George Darcy slipped several cubes of cheese under the table to his Dalmatians, Rex and Regina. “I agree they are not the money-grubbing, uncouth merchants I had expected and would not be opposed to furthering the acquaintance. I found Mr. Gardiner to be a man of intelligence and good moral character, and the only reservation I have about the entire evening is the trite sense of humour enjoyed by the Bennet family and their relatives.”

The couple was soon joined by their three offspring. As Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, and Anna took their places at the table, their parents were concerned the Bennet influence and trite sense of humour may have rubbed off on their eldest as he tucked into his breakfast, grinned, and said, “A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat, and I believe there are four dogs under the table enjoying a swine and cheese party.”

Before long, the two men separately took their leave. Lady Anne, Georgiana, and Anna decided to go for a stroll in their townhouse garden. The three ladies shared their impressions from the night before, and Georgiana expressed her concern Elizabeth might favour Lieutenant-Colonel Dun over her more deserving brother.

Lady Anne replied, “Georgie, from my limited observations, Miss Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam are forming a rather strong attachment; and although the officer is certainly a fine, attractive young man, I cannot believe she would prefer him over your brother. Still and all, as a doting mother, I just might be an impartial judge of the matter.”

Her mother’s smile went unnoticed by Georgiana because her mind’s eye was focused on the future, and that future involved her dear friend becoming her dear sister. She knew, without a doubt, Elizabeth was the perfect match for her beloved brother. “Mother, would you actually approve of Miss Elizabeth as a match for Fitzwilliam?”

“As you know, my exposure to the young lady has been limited to two dinner engagements, but from what I have gleaned, she comes from a good family, is a healthy woman, and seems just the sort of clever wife your brother needs. Miss Elizabeth does bring out his hidden liveliness. Although your father had hoped Fitzwilliam might marry a lady with a title or wealth, you know my wishes are only for your brother’s and your own future happiness. So, if she encourages him to loosen up and be jocular, then yes, I would approve wholeheartedly.”

Like Georgiana, Anna also rejoiced in her parent’s apparent acceptance. “I am very pleased you like Elizabeth, Mother; yet I am afraid there is someone of our acquaintance who does not share our fond regard for the lady.”

Lady Anne looked askance at her youngest daughter, and Anna turned to her older sister for support in broaching the subject of Caroline Bingley. Georgiana explained the snub and nasty attitude Elizabeth had graciously suffered through at the Royal Academy. Their mother was not at all pleased to hear of Miss Bingley’s catty treatment of the young lady who was her daughters’ good friend and just might, possibly, even become part of the Darcy family in the future.

Her vexation was slightly aggravated when Anna said, “Yes, Mother, it was horrid of Miss Bingley to try and steal away Elizabeth’s self-esteem that afternoon. Why, it was daylight snobbery!”

Before Lady Anne could open her mouth to chide Anna for such poor taste, a servant appeared and announced Mr. Ellis Fleming had arrived to see Miss Darcy and that he had been shown to the drawing room to wait.

A blissful smile spread across Georgiana’s face, and she said, “Finally he is here! It has been such a long time, and I cannot wait another minute. Mother, I have been expecting him for hours so may I please run ahead this very second and greet him?”

“Yes, yes, go ahead, Georgiana; but the drawing room door remains open until one of us arrives to watch over you.”

After breakfasting with his family, Fitzwilliam Darcy met Colonel Fitzwilliam for a ride in the park before going to Whites to join their friends. They avoided the throng by taking the road less traveled. When he was sure they would not be overheard, Darcy pulled up alongside his cousin.

“Fitz, do you happen to know a Lieutenant-Colonel John Dun?”

“Yes, not well mind you; still, our paths have crossed on occasion. He is an exemplary officer, from a fine family, an amiable fellow well liked by both his subordinates and superiors, and, I believe, much admired by the ladies. Why do you ask?”

Darcy had hoped to hear Dun was a deplorable and disobedient soldier, held in contempt by his fellow officers, penniless, and a gambling rakish reprobate. He could then have told Georgiana; and she could have, in turn, warned her friend away from such a good-for-nothing rogue. He wished Lieutenant-Colonel Dun far away in Portugal and suddenly remembered the conversation Miss Elizabeth had with them in Pemberley’s drawing room. “No particular reason. That said, do you remember Miss Elizabeth Bennet knew about some secret Portuguese fortifications?”

“Thunder and turf! Are you implying this Lieutenant-Colonel Dun has been revealing military secrets or that Miss Elizabeth is involved in espionage?”

“Good God, no! The lady is most certainly not a spy. All the same, what would be the ramifications if an officer divulged such sensitive information?”

“Bloody hell, man! It might well be treason; and the consequences would be damn dire, indeed, Darcy.”

“Then, no, I am definitely not implying any such thing.”

“Cousin, if you know of traitorous activity, it is your duty to cry rope on those involved so an investigation can be conducted.”

“Really, Fitz, do not make this into a Cheltenham tragedy; it is merely a bag of moonshine.”

“I find your end of this conversation to be too smoky by half, Darcy. Nevertheless, if you insist there has been no wrongdoing, I shall let it be for now. Regardless, I intend to keep an eye on Lieutenant-Colonel Dun henceforth.”

“Is there any chance you could arrange to have the bloody, ruddy bloke shipped to the continent?”

“Gah! Just what, exactly, is your problem with John Dun, cousin?”

“My only objection to the odious officer is that he is an obstruction to my obtaining … ”

“Stop searching, right now, for words that start with ‘o’ Darcy; or I swear I will plant you a facer and draw your cork. Speak normally and quickly, man. If I do have to draw your claret, I might need to change my bloodstained uniform before we are due at Whites; I have a meeting at headquarters later in the day.”

Darcy knew he did not have a fighting chance against his cousin, as the military man could very well land him a facer. Therefore, he succinctly explained his ardent admiration for the alluring Miss Elizabeth Bennet. This information, however, was old news to his cousin, as he had already witnessed it at Pemberley. What vexed Colonel Fitzwilliam was the extent of Darcy’s jealousy of Dun. “That is utterly despicable, Darcy. I cannot believe you would stoop so low as to jeopardize an army officer’s career simply because you are attracted to his lady.”