Deplorable Date Part 1

A few years ago, I posted 2 chapters I had written for our Deplorable Dates theme. Last year I decided to write and publish the book based on those chapters and the ending, which I had written and also posted. Those 2 chapters turned into 3 chapters. I have updated this post to reflect Chapters 1 and 2. Since I decided to write the full story and publish it, I have removed that ending post. Frosted Window Panes is due out the week of October 10 in paperback and kindle at amazon. The kindle is available for pre-order now!

 

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Chapter 1

November

“Why did I ever agree to do this?” Elizabeth Bennet asked herself softly as she glanced down at her watch.

“Is something wrong, Miss Bennet?” Kamie Etzler asked.

Elizabeth looked up at Kamie, one of the teachers at her tutoring center, and gave her head a quick shake.

“No, nothing is wrong. I am trying to decide whether it was wise to suggest doing something with my sister this evening.” She felt like rolling her eyes, but she refrained. In truth, she had insisted upon doing it, while Jane most likely preferred that she had not.

“I’m sure you made the right decision,” said Laura Porter, another teacher.

In addition to her concern over this evening’s plans, there was the phone call from Mr. Forster. She had not told Kamie or Laura about the disappointing news he had given her and hoped she would be able to figure something out.

“Laura and I are almost finished washing and drying the dishes. Is there anything else you would like us to do before we leave?” Kamie asked.

“No. There is not much left that needs to be done. You can leave when you’re finished.”

“Are you sure? We can stay if you want.”

“When will my mommy get here?”

Elizabeth walked over to little Vanessa Morell and gently placed her hands on the six-year-old’s shoulders. The young girl had become increasingly distraught since the last child had been picked up fifteen minutes earlier.

“I hope she wasn’t in an accident.” Her voice trembled.

Elizabeth gently squeezed Vanessa’s shoulders. “I am sure she is just stuck in traffic and will be here shortly. There is no need to worry.”

When Laura and Kamie finished cleaning up, they retrieved their belongings and said goodbye to Elizabeth and Vanessa.

Elizabeth closed and locked the door behind them and looked down at her watch again. She hoped Vanessa was not sensing the anxiety she was feeling about her plans for the evening. She hoped to have left by now to allow her plenty of time to get ready, but it appeared that would not happen tonight.

Mrs. Morell finally arrived and apologized for being late. She had not been able to get out of a meeting, and her phone’s battery had died, otherwise she would have called.

Elizabeth assured Mrs. Morell she understood, and when the woman and her daughter walked out, Elizabeth let out a long breath as she looked around at the things that still needed to be done before she left for home.

Any other day, she would have stayed to hang some still wet paintings to the wall, taken the trash out, and finished some paperwork before leaving for the apartment she shared with Jane. She decided to leave the paintings on the table where they would be dry by morning. The paperwork could wait another day. She picked up a few papers and threw them into the trash can as she went to her office to retrieve her purse and coat.

She walked to the front door and then turned around to look back at the room. Satisfied with how things looked, she opened the door and stepped out, locking it behind her and giving it a good tug to make sure it was secure.

The fresh scent of a recent rain filled the air as she briskly walked to her car. It was November, and the days were short, but at least it was not cold enough to snow. There would be enough of that in the coming months.

Elizabeth started her car and let it warm up while she called her sister to let her know she was running late but should be there within thirty minutes.

“All right,” Jane replied. “Don’t drive too fast. The streets might still be a little wet from the rain we had earlier.”

“I will be careful. I’ll see you when I get home.”

Elizabeth ended the call, proud of herself that she had refrained from asking Jane whether she had changed her mind about going out with a man she only met yesterday in line at a deli.

Jane was always concerned about Elizabeth’s safety working in Meryton Heights, as well as the drive to and from. Elizabeth, on the other hand, tended to worry about Jane, who was so trusting of everyone. Elizabeth was not particularly pleased that her sister had agreed to go out with this man without knowing anything about him.

