Blood and Fire - Chapter Seven

“Is everything loaded?” asks Jane bringing out a pillow and blanket from the apartment because ‘Maud’ doesn’t have very good insulation and she knows that Liz likes to drive with the air conditioner at full blast.

“Yes, I think we have everything. Wait a minute . . . I want to grab one more book” responds Liz remembering some library books she left on her dresser.

“Do you really need one more book? I think you have seven in the car already. When are you going to have time to read anyway? Do you plan on talking to anyone?” jokingly but somewhat seriously asks Jane.

“It’s just one more. You know how I am, I might be in the mood for a mystery or a novel rather than a classic” justifies Liz knowing that eight books might be just one too many for a weekend trip.

“As long as I don’t have to help you carry them around, I don’t care. Bring as many as you want, just leave enough space for me” replies Jane throwing her small bag of music into the back of the tiny car.

“At least ‘Maud’ gets good gas mileage. It will save us a little on the trip even if not so much in regards to luxury but once you settle in, she’s quite comfortable replies Liz taking one last stretch before cramming into the driver’s seat.

“You go ahead and believe that” states Jane shaking her head in dismay. Liz looks at her and smirks.

“I created a mix that we can sing too” offers Jane whose motive is not entirely pure. She does not want to listen to some obscure author Liz has found at the library on audio tape for the next six hours. Jane has been on one too many trips before with her sister and has come prepared with a backup plan.

Just before leaving, Liz hands her sister a bottle of coke to place in the cup holders on the window of the door that she had to buy extra at Shop-Mart because they were not provided as an accessory when she bought the car.

“Remember to be careful not to roll down your window too fast, the plastic cup holders are not too stable” advises Liz as her soda bottle teeters on the driver’s side window sill as she starts the car.

“Is everything okay?” asks Jane as the car stubbornly refuses to start for a moment “We can always take my car.”

“’Maud’ just needs a moment to warm up and then she’ll be ready to go” insists Liz with a silent prayer hoping that Jane doesn’t notice. The car eventually turns over. “See, she’s fine!”

“Did you bring the GPS? If not, we can use my phone” replies Jane searching in the dark cavern of her purse cluttered with band-aids, hand cream, post-it notes, nail file, pens, lipstick, epaulets, valve oil, last week’s Sunday bulletin, nail polish, and an extra pair of off-black nylons that are now emptied on the small tan dashboard.

“I left it in the glove compartment, so we’re okay” replies Liz shocked that Jane could contain so many things in such a small space.

“Oh, I do have this!” excitedly states Jane pulling out a flat round shape printed with a glass jar “It’s a Country Garden Rose air freshener from Northern Candle. ‘Maud’ is getting a little musty” replies Jane “This will make her smell better.”

“Ooo, it does smell really good!” agrees Liz letting the air freshener freely dangle from the rearview mirror “I may have to get some more of those”.

As the car vibrates and bounces down the road, Jane searches for the CD which she has also buried in her purse.

“I’m so glad you finally decided to install a CD player in your car! I guess we’ll just have to wait another decade for an attachment for an IPOD to listen to it through the sound system” sarcastically replies Jane laughing at her sister’s frugalness.

Feeling slightly annoyed but knowing that it is a true possibly, Liz snickers in response, “Whatever.”

The music begins with Basia’s “Crusin’ for Brusin’” which is an old favorite which both know every lyric to the song. Followed by “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga which Jane provides some excellent impressions. “Baby” by Justin Beiber is dramatically sung by Liz who whips her bangs back and forth as Jane giggles beside her and then Jane has her own turn with “Whip My Hair” as a duet with Willow Smith.

As the hours pass, Liz and Jane repetitively sing ‘Nsync’s “Bye, Bye, Bye” and give friendly waves at neighboring cars quickly passing them by on the highway. The car still roars and recoils with each bump in the road gently tossing Liz and Jane into the air blissfully oblivious after several hours of traveling.

As time passes, Liz realizes that the gas gage is challenging the zero mark. It is storming and pellets of rain bang against the metal lining of the car. The view is blurred and it is difficult to see through the fog and torrential cloud burst. The windshield wipers scrape the best they can but cannot compete against the torrent of water crashing down upon the little car.

