Colonel Fitzwilliam's Dilemma (7 page)

The ladies joined them, and the conversation became more general. Even before the neighbours arrived, they were a lively party. Lady Catherine attempted to dominate proceedings, but was generally ignored as proper deference was shown to Mrs. Darcy. Joshua considered joining his cousin but she was engaged in animated conversation with Asquith, causing Joshua to wonder if that gentleman could be the cause of the changes in Anne’s demeanour. Indeed, looking up at him as she was at that moment, eyes sparkling, cheeks slightly flushed, she appeared almost pretty.

Joshua noticed Lady Catherine watching them, a slight frown marring her brow. He moved to join Anne and her tutor and engaged the pair in polite conversation. If that was the way the wind blew then Joshua would not stand in his cousin’s way, provided of course Asquith wasn’t just a fortune hunter. He would make it his business to find out a great deal more about his circumstances and satisfy himself on that score.

Still unsure why he felt so relieved to have possibly talked himself out of a comfortable future, the answer became obvious when the door opened and Simpson announced Lord and Lady Briar and Mrs. Sheffield. His eyes were drawn to Mrs. Sheffield as a moth to a flame, and the breath left his body in an audible whoosh. It felt as if his entire life had been leading up to this moment, and his disinclination to marry his cousin now made perfect sense.

The lady who captured his complete attention was extremely beautiful, with a profusion of dark blonde curls, and an adorable air of vulnerability that made Joshua yearn to protect her, even though he was unsure if there was anything she needed to be protected from. Her face was dominated by large, exceedingly blue eyes that showed intelligence and strength of character. Although no longer in mourning, she was modestly gowned in grey silk which clung to her svelte form and sent Joshua’s mind spiralling in all sorts of inappropriate directions.

Joshua Fitzwilliam waited patiently for the introductions to be performed.

Chapter Six

As a general rule, Anne found crowded drawing rooms rather daunting. Either she was dismissed as an irrelevance or people insisted upon talking at her incessantly, ingratiating themselves for reasons of personal advancement. No one seemed interested in her for her own sake and she could think of nothing amusing or interesting to say when people insisted upon singling her out. How very dull they must think her.

This evening, she felt very differently. Everyone appeared relaxed and comfortable with one another, not a sycophantic social climber in sight. One of the advantages of being invisible in a crowd, she soon discovered, was that she could look at Mr. Asquith for as long as she wished, admiring his elegant person and pleasing manners without anyone noticing her growing obsession with that gentleman.

“Are you enjoying the change of scenery, Miss de Bourgh?” As though sensing her watching him, Mr. Asquith approached her and instigated a conversation. Mesmerised, she watched his long fingers curling around the stem of his glass, much as she enjoyed watching them curl around the sides of a book when he read aloud to them, wishing they could be embracing her hand instead. Ye gods, what was happening to her? “Your relatives appear relaxed this evening.”

“Oh…er, yes. I was just now thinking the same thing.” She summoned up a smile, conscious of her mother observing them closely from across the room. She was simultaneously quizzing Georgiana about something, but that did not prevent her from also glaring at Anne. She must take better care not to allow her true feelings to show. Lizzy had already noticed but if Mama had done so surely she would have said something? Still it would be better not to give her any reason to suspect. Her days with Mr. Asquith were numbered, she knew that very well and she was determined to make the most of every last one of them before they were separated for good. “It is a long time since I was last at Pemberley. I had forgotten how much I like it here. Mr. Darcy seems so much less severe since his marriage.”

“From what little I know of Mrs. Darcy, it is my opinion he could not have chosen a more suitable wife.” Mr. Asquith fixed her with a probing glance. “I am so very glad he found her.”

What could he mean by that statement, Anne wondered. Was he aware that her mother had hoped to see her married to Mr. Darcy? Could it really be? Her heart swelled with hope, even though such hope was…well, hopeless. “Yes, as am I.”

“The countryside is very different from Kent.”

“Yes, indeed. The peaks are rugged yet quite starkly beautiful.”

