Chapter Four

 

 

…she longed for a love of her own…

 

Fall semester was in full swing with the first week of classes finally over. Elizabeth sat in her office smiling. Her class schedule was perfect with her teaching one course each of Calculus I, Calculus II, and College Algebra. Not too tough and not too easy—it was just right. As she sat at her desk grading the assessment quiz she’d given her Cal I students their first day of class, she paused and leaned back in her chair. It had been a long day, and she was anxious to be done. She released a gentle sigh as she put down her red pen.

Rising from her seat to stretch and take a break, she walked over to the window and gazed out into the courtyard of the math and engineering buildings. Her lips curled in a slight smile as she watched a boy and a girl, obviously a couple, sitting on the ground cross-legged, studying. While she gazed at them, she shook her head and thought of her own love life—or rather, the absence of one.

When they had all lived in Boston, Jane and Cecilia had often teased her, saying that she preferred math problems to dating. That wasn’t exactly true, but as she thought about it, it wasn’t too far from the mark either. Most of the guys she had met were full of themselves—always interested in an easy pickup. She shook her head as she continued to stare out the window.

Before she had become so consumed with schoolwork, she had loved to read, especially Gothic literature and mythology. She also loved to discuss history, but the men she’d met seemed to think she was odd, while Elizabeth, in turn, thought they were shallow. Elizabeth sighed heavily as she watched the young couple. She wondered why she couldn’t meet a nice guy who was interested in having an intelligent conversation and sharing some of her interests. But no, the ones she’d met were only interested in one thing—and that left her cold. She released another sigh. Although she knew her life was full with school, the farm, and her personal studies, still, she longed for a love of her own, but she had all but given up on meeting a man who held some depth of character. Ordinarily it didn’t bother her, but today, as she watched the young couple, she felt the sting of her loneliness acutely as if something very important was missing from her life.

Shrugging her shoulders, she walked back to her desk and took her seat. Picking up her pen, she pulled the next quiz from the stack. As she graded the paper before her, she was determined not to care about her lackluster love life. No, she would not concern herself over it. She would enjoy life just as it came with no thought beyond the present. …Who needs a man anyway? The weekend was upon her, and she had better things to do than worry about a man. Grading the last quiz, she cleared her desk and prepared for the walk home.

As she trudged her way across campus, she thought about the upcoming weekend. She, along with the rest of the family, would be meeting Jane’s latest interest, one of the new Classical Studies professors from England, a Dr. Bingley. He and Jane had met the first day of school when Jane had clumsily dropped an armful of books while fumbling in her purse for her office key. Seizing the opportunity, he had quickly picked up the books and offered to help Jane into her office. After that, Jane and Dr. Bingley had had several dates for lunch, but since she had yet to bring him home to meet the family, this was indeed an important weekend.

Elizabeth smiled as she thought about it. It was now Charles this and Charles that. Well, she would take this opportunity to formally meet this Dr. Bingley and discern his character for herself. She hoped he was at least better than some Jane had dated, for Jane had been notorious for attracting men who had turned out to be nothing more than disappointments. But Jane, unlike their close friend Cecilia, was not the kind to have frivolous flings or short term love affairs. So, Elizabeth would carefully observe this English gentleman who appeared to have captured her sister’s heart on such short acquaintance.

Walking into the house, she bounded up the stairs, packed a few things, and was out the door at a run, hopping into her Durango and hurrying down County Road 52 to Longbourn Farm. Kat and Daniel were already there, but Jane was staying in town to spend her first weekend with Dr. Bingley before coming out early Monday morning for the Labor Day festivities.

 

~*~

 

As Charles went about preparing for his day, he was in an excellent mood. Jane had cooked dinner on Friday night, and they had spent Saturday going to the local flea markets. His attraction was growing stronger with each moment they spent together. Humming a lively tune while he prepared his breakfast, Charles glanced up and smiled as his friend appeared in the doorway.

“Do you always have to be in such a good mood so early in the morning?” Darcy asked, ambling into the kitchen. “I’ve got to have my coffee first.”

“Well, Darcy, I have a very special date today. I’m going to meet Jane’s family. It promises to be an interesting day. Will you not reconsider and come with us? You know Jane would be pleased. The invitation included you as well.”

