Prologue: Letters

Posted on Thursday, 6 June 2002

Jane Anne Benston sighed as she (finally!) entered her apartment building. Her job as an elementary school special education teacher was very rewarding, but sometimes her four Down's Syndrome students were more active than a whole classroom full of non-handicapped students. "Thank you, God, that it's Friday!" she mumbled as she opened the mailbox to see if there was anything worth saving. Four pieces of junk mail immediately found their way into the conveniently located wastebasket, and she quickly sorted the rest as she climbed to her third-floor apartment. Phone bill, electric bill, and rent-due reminder landed in the to-do pile (always checked regularly by Jane, because she knew her roommate would forget about it completely if she didn't), and looked at the final letter, the only personal mail in the bunch. "Prairie House", the return address said.

"Oh, my gosh! It's here!" Jane almost opened it in her excitement, but stopped just in time. "I have to wait for Liz-she'll kill me if I open it before she gets here. But how will I wait for," she glanced at the clock-4:30. "For two hours till she gets home?" Elizabeth Jeanne Benston was Jane's younger sister by a mere 15 months and although in some ways they were as different as sisters can be, in many ways they were soulmates. One of these was their shared dream to be a part of the newest reality show, very different from the spate of money-winning and boyfriend-stealing shows. This show was entitled "Prairie House" and the only prize was the chance to live for a year as part of a frontier community in 1883. They both thought it would be fun, rewarding, and a perfect history lesson to recreate pioneer life, and had been waiting for 6 months-they had applied as soon as they had heard of it-to hear if they were accepted.

Liz was a teacher as well, but she taught ancient history at Meryton college, which meant that her day both started and ended much later than Jane's did. She had classes until 5:00, and then had office hours from 5-6. Ancient history may have been her focus, but she loved history of any kind, so this experience would perfectly suit her. Although she did not actually have a Ph.D., she was very knowledgeable with a Master's and partially completed Doctoral work. She had gotten the job through her passion for and knowledge of the subject, her intention to complete her Doctorate "sometime", Meryton's desperate need for a teacher, and a slight nudge from her father, who was a professor of English Literature at Meryton.

Knowing that Liz wouldn't return until 6:30 or later, Jane did the only thing she could, under the circumstances. She left immediately to catch Liz right at the beginning of her office hours. This letter couldn't wait.

Charles Bingley, also known to a select few as Chuckie (who likened him to the cartoon character from "Rugrats"*), burst into F. William Darcy's office without even looking at the secretary, or the secretary's secretary. This may not seem like an important fact, but once the reader understands that F. William Darcy was the owner, president, and C.E.O. of Pemberley Inc., only the richest recluse bachelor in America, and that one had to make appointments a month in advance to see him, he will understand the magnitude of this act. Once he is informed that F. William only glanced up and asked in a bored voice, "What is it, Chuckie?", he will understand the depth of friendship that existed between these two men.

"Will, you will never guess what I hold in my hand!"

"You're probably right, Charles, I won't. You'd better tell me and get it over with."

"But don't you want to guess? It's something that's very important to me-I've been talking about it for weeks."

"Charles," F. William looked up and dropped his air of sophisticated boredom, rolling his eyes. "You talk about many things, all of which you are extremely excited about How am I to guess which of them this is?"

"Fine," said Charles, pouting slightly, and indeed looking very similar to a certain cartoon character. It didn't add to his dignity that his slightly orange-ish brown hair was sticking up all over, due to the fact that he had raced to Pemberley Building in his convertible. "If you won't guess, then I'll tell you."

"I'm all ears," mumbled Will.

"I've been accepted to "Prairie House"! And I want you to come with me!"

"Wait. When you signed up for this, I don't remember agreeing to be a part of it."

"Yes, you did. You said, and I quote, 'If by some odd chance you get in, I suppose I'll go with you.'"

"Really? Did I say that?" Will looked incredulous, then decided it was probably true. It sounded like something he'd say to calm Chuckie down, and Will had found that although he often forgot important events and business deals, Chuckie's memory for things like this was impeccable-so much so, that Will sometimes suspected him of carrying around a little mike and tape recorder-but that was unproven as yet. "Well, I suppose I'm going then-how long is it for?"

