Page 153 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

“Thank you for indulging my fancy, Fitzwilliam. Although my grandfather holds no lands in the region, he did say the area was of importance to the family many years ago.”

Darcy loved watching her face light up at each new discovery. He always had.

“Curiosity was one of your first qualities that drew me to you. I will always do anything in my power to indulge it.”

Elizabeth blushed and watched his fingers glide along her skin. Soon, he saw evidence of her increasing pulse in her wrist, and he risked her uncle’s ire by lifting the smooth spot to his lips. He continued to hold her gaze as he lowered her hand to hold it on his knee.

“Shall I surprise you with the inn I have reserved, or do you wish to know now?”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. She clearly anticipated he had fulfilled another wish. Though she had not spoken of it for years, he knew she was intrigued by old buildings and knew of this one. “The Old Bell Hotel?”

“Indeed. We will stay at the oldest hotel in England, and if the weather permits us to step outdoors in February, we will explore the abbey.”

Her grin nearly made Fitzwilliam forget the other topic he had on his mind.

“I thought perhaps we could stop in Malmesbury again, if you like it, on our way to Pemberley…or more accurately, on our way to Wales before we go to Pemberley.”

“Wales? Is another medieval building awaiting our inspection there?”

Darcy chuckled. “While I am sure we could locate several, that would not be the primary purpose of the journey.” He sighed. The jewels still weighed heavily on him.

“Is something amiss?” Her fine brows furled in concern.

“No, nothing. With all that has happened of late, I have not updated you on the Gambol of the Red Silk Reticule.”

Elizabeth’s face cleared, as he had hoped it would by using that ridiculous name.

“Is your investigation not complete? Will you and the colonel travel to Wales next…or, no, you said I may go with you?”

“You absolutely must go with me. I hope you will be my traveling companion for every future adventure.”

She smiled and squeezed his hand, and he proceeded to tell her all he had learned about the value of the diamonds and of the requirement that he locate Mr. Holman to give him his share.

“I wanted to ask your opinion…”

“Yes?”

“First, do you feel these diamonds should have been the property of your father, rather than me?”

“Oh! I had not considered…”

“He and your mother are the ones who went on the dangerous mission, after all.”

“True, but he never intended them for himself. You said only three gentlemen had wished to purchase the gems for investments, so I have to assume my parents did not desire them. I have learned they had the funds available if they had chosen to invest. No, your father—or rather, you—and Mr. Holman are the rightful owners of the remaining diamonds. Besides, my grandfather learned this week that three paintings my father’s solicitor sent to him months after my father’s death were the very pieces purchased in Antwerp. Those were the only remembrances they purchased for themselves on that journey.”

Aside from the documents hidden in a frame, Darcy had not heard about the paintings after Etches took possession.

“Grandfather said if we like them, we may take them to Pemberley.”

“It will be interesting to see the pieces your parents chose…Elizabeth, I am sorry, but I need to speak of the diamonds again. Does it bother you to think of them?”

“A little, but mostly I am happy to understand all I can about my parents. Is there more you wish to tell me?”

“It is only…my share of the diamonds is quite large, and I have two questions for you.”

Elizabeth looked at him expectantly but did not seem bothered by the discussion, so he continued.

“It is late to have any pieces completed before our nuptials, but we could order some jewelry from a few of the diamonds in time for the ball introducing you to society. A wedding band, a necklace, earrings, perhaps a bracelet. Would you like that?”