Foundation of Love: The Gypsy Blessing 2 (13 page)

He felt, rather than saw, Elizabeth come up beside him. She spoke as if she had been reading his mind. “Seeing it from this angle is deceiving. Additions were made without changing its appearance from the street. Let’s go inside.”

Mr. Bennett showed them around the place. As Georgiana would be at school and he would be using Meryton as his home base for a while, William felt it would be best to have their housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, live here, too. What was meant to be a master suite on the ground floor would be ideal as an apartment for her. The bookcases on both sides of the wall would be the perfect insulator to keep the noise from the spacious family room from bothering her at night, when the men would be de-stressing after a long day at the jobsite. Mr. Bennett’s old library could be turned into an office with little alteration. William felt sure that Mrs. Reynolds would adore the modern kitchen and separate dining room. The yard had a deck and a heated swimming pool, and Richard and Charles demonstrated there was more than enough lawn to accommodate their spur-of-the-moment touch football games.

Upstairs there were four bedrooms; though, as Elizabeth had indicated, one could say there were five. Down the hall from the main cluster of bedrooms, above the garage, there was a large room that Jane told them had once been a storage area but was later converted into a den with a storage room beyond it. William could see that the larger space would work perfectly as a place to hold meetings and spread out plans for examination.

Truly, the house was ideal for their purposes, and William’s reservations about renting the house where Elizabeth grew up were swept away.

When Charles claimed the bedroom that had once been Jane’s, William became more quiet than usual. In an effort
not
to choose Elizabeth’s room, he allowed Georgiana and Richard to choose their bedrooms before him, thinking that he would take whichever one remained. But it was no surprise to him that it ended up being Elizabeth’s.

~

Giving a tour of her old house had made Elizabeth a bit sentimental. Wishing for one more look at the backyard alone before someone else was living here, she exited through the side door near the garage and headed toward the back of the house.

Noticing one of the garage doors was left open, she walked over and peered inside, and was surprised to find William standing in the middle of the room. He turned to face her. The smile that spread across his face sent a jolt thorough her body.

“You were right—it
is
perfect.”

Her chuckle echoed off the walls of the empty three-car garage. “Don’t say that I was right in front of my mother, or you’ll get stuck listening to a half-hour recital of my siblings’ glowing attributes being compared to all my faults, just to prove you wrong.” She took a few steps closer. “I know you’ll probably have trailers set up on the jobsites, but keep in mind that this road is zoned for residential
and
business. Your neighbors would be doctors, dentists, lawyers, and other business owners. Many already use their houses for both their home and business. By living here for now, you have the option of using this as a more permanent office until Pemberley is built.” Elizabeth furrowed her brow. “Can I ask why the first groundbreaking will be at the hospital site and medical office complex instead of your future home or office—or even the hotel?”

“It’s what’s best for the community. The nearest hospital is almost sixty miles away, in Longbourn.”

“I’ve heard that somewhere before.” She raised both eyebrows, reminding him that she grew up here. “I understand Anne’s mother has generously donated millions toward the hospital’s construction.”

William stiffened slightly. “The Heart Center will be named in memory of her late husband, Lewis de Bourgh.”

Elizabeth bit her bottom lip, fighting back a smile. “You don’t like Mrs. de Bourgh?”

His eyes widened. “I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.” Elizabeth walked over to an exposed beam on the wall of the garage, and ran her fingers along the notches carved into the wood, which commemorated her and her siblings’ heights at various ages.

William’s voice brought her back to the present. “Have you met Anne’s mother?”

She turned toward him. “Not yet, but didn’t Anne say she’ll be at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday?”

William frowned. “Let’s just say that she’s the type of person who would never think of staying in town long enough to spend time with her daughter for her birthday or a holiday, but she wouldn’t pass up an opportunity like this.”

Elizabeth arched one eyebrow. “Opportunity?”

“To get her picture in the paper and attend the first board meeting.”

“Oh.” Elizabeth nodded. “Unfortunately, from what I’ve already heard from Anne, I’m not surprised.”

“At the meeting, we’ll discuss doctors she—and others—have proposed to take on the administrative duties.” He seemed concerned. “I have experience serving with her on another board of directors. Nothing is simple any time Mrs. de Bourgh is involved.”

“Are you on the board of the hospital, too?”

He reddened slightly. “Yes.”

Elizabeth smiled confidently. “Then no matter what Anne’s mother says or does, I know everything will turn out for the best.”

Since there wasn’t much to see in here, Elizabeth assumed he’d be leaving. She headed toward the door, but stopped and turned to look at him when she realized he wasn’t following her.

