Beginning, Section II, Next Section

Chapter 6 - Preparations

At Chattersworth House the Bingleyïs were busy preparing for the party. Caroline was yelling at the caterers for being so "dreadfully incompetent". Charles was calling all the neighbours to invite them and tried to repair any damage his sister made.

Darcy had a business appointment in York. He didn't really have to go over, but he didn't mind leaving Loversall for a few hours. Caroline's screechy voice gave him a burning headache. On his way he called his sister Gina on his mobile phone.

"Hey big bro!"

"Sissy! How are things?"

"Great. I am just having a few days off. Finished all my assignments and I am busy enjoying my free time!"

"So things are going okay at Uni?"

"Yes, don't worry! I am fine. How are you? I had expected you would be out scampering the country site with Charles."

"No, I am just on my way to York actually. They asked me to come over and have a look around at the York office, to see if some improvements can be made. Since I was in the area, and the York office is in some difficulty, I thought I would have a look."

"Totally fed up with the orange witch then?"

"Ha-ha. Gina, you know we really shouldn't call her that. It's Charles sister!"

"Still an orange witch, Will. Or should I say Willy?"

He heard her laughing.

"I will pay you back for that some time Georgiana Juliet Darcy!"

"No please don't. Oh I am so scared. So so scared. I do not know what to do with myself anymore!"

"Ah, I hear you acting classes are really starting to pay off, aren't they?"

"You know me so well Fitzie!"

"Of course I do, you're my baby sister."

"I am hardly a baby nowadays, Fitz."

"You'll always be my baby sister Gina."

They talked some more, and Darcy invited his sister to come over to Loversall, and join them for the party at the 28th. He told her about the plans for the Longbourn bookshops, the fact that Charles had been dating Jane and was totally in love.

"He is in love again? He really is incorrigible, isn't he?"

"Oh, but she is really nice. I give him leave to like her. He has liked many stupider women."

"So the people there are nice? Anyone who caught your eye?"

"Yes the people are quite nice, they were all very kind and hospitable."

"You didn't answer me Fitzie. There was someone who caught your eye, wasn't there?"

"Maybe, but it is of no matter now Gina."

"What happened?"

"Oh, I'll tell you later. I have to go, I am almost there. So I will see you Friday afternoon?"

"Yes, definitely! I want to meet her though. See the fabulous woman who finally made my brother weak in the knees."

"Don't tease me Gina. It was more to me than just a flirtation."

"I am sorry William. We'll talk Friday!"

"See you Friday."

"Bye!"

On his way back from York, Darcy was reflecting on his conversations with Elizabeth. He had known her now for what, three weeks? How could a reasonable man of his understanding fall so deeply for a woman who did not return his affections? In three weeks! And why her? What makes her so very special? I cannot explain it.

When he stepped through the door of Chattersworth House the first thing he heard was Caroline's screechy voice. He didn't feel up to such company, so he walked straight into the kitchen, the only place in the house he knew she never went. He greeted Mrs Long, the housekeeper. She was a small woman in her sixties, and had come over from London to keep house for the Bingleyïs. He liked her, she reminded Darcy of Mrs Reynolds, the housekeeper over at Pemberley. He had seen that Bingley was just as fond of Mrs Long, as he was of Mrs Reynolds. They both fulfilled a mother's role, since both Darcy's and Charlesï mother had died early.

Although Darcy told Mrs Long he was fine, and didn't want anything, she poured him a cup of tea and offered him freshly baked scones. There was no arguing with her. The only ones she could feed were Bingley and Darcy since Caroline never touched anything Mrs Long made except for a few leaves of lettuce, they had to eat her portion as well. Well, it was no punishment, and he readily took a large bite out of his scone.

"Ah Darce, you are already home! I didn't hear you come in." Bingley came in the kitchen.

"Hmm, freshly baked scones, yummie! So sneaked off to the kitchen to eat all the goods yourself, did you?"

"Indeed!"

"Are you alright? Everything alright in York I hope?"

"Yes, all taken care of."

"Very well. Do you care to join me in the living room?"

"If you don't mind Charles, I think I'll stay here for a bit. I am not really feeling up to much company..."

"Yes, Caroline is at her absolute worst with the planning of the party. I am sorry she is determined on pursuing you still."

"It's hardly your fault Charles."

"Are you sure you're alright? You look so grave these last days. If I wouldn't know better, I would say you were crossed in love."

Darcy remained silent and looked away.

"Darce! Really? I hadn't expected this! Who is the lucky woman?"

"It is of no matter Charles, give me a few days and all will be over and forgotten."

Charles was not one to pry. If Darcy wouldn't spill the information voluntarily, he would wait until he did. No use of trying anyway. Darce would never give in.

"I am sorry Darcy. Maybe we can go out running tomorrow? Get your mind of things?"

"I am sure Caroline would not be pleased if you run off the day before the grand party. And anyway, I have some shopping to do, before Georgina arrives."

"Ah I could do with some time off from my sister. But Georgina will be a happy addition to our group!"

