‘What can I say. I was in a fractious mood that day…’
‘I confess when I heard about it, I wanted to meet you and thank you.’
‘Miss Elizabeth, it is most unladylike of you to say so… refreshingly honest, but most unladylike.’
‘What can I say. Since I have no brothers, my father singled me out for his attention and although I have had a lady’s education, I was also educated in the subjects usually reserved for gentlemen. I suppose that has coloured my attitude to certain things.’ Elizabeth chuckled as she added, ‘I even have readL’art de la guerre par Sun Tzu.’
Fitzwilliam answered her laughter. ‘Oh my. I pity my cousin. The poor fool has no idea at what a treasure he turned up his nose.’ When Elizabeth looked confused, he explained, ‘Darcy was always the best and most dedicated student in our family. He is widely read and there are few things he loves better than a good debate. He would tolerate the devil himself if he could have an interesting argument.’
‘If he is so greatly enamoured with debating, I am surprised there is anything which he loves more.’
‘His sister, his extended family foremost amongst them yours truly, Pemberley, and Hermes,’ the Colonel said promptly.
‘Who or what is Hermes? I presume you are not speaking of the Greek god.’
‘Hermes is Darcy’s favourite horse.’
‘I gather that he earned his name because of his speed.’
‘You are quite correct, but we digressed from the subject.’ Fitzwilliam hesitated to mention the idea which had occurred to him while they talked. Should he be so cruel to Darcy?
‘I had not realised that we discussed a specific subject,’ Elizabeth interrupted his woolgathering.
‘The subject is my cousin and it occurred to me that he should learn the error of his ways. Would you enjoy a spirited debate?’
‘You wish to make a point that your cousin not only upset people with his attitude, but he seriously misjudged the people of Meryton.’
‘I will be satisfied if he realises that he greatly misjudged the lady to whom he was so rude.’ He grinned at her. ‘Please feel free to dislike him and disagree with him to your heart’s content, but if you enjoy a good debate, you will rarely find a better opponent than Darcy.’
‘And how will you contrive an introduction?’
‘Nothing could be simpler. I shall introduce you to my mother.’
~T~
Since they each had achieved their objective, they changed the subject to a more general discussion about their families.
Elizabeth discovered that the sons of Earls did not necessarily have an easy life unless they were the firstborn.
Fitzwilliam enjoyed learning about Elizabeth’s sisters. He was highly amused when he found out that Bingley’s latest angel had no interest in puppies.
At the end of an hour, Elizabeth headed back to Gardiner House and the Colonel, ever the gentleman, escorted her to her home.
~DGH~~
14Strategies
As they approached the house, they encountered Mr Gardiner coming out and about to enter his carriage.
‘Good morning, Mr Gardener,’ Fitzwilliam greeted the gentleman.
Mr Gardiner smiled distractedly. ‘Good morning, Colonel. I see you have safely returned my niece. I thank you, but you must forgive me. I have to be off. There is an emergency at the docks which needs my intervention. If you will excuse me?’ He said politely but did not stop and wait for an answer. A moment later, Gardiner was in his carriage, which set off as soon as he closed the door.
As Fitzwilliam turned back to Elizabeth, he noticed the plaque proclaiming the name of the house. He stared at it for a minute while he readjusted his thinking.
Elizabeth broke into his thoughts. ‘Colonel, I hope you were not offended by my uncle’s curtness?’
Fitzwilliam blinked and shook his head. ‘Not at all, Miss Elizabeth. I just realised that when the Carletons introduced you and your family last night at the theatre, I misheard your uncle’s name.’ He nodded towards the plaque.
