Prologue by Elizabeth Bennet
My name is Elizabeth and this will be my story. Well, this is my story, though someone else will tell it. I thought of telling it myself, though seeing it in a prudential light, I realized that a narrator would do it better. She'll be more 'objective' than I, if you understand what I mean. But I'm writing the prologue. I think that it would be a nice touch to tell you about my youth myself. It adds a little 'something' to the story.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, this is the tale of how my life changed.
Have you ever felt that everything is lost, that your existence is miserable, that things can't get any worse and nothing will ever turn out right? That happened to me once. But let me tell you, sometimes things can change for the best. Believe me, I talk from my own experience. Do you want proof? Well, here it is: I'm marrying the most wonderful man in the world in a few days. And yes, he is handsome too. But let's not talk about William, now. It would be better if I tell you something about the story you are going to read.
One year ago, I went home. I was desperate, my world had collapsed (or so I thought at the time) and my life seemed ruined. I know I CAN be a little melodramatic sometimes, Will always says that, but that's how I felt at the time. During those months since I met him, until he showed up at my door again, my life was an intense succession of feelings and experiences. Secrets were revealed, truths surfaced, love was found, life changed. Everything is so different now, so much better.
My mother, Amanda Gardiner, has a lot to do with this. She is great. Poor mom, life had been so hard on her. She was an actress a long time ago. They say she was good, but she had to leave the stage to raise me. I can imagine how tough it must have been for her, a single mother with a small daughter, with nothing but a pretty face and nice legs to recommend her. Mom is proud, so she never accepted the help from her family -not that they offered anyway- or anyone else. So, for some time, it was only us. Only 'Uncle' John lent us a hand whenever we needed anything. Then, nearly eight years later, mom met Thomas Bennet and things seemed to change for the best, or so we thought.
Tom wasn't a bad man, but he wasn't exactly a great man either. He was all right, not bad, not great, just … all right. I think he loved my mother -he married her, didn't he?- but he didn't like me. I was after all, someone else's daughter, an illegitimate child, as he used to say. He disliked my 'condition' so much that he even adopted me to change my 'status' in front of the others. In one way, I think that he also resented my mother for her past. So, why did he marry a single mother with an illegitimate child if he couldn't live with that? Ask him, not me. But one thing I must give him credit for: Until he left us, we never missed a meal. He was a 'provider', if you understand what I mean. He gave me his name, he provided us with a decent roof, decent food, TV, microwave and he also gave us Lydia. Lydia is my half sister, but let's forget about her now. After six years of 'stability', my mother found herself on her own again and with two daughters to look after. That wasn't an easy time for us, I grant you, but mom is brave and a hard worker. As always, we survived. Then, again, things changed for the best. I don't know how she obtained the money (well, I do know now, but I'm not going to tell you), but my mother opened a flower shop in Meryton, our hometown in Hertfordshire. We did fine from then on, money didn't exactly overflow, but we did all right. I managed to study for a career and find a decent job.
Basically, that this is all you need to know for now. This might be a long story, so make yourself comfortable and read on.
Elizabeth.
Chapter 1
"Mr. Darcy, good afternoon." The secretary hung up the phone and stood to lead the way to John Lucas' office. "Mr. Lucas is waiting for you, please come in."
Darcy followed the secretary and entered the large office. "Thank you." He said as she closed the door behind him.
"William, come in, sit down." John Lucas waved him to come closer.
"Well?" Darcy raised his eyebrows. "How was the meeting?"
"It couldn't have been any worse." replied Lucas.
"That bad?"
"They said that the only way they will finance the movie is if we change the script to match what they want. And you know what the result would be, don't you?"
"A cheap remake of 'King Solomon's Mines'." Darcy replied in bad humor.
"They want to use their own director, too." Sir John said after a pause.
Darcy made no answer. He had been working on this project with John Lucas for over six months now. They bought the rights of the book, worked hard on the script and now seeing another man directing the film he had dreamt about doing all his life was extremely disappointing. But these were the rules of the movie industry. Big studios decide who, what, when, where, and how films are made. And young directors and independent producers, though owners of the idea, had to bow their heads and do what they were told.
"And what are you going to do?" he finally asked the elder man.
Lucas sat back and remained silent for a while. "Fuck 'em. I will finance it personally."
Darcy's face illuminated. "Do you need any help?"