It was 7.30 Friday morning when Elizabeth got out of bed. She was still tired. She definitely had not slept well. There were too many thoughts on her mind. Tomorrow was the party at Chattersworth House, and her band was playing in front of all these people. They had played for larger audiences before, but those were just high school kids. No criticizing adults. No men who admired her, thought her pretty, liked her, a lot! Come on Lizzy she said to herself. This is not like you. No worrying about things you can't change. She got out, took a shower and dressed. It was a busy day. It was her day off from work, but she was planning on helping her father in the bookshop in the afternoon, and she still had a lot of shopping to do before leaving for the Netherlands next week. Jane had been busy yesterday evening writing poems for her Sinterklaas presents. Elizabeth sighed, she still had a lot of work to do.

She had been in Doncaster for about an hour when she met him. She had bought a nice Casmir sweater for Jane, a leather traveller's bag for Paul and a lovely warm bathrobe with matching slippers for Lies.

"Hello William"

He almost leaped up in surprise. He hadn't noticed her.

"Elizabeth."

He noticed her full bags.

"Busy doing your early Christmas shopping?" he asked.

"Uhm, no, well yes. Something like that. These are actually presents for Sinterklaas."

"You celebrate Sinterklaas?"

"Are you familiar with it then?" she asked him in surprise.

"Yes! Of course. My aunt and uncle Karin and Leo van den Burg are Dutch. Gina and I go over every year to celebrate Sinterklaas with them, and their children."

"Well, what a coincidence. We have friends living in the Netherlands."

"It is always very "gezellig [1]", isn't it?"

She laughed. "It is indeed!"

"I am busy searching something for Gina, my sister. It's always so difficult buying her presents. How did you get on so far?"

They spend the morning shopping together. Elizabeth bought her father the Inspector Morse DVD box set, and helped Darcy pick out a lovely silver bracelet for his sister.

"It's beautiful. I am sure she will love it. Thank you for helping me."

"I'm glad I was able to be of help. I had fun. Thanks."

She returned home in a much more cheerful mood than the one she had left with. They had fun buying presents for their families. There had been the occasional awkwardness, but all in all they had a good time.

When Elizabeth had left, Darcy went back to the jewellery store and bought a beautiful silver necklace with a blue pendant he had seen. It would look great on her he thought.

1) gezellig [a] (cozy, intimate, informal) having or fostering a warm or friendly atmosphere; especially through smallness and informality. [Look Way up online dictionary]

Chapter 7 - Utter Confusion

Saturday morning Jane and Elizabeth went over to the Philips' house for coffee as was their usual wont. Their cousins were in high anticipation of the party which was to be held that evening. They overloaded Jane with questions about the number of people (number of eligible men more like) who would attend. If there would be dancing, who would provide the music, what food would be served, etc. When they were satisfied for the moment Angela began asking Jane about Charles and how many dates they had had, if she was expecting to move in with him soon, stating that they should get married at Chattersworth House.

"Why, Lydia and Kitty could be bridesmaids!"

Jane took it all in her usual serene way, while Elizabeth rolled her eyes at her family. Their aunt always reminded them of their late mother. It had been 15 years, but they still missed their mother. Not her fidgeting, lack of decorum or complaints about her nerves, but the tremendous amount of care she took of her daughters and husband. When it came to taking care of people, and making sure everyone was comfortable, Jane was the spitting image of her mother. When it came to gossiping, and easily agitated nerves Jane was anything but her mother. On that field it was even difficult to imagine the two being related, let alone be mother and daughter!

Such were Elizabeth's thoughts when she was interrupted from her reflections by Lydia and Kitty. They desperately needed her opinion on what to wear this evening. Didn't Lizzy think that Lydia should definitely wear Kitty's high heeled shoes with this dress?

After their visit to their family Jane persuaded Elizabeth to go shopping with her. Jane wanted to look her best this evening, and wanted to see if she could find a nice new dress and possibly new shoes.

"And I really think you should look at a dress too, Lizzy. You will be on stage, you should look your best."

"Ah girls! Made it home I see."

They both gave their father a kiss on the cheek.

"You will come tonight, won't you dad?"

"Yes, yes. I will be there. It will not do to slight our most promising neighbour, will it?"

"Stop it dad. I've heard enough such talk this morning from Aunt Angela." Jane replied.

"I am sure you did, dear."

After the three of them had a late lunch, Elizabeth went out to take Bernie for a long walk. She needed to sort her thoughts. It had been a busy few weeks. She could hardly believe that they had met Charles and William only a month ago. She was happy for Jane. Charles and Jane seemed to be a perfect match. Jane had had a few relationships before, but she had never been deeply in love. She had been in a relationship with her ex boyfriends, because they idolized her, not the other way round. This time however was different. Jane was imagining a future with Charles.

It will work out, I am sure. And Will, what about Will. Jane had told her Charles had asked Will to play tonight while her band took a break. He played.