“I need gas and there doesn’t seem to be any fuel around here!” frustrated replies Liz trying to see through the steamed windows.

“It looks like there might be a gas station up the road at the next exit” anxiously replies Jane knowing that Liz habitually does not like to stop for gas until the absolutely last minute.

Taking the next exit Liz can barely make out the road before them as the clouds and rain pour all around them.

“Liz, what are you doing? I don’t think that is a driveway!” screams Jane.

“Yes, it is!” returns Liz “I know what I’m doing!”

“No, you don’t! That is not a driveway. The entrance is about 100 feet up!” returns Jane worried as she feels the wheels turn toward the muddy opening of the grass beside the road.

“Maud” gently glides down the hill towards the gas station in front of them. They can feel the car slowly sink its rubber roots into the mud. As Liz looks to her left she sees the concrete slab of what other people might call a “drive way” but which her car has totally missed.

‘Maud’ finally comes to rest in her murky cradle near the outdoor ice machine of the gas station with a large faded paper sign in the front window that reads “closed”.

Jane looks at Liz who is trying to avoid eye contact as the rain pounds on the roof of the tiny vehicle. “Well, what do we do now? We’re only an hour from camp.”

“I think we can get out of here. I just need a little help” considers Liz “We can change our clothes on the way before reaching the cottage.”

“Okay, at least I am wearing my boots” replies Jane knowing that Liz is going to need help to move the car and not seeing any other rational alternative.

In the downpour, Liz and Jane firmly stand behind the car as their boots submerge into the muck and mire.

“On the count of three, we push” instructs Liz “One, two, three!”

They push with all their effort . . . and nothing happens. “Maybe we could turn around and push with our backsides” offers Jane trying to give Liz some hope.

“That sounds like a good idea!” states Liz grateful for Jane’s suggestion.

They turn around and face the opposite direction of the car. “One, two, three!” yells Liz but again the car does not budge as Liz slips off the bumper onto the muddy ground.

“Maybe we just need to ‘gun’ it out of the mud” suggests Jane standing with her hands on her hips not sure there is anything else they can do.

Liz wipes the mud off as best as she can with napkins from Buck’s Burger and enters the driver seat. But before Jane can safely move out of the way, Liz hits the gas very hard. Mud splurges everywhere, soaking Jane head to foot.

Aware that something has gone amiss, Liz looks into the rearview mirror to see a angry shadowy figure covered in a dark substance standing behind the car. For a moment, Liz feels as if she has reached her ‘last’ day.

Jane shakes in the rain and tries to get the mud off of her. “It’s time to call someone.”

Realizing that arguing would be futile, Liz makes a call and finds a company to tow the car of out the mud.

After waiting a half hour for the tow truck, the service man finally arrives. Jane remains in the rain hoping to wash off some of the mud before seeing Bingley again. Liz stays in the car not wanting to further tempt Jane’s fury.

“Oh, I see you girls are having a bit of trouble today. Not a great day to be outdoors, it looks like you have been enjoying yourselves though” jests Mr. Conway looking at Jane’s mud caked hair and face. Jane politely smiles.

He is able through the use of ropes to pull the car out of the mud. However, when Liz attempts to start the motor, nothing happens. She tries several more times, but ‘Maud’ stubbornly remains silent.

“Ma’am, I can probably have someone work on your car for you, but I don’t have anyone in the shop until Tuesday. My mechanic took a long weekend with his family. Do you have anywhere you can stay until then?” asks Mr. Conway wiping off the grease from his hands with a stained red cloth.

Jane jumps in “Yes, we have very good friends who have invited us for a week at Camp Hidden Lake.”

“Oh, I use to go there as a kid! They had community service camps and some of the kids who belonged to the Boys & Girls club in our small town use to go there. I think it was called a “service unit” then for The Salvation Army. It was the first time I had ever been to a camp and one of the best experiences of my life. I made friends that I have kept for years” recalls Mr. Conway lost in summer memories of fun and friendship.

