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Chapter 31
"This isn't so bad. You're fine, right? You haven't said anything stupid. You've certainly acted like a mute idiot, but at least you didn't make a complete fool of yourself." Elisa stared nervously at her reflection in the mirror, attempting to apply a little powder to her nose. She had excused herself to the restroom after the plates had been cleared, hoping to spend as much time away from her companions as she could without seeming eccentric.
Had he had the decency to stop staring at her, maybe she could have swallowed a bite without feeling like a freak-show at the circus. But to her dismay, and growing concern, Darcy had not stopped his incessant gaze. What was he trying to prove? That he could intimidate her with only a mere glance, a raise of his eyebrow, the slightest curl in his lip? I'll show him, she thought, very much vexed at the confusion of thoughts and emotions that were beginning to tear her sanity to shreds. He can't scare me.
But what had he meant by "but wait until dessert'? Was he flirting with me? No, impossible. She laughed at her silliness, and soon found herself much more comfortable in her skin. Her presumption that his stern stare had any amorous feeling behind it now confirmed as schoolgirl foolishness, Elisa immediately felt the stupidity of her behavior the whole night. She had so far expected any "date" to involve flirting and coquetry of that nature that she quite forgot that his reason - at least, what she divined as his reason - for accompanying her were of a much different sort: to protect his sister. And she did commend him, a little, for feeling responsible, but she would have much rather he had not offered to come, for Georgiana's sake.
And maybe for her own sake, as well.
"Maybe she didn't notice me staring." Darcy stood in front of the restroom mirror, talking to himself. This was becoming such a habitual occurrence lately that he was beginning to feel it was a very bad sign. Luckily, the restroom was empty and he could chastise himself a little more before returning to the table.
"Of course she noticed." He splashed some water on his face, hoping it would somehow bring him back to his senses - senses that he was sure were on the verge of being lost to uncontrollable emotion. "She's not blind."
A gust of wind caused the door to swing slightly, and he hurried to dry his hands and leave the room lest another person caught him talking pathetically to his reflection.
You're a sad, sad man, William Darcy. He smirked.
As he returned to their table, Elisa was already seated. Georgiana and Jared were sharing a bowl of bittersweet chocolate soufflé and pistachio ice cream, staring contentedly at each other. He sat down and looked at Elisa, who was helplessly picking at her dessert, looking a little uncomfortable.
"You don't like the sorbet?" He asked.
She looked startled. "Oh, no... I'm not very hungry."
"I see."
It occurred to her that she wasn't being polite. "Did you want it?"
"No, but thank you for offering." He smiled. "I usually bring a pastry home to enjoy later."
"Oh." She continued stirring the melting dessert, looking at him curiously.
"What?"
"I just find this dinner to be a little bit unbelievable." Elisa stated simply. "That I'm sitting here, with you, on their date." She looked over at the couple, which seemed to have completely forgotten anyone else's existence except for themselves. "They are sweet, aren't they?"
"I suppose." He looked over at his younger sister and what he guessed was now officially her boyfriend. Jared seemed harmless enough, too quiet and meek to make any serious moves anytime soon. And Richard had mentioned the young man's name several times, praising him as an up-and-coming designer with great potential.
He wonder if Georgiana knew Jared was the nephew of Gabriel Kingston, the friend of their father's that they regarded as a distant uncle - even though they, personally, didn't like him that much. Kingston, as he was called, was often trying to push his daughter Anne onto Darcy, no matter how many times he declined to take her out to dinner, making business an excuse. But Kingston was a determined man, if not an astute businessman and wealthy client of Pemberley, and still cherished hopes for his daughter. But to Darcy's relief, Anne had been in Europe for almost half a year, living abroad in a university exchange program.
"Are you ready to leave?" Georgiana's voice lifted him out of his thoughts.
He smiled at her kindly. "Of course."
Eliot came back to their table, asking if Darcy wanted the dinner charged to his account. He nodded, got up and waited for Elisa to do the same so he could escort her outside. Jared looked as if he wanted to protest, but Georgiana silently laid a hand on his arm, and he understood Darcy's willingness to pay for the expensive outing was a sign of his approval. Otherwise, he would have had no scruple in making Jared bear the burden of the cost. The four of them retrieved their coats and waited outside for their car to come around the block, which apparently had been circling the area for the better part of two hours unable to find suitable parking.
After a short drive, they arrived at the Nederlander just as the doors were being opened. A large crowd huddled on the sidewalk, waiting impatiently to enter the decidedly warmer theatre. Darcy took Elisa's arm instinctively, pulling her away from a particularly rowdy man standing at the corner of the street. She was too surprised at his sudden hold on her to say anything at first. But as they conglomerated into the mass of people, she was deciding whether or not to remind him he was still unnecessarily touching her. The pressure of his warm hand now on her shoulder was becoming worrying, and Elisa wondered what was going through his mind. Sure, it was nice to be shielded from the seemingly insane individuals roaming New York City at night, but to be held so possessively was starting to scare her.
Then as suddenly as it happened, Darcy removed his hand. He hadn't said a word the whole time, staring into the blur of eager faces pushing towards the doors. Elisa didn't know what to do other than look for Georgiana, who was only a few feet away holding hands with Jared. She smiled, oblivious to the look of confusion on Elisa's face, and yelled over the increasing noise that her brother had their tickets and would he mind going slower. Elisa nodded and turned to stop him from advancing any farther. He had moved off to the side, his back turned to her. She wasn't sure what he was doing, but he obviously wasn't trying to get in. Maybe he was ill?
Elisa pushed her way to him, the crowd thinning as they disappeared into the building. "Mr. Darcy, is something wrong?"
He turned around, wallet in hand. Retrieving the tickets, he handed them to her wordlessly; his head was bowed, his breathing strained.
"Are you okay?" She asked, concerned.
"Fine." He mumbled, after a few moments of silence. "The crowd, you know. I can't stand the crush."
Georgiana and Jared were a little ways off, waiting for them to come over. "Look, we'll give your sister her tickets so they can be seated first. And I'll wait with you out here while you take a breather, okay?" She suggested without a second thought. She touched his arm, and he flinched.
"No, it's alright. You three go in first. I'll be but a moment." He took a deep breath and gave a reassuring smile. "I'm fine, I just need some air."
Elisa didn't look convinced of his well-being.
"Please. I'll be there in a few minutes."
She gave him one last final look before taking three of the tickets and going to their group to explain the delay. Darcy wasn't sure what she had told them, but at one point Georgiana looked over at him and raised her eyebrows. He waved them in with his hand, hoping they would not make too much of it, and the trio eventually disappeared into the theatre. Left alone on the sidewalk, faint music beginning to play, seeping through the doors and into his ears, Darcy shuddered and took several deep breaths.
What am I doing? He held the leather jacket close to himself, the night slowly growing colder.
It wasn't the crowd like he said - although he didn't like being surrounded by groups of people, it wasn't why he suddenly had to get away.
Her skin. Her smell...
He tried to shake the thoughts out of his head, but couldn't. He had touched her, held her arm, held her close, close enough to breath the spicy ginger perfume wafting from her hair. What was he thinking, touching her like this? Possessively, as if she was his?
You're an idiot. A tiny voice said. You can't do this. You have obligations.
Don't listen to him. Another voice responded. You like her. Explore this; don't let it die away. If you do, you'll regret it.
You can find another woman. She isn't the one for you.
How do you know? Have you ever found another woman than can make you breathless and dizzy, that can make you feel so wonderfully confused? Face it, you're in love with her.
Love? Ha!
"Shut up." Darcy mumbled to himself, trying to stop the voice of his conscience from driving him insane.
"Talking you yourself, eh?" A voice from behind said, with a hint of a smile.
He turned around and found Elisa standing behind him, rubbing her hands to keep warm.
"What are you doing out here?"
"Waiting for you. I thought that was obvious... Don't worry, I got the love birds in safely." She grinned. "You're alright now?"
He hesitated. "Yes, I think I am."
"Come on, you'll make me miss the show." She offered her arm. "I'm told that I will love it."
I don't think she knows what she's getting into.
He took it, determined not to over think everything. At least for that night.
I don't think you do either...
Chapter 32
The cloak of night surrounded them as they strolled side-by-side, enjoying the comfort of their mutual silence. With great self-restraint, Darcy fought back the urge to clasp her hand in his as they walked down the sidewalk. He looked up briefly at his sister holding hands with her date, up ahead a little ways, and for a second envied Jared's courage. Had he had the nerve to tell her how he felt, he would have already.
The moment he first laid eyes on her from across the street, her light form flitting from machine to machine at the coffee shop. The night on the balcony at the Christmas party, where she looked so vulnerable. The night of the benefit fashion show, her body swathed in that glorious silk. The brownies. The bath...
