A/N : still working hard on this story ! I originally planned on finishing it before summer but I fear that's not going to happen. My smallest one decided that sleeping at night is also useless, and my first born will be on holiday in 3 weeks for 2 months (send help), so expect delays in publishing this summer. But I will do my best to publish, this story has become quite essential to my sanity. In this chapter, I'll use ## to separate portions of the text that need to be apart. Keep the comments flowing, I highly enjoy them !


The deafening silence was followed by a collective hum of appreciation. Those ice creams were sumptuous, exactly what the hot weather called for. The air conditioning of the ice cream place was also appreciated to its true worth. Lizzie licked her lips, she was not going to lose one drop of this delicious chocolatey treat.

- Damn, this is good, Charlotte voiced everybody's thought.

No matter what people say, nothing beats pistachio.

- How was the photoshoot ? Lizzie asked, while eagerly drowning in chocolate heaven.

Was this exquisite.

- How a photoshoot ought to be, Charlotte started. We had so much make up on, we were barely recognisable, the stylist made us wear outrageous clothes we would never have put on in real life, and striking poses that were absolutely unnatural and made us look like sexual objects, she described on a flat tone. It was awesome, she summarised with a sly smile.

Jane and Maria enthusiastically nodded their agreement.

- Sounds like you had a lot of fun, I can't wait to see those pics, Lizzie smiled.

Their career was taking off, Lizzie couldn't be prouder or happier. Well, on a personal level, she could have been happier… damn, was he always lurking in some dark corner of her mind ? This story was told, there was no changing the end. She couldn't help herself, she had listened to Pemberley's interview that afternoon. It was a change from his voice mail. He had been funny, and smart and kind. He sounded so at ease, laughing with the audience and the host, a far cry from what she remembered from that dreadful barbecue. His playing had been spotless, of course, not to mention the fact that his voice - speaking or singing - was enchanting. Deep, low, with that particular diction she liked. Even through the radio, goosebumps covered her skin. She was never going to tell him this. Easy, since they were not on speaking terms, even though her heart kept whispering his name.

- If we're lucky, Charlotte and I won't be edited out of the pictures, Maria's teasing tone brought Lizzie back to the present.

The young girl's amused smile turned to Jane.

- The photographer was quite taken with you !

A light blush covered Jane's cheeks, the other three girls laughed. This was Jane's usual lot in life. Sometimes, all the notice this meek creature's beauty attracted was a heavy load on her lovely shoulders.

- Maybe we should do that for our next album's cover, Charlotte offered in a jest, pointing her clean-licked spoon towards Jane. I'm sure more Jane equals more sales, it's mathematical.

- People want to see you, too, Jane softly told her bandmates.

Charlotte waved her comment away.

- Don't worry Jane, when you are as famous as Pemberley, a picture of a tree and some random title with a deep meaning will be enough for your album to sell itself, Lizzie noted with pride.

She knew this option would suit Jane better, and she had every faith in their talent.

- That's just a trick, Charlotte explained. They are so good looking, with no pictures in their album art besides that of the ocean or whatever skyline, the only way to ogle them is to go to a concert.

The girls chuckled. She was not wrong.

- Now that you have the cover for your next album all set, what about the songs ? Lizzie asked, scrapping the bottom of her paper cup.

Already empty. Was it legal to order a second one ?

- Mrs Gardiner sent the demos of the 15 songs to the producer a few weeks ago. Thank you for your help, by the way, Jane smiled to her sister. We're waiting for him to get back to us, and then we can start recording.

- That's fantastic ! Your second album ! I'm so excited. You're going to be so successful. Will you guys hire me on your very own tour ? Lizzie teased.

Charlotte pretended to give the matter some serious thought, before shaking her head no. An exaggerated gasp escaped Lizzie's rounded lips, and she brought a hand to her supposedly hurt heart.

