Jump to new as of July 27, 1998

Part 1

oday begins Foreign Language Week. Look for the special events. And remember, West is best." The intercom shut off at the end of the morning announcements.

Elizabeth Bennet, known mostly as Lizzy, turned her attention back to the chemistry quiz in front of her. She loved chem, but this quiz was impossible. She stole a quick look at her neighbor. Will Darcy was working steadily, but the frown on his face told her that this was no easier for him.

For a moment, Lizzy wished Jane were in her class. They'd always studied together, and Lizzy did so much better then. But Jane had decided against taking science all together this year, let alone the most difficult science in the school.

This, however, was not the place for such thoughts. She had to pass this quiz if she were to stay ahead of Will.

In another wing of the school, Jane Bennet worked absently on her econ exercise. While not as intelligent as Lizzy, Jane was smart enough. She wondered how Lizzy was doing in chem.

Both sisters were completing their Senior year. Next year, Jane would go off to Northwestern and study literature, while Lizzy went to St. Louis to study science. Provided, of course, there was enough in scholarships.

The bell rang, startling Jane out of her reverie. She grabbed her books and headed for her locker. Lizzy, who had the locker next to hers, had beaten her there.

"How was chem, Lizzy?"

"Impossible. My only consolation is that Will Darcy had as many problems as I." Lizzy sighed.

"I'm sure you did well, Lizzy. You always do."

"There's a first time for everything, Jane. I must run now, though. We have that assembly in French today."

The only available seat, as Lizzy discovered, was between her two least favorite people: Will Darcy, and William Collins. And as she looked at William, she knew he'd saved the spot for her.

"Heaven help me," she muttered. "I won't be able to handle sitting next to him any other way."

Part 2

The assembly turned out to be for Spanish students as well as French students. Lizzy watched enthralled as a couple presented a number of dances: the rumba, the cha-cha, the mamba. The dances were all so exciting and graceful.

After they were finished presenting, the two dancers invited volunteers to come to the front and learn a dance. About a dozen girls clamored and rushed to the front. The guys were more reluctant, waiting until they could choose which girl they wanted as a partner.

Lizzy, knowing full well that if she stood up, William would be her eager partner, remained where she was.

"Lizzy," William said. "Aren't you going to try?"

"No, not today. Why don't you go be Charlotte's partner?" She pointed out her friend. Charlotte Lucas was the only person in Lizzy's circle who could stand William.

With some obvious reluctance, he did just that.

Several guys were around Will Darcy, asking why he wasn't up there.

"There isn't one girl pretty enough to justify the effort," he said coolly.

Lizzy's eyebrow shot up at the tone of his voice, and it was only with some effort that she refrained from saying what was on her mind.

"Oh, c'mon, Will." That voice Lizzy could identify without looking. Charles Bingley - Charlie for short - was Will's best friend and biggest critic. "You're sitting next to one of the prettiest girls around."

Will looked over, and Lizzy was very certain that he hadn't even noticed her until that moment. "Well, if Lizzy would be my partner, I would do it," he said with the same cool arrogance as before. This time there was a note of condescension as well.

"Thank you, but no. I'm not inclined to dance today," Lizzy replied, matching his tone perfectly.

Will looked like he had something to say, but one of the dancers began speaking.

"All right, ladies and gentlemen. Today we're going to teach you the dance of love: the tango."

Lizzy was suddenly very glad she'd decided not to dance, and, as the dancer explained how the originated in the bordellos of South America, she grew progressively gladder.

Will was at first as glad as Lizzy that he wasn't dancing. But the longer the idea was in his head, the more he thought how far from unpleasant it would be to be dancing with her.

Part 3

The next day in chemistry was a lab. In an effort to be "fair", Mr. Ebeling, Lizzy's teacher, decided to assign partners based on the previous day's quiz scores.

Why me? Lizzy thought to herself. No. Better question. Why Will Darcy?

As Will started preparing the solutions needed for the lab, Lizzy set up the CBL-system and began calibrating it.

A quick glance at Will showed him diluting acetic acid. "Acid into water, Will, not the other way around," she pointed out.

"I know what I'm doing," he retorted.

"Then do it right."

"Listen," he said. "I don't want to work with you either. But can we just get this done so we get the grade?"

Lizzy pondered that for a moment. While it was more entertaining to torment Will, he had a point with the grades. She did plan on getting the higher semester score, so she couldn't afford to mess up any grades along the way.

Will watched her think, observing the way her eyes reflected her thoughts. They were bright and vivid and such an odd-pretty color.

"Very well," she said finally. "Now can we get on with this?"

They finished the experiment with only small quarrels. (Lizzy kept insisting Will was doing it wrong, and he kept insisting he was doing it just fine.) Cleaning up caused nearly as many arguments.

Will, for his part, was arguing mostly out of habit. The interest stirred at yesterday's assembly hadn't died, and he was given plenty of opportunities to observe Lizzy today. When she shook her hair out of the ponytail she'd had it in for the lab, he couldn't help noticing how there were little curls around her face. Enough, he thought to himself. She doesn't like you, and you really don't like her. It's just hormones.

Lizzy was getting irritated. Every time she turned around, he was looking at her funny. He didn't even stop when they sat down to work out the math part of the experiment. After a while, her patience wore thin. "Is there something you need, Mr. Darcy?" she asked tartly.

"No, no. Nothing at all." It's just hormones, he reminded himself. I do not like Lizzy Bennet. I like... well, no one in particular, but certainly not Lizzy...

Part 4

Econ was the world's most boring class in Lizzy's opinion. As the fates would have it, she had it last period. And, to top off the situation, she sat next to Will Darcy.

The seat on her other side was generally empty, so when she arrived that day to find a rather handsome looking guy there, she was surprised, to say the least.

"Hi," Lizzy said as she set her books down on her desk.

"Hi," he replied. He extended a hand. "George, George Wickham."

"Lizzy Bennet. Pleased to meet you," she added as she shook his hand. "You're new?"

"Just arrived this morning."

"Isn't it odd to transfer so close to the end of your senior year?"

"Actually, yes. Circumstances were beyond my control however. At any rate, I think I shall like it here."

Lizzy couldn't help smiling. George's quick smile and easy manner were infectious.

Will Darcy chose that moment to set his books down noisily on his desk. She turned, intending to say something about that. "Will Darcy, you - "

She stopped. For one moment, Lizzy saw a look of undisguised hatred on Will's face. She thought it was directed at her, but a bit of movement pulled her attention to George, who had an almost identical look on his face.

Econ couldn't end fast enough for Lizzy. She was simply perishing of curiosity about the obvious animosity between Will and George.

When the bell rang at the end of class, Will nearly ran out of the room. George took his time and offered to carry Lizzy's books for her.

"No doubt," he said as they left the room, "you noticed my feelings towards Will and his for me."

"I did notice and I wondered at the reason," Lizzy replied with a small smile.

"I'll tell you, if you really want to know, Lizzy. I need to tell someone or I'll go mad, and somehow, I know I can trust you."

The tone he said that in and the look that accompanied it made Lizzy's stomach flutter a little. "I would never repeat anything you told me of course."

So, as they walked to Lizzy's locker, George told her of his acquaintance with Will Darcy.

"That's horrible!" Lizzy exclaimed at he end of the story. "I knew that Will was arrogant and conceited, but this... this is beyond my wildest imaginings."

"Here's your locker. Lizzy, it's not as bad as it seems. As I said, I like it here." With that, he brought her hand up to his lips, then walked away.

Lizzy stared after him in surprise and delight. Her stomach became all fluttery again. Oh, she liked George Wickham.

