Beginning, Section II
Jump to new as of September 8, 1999
Jump to new as of September 10, 1999
Jump to new as of September 14, 1999
Part 18
"Why didn't you tell me where you'd gone?" Jane exclaimed through the phone, "When I called home Mom said you weren't there, but she didn't tell me where you were. She kept going on and on about the headache she had."
"Sorry I didn't let you know sooner," said Lizzy, "When Charlotte and Maria offered to let me come over for a few days I eagerly accepted. I don't suppose you heard about my appearance at Pemberley Street, did you?"
"No, I don't know what you're talking about," said Jane.
Elizabeth explained about her yelling-fest with William the previous week, and then about his true history with George and the events at Mrs. De Bourgh's house.
"So William responded to your ad?! Why didn't you tell me?" cried Jane.
"I was so furious at the time I barely read the thing myself. I just saw the name at the bottom and that was it."
"Well surely you've read it again since then. Was it a good letter?"
Elizabeth smiled, "Yep, it was even better than George's. I'm just glad I didn't rip it to shreds the first time I read it."
"Well, at least one of your responses worked out!" said Jane happily, "It's too bad William's letter didn't come first; it would have spared you a lot of trouble."
"No kidding! But then maybe I wouldn't have been very enthusiastic because I wouldn't have known anything about him, except for his rude behavior at the wedding."
"Did he ever explain that?"
"No, I never thought to ask about it. We always seemed to talk about other things. I'll have to get to the bottom of it one of these days."
"So does that mean you're actually going to talk to him?" laughed Jane, "You mean you don't completely loathe his presence?"
Elizabeth laughed too, "Where have you been, Jane? You're living in the past!"
"Welcome home, sir!" Mrs. Reynolds greeted William enthusiastically, "I hope your aunt was well?"
"Oh yes, she was in high spirits," said William with a slight smile, "Say, where's Ana? This place is silent as a tomb."
Mrs. Reynolds glanced toward the living room meaningfully. After so many years with her, William correctly guessed that this meant bad news awaited.
Caroline Bingley was in the living room.
"William!"
"Caroline, this is a surprise," he said.
"I simply had to see you the minute you got home. I know this is kind of last minute, but, oh well. I was wondering if you'd like to come to a little get-together at my apartment tonight. Charles and Jane and some of our mutual friends will be there. It'll be just the thing to let you relax from your trip."
'Not very likely!' thought William.
"So what do you say?"
"I'm afraid I really can't, Caroline. I just got back, you see, and frankly I'm exhausted."
"You mean you're too tired for just one or two short hours?" Caroline pouted, "It won't be a party if you're not there. I was counting on you."
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I just can't make it. I'm sure my work has stacked up to the ceiling and I'd like to get plenty of rest before I have to tackle it."
"Here, let me give you a massage," William felt that the long fingers that grabbed his shoulders might have been the talons of a bird of prey, "There, now doesn't that feel better? It'll loosen you up a bit."
"Thanks, Caroline, but what I really need is a nap," he pried himself loose, "Be sure to invite me next time."
"Fine!" Caroline grabbed her purse so fast it startled him, "But you're missing out!"
As soon as she was gone, William collapsed onto the couch.
In another room of the same house Ana looked over the notes she had hastily written, then picked up the phone. She hesitated. This was the first time she had ever invited anyone over without her brother's permission, but it had to be a surprise.
"Hello?" luckily Elizabeth answered, for Ana didn't much like having to talk to strangers.
"Hi Elizabeth, this is Ana Darcy."
"Oh, hi Ana! How are you?"
"Fine, uh, I was just wondering if you would like to come over for dinner, um, maybe tomorrow? I was sorry I didn't get a chance to really talk to you at the picnic, so..."
Elizabeth could sense Ana's uneasiness, "I'd love to come! Tomorrow would be fine. I'd love to get to know you better."
Ana shook her head as she hung up. That had been easier than she had expected! But she knew the difficult part was still to come...
Part 19
"How strange that you invited yourself over on the same night I invited Elizabeth over, Rich," smiled Ana.
"Very strange indeed. I don't know how these coincidences happen," said Rich as he peeked into the library where William and Elizabeth sat, "It seems that your guest has forgotten about you."