“I know where it is and I wouldn’t mind dropping you off just to see the place again. I could throw your stuff in the back. I could put your suitcases in the tool chest so they won’t get wet if you would like” offers Mr. Conway “But I need to leave now because the Mrs. Conway is expecting me for dinner. Her book club friends are coming over tonight and she wants me home to run some errands for her. I hope you don’t mind dogs. Bandit rides in the cab with me to keep me company.”

“Sounds great!” remarks Jane relieved that she won’t be missing her weekend opportunity with Bingley “thank you so much!”

Liz smiles politely disappointed that ‘Maud’ is having a bad day. It appears that things are not working out as planned and that the emergency escape route has just disappeared.

Standing in the rain with no other alternatives, Liz looks around taking in her surroundings of a closed gas station, pouring rain, and little else in sight except a thirty year old truck towing her precious car. “Thank you very much. I’m not sure what we would have done without your help” Liz replies sincerely grateful.

Opening the door, Jane finds an old newspaper on the floor. She covers the seats with the newspaper. A mud covered Jane and a soaked Liz, find places in the seat of the cab next to Mr. Conway and his dog. Bandit with a rather large wet nose, friendly smile, and a sloppy tongue hanging to the side, cuddles up to Jane and rests his head on her knee as the old truck hobbles to camp to the rhythm of the rain.

Blood and Fire - Chapter Six

“Welcome Bingley! It is so good to see you again! I hope you are having a wonderful day and enjoying this beautiful weather!” gushes Mrs. Bennett opening the front door. She glances over to the quiet man standing beside him and sighs replying in a flat tone “Yes and uhmmm, thanks for coming” rolling her eyes as she turns her back flopping her arms to her side heading towards the kitchen to find the cheese and cracker plate Mary put together for the invited guests.

Watching Bingley and Darcy greet their mother from Liz’s car, Jane reminds Liz “Please be friendly. I want Bingley to have a really good time while he is here. If you don’t want to talk to Darcy, I understand and I won’t make you but he is Bingley’s best friend and it would help make things a lot easier if they are both comfortable.”

Liz reluctantly agrees because she really does think her sister and Bingley seem to enjoy each other’s company. Jane and Liz walk up the sidewalk anxiously anticipating the adventures of the afternoon for different reasons.

“I looked around and you were in front of us, but you disappeared when we pulled into the driveway” remarks Bingley wondering if Jane was all right as she enters her parent’s home.

“Liz realized that she was low on gas and decided to get some so that she wouldn’t have to stop on the way home” replies Jane with a slightly irritated look at her sister standing beside her who is completely intentionally ignoring the conversation at the moment.

“I was afraid that you might have changed your mind about coming over to your parents today” replies Bingley and impulsively bluntly stating without thinking “Darcy and I decided to come so we could spend the day with you and your sister.”

Jane blushes with Kitty giggling behind her on the sofa trying out perfumed paper scents from ads of a few of her favorite fashion magazines, “Well, I’m glad that it worked out for all of us to be here”.

“Let me try that one Kitty, you’re hogging them all! You can’t wear ALL of them at the same time anyway!” argues Lydia grabbing the most recent ripped advertisement out of Kitty’s hand and applying it to her neck and wrist.

Lydia takes a deep breath to let the scent soak into her senses. “This one is beautiful! What’s the name of it? I need to get some” states Lydia glancing over at the magazine “I think “True Destiny” is the perfect perfume for me”.

“You can have it! It’s overwhelming me. What do you think of this one? It’s called “Free Breeze”” offers Kitty as she leans over to let Lydia smell her arm.

Hearing the title of Kitty’s chosen choice Liz looks over Kitty’s shoulder, “Kitty, what are you doing? I think it is time for an intervention. That is room deodorizer, 'Febreze'.”

“Oh yeah . . . you’re right” reading the information about the scent “I didn’t see that. It smelled good and I put it all over me” honestly sulks Kitty a little disappointed that she won’t be able to wear the lovely scent as a perfume.

Darcy raises his eyebrow on hearing the interchange and tries not to laugh. Liz glances up at him catching his eye and for a second silently shares in the humor of the moment.

“Dinner is ready!” Mary announces into the other room while carry a large bowl of mashed potatoes to the dining room table which has been decorated with the grey and silver floral dishware that is only used on holidays twice a year in commemoration of Bingley’s visit today. The table is adored with baby blue linen napkins and tablecloth which were earlier found neatly folded from last Easter in the bottom drawer of the china cabinet which her mother designated to use for this special homecoming.

