Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to Pride and Prejudice.
Ch. 9
The Bennet's were going to have a party a couple of weeks into the school year. He was already trying to think of an excuse not to go, though he hadn't seen any member of the Bennet's before the school year started, Elizabeth haunted his dreams and he was determined to spend as little time around her as possible. It didn't help that Charlie couldn't stop speaking about 'Jane this' and 'Jane that.'
It frustrated him that he could not stop thinking about Elizabeth and he had no idea why. Luckily for him his Aunt Catherine wanted him to go and visit and his father told him that he should, in case things did not go too well with the Bingley's. Although he would see his aunt at school he decided to oblige her and visit her on the day of the party. He told Charlie that his aunt wanted him to visit and that he would not be attending the party, Charlie did not even question him he knew that family was everything to Will.
Charlie didn't know though that Will did not like visiting his Aunt Catherine. Charlie had never met her and Will did not talk too much about his family. He knew that Will's mother passed away when he was eight and his father was an absent a lot. He knew the person Will loved and cared for the most was his sister Georgiana and his cousin Richard. Will cared for the Fitzwilliam family members but he did not speak of the De Bough family. All Will had said about them was that his aunt taught at Meryton High, she had a daughter named Anne, and he said nothing about his uncle.
Caroline was always trying to find any excuse to be around Will. She would sit next to him, try to get him to talk to her, and was always trying to flaunt her body for him. He continued to ignore her and took it all in stride; it was better than living with the De Bough's.
His Aunt Catherine was an overbearing, nosey, judgmental, tyrant; who loved to get her way. She dominated every conversation and did not let anyone speak. Even when she asked a question all she allowed was a yes or no answer, as if the question was rhetorical. He did not know his uncle too well, he had only seen him at a couple of parties and family gatherings but he never really spoke to him. He knew his uncle did not like his aunt but he could see it in his eyes that he loved Anne and that he was a good man. Anne was a different story all together, she hardly spoke and when she did it was just to agree with her mother. He also heard that she was constantly sick and he often tried to avoid her afraid to catch her colds. It was as if she was just there, invisible, trying not to draw attention to herself and he could not blame her. He did not like it when his aunt's attention was on him; he doubted anybody would enjoy his aunt's attention.
The first day of school came and Will was relieved he did share a class with Elizabeth, science, his only non AP class. Unfortunately Caroline was also in the same class, and all three of them had been the last to arrive in class and all had to share a table. Caroline sat next to him and spent the majority of the class flirting and touching him in some form or another, putting him in a bad mood. He hardly go to speak to Elizabeth who seemed as if she was laughing at him and enjoyed the fact that he was in hell. He was in his aunt's history class with Charlie, Charlotte was in his math class and Jane was in his English class.
At lunchtime, Charlie insisted that they sit with Jane who was sitting with Elizabeth and Charlotte. He was in a bad mood from all of the attention he was getting from all the girls in his classes and the ones he passed in the hallway, and they still had half a day of school left. He found it difficult to eat his lunch when Elizabeth sat across from him. He couldn't stop looking at her and whenever she would speak he listened with great intent. They tried to drag him into the conversation, but he would answer in his usual monosyllable answers. It was too hard for him, when he felt the courage to say something it would quickly fade and he would remain quiet, which only added to his anger. The rest of the day was not any better. He was just glad that it was the first day of school and didn't really have to concentrate. Elizabeth was in the back of his mind and he couldn't stop thinking about her.
The following weeks leading up ti the party were better. Elizabeth still occupied the back of his mind, but he was able to concentrate in all of his classes, except science. It was hard enough that he didn't understand the subject, but having to sit with Caroline with her excessive flirting and small touches made it difficult to focus, along with the fact that every time he looked up, he saw Elizabeth. At lunch, when he found the courage to speak to Elizabeth, she would answer his question and continued to speak to Jane or Charlotte. It was nerve wrecking; he didn't know what else he could do. Hadn't Alexa told her that he was sorry for insulting her? For the first time she popped into his head and realized that neither Jane nor Elizabeth had ever mentioned her.
