Fragments

by Teg

  “I’m sure George told you of the closeness between our families. His father was an old friend and an executive in my father’s company almost from the

  beginning. Naturally, George assumed there would be a position for him upon graduation from high school but both of our parents insisted on a higher level of education for their sons. In some cases money does talk. That must have been how George managed to get into university. His grades weren’t good

  enough, unless he managed to falsify his records somehow.

  “Anyway, he announced his acceptance and desire to pursue a career in law.

  My father practically promised him a position in the legal department when he finished. I wasn’t too concerned, knowing that the odds of George Wickham

  finishing several years of intense study in possession of a degree wasn’t worth calculating. Despite everything, every advantage bestowed on him, George

  remained ungrateful, grasping and of the opinion that he deserved to be served on a plate the best that life had to offer.” Will’s fingers began to softly stroke the length of Elizabeth’s arm as if it offered him some distraction from the feelings simmering below the surface of his own skin. “Of course he didn’t finish his courses. In fact, I’m sure he was thrown out for jeopardizing the reputation of the program with his lax attention to study and vile lifestyle choices.” Perhaps Will had exaggerated a bit but his own sense of values

  rebelled at even being reminded of the details of his old friend’s. “His father had passed away a year earlier, fortunately never knowing the extent of his son’s worthlessness. Even my father failed to notice the signs. It was one of the most distasteful things I’d ever had to do when I persuaded him to refuse

  George’s application. With good reason I feared retaliation for my interference but it did not come until after my father’s death.”

  She could feel the tension in his body but he was silent for a few minutes, then the tautness in his muscles relaxed and he resumed his narrative.

  “I’ve already told you about my sister’s unfortunate involvement with him but I didn’t go into detail regarding my part in extracting her from the situation.”

  “Will.” Elizabeth spoke for the first time. “You don’t need to tell me anything about that. You did what you had to do and I have no doubt that it was all proper, legal and much kinder than George deserved.” She turned herself

  around enough to be able to see him clearly, her own expression clouding when she saw the weariness in his. “Please don’t let him have victory in any form.”

  “Oh, have no fear. George’s fate is sealed. I made sure of that before I left him this afternoon.”

  There was something in his eyes that prevented any further questions on that subject but there was more that Elizabeth needed to know. “What did he have against Charles?”

  Another grimace of pain crossed his face. “It was so simple that I couldn’t see it at first. When George mentioned Charles by name I thought he’d had some perverse idea to get revenge on me, to once more hurt someone I cared about.

  Yet he swore that after I’d thwarted his plan with Georgiana he’d given up on any schemes to get at me. I finally realised what he’d been after all along.

  Plainly, George had seen Charles as guilty of stealing the job he’d expected to be given after completing his law degree. It made no difference that he’d not finished law school, nor that he never intended to go back. The job was

  supposed to be his, in George’s mind, and Charles was to be punished for

  stealing it out from under him.”

  Elizabeth could only stare for a moment before shaking her head in stunned amazement. “Charles was to be punished and so he used me to exact that

  punishment, to hurt Charles indirectly. It does fit his pattern, doesn’t it! The coward! That –!”

  Will silenced her angry outburst by pressing his lips against hers. Resistance gave way to distraction and finally she relaxed enough to let him speak again.

  “Yes, he used you, and was so short-sighted that he didn’t even consider my friendship with Charles meant I would be caught up in it, too. George really didn’t want to draw my attention after that business with my sister. He must have been afraid when he saw me in the visiting room because I’d left him with no doubt about what I’d do to him if he ever got in my way again.”

  “Will, you wouldn’t....?”

  He smiled reassuringly. “I’m not prone to violence, no. I do have other means at my disposal, however, to make George’s life as difficult and unpleasant as possible. He’s well aware of my connections and power and is right to fear for his future freedom.” Sorrow replaced his smile. “Protecting Charles is another matter, unfortunately. Elizabeth, I can’t tell him the truth. He would take it personally, like me, and I can’t do that to him. As far as Charles is concerned, George was simply an abuser and you had the misfortune to become involved

  with him. He knew what I suspected and was almost as relieved as I was to

  find out George did not use my feelings for you as an excuse to hurt you. I’d like it to stay that way but.... can you live with that knowledge and keep it to yourself?”

  It was a lot to ask. Elizabeth had just begun to put that torment behind her only to be presented with a completely unexpected aspect to absorb. She knew it was not within her to inflict this pain on another, to ask Charles to accept and be unaffected by the fact that he was the intended victim of her suffering. One deep breath, then another, and she brought her gaze up to meet Will’s. “Come with me to see Dr. Wendell. The next time I go, please come with me and we’ll talk to her together.”

  Jane glanced at the clock, clucking her tongue. “It’s getting late.”

  “They’ll be back soon,” murmured Charles sleepily.

  “I’m worried. What did Will tell you about seeing George?”

  Charles sighed, opening his eyes to see the lines of concern in his wife’s expression. “He didn’t really say anything other than he’d been wrong in his assumptions. George hadn’t picked on Lizzy as some elaborate plot of revenge against Will.”

