“Who is here, Mama?” Jane asked.
“Mr. Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam…and Mr. Darcy.” When she uttered that final name, she eyed both girls closely. Lizzy was blushing! Evidently Lizzy was interested in this Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Bennet could only hope that the man was here to see Lizzy, not Jane. She doubted the two sisters would ever fight over a man, but it was perhaps best not to test that belief.
The three went downstairs together. Entering the parlour, they curtsied and murmured how happy they were to see their visitors. Introductions were made and the usual enquiries after everyone’s health were asked. Finally, Mrs. Bennet suggested a short stroll in the garden. “It is rather cold outside,” she said. “But not so cold as to deter healthy young people from getting some beneficial exercise.”
The five healthy young people in question immediately rose and expressed their willingness to walk in the garden. Mr. Bingley and the Colonel walked on either side of Jane; Mr. Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth, which she was happy to take. He walked slowly, allowing the others to move out of earshot.
“What in the world?” Elizabeth asked, nodding at the threesome in front of them.
“Neither would defer their attentions in favour of the other, so they are both here.”
“And what is Jane to do?”
“Make her choice, I imagine. Based on what you told me of Mr. Bingley, I would advocate for the Colonel. But she will need to get to know him, and to be assured of his prospects. As I believe I told you, I plan to gift my cousin an estate, if he chooses to take a wife. However, if your sister is interested in the wealthier man, she should choose Bingley.” His tone was even, but Elizabeth could tell that he was concerned about her response.
She stopped and turned to him, eyes narrowed. “Jane has very little interest in wealth, Mr. Darcy. However, she would like to be assured that she and any children they may have will be adequately fed and housed. That does not, I think, make her a fortune hunter.”
“No, it does not,” he said, ruefully. “I apologise, Miss Elizabeth. It is just that in my world…” And he trailed off, knowing that London’s high society, theton, was no longer his world. The Darcy name was ruined.
“It is kind of you to gift your cousin an estate, Mr. Darcy. That would enable him to marry, particularly as my sister would not be well-suited to following the drum.”
“Your sister need have no fears in that regard.”
Elizabeth thought it time to change the subject. “Is there any news of Miss Darcy? I am sorry; I meant Mrs.…” and she trailed off, not certain how she should refer to Mr. Darcy’s sister.
“You do not want to call her Mrs. Wickham; I thank you for that. No, there is no news of Georgiana. The Colonel has men looking for her in London.”
“But what can be done if she is found? She cannot be legally separated from her husband.”
“The Colonel thinks we can at least make sure that she is not being mistreated.”
She eyed him, doubtfully. “And what can you do if she is? I am sorry, I do not intend to make you feel any worse than you already do.”
Her companion sighed. “You are right, of course; he can beat her near to death if he so wishes.”
“Which is one of the things that is very much wrong in our society!” Her voice was fierce.
“Let us speak of something more pleasant,” he suggested.
“Very well; what shall we discuss?”
“Books. You are a reader, I know.”
“Oh, very much so! You should allow me to introduce you to my father, Mr. Darcy. He has an admirable library.”
“I should very much enjoy meeting him, as well as seeing his library.”
“Excellent; I believe he is at home today. I will introduce you to Mr. Bennet and Mr. Bennet’s books when we go back inside.”
Their conversation ceased when the three walkers in front of them stopped, turned around and headed back in their direction. They were soon back in the house, where Mrs. Bennet had refreshments ready. Elizabeth prepared a cup of tea for Mr. Darcy; she had learned his preferences while at Netherfield (one sugar, no milk) and offered him the plate of sandwiches. He took one rather absently, watching his cousin and his friend vie for Miss Bennet’s attention.
“Are you ready to meet my father, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asked. Hearing her mother’s gasp, she rolled her eyes and quickly explained, “Mr. Darcy is interested in seeing Papa’s library.”
Mr. Darcy rose and followed Miss Elizabeth out of the parlour, across the entry way and into a wide hall. She stopped in front of a large door and knocked three times. The room’s occupant evidently recognised her knock, for a deep voice promptly said, “Come in, Lizzy!”
She opened the door and said, “I have a visitor for you, Papa; a fellow bibliophile!”
“Welcome, friend!”
