Section I, Next Section

Author's note: Is it possible for Mr. Darcy to commit the same mistakes in the XX century? Some things never change, except now Darcy is a lawyer, so is Elizabeth; Bingley spends enormous amounts of money on charity which might have something to do with Jane running centre for children from pathological families. This is revised and improved (I hope) version of Consensus facit nuptias. The first chapters remain more or less the same, but there are a couple of additions. All comments and opinions are more than welcome. Sorry for the inconsistencies in the "legal parts", I am trying my best but it is quite hard to find materials. Many thanks to Xenia for patience in answering my questions. J

Part I

Chapter 1

he sun shining through the red and yellow leaves of a chestnut tree was generously goldening the interior of the darkly furnished office in The City. The sun ray was lazily moving through the polished surfaces of cherry wood furniture to the amber cover of the lamp standing on the desk, where its path got broken up letting its offspring roam to every corner. The atmosphere inside the room though, was far from the sleepy relaxation that the weather suggested.

"How many? Five?!!!" exclaimed Darcy, "Are you completely out of your mind? Five "lawyers to be" rampaging around my office? Are you conscious of the fact that we simply cannot afford them ruining our business?"

Bingley looking like a brat receiving a reprimand for bad behaviour tried to explain himself, "but Darcy, it is going to be such a great advertisement".

"Yes, I am quite sure of it. But Bingley, have mercy; We have already signed an agreement with the university and we are flooded with the applications", was Darcy's reply.

His friend sighed, "In that case we do not have much choice. Only Caroline will be disappointed; she was amongst those who were willing to apply."

Darcy's amazement almost reached top, "Caroline, working? Forgive me Bingley for saying this, but since your sister finished her education, she declared herself to be "a free spirit". Wasn't she claiming that any kind of office work would kill her individuality and passion?"

Certainly Bingley had realised what effect his words will have for he was trying to justify his sister, "Well, yes; but since my management over her part of the will soon will be terminating, I thought it not a bad idea to make her realise what difficulties she might encounter in the future."

For a brief moment there was silence and one could almost hear the sun sliding through mist of dust raising from the bookshelves. Finally Darcy declared, "if that is the only thing that concerns you so much, I want you to know that you can always count on my advise; but for heaven's sake, I need a qualified, educated lawyer, not an interior designer. I am sorry to have disappointed you."

Bingley let out a laughter, "as Caroline once said, you, with your superior understanding are entitled to disappoint people...".

Raising from behind his desk Darcy said, "Let's get back to work. "Darcy, Fitzwilliam, Bingley - attorneys in law" must earn their living."

"Shall you come over for a dinner tonight?" asked his friend on his way to the door. The answer was not to be appreciated by some of his family, Darcy was needed by the Viscount in Scotland for a few days.

Back in his office Darcy stood gazing out of the window thinking with pleasure of the awaiting trip. Once or twice he deliberated upon how fortunate he was to have the best friend managing to get over some of his ideas so quickly.

As time passed Darcy forgot about Bingley's request. He had many things to discuss with the Viscount and the family obligations have kept his mind from pondering upon this proposal. On coming back from Scotland he was surprised to find himself greeted politely at the door by a young woman. Storming into his cousin's study Darcy exclaimed, "Fitzwilliam, who is that lady in our reception office????"

Calmly and boldly as usual Colonel answered, "She is an apprentice, I suppose."

Darcy's irritation grew, "You suppose? And how come I have never seen her application?".

"She has arrived only after you have left. I could not find her papers, so I thought it must have been that business with Bingley. Why?" asked Fitzwilliam not rising his head from the desk.

There was just a slight moan as Darcy slipped into his armchair, "I knew this would have happened. Most probably she does not have any experience. She will be spending whole day chatting on the phone, making coffee and flirting with the delivery boy. And because of Bingley I cannot call her off. It is strange though that he has sent her here knowing what was my opinion upon that matter." The small speech started off like a complaint but it did not finish so, Darcy was very angry.

With a sudden haste that escaped Darcy's notice his cousin started gathering papers from his desk, "Come on, why do you always expect the worst? We will see how it will turn out. I have got to run to Mr. Lucas. If he changes his will once more, I will make sure it will be the last time he does it. I have seen him already five times in the past two weeks." Colonel kept on talking, but Darcy was not listening. So many things needed his attention, and now this .....If I only knew what was the connection between Bingley and the apprentice......

Darcy reluctantly left the study. He dedicated his life to this job. After his parents death he did not have anything to fill the emptiness. It took him some time to realise that the experience was even more severe on his sister. He himself at least had the memories to hold on to, she had only him. He never quite knew if to cherish these bits and pieces of the past or to curse them, as they certainly had greater effect on him than he ever openly admitted. Sometimes almost hounded by them Darcy indulged himself in the tireless work, trying to lock out any kind of emotions. For Georgiana's sake it had to be so, he reminded himself.

Chapter 2

As Darcy entered the reception office he saw the apprentice going through some papers and talking lively to Fitzwilliam. He was not at all surprised to see that. His cousin was "quick at work" in spotting a pretty face, usually with a great success - there were few woman that could resist his blond hair, blue eyes, expensive clothes and fame of a soldier who took part in "The Desert Storm". The soft perils of her laughter still lingered in the air as William stood by the door observing her pleasant figure and mass of curly, dark hair put up in a careless way with a wooden pin. He never liked to be distracted, especially by something he did not have control of and it seemed like it is not going to be easy to get the control of that lady. What has Richard told her to make her laugh so much? Colonel's voice was certainly not a quiet one, so Darcy could easily overhear the last sentence his cousin uttered before quitting the bureau, which startled him immensely : "Believe me, there is no such an awful thing as a bored Darcy with nothing to do, especially on Sunday afternoon at his own house."

Trying to control himself Darcy said to the woman, "If you are done with flirting then maybe we might get to the business."

The apprentice surprised by his sudden appearance and shocked by his words turned quickly in his direction, "Pardon me?"

Narrowing his eyes he looked at her radiant face with barely any make up on; he continued, "I should have introduced myself - William Darcy, and you are....".

"Elizabeth Bennet, I am supposed to..".

He interrupted her not very politely, "Believe me, Miss Bennet, I am quite conscious of what your role will be during the next couple of months."

There was a sudden change in her - the smile was gone, she straightened up and her eyes were sparkling with annoyance as she spoke, "And that is, sir..?".

"Let us not discuss it now," came the answer, "I want to know if you are by any chance acquainted with Mr. Bingley?".

Checked by his sudden change of topic Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, "Well yes; I have met him on the occasion, when he was contributing a donation for the centre for children from pathological families and with minor disabilities, which is run by my sister Jane."

And of course when you applied for the job you had no idea he was our partner?With a sarcastic smile to accompany his grave look Darcy answered, "That explains it all," and immediately added, "You are to start off with the secretarial job. Once you get used to the particular language we are using, we will get you some strictly juridical work." Which I doubt will ever happen, maybe some serious work will scare you off, he continued in his thoughts.

Elizabeth silently followed her new employer to his office. She had serious problems gathering her thoughts. Why was he so unpleasant, let's not be euphemistic, why was he so rude? It seemed that she was doomed to spend some time bearing with the man's unpleasant attitude. It really did not matter that much. The most important was the fact that she has finally has got her dream job. Elizabeth supposed she had been very lucky in having to run the interview and her application form with Colonel Fitzwilliam rather than with Mr. Darcy, who as it now seemed has been much more reluctant to see a new person on the job. But after all she had the education and the experience. Her references were more than good. She remembered how her tutor has been disappointed in finding out she did not want to continue her career at the university. But it has been a long time since Elizabeth has felt this urge deep inside to get back to real life and escape from books and theories . She wanted to remind herself why did she choose to study law at the first place, and no Mr. Darcy was able to stop her.

