In Love and Politics
By: The Liberal Lady
Chapter 1: The Debate
"Chaos, complete and utter chaos" This was the thought that occupied campaign manager Elizabeth Bennet's mind as she vigorously typed and sent out an email pacing the room in a frustrated anxiety. Looking up she scanned the room once again in search of her sister and candidate Jane Bennet. Unable to locate her in the crowd of people she walked over to best friend/ assistant Charlotte Lucas.
Noticing her boss's arrival Charlotte quickly made her excuses ending the phone call she was on, and turned toward Elizabeth expectantly.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you Char, but have you happened upon Jane recently"
"Is she not with you? I haven't seen her since the breakfast meeting this morning."
"Ok Thanks Charlotte. If you do see her will you let me know?"
"Will do boss."
Elizabeth returned her friends smile before turning to leave Charlotte to her work while she made a turn around the room in search of Jane. Ten minutes later with no success in her search she could feel her anxiety rising as she cried out "Where the hell is the candidate?" apparently too loud as it afforded her a few odd looks from those standing nearest her and a scolding from her sister who had overheard her little scene.
"Lizzy language, I'm right here there really is no need to fret." Well as close to a scolding as Jane Bennet was capable of giving.
"Oh thank god you have arrived. We only have 30 minutes until the debate begins and we still haven't gone over the possible speaking points."
"Lizzy we spent all evening and an hour this morning going over them. I hardly believe this is reason enough to worry." Seeing the horror struck look that had crossed her beloved sister's features she quickly relented. It was better to just go along with Lizzy than to fight it, plus going over the speaking points one last time couldn't hurt. With a nod she allowed Lizzy to lead her to a small private room leaving the busting of backstage behind them.
"Ok Janey this will be a town hall format so it is a bit harder to predict what questions will be asked, but being on a college campus it is safe to assume that there will be something in relation to the cost of higher education. Education is where you excel so I am not worried about that; however, word around campus is that a big foreign policy professor is offering her students extra credit if the attend and more if they as a question in regards to international politics. I suspect this would be in regards to the effect of free trade on the international economy and jobs in the United States or Russian American relations…." Lizzy continued in this manner as Jane silently listened. She had a knack for knowing what issues will be prevalent at any one event, and had an answer prepared for any scenario that may arise. Jane often wondered why Lizzy never ran for office herself, yet whenever asked this she would just make some witty remark shrugging off any inquiries.
"Are you ready? Is there anything more we should go over?" Elizabeth's question brought Jane back into the present.
"Ready as I will ever be." Jane replied with a wary smile. Jane and Elizabeth had prepared extensively but even after months of campaigning the butterflies never fully went away. That was one of the great things about having Lizzy as her campaign manager, she always made sure was prepared to be the best she can be and was able to put aside her own anxieties to help Jane overcome hers.
"You will do amazing Jane. I am sure of it." Grabbing her sister's hands and giving them a tight squeeze she announced that she was going to make sure everything was ready and that she would return check on her right before she was to go on stage. With one last reassuring smile she walked back out the door leaving Jane alone to go through her speech exercises.
"Elizabeth Bennet!"
Hearing her name Lizzy turned toward the voice discovering the democratic candidate George Wickham standing near her with what could only be called a smirk on his face.
"George." She responded curtly.
"So Lizzy when are you going to drop this whole act with your sister and come back to work for an actual party?"
"Oh George, I would but as we are beating you in the polls that hardly seems like the best move."
"That is only temporary. There are still a few months until the election, a lot may change in that time. Being a third party even without an incumbent to run against you have no chance of making it to the end, so might as well join a winning team. With you we could beat those republican bastards."
"Tempting as that sounds I would rather stab my eye out with a dull pencil than work for a candidate who would sell out at first chance for a quick pay day."
"I am hurt that you would think such falsehoods about me."
"Really don't be. Now why don't you go back and find Mary King so she may write your campaign another million dollar check in exchange for devastation to the world's natural resources." With that said she sharply turned and walked away to continue her work not waiting for a reply. George Wickham wasn't worth her time.
Announcer: "Western Washington University is pleased to host tonight's Senatorial Race Debate. First off we would like to thank the candidates Independent Jane Bennet, Democrat George Wickham, and Republican William Darcy"
Author's Note: So this is my first Pride and Prejudice Fanfiction. I had this idea for a story and have wanted to write it for a while now. Please R&R letting me know what you think. I would love to hear any feedback you have. Thanks for reading!