Chapter 17 - First Impressions

"Lizzy."

It would be safe to say, that Lizzy had been caught unawares, and that a Lizzy caught unawares is prone to do some things that a Lizzy who made a promise to her dearest friend is not apt to do. It is also well known that Elizabeth Jane Bennet is rarely speechless, and that of the rare times she had been struck dumb almost all of them involved Will Darcy in some way or form. Firstly had been their first meeting, when Lizzy had been unable to form a coherent sentence besides the generic welcome, secondly had been in Rye when he had so kindly, and seemingly out of character, assisted her to find her locket and finally when he had been so charming at Netherfeild. Now Lizzy was once again caught unawares by the unmasked avenger who seemed determined to enact revenge for some misdeed in a past life.

"Darcy." Lizzy smiled tightly, throwing a glare at Charli who smiled back wickedly, her gaze was caught by Will's t-shirt. 'Where Will I Live Now?' it was nice, simple and a wicked political statement, something Lizzy would wear if it came in her size. She had been so busy avoiding his stare and staring at his shirt, Lizzy had missed the fact that behind Will stood two more young people. One of whom thought to add his five cents to the lot.

"Marshall!" Lizzy looked up confused to find a young man standing hands on hips, the classic superhero stance. "That would be I! I felt a little left out there for a second."

"Yes, you wouldn't want Marshie to feel left out, he'd have to find a corner and cry." A pretty but pale looking young woman stepped forward, "I'm Anne by the way. I see you know my boring cousin Will, and now you've met the nutty cousin Marshall. He was dropped on his head as a child, anything he says should be ignored."

Lizzy laughed, smiling brightly at the girl, a bare few years her senior Anne was taller and skinnier, with an almost unhealthy rose glow on her cheeks, probably on account of her illness. Lizzy vaguely remembered Billy saying something about the de Bourgh daughter being ill, but Anne didn't look like the invalid she had come to expect, nor did she look like the kind of girl to be stepped on that George had described her as. Lizzy was coming to see that anything from George's mouth had to be taken with a grain of salt, though she still felt that his story about Darcy had too many sore points to be considered a falsehood.

"Come this way," Marshall bowed elaborately and took Lizzy's elbow, winking mischievously at his cousin who glared at him. "I really must introduce you to my dear aunt Miss Bennet. She will be most delighted to meet you."

As Marshall sweep Lizzy out from under his nose, Will was faced with watching his suddenly least favourite relative get to listen to her pealing laughter, and he knew he was missing the excellent colour her eyes turned as she attempted to repress those giggles. He followed somewhat grumpily, letting his dissatisfaction show as he ignored Anne who was poking him scrumptiously in the ribs, her glee obvious.

"Madam Catherine de Bourgh, if I may announce our esteemed guests Mr and Mrs Collins and their guest, the lovely Miss Elizabeth Bennet." Marshall released Lizzy's arm and gave an elaborate bow, making her giggle as she faced the stern old lady who sat in her chair as regally as a Queen on her throne.

"Hmmm." The woman muttered as she pursed her lips and raised one perfectly shaped eyebrow. She leant forward, tapping long blood red nails along the side of her chair, her eyes calculating. "Elizabeth Bennet? You are the young lady who refused William aren't you?"

Will stiffened in the background before he realised his aunt was talking about the frog like fellow. He saw Marshall smirk at him over Lizzy's head while Anne poked him in the side. Charli's eyes widened in horror and Billy tugged at his collar uncomfortably. Lizzy, for her part, remained composed, her face serene, only Charli who had known her a long time, and Will who had made a study of her eyes, knew that the shining green orbs were responding to the old woman's challenge.

"I wouldn't say I refused him," Lizzy began, her face coy as she looked bashfully at the ground, "I couldn't in good conscience accept, when I knew that my," Lizzy paused for effect, winking at Will who was the only one who could see her face, "my behaviour could never make him happy."

Charli kicked the back of Lizzy's shoe, while Billy looked at his cousin in wonder. "Dear Elizabeth, you are too good, too good indeed. I thank you for your consideration, it has lead to my marriage with the love of my life." He then turned to Charli and hugged her to him, she looking mildly amused as she coughed uncomfortably. Marshall had reclaimed his grip on Lizzy's arm and pulled her over to a couch to sit down.

"Marshall!" Catherine's voice was like a whip through the room, head snapped towards her as her face became one of sweet grandmotherly interest, "You haven't let me finish getting to know our guest."

Lizzy smiled demurely, and looked over at the woman, her hands folded in her lap. "What is it you would like to known Ms de Bourgh?"

Catherine's eyes narrowed suspiciously, "Tell me of your family child." She lifted a cup of tea from a tray offered by a maid in the conventional black and white uniform, and saw Lizzy's eyes dance in mirth as the girl declined a beverage. "William tells me that you have a rather unfortunately large family."

Lizzy raised an eyebrow, "That would depend on what you perceive as unfortunate. I am the oldest of five daughters, my sister Jane and I are twins. I like having a large family, although I do wish I had a brother."

Charli snorted, "Then you might not be the apple of daddy's eye."

Lizzy laughed and was surprised to hear Will laugh to, she flashed him a smile that made him flush a deep red, and said, "Papa will always have a special place for me."

Catherine had not missed her nephews reaction to this impudent girl, and saw the need to show her up with Catherine's own daughter, lest Will think of making a move towards the Bennet brat. She called Will over and began detailing Anne's various recent medical issues - most of them a bad case of hypochondria, albeit of the mother for the daughter - and left Lizzy to Marshall's most capable hands.

"So Lizzy, you're one of the beauties of Hertfordshire are you?" HE said, immensely enjoying both the soft blush on Lizzy's cheeks and the threatening look he was receiving from his cousin.

"I wouldn't think so, my twin is much prettier than I am, much, much prettier. And you look like a man who prefers blondes." Lizzy replied winking at Anne who was trying to repress laughter as Lizzy deflected both Marshall's come on, and his on coming hand on her knee. He grinned in defeat and mussed her hair, "I think we're going to be good friends," he said as she swatted his hands away, "and your wrong. I prefer red heads."

Conversation followed for a time, between Lizzy, Anne and Marshall. At first Lizzy was uncomfortable, not sure about Will who stood stoically, staring at her, but in time she came to ignore him, putting it down as more arrogant behaviour.

Then dinner was called, and events, and good impressions - or bad ones - were increased by particular events.

A/N

I am SO SORRY! I haven't updated since my birthday. MORE THAN TWO MONTHS AGO! slaps hand

I've been full out with school, and had to organise and run my school formal. Now all my spare time is spent with my boyfriend and mates so I have to admit I forgot about updating. And to make matters worse, I had written another 6 pages that I lost when Manny my laptop died. But I shall endeavour to update and complete this story. I know exactly what I want to happen in the next chapter. READ AND REVIEW.

IcelandGirl812- You're the coolest. I think I am voting you my number one reviewer. Hugs and kisses to your awesome reviews :D