Blood and Fire - Thirty Nine

“Hey Louisa!  Henrietta!” runs Lydia across the room to two of her good friends giving them giant bear hugs “Thank you for coming!”

“Happy Birthday!” congratulates Louisa handing her a small rose package with curling ribbon in many different shades of pink.

“This is so beautiful!” exclaims Lydia holding the special heart shaped necklace up to the light “Can you help me put in on?”

“I’ll help you” states Henrietta putting the clasp around her neck “Who’s your date for tonight?  Are you still dating Wickham?”

“Yes, I am” confidently states Lydia “He should be here any minute! I don’t know what’s taking him so long … he promised to be on time”.

“It looks like our brother’s sister-in-law, Beth Elliot, has arrived with Lydia Russell” notices Louisa crestfallen to see the additional guest “Why did she come?”

“Probably as a chaperone to make sure we all behaved ourselves” disappointedly moans Henrietta “She likes to be in-charge and tell everybody else what to do”.

“Where’s your other aunt, Annie?  Did she come?” expectantly asks Lydia “She was the best counselor ever at Camp Long Branch each year.”

“Annie?  She’s in the kitchen helping with the hor’devours” informs Louisa “What made her such a great counselor?  She’s so quiet all the time!”

“She made up games as we went to the dining room like seeing how many times we could hop on one foot, say the pledge of allegiance backwards, spin until we’re dizzy all the way there, try to make a sentence starting with  the next letter of the alphabet with each word.  Every day she made a theme to wear such as our pajamas backwards, curlers in our hair, all in green, or we made matching ribbons for our hair to wear” shares Lydia with fond memories of someone who was important to her in her life “My favorite thing was to listen to her stories for devotions at night. Even though it seems like years ago,  I still remember some of them from Sunbeam camp”.

“That’s interesting … it’s difficult to imagine Annie doing anything fun like that now.  She’s boring” bluntly offers Henrietta “She mostly just takes care of my nephews.  However, it seems like they have a good time with her but I don’t pay much attention to them anyway.”

Just then Wickham walks in and gives Lydia a big hug which she cuddles into with a kiss that is a little extravagant for the occasion and atmosphere.  “I’ll see you later.  My man has arrived and all my attention is for him now!” giggles Lydia pulling him close to her for another kiss.

“Does mom know how Lydia hangs on Wickham?” cautiously asks Liz feeling somewhat uncomfortable with their rather obnoxious display of affection that is a bit over-the-top.

Sighing Jane replies “Mom is encouraging it.  She thinks Wickham is quite a catch for Lydia.  I don’t know that he is such a good match for her considering how young and inexperienced she is though”.

“How long have they been dating?” asks Liz feeling increasingly uncomfortable with Lydia’s extended behavior with Wickam in front of her friends from school and the rest of the division.

“Since Christmas, so it’s been about three months” replies Jane spreading out a plastic decorated fan to go with the southern belle theme to cool down.

Observing her younger sister for a few more minutes “Maybe you need to hand one of those to Lydia to take a hint” suggests Liz “He doesn’t seem to be aware she is just 18 today and still in high school for a few more months.”

“What are you two girls whispering about?” asks Darcy in an attempt to surprise them.

Stunned by the recognizable voice behind her, Liz reflexively throws back her hand and accidently smacks him in the face with her fan “Oh, I’m so sorry.  I didn’t know you were standing behind us!”

Darcy smiles as he wipes the top of his nose with his finger to make sure he isn’t bleeding “I guess that I should have told you I was there.  How is the party going? I see lots of girls in their prom dresses which sort-of fits the belle theme which I’m sure Lydia is pleased about.”

“It’s going well.  Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves some a little too much” observes Liz taking another snippet look at her younger sister alone in the corner flirtatiously chatting with Wickham. “I’m so glad you were able to make it! Where are you staying tonight?”

“Alice Hammer offered her guest room to me as long as I didn’t mind sharing it with Twinkles and Peaches, her friendly cats” shares Darcy with a warm smile “She’s treating me very well.  She already made me brownies as a snack when I get back”.

“She is the best baker I know” honestly evaluates Liz with a slight touch of envy “I wish that I could bake like she does. She made the marble cupcakes from scratch with whipped topping tonight”.

“You look very pretty tonight, Liz” offers Darcy “I like the curls in your hair with the ribbons.  You do look like someone from a southern plantation many years ago”.

“Thank you, kind sir” Liz curtsies taking his arm and snapping open her fan with dramatic flair “It is such a lovely evening tonight that I can hear the bluebonnets blowing in the wind.”

In return, Darcy leans down and gives her a quick kiss on the cheek, “I’ve missed you”.

Responding, Liz’s eyes glow as she looks up at him “I’ve missed you too” but fumbles the moment as her foot finds a random slice of icing that has regretfully fallen from a cupcake as she ungracefully slides recklessly from his arm and eventually coming to an unnatural halt on the floor. 

“I miss this too” states Darcy offering a hand to help her back up as Liz tries to gain her balance in the large hoop skirt but fails and falls back again to the ground.

“I’m glad that I was born in this century” quips Liz “They wouldn’t know what to do with me then. I don’t think I’ve quite mastered the art of being graceful and delicate yet.”

“I think you’re perfect just the way you are” honestly retorts Darcy “You have many other things that make you outstanding to me”.

Acknowledging his compliment, Liz blushes and squeezes his arm a bit tighter looking forward to the time they will have together this evening after the party is over.

