Beginning, Section II
Chapter 1
I can't believe I'm doing this. To be applying for a job from the man I once refused. But I need to survive, or else I will be living in one of those Hoovervilles that have been spreading like wildfire over the city. Elizabeth Bennett slowly walked up to the Darcy mansion on 5th Avenue, almost as if she were afraid to meet the man she refused five years ago. Only her determination to not be reduced to poverty level let Elizabeth make it to the door and tentatively knock on the door.
Elizabeth held her breath as the huge oak door opened to reveal a pleasant-looking elderly woman. "Yes? How may I help you?"
"Hello. I'm Elizabeth Bennett, and I'm here to inquire about the personal secretary job for Mr. Darcy that has been advertised in the newspaper."
"Ahh. Yes, Miss Bennett, if you will follow me, I will see if Mr. Darcy can see you now."
"Thank you."
As the housekeeper led Elizabeth through the foyer, into the front hall, she took a look around in awe. The front hall reached up four stories, with railings all around the different floors. Everything was spectacularly clean, and many servants were seen walking around, in the process of completing their duties. Elizabeth was pleased to see that although the mansion, Pemberley, as she once heard Mr. Darcy call it, was richly furnished, it was very classy, and not overly furnished at all.
Miss Bennett was finally lead into a drawing room. "If you'll wait here, Mr. Darcy will be with you shortly." Elizabeth said nothing as she tried to calm her fluttering stomach.
"Damn reporters. I'm doing my best to keep my factories and businesses open, but all they see is the inevitable conclusion of my factories closing. They say I'm not doing enough. But we're in the middle of a damn depression, for crying out loud! Of course businesses are going to close!" Fitzwilliam Darcy was startled out of his reverie by a sharp knock at the door of his study.
"Come in."
"Sir, there is a Miss Elizabeth Bennett in the drawing room here to inquire about that position for a personal secretary. Are you able to see her?"
At Elizabeth's name, Mr. Darcy's head jerked up. Can it be her? The woman who, because of her refusal, led me to dive myself into my work, and in return, led me to make my billions. Although those billions don't mean anything to me since she wasn't here to share it with me. The last thought caused a sad smile to appear on Darcy's face. Yes, I'm the richest man in the world because of her, but the money doesn't replace the company she could have given me.
The smile on Mr. Darcy's face, along with the moment of silence made Mrs. Reynolds uneasy. "Sir?"
His housekeeper's voice made Darcy realize how long he was silent. "Er...yes, Mrs. Reynolds, I'll be right there."
"Very good, sir." As Mrs. Reynolds left his study, Mr. Darcy ran his fingers through his curly hair and started to walk out the room and towards the drawing room. How can it be her? She has her own pride that wouldn't let her ask for help from me. Yet, the conditions were bad out there. What if she need help for a long time, but wouldn't come to me? He finally reached the door to the closed door of the drawing room. Well, here goes nothing. When Mr. Darcy finally opened the door, he caught sight of her. She was standing with her back towards him, looking at some books on a table.
Her brown hair was in a simple bun, although the curls escaping from it made it seem more elegant than what it was supposed to be. She wore a simple, blue dress, which Darcy could see was rather old. All at once, the love Darcy once felt for her came flooding back into him. Careful man, don't let your emotions show too much. With that, Darcy put his usual stoic expression back on his face.
"Miss Bennett."
As Elizabeth spun around in surprise at the sudden voice, Darcy caught his breath. She looks lovelier than ever, although rather tired and worn out.
"Mr. Darcy, I have come to apply for the secretary's position..."
"Yes, yes. You may have it. You will live here, and all clothing and food will be provided for you. You will also have a ten dollar salary per week, and any wish is the servants to command. Tomorrow, I'll have Punjab take you into the city to buy new clothes. As for tonight, you may stay here. I'll just have a servant pick up any supplies for your current apartment that you will need for tonight.
You may dine with me whenever I am not too busy to dine outside my study. Tonight, I probably will be able to, so for your information, supper is at 7:00. I will send a servant for you at ten of. Until then, good day."
Darcy left before he could make a bigger fool of himself, leaving Elizabeth staring at where he stood with her mouth hanging open in shock.
Chapter 2
Later that night, Elizabeth lay in bed thinking about the turn that day has taken. "Last night, I was sleeping on an old mattress in an one room apartment on the other side of New York City. Today, I'm sleeping on the most comfortable feather mattress I have ever slept on, under satin sheets and a feather comforter, in a room that is the size of my old apartment in a big mansion.
And what about Mr. Darcy himself? I've seen so many sides of him today, I don't know what to think. First, it was his stoic expression while telling how many generous things he was to give me. Then there was at supper..."
Soon after Mr. Darcy gave Elizabeth the job, a male servant came to inquire after her former address and what she would need for the night. Then, not a minute after he left, Mrs. Reynolds came in to show her to her room. So into her thoughts of the efficiency of the servants, Elizabeth didn't realize that she reached her room until Mrs. Reynolds cleared her throat.
"Miss, here is your room. If you need anything, just ring the bell next to your door."
"Thank you Mrs. ..."
"Oh, excuse me. I'm Mrs. Reynolds, Mr. Darcy's housekeeper."
"Yes, thank you, Mrs. Reynolds."
As Elizabeth stepped into her room, she gasped in delight. The room was very grand, indeed. Everything was in blue. Not a masculine blue, but a light, feminine blue. Across from where Elizabeth stood, was a huge canopy bed with a blue, feather comforter, and blue curtains with tiny red roses and green vines decorating the cloth hanging from the canopy. Next to the bed, was a cherry nightstand with a white lamp sitting on the middle. Next to her, stood a cherry desk to match the nightstand, with a chair to match with a blue cushion. To her right, there were French doors leading out to a balcony which faced the East. Off to each side, draperies that matched the curtains on the bed were gathered.
To the left, Elizabeth saw a door. She wanted to go open it, but was almost afraid to walk across the plush, cream colored carpet. Finally, she just took off her shoes and headed towards the door. When she opened the door, she looked at what appeared to be a dressing room. There was a vanity with a mirror, and a chest to hold clothes that both matched the furniture in the main bedroom. Lizzy also observed two more doors.
The one to the left opened up to an enormous closet. "Oh my. I'll never be able to fill this closet up. Why did Mr. Darcy even give me such an enormous room?" The door to the left led to a bathroom, where there was a porcelain bathtub and sink. Everything was in white in this room. White tiles on the floor, and both the bathtub and sink were white porcelain.
The surprising events were giving Elizabeth a headache, so she decided to take a nap. She made it back to the bed, and lay down upon it. The feather mattress seemed to swallow Elizabeth down in its comfort, and she soon fell asleep.
Two hours later, Elizabeth awoke to the sound of knocking at her door. She managed to get off the big, comfortable bed and across the room to answer the door. The servant who went to get her supplies was at the door.
"Miss Bennett ma'am, I have your clothes in this bag, and Mr. Darcy sent some books he thought you would enjoy. He also said that if you would like a wider selection, you may ring down for one of the servants to show you the way to the library."
"Thank you."
It seemed to Elizabeth that she has been saying "thank you" a lot since she came to Pemberley. I'm going to have to get used to all these servants around here. And Mr. Darcy. I'm surprised he even remembered about me and had books sent up to me.
Elizabeth folded her few clothes the servant brought her and placed them in the chest in the dressing room. She then went to get comfortable on the bed with Wuthering Heights.
An hour later, Elizabeth put the book down and started preparing for supper. She chose her best dress, which wasn't very fine. It was two years old, but of a dark burgundy color that complimented her dark brown hair very nicely. It only took fifteen minutes to get ready since she didn't have many things to put on. For the next five minutes, Elizabeth sat at the desk, nervously twitching her hands.
Those five minutes felt like an eternity, but finally she heard a knock at the door. However, when Elizabeth opened the door, instead of seeing a servant, she was staring into the dark eyes of Mr. Darcy.
"Mr. Darcy!"
