Jump to new as of March 8, 1999
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Chapter 1 Posted on Monday, 8 February 1999
"Ah, Cheryl, thank you for coming today. I thought that maybe you would benefit by coming to our support group," said Dr. Harrilson's secretary, Janie Myers.
"Thanks. So, what do we do here?" asked Cheryl.
"Well, you're a little early, so why don't you have a seat. Dr. Harrilson will be with you shortly."
"Ok."
Cheryl went over to the luxurious, black, leather couch, and started fiddling through the magazines.
There were several magazines on the table, the first one that Cheryl picked up was The American Medical Journal and whose cover story was Prozac, does it really work? "No," thought Cheryl to herself, and she picked up another magazine. "Hmm, Tennis Mag. Let's see. This should be good." She started reading an article about some tennis player that was diagnosed with an illness, and how the world is suffering his loss from the game. "Well, I did not know that he is now diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Oh boy, I guess I'm not the only one now." Actually, Cheryl did not suffer from Schizophrenia, it was a compulsion that she suffered from. Cheryl got up, and walked to the counter. Her hands felt awfully dirty.
"Excuse me Janie, can I wash my hands at your sink. The public ones are awfully unsanitary."
"Now, Cheryl."
Why does she keep repeating my name like I'm some dog?
"You know that your hands are fine. They don't need to be washed. Dr. Harrilson says-"
"I don't care what he says! I tell you, my hands are dirty!" shouted Cheryl, a little louder than she had wanted too, for it got the attention of more than one person in the waiting room.
"No. Just sit down and try to overcome your urges. The medicine won't do you any good-"
"OK."
When Janie turned around to answer the telephone, Cheryl stole a squirt out of her instant hand sanitizer. "It will work for now," she thought.
After the support group meeting, Cheryl decided to walk to the nearby café. A cappuccino certainly would help. Cheryl was a photographer, and she had a lot of free time on her hands. She immensely enjoyed her job. She made tons of money, drove a wonderful car, lived in a gorgeous apartment, but her life was still empty. Maybe because her fiancé left her at the alter, maybe because her cat just died, or maybe because her mother still wanted to control her life. Whatever it was, a cappuccino sure made it all feel better. For the time being at least.
She got back in her car, and drove to the studio. She would do some work with the digital cameras, and then she would go to the university to have lunch with her best friend Jenny.
Bling, Bling rang her cell phone, while she was cooling down to the soothing sounds of Queen and Abba in her car.
"Cheryl?"
"Yeah Jenny, it's me. Are we still on for lunch?"
"Well, that's why I called. I can't make it. We have dept. meetings that I just totally forgot about."
"Oh, hey, that's all right, I understand."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
"Thanks, you're an angel."
"I'll see you later."
"Yep, bye."
"Bye Jenny."
They hung up and Cheryl had to admit she was disappointed, but she did need to finish some things in the studio, and there is no time like the present.
While she was driving down Meriweather Street, a strange thing happened to her car. It spat a few times, and then just died.
"Oh great, this is just what I need. Especially in this part of town. Oh well. Maybe I can walk down to a gas station," she thought to herself.
As she was walking down the street, she saw something strange in one of the lawns. It was an extremely bright light, shining on the ground. Cheryl new that it wasn't anything strange, but she walked up on the lawn, and put her hand down on the light any way. Before she new it, she was sitting on her bottom, in the middle of some big forest.
"How strange!" She got up and walked around. Things usually didn't surprise her, but this defiantly was not normal. Even for her sub-normal life. She looked down at her clothes, and she was so stunned, (in spite of believing in almost every wives tale and myth) she almost fell back down on the ground. It was a pretty dress, defiantly out of the regency period, and with a daring neckline.
"Well, I better go look around." Cheryl was not surprised that much, for she was very superstitious, believed in ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and was fully aware of time travel, and believed in every word that people said about it. So, it didn't surprise her when she left the wood, and saw buggies and sulkies driving about. It was just that dress. She never heard of clothes being switched. After she had been walking around for a while, she decided that she needed to get some money fast, and definitely did not want to be a servant, so, she decided to borrow some money. After she received the amount she desired, (I will not bore you and explain how she received the money) she went to the inn, and then decided to find some gossip.
"Excuse me, kind sir, but do you know when the next assembly will be?" she asked a young, nice looking man.
"I believe it is nest Tuesday, miss."
"Thank you."
Next Tuesday, well, I will have to make plans. Let me check my schedule. Oh look! I'm free!
Cheryl really wished that she could meet some people, but everybody seemed to walk right by her, paying her now notice. Until one day, when she met some very nice girls.
"Excuse me, I don't believe we've met. My name is Charlotte Lucas."
"And I'm Elizabeth Bennet."
"Hello, my name is Cheryl Marks."
"Hello, how long have you been in this part of the country?" asked Elizabeth.
"But three days," answered Cheryl.
They got into conversation, and the two girls invited Cheryl to come to the assembly tomorrow.
