by Nicky Roth
'Oh, don't worry. Sometimes these things just happen,' Jane's smile had deepened, even turned somewhat cheeky, which made her look quite a lot like her sister. 'You know, I once managed to click on the wrong button on the internet, when I actually wanted to close the pop-up window and accidentally ordered a sub for a porn site. Not much better, is it?'
Bless that girl! Though Darcy wasn't sure if she told the truth, it was enough to set Bingley at ease and that was all that mattered. When he saw that their hands reached for each other on the table, Darcy knew it was time to get up.
He had felt awkward before, but being a spare tyre topped pretty much everything in regards to awkwardness. And Elizabeth did not seem in the mood to join them to make a fourth. What time was it anyway? Good, early enough to still call his sister.
Bringing back his glass he steered towards the exit and sat down on an old stepping stone that he knew must once have been used by people getting in and out of the old post-coaches without getting their feet dirty. Sometimes it was amazing what was still left of the past in small towns like Meryton and Lambton.
He much preferred it to the almost sterile streets of London, not that London wasn't full of history, too, but it was different nonetheless. Actually, the old assembly rooms had been in pretty good condition as well, now that he thought about it. And looking up at the façade of the pub, it was easy to imagine what it must have been like when it had still been a coaching inn two centuries ago.
Taking out his mobile he went on speed dial. Of course, his sister, his closest relation in the world, was right there at the top.
'Hey, Georgie, how are you?'
'I'm great, but I miss being home...' Georgiana sighed.
She did not much like going to boarding school, but what was he to do?
'I know, sweety. But hey, you've only returned four weeks ago and soon it's holidays again.'
'The first couple of weeks are always the worst,' she really sounded cast down.
If only he were not a bachelor...
But he had so much on his hands already. Oh, fuck all these stupid excuses! No, he was making this too easy for himself.
Initially, Darcy had thought that sending Georgiana to boarding school would be beneficial for her. Instead, it had turned into a nightmare. She was shy, quiet and to top it all, very intelligent, not a good mix when hundreds of adolescent girls were basically locked up together. The inevitable had happened and she had been severely mobbed all throughout the last year and by the sounds of it, this term was not much better. Not that she would say so openly in order not to worry him. But he knew her and he could read between the lines, at least when it came to his sister.
'Georgie, do you want to come home?'
'You know I do, Will. But, don't worry, I, in turn, know that I have to go to school and that this is the best for me.'
'Not if you are unhappy. I will sort something out, I promise.'
'Don't you always?' he could literally hear her smile at his declarations. 'But I don't want to be any trouble, brother. You've done so much for me already, and I feel so ungrateful...'
'Oh, come now, that is nonsense!'
She only huffed in reply and then changed the subject.
'How are things going in Hertfordshire? You sounded slightly tense earlier on. Has something happened? By the way, have you bought the horse?'
'I did. He's not broken in properly yet, but I'm getting there. I bought another horse as well. It was to be put down because it had a shortened tendon after a show jumping accident. I know it is silly, but I couldn't let that happen. She's only twelve years old, though very quiet from all the pain-killers I have to feed her. And yet, I thought it downright wrong to just discard of an otherwise perfectly good horse only because it can't be used for sports any longer.'
'Will, I could hug you!'
'Ah, at least one girl who does!'
Why on earth had he said that?
'One day you will find the perfect girl for you, Will. I'm absolutely sure of that. I don't know anybody more deserving to be happy than you.'
Bloody hell, how had they gotten to that subject?
'One that will see you for the great guy that you are and not for your money,' she carried on much to his embarrassment. 'You know, you are the best brother I could possibly wish for, and I have no doubt you will be just as good a husband and dad one day. I really envy the woman you will marry, for I will have to make do with second best. Not that I would want to marry my brother...- Ew, that's gross actually, just thinking about it, but...'
In his mind he could see her face screw up, her nose wrinkled, eyes pressed shut and her tongue sticking out. When she made that face she still looked like the little girl faced with the abominable challenge to eat up her broccoli.