"Yes," said Ana, "And it seems that my brother has forgotten the news he was going to tell you while I would be talking to my guest."
"Well, it's clear we're going to be neglected," Rich shook his head sadly, "When I told you to take over for me I had no idea you'd get such fast results."
"I aim to please," laughed Ana.
"Shh! Eavesdroppers are supposed to be the quiet ones. This is pointless, though, I can't hear a word they're saying. Want to go get some dessert?"
Rich couldn't hear anything because nothing was being said. Elizabeth was concentrating on a family photo album, and William was concentrating on Elizabeth. Every once in a while he'd explain a particular picture, but otherwise it was silent.
Elizabeth paused at the last page. On the left was a picture of a little girl about four years old with truly dazzling blue eyes. She was wearing a blue sundress with a matching ribbon in her curly blond hair, and she was standing next to a blooming rose bush, timidly sniffing one of the blossoms. On the right was an older picture of two boys, about ten years old. They each held one end of a line with five large fish dangling from it. Their faces were full of such glowing pride that one couldn't help but feel happy for them. Of course they were William and George, and in several years they would go in very different directions. One of them would even become so desperate as to kidnap the adorable girl on the opposite page, while the other one would preoccupy himself with protecting her. Looking at the pictures one would never guess what chaotic futures the children would have.
"Well, thanks for letting me poke through your stuff," sighed Elizabeth.
"Not at all. I offered, remember?"
"Right," Elizabeth smiled, "But these are so normal. I'll have to show you pictures of me and Jane sometime while we were playing dress-up."
"They're pretty goofy, huh?" William said quietly.
"Yep."
Rich and Ana were chatting happily as they entered the house carrying ice cream cones, but stopped short upon looking through the library door. A split second later Rich changed course and hurried toward the kitchen. Ana quickly followed, blushing slightly from spying on her brother and Elizabeth's kiss.
Kitty sat on the sofa reading Great Expectations. She rarely indulged in such a solitary activity, but since their argument, Lydia had abandoned her. Besides, Lizzy had talked her into watching the recent TV version, and the star, Ioan Gruffudd, was more than enough inspiration to begin the book!
"Well, what do you think?" Lydia suddenly burst into the room, wearing a long, sleeveless black dress.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"I have to keep a date with George's date," Lydia giggled, "Harriet Forster is coming with me to Anton's where I told George to meet me, that is Lizzy, and we're going to watch him. Sure you don't want to come?"
"You mean you actually called him?!" cried Kitty, "That was pretty stupid, Lydia."
"The difference between you and me, Kitty, is that I like to go out and do things. Take risks. It's not my fault if you don't want to go out and have fun. Oh, there's Harriet, I must run! You're definitely missing out!"
Part 20
"Elizabeth! Elizabeth!" called Mrs. Bennet as she ran down the hall, "Oh, there you are! Lizzy, I need you to tidy up the living room a little bit. I have such a terrible headache! Uncle Eddie and Aunt Madeline are coming over for dinner tonight. I just got off the phone with him. And please put away all those old magazines Lydia was looking at yesterday. They're all over the dining room table." Mrs. Bennet retreated to her bedroom without waiting for a reply.
Lizzy didn't mind the housework. She always looked forward to a visit from the Gardiners. Her Uncle Eddie could always be counted on for a good joke or two to take Mrs. Bennet's mind off her ailments, and Aunt Madeline was cheerful and usually had lots of news to tell about their various friends and acquaintances. The time also allowed Lizzy to reflect happily on her visit with William the previous evening.
When at last the entire room was dusted and tidied, Elizabeth peeked into the dining room. If there had only been a few magazines she would have picked them up herself, but the table looked like a newsstand had exploded.
"Lydia!" Elizabeth called as she ran upstairs, "Lydia, can you come out here?" She finally reached Lydia's door and opened it. The room was empty.
"Fine time for her to skip out on chores..." she muttered as she returned downstairs.
An hour later, when all the magazines were safely stored in the garage, Lydia still hadn't shown herself. Mary, however, was sitting in the living room surrounded by papers and open books."
"Don't forget to pick up after yourself," said Lizzy, "I just cleaned in here."
Mary ignored her.
