Beginning, Section II
Jump to new as of November 24, 2001
Jump to new as of December 6, 2001
Jump to new as of December 20, 2001
Chapter 9
Both Jack and Liz immediately snapped their heads around to glance at the choking William; one with a little amusement and sudden clarity, and the other with concern.
"Are you alright?" She asked gently, like a professional, caring therapist. She'd quite perfected the 'concerned' tone enough after taking care of her mad sisters for so long and was quite proud with how proper she sounded. Oprah, make way! William, still lightly coughing (though being the gentleman he was, with his mouth closed and tight-lipped) nodded hurriedly as he coloured a bit in embarrassment and pressed his napkin over his mouth. After all, it was not every day you saw the cool and collected owner of Pemberley drinking a cup of tea down the wrong pipe and ending with it trying to come out of his nose...! He gave Liz a genuinely flustered and red-faced look and she really couldn't understand why he was so... well, discomfited by it. She'd done many a more mortifying thing and last night was only one of thousands of cringing events she'd partaken in during her extremely colourful lifetime. She had discerned during her sketch of his character (which she did unconsciously with everyone she met and knew) that he really didn't like being well... ridiculed and out of control. He'd hate being me then. She gave him a small 'I-really-don't-mind-that-you-choked-and-I-really-am-not-laughing-at-you-...honest' reassuring-type smile. When he, to her utter surprise, returned it with gentle ardour, she quickly focused back on her food and reminded herself to be terrified of him again. Wow, that was odd. Am I exaggerating or was he almost... well, trying to undress me with his eyes? ...No way. I'm imagining things. Why would he even look twice at me? William, snapping out of the reverie of visualising her back in her slip, felt his face burn again on realising what he was envisioning, then dropped his own eyes disconcertedly and nearly shakily back to his meal.
"I know what a brilliant idea would be!" Jack suddenly cried out into the awkward silence as he lightly dropped his crumpled napkin onto his finished plate; the other two focused a bit too hard on their own plates as they tried their hardest not to look up. "Why don't Liz and I tour the house... just to see if it appeals to us?" William didn't look up from his eggs, but Liz (looking at him discreetly over her lashes) saw him pause (and was that a grimace?) when Jack finished.
"If that's your wish," He said coolly though still slightly red, then returned back to slicing his bacon. Jack turned to Liz with that cocky and devastating grin of his.
"What say you, my dear Miss Bennedt?" His wiggling his eyebrows excessively caused the lady to giggle, and she could only manage to agree in response.
"I would be charmed to be accompanied by you, Mr Reid."
Deciding that it would be best and most polite to wait after breakfast, Liz and Jack did quite impatiently and, like over-excited and hyperactive children, scarpered off up the staircase, hand in hand. Neither could wait to savour the delights of this house. It was truly stunning... though Liz had fervently expressed to Jack that it really was nothing to her Pemberley. Then again, she may have been slightly (very) biased. She had fallen hard for that particular building her very first day and now loved it more and more with every meaningless little glance. She was definitely the luckiest person in the world to get to live there... and rent-free! It was definitely too good for the likes of her, but she would never admit it...! Pemberley was actually one of the few things she was proud about (though she didn't own it or make it) and she felt as though she would have to be dragged away kicking and screaming to give it up. Turning back, Liz saw William looking up at them with awe and a small-amused smile and she actually unconsciously stopped. Ok, ok... why was he being so understanding? Raising her index finger to Jack, indicating for him to give her a minute, she descended down the stairs again and looked at William with a pursed smile as she did.
"Is there a problem, Miss Bennedt?" He asked in soft concern as he stepped back slightly, almost in fear of brushing against her.
"I don't want to sound ungrateful but... I just..." Liz's voice trailed off, and she rolled her eyes at herself as she gave him her cheeky, though also serious smile and a sigh as she more lucidly began again in trepidation. "Why am I still working for you?"
"Who says you are?" He asked with a blank expression, his jaw clenched tightly and his voice casually unbothered. Liz could not stop herself from opening her mouth in shock. I knew it was too good to be true! Aaaaaah!! No more Georgie... no more Pemberley...! No more MONEY!!! However, while Liz's mind whirled and her heart fell with a thump to her stomach, William's mouth slowly curved slightly and his eyes had an odd though becoming shimmer to them. "Lizbeth, why would I fire you?" He asked with a more relaxed voice. ...Whoa... whoa! He's teasing me?! She couldn't answer for a couple of seconds as she tried to recover from her initial shock.
"But I... I-I puked and fell through your table...!"
"Actually, I believe you fell through my table first," He said with that same infuriating though terribly charming smile. Why was he being so calm about this? Her mouth continued to hang open and she was convinced a couple of flies had visited until she finally spoke in flustered disbelief.
"I-I don't understand..."
"That was in your leisure time," he said simply and smoothly in his exquisite aristocratic voice. "Who am I to decide what you can and can't do in your free hours?" Liz was still shaking her head in incredulity. She just couldn't understand it. Couldn't he see that she wasn't the right person to be in a job that required the employee to be mature and provoke intelligent and sound inspiration; was the man blind?
"But, don't you think I'm a bad influence for Georgie...?" Dammit, Liz, shut up! You're giving him ideas...!
"Quite the contrary," he said with an astonishingly warm grin. So astonishing that Liz was almost made breathless. God, he is human... William looked a little discomfited by his declaration as he shrugged slightly. "I truly believe you're the best thing to ever happen to her."
"Liz?!" Jack called out in impatient volume. Tearing her flustered eyes away from William's (could you call it tender?) gaze, she turned back to the stairs and truly, for the first time in her life, willed Jack away. Squinting her eyes at him, her lack of telepathic powers indeed surfaced to be just that... then she suddenly gasped inwardly. Wait a second... why would I willingly wish to spend more time with the scary though devilishly handsome William Darcy...? Oh my God... you just answered your own question, you Ditz! Stop it, hormonal woman! What are you trying to do? Keep it in the family? ...Though he does look extremely attractive in just a suit... Mmmmmmm... Turning back to William, she unconsciously graced him with an enigmatically mischievous, leery and long smile then slowly turned and made her way back up the stairs towards Jack... leaving her boss both confused and stunned, staring after her at the foot of his grand staircase. He'd (naturally) always had women look at him like that since he'd reached puberty... but never with such depth and so audaciously; and to further his shock, he actually quite liked it. She practically drank him in quite scandalously with those extraordinary dark eyes and that teasing smile on her lips. She was shy one minute, bold the next and eccentric at every stage... The woman was a paradox, and one, he quite immediately noticed, with a fabulous arse. Again noticing that these weren't exactly gentlemanly thoughts, he reddened instinctively again - he seemed to be doing quite a great deal of that lately. God, he really needed to get out the suddenly claustrophobic and stuffy house. Liz, being the dizzy creature she was, was actually quite unbeknownst that she had betrayed her liking for his fine appearance so blatantly - she merely conveyed facially what she thought at the present moment, and even when she tried to rein in her emotions, they usually shone through. If she'd truly known how she'd leered with utter lust at her Scary Boss-Man then she would have died of mortification. Ok, so the man was a fox... but he wasn't one of the kind you'd like to pet; William Darcy was more like the type that would bite your hand off if you even tried. She could feel his gaze tingling her back and, turning around slightly, she witnessed him staring at her then drop his eyes to look at the floor curiously, quickly trying to withdraw his look as he coloured. Not quite fast enough, Mr Darcy... but why so embarrassed? What have I done now to offend him? And why is he being so tame now? Could the real William Darcy please stand up? ...Just don't let him trick you from being off your guard, Liz. Don't forget what happened to the lawyer in Jurassic Park... Taking her arm, Jack led her out of the stairway and from her thoughts for a while. Before they left Darcy's view, Liz's companion looked down at William with a cheeky grin, which only caused the latter to growl bitterly under his breath as he turned away from them and headed sullenly and slowly towards his office. He didn't like Jack. And he disliked further the reason why he didn't like Jack. What was wrong with him? Liz wasn't even particularly gorgeous or stunning... so why did she get to him so much? He had supermodels around him all the time... so why did one London girl get him in such a state? No, he didn't like this feeling of disorder at all. Unexpectedly, halfway through walking and questioningly himself to no avail, William Darcy decided, for a particular reason, to change both his mind and route...
As both Liz and Jack gazed all around them in astonishment, they added the occasional gasp of genuine approval, though Jack more reluctantly did so. He didn't want to admit to Liz that she was right about Darcy's good taste, so kept him lips pressed together in a small repressed smile to stop himself from blurting out that he'd always wanted a house as beautifully decorated as this was.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Liz asked in excitement, almost tempted to twirl around ridiculously as she stared lovingly at the walls she had grown so accustomed to for a little over a few minutes. Jack shrugged into a smile and slipped his arm around her waist as he sighed in happy defeat.
"Stunning, darling; magnificently posh. How much do you think we could get by selling those door knobs in a car boot?" Hitting him good-naturedly in the stomach, they turned into the great hallway, which housed the family portraits and the gigantic family crest. Turning back slightly to eye the doorknobs Jack had mentioned, Liz noticed that they did look terribly regal and impressively fine - well, for doorknobs. Hmmmm... I actually do wonder how much you'd get for one of those... With a shrug, she forgot about it and instead sighed happily as she looked around her in further anticipation and discovery. As she merely smiled at the people, who she truly believed she practically knew, Jack smirked slightly.
"Lord, nice room. Who is this sorry bunch?"
"Stop being so uncultured," She tutted as he laughed easily. "This is the 'Darcy' family from the years 1512 to the present day." She stopped as she appreciatively looked at each and every painting with a glorious beam. Jack produced a long and somewhat loud forced yawn as she continued her breathless praises. "God, to have so much history in your family... The closest I have is that family tree made out of a Rice Krispies cereal box that I made when I was 5." Jack chuckled.
"Oh yeah, I remember that. Loved the sequined border, darling." Liz smiled back as she turned her head to look at him.
"Thank you. But even with the strategically placed decorations, it wasn't very accurate. I remember branches replacing my grandfathers with Spiderman and Wonder Woman..."
"You always had a red underwear fetish."
"You should know; you've seen them all." They both carried on sniggering childishly as they reached the end of the hall, where Jack stood in front of a picture with much interest.
"Nice picture of your boss," he said genuinely, turning to her as they both looked at the painting of William Darcy. Liz was about to agree whole-heartedly with her companion when she stopped. Oh. My. God.
"That's not William." She breathed in astonishment, hardly believing it herself. This fellow that they were both gazing over looked far too happy to be William, but the likeness was uncanny. Looking down at the gold plate upon the bottom of the frame, Liz traced its inscription with her index finger delicately.
Fitzwilliam Darcy - 1817
Tearing her eyes from the picture and shivering slightly as she again pondered the eerie resemblance, she hurried to catch up with Jack, who'd actually walked all the way to the other end of the hall. How does he always manage to do that? The man moves like lightning! When Liz finally joined him, she could see that he was staring at a picture in fascination. Glancing over it herself, she could understand why this particular portrait had caught his interest and made Jack such an artsy peep all of a sudden. He was standing in front of a depiction where the subject's eyes looked somewhat cross and his lips were in an almost pout. This was definitely William. They both grinned. Jack laughed as he shook his head in dismay and humour.
"God, he is an uptight bastard, isn't he? How can you live with him?" Liz, who would never have thought she ever would, looked somewhat hurt at this remark and hit him quite seriously on the arm. Hey! Steady on, old friend!
"Shut up, he's really nice when you get to know him." Jack shook his head, as the seriousness didn't tempt him to enter that conversation any further. She noticed the look on his face and poked her tongue out good-naturedly.
"That may be," he said absently, smiling at her charming gesture. "But I'll tell you one thing about him..." He whispered a thought into her ear and her eyes automatically brightened. She turned to Jack and grinned.
"You are wicked," Liz said as her eyes twinkled in delight and amusement. The young man shrugged his shoulders with an amused look on his face.
