The next day as Bill drove Charlotte and Lizzy to Rosings Park, he spoke freely of the DeBourgh family.

�Will Darcy is a Princeton man like me,� he said proudly, unconsciously sticking out his scrawny chest. As if in the know, he added importantly, �He�s Mrs. DeBourgh�s favorite nephew. I have it on good authority that he and Mrs. DeBourgh�s daughter, Anne, have an understanding. They�ll probably be announcing their engagement shortly.�

Charlotte looked startled at this pronouncement, and quickly turned to Lizzy to gauge her reaction. Lizzy was not completely unfamiliar with first cousins marrying, but the idea bothered her; it seemed positively archaic.

�Who marries their first cousin nowadays?� asked Charlotte, showing she did not agree with this custom.

Bill answered authoritatively, �Miss DeBourgh is adopted. There is no actual blood connection.�

So that�s it? Lizzy thought, with a small sigh. Now it made perfect sense to her. She realized it was Anne to whom George Wickham had referred. You know how it is with rich families. George�s words in regard to their engagement came back to her. No wonder, she thought resignedly. Although it dampened Lizzy�s spirits somewhat, she was curious to see what kind of girl this Anne DeBourgh was and she was interested in observing how Will behaved around her. Maybe by witnessing them firsthand, she would be able to get the handsome Will Darcy out of her mind once and for all. Ever the optimist, Lizzy reflected that their visit to Rosings Park could turn out to be pleasing in any case. She looked forward to seeing Richard; after all, he was the one who invited them to his aunt�s, not Will.

Bill droned on with his history of the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families. �Richard, the other one�� He shook his head. �Mrs. DeBourgh is not as pleased with him. He�s the black sheep of the family. He insists on entering the military, and Mrs. DeBourgh is very disappointed.� Lizzy remembered Richard�s words about being a Marine and going off to Vietnam. It worried her.

�It�s inexcusable for a Fitzwilliam, which is Mrs. DeBourgh�s maiden name, you know,� Bill said, turning to the girls while he was driving. �Mrs. DeBourgh could easily make a simple phone call and he could have a lucrative job anywhere he wanted. He did graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, after all. But he insisted on joining the Marines and going over there!� His eyes looked eastward, a look of horror on his face. He muttered disgustedly, �He must have some sort of death wish.� Lizzy�s eyes widened at the thought. Bill Collins obviously did not share Richard�s opinions and values. As much as Lizzy disliked the idea that Richard�s career choice was dangerous and he could go to Vietnam, she admired him for his decision. She thought it was very brave and noble.

The car traveled down the majestic lane of sycamore trees on the approach to the house. Lizzy�s eyes widened as it stopped in front of the gates, and as if by magic the gates opened all by themselves and they continued up the long driveway, paved in red granite chips. Lizzy was now able to get her first real good look at Rosings Park, a magnificent Tudor manor, rich in detail. Lizzy was no expert on architecture, but she knew enough to recognize that Rosings was more than just another mansion. It was an amazing piece of art. The brick patchwork between the timbers revealed an exquisite herringbone inlay, complimented by the superb diamond leaded glass windows throughout. A thick frame of limestone surrounded the massive front door, made of an unusual blonde chestnut wood. Lizzy looked up at the doorway in wonder, thinking it must be at least ten feet tall. As the three young people got out of their car and walked up to the impressive front entrance, Lizzy took a deep breath and braced herself for the inevitable first meeting with the formidable Catherine DeBourgh.

As soon as they rang the doorbell, a butler answered and greeted them formally. He led them into the sumptuously decorated drawing room and Lizzy instantly spotted Richard, whose face opened into a wide smile as soon as he saw her. Will was standing in front of the stained glass windows, with his back to them, looking out onto the rear lawn of the house. Lizzy could only make out his silhouette, for the sun�s rays through the window created a backlit effect behind him. As soon as he heard their voices and the butler�s announcement, he turned to face them with a small smile upon his lips. His eyes lit up when he saw Lizzy, and a feeling of warmth spread throughout his body. But all too soon, his eyes darkened as he saw Richard immediately approach Elizabeth and give her � what Will considered � a familiar kiss on the cheek.

�Lizzy! Welcome to Rosings!� Richard said gaily. Turning to Bill and Charlotte, he added, �and these must be your friends.�

Lizzy introduced them to Richard, and Bill piped in, �I am William Collins, and I am much acquainted with the DeBourgh family.� He lifted his chin proudly. �My father is well known to Mrs. DeBourgh.�

Richard�s smile faded slightly upon noticing Bill�s demeanor, but soon recovered. �Well�then, you should feel right at home!� He took Lizzy�s arm in his and led her across the room toward the enormous leaded glass windows where Will was standing. Will nodded stiffly to her as he passed her on his way to greet Charlotte and Bill. He couldn�t stand the way Richard was touching her and needed some space.