Well, this certainly will be an interesting excursion. Yes it will. I bet even the Sci-Fi channel couldn't prepare me well enough.
Chapter 2 Posted on Wednesday, 10 February 1999
At last, it was the day of the assembly, and everyone was talking about it. Elizabeth Bennet's mother, Mrs. Bennet, was just beside herself, because Mr. Bingley was defiantly going to fall in love with one of her daughters. Cheryl didn't think anything was extremely exciting. So what if a man moved into the neighborhood. And what if he really did make five thousand a year? It didn't mean anything. He would probably leave just as soon as he felt like it, using the whole community extremely ill. However, Cheryl's thoughts changed at the assembly, when Mr. Bingley, his two sisters, his brother-in-law, and his friend arrived. Mr. Bingley was definitely very handsome, his friend, Mr. Darcy (according to Charlotte Lucas) was even more handsome. Mr. Bingley's sisters seemed a little rude, except to Jane. Everybody did admire Cheryl, and she was only out of a partner twice. It was during one of these 'resting' times, that Mr. Darcy said something that was not that kind to poor Elizabeth. You see, Darcy was just standing, watching the dances while Bingley was speaking to Cheryl, for Jane had gone off to talk with Elizabeth.
"Miss Marks, may I ask you a question?"
"Why yes Mr. Bingley. And pray, may I ask to what the question refers to?"
"Yes. It is about my friend, Darcy. He looks like a, a, oh, what's the word I'm looking for?"
"A nincompoop?'
"Excuse me, is that German?"
"No, I'm sorry. Yes, he does look rather dull standing there. Maybe we should try to get him to dance with someone."
"That would be an excellent idea, Miss Marks."
Cheryl knew what he was thinking, and Bingley knew what Cheryl knew that he was thinking, but neither of them said anything about it.
"Whom do you think he should dance with? I doubt that he would really enjoy dancing with Miss Bingley again. Not that your sister is-"
"Oh, I understand. Yes, my sister does seem to be rather cat-like."
"Mr. Bingley! I am shocked that you would speak that way of your own sister!"
"Why, do you have an objection? It is the truth, even you can admit it."
"I will not answer that, because I know that if I will, I will get myself into trouble."
"As you wish. Now, Miss Marks, what about Miss Elizabeth Bennet? Should I ask him to dance with her?"
"That would be a good idea. Even Mr. Darcy wouldn't protest while she is sitting within such a close proximity."
"Well, I don't know. Darcy has been known to 'snub' people right in front of them."
"Oh, really? Well, I shouldn't get on his bad side then, should I?"
"No, that would be unlucky."
After that, Bingley walked over to Darcy and tried to convince him to dance with one of Miss Bennet's sisters, but sure enough, he declined, and Elizabeth did indeed hear them talking.
"Cheryl, Charlotte, do you know what that wretched Mr. Darcy said to me?" asked Elizabeth after the incident.
"No, what did he say?" asked Cheryl and Charlotte in unison.
"Well, Mr. Bingley told Darcy to stop standing around in that stupid manner, and to dance with me. Well, Mr. Darcy said I was not 'handsome' enough, and that he would not dance with women who was slighted by other men."
All three of the girls laughed, however, Cheryl felt a little bad, because she was the one who prompted Mr. Bingley to ask Darcy to dance with her.
One day, the Bingley sisters decided it would be an awful waste of a day to stay home without someone to come and spend tête-à-tête with them. However, they had one small problem. They had no idea whom to invite.
"Louisa, what about Charlotte Lucas?"
"No, goodness no. I know, what about Cheryl Marks."
"Her?"
"Why yes. She is very sweet, and-"
"We don't even know where she comes from. We don't even know who her parents are."
"Exactly. That's why she should come."
"Well, all right."
Cheryl received the following letter a little later that day.
My dear friend,If you are not so kind as to dine with us today, I do not know what we will do. For a whole afternoon cannot go smoothly, and we might end up hating each other for the rest of our lives. Please come as soon as soon as you can on receipt of this note.
Yours Ever,Caroline Bingley
"Well Louisa, we won't be in any danger of her falling in love with our brother, for lucky us, he is to dine alone with Sir William."
"Yes, I do say that it is very lucky indeed."
At that moment, the three men walked into the room. Apparently, Sir Lucas could not dine with them today and the poor men were to stay home.
"But you can't. You must go!" exclaimed Caroline.
"I am extremely sorry dear sister, if you would like, we can always sit in the stables."
"Oh! Don't be stupid, Charles."
"We have a visitor today," said Louisa.
"Oh, shut up! Louisa. Now for sure they will stay," thought Caroline.
"Really? And who is it?" asked Darcy.
"Miss Marks. You have met her, haven't you?" asked Louisa.
"Yes we have. She is delightful."
"Bingley, you amaze me. You don't care what connections they have or where they are from. You continually go through life seeing no fault in anybody."
