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A welcoming light glowed from the windows of Netherfield as the Bennet carriage approached the great house. Since Wickham was reported to still be with the militia, Papa had insisted Lydia and Kitty remain at Longbourn with Mama to prevent incident. A relief indeed!

If only Mr. Collins had stayed behind as well.

The snivelling little man was currently seated across from her with Papa while Elizabeth sat with Jane.

Thank heavens for observing propriety! Papa was not thrilled with the seating arrangement.

To most, he had accepted the position with grace if one had not noted the sigh and slight grimace he wore at the prospect. Yet, he had no other choice.

When the equipage came to a stop, Fitzwilliam and Mr. Bingley bounded down from the portico and stood waiting for the door to be opened and the step to be placed.

Papa climbed out, followed by Mr. Collins, then Mr. Bingley aided Jane.

Mr. Collins lurched forward as Elizabeth stood to alight, and she hesitated.

She did not want Mr. Collins touching her, even if she was wearing gloves.

More than once since they had intercepted the letter where he told of his unsuccessful attempt at gaining access to her bedchamber, she had awakened to his subsequent tries.

He had not succeeded in his endeavour, but when they were in company together, the way he sometimes stared at her made her fight down a gag.

“I beg your pardon, Mr. Collins,” said Fitzwilliam in a commanding tone. “But I shall assist my betrothed.”

“But, sir— ”

“Mr. Collins, you try my patience. If you continue to pursue Miss Elizabeth, I will be forced to call you out.”

The weaselly man gasped and bowed, his hand over his heart. “Forgive me. I did not mean to insult such an illustrious man as yourself. I only meant to be of aid to the genteel and beautiful Miss de Bourgh, who I know has a prior claim to your hand.”

Fitzwilliam grabbed Mr. Collins by the lapels and shoved him against the side of the carriage.

“I have told you more than once to cease spreading your lies. If you mention my cousin or myself in regard to marriage again, I will take action against you. Do you understand?” Fitzwilliam dropped the insolent man like rubbish.

While he extended his hand for Elizabeth, the small parson once again began bowing and scraping.

Her entire body released a huge exhale as she placed her hand in his palm.

As soon as she was by his side, she hugged his arm to her.

Since her betrothed had learnt of Mr. Collins’s scheming, he had given his aunt’s parson no quarter.

Mr. Collins attempted at every encounter to separate them and ingratiate himself to his patroness’s nephew, but Fitzwilliam put Mr. Collins in his place on each and every occasion. Thank heavens!

Yesterday, Mr. Collins had even requested the first set for tonight.

How grateful she had been to inform him that particular set had been taken!

But he had not stopped there. He had faltered for but a second before requesting the second.

After she had kindly informed him that Mr. Bingley had requested that set, Mr. Collins had not asked for another.

Would it be too much to hope she did not have to sit out tonight?

If Mr. Collins caught one hint of her being in need of a partner, he would swoop in and claim her without delay. That could not happen.

When they stepped inside the great hall, servants emerged to take their coats. Her betrothed stepped in front of a maid who had approached, and he helped her with her cloak, handing the garment to the girl before offering Elizabeth his arm once more.

Her heart beat quickly as they entered the grand ballroom.

Everything was so beautiful! The chandeliers were lit and the crystals sparkled with the light of the candles, the freshly polished silver gleamed, and the entire neighbourhood was bedecked in their best gowns and suits while they milled about the room.

After greeting their host, Fitzwilliam drew her away from their party. “My cousin is here. I should like to introduce you now, if you are willing.”

“Of course.”

After returning to where he was beside her father, Fitzwilliam set a hand upon Papa’s shoulder. “I should like to introduce Elizabeth to my cousin, Richard.”

Papa’s countenance brightened. “Colonel Fitzwilliam is here. Do send him my way when you are done. I have not spoken to him since he was a gangly boy at Eton.”

Her betrothed chuckled. “I am certain he will be flattered by the remembrance, sir. I am also sure he will seek you out at his first opportunity.”

As he led her through the ballroom, those she had known all of her life nodded and smiled.

She had received a number of calls since Samhain, congratulating her on her engagement.

Fitzwilliam, while not overtly talkative or friendly, had impressed the neighbourhood with his quiet affection for her.