“How did you get the napkins to do this?” impressed asks Bingley holding one up to view more closely “I haven’t seen napkins folded into swans before.”

“I learned how to do all kinds of napkin folding in my ‘Family and Consumer Science’ class in high school. We also learned about etiquette, sewing, nutrition, cooking and interior design. I can make a lily pad, turkey, crown, rose and elf shoes! If you ever need some special napkins, just ask me” offers Mary “I’m quite good.”

“I’ll have to keep that in mind. I may need your assistance some time” suggests Bingley quite astonished by Mary’s hand-crafted skill.

Liz is pleased that Bingley seems to genuinely admire Mary’s unlikely talent. She notices that Darcy has already unfolded and placed his napkin in his lap.

“So, what kind of things do you do Liz which I have yet to discover?” asks Bingley sitting across the table from her and hoping that Darcy will join in the conversation.

Before Liz can answer, Lydia jumps in “Why talk about Liz? She’s boring. I’m on the drill team at school. We have a competition coming up next week. I hope that we can at least make Regional’s this year. I think there is a possibility with the team that we could make state”.

Mrs. Bennett interrupts her, “Lydia was on the all-state team last year. She’s very graceful. She’s taken dance lessons at the School for Performing Arts at the corps since she was six.”

“Our team would have made it to state if Julia Bertram hadn’t decided to land perfectly flat on her face after falling from the top of the pyramid” snidely replies Lydia.

“I’m sure that she didn’t intend it on purpose, dear” Mr. Bennett considers “unless a large bandage across the nose is suddenly in fashion. However as a father, I am entitled not to keep up with everything only to pay for it.”

“Dad . . . I’m not sure she meant to hurt herself” explains Lydia disgusted at the memory “But she didn’t want to go to the state competition because she would have to leave her want-to-be boyfriend, Henry Crawford, for a week. He’s in college. I don’t even think he notices her!”

“Well, all girls have their reasons even if they are rather peculiar to me. I’m still not sure how the female brain works after thirty years of marriage but I do enjoy and appreciate the consequences of their creative, if bizarre, process of thinking” contemplates Mr. Bennett “Just wait, Bingley and Darcy, so many years of delightful confusion and perplexity await your future”.

“Mr. Bennett stop” tapping him on the hand “. . . it only keeps the mystery alive, dear” replies Mrs. Bennett leaning over and kissing him on the cheek while munching on a piece of gravy covered country fried steak.

“Lydia, you interrupted Liz being able to talk about herself. Liz, go ahead. I’m sure Darcy and Bingley would like to hear about what things you like to do” replies Mary mimicking the tone if not the essence of how her teacher taught in etiquette class.

“Thank you, Mary, but there isn’t a whole lot to say” replies Liz not so much out of humility but not wanting to speak at the moment.

“Go ahead Lizzie. Out of all my daughters, you usually have the most intelligent things to say rather than exploding into fits of giggles while talking nonsense about a few silly boys, or who has the most flawless hair in your class” honestly replies Mr. Bennett.

Feeling slightly uncomfortable at being put on the spot, Liz begins adjusting herself in the wooden dining room chair “I like to read and enjoy writing. Although not a great musician, I like to play the piano and horn as well as appreciate anyone who plays or sings well.”

Across the table, Darcy studies Liz while she speaks and wonders what it would be like to hear her play and if they like to listen to any of the same groups or individuals.

“See, I told you Liz was boring” replies Lydia feeling justified by her earlier verbal appraisal.

“She’s not boring, Lydia. Each of us has our own interests and passions. Life is made up of a variety of experiences and responses. It is what makes life interesting” defends Darcy smiling back at Liz while he speaks “Liz is aware of more aesthetic pursuits”.

Liz is grateful for his unanticipated defense if a little disconcerted at his kindness. She feels a certain unforeseen attraction for him at the moment.

