Section I, Next Section
Chapter 1
The crowd had thinned to only a few dedicated supporters by the time Channel 4 News declared Charles Bingley the next congressman of Minnesota's First Congressional District. The man to which all the good and bad fortune this title bestows, sat silently in a corner while his guests clapped and shouted their winning cheers. The unassuming blond man stood up and made his way to the podium in the front of the room. He walked through torn red and white streamers, stepped over deflated balloons and shook hands with friends along the way. As good as he was at keeping intelligent conversation with individuals, he always dreaded speaking to a large group. The clapping and hollering did not help ease his discomfort.
"Not five minutes ago," he began. "I was declared the winner of our congressional race."
The clapping began before he had even pronounced his last two words and continued for what seemed like hours. Bingley, determined not to show his fatigue in front of his supporters, smiled and waved while motioning his eldest sister to the platform where he stood. Anyone who was paying attention would have seen Miss Bingley's pride and air of sophistication as she climbed the two stairs and approached her brother. She smiled with triumph and held her chin high as she grabbed her brother's hand. She thought of her victory and how envious her friends would be when she and her brother moved to Washington, DC, where she would be the Lady of his home, hosting parties for dignitaries and the President perhaps! She, who was never able to go to college or marry, so she could work to help send her brother to law school after their parents died. She felt this was partial payment for the sacrifices she undertook to make her brother what he is today; Congressman Bingley. Her final payment will be her marriage to Congressman Darcy, Bingley's high school friend and now, colleague in the United States House of Representatives. Sometimes she could actually hear "Hail to the Chief" in her head while picturing her life in the White House. Sure, it would take some work to convince Darcy to run, but right now she was more interested in getting him to propose.
As the applause died down, Caroline's head cleared and she focused on her brother's need for her company on the platform. She, of course, figured it was to publicly thank her for single-handedly securing his election and his future.
"Neighbors, contributors, supporters.....friends," Bingley began. "Thank you for your generous support and well wishes. I appreciate every hour you spent campaigning, every envelope you stuffed and every dollar you raised. Your generosity can never be repaid. I only hope that I will be able to live up to the standards of the citizens of Minnesota's First Congressional District."
Following the explosion of applause that followed this brief speech, he turned to Caroline and smiled. Her heart jumped as she waited for the praise she had imagined for the past six months.
"And now I would like to recognize my family who has helped me tremendously in the past few months. They have stood by my side and supported me and my dreams of serving you. My sister Louisa Hurst, her husband Jeffrey and of course my dear sister Caroline."
Caroline took an especially low curtsey and stepped towards the microphone to give the speech she practiced that very morning. She reminded herself to keep it short by not mentioning the actual campaign staff, but only highlight her personal contributions. However, before Caroline could step in front of her brother, Charles gave her a large hug and announced that Caroline would be coordinating the election party clean up crews immediately after his speech and would appreciate any help that could be provided.
Horrified, Caroline stomped down the stairs and sat next to her sister at the front table. She was sure that Elizabeth Bennet had suggested she do this demeaning job and purposely dissuaded him from showing a grand display of thanks towards her.
"That is just like that conniving child," Caroline whispered to her sister Louisa. "She wants all the glory for herself."
Louisa only smiled a reply and finally assured Caroline that Miss Bennet will feel her defeat when it is announced that her husband, Jeffrey, is to be Bingley's chief of staff in Washington. Caroline rejoiced in this plan and was assured that Mr. Hurst's interest in this job would be short-lived and she would surely succeed him in the job. She ran this scenario through her mind and smiled while forgetting about her brother's slight towards her.
Campaign festivities around the country were drawing many news cameras and reporters to victory parties. But none attracted the patchwork of local, national and international press as did the joint reelection victory parties of Congressman William Darcy and Governor Edgar Philips. When Congressman Darcy was first elected two years ago, the two political figures joined forces to help obtain a Republican leadership in the Minnesota Congressional delegation. They were toasting their small success of winning over the First Congressional District when Mrs. Philips tapped on the door of room 252 at the St. Paul Hotel. Inside she found her husband and Congressman Darcy discussing the possibility of taking a U.S. Senate seat in the year 2000. She automatically walked over to the bed, picked up her husband's suit coat and helped him into it. He was a successful and brilliant politician, but could never remember to hang up his coat so it wouldn't wrinkle.
"Honey, WCCO radio would like to interview you both in the ballroom. I told them you would be right out, so please try not to make me out a liar," Mrs. Phillips said with a grin.
"Darling, I would no sooner want to make you out a liar than I would want to face your parents for doing just that!" Mr. Phillips said between gulps of his brandy.
Mrs. Phillips rolled her laughing eyes and opened the door.
"Congressman, I believe that's our cue. Shall we?"
"By all means Governor, you first."
When the interview was finished the Governor and Congressman walked into the large ballroom filled with enthusiastic supporters who all felt as if history was in the making right before their very eyes. Every pair of hands were clapping and every set of feet were stomping the floor which created a campaign camera background that could not have been bought.
"This is Amy Shannon reporting from the St. Paul Hotel where Congressman Darcy and Governor Philips are now preparing to give their victory speeches for reelection to their respective offices. The crowd seems to be welcoming not only this election victory, but the possible presidential victory the two are hoped to be a shoe-in to win. There is no doubt that at this very minute, printing machines have begun to assemble signs and bumper stickers to be ready for the long awaited announcement of Congressman Darcy's bid for president in the year 2000. In fact, we have received confidential information from a campaign insider which confirms that the congressman will run for president with Governor Philips slated for the vice-president's spot. Now, let's listen in on their victory speeches."
"My fellow Minnesotans, please let me be the first person to welcome you to the first step of obtaining a Republican-majority ruled Congressional Delegation in the history of the state of Minnesota. I must tell you that I am proud of every single person in this room! You put in countless hours to help Minnesota become a republican state," Governor Phillips paused here to let the excitement grow. "And you were able to stay up till 2am tonight just to hear my lousy speech!" The crowded ballroom broke into a mixture of laughing and cheering as the Governor passed the microphone to Darcy.
Generally a man of few words, if any, Congressman Darcy felt uneasy with a microphone in his hand. He had never been given the gift of public speaking or even the gift of conversation. He dreaded speaking to anyone besides his family members and usually had every word written down in front of him when making a speech. This one quality he lacked never seemed a problem for his friend Charles Bingley. The two had attended Jefferson High School in Bloomington, MN and never lost touch through college. However after Darcy emerged from the U of M with a degree in Political Science and Public Administration, he had become too involved in developing his political career to keep in touch with friends. But two years ago at his high school reunion, Darcy became fast friends with Charles Bingley again.
