Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Chapter 15
For the rest of the journey the two passengers seemed to remain occupied with their own thoughts. On arriving at the ballroom Elizabeth excused herself and hastily flew away from the somehow intense atmosphere of the car. The party seemed to be a huge success. However intolerable Caroline Bingley was, she certainly was one of the best interior decorators in town. Thanks to her efforts the ordinary hotel ballroom changed into dashing late XVIII century park. She even designed the dancing part as maze. Good that she did not come to observe and criticise every other thing. thought Elizabeth. The violin quartet that played during the dinner was soon replaced by a small band and the atmosphere became more relaxed. Lizzy has joined Jane's efforts to make sure everybody was comfortable and having fun. Their uncle, Mr. Philips, insisted on bringing some of his young subordinates. Jane was not too happy about it at first, but now when she saw them going around in their dashing uniforms, she admitted it was not a bad idea. They presented themselves very well and besides that, it gave her guests feeling of safety.
"Jane, who is that guy talking to uncle Philips?"
"Which one? He has brought with him more than a dozen young men."
"The one without uniform."
"We are going to find out pretty soon, they are coming this way."
"Girls, great party. Let me introduce you, Mr. George Wickham. He is a journalist from the "Daily ****", working with us on some of the cases. These are my nieces, Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who have organised this wonderful evening."
Wickham bowed elegantly and started curtseying the girls, "How do you do? Pleased to finally make your acquaintance. I have heard much about your talents and beauty and I am shocked about the injustice of the buzz - they gave you credit in one third maybe." Wickham proved to be an amiable man, able to find himself in any situation. His manners, cheerful mood and easiness in the society were enough to recommend him. The small talk would have gone for longer, but Jane and Elizabeth felt obliged to join the rest of the guests, and so the company parted with promises of renewal of the acquaintance in the near future.
Throughout the whole evening Mr. Darcy remained close-mouthed as if he was scared of another beast slipping out of his mouth again. He was attentively watching Elizabeth instead. She was acting in the same lovely manner as usual; he could not find there any artifice. He lost her out of sight when she was talking with a man in sergeant's uniform, presumably the famous uncle. Finally he spotted her again with Jane and Bingley. He approached them and greeted Charles and Jane. He complimented the elder Miss Bennet on the party and reminded Elizabeth about the promised dance. She hesitated for a moment and looked at her sister - no rescue was to be expected from her side - she and Bingley were much too preoccupied with themselves. Darcy confidently took her hand. How come holding hands can be exciting? she thought as he lead her to the floor, which was shielded from the other part by greenery and flowers and shaded from the excessive light.
The song played on a solo saxophone and sounded around them. Elizabeth sighed, this was one of her favourites: "Your latest trick" by Dire Straits. Darcy pulled her a little closer and after a few moments she felt herself relax a bit against his warm body. He surely knows how to dance, I remember how Mr. Collins was throwing me around. I was slipping out of his sticky hands. She moved her hand up on his supporting arm.
".......My door was standing open
Security was laid back and lax
But it was only my heart got broken
You must have had a pass key made out of wax....."
Elizabeth looked up to his face and wanted to say something, but Darcy put his finger on her lips and slowly shook his head. He moved his hand to her waist, pulling her even closer.
".......You played robbery with insolence
And I played the blues in twelve bars down the Lover's Lane
And you never did have the intelligence to use
The twelve keys hanging off my chain......."
She gave in and rested her head on his shoulder. She nestled it in the tempting corner right next to his neck. The music was whirlwinding about them.
".......I don't know how it happened
It all took place so quick
But all I can do is hand it to you
And your latest trick........."
He reached out and delicately fingered the curve of her face, he pulled up her chin, and lost himself in the gaze of her dark eyes.
".......I don't know how it happened
It was faster than the eye could flick
But now all I can do is hand it to you
And your latest trick......."
And then he could not resist any longer and he brushed her tempting lips with his. She did not oppose, and he was too drawn to think of anything else. He closed her in his arms, with a delight he felt her petite hands around his neck and he tasted her again. He did not want it to finish. He marked with kisses a path to the corner behind the ear and then back to her lips. She trembled softly and they were lost in passion. Finally Elizabeth was the one that broke away from his embrace. With a surprised look and tears dwelling in her dark eyes, she asked "But why?" and without waiting for an answer she run off.
He stood on the floor unable to move, Oh my God, What have I done!!!!! She will sue me for sexual harassment. , he was unable to go after her. What am I going to tell her, what if anybody saw us? Cautiously he looked around, fortunately it was dark enough and nobody was paying any attention anyway. With a heavy heart he found Bingley, but his friend said he himself has been desolated by Jane who went somewhere after Elizabeth.
"Darcy, I want your advice on something," Bingley started off, but he stopped abruptly as if he was not sure if to continue.
His friend with a mild interest listened, "Yes?".
"I love Jane Bingley."
"What?!!!!!!!"
"I love her."
"And?!!!!"
"I think she loves me too. I want to ask her to marry me."
"Are you sure she loves you? Knowing that professionally she does the money hunting, if I were you I would think twice," he sourly answered.
Bingley stared at his supposedly BEST friend in amazement, "I think you have just offended the woman I love. No one who has seen her with the children can doubt her good nature and pure intentions, unless they are as blinded by pride as you are!!!! What is happening with you!!!!? Are you loosing your all better judgment?" with a sad look on his face he walked away.
What is happening with me? What is happening with you?! I always knew you were blinded by a pretty face but in the case of the Bennet sisters we are both losers, except I have already realised that, and you will realise it in the near future. What dragged me here in the first place? He quickly quitted the room. Bingley will make sure they both get home safely.
Elizabeth ran out of the party to the garden adjoining the hotel and tried to calm herself down. Why did he do that? He did not even like her and he was not hiding it. After the not very pleasant experiences during her apprenticeship, she did everything she could to avoid any back-handed situations like this one. She was angered, How could I ever let it happen? How should I behave now? Pretend that nothing has taken place? He already thinks me a terrible flirt! He will think I did it on purpose. Well, thirteen out of ten for kissing for him, except I did not ask for it and did nothing to encourage him. But how could I forget myself so much to let him do it more than once!
"Lizzy, where are you? Are you all right? Please come inside, you will catch a cold," Jane's worried voice brought Elizabeth back.
"I am fine, I just wanted to cool myself down, it was very hot inside," she assured. It was uncommonly hot just a couple of minutes ago. She did not want to spoil Jane's triumphant evening, "Everything is going marvelously with the party. Are you and Charles having fun?"
"Yes, a minute ago I left him talking to Mr. Darcy who was just leaving. I wonder why?"
Maybe I was not good enough? Knowing he was gone she felt a bit easier but also hurt. They went inside. "How much money did we manage to collect so far?"
"Ten thousand pounds in cash and about hundred thousand pounds promised!!!!! This is far beyond my dreams. This means I am going to be able to open one more centre in London and another one in the North," Jane was rarely so excited. "Mr. Wickham, please join us!"
"Mr. Wickham, here, has been so kind and promised me an article about the project in the newspapers and another big donation from his publisher!"
"That is very generous of you, sir," Elizabeth looked at him with a complete surprise.
