Page 10

D awn. Elizabeth rolled over quietly and slipped from the bed, careful not to wake Jane. She smiled as her sister sighed and settled back down in the bed without rousing further.

They had decided that Elizabeth would stay in her chamber rather than repair for each night further down the corridor where she might not hear if she was needed. And the familiarity of each other’s presence was a relief to her, as well.

Rather than ring for a maid, she splashed her face with the cold water from the ewer, and slipped into her clothes.

Buttoning up her coat as she hurried down the stairs, she passed several startled maids polishing the bannisters, and nodded cheerfully at the footman as he opened the great front door for her.

“Thank you. I am only walking in the gardens, and will be back shortly.”

She hastened down the steps, hesitating only a moment before turning right.

The park was larger than Longbourn’s, and Elizabeth knew it well, having extended her walks often when the house was untenanted.

Without any hills or rivers to make it interesting, she decided the ruined folly in the small wooded area would be the most interesting — as well as sheltering her from the chill morning breeze.

She rounded the first trees and slowed a little, enjoying deep breaths of the fresh air after the heavy warmth of the sickroom.

“Miss Bennet.” Mr. Darcy’s voice behind her caused her to whirl round in surprise, and he smiled wryly.

“I am sorry, I did not intend to startle you.” He bowed slightly. “But I saw you walking this way and wondered if you had seen the old folly that is here?”

He seemed to wish to be polite, she supposed, but she had wanted to be alone, and she knew her voice showed her irritation.

“Indeed, Mr. Darcy. Netherfield is often untenanted, and I know the grounds quite well from those times.”

His eyebrows went up, and she sighed. “We were neighbours with the owners before, sir. They have been quite happy that I walk the grounds when the house is not let.”

His smile was twisted. “Then perhaps you would be able to acquaint me with the history of the place, Miss Bennet.”

She glanced round — the house was quite hidden, and she ought to be careful, she supposed. “I would be happy to do so, Mr. Darcy, but I am afraid I do not have a maid with me this morning, so I think it would not do.”

His smile was more genuine now. “Indeed. I am indebted to you for not wishing to entrap me, madam.”

Elizabeth tried not to let her amusement show. She would certainly not wish to trap him, but it showed his arrogance that he would think she could not possibly be disadvantaged by a compromise from him. If only he knew.

She curtsied politely. “Then I hope you enjoy the rest of your walk, sir. I will return to the house.”

He bowed in return, seeming to be rather nettled that she showed so little inclination for his company.

But she reminded herself again that she must be increasingly careful to stay safe, or she would not be permitted to stay at Longbourn much longer.

She drew in great breaths of the fresh air as she walked back to the house, annoyed at her shortened walk, and by the time she entered the hall, she’d made up her mind that she would not be circumscribed by him.

The housekeeper was there and smiled at her expression. “I expect you wish me to find a maid to accompany you out again, Miss Elizabeth.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Nicholls, you have anticipated me.”

“I know you quite well enough by now, Miss,” the older woman smiled. Neither would ever admit in front of anyone that Elizabeth had often come into the house for tea with the housekeeper when she was younger, when the place was empty and little work to be done.

A maid hurried into the hall, already in her coat and hat. Elizabeth nodded at her. “I will walk the other side of the grounds, Mrs. Nicholls, until breakfast.”

It was the middle of the morning when Elizabeth was sitting quietly beside Jane, busy with her embroidery and deep in thought, when there was a soft knock at the door.

She glanced up at Jane, who was still asleep, and climbed quickly to her feet. Opening the door as silently as she could, she was too astonished to keep her voice down. “Papa! And Mary!”

“I take it Jane was asleep, then,” he teased her, and she glanced back.

“Yes. I had determined not to disturb her, but you surprised me. You had better come in.” She opened the door wider and nodded at the footman.

“Please arrange for tea.”

Papa crossed the room to his eldest daughter. “How are you feeling now, Jane? I expect Lizzy is a great comfort to you.”

Jane’s voice was still hoarse, but her eyes were brighter than yesterday, and Elizabeth wondered if she could possibly go back to Longbourn today. She smiled tightly at Mary, who was clutching her book and looking very discomposed.

She knew exactly what was about to happen. Papa would not have stirred himself to come and see Jane unless Elizabeth had written to ask him to. The fact he had brought Mary with him meant he had received notice that she was summoned to London.

Her lips tightened. If the duke — Father — wanted her to continue hiding in the country, he would not make such demands which took considerable explaining here at home.

“Papa, Mr. Jones said this morning Jane might be able to come home tomorrow. Perhaps I could stay with her until then?”

He shook his head. “I’m sorry, I think your aunt needs you today. She has even sent her carriage.” He smiled. “Perhaps one of the children is unwell. You know how difficult is is with four children under ten when one of the childhood illnesses is burning through the nursery.”

“And Aunt Gardiner was very good at coming to help you when we were small, Papa.” Jane’s voice was croaky. She extended her hand to Elizabeth.

“You must go at once. Aunt must really need you, and Mary and I will do very well together.”

“Of course.” Elizabeth turned to Mary. “Thank you for agreeing to come here. Mrs. Nicholls is very good to us, and if you’d rather stay up here with Jane, she’ll send trays up for you.”

Mary nodded determinedly. “I would not be happy joining the party downstairs for dinner.” She shivered, and Elizabeth was glad. Miss Bingley would be much less kind to Mary, and Elizabeth didn’t want her to lose confidence.

Papa nodded. “All right, girls. I will go down and acquaint Mr. Bingley with what’s happening. You must get your things from here packed, Elizabeth, to add to the trunks which are being packed at Longbourn, and join me as soon as you can.” He gave her a significant look before turning to the door.