Dance With Me ~ Section I

By Charlotte

Section I, Next Section

Prologue

Posted on Tuesday, 11 January 2005

“And cut!”

The director's voice echoed through the sound stage. The dancers froze in their positions and then relaxed after a moment as the lights went out. Several of them remained on the stage, while others removed themselves to dressing rooms, or to the table at the edge of the stage where there was cool water and fresh towels. It was very warm working under the lights, especially dancing in that heat, and all of them were fatigued and perspiring.

One of the dancers who was still on the stage stretched her lithe body into a split and yawned as she leaned her torso over her leg to increase the stretch. A moment later she turned, while remaining in the splits, and faced the other direction, reversing her split. Satisfied with her flexibility, she picked herself off the floor and made her way to get a cup of water and a towel.

“Miss Bennet,” the director called after her as she left the stage.

“Yes, Mr. Woodhouse?” Ella Bennet smiled as she turned to face the director of the production. James Woodhouse was a renowned film director. His credits went back to the silent era, and he had earned numerous Academy Awards for his work. He generally favored dramatic, period pieces, or modern thrillers. It had been major Hollywood news when he had signed to produce his latest picture, which fit neither description. No, James Woodhouse had decided to make a film was completely different from all others he had made before. In fact, it was completely different from any film anyone had made before.

“Ella, my daughter is giving a party this Friday at our home. I know she would love it if you could be there. It is a party for young people, and since you are relatively new in Los Angeles, Emma thought you might like to meet her friends. She has invited several of the other girls in this picture, as well as many of her friends from school and others who work here at the studio.” Mr. Woodhouse looked kindly at one of his best dancers, and hoped that she would accept his daughter's invitation.

Ella had meet Emma Woodhouse only once before, at the party the studio had given to celebrate the first day of shooting. She seemed like a nice girl, about her own age, perhaps a little younger, but she also seemed a little spoiled. Ella couldn't help but think that the spoiling was due to her father, who was, after all, incredibly famous and wealthy. Still, Emma seemed nice enough, and it was true that Ella was new in town and did not have many friends. However, there was one thing holding her back.

“Mr. Woodhouse, please tell your daughter that I regret I cannot attend her party, but to thank her for the lovely invitation.”

“Ella, come now, surely you have nothing else to do on a Friday evening, unless,” and here, his eyes twinkled mischievously, “you have a date?”

Ella had the composure not to blush. “No, Mr. Woodhouse, I do not have a prior engagement, but, as you know, I have my younger sister, Janet, to take care of, and I cannot just leave her for an evening. She is only ten.”

“Ah yes, I am sorry for teasing you,” the older man replied. “I am sure that Emma will insist that you bring your sister with you. Several of the families in our neighborhood have younger children who will accompany their older siblings to Emma's little party. It will be nice for Janet, as well as for you, to be in company for the evening. Emma and I won't take no for an answer, Ella.”

Ella smiled again at Mr. Woodhouse's mock forcefulness. “Then we will be there, for sure!” She replied.

“Good, the party is to begin at 7, there will be dinner, and I believe that Emma has arranged for a Navy band to provide music for dancing.”

“Thank you sir.”

With that, he gave Ella a formal little bow of his head, and went off, calling out a question to the head cameraman, a middle-aged man by the name of Perry.

Ella smiled again at his mannerisms. He was a dear old man, to be sure. Very kind and doting, yet a little eccentric.

She got herself the cup of water she had needed, and made her way towards the dressing rooms.

Chapter 1:

Ella left the studio late, around five that evening. She would normally walk half of the way home before catching a bus, as she had grown accustomed to walking in Los Angeles, even though the distances in that city were far more suited to driving or bus taking. She liked the solitude afforded by walking, and it gave her a chance to think. However, this evening, she was delayed in leaving, and needed to get home to relieve her neighbor, Mrs. Kwan, of her charge, Janet.

Ella caught the bus that she knew would take her from Hollywood to her Westwood home. As the bus went along Wilshire Boulevard, Ella closed her eyes and was brought back to a moment, several months earlier, when she was riding on the same bus, absolutely elated from receiving her first job at Hartfield Studios. She remembered exactly how she had felt that evening, and how excited she had been to get home to Janet and tell her the news.

The sisters had been living in Los Angeles for about two months when Ella finally got a job. They had moved there from a small town further north in California, when their parents died. Ella knew that she needed to find a job to support herself and her sister, or else her sister would be taken away from her, and she knew that there was very little work for a nineteen-year-old girl who had never worked a day in her life.

Ella and Janet had grown up in a modest, middle-class home in a quiet town, and knew next-to-nothing of the outside world. However, when their parents were killed in a fire at the town filling station, Ella knew that she and Janet would have to move to a place where there were more opportunities for both of them.

Since Ella had been studying ballet since she could walk, she thought that perhaps she could find a job in Los Angeles as a teacher or perhaps even in a small dance company. However, with the War going in full force, most of the dance studios and companies had closed down, or, at best, downsized. None of them had the need or the money for another teacher or dancer, and Ella's lack of experience made her a poor candidate. She tried even the local public elementary schools, including the one she enrolled Janet in, but, while many of them would have loved to offer dancing classes, the government funding for art classes had all but diminished with the War effort, and Ella could not afford to take a volunteer position.

Finally, one day, as Ella was walking dejectedly down Hollywood Boulevard, she passed a group of Marines, leaning on the window of a Drug Store. They looked her over for a moment, as she waited to cross the street, and then the boldest of the group whistled at her and said “Hiya, cutie! You ought to be in pictures!”

Ella had blushed furiously at the comment, and thought nothing more of the Marines until a few days later when she was reading through the want ads in the newspaper and came across an ad requesting dancers for a film at the Hartfield Studios, one of Hollywood's most prestigious movie studios.

Ella went to the audition, and was selected. The pay wasn't much, but it was enough to keep her and Janet, and the best part was that she was put under contract for the next three years. Ella knew that she would always be a chorus girl, and that her pay would never be great and her name would never be in lights, but a steady paycheck and the promise of a job - especially one that would last until the war was over (God willing) was enough to make her ecstatic!

Ella shook herself from her reverie as she realized she was nearing her stop. She got off the bus and made her way up the five blocks to her home. She paused for a moment in front of the home - a modest duplex of which she and Janet had the top floor. A large family, the Kwans, who had four children around Janet's age, inhabited the bottom floor and Mrs. Kwan was always willing to watch Janet after school and on weekends when Ella had to work. She always laughingly said that there was really no difference between four children and five - the noise factor wasn't increased by much. Ella, more than willingly, would watch Mrs. Kwan's large brood whenever the good woman needed to go to the store, or just out for a few minutes peace.

Mr. Kwan owned a rather successful restaurant near the University of California, Los Angeles campus, which was only about five blocks from their home. It was always filled with university students, soldiers, and passers-by. He served both delicious Chinese food and standard American fare. Ella and Janet were regulars on Saturday mornings and Sunday after church. Ella favored the coffee and pancakes, while Janet was addicted to Mr. Kwan's delicious egg rolls, which she claimed she could eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Ella made her way up the short path to the front door of the duplex. She knew not to knock, but instead to just walk in, and find Mrs. Kwan amid the mass of children. The neighborhood was full of children, all of varying ethnicities - many Europeans, some second-generation immigrants from England or Ireland, others fleeing from Nazi occupation in France, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Italy, and many other places. There were also lots of Oriental families, from China, Japan, Taiwan, and other countries.

Ella loved the diversity of the neighborhood, especially that, even though they all came from different backgrounds, they all got along well. Most of the families were young, with children in high school or younger. All the children went to school together, and played together. It was a wonderful community to belong to, especially for two young girls with a tragic background.

“Janet, where are you?” Ella called, after greeting Mrs. Kwan. She looked around the living room for her younger sister, but couldn't find her.

“I believe Janet is outside, with Tommy.” Said Mrs. Kwan, noticing that Ella couldn't locate her sister. “They are doing some research for a science class, I believe.”

Tommy was Mrs. Kwan's ten-year-old son. He and Janet were in the same class, and were good friends.

Ella made her way to the back door, through the kitchen, and saw her sister crouched with Tommy and another neighborhood boy at the base of the one tree that grew in the yard. They were intently studying something, and Ella walked over to join them.

Chapter 2:

“Hey Janet, Tommy, Nick,” Ella called out to the three children as she approached them. “What are you looking at?”

“Ella!” Janet shrieked as she stood up to hug her sister. “We're making rubbings of the tree bark for a science project. Ms. Lehman wants us to study the natural world around us, and to investigate our environmental habitat.” Janet, typically, tended to use words that were advanced for someone of ten. She was a bright child, and loved everyone and every thing around her. And because of her sweet nature, everyone loved her.

“Hi Miss Bennet!” Tommy said as he stood up. Nick, the neighbor boy, the oldest son of the O'Shays who lived across the street, stood up as well and showed Ella a rather messy “rubbing” of the bark of the old pine tree. Ella smiled at their valiant effort, and then turned to Janet.

“Janet, only ten more minutes of playtime, ok?” She started, but Janet interrupted.

“El, we're not playing, we're studying nature!” She giggled at her sister's “mistake” and rolled her eyes at her friends.

“Well, only ten more minutes of studying nature, then. I have some things I need to talk about with you - no, nothing bad - and then you need to finish your other homework.” Ella could tell from the looks of Janet's partly undone braids, her scuffed saddle shoes, and the mud of the bottom of her dress that she had been studying nature for quite a while that afternoon.

“Fine,” Janet replied with a slight groan. “Hey, Nick, Tommy, let's see if we can find some buttercups in the lawn! We can try holding them up to our chins to see if we like butter!”

Ella laughed a little, inwardly, at the children, and made her way up the stairs at the back of the house, and opened the door into her little apartment.

The top floor of the duplex wasn't much. There was a small kitchen, with a little table in it and two chairs for the sisters. There was a fairly large living room that was almost completely bare of furniture, except for a side table that had the record player and small radio on it, and a wooden barre that Ella used for her dancing practice. She had been very glad that the floor of the living room was hardwood, because it was easy to dance on. The living room was situated directly over the Kwan's living room, so Ella would not disturb anyone sleeping when she practiced. However, most of her practicing tended to be of the stretching and strengthening kind, not the jumping around the room kind.

Ella made her way to the other end of the living room, where there were two small bedrooms and a bathroom. She put her bag and purse down on a chair in her room, and made her way out into the kitchen, to find something for dinner. Unfortunately, the cupboard was as bare as Old Mother Hubbard's, and Ella realized with a grimace that she had meant to go to the store on her way home.

“Darn!” Ella said as she slammed her palm down on the kitchen counter. “If only the shooting hadn't gone on so long today! I've become so neglectful lately, I really don't know what I'm doing.”

Janet had come up the steps and entered the apartment just as Ella was talking out loud to herself. She went over and hugged her sister around the waist.

“Ella, you're not neglectful. You're perfect. I'm not very hungry, only a little bit,” she said as she held Ella tighter. Janet always got afraid when she heard her sister talking like this. She was afraid that someone would take her away from her sister, and break up her world completely. Janet had dealt well with the loss of her parents only because she had her older sister to turn to.

Ella turned around and knelt down. “Oh J, I know, I just get very frustrated with myself sometimes. I don't know how to run a home, and I don't know how to raise a child. You're the most angelic girl in the world, but even an angel needs some upbringing.”

“You're an angel too, and Mommy and Daddy are real angels looking down on us from Heaven and they're helping bring us both up!”

Ella laughed a little at her sister's sweet childish thoughts. She paused for a moment and then said, “Janet, if you can finish your homework and get dressed in forty-five minutes, how would you like to go out to dinner?”

Going out to dinner was a treat reserved for the most special occasions - birthdays, the last day of school, and the day Ella got her job.

“Ella, did you get another job today?” Janet asked, surprised.

Ella laughed whole-heartedly at this comment. “No sweetie, but I just think that we're both in need of a little pampering. Now, hurry up and get your work done!

Janet skipped off to the bathroom to fix her hair.

“Change your dress too,” Ella called after her. “I can't let the people in the restaurant think that I'm taking a mud-covered hoodlum to dinner!”

“I will,” came Janet's reply as she laughed.

After Janet emerged from the bathroom Ella took the opportunity to get herself cleaned up. She washed her face and re-did her hair. Although she had already changed out of her proper dancing clothes - her tights, and the leotard she wore under her costume - Ella thought she would take a few minutes to stretch out her muscles before putting on a new dress.

She went out into the living room and put her favorite record on the record player - Strauss' “Blue Danube” and other waltzes. As the soothing, slow music began to play, Ella eased her right leg up onto the barre and stretched her body over it. Her muscles were a little stiff after the journey home, but a few minutes of stretching through the pain made her relaxed and revived. She decided that she was still warm enough to try a few of the moves she was working on for the next day's shooting, which was the beginning of a long and complicated dream sequence told entirely through dance.

Though Ella was a simple chorus girl, the dancing in this particular film was quite spectacular, and allowed all the chorus dancers a lot of time to showcase their talents. The studio was very excited and pleased about this new production, and Ella was pleased and excited to be a part of it.

Ella put on her pointe shows, and was soon experimenting with the steps she had memorized during a rehearsal several weeks earlier. One of the things she was learning about film is that it may take many “takes” to make one scene, and while you may learn one part of the film at one point, it may be weeks before it is ever filmed, and it is very important for you to remember everything, because you never know when you'll need it. The dancers were generally only given a day's notice about filming, sometimes less, so they needed to be on top of all their numbers.

Ella had no trouble memorizing her parts, and was happy to rehearse them as much as she could. She loved the feeling of dancing, and let herself flow along with the music.

After fifteen minutes of intricate passés, bourées, pirouettes, jetés, and arabesques, Ella realized that she had told Janet to be ready in five minutes, and that she had better be ready herself.

As she was dressing, Ella remembered she had to tell Janet about their party invitation for Friday. Perhaps she could take Janet shopping for a new party hair ribbon, and something new for herself on Friday after school. She didn't have a lot of money to spare, and their party dresses still looked fairly nice, but for a fancy party at Mr. Woodhouse's home, she thought they should be a little “dressier.” Ella was usually finished with work early on Fridays, and hoped that she would this week.

Both sisters came out of their rooms at the same time, and were ready to go. It was nearly seven in the evening, and Ella knew that she and Janet shouldn't be out late, so she suggested they walk into the town of Westwood and have dinner there.

“Are we going to Mr. Kwan's?” Janet asked.

“We could,” Ella replied, “Or we could try something else.”

“I like Mr. Kwan's,” Janet said, licking her lips in memory of her favorite egg rolls.

“I know you do, but why don't we walk around for a bit and see if we want to try something different. We do go to Mr. Kwan's a lot. We were just there on Sunday, and we usually go at least twice a week.”

“Alright,” Janet said, as she took her older sister's hand and the two girls walked cheerfully along the sidewalk.

Chapter 3:

Ella and Janet made their way into “downtown” Westwood. Westwood was a fairly newly developed area. The downtown held several restaurants of various ethnicities, indicative of the type of people who lived in the neighborhood, a grocery, a hardware store, a barbershop, and a drugstore. Most of the residents of the area were young families, many of them immigrants, all lower-middle class. It was a very friendly area, and many of the merchants knew all of their customers by name.

Ella and Janet had managed to make several friends among those in the downtown as well as in their immediate neighborhood. The family who owned the drugstore, the Lukas family, was quite close to the two girls. The Lukas family had immigrated to America in the late 1930s, from Germany, when Adolf Hitler's rise to power began.

The Lukas' were Jewish, and had managed to escape from the Nazis before the threat to them was too great in Europe. Unlike many Jews in Germany, Poland, Austria, and surrounding countries, the Lukas' had been lucky enough to escape to America, instead of just to another European country where Hitler's power would eventually spread. Every day more and more horror stories were written in the newspapers about Hitler's extermination of the Jews in death camps.

Ella knew just how terrible it was in Europe, and was glad that America had finally joined the war. Living through a war in America was difficult, but she knew it was necessary to fight the evil of the Nazis and the other forces in Europe and Japan, so that peace could be restored to the world. She knew that what everyone was going through in Europe was much worse than anything she could imagine.

The Lukas family had moved to New York City at first, where many immigrants end up when they first come to America. The family struggled to learn English, both Mr. And Mrs. Lukas attended night school after working all day in factories to make ends meat. After an unsuccessful year living in poverty among other German immigrants in the relative slums of New York, Mr. Lukas, a proud, hard-working man who had been a prosperous farmer in Germany, decided to move his family to California. He had heard of it as the land of Promise, which it certainly had been during the Great Depression a few years earlier, and he thought that he could perhaps buy some land and begin farming again.

The family ended up in Los Angeles, though, with very little farmland in the area. Mr. Lukas rented a small apartment and looked for work. He found employment at a drugstore run by an older gentleman who had inherited the store from his father. The man had no family of his own, but he hired Mr. Lukas as a clerk, and continued to promote him when he found out that he was an excellent worker. When the man died, he left the entire drugstore to Mr. Lukas, which was a giant promotion and great salvation for the family.

The Lukas family had four children, three girls, and a boy, who was the youngest. The eldest daughter, Charlotte, was twenty-one, and was good friends with Ella. Charlotte worked as a telephone operator for a large agency downtown.

“Hey Ella,” Janet asked.

“Yes?” Ella replied, looking at her sister.

“Can we go to Mr. Lukas' and get hamburgers and milkshakes?” Janet pleaded a little with her sister. Hamburgers and milkshakes were a treat, but Ella thought that sounded just perfect that evening.

“That is a wonderful idea! Let's go.”

The two girls headed towards Mr. Lukas' drugstore, which was called “Doc's” after the original owner. They opened the door and a little bell chimed.

Mr. Lukas was behind the counter, pouring a coke for a customer, a young man in an army uniform.

Ella and Janet went up to the counter and sat down on the tall stools in front of it. Ella waved hello to Mrs. Lukas, who was cooking in the back.

“Ahh, the Bennet girls,” Mr. Lukas smiled at them. His accent was fading over time, but he still retained a great deal of “Old World charm.” “What can I get for you this evening?”

“We'd like two hamburgers, please, Mr. Lukas,” Janet said, “and I would like a strawberry milkshake. What do you want, Ella?”

“I'll have a vanilla shake, please.”

“Now, girls, you know, because of rationing, that the hamburgers will only have a little bit of meat. Mrs. Lukas has come up with a delicious meat substitute made up of grains, and I am sure that you will like it just as well. Milkshakes, eh? Well, I guess I have enough sugar and milk rations left over for those. No strawberries, though, sorry Miss Janet. Mrs. Lukas was canning peaches all day for the hospitals. I think she has a few extra leftover… how do you like a peach milkshake?” Mr. Lukas was a very affable gentleman, who always tried to make allowances for his customers, especially Ella and Janet, for whom he had a soft spot in his heart.

“That sounds yummy! Thanks Mr. Lukas,” Janet said happily.

“It sure does,” Ella added. “Make mine peach too please.”

“Two burgers and two peach milkshakes coming right up!” With that, Mr. Lukas went into the back of the store where his wife was.

Ella and Janet turned to each other and started chatting. Janet told Ella about her day at school, and about the science project her teacher had assigned. The Ella remembered about her big news.

“Mr. Woodhouse asked me today if I could go to a party that his daughter Emma is giving of Friday. Apparently, she's got a Navy band to play for dancing, and has invited a lot of her friends who are my age.”

“Wow, that sounds fun, Ella.” Janet seemed genuinely happy for her sister, but a little upset not to be able to go to the “grown-up” party.

Ella sensed her disappointment, and grinned as she spoke her next words. “And the best part is, Mr. Woodhouse invited you too!”

Janet smiled and hugged her sister, giving a little shriek of excitement. “Oh goodie! I'm so excited El!!”

“I thought you would be. Mr. Woodhouse said that there will be many other kids your age there. Maybe we can both make some new friends.”

“Yeah, and we get to get dressed up and go to a fancy party! Isn't Mr. Woodhouse a big Hollywood director? I bet his house is huge!” Janet giggled.

“Yes, he is well-known. Now, I thought that maybe we could go shopping Friday after school. You could get a new hair bow, and maybe some new party shoes. I think that your nice dress is still good, but your shoes may be getting a little bit small. We don't have a lot of money to spare, but it would be nice to get a little something special.”

“Oh, that sounds like fun! Maybe I can get a red silk ribbon to match the one on my dress. And can I get white party shoes? A girl in my class has shiny new Mary Jane shoes and I'd love a pair like those.” Janet was already very enticed by the prospect of a shopping trip.

“We'll see,” Ella said, smiling yet again at her sister's eagerness.

At that moment Mr. Lukas brought out their meals. “Here you are, ladies. Please enjoy.”

“Thanks!” The sisters chorused.

They ate in silence for a few moments. Janet then said, with her mouth very full, “this burger is good, I don't care what Mrs. Lukas put in it.”

“You're right. This gives me a new idea of a recipe to try. I saw a recipe for false meatloaf in the newspaper last week, and cut it out. But I wasn't sure how good it would taste. If its anything like this, though, it will be delicious.”

Janet made a face, but tried to hide it. She was not a fan of meatloaf, no matter how many times Ella told her that it was basically the same thing as a hamburger, just without the bread around it. You could even eat it with ketchup!

Ella read Janet's mind (and expression) and laughed. “I also read in the same recipe that you can make meatloaf into hamburgers with two pieces of bread and put some vegetables and ketchup on it. I promise that you won't know the difference. Plus, it will last for several meals.” Ella wasn't much of a cook, but she did like to make new recipes, and was always trying to improve her skills.

Janet's face brightened considerably at this, and she took a long drink of her milkshake. “This peach milkshake is very good too! How come you never can peaches, Ella?”

“Because I would make a terrible mess and waste a lot of peaches and sugar, that's why! I have very limited skills in the kitchen. You should know that by that fiasco with the jam last summer!”

Janet giggled again. Ella had tried to make strawberry jam one day when there was a special on over-ripe strawberries at the market. It had resulted in a sticky mess all over the kitchen. She had successfully filled only two jars.

A few minutes later, as the girls were finishing their meals, the man in the army uniform who had been sitting at the counter the whole time put a dollar on the table, put his hat on, stood up, and walked to stand in between the sisters.

“Hello, ladies,” the stranger said, tipping his hat. “I couldn't help but notice two pretty girls enjoying a lovely evening together. I'm George Wickham,” he said, with a large grin.

Chapter 4:

Ella stared at the soldier for a minute before smiling at the young man, saying “Hello.” She was totally unaccustomed to strangers speaking to her, especially when she was with Janet, and this man's forwardness took her completely by surprise.

George Wickham, as all readers know, was really a cad, but he was a dashing and handsome one, with a knack for winning over young ladies. He didn't think of Ella as anyone special, necessarily, but she could be good for a bit of fun. She seemed especially “promising” to his twisted mind because she appeared to be quite young and yet have a child, which was a sign she was easy. This made him smile even more.

