The mattress of the hotel bed felt like a feathered heaven. Will was spent. Not so much because of the drive to Kitty and Lydia's dorm and back to the airport, where the jet was, nor from the flight - that had been eventless and rather quick. This whole affair had drained him. He closed his eyes. He needed a drink, but he couldn't convince himself to get vertical just now. Fortunately, there was no show tonight.

Upon reaching the parking lot of her dorm, Lydia had started to enthusiastically wave at acquaintances, drawing all the possible attention to her, and then pouted because Will had refused to take his glasses off so people would recognise him. That girl just couldn't… For a second, he had thought about reconsidering his 'no female slapping' policy. She was the most infuriating creature that had ever lived. He could only hope that she had listened when he had repeated, again, that she was not to talk about his involvement to anyone. Kitty had almost fainted upon seeing them enter the room, but Will was quite sure that, despite her silent stupid looking nods, she had understood what he had told her. Well, he was almost certain. He sighed. From what Darcy had understood from Kitty's mumbling, Lizzie had texted her that she was driving to their parents' house, they were to meet there. Kitty would drive Lydia there, this way, if Wickham tried anything as moronic as trying to contact her again, she would be closely watched. But Darcy doubted the scumbag would make a move. Flight was surely going to be the dickhead's next plan. It usually was. A hand covered his closed eyes. The next step was going to be painful. Was it only this morning that he had been in this very room with Lizzy ? It seemed like years ago. Or maybe it was in a different life. A few days of pure felicity was apparently all he was allowed to have with her. Shit. His heart contracted. Her distress when she had left that room had been a hard sight. He would never forgive himself for that. Had she already arrived ? How was her drive ? Now was not a good time to call her, though. He still had a lot on his plate, and she needed to focus on her family. She might not even take his call anyway.

- Bastard.

The word echoed in the empty room.

-oOo-

The magnitude of what Lydia had done hit Lizzie hard while she was driving home. It felt like the car was driving itself to her parents' place. Everything felt surreal. Time was stretching and passing in a blur at the same time. Lizzie's mind was fractured, each part was reacting differently to what had happened. One was freaking out. 'What the actual fuck ?' was now the background music in her head. What was happening ? How could such a thing happen ? Lydia ? All bare on the internet ? Oh my fucking God ! Her parents were going to be devastated ! Her mom would never dare show herself in the neigbourhood again. Those pictures would hurt Jane's career. She was going to be labelled 'the sister of the girl who was naked on the internet', or something more creative and disgusting. Who would take her seriously after that ? Being a woman in the industry was hard enough, Jane didn't need that. Lizzie's pulse accelerated. What if Lou Hurst changed his mind about The Meryton Assembly's second album ? And Pemberley ? How would the boys react? Badly, for sure, and no one would blame them. Would Charles break up with Jane ? Would Richard take his distances with Lizzie ? Would Will… Her heart beat was matching her driving speed. The expression on his face when he had heard Wickham's name… her mind couldn't go there right now, it was too painful. Lizzie herself would be so ashamed, she already was. Would this damage her job opportunities ? Would future potential employers refer to those pics ? Or ask for some ? From her ? That thought turned her stomach and for a moment, she feared its content would spoil the inside of her rental car. Her hands tightened on the steering wheel in an attempt to stop them from shaking. How useful was she in all this, really ? On an impulse, she had told Kitty she was coming, to soothe her, but in truth, she had no idea what to do. Where could Lydia be ? She didn't know where Wickham lived. And even if she did, they may not be there. If she found them, how could she stop those pictures from getting released ? Did she have enough money for that ? How much would he ask ? Her texts and calls to Wickham had all gone unanswered. She felt powerless. Panic was slowly taking over. Her heart was hammering her ribcage so hard she wouldn't be surprised if a bone broke. Hot rage-filled tears started to blur her vision. Breathe, she needed to breathe.

When she couldn't take it anymore, the delusional part of brain kicked in and tried to temper the main part that was screaming at the tragedy like a wolf howling at the moon. No. Such a thing couldn't be happening. It was too big, too stupid, even for Lydia. She had misunderstood Kitty, that was the only possible explanation. Lizzie was going to get home, and her mom would cook her a delicious meal and her dad would send hidden barbs at her mom while winking at her. Everything would be as they always were. Except for this anxious waiting for news about the twins to know if she needed to prepare her parents for what the world wide web would see.

