Jump to new as of April 6, 2001

Chapter 1- The World Is An Orange

The idea of this story was taken from a novel by the same title written by Muriel Spark (I think??).

'And here I sit, in the twilight, on the steps, outside, near the garden. The longest day in the year. Ten o'clock, and it is still light. And very warm. The heat makes me feel so old, much older than my 71 years. 71 years. It is quite a burden to carry on one's shoulders. So many things to recall. And yet so many to forget...'

'Today was a busy day in the Hospital. The Place as I call it. TP when I'm to tired to even say the full word. New guests at TP is so out of the normal routine, it seems surrealistic. Ah, I hear Janie got control over the music. How does this girl know what to play at the moment?' Mused an elderly woman sitting on the patio of the Longbourn Hospital as the gentle music of Le Grand Bleu traveled far into the fields.

The Hospital was not a real hospital. It was more a warden for elderly people. Professional personnel, beautiful surroundings, hot springs and a reasonable price made it a haven for people over 60 with no family. Or a family that wanted to ensure the best care for them. Or a family that wanted to get rid of such a burden.

Thus many were the reasons for the sojourn of the guests at the Hospital. But whatever the reasons may be, none of them had really much to complain of being under the care of a very professional, yet tender and caring nurse, Jane Bennet.

'Yes, Jane Bennet is a dearie. I remember the first time I saw her. I can't believe I knew this place before she came. She won us all over in one night.' The lady chuckled softly. 'The lawyers had full hands the next day as every grannie had changed her will to include dear Nurse Jane.'

Grannie This, Grannie That. Every woman in the Hospital was called grannie. The lady on the steps was usually known to the world as Grannie Lizzy. Yet she had not thought herself a grannie. She remembered her first fight with the nurse, so long ago:

'Dear Mrs. Kilroy, I am not that old to be called a grannie, besides I don't even have children, let alone grandchildren. Please call me Lizzy, or Miss Lizzy if you must, but no grannies! Please.'

'Why, Grannie Lizzy, every lady here is called grannie, and no one minds, so please be a good girl. Now please it your supper, the Cook has taken extra good care. Yes, that's a good girl.'

Lizzy had eaten, what was she to do?

But she hated that title.

'Oh well, Janie came and some things changed.'

Indeed, the new nurse made her grand entree into the little world of the Hospital by breaking some rules. 'A few of them as old as the Universe. Or at least as old as some of the grannies. Not that it was that big a difference.'

First, she insisted that everyone called her Jane or at least Nurse Jane, instead of the stiff and formal Nurse Bennet. Secondly, she asked every single person whether they like to be called any special names or do they prefer the 'grannie' title. Thirdly, and most amazingly, she managed to remember everyone's wish.

Everybody was impressed.

'Lizzy, Miss Lizzy, time for you to come in.' Said a singing song through the window.

'Yes Janie, I'm. Coming. Just a second.'

Yes, dear Janie. She could still remember that discussion about names:

'- No, I do not wish to be called Grannie. I do not feel as one. Besides, it makes one so old.

- Yes, I understand you. But fear not, my dear, you are so full of energy, no one would dare to call you older in fear of retaliation.' This was said with a loving smile. A daughter's smile.

'How I would long to have a daughter. Such a daughter. But no, it was never, meant to be. Perhaps G-d has wanted it that way. Who knows the twists on the pattern of life?

What had she answered to Jane's question?'

'- Well, I think you could say so, although it makes me look aggressive, doesn't it?

- No, merely outspoken.

- Call it as you like. But you are right, I feel young. My soul is young. When your soul is young, it doesn't matter how weak your body is. But when your soul is aging, better start looking for a permanent resting place soon.'

She laughed and said 'In that case, my dear Lizzy, you have a wonderful life ahead. May your soul be forever young.'

The commotion at Longbourn was quite a big one. And very rightfully so. Not every day two single suits are booked with additional rooms for companions. The visitors seemed to be mighty and grand and certainly, very very rich.

Lizzy envied the newcomers a bit. She herself was not poor, but neither could she rank in with the wealthiest of the nation. She didn't have any near relations to stay with and decided that such a hospital would be better than living alone. But her fortune would not allow a single room. So as much as she liked company, she had to live in a room with 12 other grannies. And that could be tiresome at night.

Every single grannie in the room envied the newcomers. They envied them even more as soon as first news was spread out like fire.

