A/N New chapter ! Again, thanks a lot for reading/liking/favouriting/reviewing. It's thrilling ! I'm so happy !
Caroline Bingley was a handful, to put it nicely. Or so would Jane soon realise, as she accompanied Charles at the airport to pick up his sister. Not that she would ever say so aloud. She would already chastise herself for thinking it. No, she would find excuses, as she always did for everybody. Evil just didn't exist in Jane's world. It sure did in Lizzie's. Caroline had flown on Pemberley's private jet, just as she had required, and both bands were now waiting for her on the tarmac outside the limo, before going to have lunch. The protagonists were displaying a wide range of emotions, from eagerness to anxiety and utter disgust. It was quite a study for Lizzie, and it only made her more impatient to meet such a polarising person. When the door of the airplane opened, Caroline flashed a very white smile, happy to see everybody was waiting for her, as they should be. She liked it so much when she was the centre of the attention. She uselessly straightened her long blond hair, not one hair would dare to stick out anyway, then passed her hand on her mini skirt, smoothing imaginary wrinkles. Only then did she start coming down, her stilettos clinging with every step she took on the metallic stairs. Charles' smile widened, he was so happy to see his sister after a few months apart. Her character was no mystery to him, but he loved her anyway. By his side, Jane gripped his hand a little tighter. She knew Caroline was important to him and she was eager to make a good impression. Casually leaning on the door of the limo, Richard was sighing, his usual easy expression gone. That was quite unlike him, Charlotte frowned and struck him with her elbow. He didn't even turn his head to her.
- You know when you step on some shit and the smell then sticks to you even though your shoe seems clean ? That's what Caroline Bingley feels like, he whispered.
Charlotte's eyes were as huge as saucer pans. That was brutal, even from him.
- I don't like her, he summarised.
- That was my understanding, she replied.
Darcy was stone-faced, hands in the pockets of his jean's, as he watched Caroline coming down the plane. He was bracing himself for what was coming. Were he not in the middle of a world tour, he would have fled. Everything was better than being in the close company of Caroline Bingley for a few weeks. At least Georgiana was not there, poor girl. Now he would have to be extra careful, starting with the lunch they were going to have if she ever came down that plane. He was pretty sure he would have grown a few inches of beard by the time she would be on the ground. Caroline loved nothing more than having her picture taken with him in a pose that could suggest they were intimate. Which they were not. And never would be. Ever. That was crystal clear even for a blind man. Why couldn't she accept it ? Fuck. He sighed.
Who wears a mini skirt, leather on top of that, and stilettos on a plane ride ? Didn't mankind agreed that sweat pants and sneakers was the appropriate outfit ? Her style was in perfect harmony with her flawless make up. Undouptedly, she was a beautiful woman. Upon reaching the ground, Caroline threw a pair of perfectly manicured hands in the air, while her high-pitched voice exclaimed her brother's name. The corner of Lizzie's mouth turned slightly up.
- Charles ! she screeched, running baby steps with her high heels towards her sibling.
Ever so genuine, Charles hugged her.
- Hi Caroline ! I'm so happy to see you ! You look fantastic, how was your flight ?
- Ok, though there are no more gluten free snacks on board, you should check that, she answered.
Being the sweetheart he was, Charles just smiled at her while Lizzie wondered in which world a flight alone in a private jet could merely be « OK ».
- I'd like you to meet Jane, he said turning to the blond beauty next to him, love literally pouring out of him.
Caroline finally acknowledged the girl standing besides her brother and the fact that their hands were entwitered. Her smile stayed in place but her eyes hardened. She had never heard of her in the press, and she didn't like that. This Jane surely wanted to take advantage of Charles' fame and money. As if answering her mental question, Charles added.
- She's the singer of the band, The Meryton Assembly. They are our opening act and they are incredible, he said full of admiration for her.
As usual when they were together, Jane and Charles got lost in each other's contemplation, oblivious to everybody and everything else. Caroline snorted. She might even puck a little. Revolting. The opening act ? Surely he could do better than that ! Granted she was pretty but still. That wouldn't do.
