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Act VII Scene IX
Pemberley
The dinner bell chimed at 7.15 rousing Julia from her slumber. She noticed Christopher sitting in the corner watching her as she was sleeping. When she lifted her head off the pillow, he gave her a big smile.
"Are you hungry, cook made beef with Yorkshire puddings."
She yawned and stretched and nodded her head. "What time is it?"
"Almost 7.30, we should start to head down."
"Out of the frying pan and into the fire." She said mundanely. Chris shot her a look of sympathy.
"Julia, you've already won over my father; he's harder to please than my mother." She walked over to him and gave him a kiss. The thoughts going through her caused her heart and pulse to speed up. Chris offered her his arm and led her down to the dining room.
Elizabeth and William's Bedchamber
William smiled when Elizabeth leaned over him to wake him up. He had been fighting her advances to wake him up, and it wasn't until she tickled him that he did actually laugh out loud. She tapped him lightly on the arm in remonstrance of her having a hard time waking him up.
"Cook will be upset if she has to serve cold food." Elizabeth whispered into his ear.
"You keep whispering in me ear like that, we'll never make it downstairs."
Elizabeth pressed her lips to his and moved her hand under his shirt massaging his chest. "Do you realize that in two weeks, we will celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary?"
"Jeez, has it been that long, I thought it longer." He grinned at her, but winced when she pinched him. "Thirty-six years ago, Liz, I fell mad in love with you. That is nearly half my life."
"I was a fool, Will, I thought we already discussed that twenty years ago!" she smiled at him. She caught the clock on the nightstand. "Will, come on, we must get downstairs and join Chris and Julia, they'll think we're doing what they can only hope to do later." She smiled mischievously at him as he let out a long laugh.
Chris and Julia sat beside each other waiting for his parents to come down the stairs. Will and Elizabeth laughingly entered dining room with a flushed look to both of their faces. Julia bent her head down to suppress the smile that was forming on her lips. Chris looked incredulously to his parents.
"Does it ever end with you two?"
William shot an amused look to his identical looking son, "You should wish for such longevity with a woman, Christopher. I happen to love your mother, and I make no qualms about it." Chris looked to Julia for comfort, but the smart lady averted her gaze and grabbed for a hot roll.
Baker came into the diningroom, "Mr. Darcy, Master Ted Bingley has arrived." Elizabeth smiled broadly, then saw the discomfort of both Julia and Chris.
"Well this is an interesting turn of events, we weren't really expecting him for about three days." Ted was led into the room where his gaze immediately rested on Julia. She arose from her seat and gave him a big smile, Chris shook his head in chagrin, and offered his hand to his cousin.
Ted took his seat opposite Julia, he was amazed at the transformation she had undergone. "You look lovely, Julia. The short hair flatters you incredibly."
She blushed and thanked him. Chris rested his hand on her leg and softly stroked her. She placed her hand on top of his.
"Have you started your classes yet, Ted?" Elizabeth broke the uncomfortable silence.
"I have. I've been doing some work at the Statehouse. I was thinking about running for city councilor."
"That is wonderful, Ted you'd make a great politician." Elizabeth gushed. Julia looked genuinely intrigued. William looked in askance, and Chris colored the deepest red.
Ted looked straight into Julia's eyes, "It was something I've always considered. I just needed something to happen in my life to push me into that direction."
"What district were you planning on running in?" Julia asked. Ted shot a defiant look to Chris then answered the question.
"Back Bay. Representative Paul McGann is retiring. He called on me personally to run for his open seat. I think an endorsement from him will prove beneficial for my campaign. He's been a very popular politician in the Boston area for well over forty years."
William Darcy smiled. "He was a good person. So old Paul is finally stepping down from public life. He's the same age as me." William smiled wryly. "Ted, you'd be great in that role, and it's a coup to have Paul as your mentor. He's good friends with your father."
Ted turned to his uncle. "He is a good man. My father will be here in couple of days. Mother hasn't been feeling well, lately."
"What's wrong with Jane?" Elizabeth asked concernedly.
"It's nothing, Aunt, she's been suffering from headaches, probably just needs glasses."
Ted turned to Julia and asked her about school; she told him that she was taking a semester off, but would go back after the holidays.
Chris attacked his food every time Ted mentioned something funny, and Julia laughed. Or if Julia mentioned something funny, Ted laughed.
William noticed the rage boiling inside of his son. "Chris, come into my study with me?" Chris looked relieved at his father and quickly got up and stalked out of the dining room. Once they headed into the study, William poured his son a brandy. "Drink it quickly, then sit down. You really shouldn't let it bother you, Chris. Your temper one of these days will end you up in prison. Julia communicated to me that you have been quite temperamental lately and she is afraid. More so for you, than for her…"
Elizabeth came into the study quietly. "Your daughter is on the video phone in the library, she wants the whole family together."
Grudgingly, both William and Chris headed into the library.
"Hi, mum, daddy, Chris, Julia and Ted -- welcome home, Ted! Well Colin really wanted me to wait until tomorrow, but I couldn't." she started giggling, and they could hear Colin in the background reprimanding her.
Elizabeth spoke first, "Where are you darling? I was told that you were suffering from a migraine."
"Yeah, well that wasn't completely true. Colin and I were getting tired of the pre-wedding planning, so we devised an idea to get out of it. I didn't mean to make you worry."
Colin came into the picture. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, sorry if Kimberley is rambling a bit. Kim, raise your hand." Kimberley raised her hand. Elizabeth unconsciously walked closer to the screen to get a better look at it.
Chris, William and Ted didn't realize what they were looking at, but Elizabeth did. "You got married?"
Kimberley now beamed in front of her parents, "We got married late last night. I'm so happy."
William stumbled back onto the leather sofa. "Do you realize how this will look, Kim -- Colin? We have been planning the wedding of the century and you two elope?"
"Now, you don't have to get mad." Kimberley tried to say soothingly, but it sounded more impertinent. "We've decided that we will still have the big Westminster Abbey wedding, but our small little ceremony, was for the two of us."
"Where exactly are you two?"
Colin interjected, "We're at the castle in Balmoral. We'll be leaving tomorrow. I know you think this is sudden and rash, but we needed to do this. I love her very much."
Chris put his hands in his face and sighed loudly, "I should've dealt with him when I had the chance."
"Chris, he is your brother-in-law now, and he is royalty -- you will treat him accordingly. I could put you in the Tower if I felt like it!" she giggled.
"Well, Kimmy, I think that's wonderful news. Congratulations, Duchess." Ted said happily. Julia gave him a nice smile.
"Me too, Kimberley, congratulations." Julia reiterated.
"I think we will discuss this when you get home. Have you told your mother yet, Colin?"
Colin smiled, "Not yet, she's next on the list. It was the right decision for us."
Elizabeth saw and heard the sincerity in his voice and saw the longing looks he gave her daughter, that she realized that they probably had made the right decision. "Congratulations, you two."
Kimberley looked right to her father, "Daddy?"
"Yes, Kim?"
"I love you."
