Page 34

Fitzwilliam clasped his hands behind his back while Elizabeth departed. “Bingley upset her. I just wanted to ensure she was well.”

His cousin laughed. “You need not worry about me, cousin. Her father noticed your departure and requested I relay his message. What did Bingley do? He is hardly one to cause mischief.”

After a sigh, Fitzwilliam ran his fingers through his hair. “No, he was not causing mischief. He simply explained my reticence at events and that my willingness to dance with her showed my affection for her. I had hoped to confess my feelings after our marriage, but—”

“Bingley’s perpetual happiness and need to see others so ruined your plans,” said Richard.

“Speaking of ruining plans, where are Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst? They can ruin anyone’s best laid plans in a matter of moments.

” Richard had never liked Bingley’s sisters.

Miss Bingley had insulted Richard’s mother once.

A grave mistake. The countess saw to it that few but those who thrived on gossip now associated with Miss Bingley.

Her brother was better off with her secluded in the country.

“Believe it or not, Bingley sent Miss Bingley to Scarborough to live with their aunt, and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst left the same morning for London. They had hoped to take Miss Bingley with them, but Bingley insisted he would withhold Miss Bingley’s fortune should they do so.

” It had been far past time for Bingley to take control of his family!

Richard lifted his eyebrow. “I never thought Bingley would stand up to them so. I must say I am impressed. I have also not experienced one surge of joy while in the ballroom. You seem to have taught him to control his ability.”

“He sometimes allows a little of his happiness to leak out. ”

“By the way, Father sent me to Rosings last week. Lady Catherine has insisted you come to marry Anne soon, and my father wanted to see if Anne was healthy enough to bear you an heir.”

Fitzwilliam pinched the bridge of his nose. “You told him I am already engaged, did you not?”

“I did, and he also knows it is to Mr. Bennet’s daughter. As far as my father is concerned, your betrothed is much more suited to you than Anne, but he insists upon being informed as to what Lady Catherine is doing. He does not trust her.”

“So, what did you discover?”

His cousin leaned on the back of the sofa and crossed his arms over his chest. “Anne has grown weaker since the last time I saw her four months ago. She smiles and insists she is well, but she is often aided to walk about by Mrs. Jenkinson. On one occasion, her companion even fetched a footman to help Anne upstairs to retire. As father and I both suspected, she is in no condition to be your wife, so my father sent a letter indicating he would not interfere in the marriage your father arranged.”

“Did he mention Elizabeth or her family?”

“No, he feared Lady Catherine would journey here and let her sentiments on the marriage be known. During the dinner after my arrival, she spoke of several magical families, and she belittled them all. You should know how she is. No family is as great as the de Bourghs and the Fitzwilliams.”

An almost growl came from him. “She suffers from delusions.”

Richard shrugged. “I cannot understand why she is insistent Anne is much improved when she is clearly declining. The apothecary came to examine her and does not know what afflicts her. He left several tonics, but Lady Catherine tossed them into the fire. She is fortunate none of them exploded. You know how volatile some potions can be. ”

Yes, he did. Wickham had once tossed a potion into the fire, and it had exploded. The blackguard had a small scar over his eyebrow as a result.

“You should also know,” said Richard, “that I spoke to Colonel Forster upon his arrival. Wickham does not leave the camp since Miss King’s uncle threatened to call him out if he showed his face in the village.

None of the merchants will give him credit, and the ladies all turn green when he attempts to speak to him, including Colonel Forster’s wife. ”

Fitzwilliam guffawed. “Mr. Bennet sent out word that the tobathrú potion Elizabeth brewed was effective and kept those who imbibed it from falling for Wickham’s charm.”

“Your Elizabeth makes potions?”

He whispered a charm and drew closer to his cousin. “My Elizabeth is the heir to the Bennet magic.” He trusted Richard. No reason existed for him to hide what everyone would soon come to know.

