It was not until Elizabeth felt awareness rise through her that she realized she had fallen asleep in a most undignified position atop her bed. Someone had been calling her from what seemed to be a great distance. Her eyes opened to gaze upon Darcy who was bent over her.
"Good morning, dearest." He gently brushed her hair from her face and placed a kiss upon her cheek. "I thought I asked you not to wait up for me."
For a moment her somnolent mind could think of no response.
"I am sorry to wake you," Darcy said softly when she made no reply, "but my aunt will expect to see you soon."
"Did you ever come to bed?" murmured Elizabeth.
Darcy's eyes fell away from her gaze. "No."
She reached out to him and pulled him toward her. "It's not too late," she murmured. He climbed into the bed and wrapped his arms about her. Elizabeth rested her head upon his chest and allowed her eyelids to fall shut again. His fingers carefully unwove her braid and the soothing motion of his fingers running through her hair drew her to sleep once more.
After what seemed to be only moments, she felt Darcy's lips skim her cheek and then tickle her ear as he spoke. "I am afraid you must rise, my dark eyed beauty."
"Just a little while longer," she sighed.
Darcy chuckled softly and turned so that her head slid from his chest. For a moment she thought he would leave her, but then she felt his lips against hers. Her eyes opened and Darcy drew away, laughing softly again.
"I believe you are awake," he murmured.
"Not completely," Elizabeth said with a small smirk.
He returned her smile before his lips met hers once more. When they parted he pressed his palm to her cheek. "Truly Lizzie, it is in your best interest to prepare for the day."
Elizabeth sighed. "Very well. If you will have Meredith sent up I will be ready shortly."
Darcy kissed her once more. "Of course. My aunt will also desire to see Edward."
"He will not be pleasant if he is not yet awake," she murmured.
"Lady Catherine has always averred that I was a most fussy infant; she will only insist that the son is much like his father."
"No matter how much our son may be like his father, I would prefer that he not be considered fussy," Elizabeth said indignantly. "Your aunt will just have to wait to see him."
Darcy chuckled. "Very well." He departed as she rose to prepare for the day.
Her husband's cautions of his aunt's ill-humour prompted Elizabeth to move quickly through her morning preparations. Before she greeted her ladyship, she looked in upon Edward. He slept peacefully and she had no desire to wake him.
She smiled as she bent to place a kiss upon his cheek. "At least someone shall be exempt from Lady Catherine's ill-temper." Elizabeth quietly left his nursery to face Lady Catherine.
She rapped softly upon the door that led to the rooms that had been prepared for Darcy's aunt. It was a few moments before Lady Catherine demanded who was at the door.
"It is Elizabeth."
"Come in and do not linger in the doorway too long; there is a draft in the hallway."
Elizabeth did as Lady Catherine asked, quickly closing the door after her entrance. She curtsied to her husband's aunt as she greeted her. She then greeted Darcy's cousin, Anne de Bourgh. Elizabeth was startled to see that Darcy, Georgiana, and the Major-General were present.
"Where is the child?" demanded her ladyship the moment greetings had been exchanged.
"He sleeps still," Darcy replied.
Lady Catherine scowled impatiently. "I suppose I shall have to wait to see him."
"He will be awake soon," Elizabeth offered.
"Very good. I am eager to see the child." Her ladyship gestured elegantly to a seat. "Do sit down Elizabeth. You tire easily."
"Thank you for your kindness," said Elizabeth as she claimed the seat beside Georgiana.
"Will you both be able to travel for the wedding?" inquired Lady Catherine.
"Wedding? Why that will not be for a little while, Aunt Catherine," Georgiana said timidly.
Elizabeth's gaze fell upon Darcy who stood stiffly by the fireplace.
Lady Catherine spoke impatiently. "Anne's wedding, my dear. Anne is getting married. She did not inform you?"
Georgiana expression indicated that she had not been informed. She stammered well wishes and apologized for her rudeness. "When is the wedding?"
"Two weeks from now," her ladyship replied smugly.
"That is very soon," Georgiana said quietly.
"But you can come, can you not?" It was the first time that Anne had spoken and Elizabeth's gaze fell upon her. She was pale and so thin that her gown appeared to have more substance than she. She did not appear as cross as she had when Elizabeth first sighted her at Rosings.
Georgiana glanced desperately from Darcy to Elizabeth. "I shall do my best," she said finally.
