Waiting for Mr. Darcy

by Chamein Canton

  “That’s about the only consolation.”

  “And it is for a good cause.” He put his arm out.

  “True.” She took his arm and they left the house.

  Half an hour later they pulled onto the grounds of the Scarsdale Golf Club. Founded in 1898, it was a mere twenty-four miles from New York City, but it seemed to be a world away from its metropolitan neighbor. With its panoramic views and manicured golf courses, it provided much more than just a place to play eighteen holes. It boasted seven different rooms for social events, from corporate fundraisers to wedding receptions.

  The club’s 1898 room was the site for the African AIDS Awareness charity luncheon. The formal dining room had a bay window that overlooked the club’s practice putting green. When Harrison and Alicia arrived, the room was already abuzz with activity. Suzanne Addison, one of the organizers, waved.

  “Oh, dear God, it’s Suzanne,” Alicia mumbled through her smile.

  “Be nice.” Harrison grinned.

  Suzanne Addison was a typical society woman. Petite, reed thin and over fifty-five, she wore a vintage Chanel suit and a ring that cost more than Alicia’s Land Rover. Her husband’s family had made their money in oil generations ago, so charity was her full-time job.

  “Alicia, I’m so happy you came.” She air-kissed her.

  “I’m happy to be here for such a good cause.” She turned to Harrison. “You remember Mrs. Addison.”

  “Yes, of course.” He shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Addison.”

  “Please call me Suzanne.”

  “Thank you, Suzanne.”

  She checked a piece of paper in her hand. “You and Harrison are at table two right over there.” She pointed.

  “Thank you.”

  “I’ll be over soon.”

  “Wait, Suzanne. Before I forget.” She reached into her purse and pulled out a check. “Here’s my contribution.”

  She glanced at it. “Oh my, Alicia, this is very generous of you.”

  “I think it’s an important to raise as much money as we can to help with the AIDS crisis in Africa.”

  “You are so right.”

  Harrison and Alicia made their way through the room to their table, which thankfully wasn’t too far from the door.

  They were seated at a table with some of Scarsdale’s gentry, a couple of lawyers, corporate VPs and an orthodontist. Alicia made small talk with them while the appetizers were served.

  Harrison turned to Alicia. “It’s nice to know liberal ideals are alive and well here in Scarsdale.”

  “It’s refreshing, isn’t it?”

  “Good afternoon Harry, and Ms. Archer. Fancy meeting you here.” Nathaniel smiled as he sat down next to Alicia.

  “I was going to say the same thing, Mr. Becker.”

  “It’s good to see you, Nate.”

  “You too, Harry.” He pulled up to the table.

  “You almost missed the appetizer, Mr. Becker. Full morning at the office?”

  “As a matter of fact, it was a full morning. It seems my nurse overbooked me again, but I made it work.” He unfolded his napkin.

  The waiter arrived to refill wine glasses. Alicia covered hers.

  “You’re not partaking, Ms. Archer? I can assure you it’s the good stuff,” Nathaniel said as he sipped his wine.

  “It’s a little too early for me.”

  “I see.”

  The wait staff began serving lunch. Alicia opted for the prime rib.

  As the afternoon wore on, Alicia began to feel warm despite the central air.

  “Excuse me.” She got up.

  “Is everything all right?” Harrison asked.

  “I’m just going to the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back,” Alicia said reassuringly.

  Alicia felt unsteady but she managed to walk across the room without a problem. When she arrived at the ladies’ room, she checked to see if it was clear before she practically collapsed onto a chair.

  She rubbed her head. What is wrong with me? She closed her eyes.

  “Are you all right?”

  Alicia opened her eyes. Nathaniel was in front of her.

  “Mr. Becker, this is the ladies’ room,” she exclaimed.

  “I know. I can read. I came to see if you were okay. You look a little flushed.”

  “I’m a little warm, that’s all.” She tried to dismiss it.

  “The central air is working overtime. It’s got to be sixty-one degrees in here.” He felt her forehead.

  “Hey,” she protested.

  “You have a fever.”

  “How do you know that? Do you have a thermometer in your hand?”

  “I don’t need to. I’ve been a doctor over twenty years. You tell your viewers you just know when the bread is just right when you knead it. I know a fever when I feel it.”

  “You’ve watched my show?” She was genuinely taken aback.

  “Yes. We put it on in the waiting room at the office. I catch it every now and then.”

  “Oh.”

  He took her pulse. “It’s a little fast. What’s going on?”

  “Nothing. I didn’t sleep well last night.”

  “Sleeplessness doesn’t usually beget fevers.”

  “Maybe I’m coming down with something. I don’t know.”

  “In any case I think you should probably go home and get some rest.” He reached into his pocket and took out a packet of Tylenol. “Take these. They will help bring your fever down.”

  “You just happen to carry Tylenol in your pockets?”

  “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I brought it in case of a headache. It is a charity luncheon in Scarsdale.”

  She laughed.

  “She laughs. I think you’re already on the road to recovery, Ms. Archer.”

  There was a knock at the door. “Alicia?”

  Nathaniel opened the door. “Come on in and join the party, Harry.”

