This is a story inspired by the Killers's song Losing Touch. It kind of grew, so I will be posting in installments. I'd like to have better proofread. I've done so a couple of times, complete with spell check etc. I plan to have a beta for my longer story (hint hint!)
So, warning- some OOC- you will figure out what I mean as the story progresses ;)
Also, I have only visited T or C so if anyone lives there PLEASE forgive me if you think I'm being inaccurate or if it offends you: PM me and I will consult with you on corrections. Keep in mind this is a bit of a fantasy T or C and not the real one although it does have nice people, cool vintage shops, spas and a lake nearby.
She had just put on a custom playlist from her favorite site and was sorting some new estate sale finds to the tune of Dustland Fairytale when the old fashioned bell rang at the door, alerting her of customers. Lizzy hustled out from behind the backstock area and greeted a girl who looked to be about 12 and presumably her mother, if the long red hair was any indication. The girl stared blankly at her while the mom took a look around, turned up her nose and asked to use a restroom.
In need of as much income as possible, the small town's stores had banded together to make a policy of no restrooms for non- patrons. Lizzy checked nervously out the window to make sure her neighbors weren't watching and herded them to the cramped 40's style half bath. She stood post while mother and child entered the equally tiny hallway. The woman peered warily into the clean facility and inquired 'Georgiana, are you sure you can't wait until we get to the spa?'
Lizzy couldn't hear the girls near whispered response but took it that she couldn't, as the door had closed. Lizzy was left with the woman, who turned and appraised her with a gimlet eye. What had she done to offend this woman? It wasn't her fault the bathroom was so small. Still, Lizzy felt bound to explain. Sorry, we have a policy. Restrooms are for patrons only. I couldn't let a little girl down, though.
That's good of you since I can't imagine WHAT we'd buy in this place.
Lizzy shook her head, a half smile gracing her features. Others might be offended, but Lizzy, a studier of character, was only amused. She noticed the woman's outfit was almost completely composed of reproductions. Even her hair was coifed into a chignon befitting the era of her neat, gamine style. Still, actual vintage, dusty and varied, was likely not good enough for her (or perhaps her stylist), Lizzy thought, wryly.
There were sounds of running water and the girl came back out. Looking defiantly at the woman, she ambled over to an Enid Collins display. It was a collection that Lizzy happened to be particularly proud of acquiring.
Georgiana, I'm sure we don't need to actually buy anything, least of all a purse made from a box! She sneered.
Continuing to oppose her mother, Georgiana stood, carefully perusing the purses, opening and closing them, testing how one or the other felt to carry. Her foot tapped in time with the beat of White Knuckles, which was currently playing. She turned to Lizzy, cleared her throat and asked in a near whisper, Which one do you think would be a good memento for visiting T or C?
Well, the roadrunner is our state bird, we do have a few windmills around on ranches, and we also have a balloon festival. It's a little abstract but this one reminds me of our state flag, see? Lizzy held the medallion- adorned bag up to compare with an old Zia flag draped on an antique glass cabinet behind her.
I see what you mean. The girl grew bolder and held up the balloon one, announcing I'll take this one. At the same moment the bell rang again. A tall, frowning, but handsome man pushed in followed by an equally handsome but more friendly bloke of about the same indeterminate age. Their hurried footfalls were loud on the old hardwood floor.
Georgie, what are you doing?
Buying another Enid Collins. What does it look like I'm doing? Lizzy stifled a giggle. She didn't have kids of her own, but secretly enjoyed the past time of riling up her young Gardiner cousins when she got a chance. Nothing serious, just giving them loud toys and sugar rushes when they were little. These days it was loud music and cruising at the local soda shop.
She noticed the girl had grown rather insolent. What an interesting range of emotion in such a short time. Maybe she shouldn't laugh. For the second time Lizzy felt the urge to explain herself: Um, she needed to use the restroom and I let her. We aren't supposed to for non patrons, but I saw the girl needed to go.
If that's the problem, we'll buy something The grumpy man spat out. You like this one? The man asked of the girl, who was still holding the balloon purse. She nodded. He paid and Lizzy bagged the item, while the snobby couple's eyes bulged out at the 'used' plastic grocery sack that read Wal-Mart.
The younger red head snorted, amused. Apparently the girl was thoroughly enjoying riling them up. She carefully sat her own bag on the counter, revealing a horse themed Enid Collins and pulled out a wad of cash, stating I'd like to get this one too. (indicating the roadrunner one) It will remind me of New Mexico AND you. I love your store. Thank you for being so nice.
