Willa and Elizabeth Part 2 By Joy Rajan

Elizabeth and Willa Part 2

Joy Rajan

Last evening, as lovely as it was, Elizabeth felt she wasn’t able to have as much alone time with Willa as she had wanted. 

As dinner began all the guests had their seat. Elizabeth seated herself her brother on her left and Willa on her right. With all the guests and all the gossiping and light chatter -she felt she couldn’t have a real conversation with Willa. Every time she reached over the speak to Willa someone else had grabbed her attention. And when at last she thought she caught Willa’s gaze her brother shoved his way in to the conversation.  

“Hey Eliza, you should play for Willa! Or better yet you two can have a piano stand off” He said laughing. Elizabeth glared at him. She couldn’t help but wonder if it would have been a better idea if he had staying in America. He has always been so obnoxious. Did he not have any one else to talk to. She was so relieved when he got bored and made his way to talk to his cousin. 

“Your brother is an interesting character.” Willa said gently. Elizabeth looked at her amazed. Despite his immaturity Willa remained civil not once speaking ill of him. One could only conclude that Lady Bingham’s account of Willa’s manners was without a doubt accurate. In short, her mother was right.

“Well we finally have some time to talk.” Willa said gently. Elizabeth looked at Willa’s kind face and smiled. She felt utterly taken with this woman she just met. “Yes,” she said quickly, “And we better make the most of it before someone steals you away from me.” Willa looked at her and grinned slightly. She felt she had to say something in return. “They would only steal me in person, not my heart because it has already been stolen by the most beautiful woman in this room.” Elizabeth looked at her. She knew Willa was referring to her. She blushed. She felt a rush through her body and heart was pounding. She hardly noticed her mother watching them in absolutely delight. One could only imagine what was going through Lady Bingham’s mind. Wedding bells perhaps.

“Elizabeth?” “Eliza please.” Willa smiled. Elizabeth blushed again. She suddenly felt shy. “Would you care to play for me one day? Everyone keeps talking about amazing you are. Perhaps we could even do a duet.” “I’d love to.” Willa smiled and leaned into Elizabeth and whispered in her ear, “Perfect.” Elizabeth turned and their lips almost met. Willa pulled back and Elizabeth almost melted in her arms. Willa smiled and kissed Elizabeth’s hand. She knew then this was something special. Perhaps not quite love. Or maybe it was. 

“Can I ask you something?” Elizabeth asked mustering the courage. “Please do not be offended.” “By you?” Willa asked with a smile. “Well I was just curious. I haven’t seen a woman dress for dinner in tails. I mean I wear my riding outfit -Hunter but you-” “I never cared for dresses. Father took my choice in clothes rather well actually. Mother not so much. I am sure she much preferred I wear gowns. Much like the one you’re wearing. That’s the latest style from Paris I take it.” “Yes Father purchased it for me. Do you like it?” “I do. You look incredible. The colour brings out the blue of your eyes.” Elizabeth blushed again. “O do stop Willa. I don’t think I can take any more of your flattery.” “O? Have I made you uncomfortable.” “It’s just too much joy. I’m feeling overwhelmed with it all.” Willa looked at her warmly and held her hand under the table. “I will stop.” “Thank you.” “For now.” Willa said winking. Elizabeth laughed. 

When dinner concluded, it came time for the evening to end. Elizabeth watched unable to hide her disappointment as Willa left. She returned back to her room and got her self ready for bed. Just as she was about to finally close her eyes she received a phone call. It was Willa.

“Eliza?” Willa?” “Just wanted to say good night. Can’t wait to see you soon.” “Great!” Elizabeth squealed with delight. “I have a horse show coming up two weeks.” She quickly added. “I wouldn’t miss it!” There was silence. “Yes?” Elizabeth asked with slight hint of concern. “It’s just I don’t want to wait two weeks to see you again.” “O! Well then you can come and take tea with me then.” “Or something more fun. I’ll see you after lunch tomorrow and then I’ll stay and take tea with you.”

Elizabeth couldn’t sleep that night. What would tomorrow bring? She laid in bed felling absolutely beside herself with delight and joy.