"That is the least I can do. I am not able to support the project from my own pocket, but I know handful of people who only need some advice on how to spend their money, and this is indeed a worthy cause. Besides it is a pleasure to be of assistance to such beautiful ladies."
When they re-entered the ball room Jane was immediately claimed by Charles Bingley. Even if he did not say anything, his eyes gave away all his feelings. Elizabeth was very content watching them dance.
"Miss Bennet, would you care for a drink?" Wickham's voice cut in her thoughts. Elizabeth decided to wash away the uneasiness she felt after the last dance and they proceeded to the bar. It was a relief to talk to someone without raising so much tension.
"I know from you uncle Philips, you are a lawyer. You work with someone I happen to know very well."
"You mean William Darcy, Richard Fitzwilliam and Charles Bingley?"
"Yes, I wish I could congratulate you on your employers but of at least one of them my opinion can never be changed or improved."
"I guess you must be talking of Mr. Darcy, for there are few such nice and faultless people as Mr. Fitzwilliam and Mr. Bingley?"
"The very one. My father used to run late Mr. Darcy's accounts. I was named after William's father and I was his favourite. He was so much attached to my father that he treated me like his own son. I owe him my education and principals. We used to be friends with William, but I could not put aside my moral principles just to keep the acquaintance even for the sake of his father's memory."
"What has happened then?" the story excited Elizabeth. So there was a fault to be found in Mr. Darcy!
"He has changed much since his father's death. He could not bear the thought of me holding a solid part in his father's feelings.... Do you know that William has a sister? Georgiana is her name, she is ten years younger than him and me. Their father in his will established a foundation for musically talented children and made Georgiana responsible for it. Until she came of age all dividends and profits of the foundation were to be put aside in her account. Being a journalist, I often made enquiries into legal side of many entrepreneurships to expose all the faults and omissions. However I never expected there would be any in dear George Darcy's foundation. My curiosity was aroused by the constant attempts of William to separate me from his sister. I knew she used to be a good and honest girl and I was simply shocked to see how she had changed under the influence of her brother. The air of insincerity, artifice and first of all pride struck me when I finally had a chance talk to her. She let out something about the foundation that gave me a clue as to what I am after. Believe me it was not an easy experience to find out what her brother has pushed to do," here Wickham stopped the narration as barman served them the drinks.
Elizabeth took a sip of "Sex on the beach", anxiously waiting for the man to go away. Finally Wickham bent over in her direction and intimately continued. "They were constantly diminishing the basic assets of the foundation, blaming it on inflation, currency devaluation, and the stock exchange market, transferring the money to Georgiana's private accounts. Having found out that much, I did not want to reveal the story, in order not to ruin Georgiana's life. Before publishing the story I went to see Darcy to convince him to give Georgiana a chance; he only laughed at me. It was stupid of me to expect that the memory of his father would prevent him from going deeper in the pitiful business. He had no intentions of abandoning the idea, he would pull her with him. I was so desperate that I forced a meeting on Georgiana. To my surprise she knew about everything, and although she was only eighteen then, she was fully aware of what was happening. I resolved to publish the story then, but the next day I found out I was fired and during next half a year not a single respectable newspaper would consider my application. I had only my words against his, apparently not enough."
She sat numb struck. "What an insufferable man. I am truly out of words, Mr. Wickham..."
"Please, call me George. For some time it has not been easy to befriend people...."
"But of course", Elizabeth was all shaken. "Have you consulted a lawyer on this case?"
Wickham laughed, "You work with the man, Elizabeth, do not doubt that he removed everything that could indicate his or Georgiana's involvement. Thanks to them I was licking stamps in a lousy rag selling 100 copies per day. Let us not talk about the unpleasant past."
"But in the end you licked your way back to the top. You are working now in a rag selling 500 thousand copies per day," Elizabeth tried to laugh. And I am working for such a man! The story she had heard was so unbelievable, it had to be true.
Chapter 17
"This is absolutely shocking. But are you sure it is true? I cannot imagine that Charles would have such a friend or work with him!!!!" cried out Jane. Charlotte sitting in her wicked teddy bear pyjama was listening while helping her friends to undress. Surprisingly she has arrived a day early and used the evening for unpacking.
"Jane, I assure you that I faithfully repeated every word. It is more than probable. I know Mr. Darcy, I work with the man. The only thing he is concerned with is his own business. I am still shaken. How could he do this to his father's friend, how could he do this to his own sister? I have no doubts he concealed the details or deceived everybody else, even his own cousin and best friend."
Elizabeth repeated Wickham's story to Jane and Charlotte, but she did not tell them of other Mr. Darcy's doings. It would not be forgotten easily, and she did not want anybody to remind her of it. She was to face him this coming Monday anyway. God, I have never felt this way before. It was the first time that a kiss with anybody was so.... She spent long hours tossing in her bed, thinking about what happened this evening. She was mad at herself for not slapping Darcy's face or something of the kind that would articulate feelings she had towards him. Everything that she found out only strengthened the dislike she felt for him. But when she finally managed to fall asleep, she was dreaming.......of the kiss.
Darcy thanked heaven that Georgiana called him on business to Derbyshire. He could not bear facing Elizabeth Bennet now. Still he ordered her flowers before leaving. Pemberley did not restore his usual peace of mind. He could still smell her perfume, taste her lips, fell her delicate skin and body next to his and it almost hurt - she had bewitched him.
Darcy dealt with all the bills and papers quickly, Georgiana prepared everything, so in most cases it was only his signature that was missing. He was grateful - he would not be able to concentrate on any kind of work.
He took a horseback ride of the grounds, fortunately in the winter there were few tourists who would venture so far in the country in pursuit of visiting great manors. It was a pain sometimes to bear with them, but otherwise keeping Pemberley in the present state would be too expensive.
I wonder if she goes horseback riding? It does not really matter, does it? he hastened the horse into galloping and only the approaching wall of trees forced him to slow down and in an easy pace come back to the mansion. Back in the estate he found Georgiana in the music room. It was her final year at the conservatory and she was preparing for exams. He joined her with a book, but instead of turning the pages he stared at the fire. Georgiana asked him about something and he mechanically gave his consent without even turning his head from the chimney. It was only her laughter that "brought him back".
"Why are you laughing?"
"I am not sure if I should tell you."
"George.....," he said warningly.
"You have just agreed to give me your jaguar to go to the university for a week before Christmas."
"No way!" he jumped up in his armchair.
"But you promised!" she had a face of a child whose toys were taken away, but there was sparkle of humour in her eyes. She rarely dared to joke with her quite authoritative brother. "You claim you always keep your promises!!"
"I did not know what I was promising. From the legal point of view we are facing unilateral mistake. It makes the contract between the two of us void, because it is related to the fundamental nature of your offer and what I knew or should have known of it. Basta."
"You are a beast, you know, to torture me like that," she still laughed. Darcy stared at her with his eyes open wide, almost in horror. Georgiana noticed the look and continued.
"Do not worry, I have learnt from masters. Considering you are in a mental state that excludes conscious or willful undertaking of any decisions, I may consent that my claim's basis are invalid but only if you explain to me what is happening with you."