"Mary, have you seen Lydia around? I haven't seen her all morning."
"I've been too busy to chart Lydia's movements," said Mary cynically as she leafed through a book, "I've got a paper to write, and I can't find enough on A. mellifica."
"What's that?"
"The common honey bee, of course!"
"Oh, I know someone who could help you with that," Lizzy smiled innocently as she wondered what she had done with Rev. Collins's phone number.
When the Gardiner's car pulled up that evening, Lydia still hadn't appeared. Kitty had also been in hiding for most of the day, but she emerged when she heard her uncle and aunt arrive.
"It seems so strange not to have Jane here," Aunt Madeline was saying as she hugged her nieces, "How are you, Lizzy? Mary, I hear you've been doing wonderfully in college. And Kitty! I bet you're excited to be a senior next year."
Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet stood aside as all the greeting was going on. They were both slightly relieved, Mr. Bennet especially, when their wives and children could chatter with someone else.
Mrs. Bennet declared that she had felt good enough that afternoon to prepare dinner, but if anything went wrong she'd most definitely become ill again.
"Where is Lydia?" inquired Mr. Bennet after they all sat down, "Kitty, do you know where she is?"
"I haven't seen her all day," mumbled Kitty.
"I didn't ask if you'd seen her, I asked if you know where she is."
"Oh, forget it!" cried Mrs. Bennet, "If she doesn't want to come down to dinner then who cares?"
"It's very rude of her to skip out when we have company," Mr. Bennet ignored his wife.
"I haven't seen her all day," said Lizzy, "I looked for her this morning and she wasn't in her room."
"Oh dear," said Mrs. Gardiner, "Did she go to a friend's house, do you think?"
Kitty looked at her plate.
"Well, not unless she went before I looked for her, and she's not usually an early riser," replied Elizabeth.
"Lydia does have a lot of friends!" said Mrs. Bennet proudly.
"Are you sure you don't know where she went, Kitty?" asked Mr. Bennet.
Kitty looked up. It seemed that the only thing to do now was tell the truth, "Well, she went out last night to Anton's with Harriet Forster. She was all dressed up and they were going to meet someone there. That was the last time I saw her, and I didn't hear her come home last night."
Again Mrs. Bennet was clueless, "Ooh, did she wear her black dress? She always looks so sophisticated in that!"
"I'll call the Forsters," said Mr. Bennet, rising, "Lydia usually keeps us informed when she goes places, but not this time, it seems."
The situation only became worse when he got off the phone. The Forsters did not know where Lydia was--for that matter they didn't even know where Harriet was. They had assumed that the girls had spent the night at the Bennet's house.
"Fran, will you get on the cell phone and call some of Lydia's friends?" Mr. Bennet called from the kitchen.
"Why?" Mrs. Bennet was shocked, "It's not our place to spoil Lydia's fun!"
"I will Dad," Lizzy said quickly. She headed into the living room and called several of Lydia's school friends while Mr. Bennet called other friends and neighbors. Nobody had seen Lydia.
"Lizzy, I think I ought to tell you something," whispered Kitty as she came into the room, "The person Lydia was supposed to meet was George Wickham. And I overheard you saying something to Jane on the phone one day that he kidnapped..."
"Oh my G-d!" murmured Elizabeth, realizing what danger Lydia might be in. Kitty looked distraught, and was just about to explain further when there was a knock on the door. Elizabeth hurried to answer it, praying that she'd find Lydia standing on the porch. Instead, it was William.
"Hi!" he said cheerfully.
"Oh, hello," said Elizabeth, as she stepped outside and pulled the door shut behind her.
William clearly saw her troubled expression, "What's wrong?"
"Well, we've just..." Elizabeth felt the tears coming, "We've just had some terrible news. Lydia has disappeared, and it's possible...it's possible..."
"Yes?"
"She might be with George Wickham."
William was stunned. He understood what Elizabeth was getting at. He understood only too well.
"Have you called the police?"
Elizabeth shook her head, "No. Not yet. But we've called all her friends. Nobody's seen her. She and a friend met George last night and neither of them have been seen since."
"Well, I ought to let you go," William said a few moments later, "I'm sure your family needs you. I...I hope everything turns out all right."
"Thank you," said Elizabeth. She went back in the house and shut the door.