"And I cannot see why you continually want to see fault in people."
Right after that, the woman whom they were talking about, Cheryl walked into the room and stopped their conversation. After the tête-à-tête, the five of them decided to take a walk. Mr. Hurst walked with Mrs. Hurst, Mr. Bingley walked with Cheryl, and Miss Bingley walked with Mr. Darcy. Caroline was very angered, for Cheryl seemed that she was very respectable. Although Cheryl lived in America and was visiting friends here in Meryton, still, even Caroline could not find fault in her. And that vexed Caroline extremely.
Chapter 3 Posted on Friday, 12 February 1999
Well, the Bingley sisters were very displeased, because Cheryl did not reveal the information they decided. In fact, she only told them where she was from. So, Caroline and Louisa decided to invite Jane Bennet over to gather some more neighborly gossip. However, it didn't turn out the way they had intended. For some strange reason, though, she came on horseback while it was raining, and during dinner, she became ill. So, of course Bingley wouldn't have it any other way unless she stayed until she was better. It was clear that their brother liked Jane Bennet. It was also clear that Miss Bennet enjoyed the attention, however, whether she really liked him back was doubtful.
A couple days after Jane went to Netherfield, Lizzy sent a letter to Cheryl. It was to this effect:
My dear Cheryl,A man came today, a very ill natured man, if you will. Mr. Collins is his name, and he is a distant cousin of us. He keeps droning on and on about a woman named Lady Catherine deBourgh, and I have already decided that he, nor she, are on my favourite persons list. Ha! I wonder who the unlucky person will be to marry him! Mamma is determined to like him, though. I believe that him and Mary would be a delightful couple! Drat this candle light. Why, the candle is flickering, and I can barely see the words. I wish there was something else besides candles. Maybe I will have to rely on you to invent something! Well, my candle seems to be dying, so I must end this letter now.
Lizzy Bennet
Cheryl did not get a chance to read the letter until late the following night, for she went straight to Longbourn, for a visit. She was incredibly surprised when she met a man named Mr. Collins who was staying with him for a while. He seemed to be very 'interesting'. After the introducing, they decided to walk to Meryton. Cheryl was very disgusted by Mr. Collins. They did, however meet someone very interesting. A Mr. Wickham. He was dashing, handsome, talkative, everything a well brought up man ought to be. There definitely was a great difference between Mr. Collins and Mr. Wickham. The next day, there was to be a party at the Phillips', however, Cheryl did not feel up to it. For she had read Lizzy's letter, and she was determined to stay up as long as it would take to make 'it'.
The next day, Cheryl came over to Longbourn while the Bingleys were there. She had something wonderful to show them.
"Miss Marks, what is it?" asked the 'ignorant' Mr. Bingley.
"Why, it's a light bulb," responded Cheryl.
"A light bulb? What does it do?" asked Caroline Bingley.
"No! Don't touch it! It will burn you," cried Cheryl.
"Is it fire?" asked Mrs. Hurst.
"No, it is just very hot."
"I still do not understand. What does it do?" asked Jane.
"You see, you flip this switch, and it turns on. Like a candle, only you do not light it, and it stays on as long as you want. We can flick the switch down, and it turns off. On, off. On, off."
There was a chorus of ooh's an ah's and then another chorus as she turned it off.
"Cheryl, this is amazing. How did you ever come up with this idea?" asked Lizzy. "How long did you work on this?"
"All last night. I did not get an ounce of sleep. I am extremely tired." *Yawn* "But, it is for a good cause."
"Well! This is an extremely great feat. Where did you get the idea for such an invention?" asked Louisa Hurst.
"It was Lizzy's letter that inspired me. She wrote that she could not even see the letters on the paper because the candle was flickering."
"Or either she is going blind," said Caroline.
Mr. Bingley looked down at the floor, for he began to realize that it did no good to reprimand his sister, and that she would end up embarrassing him in the process. Sometimes he wished that he had brothers instead of sisters.
"So, let me get this straight, you, just out of the blue, came up with this brilliant idea, the light bulb as you call it, from inspiration of a friend's letter?" asked Louisa.
"Yes, that was most of it."
"Most?"
"Um..."
"Miss Marks, did you see this somewhere before? In America perhaps?" asked Bingley.
"Well..."
At that moment she was saved, for Mr. Collins walked in the room. Saved by the jerk, though Cheryl.
"My dear cousins, and friends." At that moment he looked keenly at Cheryl, who was trying best to ignore him. "I have a wonderful proposition to make. Why don't we walk to Meryton. For it is not often that we are all assembled together like this."
"Well, we really must be going. I wanted to invite you ladies, and gentlemen to our ball which will be on Tuesday, the twenty-sixth."
"Oh! Mr. Bingley! That would be lovely," everybody cried out, and the light bulb subject was dropped.
Hmph, I would have thought that they would have been more excited. Maybe I have to make it more grand. Ha! I can picture Caroline driving in her car, on the highway, putting on her make-up, and talking on her cell phone. thought Cheryl, and that was the first time that she was really home-sick.
