Section I, Next Section
Part 1
Author's Note: I'm a French-Canadian, English is not my maternal language, so I'm pretty sure my grammar is awful. Please, feel free to correct me. Enjoy !
The plane finally took off, through the cold sky of Montreal. Elizabeth Bennet let go a sigh of relief : after 2 delays due to snow storms, she was on her way to the Olympic Games in Nagano. She was a chiropractor, member of the health team for figure skaters. Her admission had been somewhat of a torture : for months, she had been waiting for the phone to ring, announcing her that her candidature had been accepted. What disgusted her the most was that, if she was refused, it would have been for political reasons : no chiropractor had been accredited by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) , and a bunch of people wanted to keep it that way. Elizabeth had fought like a devil to earn this place, backed by many skaters, and now she finally had it. All the energy she had spent trying to convince the administration had affected her humor : she tended to see an enemy in everyone sporting an Olympic tag. She hoped the long 18 hours would somehow help her regain her habitual cheerfulness. After all, she was finally a part of the health team.
Well, officially she was, but in fact, the members of the health team had made it clear Lizzy was not one of theirs. With a grin of disgust, she crouched into her seat, grabbed her earphones without putting the music on, and recalled their first meeting in the waiting room. The physiotherapist, Charles Bingley, had been really nice and offered her his assistance whenever needed. She liked him a lot, like a kind and goofy brother. But then, she would not have Caroline Bingley, the head nurse, as a sister, not in a thousand years. Caroline looked her up and down, bit her lip and said 'Well, it seems like the COC accredit charlatans now.' Elizabeth clenched her fists, but managed to restrain the hasty reply coming to her lips. She turned her back to Caroline and encountered an enormous matron, Dr.essed in a sportsuit. She barked, 'I am MADAM Catherine De Bourgh, headcoach of the skating team. I didn't wanted any chiropractor, but it seems we will be plagued with it. First, you obey everything I say . Second, I don't want you to make friends with any of my skaters. They need to focus on the competition, not on some ridiculously young bonesetter. Third, I don't want you to treat any skater unless I'm there to watch you.. Do you think you are able to memorize these simple rules, or do I need to write them?' Mrs. de Bourgh left the room under Lizzy's aghast stare. She had never met a woman so ridiculously commanding. She giggled while her vivid imagination graced her with the image of Catherine de Bourgh in a military suit, yelling herself to death over an abandoned battlefield.
At that thought, Elizabeth's smile grew wider, and her eyes twinkled. Her face, naturally pretty, was becoming truly magnificent when she smiled. Her smile slowly faded when she saw William Darcy, doctor in chief responsible of the health team, enter the waiting room. She would have thought him the handsomest man she ever saw, had he not showed visible signs of disdain and coldness toward her. 'Good morning Miss Bennet. I welcome you to the team. Please gather your luggage, we are living in five minutes'. Polite, conventional chatter, without an hint of friendliness. She didn't even tried to hide her vexation at his salutations.
She entered the plane, took a seat near a window. Nobody tried to befriend her. She had to admit she was disappointed. She had expected that this trip, her wildest Dream come true, would begin under more smiling skies. Elizabeth roused herself from those bitter ruminations, and reminded herself that, whatever happened with her colleagues, they all shared the same goal : helping the Canadian skating Team. The fatigue arousing from the day's events caused her to close her eyes and try to sleep. After a while, she heard two masculine voices, those of Darcy and Bingley. The mention of her name caught her ear, and, not revealing she was awake, she listened to their entire conversation.
'Darcy, won't you please try to relax a bit. You look like you've swallowed vinegar. Don't be so serious, have some fun. Why don't you go chat with the new chiropractor. She seems really nice.'
'Sometimes, I get the feeling you think everybody is nice. Listen, Dr.. Bennet has been imposed to us, she's ridiculously young, and besides, she's not handsome enough to tempt me to flirt.'
'What a pity ! I would have loved to see the look on Caroline's face.'
Elizabeth was red with fury, and she needed all her self-control to restrain from jumping to Darcy's throat. Imposed on them ? ? ? After all the lobbying, pushing, praying she had done, she felt like she had earned her place. Young ? ? ? She was 28, but she had to admit that she looked no more than 20. Not handsome ? ? ? She wasn't self-centered, but she thought herself rather pretty, and was affected by his comment. She couldn't see were his reprobation came from : their meeting lasted no more than a minute. He must be against chiropractors, and a sexist. She would never want his company, and decided to avoid him as much as she could.
Part II
Fitzwilliam Darcy looked through the plane's window , deep in his thoughts. He was harassed by the last day's events. First, his aunt, Madam de Bourgh, had been shocked by his decision not to allow Richard Denny, a promising junior, to participate in the Games. He had twice injured his right knee in the past month, and another accident could end his career. However, the prestige of Mrs. de Bourgh was more important than the health of her skaters : she had pressured the chief administrator, Mr. Collins, into allowing Denny into competition. That Mr. Collins was indeed a pain in the neck : he had the IQ of a green plant and believed Mrs. Catherine to be nothing short of a God. Worse, he forced Miss Bennet on the health team 2 days before they left for Nagano. Darcy couldn't understand why, recalling his aunt's abomination of chiropractors. For his part, he was quite willing to work with chiropractors, as long as they were properly trained, by a good school, and didn't add a New Age aura to all their vertebral treatments. He admitted he had been a little rough on Miss Bennet, but then, she would have to learn that working with him was a serious business and she indeed looked like she was fresh out of school with no experience. He just wasn't willing to have to constantly monitor her. Darcy opened his eyes for a minute, and saw Caroline coming toward him. He tried to fake sleep, but she just sat beside him anyway, profiting from her brother's absence. Her conversation was indeed predictable : flirting, praising Darcy's every action, gossiping. Nothing close to an intellectual conversation ! While he absent-mindedly groaned in response to her, he saw William Collins coming toward them. Caroline, he could still endure, but not Collins ! Thank God, the chief administrator stopped and seated himself beside Elizabeth Bennet. Darcy felt pity for her.
On first seeing William Collins, Lizzy had the strange feeling of meeting a gigantic human slug. His hair was greasy, his forehead covered with sweat, and his whole demeanor seemed viscous.
'Miss Bennet, I fear we haven't been presented. My name is Mr. Collins and I have the honor of being your 2nd cousin. My esteemed mother was your father's cousin. Alas, I was never acquainted with you due to your father's envy of my family's fortune.'
Elizabeth fulminated. That was not it ! ! ! Her father had thought his cousins so dumb, he gladly put an end to their meetings after his father's death and retreated to Quebec with his family to work as an entomologist.
'I am aware that you are one of five sisters and, as MADAM de Bourgh as noted to me, I must think about settling for life. Therefore, I gladly helped you get on the health team so as to be introduced to you and your family.'
Yikes ! She was indebted to HIM ! She shuddered, managing out of bare civility to mutter a few words of thanks. This trip to Nagano was indeed under a curse...
'I can assure you that I come prepared to admire you and your sisters. Perhaps, when we are better acquainted...'
