Jump to new as of November 26, 2002
Jump to new as of December 16, 2002
Jump to new as of January 8, 2003
Prologue
Elizabeth Kenyon, like any other orphan, daydreamed often about her parents. When she was six years old, she thought her true parents would come to fetch her soon. She imagined her mother as a beautiful and terribly sweet woman, the kind of mother that made cookies for you and always tucked you in tight before kissing you good night. Her father would be handsome, and would love her mother very much. He would have a nice and interesting job, and tell the best stories in the world. And of course, they would all three live happily ever after.
But time went by, and when Elizabeth was eight, she knew better. And so, instead of dreaming of her true parents she dreamed about adoptive ones. Now, Elizabeth knew everything had a price, and she decided that a model little girl with lots of interesting accomplishments had a far better chance of being adopted. So, when Elizabeth's school, Union Avenue public school, started offering free ballet classes she immediately signed up.
That same afternoon, Elizabeth showed up at the gym, along with twenty other girls. Miss Price, the ballet teacher, was a beautiful young woman with big sweet eyes. She was very shy, but also very nice and it didn't take much time for Elizabeth to feel at home with her. The first two days were occupied by basic stretches, with the promise of teaching them the first graceful ballet movements later that week. When the day finally came all the girls were terribly excited. As Miss Price tried to silence them, someone came in. A man, clad completely in white and with a mask under his arm approached Miss Price with a somewhat imposing yet elegant stride.
"You're Miss Price, right?"
"Yes. Who are you?"
"Oh, I'm Thomas Bennet, the fencing master. I've got a favour to ask, miss. You see, we were supposed to practise in the karate dojo upstairs but that damned karate master changed his schedule and now we have nowhere to go. So, it would be really nice if you'd let us practise here. I promise we won't bother you."
Miss Price didn't look very convinced, but being the good soul that she was she acquiesced.
Ten minutes afterwards, fifteen boys with swords and jogging pants were jumping and shouting about the gym. The gym was a big building with a very high ceiling. Ropes hung from it and were secured to the wall, their climbing being the hardest test to pass and the most unwelcome to the students. It had two changing rooms, one for boys, the other for the girls, and they both had showers in them as to prevent the parents from fainting when their sweaty children came home. The walls were painted white, but years and children had turned them into a shade of light grey. It was in all a normal gym, and very appreciated by the pupils.
Mr. Bennet managed to keep the boys in check, and started with his lesson. Elizabeth's interest was drawn to him and the boys, and she listened to the fencing master's explanations and useful tips with more attention than any of them. She was fascinated by Mr. Bennet´s movements with the sword, and marvelled at the glittering weapon. She longed to touch it, to handle it. And she decided that she would. Elizabeth was bright, and had a wit and a mind that were as quick as a whip. In no time at all she had come up with a little scheme to get to touch the fencing master's sword.
The fencers were in the gym when the next ballet lesson began. Mr. Bennet assured that it was only a temporary solution, and that he was looking for another place to hold his lessons. Miss Price shot him a weary and resigned look, suspecting they would still be there when the school year ended (and being absolutely right).
Elizabeth had to observe carefully the fencing lesson to obtain the information she needed for her plan. She found out that all the boys went to the changing rooms when the lesson ended and Mr. Bennet followed them, but he didn't leave his sword behind. When all the boys were out, the fencing master took his time to put the gym in order, and then left his sword in the little office that was intended for teachers and such. He left it on the table and after shutting (but not locking) the door, he went to the changing room to have his shower. Another thing Elizabeth had to consider was the orphanage's rules. She was supposed to come back as soon as the ballet lesson ended, and to come back with someone from the orphanage. Elizabeth was usually accompanied by Marianne, a girl who practised karate. So she had to come up with an excuse, and she was friends with Marianne, who would surely back her up. After giving the final touches to her plan, she fixed a date. Operation: Sword was scheduled for the next Wednesday.
Miss Price showered with the girls, and didn't notice that Elizabeth had hidden in the ball closet, next to the girls´ changing room. Sitting between a football and a basketball, Elizabeth waited patiently. At last, she heard the little office's door and someone humming cheerfully that was heading towards the boys´ changing room. Carefully watching around her, she came out of the closet. She moved quietly and reached the office, opening the door slowly for fear of squeaking hinges. And there it was, on the table. Elizabeth didn't stop to think as she unsheathed the sword and gave it a wave. It was a bit heavy, but not too much, and she found it easy to handle it. She was lucky, Mr. Bennet was a foilist, and so his sword was the thinnest and lightest of all. Feeling completely happy, she got out of the office and began to imitate the fencing master's movements and pose. Not really noticing what she was doing, she began to mix the fencing movements with the ballet stretches and the few movements she had recently learned.
When Thomas Bennet came out of the changing room and saw her, he thought she was dancing with the sword. The fencing pose came naturally to her, her movements were quick and graceful, and she handled the sword just as she should, firmly and with a strange confidence. She was definitely a natural, and the fencing master felt enthralled and excited. He wanted this girl for a pupil. He wanted to teach her, to see her bloom into the wonderful foilist she was born to be. After all, he himself had been an Olympic champion. He could, and would, take this challenge.
"What do you think you're doing, girl?"
All the magic Elizabeth had been feeling disappeared. She was so shocked she nearly dropped the sword, but she quickly caught herself and looked at Mr. Bennet defiantly.
"I am sorry. I didn't mean any harm."
The fencing master enjoyed the defiant tone of her voice, and the fire he saw in her eyes.
"Hmph! I hope you didn't, but must have a punishment all the same. What is your name?"
"Elizabeth Kenyon."
"Where do you live? Who are your parents?"
"I don't have any, I'm from the orphanage."
Elizabeth was staring at her feet, so she didn't see the look of concern and sympathy that crossed his features.
"I see. Well, let's talk about your punishment."
Elizabeth looked up, suddenly frightened. What kind of punishment did he have in mind. She gulped. Mr. Bennet chuckled.
"Now, now. What I want you to do, as a punishment, is to give up ballet and sign in for fencing lessons."
Elizabeth sighed with relief. She grinned widely, looking up to him with pure delight in her deep green eyes.
"I'd love to! But that isn't a punishment at all!"
"Oh, well, I'll have to add having tea with my family, I suppose."
Elizabeth laughed and hugged him hard.
That was the moment when Thomas Bennet realised he was going to adopt her.
Chapter One: The way of the sword
In strategy your spiritual bearing must not be any different from normal. Both in fighting and in everyday life you should be determined though calm. Meet the situation without tenseness yet not recklessly, your spirit settled yet unbiased.
~Miyamoto Musashi~
Nearly thirteen years later, a very happy Elizabeth Bennet was walking towards her sister's dormitory in Merton College, Oxford. She was carrying (or rather dragging) an enormous deep blue suitcase. She was sweating and stopped dragging the suitcase for a moment, looking at the dormitory's door with wistful eyes.
"Jane! Janey! Come out here and help me with this, it weights a ton!"
A tall and majestic-looking blonde emerged from the dorm. She had a sweet smile and a pair of enormous watery blue eyes, which always wore an innocent expression. Jane Bennet was extremely beautiful, although she was too humble to realise that. She was also very shy, which made people who didn't know her very well think she was cold and unfeeling. But Jane had a warm and affectionate heart, and she cared and worried a lot about her loved ones, especially Elizabeth.
"No doubt you packed every single sword, fencing suit and trophy you have. Not to count all your books."
Jane sighed and shook her head, but Elizabeth could see the smile on her lips, and so took no offence.
"That's the drawback of sharing a dorm with you, you already know me too well! Oh well, you just wait, I'll have my revenge! I'll tell your boyfriends about that half-dead fox terrier you dragged home and nursed back to health, then they'll start ranting about how wonderful and generous you are and you know you can't stand flattery!"
"Poor darling, as if you wouldn't have done the same in my place! And it was a schnauzer, not a fox terrier."
"Yes, whatever. Oh, Jane I've missed you so much! Last year without you was awful! And now I'll have to miss papa... life isn't fair."
Elizabeth hugged her sister, who then heard a thumping noise.
"By the way, where is papa?"
"Right behind me. Or so I thought, I took the heavy suitcase and he only had to carry my sports bag..."
A puffing sound was coming from the stairs. Thomas Bennet, red-faced and sweaty finally caught up with his daughters.
"I seem to recall that only yesterday you were boasting about how fit you are for a man your age."
"Yes, another man would have died after the first staircase!"
"Tsk, tsk ... my poor daddy is getting old! Hey!"
Mr. Bennet had pined Elizabeth to the floor, and wrestle as she would she couldn't break free.
