I've been working on this story for some time now, and it's almost finished. Since I have friends encouraging me to post here, I gave it some thought and decided this was a good place to start, since I already posted a onesot, A Detour in Meryton. I will try to post at least once a week, but usually twice, and hopefully by the time we get there, I'll have the last two chapters done.

I hope you enjoy my Philadelphia style spin on P&P

Chapter 1

Fitzwilliam Darcy III stood at the rear of the platform at the Paoli train station, watching the other commuters and waiting for the Regional Rail train. This would be his first experience on SEPTA.

Like everyone else, he realized the impact of skyrocketing gas prices, and Darcy, Inc. was addressing the issue by encouraging the use of public transportation. They began offering TransitCheks to employees who used public transportation; and who could better set the example than the CEO?

His friend, Charles Bingley, had been riding the train in for a couple of months, and he seemed happy with the experience, but when had Charlie ever had an unhappy experience?

Will checked his watch again. No, it's not late yet. He sighed quietly. I hate just standing around like this. Please don't let anyone notice me.He checked it two more times before seeing the train come around the bend, on time.

As it approached, he was amused to watch the organized chaos of the other commuters trying to guess where the doors would be so they could quickly position themselves to best advantage.

Charlie said the third car, so that was where he boarded. There were people everywhere; nearly every seat was filled. He scanned. Where is he!Finally, he spotted Charlie when he stood up and waved.

Once he made his way to the back of the car, Charlie said, "Here, sit next to Lizzy; she's been saving your seat."

Saving my seat? What is this, fourth grade? He then looked at the girl with the empty seat beside her. Perhaps it is; she doesn't look much older.

He put his attaché on the rack and sat down next to 'Lizzy,' behind Charlie and a stunning blonde.

"This is my friend, Will Darcy." Charles was facing the women. Then turning more so he could look at his friend, he continued, "Will, this is Jane and Lizzy Bennet. They live out near Thorndale."

Will looked from one woman to the other. He could see only a small resemblance in the sisters. Not only was Jane beautiful, but she was professionally dressed and looked like someone he would meet across a conference room table. Lizzy, however, was wearing jeans and no makeup; her long brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail. She must be a student at one of the universities.

"Nice to meet you, Will," Lizzy said cheerfully. "First day, huh?"

"Uhm... yes."

"I much prefer the train to driving, especially when you can catch the Flyer. Instead of the stress of traffic, you'll have half an hour to meet new people or relax or whatever." She let out a little half giggle. "I'll warn you now that Charlie is no company. Within five minutes, he and Jane will be oblivious to the world around them."

"I heard that!" Charlie said, then turned. "Did you bring a paper, Will? You want my Business Section, or the Journal?"

"I've read the Journal, but I'll take your Inquirer Business." He took the section and began perusing it.

Lizzy was a bit disappointed by the handsome man's snub, but decided not to worry about it and resumed reading Lady Killer.

She was just getting into a good section when she felt her Blackberry vibrate. Sighing, she pulled it off her belt and looked at it. Ugh! Him again!

Will watched out of the corner of his eye as Lizzy typed away on her phone. Kids and their toys; just as I expected.

After several minutes of this, Jane turned. "What's wrong, Lizzy?"

"Matt killed the daemon. I told him to restart, but goodness knows what he did. I hope I don't have to redo his system again." She rubbed her temple, trying to ease the headache that had suddenly taken root. She then continued responding to messages until the train went underground towards Suburban Station.

Elizabeth reattached her Blackberry and reached for the backpack between her feet. "If you will excuse me, Mr. Darcy," she said. "I really must run now, so if I could get to the door..."

He moved to let her pass, without so much as a glance in her direction. In moments, her petite frame was hidden by other passengers pressing for the exit.

While walking up the hall of CBL Investments, Jane Bennet spied a small white Reebok sticking up in the air. "Laying down on the job again, Lizzy?"

Elizabeth was on her stomach, propped over a tower computer lying on its side. "Says there's no hard drive. It's quicker to just check it here first." Sitting up and crossing her legs, she pressed the power button and waited. Seconds later Windows was loading. "See, Jane. No biggie." Elizabeth smiled.

"Good. Does that mean we can do lunch now?"

"Just a couple more here." She logged into the computer and determined it was on the network and functioning as it should, then shut it down, replaced the side panel and stood the computer back up properly. Once the Windows splash screen displayed again, she said, "I don't have time to go out today. Is there food, or do I dig out the peanut butter and crackers?"

"Lunch meetings are over and there are leftovers in the kitchen."

"Good. We can eat in my office; I've got a system build going."

Jane closed the door as they settled into Elizabeth's office, asking, "So, little sis, what did you think of Charlie's friend?"

"I think he's a stuck-up jerk. I tried to be nice to him, but he just looked at me like it was an insult to have to sit next to me. Not that you'd notice; you're oblivious to everything else when Charlie's around. I'm surprised he hasn't asked you out."

