A/N: So this was originally supposed to be a one-shot, but then I changed my mind because the ideas I had for follow up chapters wouldn't leave me alone! This one is mostly filler-y stuff with the actual proposal next, but I really wanted more Lydia/Darcy interaction - I feel like this is something we don't have enough of plus I just really love them ok. Still not Jane Austen or an LBD creator. Woe is me.

"So do you have the ring yet?"

One hour later and the four of them – Lydia, William, Gigi and Fitz – are seated at an outdoor café and finishing lunch.

"Yes, actually. It belonged to my mother, but I think Lizzie will like it."

"Can I see it?" Lydia asked, sitting up straighter with a wide grin on her face. William smiled back as he pulled the small box from his pocket and slid it across the table. "This is PERFECT! I'm texting a pic to Jane, she HAS to see this!"

William rolled his eyes good humouredly. He had long since given up on this being a secret. Besides, after Lydia's advice, he wasn't going to begrudge her anything for a long time.

"Hey, maybe we should let Charlotte know too," said Gigi. "It seems unfair that she's the only one out of the loop on this."

"Totes. I'll copy her into the message."

Fitz caught Darcy's eye across the table, knowing what he must be thinking of all this. He didn't look sorry.

"Where is Lizzie B today anyway? I mean, it's good she's not here what with all this scheming, but it seems kinda convenient."

"I… may have pointed her towards an Anthropologie store that was having a sale."

"Darcy! You are a genius, my friend." Lydia and Gigi had burst out laughing.

"How did you even… I didn't know you'd even heard of Anthropologie!"

"I have my ways." He smiled again, proud of himself. It wasn't often that he managed to be sneaky.

"Oh, Jane texted back. She loves the ring, Darce. Apparently it's unique and classic and looks like Lizzie. I know what she means, it really does. Your dad had good taste."

William bobbed his head and gave a half-smile. "Actually, it was passed down from his mother – we're not actually sure how old it is but it's been in the family for generations."

Gigi nodded. "We think it was around when the Darcys were still in England."

"Whoa. Are you sure you want to give this to Lizzie? I mean, I know you love her and everything, but that girl is clumsy!"

"I trust her," William laughed.

"Your funeral."

"Anyway," Fitz interjected, "we still haven't decided what kind of date you're going on before you pop the question."

"Right! I vote picnic. Lizzie's always wanted to go on a picnic date for some lame-o reason."

William nodded, looking down. His chin was starting to pull into his neck.

"William? What's wrong?" Gigi asked. He looked at her with pleading eyes. "You don't want to sit on the ground, do you? If this is about that time when we were kids, you really need to get over that. It was your own fault anyway, I mean who doesn't check to make sure they're not sitting on an anthill?"

This was too much for Lydia, who doubled over laughing so quickly she nearly hit her head on the table. William frowned.

"Thank you Gigi, I'll bear that in mind in future. Although, I'm not sure where we should go for a picnic in the city?"

"Dude, Jefferson Square Park. You can walk to the library from there and I'm pretty sure it's anthill free." Everyone who wasn't William erupted into giggles again. Just then, Gigi's phone rang.

"Hello? Oh, Lizzie, hi. Yeah, we're with William and Fitz – we, uh, ran into them on our way out and they… decided to join us! Yeah. Ok sure, I'll see you soon!" She hung up the phone and hissed, "put the ring away! Lizzie's round the corner!"

William almost knocked the table over in his hurry to snatch the box and ram it into his pocket before the surprise was ruined. As they caught sight of Lizzie approaching with arms full of bags, Lydia gave his arm a brief squeeze.

"I'm really glad you're doing this. Oh and Charlotte says it's about time." They exchanged small smiles, and then Lizzie was upon them, greeting William with a kiss on the cheek.

"Hey sis! I can't believe you hit the sales without me!"

"Sorry, Lydia. The mothership was calling me, I couldn't wait! I did pick up a few things for you, though."

"Thanks. We can go through your haul later, me, you and Gigi."

"Sounds great. So, did I miss anything while I was gone?"

"Uh… nope. Just… having lunch!" answered Fitz. Lizzie narrowed her eyes at her four companions. Not one of them had a good poker face.

"Okay, I'm suspicious but I won't pry. Oh, Will, did you ask everyone about next weekend?"

"Next… weekend?" William was immediately in a panic. How could she know already?

"The dinner party? We talked about this last night, surely you didn't forget already?"

"Oh, yes. Uh, no, I didn't." He turned to the rest of the group. "Would the three of you be willing to join us for a dinner party next Saturday night?"

"Absolutely!"

"Wouldn't miss it, man."

"Of course I'll be there."

"Wonderful."

The four of them exchanged a look that seemed to Lizzie to be of some mysterious significance.

"Uh, great. So we'll… see you guys there. Ok."

Lizzie heard a thud and saw William wincing slightly. Lydia raised her eyebrows as if urging him on. He grimaced and looked at Lizzie again.

"I was, uh, thinking we could go out on Saturday afternoon. If that's… okay with you."

Lizzie's eyebrows pulled together. "Out where?"

"It's a surprise."
"Right. And you three have nothing to do with this "surprise", do you?"

"Uh-uh," Fitz shook his head, "not a thing."

"Okay, fine. A surprise outing would be lovely, William. Just tell me what to wear."

He smirked. "Anything you like, Elizabeth. My only warning is that clothing is, unfortunately, a requirement."

"And I am officially done with this conversation. Anyone wanna go watch a movie?" asked Fitz. Everyone agreed.

"Well then let's go. To the Darcy residence!"

"You mean the Darcy-Bennet residence, right?" Lizzie questioned. Fitz grinned.

"Sure. That's what I mean."