A/N Hey there ! Thank you so much for the reviews of the previous chapter (and of all the other also), they always go straight to my black heart. My kids are on holidays for 2 weeks, so there will not be a lot of writing done. Anyways, I realised that I never specified the type of music each band was playing, and this story is about music after all, so here we go : to me, Pemberley sounds like Queens of the Stone Age, although they look nothing alike the actual members, The Meryton Assembly sound like Lorde even if they are a band and not a single singer, and Lizzie's voice and music sound like Florence and the Machine. If this doesn't match your personal myth, please stick to what you like better. And let me know what you imagined, if you ever gave it a thought. Thank you for reading !
The flight had been hell. Will must have looked dreadful boarding the jet, for a box of advil and a bottle of water were waiting for him inside. Bless this crew. He was not sure how they knew he wasn't in his best shape, but who wears sunglasses at 7AM ? All those turbulences shook mercilessly his fragile stomach, and the constant noise had been hammering his head. Was he even sober yet ? That had not been the best idea, but he needed to get away. Seeing his sister would be comforting. He tried unsuccessfully to sleep during the flight. He had had so much to drink the night before. What had happened, exactly ? Everything was blurry after that kiss. According to his phone, he had called her, but he didn't remember what he said exactly. Oh Christ, what a mess. Did he ridicule himself in front of her twice last night ? Why not ? It was hopeless anyway, wasn't it ? Georgiana's delight upon seeing him had warmed his heart. As much as her shriek had threatened to split his skull in half. He would never drink that much again. At least, not so soon.
- Will ! I'm so happy to see you ! Georgiana exclaimed.
At least, one woman was pleased to see him. Her bag was tossed on the floor as she entered her apartment and ran into his arms. When Georgiana had expressed an interest in joining college, Will had bought a flat in a safe neighbourhood near campus. Providing her with a place she could call home and where she would feel secure was his way of encouraging her. And it gave him a pied-à-terre where he could hide whenever he needed to. Like right now. Will had used his spare key to let himself in while she was still in class. The air was knocked out of his lungs when she collided with him.
- Nice to see you too.
She hugged him tight before taking a step back. He needed that hug. Laughter escaped her lips when she saw his face.
- You had way too much fun last night !
Will made a face. If his night had started out great, the more it progressed, the worse it had become. Georgiana's smile slowly disappeared.
- Oh.. it was not that kind of drinking, then.
Will shook his head and immediately regretted the gesture. His brain was very harshly hitting his cranium with every movement. Where was the stuff that usually absorbed those impacts ?
- Want to talk about it ? she inquired, her eyes searching his face.
Richard had not mentioned any business problem the last time she had spoken to him. But troubles with the band would not drive Will to excessive drinking. No, it must be something more personal. She hated to see him thus. As usual, if he was in trouble, he was going to withdraw into himself and put that terrifying face on, the one no-one dared to brave, no matter how good intentioned the person was. Except Charles. For some reason, he was totally immune to her brother's fearsome mask.
- No, Will groaned.
He knew better than to move his head again. And he was still too angry to broach the subject. At Lizzie, for all the hurtful things she had said and her stubbornness not to see his point. How could she have been so pig-headed ? But he was also enraged at himself for losing control. He should have left that room as soon as he knew he was not going to tell her about Wickham. Instead, his body had overcome his mind, and he had lost it. Where had his self-control been? He could still not believe he had done that. Well, that was only the end of a long list of 'I'm out of control' : first the nights, really ? ! What was he thinking ! Easy : he was not thinking. In bed, with her. That sounded… it was already stupid on paper, it was not better in real life. Then, the dance, now that kiss. He sighed. True, everything had been incredible. Every contact had elicited an unordinary feeling. Lizzie had no idea what she did to him. Her mere nearness was enough to send him ablaze. Her laughter made her literarily glow. And her eyes, they were so special. Expressive. That golden colour captured the light in a way he had never seen before. With all the emotions playing there, it was nearly impossible to tear his gaze away from them. There was always something to see. He could drown in those eyes. He probably looked like a half-wit staring at her like that. Not that he would talk about any of this to his little sister anyway.
