Can you believe it ?! Another chapter ! And here I was, thinking that with the kids back to daycare and school, things would be less chaotic... does this life-thing ever slow down ? Real question. Well, I still managed to post this chapter (woohoo !) and chapter 25 is not far from being done (woohoo again). We are getting there. Truth be told, I never thought this story would be so long. Hope you enjoy it !
Georgiana's timing was well planned, for she arrived on the eve of a one-night break, thus allowing her to enjoy her brother's and her cousin's free time. That her finals were behind her only sweetened the moment even more. However, she had not anticipated to find an enamoured Richard. His history with women was no mystery to her, therefore, his behaviour towards Charlotte seemed out of character. Still, it was nothing to her brother's attitude. He had specifically introduced her to a woman he had already talked about in positive terms. That was more than intriguing. Georgiana's stay promised to be interesting. Maybe she was going to extend it a little beyond the two days she had originally planned. Her disappointment was understandable, when the next morning, Lizzie joined other technicians for breakfast instead of the bands. Georgiana was determined to know more, in her shy and cautious way, about the woman who had picked her brother's interest. It was more than just interest, really. That Will couldn't keep from stealing angry glances towards the table Lizzie was sitting at had Georgiana smiling to herself. How unlike him, but this uncharacteristic lovestruck attitude made that powerful and charismatic man appear more human. How reassuring that he sometimes behaved like everybody else. Maybe he even had insecurities.
- A few more weeks, and it's Christmas time ! Simon, the sound tech, said cheerfully after gulping down his coffee.
Lizzie's puzzled look passed over everyone at the table. Everybody was smiling and nodding.
- Christmas in August ? she inquired.
- Oh, I forgot it's your first time on tour with Pemberley ! Simon recalled.
He happily chewed on his eggs before explaining.
- At the end of the tour, the entire crew gets a generous bonus, provided you worked correctly.
A few other bites of eggs disappeared from his plate.
- And if you did, they'll call you back for the next tour. Trust me, he added with a grin, you want to.
Lizzie's fingers gripped her mug harder. Oh no, I don't. What kind of hell would it be to work again for Pemberley with all this history between Darcy and her ? Anyway, the question wouldn't arise because she would never accept. This tour was her first and last with Pemberley, and it was going to end with the summer. Her throat tightened. So soon. A few more weeks, and she would never see him again, except through the screen of her computer or on the paper of trashy magazines. It would be a relief, even if her heart would keep bleeding for weeks. At least, she hoped it would only be weeks and not months. Or years. Sam's chuckles teared her from her musings.
- A couple of years ago, I dropped out of another band's tour as soon as I heard that Pemberley was starting theirs. I'm their bitch, he happily related.
The whole table erupted in laughter.
- Yeah, with the way we're treated and the money we make, I think we all are, John added.
- They basically spoiled me. I can't settle for less luxurious hotels now, Tony, one of the security guys, shook his head. Your bonus is going to be big, he elbowed Lizzie with dancing brows.
Her puzzlement shown through her frown.
- You played with them, he explained. For weeks.
The thought of a retribution had never crossed her mind. She turned to Darcy. He was speaking with his sister, that gentle expression lighting his face every time he set eyes on his sibling. It did make sense. She should be happy to make a good amount of money, after all, she worked for it. Then why wasn't she ? She was not going to refuse, she had bills to pay, and well, life in general, but she was sure it would not feel as satisfying as it should. The matter lingered at the back of her mind during the remainder of the breakfast.