Part 22
William nervously ran his fingers through his hair as he paced the room, "I still think I'm to blame. What if George found out that Elizabeth...means something to me and he kidnapped Lydia to injure Elizabeth and me?"
"That's a little far-fetched, isn't it?" suggested Rich, "Do you really think he'd risk going to prison just because Elizabeth ended up with you?"
"I don't know!" cried William, "Who knows what goes through his mind? Oh, I wish I had turned him in to the police when I had the chance!"
"And you're forgetting the other girl," Rich pointed out, "If Wickham really did mean to get back at you in this very indirect way, why would he take the friend along too?"
William shook his head, "Well, I'm going to find out."
"You just got a very determined look on your face," chuckled Rich, "What do you have in mind, Sherlock Darcy?"
Liam relaxed slightly and laughed, "Well of course I'd be no good as a detective, Watson. But maybe, maybe I could arrange a reward or something."
"You're serious about this."
"Kidnapping is serious business," snapped William.
"Yes, but most people leave it to the police and don't take to the streets themselves. It's not even your sister!"
William ignored Rich's protests. Deep in his heart he knew what he must do, and why.
Rev. Collins smacked his lips as he imagined the lovely honey he could eat on toast after he collected it. If there was one thing he liked, besides sucking up to Mrs. De Bourgh, it was honey! He pulled on his gloves and rolled the veil down over his face and headed into the backyard. It was a nice, sunny day, a beautiful day for toast with honey!
As he got to work a voice from the Lucas house floated down to him, "...absolutely terrible. I feel so sorry for them, Lizzy especially. Of course, if it had to happen to someone..."
"Don't say it!" cried another voice, "Lydia wasn't my favorite person either but she didn't deserve to be kidnapped. And that other girl too. I hope the police find them soon."
"But was she absolutely sure they were kidnapped?"
"No, she said that Kitty had suggested it first, and then they told their suspicions to the police. Lizzy said there was something in George Wickham's past...but she wouldn't say what exactly."
"Poor Lizzy," the other sighed, "I feel so sorry for all of them."
"Apparently the Bingley's have been very kind. Jane was always very useful in a crisis. I can imagine how Mrs. Bennet is! Oh, and Lizzy said that even William Darcy offered his sympathy."
The voices continued, but Rev. Collins had heard enough. Carelessly he threw off his hat and gloves as he darted into the house. He slipped out of his favorite protective smock and checked his appearance in the mirror before running down the street. After all, Mrs. De Bourgh still came before toast with honey!
Part 23
The next morning, Elizabeth found a package waiting on the doorstep for her. It had been sent 'Overnight Delivery' and looked important, so she opened it immediately. A letter and a book were inside.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet,You can be at no loss to understand the reason for this correspondence. A report of an alarming nature reached me today, and I simply had to act on it. Obviously, I am referring to the vicious rumor that you and my nephew, William Darcy, are engaged to be married. If this is true, I demand you to break it off at once! A girl of your position (who hasn't even finished college!) has no place whatsoever at Pemberley Street. If the rumor is false, I would like your word that you will never enter into such an engagement. Unfortunately, I am too busy to come talk to you in person. I shall have to let my written words convince you. I have referenced a few pages in my book, Order in the Ranks! for you to read. I think you will find it highly educational. If the book inspires you and you wish to keep it, a check for $19.95 will be sufficient.
Catherine de Bourgh
Page 20: The gentleman has been a pillar of strength in nearly every modern civilization. He should rule over his household and servants with dignity, honor, and proper authority...
Page 45: Serfs have been present in many countries. They once displayed their station by wearing dirty, sack-like garments...Serfs are still present today...
Mrs. de Bourgh,That was kind of you to refer to me as a "gentleman" but don't you think "gentlewoman" would have been better? And to call Mr. Darcy a serf was rather inaccurate, not to mention rude.
Elizabeth Bennet
Miss Bennet,Unfeeling, selfish girl! I'm ashamed of you! Obviously you are the serf and Darcy is the gentleman! I overestimated your mental abilities, I see. But to the point--will you promise me never to become engaged to William Darcy?