One of the newbies was a wealthy widow, a Mrs. Hurst with a companion, Miss Bingley. The other person was even more exciting, since he was rumoured to be a gentleman, a Mr. Darcy. He also had a secretary and nurse in one, a Mr. Charles Bingley. It was soon rumoured the companions to be brother and sister, which was, unfortunately or not - it is up to the reader to decide - not very much away from the truth.

One word more must be said about the anxiety of the ladies hearing of the arrival of a gentleman. To be blunt, some of the grannies found this certain kind of species to be near extinction. And the samples gathered at Longbourn certainly did little to prove the opposite.

Such was the situation at present, when dinner was announced. Now dinner time was certainly the most interesting part of the day, second in place only to the morning exercises.

Most of the grannies excused themselves from the affair and their food was brought to their beds.

Today, however, was different.

The cook received a shock when one of the serving maids rushed into the kitchen saying that there are not enough sets on the tables and the room is full house! Last time full house was experienced when Grannie Ann married old Mr. John.

Even the most ailing and dying grannies attended dinner. Even Mrs. Bennet, commonly known as Ma Bennet. Before Jane's reform she was called Granny Fanny, which she did not find particularly funny.

The ladies ate their dinner in peace and nothing extraordinary happened except Grannie Bon losing her teeth in the pudding, but they were successfully fished out by the ever obliging serving maid and put back into place.

Everybody was nearly finished and ready to leave, when the door was thrown open. An elderly lady sitting in a chair was wheeled by an elegantly dressed lady around the age of 28.

'Aha, le trois couluers: orange, orange and orange. What exquisite matching of colours.'

Indeed, the companion, Miss Bingley wore an interesting outfit in an equally interesting orange colour. In short, she looked like on fire.

A few seconds later every one could see another fire - fire of indignation in their eyes. It was clear the lady thought herself above company. Another few seconds showed how rude and indelicate she was ordering the kitchen staff about. Tender feelings she had only for her employer, Mrs. Hurst.

Mrs. Hurst seemed to unaware of the goings around her. Indeed, since the death of her beloved husband, she was unaware of everything. Her husband, Mr. Hurst had the grace to die of something else then an overdose of alcohol. He was accidentally shot, when, in his drunken trance, he stumbled onto the training area of the nearby army base.

Much to the disappointment of the gathered, Mr. Darcy, already named The Last of the Gentlemen, although no one has seen him yet, failed to make his entrance. Instead, he preferred to dine alone in his room.

The excitement died away and sign of fatigue were seen here and there. Soon afterwards the grannies were either wheeled or escorted back to their respective beds.

Lizzy lingered a little behind. She liked the old dining room, especially when it was empty.

'Yes, life here isn't that bad. In fact, it could be close to perfect except for the Doctor. But well, I suppose one can't have everything. I should be glad that I'm. still able to walk by myself, can still read and think clearly.'

With a sigh she stood up and made towards her room. Reaching the door she hesitated a little. From the bustle inside she could make out that at least six grannies were not sleeping yet. And she was in no mood for gossip today. Especially when she knew the topic: Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley.

Thus reasoning, she went to sit outside.

Chapter 2 - I Love The Nightlife

Life at the Longbourn Hospital was indeed, very pleasant for the respective habitants. Yet it could be still more pleasant were it not disturbed by a doctor of the name William Collins. The name spoke volumes. He looked much like the long line of William Collins' created by Nature before him and gave a good hint how the future generations might look like. Being 30 years of age, he did not achieve much, if one does not count his being appointed doctor at the Hospital. This was known among the staff and guests as The Big Bang. Due to some mistakes in the papers he was send to Longbourn instead with the robot expedition to explore Mars.

'Good morning, Lizzy. How was your night?'

'Thank you, Jane. Short and sweet. Did you see the sunrise today? It was beautiful, I was walking on the fields, it was so peaceful an quiet.'

Jane laughed. 'No, Lizzy, I did not feel like getting up at 5 am. Yesterday was a busy day, you know.'

'Not everybody has to be nuts about sunrise. And how are the newbies?'

'I've only seen Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley and Mr. Darcy. His secretary, Mr. Bingley is to arrive today. They are really nice, I am sure they will be a nice addition to our family here.'

Sure, and I'm a Chinese dancer.

'No, Lizzy, you don't have to be. Don't look startled. I've guessed correct? What was it this time?'