John Lucas laughed aloud. "Of course I need it! Are you in too?" Darcy extended his hand over the desk and sealed the partnership by shaking Lucas' hand. "Great, we'll co-produce it. You'll have to reduce the expenses and work with a limited crew, but I'm sure you can make it."
"I've worked with limited budgets in the past, so that won't be a problem. I know some very good technicians that aren't expensive and might be available. I also want to shoot most of the movie on location. That will avoid the higher costs of renting a big studio or building a big set. What do you think?"
"All natural settings?"
"Big natural settings." Grinned Darcy. "It'll have everything a good movie needs to be grand: a good script, impressive background, romance, intrigue, adventure ..."
"Sex!" They said in unison and both men laughed.
"No pressure, William, I don't expect an Oscar from this one, but if you won that Golden Globe award with that short documentary film, I expect this movie to be a good one."
"Don't worry," Darcy laughed, "I'll make of 'The Secret of the Mountain' the best film you ever produced."
"So, when are we starting?"
"I must find the appropriate background. I thought of Africa, though So. America would be cheaper."
"Look at these pictures," Lucas gave him an album. "A good friend of mine, Col. Jefferson Foster, owns this property in the Congo. They farm rubber trees, I think, but a big part of the property is a virgin jungle. I've been there some years ago and it's incredible. I think that there are over 5000 acres of jungle. It has mountains, rivers and even a waterfall. And it's free."
"Do you think the government will allow it?" Darcy asked while looking at the pictures. This place was just perfect.
"I'll handle that. And the cast?" Asked Lucas.
"I'll handle that." He grinned.
"What an awful weather!" Amanda Gardiner opened the door of the apartment. Her umbrella was dripping water on the wooden floor so she trotted towards the bathroom and left it open inside the tub all the while complaining about the rain. Amanda always talked to herself when she was excited or angry or just … arriving home, so this wasn't unusual to have her loudly expressing her opinions when there was no one there to listen. She had a mouth, and she knew how to use it.
"Rain, rain, rain. This weather will ruin my business!" She sighed as she removed her raincoat. "Who will buy flowers with this weather? No one! Not a single customer. Oh dear, with all those bills to pay, how am I going to … Lizzy!" Cried Amanda on seeing her daughter sitting on the couch.
"Hi, mom."
"What are you doing home so early?" The room was dark, all the lights were out and Elizabeth was sitting on the darkest end of the couch.
Elizabeth remained silent. Amanda walked towards the round table and turned on the lamp. "Lizzy! What happened to you?" she exclaimed on seeing Elizabeth's cheeks moistened with tears.
"They fired me." Was all that Elizabeth said.
"What? Oh, child; but, what happened? You said you were doing fine, that you liked that job, that they liked you!"
Elizabeth exhaled loudly before speaking. "Do you remember the merger I told you about? About that big company that would become associated with ours and that would bring enormous opportunities to our little marketing company? Well, it wasn't a merger, they bought the company, and do you know what they did?" Amanda shook her head, though she had already imagined what her daughter would tell her. "They sacked us all. They only kept the art department and fired the rest of the staff."
"Oh, darling," Amanda embraced her daughter. Now Elizabeth's tears were running down her face again. "You liked that job so much, I'm so sorry. But please, don't worry, you'll find a new one, and you'll ... you'll find a new one soon."
Between hiccups, Elizabeth replied. "How? It took me 6 months to find that one! It's not so easy, mom, there's a job crisis out there, don't you know that?"
"I know, I know," her mother smoothed her head, "but don't worry, we'll fix it, you'll see. You can help me in the shop in the meantime and ..."
Elizabeth pulled back with a sharp intake of breath and wiped her eyes. "I'll be in my bedroom."
Amanda sighed and sat back on the couch. Why was that whenever she thought that things were progressing for the good they just fell apart? Poor, poor Lizzy. Her daughter was 27 years old and still fighting to find her way in life. What was she going to do now? Lizzy had worked so hard to pay for her studies and to find this job, she couldn't see her so depressed. Then a name came to her mind. No, she shook her head, not him. When was the last time they talked? Seven years ago? No, it must have been 6 years ago. Maybe she could ask him for some help. He had helped her so much in the past and he was the only one that could help them now. Resolutely, she walked to the drawer and looked for her old notebook. His card was still there. A little yellow because of the years, but still there. John Lucas. Sir John Lucas, as she read in that magazine some time ago. Would he be the same John Lucas after his elevation to the knighthood? John would never change, she was sure of that. She stared at the card for a couple of minutes, gathering her courage, and then dialed.