While making more punch, Jane observes Lydia Russell determinedly head over to where Wickham and Lydia are standing close together while provocatively flirting with each other. Looking over to Mary standing next to her holding the empty soda bottles, “Fortunately, it looks like I don’t have to intercede, Lydia Russell has already decided to do it for me.”

“Is everything okay?  Lydia Russell doesn’t look to happy and it appears Wickham is arguing with her” accurately watches Mary “I don’t think she likes him much and he doesn’t appear to like what she is saying.”

“Where is Wickham taking Lydia?  Are they leaving?” rhetorically asks Jane “It’s her party.  She shouldn’t be leaving her guests.”

“She’ll be back.  She won’t want to miss being the center of attention tonight” Frankly replies Mary use to her sister being the focal point in any event that they attend “Wickham seems awfully mad though. I wonder if he’s leaving the party”.

“What are you talking about?” asks Liz noticing that her sisters are whispering just loud enough to hear the hum and mumble of words linked together.

“Nothing really … Lydia and Wickham just left for a moment.  They’ll be right back” States Mary taste testing the punch for a cohesive blend of tanginess and sweetness “Neither one of them can stand to be alone without an audience for very long”.

“It looks like Beth Elliott and Lydia Russell are now leaving too.  They don’t look very happy” carefully observes Jane “I wonder what happened. I hope that whatever it is will be soon forgotten.”

Coming back with a plate of spiral sandwiches and quiche bites, Darcy finds a comfortable place to sit down next to Liz and talk.

“Will you be able to stay long?” hopefully asks Liz taking a bite of a warm decorated cookie.

“No, I’m just in town for tonight and tomorrow” offers Darcy and then regretfully adding “I wish that I could stay longer but I have a business meeting on Monday that I can’t miss.”

“I’m glad that you came anyway even if it is only for a day” gratefully responds Liz touching his arm and moving closer to him “Are you free to do something tomorrow? I could take you to see the sites of Longbourne even though there are not many.  We do have a history museum.”

“Sounds like fun” agrees Darcy not entirely sure that a museum is how he would have chosen to spend a day but being with Liz makes the effort worth it “I’ll pick you up about 9 am and we can go to breakfast first.”

“That would be great!” agrees Liz very excited for another day together “It looks like the party is finally clearing out.  I don’t see Lydia anywhere.  She must be with some of her friends that she hasn’t seen in awhile. I’ll find her later.”

As others file into the kitchen with plates, leftover tablecloths, and empty dishes, Darcy gives Liz a kiss goodnight “I’ll see you in the morning”.

“I guess that I’ll have to rise with the chickens and get all gussied up” smiles Liz playfully batting her fan in front of her eyes “I might have a yearning for a biscuit or two if you’re willing to share” winking as she sashays with her arms flowing off to the kitchen to help her sisters “I’ll see you later!"

 

Blood and Fire - Chapter Thirty Eight

“Kitty hurry up!” orders Mary frantically rushing down the aisle looking amidst the princess decorations “Lydia wants some sangria crinoline to decorate the fellowship hall and I still can’t find any!”

“I think we might have better luck at a fabric store” suggests Kitty “Too bad it’s not Halloween, we might be able to find all kinds of different shades”.

“Obviously it is not October, it’s only March the last time I checked the calendar” factually states Mary “There are still eight months to go”.

Annoyed by her sister’s typical sensory perceptions, Kitty stands behind her and rolls her eyes over to the strangers next to her looking at the Strawberry Shortcake matching plates and napkins hoping for confirmation, “I know that.  I was just thinking of all the costumes.  Usually crinoline is used for making slips for southern bell or princess dresses.  I’ve been thinking that I would like to be Scarlett O’Hara next year.  What do you think?”

Mary frowns at her and starts to pretend that she doesn’t know her while walking away to another section of the aisle. 

In response Kitty throws her hand backwards against her forward as if in the process of fainting and loudly mimics “Oh Mary, please don’t go!  You can’t leave me!  Please!  I’ll never forgive you!”

The child and mother standing next to Kitty giggle amused by the sibling conversation which only spurs Kitty to further dramatics.

“Kitty, where are you?” asks Mary searching to find her sister again who has disappeared into the wedding section to catch up on her daydreams “I need your help to find the rest of the things on Lydia’s list. I don’t know why she chose to have a Southern Belle themed party.  It’s difficult to find things for it.”

Placing her hands on her waist Kitty exclaims “I can’t think of that right now.  If I do, I’ll go crazy. I’ll have to think of that tomorrow.”

“Stop your nonsense, Kitty, we don’t have tomorrow. ” demands Mary shaking her head “I need to find a plastic dipper for the punch bowl.  Dad decided to use the last one for his goldfish in the fish tank.”

“Fiddle-de-dee.  I’ve never heard of such nonsense” copies Kitty with a twinkle in her eye gracefully moving her arms around her face and stroking her cheek with the back of her hand as if she lived two centuries ago.

“Why are you looking at this marriage stuff anyway?” asks Mary entirely not understanding any practical value of looking at the wedding bubble bottles considering Kitty’s age “You don’t need that any of that anyway. You don’t even have a boyfriend!”

Throwing her hand back in an act of mock desperation, Kitty expounds “My life is over. Nothing will ever happen to me anymore.”

“Whatever.  Kitty, you’re not making any sense today” states Mary pulling out the long list of items to be found and purchased “I think that we’ll try Fashion Fabrics on Main Street.  They might have something at least similar to the color that Lydia is looking for.”

