Page 24

Story: A New Beginning

On his way back to London, Colonel Fitzwilliam made a brief stop at Pemberley to visit his cousins.

He needed to speak with Mr. Darcy about their upcoming journey to Kent and wished to see Georgiana, who, in her most recent letters, had sounded markedly more cheerful.

It seemed, as his mother had predicted, that Miss Bennet was indeed the ideal companion for his dear cousin.

The butler was somewhat surprised to see the Colonel, though accustomed to his sudden appearances.

Colonel Fitzwilliam often arrived without notice, yet he was always welcome.

He travelled lightly, as everything he required was kept in his chambers at Pemberley.

Mrs. Reynolds informed him that Mr. Darcy was out with the steward inspecting work in the northern part of the estate and that Miss Darcy was presently in the music room with Miss Bennet.

Intrigued by this companion of whom he had heard so much—not only from Georgiana, but also through letters from Lady Catherine—Richard proceeded toward the music room.

Upon reaching the doorway, he overheard an interesting exchange and chose to linger silently, curious to see how Miss Bennet would handle the situation.

"Lizzy, I do not know if I wish to play the piano and sing in front of so many people," Georgiana said, clearly anxious.

"I have a solution," Elizabeth replied gently.

"You may play the piano, and I shall sing.

" "I would prefer that you do both," said Georgiana.

"You sing so beautifully, and I am sure everyone will enjoy it.

" "I disagree. Your brother's guests are coming to visit the Darcys—not me.

Besides, my dear, I believe your brother would very much like to hear you play.

" "But I do not know them well…" "Then play for your brother," Elizabeth replied softly.

"You have always told me how much he does for you, how kind and protective he is.

This is your opportunity to do something for him in return, is it not?

" "I suppose you are right, Lizzy. Very well—I shall play the piano if you will sing.

" "Of course. Just as we have practised these past few days.

" "Lizzy… have you ever done something for your family that you did not wish to do?

" "Yes," Elizabeth answered, her voice steady.

"I left home and sought employment, for instance.

Though I must admit, it led me here, so I cannot entirely regret it.

" "I am sorry, Lizzy," Georgiana murmured.

"Though I am glad you are with me, I wish the circumstances were different.

" "I know, my dear. But come now—no more melancholy.

We must rehearse if we want your brother's visitors to be pleased by your talent.

" Georgiana began to play, and Elizabeth sang with grace and ease—until Richard stepped into the room.

Elizabeth fell silent at once, unsure of the identity of the gentleman with the warm smile.

Georgiana looked up and exclaimed with delight, "Richard!

" She rushed over to embrace him. "Lizzy, let me introduce you—this is my cousin…

" "It is a pleasure to meet you, sir," Elizabeth said with a respectful curtsy.

"I am Elizabeth Bennet, Miss Darcy's companion.

" "The pleasure is entirely mine, Miss Bennet," said Colonel Fitzwilliam with a grin.

"I am Richard Fitzwilliam—cousin to this mischievous young lady and to her rather stubborn brother.

" "Do not speak so of my brother," Georgiana said, pretending to scold him.

"What will you do, Georgie? Tell him I said he is stubborn?

He already knows perfectly well what I think of him," Richard laughed affectionately.

Elizabeth smiled despite herself. The Colonel, like his mother, was remarkably pleasant—but she remained cautious, careful not to speak too freely.

"Miss Bennet, how has this girl behaved in your care?

" Richard asked, hoping to draw her further into the conversation.

"I have no complaints, Colonel. Miss Darcy is a sweet and well-mannered young lady.

" "You see, Richard. I am a perfect lady.

" "I suspected as much. But surely her angelic conduct must be due to your good influence.

Perhaps you told her of your own youthful adventures, and she chose to follow your example.

" "Well, Colonel, I—" "Ah, do not tell me you were a reformed rebel!

" Richard teased. "Lizzy was quite mischievous as a child," Georgiana chimed in with a playful smile.

"Fear not, Miss Bennet, your secret is safe with me.

I, too, was a terror before the army got hold of me.

Colonel Wilson's training could turn the very devil into an exemplary boy—though I daresay even he would have struggled with Darcy's discipline.

" Georgiana giggled, and even Elizabeth laughed at the Colonel's playful irreverence.

The conversation turned easy and warm. Yet, despite her growing comfort with the Colonel, Elizabeth remained poised and guarded.

After half an hour, the butler entered and informed Richard that Mr. Darcy had returned and awaited him in the study.

