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Posted on Monday, 11 February 2002
January 7
Darcy had breakfast alone on Monday morning. Before he left for the office, he peeked in on Georgie, who was still asleep. He closed the door to her room and stifled a yawn as he collected his coat and briefcase.
He walked into the foyer to find Richard waiting for the elevator.
"Good morning, Richard."
"Morning, Darce."
"You slipped away early last night."
"Yeah, well, I have a big meeting this morning, wanted to have a clear head and all that."
The elevator door opened and they got in. Darcy looked at his cousin, but couldn't read his face. Richard, who could fake his way through any situation, had never expressed concern about getting enough sleep before a meeting.
"So, did things go on much longer after I left?" asked Richard.
"No, most everyone left soon after you did. Chris and Lizzy stayed for a while."
"Oh?"
"Don't make it sound so significant, Richard. If you must know, we talked about Shakespearean women."
"Speaking of Shakespearean women, Lizzy was a terrific Kate. You two really got into it, especially at the end."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, come on, Darce, the way you looked at her after she kissed you? Geez, one would think you'd never been kissed before!"
"I was acting, Richard!"
"Right, the Master Thespian." Richard snorted.
"Well, what about you, when you kissed-" the elevator doors opened at the garage level and Richard got out quickly.
"Gotta run, see you later, Darce!"
Darcy watched his cousin sprint to his car and smiled. You can run, Richard, but you can't hide. He picked up the house phone by the elevator and dialed his own number.
"Darcy residence."
"Hi, Mrs. R, it's just me. Please give Georgie a message. Tell her I'll call Anne, so she shouldn't."
"Yes, sir."
"Thank you."
By late-morning, Darcy had checked his email, attended one meeting, and taken part in two conference calls. He got up from his desk and stretched. From his window, he could see the Hudson River. The Queen Elizabeth 2 was at the pier. The first ship back into New York after September 11, she was preparing to leave on a World Cruise. He imagined how nice it would be to sit in a deck chair and read a novel. About now, they'd be serving tea and bouillon...
His private line rang.
"Darcy."
"Hi, Will. Sorry I wasn't up when you left. But I have only one more week of luxury before classes start again. I called to ask why I shouldn't call Anne."
"I want to talk to her and see how she feels about last night. I don't know if she realizes that you know that-oh, God, this sounds like seventh grade." He continued in a falsetto voice, "Did you think Richard knows that Anne likes him? Do you think he likes her?"
Georgie laughed. "Well, you better tell me what she has to say about last night."
"Shall I pass you a note in study hall?"
"What about Richard? Do you think we should call him?"
"Definitely not. I rode down in the elevator with him. He said-well, he talked about other things, and when I mentioned Anne, he suddenly had to rush to a meeting. I think last night unsettled him a bit."
"Oh."
"Now, don't be disappointed. Did you really expect one tender moment enacted before a room full of people to make him sit up and take notice of Anne? Just let Richard be, all right? Give it time."
"OK."
"See you tonight, Sweetie."
After speaking with his sister, Darcy decided it was time to face his other cousin.
"Conservation Department."
"I'd like to speak to Anne deBourgh."
"And who is calling, please?"
"William Darcy."
"One moment, sir."
"I ought to kill you, you know that, don't you?"
"Good morning, Anne. How are you?"
"Don't 'Good morning, Anne' me. How could you do that?"
"Anne, I did not set up the readings and the roles. George Knightly did it. He knows you two a bit from back when we were in college. He probably remembered the bickering, and saw you as his Beatrice and Benedick because of that."
"What if Richard thinks I set it up?"
"I doubt he thinks that. He didn't say anything like that."
"Oh God, Darce, you didn't talk to him about it?"
"Calm down, Anne. We rode down together this morning. He didn't have a lot to say. I think he was avoiding talking about it. If he had been angry with either of us, he would have said something to me then.
"So why did you call?"
"I wanted to make sure you're all right."
"I don't know if I am or not."
"You'll be fine, Anne. Just take it easy and see what happens next."
Dr. Frank Weston smiled at the assembled staff members. It was a new year, a new calendar, and a new budget. There was something about the clean slate of a new year that excited him.
"Good morning, all! I hope you all had a good weekend."
Many of the staff did not share Frank's enthusiasm for Monday morning meetings. A few people yawned openly. Most clutched their coffee mugs and tried to wake up.
"I thought I'd start off our first staff meeting of the new year with some good news. The Pemberley Foundation came through with its grant, which means we have funding for Jack's desertification exhibit." This news was met with a hearty round of applause.
"What foundation is that?" whispered Lizzy to Jane.
"I don't know, you'll have to ask Frank or someone from the Development Office. Foundations don't make contact through the Membership Office." answered Jane.
"And," Frank continued, "We are still receiving donations for diorama restorations. The article in the newsletter has paid off. So well, done, Jen!" More applause followed.
"Finally, a scheduling note. School visitations are beginning to pick up, so watch the bulletin board for listings. Lizzy, you should get an updated list for January later today. Any other business?" Silence. "Very good! Back to work, then! Have a great day!"
Lizzy smiled. 'Have a nice day. Have a great day.' So many people said it, but nobody meant it as wholeheartedly as Frank Weston did. She and Jane picked up their mugs and walked back to their offices.
"So, how much later did you stay at the Darcys'?" asked Jane.
"Not much. I wanted to give you and Charles a little time to say goodnight, but I gather you did that at his apartment?"
Jane blushed. "Yes, we went to his place. I tried to be as quiet as possible when I got home."
"I didn't hear you come in, but I was so tired that I wouldn't have heard you if you had come in on a motorcycle!"
"I looked in on you. You were smiling as you slept. Good dreams?"
It was Lizzy's turn to blush, remembering how she had relived Darcy's kiss over and over in her dreams. "Uh huh."
Back in her office, Lizzy thought about the party and tried to figure out Darcy's intentions. He hadn't invited her to be his date for the party; Georgie had invited her. So it wasn't really a date. And New Year's couldn't be called a date, either, because that had come about by accident. And he hadn't told anyone about New Year's, which was odd. Not worth mentioning? Something he was sorry about later?
Lizzy thought about her small apartment, and then compared it to his. He probably realized that she was way beneath his status. That was it. He was interested in her only as Georgie's friend. But then, in the elevator he had kissed her as if, well, as if he thought of her as more than a friend.
Georgie wrapped another ornament in tissue paper and sighed, "This is so sad."
"I know, dear, but we have to do it."
"Thanks for helping, Mrs. R. The tree is pretty dry. I'm afraid it will drip needles all over when we take it out."
"That's why we have the vacuum. Don't worry about it. I have a few cookies left. Why don't we finish them off as we de-Christmas?"
"Did I hear someone mention cookies?"
"Yes, Will. But only if you help."
Stretching for a few ornaments that were too high for Georgie to reach, Will sighed. "It was a good Christmas this year, wasn't it?"
"Mm-hmm. Much better than last year. I'm so sorry I ruined-"
"Now, now. None of that. It happened and it's in the past. I'm just so pleased that the old Georgie is coming back. Did you enjoy last night?"
"Oh, yes, Will. It was such fun."
Mrs. Reynolds returned with the last of the Christmas cookies. "I saved these for when we undid the tree."
"Thanks, Mrs. R. Did you enjoy the play-acting last night?"
"Oh, yes I did, Mr. Darcy. You all did a very good job. You and Miss Bennet were particularly good."
"It seems that she knows the play fairly well, so she got into character easily." He smiled as he remembered the impromptu scene in the elevator. As Darcy turned to take another ornament from the tree, Georgie winked at Mrs. Reynolds.
"So are you he born to tame her?" asked Georgie.
Startled, he replied, "Certainly not." Missing the look of disappointment on his sister's face, he continued, "I doubt that even 'Richard of the thousand girlfriends' could tame Lizzy Bennet."
