�Lizzy!� came the chorus of young voices, as the three Gardiner children came spilling out of the front door of the Gardiner�s summer house on Fishers Island. Lizzy greeted them with big hugs and complimented them on how much they had each grown since the last Christmas.

�Lizzy, go on into the house with the kids,� called Mr. Gardiner, as he proceeded to take her suitcases out of the back of their station wagon. �I�ll put your bags in your room for you.�

Lizzy thanked him and let the eager children drag her into the house, each one fighting for her attention, speaking all at once, until Mrs. Gardiner came and rescued her. �Lizzy!� She gave her a warm hug. �It�s so good to see you. How was the ferry ride, no problems?�

�It was just fine, Aunt Maddie.� Even though they weren�t related, Lizzy had called the Gardiner�s aunt and uncle as long as she could remember. �My parents drove me to New London, and I caught the ferry. Uncle Ed was there waiting for me when the ferry docked.�

�Good, I�m glad to hear everything worked out well. Come along, and I�ll show you around and get you settled.� She took Lizzy to her room, her suitcase already there. It was nicely decorated in a summery island motif with a single twin bed and its own bathroom.

�This is beautiful.� Lizzy walked over to the window and was struck by the gorgeous view of the water below. The Gardiners called their house a cottage but really it was a large Tudor-style home, overlooking a small cove, with its own private beach and jetty.

Lizzy opened the window to get a closer look. �Aunt Maddie, what is Cois Na Mara? I saw the sign as we drove in.� She had noticed a small sign with that name as she and Uncle Ed turned in to the long and winding driveway that led up to the house.

�It�s the name of the house. We all name our homes here on the island. It�s Gaelic. It means �beside the sea�.�

�I like the way that sounds.� Lizzy hugged herself and inhaled the salty sea air, sensing that she was meant to be here for the summer.

�I�m glad you like it.� She came up next to Lizzy and put her arm around her. �We�re thrilled to have you with us this summer; it�s all the children have been talking about ever since we arrived here last week. They couldn�t wait for you. I think you�ll like it here. There are a lot of young people on the island that I�m sure you�ll get to know. Even though you�re working for us, we think of you as one of the family, Lizzy, and you�re free to do whatever you want on your day off and evenings. We want you to have fun while you�re here.�

Lizzy was an appreciative audience. She�d been eagerly looking forward to the first of August and getting out of Meryton. The hot summer months of June and July had dragged on interminably. She was glad to see Jane and Charles together again, but at the same time it was a constant reminder that she�d lost her chance with Will. She was anxious to meet new people and get on with her life. Fishers Island, someplace new and different, was just what she needed. Being here felt like a breath of fresh air.

Over the next few days, Lizzy fell into an easy routine. The girls, Kate and Emily, were twelve and ten, and Christopher, the youngest, was eight. Each day Lizzy made sure they were up and fed in time for lessons at the island�s yacht club. She drove them there and waited for their tennis or sailing lessons to be over, or explored on her own and came back for them. Sailing and tennis were de rigueur on the island, and it was important for the children to learn the necessary skills to participate. During the season, there were several sailing regattas that the children eagerly looked forward to. Kate, the most accomplished sailor of the three, would be actively involved in the races, and hoped to bring home a trophy.

One morning during that first week, Lizzy was sunning herself waiting for the children�s lessons to end when she noticed a young teenaged girl, all alone, looking for something on the ground. She was tall and pretty with long blonde hair worn back in a high pony tail. Her face wore a look of consternation as she continued to search for something on the sandy path beside the tennis courts.

Noticing the look of worry on the girl�s face, Lizzy called out, �Did you lose something? Do you need some help?� She got up from her seat and walked toward the girl, who looked up nervously as she approached.

�I�ve lost a charm on my bracelet.�

�Let me help you look for it.� Lizzy volunteered.

The girl looked around her suspiciously, as if afraid of something. She seemed hesitant to accept Lizzy�s offer, but finally relented. �Thanks,� the girl said gratefully, �it must have fallen off somewhere right around here.� She indicated the area in the sand directly below her feet.