She surely had matured during last two years, but still he was not sure about telling her how he was forgetting himself with Elizabeth Bennet in the middle of the ballroom. Instead he called out, "Where did you learn that?"
"What? That your mental state is crying for help?"
"No, all the legal prattle?!"
"I am not sure, but wait, might it have anything to do with every single man in the family being a lawyer? Starting with grandfather in the Privy Council? Or maybe with the fact that I was brought up by three bachelors - two of whom are lawyers - what a coincidence, and their best friend, who also happens to be in profession?"
He laughed out heartily. Relieved to see him distracted from his thoughts, Georgiana went on. "Whenever you would be at Pemberley preparing for the exams, I surely would be around, getting bored."
"I am sorry, I should have been a better brother to you."
"But you were and still are. I especially enjoyed it at the boarding school when you, Richard, David and Charles would come down to take me out. All the girls were convinced I was dating at least three of you at the same time. They were especially envious of you because we do not look alike and because you were always driving a cool car. If it was not for your visits, I am not sure they would notice me at all."
For a while only the noise of the wood cracking in the fire disturbed the silence, then Georgiana took all her courage and asked, "So tell me, who is she?"
"What?" Darcy stirred in bewilderment.
"Who is she?"
"She, who?"
"She who you are thinking about!"
"How...."
"Men are all the same. If anything is wrong you get to it, get it done and over with. If it is a woman, you try to apply the same scheme. Except it will not work. Women are like cipher locks with the code changing all the time. You are so puzzled that it is all too obvious."
"How do you know this things?"
"Didn't I mention to you that I had nearly the perfect source of knowledge, because I was raised by almost four gentleman and had a lot of spare time to listen and watch? So tell me."
"Let's say I was hypothetically thinking that it is about the time to find someone who would love this place as much as we do."
"Hypothetically speaking even Caroline Bingley would fit that description," sarcastically remarked Georgiana. She had decided there would be some other times to draw the truth out of her stubborn brother.
Chapter 18
"Miss Bennet!"
Elizabeth has heard quick steps behind her. She recognised the voice, she slowly turned, "Mr. Darcy."
"I was hoping to see you this morning. I am really sorry. About Saturday. It should have never happened. There is nothing that could excuse me. I can only say I am deeply sorry and that I regret my absolutely improper conduct. Can you forgive me?"
Elizabeth was attentively observing the pattern on the carpet.
"Miss Bennet? Elizabeth?"
"Let us forget about it as quickly as possible then," she was grateful that he did not go into details, trying to determine whose fault was it.
"I want you to know I regret that anything of the nature has occurred."
He does not have to emphasize he regrets it so much She finally looked up. "It is all right."
"So you accept my apologies and flowers?"
"Oh the flowers, you mean ..... Oh, I understand now." Suddenly the flowers were not so nice any longer. "Yes", she finally answered, "I accept. If you will excuse me now, I have some work to do."
"Elizabeth, William!!! Are the two of you always in advance of everybody?" Colonel's voice kept them where they were standing.
"Welcome back, Richard. How was Scotland?" Darcy asked.
"Unnerving as usual. I bet it has been much more exciting over here," he winked at them. "I think I have missed quite a ball?"
Elizabeth breathed in, He cannot know, it is impossible!!!!!
Seeing two not very happy faces Colonel asked, "I hope he apologised for yelling at you in the beginning?"
She looked at Darcy thoughtfully, "Yes, for that as well."
"I absolutely insist on taking you out for lunch today, flowers were not enough." Contrary to his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam was determined to please her.
"With a great pleasure." She smiled back again.
"Where are we going?" Darcy's voice reminded them about his presence, "I feel guilty and I have had my share in the misunderstanding."
They were "taken by surprise"; Colonel was not too happy about this addition to the company but Elizabeth was determined to enjoy herself anyway.
"So, where can we take you? Your wish is our command," declared Richard.
Elizabeth thought for a while, she hesitated but ten a broad smile came across her face. "It will be a surprise. I will arrange everything with Mrs. Reynolds."
"Arrange what?" asked Bingley on entering the office.
"Our lunch," answered Darcy. Good, he seems to have forgotten about the ball incident.
"Great, where are we going?" enquired his friend.
Richard acted out a heart attack and said "I was supposed to enjoy your company alone. You are magnetic - everything around just sticks to you. Guys, I at least hope we are not taking any clients along with us, ugh?"
"Miss Bennet, may we then rely on you to arrange everything?" Darcy was a bit uneasy.
"Certainly, sir. Let's say we shall meet here at twelve."
"If it is so special, why do not we postpone all our meetings until half past one?" asked Bingley. He would not mind skipping some work. His character would not allow him to treat his client's problems lightly, but he never denied that he was easily getting bored.
"I am not sure if I can take such a long break," William had some scruples.
"I do not mind getting rid of you earlier. You will have to eat faster than usual," Richard teased him.
It took Elizabeth just a couple of minutes to convey the news and arrangements to Mrs. Reynolds. The later was surprised at first, then she rejoiced at the idea. At twelve o'clock they met in the reception office.
"The limousine is waiting already and I have called the place. They are anxious to see you there," reported Mrs. Reynolds.
"Elizabeth, where are we going? Harrods, Ritz, Waldorf Astoria?" Fitzwilliam and Bingley were excited like little boys. Darcy's brows were in one line.
"Calm down, we are going to a place where they serve excellent food."
As the car drove off in the direction of Soho, Darcy said, "How excellently can fish an chips with onion vinegar be prepared? They always taste the same, at least I have never noticed the difference!"
"Maybe it is because you were never really hungry, sir," snapped off Elizabeth.
Finally the limo pulled over on one of the side streets. It did not look too inviting. Elizabeth led her baffled guests inside a four storey building. They all cried out; the interior did not simply resemble a Mediterranean kitchen - it was one.
"Elizabetta!!! Maria, Maria, finalmente e arrivata! Vieni qui subito. Ma che gioia vederti ragazza. Come stai? Dimmi!" an elderly man in a white apron hugged her again and again.
"Grazie mille, Antonio, sono molto bene. Where is Maria?" she answered in Italian with an almost perfect accent. The three men starred at her, not believing their own ears.
"Vengo, vengo!" a very Italian woman appeared in the door. "Mamma mia, che bellezza che sei, e tutti quelli ragazzi sono tuoi?"
"Maria, Antonio, volevo presentarvi signior Darcy, signior Bingley e signior Fitzwilliam. Adesso sto lavorando per loro. Gentleman let me introduce you to Maria and Antonio Fruliani. They run this absolutely fabulous restaurant."
With great courtesy the owners led them to a table in a snug corner.
"You did not tell me you could speak Italian!" this was one of the few occasions on which both Darcy and Bingley did not mind Fitzwilliam's straightforwardness - they were equally eager to know the details.
"I could not say so because I do not speak the language. Knowing Maria and Antonio, I was forced to learn a couple of phrases that would do for greeting, thanking and complimenting their excellent food," she answered.
"And how did you meet them?"
"It was one of my very first cases. I was taking it all very emotionally and I have developed a special relationship with them."