Part 5

Lizzy came home and sank into a chair. Her mind was all in a whirl with all she'd learned of Will. She longed for Jane to come home so she could confide in her.

Her younger sister Lydia came in. She was a sophomore who looked like an adult and had the sense of a goose.

"Oh, Lizzy!" she exclaimed. "Did you see him?"

"See who?" In an effort to escape her sister, Lizzy went to the room dubbed the library.

No luck. Lydia followed her. "This new guy. He is so divine!"

"Lydia, do you know how many people are at West? How would I know if any given one were new or not?"

"I just thought you might have met him," Lydia sulked. "He is a senior after all."

"Enough. When Jane gets home, tell her I need to speak to her ASAP."

Lydia left the room to go sulk somewhere else while Lizzy curled up on the love seat with her favorite book: Jane Austen's Emma.

Half an hour later, while Lizzy was reading about Jane Fairfax's new piano, Jane came in and sat down opposite her.

"All right, Liz, what's wrong?"

Lizzy set her book down. "If I tell you, Jane, you must never tell anyone."

"Oh, Lizzy... I promise."

Lizzy then related George's story to her. "Jane, I want to like him so very much."

Jane patted her hand gently. "Of course. But could Will really be that bad?"

"Would George really lie to me? He seemed to like me very much."

"I trust your judgments, Lizzy. If you believe him, that's good enough for me, I suppose."

"Thank you, Jane."

"Enjoy your book. I'll call you for supper."

Part 6

Dinner, like every meal in the Bennet house, was a trial for Lizzy. Much though she loved her parents, they drove her absolutely insane.

At one end of the table was her father, a columnist for the paper. His sly, provocative assessments of people made for wonderful columns. They made for less than wonderful dinner conversations, though.

At the other end was her mother, whose constant complaints of pain would have made a saint crazy. Mrs. Bennet was an interior decorator, which was an irritating profession as well.

Lizzy sat on her father's right, across from Jane on his left. Next to Jane was Lydia, and next to Lizzy was Lydia's best friend Kitty.

Lydia and Kitty were both talking as fast as they could. Lydia was babbling about the new cute guy at school, while Kitty was prattling on about her current boyfriend Denny.

As Lizzy had no interest in either subject, even had she been able to hear one over the other, she excused herself as soon as she could.

Going up to her room, she sat down on her bed and pulled out Gulliver's Travels. She had a section to read for British Literature the next day.

She just couldn't seem to concentrate though. How could she concentrate on a story in a book when she had a real one in front of her?

The phone rang; she ignored it. A moment later, Lydia called up, "It's for you, Lizzy."

She picked up her extension. "Hello."

"Lizzy, it's William."

Any enthusiasm she might have felt disappeared completely. "Oh. Hi."

"Listen, I know it's a little early, being only the last of March, but... Would you go to prom with me."

"No."

"No? But Lizzy..."

"No." The obvious solution occurred to Lizzy. Charlotte had just been saying she didn't have a date... "Why don't you ask Charlotte? I'm sure she'd be delighted."

"You think so? I mean, of course. Bye Lizzy."

"Bye." Lizzy hung up with relief. William Collins made her skin crawl nearly as much as Will Darcy, although for different reasons. Maybe it was something in the name.

Five minutes later, the phone rang again. "Hello?"

"Um... Hi. Is Lizzy there?"

"Speaking."

"Lizzy, this is George. I was wondering... Are you doing anything Friday night?"

"I don't think so."

"Would you go to the movies with me? It wouldn't be anything fancy, but - "

"I'd love too."

"You would? Great! You pick out the movie and tell me tomorrow, kay?"

"All right. Bye."

Lizzy lay back on her bed. She had a date with George.

Part 7

Chemistry on Wednesday was again a partner activity. And again, it was based on Monday's quiz score. Today at least they saw their scores.

Lizzy sighed in some disgust. A 79% un-adjusted. That was an... 87% adjusted. Not bad, but not good either. A quick glance over at Will revealed he'd gotten the same score. Not only can't I get an A in this class, she thought, but I can't even do better than Will. The thought of besting Will in this on-going competition brought forward the thought of George, and she smiled unconsciously.

Will watched her smile. I wonder why she's smiling. An 87% would never be good enough for her, so what's up? He remembered something Charlie had told him this morning at their lockers, something about Lizzy going out with George Wickham. He wouldn't have believed that of anyone, but Charlie was going out with Lizzy's sister Jane.

I would have thought she had better taste than that, he thought. George Wickham... with his Lizzy? That was not to be borne. With difficulty, he turned back to the assignment at hand, a series of impossible problems based on La Chatelier's Principle of Equilibrium.

"So," he said in an effort to make conversation with Lizzy. "How do you like George?"

"He seems really nice. Sweet." Not that you would consider him such, of course.

"I've heard him described that way before." But that description never sticks once people get to know him.

"You disagree?" You do, but I'm curious what reasoning you'll give.

"Miss Bennet, Mr. Darcy, do you know these problems so well you no longer need to practice them? If so, I can give a quiz right now." Mr. Ebeling's voice interrupted their conversation.

"No, sir. We were just discussing the problems," Lizzy said glibly.

"See that you do." He turned back to his grading.

Lizzy sighed and shook her head. Will just grinned at her, the first time she'd ever seen that particular look on his face.

"He's crazy," Will whispered. "Look at his grading system. Anytime 79 equals 87, something is wrong."

For one minute, Lizzy began to think that maybe Will wasn't so bad after all.

Part 8

Lunch was the best part of the day in Lizzy's opinion. Even though her table was crowded and loud, she had the best friends in the whole world. As usual, she and Rachel Fitzwilliam were the first ones to the table.

"Hey, Rachel."

"Hey, Lizzy. Say, is it true? Are you going out with that George Wickham?"

Lizzy sighed. News traveled fast at West. "He's just taking me to a movie Friday night."

"Andrew nearly had a fit when he heard. I don't think he likes George, but I have no clue why."

Lizzy sighed again. Rachel's older brother Andrew was one of her dearest friends. They'd gone out for a while, and he was the first - and as of this moment - only guy she'd ever kissed. She'd hoped he, at least, would like George. "Maybe it's nothing."

"You're probably right. I mean, George only just came to West..." Their conversation was effectively stopped by the arrival of Charlie and Jane. Then Charlotte got there, and Andrew, and William Collins (Lizzy moved so he couldn't sit next to her). The table was filling up. Last to get there was Mary Kate, Andrew's current girlfriend.

Given that the girls outnumbered the guys 5 to 3, the first topic that came up was the prom. Although more than a month away, the stores at the mall already had dresses out.

"Are you going, Lizzy?" Charlotte asked.

"I don't know. I don't have a date."

William opened his mouth to say something, and Lizzy was already forming an answer that would be only slightly embarrassing, when Will Darcy walked into the cafeteria.

Normally Will sat with Charlie and his younger sister Carrie, but since Charlie had started going out with Jane and sitting at their table, Will'd been left on his own with Carrie. That was a punishment Lizzy wouldn't wish on anyone, even William Collins.

Carrie has only slightly more sense than Lydia Lizzy thought. Why does she think that Will wants anything to do with her?

Today, though, instead of going to the table where Carrie was eagerly waiting, Will approached their table. "Is there room for one more?" he asked.

"Of course," Charlie said. In all the shuffling to make room for another chair, Lizzy found herself sitting next to Will.

"How do you think the econ test today will be?" Will heard himself asking Lizzy. That was a stupid thing to say, he thought.

"Oh, piece of cake." Lizzy smiled. For the first time she was looking forward to econ where she would see George again.

Lizzy? Smiling because of econ? That's impossible, Will thought. I know how often she's said it's a pointless class. Then he remembered George. Of course. She wants to see him. I wonder what he told her.