Lizzy crouched down beside the girl and the two concentrated on finding the lost charm.

�How big is it?� Lizzy asked. �What does it look like?�

The girl held up her wrist and pointed to the delicate bracelet she was wearing, with a few gold charms dangling from it. �It�s the same size as these, and it�s a heart,� she answered. Lizzy understood and before long, she saw a piece of gold flickering in the sun.

�Aha!� Lizzy cried out exultantly. �I found it!� She picked up the small golden heart and held it out to the girl, who eagerly took the charm in her hand.

�Thank you!� she said gratefully, holding the charm tightly in her fist. �I don�t know what I would have done if I�d lost it for good. It was my mother�s.�

�I�m glad I could help,� Lizzy said, delighted. The girl looked at the charm and seemed to hesitate again. Lizzy could tell she wanted to say something else, but realized the girl must be terribly shy. At once she wanted to make the girl at ease.

She put out her hand to introduce herself. �I just realized we don�t even know each other�s names. I�m Lizzy.� The girl smiled, revealing a cute pair of dimples and a mouthful of braces.

�I�m Georgie. It�s nice to meet you,� she said, meeting Lizzy�s hand with her own. They giggled together at the absurdity of their sudden formality.

�It�s nice to meet you too, Georgie,� and with that, the two fell into easy conversation. Lizzy explained to Georgie why she was on the island and Georgie responded that her family had a house on the island and she�d been there the whole summer. They had been together until it was time for Lizzy to go when Georgie suddenly asked Lizzy if she played tennis.

�If you�re not busy tomorrow at this same time, would you like to play tennis with me?�

Lizzy nodded. �I�d love to. We could play while the kids are in lessons.�

�Great!� Georgie beamed. �Then I�ll see you here tomorrow � same time?�

�You bet.� Lizzy assured her and went down to the dock to wait for the kids, whose sailing lesson was ending almost any minute.

Georgie and Lizzy met the next day and the one after that. Lizzy looked forward to seeing her and they became fast friends. They laughed and talked and enjoyed each other�s company, although Lizzy noticed Georgie was reticent to talk about herself or her family, so Lizzy didn�t press her. She knew instinctively that when Georgie was ready to talk about herself, she would. All Lizzy really knew about Georgie was that she had an older brother.

Lizzy had been at the Gardiner�s for almost a week when she and Georgie noticed a sign posted on the bulletin board at the yacht club about a dance for the �young set� scheduled for Friday night.

�Are you going to the dance?� Georgie asked.

�I hadn�t planned on it, are you?�

�I will if you will!� Georgie said, giving Lizzy a big grin, daring her to go.

Lizzy gave Georgie a sideways glance. �Is that a dare?�

Georgie had a secret plan in mind. She answered slowly, with an impish look. �May-be, maybe not.�

Never one to turn down a dare, Lizzy responded with a laugh, �Sure, I�ll go! It�ll be fun!�

�Great! Maybe I can get my brother to go too!� Georgie wiggled her eyebrows. Lizzy guessed that Georgie was up to something.

�No way!� Lizzy flatly stated, shaking her head. �Absolutely not. No fix-ups!�

Georgie wouldn�t take no for an answer. �Come on, Lizzy, my brother�s nice, what have you got to lose?� She gave Lizzy her most pitiful puppy dog eyes. �Please?�

What do I have to lose? For a moment, Georgie�s eyes triggered a memory of another�s, but why, she couldn�t put a finger on it. However, it made her realize there was nothing really stopping her. She blinked her eyes for a moment, trying to shake the image of him away. It�s time to move on, Lizzy. She gave in to Georgie, who was still trying to impress her with her most sorrowful look. �How can I resist when you look like that?� Georgie jumped with glee and twirled around. �I promise you won�t be sorry!�

Lizzy fixed her with a warning look. Sometimes, Lizzy was beginning to realize, Georgie was irresistible. It was impossible not to give in to this sweet young girl.