“I think he is the one!” Jane had said yesterday when she told Elizabeth about how she met Charles.

“How could you even know that after one brief encounter?” Elizabeth had asked her.

Elizabeth came to a red light and tapped her fingers on the steering wheel to the beat of the song playing on the radio. The couple planned to meet at a restaurant, and she was grateful Jane had agreed to let her join them. She could check out Charles Bingley herself.  “Well, at least he was still willing to meet Jane for dinner after she told him she was bringing me along.” She let out a laugh. “He does have that in his favor.”

They would be going to Derby Steakhouse, so if the company wasn’t desirable, at least the food would be delicious!

Elizabeth pulled into her parking space at their apartment and hurried up to the second floor. Her key was in her hand, but she had no need to use it. Jane opened the door for her.

“Hi!” Jane’s face was rosy and glowing, her eyes were bright, and her smile was bigger than Elizabeth remembered seeing in a long time.

“Hi, Jane,” Elizabeth replied with a chuckle. “You weren’t by any chance watching for me, were you?”

Jane tilted her head. “What makes you ask that?”

Elizabeth held up the key in her hand. “Oh, perhaps it was how quickly you opened the door even before I could use my key.” She stepped in. “You are really looking forward to this evening, aren’t you?”

Jane clasped her hands tightly. “Oh, I have been waiting all day! I couldn’t keep my mind focused on my work! I can’t wait for you to meet Charles.”

Elizabeth took off her coat and put it, along with her purse, on a chair. “I would surmise you have been waiting all day to see Charles, not for me to meet him.”

“Both!” Jane assured her.

“Well, if you don’t mind, I need to get ready. I don’t want to meet Charles in a blouse covered in paint.” She pointed to a few smudges.

“We still have time, but I am certain Charles wouldn’t mind.”

As Elizabeth walked to her bedroom, Jane’s phone rang. Elizabeth turned and watched as Jane glanced at the phone. A smile lit her face.

“Hello, Charles.”

Elizabeth leaned against the wall and watched as Jane listened in silence, nodding occasionally.

Jane finally spoke. “Me, too. Oh. You would rather go to Hobbs on the Hill?” She stole a glance at her sister.

Elizabeth shook her head and began waving her arms. She hurried over to her. “Not Hobbs on the Hill!” she whispered vehemently.

“Um, that would be nice, but… if you don’t mind, I think I would prefer Derby’s.” She sent her sister a reassuring smile. “OK.” After a pause, she said, “A friend?”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened and then narrowed.

“Sure, we’ll see you soon.” Jane turned the phone off and lifted her eyes. “Don’t worry. We’re still going to Derby’s. But why are you so opposed to Hobbs on the Hill? I hear it’s nice.”

Elizabeth grasped her sister’s hands, giving them a squeeze. “My dearest sister, he wants to impress you by taking you to an exclusive restaurant that doesn’t even list its prices on the menu. I wouldn’t be surprised if you have to pay for the water! Hobbs on the Hill! Hah! You know why everyone calls it Snobs on the Hill?”

“Lizzy, I am sure not everyone calls it that. It supposedly has delicious food, wonderful atmosphere, the most amazing view of the city, and apparently the hotel up there is the finest around!”

Elizabeth released her hands. “I’m sure it is a wonderful restaurant, has an amazing view, and a fine hotel which we have no need for, but Charles needs to impress you with himself, not a restaurant or its food or the atmosphere.”

Jane let out a sigh. “I know you will like him, Lizzy. Just wait.” She turned to sit down, but Elizabeth took her by the arm, bringing her to a halt.

“What was this about a friend?”

Jane’s face paled, and she winced. “He… he said he is also bringing someone – a friend.”

“Oh, Jane. You know there is nothing I dislike more than being set up on a blind date.”

“Lizzy, this is not a blind date. It’s not any kind of date!” She gave a shrug. “But you know, if you don’t want to go, you don’t have to.”