Chapter 4 Posted on Monday, 15 February 1999
Well, this is definitely strange. I would have thought that they would have been somewhat interested in the light bulb. Maybe they are too vain to care about things like that. No, Cheryl, don't say that. They are your friends. But, I think that I should 'invent' something that I know more about. Too bad my last name wasn't Kodak*.
So, Cheryl worked and worked, until she had the camera perfected. Then, she decided to write Miss Bingley a letter. What a shame, that whole propriety deal, that she couldn't address the letter to Bingley, for he seemed more sensible, but then Miss Bingley might enjoy this idea better, for she can look at herself without the necessity of a mirror!
Caroline Bingley did indeed like the idea, and she showed it to her brothers and her sister. Mr. Hurst was too drunk to comment, but Bingley liked the idea too. They decided to go to the inn, and view this modern wonder in real life.
When they got there, Cheryl had the whole thing planned out. She wished that she could have more time before the Netherfield ball to improve on her inventions, but alas, she only had two days.
"Miss Marks, this is incredible. Why this is even more important than your electricity deal," said Caroline.
"Cheryl thought about that statement for a second, then said, "My dear friend, if we can convince your brother to have a camera at his ball, then we could all have pictures taken, and I would develop them."
Now it was Bingley's turn to pipe up. "Yes, that would be wonderful."
"Is it just me, or is it extremely cold in here?" asked Louisa Hurst. And right after she said that, Mr. Darcy walked in, for he told the Bingleys that he had some business to attend to before he could join them.
"Sister, I think it is just you," Caroline said, as Darcy walked in.
"No, I do think that it is cold in here. Charles, would you agree with me?"
"Excuse me? Oh, I was just speaking to Cheryl about where the patent office is. Now, what did you say?"
"Oh, never mind. I'll just get warm how Mr. Hurst does. Miss Marks, do you have any brandy?"
"No, I-"
"Oh, forget that!" cried Caroline Bingley. "We must speak about going to London. This is a terrible idea to waste."
"Miss Bingley, if you would allow me to speak, for I realize that you enjoy the sport very much, and refuse to give up your title, I believe that electricity is more important. Now, Miss Marks, would you agree with me? I think that the camera cannot work, without something to supply it with energy?" said Mr. Darcy.
"That is where this comes into place." She reached down into a box, and picked up a small, round thing."
"What is it?" asked Bingley.
"A lithium battery. It gives the camera power to use the flash, which is when there is not enough light, the flash provides it."
"This is certainly interesting. Now, as I was saying, while you are on _______ street, make a left."
"Miss Marks, do you think we could get my brother to light a fire? It is dreadfully cold in here."
"My, dear, it is seventy-five in here. Are you sure you're not ill?" asked Cheryl.
"No, maybe I should just get some fresh air."
"All right," everybody said in unison.
"Well, with your permission, I would like to show the camera at your ball. And then I could take the pictures, and I would have them developed before the evening is over."
"It sounds wonderful. I will see you there."
"Good bye Miss Marks," everybody said, and then they left. Then Cheryl decided to call upon Jane, Lizzy, and Charlotte, show them the camera, and then tell them of the Bingleys visit.
"Miss Marks, I am delighted that you came. I could not write you, so, I sent you telepathic messages. And you received them!" exclaimed a voice behind the bushes. It made Cheryl rather nervous, for who would be stalking her outside of Longbourn? The voice, or rather person, jumped out from behind a large bush, and it was nonetheless Mr. Collins.
"Mr. Collins, I don't have any time to talk. I must speak to Elizabeth about urgent- things."
"Oh, our love is urgent."
"Excuse me? I don't follow."
"Oh, you cannot be at a loss. Ever since I had arrived you have been sending me little hidden messages."
"Well, I hope that this is not hidden. Get away from me, creep!"
"Ha! Ha! This is certainly entertaining. I have something to ask you."
"I don't want to hear it, Mr. Collins."
"I love it when you tease me. Now," he got on one knee, and tried to take Cheryl's hands, but she quickly snatched them back. "My dear Cheryl, your modesty, and quick wit does you credit. Ever since our earliest acquaintance, I began to love you ever so dearly. Now, let me state my reasons for matrimony. They are-"
"Mr. Collins, we can never, ever marry. I think that you are one of the most disgusting things that ever breathed on this earth. You are a complete waste of space on this earth. (She got that line from someone who used to torment her in high school. Oh well, what goes around comes around) You are a toad-like thing, and frankly, I feel sorry for the woman who gets stuck with you. I will never marry you."
"I have heard that young ladies seem to reject the man that they secretly like. Therefore-"
"Do you not understand me? I thought that I spoke plain English."
"You cannot be serious. You may never be given another chance of matrimony."
"Believe me, Mr. Collins, I would rather be an old maid, than your-"
"Cheryl! What on earth are you doing here?" exclaimed Elizabeth.
