Beginning, Section II

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Chapter 6

Posted on Tuesday, 3 July 2007

Elizabeth 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.

"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 said, "Oh Lizzy, it just didn't feel right. I feel . . . like I've lost him."

Chapter 7

Posted on Saturday, 21 July 2007

Elizabeth spent the rest of the evening on the internet, primarily checking city bus schedules to figure out how Jane could get home from practice without Charles' help. It was hopeless. Jane would have to transfer three times and wait more than thirty minutes at each bus stop. By the time she got home it would be almost ten o'clock at night. There was no way her parents, or even Jane for that matter, would go for it. Then she looked at a few used car ads, but she knew that wasn't really an option. Finally, as a last effort, she wrote an email to Mrs. Gardiner, Jane's former drama coach at Meryton Central, hoping she might have a solution.

Then Elizabeth went to talk to her dad. When she walked into the family room, he said, "It's late, shouldn't you be in bed?"

"I just wanted to ask you something."

"What is it?"

"Well, Charles can't drive Jane home from school any more after rehearsals for the play."

"That's unfortunate."

"Daddy, she shouldn't have to quit the play. Isn't there something that can be done?"

"What do you expect me to do, Lizzy? I can't pick her up after rehearsal every day. And I can't leave my car with your mother all day. I need it for my job."

"But it's only three more weeks until the play. And the third week is a short week because of the Thanksgiving Holiday. They're putting on the play the first week in December."

"I don't know what to tell you, Lizzy. I feel bad for Jane, but she shouldn't have put her trust in someone who was unreliable."

"Well she didn't know he was going to turn out to be unreliable."

"Sorry Lizzy. I wish I could help. But I can't."

Elizabeth sighed in frustration. "Thanks anyway, Dad," she said as she turned to leave the room.

"Lizzy," said Mr. Bennet. She stopped and turned back. "It's about time you and your sister start learning to deal with disappointments in life."

She didn't know what to say to that and just left the room.

She went to bed with a heavy heart. She knew being with Charles mattered more to Jane than the play. Jane didn't want to drop the play, but she was more broken-hearted over losing her boyfriend. Elizabeth had done what she could to try to solve one of Jane's problems, but she hoped and believed that the other would resolve itself. She'd seen Charles with Jane and there was no way he would give her up. There had to be more to it than what she knew. It was obvious that Charles' sister didn't want him with Jane, but Elizabeth couldn't imagine Charles would let himself be influenced by her. She was sure it was some misunderstanding and that even if he couldn't drive her home anymore, they would still be a couple, strong as ever.

But the next day did not bring the hoped for reconciliation between her sister and Charles. To the contrary, Charles seemed to be avoiding Jane like the plague. "The coward," thought Elizabeth as she watched Charles lock eyes with Jane, holding his lunch tray as he stood ambivalently in front of the lunch room, then turn to join Caroline and Louisa and Will at their table. He had offered Jane no explanation for his apparent change of feelings and she confided in Elizabeth at lunch time that she had perhaps read too much into his actions. She had convinced herself that Charles had always only wanted to be friends with her. Elizabeth didn't believe it for a second, but she didn't have the heart to argue with Jane about it. They were soon joined by Charlotte, anyway, and Elizabeth didn't want to talk about it in front of anyone else.

"So where's Mary?" Jane asked Charlotte.

"She said something about having to go to the library over lunch," said Charlotte, shrugging.

Suddenly Billy Collins joined them at their table. Elizabeth sighed, unable to believe that he still hadn't given up his pursuit of her. She was relieved to see that he spoke only to Charlotte, completely ignoring her. It made her wonder if he was just trying to make her jealous. Well it wasn't going to work, and she was glad he was leaving her alone, whatever his motives. She felt bad for Charlotte, but if her friend was willing to put up with Billy for her, she wasn't going to complain.

Elizabeth was relieved when the day was finally over. She was walking out of her last class when she saw Jane standing in the corridor waiting for her. She was smiling. "What is it?" asked Elizabeth. Then she looked up to see Will Darcy making his way out of the art classroom. He glanced at them as he folded up his sketch pad, but turned in the other direction and walked away without a word. When he was out of earshot Elizabeth said, "Did you talk to Charles?"