  Harrison looked shocked. “Is everything all right in here?”

  “It seems our Ms. Archer has a fever. I just gave her a couple of Tylenol. You should probably take her home and make her get some rest.”

  “You can bet I will.”

  “I hate to leave before all the presentations.”

  “Sure you do.” Nathaniel laughed. “You’ve got a get-out-of-jail-free card. Fly like the wind.”

  Harrison laughed. “You already gave them the check.” He put his hand out and helped her up. “Nate, would you mind walking her out while I bring the car around?”

  “Sure.”

  Alicia felt too bad to protest. Nathaniel walked her out of the ladies’ room past the stares of some horrified attendees.

  “There goes my reputation,” Alicia said.

  “You don’t look so well at the moment.”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  “No, of course you look incredible.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Yes,” he stammered. “I mean, you look good but it’s obvious you don’t feel well.”

  “I see.”

  “I do like that dress. It looks good on you. The color really complements your skin.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Becker.” She was a little unsettled.

  “You’re welcome.”

  They walked outside. A couple of minutes later Harrison drove up. Nathaniel helped Alicia into the car.

  “Now you be sure to get some rest, Ms. Archer. And drink plenty of fluids.”

  “I will.” Alicia fumbled with her seatbelt.

  “Let me get that for you.” Nathaniel reached in and buckled her up. “There you go.”

  “Thanks again.”

  “No problem. Let me know how the patient is later, Harry.”

  “Will do.”

  “Feel better, Ms. Archer. By the way, thank you for the lovely basket of muffins. They were absolutely delicious.” He closed the car door.

  Alicia glared at Harrison. “What muffins?”

  “You did say we
had too many, so I took some over to Nate.”

  “You didn’t just take some over there. You prettied them up in a basket.”

  “So?”

  “So you wanted him to think I sent them.”

  “What’s the difference who he thought they were from? You do pride yourself on being a good neighbor.”

  “That’s not the point, Harrison, and you know it.”

  “Say what you will, I think he was really moved by it. Or didn’t you notice that little ‘house call’ he made on you in the ladies’ room?”

  “How can it be a house call if I wasn’t at home?”

  “The man walked into the ladies’ room at the country club. I think that qualifies.” Harrison smiled as they drove off.

  “Don’t start, Harrison.”

  “What did I say?”

  “You’re thinking it. Just stop it.”

  He smirked. “As you wish, Ms. Archer.”

  “Don’t be a smart aleck.”

  Whether Alicia wanted to admit it or not, she was a little disconcerted by Nathaniel’s attention. She couldn’t figure out why he’d fussed over her. He couldn’t possibly like me. Oh, that can’t be it. He’s a doctor. He took an oath, she rationalized as she stared out the window.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Yes.”

  “You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?”

  “Will you please drive?” she retorted.

  Harrison chucked softly.

  “What are you chuckling about?”

  “Nothing, I was just thinking.”

  “About what?”

  “It looks like someone else has it bad, too.”

  “What do you mean, too? Nathaniel Becker isn’t thinking about me, and I am certainly not thinking about him.”

  “Mmm hmm.”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “What did I mean about what, Alicia? I didn’t say anything.”

  “It’s what you didn’t say. That’s what you’re trying to say.”

  “That doesn’t even make sense.” Harrison looked puzzled.

  “I have a fever. What do you want from me?” She rubbed her forehead. “I just want to get home and into bed so I can forget this whole thing.”

  Harrison didn’t say another word. While he would hold his tongue the rest of the way home, he silently reserved the right to revisit the subject in detail later.

  * * *

  With Corinne Bailey Rae on in the background and a glass of lemonade by her side, a decidedly dressed-down Lauren stretched out on the sofa with her laptop.

  She hummed along with the music.

  “Lauren?”

  She jumped. “Ken. What are you doing here?”

  “I thought I’d come by to get some of my things. I didn’t think you’d be here during the day.”

  “I decided to work from home.” She went back to work.

  “I thought Alicia’s show was on hiatus.”

  “It is on hiatus. However the production company is still working, as is the network.”

  “I see.”

  “Speaking of the network, I got an email from Tony. They want to talk to you about covering some of the football training camps in a few weeks.”

  “Really? What did he say?”

  “I didn’t get the details. I forwarded the email to Patrick.”

  “Why did you do that?”

  “Patrick is your agent. He’s supposed to handle this stuff for you.”

  “I know, but you usually get the rundown.”

  She stopped typing. “We’re getting divorced, Ken. In case you don’t remember, you brought divorce papers to dinner last week, and I signed them.”

  He looked uncomfortable. “I know.”

  “Then why on earth would you think I’d continue as your de facto agent/network liaison?”

  “That was business.”

  Lauren grew hot. “You don’t think my being your wife had anything to do with it?”

  “Not really,” he answered sheepishly.

  “You know what? It’s your business to handle from now on. Aren’t you here to get your stuff?”

  “Lauren, I know I handled it badly but…”

  She put her hand up. “Save it, Ken.”

  He picked up his duffle bag and went into the bedroom.

  He’s got some nerve. She shook her head, then sipped her lemonade.

