Section I, Next Section
Author's Note: The title is the name of a recent movie only by coincidence. I couldn't think of a better title. The story does not attempt to mesh Pride and Prejudice with the Drew Barrymore movie.
Elizabeth Bennet had always had low self-esteem. It didn't help that she had a mother who thought she didn't amount to much, either. Mrs. Bennet spent too much time spoiling her youngest daughter, Lydia, to be bothered with bookish Elizabeth. Indeed, Elizabeth was ranked in the top twenty of her class and continued on to a prestigious university on a scholarship. Her family's finances suffered too much from Mrs. Bennet and Lydia's spending to afford much further education tuition costs.
Elizabeth had started her trend of anti-socialism at an early age. She had fallen in love with books and preferred them to the company of children her own age, who she often despised. In middle school, she was an outcast. Because she didn't wear the fashionable clothes and because she didn't flirt with the guys constantly, and because she didn't wear makeup, the popular crowd wanted nothing to do with her. Often the girls in her class asking her for a piece of paper didn't even know her name. Elizabeth sat in the corner and watched the crowd with growing disgust and disdain. It made it worse that Lydia was the queen of this kind of people.
In high school, she threw herself into her studies, leaving little time for socializing. She never went out on a date and had no guy friends. She continued her preference for books over society. It was much the same through her college years and into her experience in the business world.
So Elizabeth Bennet was shocked and suspicious when Will Darcy sat, uninvited, at her table in Marché's.
Elizabeth looked up from her book, and asked, "May I help you?"
"Hi, my name's Will-"
"I know, what can I do for you?"
"How do you know my name?"
"I'm very observant."
"Oh, well, I'm sorry I don't know your name."
"That is a pity," she replied, sarcastically, "but if you don't know who I am, then why are you coming over here?"
"To meet you, of course."
"Well, Mr. Darcy, I'm glad I was finally introduced formally. Now my life is complete and I can die happy." She stood, picked up her passport and book, and walked away from the table.
"Hey, wait," started Will, but Elizabeth had wiggled her way into the crowd and disappeared.
Elizabeth wasn't beautiful. She had a mass of dark brown curls that she hardly tried to keep in reign. She wore clothes that weren't flattering for her figure, and were rather plain and conservative. She wore ugly glasses and no makeup. Her philosophy was to spend the least amount of time possible getting ready in the morning leaving her more time to sleep or read. Elizabeth had a bad habit of reading until way too late at night. It didn't matter how she looked anyway since she had never been interested in attracting anyone. Well... that wasn't exactly true. Elizabeth was a romantic at heart, and daydreamed of the typical knight in shining armor, but her self-esteem was low enough for her to believe it impossible in reality.
Elizabeth had no idea why Will Darcy wanted to speak to her, but could take several guesses, and none of them were pleasant. Will Darcy was the head of Derbyshire Publishing Co. in which Elizabeth had a middle-level job. For her, it was temporary. Once she had her novel writing on its own feet, she would quit and write fiction full time.
Will was 28 years old, tall, with dark, curly hair, soft brown eyes, and an overall look of a Greek Adonis. He made women drool passing their desks in the office. Will never knew how Elizabeth first caught his attention. She was the most quiet and introspective woman he knew. She was plain and, he just learned, shrewish. But it didn't put him off. He had watched her eat lunch too many times in fascination. They worked in the Prudential building, which held Marché's besides offices and shops. Marché's was a restaurant that imitated a marketplace, with different booths and stalls all around the hall, and rooms for eating that were decorated like a vineyard in Tuscany. Customers were given 'passports', which were stamped with what they ate, and paid for at the exit. Everyday, Elizabeth would eat something new, and settle down with her book, occasionally looking up in interest at the people around her.
Will first noticed her when he started bringing business associates to eat there. He had fallen in love with the restaurant and came often. He couldn't fail to notice that Elizabeth was always sitting in the same place from 12 to 1 reading and eating. He began to take an interest in her books, and would sneak looks at the titles whenever he saw her.
Now Will was posed with a dilemma. He wanted to get to know this woman, but had no idea where she worked, what her name was, nor anything but the books she read and the food she ate. He resolved to return the following day.
Elizabeth saw Will before he sat down the next day. She sighed, and put her leather bookmark in her place before she closed the book.
"Yes?"
"Hi, my name's Will, what's yours?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"Because I'm interested. Do you think I'm the FBI or something?" Will leaned in conspiratorially, and mock-whispered, "Is there a reason you'd think I was the FBI?"
Elizabeth refused to let herself show amusement.
"What's the bet then? Is it to get me to go on a date? Or just to find out my name? That must be it. How much are you friends betting I won't tell you my name?"
"I am no Professor Higgins nor even a Freddie Prinze Jr. I was just interested in learning your name and striking up a conversation like normal people do."
Elizabeth was impressed at first that he would even know Professor Higgins from Pygmalion, but then kicked herself, reminding herself what company Mr. Darcy was head of.
Elizabeth collected her things once more and stood up. Will sighed and said, "It was nice trying to start a conversation with you, Miss Mystery Lady."
"Elizabeth Bennet," she said and quickly walked away.
The next day, Will joined her again, this time smiling. Elizabeth sternly told her face to quit blushing and her heart to quit racing.
"Miss Bennet, nice to meet you. May I join you?"
"You didn't ask before, why now?"
"Thank you," he said and sat down with his baked potato. "It's awful weather we're having today, isn't it?"
"What an original topic of conversation!" she cried.
"Fine, then you pick one."
"Why are you here?"
"Because I am interested in getting to know you."
"Is this some science or psychology experiment? Or maybe a homework assignment for a class you're taking."
"Miss Bennet, I have no other motives for being here. I would not be so rude as to do such a thing."
He said this in such a manner that Elizabeth felt rather guilty all of a sudden. She clamped her mouth shut and yearned to return to her book. Will must have seen her eyeing it, for he said, "How many of her books have you read?"
"All but the series on Coon. I didn't like the look of those. I'm rereading this one. Have you read any of her work?"
"Some. I liked her earlier works but then she got too sci-fi."
"I would have thought you had enough reading in your job to make it unenjoyable for pleasure."
"Actually, as head of the company, I read none of the works I publish. My job is to take care of the business part of the company. The only part I have in the artistic side is deciding the genre and prestige of books we publish. It doesn't mean that I don't read some of the books, but I do so only for pleasure. In other words, I don't have to read the books I publish."
"I see."
"Why do you like to read?"
"I don't know. Asking me that question is like asking why your hair is brown. It just is. There's no reason."
"So you've always loved books?"
She nodded. "Haven't you?"
"I think that since my dad owned this company, he tried too hard to push that love on me. I didn't really love reading until I had found it on my own."
"Must have been hard."
"It could be at times."
"I must be going," Elizabeth said, getting up.
Will wanted to say, but you never leave until 1:00! but realized it would seem like he was stalking her.
Elizabeth had been looking for an apartment near her work, and found one suitable in a building right behind Fenway Park. The landlord boasted that she could sit on the roof with binoculars and watch the game, but Elizabeth wasn't impressed. The apartment was close enough for her to walk to work. However, she needed a roommate to help pay the rent. She proceeded to advertise, and met with scores of women before she found one she could tolerate living with. Jane Benton was a sweet young woman who would be a tolerable roommate for the most challenging. And Elizabeth was the most challenging.
Jane was beautiful with a tall, slender figure, blonde hair, and blue eyes. She was kind and loving and funny. Elizabeth couldn't help liking her, and hated her for it. She wanted to hate her because she was jealous of Jane's looks and ease with people.
The apartment was one room with a bathroom. Above the bathroom, Elizabeth had a bed on a loft-like platform. Against the bathroom, was the kitchen and in front of the kitchen was a space partitioned into a dining area and a sitting area/Jane's bed. Space was tight, and it provided the potential for tension. But Jane was so kind and easy-going that the two quickly fell into an easy living pattern, sharing expenses and chores.