Anne’s heart lurched when she noticed Colonel Fitzwilliam approaching them even though it was unreasonable to suppose she could keep Mr. Asquith to herself for long. She assumed Mama had already spoken with him and he was here to press his suit. Why would he not be? Rosings was a rich prize, well worth a little effort on his part. Anne was surprised and a little ashamed at the uncharitable turn her thoughts had taken. Were it not for Mr. Asquith, she supposed she would not have minded marriage to her cousin too much. He would most likely treat her with kindness. He did not possess Mr. Darcy’s taciturn disposition and had on one or two occasions during his annual visits to Rosings actually made Anne laugh.

Even so, the thought of committing herself to such a man—to any man other than Mr. Asquith—appalled her. She had fallen deeply and passionately in love with a man her mother would never permit her to marry.

“Rain is expected tomorrow,” Colonel Fitzwilliam said, “and Mrs. Darcy is proposing amateur dramatics to keep us all entertained.”

“A play?” Anne frowned. “If you are suggesting I should take part Colonel, I am not sure I could—”

“I have been asked to organise something but it looks as though we will not have enough willing players. Can I persuade you to take pity on me, Miss de Bourgh, and help to make up the numbers?” Mr. Asquith flashed a charming smile that caused Anne to go weak at the knees and sent colour flooding to her cheeks. When he looked at her in that particular manner, making it seem as if only she could save the day, it was impossible to deny him anything. “It would be a sorry way for me to repay Mrs. Darcy’s hospitality if I cannot even interest sufficient players, and so I must throw myself upon your mercy.”

“I have never tried anything like it.” Anne shook her head, horrified at the thought of putting herself forward. “I don’t think I have any natural talent for acting.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed. “That doesn’t stop half of those treading the boards in Drury Lane.”

“It’s the greatest fun imaginable,” Mr. Asquith assured her. “You get the opportunity to pretend to be someone else, which can be quite liberating.”

He spoke as though he appreciated the daily torment she felt at being herself, which should not have surprised Anne. Mr. Asquith understood her in a way no one else ever had, or so she chose to think.

Well, perhaps a minor role, if it would help you.”

“Mr. Asquith!” Mama’s voice cut through the hum of conversation and several heads turned in her direction. “A word, if you please.”

“Excuse me please. Lady Catherine has need of me.”

Mr. Asquith bowed and strolled across the room. If he felt annoyed to have their discourse interrupted by Mama’s autocratic command, he gave no indication of it. Anne watched his retreating back, only tearing her gaze away when she realised Colonel Fitzwilliam had addressed a remark to her and she had not responded.

“I beg your pardon,” she said, aware she was blushing again. “I did not hear what you said.”

“I merely remarked that Mr. Asquith appears to be a first class chap. How long has he been with you?”

“A little more than three months.” Anne’s smile was probably less guarded than it ought to have been, but whenever the conversation turned towards Mr. Asquith she was unable to control her reactions. “And I agree with you. He is very interesting and informative.”

“Then I am glad, for your sake.”

A commotion at the door caused all heads to turn in that direction. Lord and Lady Briars and Mrs. Sheffield were being announced and Anne could sense she had lost Colonel Fitzwilliam’s attention. Mr. Asquith she noticed, glanced at the new arrivals and as quickly looked away again. How strange. It was almost as if he didn’t wish to be seen by them. She noticed her mother dismiss him with a negligent wave of her hand because Mr. Bingley had joined her. Mr. Asquith pleased Anne by returning to her side.

“I understand Mrs. Sheffield’s late husband made his fortune in Jamaica,” she said. “Did you know him, Mr. Asquith?”

“I do not recall the name.”

“I am sure you would not have forgotten Mrs. Sheffield had you met before. She is very beautiful.”

Asquith inclined his head. “I must take your word for that. I had not noticed.”

“Your gallantry does you credit Mr. Asquith, but it is hard for me to believe any gentleman would be blind to such beauty. Indeed, why should he be? Beauty in all its forms ought to be admired.”

“Then if you insist, I shall admire Mrs. Sheffield, but only after we have been introduced.”

***

Lizzy and Will greeted the new arrivals with the greatest of pleasure. Introductions were made, with sufficient deference shown to Lady Catherine to satisfy even her exacting standards. Lizzy stifled a smile, imagining how vexing it must be for Lady Catherine not to be able to find anything obvious to criticise about her conduct. She was not foolish enough to imagine she would escape unscathed, but if Lady Catherine wished to find fault with the manner in which she discharged her social duties then Lizzy would not make it easy for her.