Your eyes
As we said our goodbyes
Can't get them out of my mind
And I find I can't hide from
Your eyes
The ones that took me by surprise
The night you came into my life
Where there's moonlight
I see your eyes...
Her haunting mezzo-soprano voice lifted him back to the present. She was beside him, pressing her cream coat tightly to herself, softly singing the words from one of the songs they had heard at the show. It was nearing midnight, but here they were walking the streets. Elisa was determined to take the short walk home from the theatre to her apartment by herself, but he couldn't think of letting her do such a thing. So instead, all four of them walked together, Davis told to drive the sedan ahead and wait.
How'd I let you slip away
When I'm longing so to hold you...
He joined in smoothly, his baritone complimenting her mezzo-soprano very well. She turned her face to his, smiling. They continued singing together in low, hushed tones as to not upset the peaceful ambiance of night. There was something delicious in the falling snow, the chill air that gave her cheeks a rosy blush, the brilliant stars glittering in the velvet expanse of the sky.
Now I'd die for one more day
'Cause there's something I should have told you
There's something I should have told your
When I looked into your eyes...
Darcy took the initiative and held her gaze. She stopped singing, mysteriously subdued into silence.
Why does distance make us wise?
You were the song all along
And before the song dies
I should tell you...
"Hurry up you guys, or we'll miss the crossing light." Jared called to them, breaking their visual link - that brief moment Darcy could have sworn he saw something stir in her heart, her eyes shining like diamonds in the moonlight.
"We better catch up." Elisa said after a second of silence, a little flustered.
He nodded in agreement, but she did not see. She had already quickened her pace, her back to him, oblivious to the disappointment in his face. Darcy shrugged off the feeling, uncomfortable in the sense of his inability to control his emotions... Had he really wanted to tell her? Was he even sure what he felt was real?
Jared engaged Elisa in conversation, the pair of them gaily chatting as they crossed the street. Georgiana waited for him, smiling apologetically.
Apologetically?
Darcy took her arm without a word, acquiescing to the switch in walking companions without a hint of complaint. But something within him wanted to claim Elisa for his own, to pour forth his soul and spill the words aching to be said, to tell her how much he wanted her, how much he needed her...
Georgiana patted his hand, looking ahead as they walked. She understood his longing for love, his desire for a real connection with another person. He silently looked at his sister's hand on his arm, wondering how much she already knew... But she knew everything. She had planned everything. And with a little help from Richard and several of their other friends, Georgiana hoped that what she saw between her brother and her friend would blossom into love, a solid foundation of support each of them desperately craved.
They were standing outside her apartment. Jared was helping Georgiana into the waiting sedan. And he was standing there, not fully aware of his surroundings. Had he already bid her goodnight? He tried to form the words with his mouth, but she was gone. Time was moving slowly one moment, then quickly the next.
Darcy climbed gratefully into the car, suddenly feeling completely drained.
I should tell you
I have always loved you
You can see it in my eyes...
"How was it?"
Elisa uttered a startled cry before realizing it was Janine.
"Remind again why I gave you the key to my apartment."
"So if you were in any life threatening danger, I would be able to come in save you. And, so that I could have unlimited access to your closet." Janine deadpanned, pulling Elisa into the room and closing the front door. "Come on, how was it?"
Elisa tried to think of words to describe the night, but everything had seemed so surreal. One moment she was grounded - Mr. Darcy nothing more than Georgiana's brother, a friendly acquaintance - the next moment she was floating - he was singing with her... to her... The only fixed thought she had was that it was somehow very wrong. Whatever had happened, whatever she suspected he or she was feeling... it wasn't right. She wasn't ready to consider the fact that it could have meant something more.
"I guess it was nice."
"Nice?" Janine balked. "Just nice?"
Elisa slightly furrowed her eyebrows, thinking. "I don't know, Jay-Ray... Just nice."
"The dinner?"
"Nice."
"The show?"
"Nice."
Janine gave up questioning, knowing full well she wasn't going to get any substantial answers that night. She left Elisa a few minutes later and crossed the street to her own apartment. Elisa watched as her friend left and instantly felt bad for not being forthcoming about her feelings. The problem was that she wasn't sure of what she could say that wouldn't sound like she had been released from the mental institution the day before. The confusion of emotions terrified her, disabling her ability to put into words the thoughts she had wanted to express.
She suddenly felt empty.
"This wasn't the plan. You weren't supposed to care."
Elisa threw herself onto her bed, not bothering to change into her nightclothes.
"Don't make meaning where there is none. Don't let yourself go..."
She stared up at the ceiling.
You'll get hurt... just like the last time.
Chapter 33
It was an unconscious decision on his part to seek her out whenever possible. However, it was a conscious decision on her part to avoid him at all costs. This was the game they played the two weeks leading up to the anticipated Los Angeles trip. It was almost a ballet the way they moved, one person walking down the hall on the look out, the other slipping past the next second. Darcy started having lunch with Georgiana down in her studio office and Elisa started eating out. She didn't question his sudden appearance - not wanting to delve into matters she really didn't want to know about - but she went out of her way to evade Darcy whenever he happened to be walking in her direction.
As for Darcy, he couldn't quite figure out why Elisa was never in her office when he came to visit. But his increasing frustration in never being able to catch her slowly vanished. The determined date for departure arrived, and he soon found himself sitting on his bed, suitcase open and clothes scattered, contemplating the events of the next day. Davis was to drive them to La Guardia at five in the morning - their flight to Los Angeles scheduled to leave at roughly 6:30am. At the airport they were to meet with the other members of their traveling party, retrieve their tickets, and proceed in boarding the plane to the West Coast.
His thoughts kept drifting to her. Miss Elisabeth Bennet. The only woman that had ever made him feel completely uneasy with himself in her presence. Sure, he acted confident and charming on the outside, but inside his senses reeled, his heart pounded furiously within his chest, his breath caught and for minutes at a time he couldn't think properly. And it wasn't just the physical attraction... there was something about her that pulled him to her, lured him like a siren's song.
"Are you going to sit there all day?" Georgiana came into his room holding a neat stack of clean laundry. She looked disapprovingly at the mess on his bed. Picking up an errant sock, she playfully threw it at him. Darcy didn't bother to move. "Why so glum?"
"I'm not 'glum'. I'm exhausted." He fell back ungracefully into the piles of shirts and trousers. "And yes, I am going to sit here all day. I refuse to pack."
Georgiana sat down beside him, pulling at the clothes he laid upon heavily. She "tsked" and "tutted" until he gave up and left the room so she could pack for him. She was the clothes designer in the family, after all, and probably knew better than anyone what was in style - let her figure it out. Darcy thudded into the living room, uncharacteristically distracted. Georgiana didn't go after him, knowing all too well that in matters where Elisa was concerned she had better play director behind-the-scenes, discretely and out of sight and without William's knowledge. She shuddered to think what he would do if he figured out what she was up to.
"What the..." Georgiana muttered to herself as she opened her brother's closet to put back the unnecessary clothes he had pulled out. She eyed a familiar scrap of light cloth poking out between his dark suits and after checking over her shoulder, pulled the darn thing out. She couldn't believe her eyes. "Oh my god..." She chuckled lightly and put it back into its original "hiding" place.
One down, one more to go...
"You'll be fine without me here, right?" Elisa pulled her suitcase out of the trunk and set it on the concrete sidewalk. Janine got out of the driver's side and went over to where her friend was standing.
"Perfectly. And anyway, I'll be flying back to England Monday night with my dad. My mum would have my head if I missed Easter Service."
"Ooh, we wouldn't want that." Elisa giggled and gave Janine a tight hug. "I'm going to miss you."
Janine laughed. "Ha! I doubt it, though. You'll be having too much fun in sunny California to think of me, freezing my bum off in Meryton."
"True, true. Just promise me one thing, will you?"
"What?"
"After you get to your apartment, don't go out driving until I get back. It's horrifying thinking of you out on the road by yourself."
Janine pretended to be affronted. "I drove you here, you know. And I didn't have any trouble, did I?"
"If you don't count almost running down a pedestrian 'trouble', then I guess no, you didn't." Elisa laughed at Janine's miffed expression. "Come now, I can't leave if I'm going to be worrying about you driving on the wrong side of the road while I'm away, can I? Please promise me."
"Oh, fine."
