Jump to new as of February 8, 1999
Part 1
Saturday December 27, 1998
PERTH CITY
"Jane what are you trying to achieve, we have been shopping all day, and I still haven't found something nice to wear tonight," whined Elizabeth.
Jane was totally ignoring her. Elizabeth had a bad temper and hated it when she couldn't find or didn't get what she wanted and today was no exception. They had been shopping for most of the day looking for a dress that Lizzie could wear to Charles Bingley's party. Jane wanted Elizabeth to look beautiful, because Charles' best friend from Uni was also coming, a certain William Darcy.
"Here it is, it's perfect!" exclaimed Jane and off the rack she pulled a fitted deep blue dress, that would look great on Elizabeth's slim curvy figure and match her hazelnut curly hair and big blue eyes.
"Actually that looks great, lets just buy it now and go."
"Don't you want to try it on Lizzie."
"No, because I have to get home and do some things before that party and you have to meet Charles in 20mins."
Elizabeth paid for the dress and she and her sister started to make their way back to Elizabeth's white Honda Civic.
Jane and Elizabeth came from a quite well-to-do family, not rich but well off. They grew up in Lesmurdie on the Escarpment where they had beautiful views of Perth. They both loved it up there, but due to their work commitments they had both moved out of home and were living in a block of apartments in Subiaco. It was much closer to Princes Margaret Hospital where Jane and Elizabeth both worked, Jane as a Doctor and Elizabeth as a Physiotherapist. Both sisters love working there and loved working so close together, they shared a special bond, which was another reason why they decided to share an apartment together.
Jane being the second eldest out of a family of 5, at 24 had graduated from UWA just the previous year and had no trouble getting a job at the Children's Hospital due to her love of children. She was 5 foot 7 and an angel with blue eyes and blondy-brown hair down to her shoulders, and she also had the nature to match. Always looking on the bright side of life.
Elizabeth being the next at 23 she had graduated from Curtin Uni two years ago and with her talents and some small help from her father had got a job at PMH and has been working their ever since. Elizabeth was 5 foot 5, with deep piercing blue eyes that always shone, Her curly hazelnut hair hung around just below her shoulders. She was the total opposite to Jane with a short temper and a fiery spirit, but still a bright bubbly nature.
Their brother James was the eldest of them all at 26, he was an up and coming lawyer whom was already making a name for himself in the courts. At 21 he was accepted in the Callan & Co, one of the best Law firms in WA. James takes great care in looking after his younger sisters especially Elizabeth and can sometimes be over protective. James was married 3 years ago to Elizabeth's best friend in High school, Kate. James and Kate now have twin boys Nathan and Ryan who are a little over two years and loved by the whole family.
Karl the second youngest at 19, has only one thing on his mind, that being Cricket. He plays for Perth A grade and is also in the Western Warriors Squad. He is expected to get a game with them this season and his right arm spin can sometimes be called lethal. Karl didn't go onto university but is currently doing a small business course in hope of opening a sporting store, specialising in cricket supplies.
Andrew being the youngest the baby of the family at 17 and is still at school. He is quite taller than his brothers at 6 foot 1 while James and Karl are 6 even. Andrew hopes to follow his sisters into the medical field and he hopes to study medicine and become a Surgeon.
Part 2
PERTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
A tall well-dressed young man dressed in a smart suit with blond curly hair and blue eyes stood near the arrival gate anticipating the arrival of his best friend, whose plane had just landed 5 minutes ago. His features turned from a worried glance to a bright smile when he noticed a tall slender figure walk up behind him looking flustered.
"How are you Charles?" the young woman said.
"I'm fine thanks Jane" he replied with a kiss.
"Good I thought that I was late and that I might has missed you."
"No! No!" He laughed "He hasn't come through yet. How did you and Lizzie go shopping today?" he said with a cheeky grin.
"Don't laugh you, you weren't there, but we finally found something that she approved of."
They were so busy talking that neither noticed when a tall handsome, well but casually dressed young man, walked up to the both of them.
"Bingley," he said using his childhood name, that only he used.
Both Charles and Jane jumped at the sound of his voice. When Charles recovered his features turned into a radiant smile and he hugged his friend. "Darcy, how have you been?" he said in his usually bright and cheerful voice, returning the childhood game.
"Yeah! I'm great thanks, just a bit tired from the long flight." Said William Darcy. "So who is this lovely creature, Charles?" he said with a smile.
"Oh! I'm sorry Will this is Jane Bennet." Said Charles "Will is my boss and has been my best friend since high school."
Will held out his hand to Jane and said "Please to meet you Jane," and with that he lent down and game her a peck on the cheek, making Jane blush.
"Same here Will, I have heard a great deal about you from Charles."
"Oh! Have you." Said Will.
"Well we had better get going before Jane decides that she wants you instead of me." Said Charles with a chuckle. With that they all started laughing and Jane assured him where her intentions were with a kiss. Will felt a pang of emptiness as he wished that he had someone special like Charles did.
The Limo was waiting for them outside the airport and they all got in. They dropped William off at his House in Peppermint Grove and then Charles and Jane drove on to drop Jane off.
"How did you get to the airport?" asked Charles.
"Lizzie dropped me off but she said that she had too much to do and couldn't stay."
Charles dropped Jane off at her house and then he went off back to his house to get ready for the party.
6:20 AT LIZZIE AND JANE'S APARTMENT.
"Lizzie get your but into gear or we will be late, it takes nearly 15 mins to get to Charlie's house and if you don't move we are going to be late."
"What's with you tonight Jane, you never really care if we are late or not and neither does Charles as a matter of fact? So what gives?"
Just wait and see thought Jane to herself "Nothing gives Liz but I just don't want to be late tonight that's all."
"Well how do I look?" said Liz spinning around.
"Absolutely beautiful" said Jane "Will's going to flip when he sees you" mumbled Jane.
"What?" said Liz, too busy with her hair to hear what Jane said.
"Nothing Liz but lets go now."
"Your car or mine?"
"Yours, I can't be bothered driving tonight Liz, if that's okay?"
"Yeah sure, fine with me."
Elizabeth looks really beautiful tonight, Jane thought as she and Liz drove the Charles house in Nedlands. I hope that she and William get along well because they are perfect for each other from what Charles has said of William. But she will kill me for setting her up, but it will be worth it in the end if it all works out.
