“Do you think so?”The hope in her voice was heartbreaking.
“I do.I shall ask Colonel Fitzwilliam as soon as possible and insist that he tell me everything he has ever heard about Mr.Covington.You have my word.”
Lady Clara smiled broadly and clasped Elizabeth’s hand in her own.“Thank you!”
Mr.Darcy,
Our newfound pastime of matchmaking requires attention.Do you know anything of Mr.Jonathon Covington?I have been tasked by a relation of yours to find out everything I may.I understand the Good Colonel has been his friend for some time.Might you pass on my request for information to him?
I eagerly look forward to our outing tomorrow.I have a new gown that Aunt assures me is perfect for the theater.If you do not recognize me in the lobby, I will be the one in the blue gown cut so fashionably you will think I am someone else entirely.Truly, I hardly recognize myself in it.
Will Miss Darcy accompany us?You had not decided when I saw you last.
I cannot wait to see you.Has it only been a day?I am ridiculous.I should not miss you after only a day.
Until tomorrow, my heart.
Yours,
Elizabeth
Dear Elizabeth,
I have passed on your request to Fitz and he is taking the matter as seriously as he does everything else—that is to say, not at all.
The writing changed drastically and in a larger hand was written:
Do not listen to a thing he says, Miss Elizabeth.Just because I am not sour-faced does not mean I do not know how to answer a question seriously.JC is a good man—I would go into battle with him, which is the highest commendation I could give.More to the point, I have known him several years now and have never seen or heard anything to cause me concern over his character.He does not gamble or drink to excess, and he is scrupulous and conscientious.He is also a terrific bowler, if you are ever in the mood for a game.
CRF
The writing changed back to Mr.Darcy’s neat hand.
Pardon my cousin’s rude interruption.He has been too long in the barracks.I have also heard no ill of Mr.C and seeing what my cousin wrote, I would say those are all good qualities in a husband.I assume that is why you are asking, though correct me if I am mistaken.
G will not accompany us to the theater.She is still too shy for such an outing, though she has asked if you and Miss Bennet might come to tea later this week so that she might get to know you.Tell me when you may join her and I will send the carriage for you.
Now that I know the color of your gown, I will be sure to watch for a stunning woman in blue in the lobby of the theater, bearing a slight resemblance to my Elizabeth.
Truly, my love, do you not know how breathtaking you are?You were pretty when I first met you, then you became remarkably handsome.You have since moved past beautiful and are now firmly lodged in my heart as the most lovely, pleasing, perfect woman I have ever met.
How goes my first attempt at a love letter?Fitz stands behind me even now laughing uproariously over my efforts.You may laugh and smile when you read this, and I can imagine how your eyes will dance in the candlelight.
Regardless of my bumbling, I hope you know how dear you are to me.I look forward to tomorrow with great anticipation.
Yours,
FD
Fitzwilliam,
Thank the colonel for the information.I have relayed it to Lady C and can only hope it gives her some peace of mind.She is a dear girl and deserves happiness if it can be had.
Your first attempt at a love letter was quite well received—so well received I have naught to say in response.My aunt has been teasing me relentlessly on my blushes since it was delivered.
I will await you at the theater with great anticipation.
Yours,
