Disclaimer: However much I hate Wickham; he is one of Austen's creations along with all the characters I love. So yeah! They're not mine.
Walking along the lush green path brought back happy memories from Elizabeth's childhood. She loved to be lost amidst the beauty of nature and experience the serenity of the morning mist, the chirruping of birds and the sheer joy of walking. She only had a single regret – she wasn't able to capture the scene before her - she had forgotten to pack the batteries of her camera. They were sitting pretty on the drawing room side table of her apartment. She had put them on charging but forgot to pack them. Thankfully her camera was compatible with AAA batteries which are easily available at any departmental store and she would be able to do so the day after.
She walked back to the house.
"Where the hell did you go, Eliza?" asked Caroline while looking at Elizabeth's slightly crumpled outfit.
"Good Morning to you too, Caroline. As you can probably see, I went out for a walk," replied Elizabeth.
"I can see that," muttered Caroline.
Chris and Georgiana cut in, "Join us for breakfast,"
"Sure, just give me a minute," replied Elizabeth and hurried off to her room to freshen up.
"So what are we having?" asked Lizzy re-entering.
"I hear it's one of your favourites," Charles said joining the conversation, "Baked beans,"
"Your source is indeed correct, Mr Bingley. It is one of my favourites," said Lizzy.
"So, how was the walk? The scenery any good?" asked Charles.
"Oh, It was beautiful!" and she described the scenery with exquisite adjectives, "That reminds me Charles – where is the nearest departmental store?"
"It's about half a mile away to the left. Why?"
"I just need to buy some batteries,"
"You forgot them?" Jane spoke joining the conversation.
"Well…so much for trusting me…for the only one thing," laughed Elizabeth.
"Very funny," replied Jane.
"I'll show you," said Chris, "I have to go there anyways,"
"Thanks,"
It was quite like dinner the day before. Georgie, Chris and Lizzy chatting away, Charles and Jane having a quiet conversation, Caroline trying to get William's attention and William staring at Elizabeth.
"So, here's the store," said Chris while holding the door open for Elizabeth, "I have some work in the neighbouring building. I'll come in ten minutes. Wait up?"
"I can do that. Do you want anything?"
"Uh can't remember anything… So… no," said Chris.
"Okay," replied Elizabeth as she walked towards the counter.
"How can I help you Miss…?" asked a young man with a dazzling smile.
"Do all customers get such customized treatment? Or I am special?"
"Well, your beauty certainly helps the case," said the man, "But any friends of Chris are my friends. I am George Wickham,"
"Elizabeth," replied she while shaking his offered hand, "You friends with Chris?"
"Was, was friends with Chris and his cousin until they realized how much money they have,"
"I sense some resentment,"
"Well there is, but I don't want to burden you with it," said Wickham, "What are you looking for?"
"4 AAAs,"
"This way," said George as Elizabeth followed, "Here – 4 AAAs"
"Thanks George,"
"You're welcome,"
She went up to search for more products only to have George follow her. "So, how do you know Chris?"
"Mutual acquaintances," said Elizabeth not wanting to elaborate more.
"Does any of them happen to be Fitzwilliam Darcy?"
"As a matter of fact, yes," replied Elizabeth clearly annoyed by his behaviour.
"Oh! So Darcy has finally learnt to make friends,"
"I am not his friend," she knew she shouldn't continue this little talk. But with Darcy being brought up she couldn't control herself.
"Figures,"
"Why do you say that?"
"You see he and I were good actually best friends till college. I was his only friend and he cheated on me with my girlfriend,"
This piqued her interest, "What?"
"Shocking, isn't it? I loved her and was going to propose to her that night. Darcy knew of my plan. He must've gotten jealous," said Wickham
"I don't believe it,"
"It's okay. You don't have to believe me,"
"What, no! I meant I don't believe he could've gotten so low," said Elizabeth.
"I know," replied George.
And that's when Chris made his entry. Wickham's face got considerably pale.
"Fitzwilliam," he greeted coldly.
"Wickham," muttered Chris, "What are you doing here?"
"I work here. Will you throw me out of here too?"
"Back off, George! Darcy is also in town, if that gives you any comfort,"
Wickham's face grew paler.
"Let's go. Elizabeth," said Chris.
They walked in silence.
Chris looked here and there, as if to make sure somebody is not there and said, "Wickham is in town, William,"
The statement got a response from his cousin who was otherwise engaged in reading the newspaper. Darcy looked here and there too.
"Does Georgie know?" asked Darcy
"No, I don't think so,"
"Where'd you see him?"
"At Debenhams, he was talking to Elizabeth,"
"Did he do something to you?" Darcy asked Elizabeth hurriedly, who was standing beside Chris.
"No," replied Elizabeth
"Thank goodness," said Darcy, "He is not a good person Miss Bennet. You don't want him around you,"
"Yes Elizabeth. Stay away from him," Chris pitched in.
"Did he get your name?" asked Darcy
"Yes, he also got my number," said Elizabeth.
"What? I had no idea you were that kind of girl,"
"Thank you for assuming the worst of me Mr Darcy. I swiped my card is what I meant. He has my name and number and I'm not a 'that kind of girl' you know," replied Elizabeth angrily.
"Elizabeth, I did not mean that. I am sorry," apologized Darcy quickly.
"And you know what, I can look after myself," said Elizabeth before storming off to her room.
Uh, I hate him. I hate him. I hate him, thought Elizabeth. She knew that she probably should not believe a stranger. But when it came to Fitzwilliam Darcy, how could she not?
A/N: REVIEW!