The next morning. Willa had sent a message that she would be arriving just before lunch. Elizabeth couldn’t contain her excitement. She called for her favourite maid, Julia.

“Yes, Lady Elizabeth?” “O Julia. I’m in such an excitable state and I cannot decide what to wear to see Willa.” “I’m sure anything you will wear will be fine. O your phone.”

“Eliza. Dress comfortable. In fact wear your riding attire and I will meeting by your stables by eleven.” “O?” “It’s a surprise.” “Okay see you then.” 

“Well Ma’am?” “Fetch my riding gear.” Elizabeth got dressed and made it to the stables promptly at eleven. She say Willa all dressed in her riding gear. She looked even more beautiful than at dinner. 

“Well look at you my dear Eliza.” “Did you like it? Father bought a few outfits for riding. It isn’t my show gear but I dear say it really comfortable. What do you think.” “I think nothing’s more beautiful than seeing another woman in pants. To be honest I prefer you this way. You seem more at ease with yourself. More relaxed and even more radiant.” “You’re doing it again Willa.” Elizabeth said laughing. She tried so hard to conceal her excitement. They two of them rode off to a beautiful spot by the pond under a oak tree. 

The maids had laid out a picnic with a perfect view of the fountain. The spread was lovely. Freshly baked bread and all sorts of cold meat and cheese and for dessert a few tarts and biscuits and of how could one forget tea. 

The two of them ate happily talking and enjoying each others company. Elizabeth couldn’t believe she could be so happy. 

Throughout her life she had always sought happiness in her horse and in her music but something had always felt missing. Even though she had her family and everything she could possibly want she still felt alone. She wanted more than anything to have a close friend -a true friend. She wanted someone to love her and see her for who she was. And here was Willa. Even though they had just met it seemed to Elizabeth that they had known each other for so long. 

The sun slowly disappeared behind the clothes. Willa looked up and she could smell the rain coming. The maids packed up the picnic hamper and Willa got ahold of Elizabeth and brought her close to her and the umbrella.

“John? Grab the horses and bring them to the stables. Lady Eliza and I will make it to the grounds on foot.” John the stable boy obeyed and got ahold of the two horses and made his way to the stables. Willa brought Eliza close to her body and they took the shortest way back to the house and made it just in time before the rain began. 

Elizabeth felt her heart pounding as Willa’s warm body was so close to hers. The way Willa held was so firm but with care. She was careful where she placed her hand on her body.

“Are you all right Eliza.” “I am thank you. Willa?” “Yes?” “I don’t think I’ve ever felt so respected by anyone.” Willa smiled. Come on in. We’ll warm up with tea.” Elizabeth followed. She felt a sudden rush and reached over and got ahold of Willa’s hand. “Eliza?” Willa asked looked at her slightly baffled.” Elizabeth didn’t hesitate and kissed Willa on the cheek. She smiled. Willa watched her careful.

“I do respect you Eliza. And since I do I will ask you if I can kiss you. I will not force you.” “Yes, yes you can kiss me.” Willa leaned over and kissed Eliza on the lips. Elizabeth melted in her arms. She wrapped her arms around Willa’s neck and leaned into her arms. 

Willa pulled away even though she felt Eliza wanting more. The warmth of her body and her touch was overwhelming. Willa was beginning to understand how overwhelmed Eliza had felt when she complimented her. 

“Tea is her Eliza. You can still hold my hand if you wish.” Willa said gently. Eliza pulled away from Willa. She felt herself floating in such joy. After tea the two of them made their way to the music room where Eliza played a few pieces for Willa. One of which was her favourite: Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven. 

“You truly are a marvel.” Willa said with a huge grin on her face. “Beautifully played.” “O! Eliza! You’re playing again.” Elizabeth looked up to see her father standing by the door gleaming with pride. 

“So good to have you here Willa. You must stay for dinner. “O no Lord Bingham. I don’t wish to intrude.” “O don’t be daft. Of course you must stay.” “Well I will if you daughter wishes me to.” “Please do stay.” “It’ll just be the three of us. Your mother has gone off to stay with her aunt for a few days and your brother has gone to stay with your cousin. So, Willa by no means will you be intruding. You’re always welcome here any time. I can speak for my daughter when I say that we never tire of your company.” “Thank you Sir. You’re very kind.” 