“Bingley, I’ve got Pemberley business to take care of today,” Darcy said with a slight grumble. “It’s strange to me that the Americans would take such a holiday, but it’s good for me that they do, since I have a lot of work to complete. Besides,” Darcy paused, “I would feel like a fifth wheel.”

“Oh, Darcy, Jane likes you, and besides, she has a sister who is teaching math this term. You might like her.”

“I highly doubt it. Jane is, I grant you, very pretty, but most of the math, physics, and techies I’ve met are slightly odd, and the girls are plain. If you enjoy talking about simple harmonic motion with maybe a few words thrown in about thermodynamics or the latest article in some engineering publication, then they might have something to say. But try to start a conversation on business, history, the arts, literature, or current affairs, and they’re lost, without a clue of anything beyond their own sphere of interest. No, I’m quite sure she would be too singular of interest for me.”

“Darcy, you astound me! How can you stereotype people like that? I’m sure she’s charming. She is Jane’s sister, after all!”

“Charming maybe, but pretty?” He raised a brow with a slight smile. “I highly doubt it, and it does matter. No, you go along and enjoy your lady’s smiles,” Darcy said as he dismissed his old friend and took his cup of coffee to his office. The only woman he had on his mind was his dark-haired Lúthien he’d spied in July. She was ever present in his thoughts. He’d seen her once or twice in the UC, but she always escaped him before he could get a closer look.

 

~*~

 

After finishing his coffee and breakfast, Bingley set out for the Bennett townhouse. Being a pretty day, he’d decided to walk. As Charles rounded the corner, Jane exited the house with an armful of packages. “Charles, I’m so glad you made it a little early. You can help me load the Tahoe with these things my aunt wanted from town,” she said, handing him some of the bags. “I see Dr. Darcy did not change his mind.”

“No, he said he has some business matters that need his immediate attention. He doesn’t socialize very much.”

“That sounds so much like Lizzy. She’s lively enough, but very aloof and cautious when it comes to men. I know those two would get along very well if they could only meet. But she’s always working, if not on her courses, then on the farm.” Jane shrugged. “Lizzy never dated much in college. We always teased her about preferring math problems to men. I really would like to see her get out more. She’s such a wonderful person.”

“They do seem to be alike then,” Bingley said. “Darcy seems to think she wouldn’t be interested in anything beyond her profession. What were his words now? Ah, yes. ‘The math, physics, and techies I have met are slightly odd and the girls are plain,’ or something to that effect. He thinks that she wouldn’t want to talk about anything beyond math or physics. I tried to tell him he just might be wrong, but he wouldn’t listen.” Bingley and Jane both laughed, shaking their heads while continuing to load the Tahoe.

“Well, I can tell you he is very wrong. Lizzy is more than just pretty. She’s beautiful. She has the most incredible long black hair you’ll ever see and gorgeous green eyes. They sparkle with intelligence when she laughs. As for conversation, he might be surprised about that, too. She’s well-read. We both speak two foreign languages, and she reads and writes Latin as well as any scholar. She’s an avid history buff, too. He would like her.” Jane nodded with a smile. “He doesn’t know what he’s missing. But you know what, Charles? If I were trying to set Lizzy up, she would probably react the same way. They’ll just have to meet on their own, if at all.” Jane laughed as she secured the last bag.

Settling into the car and fastening their seatbelts, Jane continued. “Now, I have a surprise for you. This is the first day of dove season, and the men in my family always hunt. Uncle Henry has an extra shotgun. If you’re interested, you’re welcome to join the menfolk. The women will be socializing and arranging the dinner for much of the day.”

“Jane, I would like that very much. It’s been a long time since I’ve gone shooting. Darcy and I used to shoot birds on his estate. He’ll really be sorry to have missed it, for he loves to shoot as much as I do,” Bingley said. “What else should I be looking forward to today?”

Turning onto Clinton Street, she flashed a smile. “Well, it is an old-fashioned smorgasbord that our family hosts each year. There will be roasted chickens, a whole hog, and half a steer, all coming from our farm on an open pit barbeque. My family provides the meat and homemade ice cream while my aunts bring the desserts and side dishes. Most of my aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends will be there, so you will have a chance to meet everybody all at once. And you’ll also finally get to meet Lizzy, Kat, and Daniel.”

“I’m looking forward to it, and the food sounds delicious. I’ll be sampling Southern cooking at its best. Darcy really is missing out!”

