Fitzwilliam took a room at the inn in Meryton for the night, advising the innkeeper he would be returning each week for some time. The man recognised Fitzwilliam from earlier in the week and provided him with his best room and a hot meal. After an ale in the common room, he spent the remainder of the evening contemplating the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow, and how to woo and win his lady.
MrBennet introduced Fitzwilliam as an acquaintance in Meryton on business with the militia. Almost at once, he was inundated by the effusions of his wife and younger daughters.
MrsBennet invited him to sit near her and next to her most beautiful daughter. He appreciated that Miss Elizabeth seemed to observe him closely from a seat opposite. He was courteous,even charming, but showed no marked preference for Miss Bennet.
Fitzwilliam indulged the intrusive questions of Miss Elizabeth’s mother, containing his mirth as she blatantly pushed him alternately towards herbeautiful Janeand then herlively Lydia.He diverted the younger girls with tales of his travels, while subtly emphasizing the challenges of military life. MrsBennet was as wide-eyed as her youngest, though she eventually broke in with the subject foremost in her thoughts.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam, will your wife join you during your stay, or does she remain in London?”
Fitzwilliam hid his amusement. He could not miss the lady’s calculating expression as she awaited his response. “I do not have a wife at present, MrsBennet. My duties have precluded that pleasure and, sadly, will likely do so for some time.”
Miss Elizabeth entered the conversation with an air of indifference, boldly raising her chin to him. “Do you know how often your business might bring you to the area, Colonel?”
“That is, as yet, undetermined. I hope to succeed at my mission before other duties confine me to London.” He addressed MrsBennet: “Does your family indulge in the entertainments of London, madam? It is always a pleasure to encounter friends and acquaintances.”
“My Jane and her sister Lizzy are frequent visitors to my brother’s home. He keeps an elegant house on Gracechurch Street and always gives our family access to the most beautiful fabrics and accoutrements from his import warehouses. Their family often comes to Longbourn for Christmastide. The children love the chance to run about the country, you know. I expect my Jane, and likely Lizzy as well, may join them for a visit after the new year.”
It became common for Fitzwilliam to spend the early hours of each day in Meryton with Colonel Forster, discussing the challenges of training soldiers and officers while in winter quarters. On this, his third weekly visit, he was more conscious of the time, desirous of seeing Miss Elizabeth as early as was acceptable.
Hill announced Fitzwilliam into the breakfast room just as Miss Elizabeth rushed in. MrsBennet muffled a squeal of delight behind her napkin as MrBennet stood to greet him, offering the seat to Miss Elizabeth’s left. She started as his hand brushed hers under the table.
Fitzwilliam hoped no one noted the heat rising on her neck and cheeks. He was ridiculously pleased that he could affect her so, especially when she turned an impish grin to him and nudged his boot with her own.
They played this childish, but tantalizing game until MrBennet caught his eye and cleared his throat. Miss Elizabeth gave her father a brilliant smile, and Fitzwilliam nodded to the gentleman. The tips of his ears were hot with embarrassment, especially as his hand had captured hers between them and their fingers were entwined. He reluctantly released her, lifting the napkin from his lap to touch his mouth.
MrBennet invited him to join him in his study for a game of chess, asking Miss Elizabeth if she would like to play the winner. Fitzwilliam was pleased with the bond he had formed with the gentleman. He had learnt more of Bennet and Miss Elizabeth from these hours over the chessboard than weeks in a London drawing room could provide.
That evening, Fitzwilliam observed as Miss Elizabeth met her father’s gaze across the dinner table. When Bennet waggled his brows, a low giggle bubbled forth, and she lightly squeezed Fitzwilliam’s hand under the table.
Fitzwilliam found a letter from Darcy upon his return from Longbourn. He slipped the seal and scanned the brief missive, cursed, then crumpled it in his hand. He had hoped Darcy would come around—but his cousin’s prejudice would not affect his plans.
Each visit followed some variation of this comfortable pattern; they walked and talked, debated matters over the chessboard, and laid a foundation. Until one Saturday in late January, when, as luck would have it, the morning dawned clear and dry. Fitzwilliam followed directions to Oakham Mount, a promontory shared by the estates of Longbourn, Netherfield, and Lucas Lodge. He tied his horse on a small bench partway up and reached the top just as the sun crested across the valley.
He stopped and drank in the image before him, sealing it into his memory. Elizabeth faced the trail, the dawn’s light outlining her slim figure as he topped the rise. As the growing light lit her face, Fitzwilliam drank in the earthy beauty that inflamed him, drawing him to her side. He took her slim, gloved hands in his and bestowed a slow, deliberate kiss on each before drawing them to his chest, pulling her closer. A light, floral scent lingered on her hair, and he leant in and inhaled slowly.
Elizabeth chuckled, leaning back to stare at him. Her gaze fell to his mouth, and she bit her lip. He beamed and shook his head. Her playfulness delighted him!
“Elizabeth.” His voice was low as he met her trusting mien. “I would like to approach your father. I have well considered our circumstances, and I am resolved in my course. Only you can stop me from proceeding.” He threaded their fingers together, placing a kiss on her knuckles. “I am not ready to say yet that what I feel for you is love, but I do know that when I consider my future, you are there with me. I desire to weave our lives togetherin an unbreakable bond. Do you require more time, or may we enter into an engagement?”
Fitzwilliam studied the emotions chasing across Elizabeth’s lovely face. His heart squeezed in his chest until she displayed a calm resolve.
“No. I do not require more time, though it might be best if there were a formalised courtship. I believe Papa will allow us to court from my uncle’s home in London, if only to spare him from Mama’s incessant pressure.
“I, too, am not prepared to name my feelings. I do know that I am affected, and it is too late to protect my heart.” She considered his expression. “I would ask that we learn more of each other, of what you see in this future, and to learn if I can truly fulfil all that life at your side would demand.”
“Are you proposing that we keep our courtship a secret from your family? I fear that ship has sailed.” He smirked indulgently.As though I could deny her anything!
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “Yes! As much as can be. If all goes as you intend, this will be my only time of courtship. I should like to enjoy it!”
They laughed and pulled apart, mindful of their growing attraction, and moved to a large boulder to plan.
Fitzwilliam spent the evening at Longbourn, enjoying the companionship that had developed with Elizabeth’s family. They expressed regret at his departure but were encouraged by his intention to maintain the connexion.
Elizabeth farewelled him from Bennet’s study after confirming her father’s consent to their plans. Their hands lingered as she reminded him that her father would welcome his letters until she saw him in London.
Fitzwilliam and his batman made good time. They went directly to his quarters so he could bathe and change beforereportingto his Lady Mother for dinner with his family. Lady Matlock had responded to his letter with one sentence. “Seize the day.” He laughed.
Matlock House was illuminated in the early winter evening. Fitzwilliam was led directly to his mother’s private sitting room.
