William Darcy covertly watched the pettie brunette across the room. She was gorgeous he admitted to himself. Surprising for a back water such as this. Charlie came bounding over to him, detaching himself from the tall blonde he had spent the evening monopolizing.
"Darcy," he greeted his friend enthusiastically. "Come meet Jane's sister. Ask her to dance. Have some fun tonight. "
Darcy eyed his friends skeptically. He had seen the vulgar brash frightful thing related to Jane. There was no way he wanted her in his bed tonight. He wanted the brunette gracing his sheets, if he was hooking up with anyone from this backwater. "I'd rather use my hand than shag some frightful thing like her. She might be fun in the sack, but she's not enough to tempt me. I don't do pity sex."
"Now see here, I'm not saying you have to have sex with her," Charlie told his friend, "Just dance a little. She's really quite pretty. Almost as pretty as her sister. "
"Of course you get the prettiest girl in the room and I get the hag," Darcy said sarcastically. He didn't think Charlie's blonde was the prettiest girl in the room, that to him clearly was the brunnet. But Charlie had a type and this evenings blonde fit it to a tee.
"That's harsh, even for you."
"Go back to your partner Charles. Your wasting your time with me. I'm not interested in some girl who's only good for a blowjob where I have to keep my eyes closed in order to cum."
Charlie finally gave up on his friend and went back to his partner. Darcy took a sip of his drink and glanced around the room for the brunette. He spotted her with one of her friends. A homily girl with plain features, nothing remarkable. The brunette apeared to be telling her some story animatedly. Darcy eatched fascinated. The plain one took her arm and started towards the bar.
The bartender greeted them with a happy smile. The girls started talking to him, He poured them shots and said something that made the brunette laugh and shake her head. Darcy watched as bartender continued to flirt with his brunette. then the bartender to off his serving apron tossed it to to the plain girl, came around the bar and bowed to the brunette, extending his hand. With another laugh she took his hand and they moved off to the dance floor.
Darcy frowned. She shouldn't be dancing with the help he thought in irritation. She should be dancing with him. He decided he would cut in. Setting his drink on a nearby table he approached the dance floor. As he got near he heard the sound of her laugh. He had been stalking her laugh all evening, it was one of the most enchanting sounds he had heard. He hadn't spoken two words to her but he knew he wanted to be the one to make her laugh. He decided he really didn't like the bartender.
"You're needed at the bar," he said crisply. "Miss Bingley is in need of a new drink. She wasn't satisfied with the one you mized earlier. Try to to better this time. "
"Excuse me," the bartender ask in confusion.
"The woman in orange, " Darcy said shortly. Caroline had complained to him earlier about it. He hadn't bothered to care then, but dealing with Caroline seemed like a fitting punishment for trying to steal his brunette.
"My sister's at the bar, she can make her a new one."
"I'm afraid she insisted it be you. "
"Go on John. I'll be fine, " the brunette told him.
"You know where to find me if you need me," John told her with a wink as he turned and headed back to the bar.
Darcy raised an eybrow at the brunette in invitation. She glanced at him and whirled around, leaving the dance floor. Darcy stared after her in shock, had she really just refused his invitation to dance? He took a step in her direction, ready to give chase when he saw that she had stopped by the vular young women Charlie had tried to get him to dance with. He paused, and reconsidered. He would do better to catch her at a different time. Preferably when she was alone. He spent the rest of the night tracking her with his eyes but no oppurtune moment presented itself.
It was getting late and the festivities were clearly drawing to a close. Desperate Darcy decided he would simply have to approach her despite her group and introduce himself. He couldn't let her leave without meeting her and securing a chance to see her again. He started in her direction when he felt a claw grasping his arm. Caroline had found him and seized him. He'd done his best to avoid her all evening. As Charlie 's sister she merited his courtesy but he detested her.
"Caroline," he said gitting his teeth.
"Darcy Dah-ling, " she slurred out. "This place is an absolute nightmare. No good company to be had. " She pressed her body closer to his. He stiffened and attempted to put distance between them. She pressed her chest into his arm and duggestively whispered, "It's a good thing we have each other."
"I'm sure you and Louisa will make new friends soon. "
Caroline pouted that Darcy once again hadn't seemed to understand her invitation. Luckily he was staying with them and if she had to she'd wait for him naked in his bed. He couldn't misunderstand that sort of invitation. "Doubtful but I'm sure Charlie will insist we befriend his newest little interest. Dhe hooefully won't be a s dreadful as her sisters and mother."
