“So . . . tell me everything,” Fitz said.
“Everything?”
“Begin with the storm,” he suggested.
"Which one? Believe it or not, we dealt with two different storms."
Darcy told him about the storm that began out at sea and moved inland, as well as the storm that had been brewing locally, which produced the tornado that damaged Netherfield.
"Yes, I stopped at Netherfield first, looking for you and Georgiana. The place is indeed a mess. Were there any injuries?"
"No, fortunately, there were none," Darcy replied. "Yesterday I went with Bingley to make a proper inspection of the house. Practically every window was shattered. There is even more of the roof missing than we thought, and there is water damage."
Fitz shook his head. “The tornado had to be a frightening experience, especially for Georgiana. With Netherfield damaged, you then came here for shelter.”
“We did. We were very grateful to the ladies for taking us in."
“I am sure you were. So, tell me about the lovely Bennet sisters. Are they all unattached?” Fitz asked with a mischievous grin.
“That is my understanding. However, I hope to change that status in regard to Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy said, grinning.
Fitz threw his head back, laughing loudly. He then looked back at his cousin with a wide grin. “Do you indeed? Well, tell me more!”
“She is the second of five daughters. Extremely intelligent. Her conversation is always stimulating and thought-provoking. Do you remember my telling you about the book I just finished reading?” Darcy asked.
“The one with the Englishman exploring the Canadian bush?”
“Yes, that one. Miss Elizabeth also recently read the book,” Darcy said.
Fitz’s brows shot up. “Really?”
“I was just as surprised as you are. We first met in a bookshop where she was picking up her copy of the second volume. And I will tell you something else about her that will surprise you: her father taught her estate management.”
“Estate management?” Fitz asked. "Truly?"
“And she excels at it. Since the storm, she has been running this estate single-handedly. I assisted her with a few things and was thus able to see how adept she is at handling estate concerns. The kindness she shows to the tenant farmers and their families reminds me of my mother. She cared for our tenants in the same way,” Darcy said.
“Yes, I remember.”
“As you have seen for yourself, Miss Elizabeth is quite lovely,” Darcy said.
“She is indeed.”
“And she has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen,” Darcy added.
Fitz grinned. “They are quite beautiful, Cousin. If you make her your wife, I wager you will enjoy having the freedom to gaze into them whenever you wish.”
Darcy smiled. “Indeed.”
“She is beautiful, intelligent, and engaging," Fitz said. "You have similar interests, which is no small thing. She assists in the running of her father’s estate, so it is reasonable to expect she would assist with yours. She shows care and concern for the people of Longbourn, so naturally she would do the same for Pemberley. These are all compelling reasons to make her yours, Darcy. So, what are the challenges to you doing so?”
“Well, obviously, she is not of the first circles.”
“Her dowry?”
“Is nothing to speak of.”
“Well, it is not as if you need your wife to come with a fortune.”