Georgiana's dish and mug had been empty for a good 20 minutes now. If she drank one more coffee, she would be awake for the next 48 hours. And would have to remain less than 30 feet away from a bathroom in the meantime. Was Lizzie never going to get up and go ? She had planned to casually follow her out of the room. She was sure that if Lizzie spotted her walking nearby, she would start talking to her, and Georgiana counted on that. Unlike Lizzie, she was quite bad at starting a conversation with people out of the blue. And terrified of doing so. Mostly frightened, in fact. Even more so when it involved people she liked. She was so stressed of sounding uninteresting and stupid that she usually just kept silent and wished she was braver and cleverer. She settled for listening to the ongoing conversations around the table while keeping an eye on Lizzie's moves. Her silence being customary, it attracted nobody's attention. When Lizzie's chair scraped the floor, thanks to the caffeine, Georgiana almost jumped from hers. Her smile and nod to her brother, who was just getting up as well, told him he could keep enjoying his bandmates' company while she left. Indeed, her plan worked just fine, for as soon as Lizzie saw her walking behind her, she immediately engaged her in some banter. Damn, that sounded so easy, how did people do that ? After a couple of minutes of conversation, Georgiana was sure that nobody, except maybe Caroline Bingley, could hate Lizzie Bennet. But hating every other women was Caroline's default setting, so that didn't really count as an opinion. Not once did Georgiana feel like she needed to run away to the shelter of solitude. Lizzie's sportive way of talking was sometimes unsettling, but Georgiana was starting to get used to it. Did Will like that ? Her brother was indifferent to women swooning in front of him. Did Lizzie tease him ? Did he enjoy that ? Even though she wanted to know if Lizzie's feelings matched her brother's, Georgiana did not dare direct the conversation openly to the topic of her brother, so they kept talking about music and violin in particular.
- I have this song I recorded, Lizzie was talking about the songs she wrote and recorded on her own. It sounds really good, but I have the feeling that some violin could take it to the next level. It has motivated me to practice these last weeks.
Lizzie smiled gently at the young girl.
- Unfortunately, I'm unable to play three notes without sounding like a cat that has been thrown into a bucket of water.
Georgiana's chuckles melted with hers. The corridors stretched a little more until they could reach the elevator.
- I can play for you, Georgiana said softly.
Her cheeks slowly turned pink as she realised what she had just offered. The words had come spontaneously out of her mouth. She liked Lizzie. She was welcoming, and warm and hilarious. And her brother liked her. She wanted to do something for her. Playing the violin was no chore, far from it. But she had never played with someone she didn't know. She could hardly perform in front of an audience. What if she was not talented enough ? According to Will, Lizzie was proficient in playing multiple instruments. What if she ruined the flushed ?
Amazement turned Lizzie's head in Georgiana's direction. Her highlighted face betrayed her embarrassment. Lizzie smiled.
- That's really sweet of you, thank you. But you don't have to go through with it if it makes you uncomfortable. It's only a song, she shrugged. It can wait until the tour is over. Then, my dad will be able to play for me, or resume his teaching. He's a skilful musician.
For a moment, the ringing of the floors the elevator was passing was the only sound echoing in the small space. Shit, did she offend her ? Did she sound ungrateful ? Lizzie hoped not, she couldn't imagine what it had cost the younger girl to offer to play. She was looking for words to express her gratitude when, head held higher, Georgiana spoke with a slightly firmer voice.
- No, I'd like to do it. I mean to follow my word.
It was high time for her to take risks.
With her demeanour turned serious, the resemblance to her brother was uncanny. Lizzie's heart pinched. The Darcys were nice and loyal people. She breathed out. How could she have missed it? For the thousandth time at least, she felt like the stupidest person on the planet.
- I really appreciate your offer, she squeezed the girl's shoulder.
She hoped the gesture conveyed the depth of her feelings.
- It would be an honour to have you play on my song. Thank you.
Georgiana smiled to her, cheeks flushed by pleasure this time. She looked her younger self again.
- I have it on my flash drive in my room, shall we hear it now ? Lizzie asked as the doors opened.
She then stopped.
- Or maybe you had plans with your brother or cousin this morning ? It can wait. I don't want to impose on you.
Will's sister shook her head and they reached her room.
- Ok then. There, Lizzie said, while fussing with her laptop. It's this one, here we go !
A sad melody filled the room. A voice came out of the computer, soft at first, more powerful moments later. Georgiana was hooked. She sat straighter on her chair. Lizzie's voice really was something. Now she understood what Will had told her about her singing. Emotional, expressive, solid. Then, the drums kicked in, big, pulsing though her, shaking her. And the lyrics. This was a song about disillusion, disenchantment, about realising you were wrong, but devoid of anger or bitterness.