They all noticed how he remained by her side, spoke to her with an endearing expression, and fetched her punch.

What he displayed in public was only a pebble in the ocean when compared to what she had come to know of this gentleman beside her.

He was free with his affection and treated her with a respect she could not have imagined receiving from a husband.

Despite her earlier reservations, she was fortunate her father made this match for her.

She had been reluctant and somewhat scared when Papa first mentioned their union.

How she have ever imagined the reality of her situation now?

Before she was ready, she stood before a gentleman in a red coat. He was not handsome but carried himself as every bit the gentleman. He wore a smile that hinted at the mischievous streak Fitzwilliam had mentioned on more than one occasion.

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet, may I present Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam?”

She curtseyed while the colonel smiled and bowed. “Sir, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. Fitzwilliam speaks of you often.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam’s smile grew, and he laughed. “He does, does he? I would hope he could think of something better to speak of, but perhaps Darcy is dumbfounded due to your beauty.”

“You did not mention your cousin was such a charmer.” In most cases, a gentleman’s blatant compliment would unnerve her, but the colonel’s was done in a manner that spoke of his good humour. She was not put off by it.

“No, I seem to have forgotten,” said Fitzwilliam, his tone flat. “I apologise for not mentioning my cousin’s way with the ladies sooner.”

The colonel stepped a little closer. “So, I must know. What does my cousin say about me when I am not around?”

She arched her eyebrow. “You have little to fear, sir. He speaks quite well of you. You share guardianship of Mr. Darcy’s younger sister, do you not?” Fitzwilliam had mentioned that more than once if she remembered correctly.

“Yes, we do. Speaking of Georgiana, am I to bring her for the solstice? I am certain she would wish to witness the announcement of your marriage. ”

“Wickham is here,” said Fitzwilliam in a low, hard tone. “He joined the militia.”

The colonel chuckled and rubbed his hands together. “Pray, tell me you speak the truth. Nothing would please me more than to teach that reprobate a lesson.”

“The local merchants have been warned, and Elizabeth ensured no one fell for his lies at the last gathering.”

“And how did she do that?” asked the colonel.

Fitzwilliam leaned forward and whispered near the colonel’s ear. The gentleman spluttered and coughed. “I applaud you, Miss Elizabeth. He was likely bewildered at why no one would listen to his false tale of woe.”

“False tale of woe?” She had heard naught of this.

Her betrothed sighed. “He tells all and sundry the same story: that I refused him the living my father meant for him. In truth, he would make a terrible vicar, and he refused the placement. He desired three thousand pounds in lieu of the living, so I gave him the funds and hoped to never see him again.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam looked between them. “Let us not worry about Wickham this evening. I understand my aunt’s parson has expressed his intention to marry you, Miss Elizabeth.”

She groaned and shook her head. “He is relentless. I can only hope I have enough dance partners that I will not be forced to stand up with him.” If only she could use magic! Then she could hide herself in a corner and no one would notice she was without a partner.

The colonel straightened. “Then let me be of aid in the endeavour. What set do you have available?”

“My first and second are taken, but the remaining are thus far free.”

Fitzwilliam covered her hand with his. “Do not forget that I am taking the supper set and the last. ”

His cousin guffawed. “Three sets? You will be considered rude, Darcy.”

“If my rudeness keeps her from being plagued by that imbecile, then so be it.” Fitzwilliam’s growling tone along with his protective stance made butterflies take flight inside her belly. For some reason, when he strove to protect her as he was, she had begun to have flutters. An oddity, to be sure!

Elizabeth squeezed his arm. “I believe most here would see him as besotted.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam held her gaze with a grin. “Well, then, I would be pleased if you would do me the honour of dancing the third with me. We shall do our best to ensure Mr. Collins does not have his opportunity to pester you. Oh, look. The guests are lining up for the first dance.”

“Shall we?” asked Fitzwilliam.

After nodding to her betrothed, she nodded to his cousin. “I look forward to our dance, Colonel.”

They stepped into the centre of the ballroom with the others and stood across from each other. When the music began, they honoured their partners before beginning the first steps of the quadrille. The dance was lively, and by the time they bowed and curtseyed at the end, she was grinning.