After Such A Pretty Speech From The Gentleman

Posted on Tuesday, 28-Jul-98

September 25, 1942
Oxford, England

"For G-d's sake, Benwick, stop fiddling with your suit. You look fine in it." Cried out Harville in impatience as the bridegroom once more adjusted the uniform. Lij grinned behind the poor man's back and shook his head in wonder.

Frederick returned the impish grin and assured the soon Husband-to-be, "You do look splendid Benwick. Come, the car is waiting for us." The wedding party left Harville's house and piled into the car.

Benwick sighed and finally gave into the moment. Soon he will have a wife, and if heaven allows, she will be his only one. He took a glance at Frederick who was daydreaming. The poor man barely had time to himself when they all went ashore two days ago for Benwick's wedding. Anne was around but she was never seen and managed to elude the men altogether during the meals. Louisa was doing the bride thing, which meant sheer panic at every single little thing that she could dream of. And this meant all the women folk around her had to scramble to prevent the bride from going into a fit. Mrs. Croft, Anne and even Mary found themselves trying to placate poor Louisa who was in tears half her waking hours. But as the day of the wedding arrived the bride resigned herself to whatever her imagination conjured up, and the women were grateful for the reprieve.

Anne was fussing with the bridal bouquet. Henrietta helped Louisa adjust her veil as other women filtered in and out of the small room inside the church. The sky was threatening rain the whole morning, but mercifully there was none yet. Mrs. Croft entered. "The guests are all settled in, and I just saw the men's car pull in. How are we doing Louisa?" The girl smiled brilliantly from underneath her veil.

"Doing well as a nervous bride can Sophy. Where's mum?"

"Right by the front entrance talking with Lady Russell and some other guests. Oh, I hear Harville calling me, I'll be right back dear." The older woman with a sprightly move dashed out to talk with the captain. Anne stared after her with a fond smile. Mrs. Croft was a godsend for the whole party. She had energy that could far outlast even the youngest of women and could reason out even the most unreasonable requests from Louisa.

"Well Anne what do you think?" Louisa asked with tears already forming in her eyes.

"You look like the Louisa Musgrove I always knew and loved," Anne replied truthfully and the bride smiled in gratitude.

"Oh Anne, what will I do without your kindness? Promise me you will come and see me in Dover. Promise me that you will not become a stranger to me."

"Of course I promise Louisa. I will see you as often as I can. I'm just so…"

"Involved with your job I know. But you must make time for your loved ones Anne. We miss you so much when you hurry off to heaven knows where and without dropping news as to when we will see you again!" Anne blushed in shame and regret.

"No matter what we say and do Anne we do love you very much and we worry. Even Mary in spite of her many complaints, does think of you great deal. There are nights when after hearing from the wireless about London being bombed, Mary would sit near the phone hoping you'll call. Not to mention the rest of us. Hopefully with the Americans we will see a quicker end to this miserable war, but Anne until then please take care of yourself, if not for your own sake than for the rest of us." Anne nodded silently tears gathering in her eyes too. She gave the bride a fierce hug not caring what would happen to the dress and Louisa did the same.

The women bustled out of the room as Louisa's parents entered to spend some time with their daughter. Anne was walking to her pew when she saw Henrietta with her cousin Charles Hayter. So that's where this comes to, thought Anne and she saw the definite look of displeasure from Mary regarding Henrietta's choice of sweetheart. Henrietta saw Anne and gave a wave of hello then gave Charles a quick kiss. Grabbing hold of her dress so she wouldn't trip she ran to the back room as the ceremony was about to begin.

Anne nestled in between Lady Russell and Mary picking up their conversation. The air was redolent with furniture polish and wood but the scent of fall season was heavy too. Dead leaves and drying harvest were the two significant smells Anne remembered from Kellynch. A hand gently tapped her on the back it was Colonel Elliot.

"I'm so glad you made it." Anne whispered in real happiness.

"London wouldn't mind missing me for a day or two. Lovely place this is. I've forgotten how much history Oxford has. Good afternoon ladies." The women greeted the young man with real warmth.

Across the aisle Frederick was watching all this with a heavy heart. He saw the man enter into the church and felt his heart fall. It stands to reason that the Colonel would be invited and sitting on the bride's section of the church, but it was Anne's face that disheartened him. She literally lit up like a fog lamp when she saw her cousin and heir to Kellynch.

Lij also saw the Colonel enter the church and immediately gauged the unhappy reaction from his commanding officer. That does it! He braced himself, throw in your two cents and see what happens.

"Sir, may I speak truthfully?"

"Of course you may lieutenant. What is it?"

"I don't like that Colonel sir." His voice was flat but steely.

Frederick gave a pained grin. "Thank you for your loyalty, but I…"

"No sir, I don't like him personally. He bothers me a great deal. I don't know why but I just don't trust him sir. So I did some digging. The man does work for MI, as he once said but which division nobody seems to know. And though he's got this great reputation, every person I talked to seem to be scared of him sir. I mean real fear."

"Well if he does work for the covert branch, it stands to reason he's something of a mystery…"

"Sir, I don't think that's it. I think it's got something to do with the man himself."

Frederick turned to his Dutchman and saw the real seriousness in his eyes. "You're not doing this to make me feel better are you, Lij?" The youthful officer shook his head.

"I didn't trust him from the moment I met him sir. And I know it's not my place, but I really did make some calls and pulled in favors. I get this bad feeling about that fellow and it's getting worse. Sir the man scares me," Lij admitted with a heavy voice.

Frederick was startled at the admission of fear. Nothing seemed to disturb his under-officer, not the torpedoes, not the brig for hitting him on the head on Avalanche, so if this man really did inspire fear from the Lieutenant…Frederick turned to the Colonel and gave a harder stare. "Look at him sir when he thinks nobody is looking. I think you'll see what I'm talking about." Whispered Lij as the music started.

