Blood and Fire - Chapter Nine

“Is Jane feeling any better?” eagerly asks Bingley who has overslept from staying up the last three night contemplating Jane’s arrival but having been disappointed with her sudden illness.

“Unfortunately, I think she may have something a little more severe than a cold. It sounded like a fog-horn in the room all night.” replies Liz looking up from her mystery book on the New York Times best seller list.

“I’m going to bring her some chicken soup that I warmed up in the microwave which I found in the cabinet” states Bingley “Would you make it sure it is all right with Jane if I come in?”

“Sure, I’ll be right back” smiles Liz heading back towards their room relieved to be taking a break and an opportunity to stretch.

“Jane, are you awake?” asks Liz tapping her on the shoulder as Jane moans in response and attempts to focus her sleep heavy eyes.

“Bingley would like to come in and bring you some soup that he made” informs Liz not sure that this is one of Jane’s best moments.

With swollen eyes and tangled hair, Jane smiles and coughs a few times. “That would be lovely. Tell him to come on in.”

“Here, let me at least comb your hair. I’ll get you a warm wash cloth too for your face” offers Liz not wanting Jane to look as bad as she does at the moment due to being lost in the delirium of illness. “You’ve been sleeping quite hard”.

A few minutes later Bingley comes in with a tray of soup and crackers with some cold ginger ale. To the side is a rather large box of plush tissue with aloe vera and a bag of strong medicated cough drops “I’m bringing in a bit of community care for you, Jane”.

Through the haze of over-the-counter medication, Jane smiles and giggles some. “Well, thank you” her voice screeches from being charred from coughing all night. She sneezes again and pulls out a handful of tissue from the decorated box. She sighs in delight as Bingley chats away about the days recent events.

Upon returning to the common room, Liz notices that Darcy is reading one of the many books that she brought with her on the trip.

“I’ve read this one before. It’s quite good. The characters are well-developed and it has a good plot line. Have you read it yet?” asks Darcy.

“No, I just started reading it a couple of days ago but I like it so far” offers Liz pleased that he would even bother to be interested in something that she is reading.

“I don’t have much of a chance to read, but I do like picking up a book now and then” replies Darcy admiring Liz for the moment as the window light enters the room.

“What are some of your favorite books or authors?” asks Liz enjoying the conversation.

As Darcy shares his opinions about different writers, books and articles he has read, Liz appreciates the sound of his voice and the knowledge which he shares. He is more informed about world politics as well as social and cultural events than she ever expected. They chat for a few hours as time passes without either of them noticing.

As the conversation continues they share stories of their childhood and young adult life. There is mutual understanding and laughter as they share similar experiences of interactions with friends and situations.

Darcy feels comfortable with Liz to share about the death of his father as a young man and what an impact it has made on his life. He describes some of his responsibilities with his father’s company and the direction that he would like to lead them in their new investments and projects in the upcoming months.

Feeling secure in Liz’s acceptance, Darcy explains more about his family responsibilities “My younger sister, Georgiana, is one of the sweetest girls I know. Some of her closest friends call her “Ginny”. I’m very proud of her. She will grow into a lovely young woman one day. I have high hopes for her successful future and happiness.”

Just before dinner as if on cue, Caroline enters the cottage wearing a black and teal stripped bikini with a matching sarong, “How is everyone? Are you ready for some fun? It must be so boring for you to be cooped up in here all day with nothing to really entertain you” with a smug look over to Liz whose casual pony tail has uncontrollable wisps of hair falling to each side.

“Actually Liz and I had a wonderful afternoon together. What did you do?” asks Darcy aware that Caroline seems to be out-of-sorts.

“I’ve been lying out at the pool. It’s a beautiful day and didn’t want to waste this last perfect weekend before summer ends. I prefer a ‘natural’ tan rather than using a tanning booth or a spray-on tan which doesn’t look quite ‘natural’” adding special emphasis to the word and looking at Darcy directly to make sure that he noticed “Liz, I didn’t see you this morning or I would have asked you along. A tan always enhances a body in shape and toned” clasping her sandals in one hand and standing with her hand on her hip with the other. Caroline turns with a crisp heel for a better angle to be entirely viewed “You should have come with me as well, Darcy.”

