Sorry for the late update..I'm on vacation visiting family and it's kinda tough finding a minute to write with so many nephews and nieces running around...
Also thanx to my beta Titans123 for doing an awesome job
Disclaimer: I'm not Jane Austen, just love her stuff
Chapter 3
William Darcy sighed and looked at his watch for what felt like the millionth time. The meeting was dragging on far longer than the allotted 2 hours and after listening to a string of over-exuberant marketing coordinators wax lyrical about new ad-campaigns and image building schemes, he almost wished he was hearing impaired.
The last presenter was the newest – and least experienced - member of the marketing team. He spoke too fast, sweated too much and judging by the looks on the faces of the rest of the board he bored the pants off everyone too. Finally the longest ten minutes of Will's life came to a conclusion and the clueless marketer turned to his bosses; waiting anxiously to hear the results of his presentation.
"Well Mr. Cohen you have definitely given us some," Michael paused to consider his answer, "interesting ideas to consider. We'll be in touch." With that Michael Bennet dismissed the young man and waited a few minutes before turning his chair to face to the rest of the table. "So, gentlemen, what did you think?" The 9 other people in the room looked to one another cautiously; waiting for someone to bite the bullet and go first.
"Well I think the kid's a bore Michael. Where'd you find him?" Sean Fitzwilliam, Richard's father and William's uncle, jumped in first..
Michael threw a sideward's glance to Charles Bingley. Charles was head of marketing; Williams best friend and coincidentally the person responsible for hiring the disaster that had just presented.
"That's irrelevant," William threw in, defending his friend. "Has anyone got anything more constructive to say?" He ignored the thankful look Charles threw him and looked back at a paper copy of the junior's presentation.
"His figures were too optimistic, his market research was appalling and the timescale he gave to complete the project was farcical; surely there is nothing else to say?" Another board member contributed, deftly throwing his copy of the presentation into the middle of the table.
"I…I'm appalled quite frankly. That is not the direction I think we should be taking. Schwebber have already tried this kind of campaign before and it didn't work for them. I'm thinking we need something more experimental – guerilla perhaps?"Charles drew a hand threw his blond hair and let out a deep sigh. He was a little ashamed that he had had a hand in hiring Mr. Cohen. He wanted to defend himself and tell the board that the guy had potential, but there was no way they'd believe him.
"Well we've heard a lot from everyone else, but what do you think William?" Michael had been watching Will throughout the meeting and kept throwing him surveying glances. It was unlike William not to wade in first and give his opinion before the other board members had a chance to think. It was also unlike William to doodle all over his notepad, when he should have been listening. Michael couldn't put his finger on it, but there something was distracting him.
Will didn't jump like other people would at being addressed directly. Will knew how important his decisions were to his company, so he slowly raised his gaze to meet Michael's cool stare and just he was about to answer Richard jumped it.
"Why are we even having this discussion? The guy's a pratt – next," Richard Fitzwilliam loudly interjected.
"You think a mime talks too much," William declared with a mutinous glare in his cousin's direction.
"Michael, I think it's all been said. Mr. Cohen delivered an idea that lacks vision. If we want to stay as the market leader, then we have to think like the market leader. We can't follow the line Schwebber, Hancock and Marks have drawn and if that means many more hours of brainstorming them that's what Charles and his team will have to do. We have ploughed millions into changing our company branding, message etc. but that's not enough anymore. We have to think big and then act enormous." William spoke with an air of authority. As he delivered his speech, he met the eye of each of the board before looking back at Michael.
"So what do you suggest?" Michael puffed out cheeks and exhaled slowly.
"Fresh meat," Richard fired.
"William, do you agree?" William nodded his head slowly at Michael. "Okay then, if we hire new talent can someone promise me it will be better than what we have just seen?" A murmur of affirmation rippled through the board and Michael smiled. "Right then, meeting adjourned. Thank you everyone – I'll see you all tonight. Will, Rich, can I have a word?"
Will and Rich stopped packing away and waiting for everyone to leave before shuffling up a few seats to sit around Michael.
"I trust everyone is set-up for tonight?"
Richard nodded, a smile erupting across his face. "You betcha. Mary from CoCo Events confirmed that everything is on schedule. The flowers arrived, the linen is out, the band is setting up and the guest list is confirmed. All we need now is the guest of honor. So when are you picking up Lizzy?" Michael grinned and looked to his Mont Blanc watch, "I'm going now. Her plane doesn't land until two, so I just wanted to check everything is in place. Thanks boys." Will flinched at the word boy, but let it pass – Michael was too set in his ways to change. Without a backwards glance Michael left the room with his PA shuffling after him; leaving the two 'boys' alone.