“How could you do this to me? And, why should you go now that it’s all over and I need you” intensely adds Kitty and then with extra fervor furrowing her brow to Mary’s annoyance pleading with her hands,  “Why? Why?”

“Kitty, have you lost your mind?  We’re only going to the next store because we have to since they don’t have what we need here” frankly explains Mary completely missing the mark and to her sister’s delight “Come on.  I think that we’re done here”.

“Oh Mary!” giggles Kitty following along after her out the front doors “Maybe it’s because I have always had a weakness for lost causes, once they are really lost. Maybe I’m ashamed of myself, who knows?”

“What are you talking about?” confused Mary finally turns towards her “Really Kitty, you don’t need to be worried about not finding everything Lydia wants for her birthday party.  We can only do our best.”

Amused by her older sister and having a little fun, Kitty waves to strangers in the parking lot with her very rehearsed beauty queen wave strutting as only a southern belle might do with a very cheesy smile.

While unlocking the car door Mary asks “Do you want to get something for lunch?” but then looks up and watches her sister acting rather strangely walking in the parking spot next to the other side of the car “What are you doing?”

“I can’t let it go. I won’t let it go while there is one breath left in my body.  As God is my witness, they’re not going to lick me! I’m going to live through this and when it’s all over I’ll never be hungry again. No, nor any of my folk. If I have to lie, steal, cheat, or kill” and then raising her fist to the sky for special effect Kitty promises “As God is my witness I’ll never be hungry again!”

Slightly ignoring her sister due to being quite use to her peculiar antics Mary states “I don’t know what you are talking about but there’s a new BBQ place just around the corner, how does that sound if you’re ready to eat?”

“I’m going to have a good time today and do my eating at the barbeque! I know he likes to see a girl with a good appetite!”, playfully smirking Kitty glides into the car as she pretends to adjust her petticoat as if entering an imaginary carriage.

“Who’s going to like your appetite?  Who are you talking about?  I can’t figure you out today” frankly states Mary turning on the ignition puzzled by her sister’s behavior and conversation which she has half-way listened to for the last hour due to concentrating on all the details on her shopping list that need to be accomplished today.

“After lunch, I think I’ll drop you off at the house” suggests Mary feeling that she might find what she needs more quickly without Kitty “You might feel better if you lay down for awhile.”

“Home! I’ll go home.  I’ll think about him tomorrow.  After all, tomorrow is another day!” exclaims Kitty bursting with pleasure after Mary looks at her raising a lip and squinting her eyes in utter confusion.

“Well, I guess you can come with me tomorrow if you’d like to” replies Mary grabbing the bag of party items out of the backseat and wondering how everything will come together for the event.

“How did you girls enjoy shopping together today?” asks Mr. Bennett “Mary, did you accomplish all of your tasks? Was every item checked off your list with precision? Kitty, did you find many things to dream about one day owning once you are moved out of the house and on your own?”

“Kitty wasn’t much help today but we did find most of the things we needed” calmly replies Mary “She was prattling on about some guy, being hungry, and didn’t want to leave the store until we had everything.”

Kitty looks at her sister in stunned disbelief “Mary, I was quoting Scarlett O’Hara all day.  You didn’t notice?” ultimately more disappointed that her acting talents did not bring up more glorious images of Vivian Leigh, than that they were actually not understood in context “What did you think I was talking about then?”

“Who knows… you and Lydia are always talking about some boy or another.  I can’t keep up with you. How was I suppose to know you were quoting some old movie?” frankly states Mary a bit miffed that her sister was playing a joke on her all day which she entirely missed “If you had been quoting Paula Deen or Bobby Flay I might have understood you.” 

“Jane and Liz just called and they will be here in a minute” informs their Dad taking a comfortable seat in his recliner to read the latest articles in the Easter War Cry adding with a wry smile “I suggest that you make sure your rooms are clean before the guests arrive tomorrow for Lydia’s party.  As an incentive, it will allow you some extra time tomorrow to prepare for all those things that girls do for the chance of an opportunity to meet a somewhat charming young boy whom fancies you much more than I would like”. 

Dreaming of that possibility, Kitty kisses her dad on the cheek and heads wistfully upstairs to her room.  In turn, Mary smiles at her dad’s encouragement and decides that she might take the extra time to mix and match from her closet to create a new outstanding outfit for tomorrow evening.

A few minutes later, Lydia comes bouncing down the stairs to the living room and plops down on the armrest of the recliner.  ‘Daddy, would you have $20 that I can borrow.  I can pay you back next Tuesday after I get my paycheck and pay mom back the money I owe her too.”

“And what is motivating my generosity this time?” asks Mr. Bennett “Is the culprit some item of rare and priceless value that you cannot live without?”

“No, not clothing this time but I would like to have my nails done” letting her dad have a thorough examination of her hands, Lydia continues “I need to have them filled in so they can look perfect for my birthday tomorrow.”

“I guess that I can spare a little for my birthday girl” offers Mr. Bennett reluctantly pulling his well-worn wallet out of his trousers and handing her a crisp bill while Lydia gives him a hug and heads out the door in less than a minute’s time.

“Where is Lydia going?” asks Jane having just missed Lydia walking across the lawn while getting out of the car “She knows we’re decorating tonight, right?”

“Come in!” welcomes their dad holding the door open for them “Long time no see.  I miss you girls.  Are you staying for dinner?”

“Yes, I think so.  I thought that we might help get everything ready for the party” offers Liz explaining “I have a few things which I thought might come in handy that I left in my car to take down to the corps in a little while.”