"Oh, I was just setting Mr. Collins straight. I believe that we came to an agreement."
The two girls walked off, while Cheryl was telling her about the marvels of the camera, and Mr. Collins knew that if he didn't bring back a wife to Kent, Lady Catherine would be seriously displeased. So, he was not discouraged, in fact, his cousin Elizabeth was just as beautiful as Cheryl, and Longbourn was entailed away to him. Not even a nit-wit would refuse that offer, thought Mr. Collins.
Chapter 5 Posted on Saturday, 27 February 1999
Well, apparently the nit-wit was indeed Elizabeth. Mr. Collins was stunned when she refused him. Had she not been sending him secret messages? Well, maybe he should try to chase after plainer women, and that's just what he did. Before long, Mr. Collins and the new Mrs. Collins had the good fortune to be the very first couple to have their friends and family receive wallet sized wedding portraits in the mail. Lady Catherine decided that the 8"x10" picture should be hung in Mrs. Jenkinson's room, for it would not clash with the other, finer portraits in Rosings, and it would be in no one's way in that part of the house.
It seemed that everybody was leaving. The Collises, the Bingleys, (they had promised though, to mention Miss Mark's marvels to London society) and several other people. But, probably no one's departure was more welcome than Mr. Collins's. Before long, Christmas came and gone, and now the rural society of Meryton was subject to the harsh winter. Elizabeth and Cheryl frequently visited each other, and they became the best of friends. One day they were talking of the party that had recently left Hertfordshire for town, and a few bitter feelings came out.
"Cheerily, I do not understand how you consider Mr. Darcy to be 'reasonable'. Why, he is definitely the most disagreeable man that I've ever met."
"Elizabeth, I have met many a worse man than him, and I would consider him better than some men in this community."
"Really?" Elizabeth asked playfully. "I cannot imagine who is worse than him."
"Can you not? He is a great favourite among your younger sisters."
"Mr. Denny?"
"No, Mr. Wickham. I know his type. He is very smooth, and friendly, but inside he is evil and conniving."
"It sounds like you believe that he is a villain."
"Well, I wouldn't say that, but, oh! I just had a terrific idea!" exclaimed Cheryl.
"Pray, what is it?"
"Caroline Bingley and Wickham. They would make a perfect couple, would they not?"
"Nay, I believe that if he had more money, Caroline would marry him, but alas, he is but a poor-"
At that moment, there was some noise, and apparently some of the officers had come to say good bye to Elizabeth and Cheryl, for Elizabeth was going to Kent, and Cheryl was going to London. They were to go in the same carriage, but to much of Cheryl's pleasure, she was to stay behind in London. She supposed that their conversation would have to be finished in letters.
Two Weeks Later:
"Jane, you must not be upset. I am sure that Caroline has received your letters. I know, why don't we call on her today. I must be going to that part of town anyway, and it would be a perfect excuse," suggested Cheryl one day in London.
"Well, all right. I suppose that would be nice."
When they were half of the way down to Gracechurch street, Cheryl decided that she could visit Caroline another time, and that she should go to the patent offices first. She was walking down the street when she almost collided with a tall man who seemed to be a rush.
"Excuse me," the man said, not looking down to see whom he bumped into. However, Cheryl did look up, and saw a familiar face.
"No, no, it was my fault, Mr. Darcy."
The man spun around and looked at her for a second. I hope he didn't forget my name already thought Cheryl.
"Miss Marks, he said with a forced and agitated smile. I did no know you were in this part of the country."
"Did you not? We talked of it before you left, but I suppose you have many other things to think about," she said with a very sly smile. He seemed flustered with her answer, and then added-
"You will have to pardon my previous statement, my mind must have been elsewhere. Pray, where are you headed to?"
"I am walking to the patent offices. It would be such a waste of effort if someone got the copyright first."
"Yes, that would be. I am headed in that direction also, shall we take this way together?"
"Yes."
After some moments of silence, Mr. Darcy said-
"Will you be going back to Hertfordshire after your stay, or will you be going elsewhere?"
"I believe I will go back to Hertfordshire, but my plans are not yet settled. Have you been enjoying your stay in London?"
"Yes, very much, even though I am partial to the country."
"Oh, really. I must confess I never was a big fan of the country side, but England is so beautiful."
"Yes, I have never been to America, but I believe that one is always partial to their homeland, and the part of the country that they grew up in. Take Bingley. He grew up in London, and I was rather surprised that he enjoyed Hertfordshire so much. I would have thought that he would have been bored out of his wits."
"Maybe that was due to a certain Miss Bennet? She is in town, you know. I believe that she will be staying here for a few more weeks."
"Well, Bingley, is very busy right now, he has very many acquaintances here in town, and I believe that he does indeed know of your friend's being in town, but he has many engagements."
"Really? How would he know that? I doubt that Miss Bennet would have sent him a letter. That is one of the rules, is it not? of propriety."
