I've not checked in here for a few days so its nice tosee it's busy. Love the story Gail can't wait for the next installment- with some serious snogging please:-) Welcome Barbara please de-lurk elsewhere as well. Sadie can't wait for your story the naughtier the better for me. Plenty of tongue action as well please ladies :-D

I'm sorry, but we're still not at the "good" stuff yet. It's coming - I promise you. Just a few more chapters. I've been reading a lot of Nora Roberts lately to help me get in the mood to write some really torrid stuff. What Matters Most Chapter 8 �Liz Bennet speaking, may I help you?� Liz answered her phone at work on Wednesday. �Hi Lizzy, how are you?� �Jane, hi, I�m great. What�s up?� �I called to see if you�re free tonight. Karen and I are having dinner and hoped you could join us. Charles and Rob are going to their monthly audit committee meeting at the club and we thought we�d have a nice girls� night in.� �Sounds great. At your house or Karen�s?� �At Karen�s, around 7:00. She didn�t want to leave the kids at bedtime. We�ll tuck the little guys in and then have a nice relaxing dinner and gabfest.� �I�ll be there. I have something I need to discuss with you guys and this is the perfect opportunity.� �Lizzy honey, is there something wrong?� �I don�t want to get into this now Jane, but I am having some doubts about marrying Brian. I�m hoping for some advice from my big sister and sister-in-law.� �You know you can always count on Karen and I for advice. OK, I�ll bring the wine. Since Karen can�t drink any there will be plenty to loosen up your tongue!� Liz giggled. �Jane, I love you. But remember it is a work night and I can�t get drunk.� �I�ll keep you in line my love. Get back to work. See you tonight.� �Bye.� ******* �Those babies are so adorable,� Jane sighed wistfully after helping Karen and Liz put her three-year old and 18-month old nephews to bed. �Oh Jane, no luck yet on the baby front?� Karen asked, guiltily patting her 5-month pregnant belly. Jane got a gleam in her eye. �Well�..actually�..I went to the doctor�s today and�..� Liz let out a whoop and grabbed Jane into a bear hug. �Ohmigod! Jane, you�re pregnant!� Jane smiled broadly as Karen got in on the hugging. �Yes I am, almost 2 months along and everything is fine!� �How did Charles react to the news?� Karen asked. �He�s thrilled. He�s trying to convince me not to go back to school in the fall but I think I�ll go crazy hanging around the house just waiting. I�d rather keep myself busy until the baby�s born and then I�ll stay at home. � �Then you�ll have plenty to keep you busy!� Karen said with a grin at Liz. �While you will be dealing with three under the age of four,� Liz replied. �I don�t know how you do it.� �It�s not so bad when you have a house full of help. I feel sorry for anyone in my position that doesn�t have a housekeeper and a cook. If I had to clean and cook poor Rob would be starving in a pigsty! Anyway, the first one is the toughest so Jane will have plenty to do. And you know me, I�ll be there to give Jane so much advice she�ll be kicking me out of the house!� �Speaking of advice,� Jane interjected, �Lizzy, it�s your turn now. Spill your guts to your dear loving sisters.� The women sat down at the dining room table to enjoy a meal with their conversation. Liz noticed she was the only one with wine in her glass. It was going to be a long night. After avoiding the prodding stares of her sister and sister-in-law as long as she could by slowly chewing her food, Liz finally gave into their tacit urging for dirt. �Well�..this is my problem. You see, I�m not sure I want to marry Brian. But how do I know for sure? Could it just be pre-wedding jitters?� �What�s brought on your doubts honey?� Jane asked with evident concern. �Things seemed to be going so well a couple weeks ago at the engagement party.� �Actually I was starting to have second thoughts even then. Things have just been different since we left college. There we were both focused on classes and studying and we had the common objective of graduating with honors. Now that we�re home and beginning the rest of lives, I�m finding that our goals no longer seem compatible. While we both want marriage and children in our futures, I also want to pursue my accounting career and would like a husband that encourages me. Brian is acting like his career is the only one that matters and my role is to cater to him. Although I want to support him, I refuse to give up my own aspirations. This is the 21st century ladies. Am I so wrong?� �Maybe Brian is trying to support you sweetie,� Jane began. �Maybe he just doesn�t realize how important your job is to you and he�s thinks his way will make your life easier.� �Jane, you always try to see the best in everyone. I love you for that. But no, we�ve discussed this several times and he seems to think that my most important role in life is to be his wife and that my �little job�, as he calls it, is just a fling until we�re married. I just can�t get him to see my side. Frankly, I don�t think he wants to.� �Well I know that Charles would love for me to stop working and stay home. But in our case, it�s because he works at home and wants my company. He does know I love teaching and wouldn�t dare belittle it. I guess I can see why you�re bothered by Brian�s attitude.� �And I don�t work because I never wanted to,� added Karen. �I always wanted to be a wife and stay-at-home mother. But if I ever did want a career, Rob would be the first one trying to figure out how to juggle the household responsibilities so I could do it. Liz honey, the real issue is, is your job worth losing Brian over? What is it you need to make you happy?� �I want to be my own person, doing something that gives me some self-satisfaction. Maybe later I�ll find that in motherhood but right now I refuse to let myself be lost in Brian�s shadow. I need something of my own. I used to find his life plan comforting. It made him seem responsible and mature. But I didn�t realize that the plan was indeed his and not ours. My needs seem to be missing from the equation. And lately I can�t seem to do anything to please him. He criticizes my hair and clothes constantly. And the only socializing he wants to do is with his set of friends from the club. God forbid we hang out with any of my friends. He doesn�t care for Charlotte and hates Bill. He likes you guys only because your husbands are successful and he only tolerates Mom and Dad because of Grammy�s social position. I�m so sick of dinners at the club and boating around the harbor that I could scream. None of his friends work, they all sponge off their families. So all they talk about are the stock market, yachts, golf scores and tennis matches. And their wives and girlfriends aren�t much better. I got mad at Brian last weekend for one of his belittling comments and refused to go out on the boat with him and his friends last Sunday. He was so mad he didn�t call me until today and that was only to tell me what time he�d pick me up for the charity ball on Saturday. It�s unusual for us to go a whole week not seeing each other. Actually, it�s been kind of nice.� �The important question then Liz is, do you love him? And if so, are you willing to work with him to overcome these issues? You could try counseling.� �I don�t think it would work Jane. First of all, I don�t think I could get him to go. He thinks things are just fine and dandy. Secondly, I�m not sure that I want to put the time and effort into it. I guess that means I don�t love him.� �Well then little sister, you know what you should do.� �I have something else to confess,� Liz said sheepishly, �but you guys have to swear you won�t tell anyone, not even Charles or Rob.� �Scout�s honor,� replied Karen quickly while Jane silently crossed her heart. �Will Darcy kissed me.� �What? When? Tell us all, dear sister,� Karen begged. Liz told them all about her interactions with Will, including their jogs on the beach, the visit to her grandmother�s house and the kiss. �Liz, he is one handsome man. If I weren�t married to your brother, boy, I�d go after that one myself. But even a pregnant lady with two kids and a wonderful husband can enjoy looking!� Liz blushed. �He is very handsome and very sweet too. He�s so easy to talk to and I like him a lot.� �Liz, could Will have something to do with your dissatisfaction with Brian and your unwillingness to try to fix things with him?� Jane just had to ask. �I�ve thought about that a lot Jane. I was becoming discontent over my relationship with Brian before I even met Will. Perhaps part of my motivation does have something to do with Will but only because I now see how great a guy can be and Brian just doesn�t measure up.� �So now what? When are you going to break it off with Brian? Are you going to date Will?� Karen�s string of questions had Liz thinking, not for the first time, that her sister-in-law would make a good reporter or lawyer. �Well there�s the charity ball which his parents organized and both of our families will be there so it could be very awkward breaking up with him before that. On the other hand, I don�t think I can keep up this charade much longer. So I guess I�ll either tell him on the way home from the ball, or on Sunday at the latest. As far as Will is concerned, he hasn�t asked me out. He has no idea I�m going to break up with Brian and he wouldn�t hone in on his brother.� �No, he�d just kiss you,� Karen smirked. Liz made a face at her. �I told you he regretted doing that. Even though Brian treats him like sh-t, Will loves him and told me he would never purposely hurt him. Anyway, we�ll just see what happens after I break up with Brian. If Will is still interested and asks me out, I�ll go and see what develops. If not, then that�s the way it goes. I�ll just move on. I think he�s nice but I�m not in love with him.� �Not yet anyway,� Karen couldn�t resist getting in the last word. ******* Brian had been despondent over the slight. He desperately wanted the prestige of becoming a member of the country club�s audit committee. Only the most respected members were asked to participate. He had hoped that his soon to be brothers-in-law would recommend him for the latest opening, but that had not happened. Who could bring more prestige to the committee than a Darcy, even if he was only 25? Why, Rob and Charles were only a few years older. Never mind that the member selected was from a well-respected family and had extensive financial experience. What good did it do him to be engaged to Liz if he wasn�t shown some favoritism? Brian cheered somewhat as he greeted the visitor to his yacht and gave the go-ahead to the captain to take the boat out a few miles. No sense taking any chances in being seen. He had too many friends frequenting the marina who would think nothing of coming aboard just to say hello. Pulling his guest into the master bedroom, he embraced her tightly and kissed her passionately. �Oh Brian,� she cooed, �are you happy to see me honey.� �Oh yes,� he moaned, �very happy.� He traced his fingers down the front of her low cut blouse enjoying the feel of her expansive breasts. �You are so beautiful Abby. I want you now.� They fell to the bed and spent the next several hours enjoying each other�s company. To Be Continued�..

I knew it! What a ratface he is! I hope Will and Elizabeth discover this so that they suffer no guilt over being together. Thanks Gail. Please post more soon, 'cause I want the satisfaction of seeing Brian get dumped almost as much as seeing Will h---. (That pom was for you, Danielle)

Thanks Gail I enjoyed that ,loved the girl talk.At last she's seen the light. How she can say 'Will Darcy kissed me' without buckling at the knees I don't know,she obviously needs another reminder of a real kiss by a real man instead of that scumbag Brian,hint,hint.

Whew - ratface is right. Yeck, what a jerk. Cant wait for Lizzy to dump him!! I've been reading a lot of Nora Roberts lately to help me get in the mood to write some really torrid stuff. mmmm... she is good isnt she? :-) Have you read her series on Eve and Roarke which she writes under the name of J.D. Robb? Totally steamy - and her discription of Roarke is, well, lets just say with a pair of contacts CF could play him perfectly in a movie. :-) *sigh*

*Sighing with you* Which parts of him sexactly, Esbee?

LOL Sadie! But this is drool, darling, you could've spelled out 'humped'! hee hee! I'm all excited Gail! I never read Nora Roberts or JD Robb - but I do have a gift certificate from amazon.com that's waiting to be spent! when i get back tonight, I'll use it through Drool! Ah yes, more delicious steamy reading for me!!!!!

Nora Roberts, JD Robb, burned in brain. Danielle, you lucky lucky woman! I forgot to acknowledge your contributions to drool along with Judy and Tracy (see Odds&Ends to see what little demure me means!)

Lucky because of your gift certificate! Enough sex talk. Must eat to avert total brain shutdown.

Esbee - hadn't read any of the JD Robb stuff - will have to check that out. Thanks for the tip. Sadie - what is Odds&Ends?

