Colonel Fitzwilliam smirked as he came out from behind the large bush in Netherfield’s gardens. “What if I refuse? What will you do then, Lizzy?”
Lizzy growled, “I will challenge you to a duel. Foils. Right here, right now, colonel.”
“You wish to fence with me?” Richard exclaimed, “You do realise that I am a colonel in the army? I have fought wars and killed men with my pistol and sword.”
Lizzy huffed, “And yet you are no gentleman to say such words to my dearest sister. How dare you say that Jane is tolerable but not tempting enough to dance with? She is the most beautiful young woman I know! I heard you speaking with John Lucas behind the punch table last night and yet you refuse to apologise. You are despicable, sir!”
“I was only jesting, Lizzy! I could apologise if you do not believe me but I think I would rather have you duel with me. I want to see how much you have improved since the last time I saw you fence.” Richard laughed.
“I have the foils here,” Lizzy nodded at Mary and Maria Lucas who were holding the weapons as instructed. “The tips are covered so I do not actually hurt you, but whoever is hit first will lose.”
Jane was standing off to the side with Kitty and Georgiana, who appeared frightened, and Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne were on the other side laughing.
Mr. Darcy shouted, “You must take her challenge now, Colonel! Do not be a disgrace. I will bet ten pounds that Lizzy will beat you, nephew. You will not last five minutes!”
Richard chuckled as he took off his coat. “Challenge accepted.” He took the foil from Maria Lucas and smirked, “If I win, Lizzy, you will be at my beck and call to amuse me with your stories until I return to my post in London. I will have a week of entertainment to help me sleep. Is that a deal?”
“Deal. If I win, you will teach me how to fire a pistol. I have been wanting to learn for so long and you will be a good teacher.” Lizzy smiled confidently as Richard nodded in agreement.
“En garde! Prêtes?” Richard took his pose to begin.
Lizzy took a deep breath and gathered up her skirts. “Allez!” She commanded.
Richard began his strikes as Lizzy parried his attacks and lightly stepped from one side to the other. Richard continued his thrusts as he attempted to find one point of contact.
“Your technique is all wrong, Richard,” Lizzy easily avoided his advance and quickly struck him on the centre of his chest. She stood straight and bowed while Richard remained frozen that he had lost to her nearly instantaneously.
“How in the world did you do that?” Richard asked when he came to his senses.
Lizzy laughed. “You began your attack first and I observed how you swung your foil. Will taught me to wait for the opponent to begin first so I can see if he will be a patient or an impatient one and you were impatient. All of your fighting with the French has taught you to rush your attack and you swung your foil as if you are attacking with a large sabre instead.” She handed her weapon to Jane who was beaming. “You left your centre unprotected and there was a large open target when you lifted up your arm to strike.”
Richard immediately bowed deeply and spoke reverently, “I have been fairly beaten by a true master. My sincerest apology to Miss Jane Bennet, for speaking such falsehood, although I must add that I was jesting and explaining to Lucas, that anyone would be a fool if he thought Jane was only tolerable and not tempting enough to dance with. I thought you looked very lovely, Miss Bennet.” He grinned as he stood upright. He turned to Lizzy, “I will teach you how to shoot a pistol myself, little lady.” He embraced her as he beamed. “Thank you for showing me your fantastic skills. William has taught you well and you are certainly no one I would ever offend. Hey!” Richard exclaimed as he lifted up his head. “I see William approaching! What is he doing here? I thought he was not due back for another several months!”
Everyone turned around to see Fitzwilliam Darcy standing twenty yards away with a solemn look on his face. He had arrived from his Grand Tour earlier than expected and took everyone by surprise.
Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne ran over to embrace him with Georgiana in tow, while the others held back to give the family a moment to reunite.
“What in heavens are you doing back, William?” Lady Anne cried out. “It is so good to see you! You have grown even taller!”
Mr. Darcy hugged his son and William kissed the top of his sister’s head as they all spoke over each other in joy.
“Knightley’s father fell ill and we had to return sooner than planned. His brother had been managing the estate for years already but it seems Mr. Knightley will finally pass in the near future.” William answered. He looked up and saw Lizzy conversing easily with Richard at the distance.
“Is that truly Lizzy?” William asked no one in particular. “She looks so... she is not the same girl I left behind...”
Lady Anne hid her smile, “No, son. She is certainly not. She is all grown up and is a lady now. There have been many changes and many more to come, William. I promise you.”
More adventures in Book 3...
