A/N : Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !
Publishing will be slower from now on, since I have reached the end of the chapters I had written in advance. An it's getting tricky to knit together all the scenes I have already written. There are gaps to fill and drama to add. Hope you still enjoy it and as always, I am very happy to hear from you !
The upcoming concert was the perfect excuse not to linger too long at the Bennet's place. According to what was planned, prior to the lunch, the twins would ride back to the arena with the rest of the group to attend the show. A car would then drive them back to their parents' home. Thus, when it drove back, the limo was two overexcited young women heavier.
- Oh Maria, didn't we tell you ? Lydia asked with a theatrical gesture that would have made Laura Keene proud, Netherfield is reopened at last !
She wiggled in her much too-short dress. The three girls would have jumped and screamed if they were not sitting in a car. A glance from Jane prevented them from screeching.
- We have to go, Kitty said in a serious voice.
- We totally have to go, Lydia echoed.
Both were steadily watching Maria, waiting for her answer.
- Well, we have a free night in three days, and we'll have driven further north, so we'll be fairly close to Netherfield, she reflected.
The twins made the same elated sound. It almost covered Caroline's snort.
- What is Netherfield ? a curious Charles asked.
- Only THE classiest night club in the whole country, no big deal, Lydia answered, as mannered as ever.
- It is a 19th century mansion that was turned into a night club, Lizzie explained.
She turned to Charlotte.
- We went there, was it a few years ago ? It has been closed for several months now, for refurbishing. The building is really gorgeous, old stones, pillars, marble staircase, the whole package.
- Refined, Kitty intervened.
- Sleek, Lydia added.
- Elegant, Maria amplified.
Lizzie couldn't help but smile at the three of them.
- I can't wait, this is going to be so awesome ! Lydia's feet were pounding from excitement on the floor of the car.
Then, her eyes lit up, she had just had an idea. She turned to her elder sisters.
- Girls ! Come with us ! Pleeeeeeeease ! It's going to be so much fun ! she pleaded, hands in a prayer.
Maria nodded her head furiously. Lizzie and Charlotte exchanged a glance full of « I'm dying to go dancing ! » while trying to maintain a straight expression, old sister obligation, then, they looked at Jane.
- Ok, let's do this, Jane replied.
Her composed expression was hiding her excitement. Darcy took a deep breath and braced himself for what Charles was going to suggest in 3…2…1…
- That sounds awesome ! We should all go ! he was beaming while he turned to Jane, who smiled sweetly at him. What do you say Caroline ?
Her pout cracked. Of course she wanted to go dancing, silly question. Even more so if there was a chance to rub her body against Darcy's. Never mind if it was in some sort of country-style club. Dancing was dancing. And she didn't have to spend all evening with those horrible Bennet girls. There were too many of them, really. She nodded once and Charles winked at his sister. Darcy rolled his eyes.
- Don't even start looking for an excuse, you're coming too, Charles said to him as he clapped him on the shoulder.
To say that Darcy was sulky would have been an understatement. A black cloud was literally forming over his head. A bark of laughter escaped Richard's lips.
- You're going to be the life and soul of the party !
- Help me out on this one, Will snapped back.
- No way, I want to go too, Richard grinned.
Will simply groaned and sulked for the rest of the drive to the hotel. Was everybody set on torturing him ? First this dreadful lunch, and now a night in a club ? What kind of hell was that ? He hated clubs. Too much noise, bad music on top of that, too many people, too hot, seizure-inducing lights, the list went on and on. And he didn't particularly like to dance. He sighed angrily.
When the limo reached the hotel, Caroline followed Charles in his room, she needed to strike while the iron was hot. The events of the day were still fresh on her mind, and she wanted to make sure he was aware of all the details his Jane-fog might have made covered.
- This was one horrendous lunch, she started as she sat on his bed.
Charles kept gathering the few things he was looking for as he answered without looking at her. He kind of expected his sister to make that sort of remark. She had always been a snob, nothing and nobody was up to her standards, and it got worse after she got that fancy job in New York and he became famous. His good mood didn't falter, though.
