Hey all, so it's been years since I've touched this, but I'm desperately trying to find time to finish it, promise. I've fixed up a few of the chapters before this.

Enjoy

Your love is bright as ever
Even in the shadows
Baby kiss me
Before they turn the lights out
Your heart is glowing
And I'm crashing into you
Baby kiss me, kiss me
Before they turn the lights out

XO - John Mayer (Cover of Beyonce)

xx faithinfools

"Jane are you sure?" Lizzy asked worriedly.

"I'm sure as I could ever be." Her sister replied. Jane was almost back to normal after the Bingley fiasco. She had moped around for days, weeks even. It wasn't until Lizzy had had enough and had picked Jane up and dumped her on the snow covered ground when she was in her pyjamas, after which, she had picked Jane up again and left her in the shower with the water on cold. Jane had shrieked and screamed but it had done its job. Jane was back to normal… Well, almost. Lizzy could still see the sadness in her eyes every now and then and she was more distracted than ever.

"But London is so…. Far away…" Lizzy said sadly.

"I need this Lizzy. I need to just get away for a while." Jane said quietly.

"I know Jane, I'll miss you, that's all." Lizzy said, resigned. Jane hugged her sister.

"I'll call you every day I promise."

"You better. If you miss that call, I'll be right outside your doorstep within the hour." Lizzy said warningly as she hugged her sister one last time. She watched Jane walk strongly away through the gates that would lead her to the plane taking her to London.

Lizzy sighed. I had been a few blissful weeks of snow, snow and more snow. Richard still wasn't back but they talked on the phone daily and skyped often. She smiled as she thought of him. She missed him more than she thought she would. At least she could talk to him now. Lizzy smiled and leaped into her computer chair, waiting for the online bubble to click next to the name RICHARDFITZWILLIAMISNOTGAYXOXO. Suddenly the ringing of the computer shook her out of her thoughts and she pressed accept, longing to hear his voice and see his face.

"Rich!"

"Lizzy! How are you on this fine summer's day?" Lizzy giggled in response.

"Richard. It's not daytime and it's not summer. I'm sorry to break it to you." He pouted.

"How's the family Lizzy my dear?" He asked, smiling.

"Good. Lydia and Kitty are still acting really stupid and Mary's same old, same old and I think Jane's better…." She replied.

"That's good I –" He said but stopped. Lizzy watched in silence as he looked up and another figure came into the room. "Yes Will? I'm on an important business call right now. Can't this wait?"

"No." Came Will's reply.

"Fine. Let me put my business partner on hold and then we can talk." Lizzy watched as he frowned at her apologetically. "I'm sorry Stacey. My business associate wants to discuss something very important, or so he says. Hold on there would you?" Lizzy nodded in response and Richard smiled. She watched him as he reached down to press the button, supposedly putting her on hold and moved the screen downwards. Lizzy sat back to wait and was surprised when she heard Jackass's voice talking to Rich really loudly. She rolled her eyes. He hadn't put her on hold, he had turned the volume up. But she was interested nevertheless at what he had to say. "What is it Will? You're ruining my call." Richard grumbled. Darcy raised one eyebrow but didn't say anything.

"I… I think… I'm not sure what I think…" Richard rolled his eyes.

"Spit it out Darce, I don't got all day." He said exasperated.

"Well…. I uhh… might have told Charlie what I really thought of Jane and he might have taken my advice a little bit too far…" Lizzy's eyes widened. She knew it. Stupid William Darcy. He had ruined her sister and Charlie's happiness! How could he?! It took everything she had to not flip her computer right there and then.

"Oh Lord Darcy, what did you do…?" Richard said, horrified.

"I may have told him that I thought Jane didn't like him as much as he did her and that he should stop and think about things and maybe watch her with other people as well as himself. I told him that her family was unsuitable for him and that she just wanted him for his money as it was clear that she held no special regard for him." Richard covered his face with his hands while Lizzy just wanted to scream at him.

"Oh Will…" Richard said. "You've really done it now…" Darcy crossed his arms.

"I thought you'd be at least a little bit appreciative of what I've done. I've saved Charlie from another no good two-bit gold digger. I mean, did you see her mother? She was absolutely appalling!" Richard sighed. What was he going to tell Lizzy….

"No William. As proud as you are about this, it was wrong."

"No. I merely saved him from another gold digger."