Elizabeth had stopped eating at Marché's to avoid Mr. Darcy. She still felt uneasy about his interest in her. However Will was not to be thwarted. Knowing when she left for lunch, Will just casually placed himself in front of the elevators on the ground floor and searched through all the people who left them until he spotted Elizabeth walking out of one. He stepped forward and called out her name. She reluctantly stopped and waited for him.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Darcy," she said.
"Hello, would you like to join me for lunch?" he asked quickly before she could run off again.
She hesitated for a long time, trying to think of a polite excuse.
"You can pick where we go, I don't mind."
Finally, she said, "Well, I guess so. How is Au Bon Pain?"
"Great, let's go."
As they walked through the building, Elizabeth tried and tried to figure out why he wanted to eat with her. It never once occurred to her that he was actually interested in getting to know her.
Elizabeth got a bowl made of bread, filled it with soup and sat down while Will got a sandwich and potato chips. He joined her and immediately began the conversation. They talked about trivial things, for whenever Will asked something remotely personal, Elizabeth would either ignore the question or avoided answering it. Finally, Elizabeth could stand it no longer.
"Why are you here?"
Will paused, startled and confused. "You suggested this place."
"No, I mean why do you keep stalking me?"
"I wouldn't say it was stalking. I'm just interested in getting to know you. You're putting up quite a resistance-"
"And you're not taking the hints."
"Well then why are you resisting? Is it something about me? Am I not bookish enough for you? Or is it because you have a boyfriend and you're trying to be faithful?" Elizabeth snorted at this comment. "Or am I not good looking enough for you?" Elizabeth suppressed her laugh at that comment. "Why won't you have a civil conversation with me?"
"I don't trust you," she said, and stood up.
Will got up and followed her out of the café. "Miss Bennet. Will you take a walk with me... please."
Elizabeth hesitated for a long while. Finally she nodded and followed him out of the Prudential building. They passed the construction and headed for the Christian Science center. They strolled past the big fountain with hoards of small children in swimming costumes playing. They continued to walk beside the long, rectangular Reflecting Pool, and into the grove of trees.
Once they were in the shade, Will began his lecture. "I have traveled in the highest circles of society for some time now without receiving any satisfaction. I have few friends I value and those I have found, I did not find at dinners and balls. Instead, I have been looking to find friends elsewhere. For some time I have watched you with interest, noting the books you read. I have been genuinely trying to get to know you better, yet you have resisted my every attempt. If you still say now, that you wish me to leave you alone, then I will comply in all honor. Yet I would like to see if we could form a mutual friendship."
Elizabeth listened to the speech with a great deal of disbelief and skepticism, yet she could not find the guts to push him away. She just figured that once he realized what she was like, he would leave on his own, anyway.
"Fine."
"So will you have dinner with one evening?"
"No, I don't date."
"It doesn't have to be a date.... Why don't you date?"
"I just don't go out with men."
Will was silent for a long while, then asked, "Are you lesbian?" Then quickly said, "I'm sorry that was very stupid- I mean I didn't mean to-" To his surprise, she was laughing. Was she lesbian?
Elizabeth had considered the possibility, but never saw any signs suggesting it, and just figured she didn't like anyone. "No, I'm not a lesbian," she finally said.
Will wanted to sigh with relief, but then asked himself why. Would it have mattered if she was lesbian? No, it wouldn't.
"Then why won't you have dinner with me?"
"Because it's against my policy."
"Fine, then how about if I accidentally bumped into you at that Indian restaurant across the street there Friday evening? We can casually have a meal and a conversation and then walk away."
Elizabeth wanted to say yes, but her pride resisted it. She had been independent for so long, and here was this gorgeous man showing an interest and she didn't know why nor how to deal with it.
"Separate bills if you're the independent type."
Elizabeth sighed, and said, "All right, I'll see you then."
Will smiled. "Good."
They walked back to the office together and separated in the elevator. This time, Will made a note of what floor she was on.
Will wasn't able to free himself up for lunch for the rest of the week, but looked forward to Friday evening. Elizabeth made the mistake of telling Jane she would be out that evening.
"Oh? Why, what are you doing?"
"I'm having dinner with someone."
"I didn't know you had friends in town," Jane replied, but immediately saw how it could be taken insultingly. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to insult or imply-"
"It's all right. He's not a friend."
Jane's eyebrows raised. "He?"
Elizabeth was perversely annoyed with herself at blushing. But she didn't answer Jane.
"Are you going like that?"
"Yes, why not?"
"That's what you wear to work!"
"So?"
"Come on, we're changing your look." Jane grabbed Elizabeth's hand and pulled her towards the closet.
"My look? No, wait, Jane, I don't think this is a bright idea."
"Nonsense, it won't hurt, I promise, now stop protesting. First, your clothes. I have a nice black skirt that would do, and a pretty blue top."
"Skirt!? No, I don't wear skirts."
"You should."
"They're too uncomfortable and difficult to manage."
"This one isn't." She handed Elizabeth a skirt that went to just below her knees and made of a thin sleek material. Then she was handed a sleeveless blue top that clung more tightly to her skin than any other shirt she'd ever worn. Jane made Elizabeth try it on, and was actually surprised herself at the remarkable change it made in her.
Elizabeth did actually have a decent figure. Jane looked at her with a critical eye and said, "We need to do something about your hair."
Elizabeth opened her mouth to protest again, but Jane said, "I know you have difficult hair to manage, but all I'll do is put it up in a loose bun and get it out of your face."
When Jane had finished, she saw that Elizabeth had a pretty face. "Do you have to wear those glasses?"
"Not all the time, only when I'm reading."
"Take them off. Let me see you without them."
Elizabeth did have a lovely face with these changes. Jane smiled in approval. "I don't suppose you would agree to some makeup, would you?"
"No! No makeup. I think it's pretentious. Trying to be someone I'm not."
"Fine. But you still look pretty. Take a look yourself."
Elizabeth looked in the mirror. She didn't remember ever looking that pretty. She knew she didn't look like that in high school, which was the last time she had cared what she looked like. But she still doubted....
"What if he gets the wrong impression? I'm not trying to catch him as a boyfriend."
"Your manner and air will assure him of your motives. Just don't act seductive or alluring, and then he won't get that idea. Besides, why are you having dinner with him if you're not interested?"
"Because I turned him down so many times I didn't have the heart to do it again."
"Why'd you turn him down? Is he that ugly? Stupid? What?"
"No, he's the perfect man, so far. That's the problem. He's too perfect. I think there must be some reason he's showing interest. I still think he's on a bet with his friends."
"I doubt it. Still, give him a chance, but don't let yourself be vulnerable."
"Trust me, I won't."
"You're going to be late, aren't you?"
"I'll just have to run-"
"No! Don't run, you're wearing a skirt, you're hair's perfect, and you don't want to be sweaty. Just walk quickly and make him wait. It'll be good for him."
"All right. I'll see you when I get back."
Elizabeth walked out of the apartment. Jane yelled after her, "Don't come back too early!"
Elizabeth arrived at the restaurant on Massachusetts Avenue only five minutes late. She entered the dark room and spotted Will already seated at a table for two. She told the hostess she was joining him, and walked over to the table.
Elizabeth couldn't ignore the look of surprise then appreciation on his face as he belatedly recognized her. He stood up and smiled with wonder and pleasure.
"Good evening, Miss Bennet. Fancy meeting you here!"
Elizabeth couldn't help smiling, and said, "It is a pleasant surprise indeed, Mr. Darcy. May I join you?"
"Of course. Do sit down."
Elizabeth carefully sat down in her skirt, and looked at the menu the waiter handed her. Will said, "I would advise you to skip all the items in red."
"Why?"
"They will burn the roof off of your mouth and you won't be able to taste anything for a week."
"How do you know that?"
Will gave her a wry grin, and said, "Unfortunately, I have had the experience. I wasn't lucky enough to have someone tell me not to choose them."
"Well I'm glad I do. Thank you."
They decided to pick their choices and share, in order to have a wider variety of food. When they had ordered, they sat uncomfortably in silence for a few minutes. Will had never expected his dinner companion to be so pretty. Granted she wasn't beautiful, she was still attractive enough to put him off balance. Hence the silence that Will usually was able to fill easily.