"Miss Bennett. I was just heading down to the dining room, and I thought I would accompany you down to supper by myself." Mr. Darcy held out his arm to Elizabeth, and she took his arm, yet not without much uneasiness.
The trip from Elizabeth's room to the informal dining room was taken in silence. Mr. Darcy didn't know what to say to Elizabeth, and Elizabeth was still too nervous to trust herself to speak. When they reached the dining room, Mr. Darcy gallantly held out the chair for Elizabeth, and then sat down next to her, at the head of the table.
Elizabeth took advantage of the moment of silence to take a look around the room. They were sitting at a cherry table (Mr. Darcy must really love cherry) that seated around eight people. In the middle of the table was a flower arrangement of white, red, and pink roses (Roses at this time of year? Those must of cost a fortune. Then again, a fortune to the richest man in the world is not much of a fortune, is it?) Across from her, there was a buffet to match the table, and behind her was a china cabinet which displayed beautiful white china with a border of many kinds of flowers.
Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth ate two courses before Elizabeth was startled by Mr. Darcy's voice.
"Elizabeth?"
"Yes, Mr. Darcy?"
"How have you been? What have you been doing these past five years?"
"In other words, why did I come here looking for a job." Mr. Darcy looked down as color began to rise in his cheeks. "I guess it's better to start at the beginning of those five years. Well, as you know Jane and Charles got married and moved to London where he wanted to expand his business. I noticed you weren't at his wedding."
"Er...yes, I couldn't make it. There was an unexpected business problem that I had to attend to." Elizabeth could see that he wasn't telling the whole truth, but she wasn't going to push him.
"Well, after that, Lydia ran away, to G-d knows where, and we haven't heard from her since."
"I'm sorry..."
"No, don't be sorry. She was always wild, and we knew something was going to happen like that." Elizabeth gave a slight, sarcastic smile. "Catherine calmed down when she was out of Lydia's reach and eventually settled down with a very successful grocery store owner. The last I heard from her, her husband's store was still in business, so she's still better off. Mary married a clergyman and is happily situated in Ohio. After Mary's marriage, Mother and Father went to take a European tour, but in the middle of their trip, they heard of the bad situations here in the city and all over America. They decided that it would be best to stay with Jane and Charles in London until conditions improved here."
"What about you? How have you been?"
"I've been surviving. I got a job as a secretary for the owner of a factory which was doing pretty well until two months ago. It survived for that one month, and last month, it closed down. The apartment I was living in was very comfortable, but the landlord started losing money too and the conditions got worse. For the past month, I've been looking for a job, but of course, with the depression, there were none to be found. That was, until I read your advertisement in the newspaper."
"And thank goodness you did. I couldn't trust anybody who came here applying for the job. Everyone that I tried would only work for a couple of hours and then complain about the long workday. I hope you're ready to work."
"Yes, sir, I am."
"Don't call me sir. In fact, call me William."
"I couldn't do that, not with all the servants around. It's not professional."
"Then call me William when there are no servants around." Mr. Darcy was silent for a moment, but then his tone turned to businesslike again. "Tomorrow, you'll be going into town with Punjab, my butler, to pick out some new clothes. Then I'll arrange for Mrs. Reynolds to give you a tour of the house and meet the servants. You won't have to start working until the day after tomorrow at 8:00 sharp. I'll have one of the servants wake you. Now, I have to go continue working. Good night." With that, Mr. Darcy got up and left, leaving a very confused Elizabeth behind.
After a few minutes Elizabeth got up and went to her room. Thank goodness I took notice of the way from my bedroom to the dining room, or else I would never find my way back again.
Elizabeth quickly got ready for bed and then laid under the covers thinking about the day. "I don't know what to think of that man. He was so warm in his concern of my welfare, yet, all of a sudden he became businesslike again and left. How am I ever to figure him out?"
Not until two hours later, was Elizabeth finally able to fall asleep.
So close, yet so far away. William Darcy could not seem to get his mind to work for the second time that day. After making a fool of himself earlier that day while telling Elizabeth what would be hers, Mr. Darcy couldn't continue working; not with the knowledge that Elizabeth was in his house. So, instead he started making plans for supper.
First, he rang the bell for Punjab. When he arrived in his study, Darcy told him of what kind of flower arrangement he wanted. "Go into the city and find the prettiest flower arrangement of white, red, and pink roses you can find. I don't care how much it costs, just find one."
"Yes, sir. Would you like anything else, sir?"
"No, no. That is all. Except, could you please send Mrs. Reynolds in here?"
"Yes, sir."
When Mrs. Reynolds arrived, Mr. Darcy began his orders for her. "Tell the cook to cook the tastiest soup, the finest chicken, and the richest desert she knows how to. And find the finest vintage Chardonnay we have in the house. Also, set the table with the finest China and silverware we have."
"Yes, sir...but..."
"But, what, Mrs. Reynolds?"
"Is there a special occasion tonight? I don't remember any..."
"No special occasion. I just want supper to pass smoothly."
"Yes, sir. Anything else?"
"No, that is all."
"Very well, then."
Even after all the plans were made, Mr. Darcy could still not work. He paced, he tried reading, he tried writing business letters, but to no avail could Mr. Darcy concentrate.
Finally, it was time to get ready for supper. Mr. Darcy put his best suit on, and his best cologne. Up until the moment he passed her room, Darcy was planning on sending a servant for Miss Bennett. However, his longing to see her after three and a half long hours, won out, and he knocked on Elizabeth's door.
On the way down to the dining room, and through the first two courses, Mr. Darcy couldn't think of anything to say, until his concern for what she had to deal with became too acute to ignore. He kept calm until Elizabeth mentioned that he wasn't at Jane and Charles wedding. Quickly, Mr. Darcy made up his answer so she wouldn't know the truth: he didn't want to see her for fear of his heart being broken again by another rejection by her.
When the conversation began to get more personal, Darcy quickly mumbled some things off about the plan for Elizabeth's next day and left to go back to his study.
Why did I do that for? We were getting along so politely; more than we have ever done before, but I had to go get nervous and had to ruin it. When will I ever learn? For the next two hours, Darcy tried to work again, but just ended up pacing from one end of the room, to the other. Finally, he just gave up and went to his bedroom to try to sleep.
The thoughts wouldn't leave his head, however, for another hour. Finally, he fell into a restless sleep.
Chapter 3
The next morning, Elizabeth awoke from bright light shining in her eyes. When she looked towards the window, she saw Mrs. Reynolds opening the draperies. At first, she didn't remember where she was, or who was at the window, but then the events of the previous day came back to her.
"Mrs. Reynolds?" Elizabeth's voice was still hoarse from sleeping. "What time is it?"
"Good morning Miss Bennett! Mr. Darcy sent me to wake you up. It's 7:00 now, and Mr. Darcy called up Tiffany's to make an appointment for a sales lady to help you pick out clothes at 9:00. Punjab will be leaving here at 8:00, so you have an hour to eat and get dressed. Breakfast will be here any minute now, and there is hot water in the bathtub ready for you."
"Thank you." Elizabeth really didn't want to get out off of the comfortable bed, but somehow she managed to get up and make it to the bathroom.
When Elizabeth came back into the main bedroom dressed and ready, there was a tray of breakfast waiting for her on her desk. When Mrs. Reynolds saw that Lizzy was ready, she took the cover off the plate. Elizabeth's eyes widened in shock when she saw the spectacular breakfast that was waiting for her.
"Does the breakfast please you, miss?"
"Oh, yes! Thank you! I can't remember how long it has been since I've had a real breakfast."
"I'm glad you like it. Will you be needing anything else, miss?"
"No, thank you."
"Then, I'll leave you now. When you're done, just ring the bell, and I'll send a servant up to take the tray, and Punjab up to take you to the car."
Elizabeth didn't say anything because she was busy enjoying a breakfast that she had to do without for the past three years since the crash of '29.
Before Elizabeth knew it, she was in a car on the way to New York City with Punjab. For the tenth time, Lizzy took a look at Mr. Darcy's butler, who was sitting right next to her. Mr. Darcy certainly hired a ...hmm...what's a good word? different kind of butler. Punjab didn't say much, he just sat there, sometimes looking at Elizabeth with curiosity.