Will's attention was brought back to the table by a chorus of laughter. Mary Kate was blushing furiously at something. "Drew!" she scolded. "That wasn't meant for everyone!"

Andrew just grinned and kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry, but I just couldn't resist. Besides, you're so cute when you blush."

Lizzy envied Jane and Mary Kate just then. Charlie and Andrew were great guys, possibly the best she'd ever met. Charlie was so sweet and kind, and Andrew had such a great sense of humor. But neither was really her type, so the envy didn't last long.

Will envied his friends too. In his case though, it was the companionship rather than the specific people he envied. He wondered what it would be like to have private jokes with Lizzy and to be able to tease her in front of everyone like Andrew did with Mary Kate, or to sit and stare into her eyes like Charlie and Jane. If only George weren't there...

Author's Note: If you're curious, the seating arrangement ends up like this: The table is round, so starting from Lizzy and going clockwise you have: Lizzy, Andrew, Mary Kate, Rachel, William Collins, Charlotte, Jane, Charlie, and Will. Thankfully there is no room for Carrie.

Part 9

Friday couldn't come fast enough for Lizzy. She and George had finally settled on seeing Titanic, even though she'd seen it twice already. That afternoon she rushed home so she'd have time to change before George picked her up.

First she tried the green dress. Too revealing, she thought. Then she tried the yellow sweater outfit. Too baby-ish. After several more tries, she finally settled on a deep red shirt and jeans.

Lydia stood in the doorway of her bedroom. "Lizzy's got a date tonight."

"Yes, baby sister of mine, I do." Lizzy looked in the mirror to put her earrings in.

"With who? Collins?"

"Hardly. I should like to think I have better taste than that. No, George Wickham."

"George, George... I don't think I know him."

"You don't. He's new." Lizzy watched the mirror as she turned. I look nice enough, she decided. "I'm warning you now, Lydia. Stay away from him. He doesn't need you chasing after him."

"Yes, Lizzy. No, Lizzy. Anything you say, Lizzy," Lydia said dutifully. "Besides, if he's anything like the other guys you've dated, I don't want him."

"That's my sister," Lizzy said, patting Lydia on the cheek as she passed. She picked up Emma and went down to the living room to wait.

She was right in the middle of Mr. Knightley proposing when the doorbell rang. "I'll get it!" she shouted. She ran to the door, stopped to smooth her hair, took a deep breath and opened the door. The bright greeting faded a little when she saw who it was. "Hi Charlotte."

"Hi Lizzy. I know you're expecting George, but I have a quick invitation. We have off from school the Monday after Easter, and I'm going to our cabin for the day. I thought maybe you'd like to come."

"Charlotte, I'd love too! The woods around your cabin are gorgeous." Lizzy paused. "How come you didn't just call?"

"Phone's busy. Your house and mine. Lydia's talking to Maria."

"Ah. Well, tha - " A car pulled into the driveway. "That's him. How do I look?"

"Liz, you look stunning. Calm down and enjoy yourself."

Part 10 -- A Very Brief Break From Lizzy And George

Will arrived home from school late on Friday. He threw his bookbag on the couch and flipped through the mail. He stopped at very familiar handwriting.

"Oh, lord," he groaned. "Not again." Suspiciously he opened the letter.

My dearest nephew,

Knowing that you have a day off from school at Easter, it is my wish that you should come visit me at Rosings then. Georgiana is, of course, to come along as well, but your parents may stay home.

Sunday evening there will be a small gathering, so come prepared. There are some pleasant young ladies around here, though none so sweet or talented as my own Anne.

Will sighed in disgust. He wasn't going to marry Anne, or date her, or whatever else his aunt had in mind.

I expect to hear from you regarding your travel time forthwith. I remain, as ever, your loving aunt

Catherine

"Georgie!" he called up the stairs.

His sixteen-year-old sister came halfway down. "What, Will?"

"Aunt Cathy's invited us to Rosings for Easter." Try as he might, he could not keep the disgust from his voice.

"And we have to go?" Georgie's voice matched his.

"Unfortunately. She's having a party for us." He sighed again. "I guess we'll go up next Saturday."

Part 11

George came up to the door. "Charlotte," he said with a polite nod.

"George. I'll be seeing you, Liz." Charlotte left.

"Lizzy, you look great." George walked around her to see her from all angles. "You really are breathtaking."

"Thank you. You look very nice as well," Lizzy replied. He's a little thinner than Will, her mind whispered at her. But not nearly as handsome.

"Not as nice as you." George hesitated. "I brought you a gift," he added, extending a thin flat box to her.

With some surprise, Lizzy took the box. opening it, she discovered a delicate gold tennis bracelet. "It's so beautiful, George. Thank you so much."

"You're so welcome, Lizzy. C'mon. Let's go see the movie."

She put her hand in his. "Yes, let's."

The movie, as always, was wonderful. Lizzy loved stories of star-crossed lovers, and Leo and Kate made such a perfect pair.

The only thing that dulled Lizzy's enjoyment of it was George.

From the moment they arrived at the theater, George had flirted with every available - and some not available - young woman.

That, in itself, didn't bother Lizzy. She was not a possessive, jealous type like Carrie. But it did hurt her feelings the way George could so easily forget her for someone like Mary King.

George pulled the car into her driveway. "Lizzy, I had a good time tonight. I'm sorry about Mary King. I'll make it up to you somehow."

"Apology accepted, George." She got out of the car, still a little disappointed. "I'll see you on Monday."

Part 12

"Well?" Jane said as Lizzy walked into her bedroom.

"Oh, Jane." Lizzy flopped on to her sister's bed, ignoring the fact that she was probably ruining her sweater. "I like George, I really do. But he can be so thoughtless." She recounted the adventures of her date.

"So don't go out with him again," was Jane's calm response when Lizzy had finished.

"Oh, I won't... I think. I just start feeling so sorry for all he's been through, and I can't bear to do anything more to hurt him."

"Lizzy, are you sure Will really did all that to George? It seems hard to believe that he could be so cruel."

"I don't find it hard to believe in the least. Will can be conceited, arrogant and spiteful."

"But, Lizzy... Something like this? This is too much, even for your dislike of Will, to allow."

"Thank you for the advice, Jane, but until I have some evidence to the contrary, I'm going to think just the same as I do now." She got off Jane's bed. "I think I'll go play on my computer. Will it bother you if I listen to the radio?"

"Of course not."

Lizzy sat down at her computer and turned on her radio. The last stanza of JoDee Messina's "Bye, Bye" was on, and Lizzy sang along softly as she began to play a game of hearts.

Bye, bye I'll catch you later
Got a left foot down on my accelerator
And the rear view mirror torn off
I ain't never lookin' back - You can count on that
I tried all I can imagine
I begged and pleaded in true lover's fashion
I've got pride, I'm takin' it for a ride
Bye, bye; bye, bye my baby, bye bye, bye

The next song was a really twangy one by John Anderson or some such. "Ugh. Change that." Lizzy hit the scan button a few times until a plaintive melody caught her ear.

