Waiting for Mr. Darcy

by Chamein Canton

  “You might have a point,” she admitted grudgingly.

  “Mind if I write that down?” he joked.

  “I’m not that bad.”

  He got up and kissed her on the forehead. “No, you’re not that bad at all.”

  The doorbell rang.

  “Are you expecting anyone today?” Harrison asked.

  “No. Must be a delivery or something.”

  “I’ll be right back.”

  “Okay.” Alicia went back to sorting through the bag of letters. “I thought they said letter writing was dead.” She looked at all three bags.

  “Look who I found.”

  Kurt Jr. rushed over to the sofa and hugged her. “I heard what happened yesterday in the pool. I would have been out here yesterday, but we were working way out east and I had no reception.”

  “I understand. I’m fine, sweetie.” She patted his back.

  “Are you sure, Mom?” His eyes seemed to fill with tears. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here yesterday.”

  “Oh, sweetie, if you cry I will fall to pieces right here.”

  He wiped his eyes. “I know, Mom. It’s just the thought of losing you…”

  She caressed his cheek. “I’m not going anywhere. You see I’m still in one piece.”

  “Thanks to Nathaniel Becker,” Harrison added.

  “I have to be sure to thank him, too. I’m sure you thanked him.”

  “Sure,” Alicia said weakly.

  “Mom, the man saved your life. Surely that rates a thank you.”

  Alicia looked over at Harrison, who looked at the wall.

  “What’s going on here? What’s with the looks?”

  Alicia knew she needed to bite the bullet and tell him about the date, but she was hesitant.

  “I’ll leave you two alone for a while. I’ll be in the kitchen if anyone needs me.” Harrison left.

  “What is it, Mom? Are you really okay?”

  “Well…” she began.

  “Come on, you’re killing me, Mom.”

  “I invited Nathaniel to dinner last night to thank him.”

  “Oh, that was nice.”

  “I thought it was the least I could do, but then…”

  “Then what?”

  “Nathaniel asked me out to dinner Friday night and I agreed.” She braced herself.

  Kurt Jr. didn’t say a word.

  “I realize this is sudden, so if you’re not comfortable I won’t go.”

  “Why in the world would you think that, Mom?”

  “It’s one thing to say you want me to date, but it’s something different when it happens.”

  Kurt smiled. “I’ve been the one telling you that you needed to date.”

  “But you and your dad were so close.”

  “Mom, I love Dad and I miss him every day, but I want you to be happy and live your life. I think it’s great that you’re going out on a date.”

  Alicia felt a tear roll down her face. “Thank you.” She kissed his forehead.

  “I can’t say I’m surprised it’s Nate.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Yeah, Mom. It’s kind of like elementary school. Guys pick on the girls they like, and Nate never seemed to miss an opportunity to get under your skin.”

  She laughed. “So you mean even though they go from recess to recessive hairlines guys still use playground tactics? That’s funny.”

  “It works.”

  “Apparently.”

  Kurt Jr. leaned back on the sofa. “So how long has it been since you’ve been on an actual date, Mom?”

  “Ronald Reagan was president.”

  “Wow.”

  “Hey!” She playfully hit him on the shoulder. “It’s not like I said Lincoln.”

  “Okay, Mom.” He rubbed his shoulder.

  Harrison walked back in. “Everything okay in here?”

  “Yes, Mr. H. Mom’s going out with Nate.”

  “I know. Will wonders never cease?”

  “You think Nate knows what he’s in for?”

  “Hey!” Alicia protested.

  “I’m just teasing, Mom.”

  “Kurt, I made your Mom’s sour cream coffee cake. Can I interest you?”

  He jumped up. “You don’t have to ask me twice.” He turned to Alicia. “Are you coming, Mom?”

  “You go ahead for now. I’m going to go through a few more letters and then I’ll join you.”

  “In case you’re thinking about it, I locked your office door.”

  “Okay, warden.”

  “Very funny, Alicia,” Harrison said as he turned to leave.