"William, how's everything going?" Asked John Lucas when the other man took the call.
"Do you want the truth?" replied Darcy, trying to secure the receiver with his shoulder while adjusting a pile of photographs with his hands.
"The good part."
"Well, I have Charles ..."
"Charles Bingley accepted the part?" Lucas was astonished. Charles was a popular, quite versatile and expensive actor. His two latest films were big successes and he had the perfect physical type for the character. That was a major asset for the film.
"Yes. And within the budget. He only added a participation in the incomes." Darcy gestured to his secretary to bring him some coffee and sat back in his huge chair in a more relaxed position. "He loved the book, he loved the script, he loves playing the intrepid adventurer, he loves shooting outdoors and he owes me a big one, so basically, I just asked him and he accepted."
"That is the best news you can give me. I talked to Ted Hurst, he is in too." Lucas informed him.
Darcy smiled. If someone could play the old ambitious British archeologist, that person would be Ted Hurst. The problem was that Ted could drink too much sometimes, his hangovers could delay the schedule, and he could have an attitude when he wanted. But Darcy knew that if he was careful enough, he would be able to handle him.
"Excellent. Now, what are we doing with Victoria? That is the main character." Asked Darcy.
"How do you want her?" Lucas inquired.
"Charles is tall enough, so I want her gorgeous and long legged, in an Angelina Jolie sort of way, but sweeter. I want her to look something between sexy and innocent, and preferentially unknown."
"Does she exist?" Laughed Lucas.
"There's this Australian model, Caroline ... Benjamin," Darcy looked for her picture that was lost somewhere over his desk, "she's beautiful, the camera loves her and ..."
"I know who she is, she has the most perfect breasts I've ever seen in my life, and natural too. Now, can she act?"
"She came to England for a catalog and she agreed to do a test tomorrow. She's already acted in a couple of movies, small parts, nothing important, but at least she has acquired some experience. She's not that bad, and I think I can get even more from her. And she just wants to be in a big film. I spoke to her agent and we agreed on a number that accommodates our budget. If the screen test comes out fine, I think she'll be great for the role."
"Will, you really are worth every penny I'm investing in you." Lucas smiled.
"I told you, this will be an incredible movie."
"And the crew?"
"That is coming along fine too. I have Collins for the main camera, Frank is doing the lights, I have to confirm sound, I already have a make up person, costume designer ..." Darcy paused and chuckled, "I'll charge you for all this additional work. You know John, that should be the producer's job." Darcy teased the elder man.
"You are co-producing, and doing just fine." Laughed Lucas. "Did you find your assistant?"
"Not yet," Darcy scratched his head with a pencil, "Mark is busy and he can't do anything else for the next four months."
"I have someone to recommend to you. She's bright, she's efficient, she'll do fine."
Darcy sighed. John was great, he really was, but he had this 'thing' for young women that Darcy absolutely disapproved. Sir John Lucas was famous for always casting young actresses in secondary roles, starlets that would do anything to obtain a part in a movie -and John never passed the opportunity of doing a private test to see how they 'performed'- but an assistant director, that was really a novelty.
"Tell her to call me and make an appointment, I'll see if she works."
"Be nice with her, she's quite special to me."
'Special' in Lucas' vocabulary meant that the girl really 'performed' well. "I will, don't worry."
"William," Lucas' tone turned slightly more convincing, "give her a chance, she won't disappoint you."
It seemed that there was not a choice. "All right." Darcy exhaled.
"Her name is Elizabeth Bennet. She'll call you tomorrow. Bye."
Darcy hung the phone and looked out of the window. Lucas was giving him free rein in this production and had not imposed one single condition where the movie was concerned. He was allowing him every artistic license he wanted to take-within the budget, obviously and hiring an assistant that would have no effect in the final product wasn't that bad. It could alter his rhythm if this girl wasn't as efficient as Lucas said, but he could always sack her and tell John that his 'protegee' didn't work.
"Are you free to hear your messages now?" His secretary sat across from him after planting a huge mug of coffee on his desk.
"Yes." Distracted from his reverie, Darcy took the script that was on the desk and began to read it.
