Bigshout out to everyone who reviewed! I might've made a mistake in the rating or might be being a bit conservative with the rating – you'll see why in a few chapters.

Harriet's back - wonder what she'll do this time?

Starts on 26 March 2024

Will Darcy had so much to think about and consider. He sat down in his favourite armchair lost in his thoughts till late that night. Thoughts about Elizabeth, why her image kept cropping up into his life on different occasions that had nothing to do with her. Charles had said that he wasn't good enough for her. But he'd always been sure it was the other way around, that she wasn't good enough for him. He was consumed by these thoughts. And then there were more thoughts playing around his mind in strange and new ways. Having to leave Georgie alone until she's ready to meet him. What would Richard do? How can one person have so many thoughts at one time. He felt like he was almost drowning.

He woke up the next morning to again find Harriet in his home cooking eggs.

"Morning Will. I wasn't sure how long you'd be asleep."

"I'm regret giving you a key to my flat all those years ago."

Harriet ignored the jab and said, "I haven't heard from you since our conversation last week. How are you?"

"I don't know, Harriet. How should I be? It seems all the people in my life have decided that I'm a conceited idiot. How would you be?" he huffed.

"Now, dear. Come on. Why don't you tell me what's happened this week and what's got you in a tizzy now?" she said in a maternal way.

He started at the beginning and told her everything. It came out as a jumble and scattered, nothing like how he normally ordered his thoughts. He ended by saying, "I was fine on my own before people started telling me these things."

"Were you really fine on your own? You have one friend, your cousin. You and Charles aren't as close as you used to be. He's moved on with his life. Tell me, does he look happy?"

Will was getting angry, "what in the world does that have to do with anything?"

She gave him a stern look and so he answered, "yes, he looks happy." He knew he was being petulant.

"Don't you want to be happy?" asked Harriet pointedly.

"Doesn't everyone?"

"Ok, answer this then: what does happiness look like to you?" Harriet asked him a question she knew he didn't have an answer to.

"Pemberley making profits, year after year. It soaring and doing well. " He looked at her, realizing that she looked confused, he added, "Georgie being back and safe."

Harriet was glad that at least his sister was up there on the list. She ignored that part for a moment and said, "that might work for a corporation. But you… What would make your life happy? Children? Family? Love? Contentment?"

At first, he thought that frolicking in the snow seemed rather like happiness. But then came back to the present moment, "honestly, I don't know. Happiness would be to go back in time and living a different 4 years. It would be for me not to have to worry about the Darcy name all the time."

She decided to ignore his more flippant response and focus on the positives now. "There's a good start, dear. For Georgie to be safe and healed, she needs time. I think Ms. Bennet has the right of it. And for you not to worry about the Darcy name just stop worrying about it."

"I don't understand."

Harriet tried not to laugh, "no, it's clear that you don't. It's like you're holding on to baseless things while letting go of the most important. Just think about the question I asked you and see what you come up with. I know from everything you told me you're itching to come back to work. But here's a challenge: once you have an answer to that question that satisfies me, I'll let you back to work. Whether that's tomorrow or next week, or next month is up to you. Think about it without the shackles of your preconceived notions and I've no doubt that you will know what'll make you happy, Will. And think of what your mother would want, not your father. As good as a man as he was, he didn't remember how to be happy once your mother died and did what you're doing now, throwing yourself into work at the cost of living life."

Will wanted to scream. Who was she to tell him these things. He didn't understand any of what he was feeling. After a few days of not knowing what would make him happy he turned to one person who actually might have an answer. He had no idea why he thought she'd know. Maybe it was that the past few days she was the single point of light in his chaotic mind. And he couldn't stay away from her, every thought of his was coloured by her. Maybe it was what Jane had said to him during the snowstorm about the secret of life. He didn't know if she would even help him, but he had to try. All this time off with his thoughts had become tiresome and he was just going around in circles.

Do you think we could talk? ~WD

You know on Earth, we say hello before starting a conversation? ~EB

Hello, do you think we could talk? ~WD

I'm not really sure what there is to say. Badgering me won't make me let you meet G any faster. ~EB

It's not about that. Ok, its related. But not completely. I just need to talk. ~WD

She was wary. What would they say to each other? But maybe she could ask him to get food. That would be nice. After her day dealing with the oily Collins, she could use some really good food. Maybe Will could be a distraction from everything else with Collins, Kent, and the Lady witch.

