Beginning, Section II
Jump to new as of December 16, 2001
Jump to new as of December 21, 2001
Jump to new as of December 26, 2001
Anne snapped to attention and was momentarily unaware of her surroundings.
"My goodness Anne, you were out cold!" Catherine smiled down at her.
I've been known to have that affect on some people... mostly women. Yet I have quite the opposite affect on men.
Hide and Go Seek... Do you know where my wife is? Anne tried to shake the events of previous night from her mind and stood up. "Where's Lizzy?"
"She's helping with snack."
Anne gathered up the blankets. "How was your hike?"
"Exhilarating!" Catherine sighed. "Nothing like country trails to bring everything into perspective."
I've often enjoyed long leisurely treks with Henry.
They walked back down the hillside. "So... you don't take stock in what Mary wrote any longer?"
"I can't do anything about it now, can I?" It may have had a questioning connotation, but Catherine meant it as a statement. "But I'm no longer unprepared for it."
We shall see...
"Well good for you!" Anne cheered.
"Good for you, what?" asked Elizabeth.
"I've decided to take your hard line about things."
"And that is?"
Catherine lifted her chin. "I'm prepared to meet my fate."
Fate. Fortune or doom?
"Excellent!" Elizabeth smiled. "Just going to pop into the ladies to wash my hands."
"I'll go with you. I need to throw some water on my face," Anne said.
"Oh, Private Prepared, would you police the grounds for garbage?"
Shouldn't be much garbage left since you're accustomed to finding it.
"Aye, aye, Captain!" Catherine saluted Elizabeth.
Anne and Elizabeth walked onto another path.
"She's building sandcastles, you know."
"Who?" Anne asked.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Cathy."
"Why would you say that? Her attitude is much improved from this morning."
"She loves Henry more than life itself, she would topple in the wind if it was him."
That's the first sensible thing you've said today, Lizzy.
"While you, on the other hand...?"
Elizabeth wrung her wet hands and grabbed a paper towel. "I don't care."
Anne tossed her paper towel in the trash bin. "I think you do."
"I don't care," she repeated firmly.
Oh, I think you care a great deal.
Anne smiled wanly and walked away.
"I don't care!" she growled at the empty space and tossed her towel away.
A leaky faucet dripped in the silence. The pedantic drip, drip, drip taunted her from long ago. 'I don't care. I don't care.' dribbled annoyingly into 'Yes you do. Yes you do.' - Elizabeth gripped the porcelain sink with both hands.
"Oh, I think I'm gonna lose my mind!" Mrs. Bennet chirped. "I'm trembling and fluttering all over!"
"Oh Lord...! You're happy." Mr. Bennet put his lunchbox down on the kitchen table. "What's happened since I left for work this morning?"
"Lizzy has a date with Mr. Darcy!"
"She... what?"
"A date with Mr. Darcy! God Lou, has working in the factory for 30 years affected your hearing?"
"Oh I heard you, I just can't believe you."
"It's all true! He asked her out this morning! Oh! What a fine thing for our girls!"
"How so? How can a date affect them?"
"Ooh! You take pleasure in pissin' me off! But I'm not gonna to let you - nothin' you say will ever vex me again!"
"I'm sorry to hear that, my dear, but you haven't told me your theory."
"If Lizzy marries Mr. Darcy then that will throw our two girls into the path of other rich men!"
"Spouting off again, Ma?" Elizabeth smirked from the doorway.
"You and your father can tease me all you want, but I'm so happy! I knew you weren't so beautiful for nothin'! I told you, didn't I?"
Mr. Bennet could no longer take the over-excited effusions of his wife. "Lizzy, would you come into my room for a minute?"
"Sure Dad. Give me a second to rinse out my stockings."
He smiled tiredly and walked off.
"Don't you think it's a little late for the birds and bees talk?" Mrs. Bennet called to her husband.
He ignored her, of course.
"Are you out of your senses to be acceptin' the advances of a man old enough to be your father?!"
"Daddy..." she sighed. "He's not that old. He's not even 28."
"Well..." Mr. Bennet blustered. "He looks older and you're barely 19."
"I'm 20."
"Oh."
"Are there any other objections to my going out with him, other than his age?"
"We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man, but this would be nothin' if you really liked him."
"I don't know if I like him. This is a first date, Daddy, but he's a good man. That much I do know."
"Well, if that be the case, I have nothing more to say. I trust your judgement, Lizzy."
"Thanks Daddy." She kissed his forehead.
"Get along with you then. I'm sure you have to put your face on or whatever it is that you girls do." He chose a book from the shelf and offered a bit of fatherly advice to his eldest. "I know its summer time, but nothing too short... We don't want to give Mr. Darcy the wrong impression, do we?"
"Definitely not!" Elizabeth smiled at her father before leaving his room.
"If any young men should stop by for Kitty and Lydia, tell them to come in." Mr. Bennet called to her before she closed the door. "I'm quite at leisure!"
"This is a very nice restaurant. I've never been here before."
"What?" Darcy was caught off guard with her talking.
"Nice restaurant," she repeated.
"Oh... it's nothing. Just a little place I discovered." He moved closer to her in the booth. "You have the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen." They were ever changing liquid pools - quite mesmerizing.
"Thank you." Elizabeth did not move away from him but raised an eyebrow at his maneuver. "Mr. Chamberlayne is leaving next week."
"Huh?"
"Mr. Chamberlayne."
"What about him?"
"He's leaving next week. Have you decided which one of us will replace him?"
"I hadn't given it much thought," he whispered in her ear. He was powerfully attracted to her on first sight.
"Mr. Darcy!" Elizabeth hissed low. "I thought we were here to discuss business?"
"Whatever gave you that impression?"
"How about 'Er... Miss Bennet, I'd like to... er... discuss your employment, would dinner suffice?'" she mimicked his deep voice as well as she could. "Was I wrong then?"
"No... no you weren't." He chuckled and sat back - she had him there. That was his premise in asking her out and he would get the business over as quickly as possible. "I understand you're one of our best employees in the... er..."
"On the floor?" she finished for him.
"Yes. And this is your first job?"
"Yes, but I've been with Darcy Electronics before I even graduated high school."
"So you come into the City everyday?"
"Yes. But I'm on a strict schedule in the evenings because I'm furthering my education by attending night school."
"In what?"
"Business Management."
"Management?" He assumed it might've been clothes designing or modeling 101 or even bookkeeping, but he never imagined her buckling down for a business course. "Really?"
"Yes, Mr. Darcy. I have plans."
"Will, please? And what are these plans?"
"First step was the move from mail clerk to Sales Associate, which I did last year," she smiled at him. "Second step is Head Sales Associate. Third step - Sales Manager. Fourth step..."
