Later, right as Lizzie was about to take her lunch break, she got a surprising text.
George Wickham: Hey! Think you can spare a minute and come meet me at the coffee shop across from the hospital?
Lizzie: You're in luck- it's my lunch break.
George Wickham: In that case, let's go someplace fancy!
Lizzie: I don't have long, let's just do the coffee shop.
George Wickham: Sounds good, I'll meet you there. You'll probably beat me though.
Charlotte walked up and waved her lunch. "You ready?"
"Oh, um," said Lizzie, "I actually was just going to go get coffee."
"But I thought we were going to eat together today," Charlotte said looking confused and a little annoyed, "We've hardly had time to talk lately."
"I know, I'm sorry. I promise we can have dinner together tonight," Lizzie called over her shoulder. She wasn't watching where she was going as she hurried away, which caused her to collide straight into someone.
"Oops, I'm sorry." Lizzie looked up see her victim. Of course. Who else but Darcy.
"It's alright. Where are you going? You don't have much time before you're needed again," he said looking at his watch.
"I'm just going to the coffee shop across from here," said Lizzie side stepping him, "I won't be long."
She hurried off before either of them could stop her but escaping would have to wait because just as she reached the locker room, an annoying voice she knew only too well called out to her.
"Lizzie," said Mr. Collins, "I was hoping you would be around. I need your help with a few things."
"Sorry Mr. Collins," said Lizzie, "I'm officially off the clock."
"Oh, well, how about when you get back?"
"I don't know, depends on my schedule," said Lizzie walking so fast it could be considered a jog.
"Alright, we'll catch up later," he called after her.
Lizzie walked quickly to the coffee shop where she ordered a small coffee and a muffin. True, she had brought her lunch but she felt bad eating her lunch there without buying food from them.
No sign of Wickham, she took a seat near the window. Not wanting to waste time, she started eating her lunch. She watched out the window and the front door like a hawk though waiting for Wickham to appear. She didn't spot him but she did spot someone she knew. Jane, Charles, and Darcy all walking towards the shop laughing and having a good time.
"Crap," whispered Lizzie. She really didn't want them to be around when Wickham came. She lunged for her phone in her purse, but in her haste she missed, knocking her purse to the floor where it promptly opened, scattering the contents across the floor. She made a ridiculous sight sprawled on the floor trying to collect everything. Too soon, Jane, Charles, and Darcy entered the coffee shop.
"Hi Lizzie," said Jane brightly, "Oh no! What happened?"
"I just dropped my purse," said Lizzie faking a small laugh as she gathered the last of her belongings, "What are you guys doing here? I didn't know you would be here."
"We didn't either," said Charles happily, "Darcy suggested it and we thought it sounded good."
"Of course he did," said Lizzie under her breath. It only made sense that it would be Darcy who would ruin her lunch. She attempted to scowl at him but he didn't meet her eye. Instead, he went to the front to order with Charles.
"Come sit with us," said Jane, completely oblivious to Lizzie's annoyance, "I'm so glad you were here. I thought about inviting you but I remembered your lunch date with Charlotte."
"Yeah, we're doing dinner instead," said Lizzie taking a seat next to Jane. She quickly pulled out her phone and texted Wickham.
Lizzie: Hey, something came up. Can we do another time?
George: Actually sounds good. I was having trouble getting there anyways.
Lizzie: Okay, miss you!
Lizzie, put her phone down just as Charles showed up with Jane's drink. Darcy joined them but he pulled out his phone without looking up.
"So, Lizzie," said Charles taking a sip, "Are you bringing someone to the fundraiser?"
"Oh," said Lizzie feeling awkward, "Yes, I am."
Jane sensing that Lizzie didn't want to say who, changed the topic quickly to surgeries which Darcy and Charlie were only too happy to talk about. Trust a surgeon to enjoy bragging about their job. Jane winked reassuringly at Lizzie, who gave her leg an appreciate squeeze.
That conversation carried for a while but Charles started asking questions about their childhood. He seemed particularly interested in Jane's first crushes.
"I was five," said Jane, "I can't be blamed for wearing the same dress for a month."
"She wanted to be Cinderella," explained Lizzie to Charles.
"Ah, you were a Prince Charming girl," he teased.
"Yes," said Jane, her cheeks getting red.
"What girl wasn't," said Darcy bluntly, "Or truthfully, what girl isn't?"
