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PART ONE

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a young woman without wealth or connections must be in awe of a man in possession of good fortune and a handsome face. However one young lady was not.

"My dear Thomas, have you heard that Chattersworth House is sold at last?"

Thomas Bennet replied that he had not.

"Well, it is! Apparently the owner of some big sports chain has taken it."

Thomas Bennet rolled his eyes. The sister of his late wife, Angela Phillips, was always sure to relate the latest gossip to the Bennet household, just as she used to do when her sister Fanny was still alive. In fact she was just like his late wife, easy on the eye, full of chatter and..., well that was where the comparison ended. Where Fanny Bennet had possessed some common sense, her sister was in possession of none at all.

Thomas was never interested in the latest gossip of the village. He only half paid attention to what his sister in law and neighbour told him, while reading the literature section of the Times.

"What a fine thing for my nieces!"

No reaction.

"Thomas what a fine thing for your girls!"

His attention was caught. "How so, how can it affect them?"

"My dear brother, this Mr Bingley is a very wealthy and single young man. "

"So?"

"Well, you have two single daughters, and he may very well fall in love with one of them. Imagine dear Jane married to such a rich man! And that of course throws Lizzy in the way of other rich men. We cannot expect her to catch the eye of this Mr Bingley as apparently he is very handsome , but our beautiful Jane he will not be able to resist!"

"We will see about that!" Thomas said.

The Bennet household consisted of Thomas Bennet and his two daughters Jane and Elizabeth Bennet. They lived on the outskirts of the village of Loversall, South Yorkshire. Fanny Bennet had died in a car accident fifteen years ago. She had suffered an attack of the nerves while driving and had bumped into a large tree. She had been dead instantaneously.

The first few years without Fanny had been a trial to the Bennet family. She was greatly missed by her two daughters, and by her husband. He had always talked of his silly wife, but he missed her dearly.

Thomas Bennet owner of a small bookshop called "Loungbourn" in the centre of Loversall, was about sixty years of age. While he was proficient at reading the books in his shop, he was not such great an expert at selling them. Though a reserved man, especially since his Fanny had died, he enjoyed making sport of everything and everyone to himself and his daughters.

His eldest daughter Jane was 28 years old, had the sweetest disposition possible, and was the beauty of the area. His youngest, Elizabeth, "Lizzy" for friends and family, was 26 years old, and much like her father. She was clever, and witty, and was often found in her fathers' bookshop reading everything that was available. That is, when she was not elbow deep in dirt ploughing through their garden.

While Jane was tall and slim, fair-haired with eyes in the brightest blue, Elizabeth was of medium height, and though by modern standards maybe a bit chubby, very feminine. Her hair was a curly chestnut brown and her eyes where as dark as blue eyes could be.

Jane and Elizabeth still lived at home. Truth being, they didn't want to leave their beloved father all on his own.

In a house much spoken of by their neighbours two early risers sat at the breakfast table.

"Darce, would you mind joining me while I visit our new neighbours?"

Charles Bingley had persuaded his friend to finally take some time off from his business and accompany him to his newly purchased home, Chattersworth House in Loversall, South Yorkshire.

"Not at all Charles, anything to keep me away from your sister!"

William Darcy and Charles Bingley had met in the 'Oxford University Athletic Club', during their university years. Charles Bingley was a good looking, amiable young man with easy unaffected manners. His friend William Darcy was tall, dark, extremely intelligent, handsome and dreadfully uncomfortable among strangers. Although their characters where as similar as day and night, their friendship was very strong.

As amiable and pleasing as was Charles, as proud and haughty was his spoiled sister, Caroline. She couldn't understand why on earth Charles had decided to purchase a house in Loversall. Loversall, of all places!! But, after he had mentioned William Darcy would accompany him to Loversall, Caroline had decided she found Loversall delightful and had to visit Charles's new house in this "lovely" village. And as Charles could never deny his little sister anything, although he knew his friend would be very displeased with her visiting, Caroline had come to Loversall.

Since Caroline and William had been introduced, and Caroline had learned just how wealthy her brother's friend was, she had decided she was to become Mrs William Darcy. Darcy however, had very different ideas on the matter. He couldn't stand Caroline. The way she was all over him every single time they met, calling him by the dreadful "Willy". But she was his best friend's sister, so he felt he had to be polite. Since it proved a great trial to be polite to the superior sister, and he often found his comments to her were bordering on the uncivil, he tried to avoid her as much as possible. At least at the breakfast table he was certain of avoiding her. As far as he knew Caroline never ate anything.

Not three miles away, another early riser had decided to take full advantage of the beautiful day that lay ahead. Although it was already late October, this Sunday promised to be a very nice sunny day. Elizabeth decided to spend most of the day in the garden, being inside for almost the whole of yesterday helping out her father at the bookshop, she felt she needed fresh air.

Firstly, she took Bernie for a walk. Bernie was a young Bernese Mountain Dog, and a great favourite with Elizabeth. Although most Bernese Mountain Dogs are great people lovers, Bernie was, well a bit shy. The only person who he really trusted was Elizabeth. She could do almost anything with him. She taught him the basic commands, and of course a few tricks, one of them the "high five".

After finishing their walk, Bernie was running around in the garden, while Elizabeth checked what needed to be done. The garden needed a lot of work. The grass needed to be cut, the flower beds to be weeded, some bushes were in need of trimming, and the gutter needed to be cleaned.

"What to start with?" she said to herself. "Best to get the worst thing over with, the gutter it is!"

After a good half an hour's work the gutter was clean, and Elizabeth was anything but.

The next thing on her list was cutting the grass. She pulled the old lawn mower out of the shed, checked the fuel, and pulled the crank to get it running. After five good strong yanks the machine puffed into life. The mower was having difficulty getting through the long damp grass. Often it choked on the grass, leaving Elizabeth on her knees pulling the grass out of the machine with her hands. Now it choked again.

"Bloody thing" she said.

She left the machine running while pulling the grass out, although dangerous, if she would stop the machine, she might never get it running again.

Just at that moment the grass she was pulling shot loose, hitting her right in the face.

Charles and William just walked up the lawn where they were greeted by a very unfeminine speech. William peeked over the hedge just in time to see Elizabeth getting attacked by a large amount of wet grass. He couldn't help himself, he let out a laugh. Elizabeth looked up to see a tall, dark and very handsome man laughing at her.

Damn he was handsome. And she was all covered in grass. Of course, why not meet the most handsome man ever while looking as unattractive as humanly possible. Just my luck!

"Uhm, hello?"

"Good day!" William felt himself blushing.

She walked up to him. "You weren't just laughing at me, were you?" She asked him with a quizzical brow and laughing eyes. She offered him her hand.

