For the Love of Liz

By Rae

Jump to new as of November 14, 1999
Jump to new as of November 16, 1999
Jump to new as of November 22, 1999

Author's note: This is a very silly Bennetized rendition of an old Deanna Durbin movie, "For the Love of Mary" which is set in Washington DC in the 1950s. Picture everything in black and white! The plot is light by nature, and so I'm asking you to use your imagination and make Phillip Collins a relatively decent guy, forgive me for omitting the Wickham plot line, and find it somewhat credible that Mrs. Bennet could actually end up as a Supreme Court Justice. Also, let me know if I'm stretching things too far, or if I should continue. Enjoy! (This first section is taken primarily from the script of the movie in order to set things up.)

Chapter 1

Posted on Friday, 12 November 1999, at 4 : 22 p.m.

The day was bright and the air had that fresh smell of the Capitol in the spring--which was a good thing, since it was springtime in Washington DC. A dark car pulled up to the visitor's entrance at the White House.

"I'm sorry, Your Excellency," said the guard. "I'll have to verify your appointment before I can pass you through."

Suddenly a rickety convertible pulled past the long line of official cars.

"Hi Mac!" said the driver. "Did you save me a parking space?"

"Morning, Liz," said the smiling guard. "Right at the front of the line."

"Thanks!" And she drove off.

Wearing a smart black suit and white gloves, Liz waltzed breezily into the White House.

"Good morning, officer!" she called.

"Just a moment," said the man behind the desk. "Just where do you think you're going?"

"To work. Here's my pass."

"All employees use the West Executive Avenue entrance."

"Oh, but I always come in this way," she smiled.

"Yes, but starting today you are an employee and employees use the employee entrance."

"You know officer, I have a lot of influence. My father's quite a big shot around here."

"Young lady, rules are rules..."

"And no exceptions!" she chimed in.

Just then a tall, well-dressed, no-nonsense sort of woman came in. "Having trouble, Jim?"

"Good morning, Cathy," said Liz.

"Good morning Liz."

"Yes," Jim pouted. "Mrs. Tilney, I wish you'd give your new girls a rundown on the rules around here."

"With you for a father, Jim, I'm sure this one knows them backwards!" Mr. Bennet sighed.

"You're in a rut, Dad," said Liz, laughing. "You need a change of climate. Why don't you try a few weeks down at the South entrance?"

"Young lady, I..."

"See you for dinner Dad!"

Catherine Tilney was in charge of the switchboard operators for the White House. She normally gave all her new workers a training speech longer than the congressional record, but since Liz had worked at the Supreme Court for the past few years, she decided it was unnecessary.

They walked together into a small room buzzing with voices, and four women sitting at a switchboard.

"Well, here she is girls! The newest fugitive from the Supreme Court!"

"Welcome to the family!" said one.

"Very funny, Jane," said Liz. "I know this looks like a great big family picnic, what with you, Mary, Kitty and Lydia all working here, but I needed a break from the justice system."

"I think we can all understand that!"

Cathy went on, giving her a brief summary of the job--not only answering calls, but memorizing names and numbers, locating people all over the world, keeping secrets, and, perhaps most importantly, deciding which calls were legitimate and which were pranks.

Just at this moment, they heard an exasperated Mary put a call on hold. "It's him again," she said, rolling her eyes. "Right on schedule. What should I tell him this time? I'm running out of polite ways to say 'go jump in a lake.'"

"Tell him..." Cathy began. "No. Liz, you might as well start now as later. There's a Mr. Darcy on the line. He's been pestering us for days, trying to get through to the President. We have instructions to kill his calls at the board, but he takes a lot of killing!"

"Well, I..." stuttered Liz.

"Go ahead now, let's see what sort of a diplomat you are."

Liz put her headpiece on. "May I help you please? Is there someone besides the president who can take care of you? May I inquire the nature of your business? Fish!? Oh, but I'm sure they have a fish market in trade...

"Young lady," came the voice from the line. "I don't sell fish, I study them. I'm an icthyologist!"

"Oh," said Liz. "Well then may I suggest that you contact the fish and wildlife department? I'm sure they'll be able to help you. Have a good day." And she hung up. "Now why would a man get so upset about fish?"

"Maybe they're spoiling," snorted Lydia.

The phone buzzed again. "White House," answered Liz. "No, Mr. Darcy, I did not cut you off."

"Look," came the voice, "I pay my taxes regularly. I am a citizen in good standing. And the President is supposed to be a servant of the people."