Elizabeth was saved from making a harsh comment by the beginning of the movie, namely Batman and Robin. Mr. Collins excused himself and quickly returned to his seat to watch his favorite movie. Lizzy was grateful for the escape, but she couldn't bring herself to watch it. So she fell asleep, waking only as the plane descended through the skies of Nagano.
Part III
Author's note : Thanks to Corinne Goeke, who has corrected all my texts, and to who you are indebted for not having to read my 'one word, one error' way of writing English. This one's for you Corinne!
Elizabeth emerged from the airport, blinking under the radiant sun and feeling suddenly homesick. She had stepped into another world, the surrounding people different from her, speaking things she couldn't understand. It made her remember the time, 20 years ago, when all her family moved to Quebec. Mr. Bennet had been granted the direction of the newly-founded Montreal Insectarium. It allowed him to remove himself from the company of his and Mrs. Bennet's relatives, and settle in the small village of Terrebonne. His wife and five daughters had not been pleased at first, Mrs. Bennet from not understanding a word of French, thus being stopped from doing her favorite activity : gossiping, the girls from losing their friends. However, everybody, except the mother, soon settled into their new life, learning French and meeting new friends.
Mr. Bennet hunted rare insects in the summer, then did some administrative jobs in the winter, activities which allowed him to seclude himself either outdoors or in his study. Mrs. Bennet gossiped with her friends from the Meryton English Golf Resort. She had never laid a hand on a golf club, but that was of little importance. In 20 years, she had learned not a word of French except 'oui' and 'non'. As she said when somebody complained : 'After all, sooner or later, Quebecers will be assimilated by Anglo-Canadians, so they better get used to it.'
Jane, the eldest daughter, now turning 30, was the joy of the neighborhood, being a volunteer at every community charity event, blood clinic or disabled children's center. She went to the University to study Journalism, and Elizabeth feared at first that she did not have the guts to make it. But Jane blazed her own path, now working as a free-lance reporter for women's magazines. She was totally unable to say anything wrong about anyone, so she specialized in interviewing achieving women. She was to come to Nagano to do some interviews. Jane was Lizzy's dearest friend. They shared an apartment a few blocks away from their parent's house.
Mary was the third daughter, two years younger than Elizabeth. She was at the university, doing a thesis in philosophy. She would have been a nice girl, had it not been for her inability at measuring the degree of her audience's interest while she lectured them on Sartre's existentialism. She also thought her intellectual abilities rather better than they actually were. Katherine, nicknamed Kitty, 19, and Lydia, 18, did everything together, everything consisting of visiting the mall, flirting with guys, and dancing in bars till 3AM. They both were at college, but considering the interest they had in their studies, Elizabeth guessed they would graduate somewhere around 2012.
As to herself, Elizabeth had an happy childhood. She was in love with Quebec, with the freedom and landscape. At home, she had a hard time getting along with her mother, but she was her father's favorite. She remembered the game they used to play during boring social events : associating the people around them with insects. That was the origin of the analogy she made between Mr. Collins and a slug. Later, she would have to associate insects with the other members of the team.
'Elizabeth !'
Hearing her name, Lizzy turned around and saw Jane coming toward her. She, as always, was a picture of innocence and beauty, and even naturally shy Japanese men turned around and glanced at her. One of them even took her picture.
'Here you are at last. I had so many things to say to you, I couldn't wait !'
'Calm down Jane and explain everything to me.'
But Jane didn't have time to respond. Charles Bingley rushed toward them, asking Lizzy if she had a nice flight, but really wanting to be presented to the angel standing next to her. Presentations were pointedly made, and Jane and Charles started chatting about their respective jobs, amazed at the fact that they both had golden retrievers, and asked each other questions about their preferences in every aspect of their lives. They both forgot Elizabeth's presence., and the latter, smiled inwardly seeing her sister chatting so easily, her whole countenance blooming . These two were a match made in heaven, and would have been chatting till dawn had not Darcy interrupted them, to remind Bingley that their taxi was waiting. Charles managed a contrite smile and, expressing a wish to see Jane again, followed Darcy out of the airport, floating more than walking. Jane's expression was more serene, but Lizzy could clearly see that she was love struck.
'Jane, would you please stop staring at him that way. I am longing to get to our hotel.'
'What ? Oh, yes, sure ! Besides, I haven't told you the big news'
'I have my own to tell you, so we'd better get to the hotel fast. Let's call a taxi ! Oh, and just as note of interest : we're staying at the same hotel as Bingley.'
'Lizzy, please !' Jane was laughing out loud while saying this, and Elizabeth tried the most angelic facial expression she could manage.. They joined arm in arm, and gleefully made their way toward their hotel.
Part IV
'So, what's your big story Jane ?'
Both sisters were sprawled on the huge bed in Elizabeth's room. Jane gravely said :
'You remember the contest sponsored by IBM 'A family for each country' ? '
'Yes, that's the one where one family from each participating country is given a VIP tour and access to the Olympics. I saw the Germans, they had so much IBM clothing they looked like living ads. Not unlike some athletes these days though. Who is representing Canada ?'
'Uh, well, the chosen family couldn't come, so they did another random pick, and the Bennet family has been chosen !' Jane was quite anxious to see Lizzy's reaction. As to herself, she was pleased to have her family around, whatever their faults.
'The Bennet family as in Mama, Papa, Mary, Kittie and Lydia ? You can't be serious ! You mean that Mother has been chosen to represent Canadian women. God gracious, I can't believe it !'
'They were informed yesterday. You were on the plane by then, so we couldn't warn you. Mama was so excited, she talked so fast I couldn't make out anything she said, except that Olympic athletes were quite rich these days and would make suitable husbands. Oh, and she made me promise to remind you that doctors were quite a good catch too.'
'I'm getting a headache ! You mean that she is going to transform the Olympics in the 1998 Matchmaking Games ! And why is Daddy coming ? We all know how he hates traveling, especially with an 18 hour flight.'
'There's is an interesting insect exhibit at the Nagano Natural History Museum that he is eager to see.'
'Insects, that explains everything. Oh by the way, I have met an human slug, named Mr. Collins, who is our cousin, desperate to find a wife, and eager to meet the Bennet sisters. We'd better stay away from him, even thought I am aware that you have already found your man.'
'Lizzy, I barely know Charles ! I am no schoolgirl to fall in love at first sight.'
'No, you just have foam forming at the corner of your mouth, and your eyes are flashing 'Kiss me' signs. Other than that,...'
Elizabeth was stopped in the middle of her sentence by having a pillow thrown at her face. Both girls were then engaged in a serious, no prisoners, pillow fight, chasing each other down the hotel hallways. Lizzy threw Jane a pillow, missing her only by inches. The pillow finished its course... right in the face of Fitzwilliam Darcy, who had just gotten off the elevator. At first, he didn't know what hit him. He was mad as hell and ready to yell when he saw Elizabeth and Jane laughing at him. He was so amazed by Elizabeth's fine eyes that he couldn't help but smile, and he threw back the pillow, right in the face of Lizzy, retreating quickly to his room to escape any revenge, and to maintain his composure. The two sisters returned to the room, sitting on the bed still laughing.