"My name is Elizabeth Bennet, nice to meet you"

"Uhmm, William Darcy, nice to meet you too." He shook her hand, gazing into her eyes. Such dark eyes, and so blue!

Silence. Then he reminded himself. She must be wondering what I'm doing here!

"I came along with my friend Charles Bingley, I believe he already went inside. He recently took the property of Chattersworth House."

After some minutes of friendly conversation about his grand gardens at the Pemberley estate, he began lecturing her on the fact that she had left the lawn mower running while putting her hand inside. It was dangerous and irresponsible!

Just at that moment Bernie came back from the pond in the garden. Upon hearing Elizabeth, he came to see what was going on. He ran towards them and jumped up at Darcy to give him a nice "high five".

"What's that!" Darcy looked down at the dog, and saw his good pair of jeans smudged with mud. He looked up at Elizabeth.

"That's Bernie!" She laughed. Glad to be saved from the awkward conversation.

He looked up at her with a stern brow.

"That's just payback my friend. That's what you get for laughing at me!"

Darcy was not humoured. "Didn't you teach him not to jump up at everyone?" he asked in an angry voice.

"Oh, dear, I am so sorry!" Elizabeth said cynically. God, this man was haughty, and stubborn! What a stick in the mud! Ha-ha, literally! Handsome he may be, but I would prefer a plain man with a good sense of humour any day!

"He, is actually making you a compliment, you know. He normally doesn't take to strangers. He apparently thought you were a nice man.

"It seems dogs make mistakes as well" Elizabeth said under her breath.

"I'd better get into the house, Charles will be waiting" and off he was.

"Well, Bernie, you did an excellent job! That man is not worth our regret." Elizabeth said when Darcy had gone into the house. And she patted him on the head. She finished up, and pushed to lawn mower back into the shed.

"Pff, probably not very decent to stay out here, huh Bernie? Not when our new neighbour is sitting in the kitchen."

She walked towards the backdoor of the house, and checked her clothes. She really couldn't go in looking like this. She would leave a trace of cut grass all over the floor! Near the garden tap she pulled of her Wellingtons and washed her hands and face. Then where she thought no one could see she pulled of her sweater, to shake of the grass.

"Hello there!"

Jane looked up when she saw a man knocking on the door. She opened the door. "Hello!"

"Good morning, my name is Charles Bingley. I moved into Chattersworth house, and wanted to meet my new neighbours."

"Welcome in the neighbourhood! My name is Jane Bennet." She said with a very becoming blush on her cheeks. Jee, what a nice man. Jane thought.

Oh my god, did I die and go to heaven just now? What an angel!

"Oh I forget my manners, come in. Come and meet my father. My sister is in the garden."

"Oh yes, I came with my friend William Darcy." He looked over his shoulder, but didn't see Darcy. "Oh, I don't know where he got to."

"Sit down, I will get my father." She pointed at a kitchen chair.

"Would you like a cup of tea?"

"Yes, please!"

"I will put the kettle on." Jane hurried to the study. "Father, our new neighbour is here!"

"Coming!"

Back into the kitchen she said, "My father will be in in a moment."

Charles followed her with his eyes while she made them tea.

Just at that moment William came in.

"Ah, you must be Charles's friend. Nice to meet you, I'm Jane Bennet"

"William Darcy, nice to meet you too."

"My father will be here in just a moment, and my sister is in the garden."

"Yes, we've met" Darcy said while glancing down his smudged jeans.

Jane followed his eyes. "Oh dear, you've met Bernie as well! I am sorry, I hope the stains will come out. He normally doesn't do that to anyone other than Lizzy."

William took a seat next to Charles at the kitchen table.

"Would you like a cup of tea as well?" Jane asked him.

"Yes, thank you." He looked at his friend, he was clearly quite besotted with his new acquaintance. She is indeed very pretty. Not as attractive as her sister though. Those eyes! He looked out of the window into the garden. His eyes scanned the garden, the pond in the back, the old shed. Wait, what was that? He saw Elizabeth standing at the tap through the reflection of the shed's window. Ah she is washing her hands, and... Oh God, she is pulling off her sweater. He saw her standing with her back towards him. Oh God, what would it feel like to touch that soft skin?

"Ah, my new neighbour!" "Welcome to Loversall."

"Hello, you must be Mr Bennet. Charles Bingley"

"Thomas, please. Nice to have a new neighbour at last."

Just then Elizabeth walked in.

"Ah, there is my other daughter, may I introduce to you Elizabeth Bennet."

"It is nice to meet you" Charles said.

"Nice to meet you too." Elizabeth replied. Oh, he is very different from his friend. He looks very amiable. And he is looking very amiable at Jane! And she at him! This is promising! Very promising!

"May I introduce my friend William Darcy" Charles said to Thomas.

The gentlemen nodded.

"Darcy you say? Hmm, not the Darcy? Of Pemberley Books and Press?"

"You are acquainted with my business?" Darcy asked the man.

"My father owns the local bookstore. Maybe you've heard of it. Longbourn books" Elizabeth said.

"No I did not." He mumbled. Get a grip Darcy, she is just a local nobody with very blue eyes and a very soft back. Nothing to it! He was feeling

very uncomfortable. He did not often find himself attracted to a woman. Let alone to one he just met.

Thomas kept up the conversation with both men. He asked Darcy a few questions about his business, and learned Charles owned his own business as well.

After half an hour the two men left.

Chapter 2 - First Reflections

In the evening the Bennet family shared a glass of wine in the living room.

"Well, girls, how did you find our new neighbour and his friend?"

"I thought them very nice, papa. Especially Charles." Jane said dreamily.

"Yes, Charles seems a very amiable young man. Lizzy, what did you think?"

"Yes, Charles seems very amiable indeed. But I doubt his friend is very nice."

Jane defended them. "Why would you say that? I thought they both had very pleasing manners."

"Not at all. Darcy's manners were nothing to Charles'. Charles was truly interested in making our acquaintance. Darcy on the other hand looked like he would have preferred to be anywhere but here."

"Ah, my Lizzy. Not blinded by his apparent wealth and handsome features, I see." Thomas said.

"No, not at all. I will admit he is a very handsome man, and probably very intelligent as well, but he knows it all a bit too well himself."

"He may not be more proud than your average rich man, used to getting his own way, my dear. But Charles Bingley seems to be a very nice man.

He will make us a fine new neighbour."

They all agreed to that.

The following day, Elizabeth rose early, and took Bernie out for a walk before breakfast. The Bennet family usually ate their breakfast together before going off to work.