Georgiana was not expecting a different answer. No matter, she would just pretend to let the subject drop, before bringing it up nicely again later. Until he would finally speak. He was not going to get away with this.
- You're not staying long, she observed when she noted the absence of bags.
- I go back to the tour on the day after tomorrow, he confirmed.
- A good thing I haven't sold all your stuff to hysterical fans, then.
Will's expression was the picture of blasé. His sister giggled.
- I bought some lunch on my way, he gestured towards the plastic bags sitting on the kitchen island.
- Have I told you how much I love you ?
A small smile graced his lips before he added.
- Lebanese.
Of course, he would bring her favourite food.
- I adore you, she kissed him on the cheek before rushing to the kitchen to unwrap the content oh the bags. What do you plan on doing for the next two days ? Georgiana asked.
She couldn't help but humm in delight as she tasted a delicious falafel. Will chewed slowly on his food, enjoying his sister's glee.
- I may need to sleep today, he admitted to his giggling sister. I have no fixed plans for tomorrow, I just wanted to see you.
He was the sweetest.
- There's a new exhibition at the museum downtown, we could go and see it, Georgiana offered.
- Sounds good to me.
Those few days in company of his sister were the best remedy to his hangover. Her sweetness was what he needed. Even though his mood didn't improve much over the week end, the time they could spent together was so rare when he was on tour that he was happy of his sudden impulse to come and see her. He had told himself he would not think about Lizzie during this break, but he couldn't help himself. There were thousands of women who would kill to be on the receiving line of his attentions, and she had just kicked him away ! After passionately kissing him but still, he was rejected. How could she ?! Her words were echoing in his head. He was not the jerk she thought he was. He was a decent guy, she misunderstood him. If so, why was her anger bothering him so much ? He tossed and turned in his bed at night, unable to get this thought out of his mind. Dammit, he needed some rest ! He could sleep without her, couldn't he ?
Caroline should be furious. Not only did Darcy manage to slip through her fingers at an ungodly hour the day before, but she was now having breakfast with Charles and Jane. That's not how she had pictured those two days of break. Seriously, they were worse than siamese. The two of them were always glued together ! Ugh, revolting. She was pretty sure Charles and Jane would soon become one single name that the two of them would answer at the same time on the same tone of voice. Disgusting. While she sipped her coffee, her attention wandered to Charlotte and her sister, who were sharing their table. Their discussion was so boring she mentally sighed. Three crew members settled at a nearby table.
- All I'm saying is that Lizzie ran into his room yesterday, kicked a girl out, and was not seen since then, one of them said. That's all. Neither was Richard, for the matter.
Caroline slowly put her cup down. Now, that was an interesting conversation. Had she been a horse, her ears would have turned towards their table.
- You imply things. Maybe we just didn't see her coming out. And anyway, it's none of our business, another one stated.
The first one chuckled.
- We all know what happens when a woman steps into Richard Fitzwilliam's bedroom.
Caroline's creeping smirk was hidden behind her steaming cup. Very interesting indeed. So, the annoying girl slept with Richard ? Good. Her coffee tasted much better now. Truth or not, she should see that this piece of information reached the right ears. Her help may not even be required to achieve her goal. Charles and Jane may be oblivious to everything except themselves, but all the other people present at breakfast were not. And the techs who had been talking about this juicy gossip were not discreet. This rumour was sure to travel fast among the crew. No, Caroline was not furious.
Maria turned a surprised face to her sister. She had thought Charlotte was the one visiting Richard's bed. Was this over ? Were she and Lizzie, well, kind of sharing the guy ? There sure was a lot of him. The thought made her blush. But then, there were a lot of things she didn't understand. Maybe this was acceptable because they were friends ? Or because Lizzie actually played with Pemberley ? She had so many questions. The very meticulous way Charlotte was buttering her toast was telling her this was not a good time to ask. Nor the clipped way Charlotte greeted Lizzie when she joined them at their table, a few minutes later.
