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He always grew flustered whenever he mentioned George; it was obvious something about his cousin just wasn't right. Bill knew it and Elizabeth sensed it, but until Bill came right out andsaidit, she could only rely on her instincts.
“I just wanted you to know that he's leaving. Soon.”
Her eyebrows rose. “He is?”
“Yes. He's found work in New York and plans on leaving in the next week or two. I thought you might want to know.”
“Honestly, I couldn’t care less about George. I don't like him.”
“I–I assumed as much. I hope your sister hasn't gotten too attached.”
“I don't know how she could; they've known each other for all of a week. In any case, it's not any of my business. Is there anything else you need to talk to me about?”
“No, that’s it. I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable. I just wanted to let you know.”
“Okay. Um, I've got work to do, so...”
“Yes, of course. I'll see you later.”
She left his office in a daze, unsure why that entire conversation had taken place, and then wondered if he felt badly for Lydia.Maybe George isn't being honest with her; maybe she doesn't know he's leaving. Even so, she was finding it difficult to feel any sympathy for her younger sister and was happy to know that George would soon be gone.Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Later that day, on her way home from work, she called Jane. Everything had gone awry on Saturday night, and she’d barely spoken to her at all.
“There’smy celebrity sister,” Jane said in greeting.
“What does that mean?”
“It means thatyou, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Cape Cod, are the one who has captured the heart—and the lips—of Boston's most eligible bachelor. Your mug is splashed all over yesterday’s newspaper, and theHeraldactually has thatverysentence as the caption under your photo. You made theGlobetoo. That was quite a kiss Will laid on you, and Idobelieve your hand was creeping toward his ass.”
“I was not copping a feel on the dance floor!”
“I'm teasing. It's a very nice picture. There are others, but the one of the kiss is front and center.”
“Oh, God.Pleasetell me Dad doesn’t subscribe to either of those papers.”
“Both, actually. You know he likes to hold the newspaper in his hands and not read it on a screen.”
Elizabeth groaned, making Jane laugh.
“They really are gorgeous pictures, Lizzy. You make a dazzling couple.”
“You and Charles should have hadyourpicture in the papers! You're the newly engaged couple!”
“Charles doesn't have the family name that Will does. Or the money.”
“Ugh. Here I’m calling you to apologize for how Saturday night basically fell apart, and you're teasing me.” She sighed. “I really am sorry. I want to make it up to you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. As much as I was concerned about you and Will, nothing could have ruined my night. Charles and I were in our own little world. We still are.” Jane paused. “There is one thing you could do for me, though, if you're willing...”
“Anything.” Elizabeth eased the Jeep into her driveway and turned off the engine.
“Will you please be my maid of honor?”
Tears sprang to Elizabeth’s eyes. “Of course I will!”
“It will just be you and Will standing up with us. Charles hasn't asked him yet, but he plans on doing it soon.”
“I won't say a word. I'm so happy for you, Jane. We need to celebrate. Why don't you and Charles come to the Cape this weekend?”