I don't mean to keep doing this, but I've had a shit day. Can you bring over some food and we can talk? ~EB

Sure, I don't mind. You won't take my money it's the least I can do. Any preference? ~WD

Indian? ~EB

I'll be there soon. ~WD

He knew he shouldn't be doing this. But there was a small voice in his head telling him that she knew the answer to Harriet's question.

As Will made his way to Elizabeth's office halfway between Meryton and London, a beat up old car followed him. He didn't notice it even as he parked and took out the food. Neither he nor the driver of the beat-up car noticed another call stealthily following them both.

Wickham had been parked in front of Darcy's penthouse for a few days now and the man hadn't left even once. It had been clear on the first day that Georgiana wasn't there. He'd charmed one of the cleaning ladies into telling him. His luck wasn't totally shot. He was lucky he still had some friends. Adelaide had given him a couch to stay on for a few days and a hot meal and bath if he satisfied her. He knew satisfying women was one thing he was good at, all except for ice princess Georgiana. He'd thought that by eloping with him she'd see it as a grand adventure and enjoy herself. But as soon as there was no money and the princess didn't have the life she was accustomed to, she broke down. Her insipid behaviour grated on him. When Darcy left his house for the first time in days and Wickham decided to follow him. Why would Darcy be here with food? He'd stopped at an Indian restaurant, the man was as bland as plain rice, why he would be getting food from an Indian restaurant? It made no sense! There must be someone special in that building. The man was practically whistling as he got out of his car. He decided to wait for a little while and see what would happen.

Lee was driving the car behind them. When he'd found Wickham, he knew that the man would be heading for Will Darcy. He lived in a secure building, but Will was now here at Lizzy's chambers. This was not good. Even if Wickham hadn't yet put two and two together, he would quickly figure it out given the size of the building. Lee waited and watched, hoping that he could put Wickham off and warn Lizzy sufficiently. He was annoyed that he would have to be out of town for the next week on a case in Liverpool. Lee had seen enough and backed off slowly, knowing that he would have to warn Lizzy and maybe have one of his underlings stop by and check on her a few times a day.

…

Lizzy, come to my office ASAP. We need to talk about a few things. ~Lee

As she was about to reply but she smelled the Indian food before she saw Will. Her heart beat a little faster. Just adrenaline in response to the food of course. Nothing about the man wearing an olive henley and black pants.

"Thanks for the food, Will. I'm sorry again about having you constantly bring food. It's just been a really terrible day."

"I'm happy to help. Do you want to tell me what happened?"

Why would she do that? No, she didn't want to. Yes, maybe she did want to. "I can't say much except what's public knowledge. Just opposing counsel in this case, it's a land dispute but the original owner of the land is a member of parliament, and I can't stand the lawyer or his client. Do you know he's asked me out three times, I think he thinks if we start dating then I'll drop the case. No doubt the Lady witch instructed him on that behaviour. My client is of course the smaller landowner. The opposing side has no case, but they can shout and harangue with the best of them. Anyway, enough about me. Shall we eat?"

She took a big serving of food for herself barely having finished her tirade and started eating without waiting for him. It was the polite thing to do but she hadn't even noticed. He did, but just smiled at her behaviour, in anyone else it'd be rude. In her it was just endearing.

Between mouthfuls of food, she said, "so, you wanted to talk about something related to G but not related to her."

"Yes, well. I'm not even sure where to start. The problem is this, Harriet Reynolds, who has worked at Pemberley for longer than I have isn't allowing me to come back to work."

She almost choked on her naan, "you're the boss, aren't you?"

"Yes, well. Harriet became a bit of a maternal figure in my life when my mom passed and even more of a parental figure when my dad died. I wouldn't have been able to do most of what I did if not for her."

It was awkward to give condolences for something he'd said matter of factly so she skirted around that. "Ok, why isn't she letting you come back to work and how can I help? Surely this isn't about suing someone?"

Darcy grimaced unsure how to best convey his predicament, "no no. Not at all. It's just she'll let me come back if I answer a question. Problem is I have no answer at all."