“I let your mother handle details like that” sarcastically states Mr. Bennett but not too far from the truth “I’m only meant to observe, hammer a few nails, take out the trash, and to pay some of the bills.”

“Only some?” chides Liz waiting for an informative reply.

“Only the ones I can afford, the others, mostly kindly generated by your mother, I bury in my top dresser drawer and pretend that they don’t exist until I am ultimately forced to face the stark reality that another payment is now due yet once again” informs Mr. Bennett feeling that perhaps this party may create a deeper stack than what has previously intentionally been hidden away from sight and mind.

“I heard my name.  Liz, what is your father saying about me? Many wonderful things I hope!” asks Mrs. Bennett teasing her husband as she walks into the room from the kitchen “Your father is a great man with many talents most of all his wit when he remembers to aim it in any other direction other than mine. If not, he knows there are consequences” remarks Mrs. Bennett sweetly kissing him on the forehead as she smoothens down his ruffled hair.

“We’re meeting Lydia at the corps in a half-hour” informs Jane grabbing her purse resting against the sofa “and then we’ll come back here for dinner.  Are you about ready to go Liz?”

“Where are you going?” asks Kitty skipping two stairs at once and landing with a flop and a slide on the floor in her pink bunny slippers.

“We’re just about ready to head down to the church to decorate.  Do you want to come along?” asks Liz considering that an extra hand and creative mind might be helpful.

“Sure!  I have some extra streamers that I brought home from a birthday party at the daycare.  Maybe we could use some of it” offers Kitty “I found a few ceiling decorations as well at the store this afternoon too which I think will look nice”.

“Where are you all going?” shuffles Mary into the room eating an apple with an armload of music with the intent to attempt to conquer “I want to go too!”

“We’re getting ready to leave for the corps in a few minutes” explains Jane “Grab your things and let’s go.”

“I’ll bring my notebook to jot down anything that we forget or need to remember” offers Mary “I’ll bring my songbooks too.  There might be some music that Lydia would like me to play.”

“Mary that’s a very sweet idea but I think we’re going to use an Ipod instead” thoughtfully responds Liz not wanting to hurt her feelings but knowing that having her sister play is the last thing that Lydia would want for entertainment.

With arms overflowing carrying bags of streamers, balloons, and material Kitty and Mary head towards Maud.   Just behind them Liz brings the stack of pink, purple, and yellow plastic tablecloths in one hand and trying to balance a box of coordinated floral centerpieces in the other.   Jane carries two stacked boxes filled with plates, cups, silverware mumbling “I’m glad the corps has serving dishes and a punchbowl and I don’t think Maud could hold anymore”.

Blood and Fire - Chapter Thirty Seven

“Liz, I just received the strangest thing.  Caroline Bingley sent me a post card telling me that she will be back in town in a couple of months to visit”  puzzled shares Jane absentmindedly finding a place to sit on the couch “I haven’t heard from her in months.”

“Really?  Did she mention Bingley?” curiously asks Liz tentative to learn what Caroline might have written “What did she say?”

“She didn’t mention her brother only that a few other family members might be with her” explains Jane secretly hoping that Bingley is among the group “It doesn’t say much, only that they are coming and that she is looking forward to seeing me again which is strange because I haven’t heard from her or her brother in such a long time.”

“How do you feel about it?” asks Liz wondering if she should share her own personal news “Would you like to see Bingley again?”

“I’ve tried to put him out of my mind, but frankly he is a difficult person to forget.  However, I’ve decided that it is best to greet him as a friend and not be bitter or overly-friendly either” replies Jane having analyzed for hours what she would do if she ran into him again “I hope that we can be friends and not have any remorse.  But I certainly don’t want to sit around and watch him date someone else either” and then with a tone of determination, “If that happens, I’m going to find someplace else to be. I will get over him.”

“How do you feel about him now?” leaning forward Liz cautiously asks not sure what the answer will be.

“I’ve missed him so much.  But I’m tired of my heart hurting too.  If he isn’t interested in me, then it’s time to move on and find someone else who will care about me in the way that I would like them to.  I don’t need to grovel just so he will notice that I’m there” confidently states Jane as if making a mandate for herself “I want to find someone who will appreciate me for who I am and not force me to plead for any attention or affection”.

“I think that is a good and balanced resolution.  But frankly, I don’t think you’ll have much of a problem making him fall in love with you just as much as ever” replies Liz remembering how much Bingley seemed to ardently admire her sister without much effort. “The two of you seemed to get along very well together.  Perhaps he just needs some space to realize how much he does care about you and that he’ll never find anyone like you again either.”

“I hope that is all it is.  I don’t think that I’ve ever met anyone like him” quietly sighs Jane taking out a pastel quilt patch that she has been working on for a new expectant mother in the Baby Song club. “Liz, what’s going on with you?  What happened this last weekend?  Did you see Darcy?”

“Well, yes I did” discreetly explains Liz “Actually I had a wonderful visit with his sister too.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” demands Jane not use to her sister’s silence on matters of the heart with her.

“There really hasn’t been a chance and there always seems to be someone else around” honestly explains Liz wondering why herself it has taken so long to talk about the weekend, “if Lydia or Kitty overheard anything I would say, the whole corps and most likely the division would already know about it before I had finished my conversation with you”.

“I should have asked.  I’ve sort-of been caught up with my teaching schedule lately and haven’t had much available ‘sister-time’.  So how did it go?” inquisitively Jane interrogates “I’ve noticed that you’ve been checking your texts and emails a lot lately.  Are you hearing from Darcy?”

