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As the family was used to living on far less, Frank Lucas, from that first year of the increased profits, took anything more than nine hundred pounds and invested it with Gardiner and Associates.

In the year since he had invested the initial six hundred and five and twenty pounds, the value of their investment was climbing toward one thousand pounds.

With his father’s blessing, Frank intended to allow the funds to remain where they were to compound, and he would add anything above the number he set for each year.

The Lucas family was by no means wealthy, but they were no longer so poor either.

The Duke was incredibly happy that the investment he had made in the Lucas’s education were bearing fruit.

The Colonel in command of the Derbyshire Militia was an invitee, as were three of his officers, Lieutenant Denny, and Captains Saunderson and Carter.

They had come ahead of the main body of the officers and soldiers who would arrive on Thursday.

The Colonel was expecting a few new officers to purchase commissions on the morrow as he had advertised in the London papers.

The junior officers kept to themselves, somewhat intimidated by the Duke and his family.

In the few days that they had been in town, they already knew to never cross Lady Elizabeth Bennet.

Colonel Jackson Forster was talking to his host when Sir William mentioned that Lady Jane was recently betrothed to Colonel Fitzwilliam, and that her twin sister to Lord Andrew Fitzwilliam, Viscount Hilldale.

Colonel Forster excused himself from the host and gained the attention of Lady Jane Bennet, who was sitting with her sisters, Ladies Marie and Elizabeth, Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley.

“Excuse me ladies, I just heard the most extraordinary thing.” He looked at Lady Jane with amusement in his countenance, “Lady Jane, am I to understand that you have brought that scallywag Richard Fitzwilliam to heal?”

He saw the indignant looks on the ladies’ faces and understood that his jest was not taken as such; somewhat afraid at the dark look being directed at him by Lady Elizabeth.

“Before there is a misunderstanding, Richard Fitzwilliam and I are the best of friends. I was teasing, but I understand how what I said could be misconstrued if one did not know about the connection,” the Colonel said as he inclined his head to the ladies who all visibly relaxed.

“In that case, as I can see you mean no harm to my betrothed, then yes, sir, I am Colonel Fitzwilliam’s betrothed,” Jane said with pleasure as the man she loved above all others filled her mind to the exclusion of all else for a moment.

“We met at Cambridge in our first year, both second sons who needed to shift for themselves, although if I heard correctly my friend has resigned from the army and is now a landed gentleman in his own right.”

“Your information is correct Colonel,” Jane said, reassured as very few other than close confidants knew the truth of Richard’s inheritance.

“I assume that you both joined the army after Cambridge?” Lady Elizabeth asked.

“You are correct, your ladyship. We both went into the regulars and gained field promotions; by the Battle of Bucaco I was a major and Fitzwilliam a captain.” As the memories of the bloody battle in which he would have lost his life if it were not for his good friend washed over him, Forster shuddered just a little before continuing.

“I know that he does not like to speak of it, but he was one of the heroes at Bucaco.

I was seriously wounded, and he saved my life, and that of several others, including a Lieutenant General.

“He was himself wounded, and after he recovered, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and I was declared unfit for the regulars, due to my wounds. Rather than leave the army, I asked to join the militia and was made colonel of the Derbyshire Militia and have been with them ever since.”

“Richard, his brother Lord Andrew, the viscount, who is my betrothed,” Lady Marie blushed as she thought about her beloved, “and the rest of the Fitzwilliam family will arrive at Longbourn on Friday around midday. Given the friendship between you, I am sure that Richard will wish to see you, Colonel Forster.”

“That will be capital!” his whole face lit up and in seeing the genuine pleasure of the meeting on the colonel’s face, even Elizabeth relaxed.

Such an expression could hardly be fabricated.

“I will be able to introduce him to my wife, Harriet, who will arrive in two days with the body of my unit. We married three years past and we have an almost two-year-old daughter, Matilda, who we call Mati,” he said with obvious pride.

“When I write to Richard, I will let him know that you are here Colonel Forster.” Jane smiled up at the man who obviously was genuine in his affection for her betrothed.

“Thank you, Lady Jane, it is much appreciated,” the Colonel bowed to the ladies and returned to his officers.