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“Now, there, by that large fern, is Elias Hamstead. A brilliant young lawyer, and if I do not miss my guess, he is soon to join the House of Commons.” Mrs Greenwoode looked about the room for a moment, and her face lit up when she came upon a man dressed in the uniform of the regulars.

“Oh, and that is Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. The colonel is the son of the Earl of Matlock — though the younger son, I am afraid. He has distinguished himself in His Majesty’s service and, if I am not mistaken, has been looking to settle down since coming back from the French front. ”

“He seems a very pleasant gentleman,” Mrs Gardiner remarked approvingly. “Naturally, one must be grateful to the men who have kept Napoleon from our shores.”

“Quite so,” Elizabeth agreed. “And besides this, to judge by his expression, I should think Colonel Fitzwilliam both an intelligent man, and a good-humoured one.”

“Indeed, he is, Miss Bennet. It is a shame his cousin is not here this evening. I should like to show you Mr Darcy of Pemberley.” Thankfully, Mrs Greenwoode had turned away to look at the gentleman, or else she would have seen Elizabeth’s shocked expression.

“Mr Darcy!” Elizabeth exclaimed. Silently, she reproved herself. Of course Mr Darcy would be accustomed to such glittering company, and would have relations here.

Mrs Greenwoode looked surprised at her abruptness. “Are you acquainted with Mr Darcy?”

“Only very slightly,” Elizabeth replied. “His friend happened to rent an estate very near my father’s. I believe you said he is related to Colonel Fitzwilliam?”

“They are cousins,” she replied. “I believe Mr Darcy and the Colonel are quite close—brought up as brothers, almost. Do you know, I believe Colonel Fitzwilliam would like you prodigiously, Miss Bennet.” She glanced back at the man in question.

Mrs Greenwoode and her aunt exchanged a knowing glance.

“I would be happy to introduce you to the colonel. But when he proposes, I do hope you will remember I was the one who set up the match.”

Elizabeth’s face filled with heat, the exchange reminding her of her mother’s prodding. She had hoped to escape all the awkwardness that had followed in Meryton since learning of the inheritance, but it would seem she could not wholly escape the matchmaking of well-meaning ladies.

From what she observed, Colonel Fitzwilliam was a nice enough young man.

When Mrs Greenwoode walked away to retrieve the Colonel, her aunt pulled her aside.

“I am not sure where Mrs Greenwoode has her information.

The colonel is very well known in London and has never seriously considered taking a wife.

“Perhaps that sentiment has changed, aunt. Otherwise, likely Mrs Greenwoode would not have said anything to me about him wanting to settle down.” Elizabeth glanced at him again.

The colonel was a rather interesting man.

His face could not quite be called handsome, and yet it was certainly pleasant.

There was an air of masculine power about him that belied his mild smile.

To judge by the laughter and liveliness of those around him, he must be a man of great wit and conversation.

Yes, he would be a pleasant acquaintance.

Yet Elizabeth had no intention of justifying either Mrs Greenwoode’s hopes or Mrs Gardiner’s fears. If introduced, she would gladly speak to him — but without expectations.

Elizabeth went about the ball and danced with several gentlemen while her aunt stood aside and watched the proceedings. When she had finished her fourth dance set of the evening, and the young man had brought her safely back to her aunt’s side, Mrs Gardiner took her arm and leaned in close.

“Do not look now, but Mrs Greenwoode is coming back this way. And with none other than Colonel Fitzwilliam!”

Elizabeth told herself firmly that there was no reason to be nervous. Had she not told herself that she would welcome the introduction, but without expectations? She took a deep breath and smoothed down her dress, greeting their approach with a smile.

Mrs Greenwoode nodded and turned to introduce the Colonel. “Colonel Fitzwilliam, may I introduce Mrs Gardiner? She is a very particular friend of mine. And this is her delightful niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She is visiting for the next few weeks from Hertfordshire.”

“How do you do, Mrs Gardiner? Miss Bennet? It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said with a warm smile. “Mrs Greenwoode has mentioned how fond of dancing you are, Miss Bennet. Would you do me the honour of the next set?”

Such pleasant attention could not fail to be flattering. “I would be delighted, sir.”

“Excellent, Miss Bennet,” he said with a broad smile. “I shall return for you when it is time.” With that, he bowed and walked away.

Elizabeth looked after him, a small smile on her lips. “This will be a pleasant evening, indeed.”

“I hope so, my dear.”

Elizabeth looked up sharply. Her aunt had not sounded displeased, but neither did she sound entirely at ease.

