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Chapter 8 Posted on Wednesday, 22 November 2006
"Mama ... Lydia? What are you doing here?" Lizzy said in a near-hiss, after she had closed her door behind her.
"Aren't you going to let us in? Really, Lizzy!"
"Mama, I happen to have company at the moment, and I ... never mind ... why, exactly, are you here?"
"Well, it being 'midterm time' or some such, your father and Mary are busy working, they demanded that we make ourselves scarce for the time being. I have plans to go with the Longs to Montauk for the weekend, and Lyddie can stay with you!"
"Mother! As I said, I have company right now. Not to mention the fact that I am an adult with my own life ... you can't just expect me to drop everything with no notice! You would never do this to Jane!"
"Of course not! Jane isn't single, she has that nice Mr. Bingley!"
"That makes no difference, Mother..." Liz said tightly.
"Lizzy! Are you going to let us in, or what? I've got to go to the bathroom!"
"You may come in to use the restroom, Lydia, but that's it! Why can't she go to Montauk with you?"
"I'm not returning until Tuesday, and you know how your father is about anyone missing school!" Roughly edging around Liz, Mrs. Bennet shoved the door open with her elbow and dragged Lydia's bags into the apartment. "So, your sister is staying with you, and that's final!"
Lydia dashed past everyone and into the bathroom down the hall, not noticing the man who had bolted up from the couch and was now standing there with an expression of shock on his face.
"Well, I can see that you ... oh! Lizzy! Who is..."
"Mother ... I said that I had company," she said in a low voice. Seeing the building tension in Liz, Darcy strode forward and extended his hand.
"William Darcy, pleased to meet you. You must be Mrs. Bennet."
"Why yes ... yes I am..." Fanny Bennet said, batting her eyelashes and attempting a coy smile at the man who was towering over her. "Lizzy ... why didn't you tell me you had a date!" she said in a stage whisper.
"I did, Mother, you just didn't listen to me," Liz deadpanned.
"Oh ... so what is it that you do, exactly?" Mrs. Bennet asked, elbowing Liz out of the way so she could get closer to Darcy, who inched backwards towards the couch.
"I ... well, I!"
"L*rd! You're tall! I don't think I'd reach your shoulder! Are you a basketb ... Oh wow! Mom! Do you know who this is!? This is Will Darcy! World's Most Eligible Bachelor! What on earth are you doing in Lizzy's apartment?" screeched Lydia.
"Lydia..." Liz said in a growl, her eyes flashing and turning dark.
"World's Most Eligible ... ? Oh my ... my, my, my! My poor nerves will never survive this! Most Eligible ... what a thing for my girls! Oh, you must sit down, Mr. Darcy! Make yourself comfortable! Have you eaten yet? My Lizzy is a great cook ... I taught all my girls how. And she's very nice, sweet, and ... quiet. She's a wonderful girl! And I'm sure that she'd stop working if you..."
"Mother. That is enough. Excuse me, William, I am just going to show them to the door," she said in a tone that brooked no refusal.
"No... that is alright. I should be getting along myself. It is getting late and I have an early morning," he said, unable to look at Liz. Standing up and bowing, he headed for the door. Stopping by Liz, he said softly, "I'll call you," and with a quick kiss on her cheek, he was gone.
"Well, why didn't you do anything? Foolish girl!" Mrs. Bennet snorted as she plopped down on the couch and began picking at the popcorn.
"I didn't have to do anything, Mother ... you did it all for me.," Liz muttered as she stomped off to the kitchen.
"And what is that supposed to mean, Miss Lizzy?" Mrs. Bennet screeched as she followed her daughter.
"Mother ... I told you that I had company! And you forced your way in here and then practically offered me to him. I have never been so humiliated! And so was he! Small wonder he ran out of here."
"Offered you to him? I did no such thing! I just put you in the best light ... L*rd knows you need it! How do you expect to ever secure a man living the way you do?" Fanny said, completely oblivious to the glare she was receiving.
"Mother ... for the last time. I like my job ... I will continue to work ... I will not play games to secure a man ... I do not need a man ... I am quite content on my own!" Liz said heatedly. "And for the last time ... I have my own life, please respect that and my space. You and Lydia are more than welcome to come by and visit, but for G*d's sake, please respect me enough to call me ahead of time!"
"Why ... I never! Lydia! I am leaving now! You have to stay with your ungrateful wretch of a sister! I'm sorry about that, but there's no turning back now! Have you no compassion for my nerves, Lizzy?" she yelled as she grabbed her purse and coat and swept out the door, leaving a drained woman and confused teenager in the aftermath.
"Ladies and gentlemen ... Hurricane Fanny has left the building..." Liz muttered as she slumped down into the couch. Lydia stood there looking at her blankly.
"So ... how did you get William Darcy over here? Are you two dating? I can't believe it!"
"We were just having dinner, Lydia. I met him through Charles and Jane..."Liz said dejectedly. "After tonight, I doubt I'm going to see him again anyway."
"So what are we going to do tomorrow? We have to go somewhere cool! Dad hardly lets me out of the house anymore ... and this is the City! Why don't we go to a club ... go dancing or something? I packed the cutest little outfit that I got at the mall last week ... and I haven't had a chance to wear it yet. Do you think there's going to be anyone famous there? L*rd knows how I fancy famous people! Why don't we give Kitty a call and see if she wants to go out with us? Why don't we..."
"Lydia!" Liz said when her sister finally paused to take a breath. "Kitty's probably having midterms as well and won't have the time. And no, I don't think I'm going to take you to any clubs ... for one, you are too young to be out, and the City can be dangerous. Besides, I did have plans with Jane tomorrow night.."
"Well ... I don't think I'm too young ... I can get into some of the clubs. Why don't we take Jane with us? I haven't seen her in a while either, it could be fun..."
"Fine ... I'll give Jane a call in the morning and I'll make some plans for the three of us ... why don't you get some sleep now ... it's late," Liz said as she got up and dragged herself to her bedroom. Closing the door behind her, she walked slowly over to her bed and sank down on it. Curling into a ball and tucking her knees under her chin, Liz cried herself to sleep.
The next day came and Liz found herself wishing she were dead. Not only was she achy and cramped from sleeping in an odd position the whole night, her eyes were still all red and puffy from crying. Changing out of the clothes she wore last night, she got into a robe and shuffled to her bathroom to take a shower.
Feeling somewhat revived, she dried off and got dressed. Calling out for her sister, and finding her asleep on the couch with the t.v. still on, Liz went to the kitchen to make some coffee. While waiting for it to brew and still shaking the sleep from her head, she was startled to hear her sister's voice from behind her, "Wow..." Lydia managed to say in a quiet voice, "these are really beautiful."
Turning, Liz saw her sister gently finger the petals of the orchids William had brought. "Yes ... they are, aren't' they?" she said wistfully.
"Orchids are your favorites, right? He must like you to bring you your favorite flowers, and not something dull, like roses..."
"Roses are not dull, Lydia."
"Well, maybe not dull, but tired ... everyone gets roses. Not everyone gets orchids. He must like you," Lydia said with a gradually falling expression.
"Lyddie? What's wrong?" Liz said with concern. Although she was angry that Lydia, through no fault of her own, had been dropped on her doorstep, and the fact that Lydia, out of all of her sisters, was the most unlike Liz and annoying most of the time; she was her sister ... and she loved Lydia deeply.
"I'm sorry, Lizzy," Lydia said with a sniff. "I'm sorry we had to come and ruin your date. I bet you were having a nice time, and we had to come and make him leave. He's probably really nice ... nice enough to get you your favorite flowers ... and boy was he hot!" she said, her customary perkiness returning somewhat.
Stifling a giggle, Liz said, "Yes, he is ... isn't he. And I do think he's nice. He made me dinner last night too."
"He cooks! L*rd! Rich, hot, and he cooks? Snatch that one up Lizzy!"
"Lydia ... please try to not sound so much like Mom..." she said, eliciting a snort.
"I'm not telling you to get married and have kids, Lizzy ... but I do think you should have him as your boyfriend. Is he your boyfriend?"
"I ... I don't know. We liked each other ... but I think I said something last night that may have ended all of that..."
"Like what?" Lydia asked, jumping up from the bar stool she had been perched on.
"Well ... and don't let this get back to mom ... please! I'm talking to another guy online ... and I like him too. So I told William about him because I would feel bad about letting things go to far with him, if I like someone else at the same time..."
"So ... why don't you just date both? People see more than one person all the time.."
"I know ... but I'm not like those people, Lyddie. I don't want to date more than one person. *Sigh* ... well, go take a shower, get dressed, and I'll have some breakfast ready when you're done."
"Ok!" Lydia said brightly as she bounced out of the kitchen.
A few hours later, Liz had picked up Jane, and the three sisters were strolling down Fifth Avenue, as Lydia had demanded that she go shopping.
"So, after I kill Mother, do you want her pearl necklace, or should I give it to Mary?"
"Lizzy ... really! She means well, but..."
"There's always that 'but', isn't there, Jane? I love Mom ... really I do, but she's got to learn to butt out of my life, your life ... .our lives. It's one thing to be concerned, completely another to swoop in, embarrass you, offend people, and then make it out to be your fault that she did so. Then again, she never thinks she's in the wrong!"
"So what do you propose we do about it? Talk to Dad? You know he won't do anything to curb Mom's behavior."
"We don't do anything ... if she acts up, we ignore her. Don't answer the phone, don't answer the door. She'll rant and rave for a while, but maybe she'll actually understand that she can't treat people like this, and it is all only the consequences of her actions. I know it will be hard for you, dear, sweet Jane, but you're going to have to put your foot down when it comes to that woman sooner or later."
Jane glanced over at her sister and shook her head. The threesome made their way through the various shops and boutiques, sometimes having to drag Lydia out of a store if she was attempting to spend a fortune on something she didn't need, and after finding a small bistro to grab some lunch, they discussed what they would do for the evening.
"Well, I think we should stop at a club! Go dancing!"
"Lydia ... I told you that you were too young to..."
"I know that you think I just want to flirt and cause trouble, Lizzy ... that's fine. I know that I did that sort of thing all the time. I just thought that it would be fun to get all dressed up and go out, the three of us! You know, get the makeup out, do our hair, fish through closets! Like a slumber party or something! I haven't done anything like that in a long time ... you two were always so much older than me, I don't think we three have ever done that together ... I used to with Kitty, but now that she's gone..."Lydia said, trailing off and lowering her gaze.
Jane and Liz exchanged a contrite look. Placing their hands on Lydia's, they both said that they would love to do that with their sister. Perking up again and practically bouncing in her seat, Lydia exclaimed that she was going to do everyone's hair.
