Chapter 7 - Games people play.
Somewhere in downtown Houston, a curious activity was going on. In an alley way behind a tenement building, were two individuals, tiptoeing over toxic puddles and scurrying between doorways. If one observed from a window or a rooftop, it might look like 2 children playing tag in the rain, or hide-and-go-seek in the dark.
"So whatcha got for me, Roy?" she whispered.
Elroy Bender leaned out from the darkened doorway. "You'll have to see it to believe it."
"So, show it."
He pulled out a videotape from under his coat. "You gonna give this back, right?"
"Why?" She regretted the question as soon as it left her mouth. "Never mind! I'll just make a copy and meet you back here tomorrow night," she took it.
"Same time?"
"Same time."
They parted ways.
*****
"Roy?!" she whispered loudly. "El..."
"Shh!" came the answer in an even louder hush. "Down here!"
She located him in the shadows on some stairs leading toward a basement. "You've been a big help. Thanks," she handed him the tape.
"Anything for a lady," he bowed playfully.
"Here you go." She passed him an envelope.
"This is more than last time!" he almost shouted as he fingered the bills.
"This was bigger than last time."
He nodded. "Me and da' boys is gonna have us a good time!" he whispered.
"Don't spend it all in one place!" she chuckled then disappeared into the darkness.
*****
Captain Calvin Lewis of the Houston Police Department gasped as he watched. "Where in the world did you get this?!"
"I don't reveal my sources, you know that," she smiled.
He laughed, "The D.A.'s office is gonna love you!"
"All I require is my name on a check."
"I wish I could write it myself! We've been waiting a long time to catch that sick bastard! Now we have the slime on tape!"
"Glad to be of service," she saluted.
"Would you like to share in the joy?"
"No. Hopefully, I can watch it on TV."
"You sure? I'll let you sit in my car."
"No thanks," she rose to leave. "I really hate to see a grown man cry... in person that is."
They both laughed.
"I'll tape it and watch it in slow motion for kicks," she snickered and then closed the door behind her.
Harold Hurst would be going away for a very long time.
*****
In Dallas
"Lizzy!" Jane and Elizabeth embraced.
"Merry Christmas, Jane!" she kissed her on the cheek.
"We didn't think you'd be able to make it!"
"Just a cold," she shrugged out of her coat.
"You've been working too hard. Please promise me you'll slow down?"
"I'm going on vacation soon," Elizabeth sighed absent-mindedly and peered around to see the other guests. "Is he here?"
"Who?"
Elizabeth frowned. "Never mind."
Jane raised an eyebrow as they walked into the party.
"Lizzy, did you hear about that poor schoolteacher in Houston!" exclaimed Mrs. Bennet almost as soon as they walked into the living room.
Poor schoolteacher?!
"Frances, they have the man on tape!"Mr. Bennet quietly walked up, embraced his daughter and changed the subject.
Elizabeth felt slightly relieved and tried to enjoy herself amongst the commonplace chatter of a family holiday gathering. Of course, Mrs. Bennet monopolized all conversations, for her hearing was better than the normal person's, much to the chagrin of some of her family members. More to the point, she always managed to sway the conversation to the upcoming festivities.
*****
Towards mid-afternoon, the doorbell rang. Happy greetings and best wishes went around the room to and from the newcomer. Elizabeth managed to extricate herself from the merriment without so much as a 'hello'; but before long Jane followed.
"Okay, so he's here? What's the big deal?" questioned Jane. She got no answer from Elizabeth. "Yes, he was crass, but you set him straight on that matter." Still no answer. "I just don't understand, Lizzy, you don't usually hold a grudge, at least not this long... Is there something more to this story?"
Elizabeth sat down heavily in a chair in a spare bedroom of the Bingley's home. "I'm getting a headache... Maybe I should go home."
"Lizzy," Jane sighed and sat beside her. "We don't see you often as it is. Couldn't you just try to get along? Just this once? Please?"
"Oh Jane, do you..." She's not going to let this go without a damn good explanation. "Alright," Elizabeth sighed and rolled her eyes. "Okay."
Jane smiled in relief. They both left the room and went back down to enjoy the festivities of this Christmas Day.
When Mr. Bennet returned from his 2nd stint in Korea, Mrs. Bennet was in the dark about her marriage's tenuous predicament but the little surprise package gave her light. It was not a pretty sight! And that is how Elizabeth came to this new world, to a mess of a marriage; a lynch pin to the past for one and unwelcome news for the other.
And so, with the Bennet's at odds most times, Elizabeth was a young witness to slamming doors, heated and barbed words, tears, whining, begging, avoidance, and such, all while Jane was at school. Her temperament was, even in her earlier years, strikingly similar to that with which she was brought up in. Tantrums, throwing things, slamming doors, etc. was considered normal behavior for Elizabeth. That is, until her father took notice. Unfortunately that was not until she reached age 7, so her persona was damn near fixed. However, Mr. Bennet was able to influence her in the ways of his martial arts teachings and redirect himself as well.
Swift judgement that some would call hasty, intimidation that some would call bullying, and a quick-temper that most would call a powder keg waiting to explode, are now Elizabeth's mantra and she wears it proudly. Although she still has bouts of anger, fits of temper, spasms of rage, but with the martial art, she learned control, or 'How not to loose your control in front of other people, unless you really want them to know how you feel'.
*****
For most of the afternoon, Elizabeth managed to avoid Darcy; she devoted her time to holding and coddling the baby and talking to Jane, while he spent his time wrestling and playing with the boys and Bingley. However, when the god's are against you, there is no place to hide. The holiday feast had been eaten, most everything had been cleaned up and put away, night had fallen, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet had left, and the children had played with their new toys until they were exhausted. The boys had their bath and now it was time to put them to bed. Jane sent them downstairs to say good night.
"Uncle Will, could you read us a story?" asked 8 year-old Charles III (hereinafter referred to as Trey) as he pulled him toward the stairs.
"Sure. What did you have in mind?"
"Green Eggs and Ham!" exclaimed 5 year-old Bennet.
Trey frowned and whispered, "It's his turn to pick."
"You betcha!" Darcy roared and chased the boys upstairs toward their bedroom.
"Auntie Lizzy, are you coming?" asked Trey as he raced around at the top of the stairs.
She inwardly groaned, but put on her 'happy face' and bounded up after them. "Coming!"
Jane was in another bedroom tending to her youngest, 2 year-old Melinda, while Bingley tidied up downstairs.
"Here, you first." Bennet handed the book to Elizabeth and reached for Elizabeth to pick him up.
Elizabeth looked confused. First?
"You read the first part and Uncle Will reads the next one," explained Trey.
"Mommy and Daddy do it all the time!" exclaimed Bennet. "It goes round and round and round..."
The boys pulled two chairs next to the bunk beds and jumped or climbed into their respective sacks.