The bride was indeed very beautiful, as all happy brides are, but Frederick wasn't looking at Louisa. Then like a flash he saw what his Lieutenant noticed long time ago. The man was like ice, Frederick thought. His face became stone and those blue eyes that women liked so much became chips of stone. The man was drained of all warmth and humanity. He's like a statue, thought Wentworth.

He turned to his partner and Lij gave a knowing glance. People, when unobserved, fall into their most natural pose whether it was awkward, embarrassing or shy. But it was their natural state of being, and if that was Elliot's...he saw Anne turn around to make some comment and in a flash the man was back to his charming poise and grace. Frederick felt his heart begin to pound in fear for her.

The ceremony passed agonizingly slowly for Frederick, and when the reception came, he was dashing about the whole room looking for Anne. Damn everything, he thought. I'll tell her what I really feel tonight and heaven help anyone who comes in my way. Lij was scoping the other half of the room, when he saw Anne slipping into the foyer and to the balcony for some air. He saw Elliot following from behind and moved quickly.

"I am so sorry Colonel. Forgive me I don't drink much as a rule. Have I stained the uniform? Oh thank heaven it was only champagne." The Colonel gave a rueful smile and went to the men's closet to wipe the spilt champagne from the jacket. Lij saw him walk away and made a mad sprint for the Commodore.

"Why Anne's dress is lovely Lady Russell, may I presume she got it in London?" Complimented Mary to the wrong person.

"Oh yes, we were at Beatrice's when she found it. Hopefully she'll be patronizing the establishment again. Do you know if William proposed to her yet?"

Mary giggled a little, feeling giddy with the wine. "No not yet, but it can't be long. I really think she's happy with him you know. I have never seen such an attentive man!"

Frederick was listening from less than two feet away and paled. He never thought Anne might return the Colonel's feelings, if the man had any to begin with. Suddenly he decided to take a gamble when Lij came stampeding to his side. Panting like a bull the man whispered to him where Anne was hiding.

The Commodore ran just as fast and to his great joy he found her still alone and in deep thought.

"Anne, it's cold outside, please come in and join your friends." She turned to his person and gave a brave smile through her tears.

"Anne why are you crying?"

She replied, "Nothing Commodore Wentworth. Nothing's wrong and that's why I am crying. It has been so long since I've had such a perfect day as today. I've forgotten what things were like before the war, that's all. I'm sorry it's silly of me I know."

He gently smiled then steeled himself for the blow he was about to give.

"From what I hear we will be invited to another wedding soon. I am actually here on an errand from the Admiral. It seems that there is a spoken agreement between you and Colonel Elliot. And the Admiral wishes for me to tell you that after your marriage, if you wish to return to Kellynch, then he will have no problems vacating the place. Especially since Sophy has found Oxford to be more agreeable to her taste."

Anne's face paled considerably. He was the fifth person today to ask her regarding this silly bit of misinformation that was spreading like a flu among her acquaintances. But hearing it from Frederick gave it a real shape of danger. How did this rumor start? It had to be Sabine who was the cause of this false news, and Anne felt her annoyance rise at her older friend.

"Why does everyone think…"

Suddenly Colonel Elliot came into view. "Anne? Shall we dance?"

She only gave an exasperated groan and marched off the balcony with neither man. William turned towards the Royal Navy officer for an explanation and all he got was a shrug of the shoulders and a sympathetic grin. Frederick walked back to the party feeling grand.

However the emotion didn't last long, especially after a long introspective look into the whole scenario. Granted Anne may not be in love with her cousin, but that hardly meant she felt anything for Frederick. In fact she may feel less for him than Colonel Elliot, and this depressed the Commodore. And the situation didn't improve after three glasses of fine Scottish whisky.

Feeling outright maudlin because of his tempest-like nature, Frederick sought the silent comfort of an abandoned room and found one. But he wasn't alone for ten minutes when Harville came into the room. The intruder did not realize that Frederick was already there. The captain sighed lighting a cigarette, and Frederick was about to acknowledge his person, when Anne followed Harville into the study. Frederick began to wonder who'll come in next, the Marx brothers?

Anne quietly asked, "Captain Harville, how are you? Forgive me, but I've noticed that you didn't look well in the reception hall. May I get you something?"

The captain gave an apologetic grin, "And here I was thinking I was fooling everyone. Of course you would see my distress wouldn't you Anne? No, it's just my unfair prejudice sticking its ugly head. Don't worry I'll be fine."

"Is it Fanny?" She continued and Wentworth flinched. He had forgotten all about Harville's dead sister and so did everyone else save this one kind soul.

Harville nodded a little, feeling the sense of loss again. "It's just that Benwick was so in love with her, you know. And we always imagined him wed to her, never to anyone else, and today at the church, well, I must admit I felt a little resentment towards the whole situation. It's unfair, I know, but I can't help but feel Fanny wouldn't have forgotten him so soon. Now, isn't that selfish of me Anne?"

"No, it sounds like a brother who remembered his sister and her happiness, that is all. A feeling quite forgivable, Captain Harville. And I do believe you when you say that Fanny wouldn't have forgotten him, it's not in the nature of any woman who truly loved."

"What about men then Anne? You cannot imagine that we are any less fickle. In fact if any fickleness can be accused of, it's always the women who are the guilty party you know." Challenged Harville with raised eyebrows. Anne laughed a little, but her eyes didn't reflect the humor her mouth portrayed.

"The argument I have for my sex is this. We are taught to never express what we feel. We are told to be quiet and take the situation at hand like some blindfolded Justice. Emotions and fears we share with some of our closest acquaintances but with no one else. To men we must look like the calmest of waters, when underneath, all the while, there's turmoil."

Captain Harville saw a movement in the corner of his eye and realized who was eavesdropping. With a swift decision he decided to keep his silence and let Anne continue, praying that this was the miracle he was hoping for.

"You men have all sorts of business and goals while we women are consistently denied the same access of relief. Do not say that men and women are treated equally Captain Harville. We are both too long in this world to believe that fairy tale. The only privilege I can claim of my sex Captain, and it's not an enviable one, is that after everything's said and done, we love longest when all hope is gone."