Jane worked as a teacher at the local primary school. Her pupils loved her. She had a never ending enthusiasm, and great patience. Elizabeth was a part time English teacher at a grammar school in Doncaster. And although she enjoyed her job, her real goal in life was to become a writer. But in order to make a living, she taught English four days a week. Fridays and Saturdays she spend with her father in the bookshop, checking the books, seeing if in some way expenses could be lowered, etc.

As she exited her classroom she was met by her cousins Lydia and Kitty Philips. Twin sisters Lydia and Kitty (always in that order) were fifteen years old, and both attended the grammar school where Elizabeth taught English. They were much like their mother, frivolous, lively and with a total lack of decorum. Lydia was the cheeky one, and Kitty followed where ever Lydia led her. They didn't do too well in school, their attention was much too occupied by everything that was male and on two legs.

"Hi, Lizzy! Did you meet Charles Bingley and his friend? They called on us yesterday. What handsome men! Wouldn't it be great fun if I were to catch one of them?"

Kitty nodded her head in agreement "So handsome, and so well off!"

"And about twice your age." Elizabeth remarked.

"Well, anywayssss." Lydia said rolling her eyes at Elizabeth. "Mum invited them for her party this Friday evening. Apparently, Charles and William are here for a month, together with Charles' sister. You and Jane are coming right? There will be stashes of food, music and dancing."

"Yes, yes, we will be there.We can hardly avoid it." She uttered a sigh. She was in for a very long evening this coming Friday.

Mrs Philips party, or rather Mr and Mrs Philips's party, was held as a celebration for the reopening their pub the "Horse's Mouth". They had refurnished and extended the pub, to offer more room for festivities and dancing, much to the delight of their young daughters. Lydia and Kitty danced wherever it was possible. And to prevent further damage to the billiards table (which had often been used as a dance floor by both girls) Ken Phillips had agreed to add an actual dance floor to his pub.

"Lizzy! Oh dear, you're not even dressed yet!"

"Are these not clothes then, my dear sister?" she said looking down.

"Lizzy! I mean properly dressed."

"Dressed? For what exactly?"

"Lizzy! You know very well we are to go to Aunt and Uncle Philips's party this evening!"

"Well, I've got clothes on, haven't I? And they don't have any holes in them that aren't supposed to be there, so I think them quite proper as well."

Elizabeth was lying on the sofa, watching a new detective series.

"Oh, come on, it will be fun! You know Charles and his friend were invited too?"

"Ah, now I understand your fancy dressing" Elizabeth said while pointing at the new dress that Jane was wearing. It was a closely fitted dress in a pale blue shade matching Jane's eyes perfectly.

"What do you mean?" Jane said blushing.

"Oh, I don't know. In all honesty, Jane you do look beautiful, but if it is aimed at Charles I'm afraid it is a waste of effort"

"Why do you say that?" Jane asked Elizabeth in an alarmed tone.

Oh this is just too easy! She is falling for it again! How amusing to have such a believing sister.

"Well, you can dress as beautifully as you want, but Charles is still just going to imagine how you look without your dress on."

Jane picked up a pillow from the couch and threw it at Elizabeth. "You little frizz head!"

"Bravo! That is the most unforgiving speech I've heard you utter in a long time. Good girl!"

"There will be more where that came from if you will not get your little frizz head upstairs and put on something nice!" replied Jane.

"Who are you and what have you done to my sister?"

Jane pulled up Elizabeth from the couch and directed her upstairs.

"Yes, very well. I will go and put on my "party outfit". I would not want to disgrace you, dear sister."

"I'll help you pick something out." Jane was all smiles again.

"Oh, but can I please were pants? Please, pretty please? I really don't feel like going into a nasty fight with tights again."

"You're such a lady!" Jane laughed.

"The person who invented tights must have been ready for the loony bin. How can he possibly have thought that those itching stretchy things that never fit properly were a good idea?"

"He?"

"Well, it must have been a man who invented them, obviously." Elizabeth smirked.

Chapter 3 - Food Drinks And Music

When they reached the "Horseïs mouth" they were met by their Aunt Philips.

"Ah girls, how good of you to come. Jane, what a beautiful dress, I am sure Mr Bingley will be watching you the entire evening! You should take an example to your sister Lizzy!"

Elizabeth just let it go. This was nothing new. Jane had always been her mother's and subsequently her aunt's favourite. Only the "It's a shame she is not more handsome, like Jane" was lacking.

"Well, come in and help yourself to some food."

Lydia had not been exaggerating when she had promised stashes of food.

"Yummy, it all looks delicious auntie Angie" Elizabeth said.

"The pub looks very nice! Lydia and Kitty will be pleased with the dance floor!"

"Thank you Jane. Yes indeed, and they are determined to make full use of it this evening, so I hope our new neighbours will be inclined to dance!"

"Yes, indeed!" Jane replied blushing.

"And you have an actual stage now!" Elizabeth remarked

"Yes, yes, we are quite up to standard for any form of entertainment. We even have a karaoke machine!"

Oh dear! Elizabeth thought. Better see whether there are some drinks to be had then.

The whole neighbourhood was invited to celebrate the reopening of the pub, and since there was free food and drinks involved, most of Loversall was in attendance. The party had started at eight, and when Elizabeth and Jane joined them at nine o'clock the free drinks already had had their effect on some. It was certainly a merry party.

The pub was filled with music and laughter but when the "Chattersworth House-party" entered, the room fell silent. After a few seconds of total silence, the whispering began.

Apparently this Mr Bingley, who was the blond amiable looking man, was very wealthy.

"Indeed?"

"Yes, but his wealth is nothing compared to that of his friend!"

"The tall, dark man to his right?"

"Yes, indeed, for he owns half of Derbyshire apparently!"

"He is very handsome. And the elegant looking lady?"

"Mr Bingleyïs sister I presume. Very elegant dress. Must have cost quite a fortune."

And so was the general talk among the Loversall women.

The "Chattersworth House-party" was greeted by Mr Lucas, the mayor of Loversall. Mr Lucas was a very friendly, though somewhat simple man.

"Mr Bingley, how good to finally make your acquaintance! And are you pleased with the village of Loversall since you came to inhabit it?"

"Mr Lucas, how do you do. I am very pleased with Loversall and all its inhabitants I assure you!" the last was said while gazing at Jane.

Caroline Bingley glanced at her brother, and followed the object of his gaze. Surely not some country chit, Charles!

"Bingley, Darcy, how good of you to have joined our party!" Ken Philips approached them.

"Mr Philips, we thank you for the invitation. An excellent way to meet all my new neighbours! Mr Philips, may I introduce my sister Caroline Bingley to you."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Bingley."

"Delighted." Caroline replied without much effort at a real smile.

"What was Charles thinking dragging us to this place? I see no society or breeding what so ever!" she whispered to Darcy.

"If I recall correctly he didn't actually drag you here Caroline."

