Page 92 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

Elizabeth looked down, hoping to hide her smile. How she had dreamed of such an excursion when she had been a silly girl of sixteen.

She was not sure she should trust Mr. Darcy’s offer of friendship. She did not understand it. She was not that child any longer, and were it any other man inviting her to the theater, the opera, and a romantic evening at Vauxhall, she would have thought he wished to court her. He had clearly said he wanted her friendship, though. He had said at Mrs. Humphrey’s ball that he was sorry for their break.

Was it possible he was going to such effort because his friend would soon marry her cousin? It would become increasingly difficult for them to avoid each other if Jane moved to London after she wed. He did seem to be going to a lot of trouble, but what else could his motive be? He had to be doing all of this for Mr. Bingley and Jane.

Then she thought of another motive and felt sick.

“I no longer believe Mr. Wickham, sir. I know he lied about you. I am ashamed I ever believed him, and I am sorry for what I said to you last month at that ball. But you do not need to protect me from him anymore. I have no interest in seeing him again. You have already saved me.”

She tried to appear fierce, but her defiance was crumbling as she accepted that Mr. Darcy’s purpose was merely to satisfy himself that she did not think ill of him.

“Please believe me, Miss Elizabeth. As much as I hated seeing you under that man’s power, my desire for a renewal of friendship with you has nothing to do with the blackguard.”

“It does seem odd, though.” She spoke even more quietly than they already had been, and he leaned closer. She surreptitiously breathed in his scent and decided to ask her aunt to arrange for some orange tarts or at least lemon biscuits on the morrow.

“What seems odd?” He was speaking nearly in her ear, and she felt his warm breath on her cheek.

It seems odd that you suddenly want to spend time with me again. It seems odd that you showed up exactly when I needed you most. It seems odd that gossip about me angered you two years ago but has no effect on you now. Of course, she could say none of this.

She looked past him to see whether her aunt noticed anything amiss in their quiet conversation, but she was watching the play. Elizabeth shook her head lightly.

“Thank you for the invitation. I should be pleased to see Vauxhall Gardens with you.”

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Elizabeth had not been so nervous on her birthday since she was fifteen and forced to upend her entire life with a move to London. Why had she agreed to this again? Aunt had suggested it in Uncle’s hearing the day after the theater, and she had agreed after his hearty approval. Surely, they would have permitted her to refuse. But a part of her must have wanted to accept.

She was still getting her family party for this evening, as she had wished, but with two additions. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley would be present at the table with the Gardiner children, all but baby Joseph. At ages seven, five, and three, Mandy, Bella, and Eddie would be welcome distractions from her confused heart.

It had been only a week and a half since the play at Covent Garden, and Elizabeth had already been in Mr. Darcy’s company twice more. The Vauxhall Gardens plan had been delayed until two days earlier due to several days of rain, but they had watched Artaxerxes nearly a week before. The opera had held her focus the entire time. Much of the music was familiar, of course. She had played some of it herself adapted for the pianoforte. Viewing the opera in its entirety, however, and understanding how the music and story fit together, had been one her favorite London experiences. She had played her music from the opera for hours since then.

Vauxhall Gardens had also been unexpected. From the moment Mr. Darcy helped her onto the boat to cross the Thames, she was enchanted. Aunt and Uncle spoke with Colonel Fitzwilliam for much of the evening, leaving her to Mr. Darcy’s company. Her relations appeared to be at ease. She knew they would not have been so relaxed had Matthew and Dinah not come. She, too, found herself content knowing her protectors trailed not far behind.

And the pleasure grounds offered much to attract her. They walked through groves and garden paths, past fountains and statuary. She had not been aware a place such as this existed in London, despite all Miss Bingley had boasted about it. At first, their group had walked close together sharing general conversation. As the crowds increased, though, Mr. Darcy offered his arm, which she gratefully grasped as her aunt and uncle and his cousin got farther ahead.

She was not concerned about losing her relations, as they planned to meet at a dinner box. She looked to Mr. Darcy with a grin when she heard the orchestra play a familiar song from Artaxerxes. The way he looked back at her made her quickly check that her servants were not far behind. She knew Mr. Darcy wished for nothing more than friendship, but when he looked at her in that way, it was difficult for her to force down her own feelings.

Matthew was sure to give her a disapproving look if he felt it necessary, as he had when Mr. Wickham had called on her. She saw no sign of displeasure, though. In fact, Matthew looked to be partaking of the entertainments, too, laughing with Dinah while maintaining a watchful eye. She knew he observed her and her companion, as he nodded each time she looked at him.

When they reached the dinner boxes, Elizabeth sat between her aunt and uncle, a respite she needed to protect herself from her own feelings. They were in view of the orchestra as they ate, and she listened peacefully while those around her conversed.

Almost as soon as they had finished eating, the colonel asked whether any of the party would walk to the hermitage. Aunt and Uncle were content to remain where they were, but Elizabeth welcomed the opportunity to see everything. She was surprised when the colonel stayed behind to speak with her uncle, but Mr. Darcy, Matthew, and Dinah were happy to make the walk to the other end of the gardens.

The sun had set before they began their dinner, but Mr. Darcy kept to well-lit paths. He also ensured she had a firm grip on his arm, even putting his free hand on hers to keep them from becoming separated in the increasing crowd, he said. She found herself relaxing beside him as they walked and spoke of their recent weeks and of other entertainments London could offer. Despite the darkness and the crowd, she felt completely safe with Mr. Darcy. Before they reached the hermitage, she had agreed to both walk and ride with him in Hyde Park.

Elizabeth felt her feelings for him increasing, but she knew nothing would come of it. She could relish one evening pretending he was courting her, though, could she not? What harm could it cause? A great deal, as it happened.

After taking a quick glance at the uninspiring hermitage, they turned back to join their party before the fireworks began. They had nearly passed a group of elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen when the malicious words reached them.

She felt Mr. Darcy tense beside her, and he gripped her hand more tightly, pulling her faster down the path. She also heard her servants’ footsteps closing the gap behind them.

The group’s laughter and words of derision continued as they passed. A man’s voice was louder than the rest and overly familiar.

“Darcy, introduce us to your mistress.”

Ladies laughed, she heard her name, and another man said in a lower murmur to the group, “Is she not one of his tenants? Why would he bring her to London where she may be tempted away from him?”

“You would not defy Mr. Darcy, surely, merely to steal his bit of muslin,” another man said, and the laughter increased.