“No, not at all,” replied Georgiana. “I think the regiment protecting Derbyshire was quartered near Derby this year.”
“Ashbourne,” corrected William, the first time he had spoken since they came to Meryton.
“Oh, of course,” replied Georgiana. “Ashbourne is not far from Pemberley, but not close enough that we go there often either.”
“Then how are you familiar with officers?” Lydia’s question was little less than a demand.
“Oh, my cousin is a colonel,” said Georgiana, her tone deliberately offhand. “Anthony is a member of the dragoons and served on the peninsula last year.”
It appeared that she had taken them by surprise, for they stared at her, mouths open in shock. Then the inevitable questions began—the exact degree of her connection with Anthony, stories of his exploits, and the most important concern, whether he would visit Netherfield. Behind them, Georgiana could see Elizabeth’s face, kept carefully neutral, while William appeared resigned. Not far down the street, Georgiana could see Mary step from a shop, espy them at once,then make her way toward them. Of Mr. Bingley and Jane, there was no sign.
“I shall tell you if you let me,” said Georgiana, laughing. “Anthony is my cousin. He is the second son of my uncle, Jacob Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Matlock.”
If the girls were astonished before, now they were dumbfounded by her casual mention of an earl. Elizabeth, who had been watching it all with amusement, stepped into the breach.
“Lydia, do you not recall the rumors of Mr. Darcy’s titled relations at the assembly?”
“I had forgotten,” was Lydia’s weak reply.
“To me, they are naught but beloved relations,” said Georgiana. “Anthony purchased a commission when he graduated from Cambridge, then worked his way up to his present position. And to answer your question, I do not know if he will visit.”
“Our cousin is busy with his duties at present,” said William. “He usually takes some leave around Christmas and at Easter.”
“The yearly visit to Rosings,” said Georgiana, understanding William’s meaning.
“Rosings Park is my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s home,” said William. “If you recall Mr. Collins, he is the parson of the parish near my aunt’s home.”
Lydia made a face at the mention of Mr. Collins. From what little Georgiana had heard of the man, coupled with her knowledge of her aunt’s preferences, she could not disagree with her new friend’s assessment.
“I had never thought to make the acquaintance of someone connected to a colonel of the regularsanda member of the peerage,” said Lydia weakly.
“Remember, Lydia,” said Elizabeth, “Colonel Fitzwilliam is a relation before he is any of those other things.”
“He is also one of my guardians,” said Georgiana, “along with William.”
The girls nodded, but when Kitty replied, her thoughts had turned back to the officers. “Then I suppose these militia officers are nothing like your cousin.”
“No, Anthony is a professional soldier, and he carries himself as one.”
“What a fine thing that must be,” said Lydia. “If your cousin should visit, I would be happy to make his acquaintance. Until then, I suppose we must content ourselves with the militia.”
“Perhaps we should set our sights higher, Lydia,” said Kitty, giggling. “An officer of the regulars would be much better than a militia officer.”
“For what?” asked Georgiana, though she understood Kitty’s meaning very well.
“Oh, Kitty and I have agreed there would be nothing so fine as to marry an officer,” replied Lydia.
Elizabeth tensed, glaring at her sister, who did not notice it, of course. William appeared as if the girl had just confirmed everything he had ever suspected of her and was not pleased. Georgiana stepped in before anyone else could speak.
“Why in heaven’s name would you wish to marry an officer, especially one of the militia?”
“There are no men so fine as officers,” said Lydia, a defensive note in her tone.
“That may be true,” replied Georgiana, “but the realities of their situations make any such union difficult at best.”
“What do you mean?” asked Kitty.
“Surely you understand who these men are,” insisted Georgiana. “The ranks of the militia officers are filled by younger sons of the gentry, though a few tradesmen’s sons and others might also serve.”