"I see," he chuckled. "No plans for marriage and children then?"
"None whatsoever. I don't want my wings clipped before I can fly."
"Hmm?" He smiled to himself.
"Now about Mr. Chamberlayne's position..."
"How about a nightcap?"
"Sure, Mr. Darcy," she answered softly but was disappointed that her point had not been carried. "But I've never had one before. What do you recommend?"
"Crème de Menthe is very good. One of my friends highly recommends it."
She hated Crème de Menthe and tried not to frown. "Sure."
Darcy waved to a waiter and placed their order.
"Hey Will!"
"How's it going, Rick?"
"Oh fine. Just stopped in for a nightcap. When you get a minute, stop in the back to say hello. Most of the gang's here."
"Really? Mary too?"
"Of course. She was asking about you earlier..." Wentworth winked.
"When did she get back in town?" Darcy asked excitedly.
"This afternoon."
"Uhurm!" Elizabeth cleared her throat - she was not going to let the mention of another woman interrupt her evening.
"Oh, hello."
"Um, Rick Wentworth meet... er... uh..."
Her eyes narrowed momentarily at Darcy. "Elizabeth Bennet," she finished for him. Again. Then she turned her attention to the newcomer.
"A pleasure."
"Same here. Do you have a light?"
"Right here." Wentworth bent down to light her cigarette.
"Thank you," she smiled seductively.
"You're welcome," he returned the smile.
Darcy threw a scathing look Elizabeth's way then asked politely "Rick, please tell your lovely wife, Anne, and the others that I'll catch up with them later?"
"Will do." He hid a grin. "Nice meeting you... Miss Bennet."
"Likewise."
Wentworth saluted and walked away.
"Come on, let's go."
"But our drinks haven't arrived yet."
"Never mind them." Darcy threw some bills on the table and jumped out of the booth.
Elizabeth looked at him sideways but complied. "Sure."
Darcy drove her home in a hurry - deathly silent all the way.
He got out of the car and practically ran around to her door. Meanwhile, Elizabeth took her fingernail and dragged it across her calf and thigh.
"Goodnight." He stood impatiently with the door open.
As she swirled around in her seat, the long split in her skirt revealed a very shapely leg. "Oh dear!"
"What?"
"I've got a run in my stockings." She showed it to him and enjoyed his deep intake of breath. "My last pair of good silk," she pouted.
"I'll... er... reimburse... you," Darcy stammered his offer.
"You're so sweet!" Elizabeth purred. "But you really don't have to."
"No trouble at all."
"Thank you." She stood up with the help of his extended hand. "I had a lovely time at dinner."
He stared at her intently for a moment - looking for a sign that she didn't want to go home right then. "So did I."
His look froze her to the spot. "Goodnight," Elizabeth whispered demurely.
Darcy swallowed and looked away. "Goodnight."
HONK! HONK!
"He is here! He is here!" Mrs. Bennet shrieked.
"Yeah Ma, we hear him."
"Go get your coat girl! And don't stay out too late."
Elizabeth sat down at the kitchen table.
"What are you doin'?!"
"I'm waiting."
"For what?!"
Elizabeth rolled her eyes to the heavens. "I know what I'm doin', all right."
HONK! HONK!
"Lizzy! Get up or he'll leave!"
"Keep your voice down. I said I know what I'm doin'. If he wants me, he'll come and get me."
"Who put such a notion in your head, girl? It surely wasn't me! This all your father's fault!"
"He won't leave, Ma."
"Oh you have no compassion on my poor nerves!" Mrs. Bennet fretted. "He'll leave and I'll never forgive you for it! I'll just..."
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
"See?" Elizabeth smirked.
Mrs. Bennet sighed in relief and ran to open the door. "Coming!" She calmed herself and ran a cursory hand through her hair then she opened the door. "Mr. Darcy, I presume?"
"Er... yes. Mrs. Bennet?"
"That would be me."
"Is Elizabeth here?"
"Indeed she is! She's in the kitchen."
"We have 8:00 pm reservations."
Darcy stood there with a contemptuous look on his face; he was not used to such squalor and wondered if he might catch something.
"Won't you come in?"
He hesitated - for a long while. "Yes. Thank you."
"Right this way."
Darcy followed Mrs. Bennet into the kitchen.
"Darling, Mr. Darcy is here for you."
"I'll be right out, Mother dear." Elizabeth called from the bedroom. "Thank you."
An awkward silence ensued, but Mrs. Bennet was never one to be silent or to even understand it. "So...?"
"So."
"Would you like a beer?"
"No thank you."
"Well, I'm a little thirsty myself. You don't mind, do you?"
"Of course not."
At that moment, the 7:15 pm Pemberley Express train rumbled on the tracks just beyond, shaking the house to its foundation. Darcy held on for dear life as Mrs. Bennet calmly went about getting herself a brew.
Elizabeth stepped out of the bedroom a moment after the train had passed. "I'm ready."
Darcy didn't say anything; he just stared at her.
"Goodnight Mother. I won't be out too late." She blew a kiss to her mother and grabbed onto Darcy's arm guiding him out the front door.
"You have a beautiful home, Mr. Darcy." This was no lie. It was her first visit to his home and it was decorated to the hilt for the Holidays.
"Why won't you call me, Will?"
"That would prove confusing at the store." Elizabeth was still miffed that he chose Harriet Smith as Head Sales Associate instead of her.
Darcy came up behind her and placed his arms around her waist. "But we've been going out for several months now."
That same thrilling sensation ran through her every time he touched her or looked at her or spoke to her, but she was nevertheless quite putout. "I wouldn't necessarily call it 'going out'. In between business trips, you invite me to dinner once or twice a month. I would hardly..."
He nuzzled her neck. "But you're always so busy with night school."
She couldn't help but close her eyes. "Still. I work for you."
"It could be more than just dinner, Elizabeth... Way more."
"How much more?"
His hands started to move up past her waist.
"Mr. Darcy!" She wrenched herself free. "The fire. The fire's dying down."
"Isn't it though." He looked at her steadily before focusing his attention on putting more logs on.
Elizabeth walked around the great room towards a grand piano to calm her weakening state - there she noticed a gold-framed picture. "Who's this?"
"A very good friend of mine."
"Mary Crawford?"
"Yes." He moved beside her. "How did you know?"
She studied the woman carefully. "You've mentioned her often enough," she raised an eyebrow to him.
He looked at it briefly but fondly. "Mary gave it to me Christmas last year... I just never thought to find another place for it."
"She's very beautiful."
Darcy kissed her shoulder. "Yes, she is. Beautiful. Stylish. Elegant."
Elizabeth moved away. "Everything a man could want," she said cattily.