Elizabeth wagged her finger. “Jane, you barely met this guy. I am sure he is a fine gentleman, but you are so trusting while I tend to be a bit more cautious.” She leaned in and laughed. “Just humor me. You will not even notice that I am there!”

*~*~*

It began to drizzle as Elizabeth drove the two of them to the restaurant. They pulled into the small parking lot behind the steakhouse, but there were no parking places available. When the dark gray clouds suddenly released a deluge of water, Elizabeth reached for her umbrella, but couldn’t find it.

“Oh, dear! I must have left my umbrella at work. Since I’ll have to park on the street, I’ll drop you off in front, so you don’t have to walk to the restaurant in the rain.” She looked both ways before pulling back out and then turned to smile at Jane. “That way you won’t be all washed out for your Charles.”

“Oh, but Lizzy…”

Elizabeth put up her hand. “I won’t hear another word from you. You’re the one who is meeting someone and hoping to make a good impression.” She pulled to a stop in front. “I’ll be back shortly.”

Jane scrambled out of the car, and Elizabeth pulled ahead, keeping her eyes open for a close parking spot. She turned the windshield wipers on to their highest speed as the rain fell harder.

She found a parking space over a block away. She reached around again for her umbrella just in case it was not in the normal pocket on the side of her door.

“Looks like it’s just me and the rain!”

Elizabeth sat for a few moments before she stepped out. She let out a long breath and looked out the window at the rain pouring down. She was tempted to just go home. She really should have trusted Jane’s judgment. “Oh, well, I am here. I might as well at least go in and meet this guy!” She opened the door, pulled her coat over her head, and looked down as she hurried towards the restaurant, hoping she wouldn’t collide into someone.

Unfortunately, she did, just as she reached the restaurant.

“Sorry,” she said, slipping under the canopy at the front door.

“They really ought to have valet parking,” was the gruff response from the gentleman, who stepped underneath it, as well.

She looked up to see a tall, well-dressed man, who had not forgotten an umbrella. He shook it out and closed it. By his attire, Elizabeth thought he should be going to a fancy restaurant instead of this one.

“Well, it’s not Snobs on the Hill,” she said with a soft chuckle. She winced. Did I say that out loud?

“Pardon me?” the gentleman asked, with a look of annoyance.

Elizabeth gave her head a shake. He did not seem to appreciate her comment, and she cleared her throat. “It’s not… never mind. A little rain – or walk – won’t hurt anyone.” The rain was the least of her worries right now.

The gentleman grumbled and walked up to the door, opening it for her. As she walked past him, she caught a scent of his cologne. The cologne may have been heavenly, but he certainly was not.

She stepped inside and looked about, hoping her eyes would quickly adjust to the dimly lit room. She could sense the gentleman behind her, and imagined he was doing the same. She soon saw Jane sitting next to a nice-looking man. They were in the waiting area by themselves, and she had a ray of hope that he had decided not to bring his friend. Jane turned, and upon noticing her, gave the gentleman, whom Elizabeth assumed was Charles, a nudge. A wide smile lit his face, he said something to Jane, and the two stood.

Elizabeth walked over, still sensing – and smelling – the gentleman behind her. When she reached the two, Jane reached out and took her hand. Charles extended his hand, but Elizabeth thought it odd he was not extending it to her. When a hand from behind her took his, she cringed. Of all the people Charles had invited, it had to be Mr. No-Valet-Parking!

Introductions were made, and the gentleman who had walked in with her was Will Darcy. As the foursome waited to be called, they shared a little about themselves and their occupations.

“I am an accountant for a large web design company and have been with them for four years,” Charles began. “It is a great place to work, and I love what I do.” He turned to Jane. “And I don’t know how Jane and I could have worked so near each other all this time and never met before yesterday!” He reached over and took Jane’s hand. “You go next, Jane.”

“All right. For three years I have worked as an executive assistant to a group of lawyers in a law firm specializing in litigation and contract breaches.” She shared a little bit more about her responsibilities.

