The Content of their Characters
Chapter 1
The ruling came down from the State Supreme Court about six months ago and was followed by a legislative mandate drafted in accordance with the court’s ruling. The schools of the state were not integrated enough. There were only seventeen African American students in the whole student body of six hundred at North Meryton High School, situated in the most affluent neighborhood of the city. Students from "inner city" areas would be bused 45 minutes across town to attend NMHS. Many of the residents in the surrounding neighborhoods had fought fiercely against the change, arguing that it was their property tax dollars that supported the school – and their children who should benefit from the amenities those tax dollars could afford. The high Court and the legislature had disagreed, and the county had no choice but to comply with the statute.
Today was the first day of school.
Elizabeth Bennet was trying to comfort her sister Jane on the bus. It was Jane’s senior year of high school and she was reluctant to change schools now, but their home had fallen within the zone where busing was mandated. Their mother had been thrilled. She wanted her girls to have the best opportunities available, and a wealthier school in a wealthier neighborhood meant just that.
"You have to admit," said Elizabeth, "that they’ll have better resources at North Meryton. They probably don’t have computers that freeze up all the time. And, you heard what Mrs. Gardiner said, their drama department is amazing."
"I know, Lizzy," replied Jane, "I’m sure it’ll be great. I’ll be fine. It’s just that half my friends are still going to Meryton Central and I’ll miss them."
"We’ll just have to bus them all in for the spring play – which you will have the lead in! And we’ll throw one big graduation party at the house and have everyone over, and Dad can make some of his famous barbecue ribs and Momma will brag to all her friends about all the scholarships you got because you attended North Meryton High School."
Jane could not help but laugh. "Thanks, Lizzy," she said, putting her arm across her sister’s shoulder.
"Anytime baby."
"Baby? You forget who the big sister is!"
"You can let me be the big sister and take care of you once in a while, you know."
The bus soon pulled into the carefully maintained driveways of NMHS. Elizabeth looked out the window, and was shocked by what she saw. She stood up on her knees in the seat and looked towards the back of the bus. "Hey, Char."
Her best friend, Charlotte Lucas, looked up and Elizabeth tilted her head towards the window. "It looks like the creme de la creme gave up their tennis lessons at the country club this morning to make us feel welcome!"
Several of the students looked out the window and there were a few gasps and some angry expressions as everyone noticed the line of protesters carrying signs in the street in front of the school. The initial reaction of shock soon died down – the students had been warned to expect a protest.
Charlotte looked to her seatmate – a red-haired freckled girl named Mary King – and said, "You’ll finally feel like you fit in girlfriend!"
Everyone started laughing as Mary just smiled and high-fived Charlotte. "‘Bout time," she said with a wink.
William Golding said, "Mary I don’t know what you’re doin’ here. You’re throwin’ off our percentages! We’re supposed to add color to the school."
"You don’t wanna see how colorful I can be, Willie!"
At that, the door to the bus opened, and Elizabeth, noticing a news truck near the picket line called out, "Smile for the camera everybody!" as the students began to descend from the bus.
The first order of the day was an assembly of the whole school. There were lots of speeches. The principal addressed the assembly, and even the mayor of Meryton welcomed all the students to NMHS. Elizabeth and Charlotte rolled their eyes at each other. Everyone knew Mayor Elliot had been one of the most vocal against the integration program.
Jane recognized Mrs. Norris, the head of the drama department, from a drama program she’d participated in over the summer. She was talking to two boys who, Elizabeth had to admit, weren’t bad looking. Upon their approach, Mrs. Norris introduced Elizabeth and Jane to Charles Bingley and William Darcy. When he learned that Jane was interested in drama, Charles immediately struck up a conversation with her and offered to show her around the drama department after school. Elizabeth noticed William Darcy roll his eyes as he kind of stood there awkwardly. She didn’t want to talk to him, so she made small talk with Mrs. Norris, bragging about Jane’s acting abilities.
After a few minutes, once Jane had made plans to meet up with Charles later, the girls walked away towards their homerooms. "That’s my girl," said Elizabeth.
"What?" asked Jane.
"What? Charles was totally into you, or didn’t you notice?"
"We have a common interest, Lizzy, don’t start."
"Who’s starting? He practically asked you out on a date right there."
"Whatever," said Jane. "My homeroom’s over there. Have a good day."
Elizabeth smiled to her sister and then started looking for her own homeroom. She was about to turn a corner into a side corridor when she heard voices in private conversation. It was the subject of their conversation that made her pause. "I just can’t believe you agreed to show that girl around this afternoon," said one voice.
"Well, I’m sorry, Will, but she’s a nice girl and I liked her."
Elizabeth realized these were the two guys they’d met with Mrs. Norris.
"That much was obvious."
"What is your problem?"
"Nothing, I just don’t like standing there like an idiot while you make a move on some girl you don’t even know."
"It wasn’t like that. Anyway, you could have talked to her sister. She was cute."
"About what? I don’t even know the girl and I wouldn’t have wanted to give her the impression you were giving . . . what’s her name?"
"Jane. And, you could have tried being friendly," said Charles. Then he added suggestively, "I mean, you never know . . . ."
William sighed, "Please, Charles. You know very well that girl was not my type."
Elizabeth was fuming! But Will Darcy was spared an earful by the ringing of the school bell.
Chapter 2
Elizabeth rushed into her homeroom just as the bell was ringing and slid into the first empty seat she saw. She was still fuming about what she'd overheard. Not his type! Damn right, I'm not his type. A pretty white boy like that wouldn't know what to do with a colored girl from the 'hood! Does he imagine I might actually be attracted to him! Ugh! Where does he get off? The presumptuous, arrogant, self-important, . . .
"Miss Bennet, I presume."
"Hmm," said Elizabeth, shaking herself out of her thoughts. She looked up to see all the eyes in the room on her. The teacher looking at her expectantly. "Oh, yeah. That's me. Sorry."
The teacher had barely finished confirming the presence or absence of the rest of the students when the bell to change classes rang. Elizabeth was more relaxed as she entered her first class, Honors English. She chose a seat in the front row and took out the syllabus she had received at registration. She had been thrilled with the reading selections for the year and relieved to find that she'd already read more than half of the books on the list.
Mr. Grantley began the class by announcing that a new shipment of books had arrived at the school and apologizing that there had been insufficient numbers of the assigned books to be distributed at registration. He excused anyone who had not yet read the first novel assigned and indicated they would have one week to complete it. He then began a series of questions designed to establish who had read the book and give those who hadn't an idea of what it was about. Having read Mansfield Park repeatedly, Elizabeth was disappointed not to be called on. The questions sparked a lively debate among the students and Elizabeth was pleased to note the informal atmosphere in which the class was conducted.
The discourse centered on the disparate treatment of Mrs. Rushworth and Mrs. Yates by the Bertram family at the end of the novel. Elizabeth was enjoying the discussion and only regretted that from her vantage point at the front of the room, she could not look around at each student who contributed to the conversation as easily as she would have liked. Then she heard that voice. She covered her face in her hands and thought to herself, Great, he's here! Just when I was beginning to enjoy this class.
Mr. Grantley witnessed her behavior and said, "Do you disagree with Mr. Darcy, Miss Bennet?"
"I do," she replied, pleased to have an opportunity to join the discussion and to disagree with Will Darcy.
Will, who had been paging through his copy of the book and citing specific passages, noticed that she did not have a copy of the novel with her. Assuming she had not had the chance to obtain one yet, he offered her his with the page open to the passages he had referred to. She was surprised that he was sitting near enough to her to be within arm's reach. Careful, you might get cooties, she thought to herself.
She was still smarting from his earlier remark, and this bit of condescension was more than she could tolerate. She looked him in the eye and said, "No thanks," pushing the book away. "We do have libraries in the ghetto!"
Will appeared mortified and quietly closed his book and placed it on the desk in front of him.
Elizabeth was immediately sorry for what she had said. To all appearances, he was the nice guy and she was the offending party. She had only made it seem like she was turning his kind gesture into a racial issue. She breathed out heavily and gave her response, accurately citing passages of text. Everyone was so impressed by her knowledge of the book, most of them forgot about her sarcastic remark. But Will Darcy didn't forget it.
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet was last year's winner of the Governor's State-Wide Essay Contest," announced Mr. Grantley. "Her paper on feminism in the novels of Jane Austen won first place. Will Darcy's paper on, ironically enough, the same topic placed second." Elizabeth was embarrassed at first, to have her accomplishments known by all and sundry. But when she heard she had beat out Will Darcy she could not restrain a smile. Nor could she help glancing in his direction. The expression on his face was not one of surprise. He had already known who she was. Mr. Grantley continued, "Today's disagreement between them comes as no great surprise as they reached diametrically opposite conclusions in their contest essays. Both papers are on file in the school library and a perusal of them may improve your understanding of some of the reading selections for this class."
With that, the class ended and Elizabeth hurried away as quickly as she could. She had two more classes before lunch, and was glad that Will Darcy wasn't in either of them. Charlotte and Mary King were in her last class before lunch, so they walked to the cafeteria together. Elizabeth kept a look out for Jane as she went through the line and paid for her food. Then she and her two friends turned and faced the room to find a place to sit. Just as Lizzy spotted an empty table towards the back of the room, she heard Jane say, "Lizzy, over here," and, following the voice, saw her sister waving to her from a table where she was sitting with two other girls.
The girl seated next to Jane was a willowy blonde cheerleader-type. She turned to see who Jane was calling to and then rolled her eyes and turned back to her tray. Elizabeth set her tray down on the other side of Jane and the other girls pulled up chairs where they could. Jane said, "Elizabeth, you remember Charles, the boy we met this morning. This is his sister, Caroline Bingley and her friend Louisa Hurst. This is my sister, Elizabeth Bennet, and our friends Charlotte Lucas and Mary King." Elizabeth put her hand out enthusiastically and both girls shook it lightly with only a slight hesitation. Then Jane added, "Caroline is the captain of the cheerleading squad." Ah, the captain! I underestimated her, thought Elizabeth.
Jane noticed her sister glance at the other two trays on the table and she explained, "Charles and Will are sitting with us too, they just went to get their books for the next class."
"Lucky us," said Elizabeth under her breath.
Caroline then looked at Mary and said, "Are you new to North Meryton this semester as well, Mary?"
Mary gave Elizabeth a knowing glance and said, "Yeah."
"Did you recently move into the neighborhood?"
"No, I've lived in the same house all my life."
"Oh? I suppose you attended private school before this?"
"No, I went to Meryton Central with everyone else in my neighborhood."
A look of understanding crossed Caroline's face. "Oh."
Louisa took up the conversation saying, "That's odd."
"What?" asked Mary.
"Well, that you would be bused all the way out here with the rest of . . . with the others from your part of town."
"Why is that odd? I'm pretty sure it was decided based on geography and I live in the area zoned for busing."
"Yes," resumed Caroline, "But it kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it?"
"I don't see how. I haven't had the advantages offered by a school like North Meryton any more than the other students in my neighborhood."
Just then, the boys returned and Caroline used the occasion as an excuse not to continue the conversation. Instead, she addressed Will, whose surprised expression at seeing Elizabeth plus two friends at his table was apparent. Yes, Elizabeth thought to herself, you better watch out, we're everywhere! After being introduced to Charlotte and Mary, he sat down and ate his lunch quietly, only speaking in response to being addressed by Charles, Caroline or Louisa. Caroline's intimate and flirtatious manner of speaking to him left Elizabeth with the distinct impression that they were a couple. I couldn't have designed a more suitable match for either of them, they're perfect for each other, she thought.
Just as she was finishing up her meal, students for the next lunch period had begun entering the cafeteria. A younger girl came up to Elizabeth and said, "Hey, cuz!"
