Section I, Next Section
Chapter 1
As the plane began its slow descent into the Las Vegas airport, night was falling and the lights of the famous Strip were beginning to be illuminated, transforming the desert town into a glittering oasis. Liz Bennet peered anxiously out of her window, as she had requested a window seat just to be able to first glimpse Las Vegas from the air. She caught her breath and exclaimed, "Look, Jane, isn't that the most gorgeous sight that you've ever seen? It's almost like Christmas or something..."
Her older sister looked up from the Sky Mall magazine that she had been reading and glanced out the window, drawing a breath of delight. "How beautiful, Liz. Do you think that seeing it up close will be as wonderful?"
"Oh, I'm sure of it! At any rate, I'm determined to find out, one way or another," she replied as she and her sister Jane sank into an admirative reverie full of wishful possibilities for the week that they were to spend in this city of cities. Their thoughts were broken abruptly by the petulant voices of their younger sisters seated in the row behind them.
One of the three, Lydia, was loudly protesting, "Kat, do sit back, I can't see a thing with your big head in the way."
"Get off me, Lydia," shrieked Kat, "You're squashing me with those big hips of yours and putting wrinkles in my new outfit. If you don't move now, I'll just close the window and you'll miss it all, anyway!"
The third sister in their row, Marie, was studiously reading a computer magazine. "Will you both be quiet? I'm trying to read up on the latest palm pilot stuff."
Lydia and Kat smirked at each other and burst out laughing. "Marie, you're going to spend this whole vacation grubbing up on techno-junk? Loser! I'll bet that you spend your free time hanging out at the trade show booth flirting with all the other techno-nerds. Now, Kat and I, we fully intend to party our brains out," Lydia said smilingly until Marie sweetly replied,
"Oh, do you still have some left?"
"Well, we certainly have enough to avoid the Barneys at the technodome!" With that, Lydia stuck her tongue out at Marie, who, true to form had gone back to her research and missed out on Lydia's coup de grace.
"Girls," said their father, rousing himself from his seat across the aisle, "I'm sure that even you two would be able to find young men for yourselves at this trade show, maybe even some as loud and silly as yourselves." He settled back in his seat, with a slight smile on his face. Mr. Bennet was an exhibitor at Comdex and the owner of Bennetech, a software company specializing in 3D games for computer. Although he had a low tolerance for silliness, he found some pleasure in laughing at the follies and inconsistencies in human nature, as he called it.
His passion for the absurd and ridiculous was shared by his daughter Elizabeth, or Liz, as she was affectionately called. With Liz's input, the games that they designed were well received and their company's stock began to be a solid presence on Wall Street. His wife, although more than happy to spend the revenue generated by Bennetech, was largely uninterested in the business aspect of the whole thing, preferring to spend her time shopping and marrying off her five single daughters and their friends. Their oldest, Jane, was by far the most beautiful of the five. Her cool, blonde beauty was often compared to that of Grace Kelly or Catherine Deneuve and only her deep reserve and shyness had kept her from going into the modeling career that only her mother dreamed about for her.
Liz was just as beautiful as Jane in her own way, or at least that's what she had always heard said about herself. She was as dark-haired as Jane was blonde, with lively sparkling brown eyes accented with gold flecks, almost feline in nature. She found humour in the most mundane of situations, luckily for her, since her three younger sisters provided most of her humorous fodder.
Marie was the serious one of the bunch, always studying and preaching and moralizing. Her favorite reads were usually philosophers with pedantic bents. She would have been reasonably attractive if only she would wash her hair instead of slicking it back into the ever-present low ponytail.
The two youngest, Kat and Lydia, were almost inseparable. They both favored wild, Spice-girlesque clothing that left most of their nubile early 20's figures exposed and disdained the more modest classic clothing that their older sisters wore.
Upon disembarking, the rest of the family found Kat and Lydia already at the baggage claim area, loudly gushing about "the awesome slot machines" to a small throng of "Baldwins" as Lydia called them.
" Hey Liz, come here, " Lydia yelled. "Hey did you ever see so many machines...and right when we got off the plane! Cool, huh?!"
"Now Lydia, don't forget that you will need some of your money to go out on and all. This time Jane and I aren't going to bail you out with a loan or anything. We only brought enough money for ourselves this trip." Her comment only brought a small sigh from Lydia as she watched the departing hunks.
"Oh, don't you worry," suddenly interjected Mrs. Bennet, "I'll make sure that you have what you need so that you meet all the nice, single men that your heart desires. I know that I used to like to meet good-looking men in casinos, and in my heart, I still do." Mr. Bennet looked amused at this unexpected outburst, but only slightly raised an eyebrow at Liz and said nothing. They took their luggage and waited for the Monte Carlo bus to arrive, loaded quickly and then watched as the driver slowly made his way down the traffic-infested avenue.
"Gee, what gives with all the traffic?" Kat asked.
"Comdex," grunted the driver, "It's always this way, every Comdex. At least you got some nice weather this year. Pretty mild for November. Last year, we had one of our rare rains and it was a real mess." Liz sat enthralled, her eyes glued on the lights of the Strip.
"Oh, it's so pretty."
"Yeah, well, you get used to it after awhile," responded the driver not very encouragingly. "Sometimes the lights are a pain because tourists look at them instead of at the road--hey get out of the way, ya moron! Like I was saying, tourists don't always look where they're going."
"No doubt," Liz thought, "I'll try to keep that in mind when I'm crossing the street," she said out loud.
"Well, here we are coming up on the Monte Carlo," said the driver. "Pretty nice place...one of the best, if ya ask me. It's one of the Derbyshire Group Hotels. Owned by a Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, but everyone calls him Mr. Darcy...pretty formal guy. He owns and develops most of the major hotels here in Las Vegas. That new hotel they're building on the Strip, the one catty-cornered from the Aladdin, it's called The Pemberley. Very exclusive. They say that it is only going to be for high roller and no rooms under $600 a night. Here's the door, let me help you with your bags."
After tipping the driver and loading their luggage on their luggage carts, they entered the hotel, the girls gazing in wonder at the magnificent interior.
"Dad, you really outdid yourself this time," Liz exclaimed. "How did you ever manage to pull this one off...or is our stock doing a lot better than you have let on?"
"Well, it's not the Pemberley, I know, but I guess that it will do." Mr. Bennet smiled and picked up his overnight bag, following Jane and Liz who led the way to the check-in desk.
On the way, Lydia stopped and cried out "Oh, look Jane! Look at this huge poster of Charles Bingley, the famous magician. I didn't realize how gorgeous he is!" Kat was also staring at the poster. "I hear that he makes at least 5 million a year, and, best of all, he's single!! Do you suppose that he would be interested in me?"
"Or me, more likely," said Lydia, with all the confidence of her age and IQ.
"He certainly is handsome," Jane remarked, "but as rich as he is and as famous, it's very unlikely that he would hang out here, waiting to get a glimpse of the Bennets from Meryton, KS."
"I heard," said Liz with a wicked grin, "that he's one of the most down-to-earth performers that exist. I think that I also heard that he was from Arkansas or Oklahoma or something like that and loves to meet his audience, especially if they are good-looking blondes..."
"Stop it, Liz!" Jane exclaimed wryly. "Even if he is performing in our hotel, I doubt that there will ever be any occasion to meet him or even catch a glimpse of him, although I wouldn't have anything against it, if it should happen..." The two linked arms and walked to the check-in desk and waited while their father registered them and gave them their room keys.
"Here, Liz, you and Jane share, the other three will share and Mom and I will be in the room in-between, so that we can monitor Lydia and Kat, at least somewhat."
"As if we need monitoring, Dad!" Lydia protested, "I'm 22 yrs. old."
"And going on 14..." Liz was thinking when she noticed that Lydia and Kat were rolling their eyes at each other in derision, as she heard a voice saying "...on behalf of the Monte Carlo, I would like to welcome you, too." She looked over and saw that the concierge, whose name tag read William Collins, concierge, Hunsford, CN had come around the desk and smiling in a obvious way that made her uncomfortable. In her estimation, he was a great deal like what she would have imagined Dickens' Uriah Heep to be, if he had suddenly become flesh and started to talk, all obsequious and fawning behavior that began to amuse her as much as it also disgusted her. She was so engrossed in her thoughts, that the ill-suppressed snickers of Lydia and Kat almost didn't register until she realized that Collins was directing his comments at her..."and if there is ever anything you need, don't hesitate to ring the front desk and I will attend to it personally, whether it be extra toiletries like shampoo, soap, or towels..."
"I thank you, but I'm sure that we'll be just fine..." Liz replied in her most polite but discouraging tone while Mr. Bennet flashed her a look of thinly disguised mirth as they turned to go to the elevator.
"Ugh," she thought, "I'd rather go without a shower for a week than to call down!"
"Now, don't forget, girls," reminded Mrs. Bennet in an anxious and excited voice, "we have been invited to a special party tonight where there are supposed to be some very important people, so go to your rooms and get freshened up...and do not go wandering off, Lydia and Kat. We will all go down together. This is a Users Conference mixer and there are bound to be many eligible men there."
