Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Act IV Scene I
Int. Kimberley Darcy's Flat
Two weeks later
Kimberley had not heard from Colin Parker since he took her out to dinner. He never gave her a phone number, and she didn't know where he lived. Although she did haunt all the locations she thought she knew where he would be. She had sent Hilary on a fools errand many times, and Hilary was becoming more and more disgusted by the way she was being treated. From the time she met Kimberley Darcy, that person had been mean, spiteful and downright hateful. But Hilary felt the winds of change. Kimberley, always the one to get what she wanted, wasn't getting Mr. Parker.
He definitely took the nonchalant route with her. Not giving her too much information on himself, but giving her a little dose of new medicine, and if she swallowed the bitter pill, even better. Kimberley became furious that he hadn't called. If he wanted her so badly, why would he not try to get in touch with her for two weeks? Kimberley questioned whether or not he did want her. She was bold and came out and asked him, but he avoided the question. He refused to answer her query. He never even gave her a goodnight kiss.
She thought that if she didn't think of him too much that the pain wouldn't hurt as much, it wouldn't be as sharp. For two weeks, she questioned if maybe he wasn't attracted to her. But that was impossible in her estimation. She, who had beauty, brains and money; he'd be a fool to discard her like yesterday's fashions. Kimberley found it more and more difficult to study, when she took the time. She found herself wondering what his kisses were like and how explosive his touch would be should he finally touch her. His silky, deep voice and how she had been taken in by his charms.
Kimberley had given up Marc Adams like a hot potato, but now he was sounding more and more palatable to her. She needed some sort of release to the pent up anger and frustration she was feeling right now. She couldn't stop cursing Mr. Colin Parker.
Hilary stopped by Kim's flat with news that she knew she'd want to hear. "I saw Colin Parker last night." Hilary watched as Kim spun around and faced her friend. The look on her face ever-so-eager.
"And? where?"
"He looked to be out on a date. She seemed to be really interested in what he had to say." Hilary watched as her expression darkened. "But then again, it could've been his sister. But now that I think of it, he did kiss her."
She wheeled on Hilary. "He WHAT! How dare he use me as a trophy. He sees me as a pretty thing on his arm and that's all. Well all I can say to Colin Parker is good riddance." She came threatening close to Hilary. "Where exactly did you see this taking place."
"He was at Ché Monde. They were quite intimate. I would say that he played you, Kim." Hilary looked stonefaced at her.
"I think you can leave now. You've been very helpful." Kimberley practically threw her out of her apartment. As Hilary was leaving she heard glass hitting the wall and Kimberley falling apart.
Colin Parker waited at coffee bar at the time they had set. He knew that what ever she had to report would be good. He had purposely stayed away from Miss Darcy for two weeks, and he had major plans for her.
Hilary walked in with a big smile on her face. She sat down at the table and sipped the lukewarm cappuccino that he pushed her way. He smiled when he saw her.
"So I take it she believed you, and handled it quite badly." He said stifling a laugh.
"I think she destroyed an expensive crystal something or other. She thinks you played her the fool. I don't see how this is going to change her opinion of you now. She hates you."
"Yes. But the her wants will overtake the hate. And this." He pulled out a small jewelry case and handed it to Hilary.
"You're going to propose to her." She said as she held the biggest ruby and diamond ring she had ever seen.
"Eventually, but not until she changes her ways."
"She has no clue as to who you are, does she?"
He smiled mischievously to her. "Not a clue. She thinks I work in advertising."
"Maybe she should've paid more attention to the financial markets, her father will know you. What if she happens to mention your name to him, he'll know who you are instantly being the richest man in England."
"I don't think she'll quite mention me to her father, yet. And has about three pounds more than me." He joked. "You shouldn't let her treat her they way you do." He handed her payment for services rendered. "Thank you for doing what I asked."
"I don't get it. She's spoiled, bratty and mean, and you've fallen in love with her."
"There is a good person there that needs to be taught a lesson. I can wait as long as it takes."
"Yes, but can I." She stated simply.
End of Scene I
Act IV Scene II
Int. Kimberley Darcy's Flat
Four days later
Kimberley heard the soft knocking on her door and ignored it. She was in no mood to deal with Hilary today or any other day for that matter. She wanted to be alone. The knocking became louder.
"Oh sod off will you! Go away, I don't want you here." Kimberley shouted at the door. The knocking became even louder and more furious. "I said go away!"
The knocking became too much that she headed to the door. Opening it she encountered Colin Parker. He flashed her a brilliant smile. "So should I sod off?"
She didn't return the bright smile. "What the hell did you want?" she kept the door open a crack.
He held up two tickets. "I thought you'd like to go to the opera tonight."
She glared at him, "Why don't you ask the girl that you were fairly intimate with the other day, perhaps she'd like to go with you. I'm busy."
He smiled and nodded his head. "I did ask her, but she was busy too."
"You're unbelievable! I am never second choice to anybody." She started to shut the door, but his quick reaction and foot stopped the door from slamming in his face.
"A little birdie told me that Mr. William Darcy used to take his very beautiful daughter to the opera when she was little and the particular opera that they shared together was Turandot. I have the tickets and a box at the Royal Opera House. Why don't you put on your prettiest gown. You might want to put together an overnight bag too. I don't think you'll make it home tonight." She looked at him warily. "Now will you let me in?"
She acquiesced and he walked into the living room. She noticed how nicely he looked in his tuxedo. "Isn't this what you want?" he asked.
"You think you know me so well, what do I want?" she asked sarcastically.
He came closer to her and sized her up. "Kimberley Darcy wants a strong man who will treat her like a princess. Kimberley Darcy wants to be nicer to people, but hasn't quite figured out how to do it. Kimberley Darcy sees a man right in front of her and is fighting the urge to put her arms around him and kiss him. Kimberley Darcy wants to know what that same gentleman has in store for her when he said that she would not be home tonight. Kimberley Darcy wants to find love."
"What if I told you you were wrong?"
"Then I know you'd be lying. Go get dressed; curtain goes up in one hour."
Royal Opera House
Kimberley chose a straight backless deep blue gown. Even though an hour wouldn't have normally been sufficient to make herself presentable, when given the motivation, one can do just about anything. Colin was amazed at the transformation from anger to being in awe when he brought her to his box. She found it odd that most people made the effort to stop and talk to him. He introduced Kimberley to many important dignitaries, many of whom knew her last name and asked her to make their well-wishes to her father and mother.
Colin did indeed make Kimberley feel like a princess. She told him of coming here every season with her father. Her mother would take Christopher to football games. She was also particularly fond of the ballet. Her father had a box as well, but Kim liked sitting down in the orchestra with all the other children.
"It was magical. I was Odette, and I became Aurora. My father would take my hand and squeeze it so lightly. I miss those days." Colin took her hand and squeezed it lightly and brought it to his lips and gently kissed it. That, he thought, would be enough for tonight.
Kimberley was right, she knew that his touch would be explosive and her body reacted accordingly. The overture started as the house lights dimmed. The music always brought tears to her eyes, but she held them back. She felt transported back to China and trying to figure out the three riddles along with Princess Turandot's three suitors.
