Beth yanked Lindy's limp form away from them. "I don't care what your names are. I want to know what you're doing with my minor of a sister, getting her drunk and who knows what else!" Beth's voice was a couple decibels louder than when she started.
"I'm sure you could guess." Dane was surprisingly alert for being smashed. "If you'd like I can walk you through it step-by-step. Or I could demonstrate….." He licked his lips and looked Beth up and down with hungry eyes.
William ripped in front of Beth and shoved Dane against the opposite wall, causing him to lose balance and topple down the stairs. Travis tripped after Dane before he could be compelled. Beth sat against the wall with Lindy, straining her ears as William pulled Dane to his feet and pushed him up against the wall, just out of sight.
"Dude! What the-?" Dane's tone was more put-out than angry.
"Stay away from her."
"Which one?"
Really? Copious alcohol consumption took away inhibitions, turning people into total idiots. William's nonverbal communication must have spoken volumes, because Dane was the one to speak again.
"Fine with me, man. We already got what we wanted anyway. She practically begged for it." Beth closed her eyes, almost feeling sorry for Dane. Almost.
There was a loud snap and a quieter thump. "Get your worthless friend out of here. And don't come back," William commanded.
Travis didn't need telling twice, even in his drunken stupor.
Bracing her shoulder against the wall, Beth tried to inch her way into a standing position with Lindy in her arms. Lindy lurched dangerously sideways, threatening to topple the pair of them. To Beth's surprise, William scooped Lindy away from her, carried her down the hall, and deposited her on the couch (much to the shocked eyes of the lingering card party).
Lindy didn't so much as stir. William straightened, pinned Beth with his stony, black gaze, and left in silence.
So this was how it felt to be three inches tall. Beth blinked in the bright kitchen light, loathing the smirk on Kara's face.
"I guess we're done here," Kara sang sweetly. "Come on, Les."
After kissing Jenna softly, Les stopped to hug Beth sideways. "Can I do anything?"
Beth's eyes burned. "Thanks, Les. I think I'll take the couch tonight. Could you help us get her to my room?"
After Les had gone, Jenna handed Beth her soda. Beth drank, looking at her best friend as she did so. She shouldn't have.
Jenna's face was pinched into an expression of pity. "Beth, I'm so-"
"I need some air," Beth announced, cutting her off. She didn't think to grab a jacket or explain. The walls were closing in on her, and coupled with the residual stench of alcohol on Lindy, it made her nauseous. Beth grabbed her cell phone off the counter and all but ran out of Longbourn Hall. Once outside on the lawn, she dialed her parents' cell number. Her mother answered on the fourth ring, sounding groggy.
"Mom? Sorry if I woke you, but it's important."
"Bethy - it's three-o'clock in the morning here. What's wrong?"
"It's Lindy - she can't be here anymore. She needs to go home right now."
"Why? What's happened?"
"She's out of control. She's going for rides with perfect strangers all hours of the night, and coming home totally-"
"Bethy," her mother crooned. "She's a young, spirited girl! You can't expect her to sit around all day while you're at class. You know, you're not getting any younger. It would do you some good to take a page from Lindy's book. Maybe you'd date more. Maybe you'd even get married!"
"Mom," Beth said through clenched teeth. "You don't understand. She's passed out in my room. She came home with two drunk guys a while ago. I'm not sure what they did to her, either."
"Beth, it can't be as bad as all that. You're always judging your sister. Maybe if you'd stop being so high and mighty for a minute, you two would get along better."
"Let me talk to dad," Beth said in a trembling voice.
"Your father is sleeping-"
"I don't care if he's sleeping! His daughter is making a complete fool out of herself - and me in the process. You're obviously not the one to talk to about it."
"Now, Beth," her mother began in a mock scolding tone, but Beth cut her off.
"I'll tell dad about Lindy's belly ring if you don't wake him up - and yours too."
A minute later, Beth's father took the line. Fresh tears coursed down her cheeks at the sound of his voice.
"Daddy," Beth said pathetically.
"What's wrong, honey?"
