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Chapter 16
"Did you say George?" Lydia had to ask. She didn't think she'd heard Harriet right.
"Sure did," Harriet replied. "He sounded kinda desperate too. So I had my fun with him, but I tell you that man can be rough on a gal. Said some pretty nasty things."
"That's George," Lydia nodded at her.
"Old boyfriend or somethin'?"
Lydia shook her head, "My ex." Lydia quickly walked over to the phone leaving Harriet rather surprised. She didn't know Lydia had been married.
"Hello?"
"Lydia? Is that you?" George sounded hopeful.
Lydia gave a short laugh, "What d'ya think?"
"Thank god! I thought that annoying girl wasn't going to tell you."
Getting straight to the point, Lydia said, "So why are you calling me, anyways?"
George laughed lightly, "You don't waste much time, do you? I miss you."
"Really?" Wickham could hear her raise her eyebrows. "You know I'm not going to fall for that again. I may be stupid, but not that stupid. So what's the deal?"
Sensing that he had to come clean with her, George sighed, "I need your help."
"And what makes you think I'm willing to give it to you."
George hadn't anticipated that Lydia would give him any trouble. After all he could charm anyone, "Now listen honey, I know you're bitter and all...but this is a wonderful opportunity for us to make up and get back together." There! That should do the trick!
"What do you mean?" Lydia asked suspiciously.
"Okay, here's the deal. I'm in New York and..." He proceeded to outline briefly the plan.
Lydia was still unconvinced, "But why do you need me for this? I bet there are dozen of willing girls in NY?"
George laughed his most ingratiating laugh, "But you're the best of 'em all."
"The truth," said Lydia stonily.
"Well, we think, Melissa and I, that it would be best for you to be involved because you're Elizabeth's sister and this could be damaging to her."
"What makes you think I would want to damage her."
Wickham sighed. Lydia was being very hard today. "Aw, c'mon! I know how you completely hate Miss goody-two-shoes! Always being compared to her and hearing how worthless you were. She even persuaded your dad to stop sending you money after you left for Vegas." Wickham knew the latter wasn't entirely true, but what the heck, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.
"You're right," said Lydia slowly. "Okay, I'll do it."
Bingo! "That's my girl!"
"I'm not your girl," Lydia retorted. "I may have accepted this deal, but don't think I'm accepting you back. Not after what you did. After it's done, I expect payment for my services and then I'll be outa there."
Ouch. "Sure, whatever. I'll send you the flight tickets."
"Do that." And then she hung up the phone.
Harriet was close by and hearing Lydia ring off, she said, "What was that all about?"
Meanwhile in Sally's, CT.
After finishing and paying for the meal, the group left the table and headed outside.
"That was good!" exclaimed Charles. "So what now?" He looked expectantly at the rest of the group.
"We have to go buy some clothes for the ball tomorrow," Jane said.
"Of course," said Charles, trying to appear casual all the while his brain screaming: not more shopping!
"Of course you don't have to come with me," Jane assured him with a smile. "I'm sure you boys won't exactly appreciate shopping with us."
"Oh...not true," said Charles quickly. "I love being with you...I mean..."
"In that case, you'll come with us," Lizzy cut him, smiling.
Charles looked flustered. "Um..."
William jumped in, "Actually, he already promised to come with Rich and me to our old apartment."
Great save! Charles looked appreciatively at William, sending him a message through his eyes: I owe you one!
"Well, that's settled then!" said Jane crisply. A thought struck, "What do you say we meet at the movies later. It'll be fun!"
"Great idea!" said William. What better place than a dark movie hall to get closer to Liz?
Jane looked around for any protest; finding none, she said, "Fine! Then 5 o clock, be there."
"We will," said Charles as they left to go.
Jane smiled as she watched them leave, then she turned to the others and said, "Let's shop, girls!"
They all giggled as if they were teenagers on a shopping spree again; forgetting all their problems for just one moment.
"Sounds like a plan, Jane," said Charlotte.
And accordingly, they hit the stores. They went from one store to another looking for the perfect outfit, and all to impress their dates - with the possible exception of Charlotte.
"I don't even know why I'm making an effort to look nice," grumbled Charlotte, as she was trying out a black outfit. "It's not like Billy has any taste."
Lizzy, who was waiting outside the changing room, giggled, "Sure...he'll love you in a potato sack!"
"Lizzy!" Charlotte cried. "It's not funny, you know. Here I'm stuck with Billy as my date and you'll be enjoying the night with William."
Lizzy was flushed, "I won't be doing anything fancy to enjoy the night, okay. He only asked me because I didn't have a date."
"Sure!" said Caroline. "And I suppose you accepted his offer just because he didn't have one either!"
"Yes...I mean no...I mean, I don't know," Lizzy said confusedly. "You guys are too nosy!"
Jane laughed, "That's second nature, my friend."
"Well, two can play at this game," said Lizzy threateningly. "Carrie, why did you say 'yes' to Rich?"
"Just because..." Caroline searched for words. "We went together last time. So there!"
Lizzy conceded to that, but Jane was puzzled, "Wait a minute! Is there something I should know about, you guys?"
"What do you mean, Jane?"
"I mean, that why should Carrie need an excuse to go out with Rich? I thought they got along fine together."
"Behind the news, as always Jane," teased Lizzy. "They had a fight."
"And that's all you'll know," added Caroline.
At that moment, Charlotte came out. She was wearing a striking, black, cocktail dress up to her knees, which had a rather long slit on one side. It was elegant and flattering at the same time. Charlotte looked gorgeous.
"So?" Charlotte eyed them. "What do you think?"
"Breath-taking!" Was all that Lizzy could say.
"Absolutely," quipped Caroline.
"Billy's going to need a lot of self-control if he's going to stay away from you!" added Jane with a laugh.
Charlotte blushed and looked at her image in the mirror. She had never been very beautiful; it hadn't been her thing. Always the plain one in her family and among her friends, but Charlotte had to admit she did look rather nice in this dress.
"Do you really think so?" she looked at her friends.
"It's perfect, Char," Lizzy assured her. "You have to buy this. And I'll do your hair...you'll be stunning."
Charlotte smiled happily and went back to change out of the dress. Jane sighed, "That takes care of that...now we need to get something soon...it'll be 5 o clock soon."
After Charlotte bought the dress, they went to a bunch of other stores and finally each got a beautiful dress. Jane chose a pale yellow, satin, off-shoulder, gown that accented her figure and complemented her eyes. Lizzy looked divine in a burgundy spaghetti-strap dress, just above her knees and Caroline bought a light blue, chiffon dress that showed off her model's figure, but left enough for imagination.
"Mom's going to have a fit when she sees us," Jane declared to Lizzy. "She'll think you followed her advice and are out to catch William!"
Lizzy grimaced, "Then I'll take care she does not see me...and Jane, I forbid you to tell her that William's my date or the ensuing lessons on how to catch him will be intolerable."
"I won't have to, Liz. News travels, you know."
Lizzy just shook her head. The girls, satisfied with their purchases decided it was time they headed for the movies. They would have to go to freshen up in the guesthouse first. As they strolled along Yale Boulevard, chatting amicably, a young man unexpectedly came towards them.
He addressed Charlotte with, "Hello, Ms. Lucas."
Charlotte smiled at him, "Good afternoon, Tyler. Let me introduce you to my friends." Accordingly, she did.
Tyler looked rather nervous, "I heard about the reunion ball you'll be having tomorrow."
"Yes?"
"Well...I hope you don't think me impertinent, but I was wondering if you were going with someone...that is...um...are you free?" Tyler was relieved. There! He'd asked her.
Charlotte smiled amusedly at him; "I'm sorry Tyler. I'm already going with Mr. Collins."
Tyler said, "Oh...Mr. Collins? Well...that's okay, then. See you later." And with that, he was gone as quickly as he came.
Lizzy remarked, "What was that all about?"
Charlotte sighed, "Tyler Owens is a grad student."
"That's all you have to say?" said Jane incredulously. "That poor guy was practically sweating, just talking to you. Details, please?"
"Well, okay," Charlotte wasn't too happy. "Tyler was one of my under grad students during his senior year. And he kind of had a...crush on me."
"No duh! And?" Lizzy prompted.
"Well, one day when he came up to me and asked me out on a date, I told him it was against policy for a teacher to be dating a student. And the next thing you know, he switched out of my class, just so that I wouldn't be his teacher."
"He did that? How sweet!" Caroline was surprised. "And you went out with him?"
Char shook her head, "No, I told him that as mildly as I could. I mean, c'mon! He's much too young for me."
"Oh piff!" cried Lizzy. "I thought he was very nice and what difference does it make if he is young. It's the 1990s, not the 1790s, remember!"
"Maybe you're right," conceded Char. "But I don't want him to be stuck with me when there are so many girls his age dying to go out with him. You won't believe, there was this girl who came up to me asked what it was I did to put him under my spell! His ex-girlfriend, I think."
"Really, Char!" Jane smirked. "What did you do?"
Lizzy was struck with another thought, "Wait till Billy hears about this! He'll have a fit."