“Do you ever plan to become a lawyer yourself?” Will asked.

She gave a shrug. “I am not sure. I enjoy what I do and that I don’t have to take my work home with me as so many of the lawyers have to do.”

Charles let out a laugh. “That sounds like Will! He is always working!”

Elizabeth had noticed that his friend had frequently looked at his watch or down at his phone as the others talked. She wondered if he had some other place he needed – or wanted – to be!

“Tell them what you do, Will.”

“I have been with my family’s company, Darcy Enterprises, since my late teens. It was a company that my late grandfather founded over forty years ago.”

He paused and didn’t seem inclined to continue, but Charles jumped in. “He is being modest. He is CEO of Darcy Enterprises and has been in that position for about four years now.”

“That is very impressive!” Jane said, casting a quick glance at Elizabeth, lifting her brows.

Before Elizabeth had the opportunity to talk about her job, their party was called, and they followed the waitress to a round table at the back of the restaurant. Elizabeth walked ahead of Will, and she could almost feel his contempt for this place. At one point she thought she heard him let out a huff.

Derby Steakhouse was not fancy, and they had not updated their decor in at least twenty years. The only thing that could be considered fancy was the string of white twinkling lights draped around a small, polished wood dancing floor. Unfortunately, there was no band, just a jukebox where patrons could select the music they wanted to dance to. They did have delicious, but reasonably priced steaks and excellent service.

The waitress set the menus down on their small round table. Elizabeth took the chair on one side of Jane, and Charles on the other. Will sat between his friend and Elizabeth.

She was determined to decide for herself just how perfect Charles Bingley was for Jane. As for his friend, she already had her mind made up about him.

 

Chapter 2

As they opened their menus, Will asked, “Is anything good here?”

Elizabeth grimaced. “As a matter of fact, the steaks are delicious and always cooked to perfection.” She sent him a forced smile. “They will cook them any way you like them.” She lifted a brow. “I would surmise that you prefer your steaks cooked rare – or very well done.”

Will leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “Medium rare, actually.”

When the waitress came back to take their order, Elizabeth ordered her steak medium rare, as well.

Elizabeth’s phone rang, and she pulled it out to look at it. Seeing who it was, she turned it off and set it down.

The waitress took their order, and Elizabeth listened as Jane and Charles talked. She noticed how different the two men were from each other and couldn’t help wondering how they could be such close friends.

Charles had a smile that never faded and eyes that sparkled, seeking eye contact with the person who was speaking. He looked from one person to another, even if his conversation was directed at only one person, which was usually Jane. It was as if he was including everyone in the conversation. He was lively and engaging, but he was not at all overbearing. He was dressed nicely, but more casually than his friend. His hair was cut short, but he had a few unruly curls that stood up on end. His hands looked like he often worked with them.

Elizabeth took a quick look at the man sitting next to her. He was handsome, to be sure, with his designer suit, manicured nails and styled hair, and a dimple that took Elizabeth by surprise the first time she noticed it. It was not one of those dimples that marks the face all the time but showed itself only on occasion. His teeth were white – she couldn’t help but wonder if they were real. But it was his eyes. They seemed to have a depth to them – not only in the intensity of his gaze, but in an understanding of the world around him. When he looked at you, it was almost as if he was seeking to understand who you really were; trying to determine whether you were wearing a mask. She wondered if he was wearing a mask that hid who he was.

As Elizabeth watched her sister and Charles talk, she couldn’t help but smile at Jane’s serene countenance, her subdued delight as they conversed and discovered their mutual interests, and her sister’s occasional glance at her, as if rubbing it in that he was everything she believed him to be. She had to admit that based on her first impression of him, he did seem to be exactly as Jane described. His friend, however… She stole a quick glance at him. She was grateful she and Will were not on a date.

As if knowing she was thinking about him, Will unexpectedly turned and met her gaze. “We never heard what it is you do, Elizabeth.”