'Stop, Georgie, if you inflate my ego any more I'm going to burst at the seams.'
'Yeah, or the plug pops out.'
'Exactly,' he laughed. 'And besides, I have found the perfect girl for me. It's just that... - Well, you know me. I'm an awkward sod at the best of times.'
'But Will, that is great! What's her name?'
Looking around himself he made sure no-one was overhearing them.
'Elizabeth. Her name is Elizabeth. I only met her a couple of days ago, but though I've never believed in love at first sight, I think I might have to revise my opinion there. She is... - I don't even know where to start to describe her.'
'She's not one of those stuck up bitches you usually bring home, is she?'
Oops, he had forgotten how blunt his sister could be with him on occasion.
'Well, they usually bring me home, Georgie and that is my very problem. I have no clue how to approach her. I mean we get along well enough, but...- Sorry, I shouldn't dump this on you. It's not fair to burden you with my petty little problems.'
'Hey, you're my brother.'
'Your big brother, Georgie. By twelve years, no less.'
'Yes. And? Oh, shite!'
'What is it?'
'Curfew. I need to hang up in a couple of minutes and get ready for bed. Will, will you call again sometime this week? Then we can speak about your problem. I actually don't think it really is one. You are such a good man, really what is there not to love? If she is in any way intelligent, she must see that and if not, she isn't worth it. Full stop!'
'She is extremely intelligent. Kind, witty, caring, beautiful and brave. - And she's currently running her father's farm.'
'That indeed sounds pretty perfect to me. You really are in deep, aren't you?'
'Yep. And as said, I've only just met her a couple of days ago. But as it is, I already managed to insult her the first time we met, I think. She didn't say so, but I could see it in her face that she was quite offended.'
'How on earth did you do that?'
'Well, little sister, I went to that party Bingley insisted on attending and Caroline had driven me insane all evening long, clinging to my arm like you wouldn't believe. You know how she can be. And I just needed a couple of minutes to myself. And that was exactly when Elizabeth approached me and asked me to dance...'
'Oh dear! You didn't snap at her, did you?'
Now even his sister sounded exasperated with him. Fantastic!
'What do you think? Of course, I did. Idiot that I am.'
'Oh, Will!'
He could literally see her in front of his eyes, as she buried her face in her hands.
'At the time I didn't really care, truth be told. But the more I see of her, the more I fall for her. I've never felt this lost. I really am a fool in love, Georgie. You asked earlier how things are going here in Hertfordshire, well, chaotic sums it up pretty well...'
'Lights out! Bedtime!' a harsh voice sounded through the telephone and before he knew it, the line was dead.
He really needed to do something about Georgiana's situation.
Staring at his phone he was not quite sure whether he should go back inside or simply wait out here. A slight drizzle setting in made the decision
for him.
He had not closed the door when his eyes were already back on Elizabeth. She was still standing at the bar, talking to the same guy and was only looking up shortly to see him enter, an eyebrow arched challengingly. Damn, that guy really was bloody handsome and charming. What chance did he have there? It was very obvious that Elizabeth liked his company and to see her actually flirt with him, though he doubted that she was even aware of it, was making him want to throw up as his insides churned. Or alternatively beat the crap out of that fellow. Neither would do, he supposed.
Seeing that Bingley still sat comfortably together with Jane he decided to call it a day and walk home. At least Monty had been considerate enough to have someone change the sheets on his bed, though he still wasn't sure whether he really ever wanted to sleep in it ever again.
The image of the naked woman in it earlier on popped up in his mind and slowly but surely turned into Elizabeth Bennet.
Oh no, he would not go there! No fucking way! Shit, too late...- How was he supposed to sleep after that now? Be it in his bed or on the sofa in the breakfast room. It would be a long hard night for him, that much was certain, but never mind.
Chapter 13:
Lieutenant Wickham
'So, Jane, I take it everything is sorted?' Elizabeth asked her sister on their way home from the pub, grinning widely. 'At least your dear Charles looked happy enough again.'
