The colonel would have laughed, but his cousin seemed genuinely distressed.
“Darcy, you will make a considerate husband, I am certain of it.Look how well you treat Georgiana!”
“She is my sister.It is different.”
“Yes, you will be much closer to your wife, and receive much more from her in return.”
Darcy shot him an irritated glance.Could Fitzwilliam be serious about nothing?
“Cousin, I will be the first to admit you can be overbearing and more concerned with your own comforts than the feelings of others.”
Darcy’s gaze leapt to his cousin.
“It is not surprising.You were raised to remember your own importance and you have the income to ensure others remember it as well.”
Darcy’s nostrils flared.
“But despite all that, you are a kind man, and a generous one.Your first attempt at catching Miss Bennet was deplorable, but you have seen the error of your ways and are improving with the speed of a new colt.That speaks miles for your character.There are men who would have simply walked away when told they had done wrongly.They would not have tried to make it right or cared about the opinion of a woman who was unimpressed with themselves.But you are going to great lengths to be worthy of Miss Bennet.You are a fool if you think she does not recognize that, or if you do not see what it says about you.It takes a great man to admit to his faults and correct them.”
Darcy took a deep breath.He felt the best sort of pride that his cousin thought he was a good man, for he knew Colonel Fitzwilliam was among the best of men himself.But more than that, he heard the ring of truth in his cousin’s words.He had been full of his own importance, and in many ways he still was.If he did not check it, he would destroy the beautiful, fragile thing that was growing between him and Elizabeth.
“I thank you, Fitzwilliam.Your opinion means a great deal to me.”Darcy said softly.
They sat quietly for a few minutes before Darcy broke the silence with an irritated huff.“Am I truly so overbearing?”
“Oh, horribly so.”
“And inconsiderate of others?”
“Only when they want something that does not coincide with your wishes.”
“Difficult?”
“Of course.”
“Officious?”
“Quite often.”
“Demanding?”
“All the time.”
Darcy huffed.“I wonder you travel with me at all.”
“You are so spoiled you would throw a fit if I did not.”
Darcy turned toward his cousin and glared at him.Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled back with his usual insouciance.
After several seconds of this they finally broke, each laughing deep, hearty chuckles.They laughed for some time, sipping their drinks, and settled back down in the stiff chairs before the fire.
“I am glad you came to Rosings, Fitz,” said Darcy quietly.
“You are welcome, Cousin.”
Tuesday Temptations
Tuesdaymorning,Darcywasso pleased by the events of the day before that he sought another romantic location.Luckily, his aunt had plans to visit a neighbor, so when Mrs.Collins and Elizabeth came to call on Anne, he was able to whisk her away to the rose garden.Anne was tired anyway, and with such a familiar guest as Mrs.Collins, she could entertain her in her private sitting room, which was surely preferable for Miss de Bourgh.He was doing her a service, really.