As they both sat in the chairs, Elizabeth and Darcy looked down and away, respectively. The boys waited impatiently.
"Can't you read?" prompted Bennet as he poked at the book in Elizabeth's hands.
She startled and blushed. "Yes baby, I can read..." Elizabeth began her part.
Darcy was mesmerized by the animation in her voice and the fluttering of her long eyelashes; he sometimes had to be prodded to join in for his part. Elizabeth tried desperately to block him out of her mind, but his rich beautiful deep voice kept seeping through her barriers; she was often caught unawares for her turn.
They fumbled to turn pages, jumped when fingers touched, and shifted uncomfortably in their chairs. All in all it was an uneasy one-day truce for Elizabeth.
Chapter 8 - I wanna dance with somebody!
Elizabeth was flustered beyond belief, after waiting behind a string of limousines; she practically threw her keys at the valet as he looked down his nose at having to drive her car. She mumbled a few expletives under her breath as she walked through the electronically opened doors, but brightened when she saw Jane and Bingley more than a few people in front of her at the door to the ballroom.
"Jane! Charles!" she waved.
"Lizzy!" they both exclaimed.
"Come on up," Bingley waved back to her.
Elizabeth looked around, sheepishly, but then realized that no one would object to Charles Bingley asking her to join them. He's just as important as William Darcy is! She elegantly strode to the door with her head up high, embraced her sister and kissed her brother-in-law on the cheek.
"I didn't think you would come," whispered Jane.
"Neither did I!" giggled Elizabeth.
They proceeded through the door to yet another hallway, to be greeted by the host and his executive board members.
"Jane! Charles! So glad you could make it!" exclaimed Darcy, while giving Bingley a hearty handshake. "Jane, you look absolutely lovely!" he bent to kiss her on her cheek.
"Thank you," smiled Jane. "You don't look so bad yourself!"
They exchanged a few more pleasantries.
As Jane and Bingley left his presence, Darcy saw Elizabeth was next in line. Sprooooooiiiing! He could not keep his eyes from her lovely face. "Stunning!" he mumbled louder than he had intended. Elizabeth gasped and blushed deeply, while Darcy's eyes widened in disbelief at his blunder, he stiffened and both looked away. Then almost immediately he quickly gathered his composure, cleared his throat, pulled on his tuxedo jacket, and nearly bowed. "Ms. Bennet." Thank God I didn't wear tails!
"Mr. Darcy," was all that she could muster; Elizabeth walked away, her mind all in a tizzy. Damn it! Damn him!
Darcy watched, nearly mesmerized by the flow of her gown, as she walked away. She was a vision in black; the gown was made of some shiny material, possibly taffeta, maybe satin. The bodice was heart-shaped and strapless, and the bottom was straight as straight could get and showing off her curves for good measure. But the whole dress was covered with a chiffon wrap shawl of an ethereal color, which flowed outward from her shoulders and down to the floor. Depending on the lighting and angle, the mesh appeared black, or a pearl gray, or as though a heavenly cloud. Darcy marveled at the fact that Elizabeth wore only a few adornments: drop onyx earrings, shown off beautifully by her upswept hairdo; a matching pendant on a silver chain, which laid daintily on her breastbone; and a matching tennis bracelet on her delicate right wrist. She was framed of many attributes, but it was those eyes that haunted him day and night. He was practically salivating!
Darcy's attention was soon turned toward his other guests, by a clearing of a distant throat, as Elizabeth disappeared through the inner doors. Within a few moments, he left his position and headed for the bathroom.
While Jane and Bingley went for their reserved table, Elizabeth headed for the bar. She asked for and obtained a glass of champagne, but before she could down it, she spotted Charlotte heading her way.
"Drinking already?" whispered Charlotte as she kissed Elizabeth on the cheek.
Elizabeth laughed almost maniacally. "Just preparing myself."
"My family's here too, ya know?" grumbled Charlotte.
"But this party is for my family." Elizabeth sighed and took a sip of champagne. "Even more incentive to embarrass!"
Charlotte suppressed a giggle. "Anyway, it was very nice of Will to spend all this money on your father."
"Hmpf!" was all Elizabeth could offer on that particular subject.
"Lizzy, he's not all bad!"
"That's what you keep telling me!"
"It would be foolish to slight a man who's almost as wealthy as Bill Gates."
"Char, I don't give a damn about his money! And further more, he's not the least bit interested in me, nor I, him!"
Before anymore could be said, Billy Collins suddenly appeared. "Hi Boss!" Charlotte nodded. "Hello Elizabeth! You look absolutely perfect! An angel! Perhaps a queen! No, a goddess! Maybe even a..." he leered.
Who the hell invited you?!
She turned her head and rolled her eyes. "Thank you."Billy Collins' compliments and his conversation were last (if at all) on Elizabeth's list of pleasantries. He had just come to the D.A.'s office 4 months ago, and in that small amount of time, he fancied himself enamored with her. Although, most times she graciously tolerated his behavior, she was always weary of him. There was something about him, something more than the obsequiousness oozing from his greasy skin. No, that wasn't it, exactly. Yes, his whiny voice made her skin crawl. Yes, his slug-slime appearance made her want to run away and hide. But it was something else... like a show of some sort. Like he was playing pitiful. Like he was a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Conversation had, to all intents and purposes, come to a screeching halt, the three of them stood around looking at all the guests, the band, the waiters, etc.
Elizabeth looked around and saw her mother frantically waving to her. It must be time to start. "Char, I'll talk to you later."
"Lizzy, our tables are right next to each other."
Elizabeth slightly tilted her head towards Collins; Charlotte got her meaning, and nodded. Damn! Elizabeth rolled her eyes, gritted her teeth and walked to her table.
"Lizzy, why didn't you come straight to our table?!" Mrs. Bennet flopped down in her chair with a pout. "And why didn't you bring that nice looking young man with you? Now he's sitting with Charlotte!"
"Frances, he works with Charlotte!" she said in hushed tones. "I believe she invited him as her date."
At that moment Darcy and Caroline decided to take their seats at the table.
"Oh fiddle-dee-dee! You'll never find a husband by trying to steal your best friend's man!"
"Frances!" Elizabeth blushed furiously as Caroline snickered.
"Mrs. Bennet, I haven't met all of your family, why don't you do the introductions?" asked Darcy, trying to change the subject.
"Oh dear! Of course, Will! Where are my manners?! You know Jane and Lizzy, of course. My other girls aren't here yet..." and Mrs. Bennet introduced Lucy and Henry Philips.
"Ya like a good joke, Will?" asked Mr. Philips.
"Uh, yes." Darcy saw Bingley cover his mouth and turn away, a moment after his affirmative response.
"Well, it's not actually a joke. It's a limerick and I've been saving this one for a special occasion!" he winked at Darcy and cleared his throat. Elizabeth and Jane shared horrified looks, but neither could think of anything to say or do without causing a stir. "There once was gal from Dallas, who..."
