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“Actually, I have given the matter no thought at all. Pray, what do you think of Colonel Fitzwilliam?”

“I think he is a fine gentleman. He is not as handsome and rich as Mr. Darcy. As a second son, I dare say he has no fortune at all. Why do you ask about him when the topic at hand concerns your feelings towards Mr. Darcy?”

“Charlotte, if I am to be honest, after all I had heard about him whilst in Hertfordshire, I was looking forward to meeting him. I found it hard to imagine he could be as bad as everyone said.”

“What is your opinion of him now that you have made his acquaintance?”

“On the whole, I am exceedingly puzzled. One minute he is charming and attentive. In another instance, he is cold and aloof. Then, too, whenever I recall how wretchedly he treated Mr. Wickham, I am reminded of his callous disregard for the feelings of others.”

“Dear Eliza, you must not allow Mr. Wickham’s opinion of Mr. Darcy to influence your thinking. I believe Mr. Darcy likes you very much. Surely you do not suppose he would have called on my husband and me. The gentleman I met in Hertfordshire would never have given himself the trouble. I would say he made an effort to remain in your company as long as possible.”

“Perhaps he meant to protect his cousin from being entangled by my feminine wiles.”

“Why would you accuse him of such a thing?”

“Colonel Fitzwilliam was the one who meant to stay at the Parsonage whilst Mrs. Annesley was conveyed to her friends in the village. Once Mr. Darcy learned of the colonel’s intentions, I suppose he decided it was best he keep an eye on his cousin. He went out of his way to make certain that the colonel and I spent no time alone on the journey from town.”

“You were under his protection. He might feel that way still.”

“My dear Charlotte, you are no stranger to my papa’s plans for my future marital felicity and what awaits me should I return to Longbourn with no prospects. If there is a chance in the world that I might find happiness with the colonel, I am obliged to remain open to it, am I not?”

“And what if the chance you seek is by way of Mr. Darcy?”

“Charlotte, do not be absurd.”

“It could happen.”

“As much as I like and respect Georgiana and believe we would be dear sisters, I do not entirely trust Mr. Darcy. I am exceedingly ill at ease when in his presence. I know he does not like my family. Then, there is the prospect of being Lady Catherine’s niece, which I simply could not abide.”

Charlotte held up her hand. “I think doth protest too much, dear Eliza. You have yet to meet Lady Catherine. Besides, is Lady Catherine not the colonel’s aunt as well?”

“True, I have not met her, but if I am to rely upon Mr. Wickham’s account, then I am certain of her character. She derives the worst part of pride in the notion of her being Mr. Darcy’s aunt, and she intends him for her own daughter. I suspect the colonel’s choice of a bride will be of no significance to her.”

“Again, Eliza, I would caution you against allowing your feelings towards Mr. Wickham to make you appear foolish before a man of Mr. Darcy’s standing, which is better than ten times Mr. Wickham’s consequence.”

Darcy and Richard barely took their seats before their aunt called them to task. “Why was there a delay in arriving, nephews? I was half tempted to dispatch a scouting party to recover you.”

“Lady Catherine, I assure you that would have been unnecessary. As you see, we have arrived, and we are no worse for the delay,” said Darcy.

“Yesterday, you were prudent to delay your departure, and in so doing, ensure your safe arrival, but that in no way excuses your tardiness in attending me today.”

The colonel rallied to his cousin’s defence. “I beg to differ, your ladyship. It was only fitting that we spend time with the Collinses once we surrendered Miss Bennet to their care.”

Collins squirmed under her ladyship’s sudden consideration. She said, “Yes, well, what is this I hear of her having relatives in Cheapside? I was of the belief that she hailed from the landed gentry.” She huffed. “My nephews accompanying a woman whose family has ties in trade—it is not to be borne.”

“Miss Bennet’s father is a gentleman,” said the colonel.

“I am no stranger to that bit of information. What does it signify?”

“Miss Elizabeth is a gentleman’s daughter. I—” Darcy looked at his cousin and corrected himself. “We are gentlemen. That makes us equals, does it not?”

“I should say it decidedly does not. Your mothers, both of them, are descendants of nobility. Who is her mother?”

Darcy stood, signalling an end to the discussion. “I dare say you will find Miss Elizabeth agreeable. You must, of course, judge for yourself. Pardon me, your ladyship.”

Mr. Collins stood to take his leave as well. “Pray, Mr. Collins, I wish to have a word with you before you return to the Parsonage.”

He bowed with great deference and then resumed his former attitude. “Yes, your ladyship. I am at your service.”