While He Was Sleeping ~ Section II

    By Laura S.

    Beginning, Section II, Next Section

    Chapter 9

    Mr. Darcy could scarcely credit what his aunt had said regarding an attachment between Elizabeth and his cousin. His shock was great, and he was too horrified by how this would affect his own hopes to allow himself to think on it. How exactly he had excused himself from his aunt, he knew not, he only knew that he needed to get as far from the house as possible before he lost hold of his equanimity.

    He should have realized that in Elizabeth's absence from the sickroom she was likely to be found out in the park and considered the danger of encountering her there, particularly as his feet led him towards one of her favorite haunts at a furious pace. So occupied was his mind, however, that he did not think of such things, and as fate would have it, the lady herself soon came into view. He stood frozen in shock at the sight of her, but after the briefest moment he fearfully realized the danger he was in of making a fool of himself before her. She greeted him in an easy manner and he numbly attempted to act as though nothing were amiss. To speak would have been impossible, but he did manage a nod and a quirk of his mouth as he fell into step beside her.

    At length Mr. Darcy spoke, displeased that he found himself unequal to speaking on the subject with the indifference he had hoped to display. He did not realize that to the young lady beside him, the hint of displeasure in his guarded tone overshadowed any traces of his unease. "I understand congratulations are in order, Miss Bennet."

    Elizabeth paused and averted her eyes in discomfort, "I see you have spoken with Lady Matlock," she replied, more to her shoes than to the gentleman himself.

    "That I have," he answered blandly, "My aunt seemed quite happy as she relayed her hopes and the consolation she had found in your presence."

    "I am glad to have provided a source of happiness and comfort," she replied, with little of either feeling in her own voice.

    "I had not realized you were previously acquainted with the Colonel," Mr. Darcy drove on, his words tumbling rapidly and he fought to restrain the biting edge in his voice, "Though I suppose without knowing the connection between he and I, you would not have thought to mention it."

    "It is true that I did not know him to be your cousin before this trip," Elizabeth answered cautiously.

    The conversation was not going as Mr. Darcy had hoped. What he had expected to come from it, he was not certain; an outright denial would not have been rational to expect, no matter how welcome it might have been. Whatever he had imagined this conversation would be like, he had not thought of distressing her so. It took a long pause to calm himself before he trusted himself to speak again.

    "I suppose you have frequently traveled to London then," he said thoughtfully, and in a much quieter tone than his previous inquiry.

    "My aunt and uncle, to whom I am particularly close, reside there."

    A man who felt less might have inquired further, though he found himself unequal to the task. She had scarce been able to meet his eye throughout their conversation, and seemed to grow more and more distant with each answer. As for the lady, while she could not have been knowledgeable of the reason for his silence, she was no less appreciative of avoiding questions she would have been unable to answer. She had already spoken evasively in half-truths, something of which she could not be proud.

    For a time it seemed they would spend the remainder of their walk in tense and awkward silence, and Mr. Darcy realized this would not do. He was not insensible to the fact that this would be the best – perhaps the only – opportunity he would have to broach the subject, and he refused let it pass only to go on wondering how things could have gone differently.

    "I apologize if my congratulations were not the most forthcoming." The strangled tone of his sudden outburst did not encourage her to respond, and when she turned towards him, he seemed to be gathering himself to continue.

    When at last he did look up, he noticed her gaze and met it intensely with his own, his eyes penetrating hers, searching for her to understand.

    "Did I not…? That is…have I not been…? I had thought…" Mr. Darcy sighed frustratedly as his speech faltered. He knew not how to continue and resolutely turned his attention back to the path before them.

    He had cut himself off quite angrily, Elizabeth observed. That he believed her to have breached something that was understood between them was clear, but she was not sure what to make of it. Does he not approve of me as a match for his cousin? She had to admit an heiress would have brought something to the marriage that she could not, a matter of great significance for a man of Colonel Fitzwilliam's circumstances. Perhaps he finds it more upsetting that he had not been informed? He did seem a man who liked to be in control of situations around him…justified or not. Be that what it may, he was obviously quite put out with her, and for some reason, this bothered her a great deal more than she would have expected.

    "I am sorry if your aunt's information was disagreeable to you," Elizabeth offered, hoping to smooth some of the tension between them.

    The look he threw her in response was at first very rueful, but softened as he met her eye, and she was emboldened to continue.

    "I…I do not know what to say of our earliest acquaintance, Mr. Darcy, but I would like to think that upon furthering our acquaintance here at Rosings Park we have become…friends."

    Contrary to her expectations, he was silent at this – grave even – taking on much of his old manners from the earlier acquaintance she had just mentioned. She sensed that much had been left unsaid, though exactly what she could not determine as they came upon the lane that would return them to the manor house.

    The reason for his silence was of course no mystery to the gentleman himself. U p until this point, he had taken Lady Matlock's notion of an engagement between the two as unbelievably false, and had only wanted the opportunity to have the report universally contradicted. Yet every word Elizabeth spoke confirmed it. His own hopes were crushed such that he was now left reeling, frustratedly trying to pick up the pieces and find where his well-laid plans had gone so terribly wrong.

    He thought over his acquaintance with Miss Elizabeth in Hertfordshire, his mind replaying overheard conversations and searching for any clues that she were attached. Words exchanged with Colonel Fitzwilliam he also reviewed. He had spoken of someone, but on the subject of young ladies he was almost as bad as Bingley! Half he knew were more ploys to satisfy Richard's mother than anything else. Now that he thought about it, Richard did imply himself to be more serious about this one, but did he really mean it – and for all that is wretched, what was her name?

    Then Mr. Darcy thought of the past weeks at Rosings Park. Elizabeth had spent much of her time caring for and watching over the Colonel, but was that not at Lady Catherine's bidding, and was it not the same as she did for Jane? The same as she did for Jane…who she loves… hardly the point he was trying to make. But in the library, she had no problem selecting books very well suited to the Colonel. Lady Matlock welcomed her with open arms, and Cressbrook did not seem taken aback by it in the least. Perhaps the Colonel had confided in his brother…and I too foolhardy to see the truth of it!

    Elizabeth returned to the sickroom after her walk with Mr. Darcy, feeling guilty for allowing her own muddled situation to take her attention away from the gentleman lying unconscious. She attended her tasks determinedly, waiting until she had assured herself of his having every possible comfort and read through three additional chapters before allowing her thoughts to once again turn introspective.

    Thinking back on what had been said between Mr. Darcy and herself, she was unsettled in no small measure by the misleading pretense her side of the conversation seemed to support. She was anxious to communicate to the Viscount that the situation was getting further and further out of hand. Reluctant as she had been to go along with the scheme in the first place, it was now far more complicated than she had thought possible. She determined to express her concerns as best she may amidst the bustling and ever-present staff, and felt a surge of boldness to accomplish the task as she heard the door open behind her, only to feel her bravado deflate as she turned to find not the Viscount, but Lady Matlock entering the room, about to add yet another complication to Elizabeth's already convoluted circumstances.

    As they exchanged polite greetings and the expected inquiries regarding the Colonel's health, Lady Matlock noted that try as she might to mask it, Elizabeth's smile was not as bright and genuine as could normally be expected. She assumed this could likely be attributed to excessive time spent worrying in the sickroom, and smiling affectionately at the young lady beside her, she suggested they adjourn to the sitting room to await the gentlemen for tea.

    "I imagine you have yet to meet Georgiana," Lady Matlock inquired good-naturedly.

    "I have not yet had the pleasure of making her acquaintance," Miss Elizabeth replied. Any emotion behind her response was lost on Lady Matlock, for at that moment, the gentlemen entered the room.

    Polite greetings were again exchanged as Lady Matlock and Miss Bennet welcomed the gentlemen and rang for tea. The party settled in to make small talk as they awaited their repast, a situation which Mr. Darcy found altogether intolerable.

    "When is your sister due to arrive, Darcy?" Lady Matlock asked, continuing the line of conversation the gentlemen had interrupted.

    "She and Mrs. Annesley will be travelling from London in a few days."

    "I am sure you will enjoy her company, Miss Elizabeth," Lady Matlock added, "I know how young ladies often want for the companionship of others close to their own age, and you will find my niece to be a sweet girl."

    Elizabeth nodded acceptingly. Where once the testimony of another might have caused Elizabeth to doubt such a claim, she did not question the truth of Lady Matlock's words, as she had come to put a great deal of trust in that good lady's opinions. In fact, it surprised her to note that in the few short weeks she had been separated from him, she had long ceased to think of Mr. Wickham at all.

    "You have heard much of her I am sure," Lady Matlock continued.

    At this moment, Mr. Darcy looked decidedly uncomfortable, though by Elizabeth's easy response, one would not suspect the reason.

    "Yes, we shared a few common acquaintances in Hertfordshire. I heard much complimentary praise of Miss Darcy this past fall."

    Mr. Darcy made a small sound at this, somewhat passable as a cough, and covered it by adding, "Mr. Bingley's sisters, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley were in residence at Netherfield…"

    A smirk from the Viscount masked a slightly audible reaction of his own. While it was not uncommon for the sisters of his cousin's acquaintances to seek his attention, with regards to Miss Bingley, the lady's unparalleled reputation preceded her.

    Ignoring his tittering cousin, who seemed to be refining a most irritating habit of finding amusement at his expense, Mr. Darcy turned to Miss Elizabeth and said, "I hope you will allow me to introduce my sister to you. She is not yet out, but we shall all be much in each other's company under the present circumstances."

    Elizabeth could do little but accept the offer, and assured Mr. Darcy along with the rest of the party that she looked forward to making Miss Darcy's acquaintance. As the conversation moved on to more remedial topics, she could not but hope that Mr. Darcy's sincerity indicated some alleviation of the breach between them.

    Despite the tumult he had felt in the days since Lady Matlock's revelation, Mr. Darcy continued in the habit of sitting with his cousin at least once during the course of the day. He could not in good conscience allow his own conflicted emotions to interfere with this course, and considering how his social interactions had gone of late, thought perhaps this should be seen as a welcome respite. So it was that he seated himself beside his cousin, the immediate reminder of his cousin's precarious state of health calming his warring emotions. If, God willing, Richard were to pull through this ordeal, far be it from him to wish Miss Elizabeth away from his side when the two had apparently already formed an attachment. He could not wish a better match for his cousin in beauty and temperament, and he pushed aside the only negative involved – that under different circumstances, he would prefer the match for himself.

    "How are you, old chap," Mr. Darcy addressed his unconscious cousin, as pleasantly as he could be expected to do. "Dr. Grant assures us you are showing steady improvement, we only await confirmation of such from yourself. I should warn you the only downside will be a renewed place in our aunt's notice – consider that added inducement to make a quick recovery that you might spirit yourself away." Here he paused, knowing what must come next. He was well aware that the subject must come forward eventually, and all the better to accustom himself to it with a one-sided conversation. At least in this he need not fear that he should reveal himself.

    "I understand there is some news you have been hiding from us, though I admit in the past you have spoken so frequently of your budding attachments – real and professed for your mother's sake – that you may very well have mentioned it and I did not catch the seriousness of it, nor make the connection when I met the young lady. Having had the pleasure of Miss Elizabeth's acquaintance these many months, I must say I have a new respect for your taste in women. She is…"

    '…wonderful… perfect… intoxicating'. Darcy shook his head as though to rid it of the hyperbolic descriptions coming to mind.

