a/n P&P still not mine, still Austen, VM still not mine either. As a note to one reviewer who seems particularly displeased with the story so far. Yes, there is a lot of original Austen P&P left in, it is intentional, but the plan is for the story to build in its own right while staying true to P&P (much like Pride & Prejudice & Zombies). If the site admin agree with your opinion and the story is pulled...so be it. Until then, I hope the other people that are reading enjoy. I want to use this story to learn the ins and outs of the site, and P&P is my comfort food, so it still seems the best way to break myself in. (For example, today I learned how to use the edit document feature to type in this a/n rather than doing it in word at the same time I was working on the chapter).

Chapter 4

When Meg and Veronica were alone, the former, who had been cautious in her discussion of Mr. Kane before, expressed to her sister how very much she admired him. "He is just what a young man ought to be," said she, "sensible, good humored, lively; and I never saw such happy manners."

"He is also handsome," smirked Veronica. "Do I sense you may be embarking on that mutual discovery you spoke of last week?"

Flushing, Meg replied, "I was merely flattered by his asking me to dance a second time. I wouldn't mind grabbing a coffee with him someday, but don't send the wedding invitations yet Ronnie, or I will think you more like our mother than you care to admit."

"Have I ever mentioned how jealous of your blushes I am? I get all splochy, fickled genes. But back to Dun-can Kane," Ronnie elongated the name, "the boy-eee that is making you blush. He could not help seeing that you were about five times as pretty as every other women in the room, as Madison would say, you are a hottie. But, he certainly is very agreeable, and if you would let me finish the background check, I should give you leave to like him. Until then, I am satisfied that you have liked many a stupider person."

"Ronnie!"

"Don't Ronnie me, you are a great deal too apt to like people in general. You never see a fault in any body, should I remind you that you dated Cole in high school? I never heard you speak ill of a human being in my life, even after the purity test scandal." Ronnie's eyes darken with the bad memories, and she stood up to check her tazer in its charging cradle.

"I wish you could let high school go, and not dwell so on the bad memories. You have let your investigations lead you into hasty censuring, which I for one cannot do; but I always speak what I think." Meg's guileless blue eyes and soft smile fixed on her younger sister, making Veronica uncomfortable with the topic. Meg's utter genuineness was serving her well, and gaining notice in network news circles; her boss at the television station recently mentioned that her name was being considered as relief anchor for a national news program filmed in NYC next spring.

"I know you do; and it is that which makes the wonder. Growing up in Neptune, dealing with Lianne," the contempt towards the town and their mother that Veronica often sought to disguise with amusement was evident, "to be honestly blind to the follies and nonsense of others! But so, let us move the gossip forward, do you like this man's sisters too? Their manners are not equal to his."

"They are very pleasing women when you converse with them. Miss Kane is to live with her brother and keep his house; and I am much mistaken if you will not find her a kindred spirit, Veronica, for I sense there is more in her and you that bespeaks of sisterhood, then you might find even with all four of your blood sisters combined."

Veronica listened in silence, but was not convinced. Lily Kane was loud, brash, an equal opportunity flirt, how could Meg possibly think that she and Veronica were alike. As for Mrs. Casablancas, her behavior at the party had not been calculated to please in general; in particular, she seemed set to only appeal to one category of party goer, she laughed a little too loudly at Big Dick's jokes and dance a little too closely with the men of his acquaintance, all the while ignoring the Dick she came with. For all that, both Miss Kane and Mrs. Casablancas were in fact very fine ladies, proud, conceited, handsome, well educated and in the habit of spending more than they ought; and were therefore in every respect proper 90909ers.

****P&P****

Mr. Kane was heir to the computer software empire founded by his father Jake Kane, and headquartered far north of Neptune in Silicon Valley. Mr. Kane intended to make his father's company his career, while his mother was determined he should go into politics. In the meantime, he was provided with a good house, use of the corporate jet, and the liberty of a black AmEx. It was doubtful to many of those who best knew the easiness of his temper, whether he might not spend the remainder of his days traveling, surfing and in general enjoying life, leaving the next generation to political greatness.

His sisters were very anxious for his having an estate of his own. Lily Kane wanted out from under the thumb of her stern mother Celeste, and was told the only way she would retain access to her credit cards would be to live with her bother. Miss Kane was by no means unwilling to preside at his table, as Duncan Kane was sure to gain her access to the prestigious set that she was accustom to, and to turn a blind eye when she decided to indulge in other pursuits. Nor was Mrs. Casablancas, who had married a man of more fashion than ambition, less disposed to consider his house as her home when it suited her.

Mr. Kane had finished his MBA two years ago and was still looking for a spot to settle, and perhaps open a satellite office of Kane Software, when he was tempted by an accidental recommendation to look at Neptune. He went to the beach and found good surfing, pretty girls, and easy company. After that a call to a local real estate agent lead him to the house on Netherfield Point and he was pleased with the situation and the principal rooms, and took it immediately.

Between him and Echols there was a very steady friendship, in spite of a great opposition of character. They had met in junior high when their parents placed them at the same boarding school. Kane was endeared to Echols by the easiness, openness, general Californian nature of his temper, No disposition could offer a greater contrast to his own, aloof, arrogant, and self-reliant to the point of stereotypical Manhattan playboy. Kane was sure of being liked wherever he appeared, despite his family's name and connections; whereas Echols was continually giving offense, but assured entry to any affair based on his name and wealth.

The manner in which they spoke of Carmen's party was sufficiently characteristic. Kane had never met with pleasanter people or prettier girls in his life; and as to Miss Mars, he could not conceive an angel more beautiful. Echols, on the contrary, had seen a collection of people in whom there was little beauty and no fashion, for none of whom he had felt the smallest interest, and from none received either attention or pleasure. Miss Mars he acknowledged to be pretty, but she smiled too much.

Mrs. Casablancas and her sister allowed it to be so—but still they admired her and liked her, and pronounced her to be a sweet girl. While Lily said nothing, she thought she was more interested in the second Mars sister, Veronica. She had spoken briefly with her, and was entranced by her wit and snark, and thought that perhaps she would be able to show her how the lower class lived in Neptune.

****P&P****

Veronica was resolved to spend the week between Carmen's party and the start of the semester getting as much enjoyment as possible. To that goal, she packed her sunscreen, a novel, and a selection of tennis balls into her messenger bag, and she took Back-Up to Dog Beach. Engrossed in the pages, Back-Up laying at her feet, Veronica didn't notice the shadow fall across her until a voice broke her concentration.

"Hey, Blondie." Eli Navarro stood over her. His lean muscles covered with a faint film of sweat, making his tattoos glimmer. He made a menacing figure, and somehow looked out of place on the beach.

Veronica didn't bother looking up from her book. "Grab some sand Weevil, tell me what's up with my favorite reformed bad boy."

"Reformed? Please…" Eli drew out the word with a laugh, "Give me a chance and I will show you how bad I am."

And it was at just that moment, that Miss Kane joined the unlikely duo, making the party a strange trio. Miss Kane in a barely there bikini top and board shorts, had just gotten out of her red convertible, and seen Veronica talking to a dangerous looking man…just the sort of man she enjoyed meeting. She took no time in crossing the sand and introducing herself.

The whole week passed thusly, the unlikely trio enjoying the end of summer delights common in Neptune. Veronica found herself loath to admit, one night to Meg that perhaps she had been too hasty in her censure and opinion of Miss Kane, and that indeed she found her a worthy friend indeed.