- Hi Jane, nice to meet you, she broke in their love mist, channeling her most insincere smile.
Jane shook her hand, and before she could say something, Caroline quickly moved to the person standing next to her, which happen to be Richard. Her expression matched his as she barely nodded to him before turning to the two women next to him.
- And this is Charlotte and Maria Lucas, the two other members of The Meryton Assembly, Charles introduced them.
Both girls waved and greeted her nicely, Maria completely in awe of Caroline's style, mentally noting every detail so she could send them to Lydia and Kitty.
- Hi Darcy….Caroline trailed as she slided towards her real goal, quite literally purring.
It was physically impossible for her smile to grow bigger. Or hungrier. She did say there were no more snacks on the plane, and Darcy looked highly edible, so who could blame her ? It was plain, and rather embarrassing, to everyone present that she was mentally undressing him. She was not going to throw herself at him, was she ? Richard coughed.
- Good morning, Caroline, Will flatly welcomed her.
How do you politely greet someone and still try to make it plain you have no pleasure at all seeing her ? On a scale from 0 to "I would rather rip my intestine out of my body and hang myself with it », Darcy was standing on the last ladder.
Lizzie almost felt bad for Darcy. Almost. Obviously, he was going to suffer. Had it been anyone else, she would have step in and put a big red target on herself. But it was the King of Jerks, so better step back and enjoy the show. She might add some fuel to the fire later.
- And this is Lizzie, Jane's sister, Charles finished the introductions.
Caroline's gaze lingered a little more on Darcy before turning to Lizzie.
- Nice to meet you, the later waved.
Caroline barely smiled and scarcely looked at her. The girl was standing way too close to Darcy, she would deal with that later. She was opening her mouth to address Will again when she heard Richard's voice.
- She's with us.
Caroline's bewildered face jolted to him, then to Lizzie and finally to Charles. Richard couldn't stop the smirk that was lifting the corner of his mouth. He was enjoying what would come next. Darcy closed his eyes for a second then glared at Richard. He didn't need this. If Caroline ever noticed his … thing for Elizabeth, things would go from dreadful to dreadfuler. Nobody needed this.
What do you mean ? she snapped, her question aimed at her brother, although he hadn't said anything. But if she could not talk to Richard, she would take that option. Was she being introduced to Darcy's girlfriend ? No, that was impossible, wasn't it ? Her heart skipped several beats. She hadn't read anything in the papers and Charles would have told her. No he wouldn't, he was much to engrossed with this Jane girl to focus on something really important apparently.
- Lizzie's playing with us, you know, Charles answered with a little wave of his plastered limb, oblivious to the growing tension.
Caroline breathed again, barely.
- But you said it was a crew member, she said, slowly turning to Lizzie again, measuring and weighing her from head to toe. In her mind, she had pictured a guy. A woman in close company to Darcy ? For several weeks ? That would not do.
- I am a crew member, Lizzie couldn't prevent herself from answering.
This was really too entertaining. One of Caroline's perfect eyebrow rose a little. She didn't like that. At all. She lifted her chin. Well, at least she wasn't pretty.
- So, lunch ? Richard said, satisfied with his effect.
Without waiting for an answer, he climbed into the limo.
Lunch was supposed to be a discreet matter, as much as a party including Caroline could be. For the thousandth time, she complained that really, she didn't understood why the limo was not parked right outside of the restaurant. What was the point in being famous if you don't get to make fabulous enterings ? Discretion wasn't part of her vocabulary. Nor was it part of her outfit. Everybody was dressed down, the boys were downing hoodies and baseball caps, the girls barely wore make up. Darcy couldn't help but notice this was the first time he saw Elizabeth wearing something else than a Pemberley shirt. Her shorts were also shorter, and tighter, which didn't go unnoticed. In contrast, Caroline looked like she was coming out of a fashion magazine. In a way, she was.
- I work in the fashion world, she explained in a smug way to a clearly interested Jane, before her glass of water approached her lipstick covered lips.
She was sitting besides Charles and opposite Jane, whom she intended to grill and impress in the same move. Darcy had manage to escape her and sit out of her sight, on Charles' other side, between him and Richard.