"How could you think to miss Anne's wedding?" demanded Lady Catherine sharply. "Think of the disappointment for her."
"She said that she shall do her best," replied Darcy. Elizabeth could hear the restraint in his voice.
"All this talk of the wedding and none of us know who Anne is marrying," jested the Major-General, attempting to relieve the tension.
Lady Catherine looked straight at Darcy. "Lord Westley Eaton." Darcy's countenance darkened but he said nothing. Her ladyship's gaze fell upon Elizabeth. "You have not offered your congratulations," she said coolly.
"I offer you my best wishes," Elizabeth told Anne.
"As a lord's wife you must never forget to offer condolences or well wishes," Lady Catherine instructed Anne.
"Of course not, mother," replied the daughter. "I would not dare to forget."
Elizabeth's cheeks crimsoned with mortification.
"Are we the only family that has arrived for the child's christening?" inquired her ladyship.
"Mr. Bennet is here," said the Major-general. "And Mrs. Gardiner and Leanne have been here since before Edward's birth."
"I do not suppose Mrs. Bennet will be making an appearance? Or her daughter, the one who married Wickham? I thought you detested the man Darcy?"
"The rest of Elizabeth's family will be here by tomorrow," Darcy said tersely.
"Your son is named for some relative of hers, is he not? I was surprised when you did not name your son for your late uncle or grandfather."
"Elizabeth's uncle and aunt are very important to us," replied Darcy.
"But your uncle and grandfather's names have a greater reputation than…" she trailed off.
"Elizabeth, please see if Edward is awake. I am sure her ladyship and Anne are eager to see him."
"She need not rise. A servant can bring him," said Lady Catherine.
"I think it is best that I retrieve him," Elizabeth answered icily. Lady Catherine's subtle and unsubtle insults to her and her family members were nearly too much for Elizabeth to continue to hold her tongue. She hurried from the room. How accurate Darcy had been about his aunt's vicious humour!
She found Edward awake.
"He awoke shortly after you left," his nurse informed her.
Elizabeth smiled as she lifted her son from his cradle. "Good morning, little one," she murmured, holding him tightly, the sting of Lady Catherine's insults fading as Edward's weight settled in her arms. He made a sound and jerked his chubby arm toward her. Elizabeth laughed and kissed him, before she bore him to Lady Catherine's rooms.
The woman's temper changed the moment she beheld her great-nephew. "He is the most precious infant I have ever seen," she exclaimed. "Sit down Elizabeth so that I can see him better."
Elizabeth obediently sat herself next to Lady Catherine. She had never been in such close proximity to her ladyship as Lady Catherine leaned forward to examine Edward. She hardly dared to breathe for fear her ladyship would comment upon loud breathing.
"He shall be very handsome, Darcy," declared Lady Catherine. "May I hold him?"
Elizabeth was so startled by her ladyship's soft, polite request that she nearly dropped her son. "Certainly," she agreed, quickly recovering. She carefully placed Edward in Lady Catherine's outstretched arms, hoping that he would not cry. For a moment he whimpered, but Elizabeth spoke to him soothingly and he quieted.
"He is rather heavy," commented Lady Catherine. Her eyes swept over the infant. "But I suppose that simply indicates that he is healthy. Does he cry often?"
"No."
"Not at all like his father then. That is good." She glanced at Darcy. "Your mother and father would be very proud." Her voice was sharp, but Elizabeth held the suspicion that Lady Catherine was more overcome by emotion than she wanted to reveal.
"Thank you, Aunt Catherine," Darcy said softly.
Her ladyship returned Edward to Elizabeth and dabbed at her eyes. "Poor Anne, may she rest peacefully, would have loved him and spoilt him to no end."
"There are plenty of us to do that," said the major-general.
"You will not ruin this child, James!" Anne and Darcy coughed, while Georgiana turned her head as they hid their amusement. "You may ruin your own, when you have them. That is, if you have them. When are you going to start looking for a wife? A man of your rank ought to be married. It is a disgrace that you are not."
"Unfortunately suitable young women do not fall from the sky, my dear Aunt. They are surprisingly hard to come by."
"You are impertinent, James."
He apologized though his twinkling eyes belied his regret.
"Darcy you are not to spoil this child," instructed Lady Catherine. "Discipline is very important if children are to turn out properly." She went on to instruct everyone present on the importance of a disciplined child.
