A/N: Everybody seems to hate Darcy so far, much more than what I expected. A heads up- this chapter will definitely not endear him to anybody but do keep in mind that he is a poor confused lad, who has never felt like this for anybody. His heart is warring with what has been ingrained in him since childhood. He is terrified of diving. So, the only way he reacts is by lashing out.

"What would you guys like to eat? I'm assuming you are sick of Spanish cuisine by now, ooh I know this place by the corner that serves some amazing Greek food", Elizabeth spoke with much enthusiasm as they strolled towards the market. She was decidedly ignoring the scowling gentleman who stared at her with a frightening intensity. Apart from him, she had great company and was determined to enjoy her evening. "What?" she turned around and asked when no reply came forth.

"Actually, we have not really tried anything Spanish yet." Charles answered, embarrassed about this deficit.

'Well he should be embarrassed about it', thought Elizabeth and her mouth formed a huge 'O' in acute wonder. "I guess then we'll have to remedy the situation immediately. What will Mommy say if she learns that you ate English food even in Spain?" she teased.

The three of them followed Elizabeth who guided them to a nice little café on the main street. It looked like a cozy enough place with bright lights and folk music in the background. Clearly it was not something a Darcy ever stepped in. Richard and Charles looked on with glee at the hustle and bustle in the quaint café.

The four of them moved towards an empty table. Darcy frowned in distaste at the minute speck of dust visible on the chair. He subtly wiped it with a napkin before seating himself. He looked up to find mirth in those enchanting green eyes though his eyes strayed towards the lip that was being abused by its owner's front teeth.
"What?" he asked brusquely.
"Nothing" was the short reply.

"How about you lot read the menu and decide upon the dishes while I take quick detour to the ladies' room", with that Elizabeth Bennet excused herself from the company that made her feel extreme emotions in the span of a few minutes. One moment the brooding man made her heart race when he stared at her with those intense eyes but the next moment, he vexed her beyond reason when he looked with disgust at her favorite niches. She had seen how he'd eyed the market place with revulsion. Nonetheless she decided to imbibe her sister Jane and focus upon his good qualities. Well, he had a nice pair of arms, broad shoulders, and a lovely face that belonged on the Billboards of the country. 'Physical qualities are not all that are there to him' scolded a Jane-esque voice. Non-physical qualities? He must have some but she had yet to spot any of them. Keeping that in mind, Elizabeth thought about his behavior the first time they had met. 'He was extremely quiet but knew how to have fun. Perhaps he is shy around strangers. He looked pretty scared of the sea.' She decided to observe him with an unbiased view. They were in a new place, surrounded by strangers. Darcy was sure to give himself away and if nothing else, she promised to be at least civil to him. 'I could be amiable to him that is if he does not open his mouth' but darn him, he just had to do that. She had no idea how her resolve would be tested that night.

O-O-O-O O-O-O-O O-O-O-O

"So, what do you guys think?" Charles asked his companions, eager to know their thoughts on his chosen sport.

"It was definitely fun, Charlie. Good choice, my man! I must say the instructor was even a better choice." Richard winked. "Though Will here would know better. He was after all breathing in the same air as Lizzie." He nudged William, waggling his eyebrows in a suggestive manner.

"As usual, I have no idea what you are talking about Richard. Though I concede the underwater world is exhilarating, it is something I wish to avoid after this is over."

"Oh c'mon man, it is not like you didn't notice Lizzy when she was right beside you all the time. I swear to God, she has the most gorgeous pair of .."

"Richard!" came the twin scandalous shouts from William and Charles.

"Eyes! People, eyes. Gorgeous pair of eyes. Geez...keep your mind out of the gutter. Though even your thoughts ring true." He grinned. By now, William had a closed off expression. He knew his cousin had caught onto the unexplainable attraction he felt towards their diving instructor However, he could not let him harbor suspicions he himself, avoided thinking about.

"Clearly the water has addled your head Richard or perhaps the chemicals have blinded you for I can call no attribute of Ms. Bennet gorgeous."

"Don't be so harsh Will" chided Charles.

"Yeah, man. I mean, I would have no qualms in taking her out for dinner", Richard prodded "that is, if you are not interested in her."

"Me?" William Darcy derided. "By all means, go ahead. I have no interest in average specimens. Date her all you want, I don't care", the lies burst forth from his mouth at an alarming rate. After a minute he continued, in a rapid voice- "Do you seriously think I, a Darcy would a mere scuba diving instructor?" he asked in an aghast manner, his voice gaining power with every word. "I suppose, I can give credit to her teaching skills but that does not merit me dating her. Can you imagine the waves it would create in the family? Aunt Catherine would rip off my head. A girl who has not even been to college, let alone have a degree, would be on my arm?" he scoffed. "No, thank you. I don't want her to impress my business partners with her diving skills at the soirees." Though his words rang extremely punitive, it was not Richard or Charlie that Darcy was trying to convince, it was his own troubled soul that was in danger of falling for this spirited girl.

"I didn't know that your educational qualification was a criterion for going out with someone" Richard replied calmly as he pursued the menu after Darcy's outburst.

Poor Charles looked between them terrified. He was indignant on Elizabeth's behalf but he did not wish to argue with his best friend and ruin an otherwise good day.

Unknown to all of them was the fact that not five meters away, stood one Elizabeth Bennet who had heard the last part of Will Darcy's monologue and was currently, preparing his eulogy. She felt crushed on hearing him disparage her favorite hobby; the skills that made her feel so proud of herself suddenly seemed insufficient. It was this last thought that felt like a bucket of ice cold water had been poured over her bare back when she stood beyond the Wall, facing the White Walkers. She would not let these feelings of shame overcome her love for the ocean. She was proud of her abilities and no man, no matter how beautiful or rich, could make her feel low. Moreover, Darcy, the oaf, was spouting irrelevant and false facts. The audacious man thought that just because he ruled over his company, he could rob her of her self-esteem. She would show him what she thought of him and his mind-numbing soirees. Taking a deep breath, she tried to mimic her older sister and with a smile that looked disturbing on her face but serene on Jane's, moved towards the table. 'Kill him softly', she chanted in her mind though her mind pictured scenarios worthy of being on 'Dexter', with she as Dexter and a certain curly haired billionaire as the punching bag.

A/N: So I have this question. Just curiosity- Who do you guys picturize as the modern P&P characters? (could be anyone and not just the ones in the screen adaptations)

Please point out the mistakes. Thanks for reading! :)