"You know Charlie, it won't last long. So you shouldn't be to concerned, " Darcy said grimcing. It had been hard to miss the loud mouth matron and her frightful daughters. In addition to the one Charlie wanted him to dance with earlier he had discovered she had 2 more. There was a preachy solemn one and one that was almost as bad as his suggested dance partner. The whole lot was nothing but a bunch of fortune hunters. Darcy scanned the room for his brunette.
"Darcy, Caroline!" Charlie called out approuching with his sister Louisa and her husband Gerald Hurst. Darcy frantically scanned the room again. He couldn't leave without meeting her. He spotted her talking to Charlie's blonde, Jane. He sighed in relief, of course he had noticed her with Jane and her family of horros throught the evening, he could find her through his friend's latest infatuation.
...
"He was a pompous stuck up jerk,' Elizabeth exclaimed angrily. "How your nice sweet Charlie can be friends with him is amazing."
"It is distressing he said such things about you Elle, but perhaps he didn't mean them, " Jane told her soothingly.
"Then why say them?" demanded Elizabeth.
"He was a horrid, horrid man. To speak such things about one of my beautiful girls," Mrs. Bennet cut in with. "You don't need to worry about him dear heart. He is a thoughtless, souless scoundrel." She gripped Elizabeth's hand feverently.
"Then he later pompously demanded John Lucas abandon me on the dance floor to go make a drink for Caroline Bingley. After rudely telling John he made the drink wrong, he raised his eyebrow at me questioning what such a frightful thing as me was doing on the dance floor, " Elizabeth huffed.
"He 's ugly Elle," Lydia said loyaly. " His bod may be smoking and his face chisled to perfection but to me he will always be ugly.'
"To me too, " Kitty agreed.
"Beauty is only skin deep," Mary commented sagely with a nod of her head.
"Let's not talk about him any longer girls. It's to upsetting. Jane you made quiet the conquest tonight, " Mrs. Bennet said changing the subject.
Jane bluushed and said, "Charlie was very pleasant, " as there father entered the room.
"Dear, Charles Bingley is entirely smitten with Jane. We are saved!" Mrs Bennet cried out to her husband.
Taking advantage of their mother's distraction all the girls slipped upstairs. Jane quickly followed Elizabeth into her room.
"Are you well?" Jane ask Elizabeth in concern.
" I am, " she assured her with a smile. Then mischievously "On the brightside he is a man I will never have to fear."
"You don't fear all men Elle," Jane said wrapping her arms around her.
"Of course I don't. I'm not such a ninnie as that. I wish mama wouldn't worry so much. "
"She can't help it. It is a sign of her love.'
"I know. Enough about that. I want to hear all about Mr. Charles Bingly."
"He is aimable, handsome, good humored and fun. I, well I like him Elle. "
"I give you leave to like him Jane. You have liked many a stupider person, " Elizabeth said with a laugh.
"I'm truly sorry Elle, " Jane said guiltly.
"Jane stop. It wasn't your fault. I'm just glad to see you giving some one a chance again. "
" I wish you would as well, " Jane said wistfully.
"Someday I will Janie, but I haven't met a man I'd like t o give a chanve too," Elizabeth said archly. Tonight when she had first glimpsed him, Darcy had made her heart skip a beat and her stomach to flutter with butterflies. She had for the first time since she was 17 hoped a stranger would ask her to dance. Unfortunately though, instead of living up to her dreams, he rudely insulted her.
"Elle," Jane said tentively. Elizabeth looked at her sister in question. Hane chewed her lip. Then continued, "before I knew how horrible his friend treated you I agreed that we would meet up tomorrow morning for coffee."
"Jane just because his friend was horrid doesn't mean you shouldn't see Charlie."
"Not just me and Charlie. You as well. And Darcy. Possibly Caroline, Louisa and her husband. Please Ellie Bellie? "
Elizabeth looked at her. She sighed and teasingly said, "As long as I don't have to sit by him." Then with a grin added, "Actually maybe I should sit by him as a punishment. He'd probably have to take a scalding shower and risk burns to get the taint of me being so near off his skin. "
Jane rolled her eyes and laughed.
…
Darcy glanced impatiently at Charlie. He had agreed to join his friend this morning because he hoped to get details about the brunette from Jane.
"Jane and he sister Elizabeth should be here shortly, " Charlie said with enthusiasm.
Darcy narrowed his eyes and said, "One of her sisters is joining her?"
"Yes. Elizabeth is her closest sister. "
Darcy idly wondered which of the blonde horrors he would have to put up with for the morning to find out about his brunette. He eyed the doorway. To his surprise Jane walked in with the brunette he had been enchanted with and none of her sisters.
