"Caught two in the net. Thank you for doing your part. I hope it wasn't too much of a hardship to cancel your date with Charles."

"Not a problem. I'm not really much of a pub person, but I figured the men would be more willing to meet in that setting. Did they suspect anything?"

"Jane. They are men! They don't think further than the ale in front of them. It's Lizzy I'm worried about. We have to move slowly so she doesn't suspect. Isn't Mr. Darcy perfect for Lizzy? He is tall, handsome, smart, successful, and not a skirt chaser. Just think of their yummy babies!"

"Ok, hold it right there. You are getting too far ahead. We have yet to figure out our next move. By the way…What is our next move?"

"Not sure how I'm going to work it, but I deliberately talk out loud about the highly publicized separation of conjoined twins. He could be there to mix with the press just so he'll get a good look at her. I don't know. I'm still working it out in my head. Feel free to pass on your idea. In the meantime, maybe you can pump some information from Charles about Mr. Darcy's schedule, hobbies etc. She will likely call us tonight. So, just play along."

Jane and Charlotte continue to scheme. They have a few ideas in the bag. They just have to be careful in executing it. Maybe they can even get her dad to do their bidding. Both were giddy and looking forward to the bragging rights in bringing those two people together.

Mr. Darcy leisurely drove home. His thoughts are only for Elizabeth that night. He was elated to be given the privilege to drop her off at her place. He had often wondered where she lives and now, he knows! Maybe he could send her a "Thank you for forgiving me" flowers or wait a little bit longer and send a congratulation on making Hertfordshire history on separating the conjoined twins. He will definitely be closely following this story. He parked into his special spot in the parking garage and reached at the back of the passenger seat for his satchel. As he did so, something shiny caught his eye on the front seat. He picked it up and examined it. He recognized it as Elizabeth's earring. He remembered seeing it on her and thought how simple and dainty it was in her ear. He clasped it in his hand and made his way up to his penthouse via private elevator.

He walked into his spacious penthouse and was greeted by utter loneliness. After being in the same space and breathing the same air as Elizabeth. It was hard to go back to his present state. The euphoria he felt a little bit ago will have to tie him over. He opened his palm and looked at his latest treasure. He caressed it ever so gently with his thumb. He closed his eyes and imagined her letting him put it back in her earlobe.

He walked to his bedroom and prepared for bed. Then poured himself a glass of wine and settled himself on his bed. He opened the drawer of his nightstand and took out Elizabeth's scrunchy and replaced it with her earring. Then closed it again. He sniffed softly and reached for his bedtime reading Crimeand Punishment. He reads while rolling the scrunchy in his hand, but he can't seem to focus on the words. Finally, he gave up and took a sip of his wine while staring at nothing. Then his mind replayed the events of that evening.

She walked in like a breath of fresh air. How does she do that? She can make anything she wears elegant even when it's jeans paired with tan leather boots. She has ever slight bowlegs. Definitely a horse rider. She took her jacket off revealing a stunning red top that brought out her eyes. It's like Christmas, green and red! Again, those muscular arms. She almost turned in his direction, but he was quick enough to cover his face with a menu. He was pleased to know that she is also a lover of meat pies. Oh, and the way she takes a bite of Creme Brulee, closing her eyes and leaning back. He has never seen a woman enjoy her food so much. It made him enjoy his own all the more. Then Charlotte came to their table with an "accidental meeting" scheme. He doesn't know what he ever did to deserve such good fortune to be in the company of the most captivating woman of his acquaintance.

He was thinking that an opportunity to meet might come sooner than he thought as he opened the drawer and pulled out the golden drop earring. He smiled to himself. Yes. He is indeed a lucky man. He fell asleep with a smile on his face clutching his treasures.

oooooOooooo

She walked into her empty penthouse. Still decorated as if Michael is still living, but now the loneliness is painful in a different way. In a way she knows she can fix her present situation but unwilling to let go at the same time. She walked in her room to undress. She first removed her earrings. She was distressed at discovering that one is missing. Did it fall in Charlotte's car, restaurant or Mr. Darcy's car? It was one of her favorite pairs that Michael gave her. It was a "just because" gift. She called Edwin to see if it's in her car. Edwin promised to do a thorough search. She thanked him and called the pub to see if they happened to find it and to keep a lookout for it. Then she called Charlotte.

"Hey Char. Before I go any further. Did you by any chance find a gold teardrop hook earring in your car?" Then she took a picture of the remaining earring and sent it to her.

"Sorry no, but I'll be sure to look for it tomorrow. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. I'm a little bit upset about losing it. It was a "just because" gift from Michael. One of my favorites in fact."

"Well…. Maybe you dropped it at the pub or Mr. Bingley's car." She deliberately made a mistake.

"No. I rode with Mr. Darcy."

"Oh…I thought Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley came together."

"No. They came separately. By the way, I could kill you for leaving me stranded. I hope your client is paying you plenty for your trouble."