Realizing that she has been caught, Liz deeply blushes “Yes, I’ve heard from him a few times since I’ve been back” looking down and avoiding her sister’s eyes.

“You’ve heard from him more than that” frankly states Jane pushing her sister’s confession “How often do you hear from him?”

Liz rolls her eyes and smiles grateful to finally tell someone “Nearly every day, he sends something to me.  I didn’t realize how intelligent, thoughtful, and funny he was.  His notes are so sweet.”

“Liz!  Why didn’t you tell me?  You tell me everything!” perplexed inquires Jane “How are things between the two of you?”

“Hmmm… I would say definitely more than friends but I don’t want to move too quickly in my hopes for us in case I get ahead of him and where he thinks our relationship should be” gently explains Liz but continues with a more honest answer “I really don’t want to get hurt again, but I’ve never felt this way before and he is worth waiting for.”

“Do you think that you could see the two of you together for a lifetime?” romantically Jane asks “Is he someone that you could see yourself loving?”

“Jane, you are asking a lot of questions” informs Liz a little uncomfortable with her sister’s questions, but unable to keep her feelings to herself tenderly sighs “Yes, I think it would be quite easy to love him for a lifetime. We get along really well and have so much in common too.  It’s like we have known each other forever.”

“Has he said anything about how he is feeling?” carefully asks Jane hoping that it is not another case like her own of unrequited love “What sort-of things does he say?”

“He’s very sweet in his notes and he’s left several hints, but he hasn’t actually said he loves me yet” disappointed with this revelation confesses Liz “I think he cares for me, but it would also be nice to know for sure too”.

“When will you see him again?” asks Jane not fully aware of her sister’s organized schedule “Are there any divisional events coming up anytime soon?”

“Congress is in June of course, and then Youth Councils is next month but other than that there is only women’s ministries camp and I doubt that he would be attending” considers Liz “I’ll have to wait until he has some time-off to come down. I’ve already taken all my vacation time for the year.”

“Did you invite him to Lydia’s 18^th birthday party next week?”  Helpfully suggests Jane hoping that another one of his friends might come along too, “Maybe he could come then and spend some time with you.  He would have a reason to come without everybody talking too much.”

“I think that I might have mentioned it, but I didn’t exactly invite him.  Jane, that’s a good idea!” excitedly Liz bringing out her phone from her jacket to send a quick text “Maybe he can take the weekend to come down for a visit.”

“Liz, what are you smiling about?” curiously asks Jane watching her sister read a text on her phone.

“Darcy sent a text letting me know he was thinking of me today” informs Liz treasuring the handful of words that make up a thoughtful sentence and then sending a message in return “There … I’ve invited him to the party.”

“I hope Lydia behaves herself.  I don’t think that I’ve told you because I didn’t know how you would feel about it.  She’s been going out with Wickham which mom has encouraged while you’ve not been around these last couple of months” discloses Jane “I think they are getting serious with each other.”

“I think he’s a little too old for her, don’t you?” asks Liz “Is he serious about her?”

“I don’t know.  I think he’s a flirt.  He likes talking to all the girls and doesn’t seem to really focus on one, unless they are giving him enough attention at the moment that he manages to keep his eyes off of someone else in the room” disgusted remarks Jane “He’s way too into himself for my tastes, but Lydia somehow finds that type of behavior attractive.”

“Wickham was friendly, but at the same time I also was not at all impressed with his excessive need for attention and flattery from other women. He seems a bit too consumed with how he looks as well” Liz thoughtfully reflects “I don’t think he would make a good partner,  I’d always feel like he was looking for something better to come along and that type of guy is definitely not worth the energy it takes to keep them interested”.

“Yes, I agree.  They are too busy making sure to have what they want to give anything of themselves to anyone else” states Jane having experienced a relationship or two similar to that before when she was younger. “I was always going out of my way doing nice things, calling them, being available, and in the end what did I get for the effort? Every time just a little more selfishness on their part being demanded of me.”

“Unfortunately, I don’t think Lydia will notice the difference compared to being with someone better for her until she gets Wickham out-of-her-system” offers Liz knowing how deeply a crush can affect a young girl until she matures and realizes what she needs and what she does not.

“Well, maybe it will be over soon and we won’t have to worry about it any longer” suggests Jane ignoring what her intuition is telling her “Lydia floats from one interest to the next on practically a daily basis.  It will probably amount to nothing.  She’s too young for him anyway.”

“You’re probably right” agrees Liz but with some amount of apprehension.  She decides to save expressing what Darcy has shared with her as he requested rationalizing to herself. “It won’t matter anyway, Wickham will move on if she doesn’t before then”.

Blood and Fire - Chapter Thirty Six

“Ready Alice?” yells Jennings up the large grand staircase checking her large oversized purple striped bag for extra items that she decided to bring along this morning.  She pulls out her matching orchid zebra trimmed reading glasses holding them up to the light wiping off the left over smudges with a soft blue cloth.  Her coordinated lavender t-shirt of choice for the day reads “The Scrap Chick” with small  parade of chickens all decorated in patchwork outfits holding scissors, tape, glue, etc.

In a few moments, Alice Hammer excitedly hops down the stairs but gently trips on a loose shoe string on the last step, “Ohhh… I wish that I could figure out a way to keep these new laces tied!” shaking her head while reaching down to her brightly glittered translucent lime shoelaces.

