"Interminable."
"Indeed?" Darcy asked.
Fitz grunted a response, then poured two glasses. He handed one to Darcy, then sank into a chair.
Darcy sipped his drink, then looked at his cousin. "Was tonight that event you were required to attend with the earl and countess?"
Fitz nodded tiredly. "Mother assured me that she had put the word out weeks ago about not only my courtship but yours as well. Do you think this well-known fact that I am now courting a young woman served to deter the debutantes?"
"I would imagine not."
"You would be correct. It especially did not deter the likes of Lady Daphne or Miss Simmons," Fitz said, taking a large swallow of his drink.
Darcy shook his head.
"I am glad that Miss Lydia has been found," Fitz said. "Hopefully, things will calm soon and by the time the next required event comes around, Jane will be able to attend with me."
"I shall be glad when things calm as well," Darcy said, his gaze on the fire.
"Was there a tense atmosphere this evening?" Fitz asked.
"No, but there was definitely something bothering Elizabeth. She was not herself."
"Was she perhaps not feeling well?"
"I asked her if that was the case, but she assured me that she was well. She was very quiet. And not just with me, but quiet in general. So as not to pressure her, I spoke mostly with her father and uncle during dinner. However, it did not escape my notice that she ate very little."
"I am sure things are not exactly peaceful in the family, especially with Miss Lydia in residence," Fitz said.
"I had also suspected as much, and I asked Elizabeth about it. She confirmed that Miss Lydia was being difficult, but she did not elaborate. It is unlike her to not be open with me."
"Well, you know they are embarrassed about this whole affair. I have observed it myself."
"Yes, I know they are. I just—" Darcy paused a moment. "I cannot help but feel that whatever is going on with Elizabeth, it is more than that, more than just embarrassment."
Darcy wanted her to feel free to tell him anything. He wanted her to trust him completely. He thought she did. He was ready to move things forward between them, but this felt like they were going backwards.
"You are the one who knows her, cousin," Fitz said, holding Darcy's gaze. "If you are sensing there is more to it, then you must find out what it is."
Not only was Darcy going to do just that, he was going to do it immediately.
The next morning, Darcy sat in his study for some time, thinking about what he would say to Elizabeth. When the time came for him to leave, Darcy went to the safe and unlocked it. His eyes fell on a small black velvet box. He opened it, and a soft smile came to his lips as he admired what was nestled inside. After a few moments, he closed the box and placed it in his pocket. He then locked the safe and prepared to depart.
Darcy had sent a note to Gardiner earlier explaining that he needed to talk with Elizabeth about a misunderstanding between them, and he requested to be able to do so in privacy. He also requested that she not be alerted to his coming.
When he arrived, Fletcher greeted Darcy and allowed him to proceed through the house on his own.
Darcy walked into the Gardiners' drawing room and found Elizabeth alone with her embroidery. At first, she did not notice his presence. But when he came closer, she looked up.
"Fitzwilliam!" She stood, her surprise evident.
"Good morning, Elizabeth." He smiled at her and kissed her hand. "How are you?"
"I am well." She returned his smile and invited him to sit beside her. "How are you this morning?"
"I am well, but I believe that, once again, you and I have some things that we need to discuss."
Her smile faded and her eyes widened slightly as she regarded him. "What do you mean?"