##

Now. The music was blasting from their instruments, energetic and powerful. The crowd was jumping and screaming. She had thought about it all day. Now was the time. As she sang the chorus along with the boys, Lizzie turned to Darcy, deliberately holding his eyes for a few seconds, before lowering her gaze to her bass. There, it was her olive branch. It was not much, but it was more interaction than they had had for a whole week. She had not smiled, she had not looked angry. It was a message, something along the lines of 'let's be civil'. He must have been surprised, because when the song ended, she could still feel his gaze on her. He was asking her to look at him again. She breathed out heavily, twiddled with the strings of her bass for a moment feeling self-conscious. Calm down girl. They were in between songs, the audience was screaming to whatever Charles had just told them. She braced herself and turned to Will, she had to, otherwise people would start noticing he was staring hard at her. His stillness was a sharp contrast to her dancing from one feet to another, which must seem quite odd to everyone, given the lack of music. The warmth she saw in his eyes put a stop to her endless movement. His almost imperceptible nod told her he got her message. And agreed. That was a relief. Maybe they could start over again, on friendlier terms. The smile that slowly illuminated his face was more obvious. He was smiling at her. God, was he beautiful. Her heart broke and swelled at the same time. Was it even possible ? His hands started roaming over his guitar, one of his eyebrow crept up his forehead. Oh shit, they were in the middle of a concert. Lost in her contemplation, she almost missed her queue. Shit shit. That was embarrassing. She squeezed her eyes shut. Thankfully, her hands did not need them to operate. When she opened them, his smirk had widened. Had her hands not been busy, she would have hidden her face in them. There was only one option left. She joyfully sticked her tongue out at him. His head turned to the audience again, his wide smile still firmly in place, and she could see his chuckle more than she could hear it.

##

On her left, both bands were having breakfast together at the same huge table. On her right side, Rory and some other techs were eating. The atmosphere was equally joyful at both tables. Lizzie kept looking from one table to the other, a steaming mug of coffee in her hand. A sigh. She did and she didn't want to sit at Darcy's table. Everything she was discovering or re-discovering about him was making her fall harder in love with him. Now that he was so far away. This was irony at its best, or she was just exceptionally slow. Besides, Caroline Bingley was there. How long was she still going to stay with them ? The fashion world needed some major drama, so she would finally have to go back to work. Could someone please try to make nude yoga pants the next trend ? If Lizzie sat with Rory, she was giving Darcy the cut, and that's not what she wanted. She did not wanted Will to think she was avoiding him when she was trying to make efforts. Maybe she should eat alone ? No, she would look even more dramatic. Damn, was this hard. The situation needed to improve, not to spoil. What was it exactly that she wanted ? To be back on friendly terms. Well, they had never been amicable to begin with. Apparently, she had to settle for a status quo. She weighed both options again. Great, now even choosing a place to eat her morning pancakes was a Cornelian choice. Let's be pragmatic, if being emotional didn't work. One morning with the bands, the other one with the techs. Joined custody. But who to start with ? Jane lifted her face and spotted her sister, rooted to the floor near the coffee machine. Her gentle smile was an invitation Lizzie couldn't decline. Bands' table it would be today. Luck was on her side, there was no place available near Will. She was able to sit at a distance and enjoy Jane's company.

- Hey, her older sister greeted her.

- Hey, have you called Mom already ? Lizzie asked.

- I sent her a message, Jane replied after politely chewing her eggs. And I sent her a care package a few days ago, I hope it arrives today.

- That's a good idea, I wish I had thought about it, Lizzie made a face. I was planning on calling her, and bringing her something nice when I get back there. Your idea is better, of course, she smiled at her perfect sister.

Jane smiled back.

- I signed the card for you.

- Jane, you're so nice, it's annoying, Lizzie's smile grew.

- You think I should have sent her something too ? Charles asked them from Jane's other side.

- Only if you want her to swoon, Lizzie answered. Our dad would sure like that ! You're already her favourite person in the world, no need for more.

Charles chuckled, and Jane sent her a look full of gratitude. After the barbecue, Mrs Bennet had been quite vocal about how much she appreciated Charles, and she asked about 'that nice musician' every time Jane called.

- It's OK Charles, you really don't have to, Jane stressed. You can talk to her when I call her later today, she offered.

Charles was so nice, Jane was not sure how she could have dissuaded him from making a move if Lizzie hadn't said anything. Their mother was so enthusiastic about this relationship, she was sure that if Charles had sent her anything, even a dead racoon, she would immediately have started planning the wedding.

- Who do you want to sent something to ? Caroline, who was sitting opposite her brother, inquired.

She still hadn't accepted that Jane and Charles were an item, and she clang to her sibling in a quite desperate way. But beneath Jane's kindness lied an obstinacy that would not be thwarted, as Caroline was slowly learning.

- Mrs Bennet, it's her birthday, Charles casually answered.

Darcy's head turned in their direction.

