She’d almost forgotten about it, and when she glanced down, her cheeks flushed with heat at the sight of it. Her tight grip on the sheet had crumpled a good third of the paper. She winced and handed it over.
The woman barely put her eyes upon it before setting it down on her desk.
“I, er, didn’t have a chance to get my resume together. Professor Morley didn’t tell me I’d be interviewing so soon.”
“Who?”
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes on the woman who now opened a side drawer and pulled out a small green package. “Gum?” she said, popping a piece into her mouth. “It’s nicotine so it’ll give you a right kick.”
“Oh...no, thank you.” She squinted and clicked her head to the side. “Wasn’t it Mr. Morley who set up this interview for me?”
“I’m sorry. I’m not familiar with that name,” she said around her chomping. “Mr. Jenkins, the head of our board, asked me to ring you to come in. Frankly, I wasn’t aware of an open spot at this time of year. It is a bit early, but apparently you come highly recommended and well, when the head of the board asks, I don’t question.”
Elizabeth didn’t know what to say so she smiled and waited for the woman to speak further. She picked up her application once again and appeared to read it this time. “Hmm...all right. Let’s do this.” She set the paper down and punched at a few keys on her laptop. “Are you available next Tuesday or Thursday morning, say around...nine...no nine-thirty?”
Feeling completely out of sorts and not remembering her schedule or what she had going on, she replied, “Sure, either is fine.” Considering she had no idea what she was doing there, she decided to wing it and hope it didn’t interfere with her volunteering at the senior center which she’d started some months ago. A job that Professor Morley had, in fact, helped her obtain.
“Great. You’ll need to set aside about three to four hours for an evaluation and interview to see where we can best place you for the time being.”
“Time being?”
“Yes, well, typically we start our interns in the spring, but there’s lots of work to go ‘round. We have several part-timers.”
Elizabeth’s face fell and suddenly she felt uneasy about the whole thing. As much as the prospect excited her, something felt off.
“But not to worry.” Deborah plastered on a smile. “We’ll get it all worked out straight away.”
Darting her eyes around the room, Elizabeth planned her exit. Nothing felt right about the situation. When she returned her attention to Deborah, she felt obliged to speak up. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Searls, but I’m a little confused by all of this. Don’t you want to know more about me? What I want to do? My aspirations?” She shook her head and scooted to the end of her seat. “I thought I was here for an interview, and you haven’t asked me a single question.”
Deborah rubbed her temples while sneaking peeks at her phone on the desk before directing her attention back to Elizabeth. For a few more awkward seconds, she simply chewed her gum while Elizabeth watched her mouth move.
“Miss Bennet, you seem like a capable young woman, and I have had a look at your transcripts and now your application.” She gestured to the paper on her desk, looking slightly annoyed. “Somehow you were recommended as an early hire. Ace! Well done. But don’t take this opportunity lightly and don’t confuse our expeditious process with apathy. We are extremely dedicated to our patients and we hold our employees up to a very high standard. So if somewhere down the line you don’t pass muster, you better believe you’ll be out on your arse.”
Elizabeth welcomed the smile that played at her lips. Though Deborah’s words were somewhat punitive, they came as a relief to her. “I do appreciate this opportunity and I appreciate your candor.”
The two women spoke for a bit longer, Elizabeth finally getting the chance to talk about her schooling as well as her volunteer work. Money had never been a carrot Elizabeth sought to capture no matter how much her mother attempted to brain wash her. And even knowing William’s money would be more than enough for them, she wanted a career. Mostly, she just craved good, honest work and the satisfaction that came from helping people. And somewhere along the line she became drawn to the elderly, leading her into a more specialized area.