They were interrupted by Jane coming their way.

"Hello Charles! William! You've made it here tonight, I see."

"Jane! Hello! May I introduce you to my sister Caroline Bingley."

"Very nice to meet you" Jane said

Another "Delighted" came from Caroline's lips.

"Are your father and sister here as well tonight?" Charles asked Jane

"My father remains at home, but my sister Lizzy is here. She is standing over there" Jane pointed to the corner where all the food was on display.

Just at that moment Lizzy was enjoying a very large bite of pie.

"Who was the sister, Willy?" Caroline asked William.

Irritated by her inattentiveness to Jane and even more so by her use of "Willy" William answered curtly; "The brunette standing over there." He nodded toward Elizabeth

"The one stuffing her face? How charming!"

William looked over at Charles and Jane, to make sure they did not overhear this insult. Not a chance, much too absorbed by one other. How can he be so amiable and have such a WITCH for a sister? Speaking of amiable, how well she looks this evening.

Lizzy came walking up to them and greeted Charles enthusiastically.

"Elizabeth, I believe you have not met my sister yet."

"Nice to meet you, Elizabeth Bennet." She offered her hand

"Caroline Bingley." They shook hands, after which Caroline wiped hers on her dress.

Elizabeth noticed. "Oh I am so sorry, was there still some powdery sugar on my hand?"

Unlike most people present in the room, Elizabeth was not much impressed by Caroline Bingleyïs expensive dress, and haughty appearance. She had watched her cold greetings to her neighbours and sister and had disliked her immediately.

"You should try the pie by the way. Very yummy!" she smirked

Darcy chuckled on seeing Caroline's face. She looked positively horrified. Whether it was to do with the powdery sugar, the "yummy" or the mentioning of actually EATING pie he did not know. There was a profound difference in the two women standing next to him. Caroline was a very slim woman, dressed in a certainly very expensive, orange dress. She was rich, and made sure everyone who laid eyes on her knew it. Her manners were elegant, but insincere. Where Caroline missed female form to fill her dress, Elizabeth's cobalt blue blouse and jeans showed her curves. Her manners were playful, maybe a bit out of the ordinary but very sincere. Unbeknownst to Caroline, Darcy infinitely preferred full figured over very slim and out of the ordinary but sincere manners over elegant insincere ones.

Darcy, Caroline and Elizabeth were left to talk to each other, while Jane and Charles moved to the dance floor. They did not have much to relate to each other, and Elizabeth felt relieved when Geoffrey Lucas came upon them.

"Ah Geoffrey, how is Charlotte?" she inquired

"My Charlotte is very well, thank you Lizzy. She and Richard are nicely settled in Kent now. You should visit them if you have time, I am sure Charlotte would love to see you again."

Charlotte Lucas and Elizabeth were of the same age. They had attended primary and grammar school together, and had been roommates at university.

"It is a shame Charlotte moved to Kent, but I believe she is very happy with Richard is she not?"

"Yes, certainly. I expect an announcement of their engagement any time now."

"Ah but Geoffrey, these are the new times! People do not have to marry to live together anymore, is it not Caroline?"

"Oh, but I assure you it is still much preferred among the higher circles in society." Caroline said eyeing Darcy.

What an insufferable woman! Both Darcy and Elizabeth thought.

Geoffrey Lucas felt a subject change was in order.

"What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr Darcy" Geoffrey said nodding to the dance floor "your friend performs delightfully. I consider good dancing as one of the refinements of polished societies."

"And of every unpolished society."

"Excuse me?"

"Every savage can dance Mr Lucas."

"Ah yes, of course. Do you dance?"

"Not if I can help it."

Mr Lucas smiled, even an optimistic sole as himself must lose his enthusiasm of one sided conversation at some point.

"Well, well. Ah Jane and Bingley dancing. Capital! Capital!"

Bingley was certainly very charmed with his new neighbours, he danced often with Jane, had danced with Elizabeth and also once with Lydia and Kitty. Darcy did not dance. He truly was not at all fond of dancing and thought it pure punishment to stand up with any woman. One certain lady however may have altered his opinion of dancing.

"Can I have your attention for a moment please?"

The music seized as Ken Philips took the microphone.

"Don't worry, the party is not over yet. But before all craziness bursts loose I would like to thank you all for coming this evening. My wife and I are very happy with the way the new Horseïs Mouth has turned out, and very pleased that our customers share our opinion. Furthermore, there is still a lot of food left, please eat some more, and have another drink for you may regret it later if you do not."

"For we have finally got ourselves a karaoke machine!" Lydia yelled. "You can come up to the stage, and see which songs are available."

A lot of people were talked into taking the stage by Lydia and Kitty. Although none of the performers were of high quality, most people seemed to amuse themselves. Caroline Bingley of course did not.

"I believe I can guess the subject of your thoughts at this moment." She said whispering in Darcy's ear.

"I should imagine not."

"You are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many evenings in this manner, in such tedious company!"

"No, my mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been mediating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow."

"Oh indeed!" This could prove to be a very useful evening! He finally sees my worth!

"And who is the young lady that inspires to these reflections?" Caroline asked, trying to prepare herself for the long wanted declaration of love.

"Elizabeth Bennet."

"I, I.. I am all astonishment." She said, walking away from Darcy.

"Lizzy! Lizzy!!!"

"Yes Lydia, what is it?"

"You are up next!"

"Excuse me?"

"You are up next!"

"I believe I misunderstood you. It almost sounded as if you were saying I was up next."

"Lizzy, please. Let us have at least one performer this evening who can actually sing!"

"Lydia, I am in no humour to sing."

"Come on Lizzy! You sing so beautifully. Or should I ask my mum to come over and convince you?" Lydia threatened

"Very well then. I am just too good for this world you know. Which tear jerker did you sign me up for?"

"Oh you can choose for yourself. I will announce you."

"Oh I don't think that will be necessa...."

Lydia was already on stage.

"Hello everyone! You can take your earplugs out if you want. I talked Lizzy into singing!"

Applause followed.

"I am just so very fond of my little cousin here", Elizabeth said while putting her arm around her cousin and squeezing hard," I have to watch myself not to smother her to death" Lizzy exclaimed, emphasising on the last word. Lydia pulled herself loose from Elizabeth's grip and bounced off the stage.

Allrighty. Time to perform then.

"Well, as I expected the songs available are all of the tear jerker genre. So bare with me." Lizzy said.

The first sounds of Chris Isaakïs Wicked games filled the pub.

The world was on fire and no one could save me but you. Elizabeth sang smilingly in a low voice.