So Willa stayed for tea and for dinner. And again Elizabeth had to bid her good night. The two of them kissed again when they had a moment alone.

Elizabeth pulled away slightly. “What’s wrong?” “The moon. Isn’t it lovely.” Willa looked to see the crescent moon peering out from amongst the clouds. She looked back at Elizabeth. “You are truly the loveliest woman I have ever met.” Willa leaned over and kissed her soft on her cheek. “Good night. I’ll see you soon.”

Lady Bingham arrived home along with her son. She made her way to find Elizabeth to get all the details on her and Willa.

“So? You’re pining for Willa then Sis?” “Pining? Why?” Lady Bingham. “O the Evans have gone abroad. Family business of some sort. Willa helps her father in their affairs. They’re making quite a substantial amount of money in their investments.” “O please James. Enough is enough. Can’t you see your sister is missing her greatly. And you are of no help whatsoever. She’ll be home soon my darling daughter you will see.”

A letter came from Elizabeth. It was from Willa.

My dear Elizabeth

I hope you aren’t missing me too much. I can’t deny that I am absolutely wreck without your company. As much as I love my father he doesn’t make me laugh and well what can I say he doesn’t have your smile or your wit. I know I said I would only be gone for a few weeks. But this family matter has become more delicate than Father and I had anticipated. I can only hope that all these will conclude at best in a month. I will call you as often as I can.

Yours truly

Willa

Willa kept her promise. At last she phoned. The two of them talked for hours. It had been more than a month. It was now almost three months since they had seen each other. 

“I didn’t want to tell you over the phone. But it’s my grandmother. She had taken ill. And her will is in utter mess. We are trying to get it all sorted it -since all of this is tied to Father’s estate. O Elizabeth all of this is so complicated and draining I wish I had you here to make make laugh again. I always found I could be at peace with you. Why is it all the troubles in the world don’t matter when you’re near me by beautiful Angel.” “O I miss you terribly. James is here and he’s driving me insane with his stupidity. I am trying so hard to tolerate my family. But things will be so much easier when you were here with me.” 

“Willa?” “Yes Eliza?” “I love you my dear Willa. I wish I could tell you in person but I don’t know when you’ll be home.” “O Eliza. Soon. Just hang on a bit longer.”

Another month passed. Willa’s grandmother passed away. And at last the will had been sorted out to the Evans’ favour. It was a long and draining process with lawyers and the Willa’s aunt contesting the will. She couldn’t believe that something that should have taken two weeks would turn out to take four and a half months. It wasn’t until five months that Willa and her father finally returned home. 

Elizabeth couldn’t taken it any longer and made her way to the Evans’ home before Willa arrived. She waited impatiently in the living room that faced the drive way. 

“Well it is lovely to have you over Elizabeth.” Said Lady Evans. Eliza smiled faintly. “She’ll be here shortly. O look there’s the car. I am sure she’d be thrilled to see you.” Eliza put her cup down and the two of them made their way to the front door. The car pulled up and out came Willa looked exhausted to the bone.

“O Mother! It is so good to be home.” “O my dear Willa! Look who came to see you.” “Eliza!” Elizabeth couldn’t contain herself. She rain to Willa and through her arms around her. Willa overwhelmed with joy wrapped her arms around Eliza and kissed her patiently. Lady and Lord Evans quietly excused themselves and let the two love birds be. 

“Please don’t ever leave me again.” Eliza said in agony. “I won’t ever leave you. I love you so much Eliza.” “If you love you then Marry me. I know it’s so soon but I can’t take another moment without you.” “Of course I’ll marry you. But let’s wait a little longer.” “Why?” Willa laughed. “O my dear Eliza it takes time to plan a wedding.” Eliza laughed. “True. And I’m sure I won’t hear the end of it if my mother doesn’t take charge. The two of them laughed and made their way into the Evans home to share the news. 

Lady Evans called Lady Bingham immediately and the two of them were overwhelmed with delight and began planning the wedding. And a year later Willa and Elizabeth were married. 

What a fairytale story

End.