"Well Henry," interrupted Mr. Bennet. "I didn't think you'd start with the gaiety before dinner." An almost collective sigh went round the table as Mr. Bennet sat down. "Will, has my family been entertaining you for very long?"
Darcy admired, yet feared Mr. Bennet; he recognized inner strength and power, yet tenderness in his tall lean frame, much like his own father. "I just sat down, Sir."
"Then I have saved you," he smiled. "I believe you owe me one!"
Darcy bit back the laughter bubbling in his throat, but managed to show his dimples when he smiled at Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth espied the scene and felt her heart do a little dance.
"You know, Lizzy," chimed in Mrs. Bennet. "Caroline has on just the gown I had picked out for you!"
Caroline could only gasp in horror; she dearly wished to run home and change gowns.
Orange! Yuck! I'd look a pumpkin! And she looks like a fucking scarecrow!!!
Elizabeth smiled. "You look very nice Caroline.""Thank you," she smirked.
*****
The dinner had proceeded without any major faux pas. The formal introduction of Mr. Bennet as Consultant/Guru to Darcy, Inc. had gone well. Elizabeth could still not relax; things were going a bit too well. And there you have it.
After the introduction and fanfare, the dancing began. Collins and Darcy approached Elizabeth at almost the same time to ask her to dance. She thought quickly who aggravated her more; she chose to dance with Collins. Wrong!
In years to come, for that small group that witnessed it, they would still talk of it. It only lasted for a few seconds, but the goings on are best left to the imagination of the uninhibited. Unfortunately for this story, something must be said...with the bump and grind came a furious flurry of pawing hands, leg kicks, gyrations, an awful Elvis impersonation, and (add your own images here). If Elizabeth could think of a way to be swallowed up whole by the floor, she would have done so without a second thought. Instead, she had to push Collins off her person and leave the dance floor in a huff. Charlotte followed her into the bathroom to console her. She assured Elizabeth that not too many had observed the display, but to no avail did Elizabeth seem to listen. Elizabeth was beside herself with distress and damn near ready to cry. But this was neither the time nor the place to do it! After a half-hour, she emerged; head held high, and headed back to her table.
Darcy was one of those who saw everything and cringed at her torment. He stood nearby the ladies room until she reappeared in the ballroom and was relieved to find her strutting with dignity and pride back to her seat.
For several tense minutes, no one said a word at the table, not even Mrs. Bennet; they all knew well Elizabeth's volatile temper and were fearful of an explosion.
"Excuse me. May I have the honor of this dance, Ms. Bennet?" asked Darcy.
Everyone looked away.
"Um, I had not... That is, I..." Elizabeth looked at her father. "Why thank you, yes," she smiled tightly.
Darcy held out his hand and Elizabeth took it and rose from her chair. The song was slow and steady, just the way they both liked it. Darcy was hesitant about placing his hands on Elizabeth's waist, but she nodded to reassure him that it was okay. They proceeded in the dance as everyone looked on. After a few moments, Jane and Bingley decided it would be a good time to be on the floor... somewhere close to Darcy and Elizabeth, but not too close. Other couples soon joined in.
Neither spoke during the dance, they were too caught up in the moment. Yet, at different intervals, both had noticed Caroline glaring in their direction, but shrugged it off as they let their minds relax.
Elizabeth had, on previous occasions, dreamt of this moment, but each time it was certainly under different circumstances; she quickly repressed those thoughts. She disliked him now... What would be the point? Elizabeth peered around Darcy's shoulder, she mentally noted the number of couples and the size of the room, but stiffened as he caressed the small of her back. She wondered if he noticed her reluctance.
Darcy dreaded this moment, however, his sense of gallantry for damsels in distress won over his trepidation. And even more so, he felt compelled to come to Elizabeth's aid, although she grudgingly accepted it. He wanted her, badly! To keep his mind balanced, he thought to talk of the weather or books, but faltered and stiffened as her soft tendrils caressed his cheek. He wondered if she realized his efforts.
The dance ended and Darcy escorted Elizabeth back to their table. Soon enough, pleasant conversation ensued on either side of Elizabeth. Darcy, Bingley and Mr. Bennet talked about numerous things: business, sports, etc. Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Philips gossiped quietly, probably planning Elizabeth's engagement to one of the single gentlemen in attendance. Mr. Philips had gone to the bar to tell his jokes and surprisingly was quickly left alone. Caroline and Jane sparingly talked of fashion, movies, etc. Elizabeth contributed, but rarely.
So far, the night had not been a total illustration of what the Bennet family was capable of. Only Elizabeth, in her own mortification, was the one in any sort of predicament.
Then Lydia waddled in, pregnant again, but did not let that stop her. No, not at all! She had on a mini-skirt in which the split was so high on the thigh you could see her bikini line, and a tube top which did nothing to boost up her sagging breasts or cover her bulging mid-drift. It was obscene!
Mary followed, she appeared in what some may describe as the Emperor's clothes and proceeded to dance and chant around the ballroom (finger cymbals included).
Kitty came, late as usual, in what others may recall as dominatrix lingerie (Parisian fashion, ha!), causing some gentlemen to blush in front of their wives. It was an unbelievably tight black plastic outfit adorned with a dog collar choker, accessorized with black lipstick and nail polish, and a serpent-like tattoo down her right arm.
Since Mary was already showing her hand, Kitty and Lydia decided on a bit of one-upmanship. They resolved on a course of action that not even the iceberg that sunk the Titanic could measure up to. Kitty had been asked to dance by a right proper young man, or so it seemed. They took to the floor while Lydia slipped out to get something from cloakroom; she came back with Kitty's cat-o-nine tails, in other words... a whip! With all the wiggling and jiggling going on, Lydia was ever so mindful and managed to use one hand to hold up her ever-faltering tube top. Thus they both practically molested the young man in plain sight of everyone. Yet, he enjoyed it thoroughly. A total want of propriety! The crowd stood immovable in revulsion and shocked in repugnance.
Elizabeth quickly left for the evening. It seemed as though her family had made an agreement to expose themselves as much as possible that night. It would have been damn near impossible for them to play their parts with more spirit or a bigger success. Not even her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner could have forestalled this debacle! Elizabeth chewed on all this while she waited for her car to be brought around by the valet.
Caroline made her presence known with a loud, as usual, screeching. "Eliza Bennet!" Elizabeth startled and cringed at the same time. "I thought that little nasty dance you did with what's his name was worth the price of admission, but I see you've taught your younger sisters a thing or two!"
"Back off, Caroline!" Elizabeth snapped. She glared her eyes into tiny slits and spat, "and I mean that in the worst way!"
Caroline, no dummy, did as requested. She had her tiny victory and all she wanted was to see Elizabeth's reaction, first hand. So what, Darcy hadn't asked her to dance; she had her revenge anyway! Caroline laughed all the way back into the ballroom. Elizabeth shrank at the shrill hyena-like cackle.