Charlie enthusiastically hailed them, "Jane, Elizabeth."
Darcy stared in surprise. His brunette was Jane's sister? With a sinking feeling he realized that meant she was also related to the horrors. It was impossible. He'd studied her last night for most of the evning, watching her converse and laugh. He had even evasedropped on a few of her conversations. She couldn't possibly be related, from what he had observed she was witty and intelligent. "You're sisters?" he ask dumbly. " You look nothing alike. "
I'm adopted, " Elizabeth said tightly as he stared at her.
"Why did they adopt you?" Darcy ask.
Elizabeth glared at him and said in a deadtone, "because after my parents died I was an orphan. "
Realizing the question was offensive and hurtful, Darcy quickly tried to salvage the situation. "I'm sorry for your loss, " he said as relief flooded him that she wasn't related by blood to the horrors.
"Elle is actually a cousin but she's always been my sister since we were kids," Jane said with a smile.
Elizabeth gave Jane a loving smile back and Darcy found himself wishing she would smile at him. He wasn't sure what it was about her, but he found himself drawn to her. He wanted to know everything about her. He sensed that she wasn't going to be just a conquest to him.
His dad always swore he fell in love with his mother at first sight. Darcy had always thought the story was exaggerated until last night when he had first seen the enchanting brunette. He had instantly wanted her in his bed. He told himself she was the only person in this backwater worth hooking up with. After studying her all evening he no longer wanted to just hook up with her and move on. He finally understood what his father meant when he had told him he'd know when he found the one. For him it was Elizabeth. He stared at her studying her features while her, Jane and Charlie made small talk as they waited to order their coffee.
Charlie insisted on paying for the whole group since the girls were being so nice and giving them a tour of the area. Darcy made sure to note Elizabeth's order. As they left the crowded coffee shop Darcy fell into step beside Elizabeth while Charlie happily monopolized Jane.
"What do you do?" Darcy ask her.
She looked at him in confusion.
"I oversee my family's company. What do you do?"
"Go to school. "
"School?" Darcy ask stopping as he realized how young she actually looked. He had noticed she was petite but she had been served at the bar last night so he assumed she was old enough to drink. He had just turned 28, he hoped she wouldn't be put off by their potential age difference. "How old are you?"
"20. I turn 21 in 3 weeks. For the record I'm a working on a degree in humanitarian studies. Most people ask my major, not my age," she said icily.
"Look I know we got off to the wrong start in there. My question was inappropriate. I was caught off guard finding out you were Jane's sister."
"Caught off gaurd? " she said sarcastically. "Charlie last night told you I was her sister."
"No he didn't," Darcy insisted. Something he intended to complain about to Charlie later.
"Well it appeared you didn't have to use your hand after all or close your eyes. Caroline appeared very accommodating, " Elizabeth said with a smirk.
Darcy went pale. She had overheard his words to Charlie and assummed they were about her. It he realized made sense, Charlie would naturally introduce him to Jane's favorite sister. He had assummed her and Jane were friends not sisters. Elizabeth quickly hurried to catch up to her sister and Charlie.
"Wait-" Darcy said but she ignored him. He wanted to groan, he finally found the one for him and he stupidly insulted her before being introduced. It was clear he would need to explain he hadn't meant her. Grabbing her arm he halted her. She glared at him. "I hadn't realized you overheard me. If I had known I never would have said such things."
"It's such a relief to know you would have only thought them, " she hissed at him so Jane and Charlie wouldn't overhear. She was determined not to ruin this for her sister. Charlie seemed perfect for her and Jane hadn't dated since the incident almost 3 years ago.
"I wasn't talking about you," Darcy tried to explain. "I thought Charlie was talking about one of Jane's other sisters."
"Newsflash, Jane's other sisters are also my little sisters. My family you arrogant jerk, " Elizabeth said her eyes flashing dangerously.
Darcy gulped. She looked ready to slap him. He glanced nervously at her hands. She was angrier now then when she thought he'd meant her. She was stunning, like an avenging goddess.
"I suggest we don't mention this again, survive today, be civil and hopefully never have to encounter each other again, " she said tightly.
"No."
"Excuse me? "
Darcy thought quickly. He needed a chance to change her mind about him. He just found her, he intended to keep her. "Bingley," he softly said triumphantly. She looked at him raising an eyebrow. "Charlie and your sister seem to have really hit it off. I'm sure we won't be able to avoid each other's company."
She silently watched Charlie and Jane. They did seem perfectly matched. Jane looked so happy. "I will endeavor to be civil to you and if you can attempt the same and refrain from looking offended by my features. "
"I intend to do better then civil, " he assured her with what he knew was a devastating smile. She clearly didn't realize he had been staring at her features in admiration in the coffehouse. Soon she would he assured himself.