"Don't you agree?" Pursing her lips, she looked back at the picture and slowly nodded as she just could not do anything but concur.
"Oh, undoubtedly."
As they both advanced through the exit, a shadow continued to watch as neither party saw him. William Darcy, who (to his own amazement!) had hid quite conspicuously behind them, quickly made his way back to the entrance as he mused over their conversation... especially what exactly it was that a certain gentleman had whispered about him, how offending it really was and what it was that Liz agreed undoubtedly with.
Chapter 10
For Michele D. Joyner
Liz sighed into a smile as she dropped her luggage on the floor on either side of her and gazed adoringly around the beautiful main entrance. It was good to be back at Pemberley again. Her chest expanded as she inhaled the scent of the place then exhaled in loud contentment and a grin. Yes, she was definitely glad to be home. Turning her head as she heard the car door slam behind her, she eyed (in some astonishment) William nodding with a soft smile at the elderly chauffer as the latter patted his shoulder paternally. William murmured something, practically inaudible really from her distance, to the driver, which caused the elder gentleman to roar with such hilarity she was afraid Boss man Darcy had attacked him with a canister of laughing gas or a feather. He can tell jokes? Now, I have seen everything! I wonder if he knows the one about the milkman...
"Liz!" Georgiana's shriek and her Sketchers thundering down the grand staircase tore Liz's gaze and interest away and she ran just as nonsensically towards her. Her sole reason for coming back so early was for Georgie's upcoming birthday, and hugging the 'soon-to-be' birthday girl was top of the agenda. Embracing excitedly, they both questioned the other about their separation, though Georgie was more willing to listen about the delights of London and also of Jack, whose picture she'd seen and had decided she was quite in love with. "Did you do anything interesting? Did you go out clubbing or anything...?" Georgiana, still innocent of the world, had barely known what a club was... and she only knew that because of the magic of television. Liz's face went bright red as she thought about that night at Monsoon. What should she say? 'Actually Georgie, I did go out, got pissed out of my skull at the most posh London restaurant, fell straight through your brother's table, ran into the men's toilets to throw up into the sink, fainted dead away and then had to be carried out by a spinach covered William and a stumbling Jack while the Malaysian chef screamed abuse at me in, well... Malaysian. Oh, and did I mention that I've come to the conclusion that your brother has one of the nicest arses I've ever seen?'
"Actually, I had quiet nights in." She could feel William's presence behind her, and was convinced of it when she heard him choke at her words. I am seriously bad for that man's health. I'll have to learn the Heimlich Manoeuvre next time I open my mouth near him. Georgiana looked slightly disappointed as her body deflated somewhat from its former excitement.
"Oh... just stayed in?" She asked softly. Suddenly, a (you couldn't faithfully call it devilish because it was Georgiana, but it was pretty darn close to it) look crossed over her usually innocent face. "Stayed in with Jack?"
"Georgiana, have you sorted out the invitations for the ball?" William asked swiftly, cutting Liz off before she could reply. She was about to pout when she registered his words.
"Ball?" Both Georgiana and William nodded together slowly at her ignorance.
"It's Georgiana's 16th," He said with a proud smile at his sister, who just blushed prettily. "And the 16th signifies adulthood, so her first ball is being thrown."
"A real ball? Like, carriages, slippers and pumpkins?" Liz couldn't believe this. The rich really knew how to party in style...! Her 16th included renting out a dinky and damp ancient disco hall in Hackney and ending up kissing a spotty boy in her class called Bill Collins.
"Yes, " William said with controlled amusement as his dimples softly though mischievously appeared. "Excluding the carriages, slippers and pumpkins."
"Well, what is the first act of business?" Liz asked with a shrug and a smile, getting into the birthday spirit as she linked her arm through Georgiana's.
"A brand new outfit, of course!" A voice bellowed from above them. Caz Bingley glided down the stairs in her leather white suit as she pushed her sunglasses to the tip of her nose so it wouldn't dilute her view of William Darcy. Yep. The man is still a fox. Both Liz and Darcy looked at Caz in amazement - was she adopting Jack's 'moves-like-Greased-lightning' style? What the heck is she doing here?!?!
"Caz, what the heck are you doing here?" Liz couldn't believe he'd said it. William Darcy, for the first time probably in his reserved lifetime, had declared his opinions outright! He did not look pleased with her sudden appearance. He'd greatly noticed that she was like that damp smell that never got out of your clothes; even if you tried to spray it away, she would come back even stronger. She let out a small snort.
"What a warm welcome! Please don't all jump up at once." Caz shook her head and grumbled as she managed to miraculously descend in those stilettos. The dazzling smile on her face, which was initially created to be directed at William, suddenly froze completely on her face when she noticed Liz and she turned quite a ghastly pale colour.
"You're that drunkard at Monsoon...!"
"Drunkard?" Georgiana asked softly with wide eyes as she turned to her linked companion, completely intrigued. Oh damn! I knew I'd be found out...! Liz turned desperately to William, not exactly too sure what form of help he could provide her with but he did an admirable job as he smoothly cut in.
"You must be mistaken, Caz. This is Georgiana's tutor." Her eyes gleamed as she turned back slowly to Liz and gave her a long once over while an insolent smile played upon her lips.
"Oh. So you're the famous Miss Bennet."
"Bennedt," Liz accentuated her name in a deathly cold and civil tone. Caz didn't look fazed by it as she unconvincingly stifled a yawn.
"I thought your name was Bennet. Hmmmm, that explains a lot. When Wills spoke about you I didn't think you would be..."
"So young?" Liz offered sweetly, causing William to hold his breath. Liz knew Caz meant Asian and she knew William was relieved she'd stopped her saying it. He quickly changed the subject, which was hard for someone who could barely continue a conversation, let alone start one.
"How did you get here so fast, Caz?"
"I came in the jet."
"You travelled from London to Cheshire by plane?" Liz suddenly asked incredulously, completely forgetting that she did not even know this woman. Caz almost growled at Liz through her yellow contacts; did she even give her permission to speak to her?
"Some of us can afford to travel in efficiency and style," She smiled in sickly sweetness and, Liz was sure, pure evil.
"But why? What was the point?" Georgiana asked softly, to which Caz forced herself (because she was sure to be her soon-to-be sister) to smile pleasantly. Considering how prone she was to deception, the lady was awfully bad at hiding her true feelings.
"Well, Georg-eeeeeee, I had to get here early to take you out shopping, and considering that your brother didn't even offer me a ride..."
"There wasn't any space," William said shortly in his 'can't-be-bothered' voice.
"In the limo?!" Caz said with hands on her hips, to which William shrugged slightly in disinterestedness. Caz looked over at Liz with such genuine revulsion, our heroine had to do a double take. Did she seriously stare at her like that?!!?! My God! If looks could kill I'd just be two sizzling, empty shoes with smoke drifting out of them... "How much space does she need, anyway?" Caz practically hissed out. God, she really didn't make her dislike subtle. William glared at her with a 'Don't-ever-do-that-again' flash in his eye and she caught it on quickly. She tossed her hair to the side, trying to ignore his hurtful look, as she slipped her arm through Georgie's free one. "Talking about the limo, Will Darling, can Georg-eeeeee and I take it with us when we go?" William turned to his frightened sister as her arm reluctantly detached from Liz's as Caz pulled them further away.
"Georgie? Is that alright with-"
"Of course it is!" Caz cut in with a roll of her removable eyes. Looking expectantly at Georgiana, the shy and shaking young girl was coerced to nod. "She needs a new outfit for her own ball, doesn't she?! And we have already become fast friends..." Caz turned to Georgie again. "Haven't we?" The terrified Georgiana was again forced into bobbing her head in agreement. Liz had smiled sadly as Georgie had continued to obediently nod and remain silent, even until the limo had pulled into the driveway and she and Caz had slipped in. Liz was almost glad that Caz so clearly didn't want her to join them, which she guessed when Caz insisted that Liz get some rest because 'she looked so tired' and 'probably wasn't used to driving long distance in a car like a limousine'. Liz, though affronted by the comment would rather have sat on a roller coaster wearing a thong filled with broken glass then spent the entire day with the newly acquainted Caz, so she agreed. However, she couldn't help but slip in,
"Yes, Caz, I confess I was quite tired in the limo. But it must have been hell on that plane for you... you know, at your age..."
Seeing Georgiana's desperate face and wide eyes glaring at her through the open car window did make Liz feel incredible guilty... but she had to understand. Georgie hon, you can't take me anywhere. I'll end up pushing Caz in front of a cyclist... and who knows what I'll say to her if she gets me really peeved? As the limousine slowly pulled away, Liz could see Caz lean over to Georgiana's side of the car and press the 'Window Up' button, so the black glass slowly ascended over her view of her friend with a long buzz. Why do I suddenly feel as though Georgie just signed her own death warrant? Liz wondered as the car sped dramatically out the gates.
***
"Is Georgie back yet?" Liz asked desperately for the fifth time as she poked her head through the doorway of William's study, trying not to step too far into enemy territory. She usually would not have tried to bother him but it had been nine hours. How much outfit did the girl need? He looked up from his mountains of paper work and smiled weakly as he held his throbbing, overworked temples with his finger and thumb.
"No, not yet. I'm afraid Caz has bought her the entire shop." You'd have the room to house it all. Liz smiled wryly, as she rolled her eyes. William returned the look as he pushed the stack away to focus more on the welcome distraction. "Is there anything I can do for you, Miss Bennedt?" His gentle tone encouraged her to step further into the room until she was in the middle of it and just in front of his desk. Suddenly twisting her mouth into a half smile as a thought sprung into her head, William noticed her eyes suddenly gleam with spirit and found himself almost too eagerly anticipating what was to come.
"Can I tell you a joke?" He blinked.
"Pardon?"
"You know, a joke. A gag. A tall tale. A..."
"I am quite enlightened with what one is, Miss Bennedt," he said with a dry, though confused smile. "Why would you like to tell me one?"
"It'll pass the time. After all, you know how long it takes women like Caz to shop... besides, I also want to see how you'll react."
"Whether or not I find it amusing?"
"Precisely. I want to see what tickles your funny bone." Even more intrigued, he crossed his arms and leaned further back against his chair; his work completely forgotten.
"Are you trying to analyse my character?"
"Yes. Are you going to hear it or remain stubborn?" He looked a bit bowled over by her forwardness. Damn! You're on friendly terms... he's not a slumber party girlfriend...! Fighting off an image of William in pink pyjamas and a mud mask, Liz shook her head and quickly started afresh. "I mean... errr..."
"Go ahead," he cut in with a semi-pert tone. "Amuse me." He had a soft, determined glimmer in his eye, almost as though it were mission: impossible. Thinking about it, it probably is! Have I ever seen that man laugh or even grin widely? Reserved is one thing... deathly placid is quite another! With a determined crease of her forehead, Liz produced a sharp nod and pushed a curl behind her ear, causing William to reprimand himself for finding her actions adorable.
"Ok, so... right. This doctor has just created this machine that can give a certain amount of labour pain to the father. While one of his patients is going through labour, he puts the machine into practice.
'Give the B*****d a quarter of the pain!' She shrieked, as she squeezed her husband's hand tighter. The Doctor tweaked the dial to the 25% mark. So... her pain lessened by 25%..."
"Did she accurately lose 25% of the pain?" He asked with a little smile, finding the tale quite absurd. Liz scowled at his interruption.
"Yes," she said shortly, then continued to ignore his galling raised brow. "Anyway, so she lost 25% of the pain but her husband didn't gain any. Because of this, they urged the doctor to tweak it to 50%. However, still nothing happened to the husband as the wife's pain reduced by 50%. In the end, they tweaked the dial to 100% and she had a painless birth and a beautiful baby boy. The couple praised and thanked the doctor non-stop and the MD excitedly exited the house to tell the papers of this 'Great New Invention'. However, in his excitement, he fell over the dead milkman that was lying on the doormat." Liz finished and looked at him with wide, expectant eyes. Neither moved a muscle as their staring contest intensified. Just as she noticed clarity cloud over William's eyes and his mouth twitch to smile, Caz and Georgiana suddenly burst into the room. They both reluctantly tore their eyes away as William stood and moved away from the table to properly welcome them back and reproach his sister on her dreadful belatedness... when he froze.