"A year."

"A year??? How can you expect me to leave Pemberley for a year? I can't trust anyone that much."

Chuckie cringed on hearing Will's objection. He hadn't really thought about that. He was V.P. of Pemberley's publishing division, but since that was Will's pet project, he really didn't have to do much. But with both he and Will gone, who would run George Darcy & Son Publishing House? "What about your Aunt Catherine?" he suggested tentatively.

"Well, she does have good business sense-but in a year, she'd probably try to take over the whole company. And she'd have all the plans set for Anne's and my marriage. Probably have the ceremony scheduled the day after I return. I can't risk that." Catherine DeBerg was Will's aunt by marriage-her second marriage-and Anne Czanstkowski** (pronounced sin-SCOW-ski) was her daughter by her first. Because there was no blood relation, but "good connections" on both sides, Catherine was always trying to convince Will that his marrying Anne would be a "wonderful alliance, joining two families and two fortunes." Will rather suspected that the reason Catherine was so adamant that love meant nothing in marriage was because her love-match (Frank Czanstkowski) hadn't turned out well, and her marriage to his uncle had-at least by her standards. But then, Will also suspected that he and his aunt were looking for different things in marriage.

Chuckie cringed as he thought of his best friend marrying Anne. It wasn't that Anne was ugly, or unintelligent, or anything like that, but ... she did have an attitude. In fact, some might call her (and in fact, some did) Miss PMS (Perpetual Malice Syndrome). Fortunately, Anne seemed rather uninterested in F. William Darcy ... or anyone of the male persuasion. Her mother seemed to be the only one oblivious to Anne's preferences. Unfortunately, she was probably the kind of person who would marry him anyway, just to get more money and/or influence. "Well ... I'm sure you'll think of someone you trust enough ... or maybe you could split the responsibility between a few people." When Will still seemed unconvinced, Chuckie reverted to whining. "Please, Will ... you promised!"

"All right, I'll go!"

Jane pulled her Geo Metro into the parking space "Reserved for Staff Only". She knew that she was perfectly safe in parking there, since at least a quarter of Meryton's staff had already gone home-it was 5pm on a Friday, after all. She ran up all 7 flights of stairs to Liz's office, arriving (understandably) completely out of breath. As she burst in the office door, Liz stopped in the middle of a sentence, rushed past the young man she was meeting with, and grabbed Jane by the elbows. "Janie, sit down! What is it? Is it Mom? Is it ... Dad??? Jane, too out of breath for anything else, simply shook her head, and shoved the letter in Liz's face. Or she shoved her hand in Liz's face. She panicked. Where was the letter? Had she dropped it? She still didn't quite have her breath back enough to explain fully, but she croaked, "Letter ... Prairie House ... Where?"

Liz understood enough to be excited. "We got our letter from Prairie House? Oh, my gosh, where is it?"

Jane shook her head, and said, "I don't know. I had it when I left home. Oh, no, what if I lost it?" The student, who happened to be named James Denny, was completely forgotten until he picked up an envelope from the hallway and waved it in front of their faces.

"Is this what you're looking for, Ms. Benston?" The women's eyes got huge.

"Thank you so much, James!" Liz squealed, snatching it away from him. The reason he had come to meet with her completely forgotten. This was alright with James, since his reason was totally fictional. He really just wanted to meet with the attractive Ms. Benston alone.

Liz ripped open the envelope while thanking people profusely: Jane for waiting to open it with her and James for finding it. Her eyes quickly scanned the letter, Jane peering over her shoulder. "Oh, my gosh, Janie, we made it!!! They chose us!" The two sisters laughed and cried their way through a victory dance as James Denny slipped out of the office.

*If you are unfamiliar with "Rugrats", here is the character of Chuckie-and don't worry, I only picture Bingley as taking after Chuckie in his hair (and that not so orange), and his self-esteem level.
http://www.geocities.com/~philrug/images/CHUCKIE.GIF

**Actually a last name of several people I know. I didn't make it up!!

Chapter 1: Training, Day 1

Posted on Wednesday, 12 June 2002

Liz sighed as she exited the cab in front of the Fitzwilliam Memorial Building. Of course, today, the day she had been looking forward to since they received that letter two months ago, would be the day that (1) her car broke down, (2) it rained, and (3) her umbrella turned inside out.