Margaret always marveled at his ability to listen to her while reading. Sometimes she just didn't know how he managed to concentrate his attention on both things at the same time. "Charles's agent called saying he already has his comments on the contract, Charlotte has the sketches you asked for, storyboard will be here by four and Susan needs your comments on section 5 ASAP. And Ann called twice."
"Call her back after the meeting with the team." Said Darcy while writing notes on the page he was reading.
The loyal secretary raised an eyebrow. "Are you two back together again?" She wrinkled her nose. Darcy had dated Ann de Bourgh in the past, and though they looked great together -only because they were both tall and elegant- it was the most loveless relationship she had ever seen. They stopped seeing each other some time ago though the relationship wasn't completely over.
Darcy glanced quickly at her and returned to the script. "That's none of your business."
"I need to know that kind of information," said the secretary in a slightly offended tone, "to know if I should pass along her calls or not."
"Pass them. And no, we are not back together, if that's troubling you." His tone was something between teasing and admonishing. "She'll do the public relations and the press release in this production. Is that OK with you?"
She raised her chin. "You are leaving for Africa on Monday, I scheduled your return on Thursday, but you can change it with a 24 hour notice."
"You already told me that, Meg." Darcy sipped his coffee while reading the script.
Margaret Reynolds was the perfect secretary. She was efficient, mature, neat, and she knew absolutely everything concerning her boss but most of all, she cared for him. She was there to look after every aspect of his life so he could dedicate himself completely to his work; and she considered that knowing about his love life was not beyond her secretarial work. For her, this knowledge was needed to organize him and she really became angry when he questioned her for trying to do her job even better. Anyway, she didn't approve of his relationship with Ann and she liked to let him know her opinions on the subject.
"Fine." She rose, offended that her point wasn't 'understood'. "Your meeting is in ten minutes, I'll tell you when everyone is here."
Darcy glanced at her retreating back and smiled. Margaret was very efficient, but what a temper she had. She was reaching the door when he spoke. "Meg, someone named Elizabeth Bennet, or something like that, will call you. Make an appointment with her as soon as possible."
"Subject?" Margaret asked curtly, he was not 'forgiven' yet.
"My assistant on location. John Lucas is sending her over."
"Oh, come on!" Margaret rolled her eyes. "One of his nieces?" Her tone was very suggestive. "That man has no shame."
Darcy preferred not to answer that.
Chapter 2
"Hi, hello, I'm Elizabeth Bennet." Elizabeth said a little out of breath. "I have an appointment with Mr. Darcy. Please forgive my delay, I came by train from Hertfordshire and there was a delay because of an accident and I ..."
Margaret eyed the young woman from head to toe. A civilian, was her first thought. This girl has never worked in this business. "No problem, Elizabeth. Sit down, William will see you in a moment. He must leave in ten minutes, but he'll see you before he goes."
As Elizabeth sat on one of the chairs, she became even more nervous about this meeting. Arriving to an interview with a 30-minute delay wasn't exactly a good recommendation for anyone that was applying for a job they knew nothing about, and the way the secretary had looked at her only increased her level of anxiety. Didn't she look OK? After checking that no one was watching her, she looked down at her clothes. Her neat outfit wasn't a bad choice. Lavender was a nice, lively and 'responsible' color. The skirt wasn't too short, her heels weren't too high so then, what was wrong with her?
So the man she was going to see was a director. More precisely, a movie director that won a Golden Globe for a documentary film he made about Alaska's wildlife. That's what her mother said, and that he was named William Darcy. She didn't have much time to find out more about him on the Internet, but he surely had to be good if he won a Golden Globe. Though that didn't make him famous. She never watched documentary films anyway. All right, she watched the National Geographic Channel every now and then, but she never heard about him. Now, what did she know about making movies? Not much. She studied publicity and worked for some time in a marketing agency, but nothing related with filming. Well, and she had watched 'Behind the scenes' a couple of times on E! though she doubted that she could use that as a reference. She recalled seeing a few movies about making movies but that didn't count either. Okay, Lucas was recommending her, so that could be an advantage. Hell, she was so nervous.
The door opened and a tall man appeared. Very tall. He noticed Elizabeth's presence and walked directly to the secretary to leave a folder on her desk, ignoring her completely. The man could be considered attractive, not exactly handsome, or at least not in a traditional sort of way. The lines on his face were a little severe for her taste, his eyes were too dark and his expression too serious. And, boy, he totally radiated masculinity. He was dressed casually, his body seemed fit and his shoulders were broad. His hair was too short for her taste, well maybe not, no, it was fine. His mouth was sexy, strong. He undoubtedly seemed a very strong person. Yes, he was attractive, more than attractive.