"Oh, I know the President is the servant of the people," snapped Liz sweetly.

"And as such," the voice continued, "the President is supposed to be available when the people are in need. Well, I am one of the people. Now, will you please put my call through?"

"Why don't you try writing to your congressman?...oh. Well, there must be someone who can help you without bothering the President." And she hung up.

The phone buzzed again. "I'm going to put a stop to this once and for all!" cried Liz. Determinedly, she picked up the wire.

"No, Liz, not that one!" shouted Cathy.

"Why ever not?"

Cathy was on the line already. "Hello, Ms. President. Yes, Ms. President, London will call back about Business at 10:15. You're welcome, Ms. President." She looked at Liz. "This is the President's private line. Of course, she may call on any one of the other 200 lines, but when this light goes on, it's always the President."

"Call for you, Liz," said Kitty. "Justice Bennet from the Supreme Court."

"Now we'll hear a dissenting opinion....Good morning Justice Bennet!"

"Liz, what's my sister's phone number. Where are my smelling salts? And what the devil are you doing over there?"

"Hackerville 318 ring 2. Under the left hand cabinet in the bathroom behind the pink box of vitamins. And I'm working the switchboard, Mom."

"That's what I heard. Liz, it doesn't make any sense. You walked out on the Supreme Court to marry Phillip Collins. Now you walk out on marrying Phillip to work on the switchboard again? That's idiotic even for you. Jane would never do such a thing!"

"Can't we talk about this later? I could meet you at Lucas' Resturant. Dad and I had planned to have dinner there. Okay, see you later Mom...I mean, Justice Bennet." She hung up and turned to Cathy, who was still standing over her shoulder. "Isn't that sweet of her?," Liz asked nervously. "She just wanted to call and wish me luck."

All of a sudden, they heard "Liz, for you. Justice Gardiner on line five." Liz looked up at Cathy apologetically.

"Hello Justice Gardiner."

"Liz," came the woman's voice. "Your decision not to marry Phillip is your own business and I won't interfere. But clarification is not interfering. You need to know that Phillip was not out on a date with that other girl. She was a witness."

"Aunt...Justice Gardiner, the fact that Phillip was out with that girl is immaterial, irrelevant, and has no bearing on the case. I'm still not going to marry him. I know, but...yes, but...Mrs. Justice, can't we discuss this some other time? Tonight at Lucas'? I'll see you there." She hung up.

"Liz, I'm afraid there's one point I overlooked. White House operators are always on call. Therefore, we make a point never to hire young married women. So if there's any chance of you getting married in the near future..."

"Oh, but there isn't! I'm sure everyone is convinced of that by now."

"It doesn't sound like it."

"Honestly, Cathy, I'm not getting married. This will all stop..."

"Liz, for you. Justice Phillips, line two."

Cathy started to laugh as Liz rolled her eyes.

Chapter 2

Posted on Friday, 12 November 1999, at 6 : 05 p.m.

Liz and Mr. Bennet walked up the street to Lucas' Restaurant. He listened patiently while she ranted about her day.

"And it's a wonder my first day wasn't my last! The phone never stopped ringing for me all day. I couldn't do any work, I was so busy defending myself to the Supreme Court! Hiccup!"

"Oh, so now the hiccups have started again," said Mr. Bennet. "You must be upset."

"I am not. I'm perfectly calm. And when we get inside I'll be even calmer."

"Fine, let's go in."

"Wait a minute, Dad. Will you look and see if Phillip's in there?"

Mr. Bennet looked through the window. Seated at a big round table were Justices Bennet, Phillips, Gardiner and Reynolds, Phillip Collins, and William Lucas. The table had the tension of an intense game of trivial pursuit. Mr. Lucas wanted to become an American citizen, and his test was just a week away. Because they loved his food and gigantic personality so much, the judges and Phillip had offered to prepare him.

"He's in there with the others. Shall we?"

"Let's just wait a few minutes. I want these hiccups to go away. Phillip knows I only hiccup when I get emotionally upset, and I don't want him to think that they're on account of him."

"My ambition," said Mr. Lucas grandly, "is to know everyone about becoming a citizen. Anyone can pass the test...I want to know it all! What's next?"

"When the bill has passed in the Senate and the House of Representatives, it shall, before it becomes a law, be sent to?"

"Ummm...the President, Justice Gardiner."

"And if he approves it he shall?"

"Sign it, Justice Phillips."