Darcy had never been very good at small talk and Elizabeth who was good at it refused to interact with him until she noticed Jane giving her concerned looks. With an internal sigh and a reassuring smile for her sister, she turned to Darcy and engaged him in conversation. To her surprise their conversation was varied and covered a wide range of subjects for the rest of the morning. With anyone else she would have enjoyed it immensly, with Darcy she held onto her resentment.
At lunch time Caroline, Louisa and Gerald joined them. Caroline immediately attached herself to his person and attempted to monopolize his attention. He had never been a fan of Caroline and retreated into his stiff persona. Elizabeth was once again remined of his haughty manners and felt justified in holding onto her resentment. Caroline and Darcy she thought with satisfaction were well matched.
After lunch Jane and Elizabeth said their goodbyes and made their way back home. Jane, Elizabeth happily noted, seemed to be floating on air.
…
Back at Netherfield, the house Charles had leased for their stay, Darcy paced in his room. The morning had gone well after Elizabeth finally started talking to him. She had confirmed for him what he already knew, she was the one for him. At lunch everything had gone downhill. He'd found himself stuck between Caroline and Gerald. Gerald payed attention to nothing but his drinks and Caroline paid far to much attention to him. Her hands were constantly trying to grope him. He had been uncomfortable and tense as he always was when Caroline was around. Unfortunately Elizabeth was also around and any progress he had made with her this morning seemed lost. The only real positive to come out of lunch was an agreement to meet up tomorrow evening.
…
"You have to come tomorrow night," Elizabeth told Charlotte. "You can't abandon me to the jackals."
"Fine Elle, I'll be there. I will save you from the cruel rich kids, " Charlotte told her with a chuckle.
"This is why I love you. My cousin is a lucky man. "
"He will want me to give Charlie the third degree for him."
"Naturally. I am confident Charlie will pass any test you or Bill want to give him. It is so nice to see Jane dating again."
"It'd be nice to see you dating again too. "
"It'd be nice to be dating again but so far all the dates Bill has set me up on just haven't been my type. Assure me he isn't still trying to find me someone? "
"He promised to stop with the blind double dates."
"Thank God. I know he meant well but all those blind dates last year were torture. This past year without them has been nice. "
"Maybe Charlie will have a friend for you. A friend other then douchbag Darcy. "
"I still can't believe he tried to claim Charlie meant a different sister. Lydia and Kitty are way to young for Charlie to be suggesting them as dance partners and anyone who meets Mary at a party knows instantly she doesn't dance. She literally told Charlie dancing was a sin.'
"She is very devout."
"She converted to Catholicism and is studying to be a nun. Bill is devout, she is a fantic. "
"But you love her anyways. "
"She's family, of course I do. "
…
As soon as they walked in Darcy began scanning the bowling alley for Elizabeth. He spotted her with Jane and her plain friend. He quickly pointed them out to Charlie as he attmepted to unlatch Caroline from his arm. She clung on determidly. Gerald spotting the bar made a beeline to it. Louisa stared regretfully after him before Caroline demanded her attention. A shriek from the lane near the one Elizabeth waited at caught his attention. Th two youngest sister were involved in a loud round of bowling with a group who had a where all the males appeared to have military haircuts. The one he had thought Charlie wanted him to dance with had shrieked and leapt onto the back of one of the young men. Ignoring them Darcy focused his attention back towards Elizabeth.
Caroline 's voice cooed in his ear, "I can imagine your thoughts. You must be thinking of how awful it would be to spend an evening in such surrounds. We can always leave early and make are own fun alone, together. "
"Your wrong. I was imagining the pleasure that the eyes of a gorgeous woman can bestow. If you'll excuse me, " Darcy said stepping away from her and making his way to Elizabeth.
Caroline 's eyes narrowed as he greeted Elizabeth and bestowed a devastatingly sexy smile on her. She couldn't believe he was smiling at Elizabeth like that. She had always hoped to have that smile directed her way. She glared at the young woman. She studied the two for the next few minutes. Caroline determined she would stake her claim and reveal to Darcy just how much of a child Elizabeth Bennet was. Caroline knew she coulf do things in bed that would have Darcy groaning in pleasure and begging her to marry him. She just needed to finally get him into bed with her. There was no way the innocent Elizabeth could compete with her.
"Eliza," Caroline drawled approaching them, "Do be a doll and help me retirve drinks for everyone. I know your underage, but Im sure we can get you a shirley temple."