We've been friends for a long, long time
You tell me your secrets, and I tell you mine
She's left you all alone, and you feel like no one cares
But I have never failed you, I've always been there

You tell your story, it sounds a bit like mine
It's the same old situation, it happens every time
Can't we see, oh maybe you and me
Is what's meant to be or do we disagree

What if I told you, What if I said that I love you
How would you feel, what would you think, what would we do
Do we dare and cross that line, between your heart and mine
Or would I lose a friend, or find a love that would never end
What if I said

She doesn't love you, oh it's plain to see
I can read between the lines of what you're telling me
He doesn't hold you the way a woman should be held
How long can I go on keeping these feelings to myself

What if I told you, What if I said that I love you
How would you feel, what would you think, what would we do
Do we dare and cross that line, between your heart and mine
Or would I lose a friend, or find a love that would never end
What if I said

Oh, we've both had our shares of loneliness
So who's to say that we can't have, a little happiness
And if I found that in you
It would make my dreams come true
Or would you walk away
Hear what I have to say

What if I told you, What if I said that I love you
How would you feel, what would you think, what would we do
Do we dare and cross that line, between your heart and mine
Or would I lose a friend, or find a love that would never end
What if I said

What if I told you, What if I said that I love you
How would you feel, what would you think, what would we do
Do we dare and cross that line, between your heart and mine
Oh, I've always wondered, from the day that we met

What if I said, what if I said, ooo ooo ooo what if I said

"That's been "What If I Said" by Steve Warner and Anita Cochran, here on US 99," the radio announcer said when the last notes had faded away.

Lizzy sighed. That was a beautiful song. Now why, she wondered, did it make her think of Will?

Part 13

"Mom, we're leaving!" Lizzy called as she walked out the door. She and Jane had borrowed their father's car and were going to the mall for a while.

"Anything you need particularly today, Liz?" Jane asked as she started the car. "We're not meeting the girls until two, but we'll reach the mall by eleven."

"Why don't we just look around for a few hours?"

"I have a better idea," Jane said in her 'big sister' voice. "Why don't I treat you to a movie since you didn't have such a great time last night." When Lizzy started to protest, Jane cut her off. "No arguments. I'll pick the movie, and it will be my treat."

Lizzy could only concede at that point.

After they left the theater (which Lizzy privately admitted had been fun), the sisters went to the mall itself. They grabbed some lunch, then went and sat in front of Marshall Field's to wait for their friends to arrive.

Right at two o'clock the other girls got there.

"Ready to go, Lizzy, Jane?" one of them called out.

"Ready," Lizzy replied while she and Jane gathered up their things.

For the next few hours, the group of girls searched every store in the mall, looking for prom dresses.

Lizzy was the hardest to please. She eventually found two dresses she liked. One was short, with a sweetheart neckline and a flared skirt. It was made of fabric that looked red or black, depending on how you held it. The overall effect was ultra glam.

The other dress was off-white, with pink and lavender flowers on the bodice. It was long and straight with a quiet, elegant look.

Lizzy was looking at them both and hemming and hawing over it. "I think I'll get the - " She stopped abruptly.

A very familiar silly giggle carried over to where Lizzy and the others stood. She and Jane looked at each other.

"Lydia!" they said at the same time. Handing their dresses over to their friends they hurried in the direction the laugh was coming from.

P.S. Which dress do you think Lizzy should get?

Part 14

"Lydia Ann Bennet!" Lizzy exclaimed. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Why Lizzy, what does it look like I'm doing?" Lydia asked innocently.

A good question, that. It looked to Lizzy as if her younger sister were trying to humiliate their family. Lydia and Kitty were standing outside a dressing room in front of a couple of guys, modeling something that could only be termed "skimpy". Lizzy couldn't tell what it was, but she knew with certainty that Lydia shouldn't be showing it off for guys.

Lizzy looked at Jane for support, but Jane only shrugged. Her look plainly said she didn't know what to do.

"Lydia, get dressed now. You're coming with me and Jane."

"No, I won't. We're having fun, aren't we, Kitty?" Lydia replied firmly. "Go away; I'm not doing anything wrong."

Lizzy frowned a bit, then went up close to Lydia. "Liddy, I know that Mom might say you could wear this, but Dad never would. He'd be shocked if he knew. He'd probably stop your allowance and ground you."

"You wouldn't tell, would you, Liz?"

"Well, not if you come with me and Jane."

"That's not fair! That's... That's.... That's blackmail!"

Lizzy shrugged. "All right. Don't come. I don't care. If you're grounded, at least I won't have to drive you around for a while." She started to turn away.

"Lizzy, wait! I'll change and go with you right now."

"Jane and I will go back and get our dresses. If you don't meet us in five minutes, we'll leave without you."

Lydia flounced into the dressing room pouting after that. Lizzy sighed and shrugged at Jane, who smiled back. They went back to their friends, never noticing who the guys had been.

"What was it this time?" Charlotte asked as she handed Lizzy back her dresses. "Or do I not want to know?"

"You don't want to know, so let's not talk about it," Lizzy said. She held up the two dresses. "Which one do you think I should get?"

After much discussion, Lizzy finally decided on the off-white one. But her joy in the dress was diminished by Lydia's behavior. Despite her words to her sister, she knew her father wouldn't say anything if he knew. There was nothing to stop Lydia. And that scared Lizzy.

Part 15

"And then Lizzy came and spoiled all my fun." Lydia finished her recital with the air of a martyr. "It wasn't like I was doing anything wrong, either."

"Lizzy, I don't know what's gotten into you. It was awful of you to interrupt Lydia when she was with her friends, especially since she was trying on clothes."

"But, Mom, you didn't see what she had on! It wasn't fit to be seen in public."

"I'm sure it wasn't that bad. My Lydia would never do anything like that."

"Mom..." Lizzy protested.

"Not another word out of you. I've a good mind to say you can't go with Charlotte Lucas next week-end the way you're behaving."

Lizzy prudently bit her tongue.

Later that evening, Charlotte called. "Liz, what would you think about going up to the cabin early next week-end?"

"What for?"

"We've been invited to a dinner party Sunday night by Mrs. DeBourgh and her daughter. They're pretty nice and very generous. It should be fun."

"Sounds good to me. Will anybody else we know be there?"

"Probably William Collins, but other than that, I don't think so."

Lizzy held back a groan. He was always around. "All right. What time will we leave?"

"Around noon on Sunday. I'll come pick you up."

"Great. I'll see you in school Monday, Char."

"See you, Liz."

Lizzy hung up. She was looking forward to her trip with Charlotte. The area around Hunsford was so lovely, and best of all, there'd be no Will to annoy her.

Part 16

Monday morning Lizzy went back to school. She wanted this week to be over so she could enjoy Easter weekend. She had to grit her teeth all day because things were not going her way.

First, George kept hanging around her, attempting to strike up conversations, trying to carry her books for her. Lizzy supposed it was possible that he was really interested in her, but she doubted it. She knew how he behaved on a date.

Second, Carrie Bingley was acting insufferably smug about something. Lizzy had an irrational desire to smack her. Especially when Carrie came up to her in the hall before first period.

"How is Lydia today?" Carrie asked. "Did she find what she was looking for at the mall?"

For a minute, Lizzy was speechless. She knew that Lydia would cause trouble with her behavior on Saturday. "Who told you?" she asked through gritted teeth.

"Why, your boyfriend. George says your sister has quite a figure."

Once again, Lizzy was speechless. Then she wanted to laugh. Despite her personal opinion of George, he was hardly the type to be interested in Lydia. She was not nearly mature enough for him, as far as Lizzy could tell. Besides, how would he know? "I don't believe you."

"Oh, very well. I was just trying to be friendly," Carrie replied nonchalantly and sauntered off.

"I bet," Lizzy muttered after her.

Then, William Collins followed her around half the day just so he could ask her to prom again.

"I said no last time you asked me," Lizzy pointed out calmly.

"But everyone knows that girls always say no the first time a guy asks them."

"I don't. That's just mean. Why don't you ask Charlotte?"

"Because I want to go with you," he whined.

Lizzy had to work very hard not to say what was on the tip of her tongue. Luckily, the bell rang and saved her.

And, as if George, Carrie and William weren't enough, Will took it into his head to stare at her all day.

