A Walk in the Park ~ Section I

By Ivy

Section I, Next Section

Chapter 1

Posted on Wednesday, 15 May 2002

Elizabeth Bennet leisurely walked down the path in the heart of Central Park. It was a clear, brisk, perfect New York day, and Elizabeth's heart soared as the warm breeze rustled her dark ponytail. The beginning of spring allowed her to take her walks more frequently and allowed the comfort of a simple sweatshirt and wind pants, without the risk of freezing. She closed her eyes and deeply inhaled the fumes of her vanilla latte and revealed in the tranquility of the morning.

"I really ought to do this more often," she mused. "In fact I think..."

Her last thought went unfinished as a wall, in an impeccable tailored Armani suit, sent her flying backwards. Her back connected with the ground, knocking the wind out of her and leaving her completely confused and covered in coffee.

"Oh look what you've done!" exclaimed a bitingly agitated voice, as its speaker desperately clutched at papers that had flown from his briefcase.

"Now wait a minute," Liz began as she started to cut through her mental fog and started to realize what had happened. She somewhat painfully pushed herself into a sitting position, but her sentence stopped short as she found herself lost in a pair of intense chocolate eyes.

"I..uh...um..." she began, desperately grasping to be coherent, while he finally broke the eye contact and imposingly got to his feet.

His suit was slightly rumpled and his dark curls were dangling over his forehead. She was almost struck breathless again, as the intensity of his eyes once again captured her attention. She made another attempt to talk, but was cut off by him forcefully waving his hand.

"Thank you Madame, that is quite enough." He retorted and promptly disappeared.

Elizabeth sat in her puddle of coffee while she possessed what had exactly happened. She shakily rose from the ground, and looked down the path where he had quickly disappeared. Her temper rose to new heights and she resisted the urge to stomp her foot like a spoiled child, but her frustration and hurt pride made her want to throw a tantrum right there. Her dark mood continued all the way home to the pleasant apartment she shared with her older sister Jane, and she slammed the door behind her with vehemence.

Their apartment reflected both Jane's simple elegance, but also the modern artsy ness that Lizzy embodied and was perfectly suited to their taste. The sisters were as different as night and day in every aspect. Jane was a tall, leggy, beautiful blond, with an angelic face and an equally angelic disposition. She was fairly shy and had an overly optimistic view of the world and the people in it. At 25, she owned her own little bookstore, and loved every minute of it. Lizzy, on the other hand, was the night to Jane's day. Small and feisty, she had a vibrant, lively constitution that invoked smiles from everyone around her. Her appearance was just as lovely with her dark brown curls and startling green eyes that once fixed on you could render a person speechless. That however was not the only thing that could render others speechless, as she possessed a fiery temper that warned others not to take her small appearance for granted.

Jane walked into the room quickly, but the question on her lips stopped the second she saw her sister's bedraggled appearance.

Elizabeth's usually neat pony- tail was falling out and a huge brown stain covered her front, not to mention a huge scowl was in place of her usually happy expression.

"Oh Lizzy, what happened?" Jane's beautiful, serene, face crumpled in sympathy as her favorite sister stalked through the room peeling off a coffee stained sweatshirt. Finally after a hot shower, a cup of tea, flannel pajamas, and the gentle urgings of her sister, Lizzy was ready to talk.

They walked into the spacious living room and Lizzy snuggled into the white, plushy sofa as Jane took a chair across from her and patiently waited for her to begin. Lizzy took a sip of tea and her eyes swept over the tranquil pale green walls, and finally came to rest on her sister.

"I got into an accident today, in the park, with the most arrogant, rude, uggghhh.... impossible man!! Lizzy began. "I was just walking and he ran into me! I flew backwards and my coffee poured ALL over me, and not only did he not apologize, but he blamed me for it!"

Her voice steadily rose as she continued and her dark eyes flashed dangerously as the events of the morning came rushing back. She related all the details of the accident with such frustration, that Jane rushed to comfort her. Jane, who was familiar with her younger sister's temper, moved onto the sofa and pulled Lizzy into an embrace.

"Oh Lizzy, I'm sorry your morning was ruined. I know how much you wanted a peaceful day." "However," she continued, "I can't imagine someone being that rude and inconsiderate of the feelings of others!"

She absent-mindedly played with a string of honey blond hair as her face betrayed her unpleasant thoughts.

"Oh Jane!" Lizzy exclaimed exasperated. "You have so much faith in people! We just have to accept the fact that he's a horrible self-centered jerk."

Jane gave Lizzy a sympathetic smile.

"Maybe it was an emergency, and we can't fully blame him till we know all the details. Give me leave to pity him, for I'm sure your sharp tongue left him reeling."

Lizzy flushed red and pulled out of the embrace as she focused all her attention on the stitching of a cushion. Jane frowned as she looked at her sister in suspicion.

"Lizzy? You didn't get too out of hand, did you? What did you say??"

Lizzy blushed again as she turned toward her sister in embarrassment.

"I believe the correct term is what I didn't say." Lizzy rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Oh Jane, I got tongue tied...now don't look at me like that, I couldn't help it. I insist on blaming it on being confused and in pain, although it didn't help that he was absolutely gorgeous."

Jane regarded her with amusement as she went on to describe the intensity of his eyes and his general appearance. Jane rose from the sofa and smothered her knee length floral skirt and light pink sweater set.

"I hate to leave you Lizzy, but I have to get to the store. We have a new shipment of books coming in today."

"Jane, one of the perks of owning your own store, is that you don't have to be there everyday. That's what you hire other people for." Lizzy replied dryly.

Jane's bookstore possessed a unique comforting charm, just like its owner. You wouldn't get yelled at for flipping through a book, like some places, in fact, you could sit on the floor and read the whole thing and Jane would probably bring you coffee.

"I know I don't have to go in everyday, but I like to see to things myself," Jane replied good-naturedly. "So I'm afraid your going to have to refrain from talking about the handsome stranger that swept you off your feet, at least till I get home."

Lizzy's jaw dropped open in surprise as Jane shot her an amused look.

"You...you take that back!!" She grabbed a cushion off the couch and chased Jane around the room.

"Surrender!" Lizzy cried as she waved the pillow around threateningly.

"Unfortunately I have to go to work, so I am unable to stare into your deep, soulful, intense eyes!" Jane cried in mock despair as she grabbed her purse.

"That's it!" Lizzy replied as she smacked her sister playfully with the cushion and promptly pushed her out the door. With an arch smile, Lizzy exclaimed as haughtily as possible,

"Thank you Madame, that is quite enough!"

And with a wink she shut the door behind her. She could still hear Jane's laughter as she walked toward her bedroom.

Chapter 2

Posted on Wednesday, 22 May 2002

William Darcy, CEO and owner of Darcom, a multi-million dollar Internet company, also with executive interests in publishing houses, transportation, and too many companies to name, sat alone in the boardroom and mentally went over the issues and concerns of the previous meeting. The dark elegance of the room's immense mahogany table and dark cherry walls gave him a feeling of pride as he thought of the things he'd accomplished over the past few years. His eyes swept across his coffee-splattered notes and he slightly winced as his thoughts turned to the events of the morning. He recalled the collision and felt a pang of regret at his behavior and not helping the coffee splattered girl up. He angrily shook these thoughts away,

"She saw I was in a hurry, why didn't she move out of the way?" he thought. "I had an important meeting to get to and she was a jogger, common sense will tell you who had the right of way! I shouldn't have gone to the Park anyway...."

He went over these thoughts in his mind as he began shoving papers into his briefcase, but he took it back as soon as the words were out of his mouth. He knew exactly why he was there this morning...

.........Gina......

Will sighed deeply and sunk back into his chair. He raked his hand through his hair as his thoughts turned to his sweet, shy, younger sister. The past year had been trying for all of them, but it looked like things were finally looking up. After the "incident" he was afraid that Gina would give up her passion for photography and turn into a recluse. However, his fragile baby sister blew him away with her apparent resilience. He smiled when he remembered her happiness that morning. Her porcelain face was flushed with excitement and her bright blue eyes were brimming with happiness, how anyone could consciously hurt her was beyond him. It was her first photo shoot in over a year and he completely lost track of time as he basked in the glow of her happiness, and he almost forgot about his meeting.

No, he didn't regret going to the Park this morning. He would have gone all the way to Antarctica and watched her take pictures of the Eskimos if he had to. He squirmed in his chair as his mind once again flickered back to his mad dash out of the Park once he realized the time. He blushed as he thought of the look on the girl's face once he hit her...and those eyes....

"Oh who cares what some little nobody thinks!" he angrily muttered to himself.

"Well why do you keep thinking about her then?" a tiny voice asked.

He squashed that thought and swiftly left the room.

Lizzy, not of a disposition to remain grumpy, gradually began to regain her good mood. Casually dressed in red flannel pants and a fluffy sweatshirt, she curled up on the couch with a book and her second cup of tea. After a while she began squirming with agitated restlessness, and picked up the phone and started dialing.

"Hello, thank you for calling The Magic Carpet bookstore, this is Jane speaking, how may I help you?"

In a deep voice Lizzy replied, "Yes, Miss Bennet, this is the NYPD and we are following up a complaint of sibling abuse, in which you brutally harassed your dear, sweet sister Elizabeth Bennet this morning..."

"Of course sir," Jane replied gravely, "You see, my sister has these horrible temper tantrums where she pouts like a child and only a healthy does of reality will cure her of being irrational, sulky, selfish..."

"Alright! Alright!" Lizzy cut in. "We get the picture here! Geez!"

Jane laughed. "I'm only joking darling. No one could accuse you of being anything other than charming!"

"You're a sweetheart Jane. Anyway, I'm calling because I'm feeling restless so I think I might head over to work. I think I can put this energy to good work and maybe sort through all the papers that have hidden my desk."

"Lizzy? Work on a Saturday? Be still my heart!!" Jane playfully mocked.

"Seriously Jane, if you don't curb this sudden burst of liveliness, someone is going to get hurt!"

Jane laughed. "I blame it on all the caffeine I've had today. But I am glad you're out doing something productive, it'll take your mind off stuff."

"Oh Jane..that's old news; I'm perfectly fine now. I'll be home for dinner. Love you."

"Love you too, and I'll see you later."

Elizabeth pulled on some comfortable jeans and a plain black long-sleeved shirt, and quickly pulled her hair into a ponytail.

"I'll be darned if they're getting pantyhose on a Saturday." She muttered as she grabbed her coat and portfolio and left the house.

Elizabeth, at 25, was a young but brilliant editor at the prestigious fashion magazine "Devastate." She was fresh out of college with a degree and more than enough ideas to go around, and the company happily took her on board. The longer she was with the company, the more responsibility they were dying to give her. She overlooked photo layouts, supervised photo shoots, conducted interviews, supplied ideas for up-coming magazine themes, consoled models and unhappy celebrities, even dabbled in writing. She had a hand in everything and people knew that coming to her would get things done. She had a take-charge attitude about her that people refused to contradict. Above all, she loved her job. She could never be able to stand an environment she didn't love and respect and that didn't value her as well.

She paid the taxi driver and stepped out in front of the immense glass building. She could barely see the top of it as she stared up at the sky. She closed her eyes for a moment as she breathed deeply as a light breeze ruffled her hair.

"Maybe it'll be a good day after all...."

The distinguished Doorman opened the gleaming door for her and his generally stiff visage broke out in a smile as the pretty girl winked at him and sailed on by. She glanced over the frighteningly sophisticated marble lobby that was adorned with glitzy artwork and even glitzier people. She confidently sailed past them all in her jeans and ponytail and didn't break her stride till she reached her office on the 14th floor.

She paused outside the door long enough to quickly receive her messages and a steaming vanilla latte from her priceless assistant and then headed for her office to get to work.

She closed the door behind her with a sigh and gratefully eyed her haven. She stepped further into the cheery room and dropped her stuff on the sofa. The sofa was a mixture of bright red upholstery and metal, being not only comfortable but also a work of art. The rest of the room was similarly decorated with explosive hues of yellow, red, and gold. The walls were a bright sunny yellow that brought endless amounts of light into the room, and were covered in numerous paintings and posters in shiny guilt gold-colored frames. A dark wood antique table was placed against the wall on the far side of the room, and was home to her sleek, black cappuccino machine and a vase full of yellow and red daisies. A large rug in the shape of a golden sun covered the dark mahogany wood floor.

Elizabeth walked around her matching mahogany desk and blissfully sunk into her chair as she booted up her computer. She gave a contented sigh as she sipped her second vanilla latte of the morning and happily dove into her work.

About three and a half papers into the stack that littered her desk, the door swung open and a stunning woman entered the room with a flourish. Her tall willowy frame entered the room, and everything from her startling red hair to her fashionable business suit demanded your attention. Her lovely face immediately put her opponents at ease, but one look at her dark blue eyes betrayed that she would easily rip you to shreds. Valerie Lucas, editor-in-chief of Devastate magazine, eyed her favorite employee with delight as she recognized a distraction to the normal monotony of Saturday mornings.

