“I hear he’s not renewing his term next April,” Charlotte said as she watched him play.
“No,” Elizabeth agreed.
“So, how did you hear about this? You haven’t been to the courthouse this week.” Charlotte turned a curious eye toward Elizabeth.
“Uh, actually, I know him socially,” Elizabeth said nonchalantly. She dropped her eyes from Charlotte’s face and studied her tea. Charlotte’s interest was immediately aroused.
“You know him socially?” she asked, eyebrows raised. Elizabeth nodded and took a sip of her tea.
“Yes, my sister is engaged to one of his very good friends. In fact, he’s to be the best man.”
Charlotte sat back and looked at Elizabeth in something like amazement.
“Then you must be seeing quite a bit of him,” Charlotte mused speculatively.
Elizabeth shrugged. “I see him when I come back on the weekends. He’s very close to my sister’s fiancé, they were college roommates. So yes, I do see him quite a bit when I’m here.” She hoped she was sounding as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
“Elizabeth, you’re blushing,” Charlotte said, smirking. “Do you have a crush on him?”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and refused to dignify the question by answering with the resounding “yes” that was in her head.
“What’s he like?” Charlotte asked curiously. Elizabeth was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with this conversation. She shrugged.
“Charlotte, he’s just a guy. Look, I’m really uncomfortable talking about him. Could we change the subject?” Charlotte sat back in her chair and looked at Elizabeth with unabashed speculation.
“How long have they been engaged?” she asked.
“Who?”
“Your sister! Come on, Lizzy, take your eyes off him for two seconds and focus!” Elizabeth looked at Charlotte again, ashamed at being caught staring at Darcy.
“Uh, I guess right around the time I went to San Diego,” she answered. “Why?”
“So you’ve known him socially for a few months then?”
Elizabeth sighed in exasperation and refused to answer the question.
“Why don’t you tell me about your love life?” Elizabeth said.
“Who said anything about a love life?” Charlotte said, intrigued by this Freudian slip. “I was referring to your social life. Is he involved in your love life?”
Elizabeth rubbed her forehead with her fingers and shook her head.
Charlotte was not convinced.
“Lizzy?” she prompted.
“Stop,” Elizabeth said firmly. Charlotte recognized the stubborn look in Elizabeth’s eye, and retreated to a safer topic. But she wondered why Elizabeth would be here to see her sister’s fiancé’s friend if neither her sister nor her sister’s fiancé were here. She quickly put together the simultaneous vacations, with both returning in foul moods, and Elizabeth’s quick transfer to San Diego and arrived at the right conclusion. But Charlotte was fond of Elizabeth and her secret was safe.
They chatted about the Gardiners’ office while Darcy’s band continued their set. Charlotte told her that deBourgh and Associates had begun to infiltrate the office with changeover procedures. The name partner, Catherine deBourgh, had swooped in last week to begin looking over the place.
“She’s quite impressive, I must say. Very opinionated on how things should be done.”
Elizabeth nodded. “I have had some contact with her regarding the new office; she is very demanding, but luckily she doesn’t care much at this point about the office. She just wants it physically there, then she will come in and mold everyone to her satisfaction.”
“That sounds like her,” Charlotte said. “She seems to be chummy with Judge Darcy,” Charlotte ventured.
“Really?” Elizabeth asked, surprised. Charlotte nodded.
“Mr. Gardiner told me that they were both at the same firm when Darcy came over from England and she was sort of his mentor. She was very unhappy that he wouldn’t come with her when she left the firm and there was apparently some big bust-up. But since he became judge, she’s been trying to get back into his good graces. Do you know anything about it?” Charlotte asked cautiously.
“No, this is the first I’ve heard about it,” Elizabeth said, shaking her head. Charlotte looked over at Darcy speculatively. Elizabeth downed the remainder of her tea and got a clean mug from the barista.
They sat together quietly until the set was over and people began filing out of the coffee shop. Elizabeth busied herself by pouring a dollop of cold milk into the mug. Next to it sat a small ceramic teapot which held boiling water. Elizabeth dumped two scoops of Earl Gray loose leaf tea into the pot and let it sit.
