(A/N Hey everyone!
Just a very small piece detailing some conversation and understanding between the Colonel and Darcy.
As usual, I do not own anything here and hope you enjoy it!)
Seven minutes had passed and Richard was still waiting for his cousin to speak after pulling him into the study. The man was pacing and muttering, and his expression and mood would shift faster than a canon could fire.
"Darcy, you're making me squeamish. What could be so grave as to send you into this state?"
Finally, he turned to face him, several emotions still warring over his features.
"I-I have a question for you, Richard." He raised an eyebrow. "But an assurance first. You are more than my cousin, you might as well be my brother. I will not have this come between us. You will forgive me if I take some distance as needed."
"Fitz. There is next to nothing that could come between us. God man! In all seriousness now, tell me what is wrong."
With a defeated slump to his shoulders Darcy sighed, "Do you fancy her?"
Her? This was over a woman?
"I don't know who you speak of, but I can say...no," slowly the pieces connected. "Well, I can say who you mean… Your gazes at Miss Bennet have not been subtle, after all."
"You-you have no intentions toward her?"
"Of course not!"
"Well, you seemed amiable enough," there was bite in his words, but Richard could not fault him a bit of jealousy. Darcy'd barely had a conversation with her throughout their stay.
"Yes, she is the most interesting character present and has a very friendly demeanor. But I have not intentions toward her and I have not read any encouragement on her end either." At his assessment of her actions Darcy deflated, the tension and stress falling off of him and a small relieved smile gracing his lips. "May I ask your intentions?" He flinched at the question but slowly nodded.
"I am coming to terms with the fact this is not a passing fancy. Distance did not carry her from my mind and now, seeing her again, she is every bit of what I missed and more. I am every bit under her power, lost and in love. As disastrous as it could be, I intend to make her an offer." He sent Richard another sharp glare, "And I would hope no attachments dissuade her."
"I will make my intentions, or lack thereof, very clear. I promise."
"Thank you."
"Of course; but Darcy, did you really think a woman would come between us?"
"No forever. But I do not think I could see her on anyone's arm right now, let alone yours."
Richard did what he could after that to determine her affections for his cousin and perhaps raise him in her esteem. He told her in no uncertain terms that she would not do as his wife, citing money as the issue. He offered openings for Darcy to enter their conversations. He even explained his cousin's caring nature in those he was close to, going as far as to break confidence and share the happy dissolution of an unwanted courtship.
He was ready to offer his congratulations as Darcy came back from calling on Elizabeth just before they left, but found a devastated and broken man instead.
He read the letter before Darcy sealed it. He had several points he could have made, but chose to let it stand. The purpose was clear, and begging for her acceptance was not it. But she was armed with knowledge going forward. She could protect herself from the likes of Wickham and that would have to be enough.
He regretted not saying goodbye to her, but perhaps it was best to leave things with a clean break.
(A/N Everyone likes to read into 'was this meant for me' as stating that Richard liked Elizabeth but chose not to pursue her. I think that this would be a more likely scenario. I mean, second son he may be, but surely he could find a way to do as he pleased if she truly caught his eye. Additionally, Fitzwilliam Darcy is not subtle. And Richard would know about everything, at least after the fact, if he was to be a source for her to check Darcy's claims against.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed.)