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After a few more minutes of discussion on the subject did not reveal a solution, Darcy checked his watch and realized that he should depart for Netherfield if he was to have time to greet his host and change for dinner.

He was loath to leave Elizabeth but the prospect was made much brighter when his fiancée reminded him that Mr. Bingley was coming to Longbourn for the evening and Mr. Darcy would be equally welcome.

The couple waited outside the stable while Davey Hill saddled Mr. Darcy’s horse.

Although they were standing where they might easily be observed, Fitzwilliam could not quite resist brushing Elizabeth’s ungloved hand with his own.

“Thank you for your letters,” he said softly. “They meant a great deal to me.”

She smiled up at him, love sparkling in her eyes. “As yours did to me.” She lowered her gaze, suddenly embarrassed by the strength of her emotions. Feeling his hand take hers again, she looked up and the intensity in his eyes made her shiver.

A moment later, the stable man led out Darcy’s dapple grey and, after a few more words of farewell, the couple parted, comforted by the knowledge that their separation would be of short duration.

If Lizzy spent some minutes idly gathering a bouquet of flowers while imagining the day when they would no longer need to be separated, there was no one there to tease her.

Meanwhile, Darcy gave his horse its head and enjoyed a brisk canter over the three miles to Mr. Bingley’s leased estate.

He could not remember a more pleasant autumn afternoon in his life.

Unfortunately, his mood darkened when he was forced to slow and give way to several large wagons driven by soldiers passing in the opposite direction.

In his delight over seeing Elizabeth again, he had forgotten to speak to her and her father about the militia’s return to Hertfordshire.

He prayed that Colonel Fitzwilliam’s information was correct and that Wickham had remained behind in Brighton.

It seemed too much to hope that his father’s wayward godson had been swept out to sea with the flood.

When Darcy finally rode up the driveway to Netherfield, his diminished mood was lightened by the pleasant sight of Miss Catherine Bennet sitting on a bench in the dappled shade of a young beech.

As he dismounted and handed the reins off to a stableman, he noted that the girl seemed to be studying the house quite intently and finally realized that she was attempting to sketch it.

After confirming that his carriage had arrived and his valet was currently settling his things in his usual chamber, Darcy decided to take the opportunity to know one of Elizabeth’s younger sisters better.

Unbuckling his saddlebags as he walked across the yard, he recalled Georgiana’s eagerness that morning in making sure that he had packed the various presents for her new friends. It was this soft smile that Kitty saw first when she finally looked up from her sketchpad.

“Mr. Darcy! I hadn’t realized you were returning today, sir!”

Fitzwilliam returned her smile and the younger Miss Bennet was struck by the thought that Mr. Darcy did not seem frightening at all. “Miss Catherine, it is good to see you again.”

“And you as well, sir. Has Miss Darcy come with you?”

Although still uncertain of the girl’s ability to behave properly in more formal situations, Darcy could not help but be pleased by the warm, unaffected manner with which she inquired after his sister.

Miss Bingley and her ilk might display the polished manners that Society deemed fashionable but as a brother, Fitzwilliam found himself decidedly preferring these Bennet sisters with their open dispositions and easy friendship as friends for his sister.

“No, though she would have liked to do so. Georgiana needed to remain in London to see that Miss de Bourgh is settled at our cousins’ home as well as to keep up with her own studies. ”

Kitty studied the tall gentleman carefully and decided to venture another question. “What is she studying?”

Darcy easily comprehended the girl’s curiosity, having only recently witnessed another example of Mr. Bennet’s lackadaisical attitude toward his daughters’ care.

“Whenever she is in London, she has lessons with art and music masters at least once a week. In addition, Mrs. Annesley and I recommend various books for her to read and then discuss them with her although she needn’t be in London for that, of course.

We often correspond about books when we are apart—I believe we both find it interesting because we often feel very differently about what we have read. ”

Catherine’s eyes widened as she contemplated her new friend’s devotion to her education.

Feeling slightly self-conscious, Darcy recalled his sister’s gift and drew it out. “Georgiana remembered that you were interested in learning to paint and hoped you might like this.”

Kitty received the small box from him with a squeak of eagerness, though even in her excitement she slipped the blue ribbon bow off carefully, tucking it in her pocket where it would not blow away before opening her gift.

