The Thin Line between Love and Hate

A Pride and Prejudice- story

By: jakeline

Summary: A modern P&P with a Shakespearean twist. He said she wasn't pretty enough and she threw punch at him. After 12 years Darcy is back in Meryton and Lizzie still hasn't forgiven him.

Disclaimer:I do not claim to be Jane Austen and most definitely not Shakespeare. I just borrow their work as an inspiration to this story, loosely basing it on Pride and prejudice and Much Ado about Nothing.


Chapter 11: Bad Acting and the Potential Stalker

"So, is everything set for a fun weekend away from work?" William asked his sister a few days prior to the conference.

"Yes, all is set. You will be happy to know that Netherfield is all booked this weekend and many of the guests have shown an interest to attend our masked ball," Georgiana replied. "Some has come only for the ball. Your influence on the neighbourhood is good for the Foundation."

"I'm sure. What about the team building events?"

"I booked us on Paintball on Friday afternoon and for those who doesn't feel like running around like mad men shooting at each other with neon coloured paint there's a nice walk around the beautiful grounds, or if the weather is poorly, charades. On Saturday we will be in a rowing competition and on Sunday, well that's when we treat ourselves to some of the lovely treatments the spa has to offer. That leaves the mornings for business."

"I'm so glad you're here, sis. I couldn't do this without you."

"Sure you could. Caroline would've done just as good a job."

"Not likely. She frowned at the ball you know. Didn't see why it had to be fancy dress."

"Aw, but fancy dress is so much fun," Georgiana pouted jokingly. "FYI, masks to hide the face are mandatory until the stroke of midnight."

"Isn't that a bit too much? How do you expect people to make a donation?"

"I have it all figured out, big brother. When making a donation then, and only then, are you allowed to remove your mask." Georgiana's beautiful face was lit with playful excitement.

"You always go for the drama," William scolded.

"I know, I should really find another line of work. Theatre, perhaps?"

"Good God, no!" William exclaimed with fake horror. "Besides, you are so good at what you are doing now."

"And daddy dearest would never allow it," Georgiana giggled. "It would be fun, though."

"I'm sure it would, but you would not make such a spectacle of yourself," William pointed out.

"I never said I would be on stage, Will. I'd much rather be working behind the scene."

"But still..." William let the sentence die out.

"I know," was all Georgiana answered followed with a soft sigh, and got something longing in her eyes. William knew how she felt. She hadn't fought their father in the choice of career. William had at least been working the bars for a year.

"What would you do, if you could choose your profession?"

"I think I would like to be a designer or a musician, something artsy anyway," she replied with a dreaming look on her face. "I could see myself as a pianist travelling the world too."

"I would much rather buy the Darcy clothing line," William said.

"Ah, well, it's not going to happen anyway,"Georgiana sighed.

"You never know."

-xxx-

"Could you go any slower?"Elizabeth sighed as the third lorry went pass them. Jane was behind the wheel of her Toyota Prius, gripping the wheel tightly. Elizabeth had tried to convince Jane that her Saab 9-3 cab would be more suitable to arrive in. They were after all going to a spa, a weekend get away at a fabulous country estate. What could be more suitable to arrive in than a silvery bullet from Sweden? Jane hadn't agreed, of course. She thought her powder blue Prius was good enough and more environmentally friendly.

Jane was all about the environment these days. She always had to try to save somebody or something, or else what was the point of her existence? If it wasn't little birds with broken wings it was the million years old oak trees in Meryton that needed saving when civilisation came too close. Elizabeth adored her sister's commitment, but still, a Prius wasn't a car, it was a freaking lunch box. Admittedly, her cab wasn't much bigger, but way cooler. But not wanting a lecture, Elizabeth had shut up.

"There is no need for going faster," Jane said, "We won't get there faster. Better safe than sorry." Elizabeth frowned. It wasn't much she liked more than flying down a country road in high speed, feeling the wind take hold of her hair.

"Jane, I love you, but I'm getting old here," Elizabeth sighed. "I won't have much time to set everything up if you continue in this pace." Jane threw her a murderous glance. "Since you kindly invited our family we won't have much quality time if I have to work." The logic in the statement made Jane accelerate just a little. Elizabeth saw a guilty shadow over her sister's face.

"Sorry 'bout that."

"You should be."

