“Perhaps.Or it might make you behave in a way contrary to what is needed to bring about the necessary outcome.”
“Why must you be so logical?”
Jane shrugged.“It is a failing I cannot seem to remedy.”
Elizabeth smiled at her sister.“Do you feel strong enough to walk out this morning?We may keep to the gardens close to the house.”
“I believe I am.”
Soon enough, they were bundled against the chill and strolling arm-in-arm through Netherfield’s dormant rose garden.
“Just think,” said Elizabeth quietly, “you could be mistress of all of this.”
“Do not tease me, Lizzy!It is unkind.”
“Forgive me, Jane.”She looked slyly at her sister.“Though you know I am right.”
“Arrogance does not become you, sister.”
Elizabeth laughed and they walked on in silence for some time until a childish laugh shattered the stillness.They turned a corner and found themselves on the edge of a small lawn surrounded by hedges.
“Is that the little boy you were telling me of?”asked Jane.
Elizabeth followed Jane’s gaze and saw young Peter Hurst in the far corner of the lawn, pressing against a hedge.He was covering his mouth and laughing behind his hands.
“He looks like he is hiding,” said Elizabeth.
“Perhaps from his nurse.I do not see her.”
A female voice called out, “Master Peter!Where are you?”
The young boy laughed again and tried unsuccessfully to muffle the sound with his hands.
“He is adorable,” said Jane.
Elizabeth smiled at her sister.Jane loved all children and the feeling was mutual.Elizabeth was more particular.
A young maid came around the hedge at the opposite side from Peter.She saw him as soon as she entered the secluded lawn, yet she looked about and placed her hands on her hips while pretending not to see him.
“She is very good with him,” said Elizabeth.
The nurse pretended to look inside the hedges and beneath a particularly fluffy bush before finally finding the young boy.He squealed with delight and she picked him up and twirled him about.
Elizabeth sighed.“You are right, Jane.He is adorable.”
Jane did not respond, and Elizabeth looked at her sister to find a dazed expression on her face.“You are thinking of your children playing here, are you not?”she asked softly.
“You know me too well.”
“As sisters should.”She squeezed her arm.“Do not worry, dear.All will turn out well.”
They watched the nurse and her charge for another minute or two until the nurse put Peter down, claiming exhaustion.She said something about not being strong enough to keep spinning him over and over and suggested he perhaps ask his uncle.
“Did somebody say uncle?”
Jane’s head snapped up and Elizabeth followed her gaze to see Mr.Bingley round the hedge, followed closely by Mr.Darcy.
“Unca!”cried Peter.The boy jumped up and down and clapped his hands.