In comparison Liz looks down at her less-than-fit body in her jeans and t-shirt and wonders if there is any hope for a change. She shrugs her shoulders and leans back against the sofa taking another sip of her lemonade picking up her favorite book again to intentionally ignore Caroline’s antics.

Noticing that Liz looks a bit uncomfortable with Caroline’s comment Darcy adds “Staying by the pool wasn’t exactly what I had in mind for the weekend. However, I’ve had a fascinating conversation with Liz most of the afternoon.”

“I don’t know why you wanted to stay in this stuffy old place. You would have liked it much better with me, I’m sure” coyly insists Caroline moving towards Darcy to stand directly in front of him blocking his view of Liz sitting on the couch trying not to be a part of the conversation.

“I was telling Liz about Georgiana. She would have liked to be at the pool. She enjoys swimming and diving. She was a lifeguard at camp for several years and also now works at the Kroc Center pool” explains Darcy so that Liz can know a little more about his sister.

“Yes, Ginny can practically do anything that she puts her mind to” returns Caroline “She plays just about any instrument you can think of, dances, sings like a nightingale, and quite well informed about the world and politics. I think she made straight A’s through high school and was an Albright scholar. She knows something about everything. She’s one of the smartest women I know. Of course, she is beautiful too!”

“Sounds pretty amazing, I would like to meet her some day” honestly replies Liz.

“All girls of her class are quite successful in whatever field they choose to go into. We go to schools with educational traditions that span several generations. We are given opportunities to explore and connect in a variety of settings that are available and easily accessible. There is no way one could not be exceptional under these circumstances” explains Caroline “But Ginny exceeds the accomplishments of nearly all the girls in her circle.”

“I’ve found that there are very few that have been able to match Ginny’s capabilities” proudly replies Darcy of his sister’s accomplishments.

“Seems like it would be difficult to be able to be skilled at so many things” replies Liz feeling as if the air of superiority has infiltrated the room.

“You haven’t met Ginny yet” replies Caroline with a slight hint of jealousy.

“It is typical of young women in her class to be given a plethora of experiences to develop into leaders of the community” explains Caroline trying to inform Liz about expectations of women in the environment in which he is accustomed to. “They know several languages, musical, dance, and many other social graces are taught at the schools as well.”

“I can only think of perhaps half a dozen women whom I find to be completely accomplished” states Darcy admiring his sister’s perseverance and success.

“It’s really amazing that all those talents could be found in a single person. I surprised you have even found one” replies Liz.

“Do you really think that there are no women who can do many things well?” asks Darcy.

“I think that each woman has her own gifts and talents which suit her personality and interests. I think it is rather harsh to expect someone to do everything well. Life needs variety. Strengths and also weaknesses bring out color and dimension in life. Humor is often found in the less than perfect things. What would life become without laughter?” asks Liz trying to prove a point.

“I think Darcy is as near to perfect as any man can be” replies Caroline sitting on the armrest and wrapping her arm around his shoulder as Darcy sets on the sofa.

“I wouldn’t say that. I have my own faults. For one, I tend to be fixed in my opinions about other people. I am often able to read through motives of others. I see the manipulation and vindictiveness of others and hold grudges far too long. Once I’ve lost a good opinion of someone, it is lost forever.”

“I suppose that is a fault. However, being able to have discernment isn’t something that I would laugh at, I rather admire it” but then Liz unfortunately continues “But to willfully judge someone before you have a chance to get to know them, well that is a true fault.”

“I suppose, but for you to choose to intentionally misunderstand them is a fault too” honestly smirks Darcy with a little more intensity than he expected.

A joyful whistle enters the hallway, “I think Jane is feeling a little better. She’s resting now though” explains Bingley pleased that he was able to spend the afternoon with Jane even if she was a bit groggy and spacey from taking too much Nyquil at Bingley’s insistence compassionately hoping that it would make her heal more quickly. “How is everyone?”

“Is anyone hungry? I’m thinking a BBQ sounds like a good idea tonight” suggests Darcy “I brought some steaks, bratwurst and ribs for the weekend.”

“Sounds great! I’m starving!” replies Bingley as his stomach grumbles realizing that he didn’t have any breakfast from oversleeping and then skipping lunch to be with Jane for the afternoon “I’ll help you Darcy. I think the charcoal and lighting fluid is still on the patio”.

