Beginning , Section II, Section III
Jump to new as of February 8, 2005
Jump to new as of March 14, 2005
Chapter 16:
Posted on Saturday, 22 January 2005
Dear Ella,Don’t worry. This letter does not contain any of the declarations that were so abhorrent to you yesterday afternoon. I hope you will grant me the courtesy of reading it. You are a generous and fair person, and I hope you will regard my words as the truth that they are, but if you need further confirmation of their validity, Charles Bingley knows of all the affairs herewith described, and he can confirm their veracity.
You accused me of dealings in Congress that lead to the deportation of Japanese-Americans from their homes and into camps. Though I did speak with several members of Congress in the recent past, I had absolutely nothing to do with this tragic event. My father, William Darcy, Sr., was, you may or may not recall, a member of the House of Representatives for four terms, representing the Los Angeles area. I spent much of my youth in Washington, DC where I became somewhat familiar with the workings of our government. My father passed away several years ago, but a number of his closest friends from the government are still in office in Washington.
A few months ago, I received a call from a man named Peter Stevens, who was one of my father’s friends. He is the representative in the San Francisco area, and he called me to ask my thoughts on the growing concern over Japanese and Japanese-Americans in this country, especially in the western part of the nation. I went to Washington where I met with a number of officials, most of whom knew my father. They knew of his significant involvement in helping immigrants in the area, and wanted to know if I had some idea of his opinion of the matter. I told them, with all certainly, that I felt there was no threat whatsoever from the Japanese in this country. I cited their immense loyalty to a nation that offered them refuge from poor conditions in their native land. I know that we employ a number of immigrants in the studio, and all of them are good, hard workers, devoted to their jobs, their families, and this country.
I spoke at length with Congress, and I felt certain that I had persuaded them that such a drastic measure was not necessary. I hope you can imagine how saddened I was to learn that others – mostly southern and eastern members who have small Japanese populations – had voted in favor of the measure, one I knew would upset the entire framework of this city, and many others around it. I am deeply upset by the events of recent weeks, and that is part of the reason I decided it was time for me to devote more to the war, thus I stepped out of the reserves and into active duty.
There was something more troubling to me that came up in our exchange of yesterday. You mentioned a name to me that I had hoped never to hear again: George Wickham. I hope you will forgive me, but it is impossible for me to think or speak of that rake without using strong language, which I will do my utmost to control here.
I know little of your acquaintance with Mr. Wickham. However, he has at the least endeared himself enough to you to make his silly stories seem plausible. I am so sorry you were deceived by him, but I hope that what I am about to reveal will make you think again before trusting his word.
George Wickham and I grew up together. His father was my family’s most trusted friend and servant. His official title was “gardener,” but he was much more of a caretaker and confidant to my father. When George Wickham Sr. died he left my father in charge of his children’s education, since their mother had passed away when they were children. My own wonderful mother had died in childbirth with Georgiana – a late and unexpected pregnancy.
Wickham and I went to high school and entered college in the same year, the year my sister was born. He had been an obsequious brat around my father during our youth, but the second we moved into our dormitories at Yale University, he abandoned any pretenses and revealed his true nature. He was a philandering drunk throughout university, barely making passing grades. After our first year I did all I could to avoid taking any courses with him, since he cheated at everything he did. He only managed to get through that way.
Initially, my father wished me to enter politics and follow in his footsteps, but early on I had been entranced by the film industry, and spent my summers during university as an intern at my uncle’s (my mother’s brother) film studio, Pemberley. When I explained to my father that I wished to work with my uncle, he reluctantly agreed, since George Wickham had indicated that he had an interest in politics.
I took business and a few film courses, and completed my degree in three years. I went on to Harvard Business School and then joined my uncle as a vice-president at Pemberley. I won’t bore you with any more mundane details of my life, but when after my uncle’s untimely death I inherited the studio from him. Wickham, on the other hand, wasted nearly six years in college, and did not achieve enough merit to go on to graduate school. My father was not pleased with him, but he offered him a job in his congressional office, which he accepted.
He spent the next year and a half “working” for my father. During that time he barely showed up twice a week, and spent most of his time flirting with his secretary. My father was getting quite ill by this time, but he still held out hope that Wickham would change his ways, and he entrusted him with a great deal of privileged information.
My father passed away two and a half years ago. I was given guardianship of my sister, Georgiana, who was not yet eight years old at that time. I was twenty-five.
Ella, I need to reveal something now that very few people know about. I trust your discretion and secrecy in this matter, since it is something so close to my family and myself. Several years after my mother’s death my father re-married a lovely woman who had been one of Georgiana’s caretakers. The marriage caused a bit of a scandal among my father’s group of friends for several reasons. The first was that she was in his employ, but this is a situation that often occurs, especially in Los Angeles. Second, she was many years younger than him, and was in fact nearer to my age than his (she was twenty-nine, my father, sixty-five). Third, she was of Japanese descent. Her parents had immigrated just before her birth, so though she was an American citizen, she grew up in a Japanese-speaking community.
Masako was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She adored Georgiana, and was an excellent role model for me as well. She and my father married when I was twenty-one, and had just graduated from Yale. I was overjoyed to see my father so happy. Their family lived in Washington, and I visited from Boston every chance I could. Since Wickham was then living in Washington and working with my father, I was often thrown into situations with him, though I avoided his company. In front of my father he was as obsequious as before, but in private he talked about him with no respect and treated his family with contempt.
About a year after my father’s remarriage I went with him on an ambassador-type trip to England. I had just inherited Pemberley Studios, and we had a film premiering in London, so I was able to combine our businesses. A day after we arrived, my father got a telegram from Washington. It was from Masako. All it said was, “Bill, I am so sorry. I must leave. Masako.”
My father and I returned to Washington immediately, but she had left without any trace of her whereabouts. We queried the staff, Georgiana, anyone who knew her. They all said that she had been perfectly happy, arranging a welcome home party for her husband, and taking Georgiana to preschool. Then one day she went out in the evening to pick up a dress from her dressmakers. She did not arrive back home until quite late, whereupon she packed a small bag immediately and left, after ‘phoning in the telegram.
We were devastated. She vanished without a trace, and it was several weeks before we heard anything further. My father was more despondent than after my mother’s passing, and Georgiana was inconsolable, having lost the only mother she’d ever known. I knew there had to be an explanation for her disappearance, so I took it upon myself to find it out.