"Yeah, and all of them dorks," snickered Lydia as she and Kat giggled their way up to their room, deep in conversation about how to best ditch the rest of their family members, but not before Lydia fired her parting shot..."Oh, and it looks like Liz has already found her Barney..."
"What kind of party is this anyway?" Jane asked. "Is it business related?"
"In a way, yes," replied Mr. Bennet, "although I won't be going. I'm going to go over the booth layout with George and then hop in the jacuzzi with a relaxing book. You girls go have a good time. I'm sure that your mother will have happier hunting for you girls without me!" They all separated to their rooms.
Chapter 2
"Whoah, will you look at the size of this room!" exclaimed Liz. "We have a jacuzzi, too. Dad must have shelled out the big bucks for this one."
"He said that his friend Bill Lucas helped out. Apparently he has some connections from his business...even if he is semi-retired."
"What is he now, mafia?"
"Oh Liz, don't even say such a thing. You know very well that Mr. Lucas runs the trade shows in this town. Why, his company is as big as Miller Freeman, maybe bigger. Anyway, he got Dad a discount since they go way back. Charlotte, his oldest daughter, organizes all the social events and catering."
"I remember Charlotte. She and I became close when we worked a couple of trade shows last year. She's really great at putting things together. I'll bet that we owe our 'important people' party tonight to her great skills. Must be a very exclusive party. What an adventure...I can't wait!"
"We'd better hurry and get ready. You know how Mom is when she's kept waiting."
"I got dibs on the shower!" Liz ran into the bathroom, showered and, while waiting for Jane, walked over to the huge picture window, wrapping a towel around her head. "Viva Las Vegas!" she said in her best Elvis impersonation and smiled widely at the pulsing lights of the Strip. From her vantage point of the panoramic view, she could watch the traffic slowly making its way along the avenue. "Wow, what a monstrous limo...it's like a yacht..." Liz's eyes widened as she tracked its slow progress. It was a mild evening, even for November in that desert climate and she noticed that the sunroof had been opened. Pressing her face against the window pane, the most that she could make out was that the steel gray limo had a plush burgundy interior, as a sudden flash of light illuminated the inside, offering a brief glimpse of several elegantly dressed people in conversation. The limo stopped, and a male got out, cell phone to his ear. He appeared to be quite handsome, from all that she could see, athletically built and well suited to his very tailored suit.
"What's up, Liz?" Jane entered the room, toweling her hair as she approached.
"Oh, nothing, just the most humongous limo I've ever seen in my life. Las Vegas sure is the city of excess...let's see if it is also worthy of the title of 'The City that Never Sleeps'."
"I thought New York was the city that never sleeps, at least according to that one song..." Jane trailed off as she looked at her watch.."Mom is gonna kill us. We'd better get a move on. What, why are you looking at me like that?"
"It's just that...well, that isn't the last towel, is it? I'd hate to have to call down for more!!" Liz ducked, but the wet towel, well-aimed, struck her in the head.
Not long later, she pirouetted for Jane, saying "Well, how do I look? Will I shame you, do you think?"
"You look very pretty in topaz, Liz, as you are well aware."
"Look at you!" Liz said with admiration. "That silvery blue really brings out your coloring. Gonna have to beat them off with a stick as usual. Oh, the door...that must be Mom."
"Girls, let's go. It's so late...why Liz, you look really nice tonight. Jane, now you are stunning. See, Liz, I told you that you should have packed your best party clothes." Mrs. Bennet continued on in this vein, but Liz tuned her out as she began to launch a commentary on Marie and Lydia's choice of dress for the evening.
"Marie, you decided to go after all...but you don't usually go in for parties," Liz said with no small amount of surprise in her voice.
"Well, I thought..." Marie began as Kat interrupted saying, "She thinks that some technos just might be there and get all hot about giga-whatevers."
"I don't really have anything against a party, especially when my prospects appear to be so good," Marie countered, "it is my element, after all."
"Whatever," Lydia interjected, "If there aren't any cute guys at the party, then Kat and I will hit the casinos or the little bars around here. There have got to be some hotties around with all these hundred thousand at Comdex, you'd think." They rounded the corner and Liz found herself colliding into someone who was hurrying toward them, the concierge William Collins.
"Oh, beg your pardon, I'm so sorry," he began in his most ingratiating tone of voice. "Are you all right?"
"Nothing worthy of a law suit," Liz answered.
"Liz," scolded Mrs. Bennet, "he's just trying to be nice."
"May I be of some assistance? You look like you're looking for something." He continued to give all his attention to Liz.
"Why certainly, Mr. Collins, we're just going to the mixer in the Red Lion room."
"Call me Bill. It's this way. I was just going there myself." He started to lead the way, walking next to Liz and trying to engage her in conversation. She averted her eyes and swept over the casino, mentally comparing it to the more thematic hotels, that in her opinion, were a lot more romantic and fun. Lost in her thoughts, she came to as the loud, blaring sounds of "Disco Inferno" by the Trammps assaulted her as the doors to the party were opened. "How fun, Jane! A Saturday Night Fever!!"
Jane smiled. "Oh, look! It's Charlotte Lucas! Hey Char, over here!!"
"Hi Liz, Jane. I heard that you all were going to be here at Comdex. It's great to see you again. We've got a lot of catching up to do."
"So, did you set all this up? The disco theme is great!"
"Yes, it is a little wilder than usual," Charlotte explained, "But Comdex has so many of our age group that I couldn't resist."
"Look Liz," cried Jane. "Elvis has just entered the building!"
"Elvis impersonators? Oh, Char, what a riot!" remarked Liz.
"That's Denny and Carter," Charlotte explained. "Aren't they great? They make up a part of the flying Elvis's or do you say Elvi? You know, like in that one movie. We thought that they'd liven the place up so that no-one gets too serious in here--although we may not succeed with all of our invited..."
Liz scanned the crowd to locate the offending serious faces and finally picked out one very happy face staring at them, in the company of four less entertained faces. "Now, how can anyone be so dull with such a fun atmosphere? Char, who is that smiley guy over there? He looks so familiar."
"And is so very good-looking, too," Jane softly said.
"Jane, you are so right, he's a real Baldwin, as Lydia would say. That only happens to be Mr. Charles Bingley in the flesh."
"Charles Bingley? THE Charles Bingley, famous magician?" Jane was all astonishment. "He's even better looking in person. How did you ever get him to come to this party?"
"He knows my Dad and when he found out that it was going to be a disco party, he said that he just had to come. It would seem that he just loves disco music."
"Hmmm, seems like he has a lot in common, Jane," Liz said slyly.
"Oh, no, I think that they caught us staring at them...he's coming this way."
"Smile girls," said Mrs. Bennet, "You want him to know that you're really friendly."
"Mom, stop that," Liz was horrified that someone would overhear the open workings of her mother's matchmaking mind. She noticed that one of the other men with Bingley followed him at a very slight distance, as if unsure that he wanted to become part of the introductions.
"Mr. Bingley," Charlotte began, "I'm glad that you were able to make it tonight."
"Call me Charles. How could I possibly stay away from such a fun party, especially since you made the offer so tempting..." Charles smiled but his eyes were glued on Jane, who in her confusion, was smiling slightly and looking at the floor.
"Charles, may I introduce my friends, the Bennets of Meryton, KS. Mr. Bennet owns Bennetech. He's not here tonight, but this is Mrs. Bennet, Jane, Elizabeth, and the other three Marie, Kat and Lydia are over there at the food tables."
"A real pleasure," Charles shook their hands, lingering over Jane's, whose hand seemed as reluctant to leave his as he was to relinquish it.
"Do you like to dance, Charles?" asked Mrs. Bennet. "The music is so fun and you'll never get such expert dance partners to ask."
"I love to dance. Who are the experts?"
"Why, Jane and Liz, of course," she replied smugly. "They all have received awards for their dancing in various competitions."
"That's great! Jane, I would love to be your partner, if you'd care to dance?"
"Yes, that would be nice, thanks," Jane answered shyly.
"And your friend, does he dance, too?" Mrs. Bennet queried, indicating the man who seemed only too content to remain in the background.
"Oh, sorry, may I introduce you to my good friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy."
"But most people call him Mr. Darcy, I'd imagine," thought Liz. "He looks like he was just introduced to Edgar the Bug from 'Men in Black'!"
"Do you dance, Mr. Darcy?" asked Mrs. Bennet, "It is a great night for it."
"Thank you, but I don't dance very often if I can help it."
"But you must admit that there are such good songs and such pretty woman here tonight that that must be some incentive..."
"Excuse me, I am neglecting my group," and with that Mr. Darcy left them, leaving his friend to look after him with a mouth hanging slightly open and the Bennets to believe that they had just met the rudest man in the world.
"And I thought that he was just starting to loosen up..." Charles shook his head. "Please don't take offense. He just really has a hard time around people he doesn't know very well. Hey, they're playing 'Brickhouse'. Jane, would you like to dance to this song?"