“Well, it serves him right, but there will be other days. Only he’ll have to wait until next year for our annual Labor Day Dinner on the Grounds.”

 

~*~

 

When Jane and Charles arrived at Longbourn, the atmosphere was hectic. All of the Bennetts and Barnetts, Jane’s mother’s family, had assembled for the festivities. Three pavilions were set up to accommodate the day’s event: one for the smorgasbord tables, one for dining tables, and another for the entertainment.

After setting up the tables and chairs under the larger dining pavilion, the men were busily preparing to leave for the cornfields. And while the older men and those who didn’t care to hunt were sitting around whittling and swapping tales, the older ladies were giving orders to the younger ones, who scurried around trying to comply. Jane approached the assembled groups of men and women.

“Everyone, I’d like you to meet a friend of mine, Charles Bingley. He’s from England and teaches Classical Studies at the university.” She smiled and turned to Charles. “Charles, these are my uncles, Henry Simpson, Robert Bennett, Randy Fanning, Johnny Barnett, and Sam Henry Barnett, and my aunts, Lori Simpson, Lydia Fanning, Tana Bennett, Bette Barnett, and Florence Barnett. And this is our housekeeper, Grace Menendez. My cousins, Tammy Sue, Sandy and Lilith Barnett, and Liddy Fanning are over there with my sisters, Elizabeth and Kat, and this is my brother, Daniel.”

Daniel tipped his head and smiled while Robert Bennett stepped forward and grabbed Charles’s hand. “Robert Bennett, here—Jane’s uncle. Glad to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” Charles replied, smiling as he pumped Robert’s hand, and then proceeded to shake the series of other hands offered.

When the introductions were complete, the men left for the fields and the hunting began while the women went about preparing the food and setting the tables, talking as they worked.

“Jane, I like your Señor Bingley. He seems like a nice man for you,” Grace said.

“Yes, he is very nice. He is just what a man ought to be—warm, friendly, and kind. We share many of the same interests, and we always have pleasant conversations. But,” she hesitated with a small smile, “he’s not my Mr. Bingley. I’ve only known him for a little over a week.”

“Well, maybe you have just met, but from the way he looks at you, he soon will be your Señor Bingley, and besides, what man could resist you? You are not so beautiful and smart for nothing, you know. All of my girls are smart—and beautiful! Now,” Grace said, turning to Elizabeth, “if only our Lizzy could meet someone nice, too?”

“Grace, Grace, please spare me.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “I have everything I need right here. I have no need of a man. Besides,” Elizabeth smiled, “I have a bad habit of attracting shallow men. It will take a very special man to turn my head. No, my life is perfect just as it is, but I do admit that Dr. Bingley is very nice and seems just your type, Jane. He’s at least a much better sort of man than those you’ve brought home before. I must say I’m pleasantly surprised and very pleased.”

Jane blushed crimson. “Lizzy, I’d like to think I’ve learned a thing or two over the last few years.”

“I know, Jane,” she said, giving her sister a hug. “I’m only teasing.”

As Jane and Grace walked away, the Bennett siblings’ cousin, Liddy Fanning, who had never gotten along with any of the Bennett girls, approached the table where Elizabeth was working. “Oh, Lizzy, you’re much too prim and proper for your own good. Always with your high standards,” Liddy said with a wave of her hand. “You’ll probably marry the only man you ever seriously date, just like Momma says your mother did. You’re just like her, you know, with your nose always stuck in a book, never concerning yourself with boys or flirtation, unlike the rest of us.” Liddy smirked. “Lizzy, let me give you a piece of advice.” Liddy leaned in. “You’ll never find a husband traipsin’ about the countryside on a horse or readin’. Real men don’t like books.” Liddy snorted, glancing from one cousin to the next as they all broke out in laughter.

“Well, Liddy, not all of us can get on as well as you do chasing every man between here and the Mississippi,” Elizabeth retorted. “I happen to be very content with my life just as it is, but I’ll tell you what I’ll do. Should I ever meet a man that catches my attention, I’ll be sure and let you know about it,” Elizabeth said with a smile while she finished arranging the pickles and relishes with the condiments before moving on to help with the desserts.

“You all leave Lizzy alone!” Bette Barnett said as she joined the group. “She’ll do just fine on her own. Y’all would be much better off bein’ more like Lizzy, considerin’ some of the ne’er-do-wells you’ve dragged in.”

