As always, thank you to my betas: Gayle (scmema), Steph (Sdhamm), Julianne (Benji'smom), Wendi (Tripletmom), and Rosemarie (Pointermom).

Chapter 2

"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord." Ephesians 5:18-19

Darcy, in angelic form, stood to Elizabeth's left as she seated herself at the piano, took a moment to compose herself, and began to play Liszt's La Campanella. Her hands flew with such fluid speed over the keys that her audience was left breathless by the artistry of the sound and movement. She followed the playful piece with a lightning rendition of Valse Oubliée by the same composer and finished her first set with a virtuoso performance of Igor Stravinsky's Firebird Suite (Danse Infernale, Berceuse, Finale) arranged by Guido Agosti. Her skill was such that she was able to mimic the orchestra parts, introducing a bell-like quality to parts of the music, and she brought the cheering audience to its feet with her amazing strength in the final bars.

Elizabeth rose from the instrument, bowed to the audience, and left the stage, closely followed by her guardian, for a brief break as the members of the orchestra took their seats. She thankfully took the water offered to her by a stagehand and sipped it thoughtfully. Though she was focused on her performance, she could not stop herself from scanning the audience from the wings, searching for a tall, incredibly handsome man with wavy dark hair and beautiful blue eyes. Where is he? I suppose I could possibly miss him in this crowd. Maybe he couldn't get a ticket after all. I wish he had asked for my cell number. But mom was there. Awkward! She flashed a secret smile. Maybe I should just grab a microphone and ask if Fitzwilliam Alexander Darcy is in the audience. That would get his attention. Or I may just have to wait for school to start back. Enough! Time to think about the performance, El!

She is disappointed not to see me! Darcy could not suppress a smile as he caught the melancholy edge to her thoughts, followed by her lightheartedness. Several guardians with orchestra members noticed his expression, but were careful to show no response. They had observed their intimidating chief the previous evening at rehearsal, full-well knowing his feelings for Elizabeth, and had seen his love for her displayed on his countenance during unguarded moments. It was a matter of intense interest to them, but an undue show of attention from the ranks he commanded would be unseemly. Now that they could hear her thoughts concerning the imposing guardian, their curiosity was truly piqued.

After the orchestra was seated, the dark-haired young beauty walked confidently back onstage, her trademark white gown flowing behind her as the stage lights caught the rhinestones at her waist and on the straps of the dress. She returned to the bench, nodded to the conductor, and poured her heart into Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3, Part 1. Afterwards, Elizabeth chose to give the orchestra a short respite by following the demanding piece with a piano solo, Chopin's Etude Op. 25 No. 1, also known as the "Aeolian Harp." The audience was as mesmerized with watching her willowy form moving emotionally with the flowing music as they were by her proficiency at the instrument. She was truly striking – a brunette with long curls flowing artlessly down her back, contrasting sharply with her white gown. Her slender arms moved gently, and her graceful fingers caressed the keys. With each swaying movement, the stage lights caught the rhinestones woven through her hair, holding the shining mass back from her face. She was strong, yet gentle; soft as a whisper and bold as the thunder. The black sheen of the Steinway grand reflected the image of her magnificent hands as her long, slender fingers flew effortlessly over the ivories. Her technical mastery of the instrument was astounding, but her astonishing ability to convey emotion through her music was what set her apart from all other musicians. Elizabeth's performances always left her audiences enthralled and breathlessly wanting more.

As the hall erupted in applause, she stood and walked to the center of the stage, accepting the wireless microphone brought to her by a stagehand while another pianist took her place at the Steinway.

"I hope you have enjoyed the selections thus far," she said, smiling and speaking easily with no signs of nervousness. Her stage presence had matured along with her musical skills.

Further applause signaled the appreciation of those fortunate enough to have obtained a ticket.

"I would like to leave the classical realm now and share with you my own arrangement of a medley of songs taken from one of the few American musical art forms – the Spiritual. I find the words to be poignant and meaningful, and the music to be amazingly powerful in its simplicity. As the slaves sought freedom from physical slavery, many seek spiritual freedom from sin through Christ. These songs equate freedom in the Promised Land, the northern United States and Canada, with heaven. Will you indulge me?"