"Here you are! Anyway..." Caz began expectedly, then with a self-satisfied gleam at Georgiana. "What do you think?" William, who leaned against the mantle-piece (in his shock) with his eyes fixed on his sister's face, stared with huge disbelieving eyes and a pale complexion as Liz could follow his lead. The new, and apparently improved, Georgiana Darcy was standing tentatively in dangerously high white heels, fluorescent pink tights, a short white leather skirt, a matching white leather jacket and was adorned with strikingly strong makeup, which cut sharply at her usually fresh face. Her straight hair had been cut to her shoulders and had a pair of white sunglasses placed neatly in it; but this wasn't the most noticeably different thing about her hairdo. Where her shining blonde hair once lay now rested a feathered head of crow black.
Oh God. She was a mini Caz. They practically looked identical. The only difference was that Caz had opted for the turquoise hosiery instead.
"What do you think?" Caz repeated, slightly louder, supposing that nobody had heard the first time. After all, they would never have ignored her.
Liz was relieved William could speak lucidly, because she honestly could not utter a word. Well, she could but the only words she could, would not be sensible to articulate out loud... especially with Caz in present company.
"Your hair seems to have, err... changed colour," He said with forced composure. Georgie could only blush shamed-facedly at her brother's expression and words as Caz produced a tinkling, and she attempted appealing, laugh.
"Yes, don't you think the colour goes perfectly with her complexion?" She urged with a proud beam at her creation.
"No. I prefer blonde," William said, his eyes still upon his sister as she dared not to look up at him. Caz huffed at his lack of 'Caz, you're a wonderful, beautiful genius! Now I must carry you away to my bedroom to show you how graceful I am' praises.
"Oh, Willy, stop being such a bore. How is she supposed to keep up with fashion with bland blonde?" Willy?!??! Did she just call William Darcy Willy?!?! LOL!
"It wasn't bland, Caz," William said quite darkly; his 'over-protective brother' mode slipping on. "It was strawberry blonde. Like my mothers was, and the colour of your own brother's, if I remember correctly."
"Charles would look absolutely dreadful with dark hair," She said with a crinkled nose as she pondered the thought, then pouted when she noticed Darcy's deadly expression. "Oh, for God sake Will-eeee-am! Stop being such an old woman! Have you got something against brunettes or something?" He didn't dare look at Liz.
"Caz, does it wash out?" With an angry whimper, she crossed her arms over her chest childishly and looked from Georgiana to William.
"God, you're both so damn alike. It'll just last five shampoos." She looked fed up and worn-out. Liz did feel quite sorry for her. She'd done all this work and it didn't improve her in William's eyes at all... in fact, in only seemed to attribute to the opposite. William looked at his sister with pride as she finally gained the courage to catch his eye. He knew she would never personally wreck her beautiful hair; she loved it more then he did. She may have been shy, but she was now way near stupid. He knew how difficult it was for her to plea... and especially against someone like Caz. She must have gone through agony to get Caz to just knock the sentence to 'Washable' hair dye. He couldn't have loved her more. Her eyes brightened as she suddenly noticed he was no longer cross and especially because of his warm smile.
"William...?" She said in uncertain softness, but his next look told her all she needed to know. With a shy, though a happy smile, she raised her gaze to her friend.
"Liz, could you help me wash this out?"
Chapter 11
"LIZ!" Georgiana's very out-of-character shriek made Liz bolt upright from her bed as the 16 year old slammed open her bedroom door. Observing Liz looking up at her in astonishment, Georgie suddenly blushed. "I-I, err... hope I didn't wake you." Liz grinned. She was slowly turning the shy and reserved Georgiana Darcy into another neurotic Lizbeth. Well she did warn William beforehand...
"Of course not! Happy Birthday, darling." Georgiana jumped onto the bed and embraced a still woozy Liz. With a yawn, Liz stretched loudly and provided her friend with a sleepy though enchanting smile. "Excited about tonight?" Yes, today is the day...!
"Oh, Liz... I can hardly contain my nerves...!"
"You sound like my mother," Liz replied with a wry grin as she pulled back the covers and slipped into her woolly cow print dressing gown and cow slippers. Georgiana supplied her with a weak smile, but she looked anxious as she quietly spoke.
"I keep thinking, what if they don't like me...?"
"How can they not?!" Liz laughed sweetly at Georgie's endearing worries as she pulled back her wild curls into a loose bun. "And with that gorgeous dress we picked out, the words 'Ball', Belle', and 'Of' naturally spring to mind." Georgie looked suddenly sceptical as she spoke even softly.
"I-I'm not sure about the dress, Liz." Though she was practically inaudible, Liz heard every word (she was getting quite used to the almost fantastical tone her friend spoke in). She stopped tying at her unruly hair and spun around, her face betraying her disbelief and frustration.
"But Georgie, you love it! Why are you so worried about what your brother thinks? The outfit he picked out for you was absolutely hideous! I'm sorry to pain you, but so it is. I mean, our dress isn't even revealing..."
"But, it's so grown up." Liz sighed into a smile as she plopped down on the soft bed beside Georgie. Meeting her friend's large, blue-eyed stare, Liz comfortingly grasped her hand.
"But, sweetheart, you are a grown up. You're old enough to do so many things..."
"Like what?" Georgiana asked lightly, and Liz was quite taken aback to see the mischievous glint in her eye. I know exactly what you want me to say, Missy!
"Like... smoke."
"Anything else?" She was giggling cheekily now.
"No, nothing at all. Nothing you should be aware of anyway!" Liz returned with an even more devilish expression... which only caused them both to slip into an unprecedented laughter. Georgiana's anxieties seemed to have currently slipped away and eventually calming herself and wiping the unshed tears of laughter from her eyes, she sighed into a smile and nodded at Liz's expectant look.
"Ok. Ok, Liz. I'll wear it."
***
Liz sighed contentedly as she checked her uniform in the full-length mirror, though her distracted eyes gazed appreciatively at the darkening and beautiful sunset out the window. After helping Georgiana slip into her beautiful new gown, she had hurried to her own room and dressed into the black skirt, black tights, white shirt and black tie laid out upon her bed. She had pinned back her disobedient black curls to the top of her head as neatly as she could, though a few stray tendrils escaped. Why did she always spend hours on her hair when it always looked like the same, messy heap? Her makeup was as natural as she could manage; a shimmer of lip-gloss and a bit of eyeliner and mascara. Hmmmm, not bad, Liz. And you've finally got to dress all 'Reservoir Doggish', just like you wanted. Liz was assigned as one of the catering team for the night, under the guardianship of Mrs Reynolds. In fact, she had actually offered. Everyone around the house was getting Pemberley looking even more (though Liz doubted that was possible) beautiful... and she felt utterly useless as she just sat there doing nothing. Mrs Reynolds, who she was now getting along very nicely with, perceived that Liz had 'fantastic legs' and immediately signed her up as the Head Wine Distributor (in other words, the lass that tries to get all the guests tipsy).
BONG! BONG! BONG!
Ah Crap! I'm late! I'm late! I'm very, very late! The Grandfather clock down the hall almost deafened Liz, though she was quite used to it now. On her first day she nearly jumped out of her skin with the thunderous bells, but now it merely gave her a light shock... though she was more worried about the time then the noise. With her best impersonation of the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland and one last cheeky wink at herself in the mirror, she hurried out the room whilst tying the white frilly apron around her waist. Darting madly down the stairs (and trying not to fall over in her buckled heel shoes), Liz finally made her way to the hall, where everyone had already convened. Thank God I know where every room is now! But why is it that I am always late, even when I got ready an extra hour earlier? Slipping nervously at the end of the giant line of employees who encircled the whole of the square room, she glanced subtly at them all, her flushed face and heavy breathing trying to fade as quickly as they could. The staff all looked impeccable in their smart suits and all stood rigidly like statues, their silent faces set expressionless into stone. Hmmm... they reminded her of something... Wait a minute! The army! I always used to think Mrs Reynolds could easily be a military sergeant... Thank God she's already gone through the Menopause! Just at that moment, Mrs Reynolds caught her eye. She gave her a slight 'You're late' look of disapproval then smiled softly as she turned her attention back to the dance floor. Yes, our heroine was really liking her more and more each day. Looking around the grand room, Liz was breathless. She'd been in the Great Hall many a time, but not when it looked so spectacular. The chandeliers twinkled into the warm, Victorian-styled room and the wonderfully grand looking orchestra (wow, the rich really did go all out!) which was placed to the side, was playing a lovely little ditty that Liz had truly never heard before in her life, though found herself swaying along to. Dennis, who was standing robustly beside her, elbowed her before she got too carried away and then graced her with that young choirboy smile of his before she could elbow him back. Now, now Liz... you're part of the Darcy squad now. You have to stop behaving like a teenager and be more, well... mature. You will not get into any fights or funny situations... understand? Liz nodded sharply at herself, then felt Dennis elbow her softly in the ribs again, trying to keep her in check. Biting on the tip of the tongue before she stuck it out at him, she again focused around the room. She didn't realise she was so late. People were already dancing with the calming classical harmony while others sat out, drinking and eating the very posh munchies and talking in hushed, civilised tones. Wow! She'd never seen a party so tame... and oddly, so far from boring! William and Georgiana were at the door, welcoming their guests, as Finch, Gregory and many other faces she was sure were external helpers, ushered people through and graciously took their coats. William and Georgiana... They both looked utterly and completely fantastic. William, looking quite terribly too swoon-worthy for his own good, was dressed in an expensive looking black tuxedo, which Liz was pretty sure was far from rented! He looked quite perfect, except his unruly hair, which seemed to be quite as unmanageable as her own... however Liz did find herself admiring the rugged and handsome look it gave him. Oh God... would you stop being so much like Rekha! Why have I suddenly gone completely sex-mad? I must find some Tomato Juice to calm me down. Turning quickly to the companion clutching shyly onto his arm for a distraction, she couldn't help but wish to burst with pride. Georgiana looked absolutely breathtaking in the strapless velvet green gown herself and Liz had picked out and the ivy-like stems in her hair made her look quite uncannily like a medieval courtier. The embroidered top of the dress reminded Liz of her own corset, but Georgiana's figure, she knew, could pull off an outfit like that so much better. God, if they weren't brother and sister, they would look like such a stunning couple! Sneaking a look bravely back to William, (and making sure she didn't do anymore lusting) Liz could see him not at all enjoying the sudden attention his baby sister seemed to be receiving, especially from the young Mr Daniel Friel. Hmmmm... William's making the expression that Caz puts on whenever she sees me. The dark-haired, blue eyed twenty year old was staring at Georgie with peculiar interest and lingered fretfully around the entrance doorway a little longer than regulations would strictly allow. Liz bit her lip to stop her smile as the venom clearly written upon William's face was directed solely upon little Daniel, who soon hurried away in fear as soon as he spotted it. Ah, William Darcy... The man who makes your mother-in-law look tame... Liz thought with a smile as Dennis suddenly handed her a silver tray with six crystal glasses of wine. He gave the amateur a comforting smile and wink, as his look provided a message of 'You'll be fine'. Oh God, it's time for me to do some work. I nearly forgot...! I guess I should stop perving and start serving. She looked around; all of a sudden scared as she thought about all the clumsy things she'd done in her life as she held the fragile, and very expensive, tray aloft. With a determined, though ragged sigh at Dennis, she turned and marched over into the sidelines and flashed each of the guests her winning smile. Surprised to see they had actually swallowed the Bennedt charm and smiled brightly back as they eagerly accepted her offering, Liz turned slightly to give Dennis a triumphant grin. However, it seemed Dennis had walked off somewhere or other to do his own job and his more then ample substitute returned her smile softly with sparkling eyes. Turning her head away from William's spellbinding gaze, she turned back to her patrons with a blush and a mind completely in disarray. Oh God. Why does he have to have the most perfect dimples...? And the most pert...
