Pride and Precipice

by Lelia M Silver

  The bright color brought out the flecks of blue in her mostly green eyes and turned them turquoise to match the dress. It was a striking contrast against her mahogany hair and fair complexion. With Jane’s help in the hair and makeup department, she might actually manage to look passable at the formal event.

  She wasn’t exactly comfortable in such an elegant dress; she was far more used to the jeans and t-shirts she wore with her tool belt around her hips than dresses. Yet, she felt very sophisticated and pretty. It would do quite nicely, she thought. Now, she had to ascertain if Jane felt the same way, for it was only if Jane gave the dress her nod of approval that Elizabeth would feel completely comfortable making the purchase. If Jane gave her the go-ahead, she knew she wouldn’t be making a fashion mistake.

  She heard the voices of her sisters and mother as they settled in to the surrounding dressing rooms to try on their own gowns. Moving stealthily, she slipped from her room to peer at the feet that peeked out from under the doors until she found Jane’s sensible yet stylish wedges.

  Smiling to herself, she knocked lightly. “Jane?” she whispered, not anxious to call her sisters’ and mother’s attention to herself by being too loud. “Can you come look?”

  “Just a second,” Jane whispered back, her voice muffled. An instant later, a cloud of red chiffon settled over the wedges and Elizabeth heard the telltale zip of a zipper being fastened. “Okay, I’m coming out now.”

  Lizzy stepped back so her sister would have room to emerge as the door swung open. Jane prodded her out to the open area in the center of the dressing rooms and swung her around to look in the full-length mirror that had been set up for that very purpose.

  “Very pretty,” she murmured approvingly, after running an appraising eye over the gown. “I told you that color would look good on you.”

  “So, you think I should get it?”

  “Definitely. It fits you beautifully.”

  Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief as a full-blown smile bloomed on her face. “Great!”

  Jane laughed softly. “That doesn’t mean you’re done, you know. You still have to find shoes and accessories to go with it.”

  Lizzy’s good mood instantly deflated. “You’re kidding.”

  Jane’s eyes lit up with amusement. “Nope. No café for you just yet.” She gently elbowed Lizzy out of the way so she could look at her own reflection in the mirror. “What do you think of my dress?” She turned to the side and nervously tugged at her bottom lip with her teeth. “Do you think it is too tight?”

  Lizzy ran her gaze over her sister, who had curves in all the right places and as near to perfect a body as any woman could wish for. “I think you look as stunning as ever.”

  Jane met her sister’s eyes in the mirror. “Thank you, Lizzy. I can count on you to always tell me the truth.”

  Jane looked over her shoulder at the sales woman hovering at the entrance to the dressing room and smiled at the anxious lady. “We’ll take these two, please.”

  The sales lady was only too happy to take the dresses from them after they had changed back into their street clothes, and placed them on the counter to await their father’s credit card once everyone else had finished shopping.

  Jane and Lizzy settled into seats in the fitting room to dutifully ooh and ah over dress after dress their siblings and mother tried on. After one such event, when everyone else had retired to their rooms to change into yet another round of dresses, Lizzy leaned over to Jane and whispered, “I bet that caramel macchiato is sounding pretty good to you right now.”

  Jane giggled. “Lizzy! We’re supposed to be helping Mamma and the girls find dresses.” Her grin widened. “But you are right, I could totally go for something hot and tasty right now.”

  Lizzy bounded to her feet and tugged Jane up beside her. “Great! Let’s go.”

  “We can’t leave!”

  “Sure we can. Mamma and the girls don’t need us to help them decide on dresses, and I’m convinced they are determined to try on every gown in the store before they decide on anything. We have plenty of time to grab a coffee and come back before they finish.”

  Jane giggled as if they were about to do something naughty, but agreed. They spoke briefly to the associate at the cash register, informing her of their plans should their mother ask, and then skipped out on the fitting, nearly giddy with excitement.

