“Have you known Mrs Greenwoode long?” Elizabeth asked. Charming as the colonel was, it was rather distracting to receive so many compliments — a problem that, before inheriting a fortune, she had never expected to experience.
“I have. She and my mother have been friends since they were girls together.” He looked to where Mrs Greenwoode was standing with her aunt. “She has been a good friend to my siblings and I over the years.”
“How many siblings do you have?” Elizabeth asked.
“I have two younger sisters and an older brother. The heir and the spare, you know. As the younger son of an earl, there were few options left for me.” He let out a sigh, then met her gaze. “I dearly wish to retire from the regulars soon. However, if I am to make anything of myself, I shall have to find a charming young lady — perhaps an heiress.”
His meaning was not lost on her. Elizabeth concealed a grimace. So Colonel Fitzwilliam was yet another man interested in her for her money.
Perhaps it was commendable that he would not wish to hide the fact that he was looking for an heiress. Certainly, it was better than attempting to conceal his motivation. Yet she could not help but think that, just a few short weeks ago, Colonel Fitzwilliam would not have paid the slightest attention to her — or perhaps they would have had the same mutual liking and ease of conversation, and he would have warned her that, with a dowry of only a thousand pounds, it could never be.
“Then I wish you luck in your search, Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth said, with her best attempt at lightness, before the dance separated them for a time.
As the dance went on, Elizabeth was conscious that she was enjoying herself prodigiously. Colonel Fitzwilliam was excellent company, and beyond the slight awkwardness when he had mentioned his need to find a rich wife, their conversation had been pleasant and flowed easily. When their dance was over,he took her back to her aunt, but stayed for a while to chat with the ladies.
“You were in Spain during the siege, were you not, Colonel?” Mrs Greenwoode asked. “I have heard great things of Thomas Graham.”
“Indeed, ma’am, and I may say that nothing you have heard of the general has been exaggerated. I should not be surprised in the least if he receives a title for his service. Despite all we could do for our Spanish allies, Cádiz would have fallen to the French if not for his leadership.”
“You are a hero, sir,” Elizabeth told him warmly. “I am sure we should be delighted to hear more of your time abroad.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam obliged with a good will, and left them only when their engagements to dance with other partners required it.
As the evening came to a close, Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner said their farewells to their hostess and made their way towards the front step. They had put on their wraps and were on the point of going outside when Colonel Fitzwilliam appeared, hurrying through the crowd to reach them.
He gave Mrs Gardiner his most charming smile. “If you will allow me, ma’am, I shall escort you and your niece to your carriage.”
Whatever her concerns, Mrs Gardiner could not stand against such courteous politeness. “Why, thank you, sir. That is very kind.”
Elizabeth glanced at him quickly, wondering at the pointedness of his attentions, but Colonel Fitzwilliam’s smile was blandly polite, and faced towards her aunt — most impressively correct.
He handed them into the carriage, and only then looked fully into her eyes. “I had a most pleasant evening, Miss Elizabeth, Mrs Gardiner. I hope we shall meet again soon.”
“As do I. Good evening, Colonel,” Elizabeth said. As the carriage drove away, she turned to look at her aunt. “You need not worry, my dear aunt. I am not one to let go of my wits that quickly. Though you must admit he is an impressive man, and very charming company.”
“I will agree to that with a good will, Lizzy — if you will promise me you will keep your wits about you. Charm alone does not make the man.”
Chapter 17
Darcy and Georgiana arrived in London after what had felt an endless journey. All the way from Derbyshire, their carriage had been followed by a heavy, sullen rain. The crowning touch on their misfortunes had been being stuck in the mud for two hours as their coachmen had tried to dig the wheels out. Finally, Darcy had tired of waiting in the carriage and had got out to help the unfortunate men push the carriage free. As a result, when they arrived in London, he was not only exhausted from the long journey, but caked in mud as well.
His housekeeper fluttered about him, almost wringing her hands in her dismay. “Oh, dear, sir, I see you have met with misfortune on the road. There is someone to see you, but I shall tell them you are not seeing visitors.”
Darcy let out a frustrated sigh. No one knew he was coming to London, save for family members. If his aunt had told their friends of his impending visit, he would be most annoyed. “Who is it?” he asked curtly.
She did not have time to answer, for a deep masculine voice interrupted her. “It is your favourite cousin!”
Fitzwilliam appeared at the end of the hall, near the parlour doors, and hurried toward him. Darcy smiled in welcome. “Fitzwilliam! How glad I am to see you!” he greetedhis cousin as he entered the foyer, giving him a hearty shake of the hand. Fitzwilliam leaned over to give Georgiana a kiss on the cheek.
“It is always a pleasure to see you. Though I do not know about this new fashion for being covered in mud, Darcy. Despite your best efforts, I do not think it will catch on.” Fitzwilliam turned to Georgiana and took both her hands in his. “And I do not believe I know this exquisite beauty. It cannot be my dear cousin Georgiana?” he teased.
“It is I, Richard. It has been too long,” Georgiana beamed. “Is it a surprise to see me here in London?”
“It is indeed. But you shall be the star of the Season,” Fitzwilliam praised. He took her hand and turned her, making her skirts twirl out around her legs. “You had best keep a watch on her night and day. The gentlemen will not be able to stay away.”
Georgiana laughed. “I am not here to come out quite yet. My brother has agreed that I may wait until I am eighteen, which I should very much prefer.” She turned and started up the stairs. “I think I shall change and lie down for a spell. I suggest you change as well, brother. As our cousin pointed out, you are covered in mud from head to toe.”
Darcy chuckled as he looked down his front. “You do not mind waiting for a few minutes, do you? Unless you have come for something urgent?”