Elizabeth was relieved when at last Lady Catherine declared herself tired and withdrew to her bedroom. Her ladyship called Georgiana and Anne into her chamber to read to her. Darcy followed Elizabeth from Lady Catherine's rooms.
They walked about in silence for a while before Elizabeth spoke. "You were angry when Lady Catherine told you to whom Anne was betrothed."
Darcy took Edward from her, causing Elizabeth to sigh in relief, for the infant had grown heavy in her arms. "He is not very intelligent; his marriage to Anne is simply something he views as a necessity to his title. My aunt shall have no difficulty manipulating him."
"Your judgment is harsh," Elizabeth said quietly.
"You know I have little patience for men as foolish as he."
"A lack of intelligence does not always mean one is foolish."
"I consider anyone as weak-willed as he desiring to become my aunt's son-in-law very foolish," he said with a slight lift of his lips.
Elizabeth chuckled. "I might say that anyone desiring to become her son-in-law somewhat foolish."
"I might consider you somewhat silly for becoming her niece."
"They say that love makes one foolish. Besides, in my case it makes our union more fair. It wouldn't be just if I were the only one with objectionable relations."
Darcy shifted Edward to one arm and wrapped the other around Elizabeth's waist, pulling her close. "Do not regard a single thing my aunt tells you about raising our son. You are the perfect mother. Our son could not be more fortunate than to have a mother such as you."
She leaned into him. "That means so much to me," Elizabeth admitted. "I am so afraid of becoming like my mother."
"I do not believe you need to worry yourself, dearest Lizzie," he said softly.
"I wish I could tell you the same of your concerns, but I know you will not listen." He chuckled and pressed his lips upon the top of her head. Elizabeth sighed. "Life seems so simple for our little Edward. He needs only to sleep and eat."
"And be changed," added Darcy wryly. He had only recently experienced the scent of a soiled diaper.
Elizabeth laughed at the recollection of Darcy's expression.
When at last they returned Edward to his nursery, they were greeted by Mrs. Reynolds. She greeted them with a curtsey before announcing the arrival of Elizabeth's mother, sisters, uncle, and cousins. "They are in the west parlor," she informed them.
Elizabeth was met by exclamations as Edward and Nathan hurried forward to embrace her. Sarah timidly approached Darcy before she threw her arms about his waist. Elizabeth saw him bend over to murmur to the little girl before Edward and Nathan drew her attention away.
"Is it true that we have another cousin?" demanded Nathan.
"Papa told you not to ask such things," Edward said sternly.
"Is it true?" the younger boy persisted.
Elizabeth laughed. "Yes, it is true."
"May I see him?" asked Nathan eagerly.
"You will wait until it is time," his mother said.
Elizabeth moved on to greet her mother, Mary, and Lydia. "I hear the Lady Catherine de Bourgh is here," said Mrs. Bennet, her eyes showing awe and intimidation.
"She is," confirmed Elizabeth.
"How I should like to meet a lady," Lydia offered quite loudly.
"There is no need to speak so noisily, Lydia," chided Kitty. Lydia frowned at her older sister but quieted her voice.
"And my grandson, where is he?" demanded Mrs. Bennet, ignoring the exchange between her youngest daughters. "A grandson, my Lizzie. I can hardly believe it. I am sure he is as handsome as his father. Where is his father?"
"I am here, Madam," said Darcy. Much to Elizabeth's chagrin, Mrs. Bennet hurried over to greet him effusively.
"I have heard that I now have a namesake," Mr. Gardiner said with amusement as he greeted Elizabeth.
She smiled at him. "He is indeed named Edward. You and Aunt Mari have done so much for Darcy and me. It was but a small way we could evince our gratitude."
Her uncle embraced her. "I am honored," he murmured.
"Please Uncle Darcy, may we go ice skating upon the lake," Elizabeth heard Sarah insisting.
"It is dangerous," Kitty told her cousin sharply.
"I will be careful. I promise."
"Where is your kitten?" Nathan demanded.
"Where is Evelyn?" inquired Mrs. Bennet.
"I had no notion our family could be so loud," muttered Kitty.
Darcy cleared his throat. "Mrs. Gardiner, I am sure Meredith will be happy to show you where to settle the children."
Elizabeth's aunt smiled gratefully at Darcy as she ushered her children from the room. The children's questions continued even as they followed Meredith from the room. Kitty offered to show Mary and Lydia to their rooms, and the three sisters departed with an awkward silence between them.