"Er-Oh! we are at the offices. Good day Miss Marks. I hope you have a pleasant stay." And with that he walked briskly away into the crowd of people. Cheryl could tell that Bingley did not know of Jane being in town, or he would have rushed over, so she decided to that she would have to pay Caroline a visit after all, to see what her excuses would be.
Chapter 6 Posted on Sunday, 28 February 1999
My dear Lizzy,Today I had the strangest meeting. I was walking down a street, when whom do you think I bumped into? Mr. Darcy. At first, he wasn't very polite, but then he improved. We talked of different things, and then we came on the subject of Hertfordshire, and how he was surprised. that Bingley took to the country so well. I said that that was probably because of a certain Miss Bennet. I told him that Jane was in town, and then Darcy's whole attitude changed. He started making excuses for why Bingley did not visit her, and then he left briskly. I could not understand it. Any one who saw Bingley and Jane together could understand that they were in love. (Or at least they liked each other very, very much) I think that Mr. Darcy was hiding something. I believe I will call on Miss Bingley tomorrow around two-o-clock, when Bingley and Darcy get home.
Yours,
Cheryl Marks
P.S. I enclosed a photograph of Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Jane and I.
Well, unfortunately, Cheryl did not realize that Darcy was leaving that day for Kent, so when Elizabeth did get her letter, Mr. Darcy had already arrived. Along with Mr. Darcy came a man who was very agreeable. Elizabeth wrote Cheryl another letter about Bingley, Jane, Mr. Darcy, and the new man, Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Cheryl,Unfortunately, Mr. Darcy is now in Kent. However, it is not all unpleasant. There is a man who came with Darcy, a Colonel Fitzwilliam. He isn't very handsome, but he is the most agreeable man I've ever met. We talked of all sorts of things, like music, novels, staying at home opposed to traveling, just everything. It was very pleasant not to hear Lady Catherine instruct Charlotte how to keep a house properly. I still puzzled about Mr. Darcy's behaviour in London. But alas! I must end this letter now, for someone is here. Maybe it is Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Lizzy
P.S. It was not Fitzwilliam, but Mr. Darcy. I wonder why he came to visit me in that familiar way?
Cheryl wished she understood how telephones worked so she could introduce it to England, but she didn't, and she would have to content herself with letters.
"Miss Marks, I am very pleased that you came today. Did you get your patent?" asked Miss Bingley.
"I hope so. I-"
"I am very distraught. You see, Mr. Darcy left the other day, and I am all alone with my two brothers and my sister. Charles complains all day long that he has nothing to do, and that he would much rather by in the country, and he is just plain boring. My sister entertains me for the moment, and then Mr. Hurst, well, you know how he is," said Caroline. She didn't see Cheryl as a threat, and she talked to Cheryl as if they were old friends. Cheryl knew how to handle people like Caroline, so she started asking questions.
"That's a shame that your brother is in such a fowl mood. I have a tremendous idea. Why don't you and your brother come for tea to-morrow. I would be very happy if you would."
Now, Caroline did not know that Cheryl was staying with the Gardiners, so she saw no danger in visiting for tea with her brother. What a surprise when she showed up at the door and Jane was standing right there! Jane and Mr. Bingley were silent for a moment, then Mr. Bingley walked in and they looked at each other for a long time. Caroline stood there scowling at the couple and Cheryl, and Cheryl stood there very happy. It was the perfect ending. Mr. Bingley and Jane never stopped talking to each other, and now everyone knew the true reason that Bingley had not visited Jane. Everyone spoke at tea (except for Caroline who was too mad to even open her mouth, there for her crumpets lay there untouched, and her tea was getting cold. Her face was bright red, and even though Caroline loved insulting people, she was afraid to, for fear her head would blow up because she was so angry. She never should have befriended that insolent girl, Cheryl.
Four Days Later:
One day, Cheryl received a disturbing letter from Elizabeth.
Cheryl,I have never been angrier in my life. Perhaps I should start from the beginning. Today, I was talking to Colonel Fitzwilliam, and he told me that Mr. Darcy was responsible for separating Jane and Mr. Bingley. I was so upset that I got a headache, and we waked back to the Parsonage. Later that day, who do you think walked in? Mr. Darcy. You must promise me not to tell anyone what I'm about to tell you. I want to tell Jane myself. Well, proposed to me. I was so stunned I could not say anything. Then I refused, and he started saying nasty things to me. I retaliated, and it was a bad argument. I told him separating Jane and Bingley, and he did not deny it. Insufferable man! I can hardly keep my composure. After he left I cried for half an hour. I do not know what to do.
Lizzy
Cheryl realized that Lizzy had not yet received her letter of how Bingley and Jane were together again, and it pained her that Lizzy said those things to Darcy. As for Wickham, Cheryl never saw goodness in that man, and it seemed that Darcy was right in however he treated Wickham. But that he said rude things to Lizzy, that was just mean. It was funny, Darcy seemed to know exactly what to say then, but had problems to speak friendly with people.