Hmm...the chauffeur was much friendlier, but for the life of me, I can't remember his name. Too bad for the division between the driver's seat and the back seat, or I would talk to him.
When they arrived at Tiffany's, Elizabeth made a move to open her own door.
"No miss, let me." Well, that's the most he has spoken to me today.
Punjab came around to the other side of the car, and held out his hand to help Elizabeth out. "Thank you, Punjab."
"My pleasure, Miss Bennett." He seems very polite. Maybe he's just quiet.
As Punjab and Elizabeth stepped into the store, Elizabeth looked around. My G-d. I'm afraid to even look at the prices of these clothes. But Elizabeth just swallowed and followed Punjab across the store into a richly furnished sitting room. There, Punjab sat down, and Elizabeth sat down next to him on a sofa.
A few minutes passed before a middle-aged woman came into the room. Punjab spoke up.
"Mrs. Duncan, I presume."
"Yes, I am."
"Mrs. Duncan, I am Mr. Darcy's butler, Punjab, and this is Miss Elizabeth Bennett. Do you already have the directions Mr. Darcy left here?"
"Yes, I do. And if you'll be patient enough to wait here, I'll have Miss Bennett back here in no time flat looking like a brand new lady." Mrs. Duncan smiled at Elizabeth, making her feel calmer. "Come, Miss Bennett, let's pick out some clothes."
Once they were out of the sitting room, Mrs. Duncan spoke up again. "I understand you're the new secretary for Mr. Darcy. You must feel very lucky."
"Yes, lucky that I even found a job. I have been jobless for a month now."
"Well, I'm glad you were able to find such a good one. Now, Mr. Darcy has left specific instructions to find you many dresses. He says at least seven day dresses, seven evening dresses, and at least two very formal dresses. Let's start looking."
"All those dresses? I don't need so many. No more than three day dresses and two evening dresses. And I definitely don't need any formal dresses!"
"Now, Miss Bennett, Mr. Darcy has left very specific instructions..."
"But I don't need all of those!"
"And if we don't obey his orders, we may lose his patronage, and I doubt you don't want to do that to a store during the depression." Mrs. Duncan's eye sparkled with the guilt trip she knew she was putting on Elizabeth.
"Very well, then. But only the dresses of smaller value. I don't need very expensive dresses."
"Okay. I also suspect you need more night dresses even though Mr. Darcy didn't specify."
"Yes, I do admit I need them. I haven't been able to buy new ones for at least a year. But I don't need more than two!"
"Very well then, follow me."
Over three hours were spent on picking out, and trying on all kinds of dresses. Finally, both Elizabeth and Mrs. Duncan were satisfied with their choices. Elizabeth was satisfied that Mrs. Duncan didn't persuade her to buy too expensive dresses, and Mrs. Duncan was satisfied that she was able to persuade Miss Bennett not to buy dresses of that much lesser value.
"Now for the jewelry."
"Jewelry! I don't need jewelry!"
"But Mr. Darcy ordered us to give you jewelry. Follow me."
Mrs. Duncan led Elizabeth to the jewelry counter where she presented a pearl necklace, bracelet, and earrings to Elizabeth.
"Mr. Darcy specified exactly what jewelry he wanted you to have."
"I still don't think..."
"Nonsense. Mr. Darcy warned that you may object, and he told us to never mind any of your complaints." This time, Elizabeth was too speechless to say anything. "Now for some perfume."
"Perfume too?"
"Yes, and I think I know exactly what scent will be perfect for you."
Mrs. Duncan led Elizabeth to the perfume counter where she took out a bottle of very expensive perfume and sprayed some on Elizabeth's wrist. Lizzy smelled her wrist and was pleased with the scent. But the price...
The sales lady must have read her mind. "Don't worry about the price. Mr. Darcy said the price has no value to him."
"Very well, then, Mrs. Duncan. Thank you for your help."
"Don't thank me. Thank Mr. Darcy when you arrive back at Pemberley. Now, let's get you dressed and ready to arrive at the mansion looking as good as new."
On the way back to Pemberley, Elizabeth couldn't stop thinking about the time she's just had. Mr. Darcy certainly does have many sides to him. I never expected him to insist on so many things. And pearl jewelry! Who would've thought? I wonder if he still cares for me...
Chapter 4
Author's note: Thank you all for your comments and support. They mean a lot to me since it's only my second story. And no, this is not going to be a musical. I don't have the patience to rewrite lyrics to fit the music. However, when we finally get to see Georgi, some may recognize some lyrics I have rewritten to be dialogue.
When the car arrived at the mansion, Elizabeth automatically went to open her door, but stopped when she heard Punjab.
"Miss..."
"Sorry, Punjab. It's just automatic. I'm not accustomed to this type of life yet."
"I understand, miss." Punjab's mouth curved into a smile that showed two rows or pearly white teeth. Ahh...he just needed time before he opened up. Elizabeth gave him a smile as he opened up the door for her.
When she got out of the car, she reached into the car to get her shopping bags. "No, miss. You don't have to do that either."
"You mean, to tell me that I don't have to lift a finger around here?" Elizabeth's voice showed all disbelief.
"No, miss you don't. Any wish of yours is ours to command." With that, Punjab and the chauffeur reached in for the bags and led Elizabeth into the house where they were met by Mrs. Reynolds.
"Good day, Miss Bennett. How was your trip into the city?"
"Very good, thank you." Elizabeth paused a moment before continuing. "Please don't call me Miss Bennett. It sounds too formal."
"Then what should I call you?"
"You, and all the servants may call me Miss Elizabeth or Miss Lizzy. Miss Bennett sounds too stiff."
"Very well, Miss Ben...Lizzy." Elizabeth smiled at the housekeeper. "Now, you can return to your room. I'll send a maid up with your packages to put them away, and a servant will be up with your dinner in a few moments. Do you need anything else?"
"No, thank you."
"When you're done, ring the bell, and I'll come to give you the grand tour of Pemberley."
"Thank you."
With that, Elizabeth made her way to her room. When she got there, she sat on her bed and continued reading her book until the servant came with her dinner. Again, Elizabeth was pleased with her food. Gone were the days where she had meager amounts to fill her stomach. She was now living in the lap of luxury.
When she was done, Elizabeth rang the bell down for Mrs. Reynolds. Within five minutes, the good housekeeper was knocking at her door.
"Miss Lizzy, are you ready for the grand tour?"
"Yes, but I don't know if a tour will help me find my way around this palace."
A quiet chuckle was heard from Mrs. Reynolds's throat at Lizzy's description of Pemberley. "You'll get used to it after a while. Until then, all the servants will be here to help you find your way."
And so started the tour. Mrs. Reynolds took Elizabeth to every room possible. She showed her the other dining room, the library, the music room, the study, the doors to Mr. Darcy's office. Mrs. Reynolds also showed her the indoor pool, the outdoor pool, the inside tennis courts, and the outside tennis courts. The housekeeper took Lizzy through the kitchen, and the different hallways of bedrooms. Finally, Mrs. Reynolds took Elizabeth to the servants' quarters to meet all the different servants.
Elizabeth and Mrs. Reynolds were on the way to the picture gallery when Elizabeth mentioned the grandness of Pemberley. "I would have never expected any house can bee so big and grand. And so many servants! How am I supposed to learn all of their names?"
"They'll help you with that too. They have their orders that they are to be patient until you learn your way around here." By then, the housekeeper and Lizzy reached a hallway lit up by pure sunlight. On one side, there were tall windows, and on the other, paintings of Darcy ancestors. "I'll leave you be to look at all of them. I trust you can find your way back from here, since it's not too far from your bedroom. If you do need help, however, just ask one of the servants around here. I'll leave you be now."
"Thank you."