- Plan on sticking with me in hope of repelling her, aren't you ? Richard had whispered to Will as they sat down.
- As usual, Darcy answered.
- Can I also recommend garlic bread ? he asked, scanning the menu.
- Do you think bad breath will keep her at bay ? Will asked.
- Hardly, but you know what they say about vampires and garlic.
Both chuckled, their laughter highlighting their kinship.
Lunch was not exactly pleasant, and although highly entertained, Lizzie wished that eating all together wouldn't become the custom. Nevertheless, this meal proved useful in that she learned about the depth of her sister's feelings for Charles. Despite all of Caroline's scarcely disguised barbs and attempts at discouraging her, Jane endured everything with grace and a strength few suspected she possessed. Lizzie was proud of her.
- I'm really happy to get to see my family again in a few weeks, Jane told Charles in between bites.
- Your family lives nearby ? Caroline jumped in, eager to get a new bone to chew and then to throw at her brother's head.
- Yes, in two weeks we'll be right next door. We're lucky our sisters will have some time off college. We invited them to come and see our show, Jane was radiating happiness.
- Fantastic, I'm sure they'll love it ! Do you want me to send a car to pick them up ? Charles offered.
Even Lizzie's sarcastic heart melted a little after hearing that, Charles was such a sweet guy. Between him and Jane, you could get a cavity just watching them.
- You have more sisters ? Caroline's tone lingered between bemusement and disgust, like having more than two children was highly inappropriate.
Lizzie greeted her teeth, Charlotte threw her a quick glance. Although her family had, well… a very personal sense of what was correct and what wasn't, they were still her family.
- Younger twin sisters, yes. Lydia and Kitty. They are studying psychology, Jane answered, her usual smile on her lips.
Only a very close acquaintance could sense her irritation.
- How lovely, Caroline donned her most insincere smile, I can't wait to meet them.
- In fact, my mother invited Charles to have lunch with us, Jane added while looking at the man. I hadn't had the chance to tell you yet. I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you came too, Caroline.
Lizzie almost chocked on her bite of food. This was it, Jane's nice attack. This was hands down one of the most innocently ruthless move Jane ever made. Caroline Bingley and her mother, in the same room for several hours, with a totally oblivious Charles standing near by. She couldn't imagine anything with a bigger comic potential. Disaster would also undoubtedly make an appearance. Just add a pouting Darcy, and she wouldn't miss that for the world. Caroline watched her brother's eyes shine and panicked.
- But we don't want to impose on a family gathering. You said it yourself, you haven't seen them for sometime. Some privacy will be welcome.
Under the table, oblivious to everyone, Jane lightly tapped Charlotte's feet.
- Mrs Bennet has a very particular definition of family gathering, Charlotte stepped in. My family has also been invited to this lunch. As is, if I know her well, half the neighbourhood. Two more persons won't change anything. I say, she will be delighted, the more the merrier.
The twinkle in her eyes told Lizzie all she needed to know.
- In fact, you should come too, Charlotte added turning to Richard and Darcy.
This time, Lizzie did choke on her food. Charlotte innocently looked at her, a fake concerned expression on her face as Maria hit her back. When she caught her breath again, she covered her mouth with her napkin, and mouthed a shocked « What the fuck ? » to her friend. That's when she saw Jane and Charlotte's silent high-fiving under the table, their heads turned to Richard and Darcy, awaiting their answer to the invitation. So conspiracy it was. Her napkin hid her smile as well as it hid her silent plea.
- Yeah, sure… a totally baffled Richard replied.
Darcy had lost some colours. This was going to be a very interesting lunch indeed.
- Great ! Jane exclaimed.
She waited until everybody was busy with their plate, or pretended to be, and turned to Lizzie and murmured.
- Now you can tell mom we caught 3 world famous rock stars.
At the end of the lunch, Darcy caught the waitress' eyes, she blushed. Obviously, she didn't recognise him, but she was not immune to exceptional beauty. Who could be ? He knew he was good looking and he hated it when it was that easy. With just the barest nod of his head, she came to him and he whispered something in her hear. She went to the bar and came back with a piece of paper. He took the money out of his pocket and handed it to her, without looking at the bill. The waitress smirked, her cheeks still flushed and pushed the bill back in his hand. Her number was written on it. Darcy smiled a little. He wouldn't call her, but he put the receipt in his pocket anyway.