Regaining her seriousness, Lizzy restarted the interrupted conversation. 'Really Jane, I like Charles. He seems just as amiable and good-natured as you are, but his entourage is awful. Caroline, his sister, is so snob and proud she would never condescend to speak to anybody with a salary less than $75 000. As to Darcy, he is just as too full of himself.'
'Oh Elizabeth, you know as well as I do that you are prone to misjudge people based only on first impressions. Mr. Darcy seemed to me quite polite, maybe just a little harassed by all his responsibilities. And you can't say he has no sense of humor. He threw this pillow at you so fast you couldn't escape. As to Caroline, being Charles sister, I'm sure she can't be that bad.'
'We'll see!' Elizabeth disliked being reminded of her faults, and felt the need to change subjects. Darcy might have been nice tonight, but she felt sure he was not an amiable person in all.
'The Bennet Royal Canadian Family ! I still can't believe it. As if Japan had not enough to worry about, with tidal waves, bad economy, and the return of Godzilla, now Mrs. Bennet invades Japan! Can you imagine Mama eating sushi?'
The conversation ended in laughter, as Jane retreated to her room and Lizzy started unpacking.
Part V
Here she was : her first day of work. She woke up early, and took a walk to the Olympic Skating rink. Walking was much faster than driving, even at 7 AM. She had an absurd feeling of self-importance when showing her accreditation to the guards at the doors, even if she was pretty sure they could care less about her. She made her way to her treatment room, number 117-B. Everything she needed was there : the chiropractic table she had brought with her, the charts, the cushions, and the hospitals gowns, which were as ugly as ever, in a rare shade of pale yellow-green, bound to make anyone look sick.
Elizabeth attached her name and available time on the door. She had three treatments scheduled for today. The first skater to come was Charlotte Lucas, a childhood friend from Lambton, Ontario. They were always close, exchanging letters and seeing each other whenever possible. It was Charlotte who had ignited the desire in Elizabeth to be on the health team. The skater had suffered a car accident two years ago, and suffered from a whiplash injury. Her cervical spine, especially C1 and C2, had received a great deal of stress, and was painful to touch. The muscles had become really stiff, and Charlotte had permanent headaches, which rendered her unable to skate as well as she wanted.
Six months after the accident, Lizzy went to see Charlotte, who was competing in the Nationals in Montreal. Lizzy immediately saw that her friend wasn't feeling great, and that her neck was stretched and swollen, and proposed to treat her. At first, her neck was so stiff, Lizzy could do nothing but relax the muscles by doing a pressure technique called trigger points. Later, she started vertebral manipulations on the whole spine. The effects were slow but steady and effective : the headaches disappeared, Charlotte could move her neck with ease, and after a month of treatments, her whole body was feeling great, her mobility increased, and she could recover more easily from training sessions.
Charlotte was so happy, she recommended Elizabeth to all her fellow skaters, and soon the chiropractor was asked to do treatments at provincial and national competitions. The Olympics were her goal, and she was as happy as the skaters to be there. The Canadian team was, with the USA, France and Russia, a favorite. Charlotte Lucas, though the oldest skater at 29, was aiming at the gold. Her slightly lesser athletic abilities were compensated by her grace and artistic sense of music, much better than those of her teenage rivals. Rick Fitzwilliam and Geogianna Darcy were among the favorites to win in the couples competition, as long as Georgianna could manage the stress. She was Darcy's sister, a very talented but unsure skater in a sport where the slightest hesitation caused a fall. Among the men, Richard Denny, though injured, had a chance for a medal, as did Mike Chamberlayne, who had won the Canadian title and won the heart of the audience at the subsequent gala with his imitation of 'Barbie Girl', dressed in skirts, wearing a wig and outrageous false eyelashes. He was a crowd favorite.
Elizabeth looked up as Charlotte entered the room, 15 minutes late. She looked as if she had just gotten out of bed.
'So, you slept in late.'
'Oh, you can skip the sermon. I already received one from Lady Kat, lecturing me on how punctuality was appealing to the judges, and on how I needed to do everything to help us won that gold.'
'Madam Affability in person. Why is she not here ? She was supposed to check my every move.'
'Well, she's busy lecturing Chamberlayne on how to look professional. We all wish someday the Zamboni will pass over Lady Kat, but she's sooo huge she would block it. Ouch ! ! ! What are you doing to me ?'
'Your trapeze muscle is so tight, it feels like a piece of wood. What have you been doing with it, climbing the Everest?'
'Worse, I did some weight lifting with Lady Kat beside me. She would only let me stop when I turned purple and was unable to speak.'
Lizzy walked to the other side of the table, positioning Charlotte to do an anterior thoracic manipulation. She didn't answer Charlotte's complaints. She had heard that story so many times, from different skaters. Mrs. de Bourgh was renowned as one of the best coaches, but somehow Lizzy doubted it. She asked so much of her skaters that she had lost many a promising skater over the years, suffering training injuries and stress-related depression. Her reputation remained good due to the natural talent of her skaters, and to her imposing manners which frightened others into submission. However, Elizabeth was determined to shut the coach's big mouth one day, better sooner than latter.
'Okay, everything's fine with you darling. Take it easy with your weight lifting : you wouldn't want to be injured so close to competition. By the way, how is your love life going ?'
'What love life?' said Charlotte, putting on her clothes. 'It's as empty as yours. I had visions of you snapping up a cute rich doctor.'
'Better forget it ! The ones I've met here are so full of themselves they'll explode one day.'
A knock on the partially closed door interrupted their conversation, and Dr.. Darcy stepped in to give Lizzy an invitation for a evening party in a posh restaurant, on the purpose of meeting all the skating teams..
'I have one for your sister too. You need not fear being surrounded by doctors, Miss Bennet. All skaters are invited too.'
Elizabeth felt ashamed at Darcy having heard her. However, she couldn't resist the temptation to embarrass him too. 'We all know that I'm too young and not handsome enough to tempt any doctor into chatting with me. Let's hope that skaters are less demanding.
It was Darcy's turn to feel ashamed and retreat quickly. Charlotte stared at Elizabeth, not fully understanding the whole situation, but the look on the chiropractor's face convinced her that there was no use in asking questions.
Part VI
Darcy stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tuxedo. Formal parties like this evening's were a burden on him : he disliked interacting with strangers, and casual chatting was something he was not good at. He anticipated no enjoyment in the evening: he already had met almost everybody, having been at the previous Olympics, and didn't feel like going through this again. He had but two wishes for tonight : avoiding Caroline as much as he could and seeing Dr.. Bennet in an evening gown. Funny how he found himself thinking more and more about her these days. At first, he had dismissed her as not being interesting at all, but a more pointed observance of her proved him wrong. He saw her maneuver with Collins, and admired her sang-froid, especially on being informed that he was her cousin, not a relationship anybody would relish in ! He then saw her with Bingley and Jane, and saw how fine her eyes were, glowing with pleasure while watching them. And during the pillow fight, looking like the most wild and beautiful schoolgirl he ever saw. He was growing to appreciate her, even if their verbal encounters were close to boxing matches : he threw her a punch, she threw him one right back, like they did when he delivered the invitation. He had then hoped to meet her on more friendly terms, and was rewarded with her low opinion of doctors. As he was the only one of this species aboard the health team, it was surely Darcy was the one on her mind.
