Family Business

By Joanna

Chapter One

"Caroline, this is your new secretary, Elizabeth Bennet." Said George Darcy, showing Elizabeth into Caroline Bingley's office on the 23rd floor of Darcy Building in London. Caroline looked at her new secretary critically. She was the type, Caroline didn't like and which among sensible people would be described as intelligent. However because Elizabeth was introduced by George Darcy, the owner of Darcy Inc., where Caroline worked and because George Darcy was the father of William Darcy whom Caroline decided to have for a husband, she smiled and said:

"Pleased to meet you. I am sure our co-operation will work out just fine."

Elizabeth smiled. None of them, including Caroline, believed in what Caroline has just said.

"I'm sure, Caroline will fill you in your duties." Said George Darcy, leaving both women together. Closing the door, George smiled remembering the dispute he had yesterday with his son, William, when he informed him that he had found a secretary for Caroline Bingley.

"Mhmm." Replied William.

"Don't you want to know who she is? Asked Darcy Senior while William was thinking it doesn't really matter. She won't last a month with Caroline., but he asked: "Who is she?"

"I met her on a train today."

"You must be joking. Dad!" was his son's reply, I'll make sure he stops going on trains because he is ready to bring a secretary for me, or Heaven forbid, a wife, too. added Junior in his thoughts.

"Why should I be joking, son? She's just graduated from Longbourn College and she was on her way to London to find a job and begin evening LSE courses. I always try to promote people who have a goal in life."

"And you hired her? Just like that?"

"Yes…"

"She is probably some gold-digger…"

"I don't blame you, William, for thinking that way. I admit that after an evening spent in company of Caroline Bingley, I think of every woman as of a gold-digger but Elizabeth is by no means one."

So she is Elizabeth already thought William

"She is a good girl." Added George Darcy

Just like George Wickham is a good boy, commented William silently, while his father was thinking: I need someone near Caroline. I must know what she is up to.

Chapter Two

Meanwhile In Caroline's Office

"Let's get one thing straight, Eliza", began Caroline, "you are here to do what I want you to do. First, I come at 9.15 a.m. every day and I expect to have coffee ready waiting for me. Write down and then learn by heart: two flat spoons of instant coffee, then milk, exactly six teaspoons and then water. Stir it and add exactly one flat teaspoon of sugar. In that order! I'll know if you make it otherwise. Second, I talk you listen and do. Third, this is a list of people for whom I am unavailable. Fourth, I am always available for William Darcy. Fifth, these are the letters I want to see on my desk in one hour, ready for signature. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Caroline."

This was the least expected reply. No one had ever called her Caroline in the office. She was just opening her mouth to fire Elizabeth when she remembered that Elizabeth might be related to George Darcy in some way so until "the way" was known it was better not to start.

"That would be all." Said Caroline as calmly as possible.

Elizabeth left. It was only yesterday that she met George Darcy and life began to have brighter colours. She needed this job. Her father promised to pay for the studies and she was staying at her Aunt's house but books and personal expanses, she had to cover by herself. Ł150 pounds weekly netto was a good start.

Elizabeth approached the desk that George Darcy had earlier pointed as hers. She turned the computer on and began rewriting.

Two Weeks Later; Monday, 9.10 a.m.

Elizabeth was making coffee together with Jane. Jane was a secretary to yet another "company dragon" Louisa Hurst. Jane was the first person, except for George and Caroline with whom Elizabeth dealt and unlike Caroline, Jane seemed to be very nice. It soon turned out that Jane was also doing evening courses in marketing and both girls became as good friends as it was only possible after two weeks of acquaintance.

"I can never stop laughing when I watch you prepare that coffee."

"Don't start, Jane! I can still hear Caroline say: write down and then learn by heart" laughed Elizabeth, imitating Caroline.

Jane laughed.

"I swear that one day I'm going to put exactly one teaspoon of arsenic to your coffee, Caroline." continued Elizabeth still imitating Caroline.

"You're bad, Lizzy."

"I don't know what someone did to Caroline but I can't believe she couldn't try to be nicer."

"Is she that bad?" asked Jane

"Oh, yes, she is" murmured William Darcy, "and I would serve her arsenic myself." He was just passing by the kitchen when he heard a female voice say: "…teaspoon of arsenic into your coffee, Caroline." And then the other voice, which definitely did not belong to Caroline Bingley said: "You are bad, Lizzy." I wonder who they were, thought Darcy Junior going to the private lift that took him to the security of his private office on the 24th floor

Chapter Three

Friday; William Darcy's Office; Afternoon

Richard Fitzwilliam was standing by the window and looking through the telescope. Unlike others he wasn't looking into the stars but occupied himself with the yard in front of Darcy Building.

"Are there any French girls working for you?" asked he.

"Mhm?"

"French girls."

"How am I to know?"

"Pity. This one must be French."

Darcy Junior did not respond.

"Come, and judge for yourself."

"Richard, some people try to work."

"She must be French. Only French girls have such legs and…"

"Let me see." Came William's voice from behind. Richard moved to allow William have a look.

"She is in the middle of the yard, right now." Tried to help Richard.

"I know."

"Do you know her?"

"No."

"Pity. She's gorgeous."

The way she walks is breathtaking. The slow, smooth moves, thought William

"Common, admit it. She's stunning. Her hair…!"

I bet it smells like a meadow in mid-July, replied Darcy silently.

"I wish she turned around." Continued Richard.

"You don't want it, Richard. Be humane!" called Darcy. Since Caroline took interest in me, I have problems with finding "partners". If her eyes are only half that gorgeous as her back, I should… No, I can't even think about it. Richard was looking at him quizzically. "What do you mean?"