Lizzy noticed how comfortable Will looked in these opulent surroundings, as if he were to the manor born. She glanced around the large room, her eyes widening at a striking and beautiful piece of art hanging on one of the walls. Is that an original Renoir? Richard�s flirtatious, low voice brought her out of her reverie. �It seems I already know a bit about you, and didn�t even realize it.�

Lizzy, who had been watching Will out of the corner of her eye, turned to Richard, puzzled. �What do you mean?�

�My cousin had already told me so much about you, but I had no idea you were the girl he was talking about.�

�Well, I�m sure it couldn�t be anything too great. You see, your cousin and I are not the best of friends.�

�That�s not the impression I got.� Richard smiled, looking over at Will. By this point, Will was aware that Richard and Elizabeth must be talking about him, and he at once felt uncomfortable under their scrutiny.

Lizzy raised one eyebrow at this and responded while looking over at Will, �I�d like to hear what your cousin has said about me. I�m sure it would be very interesting.�

�On our drive out here, he told me about a girl he met at school and how taken he was with her. I seem to remember him remarking on how fine her eyes were.� Richard added this last part casually, curious to see Lizzy�s reaction to this statement. So what if it was a little white lie? Will hadn�t said anything about fine eyes or a girl for that matter, but Richard knew this would help him in his cause to learn the truth about these two.

Lizzy blushed and couldn�t help but wonder at Richard�s words. What else has Will said to him about me? She nearly cringed at the thought of their last conversation at the Holly Hop.

�I�m sure he must have been talking about someone else, it couldn�t possibly have been me,� Lizzy said self-deprecatingly. Richard shook his head in disagreement, amused at her discomfiture.

Again she looked over at Will standing next to Charlotte, contemplating his profile. He was undeniably attractive. He threw a glance in her direction, their eyes met and she quickly averted hers, afraid she would reveal too much of her inner thoughts about him. The look in her eyes gave Will hope and he took it as a sign to join them. He�d had enough of Bill Collins, who seemed to be basking in the glory of Rosings, and didn�t like the idea of Richard working his well-known charms upon Elizabeth without him. Who knows what he�s saying to her?

�Will, we were just talking about you. Were your ears burning?� Richard asked laughingly.

Ignoring Richard, Will turned to Elizabeth. �I hope my cousin wasn�t boring you.�

Lizzy smiled valiantly at Richard. She was intent on erasing the discomposure she had been feeling earlier. �No, not at all, your cousin is very entertaining. I was just about to tell Richard some stories about why you and I aren�t the best of friends,� she said impishly with a glint in her eye, daring him to stop her.

Will smiled down at her, his dimples showing; Lizzy�s stomach did a flip.

�What, more unflattering stories about my cousin?� Richard said mockingly. �Will, you better change your ways, or you�re going to lose this girl,� he warned, throwing his arm around Elizabeth�s shoulders and pulling her closer to him, in a friendly hug.

�He never had me,� Lizzy said under her breath.

Darcy couldn�t be sure what she said, but Richard heard it and raised an eyebrow at the thought. Something is definitely going on between these two. That same moment, a rustle in the hallway heralded the arrival of a dignified looking woman of sixty years in the doorway.

The great Catherine DeBourgh, thought Lizzy. Behind her appeared a wisp of a girl with light brown hair in a non-descript hairdo. She quickly ducked out of the way, as if she was trying to disappear into the woodwork. The daughter. Mrs. DeBourgh, bedecked in pearls and an elegant suit in dove gray taffeta, surveyed the room, her piercing eyes resting upon Lizzy. Lizzy guiltily freed herself from Richard�s arm and tried her best to smile under the hawk-like stare of Mrs. DeBourgh.

�Well!� the older woman paused dramatically. �Isn�t anyone going to introduce these young people to me?� She had a pronounced look of disagreeableness.

Bill stepped up, nearly genuflecting before her, and said, �Mrs. DeBourgh, remember me? I am William Collins, your minister�s son. It is an honor to see you once again and thank you for allowing � �

She cut him off, barely glancing his way. �Yes, yes, I remember you.� She said testily. �But who are these young girls?�

�I was about to say � �Richard began, until Will stepped in and took over.