Elizabeth started walking down the hall, looking at the many men and women of the Darcy lines. The ancestors only reached back to the 1850's, though, since the first Darcy ancestor only came to the United States a little before 1850. Finally, Elizabeth reached the portrait of the current Mr. Darcy which was painted two years ago. There was a slight smile on his face, but Elizabeth could see slight anguish in his eyes, which he was trying to hide. Lizzy stood there for a full ten minutes, staring until she could not stare any more. His anguish seemed to be cutting into her heart.
Elizabeth then moved onto a glass case with several miniatures in it. All of them were of people she saw in the larger portraits, including Mr. Darcy, but one was of not. It was of a handsome man, but not of the Darcy characteristics. "I wonder who that is..."
"Who, who is?" A very familiar voice from behind startled Elizabeth, who spun around to face her employer.
"Mr. Darcy! I didn't hear you come in."
"I'm sorry to have scared you. How was your day today, Elizabeth?"
"It was very good, thank you. By the way, thank you for all the clothing and jewelry. I don't deserve it."
"Yes, you do, Elizabeth. You deserve much more." Elizabeth's cheeks were spread with a blush, and Mr. Darcy couldn't help thinking how lovely she looked. "You look very lovely. I see the trip did you some good to enhance you."
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy."
"I though we established that I was William to you."
"William."
"What painting were you questioning when I came in?"
"Oh! This painting right here. It doesn't look like a Darcy."
Mr. Darcy moved to stand next to Elizabeth. He's so close. I can feel him.
"You're right, he isn't a Darcy. His name is George Wickham." William seemed to spit out that name. "He was the son of a business partner to my father. However, a family crisis caused Mr. Wickham to quit his share of the company. My father begged Mr. Wickham to stay, but he would not be moved. Father was so worried that George and his younger sister, Agatha, wouldn't grow up right, he promised Mr. Wickham that he would send George to college and give him a job in the company. Well, George didn't take his studies seriously at all, but with my father's money, he managed to graduate the university. During that time, my father died, leaving the family business to me. I obeyed my father's wishes, and offered George a job with the company, even though I knew he wasn't suited for it. However, George refused, asking instead for $10,000 to start his own business. I gave it to him, but three years later, he showed up again penniless asking for the job. He didn't even attempt to use the money to start a company, and I can only imagine what he used it for. So, I refused to give him any more money or the job. He left, and I haven't seen him again." During his speech, William was gripping the case so hard, his knuckles were turning white.
"Then, why do you keep his picture in the case?" William turned to look into Elizabeth's eyes.
"Because, it's in the memory of my father. What he though George could have been."
"Oh."
"I have to get back to work. I'm afraid I won't be able to eat supper with you, but tomorrow morning, I can breakfast with you. Will you let me accompany you back to your room?"
"Yes, please." Elizabeth took William's arm and they walked silently back to her room.
Chapter 5
The next morning, Elizabeth woke up like the previous morning, with Mrs. Reynolds opening the draperies to the window. This time, however, Elizabeth took a longer time to get ready with her new clothes and jewelry.
She was barely finished getting ready when there was a knock at the door. There stood Mr. Darcy waiting to escort Elizabeth to the dining room for breakfast. The trip to the room and the beginning of breakfast began just like at supper the other day: silent. Soon, however, Elizabeth's curiosity about William's life won out.
"William, I told you about my past five years, now what about yours?"
"Mine? Well, there is not much to tell."
"You must have done something. You certainly have been successful."
"Well, like I said, there is not much to tell. I just concentrated on my work, and my rewards have certainly been great."
"Don't you get lonely?"
William looked down at his plate. Can she see right through me? "How can I be lonely with so many servants around me?"
"That's not the same. They are not constant companions for you. Jane and Charles don't live here anymore and you have no family. I would think that you would get lonely."
"I'm not the type of man who needs company." Suddenly, William looked into Elizabeth's eyes and took her hand. "I'm fine, Elizabeth."
But Elizabeth could see the same anguish she saw in his portrait the day before. She knew he wasn't telling the truth, and she couldn't get rid of the feeling that it was because of her that he was lonely.
Just then, Mrs. Reynolds came into the dining room, and William tore his eyes away from Elizabeth's and let go of her hand. "Ahem...Miss Bennett, it's time we get started. We have much to do today." Without a word, Elizabeth got up and followed Mr. Darcy out of the room.
And so started Elizabeth's job. Days passed into weeks as one month passed. Elizabeth would do many things for Mr. Darcy including dictation, making appointments, or typing up documents for him. More often than not, they would dine together, although sometimes not formally if there was work to be done. During this month, Elizabeth started to see a change in Mr. Darcy.
Not a day would pass that William would not make a comment to Elizabeth about how beautiful she looked. Even on her worse days, she could see in William's eyes that he really believed what he said. Then there were the little gifts she would find in her room; little pieces of jewelry, and one time, a set of an ivory brush and comb, with little flowers carved into it.
Elizabeth also saw a physical change in him. Every day, the anguish she saw in his eyes lessened bit by bit as the days wore on. And when they were away from work, he would wear a smile on his face. More often than not, Elizabeth would find herself gazing at him, thinking of how much he changed. He was no longer the arrogant man he once was; he was warm and kind.
Indeed, William was feeling better. It was a comfort to him just to have Elizabeth near him, and the little gifts that he gave her were to show his appreciation and love for her. For everyday, he grew to love her more.
Throughout this month, Elizabeth and William became more comfortable with each other. When there was silence, it no longer was the uncomfortable silence of not knowing what to say, but the silence of when nothing is needed to be said. They both started feeling like old friends, not needing to impress the other.
But along with these happier times, came harder times. As the conditions of the depression continued to worsen, the criticism of Mr. Darcy's business continued to increase. He was accused of not doing enough to help the poverty stricken citizens, and the more criticism he received, the more determined Elizabeth was to find a way to lessen it.
One day, William and Elizabeth were sitting at breakfast in comfortable silence; William was reading the newspaper, and Elizabeth was thinking again how to improve Mr. Darcy in the eyes of America. Suddenly, Elizabeth thought of something.
"William, I've been thinking."
"Hmm?"
"I thought of a way to lessen the criticism of you. I read somewhere about the increasing amount of orphans in the city."
"What does that have to do with my being hounded by the public?"
"What if you were to bring an orphan home for the holidays. To show everybody you're not as cold as they make you out to be."
"Well, am I that cold?" William eyes sparkled at her as he was setting himself up to be teased.
"Your heart is made of ice." Elizabeth's eyes sparkled back at his.
"Is it? Well, then maybe it is best to bring an orphan home to show that the Iceman's heart can be melted. But you'll have to wait until tomorrow. We have much work to do today."
Chapter 6
"Momma! Mommy! Momma!"
The whimpering of a young child woke Georgi up from her reverie at the window. At first, the young girl was going to ignore the whimpering to wait and see if it was just one bad part of a bad dream, but couldn't when others started to wake.
"Will somebody shut her up?"
"Can't anyone get any sleep around here?"
Sighing, Georgi walked over to Molly's bed and sat down upon it. Molly instantly went into Georgi's comforting arms.
"Shh. Molly, it'll be all right, it's only a bad dream."
"I want my mommy!" The tears of Molly broke Georgi's heart.
"Shh. You can't see her right now. Try to get back to sleep."
An angry voice spoke up across the room. "Yeah, go to sleep baby. We don't need none of your crying." Many voices around the room spoke up in agreement. The insensitivity of the orphans brought tears of frustration into Georgi's eyes.
Young Georgiana spoke up in her quiet, but firm voice. "Don't any of you remember being this young once? How would you like it if older girls told you to shut up? Huh, Duffy? And what about you Pepper? The poor girl just had a bad dream and you have the nerve to tell her to be quiet. How is she supposed to ever grow out of these nightmares if you don't help her to?"
At the sound of Georgi's voice, everybody quieted down. At age eleven, Georgi gained the respect of all the girls at the orphanage. She was of average height for an eleven-year-old, but much thinner than what she was supposed be out of malnutrition at the orphanage. She had light red, almost blond hair, and hazel eyes. She never spoke loudly, but had the determination rarely found in an adult, never mind an eleven year old, that won the respect of anybody who listened to her. Her determination to find her parents, who she felt were still going to pick her up one day, often led her to get in trouble with the woman who ran the orphanage, a Miss Agatha Wickham, when she tries to run away to go look for her parents.