"Lizbeth? Lizbeth Bennedt?!" The soft voice of one of the guests broke Liz out of her reverie and into a gigantic beam when she looked up to see exactly who this guest was. Oh my God! It can't be...?!
"Jane? Jane Fitzwilliam! Oh my God! Is it really you?" Jane Fitzwilliam, still as beautiful as ever, laughed her angelic chuckle as she embraced her old school friend, making sure she did not knock over the wine glasses or the tray in the process.
"Oh, Lizzy! How have you been? What on earth are you doing here?"
"I'm Georgiana's tutor, though am tonight a temporary Head Wine Person," Liz said with a proud, glittering smile. "What about you? What did you do after Hornsey Girls?" With a sheepish smile at her grinning and handsome companion, Jane lifted her left hand.
"I got married." Before Liz could screech, scream, or nick the colossal diamonds on her finger, the gentleman extended his hand, making Liz dangerously try to balance the tray with one hand. Shaking his hand, Liz found his wide, friendly beam completely contagious.
"Charles Bingley. I am delighted to be finally acquainted with the gifted Miss Bennedt," He said with an affable grin, as Jane just gazed lovingly at him. "Will's talked so much about you... and erm, your helping Georgiana." This is Caz's Brother?!?!?! How the heck did they come from the same womb?!?! Not noticing the slight hesitation in his speech, Liz nodded proudly.
"She's a brilliant girl, though I urge you not to believe a word Mr Darcy has said about me." Please, I'm serious... don't! Charles laughed that open, friendly laugh of his.
"Oh, so I'll discount the opinion that you're brilliant, intelligent and utterly delightful, shall I?" If Liz had ever blushed before, she was as pale as snow compared to how red her face became. She ws pretty sure she resembled a tomato. She noticed Charles wink merrily at someone behind her and turning, Liz caught a glimpse of William's face looking utterly terrified. With another giant grin, Charles continued when he noticed Liz witness William's horrification. "Oh, don't worry about him. He's always like that when he thinks I'm saying something I oughtn't. For example, he'd hate me telling the story about our Cambridge days when we tied George-"
"Charles, dear, I don't think Lizzy's got time for one of your anecdotes," Jane interrupted with a loving smile as she noticed the Darcy staff suddenly cluster around in the far corner. Liz nodded with a grin as her eye followed the crowd, for her sensible friend was always in the right.
"Still as rational as always, Jane," She said with nostalgic affection in her voice.
"And still as enchanting and teasing, Miss Bennedt." Jane paused, then touched at Liz's sleeve gently. "I'm really glad to see you, Lizzy."
"And I you. Talk later?" With a little bow and warm smile, Liz slipped back to her workmates and strangely found that every glass on her tray had miraculously gone. Hey, I'm better then I thought... I can pimp drinks without even knowing! Finch, who was in the pack, gave Liz a welcoming smile as she sneaked into the conversation, quite intrigued to what was going on...
Chapter 12
"Mr Darcy has always picked a female member of staff to dance with for the Waltz on every one of his birthdays. Though this is Miss Georgie's first, we're guessing he'll do the same."
"You mean, the scandalous dance?!" Liz said with a laugh. "Well, who did he pick last year?"
"That was me!" Josephine, the chubby, pretty young blond maid said, though her cheerfulness was soon gone as she gave an amused scowl and rolled her grey eyes. "Which unhappily means it's not me this year."
"We've got a poll going," Dennis leaned to whisper into Liz's ear, then looked cautiously at Mrs Reynolds next to her. "But don't tell Ms R. She'll have us all walloped!" Liz laughed lightly, then leaned to softly whisper back; she was enjoying all this type of history... though one could call it gossip!
"Well, who's the favourite this time?" He gave her a cheeky grin, as every one of his 17 years of mischief surfaced into his eyes.
"Well, Liz. That would be you."
"ME?!" She didn't mean to squeak, but her surprise was well... very squeak-worthy. Before she could even ask why they'd come to this conclusion, Roxanne, who Liz had become friends with as they helped Georgie into her dress, suddenly groaned as she motioned discreetly towards William with a nod in his direction.
"Look what the cat dragged in!" They all turned to see Caz looking quite beyond chic in a body hugging red dress and her jet black hair with perfect streaks of maroon in it. Liz couldn't have felt more ugly and frumpy then at that particular moment. While she felt sick to her stomach, knowing she could never look so perfect, Josephine whispered naughtily into her ear.
"It looks like the cat dragged in a dog!"
William, who was now sitting down, didn't exactly look pleased to see her. From across the room, he didn't notice that his entire staff were eagerly watching their every move and shared word.
"Are you going to ask me for a dance or what, Wills?" Caz smiled demurely as she looked down at him her grand height. To Liz's surprise, he didn't roll his eyes or ignore her. Instead, his features were fashioned with a terrified expression as he looked up at her with wide eyes. For the first time, he seemed to be playing Little Red Riding Hood.
"I-I don't dance, Caz."
"Don't be silly! How can you throw a ball if you don't dance?"
"It's tradition. Couldn't you just ask Charles?" He said, his face in an almost desperate imploration, though his tone was still somewhat reserved. When will that man ever lose his control? Caz threw her head back and crinkled her nose again... Hmmmm... maybe that was where William got his from.
"Dancing with my own brother? I think not, Wills! Besides, he's so clumsy and always steps on my toes." He's also too busy with Jane to give you the time of day! Liz thought smugly in contentment, watching her friend simply glow with delight as Charles happily spun her around gracefully with the music. He also suddenly doesn't look the clumsy type! Bless him... he seems to be gliding on air! However, it took more then a refusal to put Caz off. "Oh for God sake, Willy," She sighed melodramatically. "Stop being such a baby. Here, let me help you up..." Caz clasped his hands and attempted to pull William from his seat. The Darcy staff watched in silent awe... this woman really didn't take no for an answer! However, nobody expected William to be so reluctant. He stayed firmly in his seat, putting all his weight into his chair and making it quite a struggle for Caz to heave him up.
"Caz, I said no," He said in the firmest voice Liz ever heard as he tugged his hands sharply away from hers, causing her to clatter backwards quite loudly in her heels. Liz felt another jibe in her ribs, and instead found the inflicting elbow to belong to Mrs Reynolds (not Dennis!) as she provided Liz with the biggest grin she'd probably ever produced. Being trained like they were, the employees tried to keep straight faces, though the look they threw to each other said all that needed to be said; Caz was publicly embarrassed and they were all delighted. Caz, whose face was now as red as her dress, turned her head open mouthed as William muttered, "Excuse me," then headed straight towards his loyal workforce. Liz could hear giant intakes of breath within the group as he stepped regally forward to them, and she soon realised she hadn't exhaled in about a minute when William Darcy looked straight upon her with such a warm look she nearly turned behind her.
"If it isn't any trouble, will you please dance the Waltz with me, Miss Bennedt?" OH MY GOD!!!??!?!?!?!
"Erm, I... errr... Ok." She nearly slumped back against the wall behind her as he smiled and turned around to claim his seat again. God, he is unintentionally so very terrifying! As he walked away everyone shook their heads and chuckled softly as Liz was just managing to get her breath back.
"Oh damn. I owe you a fiver, Finch," Dennis said good-humouredly as he rummaged through his pockets. Josephine, Roxanne, Jemima and even Mrs Reynolds all gave Liz envious smiles.
"Oh, you Lucky bugger!" Roxanne laughed, as Liz couldn't help but blush slightly.
"Don't make my mistake, Liz," Josephine added with a cheeky smile. "During the dance, grab his arse every opportunity you can!"
***
I cannot believe I got a guacamole stain on this skirt...! Liz rubbed the stain desperately with her tissue, but it only fell apart in little white pieces with her persistent scrubbing. I am going to kill Dennis when I find him! After having to pay Finch £5 for losing his bet (he truly thought William would choose Mrs Reynolds), Dennis had been trying to get Liz back in that naughty schoolboy way he had. After she sneakily dropped a stuffed olive into his pocket, she found that he'd accidentally flicked a spoonful of dip at her... and now here she was grumbling amused abuse at him while she attempted to salvage the skirt. She could feel a pair of eyes glaring at her, and didn't need to guess it was Caz. After William had blown her off and directly asked Liz for a dance, she'd been throwing daggers at her (and Liz was sure would quite literally if she'd been giving the chance). And about the dance... she was seriously terrified. She hadn't waltzed since she was a kid... though would groan every time a song would stop, and another (that was not the special Waltz number) played afterwards. Why was she so far from disagreeing to dance with him? Suddenly a shadow came over her light and she opened her mouth to (most kindly!) ask them to move before it dried and ruined her outfit. Looking up, however, she bit back her tongue once she observed William Darcy's face inches away from her own and his somewhat shy smile.
"Would I be really conceited if I expected my employee to grace with me with a dance?" The expectant and nervous twinkle in his eye was (to add to her mortification about her opinion for him) quite cute. God, is he a mind reader or what? With a small shrug, she responded.
"Yes... but I'll consent anyway," She teased with a smile as she accepted his hand and let him help her gently to her feet. Forgetting completely about her skirt and the 'huge emergency', Liz coloured slightly as she felt Will place his hand on her waist. She wasn't the only one, because he gave her small-embarrassed smile as she put her hand lightly on his shoulder. To think, I'm dancing with my boss... Oh, I hope I don't end up stepping on his knee... She hardly dared to catch his eye, and she scolded herself silly for being so... well, silly. Yeah, sure he was somewhat scary, but she knew that wasn't what was stopping her. She'd always teased him slightly, or put her point across when she had to. Why did suddenly finding him mildly (yes, mildly) attractive affect her like this? Reprimanding herself for acting stupid, she cleared her throat and then looked him boldly in the eye. I'm not affected by you.
"I believe we must have some conversation, Mr Darcy." Noticing that twinkle in her eye, he automatically found himself giving in.
"What would you like to talk about, Miss Bennedt?" Hmmmm... that's a toughie.
"Well... why don't you ever call me Lizbeth?"
"Because you don't call me William."
"But you're my boss!"
"And you're my sister's tutor." Was he teasing me? He's smiling!
"Fine, then I shall call you William," Liz said, with a sharp nod and William shrugged slightly, though still had that little smile on his lips. Suddenly, she noticed the little life in him die out when his face looked unexpectedly cold. Looking to see where he was gazing, Liz could see him glaring directly at Georgiana, who was actually dancing with Daniel Friel! Georgie! Liz hadn't spoken to her, and barely seen her, all night. The 16 year old was too busy blushing with the compliments of all her suitors (there would've been more if William hadn't chased them away) and in particular, with her current blue-eyed dancing partner. With a small whisper as he continued to glare, Liz broke the silence.
"You know, she is old enough to..."
"You don't have to remind me!" he suddenly groaned, as he turned Liz around with his hand. As they met again they continued to waltz whilst, unconsciously, getting closer to Georgiana and Daniel Friel. Liz continued as she didn't even realise she was inhaling his scent deeply. She recognised that heavenly cologne from somewhere...
"At 16, I had done so much with my life. She barely leaves the house." William was silent as they continued to circle around them. Liz bit her lip, but still continued in a more wary state. "I'm not saying everything I did was sensible, but she is so naive. She doesn't know what it's like outside." William sustained his silence as he listened, watching his sister intently. "You know you'll have to chuck her out into the real world one day - she won't know how to act or behave. She won't know how anything works." Liz grunted, "Heck! I don't even know!" She looked back to him and instantly wished she'd retracted her words; the look of hurt that had diffused over his face made her feel terribly guilty. Oh damn it! Now look what you've done. Quick, say something productive and nice for once...! Liz fumbled as she thought of something. "Um... not that you've been a bad guardian. You've brought her up so well...erm, she's the nicest person I've ever really known... " He smiled weakly at her attempt.
"You're right. I should've done better."
