Lizzy absolutely started at the sight of Darcy standing up there on the stage looking down at her. He seemed equally amazed but recovered faster than she did. Smiling, he climbed down and approached her slowly.
'You must excuse my sister, Miss Bennet. She has acquired that characteristic often found in those of us who have lived too long in the theatre…she has even begun to talk in theatrics.'
His sister laughed, a rippling, clear sound that could not help but make those around her smile. 'Yes, by all means, forgive me…that I have not inherited that trait of my brother's that leaves him wholly unable to judge a conversation. I would rather talk in theatrics, as he puts it, than suffer as he does…for I assure you he makes the mistake of speaking when he ought to stay silent and staying silent when he ought to speak…'
Lizzy could not help but laugh at the way she had turned her brother's words around. 'Georgiana…' Darcy quietly remonstrated with her.
'Well, it's true, and it has not served you well in the past.'
Darcy was not actually listening; he could not help but stare at Lizzy, unable to fathom what wondrous series of events could have brought her here. Georgiana had to repeat his name before he paid attention.
She laughed at his obvious absent-mindedness and the strange way both Lizzy and Darcy stared at each other. 'Well, since you already appear to be so well acquainted, would you care to introduce me, Darcy…?'
'What…? Yes, of course…Miss Bennet, this is my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy…Georgiana, this is…Miss Elizabeth Bennet…' Her name tripped off his lips as fervent and reverent as a prayer.
It was at that point that they were interrupted, and through the same door Lizzy had stumbled into, in came pouring Mr Collins and Mr Bennet.
Mr Collins, on perceiving Darcy, grinned rather stupidly and called out to Lizzy, 'Well, there you are, my dear…Lizzy, we had quite despaired we'd lost you…' Mr Collins was the type of man who would forever be awkward with public displays of affection, and was unsure how to attend to his fiancée; he merely stood next to her awkwardly and smirked at Darcy. 'Well, Darcy…what a thing to be meeting you again…' He slipped an arm around Lizzy's waist, almost as if making a point.
Now it was Lizzy's turn to make the introductions. 'Mr Darcy…Miss Darcy, this is my father…and Mr Collins…my fiancé.'
She struggled with the word, all the while watching Darcy for his reaction. He could not be surprised, she knew he must have read the papers but…, but what had she been expecting? She thought she saw a slight flinch but could not be sure… she could not deny her disappointment that there was nothing more.
'Father, this is Mr Darcy and his sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy…' Mr Bennet was no less curious to make the acquaintance of a man of whom he had heard so much. He stepped forward and offered his hand warmly. 'Mr Darcy…Miss Darcy, I am happy to make your acquaintance at last…and in such pleasant surroundings.' He noticed the way Darcy had eyes only for his daughter. Suddenly Lizzy's acceptance of Mr Collins' proposal took on a whole new perspective.
Darcy smiled at him. 'Yes…I suppose you must feel quite at home…in the theatre, I mean.'
'Yes…I have played in many parts and many places but,' Mr Bennet cast an admiring glance about the room, 'nothing as grand as this…'
'Well, we shall have to do something about that…' Darcy's words seemed like a promise and Mr Bennet was content to like him already. Lizzy was amazed at the change in him; surely barely a few months ago the likes of Mr Bennet would have been beneath his notice. But no, here they all were, and Lizzy, for one, was not sorry for it.
'Oh, of course…Miss Elizabeth Bennet!' Georgiana suddenly exclaimed, startling everybody. She was filled with youthful exuberance. 'I have heard Darcy often talk of his beautiful co-star but how stupid of me, I never thought to make the connection. We have met, Miss Bennet…'
Lizzy was baffled, 'I'm sorry I don't have the pleasure of recalling…'
Georgiana beamed at her. 'Darcy, you ought to have been more forthcoming in your description…I say we have met, Miss Bennet; in truth we have almost met. I was quite taken by the critics' review of your performance in 'Stars Above'; your portrayal of the tragic Alison Harding was truly remarkable. I loved every minute of it…in fact, I came to see it three times…only I was too shy to talk to you after, I did get as far as backstage, but no further…'
Darcy laughed at her enthusiasm. 'It's true, I had to drive her…three times!'