"Don't you dare, Lizzy!" Char warned her. "I have enough trouble with him already!"
Meanwhile
As they left the girls, Charles smiled at William, "Thanks!"
"Oh! For my save! It was nothing."
"I couldn't stand another day of shopping. As much as I love Jane, I wish sometimes that she'd just forget about clothes and stay home with me."
"Charles, my man," said Rich, with an air of philosophy. "The day women forget about shopping will be the day we miss the Super Bowl to shop for shoes!"
They laughed heartily. Charles said, "Let's just say we all have our priorities." He added, "So what do you guys think about the Christmas Eve ball? I couldn't help noticing you were very silent."
Rich and William looked at each other and surprise. Since when was Charles so perceptive?
"Um, silent, we weren't silent," protested Rich.
"Sure you were," persisted Charles. "Did you have a fight with Caroline?"
Damn Charles, how did you know? "What do you mean?"
"Well, Caroline was acting kind of strange when we met for lunch today. She didn't look well either. In fact, I bet she had been crying."
Richard bit his lips, "Crying?"
"Yes, her eyes were red and kinda swollen, though she hid it well."
Richard considered this for a moment, "Well, we did have an argument of sorts."
"What about?"
"Stuff," Richard said vaguely. "But nothing I can't handle." This was said with a dismissive tone, indicating that Rich did not want to pursue the subject.
William looked questioningly at Charles and he just shrug his shoulders.
They walked over to their old apartments just to look around the place.
"Look who's here," Charles said suddenly. "It's Melissa!"
William and Richard looked at the direction Charles was pointing and sure enough they saw Melissa coming towards them dressed rather skimpily for the time of year.
"Hello, guys," Melissa said brightly. "What brings you here?"
Charles said, "Oh we're just here to catch up on old times. This used to be our old apartment."
"Oh1 How nice!" Melissa smiled. "So...I heard about the ball tomorrow, William."
"Um...you did?" He said lamely, knowing what was coming next.
"Yes. So I was wondering...are you going with anyone?"
"Matter of fact, I am," William replied. "With Elizabeth."
"Oh, Elizabeth," The word Elizabeth said with slight emphasis. "That's nice. Did you go with her in 1992, is that why you're going together."
William shook his head in response, "Actually, she'd gone with John in '92. Which is why I asked her to come with me."
"That was awfully nice of you," Melissa said insincerely. "Well then, I'll be on my way. See you all later."
She walked away with all appearances of composure, but inside she was seething. That tramp Elizabeth is the limit! What can William possibly see in her! I'm so much better, why can't he see that? Damn her. But I haven't lost yet. I'll win William, if it's the last thing I do. Must talk to George.
Suddenly she spotted someone hurrying in front of her. Tyler Owens! I forgot about him. At least now I'll have a date for tomorrow. Someone needs to keep an eye on William. With that she hurried to catch up with him.
Chapter 17
The Movie Theater near the Yale Campus had always been a very popular place to hangout, under-grad and grad students alike. It was always a welcome place to get away from the daily pressures of college and as Lizzy would say, even college nerds need to get out once in a while.
As the group waited outside to get into the theater, Lizzy sighed, "I wonder if it's such a good idea for me to be going to a movie."
Jane couldn't help but ask, "And why might that be?"
"It's Rachel," Lizzy said, smiling at Rachel who looked up on hearing her name. "I mean, 2 year-olds aren't the best movie companions, you know."
William, who had been listening intently, interposed, "Don't worry, she'll be all right. If she makes a fuss, we can take her outside. And besides, she looks kind of tired already."
Lizzy smiled at William secretly thrilled that he had said 'we'. It never ceased to amaze her how well those two got along. He was a very positive influence on her. She had mentioned John only once the entire day. That, in itself, was a feat. Lizzy knew that she could not resist William any longer if things continued in the same vein. But at present, she was too mixed up in her emotions.
Charles, who had been at the ticket counter, motioned them to come in. "Finally," Caroline said in an exasperated tone. "I thought we'd never get in. What movie are we going to anyway?"
"Patch Adams," replied Jane. "It's supposed to be really good, and I just adore Robin Williams. He just cracks me up!"
After the matter of drinks and popcorn was settled, they all made it to their theater, in the nick of time just as the lights were dimming. They found some empty seats, though it was so dark, discerning even that much was quite challenging.
As they were all settling in their seats, a sudden shriek was heard.
"Argh!" It was Caroline. She accidentally sat on Richard's lap.
"Aren't you going to get up?" whispered Rich in an amused tone. This remark caused by Caroline's delay in getting up after her initial shriek.
"Of course I am," she said with dignity, moving to the next seat. "I'm not Melissa."
Richard whispered back, "I know, because she would never sit in my lap in the first place."
Caroline shot him a deadly look, but said nothing. William, who had heard part of the exchange, whispered to Lizzy, "What's going on with those two?"
Lizzy shrug her shoulders, "Not sure, but I do know they had a huge falling out this afternoon over something, though I can't imagine what."
"It's not like Rich to be so spiteful," William continued. "Caroline must have really hurt him somehow."
Lizzy was annoyed, "Sure, so it's always the woman's fault. Like you guys can never be the one in wrong."
Oops! "No, no, I didn't mean it like that," William was quick to respond. "I just thought that...you know...Caroline can be difficult at times."
"Yes, she can," Lizzy conceded. "But I'm sure Rich isn't a saint either."
"You're right, Liz," William said in reply. "I'm sorry if it seemed like I was making a general observation about women. Believe me, that's not how I meant it."
"I'm sure you didn't," Liz assured him. "Let's enjoy the movie, okay."
William just nodded, but failed to give Patch Adams and Robin Williams any of his attention. He was totally engrossed by the woman sitting next to him. He couldn't believe his luck that he was being given a second chance with her after all these years. If someone had told him only a week ago that he would be sitting and talking to Liz again, he wouldn't have believed it. It was a miracle that she was talking to him at all, but she had apparently overlooked their disagreements and was more favorably inclined towards him. A part of his brain told him not to let this opportunity go. This was his chance to win her at last.
William stole a glance at Elizabeth's profile. Even in the dim light he could see how beautiful she was. How could he ever have thought otherwise! Suddenly he was broken out of his reverie by Lizzy's voice, "You were right. Rachel's so tired, she is sleeping."
William smiled, "I knew she wouldn't be any trouble. She is a delightful, little girl."
Lizzy smiled proudly at William, "Thank you. I had been worried that the whole day's excursion might a little too much for her, but she did okay."
William smiled in reply, "She's the little angel then."
"Not quite. You should see in her in one of those moods...she can be trying. But by all accounts, she is a very timid 2-year old."
William said softly, "I'm sure John must have been very proud of her."
He saw Lizzy take a sharp breath, "Yes, he was. John loved her very much and to some degree spoiled her. She misses him immensely."
William had never actually talked to Lizzy about John, but now that he'd started he wanted to know more. Feeling bold, he asked, "And you?"
Lizzy inclined her head slightly, "Yes, I miss him too. Very much."
William could sense that he had upset her a little, "I'm sorry, Liz. I didn't mean to rake up old memories."
Lizzy brushed a stray tear, "That's okay."
William smiled, "We're still on for tomorrow, right?"
Lizzy just nodded, "And I didn't get a chance to say this before, but thank you."
William was puzzled, "For what?"
Lizzy replied, "For everything. For understanding my feelings, for being my friend."
William could only utter, "You're welcome."
Lizzy was silent for a moment as though she were making a decision. Then she whispered, "William, I think I owe you an apology." Seeing his questioning look, she continued, "The other night at the party, I was cold as an effort to distance myself from you. But then, when I feared you were dead I had to reassess what our friendship means to me." She paused briefly, then, "After all we've been through, do you think we can still be friends?"
William didn't even have to give it a thought, "Yes. I believe that no matter what happens, I'll always be your friend, I'll always be there for you." There, he'd told her that.
Lizzy felt tears welling in her eyes, "After all the pain I caused you?"
William shook his head, "I think I deserved it."
"So friends?" She extended her hand.
"Friends." He gently took her hand. "And this time we'll stay that way."
They smiled at each other and then turned their attention to the movie...or so it seemed because their thoughts were somewhere else, more specifically on someone else.
Jane whispered to Charles, "Did you see that? They're talking! That's a good sign."
Charles nodded, "That's what they need...communication. And he asked her to the dance. I wonder how that'll turn out."
"I think they'll have a good time. I hope so, for their sakes. They're obviously still in love."
Charles smiled, "God knows how long it'll take them to figure that out."
The movie was enjoyable and all the girls shed some tears. Robin Williams was exceptional; very funny and touching, as always.
"That was so sweet," Jane sighed as they left the theater. "I'm so sad he lost her." She was referring to the part in the movie when Robin William's girlfriend was killed by a psychopath.
"Yes, it's a pity," agreed Caroline. "And she loved him too."
Richard remarked, "Or pretended to, anyway."
