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Chapter Sixteen

The evening’s port circled the table in Netherfield’s intimate library, the rich liquid catching the firelight as Darcy poured a modest measure for himself and one for his wife.

Colonel Fitzwilliam had requested this private audience with an unusual gravity that piqued Darcy’s curiosity.

His cousin was typically the embodiment of military precision layered with easy sociability, but tonight a certain tension underlay his manner, suggesting matters of significance were to be discussed.

Elizabeth, seated beside Darcy on the leather settee, seemed equally intrigued by the colonel’s uncharacteristic solemnity.

Bingley had retired early, pleading correspondence that required immediate attention, though Darcy suspected his friend sought solitude to consider the apparent interest between Colonel Fitzwilliam and Jane Bennet.

The rest of the household had likewise dispersed, leaving the three of them alone with the crackling fire.

“I appreciate your indulgence in meeting privately,” Colonel Fitzwilliam began, settling his glass on the side table with deliberate care. “There are matters I wish to discuss that are of a somewhat personal nature.”

“You know you have our attention, cousin,” Darcy replied, noting the unusual formality in his cousin’s bearing.

“Indeed,” Elizabeth added warmly. “We are all ears, Richard.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam cleared his throat, his gaze steady and direct. “I have made a decision that will significantly alter my circumstances. After considerable reflection, I have determined to sell my commission.”

Darcy could not entirely mask his surprise. The military had been his cousin’s chosen path since boyhood, and he had distinguished himself admirably in service. “This is unexpected. May I ask what has prompted this change?”

“Several factors,” the colonel replied. “I have seen enough of war to last several lifetimes. The peace with France appears stable for the moment, making it an opportune time to retire from service. But most significantly...” He paused, drawing a deep breath.

“I have recently learned that my maternal grandmother’s estate in Oxfordshire has come to me through her will. ”

“I was unaware your grandmother had passed,” Darcy said, a twinge of guilt touching him at this gap in his knowledge of family matters.

“It was a peaceful passing, several months ago. The legal matters have only recently been settled,” Colonel Fitzwilliam explained.

“The estate is modest by Pemberley’s standards, but substantial nonetheless.

Brackenton Hall includes some two thousand acres of profitable farmland, extensive woodlands, and a house that, while not grand, is both comfortable and elegant. ”

Elizabeth leaned forward with genuine interest. “That sounds wonderful, Colonel. Is the estate currently managed well?”

“Very much so,” he replied with a slight smile. “The land is tenanted to several farmers of good reputation, and the house itself has been leased to a reputable family for almost a decade, as my grandmother had made her residence in Bath. The annual income is approximately three thousand pounds.”

Darcy studied his cousin thoughtfully. This inheritance changed his circumstances materially. As a second son, Colonel Fitzwilliam had always been dependent on his profession and the generosity of his father. Now, he found himself with the means for genuine independence.

“This is indeed significant news,” Darcy observed. “I assume you intend to take up residence at Brackenton once your commission is sold?”

“That is my intention, yes.” Colonel Fitzwilliam’s gaze shifted momentarily to Elizabeth, then back to Darcy. “But my plans extend beyond merely establishing myself as a country gentleman.”

The implication hung in the air for a moment before Colonel Fitzwilliam continued, his voice steady but with an underlying earnestness Darcy had rarely witnessed in his typically composed cousin.

“I wished to speak to you both before proceeding further. Given our friendship and the particular circumstances, I felt it proper to make my intentions clear.” He straightened his already excellent posture. “I intend to pay my addresses to Miss Bennet.”

Though not entirely unexpected given the colonel’s evident attention to Jane during their recent interactions, the direct statement of intent brought the matter into sharp focus.

Darcy felt a momentary conflict between loyalty to Bingley and affection for his cousin.

Both were men of excellent character, worthy of Jane’s regard.

Yet Bingley’s prior connection to Jane created a delicacy in the situation that could not be ignored.

Elizabeth’s response was measured. “I appreciate your candour. Jane is, of course, at liberty to form her own attachments. I would never presume to dictate her heart’s choice.”

“Nor would I expect you to,” Colonel Fitzwilliam replied with a slight inclination of his head. “I merely wished to ensure that my pursuit would not be viewed as... inappropriate, given the existing circumstances.”