"What?… Ahh, mean… It's just that…"

"I know Caroline. Can't you get rid of her?"

"No."

"Fine, but… she is …"

"Richard, I know but she is a good employee…"

"…whom no one likes. Or maybe she is nice with her work colleagues?"

"Richard, are you serious?" asked Darcy ironically.

"I see. William, I've been watching you and I can say one thing. Since you have met her, you are not yourself! I've known you for years and I've never seen you like that. You rarely talk, you don't meet new people and had it not been for the fact that you hardly ever smile, I would say that you are in the state of unfulfilled love. This however doesn't seem to be the case. Am I right?"

"Yes, you are. Her company depresses me somehow. I don't know why but it does."

"William, I think I know what you should do."

"What? Get rid of her?"

"You said you could not."

"Yes. So, what's the remedy?"

"When is the first party you will be at?"

"Don't know."

"Doesn't matter. On that party, you'll chat up the first woman you'll notice."

"That's the remedy?"

"Yes. Promise."

William was looking sceptically at Richard.

"Promise?"

"Yes."

"Good. Let's go, your father is waiting for us."

Meanwhile; Floor 23; Caroline's Office

Caroline was sitting in her chair, dreaming: I wonder what William is doing, right now. She closed her eyes. He is over me… in his office… just one floor above me. He is sitting behind his desk. His hands over… over… the computer. He is leaning back in his chair… He's placing his hands over… his strong neck. He gets up and stares into the window. Just… one floor… above me…

There was a knock on the door.

"Come in." called Caroline.

"Can I go?" asked Elizabeth Bennet

"Yes, you can."

"Good-bye."

"Till tomorrow." Was Elizabeth's reply.

Elizabeth was walking across the yard. She should be in a hurry to catch the bus but she could hardly make herself walk more quickly. She had this funny feeling that she was being watched. She noticed the bus and began walking faster paying no more attention to her present feelings. She had to be home for supper.

Chapter Four

Darcy's Mansion; December 16th;

"Dad, where are you?"

"In bed, of course. This doctor made me stay in bed and Stevens is keeping me here. Tell him something."

"Good work, Stevens." Said Junior smiling. "I'd like to stay with my father alone."

"Of course, sir. Would you like to have your dinner served here?"

"No, I'll eat later in the kitchen. Thank you."

"As you wish." Said he leaving.

"You said it was urgent, Dad?"

"Yes, there is a party you have to attend."

"No, Dad."

"Yes, William, you must. It's a tradition in the company and you have to attend, in my place. As you see I'm sick and I can't go. You must substitute for me."

"Fine, Dad. Something else?"

"No."

"Excuse me then, I still have to contact Japan. I was in the middle of a teleconference when I got your message."

"Yes, son. Go."

Three hours later, Junior went to the kitchen to eat something. He wanted to go to his own home and dive into his favourite armchair but it was impossible when father was ill.

Stevens was waiting in the kitchen.

"Is there something wrong, Stevens? There was no need to wait for me. I know how to put a plate into the microwave."

"I have no doubt in it, sir, but Mr Darcy told me to give it to you, personally."

"What is it?"

"A costume."

"A costume? What costume?"

"I believe Santa Claus's."

"You must be joking, Stevens."

"Never, sir."

Darcy looked inside the bag.

"He is not going to do it to me. I won't wear it for the party."

"Will you need me, sir?"

"What?…No, Stevens. Go and rest."

Thank you, sir.

Darcy took the bag and went upstairs.

"Dad?"

"Yes, William. Ahh, I see Stevens gave you the costume."

"I won't wear it."

"But why? I still remember how lovely you looked in that sweet elf costume, when you were nine."

"Dad, I'm not nine, any more. And I won't wear it."

"But there must be a Santa at the party."

"But I won't wear it."

"The employees will be disappointed. There is no Christmas without a Santa. I've been a Santa from the day I became the President of Darcy Inc."

"Okay, Dad. I won't wear it but I'll find someone. Is that all right?"

"Yes, son. There simply must be a Santa." George Darcy knew how to approach his son. William was a playful child but then he became too serious for Senior's taste. In father's opinion, he needed a wife. A wife who would make him smile again. George was sure that his son would wear a Santa costume one day and that his wife would be a Mary "Merry" Christmas, just like his dear Anne, William's mother was in the good old times.

William kissed his father's forehead and left. He needed a Santa now. He was going through the name's of his friends…"Bingley! That's my man!" called Junior picking up the receiver.

Chapter Five

December, 20th; Employee's Christmas Party

"Where is Caroline?"

"Definitely not here. William Darcy is not coming so she won't be here, either."

"Maybe she will be?"

"Why? She told me today, she won't be." Claimed Elizabeth.

"But William Darcy is here." Replied Jane

"Where?"

"That tall man who just walked in."

"It's the first time I've see him."

Jane could not respond because everyone's attention was picked by:

"Hohoho" called by a… Santa Claus

Everyone started laughing.

"Here, I come to bring you the wishes of a Merry Merry Christmas. Hohoho."

"He is funny." Commented Jane.

"Yes." Replied Elizabeth slowly, feeling someone's eyes on herself.

Meanwhile, William Darcy was looking at the first woman he had noticed when he entered the room. She was standing with some other girl. He guessed that the other girl was commenting on Bingley in his suit. He kept staring at the girl. She is beautiful. Her legs seem to go to her neck. Her hair… Oh, God, that's the girl I've seen from the office window with Fitzwilliam. Fitzwilliam!… "you'll chat up the first woman you'll notice" rang in William's ears.

Bingley has just finished hohohoing and having placed all the presents on the table where each employee would take his own when he was leaving, approached Darcy.