The crowd applauded their encouragement for her to continue. Elizabeth stood, much as she had at the Fine Arts Festival ten years before, with Darcy towering regally behind her. The top of her head now reached his shoulders, but his neck and noble visage were clearly visible to every angel present, and she was again illuminated by his gentle glow.

Niall, in the audience with Lynne, was struck by the similarity of the events. They truly belong together. Our Master is wise beyond any imagination.

From beside him,Michael answered, As He said in Isaiah 55:8-9, 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,' declares the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.'

Hearing the thoughts of Niall and Michael, Darcy gazed directly at them. We do belong together. Jehovah-Bara formed us for one another. He knew in that moment that everything would work for their good. He had assurance that whatever they might have to face, and he was sure that it would be terrible at times, God would bring them through it together. He was glad that his Master, in His infinite wisdom, had sent Michael to be with him so that they could guard Elizabeth together. He was beginning to assume human form more and more often, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to ensure that she was never unprotected.

The orchestra began the medley of her symphonic arrangement with the plaintive wails of the violins, playing "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" as Elizabeth began to sing softly in the lower part of her range; however, she used the extent of her four-octaves and the full power of her voice as she continued to change keys, going higher and higher, supported by the woodwinds through "Were You There," "I Am a Poor, Wayfaring Stranger," and "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen." As the music become more upbeat, the orchestra shifted into a swing rhythm featuring the brass section in "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Ezekiel Saw the Wheel," and the rousing "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho." After she finished the medley, she immediately began singing "Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone," by John Newton, Chris Tomlin, and Louie Giglio, with a simple string accompaniment, modulating up a half step on each verse. On the final verse, Elizabeth closed her eyes and sang a capella, "When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing His praise, then when we first begun."

And He was there, in the whirlwind of the Spirituals, and in the still small voice of "Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone." The angels felt His presence in that place and raised their palms toward heaven, faces lifted as they hummed in worship. The light grew and multiplied, and souls were touched to seek Him.

John Newton's hymn, written after he had been saved out of the horribly sinful life of the captain of a slave ship, was a fitting end to the medley. As Elizabeth sang the final notes, the crowd was silent. There was no standing ovation or polite applause; no one wanted to destroy the mood she had created. Overwhelmed by the words she had just sung, Elizabeth began to speak to the audience. She told them of how God had shown his mercy to a small-town, Southern girl of humble birth and no importance. For the first time before a large audience, in a few sentences, she shared her personal testimony and her salvation experience. Elizabeth spoke of God's love, forgiveness, and mercy. When she was finished, she handed the microphone to the waiting stage hand, and returned to the piano, closely followed by her protector.

For the finale of the evening, she had decided to do her own original arrangement for piano and symphony orchestra of great hymns of the faith. Elizabeth realized that her choices for the latter part of the evening had been unusual, and that she was very likely changing the course of her career, but she felt led by God to do so. She was serene as she began the opening notes of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," and continued through "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee," "Be Still My Soul," "O, The Sweet, Sweet Love of Jesus," "It Is Well," "What Wondrous Love Is This," "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah," "Be Thou My Vision," "O God Our Help in Ages Past," and ended with Handel's "The Hallelujah Chorus" from The Messiah. "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" was entwined with Pachelbel's "Canon in D," "Be Still My Soul" was paired with Debussy's "Clair de Lune," "What Wondrous Love Is This" was woven with Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," and "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" was meshed with Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture." The music ebbed and flowed with classical themes woven throughout the arrangement, brilliantly joining the genres in a celebration of God's gift of music.

Darcy remembered standing by G. F. Handel in 1741 as the fifty-six year old man had composed the music for The Messiah, setting to music the Scriptural text, or libretto, written by Charles Jennens. The entire musical score had been completed in an amazing twenty-four days, and Handel had written the letters "SDG," Soli Deo Gloria, "To God alone the glory," at the end of his manuscript. The oratorio had been quietly received at the time of completion, but had since become one of the best-known choral works in Western music, as well as one of the most frequently performed. To God be the glory, indeed, George. You would have loved this performance, thought Darcy.