Today was the birthday party and he was happy he managed to avoid it. He only met the Bennet's once, but it was enough to last for a lifetime. Mrs. Bennet was loud, silly and seemed to care a lot about money and appearances. He knew nothing about Mr. Bennet he only met him and saw him when it was time for the cake. The youngest girls were as bad as their mother, if not the same and they seemed to be flirting with all the guys there. He was happy to be away from them and Elizabeth; she occupied his mind too much for comfort.
The weekends were for Georgie who would call and they would be on the phone for hours. If she didn't call they would email each other back and forth throughout the day. He didn't mind, it seemed like she was being her old self again. When they spoke today he could hear the smile in her voice, she seemed livelier and not as sad.
It was a little after four when he walked into his aunt's living room, where she and Anne were waiting. He greeted them and sat next to Anne. After a couple of minutes of small talk and inquiring about Georgie, she asked him how he liked living with the Bingley's.
"It is fine."
"If you should wish to, you may move here. There is plenty of room and you can keep Anne company. You must transfer to Silver Magnet with your grades and your connections, (i.e. your father and I) you would have no problem getting in. The classes are a little harder but you will be guaranteed to get into a top college, and the connections you make there will help you out in the future." His aunt stated.
Silver Magnet, isn't that were Alexa had said she attended? he wondered what the chances were that Anne knew her then decided they were slim to none. Even if she did know who she was there was no way that they were friends. He knew that his aunt would never allow Anne to be friends with someone of the Bennet's social class, besides she had nothing as far as connections had to offer.
"Seeing as how I live with the Bingley's it would be somewhat of an inconvenience to attend a different school than Charles and his sister," he replied.
"Nonsense! Anne's best friend Alexandra Bennet, I believe is one of your neighbors, and she's attended since she was in elementary, if a girl of her means can manage I am sure that you can."
NO WAY! Did she just say that Anne was best friends with Alexa Bennet? He just stared at her dumbfounded, trying to think of a reply. Luckily Anne spoke.
"Do you know the Bennet family William?" She quietly asked. He looked at her, shocked that she had spoken.
"Yes, they are my neighbors; I met them at a welcoming party for the Bingley's and I also attend school with the remaining Bennet girls." He calmly stated.
"Then I am sure that you were invited to the party today were you not?" Anne asked with a small smile.
"A party! Anne, why did you not tell me you were invited to a party? You had said it was a small get together. Am I correct to I say that Stanley Hurst will be attending?" His aunt said in a demanding tone.
"When Alexa extended the invitation, it was going to be a small party. Yes you are correct Stanley will be in attendance, he is one of Alexa's CLOSEST friends besides me." Anne answered her mother.
"Then I insist you go and take William with you, I have no doubt that Mrs. Bennet invited the Bingley's and that includes him. Now go and change! I just bought you a lovely blue dress that I am sure Stanley will like. Blue is his favorite color, is it not?"
"As you wish mother and yes blue is his favorite color." Anne replied.
Turning to leave, she could not help but smile. It was too easy to get her mother to let them go to the party. She knew that she could always use Hurst; he was the ace up her sleeve. Her mother fancied a match between them, but to Anne Hurst had always been like an older brother and knew that Lexie felt the same way. Anyone would admit that Hurst was handsome, big and tall, and a good catch. He was one of the popular boys at school, rich, had good connections through his father and yet he had become friends with Lexie and her.
Will could not believe his luck, he had come to his aunts to avoid going to the party and now here he was about to do the very thing he was trying to avoid.
"William, if you see that Alexandra is with Stanley you must take it upon yourself and occupy her time. Give him and Anne time alone together, as much as you can. It is my wish that he and Anne become a couple. I know that with Alexandra around him that will never happen." She demanded.
Again Will was dumbfounded, Did his she just admit that she was threatened by someone who she considered beneath her? His aunt did not notice the shocked look on his face and kept talking.