Lizzy was shocked at the entire scenario to say the least: that the couple allowed her to behave this way, at the wad of cash in an expensive vintage purse, and such a young girl buying more purses. Georgiann was a much more interesting character sketch than the other 3 put together. Lizzy quickly regained her senses and bagged the other purse in a used paper sack with Victorian catalogue images. Hoping the sprite might keep in touch, Lizzy gave the girl her card.
Her eyes flicked up, Nice to meet you Lizzy, I'm Georgie Darcy.
It was very nice to meet you, too! Lizzy smiled as the party exited the shop, but not before the tall man's eyes drilled into hers. His expression made her gulp.
As soon as they were out, Lizzy scurried through the curtain to see Jane, whose store was just next to hers. They had partnered to share the space- Queen Elizabeth's Vintage on one side and Longborne Ranch Botanicals on the other. Lizzy paused when she saw Jane was occupied with a customer, recognizing the affable man who she'd almost forgotten. They were on the other side of the store, smiling at each other like idiots, while Jane seemed to be occupied explaining the difference between various and sundry essential oils if her gestures to products were any indication.
Staying near the curtained pass-through, Lizzy watched the interaction, noticing the man wasn't quiet at all, his gregarious laughter filling the space. Her observations were interrupted when Lizzy heard the snobby couple off to the side. And did you see her dress and hair? They must've had 6 months worth of dust. You wouldn't think of indulging Georgiana's little hobby (Lizzy could hear her sneer) to that extent, would you?
Certainly not!
Well then why did you indulge the girl?
I don't know, the proprietress's fine eyes, I guess. Lizzy was appalled the man would speak in such a manner to his wife. She could see where the girl got her challenging attitude.
The woman laughed nervously and taunted, Well, why don't you go back and sample her wares then? These quaint small town types are easily impressed. Of course, anyone would be impressed by you, Darcy.
She's tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me to such a liaison.
Lizzy was galled the man would make such diametrically opposed comments judging her appearance, and in that disgusted tone, no less. Squaring her shoulders, Lizzy strolled determinedly into Jane's store, the swish of her Gunne Sax dress incongruous to the clomp of her riding heel vintage Lucheses. Hello again, I see you were tempted to stop into another one of our quaint shops! Her eyes flashed and Lizzy saw her new friend, Georgie, look toward her, smirking, from a display of precious baby animal planters. Venturing a glance at the couple, Georgie tried to hide her grin and resumed her perusal.
The man now looked her up and down. Lizzy had previously been partially obscured from his view. He could now see that she was, in fact, very tempting indeed, especially with the way the sunlit store windows outlined her curves in that sheer muslin. Not knowing what to make of this, Lizzy decided to ignore him in favor of chatting conspiratorially with the girl. I see your good taste runs toward midcentury modern.
I love the 50s! I wish I looked like Audrey Hepburn but as you see, we Darcy's are rather large framed. She sighed. I'm thankful that at least he indulges me with things that don't require a size 6 body- mostly purses and furnishings. You should see my room! Wait! I have pictures in my phone- you'd love it.
Lizzy was quite impressed with phone pics of a spacious pastel confection furnished with a delightful mish mash including 50s interpretations of rococo furniture, ruffled bedding. Tulle prom dresses hung in the picture window as makeshift window dressings. Another picture showed a mint wall printed with deep pink flowers, nearly covered in Enid Collins purses. A set of window seats held planters on the left, and old children's story books on the right while the center was comfortably cushioned.
Finding out this room was all Georgie's creation, Lizzy complimented the girl profusely, causing the fair ginger to blush through her freckles. There are all kinds of kitschy places around here I bet you'd love. How long will you be in town?
Georgie made a face. I don't know. As long as it takes for them to start on Netherfield Spa, I guess. Charles plans on buying it and fixing it up. Ever since he started watching indie desert films, he's been obsessed with moving to a town like this. Everyone thinks he's nuts, but I admire his guts to leave the family business and do what he wants.
How old are you anyway?
Almost 13. Lizzy's eye grew wide. The girl certainly looked older. I know, I hate being big.
I think you're lovely, and very precocious.
Oh! Georgie blushed again. Anyway, we may be here the rest of the summer.
Well, that's perfect. There's plenty to do if you don't mind company.