"And Liz can do the makeup, and Jane can pick out the clothes! You two have better taste than I do, anyway," she said, surprising Liz with her complement. "Yay! Girls' night out!"
"Well, first things first ... we need to find a place that will let underaged people in ... clubs around here can be very picky about that. I know, I'll call Steve! He's knows a few people that bartend and such ... hold on," she said as she dug through her bag to find her cellphone.
"Steve? Listen ... Jane, Lydia, and I wanted to go out to a club or something tonight ... go dancing, maybe hear a band ... do you know of anyplace that lets eighteen-year-olds in? Sampson's? Isn't that a rather posh place? You know the staff? Just drop your name and pick up a bracelet ... .ok. Are you coming out tonight? Oh ... a date with your 'mystery man' ... I see ... well, have fun! Oh ... last night ... um ... *sigh* ... I'll have to talk to you about that later ... til then ... love you, bye!"
"Well, looks like Sampson's is having a band play tonight, and since they're a big draw with the younger crowd, its an eighteen-and-over show. Starts at 9 0'clock, so we have plenty of time to primp and whatnot."
"Sampson's? Isn't that the new goth bar?" Lydia asked.
"A goth bar? I don't know..."Jane said.
"Oh, come on, Jane! It sounds like fun. I'm warming up to this idea!" Liz said with a grin. Jane smiled timidly, then soon let her enthusiasm match those of her more boisterous sisters. After lunch, they all headed to Lizzy's apartment to find clothes for the night, and to do their hair and makeup, giggling like girls the entire time. The three sisters couldn't remember the last time they had as much fun together.
As Lizzy was searching for her knee-high, black boots, the phone rang. She answered it with a muffled, "Hello?"
"Elizabeth?"
"Oh! ... William. I ... didn't expect to hear from you ... again..."
"Why would you think that? *Sigh* ... I called you because we ... we need to talk, Elizabeth. I don't have the time tonight, but perhaps tomorrow? Sometime during the week? Please..."
"Oh, I can't tonight either ... Lydia's still here ... she and I are going out with Jane tonight"
"That's nice, I'm going out with my sister, as well. Georgiana got a break from her midterms so we're spending the evening together."
"Oh ... tell her I said 'hi', will you? Well, it looks like I have Lydia until Tuesday, so I don't know if I'll have any time until after that..."
"Oh," Darcy said, the dejection plain in his voice, "I really need to talk to you ... if you have the time, please let me know. Well, it sounds like you're busy," he said, Lydia's laughter coming through clear over the phone, "so I'll let you go. Bye, Elizabeth..."
"Bye William," she said softly, and hung up.
Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her boots and strode into the guest room, where half of her closet had been emptied onto the bed.
"I think this would look great! Don't you think, Lizzy?"
"Hmm? Oh, yea ... that looks funky," she answered with a small smile.
"Everything alright?" asked Jane.
"Yes, that was just William. He said he'll call me later ... he's going to hang out with Georgiana tonight."
"That's nice ... Georgie is such a sweet girl. So, how long do we have now?" Jane asked.
"Well, if we're going to eat dinner at all before we go, not much ... .is everyone ready?"
"Just about ... I've just got to ... ugh ... help!" Lydia said laughing, trying to reach around her back to lace up the top she was wearing. Liz stood up and laced it for her, then grabbed her own outfit, which consisted of a short, black pleated skirt, and a black satin halter top. Jane had to be talked into wearing her outfit of tight, patent-leather pants and a tube top. Lydia pulled out a silver blouse for Jane to wear over it, and the eldest Bennet girl had her modesty restored.
The three ate a light dinner and made their way to Sampson's. When they were at the door, Liz dropped Steve's name, and the bouncer gave Lydia a bracelet to wear, and all three were let in without having to pay the cover. "That was nice of Steve ... I didn't think the cover would be that much!"
"That was a little steep, but I guess the band is good enough to command that..." Jane said next to Liz's ear, and was still difficult to hear. They made their way to the dance floor after a while, and the three Bennet girls were soon shaking, swaying, and twirling their way to a grand evening. They laughed, danced, and had one of the best times in each other's company.
After a few songs, Lydia ran over to the bar to get some soda, and had a grand time looking around for anyone famous that she could recognize. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a man and woman move towards a corner. Something about the man seemed familiar ... and when the man turned, she gasped. Nearly dropping her drink, she ran back to her sisters and tried to get their attention.
"Lizzy! Lizzy! Can we get going now ... please?"
"What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"Um..no ... I just want to get going ... do you mind?"
"No ... .Jane? Lydia wants to go, is that alright?" Jane gave her immediate agreement, and the three made their way to the coat-check room. As they were weaving their way through the crowd, Liz heard someone call out a name. Looking around confused, she spied a tall, dark-haired man glance up and wave to someone else. Moving closer to get another look, she saw the man had his arm around a leggy blonde wearing hardly nothing. The man leaned closer to the woman and began kissing her and running his hands down her bare back. At this point Liz was a foot or so away.
"William..."
He looked up and saw Liz. Bleary eyed and obviously drunk, he blurted out, "Liz! Er ... sorry, you've been replaced..."moments before her right hand connected with his face. Spinning on her heel, Liz stormed out of the club, Jane and Lydia hot on her heels.
"Lizzy!? What happened? What's going on?" Jane cried. Lydia leaned towards Jane and spoke softly in her ear, causing Jane to say, "Oh ... no! It couldn't be!"
Liz suddenly stopped her mad dash and caught her breath. Trying to keep from shaking, partly from the pain and humiliation, partly due to the fact that she actually hit someone for the first time, she closed her eyes and held onto her sisters for support.
"Jane ... I'll be fine ... could you do me a favor and take Lyddie back to my place? Really, I'll be fine ... I'm heading over to Steve's for a bit ... please?"
"Sure ... sure Lizzy ... give me a call when you get there ... ok?"
"I'm ... I'm so sorry , Lizzy ... I didn't want you to see that ... I noticed him before, and that's why I wanted to leave..." Lydia said despondently.
"The younger sister protecting the elder? Thanks Lyddie ... I mean that..." Liz said, then turned and called a cab to take her over to Steve's apartment.
Trying to keep the tears from falling while she was in the cab, Liz bit her lip until she nearly drew blood. Although the logical part of her brain was telling her that she really didn't have a relationship with Darcy ... she didn't really have anything but his word that he liked her ... but last night! And the way he was acting at the club ... she couldn't help herself. She felt used, betrayed ... and miserable. All the doubts that she had about him were just proven to be correct. He was the person that she assumed he was at the beginning of their acquaintance. He was a conceited womanizer, out for the latest notch on his bedpost. And what was she? A pawn in a sick, twisted game? Was he using her to get his kicks in some odd game of revenge for her daring to tell him off?
These dark thoughts followed her up to her best friend's apartment. Knocking on the door, she blindly went in and sat down heavily on the couch. She stared off into space for a moment, before she realized that someone was speaking to her.
"Lizzy?! What's wrong? Are you hurt? Talk to me d*mmit!" screamed a hysterical Steve.
"Um ... what? No ... I'm not hurt ... I'm..." She began, then all the tears she had been holding back were loosed in a deluge.
Steve sat down and held her, rocking her as he stroked her hair back from her face. Murmuring her name over and over, it was some time before she calmed down enough to raise her face.
"Is she alright? What happened?" said another voice, which sounded vaguely familiar.
"I don't know ... she just walked in and started crying..." answered a very worried Steve, who sounded on the verge of tears himself.
Turning toward the other voice, Liz found herself gaping as she spied Fitz standing in Steve's living room ... in Steve's terrycloth robe, no less.
"Fitz!? What are you ... what ... you!?" she exclaimed, pointing a finger at him. "You're the mystery man!"
"Well..." Fitz began, running his fingers through his hair and blushing. "Steve likes those 'accomplished' men, remember?" causing Liz to smile slightly.
"So ... Lizzy Love ... are you going to tell me what's wrong?" Steve asked as he dried her eyes.
"Well ... Darcy came over last night for dinner ... and we had a great time. Then, he tried to kiss me, but I stopped him ... I liked him, but it didn't feel right ... not with Mr. Pink around..."
"Mr. Pink? You're still talking to him?" Fitz asked.
"Yes ... online about everyday ... and I really like him ... I liked William too ... I started to tell him how I felt about everything ... how confused I was ... then Mom and Lydia showed up, and Darcy practically left a trail behind him he ran out so fast. Lydia got dropped off at my place ... and she's staying with me for a few days ... we decided to go out ... Jane, Lyddie and I ... we were at this club ... and I saw ... and he said..." Liz started to break down again.
"What did you see, baby?" Steve asked softly.
"William was there ... with some blond. They started making out ... but it wasn't just that ... he told me that 'I'd been replaced' ... that's when I hit him and bolted..." Lizzy said, biting back another round of sobs.
"Oh ... my dear girl," Steve said, holding Liz close and rocking her. "Wait ... you said that you hit him? Where?"
"I got him in the face," she muttered, and Steve grimaced.
"Well, hopefully he didn't have to go to the hospital with a broken jaw ... would serve him right though," he said in a low voice. Noticing Fitz's incredulous look, he told him of Liz's martial arts training.
"Ow..." Fitz said, scrunching up his face. "Hold on a moment ... something doesn't sound right here ... not right at all. Steve? I'll be right back.." Fitz said softly, and left him with a sobbing Lizzy. Walking into the loft's kitchen, Fitz pulled out his cellphone.
"William? It's Fitz ... where are you..?" he said into his cellphone with a growl.
"I'm at my apartment making dinner for Georgie. Why? What's wrong?" the astonished voice on the other end said.
"Put Georgie on ... .now. Please, William ... Georgie?"
"Yes, Fitz. What's going on? What did you say to William?", his cousin asked, the concern mounting in her voice.
"It's ok, hon, you just have to tell me something. How long as William been at home with you tonight?"
"We've been here since about 6 o'clock, I think. I don't remember exactly when we came back from shopping ... then we watched a movie here, and now we're making dinner. Why? Please tell me what's going on?"
"Georgie, everything's ok. Don't worry, I'll tell you more when I know more. Thank you ... now, could you please put your brother back on the line?"
Fitz took a deep breath and waited for Darcy. "Fitz!? What the h*ll is going on? What did you say to my sister?" Darcy shouted into the phone.
"Calm down, Will. Everything is fine now ... on your end at least ... but we've still got a problem. I'm over at Steve's ... and Lizzy showed up in a bad way. Do you think you could come over here?"