- Hi, Lizzie ! Caroline exclaimed with a nasty grin and far too much enthusiasm. Did you sleep well ?
Why was it she always wanted to know how Lizzie had slept ? Lizzie forced the nicest smile she could on her lips.
- I did, thank you for your concern.
Of course you did. Caroline sipped her coffee with a knowing smirk.
- Hey, Charlotte, Lizzie addressed her friend after helping herself to a generous amount of waffles. What do you say to going to the beach today ? Sam mentioned it, and I like the idea.
Charlotte's glance lingered a few seconds on the face of her friend.
- No thank you, I plan on going downtown, some shopping.
Hum, that was surprising. The weather was gorgeous, and Charlotte was usually not the one to pass on a nice outing. Lizzie had hopped this day would raise her spirits a little, for her tone still lacked its usual cheerfulness. Hopefully, Richard would soon talk to her. Lizzie would make sure of that. It was not her place to say anything, but it sure did itch. She turned to her friend's sister.
- What about you, Maria ? Care for a swim ?
- I'd love to ! I got a cute new bikini I'd like to try on.
- Great ! Lizzie turned her head in Charles and Jane's direction. No need to ask these two, they most certainly have plans of their own that don't include us, she laughed.
With summer knocking hard on the door, a day by the sea was the ideal solution to keep cool. The salty air, the sound of the waves and the kiss of the sun were the herald of the holiday to come. Lizzie, Maria and a few other crew members enjoyed the water, the sun and some lazy naps on the warm sand. The atmosphere was relaxed, laughter punctuated the few games of beach volley they played. Still, Lizzie couldn't quite get rid of the uneasiness Darcy's absence made her feel. She dreaded and wished for his return in equal measures. This apology he deserved weighed on her shoulders. She needed to unburden herself. Even more, she wanted him to know her mind had changed as far as he was concerned. At least, a little.
- We should get going, Lizzie sighed.
By her side, Maria was turning on her tummy. Her back was in need of a little more tanning to match the other side of her body. The afternoon was drawing to a close, time to go back to the hotel.
- Yeah, you're right. I'd like to reach the cinema by 9.
- And I'd like to reach my bed, Lizzie stretched, all this napping exhausted me, she laughed.
- The napping, hey ? Maria teased.
Lizzie turned a confused expression to her.
- Yeah, the napping.
What the hell could she mean ?
- It has nothing to do with yesterday night ? the young girl insisted, her brows dancing.
- Nothing at all, an uncertain Lizzie replied.
Her friend's gaze was insistent and doubtful. Something was going on.
- Maria, what are you talking about, exactly ?
The playfulness evaporated from Maria's mien.
- Well, you were seen yesterday going to Richard's room and not coming out, her cheeks reddened as her sentence, and all that it implied, unfolded.
Yes, she had been to Richard's room the day before… It took her mind a few seconds to grasp the whole situation. Holly fuck.
- You think I slept with Richard ? she asked in disbelief.
The cheeks of the younger girl were a tone brighter.
- I … that's what the rumour says. You didn't ? Maria couldn't help but inquire.
- No ! Don't listen to rumours, she quoted Richard.
So, one can not go into a colleague's bedroom in broad day light without exciting whispers. Was that what being famous felt like ? She pitied the stars, really. How reality could be transformed to suit human nature's hunger for drama was impressive. The reality was much less exciting. Oh, but wait !
- Does Charlotte believe that ? she asked in a rushed tone.
Maria's eyes were round.
- Given Richard's pedigree, nobody questioned it, she said in a small voice.
- Nobody ? Who else heard this scuttlebutt ?
Fear was seizing Lizzie's guts with its cold hands. She could feel herself turning white. Oh, please no. Maria shrugged.
- Everybody that was in the breakfast room this morning, I suppose.
Both Lizzie's hands came resting on her face. Was this a joke ?