He looked at himself in the mirror and saw in himself the hauteur he was accused of possessing. For the first time in his whole life, he realized that strangers could not see in him anything other than a proud man, and the realization stunned him.
'Well, it seems this Miss Bennet is bound to reveal to me some truths about myself.' he mused. In two days, she had intrigued him more than Caroline in ten years. 'Caroline is easier to understand, she's a spider slowly spinning her web around me to grab my fortune!' he told himself.
But, his thoughts couldn't stay long on Caroline, and returned to Elizabeth. He had just received the skating team media guide, which included a small section on the health team. Darcy was startled on reading that Elizabeth was 28. She sure didn't look like it ! He understood how she must have taken his comments on her age : she must have had to fight against people thinking her too young for her job. As he was reading her bio, Darcy became more and more amazed at her qualifications. She was a member of several health care and research groups, focused mainly on sports, had won various prizes and awards for her work and had already been named 'Chiropractor of the Year'. She was dedicated to her work, something he appreciated more than anything.
'Definitely, I must attempt to know her further.' This decision made, he exited his room to take a taxi to the party. This serious, dedicated doctor had only one frivolous, thought in his mind, 'What color is she going to wear ?'
Part VII
Elizabeth and Jane entered the ball room of the posh restaurant, both a little uneasy. Jane was more at ease, considering the fact that she expected to have Bingley at her side for the whole evening, but to her sister, there was less sunshine ahead. She was still unknown to the skating world, and she needed to behave correctly and pleasantly in order to establish herself as a proper member of the health team.
As to first impressions, she needed not fear. The sisters entry had made gossip flow through the crowd. They were both beautiful, Jane in a long aqua green satin Dr.ess, hair flowing down her shoulders, Lizzy in a sexier burgundy velvet Dr.ess, her dark hair curling around her face, and her fine eyes shining more than any light in the room. Many a man made a mental note to request a dance with her, whoever she was, but none was more impressed then Dr. Darcy. He was standing in a dark corner of the room, and his jaw dropped on seeing her. She was sexy and elegant, yet managed not to look artificial, as other women did. He made his way toward her, pushed by a desire he didn't even attempt to understand.
However, he was stopped by a large matron, sporting a flower-printed dress, whose cry of 'Lizzy ! Jane !' was shrill enough to make dogs yell.
'My dear daughters, you are both so elegant ! Surely you'll make many catches tonight ! I am so happy to see you both', she said in a less strident voice, but still loud enough for the whole country to hear. Darcy saw Elizabeth try to calm down her mother, a task at which she partially succeeded, managing to draw her mother out of the crowd. He still couldn't understand what Mrs. Bennet was doing here, or how a person like her could have managed to educate two such respectable daughters. Jane, Lizzy, Mrs. Bennet and some other people unknown to him assembled in a small party around a table, and Darcy decided he it would be better to talk to Elizabeth later. There was no need in meeting this husband-hunting mother, who could very well decide to set her sights on him. It was a task he did not feel equal to.
Elizabeth was aghast at the appearance of her whole family. To be sure, as a result of the contest, they had access everywhere, but why here, when she wanted to be accepted by the skating world? How can one make a good impression with her mother at her side, looking like a wedding bouquet, and her two younger sisters, whose dresses were so short they'd better not attempt to sit for the whole evening ? Lizzy rolled her eyes at Jane, who smiled a little. For sure, she was ashamed of the conduct of her family , but she was at the same time genuinely happy to see them.
Charles Bingley entered the room and, having spotted Jane, gladly made his way toward her. She presented him to her family. Mr. Bennet was absent, favoring the quietness of his hotel room to the bustle of an evening out, but Mrs. Bennet assured Bingley that her husband would be delighted in making his acquaintance. She was not to subtly attempting to discover his income, but her daughters were constantly changing the conversation to hide her inquiries. Jane finally left to dance with Bingley, and Mrs. Bennet immediately took hold of her second daughter.
'So tell me all Lizzy. Is Bingley at ease, is he a good prospect ?'
'Well, he is a kind, well-mannered man, quite the gentleman. He seems to enjoy life and...'
'Silly girl ! That was not what I was talking of. I want to know his income !'
'He seems quite well off. He comes from a respected family and has Netherfield, an estate near Lambton.'
'How fantastic for Jane. She will live near our hometown in Ontario, and I'll go visit her and maybe settle near her. She will have so much money. We need to make sure she grabs him. I will invite him for lunch, and to our house, and...'
'I think Jane would prefer to settle things at her own pace. She barely knows him !'
'Nonsense ! An eligible and rich man like he is won't stay on the matrimony market too long. We must grab him while he's available ! And as to you Lizzy, whom have you met ?'
Mrs. Bennet's question remained unanswered, for Elizabeth, considering that conversing with her mother could bring no good, swiftly made her escape toward the dance floor. Mrs. Bennet was left alone, to reflect to no one in particular, that daughters definitely were of an ungrateful species, and that it was a terrible stress upon her poor shaken nerves.
Part VIII
Elizabeth was walking slowly around the ballroom, pitying herself for having such a family, when she encountered Mr. Darcy. He asked her to dance, which surprised her so much that she couldn't thing of a way to say no. Therefore, she found herself dancing a waltz with a man she didn't liked at all, even if he did looked heavenly in his tuxedo. 'This evening is taking a surrealistic turn' thought she. She was musing upon this when Darcy started to talk.
'Dr.. Bennet, I think we have begun our acquaintance in a not too agreeable way, and I would like to change all this.'
'Uh, well...'
'Let's say we are now meeting for the first time.' Darcy suddenly backed away from her and made a profound bow. Elizabeth couldn't believe that the serious doctor would demonstrate such playfulness. She mused for a moment over the possibility of his being drunk, but rejected the idea and decided to step into the game. She made a small curtsey, which lighted a smile on Darcy's face.
'Miss Bennet, I am so glad to meet you. I welcome your addition to the health team with gratitude, for I think your help will be of the utmost importance. Pray tell me a little about yourself.'
He sounded like an actor in a 19th century play, but the style did fit him. Elizabeth was enjoying the conversation. She still believed he was proud and arrogant, but he could at least act civilly sometimes.
'I am from Ontario sir, but I presently live in Quebec. I have 5 (should this be 4???) sisters. I studied at the University in Trois-Rivieres, and I enjoy my job more than anything else.'