Finally, he said rather timidly, "You look lovely tonight, Miss Bennet."
"Please don't tell me that," she replied.
"Why?" Will was surprised and a little hurt.
"I'm not used to it."
"To what? To a compliment?"
"Yes."
"I can't imagine why."
"Can you not?" she said and raised one eyebrow.
Will had the smarts to look away from her gaze and was saved by the waiter bringing their drinks.
To fill the silence again, Will asked, "Why did you choose Sprite?"
"I like it."
"Do you not drink alcohol?"
"Never."
"Why is that?"
"I don't like the idea of having to keep track of how many drinks I've had. I don't like the idea of not being in complete control of my mind and body. And I haven't liked the taste when I have tried it."
"I rarely have alcohol. It's usually champagne at parties."
"Well, I've never had the opportunity to drink champagne."
"Where are you from?"
"I was born in Liverpool, England, but my family moved to America when I was four years old. I still have family in England who I visit often, and I wish to live there some day. I grew up in Tallahassee, Florida and went to college in Illinois."
"How long have you lived in Boston?"
"Only a year and a half."
"What company do you work for in the Prudential?"
Elizabeth gave him a quizzical look. "I work for you, sir."
"Really?!" replied Will, shocked.
"Yeah, I'm one of your many low-life employees. So if you want to leave, I don't mind eating by myself for one night."
"Leave? Why would I want to leave?"
"Well, I'm sure a multi-million dollar business owner doesn't want to be spending an evening with one of his employees."
"Nonsense. It doesn't change anything except now I know where to find you in the building. I don't have to wait in front of the elevator at your lunch hour."
Elizabeth decided to change the subject. "What about you? Where are you from?"
"I'm from here in Boston. I have an estate in Cape Cod on the coast, but I spend the majority of my time here in the city. I inherited the company from my father and intend to continue it."
"Are you going to pass it on to your children?"
"I would if I had any."
"Why don't you have children? Don't you want them?"
"Well, it helps to get married first."
"You're not married?!"
"No."
"Why not? I mean why isn't a guy like you married, yet?" Elizabeth wouldn't admit to herself that this information threw her off balance. She knew how to act around a handsome married man, but not... an available one!
"What do you mean by 'a guy like you'?"
"Well, you're wealthy, nice, handsome (she blushed) and probably the most eligible bachelor in the city!"
"I want to be happy in my marriage, and I haven't found anyone I could be happy with."
"Oh. It's too bad that you have a reasonable answer."
Will just laughed, completely unaware of how he was affecting her.
The food arrived, and they shared the dishes, trying the foreign delicacies. Elizabeth had to admit he had good taste.
"Do you miss England?"
"Yes, very much."
"Where are your family?"
"My father's parents are still in Liverpool, though they have a flat in Conwy, Wales. My mother's parents live on an island in the Thames. It is near the village of Lower Sunbury, and has only about 18 little houses on it and one pathway. They own a 42 foot boat called North Sea Dawn. Their house overlooks the main water and they know almost all the boats on the Thames and some of the owners. The river is a big part of their life. They sit out in the garden and watch the boats and people float past. I love it dearly. My mother's only sibling lives in Byfleet, Surrey and he has only just purchased a sailing yacht called Quickstep. My father's only sibling, a sister, is married and has two sons. They live in Abingdon, outside of Oxford. My eldest cousin is at Greenwich University, and the younger one about to start at Loughborough. That is the extent of my family. Not much, I know. But every time I return to England, I love it. I love the people, the countryside, the food, the way of life, and the incredible history. I'm afraid I'm very patriotic."
"It's nice, actually. I know I have very little passion towards my home country. I guess your being in another country causes you to hold on more tightly to your roots. It sounds lovely, and I would love to see the real life, rather than what I've seen in the touristy places."
"What about your family?"
"I have an aunt in Rosings with her only child, Anne. Aunt Catherine is domineering and boring and wishes me to marry her daughter. She is my mother's sister. My mother's other sibling, my uncle, married, and has two sons. Richard is my age and a colonel in the army. His older brother, Edward, took over the family company like I did. That family I adore. I am very close with Richard."
"It must be nice to be close to your cousin. I don't think I'm close to anyone my own age. Except maybe Jane, my roommate."
"Don't you have immediate family, though?"
"Yes, but mother never liked me, and preferred my younger sister, Lydia. Father just buries himself in his studies and shuts out the world. So, I don't have much in my family. Don't you have brothers or sisters?"
"I have one sister, who is twelve years my junior. My parents have both passed on."
"Oh, I am sorry."
"It was a while ago. I've been bringing up my sister for some time, now."
"Must be rather difficult."
"You have no idea!"
"Is she a difficult girl?"
"Not in the usual sense. She's had a couple mistakes, but is now too withdrawn and shy."
"Well, in that case, I can't preach."
"No, I wouldn't suggest you could."
Elizabeth glared at him. "You don't know what it's like growing up and being me."
"You're right, I don't, and I don't pretend to know, either. But how you grew up doesn't have to affect how you live, now. What's stopping you from being a completely different person than what your hometown knew you as?"
"My principles!"
"What in your principles is stopping you from being civil and making friends?"
"I am civil."
"Barely to a minimum."
"Well, I have had things happen to me in the past that have cause me to distrust people."
"I'm sorry for that, but I'm not one of those few people who would want to cause you harm."
"Since when was this about you?"
They both stopped arguing and looked fiercely at each other. Finally, they looked away, and Will said, "I'm sorry, we seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot."
"How about on a third foot?"
"Shall we start again, or just pick up the pieces and continue?"
"Start over from here."
"Fine. Let's just find something else to talk about, shall we?"
"What kind of music do you like to listen to?"
"I like classical and some of the oldies and some alternative. And you?"
"I like some classical, some oldies, and new age. You know those Pure Moods CDs they advertised on TV?"
Will nodded.
"Well that's my favourite kind of music. But I like Chopin and Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky and most of the big composers. But I think I have a soft spot for Baroque music. Especially Purcell and Handel."
"I prefer the heavy stuff, like Wagner."
"Wagner! That's bordering on demonic!"
"Not exactly," he protested. "Well, I guess it depends on the mood I'm in. Recently, dark moods have been the norm."
"Why?"
Will sighed, and shrugged. "I don't know, really. I think I've just been a little unsatisfied with my life."
Elizabeth was quiet for a minute. "You remind me of a Simon and Garfunkel song called "Richard Cory". Do you know it?"
Will shook his head.
"I think it's based on a poem. Anyway there's this guy who describes the big shot of the town, Richard Cory. And the narrator person works in his factory and wishes he were Richard Cory. It goes on describing this successful man and then it says something like 'the evening headlines read, Richard Cory went home last night and put a bullet through his head.' So this man had everything he could ever want but was so unhappy he committed suicide."
"Well thank you for the comparison. I'm flattered," Will said, sarcastically.
"Why is a man like you unhappy? What is it that you could possibly lack?"
"I think I've told you before. Companionship and love and friendship. What's the point in having wealth if you don't have anyone to share it with?"
"I'm sure there are thousands of women who would die to be your girlfriend or even mistress."
"Why would they want that? Because I'm rich, and I don't want people to love my money or be friends with my money, I want people to love ME, to be friends with ME."
"I suppose I have to agree."
"I'm glad of that. We don't agree on very much, do we?"
"I wouldn't say that exactly. What's you favourite colour?"
"Green."
"Oh, well mine's blue. Flower?"
"I'm a guy! Guys don't have favourite flowers. Their job is to find out their girlfriend's favourite flower and give them. That's all."
"I'm not telling you mine 'til you tell me yours. You must have a flower that's scent pleases you above all others or that looks the prettiest to you. Or even does something useful you like."
Will thought for a moment and then replied, "I think I would have to say the honeysuckle. It smells heavenly. No, lavender. Lavender smells better. Honeysuckle can be too strong but lavender is always gently pleasing."
