It was an early start for some of the Netherfield occupants the following morning. Wickham showed more reasonable behaviour than the previous evening and Denny seemed resigned to his fate of having to marry his friend's younger sister. After Denny committed to accept responsibility, Wickham pressed for the earliest possible date for the wedding. At first, Denny was reluctant to agree to his suggestion and attempted to negotiate for more time. However, Darcy intervened and lent his support to Wickham's idea, pointing out the possible delicate condition of the bride and the declining health of the mother.
"I think that went as well as could be expected," Colonel Fitzwilliam remarked after the two younger men had left the room to prepare for travelling that same day. Bingley had also excused himself to attend to some correspondence.
Darcy merely nodded solemnly in response.
"I did not expect you to offer to cover the cost of a common licence and the wedding," the colonel voiced his disapproval of Darcy providing more financial assistance to a man who had treated others abominably numerous times in the past, their own family included.
"Miss Wickham could be with child. It would also not be good for Mrs Wickham's suffering to be compounded with worries about her daughter," Darcy explained in a low voice.
"You are still paying for her --"
"She... may not have much longer to live."
The colonel sighed then continued, "I know you have the means, but I could never understand why you continue to help their family after everything that Wickham did."
"Their mother's illness is not his doing, nor is his sister's predicament."
The colonel could only shake his head at his cousin whose serious outwardly appearance disguised his generous heart.
"Just think, in a short while, Wickham will be out of Netherfield so he can see to Denny marrying his sister."
"He would still be back in Meryton to join the militia. What happens if he regains all of his memory?"
"He should remember not to engage in anything unscrupulous. We could easily secure a longstanding stint for him in debtors' prison."
While Darcy spoke those words, the door opened and in came Elizabeth.
"Oh, I am ever so sorry to intrude. I – I shall leave you to your private discussion." Her words came out in a rush, and she quickly turned to exit.
"Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. Please come and join us," the colonel invited, noticing his cousin stood gazing at the young lady after bowing.
"Are you sure? I am happy to come back later," she spoke, waiting for Darcy to approve of her staying.
"Never mind my cousin. He could always read some Latin poetry in the far corner. Or he could stare at us while we talk about him."
"I would rather not to become an object of his ire. The punishment may be too severe," she spoke in a light-hearted tone. "Mr Darcy, would it be in your capacity to be able to tolerate my presence?"
"I reckon I could do much more than that," the man finally responded, a small smile forming on his lips. "It is not often that I have the pleasure of being in the company of someone who enjoys reading and discussing books the way you do."
"I am gratified to learn that your opinion of me seemed to have improved upon further acquaintance, sir, though I must inform you that I would prefer to avoid discussing books in a ballroom."
"I shall endeavour to keep that in mind."
The colonel found it interesting how his reserved cousin interacted with this young lady. He wondered if this was Darcy's notion of flirting – engaging a woman in verbal intellectual sparring. Elizabeth's comportment seemed so natural that the colonel had no reason to believe that she was actively trying to entice the man. In all likelihood, she was not even conscious of his cousin's regard for her. Outside of their close relatives and a few select friends, he could not recall Darcy displaying such easygoing manners with another person, especially with someone of the opposite sex. It was a shame that he could not remain longer to watch any development between the pair as he would be accompanying Wickham and Denny later that day.
"Miss Elizabeth, I heard that you are fond of walking. Would you care for a quick turn about the house? The skies look a lot brighter today which is a welcome sight. I should like to have a stroll around the property before I leave Netherfield," the colonel addressed the lady after a while.
"Of course, colonel! We have been kept indoors for far too long. I have been longing for some exercise and fresh air," Elizabeth happily accepted.
"Perhaps Bingley would like to venture outside before breakfast. He would be able to talk more about the estate. He has been quite eager to do a survey of the grounds after the spate of bad weather we have had."
"He could still be in his study. I shall go and ask."
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Meanwhile, Caroline gleaned from interrogating her sister Louisa that the book she had brought into her room last night had been in the hands of Colonel Fitzwilliam. It brought her no small measure of excitement that the note that had fallen out from the pages of the book could have been written by a man who hailed from such a prominent family. She thought better than to reveal the message or even its existence to her sister for she feared her hopes might be discouraged. Occupied with indulging on her fantasies, she barely listened to what other reports Louisa had to share. She now faced a huge dilemma of choosing between two eligible bachelors. Should she let go of her ambition to become mistress of Pemberley? Should she shift her attentions to Mr Darcy's cousin instead, who was not such a poor contender for a husband given his connections in society?
"… due to leave sometime after breakfast today --"
"Who is leaving today?"
"Colonel Fitzwilliam will be leaving with Mr Wickham --"
"What? Today? I have not even had the chance to see him!"
"I am sure it is perfectly understandable given you have been unwell –"
"I am feeling much recovered now! I need to see him! Tell him to wait!" Caroline suddenly felt a burst of energy, began moving about and immediately rang for her maid. She would not want to miss the opportunity of meeting the distinguished officer. In her mind, she was convinced that the colonel must have seen her in Town before while in attendance at some ball or other social event.
"Caroline! I cannot tell the colonel to wait. He is not one to be ordered around," Louisa replied, confused by her sister's reaction.
"But he is in our house! Could you make sure that cook prepares the best we have to offer for breakfast? I shall be down shortly."
With a maid who did her best to get the demanding lady of the house dressed in the shortest amount of time, Caroline soon deemed herself suitably presentable.
Deciding to locate her brother first so she could ascertain the plans for the day, she directly proceeded to Charles's study. She would plead with her brother to persuade the colonel to extend his stay. A few soft knocks on the door did not elicit an answer so she slowly opened it and peered inside. Making a swift resolution, she entered nervously, careful not to make any noise, then closed the door. Her brother was nowhere to be seen, but someone else was within.
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Subject to editing