�You better be right!� Lizzy kidded her, and pretended to bop her on the head with her tennis racquet.

The night of the dance, Elizabeth entered the main room of the yacht club in her bright yellow sundress with the full swing skirt and simple scoop neckline. Hoping to recognize someone, she looked around quickly to see who was there. She�d made a few friends, aside from Georgie, and expected to see at least a few of them. She saw lots of teenagers laughing and dancing. While some appeared to be closer to her age, the majority seemed slightly younger. Maybe Georgie is here already, Lizzy felt a little nervous to be all alone. She said she was coming with her brother. Lizzy searched for her in the crowded party room while slowly making her way over to the refreshment table. Lizzy sighed, she didn�t see Georgie anywhere.

�Georgie, you go off with your friends, I�ll be all right over here, don�t worry about me.�

�Charles is always telling me how he hates to see you stand alone by yourself at parties, why don�t you ask someone to dance?� Georgie suggested to her brother petulantly. She wanted him to have fun and enjoy himself instead of being a stick in the mud. I wish Lizzy would get here, where is she? She scanned the room, but saw no sign of her yet. I hope she�s still coming.

He patted her head condescendingly. �Run along, brat.�

She rolled her eyes at him. �I�m not a brat, Will.�

He gave her a brotherly smirk. �That�s what you think. Go on, I�ll be fine.� He smiled at her genuinely. Half convinced, she finally gave up and went off looking for her friend.

Lizzy continued to look for Georgie as she stood near the refreshment table, but instead a raggedy looking long white ribbon lying on the floor a few feet away caught her eye. Without thinking, she bent to reach for it and her head collided with something hard. Lizzy closed her eyes briefly as she saw stars for a moment, stunned from the knock on her head. When her eyes opened, her breath caught when she saw who was before her and she blinked her eyes again. I must be seeing things!

Seeing was one thing, but smelling was another one altogether. She breathed in a pleasantly familiar scent that made her heart beat faster. I know that smell. It is him!

Uncomfortable and feeling much too old for the mostly teenaged crowd, Will felt more like a chaperone. He fingered Elizabeth�s ribbon in his pocket and pulled it out to look at. It was getting old and slightly frayed, but he cherished it and couldn�t bring himself to part with it. He didn�t care if it was dirty, it belonged to her, and it was the only thing he had left to remember her by. While he was holding it before his eyes, someone accidentally nudged him and it fell to the floor below. Intent on retrieval before someone stepped on it, he immediately reached to pick it up and was surprised to find someone else was reaching for it at the same time.

Anxious to rescue the ribbon, he deftly scooped it up, only to find himself immediately bumping heads with another. Surprised, he looked to see whom he collided with and didn�t believe the evidence before his own eyes. He gasped aloud while looking into the lovely upturned face of the girl who had haunted his dreams for the past five months.

Both cried out simultaneously, �YOU!�

Lizzy was still kneeling as she looked up into Will�s face. She was astounded, completely taken aback. Quickly pocketing the ribbon, Will reached out to her, taking her hands in his and helped her to her feet, even though his own legs were wobbly from the sight of her. Both of them were in a state of shock.

I can�t believe it, someone pinch me, Lizzy thought to herself. It couldn�t be, could it? It had to be her imagination, how could he be there? Lizzy wished she was dreaming. She was mortified by her clumsiness; unanswered questions had made her dizzy and lightheaded. Could this be a more embarrassing moment? What do I do? What must he think of me? What is he doing here? Her thoughts were all over the place and she was struck dumb looking up to his face, blushing profusely and finding it impossible to think clearly. All she could do was look into those deep, dark, searching eyes that appeared to penetrate into her very depths. Her knees trembled as she swayed toward him.

Sensing her unsteadiness, Will reached out instinctively and pulled her close, holding her upright against his chest. She could feel his heart beating rapidly as he held her close in his strong embrace. His familiar scent was overwhelming and she continued to feel lightheaded, but this time it wasn�t the bump on her head making her feel that way. Please don�t let me faint in his arms!