"What is your problem?" she snapped at him finally.

"Nothing."

"Then why do you keep staring at me?"

He shrugged as if to say 'Because I have nothing better to do.' "Aren't I allowed to look around?"

"I don't care. Just don't stare at me."

"Fine. Whatever." He shrugged again and walked away.

Lizzy suddenly had the distressing feeling like she'd done something very wrong.

Part 17

For Lizzy, that week before Easter continued just like Monday had been. If something could go wrong, it did. And, despite the size of West, by Wednesday, everyone had heard about Lydia. But Friday came and went, as did Saturday. Sunday was finally here.

After church was over, Lizzy went to grab her bag. Charlotte would be here to pick her up any time. Jane, too, went to get her bag. She would be spending Sunday and Monday with their aunt and uncle in Chicago.

"I'll miss you, Liz," Jane said at one point.

"It's only for a couple of days, Jane. Besides, you'll be having so much fun with the cousins that you won't have time to miss me."

"I suppose so. It just won't be the same without you there."

"What you really mean is that it won't be the same without Charlie there," Lizzy teased.

"That's not it at all! Besides, he's going to be in Chicago tomorrow too." Jane blushed as she realized what she'd said. "Lizzy," she changed the subject abruptly, "promise me you
won't get into any trouble while you're at Hunsford."

"Jane, I would never - "

"Not trouble like that. You often speak without thinking first. I'm just warning you to watch what you say. These people don't know you, and your tongue could get you in a lot of trouble."

"I'll be careful, Jane. But it's only a few days."

"All the more reason. You won't have any time to fix it." As an afterthought, she added, "And don't be too cruel to William. It's not his fault he's stupid."

Lizzy rolled her eyes. "Yes, Jane." Outside, a car honked. "That'll be Charlotte. Walk me to the door, Jane?"

"Sure."

At the door, Lizzy turned and said, "I'll be good, Jane, I promise. I won't do anything you wouldn't approve of." Then she hurried out to Charlotte's car.

Part 18

Hunsford was beautiful. The first thing Lizzy did when she and Charlotte arrived was just twirl around in the sunlight. "Oh, Charlotte. I think this place gets more beautiful all the time."

"You wouldn't say that if you had to take care of the place." Charlotte smiled tolerantly. "C'mon, Liz. We have to take our stuff inside and get everything set up ourselves since it's just us."

"I thought your parents and Maria were coming up."

"That was before Maria made State in gymnastics. You know my mom. She lives through Maria's accomplishments."

As she got her bag, Lizzy asked, "Doesn't that bother you? Maria gets all this attention, and you get none."

"Why should it? It's never been any different. Besides, Maria is good and she needs all the confidence she can. That's why I don't mind that she hangs out with Lydia. For all her outrageous behavior, Lydia has a lot of confidence."

The house was dark and dusty. Charlotte sneezed. "You get the blue room, Liz. It shouldn't be too dusty, but if it is, you know where the dusters are."

The blue room was dusty, but Lizzy fixed that quickly. Then she opened the windows so the breeze could blow through. The smell of the spring flowers in the garden blew up to her.

"Hey, Charlotte," she called. "Who takes care of the garden?"

Charlotte came in the room. "Looks nice in here," she said as she came over to the window. "Oh, William does. He comes up every weekend. He also does the DeBourghs'. That's how he knows them."

"Speaking of the DeBourghs, tell me about tonight."

"Well, it's a kinda dressy affair. We'll sit and eat and listen to Mrs. Debourgh talk for a while. Then we'll probably have some music by Anne Debourgh. I've heard she's pretty good. After that will be the ordinary party type stuff."

"Sounds like it should be fun. Or at least, not a waste of an evening."

Part 19

Rosings 4:25 p.m.

Will Darcy put his shirt on and ran his fingers through his hair to straighten it out. Good enough, he decided. He was determined not to play along with his aunt's attempts at matchmaking.

Downstairs he could hear Anne practicing. She wasn't a bad player, he supposed, but there was something lacking in her performance. Talent. She played didactically, without any evidence of enjoyment in what she played. Georgianna was much better. But then, Georgianna was better than anyone he'd heard play, despite the fact that she was only sixteen.

"You look nice," someone said behind him.

"Georgie," he said by way of greeting.

"Let me see from the front," she commanded. He obligingly turned, then waited patiently while she straightened his collar and pushed her hair back from his face. "There."

"I won't embarrass you now?" he teased.

"You never embarrass me."

The doorbell rang. "I guess we should go greet the guests," Will said ruefully. They walked out the room and down the steps together, Will keeping one hand lightly on Georgie's back. Halfway down he noticed who the first guests to arrive were. "Lizzy?" he said.

Hunsford 4:25 p.m.

Lizzy sat down in the living room to wait for Charlotte to finish getting ready. They were expected at the DeBourgh's at 4:30.

"All right, Liz, I'm ready," Charlotte said as she hurried into the room. "You look nice."

"Thanks," Lizzy replied, trying not to preen. She was a little vain, but the blue dress did look nice on her.

The doorbell rang. "That would be our escort," Charlotte said. "William is walking with us."

Lizzy tried not to gag. That boy made her nauseous. But she smiled politely when he greeted her.

Never had a walk seemed as long as that one. Rosings was only across a little lane, then up the driveway. But William talked the whole time. He told the girls all about how he cared for the gardens of Rosings, and how wonderful Mrs. DeBourgh was. Two minutes had never lasted so long.

But finally it was over. They reached the door, and William rang the bell. A maid answered it, and the trio walked in.

A soft sound caught Lizzy's ear, like someone saying her name. She turned towards the sound and saw him standing on the steps with his hand on the back of a lovely young woman. "Will," she said softly.

Part 20

For a minute, Will just stared at Lizzy, and she stared right back.

That blue dress is gorgeous, he thought. The color is just right.

Who is that girl? Lizzy wondered. She's beautiful.

Charlotte nudged Lizzy forcefully as an older woman joined them in the foyer. "Mrs. DeBourgh," William began.

She waved her hand to silence him and looked at Charlotte and Lizzy. "Charlotte, how good to see you again."

"And you, Mrs. DeBourgh. Allow me to introduce my best friend, Elizabeth Bennet."

"Hello," Lizzy said politely. Mrs. DeBourgh nodded, obviously evaluating her. Finally, she spoke.

"Tell me, Elizabeth, what does your father do?"

"He is a journalist with the Beacon News," Lizzy replied. She had a feeling she didn't like Mrs. DeBourgh particularly.

"Hmmm.... Well, I suppose nothing can be done about it."

Lizzy started to bristle at the disparaging tone in Mrs. DeBourgh's voice, but Charlotte put a warning hand on her arm. "Don't," she whispered. "It's just the way she is."

"Come," Mrs. DeBourgh said imperiously. "We shall wait in the living room for the others to arrive." She swept down the hall, obviously expecting the others to follow.

"Who does she think she is?" Lizzy demanded of Charlotte. "She acts like a queen."

"Well, the DeBourghs can trace their ancestry back to some nobles in the Regency period. This property is named after their property in England. Don't let her get to you, though. You're every bit as good as she is."

Lizzy became aware of Will Darcy behind her. "Charlotte's right," he said, sounding uncomfortable. "You are just as good as Cathy."

From down the hall came the shout, "Will, where are you? Come here at once."

Will sighed, rolled his eyes and escorted Georgianna down the hall, leaving Lizzy to stare after him and wonder why he'd begun siding with her.

Part 21

Charlotte had summed up the evening fairly well. They spent dinner listening to Mrs. DeBourgh, aided and abetted by William, who appeared not to have a thought in his head that she didn't put there.