I know you're all waiting for this so I'll be kind and not keep you in suspense any longer. No, before you get all excited, it's not the sexy stuff. That you still have to wait for. Let's keep that anticipation building! What Matters Most Chapter 9 It was Saturday evening when Liz�s phone rang. �Hello?� �Hi Liz, I�m running a little late. I�ll be there to pick you up in a half hour.� �That�s fine Brian. If you�d like I could take my own car and meet you at the club to save time.� �No. I will pick you up. How would it look for you to arrive in that gawd-awful green thing to the most elegant ball in the club�s history? It would embarrass my parents and they have poured their hearts, souls and money into making this the best charity ball ever.� �Fine,� Liz sighed. She knew it was Brian who would be embarrassed, not his parents. �I�ll see you in a half hour.� She hung up the phone and thought, It will have to be tonight. I cannot take any more of this. Sorry Brian, but after tonight you are history. ******* Liz sulked as she looked out the window of Brian�s black Porsche. It didn�t matter that she was breaking up with him; he still should have said she looked nice. But he hadn�t said anything. She supposed she should be thankful he didn�t criticize. Maybe he didn�t care anymore either. Liz convinced herself that Brian would be just as relieved as she to no longer be engaged. She played with her engagement ring thoughtfully. The diamond was big and the setting was lovely but it wasn�t what she would have chosen for herself. Of course Brian hadn�t consulted her when making his selection. It was presented to her with the expectation that she would accept it and love it. Just like the rest of Brian�s plans. She would not miss the ring. Or the plans. A feeling of freedom washed over her and her mood brightened considerably. Until Brian spoke. �Liz, we are sitting with some very important people tonight. I don�t want them thinking I cannot provide for my intended so do not speak about your job. Tell them about the wedding arrangements and the plans for building our new house.� Furious, Liz turned to him. �I do not need you to tell me what to talk about. I will say whatever I darn well please. Isn�t it enough that you tell me how to dress and how I am going to live without telling me what to say?� Brian remained cool in the face of her anger. �If I could trust you to do the right thing, I wouldn�t have to tell you. It�s bad enough that your parents have to show up at these things without you causing me further embarrassment.� That was it. She was going to do this now before she exploded. �Brian pull the car over right here, right now.� Surprised by her vehement tone, Brian complied Liz pulled the engagement ring off her finger and laid it carefully on the dashboard. �Brian, I cannot continue like this. I thought you loved me but lately all you do is find fault with me. You have changed since we�ve come home from school. You are no longer the man I thought I loved and I no longer wish to be engaged to you.� Brian looked at her in anger. �How dare you?� he asked. �How dare you break up with me? I handed you the world on a silver platter. Do you think you will be happy being an accountant for G-d sake? Look at what your brother and sister have. Don�t you want to be like them? They�ve come so far from the life your parents imposed upon you.� Liz sighed heavily. �Brian, you never understood me or my family. My parents are wonderful loving people who gave my brother and sister and I a terrific childhood. I have never needed money to make me happy. If I did, I could just go to my grandmother and she�d give me anything I wanted. I was attracted to the security you were offering me not the money you were going to make. But I can�t accept it on your terms. I�ve come to realize I want to make my own way in the world and not just hang onto your coattails.� �Fine. You�ve made your decision and now you can suffer for it. Don�t expect me to come crawling back when you�ve discovered what you threw away.� Brian put the ring into his coat pocket, pulled the car back onto the road and drove in resentful silence. Soon they came to the magnificent stone entrance to the country club. He stopped the car at the front entry as a doorman came over to open Liz�s door. She motioned him away. �Get out,� Brian hissed. �Aren�t you coming in?� �Not right now. I�m sure your family can make room for you at their table. I�ll thank you not to sit with my family. I may be back later but right now I just want to drive around.� Liz was afraid that he would get into an accident driving in anger. �Brian, please. Let�s talk about this.� �There�s nothing left to say. You�ve made your choice. Liz, I�m not going to do anything stupid if that�s what you�re afraid of. You�re not worth it. Just go away and leave me alone.� �I�m sorry Brian,� Liz said softly as she opened the door. �I never intended it would end this way.� �It doesn�t matter,� he said coldly and took off. ******* Jane immediately observed the paleness of Liz�s complexion when she entered the ballroom. Pulling her aside before her mother or grandmother noticed, Jane whispered, �Let�s go to the ladies room.� Liz nodded numbly and followed her sister. Karen spied them and followed at a discreet distance. �Hey, wait up,� she yelled when she hit the corridor. Jane and Liz waited for her to catch up before entering the ladies� lounge. Fortunately it was deserted and Jane demanded an immediate explanation. �OK Lizzy, what has happened? You are as pale as a ghost.� �I did it girls. I broke up with Brian.� �When? Why? What happened?� Karen was at her inquisitive best. Liz explained her ride to the ball in Brian�s coach. Not at all what one would call a Cinderella story. Jane and Karen clucked in sympathy for their sister. �Come on sweetie,� soothed Jane. �Freshen up your make-up and join our table. You�ll have to tell the rest of the family but it will be fine, I promise you.� �Yes it will,� Karen added, �but I thought this was what you wanted, so why are you so upset?� Liz began to work on her face as she responded, �It was just after Brian�s initial anger, which I would have expected, he was so cold, indifferent. When I said I was sorry he said it didn�t matter. I�m beginning to wonder if he ever cared about me.� �Of course he did honey,� Jane said. �He did ask you to marry him after all.� Liz looked dazedly at her reflection in the mirror as she realized something. �No, actually, he never did ask. He put the ring on my finger in front of his friends and announced it. He never did ask.� �What?� Karen sputtered, for once at a loss for words. �Yes it�s true. And you know what else? He�s never kissed me on the lips. It�s always been on the cheek.� �What?� Karen asked again, more and more amazed. �Even when he made love to you?� �No. Actually we never made love. He never touched me.� Why did that seem so strange now? It appeared perfectly normal to her before. After all they had rarely been alone. �You went with this guy for two years and he never touched you, much less kissed you? You are lucky to have gotten out of that relationship alive. He must be a lunatic.� That comment brought Liz out of her dazed reverie and she laughed heartily. �I think you�re right Karen.� ******* Liz found she was enjoying herself in spite of the bad beginning to the evening. Her parents and grandmother were very supportive of her decision and made every effort to put her at ease. The dinner was delicious and the conversation lively. Sitting in the midst of her dear family, she felt very loved, cared for and secure. The only awkwardness came when she went over to tell Mr. and Mrs. Darcy why Brian was missing. But they were very kind to her and told her they understood that sometimes these things just didn�t work out. They said it was no one�s fault, that there were no ill feelings and they were sure Brian would be fine. Liz would have been very surprised to see the wink Mrs. Darcy gave to Mr. Darcy as she walked away from their table. And even more astonished to see Mrs. Darcy discretely give the thumbs up to Liz�s grandmother. Once the music began, Liz was sitting alone at the table when Will approached her. �Hi Liz, mind if I sit?� �Please do.� He pulled out a chair and sat facing her. �I heard about you and Brian. Are you all right?� �Just fine, thank you Will.� Seeing the concern deepen on his face she added, �Really Will, I am fine. It�s actually a relief.� �I just hope it wasn�t something I said.� Liz touched his arm briefly. �No Will. This was coming on for a while. You didn�t say anything to me that I hadn�t thought myself. But I do appreciate you listening to me. That did help me sort out my feelings and finally come to a decision. The right decision.� Liz thought he still looked doubtful, but somewhat relieved. �Are you here with a date?� �No, I was supposed to escort Georgie but she�s found some friends to keep her busy.� �Well then, since I also find myself without a date, why don�t we dance?� While Will normally did not like to dance, he thought this was a delightful idea. How could he not take the opportunity of holding Liz in his arms? �Yes, I�d like that.� Will tried not to hold her too closely however sorely he was tempted. Just having her near, feeling her hand in his, smelling her perfume was enough. For now anyway. It was too early to make a move, but soon�.. �Liz, you look ravishing tonight. I love your hair like this.� He took his hand from her waist and briefly touched the tiny white flowers entwined in her curls before pulling her just a smidgen closer. �And your dress is beautiful. This shade of green becomes you very well.� He thought she looked like a goddess in deep green silk that floated over her curves like a whisper. Liz felt a little thrill course up her spine. �Thank you.� Not accustomed to compliments, she was somewhat tongue-tied. She looked up at him and the sight of his lips made her remember the kiss they had shared. Blushing furiously, she moved her eyes to stare fixedly at his shoulder. You�re making an idiot of yourself, she scolded silently. He didn�t mean it. He said it was a mistake. Will spied the look of desire that had so briefly passed over her face and was filled with warmth. Soon, my sweet Lizzy. Soon I will have you. Too bad Brian, old boy, you lost your chance and now it�s my turn. Attempting to return the compliment, Liz commented, �You look great too. I wouldn�t have expected a police detective to own a tuxedo.� Will laughed. �If it was up to me, I wouldn�t. My mother had it made for me as a Christmas gift. She says every man has to own one good suit and this is mine. It does come in handy for these types of affairs which I�m still sometimes forced to attend as much as I try to get out of it.� Liz smiled up at him. �You can�t disappoint your parents. I understand they organized this whole affair and that a considerable amount of money has been raised for charity. Your parents are wonderful people. They were very kind when I told them about Brian and I. It surprised me a great deal.� Will nodded in agreement. �Yes, I found their reaction a bit strange. They didn�t seem at all upset even though I know they think the world of you. It was almost like they were expecting it to happen.� �Whatever they thought, I�m just glad they don�t hate me. I love your parents dearly.� Just then Liz started and grabbed tightly onto Will. �Look over there,� she hissed. Will turned to see Brian entering the ballroom and on his arm was a attractive, buxom blonde. She was wearing a sapphire blue silk designer gown that fit like a glove. She was laughing at something Brian said and he leaned over and kissed her. �Ohmigod Will!� Liz exclaimed. �She�s wearing my ring!� The woman had put her hand up to brush some of her perfectly styled hair behind her bejeweled ear and Will saw the sparkle of a large diamond on her left ring finger. Turning Liz away from the sight, he took her arm. �Let�s go out on the patio.� He said it as a suggestion but firmly led towards the French doors. By the time they were outside, Liz was trembling with emotion. �How could he do this?� she asked. �No one here outside the family knows we have broken up. He brings some strange woman here and she is wearing my engagement ring! Did I mean so little to him that he runs right out and proposes to someone else? There must have been something going on between them before now. Oh Will, I feel like such a fool!� The tears came spilling down as she shivered from fury and the cool evening air. Will opened his coat and pulled her close. She wrapped her arms around his waist, snuggling into his warmth. Soon the front of his shirt was wet with her tears. What an idiot you are Brian! he thought angrily. I thought you had more sense than this. �Would you like me to take you home Liz,� he asked gently. �Yes please,� she gulped. �I can�t go back in there.� Will removed his coat and placed it on Liz�s shoulders before leading her around the building to the front. He kept an arm protectively around her as they waited for the valet to retrieve his pick-up truck. Will settled Liz into the front seat, turning the heat on full blast to warm her up. �I�ll just go in and let your parents and mine know that we are leaving so they don�t worry. I�ll be right back. Will you be all right?� Liz sniffed and wiped more tears from her face. �I�m fine Will. Go ahead.� Will found Rob Bennet first and asked him to pass the message to his parents. Rob was staring furiously at Brian who was dancing with his lady. There were holding each other close and looking into each other�s eyes intimately. �That a�hole brother of yours, Darcy. I could kill him. He�s making a fool of my sister. Of my whole family. If I wasn�t a gentleman, I�d go smash his face in.� �I�m so sorry. If I thought it would help anything, I�d hold him down for you.� �I know, Will. It�s not your fault your brother is a weasel. Just take care of Lizzy, OK?� �You can count on it Rob.� Will then sought out his parents and found them in the corridor outside of the ballroom, deep in conversation. He did not hesitate to interrupt. �Mom, Dad, I just wanted to tell you I�m leaving. I�m taking Liz home.� �Oh Will, thank G-d you are taking care of Liz,� his mother said with concern written on her face. �I was so worried about her when I saw Brian come in with that woman. Is she all right?� �She�s understandably upset but I think she�ll be fine once we get out of here. I need to go, she is waiting in the truck.� �Yes dear. Now you make sure you don�t leave her until you are certain she is all right. Stay with her all night if you have to.� Annie Darcy ignored the warning look from her husband. �You take care of her. It�s only right since your brother is the idiot that hurt her.� �Don�t worry Mom. I�ll do everything I can to help her.� Annie patted her son�s hand. �You�re a good man Will. I�m very proud of you.� After shooting a puzzled look at his mother, Will left to drive Liz home. Annie turned back to her husband. �I think this is going to turn out just fine George. Just fine indeed.� Mr. Darcy laughed and pulled her into his arms for a kiss. �My little meddler. You�ll never change. How about a dance darling?� To Be Continued�..

Ahh.... Will to the rescue. Gee, wonder what will happen once he gets Lizzy home? (hint, hint, hint) and Mr and Mrs Darcy are still so in love and it's so sweet *sigh* thanks for another great chapter Gail :-)

Stay with her all night if you have to... ROTFLMAO! I've been upset with my mother for years with her interference, yet I'm loving Darcy's Mom! funny, ain't it? I'm loving this, Gail! DO go on?

Well, this is heating up! Can't wait for Elizabeth to show Will her etchings. Alas Danielle, if only my mother would find me a Will, I'd happily follow her advice for once. BTW Gail, I meant the Odds & Ends Board

Sadie - what is the Odds&Ends board? Where might one find that?

It is number 136 in our current conference list of topics http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/136/new

Sorry Gail! Karen has explained it better than I did. You should come and check out all the other Colin Firth related boards, too. #134, Colin Firth, Part 8 has been very busy lately. And so has Bridget Jones Diary #131. I never remember the numbers, I just always go to the drool conference (the link is at the bottom of this page, in case you've not used it before)and visit each board in turn. If you're logged on, you can also see a master list of the most messages posted to the various boards at Spring. (Clearly some of us spend way too much time here!)

oops, that should read "most recent messages"

Gail it would be great if you joined in on the other boards but please don't let it delay the next steamy installment:-).Be careful when reading Sadie's posts, they really should carry a warning :-)

I'm off to school tomorrow. I will have access to a computer put in a lab therefore I doubt I'll be able to read the wonderful drool. I don't want an "innocent" passerby catching a glimpse(tee hee). Anyway, keep churning out the stories so that I can read them when I come home. Have a great day. I'll miss this place. Sarah

(Sarah19)"innocent" passerby Is there such a thing? hee hee! Anyway, we'll miss you sarah. drop in anytime! hit the books running and never look back, learn all you can and then spread the joy...

All the best Sarah! Meanwhile we'll do all we can to spread the drool (especially when Danielle posts that new story she promised)-D Don't listen to Judy (anyone); my posts are extremely discrete and tasteful. It's Judy who would see a message like this and make something crude out of the word "tasteful"; she'd say something about CF's dimples, and then, make sure you understand she's not talking about his smile. Why, I even hear she's sketching kilts these days... -D

(Sadie) (especially when Danielle posts that new story she promised)-D It'll be a long wait then... However, Sadie, I'm sure you have some more ideas or fantasies that are just waiting for you to type them up... Come on, give it a try? Drool is therapy!

Listen to Danielle, Sadie,' Drool is therapy'-it might stop your imagination running away with you so much discreet and tasteful LOL ,if you think that's an accurate description of your posts then your story is going to be hot stuff & will probably need censoring for my delicate eyes. (BTW I'm finding that sketch quite hard ,its dark under there afterall) Gail please please I need the next installment.

LOL! Therapy eh? Then I must be approaching a high level of self-awareness by now. Well Danielle, it was worth a try :-) Now Judy, your eyes have not been delicate since, well, since you began working on hard sketches... I want to add my howl, Gail. I know I'm really close to a personal breakthrough --- just one more therapy session, Doc.