A quick glance at her phone and she saw a text from Jane. Lizzie had waited for her interview to actually start to text her a few words about the situation. No gruesome details, but enough for her to grasp that it was serious. Her sweetest sister was probably already worrying. And rightly so. What a gigantic mess. Her phone buzzed again. Another text. Kitty's name appeared on her screen. She froze. All the voices in her mind shut up at once. «Lydia with me. We're going home. See you there».

The night had already fallen when Lizzie reached her parents' house. A delightfully surprised Mrs Bennet greeted her at the door. In all this chaos, she had forgotten to let her parents know she was going to come.

- Lizzie, dear ! How nice to see you ! That's funny, Lydia and Kitty came tonight too ! They are upstairs in their room, doing whatever it is they do up there. One wonders really ! The house feels suddenly crowded, she giggled. Do come in, darling.

Her prattling went on as she ushered her daughter inside. All those hours on the road and Lizzie had not even thought to come up with an excuse for her presence that night. Let's hope the faint smile she could manage would be enough.

- Hi, mom.

According to the raised brows her dad welcomed her with from his favourite armchair, he was not that easily fooled. It was some kind of relief to know that even if he was more perceptive, he was less taking action. There was no interference to fear on his side. He was going to let things unfold from the comfortable position of the sarcastic spectator he chose for himself. But Lizzie dared him to find humour in this situation. For someone who never takes anything seriously, this was quite a test. She nodded to him and headed upstairs. Each of her legs weighed tons as she climbed up the steps. She wanted to know what had happened, and what was still to come, but was she ready for all the ghastly specifics ? Outside her sisters' bedroom door, she took a few fortifying breaths. No judging, comprehensive talking, patience… Why wasn't Jane here again ? She was much more suited for that kind of talk.

Turned out, Lizzie didn't have much talking to do. Lydia was giving her best drama queen interpretation, lying on her bed, walled-up in silence with her back turned to her sisters. Kitty gave a confused and inconsistent summary of how Lydia had reappeared. The key fact was that the pictures were destroyed and would never spread on the internet. Lydia was safe, and everybody with her. Though Lizzie didn't understand how this happy ending came about, she was more than relieved about it. All the tension left her body, leaving it so floppy she thought she might not be able to keep standing up. She had never thought she was going to go to bed comforted that night but she did. Lydia's case was solved, no damage was done. It was hard to believe. The apprehensiveness that had been eating her guts all day was gone. Yet, she didn't feel happy. Why had her sister done that ? She needed to talk to her on the following day, to understand and to make sure she wouldn't do it again. What was going through her mind ? Lizzie sighed. The late hour and the tiredness that heaped on her should be the perfect combination to fall into Morpheus' arms. However, her eyes remained open, staring at the screen of her phone. She was nervously biting her thumb nail. Should she call him ? It was late. But hearing his voice would be so soothing. She wanted to tell him that everything was ok, so.… So what ? So they could keep on ? That sounded like a plea. Intolerable. His angry face from the morning danced before her eyes. Was it only this morning ? That seemed so far away. She wouldn't bear it if he didn't answer her call, or worse, told her everything was over because her sister was stupid and a threat to him and his band. Which was true. She closed her eyes. A tear ran down her cheek. She wanted him to call her, so she would know he cared. Her phone remained mute. She put it on her nightstand and turned on the other side.

The next morning, Lizzie woke up feeling hardly rested. Sleeping alone, even in this very familiar bed, had not felt right. Great. Not even out of bed and she was already missing him. What a wonderful way to start her day. She growled, stretched out and headed downstairs. Her phone was left unchecked on her nightstand. No need to spoil the start of the day any further by noticing the lack of new messages or missed calls from a certain person. Jane had surely reached out after her late night text telling her things were good thanks to some Deus Ex Machinae. Her spirits shouldn't be so low after the tragedy they had just dodged, yet she couldn't find it in herself to be happy. Unlike her mother who seemed perfectly content while sipping her coffee. Her joyful welcome put a small smile on Lizzie's face. She sat down beside her mother with a steaming mug of coffee.