Fortunately, last summer Darcy had been able to convince his friend to take a break from his law practice in Rochester and run for Congress. It had taken some convincing to persuade Charles to take the plunge. Strangely, his sister Caroline was helpful in pointing out the advantages and in the end, finally convinced her brother to declare his candidacy.
The roar of the crowd finally died down and Darcy snapped out of his trance. He still had to say a few words and tried to remember who he should express special thanks to. He was always ill prepared for these occasions and essentially thanked his supporters and his sister Georgiana.
Caroline sat at the edge of her seat, partly waiting for her brother to announce his choice of chief of staff, but also to have a better view of Elizabeth Darcy's face when she heard the announcement that would send her crashing to the ground.
"My friends," Bingley yelled into the microphone. "I wish to recognize one more very special person who helped me win this election. She has been supportive of my ideas, and very critical of them at times," Bingley smiled. "Please help me thank my one and only, indispensable campaign manager and hopefully, if she accepts, my Chief of Staff, Elizabeth Bennet."
The look that crossed Elizabeth's face was not the look of horror and despair that Caroline had imagined. However, if she had been holding a mirror, she would have seen the look she hoped for on her own face.
Chapter 2
Bingley quickly left the elevator when it reached the first floor and briskly walked to room 103. Upon arriving, he nearly bumped into a most beautiful young lady who he decided would make a charming dinner partner if Darcy happened to have plans. After he finished picking up the papers the young lady dropped, Bingley was startled to see that he was about to make a pass at his best friends sister!
"Charles!" cried the young woman. "Or should I say Congressman Bingley."
"Georgiana?" Bingley stuttered. "What, who...is that really you in there?"
"Charles, of course it's me. Didn't Will tell you I was going to Georgetown?" She smiled. "I'm nearly 19 years old now. The last time you saw me I was 16!"
"My goodness, have you grown!" Bingley said while trying to forget he ever thought about dating her. He reminded his hormones that she was a child. A silly little child.
The two hugged quickly and stepped into the front office.
"Charles, let me introduce you to Charlotte Lucas," Georgiana said while gesturing towards her friend. "Charlotte is one of Will's legislative assistants. She keeps track of a few of his committees and helps advise him on how to vote. Of course Will never listens to her or anyone else!" Georgiana smiled.
"I am pleased to meet you Miss Lucas," Bingley said while giving a small bow. "Did you know that there are attendants in the elevators that push the floor buttons for you?"
"Of course Charles," chimed in Georgiana. "How else is Congress going to spend my taxes?" she laughed.
"Just wait until one of the staff appropriation bills are held up in committee. Then you'll have to push your own buttons for a couple days," Charlotte said before blushing at the insinuation she blurted out.
"Oh, I didn't....I mean, that the attendants.....um, push their buttons; not yours!" she tried desperately to explain.
"Miss Lucas, please do not be embarrassed, there is nothing in the world that I find more satisfying than when someone else is there to push my buttons for me!" he laughed while trying to make her feel less embarrassed.
"Please call me Char, I really prefer it," Charlotte said after wiping away the tears she shed from laughing.
"OK, Char, you may call me Bingley, Charles or Congressman if you prefer." The two shared a flirty laugh while Georgiana excused herself to take a telephone call.
"By the way is Darcy around?" Bingley asked while fiddling with a paperweight he found on her desk.
"Yes, he came in about ten minutes ago. He's locked himself in his office again."
"Does he do that often?" Bingley inquired.
"Well, ever since his father died last year he pretty much keeps to himself."
Bingley glanced anxiously at the clock and realized that it was 1 o'clock and he was hungry. He thought about asking Charlotte to have lunch with him in the Members Dining Room but quickly thought against it. He remembered that he was to meet his sisters there for lunch in 15 minutes.
After Georgiana returned from her phone call, Bingley requested that they both attend his welcome party fund-raiser at the Capital Hill Club that evening. He shook Charlotte's hand once again and emphasized the invitation before heading to Darcy's office.
"Come in!" yelled Congressman Darcy from behind his massive oak door that lead into his office.
Bingley heard the gruff voice and hesitantly turned the door knob and walked into the dark office.
"Darcy, why don't you turn some lights on in here? If I didn't know you better, I'd think you were a vampire."
"Maybe I am!" Darcy said with a growl. "I just don't want to see anyone right now."
Bingley sat down on the couch ad stared at his long-time friend. Darcy put his feet on his desk and reclined to stare at the ceiling. "Are you here to get lessons on how to be a congressman?" Darcy asked with an impatient voice.
"No, I don't particularly like your way of being a congressman," Bingley said while trying to lighten the mood. He turned his attention to an aerial photo of the Mall of America hanging on the wall. "So, have you ever been to this monstrous mall?"
"When they opened it. I wasn't elected yet, but Georgiana wanted to go."
Charles sat staring at the door debating whether he should leave or not. He saw there was no use in staying in the depressing office and didn't want to be late for lunch with his family. Caroline would complain and Charles hated to disappoint her.
"Darcy, I need to get going. I have to meet Louisa and Caroline for lunch. Would you like to join us?"
For the first time during the conversation Darcy had a grin on his face. "No Bingley, you go and greet your sisters for me. I'm afraid seeing Caroline would ruin my appetite."
While reaching for the door knob, Bingley remembered his party that evening. "Darcy, I would really like you to come to my fund-raiser tonight at the Capitol Hill Club. I would appreciate you introducing me to your colleagues. And of course, my new chief of staff will be there. I know you will just love Elizabeth as much as I do."
Darcy sat up straight and looked directly at his best friend. He had never mentioned a new love interest in his life and certainly should not have hired her if they were involved. "Charles, I don't think you should have hired your girlfriend!"
"My girlfriend!" Laughed Bingley. "She's not my girlfriend. She's just very nice and sweet. I never can figure out how she became so agreeable while having Jonathon and Fanny Bennet for parents."
"They are her parents and you hired her!" Bellowed Darcy. "Why didn't you consult me about this before you made that decision? I suppose she's just out of college too," Darcy said with a cynical laugh.
"Actually she did graduate from the U of M last year. But she is a capable, hard-working young women who would do anything for me," Bingley defended.
"I thought we agreed that Jeffrey Hurst would be your chief of staff. He's older and more experienced," Darcy growled.
"That may be so, but Elizabeth has fresh ideas and that's what I like. I don't want my office run like every other congressman!" Bingley said in a raised tone.
"Fine!" Darcy yelled back. "I'll see you tonight."
"See you tonight!" Bingley said while closing the door. He checked himself before he turned to say good-bye to Charlotte. It was very rare for him to raise his voice at anyone and wanted to make sure she had not heard his outburst through the door. He found her sitting at her desk and waited until she hung up the telephone to press his invitation to her again.