William was staring at her in a way that made her breath hitch and her insides turn to mush. His eyes had darkened to a deep blue, and it was as if they had a magnetic quality and drew her toward him. Somehow, she resisted. If only that look meant what she wanted it to mean...

She had to end this before she said or did something stupid. Elizabeth broke their shared gaze and took a step toward the open door, then looked back. “Are you coming back to the house?”

William simply nodded and trailed after her.

~%~

~Monday

After speaking to Mr. Lucas before the County Executive’s car joined the Memorial Day Parade, William carefully made his way down the crowded sidewalks until he reached Meryton Building Supply. Walking across the parking lot, he recognized the Bennetts, Anne, Georgiana, Charles, and Richard, who were all busy handing out bottles of water to the people who had marched in the parade. Something about the scene was not right... then it hit him. The store was closed to business.

He came upon Elizabeth first. “With everyone off from work, I’m sure after the parade some will be busy doing home improvements—the parade ends at your door, no less. It would probably be one of the busiest days of the year for your store. Why would your family close it?”

“Memorial Day is
not
just a day off from work to go shopping or a long weekend to take a trip to the beach. Come with me.” She walked quickly across the parking lot to a marble slab under the “Welcome to Meryton” sign and waited for him to catch up.

While passing through town, William had seen it there, but he had never paid much attention to it before, thinking it was a list of local politicians from the past or something similar. Standing this close, he realized it was a memorial to fallen soldiers. Each golden plate attached to the marble was engraved with a hero’s name, rank, date of birth, and the date and place he died. The most recent plates had a photo engraved alongside the name of the soldier who had fallen.

“As you can see, this village has suffered quite a few losses in the past seventy years or so.” Elizabeth pointed to one engraved marker, another, and then another. “My great grandfather fell in World War II. My grandfather died in Korea.” Elizabeth ran her fingers tenderly across the name on the last marker. William noticed her bottom lip quiver. Looking at the photograph engraved into the plate again, he realized he recognized the man from many of the photos on the wall of Elizabeth’s bedroom.

She almost whispered, “Charlotte’s brother John died in Afghanistan. I still can’t believe it.”

“I’m sorry.”

Unable to tear her eyes away from the marker, she nodded slightly. “Me, too. John was a good friend.” She hesitated for a few breaths’ time and then turned to William. “It’s because of them, and those who served alongside them, that we are able to live the way we do. We gather together with our family and friends this weekend every year to prove, even if it is only to ourselves, that their loss was not in vain.”

William nodded his understanding.

Elizabeth surprised him when she laid her palm on the empty space below John Lucas’s name. “Every day I pray that this spot remains empty forever.”

Chapter
8

~Tuesday

“Are you sure I look okay, Lizzy?” Georgiana smoothed an imaginary wrinkle from her dress. “I’m so nervous—I’ve never been to a groundbreaking ceremony before.”

“Oh, it’ll be easy. Politicians will make speeches, a bunch of people will have their pictures taken while they use the specially made ‘golden shovel’ to move the first bit of earth, and then we’ll go to lunch. I’ll give you a hint now—Zabbara’s restaurant has the best food on earth, so save your appetite.”

“If it’s so easy, then why is William always so nervous before one of these?”

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. “But he must go to so many of these ceremonies.”

“He does, but he has to force himself to go. He doesn’t feel comfortable around a lot of people—especially ones he doesn’t know—and hates being the center of attention. Mr. Lucas wants him to use the shovel first. Just between you and me, I think he’s terrified.”

Elizabeth was astonished. “I had no idea.” Noticing Georgiana’s anxious expression, she spoke the next with more confidence. “Well, I have to go into my room to get my dress, so I’ll check up on him.”

“Oh, good.” Georgiana’s relieved expression vanished. “Is there any way you can stay near him today? He’s so much more comfortable when you’re close by.”

Elizabeth suddenly felt too warm. “What do you mean?”

“I noticed it at the graduation, then at the party on Saturday, and again at the parade. He scowls and twists his ring when he’s very nervous, but when he’s near you, he stops. Even when you’re busy with someone else, I can see that just looking at you makes him feel calmer. You’re such a good friend to us both.”

Elizabeth’s heart was beating much too fast. “What about you, though? Wouldn’t your staying with him be even better?”

“No, he worries twice as much when I’m there—for me and for him.”

“I promise I’ll try, Georgie, but I don’t want people to think I’m stalking him, either.” She chuckled too loudly.

Georgiana took hold of Elizabeth’s hand. “He’d be angry if he knew I’d asked you to do this. Please don’t say anything to him.”

Elizabeth agreed and noticed that Jane and Anne had entered the room.

Georgiana turned to Jane. “Can you help me with this button? I think it’s loose.” The two left the loft to get a needle and thread from Jane’s room.

