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Posted on Sunday, 29 September 2002
May 23
Chris was waiting on the sidewalk when Georgie pulled in front of his building.
"Hey! Why don't you have the top down?"
"Too windy on the Thruway. We can drive around with the top down when we get onto the back roads. Do you have everything you need?"
"Yes ma'am! Let's get going!"
"Okay! Remember, you're navigating. I know in general where we're headed, but you know the best route out of the city, right?"
Once they were out of the city and on the highway, Chris turned on the CD player and they sang along with the music. When they reached the entry tollbooths, Georgie pulled over to the right and took the exit.
"Hey! You're in the wrong lane!"
"No I'm not. My Easypass gizmo didn't arrive yet, so I have to pay the toll in cash."
"But this is the Harriman exit. You want to stay on the Thruway."
Georgie smiled at the toll taker and drove on.
"Georgie? Where are we going? Oh nooooo," he wailed when he saw the huge shopping complex.. "Georgie! Not a mall."
"Not just a mall. A great outlet mall. They have all kinds of designer stores here. Lizzy and Jane said it's great." Georgie pulled into a parking lot and turned off the car. "Just a couple of stores, Chris. It won't take all day."
"I am not holding your purse while you try on clothes."
"You could browse in some of the men's stores."
"I don't need anything."
"What does that have to do with shopping?"
"Simple. You need something, you buy it. You don't need anything, you don't go shopping."
"You really believe that?"
"All men do, honey."
"Hmm, interesting philosophy. But why don't you give this a try? I promise to shop Anne-style."
"What's that?"
"A fast look, quick try-on if you're not sure of the fit, and then instant decisions. No waffling, no wasting of time. Come on."
True to her word, Georgie was amazingly efficient. They toured Waterford/Wedgwood, hoping for ideas for engagement gifts. They tried a few other "dish places," as Chris called them, but couldn't find inspiration. Georgie took Chris to Harry and David, where he amused himself by trying everything they had out for tasting, while Georgie bought Darcy's favorite California mustard and a few jars of jam.
Impressed with how quickly Georgie had been shopping, Chris relented and agreed not to complain if she tried on "a few things" at Delia. She took an armload of clothing into the dressing room and returned very quickly with two sets of clothes. One set she hung on a rod. The rest she carried to the cash register.
"I'll take these," she said to the girl, handing over her credit card.
"Are we done?" asked Chris as he held the door for her.
"Yeah. I hit the stores I most needed-okay, wanted to go to. Thanks for being patient."
"I'll collect my thanks later."
"Works for me!" she laughed.
On the walk back to the car, Georgie sighed longingly every time they passed a shoe store.
"Georgie," Chris said, "I have seen your closet. I don't know that you needed that adorable skirt and to-die-for top, but I am certain that you don't need any more shoes."
"Welllll, not need, exactly," she said giving him a wistful smile. Ten minutes later, she had two new pairs of sandals.
Once they were back on the Thruway, Georgie reached over and poked Chris in the arm. "Hey, that wasn't so bad, was it?"
"No comment."
"Next time I go there, I'll take Kitty. Women are just better at shopping. How much farther?"
"Just a few more exits. We should be there in time for lunch. Let me call Mom and give her an ETA. Uh, before I do that, are there any more little excursions planned for today?"
"No! Don't be so smart. Just call your mother."
Once they left the highway, They put the top down on the convertible. Georgie looked in the back seat to make sure there was nothing loose that would blow away.
"Mmm, this is the life. I love convertibles. My hair will be a mess when we get to your house, but it's worth it."
"You look beautiful with the wind in your hair. Turn here."
Georgie slowed down as the road began to wind. She recognized the house and turned into the drive. She had barely turned off the car when the door opened and Belle bounded out. Chris ran to greet his dog while Georgie walked over to his mother.
Mrs. Carter sighed, "I'm always the second one he says hello to."
Chris kissed his mother. "Hi, Mom. Hey, I don't see Belle that often, and I can talk to you on the phone. You never put her on, so I don't get to talk to her."
Shaking her head, Mrs. Carter said, "A boy and his dog, what are you going to do? You're right on time. Lunch will be ready whenever you are. Chris, why don't you unload the car while Georgie and I visit a bit."
"Oh, I have to help with that," said Georgie. "We went to the outlets, and I'll have to juggle a few packages."
"You got him to go shopping?"
"It's not as if I had a choice, Mom. She was driving, so I was captive."
Georgie and Chris carried their suitcases into the house, and Mrs. Carter walked up the stairs with them.
"Georgie, your room is there, the same one you were in last time. Chris, you know where your room is."
Chris watched as Georgie disappeared into Megan's old room. "Mom!" he whined softly.
"And do I need to remind you, Christopher? The floor boards in the hallway creak."
"Ha! Mom, I hate to tell you this, but I've had those floorboards memorized for years. How do you think I managed to sneak in late at night after team parties?"
"What makes you think I didn't know? Mothers know everything, Chris."
"What else can I do to help?" Lizzy stood in her aunt's apartment surveying the party preparations.
"Nothing, dear." We've rearranged the furniture to clear some space, and your uncle will tend bar over there. The food won't be here for hours, so let's have lunch. They sat down to iced tea and chicken salad.
"Mmm, Aunt Maddie, you make the best chicken salad. It's almost a Waldorf salad. You have to give me the recipe."
"You're getting into this cooking thing, aren't you?"
"Yes, although the sad thing is, now that I like cooking, I won't need to because of Mrs. R. She's a good sport about letting me play in her kitchen, so I'll probably do some of the cooking."
"She seems very nice. How lucky Will was to have someone like that in his life when he lost his parents. And it's clear that she is delighted with you. At Georgie's party the other night, she told me that she couldn't imagine anyone better for Will."
Lizzy smiled at the thought of her fiancé.
Maddie laughed, "If you could see how lovestruck you look! Have you thought about a date?"
"No. We did decide on an engagement party. We're having it out on the Island, and doing a joint party with Richard and Anne. It will probably get bigger than Jane's party. I feel kind of bad, organizing something fairly modest for her while I'll have a huge party."
"Jane will be pleased with this. You are marrying into wealth and society, Lizzy. Things are done in a big way."
"I know. I'm sort of dreading my own wedding, isn't that awful? I'm sure we'll have to invite people because they're supposed to be invited, not because we really want them there."
"Every bride has to put up with at least a few of those, usually objectionable uncles."
"Well, my uncle is definitely not objectionable. I'm thinking of socially prominent people and like that. Oh, I shouldn't sound so ungrateful. Will did offer to pay for it."
"Really?"
"Yes. Dad has Jane's wedding to pay for, and as Will pointed out, Mary's tuition, too. And if Will pays for it, Mom will have less control, and I think he's hoping that it will keep me sane. He says that I should have exactly what I want for my wedding, although if it were up to him, we'd elope."
"He certainly is eager."
"Yes. To keep him from whining about eloping I've agreed to move in. I mean, well, we're, um..."
"Yes, Lizzy, I assumed as much."
"So we decided I'd just stay there permanently. I haven't told Mom about that yet."
"I think she'll understand. After all, Jane and Charles went on a cruise together. Your mother can't think that they had separate cabins."
"That's true. And now that I'm engaged, she probably won't fuss at me about living with him."
Jane and Charles stood near the door, greeting guests as they arrived. Across the room, Louisa and Lizzy were keeping an eye on the party.
"Look how happy they are," said Louisa. "I wish Caroline could see that."
"She definitely isn't coming, then?"
"No. She's still sulking. Mostly I think she feels sorry for herself. All these engagements and she's still single. She sets her sights on an impossible goal and then is disappointed when it doesn't happen. When I got married and moved to California, I was of no use to her. Since we've been back, she has confided in me more. But I know she's unhappy that I can't introduce her to any rich men. We do get some wealthy guests at our hotel, but I can hardly offer my sister on the list of things the concierge can supply for guests!"
"No, I imagine not. Your job wouldn't be worth much if you did that. Oops, I have to do an intervention. See the teenager in the red dress?"
"Yes."
"My youngest sister. I have to separate her from the champagne glass she's holding."
Lizzy made her way across the room and stood next to Lydia. Before she could say anything, Lydia held up the glass.
"It's Sprite, don't worry. Uncle Ed thought it would be nice if I had it in a pretty glass."
"Don't go trying to get something different for a refill."
"No way, Lizzy. I went to a party the other week, and I had one drink. My body was, like, whoa, don't do that again. I was almost sick from one drink. Not even one. I didn't finish it."
"Getting excruciatingly drunk can do that to you. I have a friend who'll never touch scotch again for much the same reason. By the time you're old enough to drink legally you'll probably be over most of the revulsion. By the way, isn't that your Sylvia dress?"
"Yeah. It wasn't a rented costume. Mom made it for me, so I got to keep it."
"It looks good on you. A bit short, perhaps, but pretty."
"Geez, that's what Dad said. You two have this, like, psycho thing going."
"I think you mean psychic, Lydia," said Mary as she joined her sisters.
"Whatever." Lydia wandered off in search of more interesting conversation.