All the walls of dreaming, they were torn wide open.*
Slowly, Georgiana's hands, resting on her thighs, grasped her skirt. She could feel it, all of it. So, that was what music was capable of. After her dealings with Wickham, she had thrown herself into music to forget. She wanted to look the other way, to think about something else. She had no idea what had happened to Lizzie, but this song was her dealing with her problems. Lizzie was facing them. This was what she should have done. Use music to express her feelings and heal. Music should have been a tool, not a way to escape. Hiding was pointless. She had been doing it wrong. She turned to face Lizzie. Lizzie's gaze was unfocused, she was listening to her song with a professional ear.
- There, she held her index up, there should be some violin right here.
She hummed the melody and abruptly, she turned her face to Georgiana.
- What do you think ?
The young girl tried to concentrate on the air, but the lyrics spoke to her.
All my bones began to shake, my eyes flew open
No more calling like a crow for a boy, for a body in a garden
No more dreaming like a girl so in love so in love*
Yeah, a little violin would do great, she answered when the song ended. Let me go get my instrument, she mumbled while getting up from her chair.
She was determined to be part of this.
###
- Perfect ! Thank you so much ! she exclaimed while hugging Georgiana. I'll work on that later and add your violin part to the song. We'll listen to it when everything is done, I already know it's going to be epic, Lizzie said while saving the files on her computer. Would you like to sing in the chorus as well ?
They had been working on the song for half an hour. The younger girl's talent was impressive. She had captured the melody right away and in a few takes, everything was set. Georgiana was putting her bow down, taken aback by the question.
- I… I've never sung before, she quietly replied.
Sure, she wanted to take risks, but that was a lot for one shot, was it not ?
- You've never wanted to give it a try ? Lizzie inquired nicely.
Georgiana pondered the question but didn't answer.
- You've added so much to the song already, your violin piece definitely is what was missing. Your voice would be awesome on it, Lizzie smiled.
She could see Georgiana was tempted. The song meant so much to her already. Because of the lyrics, that expressed what she felt after Wickham, and because it coaxed her into doing something new.
- In the end, it's going to blend with mine, and surely Jane's, Maria's, and Charlotte's. They usually sing on my songs, was Lizzie's last argument.
That was only one more step, a shaky and terrified little voice inside Georgiana's head told her.
- Hum… okay…I can try, she agreed.
Lizzie's smile was huge.
- Fantastic ! Lizzie stood up and put an arm around her shoulders. It's going to be fine, it's much easier than it seems. Let me get the lyrics for you, she started searching in a stack of papers on the small table in the middle of the room. Where did I put it ? Oh well, as Richard said, just prattle anything that comes to your mind, no one will notice.
Georgiana giggled.
- He really said that ?
- Oh yes he did ! A few hours before I was about to sing in front of thousands of people, like it's no big deal. He's quite laid back, isn't he ? she added, still looking for her papers.
The giggles turned into laughter.
- He definitely is, Georgiana admitted.
The lyrics were nowhere to be found, so Lizzie quickly scribbled the words on a piece of paper. When the mic was set, Lizzie had managed to calm Georgiana and make her laugh so much that singing seemed less impressive. She played the song again and sang with Georgiana.
- Your voice is…
What could be the right word to qualify such an expressive and mighty voice ?
- Loud ? Lizzie offered. Please don't say that, I'm already holding back so the building doesn't collapse, she winked at the young girl who laughed. I love the part where you whisper, it's perfect.
A pink halo covered Georgiana's cheeks once more.
- I… didn't know what to do, she mumbled.
- And you couldn't decipher my poor writing, she winked at the young girl. It's perfect, really, Lizzie repeated. An ideal contrast with my, let's say, strong vocals.
###
Georgiana's absence was strange. When the night before she had texted Will as the show was about to begin, saying she was coming to spend a few days with them, he had thought she meant to spent time with him. Yet, he had not seen her since breakfast. He shouldn't worry, she had seemed happy, and she was 20 after all. What could possibly happen to her in a fancy hotel where half the guests were his crew members ? Surely, she had answered the pool's call, the day was hot after all, and she loved to swim. Yeah, that must be it. As the thought crossed his mind, Darcy relaxed and could catch again what Charles and Jane were talking about. The three of them were coming back from a walk in the lovely neighbourhood and settling in a remote booth in the empty hotel bar to get some much needed fresh drinks. He would still check near the pool later, just to be sure.