"Lizzy!?" Darcy shouted again, this time panic, not anger was in his voice. "I'll be right there! Wait ... where's Steve's? Ok ... fine ... give me five minutes!" he said, and tossed the phone to a stunned Georgie. Darcy grabbed his coat and was on his way out the door before his sister had a chance to ask him anything.
Fitz talked to Georgiana for a moment, then closed his cellphone. Taking a deep breath, he went back into the living room to check on Steve and Liz. He had already started to have ideas as to what had occurred, and was waiting for Darcy to show up to clarify some things and to give confirmation. It wasn't too long before there was a loud knock at the front door.
"Fitz? Could you go see who that is? I'm not expecting anyone..." Steve said over his shoulder, a crying Liz still leaning on his chest.
Fitz, already knowing who it was, opened the door for his fierce-eyed cousin, and after gesturing for Darcy to keep quiet, scanned his face. Darcy stood there looking completely unblemished, except for the frightening look of complete worry on his face. Grabbing Darcy by the elbow, Fitz marched him into the living room.
When they entered, Lizzy and Steve both looked up. Steve was shocked and quickly became angry, Lizzy became furious.
"What is he doing here?" she nearly screamed.
"Calm down, Liz ... .look at him! No ... just look!!" Fitz yelled over her and Steve's protestations. Finally, Liz turned her glare at Darcy, who for some infuriating reason stood there looking completely dumbfounded ... and ... unbruised?
"What ... ? I don't understand.," she stuttered.
"Will someone here please tell me what the h*ll is going on?" Darcy roared. "Elizabeth? You're crying? Are you alright? What's wrong ... Fitz, let me go, d*mmit!" he said, pulling away from his cousin and nearly running over to Liz's side.
Pushing her hair away from her tear-streaked face, Darcy asked again, softly, "What is the matter?"
Running her gaze over Darcy's smooth, fair skin, she answered, "I don't know..."
"I think I might know ... Darcy, Liz went out tonight with her sisters ... the youngest of them demanded that they go to some nightclub. While they were there, Liz's attention was drawn to a man and woman who were, shall we say, being rather intimate in a corner. Someone called out your name, the man looked up, and upon seeing that it was you in the corner with this woman and you said something quite nasty, Liz punched ... .you ... in the face and ran over here. The question is, why don't you have a black eye and how could you be over at your place with Georgie all night until just now..."
Darcy's face drained of color as he turned his gaze on Fitz. "My G*d ... Wickham?"
"Who else do we know that looks almost exactly like you and can imitate you?"
"Wickham?" Liz shouted. "Oh, yes ... your driver!" she said, staring at Darcy, then a look of comprehension flashed in her eyes. "Oh, my ... if he was doing that tonight, then..."
"Then it would make sense that he's masqueraded as me on several occasions..." Darcy finished.
"And that would also answer the question as to why you, my Monk of a cousin, can have the reputation of a scoundrel and a cad!" Fitz exclaimed.
"So, what are you going to do?" asked Lizzy, stunned.
"Well, I do think I'll start by firing him," Darcy said, shaking his head. "And I think that he'll be having a nice little chat with my legal team, who will probably be thinking up ways to have him charged with fraud and everything else..."
"Oh, no doubt! Identity theft too, I would imagine, " Steve offered.
Darcy flashed Steve a glance, then turned his head to look at Fitz, finally taking in his cousin's lack of dress, and raised a brow. Fitz looked sheepish for a moment, then nodded his head. Chuckling, Darcy turned back to Steve, "I should warn you about him..."
"Hey now, Darcy ... you don't hear me offering to divulge any dark family secrets to Lizzy, do you?" Fitz said with a wink.
At the mention of 'family', Lizzy stood up and ran over to the phone. Hitting the speed dial for her number, it was only a ring before a panicked Jane answered.
"Jane ... it's me.. I'm over at Steve's and I'm fine. Long story, hon ... I'll tell you all about it when I get home. No ... I don't know when that'll be ... just make sure Lydia gets some sleep ... it's ok if you leave ... good night..." she said, then hung up the phone. She stood still for a while, her head bowed and her arms wrapped around her body.
After a while, she glanced over her shoulder at the three men who appeared to be in serious conversation. Darcy appeared to be paying attention and talking, although his gaze was on Liz nearly the entire time. Clearing her throat, she asked, "Steve? Do you think you could run me home?" in a soft voice. Steve immediately said yes, followed by Darcy offering to drive her as well.
"No! Um ... no ... Steve can take me ... thanks..." she said, bowing her head once more. After everything that had happened over the last two days, she most definitely did not want to be alone with Darcy ... no matter how much she yearned for his embrace at this moment. Thinking back to when she fell ill at Pemberley, she couldn't remember a time she had ever felt as safe in someone's arms, as she did when Darcy had held her.
But not now ... she was far too confused and hurt at the moment.
Steve grabbed a coat and a sweatshirt for Liz, which he threw around her shoulders. As he bundled her up and led her towards the door, he leaned over and spoke a few words to Fitz, kissed him on the cheek, and left with Liz. Darcy stood staring at the door for a while, a look of baffled hurt on his face. Shortly, he shook himself and turned to Fitz.
"So ... how long have you been seeing Steve?" Darcy asked his cousin.
"Hmm? Oh ... I called him the day after we met for dinner that first time. We've been seeing each other since then ... but it didn't start getting serious until tonight," he replied, smoothing his hair down with his hands.
"Did Elizabeth know?"
"No ... he didn't want to tell anyone until he was sure. He just got out of a long-term relationship with this real jerk, and wanted to make sure he was serious, and it wasn't just a rebound for him. I understood ... I didn't want to pressure him in any way. I really, really like him ... "
"Steve seems like a great man ... I don't know him very well ... but he's Elizabeth's best friend. That's enough of an endorsement for me."
"So ... you and Lizzy ... Steve told me a bit about how she was confused due to what she had heard about you and all of your 'other women' ... now that Wickham's duplicity has been discovered and he's the reason behind your reputation ... it seems like you should have a clear shot now..."
"No..." Darcy said darkly, running his fingers through his thick hair, "no I don't. There's still this 'Mr. Pink'..."
Chapter 9 Posted on Saturday, 25 November 2006
Liz didn't speak on the short ride to her apartment, and Steve didn't press her. Liz was slumped in the carseat, wrapped up in Steve's overlarge sweatshirt, staring out the window as the neighborhood flashed by. He parked in front of her building, and guided her inside and into the elevator. When they reached her floor, he dug the keys out of her purse and let them inside. When they got into the living room, Jane sprung up from the couch.
"Is she alright?" she asked quietly.
"She should be fine ... it's just been a rough night," Steve said as he helped Liz sit down. "She'll bounce back from this in no time ... just let her sleep it off."
"What happened?" Jane asked, her voice nearly breaking from her concern over her closest sister.
"She'll have to tell you about it ... its getting really late and I should get back ... I've got company now, and we've got to finish discussing some things. Take care of our girl, alright? Night Lizzykins ... if you need anything, don't hesitate to call me ... o.k?"
Liz nodded and gave Steve a hug before he left, then continued to sit there staring blankly until Jane returned and sat next to her.
"I thought that you would be going home?" Liz asked quietly.
"I thought that you might need me ... Lydia's sleeping."
"Oh Jane ... why is everything so complicated..." Liz sighed.
"What happened? Are you alright?" Jane asked as she brushed Liz's hair away from her face.
Liz took a deep breath and related everything that had happened over at Steve's. She was shocked at the revelation that someone, someone who was supposed to protect and work for Darcy, had been secretly betraying him for so long.
"And you believe that he's been doing this for years?"
"Well, if William says that he's been getting accused of sleeping around since he took over the company, which is when he hired Wickham, then its plausible Wickham's been using William's name and identity since then. What is the real problem, is if he's been masquerading as Darcy in more ways than picking up women ... what if it extends to his business or other things...?"
"True," Jane said, taking a page out of her sister's book and biting her bottom lip. "And Steve and Fitz? I never thought..."
"I know!" Liz said, chuckling for the first time in hours, "my 'gay-dar' completely missed that one! But I think they'll be good for each other ... Fitz seems to be a really nice guy and I don't think he's the kind of person who'd be in a non-serious relationship ... ."
Sobering, Jane asked, "So what are you going to do, Lizzy? Now that you know Darcy's been honest with you about these women..."
"I don't know, dear Jane, I don't know..." she said, her face falling again. "I think its just made me more confused than ever. There's nothing ... wrong with William now, and I still like him ... very, very much ... and Mr. Pink is coming back soon ... and I like him too ... I don't know," Liz said, her voice fading to a whisper.
Jane leaned forward and held her. "There, there ... I know how torn you must be feeling ... all I can say is; take your time, get to know both of them..."
"But, Jane ... I don't know if that's such a good idea! The more I do know both of them ... the more I fall for both of them! I can't live like that, Jane! Its tearing me apart!" Liz said heatedly.
Jane felt helpless, and suggested that Liz not think on it any more this night. After what she had been through and the revelations that followed, it would be better if she attempted to get some rest. Promising that she'd stay the night, Jane tucked Liz into bed and smoothed her hair back until her sister fell into a fitful slumber.
Liz woke to the sounds of breakfast being made and Lydia's laughter echoing from the kitchen. Dragging herself out of bed, she threw some clothes on and followed the sounds and smells. When she reached the kitchen, she stood in the doorway for a moment, stunned, then she quickly began to snicker. Both of her sisters were covered in flour and laughing.
"Do I even want to know?" Liz asked, her eyes full of mirth.
"Lizzy! I'm making pancakes!" Lydia said with a bright smile.
"Making yourself into a pancake from the looks of it," Liz chuckled.
"The pancake mix ... exploded when we opened it," Jane said blushing. "Don't worry, we'll clean it up."
"That's alright ... need any help?"
"No ... we've got things covered ... er ... in more ways than one.." Lydia said, giggling, as she looked around at the white-covered counters. "Just go sit down, we'll be done in a second."
Shaking her head, Liz went into the living room and turned on the t.v. Scanning through the channels, she couldn't find anything she was interested in, and got up and went into the office. Booting up the computer, she sat for a while and pondered whether or not to check her email. After some deliberation, she decided to, and quickly found two emails from Mr. Pink.
from: mrpink@quanta.com
Hello my Dark Maiden. Fortune has smiled upon me, and I find myself finished with my business. I will indeed be back in the city by next weekend. I so look forward to meeting you again, if that is what you wish. Your correspondence has been very precious to me, and I do hope to continue our friendship in person. Again, this is only my hope ... I would not pressure you to do anything you do not wish to do, or would feel uncomfortable doing. Please let me know, whatever you decide.
