Not too much fluff here. Right to the point. I wanted to take a moment to say that there will be no Netherfield Ball. It was Lydia and Kitty that instigated it and that isn't going to happen, obviously. Lady Julia's Christmas Ball is pretty much taking it's place. The Bennets shall be recieveing an invite to that, by the way. Thankfully, no one will be making a fool of themselves. Well, at least not a Bennet. A few others may, however.
After dinner, the men went for drinks in Mr. Bennet's study while the ladies made their way to the drawing room. Once situated, Richard found himself in a conversation with Mr. Bennet. A quick glance around the room told him the Bingley was having a happy conversation with Sir William Lucas and Mr. Phillips. Mr. Hurst found a chair and greedily began to enjoy Mr. Bennet's liquor. Darcy was being held captive by Mr. Collins. Richard decided he almost wanted to take part in that conversation. Almost.
The Colonel turned his full attention back to Mr. Bennet. He really wanted to make a good impression. He listened as the man discussed his various book collections. He knew something would be brought up soon. Richard now knew he had be discussed in letters between the sisters and he doubted that it was unnoticed by the father.
"So, Colonel, you enjoy my sisters hospitality?"
"Yes, sir. She is has been very welcoming to my cousin and I."
"I understand that you indulge the ladies as their escort when you are at the estate. Surely a man of your position and breeding can't enjoy that so much?"
"Oh, but I do sir. I spend most of my time amongst men preparing for war. We hunt and strategize on a daily basis. Shopping with the ladies is a breath of fresh air. The quality of the ladies, also, makes it more than worthwhile. It is rare to find such sense among the fairer sex. I should congratulate you, sir, on raising such fine ladies."
"I deserve no congratulations, Colonel. I assure you, had they been left to my wife and I solely, they would not be the ladies they are today. No, save your praise for my sister. This is all her doing," said Mr. Bennet.
"Perhaps, sir, your part was small, but you have had a hand in it. You could have denied your sister, and thus no change would have occurred."
Mr. Bennet raised his glass to Richard before he took a drink. "Is your cousin the only reason you find to visit so often, or is there another who has drawn your attention."
Richard released a laugh. "You do not beat around the bush. No, there is another very lovely reason."
"I remember a time when it seemed she would always be silly. My sister has done wonders for her. I regret that neither my wife or myself made much time for her as a child. She just kind of got lost I the fold. The same could be said of our Mary, though we have rectified the situation. She is still very young yet."
"Miss Westfield has expressed her desire to not settle for just anyone. She seeks to find true happiness in a match, not just wealth and connections, for she has both on her own."
"And you are content with that?"
"Mr. Bennet, I have had many opportunities to make a decent match over the years. I do greatly desire to take leave of my current occupation. Military life sounds very adventurous to a young man, but the older I get, the more I long for a more permanent place. But, I find I would rather continue as I am, training soldiers and taking advantage of the gladly given hospitality of my family and friends, than be trapped in a union where I can find no happiness. I want a life partner I can include in my life. Nothing else could persuade me to enter the race towards matrimony."
"That, Colonel, is something I can respect. You have my best wishes in your endeavor. I believe it is time to join the ladies."
Richard felt himself relax. It would appear that he had just won the man's approval. He took a moment to prepare for the interrogation he was sure to receive from ladies in the next room.
Richards assumptions were correct. The moment he entered the room, he found his attention requested by the young ladies across the room. Darcy and Bingley were commandeered by the latter's sisters. As he approached, Lydia motioned for the two Lucas sisters to take a turn with her. Richard felt a big foreboding. "What could I have done to deserve the attention of so many lovely young ladies?"
Lizzy offered a saucy smile. "I am sure you have some inclination as to why we desire your presence."
"You want to know what your dear, sweet sister has bought you for Christmas. I am sorry to tell you that I will not be moved. You shall have to wait for the day, Madame." Richard received the laughter he was aiming for. He was going to have to work to control this conversation.
"I cannot think of a recent letter from our 'dear, sweet sister' that makes no mention of you, Colonel," said Jane.
"Yes, we have heard quite a bit about you. Your presence has certainly made an impression on Kate. She seems to enjoy your company immensely," threw in Mary.
'My, my,' thought the Colonel. 'This family goes right in for the kill.'
"I don't suppose I could convince you ladies to enlist. I believe you would have our enemies begging for mercy within the first hour. Be frank with me, ladies. What answers do you seek?"
"What are your intentions towards Kate?" asked Mary. Richard was a bit surprised that it was she who asked the question. He took a look around the room, and once he was assured that no one was paying them any mind, he turned to give his reply.