- I love that movie, Jane was saying. The scenery is amazing.
- I've never seen it, Charles answered. We could watch it tonight.
Will caught the bar tender's attention and ordered some drinks. Jane's phone buzzed when the waiter brought their order.
- A message from Mrs Gardiner, she explained. She's here, she'll be joining us in a few minutes.
A few mouthfuls of cold drinks later, the manager of The Merton Assembly was heading in their direction.
- Hello, Mrs Gardiner !
Charles' energetical welcome broke the silence of the place.
- Do you want something to drink ?
The older woman still had to answer that he was already waiving at the waiter. She smiled her thanks and cleared her throat.
- I have some news for The Meryton Assembly.
Her pointed look towards Jane was asking her if she wanted the two of them to talk about it in private. Jane shook her head. She would relate it to Charles anyway. She had taken on opening more to him lately, in part to avoid further misunderstandings, and she found out she liked it. He was so supportive and proud of her, she felt lucky she could share her career with him.
- I just heard back from Lou Hurst, Mrs Gardiner informed Jane.
She paused. A bright smile illuminated the young woman's face. She had been waiting anxiously to know what their producer thought about the demos they had sent him. Charles' smile matched hers. Both were in opposition with Mrs Gardiner's mien. A small crest was crossing her forehead. She exhaled and continued.
- He cannot produce your next album. I'm sorry, dear, she added as she reached for Jane's hand.
Jane's smile slowly vanished and the room darkened. The depth of her disappointment was kept in check. Traces of her disenchantment were visible only in the curve of her lips.
- Oh. Did he say why ?
- Financial difficulties, her manager answered as she flipped through the pages of the clipboard that never left her side. Though he is sure to get back on his investment, he needs to make a lot of money right now, and he doesn't feel like you girls are bankable enough, she explained in a business-like tone.
Her professional mask slipped once her eyes rested on Jane again.
- I'm so sorry. I'm disappointed, not as much as you are of course, but I am sad. I know your worth. I've already made a list of potential producers we can send the demos to. If you like, we'll get through the list together with the girls.
She paused, not sure what the right words to lift Jane's spirit were.
- I told you I'm the bearer of bad news on tours, she added with a small smile.
Her comment put on Jane's face a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
- I'm always happy to see you nevertheless, she squeezed the hand her manager was still holding.
- But you are opening for us ! exclaimed a shocked and incredulous Charles. Surely, that must count as some kind of… he frantically searched for the right word, insurance ? You're going to take off, for sure !
He turned to Darcy for support, then sat closer to Jane and gently stroked her back. That was a hard blow, even if she was not showing anything, Charles knew she was shaken. Nobody would expect a producer to back off in the middle of a very successful tour. Will's brow was knitted. He knew that producer. A decent guy, indolent-looking, but he did good work. That he needed money was no surprise, but passing on The Meryton Assembly's next album was a mistake. The band was very talented. Opening for Pemberley only gave them an additional little push towards the lights they were already heading to. Insurance. Charles' word echoed in his mind. He was right. That's exactly what they needed, someone to vouch for them.
- Jane, Darcy called her name to get her attention. Please, allow me.
Under three pairs of surprised eyes, he took his phone out of his pocket and dialled a number. The ringing phone was put on speaker and placed on the table.
- Lou Hurst speaking ? a slightly deformed voice answered.
- Hello, Hurst, William Darcy here.
As always, there was a small pause, followed by what sounded like someone sitting straighter in his chair and putting papers away.
- Mr. Darcy, the voice was lethargic yet shaking a little. How are you ? What can I do for you ?
The Darcy effect had stricken once again. Will automatically switched to his business tone.
- I heard that you declined producing a young band's second album, The Meryton Assembly.
Jane's eyes went wide and she shook her head no, a complete contrast to Charles's huge grin as both understood where Will wanted to take this conversation to.