"It's Lindy. She's completely unmanageable. She's not following any of the rules. She's crazy! She's been getting into cars with drunk guys and coming home passed out!"
He sighed. "Beth, your mother and I have had this trip planned for years. We can't come rushing home just because Lindy's out of line. I'm old, Beth. I'm tired. Let me enjoy my tiny bit of peace for a few more days."
Beth was so shocked she couldn't find words. She hadn't expected her father to disregard her like that. Normally he valued her opinion, and nearly always took her advice. Realizing that he cared more about his 'tiny bit of peace' than his daughter's behavior and consequent safety took the fight right out of Beth. She snapped her phone shut on her father's murmured placations.
It was more than his apathy that bothered Beth. The man who had rocked her and sung to her and read to her as a girl was gone - replaced by a tired, self-centered old man. True, he'd been married to a total raving lunatic for more than twenty years, and that had clearly sapped some of his life force. But he had always valued his girls - especially Beth. He'd never had much patience for Lindy's nonsense. Beth and her father had always been peas in a pod. A profound sense of loss enfolded her, and she began sobbing.
"Beth."
Beth whirled at the sound of her name, to find William sitting atop Longbourn's steps behind her. He was swathed in shadow, but Beth could see that his hands were clasped and his elbows were bowed on his knees.
She swiped a hand across her cheeks. "You heard all that?"
William rose slowly and walked over. "I didn't mean to."
Beth squeezed her bottom lip between her teeth to keep it from trembling. She crossed her arms stubbornly, looking away. "Regardless, you did. So, what do I do, Mr. Incredible? There's a damsel in distress," she said, heavy on the sarcasm.
William didn't respond to her riling. Instead, he pulled her into his arms and crushed her against him. When she didn't pull away, he laid his cheek against her hair.
Against Beth's will, warmth spread through her. She leaned her face into his chest and let the tears flow, realizing with devastation that this is what she had been waiting for earlier with Jaxon. This was the phenomenon that had eluded her. The sensation was akin to sitting in a patch of sunlight falling through a window; a drink of cold, clear water after almost dying of thirst; seeing something that was once so familiar after perpetual estrangement - the sensation of coming home. This is what she had waited for. And this is what had not come.
"Know anyone with a straight jacket?" William asked softly a few minutes later. "You could just lock her in the bathroom until your parents get back."
Beth issued a shaky giggle-sob as she pulled away. "A week in solitary confinement might be a bit much."
"They're gone for another week? Where are they?"
"England. They're supposed to fly home the twenty-sixth. Some neighbors back home offered to have Lindy stay with them, but I wanted her to be with family for Christmas."
"Does their offer still stand?"
"I'm sure it will. Maybe I'll call them tomorrow."
Silence settled over them, but it was peaceful rather than awkward.
"Beth? I need a favor," William said a moment later.
"I guess I owe you for dealing with those jerks."
William half-smiled, but then he turned serious. "Don't go anywhere alone with him tomorrow night."
Beth wasn't sure who William referred to for a moment. Then she remembered Kara's co
mment about her date for the ball. Beth sighed, too spent to argue. "We're meeting there," she informed him, hoping it would be enough.
"And after?"
She iced a look at him.
William affected casualty. "Okay, that's fine. I'll just tail you all night."
Beth's mouth popped into an astonished O. "You would not."
William arched an eyebrow, almost grinning.
Beth folded her arms in frustration but didn't argue. "Fine."
"Fine, I can follow you, or fine, you won't leave with him?"
"The last one."
William nodded once, not seeming particularly satisfied, but leaving off.
Suddenly, something occurred to Beth. "How did you plan on spying on me, anyway? Are you going to the dance?"
"Perhaps."
"Hm. No date yet?"
William grinned secretively. "I wasn't under the impression you cared."
Did she care? The very notion was preposterous. She dismissed the thought, not wanting to look at it too closely. If she looked long enough, she might not like what she found there.
"Well, I think Kara's still free, if you get desperate enough."
He stepped closer. "If I was a nymphomaniac, and Kara was the last woman on earth, I still wouldn't be desperate enough."
