“Mr. Darcy,” came the whining voice of Miss Bingley, “it appears as though your beautiful sister is tiring. Do you not feel it is time she returned to Netherfield? Her journey from London yesterday must have been exhausting.”
She turned to Miss Darcy and placed a hand on her arm. “Come, Georgiana, and let me help you dress. It is cool outside, and we cannot have you catching a cold, can we?”
“If she were tired and wanted to leave,” stated Mr. Darcy, stopping the interfering young woman in her tracks, “she wouldtell me. As she has said nothing, I have no reason to take her away from here.”
Miss Bingley dropped the arm and gave a short curtsey. “As you wish. I was only trying to protect your precious sister from illness.”
Without a backward glance she left the group; one more person Elizabeth was glad to be rid of, even if her absence was temporary.
“Thank you for drawing him away from my niece,” said Mrs. Gardiner to Colonel Fitzwilliam as he extricated himself from the parson. “If his manners were less odious, she might enjoy visiting with the others.”
“She seems to like talking with Darcy,” said he, tipping his head toward the group, now reduced to three with Miss Bingley’s departure.
“It is clear she does not mind his attention,” was the reply. “Forgive my observation, but her manner suggests she prefers it above anyone’s, tonight at least.”
The colonel watched Elizabeth’s lively conversation for half a minute and then brought his eyes back to Mrs. Gardiner, a sly grin upon his face.
“I am not sure if Darcy would approve,” said he, “but I am going to tell you anyway and hope he is not too upset with me.”
“Tell me what?” replied she, traces of a smile emerging as she waited.
The expression did not escape the colonel’s notice, and he returned hers with a grin of his own.
“Darcy wants a more personal relationship with Miss Elizabeth,” said he, stepping closer as if to afford a measure of privacy. “He cannot understand why she would wed someone so unsuitable and wants to show her he is interested.Unfortunately, Mr. Collins’s presence makes the task much more difficult.”
Mrs. Gardiner looked him straight in the eye. “May I help? Lizzy cannot marry that man, and I would relish any chance to interfere.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam’s smile became a wicked grin, and he leaned closer to share the plans with her.
“That sounds like it might work,” said she when they separated. “Just let me know what you need, and I will do my best.”
“I think we should leave,” said Mr. Darcy, approaching the scheming pair with Elizabeth and Miss Darcy following. “Georgiana is tired, despite her refusal to admit that, and tomorrow is a busy day.”
“The Christmas assembly takes place in the morning,” said Elizabeth as the guests donned their coats. “Are you able to attend with your sister? I promise you will find more enjoyment this year than last,” said she, casting a sly glance toward Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Gardiner suspected some private joke between the two, but now was not the time to demand an explanation.
“May we, Fitzwilliam?” asked the girl, shivering with excitement. “It sounds like so much fun.”
“Yes,” answered he with a laugh. “I would not dream of saying no to such a polite request.”
“Thank you, thank you,” said she, throwing her arm around his neck in exuberance, only to step away, her facing turning red with the display.
“You are a kind brother, Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth as he passed through the exit, which prompted him to stop and offer a farewell wave.
“He is a splendid gentleman,” Elizabeth heard Mr. Gardiner say when the door closed, “who would make a strong partner for your favorite daughter, don’t you think?”
Mr. Bennet nodded and turned toward the library. “He would, and a loving companion as well.”
“Then should you not caution your cousin about his behavior? He made her evening miserable and embarrassed all of us.”
Mr. Bennet stopped to regard his brother-in-law with an amused smile. “I am rather enjoying the sight of him acting the fool. This is the best time I have had this month, and maybe all of November.”
“But what about your daughter? If you are not careful, she will end up marrying the dolt, and then what? Are you willing to sacrifice her happiness for temporary amusement?”
She saw Mrs. Gardiner edge closer, as though curious about the response and ready to enter the conversation if necessary. Elizabeth felt a surge of love as she realized her aunt’s movements showed her determination to protect her niece from a ruinous marriage.
“Calm yourself, Edward,” she heard her father reply. “I promise you; she will never marry that fool. That is a fate I do not wish on anyone, especially Lizzy.”
“May I speak with you?” said Mr. Collins, a tone of reprimand in his voice.
