Something to tide you all over and make up for the infrequent postings of late.
Hi to my followers! Thanks for following me :)
Thanks to all my betas who contributed in different ways: lovingyouisbest, JD Bell; Joy Booth and Fredrica.
Final tweaking is my own.
I know that I can make it
Lydon sought her out for the next dance and Darcy politely ceded her hand. Lydon was in full country mode, an act he put on in front of select audiences. "My, ain't you popular, sis! Lydon teased. Maybe I better get out my gun after all. Or maybe I'll just invite him over for an old fashioned chaperoned courting in the parlor!"
She groaned."Lydon! I am having enough trouble; I don't need your shenanigans."
"Well introduce me to the man who I gather is your beau and maybe I'll behave. If you don't, I will introduce myself, and who knows how that might turn out! From what Wicked tells me that man needs a good threatening. I'd be happy to scare him off if you like." With that, Lydon stopped, and turning, yelled to the crowd: "Anyone who wants to mess with my sister has to go through me first." He flexed his muscles in emphasis "This ain't my only gun show!"
Lizzy was mortified to see Darcy's astonished expression as he turned to speak animatedly at Bingley and Jane. Lizzy then pulled Lydon back, away from the crowd. "Dammit! Why do you always have to be such a pain?"
"Who else is there to bug you?" Lizzy spent the remaining seconds blackmailing her brother to behave, reminding him that she and their other siblings were in possession of a great deal of incriminating evidence on Lydon's escapades while still underage. He scowled and agreed to behave. The song ended and Lizzy warily made her way through the crowd introducing Lydon and Darcy, who had resumed a skulking position on the bleachers, sitting with Jane and Bingley.
Despite her warnings, baby brother proceeded to interrogate Darcy about manly things, asking about how much he could bench press, what types of guns he owned and the like. The conversation was like a bizarre sketch with caricatures of Republicans and Democrats on Fox where the red pundits comically eviscerate their opponents for not living up to their own made up standards. She watched in horror as Darcy answered in the negative to question after question, until Lydon said something, and then Darcy answered something (she couldn't hear what) through his clenched jaw, directed at Lydon, and then stalked off.
Lizzy growled to Lydon "What did you do?"
Lydon waved her off. "Sheesh, first Jane then you. At least her boyfriend laughed. He could tell it was a joke. He said something to me about comprehendin' a great deal in an accomplished man. He's such a priss."
"What. Did. You. Say?" Petite Lizzy had her 6'2 baby brother by the ear and was pulling, hard.
"OWW! I only said that if he was going to go any further than second base with you he'd better put a ring on it, or he'd have to answer to me and my gun show." She twisted harder, knowing with Lydon there was more to the story, he yelped louder then offered up, "Alright, I also told him that I had a friend named Wickham who would help. He didn't have to be all impolite about it."
She twisted again and he yelled, which caused her mother to look up. Both siblings sensed her from across the room and Lizzy immediately let go and pushed him away, "You didn't! Lydon!"
"I thought it was hilarious. I'll have to try it with Collins, that'll make him pee his pants! Mary will be mad. I can't wait to see what she'd do!" Lydon cackled and ran off looking for his sister and her boyfriend.
Lizzy tried to talk to her mother about Lydon, but Francesca was still on chicken mode and wouldn't allow her daughter a word in edgewise, instead attempting to include her in clean up duties that night. She huffed and went to find her father who laughed uproariously, dismissing his son's antics. "Your beaux must be made of stout stuff, otherwise they'd not survive your sibling's silliness, not to mention your mother's. Might as well leave it."
Lizzy looked for Darcy but he was nowhere to be found in the barn, nor was he in his original hiding place. Giving up temporarily, she assumed Darcy finally had enough of this hoedown and left. She decided to look for Jane to congratulate her, then possibly get in some conversation with her or Charlotte.
"Darcy seems to be very taken with you. He stares after you like a love sick puppy when you aren't looking, you do realize that, don't you?" Noted Charlotte, as Lizzy approached.
She shook her head. "The man is so confusing. I don't know if I'm cut out for him."
"You could do worse. Sometimes it is practical to give a good man a chance and see if it grows into love. He could be the Stieglitz to your OKeefe!*"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Lizzy stepped back, her hand on her hip.
Charlotte shook her head and chuckled, "I'm just sayin."
Lizzy sighed heavily. "I am trying to give him a chance- The man is far too circumspect half the time, however." She paused. "And what about you? I thought you were supposed to be my friend, therefore on *my* side. What about what I want?"