He locked eyes with her as his arms steadied her. He didn�t know how it happened that he could suddenly be so lucky, but he�d be damned if he was going to let her go! He would savor this moment for the rest of his life if need be. All he knew was this girl � the girl he loved � his Elizabeth, was in his arms, and it felt so right � nothing could stop him now!

They stood momentarily oblivious to everything around them. Lizzy felt the tightening of his arms; she stopped fighting and gave in to them, relishing the feel of his strength. But all good things must come to an end. She realized she couldn�t remain this way forever; she had to pull herself together. After another few moments, she managed a weak smile and spoke up, haltingly.

�Thank you� you can let me go� really, I�m fine now.� She tried to disentangle herself from his grasp, and regretfully he let her go. He felt like kicking himself, She probably still hates me. How could I keep holding her against her will? It�s just like the last time we were together. I�ll never learn.

He looked into her face, which seemed so pale and fragile. �Are you sure you�re all right? Do you need something to drink? Can I get something for you? You don�t look well.�

Oh great! I must look like a wreck! Uncomfortable with his concern, she became more distressed. Unconsciously, she licked her lips, unaware of the effect it had upon him.

�Really, I�m fine, I was just surprised, that�s all.� She tried to make light of the situation even though her insides were jumping all over the place.

Will didn�t really believe her, but went along with it. �If you say so.� They continued to eye each other, self-conscious, searching for something to say.

Eventually, they got past the awkward moment, and Lizzy realized she still didn�t know what Will was doing there. Bluntly, she asked him, �Why are you here?�

�At the dance?�

�No, on Fishers Island.�

�I live here,� he answered plainly. �What about you? What are you doing here?� He waited for her response.

�You live here?� Lizzy was nonplussed. What were the odds? Of all places � she winds up on this little island � and it�s Will Darcy�s home?

�I had no idea.� she said faintly, lost in thought.

Will was just as astonished as she, but he was determined to remain calm and polite. �I know, what are the chances? What brings you here?�

�I�m working as a mother�s helper for friends of our family � the Gardiners. They have a house here.� She was happy to be distracted with such a simple question.

Will furrowed his eyebrows while trying to place the name, �Gardiner�Gardiner�the name kind of rings a bell.� He noticed she was looking around the room as if for someone in particular. It suddenly occurred to him that she may not have come to the dance alone. Is she looking for her date? He dreaded to ask her, but he had to know.

�Umm, are you here with anyone?� he asked apprehensively.

�No one, I came alone. I�m supposed to meet my friend and her br �� she looked at Will in a new light, realization dawning, �� brother.� At that moment she knew exactly who Georgie�s brother was.

�Does your sister go by the name Georgie?� Lizzy asked, amazed by the fates that seemed to have thrown them back into each other�s path.

Puzzled, Will looked at her, �Yes.�

Suddenly all of the unbelievable coincidences struck Lizzy as incredibly funny. Georgie was Will�s sister! She�d played tennis with her everyday for the past week and had no idea! It was an amazing fluke!

�You�re her brother!� she blurted out. �You�re Georgie�s brother!� Lizzy started laughing, it wasn�t just funny, it was absurd!

Will didn�t get the joke, �What are you talking about, Elizabeth? Just what�s so funny?�

�Your sister and I have become good friends! We�ve been meeting here everyday. She�s the one I was supposed to meet tonight!�

His sister had mentioned meeting a new friend. He briefly tried to remember � what was her name? Lizzy! Of course! Now Will fully understood.

�Won�t she be surprised when she finds out we already know each other?� he laughed aloud at the thought. As Lizzy heard the rich timbre of his laughter, she realized it was the first time she had ever actually heard or seen Will laugh. She marveled at him. How handsome he looks. Their eyes met and the air crackled with tension. He quickly sobered as he was reminded of how they didn�t know each other. The thought instantly brought him back to reality. He wished he knew what she was thinking. What does Elizabeth think of me now? Did she get my letter? Did she read it? Has she forgiven me?