He said something to the secretary, asked her to send something to someone named Susan and then Margaret pointed at Elizabeth and reminded him about his meeting. It was then when Elizabeth confirmed that that was the man she had come to see.
Darcy's eyes swept her figure up and down and disappeared inside his office.
"Go!" Margaret whispered a little too loudly and gestured her to follow him. Elizabeth stood quickly and hurried inside the office.
The office was large and not exactly neat. It wasn't untidy, but there were so many things inside that it would be impossible to put any order to it. There were sketches, boards with notes, storyboards, piles of photographs, papers, samples of clothes, the model of a cave set, two computers, a TV, a VCR, lots of videos, a camera, and a few other things that Elizabeth had no idea of what they were. It had large windows and a very nice view of the gardens of this big old house that had been transformed into an office. From the amount of things that she could see inside the office, she could tell that this man had his mind on many, many things.
"Sit down." He said as he sat on his huge leather chair.
"Hi, I'm sorry I arrived la …" Elizabeth showed him her best confident-efficient-repentant smile.
"I must leave in five minutes so I'll only be able to ask you a couple of questions." He interrupted. "What did you study?"
"Publicity. I e-mailed you my resume, I worked for a …"
"Have you ever worked in movies or video making?" He held her stare.
"No, I …."
"Have you ever worked with actors?"
"No."
"Do you know what an assistant director's job is?"
"No." She replied, struggling not to look like a deer caught in the headlights.
"Are you organized?"
"Yes." She smiled. At least this was something that she could answer in the affirmative.
"Do you have any idea of how to follow or control a budget?"
"Well, while working at …."
"William, the car is outside waiting for you," Margaret rushed into the office with a folder in her hand, "here is the information you asked for. Richard and John will meet you there."
Darcy stood and Margaret quickly went for his jacket that was hung from a clothes rack. He turned his back to her and she helped him to put it on.
"I'll be out of town for a few days resolving some matters, but you can start reading the script." Darcy was looking at Elizabeth while he spoke, though she wasn't sure he was talking to her. "Margaret will give it to you. I don't expect you to know it by memory but you need to be well acquainted with it. We're still working on it so there will be some changes, but they won't affect the basic line. You are from Hertfordshire, aren't you?" Elizabeth nodded and Darcy continued. "We are leaving for Africa in three weeks so if you don't have a passport, Meg will get you one. We'll stay there for a month or so, do you have a problem with that?" She shook her head. "Pre-production is almost ready. I won't need you until the shooting begins though it would be better if you attend some of the meetings with the team and get acquainted with the schedule and the people you'll work with. Questions?" Elizabeth was still in a state of mute astonishment and only shook her head. "Then good day to you." He took the folder from Margaret's hand, glanced at his reflection on the window to check if he was OK and walked away.
He was reaching the threshold when Elizabeth asked, "does that mean I have the job?"
Darcy turned around and smiled for the first time. "Yes."
"Mum!" Elizabeth pushed the door wide open and entered her mother's flower shop. "I have the job!"
"Lizzy!" Amanda walked to embrace her. "That is such good news! I knew you would get it! Now tell me everything."
Elizabeth leaned on the counter as her mother sat on the stool placed on the other side. "Oh, mum, I thought I wouldn't get it. There was a problem with the train and I arrived 30 minutes late ...."
"Late? What happened?" Amanda would never miss the opportunity to interrupt when someone else was speaking.
"There was a train accident -you won't believe it! Someone chose to commit suicide by jumping front of my train and ..."
"Really?" Gasped Amanda. "Did you see it? Christ Elizabeth!"
"No mum, thank God I was almost on the end of the train. But we were delayed for alm ..."
"Don't tell me you didn't get to your interview on time. But you did explain to this man why you, he ..."
"Mum!" Her daughter stopped her. "Do you want me to tell you what happened or not?"
"Of course, dear, tell me all about it." Amanda smiled apologetically.
"Well, I went to see this Mr. Darcy ..."
"The man John told you to see. How was he?"
"Tall ... not bad looking ... though the man needs to learn how to relax." She took a candy from the little basket her mother always placed next to the cashier. That was a nice detail she always offered her customers, like a sweet farewell, as Amanda always said.
