Section I, Next Section
Posted on Saturday, 20 July 2002
Author's note: This is my first story, ever. So I hope it is worth the read. I have taken quite a few liberties with their personalities. Expect a more outgoing Darcy and a more reserved Lizzy. Also expect Jane to really be the older sister. Reasons will unfold in coming chapters. And expect romance! Oh, l'amour! Special thanks to Deirdre and Steph and Em, or this would never have been posted.
Elizabeth descended the stairs from the surface street to the beach and breathed a sigh of relief. The beach was finally deserted. It was the 1st of October, early on a Thursday evening, and true to the seasonal calendar in France all of the vacationers had gone, and her glorious beach was blissfully quiet and peaceful.
She walked from the stairs, over the wide, white boardwalk, and jumped onto the sandy beach, kicking her shoes off carelessly. No one, she confirmed. She looked up and down the great boardwalk; no one on the benches, no one walking on it, no one lying or playing on the sand or in the surf. She looked further up the beach; no one on the balconies at the Grand Hotel. She turned her head the opposite direction; no one by the casino.
She moved closer to the waves breaking on the sand, and let her feet sink in the sand as the water rushed out beneath them. This was her favorite time of day, and she had missed being able to come to this beach to be alone with her thoughts and fancies. For part of August and all of September, she had had to rely on peaceful time at the rocks just south of the beach. It was the only place, it seemed, that tourists didn't go. The rocks were steep, not too steep to climb, but not designed for easy rambling. The sunsets were beautiful from that vantage point, but Elizabeth needed the feeling of the water rushing over her feet and the waves hitting her legs. She closed her eyes and felt the warm sun on her face, and she smiled a glorious, full, unstoppable smile and walked a little further into the surf. Elizabeth was conscious that she only had about a half an hour before she needed to be back to her apartment and get ready to go out for the evening, but she turned her thoughts away from that obligation.
She stood in shallow water, marveling at how the water turned golden in the path from the setting sun. The water almost appeared thicker, as though she could pick it up with her hand and feel it coat her skin with its golden silkiness. She laughed out loud thinking of being enveloped in a golden bath. She kicked her legs around in the water like a little girl and ran even further into the surf. Soon she was entirely soaked, having splashed and jumped waves to her hearts content. She felt her shorts and tee-shirt clinging to her body and shivered slightly. She stole a look around the beach and boardwalk. Satisfied that she was still alone, she put her shoes back on and started at a run over the boardwalk and up the stairs away from the beach, sprinting the block to her apartment.
Had she looked at the only restaurant on the boardwalk, which had been behind her, Elizabeth would have noticed a man looking out from the its windows at her playfulness, and staring quite unabashedly at her pleasing figure. He thought her somewhat wild looking at first glance, but as she continued to play and dance in the water, he noticed her beautiful dark curls framing her face. He was captivated by her image and spirit and wondered if he would ever see her again. When she disappeared up the stairs, his trance was broken. He looked at his watch and swore; he was supposed to have met Charles fifteen minutes ago at the house.
Jane was in the bath tub when Elizabeth arrived at the apartment.
Closing the door, she hollered to her sister "Jane, are you going to be much longer? I got a little carried away this afternoon at the beach and .." she trailed off laughing.
Jane interrupted her, "I would imagine you are dripping wet then? Elizabeth, I knew you were excited for the Vacances to be over..." Jane's last words were muffled as she dried her hair in a towel and wrapped it around her head. She then wrapped a towel around herself and opened the bathroom door. At first site of Elizabeth in their little entry-way, she laughed.
Trying to summon a stern look, Jane asked, "Elizabeth, you didn't really run all the way from the beach like that?" Elizabeth looked at her sheepishly and nodded "Mmm hmm."
"Didn't it occur to you before you jumped into the water that you were wearing cream shorts and a WHITE tee-shirt?"
At this comment Elizabeth turned bright red and sat down on the floor laughing. "I didn't, but when I realized it, I sprinted all the way home. I was so afraid that I would run into someone!"
"Well, you are going to make us late, so hurry and hop in the shower! It is almost 9 o'clock." With that Elizabeth went into the bathroom and started the shower, peeling off her wet clothes.
"Jane, what are you going to wear?" Lizzy shouted from the shower.
"I don't know yet. I don't really want to encourage any of the men who we know will be at Agnes' little party, but you never know who might turn up at the discotheque later. It's a tough call, to encourage or not encourage, that is the question."
When Elizabeth finished her shower, she came into the main room in her robe with a towel wrapped around her hair. The "main room" had turned into their bedroom. They had wanted to economize for the year they would be in France, so they had rented (before they arrived) a one bedroom apartment, where they had planned on sharing the bedroom. When they first saw their apartment, they despaired seeing as the little alcove off of the main room would have difficulty holding much more than one bed, so they decided to put their wardrobes in the bedroom and two twin beds in the living room. The first night this arrangement, they had stayed up late, roasting marshmallows over a gas burner on their stove, pretending they were at camp.
The main room had a bed on each long wall, pushed up against the far wall that was mostly glass from the sliding door to their balcony. They loved their balcony space, which, ironically was the same size as their dressing room. On hotter nights, they pulled their mattresses off of their beds onto the balcony and slept outside since their apartment had no air conditioning. On the near wall was a small table and two chairs that they picked up at a second hand store. The kitchen was like a very small closet. You could not have both the refrigerator door and the oven door open at the same time. And they also realized that only one person could be physically in the small space at a time. But in the 6 weeks, they had learned to make do quite cheerfully.
Elizabeth saw Jane lying on her bed, still in her towel, and threw a pillow at her "Oh, no, I am so sorry I will make us late," she said teasingly. Jane sprang up and protested that she was only lying there trying to decide what to wear, but Elizabeth interrupted her with a long laugh. In a formal, mock British accent, she said "Shall we to the dressing room, dahhhhling?" Jane giggled and took her arm ceremoniously.
