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Chapter 9:

Posted on Tuesday, 11 January 2005

After Ella heard what Mr. Darcy had whispered to Susan Dixon, she couldn’t help but smile. She knew that it didn’t mean she had the part, but it was slightly comforting to know that there was one person out of the competition. Susan shouldn’t have behaved like that; it was inappropriate. Still, there was something about Mr. Darcy’s manner that Ella couldn’t stand, especially after what she had heard him say to Charles Bingley earlier. It was unpardonable.

Ella knew that Charles Bingley was one of Pemberley/Derby Studio’s biggest stars. He was one of Hollywood’s most famous “heartthrobs,” and after seeing him in person she could see why. He was very handsome, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and chiseled features, and he also appeared to be one of the nicest of the movie stars she’d seen. How on earth he managed to be brother to someone like Carol Bingley she would never understand!

Carol, whom Ella had not noticed before, was wearing a glaring orange dress with large white polka dots scattered over it. She was quite tall, very thin, and the dress did nothing to enhance her figure. Her dark blonde hair was impeccably coiffed yet it looked so tightly pinned that the top resembled horns. She was, at the moment, snaking her arms around William Darcy, in an attempt to get him to dance with her. He looked disgusted – and rightly, for she was not only an irritating person, but also she had just caused him a lot of professional grief by “quitting” the film, and by being so difficult about it. He looked absolutely miserable, but Ella could not bring herself to feel sorry for him. He deserved it!

After another moment, Mr. Darcy got so fed up with her that he just walked away. Ella laughed a little to herself.

As Ella continued to look around the room, she was not very surprised to see Charles Bingley leading Emma Woodhouse to the dance floor. The couple smiled at each other and appeared to be very much in love. Ella grinned at the scene, and returned to the table where Anne was sitting, at the corner of the room.

“Did you see Charles Bingley and Emma dancing,” Anne asked as she sat down.

“Yes, I was just admiring what a nice couple they make,” Ella replied. “They seem very well-suited to each other, their dispositions are very similar.”

“Yes, indeed. Now, I saw Susan harassing Mr. William Darcy in the buffet line, and I am sure that you – as an expert eavesdropper – heard what they were talking about. Please tell!” Anne grinned; she knew that Ella would understand her teasing.

“I do not consider myself to be an expert in anything, Anne,” Ella responded in a teasing tone. “However, I did happen to overhear what they were discussing. Susan was – most inappropriately – begging Mr. Darcy for news of who was to get the part. At first he would not tell her, but after more than enough pleading and batted eyelashes he did divulge one thing to her – that she was not the chosen one!”

The two girls laughed heartily at this, not noticing that Mr. Darcy had begun to approach their table. Luckily, Ella had been speaking softly enough so that he did not hear what she said, but he was disconcerted by the laughter.

Ella continued to laugh quite loudly, but Anne looked up to notice the gentleman, and nudged her friend.

Ella raised her eyes and found herself face to face with Mr. William Darcy.

“Miss Bennet,” he spoke, his voice soft. “Would you care to dance?” He held out his hand for her to take.

“I had not – I” she stammered, “Thank you, yes.” Ella gave him a weak smile and took his hand, as he led her to the dance floor.

The band, at this moment, stopped playing ‘In the Mood’ and began one of Ella’s favorite songs, ‘When you Wish Upon a Star.’ She couldn’t help but relax into the music, as William Darcy’s strong arm encircled her waist and held her hand in his.

Ella closed her eyes and allowed herself to remember the first time she had heard the song, when she had taken Janet to see “Pinocchio” several months after their parents’ deaths. The movie had been bittersweet for them, since it closely examined the relationship between a father and son, but they enjoyed in nonetheless, and they especially loved Jiminy Cricket, and the song ‘When you Wish Upon a Star.”

Ella felt tears coming to her eyes, and she sniffed softly to discourage them from falling. William Darcy noticed this, and asked her if she was all right, tenderly. She was surprised by his manner.

“Yes, fine, thank you,” Ella replied, trying to give him a smile. “This song just brings back memories for me.”

He took his handkerchief out of his breast pocket and gently wiped the corners of her eyes, never allowing his eyes to leave her face.

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy.” Ella said quietly.

“Please, call me William,” he said, the passion in his voice audible.

“It would not be proper, sir. I am your employee, just a lowly chorus girl with no talent, and you are William Darcy, owner of two major Hollywood studios, and one of the wealthiest men in the country.”

“That’s just money, it doesn’t mean a thing. And you have talent, great talent, Miss Bennet, Ella. I take it you overheard my conversation with Charles Bingley. I am sorry for causing you any distress; I was frustrated by the trials of today, and did not think before I spoke.”

Ella didn’t know what to make of this at all, so instead of facing it, she knew she had to get away. “Mr. Darcy, I did not ask for your flattery. Please excuse me.”

She couldn’t think of anything else to say. She had promised Anne that she would not cause a scene at Emma’s party, but she simply couldn’t spend any more time in Mr. Darcy’s arms. He was a horrible person, yet he was so kind to her.

She felt tears welling up again, and tried to quickly make her way back to her table, when something caught hold of her hand.

A piece of silverware was rapped against a goblet, the band ceased playing and the room fell silent.

William Darcy was holding Ella’s hand with one of his own, and in the other, he held the shrimp fork he had used to silence the room.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I have an announcement to make.”

Ella was shocked. What was this man doing? Was she, the lowly, untalented chorus girl, the one chosen to fill Carol Bingley’s part? She could feel all the eyes in the room staring at her. She glimpsed Anne and Emma, standing with Charles Bingley, smiling proudly at her. She felt a stony glare, and noticed that Carol Bingley was looking icily at her.

Janet was sitting at the front of the crowd with Georgiana Darcy, and several other child actors and actresses whom Ella recognized from various films.

She then looked at William Darcy, who was still holding her hand (she found it useless to try and take it away), and he smiled at her. A real, genuine, kindly smile. She smiled back, although she didn’t know why.

“I would like to introduce to you Ella Bennet, the newest talented young star of Hartfield Studio’s latest musical picture! She will be taking over the role of Maggie, and I am sure that we will see great things from Miss Bennet in the near future.”

At his words, Ella did what any good heroine would – she fainted into William Darcy’s arms.

Chapter 10:

When Ella regained consciousness, she was reclining on a sofa in the Woodhouses’ private sitting room. Janet was sitting with her, and William Darcy was pacing the room. She turned her head and took Janet’s hand. Her sister jumped up and hugged her.

“Oh Ella! You fainted. It was so dramatic! And you got the part, I’m so proud of you!”

“Miss Bennet,” William Darcy said, approaching her couch. “Ella, I am glad to see that you are awake. You must have had quite a shock, you have been unconscious for nearly a quarter of an hour.”

“Goodness! Well, I am feeling fine now, please, you must go back to the party. I will rejoin soon.” Ella replied, very surprised that William Darcy had stayed with her all that time.

She thought back to the minutes before she had fainted. They seemed incredibly wonderful, yet as hazy as a dream. Perhaps it had been a dream, yet Janet had just mentioned something about getting the part.

“No, Ella. The Woodhouses’ have sent for their physician, who would like to check to make sure you are well.” He knelt down beside her and took her hand.

“Thank you, sir, but I really do feel fine.” Ella was still very puzzled by his behavior. He had been so rude and insulting, yet he was so kind.

At this moment, someone knocked on the door.

“Come in,” William said, clearing his throat and standing up.

Georgiana Darcy and Emma Woodhouse entered, followed by an older gentleman who was obviously the doctor. Both girls were happy to see that Ella was awake, and they both congratulated her on getting the part of Maggie.

After the doctor checked her pulse and temperature, he declared her healthy yet tired, and prescribed another twenty minutes of rest there on the sofa, and a glass of brandy. Emma got the drink for Ella from her father’s cabinet, and then went to show the doctor out.

“Ella,” Janet said, “Are you really alright?” Her young voice was so full of concern, and her expression was worried.

“I’m fine, darling,” Ella replied.

“May I go back to the party with Georgie? I don’t want to leave you unless it’s okay.”

“It’s fine, please, go and enjoy yourself. I will be out there soon.”

“Miss Bennet,” William Darcy addressed Janet, “I will see that your sister fully recovers in a short time, and I will personally bring her back out to join the party.

Both Janet and Georgie giggled at this, and skipped out of the room, arm in arm.

Ella smiled after them. “It is so nice of your sister to be so kind to Janet. I was quite afraid that she would feel uncomfortable in this kind of society.”

“Why, Ella?” She blushed at his use of her name, for she did not have the courage to call him ‘William.’

“I suppose it is because I do not feel comfortable in this society.”

“That is nonsense. Both you and your sister are charming, and a delight in any company.”

“Thank you, sir,” she replied gravely.

“Ella, I want to apologize, again, for any insult you may have felt I made toward you. I did not mean to insult you in any way. I think you have great talent, and I think you are an excellent person besides.”

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”

“Please, Ella, call me William.”

“Thank you, William.” His voice sounded foreign to her tongue, but she liked saying it. He had again knelt down beside her, and taken her hand in his. Their faces were dangerously close together, and Ella began to feel uncomfortable. She took a sip of her brandy to distract herself.