He already knew all this, for it was all in the health team's biographies. He was ready to ask her more questions when the music ended. They broke their embrace, and Caroline Bingley rapidly took hold of him, being so persistent in talking to him that he could not continue conversing with Elizabeth. She thanked him for the dance and disappeared into the crowd, while Caroline continued chatting, trying to look her most dazzling. She pressured Darcy into dancing with her. Her smile of triumph would have lessened had she been able to read his mind, for he was still thinking about Elizabeth's eyes, and how their warmth contrasted with Caroline's coldness. Fortunately, she wasn't able to do so, and therefore enjoyed their dance to the utmost.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth was making her way to the bar, feeling a little thirsty. She saw Mary trying to talk to a famous journalist, who seemed to care more about the blonde waitress than about ethics in journalism. Lizzy smiled and continued to walk. She then saw Kitty and Lydia, surrounded by men, among whom Denny and Chamberlayne. She would have passed by them, for she didn't enjoy the company of men drooling over miniskirts, but she saw a stranger amongst them who attracted her very much. He was sporting a tuxedo, with a little touch of carelessness, like it was an everyday thing. He had an open face, but with an intriguing air. He was definitely attractive and reminded her of Pierce Brosnan in a James Bond flick. Describing him to her father, Lizzy would have compared him to a praying mantis, for she felt an irresistible desire to be near him. 'Well, maybe this isn't so good a comparison, for he will not eat me alive!' she thought. His open face and easy demeanor were sufficient proof for her to label him as a gentleman.
Lizzy entered the small group, greeting her sisters who were too engrossed by men to see her, and turned her sights on the seductive stranger, who welcomed her with a dazzling smile.
Part IX
'Hi, my name is George Wickham.'
'Elizabeth Bennet.'
'Ah, I guess you are Lydia's sister ? An IBM guest also ?'
'Lydia's my sister, but I am here on my own. I am a chiropractor for the Canadian Health Team. As to yourself, what are you doing here ?'
'I represent a big pharmaceutical company in New Orleans. I sell mostly vitamin supplements and herbal medicines. Alas, people tend to associate these with doping scandals, and there's no need to say I don't approve of that. As a matter of fact, my remedies are seen as natural aids, so that skaters are not tempted to take drugs. But I am sure I am boring you with all this serious talk! Would you do me the favor of dancing this waltz with me ?'
Lizzy's admiration for Wickham was increasing. He had everything : good looks, well-behaved manners, eloquence, friendliness. Elizabeth had a natural distrust for salesmen, furthermore drugs salesmen. As she went arm in arm with Wickham to the dance floor, she thought that he was the one who might prove her wrong.
They started chatting, him asking her pleasant questions about her job, her appreciating all the attention she got from him. As they waltzed around the room, she noticed Dr.. Darcy looking at them with a sort of anger on his face. Curious, she lifted her face to look at her partner, and could clearly saw that he was troubled. She would never have dared to ask questions, had he not introduced the subject.
'I think Dr.. Darcy is your team's doctor-in-chief, isn't he ? How do you like him ?'
Elizabeth made it clear that she didn't like Darcy at all, willingly omitting to mention that he had begun to seem nicer.
'I have to say I agree with you, but I fear not many would share our opinions. His wealth and social position blind people to his real self. I think myself a good source on this subject, for I spent my childhood near him.' Seeing Elizabeth staring at him, he continued. 'I know it may not appear to be as such, for you have seen as I did his displeasure in seeing me tonight. Alas, we have never been friends. His father, the late Dr.. George Darcy, had been the employer of my father for a long time and upon his death, acted like a father to me. He had stated clearly in his will that his son was to pay for my medical education. He died while I was in my second year at med school. I was so troubled by his death that I had to leave school for a time, to mourn the loss. However, when I tried to return to school, I was rejected without explanations. I later found out that Darcy, having graduated from the same college a year or so before, was a close friend of the dean. Darcy had related to him some gossip and falsehoods about my absence from the school, saying I was too vicious and unstable to make a good doctor.'
'He is the vicious one in this story ! How dare he be so mean to his father's favorite ? Why would he do this ?'
'He was envious of the affection his father had for me. He has always attempted to be considered as good a man as his father, so I don't think he would have publicly done something to get rid of me. Alas, his insinuations to the dean were secret, thus making me a fool in public opinion. However, the past is the past. I should not dwell on it, for I now am contented with my lot. Having a dancing partner with such remarkable eyes and equally sharp mind, I should not be miserable !'
Elizabeth felt for him and admired his desire to keep silent about the whole incident for the sake of the late Mr. Darcy. He indeed had excellent disposition .
'I can only advise you on one point, Elizabeth : beware of him. He distrusts all representatives of alternative medicines. I can only warm you not to trust him too easily. However, let's talk about something more interesting, like you!'
Elizabeth felt for him. She would never be so foolish as to trust Darcy, not after all she heard. She forbid herself to talk anymore about Wickham's revelations, keeping it for her own later reflections, and abandoned herself to the thrill of waltzing in his arms.
Part X
On entering the arena the following morning, Elizabeth felt a tension in the air that she hadn't felt before. It was the first day of competition for the pairs. A few days before, there had been the qualifications, but now was the real thing. The skater's faces were tense and somber, and even she was stressed. She couldn't make any mistakes.
Elizabeth entered her office, after having searched for her key in her purse. Thankfully, she had not forgotten it in her hotel room. She pushed the door open and stooped to grab the messages that had been slid under her door. There was an ironic note from Charlotte, asking her if she had had nice dreams. Elizabeth blushed : Charlotte was right as usual, her dreams has been full of Wickham. There were two notes from skaters requesting treatments and one note from Dr.. Darcy. He asked her to allow him to come to her office at nine. No further explanation was given, and the chiropractor's curiosity was aroused as well as her distress. She didn't feel like seeing him today, not after what she had learned the night before. However, she couldn't shrink from the meeting, so there was no point in complaining. She still had 3 hours left before his appearance, so she busied herself with evaluating some x-rays while awaiting her first patient.
Charlotte knocked lightly on the door. She had a mischievous smile on seeing Elizabeth's tired eyes.
'Seems to me like you had a hard night? It must be so tiresome to dance with the two most dashing gentlemen in the room!'
'I bet you meant one handsome, one tiresome! Never will I dance again with Dr.. Darcy, he is just too proud!'
'I can't understand this Lizzy! You made such a beautiful couple, perfectly matched. Don't you dare say you disliked it : I saw you smiling to Darcy more than once.'
'I am a fool Charlotte. I really thought that proud doctor was beginning to soften, I even began to like him. I was so ashamed of myself when I learned the truth.'
'Truth? What truth?'
'That he is the worst man to have graced this earth! He is full of tricks, and I bet his being nice was just a ruse to get rid of me. Thankfully, Wickham set me right. I am indebted to him. He is just a marvelous man!'
'Elizabeth, pray be careful! What assurance to you have that Wickham is not lying. He may be an handsome man, but you don't know his heart. I've been treated by Darcy for a long time and...'
'I'm not listening to this! You just want to spoil my pleasure!' Seeing that Charlotte had been hurt, she softened her words. 'I know you're just trying to help Charlotte and I appreciate it. I'm pretty sure my judgment is right, but I'll remember what you said.'
'I'll see you later Elizabeth.'
Charlotte was hurt, it was obvious. The chiropractor wished she had not let her temper run free. However, she was still confident to be in the right. A quick glance at her watch reassured her : she still had 2 hours left before meeting Darcy.
Part XI
Still concerned by her conversation with Charlotte, Elizabeth checked her schedule. She had a patient coming up in ten minutes, Rick Fitzwilliam. She had not treated him before, so she went through his file. His X-Rays were good, nothing serious except a few old traces of broken bones. She was so absorbed in his case that she didn't hear him come inside the room. He coughed to gain her attention. She lifted her head to face a nice-looking man, in his early thirties, with an hint of mischief in his face. She liked him already.
