Page 60 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

“She…she is the daughter of, well, I am not sure. One of her uncles is a gentleman with a small country estate, one is in trade in London—she has been raised by those two—another is a country solicitor. Although, I am unsure of…it is possible they are not all blood relations.”

“She does not know who her father is? That is a problem. I see why you hesitate.”

“I did not say she does not know who he is. Apparently, he was not a gentleman. Beyond that, I know only that the marriage was a scandal and her parents died when she was young.”

Richard blew out a breath. “Perhaps…”

“You see my problem at last.” Darcy looked him in the eye to ensure he did.

“I do. But surely⁠—”

“Think of Georgiana, Richard. I cannot even consider Elizabeth.”

“Elizabeth! Finally, you admit she has a name.”

Darcy glared at him but remembered something. “You saw her once, actually.”

“Did I? Where?”

“Do you recall when you first met Bingley’s sisters about two years ago? I believe you entertained Miss Bingley with a story of a ball or some such nonsense.”

Richard stared at the wall behind Darcy until finally conceding, “I have no memory of this.”

“It was right after you had come from Denmark in time for the festive season. No matter. While you told your story, I spoke to Miss Elizabeth as she sat behind the pianoforte and supplied quiet music for her hosts.”

“Wait, was she a young girl, not yet out? I do remember now. Miss Bingley had listened to my stories intently until she realized you were not with us. I recall how perturbed she looked when she said, ‘She is not even out!’ before marching over to insist you join us. So, you were making love to the child in front of me?”

“I was not! I did not think of her in that way at all at the time. She was about sixteen, and we had several lively conversations before that and over the succeeding months.”

“Hmm. So, you were looking for a friend but over time found a little more. And you are certain nothing can be done?”

“What could possibly be done? Nothing can be done, so I am happier at Pemberley, where I cannot chance upon her.”

“I am sorry, Darce. Thank you for confiding in me, finally. I will always lend a listening ear.”

“Always if I can find you,” Darcy grumbled.

“And we return to your other grievance.”

“But you must see now why it would help me immeasurably to know,” Darcy attempted.

Richard chuckled. “You are shameless.”

Darcy mustered an expression he hoped was pitiable.

“Very well. You must not breathe a word of any of this to anyone. Not my parents or brother or your sister or your Miss Elizabeth.”

Darcy huffed. “As if I would.”

“Exactly.” Richard gave him a stern look. “I will tell you only this: As part of my military duties, I sometimes undertake covert assignments in England and abroad.”

“You are a spy? I thought…”

“Not always, but yes. Not a word. We should not speak of it even between ourselves,” Richard cautioned. “But now you know. I will support you in any way I can, be where you are as much as possible, but my life is not my own.”

“I understand. Thank you for trusting me with this. Now you have someone to talk to, as well, should you desire it.”

Richard nodded, though Darcy knew his cousin would likely never speak of it again.