“Is something wrong, aunt?”

Mrs Gardiner hesitated. “It is nothing, Lizzy. I thought Colonel Fitzwilliam a little daring, perhaps.”

“Then you do not approve?”

“I never said I did not approve. I only wanted to caution you not to let your heart get ahead of itself. If he is indeed ready to settle, as Mrs Greenwoode seems to think, then by all means. Have an open mind. However, I would not want to see you hurt for anything, Lizzy dear. Keep a level head about you, that is all I will say.” Mrs Gardiner gave her an encouraging smile.

“I shall do my very best,” Elizabeth promised her.

Yet the promise could not remain in the forefront of her mind for long, for very few minutes passed before Colonel Fitzwilliam returned.

He offered her his arm, leading her out onto the dance floor.

“Thank you for agreeing to dance with me, Miss Bennet. I must confess, I have been watching you all evening.”

Elizabeth felt the heat rising in her cheeks. “Oh? Why ever would you do that?”

“You are difficult to ignore,” he replied. “From the moment I entered the ball this evening and saw you, I knew I had to get an introduction. It was a happy circumstance that Mrs Greenwoode was of the same mind.”

“Have you known Mrs Greenwoode long?” Elizabeth asked. Charming as the colonel was, it was rather distracting to receive so many compliments — a problem that, before inheriting a fortune, she had never expected to experience.

“I have. She and my mother have been friends since they were girls together.” He looked to where Mrs Greenwoode was standing with her aunt. “She has been a good friend to my siblings and I over the years.”

“How many siblings do you have?” Elizabeth asked.

“I have two younger sisters and an older brother. The heir and the spare, you know. As the younger son of an earl, there were few options left for me.” He let out a sigh, then met her gaze.

“I dearly wish to retire from the regulars soon. However, if I am to make anything of myself, I shall have to find a charming young lady — perhaps an heiress.”

His meaning was not lost on her. Elizabeth concealed a grimace. So Colonel Fitzwilliam was yet another man interested in her for her money.

Perhaps it was commendable that he would not wish to hide the fact that he was looking for an heiress.

Certainly, it was better than attempting to conceal his motivation.

Yet she could not help but think that, just a few short weeks ago, Colonel Fitzwilliam would not have paid the slightest attention to her — or perhaps they would have had the same mutual liking and ease of conversation, and he would have warned her that, with a dowry of only a thousand pounds, it could never be.

“Then I wish you luck in your search, Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth said, with her best attempt at lightness, before the dance separated them for a time.

As the dance went on, Elizabeth was conscious that she was enjoying herself prodigiously.

Colonel Fitzwilliam was excellent company, and beyond the slight awkwardness when he had mentioned his need to find a rich wife, their conversation had been pleasant and flowed easily.

When their dance was over, he took her back to her aunt, but stayed for a while to chat with the ladies.

“You were in Spain during the siege, were you not, Colonel?” Mrs Greenwoode asked. “I have heard great things of Thomas Graham.”

“Indeed, ma’am, and I may say that nothing you have heard of the general has been exaggerated. I should not be surprised in the least if he receives a title for his service. Despite all we could do for our Spanish allies, Cádiz would have fallen to the French if not for his leadership.”

“You are a hero, sir,” Elizabeth told him warmly. “I am sure we should be delighted to hear more of your time abroad.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam obliged with a good will, and left them only when their engagements to dance with other partners required it.

As the evening came to a close, Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner said their farewells to their hostess and made their way towards the front step. They had put on their wraps and were on the point of going outside when Colonel Fitzwilliam appeared, hurrying through the crowd to reach them.

He gave Mrs Gardiner his most charming smile. “If you will allow me, ma’am, I shall escort you and your niece to your carriage.”

Whatever her concerns, Mrs Gardiner could not stand against such courteous politeness. “Why, thank you, sir. That is very kind.”

Elizabeth glanced at him quickly, wondering at the pointedness of his attentions, but Colonel Fitzwilliam’s smile was blandly polite, and faced towards her aunt — most impressively correct.

He handed them into the carriage, and only then looked fully into her eyes. “I had a most pleasant evening, Miss Elizabeth, Mrs Gardiner. I hope we shall meet again soon.”

“As do I. Good evening, Colonel,” Elizabeth said. As the carriage drove away, she turned to look at her aunt. “You need not worry, my dear aunt. I am not one to let go of my wits that quickly. Though you must admit he is an impressive man, and very charming company.”

“I will agree to that with a good will, Lizzy — if you will promise me you will keep your wits about you. Charm alone does not make the man.”