"Georgi, can you please read your letter again to me?"
"Of course, Molly." Georgi took out an old, worn, letter and began to read. "Please take good care of our little darling. Her name is Georgi..."
The other orphans, who have heard this letter many, many times, began reciting the letter along with Georgi. "She was born on October 28th. We will be back to get her. We have left half of a silver locket around her neck and kept the other half so that when we come back for her, you will know that she's our baby."
Suddenly, Georgi jumped off the bed and began packing a bag.
"Where do you think your going?" Pepper's authoritative voice thundered across the room.
"I'm going to go find my parents. I'm sure they're close by somewhere."
"Georgi, don't leave! Miss Wickham will catch you again!" Georgi turned towards Molly's worried face.
"Not if I'm careful. Good bye everyone." Georgi tiptoed down the stairs, and across to the front door. Just when she was about to unlock the bolt, a voice behind her stopped her in her tracks.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Uh, Miss Wickham. I was...uh...I was about to take a walk. Yeah! A walk!"
"In the middle of the city, in the middle of the night? Come on, you can think of a better lie than that!"
Instead of replying, Georgi just turned around to face her back towards Miss Wickham. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Turning around so you can hit me."
"Now, Georgi, have I ever hit you?"
"No, but..."
"But, I threatened. And it seems to work for every orphan but you!"
"I'm not an orphan! I have parents!" All of a sudden, Georgi's countenance changed from fear to anger.
Miss Wickham roughly took Georgi's collar and pushed her towards the stairs. "You were brought here in 1922, and it's 1933 now. You're an orphan. Now what do you say?"
"I love you Miss Wickham." Georgi's voice came out a little louder than a whisper.
"Louder!"
"I love you Miss Wickham." It was still barely audible.
"Louder girl! Or I will hit you!"
"I love you Miss Wickham." This time it was at a level to wake the dead.
As Georgi was pulled through the door by Miss Wickham, they saw all the girls' eyes staring at them in shock. "Because of your little escape artist here, girls, you are to get up and clean this room until it shines. Maybe, this time, you'll learn."
All the other orphans started complaining, and Pepper made her objection known. "But it's the middle of the night."
"I don't care! Now get to work!"
Chapter 7
"Ugh! No wonder why we're always cold at night! We shouldn't be sleeping under cotton blankets! We should have wool." Pepper's voice complained from where she just folded the last blanket.
"I wish my parents would come and get me already! It's horrible here! If only we were loved and received kisses; not kicks." Georgi joined in on the complaints.
"I wish Santa Claus would come this year." Everybody turned and stared at Molly and her innocent remark.
"Who's he?" Georgi decided to take the pessimistic and sarcastic side.
The orphans' conversation was cut short when they heard Mr. Bundles, the linen man coming up the stairs. "Fresh clean sheets every month, if you need them or not!"
"Mr. Bundles!" All the girls started running towards the sheet man, but stopped short when they saw Miss Wickham blowing her whistle.
"Everybody in a straight line. No pushing!" After all the girls received their sheets, they went to put the dirty ones in the linen cart in the middle of the floor while listening to Miss Wickham and Mr. Bundles flirting.
"Agatha, what about a little kiss?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because."
"Not even to first base?"
"I'm saving that for marriage."
"Then marry me."
"No. That's enough. Don't you have any other sheets to deliver?"
"Yes. Bye Aggie."
Georgi decided to take advantage of Miss Wickham's inattentive state and hid herself under the sheets in the linen cart. Every month, Mr. Bundles would purposely distract Miss Wickham so Georgi could try to escape again, and every month, Georgi would get caught. One would think Miss Wickham would learn after a while, but there are some things best left alone. One is the intelligence (or lack of) of Miss Wickham.
Once the cart was out of the orphanage, Georgi popped out. "Thanks a lot Mr. Bundles!"
"Anytime, Georgi! Good luck!"
But as soon as Georgi was on her way down the street, she almost regretted leaving. It was cold and snowing and there was a biting hunger pain in her stomach. For a minute, she was contemplating going back in the orphanage, but decided against it when she saw an apple vender.
"Hey, Mister! Can I have one of those apples?"
"Sure, have two. Nobody else is buying."
"Gee, thanks!" Georgi took her apples and started walking down the street. The sight of a dogcatcher and his assistant putting a stray dog in his van broke Georgi's heart, but she couldn't do anything about it. "How would I take care of a dog?"
Georgi kept walking, but soon the biting cold was making her shiver, so she crawled between two boxes to keep somewhat warm and to eat her two apples. She was about to take a bite of one apple, when a dog came up and took the apple sitting on her lap, and then backed back into a box.
"Hey! That's my apple!...Awe. Never mind, have the apple. Dumb dog." The dog understood her comment though, and he came back out and dropped the apple into her lap and lied down next to her, with his head upon her knee.
"Awe. Cheer up. Life can't be that bad. Tomorrow is always brighter." Suddenly, there was a police officer in front of her. Georgi quickly stood up and made her way around the officer, awaiting his question on who she was and why she was all alone. But the officer wasn't facing her; he was still facing the dog.
"We've been looking all over for you! It's time to go to the pound." The officer almost had an evil smile on his face.
"No!"
The officer turned around to face Georgi. "No? And why not, little girl?"
"Because that's my dog!"
"Your dog, huh?" Georgi nodded her head. "Then why have I never seen you around here, and why was the dog always alone?"
"I don't get out that much. He really is my dog."
"What's his name?"
"Er...um...Sandy! Yeah, that's right! Sandy because of his sandy color."
"Call him."
"Call him? As in, using his name?" The police officer just nodded his head. "Okay..." Georgi got down on one knee and patted her hand against her. "Sandy. Come here boy. Come here..." Still, the dog would not come. Please, come. They'll send you to the pound if they don't. "Sandy, come here." And suddenly Sandy came running up to Georgi and started licking her face. "Good boy Sandy!" Georgi looked up at the officer. "See, I told ya he was mine!"
"Oh, all right. But next time I see him, he better have a collar and a leash!"
"Yes, sir. A collar and a leash." Georgi kneeled there, petting the dog, until she was sure the officer was gone. "Okay boy. Each man to his own." She started walking away, but Sandy kept following her. "Go on, boy. Shoo. I don't need you." But still, the dog would not leave her along. "Oh, all right. You can stay with me. Dumb dog."
Chapter 8
It was starting to get dark when Georgi reached an area of the city where people were loitering around a fire. At first, Georgi hid behind some crates while listening to the conversation.
A woman who was cooking something over the fire was speaking. "I can't believe we're living like this. I remember when I had a comfortable home, and I could vacation at the ocean."
"I know. Herbert Hoover ruined it all for us."
The smell of whatever was cooking reawakened the hunger pains in Georgi's stomach, so she decided to make herself known, to see if she could get any food.
The cook noticed her first, and her kind voice spoke up. "Hey, little girl, what's ya up to?"
"Please, miss, I saw you cooking there, and I was wondering if you could spare some food for my dog, Sandy, and I."
"Of course, kid. What's ya name?"
"Georgi. It's short for Georgiana."
"Well, Georgi, here's some soup, and then some for your dog. Dig in."
"Thank you, ma'am." But as luck will have it, just as Georgi was about to start eating (and just as Sandy finished eating, because we all know how fast dogs eat), the same police officer that Georgi talked with earlier appeared.
"Come, on, everybody out! No loitering allowed in the city." Groans were heard throughout the "Hooverville" citizens.
"But we have nowhere to go!"
"I don't care. No loitering, means no loitering." Suddenly, the officer saw Georgi with Sandy. "You! I thought I told you that dog needs to be on a leash!"
Georgi started panicking and didn't know what to do. "Run, Sandy! Save yourself." And off Georgi ran in the opposite direction.
She had no idea where she was going; she just ran. Soon, she realized that the officer was chasing her. She turned a corner, and hid against a wall. She thought she was safe when she saw the officer turn the opposite way, but then he turned around and saw her. He grabbed her upper arm, and started dragging her away.
