Section I, Next Section
Chapter One
"May I speak with Mr. Darcy?" asked a man dressed in a dark Marks and Spencer suit.
"In what matter?" came the housekeeper's reply.
"Court summons."
"I will see if he is at home." She went to the library, leaving the man in the hall. She knocked on the door and entered.
"Sir…"
"Not now, Mrs. Reynolds, I am on line with Japan." Came a harsh reply.
"I am sorry, sir, but…"
"Not, now!"
"Very well, sir, but it is a court summons." She turned to leave the room.
"What?" the voice stopped her.
"There is a man with a court summons for you, sir."
William Darcy's face paled.
"Get me, Richard on line, Mrs. Reynolds," he said, and when she dialed the number, he took the receiver from her: "Richard, it's William. I am about to be served with a summons." He listened for a while to what his lawyer had to say and then said: "Okay, I want to see you here in half an hour." Hanging up the receiver, he left the room. In the hall, he accepted the summons and read it. Through clenched teeth, he said:
"Is my daughter at home?"
"No, she is at school." Replied Mrs. Reynolds.
"Yes, like I'm on Mars." Muttered he and then said aloud: "When Mr. Fitzwilliam comes, send him to my study."
"Yes, sir."
"Oh, and when Anne Marie returns, tell her nothing about the summons."
"Yes, sir."
Darcy sat in his study. The Japanese contract was no longer on his mind. He returned in his thoughts to the year 1983. He had just finished University and turned twenty-two, when his Aunt from Boston, Massachusetts, invited him to stay with her. She said, he should see the New Continent. Her huge house at Beacon Hill vividly stood in front of his eyes, even now. The chief part of his stay there, was spent on social gatherings. It didn't take long for him to realise that his Aunt wanted him to marry a certain Miss Anne Cabot, a daughter of her best friend, Lady Catherine Marie de Bourgh-Cabot. He even liked Anne. She was nice and… he always had difficulties trying to find another adjective to describe her. She went to Vassar and it was her first season out. His Aunt constantly talked about how prosperous such a marriage could be, how great Anne was and how happy everyone would be. Of course, she never did it explicitly, but she hinted it at least two, three times a day. That was enough to make a twenty-two-year-old believe that Anne was the Miss Right.
The wedding ceremony was splendid and the newlyweds sailed off to Barbados. From the very first day of their marriage, William knew, it wouldn't last. He didn't love his bride and as her prime objective was just to marry and not to be outdone by her friends; she didn't care either as long as the husband had money and position. William Darcy was in possession of both. He could trace his family's history back to 1066, and the grounds of his family home, Pemberley, in Derbyshire, England were just minor positions on the list of his fortune. Anne Cabot Darcy reached her goal in life at the age of eighteen and a half and that was fine with her. She got pregnant during their honeymoon (later she wouldn't get a chance) and nine months later gave birth to a baby girl, baptised as Anne Marie Darcy. Years went by and the Darcys had less and less in common. On the day of Princess Diana's famous confession in Panorama, Anne Cabot Darcy left the Darcy Mansion at Holland Place and never came back. Apparently, she decided that what satisfied her at the age of twenty, no longer satisfied her when she was twenty-five and she gave up. The divorce procedures were conducted by post three years later, and Darcy was granted custody of his daughter.
His reverie was interrupted by a knock on the door and Richard Fitzwilliam came in. He was a distant cousin of Darcy, his lawyer, and closest friend. Fitzwilliam was the only person whom Darcy trusted. He was a man of some forty-two years, tall, handsome and young-looking. His face always wore a broad smile with a pinch of mockery. With such a smile he greeted William:
"What did you get yourself in, Darcy?"
"Read it." Came the reply
Fitzwilliam took the paper out of Darcy's hands and read it.
"Don't despair. At most you'll get seven days and a thousand pounds fine." Joked Richard.
"Don't even joke about it. When I'll get my hands on my daughter she'll be sorry." Burst Darcy
"Calm down or they'll get you for child abuse as well." Laughed Fitzwilliam. "It's not that bad. If we get a good judge, you'll come out crystal clear."
"And if not?" asked Darcy suspiciously.
"You'll be fined at most. You're a good citizen. You pay your taxes, you don't have criminal record, and your kid gave herself a bit more holiday. It will be fine."
"Yes and I can see the headlines: WELL-KNOWN BUSINESSMAN WILLIAM D. ON TRAIL; HIS DAUGHTER GAVE HERSELF A BIT MORE HOLIDAY…"
At that moment Anne Marie Darcy ran into her father's study:
"Hi dad, I need some money. Michelle and I are going to High Street Ken to do some shopping…"
At that moment she noticed Richard Fitzwilliam and then her father's steel-like eyes.
"Something happened?" asked she innocently.
"Sit down." Darcy's voice was sharp. He pressed the call button and Mrs. Reynolds appeared in the door. "Please, tell my daughter's friend that my daughter cannot go shopping with her."
"Dad, stop…" began Anne Marie.
"Silence!" bellowed Darcy in such a way that even Richard Fitzwilliam closed his opening mouth.
Anne Marie knew exactly what had happened. Somehow her father learnt that she skipped her classes. She was praying he didn't know what she was really doing.
"I believe you know what this is all about?" asked Darcy in a cold voice.
The girl nodded.
"What do you have to say in your defence?"
She was silent.
"Can you tell me why you were skipping classes?"
She was silent.
"Answer me, when I'm asking!"
"I don't know."
"That's a truly intelligent answer, don't you think Richard? It's worth the five thousand a year that I pay for her school, isn't it?" said Darcy ironically.
"You don't have to pay." Replied the girl.
"Silence. You may answer when asked."
"I will never tolerate to be shouted at." Said she getting up.
"Then your situation is pitiful because this is what will happen right now. Your careless, insipid behaviour will not be tolerated. You are banned from outings, TV and Internet from today on. You will be taken to and from school and you will spend at least three hours a day reading serious books. You will be helping Mrs. Reynolds with housekeeping, of course if they won't jail you first."
"Jail?" said Anne Marie, for the first time looking rather scared.
"Yes, jail. If I am threatened with jail for your skipping classes, then so are you."
"You? With jail for my…"
"Yes, miss. If you read papers instead of watching that moronic series, you would know that parents can get jailed for their children 'giving themselves a bit more vacations' as Richard put it." His voice was calm again but there was something sharp in it. The girl looked truly scared.
"What do you have to say, now, miss?" he said stiffly.
"I am sorry, daddy. It won't happen again."
"Oh, I'll make sure, it won't happen again. Rest assured! Now, I want to know, what you were doing when you were on your little vacation?"
The girl was silent.
"I will know either way, but it would be better for you if you told me."
Anne Marie looked a little unsure.
"Will you be mad?" she asked
"Don't play with me child. Or I will lose my patience." He blurred.
"I was selling…"
"Selling? What?" vivid picture of schoolgirls pornography in Japan appeared in Darcy's mind. He was sure he read that it was not being introduced in England.