Eventually, my searching led me to George Wickham. He had been absent from my father’s office for the entire week after Masako’s disappearance, and I finally tracked him down in a run-down motel in a bad part of town. Under threat of imprisonment or worse I got him to confess to a terrible crime. He had abducted Masako as she was on her way to meet her dressmaker, and had made advances to her. Because of her modesty and her very stringent upbringing, she did not feel that she could return to her husband, or that she could press charges against Wickham. She had been taught – wrongly – that it is the woman’s fault in a situation like this, and she was certain that she had led Wickham to do that to her. I threatened him with more punishment if he did not tell me where she was, but he pleaded that he did not know, and I believed him. I did make him swear to send in his resignation to my father, along with a sincere-sounding note about Masako’s leaving (without any mention of his part), and gave him a sum of money never to come near my family again. He agreed, and stated that it was his intention to enroll in the army.
After nearly a year of desperate searching my father, weakened and ill from the ordeal, could no longer hold any hope of her return. He threw himself back into his work, but he did not live much longer. His heart failed him, in more than one way. I never told my father the truth, because I feared it would kill him, but I often wonder if I made the right decision.
Masako never returned, nor have I heard from her or of her since she vanished. When you first mention the Japanese deportation at Emma Woodhouse’s party my mind immediately traveled back to her, and I prayed that she and her family were safe. Her disappearance has been hard on my sister and myself, and I hear this latest news with a heavy heart.
Ella, I hope you will forgive this long-winded letter. I believe you can be entrusted with this information that is so dear to my family. You have a wonderful heart. I know how much you love your sister, so I am sure you can understand my wish to protect mine.
I would only like to add now that I am so pleased you are a part of Hartfield’s latest picture. The film will be so much the better for your involvement, and I spoke the truth when I said I couldn’t imagine anyone else playing the role. You are a vital component, Ella.
God keep and bless you,
William Darcy
Ella was in tears by the time she finished the letter. She couldn’t believe how blinded she had been by Wickham’s charm – why, if she hadn’t been more careful, she herself could have ended up as one of his conquests!
The sad story of William Darcy’s life touched Ella’s heart. She knew how difficult it must have been for him to reveal these things to her – a near-stranger – but she knew also that in some way it was the only way she would have ever fully trusted him. She felt terrible about the way she had spoken to him the previous day, and hoped that he really did not harbor any ill will towards her.
Why had he revealed all to her? She hadn’t thought he particularly liker her at all, yet he had divulged his most intimate secrets – not only about himself, but about his entire family. She had no doubt about their validity – not only did he give a reference in Charles Bingley (which she would never “check”), the way he conveyed himself was full of such truth there was no way she could fault it. And looking back, Ella realized that George Wickham was a slimy snake of a character if there ever was one – why, his first words to her had been an insult – how could she possibly have given him any credit? Especially over such an upstanding citizen as William Darcy?
Ella was thoroughly disgusted with herself, for being so naïve and so gullible.
Chapter 17
Posted on Saturday, 5 February 2005
The moment Ella arrived at the studio, she knew something felt wrong. Yes, everyone was acting the same as they had the day before - rushing around, barking orders, not listening, and generally doing what it took to get the scenes ready for shooting. However, there seemed to be a feeling of chaos hanging over everything. The head of the studio was now gone - possibly forever (Ella admonished herself for even thinking such a thing, however briefly!) - and the whole crew seemed to react to his absence.
Ella was due for another fitting with Mrs. R that morning, so after quickly checking in at the main studio, she made her way to the wardrobe department.
“Ella dear,” Mrs. R greeted her warmly, “how are you this morning? Are you feeling our loss as greatly as I?”
Mrs. R had known the Darcy family for years - in fact, rumor had it that she had nearly married William Darcy's uncle, the founder of Pemberley Studio, but something had caused her to break the engagement. Ella didn't listen to rumors, however, and she knew that Pamela Reynolds had been happily married to her husband Timothy, a surgeon, for twenty-five years.
“Things do seem different around here,” Ella answered, not quite sure how to reply. She hardly knew Mr. Darcy, but he had been very kind to her, and now that she'd received the letter from him detailing the real story about Mr. Wickham, she couldn't help but feel ashamed for her earlier bad feelings towards him. He was a good man, she decided, and even if he was a little proud, he had suffered a great many injustices in his life, and he surmounted them all. No, he was not just good. He was a great man.
“Yes, and I fear it will be some time before things are back to normal around here,” Mrs. R added. “Well, nothing's felt truly normal since this war began, but I am now more anxious than ever for it to be over.”
“So am I,” Ella added, thinking again of William Darcy. “When will I get the chance to apologize?" she agonized to herself as Mrs. R gave her the first outfit to try.
The next weeks passed quickly for Ella and Janet. Ella began filming scenes in “Dance With Me,” and was thrilled with all aspects of acting in the picture. Her co-stars were as kind and wonderful as she had believed them to be when she met them at that first luncheon. She loved the part of Maggie, and felt that she was going a good job with it. Everyone was kind to her, and seemed genuinely happy and proud of her work.
Janet and Georgiana quickly became inseparable. They spent every free moment as school together, and many afternoons as well. Georgie was adjusting well with the rest of the children in their class, but she still preferred spending time only with Janet, or just a few other girls. Although she had spent much of her life in the “limelight” she was quite shy, probably because she hadn't spent much time with children her own age. Soon the other children in the class realized that Georgie was a normal child just like them, and they ceased treating her any differently. The boys teased her as they teased all the girls, and the girls thought she was a good playmate.
Georgie often invited Janet to her home after school, where they did their homework, and more often than not, took advantages of all the fun things to do at the Darcy mansion. Georgie had her own pony, Sniffy, and she and Janet loved to take turns riding him, and feeding him as many carrots and apples as the housekeeper, Mrs. Glenn (or Glennie, as Georgie called her) would let them. There was a large swimming pool in the backyard, and on nice days the girls practiced their swimming - and spent a good deal of time splashing around as well. Georgie's bedroom and playroom were stuffed full of every kind of toy, doll, and game a child could want. Some were treasured gifts from friends and family, many quite valuable. Those were kept on high shelved, some encased in glass, for Georgiana to keep throughout her life. Most of the toys, however, were just good things to play with. Georgie was incredibly generous, and would have given (or lent) Janet anything she asked for, but Janet was too shy and polite to ask for anything, but she certainly enjoyed the toys when she visited!