"Charlotte, I hope you do come to my fund-raiser tonight. I don't want to be stuck talking to a bunch of boring politicians. I certainly would appreciate your lively company when it gets dull," Bingley said while stepping close to her.
Charlotte's heart skipped a beat and she was afraid he may see she was suddenly nervous. Calm down Char, she mentally told herself. He is a congressman and you just met him five minutes ago.
"Of course I will be there congressman. What time does it start?" she asked while trying not to blush.
"7 o'clock. And I'll wait at the door for you," he said while heading for the hallway. "I also think we have a mutual acquaintance who will be glad to see you tonight."
"Who?" she asked.
"Oh, let's just wait till I surprise you!" He said after winking at the startled and very smitten woman.
Chapter 3
It has never been said that Charles Bingley was a flirt with the women, but Congressman Darcy was beginning to wonder about his best friend's motives. As he stood near the bar by himself, he could not help but notice that Bingley made it a point to shake every woman's hand warmly and pat every man on the shoulder as they arrived at his fund-raiser. Darcy wouldn't admit it if his pride would even have allowed it, but he secretly admired his friend's talent of conversation and ease at making women feel comfortable in his company.
His thoughts were interrupted by the voice of Caroline Bingley who had snuck up from behind.
"I think I can guess the subject of your daydreams,"
"I should imagine not," he replied.
"You are considering how unguarded my brother displays his warm affections towards new acquaintances and especially towards women he has little history with," Caroline stated in the 'high society' vocabulary she always used when conversing with Darcy.
"Your assumption is wrong, Caroline. My mind was more agreeably engaged," he said while mocking her jargon. "I was thinking to myself what a great talent your brother has to make friends so easily. He is so at ease with everyone, it's no wonder he won his election."
"Yes," she replied. "But such a constant display of affection applied 'willy-nilly' could get him in trouble some day. Especially in his political career."
Darcy smiled at her departure from 'society' with the use of the word willy-nilly. He was sure the sour look on her face was the result of her realization of her mistake. However, he decided that she always portrayed some sort of sour look and could not be sure if she was embarrassed with her words.
"I don't think that it will be his abundance of affection that he shows his acquaintances that will put an end to his career," Darcy said after a while.
Caroline, who was always interested in Darcy's thoughts quickly asked him to elaborate.
"I fear his staffing choices leave something to be desired."
"Ah, yes. You are speaking of his latest choice of Miss Bennet as chief of staff," Caroline said with glee. She always enjoyed finding a subject that the two agreed on. She hoped it would make Darcy realize that they were on the same wavelength emotionally and romantically.
The two stood together watching Charles greet his guests for quite some time. They noticed that every once in a while he would strain his neck and look around the corner. Darcy wondered who he was waiting for.
His question was answered while he was drinking his second brandy. Bingley suddenly seemed to nearly jump off the floor when one of Darcy's own legislative assistants walked through the door. Bingley took Charlotte's hand and shook it slowly and for, from Darcy's point of view, a very inappropriate amount of time.
He wondered how Bingley knew her since he himself had never introduced the two. He glanced at Caroline who, again, had a very sour expression pasted on her face.
"Miss Lucas!" Bingley said with a hint of excitement. "I am so glad you came. This party is just getting warmed up. May I get you a drink."
"Oh, yes please," she answered while being lead by the hand to the bar.
"What would you like Char?" Bingley asked.
"Oh, just a Coke please," she responded while catching her boss' eye. She was not a drinker by habit and rarely drank anything harder than wine, but she did feel uncomfortable about drinking in front of her boss.
"A Coke? Is that all? May I offer you a glass of champagne?" Bingley pushed. "This party is a celebration of my election and, I would dare say, of leading me to meet you."
Speechless, Charlotte accepted the champagne glass he handed to her. Never in her life has a man ever spoken to her with such admiration and given such compliments. She knew she was quite plain. Nothing in her facial features or composure really set her apart from any other women one might see. She usually wore no makeup and left her hair to do as it pleased. This is not to say she did not make sure she always looked presentable, but she never put any thought to her appearance. Coincidentally, she had taken Georgiana's advice and visited a salon over the weekend to help her 'spruce herself up'. She figured that since they were beginning a new Congressional session, she would try to be a new Charlotte Lucas.
Before she realized she had walked across the room, Bingley was introducing her to his sister.
"Charlotte, I would like to introduce you to my sister Caroline. Caroline, this is Charlotte Lucas. She is from Burnsville, Minnesota and has worked for Darcy for the past two years. Before that she worked for Governor Philips at the state capitol."
Stunned and unable to form the words to find out how he knew so much about her, Charlotte took a sip of her champagne. Misreading the inquisitive look on her boss' face, she set the champagne glass down on a table and vowed not to let Charles give her any more.
Darcy was by no means angry that Charlotte was drinking a glass of champagne at the moment. He was however questioning the fact that she and Charles were still holding hands!
Chapter 4
After dropping Caroline off at her hotel, Charles and Darcy directed the taxi driver to their apartment in Dupont Circle. As they drove down Constitution Avenue, Charles stared out the window at the White House. He nearly pinched himself to really find out if he was indeed a congressman. His change of employment had not only changed his life, but also his sister's life. He would be spending most weekends back at home in Rochester which makes having a large house in D.C. out-of-the-question. Somehow he had to break the news to Caroline. He knew she had her heart set on having a large house in Georgetown to host parties and teas with other congressional wives. But, during his 'freshman orientation' he learned that most of the congressional spouses live back in the home district while the Congressional Members lived in studio apartments or shared apartments and row houses with fellow Members. She would be disappointed, but he had to tell her.
"Darcy," Charles said without taking his eyes off the president's residence. "You know Caroline wants to move here to keep house for me don't you?"
"That's all she's been talking about for the last two months," Darcy said with a smile. He quickly thought how fortunate it was that his friend had won his seat in Congress, otherwise his sister would heighten her campaign to gain him as a husband.
"Why do you ask?"
"Well, I'm trying to find a way to tell Caroline that she has to go home soon and, well, stay there," Bingley said quietly.
"I don't know what to tell ya. She doesn't like to listen to anything she doesn't want to hear. You'll just have to be firm," Darcy said with a smile. He knew Caroline had already been out house-hunting and wanted to surprise Charles when she found the perfect one. He decided to stay out of this drama and maybe dig into another. He knew this was as good a time as any to prod his friend about his sudden interest in Miss Lucas.
"Charles, when did you meet Charlotte?" Darcy asked while trying not to seem pushy.
"This morning in your office. Georgiana introduced me," Charles responded between daydreams. "Don't you think she is a lovely woman?"
