“Mr. Darcy, I’ll text Mary King so she can let the others know we found Georgie.”
“I don’t want those kids anywhere near here. Do you understand me?” he snapped.”
“Yes, of course,” she answered coolly. “I’ll wait outside for the emergency vehicles.”
“You do that.” He nearly spat before returning his attention to his sister.
Minutes later, the ambulance and police arrived. Wickham was detained while William accompanied Georgiana to the hospital in the ambulance. Elizabeth remained behind to deal with the police and reassure Georgiana’s friends and Mrs. King that she would be okay.
~ ♫ ~
The present
“Elizabeth Bennet,” William sighed, stepping away from the window. At the time, he blamed others for what had happened to his sister, but after all was said and done; he also knew Elizabeth was right. There was no one to blame but himself. He would never forget the turn of her countenance as she spoke in defense of Mrs. Gardiner following George Wickham’s hearing.
“Mr. Darcy, how dare you berate my aunt?! Have you ever set foot in her studio? Have you even bothered to have a conversation with her concerning your sister’s progress? Maybe she should have had better judgement in hiring George Wickham, but Madeline Gardiner is not culpable for what took place outside of the studio. And if you were not so full of yourself, perhaps you would gain a little perspective.”
“Well, Ms. Bennet, it looks like we’ll be seeing each other again.” He massaged the back of his neck trying to relieve some of the tension he was feeling. “And … I guess it’s about time I dished out an apology for my offensive behavior.”
Chapter 2
Dinner At Eight
Bingley’s holiday party
Friday night, later that week
“Lizzy, this dress is spectacular! Pretty sophisticated for a music teacher, if you ask me. It’s not at all your usual style. I can’t believe you rented it!” Jane stepped back giving her sister the once over.
“Shush! Do you want the whole room to know? And for your information, this is not the dress I rented. Take a look.” She began scrolling through her phone. “This is the confirmation and picture of what I should have gotten in the mail.”
“Star in your own show in this classic dress,” Jane read aloud. “The fold-over neckline comes to life in an off-shoulder effect. The bodice and mini-skirt are lined for a flattering fit and perfect for a hot date or night out with friends. Lizzy, the dress they sent you is anything but a mini dress; although I will say the plunging neckline down the back of it is definitely way off the shoulder. So, what happened?”
“Elizabeth Benton who lives in Meryton, Ohio is what happened. She got my dress. Rent the Modern Closet has promised to give me a full refund. With this dress being delivered while I was at school, I wasn’t able to send it back in time to get a replacement for tonight. Nevertheless, here I am in the flesh, so to speak.” She struck a classy pose before playfully breaking into laughter. Elizabeth’s dress was a sleek fiery red, cowl backless V-neck, floor length formal gown with a thigh-high side slit.
“You have no idea what I went through trying to find a strapless, backless, push-up, stick-on bra for this thing,” she whispered. Jane tried to hide her amusement while listening to Elizabeth detailing her dilemma. “It was either go braless or be forced to wear one of my kids’ show choir dresses. Not! Thankfully, Charlotte came to the rescue with a scandalous bra she bought from Cleavage Designs. She says this bra is all the rage on Instagram. Everyone is talking about it.”
“Cleavage Designs?” Jane mouthed—her eyes wide open. “Um … I didn’t think you and Charlotte were anywhere close to the same size. She’s so … willowy.”
“We’re not the same size, but fortunately, there was enough wiggle room to make due.” The two sisters giggled.
“Speaking of your hot date, where’s Johnny Lucas? Is he still parking the car?” Jane scanned the room looking for Elizabeth’s absentee escort.
“Oh, he’s parking the car alright—in Detroit!”
“You’re kidding. You mean to tell me Lucas stood you up again?”
“That he did!”
“What was it this time—a transmission? Someone’s timing belt?”
“Jane, have you no imagination? I’m being stood up for…. And I quote—a Classic 1966 Chevrolet Corvette—350 V8, four-speed Manual, only 96,000 Miles—end of quote. And as red as my dress, I might add.”
“Wow! I can imagine a Corvette must cost a pretty penny, no matter what year it was built. What kind of price tag are we talking here?”
“It was only fifty-one thousand big ones, says Mr. Lucas.”
“Fifty-one thousand—as in dollars?” Jane nearly gasped. “Where does a mechanic get that kind of money?”
“Johnny and his buddy Scott got the loan approved yesterday and headed straight for Detroit after they closed up shop this afternoon.”
“Oh, Lizzy, I’m so sorry. We really have to get you signed up for the….”
“Don’t even say it. I promise I’ll look into your dating service once the holidays are over.”
“Good, I’m holding you to it. In the meantime, take heart, dear sister. With the way you look in this dress, there’s bound to be some attractive single, corporate-type who will be glad to ogle you for an hour or two. Charles says he has a friend from work who is recently divorced, Richard somebody or other. He’s not bringing a date, from what I gather. You never know, this may very well turn out to be your Holiday to Remember.”
“Very funny, Jane. More like A Holiday to Forget! Something tells me I should seriously consider changing the name of that medley when I get back to school on Monday.”