"You were saying something about getting old, oh beautiful damsel in distress?"
"Papa! Let go!"
Jane was trying hard not to laugh, but in the end she burst out with laughter. Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet soon joined in.
"Oh, I'm going to miss you two! I won't hear two sensible words put together until you come back."
"We'll miss you too, papa!"
"And besides," Lizzy interjected "you know you'll try to escape Fran. You can always visit us!"
Mr. Bennet gave Elizabeth a stern look.
"Hmph! I doubt you'll have time to miss me!" then with a tender look for both his daughters he added "Take care."
After a nice big hug which nearly made all of them cry, Mr. Bennet tried to go away.
"I'm not going to disgrace you by telling you I love you or anything but..."
"We know dad, we love you too."
"Jane's right. Say hello to Mr. Taeki for me."
"He's going to miss you too, Lizzy. Your chocolate cakes are the only variation in his rice and vegetables diet!"
"You're both old tough guys, I suppose."
"Yes, we are! You don't go soft on me, Lizzy. I want you to practise often."
"I know, papa. I'm joining the fencing club, remember? And I'm going to work, too, so I can have some pocket money."
"That horse thing, I know. Well, ladies, take care. Good bye."
"Bye papa!"
"See you soon!"
Mr. Bennet trying hard not to look back descended the stairs and left the two sisters alone.
"Well, Liz, come in with your things and then I'll show you around!"
Elizabeth dragged her suitcase into the dorm while Jane picked up her sports bag. The dorm wasn't too big, it had a room with two beds, two desks and two chairs, a sort of sitting room with a table, a sofa and some very battered chairs. There was also a reasonably-sized bathroom.
"Look! Only one third of the dorms have individual bathrooms, so we're really lucky! You're going to love Oxford, Lizzy. It's so much fun living here!"
"Hmph! And so Jane, Oxford is the city of many delights?"
"Well, it certainly is more interesting than Margate!"
"It has a better fencing club, too! Not that anyone could teach better than dear papa, but I'm hoping that my fencing mates will be more challenging!"
"Lizzy, it wasn't those poor boys´ fault if you could beat them with one arm behind your back when you turned twelve!"
Elizabeth's eyes glinted mischievously.
"Remember that guy in sixth grade who called me a good-for-nothing ugly tomboy?"
"Yes!" Jane laughed wickedly "You beat him to pulp."
"Hey! What has Oxford done with my angelic sister? Who are you and what have you done with the real Jane Bennet?"
Jane was laughing hysterically now.
"Okay, stop it! I'm the same Jane, I've just loosened up a bit."
"Well, all I know is that I've missed you a lot. It feels so good to laugh with you again!"
"Come on, Lizzy. I'll show you Merton and meanwhile you can tell me about that trip of yours. Did you like Spain?"
"It was wonderful! I was in this city called Valencia, just next to the sea. It was very warm there, even in December! I got a job in some stables, taking care of the horses, and I even managed to learn a bit about riding. In fact, I've already applied for a similar position in some stables here."
"No passionate romances with handsome Spaniards? Tsk, tsk."
Elizabeth frowned, and all the merriment disappeared from her countenance.
"Jane, I know you mean well, but..."
"Lizzy, you can't give up love or hope just because of that rat!"
"I already told you. He was the only one who tried, all the others thought I was nice only as a friend. So I'll go on with my role, I'm the friendly tomboy no one wants to get involved with."
"Liz, you know you're much more than that. What about your intelligence and your personality?"
Elizabeth snorted.
"Guys don't want intelligence and personality. Look, Jane, I really appreciate what you're trying to do, but one guy wrecked my life once. It's not going to happen again. I'll have friends, but nothing more. As far as I'm concerned, I'm over guy-handling."
Jane hugged her sister, wishing she could wipe the hurt in her eyes, the sadness of her smile. She used to laugh with all her being, now her smiles were only a pale ghost of the girl she had been once. And Jane hated to see that. The only thing that seemed to help was fencing, when Elizabeth had a foil in her hand she forgot about everything. The hurt in her eyes was replaced by excitement and joy. Jane thought that this was a good thing, and so she hadn´t lost hope. Sighing she hugged Liz once more.
"Come on, sweetie. I'll introduce you to the porter and then we´ll see the Hall."
As she dragged Elizabeth through the College, she couldn´t help wondering ... Was there anyone in Oxford able to cure her sister from her melancholy?
Chapter 2: Crossing Paths
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.
~Helen Keller
Fitzwilliam Darcy got out of his car and turned around to look at it with unmasked adoration. He sighed contentedly, vaguely remembering his home was right behind him and that his sister was probably waiting for him. He looked wistfully at the new car, not really wanting to get into the house. He then reasoned that the sooner he went in, the sooner he could come out to ride his car again. He managed to tear himself from his beloved possession and crossed the front garden, stopping only to look at the buds and to carefully choose and pick a white rose which went into his pocket. Having done thus, he quietly opened the door and went through what had become the "coming home" ritual.
"Honey!" he bellowed "I'm home!"
As if on cue, a little girl in a nightgown darted down the stairs and flung herself at him. He hugged her back with a chuckle, and put her down. The little girl, however, transferred her hugs to his waist instead of his neck.
"Fitz, Fitz, Fitz!! You're back!"
"Relax, sis! I'm trying to breathe here!" He then got the rose out of his pocket and offered it to Georgiana, exclaiming "A rose for the fairest of roses!"
An elderly lady in a plain black dress smiled at the scene. Fitzwilliam saw her and flashed a wide smile at her.
"Mrs. Reynolds! Come here, I want to hug you too."
Mrs. Reynolds complied and remarked that she was very happy to see Master Fitzwilliam. They finally managed to get Georgiana away from Fitzwilliam and the two siblings sat down to breakfast as Mrs. Reynolds went to prepare some pancakes, the young Master's favourite.
"So, tell me G. What have you been up to?"
"Oh, Fitz, you've missed so much! I met a girl at those piano lessons, and we sort of connected. We´ll be going to the same school, and I feel really comfortable with her. I've asked her to come to tea tomorrow afternoon, so you can meet her! You're going to love Kitty!"
"I'm so glad you've found a friend G, you have been too shy lately."
Georgiana smiled sheepishly. "Yes, I know. Oh, and the foal was born! Mr. Higgins called the other day, he was so sorry not to speak with you!"
"Is Silver Arrow alright? And the foal?"
"Yes, Mr. Higgins says the foal is `already bargin´ abou´, the lil´ tyke!´"
"Well, I'll go to see him this morning. I'll tell you what, I'll take you to school in the new car and then I'll go to see Daredevil and his flourishing family. Then I'll pick you up and take you to have lunch somewhere. This afternoon I've got to go to the fencing club..."
"Yeah, Fred phoned the other to inquire about your health. He said that if you were ill, you could always crawl to go and see him, he didn't mind about crawling, but that he really missed you."
"Good old Fred. Well, then tomorrow afternoon I'm free to meet this Kitty of yours."
"Fitz! Oh, you're so wonderful!" Georgiana giggled delightedly.
"I know G, I know. Now go get dressed, I want to test the Jag."
"Fitz! Not another one!"
Fitzwilliam sighed and then shot a stern look at Georgiana. "Madam, you can never have too many Jaguars. Jags rule!"
Jane was woken up by the smell of coffee. She sniffed and then tried to decide what she needed most: sleep or caffeine? The unmistakable sound of Elizabeth munching biscuits solved the crisis, biscuits and caffeine could outdo sleep any day.
"Mmmm ... Coffee." Jane muttered, as she entered the living room.
Elizabeth gave a start and looked at her sister, positively bewildered.
"What do you think you're doing, slurking like that?" she exclaimed. Jane shrugged, and reached for a mug of coffee, setting herself comfortably on the sofa, looking contented. She took a biscuit and started nibbling at it.
"You really are a different person when you've just woken up," Elizabeth teased "you are the least morning person I know. I've been up and about for an hour and a half, I've gone for a quick run and I've gotten coffee and the sacred and imprescindible MVitie´s Original. Tell me that at least you remember our plans for today."
"You're going to the stables. Pick you up. Lunch. Fencing club, pick you up. Home, sleep." Jane said drowsily.
Elizabeth shook her head. Jane was more adorable than ever like this, and she did remember everything, so she just patted her back and told her not to go to sleep again.
"I'm going now, I can't wait to see the horses!" Elizabeth said "See you later and, Jane," she threatened "if you eat all my McVitie´s, you'll have to look for your own caffeine tomorrow!"
Elizabeth walked briskly into the grounds where the stables were located and quickly went to the little hut whose window bore an "Info" notice. She knocked on the window to get the attention of a nice-looking girl who was evidently absorbed by her computer.