"She's right, though," said Mary, "About the connection with Dad. He always seems to know what you're thinking."
"Yes, I know. I was telling Will just the other day that Dad could always read me. And I know you're probably envious that I was Dad's favorite, but you're his girl, too."
"I know. We're Dad's girls and Lydia and Jane are Mom's."
Lizzy gave her sister a hug, "Here's to Daddy's two bookworms. Although, I must say, Miss Bookworm, you have certainly crawled out of your binding. You look terrific. California has been good for you."
"I love it. The climate is great, and there's good fresh produce year-round. My roommate is into organic foods, and I've learned a lot about healthy eating from her."
"What? No hollandaise? No sauce béchamel?"
Mary giggled, "Just plain steamed veggies. Claire's over the top about the organic thing. She keeps extolling the virtues of stuff that's 'all natural.' I told her that, just because it comes from nature, doesn't mean it's healthy. I mean, curare is 'natural' and it's a lethal poison." Mary held her fist to her mouth and mimicked blowing through a blowgun.
Lizzy laughed, "Did you come up with that curare comment, or is that Peter?"
"Peter. How did you know?"
"Something about the way you did that reminded me of him. It's a sign-"
"Don't start. Mom has been bad enough!"
"Oh, no, I just meant it's a sign that you must spend a lot of time together when you have similar gestures or expressions. I have no intention of pushing you. Remember, Bennet girls stand their ground."
"I feel as if I'm at a NOW meeting," said Darcy as he slipped his arm around Lizzy's waist. "Hello, Mary, you look lovely this evening. Has Peter gone home?"
"Thank you. Yes, he left a few days ago."
"I hope he visits again. I like him. I understand that you met at a Dean's List function?"
"That's right."
"Dean's List, I'm impressed. Lizzy, did you ever make Dean's List?"
"Yes, twice. Mary's going to go eight for eight, right, Mary?"
Mary sighed, "From your lips to God's ear. I'll see you later. I want to go talk to Amy."
Darcy and Lizzy watched as Mary greeted her cousin.
"Who's that?" asked Darcy.
"Amy Gardiner, my cousin."
"She was the little girl in that picture your uncle has."
"That's right. Mary and I baby-sat her that summer."
"She's the image of her mother."
Lizzy smiled, "Yes, she is. Come on, let's see how the happy couple are doing." They moved to where Jane and Charles were standing.
"Lizzy!" Jane cried, "Thank you so much for doing this party."
"I didn't do it all. Louisa and Aunt Maddie did a lot of the work."
"I'm sorry that Caroline wasn't more cooperative," said Charles.
Lizzy shook her head. "Please, Charles, don't worry about it. I'm sorry for your sakes that she didn't want to come to this celebration, but Louisa has made up for that. She knows you're happy, and that's enough for her."
"Thanks for understanding, Lizzy. Oh, here are some people I want you to meet. Pete, Ginny, this is Lizzy and her fiancé Will." He turned to Lizzy and Darcy and continued, "This is Pete, a colleague and buddy of mine, and his wife Ginny."
"Ginny!" exclaimed Lizzy. "The leader of the widows? I've wanted to meet you for ages. Jane said you lead shopping trips while the guys cover big sports events."
"You bet! Retail revenge!" laughed Ginny. "We always go shopping during the Superbowl trip. It has become a matter of pride."
"And a matter of pain for me when the credit-card bill arrives," added Pete.
Georgie and Chris sat in Adirondack chairs on the lawn, watching the stars come out.
"It's so quiet," whispered Georgie. "You can hear the waterfall burbling."
"I know. I love it here. The waterfall is a bit disappointing this spring because we had such a warm winter and so little snow. Dad and I will do our ritual dip on Memorial day. Did you bring your bathing suit?"
"No I didn't. I do not want to freeze myself in your cold mountain stream."
"You are such a girl, do you know that?"
"And you have a problem with that?"
He squeezed her hand. "No, I certainly don't."
"Is this a private party, or may I join you?" asked Dr. Carter.
"Pull up a chair, Dad. Georgie isn't going swimming with us on Monday."
"You don't know what you're missing, Georgie. It's brisk, bracing."
"Freezing?" she added sweetly.
"It's the principle of the thing." said Dr. Carter.
"I was just saying to Chris how quiet it is."
"Yes, the quiet must be a change for you. But it gets noisier later in the year when the crickets sing."
"We were noticing today how many chipmunks there are this spring, Dad."
"Yes, squirrels, too. Also mice in the woodpile. A mild winter means a boom for the small mammals. The local cats will soon take care of that. One of them left us a mouse the other day." Seeing Georgie's grimace, Dr. Carter added, "It's meant to be a gift, you know. I think it was probably Jezebel. She's the best hunter of the cats around here."
"Jezebel?"
"Yes, she was a stray and our neighbors took her in. They were still debating a name when they realized that she was pregnant, so they called her Jezebel. Well, I think I'll go in. You two enjoy the night air."
"Goodnight, Dad."
"Goodnight, Dr. Carter."
"John."
"Right. Goodnight, John."
Dr. Carter walked through the kitchen and into the living room where his wife was reading.
"I'm going up to bed. You?"
"In a few minutes. I want to finish this chapter."
"You're not staying up to keep track of them, are you?"
"No. I put them in separate rooms, and I'm sure they'll stay there."
"They're sleeping together in the city, you know."
"I know, but I'm not in the city. I had the same house rule for our daughter, and I'm not going to change it for our son."
He leaned down to kiss his wife, "I know. What's fair is fair. Ellen, do you think Georgie's the one?"
"I don't know. She might be. I'd like that. She's a sweet girl, and I think she has grown up quite a lot since she was here in the winter. Chris tells me she liked Nikki's present and wants to thank her in person."
"So no fireworks on Monday, then?"
"No, dear. Fireworks are for the Fourth of July."
"Say goodnight, Ellen."
"Goodnight Ellen."
Lizzy spied two guests getting ready to leave and ran over to the door.
"Em! George! You're not leaving already?"
"Yes, we have to get back for the sitter. And, um," Emma Knightly looked around, then said, "Walk us out to the elevator."
Curious, Lizzy did as she was asked. Darcy followed her.
"What's this about?" asked Lizzy.
"Well, do you remember the Twelfth Night party?"
"Of course we do, Em."
"Remember the charms?"
"Oh, that's just a superstition," laughed Darcy. "I got the bachelor button, but I'm getting married."
"Hmm, do you remember Em's charm?" asked George.
"Omigod!" squealed Lizzy as she hugged Emma. "The baby bottle! That's why you were drinking ginger ale all evening. Oh, Em, when are you due?"
"December."
"Congratulations!" Darcy shook George's hand and kissed Emma.
After saying goodnight and watching the elevator door close, Lizzy turned to go back to the party. Darcy stood where he was.
"Will?"
"Hmm? Just thinking."
"About what?"
"Twelfth Night. I already knew I was attracted to you, but that night, when we were doing our scenes and the dialogue was flying fast and furious, I kept thinking, what a woman!"
Lizzy smiled and walked over to him. She looked up and said, "I felt the chemistry that night, too. It was all I could do to say Kate's lines. I kept getting lost in your eyes."
Darcy kissed her, then said, "We should get back to the party. I'd like to go home now, but as you're one of the hostesses, we have to stay."
"If you're tired, you could go now. I'm the only one who has to stay."
"Why should I go home early if you aren't with me? It's not much fun without you." And with a wink, he returned to the Gardiner's apartment.
May 26
Jane sat in the living room, surrounded by boxes. Pen and pad in hand, she listed each gift and who had given it.
"Quite a haul!" Lizzy grinned at her sister.
"I think a lot of people looked up the registry. We didn't get two of anything. Have you registered anywhere yet?"
"No. I hadn't even thought about it."
"Well, you should do it before your party. How will people know what to get?" Jane saw Lizzy's frown. "What's wrong?"
"I feel funny throwing a party for myself and expecting gifts."
"People brought gifts to my party."
"Yes, but Aunt Maddie and Louisa and I threw the party for you. That's different. And I don't even know what to register for. Will has his mother's china and silver and crystal."
"Don't you want your own?"
"I'm perfectly happy with what's there. I suppose Georgie may want some of it one day. I just think of it as belonging to the apartment. I think there's Will's grandmother's stuff, too somewhere. It seems silly to want more when we already have so much. Maybe if I'd seen something I couldn't live without, but when I went with you to look at dishes, I didn't see anything irresistible." Lizzy shrugged, then sighed, "Although, if that Williamsburg pattern were still around..."
"You could probably get it from Replacements."
"Oh, but that's so expensive."
"Will can afford it, you know."
"I've been practical for too long, Jane. I don't know if I'll ever get used to being rich. I've been looking in the kitchen. Is there anything from there you'll want?"
"I don't know. But I know what you want. Take it. The Fiesta was always yours."
"It's the one thing I do want to take with me. Mrs. R always sets the dining room with good china, but I'd like to use something more casual sometimes. There's no point in taking any cooking gear with me. First of all, it's more yours than mine. And, second, Mrs. R already has a fully stocked kitchen."