Colin paid close attention to Kimberley when Prince Calaf, who correctly solved the three riddles, turned the table on the Princess and demanded that she try and figure out his name and if she was correct, he would forfeit his life.
In his romanza, "Nessun dorma", Calaf echoes their words, resolving that his secret shall never be disclosed. Turandot tortures the slave-girl Liu, Calaf's faithful companion, in an attempt to discover the name of the Prince; but Liu, rather than reveal it, kills herself. Turandot, realizing what true love really is, accepts Calaf's hand.
He saw the tears fall from Kimberley's eyes and took his handkerchief and softly wiped her eyes dry. "It does it to me every time. How she is so cruel to everybody, and love changes her so radically."
"It is amazing isn't it." He said smiling. "We have to leave, Kim. I have a surprise for you." Colin escorted her into the awaiting limousine. "We have to head to the helipad at Gatwick."
"Where are we going?"
"Scotland. Balmoral, if that is important to you."
"But that belongs to the Royal family."
"They let me borrow it every now and then." His eyes sparkled mischievously.
"What will we do there?"
"I thought we could go hiking." She gasped when he mentioned that. "I'm kidding. Dinner will be awaiting us, and I believe my family will be there as well."
"I don't understand, you want me to meet your family. Why?"
"No particular reason?"
She was getting frustrated with him. "Can you just tell me what you have planned?"
"But then the fun would be gone. No, you will have to figure out on your own what plans I have. I would say that lesson number one is on its way of being learnt."
"Why must you be so mysterious." She inched closer to him. He held her off. "And why don't you kiss me?"
"You're not ready yet."
"What does that mean?" she asked angrily.
"Now, don't get angry. When you are ready, you'll understand."
End of Scene II
Act IV Scene III
Int. Balmoral, Scotland
Colin watched as Kimberley's eyes became bigger at the sight of the house. He knew exactly what Pemberley was like, but this was older, more stately and about a hundred rooms bigger. The front of the house was flooded with lights that made it look like something out of a Christmas card. Colin escorted her in.
Kimberley was amazed by the flurry of excitement that was taking place in the house. At first, she didn't see anyone, but she heard voices. It sounded as if a party were taking place. "Ah, I hear my mother. Come, let's meet her." She took a deep breath and slowly followed him into a ballroom. There were about a hundred or so people in the room. Several people stopped Colin and he excused himself telling them that it was imperative to get to his mother. Kimberley looked up and nearly fainted when she saw his mother.
"Mother, I'd like to introduce Miss Kimberley Darcy to you. Miss Darcy, this is my mother, Princess Carolyn." Kimberley curtsied to her Highness, but said nothing. She turned to Colin. "I need the lav, now."
"Of course." He took her arm, and his mother questioned him quickly with her stare. He nodded his head and mouthed, "later."
"Why didn't you tell me?" she said when she was in a safe distance from the Princess.
"I preferred you not know. It was beneath me to keep this secret from you. You weren't exactly observant, one would think that you would be attentive to who was part of the Royal family. Hilary knew who I was right off, but I asked her to keep it from you."
"I'll kill her…"
"No, you will treat her with kindness and respect. Now, I will claim your hand for a dance tonight after you use the lav. You do look beautiful, Kim."
"What are you doing to me?" she said softly.
"Nothing, Kim. Here we are at the lav. I'll wait for you."
Kim walked up the two steps that brought her to the lav and headed in the door. Once inside she sat on the chair that was in there and willed her heart to stop beating so erratically. She looked at herself in the mirror and didn't think she looked particularly well now. Fixing her face, she headed back out him.
"Feeling better?" she nodded her head. "Are you up to talking to my mother, she would like to make your acquaintance?"
"Of course, I should be honored to meet her. My mother will die when I tell her." He smiled to her.
Before they headed back into the ballroom, she stopped him. "Why do you think I'm not ready to be kissed?"
"You have a couple of lessons that need to be learnt. I cannot kiss you until then."
"So we will not sleep together tonight?" she asked incredulously.
"If it requires kissing, then no, we will not sleep together."
"But you would like to? Right?" She asked anxiously.
He smiled enigmatically and walked into the ballroom.
Princess Carolyn smiled when Colin brought Kimberley back over to her. Colin could not stop talking about the beautiful Miss Darcy and she was intrigued to get a glimpse of her. She thought she'd make a wonderful wife for her son.
"So Miss Darcy, how long have you known Colin?" she asked. Kimberley looked to Colin and he nodded his head.
"Very shortly, Mrs… ah, I mean your highness…"
The princess cut her off. "Carolyn is fine, Miss Darcy, or Kim, may I call you that?"
Kim smiled brightly. "Of course, that would be wonderful."
"Colin told me that you two went to see Turandot. That is a beautiful opera, it does make you wonder how Puccini would have ended it had he lived. The story brings tears to my eyes."
"Mine, too. My father brought me when I was little, and I fell in love with the story. I'm a big opera fan." She thought she sounded ridiculous and reprimanded herself for talking too much. A waltz came on and Colin excused Kim and himself, this was to be their dance.
"Your mother must think I'm an idiot." She said sadly.
"Not at all, she thinks your charming." He spun her around the floor. "You waltz quite well, mother or father?"
"My mother, actually. She made sure that Christopher and I were good dancers. She said you never know what prince might come up and ask you to dance. I wonder how she knew?"
"I think it's one of those things that mothers know." He smiled to her.
"So where do I stay tonight, I have no idea what room I'm in."
"I'll bring you up to your room after the dance. Do you always talk so much during a dance?"
"My mother told me that it is a good way to actually get to know someone. You're not interrupted, and we can say whatever we want and no one is listening in on us. Like, why don't you tell me who that girl was that Hilary saw you with the other day?"
He looked at her and thought now would be a good time to silence her with a kiss, but couldn't because of his earlier statement. "There was no girl."
"What?"
"There was no girl. I wanted to see how you'd react. What did you break, by the way?"
"A very expensive crystal vase, thank you." She tilted her head so her neck was fully exposed to him, and he had to fight the urge to kiss it. Thankfully the dance ended. He took Kimberley's hand and brought her to her bedroom. Inside the bedroom were flowers that he had ordered earlier in the day. Tulips, lilies, and roses. The massive bed was turned down. Candles flickered on the wall sconces.
"This is beautiful." She said awestruck. "Pemberley is beautiful, but this is like another entity altogether." She walked over to the bed and ran her hand across the silk sheets.
"Well if you'd like to get ready to sleep, I'll leave you. I believe that was the last dance of the evening, it always is."
"Would you unzip my dress for me?" she asked demurely. She saw him bite his lip in response. She turned her back to him and felt his hand go down to her lower back where the zip was. He heard her moan softly as he lowered the zip. She brought her hands behind her and undid the neck of her dress, slowly turning around, the dress slipped off.
She moved closer to him, "You cannot deny yourself this, now can you." She said seductively.
He gazed at her body and turned around to leave. Then very quickly turned back to her, picked her up and brought her to the bed. "Forget everything I said tonight. I want, and need you; and will have you." He brought his lips to hers and hungrily they kissed each other.