"And what do you want, Miss Bennet?" He was tired of her games.
"What do I want?"
"Yes. What exactly do you want?"
She calmly looked directly at him to gauge his reaction. "I want to be in a gold-framed picture on somebody's grand piano."
"We've gone over this before, Elizabeth. I don't want to get married."
"Then stop torturing me." She turned away to hide the hurt. "Let's end this then."
"I'm not ready for it to end... and neither are you." He reached for her.
"No!" She pushed him away. "I can't do this. I won't." Tears threatening but she held them in check and stood her ground by facing him squarely. "Promise me you'll leave me alone?"
His jaw tightened as did his eyes and lips and several icy minutes of a stare-down ensued. "Fine," he relented in a cool steady voice.
"Would you take me home, please?"
"I'll call you a cab."
"Thanks."
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Would you get that Lizzy?"
"Sure, Ma."
"Happy New Year Lizzy! What's shakin'?"
"Nothin' George. Come on in and take a load off."
"Thanks."
Wickham sat down in the living room.
"I'll be with you in a second, baby!" came a distant call.
"We got time, sweet cheeks!" George grinned. "So... uh...?"
"Lizzy!" Mrs. Bennet interrupted. "Your Daddy and me are gonna play Bingo over at the fire station, you wanna come with?" She was no longer mad at her eldest daughter for breaking up with Mr. Darcy; she felt sorry for her.
"Looks like more than just Bingo, Ma. You look positively fabulous!"
"Thank you, honey." She blushed. "I suppose there might be a little dancing tonight too."
Elizabeth couldn't help but smile; her Christmas gift to her mother was the red silk blouse, black skirt and shoes that she was wearing.
"Oh, hi George!"
"Hey Mrs. B. Nice get-up."
"Thank you! My Lizzy and her fine tastes," she tittered and fidgeted with the necklace that was tangled in her hair. "Kitty's already gone out and your Daddy's already at the station, so..."
"Here, Ma. Let me help you with that." Elizabeth escorted her mother down the hall.
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Would you get that, George?"
"Sure thing, Lizzy!" He bounced to open the door. "Hello!" he choked.
"Who are you?" he glared.
"I, I, I'm George Wickham, Mr. Darcy," he trembled. "I, I, I work in the m, m, mailroom at your J, J, Jersey City store. Sir."
"Are you here for Miss Bennet?"
"Y, Y, Yes."
He towered over him and menacingly looked down upon him. "I don't think so."
"I'm ready, George!" came a voice from the other side of the room. "Oh! Who are you?"
"William Darcy. Who are you?"
"Lydia Bennet."
George took the opportunity to escape Darcy's terror and ran over to his girlfriend. "Wow! Lydia, you look great!"
"Thanks baby." She kissed his mouth lightly and grabbed his arm. "Nice to make your acquaintance."
"See ya... Mr. Darcy, sir."
Darcy turned with them but only nodded as they left the house.
"What are you doin' here?" Elizabeth stood in the doorway.
He turned to look at her - bandana tied haphazardly around her wild curls, raggedy jeans, and flannel shirt. "Get dressed."
"You were supposed to leave me alone, remember?"
He fashioned his stony gaze on hers. "I remember a lot of things I'm supposed to do, yet I do whatever I please."
She walked away from him towards the kitchen. "But I asked you nicely."
Darcy followed. "We're set to meet at Mary Crawford's in an hour for drinks. Get dressed."
"Mary Crawford's?"
"Yes."
"Mary Crawford's? Am I allowed? Did you tell her you were bringing me?"
"I didn't tell her anything. I don't have to."
"You sure she won't throw me out on my a... on my behind when she finds out who I am and where I'm from?"
"We don't have time for 20 questions. Get dressed."
"I'm not going anywhere with you."
"Elizabeth..." He was in front of her in two long strides.
Chills shot up and down her spine each time he said her full-first name. She took a step back and was trapped in the corner by the refrigerator. "You don't own me, Mr. Darcy," she said defiantly although she didn't feel it.
As soon as he looked down into her fine eyes, he was a goner. "You win." He closed his eyes. "You win."
"I win what?" she asked in a breathy confusion.
"I'll marry you."
Elizabeth choked down a sob. "No thank you. I'll take door number two."
"What is it that you want from me?" he gritted. "I already said I'd marry you, what else do you want?"
"I want more," she whispered.
"Baby, I'm the best offer you're ever going to get."
Several moments passed in silence - an eternity to both.
"All right."
"Finally!" he exclaimed.
Then Darcy pulled Elizabeth into his arms and kissed her, passionately.
Mrs. Bennet came flying around the corner. "Lizzy, I'm off to..."
She pulled away from the lip-lock. "Guess what, Ma! We're getting married!"
"Bingo..." Mrs. Bennet fainted to the floor.
Elizabeth had a hearty breakfast waiting for her husband on the first new day of their marriage - she was so excited she couldn't stand herself. Her joy, on this morning of mornings, had no boundaries. Who knew that the previous night would be so wondrous? She trembled in delight thinking about it and stared at him; willing him to awaken.
Finally, Darcy opened one eye. "Elizabeth..."
"Good morning, darling!" She kissed him, lovingly and long. "I have breakfast right here for you."
He raised an incredulous eyebrow. "Breakfast... in bed?"
"Yes," she smiled - suddenly shy.
"Thank you." He sat up and smiled as she placed the tray on his lap. "This is nice." He dug in quickly.
"Where are we going on our honeymoon? I hope it's somewhere warm. You never did tell me."
"You never asked."
"Well, you wanted to get married as soon as possible which meant that I had to find a dress that I liked in a week's time. I hardly saw you to ask you anything."
"Umhm," he nodded his head - it only interrupted his plate-to-mouth action momentarily.
"So...?"
"So?"
"Where are we going?"
"Right here."
"Wha...?!"
"You wanted to get married, you didn't say anything about a honeymoon."
She was getting upset and tried to calm herself. "I didn't think I had to say anything."
There was silence, except for Darcy eating his breakfast.
"Well...?"
"What?"
"I'm asking you now."
"I'm only going to give you same answer."
"But... why?" she pouted.
"This is exactly the reason I didn't want to get married in the first place. I don't have the time."
"All right," she answered softly. "Perhaps when you check on one of your businesses, in say... Japan, we can make arrangements to stay over for a few days."
"That's not possible. When I go away for business, I don't like distractions."
"But I'm your wife."
"You're still a distraction." His fork clattered to his plate. "Look, I agreed to marry you, that should be enough for you."
"Fitzwilliam!" she hissed. Elizabeth wasn't doing a very good job of keeping herself calm.
"Instead of crying over a lost honeymoon, go shopping."