"Charles does not have much in the way of kitchen stuff. I did get a lot of new things, but I'll probably take some of my old reliables with me. What about the rest of the kitchen stuff? Should we clear out before we leave?"
"No, leave it. Georgie can afford to completely outfit a kitchen, but I think she'd enjoy the adventure of starting out with hand-me-downs like normal people. Will and I are going to get her more of her 212 dishes as a housewarming gift, but we don't want to give them too much stuff. This is an experiment for them, and I don't want them to feel tied together by things."
"Is that why you don't want to get your own china and silver?"
"Lord, no, Jane. It's just that Will doesn't have his parents, so I think he gets some comfort from having things that were theirs. Funny, isn't it? When it's miscellaneous stuff, it's hand-me-downs. When it's good quality, it's family heirlooms."
Posted on Sunday, 29 September 2002
May 27
Georgie, Chris, and Chris's parents stood on the curb, waiting for the parade. Patriotism is definitely up this year, thought Georgie as she surveyed the crowd. She was glad she had bought the red and white T shirt when she saw how many people were decked out in red, white, and blue. Small children held flags as they looked up the street, anticipating the arrival of the band that could be heard in the distance.
"Anyone want a hot dog?"
"John!" Ellen Carter glared at her husband. "It's ten AM. What on earth do you need a hot dog for? We had breakfast just a few hours ago."
Chris squeezed Georgie's hand, "Dad's weakness is tube steak," he whispered conspiratorially as he pointed to a vendor's cart.
"Hey! It's the all-American food."
"John, we'll have burgers and dogs later. Control yourself."
Dr. Carter looked at Georgie and asked, "So, can you tell me apart form my son? Apparently, my wife seems to think I'm one of her children."
"Well, there is a resemblance-to Chris, I mean." Georgie giggled, then squealed, "Oh! Here they come!"
A marching band turned the corner and started down the main street.
"That's the Marching Mustangs, the high school band," said Mrs. Carter. "Chris was in the band."
"Really? Chris, you never told me. What did you play?"
"Trumpet, sometimes trombone."
Georgie took advantage of his parents' inattention to whisper, "I hear it really builds up the muscles around the mouth. Is that why you're such a good kisser?"
"Shhh!" Chris turned scarlet. His parents turned to look at them. Georgie put on her most angelic smile and shrugged.
"Chris, what march is this? I'm sorry to say that all Sousa marches sound the same to me."
"Mom, you ought to know this one, it's 'Stars and Stripes Forever.' They always play this for parades."
"Oh, right." Mrs. Carter hummed along.
"Hey!" came a voice from behind them. "Fancy meeting you here!"
Georgie gripped Chris's hand more tightly as she turned to greet the new arrival. "Nikki! Hi!" she said, hoping it sounded casual.
"Hi, Georgie. Hey, Chris. Can you believe they're still doing this?" Nikki pointed at the band.
"They do 'Stars and Stripes' every year."
"Yeah, I know. And Meg's routine, too." Seeing Georgie's look of confusion, Nikki continued, "His sister Meg was head twirler-"
"Captain."
"Right, captain. Anyhow, she made up this routine for parades and they're still doing it years later."
"Meg made up this one? How do you know?" asked Chris.
"Because I helped her. I used to watch her practice, and she'd try out new ideas on me."
"Were you a twirler, too?"
"Me? No, Georgie, I wasn't. Meg taught me a few things, but I was too lethal on the throwing part. She tried to teach me the toss and turn, but I couldn't do it right. See, the thing is to toss the baton, then turn around, and catch it when it comes down in front of you. I couldn't separate the actions, and if you toss while you turn, you produce a trajectory away-what? Chris, I do know some four-syllable words in addition to mothe-"
"Point taken." said Chris.
"Who's that?" asked Georgie, pointing to a man riding in a convertible.
"The mayor. He always likes to be in the parade."
"I think those are his grandchildren with him," added Nikki.
"Shh! Nik, don't go there. Mom gets this wistful look when someone uses the g word. Meg's in no hurry, and I'm not even married, so Mom's prospects aren't all that good at the moment."
"Sorry. My mother's just the opposite. She says I shouldn't have kids until I'm 40. By then she'll feel ready to be a gra-you-know-what. Oh, look, Brownies. Aren't they cute? They always make me hungry."
Georgie smiled as she watched the troop of little girls march by. Then she turned to Nikki, "They make you hungry? You mean for brownies?"
"No, cookies. Mmm, I could scarf down a whole box of those mint things. Hey, Boy Scouts."
"I don't want to hear what they make you hungry for, Nik."
"Chris!" Georgie nudged Chris with her elbow.
"Chris was a Boy Scout, you know, Georgie."
"Really?"
"Yup, all the way to Eagle."
"Chris! You never told me that! This weekend is going to be educational." Georgie moved to stand between Chris and Nikki. She gave Chris a little push, "Go talk to your parents. I want to find out what else Nikki knows about you."
As he stumbled away from Georgie's side, Chris bumped into his mother. Mrs. Carter turned to see him looking at the two young women who were talking about him.
"How about that!" said Mrs. Carter softly. "Good for Georgie. And Nikki, too.
"Not so good for me. Nik is telling Georgie all about me. And I thought it would be good for those two to be friends? What was I thinking?"
When the last scout troop and the last elementary school band had passed by, it was time to go home.
"Oh! Nikki," said Georgie. "I am such a Miss Manners drop-out! I forgot to thank you for the presents."
"I wanted to do something, and I actually had the gift certificate first, and then I just stumbled on the book."
"It's funny. And it's a nice change from blonde jokes, you know? I haven't used the gift certificate yet."
"Well, I meant it when I said to buy underwear. Don't go buying something to entertain Chris. Don't blush, Georgie. I can see the way he looks at you. Mrs. C has you in separate rooms, though, doesn't she?"
"Yes."
"Yeah, she did the same with Meg when her husband-he was her boyfriend then-would visit."
Georgie laughed, "Her house, her rules."
"Fair enough, I guess. I'm parked way far away, so I'd better start hiking to my car. See you later at the picnic."
Lizzy set the box on the floor of the service elevator. "I didn't know this existed, Will."
"It's mostly used by delivery people and maintenance. It isn't an express to the penthouse, though."
"Too bad. But everyone is out of town for the weekend, so..." Lizzy started to put her arms around Darcy when the elevator stopped. A maintenance man got on.
"Hello, sir, ma'am. If you have more boxes to move, I can lend you a cart."
"Thank you, um," Darcy looked at the man's shirt, "Dave. We'll let you know if we need one."
The elevator stopped again and Dave got off.
"Alone at last," murmured Darcy as the doors closed.
"But not for long," replied Lizzy as the elevator reached the penthouse. They carried the boxes into the kitchen, and then Darcy carried some down the hall to the guest room that would become Lizzy's sewing room.
Lizzy lifted a box onto the kitchen table. Mrs. Reynolds looked at the label on the box.
"What are orphans?"
"These are my orphan wine glasses. It's a mixed bunch, no two alike. See, this one's Mikasa, that's Lenox, and here's a Rosenthal. I call them orphans because I get them when a store is clearing out odds and ends. They're good crystal, but very cheap because they're odd ones, not part of a set."
"I see. It's a way to try out different patterns."
"It's great for a party. Everyone has a distinctive glass. Now, of course, you can get those charms to go on wine glasses to accomplish the same thing."
"Yes, there are some of those charms around here, I think. Well, I believe I can find some cabinet space for these. What else do you have here?"
"My Fiestaware." Lizzy bent down and opened another box.
"Oh, that's fun. What colors do you have?"
"When I started buying it, they had mostly pastels. I've bought a few pieces in the bright colors, but I'd like to get more. I thought that it might be nice for everyday dishes. Well, I know that your concept of 'everyday' dishes is different from mine. I love using the good china for dinner, but sometimes it might be fun to do something informal, if you don't mind."
"Whatever you want, Ms. Bennet. You don't have to ask my permission, you know."
"Yes, I do! It's your kitchen."
"But you're the lady of the house now. You tell me what to do. If there's anything you want to change, just let me know."
"Oh, no. I can't think of anything I'd change. The apartment is lovely. Will just had it decorated last year, so it would be a waste to redo anything."
"I'm glad you like it. Despite that decorator, it turned out well."
"I gather that Will kept a tight control on the project. Good thing, too. I've seen her brother's apartment." Lizzy shuddered.
"Is it that bad?"
"Hmm, let's see. The sofa is huge, too deep and too soft. It swallows people. I sat on it once and felt as if I'd never escape. And it's littered with throw pillows in every imaginable color. Everything else is beige, except for the carpet, which is bright green."
"Don't forget the bathroom," added Darcy as he joined the two women. "Orange towels, orange shower curtain. Charles told me she wanted to change the tile, but he balked at the cost."
"What was it he said?" asked Lizzy. "Something about Caroline exploring new color palettes."
"So, will Jane be redecorating?"
