Colonel Fitzwilliam's Return (Netherfield Returns Book 3) by Jann Rowland

Author:Jann Rowland [Rowland, Jann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: One Good Sonnet Publishing
Published: 2025-12-18T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter VIII

As the days passed and December gave way to January, Mr. Darcy stayed in the neighborhood, though Elizabeth could not fathom his reasons. As there were no ladies at Netherfield, the Bennets could not visit there, but Colonel Fitzwilliam came to Longbourn almost every day and dined there at least once or twice a week. Mr. Darcy accompanied him every time he came.

Sometimes he sat without saying much, and if Elizabeth were to guess his state of mind, she thought he was contemplative and perhaps even a little curious. The gentleman often kept himself aloof in company, sometimes with a steaming cup of tea in hand, usually with an expression of absent attention. More often, however, Elizabeth found herself the recipient of his attention. Whether he meant anything by it, she could not determine, but he spoke more to her than to the rest of her family combined, other than Mr. Bennet, with whom he stood frequently.

The matters they discussed were varying—no guiding hand directed them toward any particular subject. Literature was a common theme between them as they shared their preferences, their dislikes, and their impressions of what they read. But they often indulged in other matters of substance, such as impressions of their homes, anecdotes of their families, and activities in which they liked to engage. Elizabeth learned more about his highborn relations than anyone else in the neighborhood, and Mr. Darcy spoke of his sister with all the pride and affection of an elder brother.

“Georgiana is but sixteen, your sister Lydia’s age.”

“Lydia will not be sixteen for several months,” corrected Elizabeth. “Sometimes her behavior gives the impression of being older.”

Mr. Darcy appeared interested. “Please do not think I mean to criticize, but she seems full young to be out much in society.”

At that moment, Lydia was saying something to Mary, her usual target for teasing—Mary, as was her custom, was giving as good as she got, though in her quiet way, which Lydia assumed was capitulation. Of all the sisters, they were the two who were at odds the most, for Lydia thought Mary was dowdy and prudish—a claim not entirely without merit—and Mary considered Lydia an ill-bred child who should not be out of the nursery—true, in Elizabeth’s opinion.

“Can I assume your sister is not out, Mr. Darcy?” asked Elizabeth.

“She is not,” replied Mr. Darcy. “Next summer, I intend to allow her to attend events near our home in Derbyshire, but she will not be presented in London for another two years.”

“What sort of girl is she?” asked Elizabeth, curious how Mr. Darcy would answer. Wickham, back when she had still trusted him, had answered a similar question with a comment about her pride being akin to her brother’s. Mr. Darcy must know his sister better than Mr. Wickham did, but his opinion would also be colored by the affection of a close sibling.

“Georgiana is shy,” replied Mr. Darcy. “She is a good girl, never giving us the least trouble, diligent in her studies, and excessively fond of the pianoforte.

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