"Where do you belong?"
"With my parents."
"Where are they?"
"I don't know."
The police officer was starting to get angry. "What do you mean, you don't know? Where are your parents?" The last question was said with a menacing growl.
"I was looking for them. I don't know where they are. They left me at the orphanage when I was a little baby."
"Well, then, what orphanage do you live in?"
"Miss Wickham's."
"Very good. I will be escorting you home now."
"Yes, sir," Georgi murmured with a lowered head. And so, the police officer practically dragged Georgi back to the orphanage, where the officer rang the bell. Miss Wickham answered the door looking like she just got out of bed and like she's been drinking.
"Yes?" Then she saw Georgi. "Where have you been? I've been looking all over for you!"
"I found her at one of those Hoovervilles, with some dog. After some interrogating, she finally revealed that she belongs here."
Miss Wickham's voice turned sickly sweet as she turned to respond to the officer. "I've been so worried sick about her! She's the best child we have, you know, the most spirited." She looked at Georgi, who was giving her weird looks. "Now get back in there and find yourself something to eat. You must be famished!" Georgi stepped into the orphanage, but didn't go upstairs; she knew she was about to get some punishment.
Finally, Miss Wickham finished flirting with the officer, or rather, the officer got sick of her and left, and she addressed Georgi. "Get upstairs and get to sleep. There will be no dinner for you. I need the night to think of some punishment suitable for you. Now get upstairs!"
"Georgi! Get down here! It's time for your punishment!" Miss Wickham's screeching voice woke up Georgi from her sleep. Groaning, Georgi got dressed quickly and made her way downstairs.
"What time is it?"
"Ten a.m. You're lucky I slept in, or else you would've been up much earlier." Miss Wickham didn't tell her she was suffering from a hangover; something she learned from her brother how to do. "Follow me into my office. I have a job for you."
When they got into the office and Miss Wickham shut the door, she handed Georgi a toothbrush. "You are to clean every corner of this building, with this, and you are not going to stop until you're done."
"But, Miss Wickham!"
"No buts, child! You were told hundreds of times not to run away, and if this is what it takes to teach you, than you are going to..."
Miss Wickham's tirade was interrupted from a knock at the door. Thinking it was one of the orphans, she answered, not so politely. "What is it?"
She wanted to put her foot in her mouth when an elegantly dressed woman entered. "Miss Wickham? I was sent here by the Board of..."
Miss Wickham didn't let the lady finish. "What? I can explain it all. It was all a misunderstanding. You see, Georgi, here by accidentally fell into the linen cart, and was transported outside. I was so worried sick...but there is no reason for my license to be taken away, is it?"
"I don't have the pleasure of understanding you. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Miss Elizabeth Bennett, personal secretary to Mr. Darcy."
"Mr. Darcy, the millionaire?"
"Billionaire. He wanted to bring home an orphan for a couple of weeks. Through New Year's."
"Of course. What type were you looking for?"
Still in the room, Georgi's eyes lit up at the possibility of being away from the orphanage for a while. Thinking of an idea, she signaled to Elizabeth.
"Hmm. I think a girl with light red hair would be nice. She should be of age... hmm... eight..." Georgi signaled that her age was higher. "nine...ten...eleven." Georgi signaled for her to stop. "Eleven years old. And she should be intelligent." Georgi spoke up.
"Mississippi. M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I. Mississippi."
A scowl slowly spread on Miss Wickham's voice. "We have no such orphans here."
"Then what about that one?"
"Georgi? You don't want her. She's a drunk. And a liar. She's a drunk and a liar!"
"Now, Miss Wickham, you don't expect me to believe that, do you?"
"You still can't have her."
"I believe you mentioned earlier about a little incident where an orphan got away. Now, I don't think you would the Board to know about this, do you? How could an orphan get away if you were taking such good care of them?"
"Fine, you can have her."
A triumphant smile spread over Elizabeth's face. "Do I have to sign anything?"
"Umm. Yeah, sure. Sign here." Miss Wickham handed a piece of paper to Elizabeth.
"But it's a blank piece of paper! It doesn't show anything!"
"It serves its purpose. Just sign."
"Okay. Now, I'll need Georgi's coat."
"Coat? She doesn't have a coat. Why would she need a coat?"
"Very well, then. We'll stop at a store and buy one. Come along Georgi." Georgi took Elizabeth's offered hand. "By the way, Miss Wickham, have we ever met? Your name seems vaguely familiar."
"No, I believe we have not."
"Hmm. I could have sworn it. Oh well. Good day."
Chapter 9
As Elizabeth and Georgi went out the orphanage door, they saw many people around the Darcy car.
"Miss Bennett, why is everybody around that car? Is that yours? Are we to ride in it?"
"No, that's not mine, but it's Mr. Darcy's. And yes, you are to ride in it, and I suppose everybody is around it because they don't see a car like that everyday." As they got closer to the car, the crowd scattered and the chauffeur opened the door for them.
"Does somebody always open and close the door for you?"
Elizabeth chuckled, "Yes. It takes a while to get used to though. It took me a couple of weeks until I didn't reach to open the door myself."
"Where are we going?"
"My, aren't you full of questions. We are going to the store, Tiffany's, to buy you some clothes. You have to look your best when you are presented to Mr. Darcy."
"Mmm."
"What are you thinking about?" Elizabeth became inquisitive about the little girl.
"Not much. You know, I've never been this far away from the orphanage. Whenever I ran away, I would only get a couple of blocks before I would get caught."
"You would run away?"
"Yes. To look for my parents. They said they were coming back for me. I just want to find them myself."
"I see. Well would you like to just look out the window for the rest of the way? If you've never seen New York before, we could just talk later, if you would like."
"Yes, if you don't mind."
"No, not at all." So, fifteen minutes was spent in silence as the driver fought traffic to get to the better part of the city. Finally they reached the store. Elizabeth could see the look of delight and wonder as Georgi looked around.
"You know, that is the exact look I had on my face when I first came here."
"How long ago was that?"
"A little more than a month. Come, let's get some clothes for you."
Two hours later, Elizabeth and Georgi were on their way home with many dresses for Georgi.
"Miss Bennett, thank you for the dresses."
"Don't thank me, thank Mr. Darcy. And it's Miss Lizzy to you." Elizabeth smiled down at Georgi.
"What kind of man is Mr. Darcy?"
"Mr. Darcy? He's a very kind, generous man. You'll undoubtedly like him." Elizabeth stopped and contemplated for a while. "He may seem a little reserved at first, though. He'll open up after a while."
"What's the house like?"
"It's beautiful, and it's enormous and grand. I don't know how to explain it much more. It has a name, you know. It's called Pemberley."
"Pemberley." Georgi's voice sound wistful, and as soon as she said the name, the house came into view. At the sight of the beautiful mansion, Georgi gasped. "Is that it?"
"Yes," Elizabeth smiled, "that's Pemberley." Elizabeth didn't think Georgi's eyes could get any wider, but she was proven wrong as Georgi followed Elizabeth into the hall, clinging to her hand. "And this...is the inside."
Georgi looked all around her with her mouth wide open until she saw Mrs. Reynolds heading towards them. "Miss Elizabeth, is this the orphan?" Mrs. Reynolds smiled kindly down at Georgiana.
"Yes. Mrs. Reynolds, this is Georgi. Georgi, this is the housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds."
The kindness of both ladies made Georgi feel more at ease, and her manners came back to her. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Reynolds."
"And you, Miss Georgi. What would you like to do first?"
Obviously, Georgi misunderstood what she was to do at Pemberley. "First, I think I will do the floors. Next the windows, and then..."
Elizabeth laughed, "No, Georgi. You are not to lift a finger while you're here. But I know what you could do. See all these servants?" Georgi nodded her head as she looked at all the servants surrounding her. "First, we'll introduce you to those who are especially here to serve you, and then we'll get you cleaned up. You are to have dinner tonight, with Mr. Darcy."
"Where is he now?"