An idea came to him as a new song started to play. Taking the initiative, he decided to find out his answer one way or another. Dancing was always enlightening when it came to Elizabeth. He took her hand in his, and indicated the crowded dance floor.

�Come,� he said, his eyes determined but gentle. �Dance with me.�

She bit her bottom lip, hesitating slightly. His hair looked attractively unmanageable as a curl lingered down upon his forehead. His eyes were willing her to join him. Warm at the thought of being close to him, she nodded, allowing herself to be led out onto the dance floor. The song had a relaxed medley, nothing too energetic, yet not too slow either � perfect for the tentative feelings each felt for the other. He held her at arms length, as she cautiously placed her hands upon his shoulders.

Click Here for Song

Before this dance is through
I think I'll love you too
I'm so happy when you dance with me

Will was determined to be on his best behavior with Elizabeth; he would not botch it up this time. Grateful for this second chance, he meant to show her she could trust him and prove his merit to her. They faced each other shyly as they danced to the beat.

I don't want to kiss or hold your hand
If it's funny try and understand
There is really nothing else I'd rather do...
'Cause I'm happy just to dance with you

He reminded himself, concentrating on breathing evenly. I won�t push her. I can do this. I�ll let her set the pace.

I don't need to hug or hold you tight
I just want to dance with you all night
In this world there's nothing I would rather do...
'Cause I'm happy just to dance with you

Elizabeth was still reeling from the shock of running into Will. So many thoughts were rushing through her head that she was unsure of herself, and of him. Does he still love me? I can�t believe he asked me to dance after all I�ve said and done. How do I apologize for my behavior? It�s so nice right now, I don�t want to ruin things and bring it up. In the past, she�d always misread him, a mistake she didn�t want to repeat. She looked up into his dark eyes, searching for an answer.

Just to dance with you
Is everything I need
Before this dance is through
I think I'll love you too
I'm so happy when you dance with me

Will returned her gaze, savoring the feel of her in his arms again. He had to keep reminding himself not to let his hands wander as he held her waist. Easier said than done. Gradually, he began to relax. It felt right, easy, a perfect fit. Nothing made him feel this good; he could dance with her forever.

If somebody tries to take my place
Let's pretend we just can't see his face
In this world there's nothing I would rather do...
'Cause I'm happy just to dance with you

As Will looked around the dance floor, he recognized the appreciative glances from the various guys watching from the sidelines as he and Elizabeth danced together. Jealousy swept over him as he perceived them to be ogling Elizabeth�s figure. She was gorgeous in the yellow cotton sundress that showed off her lithe body and tanned legs. She�s sweeter than all the girls. None of them came close to his Elizabeth. He was mesmerized by the sparkle in her eyes as she danced and every time she bit her bottom lip he imagined what it would be like to kiss her right in that spot. No way would he let someone else cut in on their dance tonight.

Just to dance with you
Is everything I need
Before this dance is through
I think I'll love you too I'm so happy when you dance with me

Elizabeth became more and more at ease with Will as their dance continued. For once there was no animosity between them. There seemed to be a tacit agreement, an understanding. Had they been asked, neither could have explained it, but they both felt the same way. Let�s start over � fresh.

Will couldn�t let her go after this one dance.

�Elizabeth?� he began, his dimples showing as he smiled down at her.

�Yes?� she answered, lost in his eyes as he pronounced her name.

If somebody tries to take my place

Her breath caught as he pulled her closer.

Let's pretend we just can't see his face

He was taking a chance. With a winning smile, he continued �Will you promise you�ll only dance with me for the rest of the night?� She felt she would promise him anything as long as he held her like this.

She didn�t hesitate. There was nothing else in the world she wanted than to dance with him. �I promise,� she said dreamily, swaying in his arms.