He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "I love you too. Colin, you keep good care of my daughter. She's the only one I have."
Colin smiled at the gentleman, "I will. Love, honor and obey."
"Good bye!" and both parties rang off.
End of Act VII
Act VIII Scene I
Balmoral Castle
The next morning
"Let's go for a ride, darling?" Kimberley snuggled up to her husband.
"You want to go for a ride, right now?"
"Yes, I do. We've been in bed for hours, I'm spent." She got out of the bed and pulled the covers off of him. "Now."
It took no time for the newlyweds to dress and head out for a drive. Kimberley sat in the car and quickly reached for her husband's hand. As he pulled out of the driveway, the huge wrought iron gate opened; and with a quick shift, he roared into the dark road.
Kimberley looked lovingly at her husband, and slowly moved her hand to his leg. He sighed happily and smiled as she didn't stop with just resting her hand on his leg. Kimberley leaned over the stick shift and kissed his cheek, then moved over to his nose and lightly kissed that. He slowed the car down as his heart's pace started racing. He tried to keep one eye on the road and the other on his new bride. She came upon his lips and for a moment he forgot everything and kissed her back.
Not until they heard the loud horn of the caravan did they realize what exactly was going on. Colin knew he had no time, softly pushing Kimberley away, the last thing he heard was her scream.
St. Aloyiousis Hospital, Scotland
Princess Carolyn arrived shortly after the Darcys. Julia hung onto Christopher. Ted was leaning up against the wall. Elizabeth looked blankly away.
"Has there been any news?" the Princess asked tearfully. William shook his head. "It's possible that everything is okay? It is possible?"
William took her hand in his and patted it. "Anything is possible, God willing. I just wish the damn doctor would give us some news." As soon as he said that, the doctor came out and immediately went to the Princess. He pulled her away from the Darcys and led her to a seat. Elizabeth watched tearfully as the doctor gave her the news that her son was killed instantly. Princess Carolyn fell like a heap to the floor. "Oh Colin. Oh, dear God."
Slow tears fell from Christopher's eyes. He sensed what the news would be. He knew that his sister was dead. Julia did what she could to console him, but he rebuffed her consolations. The same doctor that just gave the princess the news headed over to William Darcy. Elizabeth grabbed hold of her husband.
The doctor held out to William two rings and a marriage certificate. "I'm sorry for your loss, Mr. Darcy." William stared blankly at the rings and piece of paper. The doctor turned on his heel. But William couldn't let it rest at that. He went after the doctor.
"Did you try everything? Was every possible thing done to save my daughter."
The doctor looked at the older man. "There was nothing we could do. She was decapitated."
The force of the word decapitation hit William Darcy like a blow to the stomach. Thankfully, Elizabeth was out of hearing, he knew that this news would destroy her.
"I'm very sorry, Mr. Darcy. She didn't have her seatbelt on, it could've saved her."
"No, no, thank you." He looked wildly around. "I must go to my wife. You understand." The doctor nodded his head.
William walked heavily back to where Elizabeth and Princess Carolyn were comforting each other. William had never seen a sight or felt the way he did tonight. He looked down in his hand an rubbed the engagement ring between his fingers. He finally caught sight of the paper that he was holding.
"Elizabeth, we have to make arrangements about bringing her home."
"I need to see her." William looked away tears just now starting to course down his cheeks.
"That is not possible, love."
Elizabeth stood up and defiantly looked at her husband. "That is my daughter and she needs me." He pulled her close to him and held her as she shook uncontrollably.
"Darling, you cannot see her." Elizabeth now more angered, pulled from his embrace and ran to the nurses station. William right behind her. She saw the first nurse and asked her to bring her to her daughter.
"I want to see Kimberley Darcy Parker. I am her mother and I have every right to see her."
William looked at the nurse and shook his head. The nurse quietly turned away. "Did you hear me, dammit! My daughter is all alone in there and I demand to see her!" Elizabeth became hysterical. William tried to pull her back into the grieving room, but her anger and overwhelming despair made her incredibly strong. The doctor who told her that her daughter was dead, came back to her.
"Mrs. Darcy, we are not showing the body, she is in surgery right now."
"If my daughter is dead, why is she having surgery."
"Please don't, doctor, I'll tell her." The doctor shrugged his shoulders and left William to explain. He pulled her into an empty examining room.
"Elizabeth, in the accident something terribly bad happened to Kim. The force of the accident caused her…" he saw his wife look so young and naïve at that instant and couldn't go on.
"Will, you have to tell me, why is my daughter in surgery."
Chris quietly came up behind his parents. William stopped crying and gathered the strength to tell his wife. "Darling, she was decapitated." Elizabeth looked to her husband and fainted away in his arms.
Chris witnessed his mother passing out and immediately ran to fetch a doctor, he brought back the same doctor. The overworked doctor saw Mrs. Darcy passed out and assessed her situation. He turned to William.
"She's in shock. We'll have to keep her overnight. I'll check on Her Royal Highness too." The doctor moved deftly through the two room as orderlies came and took care of Elizabeth.
Chris came back to his father. "You stay with mother, I'll get a hotel room with Julia tonight. I'll be here first thing in the morning."
Will stood up finally and embraced his son tightly. "I love you, Christopher. We will get through this."
Chris nodded through the haze of tears. "I'm going to miss her, dad."
"Yeah, I know."
Julia and Ted came into the room with the Darcys. Julia put her arm around Chris's middle and leaned into him, trying to give him the strength he'd need to get through the darkest days of his life.
End of Act I
Act VIII Scene II
St. Aloyiousis Hospital
Ted offered to drive Chris and Julia to the hotel as recommended by the staff of the hospital. Chris looked to his father with a reassurance that he would be okay. William watched tiredly as his son left the hospital. William, with a heavy heart, turned around and wandered the corridors of the darkened hospital. He spied the chapel a while back and quietly stole his way in. He was alone which is exactly how he wanted to be. He looked up at the wooden crucifix and cursed that God for taking away his daughter. His beautiful daughter, who he adored more than life itself. He sat back on the wooden bench and looked blankly ahead remembering days spent with Kimberley.
He thought back to the times when he had to go away on business, and Elizabeth would call because Kimberley was inconsolable. Her daddy was gone and she missed him. He would talk to her, read her stories, make up stories all while on the phone. Until Elizabeth would come on and tell him that she was sound asleep.
He remembered the first time he took her to the opera. A love that was instilled in him by his father and one that he would give his daughter. The ballet that had completely captured her. William put his head in his hands and cried for his daughter. He cried for the children that she would never bear. He cried for the happiness that she would never experience. He cried because he loved her so much, and didn't tell it to her enough.
After sitting in the chapel for close to an hour, he went to Elizabeth's room. The doctor ordered heavy sedation for Mrs. Darcy in hopes that she would be able to handle the news tomorrow. Unfortunately, as soon as William entered the room, Elizabeth awoke with a start and became inconsolable all over again. William hurriedly went to his wife and did the best he could to soothe her, but it was difficult for him too. The nurse came in and gave Elizabeth more sedatives and as quickly as she woke up, she fell into a fitful sleep.
