I have always loved Jane Austen's novels and hope you will be forgiving about my attempt at a modern-day reimagining of Pride and Prejudice. This is just a short story written for fun.

Four Seasons in One Day

Chapter One

"What an insufferably rude man!"

Eliza Bennet crashed the telephone receiver down and glared across the desk towards her friend and colleague, Charlotte Lucas. Charlotte, six years Eliza's senior in both age and experience, striking in appearance with her Titian hair and bold choice of colour combinations, if not exactly beautiful in a traditional sense, raised her right eyebrow in a quizzical manner showing her surprise at the conclusion of the phone conversation with Chris Bingley.

Chris was the owner of Netherfield Associates and everyone on the creative team at Longbourn Designs was raving about him. Having recently moved his business into the area and wishing to establish a strong regional presence, he was seeking a local agency to develop a promotional campaign for his business and had been holding discussions with Longbourn Designs for the past couple of weeks. He seemed enthusiastic about their ideas and keen to build a relationship with them having hit it off with Eliza's manager, Jane, almost immediately and consequently they had high hopes that he would sign a contract any day soon.

"Chris was rude to you?" Charlotte exclaimed in undisguised surprise.

Eliza shook her head in a gesture of exasperation, "Oh, no. Not him. He couldn't be rude if he tried. I don't think I've ever met a nicer man. I don't know how he manages to survive in business, to be honest." The thought of Chris being offensive to anyone almost made her laugh out loud. "No, it was someone else in the background. You heard me discussing the charity ideas with him and he asked if I could hold for a minute as he needed to discuss something with a colleague but he must have pressed the wrong button because I quite clearly heard him talking to another man. Chris was saying what a great idea and how much he'd like to work with us and this other man just seemed to dismiss the idea and said it was boring, lacked any originality and I'd have to come up with something a lot better than that to tempt him." She pulled a face, "I don't mind someone saying they don't like the idea but I do mind the way he said it as if it was somehow beneath him to consider it and anyway, who the hell is he? I thought Chris was the owner."

At that moment, Eliza's manager, Jane came out of her office. Jane was the epitome of everything Eliza would, in an ideal world, like to be. She was undeniably attractive but with a temperament and manner that only complemented her lovely appearance. She was a rare breed of manager who succeeded in getting the best out of her employees by adopting a kind, patient and non-judgmental attitude. She nurtured and encouraged and never thought badly of anyone even if Eliza and Charlotte sometimes thought her far too accommodating for her own good. She certainly tolerated the antics of the office trainee, Lydia, who spent more of the day gossiping with the Receptionist, Kitty, about their shared weekends out clubbing and the squaddies they encountered from the local garrison, than she did working. Jane even showed a high degree of forbearance with William Collins, the Chief Accountant, whose observance of the rules and regulations and rather pompous and self-important attitude to ensuring that every penny was accounted for, was irritating to all of them. How he had ever found himself working in a creative environment such as Longbourn Designs in his rigid, buttoned-up suit, giving all the appearance of middle-age when he was probably no more than thirty, was a mystery to his colleagues. William seemed highly conscious of the responsibility of his role at Longbourn Designs perhaps more than the position actually merited and certainly more than most of his colleagues. In his work he was assisted by his new young protégée, Mary, who he appeared to have recruited solely on the basis of their shared attitude to purchase ledgers rather than her ability. Mary certainly worked very hard and strove to improve her knowledge but was often side tracked by the minutest of details which she frequently raised with her colleagues as if they were the most important matters in the world. The natural lack of interest from anyone else and undisguised derision of Lydia and Kitty caused her great consternation. Sadly, mistakes were not uncommon when Mary overreached herself. However, William seemed willing to tolerate these for the benefit of having at least one like-minded person in his camp.

Jane, entering the main office and catching the tail end of the conversation between Charlotte and Eliza as well as seeing the expression on the latter's face, sensed at once that Eliza was annoyed. "What's the problem, Eliza? How did Chris like your suggestion?"

Eliza recounted the telephone exchange and the overheard conversation which had resulted in Chris ultimately being non-committal after his initial enthusiasm.