She's up to something, thought Liz as she sat driving.
Part 3
6:00 AT CHARLES' HOME IN NEDLANDS
"Will, come in," said Charles as Will Darcy stood on Charles' front porch.
"Thanks Charles" said Will. "So why were you so adamant that I come tonight, the first night back after France? What have you got planed, I really don't feel like being set up at the moment Charles. I have to get the business up and running and show my father that I can actually run the Australian sector of the Darcy Corporation. If I can't prove that to him, then how will he ever trust me with the whole multinational company?"
"Don't stress Will" said Charles with a grin "I won't set you up but promise me that you wont run a mile if a girl happens to take your fancy."
"That's it Charles I'm staying in your study all night"
"You will do no such thing Darcy"
"Ha, whoever really gave you permission to call me that in the first place Bingley"
"The same person who gave you permission to call me Bingley…….no one"
They continued in this manner until some of the Guests started to arrive and so they went to greet them.
6:35
Elizabeth's Honda was pulling up in Charles' crowded driveway, which was already packed with cars. As they were hopping out of the car Nick Fitzwilliam and another man who looked similar to Nick approached them. Nick was an old friend of Elizabeth's from University and he also worked in the Physiotherapy department like Elizabeth.
"Hia Liz, Jane," as he leaned over and gave them a friendly kiss on the cheek. "This is my older brother Richard."
Please call me Rich and I am pleased to meet you Jane, Liz." He said with a friendly smile and a handshake.
"Same here" said Jane.
"The pleasure is all mine," said Liz.
The party began approaching the front door when Charles approached them.
"Jane" said Charles as he kissed her you look absolutely beautiful tonight. He then turned to Liz and gave her a kiss on the cheek while asking how she was. He then went on to greet Nick and Rich.
Nick Richard and Elizabeth moved in towards the main party leaving the lovers to themselves. Nick and Elizabeth started talking while Rich made his excuses and made his way towards the tall figure standing alone in the corner surrounded by women who were hanging onto his every word.
As he moved away to talk to Rich Elizabeth got a better view of his figure. Good looking was not the word he was absolutely gorgeous, with curly brown hair and brown eyes and boy did he look exceptional in his suit. His smile…..well if that was directed at you, it would melt you right away. She could not help but stare at the gorgeous man talking and now laughing with Rich, who not a moment ago was talking to her and Nick. Nick tapping her on the shoulder, "Liz", brought Elizabeth back to earth he asked, "You weren't listening to a word that I had to say."
"What? sorry Nick, what did you say?"
"I said did you and Jane have fun shopping today?"
"Yeah sure!" said Liz sarcastically "I can never find anything that I want and It really annoys me….." she said trailing off "Nick who is that guy standing over there talking to your brother?"
"Who? the one you can't keep your eyes off." He said teasingly.
"What! I wasn't staring," said Liz defensively and she felt herself going red.
"Yes you were and don't deny it especially to your friend and Co worker."
"Was I really that noticeable?" she asked going an even deeper shade of red.
"Yes you were that noticeable" he said deciding to play with her here "And I bet that every one in the whole room has noticed you."
"Oh shut up you" she said with a playful punch "so really who is he? I have never seen him before"
"Well that might be because he has just returned from France. He was over there for a year studying. He is Charles' best friend and……. (He hesitated a bit here because he knew what her reaction would be) my cousin"
"What!" exclaimed Liz "Do you always keep your good-looking relations a secret"
"No only this one" he said "Do you want me to introduce you to him?"
Part 4
Posted on Friday, 11 December 1998
"Yeah sure" she said excited "But wait I don't even know his name."
"William Darcy"
"William Darcy, the son of George Darcy the multimillionaire and owner of the multinational Darcy Corporation?"
"Yeah you got it"
"Ah…. Well maybe, you shouldn't introduce us. He wouldn't want to meet someone like me, I'm not rich enough for him."
"What nonsense, he's been staring at you since you walked in the door, no excuses Liz you are going to meet him and that's it."
Meanwhile
Will was standing in the corner of the room, surrounded by ladies, watching everyone who came in. When he say her… a beautiful women, whose blue eyes sparkled and shone with laughter and her dress, showed off her figure perfectly. What the hell am I thinking I don't even know the girl and she seems really friendly with Nick. That would be right the one girl I want is already taken and by whom else but my very own cousin. Will then saw Rich approaching him ah an excuse to get rid of all these ladies, they can be very tiresome sometimes.
"Will how's it going" said Rich after he finally made it to his cousin fighting off all the chicks.
"Thanks cous," said Will "I needed an escape"
"So tell me about France and all the French chicks in bikinis."
"Yeah I had the time of my life and now I'm back all ready to finally take over the Australian sector of the Darcy Corporation by myself. (Which he emphasized myself) And be able to show my father that I can do it all myself without having a million and one people looking over my every move. At the moment he won't retire for another 20 years and the doctors have repeatedly told him to slow down and rest and all because he wont trust me. For G_d's sake I'm 27 not 17."
"Will I'm sure that he believes that you are capable and you know your father better than everyone and he is a workaholic do you really think that he is just doing to throw it all away and do nothing for the rest of his life"
"Well his life won't be much longer if he doesn't slow down soon he was even going to do some work on Christmas day until I made him think"
"Will I think that you should stop worrying so much about your father and concentrate on your job to show him that you are capable, so maybe he will then slow down."
"Yeah you could be right," he said laughing
"I know that I am," said Rich "I also know that a certain young lady has taken your fancy"
"What I don't know what you are talking about. I don't have time for women" said Will defending himself.
"Oh so that's why, you can't keep you eyes off her and why my brother is being sent jealous glances"
It was true he had been giving Nick glances when he saw how well they were getting on.
"Good one Will Darcy, I know you too well"
'She is an angle isn't she, absolutely beautiful."
"Love is in the air, so when's the wedding."
"Jeez Rich aren't you moving a bit too fast, I don't even know her name."
"Elizabeth Bennet"
"Excuse me"
"Elizabeth Bennet is her name."
"What Jane's sister?"
"That's right."
So that's why Charles wanted me to come so much tonight he thought.
"Look Will they are coming over"
Oh G_d, his stomach turned he felt like he was going to be sick. Don't say anything stupid Will he thought. He then saw a magazine with his face on it sitting on the table. Great I'll impress her by my picture on the cover 'Australia's Most Eligible Bachelors', that will make me favourable in her eyes when she sees who I am.
