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Prologue Posted on Saturday, 8 April 2000
Authors Note: I know I haven't finished the other story but I had this idea and I couldn't shake it so I'm going to write both series at the same time. I'm using the script for the A&E/BBC adaptation because it fits perfectly and it's probably the best adaptation anyway.
It wasn't until the whole story was planned out that I realised how many coincidences occurred between this and the actual adaptation. I removed most of them but some had to be left for the sake of the story. (Just in case anyone thinks I did it on purpose.)
Also a word of warning, just take this as it is and DON'T try and analyse the characters cause you'll end up more screwed up than they are (I tried and I'm suffering the consequences!)
Extract from the Hollywood Insider, Eighth of September 1998.
"It looks likely that the next project for "Heatherleigh Studios" will be a television adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride And Prejudice". The Colonel has expressed a wish to direct the series. The thirty-one year old director said in an interview last month with GQ magazine, "I have wanted to direct "Pride" for a long time but it depends on two things; the right script and the right Elizabeth Bennet." While no more details are known at this point, it looks likely the production will be shot on location in England. Searches are expected to start very soon for Elizabeth Bennet with all of Hollywood's major actress lining up for a shot at playing one of literature's most loved heroines. The Colonel recently won his first Oscar for directing "All About Me"."
Richard Darcy pressed down on the accelerator as he hit the open road. The warm Californian breeze tousled his hair as he hit fifty. He grinned at two blondes in a white car as his 98' reg. Ferrari passed them by.
"Sam I'm just coming from Eddie's now. What's going on?", he asked his P.A. Sam Denny over the car phone.
"The phones are going crazy though Heatherleigh's main office is bearing the brunt of it. I've had agents for both Julia Roberts and Winona Ryder breathing down my neck for Lizzy auditions. Cate keeps on ringing demanding to know why she wasn't informed of this and NBC want to buy the rights."
"Jeez I haven't even made the announcement yet. Just keep fielding the calls. Have you seen my cousin around the lot today?"
"No but I did see Corrina or rather her orange sweater and from that you can probably deduce Olivier's around somewhere. Your father called in though. He didn't look too happy."
Richard groaned, "I'll bet he didn't. I'm heading over now but I want to see Olivier about something. If my father calls again tell him I'll come over tonight."
Richard ended the call and considered his father. It had been a week since they had last spoken which meant it was about time for another lecture. These lectures ranged on a wide range of topics varying from better camera angles to how to pick the right project and strangely enough they always ended with "When are you going to get married?" It was not that he didn't love his father nor was it even that he didn't value the advice he gave him it was simply that his father was Matlock Darcy. Anyone who knew The Earl knew this was reason enough.
Olivier Darcy glanced out his office window and saw a car with the registration "Colonel 1" pull into a parking space. "Here we go", he grumbled to himself. A slightly disheveled looking Colonel appeared through the door. Olivier, who didn't even bother looking up from the memorandum on his desk, commented, "I see we're still going for the scruffy and eccentric genius look Colonel."
The Colonel snorted, "Hardly. I just saw your girlfriend, I was trying to run away."
Olivier sighed, "What do you want Richard?"
"How's Georgia?", he asked irking Olivier who just stared at him.
"What? Can't I inquire after my baby cousin?"
Olivier sniggered, "If you want to inquire after her why don't you just call her?"
"I might just do that."
Olivier had had enough, "Oh for God's sake Richard get to the point."
"Will you do it?"
"No."
"Aww c'mon Olivier. It's not like you're doing anything until the end of next year."
"Maybe I don't want to do anything until the end of next year.", he replied wearily.
"You'll regret it if you don't."
"How would you know what I'd regret and what I wouldn't."
"The role is perfect for you."
"Gee thanks. Isn't that a nice thing to say?", he commented sarcastically.
"Please you have to do this. No one else is right for the role."
"How come I get the feeling you haven't even looked."
"Fine you name me one other person who can play Darcy?", The Colonel challenged.
Olivier thought for a minute, "How about Colin Firth?"
"Yeah and I'll play Lizzy."
Olivier suppressed a chuckle but still gave no inclination of changing his stance so the Colonel tried another tact. "Cate's dead set against it you know and if you won't do it you look like you're on her side."
Olivier let it past for a moment, "What's her problem? She's been calling all day but I just told them to ignore her."
"Oh she's complaining that she wasn't consulted. She reckons that as a share holder she's entitled to a say in what we make."
Olivier looked at him disbelivingly, "You're kidding right? She owns 5% of the company."
"Yeah I know. Anyway will you do it?"
Olivier grinned, "Perhaps."
"You mean you were going to take it all this time?", the Colonel spluttered. "What didn't you just tell me so."
"I wanted to see you grovel." replied Olivier nonchalantly. "Anyway I never said I would do it. I said it depends."
"On what?"
"Who plays Elizabeth Bennet."
Chapter 1: Mr. Darcy! Posted on Saturday, 8 April 2000
"Rumours are rife around Hollywood at the moment that the coveted role of the arrogant and proud Mr. Darcy in the new Heatherleigh adaptation of Pride And Prejudice will be play by actor Olivier Darcy. At twenty-nine, the son of the late Clark Darcy has raised a few eyebrows by his decision to work on television while movie scripts pile up at his door. A friend of the actor was recently quoted as saying, "It has been an inside joke between Olivier and the Colonel for some time, that one day Mr. Darcy will play Mr. Darcy so when the opportunity arose Olivier jumped at the chance." Though no mention has yet to be made of who will play Elizabeth, sources at Heatherleigh predict that Darcy's real-life girlfriend, thirty-one year old Corrina Bentley, has a good shot at the role."
Corrina Bentley was exactly what one would expect. Wealthy, stupid, driven and orange. She was exactly what one would expect to be hanging off the arm of Hollywood's, if not America's, most eligible bachelor. Except she wasn't blonde. Corrina was one of those strange people who was successful and no one knew why, her best supporting actress nomination four years previously came as a shock to everyone including her brother. She certainly wasn't talented and she definitely wasn't beautiful, as Richard Darcy once commented to his girlfriend "If she had been born five hundred years ago she would have been accused of been a witch and burned at the stake."
So what was she? Well she was driven. She was ambitious and it was an unwritten law in Hollywood that Corrina Bentley always got what she wanted. And if one has a coveted boyfriend, a successful career and a very large orange wardrobe what more could they possibly want? The answer was simple, to be better than Jenna Benay. Jenna Benay was another one of those strange people who was successful but no one could pinpoint the exact reason. The difference with Jenna though was that it could be any number of reasons. The first thing everybody noticed about her was that Jenna was beautiful. Standing just over six foot tall, with dark blue eyes, which were sometimes mistaken as purple and long curly blonde hair, which fell like a cape over her shoulders and down to her waist, Jenna was a real life Aphrodite. She had modeled all her life, from baby clothes at six months old to being signed recently as the face of Calvin Klein. Jenna Benay had everything Corrina Bentley wanted. Talent, beauty, money and most importantly Power. If Jenna wanted to she could have Olivier Darcy grovel at her feet. She had that power over men and she made good use of it. She was, to use a phrase her sister had coined, "A serial dater and dumper." She came, she saw, she conquered and then she found someone else. "Animal instinct", giggled the twenty-three year old. So why was it that Jenna was not branded as a slut? Nobody knew. The sweet, gentle young lady just out of her teens was the one who held the real spell over everyone.
Corrina Noelle Bentley considered ways of dethroning Jenna Benay as she shopped for an evening gown to wear to the dinner party that night at the Darcy's. She wasn't at all hindered by the fact that she didn't actually know Miss Benay but then again nobody did. Jenna divided her time between London and Milan and the apartment she shared in New York with her sister. She avoided Hollywood as much as possible and when she was required to be there she never stayed longer then she needed to. If she had to attend an event she simply arrived at the show, nobody ever heard of her flying in and no one ever heard of her leaving again. Because of this she had earned the nickname Macavity from certain members of the paparazzi.