Anne raised her head as if coming out of a dream and saw an indescribable look on Harville's face. Both smiled at each other and Harville offered his arm as the two bravely walked back out to the reception. Before closing the door Harville threw a knowing glance at the surprised face of Frederick. She is a brave woman the captain thought, braver than you Frederick.

The Commodore sat alone in the darkness trying to catch his breath and his rampant thoughts. Anne just said what he wanted to hear; though, how the hell he could talk to Anne without revealing what he just heard was a big problem. But he had what he wanted and sped off to join the reception. The evening ended in the sober glory that was so English, and the party finally finished around three in the morning.

It was a bright dawn when the phone rang to wake up one bleary headed Wentworth. He picked up the phone and in ten minutes his eyes were snapping with electricity. It was the Admiralty and they were recalling all the men to their respective ships. "Operation Torch" was going to sea as of today for Wentworth. Feeling panic and realizing he and the rest would have to leave before the morning was over, Frederick scrambled to write a letter to Anne. He shook Lij awake and told him the news.

"Give this to Anne right now Lij, please." The lieutenant grabbed the letter and ran to Uppercross Cottage. It was not yet seven, but he knew Anne would be awake and about. She was a woman of habit, and just like Lij suspected, he saw her wandering around the kitchen making herself some tea. She was startled when he banged on the back door but let him in.

"Lieutenant what is happening?" She asked alarmed.

"We are being recalled Miss Elliot. This is from the Commodore." He handed her the small note.

"You're being recalled now? Back to Dover?" He nodded vigorously and then said his good-bye, leaving her still surprised in the middle of the kitchen.

Anne made herself sit down and opened the letter sipping her tea.

Dear Anne,

I can wait no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am in half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone forever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and half ago. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You have alone brought me to Oxford. For you I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes? And if I have failed in conveying these prayers to your ears then this letter will unmask all my emotions, kind Anne. You are too good, too excellent a creature! In spite of everything you have suffered you, still believe that there is true attachment and constancy for those that are in love. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in

Frederick

We are due to arrive in Dover at 3. My number is xxxx. Please call me. A word will be enough to decide whether I enter your father's house or never.

Anne sat there in shock encased in the merciful silence. "He still loves me," she whispered out loud. "He still loves me…" She stared at the clock on the shelf and saw that it was already nine. She knew why the Royal Navy was calling back her men; it had to be Operation Torch, which meant that in a few days Frederick will be out to sea heading towards Africa and Rommel. The time frame for this military operation was supposed to drag through the rest of the year if not the whole winter. She rung the train-station and found the next train to Dover via London to be departing in 45 minutes.

She scrambled like a madwoman and woke up Henrietta, but told the girl that it was her job that tore her away from Oxford. Henrietta had no problem believing in the lie and drove Anne to the train station, where she barely had time to catch the express to London.

Meanwhile Frederick was pumping poor Lij for information, but the Dutchman kept telling him he ran out of the house before she even opened the envelope. Wentworth finally reached his ship and immediately called Oxford, only to find out that Anne had to leave because of her work.

It was three and Frederick waited for her to call but it never came. It was almost seven when he finally gave up. She would have called me if she wanted to tell me she still had feelings for me, he thought, but there was only miserable silence. I am too late, thought Frederick and began abandoning all hopes of ever retrieving his relationship with Anne. Suddenly the phone did ring and he made an undignified dive for it.

"Sir, this is Marcus at the front desk and I have a visitor for you. A Miss Anne Elliot sir."

"I swear Marcus you lose that woman and I'll personally wring your neck. I'll be down in a moment." Frederick ran out and crashed into Lij, knocking his lieutenant back three feet. But all he did was continue to go downstairs, leaving his stunned officer holding the daily reports of HMS Laconia.

Anne was standing there waiting for him. It wasn't some cruel joke by his fellow officers, and Frederick felt his heart beat again. She smiled a little and said, "I thought a phone call in response to your letter was too inappropriate Frederick."

But all he did was stand there and stare at what he thought he would never in his life see again. You don't deserve this, his conscience mumbled to him, but his heart blissfully ignored it. She slowly approached his person and took hold of his hands never letting her gaze stray from his face.

"I waited for your call but it never came. I gave up all hope Anne. I really didn't think you wanted to see me after all I've done. And I couldn't blame you, for I know I didn't deserve…but I was hoping you see. I was hoping you remembered what we once had, because I've never forgotten. Even though I pretended to, I never really did. Silly game really, all I ended up doing was hurting you and damning myself. But my stupid pride and …it wasn't worth it though, not in the end. And I was so tired from pretending to not care and not remember. To not be jealous of that cousin of yours or even poor Benwick. And I knew if I waited, someone somewhere would come by and take you away. Where would I be without my Anne? Who would I have then to think about and plan for? Who would weather my storms with me and be the eye of my hurricanes? Who?"

Anne couldn't stop her tears, so she rested her face onto his shoulders as his words healed wounds she was too scared to touch. Frederick felt her cry on his shoulders and shame ripped through him. He could have prevented this two years ago if he wasn't so weak, so damn unsure of himself. He was a ranked officer in the Royal Navy, but when it came to Anne, he was no better than the boy who proposed to her. With Anne his vulnerability never went away, no matter what he had achieved and won. And Frederick discovered that was what being in love meant, but Anne knew; all these years she knew, while he traveled around the world only to discover that bit of wisdom on her doorsteps. Sometimes Fate could be truly unkind, but to him at least it was not unfair.

Lij watched them from the staircase and grinned in relief. Harville gave a loud sigh, "Well finally someone came to their senses, and it would be Anne wouldn't it?" The Dutchman laughed out loud at that bit of gaff from the Captain of HMS Argonaut.

"So Commodore, when are we going to see you in your wedding suit?" Asked the Lieutenant and the man had the grace to blush.

"Well Lij first we have to do whatever we're being recalled for."

"No, you could get married tonight." Offered the Dutchman. He was determined to see his commanding officer wed before they embarked on HMS Laconia.