They hugged one more time before Janine got into her new black Camry and drove back to the City. Elisa watched her friend depart with a heavy feeling in her heart. She wished she didn't have to go inside the airport and get on the plane that would take her home for the first time in over four years. At first she had been delighted at the prospect of flying back to visit her parents - whom she hadn't spoken to for months due to an argument with her mother that seemed silly looking back on it - but after having time to rethink the whole situation, it didn't seem like a very good idea to return to the place where all her troubles had started. She hadn't even called them to let them know she was returning.
The loud honking of a nearby car snapped her out of her troubled thoughts. She was already late; what was she doing standing around wasting time? Elisa tugged her suitcase behind her and hurried through the sliding glass doors. There were only a few other people in the nearly empty terminal that early in the morning. She quickly checked the TV monitor for the gate number and followed the posted signs until she found a few familiar faces among a group of travelers waiting in front of a departure gate.
"You made it!" Georgiana was the first to spot her, hurrying toward her with a smile. A few of the others turned their heads to see what the fuss was about. "We thought you were lost or kidnapped or something!"
"I'm sorry I'm late, but for some insane reason I took Janine up on her offer to drive me here. She's not used to driving on the right side of the road. It was a difficult and harrowing ordeal, but as you can see, I'm still in one piece." Elisa smiled good-naturedly. "So, is everyone here?"
"Yes, they are."
Elisa scanned the group, confirming that all twelve designers, including Georgiana, were there. She had tried calling everyone the night before, but some were not home and she worried about them the whole night. José, Maria, Eric, Patrick, and Kammie were sitting in a circle - every single one of them in studded or safety-pinned black outfits - talking about the clubs and raves they had went to the night before. Rachel and her bosom buddy Sarah were thumbing through Vogue, exclaiming whenever they saw something they liked. Tyler, Jeremy, and Chyna were playing cards to pass the time. And Shawn, one of the more younger and newer designers to join the staff at Añya, was sitting off to side with a book. The thought tugged at her mind that someone was missing.
"William went to get us coffee." Georgiana explained before Elisa could figure out who she was trying to think of.
"I see. Did you pick up the tickets?"
"Yes, I've got them. They announced a few minutes ago that we're going to be boarding soon. Do you think you can fit that in the overhead?" She nodded towards Elisa's luggage.
"Oh, I completely forgot to check it in at the counter." Elisa realized.
"It'll fit." Darcy arrived with a cardboard tray of steaming cups of coffee. "Is that all you packed?"
Elisa smiled at him weakly. She had known he was going on the trip, but she hadn't sufficiently prepared to see him again after the dinner date two weeks previous. Avoiding him had been her temporary goal, but it seemed that all her well-thought-out strategies had come to naught. There he was, looking handsome as ever in a crisp new suit, handing her an innocent cup. Maybe all her worrying and analyzing of that night had been born out of fantasy.
"Georgiana brought at least five times that. It took me half and hour just to lug everything out of her room." Darcy added when Elisa didn't say anything.
"It did not!" Georgiana looked shocked. "Stop joking!"
"Well, Elisa, it seems like we haven't seen each other in ages."
She took a sip of her hot drink so she could think of something to say. "This isn't coffee" was the only thing she could think of, and she regretted she had said it as soon as the words left her lips.
Darcy smiled. "I know; it's cocoa. You told me once that you didn't like coffee. Well, only those blasted Vanilla Fraps, am I right?"
"Oh yeah." She grinned at the memory of them tramping around the Theatre District before they had known who each other were.
"How have you been?"
"Oh, good, good. And you?"
"Good, too." He turned to his sister. "Ana has been telling me that you were instrumental in planning the whole trip to LA and that she wouldn't have known what to do without you. And that this was your first time ever doing such a thing. I must say, Elisa, you've done a commendable job."
Elisa blushed prettily before she could stop herself. "Thank you, Mr. Darcy. But I didn't do that much - "
"Oh, don't be so modest, Elisa." Georgiana cut in. "You were a life saver."
A message came over the speakers before Elisa could respond. "Ladies and Gentlemen, United Airlines Flight 555 for Los Angeles will begin seating now. Please have your ticket ready at the gate as we begin boarding First Class passengers. First Class passengers only at this time, thank you."
"Well, I guess that's us." Georgiana took out a little packet of airline tickets. "Would everyone please come over here so I can give you your boarding pass?" The small group of designers gathered around her. As she handed out the tickets, Georgiana began thinking that it would be a rather good idea to seat Elisa and her brother together. Although it appeared that the plan to get them together was working beautifully on William, it didn't seem to be doing a thing for Elisa. She handed them two tickets seated next to each other, hoping that neither would look at the other's before they were seated on the plane.
Please let this work, Georgiana prayed. If they could just see how wonderful they are for each other, maybe they would forget all their reservations and give Love a chance.
Chapter 34
Elisa watched as Mr. Darcy, the first one on the plane, sat down somewhere near the back of the First Class compartment. She was several people behind him in line and proceeded into the cabin with increasing anxiety. Inspecting her ticket to distract her mind from worrying about her crazed notion that their plane would crash midair and she would die a horrifying death - both worries frighteningly real to her, although she tried to remain as calm as possible even though her endurance was wearing a little thin around the edges - Elisa took one look at her seat number and panicked.
I cannot sit there, she thought frantically. Impossible. I'm getting off this plane...
Elisa stalled, stopping the line from moving forward. Georgiana was standing behind her with a concerned look on her face.
"What is it?"
Elisa whispered quickly. "Trade seats with me, Ana."
"What?" She's supposed to sit next to him. Does she hate William that much?
"Don't make me sit there. I can't..."
Georgiana looked doubtful and Elisa felt foolish for acting like a child. "Please." Her pained desperation was so evident in that one uttered word that Georgiana could not help but give up her ticket. Elisa squeezed her friend's hand in thanks and took a heartening breath before moving discretely into the seat behind Mr. Darcy. Georgiana walked over to her brother, who had been watching the brief scene with interest, and asked him to make room so she could take her seat next to the window. The question in his eyes was silenced with her shrug: she didn't have a clue why Elisa was so adamant in her refusal to sit next to him.
"Ms. Bennet." A pleasing voice said. "Um... your suitcase is sort of blocking my way."
Elisa had been so occupied in gripping the arms of her seat until her knuckles turned white that she had forgotten someone was going to be sitting next to her. She looked up into the smiling face of Shawn Beckett - the young and handsome 19-year-old from Houston who started designing for Añya only a year before. Elisa handed him her luggage awkwardly, seeing as he was much more able to reach the baggage compartment than she was. He did so without a word, and when he managed to push in the reluctant bag, easily stepped over her legs and took his seat next to the window.
"Thank you, Shawn."
"No problem, miss." His Texan drawl nearly made her melt. "It was my pleasure."
Although she didn't really know him personally, her occasional contact with him in the office made her disposed to like him greatly. He was very young, sweet, and wonderfully charming. She had heard tales circulating the floor of young interns throwing themselves at the attractive new protégé, who incidentally only had eyes for his beloved girlfriend back home.
As he settled comfortably into the leather seat, he pulled out the worn novel he had been reading earlier in the airport. She glanced over at the cover and was delighted with his choice of reading material.
"I didn't know you liked Stoppard." Elisa observed pleasantly.
If he was surprised at her comment, his friendly reply did not betray it. "Yes, I enjoy him a lot. Do you know his work?"
"Do I know it?" She laughed merrily, forgetting that she was supposed to be frightened out of her wits. "You could say that he is one of the reasons I ended up in New York."
"Really?" He was intrigued. "How so?"
She was about to explicate her statement when the plane started moving. Gripping her seat, she let out a soft cry of horror. Shawn turned to her, concern in his features. "Are you okay?"
"I hate flying." Elisa said through gritted teeth.
To her surprise and not to her amusement, he began laughing at her in his sweet, childish way. A few people turned to see what was the matter, one of those being Darcy - who had been listening to them with a faint feeling of jealousy. Elisa did not notice anyone else but the young man next to her, mocking her genuine fear.
"Oh, don't look so cross." Shawn said when he noticed the expression on her face. "I'm sorry I laughed, truly I am. It's just that if you're so afraid of flying, why are you on this plane?"
"I didn't remember how much I hated it until I stepped on the plane."
Her almost nonsensical answer set him off into another bout of laughter.
"Did someone ever tell you it's not polite to laugh at someone else's distress? Really, Mr. Beckett - "
"Oh, you're not going to start that 'Mr. Beckett' stuff as if you didn't know me, are you?" He grinned.
"Mr. Beckett, I..."
He suddenly slipped his hand into hers, letting her hold it instead of the chair arm that seemed in desperate need of saving from her tight grip. She was about to protest when he patted her hand reassuringly. "I've done this a million times before; my sister is afraid of flying, too. Don't worry, just hold my hand, think of lovely things, and we'll be there before you know it."