“And hello to you too, young lady,” he said, with yet another toothy grin at Janet. “You're a pretty little girl, just as pretty as your mommy.”

Ella was completely shocked by this statement. She was barely ten years older than Janet, and certainly she was not so “worn-down” as to look like she was old enough to be the mother of a ten year old! She blushed furiously to the tips of her ears, and was about to give the man a piece of her mind (and possibly her fist), when Janet spoke.

“She's not my mother,” Janet said, her voice as cold as ice. “My mother is dead and she is my older sister. You've a very rude man.” Janet, who was normally a very sensitive, yet calm child, looked as if she were about to rip the man's hair out at the same time as freezing him with her stony glare.

“Please forgive me, ladies. I didn't mean to insult you! My most sincere apologies. I merely thought that you, madam,” he nodded at Ella, “seemed so responsible of your sister that you appeared to be very motherly. I apologize for insulting you. It was not my intention.” George Wickham was very flustered. “Dammit, why did I make that mistake!? Now I'll have no chance with her,” he berated himself. He put on his most innocent and apologetic face.

Ella saw that the man was genuinely (or so she thought) sorry for his error. “Its alright,” she said, after a pause. “I suppose it is an easy mistake to make. Our parents died last year, and I have been raising my sister alone since then.” She was a bit reluctant to forgive him, especially since Janet still looked furious, however, she thought it best to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“Oh, the poor girl,” Wickham thought sarcastically to himself. “She'll need a shoulder to cry on, and I have one free.” To Ella he said, “Thank you for accepting my humble apologies, Miss --?”

“Call me Ella, and this is Janet.” Janet's glare had softened a little, but she was still reluctant to trust the man.

“Hi,” Janet said softly, her tone returning almost to her normal sweet temper, but with a bit of trepidation. She was always determined to see the best in people, but this man had gotten off to a pretty bad start. Still, he could not be as bad as all that. It was a simple mistake.

“Lovely to meet you both,” Wickham said, removing his hat. “May I join you for a slice of pie?” He slipped himself onto the stool next to Ella.

“Well, I'm not very hungry, after the large dinner we just ate, but thank you just the same. Janet, we should get going, it's late and you have school tomorrow.”

“May I walk you home?” Wickham was reluctant to let them get away so soon, especially since after his first snafu, he thought he had made a good impression.
“Oh, its not far, and we have an errand to run first, but thank you just the same,” Ella replied, grabbing Janet's hand and walking toward the door. George Wickham no longer offended her, but she didn't really want to spend much more time with him. He was just a random soldier, someone she would never see again, or so she thought.

Ella and Janet made their way home, where they listened to the radio for a bit, before going to bed fairly early. They didn't talk about the strange soldier from Doc's, but the encounter was on both of their minds.

As Ella was drifting off to sleep, she heard Janet walk towards her door. She sat up in bed. “What's up?” she asked.

“I was just thinking about that man at the pharmacy,” Janet said, coming to sit on the edge of Ella's bed. “I feel badly about how I spoke to him. I was very rude.”

“Well, so was he,” Ella said, with a bit of a smirk. “But I know what you mean. You did nothing wrong, remember that. Sometimes you have to be a little rude to express your feelings. Usually you're such an angel. Now, let's get him out of our minds, I'm sure we'll never see him again, and, frankly, I'm not going to worry about it.”

“Okay, then I'll do the same. Thanks Ella. I feel better. I'm excited to work on my science project tomorrow! Goodnight!”

Truthfully, Ella was glad that Janet had expressed her feelings so forcefully that night. For once, the sisters' roles had been reversed. She, the outspoken one, had been tongue-tied by the soldier's comment, while Janet, usually so sweet and a little bit shy, had no qualms about speaking her mind. It was good to know that they each had a bit of the other in them.

Ella felt that she was truly blessed to have a sister who complemented her so well. They were very different, they even looked different, but they got along so well, and she really felt that Janet, even though she was only 10 years old, was her best friend. They were lucky to have each other.

Chapter 5:

The next few days passed smoothly, quickly, and uneventfully for Ella and Janet. Janet finished her study of nature for her science class, and Ella finished shooting one of the large dance numbers in the film. They were both excited for the party Friday night, and were both pleasantly surprised to discover when they woke up on Friday morning that they day was already there!

“Now, remember,” Ella said as she and Janet went their separate ways in the morning, she to the bus stop and Janet to meet up with her friends to walk to school, “I'll meet you at the front steps of your school, right after 3, and then we'll go do some shopping.” Ella grinned when she saw her sister's happy look. “It won't be much, but we can have fun, and then come back here and get ready for the party.”

“Okay, I'll see you then,” Janet said as she stood on her tiptoes to kiss Ella's cheek. Ella bent down and gave her a small hug, and then tweaked one of her blonde braids and walked off in the other direction.

Janet skipped off to the corner of the street, where some of the other kids who lived on the block were standing. There were many school-aged children in the neighborhood, and about nine or ten lived on their block alone, so they all met up and walked to school together. Janet had such an easygoing nature that she was a friend with everyone. The older children, and many of their parents, loved her good manners and admired her prettiness, and she was so sweet and kind that the younger ones worshiped her. Ella was always glad that her sister had so many friends, especially since their own lives were in such confusion. It was good that Janet had friends to keep her happy and grounded.

As Ella walked down the street towards the bus stop, on Wilshire Boulevard, she thought about the rest of the day. She knew that they would be starting a new scene today, but she wasn't even sure if she would be needed for most of the day. True, her name had been on the call list yesterday, but Ella had quickly learned that in the movie business, nothing goes according to schedule, and she often spent hours or even days, when she thought she would be working, wandering aimlessly around the studio, stretching, or immersing herself in a book.

For that reason, Ella never left home without some reading material. She had thought that since Janet was growing up, and would soon be reading literature and starting more advanced studies in mathematics and history, that it would be a good idea for her to brush up on those subjects, and to re-read some of the books she had read in school. Ella had fond memories of both her parents helping her when she was struggling with a composition or a math problem, and she wanted to make sure that she could do the same for her sister. Ella was, of course, very sad at the loss of her parents, but she was determined that Janet would have every advantage she could afford - including a knowledgeable person to help her with homework.

Today, Ella had brought along Mark Twain's “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” which she had read at some point in high school. When the bus came, Ella climbed on and instead of looking out the window at the cars, as she often did, she found a seat and started reading the first chapter.

The ride to the studio passed quickly, and she soon found herself walking through the gates of Hartfield Studios, waving to the gatekeeper, a friendly, old black man named James who knew every person at the studio - from the CEO to the chorus girls to the assistant makeup artist - by sight and by name. The man had an amazing memory, and a wide smile every morning.

Ella made her way to Studio 17B, where the female dancers in her picture dressed and rehearsed most of their scenes. When she got there, there was a crowd of people around the door, which surprised her, because by this time in the morning she had expected that most of the other girls would be inside changing into rehearsal clothes.

“Ella, there you are!” Anne Elliot, one of Ella's closer friends at the studio shouted out to her, as she came over and linked her arm with Ella's. “What do you think has happened? You'll never guess, so we'll have to tell you! Mr. Woodhouse has called all of us in the dancing chorus for a screen test and audition today. It seems that one of the actresses in the picture has quit for some personal reason (although I can't imagine why anyone would ever give up a part in a movie!) and he wants to replace her with one of us! It'll be you for sure. You're by far the prettiest of all of us, and the best dancer.

Ella blushed a little at Anne's effusiveness. “Anne, I highly doubt that, but that's exciting news just the same. Is that why everyone's crowded around here?”

“Yes,” her friend agreed. “We are all waiting here for the rest to arrive, because we all want to be the first to tell!”

“Well, thank you for telling me. When is this going to take place?”

“At ten. Mr. Woodhouse said that several of the big-shot heads of the studio are coming to watch the test, and that they will pick the girl by this afternoon. Oh, I wonder what the part is? I know it is a dancing part, because we're all supposed to be ready in our practice clothes and to bring our pointe shoes.”

“Hmm, I wonder,” Ella thought aloud, as she and Anne and several of the others made their way inside the studio.

The girls changed into their practice dresses, which were like long tutus with tight bodices and long, stiff tulle skirts. Ella's was pale green, which brought out the sparkle in her eyes and the hints of red in her brown hair. She went with Anne and two others, Betty and Susan, into the large empty room that the chorus used for warm-ups.

Anne Elliot was several years older than Ella, and she had been under contract at Hartfield Studios for two years. She was a good dancer, and had been in several films as either a chorus dancer or a walk-on extra. She was not exceptionally pretty, but her face was pleasant, and she had very thick, long, straight brown hair, which she often wore in two long braids pinned over her head. Ella liked to tease her that it was an old-fashioned style, and that Anne resembled her grandmother, but Anne would always respond that her hair was so poker-straight that cutting it into a short bob would make her look like a boy, because her hair would certainly never curl the way Ella's did.

Ella was especially grateful to Anne for being such a kind person when she first started at Hartfield. She knew no one, and Anne had been friendly, showing her around the studio and making sure she got to the right place at the right time. Ella was sure that she wouldn't have survived those first few weeks without Anne's help.

Since it was only Ella's first film, she had never heard of actors or actresses “dropping out” of movies, and the director searching for replacements.

“Does this happen often?” She asked the other girls. “People quitting the movies, I mean. It seems strange to me, and I can't believe that Mr. Woodhouse is looking for a replacement in one of us!”

Susan, a tall, cool blonde, answered. “Oh, it happens all the time. Actresses are very temperamental, and if something isn't going just the way they want, and the director won't change it, then they quit. Its quite good luck for us, or one of us, actually. Usually the studio will just hire a different actress who's already under contract as an actress to fill the role, but I guess because this is a dance part, they need one of us.” Susan was a very self-assured woman, and she smiled to herself as she said this, as if confident that she would be the chosen one.

“Do you have any idea who it is that quit? Or what the part is like?”

Betty answered this time. “My boyfriend,” she said with a small giggle, “is a script-boy, and he said that it was Carol Bingley who quit. You know how pushy she can be, and I guess she just didn't get her way.” At this, Betty, a small girl with black curls, giggled again at the others. “Actually,” and here she lowered her voice, “Sam, my boyfriend, told me that Mr. Woodhouse very nearly fired her because she was too demanding and wouldn't play the part the way he wanted, but she quit just before he could!”

“Wow,” Ella said, her eyes widening. “I would think that if anyone ever got the chance to be a movie star they would do what the director said! I know I would!”

“I'm sure you would, honey,” Susan said with a smirk, “but it's different when you're a star. When you're just a simple chorus girl, you have to obey the rules, because there are hundreds of others out there who could take your place, but there are very few people who have what it takes to be great.”

Susan wasn't a mean or cruel person, but she did think very highly of herself, and in her mind she knew that “poor little naïve Ella” didn't have a chance.

“Oh well,” Ella shrugged. I guess everything's different in show business.”

“I didn't even know Carol Bingley could dance,” Anne said, effectively changing the subject.

“Oh, she can't,” Betty replied. “Sam said she was just awful in rehearsals, not graceful at all. I believe he described her dancing as something akin to a giraffe trying to balance on a ball while juggling flaming pins. It was that awkward.” Here she giggled, yet again, but this time the other joined her, picturing that image.

“I bet she did!” Ella said, almost shrieking with laughter. “I only saw her once, and once in a movie a few years ago, but she does have an abnormally long neck, and her movements are rather, um, ungraceful.”

“That's putting it mildly,” Susan said, wiping a tear from her eye after laughing so hard. “Drat, I hope this doesn't ruin my makeup. I'd better head to the hair and makeup `closet' to touch-up before the screen test.”

“Hey Betty,” Ella said as the four girls headed towards the tiny room where they “made themselves beautiful,” “Do you know what part Carol Bingley had in this picture? I barely even know what the movie's about, let alone what the parts are.”

“You know, neither do I. All I know is that we've all filmed several long dance numbers, but I have no idea how they fit in with the rest of the story, or even really what the story is. I think that the studio's being deliberately concealing, because even Sam says that he hasn't seen a whole script, ever, just the scenes they're filming, the day before. I just know that the movie's called `Dance With Me,' and that it takes place both on Broadway and in a ballet company. I know that Carol Bingley wasn't the leading actress, but I'm betting she would have been up for `Best Supporting' - provided she hadn't just quit,” she finished with another giggle.

“How old is she, anyway,” Susan asked.

“She's got to be near thirty, if not past it,” Anne replied, “and I don't think she should be playing ingénue parts anymore, and I'm sure that this was one, because they're looking for her replacement among us. And well, we're all young, right?!”

“Right,” Susan said confidently. She was probably one of the oldest of the girls in the chorus, but she was still only about twenty-four. There was a very short life for dancers in movies, and she was determined to “move on and up” before it was too late.

The four girls touched up their makeup, applied fresh lipstick, and fluffed their hair, before they, and the other twenty or so girls with whom they shared Studio 17B, made their way to Soundstage 1A, where the screen tests would take place. They wore their street shoes, and their coats over their practice dresses, but then carried their pointe shoes to change into if needed. Most of the girls had warmed up for awhile that morning, so they were all ready to dance if asked.

When they got there, Mr. Perry, the head cameraman, told them all to line up, and they would be tested in order of the lineup. They would be asked to read a short scene from the script, with one of the script boys, and then those whom the director and studio heads chose would be asked to sing, dance, and to do another reading.

Mr. Perry then addressed the girls. “You may all remain in your street shoes until some of you are directed to change. Please remain entirely silent while others are being tested. This is a preliminary screen test, just so we can see how each of you ladies look on camera, close-up. Once the director and studio heads have narrowed the group down, we will do more formal testing. Thank you for your patience, we appreciate your enthusiasm, and wish you all good luck.” Mr. Perry smiled at the dancers. He was a very affable man, and a great friend to Mr. Woodhouse, the director.

At that moment, the large main doors of the sound stage flew open, and a tall man with dark curling hair entered, followed by Mr. Woodhouse and several of the assistant directors.

“Ah, ladies,” Mr. Woodhouse said, approaching the lineup of girls. “Thank you for being here. I would like to say a few words regarding this sudden change in scheduling and filming, and then we will begin the screen tests. Please, remember that even if you are not chosen to fill this role, you are all excellent dancers, and young women, and you are still a vital and integral part of this film. We thank you for your excellent work so far on this picture, and we know it will continue. By the way, before I go on, I would like to introduce to you the head of Hartfield Studios and another major studio here in Hollywood, Pemberley/Derby Studios. Ladies, this is Mr. William Darcy.”

Chapter 6:

William Darcy looked down the line of girls. He liked the look of several of them, but that was just the initial impression. He knew that it was common in this business that the best-looking girls were often the least talented. He had learned that from Carol Bingley, who was precisely the reason he was here today. He felt that this “casting call” was a waste of his valuable time, and he took no care to hide that feeling in his expression.

“Well, ladies,” he said after a moment, “I trust that each of you will do your best to show myself and your director your talents. We will make our decision based solely on talent. Please do not try to emphasize your feminine charms by batting your eyelashes or pouting your lips, I assure you that it will have no affect on me. Whomever we choose for this role must be an absolute professional.” His tone was cool, and the girls knew that while he was quite serious, he was also very uninterested in them, and he was all about business.

Several of the girls rolled their eyes or sighed quietly as he spoke. They were the ones with the pretty faces and “great gams” whose talents were limited.

Anne Elliot smiled slightly, for she knew that many men would pass over her in a lineup because she wasn't eye-catching, but if Mr. Darcy was truly looking for the most talent, perhaps she had a chance.

Ella also found Mr. Darcy's words somewhat encouraging, but she felt that the way he addressed all of them was very rude. Sure, some of the girls tended to be coquettish and silly, but it was unfair of him to group them all together like that. However, she put it all behind her as Mr. Woodhouse began telling them about the procedures for the audition.

Ella stood next to Anne, near the middle of the lineup. There were about nine girls who acted their scene before her turn came. In order to make the preliminary audition completely fair to all the girls, Mr. Woodhouse had chosen enough short scenes so that every girl read something new. They were given two minutes to read the scene over before they acted it out with the script boy, on camera.

Several of the girls who went before Ella flubbed their lines, or mispronounced words. She snuck a look at Mr. Darcy and Mr. Woodhouse, standing just out of the lights, looking at them, and noticed that they did not seem very pleased, so far.

A minute later the script boy handed her the script she had to read from, and said “Two minutes, Miss Bennet.”

Ella read over the page. She had only about six lines, less than a page, in a conversation. The character she was to play was named “Maggie.” She was pretty sure, from reading over her lines, that all the girls were reading the same part. From what she had heard already, it seemed that Maggie was a young dancer in a ballet company who fell in love with the lighting technician for a Broadway show and decided to try and quit the ballet and go into musical theater. The part seemed interesting, and Ella began to hope that she would get it, even though she knew her chance was small.

She read the scene again before the script boy came over to her and told her it was time. The camera began to roll, and he began his first line.

Dance with me, Scene 31, Partial:

Script boy (playing the part of Roy): Maggie, you don't know what you're doing!

Ella (as Maggie): Yes, Roy, I do! I want to be on Broadway, it's where I belong.

Roy: You're just doing this because of that boy. I know you; I've known you since you were a kid. All you've ever wanted to do is be a ballerina. Now you have your big chance. Rodolfo was going to promote you to soloist when Olivia leaves in May.
(From what Ella had gathered from the other scenes, Olivia was the lead female in the film.)

Maggie: (surprised) Really? (Ella paused here, and tried to let the emotion sink in.) Roy, I know that ballet was my dream, but dreams change. I need to do this, I need to try this. I know you think I'm crazy, and maybe I am, but I need to see if I can make this work, on my own. Even here, in the ballet company, I have you to help me; you've always been here for me. I am extremely grateful for your help, Roy, really, I am. But I need to try to succeed on my own. I'm flattered that Rodolfo would consider promoting me, but I know that I don't deserve it any more than any of the other girls in the corps. I know you had something to do with it, and while I appreciate everything you've done for me, I need to be somewhere where I can do things for myself.
(Ella figured that Roy was an older brother-type or something, and was probably secretly in love with Maggie.)

Roy: But Maggie, you know that's not true. You've earned a promotion.

Maggie: Maybe, but I won't feel like it, I will be resented by the others, and they'll spread rumors that I only got promoted because of you. I need to know that I can achieve great things based on my talent alone.

End Scene

“Thank you, Miss Bennet,” Mr. Perry, the cameraman said as she finished her line. The script boy handed the next scene to Anne, and Ella breathed a sigh of relief.

She had tried to read the scene with as much feeling as possible, which was difficult, because it was unrehearsed and she was very nervous acting in front of the camera. However, she felt pretty good about her performance, for she hadn't messed up a line, and she thought she read with greater feeling than several of the others.

After another forty minutes the preliminary readings were completed, and the girls were told to take a break outside until called back in. It was time for the directors and Mr. Darcy to make their decisions.

“Ella, you were great!” Anne told her as they exited the sound stage. “I didn't know you were such a talented actress!”

“Thanks Anne, I just tried to read with feeling. I was so nervous, though, I thought my voice sounded shaky. You were really good, too.”

“Well, your shaky voice, as you call it, sounded like you were really feeling what the character was feeling. You conveyed such great emotion! I flubbed some of my words, didn't you notice?”
“No,” Ella answered truthfully. “I thought you were great.” Anne's scene had been less emotional and more comic than hers, but she had done a good job with the comedy. The part of Maggie seemed quite multi-dimensional, and it was also quite a long part, judging by all the scenes that had been read.

Several of the other girls, including Susan and Betty, came over, and they stood around on the lawn outside and congratulated each other and chatted about the audition for a few minutes.

“Hey girls,” Susan said, lowering her voice slightly, “Isn't Mr. Darcy dreamy?” She winked as she spoke.

Betty giggled. “Yes, but he seems intimidating.”

“I think he's handsome,” Ella confessed, “but I thought he was very rude, the way he talked to us before the audition. He seems very full of himself.”

“Well, I'm sure that's not difficult when you're the head of two of Hollywood's biggest film studios! And he's quite young to be so accomplished.” Anne said, understanding what Ella was saying, but still trying to come up with a rational explanation for his behavior.

“Yes, how old do you think he is,” Ava, another girl asked.

“I read in `The Gazette' that he isn't even twenty-eight yet! And look how rich he is, already! He must be the richest man in California under thirty!” Susan was clearly smitten.

“Well, that may be true,” Ella replied, good-naturedly, “but it doesn't excuse his manners.”

Several of the girls were about to reply, but at that moment the script boy came out of the sound stage and asked them to come back inside.

“Ladies, again, we would all like to thank you for your excellent work, both on this picture and this morning's audition. Mr. Darcy was quite impressed with the caliber of your work, especially since so many of you have little or no acting experience. Unfortunately, there is only one role that needs to be filled, and though we wish we could give each of you this opportunity, we must narrow down the group in order to further audition those girls whom we feel will be best for this role. Please remember that this does not mean we think you are any worse than they are, it just means that you are simply not right for this part.” Mr. Woodhouse gave every girl a warm, comforting smile before continuing.

“Ladies, if you would please go to the script boy to get a script if I call your name. Julia Graff.”

A tall, willowy brunette stepped out of the line. Ella remembered that she had done a really funny scene, and had done very well.

“Anne Elliot.” Ella gave Anne's hand a squeeze and smiled at her. Anne looked at her in a moment of disbelief before walking over to get her script.

“Betty Jones.” Betty giggled and skipped happily off to get her script (and to see her boyfriend, Sam, the script boy.)

“Ella Bennet,” Ella couldn't help but break out in a large grin when she heard her name called. She also heard someone who sounded suspiciously like Anne, give a little yell.

Two more girls were called, Susan Dixon and Ruth Post, and then Mr. Woodhouse again thanked everyone for being there, and gave the other girls the rest of the day off. They all seemed a little upset, but brightened at the prospect of a free afternoon, and they ran off to change.

“Ladies, you did an excellent job this morning,” Mr. Woodhouse told the six who remained. “Now, Mrs. Bell (the chorus “matron”) is sending over some lunch for you, and will you please be prepared to sing, dance, and read for us at one o'clock this afternoon. We will return then. Thank you.”

As Ella sat down and began to look over her script with Anne, someone was observing her closely: Mr. William Darcy.

(AN: No, not in a stalker way, in a sexy Darcy way! He's admiring her fine eyes of course!)

Chapter 7:

Ella and the others spent the next half hour relaxing, stretching, reading their scenes, and eating some lunch. Ella was too nervous to eat much, but managed to eat half a turkey sandwich and part of an apple.

At quarter-to-one she found herself a quiet area to relax and concentrate. She sat on the floor, breathing deeply, and trying to ease her nervousness. All of a sudden, in the midst of her relaxation exercises, she remembered something, and opened her eyes abruptly.

“Oh no!” She thought, and actually spoke aloud, unaware that she had spoken. “Janet! I promised I would meet her right after school today, and she will be so worried if I'm not there! I can't do this! I'm such a terrible `parent!'”

“Ella, what's wrong,” Anne said, rushing over to her friend to see what was the matter.