After what seemed like forever they finally arrived at Netherfield. Jane pulled up on the gravelled path and parked next to a black Beamer. The two sisters unloaded their luggage and took in the prospect before them. Netherfield Spa & Recreation Centre included one large brick building, formerly known as just Netherfield Park, and two large newly built wings in white, and was happily situated in the middle of a vast area of rolling hills and well mowed lawns.

"Is this place for real?" Jane gushed with large eyes and half open mouth. Elizabeth had to agree. It looked like something out of a novel. A smile spread on her face. This was going to be a lovely weekend. Even though her family had decided to join them, nothing could put Elizabeth down.

"Let's get inside," Elizabeth suggested and took her sister under the arm and led her towards the reception. As she entered she noticed a large screen in the foyer which welcomed Pemberley Communications. She froze in her step making Jane bump into her. Now that was something to put Elizabeth down.

"What?" her sister asked and followed Elizabeth eyes towards the screen. "Pemberley Communications? Isn't that where Charlie's working?"

Elizabeth looked at her sister. Jane looked absolutely innocent. "Did you know?"

"Know what?" Jane's face took a slight pinkish tone as she looked everywhere but at her sister, biting her lower lip nervously.

"God! You're the worst actress I have ever known," Elizabeth exclaimed angrily.

"Like you know any actresses," Jane muttered.

"You did know," Elizabeth stated. "How could you not say anything?"

"It's not like you have to socialise with William anyway. We'll keep to ourselves and not get in his way. Promise. Cross my heart and hope to die." Jane's blue eyes were large and sincere. "I just wanted to spend some time with Charlie and he asked me not to say anything to make you change your mind."

"Does William know?" Elizabeth sighed. She could never stay mad at Jane for long. It's not like Jane had planned this. Besides, Elizabeth was here to do a job and after that she was free to do what ever she liked.

"I don't think so."

"Let's try to keep it that way, shall we?" Elizabeth gave her sister a stern look. Jane nodded quietly, looking very guilty.

-xxx-

"This is going to be so much fun!" Caroline twittered as the minibus the company had rented for the occasion pulled up in front of the main building at Netherfield Spa & Recreation Centre. William couldn't get out of the car fast enough. Caroline's perky chatter was getting on his nerves and he regretted volunteering to drive as both Peter and Charles also had.

They had filled four minibuses, but that also included the part time staff. The Meryton office was not one of the company's biggest assets. But a good starting point for William, at least in his father's eyes. Caroline had of course called shot gun and placed herself next to William despite Georgiana's sour expression.

"What is she doing here?" Caroline exclaimed with disgust in her voice. William turned around to see who she was referring to. Jane Bennet was exiting the main building. "Charles, did you invite her?" Caroline turned to her brother with a forced smile on her face.

Charles shrugged his shoulders, "It's a free country and it's not like Netherfield is ours." William was happy to see his friend stand up against his more dominant sister. Usually he would just shut up and do her bidding. He must really like this girl. Caroline just wrinkled her nose and strode towards the reception.

"Charlie!" Jane Bennet exclaimed as she reached them. Charles beamed towards her and William felt a bit sick to the stomach and turned away.

Georgiana came up to William. "Has Charlie already found a new girlfriend here?" She didn't look too surprised though.

"Sure looks like it," William muttered.

"Don't I know her from somewhere?" Georgiana studied Jane.

"She went to school with me. Her name is Jane Bennet." A glimpse of recognition twinkled in Georgiana's face.

"Sister to Elizabeth Bennet?"

"Yup," William answered with a voice that did not invite to further exploration of that statement. He did not wish the conversation to turn to the younger of the Bennet sisters. He didn't know how much Georgiana remembered about Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth Bennet is a very interesting girl," said Peter who came over and took Georgiana by the arm and whisked her away. "Georgiana, I need you." William watched his cousin lead his sister inside. What was that about? William was left to empty the minibus of their luggage and then to sign them all in. That's what bosses do. Or rather their secretaries, but Caroline was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps she had gone to see to the afternoon tea.

-xxx-

"They are here now," Jane informed her sister when she came back from saying hi to Charles.

"Where are they, so I know where not to go?" Elizabeth asked, only half joking.

"They are to have afternoon tea in the parlour," Jane said. Elizabeth smiled.

"Well there's a room I would not be caught dead in."