"I hate it when he calls us boys," William hissed.
"Would you prefer he called us girls?" Richard offered teasingly; earning him a swift punch in the shoulder. "Wow, steady on. Violence doesn't solve anything."
"It shut's you up though."
Richard simple shrugged his shoulders in response; it wasn't unlike them to argue. "God, I can't believe Lizzy's finally coming home. It doesn't feel like 10 years have passed."Richard commented.
"You look like they have." William murmured and.. Richard chuckled.
"Yeah well the years haven't been kind to you either my friend. Are you scared she's going to come back feeling the same about you?"
"What? What are you talking about?" William pretended to be confused.
"Don't play dumb with both know little Lizzy nursed a soft spot for you. What do you think she looks like?" Richard rested his chin in his hand and looked outside, pondering that.
"I'd wager she looks pretty much the same just 10 years older." William said sarcastically, whilst trying to avoid his cousin's knowing gaze.
"Well she's 21 now isn't she? Isn't that legal?"
"I hope you aren't insinuating I would even go there."
"Me…insinuate…never," Richard said dramatically. "Anyway, is Sarah coming with you tonight?"
William gently shook his head. "Nah, that's finished." He quickly glided out the room, making his way to the elevator; leaving Richard to follow him at a quick step.
"I'm not going to say I'm surprised, but why? She seemed pretty sweet to me. Surely she could've lived up to your impossibly high standards?" Richard mock bowed to William.
"Get up you idiot. My standards are not impossibly high. I don't think it's too much to expect some intelligent conversation in a relationship. And if it's not the low IQs, it's the money. Every woman I seem to attract wants access to my wallet. I've had enough with all of them." Will jabbed at the elevator call button a few times, until it protested and beeped at him.
"What happened? What did she say?" Richard asked.
"Oh it's nothing, she just expected to fork out for her numerous trips to Barneys. Buying gifts is one thing, but being asked to foot the bill for 6 pairs of those ridiculously expensive Manolo shoes and countless dresses, when we've only been dating a couple of weeks is a bit excessive."
"Ouch I'm with you on that one. Well just in case you're interested, I'm flying solo tonight as well."
"Oh yeah? How come?"
"Jessie has plans tonight. I didn't think it would be fair to ask her to cancel, so yeah…hey you can be my date!" Richard flung his arm around Will's shoulder and winked at him.
"No offense, but you don't meet my impossibly high standards," William replied with a sly smile, whilst shrugging off his cousin's arm. "And you're not my type."
Richard clutched at his chest and pretended to be affronted. In truth he was a very good looking man. He was of a medium build, a 5'11 frame and he had red hair with bottle green eyes.
"That hurt man! I'm everyone's type. Everyone loves a redhead," he declared before they separated and went into their respective offices.
JFK airport is one of the busiest in the world. Millions of people move through it every year and hundreds of people anxiously jog from one foot to the other at the arrival gates, as they wait for their loved ones to return home. Michael Bennet was currently one of them.
He had been standing here for 30 minutes now and still there was no sign of any passengers from Air France flight 893.
He anxiously jabbed at the keys on his Blackberry and continued to crane his neck to see above all the disappointing arrivals until he saw a familiar blond head. He wasn't sure at first, but then he noticed the piles of suitcases that were following her and he instantly knew it was his daughter's friend.
Anyone who knew Jane knew that she didn't understand the concept of packing light.
Sure enough, a few seconds later his beautiful brunette daughter emerged from behind the pile of suitcases; a wide eyed expectant look on her face as she scanned the crowd.
When Lizzy spotted him her eyes lit-up and a huge smile swept across her face. She quickly abandoned the card and pushed her way through the crowds to him.
"DADDY!" Lizzy didn't stop as she ran into her father's waiting arms. He enveloped her in a massive bear hug and held her tightly; silently saying a little prayer, thanking the big man upstairs for bringing her home.
"Welcome home sweet heart," Michael could barely speak through the emotion in his voice and so they just stood in each other's embrace until a pleasant little cough came from beside them.
"Sorry," Lizzy looked to Jane sheepishly. "It's been a long time." Lizzy wasn't sorry at all, her eyes were twinkling and she suddenly felt alive.
Michael simply laughed and kissed her cheek before turning his attention to Jane.
"Welcome to New York my dear," he took shook Jane's hand and vigorously shook it.
"Thanks Mr B. I'm excited to be here."
"I'm glad to hear it. I'm positive you will love New York: you certainly seemed to have packed for every eventuality." He arched his eyebrows and looked pointedly at her many suitcases. Lizzy laughed.