I'd like that a lot.
Want to come to our locals dance tonight? You could meet my cousins. Leda's about your age, but you'd get along better with Mary, I think. And of course, I'll be there.
Just as Georgie was turning to ask the tall man, the other one, was still with Jane, burst out Darcy! We've been invited to a get together tonight with the locals.
Very well. Came the terse reply, his expression, dark and inscrutable. I think we need to get going. He added.
Georgie made more purchases, this time she picked a little sheriff with a rocking horse and a donkey pulling a wagon. Lizzy giggled when Georgie looked dubiously at another planter with the stereotypical sleeping man in a sombrero. That is so not politically correct. Georgie winked at her and the party left the store.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Jane prattled on, happily, about Charles Bingley. Lizzy was left with hearing her sister who hadn't been so enthusiastic about a man since that visiting cowboy poet and folk singer left town, heartbroken, years ago. Jane knew it was over after he'd penned a melody for her. Their mother had long since given up calling the sisters spinsters and instead focused her energies on the retiree scene at Caballo Lake.
Charles finally pulled into the old Netherfield Spa property. It sported peeling paint and crumbling stone walls here and there, but was generally in good shape for having been neglected for the past several decades. Realtor Sid Lucas met them there and showed them around the place. The living quarters, a fine old expansive ranch house, had been lived in by several tenants over the years and it was in decent enough shape. Of course Caroline turned her nose up at the mid century ranch furnishings, while Georgie squeeled at the kitsch and Darcy tried not to roll his eyes. It was his friend's choice to invest in the dive, after all.
While Sid had a jocular nature, nothing slipped past his notice. He needed keen observational skills to sell a damn thing in this small town. And it was said that Sid could sell an oven to desert rat smack dab in the middle of summer. On this occasion, the sale was easy, given the buyer's enthusiasm for the place. After all, it was a set for one of his favorite New Mexico B movies in the 50s. Sid wouldn't rest on his laurels for this purchase, however. He easily saw the variations in each visitor's response and took careful note. His wife was always a rapt audience when he told customer stories. She had to keep up on news, else her best friend, Francine Bennett would beat her to the punch.
When Charles finished dotting his last I and crossing his final T, he asked Sid for suggestions for places to dine. Everyone argued but finally settled on K Bob's steakhouse because Caroline insisted on eating salad and Sid swore it had the best salad bar in town.
When Caroline arrived, along with the rest of the party, she found Sid's definition of the best salad bar included hunks of iceberg lettuce; thick, load-up-your-thighs-with fat, blue cheese dressing ; fruit salad that was mostly made of fruit cocktail and some unidentifiable creamy substance; croutons that had been fried within an inch of their life; as well as other staples of any self respecting cowboy who loved a good steakhouse and salad bar.
Famished, this discovery threw her snobby disposition into outright cantankerousness. She tried to refuse to eat there, but everyone else, equally hungry and stubborn, overruled her. Caroline was relegated to having a chicken breast with a side of celery. If she'd taken the time, she'd have noticed how delicious the charring was. However, Caroline insisted on hating the place off the bat. She even made Georgie retrieve her salad bar items because 'a chuckwagon salad bar was so crass.'
Of course, Georgie immediately wanted her brother to make her next birthday party a 50's themed western gala complete with a chuckwagon sundae bar, etc. She also went on about her hopes for tonight's gathering, a subject about which Charles was eager to converse. Darcy, whose head was pounding, had to keep asking his sister and friend to quiet down. Unfortunately, he did so with the sort of tone that Georgie and Charles were used to, and ignored, but to which strangers took exception.
Charles enthused about the food almost as much as Georgie. Darcy tucked in as well, had anyone cared to notice. The locals were much more interested in the two handsome men and their polar opposite personalities, as well as the mother and daughter who seemed to be equally contradictory in disposition.
By the end of their first meal in T or C, the town already had plenty to say about their encounters with the new owner of Netherfield Spa and his entourage. Some counted 8 women and 5 men in their party. Others insisted that it was 5 women and 3 men, one of which was married. At any rate, everyone agreed it was too many ladies.
They figured that, judging by the new owner's talk, he'd already had a lady singled out anyway. Being that he was now sporting an obvious boutonniere, and because she was known as the town beauty, everyone rightly figured it was Jane Bennett. Some astute eavesdropper or other also happened to zero in on the harpy redhead pestering her husband about the attention he paid to that dusty vintage girl, whom everyone knew must be their Lizzy. What that married man had in mind for the town sweetheart was more grist for the gossip mill, and chew on that subject, they did. Why, the nerve of that man!