“What do you have in your hair?” suspiciously asks Jennings leaning over for a closer look but without her classes on and in need of some magnification “It looks like you have a leaf or something stuck in your hair” attempting to pull it out.

“Be careful.  I made a new headband to match my outfit theme today” Alice Hammer looks up at Jennings tenaciously squinting at her  “I think that you’re staring at the quilted daisy that I added” patting her head proud of her creative achievement  “Do you like the pink and magenta shamballa beads too?  I had to spend some time with the hot glue gun this morning which is why I am running a little late.  But I don’t think it has entirely finished drying before I put my headband on.  I tried to adjust it a little in the mirror and I think the glue dried and attached itself to my wig” then adding smiling at her ingenuity, ”Oh well, I’ll have one to keep that is already accessorized.”

Hearing the conversation, Darcy walks in and joins them with a thermos of coffee in his hand “How are you ladies this morning?  Did you have breakfast yet?  Did you get some coffee or tea?” graciously asks Darcy pleased to see his friends.

“Oh yes, we’ve already had breakfast a few hours ago” explains Alice Hammer “Jennings was up at 5 pm doing her devotions on the deck while trying out some of your flavored coffees.  By the way, I really like your Alamo coffee machine’.

Politely Jennings looking directly at Alice Hammer corrects her “Tassimo”.

“Oh yes, ‘Tableau’” affirms Alice Hammer with a smile “I had four cups to try a few different flavors, but I think that I might have overdone it, I’m a little wired and shaky from my experiment.  But they tasted wonderful!”

“I think you meant to say, ‘Tassimo’ ” again corrects Jennings grabbing her large striped bag swinging it to add momentum around her shoulder.

“I’m not so good with names.  I’ll have to remember to remind myself to call it, “Trousseau”, the next time” informs Alice Hammer intentionally trying to memorize the right name of the appliance.

Surrendering and in awe, Jennings blankly stairs at her friend that she has known for decades, “Call it whatever you like.  I at least I know what you are talking about after all these years.”

“I’m glad you liked the coffee, I’ll have some waiting for you when you get back this evening.  Have you seen Liz this morning?” asks Darcy anxious to talk with Liz again.

“Yes, she was out on the porch upstairs outside her room watching the sunrise.  I could see her from where I was on the deck.  She was taking some photos” offers Jennings “I’m sure she’ll be down in just a little while.  The beauty of a miracle comes quite unexpectedly sometimes, and it’s always best to take a moment to reflect and enjoy it.  Well, Alice and I have a long day ahead of us and we better get going.  I forgot that Ginny has been out in the car waiting for us so we better go.  I hope the two of you have a great day together!” wishes Jennings winking her eye with a knowledgeable smile.

A few minutes later, Liz makes her way towards the kitchen where the breakfast scent of eggs and crisp hot bacon with warm biscuits are filling the air. “This smells delicious!”

“I thought that you might something more substantial than toast before heading to zoo” offers Darcy bringing over a glass of orange juice to her at the table.

“Thank you.  I’ll have to make breakfast tomorrow, but to be safe I might just try cereal.  At least I know that I can’t burn it” smiles Liz spreading melted butter on a biscuit “I wish that I had learned how to cook, but every attempt seems to be doomed to failure”.

“What are your favorite animals at the zoo?” asks Darcy wanting to discover even the tiniest details about her interests.

“I like the giraffes probably the most.  Monkeys are another favorite too.  The giraffes are graceful and elegant animals, nurturing towards their children, and seem quite creative in finding ways to reach for things that they want” remembers Liz “The last time I was at the zoo, one baby Giraffe called “Molly” reached over the fence into the Caribou’s cage and shared some of their lunch from the trough. What animals do you like the most?”

“I’ll have to think about that one.  Probably, the Orangutans because they seem patiently observing everything that is going on around them” considers Darcy politely wiping his mouth with his napkin and laying it down again in his lap to catch future crumbs “Also, they like hanging out in trees and taking it easy munching on a mango which unfortunately unlike me I don’t have a chance to do very often.”

“Are you ready?” asks Darcy as Liz moves the empty plates into the dishwasher “If it sounds all right with you, we’ll catch lunch while out this afternoon”.

“I just need to grab my coat, I’ll be back down in a minute” informs Liz rushing upstairs for a last minute make-up check and to run a brush through her hair.

On the way to the zoo, Darcy turns the radio on to his favorite station while enjoying the feeling of comfort and familiarity of having Liz near to him again. He has missed her so much during these last few weeks of silence.  He wonders if there is any hope that she has changed her mind and might consider him again.  The conversation is easy and they talk about everything that comes to mind except how they are feeling even though the reticent question is not far from their thoughts.

As they walk by the pelican pond, Darcy moves closer to Liz.  As they observe the various shades of the birds, Liz places her hand on the iron bar to protect them and remarks, “It’s amazing how long they are able to stand in one spot without moving.  I don’t think that I could stand that long on one foot”.

In response, Darcy places his hand on top of Liz’s hand resting on the bar, “I don’t understand it either.  Maybe it’s just because they have found a comfortable spot and can’t see beyond the bushes to find someplace else better to explore.”

Feeling the warmth of his hand, Liz entwines her fingers with his for a moment.  Walking away feeling that this is a new beginning, Darcy places his arm around her shoulder as Liz nuzzles in and finds a comfortable place to wrap her arm around his waist to continue their leisurely walk through the zoo.

 

Blood and Fire - Chapter Thirty Five

Relieved that Jennings is carrying the conversation, Liz quietly sits in the backseat listening to the conversation and observing as much as she can. 