Jane shrugged, "That's strange. I haven't heard Chris mention that he was working with anyone else but as it happens he'll be over here later. Sorry, it was a late call yesterday and I hadn't had time to inform you but we're meeting at ten thirty. I thought we needed to get a better feel for his needs. Can you join us and we'll run through it again. Perhaps when he's thought it over he'll be more positive."

She moved off to the far end of the office heading towards Lydia and Kitty who had been giggling rather loudly while gathering around Kitty's computer screen. Jane was heard to address them both in a friendly, pleasant tone of voice. They both started and Lydia turned around ensuring that she was blocking Jane's view of the screen whilst Kitty fumbled with the keyboard. Eliza rolled her eyes in little doubt that they had been surfing on social media sites again but was certain that Jane was sure to let it pass.

"Jane's far too laid back with them. They deserve a kick up the backside," Eliza whispered. "God knows how much Lydia's being paid to do next to nothing all day. Jane was full of concern about giving a school leaver a chance but goodness knows what Lydia told her at her interview to persuade her to give her a job."

Charlotte smiled and Eliza couldn't help saying, "It's not that funny."

"It's not Kitty and Lydia that are making me smile," Charlotte replied, "it's the casual way Jane informed us that Chris was coming over so she could get a better feel for his needs."

"She definitely likes him," Eliza agreed, "but she doesn't know him that well yet and a good relationship is vital if we're going to get a long-term deal from him especially if he's got someone like that arrogant idiot whispering in his ear."

Charlotte smirked, "Well, she'd better make sure he's in no doubt of how much we want to work with him even if that means going a little over the top in her enthusiasm."

Eliza shook her head, "She wouldn't do that. She's got far too many scruples."

Charlotte sighed, "You've got a lot to learn, Eliza. This is business and if you want to succeed you have to use every trick in the book."

X-X-X-X

"Oh… my… God!"

The utterance which escaped from Lydia, who was draped over the end of Eliza's desk, ostensibly waiting for an answer to a query but mostly time-wasting, was probably heard by every member of the open plan office. Eliza was the last person to look up from her screen and see the reason for Lydia's surprise. It was shortly before ten thirty and a party of visitors had arrived in the reception area. Eliza recognised Chris Bingley immediately but with him she saw two well-groomed, designer-dressed women who appeared to be in their mid to late twenties. However, these two ladies were not the object of Lydia's startled fascination. Her eyes were turned towards a tall, dark-haired extremely handsome man.

"Drop-dead gorgeous," Lydia whispered under her breath and Eliza whilst giving no outward indication could only silently agree.

The man had an aura and presence that was seldom encountered. In any crowd he would always be the one person you noticed. He was clearly used to the best things in life. Well-dressed but in an understated fashion, there was something effortless about his appearance that told the world he was successful and had nothing to prove. He held his head up and turned his gaze upon the whole of the office, taking in every detail and everyone until it finally settled upon Eliza. Their eyes met. She sensed a challenge in his expression. It was uncompromising and untroubled by any inner qualms and Eliza fought her first instinct to look away. She steeled herself to maintain and hold his gaze uncertain of its meaning but conscious of the thudding of her own heart, until he broke the spell and casually looking to his left responded to something Chris had said.

"Who is that?" Lydia breathed, the wonderment evident in her voice.

"I don't know, " Eliza replied in all honesty, "but I think I'm going to find out very soon."

Jane had emerged from her office and approached Eliza, "Chris is here and apparently he's brought a team with him. Can you join us?" The surprise at the arrival of a 'team' was evident from Jane's tone of voice and in the face of being outnumbered, she clearly needed back-up.

"I just need two minutes, " Eliza replied feeling unusually flustered and suddenly conscious of how she would appear next to everyone else, dressed as she was in such a casual manner. She hadn't expected to meet clients today and had overslept resulting in rushing to get dressed and out of the house on time. Her ensemble of thick tights, short skirt, loose shirt and knee length boots had been designed more for her own comfort than impressing others. Not having had time to wash her hair this morning either she had scraped it up into a loose bun from which wisps were escaping. Catching sight of her reflection in the window she realised that she looked like a student rather than the young professional that she was. Furthermore, she had been unsettled by the unspoken encounter with the man and needing to delay she pretended to search from some papers on her desk hoping that a moment or two's reflection would prepare her for what was to follow.