Thinking of you,
to: dm4id3n@quanta.com
from: mrpink@quanta.com
So, you are to go to another masked ball? Perchance, if you were to attend, you may meet some man there who would engage you in interesting banter and monopolize your company for the evening. If this were someone other than me, I may be quite jealous ... .but I will say no more.
I am sorry that your mother put you in a precarious situation ... at times it does seem that parents tend to forget that their children are adults. I used to have that problem with mine, before they passed. Now, though, I think there are times I would give anything to have that back. Appreciate them while you still have them, annoyances and all.
Waiting to hear from you,
to: mrpink@quanta.com
Sorry that I haven't been keeping up with my emails lately ... things in my life have been difficult lately, to say the least; youngest sister being dropped off at my doorstep, nonwithstanding.
Here Liz took a deep breath. Finally deciding that honesty was the best policy, and silently hoping that this would help to solve her current problems, she continued;
So, unfortunately, I think this spells the end of our correspondence. I cannot choose, so I must take myself out of this situation. In a way, it was easier with you on the other side of the country ... you were this nebulous quantity ... with you returning; however, and knowing that both of you are nearby ... its too difficult for me.
So, thank you, dear friend ... .
With a sob, Liz hit the 'Send' button. Sitting in her chair and rocking herself, she attempted to regain her control, and getting up she returned to her sisters.
After breakfast, the three Bennet girls took a trip to the Columbia campus to visit Kitty. They decided to take their sister out for a while, to help break the monotony of studying for her midterm exams. Kitty enthusiastically joined them; happy for the respite, and happy to be with her sisters.
As the two youngest Bennet girls were giggling and cavorting, Liz told Jane of her decision to end things with both Mr. Pink and Darcy.
"Are you sure that's the best decision, Lizzy? I can't help but think you and William are perfect for one another ... you could be throwing away your chance to be happy..." Jane asked with dismay.
"I could be happy with William or with Mr. Pink ... and I can't decide between either of them, Jane. Believe me, this was very hard for me to do..." she said, biting back her tears.
"Well, you know I'll stand by you, Lizzy. I'll have to ... when Mom catches wind that you let two handsome, wealthy men go ... there'll be no living with her..."she said, eliciting laughter from her sister.
"True ... very true. I'll be even less of her 'favorite' than ever! Thanks, Jane ... I needed that..."
"I love you, Lizzy ... and I'm sorry you're going through all this. Hopefully everything will work out ... you'll see..."
"I know, dear Jane ... maybe all I need is some space and time to clear my head ... I'll focus on work for now ... oh no!" she exclaimed. "William's going to be at Charles' party! And what if Mr. Pink is there ... he hinted that he might be. Which means, he's someone that Charles knows! Do you think you could get a copy of the guest list, Jane?" Lizzy said with a look of panic.
"Lizzy ... calm down. Do you think that would be for the best ... especially now?"
"No ... no, you're right, as usual. Oh, Jane ... maybe I should not go at all..."
"That's up to you, Lizzy. Although Charles will be disappointed, I'm sure he'll understand."
"I'll think about it, then."
"You do that ... no pressure, honey. So," she said, dropping the subject, "where do you think the two 'giggling girls' went?" and the eldest two Bennets went off in search of the youngest (which wasn't too difficult, as their laughter could be heard a block away).
The rest of the day was spent in the company of her three sisters. They dropped Kitty off before dark, and Jane was taken to Charles' apartment after. Liz and Lydia decided to spend a quiet evening at home, as they had to get up early enough for Liz to take her sister to school in the morning.
Liz had a devil of a time trying to get Lydia up in the morning, and basically felt like she was dragging her sister-turned-zombie around the apartment to get ready. Finally, Liz got her out of the door and into the car. Liz drove like a maniac to get to the school on time.
"If it takes you that long to get ready, how on earth do you ever get there on time?" asked Liz in exasperation.
"Dad usually has a pitcher of ice-water ready..."Lydia mumbled, still half-asleep.
"Really? I'm going to have to remember that for tomorrow ... O.k.. here we are ... have a good day!" Lydia grunted and shuffled off towards her school. Looking at the dashboard clock, Liz swore under her breath and headed towards her office building, on the other side of the city. Pulling into the car garage only a few minutes late, she grabbed her briefcase and made her way to her office.
When she checked with Mina, she saw that she already had a few messages from Steve, one from Fitz, and a few from Darcy. Thankful that she didn't have anything pressing this morning, she took a deep breath, and made her way to Steve's office, down the hall.
"Come in ... oh! Lizzykins! How are you doing, hon?" Steve asked in concern.
"I'm ... fine, I guess. Sorry I didn't call you back yesterday. I was out with my sisters for the most part, and just ... well ... I didn't really want to think about anything yet," she said, plopping down in a chair.
"Well, I don't blame you, hon. That was a lot to take in all at once. I had a good talk with Fitz and Darcy when I got back to my place the other night. We discussed what actions are going to be taken against that Wickham guy for all of this. Darcy's going to..." he said before Liz cut him off.
"Steve ... I don't want to know," she said, averting her eyes.
"What? Why not? This guy hurt you too ... I would think that you'd be interested?" he said surprised.
"Steve ... .I've decided to break things off with Darcy ... and Mr. Pink. This is all just too much for me ... too hard. I can't take being pulled in two directions like that, so I'm ending it. At least for now. Maybe with some time and space I can make up my mind easier ... or one of them will decide they don't want to deal with me anymore. So, until then, can you please just be my friend and not talk about your Darcylicious anymore?"
"Oh ... no problem, hon. I'm sorry this has been so rough on you ... and my teasing probably didn't help any. I just want you to be happy, sweetheart," he said, kissing Liz on the cheek.
"Thanks, Steve ... now ... about Fitz? Were you ever going to tell me?" she said, smacking him on the arm and attempting to look severe.
"Um..." Steve began, blushing and looking contrite, "I was going to tell you Liz, after I knew if it was serious or not. Since you know him, and ... his cousins ... and know how prominent they are in this town ... I didn't think it was a good idea to say anything to anyone unless it was a big deal. We've ... talked a lot ... got to know each other ... and I really like him. Fitz is a wonderful man. I think I'll have a great shot at a terrific future with him, from the way things are now..." he said with a smile.
"I'm really happy for you, hon. Fitz is a great guy ... I've always liked him ... although I never, not once, got the indication he was gay!" she said with a chuckle.
"What ... you think we wear signs?" Steve shot back.
"No ... you know what I mean. So, another question I need help with; do I skip out on Charles' birthday party?"
"Now why would you go and do such an unglamourous thing like that?"
"Darcy's going to be there!" Liz cried. "And Pink said something that made it sound like he would be too! I can't be there with both of them!"
"Liz," Steve said, taking a deep breath, "you shouldn't have to hide from anyone. Not to mention the fact that you and Charles are friends, he's your sister's boyfriend ... and from what you've told me and what I've seen myself, Charles is almost family! You should make an appearance ... for Charles' sake!"
"I know ... I've been thinking the same thing ... but ... I don't know if I could face either one of them right now."
"It isn't 'right now', Lizzykins. You've got til Saturday to think and get some distance. And a dress! Which I will help you with, of course! After work today, it's spa and shopping time, and I don't want to hear anything from you right now! You're going and that's final! Besides, it will be fun and relaxing and that's what you need ... listen to Steve ... trust the Steve ... the Steve knows all..."he said, waving his hands and causing Liz to chuckle. "There ... that's a start. I'd love to sit and chat with you more, love, but I've got work to finish up here if we're going out tonight; so scoot!"
Feeling better, Liz made her way back to her office to get back to her own caseload. She ended up having to schedule meetings through her lunch, so after she left the office for the day, she and Steve went out for dinner before they went shopping. Liz felt somewhat guilty for never returning Fitz's or Darcy's calls, but Steve had promised that he would tell Fitz of her decision to break things off, at least for the time being.
The two friends ended up having a blast going through various boutiques, looking for the perfect costume for Liz.
"So ... the invitations for this shindig said the theme was 'famous characters' ... who should you go as..." he said, furrowing his brow and tapping his chin in concentration.
"Who are you going as? You're going with Fitz, aren't you?"
"I'll be his 'plus one' for the night. I haven't decided who I'm going as, yet."
"Just as long as you don't go as Dorothy or the M.C. from Caberet..." Liz said, biting her lip.
"I only dressed up as Dorothy once ... and thank you for not letting me ever live that down ... Hmm, the M.C. doesn't sound too bad. What?" he asked, noticing Liz shaking her head. "I dare say that I'll probably be more dressed than some of the women showing up."
"That's certainly a possibility. Maybe I should go as Princess Leia in the gold bikini?" Liz said chuckling.
"Oh dear girl ... you'd never get out of that party alive! All the men there of our generation would swamp you, oh 'pre-pubescent fantasy'!"
Giggling, Liz walked through the racks of gowns and costumes. Deciding early on that she would stay away from anything ostentatious, she was focusing on something from the 1930's through the '50's. Between Steve and her suggestions, it was finally settled that Liz would go as Hedy Lamarr's character in Sampson and Delilah, as she looked so much like the actress anyway. The addition of a mask wouldn't detract from the costume either.
Steve decided that he would go as Olivier's Richard III, even though people would probably mistake him for any of Shakespear's male leads. After they made their purchases, they journeyed to the Metamorphosis Day Spa for their spoiling.
"I still don't want to know how you got us in here so fast," Liz said, shaking her head.
"I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times, my dear Lizzykins; I know people," Steve said, sticking his nose in the air. They went inside the exclusive spa and got facialed, manicured, pedicured, massaged, and peeled to their hearts' content. After the invigorating and relaxing evening, they made their way to their respective apartments. Lydia had called Liz while she was still at work to tell her that she got picked up by their father, and was staying at home now. Surprisingly, Lydia had taken it upon herself to call Mr. Bennet and request that she go home, as she knew that Liz was going through a difficult time, and didn't want to add to her stress. Liz had thanked her for being understanding, and made plans with the youngest Bennet to hang out some weekend. Liz was happy, although surprised, that Lydia seemed to be maturing. She was far more sensitive to other people and considerate that she had ever been before.
When Liz got home, she dropped her bags on the couch and went to make a quick snack. Waiting for her soup to heat up, she got changed into lounging clothes, and turned on the t.v., hoping to find something worthwhile to watch.
"Why do I even bother paying for cable when nothings on?" she muttered to herself. Finding a rerun of a Star Trek: The Next Generation episode on, she got a bowl of soup and settled in, her inner-geek rumbling happily.
After her meal and a few shows, she decided to turn in for the night. As she was cleaning up, she finally noticed the blinking light on her answering machine.