The party was to start at nine o'clock, but Elizabeth and Jane where there at eight to help set things up. After a quarter of an hour the rest of the Chalks joined them, and they tuned and sound checked their instruments. After all was done, everyone went to the kitchen for refreshments. Elizabeth, not feeling up to all the company at that moment, stayed in the living room. To get rid of her nervousness she started playing the piano. Comptine d'un autre ‚t‚ L'aprŠ by Yann Tiersen. It always calmed her. She was so deep in thought that she was oblivious to the people who walked into the room.

"I am glad you came Gina."

"Me too, Fitzie. It has been way too long. I heard Charles mention that you would play a few songs this evening as well?"

"Yes, he asked me to. I am sure people wouldn't care three straws to hear me play, but he said he didn't want it to be totally silent when

Elizabeth's band would take a break."

"They will be very pleased, Fitzie, because you sing beautifully. Have you heard The Chalks play before?"

"No I haven't, but I've heard they are pretty good."

"So, Fitzie..."

"Yes, sissy?"

"What about this woman?"

"What woman?"

"The one you fell for. Will she be here this evening? Can I meet her?"

"Yes, you'll meet her. It's her band you know."

"I see! So what is she like?"

Will smiled. He was thinking about all the things he liked about her. Gina looked at her brother. She had never seen him like this. His face showed a dreamy smile.

"Fitz!"

"What? O sorry."

"What is she like?"

"She is great. Youïll like her. She is funny, clever and has her way to put people around her at ease. She has the most bewitching eyes I have ever seen, a very infectious laugh, soft curly hair. And she is refreshingly impertinent."

"Does she know you feel this way about her?"

"Well, no. I did tell her that I admired her, but she didn't exactly return the sentiment."

"I am sorry Fitz."

"We should go downstairs. I think the guests will start arriving soon. I would like to introduce you to Jane and Elizabeth before the others are here."

When they came down the stairs they heard music playing in the living room. Assuming most people would be there they walked in.

There she was, the object of Darcy's thoughts over the last couple of weeks, sitting behind the piano in a beautiful black dress, oblivious to the world around her. If William hadn't been in love with her already he would have fallen in love with her right now, right there, and hard.

"Is that her?" Gina whispered.

He nodded. Yes, that was his Elizabeth. And more beautiful than ever before.

When the song ended they applauded. She startled and looked into the room. She hadn't heard anyone come in. She stood and bowed, cheeks flushed.

"Hello there. The others are in the kitchen, I was just playing a bit."

She walked up to Gina and offered her hand. "I am Elizabeth Bennet"

"Gina Darcy. It is nice to meet you. You play beautifully."

"Thank you."

She was a bit embarrassed that the object of her thoughts had come wandering into the room without her noticing it. And God he looked handsome in his tuxedo.

"Shall we go and join the others?" she suggested and turned around to walk to the door.

Then Darcy noticed the back of her dress. Well, back, actually it didn't have much of a back. He felt his cheeks flush. That softness.

When they arrived in the kitchen Darcy introduced his sister to Jane. After a quick drink, Elizabeth asked him what instruments he would need during his performance.

"Perhaps we can go and have a look?" she suggested. "I'll ask the others to join me, so you can decide on your instruments."

She called the rest of the band together, and they moved to the living room.

"Guys, listen up! This is William Darcy, he will play during our breaks tonight, so he will need to borrow a few of our instruments."

"If that is alright with you?" Darcy asked looking toward the group.

"Of course. Nice to meet you William. My name is Fred Wentworth, I have both a acoustic and an electrical guitar if you need them." He offered his hand.

"Thanks, yes I will need the acoustic one."

"Oh, I am sorry William, where are my manners? I should have introduced you." Elizabeth said.

"Well, you've met Fred. He is without his binoculars this evening, it seems, but he is a first class biologist, I assure you. This here is Eddie Ferrars, our science geek, he plays the drums. And this lovely girl over here is our calculus wonder Emma Woodhouse. She plays the bass guitar. Basically they are all geeks. I am the only reasonably normal person in the band. "

William laughed while Fred, Eddie and Emma scraped their throats.

"Hmm, he is very dishy!" Emma whispered to Elizabeth when Darcy was in conversation with Fred and Eddie.

Elizabeth looked at her disapprovingly.

"What? Oh pardon me, is he yours?" Emma said.

"No!" Elizabeth cried with a serious blush forming on her cheeks. "Not at all...I-I was just thinking about what poor George would say." Nice save! She thought.

"Oh, just because I am married doesn't mean I cannot appreciate a niece piece of flesh like that! Although I can't touch, doesn't mean I am not allowed to watch. You should seriously consider the touching part though!"

"Emma!" Elizabeth cried.

"Well, he looks at you a great deal."

"Yes. But I cannot understand why."

"You cannot..?"

The Chalks and Darcy talked for a while on music, and on what sort of songs they would play, how they came together as a band, until Charles walked in.

"Hey all, I hope everything is settled here? The first guests have started to arrive."

"Everything is in fine order Charles." Elizabeth answered.

"Very fine" Emma added winking at Elizabeth.

"Very well" Charles said with a grin.