    "…charming, and exuberant. You have done very well for yourself, I am sure she shall make you very happy." His practiced smile turned despondent at this. In the years since they had come of age, he had never thought the task of wishing his cousin joy would be a melancholy one.

    "I daresay the liveliness between the two of you will make very good company," he admitted honestly, "although you have always been well-liked, making friends everywhere you go. People will always be easier in your company than mine and I have accepted that. I have never been envious of you…until now."

    After a moment collecting his thoughts, Mr. Darcy turned to observe his elder cousin in the doorway. Any doubts between the men about Darcy's true feelings – and James Fitzwilliam having overheard his confession of them – were cleared in the meaningful look that passed between the two.

    Without a word, the Viscount came to sit beside Mr. Darcy. Though the times when the undertaking was necessary were few and far between, he had always taken on the role of older brother when his younger cousin needed it, and this appeared to be one of those occasions.

    "I simply cannot comprehend it," Mr. Darcy said at last, "If they are engaged, why did I not hear of it before? Why would Richard not tell me, and in all the time I spent in her company, not a word of it was spoken."

    "If she did not know you were related, she would not see telling you as any matter of importance." James Fitzwilliam was having increased difficulty in misleading his cousin, particularly from the position of a confidant. However he saw little advantage in destroying his brother's chance at happiness because of his cousin's sudden inhibitions regarding a young lady he had previously dismissed.

    "That is true," Mr. Darcy admitted thoughtfully, "but even if not specifically to me, an engagement would still be spoken of. If he has gone to her father, surely an announcement has been made of some kind. Such news could never be concealed in so small and insignificantly populated a village. And her mother! A woman more boastful of her daughters' suitors could never be found! Two dances and Bingley might as well have proposed to the eldest Miss Bennet, if one were to gauge the situation by her mother's tongue."

    And I might as well question your love for her if I were to gauge the situation by the opinions spouting from your own. At this thought, a portion of the Viscount's guilt faded away. "Perhaps nothing had been announced. You of all people should understand that there exist some engagements of a peculiar kind."

    "James, you know very well that I am not engaged to Anne," Mr. Darcy replied hotly.

    "Of course I do, but that is hardly my point," replied the Viscount, his cousin's presumptuous behavior raising his ire. "You must make allowances for particularities of the situation. You know as a younger son, Richard would have some difficulty garnering father's approval of the match under normal circumstances."

    "I suppose you are correct," Mr. Darcy admitted again, his tone deflated, "and it would just as easily coincide that if they had met in London, nothing would be spoken of to her family, particularly her mother, until all had been settled. She is at least intelligent enough for that."

    "A very rational idea," the Viscount replied, quite relieved to lay the subject to rest, "Now, enough trying to rouse my brother with all of this idle speculation. I am sure my father would appreciate our assistance in the study working to keep Rosings from going under."

    Chapter 10

    Posted on 2009-11-13

    Elizabeth called on Charlotte Collins again – something which had become a more frequent possibility of late. An unfortunate side effect, however, was the frequent presence of Mr. Joseph Jr. whenever Elizabeth's visits were expected. As much as she enjoyed the company of her dear friend, her visits were invariably curtailed when he could be found in Mrs. Collins' parlor.

    "It has been a pleasure to see you, as always, Charlotte, but I believe I shall now be expected to return to Rosings," Elizabeth announced at the soonest moment that would be considered polite, studiously avoiding Mr. Joseph Jr.'s steady gaze.

    "Allow me to see you out, cousin," said Mr. Collins with his typical simpering smile as he grandly gestured towards the door. Elizabeth held her tongue as she passed through the doorway, only to find that bad would go to worse when the odious man detained her for a conversation he apparently wished to hold in the middle of the hallway.

    "I am glad to see, cousin Elizabeth, that you continue to recognize the amiable qualities Mr. Joseph possesses. For as much as your…impertinence may have hindered you in other endeavors – though perhaps on that subject it is best to remain silent – there remains a great opportunity for you there. The honor of providing service to the great house of Rosings Park, as you have seen for yourself Mr. Joseph does with some frequency, now that would be a stroke of good fortune indeed." Even Mr. Collins realized that he had begun to carry himself away, and returned to his point.

    "In light of this great prospect for yourself, it would behoove you to ensure that your behavior in other quarters does not jeopardize this opportunity," he stated seriously.

    "I do not understand your meaning, sir," Elizabeth replied hotly, her confusion over what particular behavior he objected to not dulling her anger and revulsion at the idea of this 'opportunity'.

    "Why, that you must be very cautious not to overstep your place!" the bulbous gentleman exclaimed, "I realize you are currently in residence at Rosings Park, an esteemed honor indeed, but you must be very guarded in not allowing your estimation of your place to rise. We had previously spoken of your becoming a companion to the Countess of Matlock, but such an offer has not yet come, and it would not do to neglect Mr. Joseph, who has all but settled upon you.

    "Furthermore, during your continued stay at Rosings Park, you must be careful not to give the appearance that you wish to insinuate yourself in the family party. Though you may have previously held a slight acquaintance with Mr. Darcy, Lady Catherine would be most displeased if she were to find any indication that you were imposing yourself upon one of her nephews. Do not think that Mr. Joseph Jr. would not be influenced should you offend her and gain her ill opinion. The opinions of Lady Catherine de Bourgh are highly respected by those persons in my parish, as it should be with a citizen of rank amongst us. I say indeed, dear cousin, it would do no good to neglect your suitor in pursuit of avenues that should not be open to you."

    To say that Elizabeth was shocked and outraged by this presumptuous speech would be quite accurate; to say that Mr. Collins correctly interpreted the appalled expression on her face would be less so.

    "Do not be upset, my young cousin," Mr. Collins added condescendingly, "that this had not already occurred to you. You cannot help that your upbringing did not allow for exposure to such grand attentions as I have found in my patroness."

    Elizabeth was finally permitted to take her leave of Mr. Collins, feeling that she could not gather her gloves and bonnet fast enough as she rapidly escaped the confines of the house.

    Had she been in better humor, she might have appreciated the self-congratulating expression written across Mr. Collins' face. The poor man earnestly believed that he had given her much helpful advice, and that her silence reflected her realization she had much to think on in light of his generous assistance.

    As she increased the distance between herself and the parsonage, and also the number of bushes which had received a good thrashing as she passed, Elizabeth felt her ire cool and her natural disposition began to return.

    At this moment, however, her introspection did not leave her very attentive to her steps. It was not until she stepped out of a thicket and onto the adjoining path that she heard the pounding of hoof beats approaching and turned to look directly into the wide eyes of a gentleman's horse. At the last moment, the horse swerved to avoid her and skitted sideways before coming to a halt, nearly throwing its rider with its awkward and sudden movements.

    Elizabeth looked on petulantly as she watched none other than Mr. Darcy right himself in the saddle, taking a few moments to calm his horse before he dismounted.

    "Miss Bennet, you seem to have a penchant for being present at the equestrian mishaps of my family."

    When she did not immediately respond to his attempted jest, he realized that she may have applied the wrong meaning to his words, as he had indeed expressed himself quite badly. "Forgive me, Miss Bennet, I hope I have not upset you."

    "Not at all sir," she smiled weakly, "I was merely contemplating a few troubling things."

    "I hope it is nothing too serious."

    "Merely my future," she muttered quietly.

    Mr. Darcy was quite confused by this – was she not to marry the son of an earl? Perhaps the Colonel's injuries were more distressing to her than she let on.

    "I admit such lines of thinking often inspire me towards similar moods," he replied cautiously, "though I am reminded of what my cousin's reaction would be, 'Surely it is not as bad as all that, particularly if you look at it from a fresh perspective'".

    Elizabeth laughed merrily upon hearing a philosophy so close to her own, "Yes, I suppose I ought not allow my outlook to be heavily influenced by…"

    Mr. Darcy turned to her with a brow raised in inquiry, bidding her to continue.

    "I have just had the privilege of the excellent advice of Mr. Collins."

    Ha! A disturbing thought indeed. The pair shared a smile at the loathsome notion. "Let us continue on through the park, that you might think on better things."

    Such a thing was not to be accomplished effortlessly, particularly as the gentleman beside her was having difficulty taking his own advice. It was not easily done to 'think on better things' when the lady at the crux of his troubles was right beside him. At length their conversation resumed, albeit not with the liveliness they once enjoyed, but by the time they returned to the manor house, their equanimity had been somewhat restored.

    "Miss Bennet, this morning you shall return to Mr. Joseph Jr. and see to it that another supply is ordered," Lady Catherine called imperiously from the head of the breakfast table.

    Given her recent discourse with Mr. Collins on the subject of that very man, Miss Elizabeth was more than a little reluctant to go. Such sentiment must have caught the attention of at least one other in the room as Mr. Darcy then inquired on her behalf, "Can we not simply write to Mr. Joseph?"

    "Do you care nothing for my nephew's health?" Lady Catherine replied sharply, "It is of utmost importance that this matter is seen to personally."

    Thus ended any further discussion on the matter.

    Elizabeth walked reluctantly into the apothecary's establishment, not particularly anxious to further her acquaintance with Mr. Joseph Jr. or give the appearance of offering him encouragement. She was surprised then, to find the front room occupied only by Mr. Joseph Sr.

    "Miss Bennet, I bid you good morning," the elder Mr. Joseph greeted cordially.

    "Good day, Mr. Joseph," Elizabeth smiled easily, pleased with the prospect of addressing a man more calm and sensible than the one she had expected.

    "I shall not delay your business long, Miss Bennet. I have merely come in to make a simple request of my son for a patient before my weekly visit, and he should be joining us shortly."

    "I am in no great hurry, sir, and I am sure Mr. Joseph shall complete the task promptly."

    Miss Elizabeth Bennet soon regretted her polite compliment, as the elder gentleman was inclined to draw much more than the cursory sentiment from it.

    "My son is always extraordinarily efficient and works with a great deal of care – though he conducts himself thus with all things he is passionate about." Mr. Joseph Sr. paused deliberately and offered a wide smile at the compliment he paid his own son. Miss Elizabeth wondered if perhaps he were not so sensible as she had originally believed. "It is a wonder that he is still single, though there are plenty of young ladies who would be very happy to have him, I am sure."

    Elizabeth could offer no more than a slight nod and a nondescript utterance in response. A moment later she could not believe she was actually feeling relief at the sight of Mr. Joseph Jr. coming from the back room. This conversation with his father had gone quite dire indeed.

    "Miss Bennet," the young gentleman smiled widely, "a pleasure to see you, as always."

    Elizabeth replied politely, attempting to conduct the necessary business as quickly as two eager and verbose gentlemen would allow.

    Having taken care of the few small matters of business that brought him into the village, Mr. Darcy approached the apothecary and observed the trio in conversation through the window. Joseph Sr. seemed to be chatting along while Joseph Jr. was hovering near Miss Bennet. The younger man's behavior was affable and all too familiar in Mr. Darcy's opinion. And then there was Miss Elizabeth herself, smiling and conversing much as she had with himself in Hertfordshire – the very behavior from which he had drawn so much encouragement – that is until he learned that she had likely been engaged to his cousin throughout. The same teasing smile which had once brought him such pleasure now only gave him a feeling of disgust on his cousin's behalf.

    "Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy spoke tersely. He cleared his throat as he entered the shop, drawing the attention of three pairs of eyes. Belatedly he added greetings to the gentlemen. "Dr. Joseph, Mr. Joseph."

    "Miss Bennet," he continued, "I apologize for the interruption, but I fear my aunt will shortly be anticipating your return."