It's strange what desire will make foolish people do.
I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you.
And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you.
No, I don't want to fall in love
No, I don't want to fall in love
With you

What a wicked game to play, to make me feel this way.
What a wicked thing to do, to let me dream of you.
What a wicked thing to say, you never felt this way.
What a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you

Elizabeth saw Darcy coming closer to the stage. Just see him coming over here in all his state to listen. Probably coming to see if it is possible to unplug the microphone or something. Ah.. I'll teach him! My courage rises with every attempt to intimidate me!

And so Elizabeth took up the volume for the next part.

I want to fall in love
No, I want to fall in love
With you.

No, I want to fall in love
No, I want to fall in love
With you
No, I...
Nobody loves no one.

Applause followed.

Elizabeth couldn't have been more wrong in her assumption of why Darcy came closer to the stage. He was struck with her voice, with her expression while singing, with her beauty. Why am I so affected by her? I don't understand myself.

Caroline Bingley had composed herself after being shocked at Darcy calling Elizabeth's eyes "fine". She thought this an excellent moment to comment on the inappropriateness of karaoke to him. She was convinced Elizabeth would have fallen in Darcy's esteem by her performance.

"That woman has no shame apparently! To sing at such a party as this, it is unthinkable! I am sure I would die of shame!"

Oh please, would you? Darcy thought.

"What do you think, Willy?"

Darcy didn't say much. "She has a very strong voice." A man who had felt less may have said more.

"She is tolerable I suppose, but not talented enough to tempt me." Caroline said.

At that moment Charles Bingley came up to save his friend from Caroline.

"Hey, did you hear that? What a voice Lizzy has! What did you think Darce?"

Before Darcy could utter a word Caroline spoke her full praise of Elizabeth.

"Oh you changed your mind then?" Darcy asked her

"What do you mean?"

"I thought I just heard you say; "She is tolerable I suppose, but not talented enough to tempt me!""

Just at this moment Elizabeth passed their group on her way to Jane who was standing talking to their uncle. Ah I see, he thought me tolerable, but not talented enough to tempt him! Although she was pained by the insult, she had no scruples relating it to Jane.

When they arrived home from the party their father was still up.

"Ah girls, I hope you enjoyed yourselves? But I can see that you did!"

"Yes we had a very good time, thank you papa." Jane said.

"You are glad though that you stayed at home. The Horseïs Mouth now has a karaoke machine, and it was in full use this evening!" Elizabeth said.

Thomas laughed. "Indeed, I think I can well forgo such pleasures. Oh but you sang probably didn't you? So the night cannot have been all torture."

"Yes Lizzy sang very well, William Darcy however was not pleased apparently."

"She is tolerable I suppose, but not talented enough to tempt me!" Elizabeth said mimicking Darcy's voice.

"Slighted my Lizzy did he?"

"I don't care for his opinion papa, so it is of little matter."

"Lizzy, please give me a hand! Funny, I was perfectly able to zip me up myself, but now I cannot seem to get it out." Jane came into Elizabeth's room, trying to unzip her dress.

"Should I call Charles for you? I am perfectly sure he wouldn't mind one bit to help you out" Elizabeth teased her sister.

The Bennet family had retired for the night. Thomas' bedroom was on the ground floor, leaving the entire first floor for Jane and Elizabeth. Before going to bed they often talked about their day together. Girl-talk, mostly.

"He is just what a young man ought to be, sensible, good humoured, lively..."

"And handsome! Interrupted Elizabeth, "which a young man ought to be if he possibly can! He seems a very nice guy, I give you leave to like him. You've liked many a stupider person."

"Lizzy!"

"You are a great deal to apt to like people in general, you know!"

"I know some people think I am naive, but I always speak what I think!"

"And so you should, never mind a cynic like me!"

"He asked me to go on a date, you know!"

"Perfect! I am very happy for you Jane. It is high time someone snatched you away from the single woman's market."

"Well, it is just a first date, it is not like we are in love already!"

"Maybe not yet, but you very soon will be!"

"What did you think of William?"

Elizabeth laughed, "I believe I dislike him about as much as he dislikes me."

"I don't believe he disliked you, Lizzy. You should have seen him when you were singing on stage. He looked entranced!"

"By the dreadful quality of the performer probably."

"Yes it was very wrong of him to say you where only tolerable."

"Capital offence!"

Lying in bed Elizabeth thought about their conversation. Entranced. Hmprff! Still there is something about him. The one moment he looks perfectly amiable, and when he smiles his face is truly beautiful, but in a snap second he is back to his proud self again. What would be the real Darcy, the smiling or the proud one?

Chapter 4 - Books And Business

The next week brought busy times. Elizabeth had a lot of school work to do, and tried to help out her father in the bookshop whenever she could. Jane and Charles had been on a few very successful dates, and since they spent nearly every night together, there was no one in the Bennet household who urged Elizabeth and Thomas to spend quality time at home. Consequently many hours where spend on making sense of the financial situation of Longbourn Books. Thomas had spent a full Thursday with his bookkeeper and came to an unhappy conclusion.

"What is it papa, you don't seem happy these days. Is there something on your mind?"

"Lizzy, you know I went to see our book keeper?"

"Yes, I hoped he would have relieved you of some of your worries."

"Indeed. Well, he did no such thing. Lizzy, I am very sorry, but it seems we will have to close Longbourn books by the end of this year."

"No! Are you certain?"

"Yes. The business hasn't made any profit over the last three years. This year the business has started to cost me money instead of making me

money. I am very sorry to close it down, but maybe it is for the best. With my savings, and you and Jane providing for yourselves, I should be able to live out my live quite comfortably, without the shop."

"But papa!"

"Yes, I know Lizzy. You hate to see the shop closed, and so do I, but frankly I do not have the energy anymore to come up with a new business strategy."

"I am very sorry papa."

"Yes, well let us talk of merry things! Have you been able to plan our yearly trip to the Gardiners?"

Paul Gardiner and Thomas went to university together and remained good friends ever since. Upon marrying Lies, Paul had moved to the Netherlands. Jane and Elizabeth were very fond of Paul and Lies, and since their father had no other living relatives, they considered them as family.

"Yes everything is settled. We depart the 3rd of December, and will be home again on the 7th. I long to see Paul and Lies again. And it always so much fun to celebrate Sinterklaas[1] with them."

"Have you already thought of presents for all of us yet?"

"No, I will have some serious shopping to do, and rhyming for that matter!"

"As do I" Thomas answered.

A few days later the Bennet family was invited to dine at Chattersworth House. While the gentlemen talked of business, Elizabeth and Jane tried to keep conversation going with Caroline. She was obviously not very humoured about having a dinner party with the Bennetïs. She didn't approve of Charles dating Jane and had tried, unsuccessfully, to persuade her brother that he could do better than some country chit.

"So, Caroline, what do you do?" Elizabeth asked during dinner.