"Well, some girls weren't into princes, like me for example," said Lizzie, "I was all about Robin Hood."
"True," said Jane, "She even asked for bow and arrow for her birthday."
"I stunk," admitted Lizzie.
"You liked him because he was more than just eye candy," said Darcy.
"Yes," admitted Lizzie in spite of herself, "But to be fair to Prince Charming, he wasn't just eye candy. He sent a decree out looking for her."
"Yeah, and sent someone else to go find her," said Darcy, which made them all laugh. Lizzie was surprised to find herself laughing. Darcy turned to look at her and their eyes caught which caused Lizzie to quickly turn away but she felt his gaze remain for a moment longer.
"I'm afraid I wasn't as into the Disney princess movies," said Charles, "It was probably because my sisters watched them over and over again so I grew tired of them."
"They were a staple at our house," said Lizzie.
"Five girls," agreed Jane.
They continued talking for a few more minutes before Charles declared he had to get back. He stood quickly, his knees bumping the table. By default, Jane's drink spilled right at Lizzie's purse. Everyone at the table began frantically grabbing items to avoid the spill.
"I'm so sorry," said Charles as he ran to grab napkins.
"No harm done," said Lizzie laughing, "I'm always appreciative when it's someone else being the klutz and not me."
Charles laughed joyfully, and Jane and he took the now coffee stained napkins to the trash. Lizzie, looking through her purse to make sure it was coffee-free, realized her phone had been on the table. She looked for it only to turn and find Darcy.
He, however, was looking down at her phone with a strange expression. Lizzie reached out to grab it only to have him move it out of her reach.
"Hey," she said holding out her hand, "Do you mind?"
His expression changed and Lizzie knew what he was going to say before he said it.
"George Wickham?"
That was all he said but he showed her the phone where George's most recent text showed bright and clear.
George Wickham: Miss you too! Can't wait for our date!
Lizzie fidgeted. She wasn't sure why but she felt a little guilty. But why should she? So, shaking it off, she countered back. "Yeah, so what?"
He didn't say anything. He stared at her for a moment before he handed the phone back to her and he turned and walked out without saying anything.
Lizzie did not see Darcy the rest of the day and she quickly forgot about it, especially when Jane revealed the plans for shopping that weekend. Charlotte and she had already decided where they wanted to shop for their dresses. Lizzie, who was not usually a shopping person, now animatedly joined in. After all, she had a man to impress.
Saturday morning came, and right on cue, all three girls walked into a department store. Laser focused, they sped towards their target-dresses.
"All I'm saying Jane," said Charlotte as she looked in the mirror, "Is you are so lucky you look good in everything."
"Not true," argued Jane, "I cannot pull off yellow."
"Debatable," chimed Lizzie laughing.
"I need help," moaned Charlotte from her dressing room, "I'm completely hopeless. I don't even know what look I'm going for exactly."
"I'll help you," said Lizzie exiting her dressing room, "These dresses did not look good on me. Let's look together."
"Perfect."
They left Jane in the dressing room, who of course looked amazing in everything she had picked, as she debated between her favorites.
"So, how long till he pops the question?"
"I don't know," admitted Lizzie as they searched the racks, "But I honestly believe it's going to be any day now."
"I'm happy for her," said Charlotte, "She deserves it."
"Yes, she does."
"I guess this means our little gang is breaking up," said Charlotte sadly, "I always figured it would be one of you to break it up."
"What do you mean?" Lizzie crossed over to Charlotte and gave her a hug as she said this.
"Come on Lizzie," said Charlotte once they finished hugging, "I shouldn't be surprised by it. It just means some things are beginning to change…I just wasn't quite ready for it."
"What do you mean you shouldn't be surprised by it?"
"You both are incredibly beautiful successful women. Did you really think that it would be long before you both were snagged?"
"You are also beautiful and successful. You are going to be snagged too. Besides, I haven't been snagged," said Lizzie returning to the racks.
"Maybe not officially, but I've never seen you search the racks so fervently before which leads me to believe this guy has a deeper hold on you than you want to admit," said Charlotte crossing her arms and grinning.
Lizzie, not looking, knew she betrayed her feelings by the sensation she felt on her cheeks. Charlotte quickly laughed.
"Yup. Proof! Lizzie Bennet is blushing."