'Yes, though you never came inside…however much I tried to persuade you…'
'No…though I have long wished I had…' Darcy looked directly at Lizzy as he spoke. She blushed and smiled quietly.
Mr Collins felt he had been silent for far too long. 'It seems we have found another fan of yours, Lizzy. Miss Darcy is almost as fervent in her admiration of you as another young gentleman once was…'
Lizzy stiffened in dread, he was on the verge of naming Wickham, and she knew not how to stop him.
'Oh yes…of course, Wickham, wasn't it? George Wickham…?'
Darcy's reaction pained her. He had gone pale and he gritted his teeth. His expression as he looked at his sister was one filled with pitiful sorrow. As for Georgiana, the poor girl had gone as white as a sheet and was visibly shaking; no doubt she had thought she would never have to hear that name again.
Lizzy felt for them both acutely. Miss Darcy required a rescue, and she would provide it. 'Miss Darcy…I have long heard of Pemberley Theatre's impressive rows and stage, but there were stories of hidden doors and passages, not surprising in a building as old and wondrous as this. I find it all highly intriguing, and I wonder, would you be so kind as to show them to me?' She smiled warmly at her. 'I cannot think of a better guide for the task…'
Lizzy's smiles and words appeared to have an effect; some of Georgiana's colour returned. She took Lizzy's arm gratefully and led the way. Lizzy threw back a glance at Darcy and smiled reassuringly.
Darcy was certainly grateful for the kindness she was showing to his sister. He still could not believe she was here. There was so much he had wanted to tell her. His heart was overflowing, ready to burst. From the moment he had seen her again, all the old feelings had returned, the feelings he thought he had long buried. He had taken Robert's words to heart and resolved to let Miss Bennet go, but it was easier said than done.
Now seeing her again, he knew it was impossible. He had been ready to confess all to her the instant his eyes had rested on her face but…Collins had turned up. Her fiancé… Darcy hardened his heart once more. He would not risk it; whilst she still allowed that man to slip an arm about her waist. He would not risk heartache and rejection again, not till he was sure…if or what she felt about him. He had learnt his lesson; he was not willing to expose his own feelings, not whilst she still guarded hers.
Mr Bennet saw it all. He watched Darcy looking after Lizzy with such longing and passion that he was certain this was the man Lizzy ought to be marrying. Maybe now was the time to speak to her about this prior engagement; next to Mr Darcy, Collins would never do.
Georgiana liked Miss Bennet very much and with all her youthful enthusiasm made sure her brother knew it. He seemed equally pleased and was more than happy to second his sister's request that Lizzy, her father and Mr Collins join them for dinner the next evening.
Mr Bennet and Lizzy accepted the invitation readily, but for poor Mr Collins it was not to be. He was called away to the set of a new film he had begun working on. The engagement had bolstered his reputation somewhat; as a history expert he was very much in demand.
Lizzy could not pretend she was sorry for his absence. She sighed as she looked in the mirror in her room. She wore the bottle-green dress, the same one she had worn to the disastrous charity ball. She could not help but smile at how differently she felt about Darcy now. Closing her eyes, she felt herself in his arms again, dancing slowly…the swaying, her cheek next to his and the shallow breathing. Lizzy shook her head and ordered herself to snap out of it. She was engaged already, to Mr Collins. Now there was a sobering thought.
Seated opposite Darcy in the grand private rooms above the theatre, Lizzy found she was gladder than ever to be spending time with just Darcy and his sister. Along with her father, the company was exactly all the mix of intellectualism, wit and fine flowing wine that she could ever wish for. Her eyes were continually drawn to Darcy's. She loved watching him. Every time he smiled and laughed his eyes lit up and she saw him more animated than she had ever seen him before, even during their year of filming together.
Mr Bennet and Darcy talked as rapidly as old friends and Lizzy was happy to see them get along so well. Her father rarely liked anyone and tolerated people even less often, but with Darcy it seemed a pleasure rather than mere acceptance.