Maria served them a cold lunch. There was prosciuto crudo and cotto, salami, brie and yellow cheese in pieces, olives, pickled paprika and fabulous pane alla cipolle - flat onion bread, and of course red wine to go with it. To Elizabeth's wonder they had wonderful time, she did not expect her employers to be so easy going. They were entertaining her with stories of their apprenticeships and studies. Well, except for William Darcy who except for being "drop dead" gorgeous was also perfect in every other manner and there were no remembrances of follies he would share with his company. I know of some of your malignancies that you would not be willing to share with everybody
"I dare say I did not have such a delightful meal in ages. It seems so simple, but every tiny thing is just delicious," Bingley ate as if he did not have a dish for three days at least.
"After the amounts I devoured I should definitely go jogging. I should not mention it though, as Mr. Darcy disapproves of such behaviour. He claims it is too dangerous to go running on your own," said Elizabeth to Richard, openly provoking William to speak up instead of just starring at her.
"I shall be your escort then. If you are a fast runner, we might be able to run off from the company of others," said Fitzwilliam.
"You may still change your mind, you might have problems with catching up with me," laughed Elizabeth.
Darcy raised, "Please, excuse me. No matter how good the food was I cannot defer my leave any longer. I will take the car and send the driver back. Please thank Mr. and Mrs. Fruliani for great refreshment. The place deserves a better name." And he was gone.
In the limousine he tried to collect his thoughts and decipher his feelings. She surely recovered from the kiss much faster than he did. It was what he wanted but why was he so pissed off at Richard? Maybe because she did not deserve to be toyed with, as it was a normal course of things for his handsome cousin? Wait a second, she herself was toying with everybody around. He had heard her mother, it was all a scheme to catch a good husband. He chuckled, maybe that will teach Richard a lesson. Still however low her motives were, Darcy did not want Elizabeth to learn a lesson form Richard. He knew that his cousin was good natured, but there were no intentions of ever settling down.
Chapter 19
"Miss Bingley, the photographs have arrived," a young man, yet another new secretary of Caroline Bingley knocked on the door. He could be easily mistaken for one of Chippendale's crew. He hesitated, seeing long skinny legs barely covered up by a short red leather dress flung across the desk. A smug of grey smoke was floating above the desk. Caroline thought it very classy to smoke cigars, but as her brother always ridiculed her about that, she was doing it only at work, mainly to impress her workers. They were stupefied with her anyway.
"Get them here. I want to see how my decorations turned out." She eagerly ripped the envelope and started quickly going through them. The self-satisfied smile was playing on her lips. "What the hell are those? I did not ask for pictures of the participants!"
"I talked to the photographer and he said he took snaps of people of your acquaintance only," the new guy still was not familiar with the way things under Caroline's command looked like.
On picking up another picture she paled and extinguished her cigar. She screamed, "Get out of here! Immediately!!! I am not available for anyone!!!!!".
An appalled secretary backed out murmuring some apologies. Had he a chance to glance at the pictures, he would know that the outburst had nothing to do with him. Caroline got up and poured herself a drink. She took a huge sip of whiskey and let it flow straight through her throat. She did not even shiver; right there, in front of her was the evidence of how she underestimated Elizabeth Bennet. On the picture William Darcy was embracing and kissing that little slut. Something she, Caroline Bingley, has never managed to drive him to do!!!!
"I am gonna make your life a living hell," she hissed out and picked up the phone.
Later That Evening...
This is ridiculous. It is against all the rules, remember never get involved with anyone from the business, thought Darcy as he stepped out of his car parked in front of the memorable park. He could not stop smirking when he remembered Richard's face, when he answered the Viscount's call summoning him immediately back to Scotland. Darcy owed his other cousin, David, a box of best champagne for this favour. His instinct or desire in this case prevailed over his common sense. I will get in trouble. We are attracted to each other but she will not admit it, and if she does, I will have to pay a really high price for that.
The air was crisp and almost "biting", frost on the fallen leaves cracked when he started running. He did twice his usual rout before wandering off, ...not that he wanted to meet anyone of course.
"You creep, try kicking him once more and I swear I will execute Nutcracker's Suite on you!!!!!" A familiar voice crying out at top of the lungs drew Darcy in the direction of where it came from.
Oh God, I knew she would get in trouble.... In panic he kept running to where was the source of the screams. He darted through the trees and low bushes, at length stumbling out on a lawn. Elizabeth was surrounded by a bunch of teenagers - it did not look too good. He threw himself there ready to fight, when the guys suddenly sprang away from her.
"Charlotte, get those legs moving. With as many siblings as you have you could have started your own football team!!! And you George better watch your team, this is football, not wrestling!!" and with a professional kick she sent the ball in the direction of tall, very slim, serious looking woman who struggled to keep hr balance. The game went on.
Darcy stood at the side for a while not believing his own eyes. She was playing football! However that did not surprise him as much as who was a part of the opposite team. George Wickham, his worst enemy, who almost killed is beloved sister, who blackmailed respected and honourable people, threatening to destroy the only dear thing they usually have left - pride in their ancestors. William Darcy turned his back and left the scene.
Quite exhausted Lizzy threw herself on the bed. The game was great, but very tiring. They went jogging with Charlotte and George Wickham; it was all part of her plan to show Charlotte how one can enjoy life. Her best friend was at first terrified to see all those teenagers in the park, surprisingly it took just a couple of encouraging pieces of advice and pats on the back from her team mates to help her relax and enjoy the game. Lizzy was really proud of the results. No matter how she valued Charlotte's opinions and seriousness, she took delight in watching her running carelessly around. Oh, and there was also George.... He was so nice, paying her all the attention, teasing, joking, differentiating her with his compliments. Right now he was discussing the centre's problems with Jane. Her older sister wanted to ask him to become a secretary of honour, a function someone different would hold each year. It was connected mainly with fund raising and popularising the idea among people. George with his position in the press industry would be a really valuable addition to the programme...
There was a knock on the door, "Elizabeth, are you asleep?"
"Not any longer, George," she laughed. "What is it?"
"I want to take you out tomorrow night, so why do not you hop in a cool pair of shorts or something?" he was leaning against the door frame.
She laughed, "George, I really should not, I have this ultra important case in the court..," she hesitated.
"That is exactly the reason why you should go. You are going to be exhausted. If it goes right, then we will celebrate your victory, if it goes bad, you will pour some sorrow out to me.."
"I do not think so, even Jane does not know about my cases. It is always "to the best of my abilities, for the confidence of my client". But thank you very much, I suppose I will need to relax, I will go. But where to?"
"I have got tickets for Backstreet Boys concert from my newspaper editor," he boasted.
"Oh," Elizabeth was really grateful that the lights were off and that he could not see the convulsions of laughter on her face. "Fine with me."
Chapter 20
Elizabeth impatiently went down to the court hall in search of the telephone. She would not get out of there for some time. She called Jane only to find out that Lydia had come down to London with her teacher to buy new costumes for their dance group. She tried to contact George but it seemed he did not show up on daily basis in the "Daily *****". She left the message on his answering machine, got herself a double black coffee with sugar, and went back to work out a perfect deal for her stubborn client. She was reluctant in coming back for another reason - William Darcy was there as well. They settled everything between themselves, or so it seemed. Elizabeth was unnerved by his presence - the closer, the worse is was. She tested it today; as long as she kept a reasonable distance everything was fine, but when he was approaching, she was immediately distracted....