“I promised Janet that I would pick her up from school today, and we would go shopping before the party tonight. But now I'm here, and if I have to leave here, I know I'll probably loose my job, and then where would that leave us? What am I going to do?” Ella was truly in despair. She didn't want to disappoint her sister, but she knew that this audition was her big opportunity, and if she refused to stay, she was sure she would not only lose the chance for this part, but her job with the studio as well.

“There's no way I can make it back to Westwood by three, if we're to start auditioning at one. It will take much more time than that, and I certainly can't ask them to make an exception for me…” Ella trailed off, realizing that something was going to have to give, and that she wouldn't be happy with giving up anything. But most importantly, she did not want to hurt her sister.

“I have to go,” she said, after pausing a moment. “I have to be there for Janet, I'm all that she has, and I don't think that she would understand if I wasn't there.”

“Ella, think carefully,” Anne said, grasping her friend's shoulders in a supportive way. “Janet is a big girl, she may be disappointed in you, but that will only last briefly until you tell her what happened to you today! Think how proud she will be of you!”

“Anne, I haven't gotten the part, and think how devastated she'd be if I was late and jobless!” Ella knew that she was overreacting, but she was completely determined not to hurt Janet in any way.

“Excuse me,” a deep male voice cut in.

Ella and Anne turned to face Mr. William Darcy, head of Hartfield and Pemberley/Derby Studios. Ella quickly wiped her eyes, for they had begun to tear, and straightened her skirt.

“I'm sorry, sir, for causing a scene. I am just a bit distressed. I am afraid that I cannot -“

“No, I am sorry for interrupting your discussion, but I couldn't help overhearing. I would like to suggest a solution, if I may.”

Ella was surprised by his behavior. This was the same man who hadn't spoken two words together this morning, the same man who had looked on her and all the other girls with distaste. He was offering her help?

“Yes, of course,” she said, falteringly.

“Well, I heard you tell Miss Elliot that you needed to pick up someone named Janet in Westwood by three this afternoon, is that correct?”

William Darcy was confused about this “Janet” who Ella Bennet spoke of. He heard her say that she was a “terrible parent,” and she didn't seem nearly old enough to have a child of her own, but he did not want to judge her in any way, or to embarrass her, so he kept quiet about that. He kept reminding himself, in his head, that this woman was a lowly chorus girl in one of the movies at one of his studios, but something about her intrigued him. He wanted to help her.

Ella nodded. She was not prone to accepting eavesdroppers, but he seemed genuinely concerned, and she needed all the help she could get - especially from the head of the studio.

“Well, I am in charge of this afternoon's audition proceedings, and if you are ready, Miss Bennet, you may come with me and audition first.”

Ella was completely flabbergasted by this. Mr. Darcy, who earlier had been the epitome of rude, was now being kind to her, and giving her an opportunity! She was speechless for a moment, but then regained her senses and smiled at him.

“Thank you, sir. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this. I am ready now.”

Darcy's heart jumped at her smile. “Well then, Miss Bennet, please follow me. We will begin your test now.”

Forty-five minutes later, Ella emerged from the soundstage a very happy person. Even if she did not get the part, she knew she had tried her best, and was happy with that. She was also very happy that she was now free to meet Janet, and after wishing Anne and the others “good luck” she changed, gathered up her things, and went to catch her bus.

The screen tests continued on for several hours. Mr. Woodhouse and the others, especially Mr. Darcy, wanted to make sure they picked just the right girl for the role, for though it wasn't the biggest part in the film, it was very important.

They deliberated over their choice for the rest of the afternoon. About twenty minutes after the last of the girls had given their test, one of the assistant directors had told them that they should all go home, for it was a very difficult decision, and the directors wanted to make sure to give everyone the consideration they deserved. Therefore, it was unlikely that they would make their decision before that night.

The man then informed them that Mr. Woodhouse had extended an invitation to each of them, to attend the party that his daughter was giving that evening, and that the choice would be announced that evening.

All the other girls seemed contented with this news, although they certainly didn't wish for their suspense to continue, but they knew that they would know the results by later that night. They all went home to prepare for Emma Woodhouse's soiree.

Ella, on the other hand, was too excited to tell Janet about her day, and for her shopping excursion, and the party that followed, to remember that she didn't even know who had the part yet. She nearly forgot about it until Janet asked her, after the story had been told, if she had the part.

“Goodness!” Ella exclaimed. “I forgot about that! I was so excited to come meet you after my test that I totally forgot that I didn't even know how I would find out about the outcome! Well, I guess I'll find out on Monday, or perhaps the studio will call our phone. Well, we'll see.” Ella wasn't terribly concerned. She knew that she had a job in the picture no matter what. Mr. Darcy's assurance had made her sure of that. She knew that she was not going to lose her job. And perhaps she'd get an even better one!

Ella and Janet “shopped” for about an hour and a half, before heading home to get ready for the evening. Ella had bought Janet a new pair of party shoes, white Mary Janes, just like she had wanted, and a red silk hair ribbon. Janet was in heaven, for she loved new and pretty things. She ran to wash and put on her new dress as soon as they got home.

Ella took a few minutes rest on her bed before getting up to get herself ready. She had not bought anything special for herself, since she spent all they money she could spare on Janet. Besides, she told herself, you don't need anything. You aren't still growing like Janet is, and your dress and shoes still fit and look fairly nice.

Ella went into the bathroom and washed her face. She pulled the pins out of her hair, and put the ends in curling papers, just hoping to “refresh” the curls. Her brown hair hung to her shoulders, and she wore it in a curly bob, as was fashionable at the time, when it wasn't pinned up for dancing. She did not have any special hair adornments, but her shiny brown curls looked nice enough when neat. She hoped that her simple toilette would do for a party as fancy as Emma Woodhouse's was sure to be.

Ella's party dress was a very pale blue, and it had silver threads running through it. She wore her mother's pearls, the only jewelry she owned, and a pair of silver heeled slippers. She had the dress and the shoes from her “sweet sixteen party,” only four short years ago. As she put on her dress and shoes, and applied a little makeup to her legs, she sighed, recalling just how much had happened in the last four years.

Janet looked adorable in her white party dress with a crimson sash, and her new white shoes. Though her dress was starting to get on the small side, it didn't look too short quite yet, but Ella knew she would have to get a new dress for her sister, probably within the year.

Ella and Janet did look alike, but different too. Ella looked very much like their mother had. She had a very pretty face, with a small nose, bright green eyes, and a small bow mouth. Janet resembled their father more in her coloring, and had inherited his blonde hair and dark blue eyes. Ella knew she was pretty, but she saw that her sister was going to be far more beautiful than she could ever be. Their faces were similar, but Janet's light hair and dark eyes made her positively striking.

The sisters set off together, around six-thirty, eager with anticipation for what the evening would bring.

Chapter 8:

The party was in “semi-full swing” when Ella and Janet arrived. They walked from the bus stop up the long, winding driveway of the Woodhouse estate, to the front door of the mansion.

“This is the biggest house I've ever seen,” said Janet, awed. “I think it's bigger than the White House!”

Ella laughed. “No, I don't think so,” she replied, “but it is very large and impressive. But let's not let that intimidate us,” she finished, grinning.

Ella didn't know the outcome of the afternoon's events, but she was determined to have a wonderful time at the party no matter what. She was fairly certain that she had not gotten the part, but she didn't care. She was at the most lavish and exciting party she had ever been to, and she was resolute to enjoy it.

The door was opened for them by a uniformed butler, who took their coats and directed them to the “ballroom.” They made their way to the aforementioned room, where there were dozens of people dancing, talking and laughing. As Mr. Woodhouse had promised, a Navy band was set up at one side of the ballroom, and they were playing all sorts of current favorites as well as old standards. Most of the guests were around Ella's age or a little older, but in the far corner, near a door that looked like it led to a greenhouse - which they later discovered was referred to at the “conservatory” - was a cluster of children, about eight of them, who looked about the same age as Janet.

The sisters stood at the doorway from the hall surveying the room, daunted by the fashionable interior as well as the fashionably people inside it. A moment later, a girl dressed in a stylish, light-pink dress, with her blonde curls bobbing around her face and sparking grey eyes rushed up to them.

“Ella Bennet!” She exclaimed, exuberantly. “Remember me? I'm Emma Woodhouse! Welcome to my party, I'm so glad you could come!”

Ella smiled, glad that her hostess had greeted her so friendly - and that she remembered her by name! “Thank you, Miss Woodhouse, for inviting me. And thank you for extending the invitation to my sister, Janet.”

“Please, call me Emma. Hey Janet, nice to meet you! There are loads of kids around your age here. Where did they go? Oh, they're over there by the conservatory! I'll get Georgie over here and she'll introduce you to everyone, hang on a minute. Oh, would you girls like something to drink? The bar's over there, and its very well-stocked with soda pop!” Emma talked a mile-a-minute. Ella couldn't help but laugh lightly, under her breath. She smiled again at Emma, as she went over towards the group of children.

“She seems very nice, El. Do you know her well?” Janet asked.

“No, not at all, really. I met her once, when she came to visit her father at the studio, during my first few weeks there. She's about my age, I think. She is very friendly, I agree with that!” Ella and Janet went to the “bar” where they each asked for coca-colas, which were served in fancy crystal goblets.

A minute later Emma came rushing back to them, bringing a girl about Janet's age along with her.

“Janet, Ella, this is Georgiana Darcy, but please, call her Georgie, everyone does!” The girl looked oddly familiar to Ella and Janet. She had long, dark brown hair that fell halfway down her back in waves. She was wearing a very pretty dress that was white with blue piping and lace trim, and she had shiny white Mary Jane shoes and ankle socks edged with lace. Her eyes were a very light, almost ice blue, framed with long black lashes, and her delicate features and high cheekbones made her look like a porcelain doll. She was one of the most beautiful girls that either of them had ever seen.

“Hello,” Georgie Darcy said shyly. “I'm Georgie. It is a pleasure to meet you.” She had lovely voice, and nice manners, but seemed very timid. She was quite a contrast from Emma Woodhouse.

“Hello, I'm Janet Bennet, and this is my sister, Ella,” Janet said, smiling at Georgie just a little shyly.

“Hi Georgie, it is very nice to meet you, as well,” Ella said, giving the girl a kind and encouraging smile. “Surely she is not always this shy,” she thought, “perhaps its just the party and so many unfamiliar people.”

“Georgie, why don't you take Janet over to meet the other kids,” Emma asked. “I'll introduce Ella around, okay?”

“Alright, Emma. Please come with me, Janet.” The younger girls walked off towards the group of children.

“Poor girl,” Emma said, as soon as they were halfway across the room, as she linked her arm with Ella's and led her to the bar so she could get herself a drink. “She's so very shy, but she comes alive on-screen, it's the most peculiar thing.”

“Wait a moment!” Ella exclaimed. “I knew she was familiar! Georgiana Darcy, of course! She's the child star. Why, Janet and I rarely go to the movies, but we've seen many that she has been in!”

“Yes, didn't you realize? Oh, how silly of me! See, I never mention it in front of her, she gets so self-conscious, but yes, she is a child star. Quite a good little actress, too. She is one of William Darcy's biggest box-office draws for his studios.”

“How silly of me not to recognize her at first. She's a lovely child, and so polite!” Ella was a little embarrassed at her ignorance, but Emma didn't seem to think anything of it.

“Yes, she is, very lovely. So is your sister. I think they will be good friends, they seem to have similar temperaments.”

“Janet is not so shy, though she initially comes across as very timid. Maybe she can help Georgie increase in confidence.”

“Maybe,” Emma said, as she got her ginger ale from the bartender, and her mind instantly went on to a new topic. “Come on, let me introduce you to everyone!”

The next half-hour both Ella and Janet were occupied getting to know Georgie and Emma's friends. At eight, a buffet dinner was served, and the sisters met up again.

“Ella, did you know that Georgie is the actress we've seen in all those movies? I didn't realize it at first, but then I recognized her, and I didn't know what to do. I wasn't sure if I was allowed to ask her about being an actress, or if I was supposed to congratulate her or something. It was very confusing!” Janet said. “But then she introduced me to the other kids, and they're almost all actors and actresses. Some of them are very famous, too! Like Peggy and Liz and Maggie and Roddy! And they're all so nice!”

“That's great, Janet,” Ella replied. She wasn't quite sure just whom her sister was talking about, but later on, when she saw Janet eating with her new friends, she recognized several of them from films.

Ella had been speaking with several of the girls she knew from the film, as well as others who were new friends. Everyone there seemed to be involved in the movie business, but Ella was too, so she felt like she belonged, and she was glad that Janet had been so well-accepted by the other children as well.

As she was sitting at a table with Anne Elliot and several others, eating delicious food that was extremely lacking a “rationed” quality (she wondered how they had pulled that off, but then again, Mr. Woodhouse was one of the most well-known and wealthiest men in the country), she overheard a conversation at the next table.

“Darcy, you must loosen up, I will not have you sitting here, sulking in this manner.”

“We had a very rough day at the studios today, Charles. You couldn't possibly understand how frustrating it is to learn one morning that you must re-cast an important role for a very important film, and then spend the entire day wadding through mediocre chorus girls, most of whom haven't a wit of talent and no beauty, trying to find a suitable replacement. I must have seen fifty untalented girls today. It's a wonder that they are even under contract for my studio already. I will have to have a talk with the casting directors and have them review their contracts. Personally, I would have fired them rather than promoted any of them! I have no desire to hire untalented ninnies who probably only got their jobs by their superficial good looks. Its amazing what kind of impression a little lipstick and a short skirt can have on many men.”

The voice was unmistakably that of William Darcy, the man who had been running hot and cold on Ella all day. How incredibly insulting! If he couldn't have found a “suitable replacement” among any of the “untalented ninnies” in short skirts, why had he bothered to waste their time that day. She was a little hurt by his gross generalization, and his insults of herself and all her friends (granted, there were a few girls in the chorus who fit his description, but most of them were lovely and talented)!

Ella flushed, and Anne, who had been in conversation with another girl at their table, asked her what was wrong.

Ella related what she had overheard to Anne in a hushed voice, so the others wouldn't hear. “I didn't mean to eavesdrop,” she explained, “but he was talking very loudly, I'm sure others heard him as well.” She was furious. “I want to give him a piece of my mind and show him that not all chorus girls are brainless ninnies!”

Anne pointed out that they were seated at a corner table, and that the table where William Darcy and his friend were was the only one further in the corner than theirs, so that it was unlikely that anyone else had heard. “Ella, don't cause a scene. There is no excuse for his behavior - or his words - but just ignore him, and don't say anything. We certainly wouldn't want to embarrass Emma Woodhouse.”

“No, you are right, Anne, I won't say anything. But can you believe the nerve - he just wasted our time today, he isn't going to cast any of us in this role!”

“We don't know that for sure, Ella, so let's wait and see,” Anne said, trying to calm her friend down.

“Alright, we can wait. I promised that no matter what I would enjoy this party, and I will! The food is delicious! I haven't seen such a spread since well before the war, and even then --!

“I know, it is wonderful. Everything's wonderful, the music, the food, the house, the company (with an exception, yes, I know what you're going to say).”

The girls smiled at each other, and continued to eat. Ella finished what was on her plate, and excused herself to go get some more, since this delicious food was not something she would see again for a long time.

As she stood in the line for the buffet she heard another familiar voice several people behind her. It was Susan, one of the girls from the chorus whom Ella had talked with earlier that day. She had obviously been imbibing the champagne that was available at the bar - and lots of it. She was speaking in a very sultry, yet silly voice that occasionally broke into giggles, to none other than William Darcy.

“Soooooooooo, Mr. Darcy,” Susan said very loudly. Ella turned around and saw that Mr. Darcy's back was to her, but she could see that Susan, who was facing her, was trying to drape herself over him in a sexy manner.

Ella could tell from his body language that he was not pleased.

“Have you,” she continued, giggling, “well, I mean, you and the others, you know who I mean, have you decided who gets the part?”

“Please, Miss - uh - Dixon, I do not wish to discuss this now. We will make an announcement later this evening.” He tried, in vain, to get her off of him.

“Oh, come now, Mr. Darcy, you can tell me. Just a little whisper.” She started to pout as she batted her eyelashes in what she hoped was a sexy way. She ended up just looking ridiculous.

“Well, Miss Dixon, since you are so insistent, I can tell you one thing.” He straightened his shoulders and leaned down to whisper in her ear, “it's not you!”

Chapter 9:

Posted on Tuesday, 11 January 2005

After Ella heard what Mr. Darcy had whispered to Susan Dixon, she couldn't help but smile. She knew that it didn't mean she had the part, but it was slightly comforting to know that there was one person out of the competition. Susan shouldn't have behaved like that; it was inappropriate. Still, there was something about Mr. Darcy's manner that Ella couldn't stand, especially after what she had heard him say to Charles Bingley earlier. It was unpardonable.

Ella knew that Charles Bingley was one of Pemberley/Derby Studio's biggest stars. He was one of Hollywood's most famous “heartthrobs,” and after seeing him in person she could see why. He was very handsome, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and chiseled features, and he also appeared to be one of the nicest of the movie stars she'd seen. How on earth he managed to be brother to someone like Carol Bingley she would never understand!

Carol, whom Ella had not noticed before, was wearing a glaring orange dress with large white polka dots scattered over it. She was quite tall, very thin, and the dress did nothing to enhance her figure. Her dark blonde hair was impeccably coiffed yet it looked so tightly pinned that the top resembled horns. She was, at the moment, snaking her arms around William Darcy, in an attempt to get him to dance with her. He looked disgusted - and rightly, for she was not only an irritating person, but also she had just caused him a lot of professional grief by “quitting” the film, and by being so difficult about it. He looked absolutely miserable, but Ella could not bring herself to feel sorry for him. He deserved it!

After another moment, Mr. Darcy got so fed up with her that he just walked away. Ella laughed a little to herself.

As Ella continued to look around the room, she was not very surprised to see Charles Bingley leading Emma Woodhouse to the dance floor. The couple smiled at each other and appeared to be very much in love. Ella grinned at the scene, and returned to the table where Anne was sitting, at the corner of the room.

“Did you see Charles Bingley and Emma dancing,” Anne asked as she sat down.

“Yes, I was just admiring what a nice couple they make,” Ella replied. “They seem very well-suited to each other, their dispositions are very similar.”

“Yes, indeed. Now, I saw Susan harassing Mr. William Darcy in the buffet line, and I am sure that you - as an expert eavesdropper - heard what they were talking about. Please tell!” Anne grinned; she knew that Ella would understand her teasing.

“I do not consider myself to be an expert in anything, Anne,” Ella responded in a teasing tone. “However, I did happen to overhear what they were discussing. Susan was - most inappropriately - begging Mr. Darcy for news of who was to get the part. At first he would not tell her, but after more than enough pleading and batted eyelashes he did divulge one thing to her - that she was not the chosen one!”

The two girls laughed heartily at this, not noticing that Mr. Darcy had begun to approach their table. Luckily, Ella had been speaking softly enough so that he did not hear what she said, but he was disconcerted by the laughter.

Ella continued to laugh quite loudly, but Anne looked up to notice the gentleman, and nudged her friend.

Ella raised her eyes and found herself face to face with Mr. William Darcy.

“Miss Bennet,” he spoke, his voice soft. “Would you care to dance?” He held out his hand for her to take.

“I had not - I” she stammered, “Thank you, yes.” Ella gave him a weak smile and took his hand, as he led her to the dance floor.

The band, at this moment, stopped playing `In the Mood' and began one of Ella's favorite songs, `When you Wish Upon a Star.' She couldn't help but relax into the music, as William Darcy's strong arm encircled her waist and held her hand in his.

Ella closed her eyes and allowed herself to remember the first time she had heard the song, when she had taken Janet to see “Pinocchio” several months after their parents' deaths. The movie had been bittersweet for them, since it closely examined the relationship between a father and son, but they enjoyed in nonetheless, and they especially loved Jiminy Cricket, and the song `When you Wish Upon a Star.”

Ella felt tears coming to her eyes, and she sniffed softly to discourage them from falling. William Darcy noticed this, and asked her if she was all right, tenderly. She was surprised by his manner.

“Yes, fine, thank you,” Ella replied, trying to give him a smile. “This song just brings back memories for me.”

He took his handkerchief out of his breast pocket and gently wiped the corners of her eyes, never allowing his eyes to leave her face.

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy.” Ella said quietly.

“Please, call me William,” he said, the passion in his voice audible.

“It would not be proper, sir. I am your employee, just a lowly chorus girl with no talent, and you are William Darcy, owner of two major Hollywood studios, and one of the wealthiest men in the country.”

“That's just money, it doesn't mean a thing. And you have talent, great talent, Miss Bennet, Ella. I take it you overheard my conversation with Charles Bingley. I am sorry for causing you any distress; I was frustrated by the trials of today, and did not think before I spoke.”

Ella didn't know what to make of this at all, so instead of facing it, she knew she had to get away. “Mr. Darcy, I did not ask for your flattery. Please excuse me.”

She couldn't think of anything else to say. She had promised Anne that she would not cause a scene at Emma's party, but she simply couldn't spend any more time in Mr. Darcy's arms. He was a horrible person, yet he was so kind to her.

She felt tears welling up again, and tried to quickly make her way back to her table, when something caught hold of her hand.

A piece of silverware was rapped against a goblet, the band ceased playing and the room fell silent.

William Darcy was holding Ella's hand with one of his own, and in the other, he held the shrimp fork he had used to silence the room.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I have an announcement to make.”

Ella was shocked. What was this man doing? Was she, the lowly, untalented chorus girl, the one chosen to fill Carol Bingley's part? She could feel all the eyes in the room staring at her. She glimpsed Anne and Emma, standing with Charles Bingley, smiling proudly at her. She felt a stony glare, and noticed that Carol Bingley was looking icily at her.

Janet was sitting at the front of the crowd with Georgiana Darcy, and several other child actors and actresses whom Ella recognized from various films.

She then looked at William Darcy, who was still holding her hand (she found it useless to try and take it away), and he smiled at her. A real, genuine, kindly smile. She smiled back, although she didn't know why.

“I would like to introduce to you Ella Bennet, the newest talented young star of Hartfield Studio's latest musical picture! She will be taking over the role of Maggie, and I am sure that we will see great things from Miss Bennet in the near future.”

At his words, Ella did what any good heroine would - she fainted into William Darcy's arms.

Chapter 10:

When Ella regained consciousness, she was reclining on a sofa in the Woodhouses' private sitting room. Janet was sitting with her, and William Darcy was pacing the room. She turned her head and took Janet's hand. Her sister jumped up and hugged her.

“Oh Ella! You fainted. It was so dramatic! And you got the part, I'm so proud of you!”

“Miss Bennet,” William Darcy said, approaching her couch. “Ella, I am glad to see that you are awake. You must have had quite a shock, you have been unconscious for nearly a quarter of an hour.”