Jane smiled kindly, "Don't worry. Come down and join us when you're ready. I'll keep the ball rolling until you arrive."

She walked serenely through the office, unhurried and smiling broadly in welcome. No one would have guessed that she was at all concerned by the unexpected visitors but Eliza knew her better. Jane hadn't expected this and it was a matter of concern. Eliza saw Jane shake hands with each person in turn and then usher them politely in the direction of the meeting rooms.

"Oh Eliza, could that possibly be your rude mystery man?" Charlotte said staring in their direction and biting her lip as she tried to restrain the nervous laughter that was threatening to escape.

Eliza exhaled and regarded her friend, "I think it might be."

"What did you call him 'An arrogant idiot'?" Charlotte teased.

Eliza pushed back from her desk and stood up, "Looks can be deceptive, Charlotte."

Lydia sighed loudly, "Well, I wouldn't turn down an idiot like that in a hurry. He could be as arrogant as he liked." She paused to consider this statement adding, "Mind you, I don't turn down anyone if I can help it." She laughed uproariously causing Charlotte to roll her eyes in disgust just as William Collins scuttled from his office and appeared at Eliza's elbow saying rather hesitantly, his voice rising above Lydia's raucous laughter.

"I don't suppose, you could spare me ten minutes, Eliza, to go through the expenses claim you've submitted. There are one or two anomalies I'd like to get to the bottom of."

"I'm sorry, William, I'm due in a meeting right now. Another time, perhaps?" Eliza thought she sensed a look of disappointment on his face but she was too pre-occupied by other matters to give it much consideration. She hastily picked up her notebook and papers from her desk and reflected that it was case of out of the frying pan and into the fire. Any escape from William Collins was always welcome but she wasn't mentally prepared for the next encounter. As she walked away from her desk she heard William turning to her friend.

"What about you, Charlotte? I also need to discuss some discrepancies with you, if you would be so kind."

To Eliza's annoyance, as she made her way through the office towards the meeting room, she felt her heart racing. It was unlike her to be nervous in the presence of new acquaintances or clients and during the last couple of years she had grown in confidence in her job. She was blessed with a lively and playful disposition tempered when necessary with the right degree of sense and intelligence and clients generally responded well to her blend of good-humour and insight. Her previous meetings with Chris Bingley had been good-natured and productive and she had been very happy to be asked to take the lead on this potential new account. If he signed with them the deal could be very lucrative and Jane had been honest with Eliza that they needed to improve their profit margins. The fact that Jane had shown faith in her and her ability to come up with a campaign that would appeal to Chris Bingley had meant a great deal to Eliza. However, the unexpected appearance of a new team and by the looks of it one particular member who may have already expressed his dissatisfaction at her ideas albeit without being aware that he had been overheard, had provoked and unsettled her.

Reaching the meeting room she paused outside and taking a deep breath told herself sternly that if this was the man she had overheard this morning, however much he might think a great deal of himself she would not let him detract her from her views or undermine her.

"We've always used London based agencies in the past. What makes you think you have what it takes to succeed with the Netherfield account?"

The younger of the two women was speaking as Eliza entered the room, leaning back in her chair and addressing herself to Jane who was calm and serene in spite of the woman's disparaging tone of voice. Eliza caught sight of Chris's expression and thought she detected a hint of embarrassment. As she walked in Chris rose politely from his seat to greet her and shake hands and was quick to make the introductions.

"Eliza, let me introduce you to my sister, Caroline, who is our Communications Director." He indicated the woman who had been speaking and as Eliza reached out to shake hands she saw a faint family likeness in the tilt of the woman's chin as she spoke and the look in her eye as she regarded Eliza. She nodded at Eliza rather brusquely and didn't appear to be impressed with what she saw. Eliza was certain that she was looking her up and down and taking in her attire which was entirely at odds with the formal appearance of the other women in the room. Chris then indicated to his right, "This is Louisa Hurst who has worked with me on several previous projects."

Eliza smiled and said hello to the woman who gave her a brief, tight smile in response that did not extend as far as her eyes before Chris swung around and indicated to his left. The handsome man was sitting at the end of the table directly opposite Jane and appeared to be entirely in command of himself and the situation.