And she did just that.
"No, I can't believe it. You're kidding me, surely."
"It's the truth. He stood up there on his table and started yelling at us that we sounded like 'a herd of mentally deficient sheep'. Then he stormed off during rehearsal and didn't return until two days later!"
Elisa giggled at his anecdote, her thoughts so distracted from feeling anxious during the long flight that she had to commend him for doing such a wonderful job.
"So, you're a Drama Boy, are you?" She joked, poking him in the arm.
"Yes, and you're a Drama Girl." He pointed out. "Now, what's this business about Stoppard bringing you to New York?"
"I never said he brought me." Elisa corrected him. "I said that he was one of the reasons I ended up there."
"Well, how does that figure out?"
Darcy's ears perked up. After listening to a few hours of friendly banter between the two sitting behind him, he was close to going insane. But as the conversation turned to a more interesting subject, he listened more attentively.
"Didn't I tell you? I was a theatre major at NYU."
"You?" He looked at her incredulously, as if in awe. "A woman after my own tastes!"
She laughed at his attempt at melodramatics. "Don't get all batty on me now."
"Me? Batty? Never!" Shawn gave her a wicked smile. "Oh, Jen would love you."
"Next time you bring her up from Houston, we'll all hang out. How's that?"
They shook hands to seal the deal. Elisa felt a wonderful sense of happiness flow through her, a glorious wave of fulfillment. Here they were just a few hours ago, two people barely known to each other. And now, after several hours of amusing chatter, Shawn was endeared to her as if he were her younger brother. Why couldn't meeting men be as easy as this? Why wasn't she able to speak as freely as she did with Richard and Shawn, enjoy herself as much in the company of other men? But deep inside she already knew her answer: men - like the one sitting in front of her - brought with them endless possibilities... the potential to fall in love, the potential to get hurt...
And Elisa wasn't ready to take that risk.
Chapter 35
"Welcome to Los Angeles, everyone: Land of the Lakers, Home of the Dodgers, and Film Industry Capital of the World." Elisa addressed their group as they stood outside the Los Angeles International Airport. She felt like she was a tour leader guiding a bunch of tourists in a foreign country. "From here we'll be proceeding to our hotel. We'll be staying at the Regent Beverly Wilshire."
Some of the designers gasped in delight.
"Yes, it's the one located on Rodeo Dr." She answered the unasked question in their bright faces, smiling at their excitement. "And not coincidentally, it's also one of the three hotels participating in Fashion Week L.A. - the others being the Beverly Hilton and The Peninsula. Now, if you'll follow me, we can get going. I'll fill everyone in on our itinerary once we arrive at the hotel."
She led them to a line of rented vehicles waiting to transport the group to Beverly Hills. It took almost half an hour to load the luggage and situate everyone to his or her preferred seating, and another fifteen minutes to maneuver through the crowded streets surrounding the airport and onto the freeway. But by the time they were cruising the I-405 at a pleasant 65 mph - due to a shocking lack of traffic mid-morning - Elisa was beginning to feel quite the thing in her home state. At an almost balmy 68°F, the temperate weather reminded her once more what she had left behind when she moved to New York years ago.
As their vans pulled up onto Wilshire Boulevard, Elisa sneaked a quick peek at Darcy, who was sitting on the far left with Georgiana in between them. She hadn't spoken to him once during the whole flight and she wondered if she had offended him. Even though she did not want to engage his fancy, Elisa had no desire to anger him in the process. We could be friends, she thought hopefully. Friends... It might work. At least I could try for Georgiana's sake. Soon the group was gathered in the lobby of the hotel, each person smiling beatifically, except Darcy who was consumed in his own thoughts. Elisa approached the lobby counter and within minutes she returned to the anxious group with a host of keys. A few uniformed men began moving the luggage into the lobby.
"It'll be two to a room, and I trust you'll make the arrangements yourselves."
The designers began to pair off, mainly staying within their own established clique. Elisa looked on as Shawn was once again left out of the running and felt pity for him. He was as much an unwilling "loner" as she was - circumstances dictating a certain inability to connect with those around them - and Elisa wanted him to know that he wasn't alone. She gave him an understanding look and he nodded, happily.
"I'll room with this young gentlemen, here." Darcy said unexpectedly, pointing towards Shawn.
Elisa gave a start. "Oh, but I've booked the Veranda Suite for you and Georgiana. The rest of us are staying in Deluxe Views on the lower floors."
"I must insist."
"But surely, Mr. Darcy, you don't think I mean for you to share a room! The suite has two bedrooms for you and your sister. It's perfectly fine that I room with Shawn."
"Elisa, I - " Darcy began.
Georgiana cut in, aware of the number of curious ears listening. "Oh, don't argue with her, William." He scowled a little, but shut his mouth dutifully. "Now get to the itinerary, Elisa, for I'm sure you're more up-to-date than I am."
Elisa gave her a grateful smile. "Yes, well, Fashion Week L.A. doesn't officially begin until tomorrow night, so today you have free reign to do as you please. I am aware that most, if not all of you have never had the chance to visit L.A. and I hope you'll spend your free time exploring the city. You can ring the lobby concierge and have a chauffeured limousine drive you across town, but there are a lot of interesting places to see centered around this hotel within walking distance.
"Tomorrow night is the Opening Gala in the Ballroom here at the Regent, where a few guest speakers, followed by dinner and dancing, will commence the start of the week-long festivities. The majority of the events take place Monday through Friday, each day filled with public showings and press conferences and ending with a private showcase each night of several designers. Due to luck of the draw, Añya was assigned the final slot so you will be the last showcase ending the whole week in style. Saturday will be the official Closing Ceremonies, and Sunday we're back on the plane to New York."
She handed everyone a thick packet of papers.
"This is a list of which designers are assigned which day and to which hotel, along with a more extensive itinerary detailing what will take place each day. I know Georgiana won't require you to attend every showing, but it would be remiss of you to spend each hour roaming the city instead of staying involved in the events. Look over the packet tonight and tell me tomorrow morning which ones you wish to attend, because I have to submit requests to the Commission in order to receive entrance vouchers."
Rachel declared she would attend every showing possible, and many of the other designers heartily agreed not to disgrace the company with negligence.
"Anyway, enough of this etiquette mumbo-jumbo. I'm sure you're all itching to go out. Here are your keys. If you want to know where are the best places to go, I'm sure the concierge can help you. Otherwise, come find me and I'll give you suggestions. I'll be in room 125."
The designers jumped at the chance to leave, each pair touting their keys and chatting happily towards the elevators.
"Well done, Elisa." Georgiana smiled. "I can't thank you enough for organizing everything so quickly and without a hitch, I must say."
She blushed. "I'm just so glad everything is working out, so far. But I worry about them not showing up tomorrow night, or indeed at Friday's showcase!"
Georgiana giggled. "Don't fret! You haven't known them as long as I have, but I can assure you that all my designers know their duty and know how to command respect and uphold the reputation of Añya."
"You ready to head up?" Shawn asked during the break in their conversation.
"Sure." She turned to Georgiana once more. "Here's your key. The Veranda Suite is up on the 14th floor. You'll love it." Elisa looked over at Darcy who seemed to be brooding in his sullen thoughts. "You'll be okay without me, right? I dare say I'll be out tonight, but call me up first thing tomorrow morning and we'll discuss your schedule."
"I'll be fine without you, at least for one day. Enjoy yourself tonight. You deserve it."
Elisa rushed to join Shawn and they left arm-in-arm. Georgiana turned back to her brother. He was staring at the departing couple with a look of hatred bordering on envy. She knew enough of his gloomy moods to ask him any questions, and instead linked her arm in his and tugged him to the elevators. The doors of an ascending elevator shut as they arrived and they were left to wait for another to return to the ground floor.
"It's not proper." Darcy said suddenly, breaking the silence.
"What's not?"
He struggled for words. "Him and Elisa. In the same room."
Georgiana smiled to herself. "You didn't object to Patrick and Chyna rooming together."
That point silenced him until they were obliged to board an elevator that had come down.
"I'm concerned about sexual harassment lawsuits. Pemberley cannot be too careful, you know."
"Still, my point stands."
Darcy hated when his sister had the upper hand in an argument.
"Fine, I should have said something - "
"But you didn't." Georgiana concluded.
And that statement shut him up until they reached the front door of their suite. As Darcy fumbled with the key, a little angry at himself for being foolish and a little angry at his sister for knowing more about him than even he did, Georgiana observed his frustration and thought it a very good sign.
"You like her, don't you?" She asked softly.
"Who?" Darcy tried the key once more.
"Elisabeth Bennet."