“Goodness! Well, I am feeling fine now, please, you must go back to the party. I will rejoin soon.” Ella replied, very surprised that William Darcy had stayed with her all that time.

She thought back to the minutes before she had fainted. They seemed incredibly wonderful, yet as hazy as a dream. Perhaps it had been a dream, yet Janet had just mentioned something about getting the part.

“No, Ella. The Woodhouses' have sent for their physician, who would like to check to make sure you are well.” He knelt down beside her and took her hand.

“Thank you, sir, but I really do feel fine.” Ella was still very puzzled by his behavior. He had been so rude and insulting, yet he was so kind.

At this moment, someone knocked on the door.

“Come in,” William said, clearing his throat and standing up.

Georgiana Darcy and Emma Woodhouse entered, followed by an older gentleman who was obviously the doctor. Both girls were happy to see that Ella was awake, and they both congratulated her on getting the part of Maggie.

After the doctor checked her pulse and temperature, he declared her healthy yet tired, and prescribed another twenty minutes of rest there on the sofa, and a glass of brandy. Emma got the drink for Ella from her father's cabinet, and then went to show the doctor out.

“Ella,” Janet said, “Are you really alright?” Her young voice was so full of concern, and her expression was worried.

“I'm fine, darling,” Ella replied.

“May I go back to the party with Georgie? I don't want to leave you unless it's okay.”

“It's fine, please, go and enjoy yourself. I will be out there soon.”

“Miss Bennet,” William Darcy addressed Janet, “I will see that your sister fully recovers in a short time, and I will personally bring her back out to join the party.

Both Janet and Georgie giggled at this, and skipped out of the room, arm in arm.

Ella smiled after them. “It is so nice of your sister to be so kind to Janet. I was quite afraid that she would feel uncomfortable in this kind of society.”

“Why, Ella?” She blushed at his use of her name, for she did not have the courage to call him `William.'

“I suppose it is because I do not feel comfortable in this society.”

“That is nonsense. Both you and your sister are charming, and a delight in any company.”

“Thank you, sir,” she replied gravely.

“Ella, I want to apologize, again, for any insult you may have felt I made toward you. I did not mean to insult you in any way. I think you have great talent, and I think you are an excellent person besides.”

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”

“Please, Ella, call me William.”

“Thank you, William.” His voice sounded foreign to her tongue, but she liked saying it. He had again knelt down beside her, and taken her hand in his. Their faces were dangerously close together, and Ella began to feel uncomfortable. She took a sip of her brandy to distract herself.

“This is disgusting stuff,” she said, lightening the mood.

“Yes, but it does help to revive one after fainting,” he replied, laughing, “although I can't understand why. The taste of it seems to make more people feel ill than anything.”

“My father used to drink brandy, after dinner on Sundays, sometimes,” Ella said, getting a faraway look in her eyes. “He seemed to like it, but I don't think I inherited his taste for it.”

“I think you have had enough to revive you, for you seem lively enough,” William said smiling, trying to keep the mood light. He wanted Ella to feel comfortable with him, for he was certainly drawn to her.

“Yes, thank you. I am feeling much better.” Ella made a movement to get up, but he touched her shoulder and kept her from sitting up too far.

“Take it easy, just relax for a minute or two. From what I have gathered from your life, you have had very little time for relaxation lately.”

“Yes, I suppose you are right,” Ella replied with a sigh.

“While you were, um, sleeping,” William began, “Janet was telling me about the neighborhood you live in, and about her friends. I understand that you live in Westwood. I have been there several times, and it is quite pleasant.”

“Yes, we are very fortunate to have found a nice, safe place to live. There are many families with children Janet's age there, as well.”

“Yes, she told me about her friends the Kwans, who live downstairs, as well as several other neighbors. It seems to be a very multi-cultural community.”

“Yes, it is. Janet and I are some of the few who are not immigrants, or the children of immigrants. There are people who have come from all over Europe, many of them fleeing from the Nazi occupation. Others have immigrated from China, Japan, and other Asian countries in search of a better life.”

“That is very interesting. It must be a wonderful place to grow up, amid so many different cultures - a learning experience in itself, for Janet.”

William seemed slightly uncomfortable at Ella's mention of their Asian neighbors. He himself had mentioned the Kwans, but when Ella brought up that they had Japanese neighbors, he looked away. Since the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor there had been great animosity towards Japanese-Americans, but Ella knew that the families that lived in her neighborhood were very loyal to this country. They were Nisei, which means second-generation immigrants, and many of the families had sons who were applying to join the American army.

Ella decided to overlook his momentary change. She was forming a new, better opinion of this man, and she did not want to think him prejudiced again without knowing all the facts.

“And for me, I am sure,” she replied. “I have learned a great deal from all of our neighbors. It hasn't been easy, but with their help, I have learned what I need to know about parenting. Janet is a wonderful girl, of course, but as her sister as well as her guardian I have to find a balance, and it hasn't always been easy.”

“I understand.” The look in William Darcy's eyes was very meaningful. Ella held his gaze for a moment, before she had to look away.

“I am sure you do. Georgiana is a lovely girl, again, I can't tell you how glad I am that Janet has had the opportunity to meet her.”

“I hope that the girls can continue their friendship. I have had Georgie in the studio school while she was working on her latest film, but shooting has wrapped, and I believe that it is time for her to experience life in a public school, as well as friends outside of the film world. I am afraid that I have allowed her to lead a sheltered life, but I cannot imagine that after meeting Janet, and so quickly becoming friends, that she would not wish to see her again.”

“I hope so, too, William,” Ella said with a genuine smile.

After this exchange Ella felt well enough to get up and join the party for a bit. William Darcy became occupied with others there, and Ella was deep in conversation with Emma Woodhouse and Anne Elliot. Emma had revealed that she and Charles Bingley were close, and that she was, in fact, very much in love with him, but unsure of how he felt about her.

“Emma, my dear,” Ella answered, “Anyone can see that he is just as smitten with you. Look, he is talking with that gentleman over there, but he keeps looking over here at you!”

Both Anne and Ella looked (much to Emma's embarrassment) and giggled.

“She's right,” Anne said. “He is head-over-heels for you!” At this, all three girls began to laugh.

The party drew to a close around eleven, and Ella allowed Charles Bingley to take herself and Janet home, since the bus did not run so late. In the short car ride (during which Janet quickly fell asleep in the back seat), Ella confirmed her suspicion of Charles' feelings for Emma, for after effusively congratulating Ella on her news, he did not stop talking about her, her home, her father, or her party, the whole time.

Ella was confident that Emma and Charles' romance would lead to something more.

Both Ella and Janet slept late the next morning. Since Saturday was their day off, they usually enjoyed a fun day together. This Saturday they did not wake up until nearly ten-thirty, and after dressing quickly, decided to walk to town for groceries, since they had nothing in the house.

As they left their yard, they noticed something strange going on in the neighborhood. There were army Jeeps parked on the street, and about a dozen soldiers patrolling around two houses across the street from theirs. The homes belonged to the Kato and Tanaka families.

“Excuse me sir,” Ella said, approaching an officer. “I live across the street. Could you please tell me what is happening?”

“Official Army business, ma'am,” the man replied. “We have orders from the Government to find and deport all persons of Japanese descent living in the area.”

“But why?” Ella asked, fighting back tears as she saw her neighbors, her friends, carrying suitcases and belongings out to their cars.

“Hey, Kira, where are you going?” Janet called out to her friend, a little girl who was a year younger than her. Kira's mother, Mrs. Kato, pulled her daughter closer and they both got in the car. Kira did not look back at Janet, and did not speak.

“Ella, what's happening?” Janet asked, putting her arms around Ella's waist.

“I don't know, sweetie,” Ella responded; the tears began to flow down her cheeks as she saw dear friends being taken away.

Chapter 11:

Ella and Janet watched their friends drive away in silence. After the cars had turned the corner and all the soldiers had cleared away from their block, Janet broke down in uncontrollable sobs.

“Oh Ella, what's going on? Why did they take them away?” she cried.

Ella took her sister in her arms and made her look at her. “I really don't know, but I promise that everything will be alright. We will find out what happened to them.”

Janet sniffed. “But how?”

“We'll figure that out, somehow. Perhaps we can go down to the Red Cross or that Army Canteen in Santa Monica. There are sure to be many soldiers around there, who can tell us what is happening.” Ella didn't have a clue what to do, but she thought that perhaps there would be some hope in talking to an officer. In any case, she had to do something to console her sister - and her allay her own fears.

As she and Janet walked into Westwood proper, Ella couldn't help but think back to William Darcy's behavior the previous evening. He had seemed agitated by her mention of their Japanese neighbors. Did her, perhaps, know something about this? Could he be involved in any way?

No, that was ridiculous, she said to herself, shaking her head in an attempt to shake off the thought. William Darcy was a film studio owner. He was rich and powerful to be sure, but only here in Hollywood. He didn't have anything to do with the military.

Or did he? It was odd that William Darcy, a young, fit man, was not in any way connected to the military. Shouldn't he be in the service, or at least in the reserves? Or something.

Whatever the story was, Ella had by now almost convinced herself that William Darcy was involved in some way. But he had been so kind last night, and Ella had felt so comfortable with him, perhaps it was only a coincidence. She couldn't help but remember his meaningful glances and his willingness to open up to her about his sister.

She really didn't know what to think!

Janet and Ella purchased their groceries and took them home quickly. Ella thought it would be a good idea to at least attempt to find out what was happening, so they headed down to the Red Cross directly after having a bit of lunch. Both sisters were unhappy, and therefore not terribly hungry.

They made their way to Westwood again, this time going further than the grocery store, to the Red Cross headquarters for their part of town, which were housed in a small home. Neither Ella nor Janet had been there before - Ella was too busy to volunteer, much as she would have liked to, and Janet was too young.

They rang the bell and a kindly looking older woman answered.

“May I help you, dears?” She inquired.

“Please, ma'am,” Janet began, “we would like to talk to someone in the Army.”

“What my sister means,” Ella said, flushing at Janet's presumption, “is, we would like to help, if there is anything we can do.”

“Well, that is very kind of you. Since it is a Saturday, we have many soldiers from all the forces here for examinations and to donate blood. We always welcome volunteers such as you, especially on a busy day like today. Please come in.” The lady led them into the front hall.

“My name is Mrs. Greer. This is my home, but since I was a nurse in the Great War, I decided to donate my home - and my aid, to the Red Cross. I still live upstairs, but the rest of the place, as you can see, is quite taken over!”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Greer.” Ella smiled at the lady who was giving them a tour of the home. In what she supposed was once the living room, about a dozen cots were set up, and several soldiers were lying on them giving blood. Ella winced briefly, but then steeled herself. She had never cared for needles, but she knew that now was not a time to be squeamish.

“I am Ella Bennet, and this is my sister Janet. I'm afraid neither of us have any nursing experience, so I don't know how much help we can be.”

“Oh, nonsense dear.” Mrs. Greer replied. “We take any sort of volunteer. You're a pretty young lady, and you, Miss Janet, seem like a sweet child.” Janet smiled. “Anyway, we need someone to help with the refreshments.” She was leading the girls through what was once a dining room, now filled with medical examination equipment, and into the kitchen, which still resembled a kitchen.

“Refreshments?” Janet asked. She was a bit puzzled as to why they would be serving food here, in what she thought was basically a hospital.

“Yes, indeed. We serve juice and cookies to all the boys so they can regain their strength after they donate blood. Its very draining, you know.

“I can imagine,” Ella said, her thoughts going back to the living room and the men with needles in their arms. She felt a bit faint, but took a deep breath. It would certainly not do to faint here - especially since it had been less then twenty-four hours since she had last fainted!

“Just sit and chat with them a bit, dear,” Mrs. Greer addressed Ella, “it always boosts moral to talk to a pretty girl. And you, Janet, I am sure, will charm them all.”

“Yes, Mrs. Greer, we will be glad to help with the refreshments. Here, Janet, you take the plate of cookies, and I will bring the juice and napkins.” She handed Janet a platter of homemade oatmeal cookies, and she picked up a tray with a pitcher of apple juice, glasses and napkins.

“Thank you so much, dears,” Mrs. Greer said, “I will just return to my office and finish some work. There are two nurses, Paula and Eileen, who will be happy to help you if you need anything. And of course, I am just upstairs.”

“Ella, what exactly are we doing,” Janet asked in a stage whisper as Mrs. Greer left the kitchen.

“We're helping, and being good citizens. Besides, there are many soldiers here, and I am sure that we can find out why the Kato and Tanaka families were taken away!”

“Alright. These cookies look good! Can I have one?” Janet asked.

Ella was a bit shocked. “Of course not! They are for the soldiers who are donating blood to the war effort!”

“I'm very sorry, Ella,” Janet said looking down.

“Perhaps you can have one when we are finished, alright?” Ella did not want to be too hard on Janet. It had been a difficult morning for them both.

“Thanks El! I promise to be really entertaining for all the soldiers.”

“I know you will, sweetie. Now, let's go out there!”

The sisters had only just entered the living room, and Ella was placing her tray down on a small table before offering juice to a soldier who was having his arm bandaged by a nurse, when the doorbell rang.

“Could somebody get that for me?” the nurse asked. Ella went to the door. Outside stood two soldiers, one whom she did not recognize. But the other was a familiar face - it was George Wickham.

“Ella! My drug store acquaintance!” The man cried as he recognized her. “How are you? Is your charming little sister here as well? I was very sorry not to have the chance to speak with you more the other day.”

“Mr. Wickham,” Ella began.

“Please, Captain Wickham, or George, if you prefer, Ella,” he said with a `charming smile.'

“Well then, Captain Wickham. It is quite a surprise to see you again.”

“A very pleasant one at that, I am sure, Ella,” he interrupted.

“Are you here to donate blood, or for a medical examination, Captain Wickham?” Ella asked, ignoring his previous words.

“Oh, my friend - Captain Denny - and myself are here to donate blood for the brave men fighting overseas. Since we have not yet been shipped out, it is the least we can do.”

Ella led the men into the living room, and gave them forms to fill out that she had seen one of the nurses give to another man who had arrived a minute earlier. As she moved to pour juice for the soldier who had finished his donation - and was now happily munching on a cookie as Janet was telling him a joke - she felt George Wickham's eyes on her.

“Here you are, sir,” Ella said to the soldier. He took the glass from her and smiled thanks, his mouth full of cookie. “I trust my little sister is taking good care of you.”

“The best, miss,” he answered, having swallowed his bite. “Thank you very much.” Ella stood and spoke with him and Janet until he had finished his refreshments, and moved to put his uniform jacket back on.

“You have a real nice day,” he said, smiling and tipping his cap to the sisters. Then he said, in a lower voice, “and watch out for snakes. I hear they're real popular around here this time of day.”

Ella and Janet gave each other a confused look. Snakes? In Los Angeles? How absurd!

“Miss Ella,” the soldier who had come in with Wickham, “may I have some juice? I'm feeling a bit weak.”

Ella wasn't sure what protocol was for this, but she didn't see what harm it would be to give Mr. Denny a glass of juice. She gave him one, then, realizing that her pitcher was almost empty, she returned to the kitchen to refill it.

“I sure wouldn't mind getting an examination if she were the one to do it,” Wickham said to Denny, under his breath.

“I know what you mean,” his friend replied, and the two men smiled at each other.

After Wickham and Denny had finished their procedures, it was Ella's duty to serve them more juice, and Janet brought over cookies.

“You're the man we met in Mr. Lukas', aren't you?” Janet said to Wickham. “You thought Ella was my mom.”

“Wickham, you're a dolt,” Denny said, laughing as Wickham looked slightly embarrassed.

“Yes, but now I certainly see how wrong I was,” Wickham smoothly replied.

“Now, Miss Ella,” Denny broke in, “what do you do when you aren't charmingly serving refreshments to dolts like Wickham here?”

“I am a dancer and an actress. In the movies. In fact - I” she began, but was cut off.

“I knew it! I knew someone with such a beautiful - face - would be in pictures!” Wickham interrupted. “What films are you in? I don't think I've seen you in anything yet, but then, I don't get to the pictures too often.”

“Well, I am still in the process of shooting my first movie. I only started at Hartfield Studios several months ago.” She felt that perhaps this was not the best company in which to discuss her recent promotion.

“Hartfield, did you say? Good films. It's a pity, though, that they're owned by Will Darcy…” Wickham trailed off.

“What do you mean, Captain? I have only met Mr. Darcy a few times, but he seems nice enough, perhaps a bit reserved.”

“Yes, I suppose he would seem that way, to a stranger. You see, I have known William Darcy my whole life. My father worked for his parents. We practically grew up together. But I am afraid that when he came into the Pemberley/Derby, and later, Hartfield studios, he became far more engrossed in material matters to remain friends with the gardener's son.” He paused for a moment to let this sink in. He noted that Ella seemed to believe him, so he made one additional comment. “He wouldn't give me a job at his company, so I had to find my way. I enlisted as soon as we entered the war. I am a good citizen and want to do my part lick the Gerrys.”

Ella was a bit shocked to hear this account of a man she had almost grown to like in the last day, but she was determined to remain unbiased. However, she saw that Janet was not so ready to hear Captain Wickham's account, since it was degrading to the guardian of her new friend Georgiana Darcy.

“Captain Wickham,” Ella said, hoping to change the subject. She could see Janet's silent anger mounting at his slander of Georgiana's guardian. “I have a question regarding something that happened today in our neighborhood. Since you are in service, and seem a well-informed person, perhaps you could enlighten me?”

“It would be my pleasure, Ella. Fire away, then,” he answered with a grin. She seemed to be warming up to him, he thought.

“This morning two of our neighbors, the Kato and Tanaka families, were taken away by soldiers. They would not speak to us, and neither would the soldiers, and they practically abandoned their homes. Do you know why this is happening?”

“I am assuming from the names you just gave me, that these families are Japanese?”

Ella nodded. “Yes, but they are second-generation, they are American citizens.

“That does not matter, I am afraid. The government issued a bill proclaiming the removal of all Japanese - citizens and immigrants - from the Western coast of the United States. It went into effect today.” He looked tried to look grieved as he spoke.

“But why? I don't understand,” Ella cried, and Janet looked as if she were about to cry again.

“The government feels that any Japanese person may be a spy, leaking information about America to Japan. They feel that they cannot trust them, and therefore have declared it necessary to remove them to special reservations where they can live peacefully until the end of the war. It is also for their own personal safety, for there are many bigoted Americans who would attack Japanese out of fear and hatred. Your friends will be safe and cared for, and they will be able to return to their homes when the war is over.”

Janet had begun to cry, and Ella looked extremely pained.

“I am so sorry to be the one to tell you this. The bill was only passed in Congress last week, you may not have heard of it. It seems that the media was trying to keep it as quiet as possible to prevent any sort of trouble.”

“But how could such a thing be passed? One hears talk of the camps that the Germans have established in Europe. Now it seems as if we are doing the same thing!” Ella asked.

Wickham gave her a reassuring smile. “Ella, I might suggest that you ask that same question of another. Mr. Darcy was instrumental in persuading Congress to approve this measure. I'm sure he could answer you.” Ella was looking down at her hands, but Janet caught the change in Wickham's expression from a smile to a smirk.

Chapter 12:

After Wickham and Denny left the Red Cross, Ella and Janet continued to work for much of the afternoon. They were shocked by the information he had given them - Janet because she was upset that her friend had been taken away, and because it seemed that her new friend Georgie's brother was in some way responsible for it, and Ella because her suspicions about Mr. Darcy had been confirmed, and that somehow upset her even more. He had been so kind the previous evening, and she had almost thought him to be a decent person - even after what she had overheard him say. He had apologized and seemed to be repentant.

However, it now seemed that his goodness was all a façade, and that he was really pure evil. What kind of a person - a civilian no less - thought they had the right to destroy the lives and happiness of so many? What business was it of his - a movie studio owner, and arguably one of the wealthiest men in the country - to be involved in the deportation of innocent people?

Was America as bad as Germany? Could its citizens just turn a blind eye while injustice was occurring in their own country? Surely, the Japanese would not be harmed - heaven forbid - but nevertheless, there rights and liberties - the very reason their families had come to America - had been taken away. The Katos and the Tanakas were some of the most dignified and upstanding people Ella knew. How must they be feeling?

It was really shocking to Ella and Janet when they returned home. They found the homes across the street abandoned, and possessions scattered over the front lawns. Janet started crying all over again when she saw her friend Kira's bicycle, which had been a cherished birthday gift from her parents, lying on its side near the sidewalk. Ella noticed that many of the families' beautiful things, including ornate furniture that must have been family heirlooms, were strewn both inside and out of the homes. Their belongings looked as if they had been investigated, and the soldiers who had done the work had left everything in a shambles.

“All these things will be gone by morning, sitting out here. With the war on, its too much to ask that people respect the property of others.” Ella sighed. War certainly made people desperate and strange. “I'm sure there's many a poor family that will come by tonight to gather the furniture.”

“What can we do?” Janet cried, though her sobs. “Can we stand guard?”

“No, dearest, that would be foolish. I'm afraid that the government will have to take care of this situation - surely, though they've removed these families and taken away their liberties for a time, they wouldn't deprive them of their homes or their belongings when the war is over. I'm sure that everything will be fine.”

Truth be told, Ella was not sure at all. She hadn't meant to voice her concerns about the furniture aloud, but she couldn't help it. Now of course, she regretted making her sister even more upset.

“Janet,” she said, hugging her sister to her, “why don't you take Kira's bicycle. We can keep it for her until she comes home. Just, in case. It is such a beautiful bike I'm sure that she would want for you to keep it for her.”

“Oh yes! I will. I will keep it in my room for her until she comes back. Thank you Ella.”

Ella wished that she and Janet could gather all their friends' belongings for safekeeping, but she was not sure what the policies were, and she certainly didn't want to cause any more trouble.

The sisters went inside, carrying the shiny red bicycle up the back stairs. As they reached their apartment, they heard a voice from downstairs. It was Mrs. Kwan.

“Girls, please, will you come down when you have settled? Mr. Kwan and I wish to speak with you.”

“Of course,” Ella called. “We will be down in a moment.”

They put the bike in a corner of the living room, and removed their coats and hats, since it was a warm evening and they were just going downstairs.

The Kwan apartment was always full of fun and laughter, but this evening the tone was definitely somber. Mr. Kwan had evidently closed his restaurant early to return home to be with his family.

“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Kwan,” Ella said when they entered. There was a disturbing feeling in the air. “I trust you have heard about what happened this morning.”

“Yes, we have, Miss Ella. We are very saddened. My wife and family were all at work with me this morning, but I understand that you were here, when the army came?”

“We were.” Ella replied. “It was shocking. I have since learned that it was a Congressional Act, signed last week, for the deportation of all Japanese immigrants and descendants living in the Western states. The government has some ridiculous notion that they could be spies. We are sad and upset as well.”

“Yes, this is a dark day, for all of us. We wonder - being immigrants ourselves - whether we have made a mistake in believing that America is the home of the free,” Mr. Kwan said, with evident anger.

