While He Was Sleeping, Ch. 15 and 16

Author’s Note: That’s right folks, four chapters today! Sit back and get ready for a lengthy read. This is where the Regency aspect of the story obstinately refused to take things as lightly as I first envisioned. Things are going to get mucky (with moments of potential heartwrenching) before they get better, but I do prefer not to leave you hanging in the middle of it any longer. The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here, by the end of chapter 18, this story will finally be safe for Darcy/Elizabeth readers. If you’re about to run screaming by the end of chapter 15, remember that this is based on the movie ‘While You Were Sleeping’ and I will keep my promise from last week – I can be something of an alternate pairing weenie too, and all of the Colonel and Elizabeth’s interactions will be strictly platonic. I couldn’t bear Elizabeth’s first kiss to be from anyone but our favorite gentleman of Derbyshire. Now that I’ve succeeded in spoiling the plot again, enjoy the continued mayhem and nonsense with many shameless and recognizable plugs to a favorite book and a favorite movie.

Thanks again to the lovely betas, Lilo and Debbie, your corrections and input were of great assistance with these chapters!

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Chapter 15

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.

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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.


Chapter 16

Elizabeth was obliged to the task of informing her father of her engagement, and subsequently a letter of introduction to go along with the letter her betrothed would send, formally requesting Mr. Bennet’s consent, as he was yet unable to travel. Mr. Bennet was much surprised by this news, as he had only heard of Colonel Fitzwilliam as the invalid behind his daughter’s taking up residence at Rosings Park. Though he would express to his daughter some concern over the brevity of their acquaintance, Richard Fitzwilliam acquitted himself well enough on paper to convince Mr. Bennet that the two were indeed well matched, and as the son of an Earl with his family’s approval, Mr. Bennet hardly felt in a position to deny the man anything.

Of greater comfort to Mr. Bennet was his required presence to approve the settlement papers. Any fears he may have harbored regarding his daughter’s happiness he knew would be assuaged once he had confirmed with his own eyes the felicity she claimed in her letters. So it was that not two days after the Earl’s courier had been dispatched to Kent, Mr. Bennet surprised them all by arriving to answer his letters in person.

“A Mr. Bennet to see you, ma’am,” announced Mrs. Hitchens.

Nothing could compare to the delight which effused Miss Elizabeth’s countenance at this – except perhaps the expression of her father.

“Papa! You have come,” she cried happily as Mr. Bennet came to press her hand.

“Mrs. Collins, I see my Lizzy is no worse for being left to your care,” Mr. Bennet smiled as he greeted their hostess. “Though I understand there is a young gentleman residing nearby who would take her away from me.”

“You are most welcome to Hunsford, sir,” Charlotte replied, well used to Mr. Bennet’s teasing. “I hope you will stay with us for some time.”

“If your husband does not object to housing me, I shall hope to impose on you for a few days at least. Shall he have much to say to me about my daughter’s good fortune, do you think?”

“We have not spoken to Mr. Collins on the subject, Papa,” Elizabeth interrupted, “We did not intend to until we had heard from you and made some arrangements for the announcement.”

“Not eager for your mother to get involved, eh Lizzy?” Mr. Bennet replied shrewdly.

“I confess my tolerance for lace is not equal to it.”

“Very well, my child. Now about this young gentleman of yours, when shall I meet the man who means to steal you away from Longbourn forever?”

“I am expected at Rosings after luncheon, if you should like to accompany me.”

“Yes, I believe I shall.”

“Then I shall write to Lady Matlock directly.”

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T hough Mr. Collins would be quite put out at not having been able to make the introduction himself, it must be said that introductions between Mr. Bennet and those in residence at Rosings Park went tolerably well. Lady Catherine may have been all condescension as she greeted the gentleman whose estate was entailed upon her parson, but any efforts she would have made to expound upon the subject were cut short by the Earl’s firm greeting. He requested that if his sister had no objections to their use of the room, the gentlemen would be conducting a brief matter of business in the study before joining the rest of the party in the gardens. If by some of Lady Catherine’s comments it was clear that she believed the matter of business to be arrangements for Lady Matlock’s taking Miss Elizabeth Bennet on as a companion, it was decided just as well that she not be disabused of this notion in favor of a more accurate one.