"Darcy, thank you for the invitation. It was really fantastic. I always knew, it's great to wake a smile on someone's face but I never knew how great it feels to do it on faces of 100 people."

"I'm sure of that, Bingley."

"Darcy, you seem distracted."

"What?… No, Bingley." He wanted to thank Bingley for not informing Caroline about today but it would be improper, he thought.

"You are distracted, Darcy and I think I know why."

"How so?"

"You know, Darcy" continued Bingley as though he heard nothing, "I've seen a lovely girl here. I wonder if you could introduce me to her."

"I doubt I know her."

"It doesn't matter. Come with me."

Taking off his beard but leaving the rest of the suit, Bingley dragged Darcy towards the place where Jane and Elizabeth stood. They haven't noticed both men.

"Excuse me." Said Bingley, and the girls turned towards him.

"I would like to introduce myself. My name is Charles Bingley and this is my friend William Darcy, whom you probably know already."

"Pleased to meet you, Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy. I am Jane Townsend and this is Elizabeth Bennet."

"Ladies, maybe we could just skip the Mister and Miss stuff. Just Charles and… well, I don't know how Darcy wants to be called but I call him Darcy. Will hardly suits him." Laughed Bingley. "Jane, why don't we go and have some champagne?"

"You don't mind if I call you, William?" asked Elizabeth in a voice that seemed to Darcy tender and soft. Darcy was desperately thinking what would Fitzwilliam say in such a situation.

"Not at all Elizabeth, on your lips…" he knew what Fitzwilliam would say but he couldn't voice it to the end. Instead, he blushed and she smiled at him.

"I hope you wanted to say something nice."

"I wanted to say that on your lips William sounds heaven-like." He managed.

"Don't spoil me or woo me, William Darcy. Not during the first date." Laughed Elizabeth when they approached the champagne table, following Bingley and Jane.

"Darcy, you move fast. You already have a date!" exclaimed Charles. "I can't stay behind. Jane, will you eat dinner with me tomorrow night."

Jane blushed and nodded. Darcy was wearing a toothy smile when he said: "Ladies and Gentlemen, a toast." Everyone was looking at him. "May Christmas and New Year be happier than each and every day before it. To the future."

"To the future," was the reply coming from all the room. At that moment, Bingley's mobile buzzed:

"Excuse me. Charles Bingley."

Elizabeth could hear the voice in the receiver: "You didn't tell me, you Pig! I'll get you for this, Charles."

She would recognise this voice everywhere. It belonged to Caroline Bingley.

Chapter Six

Three Days Later

"Charles, it's Darcy."

"Hi, old man, how are you?"

"Despite the fact that Caroline wanted to lynch me because of keeping the party in secret. I'm fine."

"Good. Have you seen Jane?"

"I always admired your straightforwardness but yes."

"How was the date?"

"Darcy, you amaze me but I always answer you questions. It was great and we are to see each other this afternoon when she finishes her work."

"Great. Will you do me a favour?"

"And do I ever refuse you anything?"

"No, but preferred to ask. Go and meet Jane in the office."

"Why?"

"Please, I'll make sure you have no problems going around the building. Just go to where she works. I presume Elizabeth is working with Jane."

"You presume?"

"Yes. I wouldn't ask her. Are you nuts! Anyway, try to find out when Elizabeth finishes her work and give me a call."

"Darcy can't you just call her and ask yourself?"

"No, she would feel awkward. I don't want it. And then I want to surprise her."

Bingley seemed to consider Darcy's request.

"Okay, I'll do it but it's already a second favour this week. You owe me."

"Fine, Charles. Thanks."

Five O'clock p.m.

"Jane!"

"Charles what are you doing here?"

"I thought I'll surprise you."

"That's so nice of you, Charles. I'll be ready in five minutes."

"Great, we then go and have a snack and go for a walk. Oh, I see Elizabeth. I'll go and say hello to her."

"I'll be ready when you'll be back."

"Elizabeth, how are you?"

"Hello, Charles. Fine thanks. And you?"

"Great. Where are you carrying this pile of papers?"

"To my desk."

"Aren't you overworking yourself?"

"No, it's for tomorrow. I had enough for today. I'm going home in fifteen minutes."

"Good. I see Jane is ready. See you."

"See you Charles and have fun."

"Bye."

Charles waited until she disappeared and dialled Darcy's number.

"You have fifteen minutes."

"Thanks, man. I owe you." He hanged up.

Elizabeth was walking out of the lift when she heard someone calling her:

"Hello, Elizabeth, remember me?"

"Of course, Mr Darcy."

"It's William."

"Yes."

"May I give you a lift home?"

"I'd rather…."

He had this "please" expression on his face: "The weather is so horrible."

"Okay." Decided she after a short hesitation.

In Darcy's Car

At the beginning there was awkward silence and then suddenly they started together:

"How…" They laughed.

"Please, continue." Said Darcy

"I just wanted to ask how the trip to Holland was."

"Mostly prosperous. I think we're going to get this contract from Liselotte Ltd. This would be our first major investment in Holland after '96 so we… Oh, no, I'm talking business again. I don't want to be boring you."

"No."

"How was your day?"

"As always. Tell me, do you often go on business trips?"

"Yes. Dad is getting older so he needs rest. I cover most of the business. Of course, he still comes to the office and makes the decisions but I'm the one who implements them. What does your family do, if one may know?"

"One may know. My Dad works in municipal administration in the town of Meryton. My Mum is a … Mum."

"My Mum is dead. She died two years ago. Dad was in poor condition then but he began to get better some six months ago. It seemed he began some other life, completely new."

"It's good he made it and came back to life, so to speak. My Aunt, hardly did when Uncle died. She is getting a bit better now. Especially when she meets new people. It does her good."