Jane and Liz had been pleasantly surprised to discover that the training would take place in a small suburb of a suburb of Chicago, called Nether Fields. Since they lived and worked near the city as well, they could keep their jobs much longer than many of the participants, who would have to quit to arrive at training in time. Liz had just come from her last official day of work, and although there was still a week of class, she had managed to fit the coursework for two of her classes into the time given-all she had left was to grade final papers when they came in over the work. Her favorite class, Ancient Egyptian Literature, was a senior-level course, and she refused to cram more work into the semester than was already required. Since it was a night class that only met once a week, she had received special permission from the Prairie House program to drive over to Meryton and teach one last class. Jane had a similar arrangement, since she did not trust a substitute who had not invested time in her kids to handle them. "Only now it looks as though I'll be taking a cab over," Liz grumbled. She made a run for the pavilion covering the area by the door on Fitzwilliam Memorial, but it was pouring, and she was soaked. She paused before entering the building to wring out her thick mass of wavy reddish-brown hair, newly highlighted.

Normally Liz wasn't really big on appearance, but she had realized that she probably wouldn't get the chance to dress up and/or feel pretty for most, if not all, of the year. So she had splurged and gotten her hair highlighted, her legs waxed (and then vowed never to do so again), and this morning had dressed nicely (as opposed to her normal jeans and t-shirt) and done her makeup meticulously. Which only made the downpour more detestable. As she turned around to stare at the evil water falling from the sky, a limo pulled up, and a man climbed out of the driver's side. Obviously, he was the chauffeur. He unfurled an umbrella that Liz estimated to measure approximately 5 feet in diameter. There must be two or three people coming out of that car, with an umbrella that size, Liz thought idly, wringing what seemed like gallons out of her hair.

When the chauffeur reached the passenger door, however, she was surprised to see only one-man exit the car-not even offering his chauffeur the use of his umbrella-and was he attractive!! His dark hair curled slightly and his olive skin perfectly offset his hazel eyes. Of course, Liz didn't see his eye color till he came much closer and brusquely brushed past her.

F. William Darcy, as he walked past Liz, was thinking how silly she looked, all wet. Doesn't she even have the sense to bring an umbrella when it's pouring out? And she looks like a raccoon! Waterproof mascara, my dear! I hope she doesn't notice that Dobbins doesn't have an umbrella. It's not like I haven't offered it to him. Oh, well, the girl doesn't even have sense enough to prepare for a rainy day-what do I care what she thinks?

Liz just watched the handsome stranger pass. Then she picked her jaw up off the floor and realized how angry she should have been-and am! At least, that's what she told herself. He didn't offer me his umbrella! Of course, I wasn't leaving, but he didn't know that. I was facing out, toward the rain. And his chauffeur! I mean, he doesn't know me, but his employee should at least be able to do his job without ruining his uniform! She continued in this way, until she convinced herself that what really amounted to a small act of rudeness would emotionally scar her for life.

As Liz was convincing herself, she entered the building and headed straight for the Gardiner Room, because Fitzwilliam Memorial was one of those pretentious buildings in which every room was named for someone, although the building itself was only 3 years old. The Gardiner Room was light and spacious, with chairs grouped in small, friendly clusters. There were already about 30 people in the room, most of them participants in the Prairie House program. Although only 10 people were accepted into the program, each of them was allowed to bring up to four other people with them, as very few settlers, especially if they happened to be women, undertook the arduous journey west alone. Jane had chosen: Liz, obviously; their father Sam; their mother Faye; and their little sister Lydia. Sam was, as aforementioned, an English Lit. professor at Meryton, and he loved authors with a dry wit, such as Fielding and (of course!) Austen, since he had a similar wit himself. Faye was a woman who had had great beauty when she was young, but now was handsome in a nondescript sort of way. Unfortunately for Sam, he had only seen the beauty, and had missed the very little that was beneath it until after several years of marriage. Lydia was only 16, and was still deciding what her character should be. Sadly for her family, the current phase she was going through was that of flirt/coquette. Liz and Jane, saving themselves for marriage, doubted very much whether Lydia had made the same resolution, or even whether she was capable of still making it.