Ella was happy to see her sister and Georgiana Darcy becoming such good friends. The girls brought out the best in each other, she thought, and she was glad that Janet had found someone to be her “best friend.” Though Janet had many friends at school and in the neighborhood, she had yet to find her “bosom friend” as one of her favorite book characters, Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables said.
Ella had confided to Janet a little about what she had learned from William Darcy's letter. Not the particulars, of course, since she did not want to betray his trust, but she explained to Janet about her misunderstanding of the situation, based on George Wickham's false tale. Janet told her that she had never trusted Mr. Wickham, and then confided to Ella about the leering looks she had seen him give her, and that she was glad Ella had decided to like Mr. Darcy, especially since he was Georgie's brother and guardian.
It was convenient for Ella to stop for Janet on her way home from the studio, whenever she went over to the Darcy home. Many afternoons the girls convinced her to join in their games, and Ella couldn't refuse two adorable pouting faces. She learned even to keep a bathing suit in her bag, along with her requisite book, just in case the girls talked her into a swim in the late afternoon.
One afternoon Ella came from the studio to find Janet and Georgie grooming the pony for a ride. Ella was, of course, too grown up to ride on Sniffy, but Georgie insisted that she try her brother's horse, Siren, a beautiful black mare, and Ella fell in love with the bewitching horse at first sight.
“That's why she's called Siren,” Georgie said, laughing a little at Ella's enthusiasm for the horse. Will got her from our Uncle Max, who had her mother. When Will saw her for the first time he said he felt he'd been pulled under a spell, so he named her “Sweet Siren Lorelei. That was a little too long to call her every day, so he shortened it to Siren. She's a great horse, he absolutely loves her. I am sure he'd want you to ride her.”
“Oh no,” Ella said, backing away slightly, “I can't do that. Not without your brother's permission.”
Georgie started to insist, when suddenly a deep male voice broke out behind them.
“Please, Miss Bennet, I insist.”
All three girls froze for a moment. Ella turned white, then pink. Georgie was the first to “recover,” and quickly turned around and leapt into her brother's arms.
“Will! You're back! I missed you so much!” she shrieked, unable to contain her excitement, and for once behaving as loudly as any other child.
Her brother hugged her tight, with tears glistening in his eyes. “Yes, sweet girl, I am back.” He kissed her and gave her one last squeeze before setting her down on the ground.
“Miss Bennet, Janet, I am happy to see you here,” he said, smiling at them both.
Janet held out her hand to him and smiled, but he shook his head slightly before leaning down and giving her a bear hug as well. “Georgie has written to me about how good a friend you've been to her, and I am so grateful for that. Thank you, Janet.” Janet was slightly uncomfortable at this display, but she replied, “Mr. Darcy, I am grateful to have Georgie as a friend.”
Ella finally managed to break out of the shock that had hit her upon hearing his voice. She cleared her throat slightly before speaking, as if trying to find her voice. “Mr. Darcy, I am very glad to see you back safely,” she said. She tried to smile, but was too afraid of what he must think of her - and of her own feelings - to show much emotion. She held out her hand, and after a moment he took it in both of his, and caressed in briefly.
“Miss Bennet, it is wonderful to see you as well,” he answered.
“Oh dear,” Ella thought. “We've reverted back to the formal Miss and Mister. And it's all my fault!”
Little did she know, William Darcy was thinking much the same thing.
The group moved inside since Georgie was now far too excited to do anything other than talk to her brother.
“Will, are you back on leave? Are you back forever? When did you get here?” she asked excitedly, her questions coming like rapid-fire.
“Slow down, kiddo,” he answered, jokingly. “I'm not going anywhere for a while yet. Yes, I am here on leave, for at least a month, perhaps six weeks. It all depends on how fast they need me at the front. I'm due for leave, since I've been in training for nearly two months now. But that time has flown by, hasn't it Georgie?”
“Well, sort of. I mean, I've been having a great time with Janet and the kids at school, but I missed you like crazy. It's fun, going to a real school, but I do miss acting some.”
“I thought you might,” her brother answered, “and that's part of the reason I'm here, but we'll talk about that later on. First, I want to insist that Janet and Miss Bennet stay for dinner, and then I want to hear everything that you've done since I've been gone - even the things you wrote about in your letters.”
If Georgiana was disappointed not to spend her first night alone with her brother she didn't show it. Ella and Janet accepted Mr. Darcy's request to stay for dinner, and the group made their way to the living room, where a very happy Mrs. Glenn provided them with snacks and drinks.
“Mr. William,” she said, clucking in the way only the best housekeepers can, “you're looking too thin on those army rations. Eat some of these cheese puffs, I know they're your favorite!” William was eager to oblige, and the four of them settled down to a delicious spread of vegetable crudités, cheese puffs, and smoked salmon toasts. “Dinner will be at seven, Mr. William,” Mrs. Glenn said as she exited the room.
“Thank you, Glennie,” Willaim called after her.
“Now, Georgie and Janet, I want to hear everything…” William said, settling down into the sofa with a cheese puff in one hand and a glass of coca-cola in the other.
Forty minutes later, Georgie and Janet had nearly exhausted every topic they could think of, from school, to homework, friends, clothes, toys, and their plans for the upcoming summer vacation. William decided to change the conversation, and he addressed Ella,
“Miss Bennet, please tell me how you are doing on the picture? I get weekly reports from Mr. Woodhouse, and he never fails to praise your work, but I am curious to learn how you are finding your first starring role in the movies? Is it difficult work? Does everyone treat you well?”
Ella's heart leapt into her throat as he asked her these questions. Why did he care so much about her? She was only a small portion of one of the films at one of the studios he owned - why did he care? She answered to the best of her ability, trying to convey her appreciation for the opportunity in her words. “It is a wonderful experience, sir. Everyone is so kind, and they have been very helpful as I learn how to play the role, and act in a film. I love it so much, I love my part, and I will be very sad when filming is over.”
“I am glad to hear that everyone has shown you kindness. From what I hear from Woodhouse, there are still about twenty days of principle photography to go, is that correct?”
“Yes, I believe so,” Ella responded. “He expects to wrap sometime in mid-June, which would actually work out quite well, since that is when Janet gets out of school for the summer.”
“Of course,” William said, nodding. He then turned to his sister. “Georgie, why don't you and Janet go into the hall and find my blue bag. There are some presents in there for you.”
“Oh goodie, presents!” Georgie screamed with glee. She and Janet scrambled towards the entrance hall.