“What do you mean, Momma? As far as I know, Lizzy’s never even had a boyfriend, and I’ve had so many.” Tammy Sue laughed.

“Yeah, she’s a real bore,” injected Lilith.

“Well now, Tammy Sue, what about that awful Leroy Wilson you brought home last spring?” Bette Barnett looked pointedly at her blushing daughter. “And how about you, Lilith? What about that Jonathan Montgomery you had clinging to you like some sort of kudzu vine the year before last?” She raised a brow and glanced between her two daughters. “And you, Liddy Fanning, don’t exactly have the best track record, either. Girls, if I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a hundred times, ‘If you lie down with the dogs, you’ll get up with the fleas.’”

Liddy simply rolled her eyes and walked off as Bette gave her a look of disapproval.

Tammy Sue tossed her head with a pout. “Well, Momma, how was I supposed to know Leroy was a liar and a cheat?”

“Momma, you know very well how we all thought Jonathan was such a handsome man at the time. How was I supposed to know he wouldn’t hit a lick at a snake when it comes to work?” Lilith asked.

“Well, girls, you might try usin’ your eyes and ears before latchin’ on to some handsome face that comes dancin’ your way each and every time. You two haven’t got the good sense God gave a nanny goat when it comes to pickin’ men! Everybody but you two knew Leroy Wilson and Jon Montgomery were not fit to be seen with. They were the talk of the town.”

Both girls murmured, “Whatever!” Clearly not impressed with their mother’s assessment of their choices, they left in a huff.

Bette turned an affectionate gaze towards Jane, who was helping with the cold drinks two tables over. Turning back to the others, she said, “But, Jane! Now, I am proud of Jane. Why, I’m tickled pink to see her with such a fine lookin’ fella as that Englishman. He appears to be an industrious sort as well. And good lookin’ too. Here, Lizzy,” Bette said as Elizabeth returned, eating a chocolate chip cookie, “put the fried green tomatoes over there with the fried okra and squash, and be sure to keep everything covered up. We don’t want flies gettin’ on anything. Here, pass this down,” Bette said, handing Florence the pickled okra. “Y’all need to try this okra. It’s the latest recipe from the July edition of Farm Journal Country Cooking.

“Oh and before I forget about it, Lori, did you see those white doves last Sunday?” Bette asked. “They were out by the graveyard in the thicket closest to the old part of the cemetery, perched on a laurel branch. They were sittin’ there just as pretty as you please. They shine just like a pig bathed in buttermilk. Odd for these parts don’t you think?”

“Umm…yes, I saw them. They were snow white and very beautiful. I hope they stay away from the cornfield today. It would be a sin to kill one of ‘em.”

“Well, I’ve already given Sam Henry a good piece of my mind about it. If he comes home with one of those birds in his bag, I’ll take that gun away from him and shoot him good. I told him not to harm one feather on those birds’ backs. Perhaps they’ll have young ones, and we’ll see a flock of ‘em. Somethin’ as rare as that and so pretty, too, it would be a sin to kill ‘em.” Bette turned to her niece and asked, “Sandy, how’s that ice cream comin’ along?”

“The ice cream is comin’ along just fine, Aunt Bette. The strawberry appears to be done, but the peach, vanilla, and chocolate still have a ways to go,” Sandy said as she checked the canisters.

“Tana, take the cornbread sticks and the sourdough rolls to the far end of the table, and what did you think of Jane’s handsome fella? He sure seems friendly enough, doesn’t he?” Bette queried Tana Bennett.

“Well, I don’t rightly know. I didn’t get a chance to talk with him before Robert and the others snatched him away to the cornfield. He is handsome, though.” Shrugging her shoulders, she changed the subject. “Lydia, I want you and Florence to try one of my deviled eggs, and you too, Lori. It’s a new recipe Sadie Hopkins put in the church cookbook. Robert thinks they’re delicious,” Tana said, arranging the table to suit her perfectionist taste.

“Oh, they are good. I made them last Sunday when Pastor Emery and his family came for dinner,” Lori said. “What about you, Lydia? You were there, too. What did you think?”

“They were okay, I suppose,” Lydia said with a cool tone as she rearranged Tana’s table, apparently not very pleased with the setting.

