past week. Her mind reverted to the day she went shopping with Janet, to the conversation about Brianna. Should she ask him? The evening was going so beautifully... but she had to ask. She had to know.

"William, who is Brianna Hartley?" she finally said.

Silence. Finally William spoke up, "Brianna is an old friend from high school days."

"I heard that...she was more than a friend...to you."

"To whom have you been talking?" William asked, puzzled. It seemed as though Alyssa had pulled her name out of thin air.

"Janet mentioned her to me. It seems that Brianna has recently been divorced and is back in the States...in Chicago."

"She is?" William was more than surprised. He let his mind go back to the last time he had seen her. He had gone with her and her parents to the airport to see them off. They had clung to each other and cried; they thought they were so in love. William glanced over at Alyssa. 'It was nothing like this,' he told himself, thankful that it was Alyssa in the car with him.

"Brianna and I were a couple all through high school. Everyone thought she would get an engagement ring for a graduation present. Even I thought that way a time or two. But then she moved overseas with her parents and I haven't seen her since." They had written to each other, and occasionally called, but then she had met her future husband and that was the end of it. Too bad the marriage didn't work out for them. Well, Brianna could be somewhat impetuous, he reminded himself.

"So, you didn't know that she obtained a divorce?"

"No, how could I?"

"Well, Charley heard it from Fitz," she explained.

"I guess Fitz forgot to tell me. We had a lot of other things to discuss." William wondered what she was driving at. "Brianna and I haven't been together for many, many years," he finally said.

"But you loved her..."

"I thought I did, but we were both very young. What does it matter?"

"What if she still loves you? Maybe that's why her marriage didn't work..."

William pulled the car over to the side of the road and enveloped Alyssa in his arms. "I am here with you!" he emphasized. "I love you; I want you. If I weren't such a gentleman, you would have absolutely no doubt of that." He kissed her thoroughly. "Do you have anymore questions?" he asked huskily.

Alyssa shook her head. "I'm sorry, William. I wasn't really doubting your feelings for me... I was just wondering if it would make a difference... if you knew Brianna was free again."

"Darling, if Brianna and I were meant to be together, we would be. We had plenty of chances and didn't act on them. Come now, tonight is our night. Let's leave everyone else out of it."

"William, I love you so much!"

"Now that you can say as much as you want!" William smiled. He gave her a last hug, then pulled the car back onto the road.

'Where in the world are we going?' Alyssa wondered as she looked out at the black night. They had been driving for over two hours. It had to be at least seven by now.

William had a satisfied smile on his face as he approached the lights of London and its environs. It wasn't long before he pulled up to the door of a very exclusive hotel and handed the car keys to the attendant. He escorted Alyssa inside and over to a glass elevator. William appreciated the looks they were receiving from passers-by. He knew he was with the best looking girl in the place.

The elevator did not stop until they were at the top. They stepped off and were at the entrance to an elegant restaurant. Every table looked full to Alyssa. The china and crystal were sparking. Fresh floral arrangements stood in front of large gilt-edged mirrors on marble table tops. Violin music floated in the background. Although the room looked full to capacity, the sounds of the voices were hushed. The patrons were dressed in understated elegance, the women in champaign or white or black, and the pale colors of spring. Alyssa was exceedingly glad that she had not worn the red dress. She might have been mistaken for a hooker and kicked out of the place.

They were being led around the edges of the room, to a door on the other side. William's hand was at the small of her back, guiding her gently. He seemed to be aware of her awkwardness with her heels, and did not rush her along. "You are beautiful," he whispered. "You are by far, the loveliest woman in the room. And you are with me."

They passed through the door into a smaller, glass-enclosed dining room. There were only a few tables and they were all empty, save one. It was beautifully set for two people. William held out her chair for her, and Alyssa sat down. "Where is everyone else?" she asked.

William smiled at her tenderly, "We are everyone," he said simply.

Alyssa looked around at the decor. It was done in teal and gold, with pristine white linens and flowing, sheer white curtains. There was a door that led out to a balcony, and out by the railing, she could see a telescope.

William was watching her as she surveyed the room. He enjoyed the delight evident on her face. "We'll check out the view later," he suggested, nodding toward the balcony. "First, I want to get my fill of the view in here," he said pointedly looking at her. He took one of her hands and kissed each finger. "What do you think, dear Alyssa? Does it meet with your approval?"

Alyssa beamed at him, "I am in awe. You must know people in high places. But, really William, you could have taken me back to that little restaurant we were at before and I would have been perfectly happy."

William rolled his eyes, "Now you tell me." Music was coming through speakers on the wall, slow, romantic music. "Will you do me the honor, Miss Benning?"