"Can I help you?" the girl said, turning her head and smiling at Elizabeth.
"I am looking for Ann. We've been e-mailing each other about a job here. I applied to be Mr. Higgin´s assistant with the horses."
"Of course, Elizabeth!" the girl said, beaming "I'm Ann. I mostly organize the web page and the contracts, but I can't believe I forgot you were coming today!"
"It's a pleasure to meet you at last, Ann. And I was supposed to start tomorrow, but I wanted to have a look at the stables and the horses first, so I came a day early."
Ann was relieved. "I thought I had misplaced your file or something. If you follow this way, you'll find the stables in no time. I would go with you..." Ann wrinkled her nose "but the horses are a bit too much for me. I prefer the computer."
"It's okay. Thanks a lot, Ann. I'll see you tomorrow!"
Elizabeth followed the path and finally found the stables. But before she could get a long-desired glimpse of the horses, a loud, bellowing voice ordered her to stop.
"What are ye doin´ ´ere, lass?" A plump, short man with a red nose asked.
"I am Mr. Higgins´ new assistant, Elizabeth Bennet. I came to see the stables." Elizabeth was not intimidated, she really wanted to see those stables. The man eyed her suspiciously, and then laughed heartily.
"Ah, lass, you an´ poor ol´ me are goin´ to get on like a ´ouse on fire! I'm ´iggins. An´ bloody glad I am ter ´ave you ´ere!"
Elizabeth blinked, and then joined Mr. Higgins in the laughing. She shot another longing look at the stables, and the old man chuckled.
"Aye, lass, go an´ see the ´orses. Fine animals they are, though I say it meself. I got the feeling they're goin´ ter love you."
Elizabeth thanked him hurriedly and ran towards the stables. She had a good look around, admiring all the horses. But when she reached the further end of the stables, she was rendered speechless. A white mare, the most beautiful mare she had ever seen, with grey speckles and a luxurious mane was looking at her questioningly. Right in front of her a stunning steed, black as night and shiny as moonlight neighed and tossed his head. His mane was as black as the rest of his body, and he looked like a dream come true, like the Black Stallion, a book which Elizabeth had loved all her life.
"You are both so amazing... so awesome!" She said, almost reverently "You hardly seem real."
Just then a small foal, no more than a week old, butted its head against her leg. It was brown, with fuzzy hair, and had a pair of shiny, intelligent eyes. It also had a curious patch of white hair on its brow, shaped like a bolt of lightning, and its mane was black. Elizabeth patted its head fondly.
"I'm going to enjoy this so much!" She told the foal "Especially working with you."
Fitzwilliam Darcy left his new Jaguar nearby and walked eagerly towards the stables. He smiled at the girl behind the window and grinned when he saw an old man leaning against a fence.
"So, yer finally decided ter come." The old man said sternly.
"I'm sorry, Bill. I've been travelling these last five weeks, and I can tell you it wasn't a pleasure trip." Fitzwilliam said contritely.
"No, you look like you bloody need one o´ those. Come ter see th´ foal, lad?"
No matter how old he got, Mr. Higgins always called Fitzwilliam "lad". He loved the young man dearly, and he worshipped his horses. Besides, he had known Fitzwilliam since he was a lad of six, and still felt he had a right to call him that. Fitz smiled and nodded, looking as eager now as he had before seeing his first horse.
"You lost another pretty sight earlier. My new assistant is a stunning lass, and she seemed th´ right sort fer the job, too. I think you'll like ´er."
"I'm more interested in my horses, right now. I long to see Daredevil and Silver Arrow. And the new foal, of course. Have you named him yet?"
"Named ´im? O´ course not! ´e´s your horse, lad, yours to mount an´ yours to name." Mr. Higgins looked positively offended.
"Sorry, old man. I'll see to it."
Fitzwilliam left him and quickly got to where the white mare and the black stallion stood. They received him with signs of happiness and nuzzled his hands and hair. He laughed merrily and was startled when the foal butted its head against his leg.
"Why, you clever little fellow! You've done really well, Silver Arrow." He said, addressing the white mare. "And you, Daredevil," he told the black steed "I know you had a part in it, too. Now, a name. He needs one, doesn't he?" He kneeled beside the foal and ran his fingers through his yet short mane. "The thing is, I can't think of one. I'll ask Higgins, or maybe his assistant, to help me. By the way," he said conspiratorially to the foal "I can't deny I'm curious about her. Is she pretty? I think I'll have to come and see her tomorrow." The foal neighed and looked at him questioningly. "It's just to check," Fitzwilliam assured "she sounds like an interesting person, that's all. I wasn't influenced by the word `pretty´ at all."
The foal looked at him with something that looked very much like suspicion.
Chapter 3: En Garde!
Fate is not an eagle, it creeps like a rat.
~Elizabeth Bowen
Jane was looking far more awake when she picked up Elizabeth. She took her to one of her favourite places in Oxford, a quaint little restaurant in the outbounds. There they talked comfortably for a few hours, mostly about Elizabeth's morning and about her plans.
"So, how did it go?" Jane asked.
"Oh, Jane! You should've seen it! There was a new born foal and he was so sweet..."
"That's good," Jane said smiling, "I'm happy to know you've got a friend."
"Don't tease me! And my boss, he's a darling. A little man by the name of Higgins; which, by the way, I find really amusing as he has a Scottish accent you could cut with a knife." Elizabeth chuckled at the memory.
"Now who's being mean?" Jane said severely.
"I'm not being mean, I'm merely stating a fact! Well, now to change the subject, tell me all about your suitors."
"Lizzy!" Jane said blushing, "I don't have any."
Elizabeth looked at her earnestly, "You're joking."
"No I'm not." Jane looked really uncomfortable, "I haven't had time, and besides, I want to wait for the right person to come along."
"Great minds think alike. I confess I agree with you, nothing but the deepest love will make me go out with anyone. But still," Elizabeth said, shaking her head, "I'm sure you've been living a hermit's life, for any male of the species with eyes in his head would be madly in love with you after a first glance."
Here an elder lady, or to be precise, a large elder lady with two smaller and younger ladies tagging behind her approached them.
"Miss Bennet?" She asked politely with a sweet smile.
Jane returned the smile and got up to kiss her on the cheek. "Miss Goodenough! It's so nice to see you," Jane said affectionately, "I felt quite distressed when I heard you wouldn't be teaching us any more."
Miss Goodenough sighed warily, "You know how it is, dear. I really had too much with my lectures, my classes and the writing of my book. But I have left you in good hands. I'll only go to Merton to teach Economy to the Law students, now."
"Oh!" Jane uttered excitedly, "Then you'll teach my sister Elizabeth!"
"Elizabeth?" Mrs. Goodenough asked, "Another Bennet sister ... I hope she's a good egg, as you are."
Elizabeth laughed at this, holding out her hand to Mrs. Goodenough, "I'll try to be good. But with Jane to compare with, I'm afraid you'll find me quite lacking in goodness!"
The old teacher smiled at her brightly, "Well, I'm glad to meet you, my dear. You'll find I'm not as bad as people say. And I'm quite sure you're not as bad as you say you are. If you take a little trouble with your studies you'll have no problems. Miss Kensington here will teach you Roman Law," at this the blonde lady nodded and smiled, "and Miss Chilperic will teach you International Law." She pointed to the black-haired woman behind her, who nodded curtly. "I hope you are counting the days until this term begins?"
Elizabeth chuckled, "I'm not that bad in Math. It's Thursday 6th October today, so if classes start on Monday, that makes four days."
"Very well, dear. I have met a few people who couldn't even do that. Well, Jane," she said hugging her, "It's been wonderful to see you. And I hope I'll see you on Monday, Elizabeth." She said as she hugged her too.
The three teachers left, leaving a very happy Elizabeth behind. "You know," she said addressing Jane, "I believe I'm going to enjoy myself very much this year."
"Yes, and you still haven't been to the fencing club. Perhaps you'll meet someone interesting there."
Elizabeth nodded, thoughtfully. "I'll tell you all about my fencing mates when you pick me up. You know, you may think I'm crazy, but I hope you're right. Now let's hurry up or I won't meet anyone at all!" she exclaimed looking at her watch, "I still have to go and fetch my things in our dorm." Elizabeth got up and kissed Jane quickly, "I'll take a taxi. See you later!"