"Definitely. The green carpet is the first thing to go. And then those towels. She kind of likes the bathroom wallpaper. The yellow and orange poppies aren't bad. But you need to tone down the accessories a bit. She and I walked through the apartment a few weeks ago and made a list. It was hard to prioritize, though,"
Darcy watched his housekeeper unpack the box of dishes. "Lizzy, you brought your festival dishes."
"Fiesta, Will."
"Is that plate purple?"
"Yes, it was last year's new color. I think there's another color coming out this fall."
"Then we'll have to get it for you."
"Mrs. R? Do you need any help with these?"
"No, Ms. Bennet. You two go relax."
"Thanks." Lizzy took Darcy by the hand and led him to the living room. They sat on the sofa. She turned to him with a very serious expression on her face.
"Will, I'm not so sure about this engagement party."
"Let's do it!" Chris and his father stood on the deck, ready for their spring ritual. As they walked down the steps and across the lawn, Chris called over his shoulder, "Coming Georgie?"
"In a minute." She turned to Mrs. Carter and asked, "You don't do this?"
"My job is to hold the towels."
The two men climbed down the bank and walked into the water.
"Brr!"
"Man, this is cold!"
Mrs. Carter said to Georgie, "They usually jump in. The plunge pool at the base of the waterfall is pretty deep, but the water is low this year. We really need more rain. All the streams and reservoirs are low."
"Hey, Georgie, come on in! It's nice!"
"That isn't what you said a minute ago!"
"You promised!"
"All right, I'm coming!" Georgie laughed as she and Mrs. Carter approached the stream. Chris made a move to splash them, but one look at his mother and he stopped. Georgie climbed onto a large rock and took off one shoe. She dipped her toes into the water.
"Eek! It's cold!"
"You get used to it!" replied Dr. Carter.
"Maybe when you get numb," said Georgie. She dipped her foot into the water a few times and announced that she was done.
After she dried her foot and got her shoe back on, the men decided they were done, too. They accepted the towels that Mrs. Carter held out to them, and everyone walked back to the house.
"Get dressed quickly, now," said Mrs. Carter. "Our guests will be here soon."
"What's wrong with having an engagement party?"
"It's hard to explain."
"Don't you want to be engaged?"
"Of course I do!"
"And you want people to know?"
"Yes."
"So we have a party and tell them."
"See, that's the thing. People will bring presents."
"That usually happens at a party like that. You're losing me here, Love. What's wrong with getting presents? Jane and Charles got lots of presents."
"I know, but they were registered.'
"What's that?"
"You're kidding! You don't know what a registry is?"
"Apparently not."
"You decide what you want and you register your list with a store. Then people can go to the store or go to the store's website and see what to get for you."
"Ah, so we need to register-wherever you do that-and then we'll be all set."
"It isn't that easy. I don't know what to list."
"What do brides usually list?"
"China, silver, crystal. Also appliances like an espresso machine or an ice ream maker."
"Right, so make a list."
"Will!" Lizzy stood up and pulled on his hand until he stood up, too. She dragged him into the dining room. Pointing at the china cabinet, she asked, "What's this?"
"China."
"This?"
"Wine glasses."
"And this?" Lizzy opened a drawer.
"Silver."
Lizzy took his hand and pulled him to the kitchen. She pointed at objects on the counter.
"Coffee maker, blender, toaster."
Mrs. Reynolds watched, puzzled, as Lizzy acquainted Darcy with the contents of his kitchen and pantry. Lizzy turned to the housekeeper.
"Mrs. R, if you had to buy us a wedding present right now, what would you get?"
"Oh, goodness, I don't know. Have you chosen patterns yet? We'll have to move some of the china and-"
"No, don't do anything yet. I'm just making a point here. What do we need?"
"Need?"
"Around the apartment. Kitchen stuff, towels, sheets, whatever."
"Not much, really."
Lizzy turned to Darcy, "See, Will? I hate to expect people to give us gifts when we don't need anything."
"We could put 'no gifts' on the invitations."
"That never works. Some-Is someone at the door?"
"Richard and Anne are coming over, remember?"
Dr. Carter flipped burgers and talked to his next-door neighbor while Mrs. Carter circulated to make sure everyone had plenty to eat. Georgie, Chris, and Nikki sat together at a small table on the deck. Nikki was telling them about her plans to go back to school part time when Dr. Carter called up to them.
"More hot dogs, please! Could one of you raid the fridge?"
"I'll get them!" Georgie jumped up and ran to the kitchen, then carried the package down to the grill. Nikki took advantage of Georgie's absence to lean forward and poke Chris in the chest.
"Listen, you. If you have an ounce of brains, you'll marry this girl.
"You've been talking to Mom, haven't you?"
"I talk to your Mom all the time, you know that. But she didn't put me up to this."
"Believe me, Nik, I've thought about it. But we still have a lot of school to go, you know?"
"I know, I know. But if I can go back part time and keep my job at the bar, you two can go to school and still find time to be together."
On the lawn, Georgie looked up and watched Nikki and Chris. Georgie was surprised to discover that it didn't bother her at all. She had seen them together enough to recognize the brother-sister relationship between them. Smiling, she returned to the deck.
"What are you two talking about? You look pretty intense."
"I was telling this lunkhead that he better hang onto you. I want us to be friends, Georgie, and if he messes things up with you, how can we get together?"
"Easy. I'll give you my number and you can call me and cut out the middle man."
"Hey! I'm still here, you know!" Chris pretended to pout.
"Aww, isn't he cute when he does that?" giggled Georgie.
"Georgie! I can't believe you fall for that."
"Shut up, Nik, I'm adorable and you know it."
"I need another beer, especially if I have to listen to this!" Laughing, Nikki walked down the stairs to check out the contents of the cooler.
"She approves of you," said Chris. "So do my folks."
"This has been a nice weekend."
"Not too small-town for the city girl?"
"No! I like it, really. Well, not the freezing water part. But the rest of it has been great."
Anne and Lizzy sat in the living room while Darcy and Richard stood on the balcony.
"So how was Jane's party?" asked Anne.
"It went well, except for the fact that one of Charles's sisters didn't show. Caroline is feeling sulky because she had hoped to snag Will at the party. You know, one engagement begets another, and all that."
"This is the delusional sister, right?"
"Yes."
"She needs to get over the fact that Will is no longer on the market. So, are we on for some dress shopping next week? We need to find knockouts."
"Yeah, Anne, I've been thinking about the party." Lizzy had almost finished her explanation when the men joined them.
"No problem. Put 'no gifts' on the invitations," said Richard.
"That's what I suggested," said Darcy, "But she said it doesn't work."
Anne nodded, "What typically happens is that some people bring a gift anyway, and then the people who did as they were asked feel bad because they didn't bring a gift."
"Right," added Lizzy. "Even though they did the right thing, they feel as if they did the wrong thing. It gets awkward."
"How about this?" asked Darcy. "We elope the week before the party, then come back and say "Look, everyone, we're married."
"No elopement, Will! I want my family there when I get married.."
"What about my luau idea?" asked Richard. "We tell people, if they want to bring a gift, bring meat to grill at the party."
"Richard! Eww!"
"Well, I like getting presents, and meat is practical."
"But think about it, Richard," said Lizzy. "A big engagement party and then a big wedding. That's two gift-related events. And we're planning a black-tie party, and a big-deal party means big-ticket gifts."
"Why?"
"Because people tend to give gifts in proportion to the size or cost of the party."
"Right," Anne nodded, "And how many Lalique vases can you use?"
"What's La Leek?"
"Glass, Richie. Expensive glass."
Richard sighed, "Look, Darling, I don't want you to think I don't care about the party or weddings or la-whatsits vases. But I could use a run. Darce?"
"Lizzy, do you mind?"
"Not at all. Anne and I can have a good chat while you're out."
"Right, and no smart remarks to deal with, either," added Anne. "So off you go. Shoo!" The men left to change into running clothes.
Anne turned to Lizzy and grinned, "I love him to bits, you know that. But if he brings up the luau idea one more time...arrgh!" She held up her hands to mime choking someone.
"I feel sorry for them. They want us to have the party on our terms, but they're afraid to say 'whatever you want, dear' because then we'll say..."
Anne chimed in wailing, "You don't love me enough to care about our engagement party!"
Darcy stopped in the doorway, amazed to see Anne crying and Lizzy laughing at her. Anne stopped her performance when she saw the look on his face.
"Sorry, Darce, we were just kidding around."
"You scare me sometimes, Anne."
"Only sometimes? I must be slipping."
Darcy crossed the room, kissed Lizzy, and pulled Anne's hair.
"Bye, Love. Bye, Brat."
Anne turned to Lizzy as Darcy left the apartment. "Do I look as stupidly happy as that when I look at Richard?"
"Uh huh, you bet."
Anne leaned back, "Life is good, isn't it? Lizzy, you're sure you want to forgo the presents?"
"Do you want the tour I gave Will this morning? We have everything we could possibly need. Have you surveyed Richard's apartment? Do you know what you want to register for?"