"Why? What happened?"
"I came into his office and he ..."
"Was the office nice? Artists are sometimes so bohemian, though usually directors are more focused into reality, they can ..."
Elizabeth rose and pretended to leave. "If you are not going to listen, I'll go."
"No! No!" Amanda waved her to come back. "Tell me everything about this Mr. Darcy."
Elizabeth's face lit up in enthusiasm and spoke without pausing to breathe, proving that she was her mother's daughter after all. "As I told you, he's tall, but too serious, anyway, I only saw him for a couple of minutes, he asked only a few questions, though he didn't wait for a reply and then he stood and while his secretary helped him into a coat he told me that we were leaving for Africa in three weeks. Can you believe it? I'm going to Africa!"
"Africa?" Amanda frowned. "John never said that you would go to Africa when he told me about this job."
"Who cares if it's in Africa or Antarctica, mother, this is fabulous! I'll work on a movie!"
Suddenly Amanda wasn't sure if she liked it. "I don't know, Lizzy. And what exactly are you going to do with this Mr. Darcy?"
"I'm not sure, but I think I'll be his assistant, or at least that's what he mentioned, if I knew what an assistant director's job was. And he told me to read the script."
Amanda felt a little relief on hearing that this Darcy had not offered her daughter an acting job. Her own experience as an actress had been one of sacrifice and suffering. "Well darling, congratulations. I think that the occasion deserves that we go out for some tea. I'll close the shop earlier, what do you think?"
Elizabeth beamed in happiness. "That's a great idea, mother, let's go to the cafeteria." She stood. "But before we go I'll stop by the library to see if I can find a book named 'The Secret of the Mountain."
"What's that?" Amanda grabbed her purse and readied to leave.
"The movie I'll be working on." She linked her arm with her mother's and they walked out in the street.
With the departure to Africa scheduled in two weeks, everyone at Pemberley Productions was working hard in the pre-production set up. Usually, each department would work separately in their own area, though periodical meetings were organized to acquaint everyone with the progress of the others and fix the problems that happened along the way. The production team was re-establishing the shooting schedule according to the information that Darcy supplied after his trip to Africa and it was decided that scenes would be grouped according to the locations and the actors' agenda instead of following a chronological order. That way, they would not need to move the whole unit through the jungle avoiding additional costs and risks over the equipment.
One of the problems they were facing with the place where they were going to stay was that there was no electricity and the access to fuel for the generators was limited. Also, the conditions of the roads weren't very good, and that would certainly make the heavier equipment more difficult to transport. Instead of using the huge truck they usually used in these cases, they were taking two smaller trucks and two Jeeps to move around. The trailers for the actors and the crew would be replaced by tents. Also, some of the vehicles they needed couldn't be found in the place they were staying, so they were renting a cargo plane to send the trucks and equipment directly from England. They would be shipping the stuff only once, so the list had to be thoroughly revised and every detail noted in order not to forget anything back home.
While Darcy discussed some aspects of the production with part of the crew, the others discussed other details that were of equal importance.
"So, Charlotte," cameraman Bill Collins sat next to Charlotte Long, in charge of wardrobe. "It seems that we'll working quite close to each other, I heard that your tent is next to mine." He waggled is eyebrows suggestively.
Charlotte made a disgusted face. "Does that mean that I'll hear you farting night and day?"
Bill frowned instantly even though Charlotte's remark didn't discourage him. "You didn't complain the other night, you seemed to like it." Charlotte pretended she was going to throw up and Bill changed the subject. "Frank," he addressed the light designer, "who is this assistant director they were talking about? With only three women in the crew I must analyze all the alternatives."
"I don't know her, but she comes from Oakham Films, directly from Lucas' office, so you know what that means."
Bill pouted and sat back.
"What does that mean?" Asked Jane Benedict, make up artist and new to the crew.
"That she already has an owner," replied Jeff, the gaffer, "I bet she went to her knees to obtain this job."
The gesture that Jeff did with his mouth explained to Jane how exactly the new AD obtained her position. Praying was not what he meant.
"Why is it that you men always think that the only way a woman can get a job like that is by sleeping with someone?" Asked Jane, somehow disgusted that her slimy work mates would think that.
"Who said she slept with him? Anyway," said Jeff, "Phil, from Oakham, told me that the old man called Darcy himself and gave him no choice. And it's not the first time Lucas has done something like this, do you remember that blonde actress in 'Mirrors'?"
