Beginning, Previous Section, Section VI
Jump to new as of October 22, 2003
Will returned to Philadelphia on Wednesday, after clearing up business with several friends of his. Before he left, doctor friend checked over Lydia to make sure that she was as healthy as could be expected, and Will sent her to an analyst to make sure that she had suffered no mental damage. Lydia was fully indignant of all these doctors, and although still annoyed at Wickham, she was still likely to consider it an amazing adventure. She stayed with the doctor friend and his wife, and was well treated by both of them. Will was staying at their apartment, too, and put up with all of Lydia's annoyance, and finally he relented to her wishes to go out, and the doctor's wife took her shopping, with t he money they had recovered from Wickham. While Lydia was away, Will sat down and wrote several letters, first, one to the chief of police, reporting his discovery of Lydia, and the doctor’s reports. Secondly, he sat down to compose the more difficult letter, the one to the Long family, and their relations.
He knew that Lizzy would see the letter, so the wording was difficult for him. Also, embarrassed, he decided to leave off his name, and asked the police chief to keep his identity anonymous to the family. As the police chief had been a friend of his father's, the man agreed, when he had read his letter, and sent a man over to see how Lydia was, and more to arrest Wickham and Mrs. Younge, who had been hoping to flee, but unsuccessful, due to Wickham's broken leg and the difficulties of obtaining medical help.
Mr. and Mrs. Long,I found myself able to be instrumental in assisting the police in their search for your daughter. You will not know me, but I know of you, and your daughter, and was grieved to hear that she was in trouble. Knowing George Wickham for some many years, years I regret, I found that I had a lead to his whereabouts through a friend that proved, in the end, to be fruitful. I found your daughter at the house of the friend in question, a woman of no great character, I fear. Having removed your daughter from that house, I brought her to the house of a doctor, a friend of mine, and his worthy wife, who adopted close watch and inspection of your daughter. I also took the liberty of having her speak to an analyst, the reports of the two doctors I send along to you. I hope that she arrives soon to your home, where you must miss her dearly. I hope that the time of anxious waiting will end for you and your family, and that you may continue your lives happily. Lydia is well, and happy, and in the care of a worthy woman, who will escort her home as soon as possible, along with a policeman.
My regards to you, and best wishes for the happiness of your family,
A Friend.
Will sealed the letter, and addressed it quickly, having obtained the direction from Lydia. He passed it on to his friend to be posted will all possible speed, and he packed his bag. There was no more sense in staying in New York. He had done everything he could, there was nothing more possible for him to do. Now he would return to Philadelphia, and to his sister, who must be worried. Now that his head was clearer, he saw how wrong he had been to run off so uncharacteristically. He ought to have left a note, a message, something.
Thinking of messages, he picked up his cell phone, and looked for messages. He hadn't done so in days, and was not surprised to see a number waiting for him. Georgie had left three or four, and he resolved to depart immediately, to return home to her. It would be easier to make excuses in person rather than over the phone.
When Mrs. Long had received a mysterious letter promising good news, she immediately took it to the police. They confirmed that an officer had visited their daughter, and that they had just discovered that she was on her way home. The officer on duty had been about to call the household with the good news. Discovering that they knew it already, he informed them that she would be returning on the twelve thirty train, along with a policeman and the wife of the doctor who had taken care of her. It was all as the mysterious letter had said. Mrs. Long wept for joy at the thought of her only, dear, daughter returning to her. Mr. Long got a little bleary-eyed as well, and immediately left his job for the day, in order to be at the train station very early.
Mrs. Long called all of her relations, informing them of the good news. Everyone was ecstatic with the idea.
Jane, in particular, was merry. She called Lizzy immediately, as soon as they had been called by their aunt.
"Lizzy! Isn't this marvelous news?"
"Indeed. I hope Lydia is all right."
"She's fine. She was looked over by a doctor. Don't you wonder who the mysterious 'friend' is?"
"I do, but I'm not going to lose sleep about it. I'm just glad that she'll be home and that she'll be with us again. I was worried about the girl."
"So was I. Oh! I have to prepare some things for a meeting. I'll see you tonight!" Jane trilled a farewell, and came off the line. Lizzy turned back to her grade book, and pondered how she could possibly proctor two exams at once. The schedulers were very odd.
She didn't see the memo before her, though, instead she saw Lydia, and was very relieved to hear that she would be all right. Her relieved thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door of her small office. Georgie opened the door a crack, and came in, a bashful smile on her face.
"My brother is back home," she said. "Thank you for bearing with me while I was frantic. Will usually isn’t so absent. He had something to do. I'm still not clear what, but something he had to go fetch from the north, immediately. He's home, now, though. I'm glad. I was worried that he had gone out of his mind, like he did when I... before we left Boston."
“I'm glad to hear that he is back with you,” said Lizzy, choking back an earnestness she didn't want to share. "So glad. Now, with any luck, the world will come right again. Lydia is coming home today, someone found her."
"I'm so glad!" exclaimed Georgie. "So glad. I was afraid for her, that you’d never see her again. She tried my patience so many times, but she is part of this school, a community I value greatly."
"Everything will be right. Everything will be coming up roses for me and for you, to quote the song. All ready for exams?"
"Not at all," said Georgie, impishly. She left Lizzy's office, and went off to find her friends. Lizzy let out a sigh of joy. Will Darcy was back. He hadn't run off and become a hermit in disgust at her family, as she had feared, late in the middle of the night. Who knew where things stood between them, but she was determined to make things right again.
Putting aside the memo about exam proctoring, Lizzy cast through her papers until she found the item she had been looking for, a notice about the Prom. As part of the Chaperone committee, she would be attending to watch everyone's behavior, and didn't relish the idea of going alone. Perhaps... Perhaps he would. It couldn't hurt to ask, to find out finally where things stood. And anyway, shouldn't he appreciate the chance to watch Georgie at such an event? She thought he might accept. Very well, she would gather up her courage, and like a high school student again, ask her Prince Charming to the Prom.
Posted on Monday, 2 June 2003
May was a pleasant month, sometimes warm, sometimes cool, but always beautiful. Now almost every weekend there were regattas on the Schuylkill River, which were pretty to watch, even if they snarled up traffic. The school year was nearly done, and the little community was wrapped up in end of the year events, including the prom, class trips, and senior projects. The college list had been posted for the year, And Lizzy was delighted to see that every student was attending a school within the next two years.
After having studied the list, Lizzy made her way to her office, after eating her lunch. She had the windows open now, and she spent time watching people pass by her office outside, in between grading papers. Many of the students sat out on the grassy area near her windows, and their happy shouting was a pleasure to hear. Unfortunately, it was also distracting. Putting away the draft for the Latin IV exam, Lizzy sat up, and decided to look over plays for next year’s drama productions, to share with Roberta. Deciding also that the best plays were in the English library, outside the English teachers' offices, she shut her office door, and started off across campus.
The English teachers had their offices in a relatively new building, with a large lecture hall nearby, and the relatively small English library adjoined. These happy spaces were also shared by the administration, who had offices all along the hall beyond the lecture room. Being silent, so as not to disturb the conferences going on, Lizzy tiptoed into the English library, leaving the door open, and took down a few authors she had hopes for. She settled into one of the large cushioned chairs in the room (which were all too often used for napping students, tired of their large workload) to read. She was undisturbed until the conference in the room across from the library emptied. Men and women dressed in business suits dispersed, talking busily into their cell phones, or to each other. One of the businessmen started when he saw Lizzy reading alone in the English library.
Lizzy looked up, and saw Will gazing towards her. He recognized that she had seen him, and approached, as was only polite.
"Georgie has informed me that your cousin has come home."
"Yes, she has."
"I'm very glad. And your family... are they all content again?"