- I enjoyed myself. Everybody was nice and the food was delicious.
Where were those damn papers ? She snorted.
- Charles… always the optimistic, she retorted in a condescending tone.
Ha ! Found them !
- I just choose to be pleased. You should try it some time, he answered sweetly.
Now, there was a wallet somewhere…
- Were you pleased with the mother and the sisters ? she asked, pricking her polished nails.
Charles didn't even stop searching for his wallet, he knew what was coming. Back still to her, he replied.
- I'm a positive guy, Caroline, not an idiot. I noticed the mother and sisters are not … always proper, well except Lizzie.
A bitter laugh came from his sister's throat.
- You can count her in the lot if you ask me.
He turned his head towards her.
- Jane warned me about them, and honestly I don't care. We all have relatives we have to blush about. Want to talk about dad ? he asked, his question rhetorical.
Caroline held his steady gaze but didn't answer.
- And Lizzie is wonderful. She's extremely skilful, you can't deny how amazing she is during our concerts. She nailed it right from the very first one, he continued. I was impressed.
Caroline crossed her arms. Paragon of virtue, eh ? She hated Lizzie even more.
- She gets along well with everybody, he paused and stared into space. In fact, it doesn't seem to click that much with Will, they keep throwing sugar coated remarks at each other, I don't know why… at least, that's what it sounds like, he was thoughtful for a moment, then laughed. I never seem to understand when they talk to each other.
He resumed going through his things. Now that was interesting information. Caroline sat straighter, ears wide open.
- Really ? They don't get on ? she tried not to sound too eager. Thankfully, years of faking boredom on every subject, as it was the fashion in her New York world, came in handy.
Charles' brow knit.
- Yeah, I don't know. They don't hate each other, but there is something…, he scratched his chin.
His musings were interrupted by a knock on the door.
- Hey ! Talking about the devil ! Charles greeted his bandmate with his usual cheerfulness as he opened the door. We were speaking about you and Lizzie.
Darcy froze in the door frame. Lizzie and him ? What about them ? Did Charles notice anything ? Did he see his reactions to her ? Panic constricted his chest. Of course not, because there was nothing to notice. Nothing at all. He cleared his throat.
- Really ?
Caroline's eyes were glued to Darcy, ready to note any detail that would betray his hatred for that girl as he walked in the room. And also, enjoying the spectacle of such a stunning specimen of a man. Charles gathered all his belongings and proceeded to fill the pockets of his jeans'.
- Yeah, I was telling Caroline that the two of you were not exactly friendly.
Will almost smiled. Not friendly ? One could put it that way. Trust Charles not to spot anything.
- We just need to play together, we don't have to become buddies.
And surely not more.
Yeah, no getting jiggly with her, Caroline liked that very much. Safe distance.
- Come on Will, don't be a jerk, Charles put his arm around Darcy's shoulders. You and I are friends, you and Richard are friends,
- Cousins, Darcy corrected him.
- But you are as close as brothers, he clarified. Be nice to Lizzie ok ? She's a great girl, a talented musician and she is singlehandedly saving our tour.
- She's a tech.
The sentence he kept repeating in his head, over and over again. A magic spell that was supposed to thwart the enchantment she kept throwing at him, and keep him from doing something stupid.
- And she's Jane's sister, Charles finally stated, looking Darcy in the eyes.
Will smiled. Fine. This was the ultimate argument that could induce him to soften his behaviour towards her. He would do almost anything for a friend. And even more for this one in particular.
- About that, Caroline interjected, talking about Jane, I was telling Charles how worried I was after this… lunch. You did notice how horrible the mother and the sisters were, didn't you Darcy ? she batted her eyelashes at him.
Oh no. Darcy had no desire to get involved in that conversation. She perfectly knew he had, she was way too close to him the whole time. Charles laughed.
- If you are worried about getting invited again, rest assured, I'll make sure you never have to go again.
Caroline sighed angrily and threw her arms in the air.
