A/N : Hey ! New chapter ! It's getting harder and harder to write but hopefully the story will make sense. I still love to hear from you. Everytime I get a new comment or a like, I just jump up and down ! Hope you enjoy it.
The next few days provided little opportunity for Jane to speak with Charles. During the day, the bands were traveling in their respective buses, and after the shows, Charles spent his time with his sister. The two of them hadn't seen each other for a few months, so Jane understood. Lizzie, on the other hand, couldn't help but wonder if he was not avoiding Jane.
- So ? she asked Jane expectantly, during one of their travel in the Meryton Assembly's bus.
Jane's pretty face was marred with concern.
- There's not much to say.
Lizzie's mouth was a thin line.
- I'm sure Darcy's involved. And Charles' less-than-likable sister too, Lizzie's eyes narrowed.
- Don't say that, Jane gently chided her. Even if they are, I'm sure they meant well.
Lizzie shook her head. Her sister's hurt was plain to see.
- You're a candidate for sainthood, you know that ?
Her faint smile was a little reward. Jane had barely smiled since the barbecue.
- I would be so pissed, Lizzie continued.
The corners of Jane's mouth turned a little higher. Of course she would be.
- Is there anything I can do ? Lizzie continued. Break his sister's knees ?
Jane giggled lightly.
- How would that help ?
Lizzie shrugged.
- No idea, but it would be satisfying, she grinned.
Jane sighed.
- I plan on talking to him at Netherfield, if I can't corner him earlier.
- I'm not going to Netherfield, Charles thought out loud, lying on his bed in Pemberley's bus.
Caroline lifted her eyes from her magazine, then went back to her reading with a nasty smile on her lips. Finally ! Her brother was seeing reason, after all those nights talking to him about this horrid family.
- You can always say you don't feel well, she offered, before flipping a page.
Her brother's brow knitted. As much as he didn't like that, he saw no other alternative. He couldn't face Jane. If he did, he would fall under her spell again. He kept playing in his mind that scene at the bar with Wickham and Denny. She was welcoming Denny's attentions, just as much as she had his. The realisation hit him hard. Like waking up from a dream. Still, he couldn't believe she would do this for his money. That seemed unlike her. But her mother had left little doubt about what she expected for her offspring. And that was wealth. He covered his eyes with one hand and breathed out heavily.
- You're going to make a lot of dudes happy, Richard said, eyes glued to his video game.
In a swift movement, Charles was half sitting.
- What do you mean ? his voice was thick with anxiety.
- Blast, I missed it, Richard mumbled. I mean that she is uncommonly beautiful, will probably be even more so that night, his detached voice stated, his gaze on the screen. And she will spent a few hours locked in a room with a lot of horny guys, who, despite the dim lights, are not blind, doing something that encourages close physical proximity. Ha ! Gottcha ! Richard exclaimed.
Charles' alarm grew with every word Richard uttered. By the end of his sentence, Charles' imagination was wild. That wouldn't do. The thought of other men touching her was turning his stomach up side down. He had to go. Caroline threw Richard a murderous glare he didn't even notice.
The same reason that kept Jane and Charles apart also prevented Darcy from talking to Lizzie about Wickham. Truth be told, he dreaded that conversation. Richard and him were the only ones to know what had happen at that time. Charles only knew that something went terribly wrong. And when he felt Darcy's reluctance to share the details, he hadn't pressed him further. What Will needed to tell Lizzie was very personal. And he wasn't even sure she would believe him. Wickham was quite gifted to wrap people around his little finger and fool them into believing his tales. Darcy, on the other hand, didn't possess that happy disposition. He pursed his lips while watching the scenery go by. He needed to call Georgiana.
As soon as he reached his hotel room, he took a few deep breaths and dialled her number. That was going to be unpleasant. She answered almost immediately.
- Hey Will ! What's up ? I'm happy to hear from you ! Where are you ?
Her enthusiasm constricted his throat. He swallowed and answered with a thick voice.
- Hi, Georgi.
He rubbed his neck and started pacing, looking for a way to smoothly bring the subject in. Crap, he would never be good at this. Better get this done with.
- Listen, I … I have something … disagreeable to tell you.
At the other end of the line, the young girl sobered. Her voice lost her energy.