The audience stood, as was traditional, when they recognized "The Hallelujah Chorus," and they were surprised to see a choir coming down the aisles of the auditorium, singing as they walked. The sound of voices blending together to sing the familiar words filled the hall with His praises, and one hundred angels, in addition to the guardians present, flew through the ceiling and filled the upper chambers of the theater. The people felt the air stir with the gentle rush of angel wings as the light beings swirled and dipped in a choreographed dance of joy as old as creation itself. They glowed with all the colors of the rainbow joining in the center of the auditorium to create a brilliant, white light which chased every demon within a mile radius of the building into hiding, creating a holy circle in the center of the city. Believers in the audience lifted their hands to heaven, knowing that they were in the presence of Jehovah, and their faces shone with His light.

As the singers sang the final "Hallelujah," the angels floated and twirled, finally leaving the building with the human audience stupefied as to what had actually happened. Everyone knew that something momentous had taken place, but only the believers in the crowd knew that God had touched them. They had shivered during those moments of perfect connection with the Almighty, and they had praised him. There was a total oneness with their Creator, and they looked forward to the day when they would meet Him.

Even more wonderful things were happening in heaven as thousands of angels repeated the joyous patterns over and over. In every place on the earth, light beings looked to the heavens, seeing the dancing beams, and they listened. Through the spiritual plane, they heard Elizabeth's music, and the whole earth rejoiced.

After a moment of silence, the people erupted into a roar of applause and appreciation for what they had experienced. Some wondered why they suddenly had the urge to go to church, or to pray, or to pull out that old Bible from the closet. Others could not explain what they had felt, but they wanted to know the feeling, that connection with something larger than themselves, again. Still others wanted to think it was foolishness, and denied that it was anything other than emotional trickery. Those who had been before to the auditorium wondered at the light show. They had never seen such a display there in the past, and they could see no equipment that would produce such beautiful, dancing beams. No matter what they said or thought, everyone there knew, in that secret place of the heart, that something supernatural had been there with them. It was a beginning of great things to come.

Elohim received the offering of praise and was well pleased.

~~oo~~

As soon as Elizabeth left the stage for the final time, Michael took his place by her side as Darcy ducked quickly behind a curtain and emerged backstage in human form. He leaned his shoulder casually against a wall directly in her path and put his left hand in his pants pocket, keeping her in his line of vision at all times. Knowing that she would be dressed formally, he had opted to wear a black Italian tailored two-button suit with a grey vest over a white shirt. Niall insisted that he wear an ice-blue tie "to bring out his eyes," and black dress shoes. He felt very conspicuous, noting that every human that passed by looked at him from head to toe. Is that good or bad? He kept trying to think of things he could say to her, and he desperately hoped that he looked more relaxed than he felt. Something was definitely doing a little dance in his very human stomach, and he fervently wished that he could be assured that it would not work its way down to his legs and feet.

Darcy watched Elizabeth, followed closely by Michael dressed as a warrior guardian, as she glided towards him, and he knew the exact second she saw him. Her brown eyes lit up with happiness, and the sun seemed to shine from her smile. Darcy's heart skipped a beat and glowed as he felt the warmth from that sun. There is that adorable double-dimple in her right cheek. I know Lynne told her it is where the angels kissed her before they sent her to earth, but it is actually where an angel wants to kiss her. He returned her smile. Niall is correct. I am as silly as a teenage boy with his first crush, but I am no longer anxious. This feels right.

Oh my! she thought. He cleans up very well. I thought I couldn't possibly be remembering him clearly, but he really is just as beautiful as I pictured him all day long.

"Hello, Fitzwilliam. I'm supposed to meet Mom in my dressing room. We're going to get my things so that we can put them in our hotel room before we eat, if that's okay with you."

"The concert was wonderful, Elizabeth. I enjoyed every minute of it. And whatever makes you happy will always suit me."

He opened the door for her, and she was surprised to see a huge vase of sweetheart roses on the dressing table. She went quickly to get the card and smiled broadly as she read silently.

I missed being there with you tonight. You really shouldn't give concerts without me. See you soon.