- Ah. Yes, I did, the producer admitted. They are good, but the timing is not optimum for me.
- So I heard.
A short sharp answer. Few words, but enough to condemn his poor management. Lou Hurst cleared his throat, clearly annoyed to be taken to task.
- I can safely assume that you would change your mind if the band had some kind of insurance, Will declared.
A few silent breaths came from the phone.
- What kind of insurance ? Hurst slowly asked.
- The kind that would cover the expected album sales.
A few other silent breaths, and the voice sounded more concentrated when he added.
- I'm listening.
Darcy looked at Jane and Mrs Gardiner in turn before continuing.
- Should the album sell poorly, the insurance will pay you an upper limit you will define. If it's a success, and it will be, Will pointed, the insurance won't ask anything from you.
At the other end of the line, a ball pen was being clicked numerous times in a slow pattern. The deal was tempting, only a fool would deny it. The producer wouldn't have minded knowing why the famous William Darcy of all people, was getting involved, but he knew better than to ask. The man's excellent reputation was rightly earned. Hurst knew from previous work experiences that Darcy honoured his contracts, and that he was true to his word. And that he would not hesitate to cancel this contract if Hurst was being too curious. And he couldn't afford to lose such a juicy deal.
- Sounds more than fair, the producer agreed.
- One mention of my name or of Pemberley and the contract is null and void, you'll be submitted to charges and pressed to pay double what you earned, Will commanded. Of course, the band will get 20%.
Unfortunately, that was the moment Mrs Gardiner chose to take a mouthful of her drink. She tried as much as possible to choke in silence. Only Darcy would have the balls to negotiate their margin with a producer that initially declined working with them.
- Of course, Hurst grunted reluctantly.
- My lawyer will contact yours in a few days to go over the details of the contract, Will concluded.
- Always a pleasure to do business with you, Mr. Darcy. Goodbye.
- Goodbye, Hurst.
When the call ended, Mrs Gardiner's lips were a thin line, and Jane looked horrified. Charles, on the other hand, was beaming.
- I can't ask that of Pemberley, Jane whispered.
- It's not Pemberley, it's me, and you're not asking, I'm offering, Will corrected. It's the least I can do. Besides, it's not going to cost me anything, you're going to make it.
Now, time to address a reserved Mrs Gardiner. Was she furious with him for pulling strings for her band ?
- My lawyer will send you the contract before it reaches Hurst, so you can double check every little line. My name won't be mentioned anywhere, nor will Pemberley, and you can be assured of Hurst's discretion, it would cost him too much. You don't owe me anything, and neither does the band.
Mrs Gardiner blinked a few times. With such a short phone call, he was able to achieve what she could never have offered to her band. Money can be a very useful tool, but Will's charisma was what truly did the trick and impressed her.
- Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Darcy.
Her expression softened as soon as the words were out of her mouth. She was beyond grateful. Darcy was saving them months of time and a lot of money. If his frown was any clue, her gratefulness didn't seem to please him, so she stopped all the other thankful words that were about to fall from her lips. Darcy didn't want her gratitude, nor that of the band. If the remaining members could be kept ignorant of his role in this business, he would prefer it. Charles, with all his golden retriever energy, saved him the trouble of searching for a change of subject by exclaiming.
- Excellent ! This calls for celebration ! How about we all go to the restaurant ? My treat !
His cheerfulness was infectious, and soon the various feelings of everybody around the table turned to joy.
###
- It's all about the tension of the string, Lizzie calmly explained.
As hard as she tried, she just couldn't do it. She sighed and tried again.
- Let your fingers work alone, you don't need to think about it, Lizzie peacefully added.
Georgiana concentrated. Her fingers couldn't get the right grip, the string was either too tight or too sloppy.
- This is a mess, the young girl quietly stated while lifting a tangle of pink yarn.
Tearing her gaze from her own work, Lizzie beheld the web Georgiana had created and giggled.
- I already knew it, but now we definitely have proof that dexterity in crochet doesn't help in violin and vice versa. Here, let me help you sort this out.