Darcy understood the unspoken reference to Bingley. “You refer to Bingley’s renewed attentions to Miss Bennet.”

“Precisely.” The colonel met his gaze directly.

“I am aware that Mr. Bingley was previously attached to Miss Bennet, and that he appears to be renewing his interest. I would not wish to intrude where a prior claim exists, yet...” He paused, choosing his words with care.

“I have reason to believe that Miss Bennet might welcome my attentions.”

“May I ask,” Elizabeth inquired gently, “what has prompted this decision now?”

Colonel Fitzwilliam nodded, acknowledging the fairness of the question.

“During the Lydia affair, I discovered in Miss Bennet a depth of character and sweetness of disposition that I found immensely appealing. However, I was then in no position to offer marriage. My situation was unsuitable for a gentleman’s daughter with no fortune of her own. ”

“And now your circumstances have changed,” Darcy observed.

“Precisely. With Brackenton, I can offer a comfortable home and respectable position. It may not equal Bingley’s fortune, but it is sufficient to maintain a wife in comfort and provide appropriately for children.”

The practicality of this assessment was characteristic of his cousin, Darcy thought. Colonel Fitzwilliam had always been acutely aware of the financial realities that constrained a second son’s choices.

“What is your timeline for these changes?” Darcy asked, contemplating the potential complications that might arise. Bingley was, after all, his dearest friend, and the situation would require delicate handling.

“My application to sell my commission has already been submitted. Given my service record, I anticipate approval within a month. I intend to visit Brackenton next week to assess the property and meet with the steward. Depending on what I find, I may need to remain there for a fortnight or so to establish proper management.”

Elizabeth sipped her wine thoughtfully. “And Jane? When do you intend to make your intentions known to her?”

“I had hoped,” the colonel replied, his normally confident manner showing a rare hint of uncertainty, “that I might speak with her before my departure for Oxfordshire. Not a formal proposal, perhaps, but enough to make my interest clear and to ascertain whether such attentions would be welcome.”

Darcy considered his cousin’s position with sympathy. His direct approach to this delicate matter demonstrated great integrity. Yet Bingley’s feelings could not be disregarded.

“I appreciate your forthrightness,” Darcy said finally.

“It speaks to your character that you wished to discuss this with us before proceeding. I cannot, in good conscience, object to your pursuing a match that might bring happiness to both parties. However, I would ask that you proceed with awareness of Bingley’s feelings in the matter. ”

“I have no wish to cause pain to Mr. Bingley,” Colonel Fitzwilliam assured him earnestly. “I hold him in high regard.”

Elizabeth intervened gently. “My sister’s heart is her own to give. All I ask is that she be allowed to make her choice freely, without pressure from any quarter.”

“Nothing could be further from my mind than to pressure Miss Bennet,” the colonel replied. “I seek only the opportunity to present myself as a potential suitor, with the understanding that her happiness is paramount.”

The conversation turned to more practical matters then, with Colonel Fitzwilliam describing Brackenton Hall in greater detail.

The house, it seemed, was a solid Georgian structure with elegant proportions, surrounded by mature gardens that had been his grandmother’s particular pride.

The estate village comprised some twenty cottages, a small church, and the usual complement of local tradespeople.

As Colonel Fitzwilliam outlined his plans for improvements to the property, Darcy found himself impressed by his cousin’s thorough consideration.

Richard had clearly given significant thought to his future as a landowner, suggesting he had been contemplating this change in his circumstances for some time.

When at last the colonel took his leave to retire for the night, Elizabeth turned to Darcy with a thoughtful expression.

“Well,” she said quietly, “that was most illuminating.”

“Indeed,” Darcy agreed. “Richard has always been deliberate in his decisions. I have no doubt he has considered this matter from every angle.”

“And Bingley?” Elizabeth asked, her concern evident. “I fear there may be disappointment ahead for him.”

Darcy sighed, contemplating the delicate situation. “Bingley has always been resilient. If your sister’s affections lie elsewhere, it would be no kindness to encourage a match lacking mutual attachment.”

“True,” Elizabeth acknowledged. “Yet I cannot help but feel for him.”