Charlotte persisted. "Do you know what you want, Lizzy? You act as confused as Lydon. From what I've seen at your house, I'd say Lydon was trying to impress that guy Wickham, of all people. He never tries that hard with all the rodeo groupies that hang all over him."
Lizzy's voice rose. "Charlotte, do you have a notebook where you're taking notes for case studies? Stop doing the psychologist thing on me."
Charlotte quickly put her arm around her friend. "Oh, honey, I didn't mean to upset you. Come on, let's go sit down and talk. Jane can wait. I'm sure Bingley's congratulating her enough for the both of us."
When the two sat on the bleachers, Lizzy found her eyes aching for a second time, tears again behind them. "I don't understand what's going on! Wickham was supposedly treated badly by Darcy, a fact he makes very plain.
Wickham is the one who's comfortable around my family. He's practically a fixture. Sure he was quite wild this summer but now he's everything affable and the whole family considers him a friend. I don't entirely trust the man and yet I respect the way he's managed even my mother. When he told me about his prior connection to Darcy, he painted a very unflattering picture of him. And yet- there certainly seems to be something missing from the story. Especially if his odd behavior this summer is anything to go on.
When I'm with Darcy, at times his behavior is completely consistent what Wickham's description; he's snobby, disdainful and seems to treat … uh … people.. like objects. Then other times he says things with such intensity and is so believable that I am drawn in. I don't know why I'm even interested in him; he's so socially inept- we had such good- er- time the other night in the costume shop, then we got into a fight and he avoids me. Now he practically corners me and asks me about Wickham, and watches me like a hawk."
Charlotte soothed, "Well, people are contradictory, but that doesn't mean he's not worth your interest. I can see how he talks to you, laughs with you, and obviously listens. You flirt with him mercilessly- clearly the man is dumbstruck, then expect him to turn around and have a deep conversation at the drop of a hat. Do you even realize that is a little much to expect? He's not psychic, and he probably needs space to explain himself. You can be pretty intense sometimes. He probably just took off to think, and I don't blame him."
"Why cant I just be who I am and not worry so much about our communication?" Lizzy's eyes were pleading.
"It's because this could really be something serious, and that is a threat to your self concept. People in love are usually self conscious." Charlotte put her arm around Lizzy.
Lizzy rolled her eyes, "Ha! Think again, matchmaker. Speaking of being in love, when is it going to be your turn? Like with a certain cousin of Darcy's?"
The arm around Lizzy tensed. "When is it? That's a good question. Smart academic types like me, we're late bloomers. I'm waiting my turn, but watch out when it waltzes into your life in a motherfucking kilt and seduces you with his… Anyway, when your opportunity comes up (like now), make sure you don't miss your turn and that is all I will say on the subject for now."
Lizzy shook her head good naturedly then hugged her friend. "Fine, but this isn't the last you've heard from me. Let's find Jane."
PPPxoxNMxoxPPPxoxNMxoxPPPxoxNM
Shortly after, the two pulled Jane in the middle of a hug as trio excitedly chattered about Jane's performance. Soon they were at the center of a crowd as person after person approached, shook hands or hugged Jane and congratulated her.
Bingley stood back and beamed, mesmerized by her presence. When the music started and well wishers disbursed, Bingley came out of his thoughts and took Jane out on the dance floor to enjoy some music. The two remained engrossed in each others' company whether dancing or sitting a song out.
Darcy decided to get some fresh air after Lydon's uncouth but believable threat at bodily harm (along with Wickham, no less!) if Darcy hurt his sister. He'd assured Lydon of his honorable intentions as best he could but was a bit shaken at Lydon's ferocity. Charles just looked on and laughed. He couldn't believe his friend. What was he thinking? It was gregarious Charles, of course he could believe it.
If that weren't bad enough, he had the bad fortune to encounter a simpering hipster in a ridiculous 80s colorblock shirt who recognized him, not for his artistic achievements but for his Aunt Catalina, of all people. "Well if it isn't the nephew of the distinguished head of Rosings Foundation. Charmed, I'm sure. I know all about you. Your aunt says nothing but good things. Oh, I forgot, my name is Collins. I'm here on the prestigious Foundation grant, studying farming techniques. I don't think I flatter myself to say they are learning a lot of my new techniques. I know my little flower is!"
It was at this moment he realized a woman was on his arm. She had medium coloring, of slighter build than either older sister, but had features that were a combination of Lizzy and Jane. She extended her hand and spoke her name, Mary Bennet. As she and Darcy shook hands, Collins blathered on, "I am certainly increasing her yield if you know what I mean." Darcy looked down in shock, not knowing what to day.