"My dear ladies, it is best if I go immediately.

Patience is not one of Darcy's qualities.

We shall continue this interesting conversation later," Richard said.

When he left the room, Georgiana and Elizabeth resumed practising the pieces of music they were to perform that evening.

"Fitzwilliam, I did not expect you to travel to London for another two weeks," said Mr. Darcy, rising to greet his cousin with a firm handshake.

"My commanding officer has sent me to London.

There are matters at the War Office that require attention.

But once they are resolved, I shall be free for several weeks.

On my way south, I thought I might check on Georgiana and speak with you about our visit to Kent.

I shall stay only a few days." "You are always welcome here," Mr. Darcy said with quiet sincerity.

"And yes, Georgiana is much improved—more at ease and quite cheerful.

" "I can see that," Richard replied. "She sounds livelier in her letters, and I must say—I believe Miss Bennet has had a most beneficial influence.

I overheard a conversation between them just now.

Miss Bennet handled her beautifully—encouraging but never forceful.

" Mr. Darcy said nothing. He was not willing to risk his cousin noticing his interest in Elizabeth.

He knew him better than anyone, and that was why he had to be very careful.

"It is a pity," Richard continued, "that a lady of such grace and warmth must earn her keep.

She is not only very pretty, but—there is something about her…

I cannot quite name it. Enchanting, perhaps?

" Mr. Darcy stood abruptly. "Fitzwilliam, Miss Bennet is here in the role of companion to my sister.

I would prefer you not speak of her in those terms." Richard raised an eyebrow.

"Is it truly offensive to remark that a young lady is attractive?

Would you rather I call her plain? You know I would never speak disrespectfully of a woman—least of all one like Miss Bennet.

" Mr. Darcy poured a glass of brandy and drank it in one swallow.

"Even so, I would rather not discuss her in those terms. Her presence here is professional, and I would thank you to regard her as such.

" "I see," Richard said, watching his cousin with quiet curiosity.

Mr. Darcy's reaction had been uncharacteristically intense.

'I need to understand what is happening in Darcy's mind and why he has become so upset over such a minor issue.

' That evening, Elizabeth would have preferred to retreat to her bedroom and rest. She had no appetite and little inclination for conversation, but she knew she was expected at dinner and could not afford to be late.

The days had grown milder, and she decided to wear a lovely blue dress her Aunt Gardiner had once given her.

To observe mourning, she adorned her hair with black ribbons.

After a brief time in the drawing room, the household moved to the dining room.

As was always the case when Colonel Fitzwilliam visited, the cook—who was especially fond of him—had prepared his favourite dishes.

Everything was delicious, and the general mood was lighthearted and cheerful…

except for Elizabeth, who barely touched her food.

The Colonel, ever affable and good-humoured, carried the conversation with ease.

He shared amusing military anecdotes and entertaining tales with such charm that it was impossible not to smile.

Elizabeth listened attentively and offered a comment now and then, though she mostly kept to herself.

Mr. Darcy, seated across from her, found it difficult not to glance at her whenever Georgiana and the Colonel were engaged in conversation.

He recognized the gown she wore—one she had worn during their time at Netherfield—but now it hung more loosely on her frame.

She had clearly lost weight. More than that, he noted how little she ate, how her smile no longer reached her eyes.

It was the smile of someone going through the motions, not someone truly at ease.

'What has happened to you, Elizabeth?'Mr. Darcy wondered, watching her quietly.

"Do you agree, Darcy?" Richard asked suddenly, breaking into his cousin's thoughts.

"I am sorry—I was not paying attention. What did you say?

" "I said Georgie is correct: you should let her spend a few days in London with Miss Bennet while we are in Kent.

" "Please, William," Georgiana added with enthusiasm, "Lizzy and I could visit the museums, stroll through the park…

And Richard mentioned there is to be a spring fair.

Would it not be wonderful, Lizzy?" "Whatever you decide is perfectly fine with me, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth replied, her tone even.

But inwardly, she hoped with all her heart that Mr. Darcy would say yes.

She longed to see her aunt and uncle again—and, with any luck, perhaps even Jane.

Mr. Darcy studied her for a moment. There was something unspoken in her voice, a quiet plea behind her reserved manner that stirred him profoundly.

"Very well," he said at last. "You may travel with me to London and stay at Darcy House until my return from Kent.

" Georgiana could not stop speaking animatedly about all the things she planned to do in London, while Elizabeth was delighted to know that she could be close to part of her family.