Will picked up the magazine as Nick and Elizabeth came closer. Elizabeth's reaction turned from a smile to an evil glance as she realised that he had just flashed that magazine in her face. What a stuck up snob she thought as she saw the magazine in his hands, what does he think, that he can win women by his money and name. He's got to be joking.
What is her problem Will thought as he noticed the look.
"William I would like you to meet my friend and Co worker Elizabeth Bennet." Said Nick addressing Will "Liz this is my cousin William Darcy"
Part 5
"Pleased to meet you Elizabeth" said Will.
"Same here William" said Elizabeth forcing a smile, he is such a conceited pig. How could I have ever thought that he was good looking, all he cares about is his money flashing that magazine in my face. "Well I had better go now, I must speak to my friend Sarah Lucus, she has just arrived. Good-bye." And with that she walked away toward Sarah.
"Will I don't believe you, you just stuffed it up, there goes your chance. You can be such a stuck up pig sometimes." Scolded Nick and with that he stalked away shaking his head.
"Did I really look stuck up Rich?" he asked
"Actually you looked more than stuck up, do you really think that flashing around magazine pictures of you is going to impress women? Come on WILL DARCY I thought better of YOU, but obviously I was wrong and maybe your father is right you are acting like a 17 year old letting this fame and wealth go to your head." He said angrily "What happened to the old Will Darcy that I used to know?" and with that he walked off leaving Will to think over what he had just said.
"Sarah you will not believe what just happened to me" said Liz
"What?"
"Well Nick just introduced me to his cousin William Darcy and he decided to show me how rich and irresistible he was by, flashing a magazine with his picture on the front, in my face."
"Oh Liz don't worry if he wants to be a snob let him be one. We can do much better that him."
"Yeah! You know it's funny, we hardly ever get any guys and when we do they are jerks."
"Don't worry Liz our day will come and he will be Mr. Right, we just have to be patient''
"Oh Sarah we have been patient for too long."
For the rest of the night Liz and Sarah talked with those around them, occasionally dancing but they never really liked to dance anyway.
Nick avoided Will for the rest of the night annoyed at the way he treated one of his best friends. Well it is a good thing that James wasn't here tonight (playing the role of a protective older brother) or I would feel very sorry for Will right now. I wonder how those boys of his are. I must go and Visit James and Kate tomorrow as I haven't seen them in ages he thought.
William on the other hand watched Elizabeth for the rest of the night thinking of what might have been and envying everyone she spoke to. By the end of the night he was feeling very sorry for himself, and meditated on the fact that he had just acted like a %$#@$*& in front of someone who he wanted to get to know better.
At about 12 midnight people started to leave including Elizabeth and Jane. Who thanked Charles for a wonderful evening? Jane and Liz talked on the way home and Liz related to Jane what had happened with William. Jane looking a touch disappointed said "But he was really nice this afternoon he even gave me a kiss on the cheek."
"What! You already met him?" she asked envious that he had been nice to Jane and he had even kissed her.
"Yeah today at the airport"
"But I thought that you were going to meet Charlie's boss?" she asked confused
"We did exactly that"
"What Will Darcy is Charles boss and also his best friend?"
"That's right."
When the ladies arrived home they went straight to bed. That night Jane and Charles dreamed wonderful dreams of each other while Will finally fell asleep with the face of Elizabeth Bennet in his mind and no matter how hard he tried to get rid of it he couldn't get the image of her out of his mind. Elizabeth on the other hand dreamed of Will, with both anger at the way he had treated her and jealous of how nice he was to Jane.
Part 6
11:30 am Sunday 28th December 1998
Beep! Beep!
Charles sat waiting in his car outside the Bennet girl's apartment. Looking at his watch he realised that they were late once again but he didn't really care. His life had changed so much since he started dating Jane Bennet a year ago on New Year's eve. She was bright, intelligent and beautiful yes she was an angel. He family was wonderful they made him feel right at home like he really belonged, it was a real family where everyone loved each other, so different from his own. Sure her family had its moments but that was nothing. Her parents treated him like their own son and her brothers they were great. He remembered that late nights that Karl, Andrew, and James and himself would spend either playing cricket or footy out the front of the house. Liz well she was beautiful as well, she had been cautious when he had first started dating Jane asking a million and one questions. (He had to laugh as he remembered the first time that he picked Jane up, he got the third degree). He had it decided that he would propose to her on New Years Eve and he would make it wonderful, then he would officially be part of her family. He considered the reaction of his own family; Caroline, well he hadn't spoken to her in so long, why would I care for her opinion anyway. His mother, well we never really got along and what would she care who I married. She has only made an effort to see Jane twice in the whole time that we have been going out. Dad, I wish he were still alive to see what I have made of my life, he would be proud of me and HE WOULD like Jane.
His mind then drifted back 10 years to the last time he had seen his father… Mother and he had just had a fight about Caroline (what else was new, they always fought about her) he stormed out of the house vowing never to come back again and she wished him dead. Well she did get her wish didn't she, he walked out onto the road to be hit and killed instantly by a drunk driver. I never forgave her for that he thought, taking my father away from me at only 17 years old. His mothers and his relationship was never the same again and he remembered all the comfort and love that he found at Will Darcy's house. George treated him like a son and gave him the strength to move on with his life he being his father's best friend. The relationship between George and him strengthened his and Will's relationship and they became almost brothers, both knowing what it was like to loose a parent, (Will having lost his mother to cancer many years before.) They both felt the loss when George moved back to England to live but they were both frequent visitors at Pemberly any way.
The knocking on his window, "Charles", interrupted his revenue! Jane was saying, "We are ready to go now"
"Yes! Yes! I was just thinking, but lets go now"
Five minutes later they were comfortably driving down the High Way in Charles red BMW.
"I told Will that I would pick him up from his house saving him the trip down there. Is that okay with you two?" he said.
"Will Darcy is coming?" gulped Liz
"Yeah is that okay with you Liz" said Charles with a smile as he saw Liz's discomfort in the back seat. Knowing full well what had happened last night he had purposely invited Will.