Always yours, Gregory

Darcy felt a distinct chill. I should have thought of flowers.

She turned her head and looked up at him."Gregory Wickham sent the flowers. Do you know him?"

Michael frowned. Gregory!

Darcy hesitated just a moment – just long enough for her to notice. "We have met a few times."

"Why do I get the feeling that you don't like him?"

Because he is the spawn of Satan? Because he wants to kill you? "I do not think he likes me very much," Darcy replied carefully.

"That's odd. Why wouldn't he like you?" She tilted her head to one side with a puzzled expression.

Careful, Darcy. He is her friend, thought Michael.

Darcy sighed. "I suppose our families have never been particularly close. There was a time when his father worked for mine, and we were like brothers, but that friendship ended years ago. I would rather not open up old wounds." True. I would rather open new ones. And please forgive me for deliberately leaving the 'we' vague as to whom it is referring.

Michael grinned, his green eyes twinkling.

"He goes to Converse, you know. You'll be in some music classes with him," Elizabeth said diplomatically.

"I am sure that we will get along well with each other. We have something in common after all. We both think you are wonderful. Should we begin to gather your things? You mother will be here soon, and it is nearly time for our dinner reservation."

He is avoiding the topic of Gregory. What does he know that I don't know? We'll return to this later.

"You're right, of course. Mom will be here soon. Just let me look around and make sure that I remembered to put everything in my bag before I went on stage." After Elizabeth made a quick check of the room, Darcy smiled at her and reached for her bag. She had given it to him and was about to pick up the flowers when Lynne and Niall came into her dressing room followed by a man with his guardian.

Darcy recognized his protector, Lexus, a guardian of the upper ranks. Darcy and Lexus had met thousands of years earlier when Darcy had been Abraham's guardian and Lexus had guarded Sarah, Abraham's wife. The two of them, along with Gabriel, had shared a meal with Abraham while in human form. Gabriel had told the patriarch that Sarah would bear a son, Isaac, though she was ninety years old. Darcy remembered how Sarah had been discovered eavesdropping on their conversation when she had laughed aloud at Gabriel's prophecy. The story had been recorded in Genesis, chapter eighteen. This man must be important in the Master's plan to have Lexus as a guardian.

Lexus bent his elbow, palm forward, in salute to Darcy, Michael, and Niall. Darcy and Michael nodded in acknowledgement as Niall returned his salute.

"Hello, Fitzwilliam. El, this is John Edwards, an evangelist. John, this is Fitzwilliam Darcy. El, John would like to talk with you a minute."

The young man, who appeared to be in his late twenties, smiled and extended his hand. After he shook hands with Elizabeth and Darcy, John began to speak. "It's great to finally meet you, El. I've been hearing wonderful things about you for a couple of years now, and I bought tickets to this concert months ago so that I could hear you myself. I must say that the praise was not at all exaggerated. God has gifted you phenomenally."

"Thank you, Rev. Edwards. That's very kind of you. Is there anything I can do for you?" She smiled and lifted her brows in question.

"Please call me John. As your mother said, I am an evangelist. My ministry is growing, but I think that if we work together, we can shake this continent for God. I would like to talk further with you about it, if you're interested."

She thought a few moments before she spoke. "John, I have actually been looking for a way to use my gifts for God, and I've been praying that He'll show me what He wants me to do. Would you like to meet in the morning before Mom and I fly out?"

John smiled broadly. "Of course. Could we meet for breakfast in the Azure Restaurant at eight? Lynne told me that you two are staying at the InterContinental tonight. I'm staying there, too, so it would be convenient for all of us."

"That's fine with me. Mom?" Elizabeth asked, deferring to her mother.

"That sounds good. It was nice to meet you, John. We'll see you again tomorrow morning. I think we have to be leaving now. Fitzwilliam has dinner reservations for us."

"Until tomorrow, then," John said, nodding his farewells and leaving the room briskly, followed closely by Lexus.

~~oo~~

Darcy held Lynne's chair for her, and then moved to seat Elizabeth. The restaurant was softly lit, with walls of glass that went from floor to ceiling, displaying the beauty of Toronto's city lights at night. Deep blue was the theme color, from the artwork above the bar, Liquid Veil by Stuart Reid, to the glasses on the snowy white table cloths.