Presentations were duly made and Lizzy started to enquire about his health, his medical history and his current health problems. On being asked whether he had recently been treated, he mentioned that his cousin, Dr.. Darcy, took great care of his health. Elizabeth was startled : she saw nothing in common between the two cousins and boldly stated her thoughts.
'I guess you mean that he is distinguished and clever, that he has a lot of money and that women are attracted to him like flies to honey!'
'No, I implied that you are amiable and easy to like, something that he is not.'
'Thank you Dr.. Bennet, I think you've cured all my problems with this single phrase!' Both laughed, and Elizabeth cheerfully finished her manipulations of his spine. Fitzwilliam dressed himself again, promising the chiropractor that he would come back soon. Halfway through the door, he turned back and said: 'Don't believe Darcy and I have nothing in common. We are united in our love of Georgiana.' He smiled and took his leave.
Elizabeth continued smiling even after Rick Fitzwilliam had left. He was indeed a entertaining man. She glanced at her watch, there was still half an hour left before meeting Darcy. Now, what he wanted from her, she was eager to know.
Part XII
Elizabeth was fully absorbed in reviewing a difficult case when she heard a knock on the door. She opened it and showed Darcy in. The doctor didn't seem at ease. He looked intently around the room and didn't say a word. Lizzy was about to speak when he burst out.
'There is no need in hiding it anymore Miss Bennet. I am in love with you.'
Elizabeth sunk into the nearest chair. She had been prepared for anything but that. She had been prepared to have a good nasty fight, not for making love. Therefore, she missed her chance to stop him before he went on with his speech. Had she done that, many a misunderstanding might have been prevented.
'I know you are surprised, it may be sudden, but I have thought at length about you. There are many difficulties facing our relation. As you surely know, I am a representative of many medical associations which forbid contact with chiropractors. I would sink low in their opinion. I also am aware that your family isn't what it should be. Jane and you are perfectly well-bred, but it cannot be said of your other relatives. You see, Elizabeth, I come from a respected family, whose men have been doctors for the last four generations. The library of the Montreal University Medicine Faculty bears the name of my grandfather. I am the sole heir to a large estate. My parents have taught me to value rank and education and to be sure of my actions before marrying. I do not say this to insult you but to show you that my love is so strong that it is able to overcome many obstacles. Coming through all objections, I am here to give you my hand hoping you'll be mine.'
It was a sincere speech, but not the type which could win the heart of Lizzy. Darcy felt he had to explain all his reflections, all the obstacles he had faced. He wanted Elizabeth to understand that he was full aware of the consequences of his love. Alas, he had not asked himself how Elizabeth would react to his speech. He would soon discover it.
'I presume I should be thankful for such an offer, but I am not. I have never sought your love, and I have no wish to grant you my heart. You sound like you are giving me your love against your will and your reason! You shouldn't fear for reprobation, you'll never be exposed to that because of me. You are the last man I would consent to love.'
Darcy was shocked. He had never dreamed that she could refuse him. It was with an angry voice that he replied: 'May I ask you what it is that you abhor so much about me? I guess you would have preferred me to tell you that I love you with all my heart, without any other thoughts, but I cannot. I cannot flatter and be untrue.'
'You are mistaken if you think that I opposed the manner of your proposition. Had you been more gentlemen-like, I would have had more scruples and pain in refusing you, but I would still have refused. I don't love you! I hate your proud airs, your conceit, your disdain of me. I know you are unkind, I knew it all the time. George Wickham just confirmed my judgment when he told me how you treated him!'
'Wickham! You base your convictions on what that sly, malevolent man has said.'
'You are still jealous of him, I clearly see that. You have ruined his future, and you don't even bear a regret!'
'Of course I don't. Anyway, it is enough. You made yourself clear. I shall not annoy you any further. Good-bye.'
Darcy left the room in haste without even looking back. Elizabeth stood still behind her desk, her hands gripping it tightly. She felt tears of rage and anger coming down her cheeks. She sensed a headache coming and decided to retreat hastily to her hotel.
Part XIII
Elizabeth woke up with a start. Where was she ? What was going on ? It took her a few seconds to relax and remember the situation. Alas, waking up made her remember the reason she had run to her hotel to sleep and she groaned : thinking about Darcy made her sick. To think that the first man who ever told her he loved her would be so arrogant ! She had had no real love affair before : she was too engrossed in her job to have much time for other thoughts. Now she was 28, had a successful practice, and sometimes thought about having children. She was ready at last for love, but not with Darcy ! She smiled inwardly, thinking what revenge for his unkind words it would be if she went out with Wickham. That was an interesting plan, to say the least.
The young woman stretched herself and turned around to grab her watch on the night table. She mechanically looked at the time and blinked twice, not believing what she saw. It could not be 4 PM. please let the watch was broken. Elizabeth had to be at the rink at 4 :30 !
She jumped from the bed, grabbing whatever she could lay her hands on from the closet. She washed up quickly, struggling to get into her clothes. How could she get to the rink in time ? The shuttles were abominably slow, taxis couldn't be found anywhere. The only way to get there was to run like hell ! Elizabeth put on her running shoes, putting her normal shoes in her bag, grabbed her credentials and ran toward the door. The elevator wasn't fast enough, so she took the stairs, gaining speed with every step. She almost fell twice but managed to get downstairs in one piece. She tried to regain her composure while going through the lobby. However, she could tell by the startled looks of people around her that her success in this task was poor. Picture a young woman in a business suit, all clean and elegant, with old battered Nikes, her hair all messed up, her face red and sweaty, and one can guess why Elizabeth was stared at. The chiropractor tried to look as nonchalant as she could, hoping that no one would recognize her. She was 2 feet from the door when she heard herself called : a young clerk handed her a letter. Not even bothering to read it, she put it deep down in her bag and went through the door.
Part XIV
Elizabeth managed to get to the rink by 4 :35. She stopped before entering, regaining her breath and tying her loose hair in a ponytail. Even with those cares, it was plain clear that she had ran all the way. The first person she met was Caroline Bingley, in her designer outfit, impeccable and cold as stone. She could hear Caroline talking about her to another girl : she could guess by the laughter that Caroline was exercising her sharp wit against her. Elizabeth had no time to stop, but she made a mental note to get even with Caroline soon.
The relationship between the nurse in the chiropractor had degenerated from barely polite to plainly aggressive. Caroline had seen a rival in Lizzy, and made all in her power to hurt her. She had started a few gossip, telling a few chosen persons that the chiropractor had slept her way to the Olympics and stating that she was a fortune hunter. At first, Lizzy had tried to set things right, but after a few condescending talks from the nurse, she left aside politeness and went in it for a fight. Her wit had gained her back the esteem of many people, for she never lied or tried to hurt anyone. Just stating the plain facts about Caroline was enough to crush her.
Elizabeth quickly made her way to her office. A skater was standing at the door waiting for her. Muttering words of excuses, the chiropractor searched her bag for the keys. Twice her fingers grabbed the letter and set it aside, having no time to read it now.