"I beg your pardon?" she answered

"What do you do for a living, what is your profession?"

"She is a party planner, are you not Caroline?" Jane said, as Caroline was not answering.

"Well, I advise people high in society on how to organize the most fashionable parties possible, yes."

"Ah, you mean you plan parties..." Elizabeth said raising her brow

"Yes, of course, if you put it like that. But not just any parties. I only work for people of the highest social rank."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. Jane merely tried to engage Caroline in more small talk.

In the meanwhile, Thomas learned more of Netherfield Sports Enterprises (Bingleyïs firm) and of Pemberley Book and Press. He was impressed with both gentlemen, and how they went about their business.

"You are sure to be very successful in business, both of you. I wish I had been blessed with such capacity to run a business." Thomas face showed worry.

"Am I to understand your business is not what you wish it to be?" Darcy inquired

"Indeed it is not. I find myself compelled to close Longbourn Books at the end of this year."

"I am terribly sorry for you, Thomas" Charles offered

"Yes, thank you. But who should suffer but myself? It has been of my own doing and I ought to feel it."

"You must not be hard on yourself", replied Darcy

"Oh, I am not afraid of being overpowered by the impression. It will pass soon enough. I was never sharp enough for business, and in the later years, as the whole book business declined, I found my yearly profit deteriorating rapidly."

"Yes, the book business has had a difficult few years" Darcy agreed.

"I am sorry to close the shop, especially for my Lizzy. She has put so much energy into it all. And I am sure that without her help, I would have had to close my business years before."

Thomas looked over at Darcy, and was under the impression Darcy was no longer interested. He seemed taken up by his own thoughts. He didn't hear Charles ask if they wanted another glass of wine.

"Darce.. DARCE!!!"

"Yes, what is it?" Darcy answered being shaken from his thoughts

"I asked you if you would like another glass of wine."

"Oh yes thank you, Charles. Thomas, if it is convenient, I would like to take a proper look around Longbourn Books early next week if that is possible."

Thomas wondered what Darcy was at. "As you wish" he answered.

After dinner the party moved to the living room where conversation was more general. Caroline made a point of asking Darcy how his sister was, thereby feigning to be on intimate terms with the Darcy family. She had not forgotten Darcy's comment on Elizabeth's "fine eyes" and was determined to let her now Darcy was out of bounds to her.

"How is dear Georgina doing, Willy?"

"She is quite well, thank you."

"How I long to see her again! She is such a pleasant girl. And so accomplished!"

Why you only met her once! Darcy thought.

"It is amazing to me how young ladies are all so accomplished!" Charles said looking at Jane.

Jane blushed.

"All young ladies accomplished? My dear brother, what on earth are you talking of!"

"Well.. "

"The word is indeed applied to liberally" Darcy replied, "I known only, let's say half a dozen young ladies who satisfy my notion of an

accomplished woman." The latter was said looking at Elizabeth. Well maybe seven counting you he thought.

"Yes, indeed. She must have had a proper education, be able to make pleasant conversation, and have impeccable manners. And posses something in her air, in the tone of her voice and in her expressions to deserve the word." Caroline cried.

"Yes, but even more so she must add something more substantial which can only be acquired by extensive reading" added Darcy. He was trying to pay Elizabeth a compliment, since he was well aware that she read, well... extensively. The compliment however was lost on Elizabeth.

"Hrmphf.. I am no longer surprised of you knowing only six such woman, I rather wonder whether they exist at all." Lizzy said

"Are you so severe upon your own sex?"

"I must speak as I find. Oh, and probably, as you forgot to add she must be quite beautiful as well, mustn't she?"

"That would be preferable of course" Darcy replied with a smile.

But do not fear you've got that field quite covered he thought.

"Well, it seems I will just have to live with not being accomplished, then. It will be a heavy burden indeed!" mocked Elizabeth. "I can only rejoice at having a sister who is accomplished enough for the both of us."

Her father laughed. Both he and Elizabeth looked at Jane, and found she did not hear two words of the entire conversation. She would have certainly objected to this last speech, had she heard. She and Charles were sitting next to each other, holding hands in quiet conversation oblivious to the others.

Early the following week Darcy paid Thomas Bennet a visit at Longbourn Books. As he opened the door Bernie came running towards him. Although he didn't show it when first meeting Bernie in the Bennet garden, Darcy was actually very fond of dogs. At that time he had been extremely uncomfortable, and the dog had taken him totally by surprise. He was often uncomfortable among strangers, and at that moment Elizabeth had thrown him wholly off guard. He would freeze, build up a quite strong wall around him, and try to go unnoticed. By seeing him as such, most people concluded him to be extremely proud and arrogant. Proud he may have been, but arrogant he most certainly was not.

He patted Bernie on the head and scratched him behind the ears.

"You're a good dog aren't you? Yes a verrry verrry good doggie, yes, yes... " he jabbered to the animal.

It was quite a sight for Thomas, seeing the proud tall Darcy kneel in front of the dog, talking to him.

"Good evening William!"

Darcy startled. "Oh, good evening" he said as he stood up straight, and brushed imaginary dust of his pants.

Bernie took the opportunity to run away, fetch his ball, and bring it up to Darcy. He dropped it at his feet.

"Oh you made quite a friend I see! He normally just stays in the back of the shop and ignores the customers. But at this time he expects Lizzy and comes to take a look. Quite an intelligent dog is he not? To know when to expect her."

"Certainly!" Darcy smiled, throwing the ball away for Bernie. "But I must say I find all dogs to be quite intelligent! My dogs always seem to expect me, although I am often from home for quite some time."

"Ah, you have dogs yourself?"

"Yes, indeed, I am very fond of them. They have a way of making you feel less lonely" the last was said in a low voice.

Darcy was embarrassed by the last comment he let slip out. He avoided Thomas searching eyes and looked around the shop. "A very nice establishment you have here!" He put on his business voice.

"Thank you, but it must be quite wanting compared to your own shops."

"Well, of course we have a broader spectrum of books, and more multimedia so the customer can find its own way. But I must confess I prefer this sort of shop to one of Pemberley Books. I've discussed this quite often with my staff, but apparently it is too difficult to draw profit from such an, let's say, old-fashioned kind of book shop."

"Well, I can vouch for that."

"Thomas, let me be plain with you. I did not just want to visit your shop to pay a social call. I've been toying with the idea off adding another type of bookshops to the chain of Pemberley Books. Longbourn Books could just be the first one of these."

"But you just stated the lack of profit of such old-fashioned shops. And I would not expect the owner of Pemberley Books and Press to concern him which such matters. Don't you have a whole marketing team who deals with these things for you?"

"Yes, yes and yes. However I like to know what is going on in my business, and I miss to be able to be in contact with the actual act of selling books to customers, instead of just arguing about figures in my office with all my managers."

