Page 38 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

“How did you know? Have you met her?” Bingley looked worried.

So, this was why Bingley called her Miss Elizabeth rather than Miss Bennet. He would be happy to make the switch.

“No, but Miss Elizabeth told me she was coming for the Season.”

“Oh. Well, I danced with her three times last week⁠—”

“Bingley! Do you not think three sets is excessive?”

“Not when it is only one set each evening. We have met at three private balls and a trip to the theater this week with her aunt and uncle,” Bingley said.

“You came out of mourning less than three weeks ago. When did you meet her?”

“Lizzy, that is, Miss Elizabeth, brought her to meet Caroline on Monday last, and I joined them for tea.”

“A week ago? Bingley, do you not think you are rushing into this and being heedless of propriety?”

“Only wait until you meet her, and you will understand.” Charles blanched. “I hope you will not fully understand, as I would not have you enamored, but…I do wish to introduce you.”

Darcy let out a deep breath. “I would like to meet her as Miss Elizabeth’s cousin at any rate, and I cannot imagine I shall attempt to steal your angel away.”

Something about the way Miss Elizabeth had spoken of her cousin made him wary of her. He would consider whether he should counsel his friend against the lady.

Bingley’s shoulders relaxed.

“But Bingley, what are you thinking? You have two more years at Oxford. Do you plan on a long courtship with a hope that she will not find someone else? It is my understanding that this is her first London Season, so she may find other suitors more prepared to marry her.”

Bingley slumped into a chair. “Should I propose right away, then, and have a long engagement?”

“Certainly not!” Darcy was appalled by the suggestion. “Take some time to know her, and give her a chance to understand you. Do you even know how she feels about you?”

Bingley considered. “Not exactly. I think she likes me, but she does not express her feelings so strongly as Miss Elizabeth does. In truth, she is nothing like Miss Elizabeth. Miss Bennet has long, straight, golden hair, and she is nearly as tall as I am.”

Darcy chuckled. “And what of her interests? Her character?”

Bingley looked bemused. “She is a sweet girl, quiet. She gets along well with Caroline and is kind to everyone she meets. Miss Bennet talks of her sisters and her parents. She likes all she has seen of London and would be happy living in the city.”

Darcy nodded. Miss Bennet was indeed unlike her young cousin. Not to say Miss Elizabeth was not sweet. She was—mostly. But she was not quiet or tall or blonde or interested in remaining in London. He wondered anew how well she got on with Miss Bingley.

A footman entered, informed Bingley that Miss Bennet had arrived for tea with his sister, and retreated. Bingley blushed as he turned to Darcy.

“I have requested that the servants tell me when she comes. Caroline does not quite approve of my interest, but I wish you to meet her. Will you join us?”

Darcy agreed and shook his head as he followed his friend. He had not considered whether Miss Elizabeth would also be in the drawing room, but he could not deny he was happy to find her sitting in the circle with the other two young women. She looked up at him in surprise before lowering her head, again adorned with a braid. He saw her smile, though, and was gratified.

“Miss Bennet, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” he said after Bingley had introduced them. “The last time I saw your cousin, she informed me you were coming to London. I hope the Season is all you had hoped it would be.”

The corners of Miss Bennet’s lips lifted minutely before she calmly expressed her delight with all she had seen and done. She was a handsome young lady, but he could tell Bingley without hesitation that he was not in the least affected by her. She already seemed like all the other London girls, though perhaps a bit more timid than most. Darcy allowed the conversation to flow around him until he could safely turn to his left and softly speak to Miss Elizabeth, whose voice he had not heard today.

“Have you seen more of London with your cousin, Miss Elizabeth, or are you acting the experienced tour guide for her?” he asked.

“Neither, Mr. Darcy. I visit here with Caroline and Mr. Bingley, but otherwise, I remain at my uncle’s home to continue my studies and help with my young cousins.”

“So, you have seen nothing of London?” Darcy was surprised. “You have lived here for some time now, I think.”

“It was a year about seven weeks ago. I arrived on my fifteenth birthday,” she said sadly but brightened as she continued. “I like old buildings, so everything is exciting to see. I have been to some museums and parks and even to the theater once. My aunt and uncle and Mr. Bingley took us all. That was before Mr. Bingley died, though, and his children went into mourning. Now that Jane is here, my aunt and uncle take her to events I cannot attend. I have been focusing on my lessons and on the children.”

“You must be a great comfort to your aunt.” Darcy was unsure how to address her mix of sadness and joy. She really was far more expressive than her cousin was, as Bingley had indicated.