Notes: Sorry for the delay. This Friday I'm traveling again and I'm going to post very little in the coming weeks. The story is already finished, I just have to translate it.
PPP
Among Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam's paramount attributes was his exceptional faculty for observation, a skill that had proven indispensable in preserving his life amidst the perilous trials of battle.
Thus, he acutely perceived the change in the expression on Darcy's face the moment his gaze fell upon Miss Elizabeth Bennet. His eyes illuminated as he meticulously followed the movements of the beautiful young woman, and he also listened carefully to every word she said. Never before had he witnessed his cousin bestow such rapt attention upon a lady.
Naturally introverted, Georgiana initially grappled with self-consciousness and responded only in succinct phrases. However, within a brief span of minutes, she found herself engaging in lively conversation, particularly with Kitty and Mrs. Bennet. She was delighted to meet such an amicable and welcoming group of young women, who would be staying in Ramsgate for several weeks. Additionally, Mrs. Bennet struck her as a particularly kind and motherly lady.
By coincidence, the house that Mrs. Bennet had leased was a short distance from Darcy's residence. Therefore, the seven of them returned together to their respective homes.
As they arrived at the Bennets' house, to Georgiana's delight, Mrs. Bennet extended an invitation for her to join them for tea that afternoon.
PPP
As soon as Georgiana retreated to practice her French lessons, Richard, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, remarked, "Darcy, I must confess my astonishment that you neglected to inform me that you had the pleasure of encountering such pretty and vivacious young ladies in Hertfordshire."
At first, Darcy was inclined to retort that he had failed to notice their allure, but he merely inclined his head in a curt, almost imperceptible nod.
With a mischievous smile, the Colonel added, "In addition to her many charms, Miss Bennet is the sole owner of an estate. Indeed, she is an exceptionally advantageous match for a gentleman of my situation."
With a frown, Darcy listened as the Colonel added, "Fortuitously, she will be staying in Ramsgate for several weeks, which will give me the chance to get to know her much better…"
Darcy interrupted him with evident irritation, "Miss Bennet, you must remember, is the daughter of a gentleman. She is an innocent young lady from the countryside, quite different from the society ladies you usually consort with."
"For heaven's sake! Do you genuinely believe I would take advantage of Miss Bennet? Never in my life have I engaged in the frivolous amusement of trifling with a young lady's affections!" Staring straight into Darcy's eyes, he paused before deciding to speak plainly, "I have observed how your gaze lingers upon Miss Bennet, and If my perception is not amiss, you admire her."
Conscious of Richard's keen observational abilities and understanding of his character, Darcy reluctantly consented. A smile spread across Richard's face as he inquired, "You are presented with an exceptional opportunity to advance your suit. Will you seize this moment and turn in it to your advantage?"
With a sigh, and candidly replied, "I have no idea. Honestly, I never anticipated encountering her here. In fact, I had resigned myself to the notion that our paths would never cross again."
Surprised, Richard inquired, "Why ever not? "Has not Bingley leased an estate just a few miles from Miss Bennet's estate?"
With another sigh, Darcy shook his head, "Bingley will not be returning to Netherfield Park."
Richard appeared even more shocked, prompting Darcy to explain further. "Bingley has succumbed to the allure of a beautiful, insipid, blonde woman. She embodies the very essence of the women Bingley typically falls in love. His angels. Nevertheless, this specific woman harbors a duplicitous nature, a scheming fortune hunter. Both his sister and I vehemently urged him to depart from Netherfield, a strategic retreat to aid him forget about her and avoid a potential compromise."
Richard chuckled. "Naturally, the ever-compliant Bingley obeyed your every command…"