Part XV
What a day, oh what a day! Elizabeth was so exhausted she feared she would just sit down on the floor and cry. All the running to get to the rink on time had drained her energy. She had treated 7 skaters, then made her way to the rink. The first couples were doing their short programs. Elizabeth was amazed at the dexterity shown by the Germans. They were among the favorites for the gold. Their short program was almost faultless, and gained them a 9.7 and a 9.8.
Elizabeth was still dreamily looking at the skaters when she heard her name called. Charles Bingley was waving at her, wishing her to come near him. They had not seen each other a lot since the reception at the restaurant. However, Lizzy knew that Charles and Jane had gone out together more than once. Jane had returned to the hotel after those evenings, smiling heavenly. Things were going slow between them, but Lizzy was pretty sure her sister was already deep in love.
"Hi Charles! You look really busy, can I help you in any way?"
"You're reading my mind! All those kids want massages, taping, and a bunch of other treatments. Could you lend me a hand? You know how to do all that, don't you?"
"Of course! Just tell me what to do."
"Rick Fitzwilliam asked me for some electrotherapy for his legs. How about taking care of him?"
Taking care of Rick? Well, it was an interesting request to say the least! He was cute, funny and had a wonderful body. Elizabeth thought she could indeed treat him.
"Mr. Fitzwilliam, how are you?" A very interesting conversation ensued. They talked about Georgiana Darcy, whom Elizabeth had never met. She was 16, 8 years younger than her cousin. The skating world gossip about Miss Darcy said that she was proud, affected and that she never left her brother and her cousin. However, Rick was clearly fond of her, so Lizzy thought maybe the gossip was wrong this time.
Rick retreated to the locker room with words of thanks, for he had to focus on his upcoming short program. He and Georgiana were the last skaters that night. It was a lot of stress to wait all night, yet the judges sometimes reserved their best marks for the last skaters.
Elizabeth worked really hard all night long, barely seeing the hours go by. Finally, the last group of 6 couples hit the ice, so she could rest. Lizzy made her way to the Canadian section of the rink. Charles was already there, a trumpet in hand, waving big posters "Go Canada!" Let's say it was difficult to miss seeing him. Lizzy made her way to sit next to him, when she saw Darcy sitting right next to him! She could not bring herself to talk to him, not after he had insulted her that way! Searching for another seat, she saw Wickham talking to a French skater. With a teasing smile for Darcy, she quickly went to sit beside Wickham.
Darcy was so angry he could barely refrain himself from hitting someone, preferably that attracting scoundrel sitting next to Elizabeth. Had she not read his letter? Didn't she knew that this man was poison? Maybe she had not read his letter, but maybe she had read it and not believed a word of it. Darcy's mind was in turmoil. He saw the skaters jumping and spinning on the ice without any single notion of what was going on. Why had he not crushed Wickham to the floor when he had the opportunity?
Part XIV
Elizabeth felt the eyes of Darcy upon her. The sole thought of all he did to hurt Wickham, of all he said to hurt her made her feel an overpowering anger. She wanted to hurt him if she could, just to make him pay, so she engaged in a carefree flirtation with George Wickham. She leaned close to him while they watched the American couple gliding on the ice. Normally, she wouldn't act this way with a man she barely knew, but anger is a misleading guide. Wickham saw the opportunity to score an easy hit, and carried the flirtation with the ease of an experienced lover. First it was a few comments on her proficiency at work, of her dedication to the skaters. Then followed subtle remarks on her beauty and wit. Wickham knew perfectly what he was doing : rumours had leaked that Dr.. William Darcy himself had showed some pointed interest toward the pretty chiropractor. Wickham was no man to let such an occasion pass untaken, and Elizabeth had indeed a few attractions of her own.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth had no clue that she was an object of revenge between two men. Indeed, she had no idea of the implications of what was going on. She was rendered dizzy by Wickham's charm, by the closeness of him and by the anger of Darcy. All those emotions altered her judgment and when Wickham bend toward her, she offered her lips to be kissed.
The kiss lasted for a long time. When they parted, Lizzy looked at the handsome Wickham with a sly smile.
"How about eating out together tonight?"
"Sounds like an interesting option!"
Wickham's thought were indeed less on the dinner than on it's aftermath. Thank God he had had his room cleaned today. No need for Elizabeth to know that another woman had been in his bed the night before. On leaving the rink, Wickham couldn't restrain a grin of satisfaction on seeing that Darcy had left his seat. His revenge was taking shape, a very appealing feminine shape.
Part XVII
Elizabeth and Wickham made their way inside the sushi restaurant. They planned an intimate dinner by candlelight, but alas for them, the first person they encountered on entering the restaurant was Mrs. Bennet.
"Lizzy dear, I am so thrilled to see you! And what are you bringing us here? Such an handsome young gentleman! I am dying to meet him! You must join us right now!"
"Mother, please! We were wanting to talk between us a little."
"Fiddle-dee-dee! You can talk all you want with us, we hold no secrets. Come young man, tell me all about you. What is your name? What do you do for a living? Are you single? What's your income?"
Mrs. Bennet had an effective way of getting hold of a guest : grabbing tightly his arm and guiding him to her table while drilling him with questions. Elizabeth was indeed taken prisoner, and could share her annoyance only by rolling her eyes at George. He was annoyed also, but he also saw some opportunities in this meeting : he would get to know how much money Elizabeth had, for a rich wife was always an asset for such a man.
"Look who I brought you! Elizabeth and the charming Mr. Wickham! It will be a delightful meal for sure!"
Mr. Bennet and Jane warmly greeted Lizzy, while Lydia and Kitty all but threw themselves at Wickham. As for Mary, she gave no notice of the guests, being engrossed in her English/Japanese dictionary.
The conversation was an awkward mix of the best and the worst. The younger sisters managed to hurt every ear in the restaurant by giggling stupidly at everything Wickham said. Lydia went at least four times to the restroom for the express purpose of showing off her micro-mini skirt. Mrs. Bennet asked a thousand questions about every single relative of the young men. Meanwhile, Jane, Elizabeth and their father had a quiet conversation about Japanese economy.
The conversation lingered after a while, and it was with relief that the company saw their meals arriving. Attractive colorful sushis were disposed on lettuce and finely shaped vegetables. Mrs. Bennet had never eaten Japanese food. However, she was eager to show herself off, so she battled with her chopping sticks for a few minutes. Nobody dared to tell her she looked like a fool, therefore she carried on for a while. After a few minutes, she miraculously managed to get a sushi to her mouth. Happy with her dexterity, she vigorously took a bite of it. Alas for her, sushis don't stand being bitten : Mrs. Bennet found herself, and all her surroundings, covered with little fish eggs.
"Yeech! What is this nasty food?"
"Those are fish eggs" Mary calmly informed her mother, while the rest of the guests were restraining their laughter as much as they could.
"FISH EGGS ? And you are expecting me to eat those awful things?"
"What did you expect Mama? Sushis are raw fish!" Mary clearly showed disdain for such a display of ignorance.