" Isn't that a model's motto Jane – be prepared?"Lizzy slung her arm around Jane's shoulder in a show of solidarity and winked at her.
"I'm pretty sure that's the boy scouts sweetheart." Michael said and they all laughed again. He motioned for someone to come and get their carts and two young boys eagerly raced up to help the 'damsels.'The one that got to Lizzy's cart first grinned at the other.
"Actually I'm kind of surprised that you packed so light Lizzy. How do you only have 3 suitcases? You were in the fashion capital of the world for 8 years and all you have to show for it are three tatty suitcases?" Lizzy took her father's arm and the three of them made their way out of the airport.
"Oh don't worry dad, I'm having the rest shipped over! Much easier that way," she responded with a serious expression on her face. He stopped suddenly to look at his daughter with a stunned expression on his face.
"Dad, I'm kidding. Oh my God, check out his face," Lizzy and Jane started laughing together at Michael as they climbed into the waiting car.
"So…what's new?" Lizzy settled into the leather upholstery and lay her head back.
"Darling, a lot has changed in ten years. How about we start small? Work is good. We're in the process of hiring a new marketing coordinator and Sue Fielding is pregnant."
"Are you serious? Sue… your PA Sue? Wow! When is she due?"
Michael shrugged and smiled sheepishly at his daughter; she would take care of the details.
"Dad you are terrible."
"I've been working."
"Yes I know, but you work with see her every day."
"Mr B, do you ever leave the office?" Jane teased good-naturally.
"Yes of course I do, it's just to sleep and ring my daughter." Michael smiled and pondered what else was going on. "Oh yes, Richard Fitzwilliam has a girlfriend, finally. You know there was a time when I thought he was gay."
Lizzy shrieked with laughter. "I know about his girlfriend. Her name is Jessie, short for Jessica."
Michael had a look of surprise on his face as he turned to her, "You weren't my only correspondent dad. Thank God for Nina. If it wasn't for her, I don't think I'd know anything about what was going on in New York."
"Oh!" Michael said. A hint of embarrassment coloring his cheek's "Well aside from the fact I'm a terrible gossip, Mr and Mrs Fitzwilliam have invited us over for dinner soon; what do you think? You can tell them yes or no at the party." "Party? That's tonight?" Lizzy asked.
"Don't tell me you forgot? Richard and William can't wait to see you."
"Yeah, it will be good to see them too. Have they changed?" Lizzy enquired, her cheeks colouring slightly at the thought og William.
"Well you will see tonight. When we get back I have to go back to work for a bit,but I will be back for dinner." Michael reassured them.
"So is this a formal event? Do we have to pull out the fancy dresses or is it more jeans and a fancy top?" Jane asked.
"Haute couture my friend. Drag out your Valentino and Louboutins – only the best will do. " Lizzy nudged Jane playfully and wiggled her eyebrows, causing the girls to start laughing.
"Ooohh I can't wait!" Jane clapped her hands together. "Oh, before I forget thanks again for letting me stay with you Mr. B. It shouldn't be too long beforeI find an apartment."
"Jane, dear, don't fret over it. Our home is big enough for you AND your luggage" he responded; adding a wink playfully.
They drove for a little while longer and finally pulled up in front of the Bennet townhouse. Jane climbed out and stared at the house in front of her. Her jaw dropped as she stood taking it in.
"Mon dieu Lizzy, how rich are you?" Lizzy laughed and grabbed her friends hand and ran up the stairs, dragging Jane behind her. When they reached the door, she let go of Jane's hand and threw the door open.
"Nina. Sam. I'm home!" Lizzy yelled.
Sam was just inside the door and he reached her first, with a big smile on his face.
"Welcome home Lizzy!" He gave her a hug.
"It's so good to see you again."She returned the hug before pulling away to smile up at him. She turned behind her and reached for Jane.
"Jane, this is Sam, he's worked for us for years."
"Nice to meet you Sam, I've heard so much about you. I feel like I know you already," Jane shook hands with Sam.
" Any friend of Lizzy is a friend of ours. Welcome to New York."
"Thanks! I'm happy to be here."
Michael interrupted to homecoming scene."Sam, I have to get back to the office. Please can you make sure my tux is picked up from the cleaners."
"Of course Mr Bennet. I'll get someone right on that."
Michael gave Lizzy a quick kiss on the cheek. "Bye honey, I'll be back, try to get some rest" She smiled at him.
" Don't work too hard!" Lizzy warned, causing Michael to chuckle as he walked out the door.