"You always have to make an entrance don't you?" Elizabeth asked dryly without even glancing up from her computer.

"Of course darling, there isn't any other way." Her cultured British voice replied and she placed herself on the sofa. "And when are you going to re-do your color scheme of this office? I feel like I'm burning in hell."

"Of courses not darling, the devil wouldn't have you." Elizabeth said glancing up to give her friend a cheeky grin before going back to work.

They were incredibly different but still enjoyed and preferred each other's company over any other person in the building. Their easy-going and generally argumentative relationship kept excitement in the day and each other on their toes. Val enjoyed Elizabeth's impertinent remarks and the fact she didn't suck up. Elizabeth enjoyed Val's sarcastic humor and view of the world.

Valerie laughed in spite of herself. "He probably wouldn't. So are you going to tell me what you are doing here on the weekend and dressed so..athletically?"

Elizabeth looked up and smiled. "Athletically?? That's awfully polite criticism coming from you. What's the matter? Losing your touch? Getting soft in your old age?" Lizzy leaned back in anticipation for the outburst that would certainly come from the age crack.

Valerie just gave her a look. "Spill it Bennet...something's bothering you. I know you well enough to know when you're losing yourself in your work."

Lizzy sighed. "Is coming in on a weekend such a crime for me?? I just had a lot of energy it was a weird and irritating morning."

She proceeded to explain all the events of the morning, with a calmer countenance then before, as Val listened sympathetically.

"Well....he sounds awfully yummy." She replied when Elizabeth was done. "Especially if he was able to shut you up."

"Very funny. But I'm just going to stop think about it cause it's a waste of my time. I mean, what are the chances I'll ever see him again anyway."

Chapter 3

Posted on Thursday, 6 June 2002

"Come on, Darce! You looking at this from completely the wrong way...it's only a party. What's the worst that could happen??" exclaimed an exuberantly cheerful voice.

Darcy turned to his best friend since college and gave him a look that plainly said, "not going to happen."

Charles Bingley's happy face wilted and even the stoniest of hearts could not take the sad puppy dog look for long. He had such an innocent appearance, from his golden blond curls to his baby blue eyes. He never the less would not take no for an answer and continued to pester William till he caved.

"But it's your birthday!! Birthday parties are tradition and fun..it's a rule!! Plus, Caroline has already invited all her friends."

"Yeah, just so she could say that she lured me to the surprise party with the prospect of an intimate dinner."

Charles winced. "Yeah, that's why I had to tell you about it, I knew you wouldn't come on your own accord. But it's just one night...come on..." he pleaded.

"Ugh..." Darcy moaned and was obviously starting to crack.

"I'll buy you a cool present....."

That got a laugh out of William and he rolled his eyes in exasperation.

"Fine!" They slowed as they walked up to his building. "But leave me alone now so I can get some stuff done, since I won't be able to do anything tomorrow. I promised Gina that I'd take the day off and now I suppose I have plans for the night as well."

"You certainly do!" Charles replied cheerfully. "I'll see you tomorrow old boy, just come around 8 and look really surprised!" He continued to walk down the street and paused as he heard Darcy call after him.

"It better be a good present!"

Charles laughed and kept walking. "What can I get him?" he mused. "Movies? Nah....alcohol? Nah....not a big drinker...books? Yeah a book. That sounds very Darcy-like." He called his driver and waited till the elegant limo pulled up. Charles wasn't exactly a pauper himself, as he owned Bingley department stores that had locations all over the country. His driver pulled up to the curb and Charles eagerly got inside.

"Afternoon Jeff." He said cheerfully as they commenced driving.

"Afternoon Mr. Charles. Are we heading home?"

Charles thought for a moment. "No, I think I need to do some shopping...do you know of any good bookstores around here?"

His driver paused. "Well there's one coming up on your right."

Charles looked out the window. " The Magic Carpet Bookstore." He read. "Sounds good."

Jane sat in the middle of a group of children, with an excessively drooling child on her lap, and read aloud from The Little Prince, as her captive audience gazed at her in obvious worship. She loved story time and tried to conduct one at least once a week for the neighborhood children to further their interest in reading.

""Yes," I said to the little prince, "whether it's a house or the stars or the desert, what makes them beautiful is invisible!"" Jane read in a sweet voice. She paused to look up at the wide-eyed children staring at her and her gaze traveled upwards to the bookcase across from her and the tall frame leaning against it. As she took in the blond curls, blue eyes and tall frame, her breath caught in her throat and she lost her place. She quickly glanced down at the book fumbling for the passage, but was saved by the appearance of the parents.

"See you next week Jane!" sang the chorus of child-like voices.

She smiled brightly. "Bye you guys! See you next week!"

She attempted to compose herself as the stranger walked towards her.

"He's wrong you know." The tall stranger said.

"Who?" she asked bewildered.

"The little prince. He said that what makes things beautiful was mostly invisible, which I would usually agree too, but I have to say that in times like this, what's beautiful is blatantly obvious." He gave her a charming grin.

"Oh." She felt the floor move, and she blushed scarlet as she tried to think of a response.

He knew he was embarrassing her and that attracted him even more. He held out his hand. "Charles Bingley."

She smiled sweetly. "Jane Bingley. BENNET! I meant Bennet!" She looked so mortified it pained him, and he felt such an urge to comfort her.

"Well there's nothing wrong with the name Bingley, Jane. In fact I think it rather suits you." He smiled warmly.

She cleared her throat. "Was there something that you needed help with Mr. Bingley?"

"Charles."

She blushed faintly. "Charles."

"As a matter of fact, there was. I have this friend who has a birthday coming up and he's a collector of rare books, and this charming little place looks like it has a little bit of everything."

Jane soon loosened up and lost most of her embarrassment as she came into her element and as the conversation became more business-like.

"Actually, I got a new shipment today, and they always send me unusual books because I have a thing for them and I think I have one that might interest your friend...its such a beautiful book...."

Charles just stood there and watched her as she continued talking animatedly, most of her words seemed to fly by him, as he was just blinded by her presence. He snapped out of his trance as he realized she was looking at him expectantly.

"Uhh....sure?" he said hesitantly.

This seemed to satisfy her because she turned and walked behind the counter to bring out a thick, leather bound book. She smiled brightly.

"Isn't it lovely?"

He didn't take his eyes off her for a moment. "Its absolutely beautiful."

She colored and cleared her throat. "Its French poetry, do you know if your friend is into that sort of thing?"

He smiled warmly. "I'm sure it will be fine Jane. I'll take it."

"Are you sure you don't want to look at it? It's a rather expensive book...."

"Nah. It's great."

"Okay." She began ringing it up in the computer. "$325.73 please."

"Here you go." He smoothly pulled a card out and handed it to her without batting an eye.

She rung in his purchase and put the book into a bag. "Is there anything else I can get you today?"

"Forget being sophisticated." he thought. "A number, address, store hours, anything!"

"The store hours are posted on the door, but you have to realize the danger of me giving strangers personal information in a city like this...." She said reluctantly.

"I understand...listen, there's a deli right next door, its public and nicely lit...would you object to taking your lunch break there tomorrow?"

She smiled hesitantly. "I believe that would be all right. I shall meet you there at 1:00."

"Absolutely not! I am a gentleman, and I shall escort you next door myself!" he said in mock horror.

She laughed happily. "Alright. It's a date then."

"Until tomorrow milady." He gave her a courtly bow and tried to suppress his desire to do cartwheels as he left the store. He stepped into his car and leaned back against the seat in pure bliss. Jane...what an angel....his thoughts were interrupted by his driver's voice.

"So Mr. Charles, did you find what you were looking for?"

"I sure did.." said Charles quietly, as he leaned back and watched the New York sights fly by. "I sure did."

Chapter 4

Posted on Tuesday, 11 June 2002

Elizabeth kicked open the door and staggered under the weight of her many bags of food.

"Jane! I went grocery shopping!! Heeeellllpp!" she yelled while trying to regain her balance.

Jane sailed into the room and gave Liz a serene smile.

"Oh, hello Lizzy. How was work today?"

"Jane!!!"

"Oh right! Sorry!" She rushed to help Lizzy with the bags.

Lizzy sat down on the floor amidst a pile of packages and gave Jane an appraising stare.

"Jane? Are you feeling okay? You seem a little, I don't know...absent-minded."

"What? Oh no, I'm perfectly fine!" She smiled happily and began unpacking food.

"Did something interesting come in today?"

Jane's head shot up and she looked at Lizzy sharply. "What!??"

"You know...with the new shipment..." Lizzy arched an eyebrow is suspicion.

Jane looked startled and after a moment burst out laughing. She walked over to Lizzy and sat down next to her on the floor.

"Oh I'm sorry...it's just that...it was a very interesting day....I...I think I met someone."

"Oh Jane, you meet guys on subways, in doctor's offices, at movies, restaurants..."

"Honestly Lizzy, I think your exaggerating...."

"department stores, jury duty, coffee shops..."

"Lizzy!!" She pushed her over and sat on her until she agreed to be quiet.

"Are you finished yet?"

"Okay! Mercy! I'm sorry!" Lizzy yelled laughingly. She shoved Jane off her. "Let's here about your Mystery Guy."

Jane blushed and proceeded to tell Lizzy all about Charles. After a good ten minutes of explaining the shade of his eyes, Lizzy had to cut in.

"Okay darling, let's hear something else about him...like what did you say to him?" She shot Jane an amused look.

Jane colored. "Oh well...he was very sweet and charming." She told her all about the conversation they shared, dwelling especially on her humiliation with the name slip-up.

"Oh Jane!! I feel so bad for you, but I have to say he responded very well!" Lizzy said, desperately trying to hold back laughter. It lasted about 5 seconds.

"Yes, I can see how much it upsets you!" Jane said dryly, swatting her laughing sister.

"I'm sorry I'm sorry...well it seems like we both had interesting guy experiences today, at least you got something out of yours." She smiled cheekily.

"Yes! I know!! Oh Lizzy I can't wait till tomorrow!" Jane exclaimed.

"I'm so happy for you Jane, it's been a while since you last dated, and his interest in you speaks a whole lot in his favor." She pulled her sister into a hug and after a moment she pulled back and gave Jane a very serious look. "But there is one thing you haven't told me." Then doing a remarkably close impersonation of Mrs. Bennet she asked, "what about his income??"

Jane doubled over in laughter. "Lizzy your horrible!!"

Lizzy smiled. "I know, but I'm still right...."

Jane looked at her sister and smiled in acknowledgement.

"I know but still....anyways, I don't think he is that bad off...he paid for a $325 dollar book without even flinching."

Lizzy pulled her sister into another hug. "I don't care if he has millions, as long as he treats my big sister right then he's a good guy in my opinion."

Jane smiled and was already lost in visions of what the next day would bring.

Charles sailed into his lofty apartment as if he were in a dream. He was lost in a fuzzy haze, where the only thing he could think of clearly was Jane Bennet. He kicked off his shoes and threw his package on the crisp white sofa. The whole room was done in a stark contrast of blacks and whites, very modern and obviously professional decorated. Charles shared it with his sister Caroline and it consisted of two separate wings that Charles and Caroline considered their own space, and entailed a bedroom, bathroom, sitting room, and office. The apartment then branched off into the common rooms, which the siblings shared, and consisted of: a living room, formal dining room, a kitchen, assembly room, a guest room, and garden terrace. Overall a lovely and spacious apartment, and was much suited to the Bingleys who were accustomed to living in style.

"Will you kindly get your mess off the furniture." Barked a cultured and annoyed voice.

Charles decided not to acknowledge her and preferred to stay in his dream. He walked right past his sister Caroline and into the kitchen. She followed him continuously talking, as she disliked being ignored.

Caroline Bingley was a tall, slender, proud woman who worked as a model and who insisted on having her way in everything. In all honesty she was a very attractive woman with striking features and an ideal body type, but it was her personality that repulsed so many. She believed herself to be of a superior class than everyone, save a select few, and her immense love of herself was projected through the many sculptures and paintings in her likeness that littered the apartment.

She perched on the arm of a chair wearing a tight fitting orange number that resembled a bad spaghetti stain against the white upholstery.

"So Charles," she began, "what has you looking so bright eyed and bushy tailed?"

"I met a beautiful angel at a bookstore today. Caroline...she is like a dream."

"A bookstore? Oh she's an intellectual...how interesting." Her bored tone displayed her obvious dislike.

"She works there, Caroline, I met her when I was out shopping for Darcy's birthday present."

"A shop girl? You have got to be kidding. You were actually considering a simple, minimum wage clerk?" She shrugged nonchalantly. "Well you'll know better next time. Anyways, are you trying to tell me that you bought dear William a book? How mundane....at least he will receive a lovely present from me. I got him diamond cufflinks." She said smugly.