"I was looking forward to some tea," Jane said with a sly smile on her face. It didn't suite her.

"Then go have some freaking tea," Elizabeth said. "I have to meet with the IT-manager of Pemberley Communications and tell him everything he needs to know to make their conference run smoothly."

"Then you will be delighted to know that the IT-manager of Pemberley Communications is named Peter Fitzwilliam," Jane said. Elizabeth gave a small smile. Peter she could handle.

"Delighted, sure," Elizabeth muttered. "Better than William, anyways."

Jane checked her face in the mirror before positively flying out of their room. So much for quality time.

Elizabeth took care not to go anywhere near the parlour in risk of running in to William. She knew she would have to face him eventually, but she would prefer it was later rather than sooner. When her parents arrived there was no way she could conceal her presence any longer. But until then she was determined to keep a low profile.

"Elizabeth, there you are," Peter said as she entered the large room where they were setting up for the conference. "Beautiful as always." He was not alone; he had to helpers that were currently plugging in a projector. The two other men gave Elizabeth little attention and were focused on their task at hand.

"Flattery only gets you so far," Elizabeth scolded. "Is this your way of flirting?"

Peter feigned an innocent look, "Why, Miss Bennet, are you suggesting I did this on purpose?"

"That's exactly what I'm suggesting."

"I wish I had, but this is pure luck," Peter said, sincerely.

"Really?" Elizabeth wasn't convinced, though she didn't quite get why Peter would go to such a length to ensure her presence there. It was not like he was into her.

"Really, really," he assured her.

"Fine. It would be to go a bit too far if you make up a wireless connection as an excuse just to see me. I mean, you do have my number. I'm only a phone call away. But then again, we did establish that you have some borderline stalker qualities."

"I swear I didn't know you were working with this sort of thing. I would have guessed you were a writer. And I didn't hire you, Netherfield's IT-department did."

"I believe you. Besides, I know you know where I stand in the relationship department." Elizabeth did believe him. No one could plan it that well even if he wanted to.

"You keep saying you're not interested in love, but I'm sure that when the Mr Right happens to pass by you will jump his bones," Peter chuckled. "Sometimes I wish that was me."

"Yeah, right."

"Why wouldn't I?" Peter asked. Elizabeth shrugged her shoulders. He could not be into her! She hadn't given him any sort of encouragement in that way.

"Because..."

"I'm just kidding. Although I find you very attractive, you're not really my type," Peter ensured her. "Too feisty."

"Then whose type am I?"

"Do you want the truth?" Peter looked up at her, as if weighing his chances if he told the truth.

"I don't know, do I?" she challenged him.

"William's," he said, and crunched down with his hands in front of his face as if expecting a punch.

"I'm so not William's type," she said.

"Trust me, if you were not so busy hating on each other, you would make a hot couple," Peter sounded sincere.

"Allow me to beg the difference. He has been known to think me not pretty enough to tempt him." There, she had said it. The reason to her not liking William.

"Seriously?" Peter's eyes widened. "When did he tell you this?"

"Never. I accidentally heard him say it." Elizabeth gave another shrug. "It's not like I had the hots for him or anything. Don't get me wrong. I never could stand the guy. But at 14 that remark was hurtful."

"And this is why you're not friends any more?" Peter looked surprised. He had expected something juicier.

"I know it sounds childish," Elizabeth said, and her cheeks turned red. "It's not the end of the world and as I said I wasn't into him at all. But still, to hear a friend say that about me, it hurt."

"Well, William is perhaps not known for being the smoothest of fellows, but he thinks you're pretty. I don't know why he would say that you weren't." Peter seemed to ponder on this for some time. "If it weren't to have you all to himself."

"Yeah, not likely. He never made any advances. All he did was to tease the hell out of me, and date every other girl in school" Elizabeth said.

"Do I sense a bit of jealousy?" Peter mocked.

"No. All I wanted was the pleasure of seeing his shocked face when I turned him down."

"Let me just say this one thing, Will was interested in you. I know that for a fact. And he's matured." Elizabeth did not believe him. It didn't matter anyway, she was not, and had never been, interested in William. Not even the slightest. If you keep saying it, it becomes the truth, right?

-TBC-


Author's note: Yeah, it took me some time. Sorry about that. I'm not particularly satisfied with this chapter. But it'll have to do. I'm in serious need of a beta by the way...