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Colonel Fitzwilliam Interferes - Chapter 2

Darcy was in a state of turmoil such as he had never felt. It had been hard enough to deal with his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet; he had just come to terms with the fact that he could not live without her, and now he found himself in that exact position. His cousin was going to marry her. She had accepted him. It was unbearable, absolutely unbearable. He tried to tell himself that it was better this way, that she was below him, no good for him, but as always those rational thoughts melted away at the thought of her bright eyes� her bright eyes that would now belong to Colonel Fitzwilliam. The envy was unbearable, and he forced himself to stop thinking about her, be happy for his cousin, and worry about more important things than a nobody from Hertfordshire� no matter how beautiful.

A few days later, Colonel Fitzwilliam tore himself away from Elizabeth�s side to join Darcy in London. He was a bit apprehensive about this meeting, as he was still unsure how his cousin would react to him this time, but was relieved to find him much calmer. Perhaps distant, but at least not throwing punches.

�Darcy! I hope you are well,� he said tentatively. Darcy forced himself to stay calm and NOT stare at what appeared to be the lacy corner of a lady�s handkerchief sticking out of his cousin�s pocket.

�I trust you had a good journey?� Darcy asked, ignoring Fitzwilliam�s question.

�As good as anything could be that takes me away from Lizzy,� he replied with a look of longing. �The last few days have been like a dream; it was difficult to leave her, but the sooner I could begin to arrange my business affairs, the sooner we can marry!� Darcy turned under the guise of pouring himself a brandy, but really only wanted to hide his cringe of pain from his cousin.

�How is Miss Bennet?� he asked hesitantly, partially from politeness and partly from curiosity. After the first ten minutes of Fitzwilliam�s description of her beauty and virtues, he wished he had kept his mouth shut.

�Oh, and her lips, Darcy� they are like rosebuds, soft and pink, so lovely! She allowed me to kiss her goodbye, and it was ecstasy! I am no innocent schoolboy, you know, but I felt as if it were the first time I had ever been properly kissed!� On and on he went, describing every sensation, from his arms around her soft curves to the feel of her breath on his cheek. Each moment that passed threatened to drive Darcy closer to madness. At last, when Fitzwilliam stopped for a moment to breathe, Darcy interrupted.

�Yes, well, as thrilling as it is to hear about each second that has passed since I last saw you, I believe I get the idea Richard,� he said sternly, the use of his given name clearly implying that he would hear no more; the point was taken.

�Sorry Darce! Here I am tittering like a debutante at her first ball, and I have not even told you why I am here!�

�And why are you here?� Fitzwilliam approached his cousin with a more serious look on his face.

�Darcy, you know I value your friendship very highly, and I may even venture to say that you are my favorite relative. Would you do me the honor of standing up with me at my wedding?� Darcy blanched; he stand up for Fitzwilliam at his wedding to Elizabeth? It seemed too cruel to be possible.

�Why I� had not� I thank you, yes,� he found himself saying, unable to think of a reason to say no. Fitzwilliam slapped him on the shoulder.

�I knew I could count on you old man! Come, pour me a brandy as well; this calls for a little celebration!� With a heavy heart, Darcy poured the drink and toasted to the happiness of his rival with the woman he loved.

Elizabeth left Kent soon after Fitzwilliam, and upon her return discovered that she was the talk of the town. This came as no surprise, of course, but the congratulations were becoming quite fatiguing. Kitty and Lydia were green with envy when they learned she was to marry a colonel, and not just of the militia, but of the regulars, and would likely be constantly surrounded by a whole camp full of soldiers at all times. The thought drove them into a tizzy, and they promised Elizabeth that wherever she lived, they would visit her quite frequently. Though touched by their obvious sisterly devotion, Elizabeth did not wish to talk of redcoats all day, and much preferred the company of Jane, who was still out of spirits despite the amount of time that had passed since Bingley�s departure. The only thought that heartened her was that Colonel Fitzwilliam was to come into the country soon to speak with her father, who had already told her that he was planning to consent. Just two days after her return, her intended arrived as they were all sitting in the drawing room sewing and Mr. Bennet was in the library.

�Colonel Fitzwilliam, ma�am,� introduced Hill with a hint of a flutter in her voice. He smiled and bowed, immediately causing Kitty, Lydia, and Mrs. Bennet to swoon. Elizabeth, herself a bit affected by the sight of her handsome fianc�, stood to greet and introduce him.

�Mama, Jane, Mary, Kitty, Lydia, this is Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. Sir, these are my mother and sisters; my father is in the library.� He gallantly kissed her hand, then went round the room bestowing the same kindness on each Bennet lady.

�It is a pleasure to meet you; I have heard much of all of you,� he said as he sat down with Elizabeth by his side. His affability soon had them all won over, particularly Lydia, who had been inching her seat closer and closer from the moment he sat down. She and Kitty stared at him as though he were a god, even though on this particular occasion he had wisely taken Elizabeth�s advice that he not wear his regimentals- otherwise they may have attacked him outright. Jane was particularly content for Elizabeth�s sake, for Colonel Fitzwilliam obviously cared for her a great deal and would no doubt be a wonderful husband.