  Lizzy stuck her nose in the air and breathed deeply, inhaling the aroma of freshly ground espresso beans mixed with the slight chill of autumn in the air. She closed her eyes to savor the smell, and then popped them open again. “This way!” She pulled a giggling Jane along with her.

  “Lizzy!” She protested weakly as they paused outside the café a few doors down. “You’re going to make me trip!”

  Lizzy teased back, “Oh, Jane, the ever graceful one, I could never do such a thing. You are far too light on your feet for my clumsy efforts to trip you to succeed.”

  Jane giggled and hurried through the door Lizzy held open for her, running straight into a man who had just gotten up from his seat.

  “Oh! I beg your pardon!” Jane exclaimed as he righted her with his hands on her shoulders.

  As Lizzy watched, amused, he flushed nearly purple, his gaze arrested on her sister.

  “The fault is mine. I was just hoping for a glimpse of my friend, you see, and so was looking out the window and not where I was walking. I am terribly clumsy. I do hope you can forgive me.”

  “There is nothing to forgive.”

  Lizzy had to strain to hear her sister, even though she was only a few steps away from her. Astonished, she glanced at her sister’s face. A light pink had stolen into Jane’s cheeks and she was biting her lower lip, a sure sign that her shy sister was attracted to this stranger.

  Elizabeth turned a more appraising eye on the man in front of her, even as he insisted on buying Jane’s coffee in recompense. He was of average height and build, with a shock of red hair that burst out of his scalp with wild abandon. There was nothing above the way about him, and yet his suit was tailored and his loafers Italian. Whoever the stranger was, he had money.

  She got behind them in line just as Jane asked, “I don’t believe I’ve seen you around Meryton before, sir. Are you new to the area?”

  “Yes, in a manner of speaking. My company has just bought a property in the area that we are planning on renovating and turning into a hotel. Perhaps you’ve heard of it? Netherfield Park is its name.”

  Jane’s smile was shy. “Indeed, my family and I live not far from Netherfield. Our home, Longbourn, is only a few miles down the road. We noticed all the activity this morning, with all the people coming and going.”

  “Yes, it was quite abuzz there. That is why I decided to escape here and take advantage of the relative quiet to get some work done. It is hard to do so with all the movers running around the house and my sister Caroline ordering them about.”

  Elizabeth decided it was about time she butted in, since her sister’s modesty would prevent her from explaining her connection to the property. “Jane designed all the staging for Netherfield Park before it sold, did you not, Jane?”

  The man, who Elizabeth had quickly deduced must be Charles Bingley, was startled by her interruption, but his eyes lit at Jane’s name. “Did you? Well, it was quite well done, I must say. Certainly caught my attention. Jane, was it?”

  The flush in her sister’s cheeks deepened. “Yes, Jane Bennet. And this is my sister, Elizabeth Bennet. I don’t believe I caught your name?”

  “Charles. Charles Bingley.” He offered them both his hand to shake, but it was obvious that it was Jane who had captured his attention.

  Elizabeth sat back on her heels and let them talk, quite pleased with herself and even more pleased by the attention he was paying to her shy but beautiful sister. He was showing avid interest in her sister’s job as an interior designer as they inched their way forward in the line, questioning her as to her preferences and tastes, and then telling her abo
ut his hopes for their new venture at Netherfield Park.

  Elizabeth’s mind wandered as they conversed, although she couldn’t help thinking that they would make a cute couple, and it was obvious they were already quickly becoming enamored with each other. She had never seen her sister like this with anyone else.

  They finally reached the head of the line, and Charles insisted on paying for Lizzy’s drink as well, which she took as a sign of his good breeding and added another mental check mark to his list of good qualities as a possible suitor for Jane. The man certainly had potential.

  He invited them to join him at his table, as his friend had yet to arrive, but they declined. Jane did so with genuine regret, citing their sisters and mother who still waited for them in the dress shop.

  His eyes lit as Jane told him of their shopping excursion and its intended purpose. “You are planning on attending the reception, then?”

  “Of course. It is not often we have occasion to celebrate. I am sure the whole of Hertfordshire is looking forward to the event with great anticipation,” Jane told him.