�Aunt Catherine,� he said smoothly while turning towards Lizzy and ignoring the irritated look on Richard's face, �Please allow me to introduce Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Miss Charlotte Lucas.� He motioned toward Charlotte. �They are in the area visiting Charlotte�s family for Easter break.�

Mrs. DeBourgh looked the girls over, while Bill remained speechless, in awe of the woman. She asked them, �You are in school then?�

Fighting an impulse to curtsey, Lizzy answered, �Yes, ma�am, we attend Longbourn College.� Lizzy looked at Charlotte, her eyes asking if she wanted to add anything to this. Charlotte looked like a deer caught in headlights. She imperceptibly shook her head and Lizzy did not elaborate on her answer. Anne DeBourgh remained in the background, taking a seat on the sofa alone, saying nothing, and only nodding her head when she was introduced.

Mrs. DeBourgh appeared satisfied and motioned for everyone to come and sit down for tea. For the remainder of their visit, Lizzy managed to observe Will, while avoiding conversation with him. She saw absolutely no sign of an attachment to Anne. She found it hard to believe they were engaged. It couldn�t possibly be true. She was sorry to say but the girl had no personality whatsoever.

Mrs. DeBourgh questioned Lizzy about her family and background, and once satisfied that she knew all, turned her questions to Charlotte. Bill had succeeded in informing Mrs. DeBourgh that he and Charlotte were seeing one another, and the great lady, satisfied with Charlotte�s responses to her questions, decided Charlotte passed muster and condoned the match.

The tea party was a stilted and grueling affair. Mrs. DeBourgh�s interrogation on Lizzy�s entire family and background had been exhausting to Lizzy. Richard tried his best to counteract some of his aunt�s more pointed questions, but overall Lizzy was left unsettled, especially when she noticed how intently Will stared and listened to everything she said. Much as she hated to admit it, Lizzy felt out of her league in these surrounding. More than once she cast her eyes again towards the Renoir. She also regarded many of the other paintings and tapestries on the walls; everything looked so noble and regal, like a castle or museum, she thought in awe. What kind of people live like this?

Will studied Elizabeth as she sipped her tea. He noticed the way she looked around, as if she felt uncomfortable amidst the luxuries in his aunt�s home. Luxuries that he took for granted. Such opulent living could be daunting for someone not used to it and his heart went out to her; he worried that she felt out of place. He wanted to gauge her reaction by speaking with her and allay any fears she might have in that regard. Was he correct in his estimation of her feelings? He was about to get up and leave his seat to go to her, when he saw Richard whisper something in her ear.

She shrugged her shoulders in response to whatever he said to her, and looked slightly embarrassed. Richard smiled at her reassuringly, patting her hand.

Will eyed them jealously. What is going on between those two? He vowed not to let Richard foil his chances with Elizabeth. He encouraged his aunt to invite them all back to Rosings for dinner.

Once tea was over, Lizzy was grateful to return to the Lucas�s where she and Charlotte went over every detail of their meeting with the DeBourghs. They both agreed Mrs. DeBourgh was a formidable lady and that it seemed unlikely that Will was actually engaged to her daughter. Lizzy couldn�t help feeling relieved at the thought. At the same time, she looked forward to seeing Richard, and subconsciously Will, over the next few days.

The following afternoon, while playing pool in the billiard room, Richard brought up Elizabeth to Will.

�You know, Darce, I think I might ask Lizzy Bennet for a date. Do you think she�d go out with me if I asked her?� He waited for Will�s answer, trying not to laugh and give himself away at the look of consternation in Will�s eyes.

Will waited for a moment before he spoke, thinking carefully about what he wanted to say.

�No, I don�t think you should ask her out,� he stated firmly.

Richard feigned shock at this reply. �Why ever not?� he asked.

Will avoided Richard�s eyes as he answered simply. �Because I want to. I met her first. I�ve had my eye on her for months.� He wasn�t about to let Richard in on all the details of his rocky courtship with Elizabeth.

Richard snorted. �Well, you could have fooled me. You�re hardly going about it the right way.�

Will thought ruefully about his past blunders with Elizabeth. Tell me something I don�t already know.

�Maybe so, but it�s not helping that you�re hanging all over her!� he said, his jealousy again surfacing.

Richard replied innocently. �Me? I haven�t been behaving any differently than any other red blooded American male would �under the circumstances.�

�What�s that supposed to mean?� Will was suspicious of his cousin�s motives.

�Well, I expect to be going overseas once my graduation and training are done; it would be nice to have a sweetheart waiting for me,� Richard explained, half-serious.