Seven minutes later they had pulled into Will's drive way leading to a beautiful house. Oh my it's beautiful thought Liz. Will had been waiting for them because as soon as Charles' car pulled up he was outside locking up. As he walked towards the car he noticed Jane in the front seat with the window down. "Hello Jane, how are you this morning"
"Fine thank you Will, would you like to sit in the front" she said with a smirk
This puzzled Will but he declined any way, as he opened the door he noticed Elizabeth sitting over on the other side. "Elizabeth" said Will in total shock, boy does she look great today, and that dress does show off her legs perfectly.
"William" said Liz civilly, Ohhlala he looks great, what am I thinking he thinks himself to good for me she thought.
They drove the rest of the way to Scarborough in silence. When the car stopped Will was the first one out, practically running around to help Liz out of the car, which she accepted with surprise.
Lunch was a pleasant affair with William actually acting quite nice and not at all snobbish. What's with him thought Liz one minute he's a total snob and the next he is wonderful what am I to think?
After lunch they decided to take a walk along the beach. Liz and Jane took their shoes off and decided to paddle in the water having heaps of fun. William and Charles on the other hand just walked along the beach talking. It was getting late so the 4 of them decided to start heading back. Jane put on her shoes before the reached the path heading back to the car park. As they started walking up the path Liz dropped behind as the rocks were hurting her feet Will saw this and waited for her. A bit further ahead she saw broken glass on the ground and mentioned this. Will did the first thing that came into his mind irrational as it may have been he picked her up and carried her, despite of her repeated cries for him to put her down. He didn't listen to what she was saying as he was having too much fun. Jane and Charles stopped as the heard Liz yelling behind them and they both started laughing as they caught sight of Will caring Liz in his arms and Liz telling him to put her down. Elizabeth really didn't want Will to put her down any more then he wanted to put her down, as she was enjoying it too. She had to admit that he smelt great and she could feel his mussels tightly around her.
When the finally reached the car Will deposited Elizabeth in the ground and said "At your service madam"
Part 7
As they got into the car Will suggested that they all go back to his house for a drink. Everyone agreed to this suggestion, although Jane said that she had to leave by 5 as she had to go to the hospital to check on a patient.
They all had an agreeable afternoon at Will's house enjoying a dink around his pool. Liz decided to take a little nap on the lounge by the pool, as she was quite tired from the day. At 4:55 Jane needed to leave and because Liz was still a sleep, Will said that he would drop her home when she woke up, this was agreed to by Jane and Charles.
It was 6:15 before Elizabeth woke up and she was surprised to find herself on the lounge chair by Will Darcy's pool. William was sitting across from her with a smile playing on his lips, looking at her intently. What is he looking at she thought "Where is Jane and Charles" she asked as she sat up on the lounge chair.
"They went at about 5 as Jane had to get to the hospital and so because you were still asleep I said that I would drop you home."
"Oh" she said
"Are you hungry, because we could go and have some dinner down by the river"
"Um" she said He actually wants to have dinner with me I really don't get him.
"You don't have to if you don't want to… I mean I would like it…very much if you would come… but if you just want to go home then I understand….."
She gave a chuckle at the sight of Will Darcy at a loss for words. "No Will I would love to have dinner by the river" She just called me 'Will' he thought happily. "It's just that I don't understand you…"
"What do you mean?" he said cutting in
"What I mean is that one moment I'm not good enough for you, the next minute you are friendly and then you want to have dinner with me" she said defensively "If you were me what would you make of that?"
"That is not so! From the moment I first laid my eyes on you, I thought that you were the most beautiful women that I had ever seen."
"Then why did you flash that magazine in my face? To show me how rich and irresistible you supposedly were, being one of Australia's most Eligible Bachelors"
"No!" he cried that was not the reason
"Well then surprise me," she said sarcastically. "When I first saw you I thought you one of the most good looking men that I had ever seen but your attitude soon showed me you real character.'
"Listen" he said "do you really want to know why I picked up that magazine?" He continued after she nodded her head. "Well I thought you the most beautiful women I had ever seen and I wanted nothing more than to make a good impression on you as I wanted to get to know you better. There was nothing snobbish about it at all."
"Well don't you think that there are other ways to recommend yourself to others?" she said with a smirk all her recent anger disappearing.
That smile on her lips made him want to kiss her right here and now " I find myself not qualified in recommending myself to strangers. I can't just go up and introduce myself to a total stranger at a party"
"Well I am sure that with your business associates you have to introduce yourself to them in the beginning" she said mocking him.
"Yes but they are not beautiful women who enjoy teasing me" he said with a smile as she blushed at his words. He decided to take a chance and ask a question that could make or break the night. He moved closer to sit on the lounge with her as he asked, "Can I kiss you?"
"Do you want to kiss me?" she said in return
"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to" he said smiling
His smile is enough to melt you she thought "Well o….." before she could even finish the answer she felt his lips firmly on hers is a gentle but passionate kiss.
He pulled away and saw that her lips were still slightly apart and her eyes still closed, it was tempting but he thought it best if he didn't get too distracted as he might not be able to control himself. "How about some dinner?" he asked as she slowly opened her eyes.
"Yes, that would be good"
They went down to the river and sat on the grass as they ate their dinner. After dinner they walked down to the dock where all the boats were kept and Will showed her his yacht the 'Georgiana' named after his sister. "I would like it if you would meet my sister sometime" he said
"I would love that" she said, "How old is your sister?"
"Georgie has just finished year 12 and she will be going to Uni next year. She wants to study Medicine and become a doctor"
"Oh really, my youngest brother Andrew is the same age as her, he has just finished year 12 and also wants to study Medicine" They talked about his sister and her family for the rest of the night. As they were walking he held her hand and he didn't let it go until they got back to his house.
It was getting late so Will suggested that he drop her off at home now. They drove down the high way in his Jaguar until they were outside her apartment. He got out to walk he inside and stopped at the door giving her a kiss before he left.
When Liz got inside she still had a dazed look on her face. This was something that Jane noticed. "Lizzie are you okay," she asked
"Yeah I'm fine" she said placing her fingers on her lips they still tingled from the kiss "He tasted so nice" she said not realizing what she said until Jane was asking questions. Elizabeth then went on to explain to her what had happened. Jane was very happy for her sister, as she believed that Will Darcy was her type.
The next day Elizabeth was feeling great. Will Darcy had been so nice last night and his kisses. She was lost in thought as she walked right into Nick.