Posted on Monday, 11 February 2002
January 9
Darcy picked up the telephone on his desk. He reached forward to dial, then set the receiver back into the cradle. He got up and walked to the window. Staring out across the city, he wondered what to do. Suddenly, he turned and picked up the telephone and dialed.
Hi! You've reached the Bennet residence. You know what to do when you hear the beep!" BEEP
"Hello. This message is for Lizzy. It's Will Darcy. I'm calling to see if you'd like to go to dinner some evening. Call me back if you're interested." He left his home number and hung up.
Charles Bingley looked out his window. Unlike Darcy, he did not have a view of the city and the Hudson River. Lucky to have a window at all, he had to settle for a view of the back of the theater across the street. Not that it mattered. Charles did his best thinking while watching ESPN on the small television in his office. He picked up the remote and muted the television. Then he picked up the telephone.
Hi! You've reached the Bennet residence. You know what to do when you hear the beep!" BEEP
"Hi, Jane, it's me. I have to go out of town this weekend, so how about dinner tomorrow night? Call my cell. Bye."
Darcy opened the door to the apartment, and looked for his sister. Not finding her, he went into the kitchen.
"You're home early." said Mrs. Reynolds.
"Yes, my last meeting went more quickly than I had anticipated. A rare and wonderful thing. Any calls?"
"No."
"Oh." Darcy glanced at the clock. Only 5:30. She probably wasn't even home yet. Patience, man!
"Georgiana won't be in for dinner tonight. She went out to buy her books for next semester and then she and some friends were going out for pizza."
"Oh, I didn't remember."
"I believe she made the plans just this afternoon."
"I see. I hope you hadn't started dinner."
"No. When she said she was going out, I decided to wait and ask what you would like."
"Just something light. Do we have any chicken? Maybe a salad..." He checked the clock again, then looked at the answering machine, which was not blinking. "And you said there were no calls?"
"That's correct."
"Fine. Um, I'll have dinner in my study if that's all right."
"Certainly. Do you want it soon?"
"About an hour?"
"An hour, then. If you think of anything else you'd like, just let me know."
Darcy poured himself a glass of water and went into his bedroom. Pulling his tie loose and removing his jacket, he checked the clock on his bedside table. Stop doing that! he scolded himself.
After changing into comfortable clothes, he moved to the study. Dropping into his desk chair, he opened the file labeled "Pemberley Foundation," and began to read grant proposals. The stack was quite thick, and he knew that Kathy, the Foundation's secretary, had already been through the submissions to weed out proposals that were unrelated to the Foundation's purpose or were unacceptable for some other reason. He grabbed a pen and began to make notes.
At 6:30, Mrs. Reynolds brought in a tray. Darcy looked up and smiled. The chicken and salad turned out to be a grilled chicken breast, rice, tossed salad, and breadsticks. On a separate plate were an apple, grapes, crackers, and several pieces of cheese. On a third plate was a large chocolate-chip cookie.
"I thought I'd bring your dessert at the same time, so you could nibble as you work."
"It all looks so lovely. You didn't have to take so much trouble just for me."
"Even if you are eating at your desk, there's nothing wrong in keeping up your standards."
He laughed, "If we hadn't had you, do you suppose Georgie and I would have become savages?"
"There is always that possibility." She smiled and added as she left the room, "Don't work too late."
After she left, Darcy looked at his dinner. Standards, indeed. She had used the silver and the good china. Whether it was a tray in the study or dinner for ten in the dining room, to Mrs. Reynolds, dinner was Dinner. He sighed as he pictured dinner for ten...
Darcy thought back to Sunday night. It had been so pleasant to sit next to Lizzy at dinner. He knew that Georgie had arranged the table to make Richard and Anne into a couple. How fortunate that the arrangement required Lizzy to sit by him. Thinking about Lizzy made him start to reach for the telephone. He shook his head and went back to his dinner. Don't call twice in the same day. You don't want to seem desperate.
After dinner, Darcy found himself reading the same page for the third time. Giving up on his paperwork, he told his housekeeper that he would be going out for a walk and wished her a good night.
Lizzy unlocked the door, looked into the living room, and groaned.
"What's wrong?" asked Jane.
"Arrgh, it's blinking."
"Hmm? What's blinking?"
"The VCR. The power was off."
Jane went into the kitchen and called to Lizzy, "You're right. The clock on the microwave is blinking, too. Oh! There's a note on the counter. The electrician was here to fix that outlet, so he turned off the power."
Jane noticed the answering machine just as Lizzy entered the kitchen. "What is all that about?"
Lizzy peered at the machine, "Its clock has to be reset, too. There are no incoming messages. I wonder if it lost the outgoing message. She pressed a button and heard her message. "No, that's still there. What time is it?"
Lizzy reset the clock on the answering machine while Jane reprogrammed the microwave.
Lizzy then spied the coffeemaker. "Jane, do we have any appliance that doesn't have a clock in it?
"I know, this apartment isn't so big that we need all these clocks. Too bad about the answering machine. I wonder if there were any messages. Charles didn't call me at work today, so I thought there might be a message from him." Jane picked up the telephone and dialed Charles's apartment.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Charles."
"Jane! So how about dinner?"
"When?"
"Tomorrow. Didn't you get my message?"
"No. The power was off today, so the machine lost whatever you said."
"Well, I said that I would be out of town this weekend, and desperately missing you, so I thought I should stock up on Jane minutes before I have to go away."
Jane giggled, "You really said all of that to a machine?"
Lizzy quietly left the kitchen and went to check on the clock in her bedroom. Its back-up battery had done its job, so the clock was still on time. She was pleased that things were progressing nicely with Jane and Charles. A tiny bit envious, she sighed and wished that there had been a message waiting for her when she got home.
Chris set the shopping bag of books on the floor with a thud. "We could have dropped these off at your place first. It isn't that far."
"No," replied Georgie. "Just shove them down the end of the booth and they'll be out of the way."
Sandy did the same thing with Kitty's books. "I don't know what's worse," he said. "The weight or the prices. And thank-you-very-much, Dr. Simmons, for going to a new edition, so there weren't any used books available."
"Oh, shush," said Kitty. "At least we got everything we need."
They ordered their pizzas, and Kitty continued, "Georgie, you lucked out with your lit books. How fortunate to have a brother who's an avid reader with a well-stocked library. Will he tell you the stories or make you read for yourself?"
"He'll make me read them. He will answer questions or discuss things with me, but if he thinks I'm pumping him for info instead of reading, he'll send me to my room to read." She started to laugh, "I remember in high school, we had to read The Scarlet Letter and some kids rented the movie instead. Big mistake! A lot of things were different in the movie, even major plot points, and those kids were screwed on the test."
"Were you one of them?" asked Sandy.
"No way. I read it. Hawthorne can be a bit slow to read, but Will encouraged me to stick with it. And the story is so good that I didn't mind."
"I can picture Mr. Serious lecturing you on the evils of cheating," laughed Chris. "But I have to say, he was pretty cool the other night. Were he and Lizzy amazing, or what?"
As they waited for their pizza, Chris and Georgie entertained Kitty and Sandy with descriptions of the Shakespeare performances.
Georgie concluded the tale with, "And the really funny thing is, Will truly believes this was all about setting up Richard and Anne. He hasn't caught on to the fact that we're setting him up with Lizzy. But I think it's working. He insisted on taking her home, even though she said she'd take a cab. I am sorry that New Year's didn't work, but we'll think of something else."
Their food arrived, and, as they ate, they chatted about a variety of subjects. Just as they were finishing, two of Georgie and Kitty's classmates walked into the pizzeria. Georgie wondered how Kelly had made it to senior year, considering that she had, as Kitty put it, the attention span of a shamrock, except when it came to gossip. Her boyfriend Pete was no brain trust, either. Without being invited, the two pulled up chairs and joined the others.
"This is cool, running into you like this!" chirped Kelly. "Are you guys, like, out on a date or something?"
"Or something," muttered Chris. Georgie silenced him with an elbow.