"Oh, yes I do. There is no one in the world I think is more lovely," Darcy smiled. "However, I just hope we are both talking about the same girl. My sister Georgiana."
"Oh, yes she's nice too. But there's something different in Charlotte. I can see the dreams in her eyes. Her eyes say more than her mouth ever will."
"Well, I think you should keep you're eyes on your work for now," Darcy responded. "It just wouldn't look good if you were running around with some girl the day you arrive in Washington."
Bingley thought about that statement for a few moments before responding. He knew Darcy was trying to protect him from the gossip that always began when new flesh is thrown onto Capitol Hill, but he also trusted his friend's advise and didn't want to seem ungrateful.
"Darcy, we have known each other for quite a few years. We belonged to the same fraternity and lived in the same apartment for three years. Now have you ever known me to 'run around' with any girl?" he asked with a grin.
"Well, no. Now that you mention it, I think you dated only one girl during college and that only lasted about three weeks. So what happened?" Darcy asked with a grin.
"You may want to believe that I have turned into some sort of a cad, but I've been re-evaluating my life lately," Charles said with a sigh. "I mean I live with my sister for goodness sakes!"
Darcy stifled a laugh and tried desperately to look hurt. "I lived with my sister until just this past fall. Does that make me desperate too?"
Bingley, believing he had hurt his friends feelings, covered his face with his hands and rested his elbows on his knees. "I'm sorry Darcy, I think I just let myself go tonight, I thought I could be a 'new Charles' and be more fun. I'm tired of being a dull, boring attorney."
"You're not dull Charles, just a little naive in the world. Just try to tone down your 'new personality', and be yourself. I always did envy your ease with people, just try not to touch everyone you see!" Darcy said with a laugh.
"I get your meaning, but what should I do about Charlotte. What if she does like me?"
"Well, do you like her?" Darcy asked hoping to hear that Charles didn't.
"I don't really know. I mean I don't feel any electricity when I am with her," Charles admitted. "Do you think you're supposed to feel electricity?"
Of course he didn't believe in the 'electricity' lovers rumored to feel, but he didn't want to dissuade his friend from forgetting about Charlotte. "I hear that is the only way to know that you are truly in love," Darcy said. "I just don't want to see you get hurt. Charlotte isn't exactly sociable. She's shy and rarely goes anywhere except work. When I first hired her, I thought she always hung around the office because she wanted to climb the ladder, so-to-speak. But I came to realize that work is her life and she has no interest in love and romance," Darcy explained to his friend. "Just promise me you will slow your advances towards her. Find out how you really feel, and how she feels."
"Yes, I guess you're right. I can't force myself to love someone. But I just wish I wasn't having spring fever in the middle of the winter!"
Chapter 5
Charles chalked this up as another benefit for members of Congress and mounted the marble stairs to the fourth floor. When he arrived in his office he was obviously out of breath.
"Congressman, did you jog over here?" Elizabeth kidded while filling a cup of water. "Here, drink this and next time take the elevator."
"I can't," he panted. "I can't get used to having someone else sitting in there with me. I just think it's dumb that I can't even push my own floor button."
"I'm sure they will let you if you really want to Charles," she laughed.
"You think I'm funny now don't you?" he asked while taking a seat at his desk. "So what's on my schedule?"
Elizabeth proceeded to rattle off his appointments for the day.
"Well, you have a meeting with the Speaker at 9:30 to discuss your interest in serving on the Agriculture Committee. Then at 10:00 you need to be in room L426 for Science Committee, Michael will meet you there. At noon you are having lunch with your sister Caroline at the Capitol Club but you have to be back here at 1:15 for a school photo which will have to be done by 1:30 because Stan Murphy from the Star Tribune wants to interview you. Oh and by the way, the Rochester Post Bulletin wants to have a reporter shadow you for a day next week."
Charles stared at his chief of staff in amazement. Never in his life had he been so confused about one day of his life.
"Elizabeth, could you try to schedule something in for me?"
"Yes congressman, I can pencil it in."
"Could you 'pen in' that I will be taking a break to BREATHE sometime today!!??"
"Well, it can't be right now. You have to go to the Member's Dining Room to have breakfast with the other freshman members," she laughed.
After Elizabeth finished explaining to Charles that L425 was a room in the Longborn House Office Building next door, that Michael was the new legislative assistant he hired last week, and set him on his way with a highlighted map of his destinations, she pulled up her sleeves and started to unpack the office. She was teetering on the top step of a ladder when Charlotte entered with a bouquet of flowers.
"Elizabeth, I hope I'm not bothering you!" Charlotte laughed.
Elizabeth, who was taken by surprise, dropped the photo she was about to hang. "Charlotte, how did you know I was here?" she asked while leaping off the ladder.
"Congressman Bingley told me. He thought you would be at his party last night. He said he had a surprise for me."
"A surprise. And he meant me?" she asked.
"Yes, he was so disappointed when you didn't show up."
"Well, that couldn't be avoided. Too much to do here," Elizabeth said. "Are those for me?"
When presented with the question regarding the flowers she was holding, Charlotte felt too silly to tell her friend that they were for Charles. "Yes, of course!" Charlotte lied enthusiastically. "I wanted to congratulate you on your new job."
"Thank you. I would never have expected it." Elizabeth said.
"Well, you deserve it," Charlotte said as warmly as she could. In fact she was quite envious of her friends achievement. Charlotte had always hoped to be a chief of staff or even move up her own office ladder. She had started for Congressman Darcy as a staff assistant and was promoted about four months later. But after being in D.C. for two years, she's realized that most of the positions on Capitol Hill are dead end jobs.
"Elizabeth," she finally said. "How long have you know Congressman Bingley?"
"Oh, about two years I guess. I met him at one of uncle Philip's parties. I guess he really liked me because we ended up talking all night."
"You never dated him did you," Charlotte asked without thinking.
Elizabeth was amused with her friends accusation and was aware that Charles had spent a lot of time with Charlotte last night. "No, he just liked the way I thought. He called me fresh and idealistic. I guess that's why he asked me to be his campaign manager."
"Oh," was all Charlotte could say. She was too embarrassed to ask any more questions.
"Hey, do you want to get lunch?" Elizabeth asked. "I'm starved!"
Chapter 6
The weekend finally arrived and Charles was determined to see the sights.
"Darcy, why don't we go tour the Smithsonian tomorrow. I certainly don't want to waste my first Saturday working."
Darcy never liked touring anything unless it had to do with the Revolutionary or Civil Wars. "I think I have a meeting tomorrow. Besides, don't you have to bring Caroline to the airport in the morning?"