- Did you sleep well, dear ? Oh, just look at this blue sky. We are going to have another terribly hot day. I just can't stand this weather anymore. My poor nerves…

Her chattering kept on flowing. No answer or nod from Lizzie was required. Mrs Bennet kept her own conversation. Lizzie watched her with affection. She would never change. That was a comforting thought right now.

- Are Kitty and Lydia already awake ? Lizzie interrupted when her cup was empty.

- Yes they are. They came downstairs maybe an hour ago. Lydia went back up, but I don't know where Kitty went. All those coming and goings, it's hard to keep up.

- Thanks, mom.

Lizzie kissed her on the cheek and left the kitchen. A brassy noise was coming from the living room. On her way to the stairs, Lizzie stopped there. Her father was sitting in his usual chair reading, like this was the perfect peaceful spot for such an activity.

- You don't get any better, do you ? Lizzie teased Mary, who was walking on the keys of the family piano with as serious an expression as a cat can sport.

She sent her a smug look, challenging Lizzie to do better.

- Despite all the work she puts in it, her talent has not improved, her father declared while turning a page.

Mary dodged the patting Lizzie addressed her on her way out of the room. Lizzie giggled. This too would never change. She kept walking to the stairs and braced herself for the conversation she was about to have with Lydia. She needed to understand what had happened. And time was of the essence, there was a concert tonight. She had a long road ahead of her to be at the arena on time. Maybe coffee wasn't strong enough.

-oOo-

Will hadn't slept well that night either. Funny how fast one takes some habits. Like sleeping with the person you passionately love. As he expected, she had not texted nor called. Her full attention was on her family, as it should be. And she must hate him so hard now. Perhaps some new hate songs had appeared on her flash drive. His hands balled into fists and he picked up his pace. It was his own fault, he should have stopped Wickham earlier. His bad mood had not left him. He tried to control it, though. He didn't want his sister to think his ire was directed at her.

- Hey Georgie, can I talk to you ? Will asked calmly upon joining his sister by the pool.

Summer was in full swing. A splash in the cold water was just the thing to put up with the heat. Georgiana was lying on a deckchair wearing her usual oversized heart-shaped sunglasses. She smiled at him.

- Hey ! Sure, what it it ?

Her brother sat down near her and started rubbing his hands together. That was not a good sign.

- Do you… still have the letters ? he asked softly, trying to keep his tone casual.

By the way she tensed, he knew she understood what he was referring to. Her complexion was as white as her voice when she answered.

- Yes.

Her lips had moved, but he was not sure she had really uttered a sound. He fixed his gaze on hers and took her hand.

- I think it's time to do something with them, he added as sweetly as possible.

He knew these words would hit her hard. His heart broke. Slowly, Georgiana reached a sitting position. She had always known this day might come, but somehow, she hoped it wouldn't. All the blackmail letters George Wickham had sent to Will were safely hidden. She had read them once, the day her brother had given them to her. It had left her on the verge of throwing up. How could a man be this repulsive ? If she had had any doubt about his feelings for her, those letters made everything crystal clear : he had none. Then, she had never read them again. She wasn't even sure why she had kept them. Will had told her to do as she pleased with them, keep them, burn them, what ever she thought was best. For her, they were proof of how foolish she had been, how close she had been to ruining both her brother and herself. For her, they had become a token to remind herself never to be this stupid again. Now, they were just proof, it seemed.

- Everybody's going to know, she whispered, terrified.

Tears were already pooling in her eyes. She couldn't deny Will, though, he was right. It was high time to use them.

- We will give them to the police, they will open a case thanks to my notoriety. For once, it's going to help, a ghost of a smile appeared on his lips.

He was gently rubbing her arm, hoping to provide a quantum of solace.

- Word will possibly leak, he kept on.

A single tear traveled down her cheek. She was amazed she could still shed tears over this whole affair. She had done so over and over again. On this matter, she seemed to have an unlimited supply. Will saw it even though she bent her head. He took her sunglasses off, he needed her to see him.

- All we need to do is throw them a bigger bone.

His gaze was holding hers.

- I'm not pushing you into the lion's den unprotected.

He could only hope she could feel how determined he was.