'Uhh, Chinese dancer?'

'At least you are original in your skepticism. What was it last time?'

'The Tasmanian Devil.'

Both ladies laughed. Coffee was served, followed by breakfast trays. Grannies and grandpas soon flooded in.

'May join you?'

'Yes, certainly, Mr. Darcy. Please let me introduce you, Mr. Darcy, this is Miss Lizzy, the most cheerful person I know.'

'Miss Elizabeth, I am honoured.'

'Mr. Darcy, a pleasure. I see you are truly the gentleman you are rumoured to be.'

'I beg your pardon?'

'Oh, Mr. Darcy, I forgot to mention, she has also the sharpest tongue in the district.' Added Jane with a slight smile.

'Now thank you, Janie. How do I look now? But truly, Mr. Darcy, you did not expect remain anonymous.'

'That's what I have hoped for.'

'Too late. We know everything about you.'

He was about to reply when someone interrupted him.

'Darcy, say, you are an early fellow. How was you night? Do you like it here?'

'Let me introduce you. Bingley, this is Miss Elizabeth and Miss Jane. Ladies, this is my secretary, Mr. Bingley.'

Bull's eye! If you listened carefully, you could hear Cupid's cry of victory. And if you looked carefully, you could see him dancing his triumph dance, holding an empty bow in his hand.

Bingley couldn't take his eyes of Jane. He salted his coffee and sugared his egg, ate both and didn't even notice it.

After breakfast Jane went to her duties, Mr. Darcy and Bingley went to explore the neighbourhood and Lizzy joined her friend, Charlotte on the patio.

'I heard you have met Mr. Darcy today.'

'Yes, I did. New travels fast in this jungle. Do they use tams tams?'

Charlotte laughed. 'Don't think so, telepathy is a better word. Check.'

Lizzy defended and captured the rook.

'Watch it, no one checks me and remains unscathed.'

'Is this a threat? Check. So, how is he?'

Lizzy was to occupied in the game to listen. 'Who? Your turn. Mr. Darcy? Polite, nice, very different.'

'What do you mean by that? Lizzy, you didn't? You are sacrificing your queen! So how many minutes do I have till you finish me off?'

'Not many, I assure you.' With a grin she added 'check. I mean that he's changed. Thank you for the game.'

'Are you implying what I think you are?' Charlotte was incredulous. 'You know him?'

'Well, not exactly. I met him once or twice, but that was more than 40 years ago and I doubt that he remembers me.'

'You're lucky I have to go. I have my therapy now. But it's not over yet. I'm gonna squeeze the truth out of you, if it's the last thing I do! Grannie Lizzy!'

She ducked when Lizzy threw a pillow from the couch and left.

The days passed uneventfully. The newbies merged with the other habitants. Except Miss Bingley, that is. Mrs. Hurst was just another grannie with her pains, aches and histories to tell. Mr. Darcy was the polite gentleman, ever so gallant and thus a favourite with every lady. He, however, did not single out anyone. Mr. Bingley was amiable and clearly besotted with Nurse Jane. Only Miss Bingley did not fit into this cozy family picture.

'From the way she treats Mr. Darcy one would think she expects a proposal from him soon.'

'Or at least a favourable will.' Lizzy and Charlotte chuckled over their chess game one day.

'I doubt this. Mr. Darcy has a sister and numerous cousins.'

'I guess you are right, Lizzy. At least she has Mrs. Hurst to count upon.'

'She might fail in her math, Charlotte. The world is small. I have met Mrs. Hurst as well.'

'You're joking. Who else did you meet?'

'Oh, many people.'

'Stop being annoying. I mean from the hospital. Btw, your turn.'

'All right. Only her, Mr. Darcy, Charles' father, and Mrs. Bennet.'

'Only? That's a lot. Yes, the world is small. You know, I knew Dr. Collins' father.'

'Ouch, that is not a nice memory.'

'Oh, I can assure you. He proposed to me once. Wow, you're so shocked you lost your rook!'

'Any other bombs up your sleeve? I take it you refused him?'

'Yes, but that's another story. So, back to Mrs. Hurst. What do you know about her?'

'I've met her once or twice during war. She was a nurse, like me. And then heard about her some years ago. Apparently some distant cousin is paying her fees and expenditures. She herself has little.'

Charlotte suppressed a giggle. 'Poor Miss Bingley.'