"Well yes, but I'll be back by 9:00am. Come on Darcy, let's live a little."
"I have already lived without seeing any of the Smithsonian Museums, thank you very much!"
Charles, knowing that Darcy believed he had won said, "Well, that's fine. Maybe I'll call Charlotte. I'm sure she would be a very nice tour guide."
Charles noticed that a small scowl had appeared on his friend's face, but still Darcy didn't say a word.
"I could ask Elizabeth Bennet to come too. We could double date."
Nothing.....
"Of course we should have a chaperone, how about I ask Mrs. Fanny Bennet to baby-sit us?" Charles said meekly.
"If you ask any of the Bennet family to come within 20 feet of me, I will take you before the House Ethics Committee and bring you up on charges of treason. And Charlotte Lucas will be working tomorrow!!" Darcy bellowed. "I guess I will just have to go with you!"
"Elizabeth," Jane Bennet called from her walk-in closet. "It's time to get up. You promised to tour the White House and take me on the floor of the House Chambers."
Elizabeth rolled over in her warm, comfortable bed and wondered how many glasses of wine she drank last night. It was hard to remember. She and Jane had been unpacking their apartment when Charlotte paid an unexpected call. A very messy spaghetti dinner and two romance movies later, the three girls had decided to unpack the kitchen and have a good old fashioned 'girl talk' session.
Charlotte had stopped by to ask Elizabeth a few more questions about Congressman Bingley. She wondered what kind of man Charles was. She wondered if he ever talked about her. She needed to understand why he had not spoken to her since the evening of his party. That was three days ago, and she was desperate to know if he liked her at all.
It seemed as though for the past two months, she's been seeing a different Charlotte than she remembered. Until now, she always saw a young girl staring back at her from the mirror. A young girl with so many different goals....career goals. Now all she saw was a 27-year-old woman who was destined to grow old alone. Alone with a cat perhaps. But now she was starting to realize that she didn't need to prove her abilities and potential to herself anymore. What she now saw in the face in the mirror was not the sparkle of a hopeful career, but the glow of a woman who wanted to settle down and have children. And sometimes she didn't care what man she married, as long as she could have a house, a minivan and a family dog. She longed to attend PTA meetings instead of committee meetings. She dreamed of whipping up a dozen chocolate chip cookies, not a vague letter to send to a constituent. She dreamed of love; well not exactly love, but the idea of being in love would do for now.
'Charles Bingley may never be the love of my life,' she thought as she entered Elizabeth's home last night. 'But he would make a wonderful father and respect me. That is all I need.'
When the girls had settled into the kitchen after putting away pots and dishes. Elizabeth popped the cork an another bottle of wine.
"How many does that make Liz?" Asked Jane.
"Oh, I think three. That's really not that much, considering there are three of us!" Elizabeth laughed.
"I don't think I have had this much alcohol for a long time," Charlotte added. "I'm not quite a drinker."
"Oh, that's not what Charles said," giggled Elizabeth. "He said you drank so much at his party he was embarrassed to be seen with you!"
Charlotte almost choked on her glass. How could he say such a thing. She only took two sips of her champagne. But strangely she didn't really mind as long as Charles had been talking about her.
"Is that all he said about me?" asked Charlotte.
"Well, no. He said you were a very nice girl and was glad that I know how to choose my friends," Elizabeth said before she put a Dorito in her mouth.
'A very nice girl,' Charlotte thought. 'What could that mean?'
"So what is Congressman Bingley like to work for?" Charlotte said trying to steer the subject away from her.
"Oh, he's pretty good. Although I don't know what it's like to work for any other Congressman. So I really can't compare. But he's even-tempered and he agrees with most everything I suggest," Elizabeth explained. "You work for Congressman Darcy don't you? What is he like."
Startled and unsure if she should reveal her whole opinion of her boss to her friend, Charlotte only agreed that she's only worked for one congressman and that it would be hard to compare.
"But is he a nice man? Is he nice to work for?" Elizabeth pressed.
"Oh, he's nice most of the time. I rarely see him since he's in committee all day. And if he's in the office, he's usually behind a closed door working."
Elizabeth only smiled and hoped her friend was happy. She had heard a few not-so-nice rumors about Congressman Darcy and was secretly glad that she did not work for him.
"Elizabeth!" Jane yelled again. "It's 9:00. The last tour starts at 10:00. Let's go!"
Reluctantly, Elizabeth crawled out of bed and felt her way to the shower. She knew the headache she had could not be a hang over. She only drank one bottle of wine within a time span of about five hours. But getting to bed till 5:00am didn't help get rid of the red in her eyes either.
"Oh, never again!" she sighed. "Never again will I promise Jane anything."
Chapter 7
"Jane," Elizabeth said. "Are you sure you want to see this today? I mean, could we go next weekend? I think I'd rather visit the Air and Space Museum."
"Oh, Elizabeth. The White House will be fun. Besides, today is the last day that it will be decorated for the holidays and I would really like to see that."
"Well, the holidays have been over for at least a week. It's January 10 for heaven's sake," Elizabeth said while folding the map.
"Oh, Liz. I know, but I can still feel the good cheer and love in the air. It's just as strong as it was on Christmas Eve."
Elizabeth was glad when the train stopped as Jane made this last statement. It only made it easier for Elizabeth to avoid responding, and actually having to agree with her.
"We're here Darcy. Wake up!" Charles said while nudging his friend. "You said McPherson Square didn't you?"
"Yes," Darcy said while standing up. "I just hoped you would forget and we'd end up in New Carollton at the end of the line."
"Oh, that would have been fun since we would have passed through the Minnesota Avenue Station!" smiled Bingley.
The two stepped off the train and took the escalators up to the street. The sun was shining brightly and after the dark trip through the Metro, both men squinted their eyes to wait till they adjusted.
After crossing 15th Street NW, Elizabeth and Jane walked along the southeast corner of the grounds to the tour entrance. There they found a sign hanging on the fence that read 'No Admittance-Closed for Repairs.'
The two women stood dumbfounded staring through the fence into the guard's shack.
"How could they close the White House today?" asked Jane. "I'm sure I read in the paper that they were open today. Oh Liz, I am so sorry!"
"Oh, it's not your fault Jane," Elizabeth said quietly. "But it would have been nice to sleep in a little while longer."
Disappointed, the girls decided to go back to the Starbucks near the Metro to warm up and re-plan the rest of their day.
"Darcy, hurry up!" yelled Charles as he stood at the northeast fence guarding the White House. "It's almost 10:00am, I don't want to miss the tour."
Darcy quickened his pace just a bit to appease his friend. He grunted to himself in assurance that he was not enjoying this tour trip in any way. 'I've been to the White House, what do I need to go there again for?' he wondered.