Georgie was the only one who noticed that the locals seemed quite curious about them and sometimes cast downright rude looks. Being a reserved yet clever sort of girl, she did what damage control she could, which was another reason for her enthusiasm. Not that she was exaggerating. Georgie was in mid century kitsch heaven. Well, anyway, when she wasn't falling in love with everything, she noticed the looks and whispers that erupted in their party's wake. But she was 12. What was she going to do about it? The dance tonight was going to be very interesting.
Locals gathered at the Lodge and swapped speculations on the Netherfield party, growing the locals party to epic proportions.
Francine Bennett was out in full force that night, along with Lizzy and Jane. Jim Gardiner, his wife and 3 daughters joined the relatives, as well as Francine and Jim's sister Phillipa Gardiner and any other socializer that could be found in T or C or surrounding areas. The family mingled with other guests, the din of their voices carrying over the modest speaker system that played an eclectic assortment of 70's and indie rock mixed with old school and alt country.
Lizzy's best friend Charlotte Lucas had made the playlist and occasionally checked her I pod which was docked into the system, fretting that it was going to go on the blink like it had last time. Someone had spilled beer on it. Charlotte was the sole DJ of a tiny local radio station that played a wide range of music, mostly via dj automation software for radio. It still kept Charlotte on her toes.
Lizzy called for her attention and the two loitered next to the folding table that held Char's music equipment. The friends were in the midst of discussing whether they thought the Long family would put in an appearance and play a set of their distinctive western swing, when all conversation stopped.
Heads turned toward the hall's double doors as the redhead woman from earlier teetered in, clearly overdressed in admittedly cute stilettos and a flowery full skirted number that was somewhere between cocktail and sun dress.
Charles broke the ice by greeting the crowd and offering up a case of beer. Sid Lucas, Charlotte's father and unofficial host, shook his hand and took the case, distributing them in a barrel of ice with the rest of the beverages. Georgie looked for her new friend and shyly approached. Lizzy enthusiastically welcomed her and introduced her to Char, then took her over to the Gardiner sisters, Mary, Kat and Leda. The girls instantly hit it off, as Georgie shared a love of horses with them and they happily chatted at length about all things equine.
Charlotte had to go fiddle with the music while Georgie was situated with her cousins. Looking around, Lizzy and saw that Georgie's parents were left to stand awkwardly in a corner, looking far too serious for such a casual gathering. She decided to be nice. Lizzy introduced herself and they reciprocated. She found it amusing that Caroline kept such a firm grip on Darcy while she spoke to them about T or C, giving them the run down about other spas and businesses.
When Lizzy learned Darcy and Charles were from the aerospace industry they discussed the Space Port for awhile. He supplied quite a bit of information while remaining elusive about certain details, causing Lizzy to suspect he was a contractor for the government. Lizzy couldn't help but notice how Darcy's posture was so stiff, taking a stance that seemed to discourage Caroline's physical contact. However, the woman continued to hold tenaciously to his arm. For not the first time Lizzy wondered at the incongruity of this couple having such a daughter. She hoped to have plenty of occasions to better get to know them all, as they were quite a family.
To this point, dancing had been scattered, but when a distinctly country version of Braun Y Aur Stomp came on, the crowd pleaser caused much of the room to file into couples, many dancing the cotton eyed joe to the tune. When Charles and Jane swung around to their side of the hall, they halted in front of the threesome and Charles insisted Darcy, stop standing around stupidly and dance. Caroline looked as if she was about to be ill and insisted that it would be insupportable.
Sporting that defiant look his daughter wore so well, Darcy turned to Lizzy and asked her to dance. Too stunned to refuse the dour man, she accepted. The couple was quiet as they concentrated on the dance's steps, Darcy clearly delaying the lead until he could learn what Lizzy was doing. You'll have to excuse me but I don't know part of this dance. I thought it was a polka but I was wrong. Lizzy obliged by talking him through it, then allowing him to concentrate. His head was bowed, watching the steps and whispering them. His head was dangerously close to hers and Lizzy could smell his spicy scent. She warned herself not to get attracted to someone who was attached (albeit unhappily- it didn't matter)
While they danced in tense silence, Lizzy could hear the swirls of conversation around her … billion dollar aerospace company… do well for Jane…Bing Jets...Sister Caroline's husband…quite a handsome couple, but so rude…He's thinking of having an affair with our … Mother and daughter are quite different but for their…poor girl, what with her parents..