"Lyddie," she replied, as she stood and hugged the girl. Jane did the same and then introduced their cousin, Lydia Phillips, to everyone at the table.
"How is your day going?" asked Elizabeth.
"Good. There are so many cute guys in my classes. You never told me how much fun high school is. And Kitty Martin was on my bus. So we had a lot of fun on the way in this morning. Goodness, did you see all those protestors out there? And the news camera? Me and Kitty think we might be on TV! Wouldn't that be fun?"
Elizabeth laughed, "I'll look for you on the six o'clock news." Then she glanced at her watch and said, "I gotta get to class, girl. Enjoy your lunch."
Elizabeth pecked Lydia on the cheek in response to which Lydia rubbed at it and said, "Ew, Lizzy, someone might see."
Elizabeth then turned to Jane and said, "I'll meet you at the bus after school."
"Oh, I agreed to meet Charles at the drama department."
"Better make it a quick tour!"
She then took leave of the others and went off to find her next class.
At the end of the day, Elizabeth was exhausted. Her last class was an art class. She still wasn't sure why she'd signed up for it, except that her academic requirements had been met and she thought it would be fun. North Meryton High was known for being a well-rounded institution, offering far more than just the state mandated classes. She figured she might as well take advantage of such an opportunity. As she entered the wing dedicated to the arts, she noticed a small plaque on one wall. "Donated by the Fitzwilliam Art Institute." She wondered about the organization and was glad to see that it had taken an interest in the school. Then she remembered, a bit bitterly, that no such plaques decorated the halls at Meryton Central. The people who live in this area can afford to donate money to their schools.
When she entered her classroom she was faced once again with Will Darcy, who was sitting at one of the desks in the back of the room. Now she was really surprised. He didn't seem like the artsy type. Oh great, I get to begin and end my day with him all semester. What fun! She slid into a seat and looked away from him. Neither of them acknowledged the other.
The class proved to be interesting and seemed to hold the promise of a lot of fun for the upcoming semester. Elizabeth didn't know anything about art and had really taken the class on a whim. She hoped it wouldn't be too challenging for her.
After a quick stop at her locker, Elizabeth went out to the bus when her last class was ended. She waited there for Jane as all the other students from her neighborhood piled into the bus. The bus driver looked at her expectantly and she said, "My sister is running a little late."
"I can't wait for her."
Elizabeth wasn't about to leave without Jane. She had decided to turn and tell the bus driver to go when she saw Jane emerge from one of the doors to the school building with Charles. "There she is," said Elizabeth. The bus driver sighed, but waited. It was obvious Jane and Charles were saying goodbye and then Jane ran to meet the bus. She climbed in behind Elizabeth trying to apologize to the driver while catching her breath.
The girls found a seat in front of Charlotte and Mary. When they were situated for the long ride, Elizabeth said, "So?"
Jane smiled.
"Are you going to make me ask?"
"Ask what?"
Elizabeth let out a sigh of mock exasperation. "How did the tour go?"
"Oh, it was great. The drama department is amazing. Everything is state of the art."
"I have no doubt that it is."
"But I didn't really have time to see everything. I had to run and catch the bus. I can't believe I didn't even think of that when Charles offered to show me around this morning."
"Well, you're not used to riding a bus to school."
"He offered to drive me home if I would stay longer, but I didn't feel I knew him well enough to accept."
"Wow, I'm impressed he would offer to drive you all the way home! But I think you made the right choice."
"Me too."
"So, how were your classes?"
"Oh, they were great. All my teachers were so nice. Charles is in three of my classes and Caroline and Louisa are in two of them. Oh, and his friend Will Darcy is in my calculus class."
"Ugh! I'm sorry for you. He's in two of my classes. Just my luck."
"Why do you say that Lizzy? He seemed nice enough."
"Oh, Jane, you don't know the half of it! I overheard him talking to Charles this morning after the assembly. He was giving him a hard time for inviting you to tour the drama department. Will was complaining that he had no one to talk to while Charles was being all friendly to you and Charles said he could have talked to me. So Will said, 'You know that girl is not my type.'" When Elizabeth finished, she waited for a reaction.
Before Jane could speak, Charlotte said, "So?"
"What do you mean 'so?'" replied Lizzy, turning in her seat.
"He could have meant anything by that remark."
"Yeah, right. I think we all know what he meant, Char."
"Whatever. I know there's no talking you out of something once you get it into your head."
The girls continued talking about their day the whole way home. Jane seemed very happy and Elizabeth knew Charles Bingley was never far from her sister's thoughts. Her own mind had been preoccupied with thoughts of his infuriating friend, but for different reasons entirely. This was going to be a long semester.
Chapter 3
As the first few weeks of school passed, Jane and Charles became closer with each passing day, until it was evident to all their friends that they liked each other in that way. But Charles had not yet worked up the courage to ask Jane out on a date.
Jane and Caroline had also become friendlier. Jane seemed to be the only "new" student that Caroline would condescend to spend time with. Elizabeth was sure Caroline just found her less objectionable than the rest. Jane sat with Caroline and Louisa almost every day at lunch, and Elizabeth knew Jane wanted to sit with her as well. She didn't want to force Jane to choose between herself and her new friends, so she didn't complain about having to hang out with Caroline and Louisa.
Because of Jane's growing friendship with Charles, Elizabeth also found herself more in company with Will Darcy. She had at first thought Caroline and Will were a couple, but after spending more time with them she easily saw that Caroline wished they were a couple and Will was just annoyed by her and seemed to only tolerate her for Charles' sake. It's a shame, thought Elizabeth, they're perfect for each other!
At first Will found nothing remarkable about Elizabeth; perhaps because he was still smarting from taking second place in the essay contest. No sooner had he let all his friends know that he didn't think much of her, than he started noticing that she was indeed quite an attractive girl. She was not as pretty as Jane, but she had a certain quality about her that he found very appealing. After a few weeks he was able to identify it as . . . the liveliness of her mind. Her dark eyes were expressive and seemed to betray her intelligence. And he soon discovered there was more sweetness and playfulness behind her sarcastic wit than the sharp edge she had once shown him.
But his realizations came too late. Elizabeth had already picked up on his disdain and heard all the negative things he'd said about her, as Caroline hadn't hesitated to repeat them. So Elizabeth just ignored him and enjoyed watching Jane and Charles grow closer. She was so happy for Jane and she really liked Charles. He was a great guy. She couldn't understand how Caroline could be his sister or how such an unpleasant person as Will Darcy could be his best friend.
She saw Will every day in the classes they had together, and often at lunch. During English class, where there was constant open discussion, they were cordial to one another, but avoided direct arguments. In art class, Elizabeth paid close attention to the instructor, as she had no experience in drawing or painting. She scarcely noticed Will, who sat behind her. And when she did glance in his direction, he always seemed to be sketching something.
About three weeks into the semester, Jane announced that the auditions for North Meryton's winter play had been scheduled for the following week. They were on their way home on the school bus when she shared the news with Elizabeth and Charlotte.
"So what play are they doing?" asked Elizabeth.
"The Importance of Being Earnest," said Jane, excitedly.
"Oh," said Elizabeth, not attempting to hide her disappointment.
"It's a really good play," said Jane, "I thought it was one of your favorites."
"Yes, I like it. It's a good play."
"What is your problem?" asked Charlotte.
Elizabeth sighed. "Do you really think they're going to cast a black Cecily or Gwendolyn?"
"Why not?" asked Jane. "I'm sure they'll choose the students who perform the best in the auditions next week."
"Oh Jane," said Elizabeth, "you are too good. I wish I could trust the integrity of the selection process as much as you do."
"What did you expect them to do, Lizzy?" asked Charlotte. "A Raisin in the Sun?"
Jane laughed. "Let's hope not! I can't stand that play."
"I just think they should have chosen a play with a larger cast," said Elizabeth. "There are so few main characters in that one."
"Well, from what I understand," said Jane, "the drama department at North Meryton is not that large. And most of the students involved are behind the scenes."
"So which part are you going to try for?" asked Charlotte.
"Aunt Augusta," said Jane with a smile.
The other girls were surprised by her choice. "But Jane wouldn't it be romantic to get cast opposite Charles? You could get to kiss him!" said Elizabeth playfully.
"Well, if Charles wants to kiss me, he's going to have to do it off stage," said Jane shyly.
"You mean he hasn't yet?" asked Charlotte.
Jane looked embarrassed and Elizabeth said, "That is none of your business, Char."
"Whatever," said Charlotte, "like you won't ask her again when you're alone with her at home!"
"That's different," said Elizabeth. "She's my sister."
The auditions were being held after school on the appointed date. Charles had offered to give Jane a ride home afterwards, but she had arranged for her father to come pick her up instead. Elizabeth stayed to watch the auditions and support Jane. She was surprised when she entered the auditorium where they were being held to find Caroline and Will there as well. They were sitting together towards the front of the room a few rows behind the teachers who would be judging the performances. Elizabeth was going to sit alone to one side of the auditorium when she heard Will call out her name. She was surprised, but felt compelled by politeness to accept his invitation to sit in the seat beside him. A few minutes later, Charlotte slid into the seat next to her. "I called my dad and said I'd catch a ride home with yours."
"Sounds good," said Elizabeth. "I'm sure Jane will appreciate it."
They had the auditions for the boys' roles first. The same group of students read for the parts of the two lead actors, and the minor roles would be cast from those who remained. Elizabeth watched Charles' performance with interest and saw that he was really talented. She was sure he would get one of the lead roles.
After the first round of auditions there was a break. Charles was finished so he came back to where the others were seated. He greeted everyone and asked what they thought of his performance. Everyone assured him that he would get the part he wanted.
"Where's Jane?" asked Elizabeth.
"She's backstage running lines with the other girls who are trying out."
After several minutes, Mrs. Norris announced the results for the boys. Elizabeth could see Jane at the edge of the stage peering out from behind the curtain. " . . . The part of Mr. Jack Worthing will be played by Charles Bingley." Elizabeth smiled and glanced at Jane, who was grinning. But she didn't even notice Elizabeth watching her as her eyes were locked with Charles', who was staring at her and smiling and blushing all at once while Will and Caroline congratulated him.
After the announcement, as they prepared to continue the auditions, Caroline stood up and said to Charles and Will, "Are you ready to go?"
"No," replied Charles, with a slightly furrowed brow, "I want to wait and watch Jane try out."
Caroline slumped back into her chair unceremoniously with a heavy sigh and a roll of her eyes.
Elizabeth beamed as she watched Jane perform. She was better, by far, than any of the other girls who tried out. She had the English accent down perfectly, and just the right amount of haughty snobbishness and sarcasm. Elizabeth didn't notice that Will Darcy was watching her expression as she watched her sister perform. After Jane's audition, the string of other girls who tried out seemed interminable. In truth, there were not very many, and the auditions soon ended. As soon as the group of hopeful actresses was dismissed for the teachers who were judging to confer, Jane went to Elizabeth and Charlotte. They hugged her and told her what a great job she had done, and expressed their confidence that she would get the part.
When Mrs. Norris again approached the podium, the room became quiet. She first announced who had won the roles of Cecily and Gwendolyn as the students waited in anticipation. Elizabeth looked over at Jane and noticed Charles -- who was now seated next to her -- take her hand.
"The role of Aunt Augusta will be played by . . . Jane Bennet." Jane squealed when she heard her name. Elizabeth and Charlotte were thrilled and hugged her again.
When everything was over, everyone headed outdoors. Charles was talking to Jane and Elizabeth hung back with Charlotte to give them some privacy. "I am so glad Jane got the part," she said. "Her senior year is going to turn out nicely after all. She's got the play and she's got Charles. They are so great together. I never thought I'd meet someone good enough for her, but they are so compatible."
