Prologue

William's point of view

I don't know what to do anymore. I feel like I have failed my sister. Last summer Wickham tried to harm her. He convinced her that he loved her but he was after revenge and money. I am glad I got to her before anything could happen. I don't know what I would have done if he succeeded in his plans. He had a camera set up to film everything. I found out that he had planned to sell the tape if he couldn't get me to pay him off to keep it hidden. I arrived a day early at Ramsgate and found Georgiana out like a light in her room and her chaperone downstairs with Wickham talking about how long before they thought it would be before the drugs they gave her took effect. I was shocked. It took everything in me not to kill them both right there. I kicked Mrs. Younge out and told her I would inform her employers at the school about her behavior. I then took Wickham aside and hit him until he told me what he did to my little sister and why. Afterwards I locked him in one of the rooms and had one of the servants keep an eye on him while I checked on Georgiana. I was glad that I arrived in time to stop anything from happening but when she finally woke up, she told me that Wickham had been visiting her for weeks and she thought she was falling for him. It broke my heart to see what he did to her and now months later she is still not recovered. She wanted to stay with our aunt and uncle and I am letting her. My aunt told me that she blames herself for the pain I feel and that time apart might help. It is difficult to see this because it has just been the two of us since our dad passed not long ago, but I took her advice. I knew that since I was starting school in a few weeks, I wouldn't see her as much and she needs someone with her right now.

I am not looking forward to school starting. I hate being around a lot of people. The only plus side is that I will be able to see my best friend Charles again. He went out of town for the summer so it has been awhile, but I am not looking forward to seeing his sister Caroline. As soon as she found out I was a Darcy, yes, those Darcys, one of the richest families in California, she has tried to get me to date her but that won't happen. I knew right away she was a gold digger. I only put up with her because of Charles. I don't want to hurt him.

Oh wonderful! Charles just texted me and told me to get dressed. He is dragging me to a party at our sister school. I so don't want to go but I do want to see Charles before school starts so I guess I better go. I don't have to really talk to anyone other than Charles so it should be ok. I will just find a place to hide and read my kindle until he is ready leave.

(At the party)

I hate this. I don't know how to talk to people easily. I think that is why Charles is my best friend. He can. He helps me come out of my shyness a little and I help him with anything he needs. We are more like brothers than friends in that way. I was not surprised when he walked up to the blonde right when we walked into the party. He is still with her after about an hour. I found a couch where I could sit, read, and keep an eye on him. I wonder what is going on now he seems to be heading towards me.

"William, come with me. We are going to another room to watch a few movies with Jane, her sister, and a few of their friends." Charles told me.

"Charles you know how I am in groups I don't know if I can do that without upsetting anyone since I tend to say the wrong things, or nothing at all."

Charles laughed and said, "You will never learn to open up if you don't try. Come on, William Darcy. We will be watching movies so don't worry about talking, just watch the movie and try to have fun."

I reluctantly agreed and followed him. He introduced me to Jane and she just smiled at me. I could tell that Charles warned her about my shyness. I hope this goes well. When we walked into the next room where we would watch the movies, I saw Jane run up and hug the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. She had long brown hair and beautiful brown eyes that seemed alive with amusement. I was astonished and already falling for this girl before I knew who she was.

Charles called me over when he saw that I was just standing in the doorway. The beautiful girl then looked at me and smiled. I felt pulled to her.

"Hi, I am William." I said to her. When I saw Charles out of the corner of my eye I almost laughed. He was shocked and his mouth was hanging open but I held back the laugh and just watched the beauty.

"Hi, William. My name is Elizabeth Bennet, but you can call me Beth or Izzy. From the looks of it, you just shocked your friend. Why is that?"

"That is a bit complicated to answer. I am normally very shy and never just talk to someone I have never met before. But for some reason I can with you and I don't know why." I responded, surprising myself as well. Why can I open up to her after only thirty seconds and not anyone else? I resolved not to think about it anymore tonight and just try to get to know Elizabeth better.