Spotting a black sequined dress that Corrina decided would do wonders for her figure she was satisfied and she hit the jewelry shops.
That evening Olivier picked her up at seven. Prompt as usual, she groaned. Why couldn't that man be late once in his life.
"Darling," She drawled from her bedroom as she heard Olivier let himself in using his key.
"You ready Cora?" He called back as he made his way toward her bedroom.
"Almost. Be a doll and zip me up." Doing as he was bidden, Olivier came close to her and got a whiff of her perfume or rather perfumes. He had to stop himself from coughing. She was wearing some strange concoction of Channel no.5 and Fetish with a dash of Sunflowers thrown in for good measure. Very potent.
"Can we go now Cora?" He asked irritably.
"Okay I'm coming. Is my brother going to be here tonight?"
Olivier looked at her confused, "Isn't he still in London?"
"Is he?" She replied vaguely been more preoccupied with getting lipstick on her teeth.
"I thought he said he called you last week?"
"Oh of course he did. Silly me I forgot."
"Cora come on."
The Colonel sat on the balcony off his bedroom watching for his cousin's car. The sun was beginning to set over the hills when his cell phone range. "Hello... hey...no he still hasn't arrived. Everything's beginning to have an orange glow though so they are probably on their way...should I tell her?...very funny baby, I would like this evening to end without a trip to the hospital...what do mean is it that bad? Of course it's that bad...how's Milan?...imagine been a whole continent away from Corrina. Oh what bliss!...listen their car's coming up the drive so I have to go...I love you too, say hi to Jenna for me...bye."
The Butler showed Mr. Darcy and Miss Bentley into the conservatory and the company rose to meet them. The Colonel grinned at Corrina in that false way that caused his mother to suppress a giggle and his cousin to glare at him, "Corrina darling. It's been to long since I last saw you. What's been happening lately apart from the florist burning down in your house?"
The Earl went red and even Olivier had to try his hardest to refrain from snorting. Corrina looked at him strangely, as she had not the faintest clue what he was talking of.
The Colonel continued, "Corrina you remember my mother and father don't you? And this is my Aunt Cate." He motioned to a fierce looking woman who was still seated.
"It's an honour to finally meet you Ms. Darcy." Corrina simpered. Rebecca Darcy raised her eyebrows at her nephew. Olivier had been guilty of liking the odd stupid person but this was insupportable.
The Colonel interrupted to introduce his final two guests to Olivier and Corrina, "And this is Edward Lamb and his wife Madeline."
After greetings were exchanged Olivier explained to Corrina that Mr. Lamb had written the script for Pride and Prejudice.
"Really?" Asked Corrina feigning interest.
"Yes." Continued the Colonel. "And Madeline here is our casting agent."
This of course grabbed Corrina's attention as the Colonel suspected it would.
"Really? How interesting Mrs. Lamb. It must be very gratifying to find actresses with so much talent to play your roles."
Rebecca looked at her unbelievingly, "That maybe so Corrina but there are very few actresses who would strike me a being very talented. I declare I do not know of more than half a dozen actresses who actually posses talent."
"You are very hard on your own profession Mrs. Darcy."
"I must speak as I find." Rebecca sniffed.
"Have you cast many of the characters yet Mrs. Lamb?" Corrina asked changing the subject.
"No not at all. We wanted to make sure we had Olivier on board before we made any other decisions." Madeline replied.
"I can't wait to see who is your Elizabeth Bennet." Rebecca commented.
Edward, Madeline and the Colonel all exchanged secretive smiles. "I believe we may have found the perfect person.", the Colonel said slyly. Corrina smiled smugly, yes this was all turning out exactly as she had planned.
Chapter 2: A Family Affair Posted on Sunday, 9 April 2000
"More information on Pride and Prejudice. Francesca Benay has just signed to play Mrs. Bennet and her actress daughter Lucia, who just finished a run of Lolita on Broadway, is rumoured to be on the verge of signing to play Darcy's younger sister, Georgiana. The script has been penned my Edward Lamb who just picked up a Golden Globe nomination for his adaptation of another Austen novel Emma, starring Emmeline Knight. Sources at Heatherleigh predict that Ms. Knight, who is Francesca Benay's goddaughter and a close friend of her daughter Jenna, will join the cast in the role of Jane."
Emmeline Knight flounced into Olivier Darcy's office. She looked slightly disheveled, Olivier noted but then Em always did. Gentility had never been one of her strong points. If one didn't know better you could mistake Jenna and Em for sisters. They possessed the same fair colouring, the same mystical presence and even the same likes and dislikes but with one great difference, Em didn't have Jenna's temperament. She was quick, sarcastic, stubborn and she always said what she thought. Olivier eyed Em disapprovingly, "Could that neckline be any lower Em?"
Em scowled at him. Olivier had a strong sisterly affection for her. The Darcy and the Knight families had always been close and Richard and he had been best friends with Em's brother George until his death in a plane crash five years ago. From then on Olivier had always felt a protectiveness towards her much to her own annoyance.
"I just thought I'd call in. I'm on my way to meet Jenna for lunch."
"Aah the mysterious Jenna Benay. Tell me something Em will I ever get to meet this young lady?" He asked.
Em grimaced, "No because you'll only tell me she's an "unsuitable" friend regardless of whether you like her or not."
"I would do no such thing," Olivier protested. "I only ask because you spend all your time telling me about your "beautiful", "stunning", "wonderful" friend Jenna and I'm sick of it. And a word of warning Em don't even try to set us up 'cause I'm not interested."
Em laughed out loud, "You and Jenna? Hah! That's too funny. God what an odd couple you'd make. I can't think of two other people with the exception of you and Corrina who are worse suited."
"Em what exactly is your problem with Corrina?"
Em snorted, "She's Corrina. Look I'm not going to get into that argument with you cause I'm not sure which one of us would come out of it alive."
They sat in silence for a few moments until Olivier spoke up, "Was there a particular reason you called in?"
"Nah not really. I just wanted to gauge your reaction to Madeline casting Fran." She said breezily.
Olivier tried to remain noncommittal, "Madeline's entitled to cast whoever she wants."
"That's not what I asked. Why do you have such a problem with Francesca anyway? It's not as if she ever did anything to you?" Em asked knowing perfectly well the reason why and why Olivier wouldn't talk about it.
Olivier replied uneasily, "I just don't like her."
Em lost it, "If this is still about that bloody award Olivier, get over it!"
"I am over it. It's just that it's kind of embarrassing.", he admitted,
"It's not as if the press even remember it Olivier."
"Well I don't remember it much either. I don't even know the girl's name but Francesca will remember it."
Em rolled her eyes, "Of course she remembers it but you can't go around avoiding the woman forever. Yes you were sixteen and should have known better, yes you should have apologised and yes you were stupid but it was fourteen years ago. Look at it this way, Francesca is perfect for the role and will play it better than anyone so can you not just be happy for the show?"
"I suppose." He said resignedly.
"Anyway I must go." She said as she gave him a sisterly peck on the cheek. "Tell Corrina I said hello and that that shade of orange she was wearing was exquisite and she must give me the batch number." And with that she left in much the same way she had entered, Olivier was left shaking his head at her.
A little while later, in a small café about ten minutes away from Heatherleigh Studios, Em sat talking to Jenna.
"Will she do it?" Em asked seriously.
"To be honest I don't know. She says she won't, that it's too much pressure but I'm not sure she really means it."