"Yes, I love this song!" They practically ran to the dance floor and Liz could tell that she was sure to see very little of them for quite awhile.
She looked over at Mr. Darcy's well-heeled group and noticed that his eyes were sweeping the room with what she interpreted was a look of ill-disguised disdain. "It's really too bad that all that physical beauty is wasted on him. If he weren't such a snob, I would think that he was the best looking man I'd ever seen: tall, dark, handsome and sexy, yes definitely sexy. And knows it too, apparently." Her thoughts on Darcy were interrupted by a small commotion on the dance floor and she noticed with a great deal of embarrassment that Lydia and Kat were doing a sort of 'Dirty Dancing' style with the two Elvis impersonators.
"Mom, aren't you going to do anything about those two?" cried Marie. "They're sliming up the dance floor."
"Well, at least they're dancing, Marie," replied coolly Mrs. Bennet, "and that's more than I can say for you...or you, Liz, for that matter."
"Yes, Liz, would you like to dance?" quickly asked Bill. Liz noticed that her mother was giving her her best 'dance with him, don't be a jerk' look and said reluctantly "Sure, Bill, let's dance."
Once on the dance floor, she regretted her hasty decision as Bill gyrated and threw himself around, and not at all to the beat of the music. She tried to smile, but his writhing began to put her in a bad humour, especially since some of it seemed to be almost sexual in nature, directed at her. "What a loser," she thought. "Could this be any worse?" She didn't really think that it could until he started to gyrate closer and closer to her and she kept backing up farther until her heel came in contact with a very solid foot.
"Oh, pardon me," she began, "I didn't mean to step..." she looked behind her and to her dismay she found that she had landed on Mr. Darcy's very expensively loafered foot. He did not look amused in the least at her accidental trampling and gave her a rather cold look. "Please forgive me..."
He looked at his foot, then at her blankly before saying, "That's okay, I'm fine" before turning away to talk to the woman standing next to him who was looking at Liz with indignation and disgust.
She finished the dance with Bill then escaped into the nearest bathroom. She had no sooner installed herself on the toilet when she heard two women enter the room.
"Well, Louisa, have you ever seen such a pathetic group? Can you believe that we're still here?"
"Yes, but at least Charles is having a good time."
"Charles always has a good time. His dance partner is really pretty."
"Yes, but her sister, the one who stomped on Darcy's foot..." They broke into peals of malicious laughter. "Can you believe that dress...a real retro look, so last 5 years."
"Wasn't Darcy funny when we asked him why he didn't dance with Miss Two Left Feet?'
"It was too cruel! He said that he would rather dance with her mother!!"
"Well, her sister is very sweet. I'll be happy to know her, especially since she is targeted for Charles and not Darcy."
"Still carrying the torch, I see, Caroline."
"Maybe it will light a fire under his butt, who knows! Well, let's go. My makeup is still as perfect as ever. Maybe Darcy would like to dance with someone who really knows how to dance..." Liz heard the door shut and angrily flushed the toilet.
"How hateful," she said out loud, "how I'd love to give them a piece of my mind." She flung open the bathroom door and stomped back to the dance area. "I could use a drink, anything to cool me down." As she was at the drink table, a man with a trade show badge approached her and soon she had a more successful dance partner. She moved out onto the dance floor and soon was happily dancing to 'Turn the Beat Around'. One song led to another and her irritation was all but forgotten as her body began to respond to the 'Saturday Night Fever' soundtrack. They were on a complicated dance turn when she noticed that Mr. Darcy was dancing with one of the women from his group, a beautiful but sharp-featured woman who was staring at Liz in contempt. Mr. Darcy was also staring, but she couldn't read his expression.
"Hey Liz," suddenly exclaimed her dance partner, "can you do that one dance from 'Saturday Night Fever'...you know, the dance contest one at the end?"
"Yes, Joey. I think that I still remember it. Let's go request it." With a smile that lit up her face, they left the dance floor, spoke to the DJ and returned just as the lights were dimming for their song. The other dancers cleared a path for them and watched in admiration, applauding once they were through. At the end of the dance, they bowed, and on raising her head, Liz caught Darcy's eyes on her. She gave him a slight smirk, and turning on her heels began dancing with her back to him. After that song, she returned to Charlotte and plopped down on the offered seat.
"Whew! I thought that I was going to get stuck with Bill all night, but Joey is such a great dancer."
"Liz, you were superb! I noticed that Mr. Darcy couldn't take his eyes off of you all night. I think that you must have captured more attention than just from Bill and Joey."
"Well, that's not very likely, Char," Liz laughed. "Wait til you get a load of this..." She proceeded to enlighten her friend on the stomping incident and the overheard conversation in the ladies. They laughed out loud at the description of Liz as having two left feet and continued to entertain themselves for some time before Liz excused herself to return to her room.
"Sorry, but I have to get to bed at a good time if I am to run in the morning. I like to be up and out at 6."
"Well, I have to say that you have a lot more stamina than I do," Charlotte smiled ruefully.
"See ya," said Liz. "Or as Lydia would say 'I'm outie'!."
"I think that she's seen 'Clueless' one too many times."
"Clueless is right! See you tomorrow!"
As Liz got up to leave, more than one person regretted her departure.
Chapter 3
The next morning Liz climbed out of bed reluctantly. "Guess I should have gotten to bed even earlier," she thought. "Oh well, maybe I'll get a nap in later." She pulled on her running shorts and shirt and dug her running shoes out of her luggage. After lacing on her shoes, she placed an Aretha Franklin tape into her Walkman and briskly headed out the door. Once on the sidewalk, she was pleased to notice that the city was still relatively quiet and that the sun was just starting to come up, a beautiful rosy dawn. "Hmmm, which way, which way?" She looked around for the most promising direction. "I think that I'll run down by The Pemberley and check it out, see if it is all that..." She switched on her tape, cranked up the volume and took off running down the street. At her fast pace, it didn't take her long to reach the hotel in question and she thought that the gardening in front looked like one of those rich people's lawns in England. "I could almost do intervals here, this one area reminds me of a track..." she was lost in thought and then Aretha started to sing 'Think', which always made her want to sing along, so she did, at the top of her lungs. 'You better think, think about what you're tryin' to do to me..think..think..OW!" Her solo was interrupted as she felt something graze her left thigh rudely. She looked over and through her sweat and the tears that were welling up in her eyes, saw the black car that was beginning to stop. She ran up to the back of it and thumped on it hard. "Hey, why don't you watch where you're going, you..." Just then the driver got out of the car and she noticed with anger and dismay that it was Mr. Darcy and that the car that she had thumped was nothing less than a very expensive Jaguar. She looked at him defiantly, both hands on her hips as she waited for him to approach her after first examining his car.
"Are you okay?" he asked with concern in his eyes. "I'm not used to having to avoid pedestrians as this area is not open to the general public, yet." She noticed that he was looking at her thigh where he had hit her to assess the damage and then slowly moved up her body until his eyes came to rest on her face, her eyes lit up in indignation. "You!"
"Yes, Mr. Darcy. It would seem that we can't stop running into each other. In light of what happened last night, I would say that we are now even." Her lips curved into a semblance of a smile. In the morning light, he could see the golden flecks that accented her amber eyes, eyes that began to narrow the longer he stared into them.
"Let's see that leg," he almost stammered. "I'd hate to think of ruining your dancing career."
"Oh yes, my dancing, " she replied almost coldly. "Actually I would be more upset at not being able to run anymore and would really have something against you. As it is, I'm fine, just grazed and a little shaken up, that's all."
"May I make it up to you and show you The Pemberley? It's one of my favorite projects, designed after an estate that I saw on a trip to England one year."
"No, thanks anyway. I have to finish my run and then get to the Convention Center," Liz answered distantly. "Don't worry, I won't be sending any attorneys after you for inattentive driving..." With that parting remark, she replaced her earphones and bounded off and was soon out of his sight.
He stood there a while longer, unable to move. "What a little tigress. What eyes and fire. What a body. Anyway," he shook his head. "Back to work. Too much to do to just stand around here." With a reluctant sigh, he climbed back in his car and headed for the parking lot.
Liz continued up the street and ran so hard that she soon wore herself out. "What a morning. I almost get run over and by Mr. Darcy of all people. And what does he mean looking at me like that? Almost like he was perving or something. Some nerve. Still, he was even more handsome in daylight," she began to reflect. "Wow, what a face...like a dark Val Kilmer or better. Still...he's a snob and a half. He was probably only concerned that he would be involved in some scandalous lawsuit, and in front of his new hotel, no less..." These thoughts occupied her until she found herself back in front of the Monte Carlo. "Oh no, I forgot about Bill," she thought with panic. "Maybe I can sneak in unnoticed." As she looked around, she was encouraged to see that the early morning shift didn't include him and she thought that it was just as well, since he was probably recuperating from the exertions of the previous night. She quickly went up to her hotel room, where she found Jane dreamily combing her hair and thinking of Charles Bingley.