  “Is that what he believed?” asked Jane in amazement. “Lizzy must have known what Will was thinking. She was so stressed while you were gone, jumping at every little noise.” She thought for a moment in silence. “But how much of a comfort is that? If Will believes George capable of revenge like that, what’s to stop him from doing it another time? Lizzy would never be safe from him as long as she’s with Will!”

  “Jane, relax,” her husband said in a stern voice. “That wasn’t the case and Will didn’t let on about his relationship with Lizzy. I had the impression that he was disturbed by George’s lack of remorse but his worst fears were put to rest.” His words had the desired effect. Jane’s worried frown disappeared, replaced by the natural gentleness he was accustomed to seeing. “I’m more optimistic that they are out so late. They need the private time together or have you forgotten what it’s like to be in the first romantic stages of love?”

  “Charles!” she squealed, burrowing under the blanket to escape his tickling fingers.

  He chuckled but granted her wish. Jane’s eyes sparkled with the smile he

  couldn’t see; her face was covered to the tip of her nose. A mumbling sounded under the fabric. Charles reached up to pull it away. “I beg your pardon?”

  “How soon do you think before they’re back?”

  “I don’t know. Another half hour or....” He raised an eyebrow, amused. “Why?”

  “Oh,” Jane airily replied, fingering a lock of his hair, “I thought we might work on next year’s Christmas list. I’d like to get a start on the presents.”

  Charles stared, then shook his head. “Christmas presents? You want to start planning that already?”

  “Some things take time to make, you know.”

  “I didn’t realise you wanted to get back to crafting, Jane. Is it because Lizzy is doing so well now?”

  Jane giggle
d. She looked upon her husband with fondness for his lack of

  understanding. “This particular one will take about nine months but I think it will please several people at once.” Satisfied with the grin on his face she

  added, “If you recall, my mother specifically asked but Lizzy also expressed a wish along the same lines.”

  “Then we must not disappoint them,” Charles declared, glancing toward the

  door to make sure it was closed.

  How could it be? Elizabeth wondered at the irony of it. Will had voiced his objections to her accompanying him to see George Wickham, saying it might

  make her dreams worse or act as some sort of catalyst to drive her deeper into torment, and so she relented. He was strong enough to withstand anything, she thought. Yet hours after facing that man there was little left of the Will she recognised. It was as if a veneer had been stripped away, exposing his inner fears and insecurities for all to see. Everyone he loved had been victimised by George in some way. Will was tortured by the fact that he had never been

  defied directly, that he was unable to end the cycle until George was finally behind bars and could not avoid the confrontation he’d always feared. The

  confidence and sense of purpose that had held Will together for so long had at last come undone and as she comforted him, Elizabeth reflected on how much he had given her over the months, patiently and lovingly, without asking

  anything in return. It was her turn to give and her courage rose to the challenge when he gave voice to his fears.

  “Elizabeth, I don’t want to wake up one morning and find I’ve lost you. I lived with that feeling for nearly a year and thought I’d go mad!” His voice took on a desperate quality. “I’ve curbed my desire for so long, trying to wait until you have resolved the ghosts of the past, but I can’t wait any longer. Elizabeth, we’ve spoken of marriage, even teased each other about children. If you cannot marry me because it’s too soon, please allow me some hope. It was agony for me to return you to Jane and Charles. I’m asking you to move into my home, make it yours as well. I’ll wait to marry you, as long as you say; wait for a family or accept none if you prefer. Elizabeth... I’m afraid each morning until I see you or hear your voice. I’m afraid you’ll be gone.”

  Cheeks wet with tears, she drew him close, kissed his lips without reserve and held his shaking form until she found the means to speak. “Will, I love you dearly. I can’t move in with you, though. It is too soon but I can make you a promise. I do want to marry you, more than ever. I want to give you children if I can. If we move toward that, pick a date and make plans, is that hope

  enough?”

  His eyes came alive on hearing her question. Struggling to collect himself, Will said, “Then let me ask you properly.” He held her hands gently, caressing the backs with his thumbs, and fixing his steady gaze on hers. “Elizabeth Bennet, my life will be whole only with you to share it. Would you please marry me?”

  She wanted to laugh at the simplicity of the question after all they had been through together. She wanted to laugh at the simplicity of her answer but all she could do was stare solemnly into his eyes and say, “Yes.”

  With such few words their future was settled. It seemed so easy and the calm that descended upon them, knowing that forward was the only direction from that moment, brought with it such giddiness of spirit that those future plans must immediately be discussed. Will was eager to buy a new house, one that would be suitable to Elizabeth’s needs, for it was becoming more clear which physical limitations were going to be permanent. Every convenience would be provided, of course, as they would be required for the six children they would have.

  “Oh!” Elizabeth suddenly said in the midst of their laughing. “Look at the time!”

  “I’d better get you home now,” smiled Will. “If you stay any longer you won’t be leaving until morning.” The expression in his eyes punctuated his meaning.

  It left Elizabeth feeling flustered. “Right,” she breathlessly replied.

