After Elizabeth and her sisters had come down to the drawing room and greeted everyone, they all headed out to the carriages.
Aunt Madeleine fell in step beside Jane and Elizabeth. “Girls, your uncle has given permission for you to ride with the gentlemen at Mr. Darcy’s request. Would that be agreeable?”
“Yes, Aunt,” Elizabeth replied, a thrill shooting through her.
Aunt Madeleine nodded, then walked in the direction of her carriage.
Elizabeth turned to see Mr. Darcy walking towards her. “I believe we are with you?” she asked with raised brows.
“Yes, I hope that is agreeable.”
“Of course it is,” she said, smiling.
He smiled, then escorted her and Jane to his carriage. Soon both carriages got underway.
“Colonel Fitz—” Miss Elizabeth stopped abruptly and closed her eyes a moment with a quiet chuckle. “Pardon me,Mr.Fitzwilliam.”
Fitz grinned. “Yes, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Jane was telling me you have been to many interesting places during your military career.”
“Yes, I have!” he said.
He then began regaling them with tales of his travels. It was, of course, a version fit for feminine ears. Darcy quietly observed Miss Elizabeth, careful not to stare or make her uneasy. Recently, he had been giving thought to when he would speak to her of his feelings and ask her for a courtship. Darcy wanted to speak with her as soon as possible. He knew her aunt had plans to attend various events over the next weeks. Gentlemen would soon begin showing interest in her and asking for permission to call on her. That is, unless it was public knowledge that she and Darcy were courting. Regardless, he would be afforded no opportunity to speak with her that afternoon. He might well have to wait until the day after the musicale.
“Mr. Darcy, please tell us of Lord Rutherford. Is he a friend of your family?” Miss Bennet asked.
“Yes, he is. He was a close friend of my father’s. Lord Rutherford is an enthusiastic patron of the sciences. He often hosts private exhibitions. Scholars, philosophers, as well as the scientifically curious can often be found attending them.”
“Do you know what field of science the exhibit will focus on?” Miss Elizabeth asked.
“I believe natural sciences and applied sciences will both be represented in this exhibit. Since Lord Rutherford is closely connected with the scientific community, there will likely be members of that community taking part in the exhibit. They maygive demonstrations, lectures, and simply be on hand to answer questions or explain concepts.”
Miss Elizabeth’s eyes lit up.
Fitz chuckled. “I can see by your expression, Miss Elizabeth, that Darcy’s words have excited your anticipation. Is it safe to assume that, like my cousins, you count yourself among the scientifically curious?”
Miss Elizabeth grinned. “Oh, yes, I do! The more we discover, the more apparent it becomes that we are only scratching the surface. And that is astounding!”
“Well said, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy told her, a small grin on his face.
They began speaking of the previous night’s ball.
“Did you ladies enjoy yourselves at the ball last night?” Fitz asked.
“We did indeed,” Miss Bennet replied. “What about you, gentlemen?”
“Oh, Darcy and I had a marvelous time! How many balls do you ladies have lined up for next week?”
Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet chuckled at Fitz’s teasing.
“No balls, sir,” Miss Bennet responded with laughter in her voice. “Just a dinner or two, and of course, the musicale.”
“After making the acquaintance of Mr. Bingley’s sisters last evening, it is clear they are . . . very different from him,” Miss Elizabeth observed.
“That is putting it mildly,” Fitz said, looking at Darcy.
Darcy just shook his head.