"I prefer not to be addressed as Eliza," Elizabeth said tensley clenching her fist
"John went to get a few pitchers and pizzas right before you got her, he should be back soon, " Charlotte cut in glancing at the rail thin red head.
"I don't drink beer. I prefer vodka and sparkling water with a lime twist," Caroline told her with a sniff. " The pizza here cannot be edible, and certianly not something either of your figures need. Exspecially yours Eliza. The freshman 15 seems to have doubled for you. "
Seeing her friends pale face, Charlotte said, "Elle let's go see if John needs help," as she grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the group.
Once safetly in the bathroom, Charlotte hugged Elizabeth and held her close. "It's okay Elle, It's okay" she kept repeating as she held her trembling friend.
Lydia and Kitty poked their head in. Kitty quietly ask, "What happened?"
"That red headed bitch kept calling her, " Charlotte said softly trying to keep the anger out of her voice and mouthed the name, "Eliza."
Lydia looked grimly at Charlotte and said, "Kitty and I will handle it."
Upon exeting the restroom the two girls ran right into Darcy.
"What happened he demanded?" He had spotted John heading back to the lanes the girls had reserved as Charlotte had fled with a pale Elizabeth towards the bathrooms.
"Tell your girlfriend if she ever calls Elle Eliza again I will punch her in the face so hard she'll need another nose job, " Lydia said angrily.
"She's not my girlfriend," Darcy automatically responded.
"Well fuck buddy, whatever you two are, I suggest you tell her or we will, " Kitty told him firmly.
"I shall ask Charles to speak to her. We don't have that kind of relationship either. I do my best to avoid her. Is your sister okay?"
"She will be, " Lydia said shortly.
Darcy glanced towards the bathroom door. Elizabeth had clearly been upset. He had been about to eneter the woman's restroom before the two girls had come out of it to check on Elizabeth and Charlotte. He knew Elizabeth didn't like him very much, she had still been hostil to him before Caroline joined them. He also knew that Charlotte, the plain girl with her, was evidently a close friend of hers. But he still desperately wanted to offer her comfort and hold her.
Kitty narrowed her eyes at him. Lydia narrowed hers as well and said sharply, "You can't go in there."
With a shared look, they each grabbed an arm and pulled him back towards the bowling lanes.
"Charlie," Lydia snapped arriving back at the lanes and not seeing Caroline. Charlie and Jane both instantly looked up towards her from where they were sitting. She continued in the same harsh voice, "Tell you stuck up bitch of a sister to never call Elle Eliza again."
"She called her what? " Jane said standng up angrily and looking for either Caroline or Elizabeth.
"Lottie's got her," Kitty said quietly seeing the tension in Jane. Jane relaxed a franction.
"We have to go."
"Go where?" John ask coming up behind them holding hands with a prettier girl.
"Elle's upset," Jane told him.
John and the girl with him both stiffened.
Eyeing Darcy up with disgust John said, "Was it? Or did this bastard her e insult her again? "
Jane shook her head, "It wasn't Darcy."
"I believe it was my sister this time. I er take it you all know what he said the other night, " Charlie said uncomfortably with a glare at his best friend.
"Mary King," The girl with John introduced herself before slapping a suprised Darcy. " Don't ever insult Elle or any female like that again, "she said angrily.
"I deserved that," Darcy admitted. "I wasn't talking about, uh, Elle-"
"Only her friends and family call her that, not jerkfaces who insult her," Mary told him.
Darcy nodded and continued, "I wasn't talking about Elizabeth. But regardless I should not have said it. It was thoughtless and rude."
Charlie glanced around. Mary looked satisfied with Darcy's response. Jane kept glancing tensley at the bathroom door and scanning the bowling alley.
John was scanning the crowded bowling alley. Spotting Caroline with Louisa and Gerald he said to Darcy and Charlie, "The rest of your kind are over there. Maybe you ought to go join them. "
"I will speak to my sister, but I would like to apologize to Elizabeth on her behalf. " Charlie gave a helpless shrug and said, "Someone should and I'm afraid, well my sister doesn't tend to say sorry."
"I owe Elizabeth an apology as well," Darcy said quietly. If everyone here believed he meant Elizabeth in his insult still, she likely hadn't believed him yesterday.
Jane looked around at the group and nodded. "You are bith welcome to apologize to her sometime. Right now though we need to get going. Are your roommates home John?'
"Yea. My place won't work they are having a guys night with beer and video games with some friends. Mary's roomate has her new boyfriend over tonight. Elle's never met him. So we shouldn't go there either."
"He's nice but his size could feel intimidating, " Mary added.