Georgiana Darcy was less talkative than her brother. Lizzy could easily see why some may have thought her haughty and reserved; a young girl of barely eighteen, it was not that she didn't want to talk; it was purely because she was shy and rather than take the initiative in a conversation allowed others to dictate it, only offering opinions when there was least danger of them being heard.
Darcy suggested they watch a rehearsal taking place. Everyone agreed, and the party of four soon found themselves seated on the front row eagerly looking up at the stage. Mr Bennet contrived it so that Lizzy and Darcy would end up sitting next to each other; they both unknowingly fell into his well-intentioned trap. Each deemed it would be offensive to move now and chose instead to find a way to deal with the proximity to the other. But the antics of the performers on stage soon had all their attention, and if they could not forget, they did eventually become more comfortable.
Lizzy placed her hand on the arm rest between them and, perhaps inevitably so, Darcy reached for it only a few minutes later. His hand innocently found hers; they were both surprised by the touch. Darcy looked at her closely, seeking something in her eyes; he certainly didn't think her revolted by his touch and he was in no hurry to relinquish her hand just yet. She smiled slightly at him and allowed her fingers to interlace with his before slowly removing her hand.
The rehearsal was over and it drew their attention away from their lingering moment, charged with electricity. Lizzy stood and clapped enthusiastically, glad to be able to escape Darcy's intense gaze. It was having an effect on her she seemed unable to control.
Lizzy suddenly felt her hand seized by another; Georgiana had taken a hold of her and was now trying to persuade her to play the piano and sing for them. She had to practically drag Lizzy through the orchestra's area and up the stairs. The cast whose rehearsal they had been watching all took up positions around the stage, eagerly awaiting a performance.
'Georgiana, please, I assure you I am not very good at either…'
'Nonsense…' Georgiana laughed at her modesty. 'My brother has spoken of your playing the piano once or twice on set and he has told me that he has never heard anything that gave him more pleasure.'
It was Lizzy's turn to laugh. She stopped and looked back at Darcy who, between talking to her father, shouted out encouragements. 'Well, then I am afraid your brother is prone to exaggeration, he means mischief, no doubt…'
Georgiana stopped likewise and, turning to look at her, spoke in all seriousness, 'Miss Bennet, you will never find a greater advocate of the truth than my brother.' She smiled widely. 'Therefore, if he states that you can play, then you can play…'
She had succeeded in getting Lizzy to the instrument, and placing her firmly in the seat she rifled through the numerous music sheets conveniently lying on top of the piano.
'Now if you insist on refusing to sing, Miss Bennet, you must at least play…'
Lizzy relented, 'Very well, but only if you sing…' She saw Georgiana freeze. 'That is my only condition, I will play, but only if you sing. You see, I have heard something of your talents as well…'
Georgiana managed a weak 'Alright….' Lizzy flashed a brilliant smile at her. 'What would you have me play?'
'Let's start with something classic and traditional…how about Mimi's aria from 'La Boheme?''
The entire hall fell silent as Lizzy began to stroke the keys. The choice of music was perfect. Georgiana hit every note precisely and her performance was so touching that Lizzy, looking around, doubted there was anybody left unaffected by it.
When she finished, rapturous applause greeted her; everyone was on their feet clapping and shouting enthusiastically. Lizzy clapped along with them, pleased for the shy but happy Georgiana, who smiled and acknowledged the praise with a characteristic blush.
She bounded over to Lizzy. 'Now for something more fun…' Georgiana produced a sheet of music and handed it to her. Lizzy smilingly thought it a little suspicious that these pieces of music should be so conveniently at hand, almost as if Georgiana had planned it all…but she found she would not mind if the young woman had acted at all a little deviously; it was another trait that she found endearing.
Lizzy, seeing the title, looked up at Georgiana, puzzled. 'This, are you sure…?'
'Yes,' Georgiana nodded emphatically. 'It's a fun piece and one of my brother's favourites…'
Lizzy shook her head and laughed. 'Well, I can readily believe that, I've given up being surprised about anything your brother does or says…'
Lizzy began to play. The piece was fun and lively and soon the whole room was on its feet dancing and singing away. Lizzy laughed whole heartedly at the merriment of it all. She was pleasantly surprised to find Darcy come over and sit next to her at the piano.