    While the gentleman might have hoped to startle some sense of shock or remorse into her gaiety, he did no such thing. Elizabeth was well aware of the hour, and that ample time remained for her to walk back to Rosings. She was however, more than desirous of quitting her present company, and serenely accepted the opportunity for escape.

    Miss Elizabeth's nonchalant and almost eager attitude only riled Mr. Darcy further. Flouncing indifferently from her flirtation and into the curricle that would return her to her unconscious fiancé – did she think he could not see what she was about?

    Something within him argued that it went against her character to deliberately act in such a way, and his own wounded feelings posed too great a bias for him to see this clearly. His own uncertainty aside, the best course of action was to speak to Miss Elizabeth and make her aware of the effect of her actions, that she might correct them at once.

    That afternoon, Mr. Darcy strode toward the parsonage, knowing Miss Elizabeth to be calling there, and also knowing this to be the most likely means of securing a private conversation with her. He was taken by surprise, then, to encounter Mr. Joseph Jr. in the front hall. Stilted greetings were exchanged between the two would-be suitors, Mr. Joseph Jr. pronouncing his intention of going into the parlor and Mr. Darcy awkwardly following, hoping to find the ladies within.

    "Is Mrs. Collins not present to host us, Mr. Joseph?" Mr. Darcy inquired upon finding the parlor decidedly empty of anyone, much less the lady he most wished to see.

    "I understand from Mr. Collins that she and Miss Elizabeth are expected to return from the kitchen gardens shortly," Mr. Joseph Jr. replied with an air of feigned nonchalance mingled with giddy anticipation.

    Mr. Darcy silently cursed his ill-luck for not having spotted the ladies as he approached the house.

    "Such a delightful young lady," Mr. Joseph Jr. mused as he casually examined the figurines Mrs. Collins displayed on the mantel, "I imagine she should be well pleased to remain in Kent."

    Mr. Darcy cleared this throat uncomfortably, wary of Mr. Joseph's implication, "Yes, though I am sure her visit has not gone precisely as she expected. I should hope Colonel Fitzwilliam will be well enough for her to be at leisure to return to her family within a few weeks."

    "Ah, but what you do not realize, sir, is that I intend to make an offer that is certain to change that, and Mr. Collins has just granted me his consent regarding a most particular conversation with her on the subject."

    Mr. Darcy had heard quite enough to wish himself anywhere but the parsonage, and with a cursory apology, excused himself for just that purpose. The pounding of the floorboards beneath his boots set a fine rhythm for the racing of his angry thoughts as he finally allowed himself to let loose on all of the vexatious circumstances of the past weeks. He could no longer imagine what direction his life would have taken had he not chanced upon meeting Elizabeth again at Rosings. He knew with absolute certainty that his chances for happiness had become smaller and further convoluted with every cursed event that had taken place. It could not be enough for him to trample his own happiness for the sake of his cousin – no. Now even that blasted possibility was jeopardized by the same vexatious woman, and he the only one with knowledge of it, and therefore honor-bound to act in some way to protect the Colonel's happiness.

    Letting himself out and closing the door behind him, Mr. Darcy began to stride away from the parsonage just as determinedly as he had approached it not a quarter of an hour before. Just as he was prepared to declare that the situation could not possibly try his patience further, two figures appeared from around the corner of the house, Mrs. Collins and Miss Elizabeth. A lesser man might have screamed out in frustration, but no matter how much he wanted to do just that, Mr. Darcy did no more than lower his head with a resigned sigh, clenching his fists for a moment before he approached the ladies.

    "Good afternoon, Mr. Darcy," Mrs. Collins greeted warmly as both ladies curtsied.

    "Mrs. Collins, Miss Bennet."

    "Might I invite you back into the parsonage for tea Mr. Darcy, if it is not inconvenient?"

    "I thank you, no, Mrs. Collins. I was just on my way back to Rosings, and as the hour draws late, I truly should return."

    "Of course, sir." Mrs. Collins replied before turning to her friend, "Lizzy, I hope I have not inconvenienced you overmuch with this long visit. You need not tarry on my account."

    "I should not mind if we sit for a few minutes, Charlotte."

    "I am sure Mr. Joseph Jr. will be glad not to have missed your company, Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy intoned as impassively as he could manage at the present moment, an effort which was not successful in the least.

    The effect of this statement was immediately apparent on Elizabeth's face, though the sentiment behind it was interpreted correctly by one of her present companions, and quite misconstrued by the other.

    "Perhaps you are right Charlotte, though I do hope to enjoy your company again soon."

    After parting with her friend, Miss Elizabeth glanced briefly at Mr. Darcy and turned towards the parsonage gate. She was not eager walk back to Rosings in the company of a gentleman who seemed to be in a rather black mood, though she had to admit that after enduring the company of Mr. Collins and Mr. Joseph Jr. as he just had, she would not expect to find herself in a much better mood than he.

    "I am sorry if my appearance drew you away from your friend, Miss Bennet," said Mr. Darcy. His tone bespoke more polite obligation than genuine concern.

    "No harm is done, sir, I can pay call at the parsonage again another time."

    "…though the company there may not be as appealing as it was today," he added for her.

    "I do not understand your meaning, sir." Miss Elizabeth turned to face him. His expression did nothing to ease her confusion about why Charlotte's company would be less appealing from one day to the next.

    Having lost the peace of mind to deal politely with coy behavior, Mr. Darcy was less than candid with his response.

    "Mr. Joseph Jr. will not always be present," he deadpanned. "Though I suppose with a little effort such things could be arranged."

    Though she began to have her suspicions of where this was headed, such behavior as this could not induce her to admit it. "I am afraid I am not closer to understanding your meaning when you apply significance to that gentleman."

    Mr. Darcy turned aghast to his companion, "Do you honestly believe the ease and friendliness of your manner to have accomplished nothing with an eligible man, if not secured his addresses?"

    "I apologize if my 'ease and friendliness' have given you a mistaken impression regarding my brief acquaintance with Mr. Joseph Jr., but allow me to assure you that the gentleman has not paid me addresses of any kind, and such addresses would be most unwelcome."

    "Then what of his meeting with your cousin, Miss Bennet? Both gentlemen are quite confident that your relationship with Mr. Joseph Jr. is of a much more familiar nature than you profess."

    "Mr. Darcy!" Elizabeth cried exasperatedly, the unpalatable idea of her cousin and Mr. Joseph making arrangements for her future only adding to her vexation. "I do not know which is more extraordinary, your implication that I have a 'relationship' of any sort with the man, or your belief in anything those 'gentlemen' have expressed to you! I am not sure I want to know what those two have arranged amongst themselves, but their schemes can have nothing to do with me. It is my understanding that any arrangements for my future would be made with my father, and as a man of sense, I am surprised you would credit anything less."

    "That in itself is a relief." Though it still does not leave you unattached, and you are no less lost to me.

    Chapter 11

    The next day brought the arrival of Miss Darcy, a circumstance which was very welcome to Mr. Darcy, despite Lady Catherine's vexation that her ill-timed arrival would delay lunch by at least a quarter of an hour. Once Miss Darcy had been allowed a brief respite to change, she rejoined the assembled party outside the dining room, where greetings and brief introductions were made.

    "Miss Darcy, it is a pleasure to meet you," Miss Elizabeth greeted kindly.

    "The pleasure is mine, Miss Bennet, I assure you," Miss Darcy replied, her speech inflected with all the grace a privileged young lady is raised to possess, for all that the words were murmured out of shyness.

    Having seen all of the social niceties to their completion, Lady Catherine turned to lead the party into the dining room. Mr. Darcy stepped forward to offer an arm to each of the young ladies, escorting them into the dining room and seating them next to each other before finding a seat of his own.

    "Would you mind, Miss Bennet, if I were to come and sit with you in the afternoon?" Miss Darcy inquired softly as the meal began.

    "I would be very glad of your company, Miss Darcy, and please do call me Elizabeth. 'Miss Bennet' always puts me in mind of my elder sister Jane, and I do hope you and I shall become friends."

    After the initial shock of seeing her elder cousin in such a state, Miss Darcy's focus shifted not to her own distress, but towards his care. Though she still expressed herself with some amount of shyness, she was clearly eager to assist in any manner she might be able, and looked to Miss Elizabeth as her example. The ladies quickly became quite comfortable with one another, particularly as Elizabeth explained to Georgiana that simply conversing and allowing her cousin to hear her familiar voice would be a great comfort.

    As the ladies spoke, chatting of mutual interests and other inconsequential subjects, Elizabeth confirmed her initial suspicion that Miss Darcy possessed none of the pride she had heard spoken of in the fall. She saw nothing but the sweet and unassuming – if rather timid – character Lady Matlock had described. She felt very far removed from the few conversations she had held with Mr. Wickham, given all that had preoccupied her since leaving Hertfordshire. Without overmuch thought, she assumed there must have been some mistake there, but considering that she was unlikely to encounter the gentleman again, she resolved to think on it no more.

    Once Georgiana had sought the sole company of her brother, any news she had not shared in her letters was pushed aside as she expressed her delight in Miss Elizabeth and the esteemed character of her new friend. Such praises were not unexpected by Mr. Darcy as the entire family shared her opinion – himself included – though he was struck by how fervently his reticent sister praised her new friend as she eagerly sought his concurrence on how lovely Miss Bennet was.

    As Mr. Darcy listened to his sister's raptures about Miss Elizabeth, he had to admit that she was of steadier character than his accusations regarding Mr. Joseph Jr. implied. He knew the moment he heard her response to them that his assumptions had been proven entirely false. He had truly spoken out of turn when he broached the subject, and in such a manner that was surely most offensive to Miss Elizabeth. While this was not a time that he wished to compare his own strength of character to hers – as his would likely reflect rather poorly by the comparison, his integrity did require that he at least make a proper apology for his mistake.

    Successfully seeking out Miss Bennet had long ceased to be a matter of difficulty for Mr. Darcy, and he was quick to find her as she walked about the park the following morning. Her countenance did not show the same ease or pleasure upon spotting him as it had for a time, but she accepted his company with civility nonetheless.

    "I wished to speak to you, Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy stated formally as he fell into step beside her.

    Hardly impressed by such speech, Miss Elizabeth met his eye with a meaningful look, showing him that he ought to expand upon the point if he wished a response.

    "I owe you an apology for my accusations regarding Mr. Joseph Jr.," he began, adding in a softer tone, "quite a sizeable one.

    "I know enough of your character to recognize that you would not conduct yourself in such a way. My concern regarding Mr. Joseph Jr.'s behavior remains – though I should have known better than to make assumptions regarding your own. The words I spoke to you and the manner in which I expressed them were unpardonable, but I should hope that you would forgive me all the same."

    "If you have seen the error of your ways, there is nothing for me to do but forgive you." After all, you acted in defense of your cousin, and could not have known that the interest you were defending does not exist.

    She feared Mr. Darcy might notice that she had turned introspective – whether he would assume this to mean she had not forgiven him or that he might suspect the truth behind the matter, she knew not, but she did not wish to encourage either sentiment. Smilingly, she teased, "You do seem to be making quite a habit of acting to defend the best interest of your friends."

    "With each attempt being equally misguided as it is well intentioned?" he replied with equally light spirits.

    "Unfortunately so," she replied as they laughed together, amiability between the two now restored.

    "Thank you for allowing me to introduce my sister to you." Mr. Darcy said this with enough sincerity for Elizabeth to understand he meant far more by it than perfunctory sentiment.