Lizzy didn't pay much attention after the first twenty minutes or so. The conversation was dull, and all about people Lizzy didn't know. She paid more attention to Will and the pretty girl with him than anything else.

All through dinner, Will was courteously attentive to Georgianna. He wanted to make his sister comfortable with all these strangers. He noticed Lizzy watching, but as he couldn't fathom why, he chose to ignore her for the moment.

"Elizabeth? Elizabeth!"

Lizzy turned her head back to Mrs. DeBourgh. "Yes, ma'am?"

"I was speaking to you. I will have you know I am not accustomed to being ignored."

"I wasn't ignoring you deliberately. I just got distracted."

Mrs. DeBourgh was taken aback somewhat by Lizzy definitive tone. "Yes, well, I asked you if you played at all."

"I do play, some," Lizzy replied. Not very well, she added to herself.

"Then we shall be glad to hear you later."

Now I've done it, Lizzy thought. She hadn't wanted to play for anyone.

After dinner, everyone followed Mrs. DeBourgh into the music room for the inevitable period of music.

"Elizabeth, won't you go first? Anne prefers to follow."

Lizzy shrugged. She might as well get it over will. As she sat down at the piano, she was surprised by Will coming over to her.

"Need someone to turn the pages for you?" he asked.

"I -- oh, yes."

"Then allow me." He sat down beside her where he could reach the pages without disturbing her view of them. Lizzy tried not to think of him as she flipped through the music on the piano. Thank goodness there was one she knew. "Marble Halls" wasn't a really easy song, but she could do it. Maybe.

Lizzy began to play, hesitantly at first, but with more confidence as she got more into the song.

I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls
With vassals and serfs at my side,
And of all who assembled within those walls
That I was the hope and the pride.
I had riches all too great to count
And a high ancestral name.
But I also dreamt which pleased me most
That you loved me still the same,
That you loved me
You loved me still the same,
that you loved me
You loved me still the same.

I dreamt that suitors sought my hand,
That knights upon bended knee
And with vows no maiden's heart could withstand,
They pledged their faith to me.
And I dreamt that one of that noble host
Came forth my hand to claim
But I also dreamt which charmed me most
That you loved me still the same,
That you loved me
You loved me still the same,
that you loved me
You loved me still the same.

She played the final chords and took her hands away from the piano.

"That was beautiful," Will said softly. "It suits you, too."

"Thank you," Lizzy managed. She let Will help her off the piano bench, then walked to a seat in the room,

"You play fairly well, Elizabeth," Mrs. DeBourgh judged imperiously. "But you should practice more, else you will never become a true proficient like Anne." As she was saying this, Anne DeBourgh was taking her place at the piano.

The blond girl who had been with Will before came over and sat next to Lizzy. "That was incredible. I've never heard it played so well." Lizzy nodded her thanks as Anne began to play something that involved quite a bit of pounding. The girl winced. "My name is Georgianna, by the way."

"That's a long name. Is that what you go by?"

"Well, my brother calls me Georgie, and you may, if you want."

"I should like that very much, Georgie. And you must call me Lizzy. Now, is your brother here tonight?"

Georgianna laughed a little. "Of course he is. He was turning pages for you."

"He was? Your brother is Will Darcy? But I thought -- Never mind." Lizzy resolutely turned her head to watch Anne play, her action declaring the subject closed.

Part 22

After Anne played, Mrs. DeBourgh called on Georgianna to play, but she demurred.

"Why don't you play?" Lizzy asked. "I'm sure you're at least as good as me and Anne."

"Better than Anne, I'm afraid, though perhaps not as good as you. But therein lies the problem. Cathy would never forgive me for showing up Anne in public, so I don't dare play."

"Since there is no one left to favor us with music, you may turn on the stereo and talk amongst yourselves," Mrs. DeBourgh said regally with a wave of her hand.

"How generous of her," Lizzy said softly to Georgianna, who giggled.

From the other side of the room, Will was watching them. Georgianna had never been so open with anyone as she was now with Lizzy. Even as he watched, Georgie laughed at something Lizzy said.

Lizzy thought Georgie was very sweet, despite being Will's sister. But she needed a little time to herself, so when Anne DeBourgh joined them, Lizzy excused herself and walked to the window where she could see the sun setting and the stars coming out.

Will joined her there. "It's a beautiful view, isn't it? Cathy keeps her grounds nice."

"Yes, it's very beautiful."

"Would you like to walk with me and see it up close? I know some of the nicest spots."

For the umpteenth time that evening, Lizzy was startled into speechlessness. "Ummm.... Sure."

Will led her outside through a small side door. Then he set his hand under her arm. "Careful. The ground's uneven right around here." After a few minutes of walking, they came to Will's favorite spot: a small clearing in the trees where the moonlight shone down to fill the clearing.

"It's gorgeous!" Lizzy exclaimed, twirling around in the moonlight much the way she had earlier when she arrived at Hunsford. Then she stopped. "I wonder what it would be like to live surrounded by this kind of beauty always."

"Beauty like this pales after a while. I much prefer something more vivid and alive."

Lizzy turned her head to look at Will. "Like what?" she asked.

"Like... Like you." Before she could say anything, Will rushed on. "Listen, Liz, I know we haven't always gotten along. But I can't think of anyone I'd rather have on my arm at prom. Will you?"

Part 23

For one minute, Lizzy almost said yes. The atmosphere, the moonlight, Will's very closeness were almost enough. "No."

"No?"

"How could you even think I would? You said it yourself, we haven't been the best of friends. And yet, despite that fact, you think I'll just up and say yes when you ask me?"

Will took a deep breath, trying to keep his temper. "Lizzy, this isn't about the fact that we've been competitors rather than chums. This is about the fact that I'm not ashamed of it. I admitted it and still asked you, without any flattery or unnatural charm. Unlike George."

"That's one real reason I won't go with you: George Wickham. I may think he's a jerk and not worth my time, but what you did to him is just inhumane. I could never go anywhere with anyone who treated another human being that way." Lizzy was furious. "Your method of asking merely spared me any concern for your feelings, since you obviously didn't think of mine." Without waiting for a response, she turned and hurried back to the house.

When she got there, she paused and leaned against the door. Lord, but she had a headache. How could he do that to her?

Charlotte noticed her there and came over to her. "Are you all right, Liz? You look awful."

"I -- I don't feel very well. I think I'm going back. I just need some sleep."

"I'll go with you." Charlotte hurriedly made their excuses and took them back to the house, where Lizzy went straight to bed and cried herself to sleep.

Will didn't make it back to the house until after Lizzy and Charlotte had left. Georgie was waiting for him. "Will, where have you been? You missed Lizzy and Charlotte leaving?"

"Forgive me, Georgie. I have something to do. We'll talk in the morning." He went up the stairs towards his room.

"But Will - "

He shut the door behind him and sat down at the desk. He had to make her see the truth; he couldn't let her keep believing whatever she believed.

Dear Lizzy

Part 24

Posted on Wednesday, 17 June 1998

The next morning Lizzy was up early. Her headache was better, but her feelings were still unsettled. She dressed and went downstairs. Charlotte was still asleep, so she made herself some breakfast, then decided to go for a walk. She let herself out after leaving a note saying where she was going.

Unconsciously, she turned her steps towards where she and Will had walked last night. She hadn't expected to find him there.

Will turned as Lizzy entered the clearing. "Liz. I was hoping I'd meet you. Would you read this?" He held out a letter to her. When she took it, he said, "Thank you" and left.

Lizzy sat down and opened it.

Dear Lizzy,

Don't worry; this letter is not a repeat of that offer which you rejected last night. But I feel I need to defend myself against the accusations you made, which, if true, would be very great.