"Yeah," said Charlotte, "they really do seem to be made for each other, but are they really a couple? I mean, Charles seems to like her, but she's been pretty closed-mouthed about her feelings."
"Charlotte, of course she likes him. Have you ever seen her this way with a guy?"
"No, I guess not. I guess I've never seen her enthusiastic over a guy."
"But that's just Jane's personality. She's never been one to be forward, especially with boys."
"Well, boys need encouragement, Lizzy."
While Elizabeth was having this conversation, she didn't notice that Will's gaze drifted to her every few seconds. He was only half listening to Caroline's incessant chatter. Finally, when Caroline realized she didn't have his full attention she said, "I know what you're thinking."
"I doubt it," he replied.
"You cannot wait to get away from these new friends of Charles'."
"Actually, I was thinking of something more pleasant."
"Oh?"
"Yes. I've been thinking of a girl."
"A girl? That is pleasant," said Caroline suggestively. "What girl?"
"Elizabeth Bennet."
Caroline was shocked at first, but the reaction was short lived. She let out a laugh and said, "Yeah, right. Now, I know you're joking," as she smacked him on the arm. Darcy rubbed his arm and took a step back, away from her.
In the meantime, Charles renewed his offer to give Jane a ride home. "Thanks," she said, "but my dad is coming by to pick us up after he gets off work."
"When is that?"
Jane looked at her watch, "He should be here in about an hour."
"An hour? I could have taken you home sooner and saved him the trip."
"I know, and I appreciate the offer, but he wanted to come pick us up himself."
"Oh," said Charles, realizing her father had probably not given permission because he did not know him. "What are you going to do once we start rehearsing for the play?"
Jane sighed. "I don't know. I figured I'd cross that bridge when I came to it."
"Well, you've come to it," he said. Then, after a slight hesitation, he added, "I could drive you home every day after practice."
"Charles, I couldn't ask you to drive me all the way across town every day."
"You're not asking, I'm offering."
"I'm sure you have better things to do."
"I can't think of one -- and we could even run lines together in the car."
"I don't know."
"Maybe if I stick around and meet your dad when he arrives today, he'll feel comfortable with it."
"You can't stand around here for an hour," she said. "I think Caroline is ready to go home."
"Caroline has her own car, but she chooses to ride to school and back with me, so she can wait."
"What about Will? He seems to be waiting on you. Don't you have plans with him?"
Charles glanced at his friend as if just noticing that he was still around, and said, "I don't know why Will is still here."
He then approached Will and said, "I'm going to hang around here and meet Jane's dad when he shows up."
"Why?" said Caroline.
"Because I'd like to meet him," replied Bingley.
"But I'm ready to go home. I've already been waiting a long time."
"Then you should have brought your own car."
"I'm going to take off," said Will. "I'll see you tomorrow." Then he turned to Jane and said, "Goodbye Jane. Congratulations -- to both of you."
Jane smiled and said, "Thanks. See you tomorrow."
Will was just about to say goodbye to the other two girls when Caroline said, "Oh, that's perfect. Will can take me home."
Will had the deer-in-the-headlights look as he muttered, "Sure."
Elizabeth was relieved once those two were gone. The remaining four had a pleasant conversation while they waited for Mr. Bennet. When he arrived, Charles walked over to his window after he pulled up. "Hello, sir," he said, extending his hand. "I'm Charles Bingley."
"Ah, the famous Charles Bingley," said Mr. Bennet as he shook hands with the boy. "We meet at last." Elizabeth could see that Jane was embarrassed. "What can I do for you Charles?"
"Mr. Bennet, I just wanted to meet you and let you know that I'd be happy to give Jane a ride home from the play rehearsals every day after school."
He looked over to Jane who had already slid into the front passenger seat, "So, I take it you got a part?"
"Yes, Daddy. I'll be playing Aunt Augusta."
"Well done," he said, giving her hand an affectionate squeeze. "Isn't that the part you wanted?"
"Yes sir."
"Well, Charles," said Mr. Bennet, turning back to the young man outside his window, "Jane is grown now. She's old enough to make her own choices. I'll leave it up to her."
Both Charles and Mr. Bennet looked expectantly at Jane. "Let's talk about it tomorrow, Charles," she said quietly.
"Okay," answered Charles, "bye." Then he turned to Mr. Bennet and said, "It was a pleasure meeting you sir," as he backed away from the car.
"Likewise," said Mr. Bennet.
Lastly, Charles waved to Elizabeth and Charlotte in the back seat as they pulled away.
As they drove home, Mr. Bennet again congratulated Jane, then said, "It's a good thing your young man offered to drive you every day, Jane. I'm real glad you got the part, but you know I can't pick you up every day."
"I know, Daddy," she said. Then, after a pause, she added, "Maybe I could get a job and buy a used car."
"You know how I feel about that, Janey. I don't want you girls working during the school year. You chose to do volunteer work at the youth center all summer and I'm proud of you for that too, but it doesn't put money in your pocket." Then he hesitated and said, "But, it's like I told your fella, there, you're a big girl now and you can make your own choices. If you want to get a job that's fine. But I don't know how you're going to work enough hours to pay for a car and insurance and gas when you've got school and an hour long bus ride in each direction every day, and your homework, and your play, and still have time for dating."
Jane knew he was right. There wouldn't be time for everything.
Then Elizabeth said, "I don't have a play. I could get a job and pay for a car and me and Jane could share it."
Mr. Bennet looked at her in the rearview mirror, a sly smile playing on his lips, "But you aren't old enough to make your own decisions, young lady. No job during the school year."
"But Daddy, I make straight As."
"Right, because you don't have a job to distract you. Your grades are going to fall if you start working and I won't have you shattering your mother's dreams of you getting a full Ivy League scholarship."
"Oh yeah, that's going to happen," she muttered.
When they got home, Mr. Bennet waited until they were all seated at the dinner table to say to Jane, "Your friend Charles seems like a very nice boy, Janey."
Mrs. Bennet looked from her husband to her eldest daughter and back to her husband. "You met Charles Bingley?"
"I did."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I thought Jane getting the part in the play was more important news."
"Oh yes, that was wonderful news. But tell me about Charles. What was he like? Was he a handsome boy? He's very wealthy isn't he? And he must be from a good family, I just know it. Is he going to be in the play? Does he play Jane's love interest?"
"Mama," said Elizabeth, "Jane's character doesn't have a love interest in the play."
"Well, it's a romance right?"
"Yes, but Jane does not play either of the romantic leads."
"Why ever not, Jane? Don't tell me you settled for a lesser part. There's no one more talented than you."
"I got the part I wanted, Mama," said Jane.
"What? Why didn't you read for one of those other parts? Why throw away the opportunity to play Charles' love interest?"
"Because I think the character I tried out for will be more fun and more challenging to play."
"What can be more fun than playing in a romance opposite a handsome young man?"
Mr. Bennet intervened here to say, "Young Mr. Bingley has offered to drive Jane home from school every day after rehearsals for the play."
"Oh how wonderful!" said Mrs. Bennet, "How generous of him. Oh that means I'll get to meet him soon. When do you start rehearsals? I'll bake cookies. Does he like gingersnaps? Maybe not. Maybe apple pie. He can have dinner with us at least once a week."
"I haven't decided whether to accept his offer, Mama," Jane said, stopping her mother's train of thought in its tracks.
"What? But why not? He seems like such a nice boy and I so want to meet him. And he must like you very much if he's willing to drive you across town every day."
"It's a lot to ask of anyone," said Jane.
"Oh, nonsense. What else does he have to do? I'm sure he doesn't work. His family has enough money so that he doesn't need a job. And he can certainly afford the extra gas. And, besides, you didn't ask -- he offered. There's no reason you shouldn't accept his offer."
Elizabeth tried to change the subject, but Mrs. Bennet was not interested in discussing anything other than Charles Bingley. After several attempts, however, she was successful in redirecting her mother's attention.
Later in the evening, Elizabeth was finishing up her homework in her room when Jane joined her.
"I want to talk to you about Charles," she said.
Elizabeth stood from the chair and sat down on the bed next to Jane. "Okay. What's up?"
"Do you think I should let him drive me home every day?"
"Yes, I do. Jane, I was really worried when you tried out for the play that you wouldn't be able to actually do it because you wouldn't be able to stay after school. But now this solves that problem. The bottom line is, if you don't let Charles drive you, you wouldn't be able to be in the play. You know that."
"I know, but I don't want to accept just based on that."
"Well, of course not. You like him. He likes you."
"You're right. I think it would be nice to spend time with him every day, and a good way to get to know him better."
"There you go, then."
Jane smiled and hugged her sister before going to bed.
Chapter 4
The following Monday morning when Jane and Elizabeth caught the bus for school they were surprised to see Billy Collins clamber on board at one of the stops on their route. They had known him from Meryton Central. Breathless and sweaty from running to catch the bus, he sat down across the aisle from Elizabeth who tried not to look at him curiously. He grinned at her. "I moved."
"Hmm," said Elizabeth absently.
"I moved in with my Gramma. She lives in the North Meryton district. I figured, why should I still be going to the inferior school while y'all get the chance to go the best school in the state?"
"Makes sense to me," said Charlotte, under her breath.
Elizabeth just rolled her eyes and prayed that Billy would not be in any of her classes. Getting away from him had been perhaps one of the only positives of having to leave Meryton Central. He was annoying to say the least. He was so full of himself but, ironically, had no reason to be. He was neither good looking nor intelligent. Nor was he an extraordinarily kind or caring person. He was selfish, vain, shallow, and dull.
Her prayers were not answered and it turned out he was not only in her homeroom, but also in two more of her classes. At least she had Charlotte and Mary King in chemistry, but she was the only one he knew in their Spanish class.
By lunchtime she was just happy to be away from him. She was sitting in her usual spot when he walked up to their table with his tray and spoke to them. Jane introduced him to everyone and he stood there awkwardly for a moment. Elizabeth imagined he was waiting for an invitation to sit down and she knew that had he stood for one more second Jane would have issued it. Luckily, he walked away and imposed his presence on some of the other students he knew from Meryton Central.
By the end of the first week, Billy Collins had made Elizabeth's high school experience almost intolerable. He seemed to hang around her constantly. He talked incessantly -- of his classes, of his plans for after high school, and mostly of his participation during the past summer at the Fitzwilliam Art Institute's minority enrichment program. He boasted of having been singled out by Catherine de Bourgh, the president of the institute, as having the most potential. He was taking a more advanced art class than Elizabeth and offered repeatedly to help her with her class. She always thanked him but assured him she could handle the workload just fine. She did not understand why he seemed to be around her all the time. He hadn't spoken to her quite so much at Meryton Central. Now he was forever seeking her out and could not seem to string three sentences together without throwing in a reminder that his dad was her dad's boss at work.
Elizabeth didn't think being at school could get much worse. Every part of her day seemed to have some unpleasant aspect. She had two classes with the detestable and arrogant Will Darcy and two other classes plus homeroom with Billy Collins, not to mention lunch with the former almost every day and just about all her other free time with the latter. It seemed the only positive thing going on was Jane's obvious happiness in her relationship with Charles Bingley.
They had ridden home from school together all week and were growing closer each day. On Monday Mrs. Bennet was so disappointed that he'd dropped Jane off at the curb that she waited on the porch the next afternoon. When they arrived on Tuesday, she ran down the front porch stairs and insisted he join them indoors for some lemonade and cookies. He happily complied and spent an hour with the family. Before he left, he'd accepted an invitation to have dinner on Friday evening. She accompanied him as he walked out to his car, asking him what his favorite dishes were.
By Friday afternoon, Elizabeth was thrilled the week was over and found herself looking forward to the dinner where she would be able to really observe Jane and Charles together in a setting outside of the lunchroom. She mentioned to Charlotte when they walked out to the school bus together how happy she was for Jane.