"Frankly, I'm not sure. Richard gave me a key, so I can go in and snoop, as he put it. Nobody's lived there full-time in quite a while. When Richard was little, they lived here most of the time and spent weekends in Connecticut. Then they lived mostly in Connecticut and Uncle Matt stayed in town once in a while. Mark used the apartment for a few years, but when he and Erica got married, they bought a house. The apartment needs redecorating. There are dishes and things. They're all right, nothing special. Aunt Sue moved her good stuff to the house ages ago."
"Have you looked for patterns?"
"No. I have to search through my mother's stuff first. Dad boxed it all up when he sold his place and married Mother. So my mother's china and so forth is in boxes in the basement. I went down there the other day to have a look. What a hodgepodge! you can tell it was packed by a man. One box had nothing but plates in it."
"So?"
"Plates, at least three different kinds. I don't know where the matching pieces are. The box had plates. Corelle on top, then good china, then a few heavy blue plates."
"Do you like it, the china, I mean?"
"Yes, it's Lenox, very nice, and depending on how much there is, it would be fine for good china. The rest is probably bits and pieces that are left from other sets. The Corelle dates from my plate-dropping days."
"What?"
"Dad says I used to do this thing when I was finished eating. I would hold out the plate, say 'all done,' and then I'd let the plate fall. He bought the Corelle after I broke too many plates." Anne sighed, "That was from the years we were on our own."
"It must have been hard for him, taking care of you on his own."
"Yeah. Quote me and I'll deny it, but marrying Mother was the best thing he could have done. I may have resisted being turned into a proper young lady, but I owe my career to her. She's the one who introduced me to art and museums. And without her, I'd still be clomping around construction sites in work boots and hard hat." Anne held out her foot, "Imagine, no Manolo Blahniks."
"Perish the thought!"
"I know. And on top of that, I wouldn't have met Richard!"
"Found another one!" Georgie picked up a soda can and dumped out the remaining liquid.
"Throw it to me, I'll go long!" Chris backpedaled across the yard. Georgie threw the can. Chris watched it fall to the ground halfway to him.
"You throw like a girl."
"Yeah, a phys ed teacher told me that once. I know it wasn't meant as a compliment, but I wasn't insulted."
Chris walked to where she stood.
"You're adorable. I don't mind that you throw like a girl. Next time I'll remember not to go long."
"Oh, I could have thrown it farther, I just didn't want you to be so far away from me."
"Well, I'm here now."
"Mmm. Yes, you mmph." Suddenly the deck lights came on, illuminating the back yard. Chris and Georgie jumped apart.
"Mom!"
"No, it's me. Sorry. Belle wants out."
Chris crossed the yard and took the leash from his father.
"Don't let her off the leash. She wandered off the other night, chasing something."
"I hope it wasn't a skunk."
"No, thank goodness. But Romeo, Jim's dog, has made the acquaintance of a skink a few times this spring, so I know they're around. I really don't want to have to de-skunk Belle. I'll put the lights out on my way in." Dr. Carter winked at Georgie and returned to the house.
Later, when they returned, Mrs. Carter had gone to bed, but Dr. Carter was still up, reading. Belle trotted over to him and sat in front of his chair.
"Forget it, dog" he said as he bit into a cookie.
"Dad! Are those my oatmeal raisins?"
"Mrs. R and I didn't make them just for you, Chris. I'm glad you like them, Dr. um, John."
"My favorite."
"Like father, like son," Georgie smiled. "I'll bring an extra large batch next time. Oh, um, I didn't mean to..."
"Of course there'll be a next time. Many more next times, I hope."
"Thank you. I think I'll go up to bed. Goodnight." On impulse, she leaned over and kissed Dr. Carter on the cheek. She kissed Chris, and then climbed the stairs.
Chris swiped a cookie from the plate by his father's chair. He sat down and took a small bite of the cookie.
"What's on your mind, Chris?"
"Huh? How did you, um..."
"You nibble when you're worried or distracted. You chomp when you're happy."
"I am happy. I just don't know how to tell you."
"Tell me what? Is Georgie pregnant?"
"Dad! Geez, I'm a med student I know about all that stuff!"
"You flunk something?"
"No. You've already seen my grades from this semester."
"You're not ill or in some sort of trouble?"
"No."
"Then how bad can it be? Come on, Chris, tell your old man."
"Lizzy is moving in with Will this weekend, and Jane and Charles are getting married in August. Georgie and I are taking over Lizzy and Jane's apartment."
"You're moving out of your apartment?"
"Yes, my lease is up in August."
"I'm guessing the new apartment is larger then yours?"
"Yes, it is."
"Do you need some help paying for it?"
"No, um, Georgie is paying for it. She, well, you've seen their apartment. She has money. I mean, she has money."
"And you think this is a problem for us?"
"The money thing? No, it isn't that. Is Mom gonna go crazy when she finds out we're living together?"
"No. We've been expecting something."
"Something?"
Dr. Carter shrugged.
"Something, as in an engagement?"
"That is your mother's first choice, I suppose."
"Hmmm. Dad," Chris leaned forward and looked at his father, "How did you know? About Mom, I mean. How did you know she was The One?"
"I'm not sure I remember. We've been married almost thirty-five years. It's hard to imagine life without her. Come to think of it, that's how I knew. We went somewhere, not just us, a bunch of people. She got up to go to the ladies' room, and there was this empty chair. And things got blank. Not like I was about to black out, just a sense that something was missing. I couldn't imagine my life without her. It was like I had a blank canvas, and I had no idea what to paint on it. She was the paint on my canvas." He shrugged. "Not a scientific explanation, I know. But you don't learn everything about the heart in anatomy class."
"Thanks, Dad." Chris stood up, took a big bite of his cookie, and went upstairs.
"Goodnight, Son," said Dr. Carter softly.
Darcy emerged from the bathroom, expecting to find Lizzy in the bedroom. He walked into the hallway and looked around.
"Lizzy?"
"In here."
"What are you doing sitting in the living room in the dark?"
"Thinking."
"Good thoughts, I hope."
"Yes. Just trying to absorb it. I live here."
"Yes, you do."
"It seems strange. Except for college, I've only lived two places, the house in Montclair, and the apartment I've shared with Jane."
"You know you can change anything to make it feel more your own."
"No, it isn't that. I'm living away from my family."
"I'm your family now."
"I know, but ..."
"But we're not married yet. Is that it?"
"I guess so. I'm sort of between families."
"I understand. That's why I'd like to get married sooner rather than later. How long is considered a reasonable time between an engagement party and a wedding?"
"I don't know. Our party is in July, Jane's wedding is in August, I guess the earliest we could have our wedding would be September?"
"Four months?"
"At the earliest."
"Hmmm. I know. Tonight, while you're asleep, I'm going to stay awake and whisper over and over and over, "Elope. Elope. Elope."
"October."
"What about it?"
"Every time you say 'Elope,' I'm going to add a month to the timetable."
Later that night, as Lizzy was drifting off to sleep, Darcy whispered, "Elope."
She nestled closer and murmured, "November."
Posted on Wednesday, 5 February 2003
May 28
Darcy clicked on the message titled "decision time."
Mr. Darcy,
Just a reminder, the final payment is due this week. Cancellation after that will incur penalties. Are you definitely going?
Thanks!
Jarred
Darcy opened the desk drawer and pulled out the glossy brochure. He pushed the speed-dial button on his telephone and flipped through the brochure while he listened to the ringing.
"Lizzy Bennet."
"Hello, Love. Are you free for lunch today?"
"Well, I hate to sound so available. I wouldn't want you to think I just sit around waiting for you to call."
"I do apologize for the short notice, but I think it will be worth your while."
"Hmm, sounds tempting."
"Meet me on the front steps at noon?"
"Noon. Front steps. I'll count the minutes until then. Love you!"
"Love you, too."
Darcy hung up the phone and grabbed the mouse. He clicked on "reply."
Hello, Jarred
Thanks for the reminder. Definite answer by end of day.
WD
Lizzy saw Darcy standing on the sidewalk holding a basket. She waved and ran down the steps.
"Ooh! A picnic!" she squealed as she stood on tiptoe for a kiss.
"Follow me," said Darcy, taking Lizzy by the hand and leading her across the street.
The found an empty park bench and Darcy set the basket down between them. In the basket were two hot dogs, two bags of chips, and two cans of soda. Lizzy looked from the basket to Darcy and back to the basket. She raised one eyebrow.
"You just bought this food from the vendor by the museum! We're not even married yet and already you're taking me for granted!"
Darcy leaned forward and kissed Lizzy on the nose. "You're so cute when you pout. Mustard? Relish?" He squeezed the contents of a relish packet onto one hot dog and handed it to Lizzy.
"For you, mademoiselle. And some potato chips, too."
"Merci," replied Lizzy sarcastically. "So, when exactly does this get to be worth my while?"
"Patience, Love." He squeezed mustard onto his own hot dog and munched happily. "Oh, allow me." He took out a can of soda and popped the top for Lizzy.
Lizzy took a sip of the soda and said, "You're up to something."
"My, but you have a suspicious mind!" Darcy peered into the basket and frowned.