Catherine de Bourgh
Mrs. de Bourgh,I will make no promises of the kind, especially to someone who is so unconnected to me. You have no doubt been amused by insulting me, but now I ask you not to write to me again. I am very busy with my family right now due to my youngest sister's disappearance. Oh, and we serfs thank you for the book. It will do very well for firewood as we all shiver in our sack-like garments.
Elizabeth Bennet
William Darcy stood in Prescott Park looking up at the building across the street. That had to be the right place! He crossed the street and buzzed a room on the second floor.
"Yes?" came a staticy voice.
"Is George Wickham in?" William asked.
"Nope, sorry, he just left."
"Can I come up and wait for him? It's important."
"Actually, I'm not expecting him back for a couple hours. Maybe you better come back."
Frustrated, William left. A few moments later, someone else buzzed the same room.
"Yes?" the voice inquired again.
"Is this Denny?"
"Yes it is, who's this?"
"My name's Elizabeth. Is George there?"
"Mr. Popular? No, he's out for the day."
"Thanks. I'll come back later," Elizabeth turned and walked down the street.
"Were you talking to yourself in here?" George laughed as he came out of the bathroom.
"You had two visitors. Some guy and a girl named Elizabeth," said Denny as he turned on the tv, "They'll both be back."
"Hmmm, well I'm out of here," said George, "I should be back this afternoon."
Part 24
Lydia and Harriet huddled together in one corner of a small, dark garage.
"I hope he comes back soon," mumbled Harriet.
"It's so chilly in here," said Lydia, "This dress doesn't keep me warm at all."
"Why'd we have to stay in such a cold place?" Harriet whined.
"Well, it was a touch of genius for me to remember that old Mrs. Long doesn't drive a car. This is a perfect place," she shivered, "Just not very warm."
"What are we going to do when it's fixed?"
"Go home."
"Well yeah, but how are we going to explain all this? The road trip idea?"
"No, how will we explain just suddenly driving off with no money or clothes? I've got a better idea," said Lydia, "I eavesdropped on Lizzy once and she was telling how George kidnapped some girl once. We could say he brought us here."
"He could go to jail!" cried Harriet.
"Well I don't want to get in trouble. Do you?"
"No, but he shouldn't get in trouble. He's just been helping us out."
"Then how should we explain the fact that we've been gone for three days?"
"I don't know," said Harriet, "This was all your idea."
They sprang to their feet when they heard the garage door being pulled open. George came in with two bags.
"Finally! It's freezing in here!" declared Lydia.
"Go stand out in the sun," said George, handing her one of the bags, "There's some breakfast for you guys."
"Are you sure you can fix it?" Harriet asked nervously.
"Sure, I used to be a mechanic, remember? You two just go outside for a while and let me get to work on this bad boy," he pointed to the Mercedes that stood in the garage, "It shouldn't take too long."
Harriet and Lydia went out and sat in the grass. The hungrily opened the bag and scarfed down its contents.
"So, what are we going to do?" Harriet asked.
"I still say we should blame it on George," Lydia said.
"We can't do that," said Harriet, "Maybe we should go home and just tell the truth. About the accident on the way home from the restaurant and all that. My parents will get really mad and never let me drive again, but we can't get him in trouble!"
"Of course we can!" exclaimed Lydia.
"How? How will we explain how we weren't tied up or anything, the garage wasn't even locked..."
"We can say he drugged us," suggested Lydia.
"Come on! They do all sorts of blood tests and stuff. It won't work, Lydia!"
Just then George came out and walked over to them, "Harriet, can I have the keys?"
"Sure," Harriet reached into her pocket, "There you go."
George bent over to get them, "Thanks. You guys warmer out here?"
Before they could answer there was a rustle from around the garage, a metallic click, and a harsh voice yelled, "Freeze!"
"Oh, she's safe!" cried Mrs. Bennet, "My dear girl! They've found her! And that foul fiend, they've got him too!"
"What?" cried Lizzy as she and Kitty ran into the room. Mrs. Bennet, who was on the phone, shushed them. A few moments later she hung up and told them everything.
"They found them! That demon was holding Lydia and Harriet in Mrs. Long's old abandoned garage. Your father is at the station waiting to take Lydia home."
"What happened to them?" asked Kitty.