"It's not like that. We're just friends."

"But you'd like it to be more."

"I suppose so, but he hasn't indicated an interest in me like that. I'm happy to be friends."

Jane's Blackberry rang, and she looked at the Caller-ID. "Oops! Looks like lunch is over. Later, Liz," Jane blurted as she grabbed the remains of her hoagie and left Elizabeth's office while talking on her phone.

Elizabeth noticed the time at 4:47 and decided to pack up before she was trapped with a new problem. She called Jane as she got ready to leave. "I'm bailing... walk with me?"

"I'll be running if I make it. Go ahead," was her sister's reply.

She made it to the platform eight minutes before the Flyer was due, and luckily found a seat. Since Jane wasn't around, this was a perfect opportunity to work on her fanfiction story, so she pulled out her notebook computer and began typing away. Even dear sweet Jane would tease her mercilessly if she knew about this obsession.

While trying to type a scene as it played in her mind, she recognized Charlie's voice. He and Will were standing almost directly in front of her. "Jane is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! If only I thought I stood a chance with her. What'd you think about Lizzy?"

"The young one who 'saved a seat for me' this morning? She's tolerable; but I'm a little more interested in world and business affairs than worrying about some kid in jeans text messaging her friends and killing demons!"

Charlie looked past Will and realized they had an audience. He laughed. "You know, you're a real ass, Will. Not only have you insulted one of the brightest technological minds in the region, but you did so within her hearing."

Darcy turned and met Elizabeth's eye, blushing a little.

"Perhaps I should introduce you two properly this time. Will, this is Elizabeth Bennet. She is the IT Department at CBL Investments; you know, that hot fund company that everyone's talking about? She wrote their main database and maintains all their systems. She has her masters in computer science from Penn, graduated summa cum laude. She got Jane her job in marketing there; and she setup my home computer." Charlie smiled broadly at Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth, this is Fitzwilliam Darcy, CEO of Darcy, Inc., a Fortune 100 company started by his grandfather, which has done very well under his leadership. I used to think him one of the smartest people of my acquaintance."

Will looked from Charlie to Elizabeth, surprised both by his friend's behavior and by what he had said. He could feel the blood coloring his cheeks, though he wasn't sure if it was from anger or embarrassment.

He was startled to hear Elizabeth exclaim, "Oh, shit!" as she slammed her computer closed and slid it into her backpack. She stood and walked towards the mass of people forming near the tracks as the train pulled to a stop. "We'll be stuck with crappy seats now."

Will looked around and Charlie was gone. He could still see Elizabeth though, so he followed her.

She surveyed the available seats. It was going to be cozy tonight. Ooh! There's a three-seat with only one person. If I'm lucky, I won't get squashed.

He was right behind her, and followed her to the seat, apparently intending to sit next to her. So much for a little elbow room!She sighed quietly.

She would not be able to use her computer seated between two people, even if only one of them was a 6'4" and drop dead gorgeous; so she pulled out her book and did her best to get comfortable.

Shortly after the train started moving, her Blackberry vibrated; it was a message from Jane. "Made it! C and I are in one back."

Elizabeth quickly glanced at Darcy; he'd noticed. She smirked to herself as she typed her reply, "KK Find me when he's off." She replaced her phone and picked up her book again. Unable to resist, she looked up at her neighbor. He was staring off into the distance again, apparently in deep thought. Why is it that the good looking guys are either married, gay or complete assholes? Taking a deep breath, she tried to get back into her story.

When she had read nearly a chapter, she felt a light touch on her arm. "Elizabeth?"

He didn't know why he was doing this, but then she looked up and her inquisitive eyes met his. There was something about her eyes, brown eyes that shouldn't have been interesting, but they sparkled with intelligence and a challenge. What was he going to say again?

Holding her gaze, he had to do something. He began slowly and quietly. "I'm... I'm sorry for what I said... and thought... I was being presumptuous. I wasn't eager to take the train, but I thought at least I'd sit with Charlie and talk business... but, well, you know what happened. At that moment, you reminded me more of my sister's friends than someone I would socialize with, and I never gave you a chance." He turned away suddenly. "Charlie's right. I'm sorry."

Elizabeth sat looking at his left shoulder, her mouth hanging open for a long moment. Finally she asked, "What exactly are you trying to say, Will?"

He turned back, but did not look her in the eye. "I was a jerk and was rude to you for no good reason. I guess I'm hoping we can start over..."

"PAOLI STATION. Next stop, PAOLI STATION," came over the speaker.

Will jumped, a little surprised. "It'll be a couple minutes," Elizabeth said nonchalantly. She paused and thought for a moment, but tried to recapture his gaze. "As for that other bit... Get on the train in a better mood tomorrow morning, and we'll go from there. Okay?"

The train was slowing down. "Okay." He forced a little smile before standing up and retrieving his attaché. "Good evening, Miss Bennet. I shall see you in the morning."