Page 34 of Book and Ladder
We stay empty most of the day, with the exception of a few neighbors who pop in to check on me and several random customers who meander in before heading to the high school play.
Alone in Moss and Maple while the sun starts to set, I decide I need some company. I haven’t had a chance to listen to the podcast episode onPride & Prejudice, so I make myself a cup of Harney’s Hot Cinnamon tea, lock the front door and flip the sign to CLOSED. Then I stroll into the back room and settle into one of the cozy chairs.
With the woods in view out the window, I take a sip and push play.
The host’s voice is as soothing as ever. He spends thirty minutes giving his discourse on what he calls “Darcy’s glaring red flags.” Even that phrase brings a smile to my face.
“He should have talked to her,” he says.
And then he pauses to let the weight of his words sink in.
“Modern romance fanatics all rally against what they call the misunderstanding trope, yet here we have one of the most beloved romances of all time—and it’s founded on a misunderstanding.
“And that misunderstanding could have been resolved if Darcy would have spoken to Elizabeth. All he had to say was ‘Elizabeth, I have been thinking of you … all I can do is think of you …’ Instead he’s this impenetrable wall. She can’t get a read on him. And that’s his fault.”
His message is passionate, enlightened, considerate.
If only certain real men understood communication the way this anonymous host does.
I think he’s finished and about to wrap up with the closing I could recite from memory. But he adds one more thought.
“Should we really normalize hard-to-get behavior from wealthy men—or men in general? Not only normalize it—should we exonerate it by making Darcy the gold standard of romantic heroes?” He pauses again. “You tell me.” Then he chuckles softly. “I’ll just be hiding here in my anonymous corner to avoid the inevitable lynch mobs who will be coming for me after this episode. It’s been fun hosting.”
I burst into laughter, the sound softly echoing in the empty room.
The podcast comes to a close and I sigh. He could literally talk about leaves falling off trees and I’d be here for it.
I’m already standing to grab my laptop.
I curl into one of my favorite chairs in the book nook,cracking open my computer and composing an email to the host. I wish I knew his name. We haven’t really talked much about our boundaries here. They’re unspoken, yet feel mutually understood.
Dear BTTP:
I have to admit, you have me looking at Mr. Darcy in a new light. I’m not sure if I should thank you or hold you in contempt. You really had a point about the way we’ve glossed over his imperfections.
I won’t go so far as to say he’s a walking red flag. I think he shows a growth arc, and at his heart is a very good gentleman. But the hard-to-read man got a dressing down tonight on your show.
I liked the heart behind your message. You’re pro-woman and pro-communication. I appreciate that stance.
I hope your comments section isn’t filled with proverbial pitchforks. Maybe just dinner forks.
- M&M
I’m quietly sipping my tea, rereading the email I just sent, and feeling more calm than I’ve felt in the past six hours, when my computer pings with a response.That was quick.
Dear M&M,
Now I’m plagued by an image of me running down a street with an army of enraged women, forks in the air. I could be tined to death if they catch up to me.
Good thing I’m a fast runner.
In all seriousness, thank you for your response. I’m glad you heard me out. I’m not fully anti-Darcy. Sometimes you have to take a severe stance to get the conversation started. The fans of Darcy are all so adamant about his impeccable goodness. I wanted them to think through the counter-argument.
- BTTP
I answer him immediately, skipping over any greeting.
Are you a lawyer by day? - M&M