William sat and stared at the beautiful woman before him. His love for her was unending, just as his love for both of his children would be unending. But now, he would have to bury his daughter. Dr. Walsh entered the room and whispered to William that Kimberley's body was ready for viewing, and he was encouraged to identify the body. William, above anything else, needed to see his daughter.
The doctor took him to the bottom floor, and William thought he was about to lose control when he saw morgue on the doorframe. Cautiously walking to a small room, he spied the image of his little girl laying on a cold table. Her blonde hair strewn carelessly about her face. The face of his angel, was swollen and bruised. He noticed the bandages that went down and covered her chest. He shot a questioning look to the doctor. Who explained that a post-mortem exam was also conducted. The doctor excused himself and allowed the older gentleman the time alone he would need.
William walked over to Kimberley and pulled out her engagement ring and wedding ring. He carefully placed them on her finger. He moved the hair that was covering her face and smoothed it out. She would not be happy if she new that her hair was a mess. He smiled at the thought of the hours that she spent before the mirror, trying to have straight hair, when her hair was naturally curly. Or when she came home from having her hair colored ebony, so she looked more like a Darcy. He noticed a smudge of dirt on her cheek and unconsciously took out his forever present handkerchief and tried to wipe it off.
Silently saying a prayer, he bent down, kissed her forehead and wept.
Chris stared out the window, not saying a word. Julia tried to get him to talk about what he was feeling, but he didn't think he could verbalize how he felt, so he said nothing. Ted drove quickly to the hotel and was happy when he saw it. This was one day that he wanted to forget. He hadn't been able to shed tears for his cousin, but he felt them brimming and ready to spill. But that Christopher was putting up the brave face, he felt as though he should, if for family. He knew it would be with a heavy heart calling his mother and father in Paris and explaining to them what had happened.
Julia exited the car first and headed to the registration desk. The woman at the counter handed her five messages all from reporters who wanted confirmation that Colin Parker and his fiancée, Kimberley Darcy were killed in a car accident. Julia told the person to inform any and all press that they should contact the spokesperson of the Royal family for any confirmation. However, Julia felt the damage was done, when Chris came in with a glassy look about him. Julia had an idea that the person at the registration desk would give the tabloids any and all information they needed.
"I want a drink before we head to our room, are you joining me?" Chris said gruffly.
"I don't think that is a wise idea, Chris. You really should get some sleep." Julia offered, and Ted agreed with her.
"The drink is what I need now, and it is what I will have now, so either you come or you don't." Julia turned on her heel and headed up to their room. Ted stayed behind to be with his cousin. He had a funny feeling that he may need to protect Christopher should anyone try to start trouble with him.
After a couple of whiskey's, Chris' tongue became very loose. "I know why you came back, Ted. You want Julia."
"No. I came to see your sister get married." He remembered what he just said and winced. Chris quickly downed another drink.
"Yeah, well that won't take place, now will it. Why don't you just admit that you love Julia and make yourself feel better." Chris was slurring his words.
"No. I don't love Julia. I admire her and respect her. I think she can do better than you, however."
"You don't know me well enough to say that!"
Ted backed slowly up and turned to go to his room. "You're right, Chris, I don't know you, and I do love her. You need to go to bed. It's been a very difficult day." He turned around and left.
Chris drained the bottle and walked to his room. Julia was sitting in the chair facing the window looking blankly out it. She heard Chris stumble along, and her heart went out to him. She was somewhat amazed that he barely showed any emotion in reaction to the death of his sister. He saw Julia, but when she didn't turn to him, he went sadly into the bathroom and right into the shower. Julia peeled off her bathrobe and climbed into the bed an under the covers. She sat up waiting for him, but he seemed to take forever. She fought the ensuing sleep, but it was too strong and came to claim her.
Chris allowed the steam and extremely hot water to infiltrate his deadened senses. He fought the ensuing tears and swore he would be strong. His mother wasn't able to. Neither was his father, although he kept up a good face. But Chris knew it would be only time before William Darcy succumbed to the complete and utter grief that would consume the family.
He exited the bathroom and saw how lovely and peaceful Julia looked asleep. He had never felt as much love for someone as he did at that instance. Quickly getting into bed, he scooped her up into his arms, and pulled her close to his chest. She stirred, but a little and the contented sigh, made Chris realize that his sister would never have anymore contented sighs. He would never have her to lean on when he needed someone to talk to, or make fun of. Chris pulled Julia even closer and felt her hand rub across his chest. He looked down to her and tried to smile, but it his lips couldn't form it. Julia stretched her neck to kiss him tenderly on the lips.
Chris pulled on her lips with his and hungrily attacked them. Sliding her down beside him, he turned her on her side and stroked her back, working his way up to her shoulders and then through her hair. Julia became more and more responsive, and moved her hands across his chest and up to his neck. Julia positioned herself over him, lovingly stroking him.
"Chris love, if you need to talk. I'm here for you." He shook his head, and pulled her closer to him. Julia pulled her hands through his curly hair, gently massaging him. "Chris, you need to discuss this. Please?"
He sighed and pushed her off of him. "Julia, I'm fine, honestly. I just thought we could be together tonight. I need you."
"I need you too, but you must have some feelings about this." She dared not mention his sister.
"People deal with grief in there own way. Let me deal with it in my way. Please." Chris rolled over. Julia wrapped her arms around him.
"But I am here for you. Always." As she mentioned those words a small unseen tear slipped out of Chris' eye.
End of Scene II
Act VIII Scene III
St. Aloyiousis Hospital
Ted, Chris and Julia were mobbed at the front door of the hospital as the Scottish press, Irish press and British press descended upon them in full force. As the hospital spokesperson would give no information until the family members sanctioned material to be released, Christopher found himself in the spotlight and gave a curt "no comment" to them. As the media waited for news, a rumor spread like wildfire that the prince had married his princess in a secret wedding two night's previously, and it made the tragedy of their untimely deaths even more saddening.
A security guard saw the three trying to enter the hospital and came to their rescue. A spokesperson for the hospital greeted Christopher and quickly ushered him into conference room.
"Mr. Darcy, your father has asked that you act as spokesperson for the family. We will announce within the hour about the demise of your sister. You will only confirm that she died in an accident. The media do not need to know what sort of accident, whether they were married, or the gruesome details of the accident. Your father wrote a quick statement in conjunction with the Royal family." She handed him a typed response, and he read it over. Once Chris read the note, the same woman handed him a strong cup of black coffee. "Mr. Darcy, we are genuinely saddened for your loss. This will be a tough time to overcome such loss."
"Thank you. May I see my father before the press conference?" She gave him a smile and led the way.
William looked as if he aged twenty years in the past twenty-four hours, the sight shocking to his son. Both men could tell that neither had much sleep.
"How was mother last night?" Chris finally said breaking the silence.
"Sedated. They've given me a prescription for her to take at home. She's been asleep since." Chris nodded his head. "And you, how are you faring."
"Fine. Fine."