It had been a family decision for all three of the other Bennets to come. Either Jane or Liz had needed to fill out the application, as there were no joint applications allowed; Jane had become the principal simply because she had been organized enough to actually finish the paperwork. Both girls had wanted their father along, because they were very close to Sam, and wanted to spend more time with him. Well, Faye refused to be left out of anything exciting, and Lydia obviously couldn't be left alone for a whole year; therefore, it was up to Jane and Liz to decide: all five, or only the two of them. Since they really wished for Sam with them, and they thought that perhaps a return to a "simpler time" would calm Lydia down a bit, they decided that everyone would come with.

Liz noticed Jane standing on the left side of the room, talking with a young man with a boy-next-door cuteness and rather incongruous orange-ish hair that stuck up a bit in the back. They seemed deep in conversation, but Liz wanted at least to make sure that Jane knew she had arrived; Jane did worry sometimes. When she reached Jane's side, she realized who was on Orange-Haired Guy's other side-Handsome Jerk. OHG turned toward Liz and asked Jane, "And who is this? One of your sisters?"

It was obvious that they had already conversed quite extensively on the basics-family, job, why you're here, etc. "Yes, this is Liz, the older of my two sisters. She and I actually planned doing this together. Liz, this is Charles Bingley. He's going to be living with his sister Caroline-she hasn't arrived yet-and friends Rick Fitzer and ... here..." indicating the man next to Charles.

Liz interrupted, "Oh, we've already met ... HJ," giving no explanation for the initials or their earlier meeting.

Will wondered about the letters. Is it possible? Does she mentally name people, like I do? I wouldn't have thought it. But what could HJ stand for, if that's it? Has Jet? Hates Jellybeans? This all went through his mind quickly before he realized that she wouldn't know any of those facts about him, and without missing a beat, he snapped back, "Yes, by the entrance, wasn't it, RG?" Jane and Charles were confused, but happy that Will and Liz seemed to be such good friends already. "Well," Charles declared heartily, "since we've all met, let's visit that delectable-looking refreshment table, shall we?" Jane quickly assented, and Liz as quickly negatived, saying she wasn't hungry at the moment. F. William simply shook his head and continued to look quite uncomfortable.

Liz's respect for him had grown with his lightening-quick reply to her sally. She took pity on him, and tried to start a conversation. "So, do you know when the actual training begins?"

Will was silent a second before he realized she had been talking to him. "Oh, I believe that is tomorrow. Tonight, I believe, is just the reception here, and I heard that there is to be dancing later." This last remark was said a bit disdainfully.

"Oh, don't you like dancing?" Liz was simply making conversation, as she was beginning to think that he was rather shy, and she had noticed the disinterest in his tone.

I can't believe that she is begging me for a dance already! She barely knows me! How did she find out about my money? Duh, the limo! Will frantically searching his brain for a way to turn her down that was not too rude. Then he thought that if she was anything like Caroline, she would need a pretty broad hint anyway. "No, I really don't like to dance, especially with people that I have only just met." Liz was taken aback.

At that moment, the room was called to order by a man dressed in a real 1890's suit. "Hello, pioneers! I am Ed Gardiner, the head of the program here. We are here today to start off your training. Since we knew that traveling from 2002 to 1893 would be quite an arduous journey, we gave you a little wiggle room. That is, for this training period, you are still allowed modern items and conveniences. We suggest you slowly filter them out over this week-and-a-half period, as you will not be allowed any anachronisms once you actually set out on your journey to Montana. But for now, we are just getting to know everyone. Please wear a nametag and introduce yourself around. Later tonight, we will have a little bit of dancing, to a mix of 19th century and modern music. Have fun, and don't forget to visit the refreshment table!!"