"Hey Liz," she said with a smile. "What are you doing after you get back from the trade show? Charles is coming by and we're going to go swimming in the hotel pool. There's a couple of jacuzzis and even a place for laps. We'll still be there, I think, by the time you get back."
"Well, I'm not going to commit. It does sound tempting, but I may want to just nap and jacuzzi after all that standing."
"You know," Jane started gently, "Dad did say that you didn't have to go if you didn't want to. We are on vacation, so to speak."
"I know, but I hate the thought of Dad having to work so hard by himself, even if he will be surrounded by a good booth staff. Besides, isn't that actor person, George something supposed to start today? I'd hate to miss the first day of that."
"I don't really remember."
"Well, I need to jump in the shower and take off. Have fun with Charles today. He's pretty nice, isn't he?"
"Oh Liz, he's the sweetest man I've ever met. He wants to give us some passes to see one of his shows this week. Isn't that fun?"
"Sounds great, as long as the rest of his entourage isn't there."
"Now Liz, that's not fair. His sisters are really pretty nice, once you get to know them."
"Really?!"
"Yes, really. I'm sorry that they were so rude to you. Charlotte filled me in after you left. I wouldn't be too hard on Mr. Darcy. He did seem to loosen up a little bit and even talked to me a little."
"Yes, I'm sure that it was a very little. Not the most sociable person in the room. Did Char also tell you what he said about my dancing?"
"Yes, and he should never have said that. I'm sure that once he gets to know you, he'll beg you to dance with him!"
"Doubtful. I'll be lucky to not step on him again. Anyway, after this morning, I'm sure that he will steer clear of me."
"What happened?" Jane asked with alarm.
"Nothing much. I'm okay, really. He just nicked me a little with his JAGUAR...gee, the only time I see a Jag up close and it's because it almost ran over me. He stared at me really weird, too."
"I think that he must like you, Liz!"
"And my two left feet!" she said over her shoulder as she headed for the bathroom. "I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for him to ask me out, if that's what you're thinking, Jane!"
"Weirder things have happened, dear sister," Jane softly replied as she went back to combing her hair and thinking of Charles.
Chapter 4
Comdex was exactly as she had remembered it from last year, all lights, music, loudspeakers blaring a cacophony of liveliness that Liz found energizing. Marie was already at the booth, trying to interest one of the male staff members in projected attendance statistics. Mr. Bennet smiled widely at seeing Liz come into the booth. "You're a sight for sore eyes! How was the big bash last night? I hear that Bill Collins made an interesting dance partner!"
"Oh, Dad, what a disaster!" she made a face. "But then I danced with Joey Best, and we tore up the dance floor."
"Good for you. Your mother also said that THE Mr. Darcy was there and that he wouldn't dance with you, even though his best friend Charles Bingley took up with Jane."
"That's okay, Dad," she replied. "He's not really my type...too blue-blood Helmut Lang, if you know what I mean."
"Sort of. Is Lang another rich developer?"
"A designer, Dad," she rolled her eyes in mock despair, "for the rich and pretentious. Where's that actor you hired? Wasn't he scheduled for today?"
"Wickham? Oh, he won't be in until tomorrow. He called not too long ago and said that he has a slight case of laryngitis."
"That's too bad...the first day and all when it's the busiest. Oh well, roll with the punches and all that, I guess." They both went to work and all too soon, the first trade show day was over and Liz was in a taxi going back to the hotel. "Jane said that she might be at the pool today. I'm going for a swim and a hot tub. Are you coming too?"
"No, hon, after all those people, the last thing that I want to do is to have to make conversation with Lydia and Co...or have to listen to them, for that matter." Mr. Bennet replied. "No Liz, I'm going up to my room and turn on the TV and relax. You go have fun." He gave her an affectionate pat on the shoulder and went into his room.
Liz entered her own room to find a note from Jane reiterating her invitation from the morning. Liz threw off her work clothes, struggled into her swimming suit, kicking her work clothes out of her way as she searched for her thongs, a beach bag, an old favorite novel and then wrapped a sarong around her waist. "Well, it's not designer, but at least I can do laps in it without anything falling out!"
As she walked into the pool area, she happily noted the 'Endless Summer' soundtrack blaring, huge palm trees, and cabanas set up for the hearty late-season swimmers. "Wonder where Jane is? Oh well, I'll just go for a swim." She dropped her bag, kicked off her thongs and left her sarong draped on the nearest chair. Once she had located the deep end of the pool, she dove into the tepid water with a splash. She slowly came to the surface with an "aaah, that feels so good!" and climbed out of the pool, shaking her head back as she walked around.
"Watch out," an irate voice to her left said in protest, "You're getting water all over me." Liz looked in the direction of the petulant voice and recognized the owner as one of Charles' sisters, who, in her estimation, was a black-haired, designer-wearing, perfectly manicured model-type who would never venture into the water for fear of destroying her do or makeup.
"Oh hi, Liz! said Jane. "We were wondering when you would get here. I'd like you to meet Caroline," She indicated the slightly dampened woman who removed her sunglasses briefly to give her a cool stare before replacing them with a "Charmed, I'm sure."
"Nice to meet you. Sorry about the water."
"Humph." was the only response that she got back from Caroline, who picked up a fashion magazine and began to flip through the pages.
"This is Louisa," Jane continued, indicating an equally fashionably-attired woman of auburn hair and designer sunglasses.
"Hello, Liz is it? We've heard so much about you!" Louisa exchanged an amused look with Caroline. "How is the pool?"
"The water is great! Do either of you swim?"
Charles laughed out loud. "Swim? Hardly ever, why it would take the curl right out of their hair!!"
"Thank you, Charles, but we don't prefer to swim just now and it has nothing to do with our hair," Louisa replied icily. "Oh, and this is my husband, David Hurst. He's had a long day..."
"It looks like he's had a few long ones, too!" thought Liz , but smiled and said nothing.
"Oh, Liz. By the way, your younger sisters are around here somewhere, you could hardly miss them."
"Don't tell me," Liz whispered to Jane, "they're wearing their cheek-floss suits again."
"How did you guess?" Jane whispered back. Their attention was drawn by the loud, giggling protests of Lydia and Kat, whose escorts were attempting to throw them into the pool. Caroline and Louisa seemed disgusted by their antics, Charles had eyes only for Jane and Jane looked embarrassed for her sisters but was content to bask in Charles' admiration. As for David Hurst, he just snored.
"Well, it's a waste to just lounge around with all this great water. I'm going back in," declared Liz. "Any other takers?"
"In a minute Liz," Jane replied. "Charles and I want to play a little water volleyball later."
"Okay, save a game for me." Liz walked briskly back to the deep end where she dove in, barely disturbing the water's edge.
"What a little athlete," Caroline sneered. "Is she always so...active?"
"Yes, always," Jane said sweetly. "I don't know anyone who is in shape as much as Liz. She runs, lifts weights, swims...if it's a sport, she plays it."
"You couldn't pay me enough to workout," Caroline said as Louisa nodded in agreement. "I hate to feel sweaty, ugh. Luckily for me, I have such good genes that I never have to exercise."
"Hey, here comes Darcy!" Charles cried. "He decided to come after all. So, Darcy, did you just get off work?"
"Darcy never gets off work," Caroline purred. "See, even when he's at a pool, he still has the ever-present cell phone."
"Hello, how is everyone," Darcy inquired politely. He noticed the self-satisfied smiles of Caroline and Louisa.
"Fine, now that you're here," Caroline smiled, and Darcy was afraid for a moment that she was going to start batting her eyes at him. "Could you put some of this sunblock on my back, it's so hard to reach back there by myself."
"I hardly think that sunblock is going to be necessary, since the sun will be setting in about 2 hours."
"Oh, please?" she insisted. "It's also a great moisturizer. Puleaze?"
"Oh all right then," Darcy reluctantly took the bottle of lotion and began to spread the thick lotion on back.
"Yes, that's great," Caroline said with satisfaction in her voice, "Hey, why are you stopping?" She looked up to see why her lotioning had been interrupted and was disgruntled to notice that Darcy's attention had been derailed by a lithe body diving into the pool. His face, usually inscrutable, had an expression of admiration and perhaps a little something more.
"So, you like water sports, Darcy?"
"Yes, I enjoy watching the Summer Olympics as much as anyone, Caroline."
"Especially the women's team, I'd imagine," she responded, trying not to sound jealous.
"Well, I sure enjoy women's sports," Charles interrupted. "Nothing like a well-toned, self-assured woman..." his voice trailed off as his eyes locked with Jane's.
"Say, isn't it about time for that volleyball game?" came a voice from behind them as Liz walked back over to them, tying a towel around her waist.
Chapter 5
"We need a few more players to make it a really good game," Charles insisted. "We could go get Lydia and Kat..."
"Whatever for?" Caroline replied haughtily. "Louisa and I would round out the teams nicely, don't you think?"
Charles was dumbfounded, but recovered quickly and said, "Sure, the more the merrier. How are we going to split up sides?"
"I'M on Darcy's side," Caroline said quickly, "Louisa, whose side do you want to be on?"
"Yours, of course. Charles, you and Jane can make up a team with Liz."