If he'd have looked up, he'd have seen only a pleased look on Mary's face. "These Bennet girls are something else, as I've heard that you've discovered. I for one don't give any credence to that Wickham fellow's accusations. I'm sure there is a good reason for your supposed misdeeds. Even though he's a good cook, he must have a past. I know that Catalina let him go. It was all very hush hush, you know."
Darcy finally gathered his wits. "Yes, I do know. Since it is hush, hush, I would imagine that your distinguished boss wouldn't appreciate you talking about it, would she?"
"Oh dear! Well, rest assured Mary, here, will be as silent as the grave on this topic." She tore her adoring gaze away from Collins to nod seriously.
Son, I Think You Better Go Ahead
He made excuses to the odd couple, returned inside and ascended the steps to the darkest corner he could find, having decided to linger in the shadows if he must to avoid any more Bennets and observe the object of his fascination. He did not anticipate spending time with the other people in the barn, people with whom Darcy figured he had next to nothing in common.
Darcy's behavior belied his disinterest, and people at the dance who noticed took it as snobbery. Darcy was completely oblivious to the manner in which he was perceived as he was intent on one goal, spending more time with Lizzy.
He was grateful for one thing; Caroline's attentions had significantly tapered off that evening. It started when Lucas introduced Darcy and the Bingley siblings to one of Dona Maria's wealthiest citizens, prominent world traveler and patron of the arts Mike _. Caroline was clearly taken by his distinguished elder rock star air and suddenly she had attention only for him. Not that Darcy kept track, but the couple actually danced a slow one or two then disappeared. He didn't bother to ask Bingley if Caroline had 'gotten a ride'. He already knew of her proclivities and was glad to no longer be in her radar.
He was left to stand alone drinking warm soda he'd spiked with a little bit of Ketel 1 from his flask. Darcy wasn't a lush, and usually kept the flask as more of a fashionable accessory and heirloom than anything else. It came in handy for a different purpose tonight. It took the edge off of his anxieties as Darcy watched Lizzy perpetually surrounded by people, chatting and dancing away.
He took the opportunity to notice every detail about her and imagine what he'd do about each. She was wearing a low cut fitted vest over a sheer tunic that covered strategic areas which he fantasized about dipping fingers into. Her lightweight handkerchief skirt completed the look, making him think of Stevie Nicks. Darcy could almost feel the texture of her body under the fabric in which she was swathed. Darcy could see a lot of leg through her ever so slightly sheer black leggings. Her shoes were high heeled boots which he very much wanted to unlace and make her toes curl. Lizzy's hair framed her face in front, curls pinned up on the sides and tumbling down her back, leaving her ears and neck exposed a place he most certainly wanted to revisit. He could taste the perfume behind her ears as he kissed her.
If Darcy was nervous around Lizzy before, it was heightened to almost paralysis in his private fantasies as he watched her move among people that were so clearly out of his sphere. Darcy had no clue what to say in this situation, he didn't have acreage to harvest or herds to tend. His only concern over the weather was dressing for it, not worrying if it would devastate his earnings for the year.
These were fans of the Cowboys, NASCAR, guns and Coors, and Darcy could not relate, as he disliked all of these things. And of course, he didn't know the people about whom they gossiped and by the sound of things, he didn't care to. He sighed. Perhaps if he did pursue Lizzy, they truly would not have a thing to say after the passion wore off.
"Mind if I have a nip?" Darcy was interrupted by none other than Lizzy's father, Edward Bennet. Just what he was trying to avoid. As if to read Darcy's mind, "They are a bit overwhelming, aren't they?"
Darcy stiffened. "Oh, it's great, I'm having a good time, just a little tired."
"A little tired of comparing meaningless hobbies like shooting and comparing the size of your- ahem- biceps?" Edward took a sidelong look at Darcy. "Or maybe it's from discussing at length illustrious family connections, or avoiding such discussions? No, couldn't imagine that."
Darcy raised his eyebrow, turning up his lips ever so slightly. "Son, you could use a little humor. You're a quiet type like me. I imagine you could laugh at the follies of certain ridiculous relations if you wanted to. After all, I've heard quite enough about Catalina." Edward's eyes twinkled. This earned a chuckle out of Darcy, who handed the flask over to Edward.
The two continued sharing spirits, silent companions in the semi darkness. "You know, I'm not a local. I was born on a ranch in Arizona, to a family considered elite by rancher standards, you know, we were – are- close friends with the former Chief Justice*. We had been neighbors. Even with illustrious connections by farming and ranching standards, I don't fit in here. I know I look like it, but I don't. I enjoy the quiet, out sitting on a horse, just watching the breeze on the brush, or else being in the solitude of my library, sipping some good tequila and reading something like Bless Me Ultima. Much more relaxing than bothering with people."