"I imagine that to be quite boring, indeed."

"Yes it is, however it needs to be done. But to compensate that I like to have some personal projects as well, and since I am the boss I can do what I want." Darcy said smiling.

"Ha-ha, I doubt that, but very well."

"Would you be adverse to such a scheme?"

"Well, it depends on what kind of arrangement you propose."

"Of course. I do not have it fully worked out, and I would have to take a peek into the financial status of your shop, but my idea was to buy Longbourn Books from you, and offer you a position as manager of the shop."

"It all sounds a bit too good to be true, I must say."

"I can imagine that, but I can inform you, there is no catch. You would just continue as you do know. In my plan, Longbourn Books would become a new sub-chain of Pemberley Books with these kinds of bookshops through the whole of the UK."

"But how would you make this into a profitable project? I imagine you do not just want to throw your money away."

"Indeed I would not. I will have to make a few adaptations to your current business plan, and make sure it starts to make more profit. But on the other hand, I am not looking for a new way to make loads of money."

Thomas and Darcy discussed business some more, and after Thomas was convinced this young gentleman would be true to his word he allowed Darcy to look at the financial position of the shop. Thomas went back to his leather armchair in the back of the shop, and continued to read. Darcy took a seat behind the desk, and studied the accounts. He looked around the shop again. It is certainly a very nice shop. And with a few alterations we can get this shop running again. Hey, what's this? Darcy pulled a few sheets of paper out from underneath a pile of books. It was printed text with all kinds of hand written comments on it. Would Elizabeth bring her school work up to the shop? He started to read. No, this is way too good to be written by some school kid. It must be hers!

Just at that moment the object of his reflections came walking through the door.

"Hey, Bernie!" Lizzy said as she scratched the dog behind the ears.

"Did father take good care of you? Huh? Daaaaaddd.. I am..." Then she noticed Darcy sitting behind the desk. "What on earth are you doing here?"

"Hello Elizabeth. I am here on business."

"Business, oh I see. And your business gives you the authority to be reading other peoples personal papers, does it?" She said angrily noticing Darcy was holding some of her writing.

"No, it does not. I apologize I did not know it was personal. It was just lying here on the desk" He tried to defend himself.

"Well, it is personal! And since the desk you're sitting at is mine, I don't see why I shouldn't just leave it lying on MY desk!"

Darcy didn't know what to say, she was furious. If looks could kill, her dark eyes would have finished him off. In fact, they did finish him off. He was fascinated. How expressive her face is. Her eyes were wide open staring at him furiously, her nostrils flared. He couldn't do much but stare back at her. They stared at each other silently for a couple of moments. Then Bernie nudged his leg. Awoken from his trance he looked around the shop. Down at his feet Bernie had dropped his ball for him to throw again. He petted the dog, and looked over his shoulder towards the armchair Thomas Bennet had been occupying. Surely he must have overheard them? Elizabeth had been plainly yelling at him he thought. He then saw Thomas was fast asleep. Hmm, no help from that department I fear.

"I came here today to offer your father a business proposition. He allowed me to take a look at the financial status of the shop."

"Of course, I should have known."

At least, she understands.

"You thought what a golden opportunity! There sits a man without any sense of business" she nodded her head in the direction of her sleeping father, "he must be an easy target, indeed."

Hmm, maybe she doesn't understand.

"You'll buy the shop for a jiffy and turn us out into the hedgerows!" Insufferable man!

Darcy felt his temper beginning to rise. He tried to calm himself. "No. You need not fear for your father and yourself."

"And then you turn Longbourn books into one of your large modern, impersonal and cold Pemberley Bookshops." She raged on.

"No I would not!" He was now losing his temper. "I have never been treated thus in my life!"

Elizabeth startled. She saw that she had gone too far.

"For some reason or other you seem to think the worst of me. I have faults enough, but I hope they are not of understanding. There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil."

This got Elizabeth all fired up again. "And your evil is a propensity to think every single person beneath you!"

"And yours is to wilfully misunderstand me!"

She looked away, embarrassed.

"Elizabeth, please excuse me. My temper got the better of me. Let me explain my business here at YOUR desk" he said emphasizing on your. "For some time now, I have been looking for another personal project within my business. I agree with you on the impersonality and coldness of Pemberley Bookshops. I myself prefer these kind of shops compared to my own. Therefore I would like to open up a new chain of bookshops as a part of Pemberley Books, Longbourn Books. Your fathers shop would be the first of these. Nothing much would change. Pemberley Books would buy the shop from your father, but he would manage it just as he did before. Except for a slight change in business plan of course."

"Oh, I see." Elizabeth said, ashamed of herself.

"And I would like to offer you a function as a part-time assistant manager, so you can continue to work here on your day off from teaching."

"There is no need for charity William."

"No, I would like you to stay on. I would like to know all the particulars of the shop, and maybe you and I could have a weakly communication so you can keep me informed."

"Well, I am sure there are many people much more suitable for such a job than me."

"But I would like to keep in touch with you Elizabeth."

She looked up at him puzzled.

"I admire you Elizabeth. I ... I like you. I like you a lot."

This was getting much too up close and personal for Elizabeth.

"Well, you shouldn't! Because I... I do not like you!" she cried.

She could see the hurt in his face, just before his face turned to stone.

"I'm sorry William. I shouldn't have said that. I don't even know you. I was just taken by surprise. How can you like me, or admire me for that matter, when we've met only a month ago?"

"Three weeks to be precise."

After having finished assessing the financial aspects, and discussing it with his co-workers, Thomas and Darcy closed the deal. By the first of January, Longbourn Books would fall into the hands of Pemberley Books, and Thomas and Elizabeth would stay on as employees.

1) Sinterklaas, is a traditional holiday held on the 5th of December in the Netherlands. It is mainly celebrated among families with young children. Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands from Spain in his steamship filled with presents, candy (pepernoten) and his helpers (Zwarte Pieten). On the evening of December the 5th "Sinterklaas evening" children find their presents around the chimney. It can be compared to celebrating Christmas with Santa Claus providing the presents. Among adults Sinterklaas is often celebrated by buying each other presents and wrapping them in a special manner ("surprise"). The presents usually contain a poem. The fun for adults is usually the poem writing, since it is a perfect opportunity to humiliate the recipient in a very subtle way.

Chapter 5 - An Apology

"I must say, I am really beginning to like this Darcy-person. He is a shrewd fellow, sound business sense! He thought out quite a new business strategy." Thomas said to Elizabeth.

"I am sure papa" she was not really listening.

"Are you all right, my dear? You don't seem usual self."

"I am just tired. Nothing a good night's sleep can't fix."