"Enough Will. Enough. I can't listen to this anymore." Richard rubbed his temples. "Just go. I think your heart was in the right place Darce, but your stubborn pride got in the way of your usually true vision." Will just looked at his cousin.

"Fine, but do not be mistaken Richard, there is something you're not telling me and you know I will find out." Richard nodded.

"I know. But I think by the time you know, you will realise your mistake, which, knowing you and your stubborn pride may be never." Richard retorted. "Now. I have a business call to finish. So go. I'll talk to you later."

"Fine." Darcy stalked out of the room, slamming the door. Richard waited until he was sufficiently far away before opening up his laptop to stare at Lizzy. He took one good look at her face then looked down at his laptop and realised his mistake.

"Oh fuck. Lizzy…. Now don't go crazy and –"

"CRAZY?! Richard! He pulled my most beloved sister away from the most perfect man in my sister's life. They were meant for each other! And he with his 'oh I know everything and I am the boss of everyone' attitude came in and said no, she's not good enough for Charlie."

"Lizzy… This is my cousin we're talking about…" Richard said warningly.

"I know Richie! But that doesn't mean he's not a jackass."

"Lizzy, his heart was in the right place, he just didn't have all the facts before he acted."

"Richard."

"What?"

"He doesn't have a heart! How could his heart be in the right place if he doesn't have one! I just spent the last three weeks trying to get Jane over Charlie and she was in bed all day and I was worried sick about her!"

"Jane's a strong woman Lizzy –"

"Richard Fitzwilliam. My sister did nothing for days. I had to force feed her soup because she was that determined not to eat. That heartless bastard."

"Darcy had the right intentions, he just didn't have the right actions Lizbear."

"No! He had no intentions. Richard! He called her a "two-bit gold digger"! No one calls my sister a gold digger and gets away with it!" Lizzy shouted angrily. "I could throw something right now, I am that angry."

"Calm down Lizzy, you can't change the past."

"Nope but I can sure change the future. The next time I see him I'm going to punch him in the face and then I'm going to tear him apart for hurting her, then I'm going to get a hammer and –"

"Let's not get too carried away. As much as I would like to see you try, I don't really want to have to visit my girlfriend in jail because she killed my cousin." Richard said calmly.

"Fine." Lizzy huffed. There was silence. Richard looked at her pityingly.

"What are you going to do about it Lizzy?" He asked quietly.

"I don't know." She replied. "I had it all planned out, I would tell her, she would tell Charlie, they'd get back together, and everyone would be happy again but I don't know… She's been so much happier in London, meeting new people and making new friends, she's even been on a few dates and I don't want to crush her happiness again after reminding her of what she lost…"

"Fair enough Lizzy. I think you should just wait. Wait and see what happens."

"Okay." She replied softly.

"Anyway, I've got to go Lizzy, I've got lots of meetings to get to, as fun as it sounds."

"Sure Rich." Lizzy rolled her eyes. "Oh! I almost forgot! I'm going down to Rosings next week!" Richard's face fell. "What's the matter Rich?"

"I won't be there Lizzy."

"What?! But I specifically chose that week because you said – "

"I know, but I'm needed in London. However, I do think that this is good of you to accept your friend's invitation. You've missed her Lizzy. Don't deny it. I know you have and I think she needs you as much as you need her, so go and have fun…. You need a break from all that work Jerry's making you do…. And good luck with Aunt Catherine." He said smirking.

"But you promised you'd be there to save me from her!"

"I know, don't worry about it, I know for certain that you can hold your own."

"Oh and I've also decided to compete."

"You have?! That's great Lizzy! I won't miss that for the world, I promise." Lizzy beamed.

"Thanks Rich. I'm going to compete at the annual Mount Shimaro snowboarding tournament."

"But Lizzy…. Doesn't that mean you have to compete in the Big Air?" Rich asked, concerned. "You couldn't even go off the small one with the massive landing air bag…"

"I can do it Rich. I know I can." He smiled warily in reply.

"I know you can, I just worry for you Lizbear."

"Don't worry, I've got this in the bag."

"That's my girl. Anyway I really have to go now… Have fun at Rosings, I'll see if I can make it down there for a couple of days at least."

"Please don't leave me with your Aunt…" Lizzy said, mock-sadness overtaking her face.