"Shut up," said Lizzie, "If you tell anyone, I'll tell embarrassing stores about you."
"Who would I tell? You're my closest friend."
Lizzie, turned to Charlotte who gave her a happy smile. Besides Jane, Charlotte was her closest friend.
"I guess I didn't realize…things were changing," admitted Lizzie, "But, I see why you're thinking that way."
Lizzie knew there was no reason to sugar coat things. Charlotte was right about one thing. The gang was breaking up. Jane would be getting married but it didn't mean that they would never see each other.
"Hey, listen," she said tapping Charlotte on the shoulder and Charlotte turned to her.
"I know things are changing. Goodness, it's crossed my mind that Jane and I won't be sharing an apartment any more. It makes me sad. But, just because one aspect is changing doesn't mean all aspects have to change. You and I will always be friends!"
"Really?"
"Yes," said Lizzie firmly, "And since Jane will move out, you and I should move in together. You're basically in our apartment all the time anyway. Why not make it official?"
Charlotte smiled and hugged Lizzie. "Can't wait roomie."
Lizzie laughed and they both turned back to the racks. After searching for a few more minutes, Lizzie found it. Laughing excitedly, she held it up to Charlotte.
"What do you think?"
"Oh my goodness," said Charlotte clapping, "Yes, George will be blown away when he sees you in that."
"Good. I was going for the bombshell look," said Lizzie dancing towards the dressing rooms.
Jane, who had made up her mind, loved the dress Lizzie had picked. It was the perfect dress for Lizzie. It fit her body type without being too revealing. Plus, it was comfortable which was an important aspect was for Lizzie. Even if she was going on a date, she needed to be comfy. Her usual attire, scrubs, were deceptively comfortable which didn't help her impulsive need for comfort.
The day of the fundraiser came and Lizzie's anticipation rivaled children waiting to open their presents on Christmas morning. True, she wasn't typically a party girl but this party was going to be special. It was her big date with Wickham, which she didn't need to tell anyone about because her smile was so evident.
As she was daydreaming about her evening, Jane came and hugged her from behind.
"Hi beautiful," said Lizzie, "How's your day?"
"Pretty good. I have some news for you though. Can we go talk in private?"
"Sure thing," said Lizzie, "Let's go for a walk."
The two sisters marched off arm in arm to another wing and out of earshot of anyone. Jane, however, still wanted more privacy. So, they disappeared into a hospital room where no patients were currently. Jane, looked around the corner still to make sure they were alone.
"What's up?"
"Well," said Jane dancing with excitement, "Charles is considering taking a grant and doing some experimental research."
"Right now?"
"Well," explained Jane, "He came to me saying there was something serious he needed to talk to me about. First, he told me about this amazing research grant he's considering taking but the only problem is it would take him to New York. He asked how I felt about doing a long distance relationship for a while."
"A while? What does that mean?"
"He said a few months."
"Okay," said Lizzie, "What did you say?"
"I said it would be hard but if that's what he needed to do then we could make it work."
"Okay."
"Then he brought up something else…"
"What?"
"He pulled out a ring," said Jane.
Lizzie started squealing but Jane quickly stopped her.
"What? Did you say no?"
"I didn't say no but I didn't say yes," said Jane quickly but Lizzie jabbed in quickly.
"Jane, why didn't you say yes?!" Lizzie was in shock. This man was the love of her life. Why in the world would she say no?
"Please listen to me before you respond. I have a very good reason. Let me explain what I told him."
"Okay. I'm sorry. Please go on."
Jane sighed deeply. "Do you remember what happened with Dale?"
"Yes…but I'm not sure why he is on your mind right now?"
"He's not…trust me. But what happened with him is," said Jane turning towards the window. "He asked me to marry him right after my junior year of college. It was perfect. I had one more year of school and he would go start his career. That year…planning the wedding…being across the country from one another. True, I had no idea he was cheating on me but I can't do that again. I can't be engaged to someone who across the country from me. I can't be separated from him and risk losing him."
It all made sense now and Lizzie felt like an idiot. Besides a few details, it was almost the exact position that Jane had been in before. They get engaged and then the guy takes off. Of course Jane didn't want to do that. Lizzie only hoped that Charles had understood.
"What did he say?"
"Well. I told him that I didn't want to spend our first few months engaged apart from each other."
"And?"