"How can you be so... so thoughtless?"
"You married me for my money," Darcy spat. "Go spend it."
"Ooooh!" In her haste to get out of the bed and away from him, Elizabeth upended the breakfast tray and Darcy was wearing most of it.
"Did you have to dance with every single man in the place?" Darcy sneered as he donned his pajama bottoms.
"You sound jealous," Elizabeth smirked as she slid out of her robe and got into the bed.
"I'm not jealous. You were making a spectacle of yourself at the Tilneys anniversary, for goodness sakes."
"Isn't that what you married me for? To look good. To be charming." To be like Mary Crawford...
Darcy sat on the edge of the bed. "I married you for a completely different reason."
"Oh that's right. How could I forget..." Elizabeth said tiredly.
"And I'm in need of it right now." He laid back on the pillows next to her. "Two months in Europe is entirely too long to be away from your charms."
"No."
"Pardon me?"
"I said 'no'."
"That was part of the bargain, my dear," he whispered in her ear.
"That bill of sale is long forgot and the store is closed. Come back next year."
"I'm sure I could convince you to... re-open my account," he caressed her arm.
"Stop it, Will!" She brushed him away and sat up. "Stop treating me like a piece of merchandise!"
"Aren't you?!" he spat his question and sat up as well.
"Not now! Not ever!"
"You signed your name on the dotted line! You can't change your mind in the middle of the game!"
"Well I just did!" She scooted out of the bed. "This is all just a game to you!"
"You played me first!"
"I did not! I... I..." Elizabeth held her tears at bay. "I'm tired, Will. I'm tired."
"I'm tired too." He laid back in exhaustion and frustration. "Now come to bed."
"No."
"Fine then," he pouted. "Don't come to bed... what do I care?"
"You never did." She put on her slippers and robe. "And it's too late to do anything about it," she said tremulously.
"Hmpfh!" he snorted derisively. "It's not like I had any encouragement to care."
Now that hurt. "So what do we do? Do I finally bow down to you or should we end it?"
I'm too tired to even argue further... "We end it."
"All right," she sniffled.
"Good! Now come to bed."
"Not ever again!" Elizabeth ran from the room.
"Lizzy!" Darcy growled.
"Lizzy!" came a distant call. "Lizzy!"
Elizabeth startled then hurriedly turned the water on in the sink before and splashed her face. If it's Will, I'll... I'll... be all right. But that was two weeks ago and he hasn't mentioned it again...
"There you are!" Catherine smiled. "We thought you got lost."
I use to wish she would get lost. It would've made things much easier.
"Nope." She snatched a paper towel off the roll and wiped her face. "Here I am."
"Well, we're packing up and moving out. We didn't want to leave you behind."
"Who would miss me?" Elizabeth shrugged.
Certainly not me.
"Anne and I."
"Thanks, kiddo."
Catherine and Elizabeth walked back down the path where Anne was waiting. They all got on the boat for the long journey home.
They were enjoying a respite from the children as Miss Bates was taking them on a tour through vessel's engine room and pilothouse.
"What's so funny?" Anne asked as she placed a blanket across her legs.
"Nothing really," Catherine smiled. "I was just remembering our first meeting."
"You didn't think it was funny then," Elizabeth smirked.
I did.
"No. I guess not. Just think, it was 6 years ago today..."
"Oh! Ow! "Why won't you act right?! Ow!"
"What's the matter, love?" he asked with a smile as he came into the bedroom.
"Stupid hair!" Catherine petulantly threw her brush down on the vanity table. "It just won't lay down!"
Tilney put the tray that he was carrying on the vanity as well. "Just keep at it. It'll all turn out well." He kissed the top of her head.
"It's this heat. I might be able to do something with it, but it won't last for long."
"I love your hair."
"Being wild and frizzy in the country is all well and good, but I can't possibly meet your friends looking like Bobo the Clown," she pouted.
"You look lovely, darling." He knew she was nervous and he would do all he could to ease her mind. "I brought up some iced tea to cool your fevered brow."
"You think of everything, Henry." It was her favorite. "No wonder I love you."
"I love you too."
"Now if I could only get your friends to love me."
"You worry too much. They'll love you for who you are."
"A country bumpkin with nothing to recommend herself," Catherine frowned.
Tilney did the only thing a new husband knew to do when his bride was at her wit's end; he kissed her, passionately.
"Let's stay home, please? I'd like nothing more than to stay here with you and you alone."
"Everyone's expecting us, darling. The Annual Spring Ball is the height of the season. What better way to introduce you to all my friends? You'll be the belle of the ball."
"Oh, Henry, this is too much! Please let's stay home? I didn't have the time to do any shopping or anything! Please?"
"Darling, stop worrying." He stood. "You'll be lovely in whatever you wear." He poured a tall glass. "We have a little time before we have to leave. Drink up. It'll relax you."
Little more than two hours later, the Tilneys pulled up to the Wentworths front lawn. Tilney, as any gentleman-like husband would do, helped his wife from the car.
"It's *hiccup* lovely, Henry!" she slurred.
"Good Lord, Cathy!" he gasped. "Are you drunk?!"
"No!" she giggled. "I can handle *hiccup* my iced tea!"
He placed his arm firmly around her shoulder and hurried her to the house. As soon as they crossed the threshold, he bellowed "Anne! Black coffee! Quickly!"
"What's the matter?" Anne came running into the foyer.
"Anne. Cathy. Cathy. Anne," he said frantically.
"Hi... *hiccup* So lovely to *hiccup* make your acquaintance."
"Welcome, Cathy." Anne then glared at Tilney.
"I put a little nip in her iced tea," he offered apologetically.
"A little?" she huffed. "Go. Go on and make yourself useful. Rick's in the living room." Anne took Catherine's arm after shooing Tilney away. "Come along, dear. I'll have you fixed up in no time." I hope...
"More iced tea?"
"Not on your life," Anne smiled and led her to one of the main floor guest bedrooms. After Catherine was comfortably situated, Anne made her way to find Mrs. Hill, her housekeeper, for the coffee. On her way back to her inebriated guest, she found time to admonish Tilney. "What were you thinking?" she hissed.
"She was nervous... So I put a little brandy in..."
"Brandy? Henry, you don't drink."
"I know, Anne. I'm..."
"Didn't you notice anything in the car?"
"She was quiet, that's all. I'm sorry. How is she?"
"I hardly know." Then Anne turned away and went back to the bedroom.
"Man, are you in trouble," Wentworth smiled and patted his friend on the back.
"I know..." Tilney sighed. "I was just trying to calm her nerves."
"How much did you put in there?"
He shook his head in uncertainty. "Half a bottle...?"