“This is disgusting stuff,” she said, lightening the mood.

“Yes, but it does help to revive one after fainting,” he replied, laughing, “although I can’t understand why. The taste of it seems to make more people feel ill than anything.”

“My father used to drink brandy, after dinner on Sundays, sometimes,” Ella said, getting a faraway look in her eyes. “He seemed to like it, but I don’t think I inherited his taste for it.”

“I think you have had enough to revive you, for you seem lively enough,” William said smiling, trying to keep the mood light. He wanted Ella to feel comfortable with him, for he was certainly drawn to her.

“Yes, thank you. I am feeling much better.” Ella made a movement to get up, but he touched her shoulder and kept her from sitting up too far.

“Take it easy, just relax for a minute or two. From what I have gathered from your life, you have had very little time for relaxation lately.”

“Yes, I suppose you are right,” Ella replied with a sigh.

“While you were, um, sleeping,” William began, “Janet was telling me about the neighborhood you live in, and about her friends. I understand that you live in Westwood. I have been there several times, and it is quite pleasant.”

“Yes, we are very fortunate to have found a nice, safe place to live. There are many families with children Janet’s age there, as well.”

“Yes, she told me about her friends the Kwans, who live downstairs, as well as several other neighbors. It seems to be a very multi-cultural community.”

“Yes, it is. Janet and I are some of the few who are not immigrants, or the children of immigrants. There are people who have come from all over Europe, many of them fleeing from the Nazi occupation. Others have immigrated from China, Japan, and other Asian countries in search of a better life.”

“That is very interesting. It must be a wonderful place to grow up, amid so many different cultures – a learning experience in itself, for Janet.”

William seemed slightly uncomfortable at Ella’s mention of their Asian neighbors. He himself had mentioned the Kwans, but when Ella brought up that they had Japanese neighbors, he looked away. Since the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor there had been great animosity towards Japanese-Americans, but Ella knew that the families that lived in her neighborhood were very loyal to this country. They were Nisei, which means second-generation immigrants, and many of the families had sons who were applying to join the American army.

Ella decided to overlook his momentary change. She was forming a new, better opinion of this man, and she did not want to think him prejudiced again without knowing all the facts.

“And for me, I am sure,” she replied. “I have learned a great deal from all of our neighbors. It hasn’t been easy, but with their help, I have learned what I need to know about parenting. Janet is a wonderful girl, of course, but as her sister as well as her guardian I have to find a balance, and it hasn’t always been easy.”

“I understand.” The look in William Darcy’s eyes was very meaningful. Ella held his gaze for a moment, before she had to look away.

“I am sure you do. Georgiana is a lovely girl, again, I can’t tell you how glad I am that Janet has had the opportunity to meet her.”

“I hope that the girls can continue their friendship. I have had Georgie in the studio school while she was working on her latest film, but shooting has wrapped, and I believe that it is time for her to experience life in a public school, as well as friends outside of the film world. I am afraid that I have allowed her to lead a sheltered life, but I cannot imagine that after meeting Janet, and so quickly becoming friends, that she would not wish to see her again.”

“I hope so, too, William,” Ella said with a genuine smile.

After this exchange Ella felt well enough to get up and join the party for a bit. William Darcy became occupied with others there, and Ella was deep in conversation with Emma Woodhouse and Anne Elliot. Emma had revealed that she and Charles Bingley were close, and that she was, in fact, very much in love with him, but unsure of how he felt about her.

“Emma, my dear,” Ella answered, “Anyone can see that he is just as smitten with you. Look, he is talking with that gentleman over there, but he keeps looking over here at you!”

Both Anne and Ella looked (much to Emma’s embarrassment) and giggled.

“She’s right,” Anne said. “He is head-over-heels for you!” At this, all three girls began to laugh.

The party drew to a close around eleven, and Ella allowed Charles Bingley to take herself and Janet home, since the bus did not run so late. In the short car ride (during which Janet quickly fell asleep in the back seat), Ella confirmed her suspicion of Charles’ feelings for Emma, for after effusively congratulating Ella on her news, he did not stop talking about her, her home, her father, or her party, the whole time.

Ella was confident that Emma and Charles’ romance would lead to something more.

Both Ella and Janet slept late the next morning. Since Saturday was their day off, they usually enjoyed a fun day together. This Saturday they did not wake up until nearly ten-thirty, and after dressing quickly, decided to walk to town for groceries, since they had nothing in the house.

As they left their yard, they noticed something strange going on in the neighborhood. There were army Jeeps parked on the street, and about a dozen soldiers patrolling around two houses across the street from theirs. The homes belonged to the Kato and Tanaka families.

“Excuse me sir,” Ella said, approaching an officer. “I live across the street. Could you please tell me what is happening?”

“Official Army business, ma’am,” the man replied. “We have orders from the Government to find and deport all persons of Japanese descent living in the area.”

“But why?” Ella asked, fighting back tears as she saw her neighbors, her friends, carrying suitcases and belongings out to their cars.

“Hey, Kira, where are you going?” Janet called out to her friend, a little girl who was a year younger than her. Kira’s mother, Mrs. Kato, pulled her daughter closer and they both got in the car. Kira did not look back at Janet, and did not speak.

“Ella, what’s happening?” Janet asked, putting her arms around Ella’s waist.

“I don’t know, sweetie,” Ella responded; the tears began to flow down her cheeks as she saw dear friends being taken away.

Chapter 11:

Ella and Janet watched their friends drive away in silence. After the cars had turned the corner and all the soldiers had cleared away from their block, Janet broke down in uncontrollable sobs.

“Oh Ella, what’s going on? Why did they take them away?” she cried.

Ella took her sister in her arms and made her look at her. “I really don’t know, but I promise that everything will be alright. We will find out what happened to them.”

Janet sniffed. “But how?”

“We’ll figure that out, somehow. Perhaps we can go down to the Red Cross or that Army Canteen in Santa Monica. There are sure to be many soldiers around there, who can tell us what is happening.” Ella didn’t have a clue what to do, but she thought that perhaps there would be some hope in talking to an officer. In any case, she had to do something to console her sister – and her allay her own fears.

As she and Janet walked into Westwood proper, Ella couldn’t help but think back to William Darcy’s behavior the previous evening. He had seemed agitated by her mention of their Japanese neighbors. Did her, perhaps, know something about this? Could he be involved in any way?

No, that was ridiculous, she said to herself, shaking her head in an attempt to shake off the thought. William Darcy was a film studio owner. He was rich and powerful to be sure, but only here in Hollywood. He didn’t have anything to do with the military.

Or did he? It was odd that William Darcy, a young, fit man, was not in any way connected to the military. Shouldn’t he be in the service, or at least in the reserves? Or something.

Whatever the story was, Ella had by now almost convinced herself that William Darcy was involved in some way. But he had been so kind last night, and Ella had felt so comfortable with him, perhaps it was only a coincidence. She couldn’t help but remember his meaningful glances and his willingness to open up to her about his sister.

She really didn’t know what to think!

Janet and Ella purchased their groceries and took them home quickly. Ella thought it would be a good idea to at least attempt to find out what was happening, so they headed down to the Red Cross directly after having a bit of lunch. Both sisters were unhappy, and therefore not terribly hungry.

They made their way to Westwood again, this time going further than the grocery store, to the Red Cross headquarters for their part of town, which were housed in a small home. Neither Ella nor Janet had been there before – Ella was too busy to volunteer, much as she would have liked to, and Janet was too young.

They rang the bell and a kindly looking older woman answered.

“May I help you, dears?” She inquired.

“Please, ma’am,” Janet began, “we would like to talk to someone in the Army.”

“What my sister means,” Ella said, flushing at Janet’s presumption, “is, we would like to help, if there is anything we can do.”

“Well, that is very kind of you. Since it is a Saturday, we have many soldiers from all the forces here for examinations and to donate blood. We always welcome volunteers such as you, especially on a busy day like today. Please come in.” The lady led them into the front hall.

“My name is Mrs. Greer. This is my home, but since I was a nurse in the Great War, I decided to donate my home – and my aid, to the Red Cross. I still live upstairs, but the rest of the place, as you can see, is quite taken over!”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Greer.” Ella smiled at the lady who was giving them a tour of the home. In what she supposed was once the living room, about a dozen cots were set up, and several soldiers were lying on them giving blood. Ella winced briefly, but then steeled herself. She had never cared for needles, but she knew that now was not a time to be squeamish.

“I am Ella Bennet, and this is my sister Janet. I’m afraid neither of us have any nursing experience, so I don’t know how much help we can be.”

“Oh, nonsense dear.” Mrs. Greer replied. “We take any sort of volunteer. You’re a pretty young lady, and you, Miss Janet, seem like a sweet child.” Janet smiled. “Anyway, we need someone to help with the refreshments.” She was leading the girls through what was once a dining room, now filled with medical examination equipment, and into the kitchen, which still resembled a kitchen.

“Refreshments?” Janet asked. She was a bit puzzled as to why they would be serving food here, in what she thought was basically a hospital.

“Yes, indeed. We serve juice and cookies to all the boys so they can regain their strength after they donate blood. Its very draining, you know.