In this world there's nothing I would rather do...
'Cause I'm happy just to dance with you
'Cause I'm happy just to dance with you

She felt as if God had looked down on her and given her a second chance. She wasn�t about to mess it up this time. Her eyes were finally wide open, she knew what she wanted. She held on, giving him a tiny squeeze. Inwardly sighing, she sent up a silent, grateful prayer. Thank you.

�Mrs. Reynolds, it�s too bad you couldn�t have been there.� Georgie told her story mischievously. �I have never in my whole entire life seen anything like it.� Georgie buttered her toast and reached for the homemade raspberry jam from one of Mrs. Reynold�s prize-winning recipes.

Mrs. Reynolds was listening attentively while expertly saut�ing a cheese omelet before the enormous six chambered stove in the Darcy�s immaculate kitchen. �Miss Georgie, do you mean to say,� asked the kindly older woman who had been taking care of the Darcys at Pemberley ever since William was four years old. �He danced with the same young lady for the entire evening?� This was news. The young master never danced with anyone, much less the same girl all night! I have to meet this young lady.

�You should have seen them!� Georgie continued enthusiastically. �They looked like they were in another world or something, completely oblivious to anyone else. If I didn�t know better,� she stopped to take a bite of her toast, �I�d say that they were in lo � �

�Not another word, Georgie.� Will cut her off and gave her a steely look that spoke volumes as he entered the kitchen. He acted as if nothing were different that morning, although there was a decided �chirpiness� and spring in his step that did not go unnoticed by his sister and Mrs. Reynolds.

Georgiana continued to munch her toast, casting �I told you so� glances at Mrs. Reynolds while sticking her tongue out at her brother when she knew he wasn't looking.

The next morning, Elizabeth felt she couldn�t do anything right. She was so distracted with thoughts of Will and of the night before that she was all thumbs and kept dropping everything. While buttering toast for the kids, she accidentally knocked the stick of butter off the counter into the open and waiting mouth of Achilles, the Gardiner�s golden retriever, who was always under foot when there was food to be had. In one gulp he swallowed the butter whole. Then she knocked over the Rice Krispies, spilling them across the kitchen floor. Achilles immediately gobbled up all the crunchy little pieces that lay scattered. When finished, he looked up at her with his smiling face, licking his chops, ready for more. She rolled her eyes at him. At least someone�s enjoying their morning.

Madeline Gardiner, aware of the difference in Lizzy that morning, was eager to sound her out about the dance. She loved Lizzy like a daughter and knew something had happened to her at the yacht club. When asked if she enjoyed herself, Lizzy blushed and answered yes, but gave no further details. Madeline was sure there was more to it, but she didn�t press her. Lizzy was a sensible girl and would tell her when she was ready, but the older woman already recognized the telltale signs. It had to be a boy.

At the yacht club later in the day, Lizzy was with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner as they watched the children�s progress in their sailing lessons. Lizzy was able to relax and mull over the previous night�s events, savoring every moment she�d spent with Will. It was a blustery warm day and the salty air felt good upon her face. She looked out across the bay before her, thinking of another time in another place when she had been near the sea and thinking of Will. It seemed like a million years ago. So much had happened since then. Her feelings were now so different towards him! She knew there was still a lot about him that could be considered arrogant, but at least now she was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and not misjudge him as she had in the past. They had danced the whole night together and talked and talked about everything.

Georgie had deliberately mentioned to Will that Elizabeth went to the yacht club nearly every day with the Gardiner children. Appreciative, he wasted no time in jumping in his Jaguar and heading down there from Pemberley. While driving, he remembered one of the conversations they had the night before that finally revealed the answer to the burning question he�d had ever since they first met.

They�d gone outside toward the water and the yacht club�s dock, getting a breath of cool air after dancing. It was calm and quiet in the moonlight, although the sounds of laughter and music could be heard over the lapping of the small waves on the little beach used for launching boats. Will looked askance at the dock, remembering the last time they�d been alone on a dock. He deftly steered her toward the beach. Eventually, after standing together, soaking up the atmosphere, Will had gathered the courage to mention the night they first met.

