Elizabeth listened with some consternation to this strange salutation, which was most out of character in its repetitions and deviations. What on earth could have happened to provoke such unaccountable behaviour in Colonel Fitzwilliam? Really, amongst the extraordinary actions of the Colonel, Georgiana, Anne de Bourgh, Lady Catherine, and the Viscount, Elizabeth was beginning to feel positively incapable of adjudging if she herself were destined for Bedlam, or was it—alternatively—that nearly all her family would soon be found thither?

“It is like-wise a delight to see you, dear Colonel Fitzwilliam—Viscount. You have been much in our thoughts these past weeks, and we are all most anxious to be of service to your family.”

“Pray, call me what you have always called me—I cannot bear to hear that title, as it most painfully brings my brother to mind. Please forsake the etiquette out of your kind compassion for my feelings. You know not how much I depend upon your kindness, Elizabeth, and the kindness of all your family.”

“Of course, Colonel. Who could oppose such a plea? But won’t you sit down? I would like to hear all your news, good or otherwise, for the sake of both relieving your mind and answering my own questions. Would you like some coffee?”

The Colonel waved away the offer of refreshment, as Elizabeth sat down upon the settee, inviting her cousin to take the chair opposite. Fitzwilliam made to sit, but resolved immediately to receive at once the information that would make him either the happiest of mortals, or the most miserable, and so asked Elizabeth about their journey from Geneva. Elizabeth was expansive in her praise of the Comte.

“We were met at Créteil by the Comte himself, and were never out of his care until we boarded at Calais. He assumed all of the burthens for the collection and packing of our things upon himself and his servants. In retrospect, I do not know how we could have managed it—French tradesmen can be so awkward about concluding any business, once they have received their payment. But the Comte is a most determined gentleman—he reminds me exceedingly of Mr. Darcy in that and other ways—and saw to everything. He certainly left nothing for us to do, although we are not nearly so incapable as to require such assiduous attention. And, as you know, Georgiana can converse like a true Frenchwoman, she is so proficient.”

“Did he travel to Calais with you?” asked Colonel Fitzwilliam.