CHAPTER NINE: A Little Truth from Everyone (Part Two)
"So good for you to keep Robert and me some company, Ms. Steele. We've always wondered what Edward's students are like." Remarked Fanny as she took a small piece off of her well-done steak.
Fanny, Lucy and Robert were enjoying a steak dinner in another restaurant the Robert wanted to feature in his website. However, this time, it did not come with a complimentary set and thus, the youngest of the Ferrars siblings invited her sister to come along – to pay the bill.
"I am honored and I've been enjoying his company so far. In fact, yours too Mrs. Dashwood." Commented Lucy with a smile.
"Oh, please!" laughed Fanny "Don't you ever call me Mrs. Dashwood. Reminds me of my mother-in-law. Fanny if you please."
"Very well, Fanny. Please do call me Lucy in return." Replied Lucy while giving Robert a flirtatious smile.
"You ladies enjoy the meal a bit, I'm just going to excuse myself and freshen up. I saw Davin Smith, one of the investors in this restaurant, go to the loo and I want to chit-chat a bit. Invite him to my podcast." Explained Robert as he stood up to leave the table.
"Since Robert's off to do some business, I think this is the perfect time to ask you a few things." Said Fanny
"What is it?"
"You've been going out with Robert this past week and you do have my vote for him. Though, I do wonder if this is this something serious?" interrogated Fanny, giving her a pointed look.
"Oh. It's nothing like that really. Robert's such a great guy and he would exactly be my type except…"
"Except what?" asked Fanny curiously as she took another bite of her steak
"Can you keep a secret?" whispered Lucy, leaning towards Fanny
"Of course, darling. You can tell me anything." Replied Fanny, smiling demurely.
"Well, I'm secretly engaged to another man for the past year and a half." She whispered, warry of the other patrons in the restaurant.
"And who is this lucky man?" asked Fanny while her eyes twinkled
"Your other brother, Edward."
Chaos then ensued.
"Elinor! Marianne!" howled Mrs. Jennings as she entered the apartment.
"What is it?" asked Elinor, conscious of the panicked voice of the older lady. She and Marianne were in the middle of packing their things away, preparing to leave the next day.
Marianne, still feeling a bit sullen with finding out about Dr. Willoughby's true character, had refused to eat or even go out for the remainder of their stay in London. Consequently, she had grown pale and her eyes were constantly red from crying. Elinor, worried for her sister's health, appealed to Christopher and he graciously offered to give them a lift back to Barton Park to save them from taking the train. Elinor immediately grabbed the opportunity to go home as soon as possible.
"Lucy just called! I don't know how she got my number, but she was thrown out by her father, Alistair Steele, after she quarreled with your sister-in-law, Fanny, during their dinner last night. Fanny threw a fit and the whole restaurant found out. As it happens, a friend of Alistair was there and the Vice Chancellor was informed immediately." Explained Mrs. Jennings while taking a seat on her couch to catch her breath and snapping Elinor back to the situation at hand.
"Informed of what, Mrs. Jennings?" asked Marianne weakly
"As it turns out, Lucy has been secretly engaged to Edward Ferrars these past year and a half! She has nowhere to go and Alistair would not take her back until Edward and her call off the engagement as he feels it to be highly inappropriate. To think, John and I thought you, Elinor, were dating Edward."
She catches Marianne's shocked look and purposely avoided her sister's gaze. Instead, she focused all of her efforts in replying to Mrs. Jennings and replied: "No, Edward and I – as I've mentioned – are just friends."
"I do see that now though I never thought dear ol' Edward was to be the type to go for someone like Lucy. He went to Uni today and appealed to Alistair to take Lucy back. Being the proud bugger he is, Alistair would not have any of it and sacked the young man on the spot. Thus, a jobless Edward and a penniless Lucy are holed in his apartment for the time being. It seems the Ferrars' family refuses the match as well and they are both left to fend on their own." Added Mrs. Jennings, standing up from the couch and going to the refrigerator to get a light snack.
However, even before she could open the refrigerator, her mobile rang and she was heard to accept another invitation for tea. She left as fast as she came and both Elinor and Marianne found themselves alone once again.
"You knew all along." Accused Marianne, giving Elinor a stern look that did nothing for her pale countenance.
"Yes. Lucy expressed an interest in befriending simply because of our connection to Edward. She asked me to not tell anyone and I gave her my word." Explained Elinor casually, continuing with her packing.
"Surely you will not ignore the fact that you and Edward had 'something' going on. Anyone could see that he was absolutely smitten with you every time you spent time together!" passionately argued Marianne
"It was just friendship between Edward and me, Mari. He and Lucy were engaged even prior to me getting the post at the Uni." Rationalized Elinor, trying hard to keep her tears in check.