"I approve though I don't agree that it would be my favourite. Above any flower in the world (that I've found) I would have to say the rose is my favourite. And I know you're going to say it's ordinary and prosaic, but it truly is my favourite. The scent is beautiful, the softness of the petals is heavenly, and the variety and vividness of their colours is beyond any other. But most of all, I think it's because I associate them with my grandfather's garden. When I visit in June and early July, they're all over his garden in Liverpool. They're climbing up the walkway and arches, there're bushes of them and pots filled with miniatures. There are different colours and hybrids. It's so beautiful. I used to imagine that that was what Mt. Olympus looked like when I read mythology."
"After that saga, I don't think I dare censure your choice. But the rose is lovely. We have yet to agree on something else."
"Type of books?"
"American classics like Moby Dick and Tom Sawyer."
"No way. I love fantasy and some sci-fi. Anne McCaffrey is one of my all-time favourite authors. Her and Tamora Pierce. Though Pierce is more young adult than women my age, they're still entertaining."
"Movies?"
"I think for books and movies, they can't be depressing or sad or scary otherwise I won't like them. There are few exceptions. One is Dangerous Minds with Michelle Pfeifer. I was so overwhelmed by the message portrayed, that I still liked the movie, despite my tears and my resolve never to see it again. But at the same time, I'm frustrated with the typical Disney plot."
"What is that?"
"You know, characters are brought together by some crisis, there's some kind of journey or coming of age point, there's a love story, there's a baddy trying to thwart them, and then there's the heroic happy ending. It's getting too repetitive."
"I haven't been a fan of Disney for some time, but it's probably because I've outgrown it. I like action thrillers. Like Mission Impossible and Desperate Measures."
"No thank you."
The waiter brought the bill and they both reached out to pick it up. They glared over the table at each other. Will said, "Looks like we disagree once again."
"You said I could pay my own bill if I was the type, which I am."
"But it's against my gentleman's code to let you."
"Isn't it against your 'gentleman's code' to lie?"
"Fine, but I'll find a way to pay back."
"Whatever."
They each paid their own meal and got up to leave.
"What time is it?" asked Elizabeth.
"Wow! 11:30. I didn't think we were in there that long."
"Time flies when you're disagreeing."
"I know that's not how it goes."
"So? Well it was nice bumping in to you like this."
Will grinned. "Thank you for joining me. May I walk you to your car?"
"I don't have a car."
"Then you'll take the bus or the T?"
"No, I walk. My apartment is only about 10 minutes away."
"I'll walk with you then."
"No, thank you, I'll be fine."
"Miss Bennet," Will said, seriously. "I will not be dissuaded on this one. You are a pretty young lady walking alone at night in this part of town. I will not allow it. May I remind you that you are wearing a skirt and not your usual trousers?"
"I don't need to be reminded," she said, rolling her eyes. "Fine, I guess I can't win this one."
They started walking towards her apartment. They walked in silence for a while, then Will asked, "Would you be up to going sailing with me tomorrow?"
"Sailing?"
"Sure, on the river. I have a small one-man boat that I could take you out on. You will get wet, but it should be nice weather tomorrow and it'll be fun. I can't think of anything else to do tomorrow."
"I see, I'm your last resort, am I?"
"Miss Bennet, I didn't mean it like that."
"Sure you didn't."
Will gave up. "Will you come or not?"
"When?"
"I can come pick you up at 10:00. We can sail then have a picnic in the park."
"I don't know how to sail."
"I'll teach you."
"All right, I'll go."
"Great. Wear a swimming costume and clothes to pull over. I'd advise you bring a spare change, too."
Elizabeth nodded, and said, "This my building."
"Will you be all right going up?"
Elizabeth sighed exasperatedly. "I think I can make it up to my door on my own, thank you."
"Just making sure. Thank you for a wonderful evening. I don't know when I've had such interesting conversation."
"Yes, I suppose 'interesting' is the only word to use. But I should be thanking you, Mr. Darcy. I had a nice evening, too, though we did have disputes."
She walked through the door when Will said, "Miss Bennet?"
She turned around. "Yes?"
"Could- could you call me Will?"
"I don't know if should seeing as I am your employee."
"Out of the office would you?"
"I guess so. I suppose I must now reciprocate the honour and ask you to call me Elizabeth."
"That's usually how it goes."
"Then you may call me Elizabeth."
"Thank you."
"Good night."
"Good night, Elizabeth."
When Elizabeth entered her apartment quietly, she found Jane up reading. Her roommate looked up and asked eagerly, "Well? How did it go?"
"It went all right."
"All right? That's it?"
"What do you want me to say?"
"Details, girl, details! Come over here and tell me all about it."
"There's nothing to say, really. We talked about each other's family and origins. Likes and favourites. We even argued for a bit. Nothing special."
"Did he like the way you looked?"
Elizabeth blushed and nodded.
"Did he kiss you?"
"Kiss me?! No. Why would he do that?"
"That's usually what happens after dates."
"First, we weren't on a date, and second, I've never been kissed by anyone let alone by a man I barely know."
"You've never kissed a man before? Never?"
Elizabeth shook her head. Jane looked flabbergasted.
"If that wasn't a date then I don't know what is."
"I paid my part of the bill, he didn't pick me up, though he did walk me home against my will."
"It's a good thing, too. It's not too wise walking around alone at night."
"That's what he said."
"So what else?"
"That's it. Nothing else."
"Are you going out again?"
Elizabeth walked away from the sofa. "Not technically."
"What do you mean by that?"
"He's taking me sailing tomorrow."
"Wow! This is more serious than I thought!"
"Jane, this isn't anything like what you're thinking. We're just trying to form a friendship. Do you hear me? A FRIENDSHIP."
"Sure."
Elizabeth wore a conservative Speedo in a pretty indigo color. Over it, she wore an old t-shirt and a pair of Umbro shorts. On her feet she wore sandals. Jane practically forced Elizabeth to take the yellow sundress from Jane's closet to change into after sailing. Elizabeth tied her hair up into a tight ponytail, and waited for Will to arrive. He was punctual and rang the doorbell. Elizabeth ran down the stairs yelling good bye to Jane.
"Good morning, Elizabeth."
"Morning, Will."
"Ready?"
"No, I came down here to tell you I'm about to take my morning shower," she said sarcastically.
"Good. My car's just over there."
They crossed the street and walked up the sidewalk a minute. Elizabeth stopped short when she saw Will heading towards a nice champagne coloured Lexus. She slowly walked up to it.
"What?" asked Will, seeing her hesitation.
"I've never been inside a car this nice."
"It's like any other car but more expensive. Get in. We got the whole day of sunshine ahead of us."
She carefully got in, and clutched her bag to her chest on her lap.
"Relax. Put your bag in the backseat."
Elizabeth did as she was told. Will opened the sunroof and turned on some Bizet. They drove to the boathouse and parked. Will told her to leave her dry clothes in the car. She followed him to his boat named Tubby.
"Tubby?"
Will blushed and said, "It's a nickname I used to have when I was a boy."
"I see. And you chose the nickname you blush over for your boat's name?"
"The boat was a gift. I didn't get the privilege of naming her."
"I see."
They climbed in and Will sailed it out to the main water. As they calmly sailed outwards, he tossed her a bottle of sunscreen and said, "Put it on or you'll regret it later."
The wind was strong and they had a couple of hours of good sailing. Elizabeth enjoyed the feel of the wind and they spray of the water. She was wet soon after they'd opened sail. She learned how to sail it herself, though she found it difficult going against the wind.
At one point, they just let the river take them along. The sun was bright, the sky only slightly cloudy, the wind was strong, and the water was taking them along just fine. Elizabeth felt happy and content in this way.
"Elizabeth?"
"Hmm?"
"Does anyone ever call you something for short, like Lizzy or Beth or Liz?"
"No, I've never liked the nick names. Why?"
"I don't know. Elizabeth just sounds so formal and stuffy."
"William isn't that formal and stuffy, why do you go by Will?"
"Because my real name isn't William, it's Fitzwilliam."
"Oh.... Yes, well I have to admit Fitzwilliam does sound formal and stuffy. Good call."
"Thank you."
Around half past noon, they turned Tubby back to the boathouse and tied her up. They walked to the park next to the river, and laid out the picnic.