I am glad that Lynne is with us. This place is so romantic that I need a third person present to remind me that Elizabeth does not know me as I know her. I must remember that, while I love her with my whole body, soul, and spirit, she has just met me. I am a stranger to her.

I am here to remind you of that if you forget, Niall thought.

Michael laughed lightly. Be mindful that I will guard Elizabeth against you if necessary.

Darcy chuckled as he took his seat.

"Did I miss something funny?" Elizabeth asked him. "I dearly love to laugh. Share it with us." Her smile was so sweet and honest that Darcy's mind went blank as he looked at her.

Darcy, say something! You are glad to be here with them.

"Oh, I am just happy to be here with the two most interesting, lovely women in the room. Every male in this restaurant is surely jealous of my good fortune," Darcy said quickly. Thanks, Niall. I will do better. I promise.

I certainly hope so. Focus, man.

Their waiter appeared, introduced himself, and made recommendations from the menu.

As Elizabeth and Lynne ordered the grilled scallops and vegetable tart with water, Darcy suddenly realized that he had not eaten in thousands of years. He pretended to study the menu while his mind thought of all the possibilities.

Why did I not think of this before I suggested going out to eat? I do not know if I will like modern food or not. What if it makes me sick? This will not be bread cakes, curds, milk, and veal.

Calm yourself! Niall looked over Lynne's shoulder at her menu. Order something simple. Try the Azure soup and a Caesar salad with fettucini primavera. Wait until later to try meat.

That is easy for you to say. You do not have to eat or do anything with the food later.

Darcy looked up at the waiter and smiled. "I think I will have the Azure soup, a Caesar salad, fettuccini primavera, and water."

After the waiter left, Elizabeth looked at Darcy curiously. "Are you a vegetarian?"

"No, I just do not like to eat anything too heavy this late in the evening. I will be quite happy to enjoy your company. You must be famished. I know that you did not eat before the concert."

"How do you know that?" Elizabeth asked, her full attention engaged.

Oops! "I just assumed that you would not eat before performing because of pre-program jitters."

Nice recovery. Niall smiled at him.

You are doing well. Michael was encouraging.

"Actually, you're right. I never eat before I perform. I'm too nervous. Have you ever given a recital or a concert? I know that you play and sing, and that you're majoring in music."

"I am fairly new at all this, but I have a request to make of you."

He didn't answer my question. Interesting, she thought. He is such an enigma.

Is it good to be an enigma? Darcy queried.

She thinks you are interesting. That is good, replied Niall.

Women love mystery. Or so I have heard, added Michael.

"Ask away. It seems to be my night for requests." She laughed lightly.

"May I audition for you?" Darcy's blue eyes gazed into hers.

"I would love to hear you play and sing at any time. Why would you want to audition for me?"

"If I am good enough, I would like to play or sing a duet with you. We could do the music at your church sometime."

"My church? How do you know I go to church?" He seems to know a lot about me somehow.

His laugh was a low musical sound. "Elizabeth, you gave your testimony at the concert. You sang a medley of Spirituals and played a brilliant original arrangement of sacred songs. It stands to reason that you go to church."

I must be getting paranoid. "You're right, I do. My dad is my pastor. We would love to have you visit our church, and I'm sure that we could get something together for a duet. We live in Bethel and attend Tabernacle Church. Are you familiar with it?"

"I have a townhouse in Spartanburg. I just moved there to attend Converse, and I am looking for a church to attend regularly. Of course, I will not be back in time for services tomorrow, but I would like to come next Sunday, if you do not mind."

Again, he sidestepped my question. Very neatly, too. And he never uses contractions. I have never met anyone so nearly my own age that uses such perfect grammar. 'Curiouser and curiouser.'

Hearing her thoughts, Darcy nearly panicked, though his face showed no change in his emotions. She knows that I am different.