Checking the caller I.D., she discerned the messages were from Darcy. Taking a deep breath and letting it out, she pressed 'play'.
Elizabeth? If you are there, please pick up. *Sigh*, we need to talk ... I've heard from Fitz ... I understand your confusion and your reasons that you don't feel you should talk to me for a while ... but please. Please call me. If not, I hope that you'll come to Charles' party ... I know he's hoping he sees you there. Elizabeth ... please ... .I'll be waiting to hear from you ... Beep"
Liz stood by her answering machine for a moment, chewing her lip. Finally shaking herself, she hit 'delete', and went to bed.
The next few days seemed to fly by Liz as if she were living in a daze. She had received an email from Mr. Pink, telling her that he understood where she was coming from, yet hopeful that she wouldn't cease all communication, and another message from Darcy, once again imploring her to call him to talk. Ignoring the messages and email, Liz tried to bury herself in her work and hanging out with Steve and Fitz, who were becoming quite the couple, in an attempt to distract herself from dwelling on her situation and the upcoming party on Saturday.
Liz did notice the stories in the papers. Wickham's duplicity was talked about on the front page of the Post and the Times. Steve mentioned that Wickham's activities had an impact on Darcy's business empire, so criminal and civil charges were being brought against him. Darcy, who was normally a private person, had initially balked against having this story as front-page news, but considering the breadth of impact Wickham's impersonation had had, it was decided that releasing the story to the press would go a long way to saving Darcy's reputation; both in his personal and business lives.
Meanwhile, Darcy's somber mood was worrying all those closest to him. Georgiana and Fitz were both feeling helpless in their attempts to bring him out of his melancholy. After seeing him in higher spirits than he had been in years when he was seeing and talking to Liz, witnessing his dejection after being told that she didn't want to speak to him for a while was heartbreaking for his dearest friends. And worse yet; they could tell that something else was eating away at him, that he wasn't disclosing.
Shaking his head, Fitz would subtly hint to Liz that Darcy was taking this hard, but she was adamant that she wouldn't see or speak to him, or Mr. Pink, if he were to show up, until the night of the party. Charles, Jane, and Steve had finally convinced her that she would go, as she had been wavering for most of the week.
The night of the ball arrived, and Steve had Liz come over to his place early, so they could get ready. Although he was going with Fitz, he didn't want Liz to go by herself. Everyone had packed an overnight bag as well, as they would spend the night at Netherfield, and return the following day. The three friends, Delilah, Richard III, and newly-bleached-blond Fitz as Roy Batty of Blade Runner (as Fitz resembled a young Rutger Hauer more than anyone), left early by limo, and made their way to Charles' home outside of the City. Netherfield wasn't too far from Pemberley, and Liz had trouble keeping her thoughts off of her time there, or Pemberley's owner.
Liz went over everything that had happened since Pemberley; her time spent with Darcy and her conversations with Mr. Pink. Still completely unable to make a decision between the two, but knowing that she would see Darcy tonight, with a huge chance that Mr. Pink would be there as well, she told herself that it would be left up to fate. Hopefully there would be a sign, to show her what path to take.
After the few hours' drive, the limo finally began to pull up the long drive to Netherfield. Seeing the welcoming and festive lights spilling out of the handsome building, Liz finally began to feel a bit lighter. Charles was a good friend and it was his birthday. Determined to enjoy herself and not spoil Charles', Jane's, or her own evening, Liz screwed a smile on her face and accepted Steve's help in getting out of the limo.
Laughing as she was escorted in by both gallant men, she was swept into the spacious foyer. Charles and Jane were there, dressed up as Tristan and Isolde, greeting the guests.
"Lizzy! I am so glad you came!" Charles said, kissing her on the cheek. "Fitz, Steve ... good to see you both!"
"Thanks for having us all," Steve said, as Jane pulled Liz away.
"Are you alright?" Jane asked with concern.
"Yes, Jane ... I'm fine ... I'll be fine tonight, I promise you."
"I just want to be sure this isn't too difficult for you, dearest Lizzy. I would have understood if you didn't want to come."
"Thank you, sis." After taking a deep breath, she asked the inevitable question, "Is William here?"
"Yes, he's inside already. He came with Georgiana. I know that she'd love to say hello to you."
"Maybe a bit later on ... I'm going to need a bit more time before I can face William," she said, averting her eyes. Jane stood by her sister quietly, placing a sympathetic hand on her shoulder. Smiling up at Jane, Liz went back to Fitz and Steve, and after accepting both of their arms, turned to enter Netherfield's grand ballroom.
She heard Caroline before she saw her; it was hard not to with her trilling of "Oh, William ... so are so clever..." Thinking that it would be best to avoid that corner of the room for now, she had Steve take her over to the bar. She needed a drink.
With wineglass in hand, she scanned the room. There were, in fact, more people here than at Pemberley, which caused her to snicker in remembrance of Caroline's contrary assumption. Many of the people Liz didn't recognize, masks notwithstanding, and she deduced these must be all of Bingley's college friends, as they appeared to be of an age. Liz stuck by Fitz and Steve for most of the evening; taking advantage of her short stature in hiding behind taller men. When the music struck up, she took a deep breath, and let Steve take her to the dance floor.
"You shouldn't be hiding, Lizzykins. You're going to have to face Darcylicious at some point," he said in mild rebuke.
"I know ... I know ... I'm a coward," she said, looking down.
"You're not a coward, Lizzy. I know you're not ... you just.." he started before he was interrupted by a tap on his shoulder. Turning he saw a tall man dressed in a plain, black suit, with a white shirt and bolo tie. It took a moment for him to recognize the man as Darcy, dressed as Vincent Vega from Pulp Fiction.
"May I cut in?" he asked, trepidation in his voice.
"Certainly," Steve said quickly, ignoring Liz's panicked look.
Darcy took Steve's place, and gingerly took Liz in his arms.
"You never called me back..." he began, not able to look at her.
"William, I ... I told you I needed some time," she said, letting out a trembling breath.
"I know ... but its important, Elizabeth. I really need to speak to you..." Darcy said, finally looking her in the eyes.
Liz felt trapped by his intense gaze, and began to panic. Swallowing, she said, "Excuse me ... ," and stepped out of his grasp. Turning, she made her way through the crowd to the ladies room.
Once inside, she found an unoccupied sink, and splashed some cold water on her face. After a moment, she decided that she needed fresh air. She went back to the throng, and after finding Steve and Fitz on the dance floor, told them that she was going out to the balcony for a while. Steve watched her go with concern, and Fitz said, "Just let her be for a moment," to which Steve hesitantly agreed.
In the cool, night air, Liz hung onto the railing of the balcony and tried to steady her breath. The tears were once again threatening to come, and she bit her lip against the turmoil in her heart. She was on the balcony for a while, ignoring the chill in the air that was threatening to turn her lips blue.
She almost didn't hear the soft footsteps behind her, but when she heard the voice, she lost all feeling and ability to move.
"Dark Maiden ... you really shouldn't be out here on a night like this ... you'll catch your death from cold ... and then I'll be heartbroken ... or, are you waiting for your feet of snow to start falling?"
Slowly turning around, she espied a tall man, dressed like Valentino's Sheik, standing in the dim light of the doorway. He moved towards her, approaching her from the side. Liz's breath was coming in gasps, her whole frame trembling.
"You're freezing ... here," he said in his low, accented voice, taking off the outer layer of his costume and wrapping it around her, "take this. Hmmm ... in that costume, you are no longer quite the 'dark maiden'. Are you now the desert flower?"
"Is it ... is it really you?" Liz finally managed to gasp out.
"It's me, my lovely correspondent," he said, touching her cheek with his fingers. "May I have this dance? I've been waiting for another with you for far too long."
Completely entranced by the moment, Liz found herself in Mr. Pink's arms before she realized it. Nearly swooning from the contact, it wasn't until the dance was over, that she found her voice again.
"I can't do this ... I can't," she whispered, pain evident in her voice.
"Why?" his voice breathed back.
"I ... I just can't! Please let me go!" she cried.
After a moment of deafening silence, Liz heard, "Will you please remove my mask?" he asked softly, standing close.
"I..." Liz began, then bit her lip and averted her eyes.
"Please..." this came as a whisper, full of emotion.
Liz looked up and tentatively reached her hands up. She halted, then slowly moved her hands behind his bowed head so that she could untie the ribbons securing the mask. Taking a deep, shuddering breath, she slowly removed the mask.
Liz stood there for a long moment, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Elizabeth?" Darcy whispered, raising a hand to brush her tears away, then took her into his arms; his whole being telling him to never let her go.
"I ... .I ... how dare you," she screamed, her voice raw with anger and dispair, then pushing him away, ran the house, leaving Darcy alone, bereft, heartbroken and calling after her.
Chapter 10
Posted on Monday, 27 November 2006
Liz blindly pushed her way through the crowded ballroom, not caring if she trod on anyone in her flight to the staircase. Steve saw a flash of color out of the corner of his eye, and recognizing Liz's costume under a cloak, turned to follow her. He caught up with her just as she entered the front hallway.
"Lizzy!? Slow down, girl, what's the matter?"
"I ... I need to get out of here..." she managed to gasp out in-between sobs.
"What happened?" he asked, panic setting in. He had never seen her so distraught before. Her eyes were wide, he cheeks tearstained. She looked terrifyingly sad, yet fiercely angry at the same time. Those wide eyes were shooting sparks.
"William is Mr. Pink!" she hissed.
"What? How ... when..."he stuttered, blindsided.
"I knew he'd muck it up..." they heard someone mumble.
Turning, they saw Fitz approaching them, shaking his head.
"You ... you knew!" Liz accused, narrowing her eyes at him.
"Whoa..." he said, stopping and putting his hands up in defense against Liz's glare. "I knew ... but only for the past two days, and I practically had to drag it out of him ... I could tell that something had been tearing him up. I promised him I wouldn't say anything when he told me that he would let you know ... I guess he's been trying to tell you for a while now, but he never got the chance to. He does feel awful about the whole thing, Liz..."
"Well good! He should feel like total crap for what he's been doing to Lizzy! What kind of sick game has he been playing here?" Steve demanded, his anger simmering to the surface.
"It was nothing like that!" Fitz shot back, defending his cousin. "Sure he screwed up and handled this completely wrong, but he didn't do it to hurt anyone!"
"Well ... he did. He hurt Lizzy ... and I won't stand by and listen to this. Come on, hon, I'm getting you out of here," Steve muttered, escorting her up the stairs.
"Steve..." Fitz said, his hands dropping to his sides. Running his fingers through his hair, he stood there contemplating what he wanted to do to his cousin for creating this entire mess, that now included himself.