"I'm ravenous," said Will.
"I confess to an unusual bout of hunger."
"That's what sailing does to you. Dig in."
They ate the sandwiches and Pringles. For dessert, they had peaches. Afterwards, they lay out on the grass, idly.
"Why don't you have friends who would do this with you?"
"Because it's too rough for them. Well, the people we're talking about aren't exactly my friends. Charles would go with me, but he's out of town. Besides, I don't need someone to go with me, for you saw how the boat is easily managed by one. But it's much more fun with someone else. Especially someone who's never been before."
"I did have fun. Thank you."
"I'm glad. I suspected you would enjoy it."
"What if I didn't? What if I was like your other 'friends' who hated it?"
"Then I would have to dislike you. It never occurred to me that you wouldn't like it. You didn't seem the type to be fussed by the 'roughness'. Another reason they don't like it is because it's not fashionable. They don't do anything that isn't fashionable."
"I don't even think I know what is fashionable, let alone do it."
"Don't even bother. It's all stupid anyway."
"You're remarkably against your social circle, I see."
"Yes, I am."
"Have you always been so?"
"Oh no. At first I played the game completely, thinking it would bring me success and happiness. Well it brought me success, but not happiness. That's when I started looking elsewhere. Could I introduce you to some of them on Monday at lunch?"
"Some of who?"
"Some of my social circle."
"No. Why would I willingly put myself into a position to be scorned and laughed at again?"
"What do you mean by 'again'?"
"That's what I was subjected to throughout my school career."
"Well give it one shot. I'll be there. If they do that to you, then it's their loss."
"And my embarrassment."
"Will you try it for one lousy hour?"
"Only if it's at Marché's."
"Of course."
"And I'm only doing this once to repay you for today."
"Fair enough. I'm really interested in seeing the contrast. Oh, and don't act or dress any different than you normally do."
"Why?"
"Because I want them to see you as you really are, not you trying to be one of them, which would only spoil you anyway."
"All right, but one more little condition will put me off the deal entirely."
"Ok."
Monday came sooner than Elizabeth liked. She got up and dressed in her usual figure-hiding, drab clothes. She let her hair air dry to a frenzy, making no attempt to control it. She put on her ugly, dark framed glasses, and looked at her reflection. Why did she feel uglier than she had ever felt before? Nothing had changed except that she had seen what she had the potential of looking like. But Will had said dress and act like she used to.
Elizabeth dreaded the lunch hour for once. She hated the clock for moving faster than it had ever before. Too soon, it was noon, and she had to leave or Will would come looking for her. She made her way down to Marché's as slow as she could without obviously stalling. Will met her outside the restaurant and allowed her to get some seafood before leading her to their table. She put her tray and book down and stood awkwardly beside Will as he introduced her to everyone.
"This is Miss King, Miss Grey, Mr. Hurst, Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley, Mr. Clark and Mr. Jackson. May I introduce to you all Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth curtly nodded and sat down.
"How do you do, Miss Bennet?"
"Fine, thanks."
There was a short silence in which Elizabeth started to eat. Then Miss Bingley asked, "Miss Bennet, where did you get your education?"
"I went to Principia College."
"Principia? I've never heard of it."
"It's a small Christian liberal arts school in Illinois."
"Ah, I see," she said, with a scornful sniff.
Miss Grey asked, "Do you come here often, Miss Bennet?"
"Yes, I do. It provides such a variety of food so close to my office."
"Office?"
"Yes, I work on the 32nd floor."
"Pray, Miss Bennet, what do you ...do?" asked Miss Bingley in a rather sneering voice.
"I... decide what is good literature and what is not, Miss Bingley."
"How interesting."
Miss King spoke for the first time, "Where are you from? You don't have a Boston or a New York accent."
"I was born in Liverpool, England, but grew up in Tallahassee, Florida."
Miss King laughed shrilly. "What is in Tallahassee that would cause such a move?"
"My father merged his company with one in Tallahassee, and we moved there to work for the company in America."
"So your father... works?"
"That's right."
"How quaint."
There was a long silence before Miss Bingley turned to Will. "My darling, when will you be returning to Pemberley?"
"I'm not sure," he replied, warily. "I have much business that occupies me here before I can go out to Pemberley. When is your brother due to return?"
"Oh, Charles. I don't attempt to keep track of his runnings about."
Elizabeth was somewhat shocked to see Mr. Hurst getting quite tipsy. Mrs. Hurst seemed not to notice. Mr. Jackson had never once looked at her, and the other ladies seemed bent on ridiculing her.
Miss Bingley said to Miss King, "I simply must go to New York to find a new dress for the party this Saturday. You know, I haven't a thing in my penthouse right now that would be suitable."
Mr. Clark asked Mr. Jackson, "Have you been keeping an eye on the stocks?"
"No, I let my broker deal with all that. It doesn't matter much if they drop a little every now and then. I have plenty to spare."
"When is your next golf match?"
"I believe Thursday morning."
"Did you see what Kathy was wearing on Friday? I thought it would fall off at any moment!"
"Well you know she's trying to get her hooks on Dan Grier."
"Really?"
"Oh, come on, it's obvious."
"What does he have to offer?"
"Just because you've got your sights set on a higher prize doesn't make every other bachelor ineligible."
"I don't know what you mean."
"How are your Braves doing?"
"All right for the time being?"
"Are you going to buy a second team or not?"
"I haven't decided."
"Are you going to Mrs. Goodson's luncheon tomorrow?"
"I decided I wasn't going to listen to any more of her snide gossip."
"It's not all aimed at you, dear. A good deal of it is aimed at Heidi."
"But you know who deserves it."
"We all do, dear, there's no need to bring up the scandal here."
"I heard her father is going to disinherit her."
"No! She'd be penniless and have no chance of marrying."
"She never did with those looks."
"You are so right."
"Have you seen the new RSC's production in Stratford?"
"Which one? The Taming of the Shrew or Much Ado About Nothing?"
"The latter."
"No, is it good?"
"It's all right. The actress playing Hero is something!"
"Is she?"
"She's worth going to see if only to get to take her out for an evening."
"Did you?"
"Of course. She was very willing."
Elizabeth shuddered and decided she had had enough of this social circle. She looked at her watch, and said, "Excuse me, but I must be getting along. My lunch hour is nearly over and I need to visit the little girl's room before I return. It was nice meeting you."
They politely, but coldly, nodded, and she left with one big sigh of relief.
The following day, Will went with her to lunch alone. She got sausages and beans from Marché's and sat down with him.
"So what did you think about yesterday?"
"Honestly or politely?"
"Honestly."
"I can understand why you were a little depressed. It's a very negative atmosphere. Superficial."
"You're right. Now do you understand why I enjoy our arguments over their small talk?"
"I guess so."
"What are you doing on Friday?"
"Nothing, why?"
"I want to take you to the theatre."
"I don't think I'm ready for that, yet. Sailing, fine. But not the theatre."
"No, it's not like that. This is very different. It's loads of fun and not high class at all."
"Oh, I understand. You won't take me anywhere high class because I'm not good enough and I'll just embarrass you."
"You know that's not true. I'm taking you somewhere where you'll have fun!"
"What time?"
"I'll be by your apartment at 6:30 and we can take the T."
"All right."
"Dress casual."
"Casual, huh?"
"Don't start again," he warned her.
"I won't."
"I'm going to be out of town until Friday, so if for some reason there's a delay, I'll call you and we can go another night. I'm just warning you so you don't feel jilted if it happens."
"Don't you worry about me, sir. Where are you going?"
"Over to San Francisco. I have to meet with some Japanese business associates."
"Wow, sounds heavy."
"Yeah, well..."
"May I ask what the Japanese have to do with an American publishing company?"
"Nothing. I own more than one company."
Elizabeth was shocked into a short silence. Finally she said, "Really! That is... something."
"What?"
"Nothing."
"No, why are you reacting like that?"
"I just didn't think you were that big of a hot shot, that's all."
"I don't get your meaning."
"You're more successful than I thought."
"So? What does that have to do with anything?"
"It makes me a little more uneasy, that's all."
