Page 29 of Desperately Seeking Mr. Darcy

“Because you used to fake sleep when we were kids. When you’re really asleep, your mouth is open, and you make little sighing noises.”

“I do not,” I protest. But actually, I do. Amelia has said the same thing. So did cheating Caleb. Dang it. I need to up my fake-sleeping game.

“You also drool.”

“Please shut up,” I say, feeling my cheeks warm.

“Are you ready for the park tomorrow? To immerse yourself in the life of Elizabeth Bennet?”

“I’ve pretty much been living my whole life for this moment,” I say, overdramatically. Though, I want to add,That was, until you decided to join me,but that wouldn’t be nice. Besides, shared hotel room aside, so far, it hasn’t been so bad.

“I think the bigger question here is: Are you ready to play Darcy?” I ask.

“She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me,” he says, in the polished accent I helped him with. Hmm. Maybe Iama good teacher.

“Well done,” I say.

“That’s a dumb line,” he says. “It’s amazing Darcy was ever able to come back from it. I’m surprised that Bennet woman ever fell for him.”

“Yes, but it wasn’t meant for Elizabeth to hear. Darcy was being an arrogant jerk, but he wasn’t trying to impress her. He thought she was just some random girl he’d never see again. But that’s what makes his arc so good. The moment shows where he starts—proud, judgmental, and closed off. The rest of the story is about him realizing how wrong he was. And it’s not just about Lizzy, but about everything.”

It’s quiet for a moment, and I wonder if he dozed off during my diatribe. There I go oversharing again.

“Wow,” he finally says. “You’ve spent way too much time thinking about this.”

“I hate you,” I say, the words just popping out of my mouth, just like they used to when he’d tease me. I never meant them before, and I don’t mean them now, even if it would be so much easier if I did hate Zane Porter.

“You know what I just realized? You and Elizabeth have the same last name.”

“It took you that long to figure it out?”

“I mean, I knew your name, and I think I knew hers, but I never put that together.”

“It’s like I was born to play the part.”

“Indeed,” he says. “Well, good night, Miss Bennet.”

“Good night, Mr. Darcy.”

MACEY

An email from Macey to her mom, Monday, September 16, 8:43 a.m.

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Today!

Hey Mom,

Thank you for your email. I’m glad you could finally write me back. I’m grateful for your words, and hope that you’ll get what you need out of therapy. Just know that I love and miss you.

I’m heading to Pride and Prejudice Park today. I’m so excited!Hopefully Zane Porter won’t ruin this for me.And also nervous that I’ve built this up too much. Here’s hoping it’s as grand and wonderful as I’ve been wishing.

I’ll email you as much as I can while I’m there.

Love,

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