"That's it? That's how you're going to deal with this? It's as if you never even liked him back." Argued Marianne. When she saw Elinor keep quiet, she continued and said:
"You know what, Eli? I can't believe you are taking this well. I can't believe you are so calm! You are a frigid b-"
"Enough! How dare you insult me?" demanded Elinor, throwing the shirt she was folding to the floor with force. Seeing Marianne's surprised face, she then continued:
"Lucy told me in strictest confidence that she was engaged to Edward when I never even wanted to know to begin with. Thus, I kept it quiet not wanting to tarnish Edward's reputation because I'm his friend. For weeks, I had to come to terms with the fact that apparently that's all I'll ever be to Edward despite me wanting more. Meanwhile, I had to take care of you while you cried about a wanker I never even liked for you, preparing for my presentation for a bloody conference I never even wanted to go and making sure that our family had enough money for food on our table – a responsibility I never asked for if I may add! So you ask me, Mari, how I can be so calm? It's because I have no motherfucking choice!"
Silence enveloped them and as Elinor picked up the thrown shirt on the floor, she head Marianne sob:
"I'm sorry, Elinor."
Immediately, they gravitated towards each other and held each other for the emotional support that only sisters could give one another.
That night, Christopher passed by to invite Elinor, Marianne and Mrs. Jennings for dinner. Marianne, excused herself, explaining that she really didn't feel very well and Mrs. Jennings offered to stay home to ensure that Marianne doesn't take a turn for the worse.
Hence, Elinor and Christopher were left to enjoy a night out in town. Christopher brought her to his favorite restaurant – a low key Indian eatery that served authentic dishes. They were helping themselves to samosas and chutney, she broached the topic of Beth Williams.
"She is well. Doctor says she is due any day now. The Williams are up and about with excitement for their great-grandchild and I've been asked to be the boy's god-father. Hopefully, I'll do a better job with the boy than I did with Beth." He said
"You don't give yourself enough credit, Christopher. From how you tell me, she seems to be a strong-willed woman willing to sacrifice to do what is right. You should be proud."
"Don't get me wrong, I am. It's just that I feel like I could have done more to avoid the current situation."
"That's exactly how I feel about Marianne's situation. Will you look at us? Two protectors sharing samosas and beer discussing our woes!" Joked Elinor making both of them laughed out loud.
It was in the middle of them sharing a good laugh that Edward and Lucy walked in the eatery.
"Fancy seeing you here, Elinor!" greeted Lucy happily.
"Oh. Hello, Lucy. Edward, long time no see." Said in Elinor, greeting the pair in return, trying hard to maintain a casual voice.
"Yes. It's been a long time." Replied Edward, eyeing her and her 'date' intently. Following Edward's gaze, Elinor then exclaimed:
"I'm sorry! Where are my manners? This is Christopher Brandon. Christopher, Edward Ferrars and Lucy Steele. Edward is the brother of my sister-in-law and Lucy is a friend of ours." Introduced Elinor.
Pleasantries were exchanged and it was Lucy who remarked: "We won't keep you from your date. Hope you two enjoy the rest of the evening."
Without waiting for a response, Lucy dragged her fiancé away from Christopher and Elinor's table. Meanwhile, Elinor eyed Edward sadly.
"So, that is the talked about Edward Ferrars." Commented Christopher, letting the Lucy's 'date' remark go and instead, helping himself to another samosa.
"Yes. You know him?"
"No. Not really. This is the first time I met him, but chatter travels. I understand, that despite his good work ethic, he lost his teaching position at the Uni you work."
"Yes. Um. Edward was a Philosophy professor. Lucy's dad was the Vice Chancellor and he ended up getting sacked when they wouldn't break up. A bit of academic career suicide." Explained Elinor, taking a sip of beer to quell her discomfort.
"I see." Replied Christopher thoughtfully.
The rest of the night progressed well and by the time Christopher dropped Elinor off at Mrs. Jennings' apartment, he shared his idea with her before she got out of his car.
"I've been looking for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, but most of the members of my team are quite surprised with the idea of doing business and spreading goodwill at the same time. Maybe with his academic background he would be more suited with the job. What do you think?"
"I think it would be good match, yes." Agreed Elinor
"Would you mind offering him the post? Delaford Bank offers a competitive pay and I'd be happy to match the same benefits he received at the Uni. You may also add that I'm willing to extend him a signing bonus that will help him and Lucy with their financial situation and marry immediately."
"That's very generous of you. Why don't you offer the post yourself? I can arrange a meeting, but I'm sure he'd be happy to meet his potential boss in any case." Offered Elinor, hoping to avoid Edward in any way without dashing his chance working for Christopher.
"I'm not sure that would be the best way. Since you and him are somewhat family, it might be better that you offer the job. If it came from me, and we just met today, he might wonder of its credibility." He explained rationally, handing Elinor a business card to give to Edward.
Despite her own hesitations to meet Edward in the flesh, Elinor could only agree with his logic. She took the card and said: "Then I shall meet with him tomorrow prior to us leaving for Barton Park."