    "It is a pleasure to know her, I assure you," Elizabeth replied with equal seriousness, "She is a lovely young woman."

    "But you have done so much to make her feel at ease with regards to our cousin's situation, and I thank you for it," he pressed on.

    "She has done nothing that her own good and caring nature did not urge her to do, she only wanted for a bit of direction," Elizabeth replied smilingly.

    Mr. Darcy shook his head – in how different a light did the two ladies paint the same picture. "It seems both my sister and I are determined to give you more credit than your modesty will accept. Nonetheless your good opinion of her is something to be valued."

    Elizabeth did not know quite how to respond to such a speech, and turned away a bit. She could not, however, keep a faint blush from her cheeks at his compliment.

    "I have recently had a letter from Jane," she said a few moments later. "It seems that she has been receiving a great number of calls lately."

    "Is that so?" Mr. Darcy replied innocently, though something in his expression gave away his greater understanding.

    "Yes," Elizabeth smiled in response, "and it is quite convenient that they have all been from one gentleman, for the particular gentleman is the one whose company she would most prefer."

    In that short walk, the gentleman she had come to know at Rosings had returned. Since their argument, she had feared that the haughty gentleman she met in Hertfordshire reflected the truest version of his character, his kinder altered manners the effect of distressing family circumstances. She now saw that while in essentials he might be as he ever was, and glimpses of that prideful character would periodically surface, by knowing him better, she had improved her opinion of him. Having been in such close company, and so much more exposed to his manners, she could not but understand him better. This change had come on so gradually, such that her former – and temporarily reinstated – dislike of him was no longer rational to hold.

    That afternoon, Elizabeth had just settled herself on a garden bench with a favorite book when the crunching of footfalls on the path alerted her to Mr. Darcy's rapid approach. She began to wonder why he would wish to speak to her again so soon, but then observed the wide and uncharacteristic grin spread across his face.

    "Richard's eyes fluttered!" he announced almost before he had reached her.

    Remembering his original purpose, he reined himself in a bit and added, "I had come down to fetch my uncle and saw you from the window. I thought you might like to hear the good news…I had best continue on and find him now."

    He left just as quickly as he had arrived, but not without another beaming smile as he took his leave.

    Goodness, he is handsome! The thought struck Elizabeth before she realized what she was thinking, and she found herself a little overwhelmed by it. She had already admitted that she no longer had any reason to hate the man, and he could be entirely amiable, even friendly, at times, but why she should be thinking of him as handsome – Elizabeth snapped herself out of this line of thinking. The Colonel would awaken soon, perhaps even at this very moment. While this was a blessing in itself and she could not be anything but grateful for it, what the gentleman might say was of much concern. Surely the truth would not be hidden for very long.

    Chapter 12

    The next few days brought a flurry of activity about Rosings Park. The Fitzwilliams vigilantly watched over the Colonel for additional signs that he would soon awaken, and on more than one occasion, their hopes were not disappointed. Lady Catherine, of course, met this progress in his condition with changes to her plethora of instructions for his care, leaving a good portion of her staff bustling about accordingly.

    For Elizabeth, it became increasingly easier to distance herself from the many distracted parties, without fear of neglecting the Colonel. This situation suited her very well, as she could never over-indulge her affinity for nature. No little additional benefit was the privacy she might use to sort out her thoughts.

    So fully did she welcome this opportunity, that on one such occasion, she became so lost in thought that she did not notice a gentleman approaching until he had nearly fallen into step beside her. Her countenance had remained unguarded before he interrupted her solitude, and the uncharacteristic furrow in her brow did not escape his attention.

    "Is something troubling you, Miss Bennet? I had thought you would be pleased by such glad tidings as the Colonel's progress."

    "Oh, yes! It is wonderful, Mr. Darcy, and I hope he shall awaken soon," she replied earnestly, despite her distraction.

    Why Mr. Darcy did not immediately respond, she knew not, but his silence only made her uncomfortable and drove her to speak of that which weighed heavily on her mind.

    "After he does, however…things shall be different," she added seriously, raising uncertain eyes to him as she continued. "I would have you know that I have appreciated your friendship at Rosings, as much as you might think on our acquaintance in Hertfordshire as having been somewhat inauspicious."

    Mr. Darcy turned to face her and squarely met her eye. Reaching for her hand, he pressed it briefly before he replied, "Miss Bennet, I have always valued the pleasure of knowing you."

    The softness of his expression and the earnestness of his gaze spoke of more than friendship – strongly enough that for the moment, the indications of his attachment she had overlooked in the past seemed so very clear. She could not dismiss them now, and she resolved that she must tell him the truth.

    "Mr. Darcy, I…"

    "Richard is awake!" Georgiana cried excitedly as she practically bounded up to the pair. So marginally had she contained her excitement over the news and having located her brother that she took no notice of the somewhat intimate scene she had interrupted.

    With a brief darkening of countenance in response to the troubled look that remained on Miss Elizabeth's face, Mr. Darcy offered an arm to her and then his sister that they might all hasten into the house. He knew she must have seen something in his eyes that told her the full meaning behind his words, and had no doubt that she had been about to reproach him for speaking so when she was already attached to his cousin. Never would he suspect that her agitation stemmed from how desperately she wished she had been allowed just a few moments more to tell him she was not engaged.

    Upon entering the sitting room, they were awaited by Lady Matlock, who explained that she had already sat with the Colonel, and that he was now speaking to his brother and father. Mr. Darcy's concerns about overtiring the patient with excessive visitors were quelled by the doctor's response that unless any of them were prone to nervous displays, seeing familiar faces would likely bring more comfort than potential harm.

    "Let us go in and see him then," Lady Matlock smiled.

    "I had not…I would not wish to intrude on a family scene," Miss Elizabeth replied shakily.

    "Nonsense, Elizabeth! I am sure he is most anxious to see you! Come along, my dear." Lady Matlock linked their arms and smiled so warmly that she barred any further protestations, as much as Elizabeth might have liked to make them.

    As they passed through the doorway, the room was in essentials much as Elizabeth had ever seen it. Maids bustled about, the curtains were drawn and adjusted at just the appropriate degree for the particular hour of day. Were it not for the additional chairs and the occupants necessitating them, she would have had no qualms over reading another passage from the poetry volume she had set aside that very morning – that is until an unfamiliar voice drew her attention.

    "Wh-who is she?"

    "Richard, it is Elizabeth," Lady Matlock supplied.

    The Colonel's expression did not register a change with this information, and Lady Matlock expanded, "We have become quite good friends these last weeks. Is she so much changed since you last saw her?"

    "She has been quite kind in coming to read to you each day since your accident," Viscount Cressbrook added tentatively. He noted the confusion that their mother's comment had set over his brother, which his own remark had done very little to alleviate.

    The Colonel smiled at his brother – albeit rather bemusedly – and turned to the lady in question. "That is very kind of you, Miss…?"

    "Bennet, sir," Elizabeth finished with a kind smile, maintaining a smooth expression as best she was able. At this, Lady Matlock's confusion grew to rival her son's.

    In the momentary silence that followed, Richard Fitzwilliam took on a bit of embarrassment at this unconventional introduction. He was suddenly very aware of his current state of informal dress, positioned in a sickbed no less. "To, ah…" he faltered and cleared his throat.

    The Earl interpreted this pause as his son's need for refreshment, and hurriedly offered a glass of water. The glass was gratefully accepted and partaken of, though perhaps more for the purpose of diversion than quenching thirst.

    "To perform such an office for a person outside of your acquaintance is indeed very thoughtful, Miss Bennet," Colonel Fitzwilliam offered, speaking with more confidence than his first attempt at the same.

    "T'was nothing, sir. Indeed, you did not make for a difficult patient."

    Lady Matlock went white as a sheet, and Mr. Darcy, noticing her distress, offered his arm and guided her out to the sitting room. Not wishing to alarm his recently re-awakened patient, Dr. Grant offered a few general suggestions for the Colonel's recovery, and requesting a moment of the Viscount's time, excused himself to follow the party that had retreated to the sitting room. Suddenly the large group crowding the sickroom had been reduced to the Earl and his niece, with Miss Elizabeth standing awkwardly to the side, but all were much too caught up in the Colonel's recovery to pay much mind to it.

    Meanwhile, tempers were not so calm just beyond the adjoining door.

    "What is happening? Why does he not remember?" Lady Matlock inquired frantically, once Dr. Grant had joined her.

    "There are a wide variety of conditions that can come as the result of a head injury, and some degree of memory loss is not uncommon," he replied with all the calm reassurance a doctor of his years' experience is sure to possess. "A wide range exists in terms of the amount of memory loss and also its duration. So far your son has seemed very cognizant and in control of his faculties. It seems very likely that the memory loss is limited, and over time it may very well prove partially or completely temporary."

    "Thank you, sir; that is most reassuring," the Viscount replied to Dr. Grant before turning in comfort to the Countess, "See, Mother? It is not so very bad, and he may yet recover completely."

    Dr. Grant concurred, "Physically I expect him to make a full recovery, much of which he has already done in the past weeks' bed rest. His condition should now be quite stable, and it is a blessing to see him so well restored to us."

    "But what of Miss Bennet, sir?" Mr. Darcy spoke out, albeit somewhat hastily. He collected himself to rephrase before he continued, "That is, as to those events which Richard does not presently recall. Are we to avoid subjects entirely once we find he does not remember them?"

    "That is a difficult question to answer, Mr. Darcy," the doctor replied. "As you may already be aware, there are many conflicting opinions published on the subject, even amongst the most renowned experts in this field of study. It is my opinion that while discussing events he does not remember could be distressing to the patient and encourage his mind to replace first-hand memory with second-hand intelligence, it could be equally distressing to see certain subjects studiously avoided or awkwardly circled, thus creating a tension in general conversation. A discussion in general terms to canvas what he has lost may also be useful in triggering his memory."

    Given this advice, it was not long before Richard Fitzwilliam was once again surrounded by his nearest relations, attempting a benign and polite conversation.

    "What is it? Will someone please tell me what it is that I am supposed to remember?" the Colonel asked, his eyes darting from one family member from the next. His mother, who valiantly tried to conceal her emotions as she anxiously held his hand; his brother, sitting at the end of the bed and somehow not quite able to meet his eye; and his cousin Darcy standing silently off to the side. His gaze settled last upon his father, who finally offered a response.

    "Calm yourself, Richard. I understand your frustration, but nothing of great consequence has occurred."

    "Forgive me, but some of your expressions suggest otherwise," he answered wryly.

    "Do you have any memory of your acquaintance with Miss Bennet?" Lady Matlock asked kindly.

    "Should I? I do not remember meeting the lady before this afternoon."

    "She is from Hertfordshire, dear, her visit here to Kent coincided with yours." Lady Matlock paused to see how this information affected her son. His attention, however, had been caught by the dark look Mr. Darcy had cast him at the implication of he and Miss Bennet coordinating their travel plans, and he wondered at the significance of it. Why do I feel as though I have heard the name Bennet before? I have the strangest feeling that the name should be familiar to me… he allowed the thought to trail off as his mother continued. "I believe the timing of your visits was meant to be a reflection of the attachment between you."

    …that's it! Maybe this is the beginning of what I am supposed to be remembering. But an attachment, if that were the case…

    Here the Colonel took on an expression of alarm, "Are we…? That is….such a thing could be materially harmful to the lady if I have forgotten it!"