End of Scene III
Act IV Scene IV
Int. Balmoral, Scotland
Within minutes of bringing her to the bed, Colin looked down at Kim and said. "I will fail you if I continue in this manner."
Confused, Kim looked at him. "What are you saying, you don't think you can perform well?"
He laughed at her. "No, my dear, we cannot go through with this. You are not ready."
She put her arms around him, "But I am ready; more than ready and more than willing."
"Trust me." He got off the bed, went to the closet and pulled out a terry robe for her. He saw her hurt and bewildered expression. "Kimberley, this will end. But in order for it to end, you need to change things. Your behavior towards other people."
"Do you not find me attractive? Do you not want me?" she refused to cry.
He watched as she put on the robe and took her into his arms. "I want you more than anything right now. Kim, I love you, but I cannot make love to you, yet."
She looked at him curiously, "What are you doing? What are you trying to prove?"
"I gave in to you, and I shouldn't have, but you have an incredible body, and I fought the urge to kiss you…" she snuggled closer to him and started kissing his neck. "And I… tried not to… think of… Kim, it is not fair…you have to learn…" her lips found his and she silenced him. "I cannot make love to you tonight, Kim."
"Just tell me that you want to. Stay with me tonight, Colin. Hold me in your arms, tell me that you love me again. We can just talk and hold each other, please?"
"You need to learn a lesson, Kim. You will not always get what you want." He said gently pushing her away. "My staying in here tonight would be dangerous. You know exactly what would happen."
She became angry. "Then you do not trust yourself. Go on, get out! You used me, Colin, for your own satisfaction. You don't want me. You want a pretty girl that looks good with you. You don't love me. You probably don't even know what love is. Or should I call you Prince Colin. Do you do this with all the women you bring here?"
"You've got it all wrong. I did not use you. I do love you and want to marry you. But you have got to change. You cannot be a spoiled rotten person. You will be in the public eye constantly because of your family and your becoming a princess. Does the name Diana mean anything to you."
"You want to marry me?"
"Very much so. I love you."
"You want to marry me, but yet, you can't make love to me. And you can't sleep with me tonight because you're afraid that we'll make love, if you do. Have I got that right?"
"Fairly so."
"When did you plan on making love to me? And if you tell me when I was ready, I'll scream." She said sarcastically.
"Well then I can't answer that question, can I? Tell me, do you love me?"
Her eyes blazed at him. "I've been brought to the throes of passion, and you decide to develop a conscience at the same time. I thought I loved you. I want to love you. But I also want to make love to you."
"You're putting to much emphasis on the physical aspect of the relationship. Love with your heart and not with your body." He saw her wince. "We will make love, Kimberley Darcy. Just not tonight."
"Prince Colin Parker, you are the most devious man I have ever met. I don't know whether to slap you or throw you out of the room. What lesson do I need to learn? And why must it be you who teaches me?"
He walked up to her and slipped his hands around her waist. "Because I am crazy in love with you, have been since I first saw you. And Princess Kimberley Parker sounds wonderful. Just think of your actions towards other people. Start with Hilary. She is a great person with a great personality."
"This is absolutely ridiculous, but I believe you. Crazy as it sounds, I believe you." She smiled to him.
"Have a good night's sleep, princess." He kissed her nose and held her tightly. "Making love to you will be wonderful, Kimberley. I just know it will be heavenly." He smiled, then quickly left the room.
End of Act IV
Act V Scene I
Ext. Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain
One month later
Julia and Ted had been slowly developing a very passionate romance, that had taken both by surprise. She had never quite felt so connected to someone before, and he enjoyed her ardent responses. They had taken the physical relationship slowly and enjoyed the time that was spent taking pleasure in that activity. Julia had all but pushed Mr. Christopher Darcy out of her head. She hadn't seen him since she played nurse-maid to his broken patient. She did receive from him was a check for a thousand dollars, and a hastily written note asking where she got the funds from. She knew that getting involved with him could prove dangerous.
Walking arm and arm with Ted, they stopped and watched the different birds and named all the trees and flowers that were in their walkway. Ted brought her close to him and gave her a soft kiss.
"You don't have a problem meeting my parents tonight?"
"Not at all, Ted. I just don't understand why it's black tie and at the Ritz Carlton." He led her to a bench, and sat her down.
"That is where they met and fell in love. Every time they come back to Boston, they have to have at least one dinner there. They think it will bring back their youthful days. Actually, how they met is quite humorous. But I will let them tell you about it. I understand they have invited my cousin too, but I'd be surprised if he comes. He usually stays away from family functions. He's quite a wild one."
"Oh so I get to meet the whole family now, do I?" she laughed and entwined her fingers with his. "So give me some background on mom and dad."
"Well my mom is absolutely beautiful. The prettiest woman and father is an extremely likable and a good guy. They'll love you, Julia. Absolutely. I did tell them about your divorce, I hope you don't mind." She nodded her head, and then leaned against his chest.
"I feel happy with you, Ted. I didn't think I'd feel happy with anyone." He gave her a little squeeze. "Perhaps we should get me home so I can get ready for tonight. I don't think Natalie will be home, she's too busy with her Cupid these days."
"I almost think you don't have a roommate, Julia. I've never met her!" he exclaimed.
"You'd probably fall for her. All the guys do. You know the type, tall, leggy and all that gorgeous blonde hair. I've heard some compare her to a Barbie doll."
"All that plastic, compared to the reality of you? I don't think so." She wrapped her hands around his waist and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you."
Int. Julia's Apartment
Julia was finishing up with the last touches of her makeup when the doorbell rang. She spun around in her maroon cocktail dress. She added a little curl to her hair and spritzed the bangs so they didn't lay flat on her forehead. She peered at herself again in the full-length mirror and thought tonight she would dazzle them, then let him in.
Ted was in awe when he saw her. She was absolutely gorgeous. He noticed her well-toned legs and was simply amazed at such beauty in front of him.
"It turns out that my cousin will indeed be of the party. But I must forewarn you, he will do everything he can to take you away from me, but I will fight to the bitter end." He smiled.
"He can't be that bad, Ted. You're exaggerating." She laughed.
"I only wish I were, Julia. You are stunning, just -- I'm totally speechless." He brushed his lips over his hers. "If I start that now, we'll never make it." She nodded her head in agreement.
In front of the hotel, Ted gave the valet the keys to the car and escorted Julia into the lobby. His parent were waiting right where they said they would be. Jane gave her son a kiss and he shook his father's hand. Julia demurely made their acquaintance.
"Where's the wild one?" Ted asked jokingly. He turned to Julia, "Pet name for cousin." She smiled.
Charles answered, "He's inside tackling the pretty waitress or slamming down a drink. You take your pick. I'm going to tell the Maitre'd that the party is assembled, and to seat us." He came back moments later and within seconds they were seated at a table. "Ted, why don't you go to the bar and track down your cousin." He excused himself.
Jane turned to Julia and asked her the basic questions: what brought her to Boston. Where were her parents. How long and how serious was she about her son. From the expression on both of their faces, she passed with flying colors. Ted found Christopher, who had been at the bar sucking down very dry vodka martini's and extra olives.