"Oh, it's nothing. It's just a rich spoiled brat of a doctor. You know…"

"Tell me who. I might know the doctor."

"Can't client confidentiality. So, Did Mr. Darcy take you home?"

"Not exactly. I did allow him to take me part of the way. Then I had Edwin pick me up." She won't tell her where. She smelled a set up and she will not make it easy on her friend. 'This is going to be fun.' She thought. For the first time in a long time, she felt like being mischievous.

"Did you guys stay long after I left?"

"Not much longer. Just exchange niceties and talk a little bit about Jane and my much-publicized upcoming case. Then we left. I was shocked when I found out at the last minute that Bingley would not be riding with us. No matter. I took care of that problem rather quickly. Well, it looks like I'll just have to wait for your call or from the pub. I would really like to have the earring back. Let me know if you find it. Thank you for spending time with me tonight. I have to admit that I didn't really want to go, but I'm glad I did. Love you girl! Goodnight!"

"Goodnight sweetie."

Elizabeth hung up and went to the bathroom. She carefully put the earring back in its special box and into a safe behind a false face of a drawer. Then she undressed and got ready for bed. She slipped under the covers and called Jane.

"Hey Janey! How have you been? I know it's been a couple of days. You'll never guess who Charlotte and I ran into tonight."

"I can't imagine who that might be." Jane feigning ignorance.

"It's Charles and Mr. Darcy at the Piercing Arrow pub. What really surprised me more is that you were not with him. What have you been up to?"

"Actually, I had a date with Charles, but had to cancel because my psych report needed to be submitted to the court soon and I have but a couple of days to complete it. What were you doing at the pub?"

"I went with Charlotte. We've been trying to get together for a few weeks, but our job is always getting in the way. Anyway, before we were set to leave. Who should saunter to our table, but none other than your man and Mr. Darcy. I saw the look of mischief in Charlotte's eyes. I knew she's up to something when she happened to get a call from prison. That never happened in all the years we've been friends. She then dropped a bomb on me with apology for not being able to take me home on account of the "call". Yeah right! I was about to call my chauffeur, but Mr. Darcy was just too quick for my liking and offered to give me a ride home. Of course, I couldn't be rude and refuse. So, I let him…. well sort of. I had him drop me off elsewhere and Edwin picked me up. Mr. Darcy had the silliest grin on his face. As if I would let him know where I live. Nope. Not tonight."

"So…where did he drop you off." Jane was impressed at her cleverness. Looks like one of the fish got out of the net. They will have to be a little bit more clever next time.

"That's my little secret." She would not tell her. Charlotte is a little too good at wiggling information from people. Two minutes and Jane will fold like a house of cards and wonder how it all happened.

"It looks like Charles, and I will have something to talk about on our next date."

"Speaking of Charles, I need Mr. Darcy's phone number. I think my earring might have fallen in his car."

"How did that happen? Did you guys kiss?!" 'Ok, so canceling the date wasn't a complete waste. They are both still caught in the net.' She thought.

"No! Nothing like that! I was nervous and probably fell off when I was tucking my hair behind my ear. I just can't bear to lose it. It was a gift from Michael. Text me his number when you get it please. Thank you so much Janey dearest. I'm going to have to turn in. I have work tomorrow. Love you!"

"Love you too Lizzy." Jane smiled to herself. They couldn't have planned it better. Plus, she would not be under suspicion, since she sees her as a quiet and unassuming sister.

Elizabeth put her phone away and thought, 'Silly Janey. You think I don't know when you are lying. I can hear subtle changes in your voice when you're hiding something. It's not a coincidence that Charlotte would pull a fast one on the same night that you are lying through your teeth. Nice try sister.' Then she rolled over and went to sleep.

Elizabeth keeps early hours. She had plenty of sleep yesterday and last night, so it's not uncommon for her to wake up at 4 am. She made coffee eggs and toasted crumpets. She took her breakfast to her office and sorted through her mail while eating. Many were thank you note from previous patients; others are updates on the lives of previous patients, especially children she's operated on. There are also invitations to various events. Many are from the upper crust of the society mostly from when her husband was alive. Even then, they didn't attend too many. They like being together alone. He always had little surprises for her whether it be a ballroom dance lesson, picnic, wine tasting etc. Each date he made it special. There was never a dull moment. Perhaps this is the reason she doesn't want to start dating. Michael set the standard impossibly high. Speaking of Michael, she needs to contact Mr. Darcy about her earring. She checks her phone only to be disappointed that Jane has not gotten the number to her. This bothered her. It probably fell between the restaurant and Darcy's car. Who knows. She could always send it to Tiffany and Co. to have a mate made. They should still have it on records.

She had more time to kill before heading to her office. She took a remote control from her desk drawer and pushed a button. A big painting behind her desk separated revealing a glass screen. She went online, typed a few codes and a map showed up. She gave the screen a cynical smile as she looked at a few blinking dots and uttered, "Your days are numbered you son of a bitch." She signed off and readied herself for the day.