"Visiting one of his factories. You'll meet him in time. Let's see. I only see three of those servants who will be especially serving your needs. Your clothes will be laid you by Cecile, Mrs. Greer will give you a bath, and Annette comes in with your breakfast and to make your bed." One by one, Georgi greeted the servants. These people are to do things for me? I never lived a day like this! I doubt I'll dislike it here.
"Now Georgi," Elizabeth spoke up again, "why don't we go up and see your room and get you cleaned up. Mrs. Greer, can you please come up in a couple of minutes to help?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Thank you."
Elizabeth was in Georgi's room, which was right next to her own, dressed and ready, putting the finishing touches on Georgi's dress.
"Georgi, why don't you take this broken locket off? We could find a better one from my jewelry."
"Miss Lizzy, I'd rather keep it on. You see, my parents left it with me when they left me at the orphanage."
"Okay, if you don't want to, you don't have to take it off. Georgi, you look very pretty as you are, anyway." Elizabeth stopped when she heard somebody knocking at her door. "Please wait here a minute. I hear somebody knocking at my bedroom door. It's probably Mr. Darcy."
Sure enough, when Elizabeth stepped out, she saw Mr. Darcy knocking at her door. "William, I'm over here." William turned his head to where she stood.
"Why are you over there for, Lizzy? I've been knocking here for a while."
"I'm with the orphan. Go down to supper. We'll meet you there in a moment."
"Very well. I'll meet you down there." Mr. Darcy walked over to Elizabeth and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Don't keep me waiting too long. I've had a very tough day."
As Mr. Darcy walked away, Elizabeth put her hand on her cheek where it still tingled from Mr. Darcy's kiss. Did he just kiss me? Elizabeth just stood there for a minute before she remembered about Georgi. Elizabeth walked back into the room where she found Georgi ready. "Well, let's go to supper. Mr. Darcy is impatient to see you."
Chapter 10
As Georgi and Elizabeth entered the dining room, Mr. Darcy looked up from some papers he was reading and smiled at Elizabeth. He's still as handsome as I remember him five years ago. More so now that he smiles. That curly brown hair that falls on his forehead so, and those spectacles that he uses while reading. Elizabeth could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, so she said something.
"Mr. Darcy, can't you ever stay away from your work, even at supper?"
"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I'm putting it away now." Just as he was about to put the papers on a nearby table, he saw Georgi and his smile left his face. "Who's that?"
"William, this is Georgi, the orphan. Georgi, this is Mr. Darcy." Just as Georgi was about to greet Mr. Darcy, he beat her to speaking and made another comment.
"But she's not a boy!"
"Who said anything about a boy?" Elizabeth's smile left her face as she got frustrated with William's reaction.
"You said you were going to get an orphan, and orphans are boys!"
"If you wanted a boy, how come you didn't mention anything earlier?" Elizabeth was getting angrier every second. She was afraid she would have to take Georgi back, and ruin the orphan's chance of ever seeing life outside of the orphanage. Elizabeth also grew to like Georgi very much in the little time she spent with her.
"I didn't know orphans could be girls, too!" Just as he said that, Elizabeth looked at him and realized what the true problem was. He's not angry. He's scared. He was depending on a boy so he could relate better with him. He doesn't know how to react to a little girl's presence. He probably has never been with a little child at all.
Elizabeth was torn from her thoughts of Mr. Darcy when she felt Georgi's little hand slip from her own. She looked at Georgi and saw her crestfallen face, and the little girl's next words broke Elizabeth's heart. "It's okay Mr. Darcy. I understand if you want a boy. I enjoyed just seeing all these things anyway. Wait until I tell all the girls about the things I saw." Georgi's voice displayed excitement, but Lizzy could see that she really didn't feel what she said.
Apparently, Mr. Darcy saw it too and felt sympathy towards the orphan. "No, you don't have to go Georgi. I would be honored if you would stay and spend the holidays with me. I don't want you to go back to the orphanage." Mr. Darcy got up and held out the chair opposite to Elizabeth's. "Come, sit down and eat." Mr. Darcy smiled down kindly to the orphan, and Elizabeth was glad to see Georgi smile back.
Mr. Darcy moved to Elizabeth's chair and held it out for her. "Elizabeth?"
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy."
Georgi was watching Lizzy intently, trying to figure out what to do with the elaborate place setting. When she saw Elizabeth put the napkin on her lap, she did the same also. Then she saw all the utensils. Georgi looked up at Elizabeth with inquiring eyes.
"Yes, Georgi?"
"Umm. Miss Lizzy, how do I know which to use?"
"Which what to use?" Elizabeth's face showed confusion until she saw what Georgi was looking at. "Oh! Utensils. A good rule of thumb is to start from the outside, and work your way in with each course."
Darcy just stared at them in amazement. How can Lizzy get along so well with the girl so easily? It's like they've known each other for a long time. I never know what to say to children...well, I should at least make an attempt of it.
"Georgi." The girl looked up at Mr. Darcy with eager, childlike eyes.
"Yes, sir?"
"Umm." Quick. Think of something to say. It's too late to back away now. "Umm. Is your name shortened from something? It's quite unusual."
"Yes, sir. It's short for Georgiana."
"I see. Georgi. How do you spell that? G-E-O-R-G-I-E?"
"No, sir. There is no 'e' at the end."
"Why ever not? There seems like there should be one."
"Miss Wickham said that I was too stupid to remember the 'e' at the end since it's not originally in my real name."
Mr. Darcy's face paled at the mention of Miss Wickham. "Miss Wickham?"
"Yes, sir. She's the lady who runs the orphanage."
"I see."
Just then, the first course of supper was served. When it was placed in front of Georgi, her eyes widened at the sight of the food. So amazed at the soup, she didn't talk all while eating it. When she was done, she sat back with a sigh.
"That was the best supper I have ever had in my life. I'm full."
Elizabeth laughed at this comment. "Full? Already? But we've hardly begun. We still have two more courses."
"Two more courses. Oh boy. I don't know if I could finish it all."
Elizabeth chuckled again. "You don't have to finish it all. Just eat what you'd like. It's going to take a while for you to get used to this kind of food."
The rest of supper was spent with just some small talk.
After dinner, the three of them were sitting in the music room deciding what to do for the rest of the evening. Since William couldn't think of anything, he asked Georgi's opinion.
"Georgi, what would you like to do?"
"Gee, I don't know. I've never actually been out of the orphanage, so I don't know what there is to do." Suddenly, Elizabeth had a good idea.
"William, let's take Georgi out to the city. We can take her to a Broadway show, and a walk."
Georgi was all for this. "Really. The big city? With all the lights and people?"
William made a face at this. "Do you really want to go? Wouldn't you just rather stay home in the quiet?"
"That's okay, Mr. Darcy. We don't have to go out." Georgi's face fell again, and Mr. Darcy felt frustrated along with it. Can't I ever say the right thing?
"No, Georgi. If you want to go out, let's go out. I haven't been in the city in a long time, and when I did go to it, I remember enjoying it. I'll just call Punjab." Mr. Darcy walked to the door and called out, "Punjab!"
In walked the butler. "Sir?"
"Can you get the car ready? We want to go to the city."
"I don't think that's possible sir."
"And why not?"
"I advise you go outside and see. Bring the little girl, too. She'll probably enjoy it. I'll get your coats ready."
Mr. Darcy turned around and faced the two females. "Well, we might as well go see what all the fuss is about."
So, the three of them trooped to the hall, where their coats were waiting for them. As soon as everybody was ready to go outside, they went through the door, and a beautiful sight was held to them. There was a heavy snow falling all around them, collecting on the trees, and the ground. As soon as they saw it, Elizabeth and Georgi ran outside to run under it. Never in her life was Georgi able just to play under falling snow.
"Oh! Miss Lizzy, have you ever seen anything more beautiful? I've never stood under snow like this, just letting it fall!"
"You mean to tell me you never saw snow?"
"I have, but always from a window, or when I was running away. When a child is running away, they don't tend to think of the snow falling around them."