The rain was increasing.

"Elizabeth could you wipe the steam of the window, please. The chamois is in the car box. "

Elizabeth opened the box. A sheet of paper fell off it. Having wiped out the window, she picked the piece of paper up and looked at it. It was an old, black and white picture. It showed two boys dressed as… elfs.

"The boy on the left is cute." Called Elizabeth. "Who are they?"

"Oh, no. Don't look at it, please."

"Why, this is cute. Two boys wearing green tights and red coats. Who are they?"

"That boy on the left is me and the other one is George Wickham." Said Junior reluctantly.

"George Wickham?"

"No one interesting, really." Elizabeth sensed she should ask no questions.

"When was this one taken?"

"Christmas '77. I was 9 then. And we were having Office Christmas. The whole family was dressed up like that."

"That is a nice tradition. Why were you not a Santa at this year's Office Christmas?"

"I though I would look stupid."

"No, you would be sweet in…." she broke the sentence.

They have just arrived to Atrium Building where Elizabeth lived, when it stopped raining.

"Thank you for the lift." Said she.

"Always at your service."

"Thanks. Bye."

William wanted to ask her out but in the last moment decided not to. There will be another occasion. thought he, driving away.

Elizabeth walked into the building. In fact it was 12 houses together. She was just crossing the yard when she saw a familiar face.

"Good afternoon, Mr Darcy."

"Will you ever learn it's George?" was the reply.

Chapter Seven

December, 28th

"Elizabeth, it's for you." Called her Aunt and added whispering: "Mr Darcy."

"Hi George."

"It's William."

"Hi William!" said she with a small embarrassment.

"I was wondering if we could go to a concert, tomorrow night. I have two tickets for Tina Turner."

"It sounds great."

"Good. I'll pick you up at seven. We'll eat something and go to the concert."

"Yes."

"Good. So,… see you."

"Bye." Oh, ssssugar murmured Elizabeth hanging up the receiver. Meanwhile William was thinking: What George? Whose telephone did she think she was answering?

The Concert

There were thousands of people at Wimbledon. Elizabeth was tightly held by William. He had a firm grip on her so that she would not float away with the crowd. Elizabeth's nearness was intoxicating. The first bars of: "Look me in the Heart" were to be heard.

Last night we tried to touch

Elizabeth was moving in the rhythm of the music.

Last night we tried to talk

William felt her groovy moves, her gently swaying body right next to his.

We finally fell asleep
We couldn't have been further apart.
Look me in the heart
If you think the love is blind
Baby, look me in the heart
And you'll see I'm so crazy about you, baby.

He brushed Elizabeth's hair with his face. She pressed against him, either on purpose or because of the crowd.

They were on the way back from the concert. All radio stations were playing Tina Turner. The streets were empty as they entered London's Zone 6. Bars of "Private Dancer" were coming from car's radio. Darcy looked at Elizabeth and smiled. He pulled over the car and turned up the radio.

"What are you doing?" called Elizabeth.

In the quiet street, nothing, except for Tina could be heard. William got off the car and opened Elizabeth's door. "May I have this dance, Miss Bennet?"

"You are joking!"

"I've never been more serious in my life."

She got out of the car as Tina began singing:

Well, the men come in this places.
And the men are all the same.

William began murmured the words to Elizabeth's ear:

"You don't look at their faces
And you don't ask their names.
You don't think of them as human
You don't think of them at all.
You keep the mind on the money
Keeping your eyes on the wall"

Is he testing me?" thought Elizabeth but he continued murmuring to her ear:

"I'm your private dancer
A dancer for money
I'll do what you want me to do"

Elizabeth felt safe in William's arms. They were dancing in the middle of the street, swinging slowly to the rhythm of the song. From time to time she could feel William's lips brushing her ear or inhaling the scent of her hair. His nearness made her melt.

I want to make a million dollars
I want to live out by the sea
Have a husband and some children
Yes, I guess, I want my own family

Is he suggesting something with this song? There were other songs, so why this? Maybe it's nothing. thought Elizabeth.

Deutchmarks or Dollars
American Express will do nicely - thank you.
Let me loosen up your collar
Tell me do you want to see me do the Shimmy again

William changed the steps. They were faster, he held her even closer and then…. The song came to an end.

Elizabeth looked playfully on her partner:

"How much do I owe you for being my private dancer?" asked she.

He considered the answer for a while. "I think my price is… a kiss."

"Shall I kiss your forehead or cheek?" came the reply.

He laughed: "Let me show you what I have in mind?"

He pulled her close to himself, placing his lips on hers forcing her to respond with a kiss. They stood in the middle of an empty street of London, kissing passionately, forgetting the time and circumstances.

Chapter Eight

January, 4th

"Charles, what are you doing here?" called William when Charles came into his office.

"I popped in to see Jane and as Caroline had something for your secretary I though I might help Elizabeth and bring it myself."

"What does Elizabeth have to do with Caroline?"

"Why, she is Caroline's secretary."

I met her on a train today. She is probably some gold-digger… rang in William's ears. Oh, God, she is the girl…She is a secretary and I…

"Are you alright, Darcy?"

"Yes, Bingley, just fine. Will you excuse me, I have a meeting in five minutes."

"Of course. Bye."

William left his office five minutes after Bingley. He went down to the 22nd floor.

Elizabeth was coming back from the archives when she was accosted by George Darcy on 22nd floor.

"Elizabeth, it's good that I see you. Your Aunt asked me to give you the keys to the apartment."

At that moment, William arrived. Smiling coldly, he said:

"Hello, Father! Father, I must speak with you." Without acknowledging Elizabeth he left, taking the Senior with him.