"But if not, he shall?"

"Return it, Justice Reynolds."

"With what?"

"With his objections, Justice Bennet."

"Where to?"

"To Lizzy," interrupted Justice Bennet, "for being so silly by refusing to marry Phillip. Oh, my poor nerves. An attorney for the justice department for a husband, and she wants to be a switchboard operator!"

"A perfect score, Mr. Lucas," came Liz's voice. "And don't worry yourself, Mom. I'm a big girl now. Of legal age, too."

"Hi Liz," came the chorus from the table.

"How's my favorite future citizen this evening? And my favorite four queens of the Supreme Court?" She gave each one a kiss.

"Don't I rate a hello?" asked Phillip.

"Oh yes of course. How are you Phillip?" Liz asked, rather coldly.

"Liz," began Justice Reynolds. "We'd all like to have that little talk with you now."

"Little talk!" broke in Justice Bennet. "This is a big matter! Lizzy must marry Phillip!"

"Listen," said Liz. "I know you're all trying to help. You always try to help, and it's very sweet. But I need to make up my own mind. And I'm not going to marry Phillip!" She turned towards the kitchen. "Mmmm...that smells good! I'm going to go see what's for dinner tonight." She made her way to the back of the restaurant.

"Hello Liz. You look worn out."

"Hello Charlotte. Yes, I certainly am. It's been a long day arguing with the Supreme Court. You know, most people are exaggerating when they say that? I really mean it! You'd think I was a federal case!"

"And just listen," said Charlotte. "Dad has the orchestra playing sappy music so you'll be in the right mood to make up with Phillip!"

"Oh no," groaned Liz, as Mr. Lucas came into the kitchen.

"Liz," he said. "I can't stand to see you so sad. A lover's quarrel is always a mistake. You poor girl, you must be miserable."

"Mr. Lucas, if it will convince anyone how happy I am, I'll dance, sing, or even stand on my head! Now, please send away your weeping violins. You'll make all the customers cry."

"Okay, okay. At least I can tell Phillip I tried."

The music became lighter, and if this had been a musical, Liz would have begun cheerfully serving customers as she sang a song about how carefree she was and everyone gazed at her, enchanted. In fact, all the kitchen staff would have stepped into the dining room to sway along to her voice, and she would land in her own place just as the song ended.

Whether or not that actually happened, as soon as Liz sat down, Phillip came up to the table and Mr. Bennet not so subtly excused himself.

"In case you couldn't tell," she said, "he wants us to be alone to talk."

"Well it's a good idea," said Phillip. "Liz, this jealousy thing is getting out of hand. It's absolutely ridiculous!"

"Phillip, what I've been trying to tell you and everybody else for the past three days is that the reason we're not getting married is because I wasn't jealous!"

"Liz, that doesn't make any sense."

"Yes it does. There you were, with the very pretty Miss Fairfax, and I wasn't at all jealous! And I didn't even know that it wasn't a date. Don't you see, this proves that I don't care about you like you need me to. And I really don't think you care about me either, not in the getting-married way. It's just that we've gone out so much, and everyone expects it...we've gotten to be a habit with each other."

"Liz, that's just a defense mechanism. An unconscious manifestation of your jealousy. Why..."

"Please, Phillip," she cut him off. "I've had a rough day. The Justices, Mr. Lucas, you, and that insufferable Mr. Darcy!"

Liz didn't see the head of the man in the booth behind her perk up.

"Darcy?" asked Phillip. "I didn't talk to anyone named Darcy."

"Well I did. Twenty three times. He insisted on speaking to the President. All day long it was 'yes, Mr. Darcy; no, Mr. Darcy, you can't speak to the president now, Mr. Darcy.' I was dying to say, 'you're a proud pain in the neck, Mr. Darcy!' If it were up to me..."

Liz's voice trailed off as she looked up at the tall, dark gentleman (she couldn't help noticing his intense, though rather annoyed, eyes) standing next to her table.

"Young lady," said the mysterious diner, "do you know the meaning of the word bumbledon? Bumbledon is the pomposity of petty officials, little people in little jobs, who think the world will stop turning without them."

"I beg your pardon?"

"You at your switchboard, deciding who and who doesn't have a right to speak to the President."

"The fish peddler!"

"For the hundredth time, miss, I do not sell fish."

"And for the hundredth time, Mr. Darcy, the President of the United States is not interested in fish."

"She's interested in the Navy, isn't she?"

"What does the Navy have to do with anything?"

