“Colonel,” Mr Bennet sighed at last, “would not Netherfield or London suffice for the present?”
“My cousin’s heart is in Derbyshire, sir, and thence I hoped to return her. She must take up the reins of the estate someday, and it would be my wish for her to do so with an able counselor and faithful friend at her side. If, however, London is the permission you will grant, then I shall ask for no more at present.” Richard waited, his gaze shifting between the two guardians with panting faith growing in his chest.
The men shared another look, but it was Edward Gardiner who spoke—mercifully so, for it was he upon whom Richard had hung his hopes. “Bingley, would you be so good as to ask Elizabeth to come to us?”
“Pray do not trouble yourself. I will go, with your permission,” Richard promptly offered. It was out of no generosity of spirit that he did so—this was to be the final omen regarding the success of his endeavour. If Elizabeth Bennet had brought a smile to Georgiana’s face and offered her some emotional shelter even inthatnoisy drawing room, he would take it as a sign that all would be well.
He found the pair situated still in the centre of the parlour, but cloistered in a world of their own making, happily disregarding the whole room while three other conversations breezed all about them. For the first time in months, Georgiana’s pink countenance reflected ease as Miss Elizabeth laughed expressively at some innocent mot by the younger girl.
By Jove,he assured himself at last.This will work!
His presence could not go unremarked, for Mrs Bennet and that other daughter—Catherine, was it? —both hastened to welcome him back to the room.
“Colonel, I do hope you have not come just now to bid your adieux!” Mrs Bennet mourned. “I was just about to ask my Jane if your whole party might stay to dine this evening. You will not mind the informality, surely? We are quite in the habit of frequent family dinners upon short notice.”
He returned a broad smile, influenced in no small measure by the happy signs appearing before him. “I am at my host’s pleasure, Ma’am. If Mr and Mrs Bingley are inclined to remain, I shall certainly be the last to say nay.”
“Then it is settled!” Mrs Bennet cried, forgetting in her enthusiasm to obtain Jane’s or Mr Bingley’s assent. The word of the colonel in his flashing regimentals, whose eyes frequently rested upon her daughter, was more than sufficient. “Mary, dear, ring for Hill. I must have her bring out that lovely ham. Colonel, I trust you do like ham?”
He bowed gallantly. “After living on soldier’s rations, I have learnt to like nearly everything, Madam. I am confident that anything I encounter at your table shall soon become my favourite dish.”
Mrs Bennet gave a pleased little giggle, for despite his chivalrous speech, Richard’s gaze had roved to the pair on the sofa during much of the exchange. Her suggestive smile only confirmed his suspicions that she saw him as a fair prospect for one of her daughters, and once more his cravat seemed altogether too tight. Well, what matter if the old dame thought he intended to propose marriage? For one of Miss Elizabeth’s fire and wit he might almost have been persuaded to make an exception to his sworn bachelorhood, but at present, what he hoped to ask of the young lady was of far greater import. He glanced back to Mrs Bennet. “Won’t you excuse me, Madam?”
Elizabeth Bennet had trained one curious eye on him since he had first appeared in the room, but had maintained her conversation with Georgiana as cheerfully as ever. As he approached now, however, she turned with a welcoming smile. “Colonel, we were just debating the merits of long feathers in a lady’s hair. One of us finds them the pinnacle of fashionable elegance, the other thinks them a treacherous hazard to the noses of prospective dance partners. I do hope you have come to help us settle the matter, for we are at complete odds!”
He paused, startled into a laugh—just, apparently, as Georgiana had also been. Was Georgie actually snickering behind her hand? His confidence swelled as he grinned and dipped his head. “And which viewpoint is the safest for me to espouse, Miss Bennet?”
“Oh, no, we cannot make it that simple, can we Miss Darcy?” she laughed. “You must choose, sir, only I caution you to remember with which lady you must share a carriage back to London.”
“If that be the case, I find myself in dangerous waters, Miss Bennet.” Yes, Georgianawaslaughing! His fists nearly clenched in triumph as his unconscious grin widened.
Georgiana smiled back to him now. “Miss Elizabeth is teasing you, Richard, we were speaking of other matters entirely.”
“Then I am safe! I cannot begin to express my relief, for the journey is cold enough at this time of year without being at a variance with one’s traveling companion. I should like to enquire further into your delightful conversation, however, Miss Bennet’s presence has been requested in the library.”
For the briefest second, Georgiana’s eyes widened nervously. He felt a pang of regret at so soon robbing Georgiana of her companion, even temporarily as he hoped. To his relief, Jane Bingley and Mrs Gardiner had drawn her into their circle almost before Miss Elizabeth had fully quitted the room with him.
He paused in the hall with her, wondering what ideas were sparking behind those brilliant eyes at his singular request. “Miss Bennet,” he hesitated, wishing he could corner her there and then to extract the looked-for promise of aid, but her father deserved to have his say and her uncle’s assurances were yet required. Still… “I wish to take a moment to thank you,” he finally decided. “Whatever else may happen, you brought a smile to Georgiana’s face today. It has been too long since I have seen it, and I am grateful, Miss Bennet.”
She gazed steadily, unflinchingly back. “I owed it to her, Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
He was still wondering what she could have meant by her words when she turned and led him to the library.
Elizabethstaredatherfather. Had he really just endorsed this scheme? He was tipping his forehead down, eyes raised over his spectacles at her, just as he was wont to do on the rare occasions when he saw fit to enforce his will. There could be no doubts—he meant for her to accept Colonel Fitzwilliam’s offer.
Another glance swept the room. Her uncle’s expression was quietly contemplative as he hid behind crossed arms, Bingley’s perfectly satisfied. Apparently, none held any qualms at the colonel’s proposition, and it only remained for her to accept. Her heart soaring, she longed to do so, but….
“What of Miss Darcy, sir? Have you spoken to her of these matters?”
Colonel Fitzwilliam shifted in his chair. “No, Miss Bennet. I wished to obtain your father’s blessing and your consent. Your uncle’s cooperation is instrumental as well, as you will require an escort. I did not wish to raise hopes in my cousin which I could not satisfy.”
“I applaud your discretion, sir, but I wonder if she might not object to another constant chaperon in general, and myself in particular.”
“Object to you!” he cried, forgetting that the lady’s father watched his every word with keen interest. “Miss Bennet, your name was the first to give her pleasure in many months. No, I think she will not object. Besides, your role is not to be that of a chaperon, but a guest and a friend—an equal, Miss Bennet. I would not even cast the word ‘companion’ upon you, for I would not blight your prospects so. It is my hope that the arrangement will to be to your mutual advantage.”
Elizabeth’s stomach coiled. There was much the colonel did not—could not—know! “Sir, I thank you for your consideration, but I am not well-suited for such a task. I know nothing of the sort of society to which Miss Darcy belongs. My company can do her no favours, surely, I—”
“Miss Bennet,” he held up a hand to stay her objections. “I care nothing for Society at the moment. I am not Darcy, nor am I my aunt, nor even my father. I am simply a military man who finds himself the reluctant guardian of a grief-stricken and traumatised girl whose responsibilities outweigh her experience. Her happiness and growth in character are my primary concerns, and I can think of none better suited to the task than yourself. Even were I not committed to my other business, I would have made this same request the moment her eyes lit up at the mere mention of your name. You have the gifts of courage and good humour, Miss Bennet, not to mention a most useful intelligence and, according to your father, some experience sharing a Mistress’s duties about an estate. My cousin needs you. Please, may I count on your assistance?”
