Please note that I don't claim ownership of Pride and Prejudice nor its characters. That honor belongs to Jane Austen. Please enjoy this OOC rendition. Characters may get introduced that are not original to the work, but that's how FF works, I guess. Also, English is not my first language, so bear with me as I navigate my journey of English literature. Thank you for sticking with me thus far. Reviews are greatly appreciated.

A/N I hope you have found some of the breadcrumbs I left behind to signal the upcoming chapters or plots. Previously, it's been focused on Mr. Darcy. I am slowly trying to cross their path and all it takes is a smallest connection.

Devious Charlotte

Elizabeth always feels better after visiting her family's gravesite. She walked into her penthouse lighter, but exhausted. The hours she put in at the hospital caught up with her. She went straight to her office and put her satchel on her desk. Then headed to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of kombucha. She chugged it down quickly and went to take a quick shower. She didn't even bother getting dressed and slipped in her bed. She fell asleep instantaneously.

"Michael, he is beautiful."

"Just like his mother. Thank you for our baby. I'm so glad that I will always have a part of you with me."

"I'm just jealous that I don't have a part of you my dear Michael."

"You could if you want to. Remember the plans we had."

"I do. Please. Stay longer. I need more time with you and our baby."

"I'm sorry sweetheart, but it's time.", said Michael as he turned his back on her. She called his name. As he turned towards her. It was the face of Mr. Darcy!

She was jolted into wakefulness at the sound of her phone. The ringtone indicated it was Charlotte. She didn't feel like answering but did so anyway.

"Hello." in her groggy voice.

"Good morning or should I say good evening sleepy head!"

"It can't be that late. I just laid down not too long ago for a little nap."

"It's almost 6pm sweetie. Perhaps you should check the time and open your darkening shades and see for yourself. Oh, and I hope you have not forgotten our long-awaited girls' night out."

"Oh dear. I'm so sorry. Yes. I did forget, but thanks to you we have plenty of time. I'm pretty hungry. I just realized that I haven't eaten in almost twenty-four hours!"

"Ok. I'll be there in about thirty minutes. I just have a couple of papers I'm finishing."

"Sounds great! I should be fully awake by then. See you soon, love." Then she hung up.

She lingered in bed for a little bit then got up. She doesn't feel like going anywhere, but she knows that Charlotte is not going to take no for an answer. She and her brother John were the ones who introduced Michael to her. It was also through their friendship and love that she was able to get back to the land of the living. They gave her space to mourn but did not allow her to stay there. They made sure she was not alone, and for that she is truly grateful.

She splashed cold water on her face to wake up. Then picked out her outfit. She went with a short sleeved red cross over top with low back and ruffled edging, fitted jeans, leather jacket, and leather boots. Her hair is half up, and she wore her wedding set and teardrop gold earrings. She went to her office and looked through her mail, while waiting for Charlotte. An earthy looking envelope caught her eye. She opened it revealing an address and a hotel reservation at Matlock tower. The MF signature made her smile. She got a text message from the front desk. She grabbed her purse and left.

Charlotte hugged Elizabeth with great enthusiasm. It's been a few weeks since getting together. They both have a very demanding career, but their bond is like sisters. Each will drop whatever they are doing to come to each other's rescue. Because of their casual attire they decided to go to a pub.

The Piercing Arrow Pub is one of Elizabeth's and Michael's haunts. It had a relaxed homey feel and their meat pie is Elizabeth's comfort food. They were ushered to a table against a wall. She specifically requested this spot for sentimental reasons. Charlotte gave her one of those curious looks. She took off her jacket revealing a slightly bareback. Then hung the jacket on the back of her chair.

"I've been itching to try this place, but too busy and never had anybody go with me. Thanks for being a good sport.", said Charlotte.

"Not a problem. I should have told you that it's one of Mikey's and my favorite spots." she replied.

"So that's why you had an "I miss you Michael" look. I'm so sorry. We could go elsewhere if you like."

"No. I rather like this place. Their meat pie is the best. Mikey used to tease me about liking simple dishes. I always like something that's prepared quickly since my work demands my presence and cuts our date time. They also have excellent mocktails, which is my preferred drink when I have to work the following day."

"Well Lizzy, I think I'll have what you're having." Charlotte replied just as the waiter stopped by their table.

They placed their order and chatted about the happenings. They talked about work and the upcoming widely publicized case of separating conjoined twins. How she is not looking forward to talking to the media. She's not sure if she is ready to be in the spotlight again. Then Charlotte tested the waters and brought up the subject of dating. She's been trying to encourage her to slowly move on, but Elizabeth would have none of it. She gave the excuse of being too busy for romance.

"Lizzy. It's been so long since I've seen you truly happy and hope that you will find it again."

"I'm not sure that I'm ready or will ever be. It's kind of hard to move on when I've had the very best. Besides, I have other plans. I need to find myself again without being attached to a man. The conjoined twins case will be my last one for a while. I would like to go back to Australia and visit my father. After that, maybe a sabbatical."

"Don't give up altogether. You've grieved long enough. Michael would want you to have a life. He would want you to be happy. It wouldn't be a betrayal to find love again. You just have to make room. Just think about it."

"Ok. I'll think about it. The time off should help me sort my life out a little bit."

Their drinks arrived first. Charlotte raved about the Mango Mocktail. Then their food arrived shortly thereafter. They both tucked in. Elizabeth was starving. So much so that she actually ordered Creme Brulee for dessert. After the sumptuous meal, she excused herself to go to the loo.