"Great!" Charles was beaming with enthusiasm, "I'll have the best teammates ever."
"Don't get your hopes up," Jane offered shyly. "Remember, Liz is the jock, not me."
"Wait, you're a serious athlete?" Darcy's eyes began to narrow as he scrutinized Liz.
"Liz plays every sport there is, even the male ones, isn't that right, Liz?" Caroline sneered.
"I'm not quite the athlete you'd like to make me out to be, but I do like a healthy competition. No sissy girl stuff for me." She smiled sweetly back at Caroline who looked like she wanted to slap her.
"And Darcy hates to lose at anything, so this should be a good game," replied Charles. Darcy looked slightly annoyed at this mention of his character and opened his mouth as if to say something, but then closed it again. They picked up the ball and walked over to the now deserted pool.
"Well, where do you want to start this showdown?" Liz enquired.
"Let's do it in the 3 foot," offered Caroline, looking offended at the water in front of her.
"No way," answered Charles. "Don't be such a wuss. It has to at least be in the 4 foot or it won't be any fun."
"This is great!" thought Liz. "How are Caroline and Louisa going to keep their hair dry?" This thought entertained her so much that a huge smile broke across her face.
"What is so funny?" Caroline asked with not a little irritation.
"Nothing," she smiled even wider. "Let's play some ball."
"We'll take this area," Charles said. "This line will be the net and those chairs there are out of bounds."
Liz, Charles and Jane waded out to their area and waited as the other three took their places opposite them, Caroline and Louisa taking longer than Darcy, as they gingerly made their way through the water.
"Some time this year, Caro," Charles yelled at her.
"I'm going as fast as I can. Who starts anyway?"
"Why don't you guys go first, Darcy?" Charles suggested, "since you have the most handicap!"
"Oh har de har, " Louisa replied. "No, we insist, you first."
"Alrighty then," Charles smiled, "Liz, show 'em what you have." He handed Liz the ball which she deftly and sharply served to Darcy who immediately hit it back. Jane positioned herself so that she could set up the ball on the return and Liz came from behind to spike it with a powerful thrust. Darcy jumped up to block the ball, but Caroline had placed herself so close to him that he fell into her, and down they both went, causing a great arc of water to come up and completely drench Louisa.
"Woohoo, what a great play!!" Charles shouted in glee.
"Yeah, terrific," responded Caroline sarcastically, wet hair stringing in her face.
"Caro, you big klutz, you got me all wet," snarled Louisa.
"Good thing that we're in a pool," said Liz.
Caroline and Louisa looked at her with contempt, but Darcy had a slight smile on his face, which quickly disappeared when he saw them staring at him in astonishment.
"I don't know why you're having such a good time, especially since we're LOSING!" Caroline seemed put out. "What a stupid game."
"I agree," Louisa said. "I'm not really enjoying it all that much myself. Why don't we find something else to play?"
"Well, when we were kids," Jane offered, "we used to play a game called 'shark'. One person is in the middle and is 'shark'. The others try to avoid the shark, but if the shark gets you, then you become 'shark'. Everyone else is on either side of the pool and the sides are 'time-out'."
"Sounds fun," Charles said, "Let's play it. What do you say, Darcy, sisters?"
"I'm game," Darcy replied.
"So are we, " said Caroline, not willing to be left out of anything that included Darcy.
"Who is going to be Shark first?" asked Charles
"Let's let Liz," suggested Caroline with a glint in her eye, "After all, she's the 'athlete' in the group."
"Okay," said Jane, "But you know that you're really in for it now."
"I'm sure that I'm fast enough to stay away from her," Caroline said, swimming ungainly to the edge of the pool.
Liz positioned herself in the middle of the pool, waiting to catch one of the slower people.
"Shark attack!" she yelled. The water began to churn as all the others swam furiously to the other side but Liz was able to grab one foot as the swimmer tried to escape her grasp. "Jane, you're shark."
"Okay, okay. Now do you see why we don't like for Liz to be 'shark' when we play together. Now she may never be shark again!"
"We'll see..." Charles said as menacingly as he could.
The next time the water churned, Jane was able to catch Charles, who didn't seem to mind.
"I'm shark now," he grinned his toothiest grin. "Watch out, Darcy, you're about to become shark bait..."
"Whatever. I'm in much better shape than you are, any day."
"In your dreams, desk boy! Shark attack!!" He aimed for Darcy and with great speed and determination just managed to touch his heel before Darcy's hand was able to touch the side of the pool. "You're shark!" Charles said with glee.
"So I am," Darcy replied ruefully. "You must be practicing in your pool to have gotten so fast."
"I try," he said with mock humility.
"Shark attack!" called Darcy after he had located Liz along the side of the pool. Once her arm left the side and started to stroke, he lunged after her, paddling with all his might and grabbed her energetically, so much so that she gasped.
"Hey, Darcy, it's just a game. You're not a real shark, ya know."
"Sorry," Darcy said with embarrassment, "I guess that I got carried away."
"It's a good thing that we haven't eaten yet, or I probably would have lost my dinner," Liz smiled at his obvious discomposure. "Uh, you can let go of me anytime now..."
"What? Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize that I, uh, sorry," he stammered.
"Dinner? Who said anything about dinner? What a great idea," suddenly boomed a voice, still husky with sleep. Hurst had awakened at the sound of one of the few great interests of his life.
"Oh yes, let's stop this insipid game," Caroline said petulantly. "I'm all for eating. Anyone else?"
Liz felt Darcy's hands slowly slip from her waist, but could still feel the heat from where they had been.
"Well, I'm pretty hungry," Jane said. "I hear that there are some really good buffets in this town."
"Buffets, shmuffets," Bingley sniffed. "Come now, we'll have none of them. I know a great little French restaurant not far from here."
"Oh, it's been so long since I had good French food," Liz sighed.
"I suppose that you speak French, too,?" Caroline interjected.
"Actually, she does," answered Jane, "She got a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Paris a few years back."
"What's that? A scholarship for the needy?" Caroline sniffed.
"Duh, Caro," Bingley said, shaking his head. "Only one of the most prestigious scholarships available to top scholars."
"What was your thesis on?" Darcy queried.
"I don't really want to bore you all with it," Liz smiled.
"No, I really would like to know," he persisted.
"Well, I went over to study under Mr. Dufar, the renowned Proustian expert. I will say that he was expert in a few things and that I became an expert at avoiding him."
They all began to pack up their belongings and then Caroline spoke again: "Say Liz, where ever did your sisters go?" and leveled her cattiest look at Liz.
"Must be hanging out with their new friends, she answered more serenely than she felt. "After all, they are both of legal age." Charles offered to return for Liz and Jane in an hour, time enough for them to shower and change and time for Charles to drive out to his home and do the same. They separated, all with high hopes for the evening ahead, even Caroline, who was formulating her best plan to take Darcy's new-found attention off of that 'person' as she called her.
Chapter 6
On the way to Bingley's house, Caroline and Louisa entertained themselves by commenting on the Bennets, but found no ally in Darcy, who remained mostly silent and thoughtful.
"What could he be thinking about?" Caroline wondered. "Well, there's only one way to find out...say, Darcy, why are you so quiet? Are you still thinking about that shark game? YOU seemed to really get into the physical nature of it, from what I saw."
"Yes, it was a very interesting game. Very stimulating," he responded, lapsing back into silence.
"It certainly was a "hand-on" type of game, I'd say," she persisted, still trying to get a reaction out of him. He merely shrugged and looked out of his side of the car. Caroline soon tired of her game and went on to other topics, topics which occupied the two sisters tolerably well until they reached the Bingley mansion.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch (oops, wrong story), back at the Monte Carlo, Jane and Liz were similarly engaged in discussing the day's events, but somehow the recurring subject was Charles, Charles and Charles. They were startled by the door, and Jane jumped up with an "oh, that must be Charles!" and ran to the door.
"Oh, hi Mr. Darcy," she recovered from her surprise quickly.
"Charles is waiting in the car. He didn't want to take the time to park, so he just sent me up to get you two. And you can call me William."
"Oh, Liz, don't forget the room key," Jane said.
"Don't worry, sis," Liz smiled wryly. "Do you think that I would give Bill the pleasure of attending to us personally if I could help it?"
"Who is Bill?" Darcy inquired with a look of disapproval on his face.
"Bill Collins, the hotel concierge," Jane replied. "He's a very, um, conscientious man who has offered his particular services, should we ever need them."
"If he is being rude or out of line, please let me know," Darcy began with a frown, "I would want to inform my aunt Catherine de Bourgh. She oversees my hotels and would take care of it immediately."
"He's harmless, I'm sure," Liz smiled her best disarming smile. "Just a little obsequious. Nothing to warrant bringing out the troops." Darcy seemed appeased by her explanation and visibly relaxed.
"Here's Charles now," he said as an emerald green Mercedes convertible pulled up in front of them.
"What a beautiful car," Jane said. Charles hopped out of the car, beaming widely.
"Ladies," he said, opening the front door passenger, indicating for Jane to get in.