“Miss Bennet, Ella,” William said, turning his attention back to her, “I would like to apologize again for my behavior the last time we met. I was very rude to you, and I am so very sorry. I hope we can be friends.”
“Oh Mr. Darcy,” Ella began.
“Please, won't you call me William again?” he interrupted.
“William,” Ella replied slowly, letting the word melt in her mouth. “I am the one who should apologize. I was so rude - and without and reason to be at all. You have been so kind to me, and to my sister. My life has changed in so many wonderful ways since I have become Maggie. I love the part so much, and I love working in the film. And Janet is so happy to have Georgiana as a friend. And I was so mean to you, I wouldn't even listen to you. Your letter shamed me, because it made me realize what a horrible person I had been, when you have never been anything but kind to me.” She was about to go on, when she felt a fingertip on her lips.
“Shh, Ella,” William said softly, and he removed his finger, but then took her hand in his. “Don't be angry with yourself. You were taken in by the lies of George Wickham, as many have been before. You are not to blame. And I can imagine how you must have felt about me, after the things I said to you that afternoon. I cannot blame you. Please, can't we just start over, and be friends?”
Ella smiled. “I would like nothing more, William.”
At that moment, Georgiana and Janet ran back into the room, carrying several packages between them. William withdrew his hand, but Ella noticed that he was still sitting decidedly closer to her than he had been previously.
Georgie and Janet handed William the packages, and he handed then each one immediately back. They opened them and found duplicate copies of a book, with a leather binding and gold embossed letters.
“Ballet Shoes,” Janet read. “I've never heard of this book. It sounds interesting!”
“I hope you will find it to be so, Janet,” William replied. “I would like both of you girls to read this book as soon as you can, but I know that your schoolwork comes first.” He smiled at Georgie and Janet.
“Thank you for the book, Will,” Georgie responded. “I look forward to reading it.” She was convinced by her brother's behavior that he wasn't telling them everything.
Then William produced another package, this one slightly thicker than the previous two. He handed it to Ella.
“This is for you, Ella,” he said. “Please, read and consider it carefully.
Ella didn't understand quite what he meant, but she opened the package. Inside was another copy of “Ballet Shoes” and a type-written letter atop a stack of papers. She read the letter quickly.
Dear Ella,I hope you will consider this next offer from Pemberley/Derby Studios. This is a story written by an Englishwoman named Noel Streatfield. It tells the story of three orphans - Pauline, Petrova, and Posy - who are raised together in London before the war, and each develop their special talent while studying at a dance and theater academy there. They have no parents, but are kept by a young woman named Sylvia, whom the children call Garnie, and her nurse, Nana.
I would like to request that you consider allowing your sister Janet to screen-test for the role of Pauline. I have observed her on several occasions, and I believe she has the makings of an actress. She fits the physical description of the role, and if she has even one-tenth of the talent you possess, she will be wonderful.
I hope you will consider the role of Sylvia, or Garnie. It is not a large part, as the story is mainly focused on the children, but it is an important one. Once you have finished “Dance with Me,” you will be needed another part, since the studio has no intention of allowing you to return to the chorus. You are too valuable an actress.
Enclosed is a copy of the preliminary script (you will note that the screenplay was written with assistance of the author, and deviates very little from the original story). There are several things you need to sign, including consent forms as you are Janet's guardian, as well as a contract for yourself. Janet will be tested, with your consent, and if she tests well, and you and she agree, she would be contracted for this film only, so she can maintain her normal life with this exception.
Georgie will, I hope, play the role of Petrova, the middle sister. It is perhaps the most demanding role for a young actress, and I have a feeling that she will like it immensely once she has read the story.
The filming would commence as soon as “Dance With Me” wraps. It would be a fast shoot, and we would begin preliminary sets and fittings immediately. I have several other actors already lined up, including Mary Boland to play Nana, and two young sisters to play the role of Posy (who is the youngest, and therefore changes the most during the course of the film). Pauline and Petrova will “age” as well, of course, since the film begins when they are babies, but other younger children will play those roles. Janet and Geogie would be responsible for playing the girls from the age of about eight through to the end of the story - when Pauline in nearly fifteen, and Petrova thirteen. As you know, Janet is tall for her age, and Georgie is quite small, and for the bulk of the film, Petrova is ten or eleven, and Pauline, twelve. I believe each girl could play those ages easily. For the more grown-up Pauline, it will be easy to dress Janet to look slightly older. Filming will take place over the summer, and the children should be finished by the time school begins in the autumn.
I have one final request, Ella. As you know, I am only here on leave, which will be up in a month. Georgie has sounded so happy in her letters, and I know that her happiness is due to you and your sister's presence in her life. I know that if you both made this film with her she would be ecstatic. I would like to ask, then, if you would consider moving into my home with her while I am gone, so as to be a permanent presence in her life. I hope I have not offended you in any way, I am merely asking this for the comfort and well-being of my sister, and I believe it would add greatly to your own comfort for you and Janet. I will not mention any of this to Georgie before I learn your decision.
Please consider this. I know it is all a lot to ask.
Will Darcy
Ella was speechless. William Darcy was offering her another part, and he wanted to try her sister for a starring role in a new film. Was he out of his mind, or did it make sense? And he has basically asked her to move in with him - what would she, what could she say to that? She honestly had no idea how to respond.
“Ella,” William said quietly, “don't say anything. Just think about it.”
She smiled weakly and nodded.
Janet and Georgie were already beginning on their books, and after another moment of silence, she found her voice. “Girls, why don't you go wash your hands for dinner, it is nearly seven now.”
They acquiesced, and Ella found herself alone with William again.
“I think I should go wash my hands, too,” he said, noting her discomfort. “They're sticky from the cheese puffs.” He began to stand up.
“Wait, William,” Ella said, halting him. “If she wants to, and you would like to test Janet for this part, I would not be opposed to it. I don't necessarily want my sister to be an actress, but if it is something she would like to try, I cannot prevent her from doing so. It could be a wonderful opportunity for her. I will read the story and let you know what I think about the rest of it. But I do thank you for your offers, you are too kind.”
Chapter 18:
Posted on Sunday, 13 February 2005
After William went off to wash his hands, Ella sat down and reread his letter. It seemed strange, to her that he was asking her to live in his home and take care of his sister. Did he really trust her so completely? Was there more to it than that? Was it an inappropriate offer?