- I'm worried about you Charles ! You don't seem to realise how harmful it could be for your career. They are zealous gossips, everything you do or say will be on the covers of tabloids. Heck, even things you didn't actually do or say ! Even worse, they could be on the covers of tabloids. And they are so stupid and ridiculous it's not going to reflect good on you. Am I wrong Darcy ?
Why did she keep referring to him ? He was no judge, and certainly not one of Charles' life. And he was far from being an expert on the romantic field. As his sister spoke, Charles sobered, his smile vanished.
- So, you are worried for my career, not for me. And for yourself, I imagine. You're the one who doesn't want to be associated with them. You're afraid they could ruin your reputation and your prospects, aren't you ? he sounded almost bitter. I just told you, I don't care. I'll choose love over my career anytime.
Mouth slightly open, Caroline felt like she had just been struck in the face. That feeling was unpleasant. How could he say such things ? Who would choose a girl over wealth and fame ? What a fool. She turned to Darcy and formed a silent prayer for him to talk some sense into her brother. Will saw her request but remained silent. Ugh, men !
- But is it love ? she struck where she knew it would hurt.
Just as she expected, her brother's face fell. He turned to Darcy and they exchanged a look. Seems like she had hit her mark. It was for his own good. He would thank her when he realised she was right.
The change in Charles' countenance saddened Will. He longed to comfort his friend, but he lacked the words. What Caroline had said was true, even if she was not concerned by her brother's well being, whatever she may claim. And she had voiced a concern he himself had had, concerning Jane's feelings. Thus, Will remained silent. And pondered Charles' words about career and love. He had always assumed that, faced with the choice, he would pick his job. So many people depended on him now. Everything was different from when they were just the three of them, at the beginning of their journey through music. He had a duty. He couldn't just start dating someone whose connexions might have an impact on his reputation and on his band's renown. It would mean potentially losing fans, and as a result, possibly having to let some employees go. That was not acceptable. But now, he wasn't sure anymore. Would he do what was right ? Was choosing his career even the right thing to do ? And all these questions had nothing to do with the fact that he was damn attracted to Lizzie. No.
- Let's go, he said softly to his friend.
Jane sensed something was wrong as soon as they boarded the limo that would take them all to the concert hall. Charles' happy energy was nowhere to be found and his smile didn't reach his eyes when she reached for his hand and gently squeezed it. She was worried. The light kiss he laid on her cheek before she went on stage did nothing to lighten her mood. Something was amiss. Lizzie felt it too. She always watched The Meryton Assembly from the back stage, and at one point, Charles would usually join her and they would chat merrily. But tonight, he was absent. It smelled bad. Was it the consequence of her mother's improprieties of the afternoon ? He did seem to bear it all rather well on the spot. Did he have after thoughts ? Her jaw contacted. Darcy. Surely, the bastard told him everything he witnessed and that changed Charles' mind. She clenched her fists. Bloody arse. This was so unfair to Jane ! When her sister exited the stage, Lizzie saw behind her tranquil mask that something was awry. They would talk after the gig, when The Meryton Assembly would be done with their interview. She hugged her sister tightly, grabbed her bass and headed under the spotlights. During the show, Darcy avoided all the angry gazes Lizzie was throwing at him, his attention solely directed towards his guitar and the screaming audience. Her wrath was up a rung, he usually looked at her during gigs and she so wanted to pick up a fight with him.
