Unbreakable Bonds Chapter 22: Quiet Before the Storm, a pride and prejudice fanfic

AU Pride and Prejudice

Unbreakable Bonds

Previously:

"No offense taken: I completely understand."

NOTE: Since the book never mentions siblings, other than an elder brother who will inherit his father's estate, I have given Colonel Fitzwilliam a married sister.

Quiet Before the Storm

Ch. 22

Anne, while relearning English under the guidance of Lady Catherine, was tired of struggling to speak what was supposed to be her native tongue properly. She had come to visit Adelia and had asked Mr. Bennet if he minded his wife talking to her alone in the parlor. 'I am tired, I need to talk my way for a little while. Colonel Fitzwilliam and army friends picked it up fast, but they are not around. Lady Catherine is a great teacher. I need a break.' Adelia's husband had been more than happy to comply. It was for that reason that Anne now sat in the parlor laughing with Adelia with no bars held back as they talked.

"Can you understand a word they are saying?" Mary whispered to Kitty as they stopped by the parlor door that was slightly ajar.

"No idea. Mother explained their language to me and -theoretically- I understand it, but my brain cannot grasp it."

"I have not even attempted it." Mary confessed. "My mind shouts that it is English being slaughtered."

"I would highly suggest you girls go do something more productive." Mr. Bennet walked up the hallway with an amused smile on his face. "Rather than stand listening to a language you clearly cannot, or do not want to, understand."

"Do you?"

"Enough to know that it is none of your business." Mr. Bennet grinned just a tad wider. "I do believe, Kitty, there is a gentleman who will be calling soon for you?"

"Oh, how could I forget?!" Kitty hurried up the stairs to dress before Mr. James Collins, a local gentleman who was much more sensible than Charlotte's husband, would arrive at their door. He shared the same surname as Mr. William Collins, but they were not kin in any way.

"And you, I believe, have obligations at our widow neighbor's?" Mr. Bennet asked Mary.

"Yes, Father." Mary dutifully went and gathered her things, wondering if the widow's son would be around.

Mr. Bennet made a move to leave until he heard his own name spoken and, curious as to what would be said, he could not find it in himself to turn around. It was not easy to follow what was being said, but he could make out broken sentences such as intelligent man…eager to share his knowledge…very witty…great sense of humor…makes me laugh…clever remarks and jokes…not afraid to speak his mind and challenge the opinions of others…very honest and loyal…always supportive and respectful…even on days when so ill…very affectionate and romantic…knows how to make me feel special and loved…very attentive and passionate. These words made the gentleman beam. It was only when a knock came at the door that Mr. Bennet left his spot.

"Why, hello, Colonel Fitzwilliam, I thought you were not in the area."

"My regiment returned yesterday morning, I thought to surprise Miss Doyle, I was told she was here. Was I told wrong?"

"You were not." Mr. Bennet smiled and showed the colonel into the parlor where Anne was more than delighted to see him; the two were soon off with Colonel Fitzwilliam's married sister, Fanny, for a late fall ride out in the countryside.

"I think we may have a spring wedding." Adelia smiled as she watched her friend drive off.

"You may be right at that." Another knock came at the door; this time it was Mr. James Collins; Mary left the house soon after.

"I believe we have the house to ourselves, and I have no obligations for at least an hour; do you?" Mr. Bennet did not have to spell anything out for Adelia to know what he was saying.

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Colonel Fitzwilliam proceeded to the village of Meryton with Anne. He showed her where the militia regiment was being quartered for the time being. The soldiers were staying in a large inn near the center of the village, where they had easy access to the shops, pubs, and entertainment. He was delighted when she had no problems mingling with the locals and enjoyed the shops and markets as much as he did. They both loved eyeing what was for sale, and comparing the quality and price of the goods.

"They value junk too highly," Anne whispered to the colonel when he considered buying a vase. It was a large and ornate vase, with colorful flowers and birds painted on it. "It is fake, trust me. I have seen the real deal. That not it."

"I am impressed," he said, putting the vase down. He then asked Anne to point out a vase worth buying, more out of a desire to see just how good she was at knowing her goods than out of a genuine interest in purchasing one.

"That one," she pointed to a blue crackled vase. It was a smaller and simpler vase, but with a delicate and elegant design. The surface of the vase had a network of fine cracks, creating a distinctive effect. "It is worth the price. You could probably sell it for higher." And, because Mr. Darcy had sold her sets of jewelry and invested them wisely, Anne then bought the vase. It was only after the ride that the colonel found out just how good of an eye Mrs. Bennet's friend truly had.

Colonel Fitzwilliam's sister hung back the whole time, observing the pair from a distance. However, her eyes and ears were wide open the whole time. She liked what she saw and heard. Anne was bubbly and warm, polite but not a pushover. That was proved when one of the businessmen attempted to cheat her and Anne called him on it and would not budge until the man admitted his fault. Her language was not vulgar and Anne was shockingly knowledgeable of England and its history, in spite of being a newcomer to its shores.

"I say go for it," Colonel Fitzwilliam's sister told him once Anne was dropped off at Lady Catherine's. Lady Catherine's estate was a magnificent and imposing sight, with a large and stately house, surrounded by well-kept gardens and parkland. "She is a mixture of Elizabeth, Jane, Georgiana, Lady Catherine, and a few other ladies we have known longer."

"I agree. She suits me fine," he said, smiling. He felt a strong attraction and affection for Anne, and hoped that she felt the same for him. He looked forward to seeing her again soon.

Anne would not have been bothered to hear their talk. She enjoyed being around the colonel, he had no problems with what she desired in a marriage and supported the idea of a woman of wealth having a will drawn up before marriage. Therefore, no, Mrs. Doyle would not have had any issue with what the colonel and his sister had been saying.