“Never mind Lady Matlock. Tell me instead where thatmatterstands with you.”
“Close,” said Darcy enigmatically.
The answer left the colonel frustrated by its evasiveness, but generally pleased because, when he had kissed Mrs Cooper’s hand at parting, he had seen her blush deeply whilst smiling at him.
But he forced himself to set aside his own pleasure and said with vehemence, “Please do not hesitate. I watched you, andI found you both quite…close. Do not lose this moment, Darcy. Believe me, she would say yes, and for many good reasons.”
He did not say all that he knew, for Mrs Cooper had in fact hinted, through subtle remarks rather than plain declarations, that Elizabeth too was beginning to recognise and accept her inclination towards Mr Darcy.
It could be her dire situation, or even the beauty of Pemberley, but there was also a feeling that Mrs Cooper had detected before Elizabeth herself became aware of it.
And the colonel trusted Mrs Cooper…a great deal, more than he had ever trusted any woman before, and that trust extended far beyond their shared wish to see Miss Elizabeth and Darcy together.
Chapter 26
“Would you like to rest?” asked Mrs Cooper.
Elizabeth shook her head vigorously. More than ever, she needed to speak to someone.
“We have been given the same apartments,” said Mrs Cooper as they sat in Elizabeth’s parlour, already familiar with the room, for it was the second time they had visited Pemberley.
“Yes, it seems our names are written upon the doors,” Elizabeth replied lightly, though more to conceal the emotion that had overtaken her and which she was unwilling to acknowledge.
“Take care, or I shall grow accustomed to visiting Pemberley,” returned Mrs Cooper.
From her, Elizabeth could conceal very little, if indeed anything at all. It was evident that something had happened that day, though Mrs Cooper was not certain Elizabeth wished to speak of it. Most likely because even she did not yet fully understand what had occurred. Mrs Cooper reflected with amusement that both she and the colonel understood the matter far better than the principal actors themselves, Elizabeth, and Mr Darcy.
“I am persuaded you will receive further invitations, at least while the colonel remains here,” Elizabeth answered.
“Oh, the little kitten has unsheathed her claws,” laughed Mrs Cooper heartily. “I know that strategy, my dear. Attack lest you be attacked.”
“It is not an attack on my part, merely an observation. The colonel informed us that he intended to remain only a week, and now it appears he has extended his stay…”
“He is awaiting his family,” replied Mrs Cooper, and it was her turn to conceal a slight emotion, for she already knew such particulars of the colonel’s life.
“But this conversation is not about me,” she concluded.
“On the contrary, Mrs Cooper, it is about you. I have very little to tell, but you have a great deal.”
“Well, if we are to discuss such matters, you had better call me Agnes. It is odd to exchange confidences in both directions while you call me Mrs Cooper and I call you Elizabeth.”
“Then there will be confidences in both directions?”
“That is certainly my hope. You shall call me Agnes, and then tell me what happened with Mr Darcy.”
“Provided you tell me what happened with Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
“If you call me Agnes…perhaps.”
Both laughed, thoroughly pleased with the arrangement.
“Mr Darcy’s cook makes excellent biscuits,” observed Elizabeth.
They both ate in silence, though each was perfectly certain the silence would not last.
“Mr Darcy invited us to arrive several hours before the others, dear Elizabeth,” Mrs Cooper broke the silence.
“While it seems the colonel also had something to say upon the matter…dear Agnes.”