He did not really know how it happened, but Edward Ferrars found himself in front of Mrs. Jennings' apartment building early the next day after seeing Elinor with a Christopher Brandon the night before. Truth is, Edward had always felt like he did not know a lot of things. That's why he pursued a life of an academic – his curiosity sated by a solitary life of books, research and teaching.
Then he met Lucy. He first saw her in his graduate studies class. He needed an assistant researcher and they started working together on his dissertation. Emails, long hours and a late night fueled by coffee and Red Bull later, he found himself snogging her. First, they agreed it to be a casual sort of thing. Eventually, they progressed to being more serious and he didn't know exactly why, but he ended up blurting the most random proposal a year and a half ago.
"You were lonely. Even with Lucy so you thought proposing would fix it." He thought solemnly, scratching the back of his neck in frustration.
"Then there was Elinor." He thought back as he took a seat on the steps of the building.
Edward had met Elinor before when they were younger. They first crossed paths in John and Fanny's wedding and the mostly exchanged small-talk. They both kept in touch through the usual social media sites and when he found out she needed a job, he knew that she would be perfect with her advanced degree in English Literature. Bumping into each other, small-talks that became deep discussions and sharing a meal with her family all became the things you looked forward to.
"All of a sudden, you weren't lonely anymore." He admitted to himself, sighing for good measure.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
He turned his head and saw her smiling at him.
"Elinor." He said softly.
"Edward." She replied, sitting beside him.
"Lucy showed me your message. You said you wanted to talk about something and I have a pretty good idea what it was." He started, trying hard to keep a straight face
"I'm not here to talk about you and Lucy." She clarified
"You're not?"
"No. I know you've been having a bad week and all with what's happening. Honestly, I never really thought that you'd get sacked for shagging the boss' daughter." She quipped, smiling at him for good measure
"Everyone always thought Steele was an all talk and no trousers kind of man. Glad I could help boost his reputation." He laughed with her, his self-depreciating humor ever present.
"Well, I'm here to sort of help yours." Offered Elinor
"You mean my 'jobless and disowned' reputation?" he jested
"I don't think I can help you with the disowned part, Ed. Honestly, I'm not even sure if you'd want to reconnect with Fanny after the way she overreacted about you and Lucy, but I'm here to help you with the jobless part. Do you remember Christopher Brandon from last night?" she asked
"Yes. I'm not sure if I met him before. Is he a 'friend' of yours?" Fished Edward, trying to remain impassive.
"Yes. He's a good friend of our family and owns Delaford Bank, a small private bank here in London. Also, he's the reason why I asked you to come today." She answered, unaware to what he truly meant.
"Hmm. I'm sure I haven't done him any harm. I've never even met the man til' last night."
"No harm really. Actually, he's aware of your present circumstances. I, um, might have shared with him a bit of your background and your current problem. He has informed me of an opening in Delaford Bank, and he believes you would be the perfect candidate." She explained hesitantly
"Me? Work in in one of the best private banks in London? How?"
"As their Corporate Social Responsibility Manager. He thinks your Philosophy background might be quite beneficial. He's willing to match the benefits you received in Uni and give a signing bonus to help you and Lucy marry immediately without the need for Fanny or Mr. Steele financial support." She replied slowly as she had difficulty explaining the last part.
"This is all unusual, Eli. I'm sure it's because of your friendship with Mr. Brandon that I owe this opportunity." He said
"No, no. Not at all. I didn't know they had a vacancy until he mentioned it last night." clarified Elinor with passion
"Then why did he not tell me about it himself? You could have easily given him Lucy's number to reach me."
"He wanted it to come from a friend given that you've never really met him prior to last night." She explained with a whisper
"As a friend, I feel like I owe you a bit of an explanation." Admitted Edward
"Ed, you don't know anything to anyone. Especially to me. We are friends and I'd like to think we'd always will be." Reasoned Elinor
"Friends. Hmm. I had hoped that it would be more, but Lucy and I –"confessed Edward, surprised that Elinor cut him off by placing her hand on his shoulders.
"You don't have to say anything, Edward. You didn't do me anything wrong. We were – are – friends and that's that." said Elinor, standing up, hoping the movement would keep her tears at bay. She quickly took Christopher's card from her pockets and added:
"As a friend, I encourage you to call Christopher and take the job. I'm sure Lucy would be thrilled with the news. Congratulations on your engagement, by the way. I'm sure, given everything, not a lot has yet to wish you both well."
Edward stood up and took the card from her. He scanned it quickly and pocketed the card. He then faced her and for a moment he was tempted to say what he really wanted to convey – that he really didn't want to marry Lucy; that he was planning to break up with her and that he was coward for never doing so. He wanted to explain to her, to share with her how jealous he felt seeing her and Christopher Brandon last night, laughing like the way they used to in the staff room back at the University.
Instead, he said: "Thank you, Elinor. I hope you and Christopher are very happy." before turning his back to her and walking away.
He never saw Elinor's confused and surprised face.