It's
time to partayyyy!! Well, not for Lizzy! Haha hope you enjoy the
first Liz/Will scene!
Thanks to Gally619 and LoraineSouza
for the chapter 3 reviews!
"So, what's this event, Charlie?" Georgie asked a nervous yet excited Charlie Bingley, as he bounded into the Darcy apartment on Saturday morning to announce a mystery party.
Charlie looked back and forth between an interested Georgie and a completely indifferent Will as he responded.
"One of mum's things, you know Georgie. She's always insisted that Caroline and I go along to play 'family'. Well, now she's turning that lovely torture on all four of us." Georgie chuckled and nodded before tucking into her cereals. Will, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow over his paper sceptically.
"Your mum never mentioned any party when I was at your house yesterday…is it really that important that we attend?" Charlie's shoulders slouched. Will was as stubborn as a mule. If he put his mind to it, he would never say yes to coming to the party. Charlie's heart pounded as he imagined Will and Georgie's own welcome party, without the Darcy kids there.
He opened his mouth to speak but somehow, and unbeknownst to her, Georgie came to the rescue. "Will," she said sternly, "Betsy was nice enough to extend the invite to us too, as if we were her own children. We have to go."
Will glared despairingly at Georgie before nodding his acceptance at Charlie. Charlie's jaw dropped at how easily Georgie could manipulate Will. That was going to be very useful in the future, Charlie thought, very relieved that someone could control his obstinate friend.
"Sweet! Well, it's a black tie, so fancy, please. Will, try and do something about that curly hair of yours." Will's hand immediately shot up to smooth his hair while Georgie howled with laughter. "And Miss Georgiana," Charlie turned to the young girl who immediately stopped laughing and glowered at Charlie reproachfully. Charlie winked, "Don't you change a thing, okay?"
Georgie beamed at him.
On the other side of Melbourne, Elizabeth Bennet was woken up by the sound of her mobile. Her hand snaked out from under the covers to retrieve her mobile.
One Message Received
Sent: Johnnyboy
"Hey Liz, soz 4 bailing but Robbo and Steve r havin a joint 21st at the footy club 2nyt. Cant miss it. Ill make it up 2 ya! Have fun lady, johnny"
Despite Johnny bailing at the last minute, Lizzy was not in the least bit disappointed. A black tie event really wouldn't be his thing and she wasn't feeling too great about her on/off man anyway. She had heard from Johnny's sister, her good friend, Charlotte Blake that he had gone on a date with some unknown girl last night. Well, one thing was for sure, it wasn't Lizzy and another thing: whether they were dating or not, Lizzy knew that she deserved better than that.
"I'm kind of excited about this party, Lizzy, despite this stupid headache" Jane entered Lizzy's room, rubbing her temples. It was their Saturday morning ritual for Jane to get out of bed early, only to jump into Lizzy's bed to have a chat.
Lizzy rolled over to allow Jane room. "Tell me about it! Haven't had a good party in yonks! Did I mention that there was going to be a separate room with a DJ for the younger crowd?"
Jane chuckled, "Only 6 or 7 times Liz!" Lizzy grinned and punched Jane lightly. "By the way, I never asked you. What's the party for?"
"It's a welcome party. I don't know much. Charlie's mate, Will, is moving here with his family." Lizzy had meant to ask Charlie more about Will and his family before the party, however she was always distracted at rehearsal and forgot each time.
"Oh, by the way, Johnny isn't coming. Not that it matters, I'll still drive."
Jane turned to face Lizzy and rolled her eyes. "What's it this time? Another hot date without you?" Lizzy had made the mistake of telling Jane where Johnny was on Friday night instead of at the footy like usual. Bad idea. Jane now had proof that Johnny was no good for Lizzy and she was definitely making the most of it!
"It really doesn't matter! You're so right, Jane. I can do much better than that." Jane smiled widely and nodded.
"Well, just in time for this posh party! You're just trying to score some hot lawyer aren't ya?" Jane shrieked as Lizzy tried to push her off the bed.
After wrestling for a few minutes, the sisters headed downstairs for breakfast to start their eventful day.
Will pulled out one of his suits and looked at it critically. Despite his disinterest in attending one of Betsy Bingley's chic parties, Will was determined to look his best. Many of his parents' acquaintances would be there, no doubt wondering whether he was capable of being responsible of Georgiana, as well as eventually taking over his parents large and successful accounting company.
