Please note that the characters are not of my own making but rather by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The premise of the story is still somewhat in the essence of her wonderful work but with a modern twist. The characters are OOC but expect ODCs to appear as in the book. This is my first FF and English is not my first language. Constructive criticism with gentleness and respect is greatly appreciated.
At long last Wednesday! I walked into my favorite spot in a corner of a lounge. I've done this almost forever since I discovered this gem of a place. I liked it so much that I don't even tell anyone, not even my best friend Charles Bingley. The moment I walked in, John Lucas set to work. Not two minutes later. He has my Vesper Martini served. Yes. Just the way I like it. No one makes it like John, and I wouldn't drink it from someone else. I met him here about two years ago and since then this place became my Wednesday night go to except of course when John is not working.
Tonight, John seems quieter than usual. He kept looking at the clock or his phone. Finally, he got the call and set to work. Shortly after, he got the Red Dragon and Vesper Martini ready to go. He set it on a tray with a single stem red rose and a white envelope. He looked up towards the door. Then he made his way to a table and set his creation down. As if on cue. She walks in.
I was in mid-sip when a goddess walked in. She's petite and muscular in a feminine sort of way. She's beautifully built in every way, but her best feature is her luminous, green eyes that shine like the most expensive cut of emerald. Framed with long dark eyelashes. She wore minimal make up if any at all. Her dark curly hair is simply coif with a few strands that draws the eyes to her long, beautiful column neck adorned with a single pearl on a very thin gold chain. Matched with a pair of single pearl earrings. Her spaghetti strapped blue dress moved with every curve of her body. It flowed around her like ocean water. John pulled out a chair. She nodded and smiled at him. I was momentarily jealous of not being the recipient of it.
I watched her most carefully which in my case is rather odd. I don't normally look at women let alone stare at them. Her presence is so mesmerizing. She picked up her Red Dragon with her small delicate hand. To my disappointment. I saw a set of rings on her ring finger. Of course, I would spot the most gorgeous woman that happens to be unavailable! Still, I continue to watch her. She picked up the rose and sniffed it. She rolled it between her fingers as she sipped her drink. Then she put it back in the water and picked up the envelope. She caressed the writing. Then as if she needed courage, took a long sip of her drink and opened the envelope. A picture fell out of the card. She quickly snatched it before hitting the ground. She stared at the picture with deep longing. Then held the picture against her chest. As she read the card a tear slipped down her face. I instinctively got up to go to her table, but John stopped me with a hand signal and shook his head. I sat back down trying to tamp down the urge to give the woman comfort. She continues to caress the picture while at the same time running her finger to the rim of Vesper Martini. 'Whoever stood her up is an idiot.' She took a couple of sips from it. She stuffed everything in her clutch purse. Gave a nod to John, a signal he's been waiting for. He picked up the receiver and made the call. She then pulled out her wallet and pulled out a Ulysses. She placed it under the martini. John walked to her in time to pull out her chair for her. Then she glided out there and into the night. Never has a woman intrigued me so much.
After the lady left. Mr. Darcy thought he'd pick his bartender's brain. Knowing that the object of his curiosity is a married woman doesn't indicate that he's going to pursue her, or is he? Still, he just has to scratch that itch. He's not much of a talker but will make an exception.
Mr. Darcy: "Hey John! Who was that beauty?"
John: "Can't tell you. I signed a nondisclosure agreement."
Mr. Darcy: "Now that's odd. What would be the need for that?" He thought out loud.
He didn't get any reply. John continued on keeping himself occupied. Of course, Mr. Darcy of all people should know what a nondisclosure agreement entails. He didn't push knowing he isn't going to get any further than his thoughts. It ate at him though. Just the thought of being refused information. He's not used to not getting what he wants.
Mr. Darcy continues to sit in his spot at the bar brooding. He couldn't keep his mind off the beautiful mysterious lady. There is something oddly familiar about her. Surely, he'd seen her before, but if he had. He certainly would not have forgotten it. He'd seen many beautiful women before, but nothing in her caliber. He's mind and body have never reacted to the opposite sex before; not until tonight. Her identity is foremost in his mind. With no name to go on or picture. He has nothing to give his investigator to go by, but why would he expend this much energy. She's married.
The story should end there. Instead, it's the beginning of an inescapable plague. Though she's married. Darcy's mind wouldn't let her go. He is constantly on the alert with hopes of maybe running into her, or even just to get the glimpse of her. He started to imagine her across the table from him. He'd seen her sitting on his desk. His mind has manipulated images of her that put her on the highest pedestal of beauty. He'd even accompany Charles Bingley on some of his dates with Miss Jane Bennet in hopes of maybe spotting the illusive lady from the bar. No such luck. It looks like he'll continue on being a chaperone for the couple also known as "the third wheel".