“I do not know.The gentleman looks vaguely familiar,” responded Darcy.
A gentleman roughly Darcy’s age and a woman with her back to them were talking to Colonel Fitzwilliam and Lady Clara.Colonel Fitzwilliam looked delighted; Lady Clara appeared mildly ill.
“Darcy!”The colonel waved them over.“You remember Jonathon Covington and his sister, do you not?”
Darcy looked at his cousin suspiciously, but he greeted the newcomers politely.Everyone was introduced, and the Covingtons were invited to join their party.They walked along as one large group for a time, but eventually Georgiana fell back to walk with Mrs.Annesley, who had been keeping to the outskirts of the group.Mr.Darcy and Mr.Covington seemed to be discussing some sort of horse race, and Miss Covington walked at her brother’s side.Lady Clara was beside Darcy, looking disappointed.
Colonel Fitzwilliam looked around to make sure everyone was distracted, then grasped Elizabeth’s elbow and led her to the side of the path.
“I need your help, Miss Elizabeth.”
“What is going on?You look like you’ve been caught sneaking into the larder.”
He gave her an eloquent look that said she was not far off.“I wish you to befriend Miss Covington.”
“Me?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I cannot explain now, but I am asking you, as my friend, to do this for me.I would not suggest it if I did not think highly of her.”His eyes locked on hers, blue meeting brown, and she nodded.
“Of course, Fitz.You have done a great deal more for me.I am happy to help.”She had her suspicions, but she would keep them to herself—for now.
He squeezed her arm and smiled.“I will be calling you Lizzy soon enough, I’m sure.”He ignored her look of surprise and added, “Thank you.I promise I will explain all in due time.”
She nodded and made her way around the group, thinking how best to handle the situation.Hoping she was doing the right thing, she approached Mrs.Annesley.
“May I ask a favor?”
“Of course, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Would you walk with Lady Clara?She is in need of companionship today,” she said quietly.“I hope I may trust in your discretion?”
“Of course,” said Mrs.Annesley with a nod.She and Georgiana quickly made their way toward the opposite side of the group.
Elizabeth sidled up beside Miss Covington.
“Have you been to Kew Gardens before, Miss Covington?”
“Yes, but not in some time,” she answered quietly.
“I have always been partial to gardens myself.I could attend such an outing every week and never grow tired of it.”
“I quite agree.My mother has always had a partiality for gardens.Her rose garden was quite extraordinary.”
“It sounds lovely.My aunt is similar.Her garden is not large, but it is one of my favorite places in Town.”
“Do you live in London, then?”
“No, I live in Hertfordshire on my father’s estate.I am in Town visiting my uncle and aunt with my sister.”She nodded behind her toward the two shadows that were Jane and Bingley.“She is the one strolling as slow as treacle with her besotted suitor.”
Emma followed Elizabeth’s gaze and smiled.“There are worse places for a romantic stroll.”
“That is very true.Now, since my own suitor is glaring at me for abandoning him, I must insist you tell me all the interesting things about yourself and half the dull ones so that when I return to him, I will be able to say I was well and truly coming to know Miss Covington.”
Emma Covington laughed and began to speak as Elizabeth looped her arm through her new friend’s and pulled them ahead of the group.