Eventually, Will opted for his charcoal, pin-stripe suit, Georgie's favourite. It was well cut and matched well with a simple, yet designer, white shirt. Georgie strolled into the room and nodded in approval as Will silently displayed the suit.
"Shouldn't you be getting ready, Miss?" Will said, laying the suit on his bed and burrowing his head inside his cupboard in search of his shoes.
"Yeah, yeah I will. Just wanted to see what you were wearing. You'll look great. Now all that's left is that unruly hair of yours." Georgie said, fleeing the room as one of Will's newly found black shoes went flying past.
Once Will was ready, he collapsed onto the couch to catch the news. Being a third year Accounting/ Finance student, Will had to be up to speed with the ever-changing economic sector.
Eventually, Georgie's door opened, revealing Will's beautiful younger sister looking absolutely wonderful. Georgiana was wearing an off-white Taffeta cocktail dress. She beamed at Will as he wolf whistled and offered her his arm.
"Where'd my lil sis' go then, hey?" Will said, as they exited their new home.
The party was to be held at Melbourne's prime function location. Will had already been there with his parents the last time they were in town. The drive was not uncomfortably long for the brother and sister and they soon arrived, finding Charlie sitting outside the main entrance.
"Took your time!" Charlie yelled in greeting, as they walked up to him. "C'mon, let's get inside, it's freezing!" He opened the large door of the main entrance.
"Charlie," Georgie asked, "Why aren't there any lights on? Where the hell is-"
"SURPRISE!" Suddenly lights flooded the large room and Georgie and Will froze as the large crowd laughed and moved, almost as one, to greet them.
"Charlie? Wha?" Was all Will could manage, as a bunch of beaming faces greeted him and shook his hand.
"Remember that surprise welcome party I was going to throw when you arrived? Well, I never said I cancelled it. It was just postponed!" Charlie ducked as Will had a go at him.
After finally greeting majority of the crowd, Will managed to note the new 'Welcome!' signs and the large amounts of food laid out on the tables. The Bingley's certainly outdid themselves in ensuring a successful party. Despite Will's shock and general dislike of large parties, he couldn't help but feel absolutely blown away by everyone's eagerness to truly welcome Georgiana and himself, as well as offer any assistance they could. Caroline was perhaps the most eager, he thought soberly; unconsciously wiping his cheek where Caroline had smothered kisses, minutes ago, before being dragged away by her father.
"Charlie, I-" Will shook his head, the words not coming out. Charlie grinned at his friend and slapped him on the back.
"No worries mate. Listen, I know most of these people are your parents' friends and their kids, so I took the liberty of inviting some of my mates here as well. They're a good bunch; some are from uni and Georgie's new school, so maybe you two could start making some friends. Now c'mon, this room is just for the oldies!"
Charlie dragged his best friend into the second room which had House music pumping, leaving Mr and Mrs Bingley hosting the main party. Will spotted Georgie, already dancing crazily with some other girls he recognised as Mr White's nieces. Mr White had been a good friend of Will's parents, and his young nieces had quickly befriended Georgie during their frequent trips to Australia. Seeing Georgie already relaxed, ringlets flying everywhere, and enjoying herself, Will figured it was time he did the same. He knew that he couldn't feel bad at this party thrown for him and his sister, despite his parents not being there to share it. Here was proof that there was so many people who cared for his family. They would want this, he thought to himself, and set about enjoying his night.
Despite getting ready early, Lizzy and Jane ran late to the party, having had to wait for their mum to finish work. Adalina Bennet insisted that she examined her girls before they left for the party. "There is no use for being so beautiful if you do not show it, bella." She said, as Lizzy rolled her eyes at her.
Entering the hall with Jane, Lizzy was breathless at the size of the party. It really was a swanky place. An older man spotted their entrance and together with a young girl, they walked over to the two sisters.
"Hi there! I'm Greg Bingley, are you Charlie's friends?" Lizzy grinned and nodded, noting where Charlie got his lovely smile.
"Yes, hi! I'm Elizabeth Bennet, I'm in the production with Charlie. This is my sister, Jane." Jane smiled and shook hands with Greg. Greg was suddenly called by an elderly man and turned to join that conversation, leaving the two sisters staring hesitantly at the short, thin girl with fake platinum blonde hair. The girl was wearing a skimpy purple dress and stiletto heels, contrasting completely with the two sisters' understated yet chic style.
