Sorry for the long wait guys, RL has been crazy. I'm really going to try and speed it up a bit but I apologize in advance if I can't. Don't forget to review!

And thanx to my Mab35 and Ladyamadaun again for all their help!

Chapter 14

Lizzy sat quietly watching the others converse, not really paying attention.

Returning from the washroom, he sat beside Lizzy. "You okay?" Darcy asked. He noticed that Richard still had his arm around Lizzy's shoulders and Darcy wasn't sure how he felt about that. Richard had a girlfriend, one with whom he was very much in love with, so what was he up to now? It was obvious to anyone, even him, that the relationship between Lizzy and Richard was fraternal and Darcy knew that Richard would never see Lizzy as anything other than a little sister and vice versa, but he still couldn't help but feel jealous of their camaraderie. Maybe it was because he wasn't sure where he stood with Lizzy. Sure, they were friends, close friend but…it seemed like there was something missing. He wasn't sure what exactly. Was it that she seemed closer to Richard? Or was he just allowing his feelings of admiration get the better of him? Of course it wasn't that! He could find her beautiful without having feelings for her. He found many women pleasing to the eye but that didn't mean he liked any of them as more than friends. So of course, the same applied to Lizzy.

She shook her head a little as if to clear her head and smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, just zoned out for a bit." She sat up a little and blinked a few times trying to figure out what everyone was talking about. Charlie and Richard seemed to be in the middle of a playful argument while Jane laughed at their comments.

"I'm telling you man, he's overrated! There are so many better players on the team but he gets all the attention." Richard leaned forward, really getting into the conversation.

Charlie shook his head, "There's a reason he gets the attention Richard! He deserves it! He's an awesome player! Will help me out here." He turned to his friend.

"What do you want me to say?" Darcy laughed helplessly before Richard cut him off again. "My mother's a better player than him, man!"

Lizzy turned to look at Darcy. He had a big smile on is face as he watched the others fight it out. There was a sparkle in his eye and he looked relaxed and comfortable.

"I like you like this." She blurted out before she could control herself.

"Like what?" Darcy turned to her, confused.

Lizzy froze for a minute, wondering why she had said that and then, trying to act nonchalant, she shrugged, "I don't know…relaxed, casual. Every time we're in public, you freeze up. You turn into Robo Man. All stiff and formal, never smiling."

"I am not like that!" Darcy protested with a frown on his face. "I just don't like parties."

"It's not just at parties. You act all normal when you're with anyone from your inner circle but the minute there's an intruder you freeze. Even when Caroline comes in the room. I mean, I get it, you're reserved. I'm just saying I like you like this."

Darcy fought to keep the smile off his face but he couldn't control the tingly feeling inside. He didn't know why such a simple comment made him feel so giddy but he stopped trying to understand it and decided to just savor it. There was a buzzing sound and both Richard and Darcy reached for their cell phones.

"Sorry guys, I think that's mine." Lizzy reached over her bag and took out her phone and sure enough, there was an icon of an envelope flashing on the screen. "Yup, it's mine." She pressed the button to check her text messages. Darcy looked away to give her some privacy but his cousin had no such scruples. He leaned over to read it.

'Hey gorgeous, miss u…do u miss me?' Lizzy frowned. She didn't recognize the number.

"Who's that? Boyfriend?" Richard looked at Lizzy in surprise. She had never mentioned having one before now. Darcy jerked his head around but before he could see it, Lizzy closed the message on her phone still with a confused frown on her face.

"I don't have a boyfriend." Lizzy said absently wondering who could have sent her the message. She looked up to find Jane looking at her curiously and shrugged her shoulders.

Caroline walked into the room just then. "Well, shall we eat? Dinner is ready." She smiled at everyone, a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes but was meant to show off her gracious hostessing skills. She waited for everyone to leave the room before following them out.

They entered the dining room where a large rectangular table, was set with beautiful bone china dishes with gold plating sitting on an exquisite ivory tablecloth. The burgundy damask napkins matched the floral arrangements that were placed around the many dishes on the table. The turkey though, had yet to make its appearance. Around the room stood the staff hired for the day. Their expressions rivaled the guards at Buckingham palace.