Sadie&Karen - thanks for the tips on other Drool boards. I had never really browsed around here. So I checked them out and WoW! What a lot of stuff going on! Definitely have to read Possession and can't wait to see BJD with ODB. I think he'll be great as Mark Darcy. Anyway, I'll try not to let my browsing get in the way of my writing. Here's another installment of WMM. What Matters Most Chapter 10 Liz was silent on the ride home. Will wished he could say something to comfort her but did not know how to begin. When they reached her apartment, Will quickly exited the car to open her door. �Thank you Will,� she said, �but you can leave now. I don�t need a baby sitter.� In spite of her protest he led her to the door. �I don�t consider myself baby sitting. I�m just a friend making sure you are all right.� And hoping to become more than just a friend. �May I come in and have a cup of tea? Or are you going straight to bed?� Liz took out her key and opened the door. �Please come in. I would enjoy the company.� After Liz shrugged out of his coat and draped it on the back of a chair, they went to the kitchen and Liz put the kettle on the stove. �I�ll be back in a minute. I need to get these clothes off. Make yourself at home.� While he would have preferred to help Liz, Will stayed in the kitchen making himself comfortable and idly browsed through the magazines and other mail that had been left on the table. He came across a sales slip for a new mountain bike with Liz�s name on the top. Hmmm��maybe this is something I can make use of. Liz returned shortly dressed in baggy running shorts and an oversized T-shirt. She had washed off her make-up but hadn�t taken the flowers out of her hair. While this made her look much younger, Will could discern her soft womanly curves under the loose clothing and his pulse quickened. Trying to appear nonchalant, he slouched down in the chair. �You look relaxed,� Liz commented as she reached in the cupboard for tea bags and cups. She noticed that Will had removed his tie, unbuttoned the top and cuff buttons of his shirt and rolled up his sleeves. �You do too,� he replied, then added in a concerned tone, �Are you OK Liz?� She poured hot water over the tea bags and brought the cups to the table before answering. �I am perfectly fine now. I was the one who broke up with Brian so why should I care if he brought another woman to the ball? Yes, it shocked me at first, but I thought it over as I was changing and I realized that it reflects much worse on him than it does on me. He, the one who always was concerned over appearances, is the one making a fool of himself. I�m sorry to speak badly about your brother but I think you understand.� �Don�t apologize Liz, please. I love my brother but he can be a real jerk and this time he has outdone himself. I admire the way you are handling it. I have to tell you that when I met you I was surprised that Brian was engaged to a woman like you.� �Like me? Whatever do you mean?� Choosing his words carefully, Will tried to explain. �Brian has always been attracted to the more, um how should I say this? To the more glamorous type. You are very different from any woman he has been with before.� Liz smiled and responded teasingly, �So I am not glamorous, huh?� Will grimaced. �I knew you�d take it the wrong way no matter how I put it. Liz, you are a beautiful woman.� He was pleased when she blushed prettily. Modesty became her very well. �But you are the down-to-earth type. No fuss and bother. You don�t make a big deal about clothes and appearance, which I know has been a criticism of Brian�s. He usually goes for the high-fashion model type. I had always found his girlfriends had more style than substance so I was thrilled to see that when it came to selecting a wife, he had used better judgment. However, though he chose well, he then put considerable effort into trying to change you. That I did not understand.� �Well it appears that he has now gone back to his previous ways. The woman he brought tonight was certainly model perfect and very beautiful.� Liz felt a gnawing in her stomach. It certainly wasn�t jealousy, but more like a feeling of inadequacy that Brian certainly knew how to bring out in her. Will could read her change of expression. He was very angry with Brian for his careless treatment of this lovely woman. �But she is probably empty-headed. Liz, you did the right thing. Brian was not right for you. You must realize that now.� Funny how Will always made her feel better about herself. She smiled at him and took his hand. �I do realize it Will. Thank you for making me feel better.� Feeling her soft dainty hand in his and looking into her big brown eyes caused Will�s heart to melt into a puddle on the floor. He knew it was too soon to make a move but he had to have this woman in his life. He wanted to marry her, love her, make a home with her. Careful Will, don�t scare her away. He finished his tea and rose from the chair. �I should let you get to bed. I�m sure you are exhausted. I�m not working tomorrow and was planning on taking a bike ride on the carriage roads. Would you like to come along? It might help you to forget all this mess.� Liz stood up but in her bare feet she barely came to Will�s shoulder. Smiling up at him she responded, �I�d love to. I just got a new bike and haven�t had the opportunity to try it out. Will, thank you for helping me tonight. I do appreciate it.� Placing her hands on either side of his face, she pulled him towards her and kissed him gently on the lips. �Thank you,� she said again softly before releasing him. It took all of Will�s self-control to not pull her into his arms and ravage her. As he opened the front door he said, �I�ll pick you up at 10:00. I�ll bring a picnic lunch.� �That would be lovely. Good night Will.� �Good night.� Good night my dearest Liz. Sweet dreams. Liz stood in the doorway and watched him get into his truck and drive away. He is so sweet. So unlike Brian. Maybe I�ve been with the wrong Darcy all along. After closing the door, she went upstairs to bed. ***** �Good morning Charlotte,� Liz said cheerfully to her roommate the next morning. She was dressed in tight black biking shorts with a bright red tank top and ribbon in her pony-tailed hair. Red socks and white sneakers completed her outfit. She poured herself a cup of coffee from the pot Charlotte had brewed and put two slices of bread in the toaster. �Well you are certainly chipper this morning. I take it everything went well last night?� Liz had naturally shared the plan to break up with Brian with her best friend. �The deed is done and I feel so free! I should have done this weeks ago.� �So tell me everything. What did you say? How did he take it?� Liz told the whole story as she ate her breakfast and Charlotte was suitably outraged at Brian�s behavior. �What a cad! What a jerk!� she exclaimed several times during the discourse. �Liz you are well to be through with him.� �Don�t I know it! Now I better make some phone calls before I go out today. If I don�t, you�ll have an endless parade of my family on the doorstep today wanting to cheer me up.� �Doesn�t look like you need any cheering my dear. Where are you off to?� �Bike riding with Will Darcy.� Liz smiled mischievously at her friend. �Will Darcy? What is this Liz?� �He�s been so nice to me Charlotte. I enjoy his company. We are becoming very good friends.� �Friends? Are you sure that�s all there is to it?� �I�m not ready for anything else right now. I�m not going to jump from one relationship directly into another, especially with Brian�s brother for goodness sake! Besides, Will apologized for kissing me that time and said it was a mistake so I don�t think he�s looking for anything other than company today.� �Well OK, I guess. Since I haven�t met the guy I�ll have to take your word for it. Why don�t you invite him to dinner some night? Just as a friend of course.� �Of course. Maybe I will.� Liz bounced out of the room to make her phone calls. ***** The carriage roads of Acadia National Park are broken stone roads constructed between 1913 and 1940 under the direction and gift of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and his family. The 45 miles of secluded roads weave through the park�s wooded areas. Motorized vehicles are prohibited and bikers, horseback riders and walkers can enjoy the roads in quiet peacefulness. Will loaded the two bikes into the back of his pick-up and drove through the entrance gate of the park, displaying his annual pass to the ranger in the booth. Stopping at the parking area of Jordan Pond House, he and Liz stowed the lunch and bottles of water into packs that Will then strapped to the back of the bikes. Tucking a guide map into his pocket, Will jumped on his bike and led the way. The warm early August Sunday brought many locals as well as tourists out to enjoy the carriage roads. However, the wide roads accommodated everyone easily and Will and Liz had no problem maneuvering their bicycles around knots of walkers, more leisurely paced bikers and occasional horseback riders. When hunger overtook them after a couple of hours, they stopped and walked their bikes out to the shoreline where they set up a picnic on the surf-smoothed boulders that made up much of the island�s coast. �Is there a more beautiful place on earth?� Liz asked with a contented sigh as she took in the view of rolling surf, boats dotting the horizon and seagulls squawking in the cloudless sky. �If there is, I don�t know about it,� Will responded, �but then you�ve seen much more of this country that I have.� �And I�ve been to lots of wonderful places. The Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Sedona, Arizona, Savannah, Georgia, Lake Tahoe and many, many more. Some spectacular areas, but it�s true that there�s no place like home. The combination of mountains and ocean here is unique and satisfies my soul in a way that no other place has. Have you traveled much Will?� �Some, but nowhere near as much as you. My parents have a penthouse in New York City, a house in Palm Beach and a ranch in Montana, so naturally I�ve been to those places. I�ve also been to London, Paris and some islands in the Caribbean. Have you ever been outside of the United States?� �Only to Canada, and a very little bit in Mexico. I would love to see more of the world some day. I�d particularly like to go to Paris, Rome, Ireland and Australia. And I�ve never been to Alaska or Hawaii, both of which I�d love to see. Someone once told me not to go to Alaska until I�m old as I�ll be disappointed in everything else I see after that. It must be very, very beautiful. I love to travel. Do you?� �I think I�d enjoy it a lot more if I had someone to share it with. Other than going to our other houses, the places I�ve traveled to were the result of some business or other of my father�s and I was usually left alone to explore. I didn�t find that a lot of fun.� �I can understand that. A lot of the joy of experiencing something new comes from sharing it with people you love. I am so thankful to my parents for giving me all those opportunities. Tell me about your other homes. Having only one, I can�t imagine what it is like to live in different places. Did you live in different houses at different times of the year? Where did you go to school? Did you move all your stuff with you each time?� �Whoa, one question at a time!� Will laughed. �Didn�t Brian ever tell you any of this?� Liz reddened. �I�m embarrassed to say this Will, but Brian and I didn�t talk much at all. Our life at school was centered on our studies and when we came back it was centered around Brian�s friends and activities. We were rarely alone like this. Can you believe I engaged myself to a man I hardly knew? What was I ever thinking?� Will regretted making Liz uncomfortable but was grateful for the opportunity to understand some of her relationship with Brian. More and more he was seeing that it was just something she slipped into at Brian�s instigation and her feelings had not been very strong. He hoped that would make it less awkward for her when they became a couple because they would not be able to avoid occasionally being in Brian�s presence. �Liz, I�m sorry I brought that up. Let me answer your questions. We spent all our summers here on Mt. Desert Island. Since Dad�s first love is his boat business, I think we all consider this as �home.� In the fall, we would go to New York where Brian and I went to elementary school. Later Brian and I went to Andover Academy in Massachusetts and would meet the rest of the family in New York for Thanksgiving and Easter holidays. We spent the other holidays and school vacations with them in Palm Beach. We would usually go to the ranch for a week or two in the summer and sometimes for spring vacation. We kept some clothes and personal stuff at all the houses so we didn�t carry much with us when we moved from place to place.� �You said Brian and you went to elementary school in New York. What about Georgiana?� �Georgie started school in New York but then she rebelled. Her best friends lived in Maine and she wanted to go to school here. Seeing as she was the youngest and spoiled silly by all of us, Mom and Dad allowed her to go to Netherfield Day School in Lambton and live here under the care of our housekeeper, Sarah, who is a very loving, motherly woman.� Liz nodded in agreement, having met Sarah. �By this time I was in college at Bowdoin. (authors note: Bowdoin is a college in Brunswick Maine which, as far as I can tell from their website, does not offer a law enforcement degree program. But we�ll pretend OK?) I came home almost every weekend to be with her. Mom split her time between New York and Maine, taking my father�s private jet back and forth. Once I graduated, I lived at home to keep Georgie company when my mother couldn�t be here, until a couple years ago when I got my own apartment. By then she was in high school and too busy with her own life to notice if I was there or not.� �But the two of you had spent a lot of time together without the rest of your family. That must have made you very close.� �Yeah we are, even though there�s 10 years between us. It�s nice because she�s comfortable coming to me for the advice and guidance that teenagers are often reluctant to seek from their parents. I think part of Brian�s problem with me is that he feels left out of the close relationship Georgie and I share. I can understand that. I probably would feel the same way if I was in his position.� Having finished lunch, Liz and Will packed up their trash and leisurely biked their way back to the truck. Will frequently let Liz ride ahead just a little so he could admire the view afforded by her tight shorts. When Will dropped Liz off at home, he kissed her cheek and invited her to a band concert later that week on the Bar Harbor town common. She agreed. Thus began a pattern where the two friends would get together a few times each week to ride bikes, hike, have dinner or just sit and watch the boats come and go in the harbor. Liz was happy to spend this time getting to know Will better. The more she learned, the more she liked. Will was content to just be with Liz and bided his time until he felt she was ready to move beyond friendship to something more. To Be Continued�..

bided his time... Yeah, I'm sure he did! *siiiiiigh* Thanks Gail! I'm hoping that in the next chapter Lizzy will be 'ready to move beyond friendship to something more'.

Thanks Gail! How sweet and endearing of him to take the trouble and discover she likes biking (and how detective-like). Can't wait for the next chapter 'cause she's had plenty of time. *Hint, hint*

Gail you really know how to leave us wanting more. Wonderful that they both like riding *smirk*

(Judy) Wonderful that they both like riding *smirk* *hee hee* but what can she mean? what on earth can she mean? ;-) this is progressing very nicely Gail, i eagerly await the next chapter

(Judy) Wonderful that they both like riding *smirk* *hee hee* but what can she mean? what on earth can she mean? ;-) ROTFLOL, indeed!!...and there must be something in it for you too, Esbee! Oh, Gail, it was so nice to return to this (chapters 7,8,9) after my Austen weekend in Copenhagen!

Well we're off for the long weekend but I did want to leave you with just a tease. What Matters Most Chapter 11 �Good morning, Liz Bennet speaking.� �Good morning Liz Bennet, this is Will Darcy speaking.� He could hear the smile in her voice. �Hi Will, how are you today?� �I�m very well thank you. I�m calling about this weekend. I have to work on Sunday until 3:00 but I have Monday off for Labor Day. I was wondering if you would come to a friend�s cookout with me on Sunday.� This was the first time Will had invited Liz somewhere with other people present. �That sounds like fun Will. Who is the friend?� �It�s Marty and his wife Angie. I think I�ve mentioned them to you.� �Oh yes, Marty works with you. Will there be other people there as well?� �I believe they�ve invited a few other guys from the department with their spouses and girlfriends.� Liz couldn�t resist asking the question that his statement begged. �And since I�m not a spouse, would that make me a girlfriend?� Will�s heart leapt to his throat. Could this be the opening he had been waiting for? �Well, we have been spending a lot of time together lately Liz. Would introducing you as my girlfriend be a problem?� Liz did not hesitate. �No, I don�t think so.� �OK then, girlfriend,� he said lightly. After a pause, he added in a more serious tone, �Liz, I would really like to move our relationship beyond friendship and maybe this is a start. But this isn�t something we should be discussing on the phone. Please just think about it and we�ll talk later, OK?� Liz felt a little fluttering of something in her stomach. Nerves maybe? She wasn�t sure. �OK, we�ll discuss it.� �OK, good. Um� one other thing. On Monday, well, I don�t know if you�d want to do this but, well, my family is going out to dinner as a sort of good-bye thing for Georgie before she goes off to college. Um�.I�d really like you to come. Brian will be there and probably with a date�.. so I wasn�t sure if you�d go for it. But I would really like you to come. Do you want to think about it and let me know?� Liz was not at all sure she was ready to face Brian again, or the rest of his family for that matter, but she did not want to disappoint Will. But there was no time to think it through right then. �Will, I have to go out to an appointment in a few minutes. What time do you get off of work today?� �My shift ends at 3:00 but I was planning on staying for a couple extra hours to do some paperwork. I�ll probably be done around 5:00 or 6:00.� �Then why don�t you come over for supper? Say 7:00? Then we can talk about all of this.� �That sounds great. I�ll see you then. Have a good day.� �You too. Bye.� ***** �Darn it Liz, why did you have to invite Will over on a night when I have plans to go out? You know I want to check him out. You�ve been spending so much time with him lately.� �I�m sorry Charlotte, it was an impulse. We�ll do it again soon and you can ask Bill. Our cooking has improved so much I think we should start showing it off!� �Hmmph, well I suppose,� she conceded. �How about this weekend?� �Sorry Char, we already have plans. Let�s compare calendars tomorrow and we�ll come up with a date.� �I think I liked it better when you were with Brian � you didn�t go out half so much and could do things with me. And you were engaged to the guy where Will is just a so-called friend.� �Charlotte! I never knew you were the jealous type! Besides, you�re with Bill 90% of the time anyway, so look who�s talking. I do have a little secret though.� �What girl? Spill the beans now!� �I think Will and I are moving beyond friendship. We�re going to his friend�s cookout this weekend and Will asked if he could introduce me as his girlfriend.� �Well, well, well. He�s bringing you around to his friends for inspection. This is a good sign Liz my dear. But are you ready for this? It�s been less than a month since you dumped Brian.� Liz smiled dreamily. �Yes, I am ready. I like Will a lot. He is kind and sweet and ever so handsome. I didn�t think I�d want to get into another relationship so soon but Will has won me over.� �Then you definitely have to get this man over here soon so I can check him out. If you had let me meet Brian earlier I could have saved you a lot of heartache. My instincts about men are much better than yours girl so don�t go getting too deep with Will before I have the chance to get to know him.� �OK Charlotte, I�ll get him here for your inspection soon.� Liz laughed at her dear friend but knew she was not too far off the mark. Charlotte had not liked Brian from the moment she met him. There wasn�t any specific reason, she just had a bad feeling about him. Rightly so, as it turned out. Liz thought she should have paid more attention to Charlotte�s intuition. �Good. Well I gotta run. See ya!� With that, Charlotte was gone and Liz went back to her dinner preparations. ***** Will sat back and contentedly patted his stomach. �Liz that was delicious. Whoever said you couldn�t cook?� She smiled at him, eyes sparkling with good humor. �Charlotte and I have been practicing diligently ever since we moved in together. And that was our best dish. You may not get so lucky the next time.� �I�ll take my chances, just as long as there is a next time. Now that dinner�s done are we ready to talk?� �Let me just clean up a bit and then we�ll have coffee and conversation in the living room. Go ahead in and make yourself comfortable. I�ll be there in a minute.� �After that fantastic meal, the least I can do is help clean up.� He cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher as Liz started the coffeepot and put away leftovers. �You�re handy to have in the kitchen,� Liz said approvingly as he wiped the table. She was reaching up to get mugs out of the cupboard when Will came up behind her. �Let me help with that,� he said, pushing his body close to hers and taking the cups from under her fingers. He set them down on the counter and, keeping a hand on each side of Liz, effectively trapped her in place. Heart and stomach fluttering madly, Liz turned around in his arms. �Um, excuse me?� she said putting her hands on the expanse of chest in front of her in a feeble attempt to move him out of the way. The feel of hard muscle under her fingers caused her pulse to quicken. �Not until I�ve thanked you properly for dinner.� He lowered his head and brushed his lips against her cheek. �That was for the salad.� Against the other cheek. �And the rolls.� Brushing her lips with his. �And the summer squash.� A brief kiss. �And the potatoes.� A longer kiss. �That was for the chicken. Now this one is for dessert.� Will lifted her up onto the counter, pushed his body between her knees and took her face in his hands before kissing her deeply. He felt her lips part under his and let his tongue explore her sweet mouth. Liz�s brain stopped functioning as delicious sensations ran through her body. As the blood roared in her head, she spread her legs and arched her back to allow Will to hold her closer. He complied, wrapping her tightly in his arms as he continued to plunder her mouth. Liz buried her fingers into his curls and pressed her body ever closer to his. Will had never intended to go this far, but Liz�s response made him lose control of his senses. He brought one hand around to cup her breast, feeling her nipple stiffen through the thin material of her sweater. �Liz,� he moaned weakly. �Liz, I want you. I want you now. Can we go upstairs?� The feel of his hand on her breast startled Liz back to reality. She pushed Will back and jumped down from the counter, breathing heavily. Will had turned from her and she saw his heaving shoulders slump and his head hung in embarrassment. She put a hand on his arm. �Will�.� He refused to look at her. �I�m sorry Liz. I didn�t mean to push. I�m sorry.� Since she couldn�t budge him, she walked around him and put her hands on either side of his face, forcing him to look at her. Her heart melted at his forlorn expression. �Will, it�s OK. I�m not mad at you. I�m just not ready to take this step. Can you understand that?� �Of course. And I shouldn�t have let things go that far. I got carried away and I apologize.� Keeping her hands on his face, Liz tried to lighten the mood. �Will, honey, what am I going to do with you?� she said pinching his cheeks. Her effort was rewarded with a relieved smile. Will hugged her quickly and turned to pick up the coffee mugs. �How about that coffee now?� he asked. In a few minutes they were comfortably ensconced on the living room sofa, drinking their coffee and nibbling on homemade Toll House cookies. �After that unfortunate scene in the kitchen, I�m afraid to ask if you�ve thought at all about what we talked about this morning,� Will began. �Will, please stop beating yourself up. I was a willing participant in that. Do not blame yourself. Would it make you feel any better if I told you that I am looking forward to moving our relationship along? I do want to be more than just a friend to you. I would just like to take it slow.� The look of delight that diffused Will�s countenance caused Liz�s heart to leap with joy. He ran a finger down her nose affectionately. �You have made me very happy Liz. And I will not go where you are not ready.� He leaned toward her and whispered in her ear, �Come to me when you want me.� Liz nodded solemnly. So now it was her responsibility to take the next step. She didn�t know whether she was relieved or disappointed. Something about him just taking her was so romantic. But no, she was not ready for that quite yet. �I just want you to know Liz, that I plan to marry you. I knew almost from the first time I met you that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. There was just that little problem of my brother and your engagement. But now that obstacle is gone and I am resolved. How soon we get there is entirely up to you. I am a patient man and I will wait as long as it takes.� To Be Continued��

Wow, how come nobody has ever thanked me like that for my cooking?:-) 'Her heart melted at his forlorn expression' *sigh* mine too Thanks Gail hope you have a good weekend but its going to be a long one for me now things are hotting up for them. up back

Liz�s brain stopped functioning as delicious sensations ran through her body. Well, SHE wasn't the only one! I stopped breathing... and am now wiping the drool off the keyboard! Whew! Thanks Gail for that 'uplifting' chapter! (Judy) Wow, how come nobody has ever thanked me like that for my cooking?:-) *sigh* Me too, Judy... me too! If so, I would be a whiz by now!

