The earl and countess also elected to retire, Lord Romsley saying, “We shall leave you foolish young people to stay up fartoo late for no greater reason than that, beginning tomorrow, we must all remember to write 1814 on our correspondence. I would much rather be warm and snug in my bed.”
There was general laughter, and Lady Romsley said, “I do not disagree with you, but you do make yourself sound like an old dullard.”
“Dullard?” he said, feigning offence.
Georgiana quietly laughed. “She is teasing you, Uncle.”
That was obvious to all, including the earl, but he made a point of tucking Georgiana under his arm, thanking her, and requesting she explain how she had spotted his wife’s cruel trick as he led both her and the countess out of the room.
Darcy smiled, his gaze remaining on the door. It had been an agreeable evening, and having met some of the Bingleys’ neighbours, he was even more pleased for them than he had been previously. Larch Lane was an excellent estate, and despite having lived there a short time, Mrs Bingley—Jane—had done an excellent job making the house comfortable and attractive. Elizabeth had assisted her, and he anticipated her creating the same cosy atmosphere at Pemberley once she was its mistress.
“What has you so distracted, Darcy?” Fitzwilliam called from the sofa across from him.
“I would have said he was pining for Elizabeth, but she is sitting next to him,” Bramwell said.
“Do you think he forgot?” Fitzwilliam asked, his tone and expression mock-serious.
Bramwell guffawed. “Possibly. He has always been a stupid?—”
“Oh stop, both of you!” Rebecca cried.
“Thank you,” both he and Elizabeth said at the same time.
“Rebecca, you always have been my favourite cousin, andthis confirms it.” Darcy stood and held out a hand to Elizabeth. “Shall we take a walk?”
“Yes, please.” Her hand in his, she too rose.
“Where do you intend to go at this time of night?” the colonel said.
“Anywhere away from you will do.” Elizabeth smiled sweetly at Fitzwilliam.
To Darcy’s great pleasure—and relief—not only had his friendship with his cousin been restored, so had Elizabeth’s. It had been easier for Fitzwilliam and him to set aside their disagreement, but Elizabeth had been as determined to forgive him as he was to earn her forgiveness. Elizabeth had once told Darcy that she had two very good incentives to establish an easy affinity with Fitzwilliam. The first was Georgiana; she did not want her to worry that her beloved cousin and future sister-in-law were at odds. The second was Darcy himself. Elizabeth knew they had long been close friends, and she wanted him to have that connexion again.
Every day, it seemed that he found another reason to appreciate and adore her, another something he could point to and say, “Thatis why she is the only woman I could ever love.”
His three cousins laughed at Elizabeth’s tease, and Rebecca said, “Please do not let my brother-in-law and husband frighten you away with their horrendous manners.” She turned to Bramwell. “At least let her marry him before you call him stupid. What if she believed you and cried off?”
“You are just afraid you would lose your friend, my love.” Bramwell kissed her hand.
“Please take me away from them,” Darcy said to Elizabeth.
“Very well.” To Rebecca, she added, “We shall return soon.”
Elizabeth and he walked through the house, and shedescribed the Bingleys’ intention to begin a collection of art and books, to create a legacy for their children.
“I believe Bingley is taking his inspiration from Pemberley, although Jane rightly reminds him that hoarding books is a Bennet family trait as well. Jane may not be as much of a reader as I am, and I doubt Lydia will ever voluntarily pick up a book, but Mary takes great comfort in them, and my father tells me Kitty is growing to as well,” Elizabeth said.
“Is she?” To Darcy, the second youngest Miss Bennet had always appeared rather empty-headed.
“She is. To his credit, my father has been insisting she learn to be more serious, and it appears to be working.”
Another time, he would ask whether she would like to invite either of her unmarried sisters to stay, whether in Derbyshire or London. They would have to ensure Georgiana was comfortable with the prospect, but she might like to befriend them.
After wandering for a while, they stood by a window in a smaller sitting room, looking out to the park. It was too cold to go out of doors, as evidenced by the frost on the glass. The night looked peaceful, and the sky was covered by a plethora of stars. The only light in the room was from the silver candlestick he had brought with them.
“It must be almost midnight.” Elizabeth spoke softly.
She pulled her wool shawl more tightly against her. Darcy wound an arm across her shoulders to share his warmth and kissed her temple.