Lizzy and Jane made their way inside the house and towards the kitchen. They could hear someone doing the dishes and Lizzy ran forward eagerly calling out.
"Nina! I'm home," Lizzy ran into the kitchen and threw her arms around a small, wiry woman with gray hair and glasses. The woman's eyes shone with unshed tears as she hugged Lizzy. She had been a part of their family since before Lizzy was born and had acted as part housekeeper part surrogate mother to Lizzy after her own mother had passed on. Over the years Lizzy had come to her to have her tears wiped away, her feelings soothed, or her chest cleared after late night confessions over fresh baked cookies and mugs of Nina's steaming hot cocoa with its special secret ingredient. In Fact, Nina was the only one who Lizzy had confessed her feelings for William to.
"Welcome back my dear! It's been so lonely since you've been gone." Nina turned towards Jane who stood politely behind Lizzy, "and you must be the Jane that Lizzy has told us so much about. " Jane stepped forward and held out her hand.
"It's nice to finally meet you Mrs Giovanni," she said politely. The older woman ignored her hand and reached out to envelop her in a giant hug "None of that my dear, and please call me Nina. Everybody around here does." Jane smiled warmly at her.
"So are you young ladies hungry?" She moved towards the fridge and opened it, giving its contents a quick scan. "I can whip-up some breakfast for you if you like?"
"Umm…" Lizzy glanced at Jane, "I don't know about Jane, but I'm not really that hungry."
Jane sat down on a kitchen stool and shrugged her shoulders. "Neither am I."
Nina clucked her tongue. "What do you mean you're not hungry? Never you mind; I'm going to at least fix you a snack. My goodness the both of you could use some fattening up!" She began to remove some pastry and chicken from the freezer.
"You can't do that Nina, Jane's a model, she's got to stay skinny." Lizzy walked over to the pantry, careful not to get in Nina's way and after looking around for a minute, pulled out a box of crackers and hopped up onto the counter.
"I thought you weren't hungry?" Jane smirked at her. Lizzy just shrugged her shoulders and grinned at her before tossing up a cracker into the air and catching it in her mouth. Nina turned from the counter, where she was busy chopping up chicken and walked over to remove the box from Lizzy's hands
"Wha-" Lizzy protested.
"No junk right now, I'm fixing you something that will be better for you…more wholesome" Nina wagged her finger at Lizzy and put the crackers back into the pantry. "Now go sit beside Jane and wait."
Lizzy slid off the counter and walked over to where Jane sat. Jane smiled innocently up at her and Lizzy glared back.
"Nina, Jane wants extra cream in her pastry!" Lizzy smiled triumphantly at Jane, as Nina shook her head and started chopping vegetables.
Later that evening, after dinner (from which Michael was noticeably absent) the girls began to tackle the problem of what to wear.
"I'm was thinking of wearing this emerald green Prada. What do you think?" Jane held up a beautiful sleeveless dress with very thin straps and a slit that was just high enough to be tasteful.
"You'll be beautiful no matter what you wear," Lizzy was lying on the bed in Jane's room, her head propped up by one hand.
"Lizzy I'm serious." Jane lowered her arms causing the dress to fold up against the floor. "This is my first social event in my new hometown, and I want it to be perfect" Jane pouted and once again held up the dress in front of her friend. Lizzy simply rolled her eyes and sat upto give Jane her undivided attention.
"That dress is beautiful and it brings out your eyes. Wear it." Lizzy tilted her head to the side and eyed the dress critically, before nodding vigorously in approval.
"Good, now onto the hard part - what are you going to wear?" Jane draped the dress over a chair and started to go through her massive shoe collection. Lizzy got off the bed and joined her.
"Oh just some blue dress I picked up a couple of months ago," she idly picked up a blue shoe and turned it around in her hand before putting it back.
"Have I seen it?" Jane asked.
Lizzy shook her head, "I don't think so."
"How do you have a dress that I haven't seen?" Jane dropped her shoes and turned towards Lizzy.
"Maddie got it for me. Remember that day in March when you had the flu and Maddie took me shopping?"
"How about these?" Jane held up a pair of silver peep-toe pumps.
"Looks like you found your shoes Cinderella, now all you need is your Prince Charming."
"Maybe we'll both meet our Prince Charming's tonight." Jane winked at Lizzy, "but you need to get dressed first." Jane pushed Lizzy out the room. "Now go or we'll be late."
"Yes mom!" Lizzy shot a cheeky smile at Jane and swiftly left before the shoe her friend threw hit her.
Getting to her own room Lizzy sank onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling. She couldn't admit to Jane, but her stomach did somersaults every time she thought about tonight.