"No Lizzy," said Jane. "It's over with Charles." She winced, obviously trying to control her emotions. "But I found a way to be able to continue the play, and it's thanks to you!"

"To me? What did I do?"

"You emailed Mrs. Gardiner."

"Oh," said Elizabeth, smiling. "Did she come through for you?"

"Well, as it turns out, her niece is a freshman here at North Meryton. She's on a different bus route from us but she doesn't live far from our neighborhood. Anyway, Maria -- Mrs. Gardiner's niece -- is working on the play too. I even know her; she's a member of the stage crew. And the best part is her mom, Mrs. Carter, who is Mrs. Gardiner's sister in law, picks her up every afternoon after rehearsals. She's offered to give me a ride for the last few weeks until the play. She asked me to help Maria with her math in exchange, but I think she would have done it anyway."

"You talked to her yourself? When was this?"

"After lunch I ran to the library to check my email real quick before class. Mrs. Gardiner had sent me a message saying she'd talked to her sister in law and everything was worked out. She gave me Maria's mom's number and told me to call her this afternoon. I called immediately and it's all set up. I even talked to Maria already and I called Mom to let her know."

"Wow! You have been busy!" said Lizzy grinning. "I am so happy for you!" She hugged her sister. "And I'm glad you'll be able to finish the play. It's going to be such a great show. I can't wait to see it."

"Thanks Lizzy. I guess I'll see you at home tonight. I gotta run and you'd better run too if you're going to catch the bus."

"All right. I'll see you at home."

As Elizabeth made her way out to the bus, she ran into her cousin, Lydia, who was heading to her own bus. "Hey Lizzy," said Lydia waiting for Elizabeth to catch up to her. "So what do you think about George Wickham and Mary King?"

"What?" asked Elizabeth.

"Oh my God. You mean, you don't know?"

"Know what?"

"Well they're kind of an item now. I guess they went out Saturday night and they've been inseparable ever since."

"You're kidding," said Elizabeth, surprised. How was it possible? George had never shown any interest at all in Mary. In fact, Elizabeth hadn't even been aware that they knew each other. She'd never introduced them. Lydia must be confused.

"No I'm not," said Lydia. "It's the truth. I swear. You can even ask her when you see her on the bus." With that Lydia ran off to board her bus and Elizabeth boarded hers.

She sat next to Charlotte and said "Where's Mary?" just as Charlotte said, "Where's Jane?"

The two laughed and Elizabeth immediately explained the circumstances that had allowed Jane to stay in the play.

"That's wonderful," replied Charlotte. "I'm so glad she worked it out so she could stay in the play."

"Yeah. Me too. So what about Mary? What's up with her?"

"She's getting a ride home with George."

"George?" asked Elizabeth. "As in George Wickham?"

"Yep."

Elizabeth's surprise was evident.

"Don't tell me you didn't know about those two," said Charlotte.

"Lydia did mention something to me, but considering the source I didn't take it too seriously."

"Lizzy, Mary didn't think you'd care. She told me that George told her he'd asked you out for Saturday night and you'd refused. So she didn't think you liked him in that way. He told her you guys were just friends."

"I told him I couldn't see him because we had company."

"She didn't want you to be upset."

Elizabeth sighed. "I'm not upset Charlotte. Really, it's okay. I don't mind. He's a great guy and if they like each other, I'm happy for her. I did like him but it's not like I was picking out monogrammed towels or anything. And I was never sure what we had going anyway. We only went out that one time and he was always sending me mixed signals. I think I need someone a little more reliable. Someone that I know likes me and wants to be with me. Not someone who just calls out of the blue when he's bored."

"Good," said Charlotte, "'cause I think Mary is developing some pretty serious feelings for him."

"He must really be interested in her too if he's driving her all the way home."

"I don't know about him, but she seemed pretty happy about how things went on their date last Saturday night."

Elizabeth was still shocked by the news, not only because George had given up on her and was interested in someone else so quickly, someone he hadn't known or shown an interest in, but because she had never thought George would like a girl like Mary. She was only now realizing that she never thought George would be interested . . . in a white girl. Once she realized what had shocked her so much about the match she chastised herself for being so closed minded. She reminded herself how much she approved of her sister and Charles and shrugged it off. All she said to Charlotte was, "One date and she already has 'serious feelings,' that was pretty quick."