  As Alicia sorted the letters she listened to Harrison and Kurt Jr. chat in the kitchen, and for a moment she remembered the sounds of him and his dad from the house in Bronxville. Kurt had had an infectious laugh that filled whatever room he was in and Kurt Jr. sounded just like him. Deep down Alicia knew that a man who loved life as much as Kurt did would want her to get on with the business of living.

  * * *

  After she’d spent the day supervising new installations and working with the event planner for the upcoming exhibit, Gabby returned to her office. She still looked pulled together in a simple yet classic black sheath dress with a soft yellow jacket. She knew the outfit would make a nice transition from day to evening for her date with Nigel.

  “I have to remember to ask Victor about the lighting crew,” Gabby mumbled as she jotted her thought down.

  Robin walked in. “Listen, I know it’s the end of the day but I need a little caffeine. Do you mind if I go on a Starbucks run?”

  “Sure, go ahead.”

  “Do you want anything?”

  “No, I’m going to dinner in a little while.”

  “Okay. I’ll be back in a flash.” She turned and left the office.

  Gabby sat down and wrote her notes.

  There was a knock at the door.

  “Yes?” She looked up and saw Terrence Talbot. Tall, slim and blond, he was a tanner version of her ex-husband Bill.

  “Hi, Gabby. It seems your assistant stepped away from her desk, so I took a chance.”

  “She went on a Starbucks run. How are you, Terrence?”

  “I’m good, thanks. I was in the neighborhood on business and thought I’d stop by and say hello.”

  “That was nice of you. Come on in and have a seat.” She motioned. I’m going to kill my mother.

  “I ran into your mother a couple of weeks ago at the club.”

  “I know, she mentioned that at tea last Sunday.”

  “Oh, she did? I told her to tell you hello, but she said I should do it in person.”

  “That’s my mother.”

  “So how have you been? I haven’t seen you around the club in forever.”

  “The gallery keeps me busy.”

  “I noticed. How are the kids?”

  “They’re great, thanks. Ian’s bouncing between the city and the Hamptons, and Lizzie’s in Europe.”

  “They sure grow up fast.”

  “True. How are you?”

  “I can’t complain. I did go out west on business for a while. The weather was great but I still caught a cold…”

  Terrence continued to drone on. Gabby tuned him out but nodded as if she was paying attention. This is why he’s been divorced six times. His ex-wives wanted to avoid death by boredom. He’s the dullest man I know, and naturally he’s the one my mother sends my way.

  “Gabby?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Say that again.”

  “I asked if you were free to join me for a drink this evening.”

  “I’m sorry, I have plans this evening.”

  “I see. Perhaps another time.”

  “Perhaps.”

  He got up to leave. “It was good seeing you, Gabby.”

  “You too, Terrence,” she lied.

  Gabby waited a minute before she picked up the phone.

  “Good afternoon, Blanchard residence.”

  “Hi, Ms. Cummings, it’s Gabby.
Is my mother around?”

  “I’ll check. Hold please.”

  “No problem.” Gabby tapped her fingers on the desk.

  Her mother picked the phone up. “Hello?”

  “Hello, Mother.”

  “Hello, Gabby. How are you?”

  “I’m fine, Mother. How are you?”

  “I’m good, dear.”

  “That’s good to hear.” She paused to take a breath. “Well, Mother, you will never guess who just dropped by the gallery. Terrence Talbot.”

  “Is that right? I guess he had business in the area.”

  “Business you sent him on.”

  “What do you mean?” She made an attempt to sound innocent.

  “Come on, Mother. You were talking about him on Sunday and suddenly he shows up at the gallery in the middle of the week.”

  “Can I help it if great minds think alike?”

  “Mother, Terrence Talbot is the dullest man on two legs. Haven’t you ever noticed how women tend to scatter when he walks into a room?”

  “That’s what’s wrong with you young people. You put too much emphasis on superfluous things.”

  “I don’t think wanting to be with someone who is intellectually stimulating is superfluous.”

  “Gabrielle, you’re getting older and not thinner. You can’t continue to be so choosy. Do you want to end up alone?”