The feel of hard muscle under her fingers caused her pulse to quicken. Excuuuze me, where were her hands? ;-)

He's gorgeous AND he stacks the dishwasher without being asked. Sometimes being cautious is overrated. She should just jump him! I would. BTW, the countertop lift was v. sexy! Thanks for the tease Gail! You keep the board sizzling.

The feel of hard muscle under her fingers caused her pulse to quicken. Excuuuze me, where were her hands? ;-) My thoughts sexactly,...hehehe Sexcellent chapter, Gail;-)~~~~~~~~ *heatwaves* and we don't even have an indian summer!!;-)

The feel of hard muscle under her fingers caused her pulse to quicken. Excuuuze me, where were her hands? Ladies, ladies, there are other attractive areas on a man's body. I for one appreciate a well-built torso! ;-p

Karen, look what you've started! ROTF! I guess we won't find out until Gail returns from her long weekend... *sigh* Who's next? Sadie, are you writing anything?

(Hanne)Sexcellent chapter, Gail LOL! Another Droolism! Sexcellent!! (Danielle)Who's next? Sadie, are you writing anything? Not at the moment, but maybe in October I'll begin something. And you? *broad hint* Pleeeeeeease, someone post something for the weekend! Just a leetle some'ting.

He got it out & stuck it up!

That was bigger than I expected!

I didn't mention its size!

I was referring to your posting of course! *shocked innocent reaction*

ha pull the other one its got balls on

Judy, are we talking Crying Game again?

Hola! I've been absent from here for a whole month!!! What a proliferation in my absence. Hi to everyone I hadn't met, yet! Gail... my, oh my! Danielle, you haven't changed a bit! LOL!! But maybe you can talk Gail into adding one of those 'beer drenching' scenes. ;) And as for 'Parallels'... can anyone tell me where I left off? *grin*

Ooo, Oooh <waves frantically> I can, Teg! The last part of Parallels you posted was Chapter 18, which ends:    "Wait a minute!" he called after them. "What party? When?" More please! :)

Judy? Sadie? Of what are you speaking? I'm all interested! TEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where have you been? Leanne, thanks for pointing the way... Teg, get thee to enchancing 19!

Thank you Leanne! Here goes.... Chapter Nineteen �This is one big celebration!� Robert Bingley gazed around him appreciatively. �There must be more than a hundred people here!� Ben grinned. �Well over a hundred. That�s actually kind of modest considering it�s a combined affair to celebrate Rebecca�s departure for Europe, Aunt Janna leaving for New York, and...� �And you receiving your degree!� Robert finished. �Yes, I suppose it is kind of small at that.� He winked at his cousin and returned his attention to the people filling the room. �Oh my �! Ben, look over there. That woman in the loud dress.� Ben looked in the direction Robert was indicating. �What about her?� �That�s Aunt Lydia, isn�t it?� Ben groaned. �Oh, you�re right! I know my Mum invited everyone in the family, but I didn�t really think she meant everyone.� They were both silent for a few minutes as they watched Lydia float about the room from man to man. Robert shook his head. �Oh, man, that is sad,� he said. �How can she do that?� �Never mind how she can do it!� Ben grimaced. �The real question is how she manages to find willing men? I mean, just look at her!� Robert looked away instead. �Thanks, but I�d like to retain my appetite for dinner.� Ben stared at his companion for a moment, then chuckled. �That�s a bit cruel, Rob.� �I beg to differ,� Rob argued. �I hate to see any woman prowling around like that, but it�s really pathetic at her age.� �Yeah, you�re right,� Ben muttered, but his aunt was no longer uppermost in his thoughts. �Oh, don�t look!� Robert turned to face the wall. �She�s coming over here.� �Too late,� whispered Ben. �Oh, boys!� Lydia crooned. �Boys, I just had to come over and say hello to my favourite nephews.� The ones with the money! thought Ben disgustedly. He noted the too-bright lipstick and the garish eye makeup on the woman chattering away in his face, all the while trying not to blink at the smoke wafting into his eyes from the cigarette she was waving around inattentively. �Oh, you two look just like your fathers!� she continued, oblivious to the disinterested expressions on the faces of her nephews. �Such handsome boys, and very popular too, I dare say. You must have plenty of friends here.� She looked enquiringly at them. The eyes of both young men opened in horrified comprehension of her aim in asking that question. �Yes,� replied Robert quickly. �And if you�ll excuse me, I see someone I�ve been meaning to speak with about something rather important.� He cast a not-too-apologetic look at Ben and began to sidle away. �Well, of course, if you must,� Lydia pouted. �I�ll look for you later, then.� Ben glared at his cousin as he made his escape. Turning back to his aunt, Ben attempted to hide his grimace of distaste at her appearance. Her tight fitting dress was far too young for her, the skirt too short and the neckline too low. Combined with her atrociously applied makeup, she presented a pathetic sight indeed. The wild times of her youth had taken their toll on her, and Lydia looked much older than her forty-two years. That only made her current choice of attire all the more inappropriate. Lydia moved closer to Ben and took his arm, leading him across the floor toward the other side of the room. �You must introduce me to some of these people, Ben. I know hardly anyone here, and there are so many! Oh, I know all of the family of course, although you children have all grown up so! I barely recognize most of you!� She waved her hand to their left. �Tell me, who is that stunning young woman over there, in the red dress?� Ben was startled to realize she was referring to his sister. �That�s Anna.� �Oh. That�s Anna!� Lydia smiled cattily and narrowed her eyes as she appraised her niece�s figure. �Well, she certainly knows how to dress to attract attention. I dare say, I must have a word with her later. I�d like to know where she picked up that little number.� She put the cigarette to her lips, drew heavily on it, and exhaled the smoke into Ben�s face as she turned back to him. �You simply must introduce me to that gentleman over there.� The only man in the direction she was pointing was a friend of Rebecca�s. Ben frowned, trying to see past the lingering haze to determine if there was indeed someone else standing with Dan. �That young man in the blue suit,� Lydia supplied helpfully. Ben shook his head. �I�m afraid you have me at a loss there,� he lied. �I believe he�s one of Rebecca�s friends. Perhaps you could ask her to introduce you?� He sighed in relief as his aunt nodded her thanks, then set off to find Rebecca, a predatory little smile on her face. Ben shivered in revulsion as he watched her stalk her prey. �Cold?� Smiling, Ben looked at Brenda who had quietly slipped up behind him. �No, I�m not cold. At least, not now that you�re here.� He grinned. �Naughty boy,� Brenda grinned back. �I came to see if you�d dance with me.� �My pleasure!� Ben took her arm and guided her through the room to the dance floor on the other side. On the way they passed the rest of his mother�s sisters. �Okay,� Brenda said when they were swaying to the music, comfortably wrapped in each other�s arms. �What�s the matter?� �Oh, is it that obvious?� Brenda nodded and followed the direction of his gaze. Several women, who she recalled being introduced as Ben�s aunts, were grouped around the punch bowl, apparently catching up on family gossip. As she watched, another woman in a gaudy outfit joined the ladies. None of them seemed to mind. Well, one did. Brenda recalled that woman�s name as Mary. All of them were Mrs. Darcy�s sisters, and the youngest one was not highly favoured by any of her siblings. Brenda looked up into Ben�s frowning face. �What do you find so disapproving, Ben? I didn�t realize you were a fashion critic.� She giggled. Ben�s expression relaxed slightly. �Oh, I know I shouldn�t make a big deal of it, but her whole attitude makes me quite literally ill.� It was Brenda�s turn to frown. �You�re right, you shouldn�t make a big deal of it. It�s her life, and from what I understand, your own family has very little to do with her anyway. So what�s the problem?� �Some of it smacks a little too close to home.� He said it so quietly that Brenda had to strain to hear the words. �I�m not sure what you mean, Ben.� By way of reply, he nodded his head in a second direction. Brenda glanced over at the small gathering of young men around a slim laughing woman in a bright red dress. She realized that it was Anna. �You�re exaggerating, Ben,� she said lightly. �Anna just enjoys flirting with them. Put those hackles down, now. She�s a big girl and can take care of herself.� Ben said nothing, but his eyes never left his sister as he danced with Brenda. Anna continued to laugh at the comments from her assorted admirers. �Oh, I really could use something to drink. Would any of you gentleman care to get one for me?� �I will,� said one fellow quickly. �What would you like, Anna? Some of the punch, or maybe wine?� Anna made a face. �Oh, no punch! Too sweet. How about .... oh, something I haven�t tried before.� �Is there something you haven�t tried before?� smirked one of the other young men. �Perry!� Anna giggled. �Alright then, just surprise me. But make it something good, Chris.� She gave him a look that promised him that his effort would not go unrewarded. �I�m very thirsty.� Chris rushed off to fulfill her request, returning as quickly as possible so as not to lose his place in the throng. He handed her a glass and held his breath while she sipped it. Anna�s eyebrows rose. �Ooh, that is potent! Excellent choice, Chris. Excellent choice, indeed!� She smiled at him, then glanced around at the faces before her. With a sly grin, Anna turned back to Chris. �I think that deserves a dance, at least.� Chris�s smile was wide, and aimed triumphantly at the other young men, as he led Anna to the dance floor. Anna snuggled herself close to him as the music changed tempo with a slow romantic number. Ben caught her eye, casting her a warning glance. Anna merely smiled condescendingly and looked away. Seeing this exchange, Brenda drew her partner�s attention back to herself. �Don�t, Ben.� He frowned. �Don�t what?� �Don�t go causing a scene. Let Anna have her fun, keep an eye on her to make sure it doesn�t get out of hand, and let everyone enjoy the party.� �I have no intention of causing a scene, Brenda,� Ben told her. �I certainly don�t want to upset my parents, my Dad particularly.� �Of course.� Brenda was as aware of Will�s angina as the rest of the family, now. Once Ben had discovered the real cause of the frightening episode in the library he had made sure that the rest of his siblings knew as well. He didn�t want his little brother or one of his sisters to walk in unawares upon what he had witnessed. His father may not like the constant attention he was receiving now, but in time everyone would become less paranoid and more practical regarding his health. Ben�s gaze swept across the room to where his mother stood with his Aunt Jane. Then he noted that his father and uncles were all gathered on the opposite side of the room from his Grandmother Bennet. �Brenda?� He chuckled. �Have you had the pleasure of meeting my grandmother, yet?� �Do you mean the lady over there with the feather boa that matches her shoes?� Brenda smiled at the face Ben made. �Actually, your mother introduced me to her earlier in the evening, so you don�t have to go out of your way, if you�d rather not.� Ben let out the breath he�d been holding. �Thanks. I�d rather not.� Swirling her around in a circle, Ben manoeuvred them across the dance floor as far away from his aunts and grandmother as possible. Rebecca had managed to extract Dan from the clutches of her aunt, although the sight of him in such a predicament made it difficult not to laugh. �I think you disappointed her, Dan,� she chuckled when they were far enough away from the others. Dan raised a sceptical eyebrow. �I think she�ll get over it,� he said drily. �What an interesting family you have, Becks. There�s no shortage of characters, here.� �Too true!� Rebecca lamented. �Nevertheless, I�m sure I�m going to miss them once I�ve been in Europe for a while. Did I tell you that my Mum and Dad are coming to see the show in Aachen?� Dan smiled. �No, but it doesn�t surprise me. I�m sure they�ll be making quite a few trips to see you over the next year.� �Checking up on me!� �No, that�s not what I meant.� Dan nodded in the direction of her father. �Your dad seems quite proud of your accomplishments so far. You have a real talent, Becks. You will do well in Europe, and I know you�ll be back the next year with even more success.� Rebecca blushed. �Oh, Dan! We haven�t even left yet, and you�re already fuelling my ego. I think I�ll just wait to see how it all turns out. I�m not going to count my chickens!� �A perfect attitude!� he laughed, then pointed to a group of people nearby. �There�s Heather and Randy. If we�re going to talk shop, I�d like to hear what classes Randy has opted to enter.� Rebecca agreed, and they moved toward their friends, passing her aunts on the way. �Did you see her prowling the room?� �Now Mary,� Jane soothed. �I�m sure you�re mistaken. Lydia isn�t that young and wild girl that she used to be.� Mary shook her head pityingly. �Jane, you are how old? I can�t believe you still have those blinders on.� �There�s no need to be rude, Mary,� Kitty reprimanded her. �Besides, I agree in part with Jane. Lydia isn�t young anymore, and try as she might, she won�t be getting anywhere with the chaps in this crowd tonight!� Elizabeth giggled as she overheard Kitty�s remark upon joining her sisters. �You�re right, Kitty. Too many pretty girls with all of our daughters here, for the young men to be looking Lydia�s way.� �Can�t you do something about her?� Mary asked Elizabeth. �I wouldn�t waste my time,� she replied. �It�s only one night, and she�s only embarrassing herself at this point.� A high-pitched screech of laughter caused all four sisters to close their eyes, cringing. �Mama!� they all said as one. Mrs. Bennet was having the time of her life, earnestly pursuing her sons-in-law around the perimeter of the dance floor. Each time she got closer, they would find something of interest on the far side of the room. At last she had caught up with them in an unguarded moment on the part of Kitty�s husband, Sean, whose shift it had been at that time. Thus the squeal of delight from their mother-in-law as she found something amusing in the dry comments of Elizabeth�s husband. �Shall we go and rescue them?� Elizabeth asked the others. Jane shook her head and laughed softly. �No, let�s enjoy it while we can.� Her sisters all stared at her in surprise, then laughed too. �I think I�ll go and save my father from himself,� Ben whispered to Brenda on the other side of the room. �What do you mean?� she asked, trying to locate Will in the sea of faces around them. �Before he either says something to my grandmother that he�ll regret later, or actually strangles her for one of her insensitive remarks about my mother.� He pointed to where Mrs. Bennet had managed to sandwich his father between a window and a lively group of Rebecca�s friends. Will was looking distinctly irritated as his mother-in-law chattered on at him. Brenda laughed at the sight, and urged Ben away on his mission. He made a beeline for his father�s corner of the room, but before he had crossed halfway he was distracted by a blur of red he caught out of the corner of his eye. He paused and looked to his left. Anna was whispering in the ear of the man she had been dancing with earlier. She smiled as he kissed her cheek and walked away. Anna stood there for a moment, gazing about the room. Her eyes met Ben�s for a second, then she looked away. A few seconds later, she turned around and walked in the direction her friend had gone. Ben changed course to follow her, an unpleasant suspicion in his mind. He caught up with Anna easily and slipped in front of her to block her path. �What do you want?� she frowned at him, trying to peer past his form. �What do you think you�re doing!� Ben hissed in her face. �Anna, this is supposed to be a celebration. Every member of our family is here! You are acting like a common tart!� Anna stared at him, her face beginning to turn red with smouldering anger. �Get lost, Ben. Just because you�ve decided to stick to one woman for a change, don�t pull that holier-than-thou attitude on me!� She turned around and stepped away from him, her goal the doors leading to the service corridor. Ben grabbed her shoulder and spun her around. Looking beyond her to the exit doors, he frowned angrily. �Oh, how classy, Anna! What, is he waiting for you out there? You were just going to pop out there quickly and then return to the party?� He shook his head in disgust. �I�ve got half a mind to let Dad know what you�re up to.� �Half a mind is right, Ben,� she retorted. �Are you trying to give him a heart attack?� Anna chuckled at the horrified expression on her brother�s face. �I thought not. So now you�ll just have to help me make sure he never does find out!� �You�ve had far too much to drink, Anna!� Ben growled. �Otherwise you would never make a threat like that. I�m warning you. Don�t even think of going out there. I won�t stand for it.� He narrowed his gaze, making sure he had her attention. �I will make sure Mum and Dad find out about your... habits.... if you persist in this. You�ve become much too blas� about the whole thing. It�s time for you to get a wake up call!� �My, my. What�s going on here?� Ben�s head swung around to see Lydia at his side. He groaned inwardly. The last person his sister needed to speak to was their aunt. Then again, he suddenly thought. Maybe Anna will see what she�s destined to become if she continues in this fashion. He held fast onto his sister�s arm to prevent her escape as he drew Lydia forward to make a close circle. �Anna and I were just trying to figure out who in the family we most resemble,� Ben said between his teeth. Lydia laughed. �Oh, that�s easy! You look just like Will, and Anna looks very much like Georgiana.� �No,� Ben continued. �I didn�t mean physical resemblance. I meant our personalities, our idiosyncrasies and such.� Lydia stared blankly at him for a moment, then she suddenly exclaimed, �Ah! I see what you mean.� She looked Anna over critically. �I don�t think you�re too much like your mother. She never had much fashion sense, and definitely no sense of adventure! I�ve noticed you have a lot of zest for life in you, Anna.� Anna favoured her brother with a smug smile, while Lydia turned her attention to Ben. �As for you, young man, I see a lot of your father in you.� The remark didn�t sound particularly complimentary, much to Ben�s puzzlement. When she didn�t say anything more, he said �Well, I rather thought Anna was more like you, Aunt Lydia.� He cast a quick look in his sister�s direction to see her reaction. Lydia was thrilled with Ben�s suggestion.. �I do believe you�re right, Ben! And, even if I do say so myself, you couldn�t have chosen a better role model, Anna. You will never lack for excitement in your life if you follow my example. I am more than willing to offer you any advice you need. All you have to do is ask. I mean, your mother could hardly give you any pointers. She was such a dead bore! And look where it got her!� Lydia leaned in closer, but never lowered her voice. �She still managed to get herself pregnant, though. I never made that mistake!� She suddenly seemed to recall the third party of their little contre temps. �Oh, sorry Ben. I�m sure your father doesn�t find her boring, but honestly... he was never much of a socializer himself.� Ben repressed the urge to snort in disgust. He had never seen much of this aunt in the course of his life, and now he was even more grateful for his mother�s insistence on keeping her children out of this woman�s sphere of influence. �Yes, Anna,� Lydia continued. �I think it would be wonderful if you stayed with me for a while in the summer. We could have a grand time together!� Ben stole a glance at his sister and was pleased to see her eyes open wide with uneasiness at the suggestion. She fidgeted, shuffling her feet and attempting not to meet her aunt�s eyes. �What an idea Aunt Lydia!� Ben said, more in Anna�s direction. �I�m sure you two would get along very well. You�re so much alike and have many of the same interests.� Anna was shooting daggers at him with her eyes. �Thank you for the offer, Aunt Lydia, but I don�t think so. With my brothers and sister away for the summer, I�d like to spend it at home with my parents.� Lydia appeared confused. �Well, if that�s your choice..... If you change your mind, my dear, just drop in on me anytime. There�s no need to call first.� �Thank you,� Anna replied shortly. She moved quickly away from them, head down, across the dance floor and into the crowd. *** to be continued.... I promise, sooner than the last time!