Jane bit her lip.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Charlie ask her hesitantly. He really liked Jane but was worried that thanks to his best friend and his sister she wouldn't want to see him again.
Jane glanced at him thoughtfully. "I hate to impose but, could we, could we take her to your place?"
"Of course," Charlie quickly told her still uncertain of what was going on. "The place is large. Louisa drove her car so Caroline and Gerald can come home with her later.
Darcy was more astute though and he didn't like what he was hearing. They didn't want to take Elizabeth someplace where there would be multiple loud drunk guys, which given she was upset made sense but Mary had mentioned her roommate 's boyfriend's size as being intimidating. Which meant Elizabeth had a reason to be fearful of men when she was upset. "Will our prescnce, " he said gesturing to him and Charlie, "upset her? "
Jane looked at him thoughtfully and said, "I don't believe so. She thinks your a good guy Charlie and well thanks to Darcy's insult she joked to me that she has no reason to fear him."
Darcy grimaced. He didn't like the implication of what that meant about why she was upset right now.
"We will explain on the way. John, Mary can you stay and watch over Kitty and Lydia? Make sure they get home okay?" Jane ask them.
"But-" Kitty started to protest as Lydia said, "She's our sister too!"
"Jane and Lots need to focus of Elle, you two are with us," John told them firmly.
Jane glanced at Darcy and Charlie and said, "I promise to explain everything, but for now I want to see how Elle is. Charlotte and I will meet you guys outside with Elle. There is an exit near the bathrooms," Jane said pointing it out and handing her keys to Charlie. Please pull Elle's car around to it She drives the black wrangler. Its parked next to a silver honda civic near the enterance."
Charlie and Darcy nodded and headed out to the parking lot while Jane and John headed in the direction of the bathroom.
Jane entered the bathroom quietly. "How is she?" Jane ask Charlotte softly.
"Not as bad as in the past. It's been awhile since this has happened. I wish we could find that bastard and make him pay for what he has put her through," Charlotte whispered.
"It could have been worse, he could have succeded," Jane reminded her softly.
"Where are we taking her?"
"Charlie's."
"Is that wise?"
"We don't have a lot of options. If my mom sees her like this, or your mom sees her and tells her," Jane said trailing off as Charlotte nodded in agreement.
"Darcy likes her," Charlotte said abrublty.
"I know," Jane said sighing, "but Elle doesn't."
Once outside, John helped to put Elizabeth in the backseat of Charlie and Darcy's car. Darcy had pointed out it would be eaasier to get her in the back seat of the four door LandRover then the two door Wrangler and that Jane and Charlotte could both sit with her while he drove one and Charlie drove the other. The ride back to Netheirfield was silent. Charlie kept glancing anxiously into his review mirror at the three women. He was grateful Darcy had refused to wait for Caroline tonight and insisted they leave without her so they wouldn't be late forcing his siters and Gerald to drive a second car.
Elizabeth's head rested on Jane's shoulder. She had been out when John carried her to the car. Darcy had eyed the man with her in his arms unhappily, but hadn't said anything. It was in that moment that Charlie realized his friend had very strong feelings for Elizabeth. He had never seen Darcy jealous until he saw him watching John carrying Elizabeth. Charlie had figured out pretty quickly that his friend was intruiged by Elizabeth but he hadn't realized to what extent. He was usually the one to fall for a girl quickly, not Darcy.
Unsurprisngly Darcy insisted on carrying Elizabeth in. Suprisingly she snuggled into him as he held her. Since the bed in his room was already made up he offered it to put her in it, suggestig that Jane or Chalotte could stay there with her throughout the night. Charlotte volunteered to stay with Elizabeth so that Jane could explain the situation to Darcy and Charlie. Darcy eyed Lizzie tucked into his sheetts regretfully before following Jane out of the room and down the stairs.
Charlie had put a kettle on and started preparing tea. He smiled hesitantly at Jane when her and Darcy entered the kitchen. She softly smiled back and his smile grew in confidence.
"Thank you for your help tonight," she told both men as she accepted a mug of tea and and sat at the kitchen island. Before either could speak she quickly continued. "You should now that Elle has been kidnapped twice in her life. Once when she was 7 and once when she was 17."
Charlie gasp and Darcy's jaw clenched.
"Elle came to live with us when her parents were, were seized. Her dad had been a scientist working for the goverenment on top secret projects. My aunt and uncle frequently went on trips out of the country. Elle was 6 at the time and had just had her apendex taken out. So instead of traveling with her parents she came to stay with us. Her parents plane was taken over by terrorists. It was a small craft. No guards, just the pilot, co pilot and Elle's parents. They took my uncle hostage but murdered my aunt and the pilots. A move they came to regret since it left them without leverage against my uncle. A year later they attempted to kidnap Elle from the park. Her father's special name for her was Eliza, she requested that we not call her by it anymore after the incident" she said pausing to sip her tea.
