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Lady Maria nodded slowly.
“And it has nothing to do with the Colonel personally. She told me the next morning that he was a fine gentleman and a brave and courageous officer. She would be delighted to be partnered with him again at a ball.”
“The attitude Richard evidenced is universal among men within society.”
“I believe Elizabeth knows that, and that she is attending events through friendship with me rather than any personal belief she will find a husband. I think it is the key to her charm. She is polite, demure even, and is happy to dance with anyone who asks her. But she makes no effort to be anything but herself; open, carefree and intelligent. She expects every man to disappoint her, some may take longer than others but they all will do so eventually. What I have seen change with her is that she is making the effort to remain friends with some of them, including your son and my cousin.”
“Is she playing the long game? The Viscount is now calling on someone in her third season.”
“I do not believe so. What was interesting to watch was when she was introduced to some ‘ladies of letters’ and she discovered that most of them were married, as were most of the renowned members of the Blue Stocking Society. My impression is that she thought they were all like myself, unmarried but with the freedom to do as we pleased. At least as much as woman are allowed within society. That many of the ladies were or are married has caused her to rethink that.”
“Should I say anything to Richard?”
“No, I am inclined to leave things as they are and see what happens. Elizabeth knows her own mind. She may come to regret dismissing a gentleman but she needs to come to that realisation herself.”
“Is she here this morning?”
Lady Maria shook her head, a rueful smile appearing.
“No, she is off organising some scheme to reward and recognise the bravery of the officers during the war against Napoleon. Inspired by your son.”
“Inspired by Richard?”
“Yes. Like I said, she has nothing but the highest admiration for his bravery and courage. She wants it to be known and recognised amongst more of the population.”
Lady Susan accepted this news with pride, what mother would not, but as she was driven home later she still was struggling to understand Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
--
“May I ask what are these bottles, Miss Bennet?”
Colonel Fitzwilliam was sitting in the drawing room of Lady Maria’s home. The lady herself had greeted the Colonel before moving to the end of the room to sit at her escritoire. She was not needed to chaperone but was still present, even if she was dealing with her correspondence. The Colonel had indicated the table with 12 bottles of ‘blood brandy’, one of them very rare, renowned as an exquisite vintage.
“Those Colonel, are the prizes for the tournament at Angelo’s School of Arms.”
Elizabeth made it sound as if this was an annual thing.
“Er, what tournament Miss Bennet?”
She smiled at the Colonel and he fought to retain his composure.
“I will stop teasing, much though I am tempted to continue. We have spoken over the last few weeks about the victory at Cuidad Rodrigo, under the leadership of the now Earl of Wellington. I made a suggestion to my uncle, he agreed although improved upon it and sent me back here to ask if you will assist in the organisation. His injuries prevent him from taking a more active role.”
“If I am at all able, of course I will assist.”
“Thank you, Colonel. First of all, my uncle visited General Arbuthnot and outlined his plan. He received the General’s permission to proceed. This is not going to be an event run by the military, even although all the participants will be officers. It is a social event which is why it is under the auspices of Angelo’s. My uncle made the following suggestion. This is not an absolute decree but rather the guiding spirit of the tournament. He will leave it you and Mr. Angelo to create the final format. He suggests a tournament limited to 64 officers. Each officer is not only fighting for himself but also his regiment. The winner receives this bottle, which I have been told is a very good vintage, as well as two other bottles. He also wins six bottles for his regimental officers’ mess. Did I say that correctly?”
“Yes, Miss Bennet, that is the correct name.”
“The final three bottles are to be shared between the 64 participants. He suggested a toast to those who took part at Cuidad Rodrigo. Again, you will know the appropriate wording.”
Miss Bennet led the Colonel back over to the seats. Lady Maria turned from her task and watched as he rather inelegantly dropped into his seat, his mind clearly thinking about the tournament already. The Colonel came out of his revere and apologised to the ladies.
“Miss Bennet, that is a brilliant idea. It has the right level of competitiveness to it, without the threat of serious injury. And the prize? Well that is magnificent. Every officer with even a modicum of skill with the blade will enter. I will take the 12 bottles to Mr. Angelo this very afternoon. He is the oldest son of the original proprietor, and will recognise the opportunity this will present. The tournament will be the talk of the town. When did your uncle propose to hold the tournament?”
“It struck him at first it would be inappropriate to hold it during Lent. But the event is to commemorate sacrifice so perhaps it is appropriate after all. Personally, I think the Tuesday after Easter is best. If, as you say, there is the need to reduce the numbers to 64 then that can be covered under normal military training. I leave that to you.”
“The impatient schoolboy in me would prefer this as soon as possible but your suggestion seems the best. It allows time to organise the final 64 properly and does not infringe upon those who follow Lent strictly.”