"In other words she despises the thought of working with Olivier."
"Pretty much. What is the Colonel going to do?"
"Nothing. I think he's going to wait until we've two weeks to go and then tell her that he has no one to play Elizabeth and that he was waiting for her to come around. She of course will feel guilty and agree to do it."
Jenna laughed lightly, "I have to say I pity you having to work with the two of them together."
Em groaned, "Well one things for sure Olivier's not going to leave that Set the same man he started as."
Jenna raised her eyebrows, "Oh come on it's hardly that big a deal."
"She's either going to be the making or the breaking of him Jenna. She'll have power over him and she'll use it and we both know he's not going to like that."
"One things for sure though.", Jenna conceded. "They're going to kill each other."
Chapter 3: A Brother or a Friend? Posted on Monday, 10 April 2000
"Chester Bentley has announced his intention of playing Darcy's best friend Bingley in the latest adaptation of Pride And Prejudice. Bentley is not only Olivier Darcy's real life best friend but also his soon to be brother-in-law. Darcy, it is rumoured, will announce his engagement later this month to Bentley's sister Corrina, who is expected to play the part of Elizabeth Bennet."
Em stormed into the Colonel's office and slammed a copy of the Hollywood Insider down on his desk. The Colonel looked up surprised, "What's the matter?"
"Read It.", she stated as she turned her glare to the window.
The Colonel ran his hand through his hair, "Jesus. He can't be serious. He's not going to marry her."
Em laughed bitterly, "Turn to page seventeen. It gets better."
The Colonel did and read aloud the requested passage, "Corrina Bentley unofficially announced her engagement to Hollywood mogul Olivier Darcy yesterday. In an exclusive interview she told the Hollywood Insider "Olivier and I are very happy. I have been waiting a long time for him to ask and when he finally did I was thrilled. I've known I would marry him since the first day I met him and now to finally have the assurance that we will spend the rest of our lives together is wonderful. I am so excited." The thirty-one year old actress, who delighted in showing off her $350,000 engagement ring, will star alongside Darcy in his new adaptation of Pride And Prejudice."
For the first time in his life Richard Darcy was silent. His face paled considerably as he looked at Em who was on the verge of crying. For Em it was tough. Her and Olivier had always been close even before George's death. In fact they had even dated for a while, him being her first serious boyfriend. When, after dating for six months, they broke up they remained close friends. There had never been any jealousy of respective partners because as Em had put it, "after a while I realised being with Olivier was like sleeping with my brother." But while there may have been no jealousy Em still watched out for him as he did her. When she had discovered he was dating Corrina in the first place she had been disgusted and wouldn't even speak to him for six weeks. She had warned him against Corrina more times than she had eaten chocolate but for the first time in his life he wouldn't listen to her.
"Damn him.", she said forcefully and the Colonel nodded echoing the sentiment.
She continued, "I should never have let him make that movie with Chess. I knew even then it was a bad idea."
The Colonel laughed despite himself, "Emmie come on, even you know it's not Chess's fault. Anyway you can't control him forever, he's a fully grown man."
"Don't I know it.", she muttered and then turning her attention back to the Colonel she said sharply, "It was never my intention to control him I was just trying to stop him making stupid mistakes like these. Richard what the hell was he thinking?"
"I don't know but there's nothing we can do now."
Em kicked the wall in frustration and said bitterly, "I can't believe this. All my plans for him have gone down the drain."
Th Colonel got up and placed his hand on her arm, "Emmeline maybe it's best that you learn now that it's not you're job to protect him. He'll do as he pleases and you or Georgia or even his mother if she were still alive would never be able to stop him. Regardless of what you think, he's his own man for better or for worse."
Em wiped away tears that were forming in her eyes, "Well if he thinks I'm going to wish them joy he's very much mistaken."
"Of course you'll wish Him joy." Em snorted and the Colonel continued, "If you love him as much as you say you do Emmie you'll be happy that he's happy regardless of what your feelings are towards Corrina. And if he realises later that it's all been a dreadful mistake you'll be there as his shoulder to cry on." Em tried to protest but he interrupted once again, "Leave it now Emmie. All will turn out well."
Knowing that she would get no further she picked up her bag to leave and choking back tears she said, "You think that then if it gives you comfort. I, on the other hand, will take the realistic viewpoint. And Richard, I'm not sure if I can stand by and watch her ruin him."
Chapter 4: A Darcy Debut Posted on Wednesday, 12 April 2000
"Ballerina Katerina Benay has lately been spotted around town with close friend Georgia Darcy adding fuel to the rumours that Georgia will make her screen debut as Lydia Bennet in Pride And Prejudice. Miss Darcy has just finished starring as Sophocle's Antigone in the West End and will hopefully join her brother on the set when rehearsals start begin in the New Year."
Georgia rolled over onto her stomach and giggled, "Kat listen to this. "There was no need to wait, before administering a slap to the cheek of Mr. Darcy - for, side-stepping her with a further smirk of superiority, he left the library...""
Kat, who had only been half listening, looked up in alarm, "Who slapped my Darcy?"
Georgia snickered, "Lizzy you fool. Do you ever listen to me? Lizzy slapped him because he said that he mother was mad and their son, Edward, had inherited from her his mmm "unbalanced" character."
Kat, who had been up until this time been much engrossed in drooling over Sir Laurence Olivier's Mr. Darcy, looked appalled, "Who wrote that? She should be banned from ever posting again."
Georgia laughed, "Emma Tennant. She's not a fic writer, it's a published sequel."
"Figures.", Katerina said, rolling her eyes in disgust. "Imagine anyone slapping that man. He's the picture of perfection", she continued motioning to the television.
Georgia sighed and got up off the Kat's bed, "Excuse me if I don't share you're enthusiasm. I can't think of him as anything but Daddy's friend."
Jenna chose that moment to enter the room and seeing the novel lying open on the bed said, "What are you reading?"
Georgia blushed and Kat quickly supplied, "It's for research."
Jenna laughed, "Wonderful research considering it's doubtful if Emma Tennant even read Pride and Prejudice. Just don't let my sister discover you're reading it, she'll never speak to you again if she knows you brought that book into the house."
Before Georgia had the chance to reply, Emmeline walked in carrying a sack of popcorn and a stack of videos and threw them down on the bed. Jenna blinked, "What are those?"
"They're Corrina Bentley movies," Em told her brightly. "The popcorn is for throwing at the screen."
Jenna raised her eyebrows, "Still not talking to Olivier?"
"Nope.", Em told her proudly and Georgia stifled a giggle as Katerina mouthed, "Denial" behind Em's back. Jenna turned her attention to Georgia who had collapsed back onto the bed, "He's actually going to marry her?"
Georgia shrugged, "Seems that way. I think he's happy."
Jenna sat down beside her and taking her hand she said softly, "How about you George? Are you happy? Shall you like to have Corrina as a sister?"
"Doesn't seem like I have much of a choice. She's already started moving her stuff in."
"You'd better lock your door.", Kat warned. "Otherwise she might paint you room orange."
"Katerina please.", Jenna scolded but it didn't matter as both girls burst out laughing. "Perish the thought." Giggled Georgia.
"Well at least you won't have to worry about bridesmaid dresses.", Kat reasoned.
"Why?", Em asked curiously.
"Oh she's not a bridesmaid. Corrina only wants two so as not to take the attention away from her. She's already asked her sister and her friend from school.", Katerina answered.
"Didn't Olivier make her have George as her bridesmaid?", Em fumed.
Georgia smiled, "He tried but she wouldn't listen. Oh it doesn't matter Em, I didn't want to do it anyway. It was more of a relief that she asked Lou and Anne."
Em was stopped from saying anymore by the ring of the phone and shortly after that, a shout from Dr. Benay, "Girls the phone. It's New York."