Jane had also witness Liz's flight towards the stairs, and with a soft, "Excuse me," extricated herself from the knot of people around Charles and made her way to Liz's guest room. After knocking, she entered and found Steve sitting on the bed, while Liz was in the bathroom changing out of her costume.
"Lizzy? Can I come in?" she asked softly.
"Just ... ugh ... a second," she heard through the door, before it was opened and Liz was standing there in jeans and a t-shirt. "I'm sorry, Jane ... give my apologies to Charles, but I'm leaving ... now," she said, her eyes dark.
Jane and Steve both watched Liz move about the room, folding her costume with precision and placing it in her bag.
"Uh oh..." Steve said, recognizing Liz in combat mode, "I think we should just stay out of her way ... ."
"What happened?" Jane asked in a whisper.
"What happened is Darcy is Mr. Pink. He had me take his mask off when we were on the balcony," Liz said in a toneless voice. "What happened is the ... men I liked turned out to be the same person ... the same person who's been toying with my emotions since Pemberley. I am leaving right now, Jane. I'm sorry, but I can't be under the same roof with Darcy right now, or I'll do something I regret."
"Oh..."Jane said, shocked. "Um, you came up with Fitz, did you not? You can take my car back to the city. I can return with Charles," she offered.
"Thank you. I'll give you a call tomorrow. Steve, are you ready?"
"Yea ... I don't think I want to be here either. I know Fitz said he promised not to say anything ... but all of this still hurt you. Its going to take a while for me to forgive that ... I don't want to see him right now either..." he said, his face showing his own hurt.
Liz and Steve made their way downstairs and out to the garage where Jane's car was parked. Thankful that they didn't run into either Fitz or Darcy, they quietly got into the car, and began the ride back to the City, both of them lost in their own thoughts.
Liz dropped Steve off at his apartment, and he was thankful to finally get out of his costume, as he forgot to change before they left. Liz told him that she'd call him at some point, she didn't know when. Steve nodded his head, and went home.
Liz dropped the car off at Jane's building, and took the subway home. She felt drained, used, betrayed, and angry. She couldn't find a way to see Darcy's behavior as any different than Wickham's, and she was disgusted with all of the deception that had been surrounding her lately. Shaking herself, she got off the subway and walked the block to her building, her thoughts dark.
When she got to her apartment, she unpacked and took a shower, hoping it would make her feel cleaner in more ways than just on the surface. After getting out and drying herself off, she went into her office and turned on the computer.
Noticing an email from Darcy/Mr. Pink, she deleted it without opening it, and blocked her mail account so that all future emails would be sent directly to the Trash bin. She didn't want to hear what he had to say, didn't want to have anything to do with him right now. She was too upset to even think about him.
On Monday when she went back to work, she stopped by Steve's office to see how he was doing, as she never called him. When she knocked, she heard him on the phone. Entering slowly, she saw that Steve had his head in his hand, and he was talking in a low voice.
"Yes ... yes I know ... I just ... well, Lizzy's my best friend! How do you think I'd react ... I'm sorry too ... I know you were in a rough place, it's only ... *sigh* I'll talk to you later, o.k.? Bye..." he said, then hung up. Running his hands over his face, he got up and walked over to Liz. Giving her a hug, he asked softly, "How're you holding up, old girl?"
"Fine ... fine ... I went to the dojo yesterday and got some of this out. Think I might go back after work."
"Ah ... yes, beating up on things would help, I imagine," he said.
"I've been doing some thinking ... and although I hate that Darcy deceived me, if what Fitz says was true, if he was, in fact, trying to tell me before, maybe I should hear him out..." Liz said into Steve's shoulder.
"That's up to you, sweetheart. I'm not going to advise you one way or the other."
"I just can't talk to him yet. Its too soon. But I do want to know why ... why he did this, why he deceived me."
"Well, Fitz hasn't told me anything ... he just called to apologize for not saying anything ... I was mad at him at first ... but since he didn't know anything about it until a few days ago, and Darcy had asked him not to say anything because he was planning on telling you ... I forgave him for it..."
Stepping away from Steve and muttering an oath, Liz said, "And now he's gone and interfered with your relationship too ... Darcy's got a lot to answer for..."
"Hon ... yes, he does. But if its any consolation, I, for one, don't think he did all of this with the intention of being cruel. But that's just my opinion. It's up to you whether or not you want to hear him out."
Liz stood there, chewing her lip and nodding her head. She told Steve that she'd call him later, and went to her office. Mina was about to give Liz her schedule for the day, but after one look at Liz's dark visage, decided that it was best to wait.
Liz threw herself into her work over the next few weeks; picking up extra cases to keep herself busy and her mind occupied. She had unblocked her emails, yet she was still unable to read them. They sat in a folder on her computer. During this time, Liz barely spoke to anyone, except her family and Steve. Steve had to tell her to cut back on her work, as he could see her becoming exhausted, but she refused to relent. Her daily schedule was draining her, as she would go to the dojo nearly everyday after work. Even Jane was attempting to get Liz to cut back, and suggested that they go out for dinner or a movie most nights, but Liz refused to go. Finally, Jane called her father.
Liz was in her apartment, working in her office when she heard a knock at her door. Heaving a sigh, she got up and trudged to the door.
"Dad?" she asked, startled. Even though she spoke with her father regularly, his own schedule kept him busy so that visits were rare.
"Hi, pumpkin," he said, kissing her on the cheek. "Got any coffee ready?"
"Do I have any coffee ready ... does the Pope wear a funny hat? Hi Dad ... come in," she said, returning the kiss.
"So what brings you over here? Mom finally get on your last nerve?" she asked as she grabbed her father a mug.
"No ... Jane called me. She said that something was bothering you," he stated flatly, sitting down at the island.
Liz stopped for a moment, then continued getting the milk out of the fridge and a spoon. Sitting down across from her father, she folded her hands and looked him in the eye. "It's really none of her business."
"Oh tosh! Of course its her business, you're her sister and she loves you. I'm your father, and I love you, so ... tell me what's wrong, or do I have to get a Subpoena?"
Liz glared at her father, then finally told him everything that had happened between her and Darcy, her and Mr. Pink, and the escapade involving Wickham.
"Nasty business, that..." he said, taking a sip of coffee, "Darcy even called me about that mess."
"What? Why did he call you?" she asked, nearly spurting out her mouthful.
"Well, evidently someone told him that I was one of the 'top legal minds' in the City! He and his legal team contacted me about some of the trickier points on the whole identity theft/fraud aspect of the case. Got such a nice bonus out of the deal, even though I hardly did anything, that your Mom, Lydia, and I are taking that trip to England that I've always dreamed of, sometime during the summer break."
"Oh..." Liz said, stirring the contents of her mug.
"And Lizzy ... your young man there knows he messed up."
"How did..."
"He spoke to me about that too. After the whole mess out at Bingley's place. He called to wrap up some things regarding Wickham and he told me the whole story."
"Another part of his hiding things from me ... why couldn't he tell me he had been talking to you?! Why couldn't he..."
"Because you weren't returning any of his phone calls," Mr. Bennet interjected.
"Well, would you talk to someone who had manipulated you that badly?" Liz shot back.
"What he did was wrong ... there's no refuting that, Lizzy. But, as paltry and nonsensical as it may seem, maybe he had his reasons for behaving as he did. You won't know until you talk to him ... if you talk to him. I do have to say this for the young man, he does seem to like you very much ... which means he has some good sense ... although I would like to smack him upside the head for how he treated you..."
"I want to do more than smack him..." Liz muttered, "which means I should settle down a bit more before I do talk to him ... if I decide to, that is..."
"There's a good girl ... yes, you don't want a repeat of what happened at that club. I had to do a little finagling there ... you know? Wickham wanted to press charges against you for assault?"
"What? Why didn't I hear anything about that?
"Darcy and his legal team shot it down ... which is a good thing! As you are a black-belt, any use of force on your end could legally be seen as assault with intent or with a weapon. Your career may have been in serious jeopardy if charges were filed ... .So, on another note, are you still planning on coming over for Thanksgiving? Your mother is making her usual spread ... and the Gardiners will be there..."
"Hmm? Oh, yes ... I haven't made any other plans..."
"Is Steve coming over?"
"I haven't asked him yet. He might be doing something with Fitz ... they've become quite serious over the past few weeks."
"That's good. Steve is a nice guy ... he deserves to be happy. So, pumpkin ... I'll see you this Thursday. Take care of yourself ... and get some rest. You're running yourself too ragged."
"Yes, Dad," she said, tilting her head to receive his kiss.
Thanksgiving day was upon Liz before she knew it, and throwing on something deemed "Mom-safe", she drove over to her parents' brownstone. Grabbing her dish of yams that she made, she went up the steps and entered her old home. Smells of food cooking assailed her nose as she walked down the hallway, and she heard her mother chattering away.
"So ... I told Mrs. Long, that I ... oh! Lizzy! There you are! Come help me with this ... the gravy needs stirring!"
Putting the dish down, Liz walked over to her Aunt Gardiner, who had been the receiver of Mrs. Bennet's prattling on.
"Happy Thanksgiving my dear!" she said smiling, and gave her niece a hug. In a lower voice, so only Liz could hear, she said, "The gravy needs sieving ... strainer is over on the counter..."
"Hi, Aunt Maddy! And how have you been?" Liz said, chuckling.
"I've been great, and so has your Uncle Edward. He's in your father's den, getting into the scotch, no doubt. And how have you been, are you getting enough rest?" she asked when she noticed Liz's gaunt appearance.
"Oh Auntie ... I've had a rough month ... I'll tell you about it later. Right now, I'm here to have dinner with my family ... and ... 'stir' the gravy..." she said, her humor returning in the presence of her favorite Aunt.
The women bustled in the kitchen finishing the last minute preparation with the meal, chattering away. Jane and Charles appeared shortly, and Mary and Lydia were busy setting the table.
"Where's Kitty?" Liz asked.
"Actually ... I don't know. She should have been here a while ago..."Mr. Bennet said, frowning and looking at his watch. "She called yesterday and said she'd be over by 4 o'clock. I.." he began, then was interrupted by the doorbell.
Mr. Bennet made his way to the front door, and his shock upon seeing a policeman was drowned out by Mrs. Bennet's screeching, "Who is it? Is it Kitty?"
"Mr. Bennet? My name is Sergeant Miller ... I hate to have to inform you that your daughter Catherine is missing ... in fact, she's been..."