The first accusation you made is that I asked you to prom despite the fact that we're competitors. That's true, but I fail to see what is wrong with that. You're well read; you should know that competitiveness doesn't exclude anything. It's like Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe, or Beatrice and Benedick.

The second thing you accused me of is inhumane treatment of George Wickham. I don't know what he's told you, but what I write here is the complete truth. I have known George since we were children. Our parents were good friends, and George and I got along okay. But I very quickly learned the truth about what he was.

George's character is not what you could call clean and sparkling. He cheats outrageously on everything and always has. He has no morals whatsoever that I can see. His grudge against me springs from the fact that he applied to a private high school, and I blocked his admission by going to the dean and telling him about George. My grudge against him is more recent.

My sister Georgianna has led a very sheltered life. For high school, she's gone to a private fine arts school a short distance away. My parents judged it best for her that way, as she is extremely shy and no good at any subject outside the arts.

For as long as I can remember, George Wickham has had his eye on Georgie, and not for any innocent matter either. In an effort to get back at me for blocking his admission, he went to Georgie and started taking her out. She thought she'd fallen in love.

One Friday night last year, my parents were out, and I myself was at school for a late practice. George Wickham came over to see Georgie. He told her that it was time for their relationship "to move to a higher level," and that if she really loved him, she'd do it.

Thankfully for Georgie, I came home then. She came running to me and told me the story. I threw George out, and I was not gentle. Until the day he came to West, I didn't see him again.

This, Lizzy, is the whole, unvarnished truth in regards to George Wickham, and I hope that you will believe it and acquit me of any inhuman treatment to him.

Will Darcy

Lizzy closed the letter. How could she have believed George after his behavior at the movies? And why, oh why did she treat Will so badly?

Part 25

Lizzy was abnormally quiet the rest of the day at Hunsford. Charlotte, who had seen Lizzy and Will go off together the night before, suspected that Will had something to do with her friend's behavior, but didn't push her for an explanation. Lizzy didn't say a word about what happened until she was home with Jane.

Lying on Jane's bed, Lizzy poured out the whole story, everything that had been done or said. "I feel like such a fool."

"Now why should you? You could hardly know what happened with Georgianna."

"But I believed George over Will, even though I had seen what he was."

"Oh, Lizzy. It's still hardly to be wondered at. You've never liked Will. Why should you want to believe him?"

"No, Jane, it's no use. I know I'm quite to blame, and I can't help being sorry for it. I used to think Will was awful, but suddenly..."

"Suddenly you see what the rest of us have for some time. That underneath his slightly harsh exterior, Will Darcy is a sweet and kind young man, one who is crazy about you."

"Is that how you saw him?" Lizzy demanded.

"Well...." Jane's voice trailed off. "I didn't know if he really liked you. He's just always acted like it."

Lizzy buried her head in her pillows. "Oh, Jane. What am I to do?"

On Tuesday, Lizzy went back to school. She wasn't looking forward to it, but she had to. Jane gave her an encouraging hug when they parted in the morning. "Do well, Liz. And no matter what happens, I'll always be here for you."

"Thanks, Jane. I needed that." They separated, Jane going to econ, Lizzy to chemistry. Halfway there, Lizzy ran into her favorite person.

"Hey, Liz," Carrie called. "Have you heard who Will is taking to prom?"

"No, Carrie," she said with a sigh. "Who is Will taking to prom?"

"Me! Isn't that soooo wonderful? Hey, who are you going with?"

Lizzy stammered something about not having a date yet. He's taking Carrie? He only asked me Sunday night!

"I'm sure you'll find someone, Liz," Carrie said insincerely. "There's always William Collins. He - " The bell rang. "Oops! There's the warning bell. Gotta go!"

Liz watched Carrie go with mixed feelings. How could he ask Carrie so soon after her? And did she really want to go with him now?

Part 26

Posted on Monday, 22 June 1998

"...All nominations for the 1997-98 prom court should be made by the end of the day. And remember, West is best."

Will was sick to death of prom. There was still a month to go, but he hated the word now. Lizzy wouldn't go with him, and there wasn't another available girl who was worth the taking. He'd probably stay at home, maybe take Georgie to the movies or something. City of Angels was playing at the Kendall 8

He kept watching Lizzy. Something was definitely wrong with her. Even the fact that she barely passed her last quiz didn't seem to get through to her.

Is it what I said? he wondered. Does she still think so little of me? He leaned over and touched her arm gently. "You okay, Liz?"

She shook his hand off. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Are you sure? Maybe you should go to the nurse's office and lie down, or something."

"I'm fine. Why do you care anyway?"

"Because I'm your friend, or I'd like to be."

She mumbled something unintelligible, and he leaned over. "What was that?"

"I don't care if you do want to be my friend. I'm not speaking to you now."

"Liz, what did I do?"

"You can ask me that now?" The bell rang. "Have a good time with Carrie at prom."

Will stared at her as she left the classroom. What was that all about?

Part 27

Posted on Thursday, 25 June 1998

Will caught up to Lizzy outside their Brit Lit classroom sixth period. She'd refused to speak to him all day, but this time he wasn't going to let her get away so easily. "Liz, wait."

"I'm not speaking to you."

"Too bad. I'm speaking to you, and you're going to listen. I don't know why you'd think I was taking Carrie to prom, but I'm not. How could I? You're the only girl I want to go with, and Carrie doesn't hold a candle to you for beauty, for intelligence, for wit when you're not mad at me."

Lizzy opened her mouth to say something in response - what she didn't know - but their teacher, Mrs. Gardiner, leaned out the classroom door. "Lizzy, Will, hurry up. We're about to start class."

The two of them went inside and took their seats. Then Mrs. Gardiner began, "Today we're doing something a little different. Rather than sitting and discussing poetry from the Victorian period, I'd like each of you to read a poem aloud to the class from that period." Several members of the class groaned. "It will not be graded as long as you give it a try." A few people cheered at that. Mrs. Gardiner smiled. "Get into a circle and we'll start."

The class shifted desks into something that resembled a circle. Will managed to move his desk next to Lizzy's before anyone else could. This was giving him an idea.

Lizzy noticed how Will had moved to be by her. I was wrong to judge him so quickly, she thought. Maybe I can show him I'm sorry.

Mrs. Gardiner noticed the silent interchange between the two of them. She suspected that something was going on with them and hoped that it would work itself out soon. "Volunteers to go first?"

Some people, who obviously wanted to get through this, read. Lizzy, who truly loved the Victorian poets, was horrified at what her classmates did to poetry. They couldn't read it with any rhythm or metre or anything!

Will waited a bit to volunteer. He wanted to pick out the right poem. Finally he decided and volunteered. "Life In a Love by Robert Browning.

Escape me?
Never--
Beloved!
While I am I, and you are you,
So long as the world contains us both,
Me the loving and you the loth,
While the one eludes, must the other pursue.
My life is a fault at last, I fear:
It seems too much like a fate, indeed!
Though I do my best I shall scarce succeed.
But what if I fail of my purpose here?
It is but to keep the nerves at strain,
To dry one's eyes and laugh at a fall,
And, baffled, get up and begin again,--
So the chance takes up one's life, that's all.
While, look but once from your farthest bound
At me so deep in the dust and dark,
No sooner the old hope goes to ground
Than a new one, straight to the self-same mark,
I shape me--
Ever
Removed!"

Lizzy looked at him in some amazement. She hadn't expected that from him, and the way he'd looked at her as he read it left her no doubt what he meant. She volunteered next "If Thou Must Love Me by Elizabeth Barret Browning.