"Lieutenant! That is not an option! There has to be at least a church ceremony…"

"Well we have six." Offered Harville quickly picking up on the idea.

"You have six churches on base?" Asked Anne shocked.

"No Anne, six ships. And they are all docked about half-mile from here." Harville replied with great mischief in mind. "And all their captains, including myself, are on base."

Frederick paused a little, but decided to argue against it. Anne's family would have a fit and declare war against him if he carried out this insanely desirable idea.

"My dear gentlemen, please, we haven't even discussed…"

"What's there to discuss? You guys have been waiting for nearly nine years! So gentlemen what do you think?" Asked Lij to the onlookers in the foyer.

Captain Spring and his driver Jeremy St. John had been avidly listening to this whole drama unfolding in front of them and had no problems voicing their opinions.

"Nine years!" shouted Spring. "She's a saint you silly bugger marry the woman before she realizes what a waste you are. Or before that medication wears off."

Jeremy added, "And we'll be more than happy to volunteer as witnesses. Heaven knows, let us do something civil before being shipped off to…" Spring smacked the corporal on his shoulder. Their destination was supposed to be top secret.

Commander Katto once again a tank commander raised his canteen, "Mademoiselle, do you wish to be this man's wife before or after his adventure? I think that you would like to call him husband now, especially after such a pretty speech from the gentleman yes?"

Anne blushed in confusion but took comfort in the truth; "Yes, I would like to call him husband tonight."

The Frenchman smiled and continued, "Well then, I don't see any objections from the bride, so sir?" Frederick recognized the man who whipped out a pistol at him so long ago, and the two exchanged a nod of recognition. Well, at least the man made up for that little affair.

The next thing Anne knew they were piled into two separate cars and driven to HMS Argonaut. There were many curious faces as a woman boarded the ship, but when the story got out, the sailors all scrambled below deck to don their best for their Commodore's wedding. It was about half-hour later that the surprised but delighted cast of men and woman was assembled at the bow.

The ceremony was woefully lacking in flowers save a single rose that the cook somehow found for Anne. It didn't have any music, since none of the sailors were musicians - not even a fiddler was on board that night. They didn't even have wedding bands, so Anne had to make do with Frederick's Navy ring. But what it did have were lovers reunited once again, older and wiser, kinder than in their youth Frederick and Anne exchanged vows they wished for so many years.

The whole affair contained no fashion save the shining happy faces of their friends and companions, who in spite of standing in a warship, forgot about the raging conflict for a while, as Harville fulfilled one of his duties as a captain. Spring and St. John even as strangers felt the happiness shared by all, and even Katto let his memories of his country go for a while, enjoying the here and now.

The ceremony ended and the ship became alive with the cheers of the men, as their Commodore now had a wife, and Anne gained the last name of Wentworth. Someone roused the Navy clerk, who witnessed the whole thing from the back. He needed little convincing to open up his office that night and do the paperwork for the new couple. There was a simple repast waiting for the group at the mess, and the men were treated with stories about Frederick when he was but a 'lad'. It felt good to Frederick to hear stories about their youth again and all the good times he had while living near Kellynch. It also amazed him that she remembered so much, but then she loved him so he shouldn't be really surprised.

They were walking back to his room now man and wife, trying to make their one night last more than a few hours. For Frederick it felt like he was finally home after a long and arduous voyage filled with regret and longing. But he was home, and in the end that was all that really counted.

The Life Expectancy Of A Resistance Fighter Was Six Months.

Posted on Wednesday, 29-Jul-98

September 18, 1942
Mt. Hope Cemetery near Longbourn, England

It should be raining, thought Darcy. The sky should be ripping herself apart and crying rain to this miserable plot of land, but none came. Instead there was sun smiling down upon the grieving and pained group surrounding the empty grave of Elizabeth Bennet. Darcy didn't exactly remember how he got there or even if he was invited to the funeral, but he came anyway and no one stopped him. The priest said his piece and the family threw their flowers into the hole where the coffin lay. They never found the body, just the debris washed on the beach, marking the unwanted finality to this young woman's life.

The Bennet family behaved extraordinarily well; even Lydia aged a great deal during the last week and she did it with serious grace. Mary preached to no one, and Kitty spent herself to exhaustion taking care of the grieving mother. Darcy raised his face to the youngest girl in the Bennet family and felt his heart wring in pain. They all resembled his beloved somehow. Perhaps it was in the jawline or the eyes, and Mary did have Elizabeth's voice, but the surviving sisters tormented the Squadron Leader with their similarities to the dead woman.

He turned to his right and saw Bingley holding hands with Jane. The eldest Bennet sister was silently weeping into her lover's shoulder as the ceremony finished. Darcy realized that Elizabeth healed that breach while he stood by numb. Her death caused the immediate return of Bingley to Jane's side, and his wingman never left his sweetheart after the news was delivered. Darcy was grateful for this because he could not bring himself to tell the truth to Bingley regarding his actions. He only had his wingman and Georgiana left in his life now. There was no one else he could trust so implicitly and he couldn't afford to lose his best friend.

I should be crying, he thought, then why can't I shed any tears? Why do I remain here numb and emotionless? I did love her, I know I did, and I still do, heaven help me, so why can't I weep? The grieving family returned to Longbourn and Darcy excused himself and returned to his inn. He stood looking out the window facing the woods. I am deprived not only of my lovely Elizabeth but the grief of losing her. That animal across the Channel not only killed her but stole my tears, leaving me here with less than nothing. He could have at least left us her body so we may have a proper funeral but no, not even that. He couldn't even spare us her body…damn the monster. Damn him and his whole bloody Wehrmacht. His whole world will go to hell, even if I have to sell my soul to the Devil for it. I have one thing left now but at least it's something. I have revenge. I have that.

