Page 145 of Mr. Darcy’s Diamonds

“Without giving away Elizabeth’s true identity.”

“Very well. I can be discreet.”

Darcy nodded. “The biggest question now is whether Mr. Bennet is the type to force his niece to marry for advantage instead of for love.”

“The duke made that mistake once, so we can hope he has learned his lesson and will be overjoyed to have his granddaughter marry a rich man from the north. What of your lady? Will she rethink your arrangement once she learns her true identity?”

“No. Elizabeth will not change her mind.” Would she?

“Have you decided what you wish to do?”

Darcy shook his head. “I keep thinking about what will allow me to marry her quickly, but I should instead be thinking about what is best for her.”

“Can those not be the same thing?”

“I pray they are.”

The next morning, after too little sleep, Darcy told his cousin he had decided to send an express to Mr. Bennet. He had not written it yet, though, because he still was unsure what to tell the duke.

“If we could get him to London without telling him all, it would be ideal. I would prefer to speak to Mr. Bennet first to ensure we are not missing something, but I do not want to lose another fortnight in returning to Yorkshire to retrieve the duke.”

“Lizzy, your Uncle Bennet has written that he will come to London next week. Did he tell you the same?”

“No, Uncle. Why is he coming?”

“He wishes to ensure you are safe. Wickham trying to kidnap you must have him unsettled.”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “But you wrote Mr. Wickham has been apprehended. I wonder why he would come now. Did you say anything else in your last letter to him?”

Her uncle considered. “I told him about Matthew’s injury, but he is almost fully recovered now…I told him Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam were also there to protect you.”

“I hope he is not coming to stop me from seeing Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth knew he could.

“He would have written me a letter commanding it before coming himself if that was all. Oh, I also told him about Mr. Darcy’s diamonds. I thought the story might be of interest to him, as we have found so much entertainment from it recently.”

“Nothing more? Perhaps he does only wish to see me after hearing about Mr. Wickham’s latest attempt. Have you heard from Mr. Darcy? Do you know why he went to Yorkshire?”

“No, I have not had a letter. Do you suppose he will complete his business quickly? I am undecided whether it is better or worse for him to be here when your uncle arrives.”

Elizabeth chuckled. “Without knowing why my uncle is coming, that is impossible to say. Mr. Darcy should have reached Yorkshire yesterday, but I do not know why he went. He has been rather mysterious lately.”

“All in good fun, Lizzy. Have you not noticed he has been mysterious since he showed us those three diamonds and told us where he found them?”

“Yes, but you do not think all of his travels have been about the diamonds, do you? Oh, I hope not! Remember, Lord Rowe may have been killed over diamonds. Will Mr. Darcy remain safe, do you think?”

Her uncle patted her shoulder. “I am sure he is fine, Lizzy. When did you last hear from him?”

“I received a letter today, but he sent that at the beginning of his trip north.”

“Do not worry. Three little diamonds will not put him at any risk. Remember, Lord Rowe had far more, if he had them at all.”

Elizabeth sighed. “Of course. I do not like it when Mr. Darcy is away.”

“That is only natural, Lizzy. I will speak to your uncle again about allowing you to marry Mr. Darcy.”

“Thank you, Uncle.” Elizabeth knew it was no use, but she appreciated Uncle Gardiner’s support. “Oh, and in case Aunt did not tell you yet, Jane said she and Charles will be here this evening. Charles has expressed an interest in going to St. Helen’s church tomorrow, so they will spend the night. I think they are getting tired of his sisters and will be back at Netherfield soon.”

She and her uncle laughed.