"It's her navy that won't let me get near Pemberlyalambton to study my fish!"

"Is what you just said intelligible to you, Mr. Darcy?"

"Of course it is."

"Well then, there's someone who can help you a lot more than the president."

"Who?"

"A psychiatrist."

Darcy looked taken aback, annoyed...and just a little amused. "Miss," he said gently, "as an ardent admirer of the accomplished members of the female sex, may I say that you are the most prejudiced and infuriating woman I have ever had the misfortune to know?"

Phillip leaped to his feet. "I think you've said enough!"

Mr. Darcy put up a hand to stop him. "That's all I'm going to say. Except for one more thing...I'll get through to the President in spite of your bumbledon! I have enough nickels to take over Las Vegas!" And with that, he walked away.

Mr. Bennet came over to the table. "Liz, honey, who was that?"

"That was a man who is going to spend the rest of his life in a telephone booth!"

Chapter 3

Posted on Sunday, 14 November 1999, at 2 : 11 p.m.

Liz had stopped to talk to Mac the guard when Darcy approached her car.

"Hi!" he said in a friendly tone.

Liz looked at him disdainfully. "If you're selling mackerel, I don't want any." I wouldn't mind if you had a twin to lend me, though!

"I just wanted to say how sorry I am about last night."

"All right, you're sorry. Now if you'll excuse me..."

"My behavior was inexcusable. I was up all night thinking about it."

"You were not at all a gentleman."

Ouch! "Well..." he paused, holding up a bunch of flowers and a box of candy, "This is to show you how sorry I am, and this is to ask you to forgive me."

"Why Mr. Darcy!" Liz said, softening. "You didn't have to do that!"

"No, I insist. I'll feel much better if you accept these slight tokens of my... admiration? interest? ...genuine repentance."

"Well, alright...thank you."

"Forgiven?"

"Forgiven."

"Oh good. Now miss, if you could..." he broke off in a nervous laugh. "Friends?"

"Friends," replied Liz, somewhat suspicious now.

"Couldn't you just once put my call through to the President?"

Liz's face took on a wry, knowing look. Then she got angry. "Mr. Darcy, I have never been an admirer even of the most accomplished members of the male sex, but may I say that without a doubt you are the most proud, presumptuous and despicable man I have ever had the misfortune to encounter!" She threw the flowers--one landed quite cutely on his hat brim--and the candy at him and sped off. Darcy could do nothing but stare after her, open-mouthed.

"Good morning, Lizzy."

"'Morning, Jane. Hiccup!" Liz rolled her eyes, upset at her self for being so...well, upset.

"I hope that isn't a hangover," Jane laughed.

"Oh, I'll be fine. Hiccup!"

"I heard they pummeled you in the Supreme Court last night! Mom was so upset she forgot about her nerves, so they'll be extra strong today. I feel sorry for whoever's case is up. Don't you think you could make a sacrifice for your country and marry Phillip Collins?"

"Oh Jane, not you too?"

"No, I was only kidding. Of course you know what you want to do. But Lizzy, I still don't totally understand why you want to do what it is you want to do."

"Jane, you of all people should understand. I don't want to marry for expectations, or security or anything but the very greatest love. Phillip Collins will be a good husband for someone, but not for me. If it's simply contentment and security I need, well then I'm doing just fine on my own. As for love, even a fish peddler, Hiccup! I mean, a butcher would do for a husband, if I really loved him."

"I know sweetie. I won't interfere. Just watch out for the government! Listen, do you think you can handle the board by yourself for a few minutes? It should be quiet."

"Of course, you run along." Jane left and Liz settled herself down. Hiccup! The phone buzzed almost immediately.

"White House." Liz listened and grinned. "No, I'm sorry madam, but the egg rolling is only on Easter Sunday." Hiccup! Buzzzzzz! Oh no, how can I have the hiccups when the President's line is ringing? Calm yourself, Liz. Good girl.

"Good morning, Ms. President. Hiccup! Oh, I'm so sorry! What? Oh, they started about ten minutes ago. Thank you Ms. President, I'll try that. Right now? All right." Liz took off her headphones when she heard sneezing. She put them back up to her ears. "Gesundheit, Ms. President. Gesundheit again. Dr. Perry? Yes, I'll call him right now."

She connected to another line. "Will you please tell Dr. Perry that the President wants to see him? Thank you." Just then, Jane walked in.

"Dr. Perry? Is the President sick Lizzy?"

