Page 4 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

They now stood side by side, their arms almost touching as they rested on the railing of the balcony, gazing out at the dark night. The lack of light was of no consequence, as little of interest lay behind the inn. They themselves were illuminated well enough by the glow from the ballroom at their backs. For several minutes, they listened to the whinnying of horses and chirping of crickets. A cool breeze blew past them, but Elizabeth could feel the heat from the man beside her, and she was not at all chilled.

“Will you stay at Netherfield until Mr. Bingley’s wedding?” she finally asked.

“Yes, I intend to remain until the day after. When do you return to London?”

“I cannot go back until after Christmas, when the Gardiners come for their annual visit,” she said, hearing the distress in her voice.

“You cannot go back because the Gardiners will not be in London or because you are expected to stay at Longbourn?”

“My uncle is too occupied with his business at this time of year to come for me. They do not think they will be able to come for Jane’s and Mary’s nuptials, as an important customer has made certain demands that could not be ignored.”

“Could your aunt not come without your uncle?”

“They had considered it, but it would be so short a stay that my aunt chose not to undertake it with her four young children. I would of course have helped with them on the return trip, but she was not up to the task on the way here. My cousins’ nursemaid recently left her post unexpectedly, and my aunt fears she will not have hired and trained a new nurse well enough by next month to risk the journey.”

Mr. Darcy remained silent for some time more before finally speaking.

“I do not wish to presume, but might I be of assistance?”

“How, sir? Do you have a recommendation for a reliable and capable nursemaid?”

Mr. Darcy chuckled. “I am afraid I do not. I do, however, have a carriage at my command, and I would be gratified to convey you to London at any time after the wedding.”

“Oh!” Elizabeth had not imagined he would make so generous an offer. “That is exceedingly kind. I did not bring a maid with me to accompany us, however, so it may not be possible…”

“Let me make the arrangements, Miss Elizabeth. You need only tell me when you wish to depart.”

“Thank you. I will consider your offer. It may also be possible for me to return with the Hursts, so you need not trouble yourself.” Elizabeth only now realized they had turned toward each other at some point in their conversation and were standing as close as they had been the first time he had approached her that evening. She was arrested by the look in his eyes as she essentially rejected his offer of help. Was he hurt? Why should he be? Only because he could not control every situation?

“Lizzy. Come here, child.” Uncle Bennet’s voice cut through the strangely charged atmosphere.

Elizabeth stepped back and, keeping her eyes on Mr. Darcy’s, replied, “Yes, Uncle. I am coming.” She curtsied to Mr. Darcy and returned to the ballroom.

Chapter Three

Darcy had not expected it to be so difficult to find a moment to speak with Elizabeth. Since their time together on the balcony, they had not exchanged more than passing greetings at the various dinners where they were both present. He did not understand why she had been so upset with him. Granted, she had thought he had left without a word and purposely excluded her from seeing the museum exhibit, but even after she had accepted that he had no fault there, she still kept her distance. Did he have to start over again to win her friendship?

Elizabeth had been open but stiff as she spoke to him. She seemed uncomfortable in his presence and did not wish to accept his assistance in returning to London. He needed to speak with her further. That was why he had arrived so long before his friend’s wedding, taking the chance on leaving his sister in London with her companion and their aunt and uncle. He had thought it would be easier to find time alone with Elizabeth. Was she avoiding him?

He thought back over the past three weeks. He had never reached her in time to escort her to dinner. She had always been surrounded by cousins or friends before he could partner her at a card table. She always took someone with her when she played the pianoforte, so he could not turn her pages. When he had called at Longbourn, she had kept herself occupied elsewhere or intent on conversations with others. He had seen Elizabeth at church the morning before but again had no chance for conversation; she had hurried into her family’s carriage after he thought he had caught her eye. He had not considered it possible, but she must be evading him purposely.

What had changed since June? Darcy had been ready to propose to her before he had been required to rush to Ramsgate. Then he could not return to Elizabeth because his sister needed him. He had written to Mr. Gardiner explaining that he was detained but would see him and his family at Bingley’s wedding. Should he have been more open? He could not explain in a letter how his sister had suffered over the summer.

Whatever his mistakes, he could no longer wait to speak to Elizabeth. It was too early yet to call at Longbourn, so he sought solace in a ride through the fields of Netherfield Park. Neptune sensed his anxiety and was skittish as they set out that cold morning, but they soon settled into a fluid rhythm.

After he had been riding for about half an hour, Darcy pulled up short on Neptune’s reigns when he heard a woman’s weak scream to his left, through the woods. Bounding in that direction, he saw the figure flailing about in a stream that must be near frozen in the November chill. She appeared to be alone, and surveying the area to determine the best way to help her, he noted a collapsed bridge near the woman. By the time he reached her and slid from his horse, she was nearly to the bank. He rushed forward to help her up the muddy slope and was shocked when she tilted her head.

“Elizabeth!”

All other conversation was forestalled, however, as he noted her trembling form. Water dripped from her thick dark hair where it hung all around her, and her drenched gown and pelisse clung to her shivering body. As soon as she was safely on firm ground, he shrugged out of his greatcoat and wrapped it around her. Elizabeth pulled the coat tightly to herself and stumbled as she took a step forward.

“Forgive me,” Darcy said, bending to place an arm under her knees to sweep her up and carry her to his horse. Elizabeth’s lack of protest alarmed him even as he was grateful she allowed him to carry her. He looked at her pale face.

“May I ride behind you? I wish to get you to safety as quickly as possible.”

She nodded weakly and began coughing.

Darcy rubbed her back gently and held her closer to his chest to try to warm her. As soon as her breathing steadied, he settled her on his horse before quickly mounting behind her. He wrapped his coat fully around her. How long had she been in the cold water before he reached her? It could not have been more than a few minutes, yet she was so cold. Perhaps she had been chilled already, as she had walked far from home. Though still on Longbourn lands, she was much closer to Netherfield House than to her own, which is why he did not hesitate to take her to Bingley’s rented estate.