Assets and Liabilities: A Contemporary Pride and Prejudice
Chapter 10
Lizzie didn't have to wait long to find something to take her mind off Darcy and his vanishing act. She spent the next week interviewing candidates to lead the computer science programs at Meryton. There were many qualified candidates, but her interview with George Wickham went so well that she hired him on the spot. George was charming, engaging, and witty. He boasted an impressive resume and a very nice smile. Lizzie was captivated. The subsequent meetings went just as well as the interview, with a lot of lighthearted conversation and little serious discussion.
George seemed just as taken with his new boss. They continued to flirt shamelessly at their weekly meetings. After one meeting a few weeks later, Lizzie realized that despite some great conversation, George really hadn't delivered much work. When she thought more about it, she realized that though she had given him access to all her files on the program and met with him several times, she hadn't followed up to ensure he was making productive use of the information.
Lizzie resolved to be more professional going forward. She made up an agenda for their meeting and sent George an outline of her goals for the program. At the next week's meeting, she and George talked in her office. They had their heads close together, reviewing his proposed programming suggestions.
They were interrupted by a knock on her open office door. Lizzie turned and saw Darcy standing in the doorway. He looked like the color had drained out of him, "Wickham, how interesting to see you here."
"Darcy," Wickham replied with some tension.
Lizzie watched the interaction between the two men with fascination.
After an uncomfortably long pause, Lizzie broke the silence. She addressed Darcy formally, "Can I help you?"
Darcy collected himself, "I wanted to talk to you before our entrepreneurship meeting, but I see that you're busy. Will you be wrapping up shortly?"
"No, I'm not going to interrupt my scheduled meeting because you decided to show up unannounced," Lizzie said, staring him down.
Darcy grimaced and responded, "Fine Lizzie. We'll talk later". He turned and left.
As soon as she heard the building's front door close she turned to George, "What was that about?"
"I might ask you the same thing! I've never seen a woman turn Darcy down."
"He's a mentor for my entrepreneurship program. We are not on good terms."
"Sounds like a fascinating story," George said fishing for information.
"It's not. He's arrogant, rude, and insensitive. I'm tired of putting up with it."
"Very interesting," George said contemplatively. "Lizzie Bennet, I think you're my new favorite person. Watching you tell Darcy to scram may have been the highlight of my year."
"I take it you share my bad opinion," Lizzie conjectured.
"I'm sorry to say my opinion of Darcy is much worse than yours."
Lizzie was hungry for information that would substantiate her poor opinion. "What has he done to you?"
George replied, "He ruined my company and almost ruined my name. He got me arrested for fraud, all because his sister had an inappropriate crush on me."
Lizzie encouraged him to continue his story.
"Fortunately I was never charged, but reputation matters in my business. The worst part is that he was one of my oldest friends. Our parents were very close. His father was the one who lent me the money to start my business in the first place. I felt betrayed that Darcy could be so vengeful. His sister, Gigi asked me to invest some money for her. Darcy found out and accused me of stealing from her. Can you imagine? I was just trying to help an old family friend and it got me arrested!"
"That's horrible!" Lizzie said feeling sorry for George and a growing bond based on their mutual enemy. Her determination to be more professional with George faded.
After her meeting with George, she walked into her entrepreneurship meeting more determined than ever to ignore Darcy. He didn't show any interest in talking to her either and they left the meeting without discussing anything.
Lizzie told Jane about George's story as they were waiting to help Charlotte pick a bridal gown. The wedding preparations were well underway. Charlotte and Gary planned to marry after only three months together. Fortunately, Catherine de Bourgh was doing most of the planning. She had insisted on the venue, caterers, band, florist, and photographer. Gary had handled these arrangements with his boss. Lizzie had to give Catherine credit for planning a 200-person wedding in two months. Though she was clearly overstepping, she was certainly organized and effective. The only decision Charlotte was left with was choosing her own dress and the bridesmaids' dresses.
Jane Lizzie and Jane sipped champagne as they waited for Charlotte to try on potential wedding gowns. Lizzie quickly told Jane George's accusations. Jane contemplated this for a moment and carefully responded, "George tells a horrible story, and I certainly don't want to accuse him of lying but things don't quite add up."
"You would trust Darcy, the man who has demonstrated his horrible character repeatedly, over George, the nicest guy in town?"
"You haven't heard Darcy's side. I doubt the police arrested George on Darcy's word alone."
"Darcy is always bragging about how important and responsible he is; I'm sure he has connections."
Jane could tell Lizzie was going to be stubborn about this but cautioned, "Be careful, keep an open mind."
Lizzie was saved from replying by Charlotte's emergence in a stunning ruched silk gown. The Bennet sisters' focus was back on the bride-to-be and how beautiful she would look on her wedding day.