"We bought our books today, so we've been drowning our sorrows in pizza and soda," explained Kitty.
"Oh, yeah, we, like, have to do that, too, huh, Pete? Well, when the booklist is out, I guess..."
"It is out, Kelly," laughed Sandy. "How do you think we found out what we'd need? By calling the Psychic Hotline?" Chris snorted at this, and Georgie made no attempt to silence him.
"So, did you guys hear what happened to Maggie?" asked Pete.
"Maggie?" repeated Georgie.
"Yeah, Maggie. Flashy. Dyed red hair, short skirts..." said Kelly.
"I think she was in your art history class, Georgie," said Chris. "I remember seeing her when I was waiting for you. Remember, I asked you if she was trying to get into the Guinness Book of Records for the smallest skirt in history."
"Oh, right, I remember. What about her?"
"Well," Pete leaned forward with the self-important air of one who has something confidential to impart. "I heard she got raped."
Kitty looked at Georgie and saw her discomfort. So amazed were the others at the news that they didn't see the color drain from Georgie's face.
"You shouldn't spread stories like that," said Kitty quickly.
"But it's true," protested Kelly. "I heard several people talking about it. It was, like, on the news, the woman who was raped in Queens, only they didn't release the name. But I heard that it was Maggie."
"Doesn't surprise me," commented Pete. "Out on a dark street alone, late at night. And the way she dressed and all, well..." he shrugged.
"I do not believe this!" cried Kitty indignantly. "Don't you dare say it! I swear, Pete, if you say she had it coming-"
"Lighten up, Kit," said Kelly. "You know what he meant."
"Yes, I do, and I don't like it one bit. I am not going to sit here and listen to this! Come on, Georgie, we're outta here!" She grabbed Georgie by the hand and dragged her out to the street.
Kelly watched the two women run out of the pizzeria. "Whoa, so what's up with Kit?"
Chris stared at her in disbelief. Sandy shook his head and said, "Her name is Kitty, and she doesn't think rape is funny. Neither do I." Gathering up coats and bags, Chris and Sandy left the table, paid the bill, and walked outside.
Meanwhile, on the sidewalk, Georgie was taking deep breaths and desperately fighting tears.
"Are you OK, honey?" asked Kitty.
Georgie nodded, then shook her head no. Chris and Sandy emerged from the pizzeria, carrying coats and shopping bags of books.
"Great exit, Kitty! But I think it was wasted-" started Sandy. Then he stopped at the sight of Georgie's ashen face.
"Take her home, Chris," Kitty said quickly. Hugging Georgie, she whispered, "Tell him, you have to, now."
Chris and Sandy stared at the two women, trying to figure out what was going on. Sandy was about to say something when Kitty cut him off with, "Take me home, Sandy!"
Chris helped Georgie into her coat, and they walked the few blocks to her apartment in silence. He could see that she was barely containing her tears, not wanting to make a scene on the street. He recognized her very proper brother in her at that moment-not in public, don't cry in public.
They arrived at the apartment building and walked quickly to the penthouse elevator. The doorman spotted them and asked, "Is everything all right, Miss Darcy?"
Georgie nodded stiffly, and Chris said, "She had some bad news about a friend. She'll be OK."
The second the elevator doors closed, tears cascaded down Georgie's face. She fumbled in her purse, and Chris offered her his handkerchief. Taking it, she continued to cry. When the elevator door opened, Chris reached into her purse and took out her keys. He unlocked the door and led Georgie into the living room.
He set down the shopping bag and took off his coat. He took Georgie's coat and threw it on a chair with his. Sitting Georgie down, he found a box of tissues and handed it to her. What to do next? In a movie, the man usually slapped the hysterical woman. Somehow, that didn't sound right. Give her something to drink? Brandy? He looked around the room and saw a tray with some bottles.
Chris poured some brandy into a glass and handed it to her. She shook her head.
"Just sip. It'll help you calm down." She took the glass and he continued. "Now, can you tell me what this is about? You barely know Maggie."
She shook her head and whispered, "Not Maggie."
Not Maggie? Then who? Remembering Kitty's outburst, he tried another tack, "Kitty really reacted strongly to the news. Was she friendly with Maggie?" He paused when a worse explanation struck him. "Oh, God, Georgie. Was Kitty raped? Is that why she reacted like that?"
Sniffling and looking down, Georgie whispered, "Not Kitty. Me. Kitty knows."
Chris felt as if he had been kicked in the stomach. In one of his classes, there had been discussions on how to deal with patients in sensitive situations. In a clinical setting, it all made sense. Sitting here with a crying girlfriend, none of the advice the students had been given came to mind.
"Oh, Georgie," he whispered, drawing her to him. She sobbed on his shoulder for several minutes, while he rubbed her back and rocked her gently. When her sobs subsided, he asked, "Do you want to-can you tell me?"
"I'm so ashamed," she began.
"Don't be, Georgie. I don't subscribe to the 'had it coming' theory. Kelly is a moron and Pete is a pig. Don't think about what he said. Tell me as much or as little as you want."
"I was so stupid," and she told him the story of George Wickham. When she was finished, she began to cry again, but more quietly. He sat with her in the dimly lighted room, holding her and letting her cry it out.
Darcy returned from his walk to find his sister crying in the arms of her boyfriend. She didn't hear him enter. Chris looked up to meet Darcy's angry stare. Looking right back, Chris held his hand out in a "stop" gesture and shook his head. Darcy hesitated, then chose to trust Chris, mentally reserving the right to kill him later, if he turned out to be responsible for Georgie's tears.
After a while, Georgie pulled back. Unable to look Chris in the eye, she whispered, "I'm sorry."
"Nothing to apologize for," he replied gently. "Poor Georgie, you must be exhausted. Why don't you take a hot bath and go to bed. Should I send your brother to you, or get Mrs. Reynolds?"
"No, I'll talk to Will later. I-" unable to continue, she sniffled, head down.
"Georgie. Georgie, look at me," Chris lifted her chin. "Don't feel ashamed. Something bad happened to you, but it doesn't make you a bad person."
Chris walked Georgie to her room, held her close for a minute, then kissed her gently. "I'm going to talk to Will. You try to get some sleep, OK?
She nodded and went into her room. Chris leaned on the wall for a moment, then took a deep breath and went in search of Darcy. Chris found him standing in the study, looking out the window. He knocked on the doorframe and entered.
"Will."
"What the hell was that all about? What did you do to her?"
"Nothing. She was upset because we heard about a student who was raped."
Instantly understanding the situation, Darcy sagged into a chair. "Oh, God."
"She was upset, and when I asked why, she told me. I, uh, I want to apologize for joking about your protectiveness. I understand now."
"It's all right, Chris. No offense taken." Looking up at Chris's haggard face, Darcy smiled weakly, "You look like you could use a drink."
"Don't get up. I poured a brandy for Georgie, and she only had a sip, I think I'll go get that. Can I pour you one?"
"Yes, please."
Chris returned with two snifters, and took a chair near Darcy.
Handing a glass to Darcy, Chris said, "It explains a lot."
"What do you mean?"
"The shyness, the fragility. I didn't know what it was about her, but I always felt the need to protect her. I just didn't know from what. Does that make sense?"
"Yes, Chris, it does. It says a lot about you and your ability to read people. That's important in a doctor, as is the ability to make people feel safe in your hands. Georgie must trust you. I think you should know that you're only the second person she has told about this. Kitty was the first."
"It isn't an easy story for a woman to tell. She's still ashamed of what happened."
"Yes, it's something she's working on, but it gets the better of her from time to time. You met Dr. Lucas at the Christmas party, I believe? I suppose you've figured out that Dr. Lucas is Georgie's therapist?"
"Aha! That explains it." said Chris thoughtfully.
"Explains what?"
"Dr. Lucas. While we were chatting, I had the feeling I was being checked out. I assumed it was just concern from a friend of the family. But now I see that Dr. Lucas was worried about Georgie's vulnerability."