Both stared at their wardrobes for several minutes, then switched positions to stare at her sister's wardrobe. After a few minutes they each stood in front of their own wardrobe again and sighed. At length, Elizabeth said, "You know Jane, it's a good thing that we are sisters and that I love you otherwise, I might always hate you for being 15 pounds lighter than me, no matter how many miles I run. I loved father very much, but I would much rather have inherited mother's figure as you have. It tends to limit what things I can borrow."
Jane poked a finger at Elizabeth, "Fifteen pounds of curves and chest. Yes, I should pity you for never having had to be fit with a miracle bra!" The girls started into a fit of giggles, giving up on dressing for the moment and decided to do their hair. An hour later they were both dressed and ready to go out. Elizabeth had selected a pair of flattering black jeans and a light, three quarter sleeved black sweater. She had left her long curly hair down. She liked how wild it looked when she went dancing. Jane looked stunning in a modest black skirt and red long sleeved thin shirt. Her hair was platinum blonde, stick straight and gorgeous. She never had to do much to herself to be attractive.
As they took one last look in their sliding glass door, which they had discovered doubled admirably as a full-length mirror. Elizabeth said "Well, that settles it, evidently we are going to Encourage. Come on, let's get down to Agnes' party. But let's not stay too long. I'm afraid Francois will be there, and I don't really want to spend an evening fighting off his hands," scrunching up her nose, like she had just smelled something unpleasant."
"Not just Francois but his friends too. Agnes is just trying to be nice and make us feel welcome."
"I know. And she is a dear, by herself. OK. But we're in and out of there. Do you want to walk or take the scooter?"
"Let's walk Lizzy, it is such a pleasant evening out, and we should enjoy it while it lasts. Besides, you know that I do not enjoy riding on the back of that thing." Elizabeth laughed and squeezed Jane's arm as they walked down the stairwell to the street.
They had decided to buy a scooter shortly after they arrived in Biarritz when they realized that the nearest grocery store was in the next town. The bus system there was excellent, but they couldn't always count on them. "If we didn't have the scooter, we would have to take the bus to Anglet to do our grocery shopping. What a pain."
"I know Lizzy, but it still unnerves me, especially at night. You go too fast!"
Elizabeth let out a peel of laughter, "Everybody goes too quickly in France, I just try no to get run over! But we can walk if you like. Agnes' isn't that far away."
In a short time, they reached Agnes' but discovered that the party had moved to another house higher up in the Biarritz hills. They left a note for Agnes and went on to the discotheque, a little relieved.
"Turn left down this street Lizzy. I thought we would try to the club closer to the beach tonight. Agnes says that the men were much less grabby at Lumos, and her name can get us in. All of their money must encourage a reserved behaviour. Maybe we can get some opinions about the location of our dream store?"
"Well hobnobbing with the very rich should be an interesting experience, Jane. I wonder if we will see anyone famous?"
"I doubt that, but Lumos is second only to the club at the casino." Jane stopped and looked up, "This is the building, Lizzy. Well here we go. Let's just have fun." Both girls tried to calm their jitters as they climbed the four flights of stairs to the club.
The club was located in a restored turn of the century building one block back from the boardwalk. The main dance floor and bar had large windows looking out over the other buildings, the ocean behind them. Jane and Elizabeth were a little surprised there was not a line to get in, only two well-dressed men at the door that asked their names. Jane offered the name Agnes Gireaud, and they were ushered in.
The lighting was very low but elegantly arranged. There was a long polished bar along the back wall of the large room. Jane was amazed at the beauty of the enormous windows and the grand view of the night ocean. The lighthouse on the northern hill lit up waves as they came surging into the rocks Elizabeth was so fond of scampering upon during the day.
Elizabeth also was surprised by the low-key, elegant environment, and imagined that she could close her eyes and see it containing grand balls in days gone by. She was surprised not to feel the steady, rapid beat of rave music wash over her that the French people seemed to be so fond of. Instead she heard a soft jazz, appropriate for not-so-intimate slow dancing and good conversation. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she noticed the jazz band and discovered many tables lined against the walls. Upon this realization, Lizzy groaned inside and looked at Jane with some impatience.
"Jane, ugh. If we dance at this kind of place, we have to talk to them," Elizabeth complained, making a face.
"Elizabeth, I could think of worse things." Jane said in a somewhat halting voice. Elizabeth wondered at her sister's statement and followed her sister's gaze to the bar. There she could see a strikingly handsome man leaning on it. He was laughing and his laugh seemed to reach all the way to his eyes. Elizabeth thought that his features were not dissimilar to Jane's. He had curly blonde hair and near as she can tell he had clear blue eyes.
"Jane." No response. The corner's of Elizabeth's mouth started twitching as she realized that Jane was in a different world. At that moment, the laughing man at the bar saw Jane. As he saw her stare he smiled and raised his glass to her. Jane came out of her trance and blushed three shades of red, looking away. She made her way to the overlook of the ocean. Elizabeth moved to follow her sister until she saw the laughing man following Jane across the room. "Well," she thought "Jane will at least have someone to talk to. Hopefully he is as pleasant to talk to as he is to look at, or she could be in for a long night." As she had these thoughts, this a smile grew on her face. Jane was the classic gorgeous blonde and she was always attracted to men with her same light features. Not for me, Elizabeth thought, I like them tall, dark and handsome.
She was quite unaware that her admirer from the beach restaurant had just entered the club. Noticing his blonde friend and his friend's pursuit, he was about to turn around and leave, until he saw Elizabeth. He decided to stay a while, thinking it was too good to be true. He watched her for a long time from different vantage points around the room.