Beth couldn't help laughing. It wasn't the analogy so much as the intensely serious expression William wore. "Well, my friend Leah-"
"Knock it off," William scoffed. "I already have a date, Beth."
"Oh," she said, surprise melting into a puddle of disappointment. Leah would've loved being asked.
William kissed her firmly on the forehead, pushing off as he turned away. Beth reeled back slightly, ricocheting from the sudden absence. He had been holding her up, she realized. Physically if not emotionally. She watched him until he faded into the dark, then turned to Longbourn, her exhaustion not quite conquering the empty bubble that had risen inside her.
UNFORSEEN
"In vain I have struggled…..it will not do."
~Mr. Darcy, Pride &Prejudice
Lindy slept away most of the next day, which was Saturday. Beth took advantage of her slumber, phoning the Lucases first thing in the morning and arranging the rest of Lindy's Christmas break. Then she showered and dried her hair. She woke Lindy up a few hours before the dance, informing her that the next day she would be packing and driving straight to the Lucases until their parents returned home. Lindy raged as expected, screaming that she wouldn't go, until Beth threatened to turn her into the police for underage drinking. "You are going home, Lindy. One way or another. You can do this my way - go quietly and stay for the ball, or go now, and have a police escort."
"I hate you!" Lindy shouted before ripping open her suitcase and throwing her clothes in. That was going quietly for her.
Two hours later, Beth sat in front of her mirror, twisting the last piece of hair around a two-inch curling iron barrel. She briefly considered asking Lindy to help her with some sort of up-do, but as her sister still hadn't done her own hair, she nixed the idea. Instead she left her mahogany locks cascading over her shoulders. Stepping back from the mirror, she gave herself a final once-over and smiled. She had spent more time than usual on her makeup too, but didn't feel that she had overdone it. Barely able to contain her excitement, she pulled her dress from its overgrown Ziploc bag and slipped it on. It was the most vibrant color of green imaginable, and the weave of the fabric made it shimmer like emeralds. The crowning feature of the dress was the ruched bodice and ruffle trim along the neckline and sleeves. An empire waist and decorative pearl buttons completed the look. Beth counted herself lucky to have found a website that specialized in Regency gowns, and had a rush delivery option.
"Lind? Can you help me with the buttons?"
Lindy trudged in, fulfilling Beth's request but still dishing the silent treatment. Beth smiled to herself, wondering if Lindy knew she quite enjoyed the quiet.
"Aren't you getting dressed?" Beth asked.
Lindy rolled her eyes. "Don't we have like an hour still?"
"No - we're meeting them there in fifteen minutes."
Lindy's eyes popped.
"Where's your dress?" Beth sighed as Lindy flew into action.
She helped Lindy into her dress - red and low cut - (she had missed the whole regency thing "…..is that like North and South? Patrick Swayze is so hot!") Beth tamed Lindy's wild hair into an elegant low bun and brushed some lip gloss on for her.
"Now, where are your shoes?" Beth asked as she stepped into her own heels. She checked the clock on the wall.
"We need to head, Lind. It's seven forty-five."
Lindy nodded morosely, and Beth gusted out a sigh.
"What is it now?"
Beth wasn't sure what she'd expected. It certainly wasn't Lindy whining about her visit being over so soon. It was as if last night's episode had never been.
Some people's children, Beth thought in disgust. "Can you quit moping and just try to be pleasant for one night? You're leaving in the morning regardless, so you might as well enjoy tonight."
"Okay, mom," Lindy smarted.
Beth ignored her. "Let's take my truck."
After a short drive they arrived at the conference center, which was packed with dance patrons. Drapes of gauzy white fabric criss-crossed the ceiling, and white sparkle lights winked from every corner like fireflies. The lighting was low, and the music was soft. A thrill of anticipation rushed into Beth, and consequently leaked away when they met Denny just inside the doors, completely alone. He glanced appreciatively at Lindy, earning a diminutive smile in return. Taking Lindy's hand, he turned to Beth with an apology on his face.