Her fears were realized, however, when they'd turned to the corner near her mother and Aunt Phil at the inopportune moment to hear what's wrong with Lizzy dancing with him, Phillipa? You've done much more I daresay with Col Forrester. I don't care that the Col's young wife's run off on him. He isn't divorced!
The exchange was loud enough to cause several couples to glance sharply their way. Caroline, who had been sulking in the corner, nursing a mini bottle of wine or three, abruptly stood and cursed Well, I never! Charles, I'm taking the Range Rover. You can find your own way back.
Mortified, Lizzy stopped in her tracks observing this scene, Darcy's tantalizing body crashing into hers, making it worse. Caroline argued with Charles in the middle of the dancefloor, then stalked out. Tires could be heard squealing out of the parking lot, gravel pelting the wall. She couldn't understand why he was not releasing her grip and running after Caroline. When Lizzy dared to glance up, she saw Darcy's lips set in a thin line, his face flushed with anger. Just then he looked down and caught her eyes, gazing into them, searchingly.
You'll have to excuse me.
Of course. She stumbled and turned, excusing herself as quickly as possible through the double doors and into the balmy summer night.
It didn't matter how happy she was to be single, g-ds forbid, her mother could reduce her to tears about the prospect in an instant. Not to mention she was attracted against her principles, against her will, to this handsome, serious man. She stifled a sob.
Charlotte joined Lizzy, leaning against the wall, watching the lake's starlit ripples. She pulled out a pack of cigarettes and proceeded with the ritual downwind from her friend while maintaining an intimate enough speaking distance
I'm sure Darcy was upset with his wife leaving. It was just a dance, Geez, My mother is so embarrassing!
Yeah, she's totally clueless that they aren't married. Like mother, like daughter.
Charlotte, I can totally tell they're married, look at how unhappy yet comfortable they are together.
So, they still aren't married. No rings.
Didn't you see the way she was holding onto his arm? They've been almost inseparable the times that I've seen them. Of course they're married.
No, what you saw was a woman trying to maintain a vice grip on a man she desperately WANTS to be with.
Charlotte, they have a child together, if they aren't married, they at least have a kid together. Georgie's their kid.
Wanna bet me 10 bucks that they aren't married and the kid's some relative of Darcy's, not their daughter? Because I can tell you right now that woman's red hair comes from a bottle. I saw her roots and they certainly aren't red.
You are totally wrong! I saw it!
Lizzy. They. Aren't. Together.
Just then the subject of their discussion joined them, causing Elizabeth another round of mortification,. She wondered how much he heard this time. He furtively looked around uncomfortably, hands stuffed in his pockets, shuffling his feet.
Mind that I'm smoking?
Not at all, can I bum one?
Looking surprised, Lizzy quickly changed expression, rolling her eyes at her friend as Darcy lit up. Nasty habit.
That's why I don't make it one. They just go well with beer, occasionally.
That's what I tell her! Charlotte commented. Anyway, now that my smoke's done, I gotta go check on the music. Have fun kids! She waggled her eyebrows at her friend. Lizzy scowled.
I am so sorry about my mom. Now everyone is talking about us in there.
That's ok I set her straight and she gave me her blessing.
What do you mean?
I told her that I'm very unattached and I was dancing with the only pretty girl in the place (well, prettiest second to Georgie) and was it alright with her that I asked her daughter to dance.
Well, still, isn't it a little awkward to be dancing with someone other than the mother of your daughter, then?
Darcy let out a full belly laugh, becoming so undone by this question it took him minutes to answer her. Tears streaming down his face, he replied. That's the funniest thing I've heard in a long time. Caroline finally got her dearest wish although not in the way she'd imagine. I think she dyed her hair to look like Georgie's, thinking the way to me was through my sister.
Lizzy shook her head as if to clear it. Oh.
I thought it was clear I am interested in you.
You seemed much more interested in your boots in there.
That's because I don't know the dance.
Why were you standing in the corner the rest of the time?
I'm a reserved man. I don't converse well with strangers.
Well, clearly you don't flirt well with them either, if you thought I could tell you were interested. Maybe you ought to practice the art of conversation a little and you'd find conversing with strangers easier.
