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Post by Anne on Jan 27, 2009 11:30:36 GMT -5
"Well, worrying in itself does very little for anyone, no matter the circumstances. It's hardly constructive. Finding a solution requires more active thought rather than dwelling on the misery of the problem."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Jan 27, 2009 11:41:08 GMT -5
"Precisely," Darcy said. "You mustn't take the... reticence of my nature for worry, Miss Shirley," he said gently. "If I do not express myself so easily, it is not always from trepidation. I want the gala to be a success, of course, but I have no doubt it will come off well enough, with your help. Though I confess the situation is still so new for me that some doubts about my own suitability linger--though I conquer them more every day."
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Post by Anne on Jan 27, 2009 12:10:22 GMT -5
"Have a little more faith in yourself, Mr. Darcy, and you might be surprised at how well people think of you. The gala will be a success, of course--I have every reason to believe it will come off beautifully." *Anne turned back to the flowers.* "Now...we've finished with these. What else can I help you with?"
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Jan 27, 2009 12:21:36 GMT -5
Darcy had quite a bit of faith in himself, but in truth it was people like Anne Shirley--very well, mostly Anne Shirley--who had convinced him he might not be best served by assuming his superior qualities were apparent to all. And while his pride had not exactly been tied to his money or position, he could not help but feel derailed somewhat by his change in fortune.
"Oh," he said, drawing himself back to the task. "Erm. Entertainment. I've hired musicians, but I was not certain if some other form might be added. Is there a great deal of singing, or recitation, or playacting in Avonlea, that might be exercised here?"
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Post by Anne on Jan 27, 2009 12:41:13 GMT -5
"Er...well, the older children in school sometimes put on concerts...recitations...tableaus..." *Anne tilted her head, thinking.* "Nothing professional, you understand. I once directed a production of Mary, Queen of Scots when I worked at Kingsport Ladies College. Something of that nature?"
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Jan 27, 2009 12:56:41 GMT -5
"Perhaps," Darcy mused. "I want Avonlea to think of White Sands not just as a place for out-of-town visitors, but a place for them, too, slightly removed from their everyday lives. It seems romantic, perhaps, but what I mean is that it should be more than just rooms. It should represent something. I think that's what I'm looking for."
He paused, on the verge of asking something but not sure he should.
"Perhaps you could... recite something."
To him, Anne was all the things he wanted White Sands to be--part of Avonlea, but special. Not quite of the same stuff.
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Post by Anne on Jan 27, 2009 13:23:09 GMT -5
"...me, Mr. Darcy?" *Anne was astonished, and her voice trembled for a moment.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Jan 27, 2009 13:24:57 GMT -5
"Why not?" Darcy answered casually. "Who better, Miss Shirley?"
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Post by Anne on Jan 27, 2009 14:12:58 GMT -5
"Er...I...I...I haven't...I haven't recited...for years!" *she said lamely. Her cheeks had gone crimson under their freckles. The idea of failing so publically, and in front of Mr. Darcy of all people...well, it was enough to mildly terrify her sensitive imagination.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Jan 27, 2009 14:28:40 GMT -5
"But surely you don't forget something like that... You've read beautifully, in my hearing."
Darcy looked away from his discomfort. "But I would never ask you to do anything that made you uncomfortable, Miss Shirley. It was merely a suggestion; your presence would lend something to the endeavor, I think, whether you recite or no."
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Post by Anne on Jan 27, 2009 22:01:12 GMT -5
*Anne swallowed heavily.*
"I only meant...well...there's a difference, I suppose, between reading something among friends and...getting up on a stage and...and if I make a mistake--oh, and I'm famous for making mistakes--everyone...they'll be merciless."
*Mr. Darcy looked so disappointed, however, something made her pause and bite her lip.*
"I'll...I'll think about it...perhaps."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Jan 28, 2009 10:56:40 GMT -5
Darcy smiled gently. "That is the most I can ask," he said. "Thank you. It was you who said one must have faith in oneself; you should extend the same courtesy to yourself."
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Post by Anne on Jan 28, 2009 12:00:28 GMT -5
*Anne thought about it a moment, and realized she'd been very neatly caught in a trap of her own making. She let out a sudden peal of laughter.*
"You're right," *she chuckled.*
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Jan 28, 2009 12:03:42 GMT -5
"Have tea with me?" he asked suddenly, not quite a command but with a slight, habitual (and nervous) ring of command in it. "I mean... if you are not required back at Green Gables..."
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Post by Anne on Jan 28, 2009 12:09:37 GMT -5
"Alright," *said Anne, a little startled by the sudden offer but nonetheless pleased.*
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