"Lord I am exhausted," Lydia threw herself carelessly on the sofa next to George Wickham. "Lizzy you are exceptionally dumb to miss such an opportunity. To prefer to stay at work instead of going for such a concert! Fortunately I was at hand to save George's evening," she gave him a saucy smile.
"Yes Lydia, I appreciate your concern." Elizabeth rolled her eyes over. Charlotte started chuckling in that instance, but George seemed to have missed out the point.
"Do not you think it is high time to go to bed? You have only three hours to sleep before your train," Jane felt it necessary to remind her younger sister about the train the next day.
"Oh no, I am accustomed to staying up the whole night," stressed Lydia, "Jane please, can I not stay longer? For just a couple of days?"
"I do not think so, sweety, school awaits," conscious that George was listening to the conversation, Jane tried to be as delicate as she could.
Lydia was getting angry, "You will have to take me anyway. Dad said that if I get suspended once more I shall not be allowed to stay at home, so you will not have much choice."
Elizabeth cut in, "Oh yes, we will have a choice. There are some very comfortable beds down at the centre, and the classes take place there as well. Of course you will be treated as a full member of this little community. Before you decide to get suspended, you should decide what do you like more: peeling potatoes for 60 people, cleaning bathrooms or washing up? There are also some other activities, but I do not think you are too fond of gardening, dear?"
Lydia paled and swallowed quite loudly, she sat up and straightened herself, "You know what? I think I will go and lie down, it has been quite a night," and she has left the room.
George stared at three young woman hiding their faces in the pillows making strange noises. "Jane", he demanded "Why did not you tell me that you are so hard on these children? The centre is supposed to be a relief for them, not a working camp!"
"You do not seriously think that I would make eight years olds peel potatoes and wax the floors?" Jane was wiping tears from her eyes.
A couple of minutes later Lydia came back to say good night. She was wearing a T-shirt instead of pyjama. She hugged her sisters and Charlotte. In the end, hanging on George's neck, she thanked him for taking her to the concert and simply kissed him. Before anyone could say a word, she happily said good night and ran off.
Chapter 21
"Miss Bennet, I think we need to talk!!!!" Darcy's high-pitched voice stopped Elizabeth at the door of the office. She did not like the idea of staying behind. It was Friday evening, she was tired and all the others were gone.
"Please, allow me to congratulate you!"
She opened her eyes wide, "On what occasion?"
"Concluding your scheme!"
"What scheme, what are you talking about?"
"Oh, I see you are late with news. Update yourself. I will be waiting in my office," he threw her a copy of "Daily ****". "Page three", he informed her and turned back to his office.
Elizabeth opened the newspaper, it was one of the kind she would never buy. She wondered what was so interesting that it induced William Darcy to buy one. A look at the third page told her everything. All blurred, she paled, her hands grabbed the desk so tightly that the knuckles went white. "No this cannot be happening!!! Please!!!" But the more she starred at the page, the sharper the picture became. She was there in his arms, engaged in a passionate kiss. And the title screamed in big letters: "HOW TO GET IT ALL!!!!!" With her hands shaking, she desperately tried skipping through the contents. There was something about rich people being able to act against all the rules, using every opportunity they have, etc. One thing was sure - she was not the object of an attack. It was condemning William Darcy for abusing his employee. There was just one line in which the author hinted that Miss Bennet might have got the job by jumping into his bed, but it was easily missed in the overall tone of the article. She finally got up and went to her employer, or according to the article, her passionate lover. She entered without knocking, she was in no mood to pay attention to propriety, not after this loathsome thing that has happened because of his disgusting behaviour.
Without turning his back from the window Darcy said, "Sit down,...please."
Quietly Elizabeth approached the sofa and seated herself. Only now she felt that her legs were trembling all the time.
"I suppose you know what the consequences of this article will be?" he turned his head and noticed she was staring at her hands clasping each other. "....you are going to get it all..."
"What do you mean?" she looked up dumbfounded.
"I know that the question I am going to pose is going to sound ridiculous and might be yet another proof what a fool I am , but I am a man of tradition, so..," he took a deep breath, "Will you consent to be my wife?". A gasp that escaped Elizabeth's lips induced him to speak more on the subject. "It is good to hear that you have decency enough to at least pretend to be surprised by my proposal. I dare say your mother will not be as overwhelmed as you, or maybe you have inherited your acting abilities from her? There are a couple of things you will have to get used to. You have managed to fool me, but I still have affection for you. I want you to know that you are going to pay an appropriate price for your scheme . If you tie the knot for money, you are going to earn every penny, is it not so? This is not going to be a paper marriage only. I will not take any whimsies, you are to be my wife in the full meaning of this word and judging from your kisses it is going to work out just fine."
The next thing he knew was a burning slap on his face. "You have offended me well enough, sir. I wish I could thank you for wanting to do such an honourable thing, but you are driven only by your own selfish reasons and desires. You have no regard either for me, or for my family or my feelings. I shall never agree to be your plaything. Why do you not find yourself a trollop? It would cost you less, and she would never be disillusioned and bothered to win over your affections. How dare you even insinuate that I had anything to do with this? Let me remind you that it was you, not me, who could not control himself during the ball. I have never looked for your company, you imposed it on me. And it was supposed to be a redemption for your proud, offending and pompous behaviour. I cannot deny that I was flattered at the time, but I was quickly brought to my senses by people who were not blinded by your fortune and power. HOW DARE YOU SPEAK OF HONESTY?, HOW DARE YOU accuse me of wrongdoing, you who talked your sister into defrauding money, you who destroyed George Wickham's prospects for a career? Now not even the regard in which I used to hold you as a professional is going to be enough to make me continue working here!!!" Her voice failed her. Grabbing her things she has run out of the office.
William stood speechless next to the window. He caught a glimpse of Elizabeth as she ran along the pavement sobbing desperately....
Chapter 22
She slowly walked all the way back. There was no one at home to witness her weakness. She needed some time to herself to get over it. Trying not to rush she slowly opened a bottle of wine and drank a glass straight away. With the next one she moved to her room and opened the newspaper on the third page. Damn it, at least the picture is good, she could not hide her surprise. At the time they were so engaged with themselves that they did not notice the flash. Looking at an empty glass she loudly commented, "I will become an alcoholic by the time this nightmare finishes."
"Daily ****"Friday,15 January 1997
"How to get it all....."
"That the rich and famous have it all, we know, without necessary reminders. It sticks out everyday in our eyes. What makes us happy is to know that one of our ranks has joined the 'enemy's camp'!!! Not for long probably, knowing the disposition of the gentleman, but nevertheless. Some happy news has reached us, through very confident sources, that one of Britain's most eligible bachelors, none other than one of the richest men of Northern England, William Darcy (29) took fancy in one of his employees, a young and talented lawyer, Elizabeth Bennet (24). Hold on tight, this picture is not a collage. His taking fancy is quite well documented by it. Great lawyer also proves to be an excellent lover!