'Poor indeed. But she must suspect something or why else would she be throwing herself at Mr. Darcy?'

'You know, Lizzy, sometimes you amaze me. People call it greed. Check mate! I can't believe it, I won, I won!'

With high spirits Charlotte left for her afternoon therapy. Lizzy was left to ponder about the likes of Miss Bingley, when Jane approached her.

'Miss Lizzy, would you like some tea, or lemonade?'

'Janie, dear. Lemonade would be fine. It's so hot. So, how is life?'

'Life's fine.'

'You know that's not the answer I expected. Let me rephrase it. How's Bingley?'

Jane blushed 'He's fine, I suppose.'

'You suppose? Jane, you can't fool me. I know you like him.'

'I do. He's so nice and sweet and amiable and..., you know.'

'You mean, like candy, sugar and that stuff? Sticky? He sticks around you a lot. But I guess you don't mind.'

'Uhm, I don't mind much. He deflects Mr. Collins' attempts.' The last sentence was said quietly, but Lizzy heard it nevertheless.

'In that case, he's my hero.'

Jane blushed more and hastily excused herself to help prepare tea.

Because it was a beautiful day tea was served in the garden. Soon the gravel paths were filled by people walking, talking and generally enjoying the summer day. Even the nurses and staff joined them.

Lizzy was silently sipping her lemonade, waiting for Charlotte and observing people around her.

'May I join you?'

'Mr. Darcy, yes, please sit down. It is a beautiful day, is it not?'

'Yes, indeed it is. May I ask what are you looking for?'

'I am merely observing the afternoon bustle.'

'True, but you also seem to be waiting for something.'

Lizzy smiled mischievously. 'Since you insist. I am on the outlook for the first signals of the Collins' disease.'

'The what? You mean Dr. Collins?'

'Not exactly. It is a long story.'

'I have time, if you have...?'

'All right. I suppose you should know. Jane joined us some four years ago. Dr. Collins came last year. Nearly from the beginning he started courting her.'

'Poor girl. In that case, I change my mind, she's not an angel, rather more like a martyr.'

The merry twinkle in his eyes made them both laugh.

'He asked her out. And because Jane is Jane, she agreed. Next day hell broke loose.'

'Literally?'

'Literally. Please, do not interrupt me, I have only 5 minutes left before it starts.' She held up her hand as he wanted to question the last remark, and continued. 'Jane was indisposed. The fish from the restaurant disagreed with her. Somehow all the grannies thought Dr. Collins wanted to poison her and they were to be his next victims.'

'Oops.'

'You can say that again. Jane came back the next day, but it took three weeks to calm things down. The grannies didn't trust him, didn't let him examine them, even come near their beds. It was hard. Somehow, reason and peace was restored, a truce signed: Mr. Collins is not to poison dear Nurse Jane and they will let him live.'

'And how are things now?'

'You'll see it yourself. Ahh, here he comes. Let the games begin!

Indeed, Mr. Collins came into the garden.

The author has just found out that a real Dr. William Collins exists and therefore changes the name of this fictional character to Dr. Colin Williams. Humble apologies.

'You see, Mr. Darcy. Dr. Collins has...'

'You mean Dr. Williams.'

'Yes. He has spotted Jane, approaches her. Now look at the other group of five grannies. Who is it today? Ah yes, Ma Bennet. She shouts, she has pains: Jane, Nurse Jane, Ma Bennet needs help! Jane happily obliges and leaves Dr. Williams behind.'

Mr. Darcy watched the spectacle fascinated as Lizzy narrated. Like in a perfect movie. Jane helped Mrs. Bennet to a chair and examined her carefully.

'I must admit, Mrs. Bennet is a good actress.'

'One year of practice. Ever since the fish accident, when the Doctor approaches Jane, you may be sure at least one grannie will fall ill. I call it the Williams' disease. I've used it myself several times. I love Janie, but she's sometimes a calf around stupid people, ever so nice and ever so obliging. And never refusing.'

'You seem to be very observant. If I may ask, what was your profession?'

'I was a nurse. Like Janie. Far less patient.' She smiled to her memories.

Darcy liked the way she smiled. He liked her, her voice, manner of speaking. But most of all, he liked her comments and observations.