Teg!!! Another great chapter... cant wait for the next one, it's great to have you back! :-)

Yeah! Teg is back! �Oh. That�s Anna!� Lydia smiled cattily and narrowed her eyes as she appraised her niece�s figure. �Well, she certainly knows how to dress to attract attention...She put the cigarette to her lips, drew heavily on it, and exhaled the smoke into Ben�s face as she turned back to him. LMAO She's seems a bit like Blanche du Bois, except on steroids. �Do you mean the lady over there with the feather boa that matches her shoes?� ROTF

(Danielle)Judy? Sadie? Of what are you speaking? I'm all interested! Just remember you asked... Hmmm, it should be funny to try to explain this. I'll give you my version, Judy will have to give her yours. I pleaded for someone to post a little something to last the weekend. Then Judy posted:"He got it out & stuck it up!" At first I had no idea what she was talking about. Then I guessed that she was meeting my request for someone to post "a leetle some'ting". So then I posted a double entendre. Then Judy called me on it with her next comment. So I feinted and parried by exclaiming my shocked innocence at her thinking such a thing. Whereupon, Judy called me on it (you see how relentless she is in conversation) by making a reference to my pulling her leg. But now I was extremely puzzled. Because she was now refering to some other leg, which had balls attached...I had no idea what/who she meant. But I thought, ok, she was originally talking about her leg, so she must be talking about her other leg. Speculation: But that would mean that Judy is a living example of The Crying Game, which, frankly i not as interesting as her being a one-handed typer (*ducking*) but you must admit, it would explain her fixation on kilts (I have no idea what I mean by this so don't ask). As you may have noticed, she hasn't yet answered my question...

Teg thank you for that I thought it was going to be a long weekend without any story so you've cheered me up!There seems to be more readers than writers around here & I include myself in the first group so its good that you are back. This leads the rest of us to occupying ourselves while we are waiting hence the Sadie & Judy routine. What I'm trying to say is that the more stories are posted the less likely Sadie is to get me in trouble *duck* Judy's version Just remember Sadie isn't the shocked innocent she professes to be... Yes my'he got it out & stuck it up'was my reply to Sadies request for 'a leetle some'ting' because thats my fave part in any story. My 'its got balls on' was a play on 'its got bells on' because I didn't believe her shocked innocent reactionand I do tend to talk about balls a lot(some people say I talk a load of balls but thats another story) Ignore Sadies 'I had no idea what/who she meant':-) she understands perfectly afterall she is a Bollock Sister (yet another story) No I didn't answer her because she knows by now I was going down on my server (ask Sadie Its another one of her bizarre sex acts-bodes well for her story) Sadie I've been trying to get hold of a copy of The Crying Game ever since you started involving me in it (hubby says I've seen it but with all these referencesI don't know how I could have possibly forgot it :-D ) As for one handed typer & fixation on kilts you now exactly what you mean & you know exactly what effect it has on me. DIY DOGGIE

Oh Teg, soooooo HAPPY to see you back! I have re-read your other writing while I was waiting - very nice indeed, but it is always nicer to have something "fresh from the computer"!

Oh Judy, ROTFLMAO! I've moved over to Darcy Drool Board with my reply. So Danielle, I hope you're not sorry for asking... you might consider this sufficient motivation to get posting fanfic, eh?

ROTF! Judy and Sadie, as I said on the other board 'You two are too much!' (Sadie) So Danielle, I hope you're not sorry for asking... you might consider this sufficient motivation to get posting fanfic, eh? Sorry dear, I'm still waiting on you! Teg, welcome back! If there's one thing Lydia can do for Anna is to show her the error of her ways! Smart guy that Ben, eh?

I'm back. Glad you liked my little tease. More to follow on Wednesday. Teg, welcome back. It was great to have another chapter and loved the Lydia scene! Esbee, thanks for the info about JD Robb. I bought the first two in the series and read them over the weekend. That Roarke - WOW!!!!! Richer than God, incredibly handsome, enormously sexy, unbelievably romantic - just like ODB. I spent a LOT of time drooling over these books. Can't wait to pick up the rest.

Yeah! Gail's back. What do you mean, not until Wednesday. Wednesday!! Whine.... Ok, I'll stop whining if you remind me: whose Roarke? What's the title? Cannot allow potential drooley man to slip through my grasp. LOL Danielle, glad you are amused. Don't you think you should return the favour of some wild story to read (although make sure yours has Darcy in it beyond references to bells. "Swingtime" maybe? Is an old Rogers & Astaire flick she adds innocently)

Good to see you again, Teg. A sly move on Ben's part,...showing Anna how she might end if she doesn't mend her ways!! .....and now....*drumming fingers, biting nails* how does it all end!*smirk* I hope you had a good, productive long weekend, Gail!!!,-))

Sadie, JD Robb (a pen name for Nora Roberts) has a series of books that take place in the 2050's. I didn't think I'd like the futuristic aspect but it's been kinda interesting. Anyway these are murder mysteries set in New York City and the main character is Eve Dallas, a NYPD lieutenant. She meets and falls in love with Roarke (no first name) and he is HOT, HOT, HOT. The first book in hte series is called "Naked in Death" and the others (there's 10 or so altogether) are all called Something in Death. Like other Nora Roberts stories these have some hot, steamy sex as well as an interesting story. These are a little gruesome but nowhere near as explicit as Patricia Cornwell or Tami Hoag. And don't whine. My kids will tell you I do not tolerate whining. Keep it up and you'll go to your room...oops...I mean I won't post the next chapter. So there! No, I promise it will be there tomorrow. I do have to work you know.

Gail - I'm so glad you're enjoying the J.D.Robb books! Would not Colin be the Perfect person to play Roarke in a movie? *SIGH* You think Roarke is HOT now - just wait till he suggestes to Eve they should start a family ;-0~~~~ [ - i wont tell you which book that happens in, you'll just have to keep reading *evil grin*] he just keeps getting better and better *shiver* Sadie, i recommend you check them out, it's a great series.

Gail & Teg I must add my whine to Sadie's,more please& soon :-) Gail JD Robb,everytime I drool someone mentions more books ,at this rate I wont have time to drool:-) BTW has NR written for Mills & Boons? (Sadie) Cannot allow potential drooley man to slip through my grasp.*dirty snigger* I know why its slippy

Esbee, yes CF would be a PERFECT Roarke. *double sigh* I just went on Amazon.com and bought all the rest of the series. Should have them in a couple of days. Can't wait to read them all - especially the part about baby making.

Gail did you order the new one too? it's supposed to come out next week - Judgement in Death is the name i think while you're waiting for them to come in the mail, why dont you keep busy writing? :-) *hint hint*

*smirk* I went to www.whsmithonline.co.uk to have a look for the series and they have a lot now the problem is to choose. Any recommendations where to start, ladies????

Hanne, this is the order they were published in. You definitely should read Naked in Death first as this is where Eve and Roarke meet. Naked in Death Glory in Death Immortal in Death Rapture in Death Ceremony in Death Vengeance in Death Holiday in Death Conspiracy in Death Loyalty in Death Witness in Death Judgment in Death No Esbee, I did not order the last one as I didn't want to hold up the order. Since I have 8 others to read first, I figured I have time to pick that one up once it's released. And I'm busily writing. I have about 5 more chapters written waiting for editing. I like to noodle on them for several days and make sure I've got things the way I want them in light of where I'm going with the story. But I will have a chapter ready later today. I don't work on Wednesdays but I've got to go grocery shopping and take the cat to the vet before I can write. Stay tuned.....