Florence noticed the slight and arched a brow, but she knew it was best to simply ignore it. With a smile she turned to Tana Bennett. “Well, Tana, I’ll try your deviled eggs if you’ll try my coconut lemon cake. It’s Aunt Janey’s recipe, and oh, is it so good! She gave it to me last year before she passed on. Speaking of Janey, you know Meg named our Jane after her, don’t you? I sure would like to see Meg’s children settled well. We’ll have to watch that Englishman. He sure seems to like our Jane.”

“Florence, I’ve got to have Janey’s recipe,” Bette said. “I was meanin’ to ask her for it, and then she up and died before I could. You’ll have to let me have it. I hope you’re right about that Englishman. Oh, and by the way, have you heard the latest about Martha Schrimshire’s daughter, Isabelle? You know, the one who was recently married to that Haskell boy. Well now, his sorry no-account butt has run off with Jeremiah Handley’s daughter, leaving Isabelle pregnant and alone. Isn’t that just awful! I don’t know what poor Isabelle is gonna do, the poor little thing. She’s just devastated, and now her family has to suffer from the likes of that Haskell trash.”

Shocked at this news, Florence replied. “I declare, Bette! I had not heard that, and I thought I’d heard everything down at the Cut and Curl.”

“Oh, I just heard it this mornin’ when I bumped into Sue Ellen Schrimshire down at the Piggly Wiggly. I had to pick up a few things before comin’ out here.” Bette nodded, picking up the coleslaw and moving it over to where the potato salads were. “But haven’t I always told you those Haskells were no good? Why, they come from over there at Slaughter’s Holler, and ain’t nothin’ good ever comes from that holler. It’s such a disgrace! But we all knew that Haskell boy was no-account. Poor Isabelle!” Bette shook her head. “They say she was in the family way when they married. We’ll just all have to keep her in our prayers and help her family through this time of trouble.”

“Umm…I hadn’t heard that news either,” Tana said.

“Nor I, but then I’m not surprised, considerin’ how naïve that Schrimshire girl is and what trash that Haskell boy is. She’d believe the sky was green and the grass blue if some charmin’ boy told her so,” Lydia said, with little concern evident in her expression.

“Well, Lydia,” Tana bristled, “I still feel sorry for the poor girl. She comes from a fine family and has always been a good girl. It’s our Christian duty to help our neighbors.”

“Of course we’ll help, Tana! You know none of us means anything by it, but we all know Isabelle ain’t never had a lick of sense. So it is partly her fault for marryin’ that trash, and even worse for gettin’ pregnant in the first place,” Florence said.

“Well, let’s look things over. I see the men are coming back,” Bette interjected.

As the women continued setting up the tables and chattering on about one thing after another, Elizabeth listened quietly. She could think of nothing worse than to be pregnant and abandoned, unless it was to suffer the pitying stares of gossiping old women. She knew nothing like that would every happen to her, but if it did, she wouldn’t stick around to become the latest fodder for her aunts’ gossip hub down at the Cut and Curl. It was the only beauty shop in town and the center for the latest news.

 

~*~

 

While the women gossiped, Liddy had the cousins assembled under the old oak tree that stood closest to the house.

“Lilith, what do you think of Lizzy? Don’t you think she’s strange? And everyone says she’s so pretty. Well, what good does it do to be pretty if nobody even notices,” Liddy said as she leaned against the tree, filing her nails.

“Oh, Liddy! You’ve always been jealous of Lizzy. She wouldn’t look twice at the kind of redneck trash you date, and for that matter, neither would I,” Kat scowled.

“And just what’s that supposed to mean? Sounds like you’re the one that’s jealous, Kat Bennett. Besides, Jackie Lee Nunley has a master’s degree in organic chemistry and another in botany. They have money, too. So, he’s hardly redneck trash,” Liddy sneered, her hands on her hips and her belly spilling out over the top of her two-sizes-too-small low rise jeans.

“Oh yeah? Well, you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Those Nunleys are nothing but white trash. They’ve always been in trouble with the law, and you damn well know it. His granddaddy did time in the penitentiary for running illegal whiskey up on top of Skyline Mountain, and I’ve heard tell that Jackie Lee’s under surveillance by the DEA for cultivating pot. That’s what those degrees in organic chemistry and botany are for. It’s just a matter of time before the chickens come home to roost, Liddy. So, you’d better watch your step, because Jackie Lee’s meaner than a damn snake. And one of these days, you’re gonna get bit!”