"Where are your sisters and Mr. Hurst?" Liz asked
"Still getting ready, I imagine. They are going to meet us there in about hour. I thought that we could drive out to the Ethel M factory and see the cactus garden while we were waiting."
"That sounds wonderful," Jane almost beamed back at Charles who reluctantly left her side to return to his driver's seat.
"Does anyone have any objection to having the top down?" Charles asked, and, as there were no objections, the top was lowered and they took off down the street, the mild breeze blowing their hair around. Darcy tried very hard to not look at Liz or even give her much attention, since her very near presence made him think disturbing thoughts. From his position, he could smell her, a mixture of clean, with the faintest wisp of a perfume that he couldn't place, a spring floral that suited her well, he thought. He was just beginning to relax a little, when he heard Charles' voice break into his thoughts:
"...usually he doesn't like the same music that I do, but I think that he puts up with my choices anyway..."
"So, what kind of music do you like?" Liz asked.
"I like many kinds of music, just not country," Darcy replied.
"So do I, at least about the country part, anyway. I just can't stand that whiny, drinking, 'you done me wrong' crap."
"That's a relief to know."
"Why is that?"
"Well, Charles is going to invite you both over, but knowing him, he'd drag out every country CD he could find just to be a good host."
"That's what is so sweet about him, he's so accommodating."
"Some might say that he's kind of wishy-washy about things."
"Like you, you mean? That's not a nice way to talk about a friend." Liz frowned at Darcy who looked at her with surprise.
"I didn't mean it in a hateful way at all. I was merely stating that he doesn't always stand up for himself or take his wants into account."
"Hmmm," was all the reply he got from Liz, but he could tell that she was far from being done with the conversation, rather, he felt that she was just regrouping for the next onslaught. Just as she was opening her mouth, a song by Savage Garden came on.
"Wait Charles, don't change it, I love this song!" she cried.
"Hey, no problem." He turned up the volume for her as the song surrounded them through the speakers:
She's taking her time making up the reasons
to justify all the hurt inside
Guess she knows from the smiles and the look in their eyes
Everyone's got a theory about the bitter one
They're saying, 'Mamma never loved her much'
and 'Daddy never keeps in touch
That's why she shies away from human affection'
But somewhere in a private place
She packs her bags for outer space
And now she's waiting for the right kind of pilot to come
And she'll say to himI would fly to the moon and back if you'll be...
If you'll be my baby
Got a ticket for a world where we belong
So would you be my baby?
Darcy heard Liz began to sing along the minute the words came on and smiled slightly until the words to the song started to register. Slowly, he turned his head to look out his side of the car, the surrounding scenery beginning to blur. He thought of all the events of the past few years, the nicknames that he heard that he had received from outsiders who mistook his quietness for snobbery and worse. A heartfelt sigh escaped him unawares, interrupting Liz from her song, as it coincided with a break in the lyrics.
"Something wrong?" she asked quietly.
"What?" he said, startled out of his reverie. "No, nothing. Nothing at all." He continued to look out the window, not daring to turn around, afraid that the raw emotion still would show on his face. She resumed her singing of the song, but puzzled inside the reason for such a forlorn sounding sigh.
She can't remember a time when she felt needed
If love was red then she was color blind
All her friends they've been tried for treason
And crimes that were never defined
She's saying, 'Love is like a barren place,
and reaching out for human faith is like a journey I just don't have a map for'
So baby's gonna take a dive and
push the shift to overdrive
Send a signal that she's hanging
all her hopes on the stars
What a pleasant dream...
Liz looked over at Darcy again, and suddenly had a thought that made her re-examine his set jaw and forlorn expression. "That song does sort of describe him in a way," she thought to herself, "But, who would know. He sure keeps it all inside."
"Hey Liz," Charles said, "You said that you liked Savage Garden...do you like this song?" He put in a CD, selected a certain song, and turned it up for her.
"That's Truly, Madly, Deeply!" Liz exclaimed, delighted. "That's only one of the most romantic songs I've ever heard, with maybe the exception of a few songs from 'French Kiss' or the 'Robin Hood--Prince of Thieves theme."
"We're both hopeless romantics, I'm afraid," Jane said.
"Not hopeless, Jane, hopeful." Liz countered.
"I'll have to get out my Brian Adams CD for you when you come to visit tomorrow." Charles added. "I like romance, too!" Smiling hopefully at Jane.
In the back seat, Liz and Darcy found that they both knew all the words to the song and were singing along loudly until Darcy looked at Liz with an expression that she couldn't quite read and she turned her head away so that he couldn't see her puzzled expression.
"What did that look mean?" she wondered. "It was almost like he was trying to sing the words to me...yeah. Boy am I losing it. Oh well, I'll sing anyway. Maybe I was singing off key or something and hurt his ears!"
...the tears of joy for all the pleasure in the certainty
that we're surrounded by the comfort and the protection of the
highest powers
in lonely hours
the tears devour youI want to stand with you on a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea
I want to lay like this forever
until the sky falls down on me...
Liz felt a slight pressure on her hand and noticed, startled, that Darcy's hand had come in contact with hers and just as quickly moved away as his eyes met hers.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't know that your hand was there," he said in a confused voice, and looked away. "Right, like I didn't know that her hand was there. That was the whole point." he thought. "I'm such a moron, a real coward."
Liz looked down at her hand and over at Darcy, who was still looking out his side of the car again, apparently deep in thought.
"Too bad it was an accident," she thought. "That felt kind of good. I wonder if it WAS an accident? I wonder if he meant to touch me..." The stanza came back as Charles turned up the music even louder:
I'll be your dream I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
I'll love more with every breath
Truly, madly, deeply do...
Just then she felt another pressure on her hand, and moving quickly, touched back the warmth that came in contact with hers. She didn't dare look at her hand or at his face, her heart almost beating out of her chest. His fingers slipped through and curled around hers and she could feel contentment wrap around her heart, as she leaned her head back into the leather seat and closed her eyes, smiling a deep smile. Darcy looked over at her cautiously and let out his breath slowly, as he also relaxed into the seat.
Suddenly, the car stopped and Charles and Jane got out. Liz quickly let go of Darcy's hand, although it was dark, and neither of the other two would have noticed. They walked slowly behind Charles and Jane, neither speaking to the other, nor looking at the other, as they listened to Charles talk about the cactus types from the dimly-lit displays. Charles whispered something to Jane and suddenly they bounded away, leaving a surprised Liz and Darcy to themselves with very little to say.
"Wonder what got into those two," Liz said, wishing that her brain would start functioning after that hand-holding incident.
"Who know?" Darcy replied. "With Charles, it could be anything." They walked slowly around the meandering garden, almost close enough to brush shoulders a few times and Darcy was thinking that it was really the perfect opportunity to talk to her in private, but cursed his inability to find the right words to say. He felt her shoulder and arm brush his and before she could move away much, he grasped the hand that he found near. He heard a small intake of breath, but then her hand squeezed his ever so lightly. As they rounded a corner, they noticed a couple half-hidden in the shadows, locked in an embrace, so they retreated quietly so as to not interrupt them.
"Well, I guess we don't have to wonder where they went, anymore," Liz said softly, once they were far enough away to not be heard.
"Liz," Darcy began hesitantly. "I'm sorry if I grabbed you too hard while we were playing shark. I hope that I didn't hurt you."
"No, not at all," Liz began to say, as Darcy moved closer to her and his lips came down on hers. She pulled away, in shock, and he started to stammer out an apology.
"I'm sorry, Liz," even in the darkness, he sounded mortified. "You must think that I'm such a jerk. We barely know each other and...forgive me."
"Why do you apologize?"
"Why did you pull away?"
"Well, I was surprised. Why did you stop?"
"I thought that you didn't want to be kissed."
"On the contrary..." Darcy pulled her closer at that and softly kissed her until her arms came up around his neck. He held her tightly as their tentative kiss began to build in passion, only to be interrupted by the crunch of footsteps on gravel. They almost jumped apart as they heard Charles and Jane's voices, but Darcy reached out and gave Liz's hand one last squeeze before relinquishing it.
They all climbed back in the car, some with satisfaction, others with a deep feeling of almost resentment for the interruption and headed back into town and to the three waiting impatiently at the restaurant.
Chapter 7
As they got out of the car, they noticed that the three waiting for them were extremely impatient. Caroline looked at them with unconcealed contempt, Hurst merely patted his stomach and Louisa looked at her watch pointedly.
"Let's go in," Charles said nervously. "You guys look like you're pretty hungry."
"Where have you been?" Caroline snarled. "We've been waiting here for at least half an hour. You said that you'd be on time." She shot Darcy and Liz a look of suspicion.
"Sorry, Caroline," Darcy said smoothly. "I asked Charles to take us see the Cactus Gardens. We didn't mean to take so much time."
"Oh, that's okay, William," Caroline responded in honeyed tones. "If it was your fault, then it's all forgiven. Let's go in before they give our table away."
"Give Charles' table away?" Louisa said incredulously. "That will be the day!"