Another bone ? She was terrified and puzzled. What was he going to do ? Put himself in danger. All because of her. Again. A second tear ran down her cheek. How much longer was she going to drag this squalid matter ? Will had already done so much for her. She knew him well, he was going to put himself in trouble to shield her. She slowly shook her head.

- Don't worry dearest, he took her into his arms. It's going to be alright. I promise, he whispered. When you are ready, call Matlock and tell him where the letters are, he continued after a pause. He'll know what to do.

Her answer was a simple nod. He hugged her again, then placed a kiss on her forehead.

- It's going to be OK, he repeated.

Will stayed with her about half an hour before Georgiana sent him away, pretending she needed some time alone. Otherwise, he would have spent the whole day by her side to make sure she was alright, she knew it. She couldn't keep being such a burden to him. One last sniff and she squared her shoulders. She could do this. She had to. It was time. Back to her room, she took her phone and dialled uncle Matlock's number.

A few hours before, Will had had a deeply unpleasant conversation with the older man. Revealing him what had happened to Georgiana with Wickham had been difficult, but sharing his weight had also felt like a relief. Both men agreed on what to do next. Matlock even had had the graciousness not to scold Will for not doing it earlier or talking to him sooner.

-oOo-

Lydia's eyes rolled so hard, Lizzie was sure her sister could see the back of her own skull. Had she always been this infuriating ?

- Lydia, she picked up again with a voice coated with a calm she didn't actually feel.

This conversation was going worse than she had expected. Her sister's sole aim for posing for these pictures sounded ridiculous.

- Fame ? Do you realise the harm all this could have done ? All the bad press for The Meryton Assembly ? You could have shattered the girls' prospect for opening for other big rock bands in the future, or for having a respectable career. It would eventually have drawn attention to Jane and Charles' relationship. And because of who took those pictures, it would have caused a massive scandal for Pemberley.

Lizzie's temper rose as she talked. Thoughtless girl ! How could she do this to her friends and to her sister ? Did she really not grab all the implications ? Was she that selfish ? This could have been an imaginable mess. Not to mention the harm it would have done to Georgiana. Everybody would have been touched by this affair. The more Lizzie thought about, the more bisections she saw. The scandal may have put an end to Jane and Charles' relationship, or Charlotte and Richard's. And she didn't even want to start thinking about Darcy. Had these pictures gone public, he would have been livid. Her heart squeezed painfully. He had been right about her sisters. How could she ever look him in the eye again ? This was embarrassment like she had never felt before, yet she was glad his reputation was undamaged. If she ever thought she could have had a second chance with him, the matter was now settled. The answer was no. Her heart was in a million pieces. Thank God for whatever had destroyed those pictures. The importance of what they had escaped hit Lizzie so hard she stopped talking. Unfortunately, her sister was not deprived of speech. She had spent the last quarter of the hour explaining to her older sister that these pics were her key to celebrity.

- Come on Lizzie, don't be such a prude ! Lydia cried. This is the 21st century. People don't become famous for what they do anymore. Why work hard when you can have it easy ? Fame is fame, no matter where it comes from, she waved her wrist. I'm not the first one to do this, and I won't be the last. I want to be famous, I don't mind the means. Bad press is better than no press, I'm sure the girls would have thanked me eventually. Just think of all the albums they would have sold thanks to me.

For a moment, frustration tied Lizzie's tongue. How could her sister think that ? There seemed to be no point in continuing this discussion. She closed her eyes for a second. For the first time, the shame she felt because of her sister's thoughts was greater than any humiliation her behaviour had ever brought upon her. Lydia pouted in front of the mirror.

- I doubt Pemberley would have thanked you for tarnishing their reputation, Lizzie uselessly pointed out after opening her eyes again.

- Tssss, what is it to them, a little story ?

Lizzie almost choked on her words. 'A little story'? This was earthquake-size. She opened her mouth to contradict Lydia, but her sister went on.

- You're just jealous, she retorted without taking her eyes from her own reflexion. You played with them yet nobody knows your name ! she laughed.

There it was, the typical 'I think I'm better than you, so you must be jealous because you didn't make it' answer.

- Don't you want to be proud of yourself ? Lizzie asked, genuinely puzzled.