Quietly, he asked her, �Elizabeth, what happened at Longbourn, why did you run away from me the night we met?�

�Boy, you get right to the point, don�t you,� she said looking away, with a nervous laugh. He kept watching her, waiting for an answer. She finally turned to him and said,

�Will, that was so long ago, can�t we just forget it and start over?� He could tell from the look of uncertainty on her face that there was something she didn�t want to tell him, almost as if she were embarrassed.

�Come on, tell me, it can�t be that bad,� he coaxed. She paused and a look of resignation came over her face.

�It was Caroline.�

�What about Caroline?�

�When I went to the ladies� lounge after our dance that first night at Longbourn, she cornered me and told me she was engaged to you. She basically told me to stay away from you.�

At last, the truth! Caroline! If he could have, he would have strangled Caroline at that very moment. The girl was an interfering witch, nothing but trouble! How dare she? He remembered the look of anguish on Elizabeth�s young face that night when he had found her, and how she had told him to leave her alone. No wonder she was so upset!

He wanted to comfort Elizabeth then and there, to assure her that none of it was true. But, he had promised himself that if he were given another chance he would take things slowly with her, not rush her. He wanted her to be comfortable with him before he brought up anything further. He knew better than to take anything for granted when it came to Elizabeth.

He looked at her sincerely, taking her hands in his. �Elizabeth, that was never true � you know that don�t you?�

She nodded in understanding. As Will looked back on that moment, he cherished the look on her face. As she stepped closer to him, her eyes seemed to be willing him to believe her; there was such earnestness in them. He had wanted to kiss her badly, but was too afraid that he would ruin it with her.

Almost missing the turn due to a lack of concentration, he drove up to the small yacht club and parked his car in the graveled lot. Looking around, he found her easily, standing next to a middle aged couple near the water. There were other people standing around, mostly parents watching their children in the cat boat races. Elizabeth turned and saw Will�s approach. An immediate smile lit up her face. He hesitated slightly, not sure if he should come nearer, aware she was most likely with her employers, the Gardiners. She waved shyly for him to come over, and he took her action to be a yes.

Madeline Gardiner saw the radiant look and sudden flush on Lizzy�s face. She turned to see a very handsome young man approaching them. She recognized him right away. Isn�t that young Will Darcy of Pemberley? No wonder, she thought in understanding. I�d be in a tizzy too if I was Lizzy and Will Darcy was looking at me like that.

Will reached the threesome and Lizzy introduced him to the Gardiners. They talked together pleasantly, the Gardiners informing Will of the friendship they previously had with Will�s father and how sorry they had been when he passed away three years ago. Will thanked them for their kind words. He was impressed with them and their relaxed attitude particularly since Elizabeth was their employee. Elizabeth had spoken of them the night before, telling him they were old friends of the family. She had told him she enjoyed working for them very much and thought of them as an aunt and uncle. Eventually, the Gardiners sent Lizzy off with Will, allowing the young couple some time alone. After they left to get a soda at the clubhouse, Madeline turned to her husband.

�Do you see what I see?�

�You mean, did I notice how those two couldn�t take their eyes off one another?�

�Exactly,� Madeline said as she wrapped her arm around her husband�s waist. They began to walk down the long dock away from the beach and she gave him a knowing look. �I recognize that look on his face.�

�Oh? And how is it you recognize �looks� on handsome young men? Is there something you�re trying to tell me?� he asked teasingly, giving her a squeeze.

�It hasn�t been that long, you know, since you used to give me those looks,� she said laughingly.

�Used to? Well, I�ll have to remedy that, won�t I?� He raised an eyebrow.

She laughed and gave him an impish look before turning back to look at the children�s progress out on the water.

While Lizzy and Will drank their Cokes at the clubhouse, Lizzy brought up a subject that had been hanging over her head ever since she first saw him again.

�Will, I had a good time last night, but there�s something I need to get off my chest.�

She saw him look at her askance, as if he was worried about what she was about to tell him. She rushed to reassure him, placing her hand on his arm. �No, no, it�s all right. But I need to apologize for my behavior that day at Rosings.� She saw a look of protestation on his face as he attempted to stop her.

