Page 11 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

“Yes, you are a Bennet, my dear. You are my Elizabeth Bennet.”

“But you are Uncle Bennet, and my cousins are Bennets…My Uncle Gardiner’s children, when he marries and has them, will be Gardiners. My father was not a Bennet, so I cannot be a true Bennet. What is my true name?”

Thomas had not expected this question so soon. He knew he could not give her father’s name yet. He must tell her something to appease her, something that would not put her in any danger if she could not keep the secret. His own mother had been an Asbury before her marriage. That name would do.

“You are Elizabeth Asbury, but you must be called Elizabeth Bennet for now. Do you understand?”

“No, Uncle. Why can I not be Miss Asbury?” she asked, her nose again scrunched.

“It is safer for you to carry the Bennet name, Lizzy. You now know who you are—” Thomas faltered at the lie he must tell, “but you must tell no other person until you reach the age of one-and-twenty.”

“But that is forever!” she complained. “What if Jane and Mary want to know? Or what if my husband wants to know?”

“Your husband, Lizzy?” Thomas chuckled. “Are you planning to leave me so soon?”

“Not yet, Uncle,” Lizzy shook her head in childish exasperation at his ignorance. “But Aunt says every girl must marry, and Miss Moran says we must learn to be ladies if we want to attract gentlemen.”

Thomas sighed. “Your aunt and your governess are correct that someday you will marry, but I pray, Lizzy, that you will not seek a gentleman quite yet. I would not wish you to marry before you are of age.”

“And then I may tell my cousins and my husband that I am Elizabeth Asbury!” Elizabeth stated her truth with such certainty and glee that Thomas could only believe he had made the correct choice.

“For now, how about we sample some of Cook’s curled lemon wafers? She informed me she made double for you.”

“My favorite!” Elizabeth grasped his hand and pulled him toward the kitchen.

A few years later, Thomas was riding through the estate when he came upon several local children. Jane and Mary sat beneath a peach tree chattering with the girls, while some boys ran through the orchard. He did not spot Elizabeth among either group.

“Where is Lizzy?” he asked his daughters. “Is she not out with you this afternoon? Did Miss Moran keep her studying late today?”

He heard giggling as Jane pointed to the branches of the tree above them. Looking up, he saw eight-year-old Elizabeth comfortably sitting on a high branch with a book resting on her lap and a toothy grin overtaking her face.

“I should have known,” Thomas laughed. “What are you reading up there, Lizzy?”

“It is a book of exploration and exotic locations. Would you like to come up to read it with me?”

“Thank you, no. Perhaps you may show me this evening in my study,” he said. “Enjoy your afternoon, girls, and do not be late for dinner.”

“Yes, Papa.”

“Yes, Uncle.”

Thomas continued to laugh lightly as he guided his horse out of the orchard. He was still dissatisfied with Fanny’s treatment of Elizabeth, but he felt that in all other ways he was doing what his sister had asked. Elizabeth had a joyful life, full of free exploration and childish games while also being taught diligently all she would need to enter London society. She was not a lady yet, but then she had more than a decade before her identity would be revealed. She had time yet to climb trees and run with the boys.

Chapter Seven

Elizabeth dashed through the garden, calling out to Mary to go faster. Jane had always been the slowest, as she was too concerned about snagging her hem and getting a scolding—not that she ever did anything requiring a scolding—but Mary could almost keep up with Elizabeth most days.

“We have only a half hour to play today, so we must hurry if we are to reach the orchard,” Elizabeth reminded her cousins.

Mary had joined Elizabeth as a ten-year-old the week before, and Jane would be thirteen later this month. All three girls were the best of friends and always helped each other in their studies and played together in their free hours.

Elizabeth halted abruptly when she heard crying behind her. She turned to see Mary on the ground, holding her knee. She and Jane both went to her.

“What happened, Mary?” Jane asked. “Did you trip again?”

“I think I stumbled on a rock in the path. I could not see it.”

“Aunt really should allow you to wear your spectacles!” Elizabeth said in indignation. “It is not safe for you to go about half blind.”