When Anne got to the room, she found Catherine prostrate on the bed, face down. "Oh..." she sighed. "... Cathy." Anne pulled the young lady off the bed and propped her in the chair at her vanity. Lightly slapping her face and calling her name to wake her. "Cathy! Cathy!"
"Mmmm!" Catherine shook her head to ward off the blows.
Mrs. Hill brought in the coffee things and left quietly.
"Wake up, Cathy." Then she unbuttoned her cloak. "Oh dear...!"
"That's exactly what I said..." she whimpered in a moment of lucidity. "Ugly, isn't it?"
"It's not that bad," Anne cooed. It was hideous - a glaring pink lacy thing with silk gardenia flowers sticking out from the most unseemly places.
"I know it is!" she sobbed.
"There, there," Anne comforted. "Drink this while I think of something to fix it..."
Anne disappeared for a few minutes and when she returned Catherine was on her second cup of coffee.
"Better?"
"A little," she sniffled.
"The first thing we have to do is get rid of those flowers." She handed her a pair of scissors. "You take the one at your navel and I'll get the ones on your shoulders."
Anne carefully slit the thread holding the corsages to the dress at the shoulders while Catherine hacked at the one hanging from her midriff.
"Oh no!" There was a gaping hole now in the stomach.
"Oh dear!" Anne gasped.
"I can't do anything right!" Catherine threw her arms and head on the vanity in utter mortification. "All I wanted was for you to like me! This is a wretched beginning!"
Anne was too busy looking through her closet to comfort the girl. It was a hopeless case. Catherine was at least 6 sizes smaller than she was. Not that Anne was large, no indeed! It was just this wisp of a girl was... well, for lack of a better word, tiny. Anne sighed in frustration and disappeared from the room again - hoping that Mrs. Hill had not yet gone home.
The housekeeper had not gone home and was able to make quick work in stitching up the hole, but the gardenia had to remain, as it was to cover up the patchwork. While that was taking place, Catherine was made to drink more coffee and Anne did a masterful job on taking off the frilly hem.
Catherine was fresh-faced and sober and with Anne's support, Wentworth's smile and Tilney's guilt, she was able to face the onslaught with some composure.
The Wentworths and Tilneys had made it to the Ball where they were placed with the Darcys as was customary. Greetings were exchanged and conversation flowed. After a while, most of the table went off to mingle and/or dance, but two remained seated.
"Would you like some champagne?"
"No, thank you," Catherine smiled. "I'm not going to embarrass myself again."
"I didn't see you have one glass all evening," Darcy said.
"Thank goodness for that!"
He looked at her oddly for an instance then turned his eyes on the dance floor to glare at Elizabeth as she danced with Tilney. Darcy pursed his lips together and narrowed his eyes as his wife gained a new partner at the end of the song and was now parading about with Christopher Brandon.
"Your wife's a great dancer," she ventured.
"Yes she is," he responded with a slight sneer.
"I bet you two would look great together on the dance floor."
"I despise dancing. My wife is fully aware of that fact and she takes delight in any and everything that I abhor."
Catherine did not really know what to say after that, so she looked around for her husband only to find him dancing with a stunning blonde. Not normally a jealous female, she got a tight feeling in her chest as she espied him laughing at some witty remark with a mischievous twinkle in his eye that she thought only reserved for her.
"I think I'll have some of that champagne now."
"What?"
"I'll have some champagne, please?"
"Sure." Darcy, keeping one eye on his wife, leaned to his right, reached for her glass and poured. When he laid the glass in front of Catherine, his pinkie ring somehow hooked onto a loose thread. "Enough?"
She looked down briefly. "Thank you, yes."
As Darcy returned to his upright position, the thread was still caught on his ring, but neither one had noticed as their attention was fully on the activities of the dance floor.
By the time the Wentworths returned to the table, Darcy was pouring Catherine's fourth glass.
"Yummy *hiccup*!"
Anne stopped Darcy's hand with her own. "Perhaps your wife is thirsty?" Then she gave him a sideways look.
"I wouldn't doubt it." He stopped pouring.
"Hey! I was just *hiccup* beginning to like the taste *hiccup*!" Catherine exclaimed.
"Try some coffee, dear," Anne said firmly.
Wentworth quickly grabbed the carafe and started filling Catherine's cup; his cufflink snaring another loose thread thereby unraveling the patched up dress even further.
"No, no! *hiccup* Champagne!" she giggled.
"No more, dear."
"No more *hiccup* champagne?" she gasped.
"I'm sure there's more champagne," Elizabeth interjected as she sauntered over to the table.
"Shut up," Darcy whispered.
She ignored him. "Don't tell me we've run out?" Elizabeth put her hands on her hips. "How dare the Country Club run out. The night is still young."
"Shut up," Darcy hissed as his wife sat next to him.
"Cathy..." Elizabeth pointedly said to her new friend with a smile. "If my husband will allow me to unseal the vault that he calls a wine cellar, perhaps we might be able to secure you a few bottles? You seem to like it."
"Prodigiously!"
"Cathy, darling!" Tilney called as he finally made his reappearance at the table. "I've convinced the bandleader to play some swing. I know how much you like it. Let's dance."
"I don't think..." Anne spluttered.
Too late. Tilney had already grabbed his wife and pulled her onto the dance floor.
Anne grabbed Wentworth and dragged him onto the floor.
"What was all that about?"
"She's drunk."
"And of your infliction, no doubt!" she hissed.
"How was I to know?" he spat.
Elizabeth shrugged and averted her eyes. "Sometimes it's the only way to survive this hell," she mumbled under her breath.
Darcy surreptitiously eyed his wife. "Is it?"
"Yes," Elizabeth answered truthfully.
Darcy had a smart quip on the tip of his tongue, but he looked fully upon Elizabeth's troubled expression and kept his mouth shut.
Tilney twirled and swirled Catherine around the floor for all the world to see. Even in her stupor she danced energetically. Wentworth and Anne chased them to the far corners without arousing too much suspicion. But one time, Tilney flung his wife out; her gardenia popped off and flew into someone's dessert.
Tilney stopped in stupefaction and Catherine skidded to a halt in horror right before she turned green. Anne grabbed a napkin from a table, brought it to Catherine's mouth and dragged her to the bathroom.
Wentworth went to retrieve the flower. "I'm sure you won't be needing that piece of garnish," he smiled at the matron. "Enjoy your cheesecake."
Tilney found his mind at last and went after his wife.
"I'm a failure!" Catherine wept.
"No you're not," Anne cooed.
"No one saw a thing," Elizabeth offered. "Now drink that coffee down and try not to move while I stitch you up." Elizabeth had many talents and sewing was one of them.
