His brow arched. “Once did?”
Elizabeth felt like her cheeks could warm the air. “Still do on occasion, Colonel, although rarely, I admit.”
What was she doing? Flirting with a man she barely knew? She was not Lydia or Kitty.Ugh!
Mr. Bingley grinned at their exchange. Mr. Hurst ignored them. Mr. Darcy was scowling, likely appalled at her forwardness.Well!What did she have to do with him? And what did he have to do with her?Nothing!However, it reminded her to be more circumspect. It would not do to exacerbate Mr. Darcy’s loathing towards her. After all, the colonel might have been occasionally dependent on Mr. Darcy’s resources. The army was not where men made their fortunes. And he might influence Mr. Bingley against Jane.
Choosing to step back from singling out the colonel, Elizabeth said, “I suppose you have a superior purpose than checking the health of an oak tree. I hope I am not imposing on your conversation.”
Mr. Bingley did not hesitate to reply, “Superior purpose? Not at all. My sisters have enlisted all the servants for preparations for the ball. We found it necessary to leave the house before we were conscripted into service. I am not useful when it comes to decorating or planning menus.”
“Nor are we,” said Mr. Hurst. “After being cooped up like roosters in a hen house, we needed fresh air.”
“I am looking forward to the ball.” She then asked what she assumed was a simple question, “Will Miss Darcy be attending?”
Mr. Darcy’s reply was brusque. “She will not.”
The colonel clarified. “Even though the Season is just starting, and my father has many interests in the House of Lords, my mother has no daughters to promote. As Georgiana is not yet ready to be presented, Mother determined that the course of wisdom is to winter in the North. The unpredictable weather concerns my mother.”
Elizabeth clasped her hands together, bouncing up on her toes. “To see snow-capped mountains and to skate on ice-covered lakes must be a treat. Your mother sounds like a wise woman, Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
His laughter surrounded her. “There is no one on earth who my mother considers to be wiser.”
She appreciated that he was comfortable enough to tease her as much as she did him. With the rising sun behind him, he appeared to be a giant of a man fully capable of whatever he chose to achieve. In comparison, Mr. Bingley looked spindly, Mr. Hurst was rotund, and Mr. Darcy was…well, the truth was that he loomed larger than the colonel.
She grinned. “Will you travel with your mother and Miss Darcy, Colonel?” She knew that she had no right to ask, but…she needed to know. As he had done when she was at Netherfield Park caring for Jane, Mr. Darcy’s disapproval radiated from him whenever he looked at her. Except that one instance when she was looking out her window. For the thousandth time, Elizabeth wondered what she had done to upset him. Whatever it was, she hoped his ill opinion did not affect his cousin, for Elizabeth finally admitted to herself that Colonel Fitzwilliam was everything a man ought to be.
“I will.”
“Oh.” She could not keep the disappointment from being reflected in her tone.
“Nevertheless, as soon as they are safely delivered to Matlock, I plan to return in time for the ball. I would like to request your first should it be available.”
Her eyes caught his. Without losing contact, she dipped her knee. “I thank you, yes. I am not yet engaged for the first.”
Touching the edge of his hat, he bowed at the waist. “The pleasure is all mine. I shall depart now to be ready once my mother’s carriage arrives in St. Albans. We will push the horses hard so I may stand across from you before the music begins to play.”
Elizabeth’s heartbeat quickened. “Then I wish you safe travels, Colonel.” Stepping back, she made way for the horsemen to reach the opening to the path down the hill. While the others gave their adieus, the only one who captured and held her attention was Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.
He stopped his horse alongside, leant down, and said, “I believe you puzzle my cousin exceedingly, Miss Elizabeth. Darcy is rarely out of sorts. I fear that you have not seen him at his best.”
“Rarely?” Elizabeth could not stop herself from asking. Why would he speak of his cousin when he held back from sharing a private word with her, especially after their flirtatious exchange? She stopped herself from saying more when a flash of sorrow crossed her partner’s brow.
“Miss Elizabeth, my father still lives. He takes an active role in the oversight of our family and our properties. Darcy is alone with his burden, which is far larger than Matlock. Not only is he a man of property and extensive investments, but we also share guardianship of his sister, who is not yet sixteen. Imagine being your elder sister’s age and having that weight dropped on your shoulders. Nothing, not even a university education, can prepare a man for the instant blow of having so-called friends try tograsp at your heritage. Although I have challenges as a second son, I would not exchange places with my friend.”
The colonel confused her. Why was he attempting to convince her to see Mr. Darcy in a different light? Was he hoping they would get on together in case they eventually were cousins by marriage? Not having any answers, she said, “I can see that you are a true friend, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Mr. Darcy must appreciate your loyalty. But I wonder, exactly why are you telling me this, sir?”
His expression was grave. “Darcy needs friends who have no desire to presume upon him. I believe you to be that sort of person. That is all.”
Friends? Was that even possible?The idea of desiring Mr. Darcy’s company shocked her to her core. She could never! Or could she?
Sighing to herself at the injustice of needing to be amiable with someone who publicly slighted her, she said, “Very well.” If it gave Colonel Fitzwilliam peace, then she would make the effort.
Everything about Colonel Fitzwilliam, his countenance, his form, and his plain speaking attracted her. His easy smile, his confidence, and the kindness of his eyes made him exactly the man Elizabeth had dreamed of from her youth.
As Jane had done when she received the invitation, once the men were at a distance, Elizabeth’s hands shot to her chest as she spun in a circle. She would be opening her first private ball with a man she admired. Could she be any happier?
Darcy was livid.And concerned. Why on earth would Richard ask her for the first? Was his denial of his interest subterfuge?