OK, here it is... What Matters Most Chapter 12 Since Marty and Angie lived in Ellsworth close to the county sheriff�s office, Liz agreed to meet Will at work at the end of his shift. Liz pulled her car into the lot and parked in a space marked for visitors. At the front desk she gave her name to the motherly-looking receptionist and asked for Will. �I�m afraid he�s out on a call right now dearie. However he did just radio in that he is on his way back and asked me to have you wait in his office. Let me show you the way.� She led Liz to a small windowless office. Left alone, Liz looked around with interest. As she would have expected, Will kept his office neat and organized. There were a few papers scattered on his desk as if he had left in a hurry but they were the only things out of place. She walked around the confined space examining the pictures and framed citations on the wall and picked up a family photograph up from the bookcase. The five Darcys were on one of their boats, hair blowing in the wind and laughing. Liz ran a fingernail over Will�s face and lean body, wishing for him in person. As if her thoughts were heard, Will appeared at the door. �I�m sorry I�m late. I hope you haven�t been waiting long.� He delighted at how her face lit up when she saw him. Liz put the picture back in its place and smiled at Will. �I�ve only been here a few minutes. I hope you don�t mind me snooping around.� �Not at all. It�s not much, but then again I don�t spend much time here.� �I like seeing where you work. It shows me another piece of who you are.� She looked him over, noticing that his blazer, slacks and tie were nice but certainly not custom made. Brian, she knew, would not be caught dead in similar attire. �Is that how you normally dress for work?� �Yes, county detectives are plain clothes. Since I�m usually out dealing with the public, I strive to look presentable but not too formal. Liz, I try to live a simple life in keeping with my profession and most people here have no idea who my family is. It would be difficult to be just �one of the guys� if they did. That kind of acceptance is very important in this job where you rely so much on your partners. So I live modestly and shop for my clothes where they shop. I reserve my Italian shoes and tuxedo for family affairs.� �Well I think you look very handsome, Detective Darcy.� Liz moved closer and ran her hands down his arms. �Now since I am your girlfriend, don�t I get a kiss?� �Oh, I do like having you for a girlfriend,� Will murmured as he pulled her to him and kissed her lightly on the lips. �This is so much nicer than just being friends.� Reluctantly he broke away as he added, �Let me get changed and then we�ll be on our way.� Will returned in a few minutes wearing khakis and a polo shirt and carrying a covered bowl and a bag. To Liz�s questioning look her replied, �Just a salad and some wine. My mother taught me never to go anywhere empty-handed.� He handed Liz the bag and taking her free hand, he escorted her out, stopping to say goodbye to the receptionist. Liz noticed the older woman wink at Will and she grinned. No woman alive can resist his charms. I�m so glad he�s mine. �How about we take your car?� he asked as they approached her Beetle. �I�d love to drive this.� �Sure sweetie.� Liz handed him the keys, squeezing his hand warmly as she did. Will was pleased with her endearments and easy affection. Yes indeed, having Liz for a girlfriend was a wonderful thing. Liz fiddled with the radio while Will drove. �This is the first time I�ve been a passenger in this car,� she said. �It�s different but I think I like it.� Not finding any music that suited her mood, she turned the radio off and sat back in her seat to enjoy the ride. �You said not many people know about your family. I guess that means I should watch what I say at this cookout.� �It�s not that big a deal. I do talk about my family, I just don�t talk about yachts and country clubs and stuff like that. I might tell them I went to a party with my folks but I don�t mention it was a formal ball at a fancy club where I wore a tuxedo. Most of these guys have no idea who the Darcys are so it has never occurred to them to question and I don�t offer up any unnecessary information.� �You say most. Does that mean some of them do know?� �Really only Marty and Angie. We�re pretty close and don�t have any secrets.� �I understand. Well I should fit in just fine with my schoolteacher parents.� �A lot of these guys grew up in the area so they may know your parents.� Reaching the neat split-level and finding the driveway full, Will parked the car on a side street. Liz took his hand as they walked towards the house, carrying their bundles. �Just stay close to me OK?� she asked. �I�m shy with new people.� Will was surprised and pressed her hand comfortingly. He didn�t think she�d be the bashful type. �Don�t worry honey, these are nice folks and they�ll make you feel at home. And I promise I�ll stay right by your side.� I wouldn�t want to be anywhere else. He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it tenderly provoking a smile from Liz. Instead of going to the front door, Will cut through the yard to the rear of the house. Several people were standing around, drinks in hand, conversing and laughing. A handful of small children splashed in a kiddie pool under the watchful eyes of their mothers. Smoke was billowing out of a gas barbecue, scenting the air with the smell of hamburgers and hot dogs. A tall man, 30ish, with closely cropped dark hair, a mustache and a wiry build, watched as Will and Liz entered the yard. �Hey Will,� he called. �It�s about time you got here!� He waved his arms futilely at the smoke before leaving his spot at the grill and coming over to greet his latest guests. He was wearing a red checkered apron that said �Kiss the Cook.� �Marty, hi. Sorry we�re late. I got hung up on a call. This is Liz. Liz, Marty.� Marty took off an oven mitt to shake Liz�s hand. �This is a great pleasure Liz. This guy here never has time for women and I was beginning to worry about him. I guess he was just waiting for you to come along.� Liz was pleased and Will smiled broadly at his good friend. �You got that right buddy. Hey, what�s with all the smoke? You trying to send messages to the neighboring tribes?� Marty shrugged. �You know me Will. I never clean the grill which drives Angie crazy. So every time I fire it up, it has to burn off all the old stuff. I think that makes the food taste better. Let me get back to cooking before I burn everything. Angie�s inside feeding the baby. Put that stuff on the table and introduce Liz around. And help yourself to something to drink.� Liz liked the way Will kept his arm possessively around her as he introduced her to his friends. Funny how she would have resented the same action from Brian, but with Will it was very sweet and comforting. There were some raised eyebrows when he�d say, �this is my girlfriend,� but everyone welcomed her warmly. She was soon comfortable enough to chat with Angie and some of the other women while Will and Marty played games with the children. Angie was a plump, friendly woman in her late 20�s with curly blond hair and a peaches and cream complexion. Her oldest daughter Susie, age 3, was her spitting image. The baby, 6-week old Amanda, was too tiny to look much like anyone (at in Liz�s opinion) but she did have her daddy�s dark hair. As the day lengthened into evening, Angie put the kids to bed and others with children headed home. The few people left were old friends and chatted companionably in Angie�s spacious kitchen. Will stopped to observe Liz for a few minutes as she listened to and laughed at a silly joke. Feeling the need to have her in his arms, he crossed the room and grabbed her hand. �Excuse me, I need to borrow my girlfriend for a few minutes,� he said, pulling her outside. In the dimly lit backyard, Will took Liz into his arms and kissed her firmly. Sitting down on a redwood chaise, he pulled her onto his lap. Giggling, she snuggled against his shoulder. Running his hands over her soft sweater Will said, �I don�t think I mentioned today how beautiful you look. This is the same outfit you were wearing when I first met you. It looks very nice on you.� Liz was pleased that he would remember and a little abashed that she hadn�t. �Thank you sweetie.� She kissed him softly on the lips before laying her head back down on his chest and began playing idly with the collar of his shirt. Will sighed contentedly. How nice it was to have the woman he loved nestled in his arms. �I love you Liz,� he whispered, running his fingers down through the curls that tumbled over her shoulders. �I�m glad,� she said, caressing his face. �I�m very glad.� It wasn�t the answer Will was hoping for, but it would do for now. ***** �What did you think of Liz?� Angie asked her husband later that night when all the guests were gone. She was snuggling with Marty on the family room sofa as she nursed Amanda. Marty stroked the soft downy cheek of his baby daughter, marveling at her perfection. �I think our Will is head over heels and I�m worried about him getting hurt. Liz seems nice enough but just the fact that she was engaged to Brian makes me nervous. He�s so different from Will that I wonder how she could be attracted to them both. I hope Will doesn�t rush into anything.� Angie kissed her husband on the cheek lovingly. �You are the dearest sweetest man,� she said, �worrying about your best friend like that. But I think this one will work out. Liz is madly in love with him too. And she is a real sweetheart. Will�s done all right for himself.� �Well you women seem to know better about these things than men do. I�ll take your word for it and hope for the best. It is nice to see Will so happy. And she is a pretty little thing.� �Now you�re going to make me jealous,� Angie pouted. �Here I am still fat from having a baby and you�re looking at other women.� �I said she was pretty. You, my love, are beautiful, especially when you�re nursing the sweet little baby that our love created.� Marty leaned down to give Angie a kiss. �Are you almost done there? I�m thinking it�s time to start working on making us a boy baby.� Angie giggled as raised Amanda to her shoulder to burp her. �Feeling outnumbered are we? You go on to bed darlin� and I�ll be right along. Don�t you go falling asleep on me now.� �I wouldn�t dream of it,� he said leering at the uncovered breast recently vacated by the baby. �Just don�t take too long.� To Be Continued��.

What a sweet chapter! *sigh* things are progressing nicely Gail, and i loved when Will took Liz outside to cuddle for awhile in private. Very Romantic. And his friends are great - that last scene was wonderful. As always -cant wait for more!!

This chapter was well worth the wait Gail. Will is sooooo sweet and sexy. Love the possessive arm around her, and second Esbee's feelings about their moment outside. And he remembered what she was wearing! So she must be about ready to jump him, right? Am too old to be sent to my room, but threat of no drooling material causes me to cease! Thanks to both you and Esbee about info concerning J.D. Robb series. Sounds like a trip to the bookstore is in order. Judy, you know me too well!

Thank you Gail ,...first one already ordered..... Nice and easy chapter. I concur with the above mentioned, a sexy and cuddly atmosphere you've created here,...building up slowly, are we?? Can't wait!!

Thanks Gail,he really knows how to treat a lady unlikethat creep Brian.It really is increasing the anticipation for Liz as well as for me:-)

Thanks fo rthe list Gail. I'm going to get them all! (Judy) Thanks Gail,he really knows how to treat a lady unlikethat creep Brian.It really is increasing the anticipation for Liz as well as for me:-) I'm drooling just thinking about it!

No the answer he was hoping for!!! I should say not! Get that woman's head examined! ;) Okay, I promised not to keep you waiting as long.... Parallels Chapter Twenty �What did you say to her?� Brenda pulled Ben over to her while her eyes sought out Anna�s retreating figure. �Maybe too much?� Ben looked at her regretfully. �I should go and apologise.� �No,� Brenda said quietly, her hand resting on his arm. �I�ll go talk to her.� A little searching and Brenda found Anna just outside the front doors of the building, leaning against the wall. Her head was bowed, and the faint sound of sniffling reached Brenda�s ears. �Anna?� she said softly. �Would you like to talk?� The younger woman simply nodded her head. Brenda put a hand on her shoulder and steered her away from the openness of the main entrance to a more private location near the gardens. As soon as they were seated on a bench Anna began to sob. She clung to Brenda, much to the other woman�s surprise. When at last she had regained some control, Anna released her hold on her friend and sat back on the bench. She continued to sniffle, and Brenda handed her a tissue. �Now, tell me,� Brenda said. �Did Ben say something to upset you like this?� Anna shook her head dismally. �I�m just so confused,� she whispered. �One minute I�m on the top of the world, I think I�m happy and enjoying life.... the next, I�m wondering what I�m doing. Ben hates me, and I�m not too sure how I feel about myself either.� �Ben doesn�t hate you.� Brenda pushed Anna�s hair behind her ear in order to see her face better. �He�s very concerned about you. He doesn�t want to see you get hurt, or worse. What is it you�re looking for, Anna?� The younger woman�s shoulders rose with a heavy sigh. �I don�t know. I thought I was trying to be like Ben.� She looked up suddenly, horrified at the connotations of her statement. �I didn�t mean that! Oh, I�m sorry, Brenda!� Smiling, Brenda patted her arm. �Anna, I�m not blind to the fact that Ben has been, and continues to be, popular with the ladies. He�s a very good looking man, and just the fact that he comes from such a wealthy family is enough to bring the women to him. Not that I�m downplaying any of his delightful qualities, but the money aspect certainly has played a big role in his popularity. And yours, too, I would imagine.� She frowned and turned to squarely face Anna. �Are you sure that your admirers are there because they appreciate you? Or is it something else that attracts them?� Anna sniffled. She couldn�t meet her companion�s eyes. Although Brenda had left it unsaid, Anna knew what she meant. She fingered the folds in her skirt. �I�ve messed things up pretty badly, haven�t I?� With a small sigh, Brenda smiled faintly. �You�re young and you�ve made some mistakes. Don�t let that affect the rest of your life, unless you mean to learn from them.� Anna thought about what had passed between her brother and herself only a few moments ago. �Ben said I was like Aunt Lydia. Brenda, I don�t want to end up like her! I don�t want to be an embarrassment to my entire family. I couldn�t bear the thought of hurting my parents like that.� �Then you won�t turn out like your aunt,� Brenda said firmly. �She doesn�t care about what people think of her, nor how her family is hurt by her actions. That is the key, Anna. As long as you care, you�re on the right track.� They sat quietly for some minutes, while Anna sorted out her thoughts. �Are you ready to go back inside?� Brenda finally ventured. �I think so, yes.� Anna stood up, smoothed her dress and straightened her shoulders. �I�m ready.� When they re-entered the hall, Anna�s followers immediately began to reassemble around her. Brenda, however, was determined not to leave her friend�s side. She guided Anna through the room to join Ben. There was an awkward silence between the two at first, but then Anna looked apologetically at her brother. �Ben, I�m sorry.� He glanced from Anna to Brenda, then settled his gaze on his sister again. �I�m sorry, too. I�m sorry I had to be so cruel about it, but I don�t want to see you throw away your life, Anna. And I have to admit that Dad was prominent in my concerns as well. If anything happened to him as a result of your indiscretions coming to light, there would be a lot more people hurt. Our family is very precious to me, as I�ve come to realize very well of late.� �You know I didn�t really mean that remark about Dad, right Ben? I couldn�t bear to hurt him in any way.� Anna took his hand and squeezed it. �Thank you for caring, Ben. I was just too full of myself to really comprehend what you were saying.� Brenda gave a relieved smile. �How about some coffee, Anna? I think you could use a cup.� �Oh, yes!� she agreed. *** Three Years Later �Oh, Dad! I can�t thank you enough!� Rebecca hugged him fiercely. �You have no idea what a difference this is going to make for me in competition.� Will grinned at his daughter. �Well, I had no idea how excited you would get over the mere purchase of a new horse!� �Oh, but he�s not just any horse, Dad,� she sighed. �And the difference is that I won�t be riding for someone else with this one. I�ll be riding a Darcy-owned mount! How on earth did you know which horse I had my eye on?� �I made a few discreet enquiries on each visit that your mother and I made to see you compete.� Will motioned for them to head back to the house. �Your enthusiasm has hardly been understated when looking at prospective horses. And, of course, I hired someone who knew what to look for in a showjumping mount once I knew in what direction your inclination lay.� Rebecca followed him down the aisle of the stable. �He�s perfect, Dad. I know we�re going to be a great team.� She was grinning from ear to ear. �Speaking of teams,� Will said in a more sombre tone. �When do you fly to Canada?� �The horses will be going next week, and some of us have been asked to fly with them.� Will stopped and looked at her. �You�re going next week, then.� She nodded. It had been impossible for her to refuse when asked. Rebecca�s excitement at having been chosen to represent her country in the Nation�s Cup Series in North America had known no bounds. Even though the team that Britain was sending was made of up and coming horse and rider combinations, effectively reducing their chances of finishing well, the honour of having been selected was not lost on her. She had worked hard and come a long way in the past three years. And now another phase of her education in the sport was about to begin. �That doesn�t leave you much time to spend with family,� her father was saying. �Dad, everyone is at home now! I mean, Ben lives here and Anna won�t be going to Glasgow for her new job for another month.� Rebecca took her father�s arm as they walked across the lawn toward the house. �I�m sure you won�t miss me. I was hardly ever home anyway!� Will chuckled. �I missed you whenever you were away in Europe.� �You and Mum will be too busy with your new grandson this time.� A huge smile lit Will�s face. �I can�t deny that! However, I think little William�s time will be monopolized by his big sister. Sarah just doesn�t want to leave the little fellow alone!� �Oh, she�s just at that age, isn�t she? Has to be mama to the new baby.� Rebecca shook her head, laughing. �Kevin�s nose is a wee bit out of joint, though.� Will grimaced, recalling some of his own son�s antics when each successive sibling had arrived. �Well, it�s still early days. The baby is only a couple of months old!� �And he still has Rich to chum around with.� �Yes. This house has never been more full!� Will shook his head. �Your mother and I were supposed to be going to Spain for a holiday next month, but do you think I can tear her away from here now? Once that baby crossed the threshold of the front doors all thoughts of a holiday went right out the window.� He scowled at the ground. Rebecca grinned. �I think Kevin isn�t the only one with his nose out of joint.� Will�s scowl was re-aimed at her, then he laughed. �There might be a kernel of truth in that. You know how your mother is with babies. That�s why we had five!� They were still laughing when they passed through the main doors into the house. Rich met them at the bottom of the stairs. �Dad, you just missed Aunt Janna�s call.� �Oh,� Will groaned. �Did you speak with her?� �Yep. She wanted to know if you�d managed to convince Mum about Spain yet, otherwise she�ll change your reservations to another destination. She said something about Tahiti?� Rich shrugged his shoulders. �I told her you�d ring her back.� �Good Lord,� Will grumbled. �Your aunt needs to get herself a love life of her own, so she�ll stay out of mine. Thanks, Rich.� �No trouble, Dad,� he shrugged again before turning to his sister. �Bec, can I talk to you for a minute?� �Yeah, sure.� She followed him into the music room, leaving their father in the hallway. Will debated as to whether he should retreat to the library, or peek in on Ben to see how he was doing. He eyed the closed study door for a few minutes as he weighed the pros and cons of sticking his nose in on his son�s efforts. After another minute he headed for the library. *** Kathleen sat under her favourite tree in the garden overlooking the lake. Having completed her first year at university she felt a renewed sense of self confidence in her ability to tackle life�s little disappointments. Or big disappointments, she thought with a slight wilting of her shoulders. Almost immediately, she straightened up once more and her chin came up determinedly. Four years had been a long time, but in the end she and Jason had come to agree on one thing: each needed to go on without the other. He was nearly finished university, soon to embark on a new and exciting life away from England. Opportunities to continue his studies abroad had come to him from many sources, and he would be a fool not to accept. Kathleen, herself, had found university to be something that she had enjoyed immensely, and she was grateful that she had been able to go, although a tiny part of her still wondered how it would have all turned out if her daughter had survived. Shaking off these sad musings, Kathleen turned her attention to the lake before her. The still surface of the water rippled suddenly as a fish nudged at an insect. She breathed in deeply, smiling contentedly at the scents from the flowers that surrounded her. *** �So, what do you think?� Rebecca stared at her brother for a moment. �It�s..... Gee, Rich, what do you want me to say?� Rich appeared a bit peeved with her response. �I hoped that you�d see my point of view and give me an honest opinion.� �Your point of view?� she asked quizzically. Sighing, she turned back to contemplate the canvas. �I�m no art critic, you know,� she warned. Rich grinned. �You don�t have to be. I don�t want a critic�s opinion. I want to know what the average person sees when they look at it.� �Oh, so I�m average, now?� Rebecca shot him a look out of the corner of her eye. �You know what I mean!� Rich coloured. �Ah, he�s managed to lure you in here to judge his efforts has he, Rebecca?� Elizabeth chuckled. �I told you it�s lovely, son.� She patted him on the cheek before taking a seat on one of the sofas. Rich rolled his eyes. �Thanks, but since you are my mother, you�re a bit biassed.� Rebecca wondered how he could think his sister would be any less so. �Okay, Rich. It�s a portrait, obviously.� Elizabeth looked at her daughter, an expression of confusion developing on her features. �Portrait?� �Yes.� Rebecca pointed to a patch of gray near the top left corner of the canvas. �That�s his hair, and over here,� she indicated the bottom right corner, �you can see his ring.� �His ring?� Elizabeth was getting more confused as she leaned forward to peer at the area in question. �Oh come now, Mum! You know it�s Dad!� Rebecca winked at her brother. �It is really good, Rich. Has it been graded, yet?� �Um, yeah,� he hesitated. �I got an A.� Rich frowned slightly as he watched his mother examining his painting. �Well,� Elizabeth said, straightening up. �I�ll have to go and bring your father down to see this again. I don�t think he realized it was a portrait of himself.� She hurried out of the room. �What did you say that for?� sputtered Rich. �Rebecca, I told you the assignment was to paint a concept, not an object, but a concept! How on earth did you twist it around to become a portrait?� Rebecca waved her hand in the air. �Oh, they�ll never know the difference, Rich. Make them happy and pretend it�s a portrait of Dad, and maybe later you can paint one of the both of them.� He grinned. �Just you remember that I�m the artist and don�t come along and tell everyone what they aren�t!� Rich paused and bit his lip in thought. �Yes, I�ll do a real portrait of them, Rebecca. That�s a great idea. Thanks!� *** Will laughed. Elizabeth frowned at him. �I don�t see what�s so funny,� she pouted. The laughter stopped abruptly and her husband cleared his throat before speaking. �Dearest Elizabeth, you cannot tell when your daughter is teasing you.� He smiled at her incredulous expression. �Do you mean..... Rich�s painting isn�t....?� Will�s eyes were still laughing at her, to Elizabeth�s consternation. �Oh, that girl!� She whirled around to leave the room, but Will caught her arm and masterfully spun her around so that she came to a halt, resting against his chest with his arms wrapped about her waist. �Not so fast, my dear.� His voice was low and he whispered the next words so close to her ear that his breath warmed her cheek. Elizabeth relaxed into his embrace, turning her face to meet his. Their lips touched, gently. �Do you know that I love you?� Will murmured. A quiet giggle sounded in her throat. �I should think myself well versed in the many ways you love me, Will, after all these years together.� �Ah, there have been a few,� he agreed. �But there will never be enough years for me to share with you, no matter how long I live.� Their lips met again. Elizabeth�s arms rose to encompass Will�s neck and draw him closer. Their bodies pressed together, softly murmured words of love exchanged between them. �Will,� she whispered between kisses. �You know how dangerous this is. We have little ones in the house again.� He ignored her words, his lips warming her throat, his hands pulling her closer against him. �Will....� her voice trailed away in a long sigh as she laid her head back and allowed him to gently lower her to the sofa. He lay down beside her, one hand raising her chin to again meet her lips with his. Tongues touched and began a familiar dance, slowly, caressingly exploring. Elizabeth�s fingers traced along Will�s chest, the contact driving away any remaining resistance she may have felt. She drew in a deep breath, relishing the feel of his skin beneath the tips of her fingers, the heat against the flat of her palm. His mouth moved to take her earlobe between his teeth and a low growl rumbled against her ear. �Oh, Will,� Elizabeth moaned softly. �We.... we can�t do this here.� A quiet chuckle was the response. She looked quizzically at him. �What�s so funny?� Will met her gaze, all innocence. �Perhaps not here, my dear, but I know where we can....� Elizabeth�s mouth formed a mischievous smile. �It�s too cold.� Will laughed. �Not at all!� �Oh, no!� She shook her head. �No?� He ran a finger along her cheek, eyes never leaving hers. �Well,� she hedged, �there aren�t really any quiet places in the house anymore, it seems.� Will resisted the urge to laugh at the tiny pout that his wife produced. �I know it sounds odd, after having five children of our own underfoot, but ....� A kiss silenced the rest of her explanation. Will�s arms wrapped about her waist, one hand caressing up the length of her back. �Spain,� he murmured. �Mmm, Spain,� Elizabeth mumbled against his lips. �Several weeks of sun.....� kiss, �surf.....� kiss, �solitude.� He punctuated the last word with a nudge of his hips against hers. Elizabeth giggled. Her eyes were wide and bright, looking directly into his. �How soon can we leave?� Will pulled her into a tight embrace, one hand stroking her hair. His eyes were closed as he enjoyed this moment with the woman he loved. Her hand idly traced circles on his chest, then she turned her face to look up at him. No words were necessary as they each gave a little sigh, smiled and snuggled in each other�s arms. The door to the library closed noiselessly. Ben smiled to himself as he stood on the other side. With the example of his parents� solid and loving marriage, he knew that he and Brenda would do very nicely together as well. He gave an imperceptible sigh and went back to his study. His father�s advice would wait for another day. *** to be continued.. Only the Epilogue to come!

