A Dream of You

by Laure001

Darcy lives his life, business, the Pemberley Foundation. But he keeps thinking of Elizabeth Bennet. Who is...nobody, really. "Inferior," Caroline says. Still. He can't stop thinking of her. It won't last.

8. Chapter 8

Bingley's birthday.

From 8 pm to midnight. The respectable part of the evening. Champagne, white wine. Catered food. People chatting politely. Holding glasses.

Jane, smiling. Caroline, coldly furious. Hating that Jane and Elizabeth organized the party. Hating that Jane is still here. That Bingley has not moved on yet. That Bingley kisses Jane in front of everyone. That he says he's in love.

Elizabeth smiling. Talking. To everyone. Everyone but Darcy.

Being funny.

Darcy goes and speaks to her, once. To thank her for the caterer. She and Jane paid, as promised.

"You're welcome," Elizabeth says. "I hope you enjoyed the salmon."

Never a sentence about salmon had been uttered so coldly.

She smiles and turns away.

Midnight. Bingley, a little drunk. Opening another champagne bottle, then another. "It's midnight!" he cries. "Woo-hoo! Kiss someone!"

"It's not New Year!" Caroline protests.

"It is somewhere!" Which doesn't make sense, someone dims the light, music, people dance, Elizabeth dances, she laughs, she kisses a guy, on the cheek, someone hands Darcy a shot of vodka.