The two sipped their brandies in companionable silence. After a while, Chris stood up.
"I should be going. Say goodnight to Georgie for me?"
"Of course." Darcy shook Chris's hand. "Thank you for being there for her."
Unable to find the words to answer, Chris simply nodded and said goodnight.
After Chris left, Darcy went into his sister's bedroom. She was asleep, the bed strewn with crumpled tissues. Darcy sat in a chair and watched her sleep for several minutes.
For the first time, Georgie had gone to another man for comfort. His sister was growing up and growing away from him. This was as it should be, but he found little comfort in that, especially when he realized the void she would leave in his life. And then he remembered. Lizzy hadn't called him back.
He got up and went to his own room, but sleep did not come easily.
Posted on Monday, 11 February 2002
January 10
Georgie awoke early. She considered rolling over and trying to go back to sleep, but she knew she was done sleeping. She decided to fix herself a cup of tea. On the way to the kitchen, she saw light streaming out from under her brother's door. She quickly made two cups of tea.
Georgie tapped gently on Darcy's door. "Will?" She pushed the door open. Darcy was lying in bed, holding a book. She sat on the edge of the bed and offered him a cup.
"A little early to be reading, isn't it?"
"Thanks. I couldn't sleep. You?"
Georgie shrugged, "I slept, but I went to bed so early, I'm done sleeping."
"Chris told me what happened. Do you want to talk about it?"
"You already know the story, Will."
"I mean last night's installment."
"OK, we went for pizza, the four of us, I mean. And then these two idiots came in, and just invited themselves to our table, and then they told us about this girl, Maggie, and how she's the woman who was on the news, the woman who was raped. And then Pete, who is a total a**h***-" she paused for breath.
Darcy gasped and recoiled in mock horror, "Georgiana Darcy! Where did you learn such language?"
She smiled, "Well, he is." Turning serious, she added, "You see, Maggie dressed, well, flashy, I guess you'd call it. And Pete seemed to think that she invited it. Kitty threw a fit at that. She gave Pete a lecture and then we walked out. I don't know if she was truly that outraged, or she was trying to distract everyone and get me out. If it hadn't been for her, I'd have lost it in the restaurant."
Darcy smiled. "Good for Kitty."
"Then Chris got me home, and as soon as I got into the elevator where nobody could see me, I just lost it. And Chris was just so kind, and..." she sniffed. Darcy reached for the box of tissues on his bedside table. She smiled and looked at the label on the box, "Do we have stock in these guys?"
"No, so how about we cut down on using them, OK?"
Georgie nodded, "I think I'm all cried out, anyhow. Will, what am I going to say to Chris next time I see him?"
"Whatever you would have said if this hadn't happened. You don't have to let this color your relationship. If you need to talk to him about it, I'm sure he'll be willing. You can't pretend it never happened, but you don't have to dwell on it, either."
"When did you come in last night?"
"While you were in the living room. Chris sort of waved me off. I have to admit, I didn't like being unnecessary."
"Did you talk to him?"
"Yes. He explained what happened. He cares for you a great deal, Georgie. He was more concerned about your well-being than your history."
"Dr. Lucas was right. She encouraged me to tell him. She said that, if we continued to go out, sooner or later I'd have to."
"Maybe you should call Dr. Lucas and see if you can get on her calendar today?"
"No, actually, I feel OK. I think I can wait until my regular session. You know what I really want, Will?"
"What, Sweetie?"
"Breakfast. Can we go out? I don't want to wake up Mrs. R by clanging around in the kitchen."
"Sounds good. Get dressed and we'll go. I'll leave a note for Mrs. R."
Chris was still on his first cup of coffee when he heard the knock on his door.
"Sandy! I didn't expect to see you so early. Come in. Want some coffee?"
"Thanks, yes. So, how is Georgie?"
"Pretty shaken. I gather that Kitty told you?"
"Only that she was raped a year ago. I didn't think I had the right to any details. Kitty was pretty steamed at those two bozos, though. It took her two hours to come down off the walls."
"Yeah, well, I think Georgie cried for two hours. And in the midst of that, guess who came home?"
"Oh, no."
"Oh, yes. I think he figured I had done something to upset her, but he let us be. I talked to him before I left. I apologized for joking about the Inquisition. He's all right, you know?"
"Good brother-in-law material, Chris?"
"Come on, Sandy. It's way too early, you know that. We have med school, internship, residency. That's a long time. I wouldn't want people to think I married some rich girl so she could put me through school."
"You look perfect, Jane." Lizzy smiled at her sister.
"Do you think Charles will like it?"
"How could he not? That shade of blue is perfect on you. Where are you going for dinner?"
"I don't know. But I may be late."
The buzzer rang, and Lizzy buzzed Charles in. She opened the door just as Jane walked into the living room.
"You look beautiful!" said Charles.
"Thank you," said Jane softly.
"So, where are you going?" asked Lizzy in a protective tone of voice.
Charles laughed. "It's a Spanish restaurant I found recently. Does that meet with your approval, Lizzy?"
"Oh, get out of here! I have a date with some leftovers. Mustn't keep the microwave waiting!"
"Good night, Lizzy!"
Stepping out into the cold night air, Jane shivered.
"Cold?" asked Charles, wrapping an arm around her.
"Warmer now," replied Jane with a smile.
Charles flagged down a taxi and handed Jane in before getting in beside her. He gave the address of the restaurant, and sat back. They rode in silence for several blocks, then Charles spoke.
"So, is anything happening with Lizzy and Will?"
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, come on, Jane. You saw them at the end of their play. They were completely wrapped up in each other."
"Lizzy says she was just acting."
"I don't buy it. I think those two have potential, whether they see it or not."
"She hasn't said much about it. And he hasn't called since New Year's. Lizzy said she was paired with Will at the party just to make the numbers even and push Anne and Richard together. The party invitation came from Georgie, not Will.
"Anne and Richard sure are an interesting pair-but wait a minute! Back up. What was that about New Year's?"
"Apparently, Will called Lizzy by mistake on New Year's Eve, they discovered they were both alone, so they spent the evening together.
"This just keeps getting curiouser and curiouser. Oh, we're here." They got out of the taxi, and Charles paid the driver.
In the restaurant, they were shown to a quiet table and given menus.
"Do you like shellfish?" asked Charles.
"Yes, I do. Lizzy doesn't, so we don't have much at home."
"Then let me order for you, if I may?" Jane nodded, and Charles ordered paella for two. "I think you'll like this."
Charles ordered wine, and they chatted and sipped the wine while they waited for their dinner to arrive. When it did, Jane gasped at the enormous platter. Charles laughed, and served her a generous portion.
Toward the end of the meal, Charles seemed to become nervous.
"Are you all right, Charles?"
"Yes, I'm fine."
"You seem distracted."
He smiled, "It must be your blinding beauty." She shook her head, and he continued, "OK, you got me. I was wondering what we should do next. We could find a movie, or maybe rent one and go to my place? Or, if you'd like, we could watch the team tapes that I have to review?"
Jane laughed, "You want me to help you with your homework?"
"Just a thought. Actually, I do have a lot of movies on tape or DVD, maybe there will be something you want to see."
"I'd like that."
When they arrived at his apartment, Charles showed Jane the shelves of movies and excused himself to do a quick check of his e-mail. When he returned, she was reading the box for Brian's Song.
"I don't believe you have this."
He took it from her hastily, "Hey, it's a guys' chick flick, if you know what I mean. The only movie at which it is acceptable for a guy to cry. Well, OK, that and Old Yeller."
"You have an impressive collection of sports movies, Charles. Now, here's a sports movie that I liked." She pointed to Bull Durham.
"If you liked that, have you seen this?" Charles held up Tin Cup.
"No, I haven't seen it."
"Costner plays the same character, basically, but the setting is golf. Shall we try it?"
"Sure."
Charles started the movie, and they watched the first 15 minutes. They watched some of the next 15 minutes, and then were oblivious to the rest. Charles fumbled for the remote, turned off the VCR, and they walked toward his bedroom. At the door he stopped.