"How did you end up here?" Darcy asked.
"Well, like I said, I do enjoy the solitude of the range and couldn't imagine living in a city. I loved to read everything I could get my hands on as a boy. I'd take a horse out and go to a favorite ridge or watering hold to read and enjoy nature. My older brother was the working cowboy- spending his spare time shooting, hunting and the like, when he wasn't helping dad with the business side of things. I still did all the cowboy things, like help out with the branding and such.
But I got a scholarship and went to school, expecting that as the baby of the family I'd have to make my own way and happily so. Big brother has the ranch. I met Francesca when I was visiting some old FFA friends out here in college and we became sweethearts, traveling back and forth from New Mexico to Arizona. I was lucky to get a job here after I finished at U of A, and, well, here I am." Mr Bennet took another drag. "This is some decent hooch."
Darcy nodded his head in acknowledgment. "Glad to oblige. It's good getting to know you. I enjoy reading Anaya myself."*
"Say, son, I was thinking it sure would be nice to get outta here and relax in my library. You're staying on the back quarter of the old Netherfield farm, aren't you? Care to join me back at our house? It's close by and I could drop you off if you needed it. I have a little collection of good liquors in my study. We could compare books."
"Let me just see if that will work for Bingley," Darcy and Edward arranged that Darcy would ride back with him. Caroline, who had also rode in with Bingley, was having far too much fun with her new friend Mike. This suited Bingley just fine, as he realized another perfect opportunity to have Jane alone to Netherfield.
* OKeefe and Steiglitz- artist/photographer couple who ended up in NM. She is well known for her close up flower paintings.
* Sandra Day O'Connor, for those who don't know, grew up on an Arizona Ranch. This is based off her.
*Bless Me Ultima- by Rudolfo Anaya- a New Mexico classic.
Carry Me Home
Some mature content
Darcy and Edward took their leave of the fair and cloistered themselves in Edward's study. Darcy admired the rolltop desk which Edward said he'd inherited from his grandfather; he noticed several first editions of classic western authors as well as southwest literature from respected Native American, and Latino authors.*
For the next 3 hours or so, Darcy and Edward enjoyed a few rounds of Patron Silver while discussing the contents of their respective libraries and southwestern arts in general. Darcy was feeling more than relaxed. In fact, he realized that he wasn't quite sure if he was fit to drive the few miles to Netherfield. Edward suggested that Darcy use the spare bedroom upstairs. Too intoxicated to formulate another plan, Darcy readily agreed.
Edward gave Darcy a Pendleton and an extra pair of pajamas to use. Darcy took a Denise Chavez book into the room with him thinking that he could read a little before turning in. The upstairs was situated above Edward's study, secluded from the rest of the house, but was also far from a washroom. Darcy had been reading and dozing when came to realize his need to use the washroom at about midnight.
He was wearing black boxer briefs, his pendants and nothing else. Darcy donned the robe and hesitantly snuck downstairs as quietly as he could. He wasn't sure of the stairs were creaky or if the Patron was wearing off, but he felt certain the creaking steps could be heard half a mile away. He snuck through the kitchen in the dark looking for the washroom in an unfamiliar house.
Before he could do anything, the front door burst open and Elizabeth stood before him. Darcy moved quickly behind a chair and pulled the robe tightly, realizing too late that the garment's belt was still upstairs. "What are you doing in my kitchen in Dad's old robe?" Lizzy demanded.
"Shhhh. You'll wake someone."
She again asked the same question in a loud whisper, shutting the front door, making her way into the kitchen. Darcy's eyes were wide, his breath growing heavier as Lizzy moved closer. "Have you been drinking? Dad brought you back here for some tequila, didn't he? I should have known."
"Shhhh." Darcy clutched the dinette chair until his knuckles were white, as if holding for dear life on to his pent up lust.
"I'm whispering. Don't tell me you have a headache already." She moved closer, wearing an amused expression. She asked, "What are you doing standing behind the chair?" Her damn eyebrow was cocked. She knew why he was standing behind the chair, he could tell.
"Looking for the washroom." Darcy felt helpless as he felt her warm body so close to his side they almost touched. He wanted to reach out and press Lizzy to himself.
"Well you won't find it behind the chair. Let me show you where it is. "
Darcy followed Lizzy around the corner and suddenly found himself standing in front of Lizzy in a washroom. He was lightheaded, intoxicated by the tequila and by the vision of her in the dark before him. Reaching out to steady himself against the wall, he effectively blocked Lizzy in. It was all so unintentional but he couldn't resist lingering. He could feel Lizzy's heart race as she weakly attempted to maneuver around him. Darcy's face was inches from hers. He was sure he didn't imagine her sharp intake of breath, and he imagined she could smell the tequila and his spicy cologne.