"Here, try this." Lizzy stuck her head back and opened her mouth letting the snow fly in.
"What are you doing?"
"Eating the snow." Just then, Elizabeth looked up to Mr. Darcy who was still standing in the doorway, hesitant to come out.
"Come on, William! Come under the snow!"
"I don't know if I should."
"Why shouldn't you? It's fun!" Elizabeth walked over to William and took his gloved hand into his and starting pulling him outside. "Come on, just let the snow fall on you! Georgi, spin with me!"
As William watched Georgi and Elizabeth holding hands and spinning, he began to relax. I've never seen her look lovelier. Her eyes are sparkling with excitement, her cheeks are rosy, and the snow in her hair looks like jewels. Mr. Darcy started relaxing and smiling. On an impulse, he addressed Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth." When Lizzy looked at him, he continued. "Spin with me." His eyes twinkled as Elizabeth took his hands and started spinning with him.
As William and Elizabeth were spinning, everyone had their own thoughts.
Elizabeth couldn't believe the change Mr. Darcy was going through. I've never seen him so relaxed and happy. I doubt he's been out in the snow since he's a child, and now here he is acting like one.
William thought about Elizabeth. What kind of spell has she put on me. Here I am, Mr. William Darcy, spinning around in the snow like a child.
Georgi thought of the fun she could have with these two. Ooh. I never could play matchmaker before. This should be fun to get those two together.
And Mrs. Reynolds and Punjab were just standing in the doorway watching their master and his secretary playing like children. If anybody the housekeeper and butler looking at each other and nod, they would know exactly what they were thinking. Looks like there will be a new Mrs. Darcy soon.
Chapter 11
When Elizabeth, Georgi, and William got too cold to stay out much longer, they decided to go back into the house. When all their coats were put away, they walked back into the music room where they sat down on a couch.
Georgi spied the piano opposite them and got curious. "Miss Lizzy, do you know how to play the piano?"
"Why, yes, I do. Why?"
"I was wondering if you can teach me how to play a little."
"Of course! Why don't I go ask the cook to make some hot chocolate, and when we're fully thawed out, I'll start teaching you."
At Elizabeth's suggestion, Mr. Darcy's eyes lightened up. Rarely would Elizabeth play while Mr. Darcy was in the room, even though he continually asked her to. Elizabeth claimed that she wasn't that good and would ruin the sound that came out of the lovely Steinway.
Elizabeth left to go to the kitchen to request hot chocolate. It was nearly ten minutes before she returned since the kitchen was on the other side of the house, and when she entered the music room, a surprising sight reached her eyes. There was Mr. Darcy sitting with Georgi on the couch, telling a story. Every once in a while, Georgi would interrupt with a question, and the first question Georgi asked captured Elizabeth's attention.
"But why did the princess refuse the beast?"
"Because not only did he look like a beast, he acted like one, too. Not very politely at all. But his worst crime was separating the princess' sister from the beast's best friend."
"Why did he do that for?"
"Because he was arrogant and presumptuous."
"Oh. What happened then?"
"The beast was heartily sorry for what he did and got the princess' sister and his best friend back together again. They got married and lived happily ever after."
Elizabeth just stood there and stared. Did he really say that? Admit that he was wrong? He changed more than I thought he did. And there he is sitting there telling Georgi a story when, just a few hours ago, he could barely think of what to say to her. He would make a perfect father. Loving and caring. It would be perfect if Georgi was our daughter. That thought made Elizabeth stop. 'Our' daughter? When did this 'our' come into play? The answer came as a shock to Elizabeth, and made her gasp. My G-d. I love him.
Elizabeth's gasp announced her presence to William, and he stopped his story and smiled at Elizabeth. "Lizzy, you're back. Are the hot chocolates coming?"
His smile is so handsome. Wait a minute. Why am I acing like a lovesick girl? I've lived with him for a month. I should know how to act around him. "They should be here in a couple of moments. Meanwhile, I think I should begin Georgi's piano lesson."
Georgi happily bounded to the piano bench and sat down as Elizabeth made her way there, and William settled back into his seat, awaiting the enjoyment of hearing his beloved play. Well, not really play, but he was still able to just watch her.
She looks so lovely there teaching Georgi. She is the most caring and patient person I have ever known. How else could she put up with me and my temper while I'm working, and be able to teach Georgi like that? If only Georgi was our child. No, I mustn't think like that. She'll never love me. She made that quite clear five years ago.
As Elizabeth guided Georgi where to put her fingers, she was keenly aware of William's eyes on her. Why does he stare at me so? It's almost like what he did before his proposal five years ago, but now there is a much more gentler look on his face. I mustn't think about this now. I'm trying to teach Georgi how to do something. So Elizabeth put every thought of Mr. Darcy in back of her mind, and successfully taught Georgi how to do a scale.
The rest of the night passed pleasantly with Mr. Darcy staring at Elizabeth, Elizabeth thinking about Mr. Darcy, and Georgi thinking of the two very confused people who tried to hide their feelings, although, not very successfully from a very mischievous young girl.
The next day, everything in New York was covered with snow. Georgi was so excited, she asked to out to play in it, but Elizabeth wouldn't let her. "There's nobody to go out with you, and I must do my work now. Maybe later."
Seeing the disappointment in Georgi's eyes was too much for Elizabeth and, apparently, William, because he made a suggestion. "Tell you what, Georgi. You may sit in with Lizzy and I while we work, and after lunch, we'll go outside in the snow for a while."
So excited was Georgi, she couldn't keep still. While Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy were working, Georgi would pace around the room, look out the window, and touch Mr. Darcy's interesting things in his office.
When lunchtime came, both Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were glad to go outside to reduce Georgi's nervous energy. After putting on all their winter garments, Elizabeth and Georgi ran outside to a clearing next to house.
"Georgi, let's make snow angels!"
"How do you do that?"
"You lie on your back like this." Elizabeth lied down on the ground and moved her arms and legs up and down, and side to side. "Then you move your arms and legs like this. When you get up, you'll see an angel."
Georgi imitated Elizabeth's actions and immediately enjoyed it. However, Elizabeth noticed again that William wasn't joining in with them. "William, come make snow angels!"
But unlike the night before, William wasn't hesitant about joining them. He lied down next to Elizabeth and made his own snow angel. For the next half hour, the three of them made different snow angels, until Elizabeth noticed Georgi's nose getting cold and decided it was time to take her back inside.
When they got back to Mr. Darcy's office, however, the phone was ringing off the hook, and it remained like that for the rest of the day. Towards the end of the afternoon, Georgi started getting restless again, and Mr. Darcy's patience started running out, until he remembered the tricks Punjab could do. He called in Punjab, and the butler immediately calmed Georgi down as she watched Punjab move and airplane around in the air, a book from one table to another, and different objects float up and down without him touching it.
However, there is only so much one can do to keep a child's interest, and only so many things Mr. Darcy could stand flying through the air, and eventually the billionaire's office got noisy again with Georgi's talking, Mr. Darcy's loud conversations on the phone, and Elizabeth trying to write down everything she had to. Eventually, even Lizzy's patience wore low, and as soon as there was one bit of quiet in William's office, she addressed him.
"William, can't we take Georgi to the city tonight? We can eat at a restaurant downtown and then go see a show."
"Are you crazy, Lizzy? I can't go. I'm too busy tonight. You take her."
Georgi, who was listening to this conversation, showed obvious disappointment when Mr. Darcy said he wasn't going.
"It's okay, sir. I don't need to go to the city. Maybe I'll just go to bed now, and let you two be to get your work done. I don't know what's so interesting about the city anyway."
William's heart softened at Georgi's disappointed voice, and he did something he never did before: he took the night off and forgot about his work. "No, no. Georgi, we will go to the city. You two go get ready. Punjab, get the car ready. No, on second thought, we'll walk. Georgi likes the fresh air."
For the first time that afternoon, there was peace in Pemberley, for everybody was happy. Georgi was happy she was going to see the city, Elizabeth was happy that she could get a break, and although he would never admit it, William was happy that he could forget about his work for one night.