  “I shall look forward to meeting you again, then. The day cannot arrive soon enough.”

  Jane blushed prettily, and realizing how bold his words had sounded, Charles did, too. Before they could talk themselves into a stalemate, Lizzy broke in. “We really must be going, Jane. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Bingley.”

  “Please, call me, Charles.” He said the words to Lizzy, but his gaze remained planted on Jane. Her sister couldn’t seem to tear her eyes away from him either.

  Grinning widely, Lizzy tugged her away. “Good-bye, Charles. Until we meet again.”

  Jane gave him a small wave and allowed herself to be tugged along.

  A man was just entering as they left, and he held the door for them as they exited. Lizzy’s shoulder brushed his as they both squeezed through at the same time, and she glanced up as she passed, catching only a vague impression of dark hair and a frown. Intrigued, she twisted around to watch him through the café windows as he picked his way towards Charles and the other man rose to greet him. But all she could see was the back of a dark head of hair and the outline of a broad set of shoulders ensconced in a conservative suit.

  Jane tugged on her arm. “Come on, Lizzy. Mamma will be waiting.” Reluctantly, Lizzy let herself be dragged away.

  *****

  Fitzwilliam Darcy, known simply as Darcy to his friends, settled into the seat across from Charles. “You’ve been chatting up the locals already, I see.”

  “Nothing sinister was said, I promise.”

  Darcy chuckled lightly. “I would never expect anything coming from your mouth to be sinister, Charlie. Still, it would be wise to keep your mouth shut about our project here. You never know who would be willing to sell us out to the competition or to the gossip rags. It could even be a pretty lady like the one you were speaking to just now.”

  Charles stiffened at Darcy’s tone, but was conciliatory. “The young ladies you mentioned were Miss Jane Bennet and her sister Elizabeth. They live down the road from Netherfield Park, at Longbourn. Jane was the one who staged the house.”

  Darcy’s eyebrows shot up, and he had to admit he was impressed. “Longbourn Design and Construction? She did an exceptional job. The staging really helped us to visualize how the space could look and be used, especially since this is the first project of its kind we’re taking on. Our expertise lies in modern, contemporary buildings.”

  Charles fiddled with his napkin, and Darcy knew that meant his friend had something on his mind and was trying to work up the courage to say it. He smiled. “Spit it out, Charlie.”

  His friend glanced up. “I was just thinking. I know Caroline normally oversees our design and decor, but she really doesn’t have experience in this type of space. It might be better if we have someone more experienced with historic renovations come in and do the job.”

  Darcy sat back in his seat with a smile. “And you think Jane Bennet might be the person for the job.”

  Charlie turned a mottled pink. “She does have the experience, and we know she can do a good job with the space. It makes sense.”

  “You’re right. It does. And I would much rather see her quality of work in the finishes of the space than have your sister turn it into something it was never meant to be. No offense intended.”

  “None taken. I know her style is very different from yours.”

  “If we want to attract the type of clientele we’re hoping to with this new hotel, then we need to do it right and respect the bones of the space. Old money wants old world elegance.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. That’s why I think Jane would be perfect for the job.”

  Darcy laughed and shook his head. “Are you going to be the one to break it to your sister?”

  All the color that had suffused Charlie’s face suddenly drained. “Well, I…”

  “Don’t worry Charlie, I’ll do it,” Darcy said, letting his friend off the hook. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for the man, being tied to such a demanding relative. Caroline was difficult to get along with at the best of times. When she didn’t get her way…well, Darcy knew it was just better all-around if he handled her. He might have to share a house with her for the duration of the renovations, but after that he would be back in his own office in Derbyshire. Charlie had to live with her day in and day out. Darcy still had not figured out why the man didn’t just get his own apartment. It wasn't like he couldn't afford it.

  The relief infusing Charlie’s countenance was immense. “Thanks, Darcy. I owe you one.”