  A few minutes later he walked back into the living room. “I think that’s everything.”

  “Okay.”

  “If you find anything else I’ll come and pick it up.”

  “Shouldn’t that be the end of it? You moved most of your stuff out during the separation.”

  “It should be it, but…”

  She cut him off. “If I find anything else I’ll have it dropped at your place.”

  “What?”

  “Yes, and if you’d please leave the key on the table, I’d appreciate it. You did say I could have the apartment, so there is no need for you to have a key.”

  Although taken off balance, he put the key on the table.

  “Thank you.”

  “What’s going on with you?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You’re acting so cold.”

  “How am I supposed to behave, Ken? Should I cry and beg you to stay? I’ve been there and done that. You can’t have your cake and eat it, too, Ken. You wanted out and now you’re out.”

  “I wasn’t trying to have my cake and eat it, too.”

  The door opened and a very attractive young brunette in a barely there halter dress entered. “Ken, you said you’d only be a few minutes,” she whined.

  Lauren looked at her. “That’s exactly what you’re trying to do, Ken.”

  Ken looked like a deer caught in headlights. “Tina, baby, I’ll be there in a second. Just wait in the hall.”

  “Okay.” She went back into the hall.

  Ken picked his bag up. “I guess I’ll be going.”

  “Bye, Ken.” She waved.

  “Bye.” He closed the door behind him.

  Lauren got up and locked the door.

  That man’s ego is too much. I can’t believe I twisted myself into knots for him. Well, that’s over and Tina or whoever the flavor of the moment happens to be can have him. She sat back down on the sofa. “What a jackass,” she mumbled aloud as she picked up her phone.

  * * *

  Alicia took her cell phone out. “Hello?”

  “Hi. I didn’t think you’d pick up. I was going to leave a message. Aren’t you at the club?”

  “No, I did my thing and now I’m home.”

  “Aren’t we going to finish our discussion about Nate?” Harrison called after her.

  She put the phone to her side. “There’s nothing to talk about.” She put the phone back to her ear. “Sorry about that.”

  “What about Nate?” Lauren asked. Her interest was piqued.

  Alicia turned to Harrison. “Now you’ve got her started, too. Lauren, don’t encourage him. Remember, you called me. What’s up? Tell me while I climb the stairs.”

  “Ken was just here with one of his latest conquests.”

  “Why?”

  “He said he was here to pick up a few things he left behind.”

  Alicia walked into her room. “He wanted to make sure you were home pining away for him.”

  “There was no pining going on here. I had some work to do.”

  Alicia sat on her bed. “Okay. Where’s Randy?”

  “I told you we’re getting together Wednesday, remember? He’s got a lot going on this week at the restaurant.”

  “Oh yes you did tell me you were getting together for hump day. Emphasis on hump.” She snickered.

  “I tell you, Ms. Archer, you certainly have a bawdy sense of humor. I’m sure your fans would be shocked.”

  Alicia lay down on the bed. “I don’t know why it should be so surprising. You know, I think the sexiest generation probably lived d
uring the eighteenth and nineteenth century. I bet you anything there was more going on underneath all that civility and clothing than we think.”

  “Basically you’re saying they were freaks behind closed doors.”

  “Exactly.”

  “You’re too much, you know that.”

  “As a matter of fact, I do.” She paused. “You really called because you were a little bothered seeing Ken today?”

  “It’s pathetic, isn’t it?” Lauren was disgusted with herself.

  “No, it’s only natural. You invested a lot of time and energy into him. It’s going to sting every now and then.”

  “Well, I want it to stop altogether.”

  “Don’t worry, it will. In case you forgot, you have a sexy chef in your life now.”

  “He is sexy.”

  “If that doesn’t put a smile on your face, you need to see a doctor.”

  “Speaking of doctors, what’s Harrison bugging you about?”

  “I’m not going down that garden path again.”

  “What’s the big deal? So he attended the same luncheon you did.”

  “It’s not a big deal, which is why I’m not going to talk about it. There is nothing to say.”

  “I don’t know, Alicia, there’s more here than meets the eye.”

  “The only thing we have here is a woman who is very tired and ready for a little nap.”

  “Okay, play the nap card,” Lauren joked.

  Alicia got underneath her covers. “Will it get you off the subject?”

  “It will for the time being.”

  “Then consider the card played.” She closed her eyes.

  “Okay, Alicia, I’ll let you off now, but we will talk about it.”

  “That’s fine with me. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Okay.” Lauren hung up.

  Lauren was still a little mad with herself for feeling a tiny twinge when she saw Ken. However, she knew Alicia was right. The feeling would lessen over time, and her good feelings for Randy were just getting started.

  * * *

  Gabby usually dreaded paperwork Mondays at the gallery. It was the one day when time seemed to stand still and every minute felt like an eternity. Yet this Monday was different. Instead of trudging through the day, she whistled “Dixie” and managed to get a stack of work done in no time.

  Robin knocked on the door.

  Gabby looked up from her computer. “Hey, Robin. What’s up?”

  “Believe it or not, it looks like we actually caught everything up.”

  “You’re kidding.”