"Indeed. Thank you for letting me run off so suddenly from your party. You had business afterwards?"
"I fear I did, a matter of some mislaid products. They had gone off with the wrong person, and I found them and restored them to their proper place."
"Business sounds trying," said Lizzy. "Much more tedious than teaching."
"It likely is, but I have never tried teaching." He stood silent after his remark, unsure what to say. He couldn't just tell her that he had tracked her cousin down in a den of iniquity, and had the child restored. He wasn’t sure what she thought of him, of his excuse. Did it look like he had run from her? He did not know... mind so confused as he looked at her.
Lizzy noticed the silent with disappointment. She had had hopes for their next meeting, she hadn’t planned it to be like this. She wanted to reassure him that she still cared, but he was so distant. Was her family such a curse, then? He would want nothing to do with Wickham, with her cousin. All seemed ruined. There was no way she could bring up the Prom, not here, not now. Will remained distant, said one or two other polite things, and strode from the room without a backwards glance. She hadn't even asked him what he was doing at the school.
In a somber mood, Lizzy returned home, where she met a jubilant Jane. Jane was to go to dinner with Charles this evening, and he had hinted that it would be a very fancy meal. Flattered and excited, Jane had chosen several possible outfits, and awaited Charlotte’s and Lizzy’s judgments. Dress was formal, Charles had said, being unusually cryptic. Excited by the mystery of the affair, Jane was joyous, even as Charlotte and Lizzy squabbled over the perfect dress.
Finally, Charlotte won, and Jane donned a light blue gown, with a gauzy wrap and Lizzy's pearls. She was immaculately prepared, and sedately sitting by the television in the kitchen, as Lizzy hovered over a pot of pasta for spaghetti carbonara, and Charlotte intently watched the BBC World News on the local public broadcasting station. When the doorbell rang, Charlotte got up, and answered it, giving Jane a second to "touch up her lip stick and fluff her hair". Jane followed Charlotte into the little hall, and greeted Charles warmly at the door.
He was impressed with the way Jane looked, was always impressed. Charlotte noted his expression with amusement, and wished them a merry evening, before shutting the door and locking it. She went into the front room of the house, which they used as a dining room/ parlor when they had company. Skirting by Lizzy’s piano, Charlotte lifted up the lacy curtain at the window, and watched Charles help Jane into the elegant black vehicle he drove. After this touching scene of gallantry was done, Charles himself got into the driver's seat, and drove off. Charlotte nodded in approval to herself, and dropped the curtain, before running back into the kitchen, where Lizzy was pouring grated cheese into the pot of pasta.
"He seemed very impressed," said Charlotte, helping herself to a grape tomato out of the salad bowl. "But also excited. Charles Bingley couldn't keep a secret if he tried. I wonder what's up?"
"Fancy date," said Lizzy, trying not to think about her own nonexistent love life. If only Will Darcy hadn't been so distant and formal today! Lizzy angrily mashed the cheese into the pasta.
"Whoa there, cowboy," said Charlotte, taking the spoon away. "You sit and watch the end of the BBC World News, and say hi to good old Adrian Finnegan and pretty little Mishal Hussein. I'm glad they're on, they're my favorite anchors."
"I miss Adrian’s glasses," Lizzy grumbled, but she settled happily before the little screen, and was updated about sporting events around the globe. They were her favorite news anchors, too. Charlotte finished the pasta without any more accidents, and served the meal. They had a merry time, laughing and talking about the day. Will Darcy drifted from Lizzy's mind, and she perked up. Charlotte noticed that the busy Lizzy was a happy one, and challenged her to a board game after dinner.
"I have the perfect idea," she said. "My mother was cleaning the attic last week, and offered me the pick of the games she found there. I brought back a backgammon board, half a set of checkers and this." This turned out to be a copy of Trivial Pursuit Junior, from around 1985 or so. It was a merry evening, since neither Charlotte nor Lizzy had watched much television as young people, and had somehow missed learning who was the leader of the Karati Kommandos. When the game was done, and Lizzy had read aloud all the purple questions to Charlotte, they retired happily to bed, still laughing over obscure television series, and the number of wrestling and boxing questions in the sports category.
Lizzy had been quite happily asleep for some hours before Jane arrived in her room, bounced on her bed, and woke her up.
"Jane, can't it wait until morning?" Lizzy groaned as she focused on her sister, who seemed to shine radiantly.
"Not at all, you'd hate me if I didn't tell you."
"Are you sure I won’t hate you if you do? It’s one thirty!"
"I'm engaged!" said Jane, bouncing again. Lizzy sat up straight, sleep forgotten.
"Jane!" she exclaimed joyfully, "I am so happy for you! Tell me all about it. And show me the ring."
Jane extended a slim, golden hand, on which rested an impressive diamond. "It was marvelous," she breathed. "Charles took me to a renovated mansion out in Bucks County, which has been turned into a restaurant. And we had the most amazing meal, and then we danced, and then he took me on a walk around the house grounds, which are gorgeous by moonlight. And he brought me to a charming rose garden, and went down on one knee, and everything. And there were a couple of violinists, and all of the traditional romantic trappings. It was rather beautifully done. I don't know how he managed to keep it a secret. I'm just the happiest woman ever!"
"Oh, Jane, you must be so happy. If I could be one tenth as happy as you, I'd be well content. The ring fits you beautifully, but your smile fits you more. I've never seen you glow like that. Oh, Jane!" Lizzy threw her arms around her sister, and hugged her. "You are the sweetest, loveliest woman in the world, you deserve the best."
"Which," said Jane, laughing, "is why I want you as my maid of honor. Please say yes?"
"Of course! We'd planned that years and years ago." Lizzy smiled, and planted a kiss on Jane's bent head. "Now run along and get some sleep. You have to work tomorrow."
"That's another lovely thing," said Jane. "I'll be able to quit when we are married. I can go and play tennis like I have always wanted to. Not professional or anything, of course, but Charles wants us to live in the Main Line, and he'll give me a court. And I'll have a garden, and Charles must work, but we'll be so happy and snug!"
"Go to sleep," said Lizzy. "I imagine that you will have very sweet dreams tonight.”
Jane skipped from the room, and went to wake Charlotte. Lizzy slipped under the covers again, and slept a beautiful sleep, full of sweet and pretty dreams.
The next morning, Jane was starry eyed as she ran to catch a trolley to work. Charlotte and Lizzy smiled at each other over the breakfast table, before hopping into the car, and heading off to MFS for a day of teaching.
"So, Jane woke you, too?" asked Lizzy.
"Yes, much too early, but I'm delighted for her. She goes all happy and sweet when Charles is around, so this will make her permanently happy and sweet. Hope their kids can handle it. It'll be the happiest home this side of the Hollywood screen."
"I thought Hollywood families were deranged," said Lizzy.
"Estranged," corrected Charlotte, laughing. "Do you think she told your mother?"
"She is bound to today. Mother's raptures will take hours, and the poor girl needed some sleep. Well, now that the world is rosy and perfect, I suppose nothing can go wrong for Jane. If anyone deserves a perfect life, she does."
Though technically everything was rosy and perfect for Jane, and all of her friends and family delighted, not everything was rosy and perfect for Charles Bingley. He hadn't awakened Caroline up with a phone call, but rather intended to drop by her office during the afternoon, which he intended to take off to take Jane to see her parents, who he had only vaguely met, at several functions, and two dinners.
In the morning, he called his best friend, first, to announce his engagement.
"Will! Good Morning!"
"What is so good about it?" grumbled Will. He had a meeting in seven minutes, and he wasn’t looking forward to it. He also hadn’t slept very well, worrying over his meeting with Lizzy. That wasn't how it had been supposed to be. But somehow, away from Georgie and the theater and his house, in his business man mode, he was uncomfortable, proud, shy. Annoyed with himself, he had been brooding all evening, and was starting again when Charles's bright greeting interrupted him.
