Because of Pride and Prejudice

Chapter 7

"For heaven's sake, George! Come out here and help us! The doctors have started to arrive, and they've surrounded Colin. He's been shooting me 'the eye' for help, but I really don't understand anything about that imager. I need you to team up with me."

Darcie found George in the kitchen with Lucas, stuffing their faces with brats and beer while watching the start of the game on the little TV. The caterers were obviously annoyed at their presence in the kitchen as well but were cognizant of who was paying them.

"For shame, Lucas! You know what the doctor said about your cholesterol level. Both of you, get out here now! The family business is on the line, and I've not time for the tomfoolery!"

Not good at picking up on social cues, Lucas replied, "Well, what am I supposed to do? I'm not privy to any of the company's information."

George, on the other hand, could read any social situation and knew that Darcie was about to explode. He quickly hauled Lucas to his feet and pushed him towards the door, instructing him, "You are to entertain the families. Impress them with your British accent."

He then turned to Darcie, "Um, I need to tell you something, but you can't let Colin know."

"George, I'm not going back out there without you. You are not going to weasel your way out of this!"

"My solicitor just contacted me. He has gotten wind of a possible American lawsuit. He's afraid that they may try to serve notice if they find out I am here."

"Whaaa?" Darcie sucked in a huge gulp of air.

"And I don't want that happening in front of our potential customers. It would be a huge embarrassment for our company, and it would devastate Colin at this precarious juncture. I just have to lay low until we get back home."

"George, really? When have you ever been in America . . . oh . . . during your fellowship year? Oh my goodness, what is wrong with you?"

"I know Caroline is behind all of this! This will be disastrous. I'm already a stain on the company name. I should probably just fly back home before I become a liability."

Now, Darcie was hyperventilating. "No sir! If you don't go out there, then I am going to be the huge embarrassment that is going to get Colin very incensed. It's either you or me, and right now, I say let it be you! C'mon!"

She grabbed his arm, "I'll alert our security officers to strictly adhere to the invitation list, no exceptions."

By now the suite was completely full of doctors and their families, enjoying a spectacular view of a Patriots game in a relaxed atmosphere. After a few agitated minutes, Darcie realized that all of them were actually tripping over themselves to try and impress her, Colin, and George. "What a bunch of toadies!" she thought. She didn't have to say anything at all. They all lusted after their scanner. This plan was going to work!

She felt a tap on her shoulder. It was George with his head down, pointing towards the doorway. "That looks like a solicitor over there. I'm going to head back into the kitchen."

Feeling buoyed by all the effusive attention and drawing on the natural instincts that came from aristocratic genes honed over many centuries, Darcie looked over and coolly replied, "I'll take care of this."