Finally, the valet brought Elizabeth's car. She absent-mindedly tipped him more than she normally would have and drove off. As soon as she opened the door to her townhouse, she picked up the first thing she saw, an end table, and tossed it as far as she could. It bounced off the wall near the fireplace and broke into pieces.
What had begun as an auspicious occasion, all in all, had turned out to be the worst and most humiliating experience of Elizabeth's young life. She cried herself to sleep on the couch as the New Year rang in.
In Amarillo
"David!"
Regional State Attorney General David Chamberlayne smiled as soon as he saw her. "Well, well, well! What brings you up here, Lizzy?" he asked hopeful.
"Oh... nothing but a female without a trail."
"You got my message then!"
"Sure did. I'm here to see what I can do."
"Take a seat?"
Chamberlayne pulled out a file from his inbox and opened it. "Well, this young lady has robbed banks from San Padre Island to Lubbock and Beaumont to El Paso in the last 3 years. We had her in our grasp a few days ago, but she managed to scratch and claw her way out of that one.""How?"
"A County Sheriff pulled her over for speeding, when he approached the car, she shot him." Elizabeth gasped. "He managed to crawl back to his vehicle and call for help. He's alright, but he won't be doing much police work after he recovers."
Elizabeth gulped. "So, she carries a gun?"
"In all the hold-ups, she's never once used it. I think she panicked, but I honestly can't be sure..."
"I hate guns."
"I know. When I called you, there had been no incidents of it, but now..." he sighed but it was nothing more than a play on her inquisitiveness. "I'll understand if you decide not to take it."
"I'll think about it," she responded warily. "Have you got a name?"
"The car is registered to... 'Elizabeth Bennet'."
"What?!" Chamberlayne nodded. "Give me that file now!"
He tossed it to her. Elizabeth quickly assessed the dossier and then in her mind, went over every occasion in her travels.
"O-h-m-y-G-o-d!" Elizabeth stood up. "She's me?!"
"I thought you'd be interested..."
"She's been everywhere that I've been... I'm surprised I wasn't pulled over and carted off to jail!"
"You have some good friends in some high places in Dallas, especially Charlotte."
"Charlotte?!"
"When she saw what was brewing in the pipeline, she gave us the details. And from July last year to December you were tailed by two FBI agents. Not because they doubted your innocence, but because they were hoping to stumble upon the copycat."
She never told me anything!!!
Elizabeth massaged her temples. "I need a drink.""How about some dinner?"
"David..."
"I know how you get when you've got a case," he defended.
"Okay," she smiled.
He nodded. "Give me a minute?"
*****
Chamberlayne and Elizabeth talked as old friends.
"That was you?!"
"Surprise is my best tactic."
"I'm sure. Has there ever been a bounty you didn't find?"
"A few."
"Tell me more?"
Elizabeth told Chamberlayne of her adventures of the last few years, while he told her what he had been up to for the last umpteen years. They left restaurant in high spirit and rekindled familiarity.
*****
Elizabeth studied her case. Her mind reeled at the thought that she could have been sitting in jail right now, without a real alibi, and with a life sentence hanging over her head. It was definitely a lot to think about. A bounty on her own head! Who would have thunk it?
She read over every transcript; it was true that this woman had been trailing Elizabeth and pretending to be her, but how? Why? She had been smart to only rob banks in small towns or communities with little security and no cameras, she paid with cash when she rented rooms or purchased something, and drove a non-descript getaway car. However, the recovering Sheriff did give a pretty decent description of her: dark hair, average height, but slightly different coloring and persuasion. And thank Providence for his description too!
However, as of late, there had been no robberies. But there lies the problem. How was she ever going to make her presence known to the criminal? It took this entire day and several conversations with Chamberlayne and other law enforcement agents, but a plan had been set. In all likelihood, Elizabeth, instead of being the hunter would now be the hunted; instead of stalking, she would be the one stalked. In laymen's terms... a sitting duck. She fervently hoped that she would not be present if the shooting gallery opened. To Elizabeth, this was not what she envisioned as work!
*****
Elizabeth drove home to Dallas to check on her house for possible intruders, to check on her dog for possible visitors, to venture through the city for possible glimpses and to lay a new fresh trail, or for lack of a better term to leave a scent for the imposter. The hours passed interminably, fraught with tension. Then she drove back the 8 1/2 hours to Amarillo.
If one had been a passenger with Elizabeth during this drive, one might have noticed the white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel at times, intermittent. And if one had known that she was trying to fight her way back from fantasies unattainable, one might have guessed of her momentary weaknesses and suffered in silence with her. Somehow Darcy kept creeping into her solitude.
Applause surrounded her as she wafted towards the stage.
"Miss Bennet," came the announcer's voice, "for the high bid on Mr. Darcy's services, he must treat you to dinner. The time, place, setting, and condition are up to your discretion."
A smattering of laughter ensued and Darcy grimaced as he stepped off the stage. Yes, he was going to have dinner with the woman he fantasized about, but did it have to be under these circumstances?!
He stepped a few feet away from her, then bowed. "At your service Madam."
"Mr. Darcy," she curtsied. "My place, tomorrow," she handed him her business card. "8:00 p.m. I hear you're a master in the... kitchen. I look forward to being enthralled." And with that Elizabeth turned on her heels and walked away. But after only a few steps, she turned dramatically, looked him up and down as though admiring a fine piece of sculpting (David, perhaps?) and said, "I hope you're worth the money I laid out for you."
After Elizabeth walked out of the ballroom into the cool night air, she had to lean against a wall to catch her breath. Playing the bitch is truly not what it's cracked up to be!
*****
"Mr. Darcy," she pulled the lapels on her dressing gown close around her neck. "You're early!"
"I left you a voice-mail."
Elizabeth blushed; she had been too busy shopping for the perfect gown for this evening to bother with checking her messages.
"I needed to see if your kitchen has enough elbow room for my... culinary expertise."
"By all means!" She flung the door open.
Darcy carried in a box of supplies, and Elizabeth was about to close the door behind him, but he was followed a whole camp full of soldiers, um, wait staff, with additional boxes.
Elizabeth watched the parade of young men with gaped-mouthed amazement. "What's all this?" she finally asked.
"You did say you wanted to be enthralled, did you not?" Elizabeth nodded and Darcy bowed. "I am your humble servant..."
"They are not all staying here, are they?"
"No."
Elizabeth stepped aside as the throng of young men marched out of the kitchen and through the front door.
"Might I inquire as to what you have planned?"
"No you may not. But I assure you, you won't be disappointed." Darcy raised an eyebrow to exaggerate his point.
Elizabeth felt the heat from this pointed stare and her knees nearly buckled. "I, I should finish getting dressed."
"Take your time, Ms. Bennet, we have all night..." he smiled.
