CHAPTER 1

7:30pm - A night in April.

Elizabeth Bennet – Lizzie, to her family and closest friends – surveyed her surroundings with satisfaction. As the newly hired Director of Programs for the Bingley Foundation, tonight was a major milestone in her first three months on the job. Dinner at the foundation's annual gala, the annual event for the Board of Directors to celebrate with major donors and community partners, was running smoothly. Guests murmured appreciatively over tender filet mignon and delicate sole meunière. Serving staff circled unobtrusively, refilling wine glasses here, retrieving and folding forgotten napkins there.

She caught a glance and a nod from her boss, Charlotte Lucas. Showtime. Lizzie excused herself from her dinner companions, and with a quick, light step ascended the small stage. The crowd quieted as they acknowledged her at the podium.

"Good evening. I'm Elizabeth Bennet, Director of Programs for the Bingley Foundation. Thank you all for joining us here at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens tonight for this incredible celebration." She paused, allowing the light applause to trickle off. "I've only been with the Bingley Foundation for three months, but it has been the most inspiring three months getting to know the critical work of our community partners. Your efforts are transforming education across the city of New York. Last year, by our estimates, the foundation's programs served over ten thousand students at every level, from pre-K to college and beyond.

"But what has blown me away has been the Bingley Foundation's attitude toward service. When I joined, I knew that the foundation was a leader in funding new participatory models for education. However, what I've found truly extraordinary is the humbleness with which everyone at the foundation approaches this mission. I can say that while I'm still new, and it's not bragging." The crowd chuckled. "No one presumes to know what the answer is. We rely on our community partners to inform us – to tell us what's working, and what's not. Sometimes, it takes us in unexpected directions, creating outcomes we could have never imagined.

"Our speaker tonight embodies exactly this approach to education. The Bingley Foundation first heard about William Goulding through the Haye-Park Academy, where he was in the first graduating class. He stayed involved with us while at Vassar, eventually using his experience as a first-generation student to launch an incredibly successful mentoring program to prepare other first-gen students for college success. As one of this year's eight Bingley Fellows, William plans to spend the year ahead growing this mentorship network, scaling from a single program to twelve campuses across the United States. I'm delighted to introduce William to you all. Ladies and gentlemen, William Goulding."

As William took the stage to thunderous applause, Lizzie skillfully faded into the background. She was met at the back of the room by a willowy blonde who shared her indigo eyes. Jane Bennet was her elder by two years, a rock-star nurse practitioner at New York-Presbyterian, and her confidante, cheerleader, and generally very best friend. And tonight, she was Lizzie's date. "You were wonderful up there."

Lizzie beamed. "It's easy when I do none of the work and get to take all the credit." She nodded at Charlotte, who was coming toward them with a gentleman in tow. He wore a broad grin, the apples of his cheeks matching his strawberry blonde hair.

"Lizzie, I've been dying to introduce you formally to Charles Bingley. Charlie, this is Lizzie Bennet, our new Director of Programs. I genuinely don't know how we managed before she arrived."

Impossibly, Charlie's grin spread even wider. "I've heard nothing but raves about you, Lizzie. If your remarks just now are any indication, the rumors are all true. Charlotte tells me that you have some pretty great plans in store for the next year."

Lizzie laughed in response. So this was their elusive board chair. "I've only just met you, but I won't be modest. It's going to be an excellent year." She nodded toward Jane. "This is my sister, Jane. She's making an incredible sacrifice by skipping her overnight shift at the hospital to be my date."

Her sister blushed. "Lizzie is joking. I made absolutely certain that I had excellent coverage well in advance."

As Jane and Charlie exchanged pleasantries, Lizzie's attention was caught by the belated entrance of two people. The man was tall and trim, dressed austerely in a tuxedo. The woman wore an intricately embroidered and beaded gown, and her impeccably manicured hand grasped the crook of the man's arm. Most striking, however, were the matching scowls on their faces. Lizzie sensed that these two were accustomed to being unimpressed.

Charlotte nudged her with a discreet elbow. Lizzie tuned back in; Charlie and Jane were looking at her expectantly. She flashed a self-deprecating smile. "Sorry, I lost myself in the crowd for a moment. What were we talking about?"

"Charlie suggested that we join him and a few others at an after party tonight. What do you think?" Jane's tone was even, but Lizzie saw eagerness in her eyes.