Throughout the rest of the day, William could hardly concentrate on his work. His father's words: "…the keys to the apartment." were still ringing in his ears. Is it possible that she and my father…?

Chapter Nine

"What have I done wrong?" kept repeating Elizabeth walking around the living room in her Aunt's apartment. "Only three days ago, we were sitting together, kissing and today, he treats me as if I didn't exist. I can understand that he might have wanted a one-night stand, but then he would have dragged me to bed and left, but here? a) he didn't drag me to bed, we haven't even slept together; b) he called me yesterday and chatted with me as if we were teenagers; c)… well, c)… it all doesn't make any sense. Why me? Why is he treating me like that? Why did I get involved? Why? Why? Why?"

"Lizzy, are you home?"

"Yes, Aunt."

"Good, I'll prepare myself some dinner and we'll watch Sleepless in Seattle"

"I can't."

"Oh, you are going out with Will." Said Maddy Gardiner with a sparkle in her eye.

"No" replied Lizzy briskly.

"Lizzy, what happened?

"Oh, Aunt, if I only knew."

"Tell me everything." Said Maddy, placing herself on the sofa next to Elizabeth.

"William treats me as though I don't exist."

"Lizzy, you must be mistaken."

"No, Aunt. I met him today in the office and he didn't even acknowledge me. I don't want him to kiss me in the office or hug me or whatever but a simple 'hello' and smile would be enough."

"Lizzy, were you alone there?"

"No, his father was there."

"No one, else?'

"No, and that's why it hurts so much. I mean even if he wants to pretend… it was his father. I mean he must know where his father spends his weekends. He can't be blind, can he?"

"Lizzy, I think you should confront him."

"Who?"

"William, of course. There must be some explanation to it."

"Aunt, I can't. He hinted it well enough for me. He doesn't want to know me - fine."

"Lizzy, before you decide to do anything, you must answer yourself one question. Do you like him enough to fall in love with him."

"It's funny that you say if I want to fall in love with him."

"It's not funny. You don't fall in love with a man the moment you see him. If you think you do, then it means that you are not in love but that he appeals to you sexually. So, what's the answer?"

"I think I could fall for him." Replied Lizzy calmly.

"Well, then the decision is yours, you should go and talk to him, in my opinion."

"Thank you, Aunt. I'll think about it. He is in Holland till Friday. By then, I'll make a decision."

"Good, and now go and put on the Gucci dress I gave you for your birthday. We'll go to town and eat something in this Hungarian restaurant."

"Okay, Aunt. I'll be ready in a second."

"That's my girl." Smiled Maddy and Elizabeth left.

Chapter Ten

William was sitting on the bed in his penthouse on the 25th floor of Darcy Building. Both he and his father owned a flat there. Junior liked to spend time there if he had a lot to think about. Right now he was analysing his relations with Miss Elizabeth Bennet and the possibility that she might be involved with his own father.

Junior put out a piece of paper and started to write down all the fors and againsts:

1. Father brought up the topic of her all of a sudden, maybe this was the way to introduce an idea that he was willing to have an open affair with someone.

He crossed out someone and wrote: Elizabeth Bennet.

2. When I called her, she thought it was some George - my father, plus she seemed embarrassed on the phone. 3. When we went to the concert, she was wearing a Gucci dress, at least Ł1,000 worth, she could not have afforded it with her salary Ł150 per week, and her family is not rich. 4. Her salary is high for a secretary with no experience. 5. The keys to Father's apartment. I wonder where?

"What am I to do?" groaned William. "The first girl I liked enough to fall in love with and she turns out to be my father's mistress." You don't know it, William. said an inner voice. "Maybe I don't but it looks likely." Go and talk to her and your father, continued the voice. "No way, I'm not going to make an idiot of myself. Anyway, I'm going to Holland tomorrow so I won't have time." Replied William. You are lying to yourself. Cheating yourself! whispered the voice. "Shut up.' Called William, folding the paper, "I don't care!"

YOU DO! YOU DO!! YOU DO!!!

Elizabeth and Maddy Gardiner sat in the restaurant in silence.

"Aunt, I think I have to talk to William."

"Good. I think it's a wise decision."

"Aunt, I have to do it now, otherwise I won't have the courage."

"Now?"

"Yes, Aunt."

"As you wish, dear."

Chapter Eleven

"George, thank you for bringing me here. I feel I should talk to William, you do understand? I would not have got in here, if it hadn't been for you." She kissed his cheek slightly. "My hair is a mess."

"You know I would do anything you asked me for. You look beautiful."

"You are too good."

"We've known each other for such a short time, but you are so dear to me as you are to Maddy."

William couldn't find himself a place. He was walking around the flat trying to come up with something he could do to take his thoughts off Elizabeth.

"I can't go on like this." Murmured he, "I must speak to her."

He took his jacket and went towards the lift.

"Elizabeth," said George when they entered the private lift, "I feel dizzy. I can't…" he did not manage to finish the sentence when he fell on the floor.

"Oh, my God, George!" cried she kneeling next to him and loosening his collar, unbuttoning his shirt. "George!" she cried trying to feel the pulse. At that moment the door opened and she saw… William Darcy.

"What is going on here?" said he in a cold voice. Before his eyes his father was lying on the floor of the lift and Elizabeth Bennet was kneeing next to him, his shirt unbuttoned, her face all red, her hair in mess. She is his b#*^$. flashed through his mind. And then he heard:

"Can't you see your father had a heart attack? Get the ambulance!"

Chapter Twelve

Sense Hospital

Elizabeth arrived at the hospital. William went with his father in the ambulance. Elizabeth called her Aunt. When they arrived at the hospital, it was quarter past eleven. Elizabeth was standing in the waiting room when William approached her.