“Even so, I can’t stand listening to her music. She likes someone named Rock something-or-other, the guy who wrote “Fur Elise” which I was forced to learn when taking piano lessons as a child, and Mozart which I watched a movie about. It was half-way interesting about his life but I can’t remember the name of it. I think there was ham in the name somewhere though. But other than that, I can’t stand the other guys” replies Lydia “I’m more into Lady Gaga and Katy Perry”.

Mary sneers at Lydia, “I think you mean “Amadeus – not ham. There was a pop song with his name in it a few years ago which is probably why you remember him at all.”

Not sure how to respond to that, Bingley looks around the room and smiles at Jane. The room is quiet for a moment as everyone concentrates on the plate before them.

“Jane, you haven’t told us about what sort-of things you like to do” requests Darcy intrigued by what else he will come to learn about the Bennett family.

“Not too much really. I like to play the piano a little and sing” explains Jane embarrassed that the conversation is now focusing on her.

“Jane likes to do a lot more than that! She writes her own songs which are quite good even though she doesn’t admit it” explains Kitty “One of my favorites sounds like something they sing on ‘Pep Band’!”

“Really? How long have you been writing music? I would like to hear some of it sometime” surprised remarks Bingley.

“I started writing at music camp when I was 11. I really enjoyed theory and playing the piano, the two kind-of went together” replies Jane unexpectedly excited to talk about one of her favorite interests.

“I’ve written a few things with my guitar. Maybe we could share some of our ideas. I would like to hear what you have written” sincerely replies Bingley feeling inspired by the opportunity.

“I would be very interested to hear what you have written too” replies Jane hoping that they will be able to spend more time together.

“So Bingley, how long do you think you will be staying in Meryton? It was fantastic to have you at Longbourn Citadel last week. Will you be able to stay for awhile?” asks Mrs. Bennett “We don’t often have young men come to visit the corps. We have lots of young ladies looking to find husbands, but there isn’t much available for them. I’m sure if you stayed around for awhile you will be able to find a wife. Of course, our Jane is always available.”

Jane is shocked and blushes at her mother’s words. She pretends to wipe imaginary crumbs off her lap to avoid looking at anyone.

Liz glares at her mother at the end of the table trying to signal her not to say too much more but with little effect.

“If you haven’t noticed yet, Jane and Liz are both single. I guess so is Mary, too. I wish they would find somebody soon. Jane is too polite and Liz too stubborn, but I know each is charming in their own way and will make excellent wives. They’re not getting any younger and I would like some grandchildren” frankly states Mrs. Bennett “and of course, Mr. Bennett would too”.

Liz soaks in the pain of her mother’s words and sighs. Jane focuses on the wooden grandfather clock in the corner and hopes that this moment will quickly pass.

“What are you and Liz doing this weekend? Are you busy?” asks Bingley.

“We don’t have any plans that I know of” replies Jane with a knee shove underneath the table from Liz who does not want to commit herself before the suggestion is made.

“Would you like to come to the cottage at Camp Hidden Lake? My family rented one of the bed-and-breakfast homes for the week-end to have a short retreat. You are more than welcome to come with us. There are eight rooms so plenty of room for everyone. Darcy will be there too, won’t you Darcy?”

“Yes, it has been planned for quite awhile. There are a lot of tings to do there and it would be nice for both of you to join us” earnestly invites Darcy hoping that there might be time to become better acquainted with Liz.

Liz can’t think of anything to say to make an excuse not to go quick enough before Jane replies “That would be wonderful! Even though I haven’t stayed there before, I’ve heard that each room is decorated with a different theme. I think that Liz and I could arrange to take Friday off from work. It’s about a six hour drive for us so we could meet you just after lunch.”

Darcy mystically smiles across the table pleased that Liz will be spending some quality time with him without the rest of her family. Oddly seeing Darcy smile back at her, Liz feels that this might not be as bad as she originally first thought.

Bingley enthusiastically continues “They have horses, swimming, fishing at the lake, miniature golfing, and even paintball. It’s going to be a great weekend!”

“I don’t know what your schedule is like, but I’m not sure that we can stay the entire weekend. I may have to be back in town on Saturday, so it would just be Friday night” suggests Liz not wanting to commit herself to much more time not knowing how visiting for such a long time with Caroline with go.