"Old man, you will never guess. But I have gotten myself engaged to Jane Bennet."
Will started. That was news. He knew Charles cared, and Jane cared... in all truth, it was a perfectly natural state of affairs, they belonged together, as he now knew. The part that startled him still was that this was Lizzy's sister, his Lizzy. And she must be delighted now. He wished he could see her happy face. But it would be smiling at Jane and Charles, not at him. Sighing, he regained his composure as Charles began to wonder if Will was still on the line.
"Delighted for you, Charles!" was Will's hearty reply. "I wish you all the best. When is the big day to be?"
"August, if we can find a place. I'd like it to be while the weather is still warm. Thought we could have the wedding in Vermont, and ship the Bennet family and friends up to stay. Between my house and that of the neighbors, who plan to be in Rome all summer, there'll be room. Sound like an idea?"
"Excellent," said Will. "I wish you luck. Please give my best wishes to Jane, too."
"That I will. I'm glad you're pleased. Now, I've got to clear up some work, so I can go talk to Caroline. Cheers!"
"Cheers," replied Will. Then, he added fervently, "And good luck!" He didn't think that Caroline would take the news very well.
Caroline did not take the news well. In fact, she took it very badly. She threw a matched cup and saucer at Charles. She threw a Sicilian flowerpot at the door as he left. She threw herself onto her desk, and cried angrily. He had no business marrying that wretched Bennet girl. And he was setting a terrible example to his friend. All of Caroline's careful plans were swept into disarray. She excused herself from her work, casting aside several publicity packages about upcoming plays in the area, and stormed out of the office, nearly flattening one little intern as she went. The intern turned and looked around, stunned, before scurrying back into the nearest office, and collapsing into a chair.
Lizzy was done work early, and decided to head on home. She did this merrily, thinking of a charming new book on Greek prepositions that she had finally procured after a number of years, and how she finally had time to read it. Hopping into the car, after having ascertained that Patrick was picking Charlotte up after school, Lizzy drove home leisurely, blaring music to herself, and smiling at the fuzzy goslings along West River Drive.
When she arrived home, Lizzy settled onto the couch, and settled into a chapter about connecting prepositions. The afternoon flew by, and before long she heard the key turn, and Charlotte came home. Smiling cheerfully after an afternoon with Patrick, Charlotte hummed a tune which caught Lizzy's attention.
"Isn't it lovely?" Lizzy asked, with a grin.
"I'm delighted for Jane. On the flip side, what about the house?"
"Well, we all own it, but we can take in another person, I guess. She won't be married until the summer, though."
"It's the end of May already, it's not so far off."
"I suppose you are right. Did Jane say when she'd be home today?"
"Not so much. She did say she had left her key at home, though."
"Poor dear, so she did. I'll start dinner, and hang out in the kitchen to listen for the doorbell."
"Good girl. I need to start final report card comments."
"Go to it." Charlotte trotted upstairs, leaving Lizzy to ponder the pantry contents. Taking a few jars of spices out of the pantry, and retrieving a lemon and a chicken breast from the refrigerator, Lizzy began to prepare the meal whistling the same wedding march Charlotte had hummed.
The doorbell rang. Lizzy, knowing that Jane wouldn't mind if she came to the door messy, simply rinsed her hands quickly, before taking up the dish of raw chicken to the door with her.
Only it wasn't Jane at the door. Caroline Bingley, looking furious and fuming, was pressing the bell rather maliciously. Lizzy seriously contemplated leaving the door shut and pretending to be away, but she heard Charlotte's stereo playing out the open second story window. No such luck. Still, the chicken would provide an excuse for not entertaining the angry woman. Lizzy unlocked the door.
"Yes?" asked Lizzy, gesturing Caroline inside with the dish of raw meat.
"I'm here to see your sister," said Caroline icily, eying the dish with distaste.
"Jane isn't home right now. Can I take a message for you, and have her call later?"
"I won't be put off by a little chit with a dish of... raw meat. That's disgusting. Where is Jane? I must talk to her this minute."
"She's not home. Did you try her office? Or call your brother? He’d likely know."
"That is exactly what I've come to talk to Jane about. She can't possibly marry Charles. He's going to marry into Society. And your family hardly qualifies as that."
"I'd prefer not to be insulted in my own home," said Lizzy, smoldering with resentment, "so if they is all you have to say, I bid you farewell, and will inform you that you aren't welcome in this house. Jane is going to marry your brother whether you like it or not. They are in love, and would like to spend their lives together. It's perfectly natural."
"But who is she? Her family isn't anyone. You aren't anyone. For all of your paddling about with Will Darcy, you're a common family, thousands like you. You must know that the only reason Will was even talking to you was because he needed you on his side to help his sister? You could never win him, dear, never. It's always been me."
"If it has always been you," said Lizzy with annoyance, "then why has he never spoken of you, never invited you places since I met you, brought you flowers, complimented you? It seems an odd sort of courtship.”
Caroline only deigned to give Lizzy an enraged stare. "You would know nothing about it. Very well. Tell Jane that I forbid her to marry my brother, would she please return the ring by the end of the week? I'll hear no more of this nonsense. Charles must be spared for Society, it is his destiny. It will all be very well. Good day."
With this extraordinary speech, Caroline opened the door and swept out onto the street. Lizzy closed the door behind her, and set the dish of chicken down on the mail table. In a daze, she leaned against the wall, and said,
"Multa sunt mulierum vitia, sed hoc e multis maximum, Cum sibi nibis placent, nimisque operam dant ut placent viris."
"What's that?" asked Charlotte, coming down the stairs. "Who was the caller that brings Latin quotations to your lips? And who is it this time, Virgil? Terence? Catullus?"
"No, Plautus. Poenulus. A little poetically, 'Women have many faults, but this the greatest from the many, that they please themselves too much, and give too little attention that they might please men'. Somewhat apt to the occasion. Caroline Bingley seeks to please herself, and not the men around her. First, she wants Jane to give up Charles so he can marry 'Society', and then she insists that Will Darcy cares for her, though I've never seen a sign. She believes what she wants to believe, with no thought for the cares of those around her. Despicable!"
"Does she honestly believe that?" asked Charlotte, incredulous. "Patrick's roommate is a shrink. Maybe they should meet. He'd find her an amazing experiment."
"I find her an amazing bore. Oh! The chicken... I've got to put it in the oven..." Lizzy dashed away with the dish of raw chicken breast, leaving Charlotte in the hall, laughing. Caroline Bingley needed her head examined.
Posted on Monday, 9 June 2003
Charles stopped by Will's office the following afternoon, with an extraordinary tale.
"Chap, would you believe it? My own sister has taken it into her head that I must not marry Jane Bennet. Have you ever heard such a load of --?" Charles broke into more forceful and insulting language than he usually used at all, much less in conjunction with a family member. Will watched in amusement. Charles Bingley's eyes had finally been opened to his sister's odd behavior.
"I know very well that she is determined to separate you. She called me last night, and tried to convince me to use my influence with you. It's no go, however. I think you two belong together at this point, and that your sister is merely resentful that you aren't going to marry someone more socially exciting."
"But if she wants to be family with some big shots, why doesn't she marry them?" asked Charles, annoyed. "I want to marry Jane. She's an angel."
"We've been through this before. Yes, she is an angel, and you will be happy together. My advice is to forget Caroline's complaints, and do what makes you happy." That's what I'll do, thought William. The other part of Caroline’s call as to berate him about his 'misleading actions' with 'that teacher Bennet'. Why was he leading her on like that? It was embarrassing for Caroline to see him giving her flowers, etc. Will wondered how she had learned about the flowers.