His apparent interest startled her. “I… I run an after-school tutoring center northeast of downtown… in Meryton Heights.”

“Meryton Heights? I see.”

Oh, I’m sure you see, she thought.

She saw his eyes twitch. Could he be inwardly censuring her for doing something he would consider beneath him? Working with people who had very little, who worried where their next meal might come from, and who had to do their shopping in the second-hand store? It was likely he didn’t give a second thought to spending his money wherever and whenever he wanted.

“What is the name?”

It took her a moment to realize he had asked a question.

“Your daycare…”

“Oh! No, it isn’t a daycare.” She drew in a breath to calm herself. The one thing she hated was for people to refer to it as a daycare, when they did so much more academically than just babysit children. “It’s called the Providence Readiness Excel Program Academy.”

“We call it PREP Academy or PREP for short,” added Jane.

“All who come are required to do schoolwork, and we help when needed.” All eyes were on her, and she had a sudden urge to make a good impression. “I find it rewarding to see the progress made by some of our boys and girls who have been a part of this program since kindergarten. Many of them need special attention, and the schools do not have the manpower, resources, or time to give them.”

Jane leaned in. “She is absolutely wonderful working with them.”

Will tilted his head, and his eyes were fixed on her as she spoke. His brows narrowed slightly.

She was perturbed that he likely thought it was not an esteemed occupation for a lady. “It isn’t just babysitting if that’s what you’re thinking. We pride ourselves on giving our students what they need to succeed. Many have learning disabilities, and they don’t always get the direction they need in the public schools. Right now, we only take children through elementary school, but I hope to expand and open it up to middle and high schoolers.”

The smile on Charles’s face expressed his enthusiasm. “I think that is awesome!”

Elizabeth returned his smile. “I have big plans for it. I hope someday – with the right amount of space and staff – to offer sports, music, dance, and art, in addition to what we do now, which is tutoring basic school subjects. I want to be able to give them the opportunity to participate in things that interest them. I want to open doors to them that will expose them to something new – something they perhaps had not considered or did not have the means to take part in.”

“Don’t forget the computer lab,” Jane said as she turned to Charles. “That’s something she would like to implement soon.”

“What do you charge the families for these opportunities?” Will leaned back again, crossing his arms.

Elizabeth stifled a grimace at his question. She knew how the wealthy are always thinking of money – and the making of it. He was likely no different, and his posture confirmed it.

“I charge on a sliding scale depending on the income of the family, as well as some other factors. Someday, I would like to be able to offer scholarships to those who need it.”

Will leaned forward, lifting a brow. “You have lofty dreams.”

“And success often comes from such dreams.” She felt herself stiffen. “It is not everyone who can be born into a successful family or career.” She grabbed her purse. “If you will excuse me, I need to go to the ladies room.”

“I’ll come with you,” Jane said.

As they stepped around the partition behind their table that took them to the restroom, Elizabeth remembered she had left her phone on the table.

“Oh, I forgot my phone. I’m going to go back and get it. George called earlier and I want to text him back while we’re in there.”

When she stepped back around the short partition wall, the two men’s backs were to her, and they were talking.

“So, my good friend, what do you think?” Charles asked.

Elizabeth paused.

“I have to confess I am surprised you brought her here. Why didn’t you take her to Hobbs on the Hill, as I recommended? This is not the best restaurant to impress a lady on a first date.”

“I suggested it, but Jane said she preferred to come here. She says it is very good.” Charles looked around him. “Not the best atmosphere, I admit, but I wasn’t asking about the restaurant, what do you think of Jane?”

Elizabeth watched Will take in a deep breath. “Jane is pretty. I grant you that.”

“She is an angel!” Charles declared.

Will shook his head. “There is more to a lady’s suitability than her appearance.”

“She is the sweetest girl I have ever met!” Charles took a sip of his drink. “Her sister is pretty, too, don’t you think?”