"Of course. There's nothing like calling in sick on Friday with a hangover. Especially if it's sanctioned by the chair of the board."

"Lizzie!" Charlotte gave her a look of horror. "She's kidding, of course."

Charlie chuckled. "She's not wrong. We're congregating at the Netherfield Hotel. I keep an apartment in the residences there. My sister often stays with me as well." He glanced past Lizzie's shoulder. "Speaking of whom - allow me to introduce my sister, Caroline, and Will Darcy. You likely know Will as another member of the board."

Lizzie did know that. She furthermore knew that Will Darcy was the founder of Pemberley Capital, one of the world's most profitable hedge funds. She turned to greet the newcomers, and smiled as she recognized the scowling couple. Undeterred, she extended her hand. "The pleasure is mine. Lizzie Bennet, Director of Programs here at the Bingley Foundation."

Will Darcy shook her hand peremptorily. "Welcome."

Sensing that there wouldn't be much small talk with Will, Lizzie turned to Caroline. "It's lovely to meet you. Your dress is stunning."

"Yes, well, it's Valentino. Direct from Rome." She gave Lizzie's silk jumpsuit a withering look. "Things off the rack just don't fit quite as well, don't you agree?"

Charlie seemed slightly embarrassed by his sister's entree. He gestured toward the others. "You know Charlotte, of course. And this is Jane Bennet, Lizzie's sister and date tonight. I've just invited them to join us at the Netherfield after things wrap up here."

"Of course. You have to come." Caroline's smile didn't quite reach her eyes. She turned to Will. "Looks like the band is starting again. I believe you owe me a dance?" Her eyelashes fluttered invitingly.

Will's smile was indulgent. "Of course." He tucked Caroline's hand back into the crook of his arm, sent a nod in Charlie's direction, and strode away.

Watching the couple depart, Lizzie remarked drolly, "I believe we've been dismissed."

Charlie chuckled. "You'll have to excuse Will. He's useless in genteel society. Has been since we met at Exeter. Over 20 years have passed and he's still, well, Will." He flashed Jane a hopeful smile. "Care to dance?"

As Charlie led Jane away, Charlotte gave Lizzie a pointed look. "They're a handsome couple, aren't they?"

"What are you implying, boss lady?"

She shrugged. "Only that if Jane likes what she sees, she should lock it up. Charlie's always on someone's Most Eligible Bachelors list."

Lizzie was appalled. "She doesn't even know him yet. He could have some terrible habits. Nail biting. Teeth picking. Or worse - he could be boring."

Charlotte's eye roll reached her voice. "God save us from rich but boring boyfriends."

11:00pm - That same night.

Lizzie, Jane, and Charlotte got out of a cab near Central Park. They stared at the Beaux-Arts style building that rose before them. Charlotte let out a long low whistle. "I've always walked by here, but never ventured in. Intimidating, isn't it?"

Lizzie shrugged. "If we can't get past the front desk, there's always that dive around the corner."

"I'm sure Charlie put us on the list. He seemed excited that we might stop by." Jane's sweet optimism buoyed the trio as they pushed through the revolving doors.

The surprisingly helpful concierge pointed them to a private elevator that took them straight to the penthouse, where the doors opened to reveal a formal drawing room. Thirty or so guests milled about while a mustachioed bartender in the corner shook cocktails and poured wine. Massive floor to ceiling windows offered views of the park, flanked by bookshelves and heavy drapes. Two oversized forest green velvet settees sat facing each other across a solid marble coffee table. Oversized floral arrangements covered the sofa and end tables in a riot of colors.

"Fancy," Lizzie noted as they hung up their coats. "Do you think they'll know we're imposters?"

"Bennets! Charlotte! You made it!" Charlie came bounding across the room. He took Jane by the elbow. "Can I offer you something to drink? We just opened another bottle of champagne. Or you can ask James to make any cocktail you like. I highly recommend the Negroni."

Jane gave him a warm smile. "A Negroni sounds like heaven. But I can help myself. You should take care of your guests."

"I'll give you a hand," Charlotte offered. "Lizzie? Champagne?"

"A magnum of it, if you please." Her boss gave a mock salute and swept away with her sister. Lizzie addressed Charlie, who lingered behind. "This place is lovely. Thanks for inviting us to stop by."