While Elizabeth was gone. Charlotte dashed over to where Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy were sitting. She already knows Mr. Bingley through Jane but introduced herself to his friend. Then she confronted Mr. Darcy because she noticed that he's been staring at Elizabeth since they got there.

"Mr. Darcy, I'm Charlotte Lucas. I've noticed that you've been staring at my friend the entire time we've been here. What are your intentions towards her? If you intend to woo her. I'm warning you if you hurt my friend. There wouldn't be a place in God's green earth where you can hide. She'll be back at our table in a couple of minutes. Wait a couple more. Then say hello." Then she dashed back to the table pretending to enjoy her mocktail. She also texted her secretary to call her in ten minutes.

After a few minutes, Elizabeth came back with her eyes slightly watery. Charlotte was having second thoughts about her plan but ignored it. She felt that her friend could use a little push. Besides, it isn't as if she didn't know who these people are. They chatted a little bit more. Elizabeth settled their bill. The men began to head their way. Charlotte purposely talked about the widely publicized separation of conjoined twins in less than two weeks. The men heard this conversation when they reached the ladies.

"Hey Charlotte and Ms. Bennet! Fancy seeing you here." said Mr. Bingley.

"We were just out for a bit of a brief lady's night. Everybody has to eat at some point, right?" said Charlotte.

"Right." Bingley replied.

"Charles, could you introduce us to your friend?" said Charlotte.

"I'm sorry. Where are my manners? This is my friend William Darcy. Darcy, you met

Ms. Bennet and here is Miss Charlotte Lucas."

"Pleased to meet you Miss Lucas, and great to meet you again Ms. Bennet." Mr. Darcy nervously replied.

"Good to meet you both again." Elizabeth smiled.

Charlotte invited them to sit down. The men demurred, but she insisted. Charles brought up the subject of conjoined twins and was surprised to know that Elizabeth is the head surgeon leading the medical team. After a few minutes of chatting, Charlotte's secretary called. She excused herself and headed towards the lavatory. She lingered a few more minutes then went back to her table. She told the party that a client got himself into trouble again and needs her council. She apologized for not being able to drive Elizabeth back home. Mr. Darcy quickly volunteered to take her back home. Charlotte thanked them. She hugged and kissed her friend, then left.

It was a little bit awkward for Elizabeth to suddenly be stuck with two men. True they are not complete strangers, but it's been a while and her socialization skill outside of hospital setting is a little bit rusty. She spoke mainly with Charles to catch up on what Jane's been up to. The group didn't venture much beyond social niceties. Then she looked at her watch and told them that she has an early day tomorrow and should probably head home.

Darcy couldn't believe his luck. He was so excited that he got tongue tied. 'Not again!' he thought to himself. He pulled Elizabeth's chair and offered to help her into her jacket. She consented. She pulled her hair towards the front before Mr. Darcy helped her. His breath hitched when he saw her semi bare back. He considered this whole process a sweet torture.

Darcy led Elizabeth out the door with Charles walking behind them. She is beginning to panic. She is not ready for this and means to escape. They walked a half a block to his red Ashton Martin Vanquish and opened the passenger door for her. She gave him a questioning look that shifted over to Charles Bingley. He explained that they met up at the restaurant at Charles' insistence because his date with Jane fell through. She reluctantly got in. Then Darcy with a big smile on his face waved goodbye to his friend. As he was getting in, he heard her talking on the phone.

"Edwin, mukae ni kite kudasai de… Arigato gosaimasu!" (Please pick me up at…Thank you) said Elizabeth. Then quickly ended the call.

"So where to Ms. Bennet?" Darcy said with a hint of excitement and pretended he didn't hear her speak a foreign language.

"Hyde and Sikes tower please. Thank you." She said confidently. Thankful for the darkness that hid her smirk. Oh, the irony of this situation.

They were both quiet for a few minutes. Neither of them knows just how or what to talk about. He was too nervous to say anything fearing that something offensive might come out of his mouth. As he tends to do when nervous. Finally, he remembered that he needed to apologize for his rude comment on their first meeting.

"Ms. Bennet. I must apologize for the comment I made just moments of our prior meeting. I should not have made ungentlemanly generalizations in regard to you."

"Don't worry about it Mr. Darcy. I didn't even think about it until you brought it up. All is forgiven."

"That is generous of you."

"Life is too short to hold grudges."

"True. Though I wish I was more generous than you in that respect. It is certainly something to strive for."

"We should all strive to better ourselves, so that by our example others would follow. Oh look, we are almost there."

"We sure are. Thank you for giving me the pleasure of escorting you home Ms. Bennet."

"Thank you for your willingness to aid me. This is not a predicament I usually find myself in. Goodnight Mr. Darcy."

He got out and went around to open the door for her. He lent her a hand, which she graciously accepted.

"Goodnight Ms. Elizabeth. I wish to see you more often. Let me walk you in."

"That won't be necessary but thank you and goodnight Mr. Darcy."

She walked to the tower. A doorman opened the door for her. She walked behind a wall of the front desk but kept walking to the car garage where Edwin was waiting for her. She was so glad to see him. He immediately opened the door and knew that she wanted to go home.

Mr. Darcy was elated. The weight on his shoulder fell away the moment he'd been forgiven. He was grateful for the crumb he's been given. He wished he took the longest route to their destination to buy him more time, but he didn't want to scare her and he sensed her slight discomfort. He wanted to hold her hand longer, but reluctantly let go. He watched as she disappeared behind the wall of the front desk. 'Baby steps. Rome was not built in a day,' he thought to himself.