In the silence of the room, Caroline and Liz are left on their own searching for something to say to each other. Liz struggles to find something that they have in common to talk about and disturbingly comes up with nothing.

On the other hand, Caroline thinks of a long list of topics in which to make Liz feel uneasy but decides that unfortunately Darcy always seems to rescue her and take Liz’s side. She thoughtfully reconsiders her tactics.

“I don’t know if you know but Darcy’s sister is the most wonderful young woman that I’ve ever met. Darcy has done an excellent job of raising her. Their father was promoted to glory when he was 22 and his sister was 14. Darcy took over custody and responsibility of raising her. His mother was taken in a car accident when they were 2 and 10. Afterwards his father devoted himself to the company and didn’t remarry so Darcy spent a lot of time with his sister. If Darcy ever chooses to marry, she would definitely have to get along very well with his sister and be her friend. Georgiana is so sweet. She does so many things well. She speaks three languages, a musician, a scholar, and of course, stunningly beautiful” explains Caroline clarifying “We are quite good friends. I don’t think there could be two friends as close as we are. She trusts my opinion.”

“From what Darcy told me earlier today, your esteemed opinion of her seems quite accurate” confirms Liz and then truthfully adding to Caroline’s agitation “Darcy invited me to meet her one day, hopefully that will work out and happen”.

In contrast to Caroline’s confidence, Liz doesn’t not know how to manage the feelings that she is experiencing at the moment in regards to Darcy. It was one of the best afternoons that she has spent talking to someone in her lifetime. It wasn’t necessarily what was said but in which how much ease and mutual respect with admiration was evident throughout the conversation. Darcy appeared to be just as relaxed and content sharing stories of his life and dreams for his future. To her astonishment, Liz doesn’t like the idea of Caroline having an advantage of a family connection with Darcy’s sister. But it seems unlikely from what Darcy told her about Georgiana’s character and nature that she would choose Caroline to be her closest friend.

Later that evening relaxing in front of the chimenea under the stars, everyone is enjoying the delicious seasoned dinner.

“I think that I might have given Jane a little too much cough syrup. She’s been sleeping for hours” sulks Bingley “I can still hear her sleeping in the hallway when I went inside for more sodas”.

Liz knows the song and sound effects of Jane’s slumber quite well. Jane is creating a rather loud peculiar melody today. “Perhaps she will be better tomorrow and join us”.

To everyone’s delight, Darcy brings out graham crackers, chocolate candy bars, and fixes a few marshmallows on the metal sticks to cook in the outdoor fireplace for s’mores.

As they observe the cosmos, Darcy names some of the constellations and shares some interesting stories of Greek mythology surrounding the compilation of the various stars.

Although not knowing a whole lot about the stars Liz appreciates Darcy’s animation and intensity in which he shares the stories that impressed him. He is entertaining to listen to and Liz finds herself again being unintentionally attracted to him but liking the idea as well.

In the firelight, Darcy looks up and genuinely appreciates Liz’s interest in his legendary tales of love and loss.

Aware that Darcy sitting in the lawn chair next to her and that he seems to be focusing on Liz who appears to be returning his centered interest, Caroline gushes while casually touching his leg “You are such a good story-teller, Darcy! No wonder everyone listens to you. You’re so charming! I wonder how many other stories you know.”

“Thanks Caroline. Do you have a favorite myth, Liz?” asks Darcy wanting to include her in the conversation.

Liz blushes and debates whether to be truthful or not but decides honesty is always a good thing “I like Cupid and Psyche, as well as Pygmalion and Galatia, and Pyramus and Thisbe which some say Shakespeare use to base the story of “Romeo and Juliet”. They are love stories but the ones that I like the most”.

“George Bernard Shaw wrote a play “Pygmalion” which later it was turned into a musical “My Fair Lady” with Audrey Hepburn” explains Darcy.

“I like her in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” too” replies Liz “I particularly like her version of “Moon River”. Did you know she learned to play the guitar for the movie just to play that song?” offers Liz excited that Darcy would know as much about one of her favorite musicals.

“I didn’t know that” smiles Darcy back at her “I like musicals and plays.”

“So do I!” enthusiastically states Liz pleased that there is yet another thing they share in common.