"He wants to see you." Said he coldly and as she was leaving added: "I guess he prefers his b**** to his son."

"I beg your pardon? What did you say?"

"Exactly, what you've heard."

"Do you think that I'm your father's mistress?"

"Well, that's a euphemistic expression but it means more or less the same."

"How dare you?" said she through her teeth.

"It's funny that you dare to ask. Not only is he paying for your cloths but for your apartment, too."

Elizabeth was speechless.

"Yes, yes, my dear," continued he sardonically, "do you think I haven't noticed that Gucci dress you wore at the concert. You could hardly afford it with your mere 150 pounds a week. By the way, that's not a bad salary for a secretary without experience."

Elizabeth said nothing, staring at him in horror.

"And that you expect his phone calls. I can still hear your joyful tone when you called: George!"

Elizabeth looked at him dryly.

"Judging from what you say I can indeed call myself your father's b*^#*^."

"Give me a break! At least don't pretend!"

She turned to walk out.

"I just wonder what you were doing in the lift. Was it a prelude to the bedroom or a fast one?" called he.

Elizabeth's eyes were cold as steel, when she approached him and … slapped.

Chapter Thirteen

Mr Darcy,

My name is Madelien Gardiner, and I would be surprised if it told you anything. I will be straightforward then and say that I don't care if I will be hurting your feelings with this letter. Personally I would wish you would suffer after reading this letter as much as my niece suffered after the conversation with you in the hospital, but I know Elizabeth would not forgive me that.

"I don't have to read it. I've been treated bad enough. She is to forgive? It's some pathetic joke." Darcy placed the letter on the desk and tried to proceed with the rest of his mail but it was in vain. He had to return to the letter. "Why do I pain myself?" asked he aloud and restarted reading:

Neither Elizabeth nor your father know about this letter.

"Of course, the lovers employ their time in much better way." Said he sarcastically but read on:

However, I think that you should know the truth for its own sake, if for nothing else.

"Truth - it's the most overused term in the English language." He read on:

Let me start from the beginning. The night in the hospital, you accused Elizabeth of having an affair with your father basing it on a) her salary and job in Darcy Inc.; b) the phone call; c) the Gucci dress she wore at the concert; d) the keys; e) supposed tete-a-tete in the lift, if I may put it this way. Let me inform you then that Elizabeth isn't and never was your "father's b*^#*^", if I may quote you.

"And what else? The facts speak for themselves." Commented he.

She received the job at Darcy Inc. because your father, who is my next door neighbour offered it to her when she decided…

"My father is a next door neighbour to Mrs Gardiner? How come?"

…she decided to study in London and live with me. Due to the fact that your father and myself share the love for gardening and often work together in the garden of Atrium Building, George often visited us. The night you called to invite Elizabeth to the concert, she was expecting a phone call from your father, as she promised to look up some Latin flower names in the library. I keep wondering how a sensible man could be so distrustful towards the person he… or maybe he hadn't any feeling for.

"How dare she?" was his reaction

You seem to think that Gucci dresses are reserved to people who earn more than 20,000 pounds a month. Maybe, you are right. The dress was my birthday present for Elizabeth, as will one day be the house in which I live, now.

When Elizabeth forgot to take the keys and I had to leave, I asked your father to give them to her. I don't know what you heard or thought, but this is how it was. Elizabeth was devastated after you treated her so harshly and coldly that day. We talked a lot that evening and she said she had to talk to you, to find out what happened, at once. We had no idea where you were, so I called George and he offered he could take Elizabeth to your penthouse in Darcy Building… The rest you know. If you wanted to cause Elizabeth pain or hurt her deeply, then you succeeded, and although I cannot understand why, she can justify your behaviour towards her. I've known Elizabeth all my life and I know she must care a lot to be able to forgive.

Madelien Gardiner

Darcy closed his eyes to stop the tears. It was no use, though. The tears were rolling down his cheeks.

Chapter Fourteen

No matter how he tried to forget, he could not. The letter,… he reread it hundreds of times but nothing could help him. The notion of how much he erred could not leave his mind in peace and the warm words about Elizabeth's feelings and forgiveness were but a small help. He saw nothing in front of him, no hope.

He took a piece of paper and started writing:

Dearest Elizabeth,…

"No!" He threw the paper away and started again:

I love you, Elizabeth and am…

"Wrong, again!"

I don't know what to say but…

"If I don't know what to say then she won't even read it."

I wish I had never said…

"She won't believe me."

There is nothing that could excuse my behaviour.

"If there is nothing, she won't excuse me."

I was so stupid in…

"She won't talk to a stupid man."

Lizzy, give me hope…

"It sounds like a cheap romance."

I need you, Lizzy!

"You are sick, William Darcy! That's a stupid way!"

If there is any way I could make it all up for you.

"I can't make it up for her. I can't make promises I can't keep."

He took a small card and wrote firmly.

I am sorry.

William

He placed it in the envelop and sealed it. If he added anything else, it would sound untruthful. He thought that the simplicity in this letter was his only hope.

"Elizabeth, I brought the mail." Called Mrs Gardiner.

Elizabeth went through the letters. She stopped on the one without any indicated sender and opened it. There was a card inside, saying:

I am sorry. William

Nothing more. She bit her lip and shook her head, whispering: "Why?"

Chapter Fifteen

Four Weeks Later; Monday Morning

"Elizabeth, pack your things, you are flying to Barbados!" called Jane.

"Why?"

"Caroline Bingley had an accident. You will substitute for her."

"Why me?"

"You see, Caroline was to fly to Barbados for some presentation…"

"The Bantana - Liselotte Project?"