The music did nothing to soothe her rage. Her usual after-concert energy accompanied her when she left the stage, mixed this time with fury. She checked her phone, hoping for news of her older sister. Jane had texted her the name of a close by bar where Lizzie could join them. The twins were nowhere to be found, probably chasing after some hot dude they saw during the concert. How many new phone numbers were they going to come home with tonight ? Lizzie forwarded them the name of the bar, in case Maria hadn't, which was unlikely, but still. The place was mobbed and loud. The energy of the gig was everywhere. Apparently, this was the go-to place for everyone who had attended a concert at the stadium where they had just played. With her Pemberley shirt, Lizzie blended perfectly among the fans. The group she was looking for was sitting around a table, at least, part of the group was. Maria was replaced by two unknown guys who were chatting with Charlotte and Jane. Lizzie hesitated for a second. Charlotte's conversation partner was facing her, and the guy was hot. Like smoking hot. Holly shit. Blond guys usually didn't appeal to her, but this one sure did. His dirty blond hair and tanned skin gave him a surfer kind of vibe. Did he also have the muscles that come with it ? She hoped he did. His brown eyes were cheeky and charming, and so was his easy smile. She stood straighter and resumed walking until she reached the table. The guy was laughing at something Charlotte had said. His brown eyes crinkled in an adorable way, and dimples appeared on his cheeks. Lizzie almost forgot she was furious.
- Hey Lizzie ! Charlotte greeted her. Have a seat, she gestured towards an empty chair beside her with a smile. This is the journalist who's going to write a eulogistic portrait of us, she added, waving her beer bottle at him and smirking.
- You better do as she says, she is fearless, Lizzie suggested.
Hot One laughed out loud. Dimple display. She liked that. How many times could she make them appear in one night ? That was a challenge. He held out his hand over the table.
- My name is George Wickham. Nice to meet you.
Lizzie took it and shook it. His smile was everything charming. Even his voice was delightful.
- And this is Denny, he pointed his thumb to the man who stopped talking to Jane to wave at Lizzie. A polite smile was gracing Jane's lips.
- Lizzie Bennet, nice to meet you too, she answered. I'm Jane's sister. And Charlotte's friend, but only because she left me no choice.
His heartfelt laugh echoed again. Dimples again, yeah !
- Which magazine do you work for ? Lizzie asked after her beer had been served.
She took a mouthful of her drink. This evening was going much better than she had anticipated, although she still needed to talk to Jane about Charles. Her ire had abated. And right now, she was planning on enjoying the presence of the engaging man in front of her.
- The magazine is called « Noise », he answered, taking a sip of his glass.
One corner of Lizzie's mouth turned slightly up.
- You're not committing yourself on the quality of the bands you're talking about, are you ? she teased.
His light laugh reached her ears again.
- I guess you could say that ! Although, I am personally tempted to call what The Meryton Assembly is doing music. And good music, he replied.
- Flattery ? This will take you places, Charlotte intervened.
George seemed then to notice Lizzie's shirt. He nodded at it.
- Are you a fan ?
- A crew member, she answered. I'm a technician. I've been working on their tour, so I can follow Charlotte and Jane, she said smiling at her friend and her sister.
- My favourite groupie, Charlotte replied, clinking her bottle to Lizzie's.
- Wait, you guys are touring with Pemberley ? he inquired, surprise widening his eyes.
He watched Jane and Charlotte in turns, his glass stopped half way to his lips.
- They are the opening act, Lizzie replied. You didn't know they were touring with Pemberley ? she asked, her raised eyebrow stressing his negligence. What kind of journalist are you ?
A sexy smile grew slowly on his face as he shook his head to her playful tone. He had the decency to look embarrassed.
- The kind that didn't do his homework apparently, he answered.
His glass finally found its way to his mouth.
- I imagine you were too occupied staring at Jane to remember you were supposed to ask them questions. I can't blame you, she raised her hand, she is astonishingly beautiful, Lizzie went on, grinning.
He was still laughing and shaking his head when he took a sip of his glass.
- At least, now we know you're interested in The Meryton Assembly because of our own merits, and not because we are Pemberley's +1, Charlotte reflected.
The conversation went on smoothly between the three of them. Laughs often punctuated the sentences.
- You know, I used to be their manager, he said after a pause, nodding towards the name written on Lizzie's shirt.
Her last gulp of beer almost choked Lizzie. She coughed a little before squeaking a very undignified.
- What ?
She turned to Charlotte to share her shock, but she was speaking with Jane and Denny. George was silent for a few seconds, then a small smile appeared on his lips. Staring into space, he started.