"Oh no! I'm not going back out there!"
"Yes you are," Anne said calmly but in a tone that brooked no opposition. "Think of Daniel in the lion's den. Strength and courage amidst your enemies."
Catherine had a pout on.
"Buck up, kiddo," Elizabeth smiled. "Besides, Henry's camped outside the door waiting for you with bated breath. You don't want to disappoint him, do you?"
"No, I never want to disappoint him. Ever. But I'm afraid my conduct this evening..."
"Shall never be mentioned again," Anne said.
"A good memory is unpardonable," Elizabeth winked.
Elizabeth had retreated from the bathroom as Anne gave Catherine a good talking to.
"I don't see Henry."
"He probably went back to the table." Anne subtly guided Catherine down the stairs. "Chin up. Back straight. Eyes forward."
She nodded and did as commanded. "Oh, there's Henry over there!"
They headed towards the balcony. A well-manicured hand reached out to stroke Tilney's arm tenderly and he smiled that mischievous smile again.
"He doesn't look like he's waiting for me with bated breath," Catherine frowned.
"Oh, Cathy! There you are!" Tilney stepped forward to greet his wife. "Are you all right?"
"Yes."
"I'm glad. I see you got that dress all patched up. Will it hold for a few more hours?" he chuckled and kissed her cheek. "Thanks Anne. I'll take it from here." He took his wife's arm. "There's someone special I'd like you to meet."
"Oh?"
"Yes. Mary Crawford. Cathy... my wife."
"Hi," she smiled as best she could.
"Hello," came Mary's sultry voice dripping with icicles. "So, this is the little woman? Oh Henry, she's adorable!"
"Witch!" Catherine hissed.
"I can think of a better word, a few in fact, but yours will do!" Elizabeth smirked and flicked her cigarette overboard.
"I never felt so small in my life."
That was my intent.
"You got through it unscathed though," Anne smiled.
"Yes, but if it wasn't for the two of you, I wouldn't have made it."
"Glad to be of help."
But will they be there to help you in your time of need?
"Give credit where credit is due, Cathy," Elizabeth smirked. "I was only there to stitch up your dress. Anne is the one with all the sage advice."
Sage? More like saccharine.
"Tish-tosh!" Anne tried to protest.
"Don't go all missish on me," Elizabeth retorted. "If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have survived the Queen Mary either."
"Nonsense, girl. You would've just invited her outside to have a little... tête-à-tête," Anne laughed.
A lady... if she's a true one, never involves herself with fisticuffs; she would much rather have someone else fight her battles.
"True," she conceded. "But you're the one that told me the secret to survival. 'Don't play dumb. Men hate that. Be yourself and help your husband in any way you see fit. Be his helpmate not his adversary.'"
"Well..." Anne fidgeted with her blouse. She had forgotten her own counsel last night.
"Does Will know that you only talk business while you're dancing with the gentlemen?" Catherine asked.
Business? If that's what pillow talk is, then by all means, let it be called business.
"I'm not sure," Elizabeth shrugged. "But Andrew Long let it slip at your anniversary party and I thought he'd figured it out, but... well... he never said anything about it." She shuddered remembering, once again, that night two weeks ago and needed a distraction. "Oh goodness! We're here already!"
Anne, Catherine and Elizabeth nervously stood up to prepare for departure.
To meet their fate.
The last school bus had just driven off with the remaining children and Miss Bates. All that were left on the docks were Elizabeth, Anne and Catherine.
"See you tonight." Elizabeth waved. "8:00 pm, right?"
"As usual," Anne waved back.
Elizabeth got in her Mercedes and pulled off.
Goodbye and Good Luck!
"Well...?" Catherine hemmed.
"Would you mind dropping me off at Jane's?" Anne asked. "I want to see my boys for a minute. I'll walk the rest of the way."
Don't doddle. You might miss your chance. Opportunity rarely knocks on the same door twice.
"Sure. I want to check on little Henry as well."
Of course you do. It might be your only link...
"How was the outing?" Mrs. Bennet asked from her seat on the sofa in the great room; she had moved in with the Darcys after Mr. Bennet's death two years ago.
"Pretty good," Elizabeth answered as she rubbed her neck.
"Get a good workout?" she smiled.
Not like she usually does.
"Yeah..."
"You sound tired, Lizzy. Why don't you go up and take a leisurely bath in that Jacuzzi of yours. You got two hours."
"That's my plan, but I need a drink first." She went around the bar and pulled out a bottle of Jack Daniels. "You want?"
"Sure, honey. Make me a Crème de Menthe?"
"I don't know how you can drink that stuff," Elizabeth shook her head.
"Well... your husband recommended it and I like it."
"Hmpfh!" she harrumphed.
"Speakin' of your husband... I haven't seen him all day."
Elizabeth had been wanting to speak to her mother on this particular subject for a while now. "You might not ever see him again," she answered flippantly.
"What?"
"I said you might not see him again."
"What are you talkin' about?"
"Will..." Elizabeth lit a cigarette. "... might be gone for good."
"That's nonsense!" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. "Who put such a notion in your head?"
I did.
"It's not nonsense, Ma. Will and I... we're not... compatible..."
"Oh, hold your tongue, girl! That man loves you!"
"Pfffth!" she snorted.
'Pfffth!' is right! He never loved her. How could he? Such an unfeeling, selfish girl.
"It's the truth. Will loves the ground you walk on, honey."
"He never shows it."
"He buys you anything you want."
"Gifts!" she spat. "I don't want gifts, I want assurances."
You deserve neither.
"Lizzy... you're not the easiest person to be around... and I should know. I tried to raise you to express yourself, but your father taught you to be cynical. I couldn't beat the two of you if I tried." Mrs. Bennet smiled wanly. "People don't know how to take your wit. Will might be one of them. You, my dear, must give your husband an opening."
"I wish I could be sure."
"Sometimes it's better to be brave than sure."
Elizabeth sadly shook her head.
"I'm a good judge of character, so you mark my words..."
Anne really did need the walk. The babysitter was only 6 houses away from her own, but she needed the time to compose herself. It was embarrassing enough to breakdown in tears in front of her boys for no reason and more than a humiliating spectacle to do it front of others, but it could not be helped.
Never let 'em see you sweat, Anne. Isn't that your motto?
She placed her cold and trembling hands against her cheeks, took a deep breath, and opened the front door.
"Henry!" Catherine called out. "Henry!"
No answer.
She calmly walked up the stairs to her bedroom and opened the door. Not seeing anyone within, she went straight to the nightstand next to the bed and pushed a button on her answering machine. 'You have no new messages.'
I do so love answering machines. Expectations are immediate.
"Rick!" she called. "Rick!"