Elizabeth was, indeed, a bit late. She stood out of the fencing club clutching her sports bag and repeating "There's nothing to be nervous about" to herself. It didn't work. She checked the contents of her sports bag once more. Her special fencing suit, her best foil, and the electric equipment, plus a few toiletries and a towel. Her special fencing suit was nothing more than a padded fencing jacket and a pair of slightly wider than necessary fencing breeches. It had been devised to conceal the fact that she was a girl, as most boys had felt uncomfortable fighting a girl, especially one that almost never lost. She had embroidered her initials on it, and had padded the jacket herself with her only feminine skill, according to Fanny Bennet. Elizabeth zipped her sports bag again and frowned, deep in thought.
She finally took a deep breath and walked into the room. The familiar sight of people in jogging pants and sweatshirts clumsily fumbling with foils, and the one of more experienced fencers clad in beautiful white fencing suits made her smile. Some of the "advanced" fencers even had their electric equipment plugged in and were testing it, under the supervision of a young man with a stately air about him. He was in his thirties, and had an intelligent face, with blue eyes and a ready smile. Elizabeth walked towards him and shyly tapped his shoulder.
"Yes?" the young man turned round and appraised her quickly, "Oh, you're a newbie! Well, you'll find my wife over there, in the women room. She's in charge of the women group. And of course, I give you my heartiest welcome to the club!" the man grinned.
"Thank you, Mr. .." Elizabeth hesitated.
"Wentworth. Frederick Wentworth. But you may call me Fred, everyone does. Only my wife seems to like my full name." Fred sighed woefully.
"Oh." Elizabeth couldn't help liking this man. He was open and friendly, and quite nice-looking. "I'm Elizabeth Bennet. You see, I have to talk to you. I assume you're in charge of the men group?"
"Yes, I am."
"Well, then..." Elizabeth knew this wasn't going to be easy, "I would really like to join the men group."
Fred stared at her in amazement.
"I know what you're thinking," Elizabeth said quickly, "you believe I can't do it, but I assure you I can. I've been fighting against boys all my life. There weren't enough girls to make a women group, you see, and I, well, um, my father taught me, and..."
"I do not doubt you're used to it, but men here are not. They would feel uncomfortable." Fred cut in.
"No, I, we foresaw that. I've been fighting with a special suit since I was fourteen. No one will notice." Elizabeth added hastily.
"But..." Fred began to object,
"Please!" Elizabeth said quietly, "just let me show you. Give me a chance. I'm sure I can beat even your best man."
Fred looked at her for a moment. He saw the fire in her eyes, the sadness, the despair of being reject already showing through.
"I'll wait for you in my office. The last door to the right, I suppose you have electric equipment, by the way?"
"Oh, yes! I have! I'll-I'll be there in a minute!" Elizabeth ran joyfully to the changing room.
Fred shook his head and went into his office. He stared at his desk for a while, thinking. The thing was, he could make do with a new fencer, especially with an experienced one. As he mused this, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in."
A figure clad in white came in, wearing a fencing mask.
"Bingley, I'm busy. I haven't heard about..." Fred was rendered speechless. The figure he had instantly taken for a man, for one he knew well, at that, had taken off the mask. Before him stood a very smiling girl. Elizabeth Bennet.
"I knew you wouldn't notice!" Elizabeth said happily.
"I certainly didn't. Alright, Elizabeth. I'll let you get in if you do beat my best man."
"I'm ready to take the challenge. By the way," she said, handing him a letter, "my father sent that to whoever the fencing master was."
"Hullo, what do we have here?" Fred asked aloud. He quickly read the letter and stared at Elizabeth even more awe-struck. "Thomas Bennet?" he spluttered, "The Thomas Bennet, the Olympic champion?"
"Uh, yes."
"Well, come with me. Put your mask on, and we'll see if you're as good as he says. I hope you are, I have a use for another good fencer!" Fred exclaimed as he got out of the room and quickly looked around, "Oy! Bingley!"
A handsome young man in his late twenties looked up and grinned widely. He was obviously an experienced fencer and was fighting against another fencer, both of them connected to the electric equipment.
"Yes, Fred?" He asked, good-naturedly.
"Do you know where Fitz is?"
"Could be anywhere, for what I know. I got an e-mail from Moscow the day before yesterday saying he was coming soon, but he didn't give a date." Bingley answered.
"Damn!" Fred muttered as he frowned, "Well, er ... Bennet" he said hastily, "You can fight Bingley. He's second best, but he is very good. Bennet here has challenged me, Charles. Sh-He says he can beat my best man."
"Well, maybe he can. But I'll give it a try. I'm really sorry Fitz isn't here, though. He loves challenges. Get plugged up, Bennet, and we'll start."
Just at that moment, Fitz was getting out of his car. He eagerly picked his sports bag and walked quickly to the club door. When he entered, he saw everyone was at both sides of the fencing corridor, and in it were his best friend Charles and a short man he didn't know. He saw Fred and approached him, grinning as he saw Fred's wife by his side. The fencers prepared, saluted, and began.
"And you let her?" Anne, Fred's wife sounded dumbstruck.
"She wants to prove herself, I respect that. I only wish Fitz..." Fred said, wistfully.
"Fred! It's been so long since..." Fitz couldn't finish the sentence. He was staring, like everyone else, at the fencers. Charles was a good fencer, but that other guy... He was quick as lightning, precise, his technique was impeccable.
"Fitz! Speaking of the devil!" Fred said, hugging him.
"And Anne, just as beautiful as ever!"
"Darcy," Fred said menacingly "don't you dare flirt with my wife!"
"Don't worry, even I can see you're madly in love with each other."
Anne smiled brightly at him. "Oh, Fitz! Is it that obvious I'm in love with this human wreckage?"
"Who're you calling a human wreckage?" Fred huffed.
The light bulb on Elizabeth's side lightened up. She had made a hit. Everyone cheered enthusiastically.
Fitz returned his attention to the couple, who were looking dreamily into each other´s eyes. "Uh, it's okay you two, you're making me sick."
Anne laughed. "You just wait until I find someone who's right for you. Then I'll see you look pale with love."
"If we're in for quoting, with anger, with sickness or with hunger, not with love. Anyway, who's that fighting Charles?" Fitz asked.
Elizabeth had got carried away. Bingley was a good fencer, and so she was enjoying herself immensely. There! She had already touched him a second time!
"He's incredible!"
"That sh-he is." Fred had corrected himself in time.
"I want to fight him too, Fred!"
"You will, Darce. Sh-He asked for the best."
As the light bulb on Elizabeth's corner blinked once more, she plunged and hit Charles, with an indistinct shout of "Touché!"
Chapter 4: The Duel
Respect was mingled with surprise,
And the stern joy which warriors feel
In foemen worthy of their steel.
~Sir Walter Scott
Elizabeth reached for the fastening of her mask. She longed to shout, to jump, to express the joy she felt. She had won! She could enter the men group, and it hadn't been that difficult either. Charles Bingley was a good fighter, but he was too good. He hesitated, clearly not wanting to hurt his opponent or be too harsh, he also didn't care that much about winning.
A hand stilled hers, as Fred Wentworth quietly told her,
"Don't take your mask off yet. You wanted my best man, and you will have him."
The crowd was surprised, seeing that Charles Bingley had been plugged out, but his mysterious opponent had not. Then, another masked figure came out of the men's changing room. He was tall, Elizabeth noticed, and seemed strong. He also walked with a strange confidence that unnerved her. He waited patiently until he was plugged in, and seemed to stare at her. She adopted her fighting position, and waited for the signal to start.
Fitz Darcy had been eager to start this match, but he was surprised when the fight started. His opponent was quick, and his technique impeccable. They taunted each other for a short time, and then Darcy decided to attack. It proved to be an unwise movement, for the other fencer dodged his foil and directed his own towards Darcy's chest. The bulb in Elizabeth's corner flashed, and Darcy became more excited at the prospect of someone so skilled to practise with. He decided to change his tactic and to wait for a breach in his opponent's defence. Elizabeth was being very careful, defending herself and trying to catch Darcy off his guard. She doubted for a second, and Darcy took his chance. The bulb on his corner proved he had been successful, and he prepared to try again. This time, however, he found that the person in front of him was as quick mentally as he was physically. Darcy found himself cornered and hit before he knew where he was.
Elizabeth was truly enjoying herself. The man before her was cunning, and really wanted to win. When she was feeling quite confident, having managed to hit him for the second time, he surprised her by feinting and hitting her with a swift movement of his wrist. There was a draw now, and the crowd was silent, in awe, wondering which of these incredible fencers would be the victor.
Elizabeth breathed calmly as she concentrated and decided to use her nervousness and passion to her advance. She attacked, relentlessly, and although Darcy tried his best, he could not stop her plunge. The light bulb in her corner lightened up, and she cried Touché! with pure exhilaration.