With their relaxed manners and natural charm, Lord and Lady Briars were soon engaged in polite conversation. Lizzy, whose back was aching, felt she could safely leave them and joined Jane, seated on a chaise beside the fire. The sisters had not yet had an opportunity for private discourse. This was hardly the time or the place, but Lizzy was well aware that would not deter them. Whenever they found themselves in one another’s company they picked up where they had left off, almost as though they had never been separated.

“You look hot, my dear. Are you quite comfortable?”

Jane winced. “Not entirely, as you will discover for yourself in another month or so.”

“I should not have asked you to come.”

“I would not have missed it for the world. I so enjoy seeing the improvements in Kitty. She really does seem quite taken with Captain Turner, and he with her.”

“Yes, but we ought not to get our hopes up. The chances of the captain’s father permitting such a match are slim.”

“Why? Because we are not good enough?” Jane smiled. “That might once have been a valid argument but my marriage, and especially yours, have raised our status as a family.”

“True enough I suppose, but it might all come to naught.” Lizzy smiled at her sister. “Let us leave Kitty and her captain to enjoy one another’s company without interference from their old married sisters and talk of other matters. What do you make of Lady Catherine?”

“You would do better to ask me what I make of Mr. Asquith. Now there is an interesting gentleman if ever I saw one.”

“Yes, Anne de Bourgh is very taken with him and doesn’t quite know how to disguise her feelings. He is by far the best thing that could have happened to her. He has brought her out of herself no end. However, I believe Lady Catherine might have cause to regret her decision.” They watched as Lady Catherine called Mr. Asquith to her side for the second time in five minutes so he could perform a menial task that ought to have been executed by a footman. Presumably she was making a point. “I sense trouble brewing.”

“Especially if Lady Catherine has settled upon Colonel Fitzwilliam for her daughter.” Jane hid a smile behind her hand. “Have you observed that he hasn’t been able to remove his gaze from Mrs. Sheffield since she entered the room?”

“Yes, I did notice that.” Lizzy grinned. “Oh dear. Lady Catherine failed to bend Will to her demands and now it looks as though she might fail for a second time.”

“Only if Mrs. Sheffield is attracted to the colonel and has funds of her own. Is not the colonel required to marry for money?”

“I got the impression Mr. Sheffield left his widow well provided for, but of course I know nothing of the particulars.” Lizzy patted her sister’s hand. “Now, tell me about Campden Park. What did you decide about the small sitting room? Shall you change the décor?”

Jane spoke enthusiastically about her new home. Lizzy had viewed it shortly after Mr. Bingley decided to purchase it and liked what she saw. It was a fraction of the size of Pemberley, but still a substantial estate, albeit a trifle neglected. Jane was enjoying herself, bringing it up to date.

“I shall take pleasure in showing it to Louisa and Caroline when they next join us.” Jane frowned. “In fact, I cannot think what could have detained them in London for so long.”

“Perhaps they are being thoughtful and leaving you and your Charles to enjoy one another’s company. Besides, I recall Mrs. Hurst telling me she and her sister planned a visit to Brighton.” Lizzy felt wretched lying to Jane, but it was necessary. “And bear in mind, your purchase of Campden Park and removal north all happened very quickly.”

“That is how Charles does things. Once he makes up his mind about something, he cannot wait to act upon his decision.” Jane grinned. “Do you recall when he took Netherfield? One moment we heard rumours a gentleman was considering it, the next he was installed. He also quit it equally quickly when he thought I did not enjoy his society.”

Lizzy winced. “That is certainly true. No one can accuse your husband of not being a man of action.”

“I would not say this to anyone except you, Lizzy, but much as I enjoy Louisa and Caroline’s society, I have also enjoyed making up my own mind about things at Campden Park. I know their opinions would most likely not have coincided with mine but I would have felt duty bound to take them into account. This way I cannot be accused of ignoring them since they have been invited but have not chosen to come.”

“Well, there you are then.”

“But it is so strange don’t you think? Caroline was so insistent that Charles purchase an estate in this part of the country. She would keep reminding him to do so. But now that he has, she seems to have lost all interest. You are right to say we have only been here for a few weeks but I didn’t think that would deter her. Charles has not said anything to me but I know he finds it curious too.”