That afternoon saw the arrival of Darcy's cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam.
With the colonel's arrival the 'throuple' were all a bit apprehensive at dinner. The colonel, always the observer, noticed with curiosity everyone's demeanor. He had no idea what, but he had a feeling there was something amiss.
The discourse in the drawing room was everything jovial and when the ladies all retired the colonel told Darcy he was tired and also wished to retire.
Darcy excused himself to his study unbeknownst to him that the colonel was in fact not tired and planned a bit of reconnaissance.
When Darcy returned to his study, after spending some time with his betrothed, through the secret door, he found the colonel sitting at his desk sipping brandy.
"Well cousin I see you were not tired this evening."
"Fitzwilliam! I thought you had gone to bed."
"Yes I see that you did. Would you like to explain where you were just now?"
"I would rather not."
"Let me put it another way, Darcy, either explain yourself or I will summon everyone down and you can explain it then."
Darcy had no choice and he knew it. He explained the situation, only after he had the assurance of secrecy from the colonel.
"Both!" exclaimed the colonel. "I have never in my life been so jealous of anyone."
Darcy couldn't help but be a bit proud of himself. "And they are so different. A gentleman wouldn't elaborate further, if you only knew the differences, you would want to run me through for being so fortunate."
"I want to run you through now simply for their respective beauty. If you say anymore I just might."
"Now that you know, perhaps you can help. We can't keep this up forever without being detected."
The colonel took another sip of Brandy and thought he might just have a solution indeed.
The next morning Darcy waited for Elizabeth as usual, she entered and upon seeing him alone, jumped in his lap and gave him a hard kiss.
"As much as I enjoy our evenings, my dear, I think I most anticipate how I am to be greeted in the mornings."
Elizabeth feigned being insulted and said. "Mr Darcy I am shocked you think so little of our evenings, sir."
"My dear I think the point was how much I look forward to your morning greetings."
"Well I will thank you for that part of your speech. Elizabeth said with a smile.
"If we can be serious for a moment I do have news to share that you may not find so much to your liking."
Elizabeth braced herself for the worst while Darcy related to her all that transpired with Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Jane entered the breakfast room with a bright smile but soon detected the serious mood within and braced herself. It was Darcy that broached the subject.
"My dear sister last night the Colonel was lying in wait and discovered our secret. I blame myself, I should have been more careful."
Jane sighed. She knew this day would come but wished not so soon. Just then Elizabeth offered some hope.
"Dearest, the colonel might have a solution to our situation. He has a close comrade in the army that has sustained some injuries."
Jane was very confused so Elizabeth elaborated.
"His injuries are such that he can no longer perform in the bedroom nor father any children. He cannot stay in the army and has no decent prospects.. He is a gentleman and comes from a respectable family and the colonel thinks might be willing to help us."
"I am sorry, sister, but I still don't follow."
Darcy decided to be blunt. "The idea is for you and he to marry."
"What!" Jane exclaimed
Elizabeth added. "Jane, if you and he married we could go on as we are without detection. The colonel assures he is the best of men and if you should become with child no one could question it."
Darcy interjected. "All we are asking is that he be allowed to meet us and then we can discuss this further. Let me be clear, dear Jane, nothing will happen without your uncoerced approval."
Jane let all that had been said resonate and gave her approval.
The colonel was informed and he set out to find his friend and bring him back forth with.
The colonel and Darcy were in the study trying to explain the situation to a very stunned Captain Carter.
"All we are asking of you is to be my guest here and meet everyone. No decisions by anyone need be made now." Darcy suggested.
Captain Carter reluctantly agreed for the colonel's sake but he truly did not think he could do what they were asking of him.
He was brought to the drawing room where Elizabeth and Jane were having tea and introductions were made.
To say the mood was awkward would be an understatement but luckily for all of them the always affable colonel was there to lead the room in jovial discourse.
They all soon relaxed and laughed at the stories the colonel was relaying, all knowing, although based in truth, were being embellished for effect.
Captain Carter was quite taken by Jane's beauty and serene demeanor and asked her if she would honor him with a walk in the garden, which she agreed to.