Caroline was indeed being more annoying than most people could imagine. Determined to have things go her way, regardless of the feelings of others, and now rather desperate, she tried to turn friend against friend, nosing, prying, anxious to win back Fitzwilliam Darcy and to marry her brother into higher society. Will was disgusted. Charles, who was happier now that he had been advised to ignore all that was unpleasant in his happy life, was delighted and cheerful. He turned to leave the office, but stopped at the door.
"I say, Will, would you be my Best Man and all?"
"Certainly," said Will, smoothly, though inside he was turbulent. Jane's best friend was her sister... Lizzy. He could imagine Lizzy in a flattering bridesmaid gown (she'd never be docile enough to wear an unflattering one), walking up the aisle... he checked his daydreams, and made a reply to Charles's enthusiastic thanks. Charles practically skipped out of the office, and Will put his head on his desk, before picking up the phone, and informing his secretary that he was taking the afternoon off with a headache. He picked up his briefcase, and walked out the door, wondering how to put his life to rights again.
Anne Fitzwilliam was surprised to see her old friend and cousin-in-law ringing the door of her home. She quickly let him in, and asked him why he was there. He mumbled, a little, and she fetched him a cup of tea, and sat him on the sofa.
"Now, tell me what is up. You don't usually leave the office early. Did the stock market crash?"
"What? No. Nothing like that. Not more than usual, anyway. I just want some advice."
"You asking me for advice? This is novel. I thought you were an important businessman who knew everything."
"I don't. I don’t know anything."
"You know things. What's wrong."
And the whole story came out, in a rush. How he had met Elizabeth Bennet, insulted her, then admired her, then fell in love with her. About the play, and Georgie, and George Wickham. About the cast party, and the inopportune cell phone call. Finally, about the chance, awkward, meeting at the school the other day, and about Charles and Jane's engagement, about Caroline Bingley. Here, Anne snorted.
"Caroline Bingley has always been like that. She went to boarding school with my cousin, Leila. Leila was always complaining about her. Managing everyone, deciding what could happen and when. Did horribly in classes, such a silly girl she was. I can see that she is a silly woman now. In fact, I'm amazed that she is as good a theater reviewer as she is. I guess it is that Society instinct. She always knows everything about the upper crust. Still, she is foolish. Ignore her. Now, what I find interesting is that you are so broken up about Lizzy Bennet. She's a dear, I like her immensely, and if she could care for you, I'd be very well pleased to have her join our circle. Mother would be furious, of course, but that scarcely matters, since I'm married to Richard."
"It's just that Elizabeth Bennet has more of a character, brain, sense of humor, determination, and looks than any other woman I've met. You can't understand my admiration for her, but when we met... I'm tongue tied, awkward."
"You'll need to get over that. Being awkward won't help. Talk to her. Really. Tell her the truth... not about your time in New York, that would make her feel obliged to be grateful to you... but tell her what you've told me, that you think she has more 'character, brain, sense of humor, determination, and looks than any other woman you've met'. That's a fairly heavy compliment, and I'm sure she won't shy away from you this time."
Will was silent, so Anne continued. "Look, as a woman, I know what a woman wants to hear. She wants to hear what you told me. That you admire her, that you admire specific things. She wants to be flattered, and especially that you admire her spirit, her brain as well as her looks. I think she knows that she is reasonably attractive. What she doesn't know is that you care so deeply. Maybe it will startle her, but she won't be able to ignore it. I don't think that she will ignore you if you talk to her honestly."
"All right," said Will, with a smile. "It will be hard, but I think that I had better give it a try."
"Good boy," said Anne, and she poured him another cup of fortifying tea. In mid pour, however, she righted the tea pot, and smiled over Will's head.
"Richard!" she exclaimed, warmly. "Have a good morning at he office?"
"Lovely. I'm enjoying this afternoons off thing. Will! What a surprise to see you. You look terrified of something. Drink Anne's tea. I'm sure it will do you good. Have you heard about our pal Charles Bingley? Getting married to that Miss Bennet? Jane, was it?"
"Yes. I'm to be best man at the wedding."
"Delightful. All your old crowd is getting hitched. It stands to reason that you’ll follow. Do I hear Wedding Bells for you? Ding Dong, William Darcy!"
Will blushed, to his own horror, and Anne stepped into the conversation.
"Richard, that's what we’ve been discussing. Don't rub it in."
"I do hear bells, then," said Richard triumphantly. "And I think I know the girl, unless you've been hiding a harem. These Bennets are interesting women."
Lizzy found herself free from grading that afternoon, and agreed to take her stack of comments and laptop outside to oversee a rousing game of capture the flag that the juniors were undertaking in a fit of spirits. The first exam had been that morning, and it had been easier than they had expected. Cheered by this, and by the fact that tomorrow's exam was in the afternoon, they decided to stay on campus and be recreational. Lizzy was brought along to supervise if for any reason anyone had to go off campus to retrieve various belongings. She settled on the front steps of the Main Building, and watching in amusement as the game began. She soon discovered that a number of students had been too late to be picked for teams, and they settled in beside her, to watch until the game was done. Lizzy was delighted to have Kitty and Georgie sit next to her.
"Hullo, chickadees. Too late for the fun and games?"
"Kitty was getting a bio review sheet," explained Georgie. "And it took longer than expected."
"Silly bio. Lizzy, cousin darling, won't you tell me about our little Latin exam?"
"It's an essay. That's all I'll say."
"Beast. What are you doing?"
"Writing comments for report cards. These are my seventh graders."
"I wouldn't know them," said Georgie, breaking into the cousinly banter.
"Right. So you two can leave me alone."
"Lizzy, is it true that Jane is getting married?"
"She hasn't told you? Yes, she is. To Charles Bingley. Who else?"
"That's marvelous," said Georgie, her eyes shining. "I like Jane, she's sweet and pretty. And Charles has always been kind. They'll be happy. Will did seem delighted about something the other day, when he called me to remind me about a dentist appointment."
"I'm glad..." faltered Lizzy, at Will's name.
Georgie smiled. "So I imagine that we'll all be at the wedding together. Where is it to be?"
"Charles' house in Vermont, I think," said Lizzy. "But it is still not certain."
"How lovely! You went up there with Charles and my brother earlier in the year, didn't you?" asked Georgie.
"Yes," said Lizzy, remembering that trip. Remembering herself and Will in the cave during Sardines, remembering Will and his quilting book. How could she have resented him then? In truth, he was a funny, charming, and highly attractive man. What a shame that she had such a horrible family... but there was a hope. Will had sounded happy about Charles' marriage plans... Lizzy collected herself, and they talked more about the wedding. Then, Alec found the girls, and invited them to take the places of two students whose bus had come. The girls grinned, and hopped up, with a little farewell wave to Lizzy.
When the game was done, Lizzy returned to her office, to put the computer away. Taking up copies of her exams, Lizzy made her way along to the copy room, where she settled in beside a machine, waiting for it to make the correct number of copies she would need, the day after tomorrow.
There was a knock on the door, and Lizzy went to open it. The copy room was the sacred place of teachers, where no students were allowed to enter. In consequence, students rapped on the door, and had their missives carried from them by teachers, and put into the correct mail box, or copied for a certain class. Lydia Long was at the door, smiling impudently, and asking Lizzy to make copies of a review sheet. Lizzy groaned a little, but took up the review sheet. She hadn't seen Lydia more than once or twice since her trip to New York, and examined her carefully, from the other side of the copy machine. She didn't seem much changed. She had done a fair amount of shopping in New York, and her outfit showed it. Her hair was styled differently, and apparently she had been seen studying, which was a change, but scarcely unusual for a high school student with exams.
"Here you are, page one," said Lizzy, taking the warm sheets from the machine, and handing them to Lydia. "I'll do the reverse in a second. There. How are you?"