- It was at the beginning of the band. Charles, Richard and Darcy very soon attracted attention in the music world. Almost from the were so good, really. Still are. George smiled, as if a pleasant memory just found its way to his head again. He chuckled. They didn't even have a name yet.
- You came up with the name Pemberley ? Lizzie asked, eager to hear the untold story.
- No, no it was Darcy.
Of course it would be. She snorted. The anger within her had not totally died, and this simple comment somehow fuelled it back to life. George sighed.
- The band needed a manager if it wanted to grow. I had known Darcy and Richard since boyhood. My father and their fathers were old school friends. I met Charles later, in school. We hung out a lot. I was interested in music, although, in spite of all my efforts, not very talented.
He smiled at the confession.
- They asked for my help. And I was happy to oblige. I was their manager for the first four or five years. These were great years. At that time, everything was very… hand crafted, you know ? We didn't really know what we were doing, but we had a lot of fun. Things were turning out good. More albums, concerts in larger and larger places, more and more fans, we were making it. His face then hardened, his eyes were set on his drink.
- Just as « Dirty Words » was released, Darcy dismissed me, said they needed a professional now that they were making good money. He took things seriously. I wasn't enough anymore, his words, George snorted and drank. Not that they needed the money. The three of them are from good families, he explained, rubbing his index against his thumb. I, on the other hand, could have used a bit of cash, I was not from their world, you see. It would have been nice, not having to count every penny passed the 15th of the month. But that was not to be, he ended in a lighter tone.
« Dirty Words » was the album that catapulted Pemberley to stardom. After this particular opus, they were everywhere, world famous, and every album released thereafter sold millions of copies. They were on the covers of magazines, on TV, they were filling stadiums and making millions. Hearing the name alone would make girls faint. George shrugged and his smile returned, as well as his easiness.
- It's life, I suppose. I'm still working in the music industry, I can't complain, he shrugged.
Lizzie had been drinking his words, mouth agape. This was better than a good novel. And she hated the villain passionately.
- What an bumptious fucker ! How could he do that to an old friend ? How could he do that to any human being, really ? she shook her head, stunned but not surprised. The English language doesn't have enough cursing words for people like him. Didn't Richard or Charles say anything ?
George shrugged again.
- Darcy was always the one in charge. But my guess is that it has something to do with his sister.
- How ? Lizzie couldn't prevent the eagerness in her tone.
That was a new plot twist in his very interesting and enlightening story. She had to admit, she was a little curious about Georgiana Darcy. Will rarely spoke of her, but they were always in touch, he seemed very protective of her. It aroused Lizzie's curiosity. George ran his fingers through his hair while choosing his words. He really was appetizing.
- Georgiana is an exceptional violin player, incredibly gifted, he stated. Music runs in the family, you see. I offered to be her manager as well, to help her start a career. Will didn't like that. I think he wanted to be the only star in the family.
- Sounds like him, all right, Lizzie agreed.
Before he could add anything else, Denny asked George a question, and he was then snatched in conversation with him and Charlotte.
That was a lot to process. What a world-class douche. True, Lizzie didn't like Will, but she never thought him capable of that. The guy really thought himself above everybody else. Based on what George had just said, Will didn't give a damn about what it meant for George to be let out like that. Or for his sister not to have the career she may have wanted. She took a slow sip of her beer. Deep in thought, she didn't spot the three familiar figures across the packed room.