"My god," Charlie said in horror, while Darcy sat silently atteptng to reign in his anger. He wanted to tear back up the stairs, hold Elizabeth in his arms and promise to always keep her safe.
Jane continued in a steady voice, her emotins only potrayed by the slight, easily overlooked tremble in her hand. "The kidnappers knew he c alled her Eliza. They called her by it as well. She was succesfully rescued by an army ranger in about 32 hours. She was traumitized but mostly unhurt other then a few bruises. They didn't even succed in getting her out of the country"
Jane paused for another sip of her tea. "Things were fine after that. I went to school a few hours away after high school graduation. Elle came up to visit me a few times. On her last visit up there during her senior year, I had reccenltly started seeing a man." Jane closed her eyes and swallowed hard, her composure starting to slip. She quickly opened her eyes once again in command of herself. "Georege was very charming. I met him out with a group of friends. It sticks out to me know, but it was after he heard my last name and where I was from that he really began to pay attention to me. He ask me questions about my family. I thought it was sweet, I proudly showed off pictures of my sisters, of Elle. We started to date. He was very interested in my sisters, kept suggsting I invite Elle up to visit. So I did. Georege had realized who she was and thought he could sell her to the same terrrorist group that had murderred her parents. That they would pay to, to take revenge upon her for her father's succesful suicide according to some contact of his. One of the other prisoners from the facility my uncle was held at contacted us after he was ransomed. He had a verbal message My uncle had begged him to deliever, to give his love to his little girl. He killed himself after he discovered the attept to kidnap his daughter. My uncle believed she would only be safe if he was dead. My parents never told her or any of us that but Georege did. He told her it was her f ault her father was dead. Georege told her that either they or her family would be willing to pay lots of money for her. He foolishy believed that we had acess to some sort of trust fund from her parents. He though wasn't satisfied with just abducting her and leaving. He assumed I was gone all morning in classes. He tried to, he tried to rape Elle. Our cousin Bill Collins, Lottie's fiance, was passing thorugh town and stopped by to surprise me. He knew where the spare key was kept. He came in saw Geroege holding Elle down, calling her Eliza and sayinng vile things about what he would do to her. Bill pulled him off her before he could, could violate her. But it traumatzed her again. She retreated into herself. Refused to speak for three months. When she finally did speak, she ask me if it really was her fault her father was dead. She told me what things George had said to her in my appartemnt before he decided to try and violate her. It was considred only attempted rape, so that bastard walked away almost scott free. Elle was to scared and traumatized to speak at his trial. The prosecuting attorny didn't have much of a case with Elle keeping silent. It wasn't until after Georege had disappeared and she spoke three months later they we learnd it was more then attempted rape. That he planned on ransoming her, possibly to be murdered."
"I'm going to kill him," Darcy said softly, deadly.
Charlie looked at Jane's white face and said gently, "It wasn't your fault."
Jane looked at him and quietly said "I brought that bastard Wickham into my sweet sister's life."
"Wickham?" Darcy as his face paling. "George Wickham?"
"Sandy brown hair, blue eyes? " Charlie ask her seriously.
"Yes," she said looking at the two men in confusion.
"We know the bastard," Charlie explained flushing as Darcy swearing slammed his fist into the nearby wall.
Jane flinched and Darcy quickly apologized to her and Charlie.
"Last year he tried to set my sister up to take a fall as a memeber of a terrorist group. His goal was revenge on me. He tricked her into believing herself in love with him. He used her credit cards to buy plane tickets for members of the group, along with other things. My lawyers managed to get the charges cleared, but it almost destroyed her life. She had just turnrd 18, " Darcy said before he tunred and left the kitchen. He headed back up the stairs. He wanted to see Elizabeth, see her safe and unharmed.
He knocked on the door when he reached his room. Charlotte opened it and looked at Darcy questioningly.
"How is she?" Darcy as glancing toward the figure on the bed.
"Resting peacefully, " Charlotte eyed him carefully. "You like her don't you?"
"She's the one. My dad always claimed as soon as he met my mom he knew. He always told me I'd know when I met the one as well. I had dismissed the idea until the other night when I found Elizabeth. "
"Jane told you about her past?"
" Yes. "
" You still think she is the one? "
"Yes."
