One.

The first time she meets him, she writes it off as her unlucky day.

"A scholarship kid? No, thank you, I'd rather not," he says what he says just when she passes by his cluster of arrogant old money jerk friends.

She's twenty that year, just old enough to care.

"And is there anything wrong with studying hard and getting good grades?" She spins around and interrupts way before she thinks it through. The girl on his left, dressed in little more than a band aid over her privates (it's a ballroom, not a beach, girl), sneers right on cue. Lizzie smirks at the possessive arm she links quickly around her tall, glowering prize.

"I beg your pardon," Mr. Tall, Glowering Prize says and frowns.

Lizzie leans her head to one side. "What's this I hear about scholarship kids?"

"I did not mean to insult in particular," he explains - his face halfway between gallant and annoying. The tux brings out the handsome, she'll admit. "I was merely being canvassed on my opinion on potential roommates when I expressed - "

"Save it," she snaps. She wonders, briefly, what this crowd will say to her current evening gown having been sourced at Goodwill. A hint of embarrassment mingles with her indignation.

"Miss - Elizabeth." She sees him glance at her name tag before addressing her. Leave it to Marston U to mix formal banquets with acquaintance requirements. "I did not intend - "

"She said save it, William." Miss Bikini-Ballgown leans really, really close to his face. It's funny to see him flinch. "I don't think Miss Trailer Trash here wants to talk to you."

Sure, he wasn't the one to say it - but Lizzie credits it to him anyway.

"I'll stop treading on your Holy Grounds now, Sir William. A bratty rich kid? No, thank you, I'd rather not."

She holds her head up high when she walks away - a paragon of academic pride.

Thank God Christmas break starts tomorrow.

Two.

When Jane's only birthday wish is for everyone to meet her boyfriend's family, it's kinda hard to say no.

When Jane the angel shares a birthday with Christ Himself, it's suddenly a little awkward to mix Bennet family holiday traditions with the mansion on the edge of town.

Legend says that 25 Pinewood Drive used to be called Netherfield - a veritable estate. The moment the ratty family van pulls up the grand driveway, Lizzie thinks legend has it totally right.

Everything from the balustrades to the butlers to the two-story double door screams luxury. That's why it's shocking that what's inside proves to be the even bigger surprise.

"Jane's sister? Well, I dare say the beauty all stopped after the first one." The hostess scoffs before her next sip. Lizzie remembers her. She doesn't remember Lizzie.

"Caroline Bingley, right?" Lizzie extends a hand anyway. It's for Jane - only for Jane.

The thing is, Miss Caro here doesn't seem remotely impressed that anyone else knows her name.

"The one and only." Caroline blinks - almost flirtatiously, totally ignoring the hand. Lizzie's about to freak when she realizes who's behind her.

"Hi - Elizabeth, right?" The shock of his amicability is almost equal to the shock of discovering that Mr. Anti-Scholarship-Kids is just as handsome in an ugly Christmas sweater as in his college banquet tux.

Lizzie takes a minute to find her tongue. "Right - yes - William."

He smiles at the fact that she remembers.

She suddenly feels remarkably small and heavy.

"I know Charlie mentioned a few sisters. I didn't realize our top student was one of them." He's generous today - friendly and generous.

"Our?" She squeaks - very elegantly.

"Oh, right - I mean." He's almost blushing. Then he straightens and speaks calmly. "My father was on the board of Marsten U for most of his life. When he died six months ago - I took over."

William - William Darcy - the local college news about the new youngest member of the school board (and how handsome he is) suddenly sinks in.

"I'm - sorry for your loss."

"Thank you."

His eyes are warm when he half-smiles. Caroline, probably still having forgotten their three-minute encounter last year, calls for his attention and pulls him away.

Three.

Being twenty-two gives Lizzie a new sense of purpose. Gone are the days of college immaturity. She's a senior now, side by side with Jane, and she's not about to let the Bennet legacy go to shame.

"They look happy." Darcy appears beside her.

Lizzie smiles, still nursing her drink. "Yeah - it's nice of Caroline to accept her."

Darcy nods.

Charlie and Jane's relationship threw her and Darcy together quite a few times this year - including the most over-planned proposal Lizzie has ever witnessed. It's been fewer than ten times in total, but those few times were enough to make her change her mind quite a bit about him.

It's changed her mind enough, at least, for her to be watching this party from the sidelines with him.

"I'm going to London - tomorrow," he says without any prompting.

She feels her heart clench a little - just a tiny tad.

"I see." She sips her drink.

"My father's business on that side of the pond can no longer be ignored, unfortunately." His sigh is long and loud.

She smiles, trying her best to be encouraging. "You'll be here for the wedding, right?"

"In and out - two days at the most."

"I see," she says because there's really nothing else left to say.

They watch the party quietly. They both sip from the Bingley heirloom wine glasses way after they've been emptied.

Say what you will about her manners, Caroline Bingley knows how to throw a party.

That's why it's such a pity that the guest of honor's favorite sister can't enjoy it.

"Do you plan to come back?" It takes her five long minutes to ask the question in just the right way.

"Maybe - someday. Unfortunately not in the foreseeable future."

She doesn't look at him at all. It's bad enough feeling his presence beside her.

"Best of luck, Will." She doesn't even try to mask her sadness.

"Thank you, Lizzie."

A/N: I hope this story will help us all get into the yuletide spirit. Please hang in there for the HEA :) Please forgive me for pausing my progress in other stories to finish this one!