- How old is she turning ? he asked.

Before any of the Bennet sisters could open their mouth, Caroline turned a simpering face at him and batted her lashes. Was she aware of how ridiculous this made her look ? If not, someone needed to tell her. Richard seemed to hold a contrary view, judging by the way he was smiling.

- Oh Will, she purred, you can't ask a lady her age.

Darcy slowly breathed in. Every time he said something, she had to comment. She just had to, even if the subject was wholly unknown to her. This was so irritating. For a few seconds, Will looked at her like she was some strange revolting creature he had never seen before. His subtle frown was one of the funniest thing Lizzie had ever seen. The longer the instant stretched, the harder it was for her to muffle the laughter that threatened to burst from her lips. His mien was so serious, it was positively hilarious. Now she saw it, what she had taken for a proud mask was in fact a delicate mixture of perplexity, anger and embarrassment.

- She's not there, so I'm not asking her, he finally stated.

Caroline deflated like a giant balloon. Lizzie fake-cleared her throat. Richard's snort was less discreet. Will then turned to Jane and her.

- I meant no offence. I'm quite bad at guessing people's age. Despite having four grown up daughters, your mother looks young, and she is still a handsome woman.

- It's OK, Jane answered. Our parents had me when they were young, she is not yet 50.

- So, they met quite young ? he kept on.

Jane proceeded to give a short version of the way their parents met that Lizzie only half-listened to. She was stunned that he asked further questions about her family. Didn't they disgust him ? She was wrong, apparently. But then, Richard had said he was a caring guy. The sound of his chair scraping on the ground put an end to her woolgathering.

- I have to make a phone call, he said before leaving the breakfast room.

##

- Coming ! Mrs Bennet's strident voice could be heard through the door after the door bell rang.

It was then yanked open, and she was greeted by a monumental bunch of colourful and exotic flowers.

- Mrs Bennet ? the bouquet asked, this is for you. Happy birthday !

The face of a smiling delivery boy appeared on one side.

- Oh my ! Mrs Bennet was almost speechless, almost, but not quite. This is gorgeous ! And very big ! Let me get some money first, then I'll take this from your hands.

- No need for a tip, Ma'am, the courier stopped her, it has been taken care of.

The massive bouquet exchanged hands, and the errand boy left.

- Who was it ? Mr Bennet asked from the sofa where he was comfortably reading a book, a second before he saw flowers walking back to the living room on what looked like his wife's legs.

- Look what I got ! Isn't beautiful ? she exclaimed, beaming.

A raised brow was his only answer. Mrs Bennet buried her nose in the tropical flowers and took a deep breath.

- I wouldn't do that if I were you, her husband told her, his eyes back on his book. For all we know, there could be a carnivorous one in the bunch.

Mrs Bennet straightened up immediately, and after a few seconds, frowned at her husband. She would never get used to his barbs.

- Don't be silly Thomas !

She didn't see the little smile that graced her husband's lips. He would never tire of teasing her.

- Who is it from ? he asked, his nonchalant tone masking a real curiosity.

- Jane and Lizzie, I suppose, Mrs Bennet answered, while rearranging the flowers in a vase on the centre of the dining table. It's the first time they haven't been able to be here for my birthday. But their nice package was enough, they shouldn't have. Oh, there is a card ! she found when fussing in the bouquet. They are such sweet girls. 'Happy Birthday', she read out loud. Well, they didn't write it, it's printed on the card, she commented. They surely just signed it, she flipped the paper over in search of a signature. 'And thank you for the lunch. William Darcy'.

There was a moment of silence. Mrs Bennet re-read the signature a few times, it did not seem to change. Now both Mr Bennet's brows were levitating. He joined his wife by the table, and took his first look at the flowers. The bouquet was colossal and beautiful, a riot of tasteful colours and stylish shapes. The pastel shades of rose, blue and red contrasted in an elegant way with the dark green of the leaves. Hum. He read the card over his wife's shoulder.

- How very thoughtful ! Mrs Bennet finally cried. That is incredibly kind, isn't it ? From such a busy man ! And so famous ! Annie is never going to believe me, she rattled on, her gaze fixed onto the card.

- Really Fanny, you could leave some for our girls, you know they are not half as beautiful as you are, Mr Bennet said, dead-pan.

The cheeks of his wife grew a shade darker, and by the way she giggled, there was no questioning her kinship with Kitty and Lydia. After all these years, she still missed the little sparkles in her husband's eyes.