Chapter 3

Darcy, extremely irritated, roamed around his study. He has been putting up with Miss Bennet already for a week. How come this girl does not react to any of his hints about how much harder the job will get with the time? For sure he was more disturbed by her mere presence in the office than he could endure. She did not complain, she told him she did not drink coffee, she did not flirt with the delivery boy, she was good at her job and, she was like a scar that always triggered.

The door suddenly swung open and Caroline Bingley virtually stormed into his office. She was wearing something that looked like a Macbeth's witch costume - black, greyish, multi-layered with some feathers hanging from her arms. Does she always take the great designers seriously? thought Darcy and he said, "Caroline, what a delightful surprise; beautiful as always".

Before he had time to comment further upon her visit she threw her arms around his neck giving him a hug more than generous. However shocked Darcy had been it did not escape his notice that the door was left open and that Miss Bennet was observing the scene with quite a quizzical smile. That certainly brought him to his senses, although it took him some time to untangle from whatever was hanging on Caroline's body. "What brings you so unexpectedly," he commanded.

"I was visiting my brother, but it seems he is in court right now. My dearest Darcy I have had a chance to speak to Charles only yesterday and I am truly devastated by your decision. I am sure I could be of use in here," cried out Caroline trying to figure out the best position of her figure on the sofa at the same time.

"I am sorry to have disappointed you, but unfortunately your brother already took care of everything," explained he...and I guess I should be grateful for that....

"I suppose you are talking about that girl who tried to stop me on my way here? What a complete lack of tact. I do not have a slightest idea where my brother could have established such connections. I bet she does not have the experience needed for the job, after all she looks so young", vexed Caroline raising her voice.

This remark almost made Darcy blush; he clinched his teeth together and closed the door, this is not going to be an easy visit, he thought.

She continued, "Most of them get their career either by being offensive and aggressive or by charming up the boss. Did she already charm you up Darcy ?"

"Certainly not, Caroline. A woman's mind hastily as usual jumps to conclusions before all the arguments are adduced. I would not tolerate such behaviour from any of my employees or close acquaintance; fortunately she is only an apprentice, she will not be here long enough to endanger me - she is free to behave as wild as she wishes or as wild as her good taste will permit. Judging after how she has got in here, I doubt she has any though."

Although usually he was agreeing with Bingley's sister on certain topics, today he was eager to get rid of her. Some time passed before he managed to accomplish that. Anyway it cost him a promise to allow Caroline to redecorate the reception office. He saw her off on her way out and coming back stopped at Elizabeth's desk. "Miss Bennet," he started, feeling quite uneasy after Caroline's comments, "from next week onwards Miss Bingley is going to visit us quite often. She is to redecorate the reception's office. I hope it will not be inconvenient for you?".

"Why should it be?" asked Elizabeth archly.

"Well, I thought you might..," suddenly he was out of words...and this mischievous smile of her. I do not need to explain myself to her, "It is just to let you know to follow her instructions", he finished angrily and with offended looks went back to his office.

Elizabeth was not really concerned about the next week until it finally came and she found out she was to face Miss Caroline Bingley on her own, as Mr. Darcy "suddenly" had to go away on business. The above-mentioned lady was all charity and sweetness when she arrived, but once she has heard the news, she started abusing Elizabeth in the most indignant manner. Even the presence of her own brother in the office could not stop her continuous hints. Tired of the noise of the hammers and drills, Elizabeth transferred herself into Mr. Darcy's office, otherwise she would not have been able to work. She excused herself from helping Caroline to choose the right colours, "I am certainly not qualified for such a job, and your experience as well as taste much exceed mine." At last on hearing this, Bingley's sister started addressing Elizabeth every half an hour instead of every fifteen minutes.

Although she would not expect this, the office was empty without her employer. Fitzwilliam and Bingley have been charming as usual but somehow Lizzy liked challenges.... She did not have any problems in dealing with the cases he was usually handling, but it would be better to know that he is near to give his advice when needed. The stacks of papers covering his vast desk were diminishing at quite a high rate. She had prepared a couple of open contracts and drafted express trust and finally she was free for the weekend.

Chapter 4

Jane was pacing nervously around the room, "Elizabeth I just do not know what to do. Mr. Bingley has been such a great help, if it was not for the money he donated I would have to close down the kindergarten and it would simply break my heart. I thought it not a bad idea to let kids do some drawings and invite him to see what his money is spent for and now he has invited me and six of the kids to his residence for the whole weekend!!!!".

Elizabeth smiled and decided to tease her a bit, "Jane, you sweet creature, what are you afraid off? It is simply an act of generosity from the sponsor."

"That is the whole point about this situation, Elizabeth, until now even if somebody gave me the money, getting to know the children was the last thing they would do. And now not only Mr. Bingley came personally to spend some time with them, but he also has given this invitation...." cried out Jane.

"So what seems to be the problem?" asked her younger sister, "previously men used to give you the money for the kindergarten and expected you to throw yourself into their arms; this one at least is taking the whole situation seriously, he cares and does exactly what anyone really interested in the well being of children would do."

The answer came in a bit of a shaky voice, "It is just that the first time someone has taken my work seriously, someone appreciates the effort I am putting in it....".

Her sister was of a sharp wit and knew straight away what Jane was trying not to say, "Therefore you felt a bit inclined towards Mr. Bingley, not because of his money, but because of his attitude and real interest in your problems."

"Oh, Lizzy, are you implying a situation that simply cannot happen, he is to remind a generous donor only. It is true, that he is very amiable and I cannot deny that I am very pleased with meeting such a man, but as you have said, he is seriously concerned about the children and I shall not wish for it to be otherwise. Enough of this dwelling upon impossibilities, how was your week?"

Elizabeth sighed, "Strange is not a word good enough to describe it. It has been a pleasure to meet Colonel Fitzwilliam, not to mention Mr. Bingley, who is all sweetness, but Mr. Darcy is a real puzzle. He is an excellent lawyer, no doubt, but he is so officious and reserved, besides that I guess he does not rank female lawyers too high. I was told to start off with secretarial job and get accustomed to the "specific language"!!!! At least he does not flirt with me, as it happened when I first tried to get a job. There is one thing that disturbed me enormously though, the very first day I have arrived to the office Mr. Darcy enquired if I knew Charles Bingley, and when I affirmed, he said it explained it all. I was so puzzled I did not know what to think of it. By the way, my dear Jane, no matter how pleasant and well bred Mr. Bingley might seem, it is not going to improve my opinion of his sister, Caroline. She is the most obnoxious person I have ever met, full of pretensions of upper class, either condemning everything you say or taking it for granted, depending on your birth certificate."

"I am sure she cannot be that bad, maybe she is simply insecure?" questioned Jane, "In any case I shall find out myself this weekend. I wanted to ask you to go with me to help out with the children, but I shall not trouble you, as Caroline is supposed to be there as well."

"Dearest sister, this is the only thing that could convince me to go with you. I do not intend to let you face this hail cloud all by yourself, besides I want you to have a chance to get acquainted better with you donor and I have some idea how absorbing your little angels can get".

"What the hell is HE doing here? He is supposed to be on a business trip!!!" called out Elizabeth on seeing Mr. Darcy together with Mr. Bingley approaching the van she has just parked in front of the entrance to residence. His surprise almost equaled hers.