“Lizzy!”
“Enough about my love life or lack thereof. I meant to ask you, what’s up with this strange house?”
“A bit much, isn’t it?”
“The décor is so … black and white, in a sterile ultra-modern kind of way. Aside from a couple of Art Deco pictures scattered here and there, I think this place is in dire need of color. Of course, no one could ever complain about the white Steinway. It’s very classy.”
“The piano actually belongs to Caroline, and the house has been in the Bingley family for decades. She was the one who suggested the enclosed terrace be added on for hosting large dinner parties. I think you’ll rather like it when we go in to eat later on. It looks very classy.”
“I’ll try to keep an open mind.” She smiled.
“In general, Charles rarely comes here except to visit his parents when they’re in residence, or if he wants to entertain a large group like tonight. Between you and me, he prefers his condo in the city. My only advice about the house is to stay away from the man cave. Bingley Senior was a big time safari hunter. The room definitely gives me the creeps, and not simply because I’m a vegetarian.”
“Thanks for the warning. For now, I’d rather check out the music in the next room and mingle a little with the foundation crowd. I’m hoping to meet Mr. Reynolds, since he was the one who booked the Vocalteens for the Gala. He’s been very helpful, and I’d like to thank him in person.”
“I’m sure Charles would be happy to introduce the two of you. Last I saw him, he was chatting with one of his co-workers in the next room. I wonder what’s keeping him.”
“There’s no rush.”
Entering the great room, Elizabeth was ecstatic when she saw who was at the keyboard. “Jane, look! It’s Skip Evans and his trio! I knew I recognized his style. Last July, he did a series of jazz workshops at Elmhurst College, and earlier in the summer, we worked together when some of my high school students attended the All State Jazz Fest at Northwestern University. Skip is such an amazing musician. One of my seniors has been studying privately with him. How about I introduce you to the guys?”
“Thanks, but I think I’ll go find Charles. You go ahead and have some fun and we’ll catch up in a bit.”
~ ♫ ~
A litt
le later
“William, can you tell me who is the gorgeous brunette talking with the piano player?” Richard Fitzwilliam let out a low growl, unable to contain his desires.
“What?” William’s gaze barely acknowledged his cousin’s inquiry, totally mesmerized by the woman he at one time practically vowed to ruin, along with her aunt.
“Man, she’s hot. Do you see her bare back? And that slit….” He let out a low whistle. “Did I ever mention how much I really enjoy long legs? Uh … earth to Darcy?” Richard nudged William’s arm.
“The woman you happen to be lusting after is none other than Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“You’ve got to be kidding. Not the backup singer from Lollapalooza who was with that Wickham character? Isn’t she the one who nearly chewed your head off after Georgie testified at the hearing?”
“One and the same, only it turns out … she wasn’t with George Wickham after all. Miss Bennet was only helping out that sleaze since he had been subbing as a teacher at her aunt’s music store. My investigators thoroughly checked out both women, and I found I was utterly wrong in my assumptions. In fact, I still owe each of them an apology.”
“A little belated if you ask me.”
“I know.”
“Well, considering this pertinent bit of information, I think I’ll get going. I wouldn’t want to jeopardize my own chances with such a beautiful woman by being associated with you. Hopefully, she won’t remember me from the hearing. Besides, it looks like dear Caro is about to make her move in this direction, and I’d only be in her way.” He chuckled. “You better hope she didn’t notice your gawking or you’ll never hear the end of it.” William rolled his eyes in disgust. “Wish me luck, buddy!”
~ ♫ ~
“William, darling, what are you doing over here in this corner all by yourself? Waiting for me by any chance?” Caroline purred while running her hand along his biceps.
“Nothing really,” he answered coolly. “Just nursing my drink, as you can see.” He purposely stepped aside, forcing Caroline to stop groping his arm.
Caroline immediately frowned when she realized who had been taking up William’s attention. “Oh, for pity’s sake!” she fumed. “That woman is nothing more than a high school music teacher, hardly worth your notice. There’s no money to speak of in the Bennet family, and her father is nothing but a literature professor at some junior college or other.
“Frankly, I don’t know what’s gotten into Charles lately. His sweet Janie, a little nobody nurse from Meryton Heights has his head spinning. She’s only after his money, and now here is her tag-along sister who is just as eager to trap some unsuspecting guy.” Putting down her drink, Caroline stepped directly in front of William with the intent of blocking his view of Elizabeth. Taking hold of his free hand and pulling it to her bosom she moved closer. “William, I can guarantee you’ll have much more fun hanging out with me, tonight. I have some new art-work worth viewing in my bedroom, if you take my meaning.” She batted her eye lashes while managing to stroke his calf with the side of her stiletto shoe.
“I think not, Caroline.” He scowled, detaching himself from her once again. “And … for your information, I find nothing wrong with the Bennet sisters. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to speak with Reynolds.” William turned and walked away without saying anything further.
“I always did like a challenge,” she mumbled under her breath. “And I’m certainly not going to let someone like Eliza Bennet step on my toes tonight.”