"Pictures." Said the girl
"What pictures?" replied her father, thinking I'm going to get the man who did it to her.
"You see. I found this web site…" She is involved in children pornography over the Internet. was Darcy's first thought. "…and Rachel…"
"Who is Rachel?" demanded her father.
"A girl from the States. She is mad about the Colonel."
"Who is the Colonel?"
"Oh, he is great, we all love him."
"What is he doing to you?"
"Nothing, I don't understand. Anyway, she has all sorts of pictures of him and I…"
"What pictures?"
"Normal, anyway I printed them out. This new printer you got me is great and I have this photo program from Jake…"
"Jake, who is Jake?"
"Jake, our next door neighbour. And I was selling those pictures…"
"You were selling them! Rich can she be jailed for pornography?"
"Pornography, daddy?… Oh, my, you thought?… I'm rolling on the floor laughing out loud!"
"What?" exclaimed Darcy, totally confused.
"Dad, it's a literature site about books by Jane Austen. We all love Colonel Matlock. He is great. And the actor who played him in the film, Anthony Calf. Those were his pictures from the film. I know it was illegal. You know property rights and so on but… Wait till I tell the girls." She couldn't stop laughing.
"You will tell nothing because you are banned from the Internet and outings. Is that clear, young lady? And now, go to your room."
Anne Marie walked out and both men could hear her bursting out laughing on the staircase.
Chapter Two
Two days later; Holland Place
"Mr. Fitzwilliam to see you, sir." Said Mrs. Reynolds letting the lawyer into Darcy's study.
"Hello, Rich. How are you?"
"Will do, William, but I have a good and a bad news."
"What happened? Don't tell me! The Japanese backed out. I knew there was something fishy about Yoshimoto from the very beginning. Hell, I will have to call the Koreans and maybe we'll get the Daewoo contract in Poland. Where did I put his number? I need…"
"William, wait! It's not about the Japanese. We are to sign the contract next week. They are all happy bunnies. It's about your trial."
"What now? What has she done now? Anne Marie Darcy, you'll feel what it means to have a strict father."
"No, William, it's the good news. I called a couple of places and found out who the judge is."
"Yes?"
"It's Justice Bennet. He is a good, old man. Don't worry. You'll come out crystal clear. We'll tell him, how much you care for your daughter and what you do for her. We'll promise, it won't happen again and it will be fine. He'll acquit you."
"Fine. What's the bad news?"
"You'll need to take vacation."
"That's the bad news?"
"Yes. You see. We'll tell the judge that you have already decided to take your daughter for vacation in one of those lovely French resorts. It will be a reward for good marks and stuff. Justice Bennet will be satisfied. You and Anne Marie will go in three months time for three weeks away. I've already booked the places in a luxurious hotel, and that will be evidence of your good will as a father in court."
"Great," said Darcy rather without enthusiasm. The last time he had vacation in a luxurious hotel, it was during his honeymoon. He and Anne went to the beach, she swam in the hotel swimming pool and in the evening she spent his money in the casino. He hoped that at least Anne Marie would not end her day in casino. Of course, she would not, he would keep an eye on her.
Six days later
"William Darcy speaking." Said he to the receiver.
"Hello, Wills. It's Charles Bingley. Remember me?"
"Sure, old mate. How are you?"
"Great. Never better. In fact I'm calling to tell you that I am engaged to be married."
"Congratulations. Who is the lucky girl?"
"Jane Bennet."
"Good. When will the desired event take place?"
"In three months. We want to be married in June."
"Congratulations once more. To you and the bride."
"Thank you. I have a favour to ask of you."
"Hit," replied Darcy
"Will you be my best man?"
"I am honoured Bingley. Of course! With pleasure."
"Thank you. I'll be in London next week. Shall we have lunch together?"
"Of course. When?"
"Thursday?"
"Fine with me. Let's meet in Danesfield in Marlow. I'm on business in Slough in the morning. How about two o'clock?"
"Right. See you then."
"Bye." Darcy hung up the receiver. Charles Bingley was his roommate when he was a freshman at Cambridge and they stayed friends through the years. Two years ago, Charles took some work in Inverness and moved to Scotland where he still lived. Darcy wondered how Jane looked. Knowing Bingley's taste, she was most probably a blond with an angelic face. Darcy wondered if she was related to Justice Bennet. But it seemed hardly possible. After all she was from Scotland and Justice Bennet most definitely from England.
Lunch with Charles went smoothly. Although they hadn't seen each other for two years, they had lots to talk about and before they knew, they decided to have dinner at Danesfield, as well. Charles talked constantly about Jane. How wonderful she was, how angelic, how good, how beautiful and when he produced her photo, she was exactly what Darcy had thought from the very beginning. They agreed that Charles would bring her to dinner to Holland Place when they both came to London, and it was nearly midnight when they parted.
Two weeks later
"Silence in the Court. All rise!" said the voice and everyone in the room obeyed. The door opened and a young woman of thirty years of age walked in and took the place of the judge.
"Judge Bennet? The good, old man?" asked Darcy quizzically in whisper.
"Yes. No. I mean I didn't ask. It's his daughter. We are in trouble. She is the nightmare of everyone who did anything bad to one's child." Replied Fitzwilliam in the same manner.
"I haven't done anything wrong to Anne Marie. She did it. Richard you're dead."
"Well, Judge Bennet does not share your point of view. She was one of the strongest supporters of the…"
"Silence" said the Justice Bennet "and the defendant should not threaten his lawyer."
Chapter Three
"I shall refrain from further comments, Your Honour."
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy. That is the defendant's name, right Mr. Fitzwilliam?"
"Yes, Your Honour and I can assure you that my client never meant to threaten me."
"It sounded different to me. Shall we proceed? Mr. Darcy, you are aware of what you are accused."
"Yes, my client knows and…"
"Mr. Fitzwilliam, I believe, your client can speak for himself."
"Yes, but Your Honour, this is…"
"Silence, Mr. Fitzwilliam. Mr. Darcy, will I get your answer?"
"I am accused of breaching article 7 of Parent-Child Responsibility Act of 1998."
"Right, Mr. Darcy. You are aware, what punishment you may be facing?"
"Yes, Your Honour."
"Yes, Your Honour, and what else?"
"Up to seven days imprisonment or a fine."
"Or up to seven days of imprisonment and a fine, Mr. Darcy."
"You are right, Your Honour."
"I would be surprised, if it was different, Mr. Darcy. Now, Mr. Darcy, could you tell the Court why your daughter took this "little vacation off school", so to speak?"
"I cannot state…"
"Mr. Darcy, you are a father and it is your responsibility to know, what your daughter's motives and deeds are."