�No Will � let me say this,� she continued. �I was rude and what I did that day to you was unconscionable.� Again, he tried to protest, but she continued. �I was so ashamed of the way I treated you that day, especially after I read your letter. Now that I know Georgie, I feel even worse that I actually believed George Wickham�s lies.� She looked up into his eyes earnestly, �Please forgive me?�

He smiled down at her reassuringly. �Elizabeth, as far as I�m concerned, you never had to worry about forgiveness from me. You couldn�t have known about George and he�s a great liar. I�m willing to forget about it if you are.�

She smiled in relief and nodded her agreement. She felt like they had a clean slate before them now.

After that, the days flew by as Will and Lizzy saw more and more of each other. Although Lizzy had her duties with the Gardiner family, which occupied most of her time, she still managed to play tennis with Georgie at the yacht club nearly every day. Will managed to find an excuse to be there just as often, usually at the same time as their tennis date. On Lizzy�s day off, he took her and Georgie out sailing. As much as Will relished every minute he spent with Elizabeth, he was eager to spend some time alone with her. Unbeknownst to him, Lizzy was having the same exact thoughts about Will. She was beginning to wonder if he was purposefully avoiding "alone time." Why hadn�t he asked her out for a date?

Finally, as luck would have it, he came up with a plan that would place them alone together for more than just a few hours. It was a secret he hoped she�d be happy about. From what he heard, this was the biggest thing to happen this whole summer. A few nights later, Will drove over to the Gardiners alone and asked Elizabeth to come out for a drive. Inwardly, she was ecstatic to see he was alone, but remained cool and calm as she asked the Gardiners for permission. They were waved off, the Gardiners telling them to have fun. She slid into the front seat beside Will, a little nervous at the thought of finally being alone with him again.

They drove to the beach and Will parked. She was surprised that he stopped, but at the same time nervously excited at the thought. Lizzy had heard that this particular beach was a well known Lover�s Lane on the island for many teenagers. Her heart began to pound and she licked her lips nervously, suddenly shy with him in his car. He turned to her, jumpy with anticipation; he couldn�t wait to spring his surprise on her. He leaned towards her taking her hands in his.

Her breath caught at his touch. All her old doubts and fears about him melted away, they were unimportant now. She willed herself to stop shaking like a leaf as she sensed something momentous was about to happen.

�I have a big surprise for you,� he said, continuing to hold her hands. �Close your eyes.� She closed them obediently. At that moment she was ready willing and able to fall into his arms. This is it! He�s going to finally kiss me! The fact that Will had not kissed her yet had begun to weigh heavily upon her mind. In fact, it had become a full time preoccupation, wondering what a kiss from Will Darcy would be like. Now that they were finally alone together, she prepared herself for the ultimate moment. She tilted her head up to him, her lips suggestively puckered, ready for that first kiss.

Will looked down at her, biting his lip at the tempting invitation. But he had to stop himself. This wasn�t where or how he wanted their first kiss to be � at the most obvious make out spot on the island. He had another surprise in store for her that moment. Stifling a laugh, he pulled out a pair of tickets and held them up in front of her face.

�Open your eyes.�

Disappointed at not receiving the expected kiss, she pouted and opened her eyes, throwing him an unmistakable glance which nearly made him forget his noble intentions and kiss those pouty lips senseless. Before he could act, she saw the pair of tickets held up before her. She looked at them at first in confusion. Then she looked more closely at them and realized they had photos of the Beatles on them. What are these?

Will was grinning, waiting for her reaction. Seeing the look of bewilderment in her face, he felt he had to explain.

�They�re tickets.� He grabbed onto her shoulders enthusiastically and looked her in the eye. �Don�t you want to see the Beatles at Shea Stadium?�

*The Beatles, �I�m Happy Just To Dance With You� - performed by The Beatles, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. � 1964 Northern Songs. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured.

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