Chapter 7 Posted on Sunday, 7 March 1999
Caroline knew that she had to find a way to separate Jane and Charles, and she knew just the idea. She would tell her brother that Jane is engaged, but she still had to think of what to say to Jane.
"Charles, I must tell you something."
"Yes Carry?" answered her brother. Gee, he hasn't called me Carry since we were children. Maybe he really is in love with her. She almost had a misgiving about hurting him the way she was going to, but he would thank her later, when he was more sensible.
"Well, I know that you are very happy about seeing Miss Bennet again. But-"
"Oh, it's the happiest day of my life, so far. I am going to propose to her."
"Well, Charles, that is what I wanted to speak to you with."
"Yes?"
"I fear I must be forthright. Jane is engaged."
"What?" his face turned pale white.
"She told me in a letter that the man whom she is marrying is a merchant from- from- um,"
"Hertfordshire?"
"Ok, that'll do. I am telling you this so you don't get hurt."
"I cannot believe this. I- I-," he stammered for a couple of seconds, then left the room. He'll get over it. thought Caroline. Now, for Jane.
"I still do not believe that Bingley is going to marry Miss Darcy. She seems like a very nice girl, but still, I know that he is in love with you. I saw the way he looked at you when he walked into the room," said Cheryl.
At that moment, there was a knock at the door, and the servant came in and handed Miss Bennet the post.
"Oh, Cheryl. There is one from Grovsner street! It must be from Miss Bingley."
Jane read the letter, and then said, "It is from Miss Bingley. It read-
My Dear Miss Bennet,I can hardly contain my happiness. I am to get a new sister, and with that, a new brother. My brother has not proposed to Miss Darcy yet, but he will before the week is over. I believe that they will make the happiest couple. I am telling you this first because we are good friends. I also wanted you to come to the wedding, if you are in town.
Yours etc.
"Oh, Jane. I don't believe it. There must be a mistake. This can't be. There must be some explanation. There must be."
Jane walked out of the room, to her bedchamber, and cried.
"Caroline, you must write a letter of congratulations to Miss Bennet, and then let me sign it. I would not want her to think me a bad sport," pleaded Mr. Bingley.
"Yes, that would be wonderful. In fact I will write it right now, if you will give me some paper and a pen."
When Caroline received the materials, she sat down to write. It was a sappy letter, and then she let her brother sign his name after her name. It was congratulating Jane on her upcoming nuptials, and frankly, it was very stupid. Caroline was sick of wasting ink for an imaginary wedding, and she wished that her brother would leave the room quicker. He decided to amuse himself with a book, so Caroline had to wait patiently until he left. As soon as he left the room, she listened at the door to make sure he was really gone, then threw the letter into the fire, and walked off to find her sister. They could gossip about various silly things and their brother would never know the truth, for they were going to Derbyshire soon with the Darcys, and hopefully he would forget all about Jane Bennet.
Chapter 8 Posted on Friday, 19 March 1999
"Oh, Jane. I don't know what to say."
"It's all right, Cheryl. I should have seen it. He is in love with Miss Darcy, and that is all there is too it."
"No, Jane. Don't say that. There is some sort of explanation."
"I doubt that. Please, Cheryl, I would like to be alone."
"All right."
"Caroline, let's go and visit Miss Bennet today. It would be a good outing."
"What? Oh, heavens no Charles," Caroline's mind was racing. She had to think of something to say, no matter how ridiculous. "I believe that would be out of the question. What would her fiancée say? Have you not heard of the silver rule?"
"The what?"
"The silver rule. It says that if a woman is to be engaged, she may not be visited by any other man or else it will look as if she has been unfaithful."
"I've never heard of this silver rule you talk about. Who came up with it?"
"I don't know, who came up with the rule that people must wear clothes, I don't know."
"This is very amusing, Caroline. Pray tell me, have you heard of the Platinum Rule?"
"No," she replied flatly, "what does it state?"
"It states, that all good little sisters must not meddle in the affairs of their good little brothers or else a goblin will come and eat them up! YUM!"
"Brother! I was perfectly serious in what I said. If you want to break a propriety rule, then so be it, but I will not have any part in it."
"I would not wish you to scandalize your reputation, and I thank you for wanting to protect mine, but I will take my chances. If you would really like I could wear a table cloth over my head, then nobody would recognise me."
"Well, the carriage- OH! What am I saying! You infuriate me. Charles, as your older sister I will not let you go."
"You won't?"
"No."
"All right. If you say so."
"Just like that? You are not going to whine or put up a fight or anything?"
"Why would I? Any way, I might be breaking the Emerald Rule if I get into a fight with a woman."
Caroline didn't know what to think. She decided that it would be best to keep a close eye on her brother. But after a while it was rather difficult and she desperately needed something to do. She just could not amuse herself twiddling her thumbs as Mr. Bingley was.