Will aimed his next shot in the corner pocket, not at all pleased Richard was interested in Lizzy as his �sweetheart�. �It�s hardly fair using that excuse, Richard. No one forced you to become a Marine. It�s not like you were drafted.�

�I know that. It�s my own choosing, but that doesn�t mean I can�t have a shot at her, does it?� He walked over to the hi-fi and turned on some music. Will landed his shot and prepared for his next as the words of the song filled the room:

Click here to hear the song

You're going to lose that girl

Will�s cue stick glaringly missed the ball as the words enveloped him. Richard grinned and took his turn.

(Yes, yes you're going to lose that girl)
You're going to lose that girl
(Yes, yes you're going to lose that girl)

If you don't take her out tonight
she's going to change her mind
(she�s going to change her mind)
And I will take her out tonight
And I will treat her kind
(I�m gonna treat her kind)

Sinking his ball into the side pocket, Richard continued on, seemingly unaffected by the words of the song.

You're going to lose that girl
(Yes, yes, you're going to lose that girl)
You're going to lose that girl
(Yes, yes, you're going to lose that girl)

Will rolled his eyes at the silly grin on Richard�s face, knowing what his cousin was thinking. Richard shrugged at him innocently, bouncing to the mambo beat as he aimed for his next shot.

If you don't treat her right, my friend
You're going to find her gone
(You�re going to find her gone)
'Cause I will treat her right and then
You'll be the lonely one
(You�re not the only one)

Taking pity on his cousin, Richard spoke up. �How about this, Will? I won�t make a move on Lizzy until you�ve given it a try first.� The words of the song inspired him. �But you have to ask her out tomorrow when they�re here at Rosings again. If you fail � then I get a chance.� If that doesn�t light a fire under my cousin�s posterior, I don�t know what will. Shaking his head, Richard continued smiling as he lined up his next shot.

You're going to lose that girl
(Yes, yes, you're going to lose that girl)
You're going to lose that girl
(Yes, yes, you're going to lose that girl)
You're going to lose that girl

Will glared at him. �You seem very sure of yourself. What makes you think I�ll fail?�

I'll make a point of taking her away from you
(Watch what you do)
Yeah, the way you treat her, what else can I do

Richard leaned on his cue stick. �Isn�t it obvious?�

�Isn�t what obvious?� he asked. He didn�t like the way Richard presumed to understand Elizabeth better than he did. Richard rolled his eyes at Will�s obtuseness.

You�re going to lose that girl

Richard was now quite serious. �I can see it with my own eyes, Will. Don�t be so sure of yourself, she�s skittish with you.�

You're going to lose that girl
(Yes, yes, you�re going to lose that girl)
You're going to lose that girl
(Yes, yes, you're going to lose that girl)
You're going to lose that girl

Will chose to ignore Richard�s words, convinced he knew better and proceeded to continue with the game. I�ll show you, Richard. Tomorrow at this time, she�ll be mine.

Thinking about the conversation later, Will dismissed Richard�s prophecy. He took Elizabeth�s familiar white ribbon out of his pocket and stared at it, remembering the moment they first met; it was imprinted in his memory forever. He was convinced when Elizabeth knew how much he really cared for her and how much she meant to him, she would realize how good they would be together. He smiled, warming to the thought. She would gladly fall into his arms; he had felt it the last time they danced together. Certain she felt something for him, Will had it all planned out. Everyone was invited back to his aunt�s tomorrow, Will would somehow arrange to be alone with Elizabeth and make his feelings known to her in no uncertain terms. With a deep sigh, Will luxuriated in the thought. By this time tomorrow, Elizabeth will be my girlfriend.

The next day was glorious. The temperature was unusually warm for that time of year and the sun was bright without a cloud in the sky. Charlotte, Bill and Lizzy set out for Rosings, ready for a casual afternoon enjoying the beautiful grounds surrounding the Tudor mansion.

Will awoke early, energized at the thought of seeing Elizabeth later that day. Much to his chagrin, his aunt requested that he join her and her attorney to discuss some important business matters; it would take up the majority of the afternoon. Once he reached the age of majority, his aunt decided it was important for him to be privy to the family�s many investment and business decisions. Will was well aware of his aunt�s wish for him to marry Anne, and that she was grooming him for a future role in the family as her son-in-law. He had absolutely no intention of ever marrying her and he knew for certain Anne felt the same way. Unfortunately, Anne was completely under the thumb of her mother, unable to say no to anything Aunt Catherine insisted upon.