She could not help poking a bit of fun at her sister. But Jane actually looked perfectly content, and when they had parted from Bingley he too had appeared cheerful again, ready to face the world despite everything that had come to pass.
Hm, as long as Jane was by his side, it seemed, he thought himself invincible. Ah well, every knight in shining armour needed his lady by his side.
'Oh, Lizzy, he isn't my Charles, you know,' Jane sighed and Elizabeth was sure that her sister was blushing, though it was too dark to see it. 'But it is. You know, he confessed that he was tricked into this. By his sister! Can you believe it?'
'Oh, I very well can. My opinion of her is somewhere down there,' Elizabeth pointed at the ground with one hand while pushing her bike with the other.
'I don't think she meant any trouble, Lizzy. Perhaps she had a very good reason to do what she has done. Maybe she didn't know either what kind of film they were making.'
'Yeah, maybe,' she replied, though Elizabeth was far from convinced.
If that was the case, why would she need to trick her brother into it? The only reason Caroline Bingley had for that was if she did know very well about the company producing porn and was acutely aware that her brother would never have given his consent to film on his property. And that that woman was well capable of such deceit she was pretty sure of. This was not a simple prank amongst siblings. She had heard the people talk around her, even though admittedly she had become distracted pretty quickly. The gossip had been quite vile and it would take some time for Bingley to re-establish himself when he had only just begun to do so in the first place. So not good!
'You seemed to have had a nice evening yourself, Lizzy,' Jane carried on with a small smile, interrupting her thoughts. 'Who was that guy you were talking to. I don't think I have ever seen him before.'
'George Wickham is his name. He's a lieutenant and has just been stationed at the base. Well, more precisely he is currently still on leave and moving over from Wiltshire.'
'He looked pleasant.'
'Yeah, and he is really funny and easy to talk to. I mean, it was not as if we talked about any serious topics, but with him, it is even fun to speak about something as boring as the weather. Drizzle seemed to be his favourite subject. - So you see, he is the perfect man. Good looking, unreserved, lively, charming, clever, polite... - unlike other certain men of our acquaintance. And, he can make the weather sound interesting. That is quite something.'
Elizabeth rolled her eyes, though she doubted that Jane would see it in the semi-darkness.
'Hm,' was all Jane's thoughtful reply.
Looking inquisitively at her sister Elizabeth wondered what went through her mind at present, but her normally so expressive face was all blank and she could make nothing of it in the dim light of the street lamps.
'What is it?'
'Nothing Lizzy, it is just that I went outside for a breath of fresh air earlier on when Charles got new drinks for us and...- It's just something I overheard that I shouldn't have, that's all.'
'You mean shortly before Mr Darcy came back in and looked as if he was ready to start a fight?'
'Yes,' Jane replied softly, not meeting her eyes.
'Well, what was it?' Elizabeth dug deeper getting more and more curious due to her sister's odd behaviour.
Never had she seen Jane this bewildered, not even this afternoon at Netherfield.
'I can't tell you, Lizzy. It is private and I feel horrible for having lingered outside when I realised what he spoke about. I should have gone straight back in.'
'He? Who? Mr Darcy?'
'Yes, Mr Darcy.'
'And he said something that has you this disturbed?'
'Not disturbed, Lizzy. But... - Oh, I don't know what to call it. As I've said, it's a private matter anyway. He was on the phone with his sister. And then I remembered something Charles said earlier, and it suddenly all came together. Shock is perhaps the best way to put it how I feel. Not in a bad way, though, mind.'
'Was it about their parents? Jane, I know they have both died, and I do actually feel very sorry about that for him and his sister. As far as I understood it, she's still quite young and under his care. It is quite some responsibility for such a young man, don't you think? Good God, has something happened to her?'
'No, that I didn't know. That his parents have died, I mean. And no, it was not about his sister, but himself. It is just that he's... - Oh, stop pestering me, Lizzy!'