When Ted brought back Chris to the table, he put his arm on Julia. "Christopher, I'd like to introduce you to Mrs. Julia Wolcott."
Julia gasped when she saw Chris standing in front of her. His equally shocked face, confused the other members of the party. Ted saw the reactions. "Well, it would seem that Julia and Chris have already been introduced to each other."
"I-- ah, yes, we have met." Was all Julia managed to say. She gave her hand to Chris who shook it. "Chris drove me to Boston from Chicago."
Jane smiled. "That is how Chris' father met my sister, except that she drove him to Boston. I remember her telling me how much she hated the ride home. He drove her crazy, but with his persistence and truly devoted love, they finally married some thirteen years later."
Julia turned to Jane and blushed. "Must be something life father, like son. The ride with Mr. Darcy was anything but pleasant." Chris took his seat across from Julia. "Chris, is dating my roommate."
Ted smiled, "Ah, the invisible roommate. I wonder that we have never seen each other, Chris? I would think you were purposely trying to avoid me."
"Not at all. Natalie, keeps me quite entertained. She expresses her sincere regrets for not being of the party." He turned to Julia. "I wonder why Natalie never told me you were married." Julia felt her face become very hot.
"I haven't told her."
"It must have slipped your mind."
Jane expressed her delight in the party at hand and congratulated Ted on his acceptance to Harvard.
"Mother, Julia has expressed a wish to hear of your blind date story. If it doesn't bore Christopher too much, shall you tell it. You would give it better justice than had I gone ahead and told the story."
Jane focused her gaze on Julia. "Well it is more my sister's story, but if she would like to hear it. I have no problems telling it. Christopher?"
"None at all, I shall like to hear it again." Chris kept his focus on Julia, who under the table had silently grabbed hold of Ted's hand.
Before Jane started her narrative the group had ordered cocktails and appetizers, "Well I must start back with Elizabeth and William. I've already mentioned that she drove him to Boston. They hadn't seen each other for five years and then they saw each other again. Will being engaged to someone, as was Liz. They had romantic dinner in New York City, and he was lost. Fell in love with her. Again, they didn't see each other for three years. And again, he was engaged to a different person, that did not last and Will pursued my sister. She fought his advances. Then suddenly he's transferred to Japan, and Liz doesn't want to talk about it. She never did explain what happened. Well he comes back from Japan, married." Chris looked at his aunt. "We don't talk about that marriage much, it was bitter for him. That woman was very bitter indeed. So anyway, this is where I finally come in. Will and Charles talked about women, life and football." She smiled and took Charles' hand. "Will wanted to see Elizabeth, but was too stubborn to phone her and tell her that he was getting divorced. Charles comes up with harebrained idea of asking Elizabeth out on date and telling her to bring a friend, as it would be a double-blind date."
Jane stopped momentarily and took a sip of her water. "Charles set it up that we would meet here, at the Ritz. Elizabeth, was none too pleased by the whole arrangement. We show up and Charles is alone, it seems that Will wanted to make a grand entrance."
Charles interrupted her, "He did not!"
"Well he did show up forty-five minutes later. I must stop digressing, as soon as I saw Charles, I knew that I wanted to be with him forever. It took about two more years and a scandal to finally bring Will and Lizzy together. Then a year after that, Chris was born. His father delivered him." Jane gently stroked Chris' cheek.
"That is a lovely story, Mrs. Bingley." Julia commented.
"Oh pooh, you must call me Jane."
"Thank you, Jane."
"So how did you and my son meet?" She noticed Chris leaned closer to the table for her response.
"We met at a club. We were doing VR."
"What did you think of VR?" Chris asked suddenly.
She took on his stare and answered, thusly. "It was unlike anything I have ever experienced before."
"Would that be an approval or a disapproval." He smiled to her.
"Well I have nothing to base it on, Mr. Darcy. So I can't really say. It was my first foray into the relative unknown of VR." Chris noticed the blush that spread across her face and sat back satisfied.
Chris took a roll out of the basket and buttered it up. "Why don't we find out about Mrs. Wolcott's husband."
Ted shot a look at Chris. "Ex-husband. Her divorce became final the day she left Chicago."
"So that is why you were crying when…" he didn't finish the statement.
"Yes, had you asked, I would have told you."
Dinner was ordered and Julia found herself under the scrutinizing stare of Christopher Darcy throughout most of dinner, that when Ted asked for a dance, she found herself happy to be away from the table for a short while.
A waltz was playing, and Chris watched as Ted expertly glided her across the floor. He saw the intimacies as Ted whispered into her ear. Chris reached for his drink and stared at the two of them over the glass as he took a sip. He saw Jane and Charles also on the floor dancing. Ted spun Julia around the floor, and Chris watched as she laughed and enjoyed herself. He turned his gaze to the bar and caught the eye of a woman sitting by herself. Not tonight, he told himself. He returned his attention back to the dance floor and saw as Ted's hand roamed up and down her back, moving softly to her shoulder, over to her neck. Then taking her chin into his hand. He leaned down to kiss her, softly. Chris watched as Julia stood on her toes to reach him, eyes closed and arms tightly around his neck.
She abruptly opened her eyes and looked past Ted's shoulder, she caught Chris staring at her. She quickly turned her attention back to Ted, and they resumed the dance.
Chris, unsure of the emotions washing over him, headed over to the bar. Sat down and talked to the woman who had caught his eye earlier. Within moments, they were gone.
Julia saw Chris put his hand in between her shoulder blades and escort her out of the restaurant.
End of Scene I
Act V Scene II
Int. Ted Bingley's Brownstone
Six days later
He picked her up in his strong arms and gently laid her on the bed. Slowly kissing her neck, her arms, her stomach. Unbuttoning her light blue oxford shirt, he pulled it open and stared at the body before him. He had seen the body before, once upon a time. She smiled at him and pulled his face close to hers and kissed him. She hadn't felt his kisses before, but knew that they would be magical. She helped him with his shirt. He lifted his arms and the shirt came right off. She stared at his chest and sighed. She waited and waited and now he would be hers. No more suffering, no more wondering, everything would be all right.
She positioned herself for him, she took him willingly into her arms. The curls that she entwined through her fingers, he groaned with delight. He descended upon her lips again. When finished, she smiled. The smile that he had been waiting for, the smile that told him everything would be okay.
Julia hugged the pillow close to herself and allowed a tear to run down her cheek. "What are you doing to me, Christopher Darcy." Was all she could think.
Two weeks later
Julia came out her exam looking tense and nervous. She hadn't seen Ted in those two weeks and was missing him terribly. She thought about calling him, but it was her decision to cool things down a bit. She had been falling behind in her classes and needed to take the time to catch up. She knew that she was using classes as an excuse. Finding out that he was cousin to Chris was more than she could handle. For some reason she felt as though she couldn't get away from him. He was always there in front of her.
Lisa came up to Julia, noticing her friend not doing so well. "Are things okay with you and Ted?" Lisa asked in a concerned manner.
"Fine. I've been studying a lot. Not much time for a social life, you know how it is."
Lisa looked at her and gave her a smile. "But you do need a night out. Come on, say yes."
"Depends. Where?"
"Venus De Milo, Friday night?"
