Read The Darcys of Pemberley for Free Online Page B

outside her ladyship’s will. I would have done exactly the
same in your position. You are a lucky man, Darcy. You have married
the perfect wife and, in so doing, you have cleverly exempted
yourself from waiting upon our aunt.
    Yours, sincerely,
    J. Fitzwilliam
    “Poor Fitzwilliam. I do not envy him being
Lady Catherine’s new favorite,” said Elizabeth. “At least his
errand provides him a reason for visiting us; that is cause for
celebration. And what a charming letter he writes. Do not you think
so, my dear?”
    “Yes, he pays you a fine compliment, and he
accurately summarizes my happy situation. Had my aunt known the
outcome of her threat of excommunication, no doubt she would have
chosen a different strategy to prevent our marriage. My only regret
over losing Lady Catherine’s society is that it has left Cousin
Anne even more isolated than before. I am glad for her sake that
Fitzwilliam is still prepared to go. No doubt he supplies Anne
better company than I ever did.”
    Georgiana added, “I really do feel sorry for
Anne. It must be a severe trial having a sickly constitution. If
anyone can cheer her, it is Fitzwilliam.”
    Colonel John Fitzwilliam, the Darcys’ cousin
on their mother’s side, had a well-informed mind, fine manners, and
a jovial nature, all of which made him welcome wherever he went.
The ladies, especially, found Fitzwilliam’s affability and humor
agreeable. Yet the colonel remained a single man, partly due to
lack of funds and partly to his decided indifference over every
suitable candidate that came his way.
    As the younger son of an Earl, he could not
marry where he chose. Since he would not inherit his father’s
estate and yet was expected to uphold the style of living his
family enjoyed, he was obliged to establish his own fortune by some
other means. The colonel showed no inclination for banking or
politics, and an inconvenient state of peace had broken out before
he could amass any great sum by distinguished service in the army.
His best remaining chance for even a modest fortune seemed to be to
acquire one by marriage. This was the course of action strongly
recommended to him by some of his relations. As the colonel’s
father often reminded him, many a rich merchant would be willing to
pay handsomely to have his daughter married to the son of an
Earl.
    Colonel Fitzwilliam was on the most intimate
terms with the Pemberley family, counting Darcy more as a brother,
and feeling a doting fondness for Miss Georgiana. He and Elizabeth
had taken to each other immediately when they met at Hunsford two
years earlier, their mutual admiration soon settling into a warm
friendship.
    On Thursday, the Darcys’ happily anticipated
guest arrived as advertised, and was welcomed with sincere
cordiality. Mr. Darcy received and returned Colonel Fitzwilliam’s
firm handshake. The visitor then turned his attention to the
ladies.
    “My dear Georgiana, I think you grow taller
and more beautiful each time I see you. And Mrs. Darcy, may I say
you look uncommonly well?” To this he added a gallant bow
and a kiss of her hand. “Marriage must agree with you,” and in a
lower voice, “though how being married to such a disagreeable man
can be at all agreeable, I am sure I cannot fathom.”
    Darcy merely rolled his eyes heavenward and
pretended not to hear what Fitzwilliam said entirely for his
benefit.
    During dinner, the conversation ranged over
the customary ground, that of ascertaining the state of health and
welfare of everyone of their common acquaintance. Darcy politely
inquired after the colonel’s parents and brother, and Georgiana
after his niece and nephew. All these received glowing reports.
Then Fitzwilliam asked about Mr. and Mrs. Collins, whereupon
Elizabeth delivered the sad story of her cousin’s demise.
    “Having now such a close correspondence with
Rosings Park, I am surprised you were not already informed of it,”
said Darcy.
    “Yes, it is odd. Her ladyship made no mention
of it