This remark was caught by no one except Caroline. She had previously been thinking of apologizing and explaining things to him, but now she dropped the idea. He was being very insensitive.
Since all of them were tired, they decided to grab a quick dinner before heading back. Rachel, who was extremely tired, woke up briefly to eat, and then promptly went back to sleep; her stroller being fairly comfortable.
Everyone had had an exhausting day and the next day promised to be quite as tiring, if not more. So on reaching the guesthouse, they decided to call it a day and just relax in their rooms. All goodnights exchanged, they moved to their respective rooms, each with thoughts of the day filling their minds.
William, on looking back at the day, found that it very much satisfactory. Things were on a much happier note than the beginning of the day. At least now, he was on talking terms with Lizzy. She actually apologized, William thought, it's so hard to believe. William thought about the pact they'd made...friends forever. He knew that he wanted more than only her friendship, but at this point he was satisfied. After so many years of separation, he couldn't afford to rush anything. It could be a disaster...again.
I'll get it right, he thought decisively, this time I won't let her get away from me. It's the last chance I have. I won't screw up. William settled onto his couch musing over his Christmas gift for Rachel. He had an idea. Jane had said something about a Furby. He picked up the phone and requested for an outside line. "Hello? FAO Schwartz? Yes, this is William Darcy speaking..."
Elizabeth tucked Rachel in bed and kissed her goodnight. She fell asleep almost instantaneously. Lizzy watched her for a while, all the time thinking about William...She felt a weight removed from her shoulders by apologizing to him about her awful behavior to him the other night. She had been so confused then, and it had seemed right at the time, but later at the hospital she finally figured out that severing all connections with William could not be the answer. She still loved him...like a friend. Or so she thought, anyway. At any rate, Lizzy was determined not to let the past get in her way.
At times she wondered, what John's reaction to all this would be. She knew that he'd never harbored any ill will towards William. But she only hoped that any relationship...friendly relationship, she had with William would have been okay with him. But Lizzy could still not let go of the feeling that somehow she was betraying John. She shook her head...I have to get on with my life. He would never have wanted me to mourn for him. I'm just being silly.
Caroline felt lousy, just plain lousy. Yes, that was the only way to describe her mood. She had had a stupid catfight with the good-for-nothing Melissa, and then had fought with Richard. And now, Richard was being mean and unreasonable and she lost any wish she'd had to make up. And on top of that, she would have to be his date for the Christmas Eve theme party...life was a pain!
She went to her room and soaked in a hot bath, always good in times of stress. After a good hour spent in there, she came out and put on a bathrobe. Unwittingly, she moved to the door, just to have a look around. Of course, the fact that Richard had the room few feet down the hall had nothing to do with it.
She opened the door and peered, quickly shutting it again. She didn't like what she saw, for if she wasn't mistaken she had seen Melissa going into her Richard's room, dressed in a rather showy outfit! Argh!
Chapter 18
Christmas Eve mornings tend to bring with them, the height of Christmas celebration and anticipation. And it was no different for the reunion partygoers. Everyone, it seemed, had a festive look about them and the decorations and such were in full swing. The huge Christmas tree in the main lobby was almost fully decorated and already some gifts found their spot under the tree.
Breakfast was buffet, and room was quite crowded despite the fact that it was still early. Elizabeth made her way to a large empty table, where she seated Rachel and said,
"I'll be back with your cereal, honey. Don't go anywhere, okay?"
Rachel nodded in reply and Lizzy smiled. Give Rachel her morning cereal on time and she would be an angel, delay that and...well, let's just say she would not be the perfect angel! Lizzy came back with the cereal, just as Jane and Charles approached the table.
Jane said, "Oh! You guys are up already!"
Charles beamed at Rachel, "So Rachel, what are you going to do today?"
"Mommy's taking me to the toy store," declared Rachel proudly.
"She is, is she?" Charles said. Addressing Lizzy, "All day?"
Lizzy shook her head, "No. After that, I'll take her to the kid's center by the Divinity School, and that'll get me an opportunity to meet some old teachers."
"In the Divinity School?" Charles queried, puzzled.
"No," Lizzy explained. "Near the kid's center, in the same building actually. I used to have a summer job there."
"Ah!" Understanding dawned him.
"But Lizzy," said Jane, joining in the conversation. "Aren't you going to come to the picnic, then?"
"No," Lizzy shook her head. "I think I can skip that, Rachel wouldn't really enjoy it. And besides, I'll be seeing all those same people tonight at the ball."
"I guess," Jane said, then added. "I could come with you, if you want. That way, you wouldn't be bored."
"Thanks Jane, but I'll be fine. Anyway, Char might come with me. She said, she has some things to pick up from her office."
"In the middle of winter break?" Jane raised her eyebrows.
"She just wanted to collect her papers that she missed while in France. You know Char, a regular workaholic."
"Look who's talking!" Jane laughed.
"Okay girls," Charles interrupted them. "Maybe we should get breakfast, too. No point waiting for the others. Who knows when they'll be here!"
As if on cue, Charlotte came into the breakfast room, and they all went to get their breakfast. Charles stayed behind to watch over Rachel. When the girls came back to their table, they found both William and Caroline there.
"Hi guys!" smiled Lizzy. "Good morning."
"Maybe for you," muttered Caroline.
"Why Carrie? What's wrong? You look terrible." Jane was concerned.
"Thanks..." she said dryly. "I feel terrible. Had a headache last night and couldn't sleep. And you know, what that means."
"You're suing Tylenol again?" Charles joked.
"Very funny, Charles," retorted Caroline.
"So you won't be coming to the picnic today?" Jane asked.
"Yes, I already have a meeting with my former Art teacher."
"Doesn't anybody ever take a vacation over here?" Charles said, in mock-exasperation.
Lizzy and Caroline exchanged glances. Charles just needed to learn to be more serious on some occasions. William, who had hitherto been talking to Rachel, said,
"Lizzy, Rachel has a proposal for you."
"What is it, honey?" Lizzy said.
"Mommy, can Uncle William come with us today?"
"I don't think he'd enjoy it, sweetie. You don't want to bore him, do you?"
"But he said, he wants to come," insisted Rachel.
William felt a need to say something, "Yes, I would like that." Glancing at Charles, he added, "And Charles told me you wanted to meet some old teachers. So that way, I can keep an eye on her for you."
What can I say to that? "Sure, but let me warn you, don't expect a whole lot of fun."
"Don't worry! I'll be fine."
Charles cleared his threat, "Wills, want some coffee?"
"Yeah, sure."
"Then come and get some!" And accordingly, they left to get their breakfast.
Lizzy addressed Caroline with, "So now that they are gone, tell me why you had such a bad night."
Caroline sighed, "I told you, I had a headache."
"I meant, the real reason."
"Well...last night I saw-"
"Oh hi, Richard!" greeted Jane, cutting Caroline off.
Both Lizzy and Caroline had their backs to the door so they hadn't seen him approaching. Quickly turning around, Lizzy greeted him, sensing that what Caroline had been about to say, concerned him.
Richard greeted them groggily, apologizing by saying, "I had a rough night. Didn't sleep at all."
"You too?" said Jane with wonder. Could it be??? Nah...it's just my grubby mind.
"What do you mean too?" Richard asked, suspiciously.
"Well, Carrie didn't sleep either."
"Oh." Was all that he said. Wonder if she was up for the same reason as me. Probably not.
Changing the topic, Jane said, "So what're your plans for today?"
"Nothing much. What's everyone else doing?"
Jane told him and he replied, "I guess I'll check out the picnic, then." He looked at Caroline briefly; who was ignoring him completely. After a pause, he added, "Um...I'll go get some coffee. That always wakes me up." And so, he left.
Jane remarked, "It's a good thing this table's so big, or we'd never fit!"
And thus, the breakfast progressed. Whatever little conversation they had on the table, was provided by Charles and Rachel, since the others were either too busy with their thoughts or too lazy to make much conversation.
"So...what time are we going to meet?" Jane asked, as they were leaving the room, for their different destinations.
"Well..." Charlotte said. "The ball begins at 8, so I guess we could all be ready by 7:30 or so...we'll have to go the Community Center."
"But...we'll need a car, won't we?" Lizzy said. "I flew here, and Richard's car got smashed up."
"Speaking of Rich's car," Charlotte said, "What did happen? Do they know who was in it or anything?"
Richard shook his head, "No. But their best bet is that it was some crook that broke in, and was trying to get away when he lost control and crashed. And personally, I think that it's the most probable explanation...I mean, who else could it be?"
"I guess that's true," William joined in. "But what about the original problem. We do need another car...there's always a cab, but-"
Caroline cut him off, "It's okay...I drove down here. I have my car."
"You drove?" Lizzy had the same reaction that Rich had had when he'd heard that.
"Yes, I did and I don't see what the big deal is. Just because I'm not fond of driving doesn't mean that I can't do it." Caroline snapped. She wasn't in a particularly good mood. "But anyways, excuse me, I have an appointment to keep." And then she was gone.
"What's up with her?" Charles said with wonder. He'd never been one for understanding his sister. He looked at Richard who just shrug his shoulders.
