Page 97 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

“I did not think you could. In fact, I do not think it a laughing matter at all. Hence my concern for my cousin.”

Mr. Darcy sobered instantly, and she realized with the change that it had not been only his eyes that had showed humor. His lips had twitched, and he had pulled in his cheeks slightly to prevent a smile. Now, though, he showed only seriousness.

“You are correct, of course. I also found Mr. Bingley to be offensive one night in July, in a small ante-room at a ball, no less, but we have discussed his conduct since, and I believe that although he was misguided that night, he was soon set straight and any mischief was prevented. He has also assured me he has not deviated from his intentions made that evening or those promised three weeks later.”

Elizabeth breathed out in relief. She had not realized how worried she had been for Jane.

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”

“Of course. I am sorry you have had to worry in silence for so many months.”

He looked at her with such sincerity, and she realized she had not doubted Mr. Darcy’s honesty even for a moment. She trusted him, felt safe with him, and that would make it even more difficult when he left her behind. It could not be long now. With Jane here and Mr. Bingley’s sisters arriving in another day or two, they would soon rejoin society, and he would decide she was not worth the trouble they had encountered at Vauxhall Gardens. When she saw that his look had turned to concern, she realized a tear had escaped. She swiped at it.

“Excuse me. I must take this to my uncle.”

Chapter Forty-One

Darcy’s thoughts kept returning to that single tear on Elizabeth’s cheek three days earlier. He thought they had been sharing an intimate moment of the type he had tried to avoid all month, but she had cried. Why? Was it relief for her cousin that Bingley could be trusted? She had not appeared happy at the close of their conversation, though, and had only feigned good humor for the remainder of the evening. Was the tear caused by embarrassment at having essentially admitted to overhearing Bingley’s unguarded words in the first place? But she had appeared sad, and he still did not understand why.

All he could do now was work to put and keep the smiles on Elizabeth’s face. He took a last look in the mirror, his valet having declared him ready for the evening. How he longed to propose to Elizabeth, so he could be privy to all her thoughts. He would have the right to wipe away any tears and to learn how to prevent them in future. He wished to be the man to make her laugh each day, not see her every few days when he must pretend nonchalance.

Before their evening at Vauxhall Gardens and as they strolled with linked arms, he felt all was as it should be. He had not been able to have her included in the excursion when she had been sixteen, but three years later, he felt it was right he should be the one to introduce her to the place. It had not ended as well as hoped, but he still was glad he had been the man with her that evening. He wanted to share every London experience with her that she had not already had. She had lived here for four years and had seen so little of what the city had to offer. In the name of friendship, he had already opened some of this world to her, but he intended to show her more now that other young ladies would join her.

As Richard had said, his presence near Elizabeth would be overlooked more in a group setting, and he intended to suggest several venues he thought she would appreciate. She had told him that her cousin and the Bingleys did little more during the Season than attend balls, card parties, and musicales. She did not care for the same society they did, and although they had not discussed it at the time, he suspected he knew why. The rumors about her were surely more pronounced among the ton than among the tradesmen.

Tonight would take them to an event typical of the social Season, though. A ball near Grosvenor Square. Bingley had sent Hurst’s carriage for Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, and their aunt. It was not an elite ball but would be attended by a mix of people ranging from wealthy tradesmen to young peers who liked to mix with the near-gentility. Darcy was not looking forward to seeing Miss Bingley again after so many months, but as long as he was allowed to dance with Elizabeth and stay near her for most of the night, he would tolerate other distractions, evidenced by his traveling even now in his carriage to the Hurst home to deliver in style the Bingleys and Hursts to the ball not two blocks from their home.

“Lizzy, you look radiant. Are you anticipating dancing with a particular suitor tonight?”

“Of course not, Jane.” Elizabeth was grateful for the dimness of the carriage so her cousin would not see her blush. Mr. Darcy was far from being her suitor, but she was hoping he might ask her to dance as a friend, and she had dressed with particular care this evening. “Jane, I have been meaning to tell you…thank you for not shunning me⁠—”

“I am so sorry, Lizzy. I should never have⁠—”

“Jane, Jane. That is all in the past. I only wish you to know I appreciate your standing by me now.”

“I hope I always will, Lizzy.”

“Yet I understand if you find you cannot.”

“Surely—”

“Oh, Lizzy.” Aunt Gardiner knew of Elizabeth’s troubles in society and always allowed her to go out or stay home as she chose, but her optimism was greater than her niece’s. Elizabeth glanced between her aunt and cousin.

“You will witness unkindnesses tonight, Jane. If they are directed only at me as before, I will accept your standing beside me. But if the ton turns on you and Mr. Bingley, I will not blame you for distancing yourselves from me.”

“Why should you think the gossip will get worse, Lizzy?”

“I pray it will not, Aunt, but you must both know I will understand if it becomes too much to be seen with me in public, and I will retreat to protect your reputations.”

She and Mr. Darcy had not been anywhere more public than an ill-attended art museum since Vauxhall, but she feared his standing could be harmed if they stood up together tonight.

Her aunt and cousin quickly assured her of their love and support; she had done what she could for now. She would revisit this conversation again if it became necessary.

When they finally reached Mrs. Turling’s townhouse and greeted their hostess, Elizabeth’s excitement grew, pushing out much of her apprehension. This same lady’s ball had been rejected by the Bingleys years before when they had instead chosen to go to Vauxhall Gardens. Elizabeth felt the significance of being included in invitations to both venues this year.

Mrs. Turling’s home was well-lit and filled with ladies and gentlemen young and old. When Jane spotted Mr. Bingley in the third room they crossed through, Aunt told them she saw some of her own friends and that she would catch up with them soon. The dancing had already begun, and Mrs. Hurst, who stood with her brother, pointed out her sister dancing with Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth ignored the pang in her chest, as she had expected he would dance with many beautiful, wealthy women tonight.

The set soon ended, and the pair approached. At the same time, a gentleman older than Uncle Bennet came to bow over Miss Bingley’s hand and whisk her away for the next set.