"Are you sure, Jane?"
"Oh, yes, Charles."
Later, as she lay in his arms, he said, "You know, I had a pretty speech planned, but I, um forgot about it."
Snuggling closer, Jane said, "Well, you could say it now."
"I don't remember all of it. But do you remember the speech Chris did where we all said 'So am I?' You know, when we did the plays at the party?"
"You mean the one about what it is to love?"
"Yes. I looked it up. Don't look surprised, Jane! Just because I write about sports, it doesn't mean I'm not literate! I'll have you know, I'm the Bard of the sports section!"
He cleared his throat and continued, "It is to be all made of fantasy, All made of passion, and all made of wishes; All adoration, um, impatience; um, I forgot the rest. Oh-and so am I for Jane."
She kissed him and said, "And so am I for Charles."
January 11
Charles was packing when his sister arrived at the apartment.
"Caro! So good of you to come to say goodbye."
"What time is your flight? And you're going to...?"
He sighed, "Playoffs. Football.'
"Oh, you mean the Superbowl!"
"Not this weekend. That's three weeks away."
"Right, I knew that. Oh, oh oh! That's right! It was on the news the other night. The Superbowl is in New Orleans, did you know that?"
Wearily, he nodded, "Yes, it was announced a while ago."
"Can you take me with you?"
"What?"
"Take me to New Orleans. It sounds like so much fun!"
"Caro, I am not going for fun, I am going for work.
Caroline looked around the room, frowning. "I went to all the trouble to decorate for you, and you don't even make the bed." She tugged on the comforter and looked up sharply. "I smell perfume."
Charles gave her a goofy smile.
"Who is she? Not that blonde nobody?"
"Jane. Her name is Jane."
"Oh, Charles, you're a celebrity, an important writer. Can't you find someone better than a little secretary at a stuffy old museum?"
"Caro, I'm a sportswriter, a minor celebrity at best. Jane is not a secretary, she's director of member services. The museum is old, but it isn't stuffy. And none of this is your business. I don't have time to get into it with you. Do you want to go to the airport with me or not?"
"Not," she pouted.
Charles escorted her to the door, gave her a perfunctory kiss and said, "I'll call you when I get back. Have a nice weekend."
He returned to his bedroom and closed his suitcase. He was about to pick it up when his gaze fell on the pillow Jane had slept on. He picked it up, inhaling her perfume. With a sign, he picked up the suitcase, grabbed his briefcase, and left his apartment.
"No dessert for me, Mrs. R. I'm stuffed," said Georgie.
"Just coffee for me," added Darcy. "I'll have it in the living room."
When Darcy and Georgie were settled in the living room, she brought up the subject of Richard.
"Do you think he has been avoiding us since the party? Is he mad at us?"
"He has been very busy with work."
"Too busy."
"He's hiding in his work."
Georgie smiled, "Something you would know about?"
Darcy smiled ruefully, "I taught him everything he knows about that."
"Seriously, I don't want him to be upset. He won't skip the party, will he?"
"Are you kidding? He may be dreading facing Anne on Sunday, but the fear of facing Aunt Catherine if he skips Uncle Lewis's birthday party is the greater factor by far."
Georgie giggled, "Big, brave Richard, who has been in more tight spots than we'll ever hear about, is afraid of his aunt."
Darcy raised his eyebrows. "Aren't we all?"
"I bet Lizzy wouldn't be afraid of her."
"Lizzy? What does she have to do with this?"
"Nothing, I was just thinking of her. She sent a nice thank-you note for the party."
"Oh?"
"Didn't you see it? It came the other day. It was addressed to me, but inside it was to both of us. It must be on my desk somewhere. I guess in all that happened, I, um, forgot to mention it."
Go find it. Go find it NOW! Darcy struggled to keep a neutral expression on his face.
"I'll go get it, if you like. She had the cutest note paper."
Georgie returned with the note. The cover of the note card said "Thank you" which was written in a dashed line. At the end of the line was a bumblebee, as if the bee had written the words. The note inside was pleasant, but said nothing unusual. As he was finishing, Georgie pointed to the signature.
"Look, she drew another little bee by her name. Except it's a funny bee. It's more like..."
"A wasp," finished Darcy.
"But it doesn't have a stinger.'
"No. It doesn't, does it?"
Georgie's phone rang at that moment, and she ran to answer it. Darcy looked at the note in his hand. Lizzy hadn't returned his call, yet she had sent a note. The note itself was a proper sort of thank-you note. But had she chosen the card with the bee on purpose? And the stingless wasp must have been there for his benefit. But what did it mean?
Posted on Monday, 11 February 2002
January 13
Darcy finished reading Charles's column in the New York Times, and went to Georgie's room.
"Are you about ready?"
"Two minutes. Is Richard here? He's usually early for everything."
"No. I'll go check on him and be back in two minutes."
"Wellll, maybe you could take three or four."
Chuckling, Darcy went to the door of his cousin's apartment and knocked.
"What?"
"It's time, Richard. You ready?"
Richard opened the door. He was mostly dressed, but he lacked a tie. He frowned at the half-dozen ties he held in one hand.
"Which one?"
"They're all fine."
"I don't know," Richard disappeared into his bedroom. Darcy followed him and leaned on the doorframe.
"I don't think Uncle Lewis cares which tie you wear."
Richard glared at Darcy, but said nothing. Finally, Darcy took pity on his cousin and selected a tie.
"That one."
"You sure?"
"Yes, it's perfect with your eyes. Hurry up."
That remark was met with another glare, but Richard picked up the chosen tie and put it on. He picked up his jacket and joined Darcy, who had gone to wait in the foyer.
Georgie came out of the Darcy apartment and smiled at Richard.
"Nice tie."
Richard grumbled.
"What did I say?"
"Let it go, Sweetie," whispered Darcy.
To please her father on his birthday, Anne had decided to forgo the usual black outfit. She had planned to wear the white star sweater that she had worn at Christmastime. But her mother's pearls wouldn't look good on that, and she suddenly needed the feeling of security they gave her.
Pushing aside the dark clothing that was her trademark, Anne looked at the items in the back of her closet. She pulled out a pink silk blouse that she had bought in a moment of weakness. The tag was still on it. She stood in front of the mirror and held up the blouse and the pearls to see how she liked the combination. Still not sure, she decided to try them on with a gray skirt she had pulled out earlier.
She turned around in front of the full-length mirror. Everything fit fine. She frowned at her reflection. God, I look pale. How come it looks striking against black, but deathly next to pink? Or maybe I only think it looks striking. Maybe I always look like death warmed over?
She sat at her dressing table and looked at her meager collection of makeup. She had often laughed at Georgie's heap of little plastic boxes. Georgie loved to buy makeup. She didn't wear much, but she liked having options available. Anne sighed. Not many options here. She applied some lipstick, which helped a bit. Her blush was such a pale shade, it made almost no difference.
The maid knocked on her door, "Miss Anne? Your mother asked me to tell you that the guests are arriving."
"Thank you. Tell her I'll be right down." Anne stood up and started toward the door. It's just going to have to do! Then she ran back to the mirror and pinched her cheeks to make them pinker. I do not believe this, she thought. I'm acting like the heroine of some Regency novel. And it isn't like he'll even notice.
She strode out of her room. And I'm not doing this for anyone special, anyway!
Anne reached the bottom of the stairs in time to be greeted by her Uncle Matt and Aunt Sue. Anne wriggled out of her uncle's bear hug and was enveloped by her aunt's more gentle embrace.
"You look lovely, Anne," whispered Sue Fitzwilliam.
"I am displeased that Mark is ill," Catherine deBourgh said. "So inconvenient to be ill."
Unsure whether the inconvenience Catherine referred to was her own or Mark's, Sue just nodded.
Darcy, Georgie, and Richard arrived. Greetings were repeated, and Mark's case of the flu received another round of comments.