    "You have not yet placed a formal announcement in the Times, if that is your concern, son," the Earl added, "I am sorry we cannot say more as to the true progress of your attachment. But she seems a good and understanding sort of girl."

    "Indeed Richard, I am sure you have no need to worry of her pressing you or doing anything but allowing you time to recover," Lady Matlock added.

    Colonel Fitzwilliam's alarmed expression had faded at these remarks, though his countenance still could not be considered remotely peaceful.

    "Give yourself time, old chap," said the Viscount, who up until this point had remained silent. "It will all become clear to you soon enough, and in the mean time, there is no harm in acquainting yourself with Miss Bennet and enjoying her company."

    An involuntary sound escaped Mr. Darcy's throat at this, which – much to his benefit – Lord and Lady Matlock were inclined to misinterpret, taking it as a hint that the two brothers might like some time to speak alone.

    Once the other occupants of the room had left, Colonel Fitzwilliam voiced his concerns about his supposed engagement to a woman he did not remember a jot prior to the current day. The idea that until his memory returned, he should continue on where he was supposed to have left off – and no one knew where this was exactly – he found incredulous.

    The Viscount reiterated that as no formal announcement was made in London, there would be no pressing reason to move forward immediately. Certainly Richard would be allowed time to complete his recovery, and he could take adequate time to ascertain their feelings and get to know her again. If, after time had allowed them to become more comfortable around each other, he still did not recall their initial acquaintance, he could speak to her about whether or not she wished to maintain their attachment. After all, circumstances had changed enough, such as the possible end of his military career, to justify such a conversation.

    Colonel Fitzwilliam found himself with much to think about, and such would haunt much of his private thoughts in the days to follow. As much as Dr. Grant had assured him that his memory would return in time, and it could be harmful to his health to trouble himself over it, at times he could hardly occupy himself with anything else.

    Little fragments of memories would be triggered by idle conversation, an occurrence not uncommon in the healthiest of men, but he could not place them as clearly as he ought. He tried not to be concerned that none of the surfacing memories regarded Miss Elizabeth, as many of these remembrances were still hazy – past military campaigns, old Cambridge acquaintances, social functions of both family and society.

    The bits of London's balls and parties did more often than not have a recurring theme, however. A flash of red Irish curls, a glimpse of brilliant green eyes, slender fingers falling delicately into his grasp. A soft and teasing laugh, at times so much like Miss Elizabeth's that he thought it must be hers, though other times not. All of these blurs and glimpses hinted at being the same woman, and it bothered him that he truly could not place her. Then again, his affable nature had always given away to flirtations – albeit innocent ones – and as they were great in number but not duration, perhaps he should not be surprised that the memories of this particular infatuation had become hazy. At any rate, perhaps it would be best to follow Dr. Grant's advice before he drove himself to distraction over a situation that could very easily amount to nothing.

    Chapter 13

    Posted on 2009-11-17

    Now that Colonel Fitzwilliam was awake, Lady Catherine's strict sense of decorum deemed it no longer proper for Miss Elizabeth Bennet to attend him, and thus the young lady's residence at Rosings Park was no longer required. This pronouncement suited the opinions of all parties, as the majority of the household believed the Colonel to have previously secured an understanding with the young lady, and the lady herself had long wished to distance herself from the awkward situation that had grown to surround her.

    Though Lady Catherine had ordered a cart for Miss Elizabeth's trunk, and most likely assumed she would be transported by the same, Viscount Cressbrook had taken the liberty of ordering the curricle to escort her back to the parsonage. Elizabeth did not find this terribly surprising, given the frequency with which the curricle appeared, though she was pleased with the prospect of being escorted by Viscount Cressbrook instead of Mr. Darcy.

    The Viscount greeted his charge gladly as he handed her up into the curricle, drawing her into conversation not a moment after flicking the reins and getting their conveyance underway.

    "I must thank you again, Miss Elizabeth, for the great service you have done for my family. Unwitting misrepresentations or no, your presence has done much to see us through such a difficult time, and I do not think we would have been the better for it without your strength of character."

    "I thank you, sir."

    The demure nature of the lady's response did much to ease the Viscount's mind and convince him that he had brought her to his way of thinking. Unfortunately for him, her quietness was only due her preoccupation as she formed the proper words for the second half of her response.

    "I did no more in this case than I should hope to do for any other person, though I cannot say whether those 'misrepresentations' were so positive as you imply. I would hope the strength of your own character would drive you to correct them now that your brother is recovered."

    Viscount Cressbrook had long wondered if this conversation would one day come, and alas it had.

    "Now Miss Bennet," he replied carefully, "while I thank heaven that my brother is indeed well on the road to returning to his former self, I might remind you of our conversation about the merits of such a match, and that you ought not dismiss the opportunity out of hand?"

    "I do not deny that even in my limited experience, your brother seems all that is amiable and respectable, but to gain the connection by such deceptive means! I should hardly know myself were I to behave in so devious a fashion."

    "And such is a credit to your character," the Viscount reluctantly conceded, "Perhaps I should endeavor to correct the misconceived notions my family holds regarding yourself and my brother. I do realize the greater share of the blame is mine, and so must the remedy be."

    Miss Elizabeth smiled widely with genuine relief, "Again I thank you, sir."

    As she entered the parsonage as a residing guest for the first time in weeks, Miss Elizabeth did her best to put her personal concerns aside. Charlotte's warm greeting made her feel keenly how her hostess had been neglected, even if it had been by no choice of her own. Though they had seen each other at regular intervals during her stay at Rosings Park, it was as though Miss Elizabeth were come for her first visit all over again, and she listened as her friend proudly discussed all the little changes and improvements she had made to her household during that time. At length the subject of Mrs. Collins' domestics was extinguished and conversation turned to Elizabeth's time at Rosings. It was nearly the dinner hour before Mr. Collins returned to the house and the evening passed quietly, just as those at the beginning of her stay were wont to do.

    The next day Elizabeth broached the subject weighing most strongly on her mind, only to find herself wishing she had been more successful in her persuasion. The original length of her stay would expire within the week, and by her estimation, it would be most sensible for her to return to Hertfordshire with Maria Lucas as planned. Mrs. Collins, however, insisted that she could hardly consider the last weeks as a proper visit. Added to her arsenal was the correspondence Mr. Collins had held with Mr. Bennet, wherein Mr. Collins had explained the importance of Elizabeth's remaining in Kent, and the great service she was providing. If only her father had not indulged Mr. Collins and supported his belief that to be a companion to Lady Matlock would be something indeed! His expression that he could remain parted with his daughter for so worthy an endeavor was taken as stated, and Elizabeth could only refute it so strongly without giving offense. To bring up the misconception of an engagement between herself and the Colonel she knew to be unwise. Charlotte Collins was nothing if not prudent, and while she would not support an outright lie, neither would she allow Elizabeth to run away without exploring the opportunity of securing such an advantageous match.

    Though she had not long been returned from Rosings Park, Elizabeth was not surprised to receive an invitation for tea from Lady Matlock the next day. The invitation was of course addressed to Mrs. Collins and included both of her young guests, and at the appropriate hour, the trio set out walking to Rosings Park.

    Elizabeth met this visit with a feeling of keen anticipation, for it would be the first occasion on which the Fitzwilliam family would likely have heard the true version of events that led to her acquaintance with their son, and she could not think they would react kindly towards it. She was soon to find, however, that while the Viscount had promised to act, he found it to be something easier said than done and apparently he would have some difficulty finding the right time to broach the subject.

    Upon entering Rosings, Miss Elizabeth was pleased to find that Viscount Cressbrook had anticipated their arrival and awaited them in the foyer. At the earliest possible moment to speak to him aside, she whispered agitatedly, "Please sir, do tell me how differently your family thinks of me now. Their extending this invitation to tea is encouraging, but I cannot imagine they took the news well. Lady Matlock must think me most conniving."

    "Oh, I would not be so concerned, Miss Bennet," the Viscount replied soothingly.

    "Truly?" she responded with not a little astonishment, "You would not?"

    Here the gentleman grew sheepish as he replied, "I have not exactly told them yet."

    Their precarious lack of privacy kept Miss Elizabeth from making a reply worthy of a fishmonger, though her expression was no less communicative of the same.

    "Forgive me," the Viscount added earnestly, "it is a delicate situation that only wants for the right time, but I will address it."

    Miss Elizabeth may have muttered something about it only wanting less reluctance, but such would hardly be ladylike, and as no one heard her for certain, it shall remain neither here nor there.

    As the party gathered in the sitting room, Elizabeth's only comfort was that the addition to the party added a dynamic of formality to the conversation. However this could not change that the conversation eventually turned to Colonel Fitzwilliam and his progress towards recovery, which gave way to the suggestion that Elizabeth would enjoy visiting him awake after so many one-sided interactions. Even if Lady Matlock had been of a mind to stand on ceremony with Miss Elizabeth, propriety still could not be truly offended by these particular circumstances. The daily regimen of provisions and instructions from Lady Catherine had not decreased, only changed now that Colonel Fitzwilliam was conscious, and they would never be remotely unattended.

    So it was that not half an hour had passed since Elizabeth's return to Rosings Park and she was once again seated beside the Colonel – a gentleman who was now very much awake.

    The first moments that passed between Colonel Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Bennet could only be described as awkward. Though both parties were amiable and sociable enough in their own right, avoiding the primary subject that connected them did significantly hinder their conversation.

    After some minutes filled with many stilted and failed attempts at conversation, Elizabeth resigned herself and said laughingly, "I think you should now that your family believes us to be engaged."

    "Yes," Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed, grateful for her levity in broaching the subject, "I had an inkling that such was the case."

    The Colonel's smile soon faded, however, in the face of his current resolve. His expression remained kind, but grew serious all the same. "I…I must be frank with you Miss Bennet. At this juncture, I cannot remember our earlier acquaintance, as much as I wish I had not lost those particular memories."

    "Do not concern yourself, sir. We…our acquaintance is not so extensive as all of that implies."

    "Then I do not...that is, I have not asked you…" Though both had a fair idea of what the Colonel was trying to say, he was rather at a loss for how to express it, being that asking directly whether or not he had proposed to her was out of the question.

    "Sir, I believe it is safe to say this is the weightiest conversation we have had in terms of discussing our futures."

    Both could not help but smile with relief at this statement, as it effectively relieved much of the tension that had built between them. In her honesty and good humor, Colonel Fitzwilliam saw a glimpse of what was so admirable in her. Elizabeth could only wish she had long ago possessed the strength to say much the same to his mother, but at least she could find a great deal of comfort in conveying to the gentleman that he was in no way honor-bound to her. Heaven help her if he had felt the need to tender a proposal thinking it was his duty to do so.

    "Mother, I still cannot think well on this," the Colonel said to Lady Matlock after their guests had departed, "I have no desire to lead the lady on, pretending an affinity I cannot recall or feel."

    "Oh, you needn't trouble yourself so," Lady Matlock fussed kindly.

    Colonel Fitzwilliam cast his mother a sharp and doubtful look.

    Taking his hand in hers, she met his eye and said with affectionate firmness, "Richard, she will understand."

    Her son smiled softly at her warmth, though he did not credit it to much more than maternal bias until she continued.

    "Elizabeth Bennet is a wonderful young woman, Richard, and she is perfect for you. Once you see that, you can propose for a second time and all will be restored to what it once was."

    "You assume much, mother. In conversation with Miss Elizabeth, she gave me to understand that I yet to propose."