In fact, Lizzy wasn't her usual self. She was affected by her conversation with Darcy. She had yelled at him, and entirely without reason. Ok, he had been reading her writing without her permission, but that was all. He had meant well. But he had read her writing. What did he think of it? Would he have thought it any good? Oh, why do I care? But I do care. A great deal. His opinion is important to me. But why shouldn't it? He is a publisher, I am a writer. It is perfectly sound. She gave herself to believe. But it is not. I care for HIS opinion, not the opinion of a publisher. She sighed.

"Until now, I never knew myself." She murmured.

"What did you say, dear?" her father interrupted her thoughts.

"Oh, nothing." She blushed.

"Yes, I believe him to be a very decent young man."

"Yes I believe he is" she replied.

"You should have seen him talking to Bernie. I really think he is a kind man."

"Talking to Bernie? Indeed?"

"Caroline, Darcy, what do you think of hosting a party here at Chattersworth House?"

"A party? Here? Hmm, well it is a good idea to invite all our friends from town again."

"I am glad you like the idea. I was thinking of coming Saturday. What do you think Darce?"

Darcy didn't hear Charles. He was far far way, thinking about the argument he and Elizabeth had Tuesday evening.

"Oh Charles, you cannot be serious. We cannot possibly plan a party in so little time. And we cannot expect our friends from London to come on

such short notice!" Caroline cried.

"Indeed not. But I was not really planning on inviting them anyway, sis!"

"Huh?"

"The party is for all the friends we've made here. We have been invited to so many parties that I would like to throw one myself in order to thank them for their hospitality."

"I would say that is quite unnecessary" she tried. "But if we were to invite some London people..."

"Darce, what do you think? Darce!!!"

"Uh, what?"

"Jee, you were miles away, weren't you? What has got you so thoughtful these last couple of days?"

"Nothing of consequence. But I am all ears now. What did you want my opinion on?"

It was of consequence to him. He had confessed to liking Lizzy. Thank god I didn't say love instead of like! And she didn't like him! Quite the opposite! How is it possible to attract women who repulse me, and repulse the woman I am attracted to? Still, he liked (loved) her just the same, maybe even more so.

"Hello?"

"Hello Jane, Charles here."

"Oh hello Charles, nice of you to ring."

"My pleasure! I just wanted to inquire if you are free next Saturday?"

"Yes I am. What for?"

"Well, I am throwing a party over at my place, and I hoped you would be able to come!"

"Sure, I'd love to. Who is to be invited?"

"Well, the whole neighbourhood here, and some people from London."

Caroline had insisted on that. It was the only way to get her to help planning the party.

"That's nice Charles. How are the preparations going?"

"Caroline is busy calling an ordering everything and everyone."

"Well, she is good at that!"

"Yes she is!" he replied laughing. "Would ordering become an Olympic sport, she would definitely go for gold!"

Jane laughed.

"Charles!!" Caroline interrupted.

"Sorry Jane, just a moment Caroline is saying something."

"Charles, it is absolutely impossible to get a good live music for the evening. It is too short notice!" Caroline complained.

"Have you tried contacting any of the local music bands?"

"Of course not! Unthinkable!"

"Charles..!" Jane tried to get his attention back to the phone call.

"Oh sorry sweetie, what were you saying?"

"I overheard Caroline saying she couldn't find a band. I was thinking maybe Lizzy's school band could perform?"

"She is in a band?"

"Yes, with some of the other teachers at her school. They are called The Chalks and they are pretty good."

"What kind of music do they play?"

"Well it's a cover band. They play all kinds of stuff. The Beatles, Tori Amos, U2..."

"They do U2? Really?" Charles was sold. He was quite a big fan of U2.

"I'll put Lizzy on so you two can make arrangements."

"Thank you sweetie, what would I do without you?"

It was settled. The 28th of November, a party would be held at Chattersworth House and "The Chalks" would perform.

The next morning at breakfast Charles was trying to get some information out of Darcy.

"Darcy, what happened? You seem so grave since Tuesday."

"It is nothing Charles. Just missing home probably. I think I am in need of some fresh air. What do you say of a morning run?"

"I would love to join you, but the caterers are coming in this morning, and Caroline will throw a fit if I'm not there to speak to them."

"I see. I will go and discover what the beautiful grounds of Loversall have to offer by myself then."

He had been running for several miles, trying to rid himself of thoughts on Tuesday evening.

"I shall conquer this. I shall!"

When he stopped to determine where he was, and in which direction to continue, he saw a familiar figure. It is her!

Lizzy had taken Bernie out for a long walk. Her classes didn't start until lunch, so she had the whole morning off. She loved to walk in these woods. It was the true feeling of home to her. She was so busy looking up at some birds high above in the trees that she almost bumped into Darcy.

"Good day" he said uncomfortably.

"Oh hello! I hadn't noticed you" she blushed.

They were both embarrassed. They didn't know what to say to each other.

After a couple of moments of silence, Darcy decided to leave. He made his goodbyes and turned around to leave.

"Wait, William. Wait"

He stopped, dead in his tracks.

"I want to apologize to you. I said some things to you Tuesday night that were truly uncalled for."

"It is all right. I think I deserved it." He said gravely.

"No you did not! I accused you of being proud, while I was being the proud one!"

Darcy looked up at her questioningly.

"You had insulted me, and I was hurt..."

"I insulted you?"

"Yes. You probably don't even remember it any more. It was nothing really."

"What did I say?" Darcy was searching his brain for something he could have said to insult her. Was it to do with the dog jumping up at me?

"At the Philips's party. I had just finished my song and when I walked back I overheard you saying to Charles that I was tolerable but not talented enough to tempt you."

"Oh no!"

"It isn't a big deal really. It was childish of me to form my opinion of you based on such a statement."

"But I..."

"You don't have to defend yourself, really it is just my pride getting in the way."

"I was just repeating to Charles what Caroline had said to me" he cried out.

"I see" she said. But she did not see. She didn't understand him.

"Caroline was going on and on the whole evening about the tedious company. When I mentioned I thought you pretty..."

"You do?" Elizabeth blushed.

Oh bugger, did I just let that slip?

"Well, and then," Darcy continued thinking if he didn't acknowledge it may go unsaid, "she was even in a fouler mood. So she said she thought karaoke was dreadful, and she thought you sang only tolerable. Which you didn't by the way. It was truly beautiful. Well, any way, Charles came over praising you to heaven, and then Caroline played the nice little sister and agreed with everything he said. I was annoyed and told him what she really said."

"Teaches us not to eavesdrop!"

"Ha-ha, indeed!" Darcy said laughing.

After a few moments of silence she asked; "So does your job offer still stand?"

"Certainly! Will you accept it?"

"Gladly."