Elizabeth looked at him thoughtfully. I think I like the way he speaks. He seems to be a true Southern gentleman – cultured, well-bred, courteous, and charming. He reminds me of the men my grandmother used to talk about. The Judds sang a song about the 'good old days.' People fell in love to stay back then. I want it to be that way for me and whomever God chooses to be my husband.

Darcy gazed directly into her eyes and smiled his appreciation for her thoughts. I am so glad that He has chosen me, Elizabeth.

They were quiet as a waiter poured their water.

Lynne, who had been listening to the conversation with interest, interjected, "Of course we don't mind, Fitzwilliam. We would be very happy to see you at Tabernacle. If you would let us repay your hospitality for dinner tonight, you are welcomed to have Sunday lunch with us after church. You and El could work on a special for church in our music room after lunch."

Darcy flashed Lynne a full-wattage smile. He was so relieved, he could have hugged her. "How generous of you! Of course I accept your invitation, if Elizabeth agrees," he said, turning to Elizabeth with the same devastating smile. I have always liked Lynne. Remarkable woman.

Quite right. Niall chuckled.

Oh, Elizabeth agrees, all right. Elizabeth wants to see those dimples again, thought Elizabeth. She could not suppress her smile of delight. "Never let it be said that the Bennets do not have Southern hospitality. Please come to church with us and stay for lunch next Sunday."

Again with the dimples. Niall rolled his eyes. Do not forget to get her cell number.

Her cell number? asked Michael.

Cell phone number. Humans communicate by talking on them or texting messages to each other, answered Niall.

I suppose we warriors miss the day-to-day changes of human life, unlike guardians who are with them all the time. I think I will enjoy this assignment. Michael's eyes sparkled with good humor.

"Would you mind giving me your cell phone number in case I become lost?" Darcy asked, striving for an innocent look.

"Tabernacle is on the main street of a town that has a population of three thousand people, but I'll give you my number. I certainly wouldn't want to be responsible for your getting lost. I just couldn't live with that on my conscience," she smiled teasingly. "Why, anything could happen to you in a strange place, all alone." Like anyone would mess with you. You are the biggest man I've ever seen. There is no doubt that you could protect yourself from an entire gang, if there were such a thing in Bethel.

She has never seen me. I am a little taller than Darcy, thought Michael.

If everything goes well, she never will, replied Niall.

"Do you have anything to write on, Mom?"asked Elizabeth.

Lynne leaned over to get her purse, put it in her lap, and rummaged through it, producing a pen and a slip of paper from her day planner. Elizabeth took the paper and pen from her mother, wrote both her home number and her cell number on it, and handed the paper to Darcy and the pen back to her mother. Darcy put the paper in his vest pocket.

He looked at Elizabeth mysteriously, with just the hint of a smile. "I must confess something."

Darcy had her full attention immediately. Hmmm. He never volunteers information, and he avoids answering questions. This should be interesting. "Confess away." She smiled brightly.

He leaned toward her and lowered his voice. "I am not really afraid of getting lost. I would like to call you just to talk," he paused, looked at Lynne, and raised his voice a little, "if that is agreeable with you and your mother, of course."

Lynne was both surprised and amused. "No young man has ever asked my permission to call either of my daughters. I must say that I like it. It's refreshing. It's all right with me; it's up to El." My antennae are tingling, telling me that El is very much okay with it.

"Certainly. I'll look forward to it." He's honest. I find honesty to be very attractive in a man. And he paid respect to my mother; I like that, too.

I wish I could be completely honest. I do not like avoiding her questions. Darcy looked at the table. He felt guilty.

Eventually, you can tell her more. Now is not the time. Niall looked at his brother with an encouraging smile. It will be well.

Think of her feelings, Darcy. Do you think she is ready to hear the full truth now? asked Michael.

Darcy smiled ruefully. I guess not. She would probably run screaming for the door.

The conversation came to a close as two waiters came with their first course. From that point on, they talked of the food, music, Converse, and Elizabeth's family. Darcy ate very little, and he handled his fork a little awkwardly, which did not escape Elizabeth's notice.

We ate with our hands before. I must practice this. At least my body seems to be accepting the food.