    "Perhaps," Lady Matlock smiled sadly, "or perhaps she was too demure to admit it. I can imagine how difficult it would be for a young woman to know that all fond memories of courtship are hers alone…perhaps forever."

    Lady Matlock lightened her smile as she continued, "Now I do believe your brother James has already tendered the best advice – take this time of recovery and get to know Miss Elizabeth. Soon enough you shall see what the rest of us have already observed in her these last few weeks, and everything will be set to rights."

    Though the entire party was exceedingly glad for Colonel Fitzwilliam to be awake and on a steady path to recovery, Dr. Grant was insistent that the returned color in his cheeks and his good humor were no indication of a full recovery. He gave strict orders that the Colonel was not to overexert himself after having spent so many days in bed, unconscious no less. Logistically speaking, this meant that he was to be left to rest quietly at the first moment he began to tire and would remain confined to his bed for a week – much to the Colonel's chagrin.

    The added rest required by the Colonel's recovery did much to relieve any potential for frequent meetings between himself and Miss Elizabeth. The change in his condition made it no longer appropriate for her to attend to his health in any way, and given the frequent hours at which he slept; it was not uncommon for her go through an entire visit without laying eyes upon him. This circumstance was just as well, for neither felt entirely comfortable with the prospect of meeting often while he was confined to his bedchamber. That is not to say that she spent much more of her time at the parsonage than she had in weeks previous, as one might expect for her having returned there, for invitations were frequent from both Lady Matlock and Miss Darcy. The invitations never failed to include Mrs. Collins as well, and though Mr. Collins eagerly reminded the ladies of the honor of receiving these attentions from so noble a family, even he admitted that Mrs. Collins could not neglect her parish duties, and Miss Elizabeth was just as often sent on alone.

    So it was that Miss Elizabeth often found herself amidst the family party, the gentlemen of the house being no exception. This was no particular hardship as she had grown quite fond of Miss Darcy and her conversation, though this often had a side effect of drawing the attention of the young lady's brother. While he was at many times content to sit in silent observation, as a reticent gentleman is often wont to do, Viscount Cressbrook found this development to be very telling. What the Viscount found to be more concerning, however, were the occasional contributions Mr. Darcy did make when the conversation turned to the subject of his brother.

    "And did you truly feel comfortable reading all of that time, Miss Bennet?" Miss Darcy asked with some degree of wonder, "I confess I do not know how I would feel to do such a thing aloud."

    "Indeed I did," Miss Elizabeth smiled kindly, "Though with as many younger sisters and cousins as I have, one learns many bedside amusements, reading perhaps being one of the least eccentric. Knowing their favorites or reading a grand fictional adventure has helped keep the attention of the most unruly lot, though at least I did not have to worry about that form of dissention from the Colonel."

    "But you did read his favorites nonetheless," added Mr. Darcy, leaving the Viscount very glad he had heard that odd remark. Obviously Cressbrook knew Miss Elizabeth had gained her information from his own lips, though if his cousin assumed the information had come from the Colonel, he was not about to reveal evidence to the contrary. Of some concern to more than one member of the party was the slightly accusatory tone of Mr. Darcy's voice, as nonchalant as he attempted to make it.

    This particular incident was not enough for Mr. Darcy to have done with the subject; odder questions would often follow about what dishes the Colonel would most likely be anxious to be allowed again, whether he was more likely to want to go fishing or hunting at the first opportunity, and whether or not Elizabeth had seen his favorite hound.

    The lady was not unaware of how Mr. Darcy intended these remarks to frighten her, however she would not be intimidated them. She had in fact gained sufficient knowledge to answer most of Darcy's questions – after all she had spent the better part of the last weeks in the bosom of the Fitzwilliam family – but she rather preferred to remain truthful by relying on her wit. She offered light and teasing answers that deflected the question, often back to the questioner himself, and prevaricated enough for her to carry on with some degree of credit. She did feel some guilt for carrying on a conversation that offered support to this deception, but her remorse was overshadowed by the vindictive undertone of his questioning, which left her feeling quite affronted.

    Before the conversation could turn to Richard's birthday, whether he was left or right handed and the name of his first horse, the Viscount interrupted and laughingly asked to what all these questions tended. Thankfully his light-hearted tone gave the impression of an innocent and teasing inquiry, thus the subject was dropped. As for Miss Elizabeth, she began to think Mr. Darcy had a penchant for strange and disjointed conversation, and she was more than a little inclined to take exception to his interrogations.

    Miss Elizabeth was on her way out soon after this latest incident, and was surprised when Mr. Darcy reappeared and asked for a moment of her time.

    "More questions, Mr. Darcy?" As much as she tried to speak civilly, Elizabeth's tone was impertinent at best.

    The gentleman smiled wryly in response. "Actually, I have a bit of a surprise for you, Miss Bennet. It is in the library."

    She obviously had not expected this, and her tone softened, "You needn't have arranged anything on my account."

    Mr. Darcy held out his hand in a polite gesture for Miss Elizabeth to lead the way, "I confess I did not. It was Georgiana's idea; I simply brought it to fruition."

    Elizabeth walked into the library to observe a collection of newly arrived books sitting on a nearby table, only one of which having been removed from its parcel and laid carefully before the others.

    "This is exquisite," Elizabeth said appreciatively as she lifted the volume, "I have been wishing for an original copy of this work for some time."

    Mr. Darcy smiled a bit and cleared his throat. "Well, Georgiana actually thought you might like a sketch book and drawing pencils, as she knows how fond you are of observing all of the flora that is now coming into full bloom."

    " –Oh, I apologize," Elizabeth colored slightly as she turned to see the prominent arrangement of artist's supplies in the center of the room. "That is quite lovely as well. I thank you."

    "Think nothing of it, I have been waiting anxiously for that very book myself."

    Their encounter came to somewhat of an awkward end soon after, though that is not to say that it did not frequently occupy the minds of both Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth for some time after they parted .

    The following week, Dr. Grant permitted that the Colonel may begin to gradually resume normal activities, at first limiting himself to resting on a settee and seeing that his growing appetite was well encouraged. So it was that while he could not yet join his Aunt Catherine in the drawing room, the Colonel was permitted to return to the family party above stairs.

    Each member of the family was eager in their attempts to entertain the Colonel and facilitate the doctor's orders as much as possible with a man ever recovering towards his active self. Georgiana had long become equally fond of Elizabeth as her Aunt Fitzwilliam, and between the two ladies, Miss Bennet seldom found herself without an invitation to join them. While no amount of time in their company could make her feel more comfortable with the pretense behind her attendance, Elizabeth had to admit she did quite enjoy the marked difference in the liveliness of their conversation now that the Colonel had been restored to them.

    It must also be said that with her son's recovery now proceeding apace, Lady Matlock was rather concerned to correct what she thought to be the greatest loss to her son due to his injury – the hindrance of his courtship with Miss Bennet. She had long recognized the happiness such a wife would bring her son, and what a pleasant addition she would make to the family. For Lady Matlock to facilitate the opportunity for the pair to rekindle whatever must have begun in London, then, she felt to be no more than a just kindness in the best interest of her son.

    Thankfully Lady Matlock's notion of matchmaking was far more decorous than that of Mrs. Bennet; her initial tactic being nothing more than to ask Miss Bennet to sit with her after having seated herself beside her son.

    "Miss Bennet," Lady Matlock began artlessly, "you must forgive me that in all our weeks together, I have not yet had the opportunity to inquire much about your family. I understand that you are the second of five sisters, and I would enjoy hearing more about them."

    Though her sisters had each been mentioned in passing to some degree, Miss Elizabeth was happy to answer Lady Matlock's inquiry. The conversation easily grew to include Colonel Fitzwilliam as they discussed Hertfordshire, lightly canvassing Elizabeth's likes and dislikes having grown up at Longbourn. It was not impossible for her to discern that the mother had started this conversation for the benefit of the son, but it was handled delicately enough that she could not truly object to it.

    Chapter 14

    Though Lady Catherine had eschewed any and all exposure to the sick room – after all it would not do to risk Anne's health, which such exposure would certainly do – the Colonel soon reached a point in his recovery where he could no longer avoid his aunt's company. It must be said, however, that with Lord and Lady Matlock in residence, Lady Catherine was far less likely to meddle with the affairs of that family, and aside from the reasonable expectations of any hostess, they were left to do as they pleased.

    The Colonel's first formal dinner with the family was met with much pomp and celebration; for to the minds of many, it heralded an end to his incapacitation and a beginning of his full recovery. In the days that followed, the entire Fitzwilliam and Darcy party sat with Lady Catherine, Colonel Fitzwilliam and his relations paying all the requisite civilities that had not been afforded since their visit began. Those callers which Lady Catherine did receive were quick to offer their congratulations to the Fitzwilliams on the Colonel's recovery, and Lady Catherine went so far as to invite Mr. Collins and his household to tea, and occasionally to dine.

    The weather was particularly fine, and Colonel Fitzwilliam was at long last permitted to return to the fresh air – something which was as much condoned by Dr. Grant as it was advised against by Lady Catherine. His first outings were large parties for tea, or short walks around the garden with his brother, but as the invitations extended to the parsonage were still frequent, it was soon contrived for him to walk with Miss Elizabeth.

    Thankfully the genial personalities of both were quickly able to overcome the initial awkwardness, particularly as Miss Bennet was so fond of nature, and the Colonel was quite glad of finally being outdoors. He was dutiful to the doctor's orders not to push himself too far – after all it would not do to overexert himself, and it would be quite embarrassing to do so in front of a lady. They soon found shaded bench where they might sit and converse.

    "I must say, Miss Elizabeth, it is odd to find that much of our courtship of sorts and your entire acquaintance with my family have been conducted without my being so much as conscious."

    "Indeed, sir," Elizabeth smiled, "I would hardly call it an ordinary situation."

    "Though I suppose Darcy at least you had known a few months in Hertfordshire last autumn." The Colonel furrowed his brow, thinking of how he remembered spending his own time in the fall. He wondered how he could remember certain details so clearly, and yet none of them contained Miss Bennet. Not wishing to alarm the lady, however, he laughed – albeit a little forcedly – and continued lightly, "I am not sure how much that acquaintance was helpful to you though, I know my cousin can be a bit boorish around the sickroom." He turned towards his companion and was pleased to see her return his gaze easily; she did not seem to have detected the previous turn of his inner thoughts. "I hope he was not too difficult?"

    "No, not at all," Elizabeth replied distractedly, the mention of Mr. Darcy bringing on her own reflections on time spent with said gentleman. "While it would be foolish to deny to you – a person who knows him so well – that he was at times rather stern and solemn," I could hardly imagine him to be anything else, "he was also considerate and even attentive – to your needs, that is."

    Without much more to be said on the subject, Colonel Fitzwilliam soon escorted Miss Elizabeth back to join the rest of their party, conversing on pleasant though inconsequential topics as they took tea.

    Several days passed in a very similar fashion, which did much to accustom Miss Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam to each other's presence. As much as Elizabeth enjoyed the Colonel's company and became quite fond of him, she could not help but notice the strange difference she felt in response to Mr. Darcy. He was still present nearly as frequently as he had always been, and spoke a little more than he had when the Colonel had first awoken. Perhaps the contrast presented by the time she now spent with the Colonel was the reason behind the change she felt, but something in his conduct was ever so slightly off, and this managed to draw her attention more than it ought. She felt a rush of anxiety when he entered the room, not at all an unpleasant sensation, only puzzling in that any reaction she had to the Colonel – however amiable that might be as well – paled in comparison.

