Page 143 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

“A wealthy tradesman.”

“Yes, but when Miss Bennet came to London so many times, she did not have a footman or her own maid. Matthew joined us only when Elizabeth was in the party.”

“That may be something.”

“Yes, and what of her education? I have always thought it strange she was given every opportunity to gain accomplishments, more than her cousins and far more than a typical governess receives.”

“Her uncles still could have been preparing her for service, however. This proves nothing.”

Both men were silent for a moment. Darcy stood again in front of the painting of Elizabeth’s family. Elizabeth’s family. How would she react?

“What if…oh, Darcy. I think you may be correct. Mr. Bennet may have known all along.”

Darcy turned to his cousin. “What makes you think so, and why hide it?”

“To protect her.”

“From fortune hunters. That makes sense, but why not tell Elizabeth? Surely, she could be trusted to keep it to herself if it was explained to her. Especially in recent years. She is quite mature for her age. It would have made it easier for her to understand the restriction he placed on her to not marry until she is twenty-one.”

Richard shook his head. “Not only from fortune hunters. Recall what His Grace said about his relationship with his son in the years before he died. They were not on speaking terms. The duke had never even met Lord Rowe’s wife or his daughter, though she was almost a year old.”

“Of course. Mr. Bennet must have known of his sister’s rejection by the duke and wished to protect his niece from a man he thought to be cruel.”

“More than that, Elizabeth’s parents must have arranged for Mr. Bennet to be her legal guardian. She was left with him when they went to Antwerp. It makes perfect sense. He not only knew his niece to be the granddaughter of a duke who had rejected Mr. Bennet’s sister, but he could have known her parents were spies.”

“He did! That is what he meant by the stream. When I showed him the bridge and told him I thought it was intentional, he was distraught, but he thought not of Elizabeth but of his sister. I think he thought his niece in great danger not only from the duke but because her parents were spies.”

“Oh, Darcy. I see why you did not tell him about Elizabeth.”

“It seems we will be here all day tomorrow. Why do we not think more about the situation before we tell him? I would like nothing more than to take him back to London with us and introduce Elizabeth to him, but we must be sure she will be safe.”

Richard nodded firmly just as the duke opened the door with a smile. A footman followed him.

“Would you like to see your rooms and freshen up? You have had a long journey, and I have kept you for some time. You must wish to rest before dinner. Your trunks are being brought in from your carriage now, and your servants are getting settled.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” They followed the footman to their rooms, welcoming the opportunity to think through all they had learned.

“You love Mr. Darcy? And are you sure he loves you, Lizzy? You are certain he has made an honorable offer?”

“Jane!”

“Forgive me. I do not mean to speak ill of Mr. Darcy. I have always respected him. But you must understand how this looks.”

Elizabeth leaned her head against the wall behind her bed.

“I know, Jane. But I believe he really does love me. We have been friends since we met, though I was young, and he was distraught when he learned of Papa Oliver’s standing because he had come to feel more than friendship for me even then.”

“That is why you did not speak for two years? He was fighting his feelings for you?”

“Essentially.” Elizabeth grimaced.

“It is terrible, but Lizzy, do you not also think it romantic?”

“Having my friend go from being kindness itself for more than a year to insulting me and disappearing for a year and then barely acknowledging me for another year? No, I do not find that romantic.”

Jane smiled, and Elizabeth laughed.

“But my uncle will not allow us to marry. I am not even supposed to say we are engaged. I will tell you, though, we definitely are getting married. Only your father does not acknowledge it.”