“I can imagine,” Ella said, her thoughts going back to the living room and the men with needles in their arms. She felt a bit faint, but took a deep breath. It would certainly not do to faint here – especially since it had been less then twenty-four hours since she had last fainted!

“Just sit and chat with them a bit, dear,” Mrs. Greer addressed Ella, “it always boosts moral to talk to a pretty girl. And you, Janet, I am sure, will charm them all.”

“Yes, Mrs. Greer, we will be glad to help with the refreshments. Here, Janet, you take the plate of cookies, and I will bring the juice and napkins.” She handed Janet a platter of homemade oatmeal cookies, and she picked up a tray with a pitcher of apple juice, glasses and napkins.

“Thank you so much, dears,” Mrs. Greer said, “I will just return to my office and finish some work. There are two nurses, Paula and Eileen, who will be happy to help you if you need anything. And of course, I am just upstairs.”

“Ella, what exactly are we doing,” Janet asked in a stage whisper as Mrs. Greer left the kitchen.

“We’re helping, and being good citizens. Besides, there are many soldiers here, and I am sure that we can find out why the Kato and Tanaka families were taken away!”

“Alright. These cookies look good! Can I have one?” Janet asked.

Ella was a bit shocked. “Of course not! They are for the soldiers who are donating blood to the war effort!”

“I’m very sorry, Ella,” Janet said looking down.

“Perhaps you can have one when we are finished, alright?” Ella did not want to be too hard on Janet. It had been a difficult morning for them both.

“Thanks El! I promise to be really entertaining for all the soldiers.”

“I know you will, sweetie. Now, let’s go out there!”

The sisters had only just entered the living room, and Ella was placing her tray down on a small table before offering juice to a soldier who was having his arm bandaged by a nurse, when the doorbell rang.

“Could somebody get that for me?” the nurse asked. Ella went to the door. Outside stood two soldiers, one whom she did not recognize. But the other was a familiar face – it was George Wickham.

“Ella! My drug store acquaintance!” The man cried as he recognized her. “How are you? Is your charming little sister here as well? I was very sorry not to have the chance to speak with you more the other day.”

“Mr. Wickham,” Ella began.

“Please, Captain Wickham, or George, if you prefer, Ella,” he said with a ‘charming smile.’

“Well then, Captain Wickham. It is quite a surprise to see you again.”

“A very pleasant one at that, I am sure, Ella,” he interrupted.

“Are you here to donate blood, or for a medical examination, Captain Wickham?” Ella asked, ignoring his previous words.

“Oh, my friend – Captain Denny – and myself are here to donate blood for the brave men fighting overseas. Since we have not yet been shipped out, it is the least we can do.”

Ella led the men into the living room, and gave them forms to fill out that she had seen one of the nurses give to another man who had arrived a minute earlier. As she moved to pour juice for the soldier who had finished his donation – and was now happily munching on a cookie as Janet was telling him a joke – she felt George Wickham’s eyes on her.

“Here you are, sir,” Ella said to the soldier. He took the glass from her and smiled thanks, his mouth full of cookie. “I trust my little sister is taking good care of you.”

“The best, miss,” he answered, having swallowed his bite. “Thank you very much.” Ella stood and spoke with him and Janet until he had finished his refreshments, and moved to put his uniform jacket back on.

“You have a real nice day,” he said, smiling and tipping his cap to the sisters. Then he said, in a lower voice, “and watch out for snakes. I hear they’re real popular around here this time of day.”

Ella and Janet gave each other a confused look. Snakes? In Los Angeles? How absurd!

“Miss Ella,” the soldier who had come in with Wickham, “may I have some juice? I’m feeling a bit weak.”

Ella wasn’t sure what protocol was for this, but she didn’t see what harm it would be to give Mr. Denny a glass of juice. She gave him one, then, realizing that her pitcher was almost empty, she returned to the kitchen to refill it.

“I sure wouldn’t mind getting an examination if she were the one to do it,” Wickham said to Denny, under his breath.

“I know what you mean,” his friend replied, and the two men smiled at each other.

After Wickham and Denny had finished their procedures, it was Ella’s duty to serve them more juice, and Janet brought over cookies.

“You’re the man we met in Mr. Lukas’, aren’t you?” Janet said to Wickham. “You thought Ella was my mom.”

“Wickham, you’re a dolt,” Denny said, laughing as Wickham looked slightly embarrassed.

“Yes, but now I certainly see how wrong I was,” Wickham smoothly replied.

“Now, Miss Ella,” Denny broke in, “what do you do when you aren’t charmingly serving refreshments to dolts like Wickham here?”

“I am a dancer and an actress. In the movies. In fact – I” she began, but was cut off.

“I knew it! I knew someone with such a beautiful – face – would be in pictures!” Wickham interrupted. “What films are you in? I don’t think I’ve seen you in anything yet, but then, I don’t get to the pictures too often.”

“Well, I am still in the process of shooting my first movie. I only started at Hartfield Studios several months ago.” She felt that perhaps this was not the best company in which to discuss her recent promotion.

“Hartfield, did you say? Good films. It’s a pity, though, that they’re owned by Will Darcy…” Wickham trailed off.

“What do you mean, Captain? I have only met Mr. Darcy a few times, but he seems nice enough, perhaps a bit reserved.”

“Yes, I suppose he would seem that way, to a stranger. You see, I have known William Darcy my whole life. My father worked for his parents. We practically grew up together. But I am afraid that when he came into the Pemberley/Derby, and later, Hartfield studios, he became far more engrossed in material matters to remain friends with the gardener’s son.” He paused for a moment to let this sink in. He noted that Ella seemed to believe him, so he made one additional comment. “He wouldn’t give me a job at his company, so I had to find my way. I enlisted as soon as we entered the war. I am a good citizen and want to do my part lick the Gerrys.”

Ella was a bit shocked to hear this account of a man she had almost grown to like in the last day, but she was determined to remain unbiased. However, she saw that Janet was not so ready to hear Captain Wickham’s account, since it was degrading to the guardian of her new friend Georgiana Darcy.

“Captain Wickham,” Ella said, hoping to change the subject. She could see Janet’s silent anger mounting at his slander of Georgiana’s guardian. “I have a question regarding something that happened today in our neighborhood. Since you are in service, and seem a well-informed person, perhaps you could enlighten me?”

“It would be my pleasure, Ella. Fire away, then,” he answered with a grin. She seemed to be warming up to him, he thought.

“This morning two of our neighbors, the Kato and Tanaka families, were taken away by soldiers. They would not speak to us, and neither would the soldiers, and they practically abandoned their homes. Do you know why this is happening?”

“I am assuming from the names you just gave me, that these families are Japanese?”

Ella nodded. “Yes, but they are second-generation, they are American citizens.

“That does not matter, I am afraid. The government issued a bill proclaiming the removal of all Japanese – citizens and immigrants – from the Western coast of the United States. It went into effect today.” He looked tried to look grieved as he spoke.

“But why? I don’t understand,” Ella cried, and Janet looked as if she were about to cry again.

“The government feels that any Japanese person may be a spy, leaking information about America to Japan. They feel that they cannot trust them, and therefore have declared it necessary to remove them to special reservations where they can live peacefully until the end of the war. It is also for their own personal safety, for there are many bigoted Americans who would attack Japanese out of fear and hatred. Your friends will be safe and cared for, and they will be able to return to their homes when the war is over.”

Janet had begun to cry, and Ella looked extremely pained.

“I am so sorry to be the one to tell you this. The bill was only passed in Congress last week, you may not have heard of it. It seems that the media was trying to keep it as quiet as possible to prevent any sort of trouble.”

“But how could such a thing be passed? One hears talk of the camps that the Germans have established in Europe. Now it seems as if we are doing the same thing!” Ella asked.

Wickham gave her a reassuring smile. “Ella, I might suggest that you ask that same question of another. Mr. Darcy was instrumental in persuading Congress to approve this measure. I’m sure he could answer you.” Ella was looking down at her hands, but Janet caught the change in Wickham’s expression from a smile to a smirk.

Chapter 12:

After Wickham and Denny left the Red Cross, Ella and Janet continued to work for much of the afternoon. They were shocked by the information he had given them – Janet because she was upset that her friend had been taken away, and because it seemed that her new friend Georgie’s brother was in some way responsible for it, and Ella because her suspicions about Mr. Darcy had been confirmed, and that somehow upset her even more. He had been so kind the previous evening, and she had almost thought him to be a decent person – even after what she had overheard him say. He had apologized and seemed to be repentant.

However, it now seemed that his goodness was all a façade, and that he was really pure evil. What kind of a person – a civilian no less – thought they had the right to destroy the lives and happiness of so many? What business was it of his – a movie studio owner, and arguably one of the wealthiest men in the country – to be involved in the deportation of innocent people?

Was America as bad as Germany? Could its citizens just turn a blind eye while injustice was occurring in their own country? Surely, the Japanese would not be harmed – heaven forbid – but nevertheless, there rights and liberties – the very reason their families had come to America – had been taken away. The Katos and the Tanakas were some of the most dignified and upstanding people Ella knew. How must they be feeling?