Several men asked Elizabeth to dance and her silent admirer was pleased to note how graceful she was as she danced. He could occasionally hear her laugh. It was sweet, unaffected. He seized an opportunity when Elizabeth found herself without a partner and began to walk toward the bar for a drink.
He crossed the room to Elizabeth and said to her back "Do you often play in the water at dusk?"
Elizabeth started in surprise and turned around to see... a devastatingly handsome man. Slightly taller than average and well-built from what she could tell by the way his black sweater hugged his muscular frame, the man had dark wavy hair and intensely deep brown eyes. She had turned around to feign ignorance of his remark about her romp in the water from earlier, but as soon as she saw him, she found she could not speak. The man looked somewhat amused by her surprise. He was used to women being impressed by him, but they usually recovered quickly and used whatever arts they could to remind him that he should be pursuing them, and not the other way around.
Elizabeth slowly started coming back to Earth. She looked away, blushed becomingly, and let out a nervous giggle and said "I apologize for uh... um. well. You sort of took me off guard. I wasn't expecting you. Well, I mean I didn't know you were..." Oh, she thought, this is not going well. And turned a deeper crimson.
At this point the dark haired man put his hand lightly on the small of her back and directed her to the bar. When they got to the bar, the man ordered a drink and asked Elizabeth what she would like.
She replied "Thanks. A bottle of water, please." They both drank their refreshments in silence. Feeling a little shy and uncomfortable, she thanked him for the water and began to walk away. She glanced back to add "Have a nice time tonight," and he touched her hand lightly and invited her to dance.
They moved onto the dance floor and began to sway to the soft music. The man began "My name is William Darcy." He paused for her to offer a name, which she didn't. Elizabeth was distracted by the light pressure of his hand on hers. After a few moments, she looked up at his eyes and realized she was being rude.
She swallowed and said in a rush, "I am Elizabeth Bennett. I am here with my sister. This is our first time at Lumos. I am sorry I didn't answer you right away, but I have been somewhat distracted by this beautiful room all evening." The band started a new song, but she and William kept dancing.
"So where were you earlier tonight?" she questioned. William looked at her, puzzled at her reference. She continued, "I had thought I had made quite sure that the beach and boardwalk were deserted," she paused, blushing, "You must have thought me quite wild.
William laughed, "You didn't check the restaurant. And actually, I thought you were quite charming and ... free." Lizzy saw what she esteemed to be a thoughtful look on his face, almost as though he were still in that moment on the beach.
Lizzy responded "That wasn't just random playing you know. I was doing a sort of dance of celebration that finally the tourists are gone." She flushed then realizing that he had spoken to her in a gorgeous British accent and thought for a moment that she must have offended him.
But he laughed low "You know, I feel the same way about this place, which is why I have only just arrived here today. Though I am also a tourist, I have been coming here for years now and it almost feels like a second home. But what about you? You have an enchanting American accent. Surely, you are here for pleasure as well?"
Elizabeth's breath caught at his use of the word pleasure. She quickly recovered and responded "Actually, I have been here for a little over a month and will stay for about a year. So for now, I guess, I actually do live here." She tilted her head to side slightly with a playful smile on her lips. William's eyes lit up at the sight of her smile.
"Well what brings you here for such a long duration, Elizabeth?" She started to answer that her sister's friend Agnes had gotten them entrance to the club and then she giggled nervously "You meant here, in France?"
"Yes," William responded somewhat amused that she seemed to be uncomfortable in his presence.
"Oh well, I uh." Then she stopped looked down then quickly back up at him with a smirk on her face. "Actually, I don't think that I am going to share that with you just yet." She saw the surprise on his face and felt that maybe she had been a little too coy and wanted to explain, "I am usually hesitant to reveal anything personal to someone I've just met."
"Oh, but we haven't just met. Remember I got to know you earlier this evening."
"That doesn't count. We didn't meet. You just spied on me."
"You said you didn't want to reveal anything personal, and I am just trying to point out to you that you already have," she furrowed her brow at this, "Wouldn't you say that I witnessed a very personal moment on the beach?"
Lizzy didn't say anything. She just looked down, wondering what he had really thought.
He continued in a quiet voice so she had to lean in to hear him, "You know, I think you were probably most yourself. Very innocent and childlike, very trusting."
She looked up at him, a little taken aback by his observations, "Well, I uh. I don't usually. That is... that trust. And I um, not really."
He could see she was distressed and held her a little more firmly as they danced, "Elizabeth, don't be shy or worried. I'm a nice guy, and I intend on you getting to know that first hand."
Elizabeth didn't know what to think. She liked him, what she knew so far, but it had been so long since... "Elizabeth, where are you?" William asked seeing her far away look.
She relaxed a little and looked up at him wanting to change the subject, "You dance very well."
"It's easy to dance well with such a good partner."
Their eyes locked for a moment and Lizzy forgot to feel worried. The song ended and a woman took the stage and began to sing a more soulful, slow song. She and William drew closer together. Elizabeth was aware of her proximity to William and enjoyed the feel of his strong shoulders and arms. His body was well-toned. For Darcy's part, he was enjoying her softness and sweet citrusy scent. Both were content to be silent for the moment. The song finished and the dancers all clapped. He asked her if they could dance another, but she asked for the time first and he responded that it was just after midnight.
"Oh , I can't," she said with disappointment in her voice. "I have to find my sister right away. We really need to go. But thank you for the lovely dances William. I hope I see you again somewhere." She started to walk away in search of Jane.
He called out to her, "Can I call you?"
She turned back giving him a coy smile, "I hardly think so," she paused enjoying his evident disappointment, "since you don't have my phone number and since I make it a rule not to give it to men I meet at clubs."
"Then let's set up a date now?"
"I really have to go," but instead of turning to leave, she put a hand on his arm and leaned to whisper in his ear, "You have already been to my favorite place. Since you are vacationing here, I would imagine you will spend a lot of time there. So I'm sure we'll run into each other."