“Nonsense, Liz. You are not essential at work. They can manage without you” urges Mrs. Bennett “You and Jane need a vacation and a retreat sounds like a fantastic opportunity with such wonderful company even with Darcy there too!”

Darcy looks up wide-eyed from above his napkin wiping the edges of his mouth relieved that at least Mrs. Bennett is finding it acceptable that he will be there as well.

Bingley chuckles at Mrs. Bennett’s frankness. “Yes, Darcy is my best friend and we end up being together quite a lot! He’s really not so bad, once you get to know him better” defends Bingley patting his friend on the shoulder amused by Mrs. Bennett’s fervor.

“Yes, friends come with many different shapes and sizes. It takes a special lot to appreciate our amazing and spectacular company” remarks Mr. Bennett.

Mrs. Bennett looks at him flatly and slaps a rather large second helping of mashed potatoes on her plate.

Wanting to ease the tension in the room Jane adds, “I think that it would be lovely to spend time with everyone again even if it is only for a day. It would be nice to see your sister, Caroline, again. Thank you for inviting us. I’ll call you tomorrow to let you know if it is working out for Liz and me to come.”

“Thank you for dinner. Darcy and I really appreciate your thoughtfulness in inviting us over for the afternoon. I’m looking forward to hearing from you, Jane. Liz, hope to see you again this weekend!” Kindly states Bingley walking out the door as everyone has said good-bye.

Blood and Fire - Chapter Five

“Where’s the coffee? It’s a long hour until all the strumming, thumping, and other notorious shakers. I need something to keep me awake until then” comments Mr. Bennett taking a donut from the Welcome Table in the foyer and heading toward his adult Sunday school class.

Lydia flips her long hair behind her shoulder with a side glance for glamorous effect just in case anyone should happen to be watching while she enters the corps. She picks up the recent Northern News on the table outside the chapel to see if any of her friends are mentioned in the articles from around the territory.

“Kitty, did you see this? There are lots of pictures from this year’s territorial music institute. You’re in it! But, what are you and Maria doing?” curiously asks Lydia “Your mouth is so huge!”

“Oh, let me see!” Kitty grabs the newspaper out of Lydia’s hand pulling it towards her to get a closer look. “I think that is when Maria Lucas and I were pretending to be opera singers in the amphitheater after band rehearsal. Maria can really hit a high note!” Kitty mimics some of her imagined vocal agility for Lydia with a series of ‘Tra la la la las’ from “Carmen”.

“Shhh girls! Sunday school is starting” talking rather loudly Mrs. Bennett turns around motioning for them to be quiet with her finger over her lips. She is gossiping with Mrs. Lucas about the adventures of last night’s activities and is typically running a little late for class herself. “They might hear you.” The girls giggle and head off to class to find their best friend Maria.

As others listen, Charlotte reads the Scripture for the class with emphasis and interest. The words come to life as she pronounces each word with purpose providing audible deeper meaning within the text.

As questions are asked by Mrs. Lois Hill, a mentor who has taught the girls for years and at her request has moved to the next class as the girls have matured and promoted through school, each considers what practical application the Scripture has for them today. Mrs. Hill is sensitive and skilled as she encourages reflection and relativity rather than accepting simple pat answers. As a teacher, she has loved and provided kind support in the many experiences along their journey into womanhood. She is respected and admired for her friendship and guidance both by the girls and their parents.

Offering an insightful prayer, Liz sincerely recalls with thankfulness all the things that God has brought into their lives and also for allowing those things which cause them to grow. Silently, Jane closes her Bible and is particularly thankful for the friend that she has met the night before.

Walking into the chapel carrying notebooks of her favorite music to cover ten hours of playing for the preliminary worship time, Mary trips and the stacked notebooks with daisies and polka-dots fly across the foyer landing at the feet of Bingley and Darcy who have just entered the corps for the morning service. Mary hysterically shreiks,“Oh no! Freeze! Don’t Move! Don’t step on my music!”

“I’m so sorry!” apologizing Bingley bends down to help her pick up the disheveled photocopied papers scattered about the entrance.

Walking up behind Mary who is nervously trying to collect her sheet music, Liz catches Darcy staring at her while immobilized by the chaotic scene in front of him. Liz glares in return feeling that Darcy is not much of a gentleman in that he hasn’t yet offered to help.