Now Jane looked seriously upset and despite her pleas to stop Elizabeth was greatly tempted to dig deeper. But in the end, she couldn't bring herself to do it. It wouldn't have been fair and Jane definitely deserved better treatment. She'd had enough excitement for the day anyway, so, though burning with curiosity, Elizabeth changed the subject.
'And, are you looking forward to going back to work next week?'
Okay, perhaps considering her heart was now lost here, that was a fairly stupid strategy. Then again, it was not as if London was more than an hour from Netherfield and that was calculating the traffic already, or that Mr Bingley did not stay in London a great deal himself. And surely, as soon as Jane was there, he would frequently go over.
'Yes, I actually do. I've missed my work; the feeling I'm doing good. And at the same time, I regret leaving you behind. You've got so much on your shoulders, it's not exactly fair to dump it all on you.'
'Oh, never mind, I'm perfectly fine. And besides, it is getting quieter now, this time of year. It's only a bit of ploughing to get a head start next year and then, after that it is only the animals I have to take care of so I can get back to concentrate on my studies and catch up with them as well so I won't forget everything I've learned. At least Mama is taking care of the garden, and once in a while Kitty helps around the house.'
'Oh, Lizzy, come on, when have you ever forgotten anything? For you learning comes easy, but perhaps you will get distracted by Lieutenant Wickham?'
'Hm, perhaps,' Elizabeth smirked.
For some reason, however, it was not his image that popped up in her mind, but that of Mr Darcy. Damn the man!
What was it with him that she could never spend a day without thinking about him at least ten times? He was like a summer-cold, very hard to shake off and just as vexing.
Feeling her sister's gaze on her she suddenly felt under scrutiny.
'You know, Lizzy, you should listen to your heart once in a while,' Jane startled her. 'Sometimes you are a bit head-heavy.'
'Well, you know, the heart is a treacherous thing, while the brain at least has got the facts right.'
'Not always, a
nd you know that. Over-thinking everything can be a hindrance when it comes to happiness, and the brain can be deceived.'
'As can the heart, Jane.'
Once again her sister fell silent. Why did she have a feeling she was missing something? Well, presumably because she was, but what it might be, was beyond her. Jane never spoke in riddles, why did she have to start to turn into the Oracle of Delphi now?
'Are you coming with me to karaoke night on Wednesday?' Elizabeth, at last, asked, unable to bear the silence any longer and remembering the sign atop the bar. 'You can, of course, bring Charles along.'
'Are you going to sing?'
'Well, yes, I suppose. That's kind of the point of going to karaoke night. And since Sharon broke her hand, we haven't had much practice and this is a good start to get going again. Not that I had much time for the band lately, but I do miss it. Even though I'm not even a regular member anymore. A bit of distraction and fun never goes amiss, does it?'
'No, certainly not. And if you sing, you can be sure that I'll be there, Lizzy. Any idea what you might sing?'
'I think I'll go with one of the classics. “Love Hurts” is always a good choice as is “Hedonism” or “Love is a battlefield”.'
'Oh dear, you are really not one for actual love songs, are you?'
'Nope. You know I'm a realist.'
'Lizzy, please!' Jane laughed, but there was still this odd and rather serious undertone.
'Yes, yes, yes, I will listen to my heart, promise. Hey, another classic! I haven't listened to Roxette in ages. I would actually sing “You can leave your hat on”, but after I heard from Lottie that Penny dropped his pants to that song during the Harvest Ball I am slightly scared of any unwanted reactions from the one or other member of the public...'
At last Jane was laughing unabashedly: 'Oh dear! Really?'
'Yeah. I have to admit that I'm not entirely sure whether I am disappointed not have seen it or relieved. I mean, it is Penny we're talking about.'
'He doesn't exactly have a bad figure. I mean he does yoga pretty much every day, as he's told me.'
'No, perhaps not. Still, he ranks very high on my list of people I never want to see in the nude.'