"Who's playing?" Julia asked.
"Nobody in particular. Please come, Julia. Just the girls, the guys can fend for themselves."
"Can I tell Natalie? I think she needs to get away from Cupid."
"Sure. See you on Friday." Lisa hurried off.
Julia came home and found Natalie throwing things around the house. Ripping up pictures and tossing dishes against the wall. A dish came whizzing by Julia's head.
"Hey! What the hell is going on here!" she shouted.
"That stupid bastard! He's a lying, cheating scoundrel!"
"What happened?"
Natalie managed to calm down for a minute to explain what had transpired. "He tells me about the women and how he didn't mean it. He told me that he was in love with someone else." Natalie held a juice glass in her hand and was about to throw it, but Julia saved it. Natalie held on to Julia.
"Natalie, you two haven't been together for very long. Why are you reacting this way. You didn't love him, did you?" Natalie sniffled and nodded her head. "Oh Natalie, he only thinks of himself. You should've known that he was volatile this way."
"It's you, Julia. He's in love with you."
"Since when did you become a comedienne? That is ridiculous. You know how much we don't get along." Julia pushed the mangled mess of hair off Natalie's forehead.
"All he does is talk of you. He called out your name when we… when we…" she broke down again.
"Natalie, this is ridiculous, you of all people know how I detest him. I'm happy with Ted."
"He told me that you bailed him out of jail. He said that he tried to kiss you, but you refused him."
"See, I refused him. He's delusional. Listen, I'm having dinner with Ted, why don't you come with me." Julia thought for a moment. "Perhaps, you shouldn't bring Chris up though, it wouldn't go over to well there."
Natalie sniffled her acceptance, and Julia smiled to her. "Everything will be okay. Honestly."
Int. Ted Bingley's Brownstone
Ted was over enthusiastic to see Julia, but more than shocked to see her invisible roommate. He had been planning an extremely romantic evening between himself and Julia, and found it ruined by the extra addition. Julia caught the disappointment in his eyes.
"We'll be together, Ted, but she was tearing my place apart."
"Chris?" Julia nodded her head.
"He certainly knows how to destroy people." Julia shot him a look. "I'm just saying that he has a history of doing this."
"Natalie will be fine, she just needed friendship right now. She is a good person." Ted kissed Julia a little bit more deeply than she had anticipated and suddenly she regretted the decision of including her.
"I could make love to you right here, Julia." She looked around and laughed.
"On the stove perhaps? The kitchen was never one of my favorite places." He laughed and squeezed her tighter. "Come on we need to get the drinks together." He led her into the living room.
Christopher wasn't the type of person that allowed certain emotions to cloud the way he thought or felt. But this was unlike anything he'd ever felt before. He couldn't stay in Boston and watch while his cousin held and touched and kissed the woman that he longed for. He had one avenue he could do and although not the best, he could definitely get some sort of answer. They could help him understand what he was going through.
"Dad, it's Chris. I was thinking, maybe a visit is in order."
End of Scene II
Act V Scene III
Ext. Pemberley Parkland
William took the horse out for a short walk and spied Elizabeth gardening in her herb garden. In all the years of marriage, the sight of her before him still mesmerized him. She had lost none of her figure, even though she gave birth to two children fairly successively and miscarried one child a few years later. Her hair was more fashionably styled, although the mounds of curls stayed, it was shorter and more chic. He tied the horse to a stile and walked quickly to his wife.
"Hello, love."
Elizabeth turned to him, brushed her dirty hand on the smock and gave him a kiss. He knelt down beside her and helped as she turned over the earth with a small spade. Will watched as she worked and smiled to himself.
"What are you laughing at, Will?"
"You." She looked down at her dirty smock and had to laugh too. It was a comical sight. "Why aren't you writing? I thought you had a deadline."
"I blew it off. I couldn't think and this helps me to. When I'm not being disturbed. Besides, I'm getting excited about seeing Christopher, it's been a while."
"Something tells me that he wants something, though. It was all so mysterious. He won't tell me why he wants to come home."
"Will Darcy, that is your son, and he can come home whenever he wants. No child of mine is going to be an outcast. I carried him for well over ten months, and he's still my baby."
"One very big baby. He's nearly taller than me." He laughed.
"You know exactly what I mean. Listen, I have cook making his favorite tonight. Why don't we dress up and invite some people. There's a young girl I'd like to introduce him to."
"Elizabeth, you know damn well he will not go for that. I don't think women are his problem, if he's anything like I was at his age."
"Oh, yes, how were you at twenty-two, Mr. Darcy. Perhaps you were a pig, because you were definitely one when I met you at the age of twenty-eight."
"I was not a pig at any age. That was just your misinterpretation as usual. But at twenty-two, women did quite fawn all over me. It was interesting."
"Exactly, a pig." Her eyes glinted with amusement.
"So who is this girl?"
"Sabrina Walker. She's very lovely."
"Chris will never go for her. No, he's coming here because of a woman. Call it men's intuition."
Elizabeth laughed and threw some dirt at him.
Int. Julia and Natalie's Apartment
Natalie rifled through the mail and picked out a letter addressed to her. She recognized the handwriting and tossed all the other mail aside, tore open the envelope and started reading. Chris was explaining how he was leaving for a while and wasn't sure when he would be coming back, if he would be coming back. The time spent with her was great, but he felt something terribly missing in his life, and he couldn't quite figure it out. Natalie sighed and knew exactly what he had missing in his life and found it quite humorous that his cousin had exactly what he wanted. Reading the letter over and over again, made her feel cheap and used. She had been his "type", and that is why she felt used.
She watched as Julia studied at the kitchen table. She had taken the news of Chris being in love with her rather nonchalantly. Julia did strike her as an enigma. She said she was happy with Ted, but most times preferred to be home rather than with him. Using the studying as an excuse. Natalie peered more closely at Julia and wondered if she too, could be in love with Christopher Darcy. She could test her. Gauge her responses, see if she blushes.
"I've received a letter from Chris." Natalie said out loud.
"Oh." Julia never raised her head from her book.
"Yes. He's left for England."
Julia unconsciously closed the book, "Did he?"
Natalie got up and sat down beside Julia at the table. "He says that he's going for a while, but doesn't think he'll be back. Why do you think he would stay there?"
"Well, it would be sad if he did stay there, but there must be extenuating circumstances. Perhaps he'll look for a job in England."
"Or maybe he's running away from something he thinks he can't have here."
Julia looked at Natalie. "Where are you going with this, Nat?"
"Don't you find it quite coincidental that he leaves after I confront him with being in love with you?"
"But I've explained that I'm not in love with him. I practically detest the man."
"Excuse number one: detestation."
"I'm very happy with Ted."
"Excuse number two: Ted. Why are you not with Ted."
"I'm studying tonight."
"Excuse number three: Studying. You talk yourself into hating Chris because you can't accept your feelings for him. Ted is comfortable for you right now, because you don't have to admit your feelings for Chris. Studying is a way for you to push certain ugly thoughts out of your head."
"And you got all this information from reading the mail? Natalie, you are upset because it didn't work out between the two of you, and you need to blame someone. Rather than blame yourself or him, you found me to put the blame on. Well don't." Julia got up from the table and stalked into her room.