After half an hour most guests had arrived, and the Chalks took the stage. They started with a few quiet songs, and as more people moved forward to dance, they played a few more upbeat songs. They played a few U2 songs, especially for Charles, a few oldies for the older guests, and a few slow songs introduced by Eddie as: "This one is for the lovebirds!".

As the band announced a break after a full hour of play Elizabeth moved behind the piano for a few solo songs. She started off with Winter by Tori Amos.

"She has a good taste in music, doesn't she?" Gina asked Darcy, aware that her brother was staring at Elizabeth non-stop.

"Yes, she does." His eyes moved to the dance floor where Jane and Charles were slow dancing close together. You are a lucky bastard Charles, to have a Bennet woman love you so.

"When do you play, Fitz?"

"After she finishes I imagine."

Having thanked the audience for their applause Elizabeth declared that she was in desperate need of hydration, and that William would take over for now.

He walked up to the stage, took a seat behind the piano and started the first tunes of Saybia's It's Okay Love.

His voice wasn't brilliant, but there was such emotion in his playing, that he created a beautiful scene to Elizabeth. Most people at Chattersworth House didn't listen to his playing with much attention. They preferred the cheery tones to this dark piano piece. But Elizabeth's attention was fully on him. Instead of seeing her looking at him, Darcy was fully absolved in this playing. This was a man with deep feeling she thought. She had seen much of his stern facial expression was just a mask, but up there on the stage his emotion was there for the whole world to see. She was impressed. Impressed and confused.

When Darcy finished the song, he moved to the acoustic guitar.

"This one is by the Counting Crows" he said in a hoarse voice.

It was all he said to introduce his next song.

I was wasted in the afternoon

Waiting on a train

Elizabeth began to recognize the song, but she couldn't place it just yet.

I woke up in pieces and Elisabeth had disappeared again
I wish you were inside of me
I hope that you're ok
I hope you're resting quietly
I just wanted to say

Then it dawned on her. He was singing “Goodnight Elisabeth.” Oh God! Does this mean something? Or is it just a song? She was now completely and utterly confused.

Goodnight Elisabeth
We couldn't all be cowboys
So some of us are clowns
And some of us are dancers on the midway
We roam from town to town
I hope that everybody can find a little flame
Me, I say my prayers,
Then I just light myself on fire
And I walk out on the wire once again
And I say

Goodnight Elisabeth

By now all the guests at Chattersworth House had fallen silent. They had heard whose name it was that came up in the song, and they also knew there was just one Elizabeth in the house. It wasn't such a hard thing to understand, and seeing Darcy and Elizabeth staring at each other during the whole of the song made it quite obvious that this was no coincidence.

I will wait for you in Baton Rouge
I'll miss you down in New Orleans
I'll wait for you while she slips in something comfortable
And I'll miss you when I'm slipping in between
If you wrap yourself in daffodils
I will wrap myself in pain
And if you're the queen of California
Baby I am the king of the rain
And I say
Goodnight Elisabeth [1]

A big applause followed. Darcy left the stage quickly. Embarrassed. Had he made a mistake singing this song for all these people to hear? But she had heard. And she hadn't looked repulsed. Quite the contrary.

After a bit of commotion the Chalks took the stage again, and started a song with a very large intro, to give Elizabeth a moment to come to her senses.

She followed Darcy with her eyes and saw him leaving the room. His sister followed him.

"Oh Gina, what have I done? This was stupid wasn't it?"

"No Will, it was not stupid! Not at all" she said laying her hand on his arm. "It was the most romantic thing I've ever heard."

After a few minutes Darcy and Gina sneaked back into the room, hoping everyone would have forgotten the incident. They were right. The Chalks had started an upbeat song, and the whole crowd was dancing and having fun. The Chalks continued playing for the rest of the evening. Elizabeth didn't mind. It gave her good opportunity to watch Darcy without having to talk to him, or without having to think about what this all meant.

Tired of dancing, Jane and Charles went to find Thomas.

"Ah, Thomas. I hope you are enjoying yourself?" Charles inquired.

"I am. But I think there are few who wouldn't when there is such a show to be seen!"

Jane, being all too familiar with her father's dry comments, knew very well what he was talking about.

"Yes, William's performance was quite impressive, was it not?"

"Indeed it was, my dear. I had a suspicion Darcy favoured our Lizzy, but apparently he is already far past favour."

"I knew he was in love with someone, but I had no idea he was in love with Elizabeth!" Charles said.

"Neither did I." Jane replied. "Poor fellow! She doesn't even like him!"

"Well Jane, I think you are wrong it that respect." Her father said.

Gina standing nearby overheard their conversation. There must be a way to bring them together she thought.

"Jane? Can I talk to you for a moment?" Gina said while softly tapping Jane on the shoulder.

"Gina! Of course!"

When they had removed themselves from unwanted listeners Gina began her speech.

"I hope you don't mind, but I overheard the conversation you had with your father and Charles. And you are right. William is quite in love with your sister. Apparently he has tried to tell her that before, but she gave him a nice set down."