�Oh! Where are my manners?� Mrs. Bennet cried shrilly at the first pause in conversation. �I have not even rung for tea! Hill! Hill! Please bring the tea! Oh, and tell Mr. Bennet to come meet Colonel Fitzwilliam, if you please!� Hill carried out her orders, and within only 20 minutes (for Fitzwilliam was obviously a guest of some importance, and requiring early attention) Mr. Bennet joined them for tea. The younger gentleman quickly stood to meet his future father-in-law.

�It is a pleasure to meet you sir,� he said with a broad smile and vigorous handshake. �Miss Elizabeth has told me so much about you that I have been anxious to make your acquaintance for some time.� Mr. Bennet chuckled to himself at the young man�s eagerness.

�The pleasure is mine sir. Now, let us not waste each other�s time; I understand that you wish to speak to me about something particular, so why do we not retire to the library for a moment?� Fitzwilliam glanced quickly at Elizabeth over his shoulder before leaving the room, and she gave him an encouraging smile and nod. As soon as they were gone, the squeals began.

�Oh Lizzy! You fortunate girl! You have caught yourself such a handsome and highborn man! I am sure this will throw your sisters into the paths of other rich men!�

�He is the handsomest soldier I have ever seen! Imagine if he had worn his regimentals! I believe I would have died! Does he have any brothers?�

�Lizzy, you will not keep him all to yourself while he is here, will you? Kitty and I would like to speak to him too! Will he not wear his regimentals to dinner? Perhaps we could invite the officers and have a whole houseful of soldiers!� cried Mrs. Bennet, Kitty, and Lydia (respectively) at the same time. Elizabeth sighed and rolled her eyes.

�No, he has no single brothers. No, he will not wear his regimentals while he is here.� This caused disappointment, but Mrs. Bennet liked the idea of inviting the militia, and immediately bustled off to tell Hill to prepare for a large gathering the next day. Several minutes later, the gentlemen returned, Fitzwilliam looking relieved and Mr. Bennet looking amused.

�Well, I suppose this will not come as a surprise to anyone, but all the same we will make it official. Lizzy, I have given Colonel Fitzwilliam my consent in his application for your hand. Congratulations my dear,� Mr. Bennet said, his eyes slightly misty as he kissed her forehead. Embraces, congratulations, and talk of weddings filled the rest of the afternoon at Longbourn.

The following day, Fitzwilliam awoke early in the hopes of catching Elizabeth for a private morning walk. She was happy to oblige him, and arm in arm they walked toward the garden.

�I hope yesterday was not too overwhelming for you sir,� she said with a laugh. �I know my sisters can be very� persistent in their attentions.�

�I understand� I am a handsome devil, after all,� he joked. �I am glad you warned me about not wearing my regimentals; I believe my life would have been in danger!�

�Ha! Just wait until this evening when the officers come. Poor Wickham and Denny have been putting up with this attention since October!� Fitzwilliam suddenly stopped, a look of angry shock on his face.

�Did you say Wickham?� he asked tensely. She looked at him in confusion, then recalled that he was Darcy�s cousin, and was probably acquainted with Wickham.

�I did,� she said with a hint of defiance.

�This isn�t Mr. George Wickham of Derbyshire, is it?�

�Yes, the same Mr. Wickham who grew up at Pemberley. I know all about it,� she confirmed with a definite challenge in her voice. Fitzwilliam looked slightly relieved.

�Ah, so Darcy told you the whole story?�

�No, indeed, I heard it from Mr. Wickham himself.�

�Oh no,� he groaned. �Please tell me you are joking.� She put her hands on her hips indignantly.

�Why would I joke about that poor man�s misfortunes?� Fitzwilliam looked at her in disbelief.

�His misfortunes? Yes, his misfortunes have been great indeed!� he said sarcastically.

�How can you treat his misfortunes with contempt and ridicule, when it was your cousin who reduced him to his present state of poverty?� she cried angrily.

�WHAT? That is the most preposterous-! Elizabeth, have you ever spoken to Darcy about this?�

�Of course not! You know that would show a total want of propriety!�

�But it was proper of Wickham to tell you his tale?� he said with a raised eyebrow. Elizabeth opened her mouth to reply, but then it hit her that he had a point. Wickham had only known her a very short while, yet he had revealed so much to her. Slightly humbled, she shook her head.