"And this is Darcy."

The man regarded her again. There was recognition in his expression and she had no doubt he remembered the moment their eyes had locked but he was still unsmiling and serious.

"Darcy's been a trusted advisor and friend for some years now," Chris added by way of explanation.

Eliza was determined not to show any weakness and stepped purposefully towards Darcy with her hand outstretched, "How do you do, Mr Darcy?"

The man rose from his seat and drew himself up to his full height, reaching out to grasp her hand as he did so. At more than six feet he towered over Eliza.

"It's just Darcy."

His tone was neutral, his accent clipped. Eliza smiled automatically and wondered if this insistence was some kind of affectation. She turned away without further comment and sat herself on Jane's left. To her surprise she found herself almost immediately addressed by him.

"Perhaps Caroline's question should be addressed to you, Miss Bennet."

Eliza noted the slight inflection in his voice as he said 'Miss' and resisted the urge to respond in a similar fashion by declaring that her name was just Eliza.

"Do you have what it takes to succeed with this account?"

Eliza gazed at him, trying to get the measure of the question and him. She sensed that Darcy's enquiry was genuine without the impertinent overtones of Caroline Bingley's original question.

She fought to keep her voice calm and level as she replied, "The brief is to deliver a strong campaign that will raise the profile of the Netherfield brand in this region and we have a thorough knowledge of the market and the demography as well as a track record of delivering similar campaigns."

There was the first hint of a smile on Darcy's lips as he leaned forward and looked her in the eye. "That's taken as read, Miss Bennet, or Chris wouldn't be talking to this agency at all. My question is what makes you the best person for this campaign?"

Eliza paused and wondered what was likely to meet this man's approval. He clearly demanded a lot from anyone he worked with but most of all she felt sure he was looking for someone with confidence and she refused to be intimidated by his manner.

"You are unlikely to find any account manager anywhere else with such a detailed and personal knowledge of your chosen market. I've lived in this area my entire life. I know the locality, the businesses, the interests and concerns of people here. Your potential customers. I know what does and doesn't appeal to them. You won't find that in an account manager at a City based agency. This is a regional company and I believe I am the best person to promote your business right here."

As Eliza spoke she was conscious that Darcy's eyes never left her face and wondered whether her words had met with his approval. She was aware, however, of Caroline Bingley coughing slightly and turning her head towards Darcy, saying, "You see this is exactly what concerns me. I don't doubt that Jane and Eliza have a very good knowledge of the market in this area but a regional agency lacks the experience of an agency which holds national accounts. I really don't mean any disrespect to you, Jane, but I feel that the Chris's business requires that type of focus and influence. With the best will in the world you simply don't have the same wealth of experience."

Chris interjected at this point, "And that's not what I asked of them, Caroline. I moved into this region because I felt that this was the right time to build solid foundations for the future. One step at a time was the plan and you were very much in agreement when we discussed this a few months ago. In fact I think you were quite insistent that we should do this."

Caroline sighed, "Let's not get into a discussion about our ambitions for the company again, Chris. I think we know we are not in complete agreement in all respects."

Chris seemed embarrassed again and turned to look at Jane. They shared a sympathetic smile and Eliza felt how much simpler everything had been a couple of weeks ago when it had just been Chris, Jane and herself who had met to discuss his requirements and plans for the future. The introduction of Chris's team of associates was making everything so much more complicated. Even he seemed less in control of his own business in spite of the fact that he was a mature man and the major shareholder.

They moved on to discuss some of the ideas for a campaign concluding with Eliza's suggestion of charity events to promote Netherfield's connections with the region. This met with an immediately negative response from Darcy.

"Everyone does that. It's difficult not to simply repeat what everyone else has done and charity fatigue sets in. You need to expand your mind, Miss Bennet."

The repeated use of her title was beginning to annoy Eliza but she was determined not to let it show.

"Well, perhaps traditional ideas are better suited to this area," Eliza countered. "After all, as you have pointed out, this is not London. Perhaps something too outrageously different would be inappropriate here."