After realizing Liz’s response, Darcy realizes what is happening and carefully picks up the plastic notebooks. Mary angrily snatches the colorful notebooks out of his hands while trying to carry the large quantity of shuffled sheet music. She stomps off towards the chapel entirely disgusted that her music is no longer organized in loud to soft order which will take hours to redo.

Ready for the service to start, Liz and Jane find a comfortable place in one of the pews near the center of the chapel and save a seat for Charlotte who plays the guitar in the Praise Team. Bingley waits to see where Jane is sitting and then chooses the pew directly behind her. Upsetting Mrs. Olsen who has sat in the same place for thirty-two years, she gives him daggers from across the aisle in her new unwanted pew seat. Darcy notices Bingley’s miscalculation and suggests that they move to another pew. Bingley lost in his own admiration of Jane subconsciously rationalizes that they are only visiting this week and it is worth the wrath to smell the sweet heavenly scent of Jane’s perfume.

As the music begins, Bingley concentrates on listening to the melodic tones of Jane’s voice that carries across the chapel. He thinks that he has never heard anything more enchanting. Darcy notices Bingley’s infatuation and wonders just how much it will take until his friend makes a fool of himself. He has seen Bingley fall many times before when a pretty girl has come his way. Darcy wonders how long Bingley’s current awe of beauty will last until some reality is revealed.

Listening to the spontaneous and relaxed service, Darcy feels that this isn’t quite what he is use to at Netherfield where everything is timed from the special music by the band and songsters, the offertory, to the length of the sermon to ensure that each week’s worship time only lasts one hour and ten minutes. Today it appears the service has an undetermined length and a varied program as Mr. Bennett stands up to take the offering beginning with a Christian anecdote in regards to tithing that he found on the internet earlier that week. The congregation appreciates the joke and laughs heartily and with ease as the weekly humor is a typical part of the worship meeting. Darcy is unused to this type of dialogue and contemplates how this might work at Netherfield.

Appearing to watch the path of the offering plate, Liz slyly leans turns behind her and observes Darcy taking in the service but assumes that he is criticizing her father as he fails to laugh at her father’s wit and charm. “He’s such a snob!” Liz thinks to herself.

Trying to minimize her fury, Liz stretches her arms to find her purse on the floor. She places her tithe into the offering plate as Mary stumbles through the verse of a difficult praise song forgetting what key she is in and playing some peculiar notes with an original rhythm to a well-known song. Feeling under critique, Liz sighs hoping that there are only two verses this week.

As the doxology begins following the offering, Bingley loudly sings with a bit of spring “Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow . . .” Jane smiles back at him and he continues to sing with much gusto. Darcy watches him and can’t help but be amused at Bingley’s obvious enthusiasm and attraction to Jane.

Hearing the loud noise behind her, Liz takes a look to see Darcy’s smirk directed at his best friend. Liz wonders “Is ever nice to anyone?”

In return Darcy feels someone watching him and glances in Liz’s direction. Upon being unintentionally discovered staring at him and finding him smiling back at her, Liz sticks up her nose and quickly turns away. Embarrassed that she is caught, Liz pretends to be absorbed in the corps officer’s sermon focusing on loving your neighbor.

Watching Liz look at him, Darcy is pleased that Liz notices that he is there today. He doesn’t understand why Liz is not as friendly as she was last night. Everything seemed to be going well while they were alone talking at the table. He even mentioned to Bingley that he found her conversation to be rather insightful and intelligent which are rare qualities that he doesn’t encounter very often. “Most of the time, women seem more interested in agreeing with me than offering any true opinion of their own” Darcy thinks to himself “Liz is an interesting woman whom I would like to get to know better.”

After the service comes to a close followed by the long list of announcements for the week with a few random corrections offered from the congregation, Bingley meets Jane at the end of the pew. “How are you?”

“I’m well” blushes Jane “Did you enjoy the service? We’re a small corps but we are like a friendly family”.

“I enjoyed myself very much, thank you.” earnestly replies Bingley “You have a beautiful voice! I could hear you singing along with the praise team”.