"Julia, how many times have you fantasized about him making love to you: Once, Twice, maybe something around ten times." Natalie yelled down the hallway.
Julia came out of her room with a backpack, "That is enough! I am staying with Ted tonight. You need some serious help, Natalie. I'm sorry that you feel that way. But I am not to blame for your breakup." And she walked out of the house.
Int. Pemberley
Christopher was greeted at Pemberley with his mother rushing into his arms, and the staff extremely happy to see him. His father stayed to the side until mom could finish admiring him.
"Mom, this is really too much." He said as he lifted her off the ground.
"Put me down! You are just too big and strong and very handsome. Oh, those Boston girls must be having fun chasing you." A clouded expression quickly covered him and he put his mother down. It did not go unnoticed by William.
"Christopher." He said somberly and shook his hand. "Shall we go into the dining room, cook has dinner all ready for us."
Christopher bit his cheek, an old habit caught from both parents, and willfully went into the dining room. They all settled down to a nice Beef Wellington dinner. Chris had very little to say and ate like a dutiful son.
"How was the flight over?" asked his mother.
"Fine, tiring."
"Your room is ready for you. You can head up after supper." She smiled to him.
"Thank you, Ma'am."
William paid close attention to his son and knew the look; he couldn't take it anymore. "Who is she, Chris?"
He shot a confused look to his father, "What?"
"The girl you're running away from, who is she?" Elizabeth looked angrily at her husband and put down her water glass heavily.
"I'm not that transparent."
Will laughed, "I said the same thing to Charles about your mother. Who is she."
"A divorcee."
Elizabeth said, "Chris she has extra baggage, you don't want to get involved in that."
William looked incredulously at his wife. "I guess Spring wasn't excess baggage, then, I seem to recall your saying that had I never married her, we…?"
Chris broke in, "Listen, I didn't mean to wake any festering wounds. I drove this woman from Chicago, we didn't get along. She hates me and is now intimate with Ted."
"You drove her from Chicago?" William asked.
"Yes, I told mother I was driving a girl back to Boston. She laughed." She was laughing again.
"It all comes full circle, doesn't it, Will?" William laughed at Chris too.
"Why don't you tell us a little of this person?" William asked.
"She's unlike anyone I've met. Determined, opinionated, and beautiful. Long black hair and the most mysterious black eyes. Unbelievable eyes. She's also Japanese."
William did a double take when he added that in there. "Chris, you don't want to get involved. With my experience, let me tell you that…"
Chris cut him off, "This is not like Spring, dad. Julia is partly American also. Her father died many years ago. She's studying Marine Biology at Harvard and she has spunk. Incredible spunk."
"But you say she is with Ted now, so it's hopeless, is it not?" Elizabeth asked.
"I hope not." He thought to himself, but said out loud, "Yes, they are very happy together. It's ridiculous of me to think of her. Well tell me about my sister, how is she doing?"
"Ah, you mean the princess." Elizabeth laughed. "You're father's not to thrilled that the Royal family wants to make her one of them."
"Wait a minute, you've lost me."
"Prince Colin has fallen in love with your sister. And the thing is she had no clue who he was for weeks! It's quite the joke around the county."
"Looks like Kimberley gets what she wants. She always said she'd be a real princess."
Will got up and excused himself. Chris looked at his mother concernedly. "He's losing his little girl, it bothers him."
End of Act V
Act VI Scene I
Int. Kimberley Darcy's Flat
Six weeks later
Kimberley Darcy was in love. Colin came around twice a week for six weeks taking her to plays, dinner and just romantic walks through the parks. He felt the danger of paying her too much attention, and still didn't feel if she had improved as much as he should have wished. She could still be vain, talking down to waitstaff and people who didn't take care of her every whim. She waited for the day when he would take her away and promise to make love to her. She had always expected it on certain days, but it never came and he barely gave her a goodnight kiss. She thought she had broken through to him at Balmoral, but he was stronger than before. He would not give up.
Colin and Kimberley also became the darlings of the British media. They plotted their every move always showing up wherever they were dining, walking or even watching a tennis match or football game. They were an ever-present entity and at times, the stress became too much for Kimberley.
At the end of the six weeks of heavenly bliss, Colin came around no longer. No phone call and no warning. He just left. She wondered if she had done something terribly wrong, and what could she do to make it better. Hilary was a friend that she relied on. But again, Kim took advantage of the situation, sending Hilary out on fools errands to search high and low for any information on Colin. Hilary did check every possible avenue, and did not have any luck. Even she was surprised that he just left. Kim would scan the papers for any information on where he could have possibly gone. Knowing that his family retained some rights to him and he must do his royal duties. There was nothing. It seemed as if he disappeared into an abyss.
Hilary stopped over after a grueling day of midterm classes and tried to cheer Kim up, but nothing worked. Kim looked terrible. She refused to leave the flat. She took no phone calls and looked as if she hadn't showered in what seemed days. The blinds were closed and the flat smelled of stale cigarettes.
"Why don't we go clubbing tonight, all the girls and guys are going?"
"No."
"Well we can go to the cinema."
"No."
"Bloody hell, Kim. He's gone. I don't know where in God's name he's gone to, but you can't act like your life is over. Now you get showered and dressed, and you are coming out with me."
"Listen, you fat cow, don't you take that tone with me. I said I was going nowhere."
"Fine stay here in this stinking little flat. Wither away to nothing, smoking all the cigarettes you can find. Did you ever think that he left because of you, Kimberley. Maybe you're not perfect after all, and he finally figured it out."
Tears started pouring down her face. "Just because you have the Darcy name and the looks, doesn't mean that everything you touch turns to gold. And right now, I can honestly say that you are pathetic." Hilary glanced back at her. She walked up to Kim, "I am not a fat cow, never was and never will be."
"Get out, now."
Hilary slammed the door shut.
Two weeks later
Kimberley finally ventured out of her flat and only on the prodding of her just visiting brother. He threatened to drag her out in her jammies if she didn't fix herself up and stop feeling sorry for herself. He thought between the two of them, they were destined to be miserable people.
"Kim, do you think the Darcy name is a curse for us. Because we have so many people who expect us to act and behave in the famous "Darcy" manner?"
She looked at her brother and tried not to cry. "I would give an arm to have the name of Smith or Jones." Chris pulled Kim closer to her as they sat on the bench in the park two blocks from her flat. "I thought he loved me, Chris. He told me he did. He said he wanted to marry me. He thinks I'm a terrible person. Vain and petty." He smarted at those words. Same words that Julia had said to him. All those months ago.
"Kimberley, he doesn't know what he's missing by doing this to you. You are one special person. Always believe that, don't ever forget how pretty you are and…"
Kimberley cut him off. "What does pretty have to do with anything. It's not bringing him back. My beauty is a plague and my name is a curse. Mummy and daddy are to blame. They did this to us and didn't explain anything to us."
"Those are harsh words, Kimmy. We can't blame our parents for giving us good genes. We have to become better people. I think we both have found the people that will make us become better people and in the long run, it's for the best."
"When did you become so wise, brother dear?"
