Fitzwilliam Darcy…
Water has two definite ingredients, when used properly, aside from its usual formula of H2O and that consists of a mix between consciousness and humility. Consciousness because the main obvious point of pushing someone into a cold, slimy moss filled fountain is to wake them up a little, shake a little realization into the soul. And, humility because, come on folks, you can't come sputtering up to the top of a public fountain spitting nasty water without finding yourself a little humbled by the entire situation. Or at least that's how Will felt as he lifted himself out of the decorative cascade to find Lady Stephanie standing there with her arms folded casually across her chest. Somehow Will was beginning to think it was time to put pretense behind him and begin looking at the big picture here. Stephanie tapped her foot against the pavement.
"What was that?" She asked reasonably as Darcy stood up cautiously, being careful not to slip as he tried wringing water out of his expensive clothes. A few passersby walked through the square and covered their mouths as they tried to suppress their giggles. Darcy swore before looking up at his date.
"What was what? The whole dunking booth escapade? Because I would think that would be pretty obvious right about now." Darcy exploded as Stephanie shook her head. He was promoting the idea that anger had been the underlying cause for this…whatever it was. But he was only fooling himself.
"There was more to it than that, Fitzwilliam Darcy, and you know it. You've changed lately. It's almost as if you are a completely different human being. It's altogether disconcerting." Stephanie complained as Darcy looked up at her in irritation. He couldn't be angry with her because he knew that she was right—knew that he had changed, had almost completely transformed in the two or so weeks since Elizabeth Bennet's arrival into his completely organized and problem-free life. He shook his head as Lady Stephanie shifted restlessly on the balls of her feet.
"You really don't have that much to say about it, do you, Darcy? Do you have feelings for that woman, Will? And be honest with me. It's not as if she is completely unattractive even if she does seem to be a bad influence on you." Stephanie pointed out as Will finally looked her straight into the eye. For some reason, he bristled at the 'bad influence' comment as if he didn't like the idea of Elizabeth Bennet being insulted in front of him. That thought made him shiver. Or maybe it was just the chill of the air against his damp skin. Another group of people walked by their interlude and Darcy heard one of the females whistle. Lord knows, he didn't know whether to be encouraged by the reaction to his physique or disgusted by it. Lady Stephanie tapped her foot again impatiently and Darcy sighed. Truth was, he couldn't answer her because he wasn't sure how. Stephanie's posture changed when she realized she wasn't going to get a response. She leaned forward almost accusingly.
"You don't fight with her because you disagree with her manner or her lack of propriety, do you? No, you fight with her because you find yourself wanting to be that way as well, don't you? Jesus, Will!" Stephanie exclaimed as Darcy pulled off his suit jacket to reveal the damp white shirt underneath. It clung to his chest mercilessly, but he ignored it.
"And what gives you the right to assume that, Stephanie? You have no idea how I feel. I'm not looking for someone like Ms. Bennet. I'm looking for someone who will fit into my life without difficulty, without the need to correct everything she does." Darcy stated resolutely as Stephanie just stared at him a moment in disbelief. He couldn't say he blamed her. Damn, he wasn't even sure he recognized himself anymore. He took a few steps forward carefully.
"Marry me?" Darcy asked impulsively as Lady Stephanie gasped before letting her mouth drop open indelicately. She recovered quickly.
"Why, Darcy? Do you really want to get married or are you just looking for an excuse to run away from her?" Stephanie asked with conviction as Darcy sighed. He truly didn't have an answer for her.
"Do you want me to lie?" Darcy asked suddenly as a look of surprise flitted across her face. She hadn't expected that question from him. But, then again, neither had he. She stood rooted to the ground a moment as if considering what he had said. Being a part of the upper class wasn't about marrying for love. Stephanie knew that. She closed her eyes a moment before releasing a pent up breath she hadn't realized she had been holding.
"Why not? I suppose we've always managed to get on well." She remarked off-handedly as Darcy nodded. It was a cold moment, emotionless for them both. Why wouldn't it be? It was, after all, a simple business transaction. Stephanie walked toward him suddenly and placed a hand against his wet chest.
"Just one question, Will. Why don't you just fire her?" She asked confidently as Darcy flinched. He wondered what she would say if he answered with the true response to that question. Simple fact was, he just couldn't. She turned and walked away when he didn't answer. Truth was, she hadn't really expected a response from him. He watched her go before muttering under his breath when she was out of ear shot,
"Because I can't."