"He said he understood completely. He said he would just keep asking until I said yes," said Jane wiping a tear away that had escaped onto her face.
Relief went through Lizzie's body. Many people would have misunderstood but Charles was not that guy.
"You didn't tell him more? Like specifically Dale?"
"No. I mean he knows about Dale, of course, but I didn't want him to feel like I was comparing the two of them," said Jane.
"Good thinking," Said Lizzie, "That could be awkward."
They waited in silence for a while, each taking in the situation. Lizzie broke the silence.
"So…does this mean you are kind of engaged?"
"I don't know," laughed Jane, "I feel like we are but yet we aren't."
"Well, I wouldn't tell anyone else about that conversation. If mom hears Charles has a ring, she'll start ordering the wedding invitations."
"True," said Jane, "Let's keep this to ourselves."
"Sounds good."
Later that day, all three girls (Jane, Lizzie, and Charlotte) were crowded in the bathroom of Jane and Lizzie's apartment.
"If we were smart, we wouldn't have let you come Charlotte," Lizzie said nodding at Charlotte, "You have your own bathroom and three in here is very crowded."
"But it's so much more fun with all of us here," said Jane.
"I agree…plus I need you guys to do my makeup," said Charlotte.
"Jane will do your makeup" said Lizzie firmly, "I have enough trouble with me."
Jane did do Charlotte's makeup. In fact, she did everybody's makeup. Lizzie's nerves gave in and she kept messing up her eye liner.
"Why are you nervous?" Jane asked Lizzie as she carefully applied eye liner to Lizzie's eyes making it very difficult to answer.
"I just want this date to go well."
"I hear that," said Charlotte, "I want this relationship to be official probably just as much as you do. No more having to watch you looking at your phone just hoping he texted."
"Shut up!"
Although Jane and Charlotte kept teasing her, Lizzie really didn't mind. She loved having a guy in her life that her friends could tease her about.
The plan was to drive over to the fundraiser with Jane and Charlotte. She would simply meet up with Wickham there and Lizzie was beyond excited. When she stepped out of the car, she felt like a million bucks. She had taken special care of her appearance tonight, something she only bothered with for special occasions.
Walking into the fundraiser, which was being held at a fancy hotel, Lizzie lost all her confidence. The room was decorated in regal and elegant colors of cream and gold. The whole room had a strong scent of fancy living which was odd to Lizzie's sense of smell. Even the people in attendance looked different than your average person on the street.
The tables were so elegantly decorated that Lizzie had to look twice to make sure they weren't fake. Even the floors somehow shined brighter than any floor that Lizzie had ever seen. It's rich color made Lizzie feel like a princess as she gazed around the room.
Lizzie turned to her two companions. Jane, who looked stunning, had a smile on her face. True, it was because Charles was already walking over to her with a big smile of his own. Charlotte looked excited as well, and with that, Lizzie decided she might as well enjoy this night. Even if she was out of her element, that was all the more reason for her to enjoy it.
"Hi sweetie," said Charles taking Jane's hand," Hello Charlotte and Lizzie."
"Hello Charles. Wow. You must be proud. I heard your parents are sponsoring this event. It looks amazing," said Lizzie.
"Thank you. My mom loves planning these things and she has quite the eye," he said good naturedly.
"Just. Wow," said Charlotte, "Where do we put our coats?"
"Oh, if you keep walking, these gentlemen will take them for you," said Charles and he motioned the men forward. Even though it was weird to have some stranger taking off her coat, Lizzie admitted to herself she was enjoying being pampered a little.
As they walked in, Charlotte spotted some friends and Jane and Charles split off so Lizzie opened her clutch to check her phone. She had already turned it off because she had already had dreadful nightmares about forgetting to turn it off and then having it ring at only the most embarrassing time.
She was going to send Wickham a text asking him to text her to let her know he got there but she was surprised to find a text from him.
George: Hey, so I have to do something that I know you're going to hate. I'm going to have to cancel on you. I'm sorry but something came up. I promise I'll make it up to you. I'm sorry I couldn't see you in that amazing dress I'm sure you're in.
The text was shown to have been sent 15 minutes earlier. Honestly, Lizzie was a little upset and hurt. It was incredible last minute of him to cancel. Fuming slightly, Lizzie put her phone back into her clutch without bothering to text him back. She would keep him on edge slightly as revenge.