December 24, 1942
14 miles outside of Paris, France

If anyone saw Lizzie now, no one would have recognized her. Any excess weight she may have had was shaved off from the lack of food. Her hair was still its natural color, but she cut most of it off. Her face was angled off in an elegant line, and her eyes still sparkled. When the Resistance rescued her from the SS, she knew it would be a long while before she was once again able to gaze at the cliffs of Dover. The women who rescued her took a great deal of trouble garnishing her a new identity. They had to take it slow, be extremely careful in reintroducing her to the Vichy French society. But the girl was very quick and she was already fluent in French, so the task was made much easier. And Lizzie was careful, she saw what mistakes could cost with the Nazis roaming about. There was more than one town that was burnt to the ground and its residents massacred. More than one hanging post by the roadside with victims swinging in the hangman's rope. Lizzie was very careful.

Marguerite was able to contact her daughter Leah and ask her for help with Lizzie. The daughter replied that during Christmas Eve the traffic was especially busy around Paris, so it would be a good time to smuggle the girl in and let her become lost in the city's noisy streets. The two women approached the checkpoint, and Marie was not far behind in the lines. The German soldier carefully examined the women's papers. The pass seemed new to him, but then if this were the first time the women were traveling it stands to reason the papers would be new. He stared at the pretty young thing coming into the city and wondered if she had any boyfriends. Snapping himself awake from his pleasant reveries he let them pass. Pretty women were always welcomed to his Paris.

Marguerite didn't dare to breathe until they were in the city walls. Elizabeth, or now known as Camille, did have certain looks that would attract men, and in certain ways make life either more difficult or easier. But the girl was strong, incredibly strong and determined to survive at whatever the cost and this eased the mind of the mother a great deal. It won't be long before that will be tested by life under the Nazi rule. She met Leah at the designated spot and handed the Brit over to her daughter. Their meeting lasted only 15 seconds for they could not attract attention to each other. It would be the last time the mother and daughter ever see each other alive again.

Leah introduced her to the restaurant where she worked as a manager now. The previous one couldn't take the harsh life and fled to the countryside. So she was handed the job and the girl was incredibly good at performing her duties. Camille was the new hostess, and no one complained. A pretty girl like that would definitely make the clientele easier to handle. No one asked where she came from, refugees were common enough in the capital, though charity was scarce. After being introduced at the restaurant Lisa-Michelle picked her up and led Elizabeth/Camille to her furnished one-room flat near the University. Elizabeth gave a grateful thank-you to her youthful guardian and laid on the lumpy bed.

She wouldn't cry, even though it was Christmas Eve. Instead she closed her eyes and dreamt of spending it with her beloved family, made dearer by the separation. Even though the distance could be measured in miles the chasm felt like they were worlds apart from each other. Forcing herself to abandon her depressing thoughts, she made herself dream about the life she once had and determined to have again.

The next day Leah met her outside, and the two women disappeared into Paris meeting with other orphaned youth of the city. Together, secretly they celebrated this holy day in spite of the general ban levied by the Nazis. Actually much of the city celebrated the holiday, and many of the occupying forces did too in their own way. Some habits could never be silenced, and numerous prayers rose to heaven above from the citizens of France and other enslaved nations, just one general prayer really – for freedom.

Winter bowed out of her throne as spring came into view and the bitter weather dissipated under the warming sun. Camille became a familiar face to the locals and the customers who frequented the place. There were many men who came only to watch the hostess walk by. The food was more than fair, but it was the fairer face that drew so many of the customers back to La Soiree. And Camille was unfailingly polite and civil no matter how rude some of the customers became. This even temper of hers earned her the nickname of Saint Camille, but the lady also had one sharp wit that most men felt cut into their pride if they persisted in chasing her. More than one oberst went back to his rooms smarting from her comments, only to find himself mooning over her again on the next visit.

Elizabeth kept up this double life living with her memories, which she made vivid as her real life. At night she would imagine a scenario or a conversation she had with her friends and family over in England and smile to herself. When she witnessed horrible things on the streets of Paris, she forced herself to walk by and continue with her precarious life by remembering Jane or Kitty or even Darcy. The man's face was so clear to her even after such a long separation that she marveled at it. Their last day together in Pemberley had to be one of the sweetest she spent in the whole year. She remembered what it felt like to walk those elegant corridors and those carefully manicured gardens. She heard Georgiana's voice flickering inside her mind as her memory replayed their stroll. Lizzie prayed fervently that Jane and Charles were back together again and hopefully be married soon. Somehow she knew that Charles wouldn't be able to stay away from Jane for long in spite of what Darcy said.

While she worked, she eavesdropped on the German tables, pretending to not understand a thing they're saying but actually memorizing their conversations. There were many bits of information she gathered this way and which made their way over to England by the Resistance. And every single line of information was invaluable for the Allies as they began to prepare for the inevitable, the invasion of France and the western offensive against the Wehrmacht. Their war against Rommel was at a stalemate, but everyone who listened to the BBC knew that the Allies successfully drove Rommel from French North Africa. And the French Admiral Darlan defected to the Allies, delivering a blow to Hitler's ego. The British were no longer on the defensive, but now were actively attacking the Germans. It could only be a matter of time Lizzie prayed, only matter of time!

Lizzie didn't know it, but her prayers were already answered. Hitler once again told his soldiers to fight to the bitter end, and obeying their leader hundreds of thousands were killed in Russia and the foreign soil of Africa. The Royal Navy, incurring great cost to itself, was successful in slowly throttling the lifeline between the German Wehrmacht in Africa and its mother country. They continuously patrolled the Mediterranean sinking any German supply convoys. The order given to them was simple; "Sink, burn destroy. Let nothing pass." This was the key phrase for Operation Retribution, a very fitting title for which every available Royal Navy vessel was patrolling like sharks looking for prey.

And unlike Dunkirk, where the British came to rescue their soldiers from the enemy beaches, the Germans found themselves trapped by the Royal Navy from the sea and oncoming Allied Armies on land. There would be no rescue, and Von Arnim (Rommel was pulled back to Germany) finally surrendered in May. With him were 230,000 Axis soldiers. The swing against the Nazis had begun. And now the Allies turned their focus onto Italy, Operation Husky was born.