"We'd better get going, too," said Lizzy, as she Rachel was becoming restless. "See you guys in a bit." And accordingly, Lizzy, Rachel, Charlotte and William left to take the bus that would take them to Divinity School.
"That leaves us," said Charles, turning towards Jane and Richard. "Let's get ready...the picnic starts in an hour."
At Toys-R-Us
"Are you sure, you want to do this," Lizzy addressed William. "I really don't think you'll enjoy spending your morning here. You don't have experience with small kids...they can get...difficult."
William assured her he was fine, "And besides, Charlotte couldn't stay here, so you'll need some company. I can't imagine you'll want to spend the whole morning alone in a toy store..."
Lizzy smiled, "Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you." And so they went in. Charlotte had arranged to meet with them later when they went to the kid's center near Divinity.
Lizzy's main purpose of visiting the store had been to find any Furby's. She didn't expect to, but it was really the last place she could think of that would have one.
Rachel was temporarily caught up in the playpen, so Lizzy decided to make some inquiries about the elusive Furby. William saw her leave, so he caught up with her, "Where are you going?"
"Oh," Lizzy replied. "I really, really need to buy this toy for Rachel...for Christmas, you know...but I can't find it anywhere. This is the last place, I can find it."
"What's it called?" William said, even though he thought he knew the answer.
"You've probably never heard of it, but its called Furby."
Don't be so sure! "Ah, Furby?!" Do I tell her? "Liz, maybe I should tell you..."
"What?" Lizzy looked at him earnestly.
"Don't ask how or why...but Rachel is going to get a Furby for Christmas...and you don't need to worry about it." William had hoped to surprise her, but no way was he going to let her be worried about it.
"I don't?" Lizzy was speechless. "But how?...I know you said don't ask, but..."
"I have my ways," William said, mysteriously. "But forget that, let's go back to Rachel."
Lizzy smiled, and impulsively kissed William on the cheek, "William, you're a lifesaver! Thank you."
William beamed at her. Maybe telling her wasn't such a bad idea after all. He liked the reward. So what that it was a strictly platonic kiss on the cheek...it was a huge step forward. "I'm glad to be of some help."
Rachel was still involved in the playpen, when they came back. Liz claimed her, and they went out to explore the shop. Rachel found an adorable Barbie that she just had to have, and of course Lizzy obliged and bought it. The morning was spent more pleasantly than either William or Liz had anticipated.
Later, At Kid's Center, Near Divinity School
William watched Rachel play, as he waited for Liz to come back from visiting her teachers. He didn't mind. He had enough to occupy his thoughts, as it was.
Rachel looks so much like her, he thought. She has her wavy, brown hair and her eyes. She's going to grow into a very beautiful young woman, just like her mother. And to think that she could have been my daughter...But let's not go there.
"Excuse me, sir," the supervisor Mrs. Mitchell interrupted him. "It's time for these kids' lunch and I was wondering...is there anything your daughter prefers or is allergic to?"
My daughter! "Um...I couldn't say...I mean...I'm not her father," William was flustered. He didn't even know what kids' that age ate!
"Oh!" Mrs. Mitchell was undoubtedly surprised. "I'm sorry, I thought...well, she does look a little like you...with her dark hair and all...are you the mother's...boyfriend?"
Nosy lady! "No, just a friend. But she'll be back anytime now...you cam ask her about Rachel's food habits then."
Just as he said that, Charlotte came in. Apparently, she knew more than he did, for she was able to tell them about Rachel.
"So William," she said. "How's your experience with children so far?"
"They're great!" William said enthusiastically. "I can't imagine why people think it's not worthwhile...Rachel's so amazing!"
Charlotte laughed, "That's because you've just spent so little time with her...a child can be very demanding...but I agree, it's certainly worthwhile."
"Yes," he said dreamily. "Liz has done a great job with her."
"You love her, don't you?" Charlotte said softly.
"What?"
"Sorry," she said quickly. "I didn't mean to be so intrusive. You don't have to answer that."
"No, it's okay Charlotte. You're her best friend," William said. "Yes, I do love her, very much...it may seem crazy, but after all these years, I still do."
"I understand, William," Charlotte said. "I understand all about unrequited love..."
"Really?" he said with interest.
"Yes...and that's all you'll know," Charlotte said slyly. She could not possibly tell him about her feelings for Richard.
"Okay," he wasn't the prying type. "But...don't say anything to Liz. I want to take it slow, this time around..."
Charlotte nodded understandingly, "Be gentle with her...she's very fragile at this stage." After a brief pause, she added, "Good luck."
"Thank you, Charlotte," William said, smilingly. "I'm glad we talked."
"So am I," she said, as she spotted Liz walking in. "Hi!"
Meanwhile, At The Reunion Picnic
Richard tried his best to have a good time, but failed miserably. His thoughts were invariably on Caroline. He had lost sight of Jane and Charles and was mingling with the crowd. But he found that he couldn't give anyone his attention. So, he found a nice, cozy, isolated spot to think things over. And it all came to one conclusion...he had to make up with Caroline. It didn't matter whether he was right or not, he just couldn't stand seeing her so hurt. He had to repair the damage...if it wasn't already too late.
Chapter 19
Festivities in the holiday season bring out a smile in everyone, even those who aren't exactly in the holiday spirit. Combine that with an old-school reunion and you got a darn good party! And such was the case for the Yale Annual Reunion Christmas Eve Party. The organizers were fortunate enough to book ahead of time, very spacious and elegant hotel banquet halls; the only ones large enough to accommodate the entire reunion party. And so, as the time for the ball approached everyone retired to put on their best outfit and get ready for a party.
"Oh! I don't know about this, Jane," cried Elizabeth as she looked at herself in the mirror. "Maybe I shouldn't have gone for a spaghetti-strap dress, after all. I mean, I don't want to look like a pathetic middle-aged hag, who wants to recreate her youth!"
"Whoa, calm down, Lizzy!" exclaimed Jane. "First of all, you are not a middle-aged hag...you're 30, for god's sake! And secondly, you look fabulous...William's going to love it!"
"Jane! I'm not concerned about William!" Lizzy cried. "It's just a friendly date...nothing serious. Get it?"
"Sure, whatever," But her eyes spoke otherwise.
There was a knock on the door. Lizzy said, "Oh, that must be Mrs. Robertson. She's baby-sitting for me tonight." Lizzy opened the door and..."Mom!"
Mrs. Bennet, dressed in a horrendous bright-pink "evening" gown, beamed at them. "Oh girls! Don't you look absolutely divine!"
"Mom," Lizzy said, trying to be calm. "what are you doing here and where did you get that...dress?"
"Don't you love it," Mrs. Bennet gushed, examining herself in the mirror. "And I got it half off too! But enough about me, you girls should hurry up...don't want to keep your dates waiting too long. Although, I always say, it's good to make a late entrance...that way, they get to focus on you, but being too late can spoil it all, because they get tired and -"
"Mother..." interjected Lizzy. "I must ask you again...what are you doing here? I thought you'd be at the hotel already...with Mrs. Pearson."
"Well, I had to stop by here first and see how you were doing. And that reminds me, I'm very upset with you---how could you go clothes' shopping without me! I could have helped you pick out the best outfits! But you didn't do too bad yourself," Mrs. Bennet said approvingly. Addressing Lizzy, "And this is the chance for you, young lady, get him while you still can. Leave no stone unturned."
"What do you mean, mom," Lizzy had a sick feeling in her stomach. If Jane told her, I'm going to...
"Oh! You don't have to pretend. I know you have a date with William."
"You do?" Lizzy gave a murderous look to Jane, while Jane shook her head, saying she had nothing to do with it.
"Sure, honey. You can't keep secrets from your mother. I'm sure disappointed I didn't hear about it from you and if it hadn't been for Charles, I would have never known!"
"Oh?" Lizzy made a mental note to tell off Charles later.
At this point Jane interrupted, "Mom, as much as we love talking to you, I do think you should be heading to the hotel. We'll finish getting ready and join you soon. We don't want to keep our dates waiting, do we?"
"You're right, Jane," Mrs. Bennet said. "I'll be seeing you later. Bye, girls!" With that, she left them alone; once again in peace.
"Thank you, Jane!" exclaimed Lizzy. "I thought she'd never leave! Oh why did Charles have to tell her about William."
"She'd have found out sooner or later," Jane pointed out. "And consider yourself lucky, that you didn't get that lecture in the banquet hall, in front of the others."
"I guess," Lizzy conceded. "But that still doesn't make me think kindly of mom's "advice". But let's forget that and get ready. She was right about not making the guys wait too long." And they both burst out laughing.
Meanwhile, In The Lobby
"Wonder what's taking them so long," mused Charles. "Last time I checked, Jane said she'd be down in just a few minutes and it's 20 minutes already."
"Well...you know how it is," replied William. "They like to look their best."
"Do they ever!" Charles sighed. "Good thing Caroline left. She hates waiting for anything or anyone." Caroline had left for the hotel with Richard and Charlotte in her car. They were to pick up Charlotte's 'date', Billy on their way.