“Well, one day when I’m in town again we’ll have to go see something together” offers Darcy hoping that it will not be in the far distant future.

“That would be great!” confirms Liz content with the idea of spending more time with Darcy in another setting.

“Well, I’ll have to go along too. I enjoy a good play or an elaborate stage production even if the songs are a bit out of date” states Caroline plotting her own invitation “Perhaps we could go out for dinner. I know that Liz has to get back to town soon, but we see each other more often and it could easily be arranged.”

Darcy looks at Caroline for a moment not exactly sure of what to say since the invitation was not directed at her. “We’ll have to see what’s playing and then make arrangements when I have the time available.”

“Well, I think that I better call it a night. See you in the morning!” smiles Liz very pleased with the unexpected potential opportunity of spending more time with Darcy doing something that they both enjoy together.

Early the next morning the doorbell rings and echoes throughout the cottage. “I wonder who could be visiting us right now? I wasn’t expecting anyone, were you?” asks Bingley.

Getting up from lounging on the couch, Caroline shuffles to answer the door “Please come in.”

Liz is puzzled to find her mother and younger sisters standing in the doorway. “What are you doing here?”

“I came as quickly as I could! Where is Jane? We need to get to the hospital right away!” deflects Mrs. Bennett not answering Liz’s question.

Bingley is shocked and heads towards Jane’s room to see if something has happened in the last ten minutes since he last checked on her when he brought a cup of hot chai tea and more throat lozenges but decided to leave the extra cough medicine in the cabinet this time.

“Mom, Jane is all right. She is sleeping in the other room. Why are you here?” asks Liz with Darcy standing at her side as Caroline escapes into the kitchen.

“Liz, why are you acting like nothing is wrong? Darcy should have taken you back before this morning but obviously he hasn’t been thinking of anyone but himself. Fortunately, Caroline Bingley called me last night and said that Jane was deathly ill and needed to see a doctor right away. She also said that your car had broken down and you had no way to come back to see Dr. Millway” rattled Mrs. Bennett continues “We got up at 4 am this morning to make sure that we could be back today before his office closes. You need to pack so we can leave! Out of my way Darcy! Even if you do not care about my daughter’s health, I do!”

Darcy starts to say something but changes his mind and chooses not to as Mrs. Bennett pushes him out of the way shuffling into Jane’s room.

“Oh look! There is the kindest man I know! Bingley is at Jane’s side as any good man would be!” shrieks Mrs. Bennett loudly so the entire house can hear.

Liz crumbles embarrassed by her mother’s misplaced rudeness to Darcy. He stands in silence next to her.

Caroline enters the room and places an arm around Mrs. Bennett’s shoulders “Knowing that you would be leaving this morning, I helped Jane put her things away in her suitcase so she would be able to leave right away and get to the doctor.”

To her dismay, Liz looks down at her small suitcase which she never bothered to unpack believing that it would be impossible to enjoy this weekend as much as she has and feels quite disappointed and humiliated at her mother’s overly dramatic display of concern at Darcy’s expense.

“I’ll help you load the suitcases in the car” flatly states Darcy and deliberately ignoring catching any view of Liz. He immediately picks up the luggage and heads outside more formal than Liz has ever seen him.

Liz follows him outside hoping to have a second to apologize for her mother’s behavior. “I’m so sorry . . .”

“It doesn’t matter. Your mother is right. Jane needs to get to the doctor. Have a safe trip home” frankly replies Darcy carefully avoiding any eye contact with Liz.

He turns quickly and heads back into the house. Liz follows him again to discover that he has disappeared somewhere. She walks into Jane’s room and finds that Jane already has her coat on and ready to walk out the door. Bingley places his arm around her to help her to the car. It is obvious that he is in pain that Jane is leaving so soon.

“Where did Darcy go?” asks Jane waking up from her medicated fog.

“He already left out the back door. I heard him start up his car. He said something about needing to go to the grocery store. I think that he is planning a special dinner for us tonight as well as a surprise this evening” suggests Caroline with a note of superiority.

“Thank you for the lovely weekend. Hopefully we will be seeing you again sometime soon” states Liz very disappointed that she wasn’t able to say goodbye to Darcy but even more disheartened that he didn’t’ bother to stay long enough to say goodbye to her either.