Glancing at her profile, Ginny shares similar features with her brother, but beautiful.  Her warm smile is genuine and welcoming.   In just a few moments, she makes everyone feel as if they are running into an old friend again.

Lost in her thoughts Liz’ nods,  unlike herself,  Ginny appears to be a much safer driver giving plenty of room to stop before the crosswalk and not gunning the gas as soon as the light turns green.  Her car is impeccably clean and has an aroma of fresh cut spring flowers.  The car is filled with accessories such as multiple cup holders, seat warmers, and defrosters for every window.  By comparison Liz considers, “Maud can barely defrost a small spot out the size of a plate for the driver”. 

They finally pull into a long narrow driveway through a large garden and vine designed black cast iron gate. Although dusk with night coming near, the panoramic view of the grounds cast dramatic shadows from the generous branches of the large overgrown oak trees. Looking at the age of the trees, Liz wonders if a carriage that might have gone along these grounds two hundred years ago.  The car finally comes to a stop in a semi-circle at the front of the house.

“Welcome, can I help anyone?” graciously asks Ginny “I’ll show you where your guest rooms are so you can freshen up if you would like to.”

“Thank you Ginny!  This is a great room!” exclaims Jennings plopping down on the bed and bouncing a few times to check the comfort of the mattress and then looking over to the nightstand “You even remembered my favorite butterscotch and hot cinnamon candies!”

Down the hallway, Alice Hammer is quite pleased to find the beautiful soft plush pastel towels are in the shape of swans ready to greet her by the marble sink. As she washes her face, the other colors blend into the sink and down the drain.  But a faint green hues still leaves its watermark.   

Scanning the other amenities, Alice Hammer notices that Ginny has even included some heavenly scented perfumed lotion from Bed and Bath Works which she lavishly molds into her hands.  She puts a few dabbles behind her ears and conditions her elbows as well leaving a cloud of sweet fragrance surrounding her.

“Is everything all right?” asks Ginny popping in the door to check in on Alice Hammer who just at that moment is  fluffing her hair while blowing kisses and waving to imaginary fans mimicking Marilyn Monroe in front of the large mirror “If there is anything you need, just let me know.”

“Oh … I was just having some fun” blushes Alice Hammer grinning ear to ear “What fantastic mirrors. I can see myself head to toe and then some!  I’d like to take one to my home!”

“I’ll have to keep that in mind for a Christmas gift!” teases Ginny a floral aroma fills the room making a mental note that some scented lotion might be something that she would like.

A few minutes later, Liz hears a small knock at her door.  Closing her suitcase, she finds Ginny standing in front of her and smiling.

“I’m so glad that you decided to come!  I’ve heard so much about you and I wanted to finally meet you” honestly remarks Ginny “I hope that you enjoy your stay!”

“Thank you.  It’s quite lovely.  The flowers are beautiful too!” remarks Liz fidgeting with the sweater in her hands.

“They came from our garden out back.  Darcy said you liked yellow roses” explains Ginny arranging the baby’s breath and greenery again on the table next to her “Roses are my favorite too!”

“It’s nice to meet you too.  Caroline, Bingley, and Will Fitz have told me so many good things about you” offers Liz “It was very kind of you to invite us to stay at your house”.

“When I saw that you were coming, I went to the Chairman to request that you stay with me” smiles Ginny “I’d really like a chance for us to get to know each other better.  Darcy has such wonderful things to say about you.”

Hearing this, Liz blushes and looks down for a moment very pleased to hear this news but not wanting to give too much away, “We spent some time together a few months ago while I was visiting my friend Char, but I haven’t heard from him since then.  It’s nice to hear that he remembers me.”

“Remembers you?  I think he somehow manages to bring up your name in just about every conversation. I’ve never heard him talk so much about anyone before” informs Ginny “My brother keeps his feelings to himself but it is fairly obvious that you made an impression on him.”

“That’s nice to hear.  He made a lasting impression on me too.  I hope that we can be friends again, but I’m not sure when they will happen” shyly confesses Liz feeling oddly comfortable expressing her feelings to Ginny.

“What do you mean?  He’s downstairs.  You can go see him now if you’d like to” offers Ginny, “He told me to come up and see if you would like some cookies and other snacks that he made.”

Liz blushes a deep red knowing that she wouldn’t have shared anything if she knew that he was only a few feet away “I didn’t know he was here.  Jennings told me that she had called him earlier this week and he was going to be out of town at a conference”.

“Oh yeah, he was supposed to be but changed his mind when he found out that you would be in town.  He sent another representative from his office instead” replies Ginny explaining further “In fact he’s rearranged his schedule while you are here.  I think he wants to spend some time with you.”

Surprised by this news but not sure how to comprehend this new revelation, Liz politely responds “It would be great to catch up!  It’s been awhile since we last talked and I’m sure many things have happened since then that I don’t know about.”

Appearing slightly confused, Ginny offers “Why don’t we go downstairs.  I’ll let Jennings and Alice Hammer know as well.  I’m sure the cookies are ready by now.”

Alone for a moment, Liz takes in a deep breath unsure of what the evening will hold. Feeling nervous, she pulls on the edges of her blouse, straightens her jeans, and runs her hand through her hair. She licks her lips whispering under her breath “It will be okay.  We’re friends.  It will be all right.”

Downstairs in the family room, Liz finds Jennings looking through photo albums that have been placed on the coffee table and Alice Hammer admiring the book shelves filled with a wide range of popular fiction, classics, historical, and instructional books.