- Oh…ok.
Will blew out a breath. Let's get this out.
- I saw Wickham the other day.
Silence was his only answer. He waited for a few seconds, and then went on.
- He is a journalist for a music magazine now. He was there to interview our opening act. You remember ? The Meryton Assembly ? I talked to you about them.
- Yes.
Her voice was small and shaky. He closed his eyes. How he wished he could take her in his arms now.
- He took a special attention to Lizzie, the tech who plays the bass for us. I'd like to warn her, but I need your consent.
His heart was beating hard in his chest. If she said no, his hands would be tied. Without Georgiana's story, Lizzie wouldn't believe him. His sister's breathing was uneven on the phone.
- Do you trust her ? she finally asked.
- Without a doubt, he replied at once. I would do anything to protect you, I wouldn't expose you, you know that.
He heard her cry. Oh god, please not that.
- G, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked, I…
- No, she interrupted with a firm tone that surprised him. Do it. I don't want the bastard to hurt other girls.
She sniffed. His heart broke.
- I'm proud of you, little sis', you know that ?
She giggled through her tears.
- Yeah, thank you. I'm proud of you too, super star bro.
He rolled his eyes at this nickname he hated.
- You know, I can hear you rolling your eyes when I call you that, she teased him.
Laughter escaped his lips.
- When can I see you again ? she asked while blowing her nose.
- We'll be near your campus in a few weeks, but Caroline may still be around, so I thought I could fly next time we have a 2-day break.
Her light laughter echoed in the phone.
- You want to shield me from her ? According to what Richard said last time I called him, you're the one in need of protection !
- I wouldn't mind some extra defence, Will agreed. Richard could provide, if he was less busy jerking me around !
Georgiana laughed out loud. Now that was a sound he loved to hear.
She had given him a green light. Now, he needed to find a moment to talk to Lizzie. That wasn't the easiest part. Maybe after the concert. He did not want to shake her before hopping on stage. He could join her afterwards, during one of her bar-nights. Yeah, that sounded good.
For once, Darcy was almost happy the gig was over. Everything went great, the audience was receptive, the four of them played perfectly, but he wanted Wickham out of the way. For good. As soon as the show was over, Lizzie seemed to vanish, though. Backstage, he passed Rory who was taking care of the guitars.
- Have you seen Lizzie ? Darcy asked him.
- Over there, Rory answered with a nod of the head towards the corridor.
Darcy took a few steps in the direction Rory provided and then stopped. The feeling was just as intense as it had been a few days before. Wickham was standing there, talking to her, laughing. Cold rage washed over Will. A mixture of pure hatred and disgust. The muscles of his face contracted, he clenched his fists, the only outside evidence of his inner rage. That vermin. He breathed out slowly. If he talked to her while the dickhead was still around, things would turn ugly. If he showed up now, Wickham would have confirmation of the attraction he thought he noticed, and he may speed up what ever wicked plan he had in mind. That could mean her and that scoundrel and a bed. A knot formed in his stomach. The equation was loathsome. And Darcy couldn't risk him talking about Georgiana. Fuck. He hated when he was not in control. In a few days, they would be out of the area. There would be no reason why Wickham would still be around. He could wait until then. He had no other option anyway. His hands relaxed. He breathed out slowly again and, once more, turned around. That better not become a habit.
- Thanks for inviting me, Lizzie, George said with his ever charming smile, as he greeted her at the backstage exit with a hug.
She smiled back at him. He was so cute.
- You're welcome, I'm happy you could come.
She really was delighted to see him again. She had been quite excited when he had called her the day before. He was in the area for an interview, so she had suggested they went out after the concert. The conversation had flown easily, and in the end, it had been decided he would come and see Pemberley play, although she couldn't remember who had suggested it in the first place. Not that it mattered.
- I hope it wasn't too awkward to see your ex-band perform. Is there even a word for that ? she asked with an afterthought.
He chuckled. Those dimples were so adorable.
- It was fine. They are insanely good. Besides, I came to see you, his sweet voice added, walking a little closer to her.
They were in the streets, looking for some random bar to have a few drinks. Her cheeks coloured lightly. How nice it was to hear a hot guy say that kind of things to her. She would lie if she said she didn't enjoy it.
