15. Chapter 15
A fter Fitz penned his letter and gave it to Mr. Hill, he and Darcy walked over to a pair of chairs and sat down.
“So . . . tell me everything,” Fitz said.
“Everything?”
“Begin with the storm,” he suggested.
"Which one? Believe it or not, we dealt with two different storms."
Darcy told him about the storm that began out at sea and moved inland, as well as the storm that had been brewing locally, which produced the tornado that damaged Netherfield.
"Yes, I stopped at Netherfield first, looking for you and Georgiana. The place is indeed a mess. Were there any injuries?"
"No, fortunately, there were none," Darcy replied. "Yesterday I went with Bingley to make a proper inspection of the house. Practically every window was shattered. There is even more of the roof missing than we thought, and there is water damage."
Fitz shook his head. “The tornado had to be a frightening experience, especially for Georgiana. With Netherfield damaged, you then came here for shelter.”
“We did. We were very grateful to the ladies for taking us in."
“I am sure you were. So, tell me about the lovely Bennet sisters. Are they all unattached?” Fitz asked with a mischievous grin.
“That is my understanding. However, I hope to change that status in regard to Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy said, grinning.
Fitz threw his head back, laughing loudly. He then looked back at his cousin with a wide grin. “Do you indeed? Well, tell me more!”
“She is the second of five daughters. Extremely intelligent. Her conversation is always stimulating and thought-provoking. Do you remember my telling you about the book I just finished reading?” Darcy asked.
“The one with the Englishman exploring the Canadian bush?”
“Yes, that one. Miss Elizabeth also recently read the book,” Darcy said.
Fitz’s brows shot up. “Really?”
“I was just as surprised as you are. We first met in a bookshop where she was picking up her copy of the second volume. And I will tell you something else about her that will surprise you: her father taught her estate management.”
“Estate management?” Fitz asked. "Truly?"
“And she excels at it. Since the storm, she has been running this estate single-handedly. I assisted her with a few things and was thus able to see how adept she is at handling estate concerns. The kindness she shows to the tenant farmers and their families reminds me of my mother. She cared for our tenants in the same way,” Darcy said.
“Yes, I remember.”
“As you have seen for yourself, Miss Elizabeth is quite lovely,” Darcy said.
“She is indeed.”
“And she has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen,” Darcy added.
Fitz grinned. “They are quite beautiful, Cousin. If you make her your wife, I wager you will enjoy having the freedom to gaze into them whenever you wish.”
Darcy smiled. “Indeed.”
“She is beautiful, intelligent, and engaging," Fitz said. "You have similar interests, which is no small thing. She assists in the running of her father’s estate, so it is reasonable to expect she would assist with yours. She shows care and concern for the people of Longbourn, so naturally she would do the same for Pemberley. These are all compelling reasons to make her yours, Darcy. So, what are the challenges to you doing so?”
“Well, obviously, she is not of the first circles.”
“Her dowry?”
“Is nothing to speak of.”
“Well, it is not as if you need your wife to come with a fortune.”
“No, I do not.” Darcy lowered his voice. “She mentioned that her father married below his station. I do not know how this came to be. Her mother is the daughter of a solicitor. She is silly and, at times, vulgar.”
Fitz nodded. “So, then, she has some inferior connections, no doubt.”
“The mother’s sister is married to the local attorney. The mother’s brother is apparently in trade in London and very successful. His wife is the daughter of a gentleman. I understand her father is the third son of a viscount.”
“Hmm, quite a mish-mash, this family.”
“That was my thought exactly,” Darcy said, chuckling.
Fitz laughed as well.
“Oh, and the two youngest sisters seem to be lacking in discipline and decorum,” Darcy added.
Fitz let out a bark of laughter. “Anything else?”
“Nothing comes to mind at present,” Darcy said.
“So, what are your thoughts regarding all this?”
“Truly, Fitz, a part of me is ready to disregard it all just to have her. That is how certain I am. However, I know the course of wisdom is to take my time with this and be sure of my choice before I even ask to court her.”
“That is definitely the wise course, Darcy. You may be certain about her, but you need to be certain about choosing to go down this road and all that it will mean. There will be mothers from many prominent families who will be livid that you did not choose from among their daughters. Those same daughters will be incensed that the daughter of a country gentleman did what they could not: catch the eye of Fitzwilliam Darcy. They will not be kind to her, not in the least.”
“You are right. They certainly will not be. Besides angering members of the ton, there will be family members unhappy with the match as well,” Darcy pointed out.