Ella tried to imagine what her parents would advise her to do if they were alive. Ella rarely considered her parents in making her daily decisions, because she had rationalized to herself that if her parents were alive, she would have been in college, living in the small town she'd grown up in, and would have never come to Hollywood. She missed them terribly especially when she was frustrated and felt that she was not doing a good job of raising Janet. However, since winning the larger role in the film, and making a good life for herself and her sister, she hadn't been feeling too frustrated with herself.
Ella had a feeling that her parents would have liked William and Georgiana Darcy very much. She thought that if they could offer her advice, they would advise her to follow her heart and to do what she thought was best.
The only problem was, at that moment, she had no idea. The only thing that was bothering her was her history with William. His “proposal” the day before he left had made her realize he might have thought of her as more than just an actress in one of his films. True, his behavior to her had always been full of kindness, but his words that day had been of a different sort. He had asked her out, and she had turned him down without any thought of his feelings, or even any real analysis of her own. She realized, in retrospect (hindsight is everything!) that she did like William Darcy, and if she hadn't been biased by George Wickham, she may very well have accepted his offer.
Still, that was all in the past. Today, she had an entirely different proposal to deal with, and she had a feeling that this might well be her last chance to show William that she was ready to be his friend.
Dinner at the Darcy mansion that evening was a hysterical affair. William regaled the three young women with amusing anecdotes from his weeks in the training camp. He told them about all the men he had met, and gave funny imitations of several of them that had Janet and Georgie doubled over with laughter.
Ella couldn't help laughing along with them, but in a slightly more reserved manner. She was seeing another new side to William Darcy - a more playful, boyish side - that she genuinely liked. She already admired him for his devotion and love for his sister, and his strength of character in both business and personal matters, but she had never seen him so relaxed.
As he finished another story and the last of his lemon meringue pie, William looked at Ella and gave her a small smile. She, who had been staring at him, returned it. Janet and Georgie, watching the exchange, giggled softly to each other.
“Well, Mr. Darcy,” Ella said, breaking the moment, “I believe it is time Janet and I made our way home. It is quite late.”
“Yes, of course,” William replied, sorry to see the evening end. “Let me call a car to take you home.”
“Oh, that's not necessary,” Ella began to protest, but William would not hear of it.
“It's late, as you said, Ella. I don't want you and Janet walking in the dark, or taking the bus. Los Angeles is not the safest city in the world, no matter how careful you may be. I insist.”
“Well, thank you, then.” Ella knew it was customary, but she was once again overcome with gratitude for this wonderful man who had so completely changed her life in so many incredible ways.
Janet and Georgie said their goodbyes, with the promise to get together the following day. Tomorrow was Saturday, and with the promise of fine weather, they pleaded with their guardians to take them on a special outing. Georgie thought it might be fun to go on a drive or to the zoo. Janet wanted to go to the beach, something she and Ella rarely had the chance to do since moving to coastal Los Angeles. At the mention of that, Georgie and William readily agreed to her idea, and it was fixed that they would pick up Ella and Janet the next day at 11 o'clock,
The next morning found Ella frantically scrambling to find a bathing costume for herself. Janet had several suits; since she spent so much time swimming at the Darcy's pool Ella had bought her two new ones. However, Ella had only swum at the Darcy's a few times, and then she had worn an old suit of her mothers that did not fit properly - but it did not matter when it was just her and the girls. It certainly would not do for a day at the beach, especially with William there!
Ella finally gave up, and resigned herself to the idea of spending a day at the beach with no hope of going in the water. She put on a new sundress, yellow with blue daisies printed on it, and a pair of sandals. She took a sweater in case it grew cold, and of course a book - this time, “Ballet Shoes”.
Janet put on her bathing suit under a simple blue play dress, and the sisters left their apartment and waited for the Darcys on the front lawn,
Presently they arrived, in a large silver convertible with the top down. Georgiana jumped out of the backseat and gave Ella and Janet hugs. William stayed in the car and after a moment honked the horn good-naturedly.
“Come on, kids, let's get moving,” he said, laughing.
The three girls got into the car, Janet and Georgie in the backseat, and Ella next to William. He looked over to her and smiled.
“Ready for a fun day in the surf?”
Ella blushed. “I think I'm going to have to sit this one out,” she said, “I don't seem to have a bathing suit, and so I'm afraid I won't be able to swim. However, I have a book, and I look forward to spending a nice afternoon reading.”
“Oh, that's terrible, Ella!” Georgie cried from the backseat. “We have to get you a bathing suit. William, can't we stop at that shop on Santa Monica Boulevard before we go to the beach so Ella can get a bathing suit?”
“Of course, that's a great idea, Georgie.” William replied. “We will do just that. Ella, you can't go to the beach and not go swimming.”
Ella was about to protest when she looked over at William's face. She realized then that protesting anything William Darcy insisted on was futile. She nodded her head in agreement.
Ella found a simple bathing suit almost immediately after entering the small boutique that was filled to the gills with bathing outfits for women and girls. Looking around, she spotted a number of elaborate costumes with ruffles, lace, or even sequins. She had to laugh at some of the ridiculous looking ones, including a very ruffled orange suit that she was sure Carol Bingley would fall in love with if she saw it.
The suit Ella chose was a bright green, with a simple design. She tried it on quickly at the shopkeeper's insistence, and found that it was quite flattering.
William insisted on paying for the suit, and Ella decided it was again not worth it to fight him. As he paid the bill, Ella slipped back into the dressing room to change into the suit again, with her sundress over it.
The foursome arrived at Santa Monica beach at noon. The sun was high in the sky, the sea was calm, and the beach was just starting to fill with people. Mrs. Glenn had packed a large picnic basket and a cooler for them, and as Ella and the girls made their way down to the beach, William heaved first the basket and then the cooler down to the spot they had chosen in the soft sand.
He went back once more to the car and returned with a large beach umbrella, which he stuck into the sand, and several wooden folding chairs.
“Ella,” he said, trying not to be distracted as she pulled off her sundress, “if you look into the basket Georgie brought down with her you will find cushions for these chairs, and a large blanket we can spread beneath the umbrella to eat upon.”
Ella did as he suggested, and soon they had a wonderful set up. Janet and Georgie begged to be allowed to test the ocean before eating their lunch, and the each dragged their siblings over to the water.
Janet and Georgie enthusiastically ran into the water, screaming as they realized just how cold it was, but reveling in the feeling. Ella waded a little ways in, but was quite surprised at the coldness, and thought that perhaps she would not venture further than her ankles.