"What?! Why should it make you feel uneasy?"
"Never mind. Forget it."
"No, I'm curious, now. What makes you uneasy?"
"I said never mind. You wouldn't understand."
Will decided not to push it any more, though he was still wondering.
Will was able to make it to Elizabeth's door on time that Friday. They took the T into the theatre district. He led her down an alley to a small kiosk and bought two tickets. They descended a stair next to the kiosk and entered what looked like a bar and a café surrounding a stage. They took a seat near the front at a tiny table with two chairs. The set was an outdated barbershop.
Will looked across the table at her and winked. "What is this, Will?" she asked.
"I don't want to spoil it for you. It's very funny."
Elizabeth gave him a suspicious look, but didn't ask anything more. They ordered soft drinks and waited for the show to begin.
By the time the show began, the small place was filled with people. There was a wide range of all ages and races. The play turned out to be a murder mystery. There was a gay barber, his sassy assistant, a rich lady customer, a shady male customer, the butch cop and his idiot assistant. The first act set up the scenario. The second act involved the audience helping the cops figure out who done it. The audience was polled for who they thought was the murderer, and whoever the audience chose, the actors improvised to be the murderer. The whole second act was based on improvisation and there was a lot of interaction with the audience. At one point the sassy assistant said she got the shears from K Mart, and to the audience member who asked her, "where you got your shirt from!" There were many insults and cracks made on both audience and actors. Elizabeth thought the funniest character was the gay barber. Will wasn't as comfortable with laughing at him, which made it more funny to Elizabeth. The barber went up to an elderly man in the audience and said, "Oh! I didn't recognize you with your clothes on!" To the man's wife, he said, "He's marvelous! Hang onto that one!"
Elizabeth enjoyed the show tremendously, and couldn't remember when she had laughed so hard. Will was pleased she liked it as much as he had hoped she would. He knew that none of his other 'friends' would have enjoyed it nearly as much. He couldn't picture Miss Bingley laughing at a gay barber.
"Thank you so much for taking me to see this, Will. I really enjoyed myself."
"Yes, I could tell," Will said with a wry grin.
They walked to the T and took the train to her apartment.
"Why don't you date, Elizabeth? I'm just curious."
"No one's ever really asked me."
"I did."
"I know. But if you hadn't been asked out before in your life and this really beautiful, popular, rich woman comes up and asks you, what would you think?"
Will blushed. He couldn't explain it himself.
"So you've never had a boyfriend before?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "Never done any of that stuff."
"You're sure you're not lesbian?" he asked.
Elizabeth gave him an odd look. "No, but I highly doubt it. I've been admiring men from a distance for too long to be lesbian."
Will blushed again. He wished he'd stop it.
"Would you object to me setting you up with someone?"
"Only if I could set you up with someone."
"I didn't think you knew many people."
"I don't. I'm setting you up with my only friend."
"I'm flattered. I hope you're not doing this to get even."
"No, I'm serious. I think you'll really like Jane. She's beautiful and really nice."
"She must be to be your friend."
Elizabeth smacked his shoulder.
"So should be make it a double blind date? I bring my friend and you bring yours?"
"Sure. Where should we go?"
"How about seafood?"
"That's sounds good."
"A week from today, Legal Seafood on the bank, at 7:00. We'll meet you there. Semi formal?
"Sounds good to me."
"You're softening up."
"What?"
"You're getting softer. I've learned that your bark is bigger than your bite."
"Thanks, I think."
"I guess I'll see you Monday."
Elizabeth nodded. "Good night."
Author's Note: This story is dedicated to my best friend, and editor of all my previous writings. She is a blessing sent from Heaven and I will miss her tremendously when I leave. To Lindsey Kathleen W. I love you for all you are.
Elizabeth and Will continued to eat lunch together the next week. Will began to discuss some of his problems with the publishing company and was surprised but pleased to find Elizabeth a good listener and rather helpful. There was a mutual agreement not to speak of the blind date that coming Friday. Elizabeth didn't want to admit just how nervous and... terrified she was. She had horrible mental pictures of cracking a lobster claw and sending it flying into a rich, fat lady's bosom. Or walking to the table and tripping into a waiter carrying a tray full of clam chowder.
Luckily for Elizabeth, Jane was coming, too. And Jane felt natural in the situation. Jane also saw how Elizabeth felt, and did her best to ease her tension.
"What are you going to wear this Friday?"
"I hadn't thought about it."
"Well you should. Do you have anything nice and comfortable?"
"Will said it'd be casual, though."
"I'm sure the casual you're thinking of isn't the same as he is. Let's go rummage through your closet."
After quite a bit of rummaging, the results weren't good. Jane looked down at the pile of clothes with dismay, then brightened. "We'll just have to go shopping!"
"Shopping?"
"Come on, let's go."
"No, wait, where are you taking me?"
"Don't fuss, Lizzy, let's go and find you something to wear. If we pick up a few other things along the way, so much the better."
So Elizabeth reluctantly followed Jane out of the apartment. They looked into several shops before they found one that had Elizabeth's style. She didn't want revealing or tight clothes, she wasn't the type to wear the artsy kind of clothes, and she didn't fit the tall, willowy type of clothes since she wasn't tall or willowy. But in the end, they found the right style. Not preppy, not nerdy, not willowy, and not artsy. Just ... normal. Jane kept muttering about how there must be millions of women like Elizabeth and only a few of the other types. Why was it so difficult (mumble mumble mumble)?
Poor Elizabeth, who didn't like shopping because it just made her more depressed about her looks, suffered through the ordeal admirably. She always faired better when she had someone forcing her into trying clothes on. At least Elizabeth had a clear opinion of what she liked and disliked. Jane had met too many women who dithered. "Well, it's nice." "It's all right, I guess." "I don't know if I like it or not." Elizabeth just said, "I'm not wearing this." or "It'll do, I guess."
Jane had more fun than Elizabeth, and by the end of the evening, they had a couple of outfits. Both were pants suits, one more formal than the other. Elizabeth refused to submit to a skirt again. She said the last time was enough for a year. So they purchased black, flowing pants and a white blouse with embroidery at the cuffs of the sleeves. The sleeves came to just below her elbows. To go with the outfit, they bought some comfortable black sandals with small heels. Elizabeth detested the one-inch sole fashion. Indeed, Elizabeth often went against the fashion just because it WAS the fashion.
On Friday evening, Jane put Elizabeth's hair up into a loose bun, with a few tendrils wisping about her face. Elizabeth eventually consented to some light makeup and borrowed some of Jane's jewelry. Jane herself did her best to play down her looks for Elizabeth's sake. She did this, however, on the sly. She knew the fuss her dear roommate and friend would make if she knew. So Jane wore a plain navy skirt and a pale yellow tank top. Even so, she was beautiful, and Elizabeth felt rather homely walking beside her friend to the restaurant. Elizabeth couldn't help but notice how many men turned to stare at Jane. Elizabeth sighed. She couldn't prevent herself from wishing people stared at her like that. Little did she know....
When they reached the restaurant on the riverbank, Will and his friend were already there. Will stepped forward, smiled warmly, and said, "Good evening, ladies. May I introduce Charles Bingley to you both? Charles, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and I presume the legendary Miss Jane Benton?"
Jane blushed prettily and nodded.
"How do you do?" said Charles and made a short bow.
"Shall we go in?" asked Will, and stepped aside to let the ladies pass. "I didn't know if you would want a table on the deck or not, but I took the liberty of ordering one outside. If you want we can move inside."
Elizabeth assured him, "Outside is fine."
They sat down, the men facing the ladies at the rectangular table. At first, conversation was slow and halting. Will didn't help when he said Charles was brother to Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. Elizabeth found she couldn't say anything but "They seemed to be very elegant."
It also didn't help that Charles couldn't keep his eyes off of Jane, and Will didn't seem to have much interest in her. After dinner, they took a stroll down the riverside road. Jane and Charles walked a little ahead and talked incessantly. Will and Elizabeth looked at each and smiled.
"Well, I should I have guessed."
"Guessed what?"
"That he would go for the beautiful one."