"Fine, other than the exams," said Lydia, popping gum loudly in her cheek. "You?"
"Fine," said Lizzy. "Happy for Jane?"
"I like weddings," conceded Lydia, who didn't care overly much. "And this should be a good one. But Vermont? You have to be kidding me. But Charles Bingley is rich, and is bound to have a good wedding. And his hot friend will be there, Georgie's brother."
"Will," said Lizzy.
"Will," agreed Lydia. Her face assumed the expression which reads all too clearly as 'I know something you don't know'. Usually Lizzy would have ignored it, but she had a weak spot when it came to Will Darcy.
"What do you know that I don't?" asked Lizzy. "Please!"
"That would be telling, and I promised not to."
"Who? Who did you promise?"
"Why, Will Darcy, of course. But I'll tell you if you tell me something else."
"What do you want to know? I can't tell you any exam info, you know that."
"I don't want that, believe it or not. I want to know two things."
"What?" asked Lizzy, exasperated.
"One: do you think that Will Darcy is hot?"
"Yes," said Lizzy.
"Two: do you like him? I'm curious about you. Cousinly interest. Getting to know my family sort of thing."
"Lydia!"
"Do you? This is interesting. I won't tell you about my promise unless you tell me."
"Yes, I like him. He's a nice man."
"That wasn't quite what I wanted, but it will do. Here's a story to knock your socks off. Will Darcy came up to New York, right? After the play, right? And found me and that b-----d, Wickham. And knocked him out so his leg broke, right? And then paid off Wickham's debts and saw him to jail and had me checked out, and treated me to this shopping spree, right, so it would look like I was on holiday, right?"
"He what?"
"Thought you'd be interested," said Lydia, with a grin. She took the page twos from Lizzy's limp hands, and skipped off, leaving a dumbfounded Lizzy in the copy room. It wasn't until Charlotte appeared with a pile of middle school exams that she recovered her composure, and ran from the room, into her office, where she could think clearly.
Her head was still in a muddle as she heard a light knock on the door. Guessing that it was probably Charlotte, with the rest of the exams that she had abandoned in the copy room, she opened the door, putting on a cheerful, unconcerned face. Only when she saw who it was, her expression turned to one of surprise.
"Will!"
"Can I come in?" asked Will Darcy, large as life, in her doorway. "I'd like to talk to you."
"All right," said Lizzy, clearing off the seat he had used the night of the college meeting. She turned her desk chair around to face him.
"I have some explaining to do," said Will. "Do you have time to hear me out? It might take a while."
"I'm free this afternoon. Talk to me."
Will Darcy smiled at her, admiring the flushed look of her cheeks, the concerned look in her eyes, and he opened his mouth. "It's like this...," he began, taking her hand in his.
Posted on Sunday, 15 June 2003
Lizzy stared up into Will Darcy's face as he began to speak. Full of hopes, dreams, silly infatuation that she didn't quite know what to do with, she listened quietly, hoping beyond hope that he had come here to say what she dreamed of him saying.
"Lizzy, I've been upset since we talked the other day after my meeting. I don't want things to be like that between us. I finally found you, and the fact that you had to run from the cast party, I want nothing else except a return of things to how they were before all of that, when we were on the balcony. I don't suppose that I have a right to wish as much as I do, but I do wish it. Am I presumptuous? Please tell me that I am not, that I have a chance of repairing things between us."
Lizzy's face shone, and she clasped her fingers warmly around the hand that held them.
"Of course," she said, practically. "You're not presumptuous or anything like that. I also... wish... for things to be repaired, to have things as they were after the show, instead of as they were the other day."
"Loveliest Lizzy," breathed Will, a smile lighting his face.
"But before... we talk more... I must thank you."
"Thank me?"
"For what you did for Lyddie."
"Lyddie. You know?"
"She came to me just a little while ago, and said she'd tell me something about you if I answered a few questions for her. I must confess... I had a weak spot about you, answered her questions, and heard the truth. Please let me thank you, on behalf of myself and my family."
"I will accept your thanks," said Will, "but not those of your family, since I must admit that I hardly thought of them. I thought only of you, and your sad, angry face as you answered your cell phone. I wanted to make things right, but I never intended for you to find out. Could you possibly love me as a man, and not as your sister's savior, if I can even flatter myself as much to call myself that?"
"You silly man," said Lizzy, drawing nearer and stroking his cheek with the hand not held in his. "Of course I can."
"Do you think that we might see each other more often?" asked Will.
"Of course."
"Tonight?"
"If you like," replied Lizzy, her face wreathed in happy smiles.
"May I take you to dinner?"
"Yes."
"I'll pick you up."
"All right. Where? No, it doesn't matter. I'd go with you anywhere."
"Really? You've made me unspeakably happy. Lizzy, you must know that I think you are the smartest, liveliest, most beautiful woman of my acquaintance... you mustn't think me sentimental or weak, but I can't ignore you. We'll see each other often, won't we?"
"Yes. Whenever you like."
The phone rang, and Lizzy frowned. "Do you mind terribly? It might be Judy, the head of he department, my boss."
"I don't want to make things awkward for you. Should I go?"
"No... please. Just sit again. I want to talk with you, please don't go." Will sat down again, this time on the little sofa slightly removed from the desk with the telephone, allowing Lizzy a little privacy.
"Judy? Yes, I copied all of the exams. Can I get them to you in a little bit? I've got someone in the office, I'll be a bit longer. Yes. Cheers!" Lizzy hung up again, and came over to the sofa, where she settled close beside Will. The gesture heartened him, and he slid an arm about Lizzy's waist. They sat for a few moments, drinking in the other's company. After a few minutes, Lizzy raised her head from its comfortable perch on Will's shoulder, and she asked,
"Why did you ever try to separate Charles and Jane? You were apparently happy about the engagement."
"I am. Do you know everything about me?"
"You have a charming sister named Georgiana, who tells me much. I'm not sure that she quite knows the extent of my weakness for you."
"She is rather alert, Georgie. She doesn't know everything, though. I'm sorry that I ever doubted that your sister loved my friend. I'm afraid that I'm possessive about him, care for him like the brother I never had. But he is impetuous, and sometimes silly about women. I thought that Jane might like his position and money more than his character, but I found that I was wrong. I sent along Charles' note from California as penance, and now I am delighted to stand up for him at his wedding."
"Yes, there is that. I think I understand. I can be unreasonable. I know Jane so well, that I forget that others don't. She naturally is reserved about her feelings, and you couldn't know the little signs she drops for those who recognize them. But that doesn't matter any more. They are happy together. And I think that maybe we might have a chance to find a little happiness too." Lizzy smiled shyly, and nestled her head back against Will's chest, as he dropped a light kiss on her hair. Blushing abominably, Lizzy impulsively threw her arms around Will's neck.
"Will, this will sound unbearably silly, but I have a request to make of you."
"Anything," said Will, feeling that he would do anything for the charming creature who, unbelievably, seemed to care for him as much as he cared for her.
"It's about the Prom," said Lizzy, her voice muffled against Will's chest. She sat up a little more, and tried again. "It is about the Prom. I was wondering if you'd go as my date? I'm a chaperone, but I'd really... like... you to come with me. I can't promise you thrills, but you'll see your sister all dolled up, and we might be able to get to know each other a little better."
"I'd be delighted to escort you," said Will.
"Thank you," said Lizzy.
"To tell you the truth," said Will, "I never went to my senior Prom. Junior, I went with Anne, but Senior I didn't attend. I'll be delighted to make it up, as better than I could possibly have wished for. When is it, dearest?"
"Next Saturday. Can you really come?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Will assured her.