"Well, the police were still questioning them," said Mrs. Bennet, "But they were found all together, so I just assumed..."
"Miss Bennet," said the police lieutenant, "We've had a different account of this story from your friend, Miss Forster."
"You have?"
"Yes, and she says that Mr. Wickham had nothing to do with it."
"Oh, well, maybe she was in shock. Maybe, uh, she didn't remember."
"Miss Bennet," he said patiently, "There's no evidence that George Wickham held you captive. How about you tell the truth now?"
Lydia sighed, "Fine. I only lied because I didn't want Harriet to get in trouble, and I thought she was going to go along with it. She got into an accident on the way home from the restaurant. The front corner was all banged in. George had been driving along behind us and he stopped when he saw the crash. Harriet was freaking out about all the trouble she'd get in and everything, so George offered to fix it. But he said it'd take a few days to get the parts or something. So we decided to hide out."
"What did Harriet hit?"
"A tree. She just got her license."
"I could guess that. Well Miss Bennet, your stories make sense now. But accusing someone of a crime is serious business. Mr. Wickham's been held in a cell all this time. I assume you'll apologize to him?"
Lydia sighed again, "Yes, sir."
"Well, now that's settled. I believe your father is waiting outside."
"So Harriet's license is suspended, and they let us go," Lydia wrapped up her story with gusto. Mrs. Bennet nearly applauded.
"But this isn't over yet, Lydia," said Mr. Bennet, "You're in trouble, big time."
While punishments were being handed out and a fair amount of whining was going on, Lizzy snuck away to the kitchen. First she called Jane to share the happy news that Lydia was safe, and then she called 7 Pemberley Street.
"William! Lydia's safe! She just got home."
"Thank goodness!"
"And it turns out that Wickham really didn't kidnap them, they just pulled a childish stunt."
"Yeah, I know."
"You do?!"
"Yes, I talked to that Denny guy and found out where the girls were. I went there with the police."
"You mean, you...?"
"I tracked her down?" William laughed, "Yeah."
"Yes, but, why?" Elizabeth spluttered.
"I had a conversation with my Aunt Catherine."
"What does that have to do with anything?" cried Elizabeth.
"Why don't you come over this evening and I'll tell you?"
Conclusion
Four Years Later:
Elizabeth turned a page in her photo album and put in a picture of herself and her parents all smiling happily on the day she graduated from college.
"I can't believe I had this packet of pictures sitting around for nearly three years," she smiled, "Oh, and here's another good one. You and me and Rich and Ana and Charles and Jane on my 25th birthday."
"That's the only picture of me in here," William pretended to frown.
"No it's not," Lizzy flipped back several pages, "See? Jane's wedding. The entire wedding party."
"Well, I don't feel so bad now."
"Say! That reminds me. You never told me why you didn't want to walk down the aisle with me at Jane's wedding."
"It was all Caroline Bingley's doing!" William said, "She wanted to switch and said that if I didn't persuade you she would. And to inflict Caroline's tongue on any human being is cruel and unusual punishment."
Elizabeth laughed, "Then why were you glaring at me the whole time?"
"I wasn't glaring at you! I was glaring at Caroline. She was glaring at you, and you were glaring at me, so I figured I should glare at her. Make it an even triangle."
"Well, I bet she wishes she could walk down the aisle with you this Saturday."
"I'm sure she does," said William, "But this time there's even less of a chance that she'll talk me out of walking with you."
"Correction," smiled Lizzy, "I walk with my father. You just stand at the altar and look nervous."
"Well, don't walk too slow. If you take too long, I just might have to run off with one of the bridesmaids."
"Ha! It's only my sisters and Charlotte Lucas, and they all know what a rogue you are. You'll have the best luck with little Abby, the flower girl."
William smiled, "Ah yes, Charles and Jane potty-trained her just in time for our wedding."
Elizabeth burst out laughing, then reached across the table and picked up the paper, "I nearly forgot! My ad was supposed to be printed today!" She found it a moment later:
Apartment For Rent:
1 bedroom, 1 bath
near shopping and park,
$500 includes utilities
"Isn't it funny," she said, "If you think about it, this all started with an ad, my meeting you and everything, and now it's ending with one."
William shook his head, "This is just the beginning."
The End