"I can hardly stand another moment without seeing my grandson," exclaimed Mrs. Bennet. "My nerves can hardly bear it!"
"My dear, I believe it is best if you wait," said Mr. Bennet.
"Oh, Mr. Bennet," she cried, "you never did give a care to my poor nerves."
"Mrs. Bennet I would say the contrary; they have been brought to my notice fairly frequently over the years."
Mrs. Bennet scowled, but did not answer him. "Mr. Darcy is there a place that I may lie down. The journey has quite taxed me."
"My dear, I shall show you to our rooms," said Mr. Bennet.
"I am at the moment, choosing not to speak to you."
Elizabeth sighed at her parents' display and glanced apologetically at Darcy. "Mother I will show you to your rooms," she said.
"You should not be walking about so much. How could Mari allow you out of bed so soon? I—,"
"I shall show you to your rooms, then, Mother," Jane said softly. She gently, but firmly, guided Mrs. Bennet from the room. Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner excused themselves, claiming they had much to discuss.
Elizabeth sank onto a chair once everyone had departed and buried her face in her hands. "I dread dinner tonight," she nearly sobbed.
"It should be quite interesting," Darcy acknowledged.
"You sound amused," she accused him.
"I believe the only one who shall receive amusement this evening will be my cousin."
"Of course he would," muttered Elizabeth in a dry manner, causing Darcy to chuckle.
"There is a tarnished silver lining to Anne's marriage though," he said gently. Elizabeth lowered her hands and arched an eyebrow. "Lady Catherine will not be able to remain long after the christening if everything is to be prepared for the wedding."
"That is true, but we will soon be joining her for the wedding."
"Anne is marrying in town. Only Georgiana and I will be attending."
"She will think it rude if I am not present."
"No; it will not be difficult to convince her that it is best that you and Edward do not travel."
"You have spared me, but not yourself or Georgiana."
"I believe I have in fact only not spared myself. Lord Brighton is in town."
"You are indeed merciless to yourself. My poor Fitzwilliam," Elizabeth said, rising to embrace him.
"I believe I deserve a kiss for my sacrifices," he jested.
"You deserve much more, but you shall receive nothing where others—," she began softly.
"Oh, am I interrupting an intimate moment," drawled a voice. Elizabeth crimsoned as she turned her head to see the major-general in the doorway. "I heard there had been a number of new arrivals, but I see someone was only teasing."
"You do choose the most inopportune moments to appear," replied Darcy. "You have no shame."
"No shame? Why I am not the one who encourages my wife to—no I shall not say it. Elizabeth does not deserve to be mortified further."
"Thank you for your consideration," she said softly.
He bowed his head slightly. "Your good reputation obviously means more to me than to your husband."
"You ought to find a wife," retorted Darcy.
Major-General Fitzwilliam shrugged. "My mother and aunt have been after me for so long that such advice has begun to fall upon deaf ears."
"Or a thick skull."
"Your insults wound me."
"As your presence currently wounds me."
To Elizabeth's surprise, the major-general simply chuckled and excused himself. She buried her warm face in Darcy's chest. "He will never cease to tease me about this."
"Contrary to his frequent displays, he does have a sense of honor and if he does not, he will force me to assert mine."
Later, as Elizabeth was returning to her bedchamber to prepare for dinner, the major-general intercepted her.
"Good afternoon, Elizabeth," he said.
Her face crimsoned. "Good afternoon, Major-General Fitzwilliam."
He cleared his throat several times. "I believe I have an apology to make, for my earlier impropriety. I should not have said anything. I am sincerely sorry for what I said earlier." The major-general appeared truly contrite.
"You will not bring it up again?" she asked softly.
"No, I will not."
Elizabeth smiled in relief. "Thank you, James, and all is forgiven."
"I am eager to meet your mother."
She frowned. "You do not have long to wait. I warn you that you may be disappointed."
"We shall see."
"Indeed. Until dinner, then."
She nodded. "Until dinner." They parted ways.
Elizabeth prepared carefully for dinner; Lady Catherine would have enough to provide comment upon without Elizabeth's attire as a subject.
Even after she was ready, Elizabeth remained before her mirror, wishing desperately that she could think of a way to delay dinner. How she dreaded what Lady Catherine would say of her family!
"Elizabeth, it is nearly dinner," said Darcy as he entered their bedchamber.
She sighed. "I am far too aware."
He crossed to her and drew her from her seat. "You look more beautiful than usual this evening."