Before William could reply, they were interrupted by a loud voice on the staircase, "Oh there you are Charles, Mr. Darcy!"
"Mrs. Bennet," Charles said awkwardly. "What a...charming dress!"
"Oh thank you!" she laughed. "Jane and Lizzy will be just down with you. Have a good time. I'll see you both there."
She exited just as loudly as she came and William let out a sigh of relief, "Phew! For a minute there, I thought she was going to ride with us. God knows, how you and Jane put up with her!"
"She's not all bad," Charles said, trying to be diplomatic.
"No really!"
Charles wasn't listening. He looked over William's shoulder, "Oh good! The girls are down."
William turned around and gasped. Elizabeth was a vision in her red dress and it took his breath away. He knew that he'd promised himself to take things slowly, but he felt his resolve weakening. After all, who could resist such a sight! At that moment, he just wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her with all his restrained passion...but he held back. If Elizabeth wanted his friendship, that was what she'd get.
Jane smiled at them, "Hope we didn't keep you waiting too long."
Charles smiled back, "Of course not. But I must say, the wait was worth it. You look spectacular, both of you." Offering her his arm, "Shall we go?"
They walked on ahead. William offered his arm to Lizzy and she took it tentatively, as they followed Charles and Jane.
William smiled, "Charles is right. You are breathtaking."
God, he looks good in a tux! And that smile..."You're not half bad, yourself."
"How's Rachel doing?"
Lizzy replied, "Good. She's in bed right now. The baby-sitter's with her."
"Oh." Silence. There was so much he wanted to say to her, but couldn't. Finally, "How do you like Boston?" Great! That was completely random and idiotic! Gosh William, you're doing pretty well here.
"Oh, it's a wonderful place to live," Lizzy said warmly. "There's a certain atmosphere, a charm if you will, that I dare say, no other city has. Maybe it's all the colleges or the history behind Boston, but I just love it there."
"I might just visit you sometime," he said. "It'll be good to get out of New York, once in a while!"
The ride to the hotel was uneventful. The conversation in the car was light and easy. They all got in the party mood and were ready to have a good time.
Meanwhile, In The Banquet Hall
Melissa paced near the entrance hall awaiting William's arrival. Tyler was close by. After watching her for sometime, he said, "Who are we waiting for?"
"No one," she snapped. Then, more kindly, "Look Tyler, why don't you go and get punch or something. I'll be with you in a minute."
"Sure," he said. Suits me. I can go and find Charlotte.
Being a grad student, Tyler wasn't familiar with anyone in the party. He made his way to the drinks' counter and ordered a soda. Suddenly, a very familiar figure came and sat down next to him, "Ms. Lucas!"
Charlotte nearly jumped, "Oh! It's you. What are you doing here?"
"Don't worry, I'm not crashing your party," he smiled. "I'm with Melissa...Melissa Reynolds."
"Oh," she frowned. "I didn't know you were acquainted with her."
"Well, my sister was her roommate. And she frequently came by our house."
"I see," Charlotte wasn't very fond of Melissa. She knew the history behind her and William. She hoped that Tyler wasn't involved with her.
"Where's Mr. Collins, if I may ask, Ms. Lucas?"
"First off," she said, with a slight smile. "It's Charlotte. You're not my student anymore, and I'm tired of hearing Ms. Lucas all the time. Okay?"
"Sure...Charlotte," Tyler positively beamed.
"And as for Billy...that's Mr. Collins," she went on. "I just managed to lose him."
"He's that bad?"
Charlotte nodded wryly. "You have no idea. But I had no choice...reunion theme."
Just then, the music came on and some couples went onto the dance floor. Tyler watched them for a minute. He looked over at Charlotte sipping her drink. He started tentatively, "Charlotte?"
"Yes?"
"Would you care to dance?"
"Well..." Charlotte thought for a moment. "Sure. I'd love to."
"Mr. Collins won't mind, will he?"
"He'll never find out," she laughed as they moved to the dance floor.
Caroline wasn't having a good time. All through her ride to the hotel, she had barely spoken two words to Richard and it was driving her insane. She laughed and talked with her friends and old acquaintances, all the time following Richard with her eyes. The music had come on and he hadn't even asked her to dance! I am his date, aren't I, she thought. How long is he going to avoid me?
One of Caroline's friends, Paula, laughed, interrupting her reverie, "Carrie! You sure have changed. I can't remember a time when you were so quiet!"
Caroline blushed, "I'm not quiet. Just a little occupied."
"In watching Richard, you mean," Paula persevered.
Caroline reddened even more. Paula continued, "Well, honey, if it's like that, why don't you just go and ask him to dance?"
Caroline thought about it for a moment and then smiled, "Maybe I will."
Elizabeth and William had reached the party at a great time. All their old law school friends were already there.
"William! Lizzy!" cried one of their mutual friends, Mark. "It's been so long since I've met you guys."
"Yes, it has, Mark," laughed William. "How are you? Heard that you got married."
"Yep," he smiled. "Five months now, but Stacey's in California."
Lizzy asked, "Stacey? Stacey Holden?"
Mark nodded.
"Didn't she go to school with us?"
Mark said, "Yes, she did. You two weren't the only love legends around here!"
Both Lizzy and William blushed. The music had just come on. William cleared his throat, "Um...Lizzy? Would you care to dance?"
"Love to." And they moved to the dance floor.
Mark was bewildered, "What'd I say?"
Whoa...my love, my darling
I hunger for your touch
Just my luck, Lizzy thought. They had to play a slow song.
Alone...lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
William rejoiced. This was one of his favorite songs. He put his arms around Lizzy's waist and pulled her close to him. He could feel she wasn't very comfortable.
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
Caroline and Richard held onto each other tentatively as if they were dancing for the first time. Neither said anything. They relished the feeling of holding the other close to them. They were both forming a resolution--a resolution to begin talking and make up.
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
William looked into Lizzy's eyes, which had an inscrutable expression. She sighed, "I believe we must have some conversation, William."
William laughed as he remembered a similar conversation they'd had a long time ago...when they'd danced for the first time.
"As you wish...do you talk as a rule, then, while you dance?"
Lizzy's eyes danced mischievously, "It would seem strange to be together for so long and yet quite silent. But sometimes it is for the best, to take the trouble of saying as little as possible!"
Ah! That brings back so many memories! William thought.
Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea, yeah
Lonely rivers sigh, wait for me, wait for me
I'll be coming home, wait for me.
Richard cleared his throat, "Caroline?"
"Yes?"
"I've been meaning to say this for a long time...I'm sorry." Receiving no answer, he continued, "I know you're mad at me, and have a darn good reason too, but I want you to know that I'm sorry."
Caroline sighed, "It's okay, I'm sorry too."
Richard looked into her eyes and saw that she meant it. He knew that they had a lot to discuss, but this wasn't the time or the place. He decided to just enjoy himself...for now.
Whoa...my love, my darling
I hunger, hunger for your love
For love.... lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can so much
Are you still mine?
Lizzy felt herself relax more and more in William's arms. She rested her head on his shoulders and sighed. It felt so right. She couldn't convince herself that this was a bad idea. No matter what her feelings for William were, she knew that could never define them as indifferent.
"William..." she whispered softly.
"Shhh..." he replied. "Let's not talk. I don't want to spoil this moment by anything." And he smiled. Lizzy felt her heart melt as she lost herself in the exquisite song and the feeling of being so close to him.
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me*(Unchained Melody, by the Righteous Brothers.)
As the last strains of the song dissolved, both couples headed back to the refreshment area. They were all experiencing too many complex emotions to have much conversation, but it seemed that would be unnecessary. William and Lizzy were "attacked" by a very pleased Mrs. Bennet.
"Ooohhhh!!!" Mrs. Bennet squealed. "You both look so cute together! I could hardly contain myself. Lizzy, my dear, you were wonderful!"
Lizzy blushed and attempted to calm her down, "Mother, please..."
But, Mrs. Bennet waved her aside, "And Mr. Darcy, I never saw such graceful dancing! Upon my honor! You two were made for each other!"
William blushed even more so than Lizzy. He excused himself saying, "I think I spot an old friend, excuse me." And with one significant glance at Lizzy, he was gone.
Lizzy was mortified, "Mom! How could you do that? You spoiled the moment!"
Mrs. Bennet just laughed, "Oh! Don't be silly, Lizzy. He was very pleased with you, I could tell. I saw the way you two were dancing. Call me stupid, but if this goes on, I would say you were on a fair way of getting together again! Oh bless my soul!"
Lizzy gave up hope; she just shook her head in despair. Moving away from her mother, she went to talk to some of friends. Just as she was engaged in some conversation with an old chum, Spring, she heard an all-too familiar voice of Melissa at her side,
"Oh, Lizzy. I feel so sorry for you."
Lizzy turned to see a rather scantily dressed Melissa, with a disarming smile. She tried to answer her with civility, "Melissa, delighted to see you too. Whatever do you mean?"