Georgie hugged Anne, and whispered, "Pink! Nice!
"You don't think it makes me look pale?" whispered Anne.
"You're fine." As Georgie turned away from her cousin, she smiled at her brother.
Everyone moved into the living room except Anne and Richard.
"So, did you dress like a girl to please your father on his birthday?" As soon as he said it, Richard realized that his attempt at a light-hearted compliment had failed miserably.
"At least he appreciates the effort!" She left him standing in the foyer trying to remove his foot from his mouth.
When Richard entered the living room, the only seat available was far from where Anne had squeezed herself next to Georgie and Darcy on a sofa. Richard had to ask Lewis to repeat a question twice before he heard it. As he conversed with his uncle, Richard noticed that Anne didn't look at him once.
Georgie was dying to know what had happened in the minute that Anne and Richard had been alone. She could feel the tension in Anne. What could have gone wrong in a minute? On her other side, Darcy was no help. He was on the receiving end of one of Catherine's lectures. Georgie was still trying to think of something to do or say when dinner was announced.
When they went in to dinner, Georgie was disappointed to see that Anne was seated by Darcy. Georgie and Richard were at the other end of the table. From her seat, Georgie could see Catherine smiling at Darcy and Anne. Sue kept looking from Anne to Richard and back again. Anne never looked in Richard's direction, although he looked at her quite often. Neither Anne nor Richard had much to say during dinner. Matt and Lewis didn't notice that anything was amiss.
"William, did you receive a copy of the letter from that fellow at the museum? What's his name? Wester?"
"Weston?" asked Georgie. "Dr. Frank Weston?"
"That's the one."
"Yes, Uncle Matt. Kathy sent me a copy, too."
"What is this about, Will?" asked Georgie.
"The Foundation gave the museum a grant. It's for an exhibit on desertification."
"Whatever that is," said Matt, with a smile.
"It means the development of desert environments from land that was previously arable. That means farmable," explained Georgie.
"Why anyone would want to make more deserts is a mystery to me," continued Matt.
"That's just the point. It's a serious problem. We don't want to convert good land to desert," said Georgie. Then seeing her uncle's grin, she said quietly, "But you knew that already."
"Sorry, my dear," he chuckled. "My, my, but you are the picture of your mother when you get worked up like that."
Georgie blushed and looked down. Richard squeezed her hand.
"Don't mind Dad. As the oldest member of the family, he thinks it's his duty to torture the next generation."
"But another member of the family is catching up with me," declared Matt as Lewis's birthday cake was carried in. "Lewis, did you take out a rider on your fire insurance to cover this?"
Lewis deBourgh laughed heartily. "I'm sure the cook is in the hallway, just out of sight, holding a fire extinguisher."
After the candles were blown out and the cake consumed, the family moved back to the living room. Darcy lingered behind with Anne, keeping her there so that Richard could talk to her. Sensing what Darcy was doing, Georgie delayed Richard. Somehow, Georgie and Darcy slipped out together, leaving Anne and Richard in the dining room.
"Anne," he began.
"Don't."
"Don't what?"
"Don't start, OK?
"But I only meant that you look nice, and I thought it was sweet that you changed from your usual black for your father."
"Yeah, I dressed like a girl," she spat. "I don't suppose it ever occurred to you-oh, just forget it."
For the second time that day, Richard was left standing all alone, trying to figure out what had gone wrong and how to fix it.
January 14
Jane knocked on the frame of Lizzy's open door.
"Jane! Hi! Have you heard from Charles today?"
"No, he isn't back yet. I wanted to show you something." She held out a sheet of paper.
"What's this?" asked Lizzy.
"It's a list of members who have made large donations. Development acknowledges all donations, but they send me a list so that Membership can also say thank you."
Lizzy scanned the list. A third of the way down, she stopped.
"Hmm. In honor of Georgie."
"Yes, apparently it was a Christmas gift."
"Gee, we give sweaters and scarves and comforters. He gives his sister a whole diorama. The rich are different from you and me, Jane. They have a ton of money."
"I checked out the Pemberley Foundation when I talked to Sarah in Development. The contact name is familiar."
"Who?"
"Sarah says that the senior member of their Board is a Matthew Fitzwilliam. Do you think it's a relative of Richard Fitzwilliam?"
"Georgie mentioned an Uncle Matt, so it could be. Wow. I wonder if Richard campaigned for his father's foundation to do that?"
"I don't know. Maybe Frank knows more. Well, break time is over for me. I have a bunch of letters to write." Taking the list with her, Jane left Lizzy's office."
Lizzy reached for her Rolodex to look up a phone number.
Darcy returned to his desk and found a stack of messages waiting for him. Very few needed immediate attention, so he decided to get one in particular out of the way.
"Caroline Bingley."
"Hello, Ms Bingley. This is Will Darcy. You said the foyer mirror is in?"
"Yes, it finally arrived. I do think it will look good there. May I deliver it this evening?"
"Actually, I have an engagement this evening," he lied. "Could you deliver it about 5:30? I won't have to go out until about 6."
"Perhaps tomorrow?"
He admired her persistence, but wasn't about to give in. "Actually, my schedule is jammed all week. This afternoon is the best time."
"All right, see you at 5:30, then."
Right on the dot of 5: 30, Caroline Bingley stepped off the penthouse elevator. Depositing a large package in the foyer, she rang the bell. Darcy answered the door.
"Oh, Mr. Darcy! How lovely to see you again."
"Hello, Ms Bingley."
"Please, call me Caroline. After all, I know your apartment as well as you do."
Trying not to cringe, he smiled and pointed to the package. "Is that it?"
"Yes, shall we unveil it?"
Darcy pulled the heavy brown paper off the mirror. Inspecting it, he nodded. "They did a good job."
"Yes, they are slow, but they do an excellent restoration job. Shall we put it up?"
Darcy nodded and lifted the mirror onto the hook on the wall. Caroline reached up and straightened it ever so slightly. She smiled up at him. Accepting the fact that she wasn't going to leave at this point, Darcy invited her in for something to drink.
"I'm sorry it has to be so quick, but as I told you earlier, I have an engagement this evening. What can I get you?"
She asked for Scotch, and he noticed that there was no ice.
"Sorry, housekeeper's afternoon off, and she didn't expect a guest. I'll just get some ice from the kitchen."
Just then his fax machine beeped. Caroline smiled.
"I'll get the ice. I know where the kitchen is, remember."
After plunking a few ice cubes into her glass, Caroline noticed that the answering machine was blinking. Nosiness got the better of her, and she turned down the volume knob and pressed "play."
BEEP. "Hi, Will. It's Lizzy Bennet. I just saw the December donor list and I wanted to say thank you for the kind donation. What a lovely gift for both your sister and the museum! And thanks again for the other night. It was a great party. I'm curious, what is happening with Richard and Anne? Georgie didn't have much to say, so I'm hoping you know more. Bye!"
He had a party and he invited that tramp? And he didn't invite me? Scowling, Caroline hit the "delete" button. So there, Miss Lizzy Bennet!
Caroline returned to the living room, smiling as she walked through the elegant apartment. Conveniently forgetting that most of the decisions about furnishing the apartment had been Darcy's-he had emphatically overruled many of her suggestions-she admired what she thought of as her handiwork.
In the living room, Caroline indulged herself in the fantasy that she was the mistress of this lovely home. She ran a finger lightly over a table. Not a speck of dust. She smiled and nodded, as if approving the work of the efficient housekeeper. She sat on a sofa, rearranged the throw pillows, and leaned back. The room was becoming dark as the sun set, and Caroline relaxed in the dim light.
She pictured Darcy sitting in the armchair next to the sofa. She smiled at him-at the empty chair, really-slipped off her shoes, and tucked her feet under her. She could imagine evenings spent like this, soft music playing, he reading the Wall Street Journal, she reading an important new work of fiction, which all of her rich and cultured friends would be talking about at elegant dinner parties. Mmmm, life certainly would be good.