*****
Dinner and conversation was beyond anything she had previously thought; they talked of things large and small in their private setting as soft music wafted through the air.
Elizabeth was well pleased. "Dinner was wonderful, thank you."
"You're welcome," he smiled. "How about working off some of those calories?"
"Excuse me?" she stated with attitude.
"I meant... Dance with me, Elizabeth?" He held out his hand as he approached her.
"Oh!" she tittered, embarrassed. "Certainly."
Elizabeth put her hand in his and he gently pulled her up out of the chair.
They danced to 'Moonlight Serenade'. Closely, quietly, softly.
Elizabeth lost herself in his strong arms; she laid her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes.
Darcy, sensing her comfort, wrapped his arms around her waist a little tighter and sighed. This was better than heaven!
The pace of the music sped up, but they continued their slow dance. Tenderly, and without her knowledge, he kissed her hair.
After several dreamy minutes, Elizabeth raised her head to look up at him. "Will, I..."
Whatever she was going to say, stalled in her mouth, as their lips inched closer together. The kiss was at first soft and tender, but it soon turned to an unquenchable yearning; heat and passion threw caution to the wind.
After several minutes of grasping and pulling of clothes, Elizabeth undressed him quite quickly for all he was wearing, they tumbled to the floor. Being a man on a mission, Darcy quickly spread her legs and...
She was completely exhausted when she returned to her room and slept fitfully.
Elizabeth desperately needed to relax. Things would not become clear to her if she did not have peace of mind; fishing would be a welcome diversion.
She picked up the phone to dial her friend. "May I speak with David Chamberlayne, please?"
"May I ask who's calling?" inquired his secretary.
"This is Elizabeth Bennet."
"Hold on one moment please? I'll see if he is available."
Click then music. Elizabeth despised that Muzac! It was too loud and boring. Thankfully, she did not have long to wait.
"Lizzy! I was just getting ready to call you. We must be in sync..."
"Any news?"
"None so far, but the authorities want you away for awhile."
"But I just got here!"
"No, not that far away," he chuckled. "I know how much you love fishing and camping, so I booked you a lodge down in the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. How's that sound?"
"You read my mind!"
"I used to be good at that, huh?"
Elizabeth smiled at the comment; Chamberlayne had been one of their neighbors and a good friend, he also helped Elizabeth get out of a few scrapes and gently guided her career path towards the law. "Where is this place and how soon do I leave?!" she expressed excitedly.
"It's only about a half-hour from here. Tell you what... come down to my office as soon as you can and I'll have the directions and instructions all laid out for you."
"Okay! I'll pack up a few days worth of clothes and I'll be down at your office before you can blink twice!"
They hung up.
*****
True to her word, Elizabeth was in Chamberlayne's office in a flash. He was at a meeting, but left instructions to her lodgings and the directions with his secretary. Elizabeth could not have been happier as she scanned the pamphlets of the wonders she was to see: scenic drives, campsites; hiking trails, mountain bike riding, and tours that included horseback riding to the famous Lighthouse Rock formation, exploring Sunday Canyon, and picnicking near Castlerock.
Oh, Elizabeth was going to have a blast! She drove to the canyon in an almost euphoric state.
*****
Elizabeth leaned back on her knapsack. This is the life! Her cabin was a mere 100 feet from the edge of the peer and less than 40 feet away from her head. She looked out over the lake and sighed. Yes, it was a bit chillier than what she was used to, but if she could do this year round, Elizabeth had no qualms of even going ice fishing in Canada.
*****
Elizabeth packed up the gear and carried it into the cabin; she had to make two trips, but it was worth it. Now, she sat out under the stars, her head leaned against a post, her feet swishing in the cold water, her mind clear of past clutter. At least for this day.
*****
Since her cabin had no kitchen, Elizabeth strode to The Chuckwagon Restaurant for breakfast. As she looked around, she saw a few supplies that she had forgotten last evening and would need to get today.
*****
A full day of fishing, hiking, and horse back riding made Elizabeth a tired, but happy camper. Her mind had still not yet grasped this new concept of detection, but at this time that did not matter, for whoever the pretender was, she would be caught and Elizabeth's good name restored.
*****
Elizabeth had plenty of places to go on her itinerary, but first she would check her messages at home; nothing of import had been left. Elizabeth noticed the time. It was near 11:00 a.m.; she knew that the Bingley's would be attending church services, so she dialed and left a message saying that she was alright, for them not to worry and to tell everyone hello. She went on with her day.
*****
Elizabeth and the rest of the tour followed the tour guide on horseback through the canyon. As they stood at the precipice, she could only sigh at the grandeur as the guide pointed out this and that.
Mrs. Fanny Bertram knew her facts and thus she relayed them with an engaging lilt. "This spectacular scenic canyon, more than one million years old, exposes rocks spanning about 200-million years of geological time. The canyon was home for prehistoric Indians nearly 12,000 years ago. Coronado may have visited the canyon in 1541. But officially, it was discovered by Captain R. B. Darcy in 1852. Darcy Incorporated, headquartered in Austin, still..."
It had nearly been 4 whole days since he penetrated her mind, Elizabeth thought that she was far enough away from his influence, but that was not to be the case. And why in the hell does he always seem to invade my thoughts?!
"... This canyon was the scene of a decisive battle in 1874 between Comanche and Kiowa Indians and U.S. Army troops under General Ranald Mackenzie. It was also the scene of an early ranch undertaking started by Charles Goodnight in 1876...."
Elizabeth turned her horse in the opposite direction, handed over the horse's reins to the trail boss, and made it to back to her cabin in an angry state; there she sat and stewed.
After a time, Elizabeth checked out of the canyon and drove back to her hotel.
Now all she had to do was wait. Tomorrow, she would speak with Chamberlayne and see what was going on.
*****
"Lizzy, I think sending you away was a bad idea?"
You don't know the half of it!
"Why do you think that?""It's been all quiet here. I think you ought to make yourself seen and heard in the city."
"I can do that. How many McDonald's are there between my hotel and downtown?" she giggled.
"I'm sure you'll find out."
"I need to go shopping anyway. Any suggestions?"
"Plenty! But the first is to meet me for lunch."
"I'll do that! I'm in desperate need of company right now!"
Chamberlayne smiled through the phone. "12:30 p.m. then?"
"I'll be there!"
*****
Chamberlayne and Elizabeth had lunch at an undistinguishable steak house downtown and were later joined by Lead Detective Edmund Bertram. They discussed many things, none of which Elizabeth would be directly involved in, but indirectly.
*****
As Elizabeth tried to keep her mind occupied not on a certain gentleman, she shopped. All too soon, a feeling of being watched gently wrapped itself around her shoulders as though a slow yet constricting blanket; her gut lurched. Initially, she thought it to be the food consumed at the restaurant, but eventually she waved off the nausea as she ascertained it to be the FBI on her tail. Mentally, Elizabeth noted that she would advise Chamberlayne that his troops should be a little more discreet.