"That sounds like something Lizzy would do. Poor William"

"Do you know how Elizabeth feels about him?"

"No. Elizabeth is always very secretive when it comes to her feelings. The lesser she tells me about someone, the deeper she feels." She paused for a moment to think. "I know she did not like him at first, but how she feels about him now I don't know."

"Have you by any chance observed her when William sang that last song?"

"I have."

"And did you see what I saw?"

They discussed the matter some more and they agreed that William and Elizabeth should have some opportunity to talk privately.

"But how is that to be done? Lizzy will be on stage for the rest of the party!"

"What if I would ask the rest of the band if I could sing the last song?" Gina suggested. "That would give them opportunity to talk, maybe even dance together."

Jane smiled. "That is a very good idea! I will inform Charles and tell him he should persuade William to ask her to dance."

Gina nodded fervently.

"Oh dear. I am just like my Aunt Angela, matchmaking!" Jane laughed.

Gina went to the stage, and when the music paused, asked the Chalks if it would be okay for her to sing along on the last song. She wanted to surprise her brother, she said.

"Yes sure, that would be fun!" Elizabeth said. "What do you have in mind?

When they decided on a song, and Elizabeth had moved away to take a sip of her water, Gina asked Emma, Fred and Eddie if they could play one more song after the duet, and if she could sing.

"That is an excellent idea" Emma said. "You are trying to get them together aren't you? Your brother and her?" she said pointing to Elizabeth.

"I confess I am"

"Brilliant plan. Wish I had thought of it myself. I am quite the proficient at matchmaking, you know."

To the surprise of everyone in the audience, especially Darcy's, Elizabeth asked Gina to join her on stage for their last song of the evening. Elizabeth had imagined Gina to be a shy person, like her brother, but when she heard her sing for the first time she was pleasantly surprised. This girl knew how to make fun. And that was exactly what they were singing. "Girls just wanna have fun" [2].

Elizabeth thanked the audience for one last time and left the stage. Her look of surprise was "capital" as Geoffrey Lucas would call it, when the Chalks started another intro. Emma winked at her. Before she had time to think, Darcy was standing behind her.

"Would you like to dance?"

Her shock couldn't have been greater. Lost for words, she nodded her acceptance.

The first part of their dance was awkward. Darcy didn't know what to say, and neither did Elizabeth. She was too focused on the touch of Darcy's hand on her bare back to be able to talk. And Darcy didn't fare much better. It feels as soft as I had imagined he thought.

Elizabeth looked up to see his face and smiled. Apparently William Darcy had put his mask away for the night. There was no pride to be found in his face.

Darcy felt his heartbeat quicken when she smiled at him. It taught him to hope as he had scarcely allowed himself to hope before. He stepped closer to Elizabeth and felt her rest her head on his shoulder. He hoped the dance would never end, but of course it did, and much much sooner than Darcy thought reasonable. Indeed what a ridiculously short song it had been!

As the people around them applauded the Chalks and Gina, Darcy and Elizabeth took a step away from each other.

"I thought you didn't care much for dancing, Mr Darcy?" Elizabeth asked with a mischievous smile.

"Under circumstances such as these, I find that the activity of dancing has much to recommend itself, Miss Bennet."

They both laughed.

"Thank you Elizabeth, for a lovely evening."

She was frozen with surprise when he leaned forward and kissed her softly on the cheek.

"Goodnight Elizabeth" he spoke in a hoarse voice.

"Goodnight William."

1) Goodnight Elizabeth by the Counting Crows

2) Girls just want to have fun by Cyndi Lauper

Chapter 8 - A Small World

"What was in the parcel that was delivered for you this morning?" Jane asked.

They were on a plane on their way to Schiphol Airport to celebrate Sinterklaas with Paul and Lies Gardiner. Their father was sound asleep next to them.

"I don't know what it contains or who it is from. It came with a note that I should wait to open it until the fifth of December."

Thomas, Jane and Elizabeth spend a few lovely days with Paul and Lies. On Sinterklaas evening poems were read, and gifts were unwrapped.

When Elizabeth sat on her bed late that night she looked at her night stand. There stood the cardboard box she had received the morning before their departure to Holland. She tore it open and saw within a small box wrapped in gift paper accompanied by a letter. She took the letter and started to read.

Chattersworth House, November 2008

Dear Elizabeth,

I most sincerely hope, Sinterklaas has treated you well this year,
For as you may know, I hold you very dear.

When I saw this in the shop I thought of you,
And sending it like this was the only thing I could do.

For when I am near you I often act as a fool,
I look away and try to act cool.

Cool however, upon seeing you, I am most certainly not,
Because, as I said that evening, I admire you and I like you. I like you a lot.

For now our ways have come to part,
But know this; you will always be close to my heart.

Sinterklaas
F.D.

P.S. Excellent rhyming don't you think?

When Elizabeth opened the gift she found a beautiful necklace.

When they arrived at the airport on Sunday, Charles was there to pick them up. On the way back in the car Charles declared to have missed Jane excessively. He had buried himself in work since there had been no one to distract him from it. Appropriate ohïs and ahïs were uttered by the Bennetïs.