It was Thursday, a very bad day. It was Jane's free evening. Without her it was difficult to put all the grannies to bed. 12 grannies. As bad as a football team. Only their complaining was more creative. The other staff members could not deal with them as easily as Jane, so they have decided to take turns in room 13 on Thursday evenings. Today was Doctor Williams' turn.

Lizzy was already lying in her bed looking out of the window. Luckily she had a bed on the side of the room, slightly apart from the others. This allowed for some peace. She was drifting away when the Doctor entered the room:

'GOOD EVENING M'LADIES!!'

L-rd, how is HE to make us sleep when he wakes us up instead? I have a very bad feeling about this evening.

She wasn't feeling well. Lizzy was the local weather forecast. She had headaches which indicated a change in the weather front. The news on the radio confirmed that it would rain tomorrow.

Maybe I should have worked for them. I'm. much better than their experts. Always know when it will snow, rain or anything. Blasted head. Can't think properly. What is HE doing now? WHAT? Somebody help! Have mercy on an old woman. He wants to sing!!

Indeed, Dr. Williams persuaded the ladies to lay down in their beds and settled down himself. At first, they all hoped for some local gossip, then the more realistic of them settled for a lecture of some kind. Nobody, however, was prepared for what came.

Trust in me, just in me
Shut your eyes and trust in me
You can sleep safe and sound
Knowing I am around

He'd be as good at an opera as a cow at ballet! What ever possessed him today? Wait a sec. I know this song from somewhere.

Slip into silent slumber
Sail on a silver mist
Slowly and surely your senses
Will cease to resist

Trust in me, just in me

Shut your eyes and trust in me...

She took a breath. It's now or never! 'I know this song! It's from the Jungle Book! Remember? That beautiful lullaby that Kaa sung to Mowglie!' Don't disappoint me, Ma Bennet. Don't you dare! She counted silently: one..., two..., three..

'AHHHHHHHH'

What took you so long??

'Dr. Williams! You, you, how could you?? You want to kill us all! Like the mean bad ugly snake! Help!! Nurse Jane! Don't you dare come near my bed! Somebody help us!'

Ma Bennet's next words died away in the general noise. Every granny was wide awake, sitting in her bed, doing mental executions on Dr. Williams and screaming for help.

Well, it's still loud, but at least better than the singing. Lizzy thought with an evil grin.

Dr. Williams looked very gratified at first, when Lizzy recollected the song. His face was unreadable during the first words of Ma Bennet's first speech. It turned white later on and without thinking, he fled the room.

Sisters came running from everywhere. About half an hour later everything was under control. Grannies were calmed, tears dried, curious neighbours send back to bed, and everyone wanting given a sedative.

A little riot is good for the old girls. Good for the blood circulation. Why, Grannie Betsy even managed to sit up on her own. I can't remember when their lungs had such a good exercise. And I guess HE won't DARE to sing in this room ever again. What a bright prospect.

And with such happy thoughts, she decided to enter the Realms of Imagination.

*The idea of changing names is not mine. I've taken if from a great Polish author, Gombrowicz, from his play 'Obsessed'.

Chapter 3

`Hi Lizzy.'

'Hello Charlotte, how was your night?'

'I guess better than yours?'

'Oh, you heard?'

Charlotte slept in a different wing of the house, several corridors away from the, now famous, room '13'.

'Yes, twice. Once, the noise yesterday evening, and today at breakfast some gossip. Oh, I don't want to play chess today. Let's do something ladylike. What about sewing?' Charlotte suggested.

'You mean you want to gossip?' Lizzy could barely hide her surprise.

'Not exactly. I want to do something, but without being forced to think. So, what was it all about?'

'Yesterday? Dr. Williams nursed us to sleep.'

'That isn't bad, is it? I've never had the pleasure.'

'THAT's because your second nurse is capable when your nurse has a day off. He started to sing.'

'You're joking? Aren't you?'

'No, I am dead serious.'

'Poor girl, I hope you won't suffer from indigestion. No nightmares?'

'No, luckily no.'

'But how did the riot begin?'

'Uhm' Lizzy did not know how to begin, 'he started to sing. You remember us watching Jungle Book, don't you.' Charlotte nodded.

'He started to sing . And... I panicked. You weren't there, so you couldn't possibly understand. And then I remembered where the song came from, and how Mrs. Bennet hated Kaa, the snake. And that's it.'

'Seems like I've missed a lot of fun.'

