Jane Actually

sky, which made Jane realize how long it had been since she had seen a truly dark night. But the heavens were still illuminated by the aircraft that congregated by the airport, far to the east of the city.
    Of course their early conversation was stilted and involved many of the
pro forma
questions Jane had come to expect:
How are you finding the book tour? Where is the next stop? Have you ever been to an AGM before? What actress do you think should play Charlotte Heywood?
Once the drinks and the appetizers arrived, however, the questions were of a higher calibre:
What did you mean when you thought Emma a heroine only you might like? Were you aware Fanny would be thought of as so unlikable? How different is Sanditon from the book you would have written while still alive?
    Jane enjoyed answering these questions, and remarked that she was always happy to critically discuss these matters with fellow Janeites. Her remark prompted the question what did she mean “fellow Janeites,” which allowed Jane to say that she was a member of JASNA, JAS, JASE and JASA. 2
    “I confess I now view my six novels as the work of a different person altogether. I know many novelists late in life look back in wonder and puzzlement at the passions that fuelled their early work and I am no different. I am continually amazed at the insight my fellow Janeites offer into the person I was.”
    “I’m more worried about people … UNINTELLIGIBLE …who try to make you into something you’re … that book …” said a woman who sat at the other end of the table from Jane. The terminal apparently had difficulty recognizing her words, either because she was too far away or speaking too quietly. Jane thought a second to remember the woman’s name before asking, “I’m sorry, Rita, I’m afraid I didn’t hear that.”
    “Oh, I shouldn’t … no … UNINTELLIGIBLE … east forget it,” Rita said, even quieter this time, obviously embarrassed by what she’d said.
    “Do you refer to Mr Blake’s book?” Jane asked, guessing the topic.
    “None of us believe that book, Jane,” one woman said.
    “And none of us think it’s anyone’s business,” said another.
    “What happens in the Regency, stays in the Regency,” Barbara said. Everyone laughed at this last comment, although its significance was lost on Jane. 3 Her confusion didn’t matter; the joke managed to steer the conversation from the topic, for which she was grateful.
    Shortly after this, the food arrived and the conversation took on a personal tone, as each person talked to her neighbour. Jane feared she might be left out of the conversation somewhat, so she did her best to ask questions about the food.
    “Excuse me, Betty, that is elk?” she asked the woman across from her as the waiter set down a plate.
    “Yes … Jane. I’m sorry that you …”
    “Please don’t concern yourself and I am sorry to ask you questions while you’re eating. I don’t believe I ever ate elk when alive.”
    “It’s quite wonderful. I had elk the last time I was here,” another woman said.
    “I don’t think elk is common to the British Isles,” Betty said.
    “Of course it is,” someone else objected. “Didn’t the queen shoot one … I mean not shoot one in that movie?”
    “That was a red deer.”
    Soon the women were producing smartphones and tablets and Googling information about elk—“the American Indian name is wapiti”—and the Queen—“she’s a lovely lady; why would anyone want to get rid of the monarchy”—and visiting the website of the very same restaurant they were sitting in to view the menu they had just ordered from.
    Jane was very amused at the activity caused by her casual remark. She thought of her Darcy and how he would disapprove of the commotion and the inappropriateness of consulting smartphones while engaged in the very serious business of dining.
    Would Darcy be one of those men who checks sports scores at the table?
Jane wondered.
People think I created Darcy with impossibly high standards, but he simply exhibited the correct manners of the day. A modern-day Darcy might very well be tempted to check on his stock portfolio or the results of a test match, or would he prefer football?
    The dinner continued merrily. Jane wondered whether Melody might arrange more intimate gatherings of this sort, rather than the large bookstore signings.
    Finally the meal was finished and their waiters were clearing the table and offering the dessert menu. But Susan