Richard laughed. “Cousin, you need to loosen up. It is acceptable to give a compliment when it is deserved.”
Jane and Mary came forward to kiss their sister, and then Mrs. Gardiner approached. Elizabeth made the introductions.
Darcy bowed graciously. “Mrs. Gardiner, Elizabeth tells me you purchased this lovely gown on her behalf.”
Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “I did, sir, and it was a pleasure. When the intended is young and beautiful, shopping for her is no chore.”
Darcy’s eyes moved back to Elizabeth. “Indeed, ma’am. My wife would look well in anything she wore. I believe she would even turn out charming in a dress made of flour sacks.”
Elizabeth and her aunt laughed.
“Lizzy,” said Mrs. Gardiner, “the two of you should serve yourselves while the food is hot.”
Elizabeth turned to her husband. “Shall we? I am quite hungry.”
“Yes, let us eat,” he replied. “Shall I seat you and serve your plate?”
She shook her head. “No, please, let me remain with you. I will hold the plate, and you may serve me.”
He glanced around and saw Collins' wolfish stare directed at his wife. “Very well, let us go together.”
They served themselves and sat down at an empty table. Soon Jane, Bingley, Richard, Georgiana, and Mary joined them. Elizabeth relaxed. Collins would not foist himself on her now.
Mr. Darcy excused himself to serve his sister a plate.
Elizabeth turned to Richard. “Colonel, when do you begin your new duties?”
“I report to the War Office in late September,” he said.
“Will you remain with us through the summer?”
“I will. Darcy promises fishing, hunting, and riding. And Hurst has invited an American to show us the latest in firearms.”
Elizabeth asked, “Is there a young lady you would like me to invite to Pemberley, someone you wish to court?”
Richard hesitated, then said, “There is someone. Her name is Isabella Lewis. She lives near Matlock, my father’s seat, but I am afraid her brother does not favor my suit.”
“Does my husband know Mr. Lewis?”
“They attended Cambridge together,” Richard said with a grin, “though I believe they were competitors rather than friends.”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “Did Mr. Darcy have an amiable relationship with anyone other than you and his sister?”
Richard chuckled. “Mrs. Darcy, it did not take you long to sum him up.”
She smiled wryly. “No, sir, it was not difficult, for he insulted me twice in little more than a month of acquaintance. Those are merely the occasions of which I am aware; there may well be others.”
He smiled broadly, and she saw his teeth were white and even. She realized the colonel was almost as handsome as his cousin. He said, “The more time I spend in your company, the better I like you.”
“Then we shall be friends, Colonel,” she said. “Perhaps I can persuade Mr. Darcy to invite Mr. Lewis and his sister to Pemberley. I will claim it is to provide suitable company for my sisters.”
Richard bowed slightly. “If you can manage that, I will owe you a debt too large ever to repay.”
“Well then, sir,” she teased, “I like having a debt or two owed me. I will do it.”
When she finished her meal, Darcy leaned toward her. “Elizabeth, have you finished eating?”
“I have. If I eat another crab cake, I will be ill.”
