Page 29 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

“Darcy, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

“Miss Bennet,” he said. “I apologize for my rudeness when we first met. I was out of sorts, but that is no excuse. I hope you will forgive me.”

The girl eyed him appraisingly, her nose scrunched adorably, and fisted her hands at her hips before replying. “I had been trying to decide between burning you in a bath house or burying you alive in a boat, but I thank you, and I accept your apology…if you truly mean it.”

“Lizzy!” Bingley laughed nervously.

Darcy narrowed his eyes at her. “You would not get me drunk and slaughter me during a feast?”

Miss Bennet gasped then smiled excitedly. “You are familiar with Princess Olga of Kiev? Was she not wonderful?”

“That is perhaps one word for her,” Darcy said drily.

“She should not have harmed the birds, though.”

Darcy wondered if this girl really thought all the woman’s other actions were acceptable retaliation on those responsible for killing her husband. “Agreed. May I assume you will not employ any of her tactics on me? I do mean my apology. I am sorry for my words and for implying you should be in mourning.”

“My parents died when I was an infant, so I never had to wear black for them, but I know you mourn just as the Bingleys do. I am sorry for your loss, sir.”

“I…thank you. My sister reminded me of the great kindness you did her some months ago. I am in your debt.”

“She is a sweet girl. May I ask, if it is not too impertinent, how does your sister do?”

Darcy swallowed. “She is doing better. It is still difficult, of course, but she improves each day. She still cherishes the book you gave her. I, er, I have also read it, and it was a good choice and a generous gift for her.”

“It has long been one of my favorites, Mr. Darcy. It was fortunate I had brought it with me that day. I am satisfied to part with it for one who cares for the volume as I did.”

Darcy nodded. He reflected with an inward shudder that the book did not contain anything about Princess Olga. His sister was too young for such ideas. Only then did he look around the room to see Hurst’s wife, whom he had met on Monday, and another young girl, older than Miss Bennet but also clearly not out. This girl looked at him in a far different way than Miss Bennet did. Her dreamy gaze made him uncomfortable, and he began to retreat from the room.

“While you are here, Darcy, would you like to meet my youngest sister?”

“Of course,” he lied.

“This is Miss Caroline Bingley. Caroline, Mr. Darcy.”

Miss Bingley curtsied and smiled but remained silent. As Miss Bennet should have done when they had first met, he thought. But he found he was glad she had not. As Bingley had said, she was intriguing. He was grateful she had befriended his sister. Perhaps before they left London, they could call on her. No. They would not call on her. If Georgiana wished to see Miss Bennet again, his aunt could take her.

Chapter Fifteen

The next time he went to see Bingley, two days later, Darcy was relieved to learn that Miss Bennet had gone to visit her Hertfordshire relations for the festive season. He had successfully thought of her as a child whenever she intruded on his thoughts, but now he would not need to think of her at all.

He soon found himself wishing for the girl’s simple frankness, however, when he was forced to endure tea with Miss Bingley and her supposed chaperone, Mrs. Hurst. He and Bingley had been passing a relaxing hour with Hurst in their host’s study when a footman informed them they were expected in the drawing room. Bingley appeared surprised but only glanced at Hurst, shrugged, and went as summoned.

Miss Bingley had certainly not been out when he had met her, but today, her hair was high, her neckline was low, and her fichu was absent. The girl’s gown was also lavender instead of black, though her mourning was only half over.

“Mr. Darcy,” she said, swaying her hips as she approached him. “How do you take your tea?”

“Er…with a little milk, please, Miss Bingley.”

When she turned away to fulfill his request, he cast a panicked glance at Bingley and Hurst, who stood together near a smiling Mrs. Hurst. Bingley’s mouth hung agape, and Hurst worked admirably not to laugh. The men all sat, and Miss Bingley returned, bending at the waist to offer him a teacup, exposing him to parts of her he had no business nor desire to see. He immediately took his tea and looked away, murmuring his thanks.

Miss Bingley quickly distributed tea to the others and then sat on the settee next to Darcy. Why had he chosen this seat? He looked around at the arrangements and saw he had been given little choice. Only a large settee and a small one were near enough for polite conversation. If Bingley had joined him rather than Hurst and his wife, this could have been avoided. Darcy glared at his friend as his young sister placed herself far too close to him, leaving several inches on her other side.

“Oh, Mr. Darcy. I apologize. You are such a large man, but I believe I can squeeze in next to you.”

“No need,” he said. Appalled by her behavior, he rose and moved to a window, pretending interest in the quiet street outside.

Mrs. Hurst engaged her husband and brother in conversation, and Miss Bingley turned and raised her voice to speak to him.