"Something wrong?"
"Hmm, no dessert. But there is something else in here. What's this?" With a smug grin, he pulled out the glossy brochure. "I happen to know that we can get good desserts here."
"Where?" Lizzy took the brochure. Pages were clipped together so that it opened to a page of cruise itineraries. Lizzy gasped when she saw that one was circled in red ink.
"Will! Can we really?"
"Didn't I promise you a cruise?"
"You did, but then we didn't talk about it."
"I know I promised you the choice of itinerary if I could choose the ship, but I thought I'd suggest this one, since it sails out of New York."
"It looks wonderful."
"Yes, it has a nice mix of days at sea and port calls."
"It does. Oh, but it's short notice. I doubt anything will be available."
"Actually, I got the brochure as soon as I promised you the cruise. I've been holding a reservation for a while now. I put off telling you because I had hoped it might work out to be-well, that doesn't matter."
"Our honeymoon?" Lizzy smiled ruefully. "I'm sorry, Will. too many brides in a short time span. If Jane weren't getting married this summer..."
"Please forget that I brought up the subject of a honeymoon." Darcy leaned forward and kissed Lizzy softly. "However, if you decide you'd like it to be our honeymoon, maybe we can get the Captain to marry us."
"Can they really do that?"
"I have no idea, Lizzy. I know you don't want to elope, so let's just call it a vacation. Frankly, I'd like to get away. Neither of us has had a vacation since we met. So, what do you say?" He took the clips off the brochure and flipped through some of the pages. "Mmm, nice cabins, elegant dining rooms, all that lovely food."
"Not a hot dog in sight, either."
"Actually, there is a place on the ship where you can get a hot dog for lunch."
"You're kidding!"
"No, I'm not. Call Aunt Sue and ask her. She has been on the Queen several times, and can answer your questions better than I can. I've only been on once."
"You really want to do this."
"Only if you do. I know-"
"Will, stop. Never mind what I want. You're constantly thinking about what I want and what Georgie needs and what's best for your company. Put yourself first. You want this cruise, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Then we'll go. It looks like a fabulous trip. And it leaves right after our engagement party and gets back in plenty of time for Jane's wedding. It's perfect! Wait until I tell Jane!"
May 29
"No, no," said Anne. "A ball gown, not an evening gown."
"And the difference would be?" asked Lizzy.
"An evening gown is less bare and not as full. A ball gown has a wide skirt, to allow you to dance gracefully. Think Cinderella."
"With or without the mice?"
"Without, I think. I can't honestly say I've ever seen a ball gown with mice on it. Oh, here! Look at this one, Lizzy."
"It's pretty but light blue is more Jane's color than mine. Why don't you try this one on, Jane? Ah, now this yellow dress is nice. I might try that one. Anne, I suppose you're planning to wear your signature black?"
"Probably not. Richard prefers me not to, so I think I'll forgo black for the party. I might pull out one of my old debutante gowns. That could be fun."
"You're so bad! What about this green one?"
"Try it on, Anne" said Jane. "It's a good color for you. Lizzy, you should look for some evening wear for your cruise."
"I have a few things from the cruise we took a few years ago."
"No!" cried Anne. "You need new dresses. Darcy's paying, so what the hell!"
"Anne, that isn't the point."
"I know, But he told me you'd balk at anything expensive, and he made me promise to keep you from excessive economizing."
The sales associate carried armloads of gowns into the dressing rooms. The three women spent an hour trying on one dress after another. The sales associate willingly fetched different sizes, another color, a shawl to match-whatever was required.
Lizzy stepped out of her dressing room in a floor-length royal blue beaded dress.
"Whew! This thing weighs a ton!"
Anne laughed, "Real glass beads are heavy. It's stunning, Lizzy, you have to buy that one."
"I just tried this on for fun."
"And it's great on you!"
Jane nodded, "Anne's right, it's fabulous."
"But when would I wear it?"
"Your cruise."
"It isn't too glitzy?"
"No, I've seen some of Aunt Sue's pictures from her cruises, and it will be fine. You'll make the Captain sit up and take notice!"
"Yes, but maybe that isn't the thing to do."
"Sure it is. Go for it."
"I think the black one I tried on earlier makes more sense."
"Oh, you absolutely have to have the black dress. It's a classic. But this is too much fun to leave behind."
"Anne, it's five hundred dollars. That's a lot of money for a fun dress."
"Then you'll just have to have a lot of fun in it. Maybe Will can get you guys invited to the Oscars or something."
"It looks like a red-carpet dress," said Jane.
"Yes, certainly not what we came here for. But your dress is just the thing for our party, Jane."
Jane waltzed past the mirrors, smiling. "Mmm, definitely a gown for dancing. I love the way the skirt moves."
In the end, Jane bought the light blue ball gown, Lizzy bought the blue beaded gown for her cruise and the perfect "little black dress," also for the cruise. Anne hadn't found anything that she liked, and Lizzy still needed a gown for the party.
As they walked along Madison Avenue, Jane asked, "Where next?"
"Here's one we haven't tried." Anne pointed to a shop across the street.
"Doesn't she do mostly wedding dresses?" asked Lizzy.
"Yes, beautiful ones. But she does other dresses, too. Let's go see."
"Now?"
"Sure! Maybe the gown of your dreams is right inside that doorway."
"Anne! I'm not buying a wedding dress today!"
"You could look. It can't hurt to do some research."
"What about you, Anne? have you started looking at wedding dresses?"
"No. I'm considering having one designed for me. You remember my friend at the opera? Well, he once promised he would make my wedding dress. Of course, he'd had several drinks at that point, and he probably thought I'd never marry. But I might just hold him to it."
"Are you serious?"
Anne shrugged, "I don't know. I haven't given it much thought. Come on, let's look!"
And look they did-at sketches, swatches, and samples. And then Anne saw it on a rack of samples.
"Hey, Lizzy, look at this one."
"Oh, beautiful."
"Try it on."
"I don't know if I should."
"Try it on!" Anne grabbed Lizzy by the hand and pulled her to her feet. "Come on, Jane, help me herd her into a dressing room."
Jane and Anne stood outside the dressing room while the fitter helped Lizzy into the dress. They could hear the rustling of silk and the murmured comments of the fitter.
The door opened and Lizzy stepped out, wearing a silk peau de soie gown with a fitted bodice and a bell-shaped skirt.
"So, what do you think? I know it's a bit too long, and she had to pin it in the back, but-"
"Oh, Lizzy!"
"That bad, Jane?"
"You look wonderful! Don't you agree, Anne?"
Anne ran to Lizzy's side, grabbed her hair and twisted it up on the top of her head. "See, with your hair up-does anyone have any pins?"
"Ow! Anne, let go! Jane, I think I have some pins in my purse." Lizzy swatted Anne away, took the pins her sister held out, and pulled her hair into a French twist. She smiled at her reflection in the mirror.
"What sort of veil do you want, Lizzy?"
"I have no idea, Jane. What do you think?"
"Short and very full. Maybe elbow length, or maybe fingertip length."
"You could just as easily have a long veil that trails behind," suggested the fitter.
"I don't know," said Lizzy, shaking her head. "A long trailing veil requires a big church and a long aisle. I haven't set a date or thought about a church. I mean, Montclair, or here in the city? Will and I haven't discussed it."
"All right, no veil for now. But what about the dress?"
"I don't know. How can I buy a dress when we haven't set a date?"
"This dress is very adaptable," said the fitter. "The lace jacket would give you long sleeves for winter, and you might want something more conservative for inside the church. Then you could remove the jacket for the reception."
"Hmmm." Lizzy twisted and turned in front of the mirror. Saying yes to Will had been easy. She was certain about him;. Why were all the other decisions so difficult?"
"Lizzy," said Anne, "Would you mind if I tried it on?"
"Oh, uh, I guess, um..."
"Are you really okay with me trying this on? No, I didn't think so. In your mind, it's already your dress, isn't it?"
"You're right. Another five minutes in this dress and I'll be singing 'I Feel Pretty' and dancing around the room."
The next stop was for a glass of wine to celebrate the purchases. Anne decided that the occasion was worthy of champagne. They toasted "To shopping!"
Lizzy sighed as she held up her glass, "I can't have too many of these, or my dresses won't fit."
"Don't worry, Lizzy," said Jane, "You don't gain that easily. Your weight probably hasn't changed plus or minus two pounds in several years."
"But spending that kind of money on dresses makes me more conscientious."
"You'll get used to it," said Anne. "Anyhow, there are no calories in champagne. Didn't you know? They float away on the bubbles."
"You know," said Lizzy, "This is ironic. I bought dresses for everything except the party. I wonder if I could get the wedding dress copied in a color? It would make a perfect ball gown."
"You don't want to do that, Lizzy. There's still plenty of time to find dresses before the engagement party."
"Speaking of which," said Anne as she pulled a pen and small pad out of her purse, "We still haven't done the invitations. What do we want them to say?"