"Jane has been on cloud nine all week. Things seem to be going really well between her and Charles."
"Well, he's been useful, at least," replied Charlotte. "It's really great of him to drive her home everyday after rehearsals for the play."
"Yeah, he's a godsend. There's no way Jane would have been able to do the play at all if he didn't drive her. And it's so important to her. She's really hoping to get into the drama department at the university -- and high school experience is so important."
"Is it really that competitive?"
"According to Mrs. Gardiner there are at least five applicants for every freshman seat in the drama departments of the state university system."
"Well, I really hope she gets in."
"I'm sure she will."
Changing the subject, Charlotte exhaled and said, "I'm so glad it's the weekend."
"You're telling me!" said Elizabeth. "I've had a painful week. I've got to find a way to get Billy Collins off my back."
"Is he bothering you that much?"
"He seems to be around constantly, and he's so annoying. I'm just glad I won't have to see him all weekend."
"At least dinner at your house tonight should be interesting with Charles there."
"Yes, if Mama behaves herself and doesn't scare him away!"
"I don't think there's much chance of that."
"I still get a good laugh when I remember Caroline's face at lunch the other day when he told her," said Elizabeth, smiling.
"That girl is so not happy about her brother's relationship with Jane."
"Maybe she just doesn't want to drive to school by herself every day." They laughed together at this.
"I thought it was funny the way Will Darcy squirmed out of giving her a ride when she was hinting that he should pick her up and drop her off every day."
"I do not get that girl."
"Why not?" asked Charlotte, "Because she has a really nice car but doesn't seem to want to use it?"
"Well, there's that. But what I really don't get is her attraction to Will Darcy."
"Why?" cried Charlotte in surprise. "The boy is gorgeous. Even you can't deny that."
"Gorgeous isn't everything. He's a jerk."
The girls just laughed as they got on the bus together and found a seat near Mary King and some of their other friends.
Dinner at the Bennet house was as fulfilling as everyone had hoped. Mrs. Bennet had the satisfaction of seeing a young, good-looking and very wealthy boy obviously head over heels for her Jane; Elizabeth had the satisfaction of seeing Jane genuinely happy; Charles had the satisfaction of spending ever more time with Jane and enjoying a delicious home cooked meal; and Jane had the satisfaction of Charles' company as well as knowing that her choice pleased her family.
The weekend passed too quickly for Elizabeth. Monday morning found her on the bus perusing her school calendar for the next three-day weekend and grumbling about having to spend another week like the last one. The day was as grueling as it had promised to be and Elizabeth was exhausted when she finally plopped into her chair in art class. She was surprised to see a stranger in the chair next to her. A very handsome stranger -- without a doubt one of the best looking guys she'd ever seen. A young man of color and (apparently) affluence -- he was definitely not from the 'hood. "Hi there," he said to her, extending his hand. "I'm George Wickham."
"Hi," she replied with a smile, taking his hand and shaking it. "Elizabeth Bennet. Are you a new student?"
"Sort of. I attended here last year but I started out this semester somewhere else, and then decided to come back."
"So you're from this neighborhood?"
"Yeah. I was raised right up the road. Why, aren't you from around here?"
"No. I'm one of the former Meryton Central students."
"Oh, that's right. That whole integration thing."
"Yeah," said Elizabeth rolling her eyes.
He laughed. "I think it's great. This school needed some color, if you know what I mean."
She smiled and started to say something but he had looked past her towards the door. She turned her head and noticed Will Darcy standing there staring at George. He didn't turn his gaze away from them. George stood up, pulling out his schedule, and said, "You know what, I just realized I'm in the wrong place. I better go find the class I'm supposed to be in. Catch you later."
He left the room, hurriedly, without so much as a word to Will Darcy, who sat down in his chair with repressed anger clearly marked on his features. He pulled out his sketchpad, as usual, but instead of sketching as he always did in this class, he kept it closed in front of him on the desk while the teacher demonstrated some new painting techniques.
Elizabeth was baffled by what she had witnessed. Clearly there was some history of animosity between Will Darcy and George Wickham, and she was dying to know what it was.
The next day she saw George in the hall on her way to lunch. She caught up with him and said, "Remember me?"
"Hey there. Elizabeth Bennet, right?"
"Yeah. Hey, did you ever find your class yesterday?"
He thought for a moment and said, "Actually, as it turns out, I was in the right place. I had to transfer out of the art class and take something else -- speech or something."
"Why did you transfer?"
"Well, after I thought about it, I realized speech might be more useful for me."
"Really? Because you seemed perfectly fine in the art room until you saw Will Darcy walk in," she said bluntly.
George smiled nervously. "Oh, you know him?" he asked.
"Not really. My sister's dating a friend of his." She rolled her eyes as she said the last, and added, "Charles Bingley is a great guy, but he has no taste in friends."
George laughed. "So I get the feeling you don't like him."
"I can't stand him."
"That's surprising. Mostly everyone loves him. He's such a golden boy."
"Well, he doesn't have me fooled."
"Good for you."
"So what's your problem with him?"
"Oh, me and Will go way back. Way back. We were best friends growing up."
Elizabeth was shocked. "Really?"
"Yeah. We were neighbors. Lived right next door to each other. Our parents hung out and did everything together. It was idyllic, really."
"Then what happened?"
"Will's family is from old money -- and a lot of it. My dad was a self-made man. Sure we lived in the good part of town but we didn't have claim to the kind of fortune the Darcys did. But it didn't matter. Things were great between our families. Then Will's Mom died when we were around twelve, and after that his dad was never the same."
"Oh my. I had no idea his mom had died. That's so sad."
"Yeah, it was totally unexpected. She had some kind of cancer and it just all happened so fast. It was hard on all of them, Will and his sister and his dad."
"Will has a sister? He's never mentioned her."
"I'm not surprised. He's really protective of her. She's at some exclusive private boarding school, I understand. Anyway, Will's dad threw himself into his work. He couldn't cope with everyday life anymore. So he started a new business venture to fill the void in his life and he invited my dad to join him. They used to say they were in business together, but that wasn't true. Mr. Darcy put up all the capital. My dad just worked there. The Darcys were already into a lot of different business ventures and this was something new. Mr. Darcy wanted to open an art dealership. He was the one with connections in the business and an eye for quality so he handled the marketing end and brought in clients, while my dad handled the administration and operation of the business itself. He was a seasoned business man and had left a position he'd held for years as a CEO of a large state-wide company to join Mr. Darcy in this project. It was great -- a huge success for the first few years. Mr. Darcy always gave props to my dad too, saying he couldn't have done it without him -- and they both made a lot of money. He was always so good to both of us. He really treated me like his own son. We felt like family.
"A few years ago my mom and dad split up. She cleaned him out. Not in divorce court, though. She took it all and ran off with another man to some foreign country. Who knows where they are now. It was terrible. There was no way he could get the money back. Everything they owned had been in both their names and she had taken it all legally. Everything. My dad was devastated. It wasn't just the money -- he'd adored my mom and was shocked by what she did. He tried to track her down but she wanted nothing to do with him anymore. He'd lost everything -- his wife whom he loved and had built a life with, the small fortune he'd amassed by his own efforts, everything. Mr. Darcy kept trying to reassure him that he'd help him out. But my dad was too proud. He was a self-made man and he didn't want charity. All he asked of Mr. Darcy was that he look out for me. Once that promise was given, he shot himself."
"Oh my God," said Elizabeth. "That's terrible. I'm so sorry."
He smiled. "It's alright. It was just a few months after that when Mr. Darcy had a massive heart attack. Will was devastated when he died. I tried to be there for him, but he didn't want any help."
"Good Lord. He's an orphan? And his sister -- how old is she?"
"Georgiana must be about thirteen or fourteen by now." He continued. "Will and his sister inherited everything. Fifty-fifty. The companies, all the money and property. Everything. He'll be eighteen next summer and then he will control it all until his sister comes of age. Right now his uncle, Earl Fitzwilliam, is the trustee until Will's birthday."
"Earl Fitzwilliam. Fitzwilliam. Why does that name sound familiar?"
"Maybe the plaque on the wall in the art wing?"
"Yup. That's it. Wow. So Will Darcy's family owns the Fitzwilliam Art Institute?"
"Among other things. Yes."
"That's interesting." Elizabeth didn't know what else to say and was eager for the rest of the story.
"Anyway, Mr. Darcy fulfilled his promise to my dad by providing me a small cash inheritance in his will. He also indicated he wished to provide for my education and he wanted me to have an internship at one of his companies while I was in school. But no formal bequest was made since he wasn't sure where I wanted to go to college or what career path I might take. Plus, I'm sure he expected to be alive to handle it himself. But, at Will's request -- demand really -- his uncle made it clear that he had no intention of fulfilling Mr. Darcy's dying wish. No college, no internship. Nothing. Will didn't want to see his inheritance wasted on educating and providing for the likes of me. I never realized, all those years, why Will always seemed a little distant with me. I mean when we were real small it didn't seem to matter, but as we got older I knew it bothered him. He always resented the fact that his dad was on such intimate terms with my family. We were not the right type of people -- if you know what I mean. So I was given, in trust of course, the amount I was legally entitled to only . . . and shown the door."
Elizabeth touched him on the arm as she gasped. "Oh my God. That's terrible. How could he? Can't you sue him? or the estate?"
"No, like I said, there was no legally enforceable bequest. Besides Will and his family have an army of lawyers at their command. I couldn't even afford the fight -- and I'd never win. Plus I couldn't put Mr. Darcy's son through that, not after the kindness my godfather had always shown me."
"Your godfather? Mr. Darcy was your godfather?"
"Oh yes. My parents didn't have any other family locally and they were such good friends, it only seemed natural. And Mr. Darcy always lived up to it too. He didn't see it as just a formality or a nominal title."
Elizabeth was still stunned. "I've disliked Will Darcy from day one, but I never imagined him to be so cruel -- to deprive his own father's godson of such natural gifts as a good education, a good job, a chance to get ahead in life."
"It makes me sad to see it. Our dads always wanted us to be like brothers."
"It's unbelievable."
"It's really a shame he turned out that way. I would have never expected it. Maybe it's because he lost both his parents so young."
"How can you be so understanding to him? You've lost both your parents -- sort of, I mean your mom's alive but after what she did . . . well, she's not around anyway -- and you didn't turn out like that."
"He's not all bad, Elizabeth. He can be a nice guy when he wants to be."
"He's a scum bag and personally, I don't see how you can say anything positive about him."
George laughed. "Come on now," he said. "We've spent the whole lunch period talking about a scum bag. What a waste." He walked her towards the vending machine. "And you haven't eaten a thing. Here, allow me," he said, digging some change out of his pocket. "Now what will you have, mademoiselle?"
Elizabeth laughed. "No really, it's okay. I'm not hungry."
"I insist. If you don't choose something, I'll decide for you and it'll probably be something you don't like but you'll feel like you have to eat it out of guilt."
She smiled. "Okay, um, a Snickers bar, then."
"Ooh, the lady likes the chocolate," he said, as he inserted the coins and pressed the button. He handed her the candy and said, "Enjoy. I'll see you later."
"Thanks. Talk to you later."
Elizabeth nearly floated to her next class and couldn't stop smiling for the rest of the day.
She found time to talk to George each day for the rest of the week, though she still had lunch with Jane and the usual crowd. George almost always spent his lunch period in the library anyway. She was thrilled with this new development. She couldn't believe her luck in finding such a great guy at North Meryton. He was so handsome, and so charming and clean-cut and well-bred -- always a gentleman. And an added perk was that Billy Collins left her alone once she started hanging around with George. By the end of the week, school had suddenly become an exciting place she looked forward to going to. George had asked her to stay and talk after school some time, but she explained she had to catch the bus. On Friday afternoon, he stopped her on her way out to the bus and suggested they would have to make plans one day the following week to do something after school and he would drive her home.