"Yes. Anyway, yesterday she went to visit her parents' graves and you'll never guess what happened."

"No."

"One of the stone crosses fell down and her leg is broken. She was lying in the graveyard, under the cross for two hours before someone found her. Poor thing."

"I guess the ghosts of people who suffered from her doings, revenged."

"Don't be cruel, Lizzy! Take your bag and go. The car is waiting in front of the building."

"I don't have anything to wear."

"It doesn't matter, you'll get everything in Barbados. Go and have fun."

"Jane, why me?"

"You are the only one who knows the project as well as Caroline."

Even better. thought Lizzy rushing to the lift.

She sat in the car, greeting the driver who smiled thinking: This one at least acknowledges you are alive and human. Not like this Bingley witch. He pulled away. They were going through the busy streets of London towards Heathrow.

"Can I use the phone?" asked she.

"Of course, Miss Bennet."

She dialled her Aunt's number. The answering machine replied: This is 181 345 276, Madelien Gardiner. I am currently not at home. Please leave your number or message and I will contact you as soon as possible. There was a beep and Elizabeth said:

"Aunt, I'm flying to Barbados. I'll call you when I'll get there. Bye."

They were arriving at the airport. There was the company's plane waiting for her. She went up the stairs and as she entered it she saw a man sitting in the armchair. It was… William Darcy.

"Ready for take off." She heard the Captain say. She was sitting opposite to the man who treated her in the worst of manners. They were 10,000 metres above the ground.

Author's Note: This chapter is dedicated to Lise as a thank you for all the wonderful stories, she wrote and I enjoyed so much. Thank you. Joanna

Chapter Sixteen

"Miss Bennet, Mr Darcy asks you to come to the conference room." Said the boy.

"Thank you."

She has just come back from shopping and changed into a fresh costume. During the flight, they hardy talked. William was very calm and composed. She wanted to begin but every word seemed forbidden. She sensed he felt the same. So instead of thinking about him (that was always hard and in his presence…), she opened her laptop and started writing. If it goes on like that I'll go crazy. she thought entering the conference room.

"I believe you don't know Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Lise. Miss Bennet, this is the head of Liselotte Ltd., Miss Liselotte Joling."

"Pleased to meet you, Miss Joling." Greeted her Elizabeth.

"It's just Lise. William was talking about you in superlatives, Miss Bennet."

"Elizabeth." Replied she mechanically thinking: In superlatives, was he?

"Of course." Replied Lise smiling.

"Ladies, shall we begin?" asked Darcy

"Of course." Said they unanimously.

"Miss Bennet…" said Darcy.

"Yes. Let us start from the beginning. The main objective of Liselotte Ltd. is to enter the British market of geodetic services. As we all know, those services are widely used, but the companies which perform them are old, and it is difficult for a new company to break through. But where there is a need there is a way. In fact two, even."

What is this all about? That's not the project! William was thinking nervously, but he kept silent.

"Two teams have been working on the project. Here is the outcome of the work of the first on." She distributed the portfolios. Darcy looked at the project signed by Caroline and himself.

"The authors suggest that Liselotte Ltd. should wait until Bantana Plc. will be selling out its grounds near Folkestone and become its geodetic company. This project has weak points however. Liselotte Ltd. would have to win the auction for this work, and I honestly doubt it possible. Too big a concurrence. As I said there is another way, however," she took out the portfolios she's been preparing on the plane. Darcy looked at the author of the project. It said: Elizabeth Bennet. Is she doing it to revenge on me? No, it can't be. It's not Elizabeth's style. But do I really know her?

"There is a small company called Barney & Bannister Ltd. which has the renown and what is important - financial troubles. If Liselotte Ltd. bought the shares from Mr Bannister, its name would suffice to establish a safe position on the market."

"I like the second idea better but there is a 'but'. Someone was selling Barney&Bannister shares short, this morning." Replied Lise.

Elizabeth looked distressed.

"Could you wait a moment, please?" said she and Darcy was turning paler and paler. Just don't screw it up, Elizabeth

She was going through her notes. Finally:

"Yes. Just as I thought. It is of no consequence. Mr Bannister possesses 51% of the shares and he would not sell them on the stock. He wants someone who would continue the tradition of the company. Someone like you, Lise."

Lise considered it for a while. "This makes sense, Elizabeth. William, I'm all for it. I'll go into Barney & Bannister."

"Great, Lise!" called Darcy with a visible relief.

Funny guy, thought Lise.

"Maybe, we can eat something?" suggested he.

They were sitting in the restaurant when a waiter approached them:

"Mr Darcy, sir, there is a phone call for you."

"Thank you. Ladies, will you excuse me?"

"Of course."

Lise turned to Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, I hope you will not be offended by my question, but why are Will and you on the formal terms, whereas you use my first name?"

"It's a long story. Let's just say that we don't make a good team." Was the reply.

That's strange, the man has eyes for her only and doesn't look like someone indifferent to her.

William returned at that moment.

"William, Elizabeth, I should be going. I'm flying out tonight. I must be in New York tomorrow at 9 a.m. I should be coming to England in the end of February."

She left. They were to fly back to England tomorrow morning. It was 6 p.m.

Chapter Seventeen

It was 8 a.m. when Elizabeth heard a knock on the door. She had just dressed up and was brushing her hair.

"Who is it?"

"William."

"Come in." replied she reluctantly.

"I just wanted to say that most probably we will be unable to fly out as planned. There seems to be a hurricane approaching. We will have to wait here."

"Thank you." She made no move, fully aware he was looking at her intensely. Seeing no reaction from her side, he shook his head and went towards the door. He placed his hand on the knob, when he changed his mind.