“Come on Liz! Jane needs to get to the doctor! Bingley - you and Caroline are welcome at our home any time” and then rebounding Mrs. Bennett adds under her breath but loud enough for everyone to hear “preferably when Darcy is not in town.”

Blood and Fire - Chapter Eight

Jane looks out the window and sees the cottage in the distance along the country road. With great dismay, she takes one quick look in the visor’s mirror as she applies some nearly-there plum lipstick. She glances over at Liz who is deeply lost in thought wiping off her dirt stained jeans. This definitely isn’t how she expected to arrive to see Bingley again.

“We’re here ladies! I’ll call you on Tuesday to let you know about your car. I hope you have a good weekend with your friends!” politely states Mr. Conway as he helps to carry their luggage to the front door of the cottage. The rain has mercifully stopped but a humid mist remains hovering in the air.

Waiting for someone to answer the door, Jane brushes her mud crusted hair behind her shoulders with Liz at her side trying to wipe the sludge off her boots onto the edges of the porch. Liz and Jane sympathetically look at each other. This isn’t exactly the best start to the week-end.

Standing in the wind, Jane sneezes and Liz replies “God bless you” and hopes that His care and providence really will be more than readily available this weekend.

After a few minutes Caroline smugly answers the door “Oh there you are. We were wondering if you had changed your mind because of the weather and decided not to come. What happened? Both of you look awful!” Caroline looks them over head to foot as if under military inspection by a drill sergeant and finds them wanting. Caroline continues “If you would like to change, your room is the second one on the left”.

“Thanks. A shower would be wonderful at the moment” eagerly replies Jane dragging her floral suitcase behind her. Next to her, Liz picks up her small suitcase but the handle breaks. Liz rolls her eyes in disgust and awkwardly carries it in her arms into the other room.

While waiting for the girls’ arrival Bingley and Darcy are sitting in the common room chatting when Liz and Jane walk through the vestibule.

“Jane, are you all right? Did you get hurt?” asks Bingley standing up concerned that Jane doesn’t quite look like herself. Jane sneezes again in response.

Across the room looking up from his Blackberry, Darcy is sitting on the divan laughing. Entering the room, Liz catches his eye watching her. Feeling that he is intentionally criticizing her appearance, Liz snickers in return. A trail of dried mud follows Liz across floor to her desired destination in her sludge trimmed pants.

The name plague on the room reads “Angler’s Delight”. The blue room is decorated with fish nets and hooks, a large colorful stuffed sword fish in the center of the room, with fishing rods above each headboard. The bedspreads have prints of active trout jumping into pools of water. The twin beds look comfortable with fluffy pillows.

Feeling refreshed after her shower, Jane returns to the room looking more like her self but her eyes are swollen with a red nose, and her face is flushed.

“I don’t feel so good” remarks Jane looking at her own reflection in the dresser mirror as Liz brushes her newly shampooed hair “I hope that I feel better soon. I don’t want to miss out on anything. Are you cold Liz? I’m shivering” asks Jane searching through her suitcase for a sweater in the warm September evening.

“I’m fine, but Jane I think you might be coming down with something” states Liz as she places a hand on Jane’s forehead “You’re burning up”.

“I think that I am just going to lie down for a few minutes before dinner. I want to be able to stay up tonight so I can have some time to be with everyone” replies Jane hoping that she’ll be able to recover after taking some aspirin and a light nap.

Liz finishes up drying her hair and heads out into the common room looking for some bottled water for Jane.

“Is Jane okay?” asks Bingley anxious to see Jane again after waiting for her arrival all day “We’re so glad that you were able to come this weekend. It’s going to be great!”

“Jane’s resting a little before dinner. I think that she might have caught a cold but she’ll probably be feeling better in just a little bit” suggests Liz surprised at Bingley’s warmth and concern. She finds an empty place in the forest green glider next to the sofa and places her sandaled feet on the matching ottoman.

Darcy looks over to her and smiles. Liz notices him looking at her dark indigo nail polish on her pedicure. Liz blankly stares back and then looks around for something to do avoiding eye contact not sure how to take Darcy’s friendliness.

“How was your trip?” asks Darcy attempting to start a conversation with her “How was the weather? Were the roads very bad?”