Suddenly, she felt a hand on hers, pulling her towards the waves. “Come on, Ella,” William cried, tugging her hand with both of his, “let's get this over with. It really feels wonderful once you're in.”
She laughed and shook her head. “I don't think so,” she teased.
“Please, for Janet?” he replied, grinning widely. She shook her head again. “For Georgie?” Again, no. “How about for me?”
Ella paused, then grinned even wider than he, and laughing, ran headlong into the water, shrieking a little as the cold water came over her body. William, distracted by her ebullient behavior for a moment, did not realize that her hand was still in his, and that through sheer force she had managed to pull him into the water with her. He found himself giving out a little yelp as he felt the water as well.
The four splashed around for half an hour, jumping into waves and riding them into shore. Like the night before, Ella could not deny that she found this playful William Darcy very appealing. She wished sincerely that she would have some chance to get to know him better, before he was called back to the army. She knew, however, that his sister and his business were his priorities, and she could not wish to impose in his life more than he would want. But then, he had asked her to move into his home in his absence - that could only mean that he also wanted to see more of her.
After their swim the group found that they were quite hungry, so they made their way back to their place on the beach and dug into Mrs. Glenn's sumptuous late spring picnic. Ella was amazed by how the Darcys never seemed to live by rations. She supposed that anyone with that much money would be able to afford some luxury, but she had not imagined that they could live so very well.
Countless chicken salad sandwiches, deviled eggs, cups of lemonade, and strawberry tarts later, the group settled down on towels and chairs to relax and digest their meal. Ella put on her hat to shield her face from too much sun, and opened the copy of “Ballet Shoes” that she had brought.
Ella found herself entranced by the story of the three young orphans who strove to make their name important because it was their own, and “nobody could say they took after their grandfather.” In many ways, the story reminded her of herself and Janet, although their situation was much different, they were still orphans trying to make it in the world. Though the part of “Garnie,” or Sylvia as she was properly called, was small, it was a nice role. From what she had read of the script, it was slightly enhanced for the film, and it would allow her plenty of room to grow as an actress. It was a very different part from her current role. Maggie was a naïve ingénue, with hardly a care in the world beyond herself, while Sylvia was a young woman thrust into a role of responsibility for others very early in life. In that way she found most affinity with the character.
William noted that Ella was rapidly getting through the book, which was not surprising. Though a compelling story, and not at all short, it was one written for children of Georgie and Janet's age, and was not a book that would take an adult more than an afternoon or two to read.
After nearly an hour of rest on the sand, Janet and Georgie were ready for another dip in the ocean. They entreated with Ella to join them, but she declined, saying she preferred a walk along the shore as soon as she had finished the chapter she was reading.
William offered to accompany the girls, not out of concern for the safety (he knew them both to be excellent swimmers), but to afford Ella a bit of privacy if she should wish it. The three ran happily into the water once more, its coolness refreshing after sitting so long in the hot sun.
A few minutes later, William, who was bobbing waves about fifty yards out with the girls, felt a pair of eyes on him. He looked towards shore and saw Ella standing there, watching them. He motioned for her to join them but she shook her head. Instead, she waved her hand for him to join her. He nodded, and after assuring that the children moved closer into shore at a safer distance, he made his way out of the water.
“Just give me a moment or two to dry off,” he said, shaking the water from his hair with one hand.
Ella nodded. She had not noticed earlier how the water had affected his physique, and she found herself quite breathless looking at his muscular torso shimmering from the droplets of water that clung to it. She caught herself staring and looked away in a hurry. As she turned her attention back to the water and her sister and her friend, Ella did not notice William turn to admire her figure in her new green bathing suit.
Moments later William was at her side, passably dried off and wearing a shirt over his bathing trunks. Ella was slightly disappointed to miss another view of his bare chest but she chided herself for having such thoughts and turned her attention to making conversation,
“William, this beach is gorgeous. I can't remember the last time I spent such a pleasant day with my sister.”
“It is gorgeous,” he agreed, not looking at the scenery at all. “I am so happy you consented to accompany us today, and that the weather chose to cooperate with our plans so beautifully.”
Ella laughed. “Indeed. Now, William, surely we can think up a more interesting conversation that the weather,” she teased. “I am enjoying the book you gave me very much. Though it is a children's story there is much in it that rings true for everyone.”
“I hoped you would like it,” he answered, hoping against hope that the conversation was leading to her acceptance of his - um - proposal.
“Oh, I do, very much. Though I have yet to finish to story I am sure that I would love to take the role of Sylvia,” Ella said, turning to face him as they slowed their pace.
“I am very pleased to hear it,” he answered, his voice growing deeper and softer. “And,” he said, pausing a moment, “have you given any thought to the rest of my offer?”
Ella looked down at the sand, noting how their feet had stopped moving and were becoming buried in the wet sand as the waves ran over them. “I have William,” she answered softly.
He dared not move or speak for a moment. He held his breath. “Ella, I -“ he began, but she cut him off.
“William,” she said still looking down, taking his hand and holding it lightly in the space that separated their bodies, “I am sure there would be a great deal of talk, gossip, if you will, if Janet and I were to move into your home.” She allowed her eyes to meet his then and found herself lost in their darkness. “However,” she continued, and heard him draw breath sharply, “I know that if my sister knew of your offer she would never forgive me for refusing. I also know that it would make many things quite easy for us, especially if we were to do a film this summer with Georgiana.”
William held her hand a little more tightly. He wanted to speak, but he sensed that she was not yet finished, and he wanted to give her the chance to speak her piece.
“There are several issues, however, that must be discussed before I can consider your offer. First, Janet and I already have a home. Though it may not be as luxurious as your mansion, or in as fine a neighborhood, it is our home and we have grown to love it. I do not, however, believe that it would be practical or proper for us to keep that home if we were to move into yours, even temporarily. If I were to relinquish our lease there, where would Janet and I go after the summer is over, when you return?”
“Ella, may I say something?” William asked, looking even more deeply into her eyes. He wanted to take her into his arms right then and there and confess to her that he wanted her to move into his home and his life permanently, but he sense that now was neither the time nor the place for such declarations.