- Oh Thomas ! she simpered.

- Well then, Mr Bennet sighed and shook his head, I'll have to put an end to throwing barbecues to famous rock stars if they end up madly in love with my wife. I can't blame him, your potato salad was splendid.

All this excitement attracted Mary, who jumped on the table and sniffed the bouquet. Mrs Bennet scratched under her chin. Although she didn't lower herself to purr, Mary appreciated the caress.

- You also like it, don't you ! Mrs Bennet said to the cat, who was now actively avoiding another round of scratches.

- Come my dear, you know Mary doesn't like anything, not even us. She tolerates us, at best.

The grey cat narrowed her eyes at Mr Bennet, like he had just revealed her deepest secret, then studied the flowers again. Mr Bennet smirked at her. Even the cat in his household made a good target for his spikes.

- That is surprising, Thomas granted, turning back to the flowers. That young man didn't strike me as the attentive type during the lunch.

Rather the opposite, really. Untucking his book from under his arm, he made his way back to the couch.

- Maybe if we lend him our two remaining daughters, I'll get a present for my birthday as well.

##

Music was filling the stadium, blasting in Will's ears. The crowd was getting louder and louder with The Meryton Assembly with each concert. They were very good. Will remarked so to Charles, who was standing next to him backstage. His answer came in the form of a smiling and enthusiastic nod. Charles didn't even bother to try to speak over the audience's screams. Nor did he pretend to tear his gaze away from Jane. How could he ? As soon as she reached the stage, a powerful energy seemed to take possession of her. Her meekness gave way to an incredible charisma. He had seen her perform for a few months now, and still it struck him. His pride was written all over his face. Will smiled and checked the time on his phone. Mrs Bennet must have gotten the flowers by now. He hoped she was happy with them, and that it made up for his bad attitude, at least a little. He had been too quick to judge her. Truth be told, she wasn't that bad. Her behaviour may not be the most delicate, but every parent wants the best for their children. He couldn't blame her for that. And sometimes, the best comes in the shape of a sandy-blond singer and bass guitar player with a broken wrist. Jane could do a lot worse than Bingley. He was a gem. Nice, polite, sociable, funny, talented, and the list went on. With no drugs, nor scandal attached to his name, Charles was an oddity in the industry. And rich. Money may not buy happiness, but let's face it, it definitely helps improving one's life. Anybody would be delighted to find out their loved one was wealthy. For Jane Bennet, it was just the cherry on the cake, a happy bonus to her already perfect guy. Although, she would have had him even if he had been penniless, of that Darcy was sure now. The money weighed more on the mother's mind than on the daughter's. Of course her mom would be happy, in her own exuberant way, about this relationship, it was everything she had ever wanted for her daughter. Her eagerness to see her offspring well settled now seemed to Darcy to originate more from anxiety than from mere interest. Four children was quite a load nowadays, with the economy not giving any sign of improving, the housing market skyrocketing, and jobs that paid good money getting harder to find. On top of that, two of her daughters were pursuing studies in a clogged pathway, and the two others chose to work in an unstable business. Georgiana was Will's only responsibility, and even with money out of the equation, it was already stressful. Mrs Bennet had more than enough motives to fret. No, she was not bad at all. Maybe the flowers could become a new tradition ? One that would make her happy, he hoped, and at the same time, remind him to be nicer, and not to judge people too quickly. He liked that idea. As memories of that lunch came back to his mind, his mouth formed a thin line. One of his hands rubbed his neck, a gesture that betrayed his shame. Will had gradually felt guilty about his manners during the barbecue. His friend and cousin had made an effort to talk to the people present, whereas he had been brooding in a corner, gauging everyone and everything. A snort. What a wonderful guest. In retrospect, that was really rude. No better than the twins, really. How could he have done that ? If Georgiana had acted that way, he would have reproved her. Frustration furrowed his brows. He could be better than that. He needed to. That's the kind of attitude that had rightfully repeled the woman he loved. He was determined to be a better man, even if it didn't change her opinion of him. At least, his behaviour wouldn't make him blush anymore. But she had looked at him. And smiled, with those enchanting mischievous eyes of hers. If all she could offer him was friendship, he would take it. Heck, he would take every little crumb she would toss behind. It was his fault after all. The phone in his pocket buzzed. A text. Its content put a genuine smile on his face.