"I've always been the wise one, Kimmy. You just never paid much attention." Kim wrapped her arms around her brother's neck and gave him a big hug and kiss on the cheek.
"I love you, Christopher William Darcy, brother dear, oh bear." He smiled.
"And Kimberley Elizabeth Darcy, Kimmy with all the jimmies." She smiled.
Colin watched as brother and sister sat and talked in the park. Seeing her so desolate and thin, tore at his heart. But he knew it was for the best. She was on her way of becoming a better person, he had only hoped he hadn't jeopardized his relationship with her. He knew when he saw her five years ago, that he would one day marry her. She had been sixteen and at her debutante ball, he was twenty-one and danced with her briefly. Obviously it hadn't made an impression on her because she didn't remember. But he did. He knew what she felt like, how she smelled and how she excelled at the dance.
He couldn't allow anyone to know where he was or what he was up to. He had come too close many times to giving in to her, and he couldn't allow that to take place. He did want her, badly. And he did look forward to the day when they did come together and share an explosive love. The tears disturbed him. Watching her cry, he wanted to run to her and tell her that he was okay, but this was part of the lesson. Learning to love and lose. He turned around to leave and found it difficult to go away from her. Her beauty captivated him. He became jealous when she hugged and kissed her own brother.
Banish such thoughts from your head, he thought. He saw Chris lead her up and wrap an arm around her shoulders. She tenderly put her head on his shoulder and they walked companionably back to her flat. Colin put away the binoculars, sadly and headed in the other direction.
He knew he was more in love with her, than ever.
End of Scene I
Act VI Scene II
Int. Pemberley
Four weeks later
Chris awoke with Kimberley jumping on his bed. "Come on sleepy head, breakfast is waiting." She smiled.
"What happened to the depressed Kim who wanted life to end?" he said sleepily.
"You promised me we could go riding today. Come on it's almost nine." She pulled the covers off him. He groaned loudly and told her to leave, he'd be down in a moment.
"You'd better." She hopped out of the room.
Kimberley poured her usual coffee and juice from the sideboard and sat down. William looked at Elizabeth and smiled happily. Having family around was great.
"Kim, are you going to eat anything?" he asked.
"Never do, that is how I stay so thin."
"You have to eat something. Here have some toast." He put the bread on a plate for her. She made a face and took a bite out of it.
"There, how was that." She said rudely.
"Kimberley Elizabeth! There is no cause for you to talk to your father that way. He only meant well." Elizabeth admonished.
"Sorry, daddy."
Chris came down at the tail end of Elizabeth's reproofs of Kim. He went to the sideboard and poured coffee and juice and helped himself to kippers and eggs.
"Ketchup?"
William nearly spit out his coffee and Elizabeth smiled widely. "Of course, Landers, get ketchup for Chris."
"What American's do to their food is beyond me."
"Hey, pops, you lived in the States for many years, so don't start your Anti-American crusade."
"Pops? Liz, I am getting too old. First my daughter gets mad because I want her to take food in and my son wants ketchup on his eggs. What is the twenty-first century doing to us?"
"Making us dumber and them wiser, I would imagine. But it is nice having them both here, isn't it?" Kim rolled her eyes and Chris smiled to her. "What are you two doing today?"
"Riding, Kim asked me to go with her."
"Why don't we all go riding, then we could have a picnic after." William thought of.
"Sure, daddy. Sounds like fun." Kim said trying to sound enthusiastic.
"Great why don't we meet in one hour at the stables. Liz, would you like to go riding?" Elizabeth Darcy hated horses ever since she fell off one and was kicked.
"No, I'll put together the basket and meet you at your final destination. And that would be?"
Chris spoke up, "The clearing after the pond, with the buttercups and daisies." Kim smiled her appreciation to him. He knew that was her favorite outdoor spot on all of Pemberley's breathtaking grounds.
"Beautiful location, Chris. Great I'll meet you there at say one o'clock?" they all nodded in agreement.
Int. Ted Bingley's Brownstone
The sun had barely peaked over the horizon, and Julia lay awake thinking. She heard the faint snores of Ted right beside her and smiled gently. Last night had been difficult. Every time she closed her eyes, dimples and the massive curls of blue-black hair infiltrated her mind's eye. She thought of him calling out her name -- Julia, Julia. This was mad, she thought to herself. She couldn't do this to herself anymore. She had to take any thoughts of him and push them to very far recess of her brain. She found herself missing him intensely.
Ted turned over and wrapped his arms tightly around her. "You're awake."
"I am." She said softly.
"And thinking way too much for this hour of the morning. What has got you so riled up?"
"Big exam today. I hope I studied enough."
He chuckled. "You study too much, Jules." He turned her over and kissed her. "How if I get your mind off of your test for about twenty minutes?" He moved his hand to her stomach and started rubbing it.
"No, Ted. Not right now. I'm going to make some coffee, would you care for some?" She got up and quickly put her robe on. Ted turned on his back and sighed agitatedly.
"No, I'll stay in bed for a little while longer." She tightened the robe and flashed a smile to him. "Julia, what do you think of marrying me?"
She stopped dead in her tracks, "What?"
"I said what do you think of marrying me?" he repeated.
"I would say that you were being ridiculous. I have two more years of school. Then working and I barely know you."
"And you're in love with another man?"
"What? Ted, you are being totally ridiculous. It's way to early in the morning for this discussion. Go back to sleep."
Ted leaned on his elbow. "Julia, you're in love with Christopher, admit it."
"Have you talked to Natalie, did she say something to you. Because to tell the truth, I can't stand the man. He is vain and arrogant and petty. Thinks only of himself and no one else. He is the last man on earth that I could ever love! And I wish people would just leave me alone on that subject. There, is that proof positive for you?"
"Not really."
"If I was in love with him, would I be sharing your bed?"
"I am his cousin."
"You think I used you? Do you really think that way?"
"We have been growing apart for a while now, Julia. I just wanted to know why. Now I do." He said sadly. "Chris won out again."
"If Chris won again, then why is he in England, and I'm here. No, Ted. He did not win out. I'm here with you. I made a decision that I wanted to be with you. You want to marry me, fine, I'll marry you."
Int. Pemberley Parkland
Chris, William and Kim all raced throughout the vast clearing. Kim reached the destination before the two men and laughed loudly when she saw them come around the bend. She walked her horse to the pond and let him drink. Chris came up beside her and tickled her.
"You cheated, Miss Darcy." His eyes glistened with cheer.
"I did not, you're a sore loser." She slapped his hand away. "Where's daddy?" Will came up behind the two of them and scared the wits out of them. He took both of his children into his embrace. "I love you, two."
Kimberley became emotional and broke free first. She sat down, put her face in her hands and cried. Will looked to Chris, who shrugged his shoulders and indicated for father to go to his daughter. Will knelt down beside Kimberley and took her into his arms and rocked her back and forth. Softly mentioning that things would be okay.
"No, daddy, things aren't going to be okay. I love him and he's gone. I really do love him." Will bit his cheek and realized that he really needed Elizabeth now. "I don't know what to do to get him back. I don't even know where he is."
"I can locate him."
"No, daddy. You can't help me with this one." She stopped and realized something. "Oh daddy, you are the best." She kissed him.