Apart from being without Jane, which was in Charles opinion far the worst, the Darcy's had left. Gina had to get back to her studies, and William needed to get back to the office. Caroline had found no reason to stay in Loversall, now that William had left, and went back to London, leaving Charles the sole inhabitant of Chattersworth House.

Elizabeth was relieved to find that the Darcy's had left Loversall. She would miss their company, but found herself in desperate need to think things over alone. During their stay in Holland, her thoughts had wandered back to the last dance at Chattersworth House repeatedly. And the Sinterklaas present he had given her! Such things were not to be overcome swiftly.

She had resolved to not try and discern her feelings at that moment and therefore to think no more of it. She would go back to work tomorrow, and since it was only two more weeks before the Christmas holidays, she was sure to find distraction in work.

During her coffee break on Monday morning she congratulated herself on not having thought of William Darcy once! Very good Lizzy! Of course upon thinking you haven't thought of someone at all, you are thinking of that certain someone. She was thus in deep reflection when Emma Woodhouse took the seat next to her.

"I believe I can guess the subject of your thoughts at this moment."

Elizabeth looked up and saw to her surprise there was someone sitting next to her.

"Emma! How are you?"

"Good. Very good. And you? Did you have a nice trip?"

"Yes, yes. It was certainly very nice." Distractedly she touched the blue pendant dangling for her neck.

"And how is that gorgeous man of yours?"

"He is not my man, Emma!"

"Oh I think he is, or he very soon will be."

"I am afraid you don't like my Christmas present for you." Gina said with a frown.

The Darcy's spend their Christmas at Pemberley, together with their aunt and uncle Deidre and James Fitzwilliam, as they did every year. And since there was no equal to the beauties of Pemberley during winter, the Fitzwilliam's were keen to keep up the tradition. Their son and his soon-to-be daughter in law had travelled to Pemberley as well.

"Gina, dear. I am sure he loves it. He is just miles away." Richard Fitzwilliam offered.

"Miles away in Loversall, probably" Gina answered curtly.

"Loversall? Why the devil would your mind be in the home town of my darling Charlotte?" Richard asked.

"You are from Loversall?" William's attention was roused.

"Yes I am. Born and bred!"

"Lucas... Are you related to the major of Loversall? Geoffrey Lucas?"

"He is my father, indeed."

"You know Charlotte's father?" Richard was all astonishment.

"We are acquainted, yes. I met him when I stayed at my friend Bingleyïs house." Darcy replied.

"What a coincidence. Small world, hey Darce?" Richard said.

Darcy nodded in agreement.

"But, if I may be so bold to inquire" Deidre interjected,"why were your thoughts in Loversall, dear cousin?"

"While I was there I purchased a book shop, which will be part of Pemberley Books starting January. Merely matters of business, aunt."

"Business indeed!" snorted Gina

Darcy send a burning look Gina's way.

James thought it high time for the gentlemen to leave the house and admire his "absolutely divine new pair of wheels". And as you can imagine a very interesting conversation arose between the gentlemen, covering topics like; "Does this also come in a V8 engine?" and "How does she handle the curves?". This last speech was of course uttered by Richard Fitzwilliam. Really can you imagine Darcy to say such a thing?

Inside much more interesting things were discussed in the sunroom, where Deidre asked Gina about Loversall.

"Well, I don't think Fitz will appreciate it if I tell you, aunt."

"I am sure he wouldn't mind dear. And if you don't own up, I will be pestering you about it the entire week!"

Deidre Fitzwilliam was a very gentle woman. She was always kind, and made the shyest of persons feel at ease near her. But. There was a but. If there was a secret in the air, she would not rest until she knew the full details.

"Well, there was this young woman."

"He fell in love?" Deidre asked with large eyes.

"I am afraid he did."

"High time, I would say! William Darcy was finally hit by Cupid's arrow! Did you meet the young woman?"

"I did. She is very nice."

"Who is she? Maybe I've heard of her, being from Loversall and all" Charlotte asked.

"Her name is Elizabeth. I am not sure what her last name is. She has a sister, Jane, and her father owns the local book shop William was talking of."

"Lizzy Bennet!" Charlotte exclaimed.

"You know her?" Gina and Deidre asked in chorus.

"I certainly do! We have been the best of friends since we were toddlers!"

"Small world indeed!" Deidre offered.

The women laughed.

The days after Christmas for Elizabeth, were mostly spend at Longbourn Books. The shop would belong to Pemberley Books starting the first of January, and therefore inventories needed to be made. She had been working non-stop since coming in when around one o'clock a message popped up on her computer screen.

You have 1 new message

Thinking she had deserved a break by now, she clicked on the new message.

Derbyshire, December 28th.

Lizzy,

In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode is to express my best wishes for you and your family for the holidays. But I cannot.

You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to understand my addressing you in this manner. I've always considered you as my very best friend, and as you are apparently unaware, best friends share the major happenings in their lives.