And throughout the whole spring season Lizzie continuously passed information back and forth for the Resistance. These silent soldiers had a life expectancy shorter than an American infantry grunt. It was expected for them to live no more than six months after joining the Resistance, because of the dangers the job presented. SS made continuous breakthroughs, and there were plenty of collaborators who betrayed their fellow countrymen and women. But the network was incredibly complex, with cells layered on top of cells who were totally ignorant of each other's existence. Sometimes there was as many as 5 groups doing the same job because of this complexity within the Resistance. But this also gave them the chance to survive for longer than just a half-year, and those who did survive just got tougher and smarter. And they gave their tyrants a hell that the Germans never forgot nor forgave. Their retributions against the French citizens and citizens of other nations for the damage done by the Resistance (of all the occupied countries) were horrible and more than a few would later be arrested and tried for 'Crimes Against Humanity.' And many are still being hunted today for these acts of sheer violence and unparalleled savagery.

June 1, 1943
Longbourn, England

Darcy and Georgiana watched as Jane and Charles tied the knot and became man and wife. Caroline was ramrod straight and pale watching the whole miserable affair. She had such plans of seeing her brother wed to Georgiana! After Elizabeth's death all her dreams were resurrected. And this time she was extremely careful. She never showed a sign that she was inclined towards Darcy and even tempered her tongue. She made every effort to win Jane over and succeeded in all her plans, but Charles in one swift move curtailed her winnings severely.

Now he was standing there with that pitiful nurse whose dress lacked such fashion to say the least. But then what can the Bennet family afford anyway? However she would be surprised to discover that she was the only one who held this opinion. The dress was simple satin with no embroidery to disturb its pristine white flow from the beautiful woman's figure. The train was simple with only a spray of white roses for decoration but it was ever elegant. The veil was again plain but underneath it hid a jewel of a face. And Charles' heart was about to explode thinking that finally, after the hell that was called Africa, he was back on solid English soil and Jane was his wife.

The reception was held outside of the Longbourn house. The striped canopy was festive with balloons and streaming paper. Blue and white with dashes of red were everywhere. The air was filled with laughter as the Gardiner children played catch with Kitty. Mary was playing the piano from the conservatory and mercifully her music skills improved tremendously. There were many moments when the girl remembered her second oldest sister scolding her to practice harder. And now that Lizzie was gone Mary listened to her words. She played and played, trying to win her dead sister's approval, and today it seemed like she finally did.

Georgiana stood by and watched the newlyweds. She wasn't going to cry and ruin it all. Though her heart broke silently. What no one guessed was that Georgiana did love Charles Bingley. When she fell in love with the wingman she had no idea, but as the man became her brother's best friend, he suddenly became a permanent fixture in the Darcy household. And Georgiana slowly fell in love with the blond hair, the quick smile and dashes of freckles on that face. He was never unkind, and very gentle with her. He never bossed her around and teased her in such good-natured way even Georgiana could never take offense. And every time he came around he did his best to cheer her up and draw her out of her shell. He always danced with her in those painful parties and taught her the newest steps. He helped her in so many ways to forget about George Wickham. Comparing the two men, she shuddered to think she could have fallen prey into that evil man's hands. But Bingley, Georgiana knew, she could trust him with her life and more importantly with her brother's.

Jane raised her face to receive one passionate kiss from her husband, and Georgiana looked away. She silently withdrew into the library and finally let her tears go. A warm hand rested itself on her shoulder and she whirled around in surprise. It was Mrs. Gardiner. The woman was watching Georgiana for a while now and guessed at the cause of the girl's anguished face.

"My dear, at least let me congratulate you on choosing such a good man. Most girls your age seemed to prefer such, what is the modern term? Losers." The girl laughed through her tears and fell into the woman's arms as she wept her heart clear of its loss.

Pyro was eating as much of the wedding cake as possible. Heaven knows where the hell they'll ship the Lost Boys next! Bingley sought out his friend's companionship, and Darcy quickly hid his pain underneath an elegant and sarcastic grin. "Well, at least you married a Bennet."

Charles stopped short and felt deep sadness for his friend.

Darcy could hide it well, but not all the time. Darcy winced at his own words and gave a vulnerable smile as an apology. "I am sorry about that Charles. I don't know why…"

"Don't apologize Darcy. I don't know how you could keep sane. I think I would go off the deep end, if I ever lost Jane. Come, join me and let us and the Bennets entertain you. Come Darcy, join the living for a while." With that simple offer the wingman encased his best friend in his right arm and steered Darcy towards the lively party.

But it didn't totally succeed, for Darcy had Elizabeth's ghost within his soul. It was better than nothing, and kept him from breaking apart when he was alone in his bed. He would remember phrases, entire conversations he had with her. And when proper situations arose, he would replay her voices again like a record. And now that the African campaign was over, he knew the wardogs were looking at France.

"I loved Paris." He heard Lizzie whisper inside his head again. "It was the best time in my life." She confessed into his conscience, and Darcy took comfort in it.

You will see it again, dear Elizabeth, and I will find that pension in Rue Hugo where you stayed. Perhaps I will find the room you slept in and take comfort in the same bed.

"I promised…would go back someday…"

And we will keep your promise dear Elizabeth I swear.

They Were Running Out Of Time...

Posted on Wednesday, 29-Jul-98

November 21, 1943
Corning, England

Anne eagerly opened another letter from her beloved husband. Mrs. Smith smiled with humor as the woman was transformed into an eager young bride again as she tore the envelope open.

Dear Anne,

I think I will be forever tanned from our exploits here in the Mediterranean. The sea is ours, dear Anne, and our triumph in Africa is truly complete. I am writing this with a great and sober heart. So many of us paid dearly, and I don't think the Royal Navy will recover from all her losses here and in the Atlantic. But take courage, we Brits are a hard lot, and the Royal Navy will sail these waters free again.