It was really shocking to Ella and Janet when they returned home. They found the homes across the street abandoned, and possessions scattered over the front lawns. Janet started crying all over again when she saw her friend Kira’s bicycle, which had been a cherished birthday gift from her parents, lying on its side near the sidewalk. Ella noticed that many of the families’ beautiful things, including ornate furniture that must have been family heirlooms, were strewn both inside and out of the homes. Their belongings looked as if they had been investigated, and the soldiers who had done the work had left everything in a shambles.

“All these things will be gone by morning, sitting out here. With the war on, its too much to ask that people respect the property of others.” Ella sighed. War certainly made people desperate and strange. “I’m sure there’s many a poor family that will come by tonight to gather the furniture.”

“What can we do?” Janet cried, though her sobs. “Can we stand guard?”

“No, dearest, that would be foolish. I’m afraid that the government will have to take care of this situation – surely, though they’ve removed these families and taken away their liberties for a time, they wouldn’t deprive them of their homes or their belongings when the war is over. I’m sure that everything will be fine.”

Truth be told, Ella was not sure at all. She hadn’t meant to voice her concerns about the furniture aloud, but she couldn’t help it. Now of course, she regretted making her sister even more upset.

“Janet,” she said, hugging her sister to her, “why don’t you take Kira’s bicycle. We can keep it for her until she comes home. Just, in case. It is such a beautiful bike I’m sure that she would want for you to keep it for her.”

“Oh yes! I will. I will keep it in my room for her until she comes back. Thank you Ella.”

Ella wished that she and Janet could gather all their friends’ belongings for safekeeping, but she was not sure what the policies were, and she certainly didn’t want to cause any more trouble.

The sisters went inside, carrying the shiny red bicycle up the back stairs. As they reached their apartment, they heard a voice from downstairs. It was Mrs. Kwan.

“Girls, please, will you come down when you have settled? Mr. Kwan and I wish to speak with you.”

“Of course,” Ella called. “We will be down in a moment.”

They put the bike in a corner of the living room, and removed their coats and hats, since it was a warm evening and they were just going downstairs.

The Kwan apartment was always full of fun and laughter, but this evening the tone was definitely somber. Mr. Kwan had evidently closed his restaurant early to return home to be with his family.

“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Kwan,” Ella said when they entered. There was a disturbing feeling in the air. “I trust you have heard about what happened this morning.”

“Yes, we have, Miss Ella. We are very saddened. My wife and family were all at work with me this morning, but I understand that you were here, when the army came?”

“We were.” Ella replied. “It was shocking. I have since learned that it was a Congressional Act, signed last week, for the deportation of all Japanese immigrants and descendants living in the Western states. The government has some ridiculous notion that they could be spies. We are sad and upset as well.”

“Yes, this is a dark day, for all of us. We wonder – being immigrants ourselves – whether we have made a mistake in believing that America is the home of the free,” Mr. Kwan said, with evident anger.

“I do not wish to raise my children in a place that is like this,” Mrs. Kwan added, “We try to teach them about tolerance and acceptance, and then they see something like this.”

“We have been encouraged, by other neighbors and even our church minister, to place a sign in our window stating that we are not Japanese, because apparently some people may try to target all Oriental Americans. We feel terrible to do it, but we don’t wish to cause trouble.” Mr. Kwan said,

“I know, I understand, completely,” Ella said. “I can’t believe that my little sister must deal with loosing her dear friends for no apparent reason. It is absurd – that is all it is!”

“And I cannot believe that Georgie’s brother would” – Ella cut her off. The Kwan’s didn’t need to know that it was possible that William Darcy was responsible for their neighbor’s deportation.

“Mr. and Mrs. Kwan, is there anything that we can do to help you? We are all greatly affected by this tragedy, and I think we must come together and be strong.”

“Yes, you are right,” Mr. Kwan agreed. “But who knows – could we be next? One cannot help but wonder? Where will the government look for their enemies next?”

“America and China are allies, so I am sure that you as safe as anyone else. I just cannot fathom this entire situation,” Ella said, going further into despair.

“Indeed. It is a complete tragedy, but we must try to get through it, and look toward the future, when this horrible war will be over, and our friends will be back amongst us.” Mrs. Kwan certainly spoke the plain truth.

“And now,” Mr. Kwan added, “will you join us for a small supper? I have brought some food home from the restaurant. Today was a very slow day, so I decided to give my workers the night off so we could all be with our families.”

“I’m not very hungry,” Janet said, looking as if she was about to cry again.

“Oh, but Janet, I have brought egg rolls just for you! There are so many, I don’t believe my family together could eat them all, but I’m sure that you could alone!” He playfully tapped Janet’s chin, trying to get a smile from the little girl.

“Well, I suppose I have room for one or two. Is that alright with you, Ella?” She looked at her sister, her eyes sad, but trying to look happy.

“Of course, dearest. Egg rolls sound delicious. Thank you very much, Mr. Kwan. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful friends, so close by.”

“Indeed, as are we,” Mrs. Kwan answered, giving Ella’s hand an affectionate squeeze.

The sisters had a nice dinner with the Kwan’s. Janet’s appetite surpassed her own expectations, and she ate more than two egg rolls. Actually, she ate seven, and nothing else, but Ella did not comment, because she was glad to see her sister smiling with Tommy Kwan and his sister Linda, who was eight. Both the Kwan children loved to tease Janet about her obsession with egg rolls, and they even suggested that she should start working at Mr. Kwan’s restaurant just so she could have access to them at all times.

Janet thought it was a wonderful idea, until Ella reminded her that she was only ten, and that school was her priority. Mr. Kwan chuckled and told her that he would be happy to hire her, but he was afraid that she would eat him out of business.

The good-natured teasing made the difficult circumstances of the evening easier to bear, and a few hours after they had arrived, Ella and Janet made their way upstairs with much lighter hearts and minds.

Later, after Janet was asleep Ella found herself tossing and turning in her bed. She couldn’t understand why something about Captain George Wickham bothered her. True, he was a slick character, but he was incredibly charming and nothing if not kind and attentive to herself and Janet (after their initial encounter).

And he had been so kind to divulge what she could only imagine was very personal information about his relationship with William Darcy, and what could only be secret government information about that man’s involvement with the day’s events.

But why had he told them? She was a stranger to him, and though of course she was aware that he was a flirt, it was odd that he had so quickly opened up to her. Of course, there had been goodness in all of his looks, and she had no reason to doubt him.

Mr. Darcy’s behavior left more to question. He had become uncomfortable when she mentioned their Japanese neighbors. If that wasn’t guilt, she didn’t know what it could have been. And though he had been kind to her, he had been quite quick to pass judgment on her peers, and his behavior had its “ups and downs.”

No, it seemed that Mr. Darcy was certainly not a man to be trusted, and she found herself growing angrier and angrier with him as the hour grew later. She couldn’t understand why a man such as himself would be involved in government affairs. It was truly strange.

Ella was finally able to get some fitful rest, after telling herself that no matter how terrible a person Mr. William Darcy was, he still was her boss, and he had given her an incredible opportunity only the night before. She was determined to make the best of it, and she was sure that she would not have to be in company with the man himself very often. After all, why would a high-and-mighty producer hang around “lowly chorus girls”?

The next morning was Sunday, so Ella and Janet attended church as usual. After, since they generally went to Mr. Kwan’s for Sunday lunch, and they had, in a way, eaten there just the previous evening, they decided to venture into Santa Monica instead, and go to the open air market for fresh fruit and vegetables that local farmers had brought in from outside Los Angeles. Since fresh produce was hard to come by in Westwood, this was a special treat that both girls felt they were in need of. The goods at the market were not expensive, but there was such a wonderful array of things that it was difficult to decide what purchase, since they could not afford much.

After buying fresh cherries, strawberries, and small oranges called “clementines,” which they had tasted at a farmer’s insistence for the first time and found them to be incredibly delicious and simple (easy to peel, and seedless!), as well as lettuce, red pepper, and tomatoes for a salad to have with dinner, the girls crossed over Santa Monica Boulevard to sit in the park overlooking the beach, and munch on their cherries.

“Ella,” Janet began, “do you really think that Georgie’s brother was the one who sent Kira to the prison?”

“Sweetie, first, you have to understand, that Kira and her family did nothing wrong, and they are not being punished for their actions. Well, not really. They were sent away because the people in charge of our country are scared – there’s a war on, and sometimes during a war it is difficult for people to see that their actions may be close to as bad as those they are fighting. Our government doesn’t want to hurt anyone, they just think (and wrongly), that some people who are different may try to hurt the rest of the people in the country. So they think it is best to take them away for a little while, just in case.”

Ella was trying to explain to Janet so she wouldn’t be as upset, but also so she wouldn’t blame the government, whom Ella thought was just scared and unsure. Then she realized that she was really rationalizing things for herself as well.

As the sisters sat on a bench overlooking the clear blue water of the Pacific, it was hard to imagine that there was a war going on across those waters. But it was all too easy to recall just how close to home that war was starting to hit.