“I do not wish to raise my children in a place that is like this,” Mrs. Kwan added, “We try to teach them about tolerance and acceptance, and then they see something like this.”

“We have been encouraged, by other neighbors and even our church minister, to place a sign in our window stating that we are not Japanese, because apparently some people may try to target all Oriental Americans. We feel terrible to do it, but we don't wish to cause trouble.” Mr. Kwan said,

“I know, I understand, completely,” Ella said. “I can't believe that my little sister must deal with loosing her dear friends for no apparent reason. It is absurd - that is all it is!”

“And I cannot believe that Georgie's brother would” - Ella cut her off. The Kwan's didn't need to know that it was possible that William Darcy was responsible for their neighbor's deportation.

“Mr. and Mrs. Kwan, is there anything that we can do to help you? We are all greatly affected by this tragedy, and I think we must come together and be strong.”

“Yes, you are right,” Mr. Kwan agreed. “But who knows - could we be next? One cannot help but wonder? Where will the government look for their enemies next?”

“America and China are allies, so I am sure that you as safe as anyone else. I just cannot fathom this entire situation,” Ella said, going further into despair.

“Indeed. It is a complete tragedy, but we must try to get through it, and look toward the future, when this horrible war will be over, and our friends will be back amongst us.” Mrs. Kwan certainly spoke the plain truth.

“And now,” Mr. Kwan added, “will you join us for a small supper? I have brought some food home from the restaurant. Today was a very slow day, so I decided to give my workers the night off so we could all be with our families.”

“I'm not very hungry,” Janet said, looking as if she was about to cry again.

“Oh, but Janet, I have brought egg rolls just for you! There are so many, I don't believe my family together could eat them all, but I'm sure that you could alone!” He playfully tapped Janet's chin, trying to get a smile from the little girl.

“Well, I suppose I have room for one or two. Is that alright with you, Ella?” She looked at her sister, her eyes sad, but trying to look happy.

“Of course, dearest. Egg rolls sound delicious. Thank you very much, Mr. Kwan. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful friends, so close by.”

“Indeed, as are we,” Mrs. Kwan answered, giving Ella's hand an affectionate squeeze.

The sisters had a nice dinner with the Kwan's. Janet's appetite surpassed her own expectations, and she ate more than two egg rolls. Actually, she ate seven, and nothing else, but Ella did not comment, because she was glad to see her sister smiling with Tommy Kwan and his sister Linda, who was eight. Both the Kwan children loved to tease Janet about her obsession with egg rolls, and they even suggested that she should start working at Mr. Kwan's restaurant just so she could have access to them at all times.

Janet thought it was a wonderful idea, until Ella reminded her that she was only ten, and that school was her priority. Mr. Kwan chuckled and told her that he would be happy to hire her, but he was afraid that she would eat him out of business.

The good-natured teasing made the difficult circumstances of the evening easier to bear, and a few hours after they had arrived, Ella and Janet made their way upstairs with much lighter hearts and minds.

Later, after Janet was asleep Ella found herself tossing and turning in her bed. She couldn't understand why something about Captain George Wickham bothered her. True, he was a slick character, but he was incredibly charming and nothing if not kind and attentive to herself and Janet (after their initial encounter).

And he had been so kind to divulge what she could only imagine was very personal information about his relationship with William Darcy, and what could only be secret government information about that man's involvement with the day's events.

But why had he told them? She was a stranger to him, and though of course she was aware that he was a flirt, it was odd that he had so quickly opened up to her. Of course, there had been goodness in all of his looks, and she had no reason to doubt him.

Mr. Darcy's behavior left more to question. He had become uncomfortable when she mentioned their Japanese neighbors. If that wasn't guilt, she didn't know what it could have been. And though he had been kind to her, he had been quite quick to pass judgment on her peers, and his behavior had its “ups and downs.”

No, it seemed that Mr. Darcy was certainly not a man to be trusted, and she found herself growing angrier and angrier with him as the hour grew later. She couldn't understand why a man such as himself would be involved in government affairs. It was truly strange.

Ella was finally able to get some fitful rest, after telling herself that no matter how terrible a person Mr. William Darcy was, he still was her boss, and he had given her an incredible opportunity only the night before. She was determined to make the best of it, and she was sure that she would not have to be in company with the man himself very often. After all, why would a high-and-mighty producer hang around “lowly chorus girls”?

The next morning was Sunday, so Ella and Janet attended church as usual. After, since they generally went to Mr. Kwan's for Sunday lunch, and they had, in a way, eaten there just the previous evening, they decided to venture into Santa Monica instead, and go to the open air market for fresh fruit and vegetables that local farmers had brought in from outside Los Angeles. Since fresh produce was hard to come by in Westwood, this was a special treat that both girls felt they were in need of. The goods at the market were not expensive, but there was such a wonderful array of things that it was difficult to decide what purchase, since they could not afford much.

After buying fresh cherries, strawberries, and small oranges called “clementines,” which they had tasted at a farmer's insistence for the first time and found them to be incredibly delicious and simple (easy to peel, and seedless!), as well as lettuce, red pepper, and tomatoes for a salad to have with dinner, the girls crossed over Santa Monica Boulevard to sit in the park overlooking the beach, and munch on their cherries.

“Ella,” Janet began, “do you really think that Georgie's brother was the one who sent Kira to the prison?”

“Sweetie, first, you have to understand, that Kira and her family did nothing wrong, and they are not being punished for their actions. Well, not really. They were sent away because the people in charge of our country are scared - there's a war on, and sometimes during a war it is difficult for people to see that their actions may be close to as bad as those they are fighting. Our government doesn't want to hurt anyone, they just think (and wrongly), that some people who are different may try to hurt the rest of the people in the country. So they think it is best to take them away for a little while, just in case.”

Ella was trying to explain to Janet so she wouldn't be as upset, but also so she wouldn't blame the government, whom Ella thought was just scared and unsure. Then she realized that she was really rationalizing things for herself as well.

As the sisters sat on a bench overlooking the clear blue water of the Pacific, it was hard to imagine that there was a war going on across those waters. But it was all too easy to recall just how close to home that war was starting to hit.

“Extra, extra! Special Sunday Afternoon edition of the Times! Get'cher Sunday Times here! Read all about the deportation of Japanese immigrants and descendants! Extra! Mr. William Darcy, head of Pemberley/Derby and Hartfield Studios had joined up! He's Major William Darcy now! Read all about it!

Chapter 13

Ella nearly fainted when she heard the newsboy's cry. Immediately she began to run across the street to where the boy stood, selling his papers, leaving a confused Janet sitting on the bench.

“I'll take one, please,” she said breathlessly, handing the boy the coin.

“Its quite a story, miss,” the boy replied. “Imagine, one of the richest men in the country giving it all up to fight. Now, that's what I call a real American!”

Ella didn't know what to say so she nodded quickly and tried to smile at the boy, before turning to cross the street back to Janet.

“Ella, what's wrong,” her sister said as she approached the bench.

“Did you hear what he said? William Darcy is now in the army! I am so confused, by what Captain Wickham told us and by what Mr. Darcy said the other night. I just can't understand it all.”

“What's to understand?” Janet said, simply. “I don't trust that Captain Wickham. He's too slick and smooth, Ella. He gives me a bad feeling, right in the pit of my stomach. And I think that Mr. Darcy is a very good man, and he's now being even better by going into the army.” Janet took her sister's arm and gave her a reassuring squeeze.

Ella paused for a moment to think. Then Janet remembered something. “Ella, what about poor Georgie? Her brother is the only family she has, what if something happens to him?”

Ella realized she had to get a grip over her emotions and try to calm her sister. “Janet, I am sure that Mr. Darcy will take every care with his sister, and I am sure that nothing will happen to him.” As she spoke, she realized just how much she actually cared, and hoped that nothing would happen to him. `Oh dear,' Ella thought. `Why do I feel this way about a man who I only hear bad things about, and barely know?'

The girls decided it was time to go home, and they walked slowly, both deep in thought. As they neared Westwood Ella remembered she needed to stop at the grocery to try to get first pick of the week's new arrivals of rations, since work would begin early the next morning. She managed to get a nice large chicken that she promised to roast with some potatoes, onions, and carrots to make a special Sunday dinner for herself and Janet. Chicken was a luxury at the time, but it was also a good thing to buy, when one had the chance, because it lasted a long time and could be made into other things during the week. Ella was continually amazed by her own frugality, considering that only a short time ago she had never done her own grocery shopping, let alone cooking!

Ella and Janet spent a quiet evening together at home. Neither felt like talking much, since the weekend's events had given them much to contemplate on their own. Ella wished she could find a way to talk with Mr. Darcy about the Japanese deportation, but she knew now that he was enlisted there was no chance of that. She also wondered why he had entered the army, when he had a business to run and of course his sister to care for. He was a very confusing man, and his behavior to her confirmed it!

Janet was concerned about her friend Kira and her family, and now had her new friend Georgiana to think of. She thought everything had been going so well for them - Ella had a promotion, she had gone to a fancy party and made friends with movie stars! But Saturday morning everything had become so confusing, and she didn't know what to make of it.

Both girls went to bed early, their minds full of puzzles and problems, but they were comforted by the fact that they had each other.

Monday morning was always the most difficult for Ella and Janet, but this day they had so many other things on their minds that they forgot it was the beginning of another long week of school and work. Truthfully, Ella was happy to be going back to work, since she had a new and exciting part, and she knew it would help her to get her mind off of everything else. She still couldn't escape a slightly nagging feeling in her stomach, though, and couldn't make herself feel completely happy.

Janet didn't know how she felt that morning about going back to school. She was sad about her friend, but she hadn't had the chance to talk with any of her other friends from school, and she wondered what they all thought about what had happened that weekend.

Ella walked with Janet to her school, and then left to catch her bus to the studio. It seemed as if the world was continuing on as normal, although she knew it wasn't really the same.

At the studio all the chorus girls clustered around Ella the second she arrived. Most were happy for her, and offered their congratulations and best wishes. A few, including Susan Dixon gave her haughty looks, but still offered grudging congratulations. Ella knew it must be difficult for the other girls to accept her success, especially since she was one of the least experienced in the group.

Anne Elliot greeted Ella with a hug and a huge smile, but she quickly noticed that Ella was not in the best of moods. “Ella, you don't seem as excited as you should be, on the first day of your new career!”

“Anne, did you hear about the deportation of Japanese Americans that began this weekend?” Ella asked, deciding that with her sensible friend, it was best to get straight to the point.

Anne nodded, but looked confused. The new law had been in the paper, and she had read about it with a heavy heart. Several families in her neighborhood were forced to leave as well, and she had been very sad to see them taken from their homes. Still, it wasn't the topic she had expected Ella to bring up. War matters didn't tend to pervade into their workplace, probably just to keep morale high.

“Did you also hear that William Darcy has enlisted in the army?”

“Why yes, that was in the paper as well. Apparently he was in the reserves, but he elected to go into active duty. Very noble of him, I think, considering that his job and his responsibilities would have allowed him to remain on reserve, probably for the remainder of the war.”

“Well, I learned something that upset me greatly about Mr. Darcy and his involvement in the deportation.” Ella knew her friend had a high opinion of William Darcy, but she also knew that Anne would be able to help her make a fair assessment of the situation.

Anne looked surprised. “What do you mean, Ella?”

Ella continued, “According to someone in the army, someone whom I believe would have knowledge of this, William Darcy played an instrumental role in convincing Congress to pass the Deportation Act.”

Now Anne's face turned from surprise to shock. “You're kidding.” She said simply. “Who told you this?”

“A young officer I met at the Red Cross on Saturday. I had met him last week in Westwood, and happened to see him again when Janet and I volunteered there.”

“Is this someone you know is trustworthy?” Anne knew that Ella's innocence made her too trusting in some situations. She also knew that her friend seemed predisposed to dislike William Darcy.

“There was truth in all his looks,” Ella insisted, though in the back of her mind she remembered how Wickham had seemed a little suspicious upon their first meeting. He was a little too smooth. “Besides,” she continued, “Mr. Darcy seemed uneasy the other day when I mentioned that I lived in a neighborhood with a diverse population, including Japanese Americans.”

“Ella, that could mean anything,” Anne said. “You don't know that he is involved in any way. Besides, how could he have had anything to do with Congress? He is only a film executive, even if he is the wealthiest in Hollywood.”

“I don't know,” Ella said, “but even just the idea that he is involved makes me very upset. Janet's friend Kira and her family were taken away as we watched, and there was nothing we could do about it. They didn't do anything wrong!”

Anne knew that Ella was getting more worked up by the second. She decided it was a good time to change the subject.

“Ella,” she said, putting a comforting arm around her friend's shoulder, “please try to think about something else right now. There's noting we can do, you're right, but I know that our government will not hurt anyone, and we can only hope and pray that this war will be over soon, and all our friends will come back to us.”

“You're right, I suppose,” Ella said, sighing.

“I nearly forgot,” Anne exclaimed, “Mrs. R told me to have to report to wardrobe as soon a you arrived! You'd better hurry, I bet they have lots of things to do!”

Ella looked panicked for a moment - he new job was going to be very different from being in the chorus. What had she gotten herself into?

“Come on, silly,” Anne said, sensing Ella's self-doubt. “You're the perfect person for the part, and you're going to be fantastic!”

Ella wished that Anne could come with her and continue to reassure her throughout the day, but unfortunately Anne's work in the picture couldn't come to a halt simply to help her, and she made her way alone to the wardrobe room.

Mrs. Reynolds was the costume designer for Hartfield Studio. She was a stylish woman in her mid-fifties, who had designed the costumes for dozens of pictures during her twenty-year career. She went by her first name, Pamela, as many designers did at the time, when she was credited for her work, but off-screen everyone referred to her as Mrs. R. She was tall and thin, and looked severe, but after spending five minutes with her everyone she met knew just how sweet and kind she was.

“Ella, my dear,” Mrs. R exclaimed upon Ella's entry into the wardrobe department. “How are you? I was so happy to hear that you will be playing Maggie. It is a lovely part, and I know you will be lovely in it. Now, we have lots to do and I know that you are wanted in the studio at noon, so we must hurry.”

The next two hours went by like a dream for Ella. She still knew next to nothing about the part she was to play, but she quickly learned that her costumes were numerous, and many were exquisitely beautiful. As she stood being pinned and tucked into one costume after another, Mrs. R and her assistants Minnie and Sally chattered away to Ella.

“My dear,” said Mrs. R, “you have such a lovely figure. It's a very good thing that Carol Bingley opted out of the picture so early, so there is not so much to re-shoot for you and the rest of the actors. However, there is much for us to do, given that many of her costumes were already made up, and you are shaped quite differently from that beanpole.”

Minnie and Sally giggled as she said this, and Ella couldn't refrain from a small chuckle. “I hope there isn't too much work for you, Mrs. R,” she said, not wanting to cause any trouble.

“Not too much, my dear. And I am happy to do it, to have my creations displayed on you rather than her. Imagine, she wanted me to make this dress orange!”

Ella looked down at the shimmering pale grey evening sheath and shuddered. “Well, there is no accounting for taste,” she said, trying to be diplomatic.

“That was the problem,” Minnie spoke up, “she hadn't any!”

This set all four women into laughter, and they took several minutes before they sobered again.

All too soon Mrs. R looked at the clock and realized it was a quarter to twelve. “Ella, put this on,” she said, handing her a full skirt of yellow linen, and a white blouse with a peter pan collar. “I don't know if you'll be shooting this afternoon, but I know that Mr. Darcy and the other top executives will be meeting with you for lunch, and you need to wear something a little nicer than your practice dress.” Mrs. R smiled fondly at Ella.

Ella was a little shocked to hear that William Darcy was going to be there. She had expected that he hadn't left for the army immediately, but she never dreamed that he would take the time to have lunch with her. Of course, it was most likely a business meeting with all the producers, and other actors in the film. Ella had no idea who else was in this picture, and she was now very excited to read a script and find out about her role.

When Janet arrived at her classroom that morning she found many of her classmates gathered around the front of the room, talking. There were a few minutes before classes started, and the other kids were discussing what had happened to their friends and neighbors over the weekend. In Janet's class alone, three children were absent on that day, and would continue to be for no one knew how long.

Soon their teacher, Ms. Lehman called the class to order, and the children took their places at their desks, trying to avoid looking at the empty places around the room. Janet found both seats next to her empty, which made her feel strange and uncertain in her familiar classroom.

Just as Ms. Lehman was about to being the Pledge of Allegiance, there was a knock on the door. It opened, to reveal the principal, Mr. Winston, a young man, and a little girl. The girl was shyly looking around the room, and after a moment her eyes fell on a familiar face.

“Janet!” cried Georgiana Darcy.

“Georgie, shh,” said her brother.

The principal went over to Ms. Lehman and spoke with her for a moment. Then he turned to speak to the rest of the class.

“Children, you have a new classmate, as of today. This is Georgiana Darcy. Please treat her kindly and help her to get accustomed to our school.” With that, Principal Winston nodded to Ms. Lehman, shook Mr. Darcy's hand, glanced at Georgiana, and left.

Some of the students recognized Georgiana, either by name or from seeing her in films, and they began whispering among themselves.

Ms. Lehman, slightly more perceptive and infinitely more understanding than the principal sensed Georgiana's nervousness. She silenced her students with a looks, then shook hands with the child's brother, and then addressed Georgiana.

“Welcome, Georgiana, to our classroom. I am sure you will be a wonderful addition to our class. Would you like to take the desk there next to Janet Bennet?” Georgiana nodded, still too shy to speak. “Janet, I trust you will show Georgiana around and make her feel comfortable here.” It was not said as a question, but Janet nodded enthusiastically in response.

William Darcy now turned to his sister. “Georgie, I know you will be in excellent care here, and I am glad you have found a friend.” He squeezed her hand to comfort her, and led her over to the desk. “Hello Janet,” he said kindly, “how are you today?”

Janet found her tongue and replied, “I'm fine, thank you,” a little shyly, at being addressed by such a renowned man in front of her whole class.

“I'm happy to hear it,” he responded. “Georgie, I will make sure someone is here to pick you up promptly after school. I will see you at dinner.” With a nod to Ms. Lehman he smiled again at his sister and Janet, and left the room.

Ms. Lehman immediately called the class to order, and had them recite the pledge and then began the day's first lesson.

At recess, the children went out to the schoolyard where there was a set of swings and some climbing bars. Today, however, not one child from Ms. Lehman's class was interested in playing. No, today there was something far more exciting in their midst - Georgiana Darcy.

The children crowded around the poor shy girl, asking her all sorts of questions. Georgie, normally shy even in small groups was completely overwhelmed by all the attention. She was not prepared to answer the barrage of questions about life as a child film star, and she had never really met children who were not involved in show business, and therefore had great curiosity and interest in her life.

Janet was a little puzzled by all the attention paid to Georgie as well. Because of Ella, Janet knew that the movies were a difficult business, and meant very hard work for anyone involved in them. She knew of course about fame and like any other child thought that the life of a film star must be the most glorious in the world. However, since she had met Georgie and the other child stars at Emma Woodhouse's party she had come to realize that they were just regular children with the same interests as she herself had, and they did not act grand or think they were better than anyone because of what they did. It was just a job - although they were unusual in that most children she knew were not employed.

After a few minutes of incessant questioning, Janet realized that Georgie was uncomfortable by all the attention lavished on her, and she started asking her classmates to back off and give her some space. Georgie was grateful for Janet's presence and help. And after a few more minutes, the two girls finally found themselves alone.

“I didn't know you were going to be coming to school here,” Janet said, expressing her surprise.

“Neither did I, but my brother told me that he was going to war, and he wanted me to have a stable place to be. I never dreamed he would send me to a public school - and this isn't even in our neighborhood - but I am glad he did. I am excited to be at school with you, and I am sure we will become great friends!” Georgie was expressing more emotion and less fear than Janet had seen, which made her feel certain that her new friend would soon fit in with the rest of her classmates.

The rest of their day passed uneventfully, and gradually it seemed that Georgie's status as a “star” would quickly subside, and she would become just a regular kid in the fifth grade.

Chapter 14

When Ella walked into Studio 1A, the same studio she had auditioned in the previous Friday, she felt nervousness creeping through her insides. She didn't know how she felt about William Darcy, and therefore she didn't know how she should act around him.

She was immensely grateful for being cast as Maggie, and for his kindness to her at Emma's party, but some of his behavior and rude comments confused her, and Wickham's claims about him infuriated her.

Mr. Woodhouse greeted Ella as she entered the studio, and again congratulated her. “My dear, you have a great deal of talent, and I am so pleased that you are now a larger part of this production.”

“Thank you, Mr. Woodhouse,” she replied, “I am very pleased to play any part.”

“Good, good. Shall we go into lunch now?” He took her arm and led Ella through to the other side of the studio, outside, and towards the executive refectory, or dining room.

Ella was awed by the grandeur of the room they went into, which was the complete opposite of the dining room where she had always eaten before, if she even had time to get there. This room was made entirely of glass, and filled with potted palms and beautiful wicker furniture, cushioned with luxurious seersucker cushions. Mr. Woodhouse led her to a large table where a group was assembled.

Instantly Ella recognized several people. One was Mr. Darcy, who extended his hand to her and gave her a warm smile. “I am very happy to see you, Ella, he said quietly.” The others, she imagined, were the starts of the picture, two of Hartfield Studio's most famous young stars, Jeffrey Winslow and Katherine Mason.

Ella couldn't believe that she was to be working alongside these two, whom she had long admired in numerous films. Though Jeffrey was in his early thirties, and Katherine in her late twenties, they had each starred in dozens of pictures, and were known throughout the world.

“I'm so pleased to meet you, Ella,” Katherine Mason said, smiling at her.

“Thank you, it is a great pleasure to meet you, Miss Mason,” Ella responded politely.

“Oh, call her Kate, everyone does,” said Jeffrey Winslow with grin. He had been long considered a confirmed bachelor by the Hollywood gossip columnists, but to Ella at least it was evident that he was smitten with his redheaded co-star, whom he sat next to. He had the classic tall, dark, handsome look, with a strong jaw and lean muscular build. Kate, as Ella began to call her was a petite redhead with bright blue eyes and a kind smile. Ella couldn't ascertain whether she had similar feelings for Jeffrey, but she did seem to like him a great deal.

Sitting to Kate's other side was Franklin Gilmore, or Frank, who was to play Roy in the film. He was several years older than Ella, perhaps twenty-six or twenty-seven, with dark hair and a serious face. Ella had seen him in a period drama once, and she knew he was a talented actor, who was perhaps overlooked for “leading man” roles because he wasn't classically handsome. Ella thought he was quite good looking, however, and he was very friendly, and she knew it would be fun to work with him.

The party was rounded out with two of the assistant directors for the film, Mr. King and Mr. Weston, kindly gentlemen in their fifties or sixties. They all dined on lettuce salad, fresh cold salmon with cucumber, and beef tenderloin. Ella couldn't believe the quality and quantity of the food, since she was so used to eating a dry sandwich or less for lunch, and she felt a little guilty with such luxury.