He grinned. "My sister's taste, mostly. If left to my own devices, there'd be animal heads and leather couches, and I don't hunt. But we're only here part-time - there's a house in the Hudson Valley that's been in the family for generations. We spend a good amount of time up there. Caroline uses this place more often than I do, especially when she's working." At Lizzie's puzzled look, he explained, "She does some modeling and product promotion with a couple of brands based here."

"Online?" Charlie nodded. "Would that we all could be bloggers and influencers. For me, however, I'm content with a meaningful 9-to-5." She smirked. "Especially if I get to tell people what to do."

"Charlotte thinks the world of you. She tells me regularly."

"It's only been a few months, but she's become a dear friend, in addition to being the boss." Lizzie sensed that she wasn't the only Bennet that he was interested in talking about. "We've been catching the occasional drink after work. Jane joins us if she can get away from the hospital." Charlie's eyes lit up.

"So you and your sister are close, then? And she's a doctor?"

Nailed it. "Nurse practitioner. One of the best at New York-Presbyterian, though I'll admit I'm biased. She's spearheading a new integrated care program for neurology and neurosurgery."

"That's incredible. I wish we knew her when our father was being treated for a stroke."

Lizzie's eyes turned sympathetic. "I'm so sorry."

"It was a few years ago. It was all we could do to make him comfortable before he passed." Charlie shook his head, clearing the somberness from his mood. "But now, here we are, with the Bingley Foundation as his legacy. We're going to change education for the better, to ensure that every child has a fighting chance. Well, you are, I suppose. I'll just write the checks."

Lizzie teased, "Finally, money being used for good instead of evil."

A throat cleared beside them. "Do you disapprove of personal wealth, Ms. Bennet?" Lizzie and Charlie turned to see Will Darcy, two glasses of champagne in hand. Without a smile, he offered one to Lizzie. "Charlotte Lucas asked me to bring this to you."

She nodded her thanks. "I only disapprove of personal wealth when I'm not at the Netherfield, drinking good champagne. In those cases, I fully approve." Her expression was mischievous.

Will Darcy frowned. "The generosity of the Bingley family not only pays for the grants you make, but for your own salary as well."

Lizzie saw red. Apparently, he had no sense of humor. "I'm reminded of that fact every time I see my business card." She spotted Jane and Charlotte winding their way back from the bar. "If you'll excuse me, I believe my sister is signaling for me. Thank you for the champagne." She gave Charlie an apologetic smile, pivoted on her toes, and left.

12:30am - Also that night.

Where was Jane? Lizzie had lost track of her sister. Charlotte had left for home a half an hour ago, but Jane had been hitting it off with Charlie, so Lizzie had been content to make small talk with other guests while giving the pair time to get to know each other. But it was getting late and they'd have to call a car service to get back to Hoboken. Rather than continue circulating - there were only so many more times she could accept a business card from Dr. Perry, Naturopath - Lizzie parked herself on one of the green sofas and pulled out her phone to text her sister.

As her fingers hovered over her message, she overheard voices from the other side of the sofa, the view of which was obscured by a collection of tall vases bursting with blooms. "Will, you've done nothing but glower all night. It's embarrassing, really." Charlie was lightly ribbing his friend.

"Oh Charlie, leave him alone." Caroline Bingley's simper was audible. Thank goodness Lizzie had managed to avoid her after a brief greeting earlier. "Will just has high standards for those he associates with, isn't that right, Will?"

"There's nothing wrong with this crowd. I'm simply not in the mood to make new friends." Spoken like a true misanthrope, thought Lizzie. "But don't let me stop you from getting to know Jane Bennet better. You've been hanging on her every word all night."

"She's wonderful, isn't she? When she's not at the hospital, she volunteers with Big Sister and delivers meals to seniors."

"You're mooning, Charlie," cautioned Will. Lizzie smiled to herself. Jane had dated worse specimens than Charlie Bingley. He was certainly the nicest multimillionaire she'd ever met.

"So what if I am? Be my wingman. Spend some time with Lizzie. She's beautiful and accomplished, too."

"I said I wasn't in the mood to make new friends. Especially those who need to bring their sister as a date to a gala."

"Will, you're terrible!" The irony in Caroline's voice was palpable. "And you," turning to her brother, "be serious! She works for us, and furthermore, she's crass. As if Will would ever be interested in staff." Irony had transformed into disdain.