Startled, he dropped the key onto the plush carpeting of the hallway. Not wanting Georgiana to see his blush, he bent down to retrieve it and give him time to compose himself. "What are you talking about?" He finally replied. Not saying a word, she took the key out of his trembling hands, put it into the doorknob, and unlocked it with ease. He followed her inside the suite, watched as she "ooh-ed" and "ahh-ed" over the beautiful view out the window, and waited for her to bring up the subject again. Impatiently, he asked what she had meant earlier about suggesting Elisa as his object of affection, but she just smiled at him knowingly.
Am I that obvious? He wondered.
"She doesn't know." Georgiana said as if answering his question, pulling two suitcases into her room. Darcy watched her in silence as she slowly moved her remaining luggage into her bedroom, not bothering to offer to help. Her slightly smug I-know-everything attitude was irritating. She gave him one last meaningful look before closing her door. "You have to tell her." Or I will.
Darcy stared at the closed door for several minutes. How could she know? Terrifying thoughts of being forced to tell Elisa he adored her in front of groups of people and her rejecting him played in his mind. He couldn't take it anymore. He got up, threw the extra suit key on the living room coffee table for his sister, and stormed out. Georgiana leaned back on the closed door, listening to Darcy slam the door shut, and prayed again, for what seemed like the millionth time these past few hours.
Do something about it William, please. For god's sake, tell her or she'll never know...
Chapter 36
Posted on Sunday, 14 January 2001, at 1 : 45 a.m.
"West of Fairfax, guys." Elisa addressed the small group that had gathered at her door. "If anyone tells you between La Brea and Fairfax, you can tell them to get lost. That is, of course, unless you want to look like a MTV-VJ-Wannabe."
Eric balked at her suggestion, but he and the few that had come to ask for suggestions held Elisa in a newer and higher respect.
"You guys are walking, right? I don't want you to get lost. Just go east on Wilshire, make a left on Doheny Dr. and go straight until you hit Melrose Ave., then make a right. It's about 3 miles, but I think you'll be fine." Elisa made her way to the elevators as she talked. The eager designers followed her, trying to catch her every word. "I think there's a Fred Segal there, which you'll enjoy. There's also a bunch of places selling vintage clothing and accessories for bargain prices." Rachel and Sarah latched onto Shawn, which made him cringe and Elisa smile. She was glad that he now had at least a few people to socialize with during the trip.
The elevator door opened revealing a very out-of-humor and very alone Darcy. Her eyes met his briefly, questioning, and he looked away. The designers piled into the elevator cab, barely giving the elder brother of their employer a second look before engrossing themselves in excited chatter. Elisa squeezed into the last bit of space, conveniently located between Darcy and Sarah, who was turned around and talking eagerly with a bemused Shawn Beckett. She stifled a laugh as she pulled her arms to her sides and averted her eyes to the mirrored wall. The elevator doors closed and the garrulous group - save Darcy, who was looking anywhere but at her, and Elisa, who was watching the confused expressions pass over Shawn's face reflected in the mirror - traveled down without incident.
As the opening bell "dinged" and the designers filed out, Elisa hesitated in following suit. Friends, she reminded herself. We can be friends. It can work. No love, no emotion, no messy break-ups. Just what we had before, when we didn't know who each other were. She turned to him, blocking his exit with her arm stretched across the door space, determined to do something about the unspoken diffidence between them.
He lifted his eyebrows in alarm. "Wh-what?" He stammered, caught off guard.
"Are you doing anything today?" She asked, tapping into what small amount of courage she had hidden inside her to get the words out of her mouth. "Because, well, I could take you around if you want."
Darcy was surprised. "You want to take me out?"
"Yes, that was the general idea."
He paused to take in her words. "Are you sure you're talking to the right person?"
The look doubt on his face was so hysterical she burst out laughing. Elisa shook off the shyness that crept upon her whenever she was in his company. She could deal with a bumbling, friendly William Darcy - that was like having Richard or Charles there with her. It was the smooth-talking, enchanting William Darcy that she couldn't stand - it reminded her too much of him, of what had happened when she let herself be charmed into submissiveness.
"Yes, I'm sure."
Darcy still stared at her skeptically. He had recently gotten the feeling that she disliked him. Sure, he had always known that she never liked him much, but she didn't seem to hate him much either. But on Georgiana's date when he had desperately wanted to tell her those words - whose meaning he still had yet to fully comprehend - she had stopped him. And on the plane she had refused to sit next to him, avoided him throughout the whole flight. "Ana didn't put you up to this, did she?"
She was confused at his question. "Put me up to what?"
Darcy corrected himself before he gave himself away. "Nothing. Forget it."
The door "dinged" impatiently, and Elisa realized they were still holding up the elevator. Grinning, she put down her barricading arm and he stepped out into the hallway. "Well?"
"But isn't today your day off?" He mentally kicked himself for giving her a reason to back out. She paused to consider this, and he wished he could take it back. What was he, insane? Of course he wanted to go with her. Stupid, stupid, stupid...
"Yes..."
He hated himself right then.
"... I'm driving down to see my parents."
"Oh, I see."
A brief second of silence passed. "Do you want to come?" She offered lightly. "I mean, it isn't L.A. like I promised, but suburbia isn't all that bad."
A brilliant smile flashed upon his face. He wasn't going to play the fool twice. "Sure."
"I miss you already."
Georgiana giggled. "Don't be silly, you just saw me a few hours ago."
"That doesn't mean I can't miss you." Jared pouted unconvincingly. She was sure he was smiling on the other side of the phone.
"Did I ever tell you you're sweet?" She asked innocently.
"No. Am I?"
"Yes, you are."
He paused to absorb the information. "How sweet?" He asked, teasing her. The three weeks that they had been dating were sufficient enough to draw out the best qualities of each of the pair and quickly extinguish the worst. Jared and Georgiana were still slightly timid and daunted by the intensity of their attraction, but their shyness was no longer painfully existent. They were comfortable in each other company now, after that first somewhat awkward date, and both were confident in their love to never put on a false front and hide their feelings.
"Excruciatingly sweet." Georgiana giggled through her attempt to sound seductive. He laughed in kind.
"Oh, I've been meaning to ask you something." Jared said suddenly, remembering what he had wanted to say to her. "Do you know anybody by the name of Caroline Bingley?"
She frowned. Her distaste was evident through her strained voice, traveling thousands of miles of wires into the concerned ears of her boyfriend. "Why do you ask?" She didn't like Caroline one bit and thought it a great shame that Charles had to be afflicted with such a relation. Georgiana was a generally sweet-tempered soul who tried to love everybody, but when it came down to Caroline, she didn't have the stomach or the tolerance for it. It was bad enough Caroline had tried time and time again to saddle herself with William, but when she had started criticizing her designs, Georgiana reached her breaking point. Imagine being told by a coral-lipstick-and-spandex-wearing-fish-faced-walking-orange-stick-of-no-fashion-sense-whatsoever that your beautiful rose-colored dresses would be a "laughing-stock" at your first showing, and you'd hate her too. Not to mention Caroline was intentionally mean to everyone, haughty, had no sense of humor, and...
"Ana, darling?"
The sound of his voice reminded her she was still on the phone. "Huh?"
"You got all quiet for a while... Is something wrong?"
"Nothing, really. What were you saying?"
Jared laughed. "I take it you know who she is."
"Unfortunately. Caroline's head of Personnel. What about her?"
"Well, I'm not sure if it is anything really at all. But she's been hanging around Mr. Fitzwilliam's office all morning. I thought it was a bit strange."
Her interest was piqued. "What was she doing there?"
"I overheard part of their conversation. It sounded like she was trying to wheedle information out of your cousin about your brother's whereabouts. Apparently she didn't get very far with Hannah."
"And did he tell her?" She asked, anxiously.
"No. He told her to, and I quote, 'stuff it and keep her pea-brained-bird-faced-head out of Mr. Darcy's private business'."
Georgiana giggled. "Lord, I wish I could have seen her face. Richard never did like her much."
He paused, laughing softly. "You're a strange girl, Georgiana. But I love you, nonetheless." His voice was like a caress, lightly brushing over her with incredible warmth. She could feel a blush come over her. "I love you, too." She replied, a little breathless. They talked only a few minutes more before he was obliged to hang up and get back to work. She smiled as she set the phone down in the cradle. Then she remembered Jared's mention of Caroline. That was quite enough to ruin her day.
What was Caroline up to? How could she stop her? Where was Elisa when you needed her? And most importantly, where was William?
Chapter 37
"So you didn't grow up in Los Angeles?" Darcy queried as they raced along the freeway, zipping in and out of the lanes. It had been years since she had gotten behind the wheel of a car - never requiring one in New York when she had two good legs and a subway system to take her places - and Elisa was surprised she still remembered how to drive.