So the second half of last year was not so bad for him, especially after rumours that after dumping another girlfriend he "locked the business", announcing he does not have time for any relationships. Instead he involved himself and his fortune in a more worthy cause - the campaign to ban fox hunting. He would not miss any ball, meeting, protestation; some were even saying that the only time they have seen someone devote so much energy to something was during .... hunting.
That's how it was until September. In September the hunting season started again for Darcy. He withdrew from public life and canned quietly in accordance with the rules of Great Hunter. And so he hunted this sassy vixen. His new entertainment is the first woman ever to make it into the ranks of "Darcy, Bingley, Fitzwilliam, Attorneys in law" which is based mainly on the reputation of Darcy's father, also a famous lawyer, and grandfather, who was a judge to the Privy Council. It just makes you wonder what features do you have to posses, and what do you have to do to get in there, doesn't it? Eliza also happens to be a first woman Darcy took fancy with that earns her living. Imagine that!
We do not know what impressions this relationship is supposed to give but the couple avoids the public and the reporters. It is a pity to know that she will soon be dumped, and remain just a minor diversion in his life, just like many others before her. It is a well known fact that if you have the means, you can get away with almost anything. And think of a person with more means than our hero!!!...."etc.
Elizabeth tossed the paper away. She did not know what to do with herself. When she was back at the university, she had this wonderful philosophy tutor who showed them that a meaningful life is not about success and money. Debates with him putt all the tutorial group in a different existential realm. He taught them to let their thoughts ramble nonlinearly, break free and drift around directionlessly, unconsciously almost. She liked it when the reality of life with all its richness slammed down on her, she liked to be able to feel the daily beauty and benevolence. Still she has always had a grip on herself. Always, but now. She never suspected that she would be put in such a situation. Where is the beauty in it? It is so pointless. Where is the lesson I am supposed to learn? With bitterness she thought of the girl she was then, promising herself to be live her life and grasp the most of it. It seemed so pathetic right now!!!!
There was something bugging her all the time, who would wish to publish such a thing? Who would wish to damage her reputation? From the article it was clear that there were few things that could damage William's reputation. Then it just struck her, George was working for "Daily ****". He had not called in the last three days, which had never happened before. Normally he would come or call at least once a day to chat.... No it was impossible.....But he had reasons enough to try to get even with Darcy....But he would have never used her to achieve it.... She walked to the answering machine. The light was blinking. She turned it on and heard his voice, "Lizzy, where are you? I have been trying to get to you for a couple of hours already. I need to speak to you. It is very important. I tried to do something about it, but I could not stop them, I was sent away to Manchester for a day. I will try catching you as soon as I come back."
She was relieved, someone who has suffered so much would never inflict any kind of pain on another person.
The door slammed and Jane hurried into the room. "OH GOD, Lizzy!!! I am so sorry!"
"No offence sister, but when did you start reading this kind of newspaper?"
"I was having dinner with Charles, and before we went to the theatre Caroline somewhat triumphantly brought a whole stack with her. I came straight away. Have you seen Mr. Darcy already?"
"Unfortunately yes."
"What did he say?"
"Nothing special, he threatened me to marry him."
Jane sat down on bed with her mouth open, at length she stammered out, "You mean he ppp...proposed?!"
Her sister nodded, "He was convinced that I would marry him for his money. And you know what I did? I slapped his face and "mixed his pride with mud". Have I spoiled your date?" Elizabeth too obviously tried to change the topic.
Still in shock Jane said, "My date is waiting downstairs by the car to make sure everything is all right... I did not even have to tell him to drive here."
"Why do not you ask him upstairs?"
"Are you sure?"
"I need to discuss a couple of things with him, and it is not going to do me any good sitting here all by myself, getting drunk. But please do not tell him about the proposal. I will explain everything to you later... Just give me five minutes to arrange things in the living room, we left it a bit messy this morning." Elizabeth walked out of the room, yes she had decided what to do. It made more sense to her now than when she almost screamed it to Darcy's face. She splashed some cold water on her face to ease the redness of her eyes.
"Elizabeth, I am so sorry. I had no idea that the two of you...," Bingley stopped not sure what he should call the situation.
"It is fine Charles. Do not worry, I had no idea that I am in a relationship either," Lizzy asked him to sit down. "If it were true maybe it would not hurt so much. Now it does not really matter what I say, nobody will believe me anyway."
He looked at her, then he looked at the picture in the newspaper and then again at her, "If it is not a relationship, and of a very direct kind, then I am at loss with words."
"I would call it a mistake. One that is going to cost a lot."
Jane joined them with tea for all and some cookies. "How did it happen then in the first place?"
"I do not know. We were just dancing and ... well, it just happened. For God's sake, we spent 10 minutes together during that ball...."
Jane did not want to embarrass her sister more than necessary, "Is there anything we can do?"
Bingley answered, "I do not think so. From the legal point of view William could sue them for slander. But then they have not published anything really offending and damaging, judging from their point of view. It would take ages to finish it off with them. We could send an explaining letter, but as Elizabeth has pointed out, no one would believe her anyway. I would just like to know where they took the pictures from?"
"I ordered some pictures, but I am sure there was not one photographer from any of the newspapers," Jane pulled out the bills from the charity ball. A minute later she got hold of three receipts. "There is just one thing. I paid the three photographers to be there, but I could not afford to buy all the pictures. If anybody wanted their picture taken they would have to ask for it..."
"Dead end," sighed Elizabeth. "I just wish I knew what were their reasons in snapping and publishing this picture."
"Maybe we should consult Darcy?" proposed Charles after a moment of an awkward silence.
Elizabeth almost jumped up, "No way!"
"But he is main person involved in this business !!" Bingley was startled.
"I wanted to say that I have already seen him and ... and... What I am trying to say is that the situation is not easy for any of us. I talked with him and... and... I have decided that the best solution right now would be to quit the job." She murmured the last words.
"How is that supposed to be the best solution?" both Jane and Charles waited for an answer.
"Look, everybody thinks that I got this job because I went to bed with William. If it is not that, then they keep wondering how long it is going to take us to end up there. If I stay, then I will never have peace, they will continue writing about this, undermining the trust that our clients should have in us." She carefully observed Bingley's face and was relieved to see that he reasoning was getting through to him. Only Jane was turning her head in disbelief. Lizzy was afraid that she might say something that would gave in her true motives.
"Even if, where would you find another job? At the university?"
"University is not a bad idea, but they would not allow me to join the faculty in the middle of the term. BUT I have a different possibility. A very distant relative of ours has an office of his own. You might have heard of him - Mr. Gardiner. Of course his business is not as renowned as yours, but he has managed to earn himself quite a name. I am sure I would be more than welcome to work with him, at least for the time being."
"I am not sure if the guys are going to like that idea. Especially William. He tends to take the bull by the horns."
"I am sorry, but this is going to affect mainly me, so if you do not mind I shall write formal notice of my resignation. Actually I have better idea - fire me."
"You are going nuts! On what terms would I do that?"
"We could agree that my conduct justified immediate dismissal, that would waive my right to notice and the whole business would be over in just one day instead of two weeks."