Both girls grabbed one end of the yarn and started working on the knot. After the recording, some meaningless activity was required. Since Georgiana had played for Lizzie, sang with her and accepted to help her with her violin practice, Lizzie struck a bargain and offered to teach her crochet in return. It seemed that Georgiana was going to require additional lessons.
Now that he was standing in front of the door of her room, his fist raised to knock, doubt bested Will. Maybe Jane should have been the one to come. It would have looked more natural. Would it seem that strange that it was him ? Would she think it queer ? Oh bast it ! He exhaled forcefully through his nostrils. He should have thought about that when he all but jumped at the opportunity to go and get Lizzie for this lunch Bingley insisted on. Darcy breathed out. He was not even sure she was in her room. Her room. And to say he had shared bed with her a few nights. Those memories set his skin ablaze. Stop it. He knocked before other useless thoughts polluted his mind. After a few seconds, the door opened on his sister. His eyes creased.
- Georgiana, he flatly said.
It was a statement, not a question. Why question reality ? His sister was standing in front of him.
- Hi, he added. I had not thought I would find you here.
- Hi, Will. Lizzie is teaching me to crochet.
She turned her head towards the sofa, and Will followed her gaze to the place where Lizzie was fighting with a ball of yarn.
- It's not going very well, Lizzie admitted, her serious tone belied by her smile.
His sister and Lizzie, doing some domestic common activity together. His heart swelled in his chest. This was heaven. If only it could happen again, often, preferably in his home. He noticed Georgiana's pointed look on him and cleared his throat. Crap.
- I came in search of Lizzie. The Meryton Assembly has got some good news and Charles wants to take everybody to lunch. You're included, obviously, he clarified to his sister.
Lizzie's head had jerked up when he said he came for her. Her heart had raced, but that was not the «for her» she had hoped for. Focus on friendship. They were on talking terms, that was really good already. Don't be greedy.
- What good news ? she asked, standing up and putting the yarn away.
She would have to cut it, it was hopeless. Will slowly rubbed his neck. How to put that ?
Was he aware of how sexy this gesture was ? Maybe she should tell him, so he could avoid doing it. What would she look like if she swooned every time he lifted his hand ?
- Mrs Gardiner heard back from the producer. The band will soon be heading to the studio to record their second album.
Nothing untrue. Happiness sparkled in her eyes, she clasped her hands together and for a moment he thought that she was going to hug him. Please do.
- That's fantastic ! I agree with Charles, let's have lunch and drink to that !
Her enthusiasm raised the corners of Will's mouth. An uninitiated person might have missed this display of pleasure but his sister didn't. She would have to have a talk with him tonight to know what exactly was going on between the two of them.
Both bands as well as Georgiana, Lizzie, Caroline and Mrs Gardiner were soon gathered in the lobby where Charles informed them that he had found a Lebanese restaurant that promised to be delicious. After the phone call, Jane and her manager agreed not to make a secret of Darcy's involvement to the other band members. They went in search of Charlotte and her sister and related the events to them with the explicit recommendation not to show him any sign of gratitude. Both Lucas girls were puzzled, but if that is the way he wanted it, then be it. And now, the two people who had made the possibility of a second album, by their technical skills and creativity and their influence, a reality were sitting side by side, having what seemed to be a pleasant conversation. How funny, Jane thought. Lizzie and Darcy were too engrossed in their discussion to notice that Jane's was not the only pair of eyes set on them. By their side, Georgiana was not missing a beat. She had been astonished at her own boldness when, upon entering the restaurant, she had quickly taken the seat beside her brother. The one where Caroline's hand was already on. Richard had seen the move and winked at her as he sat himself on Caroline's other side, thus making sure she would be deprived of conversation during the whole meal. Georgiana was too tongue tied to talk to her and Richard would not address her, not that Caroline would willingly speak to him, they were like water and oil, they just couldn't mix. Besides, Charlotte was sitting opposite him, and she had his full attention. For all Richard knew, Caroline could rot right there.
- To the lovely and skilled ladies of The Meryton Assembly ! Richard raised his glass after the drinks had been served.
- May your second album have all the success it deserves, Charles wholeheartedly added.
Darcy's raised glass emphasised his bandmates' words.