Playing on stage on a tour involved a lot of waiting, much more than Lizzie expected.
- I found a pair ! Charlotte shouted as she entered the dressing room, where Lizzie, Richard and her had spent what felt like a whole week, proudly waving a pair of scissors. She then sat besides Lizzie and proceeded to cut through the sleeve of her shirt. That was the moment Darcy entered the room.
- You can dock it from my pay checks, Lizzie said to him after noticing the way he was eying the clothing carnage.
Her eyes were dancing, glowing like they often did when she was teasing someone. How he loved that.
- You could have asked for a sleeveless shirt.
Not a single muscle of his face moved, yet Lizzie thought she saw amusement when he responded. For a moment, she was speechless. Was he being funny ? That was quite unexpected. Then, she laughed out loud.
- It didn't event cross my mind, she said, her whole body shaking.
He had managed to make her laugh ! That sound was lovely. What an extraordinary feeling. His awkward 15 year old self was mentally high-fiving him. His self-control only prevented him from cracking the stupidest grin at what felt like, at that moment, a life achievement. He needed to look cool. If only he could do it again, like every day. Crap, couldn't he come with some other funny thing to say right now ?
- Free of charge, it's a gift. My pleasure.
Please, laugh again.
- What a generous boss, thank you so much, she replied with a hand on her heart.
He flinched at the word, and lifted the bottle of water he had been drinking from at her.
- Why are you destroying this innocent shirt anyway, Richard asked from the couch where he was slumped.
- The sleeves cling to my arms when I get sweaty, it hobbles my movements. I tried rolling them up but they eventually fall down my arms again.
- Getting dirty on the job hey ? Charlotte said with a strait face, keeping her eyes on the sleeve she was cutting up to the shoulder.
Richard chuckled. Darcy almost chocked on his mouthful of water and pretended to cough. No thinking of a sweaty Elizabeth. No, absolutely not.
- You know, you can pick an other concert outfit. You don't have to stick to those huge Pemberley shirts, Richard suggested, his hands drumming on his chest.
Charlotte and Lizzie were now tearing the fabric apart.
I give my hand, I am Pemberley crew after all, just a technician, she thought while picking strands around the seam.
- Ah, much better, she murmured after moving her arm.
She then turned her face to Richard, eyes creased, in a mock thinking.
- Why not ? I like your concert outfit, looks comfy. Do you mind if I borrow it ? she answered, faking seriousness.
- No ! Darcy immediately cut.
Everyone eyed him quizzically. Of course they would, he had all but shouted. But the thought of a half naked Elizabeth… on stage… with a bass in her hands. There was only so much a man could put up with. Other men seeing her ? Intolerable. Richard chuckled.
- Will's already thinking about all the lawsuits he would have to deal with.
The three of them started laughing and Darcy managed a weak smile.
- A shame, your male audience would definitely extend, Lizzie noted.
As Lizzie turned for Charlotte to cut through the second sleeve, a shadow appeared on the back of her upper arm. A tattoo. A skeleton striking a ballerina pose. Darcy's curiosity was piqued.
- What is this ? he asked with a nod towards her arm.
She watched her limp, then turned her stunning golden hazel eyes towards him.
- It's a tattoo.
One of his eyebrow crept up his forehead, a hint of a smile danced on his lips. With that oh so tiny display of pleasure, he already was exceptionally good looking. To much for his own good. Was that even legal ? She doubted it. What would he look like if he smiled full force ? She would probably be blinded by his beauty, or faint, or drool, or loose the ability to speak. And think. Like right now, wasn't she supposed to say something ? What did he ask again ? Oh god, why would her brain disconnect when he was around ? She blinked in the most stupid way.
- It's a dancing skeleton.
Welcome again, Captan Obvious.
- So I see, and his smiled grew a little.
Oh dear. She cleared her throat and scraped her brain. Try again, you can do this.