Charles held the door open and Louisa entered first, followed closely by her husband, breathing in heavily the cuisine. Caroline tried to squeeze in next to Darcy while Liz followed, feeling very amused indeed. They were led to a charmingly smallish table for seven and Caroline installed herself rapidly next to Darcy, but Liz found herself seated directly across from him, a compensation that made the seating arrangement all worthwhile to Darcy. As they were handed the menus, Caroline suddenly said sweetly:
"Well, Liz, since you're the French expert, maybe you could translate or even order for some of us."
"Not for all of us, Caro," Charles said with a smile. "You forget that William also speaks French."
"Oh, that's right," Caroline simpered. "William, why don't you order for me, I know that YOU have good taste."
"And I know that he tastes good!" thought Liz, flashing a heart-stopping smile at Darcy.
"Alors, tu parles francais," Liz began. (so, you speak French)
"Oui, je l'ai appris a la Sorbonne," Darcy replied with a grin as Caroline struggled her hardest to follow the conversation. (yes, I studied it at the Sorbonne)
"Donc, vas-tu commander pour elle? Il parait qu'il y a de bonnes 'Langues de Veau!'" (so, are you going to order for her. There is some good veal tongue)
"Parfait pour elle qui ne cesse jamais de dire n'importe quoi...!" (perfect for her, she never stops blabbing on and on)
"What are you two saying?" Caroline demanded. "It's not polite to speak so that we can't all be part of the conversation. For Rude!!"
"We were just discussing the menu and the entrees that would best suit our party, that's all." Darcy replied with a sardonic grin. "I found a very good one, that might suit you, Caroline. It's called 'Langues de Veau'."
"Sounds interesting," Caroline said. "What is it exactly?"
"Veal in a sauce."
"Veal is divine. Does it come with vegetables?"
"Yes, spring vegetables, it says. Shall we order it for you?"
"Yes, please, William," she turned to look at Liz smugly, noticing with some annoyance that Liz's eyes were brimming with amusement.
"I think that I'll have veal, too, but instead, I want the 'Paupiettes de Veau'." Liz said.
"Make that two," Darcy said.
"We'll take the 'Porc Roti aux Pommes'. Sounds good, anyway. Maybe I'll order two for me," said David Hurst, while Louisa looked away from him in embarrassment.
"Gourmand," thought Liz. (pig)
"We'll have the 'Faison au Cidre," said Charles.
"Who is going to have wine?" asked Hurst. "Bring me a bottle of your best white. Louisa, what will you have?"
"I'll have some of yours, dear," Louisa shot him a meaningful look.
"I'm sure that we all want some wine..." Charles began before being interrupted by Jane.
"Umm, Charles, Liz and I, we don't drink..."
"Don't drink, huh?" asked Hurst with surprise, "Singular."
"I'm sure that it's because Liz is just so athletic, isn't it dear?" Caroline said.
"Actually, that's part of it. I just don't like it. I prefer to keep my wits sharp." Liz replied.
"Yes, well, they usually are quite sharp," Caroline countered in a not very complimentary tone of voice.
"I'll have a soda," Jane said softly.
"Me, too," Charles said enthusiastically.
"Soda is it," Darcy smiled at Liz and Jane.
They ate with much animated conversation with the exception of Hurst who dove into his food without comment unless to ask for a dessert menu. After leaving the restaurant, they all stood in the parking lot and debated on the best way to end the evening. David, Louisa and Caroline opted for returning to Charles' to play cards, but the others were equally adamant in desiring something more active.
"I know!" Charles offered. "Most of us like the 80's New Wave music. There's a little dance club called 'The Lodge' that has New Wave on tonight. Why don't we go there and dance? I have to start my work week tomorrow and it seems that tonight would be my last chance to have a late night for awhile."
"Great idea!!" Liz agreed. "But I can only stay for a couple of hours...work tomorrow morning, you know."
"Pity," said Caroline smugly. "And you, Jane?"
"Dancing would be wonderful," she smiled shyly at Charles, who, from that one look, was convinced that dancing and perhaps slow dancing to be precise, would be the most perfect ending to their day.
"What say you, William?" asked Charles.
"Sounds great to me." looking at Liz's animated face and at that moment would have agreed to doing almost anything just to be in her presence. Caroline was watching him closely and although she was definitely not in the mood to go to a club (horrors), she didn't like the way that Darcy was looking so much at Liz, especially since he used to think that she wasn't worth his time.
"Hmm, this bears watching," she thought to herself. "I better go along just to keep an eye on that wily woman." Out loud she said, "I think that it sounds great, too. Wouldn't you like to go, Louisa?" giving her sister a pointed look that Louisa chose to ignore.
"No, I would not. I think that I'll just watch a movie or something at home with David." who was yawning widely and looking at his watch. "Or, maybe I should go to keep you company, Caro."
"That's okay," Caroline said hurriedly. "You go on home, I won't be bored at all."
"I'm not sure that there's room in my car for all five of us..." Charles began to say but was interrupted by Caroline's:
"Nonsense, we'll just squeeze together in the back." Liz got into the back seat, and before Darcy could place himself next to her, Caroline pushed herself into the middle position, forcing Darcy to sit by the door.
"There, isn't this cosy," cooed Caroline, looking at Darcy.
"Quite," was all that Darcy would offer and looked out of his side of the car.
Chapter 8
"Sure," Charles said slowly, "but it is a such a nice night out, with very little wind..."
"Charles," she responded impatiently.
"Oh all right," Charles replied tiredly.
"Charles, when are your shows tomorrow?" Liz asked, trying to change the atmosphere.
"The first one is at 7:30 and the second at 10:30...that's p.m."
"Seems like you work pretty late," Jane ventured.
"Yes, but the great thing is that I can sleep in, get my days free, and get paid pretty well, I guess."
"Pretty well!" Caroline almost snorted. "That's the understatement of the year."
"Let's not talk shop, please," Darcy said wearily, "it's the best way I know of to ruin a good time." He looked over at Liz and smiled wanly. She smiled back at him, noting how the Strip lights illuminated his chiseled features, and felt her face getting warm as she realized that she had been staring at him, and he had been staring back. Caroline also noticed this and coughed nervously, causing Darcy to break his gaze and turn his head back to his side of the car.
"That, and bring Caroline along with us," he thought ruefully, finishing in his mind what he didn't have the courage to say out loud. He felt a movement near his leg and started as he realized that Caroline had put her hand on her leg, but since they were packed together, her hand was more on his thigh than on her own. He very gently but firmly removed her hand from his leg, and, without comment, looked back out his side of the car. Liz, missing none of the interaction, smirked and turned to look out her own side of the car.
Very soon the car arrived at 'The Lodge' and Liz smiled to hear the sounds of 'combat rock' emanating from the opening doors. Once inside, they took in the mirrored rooms, the suspended disco ball and the lights and fog.
Noticing her expression, Charles yelled over the loud music, "I love to come here! The music is excellent and you can't beat the atmosphere. C'mon Jane, let's dance!!" He pulled her toward the dance floor, leaving the three of them to stand around feeling very uncomfortable. Liz didn't want to seem forward, so she didn't ask Darcy to dance. Darcy wasn't sure if he should ask Liz and leave Caroline to fume, and Caroline looked expectantly at Darcy, as if she had every right to expect to dance with him first. The impasse ended when Caroline grabbed Darcy by the hand, begging that it was her 'favorite' song (although she had never heard it before) and, with an apologetic glance at Liz, he let himself be dragged off. They were soon swallowed up by the other dancers and lost to Liz's sight.
"Well, what fun this is turning out to be," she thought, wondering just how long she would have to stand around, arms folded, when she felt a slight pressure on her arm. Turning around, she looked into the smiling face of Joey Best, her partner at the Red Lion party. "Hi Joey!" she said with relief.
"Hey babe, what are you doing just standing around? Let's dance!" He grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the crowded dance floor, where 'I Melt with You' by Modern English was beginning to come onto the loudspeakers. She lost herself in the music, occasionally looking at Joey, who was looking at the other dancers as much as at her. She hadn't noticed that their entrance to the dance floor had attracted the attention of several others, one of which was making a subtle effort to move closer until he had come within two people of her and had a clear view of her face. He continued to watch her furtively for two songs until the Psychedelic Furs' 'Love My Way' began and then he pushed himself into her area.
"I believe that this is a switch partners dance," he said in a serious voice.
"Okay, I'll dance with you," Joey smiled ironically.
"No, switch women," Darcy said, his voice slightly tinged with irritation as he reached out and pulled Liz into his arms, leaving a shocked Caroline to dance with Joey, her mouth gaping open in shock and anger.
"What is his deal?" he asked as he manoeuvered her away to a more quiet corner.
"Well, I think that you can pretty much guess what, by the way he answered you!" she smiled up at him. He smiled back and pulled her a little closer, softly singing the lyrics of the song
Love my way
I follow where my mind goes...
"Is that true?"
"Is what true?"
"That you 'follow where your mind goes...' "
"Yes, my heart is ruled by my mind, I guess that I would say. I'm pretty pragmatic. What about you...are you ruled by your head or your heart?"