Charles decided to fold up his map while he continued to walk. He wanted to be ready to head through the anticipated security check to ensure a space on the last tour. He had never been to Washington, DC and could not wait to see the room where the president always gives his speeches from.
"Hurry Darcy!" Charles yelled as he collided with another anxious tourist.
Chapter 8
"Oh, pardon me!" Jane said as she looked into the eyes of the most handsome man she had ever seen. "I didn't see you."
Charles could only stare at this 'creature from heaven' as he shook from the cold, or maybe trembled from her touch. It may have seemed strange to all those watching that Charles was lying on the sidewalk with Jane pinned under him. But the two parties involved wouldn't have thought it strange. Well, at that time anyway.
"Jane," Elizabeth yelled. "Are you all right? Are you hurt?"
"I'm, OK Liz," Jane whispered. "But, I think I may have twisted my ankle though."
Charles, at hearing this, stood directly up and took Jane's hand in his own. She stood up on her left foot and slowly put weight on her right. As she flinched, Charles swooped her up in a strong and secure embrace. Jane made a small protest, but was silenced when he asked someone to flag down a cab.
Not seeing any, Darcy suggested that they walk back towards Pennsylvania Avenue where there were undoubtedly more cabs. As they passed the northwest gate, Darcy remembered that the road was closed to all traffic recently for security purposes.
Elizabeth, worried that Jane was starting to get too cold, removed her own jacket and wrapped it around her sister. The temperature seemed to be dropping and the wind began to blow the past evening's snowfall all about them. The sun, although partly hidden behind dreary clouds racing across the sky, reflected against the white snow creating a blinding light that made it difficult to see.
"We need to get these ladies indoors. Isn't there anything close by besides an office building?" Charles asked Darcy frantically.
Irritated beyond words for having to take care of two helpless women, Darcy directed the party to the west gate and entered the guard's shack. Charles was a little perturbed since there was no way that they would be allowed to enter the White House without an appointment. The building was locked up and guarded like a fortress. He was weighing his options when Darcy and a guard returned.
"Congressman Bingley," the guard stated in an almost military manner. "Please follow me."
Charles immediately followed the guard through a small booth, making sure that Elizabeth and Darcy were not far behind. A comforting shadow was cast upon them as the group walked up the front driveway under the beautiful canopy of trees dressed with small, white Christmas lights. Elizabeth noticed that the snow seemed to dance along with her feet as she strode silently towards the front door which was framed with boughs of evergreen dripping with berries and bows. Her heart raced as she realized that they stood at the front door of the White House!
A butler of some kind was waiting to take their coats and direct them to the Red Room.
"Please be seated," the man said as he opened the velvet drapes and tied them back. "I will return in a moment."
Charles placed Jane on a very dainty velvet couch and propped her ankle up on a pillow. After Jane's boots and jacket were carefully removed without making her flinch with pain, Charles sat down near her in dainty red velvet chair.
"Elizabeth," Charles called across the room. "Are you all right too?"
Amused by the attention given to her sister and sure that he had only just realized that she was in the room, Elizabeth responded that she was, indeed, fine.
Darcy sat in a far corner of the room and stared at Elizabeth. He had only suddenly put the pieces together and realized that Elizabeth was THE VERY Elizabeth Charles hired. He fumed that Charles had planned this 'chance meeting'. Darcy had been very unreceptive to invitations to meet her after she had not attended the fund-raiser Tuesday night.
Elizabeth felt his glare on her and wondered who this ill-mannered man was. She thought he certainly could not have been a friend of Charles since he showed no manners and spoke in a gruff tone. Sitting in his chair, he looked irritated and exuded a self-proclaimed superiority.
"Congressman," Elizabeth said. "Would you please introduce me to your friend. He seems to be looking to be introduced."
Charles did not respond immediately since his thoughts and eyes were focused on Jane, so Darcy spoke up.
"I am an old friend. Charles and I were going to tour the White House and the Smithsonian today. And then we ran into you," he said abruptly.
Elizabeth nodded and focused her attention to the paintings which hung on the wall. She did not want to speak to this irritating man and she did not want to interrupt Charles and Jane's seemingly intimate conversation across the room. She focused from picture to picture but still felt the stranger's eyes on her. Having had enough of his ogling, Elizabeth stood up and informed the group that she was going to look around in the next room.
As she entered the oval-shaped Blue Room, her heart seemed to skip a beat. She gazed upon a delicate chandelier surrounded by beautifully papered walls. Her eyes were quickly drawn to the smooth marble fireplace and finally to the sweet smelling blue spruce Christmas tree that was laden with festive glass ornaments. She felt her breathing steady and her head swirl. The room seemed to feel like a museum, but welcomed her as a home. She pictured the first family gathered in this room celebrating the holiday season.
"Stockings hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there," she whispered absently.
"I doubt the President's family would hang their stockings here," Elizabeth heard from behind. "I'm sure they have a fireplace in their private quarters upstairs."
Elizabeth turned around quickly to face that man; that man who just wouldn't leave her alone.
"Well," she almost sneered. "If I was first lady, I certainly would hang my family's stockings here."
"I'm sure you would," was all he said. Of course she couldn't help but notice his amused, almost taunting laugh he stifled after he said it.
"And how do you know so much about the President and where he sleeps?" Elizabeth asked hoping to silence him once and for all.
"Because I am a distant cousin of the First Lady and have been invited to dine with the family a few times," he said in almost a childish chant.
"A distant relative indeed!" Elizabeth laughed. "Then I am related to the Queen Mum!" she sneered.
Darcy was exceedingly pleased with Elizabeth's quick wit, yet reminded himself that she was a Bennet and was sure to be just as unruly as her mother and younger sisters.
"Well, I'm pleased to meet you 'Ma' Lady'" he said as he gave a low bow.
Furious, Elizabeth stormed back into the Red Room to find a phone so she could call a taxi for her and Jane.
When she returned, she found that Jane and Charles were sitting at a large table that was added to the room. An assortment of bagels, cream cheese, luncheon meat, fruit and juices were displayed.
"Elizabeth," called Jane. "Come sit down and have some breakfast. We were told that the First Lady herself ordered this for us."
"But Jane, your ankle. We really need to get you to a doctor," Elizabeth said anxiously.
"Oh, she has also ordered the White house doctor to come over, and the butler went for a pack of ice," Charles answered.
Elizabeth felt there was no other excuse she could find to hasten their departure, so she sat down at the table and grabbed a bagel.
"Charles, who is your friend, he refuses to tell me his true identity. It seems as if he is deliberately trying to make me mad," Elizabeth explained.