"William, I didn't mean..."
"I know," He said, before she could respond. "You couldn't attempt to hurt anyone, Lizbeth." That was when it happened. He had looked at her with such warmth in his eye that she was rendered speechless, yet again. But this wasn't what made her heart skip a beat. When he actually leaned down from his towering height, his forehead pressed against hers and his dark eyes suddenly the only thing in her view Liz thought she would never know how to breathe again. My God... he's about to kiss me...
"Err... William...?" She croaked, not too sure what to do or say. After all, they were in a room filled with his Upper Class peeps...! Her voice, however soft, broke him from his spell. Blinking, he pulled away. About a second later, the dance had ended.
"I-I' sorry..." he choked, then scurried off, red-faced and feeling humiliated, before she could even make another sound.
Liz was in utter shock.
Slipping her hands to her face, she could feel the heat of her skin and knew she had to get out, and headed briskly towards the open patio doors. She couldn't bear to catch Caz's eye, because she knew Caz had seen it all in hawk-like detail. As had all the Pemberley staff... and probably half the bloody room...! Practically running out onto the crisp air of balcony, Liz slipped away until she was out of sight and the music was just a faint, subdued blur in the background. She walked around the dark of the night carefully until the warm glow of the room couldn't be seen. Wrapping her arms around her quivering self, Liz exhaled deeply into the chilly night air, though the icy atmosphere did nothing to cool down her steaming face. There was no way she had imagined that, was there? He had bent down to kiss her... right? This cannot be real... I mean, why me?! Is he sick of the beautiful, perfect kind of woman? Was he in the mood for a sick joke? I mean, he hardly even shows that he likes me, let alone... She suddenly froze completely as she felt a presence behind her. It didn't talk, and she didn't dare question it or turn around. A pair of hands slowly slid around the curve of her usually ticklish-waist, but she did not laugh. She was too terrified to breathe as she could heed William Darcy's spellbinding cologne envelope around her. The hands slipped all the way to her stomach until their arms were encircled completely around her and they pulled her closer against them, nuzzling softly at the curls at the back of her head. Should she have been able to move by now? Nope, she was still incapable. Oh God. Kick him off you...! Stop enjoying this, you hormonal female! For God sake, this is Scary Chief man William Darcy! You can't get off with your boss... it's absurd! And very slutty. And completely impractical. What will you gain by this? A pay rise? Oh God, I'm a prostitute... Oh God, no, Damn... Oh please stop kissing me... She could feel light kisses on the back of her numb, freezing neck, warming her with every impact upon her skin and Liz desperately tried to stop relishing in it. I must gain strength. Inner power... Oh, it must be somewhere in me. Ok, breathe... inhale... exhale... Attaining about an extra minuscule of courage, she managed to open her mouth and stutter
.
"W-We c-can't do this." He didn't answer; just continued making his way along her neckline. In fact, his arms tightened around her waist... which really didn't help matters. God, he's so warm... "You have to get off before someone sees," She hissed more confidently, though her eyes were still closed in contentment. To be honest, no one could really see, considering that they were hidden by the darkness and neighbouring trees... Liz, for God sake! I AM YOUR CONSCIENCE AND I DECREE THAT YOU OBEY MY EVERY ORDER! She didn't need to be told twice. Firmly breaking his strong linked arms from around her waist, Liz turned to face him and she (still quite shakily) made her final resolve. "Listen. We have to stop this now, Will..." Liz couldn't move as, for about the hundredth time that night, her sight had rendered her breathless. Rich, reclaiming his arms almost though he'd been burnt, looked somewhat dismayed.
"Will...?" He asked in soft and incredulous suspicion.
Chapter 13
Rich was still looking at her with those soft blue expectant eyes. In fact, he was looking for about 5 minutes because she was stunned into silence. Liz, who was completely flabbergasted and was presently choking down on her foot, could merely (when she finally could speak) repeat his own words because she was utterly stumped as to what to say next.
"Will...err...Will..." Oh God... how am I going to get out of this? After a couple more minutes of this babble (and fervent inner-praying from Liz, though she was an Agnostic), Rich creased his face in sheer confusion as he shrugged; she was making no sense again. "Will... well...and you..."
"Will I what?" He finally prompted. Liz stopped. The hurt she thought she had heard clearly was definitely gone, and now she began to wonder if it was ever there. Though it was dark, she was sure she could see a small flash of those perfect teeth. She could not believe her good fortune. It was almost too easy. She didn't even think of pretending she had articulated a request! Oh thank you! Thank you, Rich!
"W-Will you mind telling me what you, err.... are doing here?" She still managed to squeak, even after her relief. God, was that convincing enough? Why do I always have to impersonate a chipmunk when Rich is around? But... JESUS! What is he even doing here anyway?! He told Georgie he wouldn't be able to make it...! Rich shrugged again and she could almost hear the 'toothbrush-ad ping' as his lopsided, choirboy grin surfaced.
"I heard there was a party and heard that a very lovely lady would be serving free booze... and as a student, it was my duty to investigate." Rich slipped his arms around her waist affectionately, and Liz blushed as she feebly managed to stay standing on her feet. Before Rich had left for University again, they'd just about had their first kiss (which they'd actually snuck in, on this very balcony, when the disapproving William was elsewhere)... but being so long away from him made Liz feel suddenly shy and uneasy. Did she even know him anymore? It was like a stranger embracing her, though a lovely stranger at that. All this sudden affectionate touching from him was slightly unnerving, especially since their situation with one another was still quite unsure from even before Rich going back to London. The warmth of his arms, the blushes and expressions on her face and the iciness of the atmosphere caused Liz to do something she initially did not wish to do; she slipped her arms around his own waist and rested her blazing check upon his shoulder. Feeling her shaking uncontrollably against him, Rich gently removed one arm and stroked at her hair as he enjoyed this opportunity to warm her up.
After minutes of silence, which Liz found to be bliss as she closed her eyes, Rich finally broke it in a soft voice. "I saw you dancing with Will." The eyes snapped automatically open. She didn't dare to pull away and look at his face. "I suppose you were the employee of the day." I'm going to throw up. She could feel her heart beat crazedly within her and pulled back slightly so Rich wouldn't feel it thump against him... but she would not look him in the eye. So her cheek remained on the shoulder.
"Err, y-yes. Um, d-did you say you watched the whole dance?" Wait, don't throw up. Remember what happened last time...
"Yep." He paused; she could feel him suddenly tense up in her arms. "I even saw the kiss." I am going to faint. Pulling away completely now, Liz shook her head ardently. She had to protest.
"Kiss?! You couldn't call it a kiss. It was barely a..." Definitely going to faint... However, Rich didn't allow her to finish, and Liz was almost glad because she was sure she would say something dim-witted.
"I saw him kiss her on the hand, Liz. God, I can't stand watching that rat Daniel Friel hone in on her!" Oh, Rich I'm SO sorry that I... Eh? You what?! Liz did more then a double take.
"You... Y-You're talking about Georgie and Daniel?" He knotted his eyebrows.
"Who did you think I was talking about?" Rich paused while in sincere thought. "You and William?" Liz was definitely on the verge of a heart attack until she distinctly heard Rich's familiar chuckle. "God, that pillock of a relation of mine (don't get me wrong, I do love him) couldn't see beauty if it smacked him in the face," Liz blushed and looked away. If you think you're paying me a compliment, Rich, you're really not...! With a grin, Rich shrugged as he held Liz tighter, which caused her to squeak again. "But hey, he does spend all day with Caz Bingley; can't really blame the guy for being tainted." Liz couldn't stop herself from laughing softly at this, despite how terrified she still was. This tiny bit of encouragement only prompted him further. "Ah! I'm guessing you've already met her? Lovely isn't she? Awful business about that house landing on her sister, wasn't it?" Liz giggled even more, which finally caused Rich to sigh in contentment as he gazed at her. "You really are beautiful, Liz." Oh, God...
"I see Caz has tainted you too," Liz said with a nervous laugh, trying to look over his shoulder as a desperate diversion. Change the subject... change the subject... "Err... you gave me a bit of a fright, you know. Suddenly grabbing me the way you, err, did..." She had never blushed this badly in her life. Rich looked almost pained as he sheepishly ran his hand through his sandy brown hair.
"Liz, I-I am really sorry, I mean... it's been so long since I last saw you and when you'd slipped outside I..." He smiled guiltily. "I suppose I just couldn't help myself."
"No, no... I mean. I-It's ok," she said, trying not to catch his eye, "I mean, it was kind of... well, nice." I would have still enjoyed it if I knew it was Rich, surely...? Rich suddenly gave out a small, ironic laugh.
"Oh, you poor thing! Coming out here for fresh air and being attacked from behind. How did you even guess that it was me?" I didn't, Rich. Knowing it was far from sensible to say that at that moment, Liz smiled weakly to herself.
"From your cologne."
Rich turned his head and sniffed at the collar of his polo neck. With a shrug, he turned to her again.
"Oh yeah, strong stuff, isn't it?"
"I think it's heavenly..." Shut up, Liz. Shut up. However, Rich seemed to smile even wider at this, then again shrugged modestly.
"It's not really my thing. Will bought it for me last Christmas and I've worn it now and again when in his company." Which explains why I recognised it... Rich stopped for a bit and looked at her expressively, causing Liz to turn away by the intensity. God, why was she suddenly surrounded by all these men? It had been months (and I mean months) since anyone had even glanced at her (making her truly believe that she greatly resembled the Elephant Man) and now all of a sudden it seemed to be raining men. She seemed to have a dark cloud over her head no matter where she went recently, and she honestly couldn't understand her good/bad fortune. She either seemed to repel guys or attract them at the same time... and trying to pull two cousins? She'd never ever imagined she'd be doing something like that. I am quite definitely a slut. Oh, Rekha would be proud... During these productive thoughts, she suddenly heard Rich inhale a ragged breath... and Liz knew very well what that meant; he was preparing to kiss her.
Oh no... not twice, by two different men, in a space of a few minutes...?!?
But why are you complaining, girl? They're two very fit men. You should actually be enjoying all this attention...
Oh stop it! Have I lost all the (few) morals I have? I must stop this and grow up. I have to somehow try to get myself upstairs to my room, lock the door and hide under the covers. No, no...! I have to hide under my bed...
If Rich's arms enclosed around her any tighter, then Liz would have probably been in pain. She could feel his ice-cold nose lightly pressed against hers and she was pretty darn terrified to see the mischievous twinkle in his eye completely gone. He was deathly serious and she was honestly trying to figure out how to make a run for it without seeming quite appallingly impolite. Oh, God, I am such a bitch...! I'm the one that's been leading him on, ever since the meeting in the train, and now I'm trying to walk away? For once I agree with Mum; I am the very devil incarnate.
"Liz, are you alright?" He suddenly asked in soft concern. She didn't even realise that she was squeezing her eyes tightly shut and was holding her breath in terror. Cracking one eye open in trepidation, she could see him looking down at her with true distress and adoration in his eye. Seeing his expression, she automatically opened both eyes and found herself smiling lightly at him, in confusion though some affection too. Wait a minute... Liz, why are you being this way? This man is funny, sexy and sweet and for some absolutely insane reason, seems a little besotted with you. He's everything you've ever wanted in a man, and everything every other woman around desires, too... So what if you think his cousin is slightly luscious? You'd never get along with William on ordinary circumstances, I'm sure. I mean, his looks can only get you so far... scratching the surface of William Darcy will prove that underneath, he's not exactly the kind of man you could cope with. Besides, you did notice that he had one too many alcoholic drinks... he probably thought you were Caz in disguise, or something. Liz suddenly groaned inwardly when she thought of Caz. The woman looked perfect in everyway. Place me beside her and we'll look like somebody's 'Before and After' pictures on Ricki Lake... Snapping out of her distracting thoughts again, Liz smiled weakly as she turned her head to look almost defiantly into his eyes. You know this is the right thing.