As they both fumbled with their masks, in the middle of the cheering of an enraptured crowd, they could think of nothing else but each other. And strangely enough, they hadn't even met, but there was a sort of unspoken bond now between them. They longed to talk about their weaknesses and technique, to shake hands, to share experiences...
Fred approached them as they took off their masks, they shook their heads, almost in unison, and looked at each other.
Fitzwilliam Darcy was shocked. Not only because she was a woman, he actually wasn't thinking about that, but because of ... her. She was beautiful, not probably to everyone, but there was definitely something in her air, in her eyes, that made him think her the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Her soft curly brown hair, her dark green eyes, her adorable mouth, her nose ... every feature seemed to etch itself in his mind and heart. Something in her eyes made him feel akin to her. In short, he had never been this stunned by anyone, not to mention women, whom he generally avoided and feared. Darcy was very protective of his heart, and finding someone who could affect it this strongly made him shudder with fear.
Elizabeth Bennet felt something quite similar. This handsome stranger, though, did not frighten her, she had never felt so secure, and yet so unguarded. His gaze seemed to pierce her soul and made her feel naked before him. There was something about that gaze, and those rich golden brown eyes, that made her feel weak. His hair was wavy, and raven black. Elizabeth tried to see beyond his physique, and found a determined man, strong, willful, intelligent, good ... and frail. And what did surprise her was, that he was just like her. She felt this was a man who could understand her, who could make her feel truly happy. And yet her mistrust of men, created not long ago, prevented her from being too happy about meeting him. She was wary of trusting and loving people, she who had always been open and ready to love and show her love.
Only one person noticed all these emotions, and Anne Wentworth smiled to herself as she went to the changing room, not needing to see anything more. Fate had found Fitz's counterpart sooner than she thought. She mentally wished Fitz and that girl luck. Unfortunately for both of them, Fitz's defence mechanism went off. His face became a cold mask of his earlier excited and smiling features. The fire in his eyes froze, and Elizabeth wondered if the man she had seen before was just a mirage, an illusion.
"You are a woman." Darcy finally uttered.
It was so unexpected she had to laugh. Her laugh filled the air, as his soft baritone had done a few seconds before.
"As you see." she answered, with a cocked eyebrow and a look of defiance.
"Well, Elizabeth," Fred interrupted, "I admit you are more than capable of keeping up with us. Welcome to the Oxford Fencing Club."
"She's joining the women group?" Darcy asked matter-of-factly.
"No. The men group." Fred told him. "By the way, Elizabeth Bennet, this is Fitzwilliam Darcy. I hope you will honour us with more of this superb fighting." He added, with a smile.
"You are joining the men group?" Fitz said, astonished. He had a vague notion of Fred telling the crowd to leave them alone, and then leaving towards his office. Only Charles Bingley stayed nearby.
"Yes. Does it surprise you that much?"
"I think you would do much better in the women group." His voice was cold, too. Elizabeth felt something akin to anger and disappointment, mingled with pain at his coldness.
"Why is that?" She said, with her hands on her hips and a defiant look.
"Well, you would defeat everyone there. And you are a woman, it seems logical." He said softly.
"I just beat the two best fencers in the men group. I'd say I can defeat everyone in this group too. And I am a woman, but as you can see I fight as well as any of you boys." This conversation had a dejà vu touch for her; she had justified her right to be in the men group to every boy or man she had ever met. She was quite tired of it.
"I still think you should reconsider. You would be the laughing stock of everyone at this club." Darcy regretted those words the moment they were uttered, it was futile to try to repair the pain he had inflicted. Elizabeth bit her lip, determined not to let this man make her cry.
"If that is true," she said quietly, "then this Club is not worth my time, or my dedication. But I have the certainty that it is not true. So, the only thing not worth my notice, or my time here, is you."
Elizabeth left him, and walked towards the changing rooms. Fitz was really sorry for all he had said ... It was so unlike him to act as a heartless person and wound other's feelings, without a decent reason, too.
"What did you say to her? She looks like an angry lioness." Charles Bingley, Fitz's best friend since university, approached him with a smile. "I've missed you, by the way."
"I've missed you too. I think my wounded ego got the best of me and I said some dreadful things to her. Still, she's exasperating." He shook his head, and said wearily, "What a woman!"
"Right words, wrong tone." Said Charles, smiling as he added admiringly, "What a woman!" He glanced at the door as he heard it open, and repeated, "What a woman!"
"I get your gist, Charles. Okay, so I acted like a snob, but that..." Darcy said, a bit offended.
"No, Fitz, look!" Charles said as he pointed at the door.
At the door, waiting for her sister and looking curiously around her, stood Jane Bennet. She was smiling at the sight of scattered foils and people in white suits, all of which reminded her of her father and sister. She was wearing a white sweatshirt and some dark jeans, but Charles didn't notice that. He was too busy staring at her beautiful face.
"What?" Fitz asked, "A blonde, the door ... what is there to look at?"
"She looks like an angel..." Charles said, dreamily.
"She smiles too much." Fitz said, critically. "Besides, she's far too pretty to be unattached, she's probably waiting for her boyfriend, or even her husband."
"Well, if I don't try I'll never know." Charles said, gathering his courage, "You should try being positive now and then, Fitz." With this, Charles walked calmly towards Jane. She looked at him with mild interest, and he grinned at her.
"Sorry Miss, are you waiting for someone?" He said, trying to sound helpful.
"Yes, I am." Jane said, smiling. "Maybe you've met her, I was quite worried about her because it's her first day and she's not very good at meeting people. Her name is Elizabeth Bennet."
Charles laughed merrily, mainly because he had proven Fitz wrong. "I have met her. In fact, I had the pleasure of being beaten by her."
"Oh," Jane said, suddenly worried, "you didn't take it badly, did you? Because she's always been fighting amongst boys. She feels really hurt when they are angry at her winning, she just can't help it."
"I didn't take it badly." Charles said good-humouredly, "But I'm afraid my friend did. Come, I'll introduce you."
They walked towards a very surprised Fitz, Charles looking every inch the Cheshire cat.
"Fitz, this is Miss Bennet. Miss Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy."
Darcy flinched at the name. Jane, oblivious to this, smiled sweetly. "You can call me Jane. Both of you." She added, smiling at Charles. "I heard you had a problem with my sister."
"Er, something like it. I'm afraid I let my anger get the best of me." Fitz said, uncomfortably.
"Well, then I'm afraid I won't find her in very good spirits." Jane sighed.
"Janey!" Elizabeth called out, frowning slightly as she got out of the changing room.
"Hi, Lizzy!" Jane answered, "Come, we were just talking about you!"
Elizabeth went to meet them quite unwillingly, and glaring at her sister. Fitz stared at her, mentally acknowledging she also had a fine body. Her fencing suit had concealed this fact, but her close-fitting jeans and her loose sweater made her look quite stunning. She wasn't as beautiful as her sister, and yet, with her slightly wet hair and flushed face she looked adorable. Realizing where his thoughts were drifting to, he steeled himself again.
"I, um, wanted to apologize." Fitz said, quickly, yet with a quiet coldness, "I didn't really mean anything of what I said."
"You must have. At least you thought it, if you hadn't you wouldn't have said it." Elizabeth said sadly. "Can we leave, Jane?"
"Uh, Elizabeth," Charles said, blushing, "we usually meet with everyone else in the club on Thursdays, we just go for a drink, but, would you, and," Charles blushed even more, "Jane, like to come?"
Elizabeth's frown softened, and she smiled knowingly as Jane blushed. "We would love to. Wouldn't we, Jane?"
"Er, yes." Jane said, avoiding eye contact with Charles. "Where?"
"Just meet us here, in front of the club." Charles said, "Fitz and I will take you."
"It will be a pleasure." Fitz added, nodding his head.
"Until tonight, then." Elizabeth said, looking at Darcy curiously. He was still wearing that cold and detached mask. Was it really a mask? Elizabeth couldn't understand this man, and decided to stop trying.
"What am I doing?" Fitz Darcy muttered to himself, as he stared at Elizabeth Bennet for the thousandth time. "I should snap out of this already."
Charles and Jane were dancing and chatting, gazing at each other adoringly. The bar, a nice place with a rather spacious dance floor and a large wooden bar to lean against, was a favourite with the fencing club. Darcy usually enjoyed these outings, but somehow he felt he wasn't very cheerful today.
"Darcy, come, man! You should enjoy yourself and stop sulking." Fred Wentworth joined his friend and patted him in the back.
"Sorry, Fred. I'm just a bit..."
"Distracted." Fred finished for him, "Anne has noticed, and said you have her blessing."