"I'm upstairs!" Wentworth called to her.
Anne wasted no time in racing up the stairs, throwing open their bedroom door and running to fling her arms around her husband.
"Oh Rick!" She kissed him all over his face. "I'm so happy to see you! Oh darling, I've missed you so much!"
He chuckled, but enjoyed it all the same.
"I'm so sorry, darling! I forgot your birthday and I've been miserable because of it!"
He pulled back from her. "It's okay, honey."
"No it isn't, darling! My family treated you horribly and I'll make it up to you." She feverishly kissed his lips. "It'll never happen again. I promise..."
After several minutes... Wentworth ventured to ask: "What's gotten into you this evening? And more importantly, why now when we have less than two hours before the Ball?"
"Two hours isn't nearly long enough, but it'll do... for now," Anne smirked as she unbuttoned his shirt.
"Mark your words for what, Fanny?" came a deep voice from the doorway.
Elizabeth gasped aloud.
"I told you so..." Mrs. Bennet winked at her daughter and then turned to her son-in-law. "Oh nothing, William. Lizzy and I were just... talking. You know how women are," she smiled.
"Unfortunately, I do," he said under his breath.
"Thank you, darling." The elder woman grabbed her drink off the bar and glided from the room. "Enjoy your evening!" she called over her shoulder.
Darcy looked at Elizabeth. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"I..." she swallowed. "I'm surprised to see you here."
"I live here."
"Do you?"
"Last I checked." He narrowed his eyes. "Why the third degree?"
She drew on her cigarette for courage. "Mary Crawford's left town."
"Really."
"I thought you might've gone with her."
"And why would you think that?"
"She wrote a letter to Anne, Cathy and me, saying she was taking one of our husbands' with her."
"And you thought it was me. No, let me correct that. You hoped it was me." Darcy stepped up to the bar and leaned towards Elizabeth. "You hoped and prayed it was me. 6 years of marriage isn't quite long enough to convince a judge to overturn the prenuptial agreement, but adultery and flight is. I bet you were checking the accounts on the way home, weren't you?"
She glared. "So what if I did?"
"Despite your actions, I take my vows seriously."
"I haven't see much evidence of it," Elizabeth spat.
"I asked you to marry me, wasn't that proof enough?" he hissed dangerously.
"You never asked. You told me I won," she gritted.
"Didn't you?"
"Did I?" Elizabeth retorted with a raised an eyebrow.
"Well I'm here and you're stuck with me. For better or worse." Darcy walked away.
"Cathy!" he called to her.
And for the hundredth time that day, Catherine rubbed her fluttering stomach. "Hello!" she smiled.
"Where's Henry?" Wentworth asked.
"He's... been delayed."
"Well, come on in. Everybody's here."
Catherine put on a brave face and walked into the living room. "Good evening."
Anne and Elizabeth sucked in their breaths slowly.
"Where's Henry?" Darcy asked.
Elizabeth shot him a withering look.
"He had a late meeting," she answered calmly. "Oh Rick, I almost forgot. Happy birthday... from the Tilneys."
"Thank you, my dear." Wentworth took the gift and kissed Catherine's cheek.
Anne came and draped an arm around her shoulder; she so much wanted to embrace her friend. "Would you like a drink?" she asked as she blinked away the tears in her eyes.
"No thank you."
"Is there..." Elizabeth grabbed her hand and felt how cold it was. "Why don't you sit down. We won't be much longer."
Needless to say, the pre-party was much subdued.
"Men!" she hissed as she jumped into the car. "For you to be as smart as you claim to be, sometimes you're downright stupid!"
"All right, I'll bite," he snarled. "What did I do now?"
"Nothing."
"What?"
"I said 'nothing'."
After that brief conversation, the Darcys were silent.
Catherine rode to the Ball with the Wentworths.
"Did you want to stay with us tonight?" Anne asked.
"I'll be fine," she said indifferently.
"Are you sure?" asked Wentworth, clueless about what was going on, but was concerned because his wife was apparently uneasy.
"I just... nevermind." She blinked away her fears. "Why didn't you go fishing today?"
"I had an interview."
"For what?" asked Anne - in her passionate return to her husband she forgot to ask where he had been.
"I applied for an Assistant Coaches job with the Pee-Wee league," he smiled. "My boys should be able to play this summer and who better than their father to teach them."
Catherine sighed and looked out the backseat window.
Anne smiled tremulously at her husband.
Their arrival at the Ball was duly noted. Greetings and gaiety abounded, laughter, drink and food were aplenty. Everyone asked after Tilney but was effectively convinced by Catherine that nothing was amiss. She did her duty as one of the Committee members and when that part was done with, she sat herself down at the table with steady composure and head held high.
Elizabeth danced and twirled on several songs and although she looked to be enjoying herself, her thoughts as well as her eyes kept drifting towards their table.
"What's the deal?"
"Hmm?" she asked into his shoulder.
"What's going on?"
"What do you mean?"
"You've been holding back tears all evening... What's going on?" Wentworth repeated.
Anne stopped dancing and pulled her husband into a corner. "Well..."
She shook her head and rolled her eyes. "You do this without fail!"
He wasn't paying attention to the voice two seats away from him.
"Why don't you ask Lizzy to dance?"
Great little woman you got there, Will. "What?" answered Darcy without turning his head. He had been glaring at Elizabeth as she danced with Captain Denny, Colonel Brandon, Thomas Bertram, John Yates, and several others.
"Why don't you ask Lizzy to dance?" Catherine repeated.
"I'm sure my wife would not enjoy the interruption," he sniffed.
"Men!" she hissed.
That got his attention, since it was the second time this night that he had been so heinously accused of being one, and he turned to her. "I'm not going to participate in something that would expose me to ridicule... especially by my wife."
"Lizzy would never do that. She loves you too much."
"Pardon me?" His eyes widened in shock.
"You heard me."
"I heard you, yes. But I'm at a loss as to why you would say something like that to me."
"Because it's time somebody said something to you."
"That should be between my wife and myself," he responded darkly.
"She's just afraid that you'll reject her. You have no idea what she would do... does... for you."
Great little woman you got there, Will. Darcy looked at Catherine as though struck by lightning.
"You love her too, don't you? Don't bother to answer. I know it all!"
"You know nothing of the sort."
"Don't let your pride get in the way of true happiness, Will. Lizzy is the one woman who loves you for who you are not what you can do for her."
Not only is she good on the eyes and the senses, but... "That's not how I see it."
"You don't want to see it," she huffed. "You struck a deal, or so you think, and both of you put up a good front, but don't you see the way she practically melts when you're nice to her?"
"No," he answered petulantly. "She probably had her eye on another trinket and was just trying to butter me up. I know her game and it ain't love."