Lizzie had heard enough. She rose from her seat, twisting to address the small group. "I'm afraid I've misplaced my sister. How crass of me. If any of you know where she might have gone, I can assure you that we'll remove ourselves promptly."

Charlie was the only one who attempted an answer. "Lizzie, I -" "No, please don't apologize for others' opinions." Her smile was genuine and kind. "But if you could tell me where you last saw Jane, I do think it's time for us to leave."

"She was headed for the powder room just awhile ago. Down the hallway, first door on the left. Here, let me show you."

As they left the others, Charlie murmured his apologies. "I'm so sorry. If I'd known you were there…"

Lizzie felt nothing but sympathy for him. "Frankly, it's good to know where I stand. Had they said anything rude about Jane, I would have been outraged. But my sense of humor isn't for everyone, and to be fair I am a staff member."

"And I'm just a walking checkbook." He rolled his eyes to emphasize the understatement. "Ignore them. Caroline has her moods. And Will, well, trust me. He's a good guy. Things haven't been easy lately."

They had reached the powder room. Lizzie let the topic drop. "Jane?" She knocked lightly. "You in there?"

Her sister's voice echoed off tile, making her sound far away though she was just on the other side of the door. "Lizzie? I was just about to text you. Are you alone?"

Lizzie's antennae went up. "No, dear. Charlie is here too. What's going on?" Something was definitely off.

"I'm sorry, I just got so -" Interrupted by retching.

"Jane, I'm coming in." Lizzie tried the door handle. Thankfully, it was unlocked. "Charlie, perhaps it'd be better if you went back to the others. She may not be accepting visitors." He hovered, uncertain. "Please. I'll let you know how she is."

Reluctantly, Charlie left. Lizzie pushed the door open to see her sister on the bathroom floor, hugging the toilet. Jane gave her a wan smile. "At least the floors are heated."

Lizzie felt a rush of relief at the weak joke. Jane was in bad shape, but no one needed to call an ambulance. "Honey, what's happening?"

"I think it's norovirus. You know, the cruise ship virus. We had a few folks come down with it at the hospital last week. I think -" She quickly hoisted herself over the toilet bowl. Lizzie held her hair back as she dry heaved. Finished, Jane spoke into the bowl. "I think I caught it."

Lizzie helped her sister stand up to rinse her mouth at the sink. "We need to get you home. I'll call the car service. Hopefully the tunnels won't be bad -" She was interrupted by a knock.

Jane opened the door to a very concerned Charlie. Quietly, she reassured him. "Seems like I caught the stomach bug going around the hospital. We should head home. I'll wipe down in here, but make sure you wash your hands thoroughly for the next few days."

"You can't possibly think of leaving when you're feeling this terrible." He looked to Lizzie for support. "We'll get her a room here at the Netherfield. I'll see if my doctor can make a house call."

"No, that won't be necessary. Norovirus isn't treatable with medication. I just need rest."

"All the more reason you should stay. You'd have peace and quiet. Also, no worries about roommates," a sly glance at Lizzie, "catching it."

Jane hesitated, but Lizzie could tell the idea was beginning to appeal. And maybe it would give her sister and Charlie a bit more time together. "Perhaps staying wouldn't be the worst option," she ventured.

"But Lizzie, you'd have to go home alone tonight." Jane's protest was genuine. "And I don't have anything with me."

"I can solve that," Charlie chirped helpfully. "Let me call down and arrange the room. We can send Lizzie back to your place to pack a bag for you. I'll ask Will if he can drive."

Jane's eyes glowed with gratitude. "It would be really nice just to turn in. Lizzie, you don't mind?"

Lizzie, on the other hand, was experiencing some inner turmoil. Get in a car with Will Darcy? Let him judge her home? She could think of a thousand ways she'd rather end her night. Being thrown in the Chokey. Chinese water torture. Listening to Nickelback on repeat. Still, the eagerness on her sister's face... "Of course not. Anything you need."

"Great. I'll find Will." Charlie bounded off.

"You're pretty transparent, you know that? For shame, woman. He's my boss's boss." Lizzie teased her sister. "Oh, you're blushing!"

"He's been so kind. And I won't be contaminating our apartment. You know how contagious this can be."

"This may be the first time I've ever heard of someone getting a hotel room after a party for purely recuperative reasons. Charlie is one in seven billion." Lizzie hugged her sister. "I should go find the illustrious Mr. Darcy. Text me anything specific you'd like me to put in your bag. I'll stop by first thing in the morning. Charlotte already told me not to bother coming in until I felt like it." She gave Jane a final squeeze and left.