William looked a little puzzled, then smiled realizing she was talking about the beach. She smiled back and walked away, leaving William thinking to himself that he had been bewitched this evening by a beautiful woman.
Elizabeth found Jane, surprisingly alone. Jane had barely realized the time too, and went to find Elizabeth. They left Lumos, descended the four flights of stairs and walked ten minutes back to their apartment, each quiet, lost in her own thoughts, but both smiling happily. They could hear the waves in the distance.
Elizabeth looked up at the black sky and imagined herself walking with William on the beach, getting their feet wet as they went along. She imagined his rich, deep voice saying her name and she sighed. As they reached the street where their apprentice shops were, Jane came crashing back to earth.
"Oh Elizabeth, thank you so much for going with me tonight. It was so wonderful, and I know how big of a sacrifice it was for you on a work night."
"It's fine Jane. I did enjoy myself too you know. So what about this blonde guy? Were you with him most of the night?"
Jane responded a little embarrassed, "Actually, I was exclusively in his company. When were weren't dancing together, we were sitting at one of the side tables talking. He was so polite, with such good manners."
"Good. I'm glad he was deserving of your attentions, Elizabeth teased, borrowing her favorite British accent. "Are you going to see him again?"
"He's actually supposed to take me grocery shopping on Saturday."
"Ooh, how romantic." Lizzy replied sarcastically.
"Well he wanted to see me tomorrow, but I have to work. Then I had plans with Agnes tomorrow night. So his choices were to wait until Saturday night to see me, or he could take me shopping and see me sooner." Jane said with a mischievous smile. "Besides, he's got a car! Can you imagine how well we can stock up knowing we don't have to tote it into a bus or make it work on the scooter?"
"Well, he must be pretty patient man since he is willing to go shopping with you just to see you a few hours sooner."
"New subject, please. I saw you dancing with a good many gentlemen tonight," Jane commented.
"Yes," Elizabeth replied slowly, "I had a nice time. No grabbers," she paused for a moment as they climbed the stairs to the apartment. "Actually, I spent some time with one of them in particular. He was really nice."
"Really nice?" Jane questioned suspiciously as they entered the apartment, "That is big news. How long has it been since you have considered any man more that just tolerable?"
"I said really nice, Jane. Mmm," she went on dreamily as she changed into her nightie, "Very nice shoulders too. Maybe we can go again sometime." Jane answered her with a knowing smirk.
Lizzy looked at their alarm clock and groaned. "It's almost one o'clock," she exclaimed. "Hooray, I can get a whole two and half hours of sleep." Jane didn't miss her sarcasm.
Elizabeth fell into her bed as she said that and was almost instantly asleep. Jane set their alarm for 3:30, and then went to her bed to think about and then dream about a Mr. Charles Bingley.
"Elizabeth, the dough will never rise properly if you don't knead it well," Francois admonished. Lizzy started out of her reverie and looked down at her dough, that she was more, gently massaging, not kneading. She started to vigorously work the dough, mindful that she only had to work another couple of hours before she could go home and get some more sleep.
What was she thinking last night? Two and half hours of sleep to work for eight plus hours on her feet. She had berated herself for her lack of judgment all morning, convincing herself that dropping an entire tray of formed dough as she was putting it into the oven or forgetting how much sugar she had added to the dough was due strictly to her lack of sleep. And realistically, 95% of her absentmindedness and inability to concentrate was just that, extreme fatigue. But she had to admit to herself that when her eyes started to glaze over, she had the most pleasant image in her mind of her last dancing partner from last night.
Mmm, she thought as she worked her hands through the dough, William Darcy. He could have walked out of one of my fantasies. I could have looked into his eyes forever.
She thought of the strange fluttering she had in her stomach when he had put his hand on the small of her back. Just thinking of that gave her a queer sensation in her wrists, making her want to shake them out. And his shoulders, Ooh yummy.
"What is yummy?" Francois demanded giving her dough a look of disapproval. She merely had her hands in the dough now, not working it at all.
"Oh, uh. This bread, won't it be yummy when it's done," Elizabeth said trying to cover her embarrassment as her cheeks got hot.
Francois didn't miss her heightened color, "It seems that our lovely apprentice has found a lover. Yes? That is why you did not come to the party?"
Lizzy started to cough and turned even more red, "No," she started laughing, "Hardly. Not a lover. Just a pleasant evening, with some interesting company."
Francois looked disappointed, "This is the country of love. You should enjoy the pleasures that are offered while you are here." Lizzy didn't like the way he was looking at her hips.
"I don't think that is an option at the moment. I only met him last night. I have no idea where he is staying or really even who he is. So I will have to be content to daydream." She felt a piece of dough hit her on the head, "Hey." she complained.
"You may daydream after work. Now, leave when you have finished with that batch. You are of no use to me today," Francois said and muttered under his breath, "Americans, they have no idea how to enjoy love."
Lizzy heard him, glared at his back, and wondered exactly how many people Francois had loved in the last year. Heaven knew he had tried his best with both Lizzy and Jane. He was so disgusting, a little fat, a little hygiene-deficient as Jane put it, and unfortunately with an excess of hair everywhere but his head. Maybe I should have lied to him and made William out to be something more, she wondered.
Knowing she just had to finish the batch of bread she was working on motivated her to start concentrating and within twenty minutes, she had finished it off. She washed the dough and flour off of her hands and arms, hung up her apron and left the store, with a baguette for lunch.
On her way home, she stopped in at Jane's patisserie. Jane was waiting on customers, looking a little better rested than Lizzy, but not much. When there was a lull in customers, Lizzy told Jane she had gotten off early and was going home to sleep.
She walked the block to their apartment, climbed the stairs to the flat, and fumbled with her keys to get the door open. Even the simplest tasks are so frustrating when you are so tired, she thought.