Deborah half listened to Elizabeth while squeezing a stress ball in the shape of a red heart and swiveling in her chair. Elizabeth didn’t miss one of the woman’s distractible gestures but took full advantage of her current position. She asked a few questions about the hospital and specifically what strides they were making to bridge the gap between physical and mental health of the elderly—something she’d been reading about and studying as of late. The phone on the desk rang before Deborah could elaborate. She excused herself but invited Elizabeth to take a walk about the hospital. The geriatrics wing was one floor down, so she planned to go there first.
Possibilities flooded her mind as she wandered down the corridor from Deborah’s office. Spending these past few years still in college when her friends were either marrying, starting a job, or both, made her feel somewhat inadequate. But now her future was just beyond her reach. Marrying William and pursuing a career would make it all worthwhile.
A sign pointing to the cafeteria caught her eye and caused a rumble in her stomach. She hadn’t eaten before being summoned for the interview. She checked her phone to find several missed calls. There was no chance of making the floral appointment, so she stepped inside to have a coffee and a muffin while she figured out all the ways to apologize.
To her surprise, the place bustled and most of the tables were occupied. Planning to take her snack and eat while she toured, she meandered through the maze of humans and tables. Just before the exit, the chocolate muffin she’d selected popped from her grip and landed on a table where an elderly man sat drinking tea and looking at a newspaper.
“If you wanted to sit with me, young lady, you needed only to ask.”
“I do apologize, Sir.” Elizabeth reached for the muffin, but the man picked it up first.
“My grandson insisted I eat a bran muffin. This looks much more appetizing.” He handed her the pastry and pointed to the chair across from him. “Please, have a seat.”
“Oh...I, er.” Elizabeth scanned the room, about to make an excuse, but found she’d rather enjoy the company. “Thank you.”
Once seated, she took a sip of her coffee and spied the man over her cup. He had a distinguished way about him yet she didn’t feel intimidated. With a pencil in hand, he’d already turned his eyes back to the newspaper.
“I fancy crossword puzzles, too,” Elizabeth said.
“I don’t,” he said without looking up.
She wasn’t sure how to respond to that, so she waited and began eating her muffin. A brief regret crossed her mind for the added calories she was certain would bump her up to the next dress size. Halfway through, the man spoke.
“What’s a four letter word for shipbuilding wood?”
Only a moment passed before Elizabeth showed a sweet and satisfied grin. “Teak.”
He nodded and returned the smile. “Of course. You’re very good.”
“My sister and I used to do them all the time.”
His smile slipped away, but he put pencil right back to paper. “I find them rather tedious.”
“Then why do you do them?”
“I’m told it’s good exercise for my brain. Apparently mine is out of shape.”
“It appears to be quite on point from my perspective.”
He looked up; his expression seemed to thank her, but Elizabeth thought better of her response and quickly moved to revise her statement. “But exercise is always good and important to maintain overall health.”
He turned his eyes back to the paper. “Just when I was growing fond of you.”
With his eyes turned down, she couldn’t read if that quip was sarcasm or downright rudeness. If this was a test of Elizabeth’s future, she’d sorely failed. Bugger. Afraid to say the wrong thing, she sat in
silence, watching the comings and goings of people as she finished her coffee. A buzzing sounded, and the man reached into his pocket. Pulling out a phone, he tapped the screen. “Well young lady, that signals my departure. The mothership has rung for me.” He stood and held out his hand. “I hope you’ll pardon me for being a bit chordy. Though it may not have appeared so, I did enjoy your company.”
Elizabeth took his hand and gave it a gentle shake. “Likewise.”
She waited for the man to leave before she turned her attention to her phone, though something about him lingered in her memory. She hadn’t had the chance to get to know her own grandparents and envied her friends who’d had relationships with theirs.
She scrolled through her messages and made a new appointment with the florist. William texted that he’d missed as well, which didn’t surprise her in the least.
Sorry, love. Meeting ran long. I trust you completely with anything you decide. Besides, how could I find flowers lovely now after besetting my eyes upon the loveliest creature in all the world?