His cousin’s eyes widened. “Surely you jest! No woman has ever—”

“Even though we are alone, I have made our conversation unable to be overheard, but still, do not speak so loudly. The secret has been well-guarded since her birth. My parents knew, which is why we are betrothed. Even though she is capable of great feats of power, she—”

“She will require someone strong and trustworthy to be her partner. Too many will doubt her and any who seek to do evil may come after her if she was without such protection.” He shook his head. “She bears the mark?”

“My father and mother saw it. I have also seen it in a vision. For obvious reasons, she keeps her birthmark covered.” She had worn naught but sleeves that touched her elbows or wrists since the weather was cool.

More than likely, she wore those sleeve lengths year around for fear of discovery.

He whispered the reversal for the silencing charm.

“We should also return. If you do not appear soon, Lady Catherine’s parson will claim Elizabeth for that set. ”

As they started for the door, Richard frowned. “Why is he so insistent on marrying your betrothed? From what you have told me, there are five Bennet daughters. He could choose another and not risk rejection or being called out.”

“We do not know why he is so adamant on Elizabeth, but Mr. Bennet will never accept his application for any of his daughters. A non-magical clergyman could be dangerous if he came to understand his wife’s talents.” No, Mr. Collins needed to find a wife somewhere else.

“You make an excellent point.”

When they returned to the ballroom, Elizabeth stood holding her father’s arm while she watched the dancers.

As he continued to look about the room, he found Mr. Collins dancing with Charlotte Lucas.

From what Elizabeth had told him, Miss Lucas had a middling magical talent.

She could do no more than sense the feelings of others, yet what she could sense was really little more than what anyone could tell in speaking to someone.

Few believed her talent to be a true ability, so none of the magical families considered her marriageable.

Could Mr. Collins be the answer as a husband for her?

They approached Mr. Bennet, who peered at Fitzwilliam over his glasses. “You did not have enough time with my daughter, Darcy?”

He grinned as he caught Elizabeth’s sparkling gaze. “No, sir. Not nearly enough.”

Mr. Bennet chuckled and shook his head. “You will be wed soon.”

“Papa, I promised Colonel Fitzwilliam the next. ”

Her father patted her hand before relinquishing her to Richard who took her to the edge of the dancers to await the start of the music.

Fitzwilliam shifted beside Mr. Bennet and once again whispered an incantation that would allow him to speak but not be heard by those around them. “I had a thought to solve our problem with Mr. Collins.”

Mr. Bennet turned slightly to face him. “I thought I heard you muttering a spell. What is it you want to do with Collins?”

“Well, what if we bewitch him to believe himself in love with Charlotte Lucas?”

He startled and looked to the couple amongst the dancers. “Miss Lucas is a practical sort, but I almost feel sorry for her if this is your solution.”

“She is unmarriageable amongst those in her neighbourhood. Perhaps she will not care if he is an imbecile.”

“And if she does?” asked Mr. Bennet.

“Then we can reverse the spell. We are not harming anyone.”

Mr. Bennet turned while muttering and caught Sir William before he could pass them by. “Lucas, if Mr. Collins singled out your daughter, do you know if she would accept his suit?”

Sir William stroked his beard while he watched his daughter dancing with Mr. Collins.

“She has given up any hope of marriage, but should the opportunity present itself, I believe she would accept. He has spoken little of anyone besides his patroness and Miss Elizabeth. Do you think his affections would shift so easily?”

“Lizzy is to be wed, and soon. My cousin has said Lady Catherine told him not to return without a wife. I thought Charlotte might have some interest in having her own home, but I wished to enquire before I suggest her as a possibility.”

Fitzwilliam held his features as firm as possible so he would not give away his position on the matter.

Scheming and using magic against others in a harmful way could cause the person casting the spell their own grief.

In asking Sir William of his opinion, Mr. Bennet was protecting himself, Elizabeth, and Fitzwilliam. His forethought did him credit.

“Charlotte is a sensible lady,” said Mr. Bennet. “She would make an excellent parson’s wife.”

Sir William glanced at his daughter with Mr. Collins. “I agree. I thank you for thinking of the match.”

After a clap to the shoulder, Sir William wound his way through the guests to the opposite side of the ballroom. The set ended, and Mr. Collins bumbled his way to stand beside Mr. Bennet.