“Well, unfortunately it didn’t go quite as we expected. My car is in the shop until Tuesday. We may have to stay until then if it is all right with you unless I can find a ride home sooner than that” frankly replies Liz not excited about staying in the house any longer than she has to.

“I’m sure Bingley and Caroline will enjoy both you and your sister’s company however long you decide to stay” offers Darcy.

Liz suspiciously eyes him wondering if he is being kind or avoiding the obvious by not mentioning that he would also like or not like her to stay.

“I don’t want to inconvenience anyone. I’m hoping that the mechanic can fix whatever is needed on Tuesday since he is currently out of town with his family” explains Liz continuing “This is an interesting place. I’d like to see the other rooms.”

“Yes, Bingley’s family rents the cottage every year after Labor Day for a week since they were kids. I’ve been with them a few times and the place has some special memories for me” offers Darcy as Caroline enters the room.

“Yes, Darcy and I go way back. We’ve known each other forever. We’re very close. We even know each other’s hidden secrets” offers Caroline sitting on the couch leaning towards him and touching his shoulder with her own in a tone that implies that they are ‘very close’.

In response Darcy leans forward and shuffles the business and health magazines on the wooden wagon wheel coffee table. “I suppose whatever secrets children might have.”

“I don’t think there is any one who knows you quite as well as I do though” replies Caroline in a tone affirming her own judgment of the intimacy of their friendship.

“Are you ready for dinner?” asks Darcy not entirely sure why Caroline is acting so strange tonight but doesn’t feel tempted enough to find out. Darcy walks over to Liz but Caroline quickly shuffles up behind him and grabs his arm entwining it with her own.

Considering that they must have dated in the past and possibly that there is some encouragement for the romance to be rekindled, Liz unintentionally feels a slight pain but tries to ignore it. Liz politely responds “I’m going to check on Jane, I’ll meet you in the dining room.”

Caroline smiles directly into Darcy’s eyes deliberately snuggling into him and then looks back to see if Liz is watching their interaction. Darcy pulls away from her “I’ll check on Bingley. I’ll meet you there.”

Feeling slimly defeated for the moment but not in the conquest, Caroline smirks and shrugs her shoulders releasing his arm but not until Liz is no longer in view.

Entering their room, Liz finds Jane snoring in her own cadence buried underneath the covers of the twin bed. Liz lightly touches her arm and asks “It’s time for dinner. Are you coming?”

Exhausted and aching, Jane sighs with great disappointment, “I think that I better sleep. I don’t feel well at all. Please tell everyone that I’m sorry” feeling particularly heartbroken that this weekend is not going very well so far and she is missing an opportunity to get to know Bingley better.

As Liz walks into the dining room Caroline greets her “Oh, we didn’t know if you were going to make it. It seems like you run on your own schedule. I told everyone to go ahead and start.”

Bingley impulsively counters “You said she wasn’t coming! We would have waited for you Liz if I had known. Where is Jane?” as Caroline gives him daggers and takes another sip of her glass of cucumber water.

“Unfortunately Caroline is right, Jane is not feeling well and is going to try to sleep. Hopefully she will be feeling better in the morning” explains Liz finding an empty chair next to Bingley and directly across from Darcy buttering a rolll

“Tell her we missed her” enthusiastically states Bingley stabbing his salad obviously disappointed that Jane will not be with them tonight and then mumbling “It isn’t the same without her”.

“So have you dried off? You must be use to it much more than we are. It is so cold and wet down here” remarks Caroline “I wouldn’t have dared getting out of my car and trying to push it in the rain. You must have larger muscles that I do” states Caroline with an emphasis on “larger” and demurely bringing up her shoulders to point out her slimness by comparison.

“Well, I’m afraid we weren’t very effective. I think “Maud’ got the better of us” replies Liz hoping that she was able to remove all of the mud from her body and hair and that there are no visible leftover remnants still lurking around.

“Who is “Maud”? Oh yes . . . I forgot. Darcy told me that is what you inventively call your car . . . “snidely remarks Caroline with a chuckle in a tone to imply some sort of foolishness in the labeling “Where did you ever come up with that name?”

“I liked the name and we have been friends for years” replies Liz a little ticked.

“I would have never have been as valiant as you with ‘Maud’ in the rain. Giovanti just did my hair and I wouldn’t have wanted that horrendous storm to destroy his beautiful creation either. He is such a wonderful stylist.” Turing to Darcy “He is really an artist don’t you think?” showing off her trendy haircut for him to admire.

