“What are you up to?”growled Darcy at Fitzwilliam.
“Whatever do you mean?”said Fitz innocently.
“I saw you take Elizabeth aside and speak to her, right before she suddenly began walking with Miss Covington, a lady she has never seen before in her life and whom she has no reason to seek out.YourMiss Covington.Confess, Cousin.What is going on?”
“Very well,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam testily.“I asked Miss Elizabeth to assist me in making Miss Covington feel welcome.”
“Because?”
“Because after I spoke with you the other day, and seeing how my mother has taken to Miss Elizabeth, I thought things might not be as hopeless as I had thought they were.”
“So you arranged for them to meet us here?”
“I mentioned to her brother that we would be here today and that I would like to see them.”
“You are certain you wish to pursue this?You will not raise her hopes and change your mind?”
“Of course not!What do you take me for?I am not cruel!”
“I know,” said Darcy with a shake of his head, “but be certain you know what you are about, Fitz.You are doing things that cannot be undone.”
“Darcy,” said Fitzwilliam with the patience of a man who had seen more in war than he would like to remember, “kindly refrain from explaining to me about things that cannot be undone.”
Darcy looked down.“Forgive me, Cousin.Of course you are correct.I misspoke.”
Fitzwilliam clapped him on the shoulder.“In the three years since I met her, I have not met a single lady whose company I have enjoyed more than Miss Covington’s.I believe it is time to act on that.”
“Have you seen her much the last two years?”
Fitzwilliam glared at him.
Darcy raised his hands up.“I am not trying to discourage you.Merely ascertaining if you have learned her character as it is now.”
“I doubt she has changed overmuch.”
“Tragedy can change people rather quickly,” Darcy said grimly.
“Well, as it happens, I have seen her from time to time the last two years—her brother is a friend, after all.And she has been as delightful as ever.A little saddened by all that has happened of late, but that is to be expected.In essentials, she is what she ever was.”
“Then I wish you well, Cousin.”
A tinkling laugh ahead of them drew their attention.
“Elizabeth seems to like her,” said Darcy.
“I am glad of it.”Fitzwilliam looked shrewdly at his cousin and said, “When will you propose to Miss Elizabeth?”
“When the time is right.”
“And when will that be?”
Darcy exhaled heavily.“Why are you so invested in my marriage plans?Keep your attention on your own.”
Fitzwilliam laughed.“I cannot!If you marry Miss Elizabeth, all the attention will be on you and I may slip off quietly to tend to my own plans.”
“And what are those?”
“I hardly know yet, Cousin, but I thought I would start with seeing if the lady returns my interest.”
