“Not at all. I shall wait in your study if you do not mind. I have some most exciting news that I think will interest you.”
“By all means,” Darcy replied. Fitzwilliam knew the house well enough to make his own way to the study. Darcy left him to do so. After removing his mud-stained things with relief andaccepting his valet’s help to dress in comfortable trousers and a loose cotton shirt, he rejoined his cousin.
“Now, what is this exciting news?” Darcy asked, holding up a decanter of brandy in silent invitation.
“A small glass, thank you. I shall want something to toast with. It is a stroke of luck that you have come when you have. I have met a most tantalising prospect.” Fitzwilliam sat down and leaned comfortably back in his chair. “An heiress, no less.”
“Well, that is news I did not think would ever come.” Darcy could not help but think of Elizabeth and his failed attempt to forget her. At least his cousin would find some happiness. He forced himself to smile. “I am happy for you. I know it has been a long time coming.”
Fitzwilliam shrugged. “It has been my own doing. But now that I have distinguished myself in the army, I want to retire. Besides, my leg does not hold me up as well since the injury.”
“No one would notice in the slightest.” Darcy replied truthfully. His cousin was still among the strongest men of his acquaintance.
Fitzwilliam rubbed his thigh where an enemy sword had made a terrible gash. “It pains me when it rains, like it is today.” He winced as he continued to massage the old injury. He stood and stretched out his leg before settling back into his chair. “It could be worse, of course. I suppose I ought to be grateful I do not have a limp.”
“As am I, for that, and for your safe return.”
“I’ll drink to thank,” Fitzwilliam agreed, and the men raised their glasses in a toast.
“And so you’ve decided to retire?” Darcy asked, relishing the smooth taste of the brandy.“It will be good to have you settled. I should like to see more of you, as would Georgiana.”
“Likewise. Well, cousin, I shall certainly do my best to settle down with a fine country estate. We can spend all our time visiting each other back and forth and showing off our gaggle of sons and daughters, when the time comes.” Fitzwilliam clapped him on the shoulder. “When are you planning to settle down?”
“Ah, well, I shall have to be patient now that you have arrived back in London. I do not stand a chance against your charm,” Darcy teased.
Fitzwilliam snorted. “Hardly, Darcy. Simply describe Pemberley to her, and you shall have any lady you wish.”
Darcy snorted a laugh at that. That was perhaps his favourite thing about his cousin — he made him laugh at himself.
“Well, what plans have you now that you are back in Town?” Fitzwilliam asked, swirling the brandy in his glass.
“I had no plans per se, past seeing our relatives and allowing Georgiana to experience the sights. She wants to become accustomed to London before her debut.”
“Very wise. Well, since she is not out yet, I wonder if the opera would be permissible? I do not think she has ever seen a performance.”
“No, indeed. I am sure she would be delighted.” Darcy thought for a moment. “Yes, I think an opera would be just the thing, although I believe Georgiana is well on her way to out-playing any of the pianists they might have.”
“Aunt Catherine tells me she is quite accomplished.”
Darcy cringed inwardly when he heard his aunt’s name. He loved her, of course, but her condescending ways weredifficult to bear up under at times. Not to mention her expectations. “She is,” he replied briefly.
“Well, then, perhaps we might take her tomorrow. I am told the performance is expected to be particularly fine. If, of course, you will be rested enough by then.”
Darcy chuckled. “I am not so old as that,” he retorted.
“Good. I do believe the young lady I mentioned to you will be there tomorrow. She will be an Original of the Season. I have not the slightest doubt of it.”
“I thought Georgiana was destined for that role?”
“Well, seeing as she will not be presented this year, the young lady I have been speaking of will have to take her place.” Fitzwilliam gave a bewitched sigh. “I tell you true, Darcy, I have never beheld such a witty or charming creature. She is as intelligent as she is pretty.”
Darcy smiled, looking down at the delicate porcelain teacup. No one could be as charming or as witty as Elizabeth, but he kept the sentiment to himself. “Well, I am all the more eager to meet this paragon.”
Georgiana came in a moment later, looking as fresh as if they had not endured a long carriage ride through less than exemplary conditions. “What is this about the opera?” she asked.
“Were you listening at the door, Georgiana? You know you are always welcome to come in,” Darcy said. He ought to scold her, he knew. But he could never stay upset with her.
“I am sorry. I was not sure how you would react to me eavesdropping. Although, I had only been standing there for a moment,” she said with a smile, then poured herself a cup of tea. “Will it be well-attended, do you think?”
