Page 20 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

November 1811

Charles Bingley walked with his betrothed, Jane Bennet, in the garden outside her home.

“What if she does not recover, Charles?” Jane said, clearly trying not to cry again. He had been proud to offer her comfort for the past several days, but he, too, was worried for both Jane and her cousin.

“Surely she will, my dove,” he soothed. “Mr. Bennet said Lizzy was always strong as a child.”

“Yes, but that is why I am so worried. She has been feverish for so many days. This is not like her. Perhaps living in London all these years has weakened her constitution.”

“Darcy said she was in the stream for some time before he found her, but the doctor says we must hope yet. Remember her fever has reduced more than once,” Bingley said.

“Only to return again higher than before. I cannot help but think our wedding will be delayed.” Jane’s look was pained as she sought his reaction.

What should he tell her? He wanted no delay for any reason. Neither illness nor mourning should stop them finally saying their vows in ten days.

“We will do whatever you need, Jane. We will proceed as planned, or I will wait for you to be ready.”

“Thank you, Charles,” Jane sighed.

Bingley relaxed. It had not been what he wanted to say, but he meant every word. “Let us talk of something cheerful,” he said.

“Will you tell me of the night you met Lizzy? It was at my Uncle Gardiner’s home, was it not?” Jane asked.

“Yes,” Charles recalled. “It would have been…let me see. Four—no. Four-and-a-half years ago now. My father had known Mr. Gardiner for a year or two. Your uncle sold some of my father’s textiles in his Emporium.”

“Oh! I was so hateful to Lizzy at that time. At least I have the comfort that should she die, she has already forgiven me for my behavior,” Jane cried.

“Dearest, do not speak so. Lizzy has indeed forgiven you, and she will not die. Let me tell you of happier times. I had started at Oxford the previous autumn, but I was with my family in London for a week mid-term for some reason. I do not recall why…”

May 1807

Charles had not been pleased when his father informed him and his sisters they were required to attend him to an associate’s home for cards and supper that evening. He was with his family in London for only a few more days due to an outbreak of measles at the university, and he had planned to go out with friends that night. He had already had measles as a child, so he considered this a holiday soon to end. At eighteen, he did not know why he must be included in his father’s invitation from someone he had never met. He expressed his displeasure once the family was assembled in their carriage.

“Father,” Charles began, “if you wish me to become a gentleman, why must I visit a tradesman with you?”

Louisa, who was twenty and had become engaged to her own gentleman a few months before, snickered with Caroline beside her. Their younger sister was nearly seventeen and already eager for a marriage that would help her rise in society. Their mother would have been able to restrain her.

“Charles, I hope you are not developing snobbery at Oxford,” his father said.

“No, not at all. You know I am unashamed of our source of wealth and happy to befriend anyone.”

“Then why the complaint about visiting my friend Gardiner?”

“It is not him or that he is in trade,” Charles hurried to explain. “Forgive me. I only wished to see my friends tonight, but of course I want to meet your friend.”

His father gripped his shoulder gently. “Maintain your open acceptance of others, and you will go far, Son.”

Charles nodded.

“In truth, it is not only Gardiner you will meet tonight but his niece⁠—”

“Surely you do not mean for Charlie to marry this tradesman’s niece!” Caroline interrupted.

Father chuckled. “This is not a matchmaking call, Caro. The girl was raised by a gentleman, however, and has only recently come to live with her uncle in London. As I understand, her parents have both died.”

The carriage grew still as all recalled how they had felt when their mother had died six years earlier.

“How old is the girl?” Louisa asked with compassion.