- Does it have a special meaning ? he couldn't help but ask. He was intrigued, she had not struck him like a goth girl, so a skeleton tattoo was quite curious.
- Several, actually. It reminds me not to take myself too seriously, she eyed him steadily with a small smile on her lips.
How did she manage to do this ? Slap him in the face, again, with a innocent comment and nothing more than a twinkle in her eyes ? And why wasn't he offended ? Or annoyed ? Heck, he was even smiling. Wait, was this how she saw him ? An arrogant jerk ?
- No matter how important, or rich, or intelligent, or beautiful we think we are, in the end, we are only dancing skeletons. We are only bones, wrapped up in a costume, wriggling around, in a gracious way for some, until we are no more. And nothing looks more like a skeleton than an other skeleton, she explained. It keeps me grounded. And I find the feeling quite comforting.
She was looking at the thin line of the inking on her arm.
- It's also a reference to the dance fever that occurred in France in the 16th century, she kept on.
- If I remember correctly, there were severals dance manias throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, Darcy said.
Her head jerked up. She couldn't hide her surprise that he had heard about it, let alone, that he knew some details about these historical events.
First making her laugh now surprising her ? That was indeed a good day. Surely he was scoring some points right now, wasn't he ? Do not smile, keep a serious face. It was so damn hard when inside he was shrieking like a prepubescent girl at the idea of having such an interesting conversation with her. When was the last time he had had an intellectually stimulating exchange with a woman ? Intelligence was such a turn on for him.
- There were, she agreed when she recovered a little from her shock.
- What is this ? Richard asked nonchalantly, his head turned to them.
- You don't want to get her started on this, trust me, Charlotte said, as she almost finished cutting the second sleeve of Lizzie's shirt.
- People would just randomly start to dance for no apparent reason, unable to stop, Lizzie explained. It started with one woman, then others joined in and it lasted for months.
- I get it, the first rave party, no big deal, Richard commented, eying the ceiling once again.
Lizzie chucked.
- Except some of them danced themselves to death, Darcy added.
- It's quite a controversy, actually, Lizzie opposed.
- Really ?
Oh, do enlighten me please. She was so beautiful when she talked in that animated way and her eyes flashed this particular golden ton.
- There are no official records of death by excessive dancing, Lizzie explained, but it is a solid conjecture : exhaustion, heart failure, and so on. On the other hand, there are historical records of the solution the authority offered to put an end to the plague. Which was to help the people dance it out. I kind of like this idea. There were dancing maniacs in the streets, and their reaction was to help them dance even more.
- I read that the plausible explanation for this phenomenon was mass hysteria, Darcy kept on.
- Yes, as well as excessive pressure from has been strange cases of hysteria among nuns, so specialists tend think it could explain the dancing plague. That, and demonic possession.
Lizzie was warming up. How strangely satisfying to have this conversation with Darcy, that is, with someone the subject interested.
- As usual. What would we do without the devil ? he smiled.
- Take responsibility for our own acts ? she smiled back. Oh, this was making him giddy.
- Now, we don't want to do that, do we ? his smile grew, his eyes were so intense, she sucked in a breath.
- And I thought we were talking about a tattoo… Richard trailed off.
- I told you not to ask, Charlotte replied while pulling the strands of Lizzie's shirt. All done ! You're ready for the concert.
Lizzie and Darcy were still looking at each other. Why was he still staring at her with those incredible eyes of his ? Was she suppose to add something ? He was judging her, wasn't he. Maybe he was prejudiced against people who got tattoos. That would be quite narrow minded for a rock star. A lot of people have tattoos nowadays. Did he have one ? Maybe in some hidden place. No, brain please, don't wander this way. Maybe her explanations about hers sounded foolish. Oh well, she didn't need his good opinion, as long as she could take advantage of his good looks. With her eyes. She smiled and looked away. A knock sounded on the door and Mrs Reynolds entered.
- Ah, there you are ! Hiding ? she smiled at them over her glasses.
Since she found them in the most recluse dressing room, their collective « no » didn't convince her.
- It's time, let's go.