Darcy has been very eager to get to know this Jane Bennet whose name seemed to sound in every conversation he has had with Bingley in past weeks. What he did not expect was his own employee and six children from four to six years old. She looked differently than in the office, Ha, the immortal suit is gone, I was already doubting if she ever wears skirts. Elizabeth on her side was very eager to get to know Charles Bingley, in order to determine if he was good enough for her oversensitive sister. What she did not expect was her own employer to be present. Incredible, he actually possesses some other clothes than suits and not always strangles himself with a tie. Necessary introductions have been made and Bingley has ordered the whole party to the house. Elizabeth carefully picked up from a seat a four year old girl who fell asleep on their way. She realised she was being observed quite closely and did not like a single jot of it. She decided she is not going to be intimidated and with a sweet smile she has transferred the girl straight into arms of surprised Darcy, claiming other children are going to need her attention in the new environment.

Chapter 5

"Mr. Bingley, I am sure you are conscious of the fact that most of these children come from middle income families. Some of them are very wealthy, but most will be overwhelmed by what surrounds them here, so please do not draw any false conclusions. In spite of their young age they already know that these are feelings that count the most. They do not only want toys and candies, they also want someone to play with them and instead of candies eat the dinner together," Jane attempted to explain some of her doubts to Bingley.

"I am mainly conscious of the fact that you are devoting your time and you are giving them the feelings they were deprived of", came an answer followed with a warm smile. "Please do not be alarmed, I know what obligations fall on me as your host. I think it would not be a bad idea to give kids some refreshments and let them rest for a while. The maids will call us when they awake."

Meanwhile Darcy shifted the girl to the other arm, tenderly patted her on the back and asked Elizabeth, "shall we go?"

Elizabeth stood quite speechless for some time, before she has regained her self control. She was ashamed of herself, how could she possibly think of using children to revenge herself on him? All right, he considered her to be good enough to work for him, he condemned her conduct to Caroline and hurt her pride but she had no right to involve the children. This weekend is not going to be based on employer - employee relationship. All this had to be left behind the gates of the residence.

After a short dispute the sisters agreed to take shifts with the children, at least for Friday afternoon and night. That is why Elizabeth had been having her dinner with Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy and Caroline Bingley alone. She was happy that Jane did not have to go through this mortifying experience. Caroline had been simply unbearable, digging deep down in the connections of the Bennet's family.

"So, Miss Bennet, you say lawyers have quite a history in your family?"

"I would not dare say so, Miss Bingley. My uncle, Mr. Philips is with Scotland Yard. He has been with them for over 20 years. I am sure I would not call it either history or law as you put it."

With a very confident smile Caroline addressed HER favourite guest, "Darcy, I believe your family also has long practice in law?"

"You are right Caroline, my great grandfather was paying services to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council."

"Pray, tell me, Miss Eliza, how did you get involved in law?"

As civil as nerves could endure, she answered, "I did not have any previous inclinations to study law. I simply have decided that it is the most humanistic of studies I could take up, giving me the broadest possibilities for the future."

"And your sister?"

"Oh, Jane is doing what she always wanted to do. It also goes along with her character to help those in need."

For a change Miss Bingley decided to amuse the rest of the party, "I could never imagine getting involved in something I am not really interested in. I like doing things with passion, giving it my best. It always has to be something extraordinary, I get bored with the everyday matter so easily."

"But Miss Bingley, That might be tiresome. Certainly one has to enjoy and live every day as it is the last one, but there is so much to be found in the usual course of things. Some people simply do not have merits enough to live their lives the way you do, their comfort is to be found in the small things that they can encompass," exclaimed Elizabeth.

Bingley felt obliged to intrude in the conversation to help out his guest, "As far as I am concerned, I do not really care about living my life the way Caroline suggested. It wears you out too much."

"Your being a lawyer denies it", said Darcy, "You have to admit it is important to put proper attention to work where it is needed. Some things simply cannot be neglected, Whether you like it or not the nature of the obligations of your everyday life does not always allow you to indulge yourself in them with pleasure and you must simply bear them."

"That I do not doubt you carry out excellently, but I guess you are one of the very few people I know in person who not only bear it but also manage to derive some pleasure of it", hinted Bingley.

"You have to try harder than that, Bingley, to discourage me. I simply do not let myself forget about certain things and I am happy about that," he replied.

Although it had been quite a scene to observe Bingley disagreeing with Darcy, Elizabeth decided that there was no point in dwelling further on the subject. She raised from behind the table and excused herself in order to attend Jane and the children.

On the way to the nursery her mind pondered upon Darcy's words. What a stiff figure he is, believing he is always right. There are more important things in life than sticking with "the obligations of the society" you live in. I bet, his life has been so comfortable until now that he did not even have time to consider the restraints it brings on some whose fate has been less fortunate than his own.

Part II

Chapter 6

The visitors had settled themselves comfortably enough and after a delicious meal were pleasantly indulged in the old nursery room. Jane decided it would be nice to take a stroll in the surrounding garden. She came back with Bingley who had prepared a surprise for them. They took to the stables where an open carriage waited for them. Accompanied by four children Bingley and Jane fitted into it. Elizabeth declined the invitation to join them, deciding to take two shyer kids for a walk. Two of Bingley's greyhounds escorted them with a great joy. Dry leaves rustled quietly under their feet. The deep violet of the sky and the whiteness of the clouds were bloodied by the sunset. Calmed down, the boys started chatting with their guardian. Soon the three of them were playing with the dogs. At the present moment Elizabeth was as happy as she could be. No wonder she took the liberty of following James' and Brian's example, and started throwing at them and up in the sky piles of freshly fallen leaves. Tired of this the company rested themselves and quietly observed the sun set, while Elizabeth was picking up different leaves to her bouquet, describing each leaf and the tree it came from to the boys.

At a certain distance Caroline, satisfied with what she saw was bugging Darcy, in order to undermine further his opinion of a certain lady, "I dare say this is not behaviour one could expect from a serious, well bread woman. I hope such things do not happen too often in the office. Your clients might soon drop out one by one like those leaves."

"I would rather say that some of them would visit my office too often if there was such an amusement to be found," smiled Darcy.

"Am I to understand you approve of behaviour and conduct?"

"Not at all," came the answer but otherwise Darcy remained silent occupied with his own thoughts. Caroline whose revengeful nature had not been fully satisfied resolved they should venture back. At the path's crossing they met with Elizabeth, James and Brian who were very delighted, although a bit dirty, and carried a bunch of gold, copper and red leaves each. They handed them to Elizabeth and ran after the dogs.

"Miss Bennet, would you care to join us?" inquired Darcy surprisingly politely and Elizabeth has found herself unable to refuse.

Meanwhile James and Brian snuck up from the back and threw a handful of leaves at Caroline. For a moment the whole party stood shocked. One quick look at Darcy showed Elizabeth that his face muscles have been all strained from trying to lock out laughter. Caroline's favourite "witch like" costume composed extremely well with the leaves.

Darcy finally managed to speak, "Quite an artistic concept, my dear". He looked into Elizabeth's eyes and they both just burst out laughing. Caroline did not appreciate it and was ready to let out her anger to the boys. Darcy quickly checked her by kneeling down in front of the boys to enquire why did they do it.

"Well", said Brian hesitantly, "When we were playing, Miss Bennet said it was like bathing. We wanted Miss Bingley to take a bath as well."

"Certainly I am forced to take a real bath now", snorted Caroline.

"You will get away with it this time, but remember boys, never do such a thing to someone who does not expect it," instructed them Darcy. The boys then ran towards the carriage, whose passengers apparently were on their way back as well.