Lizzy glanced at the clock, and was alarmed to see how time had flown. "I'd better get those exams to Judy," said Lizzy, regretfully. "Will you stay around? I have a shirt that belongs to you, and well... I'd like you to be around. Judy won't take a minute, once I've found wherever I left the exams. I was in a bit of a... hurry... when I left the copy room." Will noted her sheepish smile, but agreed to wait for her to be free again. He wanted to stay.
Lizzy opened the door of her office, preparing to run across to the copy room to fetch the abandoned exams. However, it proved unnecessary, since the exams were sitting, neatly stacked and stapled in the doorway, with a note pinned on top.
Good luck it said, in Charlotte's handwriting I'm sorry that I listened through the keyhole, but that was better than barging in. You're absolutely right gorgeous. Lizzy blushed at the note, and quickly slid it under a pile of papers on her desk. She picked up the exams. "I'll be a moment," she said. "Judy is just down the hall." Lizzy scampered out of the door, leaving Will alone.
She was gone longer than he expected, and an unusual desire came over him to see what the note Lizzy had blushed at had said. He tiptoed across the room, and located the note. He laughed to himself, absurdly pleased at the notion that Lizzy found him attractive, and had shared that thought with others. He slid the paper back, and sat down on the couch again. Lizzy wasn't much longer.
"I said I'd find you your shirt," she said shyly, coming back into a room where the man of her dreams had confessed to admiring her, both in body and brains. It was a trifle overwhelming, and the short scuffle in a drawer helped prepare her to talk to Will again, although she knew very well where the shirt was. Locating it, she came back over to where Will sat, and laid it in his lap.
"I'm still so sorry about the paint can," Lizzy apologized.
"No, I'm sorry for spilling it,” said Will. "But good things came from it. You looked fetching in my shirt that evening."
"Did I?" asked Lizzy, with an impish smile. "Good old 'Gypsy'. I'll miss it. I'm glad you let Georgie audition."
"So am I," agreed Will, with feeling. If he hadn't, he never would have been able to convince Lizzy that he liked her. Never gotten to know her well, beyond whenever Jane and Charles each had their best friends about.
“Would you like the see the set again?” asked Lizzy, wanting to show it to Will. "It is scheduled for striking tomorrow. We've all be swamped, so despite the fact that everything else, costumes and things, were put away, there is still the set up."
"I'd like to see it," said Will, imagining Lizzy explaining each piece, her eyes alight with interest, and her character seeped in the happiness and energy that the stage gave her. Lizzy picked up Will's shirt again, and they walked out of the office on each others' arms. As they crossed the campus, one or two students pointed. Georgie and Kitty stopped dead in their tracks, with surprise and delight.
Lizzy and Will, however were oblivious of the students and their reactions. Wrapped up in each other, and the new found mutual affection they shared, they talked of 'shoes and ships and sealing wax' until they reached the theater. Lizzy opened the door, and showed Will onto the stage through a back entrance.
Pieces of scenery stood about in abandon, ghosts of the show. Will located the pieces he had lightly splattered on the day his shirt was ruined. Running his fingers along the muslin, he smiled. Lizzy returned the smile, and showed him the various pieces, carefully describing how she made each, all the while enjoying Will's caress, his caring words. Flushed, Lizzy finally ended the tour. They found themselves walking up to the first level of the flies, where Will had helped lower pipes. Staring out over the balcony, Lizzy was supremely happy, standing there with the man she loved, who, by all accounts, loved her.
Blissful to the point where she stopped thinking about love, and began to think of everything else with a rose colored glass, Lizzy found herself thinking of the play again, the wonderful actors, the set, the music, sitting in the front row with a certain man, a beautiful bouquet that was presented to her with heartfelt thanks. Lizzy smiled to herself, and found herself picking up an old script from Gypsy.
"What's that?" asked Will, in his beautiful, deep voice.
"Script," said Lizzy. She settled onto the arm of the ancient arm chair over to the side of the platform. Will followed, and settled into the chair, gazing at Lizzy in adoration. He still was surprised that this vibrant, intelligent, beautiful and talented woman wanted to spend her time with him.
"Let me see it," said Will, and Lizzy turned about, so that she was curled towards Will, the script in his lap.
"What's that one?" asked Will, as they came to a song, printed out in block letters on the middle of page nineteen.
" 'Small World'," replied Lizzy. "Do you remember it?" She began to sing, and Will delighted in the way her voice was singing to him, and him alone.
“Funny, you're a stranger who's come here
Come from another town.
Funny, I'm a stranger myself here -
Small world, isn't it?
Funny, you're a man who goes traveling
Rather than settling down.
Funny, 'cause I'd love to go traveling -
Small world, isn't it?"
"Small and Funny and Fine,” ended Will. "I know it doesn't go there, but I rather love the world right now." He smiled at Lizzy on her perch, and moved over in the wide old chair. "It'll be a bit tight, but you are slender. Come, sit next to me, instead of hovering in the air like that. You might fly away, and then where would I be?" Lizzy grinned, and slid down beside Will. It was a tight fit, but she rather enjoyed her proximity. She balanced the script over both of their laps, and turned a few pages, to hide the blush she felt creeping onto her cheeks.
"I'll never forget this song," said Lizzy, pointed to page forty-eight. Will smiled.
"Caroline... that old cow. Not to insult the one in the play of course," he said playfully. "Can you believe that she wanted me to separate Jane and Charles? I understand now all too well about them, and I couldn't ever."
Lizzy looked at Will, with gratitude. "Thank you for telling me that, Will. I thought maybe I was along sometimes. Caroline paid a visit to us," Lizzy smiled, recalling the chicken, "and I had a terrible time convincing her that Jane loved Charles. But she does, you know that now."
"I know." Will laughed, and remembered the tune Georgie had sung as June. " 'I have a moo cow, a new cow, a true cow named Caroline...' Take away the true part, and I think that just about does it." Will somehow managed to fit his arm around Lizzy, and she snuggled against his side again. She felt startlingly familiarly comfortable. Will turned a few more pages, stopping on page sixty-three, at "All I Need is a Girl". His face was sit by a smile for a moment, as he stumbled with the tune.
" 'If she'll
Just appear, we'll
Take this big town for a whirl,
And if she'll say, 'My
Darling I'm yours,' I'll throw away my
Striped tie and my best-pressed tweed -
All I really need
Is the girl!' Darling?" Will stopped, a transformed man, forward and confidant in his love, and he looked at Lizzy. "You'll have to move a little if I'm to be able to kiss you properly."
"Naturally," said Lizzy, and she moved.
Down below, Georgie and Kitty had entered the theater. Gazing into the flies, they tiptoed away, with giant smiles on their faces.
Posted on Monday, 20 October 2003
Georgie Darcy trailed up the steps of the Franklin Institute on Alec’s arm, smiling as loud music escaped from the open door of the museum.
“Sounds decent,” she commented to her escort. Alec grinned, and then caught sight of Kitty and Sam, elegantly attired. Kitty and Georgie hugged carefully, avoiding mussing each other’s clothes or make up.
“You look beautiful!” Kitty said. “This will be an awesome Prom, the music is already better than last year.”
“Where was the Prom last year?” asked Georgie, as they reached the door, and passed through it.
“Academy of the Natural Sciences,” Kitty replied, grinning.
“The Dinosaur Museum?” Georgie was surprised.
“Yep. It was hilarious. This ought to be grand.” They reached the beginning of a receiving line of teachers and chaperones, all dressed beautifully, and looking entirely unlike their normal day selves. After greeting their grade advisor, and several other teachers, they came across Lizzy, looking remarkably happy and beautiful in a sage green satin gown.
"Lizzy!" Kitty erupted happily. “You look great!”
"So do you all, chickpeas," Lizzy replied, happily.
"Is Will around?” asked Georgie, grinning.