So sweet! What a good example they make for their children. But it must have been really embarrassing at times! I mean, being a teenager and rush into a room to find you PARENTS engaged in a passionate embrace! *shudder!!* But as I now am 'older' myself (well, at least not teenager any more!), I realise you still are the same person inside as you were as a teenager, just more experienced and less insecure (hopefully!). I am divided between looking forward to the Epilogue and dreading seeing the end of this story!

Ahhhhhh, so lovely Teg! How about a sequel on that trip to Spain? I hope all this anticipation for Will & Liz in WMM doesn't lead to a big disappointment. I've already written the 'big' scene but better go back and rework some more. You guys have me nervous! But there's a couple more boring chapters to go through first. Will post this weekend. Stay tuned.........

Simply Wonderful Teg! And i loved the ending, with them cuddling together and discussing Spain. (Gail) How about a sequel on that trip to Spain? Excellent idea!!!! This was Really wonderful to read, espically since i came straight here from DWG, and reading Adiue - *sigh* Nothing like having your heart ripped out first thing in the morning. it was so sweet the way he crawled in a held her at the end, but it was SO SAD!!!

Thanks Teg but I can't believe we're nearly at the end & have to agree about that hot Spanish sequel more,more :-) Gail don't want to make you nervous but you must accept some of the blame;-) afterall you've been building the story up so well to that 'big' scene you've mentioned,its bound to get us all going.Can't wait for the weekend. Esbee I hope you're still thinking about that thrust story you've half-promised us over on Darcy drool *hint,hint*

I really enjoyed this chapter Teg. Like Esbee, I came directly from DWG --- I will pretend Adieu never happened! Too heartbreaking! I agree with Judy Gail. You've been building us up so nicely all along. Don't be nervous, it'll be great. Looking forward to the weekend. Yes, Esbee, I like the sound of that, please post soon!

you still are the same person inside as you were as a teenager, just more experienced and less insecure (hopefully!). I've heard this version recently: Older people are young people who have been around for a bit longer...

(Sadie)I really enjoyed this chapter Teg. Like Esbee, I came directly from DWG --- I will pretend Adieu never happened! Too heartbreaking! I'm pretending as well! But very happy to see the lovebirds necking away in the library! Teg, I know you don't want to write another sequel... but aren't there some secluded/exclusive beaches in Spain? Gail, you'll do us proud! i just know it!

I know nothing about Spain! I've never been anywhere near it! LOL!! Dani, you want to keep me from the other story I'm writing, or what? (heh!) Since there seems to be an influx from DWG, does that mean I need not think about posting 'Adieu' here? I thought I'd pop it in here after I finish up 'Parallels' just for completion's sake. Not that it has any 'drool factor' in it.....

I'm so glad Anna saw the light, all the clues dropped on the way have been gathered ...... almost!! Oh, Dani, believe me there are beautiful beaches and narrow streets with lots of romantic atmosphere along with secluded places for....erhm...close encounters!! Spain/Barcelona would be a beautiful background to an interlude of drool-worthy nature!! So, go to it, Teg,... your immaginative powers will take you there!!;-))

No, Teg... I think you should post Adieu here, too! I think there are some droolers who don't frequent the PG-fic boards at DWG and BoI! I don't want to be the dissenting voice :) ... but I'd rather have the new story than a short Spanish holiday tacked into Parallels!! And... Gail, take your time, your story is wonderful, and although we all clamour for the "drool-y" bits, a good satisfying story built around those bits is even better! Thanks, ladies!!

... but I'd rather have the new story than a short Spanish holiday tacked into Parallels!! Who said we couldn't have both?! (hint, hint!)

(Karen)Who said we couldn't have both?! (hint, hint!) Boy the people around here are so demanding!! Glad to have you taking some of the heat off of me Teg! But I couldn't bring myself to read 'Adieu'. I skimmed it quickly, got a feel for what it was about but just could not do it. Funny I don't have any problems reading about any other P&P character dying in any other story but I just cannot handle it happening to Lizzy or Darcy.

No, no, no Teg! I do want you to finish your new story! I just love your writing! But I will be very sad... again, to see the ending of this marvelous epic. And Leanne, Teg's newest story is not about Jane Austen at all, but it's very good so far!

Suddenly quiet here.... ;) Epilogue-Eleven years later..... Brenda scanned the faces on the lawn, looking for her husband�s. She did a mental inventory as she searched, tallying up the children. Kevin, Sarah, William, Trisha. That took care of her own. She saw Anna�s two boys, Cory and Rhys, as they raced after William. Robert Bingley�s little one, Ivy, was toddling around on the grass, her mother following with arms outstretched ready to catch her. Brenda chuckled at the site. It had been a good number of years since any of her children had been that age. Charles was standing with his daughter, Beth, who looked nearly ready to burst at eight months pregnant with twins. Jane was close by, speaking with Georgiana. Brenda frowned. She still couldn�t see Ben, but Rich and Aaron were just passing by her. �Rich, have you seen your brother?� �No,� Rich shook his head. �Didn�t he come back with you?� �No. I suppose I�ll go take a look in the house.� Brenda left the two young men, skirting along the edge of the cedars bordering the walkway. �Brenda!� called a voice. She stopped and turned. Rebecca came hurrying up to her. �Brenda, I didn�t have time earlier, since I was late in arriving. I wanted to introduce you to Jurgen.� She gestured to the man standing a few paces away to come forward. Smiling, Brenda extended her hand. �Pleased to finally meet you, Jurgen. Rebecca�s parents told us so many nice things about you.� As he took her hand firmly, Brenda sized up her sister-in-law�s fianc� and was satisfied with what she saw. Will and Elizabeth had met him the previous summer, when Rebecca was in Germany. Shortly after their visit, Jurgen had proposed. Unfortunately, their competition schedule hadn�t allowed Jurgen time to come to Pemberley in the intervening time, although Rebecca had managed a few trips. �Rebecca has a wonderful family,� Jurgen said in a thick but pleasant accent. �I am very pleased to have been accepted into it so readily.� They spoke for a few more minutes before Brenda excused herself to continue her search for Ben. She was waylaid once more, by Kathleen this time. �I can�t stop long, Kath. I�m looking for Ben. You haven�t seen him, have you?� she explained. �Not recently.� Kathleen looked over her shoulder. �There�s Anna. She might know where he is.� �Thanks.� Brenda sidestepped a rosebush and ended up at Anna�s elbow. �Hi!� She nodded at Anna�s husband. �Hi, Sean.� Anna smiled. �Hi. The gardens are beautiful, Brenda.� �Oh, thank you. Did you happen to notice your brother about? I can�t seem to find him.� Anna frowned. �Now that you mention it, I don�t recall seeing him since we came back here, either.� At the concerned look on Brenda�s face, she added, �Don�t worry. I think I know where he is. Would you like me to find him and bring him home?� �Would you? I know I�m just a worry wart, but he�s been under a lot of pressure for a while. I�d feel better if he was here with everyone else.� �It�s no trouble.� Anna put her cup down on a nearby table. �I�ll go now.� Kathleen joined Brenda as her sister walked away. �I noticed you met Jurgen.� �Oh, yes.� Brenda turned to face her. �He seems like a nice man. He�s been very attentive to Rebecca this afternoon.� �Yes, he is that.� Brenda tilted her head to the side as she regarded the younger woman. �And when are you going to find yourself a young man of your own?� Kathleen laughed. �That�s a very good imitation of Grandmama! She still asks me that every time I go to see her.� �That�s because you are the only one of her granddaughters not yet married!� Brenda leaned closer. �Sarah might displace you soon, though, if your grandmother ever realizes that she�s twenty, now.� �Oh, the poor girl! Well, Grandmama�s tactics will not induce me to find a husband any sooner than my snail�s pace will allow. I hope Sarah manages to avoid being subjected to her attention, though.� Kathleen sighed. �It�s not easy to listen to that every time.� �I imagine it isn�t.� But Brenda�s mind had wandered from the conversation as she caught a glimpse of Anna leaving the gardens, walking briskly in a direction away from the house. *** �Ben.� The voice was soft, barely heard above the whispering of the leaves rustling in the warm spring breeze. �Anna,� he replied just as quietly, his eyes never wavering from the words in front of him. His sister knelt down on the grass beside him. �Everyone is back at the house. I knew you�d still be here. Will you come with me now?� �In a few minutes. Just give me a few more minutes.� Anna watched his face closely. Ben had been a rock for the rest of them this past year. Seeing him so vulnerable at this moment was tearing at her heart. �Did you realize the significance of this place?� He didn�t wait for her reply, didn�t look to see her shake her head. �This is where they first loved one another, where I was conceived.� Ben finally turned his head to meet his sister�s eyes. �You, too.� �How do you know that?� Anna�s eyes were round and tear-filled. Ben smiled faintly. �Dad told me. He had to explain why he didn�t want Mum buried in the family vault. He said she was too free-spirited to be confined in that cold, dark place. She�d never be happy, never be able to rest surrounded by all of those stuffy old Darcys.� Anna�s laughter was hindered by a soft sob. �I can believe it.� She took hold of Ben�s hand and held it tightly. �This place feels like Mum and Dad. They�re together now, the way they should be.� �Yes.� Ben ignored the tears that fell from his face to the grass. �It was hell to watch him fade away all these months. Oh, he put on a brave face for the kids, but every night he�d be walking the halls. I often found him sitting in the gallery just staring at Mum�s portrait. Many times he�d fall asleep there.� �And that�s where you found him when he.....� She stopped. Blinking away more tears, she looked up at the trees, away from the marker in front of her. �He was devastated when she died.� �It was cruel. She should never have gone before him, and not as suddenly as she did.� Ben touched the letters on the stone with his fingertips. He traced the Darcy name, then let his hand fall back to his side. With a sigh, he rose to his feet, drawing Anna to hers as well. �We�d best get back to the house before Brenda sends out a search party.� They slowly walked across the little clearing toward the trees. Ben paused at the edge where the grass met the path that would take them back to Pemberley, looking over his shoulder to the small incline where the one large stone marker stood at the top. The sun made a brief appearance, throwing a bright beam of light onto the very spot where his parents now lay..... together. �Goodbye,� he whispered. Gripping Anna�s hand, he followed the path back home. The sun continued to shine on the little clearing. The breeze set the leaves fluttering, and the sounds of the birds and the brook lent a serenity to the surroundings. A woman�s soft laughter filtered through the branches of the trees as a shadowy form raced along the grass to the top of the hill. Another laugh, this one deeper, came from the direction of the brook. The shadow on the hill extended a hand, beckoning. A second shadowy form joined the first. The two figures appeared to blend into one another. �I�ll love you forever,� whispered the leaves. The sun disappeared behind a cloud, the shadowy figures vanished and the clearing was enveloped in the dusk of the fading day. The End

Well, look at that.. too early in the morning for me, obviously. I forgot to identify the danged post as 'Parallels' hee hee!