Charles discreetly rolled his eyes as he rifled through the fridge in search of a snack. "A book is fine Caroline, Will actually likes books." He grabbed a sandwich and closed the fridge behind him, and then while looking straight at Caroline he said, "And by the way, Jane is not a simple clerk...she is an enchanting woman who I plan on seeing tomorrow."

He left her sputtering in the kitchen as he walked into his separate wing and closed the door behind him.

Lizzy was hovering over the teapot in anticipation as she awaited her first cup of the day. She was definitely not a morning person and the first early hours of the morning found her crabby and ill humored. She was dressed for work today, and looked especially smart in her tailored, dark gray, suit. She added a deep red, silk shirt and topped off the outfit with red, leather pumps. She look sophisticated and bitingly professional, but her soft dark curls framing her face gave off an easy sweetness and her friendly expression kept her from looking completely unapproachable.

The teapot whistled and she grinned in delight and quickly poured herself a cup. She closed her eyes and inhaled the sweet scent of peppermint tea.

"This makes the wait worthwhile...."

She almost spilled the cup on herself as a huge bang could be heard from Jane's room. She set the cup down and practically ran down the hall to investigate.

"Jane!! Jane are you all right?!"

"Fine Lizzy!! I'm fine!! Don't worry!"

Lizzy opened the door to reveal a usually impeccable room littered with piles and piles of clothes. Her eyes focus on an embarrassed looking Jane sitting in the middle of the floor sorting though skirts.

She arched an eyebrow and waited patiently for an explanation.

"Well....you see...I have that date with Charles and unfortunately I just realized I have absolutely no clothes."

"If that was the case darling, your room wouldn't look like a national disaster area."

"Lizzy! Help!!" Jane cried pitifully.

"Okay, okay..."

She expertly examined the piles and deftly pulled out a trim, little white dress, with three-quarter length sleeves and a square neck and then proceeded to pull from the closet white high-heeled sandals.

"Its fun, sweet, doesn't look like your dressing up for him, but on the other hand still looks like you want to look nice. It is perfect for the weather and most importantly looks amazing on you."

She gave her sister a wink and walked back to the kitchen and her tea.

Lizzy could hear a muffled "Thank you" from Jane as she processed how easily her clothes problem had been solved.

Lizzy sat a while and finished her tea and leisurely flipped through a book, as she was about to leave for work, Jane came into the room dressed and ready. She looked radiant but Lizzy could tell how nervous she was.

"It'll be fine sweetie!" she said reassuringly. "You'll talk, he'll compliment you and make stupid jokes, and you'll laugh and pretend he's funny, then he'll ask you out again and you'll do it all over."

Jane smiled weakly. "I know I know...."

"What's the worst that could happen? Don't worry....and if he tries anything, just throw your drink at him and slip out the door in the confusion."

This had the desired effect and Jane laughed and relaxed a bit.

Lizzy walked over and hugged her sister tightly. "I got to jet or I'll be late, call me a tell me how it goes. Love ya." She walked out the door and crossed her fingers for her sister's benefit.

Chapter 5

Posted on Sunday, 16 June 2002

Jane nervously smoothed her dress and glanced at the clock. Five till one...five minutes....

Her employees glanced at her suspiciously, as she seemed uncharacteristically jumpy this morning, and as she informed them of her extended lunch break, their suspicions were confirmed. They smiled at each other in conspiracy as they watched their beloved boss prep herself for her date.

Three minutes......

"What are you so jumpy for!"? Jane silently berated herself. "Its not like it's your first date!" She forced herself to study her paperwork, to at least keep up the appearance of productiveness.

One minute....

"Oh will he just get here!!" She thought angrily. "I'm never going to get anything done with this waiting." She glanced at her watch and silently counted down the time.

"Three, two, one..."

The bells on the door jingled as an attractive blond man in a suit stepped in.

"Punctuality....I love that...." She thought as she smiled brightly in greeting.

"Miss Bennet you look absolutely stunning. Are you ready for lunch?"

She smiled shyly. "Yes, just let me grab my things."

He grinned goofily as she disappeared. "I feel like I'm on one of those roller coasters and my stomach is up in my throat and my skin is the only thing keeping me together." He thought.

She reappeared with her purse and he led the way out of the shop. They walked companionably next door to the little deli and walk inside.

"Have you ever been here before?" Jane asked turning to look at him.

"Nope! You're going to have to tell me what's good." He said looking around. "But I have to admit, it has great atmosphere."

The deli was on the smallish side but had royal blue walls and bright paintings from local artists covering the walls. Classical music filled the air and they were led to a small, round, glass table.

"Your server will be right with you." The hostess told them.

Charles pulled her chair out and walked around to his seat.

"So Jane, tell me about yourself." He smiled charmingly.

"Well what do you want to know exactly?" she asked.

"Ummm....tell me about your family."

She relaxed. "Well my father is professor of English literature and my mother is a homemaker. I have one sister a couple years younger. She's like my best friend and we share an apartment in the city. She's an editor at that magazine "Devastate," and you already know where I work."

"Sales clerk" whispered in his mind and he angrily pushed that thought and Caroline out of his head.

"What about your family?"

So much for that. "Well I have one sister, Caroline, we also share an apartment in the city but I don't believe we have the same relationship you and your sister have. Actually I believe she's done some work on your sister's magazine...she's a model you see. Anyways, she's the only family I have left...my mother died when Caroline was born, and my dad died five years ago and I inherited the business."

"Oh I'm so sorry!" Jane said sympathetically.

"It's alright." He said warmly. They looked at each for a couple of moments until Jane broke the contact and cleared her throat.

"So..uh...what business did you say you were in?"

"Well my family owns Bingley department stores."

"Excuse me?" Jane asked trying to clear her thoughts.

"Well it's these department stores, actually there's one over in...."

"Yes I know what it is, I just wasn't sure I heard correctly..."

He shrugged. "Anyways, what's good here?"

They continued their small talk while they ate, discussing everything from books to music to favorite New York places, all the while enjoying each other's company.

"Jane. Can I please, please, please see you tonight?? I'm throwing a party at my apartment tonight to celebrate a friend's birthday, the same one who I bought that book for, will you please come?"

She looked startled. "Oh I couldn't! I wouldn't dream of imposing on a personal friend's celebration."

He smiled at her consideration. "Oh don't worry.... there will be tons of people there...I doubt he even knows them all....I would really like your company." He gave her an endearing smile.

She flushed. "Well...I suppose it might be alright...if I can bring my sister too, that would make me more comfortable....having someone there who I know."

He grinned. "Of course."

She glanced at her watch. "Oh! We've been here three hours! They're going to kill me!"

He looked worried. "I hope I didn't get you in trouble with your boss."

"Oh no, that's not a problem." She said getting the waitress's attention.

"Are you sure? I could always talk to them for you..."

She looked at him funny. "Oh I suppose I didn't tell you...I am the boss. I own the Magic Carpet."

He smiled at her and his respect for her rose to new heights. "Take that Caroline," he thought and his worries of his sister's treatment of her diminished. He paid the bill and after giving her his address and the proper information he walked her over to her store.

"It was a pleasure Jane. I'll count the minutes till you arrive tonight." He took her hand and slowly pressed a kiss on it. "Till tonight." He smiled and walked away.

Jane leaned against the door of the Magic Carpet trying to regulate her breathing. "He is way too good at that" she thought and stepped inside.

Lizzy stepped off the elevator onto the floor her office was located on, and good-naturedly trudged down the hallway. She stepped into the reception room outside of her office and her valuable but high-strung personal assistant ran towards her.

"Good Morning Miss Bennet! I trust you slept well! Well, lets see....today you have a meeting with Amanda Sawyer, you know that model who was upset with the pictures from March's issue, at 9:30, and at 11:00 you have to over-see that photo shoot for the June theme with Miss Lucas, and then there's the business luncheon..."

Lizzy rolled her eyes and started to drown out her assistant Maria's panicky voice, it looked like it was going to be a busy day. By the time she got to her office door, she had her whole day mapped out and was not looking forward to any of it.

"Thank you Maria, I trust you'll let me know when my 9:30's here?"

"Of course Miss Bennet!"

"Thank you."

With that said, she turned and walked into her office. She threw her stuff on the sofa and glanced at her watch. 8:15. She had some time to kill so she sat down at her desk and began rifling through papers and prepping herself for the up-coming meetings. After 45 minutes or so, she heard Maria's high-pitched voice seemingly more agitated than usual and it got closer and closer until the door swung open and:

"Dear God...."

"I tried to stop him Miss Bennet!!" Maria's voice cried out from behind the hulking, greasy mass that filled the doorway.

Bill Collins.....

"I'm sure you did Maria...Mr. Collins, what you failed to comprehend from my assistant was that I have an incredibly full schedule today and simply no time to spare." Lizzy rose as this was said and crossed the room in the hopes of shutting the door on him. He squeezed his nasty bulk into the room and oozed his way around her.

"Why I'm sure you could spare some time for a fellow editor."

Bill Collins was the scum of the department and how on earth he got a position as an editor...well nobody knows. Probably from excessive flattery and probable bribery. Either way he was under-qualified, irritating, and just plain gross. With his greasy hair that stuck to his head and also gave him a severe acne problem, and his irregular body shape, not too mention the harassing but brown-nosing personality he embodied...well lets just say that Lizzy would run but couldn't stand the thought of him alone in her office.

"Actually, I can't. Sorry Bill." She held the door open hoping he'd take the hint. No such luck.

"There has to be a minute or two, we need to spend some quality time together"

Lizzy turned her back on him and turned toward Maria who was still hovering apologetically in the doorway. She silently mouthed "Call me on my phone." And turned back to Bill.

"Well maybe I have some time to spare...." The phone rang. "Oh excuse me."

She walked to her desk and picked up the phone.

"Elizabeth Bennet......Oh hi Miss Lucas...why as a matter of fact he is right here! Oh really?? Wow!! That's amazing! Of course I'll send him right up!"

All the while she was talking, Bill was fidgeting, waiting for her to finish. She finally hung up the phone and looked at him gravely.

"Mr. Collins.... that was Valerie Lucas, the editor-in-chief, she wants you in her office right away, she has something very important that only YOU, Bill Collins, can help her with. Good Luck."

He practically ran out of her office and she fought the urge to scrub everything he touched. She especially looked forward to talking to Val later and finding out how long it took her to get him out of her office.

9:30 came and went taking along with it the disgruntled, but continuously used, model that felt her pictures weren't very flattering in a previous issue. After extensive cajoling and promises of future business, the girl left and Lizzy collapsed.

"I'm not looking forward to the rest of this day!!" she moaned.

"Oh poor you! Like you had to spend 30 minutes trying to make a stubborn rodent leave your office, who was certain he could do something for you!" said a highly annoyed voice.

Lizzy turned and saw Val standing in the doorway. She laughed and flashed her friend a mischievous grin.

"Better you than I."

Val smiled exasperatingly. "You jerk. If it wasn't my favorite day of the year then you'd pay for that."

"Your favorite day?"

"Are you that lost? We are planning for the June theme darling." She gave her a knowing smile and Lizzy's face lit up with understanding.

"When!!!??" she asked excitedly.

"Now!! It's 11:00! Let's go before we miss the photo shoot!"

Like two giggling schoolgirls they raced down the hall and took the elevator to the 22nd floor. The walked down a large hallway, which ended with an immense set of double doors.

"Who?" Lizzy asked excitedly.

"Not a very well known figure. It's not a movie star this year, but a business man." She paused before the doors and announced ceremoniously "I give you Devastate's Sexiest Man of the Year!!!" She swung open the doors and Lizzy looked past all the equipment and backdrops and techies and locked eyes with a tall, dark, and handsome man wearing a scowl and surrounded by make-up artists and cameras. Her eyes widened in shock and before Val could step inside she slammed the door closed again.

"I can't go in there!" she yelled.

"Why on earth not?" Val questioned.

"It's him!!!!! She hissed.

"Who?"

"The coffee guy!!"

Val laughed out loud. "Then we are definitely going." She opened the door and pushed Lizzy through it.

Chapter 6

Posted on Friday, 28 June 2002

Lizzy squared her shoulders and prepared herself for the confrontation, as she was propelled into the room. The room was a vast space specifically reserved for these kinds of shoots. There were backdrops and tons of lights, as well as camera equipment and enough people to keep it all going. She skirted the room and watched him while he was fussed over by make-up artists, photographers, and a tall, attractive blond. He turned and looked at her and smiled, she in turn quickly averted her eyes.

Val walked over to her. "We have to go introduce ourselves and get this show on the road. Come on darling, it'll be fun. And you be nice, it's his birthday after all..." She gave Lizzy a playful wink and sauntered over towards him.

