The Colonel's Spinster - Audrey Harrison Page 0,60

and surely that is what matters?”

“I expect you will be spouting sonnets when we next meet!”

Fitzwilliam laughed. “I hope not! I don’t wish to frighten Prudence away so early in our acquaintance. She would never agree to a marriage if she hears my bumbling attempts to be romantic with words. Give me a battlefield, and I know exactly what to do. Matters of the heart are a completely different situation to contend with.”

“You managed to talk me around with your flowery words.”

“Oh, I think that had more to do with Mr. Collins than my endeavours.”

“It shall be a long time before I can face him again.”

“Aunt, he is your biggest supporter after your own family.” Fitzwilliam thought it prudent not to point out that Mr. Collins was probably the only one who hung on his aunt’s every word. “Don’t keep him away. You are going to need company over the coming weeks if you are to stay at Rosings. Invite him back soon. You know he will spend the next half dozen meetings apologising to you.”

“I thought things would return to normal. I even had a letter this morning from Mrs. Jenkinson saying that she was well enough to return to her role as Anne’s companion. I suppose I won’t need her now.”

“You like Mrs. Jenkinson, don’t you?”

“She is efficient enough and very obliging.”

“Why don’t you change her terms of employment? Ask her to be your companion.”

“I will have Anne and Mr. Huxley.”

“They will be newlywed. Surely you would not wish to be in their company all of the time? It might be an idea for you to have a companion who can do as you wish. That way you can please yourself more than if you were alone with Anne and Mr. Huxley.”

“Your suggestion does have some merit,” Lady Catherine admitted.

“Give Mrs. Jenkinson a pay rise as would befit her new position.”

“That would be unnecessary.”

“You do not wish for it to be known that you promote servants without suitable recompense, surely?”

Lady Catherine’s ever-present glare ratcheted up a notch. “No.”

“Perfect. That’s settled then. I shall make arrangements to travel to London in the morning,” Fitzwilliam said.

“I suppose you are very pleased with all your organising and interference in my life.”

“Not at all. I shall hand that baton back to Darcy as soon as he is able to leave Pemberley once more. I find being the placating nephew a far easier prospect.”

“Impudent pup!”

Chapter 20

Fitzwilliam travelled back to London after he had written to Darcy, Prudence, and Mr. Huxley, updating them of the progress he had made. He knew Anne would be happy, and although he had cursed Huxley to the devil, he understood completely what his motivation had been. He ached to see Prudence again and hoped that it would only be a few days before he set out once more for Manchester.

He had some thinking to do before his journey north. Prudence had made it quite clear that she wanted to remain near her father and her life in Manchester. He was based in London. He would have to speak to his senior officer about what his options were. He would happily resign his commission to be with Prudence, but that would take away his only form of income. He had tried to think of alternatives, but at the moment he had no choice other than to remain with his cavalry regiment.

Yes, Prudence was a wealthy heiress, but his pride would not allow him to offer for her when he had absolutely nothing to offer but himself. It was the only cloud on his otherwise hopeful horizon.

Arriving in London a few days after leaving his aunt, he strolled into the barracks, greeting fellow officers. Noticing that something was amiss, he sought out his commanding officer.

“Sir, has there been a resurgence of Boney? There are many men and horses missing,” he asked.

“Not Boney, but there has been some unrest. We have deployed troops to help keep order in some of the towns and cities across the country. I could hardly believe that a poor harvest could result in rioting.”

“Rioting? Whatever for?”

“It’s all tied up with the blasted corn laws. Have you not been keeping abreast with the newspapers?”

“No. To be honest I haven’t sat down with a newspaper for days. I have been dealing with a family crisis,” Fitzwilliam said.

“Yes, you mentioned that’s why you needed a leave of absence. Everything sorted now?”

“Yes. We have reached the point where my assistance is no longer required.”

“Good. You will have little time to