She quickly replied as she sighed through apprehension of two newlyweds passing in the night and communicating via screens. She refused to let that happen to them, and she’d make sure they could have it all. Hearing his voice then would have helped to cement that truth into her heart but she didn’t want to bother him at work so she replied to his text.
I missed the appt. as well, but let’s not make a habit of this. And don’t forget dinner with my parents tonight. We’ll see how lovely you think I am after that.
She didn’t expect an immediate reply; work took his undivided attention the majority of the time. But as she slipped the cell back into the side pocket of her purse, it buzzed again. A spark lit inside her, and she swiped it back out to check the screen. Her shoulders sank into her body as she read.
Georgina and I will be there at seven.
Chapter 6
Tossing her left over muffin in the trash, Elizabeth exited the cafeteria intent on taking a quick whirl around the key areas of the hospital. Before she knew what happened, she found herself wandering near the maternity ward and day dreaming of having William’s babies. He’d hinted of wanting a slew of boys to carry on the Darcy name, but all Elizabeth could imagine were pigtails and little pink dresses—sisters, just the way she’d grown up. Then again, the thought of a few mini Darcy men did cause her heart to flutter. William would make a wonderful father to a boy or girl, but she was getting way ahead of herself. Her musings were interrupted by a rather large woman who walked past her, sweating and holding her stomach. She stared at the protruded belly as she stood at the nurse’s station, willing fertility on her sisters, so she could watch them go through it first.
Just beyond the woman, a door opened and three men exited and shook hands. Elizabeth performed a double take on the tallest of the three, dressed in a chocolate brown business suit and wearing a coat of confidence. He turned her way and upon spotting Elizabeth looked not the least bit surprised to see her as she was to see him.
Granville said something to one of the men and then headed toward her with a toothy grin. Her mind spun; her mouth fell open. He certainly didn’t look ill, and she’d remembered he was in banking so he wasn’t a doctor. Her mother wouldn’t let her forget that bit of information. Just as he reached her, the pieces fell into place. Before he could so much as say hello, she was in his personal space. “Did you set this up?”
“Feisty as ever. Good afternoon to you, too, Lizzy.”
“I’d appreciate it if you’d call me Elizabeth. And please, answer my question.” Her words came out angry, but confusion better described the feeling. William warned her to stay away from Granville, but he seemed to be everywhere she turned as of late. And not by coincidence, apparently.
He folded his arms and pulled his lips tight as if a chuckle would escape. “And the question was again?”
“Did you set up the interview I just had to intern here?”
“Of course, I did. How did it go?”
Tiny shakes took control of her head. She’d never met someone so unaffected. “That’s all you’ve got to say?” Why was her voice quivering? The man did her a favor, and she was ready to flog him.
“Well, I’d actually planned to say ‘you’re welcome,’ but I haven’t received a thank you yet.”
Her chin dropped, but no words came out. That was the second time this man left her speechless and made her feel like a child. She took a deep breath and then a thought popped into her head. Something that Mary had once told her. Whenever you’re unsure of what to do in a particular situation, think about what Margaret Thatcher would do. She pushed a piece of hair behind her ear and attempted to keep a straight face while channeling her inner Margaret Thatcher. “I suppose a thank you is in order.”
“And is that the one you’re offering?”
“Excuse me?” A nurse came toward them, slowed and stared; her voice had been too loud. She lowered her head and waited. Having the staff witness her getting her knickers in a twist would do her no good.
Taking her lead, Granville stepped forward and leaned in with exaggeration, as if he suddenly didn’t want their conversation overheard. Elizabeth suspected it was more of a ploy to get closer and less of a sarcastic way to tease her. She was sure either would benefit him. “Your expression of gratitude?” he said, quietly. “Is that it? I assumed you’d be much better at it.”
For someone who was probably in his early forties, he certainly had a boyish smile, and he knew how and when to use it. “You’re right.” She looked down at her fingers, watching as she fiddled with her engagement ring. “Thank you for setting up the interview. It was very kind of you.” Her gaze returned to him. “But I don’t understand...how? Why?”