"Like a date?" she asked flirtatiously.
"Like a date," he confirmed, flashing that gorgeous smile.
"Sounds good. What day?"
"Next Friday. It will give me something to look forward to all week."
"You got it," she replied.
"I'll catch you later," he said with a wink and walked away.
When she entered the bus her friends, who had watched the exchange through the window, were grinning at her. "Oh stop it," she said, taking the seat behind them.
"So I guess you have a date for the Halloween dance?" asked Charlotte suggestively.
"Aren't you jumping the gun a little Charlotte? George and I are just friends. I still plan to go to the dance stag -- assuming my friends will go with me?"
Mary and Charlotte agreed their plan to go to the dance together was still on. Jane of course was going with Charles.
Chapter 5
Elizabeth had butterflies in her stomach as she was getting ready for her date with George Wickham on Friday after school. Jane was going out with Charles that evening as well. She was happy for Jane, and for herself. She had never met a guy who interested her as much as George. He was intelligent and ambitious and fun to be with. And he really seemed to like her as well. She'd seen him almost every day during the week, but they hadn't been able to spend much time together. She looked forward to having the entire evening with him.
Thankfully, Charles arrived first and bore the brunt of Mrs. Bennet's nervous energy. She had been sitting in her rocker on the front porch waiting for either of the boys to show up. By the time Jane had left, Mrs. Bennet was calm and very content. When George pulled into the gravel drive to pick up Elizabeth, she arose and came forward as he got out of the car, telling him how very happy she was to finally meet him and how Elizabeth had been talking of him constantly for the past couple of weeks. Elizabeth stepped outside in time to hear the last of her mother's speech and was quite embarrassed by the time they got into the car. He apologized for being late, and they fell into an easy conversation as he drove to the restaurant.
Elizabeth had a lovely evening with George. He took her to a small quiet bistro and she enjoyed his company and conversation very much. She'd never met a boy who she felt this kind of chemistry with. He was charming and witty and he really listened to what she had to say. And, they seemed to have so much in common. They liked a lot of the same books and movies and television shows and shared many of the same interests. When they left the restaurant, he held her hand as they walked to the car. He escorted her to the passenger side and opened the door for her. Before she could slide into the seat, he gently touched her arm to stop her.
"Thank you for going out with me tonight," he said.
"Thank you for inviting me," she replied with a smile. "And for dinner."
"My pleasure," he said. Then he gently touched her face and leaned in to kiss her. She backed away slightly, and he stopped, surprised. "Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yeah," she said shyly, looking away from him. Then she hesitated for a second before adding, "It's just too soon."
"No problem," he said, flashing that heart-stopping grin of his. He winked at her and walked around to the driver's side of the car as she slid into the passenger seat.
They chatted together as if nothing had happened when they were on their way. Elizabeth was glad he seemed to understand her reservations and the drive was not uncomfortable. She was surprised when it became clear they were not going home. But the evening was still very young so she didn't complain, and just waited to see where he was taking her. They pulled up at an ice cream shop in a popular downtown area. There were lots of people milling around and after they'd gotten their cones they walked down the street hand in hand looking into store windows, talking and laughing together.
By the time Elizabeth arrived at home, she was walking on air. She'd never had such a fantastic date before. It had been perfect. Jane got home shortly after her and they talked long into the night about their evenings and about Charles and George. Elizabeth thought of nothing but George all weekend. She almost regretted not kissing him, but was confident she'd soon have another opportunity. She was looking forward to seeing him on Monday. Jane had talked to Charles Friday night about the Halloween dance. They were going together and he'd talked her into dressing up as an angel. She'd told him if she dressed like an angel, he'd have to do so as well and he'd finally promised to dress to match her. Elizabeth wondered if George was planning to go to the Halloween dance. They hadn't discussed it on their date -- she hadn't brought it up for fear of seeming too forward. Afterwards, she thought it had been silly of her to think that way. She still intended to go to the dance with her friends, but she hoped to see him there.
She saw her cousin, Lydia, over the weekend, who had found out all about Elizabeth's date from overhearing a conversation between their moms. Lydia had apparently heard of George Wickham and was curious to know everything about him. She asked Elizabeth a million questions about their date and was never satisfied with the answers.
Elizabeth didn't see George in school on Monday. She was disappointed but she knew she'd run into him sometime during the week. Of course, if it wasn't for Will Darcy, she'd have a class with him everyday. She could not help but feel angry with Will for his treatment of George and the discomfort his continued contempt caused. Seeing him in art class at the end of the day only brought all these feelings to the fore. He was sketching as usual, seeming to completely ignore their teacher, who didn't seem to notice or, if he did, he didn't seem to mind. She just rolled her eyes as she thought to herself, I guess when your family donates a wing to the school you don't have to pay attention in class! She was glad when art class was over and she could start thinking about the following day and hope she might run into George.
When Jane finally got home Monday evening, she wanted to talk to Elizabeth right away. "Don't make any plans for Saturday night."
"Okay, why not?"
"It's Charles' birthday and he wants to have dinner with a few friends."
"Why aren't you and Charles going out just the two of you?"
"We thought it'd be nice to get everyone together. Don't worry, Lizzy, we get plenty of time alone."
Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh at this little confession. Then she asked, "So, who all is going?"
"You, Caroline, Louisa, Will, Charles and me."
"Four girls and two boys."
"Lizzy!"
"Okay, I'll go. You know I'll go."
"Thanks Lizzy."
On Tuesday Elizabeth finally saw George Wickham at school. After chatting for a while about their date the previous weekend he asked her out again for Saturday evening, but she had to decline due to her plans with Jane.
She had hoped he might ask her out for Friday night since she already had plans for Saturday, but instead he said, "Maybe we can do something next weekend."
"Sure. I'm going to the Halloween dance next Friday."
"Oh, okay." he said.
"Aren't you going? It'll be fun."
"I guess I could swing by." Then he looked at her with a smirk and waggled his brows, "Are you going to dress up?"
"Maybe," she said with a winning smile of her own.
"Well, I can't miss that, now can I?"
She only smiled.
"Hey, I gotta run," he said, "I'll catch ya around." And with that, he took off down the hallway.
She saw him a couple of times during the rest of the week, and their conversations were fun and lighthearted, but he didn't say anything else about seeing her outside of school again. Unfortunately, Billy Collins had begun to pay attention to her again during this week -- just when she believed he had decided to give up on her, he renewed his attentions, and with even greater interest. He always seemed to be nearby when she got out of her classes or when she was on her way out to the bus. Elizabeth simply tried to avoid him and send the message of disinterest by paying as little attention to him as she could without being rude. Charlotte was a great friend, and acted as a buffer with Billy much of the time, for which Elizabeth was very grateful.
On Saturday night, she and Jane borrowed their dad's car and met the others at the restaurant. Elizabeth sat between Jane and Louisa at dinner. She was glad not to be sitting next to Will, though he ended up directly across from her.
The conversation began with Charles saying how much he was looking forward to the Halloween dance. Caroline said that she didn't think it would be fun at all and was doubtful that she would go. She was sure there were others at the table who didn't wish to attend and she proposed making alternative plans for the evening.
Will Darcy, to whom everyone knew her comments to be addressed, said nothing in reply. Lousia echoed Caroline's sentiments and proposed that a few of them make plans to do something different. "Will," she added, "don't you think it would be fun to go out and have a blast somewhere else while everyone is at the dance?"
"Sure, I suppose it would be fun for someone who doesn't expect to enjoy the dance."
For a moment Elizabeth was pleased and relieved at the thought that Will might actually not attend the dance. She could see that Caroline and Louisa interpreted his remark in the same way.
"Excellent," said Caroline. "I'm so glad you're going to join us. What should we do?"
"What?" said Will, "Wait, I never said I was planning to join you. I told Charles I'd go the dance."
"But you hate those kind of events."
"Not really. I think it will be fun. And I think I've come up with a good idea for a costume."
"Oh no. You are not going to dress up too!" said Caroline with shocked indignance.
"As a matter of fact, I am."
"As what?"
"He won't tell," interrupted Charles. "It's a big secret."
Darcy smiled. "That's right," he said.
"Why won't you tell us?" asked Caroline.
Darcy paused for a moment before answering and said, "Well maybe you all will think it's stupid and make fun of me if you just hear me say it. I think the effect will be better if you see it on."
"That could never happen," said Caroline.
"Why not?" asked Elizabeth. "Is Will so perfect he can't be made fun of?"
Will then asked her, "Why would you want to make fun of me or anyone else?"
"Well, I didn't say I wanted to, and I wouldn't make fun of someone in a cruel or hurtful way. But I don't see anything wrong with laughing at the ridiculous, especially when it comes to Halloween costumes, for Heaven's sake, they're meant to be ridiculous, and fun."
"Well I'm sure Will's costume won't be ridiculous," said Caroline.
"Of course not. We've already established that he's perfect," replied Elizabeth.
"I'm not perfect," said Will.
"Really?" said Elizabeth with a smile. "Then please, name one of your faults because I haven't seen any."
Darcy seemed a little taken aback by her demand at first, but then he smiled as he thought about how he should answer. Elizabeth began humming the tune from Jeopardy while she waited for his answer, and his smile grew wider. Finally, he spoke, "I guess . . . maybe I'm not very forgiving. I tend to hold grudges."
"Ah, well then I'll have to remember not to make you angry!"
He just smiled to himself, but said nothing.
"Is your inquisition over?" asked Caroline.
"Sure," said Elizabeth, "for now. I mean, he's admitted he has a fault, but unfortunately it's not one I can make fun of. It's a shame, really, because I love to laugh."
"At other people's expense?" asked Caroline with disgust.
"Well I like to laugh with people rather than at them. I think it's important for a person to be able to laugh at himself or herself."
Before Caroline could reply, Will smiled and said rather boldly, "I like a girl with a healthy sense of humor."
Elizabeth was incensed. She was certain he was just provoking her anger. He had made it clear he didn't approve of her sense of humor and he certainly could not like her in any case. He'd made no secret of that. "Luckily for me, my sense of humour consists of only liking to make fun of people," retorted Elizabeth to show she was not intimidated by him, "and I'm sure that can't be considered healthy by anyone's standards. So you're free to despise me."
"I don't despise you," said Will, still smiling at her.
Caroline looked from one to the other and changed the subject. "Well maybe I'll go to the dance after all," she said. "It would be nice to dress up, and I'm sure I could find something really cute in that vintage dress shop on Main Street." She addressed Elizabeth, and in an effort to make her appear less refined than herself, asked, "So what are you wearing to the dance?"
Elizabeth just smiled and said, "I'm working on something special."
"What?" said Louisa, "Are you actually making your own costume?"
"Yes," said Elizabeth.
"Sewing . . . how quaint," said Caroline. "What a valuable skill."
"I think it is," said Elizabeth.
"Certainly it can be of some use for someone . . . of your background. But in this day and age it's certainly not something every woman needs to know don't you agree Will?"
Her appeal to Will just made Elizabeth roll her eyes. He appeared surprised at being addressed again and answered, "I don't know that every woman needs to know how to sew, but it can be useful."
"I certainly agree," said Caroline, "there are more important things that a refined woman to know how to do in the modern world."
"Like what?" asked Elizabeth, "Shop for vintage dresses?"
"Well, yes, as a matter of fact," said Caroline, "a woman should know what the latest fashions are. What do you think we're going to be doing when we finish school?"
"Um, working."