“I heard your joke, Lizzy... about stalking Will.” Anne seemed very uncomfortable. “Did you ever hear about what happened with Charles’s sister?”

“Caroline? Not really. I only know she had some psychological problems and is in an institution.”

Anne explained, and Elizabeth was appropriately horrified. “Will and Georgiana have been through so much in the past few years.”

“You don’t know the half of it.” Anne looked around to make sure they were alone. “I just wanted to warn you about it so you didn’t make that same joke with Will, especially when he’ll be so uptight with all those people around.” A pained look crossed her features. “Even worse, my mother will be there today.”

Elizabeth placed her hand on Anne’s arm and gave it a little squeeze. “I’m sure everything will be okay. And thanks—I have a special talent for bringing up subjects I should avoid, especially with Will.” Elizabeth glanced at the clock. “Oh, it’s so late! If I don’t get dressed soon, I’ll have to go to the groundbreaking in shorts and a tank top.”

~%~

Although Elizabeth’s bedroom door was closed, there was no answer to her knock. Assuming William was still downstairs, she let herself in and crossed the room to her closet. She smiled when she saw William had hung his suit next to her dress. As she reached for the dress, William’s tie fell onto her bare foot. Elizabeth picked it up. Was it her imagination or did the color of the pattern in the tie match the exact color of her dress?

Thinking it must be the light in the walk-in closet, Elizabeth stepped out into her room to see both in the sunlight. Just as she emerged, the bathroom door opened.

She froze and her mouth fell open.

Even though she knew she
should
look away, she could not tear her eyes from the most magnificent sight she had ever seen. There stood William with his back to her, drying his hair with a towel—as naked as the day he was born.

She blinked and blinked again. There was no doubt in her mind that he not only oversaw construction jobs, but that he worked as hard as any of his employees. She held her breath, watching the muscles ripple and stretch under his smooth skin. Her fingers twitched as he lowered the towel and began to dry his body. Was it possible to be jealous of a towel?

A couple of heartbeats passed before she drew in a breath and came to her senses. Hoping to make a quiet escape before he noticed her there, she took a tentative step toward the door. At that same moment, William turned slightly. Her movement caught his attention.

She knew she had not received a picture of this scene, but time seemed to stand still. His eyes widened. He wrapped the towel around his waist and turned to face her, all the while not releasing her from his gaze. It would have been difficult to judge who blushed a brighter shade of crimson, but she guessed it was her.

Elizabeth snapped her mouth closed and stammered, “I... I knocked.”

“I was in the shower... I didn’t hear it.” They stood staring at each other for a few more moments in awkward silence. “The fan doesn’t work. I had to open the door.”

“There was a short. It was disconnected until a new one came in.” She held up her dress. “Came to get this.”

“Do you always wear a tie with a dress?”

She looked down at his tie in her hand and laid it carefully on the bed. “Oh! It fell. I picked it up.” Looking up again, she blushed even more deeply when her eyes would not behave. She finally dragged her gaze from his body. The look in his eyes made her breath catch.

“See you later?” She gasped. “No, I didn’t mean... I meant—” She gave up trying to speak coherently.

As she dashed for the exit, the last thing she saw was the corner of his lips twitch.

Elizabeth practically slammed the door closed behind her. Leaning back against the wall beside the door, she closed her eyes.
Guess I should’ve knocked harder!

“How’d it go?”

Elizabeth jumped at the sound of Georgiana’s voice. Hand to her chest, she tried to catch her breath.
At least now I have a reason for it!

“Sorry, Lizzy! Is Will okay?”

Elizabeth nodded. “He is
so
much better than I imagined!” She rushed off down the hall toward the loft. “I have to get dressed.”

~%~

“William, it’s good to see you again.” Edward Gardiner shook William’s hand. “County Executive Lucas just asked me about something, but I’d like your opinion. How long do you think we should wait for Mrs. de Bourgh? The refreshments will keep people busy only just so long. I’m sure she wouldn’t expect us to wait more than ten or fifteen minutes more.”

William just barely stifled an eye roll.
Oh, yes, she would, but I’ll handle her tirade!
“That’s fine, Ed.”

“Sorry we couldn’t join you at the Bennetts’ this weekend, but two of the children came down with a fever, and we felt it better to stay home. I hope you enjoyed a little time off.”

“It’s been an
interesting
weekend.”

Gardiner raised his eyebrows. “Interesting—that’s a good way to describe a weekend at my sister’s house!”

“How are the children doing?”

“Much better, thanks. Madeline thinks it must have been one of those twenty-four hour viruses.”

“Good. She was able to make it today, then?”

“Yes, she’s over there, with Lizzy.”