"Of course,” said her brother, appearing. “I wouldn't leave Lizzy on her own. Someone might run away with her.”
Lizzy laughed. “You never know with these high school students who are a full ten years younger than me...” Will took her arm possessively anyway, as a new group of high schoolers arrived, and made their way down the line. Kitty, Georgie, and their dates were called aside to have their pictures taken, and then entered the large, grand hall.
“Oh, Lord...” Lizzy groaned, catching sight of a figure across the hall, hurriedly approaching her. “It's Wilfred Collins. What on earth could he want from me?”
“If he wants a dance, tell him I’ve got them all.”
“Willingly.” Will held Lizzy, but still the sweaty apparition approached.
“Lizzy Bennet,” he oozed, looking very odd in dress clothes, especially when compared to Will’s look of correctness and comfort, “You look lovely this evening. Would you dance with me some time early this evening? I’m afraid that I have an important task to carry out for the latter part of the evening.”
“I’m sorry,” said Lizzy, struggling to keep a straight face. Will raised an eyebrow at her scarcely concealed mirth. “But I’m afraid that I’ve promised all of my dances to Will this evening.” Wilfred noticed Will Darcy for the first time, and slowly backed away.
“Naturally... naturally...” he practically fled at Will’s stern look. Lizzy smiled, and then finally let her laughter go, falling into Will’s comfortable and ready arms.
“Now, Lizzy, what is that makes you laugh so much?”
“His ‘important task’ was of my doing... I arranged it with the board to have him assigned to the men’s bathroom the whole of the second half of the evening. It was really genius, since now no one will want to linger in there with him.”
“Well, he’ll be out of your hair, then. Good. Come, the line has thinned out and the music is getting better. Would you dance this one with me, Miss Bennet?”
“Indeed, it would be a pleasure, Mr. Darcy.” Fitzwilliam Darcy escorted the love of his life onto the floor, and put the young upperclassmen to shame.
After an hour or so of dancing, the group proceeded into another room with a high ceiling, decorated beautifully, where dinner was set out along a large buffet. Lizzy, thoroughly happy was in excellent spirits and looks, and merrily talked to various students as Will talked to Georgie and Alec across the room. It was astonishing how Will had now taken to Alec, and Georgie appreciated both the loosened attitude of her brother and the friendliness that had developed between two of the males she cared most about. Lizzy smiled across the room at her young student, who was watching the two talk animatedly about the start of the baseball season. Lizzy’s attention was soon distracted from this happy scene, however, by Charlotte, beautifully dressed in dark violet and light gray.
“A happier evening than last year for you?” asked Charlotte.
“Far more enjoyable,” replied Lizzy, her eyes scarcely leaving the face of her beloved across the room. Then, focusing herself, she asked “How is Patrick enjoying this?”
“He finds it rather invigorating to be surrounded by so many happy young people. We’re having a pleasant evening, and most people seem to be behaving themselves. So, chaperoning is scarcely an arduous task.”
“I’d have to agree. It has been an exceptionally pleasant evening. I enjoy seeing everyone dressed so beautifully. You’d never imagine how well these young men clean up when they wear pants at their hips and put on a decent dress shirt.”
“Does Will like you admiring the young ones?”
“Silly. Why would I ever want anyone other than Will? I just said I was amazed, since I hardly think that the male students are flattered by modern fashion.”
“Agreed. But at least you get upper schoolers with a sense of identity. Middle school, Lizzy, is all about image. And I must say that is is trying. What is this dish, do you think?” Charlotte had picked up a plate, and examined a steaming dish.
“Couscous? Smells good, I’ll snag some.”
“Good idea. Where are you sitting?”
“Table six. Will wanted to be on the edge of the chaperone group. Come join us. Where’s Pat?”
“Restroom. I’ll find him in a minute and tell him where we’ll be.” The two women filled plates, and found their way over to table six, where Will had slung his jacket over a chair, and was resting a minute.
“Good food, darling?” he addressed Lizzy, with a dazzling smile. Lizzy could only marvel again how astonishing and lovely it was that this man had opened up so well.
“Excellent. Is there room for Charlie and Pat?”
“Certainly. I’d better get some food. I’ll be back in a moment.”
“Try some of the mixed salad, it’s excellent.” Will sauntered across the room, looking as if he owned the place, and Lizzy smiled at his back. Patrick approached the table now, shaking his head.
“There was an odd little man in the restroom. Talking to anyone who came in about some woman he used to work for. Disturbing, since he seemed to be upset about something. And then he was mumbling about the Skybike, and how it reminded him of something that the Aztecs had used... I don’t think it would have been possible. Who is that guy?”
Lizzy laughed heartily. “Wilfred Collins. A thoroughly nasty man. Thank goodness he’s finally out of my hair. Hope you can recover enough to try some food?”
“Always can recover. Be back in a minute.” Charlotte and Lizzy exchanged glances, and smiled at each other.
“Isn’t it lovely to have someone you can love so much?” asked Charlotte.
“It is,” said Lizzy, her eyes also fixed on the line for the buffet.
August brought Jane and Charles’s wedding, at his house in Vermont. The grounds looked radically different than they had the proceeding March, when Jane had last been a guest in the house. The snow was gone, and the land was sparkling and green. A few trees were beginning to betray hints of gold in their leaves, but the air was still pleasantly warm. A pavilion had been set up along one end of the large lawn, and the flower beds were immaculate, with the sun lighting upon early marigolds and chrysanthemums.
The morning before the ceremony found the Bennet clan in Charles’s neighbor’s house, which had been lent to him for the occasion. Jane was unusually fidgety, as Lizzy and Kitty helped her to tidy her hair after she had donned her wedding gown. Mrs. Bennet was thankfully absent for a short period, and the cousins breathed out as Jane stood up, looking magnificent in her wedding gown.
“You look beautiful, Jane,” said Kitty. “And happy.”
“Of course she does,” said Lizzy, wiping away a single tear. “Mother will be here in a minute, so we’d better get your veil on, if you don’t want her fussing.”
“It’s a mother’s job to fuss on her daughter’s wedding day,” said Mrs. Bennet, coming in.” She was in an excellent mood, well pleased with the breakfast that had been provided. “Stand up straighter, Jane. Lizzy, shift the veil a little more to the right, it’s off center. Kitty, can you hold my bag a minute. Where is Lyddie?”
“In the shower. She’ll be ready in time.”
“Good. There, now, Jane. You look lovely. Come give your mother a hug. I’m very proud of you. Charles is a lovely man, and a wonderful catch.” Jane and her mother shared a light hug, conscious of the white gown and veil. Lizzy kissed Jane on the cheek.
“I’ve never seen a prettier bride. Good luck to the both of you. You’re ready a full fifteen minutes before schedule Isn’t that a good omen?”
“If it isn’t, I’ll call on you to watch the skies,” teased Jane. “Is it birds on the right or the left that are lucky?”
“Right. Left is sinister.”
“Oh, Lizzy, stop prattling. Get your sister downstairs and into the car.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The sisters exited the room, and walked down the stairs to where Mr. Bennet was waiting to take his daughter over to the church. Mrs. Bennet beamed at their backs. She turned to Kitty.
“Well, well. You ought to take a lesson from those two girls, Kitty. Jane is marrying that handsome young attorney less than a year after they met, and Lizzy is well on her way with that charming business man.” Kitty laughed quietly, and met her aunt’s look with a nod.
The rest of the Bennet connections found their way to the pavilion in Charles’s garden, where the ceremony was to be. The Gardiners, delighted for their niece, were attired beautifully and waiting expectantly, beside the Longs. Lydia was reasonably dressed, and looking mildly interested as she scanned the assembly, looking for attractive men. However, these mostly seemed to be on the arms of attractive women, she shifted her attention to the clothing of the latter. Mrs. Bennet, beside the entry, chattered on and on to anyone who would still bother to listen, keeping an eye towards the path the bride would be coming along.
