“Indeed…I was wrong, and I am pleased that you learned something from it. Though perhaps you did not need that lesson. You have always been diplomatic and cautious.”
“I told her that from the moment I met her, I wished to marry her—”
“Truly?”
“Entirely true. She was exactly what I needed. Then I fell in love with her.”
“In three days.”
“Do cease that mocking tone. If I remember correctly, you liked Miss Elizabeth within hours of meeting her—”
“Leave me out of this,” said Darcy.
This time, however, the colonel was far too happy to notice the sadness that briefly crossed his cousin’s face.
“It is possible to discover a person first and love afterwards. I simply happen to be rather quicker in my reactions.”
“And I think you are entirely right,” said Darcy unexpectedly. “Now tell me about the countess.”
“I made certain to tell her beforehand exactly how wealthy Agnes is. She is extraordinarily wealthy, which worksvery much in my favour. I was prepared to remain in Derbyshire for the rest of my life if necessary. In any case, we shall spend more time there to oversee the business interests.”
“And the army?”
“It has lost me. My mother said as much herself, and I could see that the subject had already been discussed. The ladies had agreed that I could no longer continue in the army.”
“So the ladies agreed on several matters.”
“On all of them,” replied the colonel, his happiness impossible to conceal. “Alice was invited to return the following day because my mother required time and privacy to…prepare my father.”
“And?” asked Darcy, curious to know how his uncle had reacted. However, once the countess was convinced, it was unlikely that Lord Matlock would offer much resistance. If he did, it was usually to assert his authority within the household, an exercise that rarely lasted more than a few days. Lady Matlock always prevailed, though the earl occasionally remained ill-tempered for a longer period.
“Well, this is where the story divides. I shall leave my father for later and tell you another tale first.”
“I hope it is not about Miss Elizabeth—”
“Who else could it be, my dear fellow?” replied the colonel with complete good humour and not the slightest trace of irony.
Darcy appeared cheerful and interested in his cousin’s adventure. Yet, when Miss Elizabeth’s name was mentioned, that familiar shadow crossed his features. The colonel had rarely seen it before he met her, and scarcely ever when she was present. Evidently, Darcy himself was unaware of it.
“I do not believe I wish to hear anything.”
The protest was useless. The colonel had no intention of remaining silent.
“Whether you wish it or not, you shall listen. We shall not discuss it, as you requested, but perhaps you ought to think more carefully about what you intend to do. Once again, circumstances have changed.”
“I do not believe anything can change sufficiently to make me reconsider.”
“That is your decision. Fortunately, matters in Meryton have progressed towards a happier solution with remarkable speed. After taking Agnes home following the conversation with my mother, I intended to return immediately. The ladies, however, insisted that I remain. We were returning to Matlock the following day in any case.”
“The ladies invited you,” said Darcy with a smile. “Both of them.”
“Yes, precisely. Both insisted that I stay, and I had the distinct impression that the detailed account I heard over dinner was intended as much for you as for me.”
“You imagine too much,” said Darcy rather dryly.
“Then allow me at least my imagination, if you are no longer capable of doing anything except sitting and watching the woman you love drift away from you.”
“Richard,” said Darcy in the same flat tone.