Looking up, she realized she was standing awkwardly in the middle of the room. Quickly, she went to a corner which was her preferred way of life. A waiter passed her and Lizzie grabbed a drink and took a sip. It was interesting and Lizzie had to mentally tell herself not to cringe. She looked down at the drink. Lizzie was positive that it was high end champagne which was probably why she didn't have much of a taste for it. Her stuff was always cheap.
Ignoring her drink, she looked around the room and felt very alone. This night had supposed to be incredible with Wickham at her side. Now it felt oppressively long and dull.
As she wallowed, she caught a tall shape out of the corner of her eye. Darcy. He was across the room decked out in a tux, and Lizzie was surprised when he turned to look at her. She quickly looked away. She was in NO mood to talk to him tonight. Part of her had even been looking forward to throwing Wickham in a face. Just a little.
Lizzie heard loud laughter coming from the entrance and she looked up to see her family. Of course, the loudness would be from the Bennets. Lizzie quickly crossed the room to them.
"There's my Lizzie," said Mrs. Bennet, "My, you look wonderful. Not as pretty as Jane but I will say that you look wonderful."
"Thanks mom." It was honestly as good as she was going to get from Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Bennet affectionately kissed her cheek and whispered to her. "You look beautiful darling. Anyone I should know about?"
Lizzie sighed and whispered back, "Well. There was supposed someone but he didn't end up coming."
Mr. Bennet nodded sadly and pulled her into a side hug which Lizzie readily accepted. As she leaned in for the hug, she once again caught eyes with Darcy who was watching from across the way. Ignoring him, she turned to greet her sisters.
When Charles and Jane appeared, the attention of most of the room was drawn to Mrs. Bennet who could be heard complimenting Charles over and over again. It took some doing to calm her down, and Lizzie took on that job so Jane could stay with Charles.
After she left her mother, Lizzie quickly sped to Charlotte's side.
"What's wrong with you?"
"Wickham bailed."
"Really?"
"Yeah," said Lizzie shaking her head, "I'm disappointed but whatever. We can reschedule."
Within a few minutes, a live orchestra started playing and people began to dance. Lizzie soon was disappointed. How fun it would have been for her to dance with Wickham.
Another waiter came by with appetizers, and Lizzie and Charlotte quickly took some. As she Lizzie put the food in her mouth, she once again noticed Darcy staring at her from across the room.
Lizzie muttered under her breath, which drew Charlotte's attention to where Lizzie had been looking. She gave Lizzie a funny look.
Turning so Darcy couldn't see her face, Lizzie said, "He keeps staring. It's driving me nuts."
Charlotte looked to be fighting a laugh, "How do you know if he's staring if you're not staring back?"
The look Lizzie gave Charlotte did its purpose of making Charlotte drop her smile but Charlotte wasn't going to be intimidated that quickly.
"Seriously, what's your problem with him?"
"My problem…well, it's a long story," said Lizzie.
"Do we have anything better to do?"
A few minutes later, with hushed voices, Lizzie had relayed Wickham's history to Charlotte who listened with saying much. At the end, Lizzie was surprised when she took the same approach as Jane.
"Are you sure it's true?"
"Charlotte! How could it not be true?"
"Miss Bennet! Miss Bennet!"
Lizzie's insides turned to ice as she heard the voice of William Collins coming from behind her. He walked up to her and Charlotte and stood way too close, invading Lizzie's personal space, and she stepped back as subtly as she could.
"Would you like to dance?"
Lizzie squirmed while trying to think of a way to say no but Charlotte's disapproving look made Lizzie give up.
"Yes. Thank you, Mr. Collins," she said in a sweet voice that was not genuine. Charlotte smiled at her, approving of her behavior and kindness.
Collins led her onto the dance floor with sweaty hands that made Lizzie want to grimace, but she controlled herself. Mind over matter. Lizzie determined that she shouldn't assume Collins would be a bad dancer. Always try to think the best of people.
She was wrong! Always think badly of people. Collins was a horrific dancer. Just awful. He had no rhythm and repeatedly stepped on her toes for which he apologized abundantly. It wasn't just that he was an awful dancer, he also couldn't talk about anything else except himself or his favorite person in the world, Katherine De Bourg.
But Lizzie remained pleasant all while trying to avoid the looks of joy that she knew her mother had. Lizzie somehow could her mother's thoughts.