William looked in the direction that Gardiner had indicated. His eyes lingered, admiring the way Elizabeth looked in the dress he had seen hanging in her closet—professional, and yet so alluring that he could barely keep his eyes off her. That particular shade of blue complimented Elizabeth’s coloring perfectly.

He had noticed that several other men at the gathering had taken note of Elizabeth, as well. Since they had arrived, he had been watching one man in particular, who had been making every effort to remain as close to Elizabeth as was possible. Earlier, he had been introduced as Dan King, an assistant district attorney. Today, the man’s irritating attentions toward Elizabeth distracted William more than the lady herself. He clenched his teeth; she was talking to Dan King now.

William had not known what to expect after their encounter at the house, but since their arrival at the groundbreaking, her behavior had been swinging between avoidance when he was with people he knew and being almost protective of him any time he was surrounded by strangers.

He was consumed by an ironic, but pleasant realization—when he first met her, he had been a nervous wreck, but now, along with any contact with Elizabeth came all the warmth and well-being of
home
.

Had she guessed at his reserved nature and noticed how much calmer he felt whenever she was near him, or was her behavior today some sort of strange after-effect of their...
meeting
this morning?

Earlier, when she had placed his tie on the bed and looked up, the way her eyes had drifted over his skin had felt almost like a caress. Women had looked at him like that before, but never had it brought to the surface a feeling buried deep within his soul. He did not just want her physically; he
needed
Elizabeth in a way that he had never needed anyone or anything in his entire life—and he desperately wanted her to look at him in that way again.

William watched as she laughed at something Dan King had said and then searched the crowd, stopping when she met William’s gaze. Their eyes locked for a moment, and she smiled warmly. He felt a wave of relief pass over him knowing that she had sought him out, especially while she stood with
him
.

“William?”

“Sorry, Ed. I was just... thinking.”

“Yes, I could see that.” Suddenly, Gardiner seemed very uncomfortable. He looked around to see if anyone was standing close by, and then spoke quietly. “This is difficult for me to say, William. I certainly didn’t want to talk about this here, but after seeing your expression a moment ago, I think I should—before it’s too late.” Gardiner adjusted his tie, which William had come to recognize as a nervous habit. “I feel I have to warn you—before our employees are hired, they must sign a copy of our company policy. It’s against that policy to become romantically involved with a client.” Gardiner squirmed a little. “My partners are already resentful that the Lambton project consists almost entirely of Lizzy’s designs. This is a huge project, one that our little corner of the world has never seen before. You must know that a certain prestige comes with your choosing an architect’s plans. Although they haven’t said anything directly to her, there has been some talk—accusing Elizabeth of
persuading
you...” his voice trailed off, but his expression spoke volumes.

William’s nostrils flared with sudden rage. “She has done nothing to warrant such slander!” The two stared at each other for a minute before William’s anger cooled enough for him to speak again. “If you think I chose her drawings because of—”

Gardiner interrupted him. “I do not, and neither does Madeline. Lizzy would never do such a thing.” He cleared his throat, bracing himself for William’s reaction. “To be perfectly honest, just to prove it to those who have complained, I purposely covered up the signatures on some of the plans you’ve seen until after you’d chosen them. Because she’s not licensed, she can’t sign off on a plan, but you’d know which drawings were
not
hers if you saw a signature other than mine.”

William’s tone was resentful. “I wasn’t aware you were doing this—but for your information, I
refuse
to look at the name on the drawings until I’ve made a decision.”

Gardiner nodded. “I’ve noticed.”

“Are employees allowed
friendships
with clients?” William flexed his fists into balls at his sides. “Do I tell my sister she’ll have to end her friendship with Elizabeth until the Lambton project is complete, since Georgiana is part-owner of Darcy Construction? Maybe I should insist that everyone in your office call me ‘Mr. Darcy’ from now on.”

“There is nothing in our policy about friendship.” Gardiner sighed. “Or having family as clients, for that matter. If it were just Madeline and me, it wouldn’t make a difference—we’d both be happy about a relationship between the two of you. But our partners—” He shook his head. “You’re a reasonable man, William... I’m sure you can understand the position I’m in.”

William took a deep breath and stared across the field, careful not to look in Elizabeth’s direction. “Being an employer myself, I
do
understand.”
But that doesn’t mean I like it.
“I’ll tell you right now that I will
not
choose someone else’s drawings over hers on purpose. I can’t help it if she has designed almost exactly what I wanted.”

“I agree; she is quite gifted. There are some in our office who
can
look past her pretty face and recognize her talent.” He sighed again. “Lately, there have been times when my offices have been like a war-zone—Madeline, the other two women architects, Joe, and me against the rest.”