Page 65 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

He had been unable to focus on his sister or cousin at breakfast, but fortunately Richard took pity on him and embraced the task of conversing with Georgiana. Before he knew what had happened, he had even asked Georgiana if she would mind riding with him that day instead of with her brother. They had not been able to go as often lately due to the wet and cold of December, but today was dry, he noted with a glance out the window.

Darcy took the opportunity his cousin had given him to go to his study to consider his options. He listed all of the parts of himself that he had realized the night before stood in his way of loving Elizabeth as she deserved:

Father’s and Mother’s expectations (Fortune, Connections, Birth)

Lord and Lady Matlock

Lord Blakely

Lady Catherine

Society (balls, dinners, parties. Scandal)

London entertainments (White’s, Angelo’s, Jackson’s, theater, Bond Street, parks)

Bingley

Other friends

Richard

Georgiana

Overwhelmed by the weight of the expectations on his shoulders, he put the list in his desk drawer and went out for a ride. He had much to come to terms with before he could make any decisions.

Dear Lizzy,

I am so happy you will soon arrive at Longbourn. I had thought to surprise you with my news, but Mary convinced me to tell you now. What do you think? Charles has taken a short lease on Purvis Lodge! He and his sisters and Mr. Hurst will come for two weeks during the festive season. When he was here in July, we thought to be parted until April, but he has written that he is too impatient to see me again.

They will not arrive until a week after you do, so you and my aunt, uncle, and young cousins will have my full attention. Once the Bingleys arrive, we will be much in each other’s company. I so hope you will allow a friendship again with Charles and Caroline. I know Louisa was also your friend before she married. They remember fondly the days you passed in their home, and they wish to count you a friend. I beg you will be kind and forgive any slights you feel they have inflicted.

We have been invited to several dinner parties, including one at Lucas Lodge and another at our Aunt Phillips’s home. Of course, Mama will also host at least two or three gatherings this month, and I suspect Charles and Caroline will host us more than once. Mary and I are delighted you will stay for the Twelfth Night Ball at Brook House. You have always returned to London before the Thompsons’ ball in the past, but this year, we will plan our costumes and masks together.

Papa asked me to remind you that Uncle Gardiner has a commission for him.

Affectionately,

Jane

Elizabeth had thought perhaps her annual journey to Hertfordshire with the Gardiners would oust her from her doldrums. Having to converse with Miss Bingley, though, would be a trial. This was not the year they should have arranged to go for a full three weeks. Her uncle would have to return to his warehouse for some of the time, and perhaps they could all cut their stay short.

The day before they journeyed to Longbourn, Elizabeth visited the Foundling Hospital once more. Afterward, she needed to make a quick trip to Bond Street to obtain necklaces Uncle Bennet had ordered for Jane and Mary. Jane did not know she had referred to her own Christmas gift in her letter. Normally Uncle Gardiner would have taken care of the errand, but he had many tasks to complete to leave the Emporium in good hands, and the hospital was nearly two-thirds of the way to Bond Street, as it was.

While volunteering, she did her best to focus on the children and to encourage them, but their energy cheered her less than usual. Before she departed for the day, she went to remind Mrs. Legg of her upcoming absence.

“He has given even more this year than his usual donation. Do you see?”

Elizabeth heard the voice of an administrator and heard the rustling of papers as she approached the office.

“The current Mr. Darcy is even more generous than his parents were,” Mrs. Legg said as Elizabeth raised her fist to knock on the open door. She stopped, startled by the donor’s name.

“Mr. Darcy is a donor to the Foundling Hospital?”

“One of our most benevolent supporters.” Mrs. Legg brightened as she turned toward Elizabeth.

Elizabeth cleared her throat. “Forgive my intrusion. I wanted to remind you I will be in the country again this Christmas, so I will return after Twelfth Night.”

“We will miss you, Miss Bennet. Enjoy your holiday, and we look forward to your return.”