Chapter 5:
"I'm in love with you too." Jane smiled so sweetly that Bing's heart hurt.
I'm an agent for a secret organization that may or may not be responsible for some of the world's best-kept secrets.
Really, how hard was that to say? But no, instead he proclaimed something they both already knew. And now her head was tucked into the crook of his shoulder and he felt like the biggest phony in the world.
Jane's sister was missing, and he had the means to find her. The guilt was unbearable.
He sighed. One day he'd find the courage to tell her. He just hoped it wouldn't be the last thing he got to say.
Stupid, stupid, stupid, he thought. Why was he always picking fights with her? How was it that Elizabeth Bennet crawled her way under his thick skin? He was supposed to be suave- calm and collected in every situation. He had been groomed for this. Nothing was supposed to faze him.
But Lizzie could.
And now Darcy was sitting on the front porch, alone, next to a very garishly painted ceramic vase that had no business being outside, other than to impress the neighbors. His head rested in his hands, his phone stupidly locked inside, imprisoned in Lizzie's bedroom, its captor pacing endlessly and angrily.
"Lover's quarrel?"
It was Mr. Bennet, looking equal parts amused and concerned. This conversation was the last thing Darcy needed.
"Er, I guess." Darcy managed. Mr. Bennet took a seat next to him on the bench, placing his elbows on his knees for support.
"You know, I encouraged my daughters to be their own people, and Lizzie…" He laughed, "Lizzie is the most independent of the lot."
"I've noticed." Darcy grimaced.
"I would hope so. Unfortunately, it also means that she is the most guarded of the three of them. She doesn't trust people easily, and letting people into her life… it takes a long time to figure her out."
"I'm trying."
"I know." Mr. Bennet smiled at him, a smile so fatherly it sent a pang to William's orphaned heart. "I'm just telling you… don't give up. She's a tough cookie, that one. But she's worth it."
With that, he stood up, patted Darcy's shoulder, and walked back into the house.
"You didn't have to walk me home, Bing." Jane protested
"I wanted to." Bing felt the need to do something. Maybe if he could sneak into Lydia's room, he could search for clues. His heart was laden with guilt. They were nearly at the Bennet's white picket fence.
"I'm worried about Lizzie." She announced.
"Lizzie?" This was coming from nowhere.
"I think… I think she's lying to me. She um, she brought this- guy, to the house. He's… odd."
Bing's senses kicked in. Odd was bad. Odd made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up and his stomach churn.
Jane started to open the gate to the house.
"Maybe I should be meeting this g-"
"Bing?" A husky voice called quizzically.
He looked away from Jane. Was that…
"Will?"
"You two know each other?" Jane asked.
The men looked anywhere but at the redhead.
"Well…"
"Where am I? Why did you bring me here?" Lydia demanded, struggling with her ties.
"You are the perfect tool, Lydia Bennet." He answered, as if it were obvious.
"The perfect tool to what?"
"To bringing down William Darcy."