"Oh, just a cold," she said, getting up. Hiccup! She poured herself some water as Mr. Knightley, the president's chief secretary came in.

"Jane, did you just take the President's call?"

"No sir, my sister, Liz...Elizabeth did."

Hiccup!

"Elizabeth?"

"Yes sir?"

"Fine, fine. I'm Mr. Knightley, the president's secretary. The president sent this hiccup cure down for you," he said, holding out a paper bag. Liz looked at it blankly. "You just breathe into it. The president said that this was sure to work."

"Why thank you, Mr. Knightley. Please thank the president for me." As Mr. Knightley left, Liz breathed in and out of the bag. Cathy Tilney walked in.

"Why Liz, what on earth are you doing?"

"It's a hiccup cure. Hey, it worked!"

"It's for you, Liz," called Kitty. "It's the president."

"Oh, hello Ms. President," said Liz. "Yes, they're all gone now, thank you. How's your cold? Oh, that's a shame. If I were you, I'd take some Irish moss and aspirin. That's right. My mother always makes us take that, and it works like a charm. Senator Wentworth? I'll connect you right away."

Buzzzzz.

"White House," answered Liz. She sighed. "Phillip, I told you not to call me here."

"I know," said Phillip, "but I needed to know what time to pick you up for Justice Lucas's party tonight."

"Phillip, you know I love the Justice's birthday party. I've been every year since I was a little girl, and I'll hate to miss it. But I can't go with you. It would just start everyone talking again. So if I can't go with you, and I'd rather not go alone, I think I'll just stay home. I'm sorry Phillip. Have a...hold on a minute, Phillip, there's a line buzzing....Hello, White House?"

A muffled voice came in reply. "Yes, this is M. Hoiremoierausdrdfmek with the French embassy. You will permit me please to speak with the President?"

"No, Mr. Darcy, I will not." Liz hung up.

"Phillip? Oh, I thought I disconnected you. Now listen...hold on!...Hello? What? Mr. Who of what department? Goodbye Mr. Darcy....Phillip? I really don't have time to argue with you now. I'm just not going to the party. Goodbye."

Liz sat back in her chair with a little sigh of relief.

"Liz," said Cathy, "have you been talking to the President again?"

"No, why?"

"Because you're still cut in on her line."

Chapter 4

Posted on Monday, 15 November 1999, at 9 : 05 p.m.

Fitzwilliam Darcy was arguing with the guard at the White House gate.

"Listen, son," said Mac, "if you so much as try to sneeze near the President you'll be up to your armpits in Secret Service agents."

"All I want to do is talk to her."

"Ever tried using the telephone?"

"That's all I've been doing for days!" cried an exasperated Darcy.

Honk! Honk!

Both men looked up to see Liz Bennet sitting impatiently in her car in the driveway. Darcy ran toward her and Mac followed.

"Miss," said Darcy, "will you please tell this man how many times I've tried to call the President?"

"Why, I..." began Liz confusedly.

"Do you know this man, Miss Bennet?"

"Why, I..."

"If he's a friend of yours, then you better take him out of here before he gets into trouble!" Mac forcibly put a protesting (or was he?) Darcy into the car of a protesting (or was she?) Liz. She drove him down the street a few blocks and pulled over.

"You can get out here, Mr. Darcy."

"If only I could make you understand why it is so important for me to talk to the President," he said.

"My opinion of your fish is of no importance," snapped Liz.

"But you work on the White House switchboard. You must know your way around the place, or at least someone who could get me close to the President."

Bells were beginning to go off in Liz's head. Hmmmm...bring stranger to party, convince Phillip (and the Supreme Court) that it's over, spend a little more time with this intriguing...that is, insufferable, man...

"As a matter of fact I do," she said. "How would you like to speak to the President's secretary?"

Darcy groaned. "All I've been doing since I got to town is speaking to secretaries."

"Oh, but this isn't just any secretary. This is Mr. Knightley, the President's chief administrative assistant. He could get you to speak to the President like that!" And she snapped her fingers.

"Really?" said an excited Darcy. "And how quickly could you get me a chance to speak to this 'like that' Mr. Knightley?"

"Like that." Liz snapped her fingers. "But you have to do me a favor first."

Darcy grinned knowingly. "Oh, so that's it. What kind of a favor?"

"You don't have to look so put out. It's nothing big. You just have to take me to a party tonight."

"What kind of party?"

"A very nice party!" said Liz, offended. Darcy looked thoughtful. "So?" she asked.