"Hey," Will said, upset. "That's unkind of you to Charles and it isn't true. It just happened that he and Jane have similar natures and dispositions. Charles usually isn't that rude, but I'm sure he just couldn't help himself tonight. Jane is sweet, though."
"Yes. And I was so sure she would be good for you, too!" said Elizabeth, letting some of her disappointment show.
"Don't you worry about me, Elizabeth. I've never needed your help before."
"And just how successful were you in finding a nice girlfriend? Huh? I believe I remember you saying how despondent you were earlier. I was trying to find you a girl you would actually like."
"I'm sure Charles thanks you."
"If he remembers me after tonight," mumbled Elizabeth.
"You must give Charles more credit than that."
"All right, but you know how I am."
"Yes, I do."
The gentlemen walked the ladies home and said good night. Elizabeth suspected that Charles and Jane had already agreed to meet again. Still, Charles was polite in his farewell to Elizabeth.
"Bingley, I'm a little bit upset with you."
Charles came down from cloud nine. "Why?"
"Elizabeth is very sensitive and this was technically her first date. You didn't exactly treat her like a date should."
"I didn't?"
"Are you even aware of anything over the past few hours?"
"All I can think about is that I've seen an angel!"
"I presume you mean Jane. She smiles too much."
"Come, Darcy, she's perfect. You're just jealous that she liked you over me. How many times does THAT happen?"
"Never that I can remember, but I'm not jealous, just very concerned for Elizabeth."
"Why don't you date her if you care about her so much?"
"We're not like that, Bingley. We're close friends."
"How many other women are you close friends with?"
"Umm, none?"
"Right. Now you have one what are you going to do with her?"
"Not spoil it by trying to form other intentions. I value our friendship too much to risk it on something so tentative."
"Are you saying you would like to date her?"
"I didn't say that!"
"You implied it."
"Well I didn't mean to. No, we won't date. We're close friends. That's all."
"Fine. But do you mind if I date Jane? I have no doubt as to my intentions."
"Go ahead and date her! I don't care anymore. You're exasperating, Bingley!"
Jane left Elizabeth with no doubt as to her own intentions, too. But Jane was more tactful than Charles.
Elizabeth was concerned for Will, though. "Jane, he's had several failed relationships, and I don't know if it's very good for him to fail another."
"It's not a relationship, yet, and it didn't fail. It just didn't work out."
"And your going moony over his best friend didn't put a wrench in the works?"
"Maybe. But Lizzy Charles was so wonderful. He's kind and handsome and gentle. It's such a wonderful feeling when you first find someone you're compatible with, you know?"
"No."
"Oh, Lizzy, you'll find someone, I'm sure. You just have to look harder."
"I don't want to have to look at all."
"Do you want your knight in shining armor to just fall in your lap?"
"No, I want him to come riding out of the mist on a white horse and swoop me off my feet."
"You're impossible."
"No, I just have high ideals."
The following day, Will called up. "My guess is Charles and Jane are doing something together so I wanted to ask you if you've been to a baseball game, yet."
"No, I've never been a big fan of baseball."
"Well you have to go at least once just to say you've been in Fenway Park before they tear it down. It's the last of the old ballparks. Built in 1912 I believe. It's neat just to see it."
"All right. When did you want to go?"
"Today."
"Fine, did you want me to get tickets? The park is literally across the street, you know."
"No, I have tickets already."
"Am I another last resort?"
"No. I stole Charles' ticket with the intention of asking you."
"I'm flattered. What time should I meet you? And where?"
"I'll meet you at your door at 6:30."
"Fine. See you then."
They had seats fairly close to home plate. Will had to explain a lot of the game to Elizabeth, pointing out the particularly good and/or famous players. The game wasn't very exciting, and but for the fight between the batter and the umpire and the one home run, Elizabeth was bored. She did enjoy seeing the old ballpark, though. It looked like the ones she'd seen in movies like A League of Their Own. It was well past sunset when the game ended. Will walked her to her door amid the mass of people exiting the park. People were already filling the nearby pubs and bars and Elizabeth knew she would hear them until well into the morning.
Will paused in the small foyer of the building and said, "Elizabeth, don't take this the wrong way, but I was just curious. Why don't you ever ask me up to your apartment? I'm not asking to be allowed up, I was just wondering why you don't ask."
Elizabeth laughed. "What do you expect a small apartment occupied by two single women to look like? I don't ask you up because I'm embarrassed at the state of my apartment. Not only is it probably the size of your living room alone, but it's messy."
"Oh, that's understandable. But you shouldn't feel embarrassed about having a small apartment."
"I can't help it."
"I'll see you Monday?"
"Sure."
(I will now skim over the ensuing weeks for my sake and yours.)
Charles and Jane soon formed a steady relationship and dated regularly. Elizabeth quickly lost her resentment and she and Charles became good friends. Indeed, as a foursome, they always had fun and they often did things together. Will and Elizabeth continued their uni-level relationship contentedly. Will wanted to set her up with a couple of his other friends, but Elizabeth didn't think she could take another blow to her ego.
Autumn arrived with a burst of colour and cooler weather. Elizabeth was thankful for the cooler temperatures. She preferred wearing pants and long sleeves and layers to summer clothes. She could hide her figure better with winter clothes. When Jane heard this, she decided that all Elizabeth needed was a little exercise.
"Exercise? I hate running. With a deep passion. I hate it intensely. I'd even eat peanuts rather than run."
"You don't have to do running. There are aerobics and cycling and other physical activities you could do."
"I'm not doing aerobics, either. They look silly and you have to wear tight clothes. And I'd be embarrassed to show up."
"Fine, then we can go to my gym and see just what you could do."
Jane took her to her gym that evening, and Elizabeth reluctantly started on one of the myriad of workout machines. She felt mortified just being there. What if Will found out? She hated it.
However, after they had showered and eaten supper, Elizabeth had to admit to herself that she felt better, less guilty. Maybe she should do it with Jane just to keep the guilt away. She hated feeling like a lazy slob.
Jane did their grocery shopping from then on, and purchased only healthy foods. Elizabeth, who liked her cookies and milk, complained loudly. But she shut her mouth when Jane threatened to tell Will.
After two months, there was a noticeable change in Elizabeth. She did have a trimmer figure and as a result, she gained a little more self-confidence. Will would have been blind if he failed to notice. But he never commented on it. He was happy that she was gaining that extra bit of self-confidence.
Jane also started to subtly change Elizabeth's wardrobe. Jane would take her friend shopping with her, and surreptitiously go to the stores that suited Elizabeth. She would make Elizabeth try on a few things "just for her" and Elizabeth ended up buying a couple.
Then in the apartment, Jane would complain about how Elizabeth really didn't wear such and such anymore and could she get rid of it to conserve space. Before she knew it, Elizabeth had a whole new wardrobe in a more feminine but still independent style.
Jane convinced Elizabeth that she needed to get her hair trimmed if only for the sake of split ends. Elizabeth couldn't argue with that, so she made an appointment. Jane tagged along, and once Elizabeth was strapped in the chair, Jane and the hairdresser proceeded to finagle Elizabeth into a new look. Indeed, the hairdresser did wonders, for Elizabeth's hair was difficult to deal with. It was shorter and less in her face than before, yet it retained the striking beauty of the curls and its dark brown colour. Elizabeth certainly wasn't so confident or happy when she saw the scissors cutting the long locks of curls. It was too permanent for her to be comfortable. Fortunately, Jane knew good hairstylists, and had brought Elizabeth to one she knew would work the miracle.
Finally, Jane persuaded Elizabeth to throw away the ugly, dark framed glasses and buy more sophisticated and unnoticeable ones. Jane had tried to get Elizabeth to try contact lenses, but Elizabeth just couldn't abide poking something into her eyeballs early every morning. She could barely keep them open in the shower.