"Nicky how are you this morning?" she asked
"Yeah I'm great thanks Lizzie, but you seem preoccupied, what's on your mind?"
"Last night was great Will was so nice…" she said trailing off
"So my cousin did redeem himself in your eyes last night then did he"
"Yes he actually did"
As the walked into the Physio department on the front desk was a dozen red roses sitting on the desk with a card. I wonder who got the flowers this time thought Liz as she walked up to the reception to check for messages.
"There are 2 messages for you Dr. Bennet and these roses came for you too"
"Me!" she said in astonishment
"Well Liz aren't you going to open the card and see whom they are from," said Nick as he received his messages.
She opened the card to find that the roses were from Will,
Dear Elizabeth
Thank you for a wonderful evening last night,
Meet me in the foyer at 12 so we can go to lunch.
Will Darcy
"Well! Well! Will must really like you he never sends flowers," said Nick with a smile on his face.
Part 8
Monday 29th December
FOYER OF PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL AT 11:55PM
Will turned up in the foyer of the hospital 5 minutes early as he wanted to make sure that he was there when Elizabeth turned up. A few of the nurses at the reception were looking at him thinking how good-looking he was and wondering what he was doing there. One was about to walk up to him and ask if he needed help when Elizabeth walked out of the elevator.
As Will spotted Elizabeth his features turned from a nervous glance to a bright smile. He thought that she was a picture of beauty. Her brown hair was loosely tied back in a ponytail, with a few loose strands cascading down around her neck. Her bright eyes sparkling with happiness. She looked absolutely stunning in a pale blue short sleeve dress.
As Liz walked up to Will, she thought that he looked really sexy. He had black pants and a white shirt that was rolled up to his elbows and he had a tie on, making him look really professional. He was running his hand carelessly through his curly hair and his eyes shone with anticipation. As she reached him she had a huge grin on her face and she flung her hands around his neck and gave him a kiss on his cheek. Thanking him for the beautiful roses that she received this morning. In turn he slipped his hand around her waist and whispered into her ear how wonderful she looked today. At this comment Liz blushed and said. "Thank you Will and you don't look too bad yourself."
"We had better go to Lunch now before we make a spectacle of ourselves in front of those nurses." Said Will.
"You are probably right," she said placing her hand in his "Will you tell me where we are going for lunch?"
"Sorry but it is nothing special because I have a board meeting at 1:00 and so wont have time for a long lunch. I promise though that I will make it up to you."
"It's no problem there is a nice café around the corner from here in Subiaco or we could buy a roll and eat in the park"
"I think that I like the second idea more" he replied with a mischievous grin.
They walked out of the hospital and to Will's Jaguar.
After getting their rolls they walked to the nearby park where they found a nice spot on the grass under the swaying trees. After they had eaten their lunches Elizabeth lay back in Will's arms as he played with the curls on her neck. Thinking that it was just too tempting…But then he remembered that he had a 1 o'clock meeting and so couldn't get himself distracted however tempting it might be.
"Will," said Elizabeth
"Yeah" he replied still studying her neck.
"My parents are having a dinner tonight for the family and everyone is invited…I was wondering if you would like to come with me and you can meet them. Bring your sister too as I would love to meet her."
"I would love to come" he replied "And I am sure that Georgie would too."
They then had it settled that Will and Georgiana would be at Jane and her apartment by 6 along with Charles.
Will drove back to the hospital to drop Liz off and kissed her good-bye telling her that they would be at her place at 6 pm sharp.
Liz watched at he drove away and down the street.
Part 8
Will knocked on the Bennet's door at about 6 o'clock. The door was opened by Charles who greeted them.
"Will, Georgie, it's great to see you, come in. Liz and Jane won't be a minute. They are never ready on time those two but you get used to it though…" he said giving his friend a knowing glance.
Charles and Georgie went on into the living room, while Will ventured into the kitchen where he had heard singing.
And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you feel me somehow
He tried not to laugh as he saw the sight in front of him. Liz was swaying and singing to the music.
You're the closest thing to heaven that I'll ever beWill began to move closer to her and began to sing along with her.
And I don't want to go home right now
And all I can taste is this momentLiz heard him but she did not turn around. She just kept singing along with him.
And all I can breathe is your lifeHe moved even closer and she could feel his breath on the back of her neck.
Cause sooner or later it's overWill then placed his hands around her waist, thrilled at her reaction to his touch and whispered the last line in her ear.
I just don't want to miss you tonight…She then turned around to face him placing her hands around his neck.
"Will!" she said trying to sound severe "I was trying to finish getting the food ready when you distracted me. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Only this" he answered bending down to kiss her on the lips.
They only realised where they were when they heard Charles clear his throat and say "Well I know there are other distractions Liz but it is 10 past 6 and were are supposed to be at your parents house by 6:30."
"Oh yeah" she said blushing "just let me finish this and we can go. Is Jane ready yet?"
"Yes I am" said Jane walking into the kitchen.
A thought suddenly hit Will "Did we have to bring anything for tonight?"
"No you didn't have to bring anything," said Jane
"Jane, myself and Kate are in charge of making the deserts for any family things as our brother wouldn't know their way around the kitchen if you paid them and we would end up eating charcoal… they only place in the kitchen that they know well is the Fridge." Liz added.
"Who is Kate?" asked Will.
"She is our Brother James' wife."
"Well we should probably be going now. As it is we are late."
They all decided to take Will's Mercedes, as that was the easiest to get out without having to move any other cars. Will drove while Elizabeth sat in the front seat to give directions and Georgiana, Jane and Charles sat in the back seat.
They arrived at the Bennets house at about 6:45 and pulled up just behind Karl, who was lugging his cricket gear out of the car after cricket training.
"Lizzie, Jane" he said as the got out of the car. "How are you?" as he gave them a hug.
"Charles howz it going mate" he said giving him a handshake.
As they all replied he asked whom the other two people were.
"This is Will Darcy and his sister Georgiana," said Elizabeth. "And this is my brother Karl."
"Well then please to meet you"
"And the same about you" they both replied.
The Song is Iris from the City Of Angels Soundtrack.
Part 9
Author's Note: I have revised the next 4 chapters, as they were not in the same format as the earlier ones. Jump to completely new section.
Monday 29th December
Jane And Lizzie's Apartment
Will knocked on the Bennet's door at about 6 o'clock. The door was opened by Charles who greeted them.