“Extra, extra! Special Sunday Afternoon edition of the Times! Get’cher Sunday Times here! Read all about the deportation of Japanese immigrants and descendants! Extra! Mr. William Darcy, head of Pemberley/Derby and Hartfield Studios had joined up! He’s Major William Darcy now! Read all about it!

Chapter 13

Ella nearly fainted when she heard the newsboy’s cry. Immediately she began to run across the street to where the boy stood, selling his papers, leaving a confused Janet sitting on the bench.

“I’ll take one, please,” she said breathlessly, handing the boy the coin.

“Its quite a story, miss,” the boy replied. “Imagine, one of the richest men in the country giving it all up to fight. Now, that’s what I call a real American!”

Ella didn’t know what to say so she nodded quickly and tried to smile at the boy, before turning to cross the street back to Janet.

“Ella, what’s wrong,” her sister said as she approached the bench.

“Did you hear what he said? William Darcy is now in the army! I am so confused, by what Captain Wickham told us and by what Mr. Darcy said the other night. I just can’t understand it all.”

“What’s to understand?” Janet said, simply. “I don’t trust that Captain Wickham. He’s too slick and smooth, Ella. He gives me a bad feeling, right in the pit of my stomach. And I think that Mr. Darcy is a very good man, and he’s now being even better by going into the army.” Janet took her sister’s arm and gave her a reassuring squeeze.

Ella paused for a moment to think. Then Janet remembered something. “Ella, what about poor Georgie? Her brother is the only family she has, what if something happens to him?”

Ella realized she had to get a grip over her emotions and try to calm her sister. “Janet, I am sure that Mr. Darcy will take every care with his sister, and I am sure that nothing will happen to him.” As she spoke, she realized just how much she actually cared, and hoped that nothing would happen to him. ‘Oh dear,’ Ella thought. ‘Why do I feel this way about a man who I only hear bad things about, and barely know?’

The girls decided it was time to go home, and they walked slowly, both deep in thought. As they neared Westwood Ella remembered she needed to stop at the grocery to try to get first pick of the week’s new arrivals of rations, since work would begin early the next morning. She managed to get a nice large chicken that she promised to roast with some potatoes, onions, and carrots to make a special Sunday dinner for herself and Janet. Chicken was a luxury at the time, but it was also a good thing to buy, when one had the chance, because it lasted a long time and could be made into other things during the week. Ella was continually amazed by her own frugality, considering that only a short time ago she had never done her own grocery shopping, let alone cooking!

Ella and Janet spent a quiet evening together at home. Neither felt like talking much, since the weekend’s events had given them much to contemplate on their own. Ella wished she could find a way to talk with Mr. Darcy about the Japanese deportation, but she knew now that he was enlisted there was no chance of that. She also wondered why he had entered the army, when he had a business to run and of course his sister to care for. He was a very confusing man, and his behavior to her confirmed it!

Janet was concerned about her friend Kira and her family, and now had her new friend Georgiana to think of. She thought everything had been going so well for them – Ella had a promotion, she had gone to a fancy party and made friends with movie stars! But Saturday morning everything had become so confusing, and she didn’t know what to make of it.

Both girls went to bed early, their minds full of puzzles and problems, but they were comforted by the fact that they had each other.

Monday morning was always the most difficult for Ella and Janet, but this day they had so many other things on their minds that they forgot it was the beginning of another long week of school and work. Truthfully, Ella was happy to be going back to work, since she had a new and exciting part, and she knew it would help her to get her mind off of everything else. She still couldn’t escape a slightly nagging feeling in her stomach, though, and couldn’t make herself feel completely happy.

Janet didn’t know how she felt that morning about going back to school. She was sad about her friend, but she hadn’t had the chance to talk with any of her other friends from school, and she wondered what they all thought about what had happened that weekend.

Ella walked with Janet to her school, and then left to catch her bus to the studio. It seemed as if the world was continuing on as normal, although she knew it wasn’t really the same.

At the studio all the chorus girls clustered around Ella the second she arrived. Most were happy for her, and offered their congratulations and best wishes. A few, including Susan Dixon gave her haughty looks, but still offered grudging congratulations. Ella knew it must be difficult for the other girls to accept her success, especially since she was one of the least experienced in the group.

Anne Elliot greeted Ella with a hug and a huge smile, but she quickly noticed that Ella was not in the best of moods. “Ella, you don’t seem as excited as you should be, on the first day of your new career!”

“Anne, did you hear about the deportation of Japanese Americans that began this weekend?” Ella asked, deciding that with her sensible friend, it was best to get straight to the point.

Anne nodded, but looked confused. The new law had been in the paper, and she had read about it with a heavy heart. Several families in her neighborhood were forced to leave as well, and she had been very sad to see them taken from their homes. Still, it wasn’t the topic she had expected Ella to bring up. War matters didn’t tend to pervade into their workplace, probably just to keep morale high.

“Did you also hear that William Darcy has enlisted in the army?”

“Why yes, that was in the paper as well. Apparently he was in the reserves, but he elected to go into active duty. Very noble of him, I think, considering that his job and his responsibilities would have allowed him to remain on reserve, probably for the remainder of the war.”

“Well, I learned something that upset me greatly about Mr. Darcy and his involvement in the deportation.” Ella knew her friend had a high opinion of William Darcy, but she also knew that Anne would be able to help her make a fair assessment of the situation.

Anne looked surprised. “What do you mean, Ella?”

Ella continued, “According to someone in the army, someone whom I believe would have knowledge of this, William Darcy played an instrumental role in convincing Congress to pass the Deportation Act.”

Now Anne’s face turned from surprise to shock. “You’re kidding.” She said simply. “Who told you this?”

“A young officer I met at the Red Cross on Saturday. I had met him last week in Westwood, and happened to see him again when Janet and I volunteered there.”

“Is this someone you know is trustworthy?” Anne knew that Ella’s innocence made her too trusting in some situations. She also knew that her friend seemed predisposed to dislike William Darcy.

“There was truth in all his looks,” Ella insisted, though in the back of her mind she remembered how Wickham had seemed a little suspicious upon their first meeting. He was a little too smooth. “Besides,” she continued, “Mr. Darcy seemed uneasy the other day when I mentioned that I lived in a neighborhood with a diverse population, including Japanese Americans.”

“Ella, that could mean anything,” Anne said. “You don’t know that he is involved in any way. Besides, how could he have had anything to do with Congress? He is only a film executive, even if he is the wealthiest in Hollywood.”

“I don’t know,” Ella said, “but even just the idea that he is involved makes me very upset. Janet’s friend Kira and her family were taken away as we watched, and there was nothing we could do about it. They didn’t do anything wrong!”

Anne knew that Ella was getting more worked up by the second. She decided it was a good time to change the subject.

“Ella,” she said, putting a comforting arm around her friend’s shoulder, “please try to think about something else right now. There’s noting we can do, you’re right, but I know that our government will not hurt anyone, and we can only hope and pray that this war will be over soon, and all our friends will come back to us.”

“You’re right, I suppose,” Ella said, sighing.

“I nearly forgot,” Anne exclaimed, “Mrs. R told me to have to report to wardrobe as soon a you arrived! You’d better hurry, I bet they have lots of things to do!”

Ella looked panicked for a moment – he new job was going to be very different from being in the chorus. What had she gotten herself into?

“Come on, silly,” Anne said, sensing Ella’s self-doubt. “You’re the perfect person for the part, and you’re going to be fantastic!”

Ella wished that Anne could come with her and continue to reassure her throughout the day, but unfortunately Anne’s work in the picture couldn’t come to a halt simply to help her, and she made her way alone to the wardrobe room.

Mrs. Reynolds was the costume designer for Hartfield Studio. She was a stylish woman in her mid-fifties, who had designed the costumes for dozens of pictures during her twenty-year career. She went by her first name, Pamela, as many designers did at the time, when she was credited for her work, but off-screen everyone referred to her as Mrs. R. She was tall and thin, and looked severe, but after spending five minutes with her everyone she met knew just how sweet and kind she was.

“Ella, my dear,” Mrs. R exclaimed upon Ella’s entry into the wardrobe department. “How are you? I was so happy to hear that you will be playing Maggie. It is a lovely part, and I know you will be lovely in it. Now, we have lots to do and I know that you are wanted in the studio at noon, so we must hurry.”

The next two hours went by like a dream for Ella. She still knew next to nothing about the part she was to play, but she quickly learned that her costumes were numerous, and many were exquisitely beautiful. As she stood being pinned and tucked into one costume after another, Mrs. R and her assistants Minnie and Sally chattered away to Ella.

“My dear,” said Mrs. R, “you have such a lovely figure. It’s a very good thing that Carol Bingley opted out of the picture so early, so there is not so much to re-shoot for you and the rest of the actors. However, there is much for us to do, given that many of her costumes were already made up, and you are shaped quite differently from that beanpole.”

Minnie and Sally giggled as she said this, and Ella couldn’t refrain from a small chuckle. “I hope there isn’t too much work for you, Mrs. R,” she said, not wanting to cause any trouble.

“Not too much, my dear. And I am happy to do it, to have my creations displayed on you rather than her. Imagine, she wanted me to make this dress orange!”

Ella looked down at the shimmering pale grey evening sheath and shuddered. “Well, there is no accounting for taste,” she said, trying to be diplomatic.