Thank you darling for mailing me your picture. I was teased endlessly by my crew who still ribs me about the wedding band incident last fall. I don't know if I ever told you this, but they didn't believe that I was married when I came on board no matter what I said or did. But the solid Dutchman kept repeating the same story over and over until the crew became suspicious. Then your letter and band arrived making the whole thing a reality, and I had barely any control over the whole blasted lot. G-d bless them though, for they sailed with me when HMS Avalanche was our ship. And I am doing my damnedest to make sure we keep Laconia with us through this war!

Now here is the best bit of news. We are being recalled to England in early part of December. And we desperately need this to see Laconia have her repairs. Don't worry sweetheart, she isn't sprouting holes and leaking. But this old girl deserves some pampering treatment after all she has seen. Will see you soon.

Faithfully,
Frederick

Anne was smiling ear to ear, he's coming home! Mrs. Smith asked, "Good news my dear?"

The woman nodded and plopped down on the couch with a loud moan. "I think Lady Russell has finally accepted the fact that I am married now and to Commodore Wentworth."

The landlady brought out the tea tray; "Well at least your family didn't put up much of a fight!"

"I think that was because they were too shocked to say anything. But that is fine by me."

Mrs. Smith nearly choked on her tea from laughing. "Why is this Lady Russell so set against your husband?"

"Because she knew him when he was young and foolish. And because she was determined to have me marry to my cousin." Mrs. Smith paused a little and balanced things out in her mind then came to a decision. Anne is married to a powerful navy officer now and she should know the truth.

"Well I for one am glad you didn't marry that creature."

Anne looked up in shock, "What did you just say Mrs. Smith?"

"I said I was glad that you didn't marry that cold-blooded creature. I kept my mouth shut not only to protect myself but also you my dear. Now though I think you should know everything…" The two women stayed in the front parlor until ten in the evening talking about the distant past of both the Colonel and Mrs. Smith.

December 1, 1943
Somewhere in Southern England

"Well look at what we got here! We got ourselves an educated fella. Hey scum what's your name?!!!!!!!!!!"

Tenby flinched but kept his back ramrod straight. "My name is Michael Tenby Sir! I am with…"

"I don't care who you're with BOY! You're with ME! Is that clear you miserable army rat! And you will ONLY answer when I tell ya to answer! Is that clear you sorry piece of @*#^%)@*@$*!_$*#$&)!@(. And let me say this if anyone of ya new blood think that you're going to get it easy all I can say is bend over and grab (@$*@_)!(#%&@_(%. Is that CLEAR? Well what the hell are you smiling at you YANK?!!"

"I had no idea that one can fit in that many cuss words and still have a structurally and grammatically correct sentence. Sir!" Well now he knew he was going to be on latrine duty 'til he died.

Sergeant Huron had to stop himself from smiling. This tough Yankee boy had that flint so indicative of the privacy-driven nor'easters. "I am SO GLAD I could please this professor here. What ivy-clad wussy college did you graduate from?"

"I didn't graduate sir! And my college was Dartmouth in New Hampshire, Sir!"

"So I got my English right eh? So tell me oh wise one what rules can you teach us today?"

"I can think of only two, Sir! First rule, keep myself alive! Second rule, to keep my company alive!"

"Is that ALL? I'd imagine with that fancy education of yours you'd have at least FIVE!"

"No Sir! I figure the two would keep me busy, Sir!"

"Well, that's good. You're on latrine duty for this month Yankee. DISMISSED!"

December 3, 1943
Near Weymouth, England

Carolyn decided that if they ever landed safely she would start to go to church again faithfully like a nun. The weather was hellish and who in heaven's logic flew in November? She should have taken the train! She raised her pale face and stared at the other famous entertainers who miraculously seemed to be oblivious to the fact that this bomber was about to hit earth as its last unscheduled stop.

Carolyn was minding her own business, performing in CBS and the club raking in great reviews and even better pay. She had two records now to her name and was in great demand all over the country. When one night a voice boomed from the back of the club. It was bright, cheery and slightly gravely. "Hey beautiful! Interested in a job with no pay? I can guarantee that you'll get hundreds of marriage proposals per day and have men hanging around you like devoted slaves!"

She couldn't see the speaker until he passed the back stage lights. Oh dear, his nose is HUGE. The man was no other than Bob Hope. He was taller than she thought and Jesus did he have a great smile. And that was all it took to sign her onto his road show. Bob Hope was born Leslie Townes Hope in Eltham, England. His father was English and his mother Welsh, and if there was ever a human being born to entertain, Hope was it. He was G.I. Bob, the clown cadet of the servicemen and women who fought the good war. His entertaining the military world began in 1941 when he did a radio show for airmen in March Field, California. He never looked back and now he was bringing much need laughter and happiness with his humor and the beautiful gypsies that accompanied him into the war-torn areas.

However this singing nightingale was going to die…suddenly the plane stopped and Carolyn realized the bomber landed. Trying not to lose her lunch she dashed out of the crowded plane and onto the temporary landing strip. The officers were waiting eagerly for this particular USO troupe, and when Carolyn came to view they all sighed in great relief. The train that was transporting the other half of the USO band was busted just south of London and none of those performers were going to make it tonight. But she was here and that meant so much for these boys who wanted to hear someone from home.

December 14, 1943
London, England

Anne was walking down the street not far from HQ, when she realized that she was being followed. It was just a feeling, a hunch and no more but she knew with dead certainty that there was someone tracking her down. She turned the corner, and Mahler followed not realizing his prey was onto him. He was frowning, he was sure she was going back to HQ. Suddenly realizing that something was wrong with his current position, the man turned around but it was too late. Elliot's people swarmed in from everywhere and finally arrested the spy. Anne was watching from no less than 15 feet shocked. She was not only being followed by one man but by a whole entourage it seems!

She was gently rustled into a car and was driven to the Colonel's office. She sat there for 30 minutes digesting what just occurred before he came in.

"I am so sorry Anne that you had to witness the arrest. We were hoping to…"

"Do it behind my back, William? Why? Because you knew I was being tracked down? Who is that man?"