"Yeah, it's weird how two people just hit it off sometimes."

"Well I hope it works out for her."

"Me too."

Then Elizabeth changed the subject suddenly. "Oh, Char, I wanted to thank you for putting up with Billy Collins at lunch today. I thought he'd leave me alone after Saturday night but he just doesn't get a clue."

"I didn't mind talking to him, Lizzy."

"Well then you're a better person than I am, I guess."

"I won't argue with that," said Charlotte with a laugh.

Later in the evening, after Jane got home, Elizabeth went to talk to her in her room. She was still unsettled about Jane's nonchalant way of dismissing her break up with Charles. She knew her sister was more affected by it than she was letting on and she wanted to talk to her about it. She wasn't even sure if Jane had actually talked to Charles again, if she'd gotten any explanation from him, any closure. She was also curious about Jane's falling out with his sisters. It was quite a coincidence that Jane stopped hanging out with them at the same time she stopped dating Charles. Elizabeth was certain they influenced their brother against Jane.

She began by asking Jane how the afternoon and evening had gone. Jane replied that everything had worked out perfectly and she was very happy with her new arrangement. The Carters were a delightful family. After this exchange, Elizabeth became more serious. "Jane," she said, "you mentioned earlier today that it was definitely over with Charles but you didn't say anything else. Did you talk to him? Did he at least have the courtesy to tell you he wanted to break up?"

"No. I haven't talked to him. He hasn't seemed interested in talking to me. I've considered approaching him a couple of times but I always lose my nerve. Sometimes it's best to just let things go. I don't want to put him in an awkward situation. He's never had a problem talking to me in the past, now he avoids me. I'm not going to force him into a confrontation."

"I know, Jane, but don't you want to be sure?"

"I am sure, Lizzy. He's different. It's just not what I thought it was -- it never has been."

"I don't believe that for a minute, Jane. I know he really liked you and his feelings couldn't just change overnight."

"Lizzy, I think you saw what you wanted to see." Elizabeth was about to protest, but Jane stopped her. "You should know, Charles has been having a long distance relationship with another girl since last summer."

Elizabeth was stunned. "That's impossible. Are you sure? Did he tell you that himself?"

"No. Caroline told me."

"Caroline? Well now it makes sense."

"Lizzy," admonished Jane. "I'm sure she wouldn't lie about something like that."

"So who is this girl?"

"Some cousin of Will Darcy's who goes to the same boarding school as his sister. I think she said her name was Anne."

"I wouldn't take Caroline's word for it, Jane."

"I know you wouldn't, Lizzy, but I would and I do. She's my friend and I trust her."

"Alright, then why doesn't she want to have lunch with you anymore?"

"Well it wasn't just her, I kind of gave her some space after Charles told me he couldn't drive me anymore. She spends a lot of time with him and they usually eat lunch together. I didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable. He sees me every day in rehearsal and I think that's awkward enough."

"Jane, you are too nice. None of them deserve it."

"Lizzy, please, they're nice people."

"I think you should talk to him."

"Maybe I will."

"All right sweetie, my work here is done. I'll let you get to bed." Elizabeth stood up and headed towards the bedroom door.

"Goodnight Lizzy."

"Goodnight Janey."

The next couple of weeks passed quickly. Elizabeth didn't try to talk to Jane about Charles again so she wasn't sure if Jane had talked to him, but she figured when there was something to tell Jane would come to her. The play was quickly approaching and now seemed the focus of Jane's existence. Elizabeth didn't want to distract her by bringing up an emotional subject. Mrs. Carter was picking Jane up and driving her home every day and Mr. Bennet simply had to drive five minutes up the road to pick her up when he was finished with work. While she waited for him each evening she was tutoring Maria Carter in math and running lines with her if they had time. Meanwhile at school, Billy continued to pay attention to Charlotte, who continued to let him; and George continued to pay attention to Mary. It didn't take long for Elizabeth to realize she was more relieved about Billy's desertion than disappointed over George's. Maybe she should have read more into her reluctance to kiss him on that one date.

In spite of Jane's good spirits and enthusiasm about the upcoming play, Elizabeth could tell that she was still sad about Charles. This was the only thing that really troubled Elizabeth.