Page 55 of What Happened on Roslyn Street?
I’m already late. There’s no time to process the conversation before I head to my next class.
As I duck inside and take a seat at my desk, my phone buzzes. I intend to ignore it, but when I see the name lighting up the screen, I know that isn’t an option…
Caldwell
There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil—a natural defect, which not even the best education can overcome.
My brows furrow at the text. I wait until I’m seated in the classroom to respond, texting back.
Prideand Prejudice?
I recognize the quote in an instant.
It’s from my favorite book, after all. It’s something I haven’t told Caldwell, even though he asked me about it on our first date.
How does he know?
Yes. I started my annual re-read.
Is that so? You read Pride and Prejudice every year?
I do.
It seems connected to our last conversation about books. Evil. Monsters.
But are all monsters evil? And can only monsters be evil?
That seems to be the question.
The lecture begins, but I’m too wrapped up in texts to register the droning voice of the professor. I can’t trust Caldwell, and I know that, but the topic is one that easily holds my attention.
Pride and Prejudice is my favorite classic.
It’s not dangerous information, but it’s more genuine than anything I’ve told Caldwell so far. Itfeelsdangerous.
Is that so?
You like Darcy, don’t you? You seem like the type.
I glance around the classroom, hoping no one is watching.The text shouldn’t fluster me; it shouldn’t make me feel hot in the face, but it does.
I named my cat after him.
Oh, that’s very sacred.
What is that supposed to mean, anyway?
I seem like the type…?
The type to lust after Darcy.
I’m going to take that as you likening me to Elizabeth Bennett, so I will take it as a compliment.
Do with it what you will.
I look up from my phone, feeling the professor’s gaze on me like a knife.
“Do you have somewhere to be?” he asks sharply.