"The table looks beautiful, Caroline." Lizzy commented honestly as she took her seat to Caroline's right. She turned to smile at the man who had pulled her chair for her to sit down but he had already returned to his station with a blank expression. She exchanged a quick look with Richard.

"Thank you, dear. I think it's important for women of our status to be able to design a table setting. We may hire our chefs and other helpers but our tastes need to be showcased at all times. Don't you think so, William darling?" She turned to the man sitting on her left with a winning smile.

Darcy looked at her with a deer in the headlights expression. He had no idea what she was talking about but didn't want to let her know that. He cleared his throat and said the first thing to come to his mind, "Quite right." He reached over to pick up his water goblet and take a sip. His eyes met Lizzy's across the table. She looked at him with an amused expression.

"Quite right?" She mouthed silently to him.

"Shut up." He mouthed back before replacing his glass. Knowing that both Lizzy and Richard, who was sitting next to her, would be laughing at him, Darcy turned to his left but found that Jane's attention was already on Charlie. He sighed and giving in to the inevitable, he turned to Caroline who immediately began explaining to him the importance of picking just the right china for any occasion.

"Fifty bucks says I can get Jeeves over there to crack a smile." Richard leaned over to whisper in Lizzy's ear. She looked at him questioningly. He nodded to the waiter standing against the wall behind Caroline's chair.

Lizzy turned to look at him for a second before answering him. "A hundred says Caroline will fire him the minute you do," She countered him.

Richard thought about it for a minute before allowing his shoulders to slump, "Killjoy." He muttered under his breath just loud enough for her to hear.

"Hey, I never said you couldn't do it. I have confidence in your skills Richie. It's Caroline's sense of humor that lacks my faith." She comforted him. He turned to grin at her but before he could say anything, a young lady stepped between them to place the turkey in the center of the table.

"Wow, that's one big turkey!" Richard commented.

"Well Chuck, you up for carving?" Darcy addressed his friend with a slight smile.

Before Charlie could answer, his sister spoke up, " Oh, don't be silly. Charles may have plebian tastes but he's not a complete Neanderthal." Her shrill laughter filled the room. Not noticing everyone's confused expressions; Caroline snapped her finger. "Samuel." The man in question stepped forward and began carving.

Lizzy watched his movements as the knife slid into the meat, slicing it in thin slivers. She couldn't help but think of Thanksgivings back at home when her father would do all the carving and serve everyone his or her choice of cuts. He was a pro at it and would crack jokes through out the process. She sighed, as much as she loved…well most of the people surrounding her, they didn't make up for the lack of her father. She began to wonder what her life would have been like if her mother were still around but just as quickly, she suppressed that thought. She was always uncomfortable when she reminisced about the early years when her mother was around, with her warm smile and caring nature. Lizzy had been eight when Fay Bennet lost the long drawn battle with breast cancer. But until the end, she had spent every possible minute with her daughter and gently reminded her husband to do the same and because of that, they had been a close-knit family. But thinking about it wouldn't help her or change anything. She looked around the table as everyone filled their plates and chatted casually. Jane's family was French and didn't celebrate Thanksgiving so there was nothing to miss in their absence but she spoke to her mother on a weekly basis. Patricia LaFountaine was up to date with practically everything that was going on in her daughter's life. Lizzy gazed at her friend. Jane was smiling as she passed the dish of stuffing to Charlie. Not for a second would Jane ever feel lonely or unwanted. She was confident with her relationship with her mother and father.

'Why can't I have that? Jane has two parents who dote on her. I only have one parent and even he can't seem to make time for me!'

She knew he loved her and everything but it seemed to Lizzy that her father wasn't all that interested in her life. As long as he knew she was alive and healthy, that was enough. Lizzy absentmindedly poured some gravy onto her mashed potatoes as she continued her musings. At first, after her mother's death, he was always worried about doing right by her but after she left for Paris…well, things had changed. It was as if he wasn't used to having her around, and because she wasn't a kid anymore, he didn't feel the need to be there. Lizzy reached for her wine and drained half her glass.

