Page 84 of Ashes and Understanding
Turning to Elizabeth, Darcy’s expression softened. “And I understand I have you to thank for that, Miss Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth flushed. “I did not do anything other than betray your confidence,” she said quietly. “I was worried you would be upset with me. It was not my place to speak of your health, but he already seemed to know about it. And he seemed…genuinely remorseful.”
Darcy’s eyes never left hers. “You did exactly the right thing.”
Their gazes held, the chill wind momentarily forgotten. Her heart fluttered with something tender—something dangerously close to hope.
A wheezing bark from deep in Darcy’s chest broke the moment. The colonel, who had been pretending to examine the path’s edge, gave them both a sardonic glance. “If we are finished making eyes at one another,” he said with mock impatience, “we do have a murder to solve.”
Elizabeth cleared her throat and folded her arms again, though not without the trace of a smile. “Indeed. And how do you propose we do that?”
“We start with a list of suspects,” the colonel said. “We look at who had motive and opportunity. My batman can help—he’swell-acquainted with the sort of talk that floats through servants’ quarters. They see and hear more than we ever do.”
Elizabeth arched a brow. “I could collect drawing-room gossip from my mother and Aunt Philips. They, along with Lady Lucas, know more about the goings-in in Hertfordshire than anyone.”
“You could also provide introductions and smooth the way for us,” Darcy added. “With your friendship, others will feel more at ease in confiding their secrets without being aware of it.”
She sighed dramatically. “With your taciturn nature, Mr. Darcy, I have never been more in doubt of a successful operation.”
Darcy threw his back and laughed, causing Colonel Fitzwilliam to stare in astonishment. The wind whipped around the three of them again, and Elizabeth shivered and looked towards the house. Behind the chimney, dark clouds were gathering in the distance and moving in their direction.
“My mother will be returning shortly,” she said, “and I do believe we have left my sister and Mr. Bingley on their own for much longer than is proper. We had best end this conversation now, especially before the storm arrives.”
“May we call again tomorrow?” Darcy asked.
She nodded. “Yes, I think you should. We can use that time to plan a proper strategy.”
Without another word, she turned and walked briskly toward the house, leaving the men to follow. The footman gave a small sigh of relief at being able to return to the warm foyer. As they crossed the threshold, they could hear the faint sound of carriage wheels against cobblestones, signaling the arrival of Mrs. Bennet and the two youngest Bennet girls.
In the drawing room, the maid left her post at the window. Elizabeth gave her a smile of thanks, then turned her attention towards Jane and Bingley near the fireplace.
The elder girl was seated demurely on the settee, her cheeks rosy, her expression aglow with quiet joy. As Elizabeth watched, Bingley leaned close to Jane and whispered something in her ear. Jane’s eyes widened for a moment, then she nodded, her blush deepening. Bingley rose at once, clearing his throat.
“I… I hope you will excuse me,” he said, glancing between the others. “I must speak with Mr. Bennet. It is—an urgent matter.”
Elizabeth nearly clapped her hands together. She caught herself just in time, but her face could not conceal her delight. Darcy, beside her, seemed frozen in place, still staring at the door through which his friend had just exited.
“Well,” the colonel said, with perfect timing and cheerful gallantry, “it appears Mr. Bingley is about to be the happiest man in Hertfordshire.”
Jane laughed softly, tucking a curl behind her ear. “He has merely requested permission to begin a courtship,” she said, her voice gentle and almost apologetic. “I… I am honored.”
The colonel bowed. “Then allow me to congratulate you, Miss Bennet. I cannot imagine any gentleman more fortunate than one who has gained the good opinion of the fairest lady in the kingdom.”
Jane blushed deeper, and Elizabeth gave the colonel a sidelong glance. For all his secrets, he had charm to spare.
The door opened again, and in swept Mrs. Bennet, flanked by Kitty and Lydia. Mary trailed behind, her expression thunderous.
“Oh, my nerves!” Mrs. Bennet cried, fanning herself with her bonnet. “That wind is enough to bring on a chill! I do hope dinner is not delayed, for I am famished from calling all through Meryton.”
Kitty and Lydia collapsed into giggles at her heels, each peeking toward the gentlemen.
The colonel politely stepped forward as Mrs. Bennet was introduced. The moment his title was mentioned—son of an earl—Mrs. Bennet nearly dropped her gloves in excitement.
“Your lordship—oh! I mean—Colonel! Such an honor! And you must be so pleased to find yourself in such good company with the officers stationed nearby!”
“I serve with the regulars, madam,” he said politely, though his tone carried a note of correction. “Not the militia.”
“Oh! Yes, yes, of course. Quite a difference, I am sure.”