  They prepared to leave, conscious of every movement the other person made, every brush against one another as Will helped Elizabeth with her coat. Their conversation in the car was along the same vein as earlier but with an

  underlying excitement more sensual in nature. Arriving at the house, Will saw Elizabeth to the door. Their parting kiss was brief, neither wishing to stand for long under the porch light, visible for all the neighbourhood to see.

  “Tomorrow,” whispered Will, “we pick out a ring for you to make it all official.

  Then we can tell the whole world.”

  Elizabeth laughed lightly. “Just tell my mother. The world will find out quickly enough after that.”

  “Oh, no. I want to announce it myself, to everyone and everywhere!”

  Another kiss and he ushered her inside the house, no other evening bringing such a sense of utter contentment at its close.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  On a bright day in February Jane was unusually solemn. Her sister finally

  asked what was troubling her when there had been no change all day.

  “It’s a testament to how far you have come, Lizzy, and how much Will has

  done for you. Today marks one year since you arrived at that hospital

  emergency room.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes flew to the calendar. “So it is. You’re right, Jane. Will’s importance in my life has given me license to forget all the horrors of George Wickham. I’ve learned to think of the bright aspects of my life and not dwell on the dark ones. At least I try to follow that maxim. There are days, I’ll admit, when I’d rather just go back to bed and pretend it didn’t happen.”

  “I’ll never forget that night, Lizzy,” Jane quietly said. “I’m sure Will won’t, either.”

  Elizabeth had been aware that Will knew the details of that night, more details than she could recall, yet she had believed him to have learned those from Jane and from his interview with George, not from seeing first-hand the results of that man’s violent actions. Their sessions with Dr. Wendell had focussed on the present, not the past, helping to establish understanding between them and strengthen their relationship. “He didn’t tell me he was there.”

  “How could he? I’m sure he wants to forget it as much as either of us. I had asked him to go with me because Charles was out of town.” Jane’s memories

  had not faded with time. She told her sister of the shock and fear the sight of her had instilled in both of them. Despite her own grief, Jane had felt Will shaking with anger as he held her. Had she known at the time of his true

  feelings for Elizabeth she might have interpreted his reaction differently, or she may never have asked him to go with her. “It was horrible; too horrible to see one you love so badly beaten. I still have nightmares sometimes.” Jane reached for her sister’s hand, for she was in need of comforting now.

  “I’m sorry, Jane.” She still felt she shared the blame for the distress caused by her relationship with George. “By the time I discovered what he was really like it was too late for me to get out without being burned. I thought I could find a way out on my own, a way that would be less difficult. How wrong I was.”

  “Lizzy, you were a victim.”

  “I wasn’t the only one, though.” Elizabeth sighed. “My entire family suffered; you and Charles most of all. Then there’s Will.” Inhaling deeply, she suddenly smiled. “It’s behind us now, thank goodness. I don’t want to look back.” She was pleased to see her sister’s smile return, too.

  “He’s a remarkable man.” Jane’s voice was quiet.

  “He is, indeed. You know, Jane, last year I could see my life spinning out of control, away from all I had known. Now it’s coming together piece by piece and every one of those pieces has Will’s name on it.”

  “I think he needs you, too.”

  Eyes sparkling with amusement, Elizabeth nodded. “That’s what gave the

  biggest boost to my self confidence, knowing I
was needed and not just needy.

  He’s pretty intense and could use a good laugh once in a while.”

  Her sister thought for a moment. “I don’t believe I’ve seen Will laugh much.”

  She narrowed her gaze and looked at Elizabeth. “When you first knew each

  other you spent most of your time arguing. Now you just stare pathetically at one another, all mushy like.”

  “We do not!” laughed Elizabeth.

  “You do,” insisted Jane with a smirk.

  Elizabeth continued to live with Jane and Charles while maintaining her

  therapy and planning her wedding. Soon her conversation was hampered by

  only a small hesitation during longer speeches. Although the weakness would never diminish in her leg, it was her arm that suffered more. Elizabeth was fond of walking and Will would often show up in the middle of the day to take her for a walk, reinforcing her physiotherapy regimen. She was not so faithful to the exercises for her arm, despite Will’s frowns and scolding, but those did not come as easily and certainly were not as welcomed as the excursions with the man she loved.

  Will was never far away. He would visit after work or after dinner, taking Elizabeth for a drive to see prospective homes that he thought she might like, or simply taking her up to the park so that they could sit together and enjoy the quiet solitude after a busy day. He had no idea what was involved in planning a wedding but knew enough to avoid leaving it all to Elizabeth. Charles was a little helpful, but insomuch as his own wedding was a packaged tropical affair, there wasn’t much he could offer in the way of concrete assistance and Will was forced to attend to his future mother-in-law’s advice more frequently than he would have liked.

  Dolores was eager to invite every distant member of both families, plus half of society’s best known single men just so that her other daughters would have dance partners. It was all Will could do to remain silent and trust in Elizabeth and Jane to keep their mother under control. At one point he was desperate enough to pick up the phone and beg his own sister to come and intervene but at the last minute managed to resist. Eventually the arrangements were set and nothing Dolores could say would change anything. Jane had felt the pressure more than with her own wedding.