A/N: This is a new fandom for me, but this story couldn't leave be alone till I set it down on paper (computer). The good news is that it is fully written, but I will probably update weekly as to allow for edits from my beta.
SunflowerFran is my amazing beta and could not thank her enough for giving this story a chance and agreeing to help my poor grammar!
The story will have alternate past/present POVs and is a HEA, but also a bit of a roller coaster – not everything is at it seems, hence, "Deceit." Hope you will get this story a chance and let me know what you think!
Prologue
Present - February 2019
I was listening intently to Georgiana, but she was so upset it was still difficult to follow her.
"Can you believe his nerve? He just walked into the room and asked George to follow him to the back. I thought it was one of his attempts to intimidate him before the marriage, but it turns out he offered him an obscene amount of money to dump me!" She was saying all this through sobs.
I gathered a breath before replying, "Look, Georgie, I know Darcy can be a little overbearing ... but I'm sure he has your best intentions at heart."
"I can't believe you, Lizzie. Of all the people, I wouldn't have expected you to defend him!"
"I'm not trying to defend him; I'm just..." trying to salvage your relationship. "So Darcy is a jerk. What else is new?"
Georgie's tears suddenly subsided, and I thought I recognized a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "That's exactly it, Lizzie. He hurt me, and he will never know how it feels until it happens to him..."
"Wait, what are you thinking? I'm not sure you see things clearly right now, maybe you need to take a break..."
"Lizzie, listen, I know you are on my side, right?"
I nodded slowly, having the impression I would regret this.
I had known all parties for years. Georgiana and I were college roommates, and although she could probably have afforded to buy the entire building, she wanted to experience a 'normal' life.
Her brother, William Darcy, was a foreboding prick. He was controlling, talked very little, and expected everyone to do his bidding. But ... he had good intentions, or so Georgie used to say before their drift.
I always fought with him.
George Wickham was Georgie's boyfriend, and although he couldn't keep himself together, he seemed good-natured enough. I always had a good laugh with him.
Georgie had always had a good relationship with her brother; that's why I was surprised to hear her plan.
"So," she asked when she finished, "will you help me?"
I hesitated, "I don't know, are you sure you want to do this? You can end up hurting him."
"That's the point; I want him to suffer just as much as I have."
I understood her feeling, but a sibling's pain could feel as if it was your own.
"Okay, Georgie, if you are sure, then I'll help you."