  Bunny’s words cut her. “Is that what you think, Mother? That I’m an old, fat divorcee who should be happy for any attention thrown my way?”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “But that’s what you meant.”

  “I meant no such thing.”

  “Well, Mother, despite your pronouncement I have plans with someone this evening, and it’s not gallery-related. It’s a date.”

  “I see.”

  “In fact, he’ll be here in a little while and I need to freshen up. I’ll talk to you later, Mother.”

  “Who is this fellow? Do we know him?”

  “Give my love to Daddy. I’ll be there this weekend to see him. Love you, Mother.” She hung up and quickly left her office.

  “I’ll be in the ladies’ room.”

  “Okay,” Robin said as she sipped her coffee.

  Gabby rushed to the ladies’ room and went straight for the mirror. She studied her reflection, taking note of the fine lines on her face. Am I kidding myself? I’m not a spring chicken and winter’s coming. She sighed. Why do I let my mother do this to me? I just spent an amazing night with a man who made me feel like Botticelli’s Venus. She chuckled, stepped back and checked her outfit. She turned around to check out the rear view. “Not bad.” She wiggled and then walked out, straight into Nigel.

  “Hey, fancy meeting you like this.” He smiled.

  “Hi. I didn’t expect you until later.”

  “I snuck out a little early today. I couldn’t wait to see you.” He put his arms around her.

  Gabby felt herself turn into jelly. “I’m glad you did.”

  Soon they were locked in a sexy embrace.

  “Hmm mm.” Robin cleared her throat.

  “Oh, Robin,” Gabby was a little embarrassed. “You remember Nigel Clark.”

  “Yes.”

  “Nice to see you again.” He shook her hand.

  “You, too.”

  “Do you need something from me?”

  “Oh yes, I almost forgot. Is there anything else you need me to do before we lock up tonight?”

  “You know, I did want to talk to you for a minute. Do you mind, Nigel?”

  “Not at all. I’ll wait for you out here.”

  “I’ll only be a minute.” Gabby and Robin went into her office.

  “What’s the matter, Gabby?”

  “I just wanted to explain about Nigel and me…”

  She cut her off. “Gabby, it’s none of my business.”

  “You work here, and he is a part of the new artist exhibition.”

  “Relax, Gabby, I know he didn’t get a spot in the show because of your relationship.”

  “I didn’t want you to have the wrong idea.”

  “It didn’t even cross my mind. Do you know what I thought?”

  “What?”

  “You go, girl!” She chuckled. “He’s a cutie.”

  “He certainly is.” She blushed.

  “Now go and have a good time tonight.”

  “I will. Thanks.” She walked back out.

  “Is everything okay?” he asked.

  “Yes.” Gabby grinned. “I’m ready when you are.”

  “Have a good night, you two.” Robin waved.

  “We will.” Nigel winked.

  A short while later Gabby and Nigel arrived at Restaurant Daniel, a very classy yet warm restaurant with an earthy appeal. Since it was a winner of the New York Times coveted five-star rating, Gabby was shocked Nigel was able to get a reservation. It was usually booked up at least a month or more in advance.

  “Are you surprised?” He rubbed her hand.

  “Yes, pleasantly surprised. How on earth did you get a reservation so soon?”

  “Suffice it to say that being an investment banker has privileges that go far beyond money.” He raised his eyebrow.

  “This is very cool.”

  While they waited for the maître d’, Gabby noticed Babette Henderson approaching. “Oh great,” she groaned.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Do you see the brunette heading our way?”

  “Yes.”

  “That’s Babette Henderson. Her mother Faye and my mother have been friends forever.”

  “Do you know her from your boarding school days?”

  “No, it’s more like my short-lived debutante days.”

  The slim, petite Babette came closer. “Gabby, I thought that was you.”

  She went in for the European air kiss. “It’s good to see you, Babette. Are you here with your mother?”

  “No, Mother’s in Monaco. I’m here with Ryan Fredericks. You remember him, don’t you? He was on the polo team with Bill.”

