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He waited as family and guests made themselves comfortable.
“I want to say how proud I am of Richard. He fought valiantly, with skill and with cunning. His match with Captain Uxley was something to behold. He has led the boarding of four ships, two as a First Lieutenant, one as a Commander and one as a full Captain. You saw his style, ferocious as if clearing the quarterdeck. There was no grace to that match it was brutal in all five duels. To have defeated him is a significant achievement. And while there is the sting of losing in the last match, it was clear to everyone there that Captain Miller is a brilliant swordsman, one of the best in the whole Army. You fought well and brought honour to the family name. Well done Richard.”
Boys look for the approval of their father. Richard Fitzwilliam was a 29 year old man, a full Colonel in the Army, but Elizabeth watched as he flushed with pride in the words of his father. His brother was equally fulsome in his praise, there was nothing mealy-mouthed in his congratulations. Georgiana bestowed a big hug on her guardian as her brother clapped the Colonel on the back. Elizabeth rose as the others settled back in their seats.
“There is an advantage in being related to the organiser of the tournament. I prevailed upon my uncle to provide me with four bottles of brandy so that I can thank all the gentlemen present today. I feel honoured to have been included in your family celebrations. Colonel, you may choose first, then the Earl, the Viscount and Mr. Darcy.”
She stepped back as the four gentlemen crowded round the sideboard.
“Miss Bennet, these are very fine vintages. Are you sure?”
Elizabeth nodded at the Earl.
“Absolutely. Please, select away.”
As the four men joked and jeered at each other as they selected Elizabeth turned to Lady Maria.
“There are two more bottles waiting back at Hanover Square for you. You may gift them to your brother and brother-in-law or keep them until an appropriate occasion.”
Lady Maria grasped Elizabeth’s hand, no words needing to be said. It was a lovely quiet moment.
Unfortunately, the tranquillity was shattered as a loud domineering voice echoed in the hall.
“Get out of my way. I will speak to my brother and nephew at once. Do you hear me, at once!”
The doors were pushed open savagely and in strode a lady older than either Lady Maria or Lady Susan, wearing an outfit fashionable in the last century.
“Darcy! There you are. Did you think you could hide from me here? And you brother, what do you have to say about this disgraceful union?”
Elizabeth understood the words the lady was shouting but they made no sense. She looked at Georgiana who was staring in fright at the intruder. She leaned closer to Elizabeth.
“Our aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
Elizabeth nodded in understand, realising that she had called the Earl her brother.
“Catherine, what is the meaning of this interruption? I received no word that you were coming to town.”
“I am stopping something scandalous happening to our family, so there is no need to take that tone with me.”
“Scandalous? With the family? We have guests and you will moderate your tone and hold your tongue until this can be discussed in private.”
“No, listen here.”
“Catherine, you will desist in talking of this and moderate your tone at once.”
The Earl had gone full ‘head of the family’ in his manner and speech. Elizabeth and Lady Maria looked at each other and stood as one. Mrs. Smith moved quietly to the door in anticipation of their departure.
“Susan, I believe we should leave.”
Lady Susan Fitzwilliam, Countess of Matlock was mortified and yet furious at the same time. A perfectly pleasant family afternoon with close friends, celebrating the magnificent performance of her younger son in the tournament, had been ruined by her sister-in-law. With Catherine, there was no occasion where she did not try and take centre stage.
“I am sorry that you have to leave. I will send a note later.”
Darcy was checking on his sister so it was the Colonel that approached Elizabeth.
“I have not even had a chance to thank you, and your uncle, for this wonderful brandy. Four bottles to share amongst us. It is we who are honoured with your friendship Miss Bennet. Thank you.”
“Miss Bennet! Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”