"The one with huge breasts that played the cashier?" Asked Bill.
"The same one," answered Jeff. "She also gave the old man a big BJ to obtain her part."
"How do you know that?" Jane raised a dubious eyebrow.
"She has a big mouth." Jeff replied with a pervy twinkle in his eyes. They all laughed at the joke.
For the following five minutes, the men continue to fantasize about all the things that the new AD, the blonde in 'Mirrors' and almost every other woman that worked at Oakham might have done to obtain their jobs. They were exaggerating, everyone knew it, and they were all conscious that most of the chat was a product of their own imagination but that didn't stop them. Drooling (and gossiping) is a lot more fun than working.
"Okay, enough of that," said Darcy when he returned to his seat. "If anyone says that again, he's sacked, all right?"
The women sitting at the table were relieved that the topic was over and that they were able to return to the subject that they were interested in -- the shooting schedule of 'The Secret of the Mountain'.
Crucial scenes were discussed, the production team took notes of requirements and the basic schedule was established.
"When are the actors arriving?" Jane inquired.
"On Monday. Caroline Benjamin already sent her make-up requirements and skin care needs. She's not allergic to anything, but she imposed very strict limitations on what she can wear. She's bringing her hairstylist, Luis Urso, who will be doing the other actors too. "
Jane nodded, she knew Urso and he was very good, totally gay, but a good hairstylist. She wondered whether Luis went to his knees to obtain this job too, as she was sure that he would gladly do it.
The production team began to plan the scene that they considered would be the most complicated one of the African section: the arrival of the ship that would bring Professor Theodore Stanford and his beautiful daughter Victoria to the port of Tonango. Here they would meet adventurer Mitch Farrell, their guide who would take them through the thick jungle towards the lost treasure of King Rashad. That was a long and complicated scene with more than thirty extras. They were going to use an old dock on Foster's property that was large enough and didn't need too much adaptation. Their major problem was taking the ship they were going to use to that place. They found one that would be great (an 1912 motor boat that was used to transport wood), but the Eugenia was more than 60 miles up the river and taking it to the location would take three days and the ship would only be available in ten days. It was decided then that the scene would be shot during their third week in Africa.
The other challenging scene was the part where the main characters crossed a small village of pigmies. They would have to build a set for this two day shoot. They were immersed in the planning when the door of the meeting room opened.
"Good afternoon." Elizabeth held her breath on seeing 20 pairs of eyes looking at her.
Darcy turned in his seat to look at her and glanced at his watch, in a clear indication that she was late, again. She may have come directly from Lucas' office, but punctuality was something she would have to learn.
"Everyone, this is Elizabeth, my 1st AD. As you all know, we are rather short on budget and as we're not shooting with a large cast, she'll be also be doing continuity and will help me with the PM. All right?" He turned his back to her and proceeded with the meeting.
Everyone nodded and said 'hi' to Elizabeth. She smiled and stood there, not knowing what to do and most of all, wondering what an AD, continuity and a PM were. Kindly, Jane waved her to come closer and told her to sit next to her.
For the next two hours, Elizabeth was introduced to the amazing world of movie making. Never in her life had she thought that it could be so complicated, that there were so many people involved and that they would need so many things. Everyone had a task and their jobs were so specific and so connected at the same time that a problem with one would invariably alter the work of the other. They would be shooting 9 hours a day, so that meant that to obtain maybe 10 minutes of movie, some of them would be working about 12 hours.
During the coffee break, Elizabeth had the opportunity to really meet her future work mates when Jane introduced her to the 'behind the camera' unit. At the beginning, Elizabeth felt very nervous, she sensed that everyone was observing her, but slowly the ice melted and she began to feel comfortable. This was, after all, her first day in a job she knew very little about. Charlotte joined the party and the girls acquainted Elizabeth with some of the particulars of this business, how dealing with actors was and a few details about The Boss. Words such as severe, despotic, excellent, obsessive, commanding, perfectionist, meticulous, controlling, professional and inexhaustible were only some of the expressions they used to describe him. He was the Director, with capital D, and what the director said became law and that law ruled everyone's lives.
The meeting continued for another hour and then everyone left. Jane and Elizabeth agreed to have drinks together later, after Elizabeth talked to Darcy, or at least after trying to speak to him.
