Page 107 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

“This girl⁠—”

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

Warren nodded and glanced at Bingley.

“She is cousin to my betrothed and was raised in Hertfordshire with her.” Bingley finally spoke up.

“Yes, which is why this could all go badly for you, as well, Bingley.”

“Miss Jane Bennet is unimpeachable. She is the daughter of a gentleman and the sweetest lady you could ever meet.”

“I do not doubt it, Bingley, but her cousin’s reputation could still harm you and will certainly harm Darcy if he does not cease seeing her.”

Bingley looked worried, but Darcy would have to deal with him later.

“So, you are concerned about my reputation, Warren? What do you expect will happen to me if I take Miss Elizabeth to the theater tomorrow evening, for example, in company with Bingley and his betrothed and their aunt and uncle? Will that be cause for my name to be dragged through the streets?”

“Yes, Darcy, it will. It is already happening.” Davenport had managed to keep his reputation unscathed, though he had done worse than befriending a woman of a lower social class.

Darcy sought to control his anger. These were his friends, he reminded himself. They were expressing the concerns he had known they would have. Darcy forced himself to breathe deeply and then picked up his fork and knife to begin slicing meat he had no intention of eating.

“You know we care about you, Darcy. We only wish to help you see the error you are making. If you wish to take a mistress, choose an actress or a widow. The daughter of a tenant farmer is unsuitable to be seen with you. It is ungentlemanly. You must avoid her completely.” Davenport’s concern would have been touching if Darcy did not think completely differently now.

“And what, for argument’s sake, would you all do, if I were to marry Miss Elizabeth rather than take her as my mistress?”

Warren and Ashley snickered, and Davenport scoffed.

“You cannot be serious, Darcy. She is completely unmarriageable. I have just said she is not even suitable as a mistress. She is beautiful enough and apparently intelligent, so if you could convince people of a different story of her descent, they may accept your choice in time.”

“Thank you, Davenport. Are you suggesting I would lose your friendship should I make such an alliance?”

His old friend stared at him, jaw slack, and shook his head slowly. “Tell me you are not planning to throw yourself away for a bit of muslin. You could make an alliance with any family in the country, save royalty. You could easily increase your wealth and consequence with a word. You cannot possibly think so little of your companions and of all you know that you would turn your back on us for some coarse girl.”

Darcy stood abruptly, upsetting plates and nearly spilling a glass of wine, which Ashley steadied.

“As I said. I thank you for your concern. I understand your sentiments. Perhaps in time you will understand mine.” He turned and strode out of his club and did not slow until he had reached his own study half a mile away.

Chapter Forty-Five

The acting in Henry IV Part 1 left nothing to be desired, but the atmosphere in Mr. Darcy’s box was curious. Mr. Bingley and Jane sat close together, savoring their final night before her cousin returned to Longbourn. Aunt and Uncle Gardiner were beside them, and Elizabeth sat beside Miss Bingley in the back row. She was forced to listen to her giggling with Sir Abraham throughout the performance. When she happened to turn their way, she was embarrassed to see his hand on Miss Bingley’s knee as he leaned close to whisper in her ear. Elizabeth tried to look forward to her aunt and uncle after that. Mr. Darcy was at her left, but he was again in such a state that she dared not speak to him until near the end of the first act.

“Are you well?” she turned to him and whispered. He had been cheerful enough at Gunter’s two days earlier, but he may be uneasy to be in her presence again in such a public place.

He turned slightly to look at her and grimaced. “I am taking my sister and her companion to Ramsgate on Monday, and I may need to stop in to see my aunt again before I return.”

She knew he was not fully reconciled to his sister’s holiday.

“I hope you travel safely.”

He gave her a tight smile and returned his gaze to the stage.

She would have liked to ask him about Georgiana’s preparations and whether he would go sea bathing while he was in Kent, but he did not seem in the mood for light topics. Instead, at the first intermission, she moved to sit between Jane and her aunt; her uncle happily sat beside his younger friend instead. She heard the two men behind her speaking softly here and there, but for the most part their box was quiet.

In the front row, Elizabeth looked about her more and saw that many eyes were on their group. She tried to ignore them and watch the play, soon becoming lost in the plot and laughing at Falstaff.

During the second intermission, all the men left the box, and Elizabeth stood to stretch her legs in the small area. Aunt and Jane spoke animatedly in their seats, but Miss Bingley came to talk to Elizabeth. She had been more friendly since returning from her house party with two suitors.

“I commend you for moving away from Mr. Darcy for the second act. It is in everyone’s best interests for the two of you to be seen less together.”