- You're really proficient, I'm impressed, he told her after they sat down in a pub.
Try no to purr, that would be indecorous. She cleared her throat and bow as much as her sitting position allowed her to.
- Thank you.
He took a sip of his drink, his eyes sweeping over her.
- You know, I could make a few calls for you. I still have some contacts in the industry that Darcy didn't scare away.
She laughed.
- Thanks for the offer but I'm fine. I have no wish to start a career.
His eyes were still on her when he took a measured sip of his drink.
- What a shame, he finally stated in a smile.
His voice, his gaze, everything was pleasant, but not thrilling.
- Did he really do that ? she asked. To your contacts ?
Scare, threaten, call it as you like, he answered, leaning back on his chair. The fact is I have fewer friends in the industry now.
- What a shithead ! she was shocked.
How low could the guy still sink ? She shook her head. Tonight was not about Darcy, though. She redirected the conversation and they had a great time. George was funny and charming. He knew how to put people at ease, it seemed. She wouldn't mind seeing him again. That's what she told Charlotte later that night, when they met in the corridor of their hotel and her friend asked her how her night went. Her answer raised one of Charlotte's brow.
- What ? Lizzie was puzzled.
- I didn't think he was your type.
- I'm quite partial to hot dudes, she shrugged.
Charlotte chuckled.
- Yeah, me too.
Speaking about hot guys, Lizzie said with a smirk, considering the hour, I trust you're coming from Richard's bed again, she let the rest of her sentence trail off and waited for Charlotte to confirm or deny it, but she remained silent.
The left corner of her mouth turned up a little. Lizzie fist-bumped her.
To everyone's relief, there was no day-bus travel the next day. The whole crew could enjoy simple pleasures of life, like standing up and walking around. Richard and Darcy were indulging in the practice after breakfast.
- Charlotte just told me Lizzie saw the asshole yesterday evening, Richard was fuming.
It was much too early in the morning to be speaking about him. Was the dickhead determined to ruin his life ?
- I know, Will answered, I saw them.
The words tasted like bile in his mouth. The night should have calmed his fury, but it didn't. He was just as mad as he was the night before.
- Did you talk to her ? You can't let him have her, Richard turned an expectant face to his cousin. A fierce expectant face.
Darcy took a deep breath. Richard was not going to like it. He had always been the impulsive one. Patience was not his thing, and for once, Will understood.
- I didn't, he held up both hands to silence Richard whose mouth was already open, but I plan to.
- Oh, you do ? Richard's tone was loaded with sarcasm.
- Yes, I do, Will snapped back.
He sighed.
- We need to be away, or else he might start talking. I can't risk that. In a few days.
His jaw was contracted. He was gnawing his teeth. The realisation soften Richard a little. He knew Will took his responsibilities seriously, and he felt accountable for his crew. And to be honest, Richard knew that Wickham had the upper hand, and could still harm Georgiana. Or ask for more money, like he usually did. He was just so frustrated not to be able to do something, anything. Yet, Darcy's attitude looked like something more than mere concern for a colleague. Richard kept a close eye on his cousin.
- I called Georgiana, Richard tensed immediately. She allowed me to tell her the specifics.
Richard's brows almost broke through the ceiling.
- Did she ? Now that is…
- I know. She's …
- Apparently.
They kept walking in silence for a moment. The warm July weather was a stark contrast with the unsavoury conversation they were having.
- Did you tell Charlotte anything ? Will softly asked after a few minutes.
- Only to stay away from him and spread the word. No particulars.
Will smiled sadly.
- You're lucky it's enough for her. I'll surely have to provide proof written with my blood for Lizzie to listen to me.
Hum. So there it was. Richard shook his head and chuckled. Poor Will. He clapped him on the shoulder. He was going to need support.