Elizabeth drew in a breath and held it while she waited to hear Will’s response. He was slow to answer and seemed to be considering his response as he began to tap his fingers on the table. “I suppose some may consider her pretty… if she is their type.”

Charles laughed. “I have yet to discover just who your type is, Will. You baffle me!”

Elizabeth fisted her hands, and as she took a step forward, she heard her phone ring. She saw Will lean over and look at the screen, and then saw him give his head a brisk shake.

Elizabeth hurried over, grabbed the phone from the table, and shot him an accusing glance. “If you don’t mind…”

She left and glanced down to see George Wickham had called again.

Jane was at the sink washing her hands when Elizabeth returned to the restroom. “What took you so long?” She looked at Elizabeth. “Is something wrong?”

“I’ll tell you about it later.” She looked in the mirror at her sister. “Jane, Charles seems delightful, kind, attentive, and everything else you believed him to be.” She shook her head. “But his friend!” She paused, and then added, “I feel like he is judging everything I do!”

“Oh, I am certain he is doing no such thing!”

“Well, at least it’s just tonight. I can endure his company for another hour or so.” She looked at her phone. “George has called twice, so I’m going to text him and let him know you and I are out eating. He keeps asking me to go out with him!”

“I thought you two were just friends.”

“So did I, but I guess he didn’t get that memo.”

Jane smiled. “If you don’t mind, I’m going back out.”

“And I’ll be there in a bit.”

Elizabeth sent off a quick text and then turned off the phone so he wouldn’t disturb her again.

When she returned to the table, their food was being brought out. She found herself hoping Will would find his steak as good as any he had eaten, but she doubted he would. If he did, he probably wouldn’t admit it.

She watched him take his first bite. He seemed bothered about something, as if he had a bad taste in his mouth. She gave her head a slight shake as she realized there would be no pleasing him tonight. Jane and Charles continued to talk, and Elizabeth was content to quietly sit and watch them. Will also seemed content to remain silent.

By the time they had finished their meal, Charles and Jane likely knew everything about each other, while Elizabeth knew nothing more about Will. It was decided they would order one dessert and share it. Cherries jubilee was the one agreed upon. When a song began playing, and a few couples went out onto the dance floor, Charles stood up, extended his hand, and offered it to Jane. “Would you care to dance?”

A smile lit Jane’s face. “I would love to.”

Elizabeth watched them as they walked away, and then turned to face the only other person at the table. He had also been watching them, and when he turned and met Elizabeth’s gaze, she drew back.

“I… uh… No, no. Please do not think you have to ask me to dance. I am not at all inclined to dance.”

Will pursed his lips, and then finally said, “I guess that is all good and well because I had not intended to ask you to dance.”

Elizabeth forced a smile, despite feeling a rather unexpected sense of disappointment. She was at a loss for words, something she rarely experienced. It may have been the intense look in his eyes, but she decided it was that she had no desire to converse with the man sitting across from her.

She turned to watch Charles and Jane as they danced to a slow tune. She felt, rather than saw, Will’s eyes were still upon her.

“Look,” she said as she turned back to him. “I know neither of us came tonight with any intent – or hope – of it being a date, so we don’t have to make a pretense of it.”

His eyes narrowed, and then he glanced back at the dancing couple, nodding towards them. “True. I am quite certain you came to make sure the man your sister met only just yesterday could be trusted.” He looked back with a questioning glance. “Correct?”

“You can never be too sure these days.”

“Well, I can guarantee you will find no one more kind, respectable, and honorable than Charles.”

Elizabeth tilted her head. “And I would guess you are here because Charles asked you to come along because he didn’t want me to be a third wheel on his date with Jane.” She crossed her arms in front of her on the table “Am I correct?”

“Not quite.”

She widened her eyes. “No?”

“On the contrary. He told me you were accompanying them, and I was the one who asked to join them.”

“Why?” She let out a soft laugh. “Were you unable to find a date for tonight?” She regretted saying it the moment it came out of her mouth.

His eyes darkened. It was apparent he did not seem to find any humor in it.