"I understand, honey. It must be hard for you," she said, with false compassion. "To have such a mother! I would be so ashamed! I mean, people can hear her from the other side of the room and all she can talk about is you and William! It must be so embarrassing!" Again, the fake, sympathetic smile.
Lizzy smiled icily in return, "Oh, it's okay Melissa. I don't think my mother is so much of an embarrassment. Unlike some people, she doesn't enjoy shallow, catty conversation. She has her own dignity, which I'm afraid, many others lack."
Melissa, by no means stupid, did not fail to understand this veiled attack, "Well, then...I guess I'll go and talk with the others. Bye, now." Another smile and she was gone.
Lizzy addressed her friend, Spring, "Can you believe that woman? I didn't know they made them like that anymore!"
Spring nodded and then suddenly exclaimed, "Oh my god! I can't believe it! Look at Melissa!"
Puzzled, Lizzy turned in the direction Spring was pointing and she almost flipped. For there was Melissa, chatting amicably with William, with the back of her skirt tucked into her pantyhose. Well, it wasn't much of a skirt anyway (too short), but the sight was hilarious! She was obviously completely unaware of the situation she was in because at that very moment, she moved into the dance floor with William.
Lizzy couldn't believe that he was actually dancing with her, but this was priceless! "Should we tell her?" she asked Spring.
"No. Let her suffer," Spring grinned wickedly. "I think she deserves it. She'll find out on her own soon enough."
But for the moment, Melissa, oblivious, was dancing merrily. She was drawing some pretty strange looks from her neighbors. Even William hadn't noticed, apparently. Then, one of the girls dancing next to Melissa pulled her aside and whispered something in her ear. Melissa quickly checked the back of her skirt and panicked. She said something hurriedly to William and practically ran out of the dance floor, presumably to the ladies' room. Meanwhile, Lizzy and Spring were in hysterics. They weren't normally so vindictive, but this was Melissa...
"That was priceless! We'll never let her live that one down!" Lizzy cried.
Chapter 20
To take pleasure in the folly of others may be regarded by many as something inappropriate. But there are times when even this offense can be justified...
After Melissa's hurried and rather undignified departure to the ladies' room, Lizzy and Spring finally stopped giggling. Lizzy commented, "Maybe we should have a little pity for the poor girl."
They both looked at each other for a moment and in unison, "Nah!"
The truth of the matter was that Melissa was widely disliked by majority of the reunion-goers for being an iniquitous pain. It wasn't that they really enjoyed seeing her being publicly embarrassed, but heaven knows, everyone felt she had it coming to her. She had always been a conniving, self-satisfied, snooty jerk, who never hesitated in using others for personal gain. But it seemed that only the women could see through her, for most of the men fell for her charms and failed to see the ugliness within.
Lizzy saw that William was a little embarrassed himself and felt obliged to go and talk to him. She addressed Spring with, "I'll see you later, okay?"
Spring just nodded and smiled to herself. It was amazing how much Lizzy and William really cared about each other and refused to see it themselves. She chuckled and went to find her own date, Shawn.
Lizzy walked up to William, who had previously removed himself from the dance floor. "Hi."
William smiled sheepishly, "I feel so silly."
"Don't."
"It was incredibly embarrassing."
"I know," Liz had to agree.
"I shouldn't have let her talk me into dancing with her."
"Then why did you?" Lizzy came to the main question that was plaguing her mind. She could not let go of the pangs of jealousy she had experienced when watching Melissa dance with William. Perhaps that was part of the reason why she was pleased by Melissa's mortification.
William didn't answer right away, "I don't know, honestly. We were talking and she said something about letting go of the past and moving on...and then she asked me to dance. I thought it'd be silly to refuse. We did grow up together, you know."
"Of course," Lizzy said. "You don't have to explain anything to me, William." I don't have any right to expect it, she added mentally.
Oh, but I do! Don't be that way. "Lizzy?"
"Hmmm?"
"Do you feel like getting some air?" Please?
Liz thought for a moment. At that point she felt very vulnerable and being alone with William was probably not the best idea. But..."Sure."
"Great!" He said a little too enthusiastically. Then added quickly, "I mean...we can go outside for a while."
"Then...let's go," smiled Lizzy. She thought that his boyish smile and dimples were just adorable and...discomfortingly irresistible.
Meanwhile, In The Lawn, In Front Of The Hotel
Caroline and Richard inhaled the crisp, winter air, each lost in their own thoughts. They didn't exactly recall whence the proposal of coming outside had originated, but one thing was for sure, they both felt that it was unusually liberating after the heat and stuffiness of the banquet hall.
A conveniently placed bench served as a place for them to sit down as each formulated what they were going to say in their own mind.
Caroline and Richard both began talking simultaneously, "I, ah..."
They stopped; and Richard, a true gentleman, urged her to continue.
Caroline hesitated, as if making a decision, then began, "Richard, I've recently been giving a lot of thought to what you said to me the other day. And I feel that I owe it you to explain some of what happened a long time ago...back when we were in grad school." She paused to observe his reaction.
He was quick to respond, "Caroline...you don't have to do this...really...you don't owe me any explanations. I should be the one explaining my horrible behavior and-"
She cut him off, "No Richard, this is something I have to do. Not only for you, but for me. Please let me say what I have to."
Richard only nodded. When she looked at him like that what else could he do? "Okay, if you think it's necessary."
"Yes, it is," she said softly. "Bear with me now 'coz this might be long." She took a deep breath and began, "My mother, as you know, died when I was quite young, 12 to be exact, but I still have vivid memories of her. She had a very forceful, commanding personality and it was very hard to forget or ignore anything she said. I can picture her now, sitting on my bed, telling me how to be a good girl and singing me to sleep." Caroline paused, "I'm not boring you, am I?"
"No, no," Richard shook his head. "Do continue."
"Okay. Well, there was one flaw in her. She was not happy with my father and she never made it a secret, to me at least. She never had a sister, maybe that was the reason she confided in me, but even when I was a little girl, she constantly told me how unhappy she was. Now that I come to think of it, it was very wrong of her to do so, selfish even. She burdened all her troubles on me, but at that time, when I looked up to her, I felt obliged to listen to all she had to say and believe me, she had a great deal to say."
Caroline sighed, as she thought about that time of her life and continued, "She felt that my father wasn't rich or grand enough. Her aim in life was to be on the 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous' and even though Dad did decently in his business, it didn't seem like we were ever going to live on a mansion on Malibu..." She looked at Richard; he was listening intently. "Her main advice, that she drummed into me for years, was that love did not exist and the only way to be really happy was to be rich. She said that she could never be rich herself, but she wanted me to be one day. And the only way, she felt, that I could accomplish that was to marry a rich guy..."
Caroline saw Richard take in a sharp breath and she continued, "That was the one important thing that she taught me for years. And it was so fixed in my mind that by age 12, if someone asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up, I would say, I wanted to marry a millionaire...I know, that sounds like Mom was slightly unbalanced and maybe she was. But anyways, that summer, she died of a heart attack. We were all heartbroken, especially me. She had her problems, but was a very loving, caring person. Needless to say, I was very attached to her. Dad must have really loved her too, because he was the one who cried the most. I think, that she loved him too, in her own way, but was too blinded by ambition to notice."
"Maybe it's ironical, but soon after mum died, dad's business boomed. Money started coming in like hot cakes and what mom had dreamed of for years finally came true...we were rich! So rich that dad could now afford to send Charles to a private school he had set his heart on going to. And the first summer after going to private school, Charles came home with a friend...a certain, William Darcy." She paused dramatically.
Richard's interest had been with this narrative all along, but at the mention of William's name it was heightened, "Oh?"
"Yes. William's mom had died, too. Of breast cancer, I think...?"
Richard corroborated that with a nod, and she continued, "So anyway, Charles and William, it seemed, had become great friends at school and since William didn't want to go home just yet, he came home with Charles. He had been really close to his mother and his dad thought that it was best for him not to be in the house where everything reminded him of her. So William lived with us for nearly 2 months and that is when I fell in...um...love with him."
Caroline saw Richard's astonished stare and said, "I know what you're thinking, that I was only 12 something at that time and it was only a crush, but that's not the way it was. I was a very mature girl, probably my mom's influence. I took myself and everyone else very seriously. And so when I say I was in love with, I was in love with him. Not just any girlish fancy; real love. And William was the perfect guy...just like my mom taught me. Incredibly handsome, filthy rich and very polished. That was the end of my childhood. I would never be the same again. From then on I lived for and thought about one thing...William. It was an...obsession."
"But there was one tiny, little problem - William did not love me. He never saw me as anything, but the kid sister of his best friend. And that's exactly how he treated me. You don't know how frustrating it can be. To love someone so unconditionally and not having them notice you...And this continued for several years." Caroline broke off, "Are you sure this isn't too much for you to bare?"
"Positive," Richard said, smilingly. "I'd never let go of such an opportunity of getting to know you. Never."