"Does that surprise you?"
"No, actually it makes a little more sense. You never did seem like much of a big-city girl." Darcy replied truthfully.
"Man, and I thought I had you all fooled." She snapped her fingers, pretending to be disappointed. He laughed. "I was born and raised in little ole' Orange County - well, actually it used to be little. We moved to Los Angeles during my first year of high school and stayed until I graduated."
"So your parents moved back?"
She checked the side-mirror before changing lanes. "Yep. They couldn't take the city noise any more." Darcy noted they were making their way towards a freeway exit. She turned off, slowly gliding through a curve and coming to a stop at the light. The streets were lightly trafficked with mini-vans and family-friendly coupes. There was an elderly couple walking along the sidewalk holding hands. Darcy watched them as the car made a left turn and he smiled.
All reminiscences of the bustling city were long forgotten here. Two-storied houses lined the streets with quaint front lawns and lazy willow trees gently swaying in the breeze. Little boys played cops and robbers, chasing each other wildly through the neighborhood. A golden retriever nipped at the heels of a jogger as they ambled down the sidewalk at their sedate pace. Little flowers were beginning to bloom, though it was not quite yet the season. He half-expected to see little girls running a lemonade-stand on the sidewalk.
Darcy took in the sight of suburbia at its finest and felt a slight pang of envy. Here is where love and trust blended into lasting marriages. Here is where families were built, strengthen, able to withstand the blows of life as children went away, and years later, returned home again. Here is where the harsh reality of the modern world took a second seat to the real concerns of the people you loved. He wanted that love. He looked over at Elisa and suddenly wanted to tell her that if she wanted him to leave New York just to be with her, he would. If she hated the city life and wanted to live in a place where love fostered the growth of deep family ties, binding a person to what really mattered in life, Darcy realized he would give it up in an instant.
He sighed, drawing her attention to him.
"Is something the matter?"
"Nothing."
He was still learning things about her he had never known. He knew instinctively that he needed to gain her trust. He was moving too fast, he realized; he was getting ahead of himself. Relationships needed to be based on something real, not silly fantasies that were as tangible as air. Darcy decided if he wanted to make the first move, he needed to know that he stood a chance.
Funny, him thinking he needed permission or reassurance before pursuing a lady's interest. It was common knowledge that whatever William Darcy wanted, William Darcy got. That applied to luxury cars, high-class apartments, original Ansel Adams prints, business deals - you name it, he probably already had it. But now things were different. He had grown up over the years, taken time to realize that having everything meant nothing if you didn't have anyone to share it with. Sure, he had Ana; but how long would it be before she left him, too? She was a grown woman and it was only a matter of time before she found someone else to share her life with and moved out of their apartment.
Darcy realized he needed someone to share it with. He didn't want to be alone. The thought frightened him more than he would ever admit. He was only 28-years old - well, almost 29, truth be told - reasonably good-looking, wealthy, healthy, loveable in his opinion... So why didn't he have anybody? Why did Richard have Cybelle, Charles have Janine, Georgiana have Jared, and he have no one? It wasn't right.
"We're here." Elisa announced, drawing him back to the present. He shifted in his seat as she pulled into the driveway of a comfortable-looking two-storied house. She got out and stared fixedly at the front door, steeling herself for what was to come next. Darcy closed the door quietly and ventured to her side, noticing her tense expression.
"It isn't that bad, I hope." He tried to distract her mind with a little teasing. She looked at him as if she had only remembered his presence just then and smiled gratefully.
"No... At least, I hope not."
He wanted to tell her everything would be okay. He wanted to keep her from anything unpleasant. "You'll be fine." Darcy knew that those words didn't mean anything, but he had to tell her. An odd sensation of protectiveness filled him in that moment and he liked it. Move slowly, he told himself. Befriend her first before you love her.
"No, I'm pretty sure I won't be." She was losing resolve. Why had she come back? The prodigal daughter returned from a four-year self-inflicted exile expecting the unconditional love and welcome of parents she felt she barely knew? She scoffed. "Yes, I'm positively sure this was a bad idea. We should go."
Darcy had never seen her act this way, as if she were scared of something. Elisa began to back away towards the car and he reached out to stop her. "Elisa." The one word was said in such a way that he sounded like a parent scolding an errant child. She looked at him shamefaced - ashamed of herself for being such a coward, ashamed that he had seen her this way, ashamed that she actually cared what he thought. Darcy didn't know enough about her past to reason that the waves of apprehension that seized her had a good reason for being there. "Come on, then. Don't you want to see your parents?"
She panicked. She hated feeling out of control. "They don't even know I'm here." The statement was supposed to excuse her from her impending fate, to make him see that it was perfectly normal to leave after spending the late morning hours driving down to see her parents without actually seeing them, but it even sounded lame to her. "They're probably not home, you know."
Darcy loosened his grip on her wrist. "You promised to take me around suburbia." He reminded her. "And now that we're here, you want to leave? Come on." To her surprise he began marching towards the door, pulling her with him. She protested loudly, asking him to unhand her person before she had to resort to violent means of retaliation, but Darcy pointedly ignored her and rang the doorbell.
"What are you doing?" She hissed. He rather liked it when she was angry, he realized, just so long she wasn't wearing heels or there weren't any sharp objects around. There was a faint pattering of footsteps approaching the door.
"Something for your own good." Truthfully, he didn't know why he was doing what he was, but a brotherly instinct kicked in immediately before he had time think twice about it. He didn't have a right to interfere - he knew it - but a part of him wanted to help her. And if that meant forcing her to reconcile with the parents she reluctantly wanted to see, so be it.
"Traitor." She ground out, none to happy. He looked at her sternly. The lock rattled and a voice called from within.
Not able to keep up the seriousness in his voice, he gave her a small smile. "Besides, I have to use the bathroom."
The door opened.
Chapter 38
Caroline Bingley was thirty-two years old - though she'd only admit to twenty-four - and single. Unfortunately to all the single men in the world, her singleness meant "extremely available" and "on the verge of desperation". However, to the relief of many of those aforementioned single men, Caroline had her sights on one particular person: William Alexander Christophe Darcy, Esquire... Okay, "Alexander Christophe Esquire" was a fabrication on her part, but a girl could dream, couldn't she? And Caroline, if she was known for nothing else, was a dreamer. Not a silly frou-frou, I-hope-I-marry-a-millionaire type dreamer but one who knew what she wanted (i.e. Darcy) and was determined to get it. And the things she wanted were certainly made of fantasy- hence her "dreamer" status.
For ten years she had worked diligently at her goal, ever since her brother Charles had befriended William at university. Oh, the name Darcy had forever been in her head; their late father Matthew Bingley had been chums with William's late father Gregory Darcy back in the day, but had lost contact over the years. Since she was a child, the name Darcy equated to something of perfection in her mind, and when Charles came home one fateful evening telling her of his "new best friend", she decided it was Fate's way of telling her that he was The One.
The years passed, Caroline managed to snag a lucrative position at Pemberley, Inc., and every day for the past five years she had been angling to move up the corporate ladder. So far, this had not happened. She had also been angling to move up into the vacant position of William's girlfriend/dog-walker/personal maid/masseuse/lover during those five years. That, unsurprisingly, had also not happened... though Caroline couldn't figure out why. She had tried tirelessly to get him to notice her (i.e. coral lipstick, orange spandex, etc.) and so far, he hadn't taken her up on her not-too-subtle offer.
She just wanted money, power, and prestige. Was that too much to ask for? No, she didn't think so, either.
A petite, forty-something woman dressed in an atrocious pink suit opened the door with a flourish. Chanel No. 5 immediately assaulted his nostrils and Darcy had to step back to prevent himself from fainting dead away at the first whiff of her. Her face was beautiful, if a little heavily made-up, and her dark hair streaked blonde with semi-permanent coloring. She smiled benignly at them, taking several minutes before recognition dawned upon her.
"Elisa, darling? Is it you?"
Elisa stiffened at her greeting. Darcy nudged her closer to the woman who he discerned as what could only be her mother.
"Elisabeth? What are you doing here?"
Darcy pinched her arm hard. She muffled an expletive before stepping up to her mother and clearing her throat before speaking. "Um, hello mother. Yes, it is I... I came to see how you were doing."
"Come in, come in! Oh Benji, darling guess who's here?" She pulled Elisa into the house with Darcy trailing behind. Elisa had such a horrified expression on her face that he could barely contain his smile. "Benjamin? Oh, my dear let me go get him. He will be so pleased you are home." The pink-suited thing flitted away in a hurry, leaving them in the foyer.