'What kind of fun?' Mr. Darcy announced his presence. 'Good morning, m'ladies.' He liked to talk to them, come here and be welcomed to their chat and friendly banter.

'So, Miss L, what havoc did you create last night?'

Lizzy gave a chuckle. 'Seems that everyone has heard.'

'Heard? It was impossible not to. Were you murdered? Tortured?'

'Well, it was similar.' She told him the story. In the end all three of them were laughing.

Chapter 4

Grumbling and groaning, she decided to skip her usual morning walk and fell back to sleep. The predicted rain came and did it's duty. It turned the garden paths into Camel Country Club and forced everyone to stay indoors.

It had one good effect, however. It took Lizzy's headache away. She woke up with the other ladies in the room, just as the nurses started their morning duties.

Oh no! I overslept! Now I'll have to survive the morning ablutions.

This was one of the reasons for her morning walks. She preferred the quiet solitude and crisp fresh air to the room with several other wakening elderly females, each complaining to another about their respective aches, bad dreams etc. But today she was too late. She had to wait till one of the bathrooms was free. She resigned herself and waited patiently and took in the scene before her.

'Nuth, nuth, I can't fint my teeth! Help, ah, thank you, Nurse, much better.'

'Who stole my medicine? Granny, was that you?

'Now calm yourself, dear. No one stole your medicine. You took it a few seconds ago. Don't worry dear, everything is fine.'

'Where's the doctor? I feel very ill today, indeed no one suffers as much as I do, I am sure! Oh, where is that doctor?'

'Nurse, if you don't fetch me my glasses this instant, I shall have my will redrawn and you may be sure you shall not be included!'

Just wait, Granny Sara. Next time the Nurse gives you a second help to the chocolate pudding, she'll be your first benefactor! You know it, I know it, and Nurse knows it, so shut up!

'Lizzy, what are you?' This unexpected question disrupted her reverie.

???? A fish, what do I look like? 'I beg your pardon?'

'What are you?'

'Why, Granny Tara, I'm a human. Homo sapiens sapiens. At least I think so. But then, you can never be sure with so many aliens around us.' She pointed to the door, where Doctor Williams stood. But her philosophical problem was misunderstood by Granny Tara.

'I meant the zodiac sign. So I can read your horoscope for you today.'

Oh great, I'm gonna marry a young blond rich guy and become a model....

'I'm a libra.'

'Hmm, ah, yes, there it is. Libra. Cough, cough. Tomorrow you will live to ... cough cough..'

'Oh, great, thanks, have to go. The bathroom is free.'

'But I haven't finished yet.'

'Oh yes, you have read me my best horoscope ever. I will live another day.'

And she was gone.

The day was spent indoors. People played cards, talked, gossiped, quizzed, ate and nicked. Nothing of importance happened, as the Muse of Important Things was currently occupied elsewhere.

Thus simply nothing happened. For many days. People continued with their respective activities, plus whinings, complaints and occasional quarrels. They were, in short, quite content with their lives.

Except Caroline Bingley. Nothing and nobody could please her. Not even her employer, Mrs. Hurst. She sneered at the elderly lady for not being rich enough, at Jane for being pretty, at Bingley for falling for Jane and, occasionally at Mr. Darcy for not announcing his will. She was so unpleasant, that everybody left the room as soon as she entered it. Everybody was at least once the object of their stingy and hurting remarks.

There was one good side to her, however. The staff silently thanked her for it. Everybody was in such a hurry to leave her alone, that most of the invalids did not wait for assistance. Whilst usually unable to walk two steps alone, they quitted the room in a remarkable haste.

Which was undoubtedly a very healthy exercise.

The rain inferno ended one day, some summer finally followed. The day begun peacefully, although there was the gossip, that attributed the peace to Caroline's visit to town rather than to the sun. This gossip, however, was invented by malicious people and the author does not give them any credit.

Lizzy and Charlotte were sitting outside, in the usual place, playing their usual game. It was played as usual, which means that Lizzy was winning.

'Do you believe in stars, Charlotte?'

'What do you mean?'

'I mean the zodiac, the moment of your birth and the influence of stars on your whole life.'

'What made you think of that?'

'Good afternoon, m'ladies.'

'Mr. Darcy, hello.'

'May I join you?'

'Yes, please.' Answered Charlotte with a smile. 'Maybe you can answer Lizzy's questions?'