Chapter 5: For The Love Of The Game. Posted on Thursday, 13 April 2000
"Tongues have been wagging this week after it was announced that Corrina Bentley will play the role of Caroline Bingley and not Elizabeth as was expected. While her real-life fiancé Olivier Darcy, who owns an 80% share in Heatherleigh Studios, has refused to comment, this decision has sparked rumours that all might not be well between the lovers. Corrina Bentley has publicly slammed the casting agent Madeline Lamb and her husband. "It is obvious", said the actress "That Madeline Lamb is being used by her husband to cast actors that he wants for the part. In my opinion that is very unprofessional." This decision means that there has been no one cast in the role of Elizabeth Bennet and with less than two months to go before rehearsals begin many people have been left wondering will there be an adaptation after all."
"Will that be all sir?", Mrs. Reynolds asked her employer.
"Yes thank you.", Olivier replied as he packed up his laptop and briefcase to go home for the evening. After his P.A had left he sunk back into his chair and let out a deep sigh. In his head he replayed the day's events and was able to reflect on them with a slight hint of satisfaction. He had known that from the moment the story about Corrina playing Lizzy started to circulate that explaining to her why they were only offering her Caroline was going to be difficult. She put him in a difficult position, expecting that because he owned the company and in the end had the ultimate say he would cast her because they were together. Well he wouldn't do that. He would do what was in the best interests of this project and Corrina definitely wasn't. Having said that of course he had no idea who was to play Lizzy, every time he asked the Colonel he was given a sly grin and nothing more. He had finally given up. Once Corrina wasn't to play Lizzy he didn't care, that was the deal when he agreed to do it. It may seem strange that a man who had just proposed marriage to a women might protest against her playing the worlds most adored heroine, but to Olivier it was perfectly acceptable. Corrina couldn't play Lizzy and anyone who had ever read the book knew that. In fact Corrina couldn't really act, Caroline Bingley was so like her that all she would have to do is show up on set and start speaking. Having said all these things he loved her and he was not even sure why.
Of course if anyone were to ask Em or the Colonel why they would be only too happy to tell their theories. When it came down to it, it was stability and the desire not to be alone. In one horrific accident Olivier had lost three of his closest people, his father and mother and Em's older brother, his best friend George. That loss had hit him hard and since then he clung to people, afraid of losing anyone. That was why after starting to date Corrina it was impossible to stop and their relationship had just progressed to the point it was at now. Of course he did love her in his own way. What his own way was of course, remains to be seen. And she wasn't exactly unattractive but she was nothing out of the common way. Woman like her were ten a penny in L.A.
Corrina, while she wasn't intelligent, wasn't dim either. She was scared of losing him too though for different reasons. She knew he was on every teenage-girl's bedroom wall in they country, that every time he got out of his car he was accosted by hoards of screaming fans and he also knew that there was a possibility that one day he would fall for one of these pretty girls with nothing better to do than to follow him around the country. That was why she accepted the part of Caroline Bingley, she wasn't about to let him go scampering around England for god knows how long by himself. She wasn't going to risk everything.
Olivier turned his car into the driveway and noticed two other familiar cars. With something slightly resembling a grin he made his way to the billiard room where the Colonel and Chess were already helping themselves to his liqueur.
Chapter 5: All In the Family Posted on Thursday, 20 April 2000
"On the fourteenth of January 1999 members of two of Hollywood's favourite and most influential families will gather in a room on the Heatherleigh Lot for a read through of Pride And Prejudice. While members of the Darcy and Benay families have worked together before, never has there been so many on the one project. Pride And Prejudice will be directed by Richard "Colonel" Darcy, who is heir to 15% of the Heatherleigh Empire. His cousin Olivier, the son of the late Clark Darcy, will star as the handsome hero while Olivier's younger sister Georgia will make her screen debut as Lydia Bennet.
The script for Jane Austen's most loved novel has been written by Edward Lamb, who's sister Francesca Benay will play Mrs. Bennet. Ms Benay's husband, Dr. Hector Benay will be an historical adviser for the project while his third daughter Marion is the musical director. The couple's youngest daughter Lucia will play the small but important role of Georgiana Darcy.
The adaptation also boasts among its cast such actors as Chester and Corrina Bentley and Emmeline Knight. No one has yet to be cast in the role of Elizabeth Bennet and though most of the cast has been expressing their concern, the Colonel and casting director Madeline Lamb don't seem too worried."
"Would someone please explain to me why we must attend this dinner?" Corrina's voice cut through the air as they made their way out to the driveway. Em and Georgia exchanged a look and Em explained, "Because the Benay's were kind enough to invite us and after all they are good friends."
Olivier snorted, "Good friends? Yours maybe. The only one I know is Katerina. I haven't had an actual conversation with Fran for fourteen years. The most we've exchanged since then has been a yes, a no and a hello. We should have told them we were busy."
Georgia rolled her eyes and her aunt spoke in a cross voice, "Well they're my friends too and you will be working with them. It won't kill you to be sociable or friendly for one day this year."
Olivier didn't bother to reply to that comment, "Who's going in which car?"
Em answered, "You take Chess, Corrina and Georgia and I'll go with the Earl, Rebecca and Richard."
Olivier nodded and the party divided up into the two cars.
During the half-hour drive to the Benay's Georgia wished she were in the other car. Could Corrina keep her mouth shut for more than five minutes, or was that too much to ask? Even Olivier seemed to be getting annoyed. Chess's mind however was more agreeably engaged.
"So who is going to be here?" he prodded know perfectly well the answers.
Georgia smirked as she recalled Em's new matchmaking project. "Dr and Mrs. Benay and four of their daughters." she told him. "Jenna, Marion, Lucia and Katerina."
Olivier commented, "I didn't know there were four of them."
"There's not, there's five. Second one's staying in New York for Christmas." Georgia told him.
"Very nice. Wonderful family mentality." he replied sarcastically. Corrina nodded in agreement and Georgia raised her eyebrows in disbelief but didn't bother to correct him.
"Yeah well, you know Kit Kat already don't you?" she asked.
"What? The short girl with the ugly feet?" Corrina asked and not waiting for an answer, continued. "Bad feet and muscles, Olivier did you see her legs?, are absolutely abominable in a young lady. I think it's disgusting."
Georgia rolled her eyes, "It's usually required in ballet dancers Corrina."
Olivier tried to break the silence, "So we are finally going to meet Jenna then?"
"Yep, she's an angel." replied Georgia who was only too happy to talk about her friends. "All the girls are."
"Okay we're here." Olivier commented as he watched The Earl turn into the driveway of a large mock Georgian house. The house was not as big as the Darcy's home but it was impressive. The most fetching thing about the house however was not the building itself but the gardens. They, though well tended to, still possessed an element of wildness that most Hollywood homes were without. They were obviously well used by the family. In one corner of the garden a set of swings could be seen even though the youngest daughter had just turned sixteen. Someone had marked out a rounder pitch on the grass with a piece of chalk and a book, which seemed to have been momentarily forgotten by it's owner, lay open on the porch steps. It was very clear to see that, despite the all the Benay's wealth and fame, they still remained a normal everyday family that enjoyed fresh air and exercise and each other's company.
The visitors gathered in a group outside the house and Em, taking the lead, walked to the door and pushed it open. Olivier was surprised to see the door unlocked, especially with the occupants been who they were. No one left their door off the latch in this day and age. Walking into the hall Em called out, "Hey it's us."
Almost immediately her call was answered by Dr. Benay who appeared from a room off the hall and Jenna who bounded down the stairs.
"It's good to see you all. I hope the traffic wasn't bad?" Dr Benay asked amiably though fully aware that most of the party was listening.
