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.

Author's note: Again, I have to apologise for my lazy muse. I also want to take this opportunity to reply one of my readers who was a bit upset that I have named Col. Fitzwilliam Peter, when his name actually is Richard. Peter is named that because the Prince in Much Ado is named Pedro, and nowhere does it say in PP or elsewhere that Col. Fitzwilliam's first name is Richard. It's only Fan fiction-writers like me who has taken the freedom to call him that. So there (yes, I am that childish). She (or he) said some other stuff too, but nothing to bother you guys about. But basically, she (or he) thought that I wasn't true enough to the original. But seriously, do not read modern fics then... I have written a review myself as a reply (ch 11) and written about it in my blog, which you find if you visit my profile here.To the rest of you, thank you for your lovely and encouraging reviews!

Chapter 37: Surprise, Surprise

Elizabeth was not a boats person and she regarded the old boat with the large swan in the back sceptically. It really didn't look that safe.

William smiled reassuringly. "This boat has been in the service of the Boston citizens since 1877."

"That was what I was afraid of," she said.

"It's quite sturdy," William promised and held out his hand. "Would you please get your ass down here?" As there was a line starting forming behind her, Elizabeth really didn't have any choice but to reluctantly climb down into the boat. She immediately sat down and peered over the side.

"The water is very close," she remarked.

"I know for a fact that you are a pretty good swimmer, Lizzie. I promise it will be worth it," William said, a bit tartly. Elizabeth realised she was being very close to ungrateful.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly.

"It's okay. I bet I did surprise you, though," he grinned.

"Totally!"

"And I promise to jump in after you if you do fall in."

"I'm not going to move an inch before we get back!"

"I really didn't think you were such a coward," William said and put his arm securely around her.

"I'm not!" she answered, indignant. "It's just that... Never mind." She pulled herself together and told herself that it was going to be a nice ride. William's arm around her did help very much and she snuggled as close as she could.

The ride was really nice, when at last she relaxed and began enjoying the views. Even though Elizabeth really wasn't the outdoorsy type, she did enjoy a well kept garden. She guessed it ran in the family. Her grandmother had been obsessed with her garden and was always nipping at rosebuds and mowing the lawn even when she had her grandchildren with her.

"That wasn't so bad, was it?" William asked when the ride was over.

"No," Elizabeth admitted reluctantly.

"Ice-cream and a stroll through the park?" William nodded toward an ice-cream vendor.

"Yes, please." Elizabeth felt no hurry to get back to Mr Darcy.

-xxx-

To be honest William was a bit disappointed at Elizabeth's response to the swan boats. He thought them very romantic and had often enjoyed a ride around the lagoon. At last she had relaxed by his side and seemed to take in the surroundings instead of just staring at the water.

The stroll in the park after the boat ride was lovely. They strolled hand in hand in the afternoon sun and enjoyed each other's company. It was kind of hard to think that only this morning they had been in England. Being in Boston wasn't much different perhaps, but it was a different continent. William wished that they could just live in the moment for now. Let what come, come. But of course there were issues that need attending, like this charity ball next week. He decided to write Peter an email as soon as they got back to his parents' house informing him about it and ask advice. He also needed to talk to Charles.

"A penny for your thoughts," Elizabeth interrupted.

"Sorry," he apologised and pressed her hand. "Just thinking about this charity thing and Caroline."

"Okay," she said, tentatively as waiting for him to share his thoughts.

"Lots to plan, I guess. It's the perfect time to get back at Caroline. But it needs really careful planning. We need to know that Jane and Charlie are onboard too. I know Gigi is."

"I am pretty sure that Jane is too. Poor Charlie, though, I mean she is his sister after all."

"It doesn't mean he has to like her," William pointed out.

"True," Elizabeth said. "But it must be hard on him. I mean I may not adore my sisters all the time, but we have always stuck together."

"I think there's a big difference between your sisters and Caroline," William remarked. "And I'm pretty sure none of them have used a close friend in order to make you believe your boyfriend is cheating on you."

"Perhaps not," Elizabeth admitted. "Caroline is one of a kind." They wandered on in silence for a sometime. "What do you suggest we do?"

"I have a few ideas. But it's hard to think of something evil and cunning enough, and yet not drag the rest of the Bingleys down with her."

"We have to tread carefully," Elizabeth nodded. "Do you think Charlie would know the schedule for the evening?"

"I think so," William said, wondering what she was thinking.

"I don't know if you have any better idea, but I was thinking that if we could get her true self on tape or something, that would do the trick. Like tricking her into speaking of what happened at Netherfield in one unguarded moment."

"I like how you are thinking," William said and took her by the arm and steered her to a bench.

"I actually saw something similar on 'Gossip Girl', where someone was handing Blair, I think, a microphone that was on, but she didn't know and everything she spat out happened to be heard by everyone in the audience..." She became silent and her cheeks grew red.

"You're getting ideas from watching 'Gossip Girl'?" He raised an eyebrow quizzically. Her cheeks turned redder.

She shrugged, obviously embarrassed: "I haven't seen it in ages. And well, they are kind of manipulative, vindictive and not to say bitchy..."