Charlotte looked over her shoulder at Darcy, who was detained by several attorneys who wanted to speak with him. He looked dreadfully uncomfortable.
“They should know better,” Charlotte said, looking at them. “He doesn’t want to see his co-workers during his leisure time.” She gave a quick glance at Elizabeth and grinned.
“Then why are you here?” Elizabeth laughed.
“Mary and Maria put me up to it. We were all curious. But I’m not going to go over and talk to him,” she replied defensively.
Elizabeth looked over Charlotte’s shoulder and saw Darcy coming toward them looking rather discontent. Elizabeth sighed inwardly. He was so deliciously handsome.
Charlotte looked over her shoulder again and saw him. To spare everyone embarrassment, she greeted him cheerfully as he approached.
“Hello Judge! That was a terrific performance. It’s nice to see that you don’t read trial briefs on Friday nights,” she said turning toward him.
Darcy stopped short at Charlotte’s voice.
“Ah, Miss Lucas.” He paused and looked at Elizabeth. “And Miss Bennet.” He had no idea whether Elizabeth had revealed anything to Miss Lucas and was trying to play it safe.
“Won’t you join us?” Charlotte said, pulling a chair out for him. “Lizzy was just telling me that her sister is engaged to one of your friends,” Charlotte offered. “I understand you’re to be the best man,” she smiled. Darcy nodded and took the seat. He silently thanked Elizabeth for letting Charlotte know enough to ward off suspicion of their being together, or so he thought.
“Yes, he was my college roommate at Cambridge,” Darcy said easily.
Elizabeth poured the hot tea over the milk in the mug and stirred it. Then she pushed it toward Darcy.
“Oh, thank you,” he said, and took a sip. “Perfect.”
Charlotte smiled to herself.
“So, Judge, what else do you do in your free time? Besides play in coffee shops?” Charlotte asked easily.
“Well, between the serial killing and drug trafficking, I don’t have much time for hobbies,” he said sipping his tea. Charlotte laughed; she didn’t think she had ever heard him joke before.
“It’s always the quiet ones,” Charlotte said knowingly. He laughed gently into his teacup. He has a lovely smile, Charlotte mused. “Milton tells me you used to work with Catherine deBourgh?” Charlotte asked him. He nodded.
“Yes, years ago. I hear she is cleaning house at Gardiner and Associates before she begins her reign,” Darcy answered. Charlotte snorted and nodded. “She has a very strong personality,” Darcy continued.
“Do tell,” Charlotte said, leaning forward on her fists, intrigued.
“We used to call her ‘Lady Catherine’ behind her back,” he said, lips curling mischievously. “She was a very imposing woman. She certainly had no qualms about making her opinions known.” He shrugged. “We had professional differences and then we had a falling out when she left the firm and I refused to go with her.”
“Why did you refuse?” Elizabeth asked, drawn in to their conversation.
“Georgie - my sister,” he clarified for Charlotte, “was having some trouble in school at that time and I thought my time was better spent with her than with starting a new law firm,” he s
aid nonchalantly. Trouble in school, indeed, he thought. “Catherine was not sympathetic and frankly I didn’t relish reporting to Lady Catherine every day.”
“What will you do when your term ends?” Charlotte asked him.
“I don’t know,” he answered, frowning. “I had thought to move back to England, but really, all of my family is here. I’ve been contemplating opening my own law office but I don’t quite feel up to the task of setting up shop right away.” He took another sip of his tea.
“Lizzy could do it for you,” Charlotte smiled. “You know she’s setting up the San Diego office for deBourgh and Associates. I’m sure she’d have no problem; you can’t be anywhere near as demanding as Catherine,” Charlotte laughed. “Do you know that she even sent instructions on how many shelves were to be in the storage closets!”
“That sounds like her,” Darcy laughed. “Have you seen Anne’s art?” he said to Charlotte, who promptly burst out laughing, nodding. “I think that says it all; she must have had a very disturbed childhood,” Darcy mused.
Charlotte had never seen this sociable side of Darcy; she could see how Elizabeth would find him attractive, charming, even sexy. While thinking this, Charlotte took a bite of her pastry. Darcy’s stomach growled.