Charlie and Caroline didn't have any other relatives that they were close to but at least they were together. Caroline had not blown her brother off for her fashionable friends and as annoying as she was, Charlie seemed to appreciate her presence. Her gaze fell on Will. He was an excellent older brother. Sure, his sister lived far away but Will was forever skyping and calling and surprising her with visits. When Lizzy was in France, her dad had come on major holidays but not much in between other than a random weekend here and there. And even then, his visits always revolved around business.

Even today, Will and Richard chose to be away from their family but again, the cousins had each other. She hadn't chosen this. She wanted to be around her family. Why was she always on the losing end? Lizzy could feel the anger threatening to bubble up. She picked up her roll and began to nibble it absentmindedly, letting the chatter surround her, turning into a buzzing sound as she tried to hide her anger. She wasn't hurt, no. Lizzy was a strong independent woman and small things like this couldn't hurt her, but what she wouldn't give to be at work right now.

'Hey, if he can work on Thanksgiving, why can't I?'

She drained her wine glass quickly and a waiter stepped forward to refill it instantly and Lizzy smiled gratefully at him. When his expression didn't change, she rolled her eyes and picked up wine glass and took a healthy gulp. She froze when she suddenly realized something. Her father had not guaranteed to be home for winter holidays!

'Oh God, is this going to happen at Christmas too? Will dad suddenly realize that he's needed at some other office? Is this how it's going to be now? Always celebrating with friends and feeling like I don't even have a family? Wait a minute, Christmas is a global holiday unlike Thanksgiving, which means that Jane is going to be with her family in Paris, and Will and Richard won't ditch their relatives two holidays in a row. So I won't even have friends to celebrate with. Am I going to be stuck at home alone with one lonely stocking on the mantle and no presents under the tree, and no one to eat Christmas dinner with or open presents with or watch 'It's a Wonderful Life' with?' Lizzy emptied her glass once again and motioned for the waiter.

Richard turned to look at her with a slight frown. "You okay Squirt?" He asked quietly.

"Oh yeah, I'm great." Lizzy said with false cheeriness.

"Yeah? Is that why you seem to be having a love affair you're your wine? You haven't eaten anything. What happened? Fall off the wagon?" he asked with raised eyebrows.

"I'm not an alcoholic, Richie, I'm just enjoying myself. I'm not at work; I'm not in public. I can let loose at a friend's house can't I?" She challenged him.

"Well then, why aren't you eating anything?" He pressed her. Lizzy sighed and took a forkful of turkey and stuffing and shoved it into her mouth. She gave him a fake smile as she chewed. Richard stared at her but decided to let it pass. He continued watching her out of the corner of his eyes, however and couldn't help but worry as the waiter filled her wine glass yet again. Luckily no one else seemed to notice. Caroline was too focused on Will, who in turn seemed to be analyzing Jane and Charlie.

Darcy watched the couple interact and noticed that while Charlie showed an incredible amount of enthusiasm, Jane remained placid. Sure she would blush at his compliments and smile at him at a lot but it wasn't any different than the way she looked at Darcy, or Richard. In fact, thinking back to all the times they had been together, it seemed like Lizzy was the one pushing Jane to be with Charlie instead of Jane herself showing any interest. But why would she do that? Lizzy knew better than that, didn't she? Or maybe her soft spot for her friend blinded her. But why would Jane go along with it? Was she just trying to latch on to a rich bachelor who would keep her in style? Darcy didn't want to jump to conclusions but he couldn't help but be a little alarmed. It definitely gave him something to focus on, other than the disturbing thoughts his mind kept presenting. Thoughts that focused on Elizabeth.

When everyone had eaten their fill, Caroline sat up and addressed her guests.

"Well, shall we adjourn to the living room for coffee and dessert?" She stood up and waited for everyone to rise before exiting the dining area. They all followed her as she led them down the hall and into a room where a maid began pouring coffee which she served them along with a piece of pie as they sat down.

Lizzy sat eating small bites, not really taking the time to savor it. Again, she heard buzzing coming from her phone. She eagerly reached for her bag. Maybe her father was messaging her. He used to text her all the time when he was too busy to call but even that had dwindled recently. And Lizzy could tell that he was in a rush from the short clipped sentences and the way he always ended with the promise of a longer message in the future, which had yet to happen. She pressed the icon on her phone and read the message quickly. It wasn't him.