Alyssa soon learned to relax and not be self-consciously aware that they were the only ones in the room. She floated in William's arms, and closed her eyes dreamily.

William began to speak softly, his lips near her ear, "I wanted to give you the moon and the stars, and the mountain top, Alyssa, but it is too cold yet at this time of year, so I found the closest thing to it. This is your glass mountain, darling."

Alyssa looked up and around at the glass ceiling. She could just make out stars here and there. "Let's go outside," she said impulsively. She caught William by the hand and urged him toward the door.

He stopped her for a moment, as he removed his jacket. "Here," he said, "You will need this more than I."

In a moment, Alyssa found that she was very glad to have his jacket. The breeze was a little brisk. Her black skirts swirled around her legs as she made her way to the railing. She looked out and all she could see to the horizon was the sparkling lights from the cities and towns, laid out like jewels. Above her, the stars shone brightly in the clear, cold sky.

Alyssa shivered involuntarily. She opened the front of the jacket and beckoned William to share it with her. Much better for both of them! Soon they forgot about the cold as they gave their undivided attention to each other.

"Let's go back inside," William said softly. They could see their breath.

The waiter was standing by a bottle of champaign, waiting for their return. At a nod from William, he uncorked it, poured out two glasses, and discreetly left the room.

Alyssa had removed his jacket, but before she could sit down, William pulled her to him, "I have said before that I love you, Alyssa, but there are many kinds of love. I love your eyes and your lips and your hair, your laugh, your smile. I love how my hands fit around your waist. But I love more than your appearance. I love the sound of your voice, your laughter. I'll even admit that I love your backrubs."

Alyssa wrinkled up her nose at his last statement and smiled shyly. She was overwhelmed by what she was hearing. Was he truly talking about her?

William continued, "I love how you are with your family and friends, all of your many talents..." He looked deeply into her eyes, "But I especially love the way you make me feel, heart and soul. I feel empowered when I am with you. I feel like I have a friend, a help-mate, someone to share with."

Alyssa did not know how much more she could bear. She was trembling with the strength of her feelings, and responding to the emotions she could see in William's eyes. "As do I," she said softly. She brought her hand up to one of his, palm to palm, "my friend..." she whispered as they entwined fingers. She matched his look with one of her own, "my love."

"Alyssa," William breathed raggedly. He took a deep breath. "Alyssa, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" His eyes searched her face. He saw her breathe deeply, relax, he hung on to her steady gaze... he found himself being able to breathe more normally. 'What effect she has on me,' he thought, 'from wildest tempest to calmest sea in one breath.'

Alyssa smiled and nodded, "Yes," she answered. "Yes!" she declared more loudly, joyfully. "Yes, dear William."

William removed a small jeweler's case from his pocket. "I forgot this was in there when I gave you my jacket," he said ruefully. He snapped it open to reveal a gold band with a single perfect diamond in a raised mount in the center. William held it at an angle so Alyssa could read the inscription: I will love you forever. Then he slipped the ring on her finger. It was a little loose. "We can have it adjusted," he suggested.

Alyssa smiled at his nervousness; William was trying so hard to please. She gave him a look that made it all worthwhile and thanked him properly with her embrace.

They returned to the table and raised their champaign glasses to each other. The waiter silently appeared with a rolling cart and lifted lids for William's approval before he disappeared again: an antipasto tray, a salad of mixed greens, a crusty country loaf of bread, penne d'allessandro, fruits and cheeses, a bottle of white wine, and a carafe of hot tea. Alyssa realized how hungry she was as her nose appreciated the fine aromas coming from the various dishes.

William grinned at her and said, "Don't worry, the tiramisu will be served later!"

Alyssa shook her head in wonder, "How did you arrange all of this? Did you actually reserve this room for just the two of us?"

William laughingly admitted, "No, no. This terrace room is usually not open until after May 1. I just had to pay for the inconvenience of one waiter, and for them to turn up the heat a little so that we wouldn't freeze."

"Ahh, clever!" Alyssa commented admiringly.

"That's why he brought everything out on a cart, so we wouldn't interfere with the management of his usual tables."

Alyssa laughed outright, "I hope you tip him well!"

"Anything for you, love," William promised. He raised his glass to hers, "To tomorrow...with you."

Epilogue

s Aunt Kate sat in her rocking chair, looking through her garden magazine, her mind drifted to think about her neighbor Alyssa, and Darcy, and Georgiana. She knew they would be okay now. Everything was finally as it should be. She had worked long in the garden all day, clearing away debris, and she was very tired. Her eyelids fluttered closed. "It is finished," she whispered. Her hands loosened their grasp on the magazine, and it dropped to the floor.

The End