If thou must love me, let it be for nought
Except for love's sake only. Do not say
'I love her for her smile--her look--her way
Of speaking gently,--for a trick of thought
That falls in well with mine, and certes brought
A sense of pleasant ease on such a day'--
For these things in themselves, Beloved, may
Be changed, or change for thee,--and love, so wrought,
May be unwrought so. Neither love me for
Thine own dear pity's wiping my cheeks dry,--
A creature might forget to weep, who bore
Thy comfort long, and lose thy love thereby !
But love me for love's sake, that evermore
Thou mayst love on, through love's eternity."

She looked shyly at Will as she finished. Had he understood what she was trying to say?

From the look in Will's eyes, the answer was yes.

Part 28

Posted on Wednesday, 8 July 1998

At the end of class, when everyone had read their poem, there were about five minutes left. Will decided to use them to talk to Lizzy.

"Am I forgiven?" he asked softly.

The color rose in her cheeks. "You have nothing to ask forgiveness for. I'm the one who needs to be sorry."

"Sorry for what, Liz? Because I wasn't honest with you, and because you didn't want to like me because we're competitors? I'm as much to blame as you."

"Then for my part," she said with a smile. "I forgive you."

Will smiled back. "What more could anyone want than to see you smile like that?"

"Flatterer."

"Guilty as charged. But in your case, it's true." The bell rang. "Lizzy, I'm not going to econ, so get the homework for me, would you?"

"All right. But only if you call me later."

"Deal." Will smiled cheerfully at her as they parted.

Lizzy continued on to econ alone. When she got there, George was already there. "Hello, George," she said coolly in response to his greeting.

"How was Hunsford and Rosings?" he asked.

"Quite wonderful. I had the pleasure of meeting Georgie Darcy. She's sweet. And Will is so... so..."

"Awful?" George supplied.

"Hardly."

"Has he improved so significantly then?"

"No. I believe he is the same as he always was. But spending time with him over the weekend gave me a chance to know him better. He's certainly a very attentive brother." Lizzy smiled smugly to herself as George mumbled something politely and went to sit down. He wouldn't be bothering her anymore.

Part 29

Lizzy was the first one home that afternoon. It wasn't unusual for her to beat Jane, who stayed after school for a variety of activities, or her parents, who worked all day, but for Lydia not to be home was very unusual.

When Lydia still hadn't gotten home an hour later, Lizzy began to get really worried. She didn't like Lydia particularly, but they were sisters. She called Kitty's house.

"Hey, Kitty, is Lydia with you?"

"I haven't seen her since we left school. She still isn't home?"

"No. If you see her, let me know."

"Sure, Lizzy. I'm sure she's fine."

Jane came home, and the two of them made dinner for their parents. Afterwards, Lizzy went to her room to study. Lydia still wasn't home, but Lizzy tried to tell herself that she was sixteen and could take care of herself. If she doesn't see anyone she knows or who is cute.

The phone rang. She picked it up. "Hello."

"Hey, Liz."

"Hi, Will."

"What'd I miss in econ?"

"A lecture and me shutting up George"

"Oh? Tell." Will's voice was excited.

Lizzy could hardly help smirking as she told Will what she'd said. Then he laughed. "I wish I could have been there to see it, Liz."

"I wish you could have too. It would have been even more fun then."

"Liz, I have something to ask."

Lizzy's heart beat a little faster. Then the phone began beeping at her. "Drat! Will, can you hold on a sec? I have a call on the other line." She switched lines. "Hello?"

"Hi Lizzy." That smugly-sweet voice could only belong to Lydia.

"Liddy?! Where are you?"

"You don't even say hi to me." Lydia sighed. "I wouldn't have called, but Kitty said you wanted to know."

"Lydia Marie Bennet! Where are you?"

"The same place I've been all day. George's house."

"George?" No, this can't be, Lizzy thought. This is a nightmare.

"George Wickham. You know, the one you went out with, and the one you snubbed today. That was very mean of you, Liz."

"Who else is there?"

"No one. We've been having so much fun. You wouldn't beli - Oh, gotta go, Liz. George wants me." Lydia hung up before Lizzy could say anything.

Lizzy could barely believe this was happening. She was so close to being out of Lydia's way, to being on her own. Why couldn't Lydia have waited a little longer before doing something like this?

Part 30

Posted on Thursday, 16 July 1998

"Lizzy? Liz, are you all right? Is anything wrong?"

Will's voice brought Lizzy back to reality. "Uh... Yeah, everything's fine." She couldn't quite keep her voice from cracking.

"Everything's not fine." Will's voice turned coaxing. "Tell me, Liz."

"Lydia, my younger sister," she said, trying not to cry, "is right now at George Wickham's house alone. It doesn't even matter what they do. Tomorrow, everyone will know about it, and Lydia's reputation will be fixed as a - a - "

There was no need for her to finish the sentence. Will knew exactly what Lydia would be known as. "I know she's your sister and everything, but how does this affect you so much?"

"You know how West is. The story will go around tomorrow, and the day after, everyone will be talking about Lydia's sisters."

Will didn't have anything to say to that. He knew it was true. West High was filled with gossips, and plenty of them would love to find something about Lizzy and Jane Bennet. "I should let you go; you'll want to tell Jane."

"Yes. I'll - I'll see you tomorrow."

"Trust me, Lizzy: everything will be fine. I promise."

"Bye, Will."

"Bye Lizzy."

She hung up the phone and went in search of Jane.

Part 31

Posted on Sunday, 26-Jul-98

Jane and Lizzy went to school together the next day. Both of them had steeled themselves for the worst. Lydia had never come home, so gossip was inevitable.

Just inside the main doors, they could hear Mrs. Philips, one of the secretaries and their mother's particular friend, talking to Mrs. Lucas, one of the counselors.

"It's quite true," Mrs. Philips was saying. "She spent the entire night with him."

"Mrs. Philips," Mrs. Lucas replied, "I'm sure it is not so. No sister of Jane and Lizzy Bennet could behave in such a fashion."

"But Mrs. Bennet herself - " Mrs. Philips saw Jane and Lizzy standing there. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Lizzy didn't answer; she just turned and walked away. Jane managed a hasty response and apology for Lizzy's behavior, then hurried after her sister. "Lizzy, what is the matter with you? Mrs. Philips wanted to help us."

"Help us? I'm sure. Wanted more gossip, you mean."

"Lizzy, that is unkind," Jane reproached.

"You are right, Jane. I will try not to be bitter. For your sake." Lizzy shook her head. "It won't be easy. And if that stuck-up, self-absorbed Carrie Bingley - "

"Lizzy."

"Sorry, Jane. I won't finish what I was going to say. I may think it, but I won't say it."

Jane started to protest, but only shook her head and smiled. "Have a good day, Liz."

Lizzy finally made it to chemistry. She listened to the announcements with only half her mind.

"...This year's nominees for prom court are Jane Bennet, Spring Coughlin, Alice Seibert, Annie Newman, Joanna Gaglione, Cindy Kodama, Katt Dimino, Lisa-Michelle Ruddy, Charles Bingley, Phil Nohl, Matt Sinnott, Andrew Fitzwilliam, Joshua Bell, David Matlock, Adam King, and Erik Soderstrom.

"Student Services Tip-of-the-Day: In view of the upcoming prom, please remember that not only is it unsafe to drink and drive, it is also illegal. Have a nice day and remember, West is best."

Will watched Lizzy through the announcements. She was really upset. He only hoped his plan would work.

(Author's note: My apologies to those ladies whose last names I did not know. I gave you names of my best friends. As to the young men, Phil Nohl, Matt Sinnott, Adam King and Erik Soderstrom are four of the best looking guys at West High. And I apologize to CK for borrowing David, but I needed another guy.)