Granville glanced at a silver watch on his wrist and then gestured with his head. “Can we walk and talk? I’m running a bit late.”
She followed his lead, and they drifted at a slow pace down the corridor, heading in the very direction she’d planned. As uncomfortable as the conversation was, she’d felt a calm settle on her thinking about regularly strolling the various wings of such a prestigious institution and helping people every day.
“My company has donated money to this hospital as well as acquired donations from other companies. And I recently took our seat on the board here. I knew of your desires to work with the elderly and well, since I had my own personal connection, I felt compelled to make a few calls.”
Elizabeth nodded, remembering what he’d told her at the wedding. “I see. And it was that easy?”
“I’m no stranger to a challenge, but in this case, yes. Our company has considerable influence. So you see, you don’t have to feel indebted to me.”
He touched her elbow as they stopped in front of the geriatrics wing. Elizabeth raised her eyebrows at him. “I don’t. I’m confident I would have obtained a position here with or without your help. You’ve only just sped up the process. Actually, during an exceptionally busy time of planning my wedding.”
“Hmm. Should I now be the one to apologize? I wouldn’t want to disrupt your life in any way.”
She shook her head and held back a grin, enjoying how she turned the tables on him. “No need.” Just as she was about to bid her farewell, a hand landed on Granville’s shoulder.
“This was your plan all along, I see. Get rid of me so you could have designs on my new girlfriend?”
Granville turned and revealed the old man she had been sitting with earlier. “Grandfather. I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. So you’ve met the charming and gracious Miss Elizabeth?”
The way he hit the word gracious made her cheeks flush, because she’d been anything but since the day they’d met. The old man smiled at her and gave her a quick wink. “Yes, as a matter of fact, we have been right close acquaintances for some time now. We actually just had a lunch date only moments ago.”
Granville’s expression turned from amusement to confusion, something Elizabeth hadn’t seen him we
ar before. Finally, he was the one left speechless and mouth agape.
“Isn’t that right, Elizabeth?” the man said with a head tilt.
“R-Right, indeed, er...” With the ruse in danger of exposition, she scrambled for a name that hadn’t been given.
“Ahh...” Granville folded his arms. “What is my grandfather’s name?”
She pursed her lips and eyed the old man. “Um...truthfully he never gave me his name. Preferred to leave a dash of mystery you know? So, I’ve just been calling him muffin.”
Both men’s eyes went wide at her revelation.
She paused to let them both properly stew. “Because he’s always eating bran muffins when we do crossword puzzles together.”
Granville took his stare from Elizabeth to his grandfather, narrowing his eyes and shaking his head. “I...don’t know what to say. I guess this is a coincidence for sure.”
Elizabeth giggled, and her conspirator spit out a boisterous laugh. “My God, that felt good,” he said. “For once I have the upper hand on you, boy.”
He stuck his hand out to Elizabeth. “Claude Ackerman. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
The two shook hands and didn’t fight their continued chuckles at Granville’s expense.
“Would you mind letting me in on the joke now that you’ve thoroughly taken the Mickey out of me?”
Elizabeth explained how they’d met in the cafeteria while a delighted Claude added commentary. She also discovered from Claude that the seat on the board Granville had taken over was his, and that due to health reasons, he’d recently stepped down. She felt drawn to the man as he reminded her of her father, even though he was much older. When the discussion had turned to Patrick, Granville told his grandfather that Mary and Elizabeth were the young ladies they’d been telling him about; he seemed extremely pleased. And surprised. He made that especially clear in regards to Patrick, making a comment under his breath about him—another similarity to her father. But as she watched the two men interact, she couldn’t help but wonder if William and her father had been wrong about Granville. With such a kind man as an influence and the close relationship they appeared to have, how could he be the villain they’d made him out to be?
A Rival for Mr. Darcy Page 5