An Unexpected Ally

Part 5

Whilst Netherfield had never really been "home" to Darcy, it felt even less warm and welcoming than ever before as he strode along the deserted corridors to reacquaint himself with his new temporary lodgings.

He was grateful to Charles for offering it to him, although he felt a little awkward at forcing the staff to reopen everything for the sake of one inhabitant. Catching sight of their housekeeper, he paused a moment to advise her that as he was only to be staying - alone - for a few days, he would like her to reassure the staff that they need go to no particular trouble on his account.

"Oh!" He turned, catching her before she scurried away. "And I shall be dining at Longbourn this evening, so please advise the kitchen that there is no need to prepare a meal."

"Very good, Mr Darcy," she murmured, dipping in a curtsey before hurrying off.

Darcy straightened, making his way to the parlour and shivering a little. Despite the bright spring weather, there was still a chill in the air and he strode over to the fireplace, where a meagre measure of coals fed a few feeble flames. Reaching for the poker, he agitated the embers, getting a little more heat that warmed him but was still not conducive to comfort.

Abandoning the attempt and feeling strangely perturbed to be so unsettled by isolation, Darcy made his way towards the stables, borrowing one of Netherfield's horses and riding the short distance to Meryton, thinking he would find some gift he might bring to Longbourn that evening. Some spring flowers for Mrs Bennet, perhaps, or something sweet the family might share.

Darcy was naturally generous, although he lacked friends upon whom to dote, and his errands cheered him so that he was soon laden down by flowers, a bottle of brandy and all manner of foodstuffs sufficient that he was forced to place the whole lot into a crate and send it on ahead of him, for he would never manage to carry it on his horse. He scratched out a brief note for Mr and Mrs Bennet, thanking them for their hospitality and sending a token of his appreciation before this evening's meal, and continued on his way, not quite ready to return home to the empty shell of Netherfield Park.

He was not aware of it but by some coincidence, his feet took him on a circuitous route past the regimental barracks, and he found himself scanning the crowd of milling red-coats for his cousin.

Richard is, after all, my reason for being here, he reminded himself. He would appreciate the chance to speak to his cousin alone before they were thrust together once again in front of an audience.

"Darcy?"

Richard had spotted him first and Darcy turned, surprised and pleased that he would not have to go to any greater lengths to find him.

"I thought that was you! What on earth are you doing here?" Richard smiled as he walked, reaching Darcy just in time to greet him properly, with a warm handshake. His smile dimmed a little. "Georgiana is not with you." It was not quite a question.

Darcy shook his head.

"I thought it prudent she stay in London. I do not plan on being here long." He forced a smile, wishing he could feel a fraction of the ease Richard seemed to embody. "I came to escort Miss Mary Bennet home. When I heard she would be making the journey alone it seemed only right to ensure she travelled safely. And I have an errand or two to attend to on Bingley's behalf. I wonder if I can persuade you to walk with me for a quarter-hour. It is so long since we saw each other, Cousin, and -"

"Unfortunately not." Richard sighed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "But I can spare you a few minutes if you are not averse to spending them in my room?" He clutched a handful of papers. "I must take these inside and remain where I may be found." He rolled his eyes. "The delights of running a regiment, I can't begin to tell you. Come, walk with me."

Darcy fell into step beside him, allowing his cousin to escort him through the rambling barracks and through a heavy door to a small room containing a desk and a few chairs, and with a roaring fire in the hearth.

"Excellent, they must have known we were coming." Richard chuckled, dropping his pile of papers on the desk and pausing a moment before the fire to absorb its heat. "You'll take a brandy?" He reached for the bottle and poured two glasses without waiting for Darcy's response. "Here." He passed him a glass, taking a sip from his own and grimacing. "It can't compete with your usual, but -"

"It's fine." Darcy swallowed half of it in one bitter gulp. "Thank you."

Richard sank heavily into his chair and Darcy feigned interest in a framed landscape on the wall. He was not unaware of Richard's scrutiny, so it did not come as a complete surprise when his cousin raised a question in his direction.

"So why are you here? There must be some reason, especially if you are here alone."

Darcy took a long moment to respond, taking another sip of his drink and turning back to meet his cousin's gaze.

"I came to see you," he said at last, selecting a chair opposite Richard and folding himself carefully into it. "You could hardly expect me not to make the journey when I knew you were here. It is not far."

"I see." Richard steepled his fingers, leaning his chin into them.

"And..." Darcy sighed, realising there would be no way to have this conversation without actually having it. "I hear congratulations are in order." He lifted his glass in a show of a salute. "It seems you are to be married."

Richard laughed, a slow, grim laugh, so unlike his usual that Darcy frowned.

"Am I misinformed?"

"You are...informed." Richard leaned back in his chair, shaking his head in disbelief. "It seems the whole world is cognizant of my plans before I am even certain of them myself."

Darcy surveyed his cousin carefully. Then...all of this was a mistake? He could not be so fortunate.

"But you and Miss Bennet -"

"I have asked her to marry me," Richard said, nodding slowly. "I have asked and she has accepted." He could not keep his lips from curving upwards into a smile. "Although we have yet to mention it to her parents. Mr and Mrs Bennet..."

"Are sure to agree." Darcy had never seen his cousin hesitant about a single thing in his life: it was this that had driven him into the regiment, and this that had gained him rank, fortune, reputation.

"I'm glad you think so." Richard grinned. "I hadplanned to ask them tonight."