"What?" He asked quite confused.
Kimberley mounted her horse and rode off. Chris looked at the dumbfounded expression on his face. "She just got it."
"Got what?" Chris shrugged his shoulders again; mounted his horse and took off.
Elizabeth waited at the clearing with the buttercups and daisies and saw her children ride up without her husband. Both Chris and Kimberley, were smiling and happy. A better sight than earlier this morning.
"Where is your father?"
Kimberley turned and saw the lone rider in the distance. "Here he comes. He can't keep up with us anymore." She laughed.
Chris piped up with: "He'll blame the damn horse for being so slow." He said in his best William Darcy imitation.
When William came over to the clearing, he tethered the horse to the stile and heavily walked to his family. "Damn horse is too slow."
All of them burst into hysterics. William turned and saw another figure walking up the clearing, he didn't recognize him. "It seems we're about to have a visitor."
All of them turned to see who the visitor was, but no one could make it out. Until Kimberley stood up and yelled out "Colin!"
End of Scene II
Act VI Scene III
Ext. Pemberley Parkland
Kimberley went running to Colin, but Chris tackled her down. "No! You will not throw yourself at him. He needs to explain why he just disappeared."
"No, Chris, he came for me." Chris glared at her.
"You stay here, let me deal with him." Chris headed down the pasture to where Colin had stopped and witnessed Chris knocking his sister down.
Chris had a nasty scowl on his face. "What the hell did you want?" he said when he came within hearing distance.
"You didn't have to sack her like a quarterback, I came to see her."
"Do you realize what you did to her for the past two months. She has been worried sick about you. She blamed herself for your disappearance, she thought she did something wrong."
"She did nothing wrong, just everything right." he smiled.
"What the hell does that mean." He yelled furiously.
"I happen to love your sister."
Chris looked at him curiously, turned around and started walking away, then turned back and landed a good punch on the cheek. Colin reeled backwards. William, Elizabeth and Kimberley came running down. "Don't play head games with my sister. You'll have to deal with me."
Kimberley came up and cuffed her brother on the head. "What do you think you're doing? What right did you have to hit him?"
Elizabeth tended to Colin who had blood trickling down his lip. "I'm fine, Mrs. Darcy. He thought I deserved it. I did want to talk to Kimberley. Kim?" Kim nodded her head and went off with him.
Chris turned to his parents, "I can't believe you allowed her to go with him. I don't care who he is or what family he belongs to. He broke her heart and thinks that everything is okay."
Elizabeth walked up to her son. "Everything will be okay, Chris. They have to work things out."
"Dad?" he sought out his father.
"Your mother is right. We can't get involved."
Kimberley brought Colin into the house to tend to his small wound. It didn't require much attention. She brought him up to her suite of rooms. He admired all the porcelain-faced dolls that were exquisitely showcased. She had a Raggedy-Ann and Andy sitting together on an old-fashioned rockingchair and a Paddington Bear lazily sitting beside the rockingchair.
"Your brother has quite a punch." He said jokingly trying breaking the silence.
She came up to him and gingerly touched his left cheek. "Does it hurt much?" he shook his head. "So what does bring you to Pemberley?" She sat down on a beanbag chair.
"You." He walked over to where she sat and pulled her up. "I hated being away from you, Kim."
"So why were you gone? You left without any notice. For months, I didn't know what happened. I blamed myself."
"But I am back." He said putting the emphasis on "back". He pulled her into his arms.
"Are you? How do I know that you won't take off and disappear again?" she broke free from his embrace.
"Kiss me, Kimberley Darcy." He said softly.
"No."
"Will you allow me to kiss you?" she looked at him and shook her head. "I hurt you?" she nodded her head. "Do you hate me?" he saw the tears forming, and then she shook her head no. "Do you love me, Kim?" again, she nodded her head yes. "I won't leave you again." He took her back into his arms. "You're my angel." He softly brought his lips to her and kissed her ever-so-gently. He felt her give in to his kiss. She raised her arms to his neck and wrapped it tightly around it.
"You smell like a horse."
She laughed. "I've been riding. Chris didn't mean it, Colin. He's overprotective. We've become very close since you… well, since he's come back."
"I understand. If I had a sister, I'd do the same thing. I am sorry, Kim. It had to be done. I can't explain and will probably never be able to explain it, but just know that I always had you in my thoughts."
"I don't know, Colin. I can't just accept you back in my life wondering if you're going to take off again. I can't live that way."
"If you marry me, then you'll always be with me. Kim, marry me?"
"Why?"
"Because I love you more than life itself. Because you are an extension of me. Because you are a good person. And because I want to make love to you, right now." He thought he'd throw that one in to throw her off base. She laughed at him.
"Don't I at least get an engagement ring?" He reached deep into his coat pocket and pulled out the ruby and diamond engagement ring and crouched down.
As he slipped it on her finger, he mentioned these words. "Kimberley Darcy, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to hold you and cherish you and love you forever. Please, please say you'll be my wife."
She looked at him, "Colin, did you always have it planned this way. To ask me to marry you in my bedroom?" He laughed and shook his head.
"Will you?"
She brought herself down her to his level and softly whispered, "Yes." He put his arms around her and kissed her very deeply and passionately. She felt her blouse becoming unbuttoned. She pushed his coat off and pulled his shirt from his trousers. He tenderly picked her up and brought her to her bed and made love to her.
Several hours later, Christopher came around to let them know about dinner. He softly rapped on her door, when he heard nothing, he ventured inside. He quietly opened the door to her bedroom and saw both of them tightly wrapped in each other's arms with smiles on their faces, sound asleep.
Chris, happy for his sister, still felt the lead in his own heart.
One Week Later
The buzz around Pemberley with Kimberley becoming a princess overtook everything else. Nothing else mattered. Elizabeth was in shock, and William was trying to understand what the hell was going on. He couldn't quite accept that his little girl was going into another man's arms. Chris was happy, but was itching to get back to the States. He had a good prospect with the Washington Post and wanted to look into it. While Elizabeth and Kimberley were in London looking for wedding gowns and other paraphernalia. Chris and Will were able to talk. Chris finally opened up about being in love with Julia, but wasn't sure if that is exactly what he felt.
Chris explained how the ride to Boston was anything but pleasant. Julia was overly opinionated. Will kept interjecting, like your mother. Julia called him vain. Liz called him a pig. How she totally invaded his thoughts. Just like your mother, Will kept reiterating.
After one of his solitary rambles, Landers encountered him and told him about the telegram that had come earlier. Chris hastily read it:
chris stopasked julia to marry me stop she agreed stop but I rescinded offer as soon as made stop she is in love with another man stop you stop you win stop don't hurt her or I'll kill you stop -- ted stop
Julia stared out the window waiting for her visitor. The day was bleak and the rain didn't stop. Natalie had taken off for a few weeks. Ted knew when to call it quits, and she was just as lonely as ever. She knew the plane came in around one o'clock, but now it was five and she was worried. Finally she saw a cab pull up and a woman exit. The woman looked up at the window and waved enthusiastically. Julia raced downstairs and greeted her.
"Mother!"
End of Scene III