-xxx-

Elizabeth didn't know how she ended up accidentally admitting to be watching 'Gossip Girl' from time to time, but she felt like she could be herself with William and he really didn't give a crap about what she watched on telly. Yes, she did have a soft spot for high school comedies and dramas, and she usually wouldn't admit that to anyone but Jane, but she could have marathon viewings of a season a day when in that mood.

"Actually I had been thinking about something similar," William said. "But more in the lines of setting her up with someone who would treat her just as badly. But I think your way is better. If only there was such a person who could lure that information out of her."

"Yes, who would she open up to like that?"

"Some admirer, most likely. Someone who seems to be just like her," William said. "We'll have to rally the troops and have a sit down and discuss the battle plan."

"Oh, I like when you go all military on me," Elizabeth said and squeezed his arm. "I love the smell of vengeance in the afternoon." William chuckled.

"I really didn't take you for the vindictive type," he said.

"I'm really not, but when it comes to meddling with my family, I can be like a lioness," she said and half growled, making clawing gestures with her hands.

"Though cute as a kitten," William commented and kissed her on the mouth.

"Don't ruin my ego," she laughed against his lips.

"Remind me not to get on your bad side, again," he said, sounding serious.

"You better not," she remarked and looked into his eyes.

"I won't," he said decidedly and she knew he meant it.

-xxx-

Jane was unpacking when there was a knock on the door. She was surprised to find Mrs Bingley outside. She stood unsure as to come in or not. Jane stepped aside and motioned her to come in. It was her house after all.

"I just wanted to see if there was anything you needed," Mrs Bingley said and sank down in one of the chairs by the window.

"No, I'm quite fine, thanks," Jane replied, eying her curiously. The woman seemed nervous for some reason. Charles had been whisked away by his father after lunch to sort some things out at their company. "My sister says she would love to meet us on Friday for shopping, if that is alright with you." "That will be great," Mrs Bingley said absentmindedly. Gone was the eagerness from before, instead the other woman looked worried.

"Is everything alright?" Jane asked.

Mrs Bingley seemed to shake herself. "Yes, well... I just wanted to apologise for what my daughter has done to you and your family," she blurted. "I know nothing I say or do can ever make up for what she has done, but just know that my husband and I do not approve." Jane only nodded, unsure of what the other woman wanted to hear. It wasn't as if she could say 'Hey, that's okay,' and be done with it. She was still angry and hurt by Caroline's actions. "I just hope you don't think less of us because of Caroline," Mrs Bingley said.

"No, you cannot help what she has done," Jane assured her. Mrs Bingley's worried face broke into a small smile. "I think we're going to get along just fine."

"Good."

-xxx-

William brought Elizabeth back to the house in time for dinner. They were both calmer after their excursion and had some sort of action plan. Dinner itself was a quiet event and nobody said anything in particular. His father was brooding at one end of the table, while his mother tried her best to smile and make small talk to ease the tension. William had to see his father as soon as he could, he realised. He was really keen on hearing why his father had accepted the invitation to the ball without even speaking to him first.

This visit hadn't really started out as he had hoped. What he had thought would be a nice vacation and leisure turned out to be obligations and getting back at Caroline. Not that William minded the last part; she had it coming and the ball was actually the moment they had been waiting for. If only they could set the plan into motion he was sure it would work out just fine. He looked forward to letting Peter in on the plan.

Even though he was looking forward to see Caroline go down in flames, William just wanted to have it over with already. Once she was dealt with, they could all go back to their 'normal' lives. Focusing on Elizabeth and his future with her was something he was looking forward to.

A future with Elizabeth, he thought and his stomach lurched pleasantly in anticipation. Had they overcome all this, the rest of their lives together would be a piece of cake. Their relationship had had a rocky but wonderful start, to say the least. He smiled to himself as they retired upstairs for the night.

"What are you smiling about?" Elizabeth inquired as they went into their room.

"Oh, I just feel invincible," he said, she quirked an eyebrow quizzically. "I mean, if our relationship has survived through all of this, the future is looking pretty bright."

"I see," she said and put an arm around his waist. "I guess you're right. I'm just glad it's finally going to be over."

"Me too," he said and drew her closer. "I can't wait until we can just relax and be ourselves..." He kissed her cheek.

-xxx-

Elizabeth was also looking forward to it all being over, but she wasn't as sure as William that it would be a smooth ride for the rest of their lives. Elizabeth vacantly wondered what would happen when they did not have all this drama around them. When everyday life set in with all its routines and musts, would they find each other boring? Until now they had been working toward a common goal, a common foe. What would happen when it was just the two of them?

William didn't seem to think it would be a problem, even with their past experiences with broken hearts and cheating and stealing girlfriends. Elizabeth tried to keep a positive mind, but sometimes she worried. Was it too good to be true?

"What are you thinking?" he whispered in her ear and brought her out of her reverie. She smiled slightly and shook her head, trying to clear it.

"Nothing." She decided to stay in the now and not to worry about the future. They would handle the problems when and if they occurred. She snuggled closer and kissed his neck. She silently decided that her new mantra would be 'love can conquer all' and felt very cheesy for doing so, but didn't really care.

"Good," he murmured. "How about we call it a night?"

"Agreed," Elizabeth said and yawned just to make it official.

-TBC-

Author's note: Hope you thought it worth the wait. Will try to skip ahead a bit now. Any thoughts or ideas, do not hesitate to put them out there. I guess I need all the help I can get at the moment. Encouragement is good!