Mr. Darcy, sitting next to Ella, seemed to notice her discomfort, and whispered to her, “Do not feel guilty about eating so well in wartime. There is hardly ever an occasion such as this. I guess you could call it my `last meal,' since I am shipping out tomorrow morning for training camp in the Midwest.”

Ella smiled slightly at him. “It is a brave thing you are doing, sir. I am sure that our army is lucky to have you.” She didn't really know what else to say, since she supposed she would be eternally mystified by his behavior towards her.

“Ella, please call me William. I don't know that what I'm doing is so brave, but I feel I must do my part to help preserve the state of the world from destruction.”

Ella read into this that he not only referred to stopping Hitler and his allies, but to removing the Japanese from their homes. However, she reminded herself that she must give him the some credit for his kindness, and not necessarily think so ill of him.

“Well, William, I hope that your time of service will be short, and that the war will end quickly and peaceably.”

“As do I, Ella. Now, I have a favor to ask of you. Will you come meet me in my office this afternoon, after the read-through which will take place immediately after this luncheon?”

She was a little taken aback by his request, but said that she would. They finished their meal in pleasant conversation with the others, discussing aspects of production and other films that were in progress at the time. It did in fact seem as though the conversation was kept light on purpose, so as not to remind William Darcy of where tomorrow would take him.

Ella learned soon after lunch the extent of the role of Maggie. She had been right to imagine that the part was large, with lots of range for her skills as an actress. Reading through the script with the other actors was fun.

It turned out that many of Ella's suppositions during the auditions had been correct. Maggie and Olivia were both ballet dancers, who wanted to leave the dance world for a similar reason - love. Olivia (Kate) was planning to be married to Michael (Jeff), and was trying to convince herself that she did not mind giving up her glamorous life in the big city to become the wife of a small-town physician whom she'd loved since childhood.

Maggie's storyline, Ella thought, was more interesting. Maggie was infatuated with Joe, the lighting technician for a theater on Broadway. (Joe was to be played by a very handsome young man named Robert Brown, who was incredibly sweet, but had to play a cad, and did so quite well.) Maggie decided that her best chance of getting him to notice her was to try to get into a show at that theater. The problem was, she was a classically trained ballerina who had never learned how to “hoof it” for musical theater.

Maggie's salvation was Roy, who was the ballet master for the dance company, but had trained as a boy for vaudeville, and therefore knew how to be a hoofer. Maggie convinced him to coach her, which wasn't too difficult considering that Roy was secretly in love with her. He was not too thrilled, however, about why she wanted to leave the ballet.

Ella was more than satisfied with her part. She had two big song and dance numbers, one with Roy and the other on her own with a chorus, several solo parts in ballet numbers, a solo song, and lots of scenes, ranging from hysterically funny to dramatic to sad. Maggie took part in more dance numbers than any other character, and though the acting part was smaller than some, it had a lot of range.

In the end of the film everyone ended up happily, since it was an uplifting, feel-good type of picture. Olivia realized there is more to life than fame, and she and Michael were married, Maggie “saw the light” and realized that Joe was a cad, but Roy was a wonderful guy, and she eventually got her part as a soloist for the ballet, after deciding that musical theater was better left to those who tapped better than they “toed.”

Ella was slightly daunted by the extent of her part, the story of which certainly rivaled Olivia and Michael's for the leading storyline. However, she was confident that she would not have been chosen for the role if she weren't fit to play it, so she knew she could do it. She just hoped that those who had faith in her were not to be proven wrong.

After the read-through Ella made her way to Mr. Darcy's office, which was in the main building at the studio, built in the style of a Spanish hacienda, with whitewashed walls and trellises covered with bougainvillea. William Darcy's office was on the third floor, and after announcing herself to his secretary, Ella found herself going through a heavy oak doorway into a beautiful room with a balcony overlooking the Hollywood hills.

Mr. Darcy greeted her happily. “How was your first read-through, Ella?”

“It's a wonderful script,” she replied, smiling. “I am amazed by how large my part is, and a little scared that I won't do well enough.” She wasn't fishing for a compliment, she was sincerely telling him that she was nervous.

He understood her sincerity. “I am confident that you are exactly the right person to play Maggie, and I know you will play her beautifully. Now, there are a few things I would like to talk about with you, if you don't mind.”

“I don't mind at all,” she replied.

“Please, why don't we sit on the balcony? It's a beautiful sunny day, and I know you spent most of your day inside, as did I.”

Ella agreed to that, and they made their way onto the balcony, where there was a small table and several comfortable chairs. Small pots of miniature roses, violets, and geraniums adorned the thick wall of the balcony, and added some bright touches of color in the early springtime.

Darcy pulled a chair out for Ella, and sat down next to her, pulling his own chair quite close to hers.

“Ella, from the moment I first saw you last Friday, I knew you were someone special. You have talent as a dancer and actress, and you are very beautiful, but what's more, you are vivacious and caring, and that shows through in your personality. You are the only person I can imagine to play Maggie.” He paused and looked meaningfully at her.

Ella tried very hard not to blush, but she was certain she failed. She smiled slightly, and looked at her hands folded in her lap.

He continued again, sensing that while she was slightly embarrassed by his compliments, she was also pleased. “I have a question, no, a request, I would like to ask of you.”

She looked up at him, curious.

“As you know, I am leaving tomorrow for training, which will keep me away from Los Angeles for several months, at least. There is a chance that I will be able to return briefly before I would leave to go fight, but I will not know that for certain.”

“I realize what you are sacrificing, Mr. Darcy,” Ella began.

“William,” he interrupted.

“William. I admit I was surprised to hear that you enlisted, given all of your responsibilities here, both professional and personal.” Ella did genuinely feel that he was a good person for enlisting, no matter what else he'd done in reference to the war.

“There is nothing I wouldn't do for my country,” he replied, and reached over to take her hand. “Ella, though I have known you only a short time, I feel as if I've known you forever. You are such a wonderfully kind, thoughtful woman. I know how hard you work, and how good you are to your sister.”

Ella was not very comfortable with him holding her hand, but she did not withdraw it just then. Something about the way he had touched her made her insides quiver.

“Ella, I enrolled my sister Georgie in public school this morning. The same school your sister goes to. They are in the same class, and I know Georgie is at ease because Janet is there.”

Ella was surprised by his announcement. They had spoken briefly at Emma's party about their sisters, but she had never dreamed that he would actually place his sister in a public school.

“Although I feel that Georgie is a superior child, I also believe that she needs stability and a sense of comfort during this time I will be gone. She will not be acting at least for the duration of the war, at our mutual agreement, and so I believe that being in an atmosphere with typical children will be beneficial. It will also do her good to realize that not everyone is as lucky as she is.”

Ella understood his love for his sister, but couldn't fight the feeling that he was insulting herself and Janet in a way. She didn't say anything, yet, and let him continue talking.

“Ella, though you and I come from very different backgrounds, and many men in my position would not dream of saying what I am about to say, I feel that I must. I admire you very much, and I feel that if I had more time I would be well on my way to falling in love with you.”

At that, Ella withdrew her hand and sat up straight. William was confused, but kept talking.

“You are now a costar in one of my films, and though it is not always considered good for employers to date their employees, I am sure that in this situation things would be different. I would like if very much if you would consider dating me, or at least go out with me when I return home after training.”

Now Ella was completely shocked, but she couldn't say anything. He continued.

“Would you do me the honor of coming to dinner this evening. Please, bring your sister, I know she and Georgie would have a wonderful time, and I would so enjoy to spend my last evening in Los Angeles with the women I love best.”

At this, Ella could stay silent no longer. In fact, she couldn't stay seated next to him any longer either. She stood up and moved to stand by the wall of the balcony.

“Mr. Darcy,” she said in as haughty a tone as she could manage, “I am shocked by your words. Do you really think that your manner would induce me to accept your absurd proposal. You do not love me, you probably don't even think I'm talented. In fact, you are guilty of precisely what you said you loathed the other day - attraction to superficial good looks, a little lipstick, and a short skirt!” At that, Ella started walking toward the door that led back into his office.

However, William was closer, and he blocked her way. He reached out to touch her arm, but she shied away and moved to the other side of the balcony.

“The manner of your words is not the greatest of their offense. Do you really think that I, a low-class nobody would ever fit into your glamorous, wealthy, stuck-up world? Or that I would want to?” Ella voice crescendoed and she began to pace up and down the balcony.

“Ella, I certainly didn't mean -“ he began, but she cut him off.

“No, you did mean. You are a snob, you think you are above everyone else, and you aren't afraid to say so. But even if you hadn't insulted me and my background, there are other things that would keep me from dating you if you were the last man in the world!”

“Ella, please,” William said in vain.

“No, let me finish,” she insisted. He acquiesced. “Your treatment of George Wickham, now toiling away as a captain in the army because you wouldn't give him a job in your studio. That poor young man has suffered greatly at your hands.”

“Where on earth,” William tried to get in, but she again interrupted him.

“And he also told me about your involvement in the deportation of Japanese immigrants and Japanese-American citizens. How you persuaded Congress to pass the bill that forced them to leave their homes and friends. I cannot understand how anyone would be capable of inflicting such pain on so many innocent victims.” Ella was practically in tears as she said this. She couldn't believe what Darcy had proclaimed for her, and she especially couldn't understand how he could feel that way about her! She had thought him incapable of love, except for the kindness he showed to his sister.

“Ella, please listen to me. I had nothing to do with -“ He tried again, but Ella was nearly hysterical at this point, and didn't want to lose herself to the vulnerability she felt at that moment.

“Please Mr. Darcy, I cannot hear any more from you today.”

“I see,” he said calmly, his face white with either anger or despair. “You have also said enough for today. I am sorry for causing you to become so upset. Please, let me call a car to take you home. You are not needed any more today.”

Ella nodded, when a thought crept into her mind.

“Mr. Darcy,” she said quietly, “did you hire me to play Maggie because you thought I was the best one for the part, or because you had feelings for me. If it is the latter, I am afraid I must turn down the part, and what's more, I insist I be released from my contract. I could no longer work for you.”

“Miss Bennet, I repeat that you are the only person who can play Maggie. The film and the studio would be very badly off if you left. I do not mix business with my personal life, so you may be assured of my discretion in this matter.”

“Thank you, sir. Now I think I will go home, but don't trouble a driver, I can find my own way.” With those words Ella swept off the balcony and out of his office as quickly and majestically as she could.

“Yes you can, Ella,” Darcy whispered under his breath. “You certainly do find your own way.”

Chapter 15

Posted on Friday, 14 January 2005

Ella left William Darcy's office feeling like her world was crashing down around her. She had no idea that he was going to make such a declaration, and she had no idea what had possessed her to accuse him of so much, or to get to angry. Still, she was glad that all her cards against him were now laid out. She did regret one thing, however, and that was seeing the terrible look of pain on his face when she had refused and reviled him, and remembering that he was, after all, leaving to go to war the following morning. “Why couldn't I have at least been kinder to him,” she thought briefly. Then she recalled his personal insults, both that afternoon and earlier when she had overheard him talking with Charles Bingley. No, she had been completely correct in her words and her manner. She would not feel badly for him. He did not deserve it.

Ella made her way home in a strange haze. When she arrived at her street she saw her sister talking with some friends from school who lived a few blocks away. She hadn't realized it was so early - usually she was at least an hour later returning home than Janet was, but today it appeared she was there around the same time as school let out. She checked her watch and saw that it was in fact only 3:30, which surprised her.

After half-heartedly greeting Janet and her friends Ella made her way to their home. Janet must have noticed her distress, because she followed almost immediately after her sister.

“Ella, what happened?” Janet asked, thinking the worst. “Are you sick? Did something happen at work? Why are you home so early?”

Janet's barrage of questions did nothing to help Ella's aching head, so she did her best to smile and assure her sister that all was well. “No darling, nothing is wrong, I am just very tired. I had a long morning of fittings, and then we read through the script after lunch. I think I'll lie down for a bit, and then I'll tell you about everything at dinner, alright?”

Her younger sister complied, and said that she would work on her homework until Ella was better.

Ella retreated to her bedroom and lay down on the bed. Sleep did not come to her, and she lay staring at the wall for a number of minutes. Finally, realizing that she would never rest easily after the afternoon she had had, she got up and decided to do something cathartic that would help her to feel better.

Her mother, several years before her death, had taught the teenaged Ella a trick for releasing anger or stress. She suggested writing a letter to the person - or thing - that was causing the anger, and then tearing it up into tiny, illegible pieces. Ella remembered doing this only a few times before - the first time, after her mother had suggested it, when she was furious that her best friend in school had accepted an invitation to a dance with the boy Ella herself had liked. Not only had she confided to her friend that she liked him, she had told her that she hoped to be asked to the same dance by him! She was terribly upset by her friend's actions, but her mother and her advice helped her realize that it wasn't completely her friend's fault. The boy had liked her over Ella, and she had obviously liked him. Though she should have perhaps put her friendship before a virtually unknown boy, she had made a common error among the young.

Ella smiled as she remembered what happened later. Her friend and the boy had gotten along very well, and had become engaged several months ago, before he left for the war. Ella had been able to quickly forgive and forget, especially once she saw how much more suited they were than she and he could ever have been. Ella was in intermittent touch with her friend who still lived in the small town they had grown up in, and she sincerely hoped that her friend's fiancé would return safely home soon.

Ella sat at the small table in her room and took out a sheet of paper. She found a pen (such a letter could not be written in pencil) and began to write.

Dear Mr. Darcy,

I hope you are well. (Well, Ella, if that isn't a ridiculous way to begin such a letter, I don't know what is!) I am sorry for what happened this afternoon. Actually, I am only truly sorry for the way I spoke to you. And for the way you spoke to me. I am sorry that I was rude. I am really very grateful for all you've done for me in regards to the film. (As she wrote everything began to make sense.)

I had no idea that you felt that way about me. When you spoke, your words shocked me, and your tone infuriated me. I know I am not rich or well bred or fancy, but I work hard. I am a good person. I try. I think that you saw that in me, and maybe that's why you gave me such a break.

Or maybe you're really just a jerk who wanted one last fling before heading off to the army in the morning. You certainly do seem to look down your nose at people you feel are “beneath you.” And most of them are probably much better people than you could ever aspire to be.

Except I don't think you are a bad person. You are so kind to your sister. You were kind to me at Emma's party, and even this afternoon you spoke kindly to me as often as you were critical. (Ella couldn't convince herself that he truly wanted to take advantage of her.)

You are an enigma, Mr. Darcy. I will call you that, William is too familiar for what we are - two people who clearly don't understand each other at all. You may call me Ella, if you like, since you are my employer.

Sincerely,

Ella Bennet

P.S. I hope you return quickly and safely.

Ella felt as though her mind and hand were possessed as she wrote the letter. As she read over it, she could legibly follow her stream-of-consciousness writing, but the train of thought was so scattered it frightened her.

“Well, I guess it's a very good thing no one will ever read this but me,” she said as she read through the words once more, then began to tear the page into little tiny pieces.

As she ripped the paper and the sentences turned into words, turned into letters, one phrase kept returning to haunt her. The postscript she'd added: I hope you return quickly and safely. Of course she didn't wish him any harm, and for his sister's sake especially she hoped he would return soon, but had she meant more by it? Ella felt a nagging feeling inside that she did, but she did not have any idea what to do about it.

Early the next morning the sisters were preparing themselves for the second day of the work/school week. Ella hoped she had a job to return to, and Janet was very much looking forward to seeing her new friend Georgie at school.

Ella walked Janet to her school, since she was not due at the studio that morning except for more fittings, and she was sure that Mrs. R would be glad for a few extra minutes to continue with the work from the previous day. As they approached the school both girls noticed a large black limousine parked in front of the main door.

Janet was the first to recognize Georgiana Darcy exiting the car. She ran up to her new friend, and quickly noticed that her face was not a happy one that morning.

“Georgie, is everything alright?” Janet asked with deep concern for her friend.

“Yes,” Georgie replied, her voice wavering slightly, “I'm just a little bit sad because my brother has to go away today, and I don't know when I'll see him again.” She wiped her eyes on a clean handkerchief that she produced from her pocket.

“He'll be back before you know it, I'm sure, Georgie!” Janet said, trying to be as enthusiastic and upbeat as possible. She knew all too well what it was like to lose a loved one. She was only glad for Georgie that there was a very good chance - make that a certainty - that her brother would return, unlike Janet's own parents.

William Darcy emerged just then and took his sister's hand. “Georgie, sweetheart, you know I will be home soon,” he gave her a reassuring smile that to any onlooker, Ella included, looked as if he was reassuring himself as well. “Please, don't be sad. You will be very well taken care of while I am gone. I am sure that Miss Janet here will be a great friend to you, and you know that everyone at the house loves you almost as much as I do.”

Georgie hugged her brother around the neck tightly, as if she never wanted to let go. “Its not me I'm worried about, Will,” she said, her voice muffled by her tears and his collar, “It's you. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you!”

“Sweetheart, nothing is going to happen to me. You are the most important thing in the world to me, and I will not let anything happen to me that would hurt you. You know that.”

Georgie nodded slightly, her head still buried in her brother's shoulder. The school bell began to ring.

“Now Georgie, you must be brave. Go with Janet. You will have a good time here at school, I am sure. Today, if you would like, and if it is alright with Miss Bennet here,” and he acknowledged Ella for the first time right then, “you may have Janet over after school to play for several hours.” Ella nodded slightly in consent.

Georgie took Janet's hand and gave her brother one last hug. “I love you Will,” she said, willing herself not to cry again.

“I love you too, princess,” he answered, and kissed her forehead once more. Then the two little girls walked together slowly, hand-in-hand to school.

Now Will and Ella were alone. He turned to her. “I feel very fortunate that Georgie has a friend here. I was apprehensive about sending her to school, but I believe with everything else, now, it is the best thing for her. Having a good friend like Janet will make it all more bearable for her. Thank you for allowing them to be friends.”

Ella was still so surprised to see him there, and to have witnessed his tender farewell with his sister, that she couldn't find her voice for a moment. She swallowed thoughtfully. “I am glad for Janet, as well, to have a friend like Georgiana. I believe they will be very good for each other.”

“Thank you,” he said with a grateful smile.

They stood, unmoving, looking at each other for a few moments. He finally broke the silence.

“Miss Bennet, I must go,” he said. He reached into his coat pocket and produced an envelope. “Will you do me the honor,” he said, very formally, “of reading this letter?” He handed it to her, gave a slight nod, and got into the backseat of his car.

Ella stood on the sidewalk watching the car pull away until it could no longer be seen in the distance.

Only then did she look down at the letter in her hands. It was addressed in strong cursive “Miss Ella Bennet.” Ella knew that she couldn't wait until she was on the bus or at work to read the letter, so she found a bench under a tree in the schoolyard and opened the seal.

Chapter 16:

Posted on Saturday, 22 January 2005

Dear Ella,

Don't worry. This letter does not contain any of the declarations that were so abhorrent to you yesterday afternoon. I hope you will grant me the courtesy of reading it. You are a generous and fair person, and I hope you will regard my words as the truth that they are, but if you need further confirmation of their validity, Charles Bingley knows of all the affairs herewith described, and he can confirm their veracity.

You accused me of dealings in Congress that lead to the deportation of Japanese-Americans from their homes and into camps. Though I did speak with several members of Congress in the recent past, I had absolutely nothing to do with this tragic event. My father, William Darcy, Sr., was, you may or may not recall, a member of the House of Representatives for four terms, representing the Los Angeles area. I spent much of my youth in Washington, DC where I became somewhat familiar with the workings of our government. My father passed away several years ago, but a number of his closest friends from the government are still in office in Washington.

A few months ago, I received a call from a man named Peter Stevens, who was one of my father's friends. He is the representative in the San Francisco area, and he called me to ask my thoughts on the growing concern over Japanese and Japanese-Americans in this country, especially in the western part of the nation. I went to Washington where I met with a number of officials, most of whom knew my father. They knew of his significant involvement in helping immigrants in the area, and wanted to know if I had some idea of his opinion of the matter. I told them, with all certainly, that I felt there was no threat whatsoever from the Japanese in this country. I cited their immense loyalty to a nation that offered them refuge from poor conditions in their native land. I know that we employ a number of immigrants in the studio, and all of them are good, hard workers, devoted to their jobs, their families, and this country.

I spoke at length with Congress, and I felt certain that I had persuaded them that such a drastic measure was not necessary. I hope you can imagine how saddened I was to learn that others - mostly southern and eastern members who have small Japanese populations - had voted in favor of the measure, one I knew would upset the entire framework of this city, and many others around it. I am deeply upset by the events of recent weeks, and that is part of the reason I decided it was time for me to devote more to the war, thus I stepped out of the reserves and into active duty.

There was something more troubling to me that came up in our exchange of yesterday. You mentioned a name to me that I had hoped never to hear again: George Wickham. I hope you will forgive me, but it is impossible for me to think or speak of that rake without using strong language, which I will do my utmost to control here.

I know little of your acquaintance with Mr. Wickham. However, he has at the least endeared himself enough to you to make his silly stories seem plausible. I am so sorry you were deceived by him, but I hope that what I am about to reveal will make you think again before trusting his word.

George Wickham and I grew up together. His father was my family's most trusted friend and servant. His official title was “gardener,” but he was much more of a caretaker and confidant to my father. When George Wickham Sr. died he left my father in charge of his children's education, since their mother had passed away when they were children. My own wonderful mother had died in childbirth with Georgiana - a late and unexpected pregnancy.

Wickham and I went to high school and entered college in the same year, the year my sister was born. He had been an obsequious brat around my father during our youth, but the second we moved into our dormitories at Yale University, he abandoned any pretenses and revealed his true nature. He was a philandering drunk throughout university, barely making passing grades. After our first year I did all I could to avoid taking any courses with him, since he cheated at everything he did. He only managed to get through that way.

Initially, my father wished me to enter politics and follow in his footsteps, but early on I had been entranced by the film industry, and spent my summers during university as an intern at my uncle's (my mother's brother) film studio, Pemberley. When I explained to my father that I wished to work with my uncle, he reluctantly agreed, since George Wickham had indicated that he had an interest in politics.

I took business and a few film courses, and completed my degree in three years. I went on to Harvard Business School and then joined my uncle as a vice-president at Pemberley. I won't bore you with any more mundane details of my life, but when after my uncle's untimely death I inherited the studio from him. Wickham, on the other hand, wasted nearly six years in college, and did not achieve enough merit to go on to graduate school. My father was not pleased with him, but he offered him a job in his congressional office, which he accepted.

He spent the next year and a half “working” for my father. During that time he barely showed up twice a week, and spent most of his time flirting with his secretary. My father was getting quite ill by this time, but he still held out hope that Wickham would change his ways, and he entrusted him with a great deal of privileged information.

My father passed away two and a half years ago. I was given guardianship of my sister, Georgiana, who was not yet eight years old at that time. I was twenty-five.