"What?" Fitz said, defensively, "Blessing for what?"
"Oh, come on Fitz! I think you and her are the only ones who haven't noticed how you look at her. You're a quick worker, too, I've heard she dislikes you already."
"Me and my big mouth and lack of tact."
"You could still try to make amends, and perhaps be friends?" Fred suggested, as they both looked at Elizabeth, who had refused yet another offer to dance, but was laughing with a nice-looking guy.
"I think that's the problem." Fitz said, as he suddenly lost sight of Elizabeth.
"What is the problem?" Fred enquired.
"I don't want to be Elizabeth Bennet's friend." Fitz said, bitterly.
None of them noticed a hurt Elizabeth as she walked back to the bar. It was fine by her, if that... stuffy snob didn't want to have nothing to do with her, she didn't care. She repeated this to herself a few times, not really believing it, but trying to resign herself. It was a pity she hadn't heard Fitz's last remark.
"I want to be so much more..." He said, shaking his head. "But it would never work. She already hates me, and she's probably too young to be interested in me."
"You never know, Fitz." Fred said, chuckling, "Love is found in the strangest places."
Chapter Five: Mr Rivers, Mr Nemo, Mr Darcy
It is a good rule in life never to apologize. The right sort of people do not want apologies, and the wrong sort take a mean advantage of them.
~P.G. Wodehouse
Elizabeth joined Jane in her bed, according to their habit of talking about everything that happened during the day at night, in the cosiness of their nightgowns and warm blankets.
"So, Jane ... I think you had a nice evening." Elizabeth said, with a knowing smile.
"I can't complain." Jane said, as her eyes lit up remembering her dances with Charles Bingley.
"Oh, come on! Well, you have my permission to like him, he's a nice guy, and he's clearly fallen deeply in love with you, which shows good taste." Elizabeth said, teasingly.
"And I know you made an impression on a certain gentleman. Although I admit I forgot to ask Charles about the particulars ... Care to enlighten me?" Jane said, blushing furiously and trying to change the subject.
"You probably mean Mr. Cold fish?" Elizabeth smirked, "Well, the strange thing is..." Elizabeth's face became serious, and she seemed to be miles away as she spoke, "We fought, and before he saw me, or knew who I was, he ... He looked at me, and for a second I thought I saw something, I can't describe it ... But it felt wonderful to look into his eyes. And then..."
"Yes?" Jane asked, eagerly.
"He spoke. It totally ruined the effect!" Elizabeth laughed. "He became cold, and proud. An unreachable ice king. In fact, he reminds me of a character in a book. Let me think..."
"It's obvious, Lizzy, after all he IS called Fitzwilliam Darcy!" Jane said.
"Yes, it's a different one... I know! Do you remember Jane Eyre's cousin? The one who was 'cold as an iceberg'? Mr. Rivers! That's his nickname from now on!" Elizabeth grinned wickedly.
"You are one twisted person, sis!" Jane laughed, shaking her head.
"Well, the man deserves it! Now let's go to sleep, I wouldn't want to keep you from your pleasant dreams of Charles Bingley."
Elizabeth quickly dodged her sister's pillow, as she laughed heartily.
"Good morning, Master Fitzwilliam." Mrs. Reynolds said, smiling.
Fitz looked adorable in his morning mood, with his hair ruffled and a sleepy look that gave him the air of a little boy. He smiled and picked a muffin, munching happily.
"Good morning bro!" Georgiana cried, as she seated down beside him, picking another muffin. Fitz didn't answer. "Bro! Fitz! Hey!" Georgiana shouted. In the end Fitz looked at her.
"Huh?" He uttered, contritely.
"You look positively distracted. Anything wrong?" Georgiana inquired, curiously.
"Uh, no." The truth was, Fitz had a problem. It was about five feet ten, had green eyes and answered to the name of Elizabeth Bennet. He had been trying to get her image out of his head, but it seemed to come back in a most unexpected way every time he closed his eyes.
"Right." Georgiana didn't seem convinced. "Are you going to the stables again?"
"Yes, I need to see the foal a few times before I can find a name for him." Fitz answered, "But this afternoon I'm all yours and I'll come to meet that friend you were talking about."
"Great!" Georgie looked at the kitchen clock and gave a little shriek. "I must hurry or I'll be late! See you later, bro!" She ran towards the front door, picking up her haversack from the hall.
Fitz, still trying to get Elizabeth's laughing features out of his mind, decided it was time to take a shower. He finished his breakfast and went to his room, wondering if he would meet Mr. Higgins's mysterious assistant today.
After a nice run, a nice breakfast and a not so nice task of waking Jane up, Elizabeth got to the stables. She had gone on foot, as she found the exercise most refreshing. So, when Ann, the girl from the info window saw her, her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were bright.
"Morning, Ann!" She cried, beaming.
"Good morning, Elizabeth!" Ann replied, smiling. "How are you today?"
"Thriving, thank you! What are you doing?" She asked, curiously, as she saw a few green icons on the screen, over a white and peach background.
"Oh, it's my site, the Derbyshire Writers' Guild, DWG for short. It's a writing community for Jane Austen fans, we write stories based on her works." Ann said, proudly.
"Really? How interesting! I've read a few of her books, I couldn't help it, being called Elizabeth Bennet!" Elizabeth laughed.
"Oh, it's true! What a coincidence!" Ann joined in the laughing.
"Yes! What would you say if I told you I met an incredibly rude man called Fitzwilliam Darcy only yesterday?" Elizabeth said, grinning.
"No way! Was he handsome?"
"Oh, God, yes. VERY handsome! But a jerk nonetheless."
"Maybe he is like the real Darcy, and will improve on closer acquaintance?" Anne suggested.
"Well, he certainly can't get any worse!" Elizabeth conceded. "I'll go to the stables now, I wouldn't like to be late! See you later, Ann!"
Elizabeth was thinking amusedly about the strangeness of her story with Fitz Darcy, when she saw Mr. Higgins.
"There y'are lass! Ready to start workin'?" He asked amiably.
"Of course! What do I start with?"
"Groomin' the 'orses. I could use a 'and with that. And when yer finished, we'll take th' foal fer a walk."
"Great! I'll do him and his parents last, grooming them is a treat!"
"That lil' bungler 'as you wrapped 'round 'is finger already?"
"Come on, Mr. Higgins! He's a little dear."
"Aye, me lad is very proud of 'im. His owner, that is."
"How could he not be? Well, I'll get going, Mr. Higgins, if not you'll start scolding me!"
"Get thee to work, lass!" He countered, good-humouredly.
Some time afterwards, Fitz got out of his Jag and entered the stables. He smiled at Ann, who paused her typing to enjoy the view. Mr. Higgins was talking to a youngster who was obviously trying to ride a grey horse.
"Get that back straight! Yer ridin' a ' orse, for God's sake! There's no need to look like a bloody hunchback!" He admonished the boy.
"You know, he looks mean, but he's a softie." Fitz chuckled.
"Keep out of this, lad! Jest because you can ride a 'orse ye think ye know everything"
"I don't know everything. For instance, I still don't know what your new assistant looks like." Fitz grinned.
"She's in th' stables, lad. She's a fine lass, don't ye dare to try to flirt with 'er!"
"No flirting, I promise." Fitz said, with an innocent look.
"I wouldn't mind flirting with her!" The youngster said, smiling wickedly.
"Mind yer own business, Henry Crawford! And right now, it's yer 'orse!"
Shaking his head, Fitz left them, and walked towards the stables. As he got near, he could hear someone laughing. It was a wonderful laugh, vibrant and rich, and Fitz was entranced by it. He began to wonder if all the nice women in the world had come to Oxford while he was away. Cautiously, he went round the stables and climbed upon a huge pile of clean hay. He reached the window in the back of the stables, and looked. What he saw took his breath away. Elizabeth Bennet was inside, playing with his foal. The little one had been just groomed, and was having fun, licking Elizabeth's partly exposed legs. She was laughing delightedly, trying to get away from him, but the little fellow was enjoying himself greatly and had no wish to release his playmate.
"Stop it! You're ... I'm ticklish!" Elizabeth cried, laughing.
The foal neighed delightedly and kept licking her legs. Fitz couldn't tear his eyes from the scene before him. She was lovely. She was so real, she warmed his heart with every thing she did, and the strange thing was, he didn't feel like fighting against it anymore. He silently scolded himself. He was eight years older than she was, plus, she was only a naive country girl. The fact that all these things only increased the attraction wasn't helping him, either. She hates me! He thought, I was disgustingly rude, and I'm not one to beg for a second chance, especially not to someone like her.