William looked skeptically at his son, but pressed the issue no further. "Mary Taylor told you about the press conference?" Christopher waved the piece of paper in his hand. "It will be tough, Chris, but you're strong."
"The media have already camped out in front of the hospital, I was nearly stampeded."
"They're like vultures at times. I remember a long time ago your mother and I running from them in Boston. You're mother put up with a lot then." He suddenly turned white and turned to his son. "I don't think she can survive this. I have this feeling that she'll give up and just retreat into herself, forcing everyone else around her away."
"That's never been her way before…"
His father cut him off. "No, it's exactly how she was before. I can't tell you how long I loved your mother before she would consider seeing me as a man, and not just a friend." His voice started to waver. "I waited so many years for her. She would cocoon herself up; ignoring her heart most times. We've had twenty-four wonderful years together as man and wife. Thirty-six years as friends."
"Dad, she'll learn to cope. We'll all learn to cope, right now we have to remain strong for her. Aunt Jane and Uncle Charles will be here later this afternoon, Julia is here and Ted. She'll have her family's strength to make her go on." Both men ran their hands through their curly locks. Chris stared at his father and started laughing. "I guess I have picked up some of your mannerisms." Will smiled to him.
"I was able to see her last night. They will allow you to view her body if you want to."
Chris closed his eyes, "That would make it more real, wouldn't it." Will nodded his head. "Right now, it's all surreal."
"I think that's the word I was searching for last night, surreal. Shall we head down to see your sister?" Chris quickly nodded his head and followed his father.
Chris was surrounded by security guards, Royal spokespeople, the hospital spokeswoman, Princess Carolyn, Ted and Julia as he made his way to the dais to give the announcement. The spokeswoman representing the hospital spoke first reminding the press that questions will not be answered at this time. She turned to Chris who slowly stood up. With all the courage he could muster, he slowly read the piece of paper that was now nearly torn into shreds:
"It is with great sadness that we announce the deaths of the Duke of York, Colin Arthur Parker and his bride--Duchess of York, Kimberley Elizabeth Darcy Parker who perished in a motor crash in Scotland. Burial arrangements will be private."
Inside her room, Elizabeth watched the press conference with tears in her eyes. William couldn't stay to watch and went in search of decent coffee. A cheery nurse entered the room, trying to do anything to distract her patient.
"'ello, Mrs. Darcy and how do ye this fine morning?" Elizabeth felt that it elicited no response and quickly shut off the television. "Ye not to receive any more sedatives until the doctor comes back, but ye should be 'eading home this after. Ye 'usband already made arrangements for ye daughter."
"What arrangements? And where is my husband?"
The nurse gave her a big smile. "'e went to get a right good cup o'coffee, for ye too. 'e said 'e'd be back in a spell."
"Thank you. You can leave now, Miss."
William overheard the conversation and tried to gather his courage up. "Hello, love." He bent down to place a kiss on her cheek.
"Can I see my daughter?" He saw the tears forming in her eyes.
"Are you absolutely certain?"
She nodded her head, "I have to see her, Will. If I don't, it will kill me. Have they… did they…"
Tears escaped from William's eyes. "She looks just like your little girl."
Elizabeth held her arms to him, and he quickly put down the steaming coffees and nestled himself against her bosom where the two of them held each other and cried together. The cheery nurse that was in a moment ago, saw the two of them finally share the grief that was threatening to tear them apart.
The hospital spokeswoman, Mary, shook Chris' hand, then quickly went off in her own direction. Princess Carolyn quietly came up to Chris.
"I'm sorry we had to meet under these circumstances." She sad sadly.
"I'm sorry for you loss, your highness." She questioned his cool manner, but put it off.
"Please call me Carolyn. You look like your father, Colin looked like his father." She turned her head away so he didn't see the tears. "Colin was a good person and loved your sister very much."
"I doubted him." He cast his glance downwards.
"He told me. You frustrated him with the protective nature you had for your sister."
"He abandoned my sister with no explanation. She was devastated for three months, she practically withered away to nothing. She needed someone to talk to and listen to. I don't think I could ever forget how hurt she was by him. I thought she gave in a bit to easy to him."
"She needed to learn some lessons, and he taught her very well. She became a much better person with him in her life. We all want justification as to why something so utterly terrible could and would happen. But we can't think that way, we will have to get over the anger we feel because they died and continue on. Anger is but the first step in grieving."
Chris looked at her. "I'll handle grief in my way. Again, your highness, I'm sorry for your loss." He turned on his heel, and went to seek out Julia.
"Oh Christopher, when you explode, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near you." Carolyn reflected quietly as the never-ending tears streamed down her face.
End of Scene III
Act VIII Scene IV
December 17, 2014,Balmoral Castle, Scotland.
Brother dear (oh bear):
I hope that your anger has since subsided since I saw you yesterday. I can't go through life knowing that you will never accept my husband (I got married just a few hours ago!). You do mean so much to me, Chris, and I was angry with you for taking that tone with me, it just wasn't like you at all. Daddy is having such a hard time with my getting married, I really didn't need it from you too.
Colin and I talked for a long time, and he is willing to start anew with you if you will allow it. I want you to be a part of my life and that means that Colin will also have to be a part of your life too. Chris, I won't always be your little sister, I have to live my life and I want to live it to the fullest. Colin and I have discussed having children, and we'd like to have them sooner rather than later. How'd you like to be an uncle? I know that you'd make a wonderfully attentive uncle. Colin says he wants little girls that look just like me, but why do I suspect that my first child will take after the Darcy side of the family? Can you see me pregnant? I can't, but I love him so much that I will do it for him.
I hope that everything works out with you and Julia. She seems to be the Rock of Gibraltar for you, and you definitely need someone who will keep you on track. I hope mum and dad take to her. You know how finicky they can be if "we" don't marry the "right" people.
I guess I should explain about my getting married a few hours ago. Colin and I were walking around Westminster Abbey, when he decided to forgo all that pomp and circumstance; he was the one with the brill idea! Chris, he does make me very happy. I know that you are having a hard time forgiving him for what he put me through this past summer, but it's just that, past. Well I hear my husband stirring (it does sound wonderful!), I'm quite hungry now. We probably will go on with the huge pomp and circumstance wedding ceremony, but our little ceremony was perfect. I'll never forget it for as long as I live.
Chris, please remember, I'll always love you, forever.
Love,
Kimmy
December 21, 2014
On the day that the Darcys and Princess Carolyn were to watch their children wed, they came to the parish church at Pemberley to bury them together. The service was standing room only as the two thousand guests tried to pile into the small church.
Elizabeth clung to her husband and walked slowly into the church, the sight of the two pristine white coffins was too much, and she buried herself into his shoulder. Chris sat stoically behind his family with Jane, Charles, Ted and Julia.
Julia had done everything within her power to ease the hurt that Christopher was feeling, but not showing, and everything she would do for him was rebuffed, forsaken or just not wanted. He kept Kimberley's note firmly in his hand as the odious Reverend Collins officiated the service. Both families had family members Eulogize the lost couple. Chris hadn't wanted to do, but under protest he made his way to the altar to talk about his sister.