"Oh, so you're Mary Poppins?" The younger girl suddenly asked, smirking. Lizzy turned to face the girl, slightly shocked by her outburst and nodded.
"Yeah, I am. And you are…?" Lizzy said, extending her hand once again.
The girl glanced at Lizzy's hand before coldly replying. "Caroline Bingley, Charlie's sister."
Lizzy was perturbed by Caroline's behaviour, withdrawing her hand as Greg turned back to the girls.
"Now then, Lizzy, Jane. Make sure you have plenty of food. The kids are all in there." He pointed to a closed door. Lizzy could make out the dull pounding of dance music creeping through the sounds of the jazz band. She nodded her thanks at Greg before pulling Jane away and marching off to the other room.
"Well, that was uncalled for!" She said to Jane, referring to Caroline Bingley's rude behaviour. Jane looked just as baffled.
"Yeah, I know! But… maybe there was a reason for that. I mean, maybe she mistook us for someone else?" Jane whispered. Lizzy laughed.
"Or maybe she was just a bitch, Jane? I swear, not everyone is as kind as you!" Lizzy said lightly. "Look, it doesn't even matter. Charlie's a great guy and he's my friend. That's all that matters! Now, let's go break it down and show everyone how awesome us Bennets are!" Lizzy grinned, pulling on the door.
Will was sharing a laugh with Charlie and Charlie's drama mate, Andrew Hedgeton, when he looked up to see the door being opened yet again. Despite the darkness of the dance room, the outer room light illuminated two figures standing in the doorway. Mentally, his jaw dropped as he glanced and did a double take on two attractive women. Charlie had turned also. Physically, Charlie's jaw dropped when he saw Lizzy stand with a girl who was unquestionably her sister and furthermore, the same girl in the Holden after rehearsal! Will observed Charlie's behaviour with interest, curious to find out who these girls were.
One of the girls spotted Charlie and waved before yelling something through the loud music at her sister. Will grinned stupidly as he realised that the pair were making their way over.
"Lizzy! Glad you could make it!" Charlie yelled at her, as she kissed his cheek as well as Andrew's.
"No excuses, remember?" Lizzy said, grinning. Will's stomach did a belly- flip as Lizzy turned her smile towards him.
"Lizzy, this is Will Darcy, my mate from England. Will, this is Elizabeth Bennet." Charlie said loudly. For Charlie, things seemed to be going exactly as he had predicted. He had noticed the immediate mutual interest between Elizabeth and his old friend. As for Lizzy's sister, well, she was completely unexpected. But definitely not unwelcome, Charlie thought cheerfully.
"Hi Will, welcome to Australia!" Lizzy grinned. Will felt so giddy he could scarcely talk, so just nodded and gave Lizzy a small smile. "This ismy sister, Jane." Lizzy said with a sly grin at Charlie, who turned bright red, yet grinned at Jane and held out his hand. Jane smiled and reached out. Will watched as Charlie and Jane immediately fell into a conversation.
Will continued to sit on his bar stool. He stole a glance at Lizzy again, who was conversing with Andrew about the play. At first glance, Will had thought that Lizzy was hot. Now that he could see her up close, Will thought she was beautiful. Her dark brown hair fell about her shoulders and her dark eyes were intense and lively. The problem was, Will had never considered himself to be gifted when talking to girls he was attracted to. And he was definitely attracted to this girl, he thought. Will pulled at his beer, wondering about what he could possibly say to join in the conversation.
"... Darcy?" Andrew asked. Will was brought out of his reverie by the sound of his name but realised with panic that had no clue what the question was. Looking at their faces, it was clear that Andrew and Elizabeth were expecting a reply. 'She's going to think I'm a mute!' Will thought with dread, looking at Elizabeth's eager face. He'd have to say something.
"Yeah, I think." Will said nodding. Both Andrew and Elizabeth frowned in concentration, before turning to each other and laughing.
"It's great that you can think William, but that doesn't exactly explain what you're going to be studying at A.U., does it?" Lizzy said, still chuckling.
Will was horrified with his current literary capabilities, so answered them quickly, before excusing himself to get some food in the outer room. Lizzy watched Will exit the dance room with a bemused expression before Andrew asked her for a dance.
Okay, I know I said this chapter would be the Lizzy/Will thing, but I was so excited that I have to fit it over two chapters, sorry! I'll write about what Lizzy thinks of Will next chapter. Anyway, reviews are welcome. Thanks for reading!