Page 136 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

“His son died a hero, and he likely has no knowledge of it. How would you feel if it were you who died on assignment and your father never knew? Would you not wish someone would tell him? Surely two decades later, secrecy is not required.”

Richard pursed his lips. “I will think on it. If it seems he can be told, we will go together.”

“Thank you. And now I believe you have distracted me long enough that Elizabeth should be in London. Stay as long as you like…” Darcy was already to the door.

“Give her my best, and keep all but the diamonds to yourself. And I mean you can tell them only how and why the diamonds were purchased and that they were lost. Not a word about paintings, Roberts, Etches, Baudains, Persing⁠—”

“Yes, I understand. Perhaps I will save this story for another day, as I am sure to have other things to speak of with Elizabeth this afternoon.”

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Elizabeth had been back in London for a week, and Fitzwilliam called on her every day. This morning, he brought Georgiana. Elizabeth had wished to see the girl many times in the past few years, but she had never suggested a meeting, thinking her brother was protecting her from Elizabeth and the scandal that always threatened to surround her.

“Miss Darcy, your brother has told us so much about you. I am honored to finally meet you.” Aunt Gardiner expertly made the girl feel comfortable, choosing topics to draw her out without forcing too much attention on her. They spoke of Derbyshire and London and their relations. Elizabeth was gratified that Georgiana was soon comfortable talking to them both. She had a heaviness about her that must be from her recent heartbreak, but the girl lit up when Elizabeth spoke to her of music and of Mrs. Annesley.

Colonel Fitzwilliam had joined the Darcys on their call, and when Uncle Gardiner stopped in to bring his wife a sample of new lace, he stayed to speak to their guests.

“What more can you tell us of Mr. Darcy’s diamonds, Colonel? He told us he found a few, leading you both to investigate. Have you found any more of Lord Rowe’s treasure?”

The colonel nearly choked on his tea. “Um…no, Mr. Gardiner. Darcy’s three stones may be all that are ever recovered.” He glared at Fitzwilliam, and Elizabeth wondered why. Did they both know more than Fitzwilliam had told them? Had he already told them too much?

“Elizabeth, do you still wish to stop in at Dutton’s today? I thought Georgiana would like to see the library, as well.”

Fitzwilliam was changing the subject, but she was not opposed to helping him. She informed him she would return with her bonnet and pelisse. Although the streets were dry today, the wind would make for a cold walk.

Her aunt remained at home, but her uncle joined them as far as his Emporium. Elizabeth then walked with Georgiana, and Fitzwilliam walked with his cousin behind them. She knew Matthew trailed not far behind. During the pauses in conversation with Georgiana, she could faintly hear the men speaking behind her.

“…nothing of the letters or their owner…what we agreed upon last week.”

“When…to Bath…”

“Tomorrow?”

“…tear yourself away.”

Elizabeth had been straining so intently to hear what was behind her that she missed a man coming up beside her until she felt her arm yanked to the side, and she was being pulled into the street.

Georgiana screamed beside her and then in a shocked quiet said a name. “George.”

Elizabeth realized she was about to be forced into a carriage when she was suddenly in Fitzwilliam’s embrace. She heard a gunshot and yelling, but she was safe in the arms of the man she loved.

Matthew had nearly knocked Darcy over as he ran past him, prompting him to look up at a terrifying scene. Wickham had a gun pressed to Elizabeth’s side and a hand tightly gripping her arm. He was tugging her toward a closed carriage with a door waiting open. Just before Darcy reached Elizabeth, Matthew knocked Wickham from her and to the ground.

Darcy pulled Elizabeth into his embrace and rubbed his hands gently up and down her arms, touched her cheeks, murmured words of love and comfort. Then he heard a gunshot behind him. He turned to see Matthew, Richard, and two additional men Richard had watching the house all hauling Wickham off the ground. He turned back to see Georgiana, who looked to be in shock. Releasing one of Elizabeth’s arms, the two of them welcomed his sister into their circle.

“I will come in an hour to question him.” Richard gave his men instructions to secure Wickham, and they led him away.

“You are hurt!” Elizabeth’s cry had Darcy taking inventory of his own limbs. Had he been too concerned for Elizabeth and his sister to notice he had been injured?

“It’s only a scrape, Miss. No real harm done.”

Matthew! Her footman had been shot.

“Matthew, thank you for protecting Elizabeth. We should head back to the house and summon a doctor.”

“Why would George try to harm you, Elizabeth? He looked into my eyes with such scorn right before he pointed that gun at you and tried to take you away. Why would he do that?”

His sister’s soft, trembling voice nearly broke his heart. He was glad Elizabeth knew how to answer because he did not.