Finally she got into the apartment. She kicked her shoes off, put the baguette onto their table and made a bee-line for her bed. She was asleep even before her head hit the pillows.
It was after four when she finally awoke to the smell of Jane's delicious chicken noodle soup. She stretched in her bed, lingering there for a little.
Jane had heard her stirring, "Wake up sleepy-head. I was beginning to think you might not wake up until you had to get up for work tomorrow."
Lizzy turned on her side, propping her head up with her hand to face the kitchen, "Mmm. Jane that smells so good. You shouldn't have. You must be really tired too."
"Not too bad. I had the later shift, so I didn't need to get up until 7:30," Jane said dishing up two bowls of her soup and throwing Lizzy a big kitchen towel that she spread out on the floor between their beds. Lizzy fetched the baguette from the table, some cheese from the fridge and met Jane on their floor picnic.
Neither of them talked for a few minutes as they started to eat up the soup; they were both famished. "So how was work?" Jane asked.
"Oh, just awful," and Lizzy began to recount all of the blunders she had made at work that morning, including dropping the bread that was about to go into the oven and Francois reaction.
"Ooh, well at least he didn't try to make you go out with him to make up for it!" Jane said giggling.
"Thank heavens!" Lizzy exclaimed taking a big bite of baguette and roquefort. "Yum. The stinkier the cheese, the better it tastes. Too bad for Francois, the same doesn't hold true for men, the stinkier the man, the better he is?"
Jane chuckled and nodded taking a bite out of her own piece. "Any plans for tonight? Or just recovery?"
"Mmm. I think I will go running and take a bubble bath, extra bubbles."
"You're so tired. How can you contemplate running?"
"Because, I just ate five thigh-pounds worth of stinky cheese," she said licking her fingers happily. "What are you going to do?"
"I 'm going to the movies with Agnes, remember? I'd invite you, but the film doesn't start until after 9, and I don't think that you want to be out so late again."
"Definitely not. I plan on being unconscious by 8:30."
They finished their meal and Jane took the dishes to the kitchen, while Lizzy took their kitchen towel to their balcony and shook out the crumbs onto the cars below. She put the towel away and wrapped up the remaining baguette, and went to their dressing room to retrieve her running clothes.
It was starting to really feel like Autumn. She had felt a chill in the air earlier and had worn a grey sweatshirt.
When she descended the stairs, she hopped onto the sand and stretched out, slowly, using the opportunity to look for William. When she couldn't see him, she felt a little disappointed.
It was just as well though; she was looking forward to this run. And she couldn't really expect him to hang out at the beach all day for her after all. She took off up the beach, soon passing the Grand Hotel.
She was in her own world when she ran. She could hear the rhythm of the crashing waves and her feet hitting the sand. The wind was blowing just enough to mist the waves onto her face. She concentrated on her breathing and cleared her mind of everything but her rhythm.
She was being watched again. William was standing on the balcony to his villa that backed up to the beach. He had been staring out to sea, not really thinking about anything. Just resting his eyes from the reading he had done earlier that day, breathing in deeply, feeling invigorated by the salty, crisp air.
He glanced down the beach toward the boardwalk and noticed a solitary person running on the sand. At that distance, he couldn't tell much about this person, but from their slight build, he guessed it to be a woman. As she approached, he rubbed his eyes. Yes. It was Elizabeth. She looked so graceful, purposeful, and strong.
She passed under his balcony continuing on toward the northern rocks that the lighthouse was on. He thought about calling out to her, but at that moment, Charles stepped out onto the balcony. "What do you want to do for dinner tonight, William?"
"Hmmm. Charles? What was that?"
Charles could hear the distraction in William's voice and followed his gaze to the running figure on the beach. He snickered at William, "She is very striking, isn't she."
"Yes." William replied, not letting his eyes stray from her figure.
Charles shook his head and smiled at his friend.
"I met her last night, Charles. Actually I saw her twice, but I met her once."
Charles snickered at his friend's incoherence and William came out of his reverie. "Want to try again?"
"I met her at Lumos," he said, unwilling to offer Charles more of an explanation.
"Oh, I had wondered why you were so quiet on the way home last night."
"I might have said the same for you, but I saw the lovely blonde you were with all night."
"Jane. She is amazing. We talked and danced and... well, I don't know when I have had such a nice time."
"Mmmhmm," William mumbled. He watched her figure get smaller in the distance as she ran on toward the lighthouse, and he finally continued, "So when are you going out with her again, Charles?"
"Tomorrow. I'm taking her shopping."
William laughed at his friend "You must really be eager to spend time with her."
"Yes, I am," Charles stated simply.
William saw that Elizabeth had turned around and was coming back towards the villa. He could see her cheeks were flushed becomingly from the exercise and the wind had blown her pony tail around so their were many strands escaping.
When she was near the balcony, he called out to her, surprising both her and Charles. She stumbled on the remnants of a child's sandcastle as she searched for the familiar voice's owner. He waved to her and that caught her eye.
She jogged over to their balcony and smiled up at them. "Hang on a sec," William said, disappearing from the balcony.
In a minute, he emerged from a path on the side of the villa carrying a glass of water. Charles followed behind.
"I thought you might be thirsty," William said, holding out the glass. She took it and drank from it gratefully, avoiding eye contact with William. She could feel his eyes on her body.
"Thanks," Elizabeth handing the glass back and shifting on her feet, feeling a little shy. He had taken her completely off guard.
William remembered Charles standing there and introduced them, "Elizabeth, this is my friend Charles Bingley. Charles this is Elizabeth Bennet," Elizabeth looked at Charles for the first time and recognized him as Jane's admirer from the night before.
And before she could speak Charles exclaimed, "Bennet? Are you a relation to Jane?"