  Darcy quirked a smile. “Just add it to my tally. I suggest we wait until after the reception to inform her. No reason to get her tail in a bind until we have to.” He rose to his feet and glanced at the menu over the counter. “I’m going to get something to drink. Do you want anything?”

  Charlie held up his nearly full cup. “No. I’m good.”

  “Great.” He got up and stood in line, surprised to find himself wondering about the petite brunette that had brushed into him on his way in.

  What had Charlie said the sisters’ names were? Jane and Elizabeth Bennet. The blonde was more Charlie’s type, with her big blue eyes and shy smile, so that meant the brunette was probably Elizabeth. Something about her joyful smile had caught his attention as he passed her. She had seemed happy, such a polar opposite to his taciturn disposition that he couldn’t help but be attracted to it.

  He scowled, annoyed with himself for his wayward thoughts, and determinedly refocused his mind on the work at hand. He had a job to do, and it didn’t include thoughts of a certain brunette he hadn’t even been introduced to yet.

  Chapter 2

  The two weeks before the reception took place were busy, crowded with work and activity. They didn’t run into Charles Bingley again, although the traffic up and down the road to Netherfield didn’t let up. Elizabeth could tell Jane was disappointed by that turn of events, although she didn’t let it affect her work. She had sworn Lizzy to secrecy about the encounter. Although she had laughed at her sister’s dramatic tone, Lizzy had agreed, well aware of the uproar it would cause in the Bennet household if Mrs. Bennet was to find out.

  Elizabeth was wrapping up a project at Lucas Lodge the day of the event, and arrived home late to find the house a flurry of activity.

  She walked in the door and was nearly run over by Kitty making a mad dash for the stairs, a pair of high heels in hand.

  “Hurry up, Lizzy! We’re leaving in half an hour!” Kitty called over her shoulder. She pounded up the stairs, her voice carrying as she disappeared, “Lydia, you cannot wear my shoes! Don’t think I don’t know what you’re trying to do! I found yours in the back of the pantry, hidden behind the beans.”

  Lizzy chuckled and walked through to the kitchen to deposit her lunch sack on the counter. Her father was in the breakfast nook reading, a small eye of calm amidst the hurricane.

  He looked up at her with a twinkle in hi
s eye. “Good afternoon, Lizzy. Did you have a good day?”

  “I did.” She finished emptying her lunch and put away the sack. Then she slid into the booth beside her father and buzzed a kiss across his cheek. “How was your day? Were you able to get any work done around here with all the hullabaloo?”

  He chuckled. “I snuck out to my office for a few hours to work on some plans. Be grateful you were on site today. Your mother’s nerves have been in quite a tizzy all afternoon.”

  “I can imagine.”

  “Shouldn’t you be getting ready, dear? Your mother informed me we are to leave in half an hour sharp.”

  Elizabeth sighed. “I probably should, but I find myself reluctant to join the melee.”

  Mr. Bennet smiled and patted her leg. “I understand. Gird up your loins, Lizzy, and brave the fray. I know you’re up to it.”

  She gave her father a wry smile and shoved to her feet. “Will you rescue me if I get hit by friendly fire?”

  He chuckled. “You know better than that, Lizzy-mine. I stay out of the range of fire when it comes to you girls and your mother. You may have to live with her, but I share a room with her. I know when to cut my losses.”

  Lizzy rolled her eyes and headed for the stairs. “You’re no help at all.” Her father’s laughter followed her and warmed her heart as she climbed the steps and joined the frantic turmoil above stairs.

  She managed to make it to the room she shared with Jane without being intercepted by her mother, which was a feat unto itself. She shut the door on the shouting going on between rooms and the slamming of doors and greeted Jane.

  Her sister was poised before the full length mirror in their room, fastening her earrings. She turned with a smile at the sound of Elizabeth’s voice. “There you are, Lizzy. I was beginning to get worried. We have just enough time to do your hair and makeup.” She swept an assessing gaze over her sister. “Thank goodness you didn’t have too hard of a day onsite. You don’t have time for a shower.”