"Are you going to kiss me, or what, Mr Fitzwilliam?" Though her voice shook somewhat, she spoke so determinedly that her intentions left no question whatsoever in Rich's mind. He looked almost relieved and broke into his easy smile, which soon got overtaken by that more becoming devilish expression.
"Your wish is my command, Madam," He murmured roughly before leaning closer and kissing her upon the lips in his perfected 'forceful-yet-enjoyable' method. My God, the man is a killer kisser... Liz had no doubt that this was the case (mainly because she had a small sample beforehand) but she truly hadn't the foggiest that the clean, wholesome medical student, the wealthy and well-bred Richard Fitzwilliam, would have such a roguish tongue! Ah, a man with many hidden talents... She thought good-humouredly, though couldn't smile because her lips were presently engaged. Deciding she'd indulged enough, Liz pulled away slightly and tried to breathlessly speak, though with a coy smile.
"Rich... I-I had better get back to the ball. They'll probably be missing me." With a genial roll of his eyes, violently passionate Rich seemed to have disappeared and the affable man on the train reappeared again. Wow, and men thought women were complicated! With a sigh and a grin, he reluctantly released her but Liz was about a couple of feet away before she realised that he still clamed her right hand. Turning to laughingly ask for it back, she stopped when he turned it over and brashly planted a kiss upon her palm. Blushing head to toe, Liz bashfully and gently reclaimed her hand. Rich, though notably a little redder than usual, had the biggest beam on his face as he offered her his arm.
"Will the lady accept this poor excuse for an escort?" Liz just nodded timidly as she slipped her arm through the crook of his own. Stealing back into the Great Hall, she was shocked to discover that it was empty. My God, I was out there so long that the Ball is over? Wait, stop being stupid, Liz. It's not over, they've moved to the dining hall for dinner. Rich let out a deep exhale as he looked about the desolate Hall.
"Bugger that, I was really looking forward to asking you for a dance." God, I never want to dance ever again...!
"I-I don't really dance, Rich." Oh, I'm such a bad liar. He looked at Liz suspiciously from the corner of his eye.
"But, you danced with William." Oh, crap. I was wrong; Im an utterly awful liar.
"Err... you know, he's my Boss and all. I couldn't really say no." I didn't really want to either... Liz, stop it! Liz didn't dare to look at his face, just in case she saw even further distrust upon it. However, she could feel Rich shrug.
"Well, what about now?" She turned to him in disbelief.
"Now? But there's no music."
"Do you need music?" He looked at her longingly, and Liz turned her head away before they initiated another kiss. What was wrong with her? He was obviously a dynamic kisser and she did quite enjoy their last 'tête-à-tête'... so why didn't it feel right? Oh God, if I start thinking about 'the right one' type of malarkey, I'm seriously going to boil my own head.
"Err, I actually need some food." She said suddenly, over-examining her hand. Liz could tell Rich was hurt. Though she was sure to not glance at him, she knew his from the drop of his shoulders and the little hesitation before he half-heartedly chuckled and mentioned that he was also pretty ravenous.
When they finally made it to the ginormous Dining room, Liz (though she had so much swimming through her head) couldn't help from appreciating all the time and effort that went into the feast. The enormous tables were all lined up across the room and were filled to the brim with so many mouth-watering delights that every person in the world would end with a full stomach and a beyond satisfactory meal. Every guest (and there were about 500, from Roxanne and Jemima's last count) appeared to be presently seated and eating, and simultaneously talking to one another in merriment and contentment. It truly did seem like a perfect night. But looks can be deceiving... Liz could automatically feel the many eyes of the staff pricking upon her skin and she knew amidst the many glances, Caz's would somewhere be present. However, browsing around for Caz in the packed room would be like looking for a needle in a haystack (besides, she really didn't want to find Caz. Ignorance truly was bliss...). Glimpsing up bravely, she caught the glances of a couple of her co-workers. Dennis, who was serving at one of the tables to a very large, red-faced man, locked gazes with her for about a second before he looked away in embarrassment and hurried away. Oh God. I have to talk to them all... I have to tell them that I didn't try and hit on William... Damn it! As soon as things start to go right for me... Finally deciding to pull away from Rich, she at length met his gaze, though did so warily.
"I better go help."
"Always thinking of others, Liz," He said with a smile. "Is there anything I can find wrong with you?"
"I'm far from perfect, Rich," She smiled nervously, looking away. However, she caught the eye of Roxanne and Josephine whispering and quickly turned back to Rich.
"Oh, I doubt that very much," he said softly, in a little trance of his own. Leaning down, he brushed his lips upon her cheek. Suddenly, they heard a clatter of cutlery near them. Turning her head to the direction of the noise, Liz's eyes bore directly into the dark eyed culprit. William, who had dropped his fork to his plate when he witnessed their kiss, tore his eyes from Liz's and back down to his food. Pushing back his chair, he stood up and turned away from his table. Muttering an apology to Lady Hamilton, whom he nearly bulldozed down on his way, Liz watched William Darcy swiftly make his way to the nearest exit.
Chapter 14
Despite all her inner protests, she didn't go after him. And her not going after him sort of resulted in their avoiding each other for five straight days. As always, Rich didn't stay very long, and again she was left alone and forced to be very awkward with William. The first time they accidentally barged into one another was in the library, where he muttered a feeble "Excuse me" as soon as she entered and stalked off swiftly passed her. After that, various other locations included the Great Hall, a small Parlour (well, about the size of Liz's old house) and general hallways; each and every one met with the same icy reception. In a house the size of Pemberley, their almost too frequent meetings seemed like some cruel joke played upon them by a higher being, especially because they both tried quite desperately to avoid the other.
This being the current situation, Liz (who was on yet another crusade to find the skiving Georgie) crept silently down the halls and peeked subtly through every doorway before she entered. God, woman. This isn't mission: impossible, you know. Reprimanding herself for being silly, she suddenly noticed that she was still tiptoeing and hardly breathing for the next half hour. Mrs Reynolds, who was shuffling on to her own errand towards the hallway perpendicular to Liz's, quite stopped in her tracks as she noticed Liz's odd behaviour. The younger employee didn't notice the elder woman or her observant glance whilst she continued with a bite of her lower lip and tentatively placing her squeaking trainers upon the wooden floor as quietly as she could. She moved slowly and gracefully, almost like a Cat Burglar sneaking about the place and Liz thanked her mother (for once!) for sending her to those seemingly useless contemporary dancing classes. With amused bemusement, the elder woman placed her hands lightly on her hips.
"Lizbeth, what are you doing?"
Liz, completely oblivious to Mrs Reynolds even being there, yelped, jumped then spun around to face the voice; causing her sneakers to squeak ear-piercingly loud against the polished floor. Looking up at her supervisor's friendly, though somewhat confused smile, she clutched at her manic heart
"My God! You scared the Bejeezus out of me!" After a mutual chuckle, though a more terrified one on Liz's behalf, she patted her palm against her chest as she attempted to still the frenzied beating and began to inquire desperately.
"Have you seen Georgie?"
"Are you two playing hide or seek?" Mrs Reynolds said with twinkling eyes behind her spectacles.
"No, I..." ...am trying not to be heard by William and looking really stupid in the process... "Err, she's bunking off lessons again." Mrs Reynolds smiled at Liz suspiciously, though our heroine thanked her inside for not highlighting her inkling.
"The girls in the laundry might know. They're masters at 'Skiving off'," She said, her right eyebrow still twitching. With a quick nod, and making sure she didn't catch Mrs Reynolds's eye, Liz turned back and made her way to the stairway... now almost bursting into a sprint. She couldn't take this much longer. Everyone had been giving her that look since the Ball, and with every one Liz was more and more tempted to scream from the top of her voice, "I'm not bloody sleeping with him, not either of them... OK!!!" Sighing miserably as she descended down to the laundry room (and generally feeling quite sorry for herself) Liz didn't even know she had arrived until she heard a girlish squeal and fit of giggles. Yep, she was definitely in the presence of Roxanne, Josephine, Jemima and co.
"Anything on the horizon, Jem?!" Liz overheard Roxanne, who was sitting on a washing machine, inquire excitedly from across the sterile looking room; they hadn't seemed to notice her presence - God, was anyone observant in this house?
"Nothing yet!" Jemima called chirpily over her shoulder after she looked searchingly out the window's equally sterile looking white paned glass. "But it's only 11am!" Her turning her head caused her to spot Liz, who was hiding terribly behind the doorframe. Jemima burst into a giant grin. "Girls, look. The luckiest Bugger in the world has graced us with her presence!" Liz's face went scarlet.
"Hi Liz!" Josephine waved wildly from across the great Hospital-like room, as she leaned against the machine beside Roxanne's. The clean, comforting and fresh scent of washing powder, the disinfected pallid tiled walls and the white-painted ceiling and floor made Liz feel both comforted and freaked out in the room. The line of washing machines were humming quietly as they vibrated slightly and Liz noticed that Roxanne had chosen the noisiest and most unstable to sit upon. The other inhabitants didn't seem to mind any of these faults though as they sat around casually. Trying to forget Jemima's uneasy introduction, Liz sighed softly as she started to feel as though this would be a long day.
"Have any of you guys seen Georgie?" Roxanne shook her head, causing her hair to move with her (which might have also been attributed by the almost possessed machine) as Josephine just shrugged.
"Nope, sorry. Jem?" Jemima turned around from the window and grinned again.
"She's outside, Liz. Sitting under a tree." Oh, thank God! But why is she outside? She's going to get such bad hayfever... With another sigh, this one grateful however, Liz walked towards the mischievous though charming 18-year-old and peered out the window she seemed to be studying quite religiously.
"Oh thank God for that!" Liz muttered loudly when she had squinted and saw a fuzz of blonde just behind the great oak, which was really quite a good way from the house. Ha! Gotcha, Missy! You'll have to skip the country to escape my Quadratic Equations...! "I didn't think I could be bothered to look for her after asking here. So... what are you lot staring at, anyway?" The three girls suddenly exchanged wicked and leery looks with gleaming eyes.
"Well, you know Mr Darcy's been in a mood lately?" Roxanne began with a little curve of her lips. Humph! I noticed!
"You mean his whole acting-like-a-spoilt-child thing?" Liz asked rhetorically as she crossed her arms in quite uncharacteristic anger. Jemima continued unfazed, almost as though she hadn't heard.
"Well, anyway, Mrs Reynolds let slip that she hopes 'he doesn't jump into the lake again, because it is an awful mess when he does'." Liz started a bit.
"Jump in the lake?" You what?
"Apparently, he has a thing for jumping into the lake fully dressed when he's in a mood." Josephine said whilst excitedly raising her eyebrows and biting her lower lip to hide her devilish leer.
"Personally, I'd clean up the mess a hundred times to see that man in a wet shirt," Roxanne thought dreamily out loud.
"You lot are awful," Liz said with a smile. Though she was not his biggest fan right now, she could see why they were looking so eagerly out the window; it was definitely a sight to be seen.
"You think we're bad?" Jemima asked, the only one who presently didn't seem to be in a trance. "Josephine tries to peek through the keyhole when he's taking a shower..."
"Josephine!" My God! Why didn't I think of that...? Oh Liz, stop it!
"I do not!" Josephine cried out in her defence, her face as crimson as Liz's had been.
"We caught you peeking!" Roxanne taunted with a naughty giggle. Liz automatically felt like she was babysitting 3-year-olds. Then again, 3-year-olds weren't exactly hormonal, boy-mad and perving. They were like three Rekha's. However, our heroine wasn't exactly teacher material... Then why the heck am I tutoring Georgie? Josephine was still shaking her head emphatically as she protested.
"That happened the once, and only because I thought I left an earring in there..."
"But you left with a big smile on your face, didn't you?" Jemima turned her head from the window to contribute, and then beamed. Josephine dropped her twinkling eyes to examine her feet as she leaned her elbows on the smooth top of her machine and smiled shyly.
"Lets say I discovered a lot more then just my earring that morning..."
"Erm, I better go and pounce on Georgie," Liz said quickly before Josephine could say any more.
