As she descended the stairs, she wondered with considerable apprehension whether the gentleman intended to end her understanding with the colonel before it had properly begun, to avoid future complications. She entered determined to remain calm and to give no answer at all, for whatever existed between herself and the colonel, if indeed anything existed, was theirs alone to resolve.
Yet Darcy’s expression was far removed from arrogance. She did not know him particularly well, but it even seemed to her that he was the embarrassed one.
He began speaking immediately, as though anxious to conclude the conversation as quickly as possible.
“I take the liberty of asking a favour of you, for lately I have felt that a very friendly understanding has been established between us.”
“Anything, Mr Darcy,” replied Mrs Cooper, relieved and pleased to grant him whatever favour she could.
“It is entirely unusual and, in some respects, beyond the limits imposed by decorum.”
“I assure you that does not alarm me.”
“You know how much Miss Elizabeth means to me.”
“I do.”
A single glance was enough to tell him that she knew everything that had passed between them, and the knowledge seemed to reassure him.
“She would never accept assistance for her family in any form.”
“Without question. All who love her think the same. We assist them by trying not to let them see that we are helping.”
“Exactly. I realise that the pride so often criticised in other circumstances remains the very wall that protects their dignity.”
Mrs Cooper nodded in complete agreement.
“In short, the miniature I intend to give her is…exceptionally valuable. It is a Hellenistic sardonyx cameo, mounted in an eighteenth-century gold case. It was acquired by my grandfather during his Grand Tour and regarded by my mother as one of the treasures of the Pemberley collection.”
The astonishment upon Mrs Cooper’s face encouraged him to continue.
“There is no other way in which I can help her. I have spent days and nights considering how it might be done without her knowing or understanding.”
Mrs Cooper nodded, yet some of the joy she had felt at his confidence in her began to fade. It suddenly became clear why he was making such a gift. Had he expected Miss Elizabeth to become his wife, there would have been little need for such precautions. One day, Elizabeth would have had access to all that was his. This extraordinary provision could only mean that he foresaw no such future, yet wished to protect her all the same.
“Mrs Cooper, my mother knew exactly what each miniature was worth. This one was valued fifteen years ago at four or five thousand—”
“Pounds?” she asked, genuinely alarmed by such an astonishing sum.
“Guineas,” he replied calmly.
She sighed despite herself, then quickly recovered her composure. It was, after all, something she wished to do with all her heart.
“And what would you have me do?”
“I have seen the many objects from distant lands in your home. Miss Elizabeth will believe you if you tell her that the cameo is valuable. I should like you to do so after she leaves Derbyshire, lest she decide to return it to me. I should also like you to advise her to have it professionally valued.”
He handed Mrs Cooper a piece of paper upon which the name of a renowned London jeweller had been written.
“They will know precisely what it is worth and, more importantly, will offer a fair price. My mother had it valued by them, and I have already written to inform them that it has changed hands—”
“So there may be no suspicion.”
“Exactly.”
“Thank you,” she said, genuinely moved by all the precautions he took.
“I am certain you will know how to present the matter to her advantage.”