Jenna Benay was even more beautiful than her pictures and even Olivier found himself catching his breath. She wasn't really his type but he couldn't deny that he wasn't impressed. She was breathtaking. Em rolled her eyes at Hector and Georgia grinned at Jenna, who surprisingly enough didn't seem to notice the stares. She had staring of her own to do and it was all directed on the drop dead gorgeous guy in a blue shirt. Rebecca and the Earl deposited of their coats to the Butler and walked with Hector into the library and after much prodding from Olivier and Georgia, Chess followed suit and the group went to greet the rest of the family.
Jenna walked a little behind with Georgia and Em. "Who the hell is he? Georgia I've known you since you were knee high and I can't believe you've never introduced me to him. This is just plain cruel." she breathed. Georgia did her best to stop the giggles while Em looked mighty pleased with herself.
In the library salutations were exchanged and introductions made. Katerina who knew them all anyway, grinned happily and Lucia and Marion exchanged pleasantries with an air of polite disinterest. Fran hugged both Georgia and Em and even went so far as to smile politely at Corrina and welcome Olivier to her home though everyone knew it was a great trial for her to do so. Fran was like Olivier in one respect, her good opinion once lost was lost forever and nothing would ever make up for Olivier's behaviour.
Sitting in one of the very well lit drawing rooms the three families caught up on old times. Fran exclaimed after a while, "We had hoped there would be an addition to the party today."
"I'll bet she did", Em muttered to Georgia and Jenna. Fran also had a fondness for how shall we put it, lively conversation.
Hector smiled sadly at his wife, "Yes but well things don't always work out as you would wish them."
The Earl nodded sympathetically, "Still in New York then? It can't be too long now."
"No indeed not." Hector sighed as he refilled the Earl's glass.
The dinner passed quicker than Olivier had though. He was actually surprised to find himself having a good time. Fran was, as he remembered from years ago, a fun and entertaining conversationalist and she and the Earl entertained the party with anecdotes of films they had made together. Dr Benay reminded Olivier of his own father, gentle, kind and intelligent but unlike his father not afraid to laugh at himself. He spent the evening telling Olivier and the Colonel stories of the building of the Pyramids and Wellington's victory at Waterloo. Even Corrina enjoyed herself a little and a singsong carried on well into the morning. Chess and Jenna however were too occupied with each other to notice, Olivier observed. After about an hour of sitting in silence together Chess had finally worked up the courage speak and since then they had not entered into one single conversation with anyone else. At about half past two the party broke up with many promises on the side of the Darcy's to have the Benay's soon for dinner. Everyone, exhausted after the evening was glad to be able to get some sleep accept for the Colonel who was to be on a plane for New York at five a.m.
Chapter 6: Teenybopper Bennet Posted on Friday, 21 April 2000
"In a statement issued today on behalf of the Colonel, the director announced that the part of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride And Prejudice will be played by Ella Benay, the real life second daughter of Francesca Benay. It is thought to be Benay's first professional acting role and while Hollywood has some doubts about the nineteen-year-old, the Colonel is thrilled. "Ella will be absolutely wonderful. I first met Ella when she was sixteen and up until then I never knew Elizabeth Bennet was a real person and not just a fictional character. When I first decided to make the adaptation it was clear that no one but Ella would do."
And yet this Ella Benay remains something of a mystery.
While the director is pleased other members of the cast and crew are outraged. Corrina Bentley has once again slammed the casting director who it now appears is Benay's aunt while the Colonel's aunt Cate Darcy has slammed the decision implying that the only reason Ella has been cast is because she is supposedly the Colonel's lover. Though it seems unlikely, as Benay is over ten years his junior it would explain the Colonel's many trips to an exclusive Hollywood jewellers. The confirmed bachelor hinted last month on Jay Leno that he had found someone who could coax him out of singledom."
The alarm clock read six-thirty. Olivier Darcy rolled over and groaned. He had slept badly. Francesca was getting to him.
He had one problem with Francesca Benay. It wasn't that she wasn't talented or funny, hell she was one of the nicest people he had ever met but for Olivier Darcy she was a constant reminder that he was just like everyone else. Flawed.
Olivier got his first professional acting role at fifteen in a movie starring his father and Francesca Lamb (Fran didn't use begin to use he married name professionally until many years later). In "Falling", Clark Darcy and Fran had played the middle-aged parents who couldn't cope with the fact their son Josh was gay. Olivier had played Josh and while the film hadn't really been that successful (Hollywood wasn't ready to deal with gay storylines in 83) it had earned Olivier much appraisal from even the harshest critics. His acting abilities impressed everyone and he received a Best Newcomer nomination from an entertainment magazine's yearly award ceremony. For Olivier Darcy there was never any doubt he would win it, he had been the news of the year. It was only a small insignificant readers choice award but any actor will tell you that the first award is something special and Olivier Darcy had already picked out the place on his shelf to put the trophy. Yes it was wrong that he was so sure of himself but then these young child stars often are and in the case of Olivier you couldn't really blame him. He was, in the eyes of the adoring public, Clark's boy and heir to a company that at one time had been bigger than Disney (Disney had long since overtaken them in the profit stakes but Heatherleigh still turned over a healthy profit which grew steadily every year). The night of the awards ceremony rolled around and as the time got nearer and nearer Olivier got ready to receive his award. What he hadn't counted on however was a play that had been doing the rounds entitled "Walking Backwards". The play hadn't been all that great but the one thing that stood out was the leading character's daughter who was handicapped. The daughter had been portrayed, amazingly, by some six-year-old girl. The girl was also up for the award and she got it. Olivier was disgusted and said as much to Fran who instantly scolded him for being ungrateful and spoilt and the pair ended up having a big fight at the post awards party. There's no point going into the details of this fight, suffice to say it was ugly and ended up causing a rift between Olivier and Fran that spanned over fourteen years. As for the girl that won the award, she disappeared back into the obscurity from which she had arisen and everything about her including her name was instantly forgotten.
While Olivier knew well that Fran would never do or say anything to the press that could hurt him the fact that she knew how pigheaded he had been upset him. Olivier hated that there were people alive who didn't like him, not because he was stuck up and thought himself wonderful but because he suffered badly from insecurity about not been good enough.
Sighing, Olivier finally gave in to the fact that he would get no sleep and headed for the shower.
After his shower he flicked on the TV to watch the news as he dressed. When the news ended and some presenter with a rather squeaky voice began to read the entertainment update he went to turn the TV off but stopped when he saw his face and Richard's. The piece was about the Colonel casting his girlfriend as Lizzy and it was at that moment an incensed Corrina burst into the room.
"Have you seen this?" she shouted, motioning wildly to he television.
Olivier who was too shocked to speak just continued to stare at the screen. Wasn't it Richard who had given him a song and dance about how unprofessional it would have been to cast his fiancé as his leading lady? It didn't matter that he had agreed with him. Ignoring Corrina who was doing ritual sacrifice with the latest issue of The Hollywood Insider, he picked up his mobile phone and called Richard. Not even waiting for Richard to say a word, Olivier started shouting at him down the phone. When he paused for a minute a voice said over the phone, "Are you finished yet?" It was not Richard's voice but Em's.
"Em I thought you were Richard." Olivier stuttered.
"Evidently."
"Is he there? Why are you on his phone?"
"He's in the bathroom. Maybe I can help you?" she said and Olivier swore he could see her smiling.
"Wipe that stupid smirk off your face Em. What the hell is he doing?"
Em scoffed, "You want me to tell you what he's doing in the bathroom? Hold on and I'll check."
"EMMELINE stop fooling around. You know exactly what I'm talking about, casting his girlfriend. Is he crazy? You know Richard. It'll be over next week."