A mischievous smile played over Lizzy's lips, as she resigned herself to her fate. She swept passed the refreshment table and grabbed a coffee before heading over to him.

William had been watching the scene unfolding before him with great curiosity. He had seen the beautiful woman with the dark curls take one look at him and bolt. He took in her elegant clothes and beautiful figure and smiled smugly as he figured that she thought he was attractive. He certainly found her attractive and was pleased to see her enter the room again.

"What was that about?!" a high-pitched voice broke through his thoughts as Caroline demanded his attention.

He sighed. "I'm not sure. I wish these editors or whoever would hurry up, I'd like to get out of here."

"Of course you would darling." She began barking orders at everyone near her in an attempt to hurry along the process.

Will rolled his eyes and was glad to be rid of her over-bearing company. He turned back to his mystery girl and found her looking at him again. He gave her a friendly smile and noticed her break her gaze.

Yeah....she likes me...

He saw her walking over with a tall, elegant woman and was pleased with the opportunity to introduce himself. However, all the while there was something niggling at the back of his mind....some sort of familiarity...

"Coffee?" asked the beautiful woman with a sarcastic edge to her voice. She handed him the cup and he instinctively took it.

Wait a minute....

He looked slightly puzzled and slowly took in her features. The way-ward curls, the dark eyes, the voice...

Then it hit him....

"You!!" he exclaimed.

"You finally recognized me? Oh well, I suppose I do look different when I'm not sprayed down with coffee."

Val cleared her throat. "Mr. Darcy? I'm Valerie Lucas, we talked on the phone, and this is Elizabeth Bennet, another editor. Sorry to keep you waiting, are you ready to get started?"

She didn't even wait for a reply as she began giving orders to surrounding workers and turned toward Lizzy giving her a warning glare.

Lizzy matched her look, but she had already made her point and didn't feel the need to press the issue.

Meanwhile, William was completely thrown and was assembling some sort of an apology in his jumbled thoughts. That jogger is the beautiful, successful woman in front of him?

"Um.." he cleared his throat. "Ms. Bennet."

She continued to keep her back to him.

He tried a little louder. "Excuse me, Ms. Bennet..."

She rolled her eyes and turned to face him. She arched an eyebrow and looked at him questionably.

"Maybe we got off on the wrong foot...."

She couldn't believe the nerve of this guy. "If your referring to the incident where you knocked me over and then not only didn't apologize but took off running...well I think your right."

He frowned. "I believe it was you who got into my way..."

He was cut off again by the presence of Caroline who was watching their transaction from across the room. She came back to make it clear he was taken. She wrapped an arm possessively around his arm and looked at Lizzy expectantly.

William fought the urge to shake her off. "Caroline Bingley, this is Elizabeth Bennet. Ms. Bennet is an editor for the magazine."

"How do you do." Caroline replied coldly. "I came to help dearest William with his photo shoot. I am quite knowledgeable about these things, as I am a model."

Lizzy gave her a tight smile. "I'm sure Mr. Darcy will appreciate your expertise." She commented dryly and walked off to where Val was standing.

Will watched her walk off and felt his stomach tightening. He didn't know why he desired her to have a good opinion of him, but he didn't like the thought of her disliking him. His thoughts were once again interrupted as Caroline began speaking.

Lizzy stormed over to Val. "Ugh! I never met such a smug, aggravating...know-it-all!!"

Val turned to Lizzy and gave her an appraising glance. "Know-it-all? Well we'll warn all the other girls on the playground at recess, won't we?"

Lizzy glowered. "Don't you start too!!"

"I just think your getting too worked up about it...after all, what do you care what he thinks??"

Lizzy didn't have a direct comeback so she simply shut up. She stood there fuming while Val finished discussing lighting with some photographers. She finished and turned to Lizzy.

"Come on Pal, now the fun starts!"

Val directed William over to a large, black, backdrop and the photographers started placing him. They had him sling his jacket over his shoulder and smile disarmingly at the camera. He tried to push the unpleasant thoughts out of his head and focus on the task at hand, however embarrassing it was. He could feel her presence pressing on his mind, and his attention kept slipping as he's quickly glance in her direction.

Lizzy noticed many women in the room grow jittery and had to admit that he was very attractive. However, she had not forgiven him for his manners and little tendrils of revenge started playing around in her head. She smiled sweetly as she saw him glance at her, and laughed silently as an idea came to mind. She walked over towards the photo shoot director and flashed him a smile.

He sat up straighter. "Ms. Bennet! It's been some time since I last saw you, you look absolutely lovely today."

She laughed. "And you're charming as ever, Pete. However, as I was watching the shoot I realized that it was lacking in something..."

He looked alarmed. "Lacking?? In what!?"

She gave him a look reeking of trepidation. "Welll....When people buy a magazine featuring someone who is voted "Sexiest Man of the Year," do you think they want to see a suit? Let's go for something sexy...like shirt unbuttoned and flapping in the wind..."

He looked at Will and nodded. "Right...right..." He stood up and waved his hand at the other cameramen. "Stop! We need to up the sexiness. Mr. Darcy, Kindly remove your shirt."

"Excuse me, uhhh...no wait, I wasn't aware it would be anything like..."

He was cut off as an entourage of people came up and started pulling his shirt out of his pants for him. He looked so incredibly flustered and embarrassed that Lizzy almost felt for him....almost. She started calling for make-up artists to tone down the deep blush that was becoming very prominent. He glanced at her and she dropped her innocent expression to give him a hearty salute.

Pete, the director, began talking to William. "Mr. Darcy you're awfully red, is it hot in here? No matter, we're bringing in the fan, we're in need of a flapping shirt so you'll cool down."

It took every ounce of self-control he had not to run out of there. This whole thing went against everything that he was about, and he felt like a complete fool in front of a room full of people...and it was all her fault...

"Hey! We've got the fan!!"

A huge fan was placed in front of Will and was turned on. It began to toss his shirt and dark curls around and catcalls filled the room. Will didn't even bother to smile; he just stood there with an intense stony look on his face.

"Wonderful Mr. Darcy!! Let's go for that whole "deep" look!! Intense!! Give it to the camera! You're angry! Let me see angry!"

I'll show you angry, you insufferable moron. William silently fumed.

Elizabeth stood and watched the whole thing. She rejoiced in his apparent distress but found herself a little light-headed at his appearance. He really was well built....

Soon enough the photographers were satisfied and the photo shoot came to a close. William was hastily buttoning up his shirt as a young girl ran up to him.

"I saw you up there Will!! You were great! Lots of charisma!"

Will shot her a look. "Very funny G. I don't know how you talked me into it."

"Come on Will, an opportunity like this doesn't come along very often. Hey! I've been looking around and they have a wonderful studio here, maybe I can do some work for them sometime..."

"Sure Honey." He replied absentmindedly. He was busy watching Elizabeth and Val walk over.

Val smiled and reached out her hand. "Thank you so much for your time Mr. Darcy, you were absolutely wonderful."

He shook her hand. "Thank you Ms. Lucas." He turned to Lizzy and coldly said; "Ms. Bennet."

By this time Caroline had run up and was dragging him out the door in the effort to cut off any more conversation.

Lizzy watched him go and sighed. She didn't have to let him know it was her doing, but something in her just wanted to aggravate him....She shook those thoughts out of her mind and tried to focus on more important things.

Chapter 7

Posted On: Tuesday, 10 December 2002, at 12:07 p.m.

Lizzy opened the door to her apartment and threw herself onto the couch in a heap. She threw a blanket over herself and placed a pillow over her head in an effort to block out the world.

"What a day...."

Her temper had cooled down enough for her to feel a little twinge of regret. He had looked awfully upset and she didn't understand what made him get to her like that. The rest of the day had gone by in a haze and all she really thought about was that flapping shirt and the intense expression.

She let out another groan. Suddenly, the pillow disappeared as Jane attempted to unbury her sister.

"Lizzy! What on earth are you doing under there?"

"I think I'm just going to stay here for a while....I just need some 'me' time."

"Okay sweetie....you can have about 30 minutes of 'me' time, but then you have to get up and dress for the party." She replaced the pillow and began walking away.

"What!!" she yelped. She sprung up trying to untwist herself from the blanket and ended up on the floor in a tangled mess.

Jane regarded her with a bemused expression. "Is something wrong?"

"Umm..yeah...about this whole party thing....I don't really have to come, I would only get in the way. You and Charles need some time to yourselves...get to know each other...find out each others quirky habits...favorite colors..."

Jane cut her off by chucking a pillow at her. "30 minutes." She walked back to her room to finish raiding her closet.

Lizzy lay back on the floor and placed the pillow back over her head.

"This is unbelievable..."

After sufficient pouting time, Lizzy got up in search of her sister. She found Jane in her room fussing with clothes and sprawled herself out on the bed.

"So I gather since I'm being forced to this 'social gathering,' that the date went well."

Jane turned becomingly pink. "Yes, it went very well."

Lizzy grinned mischievously. "Uh huh. And?"

"And he's a perfect gentleman."

"Jane!! Come on!! If my love life wasn't completely non-existent, you know I'd give you details. I'm starting to get the urge to rent Meg Ryan movies. Give me something!"

"Okay okay. Lets see....he came to the store bearing roses and chocolate, then he took me in a limo to this fancy-smancy French restaurant, and then half-way through the second course he declared me the woman he'd been waiting for all his life and ripped off my clothing and right in the middle of everything, proceeded to...

"JANE!! Geez...there's no need to be a smarty-pants."

Jane laughed. "I'm sorry Lizzy, I couldn't resist. However, if you're so desperate for romance, I'm sure Charles has some very nice friends he can set you up with. In fact, I believe the birthday boy tonight is available..."

"Oh no....no no no no. Veto! The last blind date I had was horrible. You remember him...Mr. Gross-Greasy-Couldn't-Keep-His-Hands-To-Himself guy?"

"Lizzy....that was five years ago, seriously! But even if you're going to be stubborn and not let us set you up, that's no reason to look like a slob! Come on; let's look at what we have to work with..." With that statement, Jane propelled Lizzy out of the room and toward her own bedroom. She stopped in front of the closet and began to rummage through the contents.

"Let's see.....we need sexy, we need sophisticated, we need 'hey-look-at-me-I'm-available...'"

"Hey! I'm not that available....there are plenty of guys that would like to date me," she declared defensively.

"Like?"

"Ummm...well....okay admittedly only Bill Collins comes to mind...but I'm sure if I thought long and hard I could come up with someone else."

"My point exactly, which is why I vote this." Jane held up a gauzy black tank top and matched it with black satin pants. She gave Lizzy a challenging smile.

Lizzy stared at the outfit for a couple seconds trying to line up a good excuse in her mind, but couldn't think of anything legitimate. "What the hell." She grabbed the outfit and went to dress.

Lizzy and Jane were riding the elevator up to Charles's penthouse, and quickly trying to smooth out their clothes from the taxi ride. Lizzy was trying to get rid of a wrinkle in her pants and possibly get out of the night ahead.

"Oh geez....look at that....that's a monster wrinkle! Jane, I couldn't possibly mingle with this sort of people and look all rumpled....I'm afraid I have to go home.."

"Nice try Bennet. Suck it up, we're going in there." Jane took a deep breath and the doors swung open.

"Jane!"

Lizzy turned to where the cry had came from and saw a handsome, well-dressed man almost jogging their way.

"I have to say...the term 'golden retriever' comes to mind..."

"Lizzy!" Jane hissed. "Shut up!"

"Jane! I'm so happy you came. This must be your sister Elizabeth." He gave Lizzy a charming smile and shook her hand. "I've heard great things about you."

"Likewise," she replied with a wink. Lizzy was taken by his sweet manner and the way he kept looking at Jane. She liked him instantly.

He led them into the assembly room where a small band was playing and guests were mingling around. Charles was briefly explaining the layout of the apartment and the excitement planned for the evening.

Lizzy turned toward him. "Excuse me Charles, I don't know if Jane has asked you yet, but whose birthday our we celebrating tonight?"

Charles smiled brightly. "Why my very best friend in the world. We've been like brothers ever since college, and there's no one I trust more."

Lizzy smiled warmly.

"He's a businessman. William Darcy."

Lizzy's smile froze on her lips and her breath caught in her throat.

Oh no....

Charles and Jane were intently talking and hadn't noticed her reaction. She had to grab onto the bar and desperately think of a way to get out of there. She clumsily walked over to Jane and Charles.

"Excuse me once again Charles. I need to borrow my sister for a second."

"Of course," he said graciously and excused himself to go check on the food.

"What's wrong Lizzy? You look a little pale."

"Jane...I have to get out of here. Now!"

"Lizzy, we talked about this...stop trying to sneak away."

"No Jane, you don't understand. If I stay, I'll ruin this man's birthday!"

"How could you possibly do that?"