"Ok…. So, what do you need from me?" her heart was beating fast and she wasn't sure why.

"Well, I think you may have an answer to this particular question."

"I'm intrigued," she smiled.

"What would make you happy?" he blurted out.

"Me?" she said, taken aback.

He nodded and waiting in anticipation for her response.

Lizzy was unsure why he was asking that, or maybe Harriet had asked him that and the silly man didn't know what to say. "I don't know lots of things. In general, or right now? Right now, I'm pretty happy, I'm having a good meal. In general, I'm still having a good meal."

"I don't understand." he was bewildered.

"That much has been clear since the first time we met," she rolled her eyes.

"Will you tell me what you mean?" he asked patiently.

She laughed, "my telling you will take the fun out of the discovery. I think you should figure this out for yourself. I like Ms. Reynolds."

He was almost begging. Why did it feel like she had power over him? "Please, let me go back to work. Jane and Charlie have both told me that you have some secret knowledge about life. Maybe I can use that."

She poked him with her index finger, "that's your problem. You're always thinking about the outcome, not the journey. I know the answer to my happiness, but what works for me may not work for you. Don't take the short cut, Will. Figure it out for yourself. I'm sure you can. If you think back on some of our conversations and interactions, and now I'm sure with Ms. Reynolds too, you can figure it out."

He was close to giving up, "that's just it, Elizabeth. For the past few days I've thought of nothing else. All our conversations seem to point to the fact that most people I interact with seem to think I'm too proud, arrogant, and focussed on the wrong things in life. But that's all I know. How can I be something I'm not?" He was pulling at his hair now instead of eating.

She felt bad for him and almost wanted to tell him her view of life. But she knew she shouldn't, if he needed to be better for G him figuring this out would be a good start. He seemed like he genuinely wanted to understand. So, she threw him a bone, "oh, Will. Think about what you're doing now. Right now. You didn't have the answer to something, and you sought out someone you thought might be able to help. That's not arrogant. Not all our interactions have been that way."

"No, they haven't," he smiled thinking about their interactions. How she'd practically said they were evenly matched, her fury that was breathtaking, her passion that coloured everything she did. Just her. He found it odd to be lost in thoughts about her when she was right in front of him.

She smiled, thinking about how much this could help G and him, "you know the answer already, Will. At least I think you do even if you're shying away from it. Tell me in a few days if you haven't figured it out." She wasn't sure why she'd said that. But for the first time he was showing his vulnerability. Yes, it was a hard question to answer, and it had taken her a lot of time to do it. To create this life for herself where she was content and happy. It was so fulfilling to do it for herself. Then his life would be better, she could reunite him with G, and he'd go back to his life different and she'd have done another good thing.

He was perturbed, "is that the only answer you're able to give me?"

"Will, if I give you the answer, you'll miss out connecting the dots for yourself. The best part of figuring this out or really figuring out any answer for me is to actually figure it out. Just a few more days, will you try?" she smiled at him hopefully.

How could he say no to that. He was anyway scheduled for time off for till next week. It couldn't hurt to take some more time. He had no idea how she'd done that to him. That even though he knew nothing more than what he knew before she somehow made that seem irrelevant. This woman was captivating. He didn't understand what she did to him or how she made him want to say yes to things he'd never say yes to. Her life must never be boring. He nodded and sighed. She started putting the empty containers in the bin and tidy up.

Knowing that part of the conversation was over he asked, "are you heading out too? I could drop you somewhere if you need?"

"No need, I'm visiting a friend. It's closer to London but I'll be back home soon."

He wanted to say that it was late that she should be careful. But he wasn't sure that she'd take that very well. "If you're sure."

She nodded, knowing that his first instinct had probably been to say something more officious. But that it probably came from a good place. She appreciated that he didn't.

He made his way out, smiling. She went to the basement parking.

Wickham had fallen asleep but woke up when he heard a car rumble pass him. He didn't realize that he'd just passed the woman trying to put him in jail. He realized Darcy was no longer there. He wondered if he was perhaps stashing his ice queen wife here, in this random place. But it looked more like an office building. He wondered again who Darcy seemed excited to see. A girlfriend? He made his way back to Adelaide Younge's house making sure that he would look up the building on the internet.