"Kitty?! What's happened to my Kitty?! Oh! She's been murdered! Oh, my heart!" Mrs. Bennet wailed before she fainted and was barely caught by her brother, Edward Gardiner. The entire family was standing in the entryway, all of them struck mute.
"No ... we have every reason to believe that Catherine is still alive, Mr. Bennet ... but she's been kidnapped. By a Mr. George Wickham..."
"Wickham!?" Liz spat out, finally able to speak.
"I take it you know this man? I will have to question you..."
"I know of this man too," Mr. Bennet said, "my daughter and I will accompany you down to the station directly ... it would be better if we conducted this away from the house. Lizzy? Could you grab my coat?" Liz nodded dumbly, and ran to get her things and her father's coat. Edward and Maddy Gardiner said that they'd take care of Mrs. Bennet, and see to the rest of the family. Charles was comforting Jane on the sofa, and Lydia was being held by Mary.
Liz and Mr. Bennet followed the officer into his awaiting patrol car, and headed to the nearest station. Liz held her father's hand, and the two of them gave each other silent strength, and prepared themselves for whatever was to follow.
At the station, they were taken into a room by Sgt. Miller. There was another officer in there who introduced himself as Detective Severn.
"So, I guess the question is; how do you know this Wickham character?" the Detective asked.
"Well, I met him once ... er, twice. I ... used to be acquainted with William Darcy ... and Wickham was his chauffeur and part of his security detail. I had never been introduced to Wickham, but he had been pointed out to me when I noticed how much he looked like Mr. Darcy..."
"Oh, yes ... that impersonation thing that was in the papers not too long ago. Sorry, please continue..."
"Yes ... and, well," Liz said, biting her lip, "Mr. Darcy and I went out a couple of times; lunches, a dinner ... and one night when I was out with my sisters I saw Darcy with another woman. He was hanging all over her and I confronted him. Later on that night, I was over at a friend's house and I told him what I had seen ... another friend contacted Darcy, and he ended up coming over. He had been with his sister the entire night ... that's when it finally came out that Wickham had been impersonating Darcy ... because he was the man I saw ... not William."
"Ah!" the Detective exclaimed. "I wondered why he picked your sister ... it seems that he may be holding a grudge against you, Ms. Bennet, for the part you played in unmasking him. This answers quite a few questions. Well, the situation, as far as we know, is this; your sister was at a party last night ... the usual thing ... evening before Thanksgiving and all ... And since this might not be random at all ... I can assume that Wickham had followed your sister and picked her up at this party. According to the number of women he seduced playing his Darcy bit, he has quite the charming personality ... He took her from this party, and it wasn't until this morning when someone got the call that she was missing..."
"Call? Who called? Was it her roommate?" Mr. Bennet asked.
"Actually, it was an anonymous source that informed us that Catherine had been taken, and that a ransom was being asked for."
"A ransom? I don't understand..." Liz asked, shaking her head.
"Wickham states that he wants one million, U.S., delivered before midnight tonight, or..."
"Or what, Detective?" Mr. Bennet asked, grasping Liz's hand in a deathgrip.
"Or she'll never come home, Mr. Bennet," the Detective said, averting his eyes.
Liz stiffled a sob. She was numb ... shocked and numb. She couldn't understand how anyone could do this, why anyone would do this...
There was a knock on the door, and the Detective excused himself. Liz looked up and saw two men in black suits on the other side of the door. Closing the door behind him, the Detective stood in the hallway and conversed with the men. Liz watched this through the window in the door, and wondered if they were talking about her sister.
"Why is this happening, Lizzy? Why has this man taken our Kitty?" she heard Mr. Bennet ask in a voice she had never heard before.
Turning back to him, she threw her arms around her father and said, "I don't know, Papa ... I don't understand. If he's angry with me ... why he went after Kitty ... and why this ransom? We could never raise that kind of money!"
"I know, dear child ... even if I sold the house immediately, I don't think I could get that much ... stocks, bonds ... no ... not enough..."
"What are we going to do?" Liz asked in a fearful whisper, her entire frame beginning to shake.
"I don't know, pumpkin ... I don't know..."
"Pardon me," interrupted the Detective. The two shaken Bennets pulled apart and turned tear-filled eyes upon the man, fear of what news they might hear evident.
"I just wanted to inform you that we've had a break in the case. Those men outside are from IIS Investigations ... one of the best private security firms in the city ... They won't tell me who hired them, 'client confidentiality' or somesuch ... but they've found a few leads and say they're close to tracking down Wickham. From what they've managed to find so far, your sister is fine..."
"Oh thank G*d..." Mr. Bennet breathed. "But they won't say who hired them?"
"No ... but they're among the best. I can smell Fed a mile away, and those two outside reek of it. Hate to say it, but..." he began, looked around and sat down, then continued with a lower voice, "with our budget, we can only do our best ... unfortunately, at times its not enough ... with these guys involved ... I'm optimistic we'll find Catherine," the Detective said with a smile.
Liz nodded, wanting to feel hopeful and relieved, but afraid of getting her hopes too high. After a moment, she told her father to head back to the house; she would stay at the station in case there was anything new, but she thought that his presence would be appreciated back home. Mrs. Bennet must be worried to death, along with the rest of the family. Mr. Bennet hesitantly agreed, and dragged himself back to the brownstone; steeling himself against the onslaught of nerves.
During the hours that Liz was at the station, she became acquainted with the vending machines, nearly all the outdated magazines, the lobby, Detective Severn's couch, and the hallways. It was when she was on her tenth cup of what she assumed was coffee, after being there for fourteen hours, when she was startled by a hand tapping her shoulder.
Jumping around and nearly splattering the black suit of the man next to her with the caffeine-laden sludge in her cup, Liz noticed one of the private security men she saw before.
"Ms. Bennet," he stated in a monotone, "Mr. Smith. If you would follow me, please," he said, then turned on a impossibly-polished heel and walked down the hallway at a fast clip. Liz had to run to keep up with him.
"Have you heard anything? What's going on?" she asked, trying to keep the mounting panic from her voice.
The man didn't say anything, but walked until he came to the room Liz and her father had been in before. He opened the door, and motioned Liz inside. Liz looked up at him, then gingerly entered the room.
"Kitty!" she screamed, and was knocked back against the wall by her sister throwing herself at her.
"Lizzy!" she sobbed. "Oh my G*d, its so good to see you!"
Liz stood there, tears flowing down her cheeks as she fiercely threw her arms around Kitty. The two sisters clung to each other for a while, basking in the moment of reunion. When Liz finally cleared her eyes of the blurring tears, she saw a group of men walking past the doorway. It was a few police men, flanked by men in suits, escorting Wickham. He stopped for a moment and glared at Liz before he was dragged away. Liz felt Kitty shudder, and she held onto her more tightly.
"It's o.k., Kitty ... you're safe ... you're with me now. He didn't ... hurt you ... did he?" she asked in a barely audible whisper.
"No ... no ... he didn't lay a hand on me ... but he did tie me up ... and kept telling me that he was out to get you and some Darcy guy for ruining his life..."
"Darcy?" Liz asked.
"Please, Liz ... I don't want to talk about it right now ... I just want to go home," she cried, plaintively.
"You can take her home, Ms. Bennet. We've got a lot of paperwork to do right now ... and question Wickham. We can get her statement tomorrow, after she's rested and a bit calmer," Detective Severn said as he entered the room.
"Good ... I'll take her home right now, then. Come on, Kitty ... let's go home. And see if there's any leftovers for us! You know, Mom made her pie ... and there's turkey and stuffing, and that cranberry muck that you like," she said, eliciting a small smile from Kitty.
"Good ... I don't think I've been so hungry in my life..." she managed to chuckle and say through her tears.
"We'll get you cleaned up and stuffed to your heart's content, hon ... don't worry."
Liz bundled her sister up and got into the patrolcar that was taking them home. Kitty lay in Liz's arms for the entire ride, and, early in the morning, the day after Thanksgiving, as they pulled up in front of the Bennet residence, she saw her father opening the door and standing on the top step; his face a mask that quickly turned to joyful surprise as Kitty flung the door open and ran into his arms.
"Oh ... my dear girl ... my dear, little girl ... you're safe..." he said brokenly.
By this time the entire family was outside, crying and laughing and trying to hug Kitty at once. Shortly, most of the neighborhood came outside, most dressed in pajamas, and began cheering at the sight of the happy reunion, as most of them had heard through the grapevine (and Mrs. Bennet's loud shrieking) that Kitty had been abducted.
Liz walked over to Jane and gave her sister a tight hug. Jane was crying in happy relief, and Charles put his arms around both of them.
"She's alright ... she's alright! Oh ... what a blessed day!"
"She's fine ... just scared, tired, and hungry. I hope there's some food left..." Liz said, smiling at Jane's radiance.
"Yes..." she said, wiping her tears away. "Mom had everything put away ... she refused to have dinner with Kitty gone ... now we can truly celebrate Thanksgiving! Kitty's back ... we have so much to be thankful for now ... ."
"Yes ... yes we do," Liz said with a huge smile, casting a fond glance on her family. Even her mother, who for once was miraculously silent as she stood there and cradled Kitty in her arms, rocking her gently.
"Well, now ... lets get inside..." Mr. Bennet said, clearing his throat. With waves to their neighbors, the Bennet family entered the house.
Kitty took a long, hot bath, and freshly scrubbed and dressed in clean pajamas, joined the Bennet family for their delayed feast. Saying Grace had never before had such meaning for the family, and the meal was spent in high spirits; everyone eating their fill and happily chattering away.
When the meal was done, and everyone was sitting contentedly, Charles cleared his throat and lifted his glass.
"To Kitty ... I don't know if there could be any words to describe how happy and thankful everyone here is to have you home ... just know, that you are loved ... and you are with your family ... ."
"Here, here!" everyone cried out and Mrs. Bennet sobbed.
"And ... speaking of family..." Charles continued, "it is moments like these ... and the past few days ... that make you realize what is truly important in life. Family ... friends ... the ones you love..." he said, turning his gaze on Jane, "Jane..." he began, then bit his lip and got down on one knee. "Jane ... dear, sweet Jane ... I love you ... and now I realize that I can't live without you ... will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Everyone at the table held their breath, even Mrs. Bennet.
"Yes, Charles ... yes I will be your wife ... I love you so..."Jane said smiling gently.
With a loud whoop, Charles swept Jane our of her chair and spun her around the room. Everyone began shouting their congratulations, and Mrs. Bennet cried out, "One daughter returned to us, safe and sound, and another to be married! Oh ... G*d has been very good to us!"
Coming up beside her and kissing her on the temple, Mr. Bennet said softly, "Yes he has, Fanny ... yes he has."