"I know that Alexandra does not harbor any romantic feelings towards Stanley, but she does occupy his attention. I have seen it when all three of them are together. Do not get me wrong. Although she comes from a middle class family and her family is quiet horrendous and she offers nothing as far as connections go, but she is everything a woman should be: A loyal friend, kind, respectful, intelligent, talented, a hard worker and beautiful. That is why I approved of Anne's friendship with her. Alexandra might only see Stanley as a friend but I have seen how well the two of them connect. How is he to notice Anne and all she has to offer if someone as great as Alexandra is around?"
Will could not answer; he still couldn't believe anything he just heard. He wasn't even sure if this truly was his aunt. He was about to say something when Anne came back in. The blue dress complemented her pale skin and black curly hair. She was carrying a wrapped gift.
"Anne you look lovely, as I knew you would when I picked it out." His aunt said.
"Thank you mother, it was a lovely choice. Would you mind if William took me to the store to get a gift for Elizabeth and Charlotte? I had not gotten them anything because I was not going to attend the party."
"Yes of course! It will not do to go to birthday party and only give a gift to one person, even if she is the only one who is your friend. A small bottle of perfume you use will do. They can use it on special occasions."
They said good bye to his aunt and he carried his and her sweater, because she would not allow him to carry the gift. On the way to the mall, he asked her what was so special about the gift she got that she would not allow him touch it.
"It's something that I painted and it took me several attempts to make it perfect for her."
"It sounds like you went through a lot of trouble, why not buy her something?" He asked indifferently but was interested.
"Lexie is not one for material things; she knows that I would spare no expense for a gift for her. When we were younger she told me my friendship was enough. If I insisted on getting her gifts though, they should be paintings or drawings."
"She does seem fond of paintings," he replied thinking about her being fascinated by the painting in the Bingley's hallway.
Anne looked at him surprised, "You must have spoken a great deal to know something about her."
"No not at all. I met her on a walk; she had wandered away from home. I offered her a ride. I saw her admiring a painting."
"Yes I know she told me, she was surprised to find out we were cousins."
Once at the mall they headed directly to the perfume store. Anne bought two small bottles and asked the cashier to put them in gift bags. As they were leaving Will asked Anne if she could help him pick out gifts as well. He wanted to get something for Elizabeth but knew it would be weird to show up with one gift.
"You do not have to buy anything for Lexie, William she would not like it and I will not have her feeling uncomfortable." Anne stated sounding like his aunt.
"But it would be rude of me not to get her anything."
"You are correct. It must not be something expensive, hmmm..." she shivered a little having left her sweater in the car.
"How about sweaters?"
"Yes, good idea."
They made their way to a store and Anne picked out a purple one for Lexie, green for Elizabeth and red for Charlotte.
"Are those their favorite colors?" Will asked hoping to know something about Elizabeth.
"I do not know about Elizabeth or Charlotte, but yes Lexie's favorite color is purple. It brings out the weird color of her eyes."
"How do you not know her own twin sister's favorite color? What do you mean the weird color of her eyes?"
Anne hesitated, "Lexie does not talk about her family...You will find out why throughout the evening. Her eyes, obviously green, but in certain lighting you can see specks of yellow and light green in them, it's as if they change color."
Will did not say anything; they paid for the sweaters and stopped by a store to buy bags and tissue paper. The car ride to the party was spent in silence.
As they entered the house, Will was trying to avoid everyone, knowing they would be surprised to see him there. He saw the Bingley's and led Anne towards them
"William what a surprise we thought that you wouldn't be attending tonight." Mr. Bingley stated.
"Yes, it seems that my cousin, Anne De Bough, is a friend of Alexandra Bennet." Will said as a way of introducing Anne.
"What a small world, is it not?" Mrs. Bingley said with a hint of a condescending tone.
"Yes, it is. When I found out that William and your family knew the Bennet's I asked him if he would not mind coming to the party, for Alexandra is my dearest friend." Anne stated, reminding Will of his Aunt Catherine.