Elizabeth had now managed to get the foal into Silver Arrow's croup, and moved on to groom Daredevil. The steed huffed when she came near.
"Take it easy!" She chided him, holding out her hand for him to sniff. "See? There's nothing to be afraid of." She took the brush and reached out to hold his head as she brushed his mane. "Dark and moody, hmm? That makes two in two days!" She told him, playfully.
Fitz was entranced. Then he had an idea ... It was a bit risky, but it might just work. He jumped off the pile of hay he took a little notepad and a pen out of his pocket and scribbled a note. Then he went towards Mr. Higgins and young Henry Crawford, who were still arguing.
"Crawford, yer th' cheekiest scoundrel I ever met!" Mr. Higgins bellowed.
"Bill!" Fitz called out, "Listen, I ... Could you give Elizabeth this note?" Fitz said, handing him the piece of paper.
"How d'you know th' lass' name?" Mr. Higgins asked.
"I've met her before. And... Could you... Just, don't tell her my name, okay? Don't describe me, or anything." Fitz stammered.
"I hope yer intentions are honourable, lad?" Mr. Higgins jested.
"They are. Just, give it to her. I'll come by tomorrow. Oh, by the way, what days does she work?"
"Tuesdays an' Fridays. I'll play along, lad, but only 'cause I like you both. Ye could find use fer a lass like that one."
"I intend to, Bill." Fitz assured him. "I'll come back soon." He said, as he walked away.
"Aye, 'e'll come back, but not ter se ME!" Mr Higgins smirked. "Get back to yer ridin', Crawford!"
"Right, right." The poor boy muttered.
Twenty minutes later, Elizabeth came out with the foal, who ran happily around her.
"Mr Higgins! I've finished with the horses. Doesn't this little one look smart?" She asked, smiling.
"Aye, he does. Take 'im fer a walk and go 'ome. But before ye go, take this. The foal's owner gave it to me, it's fer you." Mr Higgins watched her carefully as he passed her the note. Elizabeth stared at him, then at the note. With a puzzled look, she unfolded it, and read it.
If I could write the beauty of your eyes,
And in fresh numbers number all your graces,
The age to come would say this poet lies,
Such heavenly touches ne'er touched earthly faces.
Nemo
Elizabeth blinked.
"Who gave you this?" She asked, looking smiling at Mr Higgins.
"I already told ye, lass."
"Yes, but what is his name? What does he look like?" She asked, eagerly.
"Ah, that I cannot tell, me lad doesn't want you ter know. 'e's a good un, I may tell ye that."
"I ... Thank him for me next time you see him, okay?" Elizabeth said, blushing. Mr Higgins nodded, and Elizabeth left with the foal at her heels. Her mind was whirling, who could he be? The note was so romantic ... And a man who could quote Shakespeare from memory had to be intelligent. Maybe he was handsome too, perhaps he looked like Darcy... She shook her head. She did NOT want him to look like him! Darcy was unfeeling and cold, she reminded herself. But there was no denying he was gorgeous.
"Nemo..." She sighed, "That means no one... How romantic! Now I have a secret admirer!" She told the foal, who looked at her quizzically and kept running.
"Just wait until I tell Jane! What, between Mr Nemo and Mr Darcy I think I've already filled my quota of mysterious men!" She laughed. "This is going to be an interesting year..."
Chapter Six: Lost and Found
Ruin seize thee, ruthless King!
Confusion on thy banners wait,
Tho' fanned by Conquest's crimson wing
They mock the air with idle state.
~Thomas Gray
Fitz Darcy came back home feeling quite confused. After going back to his office and having lunch with some of his project directors, he was satisfied with that part of his life. His company, created by his grandfather nearly seventy years ago, was in constant expansion. His latest business trip had secured a new computer programme with which he expected to make Bill Gates slightly uneasy; in truth, the Darcy Corporation was a huge machine that, despite little problems here and there, worked wonderfully well.
His private life, however, had taken a strange turn that morning. Admitting to himself that he loved Elizabeth Bennet was out of the question, he merely saw her as a passing infatuation. But then, why had he just done something against his own better judgment? What did he expect to achieve by playing this schoolboy's game of writing love notes? His brain could not understand his heart's reasoning, and he had always been a man who trusted only his brain.
Until now.
"Fitz!" Georgie cried ecstatically, "Come here! I want to introduce you!"
Fitz vaguely remembered a promise to meet Georgie's new friend. He groaned inwardly and walked towards the living room, from where Georgiana's voice had come. A smiling Georgiana was sitting at the piano, beside another girl of her same age. The girl was shorter than Georgiana (who was quite tall for her age, taking after her brother) and had black curly hair and brown, expressive eyes. She was clearly nervous at present, but that wasn't what was bothering him. What WAS bothering him was this girl's resemblance to Elizabeth Bennet, not very obvious but still there. So, not content with seeing her every time he paused, heck, every time he thought about anything, now he saw her in his little sister's schoolmates. What was that woman doing to him? This time, however, he was sure it was the work of his overactive imagination. After all, she couldn't actually BE related to her. It would be just too much coincidence.
Georgiana dragged the little girl across the room and said, smiling, "Fitz, this is Kitty Philips. Kitty, this is my brother Fitz." Kitty gathered her courage and uttered a gay "How do you do?"
Come on, man! Surely you can utter a coherent response to that!
"It's a pleasure to meet you at last, Kitty! My sister has been talking about you constantly these days!" He said, managing a smile. Kitty blushed prettily, all her uneasiness gone.
"Really? Well, my family's been complaining about that too. My sister Mary says I mentioned Georgie twenty-seven times at dinner yesterday!"
They both giggled, and Fitz joined in with a chuckle. Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad, after all. With that optimistic thought, he took the young ladies to sample Mrs. Reynolds's superb tea with scones and muffins.
Elizabeth Bennet looked up at the gloomy sky and swore softly. Her umbrella was unable to cover both her and her sports bag, which meant she had to choose between wet fencing clothes and wet hair. It was fortunate that she had just left the fencing club, because her choice was to keep her hair conveniently dry. After all, she didn't mean to catch a cold. She sighed as she waited for the streetlights to change to green. With this weather it had been impossible to find a taxi, not that any driver in his senses would have picked her up right now. Today just appeared to be one of those horrible days when everything went wrong... And it was all Fitz Darcy's fault!
It was Thursday, and two weeks had passed since she had met that infuriating man! She had been able to forget about him for a while, as work had kept him from fencing practise last week, but today he had come. He had strutted around, as if he owned the place. He had chatted with Fred, and been quite cold with the rest of the universe... That is, until Fred had to speak about her.
"Fitz! Elizabeth has been helping me to cope with the advanced fencers, but I think she's a bit tired of us. Why don't you two practise together?"
Fitz looked surprised, but accepted quite quickly. Elizabeth had tried to find an excuse, but had failed miserably. As she prepared, she noticed Fitz staring at her in a most unnerving manner.
"What?" She had asked, hotly.
He had the decency to look guilty, at least. But then he tried to pretend it hadn't happened.
"I was looking at your suit. It is... interesting."
"Why, thank you, Mr. Darcy! I think that's the nicest compliment anyone has ever paid me." She said, sarcastically.
"I mean it!" He said, defensively, "I was wondering if you had made it yourself."
"Yes, I did." Her voice softened, and she smiled at the memories, "I made my first one when I was fourteen... I had learnt to sew, and was quite proud of it. I suppose I just wanted to stop the teasing, and to manage to be equal to the other boys at fencing practise. It took me two weeks... I was so excited I ran to Dad and Mr. Taeki to show them!"
"Why did the other kids tease you?" Fitz asked, his concern written in his eyes.
"You know, I was the tomboy, I beat them, I was the teacher's daughter... I guess I gave them plenty of reasons." Elizabeth's last words sounded bitter.
Fitz decided not to pry, and left it at that. They started practising, without being plugged in. Fitz, however, was finding Elizabeth's presence distracting; he couldn't help remembering how she had played with his foal, the fiery look she gave him when they first met... But more than anything, he remembered his dreams. His visions, both asleep and awake of her, laughing lovingly at him. As she got near he thought he caught a whiff of her scent... A floral one, that was certain; a fresh and sweet perfume, just like her.
"You're not concentrating."
Fitz snapped out of his reverie, to find himself being hit several times by Elizabeth's foil.
"I, uh, I'm sorry." He stammered. Elizabeth looked at him curiously.
"Are you alright?" She asked.
"Yes, it's just that I haven't been sleeping well lately." That was sadly true, her image had kept him awake for hours on end.
"Relax, just forget about everything and everyone. Focus on what you want to do: beat me."