The Earl of Matlock and Mr. Bennet were each pleased to find the other a sensible gentleman with reasonable expectations for the terms of the marriage contract, thus their acquaintance was off to a very smooth start. During the finer points of discussing the settlement, only one point of concern was to be found, and it was one on which Lord Matlock and Mr. Bennet were in complete agreement.

There had been nothing of direct impropriety about Miss Elizabeth’s extending Christian charity to an injured man – particularly as to Lady Catherine’s view this had been a role of genteel servitude akin to Mrs. Jenkinson’s – however the announcement of an engagement between the pair bore the potential to cast an unfortunate shade on Miss Elizabeth’s conduct. The servants in Lady Catherine’s household were not known for their discretion, and their suppositions would run rife. The mistress of the house would be of little use to control the gossips amongst her staff, as by her objections to the match, Lady Catherine was far more likely to denounce Miss Bennet strongly and vocally. Whether by information from the servants or Lady Catherine herself, society would have little reason to treat kindly an unknown young lady of small fortune, nor would the Fitzwilliams wish for their difference of opinion with Lady Catherine to be aired publicly.

It was decided best that the marriage take place sooner rather than later, and most likely in Kent, as Colonel Fitzwilliam was still advised not to travel beyond necessity. Mr. Bennet was not of a mind to protest, having no desire to witness the bridal cacophony of Mrs. Bennet that would inevitably result should the ceremony be performed in Hertfordshire.

There was also the matter of the Colonel’s commission to consider. From the beginning of his recovery, the Fitzwilliams had hinted at his giving it up, and he had written to his commanding officers to detail his current opportunities in the military, including possible candidates to purchase his commission. There had been some inheritance money bequeathed to Richard Fitzwilliam by elder relatives, which, in combination with Mr. Bennet’s portion of the settlement, would provide a meager yet livable income. In reviewing the figures, Mr. Bennet was not overly concerned that his Lizzy would manage, as they were quite livable by country standards. He was, however, a bit skeptical as to what the son of an earl would know of such a standard of living. Lord Matlock assured Mr. Bennet that as a Fitzwilliam, his younger son would find himself settled quite affluently upon his marriage. He made it clear that the Fitzwilliam coffers were comprised of several family estates and holdings, and once confirmation had been made with his solicitor as to which were for the Earl to bequeath and which were the rightful inheritance of the Viscount, he would see to it that the young couple was established quite respectably.

Meanwhile, the rest of the visitors at Rosings had excused themselves from Lady Catherine shortly after the Earl and Mr. Bennet, that the early afternoon might be spent in the gardens for tea. Lady Matlock had captured Elizabeth’s attention as they left the drawing room, an occurrence which Colonel Fitzwilliam was wise enough to wait until they were out of Lady Catherine’s realm of attention to correct. Once they had safely quit the house, he approached Miss Elizabeth and offered his arm.

“Now that we have made our escape, I had thought we might take a bit of a circuitous route through the gardens before joining the others,” he said smilingly.

“Certainly, sir,” Elizabeth obliged. “Though do you not think it might be better for us to join our fathers? I realize it is not entirely proper for a young lady to be present during such negotiations, but I cannot be easy knowing that my future is a primary subject of conversation and I am not present to contribute.”

“Aye, I cannot disagree with that sentiment, though you need not be overly concerned. From what you have said, your father is a man of reason who holds you in the utmost affection, and my father has kept me abreast of those plans he is making in provision for his poor second son entering into matrimony. The only point of contention comes to my own plans.”

The first was of some little comfort to Elizabeth, though she would rather know of the arrangements herself than trust that the Colonel approved of his father’s plans. His last statement she met with wary anticipation as he explained.

“Though I believe myself sufficiently recovered to return to active military duty, I know how strongly my parents do not wish it. I believe my injury will prove to be sufficient inducement for my general to provide a post working with the many training encampments on British soil.”

“Would that not require much travel?” Elizabeth asked with some concern.

