Page 66 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

As Elizabeth traveled to Bond Street with Dinah and Matthew, she thought of what she had learned of Mr. Darcy today. What surprised her the most was that she thought his giving a large donation each year aligned perfectly with his character. He had been kind to her, had noticed her needs, and had showed her compassion.

Yet he had not stood by her when he discovered something he did not like about her. No, he had not been a true friend. She could not talk herself out of that fact. He could be compassionate when it suited him, but he was not a kind man. He had plenty of money to spare, but had he ever even set eyes on the children for whom he pretended to care?

Almost as soon as Matthew helped her and Dinah down from the Gardiners’ carriage, Elizabeth spotted Miss Bingley and another woman not far away. Remembering Jane’s desire that they be friendly again, she decided to try now.

She caught Miss Bingley’s eye and nodded, walking toward her.

“Miss Eliza Bennet. How do you do?”

“Very well, and you?”

“Perfectly well, I thank you. Do you know my dear friend Miss Harcombe? Sally, this is Jane’s cousin.”

Recognition came over Miss Harcombe, and Elizabeth could have sworn she had almost smirked before covering with a curtsey.

“A pleasure, Miss Harcombe. Miss Bingley, I understand you and your family will journey to Hertfordshire next week.”

“Indeed. Charles found the local village so charming when he went in July that he insisted we all go. Apparently, we will meet all your cousins and neighbors.”

Elizabeth could tell her former friend was not happy about her brother’s decision.

“This is an excellent time of year to meet many of them. Jane wrote that frequent parties are planned during our visits.”

“Yes. Oh, Miss Eliza, speaking of meeting new acquaintances.” Miss Bingley looked over Elizabeth’s shoulder, so she turned to find a man walking toward them.

“Mr. Wickham! How good to see you here,” Miss Bingley said. “You know Miss Harcombe, of course, and you may remember meeting my future sister, Jane Bennet, but have you met her cousin, Miss Eliza Bennet?”

He was quite handsome, with sandy hair and an easy smile. Elizabeth could not help but return the gesture as she curtsied.

“A pleasure, madam,” he said, bowing gallantly. “Will you allow me to join you on your errands?”

“Oh yes, walk with Miss Eliza. Sally and I have completed our shopping, but Miss Eliza has only now arrived.” Miss Bingley waved her hand at the carriage Elizabeth had come in, and she saw Mr. Wickham take in the vehicle, new this year to accommodate Uncle’s growing family, as well as the footman and maid standing unobtrusively but watchful between her and the carriage.

“It would be my honor. Miss Bennet?”

Mr. Wickham held out his arm, and she took it, surprised to find heat rising in her cheeks. The warmth in his honey-brown eyes was magnetic, and Elizabeth cleared her throat and reminded herself she was not worthy of a gentleman as fine as he must be, given the expensive fabric and style of his clothing.

“How do you know Miss Bingley and my cousin, Mr. Wickham?”

“We met at Mrs. Abbot’s ball in the spring. Mr. Bingley introduced us. I am distraught not to have seen you there; I would have adored dancing with you.”

Elizabeth blushed even more as she looked away from his steady gaze. “I do not recall that particular ball, but I must have been otherwise engaged that evening, sir.”

“Well, next time the opportunity arises, I hope you will choose the ball and join me for a set.”

Elizabeth smiled unconsciously but then looked away. She had no right to flirt with a gentleman, no matter what her Uncle Bennet wanted. It was satisfying to be noticed, however.

“Do you live in London, sir?”

“Not always. My estate in Chesire is small, but it is home and calls me back for much of the year. It is not as fine as the estate where I grew up, but it affords me a modest living.”

Elizabeth was intrigued. “You did not grow up at your estate? Did you not inherit it from your father?”

“My father, excellent man though he was, did not own a home to leave me when he passed. He was the steward of a very large state in Derbyshire, and I grew up there. It was an uncle who left me my estate only two years ago.”

This man, then, was not born a gentleman but had risen to the role. Perhaps this was the type of gentleman Uncle Bennet had in mind for her. He may even be willing to accept her low birth. With a new hope, she continued to speak gaily with Mr. Wickham as he joined her on her errand.

George Wickham noted the pieces of jewelry Miss Bennet had come to Bond Street to collect. The gold chains were elegant in their simplicity and of fine quality. She also dressed fashionably, was friends with and soon to be related to the Bingleys, whom he knew little of beyond their wealth, and had her own maid and footman in attendance. Yes, she must be in possession of a large dowry. She spoke as the recipient of a first-rate education. What was more, she was beautiful, young, and already half in love with him if her blushes and smiles could be trusted. She would make a prime target.