"I see," was all Mrs. Bingley said.
"Come now let's go meet her," said Mr. Bingley.
As they made their way towards Alexa and Mrs. Bennet, they all heard Alexa being told not to embarrass her and to smile as if she were pretty. Will avoided their gaze when they approached and saw Mrs. Bingley and Caroline were trying to sustain a laugh. Mr. Bingley, Louisiana and Charlie looked appalled and Anne was smiling which baffled him. He turned his attention to Alexa; she was smiling and unaffected by her mother's insult.
Alexa welcomed them and thanked them for coming to the party with her head held high. When Mrs. Bingley spoke to her, the smile from her eyes faded but she looked unaffected. They continued to speak, but Mrs. Bingley was being cold and he could hear the vehemence in her voice when school was mentioned.
Mrs. Bingley resented the fact that Mrs. Bennet, (someone like her) had a daughter who on a scholarship attended such a prestigious school; yet her money couldn't get her children accepted to the school. They were new money and with the help of his father, Mr. Bingley made his money by opening a high class restaurant and bar. His father's help made it into a huge and growing chain.
A girl and a man walked up to him and he met Mary and Stanley. Stan was almost as tall as he was, just a couple of inches shorter. They were both buff but Stan was not as toned as Will was, but he was bigger and taller than Charlie. Mary, he recognized from the welcome party as the girl who had her head buried in a book.
Will followed Charlie, who convinced him to go say hello to Jane, Elizabeth and Charlotte. Caroline tagged along, bringing his mood down. He wished Elizabeth a happy birthday with a small smile, but all she did was thank him. She was about to say something but Caroline interrupted her and started speaking to him. Elizabeth left with Charlotte and Jane and Charlie left. Caroline got bored of getting nowhere with him and went to go talk to the other girls who were speaking to boys he recognized from school.
He couldn't help himself, he couldn't stop looking at Elizabeth. She looked beautiful in her green dress that showed off her little curves, her curly brown hair draped around her shoulders. He soon realized that the object of his affection was making her way towards him with Charlotte. She came up smiling with her eyebrows quirked.
"What did you think about it Darcy?" She asked smirking at him.
"I'm sorry; I do not know what you are refereeing to."
"Oh, I was asking Charlotte here what she thought of the homework for science this weekend and it looked like you had overheard us." Elizabeth stated her smirk faltering.
"Although it took me a while, I do not believe that it was too difficult."
"I see, do you find anything difficult?" She asked smirking again. He faltered a little and was about to answer but Charlotte cut him off.
"Lizzie you are too cruel, don't worry Will she is only teasing. But soon it will be our turn to tease her. My father recently bought me a piano and I know that you play at home Liz, so I insist that you play a song for my birthday!" Charlotte said with a big smile.
"Had I practiced as much as Lexie does, then your efforts to tease me would have been wasted, but I will not back down from your challenge." She looked at Will, "You will find Darcy that at any attempt to intimidate me, I shall prove victorious." She said pointedly with a twinkle in her eyes.
He watched as she made her way to the piano. Charlotte announced to the guests that Lizzie would be playing. Her playing wasn't a great player, but she had a nice voice. She was captivating. As soon as she finished playing Mary's mother could be heard boasting about how talented Mart was and practically demanded that Mary play. Alexa walked her to the piano. She stood next to the piano as Mary began to play a dramatic song. It wasn't a song to be played at a party. Kitty and Lydia interrupted her, demanding she play something 'less boring and something that could be danced to.'
Mary froze and looked as if she were about to run out of the room. Alexa came up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. Mary instantly relaxed and sat down, ready to play. Alexa whispered in her ear and stood tall as she snapped her fingers. Mary began to play a in tempo before Alexa started to sing. Anne and Stan began to dance, followed by Charlie and Jane. The other's followed soon after.