"Miss Eliza, do you always allow such things to happen with children under your custody?" coldly asked Caroline.

"I am most grieved about what has happened, Miss Bingley. I hope you are not going to be harsh on boys."

"Boys! Spoiled little brats, that is what they are. They should be punished." cried out she.

"Miss Bingley, they are not criminals, they come from pathological families where nobody pays them any attention and if they do it is with pitiful results. It took Jane's biggest effort to bring them to be so open, more than they will ever be with their own parents. I do not intend to undermine what my sister has achieved so far just to put them back in the cage. If you will excuse me now, I will see that "the brats" do not ruin anything in the house", proclaimed Elizabeth and she ran after the boys.

Once Caroline managed to close her mouth she uttered, "So it is all my fault? What a complete lack of decency and responsibility!!!! This is supposed to be a gentleman's daughter. Darcy do not even try to say anything! I have had enough for now."

Chapter 7

Later that night, when the kids had been finally settled to sleep, Jane went to the living room to apologise once more for the boys. "The victim" was all sweetness and courtesy; Oh no, of course it did not matter, it was just an old gown by Galiano, out of fashion any way... Jane joined Elizabeth in the bed room to share with her doubts about the propriety of the situation.

"Lizzy, this was a Galiano dress!!! We could not afford to pay back for it! Miss Bingley has been so kind about the whole affair."

"Jane, do not get paranoid! The boys only threw a handful of leaves at her. I cannot appreciate her forgiveness because there is nothing she could forgive us. Even Mr. Darcy, to my surprise, treated the whole situation with a laugh."

"But what must she think of us?"

"I assure you there is but one thing we can do to improve her opinion of us, and that is to disappear from this house as soon as possible."

"She has been treating me with such a civility that I cannot think it possible!"

"Maybe, but no doubt she has on her mind the regard and partiality her brother has shown towards you. We might be gentleman's daughters but we have neither fortune nor connections that could appeal to her and tempt her to at least pretend."

They were brought up the same way, but the differences of tempers of two sisters have been exceedingly noticeable. Elizabeth hoped that Jane's naiveté was not going to make her suffer in the future, just as Jane was hoping Elizabeth's criticism would not deprive her of the faith in a man.

Meanwhile in the living room Caroline unsuccessfully tried to distract Darcy from a letter he was writing to his sister.

There were more convenient ways of communication, but Georgiana always claimed that the letters were indemnity for his long absence. Although they had parted only a few days ago, more eagerly than ever he indulged himself in the correspondence. After last year's accident, he tried to tighten the bond between himself and his sister. He wanted not only to be her guardian but also her confidant. Miss Bingley's raptures over the events of the day forced him eventually to put the letter aside. He treated himself to a glass of wine and walked towards the window. He stood there for a while gazing at the garden before he realised he was being questioned by the lady.

".... how many more evenings are we to spend in such a dull manner and in such a company?"

"What exactly do you mean Caroline? If I am not mistaken there are only the two of us in the room...," he saw that she did not get the one-liner in what he said and returned to his usual serious tone, "Forgive me for not executing my duties as your companion. I have neglected you for writing a letter to Georgiana."

"Did you not think Miss Bennet looked today like a savage when we have met her in the park?"

Taken by a surprise Darcy said, "Indeed you are wrong, I thought she looked rather well. Her complexion had been coloured and her eyes brightened by the exercise."

Almost all her life Caroline Bingley wanted to be distinguished, noticed and agreed with. One has to admit that she was bringing her schemes to life with a certain degree of proficiency, manipulating people as much as she wished, but Darcy was the last person she could execute her power on. Because Caroline was vain, she decided to keep some standard in her pursuing. She was almost sure of him and now this. It was time to go under arms. She did not realise that her voice was reaching unpleasant pitching tone, "Am I to understand that you do approve of such a behaviour and conduct? Then why not give up Georgiana to her custody?"

"Caroline, I do not approve of such behaviour, I have already said that, but sometimes I wish Georgiana were not so restrained and were more self confident. Maybe Miss Bennet's conduct is not entirely right, but at least she has the confidence of her own mind and opinion which I would so dearly like to see my sister execute."

"Considering the fact that Miss Bennet's prime concern is keeping her job, I suppose there is no place for such a comparison. Georgiana does not have to engage the attention of her employer with whatever means she finds suitable."

On seeing his suspicious look Caroline thought it better to be silent on the subject of Elizabeth Bennet. She decided to recommend herself better by taking an eager interest in his sister. She always thought her a bit too shy and a bit too silent for her age. Such features in someone so young are exceedingly unsettling - one has to be on guard all the time. Nonetheless it did not disturb her to praise all Georgiana's accomplishments. It is a strange thing but we all like to be praised and hear praises even from the mouth of the people we do not have in high esteem. Therefore Darcy listened with pleasure, after all, he had his share in Georgiana's bringing up. He did not listen for a long time though when he started realising the impropriety and obsequiousness of Caroline words. He thanked her on Georgiana's behalf and wished her good night.

Chapter 8

Elizabeth sighed with a relief when she closed the garage door behind her. It was Saturday afternoon and it seemed to be the longest weekend of her life. When they woke up in the morning they had been alarmed by one of the children not feeling quite well. Without a minutes hesitation Bingley called a doctor. It turned out to be a flu of not a serious nature, but all the same, Jane was devastated; everything seemed to be going wrong. Some of the families were very reluctant in allowing their children to participate in the program at all, if this flu turned into something more serious, it could just give them another argument against the centre. Knowing how stressed she was, Bingley administered to her every wish. Elizabeth was very content to see Jane so admired and attended to. To help her out she decided, together with Bingley that she would take the sick child home, together with two others who seemed to be most likely to be conveyed with the flu. Mama' would be really proud of me. It was a fact well known that Mrs. Bennet would not rest until at least some of her daughters were married. The times when one would do so for money were supposed to be gone, but fortune had played a trick on Bennet sisters, giving them a mother who seemed not to take notice of the fact and also had aspirations too big for the means. Their father was a gentleman and she would not endure them being "deprived" of the rightful position in the society. It was most fortunate that Mama' did not oppose us going to work, although I suppose she thought it rather a good occasion to catch a husband.

The kids were back with their families, Jane was well taken care of, Caroline far from sight as well as Mr. Darcy, although the last one not for long. There was a very limited possibility of anything spoiling the leftovers of the weekend. She climbed the copper, heavily ornamented stairs to their flat, which was just above the centre. She noticed that the leaves of the ivy entwining the stairs were turning red. The balcony armchair looked too tempting and Elizabeth could not refuse herself the pleasure of staying in the sun with a book. Her rest was interrupted by sudden appearance of her intimate friend, Charlotte Lucas. Elizabeth's vivacity has been well balanced by the serenity and logic of her friend, but the news that the former had communicated seemed to disturb that balance eminently.

"Mr. .... Mr..... Collins? Charlotte, do you know what are you talking about? Marry him?"

"Dearest Lizzy, please do not fret so much. I have been brought up this way. Even if I wished I could never earn my living. Education is a real fancy when you have eight siblings. Of course my father could afford sending me to school, but I knew I was of immensely greater use at home. You are familiar with this saying "work dignifies"? If I am to become a baby sitter I want them to be my own children. I do not have your beauty, disposition and determination to wait and refuse."