"Sorry babe but I don't love you that much." Richard scoffed.

"Yeah right. You wouldn't know what to do without me."

"What do you mean? I can totally handle myself!" Rich said petulantly. Lizzy rolled her eyes.

"Just today Richard, you've been late to 2 meetings, spilt coffee on yourself and your desk, completely missed an important lunch with a client, forgotten that you have 4 different video calls that you scheduled for the same time and by the time you get home you'll have forgotten to get dinner, meaning you will call Georgie or Jackass and go over to their apartment for dinner, scratch that, you won't call, just turn up and eat all of their dumplings for dinner." Richard scowled.

"How did you know all that?"

"Guessed." Lizzy smirked. "Plus Georgie keeps me updated and from what I hear this is a daily thing… I think you've got a condition…"

"Do not!"

"Do too! It's called 'if I didn't have a girlfriend my life would be a bigger mess than it already is' syndrome. It's pretty serious." Richard just stuck out his tongue.

"Alright gotta go, see ya Lizbear!"

"See you soon, hopefully Rich." Lizzy replied, turning off her skype. She sighed. What to do about the situation with Jane… Maybe she should – Her phone started to ring and Lizzy looked at the caller ID. Figures.

"Hey Janey."

"Lizzy! I have amazing news!

"Really now? Do share, I've got some news as well." Lizzy said grimly.

"I've met someone!" Lizzy brightened, curious.

"Okay, I need name, age, description, address, job, likes, dislikes, the lot. Give them to me." Lizzy demanded. Jane laughed.

"Okay, well, his name is Mark and he's really cute, and he's a lawyer", Lizzy wrinkled her nose, she wasn't fond of lawyers. "Oh don't make that face at me Lizzy, he's very sweet. He lives in London but is originally from Sussex and he's just ever so sweet." Jane said dreamily.

"You mentioned that already Jane dear." Lizzy replied. As Jane babbled on about her new beau, Lizzy's mind had cogs turning the intricate wheels of her conscience. Maybe she would take Rich's advice. For the first and only time, she would take his advice. She would sit and wait out the oncoming storm that she predicted would be out on the horizon.

Lizzy stepped into the airport terminal and yawned. That had been one of the most peaceful flights she had ever been on, she had slept like a babe. Lizzy picked up her handbag and rolled her suitcase towards the pick-up entrance of the airport, looking around for Charlotte. She yawned again and was startled by a voice calling her name to her left. She turned and stood shocked still. It was Charlotte…. But…. Not Charlotte….

"Char?"

"Lizzy! I thought it was you!" Char ran up and gave her a big hug which Lizzy returned slowly. Charlotte looked up at Lizzy confused. "Why aren't you saying anything? Are you not glad to see me?" Char's face fell. "Oh. Well… You needn't have come then, you could've just said, it's just that I–" Lizzy cut her off mid-sentence.

"Oh no, of course I wanted to come, it's just that…"

"Yes?" Charlotte asked defensively.

"You look so different, that's all. I wouldn't have recognised you if you hadn't have called my name. You look so…. Professional…" Charlotte looked down at her clothes and played with them with her fingertips.

"Do you think it looks good?" She looked up at Lizzy nervously.

"Of course, anything and everything looks good on you." Lizzy replied, and it was true. Charlotte did look good. Better even. Like she had purpose and reason.

"Thanks Lizzy. But um… Do you have something different to wear?" Charlotte asked hesitantly.

"No… What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Lizzy asked indignantly, looking at her tights, old sweat shirt, vest and nikes. "Well I do… But it's all in my suitcase… I was planning to go on a run as soon as we got to your place, hence the clothes…"

"Of course, I had forgotten about your inability to sit still for too long. Don't worry, we simply don't have the time. Just come." Charlotte rolled her eyes and grabbed Lizzy's suitcase and headed towards her car. Lizzy just stared in bewilderment. What on earth had happened to her best friend?
"Come on Lizzy! We don't have all day!" Charlotte yelled. Lizzy smiled. That was more like her. Lizzy walked out after Char and just stared in astonishment at her car.

"Are you serious?"

"What?"

"He bought you a range rover?!"

"Maybe…" Lizzy just shook her head in bemusement and said nothing.

"Where are we going now?" Lizzy asked, confused.

"We have a meeting."

"A meeting?"

"With Mrs. DeBourgh."