'I'd be delighted. If I am able to.'

'I was thinking...' Lizzy hesitated a second. 'Do you believe in stars?'

'I don't have to. I know they're there.'

'Oh, please, stop mocking me. I mean the zodiac, signs, hours of birth and so on.'

'Why, yes. I do believe there is some coincidence between one's personality and one's year of birth.'

'What kind of coincidence?'

'Well, for example, there are 24 hours a day and 24 bears in a case. Coincidence?'

'Mr. Darcy!'

'Sorry, back to the topic in question.'

'Lizzy, it is your turn now.'

'Oh, all right, all right. There, check. Are you satisfied now?'

'Perfectly. Mr. Darcy, you were saying?'

'I mean, in every year happened something important. I believe it influences somehow the people born in that year.' This was said with a twinkle in his eyes.

This twinkle made Charlotte and Lizzy more and more distrusting.

'And what happened the year you were born?' asked Lizzy challenging.

'The invention of frozen food.'

'Frozen food??'

'Yes.' Mr. Darcy answered casually, amused with the shock written on their faces. They have anticipated events of different dimensions, cures, vaccinations, great technical inventions, but not frozen food!

Mr. Darcy continued: 'In 1925 Clarence Birdseye and Charles Seabreak opened a little shop, were you could buy frozen food. But they had to wait 4 years for success, when, in 1929 General Foods Company was founded and started to sell that stuff.'

'And where's the connection to your personality?' asked the ever practical Charlotte.

'Well, none. I'm still working on that part of my theory. Although, when i think of it, frozen, you can keep me for several weeks, and I'm still enjoyable.' Everybody laughed.'

'So, Mr. Darcy, if I told you my age, would you be able to think of something?'

'I might try, Miss Charlotte.'

'I hope you can. I am, after all, revealing my innermost secret to a man. I hope it will be worth it. I was born in 1921.'

'Hmm, I have it. In 1921 Coco Chanel launched her greatest success, Chanel n. 5.'

'And where's the connection to me?'

'Search for it yourself. And how about you, Miss Lizzy?'

'All right, if Charlotte survived revealing her age, I might as well try. I was born in 1928.'

'Perfect. 1928 was a great year. Yes, very good wine.'

'You compare me to vintage???'

'No, no. Just joking. Although the wine was good. In 1928 Disney's baby was born, Mickey Mouse!'

'Am I that old? I haven't realised it. But do you have an event for every year ready?'

'Try me.'

'Ok, Jane. Born 1975, I think.' Said Charlotte. Mr. Darcy thought for a while.

'1975. The Great African Railway, from Zambia to Dar es Salaam, about 1870 km, with 300 bridges and about 20 tunnels.'

'Your knowledge is amazing. How about Mr. Bingley?'

'Charles? Year 1974. Also good vintage. As to my theory, then, let's take for example... Lucy.'

'Lucy?'

'Her real name is Australophithecus afarensis. A missing link in our evolution chain.'

'So you connect Mr. B. with an ape? Not very nice.' Darcy pouted at Lizzy's comment in a very dignified way for about... 2 seconds.

'We all come from apes, please do not forget this.'

'And what about Miss Bingley?' Charlotte asked.

'In her case, I can only think of one thing. The oil crisis in 1972.'

Everybody started to laugh. Like they have not laughed for a long time.

Between sputters and hiccups Charlotte managed to utter: 'Lizzy, and I thought you were the meanest person I knew!'

Chapter 5

'Lizzy, I have never told you my story, have I?' Charlotte and Lizzy were sitting in the dining room one evening, sewing. Actually, Charlotte was sewing, and Lizzy was only pretending.

'No, you haven't. Nor did I.'

'I am in a pensive mood tonight. I wish to share it with someone.'

'I shall be happy to listen.'

'But is not a happy one, I assure you.'

'Nor is mine. We are, after all, the war generation.'

'Well, you are right.' Charlotte added with a wry smile. 'I can't help thinking how life could be different...' She sighed and then started.

'I was born in Poland in 1921. I was 18 when then war started. In summer 1939 I was visiting my elder brother and his wife. They had a small estate on the south-east border. It is now Ukraine. He was an officer in the Polish Army.'

She paused, remembering scenes long forgotten, reveling in scents gone away with the wind, listening to music of the old days. 'We had a happy time. It was the best summer vacation I've ever had.' Her voice faltered. 'I have never seen the place again. It is probably destroyed, either by different armies, governments or simply by time.'