Upon hearing those words, Mrs. Bennet ran to the washrooms with her hand over her mouth, displaying an interesting shade of green. As soon as she was out of ear reach, everyone burst in laughter while the waiters were discreetly fixing the mess. The dinner was much more pleasant from there hence, and conversation gained more wisdom. Jane, always the dutiful daughter, went to help her mother, who was stuck with fish eggs in her elaborate hairdo. Elizabeth rolled her eyes at Wickham. She had not expected such a soiree. She fervently hoped he was not one to be put off by silly relatives.
Part XVIII
The whole family went out of the restaurant by 8 o'clock. Elizabeth turned to Wickham, while Jane was lagging behind: "I thank you for the evening, even though you surely had not planned it to turn out this way!"
"Oh, it is of no consequence. Actually, I find your family quite charming. Liveliness seems to be a common trait amongst the Bennets."
"Well..." What could Elizabeth say? Even though she loved her family, after such an evening, even she couldn't find them charming. But then, George was just being nice, and after all, she favored well-meaning gentlemen over spiteful ones who had a tendency to think lowly of her relatives.
"How about going out tonight? I know some great places around here, and I promise you we won't have to sing karaoke!"
"I would love it George, but I have to go back to the hotel. There's another hard day of work coming up, and I want to be at my best. In fact, Jane is actually waiting for me to get back at the hotel."
"It is a pity! I hope you will have more time soon." With that, George gave her a dazzling smile and they exchanged a quick kiss before going their separate ways. Wickham was disappointed that the evening would thus end for them, but then again, it was only 8 PM. He had time enough to find another woman for the night. After all, he had handsome looks, a great suit, and a knack at charming the young ladies. He would have been a fool not to make the most of it. Nature had been generous with him in appearances, if not in strong principles and understanding.
Part XIX
"So Jane, what is your opinion of George?"
What could a soft-hearted and naive girl like Jane answer, but that he was charming and considerate.
"And I must add that he shows a considerable amount of patience, having to bear with our mother's gossip for a whole meal!"
Both girls shared an hearty laugh, images of Mrs. Bennet dripping with sushi filling their minds.
"By the way Jane, I spent all evening with your Charles. He has tremendous energy and good will, for he spent all day going from one skater to another, without pause. And he is certainly, well... patriotic."
"You surely mean that you have seen him in the stadium, with his flags and his trumpet? He was sooo sweet! He would do anything to help the Canadian skaters. I have to admit though, he maybe carried his supporter role a little too far..."
"Maybe he thought he was an athletic supporter? Mr. Jock Strap himself!" said Lizzy with a teasing smile.
"Lizzy, please!" The sisters laughed over this one for quite a long time. Finally, Jane caught her breath long enough to resume conversation.
"O.K. I admit, he is a little too enthusiastic : 6 flags, a trumpet and 5 good-luck signs were maybe a little too much for one man!" Jane could not suppress a smile from her face. "He meant well, I am sure, he just carried his patriotism a little too far."
"You don't have to defend him, I was just teasing! Besides, Charles had to do a double share of cheers : his friend was absolutely expressionless. You would have thought that he could not care less about the competition, yet his own sister was on the ice! He is such an iceberg!"
"Lizzy, you should not be so harsh! He was just rejected in his affections, and he sees you with Wickham! You could not expect him to act as if everything was normal."
Elizabeth had told Jane all about the scene with Dr.. Darcy in her office. Jane could not help but feel some pity for the poor man, for what could be worse than being thus received? Yet, Jane did not blame Lizzy : you couldn't impose love on some. As her sister felt nothing toward him, she could do nothing but refuse his love.
Jane was not quite sure how to feel about Wickham's allegations. She didn't want to think poorly of either man, so she put the blame for the quarrel on poor communication, a misunderstanding. After all, Charles considered Darcy a brother, and Elizabeth had the highest esteem for Wickham, so neither of them could be evil.
Jane felt the necessity to switch subjects, and rambled on the events of the evening. After a while, having given her sister time to vent her anger, she asked her the question uppermost in her mind.
"So Lizzy, tell me all about your feelings towards George! Do you think you are in love? Have you been out together often?"
"I can't say I am in love yet, but there is certainly a great attraction between George and me. He is so pleasing, and so honest. He shared with me his opinions on the pharmaceutical world, which he thinks is much more centered on money than people. He sells vitamins you know, not drugs. We have so much in common."
"A common love for sushi?"
"Yes, but not when they're spilled all over the place! I am not sure of my feelings right now, but he has certainly all a woman could desire. It was our first evening out together, and while it was close to a disaster, I wouldn't mind going out with him again."
Meanwhile, Wickham was far from thinking about Elizabeth or about another evening with her. His thoughts, if he had any, were more on the Swedish girl sharing his bed.
Darcy's letter was still in Elizabeth's bag, unopened.
Part XX
Elizabeth entered the rink that day with a slight headache. It was the last day of competition in couples, and she was glad to be there early. Surely there would be dozens of things to do. As she entered the Team Canada rooms, she was surprised to see all the team in a bustle. Something had happened, that was for sure!
"Hello there, what's happening?"
"Hush, Lizzy, don't get in the way!" answered Caroline Bingley, her face a peculiar shade of red." Dr. Darcy fell on the ice while skating and now he's in pain. He can't get up. Quick, go get someone to help! Fast!"
"I can help, I'm sure. Let me see him."
"You can't do a thing Lizzy! Go and get a real doctor!" shouted Caroline, rather harshly. However, she was interrupted by Darcy's voice.
"Dr. Bennet, I'm so glad you are here. Please, come and help me."
Elizabeth passed by a positively fuming Caroline, and got through the crowd to get a look at Darcy. He was lying down on a couch, grabbing his right thigh, obviously in pain. Elizabeth always felt an urge to help when she saw someone in pain, whatever her feelings for him might be. That's what happened when she saw Darcy. She forgot her hatred of him, she forgot his snobishness and his pride, she forgot everything. All she cared for was helping him.
"Dr. Darcy, please explain to me what exactly happened when you fell."
"Well, Georgie was with me. She wanted me to come and skate with her, since it is not often we have any occasion of doing so." He motioned toward a petite blonde girl who was crying bitterly beside him. He said some soothing words to her, telling her it wasn't her fault, before continuing with his story.
"I think I overestimated my skills. I never was a good skater. I tried to skate backwards, just for laughs, and I went too fast for my own good. I can just remember loosing my footing on the ice, then falling really roughly on my buttocks."
"I have to examine you Darcy. However, I don't want you to move. Stay there!" Elizabeth turned around and motioned to two tall skaters near her. "You two, get to my office and bring my chiropractic table here. "She tossed them the keys, and returned to Darcy.
"Do you feel any nausea, or faintness? Vertigo?" He reassured her that everything was fine, except for the pain in his rear and lateral thigh. He wasn't able to sit, but with the help of Richard Fitzwilliam, managed to get down on the table.
"Could you please take your pants off, it would allow me to work better."
Darcy turned bright red at the mere suggestion of displaying his underwear in front of so many people. Seeing his uneasiness, but unable to work with him in his jeans, Lizzy rapidly came to a solution. Calling again the two same skaters, she asked them to bring the table, with Darcy on it, back to her office, where they could have a little privacy. Many a girl was sorry to miss such an opportunity to see Darcy without his pants.