After a few moments of silence, Elisa turned to him with a wry expression. "And that was my mother, Mr. Darcy."
"She's a very interesting woman." He commented.
"It only gets better." Elisa muttered under her breath. As they waited, she led him into the living room. It was comfortable looking, homey in that offbeat way with family pictures lining the walls and random knick-knacks filling every nook and cranny. Darcy stopped to further inspect one of the larger pictures on the mantelpiece of the fireplace. This one was taken at an informal dinner maybe five or six years ago. He could pick her out instantly, the same wavy brown hair, glinting eyes and beginnings of a beautiful smile in the face of a teenage girl. To the left were her parents, their arms encircled around a younger version of her mother. Elisa was off to the right with an elder girl. They were hugging and smiling into the camera.
Elisa came up from behind him, looking over his shoulder. "That's my sister, Maria Catherine Bennet." She pointed to the girl that she was hugging in the picture; her voice was low and soft. "It was her 18th birthday. We took her out to eat at her favorite restaurant."
"She's beautiful." Her face was framed in long blonde curls and a blinding smile.
Elisa stared at the picture, breathing evenly and deeply. She knew that at first glance, she and Kitty - as she used to call her - didn't look at all like they were related. Kitty was a tall and thin blonde bombshell - whereas, Elisa had always been shockingly petite, more curvaceous, and with darker features. But they were sisters and as far as sisters went, they complemented each other in every way. Together they made the perfect person. Elisa stifled a sob, trying to keep her voice as level as possible. "She was."
The room grew quiet. "I'm sorry." He said softly.
"It was a long time ago." Her voice sounded empty, dead. "I don't think about it anymore." But that was a lie. She thought about Kitty sometimes late at night while staring out the window at the sliver of starry sky that peeked over the high-rise of the next building. She thought about a lot of things that she wished she could have forgotten. But the memories always hovered around her like a ghost, haunting her thoughts during that prolonged moment between the start of sleep and her dreams.
Hoping to move away from a painful subject, he pointed at the other girl. "And is she also your sister?" Elisa visibly blanched. "What? Elisa, are you okay?"
But before she could answer, the pink creation walked in with a stiff-looking gentleman. He was as tall as Darcy's 6-ft.-2, with a shock of blonde-white hair and a stern expression on his face. He didn't even soften his look as he, for the first time in four years, saw his precious daughter. Elisa had never known that her father had always loved her best. He would probably never tell her. Benjamin Arnold Bennet, the Third - as he liked to put it imperiously - was not one for excessive displays of emotion like his wife. "Hello daughter." He said stiffly.
"Hello father." She said, almost shyly.
"And who is this gentleman?"
Elisa looked up at Darcy and a slight blush came over her. "Oh, I'm sorry. Mother, Father, this is William Darcy. Mr. Darcy, this is my mother Fanny Bennet and my father Benjamin Arnold Bennet."
"The Third." Her father added, but there was an ever-so-slight turn in his lips that Darcy could tell her was joking.
"The Third." Elisa repeated dutifully and then turned to her parents. "I work for Mr. Darcy's younger sister, Ms. Georgiana Darcy."
"Oh, how lovely." Fanny tittered. "Please do sit down, Mr. Darcy. I'll have the coffee out in a jiffy." She dashed out the room, her heavy perfume floating in her wake.
"We're not staying long." Elisa said to her father as they sat down on the couch. "I just wanted to see how you were doing."
"Nonsense." Her mother called from the kitchen. "You must tell us what you have been up to. You never wrote a word about your new job." She came in with a pot and four cups. "I thought you were working part-time at some coffee shop."
"I was. But I found another job with better pay, better benefits, and more security."
Her mother perked up at the words 'better pay'. "And how much do you make, darling? Have you made enough to move out of that place you call an apartment? You should be living on Park Ave., darling. You're a Bennet, you know. You should call upon some of your father's old friends. They could probably set you up handsomely."
Elisa blushed, embarrassed. "I make enough, mother."
"Lord knows why your father doesn't call upon his friends. Living in this dreadful house for four years! It's impossible to move up anywhere when you're trapped here..."
"Enough, Fanny." Her father cut in.
His wife, briefly deterred from her speech on the insupportableness of the company in their neighborhood, turned to the stranger sitting next to her daughter. "So, Mr. Darcy, what do you do?"
All their attention was turned to him and he swallowed his coffee hastily. "I am the CEO of Pemberley, Inc. in New York City. We run several departments spanning various industries in the market right now."
"Pemberley, Inc.?" Her father asked, impressed. "The stockbrokerage firm I keep hearing about on the news?"
"Yes, that is just one of the departments that I head."
Her mother took a thoughtful look at her guest. Elisa knew she was going to say something startling inappropriate. "Mr. Darcy, how much do you make?"
"Mother!" Elisa blanched further.
"Are you a millionaire? Oh, you must be, I'm sure. Have you taken a fancy to our Elisa? You know, she may seem angelic now, but once you get to know her, you'll discover she really is a sly little vixen." Her mother chuckled, as if her words her humorous and not hurtful." If only you could have met Lydia a few months ago, I'm sure you would've fallen madly in love with her, no question about it. She's the real beauty of the family."
Darcy didn't know what to make of her comments. "Who is Lydia?"
"We really should be going right now." Elisa declared, virtually shooting out of her seat. "Come on." She took his hand and hauled him out of the couch. "Have a lovely day father. Mother." Elisa pulled him all the way to the foyer before she felt him resisting. "What?"
"I really did have to use the bathroom." Darcy said.
"Oh." Her face was pale. "First door to your left. Do hurry." She pushed him towards the hall as her mother approached the foyer. He disappeared behind the door just as Fanny arrived next to Elisa.
"Do you really have to go?" Her mother asked, unaware of the riff she had caused.
"How could you?" Elisa said angrily, a little color returning to her cheeks.
Fanny looked at her stupidly. "How could I what?"
"Don't you ever mention her name in my presence." Elisa looked over at the bathroom door to make sure it was still closed. "She's here, isn't she? That conniving, little sl - "
"She's you sister."
Elisa flushed, the anger building inside her. "Not anymore. I told you, I'll never forgive her. And I'll never forgive you for taking her side."
Her mother simply smiled. "They're getting married, Elisabeth, whether you like it or not."
"I don't give a shit about her or him anymore." She said harshly. The bathroom door opened and Elisa rushed to take Darcy's hand and pull him out the door. "Tell father I love him and give him my apologies... I'm never coming back, mother, so this is good-bye." And Elisa marched him to the car, got in, slammed the door, and pulled out of the driveway and out of her parent's lives like a possessed woman. Her shoulders were shaking. Darcy didn't know what had happened while he was gone for those few minutes, but it was enough to get her riled.
As they stopped at a traffic light, she burst out into tears. He wanted to comfort her, but he didn't know how. This is my fault, he thought. I shouldn't have made her go in when she didn't want to. God, look at her... The tears streaked down her face, the afternoon sunlight reflecting off the salty droplets. She sniffled and tried to contain herself for the rest of the drive. An hour and a half later, they pulled into the front of the Regent.
She looked at him and smiled sadly. "Thank you for not saying anything."
"Think nothing of it." He replied softly.
"Please don't tell anyone what happened today."
"I won't."
"In fact, forget it ever happened." She turned away from him and walked briskly through the lobby to the elevators. Darcy watched her walk away, concern etched across his features. If that was a brief glimpse into Elisa's past, he didn't fault her for getting away as fast as she could. Even he could hear the unintentional contempt hidden in her mother's sweet voice, and for once Darcy knew what he must have sounded to Elisa when he first met her. I treated her like I hated her. That was wrong of me; I know this now. She shouldn't be treated like that, ever. Darcy could never forget what happened or the pain that clouded her eyes at her mother's words.
Some day soon, I'll wipe those tears away and promise her she'll never be hurt again. She deserves to be loved.
Chapter 39
The morning light hit her squarely in the face and she groaned loudly, pulling the covers over her head. A scant second passed before the covers were pulled off of her and Elisa yelled in dismay, still half asleep and emotionally exhausted from the day before. She had barricaded herself in the hotel room since early afternoon, refusing requests from Georgiana to go to dinner once she had found out from her brother that Elisa was back at the Regent. Elisa had no intention of being rude, but it was her day off and she wanted to do whatever she sought fit to do - and if that meant oscillating between bouts of ill humor and crying, so be it.
