Looking for a beta...any takers please? Thanx for all the great reviews! I'm so happy that you guys like it so far...

disclaimer: I don't own the characters, Jane Austen does...

Chapter 1

William Darcy was Lizzy's definition of perfection. He was 6'2, had dark brown hair that could be unruly at times and dreamy brown eyes. Frequent trips to the gym kept him in shape and, while not as jovial as his cousin Richard, he was sweet and witty, albeit a bit on the serious side. He was also a little shy and was a man of few words. However when he did speak it was with a purpose that befit a man much older than his 21 years. His father, too, had worked for Michael Bennet as a senior advisor until his death and William was being groomed for his position, or at least one of senior management. Lizzy had loved him for as long as she could remember. She would have given ANYTHING to get him to notice her and lived in fear of him being snapped up by one of the many girls who looked longingly at him whenever he walked by. But he, like Richard, treated Lizzy like a younger sister or cousin…he didn't tease her as much as Richard did but that wasn't exactly a big improvement. Lizzy was hoping that her stay in Europe would either help her get over him or soften the blow when he did meet his special someone.

" So when are you leaving?" Will voice broke through her thoughts.

"Day after tomorrow" she answered him.

"Day after tomorrow?" Richard exclaimed. "So when is the final farewell? Oh my God, don't tell me this is it!" He pretended to be horrified

"haha very funny" Lizzy muttered sarcastically "I didn't want a goodbye party. I have too much packing to do and I just want a quiet dinner with my dad"

"aww it's ok man, you don't have to feel bad..we know you don't have any friends" Richard patted her shoulder

"Leave her alone man" Will cut in. "so when are you going to come back?" he changed the subject

"umm..I'm not sure yet..not for a few years. Depends on how much I like it there" She hoped he would say something about missing her.

"You're gonna love it there man, I mean staying with Maddie and Edward in France, what could be better?" Richard said enthusiastically.

"Staying in France with my dad" she muttered quietly almost to herself. Will heard her and squeezed her shoulder gently.

"Don't worry" he reassured her taking her empty glass from her "Michael travels a lot, you'll be seeing him very often. I doubt he could stay away for long"

"cheer up kiddo" Richard motioned for a passing waiter and handed her another flute, this time filled with champagne "you'll have a blast, now let's eat drink and be merry, emphasis on the DRINK" he winked at her.

"RICHARD! What are you doing? She's a kid man!" Will grabbed the champagne back from her and handed her another ginger ale. Lizzy squirmed inwardly. She hated when he referred to her as a kid. She was only 8 years younger than him. When they were in their twenties, would it even matter? Soon Will and Richard were called away to speak to some other guests and Lizzy was once again left to fend for herself. She walked around the edge of the room stopping to speak to some old friends of her father's. Finally her father came to her and suggested an end to the evening. After saying their goodbyes, they quickly got into their limo. Lizzy took one last look back to see Will walking away with a beautiful redhead. She turned back to face forward and sighed trying to get the image of the two of them out of her head. As Lizzy climbed into bed the last thought she had was about William.

The next day was spent doing last minute shopping and packing and spending time with Sam and Nina, her live in cook and housekeeper. They were practically family and Lizzy would miss them. Her father was in and out of meetings all day and well into the night so they shared their quiet dinner the next day right before leaving to the airport. William and Richard had sent goodbye messages through her father and expressed their regret at not being able to see her off. Lizzy couldn't help feeling upset that she wouldn't get to see William one last time before she left but perhaps it was for the best. She lingered in the airport lobby as long as possible before making her way to the first class lounge. Her father held her hand the whole time and Lizzy fought to keep her tears in check. She was determined that this would not be a tear filled goodbye. Michael hugged Lizzy as hard as he could.

"Dad you're gonna crack my ribs!" she gasped. He chuckled and let her go.

"I want a phone call overnight and an email every morning, video chat once a week and if you miss any of these appointments, I will personally fly down and drag you back to New York, are we clear?" He demanded

"crystal" She grinned up at him "Bye daddy, I love you" She hid her face in his shoulder.

"I love you too my Lizzy, have fun and stay out of trouble. And call me if you need ANYTHING." his eyes shone with unshed tears.

"I will..see you in France for thanksgiving" she picked up her carry-on and began to walk away turning often to wave at her father who stood there waving back until she was out of sight.

Lizzy finally made it onto the plane and buckled up. She stared out the window, not paying any attention to the flight attendant's safety presentation. The tears that she had so valiantly kept in check now flowed freely down her cheeks. As the plane finally took off she wiped her tears determinedly and sat up.

"Goodbye Will and Goodbye New York"