Darcy looks at her for a second and considers a response but chooses not to respond He passes the rolls to Liz instead “Would you like one?”

“I really should take you to him. He could do wonders with your lifeless hair, Liz. You really could look beautiful with just a little help such as a new cut, dye, and highlights and of course a conditioning treatment. I’ll give you his number after dinner” offers Caroline in a tone of authority and supervision.

While taking the basket from Darcy, Liz sighs recognizing Caroline’s offer of friendship but feeling as if it is has been wrapped in a double-sided insult “Thank you, I’ll have to look into it.”

“I think Liz looks great just the way she is. What about you Darcy?” offers Bingley “What kind of girls do you like?”

“Personally, I prefer a natural look. I find a woman’s character and intelligence are attractive to me too. I’m not against improving physical looks, but if she is also confident in whom she is without the artificial enhancements than she is all the more appealing to me” honestly replies Darcy not particularly liking the topic at hand.

Liz is not sure whether or not he complimented her and studies him for a moment. Dropping her eyes, inwardly Liz is surprised to find that she hopes that he finds her attractive.

After dinner is completed, everyone moves back into the common room for some coffee and conversation.

Again Liz checks on Jane who is deeply snoozing in the depths of dreamland. Liz is disappointed that she will be on her own tonight and hopes that Jane can recover soon.

As Liz joins her friends in the common room, Caroline inquires “Liz, we don’t know much about you. What would you like to tell us about yourself?”

“I don’t know that there is a whole lot to tell” humbly replies Liz twisting in her seat at having been put on the spot.

“It looks like you must be a scholar looking at all those books you brought with you. How do you find time for a social life spending all of your time reading? I’m sure that you are a warehouse of facts and figures” suggests Caroline and in a snide mocking tone “I’m sure whatever you had to say would be over our heads”

“Yes, you’re right I do like to read but I enjoy all types of books from chick lit the are light and fluff to other serious things. My sister and I enjoy doing things together and traveling so my life isn’t quite as dull as it sounds” states Liz gently defending herself “However most of the time, I doubt that anyone would not understand anything that I wanted to say. This seems to be only a problem when I verbally get lost in my own thoughts and tend to ramble”.

In the chocolate plush recliner, Darcy chuckles with memories of appreciating the frankness of Liz’s speech. Liz looks over at him a little puzzled by his reaction.

“Yes, you do tend to like to, what is the expression? Say-it-like-it-is no matter who is in the room” replies Caroline looking over at Darcy “You could probably teach me a few lessons since I tend to be too polite and conscientious of others feelings too much of the time”

Darcy directly understands what Caroline is implying but also knows that empathizing with others is not one of her strong points. He replies “I like it when someone is straight forward with me and appreciate their honesty rather than trying to figure out what kind-of impression they are trying to make or what their hidden motives might be.”

“What on earth are you talking about Darcy? Would you prefer people were rude to you?” mockingly asks Caroline tapping him on the leg.

“I think you misunderstand me, Caroline. I have many people in my life who compliment me whose motive is to get close to me to gain something from me. I’d rather have a true friend than one who uses and manipulates me by not telling the truth” frankly replies Darcy recalling many years of experience in a variety of personal and business relationships. “I admire Liz’s ability to be honest in her friendships”.

“I wouldn’t go that far to say that. I’ve been known to hide my true feelings if I felt that it might be more painful if my real opinion was exposed. Sometimes I’m too blunt to a fault and it gets me into trouble” honestly replies Liz remembering a few times she has stuck-her-foot-in-her-mouth in less than convenient times.

Caroline looks temporarily vanquished but is inspired again. “I hear you and your sisters play the piano. Why don’t you play for us? We would love to hear you play. Darcy is an excellent musician and I’m sure he would like to share tips with another accomplished musician.”

“I play a little, but definitely not like Jane. I would much rather be a listener than an entertainer. Perhaps Darcy would prefer to play for us” suggests Liz not wanting to ‘show-off’ in front of him without a chance to practice.

“I’m rather tired tonight. But I would like to hear you play very much. I haven’t heard you play yet. Would you like to play something for us, Liz?” asks Darcy feeling incited by discovering something new about Liz.