Mentioning their parents was useless, Lydia apparently didn't care at all. The extent of her selfishness was a shock to Lizzie. Her little sister finally turned around and faced her.

- I'll be proud once a lot of people know my name.

- They won't know you for the good reasons, Lizzie tried.

Her sister sighed heavily, rolling her eyes even harder.

- You're not very good at psychology, are you ?

- Apparently not, Lizzie conceded.

On this, at least, they agreed.

- There are no good or bad reasons. Reputation, honor, those are just words. Being famous is a fact. If I don't care how I become a star, why should anybody ?

- Because you hurt people in the process ! Lizzie exploded. Do you understand ? We're talking about your family and your friends !

Maybe mentioning George would make her react, she seemed taken with him. If only she could tell her about Georgiana, she was sure her story would touch her. But it was a confidence Will had trusted Lizzie with, and she was not going to break it.

- Wickham used you, Lizzie tried.

- Not as much as I used him, Lydia laughed. There was something to win for both of us. And again, she said, fixing her eyes on her sister through the mirror and waving her wrist in that annoying way of hers, I don't mind.

Lydia was back to examining herself in the mirror. It was fruitless. No amount of talking would do. Maybe hitting her with a brick would knock some sense into her. Right now, Lizzie would gladly try. For science. That was it, the tiniest bit of hope Lizzie still nursed that her sister could see reason disappeared, like a candle blown out by the wind of nonesense. Lydia seemed suddenly physically very far away. Both girls had always been quite different, but the gap between them had never been this wide. It felt like they were not even talking the same language. There was nothing to be done for Lydia. Lizzie felt sad. She was out of reach. What would her future hold ? Could Kitty escape her twin's bad influence ? Lizzie hoped so. If only her father had done something when Lydia was younger. But would it even had been enough ? Fortunately, Jane was not there to witness this.

- Ugh ! Why are we even discussing that ? I'm never going to be famous, thanks to Darcy, the younger girl spat.

Lizzie's chaotic train of thought derailed. Her mind was suddenly empty and blank. What ? Darcy ? Why was he involved ? What did he have to do with all of this ?

- Darcy, she managed to mumble the only word that echoed in her mind.

Lydia let an angry sigh out.

- He's the one who found us and deleted the pictures, and, oh yeah, she suddenly recalled, I wasn't supposed to mention it, oops ! she giggled. Just pretend you didn't hear anything ok ? Why make it a secret, anyway, she kept on.

Lydia's speech faded into a buzzing noise. Darcy ? He had found them ? He had been looking for them in the first place ? He had destroyed the pictures ? How ? Why ? When ? The room was slightly spinning when she got out. Why ? Her mind didn't seem to be able to formulate questions in full. Her brain was frantically searching for reasons to explain this behaviour she couldn't understand. His motivations were impenetrable. He wasn't related to Lydia, why would her fate matter to him ? Well, she would be able to ask him in person tonight if she hurried to hit the road. There was not much more for her to do at her parents' house anyway. Her sermon to Lydia had probably been in vain, but she had done her duty. Thankfully, packing only took her a few minutes. She couldn't miss tonight's concert.

- Nice flowers, mom, Lizzie remarked as she crossed the living room.

How could she have missed such a massive bouquet when she came ? Easy : Lydia and her drama was monopolising her attention.

- Thank you ! Mrs Bennet beamed. It's from Mr Darcy, oh but you surely know that, she kept on. Make sure you thank him for me, I had no way to do so, I don't have his phone number of course, the thought made her giggle.

The name stopped Lizzie on her tracks so violently, she almost fell over.

- Darcy ? once again, his name was the only word she managed to utter.

She could only watch, dumbstruck, legs rooted to the floor and arms dangling, as her mother rearranged the already perfect flowers. Darcy had sent her mother flowers ? On which planet was she ? The idea seemed ludicrous. Why on earth would he do that ? Was everybody in her house going to talk about him ? She feared addressing her dad, who had not moved from his favourite armchair. Maybe Darcy was the one who had recommended the book he was reading. That would be entirely too much. Jane, she needed to talk to Jane. Her bag was abandoned on the living room floor. She found herself in her room again. Jane had been broadly informed through texts but a call would be most welcome. She was mostly silent during the first half of the conversation when Lizzie painted all the events, including her talk with Lydia. Lizzie could almost see her older sister shake her head, sadness clouding her face.