"Charlotte, I did not mean to offend..., to hurt you. If this is what you really want I shall be happy for you, but by consenting to a marriage of prudence you gathered all your wit to commit the most insane and frantic act you could commit.* "

"Do you really consider it impossible for Mr. Collins to address his feelings to me? You see, Lizzy, no matter what happens I know I can manage to live as parson's wife. He will always esteem and value me, maybe not always for the sort of qualities I would like to be valued for, but he will be showing me his continuous regard. I may say I deserve it, for with so many brothers and sisters there has never been enough of it for me. Each, even the most insipid and dependent life has its fictitious dignities, its future privileges and liberties for which it is worth fighting for and valuable.* "

Elizabeth did not know what to answer, once Charlotte took the decision there was no way of persuading her.

"Common now, Mr. Collins attempts to please everybody are his way of fighting for the meaning in life. His obsequious civility and manners might prove to be a source of my quiet enjoyment in this marriage", she tried to cheer up Elizabeth.

............."But for how long Charlotte, for how long?"....................

Elizabeth felt depressed after Charlotte's departure. There was nothing in the entire universe that could possibly force her into matrimony of this sort. Who knows, I might change my mind once I approach thirty...No, that will never happen, I promised papa last year after pitiful attempts by Mr. Collins that such a thought will never even come to consideration. I wish I could do something to save Charlotte from that plight...

The remains of the weekend passed without further disturbances except a certain degree of anticipation how things between Jane and Bingley were turning out. Her sister was back on Sunday evening and although she tried to retain her usual composure she could not hide the pleasure Bingley's company gave her. They are simply made for each other, thought Elizabeth looking out of the window just to catch a glimpse of the two at the house yard. Her heart was pained though - first Charlotte, now Jane, I shall soon be left all by myself. They would remain the most dear creatures, but she would have to share them with someone else, there would be no more such confidence and penitence. Elizabeth knew it would be cheating on her own not to admit that she longed for the feeling as well, the union in which you are not any longer the mistress of yourself, but you are the mistress of the whole new world.

Chapter 9

With some precocity Elizabeth waited to face one of her employers on Monday and she was not surprised to find him as grim and reserved as before the weekend. Obviously only the Bingleys have been worth the effort of acting decorous. He avoided meeting her as much as he could. There was some constraint between the two and nothing could be done. In such restrained manner almost two months had passed.

Autumn was replaced by crispy winter air and frost on the trees and remnants of the grass. Heavy clouds signified snow storms were to come soon. Although everything seemed to be quite all right, Elizabeth knew the detonator clock was running out of time. And finally, the bomb blew off.

"Miss Bennet, where are the papers from my desk?"

"I moved them last week during your absence, sir."

"And pray, tell me, where did you move them?"

"To the table by the window."

"You moved them all, then?"

"Yes, certainly."

"And maybe you are in power to tell me what has happened with Mr. Dashwood's dossier?"

"I have requested an ex parte inspection order from the court on Friday.* "

"And by whom were you authorised to do so? Do you know what consequences this might bring? I already knew you usually do as you please, but this is my office and I decide on your share of the work. This is much too serious case for you to deal with. The smallest mistake might ruin the man's reputation, not to mention the work of many months," Darcy seemed to enjoy himself immensely, finding a fault in her. He looked like he was to continue, but before he managed to, he was interrupted.

"With all due respect, sir, the apprenticeship in the legal profession that I have already had entitles me to recognise such cases with a certain degree of proficiency. Besides that one was truly a classic example of ex parte inspection order. If you are afraid that my engagements at the university drew me away from practice, you are then mistaken. On signing my contract with Colonel Fitzwilliam, I certainly was not conscious of the fact you were hiring a secretary not a lawyer," she turned around and run out of his office.

On signing a contract with Fitzwilliam? What the hell has he got to do with it? He said he never saw her application. He claimed it was Bingley who had sent her here. Darcy started remembering that Fitzwilliam was acting quite strange when he was inquiring him about Miss Bennet. Now he felt obliged to go after her and find out what was happening in this damn office.

She was not to be found, but her file was concealed under pack of chocolate in Richard's desk. He opened it and started reading. Miss Elizabeth Bennet, born October 21, 1973 in Longbourn, the family estate...Good grief, the connections she has would certainly not recommend her for the job. He skipped some paragraphs and got to what really interested him - last three years. As he was proceeding through the accounts of her apprenticeship and the university engagements, he had major difficulties with retaining his composure. Some time later, the cheerful Colonel appeared in the sight.

"Where does that look come from, William?"

"I am going to a funeral," came sharp remark.

Colonel's consternation was evident, "Whose?!!!"

"Yours. And if you explain to me what was happening here over past to months, I might consider bringing you flowers!!!"

Fitzwilliam looked around and noticed that Miss Bennet was missing. He gasped, "You mean Elizabeth?"

"I see you are on quite good terms with the lady to call her that. Of course I am not talking of the ceramic elephant that Caroline managed to stick at the entrance! Who is she - a lawyer - I suppose?"

"Oh, you know!"

"Apparently not enough - she is a fully qualified lawyer that I have turned into a secretary. Nobody has seen her application, but Bingley knows her well enough to invite her over for a weekend, and she manages to sign a contract with the two of you..."

"Common, we knew you would never take her as a partner in the precious office of ours without her having proper acquaintances. She was too good to just let her go. I resolved to tell you that she is an apprentice and once you saw how good she is, I wanted to tell you the truth. Bingley was convinced you knew about the whole affair."

"And I am to believe that? Knowing you always fall for a nice pair of legs?"

"Darcy in case you did not notice, she never wore a skirt in the office. Her suits are cut in such a way that I can only imagine what her legs look like. Though she must be a piece in a dress."

"I can assure you she is."

"And how do YOU know that?"

"She has spent part of weekend with her sister at Bingley's, I have told you already. I have made a complete blockhead of myself today, and it is all because you did not feel like informing me she is not an apprentice!"

"If you were not acting your socks off , it would not have happened. I must hurry to the court now and I believe you need to apologise to someone. Think it over, cousin. She is in the photocopying room," and he was gone.

The door silently opened and Darcy saw Elizabeth bent over a photocopying machine. He approached her and forced a little cough, "Miss Bennet, I...". He did not manage to say more for she has turned violently on hearing his voice, forgetting about an open can of toner she was holding in her hands. With a terror in her eyes she watched the cloud of black dust spread all over his shirt and elegant suit. This time he did not have to force the cough - he was choking well enough by himself.

"I .....I......," she was truly out of words. Inside she could just groan quietly, God, please, I cannot laugh out now, I have offended him well enough today.

Once he managed to draw a breath he claimed, "I guess we are even now?" He was indeed very eager for this "show" to finish. Whatever he tried to do that concerned the lady, he always made a fool out of himself. He went straight to the point, "I am sorry for my conduct. I hope you will forgive me as neither of us is void of faults."

"Your fault is propensity to hate everybody," answered Elizabeth, as for her, his apologies did not seem quite to the point, Why did he bother at all?

"And yours is to willfully misunderstand them," Darcy was decided she should not have the last word, but now the very instance that the words slipped his mouth he regretted loosing his temper. It was evident from the way that Miss Bennet raised her eyebrow that it did not really matter to her what was his opinion of her. There was an awkward silence for a moment on both parts. Becoming quite uneasy Darcy resolved, "I guess I should change. I hope you will get back to work soon. I will see that your things will be moved to the room next to Colonel's."

As he proceeded to the door, he met with Caroline who came to "inspect" her brother and his friends. She was eager to express her joy of meeting him more elaborately, but seeing his ruined clothes she decided to keep away and scorn him for such sojourn. If it has such an effect on Caroline, I might ask Elizabeth to do it every day. With a sudden alarm he realised what he has just called her - since when was she Elizabeth to him?