"What's the usual? 'Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and Mr. and Mrs. deBourgh invite you to celebrate the engagement of their daughters, Elizabeth and Anne-'"
"Lizzy!" giggled Anne. "It sounds like you and I are getting engaged!" She refilled their glasses, and clinked hers against Lizzy's.
"Let me finish! 'the engagementsss-plural-of their daughters, Elizabeth and Anne, to William Darcy and Richard Fitzwilliam.' How about that?"
"Too long and too complicated."
"Well, what if we put Will and me on one side of the paper and you and Richard on the other side? Two invitations in one."
"Too weird."
"Umm, Jane, what do you suggest?"
"Maybe you could leave out the parents' names. You're giving the party, so just give your names."
"Oh, like 'Celebrate the engagements of Elizabeth and William and Anne and Richard.' I don't know. I still feel funny about giving myself a party. And I definitely want to put 'no gifts' on the invitation. Anne, what do you think?" Lizzy took another sip of champagne.
"I'm fine with not getting gifts. I've seen the sorts of things people buy in an effort to be clever. When Mark and Erica got engaged, they got a ton of stuff they still haven't used."
"Oh, oh oh!" cried Lizzy, "What about this-we don't tell anyone it's an engagement party. We simply have a party. And while everyone is there and all dressed up, we make the announcement."
"People will suspect it's an engagement party," said Jane.
"Maybe so," said Lizzy, "But they won't bring a gift, so that takes care of the gift problem."
"Lizzy, you couldn't really keep Mom from telling everyone."
"Oh, yeah, I hadn't thought about that."
"Too bad," said Anne, "It might have worked."
June 1
"Elizabeth should have come with us today. She should start looking early. You found just what you wanted after only six stores. It will take Lizzy more than that. Wedding gowns are just made for women with your build. Lizzy is shorter and short-waisted, and she's harder to fit."
"Mom-"
"She has no idea how involved it all is. Last-minute Lizzy. Everything at the last minute, like all those term papers she wrote the night before they were due."
"She got A's on most of them."
"That isn't the point. She shouldn't procrastinate like this. My nerves will not stand the rushing around if she doesn't start planning soon."
"Mom!"
"What is it, Jane? Stand still, or Gladys here won't be able to get the fitting done."
"Mom, listen. Lizzy doesn't need a dress-"
"Don't be silly, Jane. Of course she needs a dress."
"No, she doesn't. You see-"
"Oh, no! Oh, my nerves! Silly girl, she broke the engagement. Whatever did she do that for? She really-"
"MOM! Lizzy did not break her engagement. She doesn't need to shop for a dress because she found one."
"What? Where? Were you with her? How many shops did she look in? What does it look like?"
"One question at a time, Mom! We looked at a few places. Actually, we were looking for party dresses, but one of the designers had wedding dresses, too. Anne spotted this one and suggested that Lizzy try it on. It's simple, elegant, classic."
"Satin? Gladys, this needs a tuck here."
"Peau de soie."
"Not satin? Tsk. Jane, face forward, or Gladys won't be able to get the shoulder line right. Lace?"
"What about the lace? I think it looks fine."
"I'm not talking about your dress. On Lizzy's dress. What is the lace like?"
"No lace."
"No lace? No satin, no lace? Jane, what kind of wedding gown is that?"
"It has a lace jacket."
"Hmph. I'd better talk to her before she buys it. Where's your phone, Jane?" Mrs. Bennet rummaged in Jane's purse and pulled out the cell phone. She held it to her ear, then pulled it away and frowned at it."
"I believe you'll get a better signal if you stand nearer to the front of the shop, Mrs. Bennet," suggested Gladys.
After her mother charged out of the fitting room, Jane sighed. "Thanks, Gladys. I feel horrible about this."
"Oh, I'm used to mothers of the bride and their nervous behavior."
"I suppose you've seen it all. I'm just worried about my poor sister. I shouldn't have let Mom have my phone."
"Well, let me help you out of your gown, and then you can get dressed and see to your mother. Mind the pins, dear."
"Richard, you're not helping," laughed Anne as she wriggled out of his embrace. "You said we'd go through the cabinets. Now come on, help me. You know I can't reach the top shelves."
"Then why do you care what's up there?"
"Because there could be something wonderful that I've always wanted. Or it could just be full of dead spiders or something. Either way, it has to be emptied!"
"There isn't much up here. Some glasses, paper plates left over from my football party, and, um, cookies?" Richard set the contents of the shelf on the counter.
Anne wiped the dust off the cookie tin and grimaced, "I hope there aren't any cookies in here."
"Afraid to open it?"
"No."
"Okay, then open it."
"I will."
"Working up the courage?"
"Do you know what's in here? An ancient science experiment gone horribly wrong or something like that?"
"Nope. Never saw this before. Oh, just give it to me." Richard pulled the lid off the tin and grimaced at the contents. "Eww! I think they give dogs enemas with this sort of thing!"
"What? Give me that! You idiot! It's for decorating cakes. You fill it with frosting, press the plunger and out comes a thin line of frosting."
"You know how to decorate cakes?"
"Yes. I used to decorate Daddy's birthday cake. He loved it when I did that. I think he was sorry when I got old enough to figure out how to space out 'Happy Birthday' without having to write the 'day' part in teeny letters so that it would fit on the cake."
"Will you decorate a birthday cake for me?"
"Sure, but in the meantime, wipe off the shelf, and then put this back up there."
"What about these?"
"I don't know a lot about football, but doesn't each Superbowl get a new number?"
"Of course."
"Then next year's Superbowl won't have this number, so you won't want to use these plates."
"Who cares? Nobody bothers to read the Roman numerals."
"Richard!"
"Okay, okay, trash."
"Good. Now we'll put the glasses in the dishwasher. Very good, Darling."
"Are we done?"
"With that cabinet, yes. On to the next one."
"That one's fine. It's dishes and glasses I use all the time."
"Yes, this does seem to be in good shape."
"I haven't even been here a year. How many plates do you think I break in a month?"
"Sorry, I didn't realize it was all new. Who did your shopping for you?"
"Wouldn't you like to know," smirked Richard.
"I bet I already do. Erica or your mother."
"What?"
"I'm right, admit it! I've seen some of your girlfriends. They would never have bought Crate and Barrel. It's practical and serviceable. A girlfriend would have bought something fragile and hand-painted, something not dishwasher safe."
"And what about my present girlfriend? What would she buy?"
"I don't know, but this will do for now. I didn't find anything better in the boxes I've unpacked so far."
"It is quite a mixture, isn't it? I suppose your father didn't give much thought about how to pack everything when it went into storage."
"He probably packed it quickly before Mother could toss a lot of it out. I'll ask Georgie if she wants any of it for when she takes over Lizzy and Jane's apartment. And I'll keep a few pieces, just for sentiment. Like my special cereal bowl. I definitely want that."
"It's grrrreat!" roared Richard.
Anne laughed, "I had many, many breakfasts with Tony the Tiger. I continued to use the bowl even after I outgrew the frosted corn flakes."
"I can tell. He's kind of faded. Hey, is this you on the blue mug?"
"No! It's Shirley Temple. That belonged to my mother when she was a little girl. It's probably a collector's item now, more valuable than your precious Bert and Ernie mug.."
"How do you know about the mug?"
"You used it at Christmas. I remember because Georgie started to use it and you quickly swapped mugs with her. I'm surprised you didn't bring it here."
Richard shrugged, "Yeah, well, maybe Mom will give it to us as a wedding gift."
Darcy entered the apartment and glanced into the living room. Lizzy wasn't there, and she wasn't on the terrace, either. Walking to the kitchen, he called, "Hello? Anybody home?"
Mrs. Reynolds turned to greet him, "Hello, Mr. Darcy. Your sister is out with Chris, and Ms. Bennet is in the bedroom, I believe.
"Thanks, Mrs. R."
Darcy opened the bedroom door and saw Lizzy lying across the bed, sobbing.
"Lizzy? Love, what's the matter?"
No answer.
"Lizzy? Is someone hurt or ill?" He sat on the bed and stroked her hair. "Love, tell me what happened."
Between sobs, Lizzy got out one word, "Mom."
"What happened to her?"
In one move, Lizzy turned over and sat up. "Nothing happened to her. She happened to me!"
"I don't understand."
"Jane let it slip that I bought a wedding dress and Mom is mad at me because I didn't take her shopping, but let a total stranger pick out my dress."
"What stranger?"
"Anne. She saw the dress and suggested that I try it on. To Mom, that means Anne picked out my dress.
"Oh, Love," Darcy pulled Lizzy into his arms and she continued to cry. "I don't understand all these tears. You usually shrug off incidents with your mother."
"She said I shouldn't have bought the dress until I had set a date because I might gain weight or get pregnant and then it wouldn't fit. I want a nice wedding, I don't want to elope, but I don't think I can stand all the pre-wedding stress. I don't know what to do."
"What can I do to help?"
"Nothing."
"There must be something I can do."
"How can you help me when I don't know what I want? I just feel so helpless."
"Can I get you something to drink? A glass of wine? A cup of tea?"
"No. I'm sorry, Will. I know guys hate it when women cry."