"Don't rush me. I'm working out all the angles."

"There are no angles. I need to go to this party, you need to talk to Mr. Knightley."

"Okay, you've convinced me," said Darcy. "What time do I pick you up, and where?"

"Eight o'clock. 115 Longborn Lane. Now, where do you live? I'll drop you off."

"The Lambton Inn, but don't bother," he said as he got out of the car. "Our date doesn't officially begin until eight."

Liz was sitting at her mirror giving the finishing touches to her dark hair when someone knocked on the door. "Come in, Dad," she called.

"Lizzy, there's a man downstairs. He says he's here to take you to the party."

"Oh good, he's right on time."

"But it's not Phillip!"

"Since when was Phillip the only member of the male sex?" Lizzy shook out her simple black dress and went dancing down the stairs. When she was almost at the bottom, however, she stopped short. "Who are you?" she stammered.

"Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, at your service, madam."

Chapter 5

Posted on Sunday, 21 November 1999, at 3 : 04 p.m.

Liz looked at the handsome blond man in obvious confusion.

"You are Elizabeth Bennet, aren't you?"

"Well yes, but..."

"Then there's no confusion. I'm here to escort you to the party tonight. I'm a military aid at the White House. I'm here at the President's request."

"I don't understand...wait, yes I do. There's been a terrible mix-up, Colonel. You see, I was cut in on the President's line today, and she overheard my conversation with my ex-fiancé and so she thinks I'm staying home alone tonight. The thing is, I already made other plans."

"Madam, in my position, a presidential request is an order. Do you want me to tell the President that you refuse to go to the party with me?"

"Oh no, that would be terrible. It's just that I was going to the party tonight to prove something and, well, this just spoils everything."

"As long as I'm under orders, I can do whatever it is you need me to do."

Liz grinned. "Okay, Colonel, it sounds like a plan." She glanced up at the stairs where her father was looking at the man curiously. "Oh dad, this is Colonel Fitzwilliam. He's at the White House."

"So that's where I've seen that face before! Pass number 341-2Z-779..."

"Dad, there will be a Mr. Darcy calling for me. Please tell him that I'm terribly sorry, but I had to go to the party without him. Are you sure you don't want to come to the party?" Mr. Bennet just looked at Liz. She smiled, knowing that he avoided as best he could any social gatherings where his wife and silly youngest daughters would be present.

"Mr. Darcy?" asked Colonel Fitzwilliam.

"It's a long story," said Liz, as they waltzed out the front door.

Mr. Bennet shook his head. "These are certainly strange going-ons. Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. Height--6'1". Age--28. The memory's not too shabby at all, old boy."

Phillip Collins was quizzing Mr. Lucas as the latter gentleman finished checking the buffet table. "In how many ways do bills become laws?"

"In three ways...salami, bologna, chopped liver..."

"Wait!" cried Phillip. "Mr. Lucas, who is that?"

"Mr. Lucas? Why, that's me. Phillip, I'm not done with the question yet."

"No, who's that with Liz?"

Mr. Lucas turned around, surprised, to watch Liz and the Colonel enter the room. "Why, I don't know. I know all of Liz's friends, but this one is a stranger to me." The two men continued to stare as the couple worked their way around the room, greeting people.

"Good evening, Justice Phillips, Justice Gardiner, Justice Bennet. I'd like to introduce a very dear friend of mine, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. Now, if you'll excuse us. There are so many people I want Richard to meet." The ladies all murmured greetings, and Justice Gardiner at least tried not to stare. As the two were drifting away, Justice Bennet grabbed Liz's arm and pulled her back.

"Lizzy, who on earth is he? Where did you find him? And how is he fixed financially?"

"Oh mother, I was only ever the switchboard operator at the Supreme Court. You'll need to find someone on an investigative committee if you're going to ask questions like that!" She grinned and went to find Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was standing a bit apart from the crowd, watching them watch him. He smiled as she walked up.

"How am I doing, Miss Bennet?"

"Fine, but you better start calling me Liz!" she teased.

"Okay, Liz."

"I have a feeling that any second now there's going to be an emergency session of the Supreme Court." She laughed as the Justices, Phillip and Mr. Lucas all started to huddle together around the buffet table. "Yes, and here comes the fact finding committee now."

Phillip came up to the pair. "Hello, Liz."

"Oh, hello Phillip. Isn't it a lovely party?"

"Yes, it is."

"Everyone seems to be having so much fun."

