“I am already in that state,” the Colonel grumbled. “The idea of Wickham walking free and easy, after what he has done to Georgiana, is completely intolerable! I can scarce close my eyes without picturing him walking jauntily into a pub somewhere and flirting with the barmaid!”
The Countess shook her head. “There is nothing to be done, Richard. You must accept it and move on with your life. Have you considered resigning your commission? Your Aunt Esther has made you independent, I am happy to say.”
“I have considered it, yes; but it is too big a decision to make when I am in such a – what did you call it? A state. Yes, I am in a state.” The Colonel stared moodily into the fire.
***
The next morning, the Colonel was still morose and silent at the breakfast table. His mother looked at him with concern.
“Are you still in a state, Richard?’
She was answered by a rather impolite grunt.
“There is a message for you from Darcy; perhaps that will cheer you up.”
“Not likely,” the Colonel grumbled, but he took the message from his mother’s hand and ripped it open.
Richard,
Wickham is here; he is in the militia. Do not delay, for once he knows I am in the vicinity, he will bolt.
Darcy
The Colonel jumped to his feet; dropped the letter in his mother’s lap by way of explanation. Ignoring her exclamation, he ran upstairs to change into his rough clothing. He was out the door and on his horse in ten minutes.
Chapter Forty-Nine
It is a beautiful day, Mary,” Elizabeth said. “Warmer than it has been all month! I thought to go into Meryton to visit the bookshop. Shall you come with me? I do not doubt there is new music for you to look at. And,” she leaned forward, “if we leave quickly, we do not have to take Kitty and Lydia!”
Delighted to be Elizabeth’s chosen companion, even if it was just for that afternoon, and just to give Jane a chance to spend time alone with Mr. Bingley, Mary jumped up eagerly and ran to put on her cloak and half-boots. Jane gave Elizabeth a grateful glance. “Thank you, Lizzy!”
“Anything to help bring Mr. Bingley to the point!” Elizabeth laughed, and then she, too, went upstairs to get her outerwear.
***
A quarter of an hour later, the two girls were on their way to Meryton. Elizabeth slowed her pace to accommodate a sister who was less accustomed to vigorous exercise.
“Tell me, Lizzy…”
“Yes, Mary?”
“Mr. Darcy?”
Colour stained Elizabeth’s cheeks. “What about him?”
“I think he likes you.”
Elizabeth did not reply.
“Well?”
“You will have to be more specific, Mary.”
“Do you like him?”
“Of course; he is very gentlemanly.”
“That is all you can say about him?”