"A German spy courtesy of Canaris. He was one of a group we called sleepers. They were sent here long before the war and 'slept' until German High Command activated them. Bloody pain to catch, you know, because of their…"

"And you knew this one was following me, didn't you William? You must have because your men were on top of him so quickly. But you didn't tell me that I was in such danger. Why?"

The cousin paused for a bit, but she already knew the answer. "We needed to catch him Anne. The man is part of a complex ring that's a real and legitimate threat to the war effort, and we had no other way of breaking it. I'm sorry."

"How long has this been going on? Since the war began? How did you figure it all out if you…oh dear G-d, that man killed Richard didn't he?" William nodded slowly.

"Did you know that Richard was in danger? Did you know then?"

Elliot stared at her, his eyes were cold, so unforgiving, "We thought we had Dr. Hanson under guard. We had no idea that Mahler was waiting for him in the car."

Anne felt herself turn cold as William's eyes. "So you knew, but didn't tell Richard that he was being hunted down like an animal? How could you do this? You used us like baits!"

"I'm sorry this upsets you so much Anne, but you have to understand there is a war going on, and it's not just soldiers and sailors who are fighting here. There is a whole different world of combatants, spies, traitors, and hundreds of other shadows that I must chase. And any of these threats could explode any minute. We had no less than three legitimate death threats against the Prime Minister, and if any of these assassins…"

"You should have warned Richard. You should have told him. You're right there is a whole different level of fighting going on, and I know that because I'm spending almost all my waking hours fighting those wars inside my bloody office. And I have the right to know if someone's trying to kill me. I have the right to know. And Richard did too. He sacrificed his whole life for the war. Just imagine what he could have accomplished if he was alive today. Just imagine that terrible waste. "Good bye, William." She couldn't hold her tears back as those painful memories came back. She walked out of her cousin's office with the determination to never see him again.

William saw her walk away and felt great loss. He was stunned when he found out she married that Wentworth fellow and always thought that after the war and the romance wore off she would leave the sailor. Then he heard from Lady Russell about their past relationship. Dear sweet Anne, only she could carry a torch for a childhood love for almost a decade. And she did remain faithful to the relationship even if it was just a memory.

"Colonel, the German just woke up." Elliot turned to his corporal and the man visibly shrank at his superior's inhuman gaze.

"Thank you corporal. Shall we see what this fool can tell us?"

December 20, 1943
Biggin Hill, England

"Annie! Wait up!" The female supply pilot turned around to face the owner of the heavily accented Welsh voice.

"Well the HQ wants to know something, and that's all they'll tell me, so don't go digging into me lass. Can you fly gliders?"

"No, but give me a week and I can tell you yes." The two looked at each other with great mischief sparkling in their eyes.

Darcy closed his eyes as the familiar base greeted his vision. He regretted leaving Georgiana alone, but she promised to join him in Biggin for Christmas.

"Darcy, look at the blasted place. Nothing's changed!" Cried out Bingley in wonder.

"Well let's hope the plumbing system has improved!" Groused Pyro as he lowered his landing gear. The Lost Boys were home, and the RAF was busy gathering its other birds for the oncoming storm.

Benton Hospital, England

"Hilary could you come here for a minute?" Hilary approached the Chief of Nursing Staff Lisa Frei.

"Yes, what is it?"

"I am going to ask you some real strange questions and please don't repeat this to anyone. I'm trusting your common sense on this alright?"

"Of course." The nurse replied frowning.

"Can you swim?"

"Yes, I can."

"Can you swim with extra 50 pounds?"

"I have no bloody idea. I never had to."

"So you don't get sea sick?"

"No, never."

"Do you get air sickness?"

"I don't know, I've never been on an airplane."

"Could you drive an American-made vehicle?"

"I don't know, I guess if I have to, yes."

"Can you run?"

"I have two good legs, so yes I can run."

"Thank you for your patience Hil. And remember don't repeat this to anyone."

Hilary nodded and as she walked away she felt excitement crawl into her stomach and make itself home. There could be only one reason…

January 3, 1944
Paris, France

Lizzie was walking to work when a horsche drove by slowly. She nearly screamed out loud when she saw the face behind the glass. It was George Wickham, she had no doubt about it. Speeding up her pace, she saw the car turn the left corner and she pursued the vehicle. The horsche slowed to a crawl and finally pulled into the gated driveway of a building she knew belonged to the German Wehrmacht.

She didn't waste any time and ran to her work. She knew that there were spies literally all over the place in England. Though it seemed that the British counter-intelligence unit did great job in protecting Allies' secrets, if one personnel the level of Wickham ever betrayed his country the damage would be immeasurable. Suddenly she remembered the letter from Darcy - he was educated in Switzerland. Of course, that's where it must have started. Lizzie immediately informed Leah who listened in shock. It was past midnight when the British Intelligence deciphered an oncoming red message from a source deep within the Resistance.

"HQ infiltrated – George Wickham seen in Paris – Wehrmacht – educated in Switzerland – confirmed sighting – picture en route via dolphin."

The man immediately recognized the name of the Undersecretary to the Supplies Division. Elliot was almost asleep when his phone rang twice then there was silence. The man bolted up straight. That was a signal from his division. Something was terribly wrong.

Somewhere in Scotland

"Colonel FitzWilliam must we do this again?"

"Yes we do lads we do. Come on, just grin and bear it! Are you ready gentlemen?"

"Yes Sir!" His unit cried out in perfect unison.

"Then shall we?" He asked with a crooked grin and jumped out of the bomber into the pitch darkness. The weather was freezing but his paratroopers had no choice. FitzWilliam knew they were running out of time though no one told him anything.

...Here let me say how proud we ought to be, young and old alike, to live in this tremendous, thrilling, formative epoch in the human story, and how fortunate it was for the world that when these great trials came upon it there was a generation that terror could not conquer and brutal violence could not enslave...and that whatever our station may be, and whatever part we have to play, great or small, our conduct is liable to be scrutinized not only by history but by our own descendants."

Prime Minister Winston Churchill
Addressing Harvard University, Boston
September 6, 1943

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