"Sure, and I would get Darcy on my back alongside with newspapers, screaming about a case of sexual discrimination. No way. Besides that I am not the one taking decisions. William and Richard also have to agree to that."
"Both of them?" anxiously asked Elizabeth.
"No, one is enough."
"Good, then it is settled."
Two hours later Bingley parked in front of the office. He noticed that Darcy's car was still standing there. He looked up - there was some dim light, He must have stayed over again, I do not even remember when did he did it last time.
Mrs. Reynolds's file with the employees documents laid open in her desk. It was not a mystery to Bingley where he would find Elizabeth's dossier. He knocked on the door, "William?" and opened it. He rather enjoyed this very rare occasion of seeing William almost completely drunk.
Only the small amber lamp was on. Darcy with his clothes quite disheveled was shifting in his armchair with an empty glass in one hand and some papers in the other. An empty bottle stood on the desk. "What brings you here so late Charles? Aren't you supposed to be enjoying the company of Jane Bennet right now?"
"I was supposed. Instead I had to receive Elizabeth Bennet's resignation from her post."
Heavily Darcy raised from his seat and went past Bingley.
Charles stared at him, "Where are you going?"
"I need another drink."
He came back carrying another bottle with him. He resumed his seat and took the envelope from his friend's hands, immediately forgetting about him. "So, this is how you want to have it? Very well then, no regrets...," he has said to himself.
"Darcy did anything happen that I should know about?"
"I assume you have read the papers; there is nothing more that could interest you."
"I guess this was the reason why you were so pissed off during the ball? I am relieved to know that your behaviour and comments about the Bennets have a source only in your injured pride."
"My pride was not injured!!!"
"Some advice before I take you home - try to be more convincing when you are lying to your best friend. I will not bug you about what has really happened, only because Elizabeth asked me not to. Come on now, I will drive you back."
"I want to go to Pemberley!"
"I am not a Santa Claus, today it will be your London house instead!"
Chapter 23
His head was pounding. It felt like sumo fighter chose to use it as a practicing mat. He groaned, "Why did not I die yesterday?"
"Will!!!!!!!!!" he has heard Bingley running up the stairs. Darcy pulled a pillow over his head.
"Come on, get up!!!!"
"Shut up and do not speak so loudly. It is wrecking my head."
"Get up. We are going running."
"If you want to kill me, why do not you choose a more humane way?" he whined. There was no answer. Darcy moved the pillow and opened one eye. The room was empty. He closed his eyes and tried to get a grip on himself.
The floor cracked but before he managed to react there was a jar of cold water splashed on his head. He jumped up and tripped over the sheet. Lying on the floor he said, "Bingley, I AM going to kill you!"
"This is pay back time for all the hellish mornings you used to give me and Rich at the university."
"You were supposed to get ready for exams, not doing drinking marathons! You are not serious.... You are not going to....."
"Yes, we are going to repeat all the points of your schedule. Boy, this is going to be fun. Get up. First we are going jogging. You might wish to take an aspirin beforehand."
If Darcy's neighbours were getting at such an early hour, they would have witnessed quite an interesting scene. Charles Bingley sitting comfortably behind the wheel of his car was slowly driving along the pavement. A couple of meters behind, William Darcy was following him on his last legs. Of course Bingley could not deny himself the pleasure of playing with the horn a couple of times to quicken Darcy's pace.
....Three Hours Later
"Charles, how much more?" Darcy stopped and held tight to the edge of the swimming pool.
"Five more laps and you can have your breakfast," grinned Bingley from behind the newspaper. He was sitting in the shade, reading a newspaper, and sipping his drink. "If it is going to cheer you up a bit, the Herald Tribune is not writing about your misconduct."
"Oh, just shut up, will you?" came the answer.
A couple of minutes later Darcy, quite breathless, threw himself on a chair next to Bingley. He drank thirstily and started eating. His glass was already empty so he swiftly grabbed Charles's glass. He took a sip and immediately spited it out on the floor. "What is this stuff?"
"Bison vodka with apple juice. It is made in Poland. They have this special kind of grass that they put in the bottle to give vodka proper taste and colour. It is excellent and it does not give you hangover. Are you ready?"
"What for?"
"We still have to go back to the office so that you can sign Elizabeth's notice.'
"I am not sure if that's what I want to do..."
"I do not care how you feel. You owe her at least that much!" Bingley lost his patience and pushed Darcy back into the swimming pool. "I see you need some more cooling down. I have had enough of you! She is the first woman that appeared by your side in the last couple of years that has not been driven by money. God!!! Even my sister has little pound notes in her eyes when she looks at man. It slipped out of Elizabeth's mouth that it would not have hurt so much, if at least some of it were true. You did not suffer a blow. She is going to loose her job, reputation and prospects for any kind of career except in some relative's office. Grow up, Darcy!!!!" and with that he left banging the doors behind him.
"I didn't say I am not going to sign it, I only said that it is not what I really would like to do!!!!" cried out William after Charles.
Darcy tried to collect himself. Something was stinking in this business, something was stinking really badly, something was not right. He changed his clothes in a flash and drove to the office. The sour smell of alcohol hit his nostrils on opening the doors. It was the first time he considered that he got carried away a little, .... all right, maybe a bit more than a little. After opening the windows, removing the bottles and the glasses, and cleaning his desk he finally settled down with her dossier, a copy of the "Daily ****", and her notice. He went through the article once more, carefully examining every word. He started having doubts. There were too many things mentioned that Elizabeth did not have any idea of. She would have had to trace his life from newspapers and the first time they have met she even did not know who he was. All right maybe she sent the picture. But they were together for 10 minutes or so, it was not planned, they were taken by surprise. He was looking at the picture in the newspaper, and this wonderful moment came back to him in flashbacks. He knew that she had felt it too, he could see it in her eyes. Sweeter than wine, softer than the summer's night. He wanted her so much, he would do anything to get her. Everything he had done turned out bad.
William recklessly tried to convince himself that he had grounds to act the way he did. He opened the dossier and stared at the picture of a smiling face. He contrasted it with the picture embedded in his mind since yesterday evening. Disbelief, suffering, tears,.... she was not pretending. Yesterday he thought it had been some kind of game to make him crawl at her feet, today he could only curse himself. What did she say that he did not deserve? Well, she did say something he did not deserve, he could definitely explain Wickham to her. In fact he had to warn her, for sure this %&^^$ lied to her about everything. It hurt him even more to even imagine how George Wickham pictured him. He opened his computer and started writing:
Message to: ebennet@fiction.ac.uk.Subject: Explanation of Wickham's story
Message transcript follows from wildar@pemberley.com 158.35.46.290
Please, be not alarmed upon receiving this message. It does not contain any repetition of those sentiments, or renewal of those offers, which were last night so disgusting to you. I have to admit that my conduct indeed deserved no better treatment than it received. You must pardon me the freedom with which I demand your attention; your feelings, I know, have been more than trampled upon, but I do demand it of your justice to hear me out. If I hurt you yesterday, I want you to know that your words had a similar effect on me.
