Page 91 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

“I will confirm the dates and send round a note, then.”

Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed.

“Forgive me, you have an objection?”

“Not exactly.” She swept her eyes over the assembled crowd and bit her lip but said nothing more.

How he wished to speak with her alone, to reassure her that the ton’s imaginings would not affect his feelings for her. He could confess to no particular feelings yet, however, so they did not require privacy. He must work on her trust and friendship for now.

“Soon after we became friends, we spoke of your first year in London and how little you had seen. Have you now experienced most of what you had hoped here?”

She glanced at her aunt before looking into his eyes and then down at her hands, covered in fine kid gloves and resting in her lap.

“When Jane is in town, we go to balls and card parties and an occasional performance. Last summer, my uncle took me to a watercolor exhibit at the British Gallery of Pictures.”

“Do you still paint, Miss Elizabeth?”

“She paints nearly every day, Mr. Darcy. I am still waiting to see what she has been working on for the past month, but she says only that it is a surprise series.”

Elizabeth blushed but offered no details of her latest pieces.

“I hope I will have the chance to see your talent again soon.”

She looked at him with surprise. He leaned closer to her and spoke in a low voice, fully aware that her aunt could hear him.

“Even more, I hope you will allow me a chance to offer you my friendship again. I know I lost it due to my own behavior two years ago, but I have missed our conversations and hoped you would consider exploring London with me this Season.”

Elizabeth’s mouth opened slightly. She was dazed by his words, but all he could think of now was how much he wanted to kiss her pink lips.

It was for the best that Richard and Mr. Gardiner returned then with refreshments. Elizabeth stood and walked to the back of the box to retrieve her glass and speak with her uncle. He could not help but think she had moved to escape him.

Somehow, the seating arrangements were upended, and she found herself in the far-left seat of the front row. Mr. Darcy was to her right, but his cousin sat behind him with her uncle and aunt to his right. Although they were all still in the same small box, she felt alone with Mr. Darcy. This could not be helpful for the rumors, which she had not heard since the start of the second act. She leaned back as far as she could in her seat to be less visible to other audience members.

“Has this all been too much?”

Mr. Darcy’s warm eyes glowed with compassion in the candlelight as he leaned toward her ear.

“What do you mean?” To see the stage, she now had to face Mr. Darcy, but he seemed intent on ignoring the players in favor of speaking with her.

“I know you heard the gossip during the first act, and I want to assure you it does not bother me except as it affects you. I meant what I said about wishing to regain your friendship, and I will not allow society’s opinions to drive me away.”

“Truly?”

“Truly. It may take time for you to trust in my friendship, in me, again, but it is my desire to show you how much I value your own friendship. Your conversation has always set me at ease, and I cherished your good humor. I have often been sorry to have lost it. Forgive me. I did not mean to⁠—”

Mr. Darcy pressed his handkerchief into her fingers, and she realized her cheeks were moist with tears. As she dried them, she wondered whether she could believe him. Should she?

“But the terrible things we heard tonight. Would it not be better to avoid each other entirely?” She prayed he would disagree while knowing it would save her a great deal of heartache if he would ignore her forevermore.

“But then who would take you to Vauxhall Gardens or to see Du Bourg’s Models?”

She laughed in surprise.

“Have you been to the gardens yet?”

“No, I have had unsavory ideas about the place since my friends all went there without me.” She smiled, but she did not lie. Whenever she heard of Vauxhall Gardens, she thought of Miss Bingley attaching herself to Mr. Darcy. Not that she would have turned down a chance to go with Edith or Priscilla, but they had never talked about it.

“Then we certainly must change your mind. Would your aunt and uncle like Vauxhall, do you think? We could walk through the grounds before the sun sets and then view the twinkling lights before taking dinner in the boxes. I will arrange for a boat from Westminster.”