CHAPTER 3 – For Charlie's Sake

Will arrived early to work the next day. A pair of fine-looking eyes, Lizzy Bennett's eyes to be precise, had haunted his dreams. He didn't know why she hated him, he certainly didn't hate her. Sure, her cold attitude yesterday was certainly off-putting, but for Charlie's sake he had made an effort. And the more he watched her converse easily with Jane or Charlie, the more she puzzled him.

She was an avid walker, enjoyed reading late into the night, and was going to be staying with Jane while she attended NYU. She seemed intelligent based off of what he heard from their conversation. And yet, when he started to speak, she turned her head and glared.

But no, he did not her. He had come to respect Jane and Charlie far too much to make form an opinion on the girl so new into their acquaintance. Perhaps she was tired from her flight, or perhaps he was still giving off an "I hate women" vibe. So he had forced conversation with her last night, with varying results.

She answered with monosyllables, or disagreed with him. She refused to let him pay for everything. She did not even say goodbye to him. She hugged Charlie warmly, before leaving with an apologetic Jane.

His office phone jerked him out of his memories.

"Darcy," He answered.

"Hey Will, it's Jane." He could hear a school bell on the other line, and the sound of children laughing. School was starting.

"Oh, hey Jane. Everything okay?" He asked.

"Yes, I just wanted to apologize. I have no idea what was up with Lizzy last night. She is usually not so, well, mean."

"It's okay Jane. I've been treated far worse," Will replied. It wasn't Jane's fault after all.

"Still, I wanted to apologize. I did nothing to stop her. I have to go to class now, but tell Charlie I'll call him at recess if I can"

"Will do" He replied. "See you around Jane"

"Bye Will, thanks!" The dial tone sounded and Will hung up his phone. Her phone call had brought back memories of Lizzy Bennett, again.

She enthralled him, he realized. She was everything Caroline was not in appearances. Their attitudes were eerily similar for now, but Jane alluded to her being different normally.

But he had bigger things to worry about today. He was expecting a new intern. Every August, and into the first semester, NYU would send a new student as an intern. They would learn the basics, and he usually hired them after they graduated.

"Mr. Darcy, you're new intern is here" Elena told him. Elena Reynolds had been in the business for the past 40 years. She was a tremendous asset and friend. She was like the grandmother he and his sister never had.

"Thank you Elena, send him in" He told the intercom.

"Please, Mr. Darcy" Elena chided with a laugh. She had taught him his manners as a boy. He laughed and shook his head.

"Please, and thank you Elena," He amended. He faintly heard her telling the new intern to go on in.

Will wasn't sure what he was expecting. Most of his new interns were men, only three had been women. Those that were women were dour, and frumpy looking. Most of them he had never met before. He certainly wasn't expecting Lizzy, Jane's sister.

"Mr. Darcy," Lizzy stuttered, her face turning a faint pink color. She clutched a green folder in her hand.

"Is that you're resume?" He asked, ever the consummate professional. She nodded. He smiled tightly and motioned her forward. She was a pretty little thing to look at. He gestured to the seat in front of him. She stumbled on her shiny black pumps. She wore typical business attire, a high-waisted pencil skirt, which was thankfully long enough, and a purple blouse. Darcy thanked his stars it wasn't a button up, he had a soft spot for button ups.

"Sit, let's discuss what you'll be doing here" He cleared his throat, and took her file from her. He poured over her files, her resume, her background, everything. Her name was Elizabeth Kathryn Bennett she was 22 years old. She just graduated with a bachelor's degree from UM. She got into the masters program at NYU with a perfect GPA. She had stellar recommendations, perfect grades, and a whole list of extra curricular activities.

"You played Division 1 Soccer?" He asked.

"Yes"

"But only for three out of your four years. Why didn't you play senior year?" He asked.

"I broke several ribs," She told him. He nodded, and continued to flip through her file.

"Alright, you're records look impeccable. What's your main focus at NYU?" He asked.

"Finance and investment" She told him curtly.

"Did Charlie know you would be working here?" He asked. Lizzy shrugged.

"Miss Bennett, you are my best friend's girlfriends sister, and one of my good friend's sister, and I know we got off on a bad hand, but I am your boss now, I expect real answers" Will stated calmly. She was apparently headstrong. He made a note in her file, "Stubborn".

"Yes sir" She replied sarcastically. Will smirked involuntarily.

"Yes, Charlie knew, or yes, you will give real answers?" Will asked.

"Yes to both" She hissed.

"Alright, Miss Bennett. I think that is quite enough for today. I am very busy. Elena will point you to Charlie's office. He will go over the finance basics with you today" Will was getting a headache. She hated him, but why?

She stood from her seat and smiled tightly.

"Thank you Mr. Darcy." She replied in a fake sugar laced voice. She turned quickly on her heel and walked out of the office. He watched her backside unashamed.

"Ms. Bennett!" He called, remembering something. She turned to look at him, and arched a brow.

"Let Charlie know that Jane is expecting his call at recess." He told her. She stood for a second, just staring. "Dismissed Ms. Bennett." He smirked again as she flushed with anger. Her eyes lit up when she was angry, he realized.

Lizzy left the office short of breath. Did he realize that his dimples showed when he smirked? Or that he was possibly the most gorgeous man on the face of the earth? It was unfortunate that she hated him, or Lizzy might have had a crush on him. But what he did in his past could not be forgiven. He was an arrogant, prideful man. She knew this.

But then why was it so hard to find fault now?

Sorry this was a little late! Hope you enjoyed! As usual I love your reviews, and value the questions and suggestions posed. I know Lizzy seems to hate Darcy unjustly, but an explanation of that will come in later chapters. And some wondered why Darcy, who hates women now, tolerated Lizzy. He tolerates her for Charlie and Jane, because he is fiercely loyal to those he respects, loves, etc. And as for Lizzy, well we know she was prejudiced against him in the orignal book without much incentive. Let's just say she has her reasons for now! Review! Thanks!