First of all I want to explain to you the things that drove me to such conclusions about you, that they excuse the way I addressed you last night. I write without any intention of paining you, rather with the wish of humbling myself because of what I have said. It had not been long after I met you that I started holding you in the highest esteem. Both you and your sister have conducted yourselves in the most pleasing manner, however my suspicions were aroused by the total want of propriety so loudly betrayed by your mother. As she was speaking of you, I had every right to suspect some kind of plan. No surprise that when the article was published and it so obviously condemned me, I was sure you had something to do with it. I was in turmoil while speaking to you. Only now I started realising that because of your character and principles, you would never be able to commit such an act, also there were too many things mentioned which you had no idea of. Still, even my worst suspicions do not justify my conduct. My behaviour was exactly of the kind that the "Daily" would be delighted to write about. On reading the article I was too blinded by the obviousness of its statements to apply my better judgment. It was unpardonable of me.
There are more things I owe to explain to you, but I guess it would be simply dwelling upon my dearest wish of securing your forgiveness. Knowing your sentiments towards me, I do not dare bring them up in fear they might only hurt you. For all, there is but one thing especially you have said that I cannot let go without a comment. Upon refusing me you have accused me that in defiance of honour and humanity I ruined the immediate prosperity, and blasted the prospects of George Wickham. Of what he has particularly accused me I am ignorant, I can only clear myself from whatever wrong doings he charged me with by laying before you the whole of his connection with my family..."
Two hours later he was still writing. It was hard to put down all those painful memories, it had to be done however. He already knew that Elizabeth would not do any of what he accused her of, now he could only try to amend some of his actions. Actually it was the first time he confided in anybody so much. Yes, he was quite close with Rich, and Charles was his best friend, but they only knew of him as much as he was willing to reveal. He would not speak of himself unless he was asked to. For years he learnt to trust himself only and rely on no one. And now he was pouring out some his dearest memories and secrets to a woman who expressed her sentiments to him with a slap a night before. He finished writing and sent the message immediately. He knew very well that if he started reading it again and correcting himself, it would lose it's authenticity, and it was the only thing that could protect him from degrading himself more in her eyes. He only started realising what he has done. This would be too much to face her, but it would be even worse to lose her entirely. Yet he was grateful, she could have used every single word he said against him, instead of gracefully walking away and quitting her job. It also made him feel guilty.
On Sunday morning Elizabeth awoke without such fluster in her feelings as the night before. She has called home to talk to her father yesterday. She could always rely on him. Mr. Bennet treated the whole situation with much stoicism and calm. He listened patiently when Lizzy explained to him that she was in no relationship with William Darcy, that she did not feel anything for him. Mr. Bennet was a wise man and understood immediately she was not telling him the whole truth. He pretended he was oblivious to some facts, but he could not stop himself from teasing her a bit.
"Be careful, my child, you know how it is: if you want to convince a woman that she's in love, all you have to do is to make her think about the man at least once a day. By two weeks' time not only she will believe herself strongly attached to him, but she will not be able to remember the time when she denied him all those feelings."
"Dad, if you only knew what he has told me you would not imply such a thing! He accused me of fabricating this article!!!"
"But have you thought of why he reacted so violently?"
"Of course, he was afraid about his reputation."
"Hmmm ..... your mother always buys the "Daily" and she delights in torturing me with reading out loud all the scandals and gossip. Believe me, there were much worse things published about him, and I have never heard about him reacting violently to any of those calamities. I am sure he had his reasons. ... In fact, people in love are capable of hurting the loved ones beyond comprehension. As some Eastern poet said - they kill you without taking your life."
Elizabeth turned around in her warm bed, wrapping herself tightly in the blanket. She thought of the previous evening. She was happy about talking to her father, although she was a bit irritated by his quotations and advice based on experiences of imaginary characters. She contemplated it more and admitted it was not a real reason. She was not angered by his approach - he always related to literature. She was angered because he took pains to understand William Darcy.
Soon Elizabeth got up to help Jane pack for a trip to Puerto Rico with Charles Bingley. Jane received an invitation to visit a centre with a similar programme over there, and Charles decided this was what he wanted to spend his money on. They were taking the company's plane on Monday and leaving for two weeks. Some time ago they planned a farewell evening in a small pub together with William, Richard and Caroline. Elizabeth was invited but she decided she would feel awkward. She would be working with them for just two more weeks. Charlotte was going instead of her, as the one who would be in charge during Jane's absence.
A dull Sunday morning started changing into even duller afternoon when Elizabeth noticed her computer was looking a bit desolate. She did not have time to check her mail in the last couple of days. She opened the file and logged in. The in-box was packed. The programme started transferring the mail to a file on her hard disc when the door bell rang. She ran up and greeted George Wickham.
He embraced her and kissed her cheek, "I missed you Lizzy."
"It is good to see you again. I will get us something to drink, if you could go to my room and make sure my computer is logged out? I finally had to check my mail."
"Sure, but come back really fast. I have brought you something to cheer you up a bit."
"In a flash..," the last sentence was spoken from the kitchen.
George went to Elizabeth's room and stared at the monitor for a while. If there was one thing he hated, it was computers. They were always breaking down, his floppy disks had errors, booting usually failed, the monitor was going blank, and the last time he went for a blind date with a girl he had a couple of hot conversations in an Internet chat-room with, she turned out to be "a mother of two, cat lover, ecologically conscious" and worst of all - decent!
He looked down at the messages that kept appearing on the screen: a search string for documents in from the Oxford Boldean library, messages from Literature discussion group members, a chain letter, an explanation from William Dar....!!!! In panic George searched for the mouse, "Where is that damn thing?" he heard Lizzy approaching with a tray. Almost in the last moment he clicked the delete icon. He bit his lip when the watch appeared on the screen, "Faster! Bloody hell!!!" He turned around to her and tried to smile. "George, are you all right?"
"Yes, I have been just wondering how can I begin my explanations. I tried to stop them from publishing that article, but they wouldn't let such an occasion go. I had already been assigned to go to Manchester, so I could only ask a friend of mine too soften the article to your advantage."
"Wait a second, where did that article came from in the first place?!"
"I might try to find out for you, our editor brought down the pictures and the text, he got them by mail. I'm tellin' you Lizzy, whoever wrote this, HE must hate you. There was not a single good word about you in it. Even our editor, who usually takes delight in all the dirt thought it too much. In fact I was not as shocked by the article as I was by the picture... I did not know how to take it."
"George, please, it is not what you think! It happened during the ball, by surprise, before I have even met you.'
Wickham had a really sad face, "He does not waste his chances. I know it is not your fault, he used you, this man already took so much away from me that..."
Lizzy didn't quite know what to expect next. She was flattered by his attentions, but she did not feel ready to expect anything else, so she was relieved to see Charlotte come in. She insisted on her friend staying with them. Wickham became his jovial self, cracking jokes, telling them about Manchester. He brought two Manchester United T-shirts signed by the captain of the team. At first he intended to give one to Lizzy and keep one for himself, but he could not neglect and ignore her best friend, no matter how much he wished she had rather stayed away and had already married famous Mr. Collins.
Jane collected Charlotte and set off for an evening in a pub. A wide, sleazy smile spread on Wickham's face when he has heard the door close behind the girls...