Chapter 10

Jane and Elizabeth settled themselves comfortably on the couch, dressed in extremely stretched T-shirts and shorts. Elizabeth was sitting with a bowl of ice cream with salted peanuts and M&M's. It was obvious that something has been eating her up.

"I was completely right. He is a proud, disagreeable man who does not care for anyone below "his" standards. I could easily forgive him that, if it was not for the fact that he so openly slights others while being most pleasant towards people who do not deserve it on any other merits than money. You should have seen him talking to some of his clients. I wonder if he ever has any doubts towards his clients' morality, for some of them would not necessarily deserve to be described as honest."

Despite how it might have appeared to Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth did think a lot about him, even if she would not admit it. If it were otherwise, she would have got over "his resentful manner and offenses" a long time ago. Anyway she could not help but laugh at what happened in the office today.

"Jane, all that crap about being self critical! It is all nonsense, I dare say, and he is the best proof of it. He says he criticises himself, but just wait to see his face if anybody takes the critique up! 'I do have faults,'" Elizabeth was mocking his serious tone, "For sure, in the future I will not miss any opportunity to disclose them to him. He is definitely too self confident."

"His behaviour could be misinterpreted, Elizabeth. Everything that seems to be a fault to you might be a virtue to others", Jane got in her usual tone of justifying everybody. "After all he is such a good friend of Mr. Bingley."

"I can assure you it is worth his pains to keep a friend like Bingley. Enough of that, have you heard from Longbourn?"

The younger sister changed the topic, unconscious of the fact that Jane would not mind her dwelling a bit longer on Mr. Bingley and how he looked and what he did in the office. She gets to see him everyday... She sighed, "Yes, our parents are coming over to see Lydia and Kitty perform with their school Jazz Dance Group in the "_______ theatre". Mama' promised the girls they could stay over two more days with us."

"Just great. Right before your charity ball! In case of any problems we can always pretend they are part of your 'Difficult children' program." said Elizabeth with a mischievous smile.

"Lizzy! You know as well as I do that they have nothing to do in Hertfordshire. They consider London an Eden of diversions."

"I rather wonder how Lydia and Kitty manage to get suspended only once a term. There is but one rule for them and that is there are no rules", came arched reply.

"This I cannot deny", cried out Jane.

Mr. an Mrs. Bennet were endowed with 5 daughters, which seemed more that enough at times. With Jane and Lizzy out of their parents home, it was not any easier, especially for Mr. Bennet. He found his ways of managing the situation, mainly by sending the three younger daughters to a boarding school. He was able to do so, for the older ones won scholarships and were able to support themselves. This movement provided Mr. Bennet with a certain degree of peace which he could use for his literature studies. On occasion he regretted the move however - mainly when he was summoned to see the headmaster at least twice a month, as well when Lydia and Kitty were spending quite long periods of time at home, being suspended. The third of the sisters, Mary was rarely at home. Just to differentiate herself from the sisters, rather than for particular love of science, she was always staying over at school enjoying herself in the laboratory. This was yet another reason for the headmaster to call upon Mr. Bennet. Since Mary joined physics and chemistry classes, the amount of broken laboratory glass and wasted materials almost tripled. She had the interest, but she did not have the talent for it - each experiment had to be repeated at least three times and it usually did not lead her to any constructive conclusions. Anyway, as long as she did enjoy it and as long as she could not get her hands on any dangerous chemicals, Mr. Bennet was more than satisfied.

The performance at the theatre was supposed to be the usual meeting of dance groups from different high schools, mainly families were to be present. For Mrs. Bennet it would provide simply indisputable opportunity of checking up on her daughters and making a splash with the performance of the two younger as well as with her new gown. Oh, there would be so much to talk about in the bridge club in Longbourn.

"Let us hope Lydia and Kitty will limit their performance to the stage." Jane must have been really concerned if she let herself to admit that their probable conduct worried her.

No surprise, she has been working herself up to prepare that ball, thought Elizabeth and resolved to cheer her up.

"Maybe if we promise them something really cool...."

"Spice Girls concert?"

"Jane, can you guarantee that "toads" William and Harry will be there? Otherwise I do not think we should be bothered. Too much spice, in my opinion. Lydia herself is like a dynamite. Backstreet Boys would suit her much better."

"Only if she could get back stage, and can you guarantee this?" Jane mocked her and finally laughed.

"Thank God this is absolutely beyond our possibilities", said Elizabeth licking out the emptied bowl.

Jane smirked, "Do you think it beyond your possibilities to restrain from ice cream and chocolate for some time? I do not want to hear any whining from someone about not fitting into her clothes right before the ball." Jane being tall and slender by nature was supposed to restrain her younger sister's love for strange combinations of sweets, like ice cream with salted peanuts*.

Part III

Chapter 11

Darcy stopped in amazement on entering the office - on the desk that Elizabeth Bennet used too occupy stood a beautiful vase filled with red roses. He quickly looked around but nobody was there. Who could have delivered them and for whom?He could not resist the temptation of reading the attached note. He did so and froze in shock. The flowers were for Miss Bennet from Colonel Fitzwilliam. The note read:

Dear Elizabeth,

Please forgive me for not informing Mr. Darcy about your actual position in the office and everything that occurred because of this misunderstanding. I have admired your work over these two months. I hope all that what has happened will be soon forgotten. You have my highest, continuous regard and admiration for the work you are carrying out and not only...

Yours Faithfully, Richard Fitzwilliam

What could he possibly mean? He is not.....or is he? The hell, I cannot even ask him about it. It was Fitzwilliam's turn to take pains with his brother David in Scotland.

The noise of the elevator brought Darcy to his senses. He put the note back, just in time to greet Mrs. Reynolds, who had worked as secretary for his father. She was just back from her long overdue vacation. Finally somebody to keep things straight in this mad house. thought Darcy and said, "You cannot imagine how happy I am to have you back, Mrs. Reynolds."

She gave him a nod and asked, "Was Miss Bennet really that bad? I would not have expected this. She is excellent for the job, at least that was my first impression."

He smiled, "Maybe, but you know, better the devil you know...."

Mr. Reynolds put her hands on her waist, "William Darcy, could you be so kind as to inform me what charges I will face if I accidentally drop this vase on your head?" she exclaimed.

Darcy laughed, she had exactly the same expression when he came over to his father's office as a little kid and he found out she had a solitaire game on her computer. "Instead of abusing me, you might drop them off at Miss Bennet's desk. They are an apology from Richard. He accidentally forgot to tell me that she is a lawyer and there was some misunderstanding."

"Just as I should have expected. I told him you would...," she stopped and gave him a frantic look realising she had revealed she has been part of the plan.

Darcy turned his head in disbelief, "Et tu, Brutus? Come on, sink that knife deeper, twist it around."

The conversation was broken by a telephone ring, so he headed to his office. He could not stop thinking about the flowers. It was most generous of his cousin. He knew Richard liked Elizabeth, he never concealed the fact, but was there more than he had noticed? And why he did not like this feeling? After all, she is quite pretty - not an astounding beauty, but she has the kind of face you would not be tired of soon - it reveals her humour, intelligence and wit. She also has this nicely rounded figure.... almost everything a man could wish for. He checked himself - She also has this nicely empty bank account, nicely hopeless acquaintance and she is letting her sarcastic remarks to come out so nicely from that lips. Oh but what lips they are!!!............. What is happening to me? Can I not control myself any longer?

"William, Miss Bingley on the line, should I put her through?" Mrs. Reynolds's voice came through the intercom.

"Yes, please." Caroline is just the person to cool down my admiration very fast.

