"That I did, although the state in which I found them rather made me wish I had not."
Everyone leaned forward except Darcy, who must already know this story. "They were beyond repair, much to my chagrin and that of my batman. What was not chewed up was covered in drool." He slapped his hand against his leg and guffawed. "They are still buried in Vimeiro! I learned a valuable lesson that day: The latest fashion is never worth a month's wages. I had to hobble around in the old, patched pair for months."
Lydia furrowed her brow. “Why did you not borrow the sum to have another pair made?”
The colonel shook his head. "I have known too many men who live on credit. They are wretched creatures always looking for relief and the next handout."
Lydia giggled, "But they look so handsome in their new boots and waistcoats. Surely, we are meant to live with pleasure. I would rather die than show up at an assembly in a gown that was horribly out of style."
Jane spoke softly. "Men who face death every day would be more concerned about remaining alive than looking handsome in their boots."
The colonel smiled at her, ignoring Lydia's protests to the contrary. Mama filled everyone’s empty plates with more cake, handing an especially generous portion to the colonel.
"Ah, the way to a man's heart," he said graciously, accepting his plate and feeding the kitten another crumb.
Elizabeth took advantage of the pause in conversation to ask about the kitten. “Is that the one that likes to climb the curtains?”
“The very one! Poor lad kept getting stuck partway up the silks, so I decided to give him a better view from my shoulder.” He rubbed under the kitten's chin. “He yowls every time I try to put him down, so we decided to bring him along.”
“I am glad you did! We are fond of cats at Longbourn,” Mama cooed.
“Why did you not bring them all?” Kitty asked.
“We did not wish to impose,” Miss Darcy replied. Her confidence increased as she spoke about the cats she adored. “That adventuresome one is too mischievous to leave behind with my maid, so we had to bring him. Then I could not leave his sister behind. We probably should have brought the white one that likes to hunt feathers.”
“He is my favorite! The black fur on his head looks just like a top hat set at a rakish angle! So charming! Pray bring them all the next time you call. They are no trouble at all.” Kitty ran her hand down the length of the female feline.
Miss Darcy looked about the room, looking less uncertain with every encouraging smile. “I would love that.”
Papa moved farther away from the fire. "Since that is now settled, I shall take my leave. I fear I am occupying too much room and shall therefore remove myself to my book room."
Mama rolled her eyes.
“How thoughtful of you,” Elizabeth commented dryly.
He tipped his head toward her. “Anything for the comfort of our guests.”
Darcy leaned toward Elizabeth. "I shall have to have a bed and wash basin installed in Pemberley's library."
Papa stopped mid-step. “Is that a promise, young man?”
The colonel interjected, “There are far worse places to encamp.”
"Is your library as grand as Miss Bingley claims?" Elizabeth was enjoying how well Darcy teased.
His eyes twinkled. "Grander."
She arched her brow. "Maybe I shall insist on having a cot installed there for me!"
The gleam in his eye saidNot if I can help it.
A tap at the door interrupted their flirtation, perhaps for the best. Her face was hot enough.
If Papa had heard it, he pretended not to, and he calmly proceeded to his book room.
"Who would be out in this weather?" Mama frowned at the fogged window glass.
"Someone in need of a warm fire, a dry room, and hot tea." Kitty dangled a ribbon for the kitten in her lap. “Is that not so, you little angel?” She gasped. “That is the perfect name! Angel!”