"Well, I...OW"
"Oh, sorry," said a bright, unconcerned voice, "Hi Liz. I didn't know that you'd be here."
"Hi, Lydia, Elvis," Liz responded.
"Denny, my name is Denny."
"Well, Denny, do you always go around in full gear?"
"Pretty much, yes. It's good advertising."
"Lydia, is Kat around?"
"Yeah, she's over there with Denny's friend Carter, the one who looks like the lead singer of Duran Duran."
They all looked over and finally located Kat who was dancing energetically with an 80's dressed man in his 20's. Liz noticed with embarrassment that her sisters were, true to form, underdressed.
"Well, see ya. We're going to get something to drink." With that Lydia and Denny left to weave their way through the crowds gathered around the bar.
"Now, about what your ideas of what a relationship should be..."
"Huh?" Liz replied. "Oh yeah. I guess that I've always been the impulsive type. Fall in love at the drop of a hat...naive. At least until Paris. Then I learned how to guard my heart and be a little more realistic. What about you? Have you had a lot of relationships other than Caroline?"
"Caroline?! That's a good one! No, that is strictly platonic, although not for her lack of trying! My relationships have been few and far between. I require too much I guess: complete honesty, intelligence, a good sense of decorum in social situations..."
"Sounds like you need a doberman instead."
"So, what's wrong with wanting those things?" his eyes narrowed.
"Don't go getting all defensive. Where's love in all that? And fun?"
"As Tina Turner says 'What's love got to do with it?' Okay, just being facetious. I am, though, pretty demanding as to the kind of person that I want to be with forever. Anything wrong with trying for the brass ring?"
"Nothing. It just leaves out the 'coup de foudre' factor, the over-the-fence, homerun kind of love. Love at first sight and all."
"So, you don't think that it's important to know very much about your love interest before diving right in?"
"Well, I doubt that I would do a background check, if that's what you mean. I believe in gut-instincts. Your way seems kind of clinical."
"I just think that you need to be careful, that's all..."
"Careful about what? What are you two talking about now?" Caroline's strident voice interrupted.
"Oh, hi Caroline, Joey," Liz said without enthusiasm. "William, this is Joey."
"William, love your suit. Is it an Armani? I think that I saw something like it in GQ."
"No, actually it's a Valentino Uomo."
"Oh, I just love the Italians, don't you? So much better than the Americans, although I must admit that I do like Ralph, you know Lauren."
"Well, actually, I'm not so up on all the designer stuff. I just buy what I like..." Darcy shot Liz a 'please get me out of this stupid conversation' and Liz jumped in with:
"And he looks darn good in it, too. Joey, why don't you take Caroline to get something to drink. She looks kind of hot. William and I were just on our way to get something from the car."
"I'll come with you, I could use some air," Caroline said quickly, giving Liz a glance of displeasure.
"Sorry, Caroline, but this is a, uh private matter." Darcy responded firmly.
"Fine, I'll just go to the bar. I could use a drink." She stomped off, with Joey in tow, who appeared amused by the exchange.
"Whew, that was close!" Liz sighed. "Let's go before they come back."
"Great idea." They made their way through the dancers giving the bar area a wide berth. Once outside, they both let out their breath and laughed the laugh of conspirators.
"Okay, we're outside. Now what do you want to do?" Darcy looked at Liz questioningly.
"We can't go too far or Jane and Charles might get worried."
"I could take you for a ride. Why don't I go tell Charles that we're going for a ride and I'll be right back."
"Okay." Liz readily agreed although she remained puzzled as to how exactly they were going to get around town. While she stood there mulling over the possibilities, a grey stretch limo pulled up in front of the club and stopped. She turned to watch the occupants get out, but no-one did. Finally Darcy came back out of the club, smiled at Liz and said, "Well, are you ready?" The chauffeur got out of the limo and opened the door for Liz.
"Sorry, it was the best that I could do on such short notice!" As she got into the limo, she noted the plush burgundy interior and gasped:
"Why, this is the same car that I saw the night that we got into Vegas, except the sunroof was open..."
"You did? This is a one of a kind. Were you on the street that night?"
"No, I saw it from my hotel window. Weird. I did notice that someone got out, with a cell phone. Was that you?"
"Yes. Always business, as Charles says."
"What's to drink in here?"
"Juice and soda. What would you like?"
"Pineapple juice and bring it up here, sir," Liz said, standing up through the sunroof. "I hope that it's not illegal."
"I doubt that we'd get stopped for it."
"Come on up. Vegas is so beautiful at night."
"Okay." He handed her a cut crystal glass, they clinked theirs together and stood side by side, out the roof of the limo.
"You know, my first impression of you was that you didn't dance that much, or like to, for that matter."
"I'm not all that comfortable with it, unless I know the person well. I can dance, but I usually feel kind of wooden out there, like everyone is looking at me being a geek. Not at all like you."
"Yes, but sometimes I do have two left feet..."
"Did you hear me say that?" Darcy turned bright red.
"In a manner of speaking, yes."
"What an idiot. You're one of the best dancers that I've ever seen. But, you didn't seem very comfortable dancing with Mr. Collins."
"Dancing? Some would call it that, I guess." Liz snorted. "I was trying to get away from his cavorting when I landed on your foot."
"I had forgotten all about it, honest." Darcy said gallantly.
"Guess I made a big impression on you..." her eyes sparkled in wicked glee.
"Actually, I guess that I'm lucky that I didn't make one on you, the way that I was driving this morning. My mind was somewhere else and...well, I hope that you're okay. You looked okay at the pool..." His voice trailed off and he looked away, embarrassed at what he'd let slip. "We seem to be constantly running into each other."
"Fate, huh?"
"More like klutziness, I'd say! Are you a gambling sort of gal?" he asked as they passed a large casino sign.
"Not at all. I leave all that to Kat and Lydia. I prefer to play the market than the machines."
"Look at the time!" We'd better get back to the club or Caroline will have our heads. I forgot that we just kind of left her stranded there with Joey."
"Why don't you just drop me off at my hotel? I have to get some sleep before the trade show and at this rate, I won't be able to get a run in, either."
He agreed, informed the driver, and they sank down into the luxurious leather seats. Soon they were pulling up to the hotel and Liz was about to let herself out when Darcy stopped her.
"Can't I walk you up to your room?"
"If you insist."
"I do. You never know when you might need a bodyguard..." he smiled as they walked past the front desk. At her door, she turned to say goodnight and caught a wistful look on his face, a look which vanished as he noticed her puzzled expression.
"It was fun. I imagine that we'll see each other tomorrow if Charles has his way. He was planning something special for you and Jane."
"Thanks for walking me up. I would invite you in, but I have to get some sleep...2 or 3 minutes, at least!" She inserted the key card into the slot and turned the handle to the door, as Darcy put out his hand and laid it on her arm. Turning and looking in his eyes, she managed, "I had fun, too. Thank you." He started to lean towards her and she closed her eyes, waiting to feel his lips on hers when the elevator doors opened.
"Are you all right, Ms. Bennet? Is this man bothering you? Because I noticed that he was leaning..."
"No, thank you, Mr. Collins, we're just fine."
"Oh, Mr. Darcy, excuse me, I...uh, I'll just be going now." He stuttered, almost sprinting back to the elevator.
"Leaning, huh? I'll show you leaning..." Darcy said. "Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted?" He lowered his face to hers, seeking out her soft, open lips with his own, first gently and tenderly, then more urgently as he pressed her against the wall near her door. Finally she broke free, breathing raggedly.
"So that's leaning? I'll have to get a new dictionary!" Liz tried to make light of it, although her heart was pounding and her body had turned to lava inside. "I think that I could..."
He kissed her again, stroking her hair, moaning softly, "chere Liz..."
"Il faut que je...je veux... (I have to, I want..)"
"I want to lay like this forever..." He sang softly into her ear as they came up for breath. She looked at him, smiled a dreamy smile and slowly opened her door back up.
"Bon soir, mon prince," she said softly. (goodnight, my prince)
"Parting is such sweet sorrow..." he countered.
"Til it be morrow..." Liz said, slowly closing the door, but not before Darcy said:
"Please, just one more little one for the road?"
"You call that a little one?"
"Well, how about it?"
"If I do, then I'll never want you to leave!"
"So, what's wrong with that?"
"Nothing, not one thing. I could live off these kisses."
"Feed me, then." He pulled her close again and slowly parted her lips to find the passion increasing until she pulled herself free.
"You really have to go now," Liz panted.
"Okay," he said, with a hurt look in his eyes.
"It's not like that...I just...I'm.. I don't sleep around and I just can't go any further, much as it is tempting me to at this point."
"Saving it for marriage?"
"Yes, is that so bad?"
"No, that's perfect. Bon soir, mon coeur." he said, with a deep, sweeping bow. "A demain..."
He got into the elevator and their eyes locked, for a brief moment until the doors closed, leaving Liz to go fall on her bed, dreaming of soft lips, dark eyes and awakening passion.