    One gentleman could not look on the progress between the ostensibly affianced couple so easily, and when one afternoon he and Colonel Fitzwilliam sat together in the library, he could not but broach the subject.

    "So you are to pursue Miss Bennet then?" Mr. Darcy asked suddenly, his tone was even and dull, dampening the despondency that threatened to emerge.

    "It would seem so," the Colonel replied with some caution. It seemed a rather odd question, and he saw little reason for his cousin to ask or care. After all, Miss Elizabeth was a nice enough girl, and his family was well satisfied with her.

    Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, was equally miffed by Fitzwilliam's lackadaisical response. "I am just surprised to see you so easy about all of this," he rejoined fervently, "I had not thought you were so eager to settle down – or rather you were waiting for sufficient monetary inducement in a lady who could well afford to keep you."

    "Perhaps not," Fitzwilliam replied a bit defensively, "but I am making a fresh start with Miss Elizabeth, she's…well, she…"

    "She intrigues and exasperates you at once," Mr. Darcy responded somewhat darkly, speaking more to himself than to his cousin, "it is as though you never know quite whether to take her remarks seriously, so frequently does she tease and bait, or profess opinions which are not her own – yet on the whole, the effect is captivating."

    "No," the Colonel replied easily and shook his head, "that's not it, at least not exactly, but father supports the match, as do James and mother no less. By that measure I am willing to find out what it is that makes her so special."

    And these the words of the man I must give way to, for apparently he was there before me, Mr. Darcy thought dejectedly. Once again rationale insisted that any hopes of the Colonel abandoning his suit were futile, as convenient as they might be in rescuing his own aspirations.

    The next morning over breakfast, a discussion ensued at Rosings Park on how Miss Bennet should be sent for as an addition to the family party. This was not an infrequent occurrence between Lady Matlock and Miss Darcy, though they had not previously spoken so openly in the presence of Lady Catherine. As much as Lady Matlock professed herself to be motivated by appreciation for all of Miss Elizabeth's help, Lady Catherine was still inclined to believe they were considering her as a potential ladies' companion for someone of their acquaintance, if not for Lady Matlock herself. Her pontifications on the subject were received as something between unwelcome and offensive, yet if by this misconception Lady Catherine would welcome Miss Elizabeth into the party, they would not correct her.

    "Cressbrook, you shall take the curricle out to collect Miss Bennet," Lady Catherine had declared once her speech was complete.

    A note was then dispatched to inform Miss Elizabeth of their plans. When the manservant shortly returned with a note indicating that the young lady had no objection to the scheme, Viscount Cressbrook obligingly ordered the curricle, and asked that Mr. Darcy accompany him out to the drive.

    The cousins stood and spoke amicably of gentlemanly pursuits until the curricle was brought round, whereupon Viscount Cressbrook promptly excused himself and turned back towards the house.

    "Well then, Darcy, I'll see you to it."

    "Are you not going to collect Miss Bennet?" Darcy asked confusedly, staring blankly after his cousin.

    "And what – abandon my brother's company so as to provide Miss Bennet with a stodgy old companion?" And while I know not how kindly she looks upon me at this moment, I do know she would quite take advantage of the opportunity for a private conversation to express her opinion on a certain subject again, and that is a conversation I would rather avoid! "No, no. It is better I leave that task to the man who would be likely to take the curricle out anyway, Miss Bennet or not. And besides, the two of you are something of old friends."

    Friends, Mr. Darcy thought despondently as he drove towards the parsonage. He had not slept well the previous night, as he had spent much time thinking on his conversation with Colonel Fitzwilliam. He could not be proud of his recent behavior towards Miss Elizabeth. Since the Colonel had awoken, his conduct had been less than gentlemanly, and while he knew well the reason behind it, he found himself in less control than he would wish when in her presence.

    It was not her fault in the least that he had found himself in so conflicted a place, and yet by his boorish conduct, she had borne the brunt of it. Last evening he had considered apologizing to her again, yet he could not dare to do so if it would remind her of the reason he had been acting so. He knew she must have seen the truth written plainly in his eyes the day Fitzwilliam awoke, and he both feared and longed for what she might have said had Georgiana not interrupted them. This morning though, his task became clear, and he determined the only acceptable course of action would be to apologize anew – with the unfortunate necessity of choking out his congratulations.

    As she spied the curricle coming up the lane, Elizabeth was surprised to see the driver's seat occupied by Mr. Darcy. After all, the note from Rosings had indicated that the Viscount would be dispatched to collect her. Then again, she thought wryly, with the frequency he and his deuced curricle had appeared, perhaps she should not be completely surprised.

    Mr. Darcy presented himself at the door to collect Miss Elizabeth, performing the appropriate civilities with all the stiffness and formality that might be expected from him. He soon escorted her to the awaiting curricle, and it was not long before he interrupted the silence to say what must be said.

    "Miss Bennet, I wanted to apologize to you again, for the… many misrepresentations I have made on your character and that of your sister. The situation with Mr. Joseph Jr., my behavior towards Bingley, more recently…"

    "Sir," Elizabeth interjected, "you need not apologize so profusely. I can hardly hold anything against you regarding the latter gentleman when all happiness has been restored to my sister."

    "I am very glad to hear it, especially as I hear much the same from my friend. Though I still regret how much simpler their road to happiness could have been, had I not interfered."

    "Perhaps, but in cases such as these I believe there is nothing for it but to only remember the past as it gives you pleasure."

    Mr. Darcy smiled fondly at her kind and teasing sentiment, which was at once heartwarming and heartbreaking, knowing that while she no longer despised him and bore him no ill-will, he could never expect any more from her. All that he most desired had already been promised to his cousin.

    "I would have you know that while I may not have expressed it well as of late, I do appreciate your kindness and your friendship…towards all of my family." Mr. Darcy swallowed harshly, words that wished her happiness or professed she and Richard to be well-suited so distasteful on his tongue that he could not force himself to utter them.

    Meanwhile at Rosings, the gentleman who had chosen to stay behind was engaged in a much more pleasant conversation.

    "How does my brother fare today?" Viscount Cressbrook asked jovially as he came into his younger brother's bedchamber.

    "Well enough, for a man whose relations continue in their attempts at confining him to his bed." Though the words were spoken lightly, the exasperated truth of them was poorly concealed.

    "Why not venture further out into the park then? Surely viewing something beyond our aunt's torturously manicured gardens would do you good."

    The Colonel offered his brother a baleful glance and reached for a book on the side table.

    "Come, Richard, I know you much prefer to be back in the saddle, but your Andalusian will be just as ready when Dr. Grant pronounces you fit for the activity as he is today. I brought my best groom for my own mount, and the lad has been riding both of them regularly."

    "I would settle for a tour outside of the formal gardens, if only I trusted that after weeks of inactivity I could move fast enough to escape before my absence was reported to my most attentive warden."

    "Bah! Our aunt could never frighten you when you were seven, why should her disapprobation prove such a hindrance to you now? Besides," the Viscount smiled mischievously at his brother, "I have it on good authority that Lady Catherine has some very important calls to make tomorrow morning, such that if you were to venture out on a morning drive, you could quite easily return to your gilded cage before you are missed, and avoid spending the afternoon receiving a lecture over your inauspicious behavior."

    The best of efforts aside, Colonel Fitzwilliam could hardly keep his countenance from revealing his approval of such a scheme. With a twinkling of his eyes, the Viscount acknowledged that he had received his answer.

    "I suppose it would be futile for me to suggest that while we're at it, I think we can make Bromley by noon."

    Viscount Cressbrook barked with laughter at this unexpected remark, though he wisely chose not to address it directly, "Very well then, Richard. The carriage will be ready at ten on the morrow. Let me see if I can conjure up some more pleasant company than your dour self for the occasion!"

    Viscount Cressbrook went to seek out his mother directly. He was almost positive she would support the scheme and thought her just as likely to invite Miss Elizabeth to join in it. She was soon found, in company with Miss Darcy, who expected to be joined by Miss Bennet at any moment. Better and better, the Viscount thought cheerfully.

    What began as the gentleman's plan for a morning drive out into the groves, the ladies soon expanded into a picnic. With all the fanfare this would entail, it would be impossible – not to mention rather rude – to exclude Lady Catherine from their plans. Though neither would voice it, the Viscount and Miss Darcy did not look on that prospect fondly, but Lady Matlock was undaunted. Lady Catherine would almost certainly use Anne's health as just cause to remain at Rosings, and knowing how stalwartly the Earl would support the scheme, they needn't fear Lady Catherine's antagonism.

    It was just as the foremost details of the plan had been established that Mr. Darcy entered, having just returned from the parsonage with Miss Elizabeth in tow.

    "Well Darcy," the Viscount greeted merrily, "I hope you do not object to driving a few of us about the countryside tomorrow."

    "Pardon?" the gentleman replied confusedly, wondering if perhaps he had missed another of his cousin's jokes.

    "We are taking Richard out, cousin. As far from this place as possible if he and I have anything to say about it," here Viscount Cressbrook glanced towards his mother, who smilingly implored him to stop teasing, "though I suppose a picnic in a shaded grove shall suffice quite nicely."

    "James, I am anxious to take Richard out into the park and raise his spirits as well, but…" Mr. Darcy began to argue, fastidious by nature as he were; though taking in the reactions of those about the room, he stopped short.

    The Viscount looked inquisitively to Miss Bennet, who, having caught the hopeful expression in Georgiana's eyes, smiled brilliantly as she replied, "I think a picnic to be an excellent idea."

    Chapter 15

    Posted on 2009-11-20

    So it was that while Lady Catherine and her daughter departed from Rosings at precisely forty minutes past nine, two open carriages were ordered not a minute past the hour of ten. Just as Lady Matlock had expected, Lady Catherine had denied any possibility of Anne's health allowing their inclusion in the party, despite her being well enough to make morning calls. Her only suggestion as mistress of the house was that in the absence of herself and Anne, who certainly had been considered when arranging provisions for the picnic, Mr. and Mrs. Collins should be invited to join the party. After all, they would greatly appreciate the condescension, Lady Catherine was excessively attentive to these things, and there would be no burden in adding two members to the party where two had been removed.

    So it was that Miss Elizabeth had been accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Collins as she walked from the parsonage that morning. After having sat with the assembled family party for some minutes, the carriages were pronounced ready and the group proceeded to the front of the house.

    Elizabeth was rather impressed by the two lustrous and well-matched landaus that awaited them, appreciative that in this case, Lady Catherine's ostentations were quite convenient indeed.

    Viscount Cressbrook was almost gleeful as he addressed the group. "Given our party's number, we would be most comfortably settled if two of the gentlemen were to drive, and so Darcy and I shall do just that."

    Even Mr. Darcy could not fully restrain a bit of boyish excitement at handling the reins of such a conveyance and the very fine quartet of horses from his aunt's stables.

    "Mr. and Mrs. Collins, if you will be so kind as to follow me," the Viscount continued, "this smart set of grays and I shall convey you. "Miss Elizabeth, brother, if you would join me as well, Darcy should be able to accommodate the rest quite comfortably."

    Cressbrook handed Mrs. Collins and Miss Elizabeth into the carriage before calling the groom to join him on the box. He turned in his seat to observe that Lord Matlock and Mr. Darcy had seen Lady Matlock, Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley into their landau. Lord Matlock took his place beside his wife, and once another lad from the stables had climbed up beside Mr. Darcy, their party was underway.