"Yes, she's my sister," she paused and continued in a teasing tone, "I hope you enjoyed her company last night?"
"Wonderful girl. I don't know when I have enjoyed an evening more." She liked Charles immediately, his eyes had a look of good humor in them. "Is your sister, um?" He asked looking around.
"Jane was at home reading when I left. I believe she has plans tonight," seeing the disappointment on his face she added, "She's going with our friend Agnes, from Jane's shop."
Charles smiled, relieved, "I hope she is well today."
"I believe she was a little tired, but on the whole, quite happy," Elizabeth paused thoughtfully, "You know, Charles, Jane shouldn't be leaving for a little while yet. You could walk with me back to my place."
Charles looked hesitant. "I wouldn't want to intrude, but I would like..."
Elizabeth interrupted, arching an eyebrow, "Oh, well, it wouldn't be very friendly of me to run into you on the beach and not offer you some refreshment on your way home."
"Well, yes, but William and I live here, ugh!" Charles cried as William elbowed him in the stomach.
"Elizabeth is trying to be generous with an offer of refreshment, Charles. I should say nothing else but Thanks, if I were you." William said pointedly.
Charles colored, understanding, "Oh. Thanks, I would be happy to walk you home."
Elizabeth looked at William shyly, "Would you like to come also, William? Maybe we can retrieve Jane and come back for a leisurely walk on the boardwalk?"
"I'd be happy to join you," William said, not taking his eyes off of hers. "We'll be right back." Charles and William disappeared back up the path to get shoes and lock up.
She thought of how William was even more handsome when he smiled. Then Elizabeth began to feel a little self-conscious when they disappeared. She knew she didn't look her best, and she was pretty certain, she didn't smell that nice either. So she did what any self-respecting girl would do, she took off her shoes and left her sweatshirt on the sand and ran into the ocean. Her last thought as she moved deep enough for the waves to soak her was that she was grateful to be wearing black running clothes.
Charles and William descended to a very drenched and delighted Elizabeth. When she saw them looking at her in wonder, she explained with as much dignity as she could muster, "I was too hot. So I thought that I would take a quick swim."
The men just laughed and she laughed with them wading back out of the water. She looked at how far away the main stairs they were and thought better of it, "Would one of you mind carrying my shoes and sweatshirt while we walk. I think that I will stay in the surf as we go along."
To her surprise, William sat on the sand and removed his own shoes, giving them and Elizabeth's to Charles and then joined her in water that came just below his knees.
She was staring at this man who at once seemed so playful and, something else she couldn't quite put her finger one. Not reserved, but dignified. And here he was joining her in the surf. He saw her look of wonder and chuckled and moved closer to her, "Elizabeth, you're not the only one who enjoys playing in the sea." As he said that he poked her nose lightly and smiled.
She flashed a happy smile, "Well, then I'm extra glad to know you. We had better get moving. I wouldn't want to miss Jane." She gave Charles a knowing look.
They all started walking, no one speaking right away. The sun was hanging low in the sky and the wind was picking up a bit. Elizabeth shivered suddenly.
"Are you cold," William asked concerned.
"A little. I'm afraid the warm weather is almost gone for this year, and now the ocean is becoming cooler too. But I'm fine really."
"That's the only problem with coming down here for vacation at this time of year. I usually only have about the first week to swim, after that the water's really too cold."
Charles was listening and watching William talk to this girl with interest. He had never seen William so awkward with a woman before. Their conversation seemed a little halting as though they both were unsure of themselves. He listened as William and Elizabeth talked on about the weather and when it would turn colder and rainier until he couldn't help himself and he laughed out loud.
Both Elizabeth and William looked at him quizzically. "Something entertaining you Charles?" William asked with a warning in his voice.
Charles didn't heed the warning, "I would love to be a fly on the wall for your first date!" And he laughed even harder. William grabbed some seaweed, throwing it in Charles' direction. Charles easily dodged it and went on, "Could you talk about anything more interesting?"
William and Elizabeth both looked away from each other, very embarassed. William caught Charles' eye and gave him a look that promised payback, and Charles remembering where they were going and who they were going to see, thought it wise to be quiet for a while.
They walked on in silence, Elizabeth and William trying to steal glances at each other. Soon they reached the part of the beach where the boardwalk and stairs met. William offered Elizabeth his hand as she waded out of the water. She took it, looking at him sideways. They each experienced a warm sensation at each other's touch.
Elizabeth hopped on one foot and then the other to get her shoes on. William chuckled at her dance and sat down to put his on. All Charles could think was that they were taking forever to accomplish the task and couldn't they please hurry up.
They climbed the stairs at a fairly brisk pace. When they reached the main street and Elizabeth started to cross, William thought to ask, "How far do you live from here?"
She looked back at them and slowed down for them to catch up. She was now quite cold and wanted to get home as quickly as possible, "Uh, just up this street and down the first block. Just a couple of minutes. Do you mind if we hurry a little though. I think that when we get there, I will have to ask Jane to entertain you for a few minutes while I shower." She shivered again.
William pulled her sweatshirt out of Charles hands and wrapped it around Elizabeth's shoulders. Elizabeth gave him a grateful look and the three of them picked up the pace. They slowed down as they turned onto her street.
"Jane and I booked this place before we got here. It is a fabulous location, but a bit small." She was a little embarrassed to be taking them there, knowing they lived in one of the villas on the beach.
William and Charles just nodded. When they arrived at her building, William looked up and noticed a balcony on the third floor that had a lot of plants and flowers growing on it. "Is that one yours?" He asked pointing to that balcony.
She followed his gesture, "Uh, yes. How did you guess?"
"It just seems to fit you," he said a little embarrassed. He really had no idea why he would think that.