“My dear cousin, I do not suppose you know whether Miss Elizabeth has a free set. I had hoped to dance with her next, but I see she has been claimed by one of the officers.”

“Colonel Fitzwilliam,” said Fitzwilliam. “He is my cousin and Lady Catherine’s nephew.” Mr. Collins’s knowledge of Richard’s family would help if the little man approached his cousin. Collins would not insist on anything for fear of offending one of Lady Catherine’s nephews.

“I had no idea! Of course, I would never interrupt an officer from such a prestigious noble line.”

Before Mr. Collins could continue, Mr. Bennet placed his hand on his shoulder. “You seemed to enjoy your dance with Miss Lucas. Her sensible nature would lend well to being the wife of a parson such as yourself. Mayhap you should dance with her again.”

Mr. Collins’s eyes widened for but a moment before he nodded. “Yes, she is quite sensible. Perhaps I should request the honour of another dance.” He shook his head. “But Lady Catherine—”

Mr. Bennet’s fingers squeezed just a bit. “Would be pleased with such a lady nearby; I am certain. ”

“Yes, my aunt would appreciate Miss Lucas’s reasonable nature. Such a match would be a prodigious one for you.”

The parson frowned, then nodded again. “I shall seek her out right now.”

As soon as he departed, Mr. Bennet laughed. “I hope I am not overstepping. If she shows any hint of not desiring such a marriage, I shall reverse the spell without delay.”

Mr. Collins approached Miss Lucas, who stood with Miss Mary and Miss Maria. He gave a simpering smile and bowed as he spoke while Miss Mary and Miss Maria glanced back and forth between them. When Miss Lucas nodded, Fitzwilliam let out a long exhale.

“So far, she appears amenable. She is agreeing to a second dance.”

The supper dance came, and Fitzwilliam’s heartbeat accelerated as he led Elizabeth in the last set before the meal. He would not be separated from her until they returned to the ballroom.

Their set was pleasant. Elizabeth was quiet, but their gazes held as they made every turn required by the dances.

When they finally sat beside each other at the supper table, he relished her form beside him, and even took her hand under the table when they had finished eating and while they held a quiet conversation.

Upon their return to the ballroom, Elizabeth rose on her tiptoes to reach his ear. “Mr. Collins has not approached me at all and has stood up with Charlotte for two sets. Do you know what is happening?”

“I may have suggested charming him to pursue Miss Lucas.”

Elizabeth grimaced. “She could not be willing to accept such a man, could she? ”

“Your father and I watched for any hint of unwillingness, but we did not notice any. She accepted Mr. Collins’s offer of a second set with a smile.”

His beloved shuddered. “If she complains—”

“We shall reverse the magic. I promise.”

“Very well,” she said. “Since I need not fear another application from my cousin, perhaps we could join my sister and Mr. Bingley for a time.”

Fitzwilliam relished every second of having Elizabeth on his arm as they strode through the crowd to talk to Bingley and Miss Bennet. They enjoyed a lively discourse until the final dance was announced.

“I believe this set belongs to me,” he said to Elizabeth.

“I suppose I must.” She showed every bit of her good humour with her response, and he did not hesitate to lead her to the middle of the room.

When the set was over, Mr. Bennet and all of his daughters were invited to sit with Bingley, Fitzwilliam, and Richard in the drawing room until their carriage was brought around while Mr. Collins insisted upon seeing Miss Lucas to her family’s equipage.

“I beg your pardon, Mr. Bingley,” said Mrs. Nichols. “The Bennets’ carriage is in front of the house.”

Fitzwilliam kissed Elizabeth’s hand as they walked to the hall. “I wish you did not have to go.”

“Soon. We shall be wed soon, then we shall never be forced to part again.”

“That day cannot come soon enough.”

Bingley was the first to hand in Miss Bennet, Mr. Bennet handed in Miss Mary, and when Fitzwilliam stepped forward to hand in Elizabeth, she rose onto her toes and kissed his cheek. Bingley coughed and turned as did Richard.

“Good night, Fitzwilliam,” she whispered.