Alexa never took her hand off of Mary's shoulder, and he found himself looking at her for the first time that night. She and Mary were lost in their own world. She was wearing a pale purplish dress that fit her loosely, but her hourglass figure was very evident. Her hair was in a type of bun making the highlights in her auburn hair stand out. Her lips were a dark pink which made them more defined and she had eyeliner and a light blush.
The next thing he knew everyone was clapping. They made a quick escape to the wall and the radio was turned on causing him to look towards it. Charlotte was standing next to Lizzie who was laughing at something.
"Mr. Darcy, I can't have you standing here by yourself, you must dance. Wouldn't you like to dance? It's a great past time, and it's really fun." Mr. Lucas said coming out of nowhere.
"No I do not." Will replied looking around.
"Nonsense! Everyone likes to dance." He said nervously. "Lizzie my dear why aren't you dancing, you love to dance!" He said. Will looked up and saw her. "I suggest that you and Mr. Darcy here dance, surely Mr. Darcy you wouldn't deny a lovely young woman a dance, would you?"
"Of course I would not. Elizabeth." He said extending out his hand.
"No thank you I am not in the mood, nor am I in want of a partner," she said trying to make a quick escape.
"Now that he has agreed to dance though, you can't tell him no. Dancing is something he doesn't like to do and I know how much you enjoy it. Why help him come to like it too?"
"I would be honored if you would dance with me." He said coldly, being angry at Mr. Lucas.
"There is no reason to be polite Darcy, like I said I don't want t to dance and I didn't come this way for nothing, if you'll excuse me I would like to get some punch."
Mr. Lucas followed after her. As he watched her walk away Caroline snuck up behind him, trapping him with her arm.
"I bet I know what you are thinking William," she purred with a smile, batting her eyelashes.
"I doubt you do Caroline."
"I'm pretty sure it's the same thing I'm thinking. This party is soo boring; I can't believe my parents accepted the invitation. The only people worth talking to are Anne and Stanley, and they don't even talk to anyone except their friend. You're probably thinking how horrible it's going to be having to spend time with these people. Ugh, they're so loud and silly. Not to mention they act better than they actually are!"
"Actually I was thinking about how great green and brown complement each other." He said staring straight at Elizabeth with a smile.
Caroline followed his gaze and mentally burned daggers at her. Mrs. Philips and Mrs. Bennet broke out laughing while Mrs. Philips was supporting Mrs. Bennet.
Caroline's smile came back, "Can you imagine being related to them? At least we don't have to deal with them outside of these parties."
Will nodded and got lost in his thoughts. Caroline realized that she lost his attention and decided in order to grow closer to Will; she should make an effort to get to know his cousin Anne.
Will couldn't stop thinking about what Caroline had said. It would be horrible to have to spend more time than necessary around the Bennet's. If he dated Lizzie, he would have to go over to her house and have family dinners. He quickly scanned the room. The women were drinking and laughing, oblivious to the teenagers in the room. The men were not in the living room, most likely avoiding their wives. He was surprised to see Anne speaking to Caroline and everyone else was dancing.
He immediately spotted Lizzie, her smile was enchanting. The way her dress flowed around her, made him wish she had accepted to dance with him. Not wanting to stare to long he looked away and saw Alexa head out the door without a sweater. He frowned knowing that it got pretty cold at night and worried she might get cold in her dress.
He made his way to the closet and grabbed his sweater, following her. The door made a loud noise, but she ignored it and kept looking up at the stars. He placed his sweater over her and she didn't want it knowing it was from him. He didn't accept it and she held it in her hand as they spoke. He was confused when she got angry after he asked her if she was ok. She didn't like to do things that drew attention to herself she explained as what looked like panic came into her eyes.
Like him, she didn't want to be caught seen doing something that someone could use for their own amusement against them later. He was shocked when she politely kicked him out from being outside with her, but all he could do was appease her seeing the logic to her reasoning. She tried handing him back his sweater, but he didn't take it not knowing how long she was going to stay outside.