As much as she enjoyed all this overt imagery, it did no good to ease her own confusion over her lust for William. Besides, she didn't exactly want to lust after him. She didn't want to find herself automatically checking out his behind when he walked into a room. I mean, she was seeing his cousin! And she was extremely peeved off with him for being so weird about her and Rich. And being weird in general too - did that man even know how to speak comfortably? Wait... be reasonable. Just because you're angry at him, it doesn't mean you can't inspect his arse. Edward Norton pissed you off when he ran off with that Salma Hayek chick - now, that didn't stop you drooling over him in 'The Score' though, did it? Lord, Edward Norton... Mmmmmmm... drool... Again trying to distract herself from swooning over The lovely Mr Norton (Margaret Thatcher, Tellytubbies, The Queen's Speech, jelly, fractions... Damn, that last one didn't help...), Liz ducked her head in a little goodbye bow and quickly hurried out as fast as she could down the halls and outside, onto the vast Pemberley fields. And also straight towards the naughty Miss Georgiana Darcy. Trudging through the lush grass, Liz fondly pondered upon the subject of her student's punishment as she approached the back of the seated Georgiana, whom Liz could see was leaning against the tree trunk.
I'm going to give that girl a good 'what for' when I see her. Questions 1-87 on Page 16-9? Or just a kick up the... Liz suddenly stopped. Why were the branches of the Great Oak shaking uncontrollably and shedding thousands of leaves when there was no breeze? And why was Georgie giving her such a guilty and flushed look when she turned right around and spotted her? Embarrassed about missing the lesson...? No, there's something afoot here... With an awkward smile at Liz's cautious appearance, Liz noticed the younger girl's eyes darting all too often up the still trembling tree. Liz also perceived that her strawberry lip-gloss was smudged. Georgiana, who was sitting on the roots of the tree, began to speak.
"Liz, I'm sorry that I-"
"Who's up the tree, Georgie?" Wow, that came out a lot less subtle than it did in my head. Georgiana blushed so deeply that she looked down at her lap and slowly shook her head.
"I-I can't imagine what you mean..." With a sigh, and a roll of her extraordinary eyes, Liz pushed up her sleeves. Don't make me do this, Georgie.
"Georgie, who's nesting up there?"
"No-one, I mean... who would be?" That is what I'm going to find out. With a solid march, Liz walked straight up to the tree and looked up the trunk. She caught sight of a pair of white soled Reeboks which led up to slim, jean-clad legs. With her hands on her hip, she decided to go for the direct approach.
"Right, you...! Get down before I climb up and get you." The figure didn't move. They supposed that by standing absolutely still, that she wouldn't catch sight of him. God, I'm not a bloody T-Rex. That's William's department. With a heated flick of her ebony locks, Liz puffed out loudly. "Are you coming down or not?" She demanded. The figure still didn't move, squeezing his eyes tightly and making his body rigid so he wouldn't betray a thing. Without further a do, or another word, Liz placed her feet on the uplifted root and reached up high and on tiptoes until her slender fingers wrapped around an ankle. She could hear a slight, and quite unmanly squeal from above and a loud rustle. After a minute of shuffling about a long branch, Liz supposed he lost his balance because Daniel Friel finally landed in a heap on the grass. Conveniently, he fell sprawled on his stomach and looked up to face Georgie's mortified and red expression. Consequently, both women observed the red lip-sheen that adorned over his handsome face. Brushing her hands on her own jeans, Liz stood threateningly above him and crossed her arms over her chest. If William wasn't around for her to lash out her anger on, any man would do! She was already having a bad day, and someone had to feel her wrath. "What the hell are you doing here?!" Before he could reply, and to Liz's utter shock, Georgie jumped up from her seated position and seemed to kneel beside him in protection. Her hand was unashamedly placed on his back and she was soothingly stroking it, much to Liz's displeasure and astonishment.
"Liz, please don't blame Daniel. It was all my idea." Georgie's words didn't stop Liz from staring in deathly, though confused silence at the stranger.
"What the hell were you playing at, Georgie?" I'm not going to move my eyes from him until he squirms. Hey... what do you mean I'm 'being sulky'? Daniel dropped his blue eyes from Liz's in a matter of seconds, and she triumphed inside slightly with her quick victory. Ever since she was a child, she always won staring contests. However, while Liz was glaring at Daniel, Georgiana was looking behind her for solace, but instead found the opposite as she suddenly gasping before she could answer Liz's question. Liz, following her student's distracted gaze, could immediately see exactly why she reacted and her own mouth dropped open.
"Oh no! It's William!"
But it wasn't just William that made Liz speechless. William was there, holding his jacket over his arm like a waiter would a towel, and she realised a towel was exactly what the man needed. He completely soaked to the skin in his suit. His white shirt, black tie and trousers clung to him and his shoes squelched noisily as he walked. His dripping curly hair refused to be plastered down over his forehead, unruly even when wet and Liz shook her head and unconsciously bit at her now numb lip. Oh my God. Talk about offering an empty bar to an Alcoholic. From faraway, she was convinced she could hear Jemima, Josephine and Roxanne give out a hoot of mass delight... and they had a bloody brilliant reason, too. Nope, there was no point trying to stop the lusting now. As much as she tried to hate him, you couldn't exactly be fair to say that she didn't have a couple of images popping into her head at that exact moment. A bed, a good bottle of wine and Thornton's chocolate immediately sprung to mind. As Liz did the swooning and drooling she was known famously to do so well, she was snapped out of it when realising that William was only a couple of metres and was heading right towards them. The Oak was conveniently in the way but only helped them at present. He would soon be close enough to see them all in just a few seconds. There is no escape.
However, young Master Friel didn't seem to agree as he tried to scramble up the tree again.
"If I noticed you up there, I'm sure William will!" Liz hissed loudly as she pulled the over-zealous boy back down again. Come on, I'm not even the most observant of people! That William, however, has eyes like a hawk. Georgiana leaned forward and grasped up for Liz's hand in pure, frantic entreaty.
"Liz, please distract him!" There is NO way that I'm speaking to him after... "Please! I'll do anything you want. I'll... I'll give you all my money and I'll clean up after you. I'll, I'll find someway to..." Not even an ogre could overlook and refuse when witnessing the desperation in Georgie's soft blue eyes. With a reluctant, though pained sigh, Liz finally grumbled in defeat.
"Ok, ok. I'll do it. But only because I'm an idiot."
Closing her eyes in dread and trying to gather some inner courage (she found none, which really didn't help matters), Liz exhaled bravely and revealed herself from behind the tree to the soaking William.
He was contentedly traipsing along, enjoying the rolling scenery, until he saw her sudden appearance and stopped dead in his tracks. A look of mortification (which she could clearly remember when he had walked in on her wearing a skimpy nightie) crept over his handsome and totally wet face. He didn't dare look down at how stupid he looked. Liz however, being thoroughly distracted by the contrary opinion (and that chest) went completely scarlet (how many times a day has that happened now?). God, stop gawping at him woman! Do you want him to think you're sex-mad? Quick, say something... anything!
"Err... hi." She squeaked. Smooth, Liz. Real smooth. William took quite a while to recover. When his features went from shock, to mortification and then completely red, he afterwards just coolly stared as colour drained from his now pale cheeks. He barely acknowledged her presence (well, tried to feign indifference) as his eyes suddenly hardened icily. Without so much as a word or a welcome, he brushed passed her frostily... and utterly offensively.
This was the last straw for Liz. Who the hell did he think he was treating her like a nobody? She may have been dizzy, and accident-prone and a bit too out-spoken... but she was not dirt under his feet. She could no longer endure it anymore and grabbed his soaking (And oh Lord, muscular...) arm in passing. As he looked down at the audacity of her hand, then into her eyes, she shrieked before she thought.
"What is your problem?!" Georgiana's distraction was long forgotten in Liz's mind, though this indeed was one. Oh God. Did I honestly just grab my daunting boss and yell at him? Now I can definitely start packing my bags... he's absolutely going to throw me out of Pemberley. Arrg! I can't watch. His initial shock got replaced with a fiery look as he narrowed his eyes but he didn't pull away from her grasp.
"My Problem?" He hissed in fuming incredulity, his curls still dripping with water.
"Yes?!" Liz. Shut up!
"Well, Miss Bennedt," He snarled, snatching back his soggy arm so he could ferociously cross it with his other one with a squelch. "How many men do you need? Jack, Rich... Perhaps seven more hidden away? Will one more be enough for the year... or do you need even more to satisfy you?"
She felt as though she'd been slapped hard in the face. Her entire face tingled in flushed pain and numbed at his words. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. She eventually managed to regain some feeble and trembling composure after a minute of barbed, dangerous silence.
"Nobody has ever made me feel as cheap as you just did," She finally managed to hoarsely whisper as her eyes shone and pricked irritatingly with tears. Before she even knew that she had said it, the words, "I'm giving in my notice" left her mouth, then she turned on her heel and speedily left him standing alone, and still very wet, in the middle of the grounds.
Chapter 15
Neither Liz nor William had the heart, or indeed the courage, to break the news to Georgiana. They actually didn't even discuss the matter further after the incident and were now quite successfully managing to avoid one another; barely acknowledging the other during the crowded dinners or breakfast. If Liz ever thought there was some kind of awkwardness between them before, that was nothing compared to the present situation. At least before, William would mutter a feeble excuse for a sentence before stalking out. Now, he would just stare at her with a weird little look in his eye... could it be longing? Regret? It had better be regret. Out of all the people she'd ever known or seen, and she knew more than just several, William Darcy had the most expressive (And smouldering... damn! Sorry about that. Carry on.) eyes she'd ever witnessed. They said twelve times more then anything his mouth uttered... but then again, that was very difficult. The man barely spoke, and with the amount (or lack, as the situation was) of conversation he threw Liz's way recently, she was quite convinced he had somehow lost his tongue in some freak accident.
Her month's notice was slowly drawing to a close and Liz tried to embrace both Pemberley and Georgiana as often as she could without making it too painfully obvious, though Georgie was way too distracted by Daniel Friel to even notice. The 16-year-old snuck out of her room, and had actually once lied to William by saying she was at one of Liz's tutorials when she was in actuality gallivanting around with her new 'friend'. Liz had made her pay though; she gave her a test on everything she pretended to have learnt and she failed quite miserably. Liz really did not like this whole lying fad she'd seemed to be unwillingly sucked into, but she'd soon stopped it by informing the young Miss Darcy that she would tell William all if she ever had to cover for her again. Liz couldn't be too severe on her though; after all, she herself had grown up in a repressive household, knew how suffocating it was and all about the desperate urge to break free. And as much as Liz wished never to look at William again, speak to him or even convince herself of his presence, she felt a strange pang of guilt when she thought of Georgie's secret love life and her own knowledge of it. There were a number of times that she'd opened her mouth to tell him during mealtimes, where the staff were much too preoccupied with each other to notice them... but the cold indifference halted her every time.
In a word, she was devastated about the whole situation. She didn't want to leave Pemberley, Georgiana, Finch, Mrs Reynolds, Dennis, the hormonal maids or her stunning bedroom. This had become her home and she loved every inch of it. Get out of the habit, Liz. You've lived without this place for long enough, just forget you ever came. But she really couldn't just forget it. She had woken up every morning for six months and savoured in the eye-candy of the magnificent building. She loved the warmth, the content dusky vanilla scent that wafted around every corridor and the fact that she could close her eyes and still direct herself to any room she wanted. She just wished that she should somehow get rid of that annoying tug at her heart that reminded her that in just two weeks, she would probably never see it again.
Liz had never loathed anyone or wanted them as much as she did her boss. She hated him, but heck! She sure as hell wanted to see him in a wet shirt every other day... and shirtless would be even better. Oh God... don't even start conjuring up lurid images in your head... Mmmmmmm, very nice in leather though. He seemed to take advantage of the fact that she (for some insane reason) cared so much and used that against her by compelling Liz to give up the only place that had ever made her truly happy; even more than London.