"I have only honorable intentions towards your sister. I desire her happiness. Nothing less would be acceptable for her, nor would she settle for anything less. I am sure she has convinced you of this."
"Do you care for her?" asked Jane.
"Yes, I do. I am honored to have gotten to know her as a friend. I hope to soon begin to know her as something more."
"I believe that will suffice, Colonel. For now at least," said Lizzy. "When will you next be at Dylan?"
"I plan to stop by there on my way back to camp. Why do you ask?"
"I was merely trying to see if I could save on postage. Is it possible to convince you to take pity on us and deliver our letters? The post takes so long this time of year."
"I imagine there is much you have to relay."
"Yes, though certain things shall be left out. Some things are better left to a more natural course."
"I thank you for that. I would be glad to play messenger. I leave in 3 days. I shall pop by the day before my departure. Have your letters ready then."
"We shall."
Feeling a bit bold, Jane spoke up. "Colonel, there is another matter I wish to question you about."
"Yes?"
"Mr. Collins has told us a great deal about your Aunt. There is something that I wonder about. He has hinted that there will be a wedding at Rosings very soon, and that Mr. Darcy himself shall be the groom."
"Jane!" cried Lizzy.
Richard was a bit taken aback and aggravated. It is one thing for his aunt to be spouting the drivel about Darcy marrying Anne to his immediate family, but it is an entirely new situation when she begins announcing it to those outside of the family circle.
Noticing his annoyance, Jane paled and tried to recant. "Forgive me if I offended you, sir. I assure you I did not intend to do so."
"I take no offense, Miss Bennet. I am actually annoyed at my aunt. Please forgive me for allowing you to think for even a moment that my annoyance is directed at you. This supposed union is one that lives entirely in my aunts mind. Darcy and Anne have tried to convince her that neither have any desire to enter in to such a state together. Unless my aunt plans to take another husband, or my sweet cousin has been hiding a beau, I do not see a union taking place there any time soon. Though, let us not correct the reverend just yet."
Richard had kept an eye on Elizabeth and was please to see her relax upon hearing that Darcy was not to marry their cousin. He was very pleased.
"Richard, what on earth could you have possible said to cause these ladies to be so subdued?" asked Bingley. He and Darcy had finally escaped his sisters.
"A matter that can be discussed later. Miss Bennet, I do thank you. You have brought a very important matter to my attention, and we can now have it quickly solved before any real damage can be done."
Darcy looked at his cousin. Richard signaled that all would be fine. "So tell me, Darcy, what have you been talking about this evening? You have been captured my both Mr. Collins and Miss Bingley, and I find myself very desirous to know how those conversations went."
Their companions laughed as Darcy let out a disgruntled sign.
Richard was very pleased with how the evening went. He seemed to have the approval of the family. His conversation with Mrs. Bennet left him with a bit of a headache, though. He wondered if it were possible to become immune. He thought not since Mr. Bennet spends so much time in his book room. As they pulled away from Longbourn, Darcy caught his attention.
"What were you discussing with the Miss Bennets when we approached? You said we would discuss it later."
"Ah, yes. You will not be pleased, Darcy. Our esteemed Aunt has been spreading the good news of you upcoming nuptials."
"What?!"
"Mr. Collins has been regaling the Bennets with news. Miss Jane Bennet decided to ask me about it."
"Jane asked? Why would she ask that?" questioned Bingley. He looked a little agitated.
"Calm down, Bingley. It wasn't for her benefit, I assure you. Miss Elizabeth looked fairly relieved though." Richard shot a sly look to his cousin. "In any case, I am glad she asked. Something is going to have to be done."
"Yes. She must be getting desperate. Well, she has forced my hand and not to her benefit," said Darcy. "I shall make for Rosings tomorrow."
"No, cousin. Let's talk to my father first. He is the only one with even the smallest amount of authority over her, and we have already figured out that she is coming to ask for money. I say we write him in the morning and see what he thinks should be done."
"Yes, that would probably be best. Did you say Miss Elizabeth looked relieved?"
I don't think Charlotte with be with Mr. Collins. I want better for her. If you have any ideas for they type you want for our dear Charlotte, let me know. Also, I will be very busy for the next couple of weeks, so don't expect an update until closer to the new year or after. Today is my son's 8th birthday, tomorrow is my 9th anniversary, we have Christmas shopping to finish and lots of holiday stuff to get done. I may surprise y'all and get one in, but I don't want to get any hopes up. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.