Ella, I need to reveal something now that very few people know about. I trust your discretion and secrecy in this matter, since it is something so close to my family and myself. Several years after my mother's death my father re-married a lovely woman who had been one of Georgiana's caretakers. The marriage caused a bit of a scandal among my father's group of friends for several reasons. The first was that she was in his employ, but this is a situation that often occurs, especially in Los Angeles. Second, she was many years younger than him, and was in fact nearer to my age than his (she was twenty-nine, my father, sixty-five). Third, she was of Japanese descent. Her parents had immigrated just before her birth, so though she was an American citizen, she grew up in a Japanese-speaking community.

Masako was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She adored Georgiana, and was an excellent role model for me as well. She and my father married when I was twenty-one, and had just graduated from Yale. I was overjoyed to see my father so happy. Their family lived in Washington, and I visited from Boston every chance I could. Since Wickham was then living in Washington and working with my father, I was often thrown into situations with him, though I avoided his company. In front of my father he was as obsequious as before, but in private he talked about him with no respect and treated his family with contempt.

About a year after my father's remarriage I went with him on an ambassador-type trip to England. I had just inherited Pemberley Studios, and we had a film premiering in London, so I was able to combine our businesses. A day after we arrived, my father got a telegram from Washington. It was from Masako. All it said was, “Bill, I am so sorry. I must leave. Masako.”

My father and I returned to Washington immediately, but she had left without any trace of her whereabouts. We queried the staff, Georgiana, anyone who knew her. They all said that she had been perfectly happy, arranging a welcome home party for her husband, and taking Georgiana to preschool. Then one day she went out in the evening to pick up a dress from her dressmakers. She did not arrive back home until quite late, whereupon she packed a small bag immediately and left, after `phoning in the telegram.

We were devastated. She vanished without a trace, and it was several weeks before we heard anything further. My father was more despondent than after my mother's passing, and Georgiana was inconsolable, having lost the only mother she'd ever known. I knew there had to be an explanation for her disappearance, so I took it upon myself to find it out.

Eventually, my searching led me to George Wickham. He had been absent from my father's office for the entire week after Masako's disappearance, and I finally tracked him down in a run-down motel in a bad part of town. Under threat of imprisonment or worse I got him to confess to a terrible crime. He had abducted Masako as she was on her way to meet her dressmaker, and had made advances to her. Because of her modesty and her very stringent upbringing, she did not feel that she could return to her husband, or that she could press charges against Wickham. She had been taught - wrongly - that it is the woman's fault in a situation like this, and she was certain that she had led Wickham to do that to her. I threatened him with more punishment if he did not tell me where she was, but he pleaded that he did not know, and I believed him. I did make him swear to send in his resignation to my father, along with a sincere-sounding note about Masako's leaving (without any mention of his part), and gave him a sum of money never to come near my family again. He agreed, and stated that it was his intention to enroll in the army.

After nearly a year of desperate searching my father, weakened and ill from the ordeal, could no longer hold any hope of her return. He threw himself back into his work, but he did not live much longer. His heart failed him, in more than one way. I never told my father the truth, because I feared it would kill him, but I often wonder if I made the right decision.

Masako never returned, nor have I heard from her or of her since she vanished. When you first mention the Japanese deportation at Emma Woodhouse's party my mind immediately traveled back to her, and I prayed that she and her family were safe. Her disappearance has been hard on my sister and myself, and I hear this latest news with a heavy heart.

Ella, I hope you will forgive this long-winded letter. I believe you can be entrusted with this information that is so dear to my family. You have a wonderful heart. I know how much you love your sister, so I am sure you can understand my wish to protect mine.

I would only like to add now that I am so pleased you are a part of Hartfield's latest picture. The film will be so much the better for your involvement, and I spoke the truth when I said I couldn't imagine anyone else playing the role. You are a vital component, Ella.

God keep and bless you,
William Darcy

Ella was in tears by the time she finished the letter. She couldn't believe how blinded she had been by Wickham's charm - why, if she hadn't been more careful, she herself could have ended up as one of his conquests!

The sad story of William Darcy's life touched Ella's heart. She knew how difficult it must have been for him to reveal these things to her - a near-stranger - but she knew also that in some way it was the only way she would have ever fully trusted him. She felt terrible about the way she had spoken to him the previous day, and hoped that he really did not harbor any ill will towards her.

Why had he revealed all to her? She hadn't thought he particularly liker her at all, yet he had divulged his most intimate secrets - not only about himself, but about his entire family. She had no doubt about their validity - not only did he give a reference in Charles Bingley (which she would never “check”), the way he conveyed himself was full of such truth there was no way she could fault it. And looking back, Ella realized that George Wickham was a slimy snake of a character if there ever was one - why, his first words to her had been an insult - how could she possibly have given him any credit? Especially over such an upstanding citizen as William Darcy?

Ella was thoroughly disgusted with herself, for being so naďve and so gullible.

Chapter 17

Posted on Saturday, 5 February 2005

The moment Ella arrived at the studio, she knew something felt wrong. Yes, everyone was acting the same as they had the day before - rushing around, barking orders, not listening, and generally doing what it took to get the scenes ready for shooting. However, there seemed to be a feeling of chaos hanging over everything. The head of the studio was now gone - possibly forever (Ella admonished herself for even thinking such a thing, however briefly!) - and the whole crew seemed to react to his absence.

Ella was due for another fitting with Mrs. R that morning, so after quickly checking in at the main studio, she made her way to the wardrobe department.

“Ella dear,” Mrs. R greeted her warmly, “how are you this morning? Are you feeling our loss as greatly as I?”

Mrs. R had known the Darcy family for years - in fact, rumor had it that she had nearly married William Darcy's uncle, the founder of Pemberley Studio, but something had caused her to break the engagement. Ella didn't listen to rumors, however, and she knew that Pamela Reynolds had been happily married to her husband Timothy, a surgeon, for twenty-five years.

“Things do seem different around here,” Ella answered, not quite sure how to reply. She hardly knew Mr. Darcy, but he had been very kind to her, and now that she'd received the letter from him detailing the real story about Mr. Wickham, she couldn't help but feel ashamed for her earlier bad feelings towards him. He was a good man, she decided, and even if he was a little proud, he had suffered a great many injustices in his life, and he surmounted them all. No, he was not just good. He was a great man.

“Yes, and I fear it will be some time before things are back to normal around here,” Mrs. R added. “Well, nothing's felt truly normal since this war began, but I am now more anxious than ever for it to be over.”

“So am I,” Ella added, thinking again of William Darcy. “When will I get the chance to apologize?" she agonized to herself as Mrs. R gave her the first outfit to try.

The next weeks passed quickly for Ella and Janet. Ella began filming scenes in “Dance With Me,” and was thrilled with all aspects of acting in the picture. Her co-stars were as kind and wonderful as she had believed them to be when she met them at that first luncheon. She loved the part of Maggie, and felt that she was going a good job with it. Everyone was kind to her, and seemed genuinely happy and proud of her work.

Janet and Georgiana quickly became inseparable. They spent every free moment as school together, and many afternoons as well. Georgie was adjusting well with the rest of the children in their class, but she still preferred spending time only with Janet, or just a few other girls. Although she had spent much of her life in the “limelight” she was quite shy, probably because she hadn't spent much time with children her own age. Soon the other children in the class realized that Georgie was a normal child just like them, and they ceased treating her any differently. The boys teased her as they teased all the girls, and the girls thought she was a good playmate.

Georgie often invited Janet to her home after school, where they did their homework, and more often than not, took advantages of all the fun things to do at the Darcy mansion. Georgie had her own pony, Sniffy, and she and Janet loved to take turns riding him, and feeding him as many carrots and apples as the housekeeper, Mrs. Glenn (or Glennie, as Georgie called her) would let them. There was a large swimming pool in the backyard, and on nice days the girls practiced their swimming - and spent a good deal of time splashing around as well. Georgie's bedroom and playroom were stuffed full of every kind of toy, doll, and game a child could want. Some were treasured gifts from friends and family, many quite valuable. Those were kept on high shelved, some encased in glass, for Georgiana to keep throughout her life. Most of the toys, however, were just good things to play with. Georgie was incredibly generous, and would have given (or lent) Janet anything she asked for, but Janet was too shy and polite to ask for anything, but she certainly enjoyed the toys when she visited!

Ella was happy to see her sister and Georgiana Darcy becoming such good friends. The girls brought out the best in each other, she thought, and she was glad that Janet had found someone to be her “best friend.” Though Janet had many friends at school and in the neighborhood, she had yet to find her “bosom friend” as one of her favorite book characters, Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables said.

Ella had confided to Janet a little about what she had learned from William Darcy's letter. Not the particulars, of course, since she did not want to betray his trust, but she explained to Janet about her misunderstanding of the situation, based on George Wickham's false tale. Janet told her that she had never trusted Mr. Wickham, and then confided to Ella about the leering looks she had seen him give her, and that she was glad Ella had decided to like Mr. Darcy, especially since he was Georgie's brother and guardian.

It was convenient for Ella to stop for Janet on her way home from the studio, whenever she went over to the Darcy home. Many afternoons the girls convinced her to join in their games, and Ella couldn't refuse two adorable pouting faces. She learned even to keep a bathing suit in her bag, along with her requisite book, just in case the girls talked her into a swim in the late afternoon.

One afternoon Ella came from the studio to find Janet and Georgie grooming the pony for a ride. Ella was, of course, too grown up to ride on Sniffy, but Georgie insisted that she try her brother's horse, Siren, a beautiful black mare, and Ella fell in love with the bewitching horse at first sight.

“That's why she's called Siren,” Georgie said, laughing a little at Ella's enthusiasm for the horse. Will got her from our Uncle Max, who had her mother. When Will saw her for the first time he said he felt he'd been pulled under a spell, so he named her “Sweet Siren Lorelei. That was a little too long to call her every day, so he shortened it to Siren. She's a great horse, he absolutely loves her. I am sure he'd want you to ride her.”

“Oh no,” Ella said, backing away slightly, “I can't do that. Not without your brother's permission.”

Georgie started to insist, when suddenly a deep male voice broke out behind them.

“Please, Miss Bennet, I insist.”

All three girls froze for a moment. Ella turned white, then pink. Georgie was the first to “recover,” and quickly turned around and leapt into her brother's arms.

“Will! You're back! I missed you so much!” she shrieked, unable to contain her excitement, and for once behaving as loudly as any other child.

Her brother hugged her tight, with tears glistening in his eyes. “Yes, sweet girl, I am back.” He kissed her and gave her one last squeeze before setting her down on the ground.

“Miss Bennet, Janet, I am happy to see you here,” he said, smiling at them both.

Janet held out her hand to him and smiled, but he shook his head slightly before leaning down and giving her a bear hug as well. “Georgie has written to me about how good a friend you've been to her, and I am so grateful for that. Thank you, Janet.” Janet was slightly uncomfortable at this display, but she replied, “Mr. Darcy, I am grateful to have Georgie as a friend.”

Ella finally managed to break out of the shock that had hit her upon hearing his voice. She cleared her throat slightly before speaking, as if trying to find her voice. “Mr. Darcy, I am very glad to see you back safely,” she said. She tried to smile, but was too afraid of what he must think of her - and of her own feelings - to show much emotion. She held out her hand, and after a moment he took it in both of his, and caressed in briefly.

“Miss Bennet, it is wonderful to see you as well,” he answered.

“Oh dear,” Ella thought. “We've reverted back to the formal Miss and Mister. And it's all my fault!”

Little did she know, William Darcy was thinking much the same thing.

The group moved inside since Georgie was now far too excited to do anything other than talk to her brother.

“Will, are you back on leave? Are you back forever? When did you get here?” she asked excitedly, her questions coming like rapid-fire.

“Slow down, kiddo,” he answered, jokingly. “I'm not going anywhere for a while yet. Yes, I am here on leave, for at least a month, perhaps six weeks. It all depends on how fast they need me at the front. I'm due for leave, since I've been in training for nearly two months now. But that time has flown by, hasn't it Georgie?”

“Well, sort of. I mean, I've been having a great time with Janet and the kids at school, but I missed you like crazy. It's fun, going to a real school, but I do miss acting some.”

“I thought you might,” her brother answered, “and that's part of the reason I'm here, but we'll talk about that later on. First, I want to insist that Janet and Miss Bennet stay for dinner, and then I want to hear everything that you've done since I've been gone - even the things you wrote about in your letters.”

If Georgiana was disappointed not to spend her first night alone with her brother she didn't show it. Ella and Janet accepted Mr. Darcy's request to stay for dinner, and the group made their way to the living room, where a very happy Mrs. Glenn provided them with snacks and drinks.

“Mr. William,” she said, clucking in the way only the best housekeepers can, “you're looking too thin on those army rations. Eat some of these cheese puffs, I know they're your favorite!” William was eager to oblige, and the four of them settled down to a delicious spread of vegetable crudités, cheese puffs, and smoked salmon toasts. “Dinner will be at seven, Mr. William,” Mrs. Glenn said as she exited the room.

“Thank you, Glennie,” Willaim called after her.

“Now, Georgie and Janet, I want to hear everything…” William said, settling down into the sofa with a cheese puff in one hand and a glass of coca-cola in the other.

Forty minutes later, Georgie and Janet had nearly exhausted every topic they could think of, from school, to homework, friends, clothes, toys, and their plans for the upcoming summer vacation. William decided to change the conversation, and he addressed Ella,

“Miss Bennet, please tell me how you are doing on the picture? I get weekly reports from Mr. Woodhouse, and he never fails to praise your work, but I am curious to learn how you are finding your first starring role in the movies? Is it difficult work? Does everyone treat you well?”

Ella's heart leapt into her throat as he asked her these questions. Why did he care so much about her? She was only a small portion of one of the films at one of the studios he owned - why did he care? She answered to the best of her ability, trying to convey her appreciation for the opportunity in her words. “It is a wonderful experience, sir. Everyone is so kind, and they have been very helpful as I learn how to play the role, and act in a film. I love it so much, I love my part, and I will be very sad when filming is over.”

“I am glad to hear that everyone has shown you kindness. From what I hear from Woodhouse, there are still about twenty days of principle photography to go, is that correct?”

“Yes, I believe so,” Ella responded. “He expects to wrap sometime in mid-June, which would actually work out quite well, since that is when Janet gets out of school for the summer.”

“Of course,” William said, nodding. He then turned to his sister. “Georgie, why don't you and Janet go into the hall and find my blue bag. There are some presents in there for you.”

“Oh goodie, presents!” Georgie screamed with glee. She and Janet scrambled towards the entrance hall.

“Miss Bennet, Ella,” William said, turning his attention back to her, “I would like to apologize again for my behavior the last time we met. I was very rude to you, and I am so very sorry. I hope we can be friends.”

“Oh Mr. Darcy,” Ella began.

“Please, won't you call me William again?” he interrupted.

“William,” Ella replied slowly, letting the word melt in her mouth. “I am the one who should apologize. I was so rude - and without and reason to be at all. You have been so kind to me, and to my sister. My life has changed in so many wonderful ways since I have become Maggie. I love the part so much, and I love working in the film. And Janet is so happy to have Georgiana as a friend. And I was so mean to you, I wouldn't even listen to you. Your letter shamed me, because it made me realize what a horrible person I had been, when you have never been anything but kind to me.” She was about to go on, when she felt a fingertip on her lips.

“Shh, Ella,” William said softly, and he removed his finger, but then took her hand in his. “Don't be angry with yourself. You were taken in by the lies of George Wickham, as many have been before. You are not to blame. And I can imagine how you must have felt about me, after the things I said to you that afternoon. I cannot blame you. Please, can't we just start over, and be friends?”

Ella smiled. “I would like nothing more, William.”

At that moment, Georgiana and Janet ran back into the room, carrying several packages between them. William withdrew his hand, but Ella noticed that he was still sitting decidedly closer to her than he had been previously.

Georgie and Janet handed William the packages, and he handed then each one immediately back. They opened them and found duplicate copies of a book, with a leather binding and gold embossed letters.

“Ballet Shoes,” Janet read. “I've never heard of this book. It sounds interesting!”

“I hope you will find it to be so, Janet,” William replied. “I would like both of you girls to read this book as soon as you can, but I know that your schoolwork comes first.” He smiled at Georgie and Janet.

“Thank you for the book, Will,” Georgie responded. “I look forward to reading it.” She was convinced by her brother's behavior that he wasn't telling them everything.

Then William produced another package, this one slightly thicker than the previous two. He handed it to Ella.

“This is for you, Ella,” he said. “Please, read and consider it carefully.

Ella didn't understand quite what he meant, but she opened the package. Inside was another copy of “Ballet Shoes” and a type-written letter atop a stack of papers. She read the letter quickly.

Dear Ella,

I hope you will consider this next offer from Pemberley/Derby Studios. This is a story written by an Englishwoman named Noel Streatfield. It tells the story of three orphans - Pauline, Petrova, and Posy - who are raised together in London before the war, and each develop their special talent while studying at a dance and theater academy there. They have no parents, but are kept by a young woman named Sylvia, whom the children call Garnie, and her nurse, Nana.

I would like to request that you consider allowing your sister Janet to screen-test for the role of Pauline. I have observed her on several occasions, and I believe she has the makings of an actress. She fits the physical description of the role, and if she has even one-tenth of the talent you possess, she will be wonderful.

I hope you will consider the role of Sylvia, or Garnie. It is not a large part, as the story is mainly focused on the children, but it is an important one. Once you have finished “Dance with Me,” you will be needed another part, since the studio has no intention of allowing you to return to the chorus. You are too valuable an actress.

Enclosed is a copy of the preliminary script (you will note that the screenplay was written with assistance of the author, and deviates very little from the original story). There are several things you need to sign, including consent forms as you are Janet's guardian, as well as a contract for yourself. Janet will be tested, with your consent, and if she tests well, and you and she agree, she would be contracted for this film only, so she can maintain her normal life with this exception.

Georgie will, I hope, play the role of Petrova, the middle sister. It is perhaps the most demanding role for a young actress, and I have a feeling that she will like it immensely once she has read the story.

The filming would commence as soon as “Dance With Me” wraps. It would be a fast shoot, and we would begin preliminary sets and fittings immediately. I have several other actors already lined up, including Mary Boland to play Nana, and two young sisters to play the role of Posy (who is the youngest, and therefore changes the most during the course of the film). Pauline and Petrova will “age” as well, of course, since the film begins when they are babies, but other younger children will play those roles. Janet and Geogie would be responsible for playing the girls from the age of about eight through to the end of the story - when Pauline in nearly fifteen, and Petrova thirteen. As you know, Janet is tall for her age, and Georgie is quite small, and for the bulk of the film, Petrova is ten or eleven, and Pauline, twelve. I believe each girl could play those ages easily. For the more grown-up Pauline, it will be easy to dress Janet to look slightly older. Filming will take place over the summer, and the children should be finished by the time school begins in the autumn.

I have one final request, Ella. As you know, I am only here on leave, which will be up in a month. Georgie has sounded so happy in her letters, and I know that her happiness is due to you and your sister's presence in her life. I know that if you both made this film with her she would be ecstatic. I would like to ask, then, if you would consider moving into my home with her while I am gone, so as to be a permanent presence in her life. I hope I have not offended you in any way, I am merely asking this for the comfort and well-being of my sister, and I believe it would add greatly to your own comfort for you and Janet. I will not mention any of this to Georgie before I learn your decision.

Please consider this. I know it is all a lot to ask.

Will Darcy

Ella was speechless. William Darcy was offering her another part, and he wanted to try her sister for a starring role in a new film. Was he out of his mind, or did it make sense? And he has basically asked her to move in with him - what would she, what could she say to that? She honestly had no idea how to respond.

“Ella,” William said quietly, “don't say anything. Just think about it.”

She smiled weakly and nodded.

Janet and Georgie were already beginning on their books, and after another moment of silence, she found her voice. “Girls, why don't you go wash your hands for dinner, it is nearly seven now.”

They acquiesced, and Ella found herself alone with William again.

“I think I should go wash my hands, too,” he said, noting her discomfort. “They're sticky from the cheese puffs.” He began to stand up.

“Wait, William,” Ella said, halting him. “If she wants to, and you would like to test Janet for this part, I would not be opposed to it. I don't necessarily want my sister to be an actress, but if it is something she would like to try, I cannot prevent her from doing so. It could be a wonderful opportunity for her. I will read the story and let you know what I think about the rest of it. But I do thank you for your offers, you are too kind.”

Chapter 18:

Posted on Sunday, 13 February 2005

After William went off to wash his hands, Ella sat down and reread his letter. It seemed strange, to her that he was asking her to live in his home and take care of his sister. Did he really trust her so completely? Was there more to it than that? Was it an inappropriate offer?

Ella tried to imagine what her parents would advise her to do if they were alive. Ella rarely considered her parents in making her daily decisions, because she had rationalized to herself that if her parents were alive, she would have been in college, living in the small town she'd grown up in, and would have never come to Hollywood. She missed them terribly especially when she was frustrated and felt that she was not doing a good job of raising Janet. However, since winning the larger role in the film, and making a good life for herself and her sister, she hadn't been feeling too frustrated with herself.

Ella had a feeling that her parents would have liked William and Georgiana Darcy very much. She thought that if they could offer her advice, they would advise her to follow her heart and to do what she thought was best.

The only problem was, at that moment, she had no idea. The only thing that was bothering her was her history with William. His “proposal” the day before he left had made her realize he might have thought of her as more than just an actress in one of his films. True, his behavior to her had always been full of kindness, but his words that day had been of a different sort. He had asked her out, and she had turned him down without any thought of his feelings, or even any real analysis of her own. She realized, in retrospect (hindsight is everything!) that she did like William Darcy, and if she hadn't been biased by George Wickham, she may very well have accepted his offer.

Still, that was all in the past. Today, she had an entirely different proposal to deal with, and she had a feeling that this might well be her last chance to show William that she was ready to be his friend.

Dinner at the Darcy mansion that evening was a hysterical affair. William regaled the three young women with amusing anecdotes from his weeks in the training camp. He told them about all the men he had met, and gave funny imitations of several of them that had Janet and Georgie doubled over with laughter.

Ella couldn't help laughing along with them, but in a slightly more reserved manner. She was seeing another new side to William Darcy - a more playful, boyish side - that she genuinely liked. She already admired him for his devotion and love for his sister, and his strength of character in both business and personal matters, but she had never seen him so relaxed.

As he finished another story and the last of his lemon meringue pie, William looked at Ella and gave her a small smile. She, who had been staring at him, returned it. Janet and Georgie, watching the exchange, giggled softly to each other.

“Well, Mr. Darcy,” Ella said, breaking the moment, “I believe it is time Janet and I made our way home. It is quite late.”

“Yes, of course,” William replied, sorry to see the evening end. “Let me call a car to take you home.”

“Oh, that's not necessary,” Ella began to protest, but William would not hear of it.