  “Yes.” She nodded.

  She looked at Nigel. “Aren’t you going to introduce us?” Babette asked eagerly.

  “Oh, where are my manners. Babette, meet Nigel Clark.”

  The two shook hands.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Henderson.”

  “Please call me Babette.” She grinned.

  They stepped up to the maître d’. “Name please.”

  “Nigel Clark.”

  He checked the book. “Yes, sir. Your table will be ready momentarily.”

  “Thank you.”

  “That gives us a little time to powder our noses.” Babette smiled.

  “Sure.”

  “I’ll only be a minute,” Gabby said.

  “I’ll be here.” He smiled.

  Gabby and Babette went to the ladies’ room. Gabby wondered what Babette wanted and didn’t waste time asking. “So what’s going on, Babette?”

  “I was going to ask you the same thing. The last time I saw your mother she mentioned something about Terrence Talbot.”

  “I’m not seeing Terrence, I can assure you.”

  “Good. If there was anyone who missed his calling as an anesthesiologist it was him. The man is mind-numbing.”

  Gabby snickered. “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you were talking from experience.”

  Babette had been through one of the more contentious society divorces several years back. Her handpicked husband Trip Collins was a philanderer, and the last straw came when he bedded one of their daughter’s friends.

  Babette dabbed her face with powder. “I made the mistake of dating him when he was in between wife number five and six.” She closed her compact. “It was just after Trip and I divorced and I had something to prove.”

  “I see.” Gabby was a little taken aback by her candor.

  “If you think talking to him is like watching paint dry, you’re lucky that’s all you know.”

/>   “Wow.” Gabby retouched her lipstick.

  “So Nigel, he’s quite a looker.”

  “Yes.”

  “Good for you.”

  “Thanks.” She paused. “So you and Ryan are together?”

  “No. We’re just friends having a nice night out. Frankly, I think I’m Ryan’s beard, only he doesn’t know it or hasn’t admitted it to himself yet.”

  “Bill always thought he swung both ways.”

  “He did? I’m surprised he never said anything.”

  “As long as he could ride a horse and play polo, Bill could have cared less if he swung sideways.”

  Babette laughed. “I guess we’d better get you back to your date.”

  They walked out of the ladies’ room to a waiting Nigel.

  “You two enjoy your dinner. It was nice meeting you, Nigel. I hope I see you again.” She shook his hand.

  “Thank you. I think that would be nice.”

  Babette walked back to her table.

  “I can show you to your table now,” the maître d’ said.

  “Thank you.”

  They followed him to a table, where he seated Gabby. “The waiter will be over to take your drink order.”

  “Thank you.” Gabby smiled at him.

  “So are you going to tell me?”

  “Tell you what?” Gabby said coyly.

  “What went on in the ladies’ room?”

  “Nothing, just a little girl talk, that’s all.”

  “Are you sure? She is from your world and I thought she might have said something.”

  “She did say something.”

  “What?”

  “Basically it was the equivalent of go for it.” She chuckled.

  “Is that right?”

  “Yes. She thinks you’re cute.”

  “She does?”

  “Yes, and she’s right.”

  “Well, your opinion is the only one that counts with me.”

  “Glad to hear it.”

  “You’re not worried she’s going to run off and tell your mother or her mother?”

  “No. We’ve both been burned by the society setup, so it’s live and let live.”

  Nigel raised his water glass. “Here’s to that philosophy.”

  She raised her glass to toast. “Cheers.”

  * * *

  On the other side of town, exhausted and still a bit agitated, Lauren left her office and met Randy at the restaurant. Together they went shopping for the ingredients to make shrimp and chicken paella. Unlike Alicia, Lauren was not the domestic type. Shopping for her consisted of visits to various department stores and boutiques. She barely knew what the inside of Cristedes looked like, let alone the various food shops of Chelsea. However, Randy made shopping fun as he juggled bell peppers in the produce aisle and playfully chased her with prawns at the local fishmonger’s. His levity lifted her mood.