"Some of us, maybe," said Caroline, looking at Elizabeth disdainfully, "but others of us will be joining the ranks of Meryton society, making and nurturing connections with important people, representing our husbands and families to others. A woman has to know how to behave, how to dress, and how to carry herself. Don't you agree Will? I mean aren't those the types of things they're teaching your sister at that exclusive boarding school?"
"Sure, they have those kinds of classes, but I tend to think the reading and writing classes are a little more important. I think a woman who is well-read and is a skilled writer will also be well-spoken and always make a good impression."
"Well of course, those are the most important things a girl needs to learn in school and really the other things I mentioned are learned from places other than the classroom."
Elizabeth just rolled her eyes and stifled a laugh. She did think it was funny the way Will was always contradicting Caroline, who didn't seem to notice what was so obvious to everyone else -- that he couldn't stand her. But Elizabeth had little to enjoy in the rest of the evening other than being able to see Jane so happy with Charles. She had a good time and she enjoyed celebrating Charles' birthday, but she was also relieved when the evening was over. She'd had enough of Caroline, Louisa and Will. And for this I gave up an evening with George? she thought to herself wistfully. But when she looked at Jane, and saw how happy she was and reflected on how important it had been to her to have her sister with her, she couldn't regret her choice.
On Monday morning, the whole school was buzzing with talk of the upcoming dance. Elizabeth hoped to see George to confirm that she would see him at the dance and find out if he was planning to dress up. She wanted to be sure she would recognize him. But although she saw him a couple of times in passing, he was always in a hurry and there was no time for conversation. Nevertheless, his assurances the previous week made her confident that he would be there. She was looking forward to being able to spend time with him and dance with him on Friday evening but the week seemed to be going so slowly. The first half of the week crawled by and she saw no sign of George at school.
On Wednesday evening, at dinner, Mr. Bennet announced to his family that the Collinses would be joining them on Saturday evening for a barbecue dinner and the girls were not to make plans to go out Saturday night.
Elizabeth said, "I guess that means they'll be bringing Billy," her distaste for the idea evident in her tone.
"Well of course they will bring him, Elizabeth. And you had better be nice to him this time. Now that Jane's got Charles, Billy will probably want to pay more attention to you."
"I am always nice, Mom. It's just annoying that I have to pretend I actually like him just because my dad works for his dad."
"Well, that is the way of the world," replied her mother, with uncharacteristic wisdom.
The next day at school, Billy gloated to her about how happy he was that he would be coming to her house on Saturday. He hoped she would make plans to do something fun with him, like play Monopoly or some other board game. Elizabeth rolled her eyes and told him she wasn't sure what her parents had planned for the evening's entertainment, but she was sure it would be a blast.
When Elizabeth arrived home after school on Thursday, she received more bad news. Her mom was standing on the porch beaming at her as she walked up from the bus stop. "Guess what?" asked Mrs. Bennet.
"What?" asked Elizabeth.
"Well, Miss Pope called me today. She works in the front office of the high school. Mrs. Collins told me Mrs. de Bourgh herself advised Mrs. Metcalfe to hire her for the position." Elizabeth was trying not to grow impatient, but the books she was still carrying were heavy. "Anyway, she was looking for parents to chaperone at the dance tomorrow night, and I signed up!"
Elizabeth just stared at her mother. She had been really looking forward to this dance, and now it seemed she wouldn't have any fun at all.
"And, wait till you see the costume I'm planning to wear!"
"Mom!" Elizabeth shrieked. "You're planning to dress up?"
"Well of course. It is a Halloween dance."
"But you are going as a chaperone!" she groaned. She went into the house, knowing it was useless to try and talk her mother out of it, and resigned herself to the fact that her mom would be at the dance, and she probably wouldn't be able to enjoy it. She had so looked forward to spending time with George, but even if she could do that her mom would find a way to embarrass her in front of him.
Elizabeth didn't see George at all at school on Friday. But as she prepared for the dance that evening, she was sure he would be there -- and that he would be there for her.
Jane looked beautiful dressed as an angel. Elizabeth smiled to herself and mentally complimented Charles for suggesting it. He really knew Jane for the sweet person she was. Elizabeth admired her own reflection in the mirror. She was dressed as a butterfly and she felt the costume she'd put together had turned out rather well. Jane agreed, telling her it was tasteful, creative and unique. Elizabeth thanked her with a hug and Jane added, "I'm sure George will love it!"
They were both still smiling when their mom entered the room on the pretense of checking their progress, but really to get their reactions to her costume. Elizabeth could not believe her eyes.
Mrs. Bennet had on a wig with long, black straight hair, and a long tight dress with a slit up the side almost to her hip. The top of the dress showed way too much cleavage. She had put on long, black fake fingernails and black lipstick. "Mother, you cannot go to the dance like that," said Elizabeth.
"Why not?"
"Well, the dress is a little revealing for a high school dance, don't you think?" asked Jane.
"Oh for Heaven's sake, Jane. Don't be such a prude. This is high school. It's nothing any of those kids haven't seen before. I'm sure half those girls will be dressed worse than this."
"But you're supposed to be setting an example." said Elizabeth. "Who in the world are you supposed to be, anyway?"
"Can't you tell? I'm Elvira -- Mistress of the Dark!"
"Does that make me Master of the Dark?" came Mr. Bennet's voice from down the corridor.
"Daddy," said Elizabeth desperately, walking past her mother towards him. "Please convince Mom not to wear that ridiculous outfit."
"In twenty years of marriage I haven't been able to convince your mother of anything," replied he. "If she wants to make a fool of herself, there's nothing I can do about it."
Elizabeth was ready to scream! Then she heard Jane say calmly. "Mom, whatever happened to that elegant black lace shawl you had? You could wear it as sort of a cape. It would look divine with the costume."
"Elvira doesn't wear a shawl."
"I've seen her wear a shawl," said Elizabeth quickly as she helped Jane shuffle their mother to her room in search of the shawl. At least they could cover her up somewhat. Within a few minutes they had Mrs. Bennet pleased as punch with the addition to her costume.
Soon afterwards, Charles arrived to pick Jane up, but he didn't get out of the car. As she rushed out to join him, Jane explained that he didn't want anyone to see his costume until the dance. As soon as they drove off, Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth left the house, picking up Charlotte and Mary on the way to the dance. This was not how Elizabeth had envisioned the evening. Charlotte had been planning to borrow her parents' car. But with Mrs. Bennet chaperoning, the Lucases agreed there was no reason for Charlotte to drive and were grateful to Mrs. Bennet for offering to take all the girls. And what was worse, Elizabeth had to carry the platter of little finger sandwiches her mother had made for the dance on her lap for the entire drive.
They arrived at the dance a full fifteen minutes before it was scheduled to begin and no one was there yet. Elizabeth knew Jane and Charles had planned to get a quick bite to eat beforehand and she was sure no one else interesting would show up until at least a half hour after the dance started. She went over to the food table and placed her mother's tray of homemade finger sandwiches down among the various trays of gourmet foods and desserts that had been ordered by some of the other parents. She noticed some of the other chaperones looking at her mom with surprised and shocked expressions. But Mrs. Bennet didn't seem to notice at all. She actually went up to the others, introduced herself, and all but asked for compliments to her costume. There was nothing Elizabeth could do to ameliorate the effect of her mother's behavior, so she just shook her head and joined Charlotte and Mary.
The girls entertained themselves looking through the DJ's cd collection. One of the benefits of arriving early was being able to pull the music they wanted to hear and line it up for him to play. When they had finished, and returned to the main room, they noticed it had filled up quite a bit. Mary saw some girls she knew from one of her classes and ran off to talk to them. Charlotte and Elizabeth were still chatting near the DJ table when Billy Collins walked up and started talking to them. Elizabeth stared at his costume. He was wearing what appeared to be a brown bathrobe and plastic shoe covers made to look like boots. "What are you supposed to be?" she asked.
"Can't you tell?" he cried, pulling a toy lightsaber from his belt and extending its purple blade.
"Mace Windu?" she said trying not to wince.
"Yeah," he replied, doing some fancy Jedi moves. "Except my mom wouldn't let me shave my head."
"Nice," said Elizabeth.
He closed up his sword and said, "Dance with me and I'll protect you from the evil rebel scum!"
Elizabeth just shook her head to herself even as she followed him out to the dance floor while Charlotte gave her a pitying look. She figured she'd get dancing with him out of the way now, while so few people were there to see them together.
She danced to a couple of songs with Billy as the crowd in the room continued to thicken, trying not to listen to him talk about how much he was looking forward to spending the following evening with her in a more intimate setting. Elizabeth shuddered at the thought. She continued looking around and noticed more and more familiar faces. The room was filling up, and she could not help but notice that it was very divided. With the new kids on one side and the old ones on the other. It didn't seem to matter what the state's highest court had decided about the way things should be, some things would never change.
She finally decided she'd danced enough for now when she saw a couple of George's friends standing in a corner talking together. Surely he had arrived with them. She began to walk in their direction, trying to guess who was under some of the costumes, when her attention was caught by a figure she recognized. She saw the Fedora first, then the brown leather jacket, khaki pants, even the whip hanging at his waist, and she could just make out the afternoon shadow on the curve of his cheek in the dark room when he turned his head slightly to the side. His back was to her, but she was sure it was George. She smiled and thought to herself, Indiana Jones! How original. They had talked about the Indy movies when they'd gone out together. They were films both of them had always loved. He turned just as she approached him and her face fell when she saw that it was not George at all, but Will Darcy. How in the world could she have made such a mistake? Good Lord, they weren't even the same color! Had she gone blind?
"Hi Elizabeth," he said.
"Hi Will."
"You look very nice."
"Thanks. Um, so do you. I mean, I um really like those movies."
He smiled. "Me too."
Elizabeth hadn't realized Billy had followed her off the dance floor, until he started talking to Will from behind her. While Billy was droning on about meeting Will's aunt last summer, Elizabeth slipped away in search of Charlotte.
"He looks really hot tonight, doesn't he?" Charlotte said into Elizabeth's ear.
"Who?" asked Elizabeth, wondering how Charlotte could possibly find Billy remotely attractive.
"Uh, Will Darcy. Duh."
"Have at 'im," said Elizabeth, with a dramatic wave of her arm in his direction.
"Well I would," replied Charlotte, "if I were the one he stared at all the time."
"Whatever," said Elizabeth.
Just then she noticed Denny Chamberlayne walking towards them. He was one of George's best friends. "Hey there, Lizzy," he said.
"Hi Denny."
He looked her up and down as he added, "You look fantastic."
"Thanks. So, did George come with you?"
"Nah. He asked me to let you know he couldn't make it." Then he turned towards Will and added, "Some people just shouldn't be in the same room together." Elizabeth had followed Denny's gaze to Will only to discover he had been looking in their direction. He turned away when she caught his eye. But Denny's observation only made her more angry at him than she'd ever been. Not only had he mistreated George but now he was keeping him away from school events. Away from her. Denny returned to his friends and Elizabeth was left to vent her disappointment to Charlotte. The conversation was a short one, however, as they were soon distracted by Jane's entrance into the auditorium. Both girls immediately moved towards her and began laughing when they saw Charles walk in just behind her. He was not dressed as an angel as expected, but rather as a devil!
When Elizabeth and Charlotte caught up to Jane and Charles, he explained saying, "I told her I'd dress to match!"
Will approached Charles and they complimented one another on their costumes. They all stood around talking for a few minutes, and then Charles led Jane over to the dance floor. Charlotte had walked off towards the food table with Billy and Elizabeth suddenly found herself standing alone with Will. He motioned in the direction Jane and Charles had walked and said, "Shall we."
Elizabeth had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. "Sure."
