A/N: I really enjoyed today's episode. I'm so happy for Jane. However, I'm now at the point where I can't bear to wait until Thursday to find out more. Anyway here is where fan fiction gets interesting; weaving together my story with canon and speculation. Bear with me. Thanks for all the lovely support. Read and review, and someone should go back and review chapter 20. I'll give you an imaginary cookie. Read and review! It makes my day!
Lizzie was worried about Jane. Their mother had invited Bing over every night since he had returned to Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet insisted that if he was "just a friend" then it shouldn't be a big deal. However, she continuously dropped not so subtle hints about Jane and Bing getting back together. Sufficed to say, it was suffieciently awkward for all.
Bing was as charming and kind as ever, trying his best to ease tension and avoid conflict. Jane was handling herself tolerably well. Still, Lizzie couldn't help but worry. She knew that Jane still cared for Bing. She had said as much. However, she was also being cautious. Bing had broken her heart. Lizzie couldn't blame Jane for wanting to take it slow.
She was having similar sentiments about Darcy. Taking it slow with him definitely seemed a good option. Yet, every time she was around him she never wanted to go slow. She had wasted so much time, in regards to her relationship with Darcy and she found herself wanting to make up for it. She and Darcy had agreed to keep their relationship from their viewers. . . for now. Lizzie was careful not to mention him in her videos, yet every time she edited a new one she noticed that she always said something about him, indirectly at least. Sure, it may have been subtle, but it was still there. Her viewers didn't even know that Darcy was back in town.
It felt nice to have a secret. Her viewers would go crazy when they found out the truth, but for now, she was content to spend time with Darcy without worrying about revealing it all on her videos.
When they met for coffee on Saturday, Lizzie had determined that she was going to try to find out something about why Bing was here. Yes, she had promised not to meddle, but she couldn't hold back the nagging curiosity about Bing's motives. It was obvious to her that he still cared for Jane, but would he be willing to actively pursue her? Or did he still not trust his own judgment.
Darcy was already at a table when Lizzie came into the coffee shop. Lizzie's heartbeat sped up at the sight of him as a slow smile spread on his handsome face, the smile that was for her alone.
Always the gentleman he stood up and pulled a chair out for her. As she sat down his hand lingered on her shoulder. "Hi William," she said brightly.
"Hello Lizzie," he said, taking her hand in his and kissing it.
"You are so old fashioned," Lizzie teased, leaning in and kissing her boyfriend's cheek.
"A lady ought to be treated with respect," he retorted back, his eyes glimmering.
"Whatever," said Lizzie, "You do know that this isn't the nineteenth century though, don't you?"
"They didn't have video blogs in the nineteenth century, Lizzie," said Darcy, scooting his chair closer, "and we wouldn't be allowed to be alone, either. We'd need a chaperone."
Lizzie grinned at him. "Thank god for the twenty-first century. What would I do without my video blog?"
"Hang around in cheap yoga pants watching BBC miniseries, perhaps?" offered Darcy.
That response earned him a jab in the ribs followed by another kiss on the cheek. Lizzie loved it when Darcy teased her, even if a lot of it came from her videos.
"Better than hanging around in $5,000 boxers with people you paid," she shot back.
"I'm still taking interviews, Ms. Bennet. Perhaps you would like to apply. The pay is quite generous," his hand had found its way to her knee and Lizzie forgot to breathe.
"I'll consider it," said Lizzie, "but only if the miniseries is North & South."
"I believe that could be arranged," he whispered in her ear.
"Intriguing," said Lizzie, "I think we just made plans for a date night. Only, I want my pay check in Ghirardelli's chocolate."
"Deal." Darcy held out his hand for her to shake.
She laughed and took it. "You are such a dork, William. When is this magical date night going to happen?"
"Tuesday? I have a teleconference during the afternoon, and reports to do in the morning, but my evening is free."
"That sounds good. I am amazed at your ability to balance your work with your social life. I had you pegged as a workaholic. Gigi said she lost count of the nights that you've spent at the office."
"Before you, my work was my social life," said Darcy.
Lizzie's heart skipped a beat the way it always did when he said something so romantic. "I am honored that I am able to tear you away from your laptop. I expect that not many women can claim that honor."
"I can only think of two," he responded, taking a sip of his coffee.
Lizzie smiled. How did she ever think that William Darcy was boring and stuck up? He was so diverting when he flirted. Lizzie had almost forgotten that she had come with a specific goal in mind, apart from spending time with her boyfriend that is. "I did have something that I wanted to ask you about though," said Lizzie.
"Oh?"
"Can you tell me why Bing came back? They last couple days have been awkward. I'm worried about Jane."
"Lizzie," said Darcy, sounding uncomfortable, "I thought we weren't going to meddle."