She had always prided herself on being in control of her emotions, but now it seemed that she couldn't stop the tears from flowing, no matter how ashamed she felt for acting in this childish manner. You're a sorry mess, she chided her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Get a hold of yourself. You promised you wouldn't let them get to you anymore, and look at you. If they saw you now they'd be having a grand laugh, wouldn't they? Well, no one laughs at Elisabeth Bennet. She sniffed indignantly, pinched her cheeks to get the tears to stop, and settled in for a restless sleep.
Shawn had slipped in a little after midnight, his cheeks flushed with the excitement of his first night out on the town. He hadn't said a word, thinking Elisa was asleep, and quietly went to bed. She was content to leave him alone and be left alone. However, come early morning, Shawn apparently had discarded all thoughts of not disturbing her, instead choosing to pull back the curtains to welcome the morning sun and rip the bed covers off of her when she declined to get up. The chill air enveloped her in an instant and she bolted straight up to inform him of her fury.
"Shawn Beckett, I have half a mind to throw this at you!" She waved one of her heels at him that she had plucked off the floor. "Stop grinning and give me back my covers, you selfish brat!"
He grinned even more, highly amused. "Good morning, Elisa. Did you sleep well last night? You do look lovely this morning."
She scowled. "Trying to charm me won't help a bit... Lord, what time is it?"
"Almost seven. Come on, get up, take a shower, and get dressed. You don't want Georgiana to think you've abandoned her for your bed, now do you?"
"What on earth are you talking about?"
He gave her a cheeky grin. "I haven't a clue, but you're awake anyhow and it doesn't matter."
Elisa stood up and trudged over to her opened suitcase. Picking out an outfit, she gave Shawn one last angry frown before dragging herself to the bathroom and closing the door.
"You really shouldn't have pulled the covers off of me, Shawn." She admonished. "I could have been naked."
"Now that would have been a sight to be seen. But then you don't sleep in the nude, do you?"
"You wish!" She shot back, poking her head through the door and then slamming it again.
He laughed.
Georgiana looked down at the plate of fresh fruit placed before her and sighed for the umpteenth time that morning. Darcy was sitting across the table from her, sipping his coffee and reading the business section of the morning newspaper. He had barely said a word since he had returned the previous afternoon from his mysterious outing with Elisa. Georgiana was very curious as to what had transpired between the two, but Darcy was reluctant to say anything. In fact, he was being downright rude.
She twirled a piece of cantaloupe on her fork and careful scrutinized her elder brother. He didn't seem the least put off that she attempting to distract him. She began tapping her fingertips on the edge of the table while humming. After a few bars of "My Heart Will Go On", Darcy finally looked up with an annoyed expression on his face. "What?
She smiled. "Oh, nothing."
"Don't 'oh, nothing' me. You've been deliberately trying to get my attention all morning. Now that you have it, what do you want?" He was trying to sound surly, but Georgiana knew better. She continued to smile. "Well?"
"Since you asked... What did you do yesterday afternoon?"
Darcy had to give it to his sister for being tenacious, even though he refused repeatedly to give her any details. "We've been over this."
"Are you going to be in a foul mood all day?" She pouted.
"I don't plan to be." He cracked a smile.
Georgiana decided to change tactics. It wasn't so much that she wanted to know where they had gone, but what they had talked about and done in each other's company. The more she thought about it, the more she was convinced Darcy and Elisa belonged together. There really wasn't a concrete reason why she believed as she did, only that it felt right. If only she could get it through their stubborn little heads that what she was doing was for their own good without actually telling them what she was doing, then everything would be perfect. Yes, it was complicated. "What do you think about Jared?"
He wasn't caught off guard by her question. "He's a very personable young man. I like him. Even though..."
"He's the nephew of Kingston." Georgiana finished his sentence. "Yes, I know. It's a terrible shame such a lovely person is related to that old coot."
"Coot?" Darcy chuckled.
"And don't give me all that nonsense about respecting our elders. If he weren't an old friend of Papa's, I wouldn't give a hoot about him, and you wouldn't either."
"'Coot' and now 'hoot'? Where are you getting this atrocious vocabulary?"
She frowned at him. Darcy laughed. She knew any serious talk wasn't going to happen this morning.
"William?"
"Yes, Ana."
"Shut up."
"How do you do it?"
Elisa was standing in front of the bathroom, making use of a new stick of tinted lip-gloss. Smoothing the bits of hair sticking awkwardly out of the loose chignon at the base of her neck, she gave herself a once over, decided everything was as orderly as it was going to get, and came out into the bed room. "Do what?"
Shawn looked perplexed. "Shower, dress, and be ready under an hour. It takes Jen at least two hours before she even allows me to come into her room to check up on her. I swear, I don't know what she does during all that time."
Elisa smiled. "It's a female thing. Trust me Shawn, you don't want to know."
He thought about it for a moment. "Do you think you could give her pointers on how to speed things up? I could call her up right now, if you want. I can't believe it... You took only a little more than half an hour. That has got to be some sort of record..."
He would have gone and handed her the phone if she hadn't burst into laughter. Elisa thought he was very sweet and hoped he would never lose that sort of innocence. "Don't look so disgruntled, my dear. I've always been quick at getting ready. It's a skill that can't be taught, really."
He wasn't satisfied with her answer, but didn't say anything more on the subject. Elisa went over to the closet where Shawn had thoughtfully hung up some of her more wrinkle-prone outfits. She pulled on a slim-fitting scarlet cardigan over her loose ivory silk tank, picked up her bag and keys, and took Shawn by the arm to lead him out the door to the elevators.
"So, where are you off to today?" Elisa asked him as they descended.
"Exploring Hollywood, I think. Do you think its weird if I want to do all that cheesy tourist stuff?"
"No, its perfectly normal. I'd go with you if I could, but Georgiana and I have tons of things to keep us busy until the gala tonight. Please tell me you'll be there on time. I hate to nag you guys over and over about the schedule, but I do worry."
"Well, don't. I'll be there, dressed to the nines just to make you happy."
"Thank you."
As soon as they entered the lobby, a uniformed man walked toward them at a brisk pace. She was starting to admire the towering bouquets of wine and pink damask colored lilies when Shawn tugged at her arm to get her attention.
"Excuse me, are you Ms. Bennet?" The man addressed her.
"Yes, I am."
"I was instructed to deliver these to you." He handed her a small stack of papers; at first glance, they looked like the lists she had requested from the designers the day before. "Ms. Darcy is in the Dining Room having breakfast. Please follow me and I will take you to her." He started walking away without an affirmative answer, assuming that she would no doubt follow him. Elisa squeezed Shawn's hand and bid him farewell before running the distance to where the man waited for her at the entrance of an elegant looking restaurant. As soon as she caught up with him, he turned into the eating establishment, winding his way through the rich mahogany and satin wood tables. She was just about to ask him if pants were on fire or something, when he stopped, bowed, and left.
Elisa was bewildered until saw Georgiana sitting before her at a table; the arm holding a fork-speared strawberry was comically halted midway to her mouth. "Well, there you are."
"Good morning, Elisa." She regained movement in her arm and took a bite. "Don't mind Sampson. Apparently he's not much of a people person."
"That I can well believe."
Georgiana patted the chair next to her. "Come on, sit down. We can discuss everything while we put something into your stomach. I wouldn't want you fainting dead away from hunger before tonight's gala."
"No fear of that, Ana. Elisa is extremely capable of taking care of herself."
Elisa didn't even have to shift her eyes to her left to know that Darcy standing there. When she did finally look at him - at his chest to be exact, for she couldn't bring herself to look at his face just yet - it was with flushed cheeks and a little embarrassment. She couldn't forget what had happened the day before, the transgression on her mother's part, but most of all the transgression on her own. Elisa had never thought herself petty and cruel, but her behavior to her mother could be called nothing else. She didn't want to see the laughter and mockery in his eyes, or the pity, the disdain... Elisa took a calming breath, braving herself for the condescension in his eyes. Months ago she would not have cared if William Darcy thought her the vilest woman alive, but today she didn't think she could stand it if he hated her after what she had said in spite to her mother. She wanted to scream "That wasn't me, that's not who I am! That is what I've become because of them and their deception. Don't despise me for what I could not control."
"Are you alright?" His dark eyes were surprisingly warm. Elisa was immediately taken aback by the concern in his features. He was standing with his back to the bay windows; the brilliant sunlight streamed across his form, making him appear as if haloed in unearthly radiance. She blinked twice to reassure herself of his presence.
The look of worry in his eyes did not falter, and for the briefest of moments, her heart fluttered with some half-forgotten emotion. She offered a cautious smile. Somehow in that moment everything made sense, and then it was madness all over again. His smile was slow to appear, but when it did, she thought that he was beautiful and could not stop herself from thinking those thoughts.
"I'm fine."
And for the moment, she truly was.