“True. Let us list them out, shall we?”
“Your father,” Darcy said immediately.
Fitz chuckled. “No, Father will not like it, not at first. But Mother will help him come around. And he will, you know, for your sake. Now, Aunt Catherine is a completely different story, as we all know.”
Darcy rolled his eyes. “I would prefer it be kept from her for as long as possible.”
“I should say so. Now, what about your father’s family?” Fitz asked.
“My uncle Reginald will not care one way or the other. Neither will Aunt Lenora or my cousin Constance. My cousin Gerald will not like it, but I could not care less what Gerald thinks.”
“Then, there is not much family resistance at all. You know you have my support as well as Andrew’s,” Fitz said.
“Thank you, Fitz. I appreciate it.”
“Of course, Darcy. You would do it for me. Now, as far as angering members of the ton with your choice of bride, the way I see it, it does not much signify since you do not care for most of them anyway!”
Darcy chuckled. “True.”
“So, cousin, how do you plan to proceed with the lovely Miss Elizabeth?”
“I think I will continue to try to get to know her better. She and I have spoken privately a few times. Hopefully, there will be more opportunities for private conversation before we leave for London,” Darcy said.
“There will be," Fitz said with a grin. "We will make certain of it.”
“Much obliged,” Darcy said. “Did I tell you that she will be traveling to London on Wednesday? It just so happens that she and her sisters have had plans for some time to visit her aunt and uncle in London. I was just telling her this morning before breakfast that I hope we will see much of each other in London.”
“Before breakfast, eh? Was this another one of those private conversations?” Fitz asked.
Darcy grinned. “In fact, it was. I also told her that I look forward to meeting her aunt and uncle. I want to meet these relations. She speaks highly of them and is especially close to them. Since we have been in Hertfordshire, Georgiana has become good friends with Miss Elizabeth and her sisters. She has already asked them to send word to Darcy House when they arrive in town. Georgiana’s relationship with them will give me a bit of cover and an excuse to see her until I formally ask her for a courtship. ”
“Yes, Georgiana’s friendship with the ladies will definitely work in your favor.”
“Let us go rejoin the others.” He and Fitz both stood. “Miss Elizabeth is planning to ride out and check the progress of the debris removal. I am to accompany her,” Darcy said, grinning as he walked out of the parlor.
Fitz chuckled and followed Darcy. “By all means, then, let us get thee to her.”
After luncheon, Colonel Fitzwilliam proposed a stroll in the garden. The ladies wrapped up against the chill, then they all headed outside.
Elizabeth linked arms with Georgiana. “I know the circumstances that brought you to Longbourn were awful, but we have so enjoyed your company, Georgiana.”
“I have had the most wonderful time with you and your sisters as well. I am so glad I came to Hertfordshire with William, or I might never have met you.”
Elizabeth smiled at her. “Are you looking forward to returning to London?”
“I am, though I am mostly excited that you all will be in London as well. I know you will have obligations to your family, but I hope we will see each other often.”
“I hope so too,” Elizabeth said.
“When we get back in town, I am going to do as you suggested—work at building my confidence by putting forth more effort in social situations and learning from the way my Aunt Sophia handles herself.”
“That is an excellent plan, Georgiana,” Elizabeth said. “I think you will be surprised by how quickly you improve.”
“Miss Elizabeth! Georgie! May we join you?” Colonel Fitzwilliam called from behind them.
He walked up next to Georgiana while Mr. Darcy appeared beside Elizabeth.
“Yes, you may,” Elizabeth replied, smiling at them both.
“Richard, did William tell you that Elizabeth and her sisters will soon be in London?” Georgiana asked.
“He did. I understand you will be staying with relatives, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Yes, my aunt and uncle,” Elizabeth said.
She noticed Colonel Fitzwilliam offer his arm to Georgiana. Georgiana took it, then smiled at Elizabeth as she unlinked their arms.
“Will all your evenings end with you dancing the night away?” Colonel Fitzwilliam asked, smiling.
Elizabeth laughed. “Certainly not! My aunt does have quite a bit planned, but she will keep it reasonable.”
“Miss Elizabeth?” Mr. Darcy said.
Elizabeth looked at Mr. Darcy. “Yes?”
She saw he was offering her his arm. “Oh! Thank you.” She smiled and wrapped her hand around his bicep, feeling the strength there.
When she glanced back to her right, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana were no longer there. Where did they—