“Well, I know nothing about that, and just because you’ve heard tell, don’t make it so. I can handle Jackie Lee,” Liddy smirked. “You Bennetts are too big for your britches. Momma says so, and I believe it. So don’t you get your drawers in a wad, Kat Bennett!”

“Well, your momma wouldn’t say so if my daddy was still alive, and you need to pull the knot outa your own drawers, Lydia Louise Fanning.” Kat glared. “I don’t know why you come to these family gatherings when you clearly don’t like us.”

“We have just as much right to be here as you do, Katherine Suzanne Bennett, cuz Momma grew up here, too. Just because your daddy was the so-called heir don’t make it right. Momma was the oldest. Longbourn shoulda been hers!” Liddy said as she leaned right into Kat’s face.

“Go suck eggs!” Kat turned and stomped off, leaving the group of cousins gawking after her.

 

~*~

 

The men returned from the field tired and hungry. They had been very successful with the hunt. Between Charles and Robert Bennett, they had bagged thirty-six birds, not counting what the other men had shot. After cleaning the birds and putting them in storage, all the hunters went to the mudroom to wash and prepare to eat. Once assembled in the serving line, Robert said the blessing. Everyone took their plates, filled high, to the nearest table under the large pavilion to sit and eat while some of the men played a collection of Blue Grass and country music. The families socialized, ate, and danced late into the evening until it was time to go home.

As they readied themselves to return to town, Jane packed a basket of leftovers for Bingley and Darcy. Charles expressed his thanks several times over to Jane’s family, telling them he could not remember ever having spent a more pleasant or enjoyable time.

Arriving back in town, they stopped by the townhouse to unload Jane’s things first before proceeding to Bingley and Darcy’s house. Darcy, anxious to know how Bingley’s day had gone, was waiting up when his friend returned.

“Darcy, I hope you enjoyed your day, because I know I surely did mine. I’ve never seen so much food or such a variety. I believe I must have sampled every Southern dish known to this region.” He laughed light-heartedly. “They sent a nice variety home for you, too,” Bingley said, rummaging through the basket and pulling out paper plates and bowls wrapped in plastic. “Here, we have a little bit of everything—barbecued pork, chicken, steak, homemade bread, a variety of casseroles, a nice selection of salads, relishes, fried okra, fried squash and something they call fried green tomatoes,” he said. “It’s all simply delicious. And look at these.” Bingley reached in once again, bringing out another paper plate piled high. “They call these fried pies. Look, I have chocolate, peach, apple, and cherry.”

Bingley continued to talk as he unpacked the basket, spreading everything out on the table while Darcy washed his hands and then picked over the variety of food, inspecting each item.

“Except for a brother serving in Iraq and a sister who lives in New York, I met the whole family—cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. And I can’t tell you when I’ve had a more enjoyable time.”

“Apart from obviously stuffing yourself silly, what else happened?”

“Well then, you might like to know that Jane’s uncle took me dove shooting and together we bagged thirty-six birds.”

Darcy gave Charles a quick look as he filled a plate. “I see.”

Charles continued rattling on as he arranged the table for the two of them to eat. “Oh, and by the way, Jane’s sister, Dr. Elizabeth Bennett, is a knock-out, just like her sister. She was the one we saw walking with Jane when we first came here for the tour to look this place over. You remember—the one with the long black hair. Plus,” he beamed, “I have it on very good authority that she likes many things beyond math and science.” Charles winked at his friend while fixing his plate. “So what do you say to that?” Bingley asked, beaming from ear to ear.

Darcy grinned. “I say the bread smells good and the food looks delicious. Let’s heat our plates in the microwave, and I’ll take one of those pies.”

“Darcy, you’re avoiding the question, but the food is too good to miss.”

As they ate, Darcy reflected on what his friend had told him and smiled. So my Lúthien is Dr. Elizabeth Bennett, umm—not a student after all. I’ll have to meet her and see if she’s as smart as she is beautiful.

After putting the food away, Darcy sighed in contentment. Everything had been wonderful—including the fried green tomatoes. His favorites, however, were those little fried pies, especially the chocolate. He wondered if his Lúthien had cooked any of it. With that thought, he resolved to discover a way in which to meet this Dr. Elizabeth Bennett without being obvious.