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Lady Maria blinked away the tears that had unexpectedly pooled as Elizabeth had spoken.

“You know that your parents will never change.”

“Yes, much as I wish they would, I know that nothing will change. I used to be intensely frustrated with Kitty and Lydia, it seemed I was constantly annoyed with them. I realise that they have been very poorly parented. But it will not stop the mortification when one or both of them bring ruin to the family name.”

Chapter 24

“You are not disappointed in having to leave town Richard?”

It was the 11th of March, 1812 and Darcy and the Colonel were in Darcy’s carriage on the road out of London. It was an overcast day as they headed into Kent, sufficiently unsettled weather that two grooms rode their stallions.

“Most of the arrangements are now settled. It would have been good to be in town to hear all the news from the different garrisons as the numbers of entrants are whittled down to 64. That I am organising the event for General Arbuthnot means my own participation is assured. If it was not so, then you would be undertaking this duty on your own.”

Darcy chuckled, knowing his cousin was speaking the truth, even in jest.

“What do you make of the excitement over the event?”

“It caught me by surprise at first, but after several conversations it is more understandable. Speaking as a military man the idea of the winner of the tournament not just representing himself but also his regiment is inspired. That immediately engages every officer, we just have to see how the Navy were quick to demand that they could participate. The prize is handsome, but you know as well as I do there are wagers at Angelo’s every week far exceeding the value of the prize. Given Sir Edward’s reputation it does not surprise me that he has held back some cases of ‘blood brandy’ for occasions such as this.

“Then there is the fact it is an opportunity for second and lower sons to step out of the shadows, to have their moment in the sun. Most heirs are fully behind this, I know that Andrew is proudly supporting me in addition to my parents. I have heard there are a few first-born taking it badly but they are a nothing but a small minority. It also allows family to remember, and recognise, people who have died. Mother’s friend Lady Maria Leonard, her father was a Colonel with the 25th and so she will be supporting the officer chosen for that regiment, as a way to commemorate and honour him. I think as that news starts to circulate there will be many families who do the same thing. My expectation is that every officer, all 64 of us, will not only be representing themselves and their regiment, or ship, but also the memories of officers who have died in prior service.”

“And the social aspect?”

“It is being talked of as the social event of the season. Every time I met with General Arbuthnot the capacity of the stands was increased. My understanding is that there will be seating for 2,000 people.”

“That is extraordinary. 2,000 people outdoors on the 31st of March. We best pray for good weather.”

“Indeed.”

Richard Fitzwilliam looked over at his cousin.

“Mother confessed one final detail which fills me with great pride.”

Darcy looked at him, surprised at his cousin’s tone.

“The event is the brainchild of Sir Edward Gardiner. And to the public that is true. But mother told me that it was Miss Bennet who had the original idea. She spoke to her uncle and the tournament is the result. But the idea, the spark, is Miss Bennet’s. And she got the idea from talking to me, about my service, my injury. She wanted to do something to recognise that. I confess to being humbled by that knowledge.”

The Colonel was rarely quiet and sincere, so Darcy knew the truth to his comments. He expelled a deep breath.

“I can understand your reaction, although you should be proud to have inspired the tournament. But it yet one more unbelievable aspect to Miss Bennet’s character.”

“You have spent many hours in her company.”

Richard dangled a worm in the stream, would there be a bite?

“You have as well. You know what she is like, I find her plain-spokenness refreshing.”

Richard watched Darcy smile but say no more. He made no further comment. But yet another member of Darcy’s family saw that to which he appeared to be blind himself. It was going to be an interesting two weeks in Kent.

--

“I wish that I possessed your confidence Lizzie.”

Georgiana Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet had progressed in their friendship to the point where they were Georgie and Lizzie when in private. Miss Darcy was a regular visitor to Hanover Square now that her brother was in Kent dealing with their aunt.

“You are not 16 for another two months Georgie, I am nearly five years older than you. What you see now is not how I was five years ago.”

Elizabeth’s sad smile needed no explanation.