Page 56 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

“Of course, Jane. I believe he still cares for you as much as ever, but if I can assist you in overcoming any initial awkwardness, I will do my best.”

Jane’s serene countenance was all the reward she needed. Elizabeth knew Jane may need her support more than this afternoon, though. She likely should not leave her in Miss Bingley’s clutches even if she did not ask for assistance. Perhaps Elizabeth would have to accept an invitation or two if Jane required her.

Darcy emerged from his carriage and scanned Gracechurch Street as he waited for Bingley to alight. Although a group of fashionable townhouses was before him, this was the market district; they had passed many warehouses and smaller shops on their route here, but he had seen no park for some time. Bingley had said they would need to take the young ladies in the carriage to find a suitable place to walk. When he remembered why he had wanted to find a park, his mood sank.

His insides were twisted up with excitement to see Elizabeth again and an almost palpable fear of what her presence could do to him. He still remembered their delightful conversations and dance of the previous year, and now she was more enticing than ever.

“Darce?” Bingley had passed him and ascended the stairs to the townhouse in front of them, while Darcy still stood next to the carriage. “Do you still want to do this? I can extend your apology if you prefer. I should have ensured it was done last year.”

“No, no. I need to do it. I thank you.” Darcy made his feet move and soon found himself next to his friend, but his pulse had picked up so much and his breath had become so shallow that Bingley had not yet knocked on the door.

“You, know,” Bingley said. “I remember telling you once that you would be a fine match for⁠—”

“Do not say it, I beg you,” Darcy’s voice came out hoarse.

“But you agree, do you not? That is what has you so worked up.”

Darcy shook his head.

“Why did you say those things last year? Why did you leave town so abruptly?”

“Bingley, please. I need to apologize, and then I need never see her again. If you choose not to support me in this, I understand, and I will find another way…”

“Of course not. We will do this together. I only wish to ensure you can breathe before we go in.” Bingley looked at him with concern, so Darcy inhaled deeply a few times, which steadied him, and then nodded once.

Elizabeth and Jane had arrived in the drawing room only moments before Mr. Cage arrived. Previously, he had escorted Edith on her visits, but this was the first time he had come alone, which made Elizabeth wary. After she had introduced him to Jane, he took the seat nearest Elizabeth and began with pleasantries and comments about the ball the previous evening.

“I hope Edith is not unwell this afternoon,” she said.

“She is in perfect health,” he said. Edith and her parents and younger brother were staying with Mr. Cage and his mother for the Season.

“Yet she did not wish to call today?” Elizabeth asked.

“Likely she would have, but I wanted to…I did not tell her I was coming this way,” he said.

Elizabeth glanced at Jane, who was looking at them with interest. Would her cousin blame her if she spurned a suitor? Would she report back to her parents? Mr. Cage was a gentleman of means sufficient to satisfy Uncle Bennet, she was sure.

Before any of them could say more, however, Aunt Gardiner entered the room from the side door and greeted Mr. Cage, saying she had been informed additional callers had arrived. At that moment, Eli opened the main door and announced Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy.

How unexpected and unwelcome. Why had she agreed to remain with Jane? If she had known either Mr. Cage or Mr. Darcy would come, she would have refused. She took in Mr. Bingley’s starry eyes—familiar from the previous summer every time he saw Jane—and Mr. Darcy’s scowl, directed not at her but at Mr. Cage. Was he still upset she was associating with people more high-born than she should? He would have to accept it.

She turned back to Mr. Cage and engaged him in friendly conversation for the remainder of the gentlemen’s call.

The next morning, Jane told Elizabeth of the card party she had attended the evening before with the Bingleys and Hursts. Jane had not been ready to give up Miss Bingley’s friendship, despite Elizabeth’s recital of recent events. Her cousin had been sure it had all been a misunderstanding.

Elizabeth was happy to hear about her cousin’s renewed friendships with the girls she had met two years earlier. When Jane told her of her plans for her two weeks in London, though, Elizabeth suspected her peace was about to be destroyed.

“Caroline and I have been writing nearly every day for the past month, Lizzy, and we have each day scheduled. I know I said yesterday you could remain at home, but Mr. Bingley agrees you must join us each day, as it is only a fortnight. Promise me you will? I wish for you to be friends again with Mr. Bingley and even with Caroline.”

Knowing it would be a temporary disruption for her, Elizabeth agreed. She had already received a hint of this from Jane in her letters, so she had not yet made many plans with her other friends for the remainder of April.

“Miss Eliza, how lovely to see you again,” Miss Bingley said with disdain that night at Lady Fordmer’s musical evening. “It is unfortunate our hostess was unaware you would be here, or she might have invited you to play some unobtrusive background music as her guests arrive. Dear Jane told me you have played your little tunes for tradesmen’s parties, but of course the performers on the program tonight will have more refined selections.”

“It sounds as though it will be a treat to be in the audience, then, Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth replied. “Tell me, when will you perform? I would not wish to miss your song.”

Miss Bingley harrumphed and turned to walk away. It was only then that Elizabeth saw Mr. Darcy scrutinizing her, being close enough to have heard their exchange. Even when Miss Bingley spoke to him, he barely replied, his eyes still on Elizabeth. Bemused as to why, after all this time, the man continued to stare at her but would not speak, she turned to find Jane and Mr. Bingley.

Elizabeth appreciated the music immensely and decided to look for sheet music for two of the more complicated pieces when she joined Jane, Miss Bingley, and Mrs. Hurst for shopping on Bond Street the next morning. Although Aunt Gardiner and Elizabeth had commissioned gowns for Jane to be ready upon her arrival, she wanted additional ribbons and different shoe roses, so the ladies went to several shops before making afternoon calls.