    Upon gaining a convenient distance from the house and into the natural and undisturbed groves, the grooms were left to attend the horses while the gentlemen unloaded the carriages. The ladies busied themselves with setting up a modest arrangement, that the escaped Colonel might enjoy a comfortable picnic of fine food with the added pleasure of good company.

    The comfortable acquaintance which the Colonel and Miss Elizabeth had established in the last weeks could only be enhanced by their pleasant surroundings. The Colonel had always seemed a fairly affable fellow, was quite happy to be outdoors, and Elizabeth was equally joyful to pass the hours in such a way.

    As the group settled themselves into conversation, Elizabeth was very pleased to find that neither the brother nor the mother of her would-be suitor were prone to making overtly prominent efforts at matchmaking. The Colonel did choose to sit beside her, but in such a manner that she would have thought nothing of it had she not known of the misconception his family had shared with him. They spoke lightly of many subjects, hearing each other's opinions and soliciting the opinions of others from time to time.

    To Elizabeth's mind, the conversation could have been enjoyable enough were it just herself and the Colonel, as his light-hearted answers were always pleasant and entertaining. Unfortunately, by comparison, Mr. Darcy's comments seemed more to follow Elizabeth's way of thinking. She did not always agree with him, but each could speak eloquently in support of their own opinion, such that their exchanges became a much more amiable version of the debates they were wont to have in Hertfordshire. Even with the opinions which the general conversation did not allow him to fully explain, she could often reason out and make sense of his perspective, an activity which she would later loathe to admit she indulged in quite frequently.

    If the Viscount noticed anything in these interactions, he did not call attention to it. The others present did not seem to find anything amiss, even though Mr. Darcy was unusually talkative, and Viscount Cressbrook suspected the reason for it.

    "Miss Elizabeth," he interjected, having only half-attended a conversation in which the lady's attention was equally drawn in response to Mr. Darcy's opinions as his brother's statements, "Now that you have seen a bit more of the countryside in Kent, I wonder how you find it in comparison to Hertfordshire."

    "I admit I like it very well, sir," Elizabeth smiled, "The landscape is a bit different than the surrounds of Meryton, and I have enjoyed watching a diverse variety of flowers and trees come into bloom these last weeks."

    "Am I to understand you have been enticed to prefer it?" Cressbrook teased.

    "No, I am afraid that despite the inducements, my preference shall remain with my home county," she admitted freely.

    "As does mine," the Colonel agreed, "though when I am parted from it, any place can substitute quite nicely."

    "There is something universally serene about nature; that certain stability to be found amongst the trees, knowing that though they gradually change through every season, they will always come back to something much the same as they were one year past."

    "Well said, Miss Elizabeth," Mr. Darcy cut in, having watched her intently as she spoke.

    "For myself it is more enjoying the thrill of the morning air against my cheeks, while from the seat of my horse, that beautifully described scenery goes flashing by," said Colonel Fitzwilliam, smiling at Miss Elizabeth as he added, "I hope that does not make me a simpleton."

    "No not at all," she replied in kind, "the morning mist can certainly be invigorating."

    "Though I suppose you would prefer to experience it by walking nonetheless," said Mr. Darcy.

    When Miss Elizabeth smiled in agreement but did not speak, Colonel Fitzwilliam added, "Indeed! Were I to know nothing else of you, my family would have me know that you are a great walker. Perhaps we can change that with a curricle ride or two."

    Colonel Fitzwilliam noticed that his comment seemed to have a weightier effect on some members of the party than he would have expected. Mr. Darcy's reasons he could not guess, but he did not concern himself overmuch – his cousin had been a grown man for quite some time, after all, and could fend for himself if he found discussions of curricle rides to be so distressing. In Miss Elizabeth, he realized her distress could be due his reference to having been told of her preferences rather than remembering them himself. Whatever the reason, there was nothing for it but to lighten the general atmosphere, a task to which Richard Fitzwilliam found himself rather well-suited.

    "Do you never wish to ride more, Miss Elizabeth?" the Colonel inquired.

    "Not particularly, sir," Elizabeth admitted, "I am no horsewoman, and though I do occasionally ride, I have enough memories from childhood to make me wish to only take on the activity when necessary."

    "Though I admit to being curious, I suppose it would be impolitic of me to press a lady for anecdotes of her juvenile days, interesting as they may pose to be," Colonel Fitzwilliam said with an impish grin.

    Miss Elizabeth laughed merrily in response, "In that, I am afraid I have you at an advantage sir, for your mother was kind enough to regale me with a few choice tales from your past."

    The Colonel moaned in mock dread, though the chuckle that followed showed his good humor.

    "Do not worry, sir. They were quite tastefully related through the eyes of a loving mother. You are fortunate to have a mother who possesses the good sense to only repeat those stories which allow you to continue to pass yourself off with some deal of credit."

    "Stories told by your brother, on the other hand…" Viscount Cressbrook added teasingly.

    Conversation continued thusly into the early afternoon, and though they were eventually required to return to Rosings Park, all those present deemed the picnic to have been quite a success. As expected, the fresh air and gaiety did much to further lighten their spirits and return a feeling of normalcy to the party as they enjoyed the late spring weather. Dr. Grant saw that Colonel Fitzwilliam had suffered no ill effects from the long outing, and announced that as the patient had now made a full physical recovery, the doctor should soon be returning to London. He did advise as a precautionary measure that the Colonel refrain from traveling any great distance in the near future, but as it was, the Fitzwilliams had no intention of quitting Rosings Park for some time, considering the young lady currently residing in the Hunsford parsonage.

    Invitations to the ladies at the parsonage continued steadily, and it was not uncommon for the large group to take afternoon tea in the gardens, or for the younger people to walk out into the park while the rest of the party enjoyed the shaded benches that were plentiful amongst the nearest groves.

    It was a matter of no great significance, then, when one afternoon Colonel Fitzwilliam asked Elizabeth if she would walk with him. They had spent much time in each other's company, and been part of many a walking party before. The Colonel offered his arm, which she accepted, wondering that he had not invited any of the remaining party to join them. When Lady Matlock called Mr. Darcy and Miss Georgiana's attention to discuss arrangements for the young lady's coming out, Elizabeth began to realize this might not be an outing of little importance after all.

    The two made amiable conversation with very little pause, as two genial people are likely to do despite any apprehension they might feel. A discussion of recent events and discussions at Rosings Park soon enabled the Colonel to turn the conversation in the direction he intended it to take.

    "Miss Bennet, I must say how pleasant my recovery has been with your addition to the family party."

    Miss Elizabeth blushed at his gallantry, "Come now sir, your relations could hardly be termed an unlively lot on their own."

    "Point taken," he agreed with a laugh, "though the compliment to your vivacity stands." Colonel Fitzwilliam had sobered as he said the last and turning to Elizabeth, he took her hand from his arm to hold it within his gentle grasp. "You must know, Elizabeth, that you are truly a remarkable young woman. In your kindness, you came at my time of need, and within days my family respected and admired you, recognizing you for the commendable woman that you are. My family loves you as one of their own, Elizabeth."

    As he spoke, the Colonel attentively observed Elizabeth's reaction to his speech, and while she blushed at each of his compliments, he was not immune to her growing unease, and so changed tactics as he continued.

    "Miss Elizabeth, perhaps it would be best that I speak frankly. As much as it may be expected of a man in my position, I have never wanted a marriage of convenience, arranged for the alliance of finances and connections alone. In the successful marriages I have seen, the matches were founded in friendship and grew to become more. I would have you know that I will never regret your smaller portion, for I have yet to meet a London heiress with whom I would have much chance of happiness, and after all – much to my mother's chagrin – I am not getting any younger."

    The gentleman was glad to see Elizabeth smile as he said the last, and they both laughed softly for a moment before he continued.

    "We are both too rational, I believe, to put on affectations of a love that has yet to come forth, but I do believe we are quite compatible, and the opening for warmth and felicity is there. Over these last weeks in Kent I have come to know that given the chance, I could love you. I would be happy to stand beside you for the rest of my days as your husband and friend. Will you do me the great honor of accepting my hand in marriage?"

    Elizabeth drew a shaky breath as she looked down at the man who now kneeled formally before her, his steadfast gaze meeting her own. Complications notwithstanding, she had to admit it was quite moving to receive such a proposal of marriage. Though far short of a fairytale prince passionately declaring the violence of his love and affections, here was everything she ever had reason to hope an offer would bring. The man before her was charming and affable, and earnestly pledging to care for her for the rest of her days should she choose to accept.

    "I…" she faltered, her expression lost and beseeching. She thought of the circumstances that had placed her in a position such that he would even consider proposing. She knew she should be ashamed to even consider accepting, and turned away, but not before the gentleman observed her troubled expression.

    The Colonel rose hastily to his feet, but maintained a steady and comforting hold on her hand. "Forgive me, Elizabeth, I have had time to think on this where you have not. Do not think that you must answer immediately."

    "Colonel, before I can answer you in good conscience, I fear there is one more subject we must discuss."

    Richard Fitzwilliam's countenance grew serious, having no doubts as to which subject she referred.

    "Yes," he sighed, "I hesitated to broach the subject just now, as it hardly seemed conducive to the romantic appeal of an offer of marriage." The pair shared an amused smile at this, giving further confidence of their bring well-suited to both, "but my illness, my memory in particular–"

    "About your memory," Elizabeth interrupted with some urgency, "I must tell you–"

    The gentleman held up his hand, his expression sternly imploring her not to press the subject further. "Please do not feel you must shield me from the unpleasantness of it," Richard smiled softly, "Whatever I can and cannot recall and when such things will be restored to me, I cannot control. You must know that our acquaintance in Kent alone has been enough for me to believe we are well-suited, far more than any lady of the ton and I would be. I admit my family's approval of you has led my father to be more generous than I had ever expected him to be, such that if you accept, I will find myself better situated and with a more pleasant wife than I ever anticipated. Beyond that only time will tell, but if it is enough to satisfy you, it is enough to satisfy me." The Colonel smiled at Elizabeth, a smile which she returned, nodding in circumspect agreement.

    This turn of her countenance did much to encourage the gentleman. "There, now that I have sufficiently sapped all of the romantic sentiment from my proposal, might I hope that you are any further inclined to accept my hand?"

    "I will," she replied at last.

    At these small words, the Colonel beamed and placed a firm but lingering kiss upon her hand.

    "Thank you, Elizabeth, you have made me a very happy man – though I will leave it to you to omit and embellish as you see fit when repeating the tale." Both laughed merrily at this further evidence that the gentleman Elizabeth had accepted was very affable indeed.

    "On the contrary," Elizabeth replied earnestly, once their amusement had subsided, "I believe much can be accomplished by speaking with a little more frankness than politeness generally allows."

    The Colonel's wide smile did not diminish as he gently tucked her arm within the crook of his and continued their walk.

    With her hand once again on his arm, the Colonel and Miss Elizabeth returned to find the family much as they had left them. However the inquisitive expressions and significant glances of the three Fitzwilliams could not leave the Colonel unaffected for long. With a grin for his mother – and a wink to his brother – he shared the news they most wished to hear. Of course nothing could be formally announced or settled without Mr. Bennet's consent, but such did not place any restraint on the joy expressed by the assembled party – with one notable exception. Try as he might, Mr. Darcy could offer no more than his rather stiff congratulations, and a continuous stare in the couple's direction, unbroken from that which Elizabeth had first noticed when they returned from the grove.

    Continued In Next Section

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