The best thing was that Will had been away during the more drastic transformations, and Elizabeth was rather nervous going to her office and seeing the people who were used to seeing her as a nerdy, ugly woman. It was hard trying to change her image amid people who already had a fixed view of her. She felt self-conscious about the message it portrayed. Will wasn't there to tell her it didn't matter what they thought anyway. She never cared before, why now? But Elizabeth HAD cared. She just wouldn't let herself do anything to change it. She had never liked being homely and passed over by men. Will wasn't there when more young men asked to eat lunch with her or take her out for a drink after work. Elizabeth became scared at this reaction. She didn't like it that these men asked only after she became more physically attractive. She wished Will was there by her side, if only to discourage other men approaching her. Elizabeth politely turned down any and every man who came up to her. She still lacked the confidence to date.
It was two emails that brought Will home from his business travels. The first was from Elizabeth. She had written it after a particularly trying day and regretted sending it almost immediately after she had clicked the button. It read:
Will, I miss you so much. When are you coming back to Boston?
Elizabeth
She thought about how clingy it sounded and how... pathetic. Why did she want him to come home so badly? To be her bodyguard?
The second email was from Jane. It read:
Will, Elizabeth is going through an awkward time right now, and it would be a whole lot better if you were by her side. Can't explain any further, I just wanted to know how long 'til you come home.
Jane
Will, puzzled, curtailed his business duties and returned to Boston. He called once to the apartment, but found only Jane. She came down to the foyer to speak with him briefly.
"What's up with Elizabeth?" he asked, getting straight to the point.
"She's going through a difficult time. You'll understand when you see her."
"Where is she now?"
"She's gone off on one of her long walks. I think she spends too much time on her own and in the library. She's practically lived there when she's not at work. I don't even know what she does there."
"Why, Jane? Tell me what's wrong."
"I can't Will. Even if I were allowed to, I don't think I could explain it to you anyway."
"Will you tell her I came by and ask her to call me?"
"She'll come in too late, probably. I'm usually asleep when she gets home. But you'll see her tomorrow. I'll tell her you're home in the morning."
"All right. Thanks Jane."
"Yeah, good night, Will."
Jane conveniently forgot to tell her friend about Will's return and visit when she got up the next morning. Elizabeth got up as usual and went to work, anticipating another trying day.
Imagine her surprise when Will showed up at the beginning of her lunch hour. And imagine Will's surprise on seeing her. She was now in the territory of a reasonably attractive woman. She'd never rival Jane's beauty, but she still caught the male eye. She wore sleek, grey, flannel trousers and black, ankle-height, boots and a wine red woolen cardigan over a white blouse. Her hair was shorter and held back by two small combs above her ears. She had her glasses hanging around her neck on a chain, and a pair of small silver droplets hung from her ears.
Will stared at her in amazement until Elizabeth noticed him standing there.
"Will!" she cried, shocked.
Her exclamation brought him out of his stupor.
"Elizabeth, I- you- you're looking a lot better than when I left!"
Elizabeth blushed and looked down to shuffle some papers uselessly. Will sensed her uneasiness and quickly said, "You coming to Marché's with me?"
"I'd love to!" Elizabeth replied, a little too quickly.
They walked down to the restaurant together. Will tried not to openly stare, or even be caught looking, but he couldn't help it much. She had changed so much, yet so little in reality. He did notice the reaction of the people around her. Some men even did a body check appreciatively. Will's hackles went up instinctively. Was this what Jane meant? But she had said a difficult time.
Elizabeth spoiled herself with a crepe with strawberries and chocolate sauce while Will just grabbed a salad. They sat down in a corner table, and Elizabeth asked, "How was your trip?"
"Long and tedious."
"Was it successful?"
"Yeah, so far. I have to go back out soon."
"That bites."
"You have no idea."
"Don't you like travelling much? It must be neat to see different cities."
"I don't get to see much. I spend my days in conferences and meetings and then my evenings working on my laptop and sleeping. I even order room service a lot. Even if I did have the time, it's not very fun seeing a city on your own."
"No, I guess it wouldn't be. That's a shame. But better you than me. I don't travel well at all."
"Really? I would have thought you did since you've been to England quite a bit in your life."
"The big transatlantic flights aren't as bad as the inner-country ones. I do like travelling by car, though. I'm content to watch the countryside fly by and listen to my headset."
Will didn't say anything for a while. "Why'd you miss me so much, Elizabeth?" he finally asked, quietly.
Elizabeth avoided his eyes, and replied, "I wrote that on a bad day. I miss you trying to cheer me up. I'm sorry I made you guilty or anything."
"Don't bother apologizing. I didn't come back just because of you," he lied. "What's new lately, besides you're altered appearance?"
"Nothing much else, really."
"I heard you've been spending a lot of time in the public library, recently."
"Yes, it's so beautiful and majestic. It seems like my old fantasies will just pop out of the paintings or beautiful ladies all bedecked in silks and pearls will walk down the staircases. I like being alone there with my imagination."
"I presume you're speaking of the older wing."
"Yes. I usually grab a good book or even bring one from home, and settle into a chair in the courtyard or that big hall full of tables and read."
"Why don't you get out and do something with people? You know, social interaction and that kind of thing."
"People don't offer the same kind of unconditional love and support that books do."
"Are you saying that Charles and Jane always demand something in return for their friendship?"
"No, but they're so involved with each other that I feel like a third wheel around them."
"Why don't you make new friends?"
"It's not that easy, Will."
"You don't think I know that? You're the one who doesn't have people wanting to be friends with your money and power!"
Will could tell they were on their way to an argument, but he just couldn't understand why she was acting like this. What made her so reticent? He knew she could have fun interacting with people. But then she said something which caught his attention: "Will, no one noticed me before. Now the people who ARE giving me attention I don't want because they obviously don't -they're- I don't know! Why are they noticing me NOW? What was wrong with the old me? Never mind, Will. Just forget it. Tell me something exciting you did on your travels."
Will wanted to continue their last strain of conversation, but knew too well she wouldn't be any more forthcoming. "I had a meal with this Japanese associate's family and...." (Author's Note: I don't pretend to know anything about the Japanese culture outside of the traditional tea ceremony from Thousand Cranes. No offense to anyone.)
To obtain a confirmation of his suspicions, Will sunk to the level of spying on Elizabeth... just a little. He soon noticed the attention she received from his sex and how uncomfortable she was with it. When a young man came up to her and started up a conversation, she usually blushed to match her sweater and mumbled barely audible, one-word replies. She politely but firmly turned down the one offer Will saw her receive.
So she was uncomfortable with men noticing her after she started to look attractive. She assumed that all they wanted was her looks, and Will knew that if Elizabeth started a relationship, it wouldn't be on that basis. Will decided to see if he could bring her out more. In his mind, he began to pair her up with some of his acquaintances.
Now we all know this wasn't the best way to handle the situation, but Will had the best intentions in mind, and went about it in the fashion he thought would work.
So the following day, Will and Elizabeth bought sandwiches and took them to sit by the Reflecting Pool in the Christian Science centre. There was a strong breeze which blew Elizabeth's hair back if she looked into it. They sat and contentedly ate in silence. Finally, Will asked, "Elizabeth, would you object to my setting you up with a friend?"
"What's your favourite drink?"
"My favourite drink?"
"Yeah."
"Dr. Pepper. But would you-"
"Mine's Ribena. It's a concentrated drink with a black currant flavor. But I can only get it in England. I remember when I was a little girl I wanted to take a bottle home with me from England, but my parents wouldn't let me for fear of staining all the luggage."
"That's interesting. Now, Elizabeth, I'm asking you-"
"What's your favourite candy?"
Will sighed. "Milky Ways."
"Mine is Fruit Pastilles. But I also adore Whispas, Aeros, Smarties, Jelly Babies, and Wine Gums. But you know what? I can't get those here, either. I think the English make the best candy, and when I visit or my family visits us, I stock up. There's so much I can't seem to be able to find here, Will. I often wonder if I shouldn't just move back home to England now and wing it. I could live with my grandparents and find a small job somewhere nearby in a bookstore. Until I got a better job."
"You'd move to satisfy your cravings for food and drink?"
"It's a whole lot more than that, Will. I could start over. I wouldn't have this new image to deal with. People would accept me for who I am. I won't have this awful past hanging over my head."
Will was silent. Was she serious? Would she be leaving?