In one occasion, Elizabeth thought she saw someone recognizable from her past, but in her line of work, she came across too many individuals as passing acquaintances or clients for her thoughts to go any deeper than that; she dismissed them, although uneasily so.
Chapter 11 - Show yourself to me?
She bolted straight up from her sleep and immediately turned on the lamp on the nightstand and looked around for a pen and pad. She scribbled furiously in the early hours and promptly went back to sleep.
*****
Elizabeth peered forlornly at her strange scribblings in the middle of the night. "What in the hell did I mean by this?" She went over the words in her head. Snake! Frances.
Elizabeth racked her brain for an answer. It was staring her in the face, but she could not see it clearly. Who is Snake? And why is my mother involved?
She hurriedly dressed and ran from the room.
*****
Elizabeth drove through downtown Amarillo, parked in a garage and made herself be seen. As she shopped she relaxed. As she ate lunch, things became a little clearer. But as she passed a shop window, something caught her eye in the glass reflection. Elizabeth spun around quickly, but no one she recognized was available to her sight.
After studying the streets for a moment, Elizabeth smiled. The snake had appeared in its most slippery and slithery form! Calmly, she tucked her bags under her arms and began to visit every shop on the block. Taking her time, pondering her next step, and hoping she would perchance see that 'old friend' from childhood.
Closing her eyes and letting her mind wander, Elizabeth now saw this 'old friend' too clearly in her own reflection. Isabella Thorpe! She had not heard that name in more than 10 years, let alone thought of her.
Isabella was the same age as Elizabeth and Frances Bennet's favorite, or so it seemed. Although as toddlers, the 2 girls played together every day, Frances made Elizabeth aware that she preferred the other girl in every single way possible. Yes, Elizabeth was boisterous when they played together, but that was because Isabella always managed to destroy one of Elizabeth's toys and then throw that sneaky innocent, doe-eyed look to Frances whenever she came to inquire about the noise. Mrs. Bennet, being who she was and how she was, believed that child over the one living in her own household.
Such a lovely little thing! Belle causes her parents no trouble at all! Belle knows how to act in company, she plays quietly, she sings like an angel... While you, on the other hand, have given me trouble from the day your... father brought you home! Lizzy, I wish you could be more like Belle! Not only is she pretty, but normal looking! If you didn't have those eyes and that color... well, anyway, you could learn a few things from her!
Elizabeth sighed, that was a daily recital from Mrs. Bennet. Frances Bennet had always downgraded and castigated Elizabeth in front of everyone.
You'll never be good enough! You're not as lively and funny as Lydia, not as feminine as Kitty, not as smart as Mary, and definitely not as pretty and dainty as Jane, even Belle!
Then Elizabeth smiled to herself. Isabella was not what everyone thought she was. Scheming, conniving, and vile to those she thought were in her way to achieving whatever successes she might obtain.
Of course, as children, Elizabeth had yet to understand Isabella's motives. However, in high school, it became quite clear to her; that envy had wrapped itself around her old friend and painted her green with an avarice stripe of red for good measure. Each time Elizabeth tried to prove herself to Mrs. Bennet; it drove a stake in Isabella's cold heart; she saw her own parents, the Thorpe's, respect for Elizabeth grow daily as well. You can only guess that that pushed her towards the dark side. When Elizabeth received recognition and awards for brains and talent, Isabella boiled and plotted revenge. In essence, she was jealous of her esteem.
On the day of High School graduation, Isabella made it plainly known to Elizabeth that she had vowed to take her place, one day, and make her rue the day she was born.
*****
Suddenly, it began to rain and Elizabeth ducked into an eatery. She espied a telephone booth near the restrooms and made a call. When she hung up, she sat down and had a bite to eat. All was going well until Isabella burst into the restaurant firing her gun at ensuing officers. Everyone inside ducked under their tables and trembled quietly; it was a tense few moments. Isabella grabbed the cashier and moved into the seating area. Elizabeth sat stock-still as Isabella eyed her, strangely.
She waved her gun in the air and pointed. "Get up bitch!" she finally exclaimed.
Elizabeth did as bid; she was only a few feet away from her old nemesis.
"You and I are going out together!"
Elizabeth sucked in her breath as she approached her. "You're not going to harm that young girl, are you?"
Isabella thought for a moment, then tossed the young woman away like an old rag. But in that precious moment, when her head had turned ever so slightly, Elizabeth kicked high and landed her foot across Isabella's jaw line, in turn, sprawling her across a nearby table.
Unfortunately, the gun remained in Isabella's stiff hand and once she righted herself, she quickly took a few close-range shots at Elizabeth.
*****
Elizabeth looked up at the clear day. Funny how the rain had passed and nothing but a cool, crisp freshness hung around. Victory was hers! She licked out her tongue and could taste it; salty though it was. Elizabeth chuckled absent-mindedly as she went over the turns of the previous night.
As she was fired upon by Isabella, Elizabeth's cat-like quickness aided her once again and she ducked for cover, leaving a wide-open and standing assailant. The police, just outside, took no time at all in expelling their projectiles through the glass.
Elizabeth sighed and shook her head. At least Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe were not alive to see their daughter's demise...
*****
"That's a wrap, Lizzy!" Chamberlayne embraced Elizabeth even before she was completely in the room. "I thought we could catch her, but, in this case, the dead don't wear stripes..."
Elizabeth winced. "I'm just glad it's all over."
"And I'm forever grateful nothing happened to you!"
"Me, too!" She pulled away. "Well David, I'm off."
"Take care of yourself Lizzy."
"Don't be a stranger David!" And with that she left his office.
Chapter 12 - The man of steel.
Darcy tried his best to avoid any Bennet family/business functions that he thought he could. He could not fathom being surrounded by such a family and yet remain sane. He continued in his own affairs and worked diligently to maintain his friendship with Mr. Bennet and the Bingley's, although from a distance.
Elizabeth kept herself busy with her work. The majority of it, successes, but one failure stood out: one dead end after another as to the whereabouts of Mrs. Jarvis. Whether she was dead or alive, her body had not yet surfaced. Still, Elizabeth was reluctant to go to any function that involved Darcy Inc. or the man himself.
On the oft occasion that they did meet, it was courteous but strained or they danced avoidance. Below are just a few examples of when two opposing worlds collide.
*****
Saturday, January 24, 1998 (Collision #1)
At a trendy downtown Dallas nightclub called The Curtain Club.
"Charlotte! Congratulations!" Elizabeth and Charlotte embraced. "Here," Elizabeth handed her an envelope. "I didn't know what to get you, since I don't know your office motif."
Charlotte tore open the envelope and gasped, "Lizzy! You shouldn't have!" They embraced again.
"Just my way of saying, 'I know what you did for me last year' and 'Thank you.'"