'September changed everything. First the Nazis, then the Russian Army. They were the worst. They told us they were friends.'

'What do you mean?'

'They invaded my country due to a secret pact Stalin had with Hitler, but they told us they wanted to help us. Protect us.' She uttered the words regretfully.

Lizzy was silently mulling over that part of history, wondering once more over the reasons that made murders out of normal men. She had asked herself this question more then million times. But she could ask herself another million more. She would never know the answer.

Charlotte continued with her story. 'The Polish army was mobilized. The Russians summoned our officers, officially to plan a defense tactic. My brother went, like many others. He was only another patriot. I never saw him again. Only his name on a list. Have you ever heard of Katyn, Chrabowsk or Kobielsk?'

'Yes, bodies were found. You mean...?'

'Yes, graves filled with Polish officers. Killed by Stalin's order. My brother as well.'

'But,...' Lizzy was too shocked to speak coherently. 'But why?'

'There are a few theories. But the main reason, I believe, was that the officers usually were of aristocratic origin and nearly all of them anti-Communists. And Stalin wanted an army he could control.'

'And that's why he killed all the officers?'

'Well, look what he did to his country. Anyway, I didn't know this until a few years ago. The graves were found a few years ago. That's how I know about my brother.'

'My sister-in-law and I were transported to Siberia, because we belonged to the wrong social class. What happened to the estate, to the people, as I have said, I don't know. We lived in the work camp till 1944. Somehow we managed to organize an escape, along with a few others. Through Russia, the Caucasus, Libya was our goal. We managed. In Libya we met the allied forces, and among them, a Polish regiment. That's were I met my future husband. After the first peace declarations we applied for political asylum in Britain and left for the Isles shortly after. My sister-in-law did not make it. She had no will, no wish and no strength to live.' She was silent for a while.

'I have two daughters, who provide for me. My husband died 10 years ago.'

'And what about your family?'

'My family? I have traveled to Poland in the 70ties. Everything was different. The Communists.... They were as bad as war, I think. But people lived, some of them dared to be happy. I have seen some of my family, after 30 years. Not much to say. My parents did not survive the Warsaw Uprising, only one or two of my generation survived.'

'I'm sorry.'

'Don't be. I have learned to be happy. I have two wonderful daughters and 5 grandchildren I can spoil and be proud of. I have had a loving and caring husband and have managed to live a happy life. England has become my second home.'

'But haven't you missed your country?'

'Certainly. Especially after the war, when it was hard to obtain a visa. And it did hurt to see my country in a total economic ruin back in the 70ties. But now I am happy that my country people have a chance to show the world their worth. But in reality I miss the country I knew once, not the one now. The one before the war. And now I am sorry. With me talking all the time, there was no time for chess. I'm sorry, I have to go.'

'Please, one question. I hope you won't think me rude, but why didn't you try to bring someone to Britain, or help them, when it was so difficult?'

'Do you think I didn't try? No, do not worry, I'm not angry at you question.' She sighed.

'I did try. I tried to bring the daughter of my youngest sister with me. But the authorities refused to give her her passport. The only way was to escape, but that was to dangerous. Later I tried to help them financially through letters. But they were either stolen or my family had problems with the authorities. You know, bad connections to big bad ugly capitalists, that use planes to throw bugs over the fields of the working class and destroy crops. Constantly plotting against the hard working people. Trying to sabotage. Anyway, those letters were enough to put you into jail. So I stopped. But I still have contact with my family and with my husband's family. And I will see to it, that my grandchildren keep those contacts. And now I really have to go. See you later.'

Lizzy saw Charlotte leave. She looked a bit older, or maybe Lizzy was just imagining things. And yet Charlotte seemed to carry an invisible burden.

I guess these are not pleasant memories to carry around. 4 years in Siberia does require a will to survive. My pains and memories seem nothing compared to hers.

'Hello, Miss Lizzy.'

'G-day, Mr. Darcy.'

'You are pensive today. May I ask why?'

'Charlotte has told me her life-story.'

'Yes, the war generation. No one came without causalities.' His eyes darkened. 'Yes, those were hard times.'

'And I hope no future generation will have to revive them.'

'Yes, Memento mori - Remember Death. And the Skeletons will always dance their Dance Macabre, no matter what we people do.'