"Yes, Your Honour, but…"
"Mr. Darcy, there is no 'but', when there is safety of your child at stake. Do you know how many girls under 16 are raped every day in this country? I believe you don't. Let me tell you then, 37. 37, Mr. Darcy! Do you know, how many it makes a year? No? I will tell you then, Mr. Darcy, 13,505, Mr. Darcy and I doubt that even you would like your daughter to be raped. Is that right, Mr. Darcy?"
"Your Honour, my client…"
"Silence, Mr. Fitzwilliam. I know you are a top-notch company lawyer but those tricks do not work here. This is a family department of this court, Mr. Fitzwilliam, and please remember it. Now, Mr. Darcy, can we talk facts here?"
"Yes, Your Honour." He said aloud and then muttered: "And what were we doing for the last half an hour?"
"I will accept no impertinence in this room. Is that clear?" asked Justice Bennet
"Yes, Your Honour." Replied Darcy.
"Good and that applies to you too, Mr. Fitzwilliam."
"Certainly, Your Honour." Replied Richard slightly grinning.
This time, Justice Bennet pretended not to see it.
"So, Mr. Darcy, you don't know what your daughter was doing?"
"Your Honour, Miss Darcy is an independent woman and we all know her to be responsible young lady."
"Girl, Mr. Fitzwilliam, 14 year old girl."
"Yes. It happened for the first time and Mr. Darcy can assure the Court that it will not happen again."
"How so?"
"Miss Darcy is at the moment under constant watch of Mr. Darcy's house employees and Mr. Darcy has already arranged their vacations together in a lovely resort in France…" continued Richard.
"Mr. Fitzwilliam, stop ridiculing yourself and your client even further. Do you think that it is enough for a father to pay for expensive vacations? No, Mr. Fitzwilliam, it is not. A 14 year old girl, especially without a mother, needs her father's love and presence. She doesn't have to be "under watch" of her father's employees. Thank you. The sentence will be pronounced in ten minutes."
Justice Elizabeth Bennet was not a harsh woman. In fact she was very amiable and loved by all her relations. She was witty and intelligent but she had inborn hate towards all those rich scoundrels who produced a child and then thought that it was enough to give the child big money. Ten minutes later, Justice Bennet read the verdict, she was in a hurry to meet her sister, Jane, coming at last from Scotland:
In the name of the Queen, I sentence you, William George Darcy to seven days in prison and a fine of one thousand pounds. You are to come to the Royal Custody Office tomorrow at noon, where you will start serving your punishment. The imprisonment cannot be changed into a fine. This sentence is not a subject of appeal.
"The Court finished this session, all rise." Said the voice and Justice Bennet left the room.
Chapter Four
The sun was shining when Elizabeth Bennet drove out of the Court underground garage. It has been a tiring day, which started when her father, Justice Edward Bennet came to her this morning and told her that he decided to retire and move out of the house. At first, Elizabeth thought that he meant the Court, when he was referring to the house but she soon came to understanding that he meant home. Although, she knew that the marriage of her parents was not a happy one, to say the least, she never have thought that her very own father would decide to move out. She stared at him in the state of complete shock.
"Lizzy," he said, "you know very well that your mother and I are hardly meant for each other. In fact, we never were, but it's just… well, it doesn't matter now. Lizzy, you must have realised that I was hardly ever home, if I could avoid it. Lizzy, I don't know how to tell you that?"
"Straightforward, Dad. There is someone else?"
"You knew?"
"I had my suspicions. Can you tell me who she is?"
"It's Maddie Gardiner. Harry died so long ago, and we grew to like each other, with Maddie, more than…"
"I thought so."
"Was it that obvious?"
"No, but I somehow knew. She is very nice and attractive but…"
"She is not your mother?"
"It's not that." Elizabeth seemed confused.
"You feel betrayed. I know, child, but…"
"How long has it been going on?"
"More than five years."
"When Jane and I moved out, right?"
"Yes, you know life with Lydia and Kitty and… you know, it wasn't easy."
"And the vows? Till death do us part? It no longer means anything?"
"Lizzy, don't say that. You must allow me to have some life after all."
"Some life," said Lizzy sardonically, "Daddy, say no more. I don't want to know. Do what you think is best. I have a case at ten."
"Yes, dear. Can we meet for lunch some time next week?"
"Sure, Dad." Replied she, leaving the room. The case at ten was a hard one. Three children were abused by both their parents. The youngest one was mentally retarded, and the older ones, a boy and a girl, were in a state of shock, and the psychologist did not give them many chances for complete recovery. The case was going on for the last year, and the end was not to be foreseen soon. It was always depressing for Justice Elizabeth Bennet, and she tried to have it as the only one during the day. But today, she had one more case at four o'clock and she didn't like it. She knew that she would be tired and that she would not be thinking clearly.
The session, which began at ten, lasted for three and a half hours, and Elizabeth was forced to listen to the father of the family who dared to claim that he was innocent and thought himself to be free of the charges, because in his consciousness, he has done nothing wrong. His testimony raged Elizabeth, and when it came to the Darcy case, she was sure even the slightest misbehaviour of the male defendant would make her burst out.
Shortly before the four o'clock session, she went through the case file. It was an easy one. The defendant was so far crystal clear, even though he ran a large holding, and his daughter was well taken care of. She had already known that all she could sentence him to, was a small fine, but what happened in the Courtroom was another story.
Driving to the airport to pick up her sister Jane, Elizabeth was already regretting her harsh jurisdiction. She was convinced that Mr. Darcy wasn't all that bad, and if it hadn't been for the circumstances, the whole case might have ended up differently. Soon, she consoled herself that maybe her verdict would teach him a lesson and he would not be so sure of himself next time. After all, he did all to prove he was a scoundrel who treated his daughter as an object or mascot and petted her from time to time with big money to go shopping in High Street Ken.
Chapter Five
"Mr. Darcy, please come this way," said the officer when Darcy's 'check in' to the custody office was completed. He led him to the cell. Somehow Darcy was afraid. In fact, his last night was haunted with visions of himself sharing a cell with a thief or worse, murderer, not to mention that he has lately read an article on homosexuality in British prisons.
When Justice Bennet left the Courtroom yesterday, Darcy was furious. Not only because he was to spend a week in prison, but because he was so humiliated by a woman. His anger was released on Richard. Darcy could not understand how Richard could not have checked the judge correctly. How could he not know that there were two judges Bennet? But then, Darcy realised that he was to blame as well. He treated the whole affair rather lightly after initial anger when he learnt about Anne Marie's escapades. And then, his line of defence in Court was terribly stupid. His comments made in half voice were out of place, and then Richard's talk about vacations screwed everything. Of that Darcy was now conscious.
He walked into the cell half expecting to see a lousy looking, unshaved and unkempt Rodriguez, as he was sure all convicts were called. In fact, Darcy, being a man of six and thirty, had very little idea of the darker side of life. He didn't know what it meant to worry about money or other things; he spent his life on gentlemen-like pursuits, and earning even more money.