"Well I've ruined the rest of his day, I'd say I'm on a roll."

"What are you talking about?" Jane cried exasperated

"Its him Jane....the coffee guy.." Jane's eyes widened in surprise. "And that's not all, I met him again today. Let's just say I extracted a teensy bit of revenge."

"Oh God, you didn't." Jane looked a little panicky now. "Okay, just go home; I'll make an excuse for you."

"Okay, okay. Let me grab my coat and then I'll be on my way and..."

Lizzy was cut off as Charles took a microphone from the band and commanded the attention of the room. "Okay everyone, the doorman just called and Will is on his way up!! Let's turn out the lights and surprise him!"

Lizzy and Jane shared one last horrified look as the room was plunged in darkness. Lizzy kept repeating her little mantra, 'This cannot be happening. This cannot be happening.'

Then the lights came back on and the crowd yelled, "Surprise!" to a very handsome but unenthusiastic William Darcy.

"Oh my. What a surprise. I had no idea," Will responded dryly, leaving no doubt that he knew all along.

Caroline then sidled up beside him and began loudly explaining how she had lured him to the party thinking it would be an intimate dinner between the two of them

If Lizzy wasn't trying so hard to blend in, she might have laughed at the ridiculousness of it all. Then she saw a young girl run up and throw herself into his arms. Lizzy smiled bitterly. Of course he has some young thing fawning all over him, she must like the whole handsome, rich, brooding, stuck up type... She shook those thoughts out of her head and tried to find Jane. She spotted her over by the bar with Charles.

She gave both a brilliant smile. "Jane, I think I'm going to go now...you remember how upset I told you Val was....I need to get there as soon as possible." She turned to Charles. "Charles, it was very kind of you to invite me, but I really need to leave, an emergency came up."

"Oh sure, I understand. Would you like to meet Will before you go? I'd like him to meet the both of you."

"Oh no! He's busy at the moment, I wouldn't want to intrude on such a personal moment. Maybe some other time."

She quickly excused herself and tried to make her way through the crowd. In an effort to stealthily leave the party without being notice, she was slowly making her way toward to door by occasional stopping behind pillars and potted plants. She was almost at the door and she stopped a second to take one last glance at him. He seemed so relaxed with his friends. He was smiling and actually joking around. She was staring in wonder until she realized that she was leaning a little too heavily on the potted plant in front of her. She saw it starting to sway and grasped at it to stop its fall, but it was too late. She saw it tip and take out the waiter, and as if in slow motion, saw the tray of wine glasses direct their flight at William Darcy. She closed her eyes and wished herself out of her body, she imagined herself waking up at home on the couch and away from handsome, ill-mannered men. So, you can imagine that when she opened her eyes and found herself looking at a very wet, and very irritated Will Darcy, she was sorely disappointed.

"Ms. Bennet." He replied sarcastically. "I should have guessed."

The young girl beside him burst out laughing. "Oh Will!! Hold still, let me grab my camera! This is priceless!" She ran off to get her camera, but Will's eyes never left Lizzy's.

"Well Ms. Bennet, I can see that I've offended you greatly. I had thought that you had already embarrassed me enough for today, but I find myself mistaken. Well, please have your fill of revenge and be done with it, maybe then you'll stop following me around and plotting my downfall."

Lizzy felt her insides boiling. How dare he!! "Mr. Darcy, I have no intention of ever following you anywhere. So tell me, how old are you now? Fifty? Fifty-five?" She shot him an irritated smile and wished him a rather insincere 'Happy Birthday.' As the elevator doors closed, she could hear the young girl exclaiming, "Come on Will! Give it to the camera! Wet shirt! I want to see angry!"

Chapter 8

Posted On: Monday, 16 December 2002, at 9:10 a.m.

Lizzy slammed the door to her apartment and threw her coat and bag on the sofa. She struggled with herself for about half a second and finally let loose with what she had been holding back all evening.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!"

She cleared her lungs and walked back to her bedroom and crawled into bed, clothes and all. She pulled the covers over her head and tried to shut the world out. However, the evening kept replaying over and over in her head. Especially the part where Mr. Darcy got soaked to the skin with wine. She could still see the way the shirt clung to his chest...

"Stop it, Bennet!!! Just stop!!!"

She closed her eyes and tried to focus on anything but William Darcy. She soon felt the stress of the day catching up with her, and felt herself drifting off to sleep...

"Lizzy! Get up now!!"

The comforting pillows and blankets were pulled off Lizzy's sleeping form and she was assaulted by light, and a very determined older sister.

"Gaaa...what? What time is it?!!"

"It's two in the morning, and time for you to tell me exactly what is going on with you."

"Two in the morning!! You must be crazy! Leave me alone." Lizzy pulled the covers back over her head and proceeded to shut out Jane's talking.

"Oh no you don't." Jane pulled the blankets off the bed and tossed them into the hallway.

"Jane!" Lizzy whined. "It's cold! Just leave me alone! I've had a bad enough night, I just want to sleep!"

Jane sat on the bed next to her. "Lizzy, I saw what happened when you left. That was quite a spectacle you made. Did you do that on purpose?"

"Jane! Of course not! I was simply trying to sneak out. So shoot me, I'm not as stealthy as a Bond girl, but I didn't mean to drench the guy on his birthday."

"I know, I know. It's just that you and Mr. Darcy had some pretty nasty words before you left. You must really hate him or something."

"No, no....I don't hate him...I just, I'm not sure how to respond to him. He can seem almost normal sometimes and then he'll do a 180 and act like a complete jerk. However, I'm sure he hates me. You heard what he said to me about me 'following him around' or something...he would prefer if I fell off the planet."

"Lizzy...cut him a break. He doesn't know you, and the only times you two have interacted...well lets just say it didn't go over too well. But I think you interest him in some sort of way, because he asked a great number of questions about you."

"Nah. He's just putting together a fact sheet to give to the hit men."

Jane laughed. "There's the famous Elizabeth Bennet humor. Now tell me," she replied with a mischievous grin, "what were you doing with that potted plant?"

The sisters dissolved into giggles as they retold the evening's events with much humor. Lizzy was able to laugh about her accident and William Darcy faded into the back of her mind....well....almost.

William sat back in his library and studied the amber liquid swirling in the glass in front of him.

The color of those beautiful curls....

William sat up abruptly. Where on earth did that come from? He placed the glass back on the desk and quickly looked around, as if his rebellious thoughts had betrayed him. He sat back in his chair and resumed his intense expression. What's the point in thinking about her? She's rude, hot-tempered, and thinks you're fifty for Christ sake! She's not even that pretty... That thought was cut short as Lizzy's eyes full of fire and a challenge filled his head. The way her curls framed her face, the way her clothes fit her form....Okay...so she's pretty. But its not like that makes her special or anything...anyone can be pretty. It's the personality that really matters and its safe to say that her personality is horrible! Then he remembered his inquisitive conversation with Jane.

"So, Ms. Bennet is your sister?"

"Yes, Mr. Darcy. She's just slightly younger than myself. We share an apartment in the city," Jane replied.

"Ah yes. I had the...pleasure...of working with her at her place of work, the 'Devastate' magazine, I believe."

Jane smiled. "Oh yes, I believe she mentioned something along those lines."

"So she's an editor? How old is she? Where did she go to school?"

A flicker of understanding began to stream through Jane's mind as she started to answer and was interrupted by Charles.

"Sorry Darce, I've come to claim my lovely partner. The music is starting!"

Will set the glass back down on the table. He imagined being able to claim her for a dance...You have got to knock it off! Just forget her...I mean, how often are you bound to meet an editor of a Fashion magazine! With that resolution he set down his glass and went to bed.

Chapter 9

Posted on Friday, March 14, 2003

Two months later

“Jane! I'm home!” Lizzy waltzed into her apartment fumbling with her briefcase and keys. It took her a moment to realize she had heard no reply, when she walked into the living room and spied a blushing Jane and Charles sitting on the couch.

“Oh come on you guys! Get a room.”

“Quit being bitter Bennet! I've told you time and again that I have some very eligible friends…” Charles replied jovially.

“Sorry Charles, I've met one of your friends and lets just say that was more than enough!”

Charles laughed. “Oh Lizzy, Darcy isn't that bad….he's really great company once you get to know him.”

“Which I never will, so let me think of him as I please.”

Jane laughed. “Lizzy holds a grudge better than anyone I've ever known!”

“Ah, I'm not so bad..” Lizzy tossed her stuff onto a chair and sat down on an opposite couch. “So tell me what you love birds have been up to.”

Jane blushed. “Well actually, here's the thing, Charles has invited the both of us to go on a little vacation with him. He owns some property in Vermont and would like us to go visit. Doesn't it sound exciting? He owns horses, Lizzy! I know you'd love that.” By the time Jane finished her little speech she looked flushed and was positively glowing with excitement.

Charles looked at her adoringly. “Yes, I know it's a little soon for trips, but I've been dying to go visit the country, plus, I have some other guests that will be joining us, so it will be very casual.”

“I don't know you guys…it sounds great and everything, but I don't want to be in the way.”

Jane and Charles both rushed to reassure her.

“Oh Lizzy, you wouldn't be in the way at all!! Charles and I would love your company, and I'm sure his sisters and friends would adore you as well! Oh please, I wouldn't feel right about going and leaving you here!”

“Jane's right. I would love to have you join us, and I promise you will never be bored or lacking company!”

Lizzy laughed as the onslaught of reassurances kept coming at her.

“Okay! Okay! I promise I'll talk to Val about it.”

Jane beamed at her sister. “Wonderful! Now lets make plans for dinner.”

Lizzy sat back in her chair and tried to focus on the layouts in front of her.

“These things are beginning to all look the same….”

Suddenly the door swung open and Val sashayed into the room wearing a daringly cut, red, power suit.

“Hello darling. I'm in need of amusement, no naturally I thought of you.”

“Charmed.” Lizzy said with a smirk. “I've been meaning to talk to you anyways. You see, Jane's boyfriend Charles…you remember him right? Well he's having this house party thing at his house in Vermont for a couple days, and I've been putting up with continual pleading and teary glances from Jane demanding my presence. It starts this weekend and although I couldn't care less if I go or not, Jane made me promise to check into it.”

“Well, I doubt it would be a problem if you went, work-wise and all, but a couple days of watching T.V. while the love birds continually do the dirty….well I ought to say no just because I'm some-what fond of you.”

“That's the problem with you English, you're too darn blunt. First of all, ew…this is my sister we are referring to, I don't want to discuss her sex life. Second of all, there will be other guests there…so I figure I wouldn't be too bored.”

Val's eyebrow arched gracefully. “Other guests you say? Hmm…maybe you could get lucky as well.”

“You see? There it is again…that annoying English honesty.”

“I wonder if the sexy Mr. Darcy will be there….I mean, it was at Charles's house that you assaulted him with beverages…they have to be close.”

Elizabeth eyed her with panic. “Don't even say that, you might jinx me!”

Val shrugged. “Whatever. You can go if you want, though Lord knows what there's to do in Vermont. It's practically off the map.”

“No Val, you see…it's this state right here…” Lizzy said as she proceeded to fish for the map in her planner.

Val laughed as she was already walking out the door. “Smart ass.”

Lizzy smiled at her retreating figure and set about working on the layouts again.

Chapter 10

Posted on Sunday, 23 March 2003

Lizzy leaned her head against the car window as she watched the landscape fly by. The sprawling Vermont countryside practically swallowed the car and Lizzy automatically felt the pace of life begin to slow.

Maybe I need this….its been a while since I took some time to just kick back and relax.”

She smiled as Charles and Jane sang along to the radio and felt a sense of satisfaction at her sister's obvious happiness. Charles easily turned the midnight blue SUV along the winding road and glanced back at Lizzy in his mirror.

“Don't worry Liz, it won't be long now. We're almost there. We basically drive till we can't get any farther, then we drive a little more.”

Lizzy laughed. “I'm looking forward to it Charles, I'm so used to the city, it'll be refreshing to stretch my legs a little. I have every intention to play and roll about in the grass.”

Charles and Jane both smiled at that.

“Well my backyard is your backyard. Its been neglected for a while, having some run about and appreciate it would be great.”

Jane smiled. “Lizzy has always been fond of the outdoors. When we were little, she spent this whole entire summer outside with our dad building this great tree house. It was so rugged and perfect for getting away from the house.”

Lizzy laughed. “I remember that!! Dad tried to pretend that I was a huge help, but I know he had to go behind everything I did, and fix it himself. Then mom tried to get us to paint it and put up curtains or something absurd like that, dad and I had to fight her for months about that!”

Charles laughed. “Curtains! What? And ruin a perfectly decent tree house?!!”

“Sacrilege!!” Lizzy cried.

Jane laughed. “And what do you know about tree houses, Mr. I-spent-my-days-in-boarding-school?”