"Will, Georgie, it's great to see you, come in. Liz and Jane won't be a minute. They are never ready on time those two but you get used to it though…" he said giving his friend a knowing glance.
Charles and Georgie went on into the living room, while Will ventured into the kitchen where he had heard singing.
And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you feel me somehow.
He tried not to laugh as he saw the sight in front of him. Liz was swaying and singing to the music.
You're the closest thing to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now.
Will began to move closer to her and began to sing along with her.
And all I can taste is this moment
Liz heard him but she did not turn around. She just kept singing along with him.
And all I can breathe is your life
He moved even closer and she could feel his breath on the back of her neck.
Cause sooner or later it's over
Will then placed his hands around her waist, thrilled at her reaction to his touch and whispered the last line in her ear.
I just don't want to miss you tonight…
She then turned around to face him placing her hands around his neck.
"Will!" she said trying to sound severe "I was trying to finish getting the food ready when you distracted me. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Only this" he answered bending down to kiss her on the lips.
They only realised where they were when they heard Charles clear his throat and say "Well I know there are other distractions Liz but it is 10 past 6 and were are supposed to be at your parents house by 6:30."
"Oh yeah" she said blushing "just let me finish this and we can go. Is Jane ready yet?"
"Yes I am" said Jane walking into the kitchen.
A thought suddenly hit Will "Did we have to bring anything for tonight?"
"No you didn't have to bring anything," said Jane
"Jane, myself and Kate are in charge of making the deserts for any family things, as our brother James wouldn't know their way around the kitchen if you paid them and we would end up eating charcoal… they only place in the kitchen that they know well is the Fridge." Liz added
"Who is Kate?" asked Will
"She is our Brother James' wife"
"Well we should probably be going now. As it is we are late."
They all decided to take Will's Mercedes, as that was the easiest to get out without having to move any other cars. Will drove while Elizabeth sat in the front seat to give directions and Georgiana, Jane and Charles sat in the back seat.
Bennet's House, Lesmurdie
They arrived at the Bennets house at about 6:45 and pulled up just behind Karl, who was lugging his cricket gear out of the car after cricket training.
"Lizzie, Jane" he said as the got out of the car. "How are you?" as he gave them a hug.
"Charles howz it going mate" he said giving him a handshake.
As they all replied he asked whom the other two people were.
"This is Will Darcy and his sister Georgiana," said Elizabeth. "And this is my brother Karl."
"Well then please to meet you"
"And the same about you" they both replied.
Part 10
"Blast"
Will muttered as he tried to feel the way through the darkened house to his bedroom. He had just returned home after dropping Georgie of at his Aunts house and Dropping Elizabeth, Jane and Charles off. It was a long night he thought as he finally made it through his bedroom door and started undressing himself, letting his cloths fall carelessly over his floor. I'll clean up in the morning he thought as he slid under the covers and thought of dinner.
Well Liz was right about one thing her family sure is loud but then she hasn't been to one of our family gatherings. At least her grandma doesn't demand to know every detail of her love life and the background of her family. "Good old Grandma DeBourgh" he said out loud.
Her mother sure was loud and bossy, but what mothers aren't. Oh and I will remember never to contradict Mrs. Bennet again in one of her way off statements. Poor Elizabeth, what would her mother know of dealing with screaming patients, stick a sock in their mouths. I have never heard anything so ridiculous, stick a sock in your mouth more like it. Where on earth does she get her information? Probably those stupid gossip magazines he thought. In some ways she reminds me of Grandma DeBourgh, always wanting to hold and direct the conversation, giving much unwanted and stupid advice.
Mr. Bennet well thank God I took Charles advice to tread carefully. Although I still don't think that he likes me very much. I am going to have to work hard to gain the respect of Mr. Bennet though. I wonder why he doesn't like me very much, although he did invite me to play a game of Golf on Thursday. So that could be a good sign, I'm glad that Charles will be there along with Elizabeth's Godfather, Pat Phillips.
Her brother James is another story though and what did he say to me. 'You had better watch yourself mate, one false move or you hurt her and you have to deal with me…" He seems like a very protective brother. (Like me I suppose, especially with dad living in England) I must ask Charles how he acted when he started going out with Jane. His wife Kate seems to be quite nice, pretty too although not as beautiful as Elizabeth he added as an after thought. Those boys of their Ryan and Matthew, I must say double trouble, playing on Mrs. Bennet's nerves. He gave a chuckle as he remembered their antics, never being able to sit still. I wonder if my kids will be like that, I hope that they are that adorable. He pictured the twins and surprisingly they had Elizabeth's face on them. Kids with her!! What am I thinking we have hardly been going out and I am thinking about Kids and marriage? Marriage where did that come from I'm not ready to settle down yet…or am I.
Karl mad on cricket. I must remember to watch the New Years Ashes test, I wonder if he is as good as everyone says he is. Though he must be if he has been selected in the ashes test match. Well he seems really nice; he and James seem to be close.
Andrew the youngest well he and Georgie got on really well, I think that they will become good friends, which will be good, if I continue to see Elizabeth. I can them bring Georgie without any worries. Georgie and Andrew have a lot in common they both play hockey (well Georgie doesn't play any more) and they both want to study medicine at The University of Western Australia.
Georgie also go along really well with Danielle Gardiner who is the same age too. Brenton Philips is also the same age and all four of them seemed to get on well with each other. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner seem very nice also. I had a very good conversation with Mr. Gardiner about fishing; he seems to like fishing very much. Well we will go out fishing on my boat sometime. He laughed as he remembered Karl's reaction to fishing so much so that he had extended the invitation for him to go too.
Overall the night had been a good one he reflected and he fell asleep with Elizabeth gracing his thoughts.
Beep Beep Beep
Will groaned and rolled over to turn off his alarm, it can't be 7:00 already. Annoyed that he had been woken up in the middle a wonderful dream of a beautiful woman, Elizabeth. Rolling himself out of bed he walked towards the bathroom and hopped in the shower letting the hot water wash over him and wake him up, so he was able to face the day. Walking back into his bedroom wrapping a towel around him he turned on the radio and started getting dressed for the day.