Suddenly he is very quiet. I wonder what he is thinking. He shows wonderful breeding and excellent manners. He must have been in a much wider society than I have ever experienced. Maybe he has never had a girlfriend. That would be strange, indeed, she thought.

I am so glad that she cannot read my mind, thought Darcy. I hope she will forgive me for reading hers if she ever finds out.

Niall caught Darcy's eye. Do not worry about what may never be a problem, Darcy. One thing at a time.

After they finished their meal, and Darcy had paid with his credit card, he walked them to their room. He said goodnight to Lynne and Elizabeth at their door and turned to walk down the hallway. Niall and Michael followed them into the room.

As soon as he heard the door close, he looked both ways, and, seeing no one, he quickly changed into angelic form and walked through the wall to join the other two guardians in their hotel room. Niall had been aware for several years that Darcy was unable to watch Elizabeth in her private moments, so he was not surprised when his chief turned his back for Elizabeth to prepare for bed. Michael looked at Darcy's behavior with curiosity, but kept his thoughts to himself.

How do you think the evening went? asked Darcy.

It was not a total train wreck. She did give you her number. How did you like eating modern food?

I guess I will become accustomed to it. I still wonder where it will go.

I suppose you will find out tomorrow, Niall thought with a snicker.

How would you like for your next assignment to be guarding a penguin in Antarctica?

I am not worried. You need me. Niall's thoughts were smug.

True. Thanks.

You are welcome, my chief.

Michael looked at them, amused at their banter.

Something is not right. I am not quite myself, thought Darcy.

What do you mean? asked Michael, looking at him with concern.

It is very odd. I almost think that I could sleep. This must be what it feels like to be tired, replied Darcy. I think that I am weary. He yawned. Then surprised, he put his hand over his mouth. I am sorry. That was rude.

Niall stared at him, but Michael smiled. That is another reason our Master sent me. Elizabeth needs to be guarded when you are human, true, but you are going to need help in another way as well. The more time that you spend in human form, the more you will experience human needs. Right now, you need to rest, Darcy.

How can I do that? I know that you will watch Elizabeth, but what if I am attacked while I sleep?

You always think you can handle everything by yourself, Darcy, but you cannot. Elohim has chosen a guardian to watch you while you sleep. As Michael spoke, the third archangel floated through the wall, dressed in a guardian's tunic and full body armor.

I am here, Darcy. Do you trust me to protect you?

Gabriel! You will stand guard for me? I am honored. Darcy inclined his head.

Let us depart for your bedchamber. You must rest now, said Gabriel.

Can I not sleep here? asked Darcy.

Where? There is no bed for you, and you must become human to sleep, answered Michael.

But I have no room, said Darcy.

Of course you have a room. Gabriel chuckled and held out a key card. You will sleep in the room next to this one.

Of course. Darcy looked a little sadly at Elizabeth, sleeping with her hand curled by her face. He would miss watching her sleep, entering her dream world, and waiting while she awakened.

Michael read his thoughts. Things are not the same now, Darcy. She deserves her privacy. You have now entered her life as a suitor. It would be unseemly for you to see her in her private moments. I saw how you turned your back tonight as she changed into her nightclothes. You know that what I say is true.

I know that you speak the truth, Michael, but I will miss her.

If all goes well, she will be yours in a few short years. Until that time, you can still hear her thoughts and 'see' her dreams if you are awake while she sleeps. That is more than enough. Go rest for now and dream your own dreams.

Gabriel touched Darcy's arm. Let us go through the wall. We do not want to awaken them by opening the door.

Darcy walked to Elizabeth's bed and traced her cheek with his forefinger. He leaned over her, gently kissed her cheek, straightened up, and turned to go. Then he stopped, mid-stride, with a smile on his sleepy face. He had caught the beginnings of a lovely dream, and he saw his own face. She dreams of me tonight. Are you sure I cannot stay? I can sleep tomorrow while you guard her, Michael.

No! said the other three angels in unison, laughing.

Gabriel took him firmly by the arm, and they walked through the wall to the adjoining room. Darcy took human form and slid between the sheets.

Wonderful! was his last conscious thought before he slipped into his own beautiful dream – the first one of his long existence.

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible®,
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973,
1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (.org)