Charlotte was dumbfounded. "What?"
"We'll talk about it later. But not now."
"Sure."
"We'll go shopping next week before I go away. Okay?"
"Great! How about Tuesday?" Charlotte asked eagerly.
"I'll check my calendar and give you a call tomorrow." Charlotte nodded and gave the envelope to Collins. "What's he doing here?" asked Elizabeth in a vehement whisper.
"He works for me, remember?"
"Not him." Elizabeth nodded in Darcy's direction. "Him!"
"We're old law school friends," smiled Charlotte as Elizabeth gasped.
"You never told me that!"
"You never gave me the chance! You always interrupt..."
"Well, I guess this room is big enough for me to avoid him. If not, then you'll know why I left."
"Lizzy, Will's not all bad!"
"Yeah right!" Elizabeth glared at him until he turned his head in her direction. "And I see he brought that scheming bitch Caroline with him!" she sneered. "Be ready to break up a brawl."
"Lizzy, I know you can control yourself. So I won't worry."
They parted company.
*****
"Undress me slave!"
Just flatter her and, hopefully, she will pleasure me. Then I can boast about it to the other peons... Billy Collins, King of the peons!
"At once, your Worshipfulness! At once!" He approached her cheerfully, but hesitantly."Is there something wrong?'
"No, no, your Mightiness! It's just that this is my first day on the job and... And I'm not sure how you wish to be undone."
"Ayeee! Very well! You must first remove my samurai sword, then my belt, and so on... But you must also kiss every inch of me that is unveiled, starting with my feet."
"Oh, your Highness, I aim to please!"
"Just be careful of my sword," she sniffed. "It's very sharp."
"I will, your Majesty. I will."
He unsheathed the sword and went to put it in its place of honour on the wall, but in a flight of fancy, he began to fight an imaginary foe with it.
"Get back to your duties!"
"Sorry, my Queen Elizabeth!" he ran back to her side with sword in hand. She raised her arms as he unwrapped the mile-long belt. As he ran in circumference, he panted, "My Savior, I have been taking classes... learning to be a master swordsman." All this running and breathing made him dizzy and he fell to his knees.
"When you have finished with me, you shall show me what you have learned..."
"But, but..."
"No buts!" she sat on her chair. "Since you brought it up, you will impress me or 40 lashes for you." He stood dumbfounded. "Now kiss my feet!"
"As you wish, my Goddess!" He waddled over to her, removed her sandals, and began to kiss her toes. "But I assure you..." he moved to her heel. "... I am only a beginner..." now her ankles. "... and we are just now using wood..." he slurped on her calves.
"Enough! It is time for my bath."
Damn! Almost there...
"Yes, Oh Wise One, right this way.""Tsk, tsk." She stepped into the pool of water trickled with thousands of rose petals. "How are you going to bathe me with your clothes on?"
YES!!!
"Um, of course, your Omnipotence!" He disrobed quickly."Are you happy to see me naked?" she laughed and pointed.
"Beg pardon, your Greatness, but your beauty would make even a eunuch stand at attention."
"Good answer. Now you may continue where you left off..."
Kissing her feet, yeah, and...
Reality set in. "But they're under water!""You shall be allowed to come up for air every so often. Now... please me!"
He slurped and licked from her toes upward like she was the last piece of fried chicken at KFC. He came up for air more times than not, but repeated his services again and again as she bathed herself.
She pulled him up by his hair. "Now impress me," she yawned, "...while I think of your reward.
"Yes, your utmost loveliest!" he kissed her breasts and started humping wildly.
"Not that!" she pushed him away and frowned. "Your swordsmanship..."
"Now?!" She nodded; he acquiesced and climbed out of the pool. Damn! "Yes, Oh Mistress on High!" he sighed.
He went back into the outer room to procure the weapon and stalked in like he was a great hunter bearing down on his prey. The power and the act began to feel good to him, then he began to swing the sword, and he thrust with authority and parried with finesse... NOT! Then he threw it up in the air and was cocky enough to believe that he could catch it while covering his eyes with one hand.
"Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeooooooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwww!" he ran around, screaming, spewing blood all over the marble floors.
"Bobbitized!" Elizabeth cackled hysterically.
Collins snapped out of his reverie, quite quickly. "Damn! I can't even fantasize right!" Ahh, there she is! He pounced from around a corner. "Elizabeth, dance with me?"
"Not again in this lifetime! And I hope not to see you in the next one!" she glared.
"I should be the one who's upset," he sang sweetly near her ear. "You walked off the dance floor."
"Billy, I'm a one-warning woman!" she spat and wagged her finger in his face. "If you don't step off and leave me alone, I'll..."
"Ms. Bennet, is there a problem?"
"Uh no, Mr. Darcy," Collins trembled. "Elizabeth was just giving me a lesson in... jurisprudence!"
Darcy smiled. "Good! I hope the lesson is over, I'd like to speak privately with the young lady, if you don't mind?" Collins nodded and surreptitiously backed away. "Ms. Bennet, I..."
"Will Darcy!" boomed Mr. Lucas from behind him. "Good to see you again! Are you enjoying the party?"
Damn!
"Yes, thank you, Mr. Lucas!""Good! Good! Capital! Capital! Ah, Eliza, I didn't see you there!" He grabbed her in a bear hug and tossed her around like a rag-doll. "How are you?"
"Fine, thank you," she mumbled into his shoulder. He let her go; she desperately wanted to spit out the woolen fibers of his sweater off her tongue. "And you?"
"Fine. Fine." An awkward few moments passed. "Why aren't you two dancing? Dancing is a great opportunity to get to know one another," he winked at Darcy. "Will, ask the lady to dance?"
"I was about to, but..."
"Well get to it man! Eliza won't be available throughout the entire evening, you know? For who wouldn't want to dance with so much beauty before them?"
Embarrassed, Elizabeth blurted out, "Mr. Lucas, I'm not staying long and I had no intention of dancing!"
"Nonsense, Eliza! The man was going to ask you to dance!" He slapped Darcy on the back, pushing him forward. "Go ahead, Will!"
A small smile came to Darcy's mouth as he viewed the blush on her cheeks and the sparkling daggers in her eyes. "Would you dance with me?"
Elizabeth smiled back and answered, "Thank you, but no."
"Come on Eliza! Although, Will doesn't like to dance that much, he is at least asking you!"
"Mr. Darcy is just being polite."
"To me? Why yes he is indeed! Always has been, but dancing with you is inducement enough, I think. I saw you two together at the celebration!" Mr. Lucas winked again. "Anyway, I'll just leave you two alone, so you can sort this out for yourselves." He walked away.
Elizabeth began before Darcy had the chance. "You've saved me twice in less than five minutes, Mr. Darcy. Don't you ever tire of playing Superman?" she smirked.
And with that she walked away, leaving Darcy stunned but smiling in her absence, until Caroline slunk up behind him.