She opened the lobby door and started to go through, when she thought better of it and stopped suddenly, causing Charles to run into her and William to run into him. "Ooh. Sorry," Elizabeth said. Charles and William backed up a little as she reached around to the intercom and buzzed Jane. "Just making sure she isn't in the shower or something. We usually don't have visitors," she said a little sheepishly.
Jane answered the intercom, "Yes?"
"Hey it's me. I have a couple of people with me. Are you decent?"
"Yeah. Is it Agnes? Hi."
"Nope, but open the door for us. You will need to entertain while I jump in the shower."
"OK."
They climbed the stairs, and Elizabeth led them to the open door at the end of the hall. She ushered them into the main room and closed the door. Jane started to talk to them from the kitchen, "Just making some hot chocolate. Anyone want some?"
"Oh, you're an angel. I am freezing. I'll have some when I get out of the shower. Maybe you can serve our guests?"
Elizabeth grabbed some clothes from their dressing room and disappeared into the bathroom quickly. William and Charles were a little uncertain of what to do since Lizzy hadn't told Jane who was there. They looked around for a place to sit, but saw the beds as the most likely choice and decided they should probably stand.
When Jane heard the shower turn on, she poked her head around the corner, half expecting to see Agnes or someone else from work (not Francois). She dropped the spoon from her hand when she saw Charles.
William smirked as Charles and Jane banged heads both trying to pick up Jane's fallen spoon. "Uh, hi Jane. I hope you don't mind my coming by," Charles said, rubbing his forehead and handing her the spoon.
Jane smiled nervously, unconsciously smoothing her hair back, "No, not at all. How did you come upon Elizabeth?"
Charles explained meeting her on the beach when he heard William clear his throat. Jane hadn't looked at anything or anyone since locking her eyes on Charles and was somewhat surprised to see this other man in her apartment. Charles introduced them. Jane was not paying close attention to the introduction and asked, "So how do you know Elizabeth, William?"
William frowned a little; he had been hoping that Jane would have heard about him from Elizabeth. "We met last night at Lumos."
Jane looked at William properly now, "Oh, you're that William. Elizabeth told me about you." At that moment Lizzy came out of the bathroom wearing jeans and a red long-sleeved shirt, drying her hair with a towel and glared at Jane.
"So is that chocolate ready?" Lizzy asked a little impatiently.
Jane gasped and turned back to the kitchen, "Darn it. The milk has scalded. I'll need to start over." Charles offered to help her and went to the kitchen entrance.
Elizabeth turned to William and said with a sparkle in her eyes, flourishing her arm around the room, "Well. I believe that you have already had the grand tour."
He looked around the room, realizing for the first time that it was pretty much their whole apartment. "Don't you have a bedroom?" He questioned looking awkwardly at the beds, secretly wondering which was hers.
"Yeah... It would probably be OK for a couple, but Jane and I require our own beds." She gestured toward their dressing room. "The place is adequate for our needs, at least right now. We'll see when the rainy season sets in and we are confined here more." She put the towel she used on her hair out to dry over the balcony rail.
They settled into an awkward silence again. Lizzy looked around for something to talk about. She saw William shift his weight and realized that he had been standing in her apartment for almost 15 minutes.
"Would you like to sit down?" William looked at her gratefully, then she saw his eyes cloud in confusion as he looked for a place to sit. Realizing that she shouldn't have him sit on her bed, she plopped onto the floor and motioned for him to join her, "Sorry about the accommodations. Like I said, we aren't used to having people up. Maybe this is why?" She giggled nervously.
He smiled reassuringly and sat down next to her. He could smell her clean hair that was slightly scented of apple. He felt so nervous. He was trying to think of something intelligent to say when Jane and Charles brought the hot chocolate, some baguette and sat down with them.
"Ooh. Hooray. I'm starved." Lizzy squealed with delight, ripping off a piece of bread and dunking it in her chocolate. "Perfect dinner, Jane. Thanks."
The men just looked at her, amused. Jane and Lizzy laughed at the looks on their faces. "We had a big, late lunch." Lizzy said between bites. "So, you see, this is perfectly ideal, and delicious for dinner."
Jane added, "Yes. According to our dear Lizzy, 2 of the 3 main food groups are represented: the chocolate group and the bread group."
Lizzy continued, "And I had the 3rd food group for lunch: cheese!" They all laughed at her, and William thought her even more enchanting.
"Jane, I have to say this is the best hot chocolate I have ever had. It's so different," Charles said.
"Oh that's because I use whole chocolate and melt it. It's one of the things I have learned at the shop. Actually, I marvel that Lizzy and I aren't each 300 pounds with all of the delicious things I have learned to make."
Jane turned the conversation to the day they had each passed. The guys hadn't done much--slept in until noon, went to a cafe for lunch and read for a while.
"What about you two?" Charles asked. He already knew Jane worked in a Patissiere. William looked at Lizzy, curious to know what she would say but Jane answered first, noting an uneventful day.
When she finished, Lizzy looked a little uncomfortable as everyone turned to look at her. She took another sip of chocolate and then took a deep breath, "Well, I work as an apprentice too, in the boulangerie next to Jane's," she paused looking at William, seeing him nod, she continued, "And I wish my day had been uneventful too, but I was basically asleep on my feet." She recounted all of her more entertaining mistakes to them, to which they all were entertained immensely.
They talked a little more easily for about a half an hour. Jane looked at the clock and realized she was supposed to meet Agnes at the theatre in 30 minutes and had just missed the last bus to Anglet.
"Don't worry, Jane. I'd be happy to give you a ride." Charles offered.
Jane looked hesitant and then brightened, "I'll accept your offer, if you would be willing to watch the movie with us."
"Are you sure Agnes wouldn't mind?"
"Nah, she's probably brought someone with her anyway. She usually does."
"Alright." Jane got up and went to finish getting ready. William and Elizabeth looked at each other.
"So, um, Elizabeth, are you doing anything tonight?"