On walking into the cell, he found out that his 'roommie' was nothing like he imagined. He was a small, fat man of Darcy's age, maybe a bit older, wearing an Armani suit. He looked rather scared as well. Awkward silence was hanging in the room when the warden closed the gate. Finally Darcy spoke first:
"Hi. I'm William," he said, preferring not to reveal his name.
"John," replied the man, slightly relaxing.
Darcy wasn't sure what to ask next, but John seemed to make a decision to speak up first:
"I'm here for my daughter's truancy. And you?"
"Same."
"I thought I'd kill my daughter when I got the summons. When she came back home, I was ready to tear her to pieces."
"You don't have to tell me. I was so furious that… No, I can't even think about it. But I believe it's the bad influence of my daughter's girlfriend," said Darcy.
"You are right. That's what I think as well. My little girl is really a good child, and I am absolutely sure that it is the influence of the other girl. I always thought her to be a mean little thing. I know she comes from a good family but even in good families there are black sheep."
"I understand. I know the other girl has a good background, but as you say. One can never know, there are black sheep."
"Yes. But I was shocked when she told me what she was doing when she was supposed to have been at school," replied John.
"Me too. I was at first really scared. I though she got involved in pornography. I have read those terrifying articles in the press about schoolgirl pornography."
"It's funny, that you mention it, but so thought I. Michelle…"
"Michelle?"
"Yes, my daughter. It turned out that she was selling…"
"Photos of some Colonel," ended Darcy.
"Yes, how did you know? Oh, God, your daughter and mine?"
"How dare you call my daughter a 'black sheep' or 'mean little thing'! Anne Marie is a very…"
"How dared you say that it was my daughter's bad influence?" bellowed John
"Gentlemen, silence," called the warden, just as Darcy was at John's collar.
He stopped: "We should behave more reasonably. We are both furious that our daughters got us in here. Let's calm down," he said and after a while added: "How long did you get?"
"One day. And you?" asked John
"Seven days."
"Why on Earth so much? Has your daughter done it before?"
"No."
"So?" asked John incredulously.
"I guess both the judge and myself, we had a bad day."
"I see."
There was silence for w while and Darcy spoke:
"I believe you run Atrium Ltd. I think Anne Marie mentioned it."
"Yes and you are the head of Pemberley Holding."
"Yes. Atrium does plumber services on large scale, right?"
"Yes."
"Do you have your agency in Poland?"
"Yes," said John beginning to understand to what those questions tended.
"My company will be building a factory plant there for the Japanese. The previous plumber company was not working up to our standards so maybe you could make a deal with Atrium."
"Sounds good to me."
"Let's get into particulars then." Ventured Darcy.
Next day at twelve, the warden came in saying: "Gentlemen you are free."
"How come?" asked Darcy
"There was an order from the Court. You don't have to carry out the rest of the penalty. Changed to probation. Probation officer will come to you tomorrow at twelve, so be home."
Darcy wanted to kiss Richard Fitzwilliam in the mouth for bailing him out somehow.
Chapter Six
Two months later, Hertfordshire
"Oh, Lizzy, I'm so glad, you're finally here!" exclaimed Jane when Elizabeth Bennet stepped out of her car in front of the Bennet family house. "Mother is so anxious and in raptures about tomorrow's wedding that it is beginning to be insupportable."
"I can imagine, Jane. That's why I came in the morning instead of the evening."
"Thank you, Lizzy. How is work?"
"Fine, I think we are reaching a break-through with that child-abuse case. I can hardly control myself while in the Courtroom. You know, I'm seriously considering quitting the profession."
"You are joking."
"I'm not sure if I am. I mean I could be a family lawyer and do the same. I mean help children."
"But Lizzy, being a judge was always your dream."
"I know, but I notice that I am beginning to be partial and this is what I don't want to be, or rather cannot be."
"You are not partial. You are the most objective person I know."
"No, Jane. I am not. But let's not talk about it. Let's talk about your wedding. Can you imagine that I have met your husband-to-be only once?"
"I know Lizzy. It's a pity you couldn't make it for dinner when we were in London two months ago. But I have a remedy for it."
"Remedy?"
"Yes, we are going to Barbados for our honeymoon and then when we come back, Charles thought we could all go to the South of France."
"All of us?"
"Yes, you and I and Charles."
"Jane, I don't want to…"
"Forget it Lizzy. No excuses acceptable. You are going with us and that's it."
"Okay. I'll go."
"That's my Lizzy."
"Is Daddy here?" asked Elizabeth
"Yes, he is." Replied Jane.
"And?"
"Nothing. He is in his library, and mother is running like a madman around the house."
"Poor, Jane. She must endure it all. Is Maddy coming?"
"She is. And it's not that bad. Lizzy, I cannot believe that tomorrow, I will be Mrs. Bingley."
"Then better believe it. And where is the lucky groom?"
"He went to meet his best man."
"Do I know him?"
"I doubt it. He is his University friend. William Darcy."
William Darcy sounded in Lizzy's ears. That name she will remember forever.
Chapter Seven
The day she met William Darcy was the day when her doubts began. Elizabeth Bennet had always prided herself that she could be objective and nothing could influence her judgment. But from that day on, she knew that by claiming so, she was not being true. Her bad mood, her emotions influenced her verdict in Darcy case, and she knew she was unprofessional in her behaviour.
In fact the very next day after the verdict, knowing she couldn't change it, she decided that he could not carry out the whole of the penalty. She decided to keep him one day in prison and then let him out. This was the only thing she thought could be done without making an idiot of herself and the Court.
She hoped she would never meet William Darcy again and now, it seemed impossible to be avoided. He was to be the best man and she, the bridesmaid.
"Darcy, you're finally here!" exclaimed Charles Bingley, greeting the other man in the door of his hotel room. "How are you?"
"Hello, Charles. I'm well thank you."
"Where is Anne Marie?"
"With my mother-in-law."
"Who?"
"Lady Catherine Marie de Bourgh - Cabot."
"What is she doing here?"
"Don't even ask. I wish I'd spent those seven days in prison. At least I would not have to look at her. She is driving me nuts."
"You know, she never was my type."
"Bingley, not a word more. I don't want to hear about the Cabots this weekend."
"Then you will hear about the Bennets. I'm so immensely happy, Will."
"Would you do me the favour and not mention the name of Bennet. Talk about them, but don't use their surname."
"Why not?" asked Bingley.
"Because the woman who put Catherine Cabot in my way again was a Bennet, Justice Elizabeth 'Bloody' Bennet."
"Jane's sister? What does she have to do with it?"
"Jane's sister's name is Elizabeth?"
"Yes."
"Is she a judge?"
"Yes… oh dear, Will, she put you to jail…"
"No, she put the Probation Officer Collins on my way by reducing my penalty."
"Probation Officer Collins?"
"Yes, a small, narrow-minded, jerk who decided that the maternal side of Anne Marie's family should spend time with her, at least two months a year in England. That's how Catherine came into my house and my way again."
"Oh God, that's bad," replied Bingley.
"Why?"