…

Lee greeted her amiably, "ah Lizzy, good you're here. I've been waiting. How was dinner with Darcy?"

"How did you know that?" she arched her brow.

"Of course, I knew. I'm just surprised that you'd entertain that man after everything you've told me about him."

She sat down in a chair, crossing her legs under her, "it's silly. I feel bad for the man. He seems genuinely sad about his sister. Anyway, you haven't called me to talk about Will, have you?"

He laughed, "not exactly. Someone followed Darcy to your office today. I'm worried. Wickham has been watching Darcy's building for a few days and since Darcy hadn't left it didn't matter. He left today and Wickham followed him."

She thought out loud, "hmmm, he doesn't know Will visited me. There's different offices there. It could mean nothing."

He didn't want her to downplay what was possible. "Lizzy! I'm going to Liverpool for another case. Believe me if there was any way that I could avoid or delay that I would. But I can't keep any eye on him. Something could happen to you. Take this seriously."

She chided him, "please. I can take care of myself. Don't worry about me. I'll give the reception a picture of his to make sure he can't come in."

He hit his hand on the table. He knew that she wouldn't take this seriously. "Lizzy, that's not enough. I'm going to assign Grant to keep an eye on you. It wouldn't be as good as me being here. But it's the next best thing."

"Lee, that is absolutely unnecessary," she crossed her arms petulantly.

Lee looked at her with a glare, "you've told me about choices and how you think those are very important. Let me make mine."

She sighed defeated. Knowing that she would have nothing to say to that.

"Now, that's settled. Would you like some tea before you head out? I presume you'll text me when you get home."

She kissed him on the cheek and said, "not tonight, Lee. Let me know when you're back from Liverpool. I'll bring Kitty and we'll watch some film noir with you. She and I are the only ones who like that stuff."

"I'll keep you to it, my dear." He smiled at her endearingly.

…

Will thought and considered everything, his mind was a jumble and lines of thoughts seemed to pull him in every direction. There was chaos all around him and he hated it. Before all of this his life had been an ordered one. But now, nothing seemed to make sense. At some point he fell into a fitful sleep and when he got up, his mind was again occupied the same way. He barely ate, had a few drinks and just sat in his favourite armchair looking over London. Outwardly he showed very little, but he was distressed. He didn't understand any of it. Slowly he pieced things together and decided to start logically. He thought about the row he had with Georgie before she left him, about conversations with Richard, Charles, and Harriet. The only three people he'd ever let into his life. He then came back to every conversation he'd had with Elizabeth. He thought about her and wondered why she fascinated him. He had no rational answer to that. But then again, none of the past two months made any rational sense. He wondered what that meant. Was he losing his perspective on life or as Harriet and Elizabeth had urged him to consider, gaining a new one?

…

Elizabeth was enjoying the company of her family on Easter weekend. She made time for G as she felt like with the Kent case, she'd been abandoning her. They talked well into the night. For some reason she felt like she wanted a distraction from all the thoughts in her mind. She didn't want to admit it, but some of them were filled with Will. She wondered what he was like when he was younger. And that seemed to slip into conversation with G.

"Why're you asking about him?"

Lizzy shrugged, "I'm not sure. I've been seeing a bit more of him. I think he just wants to know more about you. I'm keeping you in the shadows though. But I can't really figure him out and I'm not sure why."

G looked at her shrewdly, "Lizzy, that makes no sense. I've told you everything that happened with us."

"You're right. I'm just being silly," she got up to make tea.

The two women chatted neither of them raising the topic of Will Darcy again. G wondered what was going on between her brother and Elizabeth. The man she'd left 4 years ago would never be friends with someone like Lizzy.

Lizzy wondered why she was thinking about Will Darcy at all. Maybe it was just being thrown together with him because of G that raised it. She decided that she would decrease the time they spent together. She'd promised that she would tell him more about her perspective on life if he couldn't figure out the answer to Ms. Reynolds' question. But apart from that she'd put a stop to these meals. Nothing good would come out of it.

I know there's been some pacing issues in the story - where some bits are drawn out for no apparent reason. It's hard to know what to cut and what isn't necessary when you're in the middle of the story and not sure of the end. I'm trying to correct that as I have a better understanding now.