Yes, it's all his fault! All of it! Bloody man. Why wasn't I born a lesbian...? Or better still, a nun? My life would have been so much easier...
With muttered curses, Liz had packed up most of her things, besides the few bare essentials that lay strewn about the room, and had phoned Jack, pleading him to let her stay around his gorgeous studio flat for a few weeks. For once, he very grudgingly let her stay and our Miss Bennet had a funny, and correct, feeling that some sort of a mystery was afoot as she recalled her questioning him...
"For God sake, Jack! I'd let you stay round mine...! Well, if I had a house, but that's not the point..."
"Liz, that is the point," She heard him groan from the other end of the phone. She could feel his agitation from the sound of his normally honeyed voice and could just picture him raking his perfectly manicured nails through his raven-black hair in frustration. What the heck is his problem? "I mean... Christ, did you have to lose your job now?"
"Sorry, Jack. I should've coincided it with your calendar. How stupid of me," Liz had hissed sarcastically. She was too pissed off with everything and everyone to even attempt to be remotely like her normally nice self. "And, just for the record, I didn't lose it. I decided to quit. It was my decision. MINE."
"Ok, I get it. You intentionally decided to throw your life down the loo and stop the best thing that's ever happened to you. I see that it wasn't an accident," He muttered moodily.
Liz paused.
Why was he being like this? Why wasn't he bloody comforting her? Telling her William was a wanker and that she didn't even need his poxy job? Shouldn't he be right now telling her that the house was too overly decorated anyway, and shouldn't he be making a jibe about it compensating William for other things?
"Jack, is something wrong with you?" She asked in soft, though still angry, concern. "Because you're being a right bastard and I'd like to know what it is that's making you such a crap friend."
The silence at the other end was so agonisingly long that Liz seriously wondered whether he'd fainted. Maybe she shouldn't have been so harsh but lately she was so incredibly irritable...
"It's Sasha," He had finally said, hardly above a whisper. SASHA?!?!?!
"SASHA!" She didn't mean to screech so loudly with a voice dripping disapproval, but she honestly couldn't help it. "What about Sasha? What does that little bitch want?!" Goodness sake, Liz! Language woman! Language!
"Liz, please..."
"Don't 'Liz please' me!" Yep, I'm seriously losing it. And it seems he has too. "Do you remember how much heartbreak you went through because of that little..."
"I know but, you know... Sasha's finally ready to commit," Liz snorted loudly, but stopped when she heard Jack whimper almost weakly. "Please, Liz. Don't yell at me."
My God, he's practically using his small little pleading voice. Ok, calm down woman. Calm. Just because Jack is going to throw himself into the power of that silicon filled, plastic Barbie doll who trampled all over his feelings with pencil heeled stilettos on doesn't mean I should panic/yell/throw something, does it?
"Commit?" She had squeaked, trying to rein in her anger. She wasn't doing a great job. Humph! Like that little tramp knows how to spell it, let alone understand it! With another sigh, Liz tried to compose herself yet again. She had to stop being hysterical.I must stop putting my problems before my friends'. I must be a top advice guru and dazzle them all with my fabulous brainpower. Please let it dazzle you, honey... "Jack, I'm your best friend, and I love you. You know I only want what's best for you. That's why I'm begging you (seriously, I've dropped down on my knees despite the floor being bloody cold) to please not get back together with Sasha."
"But... I think I love him."
Oh God. This is more serious then I thought.
"Jack, how can you love anybody who makes you feel so ugly inside?" Liz practically spat out her last words as she recalled last years Christmas Party and how a drunken Sasha tried to get off with every person there. She remembered the look of hurt in Jack's usually sparkling, mischievous and confident eyes as Sasha laughed right in his face and ordered him to go and get him some more drink because 'The exercise would do his lousy figure some good'. Liz also remembered when Sasha had called Jack a 'Crap Shag' in front of every last person when her best friend had tried to wrestle his tipsy boyfriend from trying to snog Wicks... who seemed to find the whole exhibition highly amusing. That was the first time Liz had realised what a total pillock the man was, and that was only another detail that caused her to end it on New Years. Oh... She cringed when she thought of New Year's...
"Liz? Liz you still there?" Whoops. Daydreaming again. Thank God he saved me from recalling that (shudder) night.
"Err... I-I have to go, Jack, and continue packing. I'll just stay at my mothers..."
"Liz, listen. I'm being a total arse. Of course you're staying round mine. Sasha can go and live in a cardboard box if he protests."
"Like he'd be caught in anything as cheap as cardboard..." Liz muttered and Jack howled with laughter. Liz actually smiled properly for the first time in days. "Thanks, Hon. You really are a top mate when you've got your priorities straight."
"Thanks... I think." They both chuckled easily, each forgetting their problems for the time being until Jack made his adieus. "Well, I better go, love. Lots to see, people to do... now wait, crap. Reverse that."
"I think you had it right the first time," Liz said smiling, then sighed resignedly. "Well, wish me luck. I have to go and get my last pay cheque from my Scary Boss-Man." Liz flinched as she thought of it. Talking to William... having to endure 'that look'... trying not to blurt out Georgiana's secret... trying not to throw a glass of water at him then jump him...
Jack laughed.
"Good Luck, darling. If he causes any trouble, just give us a ring and I'll nick one of Sasha's boots and throw the heel directly into his eye." At last! Here's the insults I've been waiting for all throughout the call! Liz giggled silently at the idea of Will walking around the house hoity-toitily with a knee length, PVC Prada boot sticking out of his head. Flicking her annoying curls away to stop them attacking her poor, defenceless eye, she continued to laugh.
"No offence, hon. But, to excuse the sexist expression, you throw like a girl. You'll probably end up stabbing yourself..."
"Liz," Jack said in his usual purr. "That is by far the biggest compliment I've ever had." She smiled wider, mainly because she knew he was completely serious.
***
She knew it was now or never, and never never did look so very appealing until that very moment. She'd hovered around outside William's study door until it could officially be classified as stalkerish and she had lifted her fist up to give the oak a good pounding on five separate occasions. God, Liz. Get a grip. Just breathe in... out. Right. Ok. Here goes nothing. With a quick knock, which she wasn't even sure was very audible from the other side of the door, Liz suddenly had a mad urge to sprint away frantically in the opposite direction. However, for once, maturity seemed to be rooting her to the spot (or was it fear?). Instead of the expected muffled 'Come in' she was sure would ensue, the door slammed open and William, with red-rimmed, crazed eyes, stubble and messy hair, appeared at the doorway.
She froze. My God, he looked like a rabid patient of a mental asylum. How did he still manage to make her want him after looking so deadful?
"What is it?!" He asked in rough insistence, looking at her as if she'd just interrupted his private canoodle with Claudia Schiffer. I was wondering if the wildlife preserve knew you had escaped...
"I, err... was wondering when, I mean if you'd be able to give me my last pay cheque anytime soon."
"Anytime soon?" He darted his eye charily from Liz to the inside of his room. He was blocking her view to the room, but she had a feeling he wasn't alone. Is he having a little 'session' with some model...? Lord, with Caz?!? Liz let out a puff as she realised that he would not bother being well mannered.
"Now would be nice," She said in irritation through gritted teeth. He didn't notice, but instead looked back into the room nervously.
"Listen, now really is not the time..." Don't let him brush you aside. Stand strong for once. Besides, you have to know who's in that room...! You might as well leave this place with your head held high and as a strong, independent woman.
"Sorry, but I can't make it any other time," she said in a voice so determined she hardly recognised it as she audaciously pushed him aside and stepped within the room. "I'll be too busy packing my bags and leaving Pemberley forever to..." Liz stopped suddenly as she glanced at the beautiful blonde sitting in his armchair. No, it wasn't Claudia Schiffer but Georgiana Darcy was also very easy on the eyes. However, she was also very sensitive and (bugger it!) had pretty good hearing.
"Leaving Pemberley forever?" She queried softly, abruptly looking up at her brother in confusion as Liz continued to resemble a fish. What was Georgie doing in here and what were her and William talking about to get him in such a state in the first place? But I suppose I'm the one who should be answering all the questions... Oh Damn, how am I going to talk my way out of this?
Nope, the fish thing was still adorned over Liz's gaping features. William, who was still behind our heroine, tried to fretfully explain. Liz could tell he was terrified to just hurt his sister.
"I was going to tell you, Georgie but..."
"When were you going to tell me, William?" She asked in an almost dangerous tone as she looked down at her hands. Liz could feel the bottled up anger radiating out of her. Eeeeeek. "When Liz was halfway back to London?" The atmosphere was so tense that Liz had a mad urge to giggle. Right, you have to say something! Talk soothingly...
"Georgie, hon. I'm the one who quit." Then she added more reluctantly and quite nearly inaudibly, "If there's anyone to blame, let it be me." Georgiana looked up; her blue eyes, wide and confused, suddenly shone with tears. She looked like a lost child. I am such an evil cow.
"You're going to leave me alone, just like that... for no reason?"
"She has her reasons, Georgie," William muttered quietly, but he also was looking down at his feet. Liz could hear him shifting uncomfortably behind her. Georgiana shook her head in denial, her face spelling out her many troubled questions.
"But... but, I don't understand. Have I done something wrong? Why... why didn't you tell me?" God, now she's blaming herself!
"It's not you at all, darling," Liz quickly tried to cut in reassuringly; it only sounded like a quick, empty fib. "It's all me." God, how unbelievably corny! Even you could do better than that. "I, errr... well, I mean we didn't want to hurt you..."
"And this isn't hurting me?!" Both Liz and Will recoiled backwards with her raised voice; neither had ever heard her so agitated. They were both genuinely worried and uncertain of how to deal with the explosive situation. There was a horribly uncomfortable silence floating about, which was finally broken as Georgie pushed back the chair. "If you will excuse me..." Her voice broke halfway through the sentence as she practically ran out the room. Only William noticed the tears but, like Liz, he didn't dare move. He still stayed standing there, immobile and in some shock at his sister's uncharacteristic behaviour and Liz croaked that she'd better finish her packing after a silent five minutes of doing the same. He didn't even nod as she quietly made her way out and shut the door soundlessly behind her. On making her way guiltily towards the stairs leading to her room, Liz suddenly remembered that she still hadn't got her cheque.
***
Only after fifteen minutes of Liz reaching her room, Mrs Reynolds slammed loudly in. Oh, I see good news travels fast... She thought bitterly as she turned away from her friend and continued to fold her clothes, though she really preferred not to gaze at the elder woman. I can't look her in the eye. She probably hates me for being such a cold, heartless bitch... Mrs Reynolds didn't take very long getting to the point as Liz feigned great interest with the lace on one of her skirts.
"Liz, it's Georgie she..." Oh God, don't make me feel worse then I already feel! She sighed dejectedly as she folded the skirt messily.
"Listen, I know I did wrong by her but nothing she can say will make me stay." William, however... Shaking her head to rid herself of her stupid and, in her opinion, demeaning thoughts, Liz finally turned from her suitcase to face Mrs Reynolds. However, Liz saw desperation and tears welling in the usually collected elderly woman's eyes instead of compassion. Her heart fell to her stomach. She had a feeling something was terribly wrong. "W-what's happened, Mrs R?" She managed to croak in fear. God, if Georgie's done something stupid because of me, I will never forgive myself. Mrs Reynolds shook her head, looking utterly lost. Liz couldn't help feeling how surreal the entire situation was.
"She's... she's not in her room," The elder woman stuttered uncharacteristically; her typically hard voice trembling with panic. "And her things are gone." Liz was still absolutely motionless. She felt as though the wind was knocked out of her as Mrs Reynolds's speech echoed annoying through her ears like those cheap soap operas she used to love to watch on weekday afternoons. As the words runaway, homeless and hypothermia grabbed chillingly at both her head and heart, the elder woman handed Liz a letter shakily. 'Liz' was written in Georgiana's effortlessly neat calligraphy upon the middle of the envelope. "I-I found this resting on her pillow."