- Why ? Was there some kind of announcement ? Was this part of Mrs Reynolds' morning briefing ?
A heavy sigh emptied her lungs. Fuck. She wanted to help Charlotte and she had made things worse.
- There was no morning meeting at breakfast, Maria remembered out loud, her brows knitted in confusion.
Her naive cluelessness pulled a chuckle out of Lizzie.
- I was jesting, she told her in a gentle voice. Come on, let's go. I've got to talk to Charlotte, apparently.
And reach Richard, also. Oh Christ, what a fiasco. She took her phone out of her bag and typed a quick message to Richard. « Trouble. There's a rumour about us having sex last night. Please, talk to Charlotte ASAP » .
As soon as they reached the hotel, Lizzie went straight to the room the four of them shared and knocked. The door opened on a worried Jane.
- Hey, Lizzie breathlessly greeted her sister, is Charlotte here ?
Jane bit her lower lip, a habit she displayed when she was asked to say something that was not true. She was such a bad liar.
- I need to talk to her, Lizzie pleaded. Please.
- Is it true ? she simply asked her younger sister.
Jane's question was totally devoided of bitterness or accusation, she simply wanted to check a fact.
- I heard the rumours at breakfast, everybody did given how loud the crew members were speaking.
Lizzie shouldn't have been surprised. Jane always knew, even she pretended not to pay attention. Years of faking to ignore their mother's and sisters' raptures had taught her this delicate quality. People sometimes treated her like she was a simpleton but for Lizzie, her gentleness was her real force.
- Of course not, Lizzie answered. It's all a misunderstanding. I need to explain this to Charlotte.
Jane sighed in relief and opened the door wide.
- She's on the sofa.
Upon seeing Lizzie entering the suite, Charlotte stood up and walked a few steps towards her room.
- Charlotte, please, I need to talk to you, Lizzie called her.
Charlotte stopped, but did not turn towards her friend. She looked so hurt, Lizzie's throat contracted, and she swallowed twice to make sure the words could come out. What a horrible day she must have endured.
- The rumour is not true, she directly said.
No need to fuss around. The drummer turned her head towards her friend and remained silent for a few seconds. Shouting and crying was not like her. She would rationalise the situation and deal personally with her feelings.
- You're free to do what you want, with whom you want, she finally said.
Her clipped and cold tone pierced Lizzie's guts.
- I would never do that to you. Chicks before dicks, right ? Please, believe me.
Tears pooled in her eyes.
- I did go to his room, Charlotte tensed with these words, but nothing happened, Lizzie quickly added. We talked, and then we fell asleep.
Finally, Charlotte faced her friend.
- You want me to believe that ? You talked ?
She was bewildered. What a horrible excuse. Couldn't she do her the courtesy of making up something better ?
- Yes ! Lizzie almost screamed, her arms flying above her head. I swear that's the truth ! We talked, and ate and that's all !
Silence stretched between them. Clearly, Charlotte was still sceptical. How could she convince her without breaking Richard's confidence ?
- We talked mainly about you, Lizzie confessed. It's not my place to say more, I hope he'll come talk to you soon.
Her friend was taken aback, her brows slowly joined one another on her forehead. A tear ran down Lizzie's cheek.
- I'm no threat, I promise.
She sighed. There was no getting out of this mess without confessing her kiss and her fight with Will, so she did. By the time she was done, both girl were sitting on the couch, holding hands.
- I'm sorry, Lizzie concluded. When I saw Richard going to his room with that girl, I just wanted to help you, she shook her head. Then, we got carried away by our talking and next thing I knew, it was morning.
Charlotte was gently patting the hand she held between hers.
- I had no idea he could be that talkative in bed, Charlotte allowed with a small smile.
Relief washed over Lizzie, she believed her. Thank God.
- Surely, the two of you didn't do much talking when you were together in his room, Lizzie teased.
Both girls giggled. That felt so good. For a small, dreadful moment, she really thought her relationship with her best friend was irrevocably damaged. She freed her hand from Charlotte's grasp and hugged her.
