She smiled at him sweetly and briefly laid her head on his shoulder.“You should not say such things, my dear.I cannot kiss you in public.”
Now Darcy’s cheeks flamed and he pulled her as close as he possibly could, looking around frantically for a secluded nook to hide in while he kissed his beloved senseless.Alas, they were in a relatively open portion of the garden with their own party not far behind them and another group only a short distance ahead.
“Elizabeth.You are a minx.”
She looked up at him in confusion for a moment before seeing the look on his face.Her cheeks darkened to match his and she swallowed heavily.“Forgive me, Fitzwilliam.I was not thinking.”
He drew her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles.“Never apologize for expressing your heart to me, Elizabeth.I always wish to know your feelings.”
She raised one brow and said, “Always?”
“Well, most of the time.”
She laughed delightedly.“Well said, my love.”
She looked forward and walked on, not having noticed her own words.Darcy could only stare blankly ahead of him, wondering if he had heard her correctly.
Sweet Saturday
Darcy,ColonelFitzwilliam,andBingley arrived at Gracechurch Street as early as was polite.Mr.Gardiner had given Bingley permission to wed Jane, though she did not truly need it as she was of age, and he had brought the settlement for Mr.Gardiner to peruse.He had had it drawn up the day after he called on Jane in London for the first time and had been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to use it.
While Mr.Bingley was closeted with their uncle, Jane and Elizabeth took the other two gentlemen for a walk.To everyone’s surprise, once they were out the door, Elizabeth took Colonel Fitzwilliam’s arm, leaving Darcy standing rather stupefied next to an equally confused Jane.
“Jane, do you mind keeping Mr.Darcy company while I discuss something with Colonel Fitzwilliam?”
“Of course, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth thanked her and moved swiftly down the walk, pulling Colonel Fitzwilliam alongside her.
He chuckled lightly.“Why are you in such a hurry?”
“I do not want Darcy or my sister to hear me.”
His expression immediately became serious.“Is anything amiss?Are you well?”
“Perfectly so, thank you, but something is amiss.Are you going to tell me what yesterday was all about?”
Fitzwilliam looked away guiltily.
“Out with it, Colonel.”
He sighed.“Very well.Some time ago, I became… let us say enamored, of Miss Covington.”
“Go on.”
“Her family fell on hard times, and she was soon after in mourning for her father, so the flirtation never had an opportunity to develop into something more.”
“And now you wish to see if it will?”
“Yes, but I am more serious than you make me out to be.”
“Forgive me, but I did not think Miss Covington was in possession of a large fortune.Do you not need a well-dowered wife?”
Colonel Fitzwilliam made a noncommittal noise.“I do, though…”
“You would not require it for the right lady.”
“Just so.”