“It's late, as you said, Ella. I don't want you and Janet walking in the dark, or taking the bus. Los Angeles is not the safest city in the world, no matter how careful you may be. I insist.”

“Well, thank you, then.” Ella knew it was customary, but she was once again overcome with gratitude for this wonderful man who had so completely changed her life in so many incredible ways.

Janet and Georgie said their goodbyes, with the promise to get together the following day. Tomorrow was Saturday, and with the promise of fine weather, they pleaded with their guardians to take them on a special outing. Georgie thought it might be fun to go on a drive or to the zoo. Janet wanted to go to the beach, something she and Ella rarely had the chance to do since moving to coastal Los Angeles. At the mention of that, Georgie and William readily agreed to her idea, and it was fixed that they would pick up Ella and Janet the next day at 11 o'clock,

The next morning found Ella frantically scrambling to find a bathing costume for herself. Janet had several suits; since she spent so much time swimming at the Darcy's pool Ella had bought her two new ones. However, Ella had only swum at the Darcy's a few times, and then she had worn an old suit of her mothers that did not fit properly - but it did not matter when it was just her and the girls. It certainly would not do for a day at the beach, especially with William there!

Ella finally gave up, and resigned herself to the idea of spending a day at the beach with no hope of going in the water. She put on a new sundress, yellow with blue daisies printed on it, and a pair of sandals. She took a sweater in case it grew cold, and of course a book - this time, “Ballet Shoes”.

Janet put on her bathing suit under a simple blue play dress, and the sisters left their apartment and waited for the Darcys on the front lawn,

Presently they arrived, in a large silver convertible with the top down. Georgiana jumped out of the backseat and gave Ella and Janet hugs. William stayed in the car and after a moment honked the horn good-naturedly.

“Come on, kids, let's get moving,” he said, laughing.

The three girls got into the car, Janet and Georgie in the backseat, and Ella next to William. He looked over to her and smiled.

“Ready for a fun day in the surf?”

Ella blushed. “I think I'm going to have to sit this one out,” she said, “I don't seem to have a bathing suit, and so I'm afraid I won't be able to swim. However, I have a book, and I look forward to spending a nice afternoon reading.”

“Oh, that's terrible, Ella!” Georgie cried from the backseat. “We have to get you a bathing suit. William, can't we stop at that shop on Santa Monica Boulevard before we go to the beach so Ella can get a bathing suit?”

“Of course, that's a great idea, Georgie.” William replied. “We will do just that. Ella, you can't go to the beach and not go swimming.”

Ella was about to protest when she looked over at William's face. She realized then that protesting anything William Darcy insisted on was futile. She nodded her head in agreement.

Ella found a simple bathing suit almost immediately after entering the small boutique that was filled to the gills with bathing outfits for women and girls. Looking around, she spotted a number of elaborate costumes with ruffles, lace, or even sequins. She had to laugh at some of the ridiculous looking ones, including a very ruffled orange suit that she was sure Carol Bingley would fall in love with if she saw it.

The suit Ella chose was a bright green, with a simple design. She tried it on quickly at the shopkeeper's insistence, and found that it was quite flattering.

William insisted on paying for the suit, and Ella decided it was again not worth it to fight him. As he paid the bill, Ella slipped back into the dressing room to change into the suit again, with her sundress over it.

The foursome arrived at Santa Monica beach at noon. The sun was high in the sky, the sea was calm, and the beach was just starting to fill with people. Mrs. Glenn had packed a large picnic basket and a cooler for them, and as Ella and the girls made their way down to the beach, William heaved first the basket and then the cooler down to the spot they had chosen in the soft sand.

He went back once more to the car and returned with a large beach umbrella, which he stuck into the sand, and several wooden folding chairs.

“Ella,” he said, trying not to be distracted as she pulled off her sundress, “if you look into the basket Georgie brought down with her you will find cushions for these chairs, and a large blanket we can spread beneath the umbrella to eat upon.”

Ella did as he suggested, and soon they had a wonderful set up. Janet and Georgie begged to be allowed to test the ocean before eating their lunch, and the each dragged their siblings over to the water.

Janet and Georgie enthusiastically ran into the water, screaming as they realized just how cold it was, but reveling in the feeling. Ella waded a little ways in, but was quite surprised at the coldness, and thought that perhaps she would not venture further than her ankles.

Suddenly, she felt a hand on hers, pulling her towards the waves. “Come on, Ella,” William cried, tugging her hand with both of his, “let's get this over with. It really feels wonderful once you're in.”

She laughed and shook her head. “I don't think so,” she teased.

“Please, for Janet?” he replied, grinning widely. She shook her head again. “For Georgie?” Again, no. “How about for me?”

Ella paused, then grinned even wider than he, and laughing, ran headlong into the water, shrieking a little as the cold water came over her body. William, distracted by her ebullient behavior for a moment, did not realize that her hand was still in his, and that through sheer force she had managed to pull him into the water with her. He found himself giving out a little yelp as he felt the water as well.

The four splashed around for half an hour, jumping into waves and riding them into shore. Like the night before, Ella could not deny that she found this playful William Darcy very appealing. She wished sincerely that she would have some chance to get to know him better, before he was called back to the army. She knew, however, that his sister and his business were his priorities, and she could not wish to impose in his life more than he would want. But then, he had asked her to move into his home in his absence - that could only mean that he also wanted to see more of her.

After their swim the group found that they were quite hungry, so they made their way back to their place on the beach and dug into Mrs. Glenn's sumptuous late spring picnic. Ella was amazed by how the Darcys never seemed to live by rations. She supposed that anyone with that much money would be able to afford some luxury, but she had not imagined that they could live so very well.

Countless chicken salad sandwiches, deviled eggs, cups of lemonade, and strawberry tarts later, the group settled down on towels and chairs to relax and digest their meal. Ella put on her hat to shield her face from too much sun, and opened the copy of “Ballet Shoes” that she had brought.

Ella found herself entranced by the story of the three young orphans who strove to make their name important because it was their own, and “nobody could say they took after their grandfather.” In many ways, the story reminded her of herself and Janet, although their situation was much different, they were still orphans trying to make it in the world. Though the part of “Garnie,” or Sylvia as she was properly called, was small, it was a nice role. From what she had read of the script, it was slightly enhanced for the film, and it would allow her plenty of room to grow as an actress. It was a very different part from her current role. Maggie was a naďve ingénue, with hardly a care in the world beyond herself, while Sylvia was a young woman thrust into a role of responsibility for others very early in life. In that way she found most affinity with the character.

William noted that Ella was rapidly getting through the book, which was not surprising. Though a compelling story, and not at all short, it was one written for children of Georgie and Janet's age, and was not a book that would take an adult more than an afternoon or two to read.

After nearly an hour of rest on the sand, Janet and Georgie were ready for another dip in the ocean. They entreated with Ella to join them, but she declined, saying she preferred a walk along the shore as soon as she had finished the chapter she was reading.

William offered to accompany the girls, not out of concern for the safety (he knew them both to be excellent swimmers), but to afford Ella a bit of privacy if she should wish it. The three ran happily into the water once more, its coolness refreshing after sitting so long in the hot sun.

A few minutes later, William, who was bobbing waves about fifty yards out with the girls, felt a pair of eyes on him. He looked towards shore and saw Ella standing there, watching them. He motioned for her to join them but she shook her head. Instead, she waved her hand for him to join her. He nodded, and after assuring that the children moved closer into shore at a safer distance, he made his way out of the water.

“Just give me a moment or two to dry off,” he said, shaking the water from his hair with one hand.

Ella nodded. She had not noticed earlier how the water had affected his physique, and she found herself quite breathless looking at his muscular torso shimmering from the droplets of water that clung to it. She caught herself staring and looked away in a hurry. As she turned her attention back to the water and her sister and her friend, Ella did not notice William turn to admire her figure in her new green bathing suit.

Moments later William was at her side, passably dried off and wearing a shirt over his bathing trunks. Ella was slightly disappointed to miss another view of his bare chest but she chided herself for having such thoughts and turned her attention to making conversation,

“William, this beach is gorgeous. I can't remember the last time I spent such a pleasant day with my sister.”

“It is gorgeous,” he agreed, not looking at the scenery at all. “I am so happy you consented to accompany us today, and that the weather chose to cooperate with our plans so beautifully.”

Ella laughed. “Indeed. Now, William, surely we can think up a more interesting conversation that the weather,” she teased. “I am enjoying the book you gave me very much. Though it is a children's story there is much in it that rings true for everyone.”

“I hoped you would like it,” he answered, hoping against hope that the conversation was leading to her acceptance of his - um - proposal.

“Oh, I do, very much. Though I have yet to finish to story I am sure that I would love to take the role of Sylvia,” Ella said, turning to face him as they slowed their pace.

“I am very pleased to hear it,” he answered, his voice growing deeper and softer. “And,” he said, pausing a moment, “have you given any thought to the rest of my offer?”

Ella looked down at the sand, noting how their feet had stopped moving and were becoming buried in the wet sand as the waves ran over them. “I have William,” she answered softly.

He dared not move or speak for a moment. He held his breath. “Ella, I -“ he began, but she cut him off.

“William,” she said still looking down, taking his hand and holding it lightly in the space that separated their bodies, “I am sure there would be a great deal of talk, gossip, if you will, if Janet and I were to move into your home.” She allowed her eyes to meet his then and found herself lost in their darkness. “However,” she continued, and heard him draw breath sharply, “I know that if my sister knew of your offer she would never forgive me for refusing. I also know that it would make many things quite easy for us, especially if we were to do a film this summer with Georgiana.”

William held her hand a little more tightly. He wanted to speak, but he sensed that she was not yet finished, and he wanted to give her the chance to speak her piece.

“There are several issues, however, that must be discussed before I can consider your offer. First, Janet and I already have a home. Though it may not be as luxurious as your mansion, or in as fine a neighborhood, it is our home and we have grown to love it. I do not, however, believe that it would be practical or proper for us to keep that home if we were to move into yours, even temporarily. If I were to relinquish our lease there, where would Janet and I go after the summer is over, when you return?”

“Ella, may I say something?” William asked, looking even more deeply into her eyes. He wanted to take her into his arms right then and there and confess to her that he wanted her to move into his home and his life permanently, but he sense that now was neither the time nor the place for such declarations.

Ella nodded, transfixed by his gaze. He continued. “I understand that you have a home already, I did not mean to make you feel that I was offering you charity or to hurt your pride in any way. I do not know how long I may be gone in the war, and it is my wish that you and your sister would remain with Georgie until I return for good. You will have your own rooms, in the same wing of the house as my sister, and all your needs will be attended to. If you like, I would be willing to continue the lease on your present apartment, or I will be more than happy to assist you in finding a new home should you find that necessary in the future.” He did not say, “when I return,” because he hoped that by then Ella would consent to be more than just Georgie's temporary guardian. Ella noted his choice of words and filed them into her heart under “perhaps he still cares for me.”

“What about Janet's school, then,” Ella asked, not wanting to give in too easily. “If I am not a registered resident of Westwood she would have to change school districts and I do not wish to tear up her life any more than it has been already.”

“Do not worry about that,” William said. “Remember, I have already secured a spot at Westwood Elementary for my sister who lives in a different district. It will be easy enough to do the same for Janet. Besides, it is summer soon, and perhaps this blasted war will be over before the summer is.”

At them mention of war, Ella realized that he really was going to leave again - and quite soon. She was overcome with a feeling of sadness, and was about to say something when a noise from several hundred yards behind them startled her.

It was a scream, and it sounded very much like the scream of Georgiana Darcy.

Chapter 19:

Posted on Monday, 7 March 2005

Ella and William looked at each other, horrified, for a moment before they both turned and ran as fast as they could back to where they had left Georgiana and Janet.

Georgie was near hysterics, trying to pull Janet's larger, lifeless body from the water. William gently moved her away and gathered Janet into his arms.

Ella had gone white with fear and rushed over to her sister. She couldn't speak, but she tried to pull Janet from William and hold her herself.

“Ella, she will be alright,” William said, trying to assure her. “She is breathing, I think she just had the wind knocked out of her body. Let's get her back to our spot and she will recover quickly.” Ella nodded mutely. He whispered to her, “Can you help Georgie, she's scared, but I only have two hands.”

Looking over at Georgie, Ella noted that she was shaking with fear, and sobbing hard. She found her own voice and got her wits about her and held her arms out to the younger girl.

“Shh, sweetie, it's okay. Janet will be all right. Come on, let's go back to the towels, and have a glass of lemonade.” Georgie sniffled into Ella's shoulder, but allowed Ella to help her walk back to the beach.

William had carried Janet ahead of them, and lay her down on the blanket with a towel rolled up under her head. By the time Ella and Georgie made their way over, Janet's eyes were open and she was smiling at William, who was lightly teasing her for giving them such a scare.

Georgie was greatly relieved to see that her friend would be all right, and after a few moments was happily drinking a cup of lemonade and eating one of Glennie's oatmeal cookies. Then William gently asked her to tell him what had happened.

“It happened so quickly,” Georgie began, “that I'm not really sure.”

“Georgie, it's okay,” William reassured her. “We just want to make sure you're both alright.”

“We were coming back to the beach when a big wave came up suddenly. We held hands and braced ourselves to jump it, which we did, and we thought we were safe, but then Janet got pulled back under and I couldn't pull her out.” Georgie began to sob again, remembering the traumatic moment. William put his arms around her and let her cry it out. Shortly she was recovered, and Ella held her hand out to Georgie.

“Georgie,” she said softly, “thank you for being such a good friend to Janet. You may very well have saved her life today, and I am so grateful that you were there.” By this point Janet was sitting up and had put her head on Ella's shoulder.

“Thank you, Georgie,” Janet said, and hugged her friend. “I'm fine, really,” she said, and then added, “but I'm not so sure I'm going to be begging to go in the ocean anytime soon.”

William was so relieved that everyone was all right, and that Janet had only mildly been the victim of undertow. At Janet's words he remembered something his father had said to him often during his lifetime - when you fall off a horse, climb right back on. He knew that Janet - and Georgie - would be scared to go back into the ocean, but he also knew that it was important for them both to learn to face their fears.

“Janet, Georgie,” he began, “I know the idea of going back into the ocean is scary, but there's an old saying I would like to tell you: when you fall off a horse - or in this case, get pulled in by undertow - you have to get right back on - or in - or else you'll live with the fear of it forever. The ocean can be a dangerous thing, but you are both smart girls and you know that it is important to face your fears (within reason).” He looked at Ella. She nodded to him, encouraging him to go on. “Now, if Ella and I go in with you, and show you a tip that can help you avoid the situation in the future, how would you both feel about taking another try at it?

Both girls looked reluctant and scared. The looked at their respective siblings as if hoping that they would excuse them from the “exercise,” then they looked at each other as if to say, “I guess I will if you will - if we have to!”

Ella decided to chime in. “Janet sweetie, William's right. Now, let's rest for a few minutes, would you like a cookie?” she asked. “And then we'll all go in together, just for a little while. You won't be scared then,”

A few minutes later the foursome made their way back to the water's edge. Georgie and Janet held hands between their siblings, and they all splashed their way into the ocean once again. They ran out past the waves, and once there, the two little girls seemed to forget all their fears and enjoyed the feel of the waves rising and falling.

Ella looked over at William and smiled at him. She mouthed “thank you,” and he smiled back. Their sister's were all right, Ella wanted to be his friend, and all was right in the world.

After about ten minutes in the water Ella and William were sufficiently convinced that neither Janet nor Georgie harbored any lingering fears about the ocean. The hardest part of the exercise was of course, coming back into shore, since that was the “scene of the crime,” but both girls managed well, and their elder siblings were certain that they would not suffer badly for the afternoon's incident.

The sun was moving lower in the sky, and it was time to leave the beach. As they were packing up, shaking out the towels and blanket, and putting the picnic items back in their basket, William brought up the subject of the plans for the evening.

“I think it might be a good idea for Janet to get to sleep early tonight,” Ella started to say, but her sister's loud protests stopped her from continuing,

“Why don't I take you ladies home,” William suggested, “and then pick you up in about two hours, and we can all go to dinner and a show?”

“Well, dinner would be nice, perhaps,” Ella consented, “and if Janet rested for an hour or so I suppose it would be alright.”

Georgie and Janet, snuggling into the backseat of the convertible, began whispering and giggling together.

“What are you two scheming,” William asked with a grin.

“Nothing,” the girls replied, and began to laugh more loudly.

“Come on kids, 'fess up,” William prodded.

The girls looked at each other, and then Georgie nodded, and began to speak. “Will, I was wondering if Janet could have a sleepover at our house tonight. We could take her and Ella home, go pick up some dinner at Mr. Kwans in Westwood, pick them up again, and go home and have a nice quiet evening there. I don't really feel like going out.”

Janet nodded. “I don't want to go to sleep yet, but I don't know if I want to go out to dinner. It would be fun to just be together, and we could read and play for a while.” She paused and looked at Georgie to continue.

“But maybe you could take me and Janet home, and then you and Ella could go out?”

Ella blushed and was about to scold Janet and Georgiana for their presumption when William spoke.

“I have a better idea, if it is alright with you, Ella,” he said, looking at her. She was frantically trying to bring the pinkness of her cheeks back to a more normal hue. He continued. “Why don't we drop you at your home briefly, Georgie and I will go get the makings of dinner - Chinese, perhaps - and then we can pick you up in an hour or so. We can go home and have a nice quiet evening - the four of us - in front of the fire. Glennie and the rest of the staff have the night off, so it won't be any trouble.”

Ella was astonished by his easy way of fitting herself and Janet into his own life. He spoke about his home as if it were already hers, whereas she was not even sure whether or not she could accept his offer. She looked up at him and saw something in his eyes she had not noticed before, even that afternoon when he had been so honest with her. She saw hope, and she didn't want him to lose it.

“I think that is an excellent suggestion,” Ella answered. “However, it will not take us long to change our clothes for the evening. If you and Georgie want to come up and wait in our living room you are more than welcome. Then we can all go together.”

William was overjoyed that she had accepted his proposal, since it would perhaps allow her the opportunity to accept the rest of the proposals he had made earlier.

Ella and Janet changed quickly out of their bathing things, and into clean outfits. Ella couldn't help but spend a few extra minutes “primping.” She did not have the opportunity to wash her hair, of course, but she made sure that the curls that had been enhanced by the day's activities in the ocean looked neat and orderly, and she put on a little pink lipstick, which she rarely wore except when “going out.” She couldn't help thinking that William's proposal for dinner was very much like a date, even though she knew their sisters would be there as well, and although she had not completely made up her mind about him, she wanted to look her best.

She emerged from her room in a full pale blue skirt, and a white short-sleeved sweater. Over her arm she carried a matching white cardigan, and a small bag with some money and her house keys. Janet put on a pink dress, and at Ella's reminding, went back into her room for a sweater. Though the weather was mild, Los Angeles did cool down significantly after the sun went down. Even in the summer heat, the evenings could be quite chilly.

“All ready,” William asked, surveying Ella as she re-entered the living room.

“Yes indeed,” Ella replied with a smile, and the four made their way out to the car.

After stopping at Mr. Kwan's for a large amount of Chinese food (more than Ella could have thought twenty people could eat, let alone four!) they drove back to the Darcy mansion.

William went into the living room there and started a fire in the large fireplace. The girls went into the kitchen, where they found an assortment of bowls for holding the food, utensils, plates, and beverages. Obviously William had given Mrs. Glenn some idea of his plan for the evening, and she had made sure things were prepared before leaving for her night off.

Ella made sure all the food was laid out nicely, and she poured drinks for them all - milk for Georgie and Janet, and water for herself. She didn't know what William would want, so she asked Georgie if she knew.

“Will always drinks milk with dinner,” Georgiana replied. “He says it keeps him healthy.”

Ella had to smile at that, and she poured another glass of milk. “Surely someone who insists on milk with dinner cannot be a bad person,” she thought to herself, teasingly.

After a laughter-filled dinner William sent Georgie and Janet upstairs to read or play quietly, while suggesting that he and Ella remain downstairs to clean up.

As she was washing the dishes, and handing them to William to dry, Ella could not help but think just how nice it would be if they were a real family. She snuck a glance at William and smiled when she saw how engrossed he was in making sure the dish was completely dry before putting it back into the cupboard.

“William,” she said, breaking the peaceful silence. “How long will you be on leave?” She didn't know what had possessed her to ask that question - it might imply, to him, that she was anxious for him to go. She hesitated for a moment, and then added, “we've all had such fun today I hate to think of your leaving.” Seeing that William didn't appear about to answer her, Ella looked down at the dishes and made herself concentrate on getting them clean.

“Ella,” William began, seeing that she might be embarrassed, “I am afraid that, no matter how much I might wish it, my leave cannot last forever. I received orders this morning. My battalion is to be shipped out on June 4, a little over four weeks from now.”

Ella's face fell. She took a deep breath, and looked over at him. “Then we shall have to make the most of your time here.”

William put down the glass he was drying and looked into her eyes. “I certainly hope so,” he whispered, and drew closer to her. Ella took a step towards him, and he gently bent down and placed his lips on hers.

The kiss only lasted the briefest of moments, but for Ella it seemed like a wonderful eternity. She had never been kissed, and this - in one of the most unromantic of settings - was certainly a very memorable first kiss. All too soon William pulled away. Ella blushed and looked down at her hands, which were still dripping wet with water and soap bubbles.

“I'm sorry,” William said quietly, thinking she was displeased.

“What for?” Ella asked, looking up at him. She stood on tiptoe and met his lips with hers again.

The second kiss lasted slightly longer, and was filled with all the pent-up emotions that the first trepidations kiss had held inside.

William tightened his grip around her waist, and Ella slid her hands along his arms. A minute later they pulled away.

“William,” Ella said, breathless, “I don't think Janet and I can live here.” She had no idea what possessed her to say that just then, but it was the first thing that came into her mind, and she was in such mental turmoil she could not organize her thoughts.

“Shh,” he whispered, “don't think about that just now. “

Ella pulled away. “William, you have to understand,” she began,

“I do,” he interrupted her, “I really do.”

“William, we have so many other things we have to think about. And as much as I wish the world could stop for awhile, that's just not possible.”

“Ella,” he answered, taking her hand in his, “let's just enjoy the next few weeks together, and face life - and the world - when we have to.”

William and Ella finished the dishes in silence. They made their way back to the living room where they sat down together on the sofa.

“Ella,” William said, “I want you to know that I think you are one of the most talented, beautiful, and amazing women I have ever met. The moment I saw you that day at the studio, I knew, somehow, that we would become friends.”

“Oh,” she said, smiling and teasing him, “is that what we are?”

“I certainly hope so,” William responded in the same manner. Then, a moment later, he turned serious. “Ella, I know the timing is not right at all, but I want you to understand that I really enjoy your company and your friendship. I would ask for more, but I don't know if it is the right time.”

Ella looked into his eyes and saw an extremely vulnerable man buried underneath William Darcy's suave exterior. At that moment she knew what she had to do.

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