"Good. I met the one for me in 6th grade. Bill had come to visit his cousins. I told Elle I was going to marry him. I never looked at another. Sometimes when you know, you know, " she told him with a gentle smile.
"Now I just need to convince her I'm the one for her. "
"Word of advice, don't insult her or her family. They might be loud and crass but they love her and she loves them. Mrs. Bennet lives in terror that Elle will be kidnapped and they won't be able to afford the ransom unless all her daughters marry well, or military men since it was an army ranger that saved her as a child. Who coincidently then married her sister. Mary believes strongly in the power of prayer. She doesn't remember much about the time Elle was first kidnapped other then that everyone kept telling her to pray. So she did, and hasn't stopped. The twins, Lydia and Kitty, are determined to love life to its fullest, they're loud, they're a handful, but they love Elle. She has always been there sister. In grade school an older boy told Lydia Elle was just adopted and only her cousin. Lydia lost her temper and flew at him in rage. She refused to apologize after a teacher pulled her off him calling him a liar. No one could convince her Elle wasn't her sister by blood."
"I should have not made assumptions or judgements. It's a mistake I hopefully won't make again, " he told her his voice ringing with sincerity.
"I'm starving. Your on duty here while I go raid Charlie 's kitchen, " Charlotte said stepping out the door.
Darcy stared at her a moment in stunned suprise and then quickly made his way into the bed room. He hesitated before sitting down on the edge of the bed. Charlotte had clealry been lounging next to Elizabeth. While Darcy wanted to do the same he didn't think it woukd be a good idea. Elizabeth whimpered. He lightly grasp her hand. She gripped his tightlyband rolled toward him. Burying her face in his side as he sat there frozen. She sighed and settled back into a restful sleep. Darcy leaned gingerly back against the head board careful not to disturb Elizabeth. He glanced at her fingers wraped in his. It was definitely not the way he imagined getting Elizabeth in his bed but atleast she was holding his hand. Darcy slowly drifted off to sleep.
Darcy awoke the next morning stiff and uncomfortable. Brown hair was sprawled across his lap. Elizabeth was clinging to his side sleeping soundly still. He studied her in the early dawn light. Her face was smooth. He eyelashes long. He lips looked soft and full, two pink pillows he wanted to caress with his own. As he stared at her she started to stir. Darcy quickly shifted his body, hoping she wouldn't pay any attention to his lap where the physical presence of his dreams had manifested itself.
Her eyes fluttered open. She glanced upward and stiffened. She quivkly scrambled away from him, flushing adorably.
"Lottie used the pressure point thing on me again didn't she, " Elizabeth said dryly.
"Err,"
"She's like a ninja. I swear her future kids are going to be the most well rested kids ever. "
Darcy smiled at Elizabeth.
She shifted uncomfortably, tucked a stray curl behind her ear and said in a rush, "I'm sorry."
arcy raised a surprised eyebrow at her.
"Clearly your not quite as much of a jerk as I thought you were. If I'm here I assume Jane or Charlotte filled you and Charlie in on well, uh, well-"
"They did," he told her gently as she fumbled for the words.
"Yea so I'm sorry. "
"Apology accepted but not necessary."
"A jerk wouldn't have helped out last night. And the fact that you were left here as the caretaker of the crazy girl indicates you actually helped, enough that Lottie and Jane both felt comfortable leaving you with me, alone."
"Your not crazy, and I didn't do much other then fall asleep while I was supposed to be watching over you while Charlotte raided Charlie 's kitchen. "
At the mention of the kitchen Elizabeth 's stomach growled. She blushed and Darcy said, "Perhaps its time to raid the kitchen for you as well now."
Elizabeth scrambled off the bed avoiding Darcy's long stretched out legs.
Darcy smiled at her. She blushed again. He swung his legs off the bed and stood up. He walked towards Elizabeth, reached around her and turned the knob opening the door. Her breathing he could tell was faster then normal. He hid his satisfied smirk. "After you," he said leaning just a little closer.
Elizabeth stood frozen her eyes wide. Darcy couldn't help himself. He leaned down and brushed her lips with his. She didn't stiffen or move away so he did it again. She moved ever so slightly towards him. He gently and slowly wrapped his arms around her as he deepened the kiss. Her hands tentatively stroked his back. He wanted to kick the door closed and rush back to the bed but instead he slowly broke off the kiss until there forheads leanded against each other. "I want the chance to get to know you Elizabeth," he told her softly.
"You can call me Elle," she said quietly back.
Darcy grasp her hand in his and lead her down the stairs for what would be there first breakfast together. A year later over breakfast Darcy proposed to Elizabeth and she happily accepted.