My dearest Cousin Bennet,
I hope this letter finds you and your estimable family in health and contentment. I write to you with a most pleasing announcement—Colonel Fitzwilliam, lately returned from his gallant service upon the Continent, is to be honoured at Rosings Park with a grand occasion of the most genteel and festive kind—an Assembly, no less, orchestrated by her ladyship, Lady Catherine de Bourgh herself…
Mr. Bennet paused. “I sense your enthusiasm already, James. Cousin Collins has improved somewhat in his attempt to spare us the usual excess of praise for his benefactress.”
James merely sighed and shifted in his seat.
Mr. Bennet smiled in understanding and continued.
It is not merely a celebration of military valour, though that alone is reason enough for grandeur. Her ladyship has expressed a desire that young people of excellent family and unimpeachable manners should attend, for she believes such society is conducive to sound judgment in the younger generation.
He looked up, eyes twinkling. “Which I take to mean: ‘she intends to survey the eligible company with the precision of a cattle auctioneer.’”
Elias chuckled under his breath. “And which of us is to be judged most sound in our judgment?”
“I daresay that remains to be seen.” Mr. Bennet resumed:
Unfortunately, owing to my duties and the delicate state of Mrs. Collins’s spirits, I might find myself unable to attend the festivities. Nevertheless, it occurred to me—upon the most generous prompting of my dear Charlotte—that you, my excellent cousin, might permit your two eldest sons, Mr. James and Mr. Elias Bennet, to represent the family at Rosings Park.
He paused again, folding the letter partway. “So, the summons has been issued. What say you, my stalwart heirs?”
Elias leaned back slightly. “That depends. Are we to offer our congratulations, our condolences, or our courtship?”
James folded his arms, amused despite himself. “It sounds suspiciously like matchmaking under the guise of military honour.”
“Oh, very good,” Mr. Bennet said. “You have read between the lines precisely. I suspect the Assembly’s true aim is not just tohonour the Colonel, but to secure a match for Lady Catherine’s niece.”
“Miss Darcy?” Elias asked mildly, concealing the flicker of interest that passed through him.
Mr. Bennet nodded. “Indeed. Mr. Collins, in his meandering fashion, all but says so. Allow me to finish.”
It is well known that Miss Georgiana Darcy, the Colonel’s cousin, is presently in residence at Rosings. Her accomplishments are of the highest order, her modesty an ornament, and her fortune—though I say it with delicacy—not inconsiderable. While I do not presume to speak beyond what is proper, I humbly suggest that the presence of your sons, both educated and upright, would do credit to the evening—and perhaps prove… providential.
On a related note, I understand that Mr. Darcy’s man of business—his family solicitor, Mr. Henley of Gray’s Inn—is said to be considering an associate for future work involving estate and trust management. It is of course not my place to inquire directly, but such things are sometimes decided over dinner as much as by design. I merely mention it, in the event that your second son, Mr. Elias, might benefit from… proximity to useful conversation.
Mr. Bennet looked up. “That, I suspect, is Charlotte’s doing. Our cousin Collins does not normally concern himself with solicitors—unless required to sign a lease.”
James’s brow lifted. “Do you think it credible?”
“Whether or not the solicitor post exists,” Mr. Bennet said, “the opportunity might. Charlotte has always been astute in discerning who could use a door quietly opened. One neverknows.” Mr. Bennet set the letter down with a flourish. “So, there you have it. An Assembly in honour of a war hero, a fortune in need of a husband, and an invitation signed in ink and ambition.”
James frowned slightly. “It is one thing to accept a social invitation. Quite another to parade ourselves as suitors.”
“Which is why you must not parade,” Mr. Bennet replied with a smile. “Simply appear. Converse with civility. Decline to dance only if you wish to be noted as peculiar or proud. And for Heaven’s sake, do not fall in love before supper—it will spoil your digestion.”
“I presume refusing the invitation is not an option?” Elias asked.
“You may refuse. And you may also explain it to your mother, who is already anticipating which cravat will bring out the best in your eyes.”
James gave Elias a rueful look. “Well. It seems we are already dressed, in imagination at least.”
Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair, pleased. “Excellent. I leave the particulars to you. The Assembly is in a fortnight. I suggest you begin composing your blandest compliments and preparing your politest bows.”
He waved them toward the door. “Dismissed. And do not be late for dinner—your mother is in favour of roast lamb tonight, and I would not have good meat wasted on cold tempers.”
As they left the study, Elias murmured, “Providential, he says.”
James nodded. “Let us hope nottooprovidential.”