"Thank you, Fitzwilliam." She attempted to smile.
Darcy placed a hand upon the small of her back and guided her toward him. "No matter what, I will be beside you and despite what may happen I love you. We cannot help our family."
His lips met hers as he pressed her firmly to himself. When they parted, Elizabeth was able to offer him a small smile. He returned it warmly and led her from the room.
Upon entering the dining chamber, Elizabeth saw that she and Darcy were the only ones present. Lady Catherine soon arrived, complaining of the ailings induced by age. She was accompanied by Anne, who appeared very sour. Elizabeth did not doubt that Anne's frequently unpleasant expression was a result of spending so many years with Lady Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner arrived with Leanne. They were shortly followed by Jane and Charles and then Lydia, Mary, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.
"Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh you may recall them from my wedding, but may I present my mother, Mrs. Bennet, younger sisters, Miss Bennet and Mrs. Wickham. Mother, Mary, and Lydia this is Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter, Miss de Bourgh."
Mrs. Bennet, Mary, and Lydia each curtsied deeply. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," murmured Mrs. Bennet.
Lady Catherine viewed them each with a critical. "You are fortunate your oldest daughters are such as they are," she said finally.
Mrs. Bennet beamed at her ladyship. "You are very kind, Lady de Bourgh. I always did consider my Jane and Elizabeth so accomplished. And Jane was known throughout the county for her beauty. When Mr. Bingley arrived at Netherfield I just knew—,"
"Mother," interrupted Kitty as she entered with Georgiana, "I have been looking for you all afternoon! Come; do tell me the news from Meryton."
Elizabeth had never been so grateful to Kitty and though Lady Catherine regarded Kitty and Mrs. Bennet sharply, she felt the interruption was preferable to what her mother may have continued to say.
"So you are Elizabeth's younger sister," stated Lady Catherine as she turned her attention upon Lydia. "You were married before your oldest sisters, were you not?"
Elizabeth's younger sister smirked. "I would not have run the risk of being an old maid."
Lady Catherine's eyes narrowed considerably as she emitted a sound of distinct disapproval. "The younger sisters out before their older sisters were married. Who ever heard of such a thing?"
Lydia faltered beneath her ladyship's censure and Elizabeth accepted the opportunity to remove her youngest sister and Mary from Lady Catherine's attention.
"She is a horrid lady," muttered Lydia as Elizabeth led them to their seats.
"Lady Catherine commands your respect, Lydia. Do not be rude," said Mary.
"Oh hush, Mary. You are always telling me what to do. I am married."
"Perhaps it would help if you listened for once, Lydia," chided Elizabeth quietly. "Hold your tongue around Lady Catherine. You will spare yourself misery." She left before Lydia could protest.
Elizabeth returned to her seat across from her ladyship and as all were now present for dinner, Darcy seated her before taking his seat at the head of the table. As dinner began, Elizabeth waited for Lady Catherine's remarks. It was not a very long wait.
"Your youngest sister shows a lack of propriety, but I suppose that is the result of entering society so young. Your middle one seems to have a better sense of her place." Her ladyship gazed at Mary for a few moments. "She is rather plain though, isn't she? I would not have expected her to look so."
Darcy blushed slightly at his aunt's rudeness. "Appearances do not define one's inner character, Aunt Catherine," he answered firmly.
Her ladyship's eyes fell upon Lydia who was at the moment giggling one of the Major-General's comments. Mrs. Gardiner leaned over to murmur something to her niece, causing Lydia to frown. "Indeed." Elizabeth wished that she had instructed the servants to greatly water Lydia's wine. She wondered if her father, two seats away from her, had overheard Lady Catherine's comments.
"Your uncle is rather charming, though," her ladyship allowed reluctantly. "He entertained me while I rested during my walk through the gallery."
"Thank you," murmured Elizabeth.
At this moment, Darcy intervened to draw Lady Catherine away from her discussion of Elizabeth's relations. She dared not indicate her gratitude in any way, but his smile as she glanced at him, told her that he understood.
The second course was coming to an end when Anne suddenly gasped.
"What is it?" inquired Georgiana.
"Something is tugging at my gown." She had some difficulty moving herself away from the table as she did not have much strength, but when she could finally see the bottom of her gown, she frowned. "It is an animal! In the dining chamber! What servant let it in?"
Darcy rose to see what it was. He bent over and rose with Kitty's kitten, Nerissa clasped in his hands.