- Oh, Lydia, Jane only said.

- Yeah… Lizzie agreed although her tone was deprived of Jane's sorrow.

During the silence that followed, Lizzie had debated with herself. Should she tell Jane about Darcy's role in all this ? Lydia had told her it was supposed to be a secret, that's what he wanted. She didn't want to break it, but she was so confused she needed someone to talk about it.

- Jane ?

- Hmm ?

Lizzie chewed on her lower lip.

- Darcy's the one who found them and deleted the pics, she confessed.

- What ?

- I know right ? Why did he go after Wickham and Lydia ? It makes no sense, she exclaimed, more energetically than she intended.

This question had being bugging her ever since Lydia had let it slip, and still she couldn't find any plausible answer.

- Maybe because he knows Wickham ? Jane tried. You told me he did something really bad.

- That sounds very heroic, but to save a girl he despises ? Lizzy's snort was half sob.

It then turned into a watery chuckle.

- He even sent mom a gigantic bouquet for her birthday.

- Oh, that's so sweet ! I'll thank him when I see him later.

Jane's voice was more serious when she added.

- It's a girl who happens to be our sister, and he seems quite protective when it comes to family. I'm so thankful for what he did. I can't imagine what would have happened if he had not found them…

Lizzie could, she had spent hours doing exactly that and freaking out about it. Was it for them that he had done it ? Or for Charles, so his friend wouldn't be linked to a scandal ? Could be. Some motion noise interrupted her thoughts.

- Hang on, Jane said.

A muffled conversation was conducted in the background.

- Lizzie ? Charles just told me he wanted to send the jet to get you here quicker, but Caroline took it to go back to New York.

- That's some more good news ! Let's hope there are plenty of gluten free snacks on board this time.

Jane laughed but didn't admonish her, proof that she wouldn't miss Charles' sister either.

- It's OK, I'll drive back as soon as we hang up, Lizzie continued.

- Drive carefully. It doesn't mater if you're late for the show, Charles will play his part again tonight, the doctor gave him the green light.

Lizzie's breathing stopped. That was it. The end of the replacement. She had played her last concert with them and she had not even been aware of it. Her chest squeezed painfully. What a wonderful gig it had been. Will and her, playing together, having so much fun. This memory would be cherished for the rest of her life. Suddenly, something in her broke. It would never happen again. Her mouth went dry as she said :

- He must be very happy, she cleared her throat, hopping it would mask the trembling in her voice. Well, I'd better hurry anyway, I'm still a tech on their tour.

She hoped it didn't sound as bitter as she felt.

There was one more task to accomplish before heading back to the tour. One for which Darcy's support would have been appreciated. Nope, she could do it, it was her family after all, why would he have anything to do with it ? The smile that had brighten Mrs Bennet's face that morning came back to Lizzie's mind. It was going to disappear. But she had no choice. Sitting in the rental car, already many miles away from her parents' house, she was still viewing her parents' expressions when she had told them about Wickham, Lydia, the pictures and what they intended to do with it. For once, her mother had gone mute, which had been quite alarming. The sardonic glint had been absent of her father's eyes, of that Lizzie had been thankful. If he didn't take any action to check Lydia's behaviour, at least he understood how serious all this affair was, and how worse it could have been. Her mother's lips had shaken with quivers. When she had found her voice again, she had asked if all this was not a misunderstanding. Her precious Lydia. She couldn't do such a thing. Why didn't anybody check on her ? Why indeed ? Lizzie had asked herself. And who was this Wickham guy ? Did they know him ? Why had they not met ? At that moment, Lizzie realised that her mother's image of Lydia and her actual sister were diametrically opposed. She had no idea how wild Lydia's night life was. Lizzie shook her head, and turned the radio on, hoping to get her mind off this sordid business. Nothing had happened, yet, everything was now different. She was taking the same road as on the outward journey, but the return felt like she was heading to the wrong future, a future from which Darcy was absent. Hum. « Heading To The Wrong Future», that sounded like a good song title. Maybe her sad songs were going to be as good as her hate songs.