"Elizabeth is the bridesmaid, and you're her escort at the wedding." Darcy paled and stiffened. He always claimed life was brutal, but that brutal!
Chapter Eight
Darcy smiled his toothy, mean-nothing smile while looking at the minister who was blessing in marriage his friend Charles Bingley and his bride. He tried not to think about the woman standing next to him. He pretended she was not there. However, objectively speaking, he had to admit that at least her body appealed to him. She was dressed in a long gown, décolleté, her gracious neck and chest caught his attention. No matter, how he denied it, she had the appeal. She stood next to him, without even glancing at him. She looked calm and unaware that they met before. "Maybe she doesn't remember," crossed Darcy's mind but soon he lost all the doubts.
As soon as the wedding lunch began, she approached him:
"Mr. Darcy, I believe you know who I am?" she asked.
"Yes, Miss Bennet or do you prefer to be called Justice Bennet off work as well. After all I'm your convict."
"Mr. Darcy, that's what I want to talk about."
"I don't think there is anything we can talk about."
"Please, allow me to speak, Mr. Darcy, especially as that what I want to say is rarely said by a judge." She thought Darcy smirked but she continued: "That day wasn't my best day."
"Miss Bennet, I don't care what day you had that day but I deserved as much as a fair trial which I did not get. You may be sure I wanted to make your life a hell, but my lawyer discouraged me, and God knows why I gave in to him."
"No matter what you think, I will tell you what I must.
"I know I was unfair but I can defend myself at least in that, that I have changed your punishment."
"Miss Bennet, don't try. Don't ridicule yourself even further. You can say nothing that could justify your actions that day and if you want to know, the change in punishment came out even worse. If you wanted to get right down to the ass of a rich scoundrel, you have, but don't think you won. You lost, Miss Bennet, and now excuse me."
He left her standing in the middle of the room they were in. No one else had seen them. She stood there gazing out into the blue sky. She has been planning the speech, she was to give him, the whole day. She decided she would tell him everything, including her dad and the fact that she was planning to fine him only. That she now has doubts whether she is a good judge, and that's all because of his case, but it all came to naught. Worst of all was the fact that he... he made her hormones go mad, and she had just realised it standing next to him in the church. She had to bite her lip not to do something, not to look at him in the way, she knew she could, to make herself melt by simply .... admiring him. "He does have some hidden charms," she constantly thought in the church.
Bingley decided that he wanted a ball at his wedding and therefore he rented out the whole of Danesfield Restaurant for that purpose. Bingley was always known for his somewhat crazy and mad ideas, the idea of a ball in the afternoon was generally accepted by his acquaintances and guests. Dances began soon after lunch. The ball was opened by the bride and the groom. They danced alone the first dance, with everyone else just looking at them. When the music stopped, Bingley asked for a microphone.
"My dear guests. I am very happy that you could join my wife and me on such a wonderful day for us. We have a little surprise for all of you. I will read out names and you are to dance in this set the next dance. Let us begin customarily: William Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet!" The crowd cheered: "Where is the best man? Where is the best man?" called everyone and then someone called: "Over there, in the corner."
Darcy stepped out smiling in a strange way. He approached Elizabeth and without a word stood by her. Bingley read out the names. Finally, the waltz began. Darcy placed his hand on Elizabeth's waist and led on. They said nothing. Darcy felt her perfume. It invaded his brain. He saw her stubborn face, which expressed nothing else and wondered how she really was. He didn't mean that her body was driving him mad, he wondered how she was, when she was not a Justice Bennet. To his complete surprise, he suddenly felt, he wanted to know. He caught himself thinking what her thoughts were.
He could not have guessed that she was barely controlling her composed poise. She felt him near to her and she felt he was strong, and big and his arms, though by no means holding her tight, seemed to be a universe. And she wondered how it would be... "Stop it, Lizzy." She corrected herself mentally. "Don't give in. Don't be under his charm. He doesn't like you." And then she corrected herself: "There is a big difference between liking and being sexually attracted. And she knew the next step would be fantasizing about him and herself in...
The dance finished and the drifted apart from each other, as though they were afraid of themselves and their own actions.
Chapter Nine
"Jane, I'm so happy to hear from you. Thank you for the postcard. I was surprised you had time to write it!" laughed Lizzy, on hearing her sister's voice in the receiver.
"Oh, Lizzy, it's been wonderful. I'm the happiest woman on Earth. If only there was someone like that for you, dear."
"I can see you're ecstatic. I doubt there is someone like that for me. First I would have to be you, to get such a one as Charles."
"Stop talking nonsense, Lizzy! You are wonderful, and men are stupid, if they choose anyone else other than you."
"I never thought Charles to be stupid." Remarked Lizzy and paused.
"I can see that you are in a playful mood today. That's good!"
"I'm in a rather bad mood in fact. I am contemplating quitting the court and..."
"Lizzy, don't start again. You are a great judge. You are doing, exactly what you always wanted to do!"
"Maybe, I no longer want to do it."
"Okay, Lizzy. We are leaving for France next Monday. You'll relax, get tanned, swim in the Mediterranean, and when you return, you will no longer have such stupid thoughts." There was a bell to be heard on Lizzy's side.
"Jane, I have to go. George Wickham, my apprentice is to come. It's probably him. Talk to you later. Bye!"
"Bye, Lizzy and don't worry. Everything will be fine."
"Yes, bye!"
"Bye!" replied Jane and heard the busy signal.
A Week Later, South Of France, Luxurious Resort
"I love the sun!" exclaimed Lizzy. "I swear I could lie here for hours."
"If one has such a dark complexion as yours, one can lie in the sun. I can't." Complained Jane and turned to Charles: "Darling, do you think, you could find some ice-cream for all of us. It's terribly hot, and I would love to eat something cold and vanilla."
"Of course, dear. You two just sit here and I'll find something. What flavours would you like Lizzy?"
"I don't want any, Charles. I hate when ice-cream gets all over my hands because the sun melted it faster than I could manage to eat it." She watched Charles go towards the kiosks. She closed her eyes and felt warmth spreading over her body. The sun was gorgeous. She wondered if she could stand Charles on a daily basis. He was amiable and good and he cared for Jane, but Elizabeth could murder a man who constantly took care of her. She needed independence, and with a man such as Charles she would not have it. Suddenly she began thinking whether she knew a man who would give her the independence, she needed. She went through her work colleagues. Some where nice, some handsome, very few intelligent. None of them worth being interested in for a long-term relationship. Flirting at parties, that was okay, but nothing more; occasionally something more, but never something she could call a functional relationship with a responsible adult male. Having classified her work colleagues, she moved on to her male friends. The outcome was similar and then she paused over a certain person. A person who definitely hated her and whom she wasn't even fond of and, who still made her hormones go mad, even though she hadn't seen him for the last five weeks. Sometimes before falling asleep, she fantasised about him... being nice to her. She opened her eyes and looked at Jane, who was sitting in the shade of the sun umbrella.
