Chapter 21

Omg I have not written anything for almost 4 years and I let my little story get pushed to the wayside but I decided to take it back up!

Light filtered through his eye lids and he groaned softly. What had happened to him? He felt like he had been run over by a carriage and horses. Raising his hand up to massage the headache that had started forming, he winched slightly when his fingers grazed the gauze that was wrapped around his head.

"You have finally decided to join us again."

Opening his eyes all of the way, Michael found his commanding officer and friend Colonel Fitzwilliam grinning down at him. Pushing himself up on the elbows and leaning against the headboard of the bed, he grunted. "How long have I been laid up? And what happened?"

Richard took a seat next to Michael and explained what had happened on the battle field. How they had found him crushed under his horse with a leg and head wound. "The doctor said you will be fine and your leg should heal but you might have a limp for the rest of your life. You will have to give up your commission I am afraid."

Sighing he ran a hand over his face and grimaced slightly when his hand came into contact with a full beard. He always made sure he was clean shaven so this would take some getting used to. "I did not see that coming. I had planned on staying with the militia for a few more years until I could find a permanent place of lodging and put my dream into action."

"I thought your dream was to marry Miss Mary Bennet?" Richard asked as he leaned back into his chair and got comfortable.

A small smile came to his lips, "It is one of my dreams. The other one is too build a breeding stable and supply mounts to the military."

"We could definitely use more good quality stock."

"When am I being sent home?"

Leaning forward he braced both elbows on his knees and regarded to friend. "We will all be going back home in the next two weeks. There is not much more we can do here so it is time to head back and pursue other adventures."

Leaning his head back and closing his eyes he sighed. He would be seeing his betrothed in a few weeks and he hoped that she did not run away when he told her that he still planned on marrying her but he did not have a home for them or an occupation to support her.

0000000000

Making his way down the corridor to his study, he racked a hand through his red hair, and wondered where Darcy had gone. They had not spoken much to each other since he had made a fool of himself in front of Miss Bennet. He should have waited to see what his best friend was going to warn him about but like normal he thought he knew it all. He had not seen his friend much in the last few weeks and he figured he was spending the majority of his free time at Longbourn with the Bennet's instead of sitting here and keeping him company. He had not been the greatest company since he had declared himself to Jane Bennet and found himself sitting on the floor in a heap. "What is wrong with me? Why do I always fall for a pretty face but do not look deeper like Darcy has done with Elizabeth Bennet?" he quietly asked himself.

Pushing the study door open, he was disappointed when he did not find Darcy inside. Perhaps a ride to Longbourn was in order. Closing the study door, he left the estate and headed down to the stables to grab his mount. Running a hand along Bo's neck, he gathered the reins and swung into the saddle. It only took a few minutes to reach the estate after he had given Bo his head but he did lose his hat somewhere along the way. He would have to find it when he returned home.

Pulling into the yard, a groom took his horse, and assured him that he would cool him off and put him up in the stable with the other horses. Nodding his thanks, Bingley made his way up the front door but stopped short when he heard laughter from beside the house and decided to head that way to see if he could find Darcy.

He found Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy playing a game of chess on a makeshift table, while Mary and Jane were reading under a tree, but what caught him off guard was a young woman sitting off to the side with a sketch book and pencil in hand, smiling slightly as she peeked up at the couple arguing over their chess game. He recognized her as one of the Bennet sisters but could not remember if it was Lydia or Kitty. She really is a pretty young woman when the sun hits her hair just so. I wonder what color her eyes are?

Bingley shook his head quickly as the thoughts kept going through his head. Had he not already made a fool of himself and told himself not to fall for a young woman just because of her looks.

"Bingely!" Darcy shouted when he spotted his friend. They had not spoken much in the last few weeks but he wanted their friendship to continue like it always had. "What brings you here?" he asked and quickly excused himself from the chess game to shake hands with his friend.

Grinning slightly, Bingley stated, "I needed to get out of the house and I was certain you were here. Do you mind if I join you?" he asked and Darcy nodded quickly when he saw the pained look in his blue eyes.

"Certainly, would you like to play a game of chess? I do believe that Miss Elizabeth is getting tired of having me best her," he grinned at her as she huffed back at him. Bingley could not remember the last time Darcy had smiled at someone so openly.

"You gentleman enjoy a game. I will go and spend some time with my sisters," she said as she rose from her seat on the bench and made her way over to where Kitty was sketching.

Taking the now vacant seat, Bingley glanced at the chess board as Darcy put the pieces back into place to start the game a new but out of the corner of eye he could still see her sketching. "Darcy the young lady with the sketch pad, is she Miss Kitty or Miss Lydia? I can not seem to recall when we first met as I had my head in the clouds and only paying attention to one Miss Bennet."

Moving his pawn, he answered without looking up. "That is Catherine Bennet or as her sisters affectionately call her Miss Kitty. Bingley?"

Glancing up at the tone of voice his friend was using, he questioned, "Yes?"

"Miss Catherine is Elizabeth's younger sister and she would be none too pleased if she found you leering at her the way you are. There is more to a woman than a pretty face and figure. She should be well read, know how to hold a conversation that is more than the weather, and have a hobby that she actually enjoys."

Sighing, Bingley moved his chess piece absently around the board, "I know that now Darcy as I have watched you and Miss Elizabeth together the last few weeks. I did not grow up with parents that married for love so I do not know what I am looking for. Everyone has always told me to find a woman with a pretty face, a nice figure to be able to carry children, and someone who comes from money. I want to find the same love that you have found with Elizabeth."

Glancing at his intended and her sister, a soft smile came to his lips. If a year ago someone would have told him that he would find his future wife out in the country at an estate that was unknown to the ton he would have laughed in their face. "You will find someone Bingley. Perhaps you should take a break from actively looking and just enjoy your time getting to know the country and your new estate."

Grabbing a pawn and capturing one of Darcy's, Bingley sighed again and rubbed his forhead. "I do need to spend more time at the estate and decide how I want to do the crops and go around and meet the rest of the tenants. Are you going to the Assembly tonight?"

"Yes, I plan on escorting Miss Elizabeth and her family. It is the start of the new season and the ladies are getting excited about seeing everyone after the long winter season. How about we call it a game and join the ladies?" standing to his feet Darcy put away the chess board and gestured for Bingley to lead the way.

0000000000

The lights from the Meryton Assembly shown bright as the two horses trotted up the gravel drive. It had been a long and tiring journey home but it felt good to be on their country's soil for good. Shifting his leg slightly to take the pressure off from being on horseback for the last few hours, Michael glanced at his companion. Pulling the horses to a stop, they dismounted and handed the reins to a waiting groom.

Clapping a hand on Michaels shoulder, Richard started up the steps. "Are you ready to meet your lady love?" he asked as a huge grin lite up his face. Stepping into the doorway, they scanned the room for the two people they had been waiting months to see.

Smiling Michael scanned the room and his eyes lit up when he saw her. She was standing next to the refreshment table with her sisters talking to his sister Charlotte. Making his way over to the group, he ignored the other occupants of the room as his eyes were focused on one person. Her back was too him as he approached, but her sisters noticed him, but he held a finger to his lips so they did not ruin the surprise. Clearing his throat, he whispered, "Mary?"

At the sound of his voice, Mary spun around and gasped, "Michael?"

Chuckling at his intended, Michael impulsively grabbed her waist and spun her around. Squealing Mary exclaimed, "Michael put me down!"