The fact that beating her wasn't exactly what he wanted to do didn't help, but tried to do as she told, and found it difficult. But when he did manage, it was exhilarating. He felt... right, sure of himself. He managed to hit Elizabeth twice, and she only did so once. They took their masks off, as they sat down to rest a bit.
"Good! Boy, you are good! If you keep that focus, it'll be really difficult to beat you! I guess I'll have to get to work!" She teased.
"You helped a lot. You sounded like that Japanese chap in Karate Kid... You know, 'focus' and all that."
"Actually it IS a Japanese chap's advice. I learnt that from Mr. Taeki, a friend of my father's."
"Oh? Wasn't it supposed to be for some other sport? A martial art, or something like that?"
"It was advice for Kendo, Japanese fencing. But as Mr. Taeki says, 'Kendo and Occidental fencing have different sword, but same principle'. He's a wise old man."
"And you," he said smiling, "are a wise young woman."
Suddenly, it struck her. It was nice to be this way, bantering playfully with him, sharing experiences and knowledge. She was about to smile and tell him that he wasn't so bad after all, when a stick insect in an orange dress entered the club and made her way towards them. She was tall, taller than Elizabeth at any rate, and had blue eyes and a false smile, decorated with bright lipstick. She moved quickly, and had a worshipping look on her face as she looked at Fitz. Fitz's face was stony, but Elizabeth could've sworn she heard him groan.
"Fitzykkins! There you are!" She cooed, "I have been calling you for weeks, but that old cow of a housekeeper you have always said you were out. And dear Georgiana said so too! But Charles told me you have been here for almost two weeks! Imagine!" She laughed, coyly.
Describing Fitz's expression would have been difficult. Elizabeth would have set for something between flabbergasted and this-can't-be-happening-to-me.
"Caroline," He stammered, "what are you doing here? Can't you see we were practising?"
Caroline frowned when she heard the word 'we' and looked at Elizabeth with distaste. Seeing her in her special suit, however, she quickly dismissed her as a potential threat, and returned her attention to Darcy.
"Why of course, and I know you must be having a good time playing with those 'foies' but I thought you would rather come with me, and enjoy a nice afternoon." She said, looking at him up and down suggestively. Darcy gulped.
"Actually, they're foils." Elizabeth said.
"What?" Caroline said, disdainfully.
"Our swords, the things we use to fence, are called foils. Foies is a French word which means something quite different." Elizabeth explained calmly.
"Of course I knew that! What do you think I am, dumb or something?" Caroline sneered, turning towards Fitz. Darcy was at the moment staring at Elizabeth, who was laughing silently, so much she was crying in mirth. As he ignored Caroline's banal remarks, he shot a questioning look at her. She caught his eye, and tried to collect herself.
"Lamont!" she mouthed at him. His eyes opened wide, and a grin crept through his face as he caught her meaning. They shared a few moments of silent laughter, as Caroline was gushing at him, not really looking at him, as if she were reciting some well-learnt lines.
"Caroline, actually... I have to work." Darcy said, trying really hard to keep a straight face.
"Oh?" Caroline said, pouting, "But you're your own boss, can't you decide not to work today?"
"No, Caroline, that wouldn't be fair. Besides, I'm tired." Fitz said, managing to stiffle a groan.
"Well, we could just... rest, if you want to!" Caroline tried again, smiling and waggling her eyebrows.
"Er, no Caroline, but thanks." Fitz stuttered.
"Oh." It then dawned on Caroline that he was playing hard to get. Well, two could play that game. "Well, then, see you sometime!" She said, going away in a flutter of orange and platinum blond hair.
"What was that?" Elizabeth said, laughing again, not able to stop herself.
"Caroline Bingley. And no, he's not adopted, I really don't know what weird genetic accident caused HER!" He said, joining in the laughing.
Elizabeth looked up, really freaked out. This was Fitzwilliam Darcy. Being friendly. Laughing with her. She just couldn't get it! Two weeks ago, he had said he didn't want to be her friend and now... It had to be one of those rich men moods. He would be back to normal in no time, she was sure of it. It hurt to know that, but it kept her from feeling something like regret.
"Lizzy!"
Elizabeth turned round to see Charlotte Lucas. A member of the women fencing group, she had introduced herself to 'the woman who beat Fitz Darcy' and had found a friend. She shared Elizabeth's sense of humour and they had bonded quickly. Charlotte was two years older than Elizabeth, and about to finish her studies in Economy. She had a nice, though decidedly plain face, and was always full of mirth, gossip, and good advice. She was becoming her best friend, as she had that touch of malice that Elizabeth just couldn't share with Jane, at least most of the time, although she seemed to loosen up a bit in Charlotte's presence.
"Char! I thought you were helping with the intermediate group!" Elizabeth smiled as she hugged her friend.
"Well, yes, but I wanted to know what that Mr. Nemo of yours had chosen on Tuesday. You purposefully avoided the issue yesterday!"
"I didn't!" Elizabeth said, shaking her head. She had told Charlotte about Mr. Nemo, and she had been teasing her mercilessly, while openly envying her. As Elizabeth tried to remember the quote, Charlotte observed Fitz Darcy, who had been listening to the conversation. He was looking at Elizabeth intently, with a confused and anxious look. Charlotte wondered whether her friend had made yet another conquest.
"It was Shelley." Elizabeth said, "For she was beautiful - her beauty made the bright world dim, and everything beside seemed like the fleeting image of a shade."
"Oh, Lizzy! How beautiful!" Charlotte sighed. Fitz meanwhile was seething. Why did she have to share his notes with anyone? He kept all her memories to himself, all his drafts and feeble attempts at poetry, when he had woke up at night and felt the need to be with her. And yet, she shared his feelings with the rest of the world! He felt angry.
"Elizabeth, if you don't mind, I must leave." Fitz said, his face again a cold mask. He read the pain in her features as she looked at him, and nodded silently.
He left swiftly, making his way towards the changing room. Elizabeth sighed, aware that something had displeased him, but unable to know what.
"I think you have another admirer, Lizzy!" Charlotte said, smiling.
"Who?" Elizabeth asked, blushing.
"Why, if I'm not greatly mistaken, Fitz Darcy seems quite bessoted with you." Charlotte teased.
"Oh, no! He despises me Char, he told me so himself. And you saw how cold he was just now!"
"Yes, well... If I were you, I would keep an eye on him. Or rather, since he's such a gorgeous sight, both of them!"
They erupted in laughter, and for once, Charlotte's shrewd eyes missed the pain, the longing and the slightly depressed look in Elizabeth's eyes.
Elizabeth huffed impatiently. During her brief reverie, the lights had changed back to red! Her sports bag was positively drenched, and she wondered if it really was impermeable...
Suddenly, she heard a whimper. She looked around curiously, but she saw no one. She walked towards what seemed to be the source of the whimpering, and stopped before a cardboard box. It was turned upside down, and soaked. Elizabeth slowly reached down and lifted it. A puppy, wet and frightened, looked at her in awe. It quickly recoiled and ran from her.
"Wait!" Elizabeth ran after it, and picked it up. "Where are you going, little fellow? Don't you have a collar?" She looked for one, but couldn't find it. Sighing, she walked until she found somewhere to protect herself from the rain, holding the puppy against her chest. It kept whimpering, but snuggled against the welcome warmth. As soon as she was safe from the elements, she opened her sports bag, relieved to see it was indeed waterproof. She took out a towel, and wrapped the puppy in it. She then picked up her things again, and walked as quickly as she could until she reached Merton. She quietly managed to get to her dorm, and entered it as she sighed with relief.
"Lizzy?" Jane came out from the bedroom and looked at her. She noticed the bundle in her hands and looked at her, questioningly. "What's that?"
"This is..." Elizabeth unwrapped the puppy, and looked at it for a few seconds. "Yonk."
"Yonk?" Jane stared at the puppy incredulously. "Liz, you know we can't have animals up here."
"I know, I'll take him to the stables with me tomorrow. Perhaps he can stay there until we can find him a home." Elizabeth said, looking at Jane pleadingly.
"Oh, alright." Jane groaned. Then she smiled wickedly, "You do realize, you're giving me material for blackmail?"
"Oh, alright, I won't tell Charles any childhood stories! Really! My own sister threatening to blackmail me! That man is a bad influence, and you've gone on what, four dates with him?"
"Five!" Jane giggled. "Well, let's make a bed for our little guest. By the way, why Yonk?"
"No reason, I like the name." Elizabeth said, looking carefully at the puppy, who was licking her hands gratefully. "And Jane," she called out as her sister entered the bathroom, "this time it IS a fox terrier!"