Em sighed, "Now see I thought you'd know better than to believe press reports. She's not his girlfriend."
Olivier sniggered, "No sorry his fiancé. Tell him to ring me immediately. I want to speak with him Now..."
Olivier could say nothing more, Emmeline had cut him off.
Chapter 7: Pert Opinions And Fine Eyes Posted on Friday, 28 April 2000
An interview with Ella Benay by Ron Lucasia
The hotel room is light and airy. Its atmosphere is friendly and inviting. A copy of de Berniere's Captain Correlli's Mandolin lies open on the table and an empty coffee cup sits on the floor. A young woman of about twenty appears suddenly at the door. A mischievous smile plays on her lips as she gazes around the room and walks over to meet me. This is my first meeting with Ella Benay and I have to admit to being nervous and I'm a journalist. She grins as we explain pleasantries and I wonder what she's thinking. As a journalist I pride myself on keeping an objective point of view but Miss Benay has already decided she will have none of that. She already holds me in the palm of her hand and she knows it. She's captivating. Her auburn hair is long and curly, her figure is breathtaking and her complexion is roses and cream but I notice none of these things, I can only see her eyes. She giggles and coaxes me to begin the interview. I'm rather grateful that all my questions are pre-prepared, as even I would not be able of conducting an interview under these circumstances. Finally gathering myself together I manage to press the record button on my tape recorder and begin.
You are a member of a rather famous family, how come we have never heard of you before?
I think I spent a long time figuring out what I wanted to do with my life. I didn't want to just follow in my mother's footsteps. If I was going to act I knew I was going to have to be able to offer something new to the profession and not just a reincarnation of my mother, so I was very wary. My father always taught us to be the best we could be and not waste the gifts we were given. It took me a long time to realise that the best I could be came out when I was acting. I refuse to be another Francesca or another Lucia, I want to be Ella and it took me a long time to realise I could be that.
Nevertheless you are a member of a pretty exceptional family, what was growing up like?
To be honest we had a pretty normal upbringing. We were normal children who played House in our Wendy house and skipping in our back yard. We went to school and had hobbies and threw tantrums just like any other children. Sure our mother was famous but you don't really realise that as a child, she's just Mama. I mean yeah Jenna dressed up in nice clothes and smiled for cameras and often Katerina's after school activities were auditions and rehearsals but we didn't think that was anything different than other children. I think a lot of our disregard stemmed from our father's influence. When we were little he taught at the local College which provided us with a very stable home life. He was in school when we were and at home when we were which was really great when Mama was working all kinds of tough and unsociable hours. Unlike most Hollywood families he didn't care if the press followed us around or not. He took us to the cinema and basketball games and to McDonalds, if there were cameras there he'd just smile and wave. The press got their pictures and then left us alone.
You mentioned that your mother worked unsociable hours, do you think your relationship with your mother suffered because of her career?
No, not really. If you look at most modern day families the main breadwinner in the family usually works hours that mean they don't get to spend loads of time with their children, granted it's usually the father. We always knew our mother was there if we needed her. She always made sure she was there to read us a bedtime story at night and if she couldn't make it home she'd ring from work and tell us over the phone. Our parents always made sure that we spent time together growing up whether it was going away camping for the weekend or just watching a movie together.
But your sister Jenna has often said that she's closer to her father than her mother.
Yeah she is closer to Daddy than Mama. So am I. But the younger three are probably much closer to Mama. I guess it's just depends on temper and interests.
Have you had any acting experience?
No not really apart from when I was little. School plays and stuff like that. Lately the closest I've got to acting is helping Luce with her lines.
So you understand then why some members of the cast and crew of Pride And Prejudice are concerned?
Yeah sure it's a big deal and I would expect them to have some concerns. I would be worried if they didn't. It shows that they care for the project and for their work.
So you're okay with Corrina Bentley's comments then?
No I'm not OKAY with it but in the end she's entitled to her opinion and to say what she likes and I can't stop her. That doesn't mean I feel the same about way.
Do you think she'll make working on the set difficult? She is Olivier Darcy's fiancée after all.
I can't see how her relationship with him will change the atmosphere of the set. I hope he's able to come to his own decisions without the help of his girlfriend but if she wants to cause problems on set then that's up to her. I'm big enough to be able to take it.
There has been some speculation that you only got the part of Elizabeth because of your relationship with the Colonel.
I probably did. I doubt Richard would have taken such a leap of faith in me if we were not as close as we are. We've been friends for a long time.
And you don't think it's unfair to all the other experienced actress's who were up for the part of Elizabeth?
I can't answer that. If you want to know whether it was unfair or not you should ask Richard. When it comes down to it, I'm an actress, I want to work and the part of Elizabeth is a great part. If someone thinks I can handle and wants to offer it to me why should I hesitate? Hollywood isn't fair and that's a lesson you learn pretty early on. Fair people, talented as they may be, usually end up doing dinner theatre.
Does that mean you're not nervous about playing the most popular heroine in English literature?
Hell no, I'm terrified! I remember reading the book for the first time as a girl and thinking how much I wanted to be like Elizabeth Bennet. I know a lot of teenage girls do. I think she's one of those ideals that many kids aspire to. She's witty, beautiful, fun and ultimately she gets the guy, who just happens to be gorgeous and rich. Who could not want to be her? For a lot of young teenage girls it's the first "adult" book they read and they become attached to it. That's why playing Lizzy is sort of scary. Everyone feels a connection and can identify with her. The fans are very protective of her and it doesn't help much that Greer Garson was really wonderful in the part. If I screw up I'll probably end up burning in Hollywood Hell for the rest of my career.
Hollywood Hell?
Days Of Our Lives or 90210.
How do you feel about working with Olivier Darcy? I mean at twenty-nine he's already scooped two Oscars.
In other words does he intimidate me?
No I don't think so. Yes he's a very talented guy and sure he's made some really great movies but he's made some really awful rubbish as well.
You can't be serious? In the first professional role he ever played he was already pushing boundaries in Hollywood. He won an Oscar for his third movie and nearly every movie since then has been a box-office smash.
You don't have to impress me with the guy's merits. I'm well aware of what he's done at the box-office and I think he is too. Did you ever see that slasher movie "Stretch"? It was about this serial killer that murdered his victims by stretching them! He was in it, it was atrocious.
You seem to take an eager interest in Olivier Darcy's career.
Hardly. I have an addiction to trashy movies and fortunately for me Darcy's made a lot of them. I like them. When I depressed or bored I watch one and it's so ridiculous that it cheers me up no end. Anyway I taped "Stretch" and the Colonel and I had a good giggle over it.
Ella grins at me and her eyes take on this mischievous glint. There is something about this young lady open attitude that is intoxicating. One cannot deny that she possesses the physical characteristics of Elizabeth Bennet. Whether her talent is up to portraying the heroine only time will tell. A well-dressed woman comes into the room and points to her watch and I take this as my signal to leave. As I'm about to walk out Ella's cell-phone rings and she chatters away to someone in Greek. Unable to say goodbye to me she just waves cheerfully. Meeting Ella Benay has been a truly incredible experience.
Chapter 8: Proud And Prejudiced Posted on Wednesday, 5 July 2000
An interview with Olivier Darcy by Ron Lucasia.