"Oh you are kidding."

"Nope." Lizzy gritted her teeth while Char didn't make eye contact. There was silence. Lizzy sighed.

"Come on, give it to me."

"She's insanely powerful. Don't mess with her Lizzy." Charlotte said sternly.

"Is she really that bad?"

"Worse." Charlotte confirmed.

"Is she the reason for this?" Lizzy gestured to Charlotte's appearance.

"Yes, and it fits my job."

"As Bill's personal assistant?"

"Yes." Charlotte gritted her teeth and then sighed.

"Man… You've changed so much Char." Lizzy said looking away.

"I know, but I'm still the same goofy friend as I used to be Lizzy…" She said with a shy smile.

"I know Char, I know." Lizzy gave her a small smile. They rode the rest of the way in silence.

Lizzy got out of the car and gasped. It was not a house. It couldn't be. It was a mansion. It stood tall and proud, architecture neat and modern yet filled with a mysterious feeling of age. It stood tall and magnificent, lined with well groomed trees. The house itself had turrets that rose above the clouds themselves, each turret being topped with an officious looking British flag. The front itself was made of a sandstone with large imposing windows with traditional white frames lining the walls with not one window a millimetre out of place.

"Goodness." Lizzy whispered, still staring at the thing Mrs De Bourgh called a house.

"Hurry Lizzy, she's waiting for us!" Charlotte called out, already walking into the house. Lizzy ran to catch up. "Lizzy just don't infuriate her, please." Charlotte said, looking at her pleadingly. Lizzy nodded as they walked through large ornate double doors into a sitting room. She was immediately struck by the woman with platinum blonde hair and enough make-up to cover up what Lizzy was sure was her numerous wrinkles. The lady was wearing a bright pink tailored suit with dark bedazzled Gucci sunglasses settled on a nose that clearly had had some surgery done. She had paired her suit with her bright pink lipstick on her puckered frowning lips. Sitting next to her was a quiet young woman, dressed similarly but in a more sallow blue and awkwardly standing next to the couch which the ladies were residing on was one Bill Collins.

"Charlotte dear, come closer." Bill said, his hand furiously waving her forward. Charlotte acquiesced.

"Hello Lady Catherine." She said as she approached the couch.

"Charlotte." Lady Catherine said, unmovingly. "Who is it that you've brought with you?"

"This is Elizabeth Bennet, my friend I was telling you about." Charlotte said steadily.

"The one who rejected Collins?" Aunt Catherine asked.

"Yes ma'am."Charlotte winced and mouthed "sorry" to Elizabeth who shrugged. Rich had warned her his Aunt was a bitch.

"Well come in front of me dear, I can't see around corners." Catherine barked. Elizabeth moved out of the shadows and fully into the room, in front of Mrs De Bourgh. The great lady took off her Gucci glasses and surveyed Elizabeth with bright blue hawk-like eyes which flickered in surprise before settling back to disgust.

"Hello Mrs De Bourgh." Elizabeth said politely.

"Elizabeth Bennet, I have heard much about you."

"Yes, Eliza is much like I said, is she not Mrs De Bourgh." Collins interjected excitedly.

"Indeed. What are you wearing girl? Do you have no self respect?" She said disdainfully. Lizzy gritted her teeth.

"Actually, I was planning to go on a run, so if you'll excuse me." Lizzy turned to walk out of the room, she had already had enough of this De Bourgh character. She turned so quickly she didn't notice the solid body she had walked into and she fell backwards, closing her eyes in anticipation of pain but felt sturdy hands catch her instead. She opened her eyes to see dark stormy eyes looking back at her.

"Elizabeth." He whispered.

"Darcy." She breathed. He cleared his throat before righting her and letting go as if his hands were on fire.

"You know my nephew Miss Bennet?" Mrs De Bourgh asked nosily.

"We met on Mount Shimaro ma'am." Darcy supplied. Elizabeth just glared at him.

"I'm sorry Mrs De Bourgh, but I find myself quite tired, I'm going to go have a rest now." Elizabeth said annoyed. She walked towards the door without another word.

"My word, isn't she rude." Mrs De Bourgh said sternly.

"I am so sorry, she is very rude, I will have a talk with my Cousin back at the house Mrs De Bourgh. So sorry." Collins started sniveling. While Charlotte and Darcy watched her go.