The daydream was rudely interrupted by a female voice.
"Will? I'm home!"
Hmph! Isn't she old enough to have a place of her own by now?
As she passed the living room, Georgie saw a woman sitting on the sofa. In the dim light, she made what she thought was an obvious deduction.
"Lizzy! I didn't know-oh..."
What IS it with these cursed Bennet women? Caroline turned on her most saccharine smile, "Hello Georgiana, dear. How are you?"
Rats! Wrong brunette. What is SHE doing here? "I'm fine. Where's Will?"
"He had a very important fax to answer, and asked me to wait for him."
"Oh." Georgie had no idea what to say next, but her brother's arrival saved her the trouble of thinking of something.
"I am so sorry, Miss Bingley. I do apologize." Turning to Georgie, he smiled, "Hello, Sweetie. Did you see the mirror in the foyer? Come, let us show you."
While Caroline scrambled to slip her feet into her shoes, Darcy picked up Caroline's coat and briefcase, and led his sister to the foyer. "Help me get her out of here," he whispered. "I have an engagement at 6."
"You do? I don't remember-"
"I do now!" he whispered firmly. Then in a normal voice, he added, "Don't you think they did an excellent job? This mirror belonged to your great-grandmother Darcy, you know."
"Yes, it does look like new." Turning to Caroline, Georgie pushed the elevator button and added, "Miss Bingley, I must join my brother in thanking you for finding such a competent restorer, and then for taking the time to deliver the mirror. It was very kind of you."
The elevator doors opened. Recognizing that the visit was at an end, Caroline allowed Darcy to help her into her coat. He shook her hand, repeated his thanks, and smiled until the elevator doors closed.
Once inside the apartment, Darcy stared at his sister. "Wow! Who are you and what have you done with my sweet little sister? That was an impressive dismissal."
"Oh, Will, was I rude?" Georgie asked timidly.
Darcy hugged her and laughed, "Now this Georgie I recognize." Holding her at arms length, he added, "You handled her perfectly; you were firm but gracious. Where did you learn to do that?"
"Do you really want to know?"
He nodded.
"I pretended I was Aunt Catherine."
Rendered speechless by laughter, Darcy collapsed into a chair. By the time he recovered, Georgie had gone to her room. He thought about the changes in his sister. For years, the main influences in her life had been himself, Mrs. Reynolds, and her teachers. They had taught Georgie to behave like a lady. But in these last six months, interactions with Anne, Lizzy, Jane, and even Aunt Catherine had taught her things he never could have. Dr. Lucas had predicted that a change in venue would allow Georgie to blossom, but Darcy never expected it to happen so quickly or so completely.
Once again picturing his sister's deft handling of Caroline Bingley, he chuckled to himself. And I thought Lizzy could be a handful! Remembering Lizzy, he got up and walked to the kitchen to check the answering machine. Maybe she had returned his call today.
Lizzy entered the apartment alone. Jane was meeting Charles for dinner. I wonder if she'll be home for breakfast? mused Lizzy.
Lizzy would never begrudge her sister happiness, but she had to admit that she was envious. Charles was terrific-attentive, kind, always willing to invite Lizzy along, even when she knew he wanted to be alone with Jane. Charles was definitely a "keeper."
Of course, now that their time alone had progressed to a more intimate relationship, Lizzy knew that she was less likely to be invited to join them for dinner. With a sigh, she pulled out the folder of take-out menus. The blink of her answering machine caught her eye. Had he called?
She pushed "play" more eagerly than she would have been willing to admit.
BEEP. "Hey you two, it's Charlotte. I'm back from my convention. How about dinner tonight or tomorrow night? Call me!"
Lizzy hit the "delete" button and reached for the telephone.
"Lucas."
"Hello, Char, it's Lizzy. How was the trip?"
"Great! It's about my only chance to see old school friends, with my practice being so busy. It was a nice break."
"I'm glad you had a good time. Jane is out tonight with Charles, and I'm on my own for supper. I was just looking at a Chinese take-out menu. What do you think?"
"Great! You call and order-you know I'll eat anything you choose. Give them my number. I'll start a pot of tea, so come up whenever you're ready."
Lizzy ordered dinner. When she hung up, her hand rested on the telephone for a moment. No. Give him time. Maybe he'll call later.
Will marveled at Mrs. Reynolds's ability to walk into the apartment at 6:30 after her afternoon off and have dinner on the table at 7:00. He had no idea that his taste in simple foods made him an ideal employer. Except when he was having company, his demands on her culinary skills were minimal-not that she was going to tell him that.
"Great dinner, as usual. Is there anything for dessert?"
"Now, Mr. Darcy, you know that I always stop at the bakery on my way home from my bridge afternoon. I bought Napoleons this time."
"Ooh, lovely!" cried Georgie.
Mrs. Reynolds brought in coffee and dessert, and returned to the kitchen.
Darcy smiled, "You know, Sweetie, we're probably the only people in the city who look forward to their housekeeper's afternoon off! These are outstanding!"
"I gather than Miss Bingley tried to invite herself to stay a while longer?"
"Yes, and with both you and Mrs. R out, I was quite defenseless. Thank goodness for the fax that came in. It gave me a few minutes to hide in my study." Eager to change the subject, he added, "You sounded quite chipper when you came in. Were you at the museum today?"
"Just for a while. A bunch of the volunteers got together to go over the schedule for the coming weeks. Now that we're going back to classes, Lizzy has to get our new schedules and sort out who's doing what."
Trying to sound casual, he asked, "Oh, how is Lizzy?"
"Haven't you spoken to her lately?"
"I called her, but she didn't call back. I guess she has been busy, um, with schedules and all." He did his best to sound unconcerned.
"Good Lord, Lizzy!" cried Charlotte, as she opened the bags. "We aren't feeding an army, you know!"
"I always order too much. But it makes good leftovers."
"Planning ahead in case Jane is out tomorrow night, too?"
"Don't get me wrong, Char, I love Jane to bits, and I think Charles is perfect for her. But it does leave me on my own more than I've been used to lately."
"Nobody on the horizon for you, then?" Aware of Georgie's master plan for her brother, Charlotte tried to make the question sound casual.
"No. Um, well, I had hoped..."
"Anyone I've met?"
"Um..." Lizzy reached for the telephone. "Let me check my machine."
Charlotte watched as Lizzy dialed her home number and then punched in her code. Frowning, She put the receiver down.
"He didn't call?"
"I hate having a shrink for a friend! You're way too perceptive."
"No, Lizzy. You're way too obvious. I ask if there's anyone, and you check your machine. It doesn't take years of training to figure out that you're hoping for him to call, whoever he is. If you want to talk about it..."
"It's awkward."
"It's OK if you don't want to talk about it. But I have to say this, Lizzy. If he's married..."
"No! It isn't that kind of awkward. Really, Charlotte! As if I would get involved with someone else's husband!"
"Calm down, Lizzy. You said it was awkward, and you sounded evasive."
"If you must know, it's awkward because of your relationship with him."
"My relationship? Lizzy, you couldn't possibly know-" Thinking of the previous weekend, Charlotte blushed. Lizzy, preoccupied with her own ethical dilemma didn't notice.
"Your professional relationship. It's Georgie's brother."
"Oh? I didn't think you liked him."
"Well, I didn't at first, but then we became friends through Georgie. They had a party, and I was invited to be his date. Well, not exactly a date, but they needed even numbers to match up their cousins. It gets complicated. Long story short, I thought he might call, but he didn't."
"You could call him, Lizzy. It's the Twenty-First Century, after all."
"I did call him, Char. I found out that he made a big donation to the museum as a present for Georgie, and so I called to say thanks. I also inquired about the cousins, which might give him a reason to call back. But so far he hasn't."
"How long ago did you call him?"
"This afternoon."
Charlotte, who knew all about the party from Georgie, smiled, "Give the guy a little time, Lizzy." It's working, Georgie. I wouldn't have believed it, but it's working."