Charles was mightily aware of his friend's ability to tease and sometimes enjoy a stranger's lacking knowledge of his occupation as congressman. Unsure if he should reveal his friend's identity or not, Charles finally decided that if Darcy wanted her to know, he would tell her.
Jane was also beginning to show interest in the man's identity as well. "Who is he Congressman?" she asked between bites of watermelon.
Charles felt himself being backed into a corner and was extremely grateful when the strange man himself entered the room.
"Well, where have you been?" Elizabeth asked. "Paying a call to cousin Linda I suppose?"
"No, actually, I was inquiring as to the status of the storm that has developed. But I hear 'cousin Linda' will be joining us later, " Darcy replied.
"Sure she will, " Elizabeth said while rolling her eyes.
Darcy gazed upon the three faces which sat before him. He laughed to himself the expression he found on each one.
Elizabeth looked as if she would 'blow a gasket', Jane looked as if he had witnessed and missed a good joke, and Charles was too busy staring at Jane to care what else the world brought.
After the party had finished eating, Charles asked anyone who was listening if they thought there was a restroom nearby. Darcy offered to go with him to find the butler to inquire as to the location.
Elizabeth felt it was a great opportunity to expose this man and make him admit that he was not related the DeBourg family.
"Well, Mr...." she said in a haughty voice. Realizing she did not know his name yet, she continued in a less dramatic tone. "If you were the First Lady's cousin, wouldn't you know where the bathrooms were?"
"Sure, if I spent all my time in the tourist areas I would!" Darcy said while walking out the door with a confused Charles in tow.
Chapter 9
Elizabeth did her best to avoid eye contact with the impertinent man who refused to divulge his name. She could feel his stare upon her again and sometimes glanced at him to confirm her suspicions.
"Congressman Bingley," Elizabeth called out. "I hope you will be able to shed some light on this uncomfortable situation. Your friend here has proclaimed his family relationship to the First Family and all-the-while refusing to prove it, or even reveal his name for that matter."
Darcy laughed out loud which made Elizabeth furious.
"I don't know who you are sir, but you have treated me poorly and I demand to know who you are!" Elizabeth said in a raised, yet not too uncivilized tone.
Jane's eyes opened wide and she reached across the coffee table to touch her sister's hand. "Liz, try not to get too excited. I'm sure he has a reason for not telling us," she said. "Charles, please do tell us who he is. If not just to clear up this disagreement, but to make us feel comfortable in each other's company."
Jane proceeded to begin the introductions. "My name is Jane Bennet and I am currently taking graduate classes at Georgetown University and..."
"Another Bennet!" Darcy yelled out. "How do I ever get myself into these situations! I have avoided having to be friends with the Bennet family up till now, and here I sit baby-sitting two of their daughters!" Darcy raged as he stood up and walked to the window.
Elizabeth could not hold back her anger any longer. "Baby-sitting!" she yelled. "My sister and I do not need to be baby-sat and if you had any manners in that empty head of yours, you would realize that you have been and are the rudest person I have ever known!"
The butler happened to enter the room as Elizabeth stood up to leave the room or slap that man. Which one she will never know.
"Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Congressman Bingley; I have ordered a wheel chair and a guide to be sent up to give you a proper tour of the House."
Elizabeth smiled for the sake of her sister and thanked the butler in unison with the other two people named in the invitation. She turned her attention to the 'snake' she just yelled at and gave a weak sneer in his direction. She was secretly delighted that he was not invited on the tour.
"And Congressman Darcy," the butler added. "The first Lady will be down in five minutes to see you. She was especially delighted to hear you were here."
Elizabeth immediately looked at Darcy. 'Congressman!' she thought. 'Oh no!'
Darcy only smiled and replied to the butler, "Patrick, please tell my cousin that I will be joining the others on the tour. She can find me there."
"Yes sir," Patrick said as he left the room.
There were no words in Elizabeth's mouth that could help smooth over her outburst. She was even unsure if she should even try. He had acted abominably and deserved no apologies. 'But he is a congressman,' she cringed to herself. 'A congressman from Minnesota and Charles' friend.'
Darcy was delighted in the look he found on Elizabeth's face. She seemed confused, angry and apologetic all at once. He knew he shouldn't try to continue to tease her right now. He was actually afraid for his life!
Chapter 10
Elizabeth, on the other hand, was dreading the entrance of the First lady. She had not participated in the tour but was anticipated to join them for tea. She visualized the First Lady to appear in a stuffy suit with a tight bun planted on the back of her head. Elizabeth had seen Mrs. DeBourg too many times on TV and at political events to have to guess her looks. There was no doubt that the President's wife was stuffy and business-like, showcasing her power wherever she went. Elizabeth would never and could never say she didn't like the woman, but there was a certain air about her that made her 'untouchable'. So Elizabeth's preconceived notions of the First Lady did not prepare her for the seductive woman who entered the room in a cloud of perfume.
"William!" the First lady said while floating through the door in some sort of black chiffon nightgown which barely passed for a house dress. Her hair was lying on her shoulders and bounced softly as she walked "Oh, it's so good to see you. It has been more than a week since you've been here."
After the two had been reunited complete with border-line sensual hugs and warm kisses on the cheek, Mrs. DeBourg sat down and began to pour tea.
"Please introduce me to your friends Will dear," She said as she passed a dainty tea cup to 'her Will'.
"Linda, this is my friend Congressman Charles Bingley," he started.
"How do you do," Mrs. DeBourg said while nodding. "And the two ladies, my dear?"
"Jane and Elizabeth Bennet," Darcy said before taking a hasty sip of his tea.
Elizabeth noticed that Mrs. DeBourg's face grew very red and her eyes seemed to narrow as she glared at the women.
"Bennet?" she spat. "Will, do you mean these two girls are the daughter's of Jonathon and Fanny Bennet?"
Elizabeth opened her mouth to proudly confirm the acquaintance, but was silenced when Darcy quickly responded, "Yes Linda, they are."
It seemed as if Darcy and Mrs. DeBourg were deciding whether to kick them out in the snow or allow them to stay in their company. Elizabeth tried desperately to hold her tongue but was feeling sure she could not.
"Is that a problem?" Elizabeth almost sneered.
"My dear, of course not," Mrs. DeBourg said while mustering up a smile. "I only wanted to be sure of the connection. Your parents are very.....interesting people," she finally explained.
When Mrs. DeBourg finished passing out tea, she took a sip of her own with one hand and laid the other on Darcy's knee. Elizabeth thought it strange that the two were sitting so close together and acted in such an intimate way. Well, Mrs. DeBourg did anyway. Congressman Darcy just seemed to be oblivious to the romantic and familiar way the woman addressed him. Elizabeth observed Darcy's cousin refilling his tea and pushing one of his hairs back or picking a bit of lint off his shirt. Her eyes opened even wider when the woman fed Darcy a small cake, then ate the rest herself while liking her fingers suggestively while staring into his eyes.