"Yes, they do."

"Err...it's much nicer than last year."

"Yes, it is." Phillip continued to stare pointedly at Richard. Liz, somewhat innocently, followed his gaze.

"Oh, excuse me! I'm being rude. Phillip, may I present my dear friend, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam? Richard, this is Phillip Collins."

"Pleased to meet you, Collins," said the Colonel in a booming, overly friendly voice.

"Likewise, Colonel."

Liz looked back and forth between the two men, not sure of what might happen next. She gave a nervous laugh and sat down on the couch behind them. The men looked at her, and each promptly took a place on either side of her.

"Isn't it a lovely party," said the Colonel.

"Yes, it is," replied Phillip.

"Everyone seems to be having so much fun," ventured Liz.

"Yes, they do," said the Colonel.

"It's so much nicer than last year," said Phillip.

"Yes, it is," agreed Liz. An awkward pause followed, as it inevitably follows all inane polite conversations between people who want to be saying much different things. "Gee, it's hot," said Liz.

Phillip jumped up. "Oh, let me get you a drink!"

"Will you get me one too, Collins?" asked the Colonel, slyly. "My trick knee is bothering me." Phillip looked both angry and amused, and went off to the refreshment table.

"Nice fellow, that Collins," said the Colonel. "Liz, what do you say we move to that loveseat over there. It looks much more comfortable."

"Why Colonel, are you trying to play games with Phillip?"

"The first thing we learned in the army is the great importance of strategic positioning. And you better start calling me Richard." Liz laughed.

"Nice fellow, that Fitzwilliam," said Mr. Lucas to Phillip. "A real smarty."

"Not so smart," said Phillip. "Madame Justices, don't you think it's time for a little singing?"

"Why Phillip," cooed Justice Bennet. "We were just beginning to think that no one would suggest it. Come on girls."

Liz saw the group gathering around the piano. She turned to Richard. "I'll wager anything that I get an invitation to sing in ten seconds or less."

"Oh Liz," came Phillips voice. "We're sorry to drag you away from the Colonel, but I believe we need a soprano more than he does."

She checked her watch. "Two seconds flat. I'm on, Colonel. Please excuse me." She went to the piano with the others where they sang the same first song they always sang, On Moonlight Bay. The crowd watched appreciatively, as did Colonel Fitzwilliam, because they really were quite good, especially Liz. Richard applauded louder than anyone when the song was through.

"Absolutely superb! And Collins, you have a wonderful voice."

"Ummm...thank you."

"As a matter of fact, I'd love to hear how it sounds in the lead part with all these talented Justices backing you up. Won't you all sing "Let Me Call You Sweetheart"?" Phillip could not refuse the excited twitter of the Justices. He sang with a grimace as he watched Colonel Fitzwilliam lead Liz to a corner.

"Liz, I must admit I was trying to get out of this job. But it's the nicest assignment I've ever had. Tomorrow, I'm going to thank the President personally. Why I..." His voice trailed off as he looked up into the face of Catherine de Bourgh, the big newspaper publisher.

"Richard," she said sternly. "I'm surprised to see you here."

"Why, Mrs. DeBourgh, I..."

"Anne was quite disappointed that you couldn't keep your date this evening. I understood that you were on orders from the White House." She looked questioningly at Liz.

"Well, I am, but..." Catherine de Bourgh led Richard aside. Liz was looking after them when Phillip came up behind her.

"Listen, Liz, what is going on here?"

"Why Phillip, whatever do you mean?"

"Don't be silly. You must know that everyone here is talking about you and that...that...soldier! Who is he?"

"Oh, well he's at the White House. And you know how we are at the White House, just one big happy family."

"I don't like him."

"Then I'll tell you what to do, Phillip," said Liz. "Don't go out with him." Just then Richard came back.

"Liz, would you mind terribly if we left now?"

"Oh, but Richard, it's still early."

"I know, but it's terribly important."

"Well in that case...goodbye Phillip. I'm sure I'll talk to you later."

Richard and Liz were walking around the monuments, enjoying the soft breeze and the shining moon. "Ahhh," said Richard. "Moonlight and cherry blossoms."

"Richard," said Liz. "Who's Anne?"

"Ahhh," he said. "Moonlight and cherry blossoms."

"Richard," she said warningly. "Did you have a date with her tonight?" He looked sheepish. "You did have a date with her."

"Well, yes, but then the President asked me to do this and..."

"How are things between you two?"