"I believe I can guess what you're thinking," she sang sweetly and perched herself right in front of him.
"I don't think so," he sang back to her, still smiling.
Caroline smiled like the Cheshire Cat. Hmmm, he's never smiled at me like that before! "You are thinking what a waste of time this party is," she leaned in closer. "And that you'd like to go home, take a hot bath, slide into the covers with someone, I mean, something warm," she whispered.
Warm? No way!
"You're wrong there, Caroline," he answered dreamily. Now fiery and hot-blooded... Yes, definitely! "My mind was more agreeably engaged."What's wrong with my itinerary?
She huffed to herself. "What then?""I was just admiring a pretty face with dark fine eyes that sparkle like diamonds and lashes so long that..."
He thinks I'm pretty!! Oh, I can't wait to see what his apartment looks like! I want to redecorate!
"And whose eyes are you admiring?" she purred and leaned in even closer, perhaps for a kiss.Yuck!
"Elizabeth Bennet's.""Eliza Bennet!" she sneered and stepped back.
He smiled and nodded. Take the hint, Caroline... I'm not interested in you!
Caroline was about to play 'little Tammy storm cloud', which included thunder and lightening and all kinds of upheaval, but quickly decided not to show her true colors. Not yet! So instead she swallowed her tongue, a little. "I, I, I'm shocked! I know she has an... earthiness to her that some men like, but I thought you were above all that." Earthy? Trampy is more like it! "And her family! Well... Regardless, if she's the one you want... then congratulations. When's the wedding?"
"Caroline, I knew you would jump to all sorts of conclusions. I said I liked the way she looked, I didn't say I was going to marry her."
"Oh, I knew that!" she giggled coyly. "I was just toying with you." Whew! He's just trying to make me jealous... Puh-lease!!! Caroline latched onto Darcy's arm and paraded around the club with him in tow, for the rest of the night.
Elizabeth left early.
*****
Tuesday, January 27, 1998 (Collision #2)
In Dallas
"Can't I ever escape him?" whispered an exasperated Elizabeth.
"Who?" asked Charlotte as she looked around the restaurant.
"Who else?" Elizabeth tilted her head slightly toward the front.
Charlotte turned in her seat. "Ah," she said knowingly and waved Darcy over. "Hi Will!" she stood up and embraced him.
"Charlotte," he kissed her on the cheek and released her. Be suave! Be smooth! "Ms. Bennet."
Be calm! Be cool!
"Mr. Darcy," was the frigid reply."What are you doing in this part of town, Will?" asked Charlotte. "This artsy-smartsy part of town is not your usual fare."
"Caroline drags me down here once a month!" he laughed.
"Caroline's here?"
"Ladies room," he frowned. "What are you two doing down here?"
"Shopping! Both you and Lizzy gave me a gift certificate from the same store!"
"Really?" he smiled.
Charlotte and Darcy looked at Elizabeth to join the conversation, but she did not.
"Well, I ought to get to my table now. Call me."
"I'll do that!"
"Ms. Bennet, it was nice to see you again."
"Same here," she stated with indifference.
Darcy left and went to his table. Caroline came in, saw them, but did not acknowledge their presence.
"He's actually dating that stuck-up bitch!" sneered Elizabeth.
"No!" giggled Charlotte. "But you can't help a girl for trying!"
Elizabeth tried not to smile. "But he just said they go out."
"No. Well, yeah. But he only takes her shopping when he wants to buy something for his sister, Gina! Then he eliminates her choices and comes back for the other stuff."
Elizabeth guffawed in hushed tones. "Poor Caroline!"
"I think he's interested in someone else," whispered Charlotte.
"Poor girl... Whoever she is!"
"Lizzy, he's a great guy!" Why can't you see that?
"He needs to be drop-kicked a couple notches down!"
"Well that may be true, but I thought you two looked good together on the dance floor."
"Yeah, well, he probably danced with me to save face."
"Yeah, yours!"
"Well, that's your interpretation," she blushed. "I didn't need saving," she muttered under her breath.
Yes you did!
"Regardless of what you might think of him, it was very chivalrous.""Yeah, whatever." Elizabeth turned towards Darcy again. Actually, it was very nice of him. He really didn't have to do it. He always seems to be around when I need saving... Saving from Billy Collins that is! She almost smiled when he looked over at her, then Caroline turned her head towards their table; instead Elizabeth frowned and turned away.
Later, Elizabeth went to the ladies' room. Caroline, seeing her chance, decided to follow, discreetly. They met at the washbowls. Caroline was patting on more make-up, if that was possible, while Elizabeth washed her hands. Elizabeth glanced quickly at Caroline's reflection and smirked unconsciously.
"You could use a little make-up," she upbraided her. "But you Bennet girls are so passé with your country looks."
"Is there a point to this conversation, Caroline?"
"Yes, there is. If you're trying to catch a man like Will Darcy, you'll need more than long eyelashes. I could paste those on in a second," she snapped her fingers to emphasize her point. "But Tammy Fay Baker is so not me."
You could've fooled me, everything on you is fake!
Elizabeth held her retort. "I'm not in the least bit interested in Will Darcy.""And the feeling is mutual, I assure you. If he tried everything in his power to separate Charles from Jane back in college, why would your backwoods charms work on him now?"
"Excuse me?" said Elizabeth with hands on her hips and plenty of attitude in her look.
"Oh yes! He was dead set against the marriage as much as I was. Still is! He only pretends to like Jane for Charles' sake. But you only need ask yourself why he's stayed away from them all these years."
"I don't give a damn what his reasons were, nor yours, for that matter!" she spat. "Jane and Charles are happy, you know."
"Jane is happy, Charles is pussy-whipped and delusional," Caroline sneered.
Elizabeth was at her wit's end and counted to ten with her eyes closed. "Caroline..." she clenched her fists.
Caroline interrupted. "You ever wonder why Will bought your father's little business?"
"No, but I'm sure you're chomping at the bit to tell me."
"Oh, no! You're the smart one, Annie Oakley," she clucked. "You figure it out. But when you do, you're not going to like it!"
Caroline walked out of the bathroom, laughing at another one of her victories over Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was fuming! All manner of thoughts passed through her mind in milliseconds. So that... that arrogant son-of-a-bitch was plotting against Charles and Jane! He's lucky that they're happy, 'cause I'd take him outside and kick his ass, for sure! And what did that pasty-faced skank mean? Why did he buy my father's business? Was it to destroy us? Is he going to make millions, no billions and then laugh at our foolishness? No, I checked that contract nine-ways to Sunday! It was a pretty sweet deal and should set my parents up for life! Nah, it couldn't be that! And Charles' name was on it! I know he's not in league with the devil! No, Will Darcy's up to something else... I just know he is! Elizabeth was in a shaky state when she finally emerged from the bathroom. Luckily Caroline had swept Darcy out of the restaurant or there would have been a row!