Lizzie is going to marry a lawyer! Lizzie is going to marry a lawyer!
The song ended and Lizzie politely declined another claiming to be tired. He understood and responded by going to ask Charlotte for a dance. Lizzie was throwing her a karma smile but Charlotte did not appear to be saddened by him asking at all. She and Jane were both too kind for Lizzie.
Lizzie went to sit down with her sister Mary who was watching the dancing with a disapproving glare.
"What's wrong Mary?"
"Mom made me come. I would have preferred to just stay home."
"So far, me too, Mary."
"Who was the guy?"
"Oh, him. Just mom's ideal mate for me."
Mary nodded with an understanding more than a laugh. Mom's determination to pair them off were known to all the girls.
As soon as Charlotte was finished, Lizzie grabbed her arm and led her back to their corner.
"So, back to what we were saying earlier?"
Charlotte had just opened her mouth to respond when she suddenly closed it very quickly and greeted someone behind Lizzie.
Lizzie turned quickly only to find the last person she wanted to see, but yet somehow, she had known it was going to be him.
"If you're not busy, I was hoping you would dance with me, Lizzie," he said holding out his hand. Lizzie stared at his hand for a second shocked but not being able to think of an excuse, she simply nodded. She took his hand which was warm and secure unlike the sweaty palms she had experienced with Collins.
As he turned away, Lizzie threw a look of disbelief and panic to Charlotte who merely shrugged.
Darcy led her onto the dance floor and Lizzie felt like there were a million eyes staring at them. She knew Caroline's and Mrs. Bennet's were definitely on them, although both of those were probably upset reactions. Caroline because she hated Lizzie, and Mrs. Bennet because she hated Darcy.
Lizzie, who was actively looking everywhere except at Darcy, noticed Jane and Charles dancing as well, although their vibe was completely different than Darcy's and Lizzie's.
Unable to take the awkwardness, Lizzie started a conversation. "So, lots of people here tonight."
"Yes, the Bingleys know a lot of people which makes them ideal to sponsor this type of event."
Silence again. Awkward. Awkward.
"We have to have some kind of conversation, Darcy," said Lizzie.
"Why? Is that a habit for you?"
"Usually, yes. My last partner actually did most the talking."
"I'm guessing he did ALL the talking considering how many times you held your tongue when he stepped on your toes."
Lizzie chuckled slightly but that comment drew her attention to something else; Darcy's dancing. He was surprisingly very smooth and controlled. Lizzie guessed though that he had been to many of these events, considering his upbringing, which would have given him lots of chances to practice.
She allowed herself to look at him more closely but she was careful to do it when he was looking away. Man. She hated to admit it but he did look incredibly fine in his tux. True to many of her coworkers' words, he was a very attractive man.
She didn't know how long she had been staring but when he met her eyes, she felt a slight turning in her stomach that she did not like. She quickly changed the topic and looked away.
"So, you must have grown up attending things like this?"
He nodded, "All too much. I'd rather not go to events like this, but if it's for a good cause then I think it's important."
"Can't argue with that."
It felt like the song was going much longer than the one when she had danced with Mr. Collins, and she was tired of trying to come up with safe topics to talk about with him. She was surprised when he offered one.
"Do you often go the coffee shop across from the hospital?"
"Sometimes," she said and she was about to change the conversation so that it would stay far away from Wickham, but then she wondered. Why was she avoiding that topic? He, Mr. Darcy, should be the one to avoiding that topic.
"Yes, when you came the other day with Charles and Jane, I was supposed to be meeting someone," she said confidently and with a new attitude that she knew he caught on to.
"I'm assuming Wickham was the person you were meeting," he said quietly, but also following her suit in the attitude department.
"I don't see how that's your business, but yes, I was meeting him for coffee." As she said this, she felt his grip on her tighten. It was subtle but it was there.
"Wickham is very good at making friends," said Darcy looking at her right in the eye and making it impossible to look away, "But he's not good at keeping them."
"Really? I heard you too were close once. I guess that friendship is one he lost, but I'm not sure that was a bad one to lose," said Lizzie, her meaning quite clear.
Darcy had been about to reply but the song ended and Lizzie quickly let go and Darcy followed suit. To keep appearances, Lizzie quickly spoke.
"Thank you for the dance, Doctor," she said and then left the dance floor very quickly.