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The battle won, the warrior presented Sir Lancelot with the other warrior’s shield.

“Oh, Da! May I keep this? I should like to display it in my fortress with my other treasures.”

“It is yours to do with what you will, son.”

Georgiana asked, “What is this about a fortress, Ben? You must take me there.”

Elizabeth said, “This indeed has been a wonderful diversion, but as much as I should like to remain here and enjoy the festivities, I really must take my leave.”

She had hardly finished her speech before the victorious knight presented her with one perfect red rose. She brought it to her nose and breathed in its fragrance.

The warrior handed Georgiana a rose as well, and then presented one to Anne.

Elizabeth placed her hand on Darcy’s. “This has been a wonderful morning, my love; however, if I do not return now, I fear I will be missed at Longbourn.”

Ben turned to Darcy. “Pray you are not required elsewhere as well.”

“No, Ben. I am at your command.” Standing, he said, “Pardon me, for I shall see my beautiful queen off, and then I shall return.”

Ben smiled. He went to his mama and took her hand. Bowing, he bestowed a light kiss. “I shall see you at sunset, my queen. Pray you will be safe in your travels.”

Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and led her to a spot nearby where three musicians sat playing under a heavily shaded tree. While waiting for her horse to be brought around, he trimmed her rose and tucked it behind her ear. This gave him the perfect excuse for trailing his hands lingeringly along her long slender neckline. With his thumb, he gently persuaded her chin upwards while he leaned in and kissed her softly upon her lips.

“I truly wish you did not have to leave.”

“Pray you understand.”

“Yes, of course I do. You want to be with your father.”

“I do not know that I can ever truly thank you for bringing so much joy into Ben’s life.”

“Your love is all the thanks I shall ever require.”

“Oh, I do love you—with all my heart.” Her sweet proclamation was more delightful than the music that filled the air.

Darcy and Elizabeth continued in that attitude until the sound of the approaching groomsman drew them apart. Once he got his wife off safely along her way to Longbourn Village, he turned in the direction of the others and merely observed the goings-on in contentment. Throughout the meal, Darcy could not help but discern Bingley’s enthusiasm. The court falconer standing a short distance away particularly drew his friend’s attention. He was not surprised to see Bingley, Ben, and Georgiana now gathered around, admiring the hooded falcon perched upon the falconer’s gloved arm.

Anne was seated on a blanket near the musicians, enjoying a merry tune, and Colonel Fitzwilliam stood across the way speaking with the two knights, whose fond remembrance of Ben during his London disappearance was a strong inducement for their willingness to give of their time for the young lad’s amusement.

Then, as if weighing his choices on whether to join Anne or speak with Darcy, the colonel struck upon the path leading to where Darcy stood. When they were nearly face-to-face, Colonel Fitzwilliam said, “You truly out did yourself, old fellow. I do not know that I have ever seen Ben as happy as he is today.”

“He was awfully disappointed we did not enjoy an outing in Kent similar to the one we enjoyed during his first visit.”

“Yes, he often recounts what a jolly good time you all had during the medieval tournament at Camelot. I would say you more than made up for any disappointed hopes he may have suffered when Elizabeth and you left Kent.”

There is also the matter of his disappointment in being separated from his friend. Darcy saw no need to embark on that particular discussion with his cousin. He commenced walking towards the falconer, and the colonel did likewise. Darcy said, “I am glad you approve.”

“Indeed. When did you manage to put this whole thing together? I had supposed you were engaging my men for a small exhibition. I never expected anything as grand as this. It looks as though you have half of Meryton at your disposal.”

“I have given little thought to anything other than planning this day since Elizabeth and I arrived in Hertfordshire.”

“Yes, I can imagine you have a prodigious amount of time on your hands what with Elizabeth spending so much of her time at Longbourn.”

“I must confess that Longbourn is not my favourite place, which means I do not see my wife as often as I would like. I do not imagine I shall enjoy the pleasure of your company much longer either. When do you plan to return to town?”

“Not until I have accomplished the second half of my mission.”

Raising his brow, Darcy said, “The second half of your mission? Other than deliver my family safely from town, I did not know you had a mission.”

“Indeed.”

“Would your mission have anything to do with Anne?”

“Anne?” Richard raised his hand in dismissal. “For heaven sakes—no!” Colonel Fitzwilliam commenced brushing invisible lint from his sleeve. “You know very well that I intend to renew my acquaintance with the lovely Mrs. Collins.”

“Jane!”

“Indeed. You need not look so astounded. Did I not give you every indication of my sentiments when we were in Kent?”

“Jane? Do you not recall my saying she was content with her lot?”

“Oh, I remember perfectly well. However, nothing in your tone suggested she was happy.”

“I surely did not mean to imply she was unhappy.”

“I suppose I shall know soon enough.”