"Am I only mistaken or is Charles gone a long time ago?" asked Elizabeth.
"You are not mistaken. I wonder what kept him."
"Jane, will you be very angry, if I go for a while to the water. I am too hot."
"Fine." Replied her sister.
Elizabeth ran to the water. She couldn't see Charles waving at her as he approached Jane and saying:
"Darling, you'll never guess whom I just met!"
The waves were at times high. Enjoying the moment of freedom, Lizzy jumped over one of them. When she dived out, she noticed a girl, with a stubborn look on her face. She was preparing to jump over the next wave. She could not be more than 15 years old. The wave came and the girl jumped. Elizabeth kept watching her. The wave hit the shore but the girl was nowhere to be seen. Elizabeth dived to see what happened to her. She saw the girl under the water. She swam quickly in her direction and pulled her out of the water.
"Are you all right?"
"Yes." Replied the girl choking.
"What on Earth have you been trying to do?"
"Who cares?"
"I do. You could have drowned!"
"Who cares?"
"I'm sure your parents do!" replied Elizabeth.
"My mother doesn't want to know me and my dad, he is mad at me."
"Parents are sometimes mad at their children. It's normal. But I'm sure, he loves you."
"No."
"Why do you think so?"
"Because, he doesn't have time to love me."
"Why do you say that?"
"He is always busy and always criticise me."
"He is not criticising you. He is simply trying to bring you up. So that you would have good life."
"No. He hates me."
"How do you know?"
"I just know."
"Okay. If you give me one good proof that he hates you, I'll agree with you."
The girl thought for a while.
"Okay. He shouts at me."
"Are you the only person on whom he shouts?"
"No, he shouts at Richard, Mrs. Reynolds, his secretary, my grandmother..." the girl stopped.
"Do you think, he hates them all?"
"No, he likes Richard and Mrs. Reynolds a lot. And as for grandmother, I feel like shouting at her a lot."
"You see that's not a good proof. Try again."
The girl thought for a while again, curving her nose and finally said:
"Okay, you won. I have not proof."
"You see. And now. My name is Elizabeth. And yours?"
"Anne Marie."
Chapter Ten A
"So you are here with your father, Anne Marie?" asked Elizabeth as they sat on the sand.
"No, I'm with my male friend."
"Your male friend?"
"Yes, Wills is such a charming person, though he can be very tiresome," Commented the girl, and Elizabeth could not believe, she was listening to a 15 year old.
"How old are you then?" asked Elizabeth
"Oh. I'm sixteen." Replied the girl carelessly.
"And your father doesn't mind that you come here with male friends?"
"He doesn't know. He thinks I'm on holiday with my girlfriend."
"I see," replied Elizabeth, ready to murder a father who neglected his child so much as to not know that his daughter was selling herself to male friends. "What is he doing now?"
"My father? I don't know."
"I meant you friend."
"Oh, he is somewhere in the hotel. I told him I'm going to the beach. He is probably doing nothing. Will you be at the party tonight?"
"I might be." Replied Elizabeth.
"Please, come. I would love you to meet Wills. He can be so sweet. I think I can tell you the truth. I am bored with him. He is too old for me. I have met a lovely young man here and I want to spend some time with him without Wills. Do you think you could help me? I mean you would take care that Wills would not come into my way." Seeing distress of Elizabeth's face, she added: "You see that guy I met yesterday, he is eighteen, and it's the first time I've been interested in someone more or less my age. Would you do that for me? Please."
Elizabeth considered it for a while. After all it was better that the girl hung out with someone more or less in her age, than probably some thirty-five year old. And although Elizabeth was reluctant to help her, it was better that 'Wills' stopped being around Anne Marie. She looked at the girl, whom she was beginning to like and said:
"Okay. I will come tonight and I will help you."
"Great!" exclaimed the girl and kissed Lizzy. "I have to run. I don't want Wills to suspect anything. See you tonight."
The girl ran away towards the hotel jumping.
Chapter Ten B
"Jane, darling, am I to tell Elizabeth that William Darcy is here?" asked Charles Bingley his wife.
"I don't think it would be good. She is rather sensitive about his case. Ever since it, she doubts her ability to be a good judge. We shouldn't tell her. After all, it's a big resort and they may not meet." Replied his wife.
"I agree." Said Charles thoughtfully and kissed his wife. He loved her sense. She always knew what to do in sensitive cases.
Beach Party; The Same Night
Elizabeth walked into the tent where everyone was dancing. She directed herself to the bar. She felt like drinking a good campari. Having ordered it, she turned to look around. Her eyes fixed on a dancing couple. They smiled at each other and chatted playfully. At first she could not see their faces but then she noticed it was Anne Marie. "So that's the 'Wills'. He must be a terrible scoundrel. To seduce a girl of sixteen and take her on expansive vacations as a mistress. Such pathetic jerks should be jailed for life, or better, be bobbited." At that moment she recognised him. It was William Darcy. For a split of a second, before going all mad, she thought she wasn't surprised that the girl gave in, if he drove her own hormones mad. And then the rage took over. Unconsciously Elizabeth approached the couple. As if dreaming, she formed a firm grip on Darcy's arm and through clenched teeth spoke:
"You pathetic, deprived of any morals jerk! How could you seduce a sixteen year old! I should have had no mercy and left you in jail for the whole seven days."
Darcy stared at her incredulously.
"What?" he managed to say.
"How dare you even speak to me? I'll make sure this will end up in court."
"I have absolutely no idea, what you are talking about, Miss Bennet."
"Elizabeth..." began Anne Marie.
"Go back to your room and pack your bag." Bellowed Elizabeth at Anne Marie.
"But..." tried the girl
"I said. Now!" Anne Marie preferred to leave. Her father had to manage by himself. Her little scheme worked after all. It wasn't maybe exactly what she wanted to achieve, but at least tonight she was free to meet Harry Fitzwilliam. After all, she didn't drag him here without her father's knowledge, just to have him woo other girls. She planned to have Harry as a boyfriend. Richard Fitzwilliam's seventeen-year old son, was her choice for a good vacation. A month in a French resort with her father was a bit too much for an independent girl of almost fifteen like herself. With Harry it was a different case. She walked sadly away, pretending she was on her way to her room. Turning behind the corner, she set off for the roof terrace where Harry was to wait for her.
Meanwhile Elizabeth turned to Darcy:
"Don't you pretend. She told me everything. How could you do it to such a young girl? Do you know that she'll be paying for that for the rest of her life?" claimed Elizabeth furiously, suddenly feeling she would not be sorry if she herself was seduced by William Darcy. Looking at his arms folded around himself, she felt a sudden urge to touch him. The moment of her silence was used by Darcy:
"Miss Bennet," he bellowed, "I don't care what you think and I don't know or want to know what you are talking about. So if you..."
"Shut up! She could be your daughter!"
"But she is my daughter." Replied he totally taken aback.