"I'm so glad to be home."
Jane snuggled closer to Charles and murmured, "Mmm, I'm glad you're home, too."
"Jane?"
"What?"
"Last week, my sister tried to talk me into taking her to the Superbowl so that she could see New Orleans. Well, obviously, I'm not going to do that. But it got me thinking."
"About what?"
"Well, can you, um, that is, would you be interested, um, will you come with me?"
"To the Superbowl?"
"Not the game, no. I have to work and I don't think I could get you a ticket. I have to go early, but I thought if you flew in later, we could spend a few days together after the game. You wouldn't mind hanging out with the other Widows, would you?"
"Widows?"
"Football Widows. That's what Ginny and some of the others call themselves. Some of the guys bring their wives. You met them at New Year's, remember? Pete said that Ginny said that you would be welcome to join their Superbowl party."
"I don't know. I'll have to see about getting a few days off from work. But I probably can, if you want me to."
"Yes, I do. You can stay with me. I'll have to see what flights are available. The best time may be that morning. But if you can come down a day or two early, the Widows would enjoy taking you on their initiation rite."
"Initiation?" asked Jane, imagining a sorority hazing.
"They call it the Widows' Revenge. They take a day before the game, while the husbands are busy with interviews and game tapes and all, and they shop till they drop. I think it's mostly Ginny's doing."
Jane laughed, "I like Ginny. She reminds me of Lizzy."
"So you'll come?"
"You check flights, I'll check my work schedule, and then we'll see. Deal?"
"Deal!" replied Charles, sealing the bargain with a kiss.
Posted on Monday, 11 February 2002
January 18
Georgie, Chris, and Sandy were waiting for Kitty to join them for lunch. Classes were in full swing, and although none of them would admit it, they were all glad to be back.
"Come on, Chris, try!" whined Georgie.
"I do not sound the least bit like your brother, it won't work."
"Sandy?"
"Oh, please, I sound even less like him than Chris does. Can't your cousin do it?"
"He's out of town again. And he's been kind of cranky since Twelfth Night. And then something happened between Richard and Anne at my uncle's birthday party, so we've been leaving Richard alone until he calms down." She sighed. "OK, then, what about Lizzy? Who can do Lizzy?"
"Forget it, Georgie, we have to think of something else," said Sandy. "Leaving a message only works if you can get the voice perfect."
"Well, then, what?"
"I don't know. Here's Kitty. Maybe she can think of something."
Kitty dropped her books and the table and exclaimed, "It's going to snow tomorrow, can you believe it?"
"I heard. Only an inch or two, though," replied Chris.
"Still, it's something. I've been dying for a good snowstorm."
"Three inches does not a snowstorm make."
Kitty stuck her tongue out at the disbelievers, "Maybe they're wrong and it will be more."
"You know, if you guys want snow, you should come Upstate with me some weekend," suggested Chris. "We could ski. My parents' house isn't far from Hunter."
"I haven't skied in a while, but I'd love to go," replied Georgie.
"Me, too," added Kitty. "Sandy, what about you?"
"Can you guys teach me?" asked Sandy.
"Sure!" laughed Chris. "And don't worry, Dad's best friend is an excellent orthopedist."
January 19
"Hello?"
"Hi Georgie. Just called to whine."
"What's wrong, Kitty?"
"The snow! Or lack thereof. I am gonna take such grief from the guys tonight!"
"That will teach you to ignore the Weather Channel. They see all, they know all."
"Hmph!" huffed Kitty. "I had hoped for some sympathy from my best friend."
"Sorry. Anyhow, you should just take your lumps tonight. We talked the guys into 'Gosford Park.' They'll want to get even somehow. See you tonight!"
Richard stared out the window of his hotel room in Punxatawney. He had wrapped up the advance details and made great strides in breaking in Michael, who was new to the team.
"Still snowing, Rich?" asked Michael.
"Ha ha."
"What's the big deal?"
"I want to go home."
"Come on, Rich, what's with the homebody thing? I heard that you love to travel."
"I used to travel to exciting places all over the globe. Now I'm in western Pennsylvania. No offense to Pennsylvania, but it's hardly Paris.
"So we hole up in the hotel for another day. Aren't there some games on tomorrow? We can watch the tube, drink some brews, not bad."
Richard pointed at the television in his room. "Do you know how much bigger the one I have at home is?"
"Sorry. Well, I grew up in Florida, so snow is still exciting for me. I'm going out for a walk. If you'd like to join me?"
"Ha ha."
"Right, see you later, Rich."
Once he was alone, Richard flopped onto the bed and thought about the past two weeks. Anne hadn't been this hostile since she was thirteen and he had ignored her for an entire week. Now he definitely wasn't ignoring her and she was hostile. He sighed. So which of us is the crazy one?
He had always teased Anne. Thinking back, he realized that he had been pretty merciless. But he thought she could take it. Hell, she'd usually given as good as she got. Or better. When had things changed between them? And why was she so mad when he said she had dressed "like a girl?"
He tried to take a nap, but sleep evaded him. He hadn't told anyone. He was too embarrassed. That way, if she rejected him nobody would know. He had a reputation for success with women. He'd never live it down if he struck out with his old-maid cousin.
Old maid. At the party, Georgie Knightly had avoided that term in his narration about Beatrice. Good thing, too. That would have set off on a feminist rant, for sure. Unmarried men are called bachelors, but unmarried women are called old maids. Well, unless they're-not that there's anything wrong with that, he told himself. Unless you're in love with her and she's-"
He picked up the phone and dialed his cousin's number.
"Darcy residence."
"Hello, Mrs. R. It's Richard. Is Darce there?"
"Yes he is."
Richard waited while Mrs. Reynolds got Darcy on the line.
"Richard! How's the rodent patrol?"
Richard groaned, "Why am I surrounded by comedians?"
"Sorry, couldn't resist. What's up?"
"It's snowing and I'll be here another day. I'm bored. Michael is a nice kid, but he's so enthusiastic about everything. He makes me feel old and tired."
"Oh. Anything else wrong?"
"Actually, yeah. It's Anne."
"Anne?"
"Yes. She's been pissed off at me since your stupid Shakespeare party."
"I don't think she's-"
"Well, she lit into me first thing at Uncle Lewis's birthday. And all I did was try to say something nice."
"What did you say?"
"I complimented her on her outfit. It was nice to see her dress like a girl."
"You used the phrase 'dress like a girl' to Anne? Are you crazy?"
"No. Maybe. I don't know. Anyhow what's wrong with that? She is a girl, well, woman."
"Ah, that could be the problem. She hasn't been a little girl for some time. She probably found the remark condescending."
"You think? I was wondering if maybe it was the whole feminine gender thing."
"What?"
"Darce, do you think, um, that is, could she...?"
"Could who what, Richard?"
"Well, think about it. Anne has never had a serious boyfriend, you know?"
Darcy had no idea where the conversation was going. "And? Richard, you've never had a serious girlfriend."
"Maybe so, but I've had a few not-so-serious girlfriends."
Darcy sighed, "A few?"
"OK, several. But I don't think that Anne has had any not-so-serious boyfriends. I can't even remember her going out on dates."
"You haven't been around a lot, Richard. How would you know?"
"Well, yeah, but still..." He took a deep breath. "Darce, do you think Anne is gay?"
Silence.
"Darce? Oh, God, she IS, isn't she?"
At the other end, Darcy was still trying to stifle his laughter. "No, Richard, I'm sure she isn't. Why are you worried about this?"
"Oh, um, she's my cousin, after all, and I just wanted to know why she was so upset, and I thought, well, you know, and, um..."
"Richard, I'm sitting here with financials all over my desk, having a conversation with you about our cousin's sexual orientation. My life is pretty pathetic as it is. Don't make it worse, all right? Anne is not gay."
"Are you sure?"
"Call me when you get home. Better yet, call HER. Goodbye, Richie."
Darcy hung up before Richard could respond to the name Anne had always used to irritate him.