"Oh, Liz. You know how things are in this town. You go out with someone a few times, and all of a sudden gossip has you engaged. Only in this case, her mother has us engaged too. I didn't realize this until I saw just how angry Aunt Catherine was tonight."

"Aunt Catherine?"

"Well, it's a courtesy title. She's very good friends with my family, don't ask me why. She has always wanted either me or my cousin to marry her daughter Anne. Anne's a very good girl by herself, fun and all, but no one wants to be told who to marry."

"I can understand that," interjected Liz.

"And so my cousin Darcy Darcy? Oh, it must be a coincidence ran off to some far away place and we haven't seen him in a few years. Not that Aunt Catherine was his reason for running off, but it is rather convenient that he isn't around to be pressured by her. Me, on the other hand, she's how I ended up in Washington when I'd rather be in active service somewhere. She wants to keep me close, now that Darcy got through her fingers. And the worst thing is, this assignments for a whole year. And I've still got eleven months to go."

"Wow, that is a long time."

"Well," said Richard flirtily, "it all depends on who you spend it with." He leaned in closer to Liz, and perhaps with the influence of the moonlight and the cherry blossoms and the soft music that always seems to be playing in the movies even when the characters are outside, something might have happened, but an unfortunate frog croaked loudly, shaking Liz out of her spell. She glanced at her watch.

"It's getting late, Colonel. Time for working girls and White House aids to get some sleep" And she began to walk home. It only took Richard a surprised second or two before he caught up.

When they reached the sidewalk in front of the house, Liz paused at the gate. "This has been a wonderful evening, Richard."

"It has for me too."

Out of the corner of her eye, Liz saw a rustling at the upstairs window. She turned to look, and sure enough, there were her mother, father, and Mr. Lucas all crowding together to peer out behind the curtains. She rolled her eyes and turned to Richard. "Will you do me a favor?"

"Anything."

"Kiss me." He raised his eyebrows for a moment, but then took her in his arms and kissed her fully.

Upstairs there was a commotion. "Look at him!" cried Justice Bennet. "Kissing her, right under our noses. And we don't even know if he's as good as Phillip! Oh, my nerves!"

"Hmmm..." said Mr. Bennet. "I want to get a better look at this one. Let's go downstairs."

"Okay," said Justice Bennet. "But just let me get my smelling salts."

When the two pulled apart, Liz stared at him for a moment. "Thank you," she said.

"And thank you." He grinned. "Very smart, Liz," he said, gesturing to the window. She smiled. "That should teach them something. This evening has taught me something. I'll be back tomorrow to pick up where we left off...on my own time! Goodnight." And he walked away.

"Goodnight," called Liz. She ran up the stairs of the porch, and was about to go in the front door when she was startled by a voice.

"Hi," said Darcy. Liz turned and saw him lounging on the front porch swing.

"Why, you peeping tom! What on earth are you doing here? You should be ashamed of yourself!" she cried, not sure why she was quite so embarrassed.

"Now hold on," said Darcy. "I didn't come for the floor show. We had a date, remember? I just stayed to show you that I held up my end of the bargain."

Liz looked down. "Oh, I'm sorry about that. If you'll just let me explain.'

"Oh, no explanation is needed. You made a date with me, and when the army came along, you thought you could do better. I didn't see his face, but..."

"Oh no, that's not it at all! You see, originally, I was supposed to go to the party with someone else..."

"That's right, me."

"No, not you. Someone else and then..."

"Oh, this is just beautiful. You break a date with some other fellow to make a date with me and then you stand me up to go out with the army!"

"No! The President, I mean..." How on earth do you explain this.

"Oh, don't worry, Miss Bennet. I can see just the way you operate. But don't worry about my feelings. I don't care about the date. You don't? I just wanted to show you that one of us understands what honor is."

"But..."

"But you thought you could do better. I understand, but I have news for you, Miss Bennet. You could have done just as well with me," he said huskily, and he pulled her into his arms and kissed her solidly. Liz hesitated a second, and then her arms seemed to go around his neck out of their own free will.

Justice Bennet, Mr. Bennet and Mr. Lucas stuck their heads out the front door.

"It's a different one!" cried Justice Bennet. She would have swooned into her husbands arms, but he was too busy staring open-mouthed to catch her.

Finally, Darcy pulled away. "Goodnight, Miss Bennet." Liz watched him walk down the stairs, through the gate, down the street. She slowly touched her fingers to her lips.

Hiccup!

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