Page 129 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

Darcy nodded, his fears all but confirmed.

“The carriage this morning, then? Was that also an attempt on my life and not merely a reckless driver?”

“Again, we have no proof, but it seems that way. That is why I insisted your servants come with the Gardiners. They will do all they can to protect you, but you must be vigilant, as well. Be aware of your surroundings and do not go out more than you must.”

“But why? Why would someone wish to harm me?”

Darcy’s first thought was Wickham because that man wanted to ruin every good thing in Darcy’s life, but it made no sense. Wickham had often been cruel to animals as a boy and even at university had not treated horses well, but he had never harmed a person, as far as Darcy knew. Besides, it was a leap to think that Wickham could be responsible for everything wrong in his world. Wickham had likely heard the tattle about him and Elizabeth, but this had to be more than jealousy over having lost her in January. He had lost Georgiana, as well. Still, Wickham bore investigation, Darcy decided.

“I do not know. But Mr. Bennet accused me of planning both attacks to then save you and win your affections.”

Elizabeth laughed, and Darcy relaxed his shoulders a fraction to know she was not completely distraught.

“Elizabeth.” He stopped behind a shrub and took her into his arms, resting his cheek on her hair. She had forgotten to wear a bonnet in their haste. She reached up to place her ungloved hand on his face.

“I am safe, Fitzwilliam. We will quit this place next week as planned and leave behind these meager efforts to hurt me.”

“Oh, Elizabeth. Would that we could.” He lifted his head and dropped his forehead to hers. “Your uncle has refused his consent. How could he allow the man to marry you whom he thinks twice tried to kill you?”

“But that is ludicrous. I will speak to him and explain that of course you had no hand in it. My uncle has always been reasonable. I confess I did fear he would insist I wait until I am one-and-twenty. That is more than a year away, Fitzwilliam.”

“If you wish to wait, we will. I am not opposed to eloping, though, as our union will already be awash in a cloud of scandal.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.

Elizabeth giggled merrily but soon sobered.

“I think I would like to work on my uncle first. If he does not relent within a few days, you will have to take Georgiana to Pemberley without me. As much as I hate to be parted from you, it will be easier knowing we are promised to each other. I will write to you, but if my uncle does not allow me to receive letters from you, you may send them through the Gardiners. We are sure to gain their approval.”

Darcy sighed. “I fear you are correct. Let us speak with Mrs. Gardiner before we leave for London, and I will talk to Mr. Gardiner when we return. My carriage is available to take you all back to Gracechurch Street, as it seems your uncle is still unable to come for the wedding.”

“That would be perfect. Thank you.” She held him tightly and rested her head on his chest. “Do you remember I told you the miniature I have of my mother is very like me?”

Darcy nodded, holding her close and stroking her arms, her neck, her hair. He had not thought he would have to relinquish her for more than a week. “Yes, I recall.”

She looked up to his face. “It is in London, but I will give it to you before you go to Pemberley. I do not know how long we will be apart, but I pray it will be a comfort to you.”

A few tears escaped her eyes, and he kissed them away. Knowing this could be the last time for a while they were alone together, he took advantage of the situation and covered her mouth with his, pulling her ever closer and pouring his love into his kisses so she could not forget or imagine he would falter in his affections.

They were interrupted he knew not how much later by a discrete cough. He slowly pulled away from his intended and opened his hazy eyes to an embarrassed but smiling Matthew. He stepped back from Elizabeth’s warmth but retained one hand in his and gave the footman a nod.

“Are congratulations in order, Miss, sir?” Matthew’s smile grew wider.

“I have agreed to be Mr. Darcy’s wife, but my Uncle Bennet has refused his consent.” Elizabeth sounded as though she might cry again, and Darcy wrapped his arm around her waist.

“We have agreed to work on him and wait a little longer. I will not give up. Thank you, Matthew, for your congratulations. As to our discussion some days ago, Miss Elizabeth now knows she must be on her guard, and I will send two footmen over tonight to patrol the grounds. They arrived at Netherfield yesterday once the rain eased up.”

“Very good, sir. I’m sure your uncle will relent once he understands your heart, Miss Elizabeth. He can’t deny you’re well-suited to each other.”

“Thank you Matthew. Shall we return to the house?”

Elizabeth was determined to keep her tears in check at the ball that night and shared two glorious sets with Fitzwilliam before sitting close to him at supper. Unfortunately, Uncle Bennet had deemed it enough, and he had taken her home early, so she could not spend another moment with Fitzwilliam after the meal. She had begged him to allow her to remain since Fitzwilliam would be leaving for his estate in a matter of days, but her uncle was unmoved.

He could not stop the couple from gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes the next morning at the wedding, however. She would be of age in exactly fifteen months, but Elizabeth prayed she and Fitzwilliam would not be required to wait the full term to exchange their own vows.

Mary and Mr. Lucas and Jane and Mr. Bingley separately departed after breakfast to begin their wedding tours, and the rest of the Netherfield party, aside from Fitzwilliam, returned to London the next morning. Fitzwilliam attempted to call on her repeatedly, but for three days he was denied. Elizabeth spoke daily to her uncle, but he refused to hear reason. When she and Dinah began to pack her trunks to return to London, he told her she would remain at Longbourn, at least until after Christmas when the Gardiners returned.

Her heart fell, but she had no recourse. Aunt Gardiner had also pleaded Fitzwilliam’s case but to no avail. Her aunt then advised patience, and Elizabeth told her where her mother’s miniature portrait could be found in her London bedchamber. She charged her aunt with giving it to Fitzwilliam, which she readily agreed to do. Her aunt also agreed to be an intermediary for letters between the couple, although she advised discretion.

Her Aunt Bennet could not fail to learn Elizabeth had received an offer of marriage, but not even her plaguing demands could sway her husband into permitting the match.