Hi little darcy's, how's it going? So I THINK you guys are liking this, I don't get many reviews so I'm kind of just going with what I think I would want to read and hoping it goes well. Incidentally I own nothing. Bold type means a transition to a new scene (computer still weird) BTW, I'm borrowing Pemberly Digital from the LBD series.

Chapter 7: Setting the mood

Elise's little comment weighed heavily on Darcy. She must have heard him that night at the Pub. Which meant she probably knew he was on to her. But then why allude to it in conversation? Was she so cocky that she enjoyed tormenting him? Maybe this was part of her game. Get under his skin, make him fall for her and then steal company secrets? Or maybe break his heart and then leave him too much of a wreck to lead Pemberly? He considered this for the next day or so, not speaking to the woman in question. Clearly, she was tricky, an enigma not easily understood and he would have to tread carefully.

Avoiding her was out of the question,that only left him at the mercy of Caroline. He'd also noticed that while she could make lively conversation, at times she seemed hesitant to even open her mouth. He made a point of studying her actions, she was soft spoken to everyone he saw her with except Charlie and Jayne. While she often stared longingly at desserts served during dinner time it took endless prodding on Charlie's part to actually get her to have any. She was amusing and sincere and frustrating and shy and stubborn and vivacious.

It was following this line of thinking that led to his first attempt at romance. He found her in the library, nose deep in yet another book and put on a kind smile before sitting across from her.

"I thought you may be feeling peckish."
"Peckish?"

"Yes. Peckish, meaning hungry or-"

"I know what peckish is Darcy. I'm okay, thank you."

He frowned down at the silver tray he was holding.

"You hardly touched your breakfast."

"I don't eat much in the mornings."

"You didn't really eat lunch either."

She smiled tightly.

"I was just.. feeling a little under the weather. I'm better now."

"Then I insist you eat now."

She began to protest, just as her stomach growled loudly. She blushed and he smiled in amusement.

"I suppose your body agrees with me."

"I thought it was against company policy to talk about an employee's body."

"Only in the instance of sexual harassment. You can't be at your best on an empty stomach."

"That almost sounds like concern sir."

"That almost sounded not sarcastic."

To his surprise she grinned and took a sandwich triangle.

"Sorry. My mouth kind of has a mind of it's own. This is pretty good, you should try one."

"Thank you, I think I will." He took a triangle of his own and munched, watching her chew carefully.

"How long?"

"How long what?"

He hesitated and then nodded at the food in her hand.

"How long since you started counting bites?"

"That- I don't-" Her eyes widened as he leaned forward and shyly took her hand.

"It's okay Elise, I'm not judging you. My younger sister does that, it was recommended to help get her back on track after a stint in the hospital." Something like recognition shone on her face.

"She.. um.. hospital?"

"Yeah. She's had problems with an eating disorder for the last couple of years. But she's nearly better by now."

"Oh."

They sat awkwardly until both began talking at once.

"I'm sorry I said it was an act-"

"It wasn't an act that just happens sometimes-"

They both laughed nervously.

"You go-"

"You fir-"

Again they stopped and Darcy shook his head.

"What I meant to say is, I'm sorry I said it was an act.I don't know your situation and I shouldn't have assumed things. That was incredibly rude of me. And I hope we can start over." She smiled at his embarrassment and looked down.

"It wasn't the best first impression I could have made. It was kind of a trigger night, that's all. I'm sorry you had to see that."

"it's okay. We all have baggage."

"Yeah.. thank you for apologizing Shemar. That was.. humble of you."

He grinned.

"You called me Shemar."

She grinned back mischievously.

"Don't go getting a big head and making me take back the humble comment now."

"Would it.. be presumptuous of me to ask you to dinner?"

At this she visibly tensed up and pulled her hand from his.

"Well I-"

"THERE you disappeared off to Miss Bennet. I've been looking everywhere for you! Come along, I'm in need of a model for a few of the sample garments I have, I want to see how well they hang on a real female form." Caroline showed up in the doorway, some kind of dress slung over one arm, a measuring tape around her neck and pins in the corner of her mouth.

"I was kind of-"

"Won't be more than an hour, promise. Come come come come!" She clucked, ushering her up from the couch and through the doorway. Leaving an oddly nervous Darcy on the couch, waiting for her reply.

"And then in came Caroline.." Elise trailed off and turned to her sister on the bed. "And you didn't answer?" "I didn't get the chance to. But come on, me and some big business mogul? What would he want with me? How do I know Darcy isn't into a little overtime with his secretaries?"

Jayne laughed hoarsely. "I think you judge him too quickly Elise. After all, he didn't have to apologize but he did. He works hard, is an honest business man and every one of his employees love working for him. Those are all good signs, aren't they?"

Elise huffed in response.

"He's very handsome too." Jayne added softly.

"Wha- no. No. I.. um.." Elise blushed and hid her face in her hands.

"You always liked muscles. Right? Plus he's clean cut."

"Yeah but he's ALWAYS in business attire- wait. NO, I am not considering this!"

Jayne remained silent, letting her turn it over in her mind. Her sister had been through so much for

someone so young and it wasn't fair that she was afraid now. Contrary to Elise's belief, Jayne could see goodness in Darcy. She could also see the way his eyes followed her little sister about the office on the few occasions she had been able to visit. Charlie had even told her a few stories about their days in college. As far as she was concerned, Mr. Darcy could be nothing but good for Elise.

"So where will you take her?" Richard asked coyly. Shemar rolled his eyes. "It's not like that. It's just-" "Business. Making sure she isn't corporate espionage. I know, I know. But listen, I've kept my ear to the ground. I don't think she's a spy. She could just be a really private person."

Darcy considered it briefly. "Do you have anything else on her Rich?" "Still digging. But seriously Alex, I dunno about this fake dating idea. You can't just play with people like that. You of all people know how that affects others."

"She hasn't even said yes yet Rich."

"So call it off." "I… well. It could still be useful."

"Alex, are you actually into this girl?"

The line was silent.

"About time you found someone! Just be careful. At least until I can get more information about her history anyway Just because she isn't working for someone else doesn't mean she isn't trouble."

"I'm doing this for the company. That's all it is."

"Okay, keep telling yourself that. But if you get serious I wanna meet her."

"We won't."

"Sure cuz, whatever you say."

He hung up and rubbed his temples. It was just business. Just a dinner, with a young lady who also happened to work for him and had nice eyes. Nothing he couldn't handle.

"Darcy?"

He looked up and smiled at Elise who stood in the doorway.

"Yes?"
"Um.. about dinner? I.. would like that. If you still want to go I mean."

"I do. I mean that's great! Um.. we could-"

"After Jayne is better though. I couldn't leave her."

She cringed when he stood up and he frowned in response.

"Are you alright? You seem jumpy."

"Oh uh.. yeah, no. I'm fine. Just got a headache."

"Charlie has some stuff in the kitchen I think.. come on, I'll help you find it."

"Sure.. sounds good."

So a date set in motion and next up I think we need to see Collins and Charlotte. Stay tuned and see you next time little Darcy's!