“We shall stay at least a few days,” said Mr. Darcy.
“I have some little knowledge of the neighborhood,” added Colonel Fitzwilliam. “Though I have never stayed in Meryton, I have passed through several times in my journeys as part of the army. You have a lovely little community here, Mrs. Bennet.”
Mrs. Bennet preened as if he had just complimented her particularly. “Itis,” said she. “Though we have naught but four and twenty families with whom to dine, I believe we all get on well together.”
“I remember your hospitality in the autumn,” interjected Mr. Darcy. “I know my friend felt your welcome too.”
It had long been Mrs. Bennet’s opinion that Mr. Darcy was a man lacking in the social graces; not long ago, Elizabeth would have agreed with her mother. The information he had imparted to her had softened her opinion of him, but the notion of Mr. Darcy showing an amiable—or perhaps only civil—side of him was a foreign notion. The topic, however, was an inspired one, for Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mrs. Bennet spoke of the neighborhood for several minutes, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth adding comments here and there, while everyone else said little.
“If I may,” said Mr. Darcy after some time of this, “there is a matter of business we must raise with your husband, and we should likely come to the point. Is Mr. Bennet available to see us?”
Mrs. Bennet regarded him as if she could not believe her ears. “You wish to speak to Mr. Bennet.”
“If he will consent to speak to us,” said Mr. Darcy.
While Mrs. Bennet’s eyes darted to each of her daughters in turn, no matter how she interpreted his request it could not speak to an interest in one of them. The mere thought was ridiculous, for a man did not bring his cousin when he approached another with a request of courtship or engagement in mind. It was fortunate to Elizabeth’s way of thinking that Mrs. Bennet did not dwell on the matter for long, for it would have become evident where her thoughts tended if Mr. Darcy had not already recognized it.
“I am sure Mr. Bennet will be pleased to speak with you,” said her mother. “Lizzy, will you take the gentleman to your father’s study?”
Elizabeth nodded her assent and rose, beckoning the gentlemen to follow her. Inside, however, she was wondering how she might induce them to impart the purpose of their presence. This business of wishing to speak to Mr. Bennet suggested something more than a mere social call.
When she stepped through the door and closed it behind her, she turned a demanding look on them, tapping her foot while watching them, hands upon her hips. “This visit of yours is shocking, Mr. Darcy. Do you care to tell me why you are here?”
The gentlemen looked at her and burst into chuckles. As Elizabeth regarded them with no little asperity, Colonel Fitzwilliam stepped forward and took her hand, bowing over it.
“I have missed your company, Miss Bennet, for I truly enjoyed our conversations.”
“That does not constitute an explanation.”
“No, I suppose it does not,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam, still shaking with the effort of restraining his laughter. “Darcy, did you wish to take this explanation on yourself?”
“It would be best if we spoke to your father first, Miss Elizabeth,” said the gentleman, not satisfying Elizabeth’s curiosity in the slightest.
“Oh?” asked Elizabeth, fixing him with a glare.
“It has nothing to do with...that,” said Mr. Darcy, appearing distinctly uncomfortable. Colonel Fitzwilliam by his side snorted and again tried to restrain his laughter. “Surely you know I would never put you in such a position.”
Elizabeth regarded him and felt her pique fade ever so slightly. “No, I do not suppose you would. But you still have not explained the reason for your visit. I do not believe this notion that you were simply passing through.”
“No, it is more complicated than that,” agreed Mr. Darcy. “It is truly a matter we must discuss with your father first. Then I am certain he will wish to speak to you, so you shall know all before long.”
Finally, Elizabeth capitulated, knowing there was no good reason to hold them hostage to her curiosity. “I shall expect the summons.”
“Very well.” Mr. Darcy paused and threw her an embarrassed look. “Can I ask you to see to my sister? Georgiana is very shy, and cannot be comfortable in a room full of strangers.”
“Am I not a stranger too?” asked Elizabeth, arching an eyebrow at him.
“You are,” said Mr. Darcy. He paused, gathered his courage, and added: “Georgiana specifically wished to travel with us to makeyouracquaintance. I know your mother and sisters will welcome her with open arms, but it would make her easier if you were to work your magic on her.”
“She came to seeme?” asked Elizabeth, surprised at the notion.
“She did,” confirmed Mr. Darcy. “I... spoke of you, and she has been eager to make your acquaintance ever since.”
Elizabeth felt her eyebrows climb her head at his admission. “You did? I might not have thought you would speak of me to her, given the manner of our parting.”
“I spoke of you long before that.” At Elizabeth’s impatience, the gentleman added: “Do you recall our conversation at Netherfield when I was writing my sister? I mentioned something of our exchanges to her.”
“That was not the only time, as I understand it,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam.