I now find myself in Derbyshire, to spend Christmas with relatives of Richard, to hear talk of a Miss Elizabeth Bennet from Loversall, South Yorkshire.

My dearest Lizzy, what a small world we are living in. For the cousin of my soon-to-be husband (oh yes, I am engaged to be married. Which I conveniently forgot to tell you), is no one other than Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire! Ring any bells?

If I understand correctly from Gina, you are acquainted with the gentleman. And I must say Lizzy, very nice choice!

I will conclude this email with all the best for the year to come for you, for your father and for dear Jane.

Yours etc.
Your very dear friend
Charlotte

Elizabeth grinned at her friend's style of writing. Small world indeed!

South Yorkshire, December 28th

Dear Charlotte,

My congratulations on your engagement. You will be most advantageously married!

My sweetest Charlotte! How rich and how great you will be! What pin-money, what jewels you will have! Everything that is charming!

I had no idea your Richard was related to the Darcy's. They are very nice people, are they not?

While you spend your days lazy-ing about the beautiful grounds of Pemberley (for I have heard them to be very beautiful) I am working my, excuse me, butt of! Longbourn Books is to become a part of Pemberley Books, and there is still a lot of work to be done.

On the matter to which you have the presumption to aspire, I cannot tell you much. We have danced together during the dance at Chattersworth House and that is all.

If you would be so kind as to offer my best wishes for the new-year's to the Darcy's and Richard?

Your humble servant,
Lizzy

Chapter 9 - Ice

With the passing of 2008, Longbourn Books was no longer owned by Thomas Bennet. Although he didn't regret his decision to sell the place, indeed not! it was an offer one cannot refuse!, he felt somewhat of a failure. He had known he wasn't really meant for business, he didn't have the commercial instinct for that, but still, he had failed.

As far as Thomas Bennet was aware, Longbourn had been in the hands of the Bennet family for centuries. Not that it had always been a bookshop mind! It had started off in the eighteen hundreds as one, but the son of the then owner had professed a preference for studying the law, and turned the shop into the respectable firm; Longbourn Law. The next Bennet son who came to own Longbourn had seen his father work hard to earn his respectability, but thought it all too much of an effort. He was a more creative sort of person. And as you may know, creativity and law do not mix well. Consequently this Bennet found himself imprisoned after only five years of business. Longbourn was taken over by a younger brother to become a grocery store, and had continued to be so until Thomas Bennet took over. And now the Bennet family business was no more.

"Cheer up you old sod!" Thomas admonished himself.

"Maybe it will, through certain desirable circumstances, be a family business after all!" he grinned.

"A bit too soon to draw conclusions, hey Bernie?" he said while petting Bernie on the head.

"But if I am correct, we may find ourselves to be left to look after each other in the very near future!"

From: e_bennet@pbp.co.uk
To: f_darcy@pbp.co.uk
Subject: Update

William,

As part of my new job-description as assistant manager, I will now enlighten you on last week's comings and goings of Longbourn Books.

First of all, I must thank you for sending us the new computers, they are a great relief in comparison to the oldies we used before.

We have been able to finish the inventory of books, which you can find attached to this email.

You have lifted a weight of my father's shoulders, and therefore I thank you. After a slight depression on having had to sell the family business, he is back to his old cheery self. I find him now interrupting me from this email every so often to comment on the ludicrousness of chick-lits. Since he sells them, he feels he has to read them in order to inform his clients properly. I think you will find our chick-lit sales to have dropped dramatically by the end of this year.

As a finishing note my father and I would like to wish you a happy New Year.

Yours etc,

Elizabeth Bennet

P.S. Sinterklaas treated me very well this year. It is lovely. I thank you.

From: f_darcy@pbp.co.uk
To: e_bennet@pbp.co.uk
Subject: Re: Update

Elizabeth,

Thank you for your update. I am glad things are well.

I can perfectly imagine you father sitting in his armchair commenting on the chick-lit genre. I must say the genre is no favourite of mine either.

I have a request to make of you. As Pemberley Books and Press we organize a yearly day-trip for our staff in each region. Normally the newest members of the business are asked to organize this trip. And this year, that would be you and your father. It may be something active, or something cultural, just something most people would enjoy.

Please let me know what you and your father think about organizing such an event. I can perfectly understand if you do not have the time and energy, I will then burden another with the request.

My best wishes for the New Year to you and your family.

Yours etc,

William

P.S. I am very glad you approve of Sinterklaasï choice of presents.

"I have to go Charles. I have to be at work in an hour and I have to go home first to change clothes!"

"No Jane! A little longer!" Charles exclaimed holding Jane even tighter.

"Charles! You are suffocating me! I have to get out of bed. I cannot wear these clothes another day. I need to get home!"

"You know I have a way too large closet don't you?"

"Huh? What are you talking of?"

"My wardrobe. There is space enough for a few other clothes. Come to think of it, this house is way too big for me alone."

Jane looked at him with large eyes.

"Dearest Jane, would it not be a good idea if you moved in with me?"