There were a few other young men in the program, and Liz was asked to dance by all of them in turn (excluding, of course, F. William Darcy, who also never made himself a nametag and sat in the corner all night). She found most of her partners to be fun and interesting, and managed to forget about HJ and his amazing hazel eyes-except when she would find those same eyes trained on her when she turned toward him on the dance floor. This happened with more frequency after she had visited the restroom and washed away the mascara around her eyes, revealing their vibrant dark brown color. However, the partner with whom she really hit it off (and, incidentally, the most handsome) was a great dancer--and quite a charmer!--named Geo Wikston.

Chapter 2: Training Wheels

Posted on Thursday, 15 August 2002

That night Liz lay in bed, bone-tired, but strangely insomniac. Janie and Día* (the family nickname for Lydia, since her father always said that she was as pretty as the day is long) were sound asleep in their beds on either side of hers. Instead of counting sheep, she decided to try to remember all of the participants' names. She had met everyone that night--except HJ, I never was officially introduced to him; I wonder what his real name is--but was unsure of her ability to recall everyone. Well, there are ten applicants. Jane is one, of course, and I obviously know all of our family. Then there is Chuckie-I suppose I shouldn't call him that, but it's not my fault if he reminds me of a cartoon character-and his stuck-up sister Cara, and HJ. And then Colin Forrester; oh, wait, he wanted to be called Col, didn't he? His partner is, of course, Geo. He's so cute-and charming! I mean, if I could design a perfect man, he would have HJ's face and Geo's personality, but Geo is plenty cute himself. What a pity that I prefer darker complexions!

Anyway, then we've got the Lukens'. Willy-I always thought that was an incongruous name for a grown man, but for someone older than Dad...it's downright ludicrous! And his wife Libby-Willy & Libby-there's a tongue twister for anyone. But their daughter Mari seems like she'd be a good influence on Lydia, and the older one was very agreeable. I'd like to get to know her better; now what was her name? Carmen, Char, Charis! That's it; I remember it was quite unique, and I asked her what its origin was. It means "dear one" she said. Charis. I like that.

Of course, the odd one would be the relative-how was he related again? Let's see, he's Dad's stepmother's third cousin or something-gosh, it sounds like the end of Spaceballs! Anyway-Wilhelm Pablo Collinwood; how's that for an odd name? Oh, wait, Rev. Wilhelm Pablo Collinwood, who was allowed by the distinguished Catherine DeBerg to take off a year for this experiment. You'd think she owned his church or something. I guess she must be a big financial contributor. Wilhelm is the only solo participant, but then, building his church and parsonage will be a community effort, because that's how it was done back then. And then...

Liz was asleep.

For the next several days, the participants had training sessions for most of the day and evenings off, as they learned how to handle animals, what items were anachronistic-things like tampons, toothpaste, and toilet paper-and what was all right to bring along. Cosmetics for the ladies were strictly forbidden-Cara was not very happy about that! "What!!??!!" she shrieked. "You don't understand, I need my makeup and skincare regimen!"

"Well, Ms. Bingley, would you prefer being known as a 'lady of the night'? They were the only women who wore cosmetics in 1883," Mrs. Gardiner (Ed's wife and one of the experts) replied.

"I don't care what time of day you call me, I must have my makeup!!"

Liz snickered as Mrs. Gardiner, or Mandy, as she preferred to be called, explained to Kara what a "lady of the night" was.

There were several rules governing all issues of anachronism. (1) Try in all events to avoid acting in a manner or using items that could be perceived as anachronistic. (2) All participants are given possessions, ready cash, and credit at Yu Xing's Emporium approximately corresponding to the income of someone in 1883 with a similar job to their own at time of acceptance to the program. (3) In addition, each team is allowed one [1] 1883 or earlier object, no matter the cost, that they feel will help them most. (4) Participants found hiding contraband anachronisms are subject to removal from program, if Mr. Gardiner feels it is necessary. Please remember that you are voluntarily taking part in this program! (Will snorted disdainfully at this sentence.)

One issue was left up to each participant to decide-contraception. The only form current to 1883 was that of pig's-bladder condoms. An example was provided, and pretty much everyone agreed that it was rather revolting in appearance. As everyone was discussing the merits and demerits of taking faithfulness to period that seriously, F. William became rather fed up.