William Darcy felt pride for his son. He was being strong for the family, and it made him proud. Christopher pointed out the happiness that the couple felt in finding each other. Although, becoming a Princess was great inducement to marry the Prince. His sister found the love of her life, and now it would be an eternal love.
"My family has asked me to read this poem, I'm sure all of you know it. It was one of Kimmy's favorites:
Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone.Silence the pianos and with muffled drum,
Bring out the coffins, let the mourners come.Let the airplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message "They are dead".Put great bows around the white necks of the public doves.
Let traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.She was our north, our south, our east, and west,
Our working week and our Sunday rest,Our noon, our midnight, our talk, our song.
We thought that love would last forever. We were wrong.The stars are not wanted now, put out every one.
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun.Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood.
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
Pemberley opened its door to throngs of mourners. Chris stayed quietly tucked in the corner acknowledging no one. Julia watched as he stared out of the window. Gentle rain started to fall, and it seemed to mesmerize him. Elizabeth stayed close by her husband and sister. Jane and Georgiana were still too stunned.
Ted headed into the library to attack the brandy that he thought he'd heard calling his name. Quietly slipping out of the drawing room, and into the library, he poured a significant amount of brandy into the snifter. He contemplated the day and felt an overwhelming sadness for Christopher and for Julia. He could see how Chris was pushing her away, even during this time when he should be thankful that he had a woman who loved him unconditionally and was willing to grieve with him. He was a bigger fool than he had originally thought.
He sat down on the leather chair and closed his eyes. He thought of her constantly. Her big watery smile, her gentle soothing touches, that he missed. Seeing her with Christopher drove him crazy. So many times he wanted to reach out to her and hold her, touch her, and kiss her. But most of all, he wanted to make love to her. He sat in quiet contemplation for a long while before the sound of the opening door startled him.
Julia smiled when she saw him. "Hello."
He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Hi, Julia. Is the crowd starting to thin out?" he slightly slurred his words.
She shook her head. "What're you drinking?" she asked of him.
He looked at the almost empty glass and smiled, "Brandy. Would you like one?" She nodded her head and sat down comfortably on the sofa. He handed her a glass and sat down beside her.
"So, Ted, how have you been? We really haven't had much time to talk." She slowly sipped the brandy, making faces as she tried to force the liquid down her throat. He caught the look and laughed.
"You've never had brandy before?"
"No!" she sputtered.
"Here let me show you how to do this." He took the glass from her hands. "Now, when I put it to your lips, don't breath in. Just open them and allow the liquid to flow down your throat. Like this." He demonstrated with his drink and then let out a loud contented sigh.
Julia turned toward him and watched as he put the glass to her lips, not once looking down at the liquid, she kept her focus firmly on him as she took a drink. Although it still burned, it went down easier. She took the glass back in her hand and swirled it around some more. She found herself enjoying the taste of the alcohol, and Ted refilled her snifter.
"You don't look very happy, Julia."
"It's not a particularly happy time. This family is devastated. I don't see Chris being the person he was before his sister's accident. He won't talk to me. He doesn't touch me. It's like he can't stand the sight of me anymore."
Ted moved closer to her and pulled her to him. He brought his lips to her hair. "Oh Julia, I wish I could have foreseen this happening. You are too special to not be treated nicely."
"He's in mourning, Ted. I can't ignore his feelings."
"No, but he's ignoring yours." Ted stated angrily. Julia leaned into his arms and allowed the short strokes up her back that his hand was doing. The brandy was instantly going to her head.
"I think I should head up stairs, it's been a long day. No, actually it's been a long couple of days. Ted, thank you." Julia disentangled herself from his firm grasp and felt a little woozy as she stood too quickly. Ted quickly caught her in his arms. She looked into the blue eyes and remembered the good times she had with him. He slowly brought his lips down to hers and kissed her.
"Julia, come to me tonight?" he said softly into her lips.
William watched his son stare at the same prospect for hours. He thought he had been handling himself well, but now he wasn't sure. The man showed no sign of anything.
"How are you holding up?"
Chris smiled to him. "I'm fine. The rain let up."
William tried a different approach to get his son to talk, "Julia's been gone for a while, did she go take a nap?"
Chris looked around the room, "I don't know, I haven't spoken to her since the service."
William shot him a look, "You can't expect her to stick with you if you go on avoiding her."
Chris sighed and turned back around. "Would you care to have a drink?"
His father smiled at him, "That is the best offer I've had all day. I have great bar, come with me." William led Christopher through the sitting room and into the library.
So firmly established in each other's arms and kiss, Ted and Julia never heard the two men walk in. Chris rushed his cousin and punched him squarely on the jaw. William grabbed Chris violently, but he pulled away. Ran after Ted again and pushed him against the wall.
Julia walked up to Chris and calmly said, "Hit him again, Chris and I'm gone."
End of Scene IV
Act VIII Scene V
Pemberley
Julia finished packing up the rest of her clothes and only waited for the taxi to arrive to take her to the train station. Chris had tried fruitlessly to keep her at Pemberley, but her mind was made up. She couldn't stay with him, not acting the way he was. She was too tempted by Ted to stay. Even William tried damage control, but she was fastidiously steadfast in her decision. Chris watched silently from the doorway as she stuffed forgotten items into a carry-all. She had turned on the music to drown out her thoughts.
Like anyone would be
I am flattered by your fascination with me
Like any hot-blooded woman
I have simply wanted an object to crave
But you, you're not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight
Chris walked into the room and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Don't go, please. I need you."
She looked at him skeptically and tried to pry his arms off. He wouldn't loosen his grip.
"I need to pack my earrings I've left in the bathroom, please let me go." He complied with her request and sat heavily on the bed. He wanted to talk and she wanted to leave.
"Julia, can we at least talk?"
Must be strangely exciting
To watch the stoic squirm
Must be somewhat hard telling
To watch them burn me shepherd
But you you're not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight
"There's nothing to discuss, Chris. Your violence scares me." She called out from the bathroom.
"I would never, ever hurt you. Julia, I love you too much. Marry me. Please, Julia, say yes, you'll marry me?"
She came back into the bedroom, "I can't marry you, Christopher. Not now, at least." A small smile played upon his lips.
"But you will, eventually, marry me?" he sounded hopeful. He sounded like the Chris that she was desperately in love with.
"Chris, we can't discuss this now, the taxi will be here shortly." She moved quickly about the room checking and rechecking drawers, under the bed and on the nightstands.
"What are you looking for?" he asked bemusedly.
Like any uncharted territory
I must seem greatly intriguing
You speak of my love like
You have experienced love like mine before
But this is not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight
She stopped what she was doing and started to cry. Chris was up in a bound and held her tightly in his arms. She melted in them and felt a little protected, but his will was crumbling. His strength that usually wrapped her up and made her feel warm and loved, was gone. All she could discern from him was an aloofness and coldness. He tried kissing her tears away, but she moved her face away from his lips.
