Page 40 of Compromise & Consequence
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Upon entry into the library, Mr. Bennet made the shushing motion and with a jerk of his head indicated Richard was to enter without saying a word. Intrigued, he did as bid. Once settled with a brandy within easy reach, the older gentleman leaned back in his chair and folded his hands over his stomach.
“Now, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Enlighten me on whom we know in common.”
“I had the most fortunate experience of meeting an intelligent young lady who readily admits to studyingThe Art of War. A book she received from her father.”
“She reads ancient works, does she?”
“Not only reads but studies and understands the concept of laying far-reaching plans and keeping the enemy in the dark until it is too late.”
“She sounds like someone I know very well.”
“You should. She is after all your niece and my cousin by marriage.”
Bennet’s reaction was brief, but telling when he shared that piece of information.
“I am surprised. Elizabeth is usually more careful with what information she releases torelativestrangers.”
“I appreciate the pun, Mr. Bennet. It was but an inconsequential comment and she did not elaborate further, most likely in the hopes I would not think further on the subject, but my job in the army is to interrogate captured spies, so I have an annoying tendency to analyze every sentence uttered.”
“Good to know, Colonel. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” He studied Richard for a moment longer and then began to speak. “As you have met Elizabeth, dare I ask how things are going in that quarter?”
“I will admit, my cousin has made a hash of things. He is first and foremost a gentleman and has always behaved as such.” Mr. Bennet harrumphed and rolled his eyes. “I have learned he deviated from his behavior while here, and I have a theory as to why.”
“Please, enthrall me. Explain how a gentleman would say that my niece was not handsome enough to tempt him and was barely tolerable.”
“He said that?”
“At a local assembly, in her hearing. He looked directly at her and said those words when his friend Bingley offered to facilitate an introduction in order for them to dance.”
“Has he done anything right whilst here?”
“Yes. He left.”
Richard couldn’t help the harsh eruption of laughter thatescaped his mouth. He liked this man’s humor.
“Ah, but he left with something precious.”
“He did at that.”
“Mr. Bennet, what I am about to share does not excuse his atrocious manners, but if you allow me to explain his mindset when he first arrived in Meryton, you might understand his bad mood.” Richard then went on to explain the near elopement of Darcy’s sister and Wickham’s betrayal. How Darcy thought Elizabeth had been part of another elaborate scheme to exhort money from his cousin. “As you know, I have taken care of the problem with Wickham, and while I waited for your attendance as a magistrate, I questioned him about the night of the ball. We all know your niece did not collaborate with him, I only solidified the facts by asking him where he was.”
“Colonel, I truly feel Mr. Darcy’s pain over the near elopement of his sister. If you hadn’t taken that cur in hand, one of my own daughters may have fallen into Mr. Wickham’s web of charms and I would have lost two beloved daughters to circumstances beyond my control.” Bennet sat up straight in his chair. “This does not excuse the mockery of a marriage settlement he forced me to sign. I cannot even begin to tell you how disgusting that document is. If I could have saved my niece and my daughter’s reputations by any other means, I would have.”
“I have some knowledge of what the document contains and it is indeed vile. Darcy will not remain unscathed. Of that, you can be assured.”
“Well then, Colonel,” Mr. Bennet raised his glass of brandy in salute. “Let us drink to the chastisement of your cousin and hopefully a reformation. Otherwise, he will miss out on knowing one of the most delightful young ladies in all of England.”
“Sir, I have only spoken with your niece once, yet I alreadyknow she is a force to be reckoned with.”
“She is at that.”
The two men finished their drinks and then Mr. Bennet indicated they should join the ladies and he would advise his wife there was a guest for dinner.
“I hope my dear, that you have ordered a good dinner today, because I have invited a gentleman to our family party,” Mr. Bennet called out as the two men entered the room where his wife sat sewing.
“Mr. Bingley has returned?” she cried out hopefully, then fell silent when Richard came in behind her husband.
