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She’d talked to Georgiana on Wednesday as well—mostly about the arraignment—but when Elizabeth mentioned she would be in Boston this weekend to help Jane shop for a dress, Georgiana mentioned that there would be a small dinner party at Will’s to celebrate her upcoming birthday, and invited Elizabeth to come. She’d told Georgiana she wasn’t sure it was such a good idea, but even as she’d said the words, her heart leapt at the thought of seeing Will.
She’d called him again last night to tell him about her conversation with the detectives. In all honesty, she guessed Georgiana would already have told him; Elizabeth was really just looking for an excuse to call him.
They’d discussed mostly mundane things, until he mentioned Georgiana’s party on Saturday night.
“She'd really like for you to come. And if you're worried about being around me, please don't be. I'll be on my best behavior. Charles and Jane are invited, of course, and Matt will be here, and Julie, and a couple of Georgie’s other friends...and Mrs. Reynolds too. Would you consider it, at least?”
“I will. I'll call Georgie tomorrow to let her know.”
“Or me. You can call me too. I'm just saying, you know, in case you can't reach her. You can call me.”
She smiled slightly. “I know. I'll think about it.”
“Okay.”
“Um, I should go. I have some work to do.”
“Yeah, me too.” He paused. “I'm really glad you called. Maybe I'll see you Saturday night.”
“Maybe. Bye, Will.”
“Bye, Lizzy.”
She gazed out the window of the bus now, remembering the way he’d said goodbye. So many other people called her Lizzy, but no one said it quite the way he did.
* * *
The doorbell rang again,and every time it did, Will's stomach flipped. Georgiana had told him that Elizabeth was coming tonight, and he was actually feeling nervous. He wasn't sure how to act or what to say. It was easy on the phone; he just let her lead the conversation to wherever she wanted it to go. But being face to face with her… Well, he couldn't just stand there like an idiot.
Before he had the chance to open the door, Charles let himself in and was now holding the door for the women. Will greeted Charles and Jane, and then turned his attention to Elizabeth, who was absolutely stunning. Her tan had deepened during her last week in South Carolina, and her eyes sparkled. Her hair was down, and she wore a simple cream-colored sleeveless blouse and a pretty skirt covered with tiny little flowers. It was all he could do not to reach for her, and his eyes never left her.
Thankfully, Jane and Charles had moved into the living room, leaving just Will and Elizabeth awkwardly staring at each other in the foyer.
“Hi,” he finally said.
“Hi, Will.”
“I'm glad you're here.”
“I'm glad I'm here too. Where's the birthday girl?”
“Oh, she's in the living room. Go on in.”
Elizabeth walked into the room, and immediately, Georgie came over to her and gave her a hug. Will left them, wanting to give them a chance to catch up, but his eyes followed her as she moved around the room. She was introduced to some of Georgie’s friends, chatting easily with everyone she met.
“Why don't you just talk to her?” Charles said when he eventually came to stand with Will. “You’ve been staring at her for the past twenty minutes.”
“I don't want to crowd her.”
“You've barely spoken to her. Ask her if she needs a drink or something. Be a host.”
Will frowned, and when Charles joined in a conversation with Jane and Mrs. Reynolds, he was left there to stew.He's right, this is ridiculous.
He headed toward Elizabeth, and when she caught sight of him, she met him halfway across the room.
“This is nice,” she said, and looked around at the small group of people. “I'm glad Georgiana decided to do something for her birthday.”
“She deserves it. She's had a rough year, but she's come through it.”