“Who reads?  You have some of the lesser know works of my favorite authors” excitedly asks Alice Hammer  flipping through a handful of two in her hand and one stowed under her arm “May I borrow one or two of them?”

“Yes, go ahead.  Feel free to borrow whatever you like, you can return it when we see each other the next time” offers Darcy turning to notice Liz as she enters the room while carrying a hot plate of fresh baked cookies “Ginny is more of a reader than me but since both of us like to read as a result have collected many books.  Together we have quite a selection. Liz, I know you like to read.  If you see something you like, we might have something you haven’t read before.  If you find something that you like, you can give it back to me when we see each other again.”

Pleased but a little unnerved by his friendliness, Liz smiles walking towards the rows of bookshelves built into the walls.  “Thank you.  I’ll definitely have to take a look.”

Darcy sets the plate on the coffee table and walking over to stand next to Liz.  “How have you been?”

“Pretty good, thank you.  How are you?” responds Liz feeling a familiar comfortableness as he moves near to her “How are things going?”

“Everything has been going well.  I’ve been very busy and in need of a vacation” shares Darcy “The last few months have gone by very slowly but so far have managed to keep up with things. What about you?  How is work at the paper?”

“It’s fine, same as usual.  I miss being down at Char’s home” offers Liz wondering if he will pick up that it is him that she misses “A vacation sounds like a nice idea.”

Moving closer, Darcy smiles with the hope that she is inferring that she has missed him too.  “I know that you have scrapbooking tomorrow, but having they scheduled in any free time?”

“It’s a come-and-go-as –you-please schedule with additional technique classes for those who are interested” Liz explains further “ They have vendors, owners of craft stores, and other experts who come as guests to demonstrate and offer advice. Since I am a beginner, I think after five hours tonight I’m close to reaching to my limit.”

“She’s free to do as she pleases” interrupts Jennings listening in on the conversation “I’m going to try and keep Alice Hammer away from the stamping tomorrow.  We’ll probably try using some stencils this time”.

“I think that I’ve spent enough time looking like the Wicked Witch of the West.  The green ink appears to have stained my skin” agrees Alice Hammer but then adds “I prefer to think I’m more like Elphaba though.” And then proceeds to sing a few bars from ‘Defying Gravity’ with extra animation for everyone’s entertainment “… something has changed within me, something is not the same,  I’m through with playing by the rules …”

Excitedly Ginny interjects “Have you seen it?  ‘Wicked’ is my favorite musical.  I loved the costumes and the voices.  The cast blended so well together and the leads were wonderful!”

“I would like to see it, but I haven’t had a chance yet” offers Liz “But I’ve already read the book by Gregory Maguire.  It was quite good.”

Jennings yawns quite loudly “Alice Hammer, I think it’s time to go upstairs.  We have a long day tomorrow”.

“Oh no, I could stay up forever.  I’m full of energy” honestly answers Alice Hammer not picking up Jennings clue propping her feet up on the ottoman while chopping on another cookie.

Perturbed Jennings leans forward attempting to grasp Alice Hammer’s attention, she quickly nods her head back and forth towards Liz and Darcy talking together “Aren’t you tired?”

“Is your neck all right?  Do you have a cramp? You seem to be twitching.  I brought some muscle cream with me if you need some” offers Alice Hammer “I had to use it the last time we went bowling and brought it with me because my arthritis acts up after scrapbooking for so many hours in a row”.

“Thank you.  Why don’t you go upstairs and get it for me?” asks Jennings raising her eyebrows and taking her two thumbs to point in the direction of Liz and Darcy.

“Are your hands hurting too?  There is nothing more painful than when my hands hurt.  I love to knit, and I’ve found if I do hand exercises it helps.  Did your doctor give them to you too?” earnestly asks Alice Hammer demonstrating some of the instructions that she was given by her physician.

“I’m fine” states Jennings tightening her lips and staring at her decides to aim her hint by using another angle “I think you might be missing your show, ‘American Superstar’ tonight.  It looks like Ashley Allison might have a chance at winning this time.”

“Oh yes, I almost forgot!  There are only three weeks left to the finale” looking at her wristwatch Alice Hammer  scuttles out of her chair “I only have two minutes until it starts!  Goodnight  everyone! See you in the morning.”

Shaking her head with a sigh of relief, Jennings shakes her head as she follows behind Alice Hammer up the stairs, “Good night!  Go ahead, stay up and talk it won’t bother us.  We’re old ladies and I’ll probably already be asleep before the show is over like I usually do.  I don’t think that I’ve made it through an entire episode yet. Typically, Alice Hammer has to wake me up because I have a habit of snoring too loudly for her to hear.”

Once everyone has left the room, Darcy finds a place next to Liz on the sofa.  They spend the evening talking and catching up.  As the hour gets later into the early morning, time passes quickly as they chat. Each can see that the other is tired, but they still continue to talk and share.  As Liz unintentionally yawns, Darcy sympathetically smiles at her.

 “Liz, would you like to go to the zoo tomorrow?   From what I hear of the forecast, it is supposed to be a spring day” asks Darcy trying to encourage her decision “It’s a good zoo with lots of animals and it’s very scenic too.”

“Sounds great! I’ve not been to the zoo here yet” accepts Liz excited to be unexpectedly spending the next day with him “What time do I need to be ready?”

“I think we’ll leave by 9:30 if that is all right with you” suggests Darcy grateful for another opportunity to spend more time with her.