Will knew that one day soon he would have it out with his aunt; he had to inform her that he had every intention of deciding whom and when he would marry, and that it would not be her daughter. Will considered a �marriage of convenience� as something from the Dark Ages; he would never allow himself to be subjected to one. Now that he was coming into his own and would be taking over the reigns at Darcy Pharmaceuticals, he intended to be his own man, master of his own affairs � in all areas.

Upstairs in his aunt�s study, Will resigned himself to the fact he would have to wait to see Elizabeth. She was staying for dinner and Will comforted himself that there would be plenty of time to talk with her before they dined. He even had the perfect moment and setting in mind for his declaration. He nervously tapped his fingers in anticipation, garnering his aunt�s disapproval at his preoccupied manner.

When Lizzy, Bill and Charlotte arrived, Richard greeted them and offered to show them around the estate. He explained that Will would be occupied with their aunt for most of the afternoon, and Lizzy inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. Lately, the tempting Will Darcy had been invading her thoughts again and again. She dreaded seeing him. Each time they were together, she was inexplicably drawn to him. Her resistance was crumbling bit by bit with each encounter. She wasn�t stupid; she knew what he was about. It was apparent he found her attractive, but she was not about to fall victim to his charms. No matter how much he tried, Lizzy could never forgive him for his supposed role in ruining Jane�s happiness with Charles.

After their tour Richard offered refreshments. They drank lemonade on the patio, while Will remained inside with his aunt. When they finished, Richard suggested a game of croquet and all delightedly agreed.

�I haven�t played croquet since I was a kid!� Lizzy laughed, settling on a color and adding decisively �I�ll be red. It�s my favorite.�

�I�ll be black. It�s usually Will�s color, but since he�s not here I�ll usurp his place,� he noted with his eyes twinkling. He hadn�t forgotten the conversation with his cousin the day before.

Charlotte and Bill chose their colors and the game began. Everyone enjoyed the competition while Richard took especial delight in assisting Lizzy on the proper method of handling her mallet and knocking the ball. Briefly glancing up to the windows of his aunt�s study, he put his arms around her from behind as he guided her attempt to hit the ball. Lizzy turned around smirking at him, she was no fool. She was quite capable of holding the mallet and hitting the ball on her own, but she laughed, allowing him this small concession. He is such a flirt! She couldn�t help but relish the attention. It had been a long time since she enjoyed herself with a nice young man like Richard. Charlotte and Bill were preoccupied at the other end of the field where Charlotte was showing Bill how to hit the ball properly through the wickets. While they lagged behind, Richard preferred to remain close to Lizzy. He regaled her with stories about his family and his aunt. Eventually the talk turned to Will and his family.

Will looked forlornly out the window of his aunt�s study as he viewed the croquet game about to begin on the immaculately landscaped croquet lawn below. Being cooped up with his aunt and her attorney the entire afternoon was torturous for Will. Now, with Elizabeth in Richard�s determined presence, it was almost impossible for him to keep his mind on anything but the two of them. That dastardly tune flitted through his head, mocking him with every word.

You're going to lose that girl

He looked at her from above, thinking how adorable and somehow still alluring she looked in a plaid sleeveless blouse tucked into a pair of cotton pants. How could something so simple look so fantastic? He unconsciously licked his lips as he admired her form. Her clothing hugged every curve, showing off her shapely legs that tapered down to her bare ankles and a pair of simple tennis shoes.

He didn�t trust his cousin with her for a minute.

I'll make a point of taking her away from you
(Watch what you do)
Yeah, the way you treat her, what else can I do

As he was about to turn away from the window he gasped as he saw his cousin put his arms around Elizabeth. That troublemaker! He silently fumed in indignation as he saw them laughing and flirting. Will hastily disregarded the thought of opening the casement window and calling out to them, in spite of the insane jealousy he felt for his cousin at that moment.

If you don't take her out tonight
She�s going to change her mind
(She�s going to change her mind)
And I will take her out tonight
And I will treat her kind
(I�m gonna treat her kind)

You're going to lose that girl
(Yes, yes, you�re going to lose that girl)
You're going to lose that girl
(Yes, yes, you�re going to lose that girl)
You're going to lose that girl

Will turned away from the window disgustedly, unable to watch any longer. Later, I�ll have my chance� give me time. He wiped perspiration from his forehead and tried to concentrate on the intricacies of his aunt�s latest business acquisition.

Meanwhile, on the croquet lawn below, Elizabeth, who was curious about William�s family, asked Richard about Will�s sister.