Will met her not four steps from the powder room. "I'm told you're in need of a ride. I just asked that my car be brought around. Are you ready to go?"

Lizzie was too tired and too concerned for her sister to make any sort of pithy remark. "Yes. Thanks."

They traveled down the elevator and through the lobby without speaking. Once curbside, Lizzie was surprised when a late model Subaru Forester rolled to a stop in front of them. "This is what the founder of Pemberley Capital drives?"

His response was sharp. "You expected something else? I'm sorry to disappoint."

"No, not at all. It's eminently practical." She watched as Will opened the passenger door for her. As she got in, she paused, a hand on his arm. "Thank you for taking me back to Hoboken."

"Sure." The door closed firmly shut. How rude.

1:30am - Dear God, why won't this night end?

The 20 minute ride through the Lincoln Tunnel was conducted mostly in silence, with only the bare minimum of instructions puncturing the tension. Lizzie's apprehension about letting Will see her home continued to grow. She was fiercely protective of the little brownstone that she and Jane shared. They had scrimped and saved as young twenty-somethings living at home after college in order to afford the down payment on a space of their own. Their efforts had paid off when the Longs - friends of the family - had announced they were selling a rental in Hoboken, New Jersey as part of their retirement.

It bore the scars of 20 years of tenant use, but the unit was structurally sound, with two real bedrooms and access to the train. The sisters had pounced. With a Home Depot credit card and a lot of elbow grease, they had spent the last few years transforming the dingy space into a cozy home filled with family antiques and flea market finds.

"Turn left here, then it's the second building on the right." Will pulled the car into an open parking space. In the blink of an eye, he was at her door to assist her down.

Passing through the vestibule, Lizzie led him up to their third floor walkup. While she fumbled with her keys, Lizzie became deeply aware of his presence at her back, stern and foreboding. When did this hallway get so cramped? Will reached out a hand - she snapped. "I have it." The lock gave, and with a sigh of relief, she pushed into their entry.

"Hi Kitty," she crooned at the orange tabby cat that greeted her at the front door. "Did I leave you too long?" The cat responded with a meow.

"Your cat is named Kitty?" Will asked in disbelief as she bent to pick the cat up.

"Short for Hello Kitty." She would have dared him to laugh, but there was no danger of that. "And that one," nodding toward a grey tabby who hardly acknowledged them, "is Rosemary. Mary, for short. She's an antisocial diva. Kitty here just wants your love, don't you Kitty?" Another meow in agreement.

Lizzie let the cat hop down, then strode down the hall to Jane's bedroom, muttering, "I only need a few minutes."

When she emerged, Jane's overnight bag in tow, she found Will standing in the living room inspecting a framed photo on the wall. Jane and Lizzie beamed at the camera in matching purple graduation gowns. A pre-teen girl, ash blonde with blue-grey eyes, sulked between them. "You have another sister." He seemed to have a habit of delivering questions as statements.

"Lydia. She's 19 now and still lives with my folks in Ossining. That was taken at my graduation from NYU - Jane also finished her BSN that year, hence the gown. She graduated from Stony Brook with a degree in electrical engineering a couple of years before that."

"You're incredibly proud of her."

"Of course I am. Jane inspires awe. And she makes an excellent date."

Will's eyes narrowed. "You were eavesdropping."

"If you didn't want anyone to hear it, you shouldn't have said it." Lizzie thrust the overnight bag toward him. "Here. Thank you for bringing this back to Jane." It was a dismissal.

Will took the bag and let Lizzie escort him to the door. He paused at the threshold to say goodbye. "I enjoyed meeting you tonight."

No, you didn't. "I enjoyed it as much as you did." She closed the door and firmly bolted the lock.

Kitty and Mary padded after Lizzie as she made her way through the apartment, switching off lamps and closing curtains. Suddenly, she felt the prickling of something being out of place. Her gaze swept over the premises.

There on the stove sat the kettle, steam rising out of the spout. Next to it were two mugs waiting to be filled, with matching tags hanging over their sides indicating her favorite chamomile tea. Will had obviously prepared it. What the hell?

Confused and unsettled, Lizzie cleared the mugs into the sink, snapped off the light, and took herself to bed.