They found a spot near Jane and Charles and started dancing. Elizabeth was trying not to appear as if she was dancing with him. But wasn't any use, people definitely noticed. It's not like they were the only interracial couple on the dance floor, but no one seemed to be gaping at Jane and Charles in quite the same way. Elizabeth looked at her partner to see if he'd noticed the attention they were getting. He seemed perfectly at ease dancing and she could not help but notice that he was a good dancer. She smiled as she acknowledged to herself her surprise that he had any rhythm at all!
After a couple of songs, the music slowed. Charles took Jane in his arms and Elizabeth was about to walk over to get a drink when she felt Will's hand on her arm. She reluctantly allowed him to pull her closer and before she knew it she was slow-dancing with him. She looked around the room and saw a few of the other students glancing at them with raised brows. At first she wondered what it could be about, then she realized she shouldn't be surprised that everyone was so shocked that Will Darcy would be willing to dance with the likes of her -- someone he certainly considered inferior, in more ways than one she was sure. She sighed and tried not to think aout it. Instead she focused on Jane and she looked over to see her and Charles talking and smiling together quietly. Will hadn't said a word to her and it suddenly occurred to her, after witnessing the easy conversation of the other couple, that his silence was rather rude. "It looks like a pretty good turn out," she said, thinking it might annoy him to be forced to talk.
"Yeah," was his brief reply.
She sighed. "They're playing pretty good music," she said.
"Yeah."
"Is that your word for the day?"
"Huh?"
"Can you say anything besides 'yeah'?"
"Sure. What do you want me to say?"
"I don't know. I guess I just thought we should say something to one another."
"I hadn't realized talking was a requirement when dancing," he said with a smirk.
"Well maybe I figured we could just dispense with the requisite small talk quickly and then we could enjoy blissful silence for the rest of the song."
"Is that what you want or is it what you think I want?"
"Both, I guess. You and me are both so quiet and reserved and serious. Neither of us really ever talks much unless we have something terribly important to say!"
"Well, I don't think you're that way, but you obviously think I am."
"I don't know."
They were quiet for a while after that until Will finally said, "So how are you adjusting to North Meryton?"
"Fine. I've been able to stay in touch with most of my old friends and I've made some new ones. Though at least one of my new friends felt like he couldn't stay in one of my classes, but that hasn't stopped me from getting to know him."
Will was looking at the floor as she spoke. It was a few seconds before he looked up at her and replied, "George Wickham makes friends easily. Unfortunately, he's not so good at keeping them."
"Right. Maybe because he doesn't feel comfortable showing up where his friends will be. But he does have friends, in spite of having lost your friendship."
He just looked at her for a moment, and Elizabeth was relieved when the song ended. She let go of him and walked towards the drink table, glad the dance was over. Mary King walked up to her and said, "Don't Jane and Charles look great together?" It wasn't until after this statement and Elizabeth saw Mary was addressing both she and Will that she realized he had followed her. When Mary spoke, Will immediately turned and looked at the couple. Elizabeth ignored him and smiled at Mary. "I think they're so cute," she continued. "They really seem to have something special. I bet they'll be one of those couples that stays together after high school." With that, Mary grabbed a couple of drinks off the drink table and walked away.
Will was again silent for several seconds, looking at Charles and Jane while Elizabeth helped herself to a soda and began to scan the room for someone she could talk to. She was surprised to hear his voice again, "What were we talking about?"
"Nothing really," said Elizabeth absent-mindedly. She'd thought the conversation was over.
He was pensive for a few seconds before saying, "Well, have you read any good books lately?"
She couldn't help but let out a small chuckle as she rolled her eyes. "I don't think books is the best topic for the two of us to discuss."
"Why not? We both like to read."
"Well, apparently we reached completely opposite conclusions in the essay contest."
"Then we could compare our opinions."
"I am not going to talk about literature at a dance."
She was silent for a moment, still incensed about George's absence. She was surprised that Will continued to stand next to her. Well, if he wanted to talk to her, then why not? Maybe she could scare him away with impertinent questions. "So," she said at last, "you once told me that your greatest fault was that you can't forgive people easily."
"Yeah."
"Well then I guess you're really careful about letting yourself get angry at someone?"
"I try to be. I'd never want to judge anyone unjustly. Why do you ask?"
Elizabeth sighed, and tried to shake off her gravity. "I'm just trying to figure out what kind of person you are, that's all."
"Well maybe you should get to know me a little better before you draw any conclusions."
"Oh I doubt I'll have much chance of that," she said with a laugh.
"Suit yourself," he replied.
Just then Elizabeth noticed Caroline and Louisa approaching them. Elizabeth stifled a laugh when she saw their costumes. They were both wearing old flapper dresses from the 1920s that were way too revealing, with ostentatious hats and costume jewelry. Darcy turned to see what had captured Elizabeth's attention and seemed to be stricken by the same reaction as she had been. Before either of them could say anything the two girls were with them. When Caroline saw Will looking at her, she did a turn as she walked towards him, as if to show off her dress. Elizabeth just wanted to gag. The two girls immediately struck up a conversation with Will and all but ignored Elizabeth. Undeterred, she said, "I thought you two had other plans."
"Well we changed our minds," said Caroline.
Elizabeth was just wondering whether it would be rude to simply walk away when her mother approached them. Louisa and Caroline openly laughed at Mrs. Bennet's costume when they saw her. At least Will tried to restrain his shocked reaction.
"Good evening, children," she said in her best Elvira voice. Elizabeth introduced her mother to her schoolmates. Mrs. Bennet was thrilled to meet Charles' sister. "Oh, my dear Caroline! Jane has told me all about you! And your brother, Charles, is such a sweetheart. I think he is very taken with my Janey. But who can blame him? She's such a sweet, pretty girl."
"Mom," said Elizabeth, embarrassed.
"I only say what people have told me her whole life," rejoined Mrs. Bennet. Then she turned back to Caroline and continued. "My husband and I were high school sweethearts, you know. Imagine the stories they will tell their children of how they met and fell in love."
Elizabeth was mortified. "Mother," she said, "I think you should have something to eat. Aren't you hungry?"
"Oh no," replied Mrs. Bennet. "I had something a little while ago." Then she picked up one of the finger sandwiches she had made and took a bite. "But I can't resist one little sandwich. These are really so good. Have you had any?" she asked Caroline and Louisa. They shook their heads and she turned to Darcy and gestured the half sandwich in his direction. He just stared back at her. "Suit yourselves," she said, polishing it off. Then she turned back to Caroline and added, "And of course with Jane and Charles together, Elizabeth might actually be able to meet a nice boy, for once. I'm sure he will introduce her to tons of his high quality friends -- if he hasn't already. It can be so hard for girls like my poor Lizzy and Janey to get exposure to . . . other cultural influences."
"Mother please," begged Elizabeth.
"What?" said Mrs. Bennet. "It's about time you meet a nice boy. That George Wickham was very sweet, but I don't see him here tonight. You've already gone and frightened him off. What am I going to do with you? I hope you behave better with Charles' friends. Though I do think you have a very good chance with Billy Collins, if only you'd show him your best self. And you'd better be on your best behavior when his family comes to dinner tomorrow evening."
When Mrs. Bennet mentioned George Wickham, Will Darcy looked at her with renewed interest. He then looked curiously at Elizabeth and then back to her mother.
Elizabeth was beyond embarrassed. She was desperate to get out of the situation and there seemed to be no way of shutting her mother up. She hated to be dishonest, but there was nothing else she could do. She grabbed at her stomach and doubled over. "Mom, please, I feel sick. You have to take me home right away."
What she didn't expect was for Will Darcy to come to her side immediately and walk her to a nearby chair. Meanwhile Mrs. Bennet was following her, saying, "Oh my Lizzy, what is it? Is it that time of the month?" She turned to Caroline and Louisa and explained, "She gets real bad cramping every month."
"I'm fine," said Elizabeth to Will, shaking off his help. Then she said to her mother, "Please mom, can we please just go home?"
Mrs. Bennet looked towards the dance and sighed. "I guess I'll have to take you home, but you really have the worst timing. I was having such a nice evening; and I'm sure Mary and Charlotte will be disappointed to leave early."
"They can stay. I'm sure Charles won't mind bringing them with Jane."
Mrs. Bennet appeared shocked. "I can't allow them to intrude on their date like that. I'm sure they want to be alone."
"Mom, they're alone every day when Charles drives her home from practice." Then she looked at the others, the girls were already backing away, seemingly eager to escape. But Will Darcy lingered nearby so she addressed him, "Will you please ask Charles and Jane to drive Mary and Charlotte home?"
"Of course," he replied.
"There, Mom, you see," said Elizabeth.
"All right then," replied Mrs. Bennet. She turned to Will, "It is nice to see there are still real gentlemen in the world. Even though I know all about what you did to poor George Wickham, it's decent of you to make sure the girls get a ride home." He seemed confused but said nothing. Mrs. Bennet turned back to Elizabeth and said, "We can go, but you really don't seem that sick Lizzy."
"I feel terrible."
"All right, come on."
With that Elizabeth left the dance with her mother. She was miserable and mortified with embarrassment. How would she ever show her face at school on Monday?
Chapter 6Elizabeth did not emerge from her room on the morning following the Halloween dance until she was summoned by her mother after noon. By the time she came downstairs, Mr. Bennet was already in the backyard firing up the grill and Mrs. Bennet was in the kitchen making her famous potato salad. Elizabeth was dreading the evening. After the time she'd had the previous night, the last thing she wanted to deal with was Billy Collins and his family. She retreatd upstairs as soon as she could and found Jane in her bedroom standing pensively in front of her open closet.
"Do you have a date with Charles later?" asked Elizabeth, surprised her parents would let Jane out on an evening when such important company was expected -- notwithstanding all of her father's pontificating about Jane being "a grown girl."
"Hey there," replied Jane. "Good morning! Never mind that it's afternoon. Did you have a nice sleep? You must have needed it; Mom said you weren't feeling well last night."
"Oh Jane, I was faking. Mom was embarrassing me so much at the dance I had to get her out of there. I don't know how I'm going to show my face at school on Monday."
"Well I'm glad you're feeling okay," replied Jane. Then she grabbed a shirt from her closet and held it against herself, "What do you think?"
"Well I still don't know what or who you're picking clothes out for."
"Oh," replied Jane, "No, I don't have a date -- we're having company."
"So you're putting this much thought into what to wear for Billy Collins?"
"Not exactly," replied Jane, "but he's not the only one coming over. His parents will be here too and remember, Mr. Collins is Daddy's boss. I just want to make a good impression."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and dropped herself onto Jane's bed. "How could I forget? Billy reminds me of it all the time."
"Well I guess he's proud of his dad, Lizzy, you don't see that very much these days. So you think the shirt's okay?"
"Sure," said Elizabeth, "now come to my room and help me pick out the most unflattering outfit I own." Jane laughed, but walked with her sister to her room.
By the time the Collinses arrived, a full fifteen minutes early, both girls were showered, dressed and waiting patiently in the living room in front of a plate of hors dourves they weren't allowed to touch. After their arrival, Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins eased into the inevitable business conversation while the women caught up on gossip.
Mrs. Bennet could barely contain herself with news she'd received from Mrs. Long of the death of Mr. King's father. Everyone was speculating as to why the elderly man had skipped over his son and other children and left the entirety of his small fortune to his granddaughter, Mary. Mrs. Bennet wasn't sure of the exact amount the girl had inherited but apparently Mrs. King had mentioned that her daughter was "set for college."
Elizabeth had heard all of this before and she rolled her eyes and turned back to Billy and Jane. With the parents in conversation, the young people were left to entertain each other. Elizabeth felt a little guilty letting Jane bear most of the burden of the conversation with Billy, but she knew they'd be having dinner soon and that the entire evening was stretched out in front of her. She was sure she'd have plenty of opportunity to be annoyed by him. Mrs. Bennet finally excused herself to put the finishing touches on the dinner table and a few minutes later summoned everyone into the dining room.