Jane blushed becomingly and thanked everyone for their support. Darcy appreciated her discretion when, stating so, her gaze didn't linger on him. Maria turned red from all the attention.
- Maybe next time you'll be opening for us, Charlotte teased in her tong-in-cheek way.
Caroline's gasp of outrage at such brass was drowned in Charles', Richard's and Lizzie's laughter.
- It would be our pleasure, Richard half bowed to a smirking Charlotte and blew her a kiss from across the table.
Charles' eyes slowly went wide. Will could hear the intonation with which he was going to say that it was an awesome idea. Indeed, that would be quite fun. But the awaited sentence didn't pass the barrier of his lips. Instead, Charles turned to Jane. Both shared a sad smile. Will averted his eyes. This was personal. Nevertheless, he understood and shared their feelings. Soon, summer would be over, the tour would end, they would stop playing music together and being constantly together. Lizzie's laugh at some other thing Charlotte had said drew Will's attention. What was she going to do ? Did she already have plans for after ? The chances they would ever meet again were thin at best. Even if he wasn't going to see her again, at least, thanks to Jane and Charles' relationship, he would still hear from her. His heart contracted. A life without Elizabeth Bennet stretched ahead of him. A dull, stupid, boring life. If that was his fate, he better make the most out of the time he still had with her. Starting right now. Maybe he couldn't win her heart, but he could still enjoy her company. He patiently waited for her to finish her conversation with Mrs Gardiner before jumping in.
- Were you involved in The Meryton Assembly's demos ? Maria said you wrote songs for them. You seem to have some studio experience too.
- I was and I have, Lizzie smiled at him.
The next thirty minutes were nearly enough to tackle the subject of her patchwork career. From tour technician to studio musician and tech to some back up singing. That was usually not a subject people were interested in, she normally summarised it briefly and kept the professional jargon out of the way. But Darcy seemed interested, how refreshing to speak to someone who knew the business better than she did ! He had so much experience with every aspect of music making that she ended up asking more questions than he did. Thus, she learned a bit more about how he ended up a rock star, a boring story in fact, which made her laugh wholeheartedly. He then talked about the various tours he had made with Pemberley.
- Wow, you guys like to hit the road ! she commented, impressed by all the time they had spent touring.
- Don't you ? he asked.
The hum of satisfaction that came from the falafel she was eating prevented him from saying more. He breathed deeply.
- I do, it often feels like summer camp, she licked her fingers.
How on earth was he supposed to focus on what she was saying ? At least, his eyes were already on her mouth, that was a good start.
- The best part of being away is coming back home, she said wiping her fingers in her napkin. For as long as one can put up with one's parents, her eyes danced.
His mien lost a few shades of colour. What was the right thing to answer to that ? His blank mind raced to find an answer that would not insult her entire family. She dipped an other falafel in some delicious humous.
- My family can be crass, I don't know if you noticed, she told him, dead pan.
Will's heart resumed its beating. That woman would be the death of him. He sighed and smiled.
- I have no idea why you say that.
Lizzie's laughter to that was a mixture of snort and growl. Unchecked and utterly adorable. Will chuckled.
Two things were making Georgiana particularly happy during this lunch. Firstly, her brother talking and laughing with a woman he liked and that she liked as well. She had thought this day would never come. She was so happy for him. Number two : Caroline Bingley boiling beside her. On another setting, the young girl would have found this frightening, but not now. There was nothing Caroline could do to interrupt their conversation. Make it three, the food was incredible.
The food was indeed exquisite. Or was it the good company that made the dishes taste luscious ? Lizzie would gladly have a second or a third serving of Will's intelligent and interesting conversation. What she had mistaken for haughtiness was in fact a reserved temperament. He was not prone to chatter. When he had nothing valuable to say, he tended simply to listen with an expression that was a little too serious for the occasion. When the waiter cleared the dishes, Lizzie realised that she had not talked to anybody else during the whole meal. Embarrassed, she turned her head and spotted a devilish little grin on her sister's mouth. Her eyes narrowed and Jane faked innocence.
*the lyrics are from the song Binding by Florence and The Machine