“There is music in the piano bench if you want to play and I also brought some classical pieces of my own” offers Caroline and then informing them of her achievements “I took lessons all through my youth. I was offered a scholarship in college but had to decide between the piano and violin. It was a tough decision for me to make. Please, go ahead and play for us. I’m so sure we will be impressed by your exceptional abilities.”

“Honestly, I play all right but really only for my own enjoyment. I taught myself but I’m sure that I do not play as well as anyone else in this room” nervously responds Liz “I would much rather not play but listen to one of you.”

“Okay, if you insist. You’ve pushed me to my limit. I guess that I have no other option” obviously falsely chiding states Caroline adding in a tone of mock humility ‘I’ll play, but don’t listen too closely.”

Walking over to the piano in the corner, Caroline searches for the most difficult piece that she brought with her and flawlessly plays the classical piece. “I haven’t played that one in forever” states Caroline lying in that she practiced one stanza alone over forty-three times in one setting waiting for Darcy to arrive the day before.

Sitting on the couch, Bingley loudly sighs hardly tolerating the same twenty measures tormenting his ears for one last time. “I think that I will check on Jane”.

He knocks on the door, but there is no response. His shoulders fall and he slowly walks back into the common room. “I’m tired. I think that I’m going to turn in for the night. I’ll see all of you in the morning” as he heads towards his themed room called “Cowboy’s Twilight” with glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling and a painted crescent moon.

The three of them sit staring at each other for a moment not knowing what to say. “I brought UNO with me if any one would like to play” offers Liz not ready to turn in for the night but no longer wanting to be the focus of future discussions.

“I don’t like card games much or really any type of games. I’ll play Darcy if you insist though” replies Caroline even though there has been no direct mention of including her in the game “I’m usually too busy working at the station or traveling for my job. I’m meeting diplomats, celebrates, or interviewing people involved in up-to-the-moment current events I don’t have time to sit at home and do nothing but throw cards around.”

“Cards sound like a great idea! I brought a UNO deck of my own and a few others too” offers Darcy wanting to continue the evening with Liz and ignoring Caroline’s commentary “Playing cards is one of my favorite things to do”.

Glaring at Liz who returns with a deck of cards from her book bag, Caroline looks incensed but then grabs the deck from Liz’s hand and shuffles like an expert to Darcy’s amazement.

“I played a few times at camp at a teen” states Caroline intuitively feeling Darcy’s attention on her agility and skill.

The deck is professionally dealt as Darcy and Liz surprised and in awe look on.

Throughout the game Caroline takes and creates many opportunities to touch Darcy’s hand, his arm, or his shoulder. She giggles at every thing he says which is slightly amusing or not intentionally meant to be humorous at all.

Darcy spends most of the evening ignoring Caroline’s flirtation, but concentrates on chatting with Liz throughout the evening enjoying the banter with her and appreciating the sound of her genuine laughter and quick wit.

Liz notices during the game that Darcy’s eyes charmingly glow in the light and crease at the edges. He has a warm affectionate smile. She likes that he is able to match her challenging wit and humor with stories and quips of his own. She appreciates how comfortable they appear to be with each other. Liz also likes the way he throws his head back when he laughs and turns his head to the side as he contemplates his next move or touches his chin before putting a ‘skip’ or ‘draw four’ down waiting for her next turn.

After several rounds which Liz wins, Darcy announces “I think that I will have to give up my long worn title since I have been surprisingly defeated by a new champion”.

Feeling exhilarated Liz smiles looking over her total points having enjoyed the friendly game with Darcy. “In between Caroline’s condescending comments, she has been pleasant enough too” considers Liz to herself.

“Well, I think that it is time for me to get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning” announces Liz somewhat disappointed that the evening went so fast and that there wasn’t more hours in the day to talk with Darcy.

“Goodnight Liz, sleep well. I’ll meet you for breakfast in the morning. It will be served at 8 am” states Darcy looking forward already to tomorrow’s dawn.

“Yes, Darcy and I will see you tomorrow. We enjoyed playing the game with you tonight. We like playing card games together and it was nice of you to join us. We don’t often get a chance to relax together and we had a great time.” offers Caroline with special exaggerated emphasis on “we” and “us” as a small reminder to Liz of their joint understanding.