"Well, I was just going to go to sleep after Jane left." She blushed. William looked at the clock, it was barely 8:30. "You see. I have to get up at 3:30 on work days."
"3:30, what on earth for?" he exclaimed in surprise.
"Well, silly, it takes a long time to make the doughs, rise them and bake them before our first customers of the morning!" She covered her mouth to yawn.
"But you worked today right?" she nodded. "Oh, then you are probably too tired to do anything with me tonight." He asked his question as more of a statement.
"Well. I do need to get to bed at a reasonable hour, but maybe we could go back to the boardwalk and sit and talk for a little longer. If you promise to have me back no later than 10?"
He nodded happily and stood up. He offered her his hands to help her up. They cleaned up the cups and the four of them left the apartment together.
Jane and Charles left Lizzy and William at the main street to head to the villa and pick up Charles' car. William and Elizabeth went down the steps to the boardwalk. When they stepped onto the boardwalk Elizabeth exclaimed, "Oh how beautiful," looking at the sun as it was swallowed by the sea.
"Yes, very beautiful," William murmured looking at Elizabeth. Elizabeth turned to him and their eyes locked on each other. They stood their for what seemed a long time, when William noticed Elizabeth's teeth were beginning to chatter. "You're cold?"
"A little. The wind has really picked up, and I meant to bring a jacket."
William wanted to put his arm around her shoulders but thought it was too soon. So he offered her his arm and suggested they sit on a nearby bench, hoping that their proximity would warm her.
She took his arm and giggled a little at the old-fashioned gesture.
"What is so funny?"
"You're gallant gesture." They walked to the bench and sat down. He started to withdraw his arm, but she put her other hand over her first and said "I like it."
He left his arm in her hands and sighed. They both looked out at the ocean as the last rays of light finally disappears, leaving the ocean black and a little silver in the spots that reflected the small moon. They chatted a little while about their favorite spots along the Biarritz coast. William had to promise to take her to the remains of the WWII bunkers in the side of a cliff near the lighthouse, and Elizabeth had to promise to take William up to the top of her lighthouse. Their discussion trailed off into a companionable silence.
"I'm glad we met Elizabeth," William said softly, placing one of his hands on hers.
Elizabeth felt butterflies in her stomach again, "I am too."
"When can I see you again? I would like to take you out."
"I work tomorrow. I usually get off around 1 or 1:30. And then I have Sunday off." She offered hopefully.
He sat quietly thinking and started to trace circles on the top of her hand. "Can I take you to dinner tomorrow night then?"
"Yes," she said in a whisper, her eyes mesmerized by the movement of his hand on hers. He looked down at her, with a smile on his face.
She could feel him looking at her and looked up at him. Their faces were only inches away from each other. She could feel his warm breath on her face and was completely engulfed in his dark eyes. Her pulse quickened and she leaned toward him ever so slightly.
He noticed this and used all of his self-control to not kiss the lips he was staring at. They were full and rounded and looked so soft.
As Elizabeth realized they were about to kiss, she jumped up off of the bench, startling William. "I'm sorry," she mumbled. She had felt so comfortable until she thought about it. Then her usual fears surfaced. She looked away from him, sure that he would be upset with her, thinking she was a tease. Then she felt his hand lightly on her arm and she looked back at him.
"Are you OK? I'm sorry about that. I lost myself for a moment. I apologize. Should I walk you home?"
She nodded and he stood up and offered her his arm again, which she took, a little more hesitantly. As they walked he noticed that she kept giving him side-long glances as though trying to figure out something about him. When they reached her building, he pulled her back from the lobby door, "Elizabeth, please don't try to puzzle me out just yet. Just relax. I promise that I will not lose myself again. I want you to trust me, remember?"
Her thoughts drifted back to the night before. She looked into his eyes again, searching for, she wasn't sure what. And what she found was that he looked sincere, concerned, and eager. Eager to get to know her.
"OK, William. I will try to relax. And please don't feel awkward about before. It was as much my fault. I'm usually not quite so comfortable with people I have just met, so I think I scared myself more than anything. Thanks for tonight," She took his hand and squeezed it as she said the last part. And he didn't let her hand go.
"What time should I pick you up tomorrow night?"
"Oh, um, anytime really. I will probably nap for a few hours after work and then go running. So anytime after 5 or 6 will be fine."
"OK. Do you usually run on the beach?"
"No, sometimes, I run down toward the harbor and on the road that follows the ocean towards Bidart. Or sometimes I go up the main Biarritz road that leads to the lighthouse, passed the Greek Orthodox Church. Why do you ask?"
William looked at the ground, a little bashful and asked, "I was wondering if you would mind some company tomorrow, on your run, I mean?"
"Oh, um. OK. Why don't you come round about 4 then?"
"Great," he looked relieved. He had only wanted to go running to be able to see her earlier. "If you get up from your nap and want to go sooner, just stop by the villa."
"OK." They both stood there for a minute, awkwardly. Elizabeth stifled a yawn.
"You should go in now."
"Yeah, I should. I had a nice time."
"Me too."
"OK, well, uh, good night." They walked to her lobby door.
He wanted to leave her with some lasting impression so he impulsively raised the hand he hand been holding and kissed the top of it softly. "Sweet dreams, Elizabeth." He released her hand as she slipped into her building.
He was still standing below on her street when he saw the light of her apartment turn on from her balcony and heard her open the balcony door. Sighing deeply, William slowly started home.
Lizzy changed into her flannel pajama bottoms and a tee-shirt quickly and turned out the lights. She was about to get into bed, when she decided to go to the balcony hoping for a last look at William. She saw him as he was about to turn the corner. She sighed contentedly and went to bed. She was definitely going to have sweet dreams tonight. She turned on her side and tucked the hand he had kissed to her cheek and fell asleep.