Soon Elizabeth realized that this would not be an easy task. Patiently, she waited until he finished the conversation he was having with the man he was talking to but before she could react and approach him, he left the room.
"Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth followed him down the corridor.
"Yes?" He turned to look at her.
"May I have a word with you?"
"Sure." He eyed her up and down.
Elizabeth realized that he was expecting her to talk right there but she didn't have the intention of discussing the particulars of her new job in the corridor. No matter how grand, despotic, obsessive, commanding, excellent, perfectionist, meticulous, controlling, professional and inexhaustible he was, his attitude was beginning to tire her. If they were going to work together, a little communication would be necessary.
"Mr. Darcy," she spoke in a confident voice, "I think that if we're going to work together, we need to talk."
He paused for a second and raised a cocky eyebrow before replying. "Come to my office."
Darcy walked and she followed. He opened the door for her and she sat on the chair he offered, opposite his, across his huge desk. He rested his elbows on the armrests and joined his fingertips in front of his chin. After a few seconds, Elizabeth realized that she would have to talk because he was not going to do it. She didn't like his attitude at all.
"As I said, we are going to be working together. Since I will be your assistant, I would like to know what is expected from me and what my job will consist of, if you don't mind enlightening me the details."
Darcy observed her silently for a moment and reconsidered the attitude he had adopted since this 'subject' arose. Deep inside, while he had accepted Lucas' suggestion, this idea of an imposed assistant had bothered him from the very beginning. But the subtle sarcasm in this woman's voice and those challenging sparkles coming out from her eyes -beautiful dark eyes, by the way, made him realize that she was not at all wrong in her questioning: He was acting like an idiot. If they were going to work together for the following month, no matter how she obtained this job, he would have to give her a chance.
"Why don't we start with your previous experience?" He offered gently.
Well, at least this was a beginning, thought Elizabeth. Though she would have preferred that this was a conversation instead of a monologue, she proceeded to explain her previous experience, how she could be useful to this project, asked him to tell her about her job and his expectations about her.
As he listened to her, Darcy couldn't help but feel impressed by the woman sitting in front of him. She seemed strong, bright, sure of herself. The kind of person he would hire without a personal recommendation from the producer. She wasn't tall, in fact, she barely reached his shoulder so it was quite amusing for a big guy like him to see this petite brunette politely demanding a job description and asking what his expectations were about his new 1st AD. She spoke with such passion, such courage and excitement about all she wanted to learn and all she could do, that he couldn't help wondering where did all that energy came from. Her face was pretty, her skin was fair and smooth, contrasting with the shiniest black curls he had ever seen. But most of all, he liked her eyes. They were bright, vivacious, intelligent. He was so aware of them that there was nothing else he could look at. Not every woman was able to catch his attention like this. But this Elizabeth Bennet most certainly did. Christ, and she wasn't even his type.
Cool and professional, he told her what her job was, how they would work arm in arm for the following month, how precious time was for them and the huge costs that making movies involved. She would be part of the selected 'behind the camera' unit. She should see that everything was there on time for the shot, that no time was wasted, that the script was followed, mark any alteration in the appearance of the actors so they would look the same in the next shot and maybe bring him coffee after a long day of work.
"It's incredible," Elizabeth smiled brightly. He could be quite nice when he wanted.
"Did you read the script?" He smiled too.
"I did, I liked it very much, though it's slightly different from the book. There are some things missing and some that aren't in the original book." For example, that steamy scene between the main characters.
"You read that too?" He raised his eyebrows. That showed she was interested in the project. A very good sign.
"Yes, I bought it as soon as I got home the other day and read them both."
"We always have to make changes. Words cannot always be transformed into images, you'll see."
"When John called us, I never imagined that I would be doing something like this, or traveling to Africa."
"We're are seeing wardrobe tomorrow." Darcy changed the subject instantly, suddenly disgusted with this reference to her benefactor. "The actors will be here on the following week, we'll do the reading on Tuesday and shoot the museum scene on Thursday and the street scene on Friday. That will give Charlotte only one day to adjust Caroline's costumes. See that everything's ready. You'll be flying down on the following Monday with Sam, the production designer, to assist him during the arrival and transport of the equipment. The rest of us will be there on Wednesday."
The way this man could switch from one mood to another was simply astonishing. "All right."
Darcy smiled briefly. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Elizabeth realized that she had just been dismissed. "OK."
As he observed her walking out of his office, he couldn't help envying another man's luck.