"You're confusing love with vulnerability, pain, avarice and culpability. That's no way to live to together. Lizzy truly loves you and the feeling is mutual."
"So you know me through and through?"
"Yes. It's clearly written on your face every time you look at her when you think no one is watching you. Your envious of everyone she speaks to or laughs at. Stop being such a pigheaded wimp and tell her."
Great little woman you got there, Will. Not only is she good on the eyes and the senses, but she probably knows the business better than you do! "I... She..."
"She's afraid, Will. You need to make the first move. Tell her!"
"Tell who, what?" asked Elizabeth as she sat down between her husband and friend.
"Nothing," Darcy quickly answered.
"Tell-her!" Catherine glared.
"What's going on?" Anne asked as she came to the table.
"Tell her, Will!" Catherine was practically screaming now.
"Will, what did you do?!" Elizabeth spat.
Darcy shook his head; he had never seen Catherine this upset and his mind was reeling with the many tip-offs and hints from the past that had been filed away into his subconscious. The Wentworths sat down on either side of her to calm her.
"Tell her, Will. Please?"
Wentworth poured her some water; his wife had taken him aside earlier and told him her suspicions about Tilney's absence; he was shocked beyond belief but would do all he could to comfort Catherine.
"Hush Cathy," Anne soothed and patted her friend's hand. "Everybody's looking."
"I don't care! Tell her Will, before it's too late!" she implored. "You won't regret it."
She probably knows the business better than you do! Darcy turned away.
"Tell her!"
"Rick, get the car," Anne demanded.
"Oh don't let me spoil your evening!" Catherine exclaimed in extreme agitation. "I'm just a foolish country hick in the... in the first trimester of her pregnancy and whose husband has left her for another woman!"
They all lurched like they had taken a blow to the stomach. None of them had known about the baby. She hadn't even told her husband yet.
"Excuse me!" Catherine got up from her chair.
"Wait!" Darcy called and grabbed her hand before she ran off. "Wait Cathy, please?"
"Go ahead." Catherine tried to smile down at him through her tears. "At least you'll be happy. But you don't need me to witness it."
"Cathy..." Darcy drew a deep breath and whispered "It wasn't Henry."
Everyone looked at him in confusion and wariness, but no one said anything.
"It wasn't Henry," he repeated firmly.
"What...?" Catherine startled - not trusting what he was implying but hoping it all the same.
"Sit down." At Catherine's hesitation, Darcy said "Please?" She nodded and practically crumpled into the chair to his left. "It wasn't Henry that was supposed to run off with Mary... it was me."
Catherine let out a small sob.
The Wentworths gasped.
Elizabeth closed her eyes and bowed her head.
"She tried to get me to go with her, but I..." Darcy hesitated as he looked into Catherine's encouraging eyes. "I... I love my wife."
Elizabeth looked up in shock.
Of its own volition, an empty champagne glass tipped over.
Ah well... I guess it wasn't meant to be. It doesn't reflect badly on me, however. Not in the least. I just chose a weak man. He was a hopeless case and I should've seen that.
Slow smiles of approval spread across Catherine, Anne and Wentworth's faces.
"Contrary to popular opinion and despite the fact that I've never told her... I really do love her." He slowly turned to his wife. "Ardently."
A stunned Elizabeth gazed at Darcy; her fine eyes (tears pooling in their ducts) drawing him in.
"I love you, Elizabeth. I always have."
"I love you too, Will," she sniffled. "Since the very beginning."
The happiness which this reply produced was such as he had probably never felt before, and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do. They embraced and kissed as though it was their first time.
A total want of propriety.
After a few moments, she pulled away. "But two weeks ago you said you wanted to end it."
"I wanted to end the conversation... just as I do right now." He gave her a significant look.
"Oh, Will..." she cried into his shoulder.
Darcy kissed her hair and in whispered entreaty profusely apologized for being an arrogant jerk and how he feared that she married him for his money yet was afraid to lose her and therefore used his disdainful façade to hide the hurt. Had Elizabeth been able to encounter his eyes, she might have seen how well the expression of heartfelt delight diffused over his face became him; but, though she could not look, she could listen, and he told her of feelings which, in proving of what importance she was to him, made his affection every moment more valuable.
I can't believe that I actually liked the man, let alone thought I loved him. The lies I had to tell... Folly to the extreme.
At last, she apologized, though not very fluently, for seeming such a gold-digging witch. The Darcys went back to their interrupted activity of kissing.
"What in the devil is going on here? Has the world gone mad or is Will making out with Lizzy?"
"Henry!" Catherine cried and jumped up to greet her husband.
"Hello, love." Tilney embraced his wife and kissed her. "Miss me?"
"So very dearly."
"I missed you too. Lord knows Reverend Lewis is long-winded, but today she took the cake."
"As long as you're here with me, nothing else matters." Catherine stroked his face tenderly and smiled then she stood on her tiptoes and planted a soft one on his lips.
"Henry... I'm having a baby," Catherine whispered against his lips.
"Yes, I know."
"You do?!" she gasped.
"Yes, darling. You've been a little edgy of late... and when you accused me of appreciating Mary more than you, my suspicions were confirmed."
"Oh.... Henry..."
Tilney kissed Catherine's tears away.
This is utterly sickening. I'm feeling ill.
The Wentworths were hard pressed not to cry at the scenes before them. He held brought an arm around her shoulder and pulled her toward him; she looked up and smiled.
"I love you," Wentworth whispered.
"I love you too," Anne sighed just before their lips met, briefly.
"Did you really think I would leave you?"
"I'm sorry I doubted you, but Mary can be rather persuasive... and we did quarrel last night."
"A little bump in the road would never sway me to another. It didn't do it the first time, nor will it ever. Since I met you, I never even looked at another woman."
"Not even Mary?"
"Not even Mary," Wentworth smiled. "We were meant for each other."
"As long as we both shall live." Anne leaned in for another kiss and was obliged diligently by her husband.
Really! Must you do this in public?
Tilney released his hold on his wife, looked around and said "Must be something in the water."
"Oh Henry!" Catherine giggled. "It's the Champagne!"
They all laughed.
So I made a teensy tiny little mistake. So, sue me. I've learned my lesson and now need only to move on. But what am I to do with this extra ticket? Hmm? There are still some good pickings left tonight... I have to be sweet, sly and slick, as is my usual, but I must find my next conquest and soon... I wonder if George Knightley can be persuaded to...
"Let's go home."
Go! Go! For I should never want to see you again.
"Here! Here!"
The motion was carried and all removed.
"And let's forget Mary Crawford ever existed," Darcy whispered into his wife's ear.
"Here, here!" Elizabeth sighed.