"Of course I hate to see you cry. I want you to be happy. Look, you we aren't going to get married until after Jane's wedding, right?"
"Yes."
"Very well, Let's not even discuss our wedding. Just forget about receptions and dishes and invitations and all that stuff. No more jokes about eloping. We're together and that's what matters. We'll get married when you're ready to put together the wedding you want. And if the dress is too big, too small, out of style, yellow with age, whatever-we'll get you a new one."
"Thanks, Will."
"Now, my suggestion is a nice soak in the tub. Let the whirlpool wash away all the anger and frustration."
Darcy stood up and took Lizzy's hands in his. Pulling her to her feet, he said, "Come on, up you get. That's my girl!"
Darcy went into the bathroom and turned on the taps. "Water's running, Lizzy." He turned to see her standing in the doorway, tears in her eyes. "What now?"
"I'm such a mess. I don't deserve you."
"Possibly not, but I love you anyway. You relax and try to forget about all this. Think of something happy. I'll get you the cruise brochure and you can daydream about that."
"I'll try. Thanks, Will. I love you."
Rrring.
Rrrrringgggg!
Richard groaned, "Door."
"Maybe they'll go away."
"No such luck. It's Darce."
"How do you know?"
"He always leans on the bell when he's upset." Richard pushed Anne off his lap. "Sorry, Darling, cousinly duty calls."
"I'm your cousin, too," Anne pouted.
"Not any more. You've been promoted to fiancée."
Richard opened the door. "Darce! What's the matter?"
"How do you know something's the matter?"
"It's your SOS ring," said Anne.
"Oh. Anne. Oh, sorry, I didn't realize, um..."
"Don't worry about it," replied Richard. "Come in and tell your cousins all about it."
"I thought I wasn't your cousin any more," said Anne.
"Not mine, but you're still his." Seeing Darcy's mystified expression, Richard added, "Never mind, Darce. Sit down and start talking."
Darcy concluded his saga by saying, "She isn't even my mother-in-law yet and I want to throttle her. I almost called Mr. Bennet, but what could I say? 'Your wife is making your daughter's life hell.' Hardly."
"Poor Lizzy," said Anne. "Do you think I could help?"
"No, I think she wants to be alone for a bit. I'm just afraid that this isn't going to go away. Every time we discuss the wedding, some problem with her mother crops up."
"Elope," suggested Richard.
"No, I suggested that some time ago. She wants her family there. And mine, too."
"Okay, so elope with the family. Do a come-as-you-are wedding. You could call everyone and say 'A limo will pick you up in one hour.' Then everyone gets on a chartered plane and you all fly to Vegas for the wedding."
"That's insane," said Anne, frowning.
"Why? It meets all the criteria. Darce gets an elopement, and Lizzy gets to have the family there."
Darcy shook his head, "No, she already has a wedding gown. She wants something better than an Elvis impersonator and a quickie wedding."
"All right, then the only other idea I have is my original idea."
"What's that?"
"A luau wedding," said Richard triumphantly. "Hawaiian shirts for the men, grass skirts or sarongs for the women. Of course, this works best for a summer wedding, but if you want to get married in the winter, fly everyone to Hawaii."
"No luaus, Richie!" said Anne. "Lizzy doesn't want something silly. I wish we could be more helpful, Darce."
"Thanks for listening. For now, we're just going to low-key the whole thing. We can start planning our wedding after Jane and Charles get married."
"What about the engagement party? We need to get the invitations out."
"I don't think she'd want to cancel that. I'll let you know later. If Lizzy's feeling better, do you want to have dinner? Pizza or some kind of take-out? Or did you make other plans?"
"No, I hadn't thought about dinner," said Anne. "We've been reorganizing the kitchen. Come see."
Darcy shuddered, "Thanks, but I've seen Richard's kitchen!"
"Hey!" said Richard. "It wasn't that bad! The dining room's a mess, though. We unpacked Anne's stuff in there, see? So dinner will have to be at your place."
"That's fine. Anne, I didn't know you had any festival ware."
"That's Fiesta, Darce. How do you know about that?"
"Lizzy has a bunch of it."
"Really?" Anne picked up the plates. "Then give her these, they're vintage. But don't eat off the orange one. Supposedly, there's uranium or some such thing in the glaze. I don't know if it's true, but I figure it's a good idea to be careful."
"Thanks for the plates. And thanks for being such sympathetic listeners."
Anne gave Darcy a quick hug at the door, "You're welcome. Mother hasn't started in on me yet, but we may need to cry on your shoulder before long."
"Feeling better, Love?" asked Darcy as he offered Lizzy a bite of dumpling.
"Yes, much. Mmm, delicious. This was a great idea."
"Last scallion pancake," called Richard. "Going once, going twice, mine!"
"Where's the fried rice?" asked Chris.
"I think it's down by Charles," said Georgie.
"Good stuff," said Charles, as he passed the container. "Jane, don't you want any?"
"No. I like the white rice better. For one thing, it's easier to eat with chopsticks."
"That's true," laughed Chris. "You should have seen Sandy struggle with chopsticks when I first taught him. For a while, I had him convinced that he was supposed to be able to eat soup with them, too."
"You did not!" said Georgie, as she swiped a fried won ton from Chris's plate.
"Hey! Gimme!"
"You already had two!"
"Don't fight, children," said Anne. "We've already scandalized Mrs. R by having the containers at the table. If you start a food fight, she might quit!"
"I see she didn't back down on the trays, though," said Georgie.
"That makes sense," said Jane. "It protects the table, and passing around all this food does get messy."
"But they're silver, aren't they?" asked Chris.
Lizzy started to laugh. She got up from the table, promising to be right back.
Flash!
"Kodak moment!" cried Lizzy, holding up her camera. "Perhaps I should submit this to Martha for publication. Here we have the rich and famous Darcys and their guests enjoying a casual Saturday evening at home. Silver trays, cardboard take-out containers, Chinese tea set, and Fiestaware plates."
After dinner, they took turns reading their fortunes.
"Your good looks and charming personality will win you many friends," declared Richard.
"Give me that!" Anne took the paper from him. "He always says something like that. Here's what it really says. 'You will be extremely fortunate in love.'"
"Does not!" Richard snatched the fortune from her fingers. But before he could do anything with it, Georgie ran up behind him and stole it.
"Ha! It says, 'Hard work can be its own reward.' Really, that's what it says."
"True, but I like my version better," grumbled Richard.
Later, Anne, Lizzy, and Jane sat in the living room, making guest lists and other party preparations while the rest of the group sat outside on the terrace.
"Jane felt horrible about what happened today," Charles said to Darcy.
"It wasn't her fault. Sooner or later, Mrs. Bennet would have found out, and the result would have been the same."
"Jane says Lizzy and her mother have always been like this, but it seems to be getting worse. Even Jane is getting a bit frazzled. Do weddings have to be so complicated? I'd rather have something less elegant, less fancy, if it would mean a less frazzled bride."
"I know exactly what you mean, Charles. Maybe it's one of those Mars-Venus things. We don't see the need for so much to-do, and no matter how hard we try, we will never truly understand. Just try to get through it. That's the best we can do."
Richard joined them. "Is it really going to be that bad? Anne doesn't seem frazzled. She and Lizzy appear to be having fun in there planning the party."
Charles smiled, "Has her mother started talking wedding plans yet?"
"No."
"Ah, then you have no idea. Jane is keeping me out of the fray, but I know it gets intense. And for the most part, Jane agrees with her mother's suggestions. It's going to be a lot worse for Lizzy."
"Well, Anne never seems to agree with Aunt Catherine, so I guess I should brace myself for some ugly scenes. I wonder if I could get Anne to elope. At least Lizzy has moved in with you, Darce. I don't know how long I can wait."
"I guess Aunt Catherine would have a fit if you and Anne lived together, but still, well, you know, I'm sure you could..."
"Actually, Darce, no we couldn't. Anne wants to wait."
"Wait?"
Richard sighed, "Wait."
"Oh," said Charles. "Wait. Until you're married? Really?"
"Yes. Old fashioned, I know, but she has her reasons. So tell me how to hurry up the wedding."
Darcy laughed, "I don't know what to suggest, Richard. The usual reason for a hurried wedding isn't likely, is it?"
Richard groaned, and was about to say something when Jane joined the group.
"How are the three prospective bridegrooms?"
"Lamenting the pre-wedding phase," said Charles. "Not me of course, Jane. I have to wait only a few months until it's over and we can be blissfully alone. These poor guys don't know how long their sentences-excuse me-their engagements will be."
"Charles!"
Ignoring his fiancée, Charles continued, "Have Lizzy and Anne started the redecorating phase yet? You should see Jane in action, making sketches of the rooms, putting big red X marks through the stuff she doesn't want to keep, stapling little fabric samples to her sketches."
"Charles, you know as well as I do, that sofa is-" Jane was interrupted by a cry of "ta-da!" from the living room.
"May we have your attention!" Anne and Lizzy stood in the doorway. "We have planned the party, and you're all invited. It's going to be brilliant!"