Elizabeth found herself sitting next to Billy and ended up eating much more of her dad's delicious barbecue than she normally would have, in an attempt to keep her mouth full to avoid conversation with him. But it wasn't easy. Soon after the meal commenced Billy leaned over and said in an exaggerated whisper, "I hope you're feeling better from last night."
Elizabeth just said, "I am, thanks," as quickly and dismissively as she could, hoping that would put an end to the topic.
"I heard you had to leave because . . . well, you know . . . it's that time of the month."
Elizabeth just gaped at him.
"Anyway, I hope you won't be in a bad mood tonight or anything because of that."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes, "Men," she said under her breath, and thought to herself, "If I'm in a bad mood it won't be becuase of that -- even if it really was that time of the month!"
"Huh?"
"What?"
"Did you say something?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Well, isn't there something you want to say to me?"
"Should there be?"
"Well an apology would be nice."
"An apology? For what?"
"Well you did leave the dance without even bothering to tell me." Elizabeth looked at him incredulously. "I mean I know you were in pain and all, but it's not like that type of thing can't be anticipated. You could have taken a pill or something."
Elizabeth put her hand to her forehead wondering how much longer this interminable meal would last. She was somewhat relieved when Mr. Collins began telling Mr. and Mrs. Bennet about his plans for Billy to work for him as an intern over the summer. It distracted Billy, who was intent on explaining to everyone how he planned to balance both the summer job and attending the Fitzwilliam Art Institute again. "Mrs. DeBourgh is counting on me to be there next summer," he explained, "and I can't let her down. She really depends on me."
"What a responsible young man," said Mrs. Bennet to Mrs. Collins.
The latter smiled. "We are so proud of him. Mrs. DeBourgh says he has real talent and plans to help him get an art scholarship for college."
The two women continued to gush about Billy until the end of the meal, while their husbands anticipated how well he would do as an intern next summer. Elizabeth and Jane had little to do but finish cleaning their plates. After dessert, Elizabeth began clearing the table while Mr. Bennet led the company into the living room. She even offered to wash the dishes.
"We'll take care of that later, Lizzy, after our guests leave," admonished her mother quietly. "Now go on into the living room and see if Billy wants to play a game."
When she entered the living room, Billy already had the chess board set up on the coffee table. The parents situated themselves on the sofas to be able to observe the game. "Who wants to play me first?" asked Billy, looking at Elizabeth and Jane.
"I will," said Jane quickly, taking pity on Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was happy to have a few minutes to herself in a quiet corner, though she knew her turn at the chess board was coming soon. Suddenly, the phone rang and she sprang up to answer it.
"Hello."
"Hello, Elizabeth?"
"George?"
"The one and only."
"Hey how's it going?"
"Great, how've you been?"
"I'm okay, still just a little shell shocked from the Halloween dance last night. I had thought you were going to be there. What happened to you?"
"Well, you know, I didn't really think it would be a good idea for me to go. You know, with Will Darcy there and everything. He's not the best at controlling his temper and I wouldn't have wanted him to make a scene."
"Well I can't believe he'd have the nerve to say anything to you after the way he treated you."
"So how was it?"
"Oh, it was terrible. I wish I hadn't gone."
"Really? Then I'm glad I bailed. So what are you doing tonight? Can you hang out?"
"Actually, we have company."
"So, can't you ditch them?"
"I wish."
"Then why don't you?"
"Because my mom would never let me out of the house."
"So just tell your parents you're not feeling well and go up to your room then sneak out, I'll come pick you up."
Elizabeth laughed. "I used that excuse to get out of the dance last night."
"Perfect," he said, "you obviously haven't recovered fully from whatever made you sick last night."
Elizabeth heard her mom call from the other room, "Lizzy, who is it?"
"It's for me, Mom." Then she replied to George, "I can't. I wish I could, but I can't."
"Aw come on," he said, "I need someone to hang out with. Besides you owe me!"
"I owe you?" asked Elizabeth, "For what?"
"Remember that Snickers bar I bought you?"
Elizabeth laughed again. "Oh yeah! Well, you're going to have to collect on that debt another time."
"I look forward to it."
"Elizabeth," called Mrs. Bennet again, "no phone. You have company."
"Okay, Mom, I'm coming," replied Elizabeth. "Look I really have to go, George, sorry."
"It's all right, I'll catch you later."
"Okay, bye."
"Bye."
With that, Elizabeth hung up and returned to the living room. Jane was seated in the chair she had vacated and Billy was waiting in front of the chess board, which was set up again. He had a huge smug grin on his face. Elizabeth glanced at Jane accusingly. She'd let him win! Jane just shrugged. Elizabeth sat down across from Billy and he started the game. A few moves into it, he began to make small talk.
"So," he said quietly, attempting to sound casual and smooth, "don't you think it's time we took our relationship . . . to the next level?"
Elizabeth froze with her hand in mid-air over her pieces and just stared at him. He waggled his eyebrows.
"And what level would that be, Billy?" she asked, trying to repress her laughter, as she moved a piece.
"Well for one thing I'd like us to be exclusive."
Elizabeth glanced up to see both their mothers looking endearingly at them, wedding bells undoubtedly ringing in both their heads. She looked back at Billy, "I'm not sure what you mean."
"Exclusive," he said with obvious frustration, "as in only dating each other and not other people."
"But we're not dating each other," said Elizabeth.
He leaned towards her suggestively in a manner he thought was flirtatious and said, "Only because you're playing hard to get."
"Actually, I'm not."
"Come on, Lizzy," he said, taking one of her hands. "Don't you think it's time for us to move past the games and have a mature relationship."
She withdrew her hand from his grasp and moved her queen with it. "Checkmate," she said.
He looked at the board, then looked at her, bewildered. She began putting the pieces away before he had a chance to set them up again.
Mrs. Bennet took out the playing cards with the intent of playing Bridge with the other adults. "Why don't you kids go out on the porch and get some fresh air?"
"It's a little cool out," said Elizabeth.
"So put on a sweater."
The three began to walk outside and just as they reached the front door, Mrs. Bennet called Jane back. Billy shuffled Elizabeth out the door and closed it behind them. He stood in front of Elizabeth and put his hands on her arms a little too intimately for her taste, "So what do you say?" he asked.
"To what?" she replied, trying to shrug him off.
"Come on, Elizabeth, stop being such a tease. I've played your game long enough. Now it's time for you to just admit that we belong together." He leaned towards her, eyes closed, lips puckered.
She leaned back and pushed him away. "I don't think so, Mace," she said. Removing his hands from her, she continued, "I haven't been teasing you, I haven't been playing hard to get, and I don't think we belong together. I am not interested in you. Why can't you take a hint?"
"But I'm going to be a famous artist one day. Mrs. DeBourgh said so."
"Good for you!"
"It's not like all the guys at school are knocking down your door, you know. The kids at North Meryton are a lot more discerning than the ones at Meryton Central. This might be the only offer you get all year."
Elizabeth was stunned. "I can only hope," was all she could say, as she moved towards the door.
"You are making a huge mistake."
"This conversation is over." She opened the door and went inside.
She found Jane alone in the family room watching television. "Why didn't you come outside?" she asked.
"Mom told me not to. I'm sorry."
"No, it's okay." She plopped down on the couch next to her sister. Billy came in behind her and asked Jane to put in a Star Wars DVD. "Let's watch Revenge of the Sith," added Elizabeth. "The one in which Mace Windu dies."
Billy just huffed and threw himself on the couch. The three watched the movie in silence until the Collinses were ready to go home.
After they left, Elizabeth and Jane helped their mom clean up the kitchen. The entire time, Mrs. Bennet was scolding Elizabeth for breaking poor Billy's heart.
"He'll live," said Elizabeth dramatically.
"You are being very selfish, Lizzy. You seem to forget that your father supports all of us by working for his father."
"Mom, I'm sure Mr. Collins is more sensible than to fire Dad after all his years of hard work and dedication just because I won't date his son."
"I agree," said Mr. Bennet, who was standing at the doorway to the kitchen. "I don't blame you for not wanting to go out with that kid, Lizzy. You can do much better."
"Thanks Daddy."
Elizabeth was relieved when it was time to go to bed and the grueling day was over. She could only hope Billy had either taken the hint or been sufficiently offended to leave her alone from now on. Sunday, after church, she and Jane went over to Charlotte's and Elizabeth told her all about the previous day. Charlotte was understanding towards Elizabeth but said she felt bad for Billy as well.
Had it not been for the dance, Elizabeth might have finally looked forward to going to school that Monday. She had reason to hope Billy Collins would leave her alone and George's phone call on Saturday evening had encouraged her. Surely he'd want to see her. But she couldn't get what had happened at the Halloween dance out of her mind and as she approached the school on the bus the events of the rest of the weekend seemed to pale in comparison to what had happened Friday night. She had never been so embarrassed and humiliated in her life. Surely, it would be talked about. People would remember her mother's appearance at the dance. She expected a day of pitiful looks and rude comments. But things were not so bad as she expected. No one in her homeroom so much as looked sideways at her. No one seemed to really recall her mother's ridiculous outfit at the dance at all. And she began to think it possible that the things her mother had said had not gotten around beyond the few people who had heard them. She began to think things might be looking up. Then she walked into English class.
She had just taken her seat and was ready for class to begin, when Will Darcy entered the room and stopped at her desk on the way to his. "I hope you're feeling better," he said.
She just looked at him for a moment. She was sure he was mocking her. "I'm fine, thanks," she replied, averting her eyes.
"Good," he said, and took his seat. He didn't say anything else to her during class, but she was glad when it was over.
By lunch time, Elizabeth's spirits were much improved. She was surprised, but not really displeased, to find Jane sitting only with Charlotte and Mary. Jane didn't say anything about Caroline and Louisa, and Elizabeth didn't ask. But she did notice them at their usual table with a bunch of other girls from the cheerleading team.
Elizabeth was not terribly disappointed about being snubbed at lunch, but she felt bad on Jane's behalf. Her sister had really begun to consider Caroline and Louisa as her friends. Elizabeth reconciled herself to the fact that Jane was better off and the sooner the friendship dissolved the better in the longrun. In any event, other than that brief incident in English class, the day had gone better than she'd expected. The only draw back was that she hadn't seen George all day. But she knew she'd run into him at some point during the week, and maybe when they did see each other he'd ask her out again for the weekend.
After school, Elizabeth was surprised to see Jane on the bus when she boarded it. "What are you doing here?" she asked. "Don't you have practice today?"
"I'll tell you at home," said Jane quietly, her eyes moist. Then she turned and looked out the window the entire way home.
Elizabeth couldn't fathom what could possibly have prevented Jane from going to practice. She thought perhaps Charles had been unable to drive her home today, but why wouldn't she just say that? At home, the two girls went straight to Jane's room and sat on her bed. "What happened?" asked Elizabeth.
"Charles," said Jane with emotion. "He said he couldn't drive me home anymore."
"Not at all? For the rest of the semester?"
"Not at all."
"Did he give you any explanation?" asked Elizabeth.
"No."
"That's not like him."
"No, it's not."
"Did he say anything else? Is he dropping the play?"
"No, he's still in the play. And, he didn't say anything else. But it just really didn't feel right, Lizzy. Something is wrong. There's something he's not telling me. It was more than him not being able to drive me. I just . . . I felt like he was telling me it's over. And I don't know why. I don't know what I did."
With that Jane started sobbing. Elizabeth put her arms around her sister. "Jane, you didn't do anything. Maybe you just misunderstood him. I don't think he meant to break up with you. And, if he did, he's obviously an idiot."
Jane gave a little smile and sai