With everyone in the house running on such high emotions for the past couple days, the Bennets, Gardiners, and Bingley went to bed to fall into exhausted slumber shortly after Jane's engagement. The household slept until they were awoken by Detective Severn's phonecall at 11 o'clock the next morning, to arrange a time for him to come over to take Kitty's statement.
Breakfast was made, and everyone got dressed. Liz was still tired, as she had bunked up with Kitty (who was a tosser, even on her best days) as Liz's old room had been cleared out for Charles' use. Jane's room had been used by the Gardiner's, so Jane had slept with Mary, and Lydia had shared her room with the Gardiner's children, Julia and Stephen.
The Detective arrived to a busy and noisy household, with everyone in the middle of cleaning up from the day before. The Detective was shown into Mr. Bennet's office, and Liz and Kitty came in shortly after.
When Detective Severn asked to speak to Kitty alone, Mr. Bennet replied, in a voice that brooked no opposition, "My daughter and I are both attorney's, Detective ... I insist that we both be present for Kitty's statement." After a moment, the Detective nodded and turned to Kitty.
"I know this must be difficult for you, Miss Bennet, but could you please tell me, as precisely as you are able, what happened the night of November 22nd."
"I went to a frat party with my roommate around 10 o'clock. We were just going to go for a few drinks ... some dancing ... we didn't plan on staying too late because we both had to be up early to go home for Thanksgiving. I went to the party ... got a beer, and started talking to some guys I knew. I was there for about an hour when this guy came up to me and asked me to dance. He said his name was Will Darcy ... I had never seen him before ... he didn't go to school there ... he was older. I thought he was really cute, so I danced with him. We talked about my classes ... my family ... he didn't say much about himself ... just let me do the talking. After we danced for a while, we walked over to get another drink ... he handed me a cup, and after that, things got really blurry ... I don't remember what happened..." she said, shaking her head.
"It's alright, Miss Bennet. The blood sample we took at the station came up positive for a common sedative ... nothing harmful, but in combination with alcohol it has the potential to render a person unconscious."
"Oh ... I knew I didn't drink that much ... he drugged me?" she asked.
"Apparently. Now, please continue ... what's the next thing you remember?"
"Well ... I woke up in a dingy room ... the windows were covered up with something. I had my hands tied ... my feet tied ... and I was gagged. Nothing was hurt from what I could feel ... but I was so scared..." she said, drifting into a whisper and closing her eyes. Liz covered her hand with her own, and after a moment, Kitty took a breath and went on, "The guy that took me was pacing back and forth in the room ... yelling into a phone ... he didn't sound happy ... he demanded things ... money ... a way to get out of the City ... he got really angry and hung up ... then he called someone else ... Younge ... the name was 'something' Younge..." she said, shaking her head.
"Younge?" the Detective asked, furiously jotting down notes. "Man? Woman?"
"I think it was a woman's name ... I'm sorry ... I don't remember... "
"Perfectly fine, Miss Bennet. You're doing great ... .. I'm proud of you..."
"After he got off the phone with her ... he came over to me and told me that his name wasn't Darcy ... that he hated this Darcy guy for ruining his life ... Darcy and his girlfriend ... you," Kitty said, turning a questioning gaze on Liz. Liz was stunned and shook her head. "Something about how you exposed him and ruined things for him ... .I didn't have a clue what he was talking about ... then he went on to say that he couldn't get to George ... Georgie? Couldn't reach some Georgie person so he came after Darcy's girlfriend's sister to teach you all a lesson... "
At Liz's shocked look, the Detective asked her if she knew who 'Georgie' was.
"Yes," Liz replied, trying to moisten her throat, "Georgiana Darcy ... William Darcy's sister..."
"Ah ... yes ... makes sense now ... with the security they have ... and Wickham being intimately acquainted with that security ... he would know that he couldn't get to anyone in the Darcy family..." the Detective said to himself.
"So he went after me?" Kitty asked wide-eyed. "But why? I've never seen this guy ... or William Darcy in my life? Who is he? Lizzy? Is he your boyfriend? I didn't know you had one!"
"No ... he's not my boyfriend, Kitty. I used to be acquainted with him ... but I haven't spoken to him in weeks. Oh L*rd ... this is all my fault..." she said softly.
"No it's not, Lizzy!" Mr. Bennet said heatedly. "Don't you dare blame yourself for this..."
Kitty looked from her father to her sister in confusion. Detective Severn reclaimed her attention, and she went on with her narrative.
"Er ... after that I kind of lost track of time ... I was there on the floor for a day ... two days? I don't know ... I was scared, and tired ... and thirsty ... he never gave me any food or water ... .barely let me go to the bathroom," she said embarrassed, "although he did untie my hands for that and stood outside the room, thank G*d, before he'd tie me up again ... and then, shortly after I fell asleep ... I heard noises from outside the room ... armed men in black with masks on came into the room ... there was smoke but no fire ... I didn't hear any shots ... but suddenly that Wickham guy was on the floor with people all over him and some men came and picked me up and took me out of the room. They cut me lose ... gave me a blanket ... some water ... and I was put in a huge car ... they knew my name ... they kept calling me Kitty ... I think there was a doctor there ... and," here she stopped, her eyes widening.
"What is it?" the Detective asked, looking up from his notes.
"Kitty...?" Liz asked, seeing the surprise on her sister's face.
"There was another guy there ... I don't know who he was but he could have been this Wickham's twin brother or something ... ."
"What?" Liz spat out.
"He was with the men in black ... wasn't dressed like them ... he was just wearing jeans and a sweater ... but he looked so much like that Wickham guy that at first ... I though it was him ... but his voice was different ... it was kind and gentle. He kept saying my name ... over and over ... and told me that everything was going to be alright ... that I was going home..."
The Detective furrowed his brow for a moment, then his expression cleared and he jotted down a few more notes. Liz turned to her father who returned her incredulous look. "Is it true? Was William actually there? Did he have something to do with Kitty being rescued!" the thought swirled in Liz's head, rendering her unable to hear the Detective asking her a question.
"What? I'm sorry..."
"I asked if you have felt as though you were being followed lately or had received any threatening calls, hang-ups..."
"No ... nothing like that at all. I've been at my office a lot and down at the dojo..."
"Dojo?" Severn inquired, his brow raised.
"I take aikido..."
"Hmm ... might be why he didn't go after you personally..." he said under his breath.
"Yes ... probably thought it was be better to not have every bone broken..." Mr. Bennet said chuckling, his humor finally returning. "I dare say my Lizzy would have left the man a complete shambles if he tried anything with her..."
"Oh ... Lizzy? Could you take me with you, the next time you go?" Kitty asked softly.
"I think that would be a good idea, actually," the Detective said with a smile. "Not only would it be in her best interest, but more often than not, taking defensive classes helps with the healing process after an event like this..."
"Sure I'll take you, Kitty ... and I'll train with you too. It'll be 'our thing'," Liz said with a smile.
The Detective wrapped up the questioning, and as he was leaving, Steve pushed past him, yelling for Liz.
Liz staggered out of her father's office, and upon hearing her name, looked up to see her best friend barreling towards her. Wrapped up in a bear hug, she could barely summon the breath to say hello.
"Oh G*d, Lizzykins! I came as soon as I heard! What's going on? Have you heard anything? What ... Kittykat!" he cried, then swept up Liz's sister in his embrace as well.
"Mmph ... Steef ... ah!" Kitty gasped out, laughing at the same time.
Finally releasing the two, he stepped back, tears on his cheeks.
"She came home yesterday, Steve..."
"I'm fine!" Kitty giggled out.
"Did Jane call you? I'm so sorry ... I was so wrapped up in everything ... I didn't think to..."
"No ... no ... I was with Fitz out at his parent's place for Thanksgiving ... he got a call that day and took off ... didn't come back, which I thought was odd, then he called me yesterday and asked me to come back to the city ... .and I made the drive as soon as I could ... I didn't know what had happened until I heard from Fitz. I guess he didn't know that Kitty was home ... or..."
"Fitz got a call...?" Liz asked, thinking she already knew the answer.
"Yeah ... he got a call ... didn't say from who or what is was about ... why?"
Liz rolled her eyes and shook her head. The secrecy of the Darcy family was beyond exasperating.
"You should ask your boyfriend about that ... or better yet, your boyfriend's cousin..." she muttered.
"What? I don't..." Steve began, when he was interrupted by Mr. Bennet.
"Lizzy!" he snapped, displeasure evident in his voice. "Could you join me in here ... alone, please. Excuse us, Steve. Good to see you, son. Mrs. Bennet has something to munch on in the kitchen ... why don't you and Kitty go in there for a while and catch up?"
Steve nodded, and with a bemused glance as Liz, threw his arm around Kitty and took her into the kitchen, where he could already hear Mrs. Bennet prattling away.
"Sit down, Lizzy," Mr. Bennet commanded. "I am ashamed of you, my dear," she said, shaking his head.
"What? What did I do?" Liz asked, astonished.
"Lizzy ... I think you figured out just what I did ... that it was your William Darcy that hired those men that found your sister and brought her home ... safe and sound! If he had to be somewhat tight-mouthed about the whole thing, you shouldn't begrudge that at all! Kitty's back ... she's whole and home ... and you're griping about Mr. Darcy not telling you or Steve."
"But, Dad! After all he did to me, how can you defend him..."
"Lizzy ... I told you before ... the young man told me everything ... he didn't tell me all of his reasons for masquerading as this man online ... but I could tell that he honestly regretted not being able to talk to you about it ... even though he tried to! He messed up, Lizzy ... he knows that ... .I dare say he's not the first young man to screw up a courtship and he certainly won't be the last! I remember reading a story about something like this ... 'Pride' ... 'Pride' something ... anyway, I digress ... when it comes to being bewitched by beautiful girls, men always do something stupid!"
"But.."
"But nothing, my dear. Swallow your stubborn pride for once and be able to see what that young man did for this family," he said sternly, but softened his words with a kiss on Liz's forehead. Mr. Bennet left the room, leaving a shaken yet thoughtful Liz behind.
Mr. Pink
your Mr. Pink
from: dm4id3n@quanta.comTruth is, Mr. Pink, I've enjoyed our conversations very much. Very much. I like you. Problem is, during the time of our correspondence, I have come to know and like another man, as well. This duality is very confusing for me, as I am very much a 'one man' kind of woman. I don't know what to do. I would very much like to see you again, yet this makes me feel guilty, and when I am with the other man, I feel guilty as well. I don't know how to decide, because I like you both, and choosing one over the other means I hurt a worthwhile and decent person.
And farewell ...
Your Dark Maiden ... always.
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