Ella nodded, transfixed by his gaze. He continued. “I understand that you have a home already, I did not mean to make you feel that I was offering you charity or to hurt your pride in any way. I do not know how long I may be gone in the war, and it is my wish that you and your sister would remain with Georgie until I return for good. You will have your own rooms, in the same wing of the house as my sister, and all your needs will be attended to. If you like, I would be willing to continue the lease on your present apartment, or I will be more than happy to assist you in finding a new home should you find that necessary in the future.” He did not say, “when I return,” because he hoped that by then Ella would consent to be more than just Georgie's temporary guardian. Ella noted his choice of words and filed them into her heart under “perhaps he still cares for me.”
“What about Janet's school, then,” Ella asked, not wanting to give in too easily. “If I am not a registered resident of Westwood she would have to change school districts and I do not wish to tear up her life any more than it has been already.”
“Do not worry about that,” William said. “Remember, I have already secured a spot at Westwood Elementary for my sister who lives in a different district. It will be easy enough to do the same for Janet. Besides, it is summer soon, and perhaps this blasted war will be over before the summer is.”
At them mention of war, Ella realized that he really was going to leave again - and quite soon. She was overcome with a feeling of sadness, and was about to say something when a noise from several hundred yards behind them startled her.
It was a scream, and it sounded very much like the scream of Georgiana Darcy.
Chapter 19:
Posted on Monday, 7 March 2005
Ella and William looked at each other, horrified, for a moment before they both turned and ran as fast as they could back to where they had left Georgiana and Janet.
Georgie was near hysterics, trying to pull Janet's larger, lifeless body from the water. William gently moved her away and gathered Janet into his arms.
Ella had gone white with fear and rushed over to her sister. She couldn't speak, but she tried to pull Janet from William and hold her herself.
“Ella, she will be alright,” William said, trying to assure her. “She is breathing, I think she just had the wind knocked out of her body. Let's get her back to our spot and she will recover quickly.” Ella nodded mutely. He whispered to her, “Can you help Georgie, she's scared, but I only have two hands.”
Looking over at Georgie, Ella noted that she was shaking with fear, and sobbing hard. She found her own voice and got her wits about her and held her arms out to the younger girl.
“Shh, sweetie, it's okay. Janet will be all right. Come on, let's go back to the towels, and have a glass of lemonade.” Georgie sniffled into Ella's shoulder, but allowed Ella to help her walk back to the beach.
William had carried Janet ahead of them, and lay her down on the blanket with a towel rolled up under her head. By the time Ella and Georgie made their way over, Janet's eyes were open and she was smiling at William, who was lightly teasing her for giving them such a scare.
Georgie was greatly relieved to see that her friend would be all right, and after a few moments was happily drinking a cup of lemonade and eating one of Glennie's oatmeal cookies. Then William gently asked her to tell him what had happened.
“It happened so quickly,” Georgie began, “that I'm not really sure.”
“Georgie, it's okay,” William reassured her. “We just want to make sure you're both alright.”
“We were coming back to the beach when a big wave came up suddenly. We held hands and braced ourselves to jump it, which we did, and we thought we were safe, but then Janet got pulled back under and I couldn't pull her out.” Georgie began to sob again, remembering the traumatic moment. William put his arms around her and let her cry it out. Shortly she was recovered, and Ella held her hand out to Georgie.
“Georgie,” she said softly, “thank you for being such a good friend to Janet. You may very well have saved her life today, and I am so grateful that you were there.” By this point Janet was sitting up and had put her head on Ella's shoulder.
“Thank you, Georgie,” Janet said, and hugged her friend. “I'm fine, really,” she said, and then added, “but I'm not so sure I'm going to be begging to go in the ocean anytime soon.”
William was so relieved that everyone was all right, and that Janet had only mildly been the victim of undertow. At Janet's words he remembered something his father had said to him often during his lifetime - when you fall off a horse, climb right back on. He knew that Janet - and Georgie - would be scared to go back into the ocean, but he also knew that it was important for them both to learn to face their fears.
“Janet, Georgie,” he began, “I know the idea of going back into the ocean is scary, but there's an old saying I would like to tell you: when you fall off a horse - or in this case, get pulled in by undertow - you have to get right back on - or in - or else you'll live with the fear of it forever. The ocean can be a dangerous thing, but you are both smart girls and you know that it is important to face your fears (within reason).” He looked at Ella. She nodded to him, encouraging him to go on. “Now, if Ella and I go in with you, and show you a tip that can help you avoid the situation in the future, how would you both feel about taking another try at it?
Both girls looked reluctant and scared. The looked at their respective siblings as if hoping that they would excuse them from the “exercise,” then they looked at each other as if to say, “I guess I will if you will - if we have to!”
Ella decided to chime in. “Janet sweetie, William's right. Now, let's rest for a few minutes, would you like a cookie?” she asked. “And then we'll all go in together, just for a little while. You won't be scared then,”
A few minutes later the foursome made their way back to the water's edge. Georgie and Janet held hands between their siblings, and they all splashed their way into the ocean once again. They ran out past the waves, and once there, the two little girls seemed to forget all their fears and enjoyed the feel of the waves rising and falling.
Ella looked over at William and smiled at him. She mouthed “thank you,” and he smiled back. Their sister's were all right, Ella wanted to be his friend, and all was right in the world.
After about ten minutes in the water Ella and William were sufficiently convinced that neither Janet nor Georgie harbored any lingering fears about the ocean. The hardest part of the exercise was of course, coming back into shore, since that was the “scene of the crime,” but both girls managed well, and their elder siblings were certain that they would not suffer badly for the afternoon's incident.
The sun was moving lower in the sky, and it was time to leave the beach. As they were packing up, shaking out the towels and blanket, and putting the picnic items back in their basket, William brought up the subject of the plans for the evening.
“I think it might be a good idea for Janet to get to sleep early tonight,” Ella started to say, but her sister's loud protests stopped her from continuing,
“Why don't I take you ladies home,” William suggested, “and then pick you up in about two hours, and we can all go to dinner and a show?”
“Well, dinner would be nice, perhaps,” Ella consented, “and if Janet rested for an hour or so I suppose it would be alright.”
Georgie and Janet, snuggling into the backseat of the convertible, began whispering and giggling together.
“What are you two scheming,” William asked with a grin.
“Nothing,” the girls replied, and began to laugh more loudly.
“Come on kids, 'fess up,” William prodded.
The girls looked at each other, and then Georgie nodded, and began to speak. “Will, I was wondering if Janet could have a sleepover at our house tonight. We could take her and Ella home, go pick up some dinner at Mr. Kwans in Westwood, pick them up again, and go home and have a nice quiet evening there. I don't really feel like going out.”