Chapter 12

"That is not what I call resentful", called out Jane trying to find her sister behind an enormous bunch of roses, "if you got them from where I suppose you did."

"An apology from Richard Fitzwilliam - he wanted to play a joke on Mr. Darcy and did not tell him I was not an apprentice," Elizabeth buried her face in the flowers and deeply breathed in the intoxicating smell.

"Well, that can certainly explain Mr. Darcy's behaviour," Jane was happy that her presumptions proved right.

"I would not say so, sis'. It is not what he said that angered me, but the manner in which he did it. At least Colonel was bothered to apologise and he meant it."

"He must be a really amiable gentleman, the flowers are beautiful. Do you like him Lizzy?"

"He is the sort of man that could easily become my friend," she avoided a direct answer.

"That is not exactly what I meant."

"I know. He is very understanding, friendly but there is nothing more. I do not fall for the "beach boy" type, you know. The man I could love.....," Elizabeth's eyes were fixed on some distant point behind the window, "I have to have enough reasons to respect him, to value his opinions as highly as my own, and probably you will not believe this, but I want to look up to him. If I do not get the feeling of him being a part of me - then it is not "The Real Thing". I am sure I will know when it happens. Till then, I might take you jogging. Maybe someone suitable will stroll on our way." Elizabeth finished arranging flowers in the vase and expectantly looked at Jane, "are you coming?"

Jane could only whine, "Lizzy there are some things about you that I will never understand and going jogging in the middle of winter is one of them."

So Elizabeth set off as usual to "_________ park" by herself. The first man that strolled on her way was none other than William Darcy, who looked like a professional athlete, rather than respected lawyer. She was so surprised that she tripped on the tree root sticking out of the ground. He was immediately by her side.

"Miss Bennet, you are not hurt? Let me see to your leg!" The legs are also very nice!

Why him? "No, sir I believe I am all right, it will be just a bruise." She was out of breath.

"Can you stand up? Let me support you."

She was almost a head shorter than Mr. Darcy. She tried to straighten up and had to lean against him. "I am sure I will be just fine." He never seemed so big in the office

"Nonsense, I will take you home. I have parked my car at the entrance to the park. I will not take no for an answer," he commanded and it was obvious he was not to change his mind. One of the things that Elizabeth hated most was being ordered around, but she was also reasonable. She knew it would take her at least an hour to reach home and by that time Jane would most probably have started calling hospitals. She accepted the offer.

A black Mercedes SLX 520 was parked nearby. Darcy seated Elizabeth and insisted on examining her leg. He kneeled on the gravel and started inspecting the bruise, he softly touched the delicate skin. Almost unconsciously Elizabeth gave out a hiss, feeling his cold hands. "Does it hurt?" he asked without raising his head.

"Not too much, at least it is not broken or sprained. Some ice will do, for sure." He is so gentle.... "Thank you for taking me home. It would not be nice to limp around in the darkening park, although I know it quite well", Elizabeth hold her breath when he bent over to fasten her seat belt.

"You should not be going by yourself. I have never heard of any accidents over here, but you can never be too cautious." Stop lecturing her, you fool. She is grown up and very, very independent.

"If I would go jogging only when I have someone to accompany me, then I do not think I would exercise more than once a month," she did not seem to be too concerned.

Darcy looked at her for a while and finally started the engine. It murmured like a giant cat and the car slowly joined the traffic. Think of something, quick, your chance to really apologise. "Miss Bennet....."

"Yes?" she looked at him in anticipation.

"I was thinking......I was hoping........if you would by any chance allow me to accompany you to your sister's charity ball on Saturday? Please?" his deep brown eyes almost sank in her face when he was waiting for an answer. Finally, he had to let go to keep them on the traffic.

She hesitated, "I would be very happy to do so, sir, but unfortunately I shall be occupied the whole evening helping Jane. I do not think I would be enough sport for you."

Darcy concealed his disappointment very well, so well that Elizabeth was not sure if she could sense any at all. He spoke again, "Then maybe I could be of service, and at least make sure you get there safely?"

"And what is the scheme behind this proposal?" she was quite suspicious.

"I would only demand your hand for a dance.......that is if you allow......," the traffic lights suddenly changed and he was forced to put on the breaks.

Why me? If he tries to apologise, it is far too late. But then what harm will it do to me? He is my employer, so by refusing I will only strain relationship with him even more. Besides it is something to be seen with such a man, even if he is only giving you a ride., before she had time to realise what she was doing, she has said, "I would be delighted, sir. Thank you very much."

In a short while they have arrived at the back yard of the centre. The lights on the first floor were on, Jane was probably getting worried already. Elizabeth quickly jumped out of the car, "Thank you very much, once more, sir. It was very obliging of you..."

"If you say so, what might I expect in return?" Darcy tried to keep up the easy atmosphere.

"If it is not too bold of me, sir, I would like you to call me by my name. Miss Bennet is so officious and we have known each other for nearly three months already," no matter how friendly and understanding he seemed now, she was not sure how he will react.

"Only if you will call me William, Elizabeth," he answered.

"Are you sure, you do not mind?" she for her part wanted to be assured.

"My reputation will not suffer too much if a young lady addresses me by my name, yes, I am pretty sure of it," he confirmed.

"Thank you again....William, I will see you in the office tomorrow morning."

He answered and she closed the door. She stood in the yard for a while looking in the direction the car while its amazingly enigmatic contents drove off when something suddenly struck her, I did not tell him where to go from the park, I did not give him my address.

Chapter 13

"Lizzy, someone really DID stroll on your path! Who was that?" Jane was very curious to hear the whole story. She looked at Elizabeth and saw that her down-to-earth sister was completely gone, "Earth to Elizabeth. Was he THAT impressive?"

"What? Oh no, it was just William, I mean, Mr. Darcy," it seemed she was not eager to continue.

"And?" Jane hurried her. She observed Mr. Darcy at Bingley's and did not share Elizabeth's opinion of him. He was very taciturn,, but it was his way of concealing his presumed weak points.

"He was jogging in MY park. I fell over a root and he insisted on bringing me home. In return I am to accompany him to your ball and dance with him....once will do, I hope. Oh Lord, why did not I refuse him?" continued Elizabeth, while undressing on her way to the bathroom.

"As if there were another man who would suit you better. Your friends are very nice, but you cannot go to a ball with a friend. Besides your friends would much rather drag you to a tennis or volleyball match. I am sure you are going to enjoy yourself. A ball is all about excitement and I suppose Mr. Darcy can be source of quite an excitement", Jane followed her picking up her clothes.

"In that I will agree with you. Most probably he will say something which will infuriate me at the very beginning. If you consider this an excitement..," the rest of her tirade was lost in the noise of the shower.

Water seems to have this effect of washing away our worries and unpleasant thoughts, and so Elizabeth on quitting the bathroom was in a much more cheerful mood. "Jane, I have been wondering about something. You have quite a lot of work now that there is possibility of developing the centre. I cannot help you as much as I would wish to, so why don't you hire someone?"

"Elizabeth, it is not like we can afford hiring somebody, even if the future seems bright enough. But knowing you, you can come up with something utterly crazy and impossible, and knowing me I will agree to whatever you propose, so tell me."

"I was thinking about Charlotte Lucas."

"Charlotte?!!!!"

"Let me finish. You know just the same as I do that she did that short course on child care, so she will be just fine. The main reason why I want you to hire her is to get her out of filthy hands of Mr. Collins. She does not care about him at all and we must make her realise that there are better things she can expect from life."

"We cannot call off her wedding!"