“I wanted to make sure…” He paused and drew in a slow breath. “Charles tends to fall fast and hard for a pretty face. I wanted to make sure Jane was not one of those shallow ladies who is only looking to date a guy with some money, and who will quickly dump him when she has had enough of him.”

“Jane would never do that.” She shook her head. “Besides, if he has a lot of money, I don’t think Jane is even aware of it.”

“I am certain your sister is very sweet, but I also wanted to make sure the woman he claimed to be the answer to all his dreams was not the type of woman who would get hurt when he leaves her behind for another pretty face.”

This time Elizabeth lowered her brows. “Are you claiming Charles is a womanizer?”

“Not at all, but he tends to give his heart away too soon, and then discovers too late she may not be everything he thought her to be. At first, there is a spark, then a burst of flames, only to slowly fizzle out.” He lowered his brows and added, “Much like the cherries jubilee we will be having.”

Elizabeth’s jaw dropped, and she let out a huff. “Do you always meddle in your friend’s affairs like this? Do you always have to size up his dates and give him your approval rating?” She paused and lifted a single brow. “Or are you this way with everyone?”

He did not have the opportunity to reply. The song had ended, and Charles and Jane returned to the table. The waitress followed behind them, bringing four bowls of ice cream to the table.

A chef approached and asked everyone to lean back as he placed the pan of cherries jubilee in the center of the table. When he lit them, they went up in a quick flame that just as quickly diminished.

Jane squealed. “My! That extinguished quickly!”

Will sent Elizabeth a knowing look.

The waitress spooned some of the cherries out onto the mounds of ice cream in front of each of them.

“This looks delicious!” Charles said as he turned to Will. “This is the perfect ending to a perfect dinner! Don’t you think?” He glanced back at Jane and smiled.

They all agreed the dessert was superb, and when they had finished, Jane gave Elizabeth a nudge. “I need to go to the restroom. Would you care to join me?”

This was their signal that they needed to talk. She wiped her mouth with her napkin and replied, “Certainly.”

When they were inside the restroom, Jane’s eyes were bright and her smile wide. “Oh, Lizzy! I think he is wonderful! Charles invited me to a big Christmas Gala at Will’s home coming up in a few weeks. You won’t believe where his home is.”

“Well, I cannot begin to guess, but I assume you are going to tell me.”

“It’s in Pemberley Estates!”

Elizabeth drew back, surprised. “Really? Those homes are…”

Jane’s eyes lit up. “Mansions!” She grasped her sister’s hands. “You know how we always wished we could be a little mouse and sneak in through the gates and look around at just one?”

Elizabeth let out a huff. “Well, you can tell me all about it, Jane. When I see what my kids face every day, I’m not sure I care to see how those people live.”

“But Lizzy, you are coming, too!”

“Oh, no! I give Charles my hearty approval. You do not need me tagging along on any more of your dates.”

“No, you have to come. Charles has a business meeting to attend on the other side of town and won’t be able to pick me up. He said he could send one of Will’s cars for me, but I suggested you and I can just drive over. Or you could invite someone, and he could drive us both over. Like George.” She smiled wryly. “Then Charles could bring me home later.”

“Oh, Jane, I don’t know. But it won’t be George.”

Jane tilted her head. “You know you want to see it!” She clasped her hands. “Please?”

Elizabeth let out a soft moan. “All right. If I have to…”

Jane squealed and gave her a hug. “Thank you so much! It will be so much fun! You know we will have to buy some new dresses for the occasion.” She pulled away and then winced. “Oh, and would you mind too much if Charles drove me home tonight? I know you can see he is everything good and honorable.”

“Well, I…”

“Please?”

“All right, but I don’t want you out later than midnight, or I will call the cops!”

“Thanks, so much!” Jane gave her a mischievous smile. “Don’t worry, Momma Lizzy. I’ll call you if I won’t be home by then.”

 

Click here to read Chapter 3.