Chapter 4

He wasn't trying to be cruel, or undermine her, calling her out to Netherfield so early on her day off. In fact, there was no real justification for asking her to come, except that he hadn't seen her in over a week. Elizabeth Bennett was a conundrum to Darcy, alluring yet standoffish, passionate yet forlorn, and pretty… actually, gorgeous, no buts about it. It had been a long time since he'd formed that opinion.

Three years he'd known her, three years since he'd approved her application and let Bingley hire her, even though she was so young and frankly under qualified for such a position. And that had been a judgement made solely on her personnel file and photograph. But it had been one of the smartest decisions he'd ever made. Elizabeth had risen to the occasion, and filled her job exceptionally well, despite being under qualified. Not that he could call her that anymore.

For the entire week previous Darcy had been stuck in the Derbyshire offices leaving some vital jobs behind for Elizabeth to carry out without him, and it wasn't that he didn't trust her, he knew with absolute certainty that the work would be done to impeccable standards. His excuse to her was lame, and they both knew it. What she didn't know, was that he couldn't stand being away from her another day, which was how they had ended up sitting beside each other at the oversized island bench in Netherfield's oversized kitchen, not moments ago. When her phone rang, his world fell. Not that he was prying, but passing the device across to her, he couldn't help but glance at the screen… see the name and that face… the picture of him with his arms around her made him shudder, and he panicked. She answered the call, he fled.

From a window upstairs now he watched her cross the back driveway and unlock her car, watched her glance across to his Aston then glance back at the house. Her eyes skimming the façade, but not spotting him. He watched her drive away, standing in place, his eyes lingering on the spot where her car finally disappeared long after the dust of the limestone driveway settled again. And he sighed… yes, Elizabeth Bennett was a conundrum, but not nearly as much as he was to himself. Three years of being in his life, and Darcy still couldn't decide how to act around her, but he knew that his kneejerk urges to sweep her into his arms and kiss her senseless, lest it even just be to knock her of kilter long enough to see him clearly, was not the way to win her heart… or at the very least her friendship.

"DARCE?" a voice hollered.

Charles was here, and obviously too lazy to come looking for him. Pulling his eyes away from the end of the driveway Darcy jogged down the stairs to the foyer where Charles was waiting.

"There you are!" Charlie exclaimed.

"Hey Charlie," Will greeted his friend, a quick handshake and a one armed hug.

"Are you ready for tonight, then?" Charlie asked, picking up his rolling suitcase to lug it upstairs.

"Just about" Will answered, following him, at the top of the stairs Charles stopped.

"Look, Darce, I don't want to be a pain, but I was wondering if you'd mind switching rooms with me?" Charlie asked, he was blushing and Darcy laughed.

"Let me guess," Will said, "Jane Bennett is staying in the north wing, and you want a chance to bump into her in the hall?"

"In so many words," he agreed.

"No problem Charlie, you know I'm a sucker for that kind of romance," Will teased, punching his friend in the arm "So, where am I reallocated to?" he asked.

"Thanks Darce," Charles smiled, "I was supposed to be in the room at the end of the east wing."

"You owe me one Charlie," he smiled, "Good luck with your romancing!"

Charlie disappeared for the rest of the afternoon while Darcy was finalising everything for the night. By the time Elizabeth got back just about everything was finished except for the place settings. It was a job that the catering staff could have completed. But he'd use anything as an excuse to be alone… or almost alone with her. After Elizabeth went upstairs to get herself ready for the evening and Darcy did his final checks. Just as he walked into the foyer Jane arrived.

"William! Hey!" she greeted, her dazzling smile gracing her face. Jane was pretty, and Darcy could see why Charles liked her so much, and while Darcy was more partial to her sister, he liked Jane very much. Will greeted her with a hug.

"You look wonderful Jane," he said. Her hair was pinned up and her makeup done.

"I'm not even dressed yet Will!" she said with a nervous laugh.

"Well, you're already beautiful. Charles won't be able to keep his hands to himself tonight" he teased. She responded with a head to toe blush.

"Let me show you to your room" he said, offering his arm and taking her overnight bag in his other hand as he led her upstairs.

"This is you," he said outside her door.

"Thanks Will" she said, she was still blushing, "See you downstairs." Then she ducked into her room. And Will headed towards his to get ready himself.