Caroline smiled back; he was such a dear, "So where was I? Oh yeah...it continued for many years. All through my adolescence I cherished him and his visits, never letting anyone know, refusing to accept that there was no hope. We were always on friendly terms. He was always kind and good to me, but there was never anything more. I don't even know whether he was aware of what I felt for him. If he was, then he hid it well, 'coz he never showed it. It'll probably be no surprise to know that I followed him and Charles to Yale. I had briefly considered taking up law, just so that I could be near him, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I loved acting too much. So I went into the School of Drama, but I was still close to him. That alone made me happy. And then, one fine day, I met you..."
Richard looked self-consciously at her. "I remember that day. You had come to meet Charles at our apartment, and I wouldn't let you in." He laughed, "I'm sure I wasn't a big hit with you then."
"No, you weren't," Caroline admitted. "You drove me insane, absolutely. But that's probably what appealed to me. You could always make me laugh. And then, as you probably remember, we starting dating. Now this is the important part, listen closely...in the beginning, I might have...well...gone out with you so that I could be closer to William, but that's NOT what kept us together. A funny thing happened...I started to really lo-- I mean, like you." Caroline paused. "As infuriating and undeniably silly you were, I liked you for yourself. It was not a sham."
Richard was too moved to say a word. He just listened woodenly.
"Everything was fine, until Liz came into the picture. Seeing William and her together got to me. I had thought I was over him, but apparently I was not. So I fought with Liz and broke up with you. it was not a very good time for me. But I remember..." she said, with glistening eyes. "Even then, you didn't desert me. You were always there for me and even though we weren't going out, you didn't leave me...oh! How could you even think that our relationship didn't mean anything to me-" She broke off, the tumult of emotions overwhelming her. She buried her head in her hands and started crying.
Richard couldn't bear to see her like that. He put his arms around her, whispering comforting words. She calmed down a bit, but bitterly said, "I think I inherited mom's curse. I'll push everyone away from me and will die....alone and unhappy."
Richard held her closely, "You know that's not true. We all love you very much. You'll never be alone or unhappy...you have my word for it."
"Oh Richard!" cried Caroline, in between sniffles. "Why are you so good to me?"
"Because I care about you," he said simply. "Maybe that's something you still have to learn, but behind my joking, kidding self, there's a very sensitive man who cares about people and I care about you. Very much. So much that even after grad school, I've made it my business to know how you're doing."
"Oh! I had no idea," said Caroline.
"There's a lot that you don't know about me," he said seriously. Most important of all, that I'm madly, hopelessly in love with you...
Caroline rested her head comfortably on his shoulders, thinking for a minute. "Richard?"
"Yes?"
"Do you believe in second chances?" She looked up at him, with shining eyes.
Can it be? He thought. "What do you mean?"
"Do you think, there's any hope for us still? We could start over...from the beginning. Pretend nothing happened. Just give it another try?" Her eyes were filled with hope. "What do you say?"
"I say that's a very tempting idea," he said teasingly. "Too tempting for me to resist."
Caroline smiled; Richard smiled back. They were very close, Caroline's face just inches away from Richard's. They were both aware of the closeness of the other, but each was reluctant to move away. They continued in that manner for sometime and then...it happened. They kissed.
It was like a first kiss, very innocent, very shy, tentative even. They were both aware of how sensitive the situation was. They broke apart.
Caroline sighed, "Thank you."
William and Lizzy looked at each other in embarrassment. They had not meant to intrude upon Caroline and Richard, but they couldn't help it. The balcony was too good a spot to eavesdrop on any body in the lawn.
"Well..." remarked William as they hurriedly went back inside. "Looks like those two made up, already."
Chapter 21
Jane smiled benignly at Charles as they danced oblivious of the others around them.
"Jane?" he whispered.
"Yes?"
"Have I told you recently that I love you very, very much."
Jane smiled indulgently, "Yes, you have. But I won't mind if you repeat yourself."
"I love you, Jane," Charles said.
"I love you, too."
"Will you promise me something?" he said in an urgent tone.
Jane was not sure what Charles had in his mind, but she sure wanted to find out, "Of course, I will. What?"
"This entire business of Lizzy and William made me think how lucky we were. Just being in love doesn't mean we had to end up together as we did. There was so much that could have gone wrong. And I shudder to think what I'd do without you," Charles paused, looking into her eyes. "Promise me Jane, that you'll never let anything come between us. It sounds so cliché, but no matter what happens, I want us to be together. Always."
Jane felt her eyes getting misty, "Oh Charles! You know we have nothing to worry about. But I promise. I'll never let us break apart."
They stood there for a few moments, still in the middle of the dance floor, holding onto to each other. The uncertainty and misunderstanding surrounding Lizzy and William's relationship had made Charles worry about his own. Truth be told, it was difficult for him, or anyone else for that matter, to comprehend why Lizzy and William failed to see what to everybody deemed axiomatic: that they were in love.
As Lizzy and William entered the banquet hall and looked at the dance floor, they immediately spotted Jane and Charles.
"Awww...," said Lizzy. "They are just so cute together. You'd think they were married yesterday!"
"Yes," William agreed. "Sometimes, two people are just meant to be together." Like us, he added mentally.
Lizzy sighed inwardly, watching her sister and brother-in-law for sometime. She envied them, in a way. They were both so well suited to each other and were so much in love. They would never have any trouble in their relationship, of course. Why should they? Perfect angels never have any problems. Oh look at me, she thought. Here I am, envying my own sister! What have I come to?
"Lizzy? Are you feeling okay?" William broke into her thoughts. "Maybe we should step out again?"
"NO!" Lizzy said, recalling what they'd stumbled upon the last time they went to the balcony. "I mean, I'm fine. Thank you for asking, though."
"You're welcome, Liz," he said tenderly. William felt very warm all of a sudden. Boy, is this room stuffy or what!
"Oh William!" It was Melissa. Apparently, she had made it back from the ladies' room, safe and sound.
"Um...hi Melissa! You're back," he said awkwardly.
"Yeah," Lizzy said sweetly. "Where'd you disappear to?"
Melissa shot Liz a deadly look, "I had a little...uh...ladies' trouble." Then turning to William, "Sorry about running out on you like that. Maybe we can finish our dance? With your "date's" permission, of course." The last part of the sentence said with a subtle sneer.
"Sure, no problem," said Lizzy, trying to appear unaffected and unconcerned.
"Well then, let's go!" Melissa practically dragged him to the dance floor.
William glanced apologetically at Liz before joining Melissa to dance. Liz sighed. She looked around and saw Caroline and Richard come in. They looked blissfully happy. Charlotte was still dancing with Tyler and of course Jane was with Charles. To Lizzy, it seemed that everyone else was having a good time except herself. But she could be wrong...
"Oh! Is that you, Cousin Elizabeth?" a threateningly familiar voice came from behind her.
There was only one person who addressed her in such a manner, and Liz turned around with a sinking felling in her stomach. "Ah...Billy...how nice to finally...em...see you again?"
Mr. Collins, or Billy as he was called, positively beamed, "Why, it's a pleasure to meet you too. I didn't know you were going to attend this event!"
"Well, it was kind of a last minute decision on my part."
"I'm glad you could make it," he said benevolently. "It wouldn't have been same without you. By the way, have you seen my dear Charlotte?"
Liz was about to point to Charlotte, but she stopped, "Actually, I haven't seen her. Sorry. Didn't you come with her, though?"
"Oh yes," he replied. "But she seems to have disappeared, this past hour, I wonder where." Abruptly changing the topic, "Have you met Mrs. DeBourgh yet?"
Oh lord! Not her! "No...I didn't have that pleasure." Thank god for small mercies.
"Oh, that's too bad," he said in his most condescending tone. "I talked to her just yesterday. She would be very displeased if you didn't go, visit her."
"I'll try to fit it in my schedule," Liz said tightly.
Mrs. DeBourg was a recently retired professor at the Divinity School. She was a very active member of the Yale Board of Educators and was generally used to being regal. She was William's and Richard's aunt, a fact for which they were greatly pitied by the general populace. She happened to take Billy under her tutelage, because he was a 'promising' professor. In consequence, Billy was one of the few people who actually admired Mrs. DeBourg. But he was also in the very bad habit of bragging about her...all the time.
Billy droned on about her for sometime. And then, "Cousin Elizabeth, since it seems that both are partners have deserted us, would you care to dance?"
Before Lizzy could give him a sharp reply and refusal, the DJ suddenly addressed the gathering with, "Ladies and gentlemen! May I have your attention please." The room quieted down. "Thank you. Next, we are about to play a little game, a competition rather, organized by the Reunion Committee. Here's how it works...all of you will be paired off in couples by random picking of names from a hat. Then you and your partner will take part in the dancing competition and judges will pick the winners. So you want to play?"
This speech was followed by a round of applause and a wave of excited buzzing. This was a complete surprise for all of them, but they believed it would be fun. The DJ started calling off names of the couples and requested them to move to the side of the hall. "..., William Darcy with Leah Romanelli, ..., Elizabeth Michaels with Tyler Owens, Charlotte Lucas with Mark Skinner, ..., Richard Fitzwilliam with Jane Bingley, ..., Charles Bingley with Lise Joling, ...Caroline Bingley with Justin Moore, ..., Melissa Reynolds with Billy Collins..."
