Page 146 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

Monday morning, Darcy and his cousin were on their way back to London. The Duke of Malmesbury traveled with them, his own carriage following. They would stop at Pemberley that day to break their journey. His cousin agreed it would only help his suit to allow the duke to see Darcy’s wealth and standing in society.

They had decided to tell the duke everything. Sunday afternoon, Darcy had showed him Elizabeth’s miniature of her mother and explained why he had it. The duke had barely taken a break from questioning him about Elizabeth since then.

He had not agreed to accept Darcy for Elizabeth, but he had also not scoffed at the idea. He did question Mr. Bennet’s reasons for delaying the marriage and Darcy’s entire history with her. The duke was alternately elated and sagacious since learning of his granddaughter’s being alive.

Given what he had told the duke, Darcy thought it only right to inform Mr. Bennet of the upheaval about to enter Elizabeth’s life. He had decided not to send the letter by express, though, as he wanted to be sure to get to Elizabeth before Mr. Bennet did. And to be cautious, his letter was vague. He told the man he had important news to share and hoped he would come to London.

The duke had needed to take the journey more slowly than Darcy and his cousin would have alone, so in the end, they did not reach London until Saturday evening. The duke had been somber on this last day, reminding them it was the anniversary of the deaths of Elizabeth’s parents. When they finally reached Darcy House that night, it was all Darcy could do to remain there when he was so close to Elizabeth. If it were not for a heavy rainstorm that had met them in London, he might be at her doorstep even now. He wished he had not sent his letter to Mr. Bennet at the start of his journey. He may be at Gracechurch Street already.

The next morning, Richard agreed to remain at Darcy House with the duke, and Darcy went to St. Helen’s, thinking it the quickest way to see Elizabeth. When he entered the church and shook the rain off his coat only moments before the sermon began, he saw her in the Gardiners’ usual pew along with her aunt, uncle, cousins…and Mr. Bennet. Darcy took a seat in the back of the church from which he could see Elizabeth. She held the youngest child, and although he could not hear her voice from his position, he watched her sing as she played with little Joseph, her curls bouncing against her neck. He relaxed now that he was finally in her vicinity, and his worship during the service that day was less listening to the vicar’s words and more praying she would soon be his.

As soon as the final prayer was said, Darcy slipped out of the church to await the family. The rain had slowed to a drizzle, and he found some paving stones to stand on while he watched parishioners walk out while tying bonnets and hoisting umbrellas. Unfortunately, Mr. Bennet saw him right before Elizabeth did.

“Mr. Darcy, a word if you please.” The man passed his umbrella to his niece. “Go home, child.”

With a quick smile to Elizabeth, Darcy followed her uncle up the street away from the Gardiner home. They stopped just beyond the church, and he turned to see Elizabeth and the Gardiners slowly make their way in the opposite direction.

“Mr. Bennet, I am happy to see you in London.” Rain trickled down his face, but Mr. Bennet had found an awning to stand beneath.

“I was surprised to receive your letter, but I had already made plans to visit my niece. Seeing you at church has prevented my needing to turn you away from the Gardiner home. You are no longer welcome there.”

“Sir! I do not understand.”

“I know about your diamonds, which you say you found at a seaside resort, but I think you know more. I have come to protect my niece from you.”

“Protect her? In what way can you think I would harm her?”

Mr. Bennet glared at him but did not answer.

“Sir, I love Miss Elizabeth. I wish nothing more than to care for her, provide for her, and protect her.” Darcy wiped water from his face with the back of his gloved hand.

“What do you know about the diamonds you found?”

“Er…I had hoped to speak to you about them, sir. Would it be possible to take this discussion indoors? I wish to tell Mr. Gardiner and Miss Elizabeth what I learned in my recent travels, as well.”

Mr. Bennet looked at him as though he could read secrets in his eyes. Darcy shivered. Though the rain had eased, the wind had picked up, and he pulled his greatcoat tighter against the late January storm.

“You may speak to me. Let us return to the house.”

“Thank you, sir.”

As they walked, Darcy thought about Mr. Bennet’s cold reception. Could he still think Darcy was responsible for Wickham’s deeds? No, he said he had come because of the diamonds. Mr. Bennet had to suspect they had something to do with Elizabeth’s parents. But why? Diamonds were not so rare that the ones he found should make Mr. Bennet suspicious. Darcy would have said something as they walked, but he did not wish to be turned away when he had already gained an invitation to the Gardiner home.

After handing their outerwear to the butler, Darcy and Mr. Bennet proceeded up to the drawing room. Elizabeth rose and came to him immediately. He longed to embrace her, but he could only bow and gaze at her worried face. He attempted to ease her fears.

“I have much to tell you⁠—”

“Elizabeth, you will remain here with your aunt or in your bedchamber while your uncle and I talk to Mr. Darcy in the study.”

“Uncle, please. I have done all you asked when I returned to London. I should hear what Mr. Darcy has to say.”

“Not quite all, Lizzy. Bingley came and spoke to me at Longbourn on Thursday. It seems you informed Jane of your desire to wed Mr. Darcy, and his friend sought to help his cause.”

“Kitty and Lydia know! How could I not tell Jane? If Mary were to visit me, I would tell her, as well. You taught me to believe family is important, Uncle Bennet. Would you have me lie even to your daughters?”

Mr. Bennet’s face fell, as though the toll of the lies he had told for decades was suddenly catching up with him. He glanced at Darcy, and at that moment Darcy thought the older man understood what he had discovered in Yorkshire, but he looked back to his niece. He seemed to be warring with himself about what he should do.

They all stood in the drawing room, waiting on Mr. Bennet’s decision.