"It's not meddling per se," protested Lizzie, "but he still cares for her, doesn't he."
Darcy's chin began to retreat to his neck. "Lizzie."
Lizzie moved her chair closer to him, and took his hand, sufficiently distracting him.
"He still loves her," said Darcy, "I don't think he ever stopped."
"Well good," said Lizzie, "maybe something will happen then. I promise I won't meddle anymore. I just had to know for sure."
Darcy looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "How did that promise work for you last time?"
Lizzie shrugged. "Nobody's perfect."
-/-
Lizzie shut off the camera. Her sister had just given her amazing news. At the same time though, Jane was going to be moving to the other side of the country.
"I'm so happy for you, Jane," she said sincerely, trying to cover the sadness.
Jane was practically glowing. "It's my dream job. New York is the capital of the industry, and I really think that I could find my place in the city.
"That's great," said Lizzie.
"I'm sensing a 'but' coming," said Jane. "What is it?"
"What about Bing?"
Jane's smile faded. "I don't know," she admitted. "We're just friends."
Lizzie bit the corner of her lip, remembering what Darcy had said to her yesterday. She wanted to tell her sister, but it wasn't her job to do so. It was Bing's. "Oh please," said Lizzie. "He came here for a reason. Why do you think he did?"
"I don't know. It's been awkward. I care about him, and whatever happens with this new start will be for the best. I just don't think that I should pass up on this amazing opportunity based on a relationship that may not have a future."
"I understand that," said Lizzie, "I just think that maybe you're moving too fast."
"Maybe, but it's too good an opportunity to pass up. I can always change my mind, but I'm pretty sure that this will be a good decision. If Bing and I are meant to be then we'll find a way to work it out. I just don't know what he's thinking. Honestly, I don't know quite how I feel either."
"Well, at least we all know how mom feels," said Lizzie, trying to lighten the mood.
"The entire Internet knows how she feels," agreed Jane.
It was then that Mrs. Bennet barged into the room. Lizzie was glad that she had just finished filming.
"Elizabeth!" she trilled, "We need to talk."
Uh oh. Her mother only used her full name when she was upset. Lizzie had a sinking feeling as to what this was about. In an attempt to distract her mother, she looked pleadingly at Jane.
Jane instantly said, "Mom, I just got a job offer in New York."
Mrs. Bennet's smile was fleeting, as were her congratulations. Right now, it was her middle daughter's love life that was more important than her eldest daughter's employment. "That's wonderful, Jane, dear, we'll talk later. Right now I need to talk to Lizzie alone."
Jane hesitated before leaving the room.
Lizzie wanted nothing more than to leave the room immediately.
"Now Elizabeth, I couldn't help but notice that you and that snobby Mr. Darcy seem rather friendly. Care to explain yourself."
Lizzie looked at her feet. She guessed it was best to get it over with. "When I was shadowing his company I spent a lot of time with him and his sisters. We became friends."
Mrs. Bennet raised her eyebrows, knowing that there was more to the story. "Elizabeth!" she trilled again.
"Fine. We are dating. We went out once when I was in San Francisco and then he came back last weekend while you and dad were away and we sort of made it official. He's my boyfriend."
As soon as Lizzie's words registered with Mrs. Bennet, the affect was remarkable. She was silent for a full five minutes.
Well this is awkward, thought Lizzie. For a moment she feared that her mother would be angry.
However, after Mrs. Bennet's shock ware off she pulled her daughter into a tight embrace. "This is the happiest day of my life!" She was practically screaming with joy. "My Lizzie is dating a rich, successful, handsome man! Why didn't you tell me sooner? Have you any compassion for my poor nerves?" Mrs. Bennet stepped away, putting her hands on her hips and waiting for an explanation. Still, she was practically glowing with happiness.
"I was waiting for the right time?" offered Lizzie lamely.
"I see," said Mrs. Bennet. "Well, I can forgive you for that, but you must bring him around more often, dear. Especially since he is staying at Netherfield. I'm going to tell your father. He'll be so happy." She hugged her daughter once more before leaving the room.
Lizzie didn't know how her father would react to the news. They had talked about her videos and he had teased her about her budding relationship with Darcy. Lizzie, of course, had waved off his jokes and denied that she had feelings for him, but her father was nit fooled for a moment. Oh well, Lizzie assumed they would talk later.
On that note she pulled out her phone and messaged Darcy.
My parents know about us. My mom is over the moon.
His reply came quickly.
I see. Are you all right?
Lizzie responded.
It's fine. I'm glad I got it over with. I'll call you later tonight. I don't want to distract you from your work.
A moment later.
Okay. I'll talk to you soon.
Lizzie put her phone down. It suddenly hit her that full force that she was dating William Darcy and that she was in love with him. Now that her parents knew if felt so much more official for some unknown reason.