The excitement mounted as the names were called out. Being paired off with someone "decent" was always fun, if not, then you'd have to suffer! It was as easy as that. Most were quite satisfied with their competition partners. Sure, they weren't all so fortunate as to be paired off with someone they really wanted, but their partners were okay. Most, except Melissa.
She, poor creature, had been paired off to dance with Billy Collins; a fate whose mere thought made all ladies shudder. For the truth of the matter was simple ... Billy could not dance, never had and never would. And on top of that, he was an unctuous jerk, who'd hit on any girl in two-mile radius. That combined with the fact that he had sweaty palms and greasy hair made him so undesirable that no one could imagine a worst punishment for any girl.
"Oh Melissa dear!" smiled Billy as their names were announced. "You're one lucky gal!" He tried to slide his arms around her waist.
She pushed him away and cried, "Stop it Billy, if you know what's good for you! I am NOT going to dance with you, you hear me! You, you...pathetic slob!" She was not the politest girl, but in the circumstances, she might be justified. After all, this was Billy. Nothing resembling a refusal ever got to him.
Undaunted, Billy continued, "Now, now. Let's not get personal. There's no way out of this one. You'll have to dance with me...or else you'll be the only one sitting it out, and won't that look pathetic."
Melissa considered it for a moment. Damn, he's right! "Well...okay. But don't try anything with me." Just one dance, she repeated to herself.
"That's better!" smiled Billy again.
After everyone had been paired off, the DJ addressed the crowd again, "Owing to the latest fad, the dance for today's competition will be...Swing!!!" There were some gasps and exclamations, but the DJ continued, "We understand that everyone might not be familiar with that particular dance, but no need to panic, folks. First, we'll teach you how to swing and only then will the competition begin. So what do you say?"
Again, there was loud cheering. As the DJ had said, swing dancing was the latest craze and not many people knew how to swing. The dance lessons began. Everyone paired up and followed the steps closely. Of course they couldn't expect to become experts or anything, but it'd definitely be a whole lot of fun. After much ado, the 'real' competition began.
Jump Jive 'n' Wail
Brian Setzer Orchestra's lively, swing music aired and the dancing began. Many were amateur dancers and others quite proficient. But they all had a grand time. All except one couple...
"Ouch!" cried Melissa. "Billy!!! You're treading on my toes! Weren't you listening at all when they were telling us about the dance?!"
"Oh...sorry Melissa," apologized Billy. "Be more careful next time." He then proceeded to tread all over her foot again.
"Argh!" Melissa shrieked. Billy was insufferable. Just one dance, she kept repeating to herself, but in the present situation even that seemed like an eternity.
All of a sudden, Melissa shrieked again...but this time for a good reason. She tripped forward and fell on her face. The reason...her heel broke.
"Oh my god!" she wailed. She looked up to see many dancers gathered around her in concern. "What are you looking at? Go away!" They shrugged and returned to their dancing. Then, addressing Billy. "Aren't you going to help me up?"
"Of course," he said and proceeded to pull her up. "Can you dance?"
"No, I don't think so...," Melissa said, limping off the dance floor. "Ouch! I have a nasty sprain." Hope William didn't see that.
But as a matter of fact, he had seen her fall down, like most of the others, but was too busy having fun to pay much attention. His partner, Leah, was almost an extremely good swing dancer, almost like the professionals. In fact, she was one of the few people, who did not need any lessons. Her talent combined with William's natural flair for dancing made them quite easily the best dancers, and soon the other dancers moved off the dance floor to give them some room and watch.
When the song was over, there was a round of applause for William and Leah and they were announced, most predictably, as the best swing dancers of the evening.
Their friends approached and congratulated them.
Liz smiled, "Good job, guys! You were both terrific!"
"Thanks Liz!" exclaimed Leah. Spotting her boyfriend waving at her, she excused herself with, "Catch you later. Bye!"
William and Liz watched her leave and then turned to face each other.
"You were very good out there, William," said Liz softly.
"And so were you," he returned, smilingly.
"But not nearly as good as you," Liz smiled back.
The DJ once again addressed them with, "Ladies and gentlemen. We all thank you for being such good sports and making the dance competition a success. Now, we'll be wrapping up with our last song. So find that special someone and enjoy your dance!"
"Shall we?" William asked. Liz only nodded and they moved to the dance floor.
Wise men say only fools rush in,
but I can't help falling in love with you.
The entire enthusiasm of the Swing Competition subsided as Elvis' crooning voice filled the hall. This was the stuff, lovers' dreams were made of.
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin?
If I can't help falling in love with you.
William and Lizzy refrained from talking. They didn't need to. All their emotions and feelings were being communicated. They simply danced, relishing the moment, savoring the closeness of the other. Liz rested her head on his shoulders for support. It had been a long day, and she always found his shoulders very comforting and strangely relaxing. William could smell the shampoo in her hair; a very herbal, earthy smell. It was delicious. He sighed.
Like a river flows,
Surely to the sea,
Darling so it goes,
Some things are meant to be...
Take my hand, take my whole life too,
For I can't help falling in love with you.
Richard and Caroline danced together, much happier than they had been earlier in the evening. Everything had changed in a few short hours. They went from total frustration to total bliss.
"Richard?" Caroline ventured tentatively.
"Hmm?" he said distractedly, playing with curly hair.
"I forgot how good this felt."
"What?" his attention had obviously strayed.
"Richard!" Caroline admonished him. "I'm being serious here."
"Yes, Caroline." He said dutifully.
"Well...I was saying that, I forgot how good this felt. Dancing in your arms, being sure that we'll be together."
"I agree," he said. "And I intend to keep it that way." Saying thus, he lowered his lips to hers and succeeded in distracting her, as well.
Like a river flows,
Surely to the sea,
Darling so it goes,
Some things are meant to be...
Tyler and Charlotte danced, holding each other very tentatively. Tyler was in heaven, so to speak. Charlotte was his idol and never, in his wildest dreams, had he thought he'd ever be able to hold her like he was holding her.
Charlotte was also affected, in her own way. And it confused her, because she knew she was in love with Richard. After all, Tyler was only a kid. It would never work out. But she could not help relaxing in his arms and letting herself go. She looked into his eyes, his clear blue, ocean deep, eyes. She felt as if she could drown in them. No, she checked herself. This won't do.
"Um...Tyler?" She said.
"Yes?" he murmured.
In need of something better to say, "I hope Billy is not looking for me. It'd be too lucky if I were able to escape him entirely."
Tyler shook his head and smiled, "I won't let him take you away."
This was said with such intensity that Charlotte blushed and said no more.
Take my hand, take my whole life too.
For I can't help falling in love with you.
For I can't help falling in love with you.*
As the last strains of the music died out, the entire room cheered. It had truly been a memorable evening, for some at least.
"Oh Charles!" sighed Jane. "This has been so much fun!"
"Yes, it has, dear," he sighed in return. "It really has."
Meanwhile, in the guesthouse, Yale Campus.
Melissa groaned as she helped herself onto her bed, with ice on her ankles. The evening had not turned out as she planned. She had managed to humiliate herself...twice...with a little help from Billy, of course. She was very frustrated. She switched on her TV. The local news was on.
She was listened halfheartedly, when a name caught her interest. After that segment of the news was over, she picked up her phone, and dialed a New York number. The phone rang for couple of times and then a groggy voice answered it. "Hello?"
"Is George there?" Melissa said.
"Who's that?" said the female voice suspiciously.
"I'm his sister," lied Melissa. She knew her type. That girl would never give the phone to George if she told her otherwise.
"Oh...okay," she said. "Hold on..." Melissa heard her scream, "GEORGE! It's for you, your sister."
After some delay, Wickham came on the phone. "Hello? Who's this?"
"Relax, it's me," said Melissa.
"Melissa! Can't this wait till morning? This isn't a good time. Moraine's here and she gets mighty suspicious and all..."
Melissa cut him off, "This won't take long, and it's very important."
"Okay...go ahead. But make it quick."
"What was Jade doing here?"
"Jade? You mean, Mrs. Younge?" Wickham was totally awake now.
"Yes, of course I mean her," Melissa said irritably.
"Is she at Yale?" asked Wickham.
"You mean, you don't know?"
*Can't Help Falling in Love, by Elvis Presley.
Chapter 22 Note: Due to technical difficulties in the archiving process, this chapter was lost. There is no other copy of the chapter available. Hence, I will give a concise description of what happens.
It's Christmas morning and the exchange of presents is taking place. William gives Lizzy a gold necklace with a locket that has a picture of him, Lizzy, and John in it. Lizzy gives William an antique book that is very valuable. There is a lot of emotion involved. The others exchange gifts as well. William calls Georgiana to wish Merry Christmas. She invites him to her charity concert that will take place tonight. Lydia flies in to New York and meets with Wickham. They are getting ready to carry out their planned attack on Georgie.