Although Elizabeth had shared her opinion that Kitty mimicked Lydia’s wild behavior because she was so often ignored by their parents, Darcy was still amazed to see the girl’s eyes become misty over the small set of watercolor paints and brushes.

Uncomfortable, he spoke quickly. “There also should be a letter there with our address in town. I know that Georgiana is eager to hear from you.”

Kitty lifted the brushes carefully and drew out an envelope with her name written in an elegant script.

Instead of opening it, she stood and made a shy curtsy to her sister’s fiancé.

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I… I shall write to Miss Darcy right away.” She peeked up at the gentleman before whispering, “I… I’d thought perhaps she was just being nice to me because I was Lizzy’s sister. ”

Darcy rushed to reassure the girl. “Not at all, Miss Catherine. My sister is very eager to know you better.” Unconsciously he extended his hand to touch her shoulder and Kitty smiled up at him, finally beginning to understand why Elizabeth liked this man so well and Georgiana called him the best of brothers.

After a pause, Darcy turned his attention back to the house. “Are your mother and sisters still inside?”

“Jane and Mary are with Mr. Bingley but Mama and Lydia took the carriage into town to visit with our Aunt Phillips.” She rolled her eyes in a way that reminded him of Elizabeth. “Lydia is desperate for any news about the militia’s return to Meryton.”

Mr. Darcy’s manner instantly became serious. “Has the entire regiment arrived already? I rode directly to Longbourn and did not pass through the village.”

Although she did not understand the source of his concern, Kitty sensed his altered mood and became more solemn as well. “Our aunt told Lydia that the camp is being set up by an advance party; the main regiment isn’t likely to arrive for a day or two.”

Thinking rapidly, Darcy paused before responding. “I assume that you and your sisters shall wish to return to Longbourn soon so that you are home in time for dinner. Shall I make sure that the carriage has been called for you?”

Catherine was clearly appreciative of his offer. “Oh, thank you! I suppose we could walk but I fear I am not as fit as Lizzy.”

Seeing that it would take her a few minutes to gather her things, Darcy excused himself, kindly allowing the girl to take her time.

Walking back to the house, deep in thought over how best to determine Wickham’s location and plans, he did not even notice the absence of a servant to meet him at the front door, propped open as it was to take advantage of the afternoon breeze .

All of which led Fitzwilliam Darcy to stand in the open door of the front drawing room where he was confronted by the shocking sight of his host being much too familiar with Elizabeth’s eldest sister.

Though uncertain of Miss Mary’s actual location, Darcy directed Miss Catherine to the music room.

In general, he disliked deception but in such a situation as this, he was willing to dissemble in order to keep Jane’s sister from looking into the room behind him.

Just as that problem had been dealt with, Netherfield’s housekeeper bustled down the hall with a maid in tow.

“Oh, Mr. Darcy! I’d no idea you’d arrived, sir, and with no one to meet you.

My apologies! One of our footmen hurt himself just this morning and everything’s been tipsy turvy since.

Your carriage arrived just an hour ago, sir, and your man is settling your things in your usual room, just as you like it, sir. ”

Darcy smiled despite the uncomfortable situation.

Mrs. Nichols reminded him a bit of his housekeeper in London and during his previous visit he had been impressed by the woman’s ability to manage Netherfield in spite of Miss Bingley’s ridiculous demands.

“Thank you, Mrs. Nichols. John mentioned the situation when he took my horse. I hope the injury was not severe?”

Netherfield’s housekeeper liked Mr. Bingley’s quiet, polite friend.

Unlike the master’s dreadful sister, Mr. Darcy had treated the servants with respect and kindness.

“Fossett turned his ankle—swollen up like a melon, it has, but not broken, thank the Lord. He was helping old Pete with the hounds and one of the pups got underfoot. Poor man loves those animals—I believe he’d throw himself in front of a wagon to save one. ”

Servant and gentleman shared a smile before Nichols recalled herself. “Well now, here I am nattering on when you’ll be wanting your bath and such. Shall I have water sent up just now, sir?”

Thinking quickly, Darcy replied, “Thank you, Mrs. Nichols. Let’s make it a half hour, shall we? First I should farewell the Miss Bennets. Could you have the carriage brought around for them?”