Charles Bennet looked thoroughly happy and thoroughly terrified. Darcy, as his best man tried to reassure him, but Charles was so happy and so terrified that something would go wrong that there was no reasoning with him. Will was himself distracted, wanting Lizzy to come in with the rest of the wedding party, wanting to dance with her, to steal her away from the group and spend time alone with her. He was delighted for his friend, but eager to spend time with his own love.
All of Charles’s guests were not entirely happy. Although the Hursts were cheerful enough, looking forward to the society of the gathering and to the food to be served at the reception, Caroline Bingley wore a sour expression. Two blows following so closely to one another had made her distrust the name Bennet. Not only was her brother marrying one of the upstart hussies (and expecting her to be happy about it), but Will Darcy had had the audacity to date another Bennet. The women were everywhere, and everyone expected Caroline to be pleased about this. Cool and detached, she watched the guests with a critical eye, her gaze lingering on several individuals who would be worth talking to at the reception. If only the wedding would be over soon, so that she could flee back to the city. The country was so droll, and there were cows in the neighbor’s field the year. Cows!
Suddenly the small organ, specially imported for the occasion from Anne and Richard’s home, began to play the wedding march, and the whole occasion turned into a swirl of happiness, color, and joy. The groom stood straighter as his intended swept down the aisle on her father’s arm. The best man began to smile broadly as the head bride’s maid appeared, looking resplendent in a golden-brown dress that flattered her complexion and eyes, eyes that lingered on the best man, across the raised platform on which the minister stood. Mrs. Bennet was ready to cry with delight at the whole affair, and Mr. Bennet stood stoic, watching his eldest daughter leave him and his protection for a bright future in a new home.
The ceremony went smoothly, without too much stuttering, and with no dramatic declarations to disrupt the proceedings. The bride and groom were declared man and wife, and the whole party left the pavilion for another, beside a fishpond with a fountain in the center. Pictures were taken, and finally the group was allowed to sit and eat, sampling all of the food provided by the efficient caterers. Will finally found himself beside his beloved, who was delighted to be beside him again.
“Darling, did you have a good wedding?” she asked, teasing.
“A very good wedding. Jane and Charles seem so happy that I am surprised that their feet have not yet left the ground.”
“I’ll make sure that there are sandbags about if they show signs of levitation,” Lizzy promised solemnly, and Will took her hand and squeezed it. They were suddenly interrupted by Anne and Richard, who had approached, beaming gently.
“There you are, Will. Good job performing your duties and all of that. You too, Lizzy.”
“Thank you, Richard.”
“You made a lovely couple there, you know. Will, I told you Lizzy was a nice girl.”
“Of course, Richard.”
“You look happy.”
“Yes, Richard.”
“For Heaven’s sake, Richard, leave the two alone. Yes you told us all that they would be an ideal couple, now why don’t you allow them a little time on their own to demonstrate that perfection. Let’s go find Georgie and her friend.”
“Georgie and Kitty are by the fish pond,” said Lizzy.
“Very well. Come, Richard, come pester them.”
“All right, darling.” They departed.
“Did they really tell you that we’d be an ideal couple?” asked Lizzy, an eyebrow arched.
“Something like that. But I figured it out myself, as well.”
“Naturally.”
With Christmas hastily approaching, Lizzy found herself ready for vacation, and thankful that midterms were held in January, after the break. Taking advantage of the free weekend, Lizzy and Will planned to have dinner together, before taking Georgie off to buy a Christmas tree. Lizzy was a little surprised when Will arrived a full twenty minutes early, and without Georgie.
“Will! You’re early. Where is Georgie?”
“She’s meeting us there. I brought you a present.”
“You didn’t need to.”
“I wanted to. I thought it would be a good gift to help fill some space, since Jane is gone.”
“That was kind of you. I do see Jane every week, though, it isn’t like she’s stepped out of my life.”
“I know, darling. Come out to the car.”
“Give me a minute to slip on my boots, it’s icy out.” Will watched her as he waited for her to lace her boots.
“I’m afraid that I must ask you to help me carry it inside.”
“Making me work for the gift! All right.” She followed him outside, to the sleek car, which had amazingly found a spot outside the twin house. On the back seat was a large box, which Will picked up.
“Will you shut the car and open the door of the house, darling?”
“Yes.” She watched curiously as he hefted the box through the door, and then set it down in the hall, after she had shut the front door again.
“You don’t have to keep it right now, I can take care of it until you are ready, but I brought you a friend.”
“A friend? Oh!” Lizzy opened the lid of the box, and saw a small puppy curled up, sleeping on a rumpled blanket. “You remembered that I had always wanted a dog...”
“I remember everything you wish for. Do you like her?”
“She’s adorable.” Lizzy reached down, and stroked the velvety flank of the puppy. “A chocolate lab?”
“Yes. Your favorite breed.”
“Will, thank you! Though I can scarcely take care of her yet... I’ll need food, and a bed and toys...”
“Which is why this little lady is going back to her mother for a week or so. I’ll get you whatever you need, I want the two of you to be good friends.”
“We will, Will. Thank you.”
“Is that all of the thanks I get?” Will teased, as Lizzy pulled him close and kissed him firmly.
“What are you going to call her?” asked Will.
“What, you haven’t named her yet?”
“I’ve been calling her Gypsy, actually,” Will admitted.
“A highly suitable name.”
“I’m glad you think so. Well, shall we drop Gyp with her mother on our way to the restaurant?”
“I’ll run and get my good shoes and coat. Thank you, Will.” She blew him a kiss as she ran up the stairs, and he picked up Gypsy, and kissed her small snout. “You’re a lucky pup, girlie, going to live in a house with this woman. But then, maybe I can unite the families? I certainly intend to try. I wouldn’t let two such lovely ladies live alone, would I?” Gyp opened her tiny eyes and stared at him, before exploring his thumb with her small pink tongue.
“This tree seems tall enough, Will,” said Georgie, pointing to a large balsam.
“You are certainly picky, you Darcys,” Lizzy grumbled, good-naturedly.
“It must be a balsam, they smell the best,” argued Will. “And if you have a ten foot ceiling, you ought to use it.”
“I’ve never had a tree above six feet in my life,” said Lizzy.
“Poor you,” said Georgie. “I’ll go find the man, and see if he could unwrap this one, so I can see if it is full enough.” Will watched his sister skip off in search of the man who had shown them where the tall balsams were located.
“Would you like to have a tree as tall as this one?” asked Will, drawing Lizzy aside, behind a row of Douglas firs.
“Will, you’ve bought me a dog, I don’t need you to buy me a tree.”
“I don’t mean that. Lizzy, would you like to be a part of the Darcy family, and always have a tree like that?”
“Is that supposed to be the only reason I’d want to join the Darcy family?” Lizzy’s eyes were challenging, and she wasn’t exactly sure what to make of Will’s question. However, his steady gaze and next statement were clear enough.
“Lizzy, I love you. Will you marry me?”
“Yes. For the tree, the dog, your sister... and you. I love you, Will.”
“I’m glad of that. Come here before Georgie gets back with her burly lumberjack.”
When Georgie came back with the Christmas tree handler she caught sight of her brother and Lizzy kissing passionately behind a row of trees. She smiled to herself, and said nothing, instead instructing the man to cut the net on the tall balsam. If she was right, there would be three of them sharing this Christmas.
“Everything is coming up roses for me and for you,” whispered Georgie. The future certainly looked bright and hopeful for her, her brother, and her former teacher. She watched the man fluff out the branches of the balsam. “Or, rather, balsams. We’ll take it. All three of us.”