His conversation with Richard that morning kept turning in his head. He was furiously pacing in his dressing room like a caged tiger. They were still in the same town, what if Lizzie and Wickham had another night out planned ? The thought made him want to vomit. Maybe he should have let Richard beat the hell out of Wickham when he had the chance, his face would be less attractive now. This situation was killing him. He couldn't pass another evening like that. Not knowing. Imagining the worst. Oh fuck it. He needed to do something or else he would turn crazy. He yanked the door open and decided strides lead him to green room. His first take was a good one. Lizzie was there, sitting on a sofa with her headphones on, humming while scribbling in a notebook. The soft sound coming from her throat was enough to melt him. How he wanted to hear her sing again. Her mermaid voice could chant a grocery list and he would still find it beautiful. She was probably working on a new song. Her face looked concentrated, her forehead a little crested in an adorable way. Suddenly, the tip of her tongue made an appearance between her lips, before quietly hiding back in her mouth again. Then slowly, very slowly, she bit her lower lip. Her teeth held it prisoner for a few seconds before it slipped free. He was at her mercy. He swallowed hard and pulled on the collar of his shirt, which felt much tighter then it had minutes before. Did he groan ? He hoped not. Just as the thought crossed his mind, she turned her head in his direction. He stood taller and cleared his throat. Fuck, how was he supposed to bring the subject ? He should have thought about that on his way. She didn't look particularly pleased to see him, was it because of what Wickham told her ? Hang that son of a bitch. He needed to say something, quickly. He scratched his chin, why was his head so empty ? Surely there was something he could say. His mouth was disconnected from his brain, which was apparently on strike, for it refused to form even one simple sentence. His fingers were beating out a rapid rhythm on his leg. He was amazed and terrified in equal measures of how blank his head was. All because of her.
Each second that passed lifted Lizzie's brow higher. Did Darcy usually come to stare at people and be silent like that ? His struggle was plain to see, but the reason, she couldn't fathom. And she was not going to help him. Let him tussle a little, it could only do him good. Plus, the man wasn't exactly unpleasant to watch. She very well may never get over how gorgeous he was. As long as he kept his mouth shut, everything was great.
- You saw Wickham yesterday.
Everything was not great. That sounded like an accusation. As the name crossed Darcy's lips, he made a face, it visibly cost him to say it.
- I did, Lizzie answered, her chin a little higher.
Go on, try to impress me. She anchored her feet on the ground, ready to get up. She wouldn't let him tower her and lecture her like she was some 6 year old who behaved badly.
He breathed a few times, hoping it would calm his maniac heart. It didn't. He passed his hand over his mouth.
Yeah, just keep your hand over there, so it can close that mouth of yours.
- You shouldn't, he said as calmly as he could.
It was quite an improvement over what he wanted to do, which was to grab her, to shake her and to scream in her face that she should stay miles away from the scoundrel. And then, to kiss her.
- You do like to have your say in other people's relationships, don't you ? she said after getting up. Is that some kind of hobby ?
That is the exact opposite of kissing. Her tone was still light, but he could recognise by now that it did not mean she was not mad.
His eyes narrowed, he was as still as a statue. This topic was important for him. The awareness unsettled her. She couldn't understand why. That was not just some meddling around from his part, there was something more.
- He's not a good person, he stated, his jaw contracted.
He wanted to say more, to tell her everything, but doing so right now would just throw her in the dickhead's arms. And the asshole would have a lie to oppose to everything Darcy would tell her. And there was Georgiana. Those were a lot of good reasons to remain silent. He felt like he might blow up.
- Not good enough for you, I know, she answered.
Anger was lying just underneath the surface. She looked at him like he was supposed to understand that reference, but he didn't. That smelled like Wickham's work. She was quite beautiful when she was angry. Her eyes were burning in the most enchanting way. He liked the way she held her head high. Her neck was all but inviting his hand to caress it. Was there a state of mind that didn't compliment her ? He doubted it. She was a keg of powder ready to explode, and he was holding the flame in his hand. He took a few seconds to ponder what to do. Damn it, if only he had Bingley's or Richard's way of talking to people.
- No, he's not. He isn't for you either, he finally said.
Surprise flashed briefly on her face. That was unexpected. Just as she opened her mouth to answer, the door opened again on Richard.
- Hey Lizzie ! Listen, would you … oh hey Darcy !
Worst timing ever. Now he would never know what she was about to say ! Will threw his cousin a furious look. Richard's only answer was a smirk. That guy was beyond irritating.
- Do you mind ? I'd like to talk to her, with a nod of the head, Richard indicated the door.