I've a better idea: maybe I should take lessons from you on flirting, since you seem so good at it. What would lesson one be? Oh, I know, arching your eyebrow provocatively, then laughing at a gentleman. Shall I try?
Not fair!
You're right. I can't do that thing with one eyebrow like you do, see? She laughed as he raised both eyebrows and then tried to lower one by twitching various facial muscles.
Stop, stop! That looks painful.
On to lesson two. What would lesson two be? Oh, I know, speaking impertinently to said man. Am I getting it right?
We are not flirting! I am not flirting with a man who finds me not handsome enough.
Oh, I see. You caught me when I was in a bad mood. I do apologize, most sincerely. What shall I do to show you how very wrong it was of me? I mean, since flirting is out of the question. He had long since crushed out the nearly untouched cigarette and turned to face her during their tete a tete. Darcy inched closer to her, cupping her face in his hand and lightly tasting her lips.
Once her shock subsided, she enthusiastically reciprocated, tangling her fingers in his curls. I think I've been wanting to do that since about 5 minutes into our acquaintance. Darcy resumed the activity he'd been anticipating for hours and Lizzy continued to respond passionately. He pulled away again to maintain a certain level of self regulation. It wouldn't do to show her exactly how interested he was- not yet. In case my interest is still unclear, I hope you'll be available for me to practice flirting and… what have you… over the next few weeks while I'm in town.
Lizzy, who continued to hold him in a loose embrace, turned as the doors flew open and Georgie approached. Oh! Well, I'm glad to see this happened. I was beginning to wonder what was taking you so long. But, my brother doesn't flirt, so-
Georgie! Is that what you came out here for?
Actually, Lizzy's cousins asked if I wanted to ride back to Longborne Ranch with them. Its 20 minutes east of town, they said. The foreman is going back and they wanted to show me their horses. It'll only be for a little while. Their mom would bring her to town, after the dance.
They're all good people. She'll be fine. It's a small town; this is how we do things. But I understand if you don't feel comfortable, so early in the acquaintance. Lizzy encouraged. Darcy decided to meet the persons in question for himself. Madeline Gardiner was a sensible sort of woman with kind eyes and a calmer manner than her sister in law.
He sought out the foreman and was surprised to see an old face. Greg Wickham! It's been too long.
Hey buddy! I reckon it's been nearly 10 years now. I can't tell you how sorry I was about my old man. Real shame that he did what he did, cheating your dad out of his rightful profits from the stud. And it bein' so soon after your mom died.
Well, it was a long time ago and my father passed away about a year ago now, so-
Well now that's real sad. I'm sorry to hear it. I liked the old man.
And he liked you too. He always wished he could have kept you around.
Well, now, that's alright. My old man passed, too, but he came to regret a lot just before the end. How's that baby sister of yours?
Actually, you'll get to give her a ride to the ranch if she has her way.
And she's got you wrapped round her finger, I dare say.
You're right about that. Darcy clapped his old friend on the back and they both wandered over to Georgie, where Darcy introduced them. His sister's eyes lit up as the man told story after story about Pemberley's stables and her own mare's bloodline. He knew she couldn't be in better hands. The 4 girls piled into Greg's beat up double cab pickup. If a truck could mosey that's just what Greg's truck did. Greg was a careful man, unlike his late father.
With his sister safely on her way, Darcy had a request of Lizzy If you don't mind, I could use a little more practice.
Oh, doing what?
Dancing, of course. That is, if you can handle the gossips. I wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea, He teased.
Well, if we can't beat them, why not join them? If they want to get the wrong idea, who am I to discourage it? In fact, I have some ideas of my own about you. She uttered in a low voice before boldly kissing him, mid two step, in the center of the dancefloor. She never kissed near strangers, no matter how handsome they were. The temptation to shock everyone was too great to resist this opportunity. That, and the unreal specimen before her, so imminently kissable.
The locals who saw them considered the affair to be in very poor taste, even if his wife was a nasty thing. Darcy's newest advocate/hopeful mother-in-law-to-be, of course, was eager to quash those rumors. But lurid gossip is ever so much more interesting than the truth and far too persistent for even Francine to quash.
You're. Going to. Drive me. Crazy. He whispered between kisses.
How about I drive you somewhere else? Lizzy cast her eyes about, pulling him away from the crowd. She gathered her things and said brief goodbyes to the two people least likely to cause a scene about it- Jane and Charlotte.