'My God!" Elizabeth thought. "Is he having an affair with his cousin?" She thought how compliant he was to her, and confirmation of his weekly visits. 'Well,' she thought. 'It wouldn't be the first time a President or First Lady had an affair while in Office. But with a cousin? That's just yucky!'
She was determined to try to expose their intimate relationship, if only to Jane and Charles.
"Mrs. DeBourg,' Elizabeth asked. "Just exactly how are you and Congressman Darcy related, if I may ask."
"Oh, yes, do!" she replied. "And please feel free to call me Linda, just about everyone does.
"You see Will and I are not exactly related by blood," she said as she smiled and seemed to move her hand farther up Darcy's leg. "See, I am the child of Will's oldest uncle's second wife. My father was killed in an auto accident in 1970 when I was 18. My mother married Will's uncle in 1982, so we've never exactly been 'cousins'," She laughed.
'I bet not,' Elizabeth thought.
As Mrs. DeBourg and Darcy spoke very softly to each other and Jane and Charles conversed, Elizabeth was left to her own thoughts. She wondered why Darcy would want to have an affair with a 46-year-old woman, but quickly corrected herself and realized that she was extremely attractive and would pass for 35 anytime.
"Mrs. DeBourg," Elizabeth said and waited for her to look up.
"Linda," the First Lady reminded her guest.
"Of course, Linda," she corrected. "Is the President home right now? I would be honored to meet him if he is. I have heard him speak many times and have yet to shake his hand."
"Unfortunately no, he is not Miss Bennet. But I'm sure you shall meet him someday. He is a very sociable person."
At this time the butler returned to exchange the tea pot with a fresh one.
"Mrs. DeBourg," he said.
"Yes Patrick," she answered.
"The doctor has telephone to say he can not possibly come to check Miss Bennet's ankle because the storm has clogged all the city streets," he informed her, as well as the group.
"Doesn't the city have snow plows!" Linda almost shouted. "Well, why aren't they out?"
"I do remember hearing that Washington, DC itself only has five plows. You see we only get two or three storms a year and the plows usually can get to every street in about a week. But they generally wait until the snow has stopped before clearing the streets," Patrick recited timidly.
"Oh for Heaven's sakes!" the First Lady sighed. "I suppose the President will be detained until it is over too." But as she said this her face seemed to relax and her eyes sparkled. "You will all have to stay here at the White House tonight!" And she nearly leaped out of her seat as she understood the good fortune of possibly getting 'her Will' alone tonight!
Chapter 11
After Jane was settled back into their assigned bedroom, Elizabeth ventured downstairs to find something to do. Although she was in one of the most heavily guarded and most exciting houses in the world, she was extremely bored. She secretly wondered where the Oval Office was and if she would be able to go take a peek. As she was coming down the main stairs into the front hallway, she could hear two muffled voices speaking very anxiously. They were seeming to float up from a stairway she remembered going down the day before.
Elizabeth crept quietly down the carpeted stairs until she reached the half-way point where it began to open up into the lower hallway near the library. She could hear the voices more clearly, and she definitely knew Congressman Darcy and the First Lady were in some sort of heated discussion in the Library.
"Linda, I am flattered by your request, but I can not justify lying to so many people. It wouldn't be fair," Darcy said as Elizabeth heard a clinking of a glass and possibly brandy being poured into it.
"But, Will; darling. I can't go on lying to myself! I don't think many people understand what kind of strain I live under. I live a lie. I am not happy and I want, no need you to help me....please help me...I need you!" the First Lady finished her speech with a mournful cry and, by the sound of creaking, by falling onto a chair or couch.
"Linda, I can't have you involved in my personal life again. You promised that you would not need me again. Last time it lasted for two weeks and the time before that only four. It was emotionally draining and I just don't think I could keep lying to your husband. Please, for my sake as well as your own, forget about me and find a way to get over this...... addiction!" Darcy said as he walked out the door.
Elizabeth held her breath as he passed the staircase. She heard a door slam down the hallway followed by the hysterical crying in the Library.
Chapter 12
"No," she said aloud. "Too many servants around, and wouldn't the President be home too?"
"Too many servants for what? May I ask," asked a voice from behind.
Elizabeth spun around on her heel praying that it wasn't who she knew was inevitably behind her. Too stunned and embarrassed to speak, she only stared at Congressman Darcy with wide eyes and a blank look on her face.
"Um," was the only thing that could pass her lips. "Ummmmm."
Darcy smiled and sat down on one of the Queen Anne chairs and propped his elbows on the table. "Too many servants for what?" he asked again.
Elizabeth, determined not to let her secret presumptions known, did the best she could to smooth over her words.
"Too many servants to make this like a real home," she said while pretending to find something interesting to look at on the fireplace mantel located in the center of the room.
"Oh," was all Darcy could say. He was sure she was hiding something, but knew she would never choose to confide in him. "So are you saying you would never want to live here?"
"As first lady, probably not. I just can't imagine how any family could be normal living in a white 'fishbowl'," she answered before she recalled a reliable rumor she heard about the man she stood next to. "Of course, a single man who becomes president would probably be comfortable here; working all the time and such."
Darcy believed he understood her insinuation but refused to either affirm or deny it. "I suppose so," was all he said.
Neither said a word for the next few minutes. Elizabeth was too busy wondering if it would be too rude to exit the room without saying anything more, while Darcy snuck quick glances at his companion.
The time nearly dragged by until the butler, Patrick, entered to inform them that dinner would be ready soon. "The First Lady requests that you return to your rooms to change."
"Change, into what?" Elizabeth blurted out without thinking. She would welcome a change of clothes since she had been in the same jeans and tee-shirt since yesterday morning.
"There are appropriate clothes waiting in your room Miss," he said as he left.
She looked directly at Darcy with a quizzical look which was received with an equally confused glance.
Elizabeth entered the Lincoln Bedroom, where she and Jane were designated to sleep, just as Charles was leaving Jane's side. After making sure she was in need of nothing, he removed himself to his own 'Queens' Bedroom' down the hall. Elizabeth sat on the bed and gave her sister a knowing smile.
"So, did you and the Congressman have a nice visit?"
"Oh, Liz!" Jane laughed. "Charles was just wondering how my ankle felt."
"Charles hmm?" Elizabeth joked. "I have to call him Congressman."
"No you don't! I hear you call him by his first name all the time!"
The girls laughed as Elizabeth headed toward the garment bag hanging on the door.