“That was the problem,” Minnie spoke up, “she hadn’t any!”

This set all four women into laughter, and they took several minutes before they sobered again.

All too soon Mrs. R looked at the clock and realized it was a quarter to twelve. “Ella, put this on,” she said, handing her a full skirt of yellow linen, and a white blouse with a peter pan collar. “I don’t know if you’ll be shooting this afternoon, but I know that Mr. Darcy and the other top executives will be meeting with you for lunch, and you need to wear something a little nicer than your practice dress.” Mrs. R smiled fondly at Ella.

Ella was a little shocked to hear that William Darcy was going to be there. She had expected that he hadn’t left for the army immediately, but she never dreamed that he would take the time to have lunch with her. Of course, it was most likely a business meeting with all the producers, and other actors in the film. Ella had no idea who else was in this picture, and she was now very excited to read a script and find out about her role.

When Janet arrived at her classroom that morning she found many of her classmates gathered around the front of the room, talking. There were a few minutes before classes started, and the other kids were discussing what had happened to their friends and neighbors over the weekend. In Janet’s class alone, three children were absent on that day, and would continue to be for no one knew how long.

Soon their teacher, Ms. Lehman called the class to order, and the children took their places at their desks, trying to avoid looking at the empty places around the room. Janet found both seats next to her empty, which made her feel strange and uncertain in her familiar classroom.

Just as Ms. Lehman was about to being the Pledge of Allegiance, there was a knock on the door. It opened, to reveal the principal, Mr. Winston, a young man, and a little girl. The girl was shyly looking around the room, and after a moment her eyes fell on a familiar face.

“Janet!” cried Georgiana Darcy.

“Georgie, shh,” said her brother.

The principal went over to Ms. Lehman and spoke with her for a moment. Then he turned to speak to the rest of the class.

“Children, you have a new classmate, as of today. This is Georgiana Darcy. Please treat her kindly and help her to get accustomed to our school.” With that, Principal Winston nodded to Ms. Lehman, shook Mr. Darcy’s hand, glanced at Georgiana, and left.

Some of the students recognized Georgiana, either by name or from seeing her in films, and they began whispering among themselves.

Ms. Lehman, slightly more perceptive and infinitely more understanding than the principal sensed Georgiana’s nervousness. She silenced her students with a looks, then shook hands with the child’s brother, and then addressed Georgiana.

“Welcome, Georgiana, to our classroom. I am sure you will be a wonderful addition to our class. Would you like to take the desk there next to Janet Bennet?” Georgiana nodded, still too shy to speak. “Janet, I trust you will show Georgiana around and make her feel comfortable here.” It was not said as a question, but Janet nodded enthusiastically in response.

William Darcy now turned to his sister. “Georgie, I know you will be in excellent care here, and I am glad you have found a friend.” He squeezed her hand to comfort her, and led her over to the desk. “Hello Janet,” he said kindly, “how are you today?”

Janet found her tongue and replied, “I’m fine, thank you,” a little shyly, at being addressed by such a renowned man in front of her whole class.

“I’m happy to hear it,” he responded. “Georgie, I will make sure someone is here to pick you up promptly after school. I will see you at dinner.” With a nod to Ms. Lehman he smiled again at his sister and Janet, and left the room.

Ms. Lehman immediately called the class to order, and had them recite the pledge and then began the day’s first lesson.

At recess, the children went out to the schoolyard where there was a set of swings and some climbing bars. Today, however, not one child from Ms. Lehman’s class was interested in playing. No, today there was something far more exciting in their midst – Georgiana Darcy.

The children crowded around the poor shy girl, asking her all sorts of questions. Georgie, normally shy even in small groups was completely overwhelmed by all the attention. She was not prepared to answer the barrage of questions about life as a child film star, and she had never really met children who were not involved in show business, and therefore had great curiosity and interest in her life.

Janet was a little puzzled by all the attention paid to Georgie as well. Because of Ella, Janet knew that the movies were a difficult business, and meant very hard work for anyone involved in them. She knew of course about fame and like any other child thought that the life of a film star must be the most glorious in the world. However, since she had met Georgie and the other child stars at Emma Woodhouse’s party she had come to realize that they were just regular children with the same interests as she herself had, and they did not act grand or think they were better than anyone because of what they did. It was just a job – although they were unusual in that most children she knew were not employed.

After a few minutes of incessant questioning, Janet realized that Georgie was uncomfortable by all the attention lavished on her, and she started asking her classmates to back off and give her some space. Georgie was grateful for Janet’s presence and help. And after a few more minutes, the two girls finally found themselves alone.

“I didn’t know you were going to be coming to school here,” Janet said, expressing her surprise.

“Neither did I, but my brother told me that he was going to war, and he wanted me to have a stable place to be. I never dreamed he would send me to a public school – and this isn’t even in our neighborhood – but I am glad he did. I am excited to be at school with you, and I am sure we will become great friends!” Georgie was expressing more emotion and less fear than Janet had seen, which made her feel certain that her new friend would soon fit in with the rest of her classmates.

The rest of their day passed uneventfully, and gradually it seemed that Georgie’s status as a “star” would quickly subside, and she would become just a regular kid in the fifth grade.

Chapter 14

When Ella walked into Studio 1A, the same studio she had auditioned in the previous Friday, she felt nervousness creeping through her insides. She didn’t know how she felt about William Darcy, and therefore she didn’t know how she should act around him.

She was immensely grateful for being cast as Maggie, and for his kindness to her at Emma’s party, but some of his behavior and rude comments confused her, and Wickham’s claims about him infuriated her.

Mr. Woodhouse greeted Ella as she entered the studio, and again congratulated her. “My dear, you have a great deal of talent, and I am so pleased that you are now a larger part of this production.”

“Thank you, Mr. Woodhouse,” she replied, “I am very pleased to play any part.”

“Good, good. Shall we go into lunch now?” He took her arm and led Ella through to the other side of the studio, outside, and towards the executive refectory, or dining room.

Ella was awed by the grandeur of the room they went into, which was the complete opposite of the dining room where she had always eaten before, if she even had time to get there. This room was made entirely of glass, and filled with potted palms and beautiful wicker furniture, cushioned with luxurious seersucker cushions. Mr. Woodhouse led her to a large table where a group was assembled.

Instantly Ella recognized several people. One was Mr. Darcy, who extended his hand to her and gave her a warm smile. “I am very happy to see you, Ella, he said quietly.” The others, she imagined, were the starts of the picture, two of Hartfield Studio’s most famous young stars, Jeffrey Winslow and Katherine Mason.

Ella couldn’t believe that she was to be working alongside these two, whom she had long admired in numerous films. Though Jeffrey was in his early thirties, and Katherine in her late twenties, they had each starred in dozens of pictures, and were known throughout the world.

“I’m so pleased to meet you, Ella,” Katherine Mason said, smiling at her.

“Thank you, it is a great pleasure to meet you, Miss Mason,” Ella responded politely.

“Oh, call her Kate, everyone does,” said Jeffrey Winslow with grin. He had been long considered a confirmed bachelor by the Hollywood gossip columnists, but to Ella at least it was evident that he was smitten with his redheaded co-star, whom he sat next to. He had the classic tall, dark, handsome look, with a strong jaw and lean muscular build. Kate, as Ella began to call her was a petite redhead with bright blue eyes and a kind smile. Ella couldn’t ascertain whether she had similar feelings for Jeffrey, but she did seem to like him a great deal.

Sitting to Kate’s other side was Franklin Gilmore, or Frank, who was to play Roy in the film. He was several years older than Ella, perhaps twenty-six or twenty-seven, with dark hair and a serious face. Ella had seen him in a period drama once, and she knew he was a talented actor, who was perhaps overlooked for “leading man” roles because he wasn’t classically handsome. Ella thought he was quite good looking, however, and he was very friendly, and she knew it would be fun to work with him.

The party was rounded out with two of the assistant directors for the film, Mr. King and Mr. Weston, kindly gentlemen in their fifties or sixties. They all dined on lettuce salad, fresh cold salmon with cucumber, and beef tenderloin. Ella couldn’t believe the quality and quantity of the food, since she was so used to eating a dry sandwich or less for lunch, and she felt a little guilty with such luxury.

Mr. Darcy, sitting next to Ella, seemed to notice her discomfort, and whispered to her, “Do not feel guilty about eating so well in wartime. There is hardly ever an occasion such as this. I guess you could call it my ‘last meal,’ since I am shipping out tomorrow morning for training camp in the Midwest.”

Ella smiled slightly at him. “It is a brave thing you are doing, sir. I am sure that our army is lucky to have you.” She didn’t really know what else to say, since she supposed she would be eternally mystified by his behavior towards her.

“Ella, please call me William. I don’t know that what I’m doing is so brave, but I feel I must do my part to help preserve the state of the world from destruction.”

Ella read into this that he not only referred to stopping Hitler and his allies, but to removing the Japanese from their homes. However, she reminded herself that she must give him the some credit for his kindness, and not necessarily think so ill of him.

“Well, William, I hope that your time of service will be short, and that the war will end quickly and peaceably.”