“That looks good... I’ll be right back,” he said and went to the counter to get a pastry.
Charlotte swung her head to Elizabeth.
“You are so totally sleeping with him,” she said quietly.
“What?!” Elizabeth replied in a hushed whisper. “I am not!”
“Yes, you are, don’t you dare deny it!” Charlotte pointed an accusing finger at Elizabeth.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about! You have the most ridiculous imagination, Charlotte,” Elizabeth said, shaking her head. She toyed with her coaster and tried not to blush.
Charlotte leaned forward. “Since when do you know how to make the perfect cup of English tea, just the way he likes it?” she challenged. Elizabeth sucked her tongue between her teeth but didn’t answer. Charlotte smiled in satisfaction, and continued.
“OK, but I understand it’s a secret. So here, I’ll tell you my secret, and we’ll call it even. I’m a lesbian.”
Elizabeth snorted. “God, Charlotte, that’s no secret.”
“What? What do you mean, of course it is!” Charlotte said in dismay.
Elizabeth shook her head. “’Fraid not.”
“How did you know?” Charlotte leaned forward again. Elizabeth laughed.
“Charlotte, hello, Lou is my best friend. He told me he kept seeing you at gay clubs.”
“Well, then my secret is as poorly hidden as yours,” Charlotte smiled, leaning back.
“Oh, honestly Charlotte, we are not...” she lowered her voice to a whisper and leaned forward, “sleeping together.”
Darcy returned and slid a pastry in front of Elizabeth.
“I know you like the cheesy ones,” he said as he sat down.
Charlotte crossed her arms in triumph and chirped “Mm-hmm.”
Darcy looked up and saw Elizabeth and Charlotte staring each other down and wondered what the hell was going on.
“Darcy! We’re sorry we missed it, there was a wreck on the freeway,” Bingley said as he and Jane approached. Darcy stood up and offered his chair to Jane, then stooped to receive her peck on the cheek.
“We tried to call your place but you guys were already gone,” Bingley continued like a dolt.
“Bingley!” Both Darcy and Elizabeth exclaimed in dismay. He looked at them in shock.
“What?!”
“Bingley, this is Charlotte Lucas, an attorney in my courtroom,” Darcy said significantly.
“And at my lawfirm,” Elizabeth added, glaring at him. Bingley shifted his eyes about in confusion.
“OK, nice to meet you Charlotte Lucas-who-is-an-attorney-before-Darcy-and-works-with-Elizabeth. Oh! Who appears before Darcy and works with Elizabeth! I see. Yes, good to meet you!” he said as the implications finally penetrated his distracted mind. Then he rolled his eyes. “Good lord, I almost gave you away!” he said comically.
Charlotte put her hand over her mouth and closed her eyes, laughing. The look on Darcy’s face was priceless, really. Some mixture of anger, embarrassment, humor, and resignation. Elizabeth wasn’t faring much better. Both glared at Bingley.
“Bingley, you are an idiot,” Darcy grumbled. “Let’s go get dinner.”
Elizabeth shot a look at Charlotte. Charlotte twiddled her fingers innocently.
Elizabeth could say nothing, but gave Charlotte a warning look. Charlotte nodded and smiled. They said their goodbyes, and Charlotte watched them exit the coffee shop. Darcy had taken Elizabeth’s hand in his before they were two steps out the door.
***
Elizabeth stepped out of the bathroom in her new yellow confection, hair falling all around her shoulders. Darcy was lying on the bed paging lazily through a magazine. He looked up at her and let the magazine fall to the floor. He said nothing for a half a minute.
“Well?” she said, shifting uncomfortably. She had posed herself in the bathroom doorway but now she wasn’t sure it was the best idea.
“Don’t move,” he said, cocking his head. He studied her for another minute. She creased her brows.
“Breathtaking,” he said softly. “Absolutely lovely.” She smiled in relief and walked toward the bed. “Turn around?” he asked. She did a slow turn for him. When she faced him again, he was smiling contentedly.
“It’s yellow,” she said, at a loss for words. He nodded, still smiling.