"Are you leaving me for Ted?" he asked quietly. Silently despairing over her answer.
"Why are you two in competition with each other? I'm not in the middle of tug of war and whoever pulls the hardest will win me. Chris, I love you, but I just can't stay with you."
"I will come for you, Julia." She closed her eyes. He went to bend his head down to lightly kiss her lips, but the butler announced that her taxi had arrived. Chris walked her to the bedroom door, then quickly pulled her into his embrace again and kissed her softly.
"Just remember, I don't want you to leave."
She looked at him with tears glistening her eyes and quickly ran down the stairs.
Ted awaited at the bottom landing, extended his hand to her and took off with her in the taxi.
I don't think you unworthy
I need a moment to deliberate.
Chris sat down again on the bed and wondered why and when things had gone so wrong.
Four Months Later
Washington Post Headquarters
"Congress is stalling, the president is up to his eyeballs in a scandal and we have an exclusive, right, Darcy?" The editor said quickly.
"Of course, they said that they would give me any information I wanted as long as I don't disclose my source."
"And you're sure this is on the up and up?"
"No, I'm not sure, and we will be running with this on your faith with the new guy. We can scrap the article or we can run with it. It's your call. I could do a piece on the Cherry blossoms that are in bloom. That is a much safer route."
The editor looked at him, and she liked what she saw. "We could discuss this over dinner?"
She saw the sly smile on his lips, "Yes, we could, but would it be smart?" Her eyes traveled from the top of his head, down to his broad shoulders, his chest, his hips. He was wearing brown khakis and a button down dungaree shirt.
"Oh, I think we could get a lot of information out of each other, actually. I want to make sure you have enough energy to take this baby and run with it."
He leaned in very close to her, barely brushing her lips with his, "I have more than enough energy and unfortunately, it must be spent in research."
"Research comes under my budget, prove to me why I should allow it -- over dinner." She now said forcefully. Chris narrowed his eyes at her and smiled. If she wanted to play that game, then he could too.
"Dinner it is. I'll pick the restaurant, you just show up. Oh Lila, wear something small and black." He quickly exited her office leaving her with a big fat grin on her face.
The Palm Restaurant
Christopher arrived at the restaurant early and asked to be seated. He told her to be there by eight-thirty and like a woman who knew exactly what she wanted, she came five minutes early. He had been expecting that. If it took her this long to finally snag him for an evening together and quite alone, she didn't want to waste it on eating. She had other plans, that would require two adults, one bed and absolutely not one stitching of clothing. She'd stared at his body long enough and watched as he dazzled all the women at the paper. Tonight she would be his.
Christopher wore a dark blue double-breasted suit, powder blue button-down shirt. Lila licked her lips in anticipation of her rollicking evening. She wondered if she should broach the subject and where they she go. His place or hers?
Lila wore an off-one-shoulder red and purple diamond-patterned long-sleeved Versace dress. Her elegant neck stretched out like a swan's as she sought the sight she had been looking for. She was dressed to the nines, and tonight, he would not get away from her.
"Lila," he pulled out her seat and helped her into it. "You looks ravishing." She held out her hand for him to kiss. He grinned as he leaned over it and lightly kissed it.
She shook her head tousling her perfectly styled hair. "You look very delicious too." He caught that look in her eye that he had seen for many, many years. He tried to quell the fire inside of him and brought up work.
"So regarding the research funds I'll need to expose the government…" She leaned across the table giving him ample exposure of her bosom. She saw his eyes go straight down. He's ready to burst, she thought humorously.
"No, business tonight, luv. Tonight you get to tell me about yourself." He looked into her pale, watery blue eyes and saw what she was conveying silently to him.
"My life is quite boring. Grew up rich, went to the best schools, decided to be journalist to follow in mum's footsteps, and here I am, having dinner with my extremely beautiful boss."
She shuddered when he called her beautiful. "Certainly you must have some interesting information. The name Darcy alone means so much."
He turned away from her. "The name is just a name, it doesn't change the person."
"Very good. Would you mind my being blunt with you Christopher?" she picked up his hand and started tracing her lips with his finger. She definitely liked the way he smelled tonight..
"Blunt is good. Tell me."
"I want you to make love to me right now."
He smiled to her, checked his watch - it read 8.45. "I was wondering how long it would take you before you asked. We'll go to my place."
Helping her with her coat, they hastily left the restaurant.
End of Scene V
Act VIII Scene VI
Georgetown Apartment
Lila giggled and Christopher laughed heartily. She ran her foot up his leg as he cradled her in his arms. She kissed his neck as he slowly started rubbing her shoulder.
"I think we should take the morning off, Darcy." Lila said suggestively after she kissed him.
"I don't think it would look good if the new guy showed up late and with the boss." She shot him a quizzical look. "I just mean that it would be uncomfortable for the two of us."
"That is why we should take the morning off. Christopher, I grant you the morning off. You had such a busy night, I don't want you falling asleep in your office." She smirked wickedly at him and ran her hand across his smooth, glistening chest.
"I told you yesterday I have more than enough energy." She moved her hand and found what she was looking for.
"Oh." She said suggestively. "You have enough energy to sustain me?" He looked down at her and caught her meaning. She continued massaging him with long strokes. "I would say that you are complete putty in my hands." She rolled on top of him and positioned herself just so.
"You have the upper hand, Lila, if one could call it that."
She grabbed at his shoulders and pulled him up to her. "You are an amazing man, Darcy, but do stop talking." He moved his hand behind her neck and forcefully brought her lips to his. Christopher took Lila's lead and did indeed shut up.
Lila knew exactly what she wanted, how she wanted it and for how long. The two of them attacked each other not as two people who would take slow deliberate motions, but as two people who couldn't care less about society and whether or not morals should and would come into the picture. Lila allowed her mind to create this lovely spot and Christopher Darcy was exactly what she had waited for. He was strong, took charge, yet his soft touch set off the domino effect. She craved him and couldn't get enough of him. The thought of finally emerging from his bed saddened her greatly. Taking the morning off had been a boon. She could get used to being on the arm of the very rich and very handsome Mr. Darcy.
"Oh, Christopher," Lila said softly. Chris closed his eyes as Lila took him on a ride. Flashes of Julia crossed his mind as he remembered making love to her and holding her in his arms. Kissing her delicate skin, drinking in one another. He could smell her and taste her and feel her. He felt all the love that she had for him. He found himself drowning in her love. She was so intoxicating, so warm and soft.
"Julia, I love you…" he said absentmindedly.
Harvard Yard
"Julia! Are you listening?"
Julia looked up from the book she was studying. "I guess I wasn't, what are you saying?"
Lisa sighed when she had to say it again, "Ted won the primary, looks like his gamble and running for the Representative seat was the right choice. He's going on to the September primaries. Your being the wife of a politician will be open many doors for you. You could sit on the Board of Greenpeace" Lisa half-heartedly joked.
"Wife? I'm not engaged to him." Julia said sharply.
"No, but we all know that he will ask you. Marry him, you'll be very happy. You deserve happiness since the Chris fiasco."
