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5
Elizabeth drove the winding backroads from Falmouth towards New Seabury and Will’s house. She’d gone for a long run with Charlotte that morning—again, staying mum about Will—and when she’d had some free time this afternoon, her curiosity had gotten the best of her and she’d done an internet search of his name.
At first she was content just to look at him. He was so handsome, even though he wore that stony, impassive expression in every photo. Not surprisingly, there were a few pictures of him with different women—though not as many as she expected, and she was sure that one of them was his sister.
She learned his full name was Fitzwilliam, and read a story about the green office building he’d spoken of. It was a big deal, and he’d been lauded by many environmental groups for his eco-friendly, innovative vision.
She learned he was a major benefactor of several breast cancer foundations and made regular donations to the hospitals in Boston that led cancer-based research initiatives. He was also a big supporter of Arts Alive, a national program devoted to keeping the arts available in inner-city schools.
Despite the myriad of information online, he was intensely private. In the few interviews she managed to find, he gave away nothing of his private life, no matter how much he was prodded by the reporter. It seemed completely at odds with the person she’d spent time with who’d freely shared things about his life and his family.
There were a few gossipy articles, with several naming him as one of the hottest bachelors in Boston, and she imagined him rolling his eyes at that. There was also some speculation on who he was dating, but none of it was very recent.
She’d been surprised when he called earlier and asked if she would like to come to his house to meet his sister, then walk down the beach to have dinner at the inn. She’d hesitated, and he picked up on it immediately, assuring her that Georgiana wanted to meet her.
Now, as she turned into the long driveway, parked, and gawked at the immense home in front of her, butterflies came to life in her stomach. She got out of her Jeep and ran her hands lightly over the front of her sleeveless green blouse and down her floral print skirt, and she smoothed her hair, which she’d decided to leave down.
She took a calming breath, walked to the front door and rang the doorbell, and was greeted by Georgiana, who led her into the foyer. They exchanged introductions, and Elizabeth noted that she and her brother shared the same warm brown eyes.
“I’m so sorry about that day on the beach,” Elizabeth told her. “I didn’t really think about what I was doing. I never meant to upset you. I hope you'll accept my apology.”
Georgiana waved a hand. “Will explained everything. I'd rather just forget about it.”
They walked into the living room, and Elizabeth took in the beautiful stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings. Despite its impressive size, it felt cozy.
“Will's just down the hall in his office.” Georgiana smiled, put a finger to her lips, and gestured for Elizabeth to follow her.
They walked down a long, wide hall and stopped just outside an open door. Elizabeth heard the sound of an acoustic guitar, and when she peeked around the doorway she spied Will sitting on a stool, his head bowed and eyes closed. His left hand moved gracefully up and down the neck of the guitar as the fingers of his right hand pulled sound from the strings, his body lightly rocking as he played.
She backed away from the door, and when Georgiana loudly cleared her throat, the music stopped and Will emerged from the office, nearly colliding with the two women. His eyes went to Elizabeth’s, and he smiled.
“You’re here.” His eyes narrowed when he looked at his sister. “You were supposed to let me know when she arrived.”
Georgiana grinned. “That'sjustwhat I was coming to do. We didn't want to interrupt. Elizabeth and I have already introduced ourselves, so I'll leave you two alone. Have a good night.” She went back down the hallway and disappeared into another part of the house.
“Sorry I didn't greet you at the door,” he said.
“It’s okay, it gave me a chance to talk to Georgiana. I feel like we can finally put that day behind us.”
He gestured down the hall, and they walked back into the living room.
“You look very nice,” he said softly.
“Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself.” He was dressed casually in a slate-blueshirt and khakis, and looked—and smelled—fantastic.
“Thanks. Would you like a glass of wine? We have some time before our reservation.”
“Sure, that sounds great.”
“Red or white?”
“White, please.”
“I'll be right back.”
He disappeared into the kitchen, and Elizabeth took the time to observe the room more closely. She studied the photos displayed on the mantle, and assumed the couple at the center was Will’s parents. He strongly resembled his father, and she felt a pang of sadness for him and Georgiana.
The other pictures were of Will and Georgiana at various ages. Will looked about five or six in one of them, his countenance serious, brows furrowed, and adorable, unruly curls crowning his head. She grinned when she realized she’d seen thatexactexpression, several times.