She smiled sweetly at him. Looking over to Georgiana who had everyone joining in, she said to Darcy, 'I thought your sister was shy…!'
'She was…she is…' he stammered smilingly, 'I've never seen her this happy or lively or talkative with anyone. She must really like you…'
'Good…I'm glad. I like her, too…'
Darcy nodded confidently. 'I knew you would…'
The evening had turned into an impromptu party and had stretched long into the night. Mr Bennet found it all too much and took his leave early. He left Lizzy smiling and laughing away with Darcy and the rest of the cast. It warmed his heart seeing her happier than she had been in a long time, and he knew exactly what, or rather who, was the cause for it. That conversation regarding a prior engagement would have to happen soon.
Darcy offered to take Lizzy back to her hotel, and she readily accepted. She did not think it objectionable that he walked her to her room; they were friends, what could be more natural. The night clerk looked up briefly from behind his desk as their footsteps echoed past but soon returned to his work. He had seen enough celebrities walking up to hotel rooms together that to see this was nothing extraordinary; perhaps the only unusual aspect of Mr Darcy and Miss Bennet being together was their very pointed and very public dislike of each other. Still, he shrugged, the film industry was a strange business and actors were a strange lot. Either way, in his profession it paid to be the very soul of discretion.
Lizzy was very conscious of Darcy's presence only a few feet behind her in the lift. She chuckled quietly and shook her head. Darcy naturally inquired as to her mirth. She turned to look at him.
'Who would have thought that the great Darcy's, the famous actor's favourite piece of music is 'I'm a Believer'…' She laughed again.
He smiled in return. 'What…? The Monkees were a great band, and it's a fun song…and apt.' He spoke the last word low.
'You're right, it is a fun song. You have great taste in music, I'm sorry…' Still, she couldn't help but burst out laughing again.
The lift stopped and they stepped out and walked slowly to her room. Lizzy still had so much to say to him. Now that she realised just how much she enjoyed his company, she was sorry to see the evening end.
They stopped at her door and she turned to him suddenly. 'I must admit I'm surprised…'
'About what…?' He equally had no desire to let her go just yet.
'I thought you'd be angry about seeing me here, that you'd think it a dreadful intrusion. I have to admit I never thought you'd want to give me the time of day again, or that at best you'd be anything more than indifferent, but…you've been all attention…'
Darcy sighed deeply; given his behaviour this past year, he could hardly have been surprised by her words. 'Angry? No, I could never be that, I could never be anything but glad to see you. And seeing you here …is something really special…'
Lizzy smiled and he thought his heart would break. 'Really..?'
To hell with caution, he thought. 'Yes, Lizzy, the way I feel about you…you must know that hasn't…that could never change…'
Lizzy dropped her eyes nervously; a strand of loose hair fell about her face. He reached out tentatively and carefully tucked it behind her ear. His touch both thrilled and frightened her; she looked up to meet his gaze. As he leaned in to kiss her, Lizzy hesitated at first but gave in.
The kiss was passionate and intense. She reached up and dug her hands into his shoulders. He tousled her hair with one hand and the other he placed in the small of her back, pulling her yet closer. She met his yearning with a desire of her own and for a moment the whole world seemed to slip away and it was only the two of them standing on the edge.
Lizzy eventually broke the kiss off, breathless. Their foreheads touched. She shook her head despairingly. 'I can't do this…this is wrong…'
'Why…?' Darcy desperately pulled her close, unwilling to relinquish her lips and her body.
'You know why, I'm engaged…Mr Collins…' He stopped her with a gentle kiss.
'Don't…' he murmured. Don't spoil the moment…don't take away what he had been dreaming about for so long.
Lizzy resisted the urge to wrap herself around him again. 'I'm sorry…' She kissed him lightly on the corner of the mouth as a goodbye. And removing his arm from her back, she pushed him away gently and opened the door to her room without looking back.