'Can't wait to see u,Gorgeous!' It was the mystery texter again. She frowned. Who could it be? Who called her gorgeous? Well there was one person who did, but there was no way it was him. He was in France after all. She put her phone back in her bag and sat back.

"Feeling tipsy?" Richard asked. He sat down beside her and took a bite of his pie.

"No," She lied to him. "Why would I?"

"Well, you drank enough wine, that's why. You sure you're okay?"

"Mm hmm." She took another bite of her pie and chewed slowly. Sitting back, she held her plate in front of her friend. "Richie, can you finish this for me, I'm full." She pleaded with wide eyes. He rolled his eyes but took it off her hands. "Drink some coffee," he ordered. She obligingly took a sip and he continued to polish off his dessert before starting on hers. The small group of friends sat enjoying casual conversation for the next couple of hours.

Darcy sat wondering if he could bring up his Jane issues with Lizzy. He knew she wouldn't appreciate him accusing her friend of being a gold digger, but how much did Lizzy even know about Jane? How long had they been friends? How were they friends? They didn't have much in common. He looked between the two friends. Lizzy was exuberant and passionate while Jane seemed…well bland and timid, to put it nicely. His gaze was penetrating as he took in Lizzy's tired expression from where she sat next to Richard. She was beautiful as always and her cheeks were flushed but Darcy realized that Lizzy had barely participated in any of the conversation. Her posture was slumped and she kept glancing at her watch, as though eager to get away at the first opportunity without looking rude. He couldn't help grinning, right now, she reminded him of himself. Oh well, he could wait until she was in a better mood to ask about her relationship with Jane.

Charlie returned to the room after paying off the catering staff for having put up with Caroline and her ridiculous demands. He grinned at everyone.

"Well, Will," he addressed his friend. "Looks like you were right. There's a snowstorm outside and it's not going to stop anytime soon. So, you all are going to have to spend the night!"

"Wait, what?" Lizzy spoke up? "I'm sure it's not that bad. I mean if the catering staff can leave..." She got up to look out the large windows that were covered at the moment. She drew back the curtains and looked outside but couldn't see anything through the angry flurry of snowflakes flying every which way. Charlie's voice broke through her thoughts.

"Uh, actually Lizzy, they're just walking down the street to a hotel. I offered to have them stay here but for some reason," He paused for a minute and briefly glanced at his sister, "they preferred to walk a block instead."

"Well okay, so it looks bad but that doesn't mean the roads are closed." She looked to Jane, helplessly. Her friend smiled sympathetically.

"Maybe it's better to just wait it out, Lizzy." Jane had noticed Lizzy's somewhat depressed state of mind and knew that she wanted nothing more than to go back to the comfort of her own home. But that didn't seem too realistic at the moment and all she could do for her friend was pacify her to the best of her ability. Of course, it wouldn't kill her to spend the night at Charlie's place. She watched the brunette walk back to the sofa and sit down with a serious expression. It was obvious; to Jane at least, that Lizzy was controlling her frustration.

"Well, slumber party it is then!" Charlie clapped his hands together and grinned. "Caroline, we need to get some supplies together."

Richard and Darcy stared at their friend with matching incredulous expressions.

"What?" Charlie asked them, his voice weak. He couldn't see why everyone else wasn't as excited as he was.

"Nothing dude," Richard spoke up, still staring at his friend, but now, his expression was mocking. "I just didn't realize you were a 13 year old girl. What, are you expecting us to have pillow fights and braid each other's hair? Or were you just planning on doing our nails?"

Lizzy turned to Richard with her eyebrows raised, "Hey, you used to do that with-!" Richard reached forward and clamped his hand onto her mouth. He looked around the room and chuckled weakly. Jane's lips were pressed together as she struggled to control the laughter that threatened to burst out while Darcy looked at the pair in amusement. He was in on the joke but preferred to watch it play out in front of him rather than join in.

"What was that, Lizzy?" Charlie looked at them triumphantly. Richard pressed his hand down harder on a now struggling Lizzy. She turned her head a fraction to frown at him.