Chapter 9 Posted on Sunday, 21 March 1999
"Miss, there is someone who wishes to see you."
"I don't want to see anyone now," sobbed Jane.
"But, Miss, I think you want to take this visitor."
"Who is it?"
"I believe it is *slur* Bingley."
Jane thought that she heard Miss Bingley.
"No, I do not wish to see anyone at present."
"Yes, ma'am."
After the servant left, Jane looked out of the window at Miss Bingley, but it was not Miss Bingley; it was Mr. Bingley. Jane ran down the stairs and out of the house to try to catch up to him, but he already got in his carriage and drove away. Jane walked slowly up the stairs and into her uncle and aunt's house.
"Jane, we just received an invitation for a ball. It is to be put on by the Richardsons."
"Wonderful, Cheryl," was her monotone reply.
"Do you know them very well? I don't. Maybe it is just a general invitation, or maybe they're good friends of your aunt and uncle's."
"I think that they are."
"Jane, why are you so solemn?"
"Mr. Bingley was just here, and I turned him away."
"Now, why did you do something so stupid?"
"I thought he was Caroline."
"Well, I didn't think that Caroline was that ugly. Well, in any event, we will see him at the ball, I assume. Unless he is hated here in London!"
"I really don't think that he is hated, his sisters might be."
"Why do you say that, Jane?"
"Why would he come visit me, alone if he is engaged? Wouldn't he be too busy with Miss Darcy?"
"What are you thinking?"
"Oh, I don't know. Never mind. It was nothing."
"You are thinking that maybe he really isn't engaged to Miss Darcy, and that Caroline might have just made that up to separate you two."
"I don't know what I was thinking. Well, as you say, we will see him Wednesday."
Jane left Cheryl perplexed. Jane was not resentful, or vengeful, or jealous. Or at least she did not show it. Could Bingley really be in love with Miss Darcy? Could Caroline make up a story like that? Will he be at the ball? So many questions were left unanswered!
Maybe Caroline was right, thought Bingley. Maybe Miss Bennet follows that rule. Why did I ever let them persuade me? I wonder if Jane really is engaged? Maybe Caroline just made that up. I wonder if she'll be at the ball on Wednesday?...
Chapter 10 Posted on Monday, 22 March 1999
At last Wednesday came, and no one could be happier. Mr. Gardiner himself said that the dresses that Cheryl and Jane were wearing were stunning. It was not going to be a dull night. This was the pinnacle of events during their stay in London, and they wanted to remember it.
"My dears, your dresses are beautiful."
"Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner," the two ladies said in unison.
"Now, we better get going, or we will arrive as soon as the ball is over!"
The four of them got in the carriage and drove off to the Robinson's house. When they got there, they believed that the story that people said that the whole town was invited was reality. There were carriages and tons of people going inside the house.
"I wonder if the house will explode from so many people!" cried Cheryl.
"I would be very surprised if it didn't," said Mrs. Gardiner, "Mr. Gardiner, do you think we will be safe from the flying debris?"
"I hope so! Or else we might have to get back in the carriage and go back home."
"I think we'll take our chances!" cried the three ladies, who were in desperate need of socialization."
The ball room was a beautiful room, modeled after the Italian art, with a beautiful fresco. It was a very handsome room. However, when the Bingley sisters walked in, they were extremely disgusted.
"Oh, Louisa! Have you ever seen cheaper moldings?"
"No, I haven't. And look at this glass. It is extremely out of fashion."
"Goodness! One would think that they were trying to poison us with this wine! It was a very bad year."
"Pray, Caroline, you are the expert on wines. What year is this wine, so I know never to buy it."
"Well, I'm not sure. I know that it is very bad."
At that moment, their brother, Mr. Bingley walked over to them.
"Sisters, have you tried the crumpets?"
"No."
"They are stale."
"Oh. I see. Well, I am off to find Miss Bennet. Would you two care to join me?"
"No! You cannot see her! I doubt if she is here. You must stay here with me. I do not want to dance with anyone tonight, and you must stay with me to fend off the men."
At that moment, a very handsome man was about to ask Caroline to dance, but after hearing her speech, he decided against it.
"Well, I think you can stay for just a minute. I will be back shortly."
On The Other Side Of The Room:
"Jane, my ring is bothering me. Will you hold it for a second?"
"Why of course aunt."
Mrs. Gardiner handed her the ring, and Jane started having thoughts. She put it on her hand and imagined.
I wonder what it would be like to be married. I wish so dearly that Mr. Bingley wasn't engaged. But so is life.
Mr. Bingley was making his way through the crowd to Jane. But, he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw that ring on her finger. At first he thought he was just dreaming things, but then he looked twice, and it was still there. What should he do? Caroline was right. It all started to add up. Her cold meeting when he came to tea, not seeing her when he came for a visit, and that man standing behind her! He now vowed he would believe Caroline always. In fact, he wouldn't have been half surprised if he came back to find Caroline eaten by dance-hungry men.