"No, but we can keep her here as long as possible and if we shake her a bit, she will be calling it off herself. She could live with us and then you would pay her a little less. And you would have more time for yourself and Charles," hinted Elizabeth, "so, what so you say?"

"When is she coming?" asked Jane with a smile.

Elizabeth tried to be a good daughter, but she rarely succeeded in pleasing her over-affectionate mother. She was always being scorned either for being too serious or too playful. As her father did not mind the way she was at all, she decided it was not going to concern her too much either. Therefore when Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, saddled with two of their daughters (the third one announced she was on a brink of discovery of the year and would not quit laboratory), arrived on Tuesday morning she decided they were all going to have a nice time. As the performance at the theatre was scheduled on Thursday evening, that left almost three full days of family happiness. That meant driving Mr. Bennet to the biggest library in London and Mrs. Bennet with Lydia and Kitty to the biggest shops, fashion shows and clubs.

It was by a true coincidence that Mrs. Bennet had no notion whatsoever about Bingley and Jane. In the midst of all that entertainment however, she managed to visit "her Lizzy" in the office. Nothing could prevent her from "accidentally" dropping by, not after she had seen Mr. Darcy's name a couple of times in the newspapers. She remembered he was a bachelor and had quite a fortune - all young women in London were at his feet, but it was Lizzy who worked with him. She just needed a bit of encouragement and advice how to secure him.

"Miss Bennet, there are some ladies to see you", announced Mrs. Reynolds.

"Thank you, I will be right there", replied Elizabeth Who can it be? I have no appointments for 12.30. Right at that moment she heard Lydia and Kitty arguing very loudly over the outfits they were to wear during the show.

"Lizzy this is just magnificent. Your own office and such a boss. I am really proud of you, my child," burst out Mrs. Bennet.

In an instant Elizabeth's desk was covered with packs, bundles, parcels, plastic and paper bags with the names of designers and shops from High Street. "We wanted to treat you with a lunch, but we have spent all our money on these super-cool dresses. I am telling you, not a single girl in the school dresses as we do," Kitty and Lydia were ready to try on their dresses in the middle of her office.

"I have never doubted that," smiled Elizabeth.

"So where is he? Is he really as handsome as Jane told me? I have never approved of your going to the university and becoming a lawyer, but now I can see your scheme - get yourself a good job and position and you can choose as much as you wish."

"That was never my motive, mother!"

"Oh, nonsense! Of course it was, otherwise, why would you waste all that time reading books! Jane I can understand. Charity is something a woman with a class can devote her time to and she gets in the path of really rich man, but you?" Mrs. Bennet was getting into one of her "high class hysteria" moods.

"What would you say for a lunch at "_________"?, Elizabeth interrupted the usual raptures.

Lydia and Kitty were very eager to go out again and they were already by the door.

"Oh Lizzy, your scheme is working out quite fine, but you have to secure him somehow," sighed Mrs. Bennet approaching the door. Elizabeth stayed behind to collect her things. She was about to leave when she has heard her mother speaking to someone.

"Mr. Darcy, I assume?" - on hearing her mother she stiffened and a cold shiver went down her spine Did he hear what she said? She ran to avoid any further exposure, Mama will be just fine, but I am not sure if he will survive this crash.

On hearing Elizabeth's steps Darcy broke away from Mrs. Bennet, who looked as if she was casting a spell on him, and coldly told her daughter, "MISS BENNET, I trust it will not take long. We have a court meeting in two hours." And to Mrs. Bennet, "It was ...pleasure... to meet you, madam." He gave them a nod and drifted towards his office.

"I will be on time, sir," assured Elizabeth Ha, now that he has met my family, I am Miss Bennet again, it must have been worse than his expectations, she grinned to her mother, but somehow it looked as if she was chewing a lemon.

Darcy's complexion paled, there was fury in his eyes, You are a complete fool, Darcy. She had planned this whole thing, getting the job, getting offended, playing innocent and pure, so that you would feel like an idiot and run to apologise her. Good that her mother is not a wit, she has saved me from getting into deep trouble. He could not calm himself down, and just imagine I almost believed her. How deceiving a women can be. I still have to go to the ball with her. Now that I know what is she up to, it will not be a problem. I will pretend everything is just normal and see how she will act.

Chapter 14

It was the Friday before the ball that two of the Bennet's girls saw their family safely to the train station. The parents were going back to Hertfordshire to the library and the bridge club, and the younger sisters were triumphantly going back to their boarding school. Because of their success at the Meet, they would be in centre of everybody's attention for the next two months, so Elizabeth predicted they would get suspended again in about three months time. With their minds focused on the upcoming ball, the two elders did not feel the loss too severely.

"Jane! What should I wear?"

"I thought you decided last week?"

"I cannot put on this dress! It is not good enough for him!" Elizabeth was recklessly trying to put her curly hair in order, "Maybe the black one?"

"Yes, the colour suits your complexion and the cut does justice to your figure."

"Are you sure it is not too extravagant?"

Jane groaned, "Do you remember Caroline's dress? You look like a nun in comparison to her. Should I put on the green taffeta dress?"

"Please do. If Charles did not fall in love till now, he will not have much choice," laughed Lizzy.

Jane blushed but obediently pulled out the green dress.

Darcy pulled over at the building housing the centre on the ground floor and the Bennet sisters on the first floor., Why the hell am I so excited? This evening is supposed to put her back on the right track. He got out of the car and went towards the stairs. The door opened before he started going up. She appeared there at the top and the sight took his breath away. She was wearing very simple, long black dress. It was showing her arms off, capitalising the thinness of the waist, it then flowed straight, making him strangely curious of the shapes hidden beneath it. Her hair was only loosely supported at the back, so there were curls and waves nearly everywhere. And her eyes were so radiant as never before. She pulled on a black velvet coat, descended and smiled to him almost shyly, when he reached out to kiss her hand.

"Shall we go?" she asked. In silence he offered her his arm and they proceeded to the car.

The door was closed and Elizabeth realised she was holding her breath from the moment she took his arm. This is not going to work out., she thought, He has got this censuring look; he is going then to ridicule with Miss Bingley about my intolerable company. Besides if I spend more time in his company I might as well suffocate from holding my breath all the time.

"It is a very comfortable car that you have, William," she thought some talking will ease the atmosphere.

He gave her an approving look, "it is quite powerful, there is quite a breast.....beast, I mean beast. In the 3.0 engine, .... beast," he was red of embarrassment.

I wonder what that was supposed to be? thought Elizabeth to herself.

After a few minutes drive, he spoke again, "I hope that by offering my company I did not interfere in any of your prior engagements, Miss Bennet, eghh, Elizabeth?"

"Not at all, in any case I was intending to go alone", she calmly answered.

"How come? It is hardly believable you would lack a partner either for a life or a ball."

"Maybe, but I understand a great deal by a proper partner."

Yeah, I can easily believe you set your standards high "Pray, tell me then." He commanded.

Elizabeth saw that he was going to reject anything she would say anyway, so she took the risk I DO want to see your face when you hear this! and with mischievous smile recited:

"He, who wants me to love him, can never be dreary,
And must be able to lift me high up in his arms.

He, who wants me to love him, sits on the bench for hours,
Attentively observing maggots and ants.

And yet he yawns when funeral passes by
Or when devout crowds cheer in procession.

He knows how to pet a dog,
And to caress me.

He knows how to laugh,
Living his life like a dream...

He knows nothing,
Just like me.

And he stays silent in a delightful darkness.

And he is as far from good
As he is from vexation."*

He was stunned!

She is making fun of me!

Continued In Next Section