As he walked back in, he felt someone looking at him. He glanced around; everything was just the same as when he left except Anne and Caroline were looking at him. He quickly averted his gaze and made his way to a dark corner, every now and then looking at the door. Several songs later the music stopped and Mrs. Bennet screamed that it was time for cake.
Everyone went into the dining room where a huge cake was on the table. Elizabeth and Charlotte stood in front of the cake, surrounded by everyone except Anne, Stanley and Mary. He went to go stand next to them, not wanting to stand alone. Anne and Mary were silently arguing and Stanley had a big frown on his face. The candles were lit and the countdown began when Anne lightly pushed Mary. Mary asked where Alexa was and saw the fear in her eyes when everyone looked at her. Alexa came out of nowhere and took the attention away from Mary. Room was made for her next to Lizzie; she just stood there void of any emotion as everyone sang 'Happy Birthday.'
He saw her walk out of the room without getting cake or ice cream, he was about to follow her but Anne, Mary and Hurst beat him to it. They all walked back in surrounding Alexa and she had a small smile. When it was time for the presents he noticed that while Charlotte and Lizzie got actual presents, Alexa only received money. She only received four gifts, but did not open them in front of everyone. She gathered the gifts and went to her friends. She came up to him and quietly thanked him for his gift as she handed him back his sweater.
"What did she say to you when you followed her outside?" Anne asked Will, breaking the silence in the car.
Will was surprised by the tone in her voice. It was as if his answer would either comfort her or bring her sorrow. Anne stared intently at him in the dark making him a little uneasy.
"She thought I was Hurst when I gave her my sweater. She told me that it was a little too late to be a gentleman." He smiled. "She tried giving me the sweater back and said she was embarrassed but she didn't seem upset." Anne nodded for him to continue.
"I asked her if she was feeling well-" he saw Anne flinch making Alexa's reaction stranger to him.
"You must NEVER ask her that again if you are to come across her. Am I clear?" Anne said in a tone that would make her mother proud. All he could do was nod in agreement as she stared at him coldly.
"May I ask why?"
"You may ask her but not me. Though I would not expect her to answer your question as I'm sure she did not answer yours."
"No she did not. She asked me if she did anything for me to ask her that. I told her she didn't seem to be enjoying her party. She said she did not like to draw attention to herself."
"She told you that?" She asked barley above a whisper.
"Yes. I told her she and I were similar in that regard. She told me the difference was that no one paid attention to her, but that someone would have noticed if I left the party. In fact she predicted that no one would notice she was gone until it was time to cut the cake. She told me to head back inside before anyone came looking for me." He saw Anne curl her fists into balls and her whole body shook.
"As you saw no doubt, that her prediction was correct." She said angrily.
She was angry at herself, but wished to take it out on Caroline. She tried imitating her mother hoping to drive her away but it didn't work. She should have excused herself the moment she noticed Lexie was gone, but she didn't even know where she had gone too. If she had not been speaking to Caroline she would have been with Lexie and her friend would not have had to witness being left out by her family again.
While Anne silently scolded herself, Will was just realizing that Alexa was correct. No one noticed she was missing with the exception of her friends. No one would have ever known if Mary hadn't said anything. Her own family was going to sing Happy Birthday to her twin without her. He recalled Anne telling him there was a reason Alexa did not speak of her family and he realized that what happened was nothing out of the ordinary for her.
He felt a familiar pain within him, it was the feeling he felt when his father's love and affection would be shown to Wickham and he was forgotten. He recalled one time Wickham received a C on a math quiz and he had gotten a B+. His father had congratulated Wickham and had told him that he should study harder next time.
The rest of the car ride was spent in silence, each lost in their thoughts.
"Thank you very much for taking me William, I owe you one favor." Anne said as they pulled into the driveway.
"When your mother asks tell her that you and Hurst spent most of the party together and that I occupied Alexa's time." He said remembering what his aunt told him.
She gave a small smile. "No, choose another favor," he was about to protest but she stopped him. "I was going to tell her as much anyways, not about you and Lexie, but Hurst and me. So you may hold onto it for later. You might need it."