“As do I, Ella. Now, I have a favor to ask of you. Will you come meet me in my office this afternoon, after the read-through which will take place immediately after this luncheon?”

She was a little taken aback by his request, but said that she would. They finished their meal in pleasant conversation with the others, discussing aspects of production and other films that were in progress at the time. It did in fact seem as though the conversation was kept light on purpose, so as not to remind William Darcy of where tomorrow would take him.

Ella learned soon after lunch the extent of the role of Maggie. She had been right to imagine that the part was large, with lots of range for her skills as an actress. Reading through the script with the other actors was fun.

It turned out that many of Ella’s suppositions during the auditions had been correct. Maggie and Olivia were both ballet dancers, who wanted to leave the dance world for a similar reason – love. Olivia (Kate) was planning to be married to Michael (Jeff), and was trying to convince herself that she did not mind giving up her glamorous life in the big city to become the wife of a small-town physician whom she’d loved since childhood.

Maggie’s storyline, Ella thought, was more interesting. Maggie was infatuated with Joe, the lighting technician for a theater on Broadway. (Joe was to be played by a very handsome young man named Robert Brown, who was incredibly sweet, but had to play a cad, and did so quite well.) Maggie decided that her best chance of getting him to notice her was to try to get into a show at that theater. The problem was, she was a classically trained ballerina who had never learned how to “hoof it” for musical theater.

Maggie’s salvation was Roy, who was the ballet master for the dance company, but had trained as a boy for vaudeville, and therefore knew how to be a hoofer. Maggie convinced him to coach her, which wasn’t too difficult considering that Roy was secretly in love with her. He was not too thrilled, however, about why she wanted to leave the ballet.

Ella was more than satisfied with her part. She had two big song and dance numbers, one with Roy and the other on her own with a chorus, several solo parts in ballet numbers, a solo song, and lots of scenes, ranging from hysterically funny to dramatic to sad. Maggie took part in more dance numbers than any other character, and though the acting part was smaller than some, it had a lot of range.

In the end of the film everyone ended up happily, since it was an uplifting, feel-good type of picture. Olivia realized there is more to life than fame, and she and Michael were married, Maggie “saw the light” and realized that Joe was a cad, but Roy was a wonderful guy, and she eventually got her part as a soloist for the ballet, after deciding that musical theater was better left to those who tapped better than they “toed.”

Ella was slightly daunted by the extent of her part, the story of which certainly rivaled Olivia and Michael’s for the leading storyline. However, she was confident that she would not have been chosen for the role if she weren’t fit to play it, so she knew she could do it. She just hoped that those who had faith in her were not to be proven wrong.

After the read-through Ella made her way to Mr. Darcy’s office, which was in the main building at the studio, built in the style of a Spanish hacienda, with whitewashed walls and trellises covered with bougainvillea. William Darcy’s office was on the third floor, and after announcing herself to his secretary, Ella found herself going through a heavy oak doorway into a beautiful room with a balcony overlooking the Hollywood hills.

Mr. Darcy greeted her happily. “How was your first read-through, Ella?”

“It’s a wonderful script,” she replied, smiling. “I am amazed by how large my part is, and a little scared that I won’t do well enough.” She wasn’t fishing for a compliment, she was sincerely telling him that she was nervous.

He understood her sincerity. “I am confident that you are exactly the right person to play Maggie, and I know you will play her beautifully. Now, there are a few things I would like to talk about with you, if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind at all,” she replied.

“Please, why don’t we sit on the balcony? It’s a beautiful sunny day, and I know you spent most of your day inside, as did I.”

Ella agreed to that, and they made their way onto the balcony, where there was a small table and several comfortable chairs. Small pots of miniature roses, violets, and geraniums adorned the thick wall of the balcony, and added some bright touches of color in the early springtime.

Darcy pulled a chair out for Ella, and sat down next to her, pulling his own chair quite close to hers.

“Ella, from the moment I first saw you last Friday, I knew you were someone special. You have talent as a dancer and actress, and you are very beautiful, but what’s more, you are vivacious and caring, and that shows through in your personality. You are the only person I can imagine to play Maggie.” He paused and looked meaningfully at her.

Ella tried very hard not to blush, but she was certain she failed. She smiled slightly, and looked at her hands folded in her lap.

He continued again, sensing that while she was slightly embarrassed by his compliments, she was also pleased. “I have a question, no, a request, I would like to ask of you.”

She looked up at him, curious.

“As you know, I am leaving tomorrow for training, which will keep me away from Los Angeles for several months, at least. There is a chance that I will be able to return briefly before I would leave to go fight, but I will not know that for certain.”

“I realize what you are sacrificing, Mr. Darcy,” Ella began.

“William,” he interrupted.

“William. I admit I was surprised to hear that you enlisted, given all of your responsibilities here, both professional and personal.” Ella did genuinely feel that he was a good person for enlisting, no matter what else he’d done in reference to the war.

“There is nothing I wouldn’t do for my country,” he replied, and reached over to take her hand. “Ella, though I have known you only a short time, I feel as if I’ve known you forever. You are such a wonderfully kind, thoughtful woman. I know how hard you work, and how good you are to your sister.”

Ella was not very comfortable with him holding her hand, but she did not withdraw it just then. Something about the way he had touched her made her insides quiver.

“Ella, I enrolled my sister Georgie in public school this morning. The same school your sister goes to. They are in the same class, and I know Georgie is at ease because Janet is there.”

Ella was surprised by his announcement. They had spoken briefly at Emma’s party about their sisters, but she had never dreamed that he would actually place his sister in a public school.

“Although I feel that Georgie is a superior child, I also believe that she needs stability and a sense of comfort during this time I will be gone. She will not be acting at least for the duration of the war, at our mutual agreement, and so I believe that being in an atmosphere with typical children will be beneficial. It will also do her good to realize that not everyone is as lucky as she is.”

Ella understood his love for his sister, but couldn’t fight the feeling that he was insulting herself and Janet in a way. She didn’t say anything, yet, and let him continue talking.

“Ella, though you and I come from very different backgrounds, and many men in my position would not dream of saying what I am about to say, I feel that I must. I admire you very much, and I feel that if I had more time I would be well on my way to falling in love with you.”

At that, Ella withdrew her hand and sat up straight. William was confused, but kept talking.

“You are now a costar in one of my films, and though it is not always considered good for employers to date their employees, I am sure that in this situation things would be different. I would like if very much if you would consider dating me, or at least go out with me when I return home after training.”

Now Ella was completely shocked, but she couldn’t say anything. He continued.

“Would you do me the honor of coming to dinner this evening. Please, bring your sister, I know she and Georgie would have a wonderful time, and I would so enjoy to spend my last evening in Los Angeles with the women I love best.”

At this, Ella could stay silent no longer. In fact, she couldn’t stay seated next to him any longer either. She stood up and moved to stand by the wall of the balcony.

“Mr. Darcy,” she said in as haughty a tone as she could manage, “I am shocked by your words. Do you really think that your manner would induce me to accept your absurd proposal. You do not love me, you probably don’t even think I’m talented. In fact, you are guilty of precisely what you said you loathed the other day – attraction to superficial good looks, a little lipstick, and a short skirt!” At that, Ella started walking toward the door that led back into his office.

However, William was closer, and he blocked her way. He reached out to touch her arm, but she shied away and moved to the other side of the balcony.

“The manner of your words is not the greatest of their offense. Do you really think that I, a low-class nobody would ever fit into your glamorous, wealthy, stuck-up world? Or that I would want to?” Ella voice crescendoed and she began to pace up and down the balcony.

“Ella, I certainly didn’t mean –“ he began, but she cut him off.

“No, you did mean. You are a snob, you think you are above everyone else, and you aren’t afraid to say so. But even if you hadn’t insulted me and my background, there are other things that would keep me from dating you if you were the last man in the world!”

“Ella, please,” William said in vain.

“No, let me finish,” she insisted. He acquiesced. “Your treatment of George Wickham, now toiling away as a captain in the army because you wouldn’t give him a job in your studio. That poor young man has suffered greatly at your hands.”

“Where on earth,” William tried to get in, but she again interrupted him.

“And he also told me about your involvement in the deportation of Japanese immigrants and Japanese-American citizens. How you persuaded Congress to pass the bill that forced them to leave their homes and friends. I cannot understand how anyone would be capable of inflicting such pain on so many innocent victims.” Ella was practically in tears as she said this. She couldn’t believe what Darcy had proclaimed for her, and she especially couldn’t understand how he could feel that way about her! She had thought him incapable of love, except for the kindness he showed to his sister.

“Ella, please listen to me. I had nothing to do with –“ He tried again, but Ella was nearly hysterical at this point, and didn’t want to lose herself to the vulnerability she felt at that moment.

“Please Mr. Darcy, I cannot hear any more from you today.”

“I see,” he said calmly, his face white with either anger or despair. “You have also said enough for today. I am sorry for causing you to become so upset. Please, let me call a car to take you home. You are not needed any more today.”

Ella nodded, when a thought crept into her mind.

“Mr. Darcy,” she said quietly, “did you hire me to play Maggie because you thought I was the best one for the part, or because you had feelings for me. If it is the latter, I am afraid I must turn down the part, and what’s more, I insist I be released from my contract. I could no longer work for you.”