�I suppose not. But it only confirmed what I already thought of Mr. Darcy, regardless of how appropriate it was for me to know it.�

�Oh Elizabeth� you do not know anything about it. If you will listen, I would be more than happy to tell you the real story.� Elizabeth eyed him suspiciously, but nodded her acquiescence. �Mr. Wickham is the son of a very respectable man, my late Uncle Darcy�s steward. We all played together as boys. However, as we got older, Wickham became more dissolute in his habits, taking up gambling, drinking, and especially womanizing. Darcy hid all this from his father, who was very fond of Wickham, as he did not wish to distress him. When my uncle died, he left the intention that a valuable family living should be his as soon as it was vacant. Mr. Wickham, however, declined any interest in the church as a profession, and asked for, and was granted, the sum of �3000 instead of the living.� Elizabeth�s jaw dropped. �I believe he told Darcy that he intended to study the law. Ha! Breaking the law is more like it. How he lived over the next four years I know not, but last summer our paths crossed again under the most painful of circumstances.� His face grew dark with anger.

�My cousin Georgiana was taken from school to Ramsgate under the care of a Mrs. Younge; unfortunately we were deceived about her true character. She and Mr. Wickham were friends, and he followed the ladies to the seaside with the intention of seducing Georgiana into an elopement. He made her believe that he loved her, and she was persuaded to believe herself in love with him. His object was her fortune of �30,000, and the fact that she was but 15 years old did not deter him at all.� Elizabeth�s eyes were now wide with shock, unsure of how to take this news, but knowing that it must be true. �Fortunately, Darcy went to Ramsgate to surprise his sister only a few days before the intended elopement, and was able to save her. Wickham left the place immediately, and Mrs. Younge was dismissed. You will recall that I am her guardian along with Darcy, so I know every detail of these affairs. It was a difficult time, and poor Georgiana still has not recovered from the disappointment. She has a very trusting nature, and to have her heart broken at such an impressionable age has been terrible for her.�

Elizabeth was grave and silent, digesting the information he had just given her. The more she thought about it, the more fault she found with her own behavior. Mr. Wickham had flattered her, taken advantage of her attraction to him and her resentment towards Mr. Darcy to spread his lies, and she had fallen right into the trap.

�I do not know what to say� this is shocking indeed. I feel like such a fool for believing him!� Fitzwilliam stepped closer and put his arms around her.

�Do not berate yourself too much my dear. We have all been deceived by him, even Darcy and myself.� She leaned against him, enjoying the feel of his arms around her.

�Thank you for telling me Richard. Do you think we should inform my general acquaintance of his vicious character?� He barely heard her, no longer interested in talking about Wickham.

�I would rather consult with Darcy before saying anything. Since most of this concerns him, I think it should be his place to decide.� She nodded in agreement. �Now that we have cleared up that misunderstanding�� he began as he leaned down to kiss her cheek, �perhaps we can talk of more pleasant things.� She looked up to smile at him, and he rewarded her with a lingering kiss. �Mmm, yes, that is much better. This is my favorite topic of conversation.�

�Truly? I will be sure to tell my sisters! They will be happy to have this intelligence,� she said with a giggle.

�Allow me to rephrase that: this is my favorite topic of conversation with you and you alone!� he clarified before leaning in for another kiss. The stimulating discussion that ensued delayed their return to the house for quite a while.

The officers arrived at Longbourn that afternoon, and to Elizabeth�s surprise, Wickham was among them. She had thought sure that he would not dare show his face with Colonel Fitzwilliam around. It became quickly evident, however, that he was unaware of the situation.

�Miss Bennet! I am so happy to see you!� he said, oozing charm and kissing her hand in greeting. �I have been in town this last week, and only just returned a few hours ago. I barely had time to prepare myself to come here!� Elizabeth forced a smile but pulled her hand away.

�I hope you had a good journey,� she said blandly.

�I did. But enough about me! I wish to hear about your trip! How did you find Kent?� Elizabeth grinned.

�Very interesting. Lady Catherine is a very� strong woman.� Wickham laughed.

�I have heard much about her strength. I hope you did not lack for amusement though.�

�No indeed! Colonel Fitzwilliam was there with Mr. Darcy. Are you at all acquainted with the colonel?� she asked, struggling to hide her amusement. Wickham looked uncomfortable.

�To some extent, yes, in former years. A very gentlemanly man. How did you like him?� Elizabeth could no longer contain her laughter.

�I suppose you could say I liked him very well indeed; we are engaged to be married!� Wickham could not disguise his shock.

�I� Well, I suppose congratulations are in order!� he said with a smile fake enough to make Caroline Bingley proud.

�Thank you Mr. Wickham. Ah, there is Richard! If you will excuse me,� she said archly, and walked to where the colonel was waiting.

�Were you just talking to Wickham my dear?� he asked with a wary look in that gentleman�s direction.

�I was. Apparently he has been in town, and did not return until today, so he had not yet heard. He was most surprised, to say the least!� Fitzwilliam laughed.

�Perhaps I should go say hello,� he teased. Elizabeth slipped her hand through his arm.

�No, I think he has had enough of a shock for one day. Besides, you leave tomorrow and I wish to keep you to myself today.� He smiled down at her with an affectionate gaze.

�I love you Elizabeth,� he whispered in her ear.

�Colonel Fitzwilliam! Have I congratulated you yet on carrying away the brightest jewel in the country?� Sir William cried out jovially, saving Elizabeth from having to reply.

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