Will was dismissed. Lizzie almost laughed out loud over Richard's brass. Oh, she liked him. Will looked sourer than ever when he turned around and left.
- He was not happy, she giggled once Will was gone.
Richard waved her comment away.
- He'll get over it. Anyway, I came here to ask you if you'd like to do some back up singing, starting tonight. That would be cool.
He was leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, smiling fondly at her. The request surprised her, to say the least.
- Are you sure everyone is ok with that ?
- If you're worried about Mister Zest of Life, he pointed his thumb to the door, as I said, he'll get over it, he winked at her.
A small smile grew on her lips.
- Your voice is awesome, I think it would blend perfectly with our sound. We'll just make sure to adjust the microphone not too high though, or else you'll steal the show.
She rolled her eyes. Outdo Pemberley, as if it was even possible.
- We wouldn't want that, would we ? she absentmindedly rubbed her left arm.
She had never sung on stage. A few weeks ago, she had never played on stage either. She wouldn't be alone, and people would hardly hear her. That would make a second first time with Pemberley, she guessed.
- If everyone agrees, then yeah, I'd like that.
Richard took a step forward and clapped her, rather hard she found, on the shoulder. Now she had a good reason to rub her arm.
- Wonderful ! You know the lyrics, right ? Otherwise, just prattle anything that comes to your mind, no one will notice.
She laughed again.
- You're not much of a stickler for details, are you ?
- Hey, I'm here for the fun, I leave the rest to Darcy.
Both giggled again. He sure fit the part. Richard then turned serious. It was unusual enough to catch her attention.
- Listen, I also wanted to talk to you about Wickham.
Again ? Did they all pass the word around ? Was Charles coming next ? Why was everybody so interested in her doings with the guy ?
- I don't know if Charlotte talked to you today, but anyways, don't trust the guy. He's a world class motherfucker.
His voice was so fierce, his eyes so steady on hers, she was taken aback. Curiosity opened her mouth.
- What's the history ?
Richard was back to his usual careless self, though she could tell it was forced. He waved his hand around.
- Boring details, that's Darcy's work.
And with that, he was out.
Strangely, Lizzie was not nervous when she followed the men on stage that night under the cheers from The Meryton Assembly. Even if she wished she had rehearsed more than just one hour before the concert in a dressing room, she was rather confident. Richard's trust was infectious, it seemed. The crowd went wild as soon as the first few chords echoed. Charles's clear voice started to resonate in the stadium. Then, a few moments later, Lizzie breathed in, took a step towards the mic that was set in front of her and combined her voice to that of the three men. Richard was right. Her warm, cinnamon voice blended well with Pemberley. She turned a smiling face to the drummer who winked back.
Darcy was so astonished to hear her voice that he almost missed a few notes. That solid and bright sound was as soothing as it was thrilling. Thankfully, his fingers knew what to do regardless of wether his mind was focused on the task or not. He went on auto pilot as he sang in his mic. His face turned to her, he witnessed the look and the smile she exchanged with Richard. So it was his doing. What was on his damn mind ? If only his cousin knew how much her voice affected him, maybe he would have refrained from doing this. What was the point, anyway ? In a few weeks Charles' wrist would have healed and she wouldn't play with them anymore. The idea suddenly saddened him. The stage would look empty afterwards. He was used to her presence around him backstage and on stage. Her good humour, her teasing, her astounding eyes. He would miss her. He sucked in a breath. That was the naked truth, he would miss her. Wait, was there something between Richard and her, was that why he asked her to sing with them ? Darcy's heart constricted. They did get on very well. That would be…inconvenient. That would be a fucking mess.
What a cruel joke to play
He smiled. There was no better time to sing those lyrics he had written himself.
When the second chorus started, Lizzie turned her face in Darcy's direction and started singing again. She pointedly looked at him while she sang with this air of half defiance, half teasing that belonged only to her. He smiled and sang along. Goose bumps appeared on her arms. His voice was, like the rest of his person, attractive. Deep, rich. She had played with him quite a few times now, yet, this was new, and very exciting. He looked so …cheeky, that was unexpected. And sexy. She almost laughed when he overacted the lyrics and theatrically mouthed Charles' part. The guy could be so funny sometimes. By the end of the song, her cheeks were aching from too much laughing.