Picture this if you will. The setting is the roaring twenties and our protagonist, a tall, handsome fellow by the name of Darcy, leave his home in Derbyshire, England to follow his dreams of making movies. Sounds like a plot for a great movie? Well that's what happened nearly seventy-five years ago when Quentin Darcy made the decision to leave Britain. Entrusting his extensive estate, Heatherleigh, into the hands of his cousin he left for California where he set up the prosperous Heatherleigh Studio's. In 1935 the media tycoon and actor met a young 20-year-old actress, Floria Jenson. Their relationship would eventually make her a household name and result in the birth of their three children Clark, Matlock and Catelyn. Many years later it is Clark's son Olivier that continues to make Heatherleigh an important name in the world of entertainment. Combining managing his company with acting, the young Darcy has already clinched two Oscars and become America's most eligible bachelor at only twenty-nine. I caught up with the actor as he prepares to begin shooting Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Congratulations on the part of Mr. Darcy. What made you choose this role and consequently to make a jump into television?
There wasn't really one thing that made me say "Oh I have to do this". One important factor for me was the opportunity of working under the direction of my cousin. We've being meaning to work together for a long time but there has never being a good time or the right project. When this opportunity arose it just seemed right. Also the role of Darcy isn't that big a part. Mostly it's about a family of five girls. At the end of this year I'm going to be working on Captain Correlli's Mandolin which promises to be a really intense shoot so I was kind of glad to get the chance to take it easy.
This adaptation has a rather incredible cast. Did that have an effect on your choice to play Darcy?
No not really. I was on board before anyone else was so I didn't know who would be in it. Having said that it's a rather impressive cast and it should be interesting to work with so many talented people.
You're going to be working with Fran Benay for the first time in sixteen years. Does that mean you two have buried the hatchet?
Why? Was there ever a hatchet? There has never been any animosity between Fran and I. I mean when I first worked with her I wasn't really that impressed. I felt she lacked something as an actress but over the years she's matured a great deal as an actor and I think she's just going to keep getting better. Working with her should be a great experience.
Speaking of animosity, how does Corrina feel about working with your ex-girlfriend Em Knight?
I don't know, you'd have to ask Cora that. They get along great as far as I know. Em's still a close friend and her and Cora spend a lot of time together.
Your sister will be making her screen debut as Lydia. How do you feel about that?
I'm very proud of Georgia, she's one of the hardest working people I know and I think this project will hopefully open up new doors for her regarding other movie's. She's a very accomplished and talented young woman and I think she'll go far.
Apart from the name, are their any other similarities between you and Darcy?
I hope not! I suppose there will always be little coincidences but I'm thankfully a lot more down to earth than he is. I'm definitely not as proud or sour. I'm much more outgoing I think.
There has been a lot of talk about how Ella Benay got the role of Elizabeth. How much did it have to do with her relationship with your cousin?
You'd probably have to speak with Richard about that but I'm inclined to think it has more to do with her relationship with the casting agent.
What do you mean?
Well she's her Aunt, isn't she?
How do you feel about that if Ella Benay did get the role more on her merits as a niece than an actress?
Frankly I don't care. I'm not the one that's going to look really stupid when this is released. To be perfectly honest I'm going to go and do my job and so will everybody else. When Ella can't do hers it won't be my reputation that'll be damaged.
So would it be right in saying that you have about as much faith as Ella Benay's talent as she has in yours?
What do you mean?
Well her comments haven't been particularly nice regarding her feelings towards you?
Yeah well I'm not the one who has to prove myself. Ella can say whatever she pleases now but come January the kid will discover that it was Jenna who got the looks in that family and Lucia who got the acting gene.
Does that mean you don't believe she can act?
Look, to be honest I don't know. I just think it takes an incredible person to be able to play Lizzy and I don't think a nineteen-year-old teenager fresh out of nowhere is strong and mature enough to be able to carry her.
Chapter 9: First Impressions Posted on Sunday, 17 September 2000
A light knocking on her door woke Ella Benay up from her sleep. "Ellie sweetie, you have to be at the studio by ten.", her father called softly from behind the door.
Wrestling herself from underneath the bedclothes, Ella groaned, "Yeah, okay I'm up. Well kind of."
She heard her father chuckle, "Your mom left earlier with Luce. You want me to make you breakfast?"
"Yeah ...hmm bacon and eggs and um blueberry pancakes.... No actually make that chocolate and eh..."
Dr Benay grinned, "Okay Ellie I get the idea." He turned and began down the hall. Half way down the stairs he heard Ella shout after him, "Thank You. You know I love you, right?"
Laughing he replied, "Yes I do."
When Ella came into the kitchen twenty-minutes later Katerina was already sitting at the table drinking coffee. Strains of a violin being played could already be heard coming from the study. Plonking herself down at the table, Ella moaned, "Ugh does she ever stop playing? Daddy I know what I want for my birthday. A hammer to smash up that awful instrument and a big sharp knife to saw off every single one of Marion's dainty little fingers." She grinned cheekily.
Katerina sniggered, "The morning grouch strikes again!"
Ella ignored her as her father brought over the breakfast plates to the table, "Thank you Daddy."
Changing the subject Katerina asked, "So are you nervous?"
Ella shrugged, "I suppose. Kind of. It's not really the whole read-through I'm worried about, the Colonel, Georgia, Em, Mom and Luce, they'll all be there. It's just, how I'm I going to have the audacity to walk up to Olivier and say "Hi, I'm Ella, I'm the one that slates you in every interview she does.""
Hector laughed kindly, "You're still beating yourself up over that interview? Remember, Olivier's not exactly innocent either."
Ella shuddered, "I should never have said those things in the paper. I wasn't thinking of how they were going to be taken. I'm sure Olivier wouldn't have been so mean if I hadn't provoked him like that."
Katerina laughed, "Hah. This is Olivier Darcy we're talking about. As much as I love him and as talented and kind as he is, he can be a creep of the worst kind when he's insulted or he doesn't get his way. Regardless of what you said, which was nothing more than the truth by the way, there was no need for his "holier-than-thou" attitude. Don't let him get to you because that's exactly what he wants."
Ella smiled, "Thank you. When did my little sister ever get so smart?" She leaned over and kissed Katerina on the head.
Katerina tossed her head and replied in a posh tone, "Oh you know it was always there. You just never noticed before." Her father and sister laughed.
Ella sighed and said breezily, "No I don't think so. It must be Georgia's influence. Actually come to think of it, you have been spending an awful lot of time with Georgia lately. More time than I've ever spent with Em. One might think there are other distractions in that house."
Katerina glared at her sister, "You're talking rubbish Ella."
"Oh poor Kat.", Ella teased, "How hard it must have been for you to slate the man like that."
Katerina, who was now beet red, threw down her fork in defiance, "I do not have a crush on Olivier Darcy!"
"Sure Kit Kat" Ella got up from her chair and stretched, "Well after that little pep talk I feel ready to face Darcy and whatever he may throw at me. I'm just gonna catch it and throw it all back in his face. Aim it all straight for his nose. Actually maybe not his nose", she considered. "Kat would never forgive me." She grinned and headed for the stairs leaving her father and even Katerina shaking their heads in amusement.
Less than an hour later Ella was sitting in a cab on it's way towards Heatherleigh Studio's. Already she regretted having such a large breakfast; her stomach was doing flip-flops. For weeks now, she had been dreading this day. It was the read-through of Pride and Prejudice and the first time she would meet the whole cast, Olivier Darcy one of them. It was Richard's idea to hold the read-through in L.A. even though they were filming in England. Something about finishing a current project or some drivel like that. As far as she was concerned it just made it a little more awkward. Having to meet Olivier on his own terms and his own lot.
Looking down over the pale blue pencil skirt and matching top Ella sighed. With her auburn hair pulled back into a bun she definitely didn't look nineteen but then she didn't look like Ella either.
She was shaken out of her reverie when the cab pulled to a stop. "What's the matter? The turn's up there."
"Look love there's a water pipe burst up there and their not letting me up any further."
Ella gave a frustrated sigh as she handed a few notes to the driver and got out of the car. She'd just have to walk the rest of the way. Hopping over puddles as she went she was almost at the gates of the lot when a truck came hurtling past her and drenched her from head to toe in mud.