Charles laughed at the jibe. “Well I'll have you know missy, that I spent my summers with William at his family's farm. There was always work to be done and the folk's thought it would build character for us help out a bit. We built our own tree house one summer…I have to admit it didn't work out very well. The floor wasn't put together right and one time when we were up in it, several of the planks gave out. We both broke our left arm.”

Both the girls had to laugh at the story.

“Excuse me? Are you trying to tell me that Mr. Darcy, the king of being proper, is a farmer boy?”

Charles laughed. “Well Pemberley is certainly a farm of sorts, it is also as elegant an estate that you could find anywhere.”

Lizzy let this piece of information sink in. “Hmmm…I wonder if he still actually works on his `farm' if there aren't people around to force him.”

Charles shrugged. “Well you can ask him yourself when we arrive. I hope maybe you two will get off to a better start.”

Lizzy sat quietly as the looming question of his presence was answered. In the back of her mind she knew it would be very likely and she assessed her feelings on the situation.

“Well, if there is any stifling tension or rowdy drunken fights, I won't be the one to start it.”

Jane and Charles laughed and her colorful prediction of the weekend to come.

“Well,” Charles began. “Darcy has been known to hold his own in bar fights. There was this one time in college….”

As Charles went on to describe one of their college adventures, Elizabeth began to realize how much she didn't really know about this man.

Maybe I'll get a better idea over the next couple of days.

She leaned her head back against the window and sunk into her own thoughts.

Lizzy was jostled awake by Charles exuberant shouting.

“We're here everyone!! We are about to pull up to the drive!!”

“Whaaa? Where are we?” Lizzy asked as she peeled her forehead off the window.

“We are in Ferrisburgh, my dear, at the house actually.”

Lizzy and Jane eagerly looked out the window as they passed the gate and started up the drive. It was a long winding gravel path with a wide expanse of land peppered with trees and bushes.

“How far away is the house, Charles?” Jane asked as she craned her neck for a better look.

“Not too far, about two and a half miles up the road. I better call the staff to let them know we are here.”

As Charles called the house, the girls busied themselves with soaking in their surroundings. Then as they turned a corner, the trees thinned out and the house loomed in the distance.

Lizzy let out a low whistle.

At first glance the sheer size of it was impressive enough, but as they got closer, the house seemed to exude a sense of oldness, a sense of character that charmed them instantly. The main house was made of gray stone, giving it a majestic sort of feel, but the light beige shutters and door kept it from being hard and cold. A half circle of four gleaming, white pillars, and bushes of brilliant white flowers surrounded the front door. Off to the side of the house was a large extension, which was paneled with light beige siding, and according to Charles, contained a solarium, an exercise room, and another bedroom suite. As they pulled closer to the house, an older woman in black slacks and a blue sweater came down to meet them.

“Hello, Welcome to Netherfield, I am the housekeeper, Mrs. Green. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask.” She said cordially to Jane and Lizzy. Then she turned to Charles. “Mr. Bingley its been entirely too long.”

He grinned and gave her a hug. “Yes it has, have the others arrived yet?”

“Why yes, they arrived about and hour and a half ago, Miss Bingley is entertaining them in the solarium.” She replied with a twinkle in her eye.

“Great! Have Matthew take the ladies' bags up to their rooms. We'll go meet the others.”

Charles ushered them into the house and began leading them toward the back of the house. The girls were looking about them with undisguised awe as they were propelled along with Charles. The dusty rose wallpaper was exceedingly elegant but still gave off a feeling of country hominess. Then with pillows and mirrors and benches that added in splashes of navy blue and chocolate, it was still contemporary. Lizzy looked down at the floor, which was a combination of marble with wood patterns throughout it.

“This house has no flaw.” Lizzy said as they walked toward the solarium.

Charles laughed. “I'm so pleased you like it! It's been in the family for ages, early 1900s I think, but it had fallen into disrepair over the years from neglect, so I had it renovated in '92 and added that extension on.” He gave the girls a smile. “My father used to tell me that it was named after our family house in England.

They were close to the room and could hear Caroline's loud voice. Lizzy braced herself for the annoying encounter she could already visualize happening. She couldn't wait till she could go explore the wilderness she saw on the way in. Charles opened the dark wood paneled door and all Lizzy could see was brilliant blue…

“Oh my…” Jane gasped.

The room's the room's entire glass exterior overlooked a blindingly blue lake. The hunter green trees and stones framing the water made it quite the view.

Charles smiled at them, clearly delighted. “It's Kingsland Bay. It gets me every time as well.”

The rest of the company stood up at their arrival.

“Well Charles, you certainly took your time! We have been here at least an hour waiting on you.”

Lizzy looked around at the rest of the company. There was Caroline of course, she looked perfect as usual, and was wearing an excessively tight yellow dress that emphasized her stick-thin body. Then there was the elusive Mr. Darcy who looked as dressed down as Lizzy figured she'd ever see him. He was wearing khaki slacks and a white collared shirt with a camel, cashmere crewneck sweater. This outfit however, unfortunately worked for him and he looked as attractive as ever. Then there was a man that Lizzy did not know, he had sandy blond hair and was wearing jeans and a green sweater. He looked a mixture between Charles' personality and Darcy's looks. Lizzy liked him at once.

“It's nice to see you too, Caroline.” Charles replied dryly. “We were enjoying the scenery and felt no need to rush.” He shot Lizzy a smile. “Plus, we passed this little diner on the way and Lizzy insisted we all stop and try some country food.”

Lizzy laughed. “I loved it! It was this little wooden building and the people that owned it looked like someone's grandparents. It was great!”

The blond man spoke up. “Are you talking about Becky's Country Kitchen? I can never come up down here without stopping! The pie…well there are no words..”

Lizzy laughed in delight at his friendly personality. “Elizabeth Bennet.” She said as she stuck out her hand.

“Richard Fitzwilliam,” he grinned as he shook hands.

William felt a tightening of his stomach when they touched.

“Oh I'm sorry,” Charles said. “I completely forgot not everyone was acquainted. Richard, this is Jane,” he paused long enough to make their relationship obvious, “and her sister Lizzy of course, and I believe you girls know Caroline and Darcy.”

“Yes,” Jane said with a smile, “It's a pleasure to see you again, Caroline, William.”

“Its nice to see you again Jane,” William paused for a moment. “Miss Bennet.” His eyes lingered on her as he took in her unruly curls, her crisp white t-shirt, and her form fitting jeans.

Lizzy nodded in return and mustered a weak smile. Their last encounter made her feel rather awkward exchanging pleasantries. She broke off eye contact and looked about the room instead. It was a perfect sunroom, with the glass walls and wicker furniture. The yellow and white motif was accentuated with the vibrant green plants placed throughout the room.

“Well,” Charles began, “I better show these ladies to their rooms. We've had a long drive and they probably want to freshen up.”

Jane looked at him thankfully and Lizzy breathed a quick sigh of relief that she could go compose herself.

Charles led them out and the door closed behind them.

“Well!” Caroline began at once. “Did you see Eliza's outfit, she was wearing jeans and a T-shirt!! We invited her to stay and visit, not mow our lawn! And Jane, yes she's a nice enough girl and all, but that pale, pink dress, made her look completely washed out! No fashion sense at all. William darling, you agree of course.”

“Actually, I thought they both looked fine.”

“But Eliza….she looked so…casual.”

“A perfectly suitable choice for a long drive, and it suited her. She looked glowing and natural.”

Caroline bristled at this description. “Richard, I know you have excessively high standards of woman, what do you say to this girl's appearance.”

“I say she's intriguing. I loved the way she threw her head back and laughed. She seems to radiate pleasantness.”

“Well if you'll excuse me, I think I'll leave the Eliza fan club to themselves!” She got up and wiggled out the door.

“William….you think after the first dozen or so times, that pissing her off would lose its charm….but one just enjoys it more and more…”

The two men laughed and they companionably sat back in their chairs.

Chapter 11

Posted on Sunday, 13 April 2003

Lizzy closed her eyes and leaned against the door of her bedroom. The quiet peaceful feel of the room revived her and she began to eagerly explore. The walls were painted a warm cream color, which accentuated the brilliant light that was coming through glass French doors directly across the room. The bed was a dark, mahogany, canopy frame, with cream silk hanging down, and piled high with cream and white pillows and throws. Lizzy walked toward the center of the room in awe, her sneakers squeaking against the wood floor, till she reached a big cream-colored circle rug, with a tall glass table centered on it, holding a vase of orchids. She absent-mindedly smelled the flowers and continued farther into the room. She opened a door and found a small cream-colored room with a big oak desk and a computer set up. She closed it and opened up another door to the bathroom. It was, of course, cream-colored tiles, with a deep luxurious tub, and a separate stand up shower. The thick, fluffy towels were begging her to go try them, but she wasn't through exploring yet. She went back into the main apartment and walked toward the French doors. She eyed a cream, velvet chaise lounge in the corner and smiled in delight. She reached the doors and threw them open to reveal a stunning view of the Bay and the emerald green backyard. She stepped out onto the stone terrace and when she marveled at its size, she realized several bedrooms shared the same terrace. She took one last look at the view and made a bee line straight back to the shower.

“Now I wonder if these towels are as soft as I think they are..”

Charles opened the door to Jane's room and watched in anticipation as her face lit up in pleasure.

“Oh Charles, it's lovely!”

Jane's room, like most of the bedrooms in the house, contained a very similar set-up as Lizzy's room. However, every room possessed it's own unique charm due to the wide span of colors and artistic touches.

Jane looked over the feminine pale-green-and-gilt furniture and exclaimed in delight.

“Why Charles, I feel like royalty!”

He smiled at her in adoration. “Do you think I'd have anything less for my queen.”

She flushed in pleasure and when he stepped in to kiss her, she happily responded.

After a couple moments, Charles broke away and cheekily said:

“You know, my dear, I believe you would be much more comfortable in the King's suite. Come now, time to relocate.”

Jane laughed and pushed him toward the door.

“Nice try slick, now out you go. I want to clean up.”

He grinned and with a quick peck he was gone.

Lizzy looked into the mirror and debated what to wear down to dinner. Usually she couldn't care less, but her surroundings left her a bit insecure. She decided to let her hair hang loose, and finally chose a form fitting, light blue blouse, and a white, flowing peasant skirt. She applied some light makeup, grabbed her white sandals and went out the door.

She stood outside the door of her room and looked around her. She saw a wide expanse of hallway to her right and another wide expanse to her left, and was at a loss to what direction to take.

She heard a door open and turned to see William Darcy emerge from the room next to her. Lizzy fought to keep the annoyance off her face. In a light tone, laced with a little irritation, she addressed him:

“Mr. Darcy. Why it appears we're neighbors, now would you extend a bit of neighborly kindness and tell me where the dining room is?”

He smiled inwardly at her obvious discomfort. “I could, but it wouldn't do you any good. They're all in the game room. Allow me to show you the way.”

“That's really not necessary, just point the way and I'll be fine, thanks.”

“Why Ms. Bennet, I insist.” He exclaimed with a look of feigned innocence. She attracted him, and she intrigued him. Oh yes. But all's fair in love and war and he still had a score to even out. With an amused look at her reluctant face, he led the way.

Chapter 12

Posted on Saturday, 10 May 2003

Lizzy stared at the tall, elegant form in front of her, as they proceeded down the staircase. She couldn't help but notice how attractive he was. Yeah, too bad his personality sucks. She tugged at her blouse and felt tendrils of paranoia wrap around her as she wondered about her outfit, as she noticed William was still wearing his clothes from earlier. Am I over-dressed? She weighed the possibility of running back to her room and the chance of her finding her way back down stairs. Wait a minute…who are you trying to impress, Bennet? Jane and Charles are wonderful and couldn't care less about my outfit. Caroline? No, I couldn't care less about her. William? No, maybe his appearance is pleasing but you've been acquainted with what's on the inside already. There's nothing to be concerned about. With this in mind, Lizzy resumed a confident march down the hallway as Will directed them towards the game room.

As they approached, Caroline could be heard from a distance, although only a whining tone could be clearly distinguished. Will placed his hand on the doorknob and turned to give Lizzy a small smile.

“See? I got you here in one piece. You're perfectly safe in my hands.” His confident and somewhat intimate allusion was too much for Lizzy, so instead of replying she pressed her hand where his was resting on the doorknob, causing the door to swing open and the company within to look up.

“Why, William…there you are. I was just speaking with Charles about going up to look for you, myself.” Caroline said in a voice dripping with sweetness. “Now come into the room, you and Eliza are mashed together in the doorway.”

Will reluctantly eased his frame into the brightly-lit game room. The party was sitting on over-stuffed couches in a T.V nook, as a large and polished billiard table took center stage. Off to the side was a gleaming card table with matching chairs and a fully loaded bar. As he made his way over to the others, Caroline automatically attached herself to him.