“Indeed it would, from time to time; but I am not wont to be an idle fellow, and I am not of a mind to give up my career just yet. It is particularly influential to me that the added income could substantially raise the standard of living we shall be able to afford without dependence upon the family’s holdings.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam glanced at his fiancée, expecting her to be rather glad of this news, but instead found that she looked troubled.

“Do not be anxious,” he added comfortingly. “The work would only require a month here and there throughout the year, half of which may very well be in London. You would most always be welcome to travel with me. Would you not enjoy the opportunity to see more of the country?”

Elizabeth gave a soft smile at this. “Yes, I admit I would.”

“Very good then,” the Colonel smiled in return, “let us join the others for tea.”

Miss Elizabeth could not have been more pleased with how the afternoon passed, and not only for the pleasure of enjoying her father’s company once again. Here was one family member whom she could proudly introduce amongst the Fitzwilliams’ acquaintance. Mr. Bennet conducted himself with gentility and wit; it could not be said that he did not tease, but it was done in good taste and affection such that he complimented the party very nicely. The boon of her father’s presence assured Elizabeth that a Bennet could make a respectable addition to this family circle, and that she could take her place in it with confidence.

At length the time did arrive for the Bennets to announce their departure, assuring their hosts that they were in no need of escort to return them to the parsonage. As they ambled through the garden paths that led out to the lane, Mr. Bennet was quick to voice his approval of Elizabeth’s choice of husband. In fact, he could not imagine a finer family in all of England for her to be connected to by marriage. He jokingly added that by his observations this afternoon, and its meager comparisons to Matlock and Pemberley, perhaps the family libraries had been the greatest inducement to the match.

This put Miss Elizabeth to mind of the book from Longbourn’s library that she had not found among her belongings, and assumed had been left in the sickroom. She then told her father of her intention to retrieve it before leaving Rosings. Mr. Bennet obligingly suggested that he was more than capable of making the half mile journey to the parsonage on his own, perhaps taking a few detours along the way to view the great pinnacles of nature which Mr. Collins had described so verbosely in the fall.

Miss Elizabeth knew that with Dr. Grant’s recent departure, the Colonel had been released to a room closer to the rest of his family. Therefore she saw no harm in retrieving her book unescorted, and gaining entry from the housekeeper, she took the familiar hallways to the appropriate suite of rooms.

Assuming the bustle emanating from the room to be nothing more than servants cleaning out the old sick chamber, Miss Elizabeth did not hesitate to enter, and was very surprised to find Mr. Darcy himself directing two of the footmen. He had not yet noticed her presence, but she could not help looking on as he directed the men to collect her chair – the very one in which she had read daily once Lady Catherine’s oppressive choice had been moved aside – and return it to his suite of rooms.

A moment later he turned toward the door, a blush spreading across the cheeks of both as Mr. Darcy noticed her presence, hers for discovering that he had been the one to arrange for her comfort, and his for being caught at it.

Neither spoke for a moment – nor did their blushes abate, a condition which Mr. Darcy found altogether intolerable. He cleared his throat and stated, “I took the liberty of collecting the chair, Miss Elizabeth, seeing as you will no longer have need of it.”

Elizabeth straightened at the formality of his speech, and replied in kind. “I apologize for having kept something Lady Catherine intended for your own comfort, I would not have supposed to keep it if I had known.”

Mr. Darcy saw that his cold manner had put her ill at ease, and softened as he replied, “Not to worry, Miss Elizabeth, it is only one half of a matched pair, and I have not minded taking in the perspective from the other for a while.”

Noting that his footmen had long since departed, Mr. Darcy offered a quick bow and excused himself, leaving Elizabeth to wonder if he had meant to imply more than the face value of his words would suggest. She retrieved her book absentmindedly; once again unsure of where the influence of her own feelings ended and the truth of Mr. Darcy’s began.

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It seemed a day destined for Elizabeth to unintentionally encounter gentlemen of the Fitzwilliam line, as she found the Colonel coming out into the foyer just as she descended the last steps of the staircase.