Ella bit back the urge to scream in frustration. Gone was any hope she had of making a good impression. She was filthy. Dripping, she trundled through the Heatherleigh gates and began to look for someone who could give her directions to a washroom and the read-through. The lot was pretty much deserted for probably the first time in its existence, Ella noted with a touch of amusement. The one time she needed it to be swarming with people, there wasn't a sinner around.
By the time Olivier Darcy saw the woman heading towards him it was too late to make a sudden getaway. He was in too much of a hurry to stop and be friendly. As she came closer, he noted that she was about twenty-five or so, her clothes splattered with mud. He had to suppress a snigger, she had evidently being caught in the water crossfire out on the street.
"Excuse me. I-"
Olivier put up a hand and cut her off, "Listen. I haven't got time for photos and autographs right now. Maybe if you find me later..."
Before Ella could reply he was already running off. When he was about five metres away from her he shouted back, "Oh yeah and you want to find somewhere to take a wash."
Stunned by his arrogance and rudeness Ella didn't have the time to concoct a reply. He was already gone.
After taking a few minutes to calm down, Ella began to head in the direction she had seen Olivier go. Most likely he had been heading to the read-through and if not at least she could catch up with him and beat the hell out of him.
By the time Ella had reached the door she noticed Em's car pull into the parking lot. Slowing her car down to Ella's pace, Em rolled down her window. "Olivier drench you in mud?", she queried with raised eyebrows.
"Oh don't speak of that odious man. Get me to a bathroom quick!"
Em laughed, "Hold on while I park the car."
Twenty minutes later a much cleaner Ella Benay examined herself in the mirror of the washroom. Dressed in the change of clothes she had brought with her for going out with Em after the read-through, low cut black jeans and a "Little Miss Naughty" top just short enough to reveal her pierced navel, the mark of teenage rebellion that her mother always hated, and with her waist length curly hair shaken free of it's bun, definitely wasn't going to make the impression she had hoped.
"Ugh I look so immature."
Em shrugged, "Nah you don't. Some people would call it "free spirited"".
Ella sniggered, "Free spirited? You sound like Lucia. Come on."
Taking her bag in one hand and Em's hand in the other she left the bathroom before she could change her mind.
Olivier was alternating between talking on his cell phone and typing on his laptop when she walked in. The tables in the room were arranged in a square shape with his at the back wall opposite the door. He saw her the moment she entered the room with Emmeline. He recognised her as the woman he had brushed off earlier and regretted it instantly. Had he known she was hiding That under the conservative blue suit and the mud he would have reacted a lot differently. With big brown eyes and a figure that would make any man's breath catch in his throat, she was entrancing. And that was before he thought about her hair.
Olivier watched as his cousin walked up to her and hugged her. What he wouldn't have given to murder his cousin and take his place right now. Olivier leaned forward and strained his eyes to try and see her nameplate but it was to no avail. He would have to wait until the read-through began to discover who she was. Looking around, Olivier noted, that Ella hadn't seemed to show up yet. She was probably late. Turning his attention back towards the girl, he watched as she chatted to his sister, putting Georgia completely at ease. Every few minutes someone would say something to the girl causing her to throw her head back and laugh, her infectious laugh rising above the din. Olivier willed the read-through to start so he could discover who she was. All thoughts of Richard, Em, Fran, even Corrina had left his mind momentarily. All he could think about was her. Just her.
Chapter 10: I Want My Money Back Posted on Wednesday, 27 September 2000
Author's Note: A "-" indicates a part of the script.
"Let's get this show on the road people", Richard's voice rose above the noise and everyone began to take their seats.
"I guess we'll start at the beginning as it's a very good place to start.", he chuckled at his own witticism which evoked nothing more than the odd snigger from everyone else. "Scene 1/1,Bingley and Darcy. Off ya go boys."
Chess began chirpily, his enthusiasm such that Olivier could never understand where he got it.
-"It's a fair prospect"
-"Pretty enough, I grant you."
-"Oh it's nothing to Pemberley I know but I must settle somewhere."
-"You'll find the society somewhat savage."
-"Country manners? I think they're charming."
-"Then you better take it"
-"Thank you, I shall. I shall close to the attorney directly."
Richard waved his hand at Francesca as if to say, "Keep going, don't stop until I say so." Almost immediately she launched into a Mrs. Bennet rant and she had not three words spoken when someone mobile phone began to ring causing her to have to stop. Olivier turned red with embarrassment as he realised it was his. Automatically he went to switched it off but Richard waved him out of the room, "Don't need you yet, go on. Please people in future could we remember to switch off all things that buzz, beep, squeak or make any other battery operated sounds." A sudden rumble of noise was heard as many people began to forage in their bags. Ella looked over towards Em and rolled her eyes, watching Olivier going beet red had just enhanced her enjoyment of this day considerably.
Olivier returned just as Fran began her next scene.
-"Mr Bennet. Wonderful news, Netherfield Park is let at last."
Olivier watched as the auburn-haired girl whom he had insulted earlier in the car park leaned back casually in her chair.
-"For a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."
Olivier almost choked on his water as Ella made eye contact with him and raised her eyebrows, an amused expression on her face. He knew his face was turning red with embarrassment and he turned and glared at Richard who only shrugged innocently. The whole room watched this whole exchange with a degree of amusement, each foreseeing a whole load of bother for the rest of filming. Ella watched Olivier with delight, it was the first time she had ever seen Olivier Darcy visibly squirm in his seat and she enjoyed every bit of it. He now stared directly at the page in front of him, too afraid or embarrassed or perhaps a bit of both to raise his eyes and look at her. The read-through went on and rather quickly they reached the line that Olivier had being dreading the most.
-"She is tolerable I suppose but not handsome enough to tempt me. Bingley I'm in no humour to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. Go back to your partner, enjoy her smiles, you're wasting your time with me."
Olivier had expected Ella to glare at him but to her surprise she was laughing. Laughing at him. Olivier scoffed, don't know what she's laughing about, he though, she's the one wearing kiddies clothes. All of a sudden his recent admiration for her seemed to have changed into something else. Hatred and irritation.
-"I believe every disposition has a tendency to some particular evil."
Ella laughed sarcastically.
-"Your defect is a propensity to hate everyone."
-"Well yours is willfully to misunderstand them.", Olivier shot back
Corrina screeched out her line causing Ella to snigger and look for a moment towards Richard before turning towards her Aunt who was standing by the door watching her cast come together. Ella grinned and mouthed to her, "Caroline?." Olivier saw her.
The morning went on, each person there enjoying Olivier and Ella's sparing match, their feelings towards each other conveyed quite nicely through Jane Austen's words. And so it came to pass that that scene would eventually be read.
-"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."
The cast watched enthralled as Olivier and Ella became so ensconced with their characters and forgot they were acting. No one was the least bit surprised when Ella shed a tear or two, her emotional discomfort clear upon her face, even though it was only a read-through.
- "You are mistaken Mr. Darcy, the mode of your declaration merely spared me the concern I might have felt in refusing you had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner. You could not have made me the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have induced me to accept it. From the very beginning your manners impressed me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit and your selfish disdain for the feeling of others. I had not known you a month before I felt you were the last man in the world I could ever marry."
Though loath to, Richard interrupted at this point, "Just finish this up and we can all break for lunch."
Everyone watched as Olivier began to gather up his things as he spoke.
-"You have said quite enough, madam. I perfectly comprehend your feelings and have only to be ashamed of what my own have been. Forgive me for haven taken up so much of your time, and accept my best wishes for your health and happiness."
Olivier had left the room before anyone else even moved.