A smile broke through on Jane's face. Then it changed to a worried look.

"What is it Jane? I thought we felt the same way about this?"

"We do! I do! I would love to move in with you, but I have Elizabeth and my father to consider."

"But you want to come and live here? With me?"

"Yes!"

Charles thought this an excellent moment to bury Jane in kisses.

[Author's note: Since I never see skaters from Brittan competing in the European or World Championships Speed Skating, I highly doubt whether ice skating rinks in the UK are like the ones we have in the Netherlands. But for the story's sake, please imagine there being a ice skating rink like Heereveen (NL), Calgary (CAN) or Salt Lake City (US) in the vicinity of Loversall. I just couldn't imagine Darcy on figure skates. It would have killed my whole, very favourable, image of the man.]

Charles, Jane and Elizabeth arrived at the ice-skating drome a little before the people from the North region of Pemberley Books and Press would arrive.

"I cannot believe you own a sport's shop and you don't know how to skate!" Jane cried.

"You will just have to teach me my dear" he replied smiling.

Charles was wearing the stupid grin for already more than a week. Ever since his angel had moved in.

They had offered to help Elizabeth organize the PBP-trip. Thomas had organized another activity, in which the participants would visit a brewery.

Elizabeth had been nervous all morning. It was perfectly reasonable to be nervous she thought. Anyone would feel anxiety if they were organizing such a trip for such a number of people all unknown to her. But if she was perfectly honest, she wasn't nervous about all the strange people she was about to meet. She was nervous about meeting the one she already knew.

After half an hour all the people who had enlisted had arrived.

"Well, shall we go in then?" Elizabeth proposed.

Inside the hall, she introduced the people who would give skating lessons to those who had not yet mastered the art.

The experts offered a few general words of advice. How it was important to keep your body relaxed, feet straight and to mind the fast speed skaters.

"And of course the most important thing of all", Elizabeth offered, "is to have some fun!"

Once all her responsibilities as the organizer of the event were taken care of, Elizabeth could finally step onto the ice herself. It was such a lovely feeling to slide over the ice once again.

After having skated a few rounds, she took a seat to overlook all. She had done a good job organizing the trip. People around her were having fun. She scanned the ice track for Jane and Charles, and found them on the small skating rink, in the middle of the larger one. Charles was having the greatest difficulty to remain standing on the ice, while Jane, as the former figure skater she was, threw in a few pirouettes and jumps.

Darcy had skated a few rounds himself when he looked to the side to find Elizabeth sitting there smiling. He was immediately drawn to the picture. Without noticing the other people on the ice, and luckily for them, without bumping into anyone he skated towards her, stepped off the ice, and took the seat next to her.

"I see you prefer the racing skates to figure skates too?"

"Yes"

There was a moment of silence in which both thought of what to say. They both looked ahead to see Jane land perfectly on her feet after doing a double axel. Elizabeth was first to think of something.

"I don't see myself doing Jane's tricks on these" she said looking down at her skates.

"Nor I." he laughed. "She is very good. Did you use to skate a lot?" he asked.

"Yes, my mother was quite the figure skater in her days and encouraged us to take on the sport too. While Jane had a natural talent for all the elegant moves, I was impossible. I decided to change my figure skates for a couple of these and found I had more talent and fun in doing fast laps than in any twists or turns. Shows a bit of the difference in character between Jane and myself, I think."

Darcy nodded.

"I had never imagined Bingley to posses the elegance, though. But I must admit it, he is gifted." Darcy said.

Elizabeth looked at him in wonder and then let burst out laughing. "Indeed!"

Darcy felt himself grow warm on hearing her laughter. She could melt ice with that laugh of hers. Then he laughed at himself. Melt ice... How appropriate.

"So ready to race me?" he asked surprised by his own candour.

Elizabeth, never being one to forgo a challenge immediately rose from her seat and stepped on the ice.

"Coming?" she asked looking back at a surprised Darcy.

After three hours the whole PBP party left the ice-skating dome for a restaurant where they enjoyed a very fine meal. Darcy being the owner of the business usually found himself unable to fit in on days like these. He found himself to be ill qualified to recommend himself to relative strangers. He had not the talent to converse easily with those he did not know well.

Today however was different. He found himself at ease. He seemed to be able to step off his high horse and forget the fact that he was the superior in function to all these people.

A significant number of the people who attended the PBP-trip, would later comment on the change in William Darcy.

"What could have brought on such a transformation?

After dinner Darcy offered to drive Elizabeth home. He walked her to the door and thanked her for organizing a most successful event.

"I had a very good time" he said

"So did I. We should go skating more often. You don't find people who will come voluntarily to freeze their buts of that easily!" Elizabeth countered.

Darcy heartily agreed to this.

Elizabeth asked him if he would like to come in for a cup of tea or coffee, but Darcy declined, claiming that he still had a long drive home ahead of him.

When they parted, Darcy leaned in, and softly kissed Elizabeth on the cheek.

"Goodnight Elizabeth"

Frozen by his nearness she managed no more than a whisper.

"Goodnight".