�What�s Will�s sister like?�

�Georgiana�s a nice girl; she�s in that teenager phase right now.� Richard lined up his shot before knocking his ball through the wicket with his mallet.

�Getting into trouble, no doubt?� Lizzy said, thinking of Lydia. Richard looked up at her questioningly, his eyes suddenly serious. The look on his face made her regret her words and she rushed to reassure him. �I have a fifteen year old sister, too.� She laughed, trying to lighten the mood. �She�s a Beatlemaniac, and has a tendency to act before thinking, which tends to lead to trouble.�

Richard kept his head down as he prepared for his next shot.

Lizzy tried to reassure him, by adding, �I�m sure Georgiana is nothing like Lydia.� He looked up and smiled at her, his good mood returning. Lizzy continued, thinking perhaps now would be a good time to bring up another subject that had been on her mind.

�I�ve only heard good things about Georgiana, especially from Will�s friends. Do you know his friend� Charles Bingley?� She tried to make it sound casual as he knocked his ball into hers.

�A little,� Richard said, concentrating on his next shot, �I know they go way back and were roommates. In fact, I believe Will saved him recently from a certain unsettling situation with a girl.�

Lizzy could barely breathe after hearing Richards�s casual reply. �Oh? Why is that?�

Unaware of Lizzy�s discomfort, he replied vaguely, �I�m not sure, but apparently there was some problem with the girl � she wasn�t what Charles thought she was. I�m not really sure, but Will convinced him to try and forget her while he was away in London.�

He stepped on his ball next to Lizzy�s. �Sorry, old girl, but I�m sending you flying!� He knocked his mallet into his ball, sending Lizzy�s ball clear across the playing field.

Elizabeth�s heart swelled with indignation for Jane. I knew it! He did convince Charles to drop her! Lizzy was quiet after this, barely interested in continuing the game. Richard noticed her lack of enthusiasm and asked if she was feeling all right.

�I guess I�ve been out in the sun too much. I didn�t realize it would be so warm.� She was feeling sick after hearing this confirmation about Will�s involvement between Jane and Charles. �Could we go in the shade?� she asked.

Richard put his hand on her forehead; concerned she was overheated. �Of course. Let me take you back to the house.�

He called out to Charlotte and Bill to continue with the game while he saw that Lizzy was settled on a chaise-lounge in a shady spot of the terrace. Charlotte looked worried but Lizzy waved her off. �Don�t worry about me, Char. I�ll be fine, I�m just going to lie down here for a while.�

Lizzy assured Charlotte she would be all right and convinced her to go with Bill and enjoy the rest of the day on their own. Richard added that he would be glad to give Lizzy a ride home later on. When Charlotte agreed, Richard left to get Lizzy a cold drink, promising to return right away. Lizzy took advantage of her time alone to think about what Richard had told her about Will. She was furious with him and hurt for Jane. She looked forward to letting him know exactly what she thought of him!

Richard returned momentarily with an iced tea and sat with her, hoping it would make her feel better. Lizzy assured him she was much better, but a little tired. He offered to leave her alone, so she could have time to rest in peace and quiet. She thanked him, saying that it really wasn�t necessary, but he insisted. He promised to return in an hour as Lizzy lay back on the cushion and closed her eyes. Thoughts of Jane and Charles tumbled through her head as she remembered the conversation she had overheard between Will and Caroline at the Holly Hop.

As soon as Will finished with his aunt and her attorney, he rushed outside to find Elizabeth and the rest of the party. Looking around he didn�t see them anywhere. He headed back to the house, worried he would miss his window of opportunity to tell her of his feelings. Lost in his thoughts as he crossed the rear terrace, he was startled when out of the corner of his eye he noticed a figure lying down on one of the chaise-lounges. Elizabeth! He couldn�t believe his luck. And she�s alone! She looked beautiful lying there peacefully with her eyes closed. He came closer, drinking in the sight of her and remained standing before her lost in her loveliness. Suddenly, she opened her eyes; as if aware she was being watched.

�Will!� She was startled at first, then her eyebrows furrowed. �How long have you been here?�

�Not too long� He smiled down at her. She felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny and sat up.

�Elizabeth, there�s something I�d like to show you. The sunset is beautiful down at the dock, will you join me?� he motioned in that direction.

What better time to give him a piece of her mind? �Yes, thank you, I�d like that. There�s something I want to tell you,� she said enigmatically. Will was encouraged; hoping she returned his feelings. They set out toward the water.