Janet nodded. “I don't want to go to sleep yet, but I don't know if I want to go out to dinner. It would be fun to just be together, and we could read and play for a while.” She paused and looked at Georgie to continue.
“But maybe you could take me and Janet home, and then you and Ella could go out?”
Ella blushed and was about to scold Janet and Georgiana for their presumption when William spoke.
“I have a better idea, if it is alright with you, Ella,” he said, looking at her. She was frantically trying to bring the pinkness of her cheeks back to a more normal hue. He continued. “Why don't we drop you at your home briefly, Georgie and I will go get the makings of dinner - Chinese, perhaps - and then we can pick you up in an hour or so. We can go home and have a nice quiet evening - the four of us - in front of the fire. Glennie and the rest of the staff have the night off, so it won't be any trouble.”
Ella was astonished by his easy way of fitting herself and Janet into his own life. He spoke about his home as if it were already hers, whereas she was not even sure whether or not she could accept his offer. She looked up at him and saw something in his eyes she had not noticed before, even that afternoon when he had been so honest with her. She saw hope, and she didn't want him to lose it.
“I think that is an excellent suggestion,” Ella answered. “However, it will not take us long to change our clothes for the evening. If you and Georgie want to come up and wait in our living room you are more than welcome. Then we can all go together.”
William was overjoyed that she had accepted his proposal, since it would perhaps allow her the opportunity to accept the rest of the proposals he had made earlier.
Ella and Janet changed quickly out of their bathing things, and into clean outfits. Ella couldn't help but spend a few extra minutes “primping.” She did not have the opportunity to wash her hair, of course, but she made sure that the curls that had been enhanced by the day's activities in the ocean looked neat and orderly, and she put on a little pink lipstick, which she rarely wore except when “going out.” She couldn't help thinking that William's proposal for dinner was very much like a date, even though she knew their sisters would be there as well, and although she had not completely made up her mind about him, she wanted to look her best.
She emerged from her room in a full pale blue skirt, and a white short-sleeved sweater. Over her arm she carried a matching white cardigan, and a small bag with some money and her house keys. Janet put on a pink dress, and at Ella's reminding, went back into her room for a sweater. Though the weather was mild, Los Angeles did cool down significantly after the sun went down. Even in the summer heat, the evenings could be quite chilly.
“All ready,” William asked, surveying Ella as she re-entered the living room.
“Yes indeed,” Ella replied with a smile, and the four made their way out to the car.
After stopping at Mr. Kwan's for a large amount of Chinese food (more than Ella could have thought twenty people could eat, let alone four!) they drove back to the Darcy mansion.
William went into the living room there and started a fire in the large fireplace. The girls went into the kitchen, where they found an assortment of bowls for holding the food, utensils, plates, and beverages. Obviously William had given Mrs. Glenn some idea of his plan for the evening, and she had made sure things were prepared before leaving for her night off.
Ella made sure all the food was laid out nicely, and she poured drinks for them all - milk for Georgie and Janet, and water for herself. She didn't know what William would want, so she asked Georgie if she knew.
“Will always drinks milk with dinner,” Georgiana replied. “He says it keeps him healthy.”
Ella had to smile at that, and she poured another glass of milk. “Surely someone who insists on milk with dinner cannot be a bad person,” she thought to herself, teasingly.
After a laughter-filled dinner William sent Georgie and Janet upstairs to read or play quietly, while suggesting that he and Ella remain downstairs to clean up.
As she was washing the dishes, and handing them to William to dry, Ella could not help but think just how nice it would be if they were a real family. She snuck a glance at William and smiled when she saw how engrossed he was in making sure the dish was completely dry before putting it back into the cupboard.
“William,” she said, breaking the peaceful silence. “How long will you be on leave?” She didn't know what had possessed her to ask that question - it might imply, to him, that she was anxious for him to go. She hesitated for a moment, and then added, “we've all had such fun today I hate to think of your leaving.” Seeing that William didn't appear about to answer her, Ella looked down at the dishes and made herself concentrate on getting them clean.
“Ella,” William began, seeing that she might be embarrassed, “I am afraid that, no matter how much I might wish it, my leave cannot last forever. I received orders this morning. My battalion is to be shipped out on June 4, a little over four weeks from now.”
Ella's face fell. She took a deep breath, and looked over at him. “Then we shall have to make the most of your time here.”
William put down the glass he was drying and looked into her eyes. “I certainly hope so,” he whispered, and drew closer to her. Ella took a step towards him, and he gently bent down and placed his lips on hers.
The kiss only lasted the briefest of moments, but for Ella it seemed like a wonderful eternity. She had never been kissed, and this - in one of the most unromantic of settings - was certainly a very memorable first kiss. All too soon William pulled away. Ella blushed and looked down at her hands, which were still dripping wet with water and soap bubbles.
“I'm sorry,” William said quietly, thinking she was displeased.
“What for?” Ella asked, looking up at him. She stood on tiptoe and met his lips with hers again.
The second kiss lasted slightly longer, and was filled with all the pent-up emotions that the first trepidations kiss had held inside.
William tightened his grip around her waist, and Ella slid her hands along his arms. A minute later they pulled away.
“William,” Ella said, breathless, “I don't think Janet and I can live here.” She had no idea what possessed her to say that just then, but it was the first thing that came into her mind, and she was in such mental turmoil she could not organize her thoughts.
“Shh,” he whispered, “don't think about that just now. “
Ella pulled away. “William, you have to understand,” she began,
“I do,” he interrupted her, “I really do.”
“William, we have so many other things we have to think about. And as much as I wish the world could stop for awhile, that's just not possible.”
“Ella,” he answered, taking her hand in his, “let's just enjoy the next few weeks together, and face life - and the world - when we have to.”
William and Ella finished the dishes in silence. They made their way back to the living room where they sat down together on the sofa.
“Ella,” William said, “I want you to know that I think you are one of the most talented, beautiful, and amazing women I have ever met. The moment I saw you that day at the studio, I knew, somehow, that we would become friends.”
“Oh,” she said, smiling and teasing him, “is that what we are?”
“I certainly hope so,” William responded in the same manner. Then, a moment later, he turned serious. “Ella, I know the timing is not right at all, but I want you to understand that I really enjoy your company and your friendship. I would ask for more, but I don't know if it is the right time.”
Ella looked into his eyes and saw an extremely vulnerable man buried underneath William Darcy's suave exterior. At that moment she knew what she had to do.
© 2004 Copyright held by the author.