Afterwards at lunch, Charlotte officially asked her friends to be part of the bridal party. She asked Lizzie to be her maid of honor and Jane to be a bridesmaid. They both happily accepted. Charlotte turned the conversation to the seating chart. "Lizzie, Gary and I have received RSVP's from your whole family, but you haven't sent back your card."
"I thought it was unnecessary. Of course I'll be there!"
Charlotte asked the dreaded question, "Will you be bringing a plus one?"
"Don't make me think about my love life. In case you don't remember, it's a shambles." Lizzie pantomimed a bomb exploding.
"You should bring someone, even if he's just a friend," Charlotte suggested.
"Do I really have to?" Lizzie asked. "Isn't this the twenty-first century?"
"I don't want anyone to think I stole my best friend's man. You have to bring a date so you don't look lonely".
"Fine, I'll ask George".
Jane interjected, "Are you sure that's a good idea? Aren't you his boss?"
Charlotte agreed, "I say 'Go for it!' He's cute and very charming. Besides, it will be nice for you to have a date. You can show Darcy that you don't need him."
"What do you mean? Is Darcy invited to your wedding?"
"He just sent back his RSVP. No plus one."
Lizzie was indignant, "Charlotte! Why would you invite him? Have you no loyalty?"
"He's Catherine's nephew. It was non-negotiable."
"Of course they're related!" Lizzie burst out laughing. "I should have recognized the family traits sooner".
Charlotte tried not to smile in return.
A few days later, Lizzie was cleaning out her email inbox when she spotted one from Darcy. She opened it eagerly-she knew it would be interesting. It was short. He apologized for dropping in without an appointment and asked for half an hour of her time before the next month's meeting. He added a sentence about a healthcare startup in Africa and added a link to an article. Lizzie clicked the link, curiosity piqued.
She was engrossed in reading about the social enterprise and its young bright founders when George Wickham tapped her on the shoulder.
She jumped out of her seat startled. "Oh George, sorry I was wrapped up reading this article."
"Are you allowed to read articles on the job?" George joked.
"Sure, it's related to my entrepreneurship program. One of the mentors sent it over."
"I thought you and Darcy were not on good terms?" George asked, suddenly very interested.
"We're not. We just both like startups. Sometimes he'll send me articles." Lizzie tried to act casual.
This information on Darcy and Lizzie's relationship inspired George. "Can I ask you about a sensitive work matter?"
"Of course, pull up a seat."
George sat and leaned forward winningly, "Do you think it would be inappropriate to ask my boss on a date?"
Lizzie's eyes twinkled. "I'll see your date and raise you to a wedding."
George pulled a terrified face.
Lizzie clarified, "Will you be my date for Charlotte's wedding? It's not a big deal; we can just go as friends."
George replied, "It would be an honor to be your date. Just let me know the place and time and I'll get my best suit ready."
"Just to warn you, Darcy was invited to the wedding too. I know you don't get along. I hope you still want to come with me."
"Darcy doesn't scare me. I promise I will be there." George smiled a very charismatic smile. Lizzie was impressed by his promise. She was quite pleased with how her day had developed. Life was going well.
She was focused on planning a bridal shower and a bachelorette party for Charlotte. She was determined to do her best friend proud, no matter how poor her opinion of the groom. The bachelorette party trip to Napa Valley was particularly special for Charlotte and her closest friends. The women had a blast going to wine tastings at vineyards, and dining at fantastic restaurants, and getting their fill of girl talk. Lizzie made sure Charlotte knew that even if she was getting married, they were going to stay best friends.
Though they would always be best friends, time was rapidly approaching for Lizzie to find a new roommate or a new apartment. After a week of denial and procrastination, Lizzie started looking at her options. It didn't take long to decide it was time for her to try out living alone. She could afford it and at almost-thirty years old, she didn't want to resort to finding a roommate on Craigslist. She knew she wanted to find a place within walking distance of work. With her budget in mind, she scoured the rental market online. After a few viewings, she found a perfect light-filled one-bedroom in a trendy neighborhood.
As Lizzie moved into her new apartment, she started to feel like her life was back on track. Work was going well. Jane and Charlotte were extremely happy and she had her own prospect for love in George. Things were looking up.
It was suddenly two weeks until the wedding and Lizzie was busy with maid of honor duties. She helped Charlotte tie ribbons on wedding favors, and redo the seating chart seven times. They did a juice cleanse together and got mani-pedis for stress relief. Lizzie even helped Gary and Charlotte practice their first dance until it was nearly flawless. Lizzie showed that, whatever her shortcomings, she was an amazing and loyal friend.