Julia had been thinking of Chris a lot lately. She missed him terribly and was crushed when Ted told her that Chris was offered a job at the Washington Post. She had walked by the townhouse to see him, but he had already left. He certainly had wasted no time in leaving Boston or Julia behind forever. She held him to the promise that he would come for her, but after four long difficult months, it was fast becoming a well-wanted fantasy. She had explained to Ted time and again, that she wouldn't even consider marriage now. Not with her emotions in an upheaval.
"Julia, you are a million miles away. Come back to reality."
"Sorry, this test has me worried. I've fallen way behind since taking off a month at the beginning of the year. Lisa, perhaps we should celebrate Ted's victory tonight, why don't you meet us at the Rack."
Lisa nodded her head and went off. Julia pondered what she had thought. Why did everyone think that she and Ted were going to get married?
Julia got up from her spot under her favorite tree in Harvard Yard and dialed Ted.
"Bingley, here."
"Hi, Ted. Congratulations. Lisa just told me, unfortunately, I haven't listened to the returns yet."
"That's okay, sweetie. How's the studying going?"
She laughed into the telephone, "Horribly, which is why I was calling. How about celebrating your victory tonight. I'm getting together a small clan of people, then you and I can celebrate together, alone."
"Can we skip the clan of people and just make it the two of us?" he joked along with her.
"Ah, you must be patient." She walked along the mall heading out to Harvard Square. "I'm strolling along, so the connection might get fuzzy. I'm really proud of you, Ted. You'll make a wonderful politician."
"I hope so. Listen the campaign manager has set up some interviews for me, leave word where you want me to meet you tonight. Oh, and did you plan on staying at my place?"
"Yeah, Natalie's home from Italy, so as not to disturb her, it would be for the best. I'll call you and tell you where to meet us. Talk soon, darling."
Ted leaned against the wall in his campaign office. A big smile crept upon his face as he recalled her calling him darling. His manager came in laughing at the goofy grin on his face.
"Let me guess, you must have Julia on the brain."
"I do. I've never been happier. With this win and she by my side. How can I not be the happiest person."
"You've been carrying that engagement ring with you for a while now, when are you going to ask her."
Ted looked thoughtfully at the older gentleman, "Soon. Very soon."
Washington Post Headquarters
Chris walked into his office at three. Lila had given him the whole day off, but his source with whom he should have met earlier in the day, scheduled a four o'clock rendezvous. Lila, to show good face, had arrived in an hour before Chris.
He immediately picked up voicemail and checked email. He was surprised when he got a message from his cousin telling him of his grand victory in the primaries. He scanned the message for any news on Julia, but of course, nothing was there.
Lila had a birds-eye view into his office and watched the volley of emotions as he read the computer message. She thought it might have something to do with that Julia that he let slip. She'd been in more than one of these type of situations and knew that there was always someone else in the back of the guy's mind. She wanted him badly and would not make an issue out of Julia. She could learn to live with the knowledge that there would be a Julia in his thoughts. But in the here and now, they were together. Although, she wracked her brain in trying to come up with a way to exorcise Julia from his thoughts.
She picked up the phone and dialed his extension. He saw her name come up on the spy phone, and answered, "Yes." He turned to watch her. She put her legs up on her desk in a suggestive manner.
His eyes went the length of her long shapely legs. She wore a very short blue skirt and no stockings. He also noticed another article of clothing that she neglected to put on.
"What time are you meeting with your source?"
"We've already covered that." She liked that he was watching her, it made her tingle, and she slightly parted her legs. "What are you doing, Lila?"
"Seducing you."
He smiled at her, "You've already seduced me. You don't need to keep on doing it."
"Oh, but I do." She became more serious. "I want you to come to my place tonight."
He thought about it. He knew that he was playing with fire, but… "Sure, give me your address." He wrote it down and told her that he'd be there around nine.
Hanging up with Lila, Chris crafted a short, unemotional email to his cousin. Then headed out for his meeting.
Christopher arrived at the location at the time they agreed to. The man had him sit in a darkened booth and order two scotches. Chris waited patiently for ten minutes and was about to leave when a man in a dark suit and sunglasses approached.
"Are you Darcy?"
"I'm sitting in the booth you told me to, holding onto two scotches that you asked me to buy, So no, I'm not Darcy." He said facetiously.
"Ah, a reporter with a sense of humor." The gentleman sat down. "Okay, let's get down to business. This story will be bigger than Watergate, Irangate, the impeachment process of Clinton and the Congress's demise at the beginning of the century."
Chris looked skeptically at him and took a long swig of the scotch. "Campaign finances have long since been a hot topic, right?"
Chris nodded his head, "Yes, a hot bed of interest as to where these politicians are getting the funding from."
"And you're Bingley's cousin, right?"
Chris eyed him suspiciously and leaned into him, "What about him?"
"You'll need to check into his finances. He will be in the House of Representatives, he's already considered a shoo-in and someone is bankrolling that, that election in Boston is a farce. But he's small potatoes. There is a higher network of people in the lobbying field who have been secretly paying off certain member of Congress to get the majority vote. With the President embroiled in his own little scam, this could effectively shut down the government. The Republicans will blame the Democrats and the Democrats will effectively win back the majority of the voting shares. You find out who is bankrolling your cousin, then you find out the source to all that is evil."
Chris laughed at his overdramatic ending. "You expect me to believe that my cousin, who never stole or told a lie in his life, is possibly embroiled in something illegal? He gives boy scouts a bad name, he's so good."
"Why did your cousin tell you that he was running for city councilor then effectively run for the legislature? He had something up his sleeve the whole time. I tell you no lie."
"My family is not a concern in this scandal. Ted is beyond reproach."
"Darcy, everyone knows of your family. Why do you think we requested you. Your hot temper will come into some good use. Use Lila exactly how you have been, she'll be beneficial for us to get what we want. We need time and if you continuing making her happy, she'll give you all the time in the world."
Chris looked thoughtfully at the man, "How do you know all of this."
"It's my job to know everything about you."
End of Scene VI
Act VIII Scene VII
Lila Jenkins' Townhouse
Christopher arrived closer to ten and was surprised when he saw quite a large gathering of people sitting and drinking fine wine in her huge dining room. Lila handed him a glass filled with red wine and seated him to her right. He noted that she was more Sudbury dressed than last night, she wore a pale yellow pajama-like silk pantsuit. After making the introductions, she leaned into him and told him that they would be gone soon. He sat back and listened to the conversation that was taking place before his arrival. Lila surreptitiously placed her hand on Chris' thigh and started stroking. She felt him tense up. She stared at him with bright eyes as the anticipation of handing her guests out of doors and crawling into bed with him flickered in her thoughts.
"And what is on your mind, Lila." Jack Ferris asked naughtily. Jack, a one-time lover of Lila, was intrigued to see Lila's new conquest. And she readily was willing to show them off, a game they played quite well.
"I think you know what is on my mind, Jackie. But we wouldn't want to clue everyone in, now would we?" She took a sip of wine and continued moving her hand on Chris' leg.