"Nothing nothing, Lizzy's tipsy, poor girl. Doesn't know what she's saying." He chuckled again before turning to her with a warning. , "You really want to start telling secrets eh, Macarena girl?" he whispered in her ear. She shook her head frantically, her eyes wide with panic. Richard sat back looking very much like the cat that ate the canary. Lizzy glared at him.

"God, Fitzwilliam, you play dirty."

"Honey, you want to see dirty? I can show you dirty."

Darcy closed his eyes and shook his head. "Richard…"

"What?" His cousin asked. Seeing everyone's expressions, he rolled his eyes. , "Cool it, gutter boy. Lizzy knows what I'm talking about."

"Okay. Well, when I said supplies, I meant some pajamas for the ladies." Charlie pointed out before turning to his sister. "Caroline, please." The woman in question fought to keep from rolling her eyes and walked out of the room.

"So, anyone up for some games?" Charlie asked everyone. "Poker? No?"

"It's getting late Charlie, and I think Jane and Will's post-turkey haze is starting to set in."

"Well, I'm fine, but Jane's going to drown in her coffee, which is now very cold." Darcy pointed out. Jane smiled sheepishly at her host. "I'm sorry, I can't seem to keep my eyes open."

"Don't worry Jane, it's normal." Lizzy comforted her friend.

"Okay so I've had everything prepared. There is one problem however. There are only three guestrooms, so someone," she stopped to stare pointedly at Jane, "will have to sleep on the sofa." Jane coughed, her face turning red.

"That won't be necessary, Caroline." Charlie's face too had taken a scarlet hue.

"Well, where will the extra person sleep then, Charles?" Caroline asked, clenching her teeth.

"I can sleep in Lizzy's room. Right, Lizzy?" Jane turned to her friend with pleading eyes.

"Of course." Lizzy spoke up before Caroline could object. "Jane and I will bunk together." She was rewarded with a grateful look from Jane. Lizzy stood up and addressed Caroline. "Thank you for your hospitality, Caroline but I'm tired, I think I'm going to retire."

Jane stood up as well, "I think I'll join you. Goodnight everyone."

"I'll have Susan show you to your room." Caroline beckoned to a maid who immediately stepped forward and waited patiently to be followed. Lizzy bent to kiss Richard's cheek. After a quick smile to Will and Charlie, she followed Jane out of the room and the duo silently climbed the stairs. They were led to a fairly large room decorated in soft pink. There was a king sized sleigh bed in the center of the room flanked by two night tables that held matching tiffany lamps. At the foot of the bed was a pair of silk pajamas. Over the bed hung an abstract painting by an artist whose name Lizzy didn't recognize. She slipped off her heels and enjoyed the feel of the plush carpet under her feet. Noticing a door to her left, Lizzy walked over and opened it to find a washroom. She looked around before closing it again.

"Do you want to go first?" Jane asked her. Lizzy turned to see her friend sitting on the bed with her eyes half closed.

"You go first, you look dead on your feet." Lizzy offered. Jane smiled at her gratefully before picking up the set of pajamas and walking over to the washroom. Lizzy sighed when she heard the door click shut. She sat down on the settee in the corner and pulled out her phone from her bag. There were no missed calls. She turned it off and threw it back in her purse. It was about 5am in London. She could call her dad. Lizzy shook her head deciding against it. Pulling her phone out once again and, except for a brief smile at the maid who returned with another set of pajamas which she placed on the bed, her eyes remained glued to the screen as she went through all the text messages she had exchanged with him. There were not many. Lizzy looked up when she heard the door open and Jane walked out looking fresh faced and holding her jumpsuit in her arm. Lizzy jumped up and grabbed her nightclothes.

"Lizzy…" Jane's voice was uncertain and Lizzy stopped and turned to face her. She hesitated for a minute before continuing. "Never mind." It could wait until they got home.

Lizzy walked into the washroom and shut the door, locking it behind her. She pulled the elastic out of her hair and felt her hair fall in soft waves around her face. She knew Jane wanted to talk to her but Lizzy wasn't in the mood for that. Not now, not yet. So, to avoid any discussion, she planned on spending as much time as possible getting ready for bed and if she was lucky, Jane would be asleep by the time she got out. Lizzy reached over and turned on the water tap and turned to lean against the counter letting the minutes pass as she waited for Jane to finally settle in.