“Thank you. Hopefully I wasn’t too loud. It’s good to see you again today. Dad told us that you are coming over to my parent’s home for dinner this afternoon. Do you want to follow us over to the house?” offers Jane.

“Sounds great!” exclaims Bingley excited that he will know where she lives and be able to spend the entire day with her “What car are you driving?”

“We took Liz’s car to church this morning. She has the electric blue Geo Metro next to the welcome sign” replies Jane as they walk into the parking lot. The car is a little worse for wear having kept “Maud” through college and a couple of years past finishing off her last payment on the loan. She bought her used because the car has really great gas mileage and quite affordable as a student with a low monthly payment. “Maud” feels like an old friend to Liz and it will be a difficult day when they have to part. “Which car are you in?”

“My sister helped pick it out as a birthday present last month. I think that we are parked next to you” replies Bingley heading toward the new red convertible BMW obviously out of place in the parking lot of Longbourn Citadel.

“What a nice car! I’ve always wanted to ride in a convertible” unassumingly shares Jane hoping for an invitation.

“I’ll have to take you for a ride. Are you busy tomorrow? I took the day off for a long week-end because of the wedding” asks Bingley hoping for a positive response and wanting to prolong his time with her.

“School is closed tomorrow because of the holiday so I’m free” replies Jane excited and grateful that holidays often fall conveniently on Mondays.

“What age do you teach?” curiously asks Bingley wanting to know Jane better “How many children are in your classroom?”

“I’ve been teaching kindergarten for five years at Longbourn Elementary. It is my favorite age” replies Jane “There are fifteen children in my class.”

“Maybe I can come by and visit some day” offers Bingley thinking that Jane probably makes and excellent teacher.

“That would be wonderful! Just let me know when you want to come” replies Jane.

“Are you ready to go?” asks Liz walking up to them hoping that the afternoon passes quickly.

“Yes, I invited Bingley and Darcy to follow us to the house” replies Jane suddenly realizing that Liz doesn’t seem too excited by this idea.

“Okay, but I’m leaving now” states Liz noticing that Bingley seems to be waiting on Darcy because Bingley is standing beside his car.

As Liz looks around, she notices that Darcy is still absorbed in conversation with the corps officer. “So typical to be so insensitive and keep all of us waiting on him” thinks Liz to herself and feeling satisfied with her assumption.

Walking across the parking lot, Darcy greets them with an informal smile and nod of the head. “I’m sorry I kept you waiting. We grew up together and I haven’t seen them in a very long time”.

“Jane has informed me that you are going to follow us to the house. I’ll try not to lose you, but that may be difficult. There are a lot of stop lights between here and there” states Liz but also adds “Try to keep up if you can. Don’t let ‘Maud’ deceive you, she moves faster than she appears.”

Standing next to her, Jane looks at Liz quizzically. First of all, it hardly seems likely that ‘Maud’ could move much faster than the speed limit let alone the convertible beside her. She knows that Liz is normally a very safe and conscientious driver. She hopes that losing them really isn’t what Liz has in mind even though she can be a bit directionally challenged at times.

Feeling Liz’s rivalry, Darcy smiles in return coolly stating, “I’m able to find my way around when I need to” liking Liz’s mock threat of intimidation as he opens the passenger door.

As soon as Liz determinedly starts the car, Jane concerned, turns and touches her arm which is firmly placed on the steering wheel “Don’t lose them. I like Bingley. He is really sweet. I want to spend the day with him - not wondering where he is.”

“Okay, but only for your sake. I guess I can “tolerate” Darcy for an afternoon so you can spend some time with Bingley” replies Liz with special emphasis on “tolerate” repeating Darcy’s tone of voice from the night before. In spite of herself, she is not entirely looking forward to the afternoon but not exactly regretting it either for some strange reason.

“I’m sure Darcy is a nice guy. Maybe you just need to get to know him better. Bingley is so nice, I’m sure that his friends are really nice too” suggests Jane “Darcy is his best friend. He can’t be that bad. You need to give him a chance.”

“I might consider it for your sake. We’ll see how this afternoon goes before I entirely make up my mind” Liz considers that perhaps Darcy might have some good qualities that she might have overlooked. There is something about him that is different from other men she has met before.