Elizabeth Bennet…
I saw the ire in his eyes the moment that our pupils met and still I refused to quiver. He had infuriated me, placed himself on a pedestal and kicked Jane and I to the curb one too many times. I didn't take well to that. Mind you, I didn't take well to that at all. That's why I was here. Let him fire me or let me quit one. It didn't matter which. Both served my purpose. A young woman standing next to him smiled brightly, and I couldn't help but grin. She was astounding and the resemblance to Darcy made no doubt as to whom she was.
"Welcome. I am Lady Georgiana Darcy, Will's sister. It is a pleasure to have you all here. Why don't I show you into the parlor where everyone is now gathered." She greeted cheerfully as Darcy looked away. It seemed he had been as civil as he could manage at the moment, and Georgiana seemed aware of that as if she knew how her brother worked. That thought almost made me smile again as I began to follow everyone into the other room only to be halted when I felt an arm at my elbow. I knew immediately who it was.
"What are you doing, Ms. Bennet?" Mr. Darcy asked me suddenly as everyone passed by us to exit the room. I didn't even look at him.
"I'm working." I stated simply as he forced me to look at him.
"This is not the department I assigned you and Jane to. This is my home for God's sake." He rumbled as I looked around with interest, noting the antiques and gilded mirrors that hung along the hall.
"Oh, you had me fooled. If I didn't know better, I'd think I was at a museum." I replied as he shook his head. He wasn't the only one who was irate.
"Don't play games with me, Ms. Bennet! I want to know why you are here." He asked again insistently as I turned to face him fully, knowing that my eyes flashed as I leaned in close.
"Games? Who's been playing games, Mr. Darcy? Certainly not I. I've been nothing but honest since I joined your company. As to why I'm here, would it surprise you if I told you that I was here to resign?" I asked him furiously as he paused. That seemed to surprise him. I'm not sure why.
"You're quitting?" He asked softly as I stood almost toe to toe with him now, my heart racing from something more than anger.
"That surprises you. Mr. Darcy? Isn't that what you wanted all along? Isn't that what you have been pushing for?" I asked reasonably as he stared down at me in silence. He truly seemed at a loss for words. His hand found my arm as if by its own volition, but I refused to be effected by it.
"I'll be putting in to complete my last two weeks of course." I explained as his hand tightened on my sleeve. We were so very close. Just a little closer…
"Darcy? Where have you gotten off to mate?" A male voice asked from the other room and Darcy pulled away before running a hand through his hair. He looked over at me.
"We aren't finished, Ms. Bennet." He stated pointedly as I watched his eyes darken. I couldn't help myself.
"Finished with what, Mr. Darcy? With my job or with whatever just happened between us?" I asked him brazenly as a young, handsome man walked suddenly into the room. My eyes averted to meet the newcomer who stared now at me with an interested grin.
"Here you are, Will! And I see why you've stayed away." The man commented as Will sighed low enough I would almost think it was a growl. I didn't dare look at Mr. Darcy. Was he angry at me or at the interest this man suddenly showed toward me.
"Colonel, this is my employee, Ms. Elizabeth Bennet. Ms. Bennet, this is my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam." Darcy introduced as the Colonel made his way over to me before lifting my hand slowly in order to kiss it in a gentlemanly fashion. It made me want to laugh. How refreshing it was to have someone treat me like a lady.
"Ms.? As in unmarried?" The Colonel asked as I laughed. Now that was a pick up line.
"Unattached, yes." I answered helpfully before pulling my hand out of his grip. He was a handsome man but he certainly didn't cause my stomach to do somersaults. No, unfortunately that man now stood behind me, and he was awful quiet. Colonel Fitzwilliam perused me a moment quietly.
"Would you humor me a moment and allow me to escort you into the other room, Ms. Bennet?" The colonel asked as Darcy suddenly stepped forward.
"I wasn't quite done with Ms. Bennet, cousin. I hope you understand. I need her to catch me up on what is happening in my business." Mr. Darcy exclaimed as I looked between the men carefully. I didn't owe Darcy anything.
"Surely business can wait, Mr. Darcy. Please, show me to the other room, Colonel. I'd be delighted to have you as an escort." I commented with certainty as the Colonel glanced between the two of us before shrugging and offering me his arm. I felt like a young Lady from an historical romance novel. One glance behind me, and I noticed Darcy's face as he stood in the foyer with eyes closed, a hand against his forehead, and his jaw clenched. My heart suddenly went out to him against its own accord.