~ ♫ ~
Meanwhile Elizabeth was commiserating with Skip Evans who was rolling out the last riff on the keyboard before finishing the set. “Nice arrangement,” she offered. “A touch of Oscar Peterson?”
“There’s no fooling you, Liz. Peterson’s arrangements are classic. Say, how would you like to sit in with the guys for a little while? We only have one more set before dinner is served, but I really need to call Carrie. She hasn’t been feeling well and sent me a text not too long ago.”
“How’s she doing?”
“The OB says it could be any day now, and she’s been having false labor pains all week—kind of unnerving.”
“Move over. I’m happy to help out. Give Carrie my best. Who knows, if Eric and Alex cooperate, I’ll even sing lead.” She gave them a wink.
“You go for it, sweetie, and we’ll finish off with a duet when I come back.”
“Great! So what will it be, guys? I see Skip left us with You are the Sunshine of my Life. Are we good to go?” They both agreed, so Elizabeth plunged right in with the intro and began singing the first verse. Her energy seemed to fill the room, and before long Richard, along with several others, had gathered around the musicians to make requests. Once Skip returned, he made good on his promise for a duet and asked if anyone had a particular song they would like to hear. Stepping forward, Richard leaned in and suggested, “How about When I fall in Love?”
“Ah, I see we have a true romantic in our midst.” Elizabeth flashed him an inviting smile before turning to Skip who nodded in agreement. Skip began by playing the intro to an arrangement of the song which was worked up for singer Natalie Cole. She happened to perform it with virtual clips sung by her father, the famous Nat King Cole, some years back. Taking the mic in hand, Elizabeth positioned herself front and center.
Starting out with the beguiling melody of this old Jazz standard, the mood was immediately set as Elizabeth began singing the familiar words of the tune in her low rich alto voice. With her eyes half-closed, she swayed to the music while she and Skip alternately sang the melody and filled in with velvety harmonies.
And the moment
I can feel that you feel that way too
Is when I fall in love
With you.
When I Fall in Love – by Victor Young and Edward Heyman
Little by little, those who had been milling about and chatting nearby stopped what they were doing to listen. It was as though each observer fell completely under her spell, not knowing if it was the shimmering red dress, her smoky voice, or a combination of both which pulled them in. Unknown to Elizabeth, William Darcy was equally captivated. His gaze narrowed until it seemed she was the center of his world. In a way, Charles was right. She actually was quite different from the usual women he dated—business type, often superficial, and only interested in his money.
Elizabeth Bennet was extraordinary. With her open demeanor and unassuming nature, she had a zest for life which seemed to spill forth at every turn. She was a talented musician who was devoted to her students and a woman who was fiercely loyal to her family, as was proven by her defense of Mrs. Gardiner when they exchanged heated words back in early October. If they could resolve their differences, William wondered whether or not Elizabeth would be able see past the corporate façade he generally portrayed in the business world and look at him for the man he truly was.
When her eyes finally drifted to where William was standing, she gave him a half-smile, and his heart felt as though it might have skipped a beat. Her eyes were warm and filled with passion as she continued to sing. Could she possibly know what he was thinking? No, she was only caught up in the sentiment of the song, nothing more. Moments later, she turned away and finished singing as elegantly as she had begun. As the two singers concluded, not a sound could be heard in the room until the last chord on the keyboard finished resonating.
The crowd burst into applause and though the set was finished, everybody asked for one more number. Elizabeth was embarrassed by the adulation and turned to Skip for a suggestion. “Okay, if you insist,” she responded. “One last song, and then the trio will take a break until after dinner. This past June, Skip Evans and I worked with a very talented group of high school students at the All State Jazz Fest. They performed a well-loved—though admittedly cheesy song—at the final concert. We give you, I will survive—the hit song made famous by Gloria Gaynor and first performed in 1978. Get out your disco shoes and let’s party!”
Skip
started out with the all too familiar piano intro, and Elizabeth immediately took on a classic pose with attitude. She sang with spunk, inspiring the crowd to join in not only with dancing, but with singing as the song progressed. At the end, the room was filled with exuberant applause and many happy faces.
Oh, no, not I, I will survive
Oh as long as I know how to love, I know I’m still alive
I’ve got my life to live, and I’ve got all my love to give
And I’ll survive, I will survive
I will survive – by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris
Caroline nearly exploded when she happened to walk back into the great room during the height of Elizabeth’s performance. Seething, she sidled up to William and complained through gritted teeth, “Can you believe her nerve? This is my party and that little nobody is trying to take over like she owns the place.”
“Actually, Caroline, this is Charles’ party, and it looks to me like everyone is having fun. Let’s face it … Elizabeth Bennet is one talented performer, and she knows how to work the crowd.”
“Well, for your information, I was the one who hired Skip Evans and his trio. Their job was to play easy listening music before dinner and not carry on with some high school show choir exhibition. Frankly, I see nothing special about that woman!” she fumed.
“It’s her eyes,” William murmured. “Every word she sings seems to come alive in her eyes when she’s performing.”
A Holiday to Remember Page 2