"What?" blurred she.
"Anne Marie is my daughter. What did you think? Miss Bennet your mind is completely sick. Take it as advice from a good source. Get yourself a man and have sex, instead of thinking about it all the time."
He left Elizabeth staring in horror.
Chapter Ten C
This was outrageous. thought William Darcy walking across the beach. This woman is haunting me. Will I finally lose her from my sight? If it hadn't been for that wonderful body of hers, I would...
"Darcy, where have you been?" the voice of Bingley brought Darcy back to reality.
"I've... I've... Have you seen Anne Marie?"
"Yes. She was walking towards the elevators." Replied Jane who was standing next to her husband.
"Thanks."
"Darcy is something wrong? I mean you look... agitated." Ventured Bingley.
"No, everything is fine."
"Are you sure? You look as if you've seen a ghost."
"I sort of have," murmured Darcy and in his thoughts added ,The most sexy and driving me mad and insane ghost I've ever seen.
"Pardon. Didn't hear you."
"Oh, nothing. Please, excuse me. I must find Anne Marie."
"William, forgive me, but I think Anne Marie needs another woman's help. If you think... I mean I can talk to her." Said Jane.
"Thank you but first I have to talk to her." Replied Darcy leaving the couple alone.
"Do you think he had seen Elizabeth?" asked Bingley
"I'm afraid he did and something went wrong." Replied Jane
Meanwhile
Get yourself a man and have sex! Get yourself a man and have sex! Get yourself a man and have sex! rang in Elizabeth's ears as she was walking towards the elevator which would take her to the security of her room. How dared he? How dared he speak to me like that? I don't need a man, and my mind's not sick! I don't need a man and I'm not thinking only about sex! Am I? suddenly crossed her mind. Of course, I'm not. So why do I think about having sex every time I run into William Darcy? That pathetic, ugly, moralless, gorgeous, manly, handsome William Darcy, who drives my hormones mad. She walked on to the elevator door and pressed the button. The lift seemed to take hours to get down and Elizabeth felt she was going to burst into tears soon. Finally, it came and it was empty. Thank God at least for that, and she walked in and pressed to button. The door began to close. Elizabeth leaned against the wall and waited for the elevator to move. But it did not. As the door was about to close, someone put a hand in between it. It opened again and William Darcy walked in, looking very distracted and staring into the ground. The door closed, and at that moment he lifted his head and noticed her. The elevator began to go up and then it stopped with a choking sound. He pressed the buttons but it did not move. He picked up the receiver and waited. It was mute. Elizabeth's face showed how scared she was. It seemed they were stuck.
Chapter Eleven
The cabin felt so small and it seemed as though it was still shrinking. She was breathing heavily. The air seemed to vanish. She kept pacing around the cabin, forming an 'L'. And then, he was here with her, stuck in an elevator on three square metres. She could feel his scent. The scent of his cologne and soap. It was beyond her.
Meanwhile William Darcy was calmly sitting in the corner of the cabin watching the woman pacing around him. It was beginning to be unnerving. He could see her shallow breath. The dress she was wearing seemed to be a hurdle, the woman's lungs could not cope with.
"Excuse me could you stop pacing like that. It drives me mad." And not only this, he added in his thoughts.
"What?"
"I asked if you could stop pacing like that. It's mad."
"And what I am to do. This cabin is shrinking with every minute. I can hardly breathe." She called sobbingly.
"Don't panic." Said he getting up.
"I'm not panicking! This is insane. We are going to die. I always knew..."
"Calm yourself down. Everything will be fine."
"No! I know I'll die in a place like this."
"You know nothing of the sort."
"How can you know? I'm old, fat and I'll die in an elevator." She began crying.
"Shut up, will you! You are not old. You are not fat and you will not die in an elevator, at least not in this one." Bellowed he.
She was on the point of bursting into tears: "I'm pathetic!" she squeaked.
"I concur." Replied he.
"What?"
"I said I concur with what you've said. You are pathetic."
She stood speechless for a few seconds.
"But I don't care," said he, pushing her onto the wall and pressing her with all his body and giving her a kiss that seemed to exhale his soul through his lips. She couldn't resist him. All the time, subconsciously, she was hoping that moment would come, that when they will be alone and... well, it was just happening. His hand wandered from her cheek, through her chin to her lip. He stopped for a second and looked into her eyes. She was melting into nothingness. He kissed her deeply and moved from her lips onto her ears and neck. It was exactly how she thought and imagined it would be like. Never in her life had she felt like it. The volley of his kisses continued. She felt his hand find a way under her dress. With every kiss, she was leaning upon him. A strap of her dress fell down and... then the elevator moved.
"Oh, my God!!!!" whimpered Elizabeth pushing Darcy away. "I... I ...we... they... have to... I have to get dressed. Oh, my God!!! They can't... can't see me... not like that!"
"Calm down!" he said pressing her to the wall. "Calm down!"
"How...? I can't... Oh, God, it's not like that!"
"No, like what? I'll tell everyone that you've got claustrophobic and got spasmodic." Elizabeth did not have time to answer as the bell rang and the door began to open. Out of the sudden she found herself in Darcy's strong embrace.
Outside there was a group of people waiting for them. Seeing Elizabeth in his arms looking rather flushed, they looked at them anxiously.
"Miss Bennet is claustrophobic. It took you a long time to get us out." Said Darcy in a rather arrogant way.
"I'm sorry, Sir." Said the manager. "Should a call the paramedics?"
"There is no need for that. I'll take Miss Bennet to her room. She will be much better in a few moments," replied Darcy and carried her down the corridor.
"Which is your room?" asked he
"629."
He put her down in front of the door and asked for the key. She obliged him with it. When they found themselves together in the room, she walked straight to the sofa and sat still.
"Elizabeth?" he asked.
She was silent and still at first but then turned to him: "Why did you do it?"
"What?"
"In the elevator. Why have you...?" her voice trailed off as she remembered her own passion for him then.
"Elizabeth, it's true that I was mad at you for putting me first in jail and then standing Probation Officer Collins in my way, but I have to admit that you appealed to me from the very beginning. Your closeness in the elevator, your hopelessness made me forget all good reason, and I gave in to my want of you. In fact, I still want you, but one word from you...."
She got up and approached him. "Shhhhh." She said and ran her fingers along his cheek. "I... I felt the same. I was attracted to you from the day we met at Jane and Charles's wedding. We were working on my hormones and although I did not have the courage or chance to tell you that I wanted you as much as I believe you wanted me." She stopped. Pulling her towards himself, Darcy once more found his way to her lips.
The night was starry. The waves hit the beach. The band downstairs played "Strawberry Fields Forever", but they didn't care. The moon was shining, lighting up the room in which two lovers finally found their way to each other. All was forgotten, all of the outside world. They didn't care, occupied by themselves, by their passion for each other. Both feeling as if it was only them and the universe without memory or problems. It felt wonderful and if only it could last forever.