The way Richard saw it, Charles needed some cheering up. He did not really understand why or what had happen, but some fun was needed. So, he dragged him and Darcy to the first bar he spotted on the street. The atmosphere was cheerful, exactly what the doctor prescribed. They passed the door and stopped to look for a place to sit. That's when Darcy saw her. He always seemed to find her, even in the crowd. And he saw him. He froze into place, his feet suddenly anchored to the ground. His blood turned into ice in his veins. His breathing slowed and then his heart hammered in his chest. The ice melted into fire. An inferno was burning inside him, consuming everything. George Wickham was across the room. His jaw was clenched so thight, his teeth were in danger of chattering. That hateful, wretched, worthless piece of shit was speaking with Lizzie. That was the worst possible scenario ever. What was he doing here ? What was he telling her ? Lies, to be sure. He was singing pretty stories in her ears to earn her sympathy, and then…. He did not want to think about the « and then ». His gaze was fixed on them. Every laugh they shared constricted his chest a little more. Was he speaking of Georgiana ? His body was motionless while his mind was racing. He needed to do something, and fast. But what ? Go there, grab Lizzie by the arm and drag her outside like some teenager who had overstepped her curfew ? Oh, she would like that, for sure. A great way to be sure she would never talk to him again. Call Jane on her phone and tell her to gather her sister and friend and get the hell out ? That kind of seemed sensible. Were he Richard, he would just walk over there and punch the jackass in the face. Shit ! Did Richard spot him ? Darcy barely turned his head when he heard Richard breathing out heavily and taking a determined step forward. Darcy's hand on his chest stopped him. Richard's furious countenance matched his. Oh, how he wanted to unleash him on the dickhead. That would be so satisfying. But he couldn't.
- Not here, Darcy told him.
His tone was calm, but his voice sounded dangerous. As much as Darcy would enjoy it, the consequences would be catastrophic for the band. Picture would flood the internet in a manner of minutes. The press would take advantage of that to paint them in a bad light. Heck ! Wickham could even end up getting to play the hero. No way. Richard clenched and unclenched his jaw, pondering if he was going to listen to him. Finally, he threw a lethal look in Wickham's direction, turned around and left.
- Fuck !
Will turned to Charles. At first, he thought his friend was only watching Jane talking with the other guy. She was wearing her usual serene smile, the one she seemed to bestow to everybody and anyone. Even to Charles. That was enough to put him on edge, he supposed. But then, Charles turned to him, and he understood that he had noticed Wickham too. Charles put a hand on his shoulder.
- Go. I'll take care of this.
Darcy watched him walk slowly to the table. He trusted Charles to be discreet and efficient. He was greeting everyone with his usual easy way, shaking both men's hands. That's when Wickham and Lizzie's heads turned in one movement and noticed Darcy, a few steps behind. He still hadn't moved, and he was happy to see the colours drain from Wickham's face. Good. Darcy then watched Lizzie. She was carefully examining him. How he hoped he could persuade her to get up and follow him with a simple stare. An angry flame was burning in her eyes. What had the dickhead fed her ? Then, George's gaze traveled from Darcy to Lizzie back and forth and a sickening smile grew on his lips. For the second time of the evening, panic gripped Darcy. George knew. Shit. Fuck. He needed to tell Lizzie everything before it was too late. How ? He needed to do something, anything. He let out a heavy breath and knew the only thing he could do was also the hardest. But do it he must. So, he turned around and left.
When Lizzie gauged George's reaction to seeing Darcy, merely minutes after talking about him, life had a strange sense of humour some times, his nasty smile had disappeared, replaced by sheepish expression. Charles had taken a seat next to Denny and was chatting with him.
- Ah ! We finally found you ! a familiar voice exclaimed. It was so crowded back there, we thought we lost….well ! What did you find ? Hi ! I'm Lydia, Jane and Lizzie's younger and much more interesting sister, Lydia reeled off.
Unlike other human beings, Lydia sometimes had no need for breathing. Kitty and Maria were trailing behind her. The three of them were eyeing Wickham quite hungrily from head to toes. He was really yummy. Lydia took an empty chair from a nearby table and placed it between Lizzie and George.
- Move over, old lady, she said to her sister, as she made some space to squeeze in.
Lizzie rolled her eyes at George and he smiled indulgently, accepting graciously Lydia's pointed attentions. Maria and Kitty found some place too. The whole group talked and laughed for a few moments.
- Ladies, your car awaits, Charles then informed the twins.
The party broke up. On the way back to the hotel, Charles had an additional reason to worry.