“Oh William darling, do let me get you a drink! What will you have?”

“Something strong.” He muttered.

“Here, lets go over to the bar and fix it together.” She propelled him over to the bar and greedily proceeded to hoard his conversation to herself.

Lizzy stood in the doorway taking all this in with much amusement. She could see from William's occasional wince and his constant glances over to the others that he strongly desired different company. She leaned against the doorjamb with a satisfied smirk on her face, Come on Mr. Darcy, she's perfect for you.

She tore her glance away from the couple at the bar and returned her attention to the others as she began to make her way over to them. She was surprised to see the sandy-haired man walking towards her, meeting her halfway. Was it....Richard?... He walked up towards her with a charming smile.

“I hope you didn't have trouble finding your way around. But not to worry, I'm sure if you had remained missing around 48 hours or so, a search party would have been dispatched.”

She rose to his teasing. “Saint Bernards and all??”

“For you Miss Bennet, absolutely.”

She laughed with delight.

William sharply turned at the sound of her laugh and observed her conversation with his cousin. He felt somewhat annoyed and walked towards them.

“But as I can see, my valiant cousin guided you to safety as he is now making his way towards us as he thinks I might harm you. Have no fear William, she's in safe hands” Richard joked.

“Hmm…yes, but Miss Bennet doesn't always find that remark assuring.”

Richard raised a questioning eyebrow switching his gaze from William to Lizzy.

Lizzy shot William a challenging look. “Well I suppose it depends on who it comes from.” With a sassy smile she left the men behind and walked toward Jane and Charles.

“Oh yes….it will be an interesting visit.” Richard remarked as he watched he walk off.

William turned to him with a biting response on the tip of his tongue when he was suddenly arrested with an extra appendage.

“Oh William, we never finished your drink!!! Dinner won't be long now, let me help you unwind…”

Richard gave his cousin a knowing wink. “Well go to it man, I'll keep the others company.” With that he walked towards the group as William braced his self for the impending harassment.

As Lizzy glanced over the elegant and perfectly-orchestrated dinner in front of her, she had to wonder how people sat down and ate like this everyday. The company was pleasantly paired as Charles sat at the head with Jane at his left and Lizzy beside her, Richard and William were across from them and Caroline took the other end. Lizzy looked around the elegant dining room, with its heavy dark wood and the ornate decorations surrounding them. As she glanced at a thick silver candelabra placed across from her, all she could think of was; Caroline…

“So Caroline, did you have a hand in decorating this particular room?”

Caroline tore her attention away from `dear William' to give Lizzy an appraising glance.

“Well Charles would not let me touch most of the rooms, he wanted to keep it fairly close to the original, but this room was in tragic disrepair and had to be almost completely re-done, so I was allowed free reign…isn't it divine?” She said, glowing as she pointed out her signature pieces.

“Quite.” Lizzy said as she observed her appetizer that was just placed in front of her. “What sort of soup is this?”

Caroline rolled her eyes at the constant interruption. “That is a savory onion soup Eliza, along with Blue Heaven Cornbread.

“Ah, wonderful!” Lizzy replied actually pleased, the food smelled delicious and she always appreciated good cooking.

Richard smiled at this. “Do you have a fondness for onions, Elizabeth?”

Darcy prickled at the use of her first name, he turned his attention toward her judging her reply.

“Well I can't say that there's something about onions that send me into a frenzy, but I love good food and this certainly looks amazing.”

Caroline turned her attention to the present conversation as she had no one else to talk to. “Well Eliza, I'm sure women like you can enjoy rich food, but as for me, I have to watch my figure. We models can't let ourselves go.”

Lizzy took a big bite of her bread and smiled sweetly.

“Why Elizabeth, if this is the product of `eating rich food,' I encourage you heartily.” Richard said with a wink.

Join the conversation Darcy! Say something! Umm…yes, I like women who are at least filled out a bit.” Did I just say `filled out?'

Lizzy looked at him appraisingly and then tried to hide her amusement as Caroline obvious wilted next to him. Her mirth rose as Caroline began to take more frequent spoonfuls of soup. She turned back to Richard.

“So Richard, besides orchestrating search parties, what else occupies your thoughts?”

He smiled at her wit. “I'm an Investment Banker.”

Lizzy feigned a gasp. “And I took you for such an exciting person, like a sky-diving instructor or some sort of daredevil…and I find my expectations smashed as I find you reside in the safe and secure world or banking.”

Richard laughed at this. “I confess, I suppose I am a nerd by your standards now.”

Caroline interrupted their light-hearted banter. “Eliza, Richard isn't just an investment banker, he's a partner.” She said this with such authority she felt Lizzy would automatically understand and realize her place.

Richard colored at this unwanted praise and the way it ruined their light-hearted banter until he saw Lizzy roll her eyes and he visibly relaxed. The conversation came to a close as the servers brought out the salmon, and everyone abandoned themselves to their dinner.

The group lounged in padded chairs as they digested their dinner over drinks by the pool. Jane and Charles were sitting at the edge of the pool dangling their legs in the water, wrapped up in each others company. Caroline was reclined on a chaise lounge as she attempted to recover from willfully overeating, which could be seen as William's fault. Lizzy and Richard were sitting in adjacent chairs as they enjoyed the breeze and pleasant company. This left William off to the side, almost reluctant to join any group. Finally he took another sip of wine and walked over to Lizzy and Richard.

They both look up at his approach and Richard broke into a grin. “Hey Will, we were just discussing the positive affect you are having on Caroline. Not only is she eating a normal amount, she's even taken to contemplative thinking rather than aggressive conversation. Look, she hasn't said a word since dinner!” They all looked over to see Caroline laid back, not stirring, and tried to suppress their amusement.

William pulled up a chair across from Lizzy and began to address her. “Ms. Bennet, I hope you are enjoying Vermont.”

She paused for a moment. “Why yes, it's a very pleasant place. Everything is very beautiful here.”

“Yes it is.”

She began to feel a little uncomfortable under his gaze and turned to address his cousin. “I bet the water feels wonderful, I think I'm going to stick my feet in too.”

Richard smiled. “Yeah, let's go test the waters, come on Will.”

As they rose to walk over to the pool, Lizzy wished that Caroline would recover and claim him again. Something about William, Mr. Darcy, just made her nervous. Maybe because embarrassing things always happened to her when he was around, she was afraid of what would happen next. They made their way over to the pool and Richard suddenly stopped.

“You know, I think I need to refill my drink. I'll be right back guys.” He turned and walked back toward the house. He so owes me for this, he'd better use it.

Elizabeth looked at his retreating figure in alarm, she wondered how rude it would actually be if she followed Richard inside.

“Why are you scared of me, Ms. Bennet?”

He head snapped back to him as she realized her discomfort was obvious. When she saw the amused expression on his face, her defenses rose.

“Excuse me Mr. Darcy, but I am certainly not scared of you.”

“Then why don't you want to be alone with me?” He stepped closer with the same knowing expression.

Lizzy felt the urge to turn and walk quickly into the house. “Maybe you make me nervous.”

“Me? Make you nervous? If I remember correctly, I'm the one who was always on the receiving end of our disastrous encounters.”

She raised an eyebrow, challenging him. “Well maybe you deserved it.”

He grinned. “Maybe I did, but that doesn't change the facts. You know what they say about payback…”

What?? He stepped closer and Lizzy felt overpowered by his presence. Is he going to try and kiss me? His cologne was making her head swim.

He leaned in and gently whispered, “All's fair in love and war…” Then he sent her flying into the pool.

She came up gasping for air and turned to where he was standing, laughing. Jane and Charles joined in as Lizzy was sputtering.

“You jerk!!! I can't believe you just pushed me into the pool!”

“Well, I think you got the better deal, after all, I was attacked with red wine.”

“You..you…ugh!” She swam towards the edge and splashed him.

“Oh no, this is your punishment.”

“Oh yeah?” She grabbed one of his pants legs, pulling him off balance and into the pool with her.

He came up with his dark curls plastered to his head and he looked at her in complete surprise.

Then she started to laugh.

She laughed in complete delight as she realized she was having fun. She swam over to his companionably as she whispered. “You know Mr. Darcy, I think Jane and Charles are having a good laugh at our expense.”

“Why Ms. Bennet, I believe you are absolutely right. We must take revenge. Should we opt for a surprise attack or a full-frontal assault?”

“I bet you were unstoppable at Capture the Flag when you were younger.”

“I just always win.” He gave her challenging smile.

She smiled back and swam in closer. “So do I.” She turned away from his gaze and looked over to where Jane and Charles were sitting, and quietly talking again. “I think we ought to go for a full-out attack. They'll never suspect it.”

“Good plan. I got Charles, you get Jane.”

“Alright. Let's go.” They both ducked under water and swam towards their prey. As they got close to the dangling feet they broke the surface and grabbed their victims. When both Jane and Charles came up gasping they looked in complete surprise at their attackers. Lizzy and William were laughing too hard to notice until it turned into a big water fight.

Richard walked out of the house and towards the pool. He stopped as an angry Caroline stormed passed him and he noticed the rest of the group in the pool. I leave him alone for one moment…

Chapter 13

Posted on Wednesday, 25 June 2003

Elizabeth woke up in her sinfully comfortable bed and stretched luxuriously.

“Yeah, I could stay here forever.”

She pulled herself out of bed and shuffled over to the closet.

“Now what should I wear today? I feel active, so no skirt…”

She pulled a pair of khaki shorts out and rummaged for a shirt, finally deciding on a cap-sleeved, dark burgundy stretchy shirt. She ran into the bathroom and tried to straighten herself up a bit. After wrestling with her hair and applying some light makeup, she grabbed her sandals and ran downstairs.

After a couple wrong turns, Lizzy found herself in the dining room in the company of both William and Richard. She looked around and seeing no one else, assumed everyone was up and gone already.

“Oh, did I sleep in too late?”

William and Richard looked at each other and smiled.

“Actually, no one else is up yet.” Richard said with a grin.

“I suppose they're not used to all the excitement we had yesterday.” William said with an even bigger smile.

Lizzy grinned at the easy banter. “All the excitement, Mr. Darcy? Do you suppose they've never been swimming before? I mean, I didn't find anything that different about it.”

William smiled even more as he realized she was flirting with him.

“Well in that case, Ms. Bennet, I suppose I wasn't trying hard enough.” With that said, he got up and picked her up out of her chair and proceeded to walk through the glass doors to the pool with her in his arms.

Lizzy was squirming around, trying to get down, and laughing her head off.

“Richard!!! Save me!!”

Richard was laughing just as hard as her. I've never seen him like this before. “I don't think that would be a good idea Lizzy!! Then he might go after me!”

“Coward!!”

Now William held her over the water, and menacingly asked her again. “So tell me Ms. Bennet, do you still find it dull and unexciting?”

She looked at him with her most innocent expression. “Why this is the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me. In fact, I fear I will faint from the sheer craziness of it all.”

He laughed and pulled her back close to him. “I ought to throw you in anyway, for your impertinence.” He smiled down at her and his heart did little flip-flops as he realized that she was smiling just for him. That the smile on her face was something that he did alone.

However, the moment was broken as Caroline was heard from the dining room.

“What in the blue blazes is going on here!!!??”

“Blue blazes, Caroline?” Richard asked calmly.

William, hearing this, gently set Lizzy down and rolled his eyes. She saw this and smiled and said in an overly exaggerated English accent:

“Why William Dah-ling, you're just simply tooo attractive….”

He burst out laughing at this, earning another glare of death from Caroline. But inside he felt all warm and fuzzy. She called me William..

After an uncomfortable 15 minutes of Caroline complaining, Charles and Jane came down, and breakfast was served. The party spent the duration of their meal planning the day's events.

“Why I'm sure some of the distinguished families in this area are planning something. I could always give them a ring.” Caroline said. She turned to Lizzy. “It's good to have contacts.”

Lizzy nodded to her in return and discreetly rolled her eyes.

“Well, Caroline, that's not exactly what I had in mind as a fun outing. In fact, I was thinking we could take out the boat and spend the day on the lake.”

Lizzy perked up at that. “What kind of boat is it, Charles?”

He looked happy at her apparent interest. “Well, I prefer my sailboat, but that's more suited to the ocean, for the bay, I use…”

Caroline broke in smugly. “It's a gorgeous yacht, fully loaded…” She turned to Jane and said in a stage whisper. “Very expensive….”

Charles shot her a look. “As I was trying to say…it's a Jefferson Pilothouse 57, about 57ft 5 in. You girls can sunbathe and us guys can fish, it'll be great. We can even swim in the bay.”

“Charles, are you trying to imply that us girls are unable to fish? That our place is simply sunbathing?”

Charles turned to his angel with a perplexed look on his face. “Uh, no…that's not what I meant at all…its just I uh….well..”

Lizzy saved him by standing up and declaring herself ready to go.