Forty-five minutes later he walked down stairs and into the dinning room to find a present wrapped up. He opened the present to find it a framed picture of Elizabeth, with a gorgeous smile and laughing eyes. Looking at her he began to smile, this had made his day. Mrs. Smith his housekeeper walked into the room just at that moment and commented on what a pretty young lady she was. Blushing he replied
"She is isn't she… ah can you tell me who dropped this around?"
"Yes" she replied "It was Georgiana and you Cousin Nick. There was also a note with it.''
Will found the note and thanked his housekeeper with a smile. He began to eat his breakfast and drink his tea, while opening the note, which read.
Dear Cousin,I thought that you might appreciate this picture, as I think that this young lady has captured your fancy. Georgie and I decided to drop this around on our way to the hospital as we thought that you would enjoy it.
Treat her well and you will be rewarded but if you hurt her God help you. That is not just coming from me.
Love Always Your Cousin Nick.
Nicky! Nicky! I must thank him for it he thought but what does he mean 'treat her well and you will be rewarded but if you hurt her God help you??
Will finished his breakfast grabbed the picture and strode out of the room back up stairs to finish getting ready. He packed the picture in his brief case and made his way down the stairs and out the front door not before picking up the morning paper.
Driving out of his driveway he punched Nick's mobile number into his car phone and waited for it to be picked up. "Hello Dr. Nicholas Fitzwilliam speaking."
"Nick, good morning"
"Wills, I see you must have got your present we left for you."
"Yes Yes I did and Thanks for that…but what did you mean by 'treat her well and you will be rewarded but if you hurt her God help me'?"
"Exactly that… If you love her and treat her right all her family will love you but if you don't treat her right then all hell will break loose"
"Oh" was Wills only reply
"So how was last night Cous?"
"Yeah it was great but her dad seemed a bit cautious of me and James well I get the impression that he doesn't like me at all..."
At this Nick just laughed " Will you have a lot to learn my friend, I will meet you for lunch and tell you what you are in for. Café DeRocco, in Subiaco at 12 p.m. But for now Georgie and I have to go and start work."
"Tell Georgie to have a fun day on Work Experience"
"I will, see you at lunch."
"Yeah was Wills reply as he pulled up outside his office block. Getting out of the car he handed his keys to the valet to go and park his car, while he made it towards the front door. Nick's words still haunting him '…tell you what you are in for.'
Part 11
"Morning Charles" he said, "It is a beautiful day isn't it."
"Are…The words of a man in love" he said with a smirk. At this Will only laughed
They both walked across the foyer towards the elevator passing many employees, Will smiling at each and everyone of them showing his good mood. Their surprise was evident, as their employer fair and honest as he was rarely smiled or said anything to any of them except for business purposes.
Will strode into the elevator with a huge grin on his face causing one of his accountants to ask, "Is the world ending Mr. Darcy? You seem a bit too cheerful today..." he emphasized the word too.
"Love" said Charles with a cheeky smile.
"Ah, but Charles you can't talk either" he said playfully while the others in the lift looked on in shock as the usually proud and reserved Mr. Darcy was actually laughing and joining in with their usual playful banter
Part 12
William walked into Café De Rocco at exactly 12 noon. The waiter asked him if he had a reservation and he replied that he was meeting a friend
"Ahhh there he is now, I will just go and join him."
"Very well sir." He replied. Will walked over to the table where Nick was sitting nursing a brandy.
"Nick how are you?"
"Well thanks Will and you?"
"Actually I am a bit curious and have been all day."
"I think that before we get down to business we had better order as I am starving and I cannot think on an empty stomach." Said Nick.
"Well what else is new?" Will replied with a smile.
After they had ordered Nick started the conversation "Now Will what is it that you wish to know?"
"Come on Nicky you know exactly what I want to know."
"Okay Wills I will start from the beginning the history of the Bennet's."
"Yes yes that will do whatever." William said getting impatient.
"Well first of all Jane is not actually their real biological sister…actually I shouldn't tell you all of this it is not up to me."
"Nick no you can't you have to tell me now. I can't be left like this." Will stated very agitated.
"Well but it wasn't me who told you, not many people know that Jane isn't their real sister."
"Okay whatever"
"Jane's mother died of cancer just a couple of weeks after Jane was born. Jane's father Brian Cousins was also left with a young son Ben who was just 2 at the time. He felt that he couldn't cope with raising two young children while grieving for the loss of his wife so the Bennet's being good friend with them took Jane in as their own daughter. Two years later Brian consented to the Bennet's adopting Jane, as he still wasn't coping very well. By this time Anne (Mrs. Bennet) had another daughter Elizabeth. They all tried their best to help him and finally he began to get on with his life.
"The two families became very close and Ben felt Anne as his mother and Des (Mr. Bennet) as a second father. Jane was never kept from the truth of who her father was, but even though she had a good relationship with her real father, she felt that the Bennet's were her real family and likewise was the same for them. When Ben was 16 Brian got married again and moved to Melbourne where her family was. Ben moved there for a couple of months but wasn't happy being away from the Bennet's and didn't like the fact that Brian's new wife was trying to take the place of a mother that Anne had always done in the past. So Ben was allowed to move back to Perth and he lived with the Bennet's.
"Ben and James were the best of friends and the same could be said for Jane and Elizabeth. The four of them did everything together and were hardly apart. Ben and James were and still are very protective of the girls and made sure that they didn't get into any trouble or anything. Which gave their parents comfort so they didn't worry too much about them getting into trouble. Ben always makes sure of both girl's boyfriends and checks up on them and their backgrounds and with James as his partner in crime they usually succeed to scare away potential boyfriends if they are no good. When Lizzie was 18 this guy was interested in her and he was a real sleaze targeting pretty young women who he thought would be easy to get pregnant then just leave. Ben and James did some background work and found out what they could, but it was nearly too late he nearly raped her because she wouldn't sleep with him, they came just in time. He is now doing time for assault, and if he goes near Lizzie or anyone in the family again he will be in trouble."
"It's not…."
"No No you are safe there Will." Said Nick noticing the sigh of relief from his cousin "From then on James and Ben were even more protective of them and Des although he was always a protective father especially of Lizzie his favourite he is now even more careful and studies her young men carefully.
"That would then explain her fathers weary looks and he brothers glares." Will mentioned "Although I haven't seen this Ben character."
"No he plays football for the West Coast Eagles and is away with them at the moment on a camp."