Chapter Twelve
The morning sun came through the windows, setting its rays on the bed. The woman breathed heavily and slightly opened her eyes. The man still slept calmly, holding her tight. In her thoughts she came back to last night and she blushed. But only for a second. She did not feel ashamed. She was happy that the man was still with her. She looked at him smiling softly. The smile gave her eyes brightness. She looked at him admiring his features. He was as handsome as he always was to her. Handsome, young and his passion bubbled in her head like the best of champagnes. Who cared about the past, now, certainly not her. He woke up. Looked at her and kissed her with his warm, wanting lips. She closed her eyes and placed her hand on his neck, happy, undeniably happy.
"Well, Miss Bennet, how are we feeling this morning?" asked he, finally breaking away from her.
"Wonderful." Whispered she into his ear and giggled slightly.
"I'm glad to hear it." Replied he, playing with a curl of her hair, tenderly touching her cheek and smiling with his eyes fixed on hers.
She leaned against him and moaned happily, then looking straight into his eyes said:
"So it seems I've listened to your advice."
"Which advice?"
"You know very well which." Was her reply.
"Oh, that one. I'd say you were quite quick in implementing it."
"You can't let a good raisin go away, can you?" she replied shooting him an expressive glance.
"You are quite right. It would be unforgivable." Replied he kissing her chin and then her neck.
Elizabeth rolled on the bed. "It's almost noon." She said.
"Oh, God! Anne Marie!" called Darcy jumping out of the bed. "I have to find her." Having put his cloths on, he kissed Elizabeth and said: "Let's have breakfast together in half and hour in the lounge."
"Okay." Said she and he left.
Getting out on the eighth floor, Darcy walked straight to his daughter's room. He had his own key. The room was empty. On the bed there was a sheet of paper saying:
It's ten and I've knocked on your door but no one answered so I went to breakfast. I should be at the pool later on. AM
Darcy closed the room and went back to the elevator. He remembered last evening in the elevator. He hoped he wasn't to brutal. He just needed her and her presence made him lose control. He hoped that the rest of the evening proved his tenderness to her.
He went down and directed himself to the pool. He noticed Anne Marie at once. She was lying on the side of the pool talking animatedly to some teenager in the pool. Darcy approached them.
"Hello Anne Marie." He said, forgetting to be mad at her. After all she partly caused everything that happened during the last fifteen hours. He smiled remembering the hours.
"Dad!" gasped Anne Marie.
"It's me as you can see!" replied Darcy looking at the teenager. He looked familiar. Where have I seen him? thought Darcy. "Won't you introduce me to your friend here?" asked he rather playfully and was quite amused at the horror visible in his daughter's eyes.
"Dad, it's Harry Fitzwilliam..."
"I thought that I have seen you before. I had no idea Richard, I mean your father, was here."
"He is not." Replied the youth.
"Oh, then you're here with you mother." Continued Darcy.
"No, I am here alone."
"Alone?" asked Darcy quizzically.
"Yes."
"I see." Replied Darcy, trying not to betray his surprise.
"You see, his father knew we would be here, so Harry could go and..." her voice trailed off.
"Of course." Replied Darcy not totally convinced. I should keep an eye on these two, thought Darcy, but aloud said: "I'm going to have breakfast. I thought we could go on an excursion tomorrow. You, me, the Bingleys and Mrs. Bingley's sister. Harry you are welcome as well."
"Thank you. I'm glad to be included." Replied the boy what made Darcy almost chuckle aloud. He turned to go back to the hotel but stopped, looked at the Anne Marie and winked: "Just don't cajole too much."
"What happened to him?" said Anne Marie, looking strangely at Harry.
Chapter Thirteen
"William?" called Elizabeth lightly when she saw him entering the lounge. He smiled at her and walked in her direction.
"Hello." He said, placing herself opposite to her.
"Hello." She replied, "It's been a long time since we've seen each other." She said playfully.
"Too long." Replied he in the same manner taking her hand in his. There was a moment of silence and then she said:
"You don't have to say things you don't believe in or..."
"No, Elizabeth, I've never meant it like that." He was looking intently at her, straight into her eyes. "Elizabeth, last night was something wonderful for me. I have never experienced so much passion. In fact, I never thought there could be so much passion in me. That what I felt for you last night could be felt by a man. But if you think..."
"No, it was wonderful. I felt so wanted and desired and I wanted you to feel the same." She blushed.
He leaned towards her and kissed her slightly once, seeing no opposition repeated his course. She pulled away a bit and said:
"Have you found Anne Marie?"
"Yes. She has met Richard Fitzwilliam's son, here."
"Oh, so that's the boy."
"What boy?"
"Oh, she told me, you were her lover but she met a boy and she asked me to take care of you. You know, that was how I thought that you and her..." Elizabeth stopped seeing William half shocked half laughing.
"Oh, that cunning creature. I will have to have a serious talk with her. To tell such things to strangers. Did she really say that I was her lover?"
"Oh, yes. I believe she said something like: I'm with a male friend here. Wills is such a charming person though he can be very tiresome," laughed Elizabeth and added: "I think she was right."
"In what respect?"
"Oh, that you are a charming person."
"And I'm not tiresome?"
"Well, I don't know you much." She said shooting him an expressive glance.
"What would you say if we got to know each other a bit better after breakfast."
"Well, it does have certain advantages." She kissed and gave him a promising smile.
The Evening
Darcy walked into his daughter's room.
"Anne Marie..." he began, "I want to talk with you."
"Yes, Daddy?"
"Why... what... what would you say if I started meeting someone?"
"You mean like dating?"
"Yes, I guess so."
"Who is she?"
"She is Mrs. Bingley's sister."
"Where did you meet her? Is she here?"
"Yes, she is and we met in...in court."
"In court?" asked Anne Marie quizzically, thinking so that's why you behaved so strangely this morning. You were with her..
"Yes, but this is of no consequence. What I'm asking is..."
"My permission?" supplied the girl.
"No!" called Darcy, "I mean... you know, Elizabeth..."
"Elizabeth?"
"Yes, Elizabeth Bennet."
"Is... is she the one who came up to us during the party?"
"Yes. And this is another topic I would like to discuss with you here? What were you thinking when you told her all those things?"
"I... I... you see I met Harry and I..."
"You wanted to get me out of your way with Harry."
"No! I mean, Harry is fun and..."
"Okay, Miss, I am in good mood today..."
"I've noticed."
"I am in a good mood today," continued he, pretending to ignore her, "and you are lucky here. You can spend time with Harry but only when I know about it. Anyway, tomorrow we are all going on an excursion and I'll keep my eye on the two of you. Understood?"
"Yes, Daddy." Replied she thinking: You need one more eye and even if you had it, you would have it for this Miss Bennet. I know you Daddy.
Darcy got up. "I'm going to meet the Bingleys, so behave."
"Aye, Daddy!" called the girl and laughed. "And I'm glad you like Elizabeth."