Charles relaxed a little. “Okay gang, grab your bathing suits and I'll have Ms. Green fix us a lunch and we'll be out of here.”

It was agreed they'd met on the dock in 15 minutes, and they all ran their separate ways.

Charles, Richard, and William were already on board loading the fishing gear and supplies when the girls walked up.

“Whoa.” Lizzy said.

“Uh huh.” Replied Jane.

Richard noticed the girls standing there gapping. “Are you guys going to stand there all day or what? Oh I'm sorry…do you need some help getting on?”

This earned the expected reaction from them, and after giving him `the look,' they got on board. After spending a sufficient time looking about the plush cabin, they joined the boys on top. They finished loading the rest of the food and gear and started the boat up.

“Wait a minute…where's Caroline?” Jane asked.

“Caroline who?”

“Very funny Richard, but Charles can't very well leave his own sister.”

“I suppose not,” Charles pouted. He climbed to the top of the boat and yelled. “Caroline!! If you're not out here in three minutes, we're leaving without you!!”

Suddenly, Caroline walked out of the house in a sailor mini-dress, complete with matching hat and heels.

“I'm coming Charles, you are far too impatient!”

“Does she honestly look the way I think she looks?” Richard whispered to William.

“Sadly, it does appear that way, doesn't it?”

Caroline stopped when she got to the end of the dock.

“Would one of you boys mind helping me onto the boat?” She smiled particularly at William.

“Hey Lizzy, why don't you help Caroline on?” Richard volunteered. “You should have seen the way she got on! Caroline, she's a natural; you'll be in good hands.”

Caroline scowled at Richard. “I'd be better off on my own.” She grabbed the rail and pulled herself on board, rather difficultly as the heels were not too sturdy. However, with Caroline now on board, they could all head out. Charles handled the boat with ease, and suggested they take a short trip around the lake and take in the sights before stopping to fish. Everyone agreed and they headed out.

“Now if you look to the left, those properties right there, belong to the Knightlys and the Dashwoods. I don't suppose you'd know them Eliza, as you don't frequent those circles.” Caroline began.

Lizzy rolled her eyes and ignored her. “Look how green everything is! After the city, all this nature just makes me feel healthier.”

“You certainly look healthy to me.” Will commented.

Lizzy looked at him with amusement as she realized that he didn't know what he said. What is going on here? I thought we were die hard rivals, but he's actually flirting. He is so confusing. Which Will is the real one? The snob or the laid-back guy? Her thoughts were interrupted as Charles declared himself ready to fish and parked the boat out in the middle of the lake. There was a scramble for rods and tackle, and Lizzy found herself in the middle of it.

They all sat on top of the boat, relaxing and talking as they waited for the fish to bite. Everyone except Caroline that is, who declared her skin too sensitive for the harsh rays of the sun. Nobody was really catching anything, but they were all simply enjoying each others company. The weather was really beginning to pick up and the sun was beginning to beat down fiercely.

“I think I want to swim, anyone want to join me?” Lizzy asked.

He really didn't want to seem overly obvious, but when no one else wanted to, it was just too nice an opportunity.

“I think I'm up for some swimming.” Will replied easily.

The guys turned to look at him as if he'd grown a third arm.

“But we just started fishing..” Charles said.

“I know, I know. But I don't think we'll catch too much anyway. Besides, I'll try again later.”

Lizzy shrugged and pulled off her shorts and shirt to reveal a simple, black bikini. She looked up at Will, waiting for him to follow, but he just stood there gapping.

“Will?”

No response.

“Are you ready?”

No response.

Charles and Richard were choking on laughter.

“He'll be right with you Liz, must be sunstroke or something.” Richard said as he punched Will on the arm…hard.

“Ow! What'd you do that for?” Will said, catching himself staring and trying to cover it up a bit. “Must have zoned out for a moment, or something.” He pulled his shirt over his head and smiled shyly at Lizzy as the both stepped up to the edge of the boat.

“And how deep is this water, Charles?”

Will interrupted before Charles could answer. “Why? Scared?”

She gave him a look. “Of course not, I just…”

Her sentence was cut short as he grabbed her around the waist and jumped overboard with her. She came up, a mixture of sputtering and laughing.

“William Darcy!! This is the last time you are throwing me into water!”

He still had his arms around her waist. “Is that right?”

Chapter 14

Posted on Wednesday, 2 July 2003

They both stared at each other challengingly. Each enjoying the way the other kept them on their toes.

“I'm sorry Will, but if you continue to behave in this manner, I will be forced to resort to serious measures to defend myself.”

Will grinned and grabbed one of her stray curls. “Lizzy…..I…”

His sentence was cut off as a large splash was heard behind them. The both turned in surprise and were sorely disappointed to see Caroline swimming toward them.

“William, you should have asked me if I wanted to go swimming!!! I would have gladly said yes, but no matter, I'm here now.”

She doggy-paddled over to the annoyed couple and proceeded to clutch at William's arm and appear alluring, while trying to remain afloat.

“Caroline, can you please let go of me? You're going to drown me if you keep leaning on me.”

Lizzy chuckled at the scene of unwanted affection in front of her.

Caroline turned to glare at her. “Why Eliza, what are you still doing here? I said that I would keep William company now, you can go back to the boat.”

Lizzy's eyes flashed dangerously, but before she could lay into her, William interrupted:

“Caroline, Lizzy was the one who wanted to swim, I agreed to accompany her.”

Caroline looked perplexed at this comment, as if she simply couldn't understand his reasons to voluntarily swim with Lizzy.

Lizzy began to grow restless in Caroline's company; she started looking around for a diversion.

“Hey you guys want to race to the shore over there? It's not that far, and it looks pretty interesting…all the trees and flowers..”

“Yes! That'd be great.” William said immediately.

“A race? How childish..”

“Sorry you feel that way Caroline, see you later then. On three William…one…two..GO!!!!”

They both took of in a frenzy of splashing and laughing. And as Caroline saw them swimming off together for the deserted shore, she began to realize her mistake.

“Wait William, wait!!!! I want to join you now!!” She began her slow, but determined doggy-paddle towards them.

William, hearing her cry behind him actually made him swim faster and ended up beating Elizabeth to the shore. They both crawled up onto the grass and sprawled out as they regained their breath.

“Looks like you're slipping Bennet. I thought you'd be more of a challenge than that.”

She laughed. “Well if I would have had the same inspiration as you, then it would have gotten me here faster too.” At this comment they both sat up to look at Caroline's progress towards them.

“How mean would it be to swim back as soon as she gets here?”

Will grinned. “Well there really is only one way to find out…”

“Oh Will, that's horrible! All she wants is for you to let her love you!!” She teased.

“That's a very sick and twisted thing to say.”

She laughed. “So tell me, is this how you treat all the women who have the misfortune to like you?”

He brushed some grass of her cheek. “Nope, not all of them.”

The smiled at each other, but sadly the moment was ruined by a high-pitched shriek. They both turned to see Caroline splashing wildly in the water.

“Cramp!! I have a cramp!! Oh William!!! Save me!!!”

William dived into the water and swam swiftly towards her. Lizzy jumped in as well, in case she could be of some help.

“Help!!!! I'm drowning!!!”

William swam up next to her and grabbed her from going under again. She tightly wrapped her arms around his neck, almost strangling him.

“Caroline, let go!! You're not going to drown, but I might if you don't let me breathe again!”

Her grip did loosen…barely. William rolled his eyes, and attempted to swim back to the boat with Caroline clasped to him. He began to grow tired of her continuous anxiety and she kept herself pressed tightly against him.

Elizabeth watched all this with amusement. As she swam behind them, she couldn't miss Caroline's satisfied look and began to doubt the very presence of this cramp. They soon made it back to the boat, and Richard helped William get Caroline back on board.

“Why William, you saved my life!!! How could I ever repay you!! You're my hero!”

“Really Caroline, it was nothing.”

“No! You are my savior!!”

“Seriously Caroline…it really was nothing. Anybody would have done the same if they had got there first.”

This took some of the `sparkle' off the heroic rescue, but she plowed on ahead anyways.

“Well, I'm still deeply in your debt. But I fear I am so fatigued from the strain. William darling, would you mind carrying me to my room, I feel the need to lie down. You must be exhausted too.”

William looked a bit scared, but Richard cut right in. “You know Caroline, Will must be tired too, I'll take you.”

He walked over to her, and regardless of her protesting, he picked her up and walked down into the interior of the boat.

William turned to Lizzy and smiled warily. “You up for some safe and relaxing fishing?”

She grinned at him. “Yeah, come on, you need a break.”

With that said, they went to find the others.

That Evening

Evening drinks by the pool was becoming a sort of tradition for the group. They sat around in chairs comparing sunburns and fishing stories, simply enjoying the company of each other.

Lizzy sat lost in thought. As the people around her easily conversed she was mulling over the last few days. This all seems to be moving rather fast. A couple days ago he drove me crazy and now it's like a completely different man and I'm getting way too caught up in this. Thing are progressing way too fast. I mean, how much do I even know about this man? Maybe I'm just a vacation diversion, I should be a bit more careful.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

She looked up into the smiling face of William Darcy and offered a weak smile of her own.

“I'm afraid my thoughts are a lot more expensive than that, Mr. Darcy.”

He smiled and eased himself into a chair next to her.

A couple feet away, Jane, Charles, and Richard were conspiring about the blossoming relationship between the two.

“I think maybe we should leave them alone.”

“Jane, they are essentially alone. I mean, they're over there talking by themselves.”

“Charles, you know what I mean!” she hissed. “Something productive might happen if they're alone and not in front of a group of people.”

“Jane, that sounds rather scandalous.” Richard teased. “This is your baby sister we're talking about.”

“Oh my, I wasn't suggesting that! I figured that William would be less nervous about making a move on her if he was alone.”

Charles snorted. “That hasn't exactly been impeding him recently.”

Jane wilted. “I guess you're right, I just want this to happen so badly. They are so perfect for each other. Charles and I noticed this a while ago and we always try and somehow get the two of them together. Plus I know Lizzy can be flighty and I'm worried if he doesn't take some sort of definite action soon, she'll start to doubt everything.

Charles smiled lovingly at Jane. “I haven't seen Will in this deep in a long time. Trust me, he doesn't respond to women like this lightly, and he has no intention of messing this up. And if I know Will, and I do, he won't wait too long.”

Suddenly Lizzy laughed out loud, drawing everyone's eyes to the pair.

Richard grinned. “Good thing Caroline's not here, she'd be over there in a flash, defending her turf.”

Charles rolled his eyes. “Her turf? Give me a break. She's been after him since college, much to his irritation and my embarrassment. It really surprises me sometimes, I mean, some of the things she does is unbelievable.”

“You mean like that “cramp” this afternoon?”

“That wasn't real?” Jane asked in surprise.

Richard grinned. “Considering as soon as I got her to her room she threw a big fit and threw me out..hmm….all signs point to no. She was stomping her foot and fuming like nobody's business.”

They all laughed and looked up in surprise when Will and Lizzy joined them. After a bit more socializing, they all decided to turn in. They walked back to the house companionably and went to their separate rooms.

Lizzy stood on the terrace outside her room, letting the cool breeze off the bay ruffle her hair. She threw her arms wide open and breathed in the night air. She was the picture of innocence and perfection, at least that's what William Darcy thought when he stepped out of his room onto the terrace. He smiled to himself as he took in her messy ponytail, and rubber ducky-printed pants.

“Lovely night, isn't it?”

Lizzy jumped at his voice, but smiled as she realized his identity. “Yes, it's the perfect temperature. And everything is so illuminated; the moon is so bright tonight.”

“Yes, you can see everything.”

“Charles really does have beautiful property, look at all the land and trees. I can't imagine owning something like this.”

He smiled at her. “I'd like you to see my home; Pemberley.”

She blushed. “That would be nice. I didn't realize how much I missed the country. Not that I don't like the city, I really do, but sometimes it's nice to slow down a bit.”

“I know exactly what you mean. Pemberley's my refuge.”

She smiled and looked around at the immense backyard in front of them. “Look over there Will, at that group of trees and flowers! Its charming! It looks like there's even a bench! Remind me to take a closer look tomorrow morning.”

He turned to look at her. “Why not now?”

She gave him a confused look. “Now? Are you serious?”

“Very. You said so yourself that it was certainly bright enough. Come on, it'll be an adventure.” He gave her an adorable pleading look that had her caving in seconds.

“Well…I guess so.”

“Great! You know where the stables are? Meet me there in 10.” He grinned and went back into his room.

As she was once again in her room and pulling on jeans, she had to smile at his spontaneous behavior. But be careful Bennet, you don't know what this is to him. There's no use in falling for him if all this is simply a game…Steel heart. Steel heart.

However, fifteen minutes later, galloping across Charles's lawn and holding onto William Darcy, these thoughts flew out of her mind.

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