Piper Downey sat opposite Chris and flashed a look of wonderment at Lila, "How is that you get all the handsome men. And so young, too? I wouldn't mind a sprightly young thing like that. Good breeding material, definitely. You wouldn't want to share him would you?" Chris choked on his wine as he felt all eyes turn to his direction.
"I never share my men, Piper, you of all people should know that. Besides, I don't think you could handle him anyway." Lila said smugly.
"As a matter of fact," Chris started. "I think sharing lovers is overrated. But I would be willing to make a housecall later in the week, if that would work with Lila, of course." He watched Lila blush. Piper got an attack of the giggles.
"Chris, you could call on me anytime. Regardless of what Lila thought." Piper offered while winking at him. Lila dug her nails into his thigh causing him to remove her hand and laugh.
"I'll deal with you later." She hissed quietly into his ear. Chris winked at her suggestively, then moved his hand to her thigh and squeezed.
Christie Donovan who had been quiet for most of the evening moved the conversation away from Lila's busy bedroom and asked Chris questions on his new position with the Post. He replied in short answers, not giving too much information as to what he was working on. Although he brought up the blooming Cherry blossoms often.
Jack quipped, "Is that what Ms. Jenkins has you working on, the trees?"
"In between making love to her, yes, I work on trees." Lila gasped at Chris' newfound verbal freedom. "But I think the bedroom antics are getting a little tiring as a topic of conversation."
"Lila told us that your bedroom antics were one that should be memorialized." Piper added.
"Did she? She gives me much more credit than was due." He said dryly. Lila glared at Jack and Piper, then aimed her glare on Chris.
"Well look at the time. We all have an early day tomorrow, perhaps we should call it an evening."
Lila gathered coats and walked people to the door, but not before Piper made a lewd remark about Chris in bed. Practically pushing everyone out of the house, she leaned against the door as Chris made his way back into the dining room. He poured himself something stronger than a red wine. She followed him and sat down back down.
"So how'd the meeting go?" She finally ventured, hoping that it would put him off of the discussion that had just taken place. He knew that she would showcase him, but she moved fast. Faster than even he had anticipated.
He eyed her suspiciously, and sighed. "It went well. I'll need you to set up a meeting. I can't be a part of this meeting, though."
"Who is it with?" she said while yawning.
"Ted Bingley."
She wrinkled her nose at him. "Who?"
"Ted Bingley, he's running for a seat in the House. He'll represent Boston. I need you to go under the pretense that you are interviewing the new young blood in Washington politics."
"Have you gone mad? I am your boss, I tell you what to do." He stood within inches of her and lustfully took in her body. She smiled when she saw the look that she wanted from him. He lifted her chin to look into her eyes. He placed a small but wanted kiss on her lips. She closed her eyes and felt him start to unbutton her blouse.
"You will interview him and ask routine questions at first, then you will slowly lead into his family life," he undid another button. "Why he decided politics was his cup of tea," this time he undid three buttons and untied the belt at the waist. "You will finish the interview with questions about his finances during this campaign, you will go in softly and hit hard." He opened her blouse.
"I haven't done an interview in a quite a while." She mentioned softly. "I wouldn't know how to go about it. I mean a fake interview."
He kissed her neck and played with her long blonde hair, "Then you seduce him. Do what ever you think is necessary to get what I need." He backed her up against the wall. "Sleep with him, if need be."
"Sleep with him? What sort of information do you need? Do you think I sleep with just anybody?" Shaking his head no, he started slipping the blouse off one shoulder. "Ooooh," she gripped his arms tightly. "I've never heard of Ted Bingley, why would I sleep with him?"
"I think you can work your magic with him. If looks are a problem, then knowing that he is my cousin should be a wonderful inducement. I need that information, but I can't get it. We don't see eye to eye." He slipped the other shoulder down and with light feathery strokes, he rubbed the silk against her smooth back.
He slowly moved his lips down her neck, to her throat, working his way to her stomach. "It will bother me to no end, knowing that he is laying a hand on you, but say you'll do it?"
"I'll set up the interview, but I will not sleep with him." Christopher had worked his way to his knees and Lila was now in a commanding position. She smiled down to him and offered him her hand.
"Now about Piper?" she mentioned jealously.
He shook his head and smiled. She took his hand and lead him to her bedroom.
"One other thing, find out about his private life, girlfriends, wives and the like." He said nonchalantly.
"Why are you taking an interest in your cousin? He seems like no dice compared to the big boys on the Capitol."
"Let's just say that retribution can be fun."
Ted Bingley's Campaign Office
"Ted, there is a Lila Jenkins on the phone for you. She's calling from the Washington Post."
Ted looked at Julia who had been manning phones, he saw her face go ashen at the name. He put a comforting hand on her shoulder and smiled to her. He took the cell phone into his office.
"Ted Bingley here."
"Mr. Bingley, Lila from the Washington Post. I hope I haven't phoned at a bad time?" she oozed with insincerity. She couldn't believe she was doing this.
"Not at all, I'm just surprised that the Washington Post is ringing me." He laughed. "My cousin, Christopher is a reporter at the Post."
"Yes, I know. Mr. Bingley, the Post is doing a series of articles on young new blood that is invading Washington politics and from what I hear you are a goldmine in Boston. You follow our criteria for such an article and would like to interview you. I would prefer you came to Washington. The powers that be prefer clients to come to us rather than go to the clients. Horrible business practice, I know but it's decades old."
"I could come down to Washington. I could make it a romantic getaway also."
"Oh, that would be quite nice. Why don't we say that we meet next week on Thursday. I'll call and leave details. We could do it over lunch, if that is okay with you?"
"Ms. Jenkins I look forward to meeting you. You don't mind if I bring Julia along for the interview?"
"Not at all. We could take some shots of the two of you together." She gave him the number for her assistant to coordinate travel and hotel plans. Ted walked out to the main room of his headquarters.
"Well?" Julia asked impatiently.
"They want me to come to DC to be interviewed. I want you to come too."
Christopher Darcy instantaneously entered her thoughts and she tried, however unsuccessfully, to push him out. "I don't think that is a good idea."
"No, it's a brilliant idea. Julia, please come?" He saw the look of fear in her eyes and tried to soothe her. "He can't bother you, Julia. I promise you that I will protect you. Ms. Jenkins thought it would be nice to have pictures of the two of us. It could help my campaign, Julia."
"I know, I know." She said helplessly.
Washington Post Hdqtrs
Lila sat back against her seat with her eyes closed. She had been shaking during that conversation. Chris didn't bother to knock and just walked in.
Lila hissed at him. "I am still your boss, Darcy. Don't you just come barging into my office."
"I take it that you made the call." She looked incredulously at him.
"Yes, I made the call. He'll be here next Thursday. We'll take some shots of him and his girlfriend, Julia."
She saw Chris blanch and had just made the connection. Lila perked right up and laughed at him. He looked to be about a million miles away.
This could be very interesting. She smiled smugly to herself.
End of Scene VII