Will led Lizzy to the waterfront, revealing a well kept, but weathered, dock that jutted about 50 yards into the bay. They walked to the end of the dock and stood side by side. The moist, salt air created an unruly mass of curls about Lizzy�s face. The creaking of the pilings and the sound of the water lapping against them were the only sounds but for the occasional seagull. The sun was hovering over the horizon, turning the sky magnificent shades of pink and orange. Will drew in a breath as he looked at Elizabeth�s profile. He knew this was his moment � this was his chance to tell her of his love for her.

�Elizabeth,� Will began, �there�s something I need to tell you.�

Tucking a wayward strand of hair behind her ear, Lizzy bit her lip, avoiding his eyes. Ill at ease, she watched the sun slowly sink lower over the horizon. Its reflection cast a gorgeous tangerine hue over the bay before her. Later she would look back on this moment and have no memory of the stunning sunset unfolding before them.

�I have a thing or two to tell you as well,� she said shortly, staring out at the water. Will was so intent on what he was about to say, he didn�t notice the coldness in her voice.

With little hesitation, he launched in. �I�m sorry, I can�t wait any longer. I�ve got to tell you.� He took her hands in his and turned her toward him. Taking a deep breath, he fought off his nervousness and continued, �Elizabeth�I love you. I have been in love with you ever since the moment we first met.� A wide smile spread across his face as relief and joy washed over him. Finally I�ve said it! Uneasy and worried about admitting his love to her for the first time, he felt a huge burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He almost felt giddy with relief. He tried to see what she was thinking, but her eyes were downcast, her expression unreadable in the dim light.

He began to babble, nervous and unsure of what else to say. �I realize we had a shaky beginning and I�ve noticed you�re a little nervous about our different� backgrounds.�

He didn�t know how to tactfully say this, �My family is�well�� He turned to look at Rosings, as if to indicate what he meant. He continued to hold her hands in his, running his thumbs lightly across their soft skin.

Lizzy numbly listened to his declaration without looking at him until he mentioned their backgrounds, and she couldn�t help but feel affronted. What does he mean by our backgrounds? Her feelings of resentment toward him deepened as he continued in what she perceived as his self-assured way.

Grinning, he blindly dug himself in deeper. �I knew you�d come around eventually. We were meant to be together � don�t you see? I can�t wait to show you off to the world as my girlfriend.� He squeezed her hands, wishing she would look up at him. He wasn�t sure what else to say. He suspected she was nervous at the prospect of being his steady. He smiled down at her, oblivious to her real thoughts. He was so caught up in his own reflections, he didn�t stop to realize she had yet to say anything.

All Lizzy could think about was his pride and arrogance. What nerve! As if I should be grateful! She�d heard about all she could, sickened by his words.

Unknowing, he continued in the same vein. �I haven�t been able to get you out of my head ever since we first danced together at Longbourn. I dream of you � worship you � you can�t believe how much I�ve wanted you, to touch you, hold you.� As he said the words, Lizzy realized he was going to kiss her. He reached to take her in his arms and hold her close, but she avoided his grasp and pushed him away.

�Stop it! I don�t want to hear any more! I don�t want your love!� She spat out the last word as if it were something filthy. Her eyes glinted with hatred as she backed away from him.

�Elizabeth, what�s the matter?� Perplexed by her behavior, he approached her.

�How could you possibly think that I�d fall for your lines, when you�re the one behind Jane�s broken heart?� She began to walk up the dock, leaving him behind. He came after her, shocked at her disclosure and tried to reach for her hand. She turned to face him. �I know that you and Caroline were behind Charles and Jane�s break-up. I heard you at the Holly Hop! Jane has been miserable for the past two months thanks to you!�

Did he hear her right? �What are you talking about? You can�t be serious!� He was confident he could straighten this out, if she�d only listen. He tried to speak calmly and patiently. �I didn�t break up Jane and Charles. Jane did that herself. I was only trying to save Charles from a broken heart.�

She couldn�t believe his arrogance. �Are you crazy? Jane loves him! She�s still pining for him! She never would have broken up with him!�

�That�s not what I heard,� he maintained.

�Oh, and I suppose you know my sister better than I do?� She stamped her foot and folded her arms, glaring up at him.

�Of course not, I don�t pretend to know your sister very well. But, I know Charles better than you do. I wasn�t about to let your sister hurt him once he left for London.�

She was seething. �Who do you think you are? What gives you the right to play God?�

�I have no wish to �play God.� I just did everything in my power to separate my friend from your sister, to save him from certain disaster.� He ran his hand through his hair, frustrated. Towards him I have been kinder than towards myself. Quietly he added, �I thought I was doing Charles a favor.�

A growing unease was taking over, as he began to realize he might have made a huge mistake in regard to listening to Caroline. At that moment the incongruity of his siding with Caroline hit him, but it was too late. Caroline!

