"So the army has proved a lucrative profession after all, eh, Darcy? Are you feeling envious? I can hardly blame you, man."

"This almost makes me wish to be a younger son... provided my father were an earl."

"Good blood and plenty of money. There's nothing compares to it, I've always said."

"And whenever shall we meet your famous cousin?"

Mr. Darcy's benevolent brow furrowed, descending further with time. All the evening, he had been taciturn and ferocious by turns, but to no avail. Such questioners as turned pale and retired were eagerly replaced. He was relentlessly accosted.

A lady he knew too well was talking near him, and her voice was unavoidable. "You must be aware how well I know Mr. Darcy; his mind is transparent to me," said Miss Morton, for that was her name. Her listener, a nonentity in pink silk, smiled and nodded. Miss Morton continued, "Just now he is frightfully jealous. It is a feeling I delight to provoke, though I am not its cause today."

"And what is your idea of it?" asked the other lady. She was of the medium height and possessed a tolerable figure. Any effect it produced was undone by her unflattering gown. "That is, I know a good deal, but require such details as you can impart."

"My dear! Do not trifle with me; your act is not convincing. Surely you have not heard; your family is not intimate with his. Mr. Darcy's dear cousin is returning a rich man, and the poor man does not know where to look!"

"The cousin is in the army, is he not?"

"Yes, for ten years past, my dear. But I forget... you are new to the doings of society. Your family is from near Monmouth? As a pupil under my tutelage, perhaps you may begin to know our ways. I will not fault you for ignorance... such is not my way!"

"I thank you, but I am well acquainted with the ton."

"A pity our set is not acquainted with you! But come, Miss Smith. Let us not quarrel over trifles. Our friendship is too dear for that. We must be on our best behavior, for Colonel Fitzwilliam will be in London soon. I wish to appear to advantage."

At this moment the unwitting listener was spared, for Georgiana pulled him through the crowd to hear her play. "Now, brother," she whispered, as she shuffled her music about, "You must tell me every error I make, for I am grown complacent and cannot improve unaided."

As Georgiana opened the instrument and began to play, Mr. Darcy stood overcome by the precision and emotion of her performance. Try as he might, he could find no flaws. He could only applaud heartily. When pressed, he told her, "Your playing is as unspoiled as your life. Though you may censure yourself for supposed errors, I heard none."

Georgiana paled at this, but her smile did not waver. Darcy thanked God such statements no longer prompted tears. As a doting brother, he could only praise Georgiana, but knew she merited his approval.

"Ah, you know what a silly goose I am, Fitzwilliam," said Georgiana in a low voice. His eyes rested upon Miss Morton, seated a few yards away, but she was otherwise occupied. Their statements would pass unheard.

"I know only that a certain gentleman is a great cad, and you the best of maidens. Your playing is vastly improved."

"And you value me by my playing! For shame," teased Georgiana.

"I value your proficiency as I value everything about you. You remind me of Mother, a truly accomplished women. You are much like her."

"I know how lofty your ideals are, Fitzwilliam. Am I really accomplished?"

"Truly. I would proclaim it anywhere. I would testify to it in parliament if need arise."

"I wish you could find a wife, brother. You know how I have always prayed for that!"

It was Darcy's turn to pale, and he shook his head slowly.

"Come!" cried Georgiana. "I know you have not found a woman to compare to Mother. But do not be so taciturn. She will come, you will see, and she will be a lovely older sister."

"Perhaps," replied Darcy, softly. He had little notion of ever finding a wife. The possibility had grown dimmer over the years. But he tried to be an honorable man, and so marriage was his hope of happiness.

Georgiana left his side shortly, and Darcy retired to his own chambers. Georgiana would be required to make his apologies, but such things could not be helped. He had no patience left. Sleep came to him, sudden and relentless.

As was his habit, he arose and breakfasted early. A letter was announced. One glance told him this was a missive of pleasure, and not of business. It was from his cousin, and he could only be grateful. He found correspondence in general rather odious. But letters from the colonel were sporadic, and thus valued more highly.

(I will not reveal my true address just yet, though of course I know it is the proper way to begin a letter.)

Undisclosed Manor

Vulgar Countryside

England

Darcy-

I write in haste, and you are of course curious as to my location. I sincerely hope I am the talk of town, though also glad I am not there to hear it.

I am in a land of savages with the faces of very pretty women. Yes, I mean the country, and with my comment about savages I mimic your own ideas, of course. They are not truly savages. That is, only the mamas with nothing better to do than pray to the gods for the salvation of spinster daughters. Some of the girls are quite pretty and well-informed, if such a thing can be believed. They are even young! Whoever knew young women to have even the semblance of true opinions? This wholesome air enriches more than crops and livestock.

You may visit me sometime when I am thoroughly bored of love affairs and wish only for dull company. If such a time never arises, you may come nonetheless. How can I do without you, sober old chap?

I am off to a ball, though perhaps you would not dignify the affair with such a word. But I intend to wear out my soles with vigorous dancing. My hair is properly coiffed and my cravat perfection, I assure you. You did not recommend Lewis for nothing! And there is no one here cultured enough to know the difference. This is truly heaven.

"Henry Fitzwilliam"

Darcy smiled at this hasty epistle, but swiftly remembered that Henry had left no address. Incensed, he resolved to investigate. Calling Georgiana, he informed her of the problem. She was adorably grateful to be consulted upon such a lofty matter. They spent the morning discussing the problem, and Darcy sat down to dinner in greatly increased spirits.