"Elizabeth, please give me one more chance," he whispered.

There was silence.

"I know that everything I said and did was inexcusable but…" his voice trailed off. "Elizabeth, please let me make it up to you. I love you so much. Give me one more chance. I've treated you in the worst of manners. I said things I am so ashamed of, now. I based my accusations on things that… I should have asked you. I should have trusted you. I behaved in such an unspeakable manner… I hurt you so much…" Elizabeth got up and went towards the window. He could see she was sobbing. She covered her lips with her hand and closed her eyes, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Elizabeth, if you don't want to give me the chance, give it to yourself. Admit that you are unhappy without…"

"How dare you say so? How dare you after all you've done to me? I am to give myself the chance of being with you! I should throw you out of this room. How dare you…" she couldn't finish, the sobs were shaking all her body.

"Elizabeth, I'm sorry. I don't want to hurt you, not anymore." He came closer to her. "I know that whatever I say will sound wrong but I have to do something. I cannot live like this. The last month was a Hell on Earth for me. I know I sinned, but forgive me, please. Give us another chance. This one last time." He knelt next to her, she was still sobbing. He caressed her hair.

"William, I can't. I feel so… After all that happened, I just…"

"Elizabeth, please. I will beg, if there is a need but…"

"Stop it, stop it right now. Do you know how I felt being accused of leading double life? Do you know how I felt when you called me a b*^#^? I felt so dirty! The first man I fell for in my adult life and it turns out that he takes me for a whore! Get out of here, now. I hate you so much! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!" she was hitting his chest with both fists, crying and yelling at him. He caught her fists and forced her to stop hitting him. She was crying so terribly that the only thing he could do was - to hug her. He held her tight, fighting her attempts to break away. Before he realised it, he was pressing her with all his body to the floor, their tears mixing together.

"Wasn't that enough? Now, you are trying to rape me!" called she.

That made him let her go. He got up: "I believe you've said enough, Miss Bennet."

He walked towards the door. He opened it and left her. He didn't even slam it.

He sat on his bed and wrapped his arms around his knees. He felt tears rolling down his cheeks. His heart was aching. The only thing he could think off was: why? Burying his face in his lap he sobbed. He's done her a great wrong, but she treated him badly too. No matter what he has done to her, she had no right to claim he wanted to rape her. It was getting darker and darker outside. There was this terrifying silence and he could hear Elizabeth cry in the next room and then… the wind broke.

Three Hours Later

The storm hit the island. Darcy had been standing in the window watching the trees bending on the wind. The rain was strong and the lightning was hitting the ground. He could cry no more. Something died within him and he knew, it would never come back to life, unless… unless Elizabeth was at his side. That seemed impossible now, after what she said. When she said she hated him, he thought she was just giving way to emotions she held back for so long. Now, he wasn't sure. She should have known he would do her no harm. No, she could not have known. After all he hurt her badly. But that was no excuse, maybe it would be if she hadn't said he wanted to rape her with that cold voice, with steel-like eyes.

Suddenly, a thunder hit a nearby tree. A huge branch was cut away. And then… there was a terrible noise of broken glass. The branch landed in…

"Elizabeth!!!!!!!!!!!!!" called William rushing to the door.

Chapter Eighteen

Darcy opened the door and… there she was standing, shivering and trembling, wrapped in a blanket.

"Are you alright? I…"

"I am sorry, William." she managed to whisper.

"Come in…"

"No, I have to go. I… I just… I wanted… I…"

"You are going nowhere." Said he firmly, taking her arm and pulling her into the room. "Lie down, Elizabeth." Said he seating her on the bed. He went to the window to close the wooden curtains. Returning to the bed, he found Elizabeth still sitting where he left her.

"I will help you." He took the blanket. She was wearing silk underwear only.

"Come, you need to go to bed. I will get you some tea." He picked the phone to call the kitchen. It was silent. "I'll go downstairs and bring you…"

"Don't leave me, please." She squeaked.

"I shall be back shortly."

"No, William, I need to tell you something first."

"It can wait…"

"No, William. It can't. I have to apologise you."

"You don't have to."

"Please, William, forgive me. I cannot live knowing that you think ill of me. I know you wouldn't hurt me … Not in that way."

He was silent.

"William, please. I love you."

"Don't cry, Dearest. Please, don't. There is nothing you need to apologise for. It's all my fault." Said he kneeling next to the bed and caressing her hair.

"William, let's forget. I don't want to remember." She tousled his hair when he placed his head on her lap.

"It's so cold here." said she after a while.

"I'll bring you another blanket."

"William, come to me." Asked she tapping the other side of the bed. "Please, come and warm me."

He did as she asked and wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her hair. "I feel sooo safe." Murmured she.

Three Days Later In London; 9.36 p.m.

"They won't come back, today." Said Maddy to her interlocutor.

"Such a small incident - Caroline visiting, for the first time after all those years, her parents' graves and a stone cross falls on her. Just a lucky chance, for Elizabeth and William. I still can't forgive him that he could have thought such things about her."

"You know, the facts were a bit ambiguous."

"But still. This trip and hurricane came just in time. I couldn't watch them die inside."

"Judging from the postponed departure from Barbados, it looks that they cleared their problems." Said Maddy.

"Yes." There was silence and then: "If they do not come back tonight then…" Maddy smiled as she heard it.

Elizabeth and William ran into Mrs Gardiner's house. They've decided to come back today and surprise everyone. They ran up the stairs, straight to the Orangerie where Maddy usually spent her evenings. Elizabeth was about to call: "Aunt!" when William shut her mouth with his hand. One the sofa, George Darcy was kissing Maddy Gardiner passionately.

The End

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