“If I go along with ‘the system’ and marry an heiress from the ton, who benefits, really? Not me. I suppose she will bring tens of thousands to my coffers, but if that is all she brings, do I truly benefit?”
Darcy slowly shook his head from side to side, still grinning.
“Exactly!” Fitz said, exasperated.
“It looks like we both will have interesting conversations with the earl and countess.”
Fitz chuckled. “Indeed.”
“What are your thoughts at present on buying an estate?” Darcy asked.
“I thought I would get your opinion on it, Darcy. I would like to move forward as soon as possible,” Fitz said.
“Have your attorney start the search immediately then. Finding an estate that meets your needs can happen suddenly, or it might take time. There is no point in delaying."
“Well, I am sure we will revisit this topic again in the near future. Shall we go down? I shall not be held responsible if there is insufficient time for you to gaze at Miss Elizabeth.”
Darcy grinned. They got to their feet and left the room.
When they all entered the dining room, Miss Elizabeth said, “I shall sit in the host’s seat if it will not scandalize anyone. Just to help keep the numbers even around the table. We are just a small party of friends having a meal together, are we not?”
“Indeed, we are, Miss Elizabeth!” Bingley said.
Darcy enjoyed dinner. The food was delicious, and the company was delightful. As he was seated to the right of the host’s seat, he was able to enjoy Miss Elizabeth’s company. Darcy had appreciated the relaxed, informal way of taking their meals at Longbourn. It was what one did at home with one’s family.
Seeing that everyone was finishing their dessert and would soon remove to the drawing room, Darcy decided to pose a question to Miss Elizabeth.
“Miss Elizabeth, I understand you play chess,” he said, smiling.
She smiled back, tilting her head as she looked at him. “I do.”
“Would you care to play a match?”
“Yes, I would like that. You realize I cannot go easy on you simply because you are a guest in our home?” she asked him with a quirked brow and a saucy smile.
Fitz began laughing. “Take no prisoners, Miss Elizabeth!”
She glanced at Fitz, giggling at his words, then looked back at Darcy.
Darcy grinned at her. “I would not have it any other way, Miss Elizabeth.”
She grinned back at him, another soft giggle escaping her. He liked the sound of it.
They decided to forgo separating from the ladies, so everyone filed out of the dining room together.
Darcy and Fitz were walking behind Miss Elizabeth. They paused when she veered in another direction.
She noticed and said, “Oh, please, go on ahead. I need to fetch the chess set.”
“May I be of assistance?” Darcy promptly asked.
“Thank you, but I can manage. I shall not be long,” she said with a smile, then continued on her way.
As they watched her walk away, Fitz slapped Darcy on the back.
“Nice try, cousin. Alas! You must come along with the rest of us,” Fitz said, propelling Darcy forward.
A fire had been lit since it had grown quite chilly. Darcy and Fitz stood by the fireplace waiting patiently for Miss Bennet to serve tea. Darcy noticed Miss Mary and Miss Bennet whispering, then Miss Mary took tea to Mrs. Annesley who was sitting at the card table. Miss Mary returned with Georgiana and Bingley. They each received a cup, then walked to the card table and sat down.
