Page 43 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

Jane was squeezing her fingers painfully now, but that did not explain the tear Elizabeth felt fall; she wiped it away with her other hand.

“When I said I was lonely, I did not mean I have felt the lack of numerous constant companions. Even when I first arrived in London last month, I was content in my close relationship with Aunt and Uncle, who you must remember I stayed with for several months a few years ago. They quickly introduced me to young women here, and I have never felt any lack of friends with one exception.”

Elizabeth did not allow herself to hope and held herself rigid as Jane continued.

“I have missed you so much, Lizzy. Do you remember how close we were as children? Do you know how alone I felt when I had to come out in society without you? Of course you would not have entered society at the same time, but you were not even permitted to help me select gowns and ribbons. Kitty and Lydia are basking in the glow of Mary’s upcoming introduction to Meryton assemblies, and they are younger than you were when I came out. I have had friends, it is true, but I have not had my best friend, Lizzy. I have not had you.”

“Oh, Jane! Surely you could have given me some sign that you did not hate me for all those years. Since I was ten years of age, you have scarcely seemed to notice I exist.”

Jane hung her head and let go of Elizabeth’s hand.

“You must hate me now, and I do understand if you cannot forgive me. I only wanted to apologize and to tell you that I know I was wrong. I think…I will do better from now on. Even if we cannot be friends again, I will no longer ignore you or abuse you.”

Before Elizabeth could recover from her surprise and grasp her cousin’s hand again, Jane was gone, leaving much to consider.

Friday morning dawned bright, and Elizabeth excitedly went to ask Jane to reconsider her decision about the menagerie. Her cousin was far too tired, however. Although the rain had continued the evening before, it had lessened, so Jane had gone with Aunt Gardiner to a late card party she knew the Bingleys and several of her other friends would attend.

It was only as Elizabeth began to prepare for the day that she thought how awkward it might be to explore the menagerie with only her aunt and Mr. Darcy. She wished her uncle had been available if Jane would not go. Instead, she asked her aunt if four-and-a-half-year-old Amanda might be allowed to join them and was relieved at the affirmative reply.

Mr. Darcy, in his finely cut coat and tall hat, was tapping his walking stick on the pavement in front of him when the Gardiner carriage pulled up a few minutes before ten. He was scanning the area so noticed Elizabeth as soon as Matthew handed her down. His grave demeanor did not change, but he approached and bowed once they had turned to face him.

“Miss Elizabeth. I hope you are well.”

“Yes, of course. Thank you for coming today. May I introduce my aunt, Mrs. Gardiner, to you?”

“Ma’am,” he bowed.

“Aunt, this is Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley’s friend.”

“Thank you for suggesting this excursion, Mr. Darcy. I should have thought myself to bring Lizzy here last year.”

“Today is as good a day as any, ma’am. Miss Elizabeth, would you be so kind as to introduce me to this fine young woman?”

“Oh,” Elizabeth laughed. “This is my cousin Amanda Gardiner.”

“Mandy!” the girl corrected.

Mr. Darcy crouched to her level and extended a hand for her to shake. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Mandy Gardiner. Do you like lions and bears?”

Chapter Twenty-One

April 1809

Darcy had not been back to London in nearly a year. The demands at Pemberley had been too great. Richard had delivered Georgiana home in June and spent a few weeks with them before leaving for Portugal with his men. Now he was fighting in Spain. After a scorching summer that threatened Pemberley’s crops, Darcy had assisted neighboring estates dealing with flooding in the winter.

Darcy had to rely on other family and friends to transport his sister back and forth in October, December, and January. In December and January, those friends had been the Bingleys and Hursts, who then spent Christmas at Pemberley. Miss Bingley had frightened poor Georgiana with her forward behavior. His sister, now thirteen, had escaped her company whenever possible and had pleaded with him one evening to reconsider.

“Reconsider what, Georgie?” he had asked in January, shortly before she would return to school.

“I know it is not my place to say, but surely you could find a better wife. Of course, if you are deeply in love with her, I am sure I can learn to love her too.”

“My dear, dear sister. You are an excellent judge of character, it seems, but perhaps not of my feelings. Do not fear. I have no intention of offering for Miss Bingley.”

She had been so relieved, she had broken into sobs as she clung to him.

“But whatever gave you the idea I would marry her?” he had asked when she calmed.

“She acts as though she owns Pemberley. Surely you have noticed.”