“Miss Elizabeth, I thought you had departed along with your father,” he greeted with a smile, not at all affronted by the surprise.

“Yes,” Miss Elizabeth replied with a hint of embarrassment, “I had intended as much, but recalled that I had left this book from his library above stairs, and thought he would be eager to be reunited with it.”

“Might I walk you back to the parsonage, then?”

“I would not ask too much of you when I was perfectly prepared to walk myself.”

“Do not concern yourself,” he replied, taking her arm and leading her out of the house, “for all the times Darcy and I raced to the parsonage as young boys, I think I can manage the walk.”

“You visited the former occupant often, then?” Miss Elizabeth turned to look at the Colonel as she inquired, squinting a bit as they stepped out into the afternoon sun.

“Yes, there was a boy there not more than a year Darcy’s junior, and while my brother James would not be troubled to play with a boy even younger than us two scraps, Darcy and I enjoyed his company well enough. He knew all the best places to conduct our boyhood mischief.”

Elizabeth smiled at the picture he presented. “It sounds as though the group of you were thick as thieves.”

“In many ways we were, though it did not last more than a few summers. I believe that my uncle Lewis, before he passed, found something of a naval position for him.”

Elizabeth could not help thinking of the growing similarities to another gentleman of her acquaintance, and did not hesitate to mention him. “I must say I am surprised that for all of the boyhood tales that have been shared of late, no one has mentioned Mr. Wickham. I understand he and Mr. Darcy had been close friends when they were boys, and that the elder Mr. Darcy had intended similar provisions.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam all but snarled at the mention of that man’s name. In a manner quite similar to his staid and stoic cousin, he took a moment to compose himself before replying in a steely tone, “Forgive me, but I would just as soon forget that we ever accepted the reprobate’s company, regardless of whether or not he was allowed to take part in our boyhood adventures at Pemberley.”

Impressed by the vehemence of the Colonel’s words, Elizabeth replied cautiously, “Your cousin seems to share your opinion of the gentleman.”

At the word ‘gentleman’, Colonel Fitzwilliam looked a bit ill, and not at all due his recent injury. “I dare say he does!” the Colonel spat before he could school himself to continue with less intensity, “Though by your manner of expression, I imagine Darcy has not shared the reasoning behind his resentment.”

“He has not,” Elizabeth answered plainly.

“Then for your own protection, please allow me to provide a brief history of Mr. Wickham’s association with my family…” the Colonel went on to explain the truth behind Mr. Wickham’s refusal and subsequent demand of the living at Kympton. Mr. Wickham’s rakish ways were also addressed, though in a manner that was respectful of a young lady’s sensibilities and protected the identity of the victim most dear to him. Any further details the Colonel deemed could best wait until after he and Elizabeth married, and perhaps until after Mr. Darcy had been consulted. After all, there were many closer family members who knew nothing of Ramsgate, and he would not wish to usurp Darcy’s role as guardian and brother.

It was nearing the dinner hour by the time the Colonel escorted Miss Elizabeth through the parsonage gate, and she bid him adieu before heading to the door. Judging by the cacophony emanating from the parlor, she knew Mr. Collins had returned, and by the sound of it he had found a captive audience in her father, who could now be questioned on his impressions of Rosings. With no one present in the front hall to detect her presence, Elizabeth did little more than roll her eyes and head abovestairs. While she did pity her father’s position, she had been subjected to the same on numerous occasions, and it was just as well that she be allowed some time to compose herself before joining the party.

To say that the truth of Mr. Wickham’s history was shocking to Elizabeth would be quite accurate, however any sympathy she might have felt upon hearing so poor an account of him was lessened by her lengthy absence from Hertfordshire. Any feelings of disbelief she immediately discredited, given the intimate knowledge of the Darcys and Fitzwilliams she had gained in Kent, far beyond anything she had established with Mr. Wickham in the fall and winter months. What did concern her most was the spectacle her youngest sisters most certainly continued to make of themselves over that rake of a man. She would have to speak to her father as soon as may be, perhaps he should even speak to Colonel Fitzwilliam directly before returning to Longbourn.
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continued in post 2!