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“She has. You had a lot to do with that.”
He shrugged. “She's stronger than she thinks she is. Um, would you like something to drink?”
“I’d love a glass of wine.”
“White?”
She nodded, and when he walked toward the kitchen, she followed. Two caterers were busy setting up hors d’oeuvres on large trays, and Will nodded toward them.
“This is what Georgiana suggested for dinner...not arealdinner, just lots of little things. Tapas, finger foods, things like that. She swears it will be just as filling as sitting down to a real meal.”
Elizabeth laughed when he rolled his eyes. “Everything looks delicious.”
That brief bit of laughter from her was like music to his ears, and he ducked into the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of white wine that he knew was one of her favorites. He popped the cork and poured her a glass, and she smiled and thanked him.
They went back into the living room, and as time passed, he grew more relaxed. The food was served, and as Georgiana had predicted, it was just as filling and delicious as a large dinner. Everyone could fill a plate but still mill about the room, keeping the atmosphere light and casual.
Later in the evening, while Elizabeth was again talking to Georgiana and Matt, Will went to sit on the couch next to Mrs. R. He’d talked to her a few times over the past couple of weeks, and had let on—in a vague, roundabout way—that he and Elizabeth weren’t together at the moment.
She eyed him now and patted him on the knee. “Is there anything you need to tell me?”
“Like what?”
“Well, Elizabeth is here. You've been talking to her, and you haven't taken your eyes away from her for most of the night.”
“Mm…I don't want to jinx it. When I have something to tell, you'll be the first to hear it.” He glanced at Elizabeth, who was laughing with Georgiana at something Matt was animatedly explaining. He loved to watch her laugh.
“William?”
“Yes?” he answered, and slowly pulled his gaze away from Elizabeth.
“Don't waste any more time.”
He knew she was encouraging him to seize the moment.But how?He was just happy she washere, in his home, talking to him and even smiling at him. He had to take baby steps and go at her pace. Hehadto.
“I'm not wasting time, Mrs. R. I just...I can't push it. She knows what I want. My wishes haven't changed, my feelings for her...they haven't changed, and theywon'tchange. Now it's up to her. I just have to wait.”
“Maybe she just needs a gentle push in the right direction. She'll let you know if it's too much.”
He nodded and rose from the couch, and after a moment he went upstairs to the second floor. He needed some quiet, a little time to collect himself. If he’d been approached by Elizabeth after talking to Mrs. Reynolds, every emotion he was feeling—a mixture of love, hope, longing, and despair—would have been written on his face, and she would have easily read them all.
Wandering into his office, he sat behind his desk, the only light in the room coming from the hallway. He leaned on his elbows and dropped his head into his hands.What if this doesn't work? What if she decides that there's nothing between us worth fighting for? What if I lose her?His stomach clenched uncontrollably as the fear set in.
Sighing heavily, he stood, walked over to his guitar, and picked it up from the stand. He lowered himself onto the stool there and mindlessly strummed the strings, playing a few chords. It felt good, almost therapeutic, and eventually the chords morphed into a song. He played it over and over, eventually adding his voice to it, singing quietly.
Elizabeth stood in the doorway,watching Will play and hoping he wouldn't stop. When she’d noticed he was missing, she’d gone to look for him. Part of her wanted to remain hidden here in the shadows, but another part of her wanted him to turn around and see her. When he began to sing, she held her breath, soaking in the sound of his voice, until he just…stopped. He lowered the guitar, standing it between his legs, and raised a hand to rub his forehead.
She wanted desperately to approach him, but caution overrode bravery. She turned to walk back toward the stairs, but suddenly heard him call out to her as he came into the hallway.
“Elizabeth, wait. What are you doing up here?”
“You disappeared. I–I wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
“I just…I wanted some quiet. I’ll be down in a minute.”
She nodded but didn’t move, and her heart raced frantically. “Can we–can we talk? Not–not right now, not tonight, but…sometime soon?”
He nodded rapidly. “Yes, of course. Anytime you want.”