Beth suddenly had a bowling ball in her stomach.
"Beth, you look amazing."
Beth inclined her head slightly, too distracted by her own self-talk to respond. Maybe Jaxon's parking the car or something, she thought desperately.
Denny put a brotherly arm around Beth. "Jaxon will be here in just a few. He got held up at quarters."
Beth arched an eyebrow.
"Let's just wait here," Denny offered.
He didn't want to leave her standing alone out front, Beth knew. But he probably didn't want to buy her ticket, either.
The thought drew Beth's eyes to the ticket table several yards away, and the ball in her stomach leadened.
~:~
William had been sitting behind the ticket table, sipping from a paper cup of punch when Beth came in. It was unfortunate that he'd worn a white button front shirt tonight, and that they had served red punch instead of lemonade, but such was life. He set the now empty cup on the table in front of him with affected calm, looking around for something to mop up his shirt front. Teresa, the co-ticket taker seated next to him, held a napkin out in silence. She appeared to be holding her smile back with great effort.
"Thanks," William muttered, pressing the napkin to his shirt. He really, really wished he wouldn't have argued with Les earlier about wearing a tie. William raised his eyes to Beth again, and his breath hitched.
She wore a floor-length gown of dark green. Her hair had been left free, and it cascaded around her shoulders and down her back in loose curls. Her eyes brooded, and her pouting lips were entirely too kissable-looking. An image of lush fruit hanging from a forbidden tree came into William's mind. When he was finally able to pry his gaze from her mouth, he took in her expression. She looked on the verge of tears, which made no sense to him. Then he looked at her group again. Beth's sister stood next to the guy from the Malt Shop, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Teresa cleared her throat. "So, it looks like Beth Pride is waiting for her date….."
William didn't look at her. "Yeah."
"Why isn't it you?"
He did rip his eyes from Beth now. "You know Beth?"
"That's a little off point, but yes. We're in a study group together for English."
William nodded.
"So, why isn't she here with you?"
/>
"I didn't ask her."
"Because……?"
"Someone beat me to it." He paused, dabbing the stain on his shirt with renewed vigor. "And because she hates me."
Teresa scowled. "Hm. Well, there's one way to find out, I guess."
William questioned her with a look as she pulled him to his feet.
"Can you guys take over for a minute?" she asked the other ticket takers one table over.
Then she towed him further into the conference center, onto the dance floor, snaked her arms around his neck, and set her lips dangerously close to his ear. "Just go with it," she whispered, a smile in her voice.
They turned slowly, William scowling down at her.
"She won't buy the act if you look constipated," Teresa informed him dryly.
William almost laughed. "What act is she supposed to buy?"
"We're finding out if she's as besotted with you as you are with her."
William clucked his tongue in disdain, not bothering to deny her assumption. "Girl games."
"You can thank me later. You'll know she's jealous if she gets snippy with you."
William smiled down at Teresa. She really was a nice girl. She was probably pretty too, but he couldn't tell. For months now, he'd only had eyes for one person.
William looked back toward Beth as another revolution faced him in her direction. Their eyes met briefly, and then Beth looked away. Jaxon still hadn't shown. William didn't know whether to be elated for his own sake or angry for Beth's.
The song ended and Teresa drew William's face down to hers. "This is purely theatrical," she warned, and then kissed him full on the mouth.
"That should do it," she announced joyfully, drawing back. "Now let's go see if it worked."
They took their places at the table again, and William overheard the last bit of Beth's conversation with Lindy's date.
"Seriously, Denny, I'll be fine. You guys go ahead. You're going to miss the whole thing."
"I can dance with both of you! Those are great odds, after all."
Beth's smile was clearly forced. She leaned forward to whisper something in Denny's ear, and he glanced reflexively at Lindy. Beth nodded in Lindy's direction, gently propelling him toward her. Denny gave Beth a long, empathetic look before buying his tickets and leading Lindy onto the dance floor. Beth watched them go, and then her eyes met William's once again. She pivoted and walked briskly out of the conference center.
Pride's Prejudice Page 13