She licked her lips, her eyes searching out his form in the dimness, her body otherwise frozen in place. Without thinking, Darcy put his other hand against the wall, trapping Lizzy between his arms. Passion threatened to take over Darcy; he thought he could feel every ounce of blood coursing through his body. It all seemed to be pooling in one place, like a dam ready to burst. In a strangled voice, he told her, "It's too much. I want you too much." Darcy regarding Lizzy intensely, taking in every inch of her face and body as he awaited a response.
Their bodies were close. He knew Lizzy felt his arousal, held back by the thin soft fabric of black boxer briefs. "So that's why you were hiding behind the chair." She whispered, teasingly. Darcy's bare chest was so irresistibly close, she reached out to stroke it. With her touch, his breathing grew more and more labored.
They were interrupted by stirring on the other side of the house, likely someone else using a washroom as the familiar sound of rushing water followed. This realization cooled their ardor in the moment and gave Darcy pause. "I was wondering how likely we are to be discovered."
"What if we were?" She had resumed stroking his chest, maddening woman.
He hoped she would only stop her actions if it meant they progressed to greater intimacy. His thoughts were distracted: "Well I'd be concerned about my mortality considering the number of guns in this house and your brother's threat."
"Other than that?" Damn, but her hand had stopped right at his stomach.
"Well, I'd say that's pretty big." Darcy said. He had tensed up, for more than one reason.
"Don't worry, Lydon doesn't mean anything by it. Besides he'll probably stay out at the fair. His truck isn't in the driveway. And my dad is harmless- unless you could be teased to death. Jane's car isn't here, either (not that she'd do anything). Mom and Kitty are staying in our pull- out at the fair tonight and Mary is with her new boyfriend. So it would seem you're safe for the time being, except from me." Lizzy interspersed these last reassurances with light kisses along his collarbone.
He gasped. "Well, if we won't be discovered, I can think of a few things to do…"
As if the house itself didn't approve of this plan, the clock struck 3 and Lizzy noticed the time. "Geez it's late. I've got to get some sleep."
"Where will you do that?" Darcy asked, the back of his hand caressing the side of Lizzy's face, his fingers entwining in some stray curls.
"William, we need to sleep separately. Dad is in the house and even though he may be mellow about us being together, he'd give us hell if he found us in my bed."
Darcy sighed at her use of his first name. He wasn't sure but it sounded like she was serious. Still, he whispered his persuasive argument as to why he should be allowed in her bed, promising that he wouldn't likely be able to fall asleep anyway, that he would leave in the wee hours anyway. To his delight, she acquiesced, flushing. He remembered the way she felt in his arms.
If he couldn't take her in bed, at least he could hold her. She curled up facing him. Captivated by the nymph in his embrace, true to his word Darcy found little sleep. He wanted to stay there all night but, uncertain of his reception in the morning, crept back to the upstairs room and lay there thinking about the delights that a pair of fine eyes can bestow. He took a token to remind him of these peaceful hours.
With early light, Mr. Bennet's stirrings gave Darcy the excuse he needed to quit the house, and so, after breaking his fast with some blue ribbon biscuits*, home made gravy and cranberry sauce, Darcy went back to Netherfield and slept in for once. His ruminations had finally rendered much needed rest.
Darcy later made certain that he had a bottle of Cruz sent to the Master of the Bennet household with his compliments. Other than that Darcy had little occasion for further contact with the man for weeks. Which was just as well, as he was sure that his face would betray to the man that Darcy had nearly defiled Bennet's daughter in his very own house.
Lizzy, who had no evidence whether last night's experience was a dream or real, didn't venture to question her father about Darcy's presence for fear of his questioning her. Instead, she determined to await any more evidence from the man himself. Sleeping together in her own bed seemed even more intimate than their two other interludes. She wondered if the faeries had taken her favorite concert shirt but assumed her mother had found it yet again and thrown it in the trash for the umpteenth time.
*New Mexico/ Southwest Authors: Edward Abbey, Denise Chavez, Rudolfo Anaya, more recently Aaron Albert Carr.
*Blue Ribbon – the highest, well, second highest honor. All kinds of hand made items and livestock are judged on their quality, class by class, age group by age group. The very highest is the purple ribbon, or Grand Prize- best of all the classes.
hope to hear from you- if my reviews get doubled I will double the posts this weekend!
thanks for reading, regardless.