“Miss Bennet, I repeat that you are the only person who can play Maggie. The film and the studio would be very badly off if you left. I do not mix business with my personal life, so you may be assured of my discretion in this matter.”

“Thank you, sir. Now I think I will go home, but don’t trouble a driver, I can find my own way.” With those words Ella swept off the balcony and out of his office as quickly and majestically as she could.

“Yes you can, Ella,” Darcy whispered under his breath. “You certainly do find your own way.”

Chapter 15

Posted on Friday, 14 January 2005

Ella left William Darcy’s office feeling like her world was crashing down around her. She had no idea that he was going to make such a declaration, and she had no idea what had possessed her to accuse him of so much, or to get to angry. Still, she was glad that all her cards against him were now laid out. She did regret one thing, however, and that was seeing the terrible look of pain on his face when she had refused and reviled him, and remembering that he was, after all, leaving to go to war the following morning. “Why couldn’t I have at least been kinder to him,” she thought briefly. Then she recalled his personal insults, both that afternoon and earlier when she had overheard him talking with Charles Bingley. No, she had been completely correct in her words and her manner. She would not feel badly for him. He did not deserve it.

Ella made her way home in a strange haze. When she arrived at her street she saw her sister talking with some friends from school who lived a few blocks away. She hadn’t realized it was so early – usually she was at least an hour later returning home than Janet was, but today it appeared she was there around the same time as school let out. She checked her watch and saw that it was in fact only 3:30, which surprised her.

After half-heartedly greeting Janet and her friends Ella made her way to their home. Janet must have noticed her distress, because she followed almost immediately after her sister.

“Ella, what happened?” Janet asked, thinking the worst. “Are you sick? Did something happen at work? Why are you home so early?”

Janet’s barrage of questions did nothing to help Ella’s aching head, so she did her best to smile and assure her sister that all was well. “No darling, nothing is wrong, I am just very tired. I had a long morning of fittings, and then we read through the script after lunch. I think I’ll lie down for a bit, and then I’ll tell you about everything at dinner, alright?”

Her younger sister complied, and said that she would work on her homework until Ella was better.

Ella retreated to her bedroom and lay down on the bed. Sleep did not come to her, and she lay staring at the wall for a number of minutes. Finally, realizing that she would never rest easily after the afternoon she had had, she got up and decided to do something cathartic that would help her to feel better.

Her mother, several years before her death, had taught the teenaged Ella a trick for releasing anger or stress. She suggested writing a letter to the person – or thing – that was causing the anger, and then tearing it up into tiny, illegible pieces. Ella remembered doing this only a few times before – the first time, after her mother had suggested it, when she was furious that her best friend in school had accepted an invitation to a dance with the boy Ella herself had liked. Not only had she confided to her friend that she liked him, she had told her that she hoped to be asked to the same dance by him! She was terribly upset by her friend’s actions, but her mother and her advice helped her realize that it wasn’t completely her friend’s fault. The boy had liked her over Ella, and she had obviously liked him. Though she should have perhaps put her friendship before a virtually unknown boy, she had made a common error among the young.

Ella smiled as she remembered what happened later. Her friend and the boy had gotten along very well, and had become engaged several months ago, before he left for the war. Ella had been able to quickly forgive and forget, especially once she saw how much more suited they were than she and he could ever have been. Ella was in intermittent touch with her friend who still lived in the small town they had grown up in, and she sincerely hoped that her friend’s fiancé would return safely home soon.

Ella sat at the small table in her room and took out a sheet of paper. She found a pen (such a letter could not be written in pencil) and began to write.

Dear Mr. Darcy,

I hope you are well. (Well, Ella, if that isn’t a ridiculous way to begin such a letter, I don’t know what is!) I am sorry for what happened this afternoon. Actually, I am only truly sorry for the way I spoke to you. And for the way you spoke to me. I am sorry that I was rude. I am really very grateful for all you’ve done for me in regards to the film. (As she wrote everything began to make sense.)

I had no idea that you felt that way about me. When you spoke, your words shocked me, and your tone infuriated me. I know I am not rich or well bred or fancy, but I work hard. I am a good person. I try. I think that you saw that in me, and maybe that’s why you gave me such a break.

Or maybe you’re really just a jerk who wanted one last fling before heading off to the army in the morning. You certainly do seem to look down your nose at people you feel are “beneath you.” And most of them are probably much better people than you could ever aspire to be.

Except I don’t think you are a bad person. You are so kind to your sister. You were kind to me at Emma’s party, and even this afternoon you spoke kindly to me as often as you were critical. (Ella couldn’t convince herself that he truly wanted to take advantage of her.)

You are an enigma, Mr. Darcy. I will call you that, William is too familiar for what we are – two people who clearly don’t understand each other at all. You may call me Ella, if you like, since you are my employer.

Sincerely,

Ella Bennet

P.S. I hope you return quickly and safely.

Ella felt as though her mind and hand were possessed as she wrote the letter. As she read over it, she could legibly follow her stream-of-consciousness writing, but the train of thought was so scattered it frightened her.

“Well, I guess it’s a very good thing no one will ever read this but me,” she said as she read through the words once more, then began to tear the page into little tiny pieces.

As she ripped the paper and the sentences turned into words, turned into letters, one phrase kept returning to haunt her. The postscript she’d added: I hope you return quickly and safely. Of course she didn’t wish him any harm, and for his sister’s sake especially she hoped he would return soon, but had she meant more by it? Ella felt a nagging feeling inside that she did, but she did not have any idea what to do about it.

Early the next morning the sisters were preparing themselves for the second day of the work/school week. Ella hoped she had a job to return to, and Janet was very much looking forward to seeing her new friend Georgie at school.

Ella walked Janet to her school, since she was not due at the studio that morning except for more fittings, and she was sure that Mrs. R would be glad for a few extra minutes to continue with the work from the previous day. As they approached the school both girls noticed a large black limousine parked in front of the main door.

Janet was the first to recognize Georgiana Darcy exiting the car. She ran up to her new friend, and quickly noticed that her face was not a happy one that morning.

“Georgie, is everything alright?” Janet asked with deep concern for her friend.

“Yes,” Georgie replied, her voice wavering slightly, “I’m just a little bit sad because my brother has to go away today, and I don’t know when I’ll see him again.” She wiped her eyes on a clean handkerchief that she produced from her pocket.

“He’ll be back before you know it, I’m sure, Georgie!” Janet said, trying to be as enthusiastic and upbeat as possible. She knew all too well what it was like to lose a loved one. She was only glad for Georgie that there was a very good chance – make that a certainty – that her brother would return, unlike Janet’s own parents.

William Darcy emerged just then and took his sister’s hand. “Georgie, sweetheart, you know I will be home soon,” he gave her a reassuring smile that to any onlooker, Ella included, looked as if he was reassuring himself as well. “Please, don’t be sad. You will be very well taken care of while I am gone. I am sure that Miss Janet here will be a great friend to you, and you know that everyone at the house loves you almost as much as I do.”

Georgie hugged her brother around the neck tightly, as if she never wanted to let go. “Its not me I’m worried about, Will,” she said, her voice muffled by her tears and his collar, “It’s you. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you!”

“Sweetheart, nothing is going to happen to me. You are the most important thing in the world to me, and I will not let anything happen to me that would hurt you. You know that.”

Georgie nodded slightly, her head still buried in her brother’s shoulder. The school bell began to ring.

“Now Georgie, you must be brave. Go with Janet. You will have a good time here at school, I am sure. Today, if you would like, and if it is alright with Miss Bennet here,” and he acknowledged Ella for the first time right then, “you may have Janet over after school to play for several hours.” Ella nodded slightly in consent.

Georgie took Janet’s hand and gave her brother one last hug. “I love you Will,” she said, willing herself not to cry again.

“I love you too, princess,” he answered, and kissed her forehead once more. Then the two little girls walked together slowly, hand-in-hand to school.

Now Will and Ella were alone. He turned to her. “I feel very fortunate that Georgie has a friend here. I was apprehensive about sending her to school, but I believe with everything else, now, it is the best thing for her. Having a good friend like Janet will make it all more bearable for her. Thank you for allowing them to be friends.”

Ella was still so surprised to see him there, and to have witnessed his tender farewell with his sister, that she couldn’t find her voice for a moment. She swallowed thoughtfully. “I am glad for Janet, as well, to have a friend like Georgiana. I believe they will be very good for each other.”

“Thank you,” he said with a grateful smile.

They stood, unmoving, looking at each other for a few moments. He finally broke the silence.

“Miss Bennet, I must go,” he said. He reached into his coat pocket and produced an envelope. “Will you do me the honor,” he said, very formally, “of reading this letter?” He handed it to her, gave a slight nod, and got into the backseat of his car.

Ella stood on the sidewalk watching the car pull away until it could no longer be seen in the distance.

Only then did she look down at the letter in her hands. It was addressed in strong cursive “Miss Ella Bennet.” Ella knew that she couldn’t wait until she was on the bus or at work to read the letter, so she found a bench under a tree in the schoolyard and opened the seal.

Continued in Next Section