"Well, I don't see why I have to sit through this discussion. I am single, I don't plan on being sexually active on this trip, and I don't see anyone here who would make me change that decision," he said in a slightly too loud aside to Charles. Liz, among others, heard the comment, but she waited.

Charles, embarrassed by the rude comment, replied, "Will, do you realize you just insulted every single female here? Maybe you don't plan on hooking up with anyone, but you don't have to make it sound as though there is no one attractive here-because that's just not true. Have you even looked at some of them? Jane, for example, is beautiful, her eyes..."

"Yes, yes, Chuckie, I grant you that Jane is quite lovely. It's the others; no one else at all good-looking." Mentally, he added, well, there is RG, I mean, Elizabeth, but she's really not my type...

"What about Liz? She's almost as pretty as Jane." Liz thought this comment was rather amusing, and she almost-but not quite-missed Will's response.

Although Will was thinking, when did Chuckie get on a nickname basis with Elizabeth?, his reply was much less flattering to Liz's ego. "I suppose she's cute in her own way, but nowhere near a pretty as the girls I'm used to dating."

"Well," Liz finally spoke up, "You never know what might happen in a year." She winked at Will somewhat flirtatiously, deciding that she didn't care what he thought. But as soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them. What kind of person will he-will everyone-think I am? I don't need to get a reputation as "a lady of the night", as Mandy would say. Oh, well, I guess there's nothing I can do about it now. And she laughed it off, sharing the joke with Charis, who hadn't heard the male side of the conversation.

Over the next couple of days, Will had had ample time to regret his rude comments to Liz. This was especially true since he had realized that his first estimation of Elizabeth's beauty was completely wrong. He was very attracted to her; the only reason he had originally thought that she wasn't pretty was the circumstances of their first meeting. He had been in a bad mood--not that that's out of the ordinary lately--he admitted to himself, and her drenched state didn't help. But through interaction during the training, he came to realize that she was a very intelligent individual and fully deserved her professorship. This, of course, made her very attractive to him, since the women he was used to interacting with, although not all unintelligent, often only used their brains for societal machinations. Elizabeth somehow gave him the impression that she was above such things.

So, when he overheard a conversation between Elizabeth, Charis, and Jane in which Liz informed the others that she would have to go call a cab to take her to the class she was teaching that evening, Will took the opportunity and stepped in.

"Excuse me, Miss Bennet, I couldn't help but overhear your predicament. I was going to town anyway to tie up some loose ends for my absence with my business. Please, allow me to offer you a ride." Will was unaccountably quite nervous as he said this, maybe it had to do with the fact that he was lying about the business. He held his breath in suspense.

Liz was very surprised at this gesture, shocked actually, but she had the presence of mind to reply politely: "Thank you, Mr. Darcy, but my college isn't even in the city...I wouldn't like to put you to any trouble...driving out of your way."

"Oh, it's no trouble, my chauffeur will be driving, and he won't mind-it's what he gets paid for!" Liz couldn't believe it. First HJ was being kind, and then ... did he try to make a joke? It was a lame one, admittedly, but still...!!! Unable to process it all, she accepted the ride in a daze.

"Wonderful, Miss Bennet. I shall wait for you inside the main doors at 4:30 pm."

"All right ... See you then." Liz turned to Charis and Janie. "Did what I think happened just happen? I really didn't want to accept, but I couldn't think of any more excuses, I was so confused." She shook her head. "Just tell me one thing. Was that F. William Darcy acting disinterestedly kind?"

Charis replied, "As far as I can see, it was. Unless he hopes to get something out of this." She raised her eyebrow at Liz.

"Not a chance," Liz replied. "Don't you remember? 'She is cute in her own way, but nowhere near as pretty as the girls I'M used to dating!' I'm not attractive to him at all. Too bad he's such a jerk, since he is quite attractive!"

"Oh, you had noticed that?" Jane teased, "I was beginning to think you were blind!"

"Of course not, Jane, but my vision was rather obscured by the mask he wears." When the girls looked confused, she added, "You know, the one that says, 'I'm better than all of you lowly commoners.' Today, I think he let it slip just a bit."

Charis asked, only half-teasing, "And if it should slip still further?"

Liz simply looked thoughtful.

*Spanish for "day."