Georgiana giggled but quieted under Lady Catherine's reproving gaze.
"Kitty, I believe she is yours," said Darcy.
The room hushed as Kitty looked away from her conversation with the Major-General and her eyes widened in surprised. "Nerissa! Oh my, she must have gotten out! I apologize. I shall put her away immediately."
"She has ruined my gown," complained Anne.
Darcy looked at his cousin's attire. "It is only a small tear. One of the servants shall easily repair it."
"I am terribly sorry," said Kitty to Anne, as she took her kitten from Darcy. "I have no notion of how she got out. I was careful to put her away."
"Apparently not careful enough," said Anne, examining the skirt of her gown.
Kitty blushed. "I can replace your gown. I am truly sorry."
"Nonsense," the Major-General spoke up. "Darcy and I received far worse tears in our day and our clothes were easily repaired to look brand new. Besides you have plenty of other gowns."
"Indeed," agreed Darcy. He smiled at Kitty. "Why do you not return her to your rooms? And be sure she does not escape again."
"Yes, sir," said Kitty. With one more apology to Anne, she hurried from the room. Darcy pushed Anne's chair back in and resumed his seat.
"Animals running loose, Darcy," scolded Lady Catherine.
"I am sure it was just an accident," he said coolly.
"A kitten is no where near comparable to the time Darcy and I raced pigs through the foyer of my home," added the Major-General.
"Or the time I brought my horse inside," offered Georgiana.
"You raced pigs in your foyer?" asked Mrs. Gardiner incredulously.
The Major-General was in the middle of relating how he and Darcy had harnessed the pigs and had them draw the two boys down the stairs on silver platters when Kitty returned. By the end of his story, the incident with Nerissa was forgotten as the Major-General's story rendered them breathless with laughter.
After supper, several card games were begun. Fortunately there was not enough room for Lady Catherine, Mrs. Bennet, and Lydia to be placed at the same table. Elizabeth's mother was rather talkative though and a number of times, Elizabeth caught sight of Lady Catherine's expressions of disapproval.
Elizabeth was relieved when at last Mrs. Bennet excused herself, claiming herself tired after the journey. The others continued on for a while longer before they began to retire. At long last it was only Darcy and Elizabeth who remained.
"It was not so bad as it could have been," he said wearily as he led her up the stairs.
"No it was not," Elizabeth agreed in relief. "I feel terribly about Anne's gown though."
"Do not worry. She can be quite unpleasant at times. She will have forgotten by the morning."
"You are certain?"
"Quite, but to soothe you and Kitty, I will have Mrs. Reynolds have it mended during the night. Anne will not notice."
They paused in the nursery to gaze at their sleeping son.
"He will be awake soon," murmured Elizabeth.
"His nurse will care for him," said Darcy. "You need your rest."
"I must say goodnight," insisted Elizabeth.
Darcy left her to give Mrs. Reynolds instructions regarding Anne's gown. When he returned to Edward's nursery, he drew a very reluctant Elizabeth away from their son.
"I happen to know that you have spent several nights away from me in his nursery," she protested as he guided her down the hallway.
Darcy chuckled. "I am feeling selfish tonight, though, and I want you all to myself."
"So long as it suits you," muttered Elizabeth.
He closed their bedchamber door and locked it. "Oh I believe it will suit you too, my dark eyed beauty."
A/N: As I will not have a chance to update my profile, I will say what I have to say here. I am sorry for the two month delay. With 4 1/2 hour SAT prep every Sunday, I have been really stretched for time. I planned to write a lot last weekend and update, but as many of you know, Jetblue had a complete meltdown and cancelled many flights. I was one of the people caught up in the mess.I spent a busy, sleep-deprived week touring San Francisco with my school's concert choir (San Francisco is an amazing city!) and it was ended by spending 20 hrs in Oakland airport after Jetblue cancelled our flight home. Despite the adventure of sleeping in an airport, making the California news, and being the cause of an airplane delay, by the time I got home at 2 AM last Saturday, I was ridiculously sick. I didn't wake up until Sunday afternoon and was in no condition to leave my bed or even write until Tuesday morning, at which point I had school. Therefore I apologize for the further delay in updates, as I am slightly behind. Just let me get through the SAT's (they're on March 10th) and hopefully my updates will become more frequent again. Thank you for all your reviews.
Sincerely,
Audrie Melone