Chris seized on this suggestion as a way of supporting the agency's ideas and with them his preference in the face of the earlier criticisms of his team, "Indeed," he exclaimed, "I think we should bow to Eliza and Jane's knowledge on this matter. I really do think charity events would be an excellent idea and if it offends you so much, Darcy, you don't need to take part." He laughed to try and lighten the mood and Darcy smiled politely but Eliza gained the impression he was not amused. "In fact," Chris concluded, "I think a charity event such as a Dinner or Fun Day is an excellent idea. As a matter of interest how soon could it be arranged if we were to decide we wanted to go down this route?" Darcy looked irritated at Chris's continued support for this idea but there was nothing more he could say.

After much consultation of diaries it was agreed that the 26th of November would be the earliest that something could be arranged and Chris was very keen for Eliza and Jane to put together some ideas for consideration. The obvious hostility of all but Chris Bingley did not fill Eliza with enthusiasm for the task but she was determined nonetheless to do her very best whilst there was still a chance of securing the contract. It was clear that Bingley's team did not expect much of a regional agency and even less of her but she was determined that she would not buckle under the pressure, indeed, their very animosity to the idea was provoking her prove them wrong.

The meeting was over and they all made their way from the room towards the reception area in preparation to leave. Louisa and Caroline were saying very little but Eliza caught them exchanging one or two meaningful glances which she was sure would result in a long and detailed analysis and dissection of all that had transpired here this morning as soon as they had left the building.

Darcy was quiet and reserved and only Jane and Chris were chatting amiably. One glance in their direction convinced Eliza that there was a degree of mutual attraction between them and she wondered briefly, just how much of Chris's very obvious preference for Longbourn Designs was based on his feelings for Jane. Knowing her manager well, however, Eliza was certain that unlike Charlotte's assertions this morning, any attraction to Chris on Jane's part was genuine and heartfelt. There was no artifice in her manner and she would not stoop to securing business in the way Charlotte had suggested. If Chris liked Jane then it was for herself alone and Eliza was glad.

As the party was about to turn the corner into the reception area Eliza heard the sound of laughter. She recognised Lydia's loud snorting laughter, the kind that indicated she had just heard a risque joke and was heartily enjoying it, and also the more girlish giggle of Kitty but they were joined by a man. The deep tone of his laughter echoed along the corridor and Eliza wondered briefly if they were keeping the postman chatting again. Eliza had once observed to Charlotte that they would chat up any man in a uniform. They had been asked by Jane not to keep delivery men talking on more than one occasion and it was the last thing Eliza wanted to see in her present company. It was obvious from the discussions this morning that Caroline, Louisa and Darcy had serious reservations about Longbourn Associates and unprofessional behaviour would only add fuel to the fire.

Emerging into Reception, however, Eliza was pleasantly surprised to see a good-looking, fair-haired man in his late twenties, dressed in a dark business suit, carrying a briefcase and standing at the Reception desk. Lydia was standing next to Kitty and for once was thankfully behind the desk where she ought to be. As the Netherfield party appeared they all gazed at each other with natural curiosity. Eliza, however, saw the fair-haired man almost start in surprise and grow visibly paler. It was obvious that he was shocked and that he was clearly acquainted with someone in the party. Eliza hastily turned her head and was quick enough to catch an expression cross Darcy's face. He had been grave and rather humourless most of the time at the meeting but this time she saw something more in his face; emotion. There was no doubt in Eliza's mind that he looked angry. He turned to Caroline and said, "I have to make a phone call, could you sign me out, Caroline?"

He nodded briefly at Eliza and Jane and with a curt, "Good day to you," swept abruptly out of the office.

Eliza caught Jane's eye and saw that the moment had not gone unnoticed by her manager but Jane was still politely concluding the meeting and ushering her guests towards the Reception desk to sign out and let nothing disturb her composure. When the final goodbyes and handshakes were concluded and the party had left, Jane and Eliza turned to go back into the office, but Eliza was called back by Kitty.

"Eliza, this gentleman's here to see you. He has an appointment with you."

Eliza's mind was a blank. She didn't recall making any appointments that day but the man was standing in front of her, his composure entirely recovered and smiling broadly. He stepped forward holding out his hand to her. She automatically grasped it, still wondering who he was as he declared, "How do you do? I'm Joe Wickham."