A woman�s soft laughter filtered through the branches of the trees as a shadowy form raced along the grass to the top of the hill. Another laugh, this one deeper, came from the direction of the brook. The shadow on the hill extended a hand, beckoning. A second shadowy form joined the first. The two figures appeared to blend into one another. �I�ll love you forever,� whispered the leaves. *sigh* How wonderful...you really have a knack for writing beautiful, emotionally serene scenes!! An now you trilogy is at an end....so sad!! But there'll be more some day??? Yes!!!???

Or were there 5 sections? Some short interludes, though!!

It's very hard to type while crying! Teg, that was beautiful... Thank you!

Yes, really beautiful... And now, when I have read "Adieu" I understand the short interval between their deaths. I didn't first grasp the time frame when I read "Parallels" on DWG before. Now when I read about Elizabeth and Will meeting Jurgen just last summer, and now they are both gone it breaks my heart! He couldn't live without her, could he? So sad... but logical.

Oh Teg.....sob....sob....sob....that was beautiful! What Matters Most Chapter 13 �Now where is it we�re going?� Liz asked Will on the phone late the following morning. �We�re taking Brian�s boat down to Rockland. It will take about an hour. There is a marina there with an excellent restaurant.� Will could hear Liz�s nerves buzzing through the phone line. �Is it fancy? What should I wear?� �Why are you so anxious honey? It�s just dinner with my family.� Will spoke calmly hoping to ease Liz�s tension. �You know why Will,� she spoke impatiently. �What are you doing?� �Right now?� �Yes, right now.� �Nothing except talking to you. I just got back from my run and was going to take a shower. Why?� �Can you please come over? Bring what you�re wearing tonight with you and we can leave from here. You can help me pick out what to wear. Please? I need you here.� �You need me?� �Desperately.� �Then I�ll be over as soon as I get dressed. Calm down honey, it will be fine.� �Just get over here.� �On my way.� ***** Liz grabbed the hangars out of Will�s hand and hung his clothes in the hall closet before throwing her arms around his waist. �Thank you for coming. I�m going out of my mind.� Will liked the feeling of being needed and hugged Liz tightly. �It�s OK sweetheart. I promise you, it will be OK.� �I know, I know it will be. I don�t know why I�m so nervous. I�m not usually like this. I just want it to go well. I want your family to see that this is how things are supposed to be.� Liz broke the embrace and led Will into the kitchen where she poured two glasses of iced tea. �I believe my parents already know that. My mother calls me everyday and asks me about you. She wants every little detail of what we�ve been doing and how our relationship is progressing. I try to tell her nicely that it�s none of her business but she can be so persistent! That woman sure can wear a guy down.� �Well that�s good I guess,� Liz said placing the drinks on the table and sitting down beside Will. �But they haven�t seen us together yet. I think that might take some time for them to get used to. Is Brian bringing that woman, do you know?� �Yes, he is. Her name is Abby Washington. Her brother Mark went to high school and college with Brian. Do you know him?� �I think I may have met him once or twice. The name sounds familiar but I can�t place him. He must not have gone to BC for graduate school.� �I don�t know. His family lives in Atlanta but he has an aunt in Northeast Harbor that he visits almost every summer. Abby is his younger sister and it just so happens she goes to Wellesley. She�ll be a senior this year and she�s offered to take Georgie under her wing. Given the circumstances, I�m not too thrilled about that idea.� �Georgiana has a good head on her shoulders honey. I don�t think she�ll be easily swayed by Abby or anyone else. Besides, this Abby may be a nice person. We can�t judge her by Brian�s actions.� Will caressed Liz�s cheek tenderly. �You�re a good person Liz. Anyone else would want to scratch her eyes out.� Liz took his hand and kissed his palm, sending quivers up his spine. �I�m happy Will and it�s easy to forgive when all�s right in the world. My life is wonderful right now. I love my job, I love being back in Maine with my family and I love being with you.� �Um, Liz, can I ask you a question?� Will embraced her again so he wouldn�t have to look into her eyes. Liz felt his unease. �Of course sweetie, you can ask me anything.� �You might say it�s none of my business. And I�m not sure I really want to know the answer � but I guess I need to know.� �OK honey, spit it out.� �Did you and Brian ever�..?� Will hesitated. Liz knew what he meant. �No.� �No?� �Honey, Brian and I were more friends than anything else. I had just come off of a bad relationship so I was very comfortable with the way things were. Brian was affectionate in a friendly sort of way but we didn�t even kiss, never mind make love.� Relief washed over Will like the incoming tide. Brian, you are a fool. Thank G-d, you�re a fool! He pulled back taking Liz�s hands in his. �I have to say I am glad of it Liz. It could be very uncomfortable for all of us if you and he had been intimate.� �Other than a little awkwardness, would it have made a difference to you?� Liz was curious to know. �Would it have affected my loving you? No, certainly not. But I am happy that you won�t be able to make a comparison between me and my brother!� �Afraid, big guy?� Liz asked with a smirk. �Never,� he laughed, pulling Liz back into his arms. �I�d just hate for Brian to be embarrassed.� �Sure you would,� Liz replied smiling. She gave Will a big kiss and ran her fingers through his hair. �Now come upstairs with me,� she said suggestively and paused as Will looked at her wide-eyed, ���.and help me pick out something to wear.� Will groaned good-naturedly. �You�re killing me woman.� ***** They chose the black dress that Liz had worn at the engagement party. Well, actually Will chose it and tickled Liz until she�d helplessly agreed. After making the selection they took a stroll down the main street of Bar Harbor to window shop and people watch. Labor Day traditionally marked the end of summer and the streets and shops were crowded with tourists enjoying their last hours of vacation. In another month, there would be no more traffic for the locals to fight. While the business owners mourned the end of the season, the remaining natives would welcome the return of peace and quiet. The diversion did help to calm Liz down. That is, until she and Will returned to the apartment to get dressed for dinner. Liz primped and fussed until Will impatiently tapped on her bedroom door. �Are you almost ready Liz?� She opened the door and he audibly gasped. She looked even better in the dress than he had remembered. �You take my breath away honey,� he said and kissed her tenderly. Liz smiled luminously at him. �Thank you. I just can�t decide what to do with my hair. What do you think? Up or down?� �I love it either way. When it�s up all I can think about is taking it down. And when it�s down I can play with your curls. We really should get going so why don�t you leave it down?� Liz grabbed her purse and jacket as Will tugged her out the door. ***** Chapter 14 Instead of Brian�s 125-foot yacht, a more modest 35-foot cabin cruiser was waiting at the dock in Northeast Harbor to transport the Darcys and their guests to Rockland. Since Mr. Darcy had given his crew the holiday off, Brian would pilot the craft himself. It was still daylight but it mattered little as Brian knew the waters of the Maine shore like the back of his hand. After rather awkward introductions, they motored out with Abby keeping Brian company at the helm. Will and Liz enjoyed the view from the front of the boat while the remaining Darcys chose to stay inside the cabin out of the wind. After a while Will went to speak to his parents leaving Liz sitting alone at the bow. �I hope I am not bothering you.� Liz glanced up and saw Abby sit beside her. �No, not at all,� she replied evenly and looked back out over the ocean. She was determined not to be rude but neither would she be friendly. �Liz, I know you must think I am a horrible person and I feel awful about that. But you have to know that I had no idea that you and Brian were engaged. I didn�t even know he had a girlfriend. When the whole story came out, I was furious with him and gave him back the ring. You must have felt terrible.� �Yes I did. And yet, here you are. With a ring on too.� But Liz noticed it was a different ring from the one Brian had given her. Abby had the decency to blush. �I know. Brian came back begging and I couldn�t resist those big blue eyes. I did forgive him for what he did to me but only you can forgive what he did to you.� She paused a minute before adding, �It seems that you and Will are happy together.� �Yes we are, but that doesn�t excuse what Brian did to me. However I realize that you are not to blame and I won�t hold it against you. Brian and Will are family so we must get along if we both want to be part of their lives.� Abby sighed in relief. �Thank you, that�s more than I could have expected. I really do love Brian, Liz and I�m happy to be with him. I still have a year of college left but we plan to marry when I graduate. In fact, Brian is relocating to the company�s Boston office so we can be together.� Liz reached over and gave Abby�s hand a friendly squeeze. �Then I am happy for you.� She rose and went inside to join Will. ***** The restaurant at the marina in Rockland was very elegant. Snowy white tablecloths, china and napkins were brightened by gleaming silverware and exotic floral arrangements. Tiny white lights and candles lent a subtle glow to the room that was flattering to every complexion. A string quartet played quiet music for the benefit of two couples who were dancing on a small parquet floor tucked into a secluded corner. The Darcy party was escorted to a rectangular table set for 7 beside a wall of glass that overlooked the harbor. Darkness had settled over the ocean but lights from the boats in the marina contributed to the sparkling surroundings. Seeking to avoid awkwardness in the seating arrangement, Mrs. Darcy directed Georgiana as guest of honor to the head of the table. Liz, Will and Abby were seated to Georgie�s left with Mrs. Darcy, Mr. Darcy and Brian to the right. Soon Mr. Darcy, Brian and Abby were discussing Brian�s transfer to Boston while the others listened to Georgiana�s excited chatter about college. The meal passed pleasantly enough and just before the arrival of dessert, Liz excused herself to go to the ladies� room. As she was about to return to the dining room, a hand on her shoulder stopped her. It was Brian. �Liz, could I speak with you a minute.� �Of course.� Liz was interested in hearing what he had to say. �I just wanted to say that I am sorry for everything. My behavior towards you was unpardonable. I can assure you I have gotten quite an earful from my parents, Will and even Abby, and deservedly so. Abby mentioned that you two chatted on the way here and I want to thank you for being gracious to her. You had every right not to be. But the situation was not Abby�s fault, it was mine and I�m glad you have chosen not to blame her. I would like to clear the air between us as it appears you and my brother are forming a serious relationship and I would hate for it to be awkward for us all.� �Brian, I accept your apology but I am not ready to forgive you just yet. I�m sure that will come in time, as it seems that things have worked out for the best for all concerned. Abby is a lovely girl and much more your type than I ever was. I care a great deal about Will so I will make every attempt to put our past differences aside for his sake. And for your parents, as I love them dearly.� Visibly relieved, Brian took her hand and kissed it. �Thank you Liz. I am truly happy and hope that you are too. Everything did turn out for the best and think what a funny story this will be to tell our grandchildren some day.� Liz smiled ruefully. �Yes, some day maybe I will find the humor in this but right now I am not there.� Liz was startled by an arm around her waist. Will pulled her away from Brian and brushed his lips against hers possessively. �What�s this? I look for my missing girlfriend and find her holding hands with my brother.� Brian put his hands up defensively. �Don�t be angry Will. I was just apologizing to Liz for my poor behavior and begging her forgiveness.� �You should beg, you scoundrel.� Liz smiled up at Will. �Now don�t be nasty, sweetheart. Brian just wanted to clear the air between us so we would all feel comfortable with each other. I�m pleased he chose to do so. He and I have agreed that we are all very satisfied with the way things worked out.� Will kept his eyes intently focused on Liz. �I know I am. Now please excuse us Brian, I�m going to dance with my girlfriend.� There were now several couples on the dance floor and Will guided Liz into their midst. Liz locked her hands around Will�s neck and looked up at him with shining eyes. He pulled her close, much closer than he had dared to do the last time they had danced at the charity ball. �You are my knight in shining armor,� she said, �coming to my rescue. Although I didn�t need saving, it�s nice to know that you are looking out for me.� �I will always be there for you Liz,� he murmured and kissed her tenderly. With high heels on, Liz�s lips were more easily accessible and he took advantage. Liz sighed contentedly and laid her head on his shoulder. Her heart was bursting with happiness. �I love you Will,� she whispered. It was said so softly that Will wasn�t sure he had heard correctly. He stopped dancing and pulled back to stare at her. �What did you say?� Though her stomach was fluttering madly, she spoke steadily and clearly, looking into his deep brown eyes. �I said I love you.� His heart beating wildly, Will took both of Liz�s hands and put them back around his neck as he pulled her tightly against him. A tight fist of desire knotted in his stomach and he breathed deeply to keep himself under control. Calm down man. Just because she said she loves you doesn�t mean she wants to jump in bed with you. Then suddenly it sunk in. She loves me! She said she loves me! Tears of joy sprang to his eyes as he pulled Liz up off the floor and whirled her around. Liz laughed delightedly as Will set her back on the floor. She lowered her arms to his waist and snuggled up against him as they continued to dance. Swaying slowly to the music he spoke words of love in her ear and kissed her hair. Mrs. Darcy watched this little tableau and poked her husband in the side. �Look George,� she said, nodding towards the dance floor. �Isn�t that sweet?� Mr. Darcy glanced in the direction indicated then looked back at his wife, noticing how her eyes glittered in the soft candlelight. �Yes my dear, that is a very good idea. Let�s dance. Excuse us Georgiana.� He held his wife�s chair while she rose and led her away by the hand. Georgiana smiled at her ever-romantic parents and moved down the table to discuss life at Wellesley with Abby. ***** Will held Liz in his arms on her front porch. Leaning into him she sighed deeply. �I�m glad that�s over.� �Now it wasn�t as bad as all that, was it?� �No, I suppose not. But even though I find Abby is a sweet girl and I�m not really mad at Brian any more, it was still stressful sitting with them trying to be nice for the whole evening. All I really wanted to do was dump something very cold over Brian�s head.� Smiling, Will caressed her hair. �You never had the chance to yell and scream at him so it�s understandable that there is some pent-up hostility. But I do appreciate your efforts to be civil. I think my parents were pleased with the outcome of the evening. Now it�s late and we both have to be up early tomorrow so get to bed.� �Ummm,� Liz murmured as she snuggled closer not wanting to let go quite yet. �Liz,� Will whispered, �tell me again that you love me.� �I love you Will. I love you.� Will moved his hands to cup her face and kissed her lovingly. �I love you Liz.� She smiled and put her hands over his. �I am very happy.� He smiled back. �Me too. Now get inside before I kidnap you and take you home with me.� �OK, good night. Call me tomorrow.� Liz opened the door and stepped inside. �I will. Good night my love.� To Be Continued��.

Ok Teg, I will forgive you for killing them off because that was a very romantic last chapter! -D I'm glad Brian apologized at least. I think it would be poetic justice though, if sometime soon Liz accidentally dumped cold porridge all over his head and expensive suit. The Darcys are such a sweet couple --- it's easy to see where Will got his learning! Can't wait for the next chapter!

Maybe Liz could be provided with a container or two of special chilled pudding instead of porridge? Now, wherever did I get an idea like that????

Gail, you tease! ARGH! I was salivating over here and you slammed the door on my big toe! Teg... *tsk, tsk* No pudding, unless it's a drool story with whipped cream on top!

Trying to catch up after a few days to find to very different stories . Teg that was wonderful but sad ,I was filling up reading it,I loved the way you ended it,they cannot beseparated any more & they live on in too many minds to be forgotten. Gail,I needed that to help ease the sorrow.You're stillmaking us wait for the coupling but Liz telling of her love certainly lets you off the hook:-) More More Teg no time to rest we need your new story now!

Hi Everyone I just wanted to tell you about my experience in Whitby!.We were just by luck staying in a cottage at the bottom of the 199 steps, so when Tuesday morning came I was amazed by the site of cameras postioned on my doorstep & actors parding in front of me. I leaned out my window to be waved at with a glint in his by Jeremy Northam!!. He is a star in every sense of the word and had the crew in stiches with his dancing on the 199 steps!. At one point Jenniffer nearly fell down the very slippy steps, the perfect Northam came to her assistance (what a man). But Jennifer could not look him in the eyr due to his comedy antics!! I have photos galore & more stories !

Charlotte, glad to see you found your way here. Am reposting your comments above to Topic 137, where all our Possession discussion is taking place. If you have no way to post your pics, I'd be happy to oblige.