�Elizabeth, if you�ll let me explain � �

�No.� Cutting him off, she wouldn�t let him get a word in, intent on giving it to him. �Not only did you manage to ruin any happiness for my sister, I had already made up my mind about you based upon your treatment of George Wickham.�

�Again! We always come back to poor George Wickham!" Will responded in exasperation, face flushed, his anger rising.

�Who couldn�t help but feel sorry for him after hearing what you�ve done to him?"

He turned away from her, looking out at the water, repeating contemptuously. �What I did to him? Is that what he told you? Yes, his misfortunes have been great indeed.�

Elizabeth cried out accusingly, �It�s because of you! It�s your fault that the money for his schooling was cut off. He could have had the advantage of an education from Princeton. His career choices would have been boundless! Only now, to make his way in life, thanks to you, he has to work his way through school in a record store.� She took a deep breath and continued, �You are responsible for this! And yet you mock him!� Lizzy tried to remember exactly what George had said. Will can be ruthless when he wants something.

Will strode to the other side of the dock. �And this � this is what you think of me?� He was appalled. He tried to rein in his anger at Wickham for telling such lies and at Elizabeth for believing them, but his success was limited. Sarcastically, he spoke to her in his haughtiest of tones. �Thank you so much for making it crystal clear! My faults, according to you, are limitless!�

Elizabeth grew angrier every moment; balling her hands into fists, she tried to speak with composure. �Yes, they are. From the very beginning � no, almost from the very beginning � I was positive that you were the most arrogant, conceited, and selfish egomaniac I had ever come across. Everything you�ve done and shown me has only proven that. I could never really trust you, especially after the Holly Hop when I overheard you and Caroline plotting against my sister!�

The remembrance of Will�s overconfident demeanor fueled her anger. Disgustedly, she asked, �Did you really think I wanted to be your girlfriend? I guess it will come as a surprise to you that you�re the last boy in the world I could ever go out with.� He came toward her with a mixture of incredulity and indignation on his face. As he approached, she added, �Nothing you say could make me change my mind about you.�

Will reached out in one desperate last attempt to persuade her, but Lizzy surprised even herself. Warding off his effort, she raised her hand to his chest and shoved him away. Throwing him off balance, she stood transfixed and watched in horror as he stood on one leg, waving his arms as if in slow motion. He gracelessly fell backward off the dock into the water below. With amazement and shock upon his face, his eyes locked with hers before he crashed through the water�s surface. A huge splash sent ripples and droplets of water everywhere before he disappeared beneath the murky water. Lizzy shrieked, gasping in fear as she scurried to the edge of the dock.

Unhurt, Will didn�t have far to fall, since it was high tide, but the water was freezing, and he gasped as it enveloped him. Lizzy stood frozen looking down at him in the water. Astounded at her actions, she had to be sure he wouldn�t drown. Oh God, please let him be all right! She knelt as close to the water as she could, ready to jump in if necessary. The cold hand of fear clamped down on her heart as she waited. As irrational as it seemed, she didn�t want any harm to come to him. After what seemed like an eternity, Will popped up to the surface, spit out some seawater and swam to the ladder on the dock.

She watched in silence as he slowly climbed up, dripping wet, his thin shirt plastered to his body. She couldn�t take her eyes off him. He�s stunning. She had an inexplicable desire to run her hands across his chest. She was horrified that all she could think of as she looked at him was how fine he looked soaking wet. So fit, so chiseled, so�male. She was speechless. Some kind of primordial feeling deep inside her left her confused. She hated herself for being so physically attracted to him � especially at such a moment! They stood in silence facing each other. Neither could take their eyes off the other. Finally, breaking the spell, Lizzy turned abruptly and ran up the dock, wasting no time in getting as far away from Rosings and Will Darcy as soon as possible.

As he watched the retreating figure of Elizabeth disappear behind a clump of bushes in the fading twilight, Will remembered the look on her face. He didn�t try to go after her; he knew it was fruitless. He shivered as the cool air hit his soaking wet body, and he thought of her in despair. His last memory of her was the look in her eyes. It was one of deep loathing. She despised him.

You're going to lose that girl
(Yes, yes, you�re going to lose that girl)
You're going to lose that girl
You're going to lose that girl*

*The Beatles, �You�re Going to Lose That Girl� - performed by The Beatles, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. � 1965 Northern Songs. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured.

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