“Yes. You look beautiful in yellow.”
“Like a canary?” she teased, sitting next to him.
“Like a daffodil,” he corrected, pulling her closer to him. “You bought this for me?” he asked. She nodded. Why was she suddenly feeling shy?
He was ridiculously flattered that she thought of him enough to buy such an article. It was lovely; it showed her shapely legs, it let a little of her belly peek thru, but was essentially modest in cut. The ruffled trim was feminine without being cloying, the color complimented her tanned skin. He sighed again in contentment.
She began to untie the string in the front of the nightie. He stopped her.
“No, it’s too pretty. Leave it on,” he said. She smiled, and curled into his arms.
He sighed into her hair as they made love.
“You really are the most beautiful creature on earth,” he said to her, nuzzling her ear. “I am the luckiest man alive.” She smiled and did not try to repay the compliment; at least, not verbally.
Chapter 28
Georgiana Darcy wanted to protect her brother. She didn’t want to interfere with his relationship but she was watching Elizabeth Bennet closely. Since they had reconciled, Will had seemed content and happy. But she wanted to know more about Elizabeth. She suggested that they go camping with Fletcher at Yosemite. She wanted to see Elizabeth in the elements, in nature, to see how she acted with Darcy.
When she proposed it over coffee with Will and Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s eyes lit up.
“Camping! How fun! I haven’t been in years.”
“We don’t use a camper, you know,” Georgiana said cautiously. “We pitch tents.”
“Of course, how else would you do it? Campers are for sissies,” Elizabeth laughed. Georgiana smiled. We’ll see, she thought.
Elizabeth flew in Thursday night and they all took Friday off, piling into Fletcher’s SUV Friday morning, having cancelled the concert due to overwhelming attorney attendance. Elizabeth stretched out in the back seat, sticking her feet out the window and putting her head in Darcy’s lap. Each time Georgiana turned to say something to them, she spied one of them teasing the other: Darcy would trail a string across Elizabeth’s forehead while she tried to doze; Elizabeth would flick Darcy’s earlobe as he tried to look out the window; they would pinch and tickle and tease each other like six-year-olds, laughing the whole time. Georgiana had never seen her brother ac
ting so juvenile!
They arrived at their campsite in the early afternoon. All four got out, eager to stretch their legs after the long drive. Darcy extended his long arms high above his head, pulling his back into alignment. Elizabeth tickled his ribs and he brought his arms down quickly, laughing an indignant “Hey!” Then he put his arms around her and kissed her, which had been her goal all along.
Georgiana and Darcy set about unpacking the car while Fletcher and Elizabeth pulled out the tents. After several laughing miss starts, the tents were erected and sleeping bags stashed inside. Camping season was nearly over; they were relatively alone on the campgrounds, meeting few people on the paths and seeing few other tents. It was going to be a very pleasant weekend.
With plenty of daylight left, they went on a short hike to explore the area. Georgiana watched as Darcy helped Elizabeth climb onto a boulder, steadying her as she stepped up to the top and then joining her a moment later. Darcy sat on the rock overlooking the valley. Elizabeth stood beside him with one hand resting on his head, absently fingering his curls. Georgiana smiled at the affectionate gesture that seemed unconscious on Elizabeth’s part. Then she remembered her resolve to be suspicious of Elizabeth and frowned.
After a time, they climbed down and returned to camp. Fletcher gathered firewood while Darcy made a fire and Elizabeth sharpened roasting sticks. Georgiana pulled out a little cook stove and began to boil water.
“What are you doing?” Elizabeth asked as Georgiana dropped a hotdog into the pan of hot water.
Georgiana looked at her as if she had spoken Martian. “I’m boiling hotdogs,” she replied slowly.
Elizabeth creased her brow and plunged her hand into the water, pulling out a wiener.
“I’ll have mine roasted, thanks,” she said, stabbing the wiener onto her stick.
Roasted? Georgiana had never roasted a wiener over the fire before; they had always boiled them in water. She watched as Elizabeth stood near the fire and stuck her stick into the flames. Soon, she had a blackened, bubbly wiener. She smiled and put it in a bun and took a bite.
The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy Page 31