"You know this Ben, does he have a thing for…Elizabeth?" Please say no thought Will
At this statement and the look on his cousin's face he began to laugh. "No no Ben one of her best friends and they love each other in their own way but they have no romantic feelings for each other."
"Thank G_d" said Will
"You really have it bad don't you cous?"
"Well if we keep this up then I will very likely fall madly in love with her over then next couple of weeks and once this happens then I will go mad when she is not around and I will cherish every moment that we are together."
"Well William just be careful as Ben and James will be doing some checking up on you…"
"I have nothing to hide." Will stated defensively.
"Except for your…what would I call it Playboy nature."
"I don't have a playboy nature." He said
"Will just think, you always have a gorgeous woman on your arm and then when you get sick of them, you dump them leaving them broken hearted. You also have a reputation of…say…being a ladies man…well that is what the press say."
"Just hold on a minute okay so I used to play around but that was when I was younger and I was just having fun. Now though I have grown up and as dad said 'grow up or you don't get the company, Will you need to settle down.' And I have.
"But there is still that reputation." Said Nick "And James and Ben will see that."
"Well I will just will have to prove to them then."
"Okay but be careful. When you get on their good side though you will always be there."
"What about Charles? What do they think of him?"
"Well James and Charles knew each other before as they met through some sort of corporate meeting and they became friends then James introduced Charles to his family and Jane and Charles hit it of straight away." Said Nick.
"So I have to prove myself to them eh! Well 'Operation Get Lizzie' now comes into work." At this they both started laughing. "Does Charles know of all of this?" asked Will
"Yes I am pretty sure that he does."
The rest of their lunch was pleasant enough and then after they had finished they left each others company and went back to work.
Part 13
Tuesday 30th December
Darcy Corporation Offices
Approaching his office Will called out to his secretary to come into his office, as he needed a word with her.
"Miss Taylor, could you please find any information on a Mr. James Bennet."
"What information do you particularly want Sir?"
"Like where he likes to eat lunch, where he plays golf and when, those sort of things. But whatever you do don't mention my name in your inquiries, okay"
"Yes Sir."
The first part of my plan is in order, now all I have to do is sit back and wait. Thought Will as he leaned back in his chair, looking at the picture of Elizabeth on his desk a smile now forming on his lips. "You will be mine Lizzie." He sated with determination.
Lizzie And Jane's Apartment (Later in the Day)
Lizzie opened the door to her apartment and walked inside Georgiana right behind her. They both then slumped into the couch in the sitting room. "That was a busy day Lizzie, I don't know how you do that everyday all day." Georgie cried in exasperation.
"You get used to it Georgie. When do you get your results to see if you got into Medicine?"
"My results should be here any day now." Said Georgie "Lizzie can I ring Will and ask him to pick me up, otherwise he will go to my Aunts House?"
"Sure go ahead" she replied "I will get you a drink and something to eat."
"Thanks."
"Hi is Will Darcy there please?"… "Thank you"…"Will, can you pick me up from Elizabeth's this afternoon?"…"Nick had to work late so Lizzie brought me home"…. "Well, we are having something to eat now. What time will you finish work?"…. "Okay I will see you in 20 mins"…"Bye Will"
"What did he say?" asked Lizzie
"He said that he was leaving in 15 mins so he will be her at around 6 o'clock. Is that okay with you?'
"That's fine Jane will be home any minute now and maybe you and Will can stay for dinner."
"That would be great and I'm sure that Will would love that too."
"Well then you had better come and help me get something from down at the shops before they close."
Darcy Corporation Offices
"Mr. Darcy, before you leave here is the information that you required on Mr. James Bennet."
"Thank you Miss Taylor. Is that everything?"
"Yes that is all the information that I could find."
"Well Good evening and I will see you after New Year."
"Same to you Sir."
Jane And Lizzie's Apartment
When they returned from the shops Jane was asleep on the couch with the TV on. Georgie and Elizabeth quietly moved pass her and went into the kitchen to start the dinner, beef stir-fry.
5 mins after they had started there was a knock on the door and Georgie went and opened the door.
"Will, Welcome home." she said with a huge smirk on her face
"What the…what's going on Georgie?"
"Nothing Will but we are staying for dinner, whether you like it or not."
"You tell him sister" came a voice from behind that they both knew well."
"Charles!" Georgie called running into his arms.
"It is nice to know that you have that hold on your brother as company wouldn't be the same without him tonight."
"Well…okay I'll stay for dinner but we have to leave straight after that because I have lots of work to do."
"Yeah sure Will whatever."
Then they all walked into the family room to find Jane still asleep on the couch.
"She is an angle," said Charles as he walked over to her and gave her a kiss on the forehead. Prompting Jane to wake up.
But not my angle thought Will as he walked towards the kitchen loosening his tie.
"Something smells great Lizzie." Said Will as he walked towards her.
"Yes, of course it does because I am the cook. What else did you expect." She said with a smile and hands on her hips. This sight was just too much for him and he reached out and pulled her towards him, gently placing his lips of hers, before letting the kiss become more passionate. Breathless Lizzie pulled back and said. "If that is the way you are going to greet me when you come for dinner then I think that you are just going to have to come every night."
"Well I won't disagree with that I'm sure." Will said.
Just as they we all were sitting down to dinner Andrew walked in.
"Hi everyone" he said, "What did you have for dinner because I am starving and something smells good."
"There is Stir-Fry for dinner, get a plate and come sit down." Jane replied.
"Cool thanks, Sorry that I am not really fit for company dressed like this but I'm not going to change as I am starved."
"We don't mind" said Georgie "Why are you here tonight, don't you live with your parents?" she asked
"Yeah but I stay with Lizzie and Jane on Tuesday and Thursday nights as I have hockey practice and I can't be bothered going home. This place is only 10 minutes from training but my parents house is 40 mins."
"Oh" she replied.
"Why are you so buggered Andrew? You are not usually this sweaty either."
"This new coach of ours used to play professional hockey and he trains us like pros, unfortunate for us."
"Well if you want to make the finals then you have to be fit." Said Will
"I used to play hockey," said Georgie
"Why don't you come down and watch us play on Saturday?"
"Okay that sounds good, maybe I will."
Dinner was lively and enjoyed by all that was there. Despite Will wanting to leave straight after dinner they were the last to leave after 12.
To Be Continued…