Elizabeth looked up.
Another followed.
“I believe the weather has decided for us,” she said.
Darcy glanced toward the house. “So it has.”
Within seconds the light rain began to fall in earnest.
Elizabeth gathered her cloak instinctively. “We had better return before my mother believes you have carried me off entirely.”
Darcy allowed himself a rare laugh.
“That would certainly produce a memorable morning at Longbourn.”
They turned together toward the house, quickening their steps as the rain began properly at last. And though neither spoke as they hurried along the garden path, their eyes met, and they both smiled.
Darcy spoke before he opened the door.
“Then let us prove her wrong together.”
Chapter 18
The Direction of His Attention
They had scarcely reached the door before the rain began in earnest.
Darcy opened it quickly, and Elizabeth passed inside, though not without turning her face slightly away from the sudden rush of cold air and rain. A few drops had already found their way beneath her bonnet, and she laughed, almost breathless, as they entered the hall.
“Well,” she said, removing her gloves, “we have not escaped entirely.”
Darcy glanced at her with a faint smile. “I fear I am responsible for that.”
Before she could answer, the parlour door opened, and Mrs. Bennet appeared.
“My dear Lizzy!” she exclaimed at once. “You are quite damp! I knew it – I was certain the weather would turn. I said so not ten minutes ago. Mr. Darcy, how could you think of taking her out when the clouds were so threatening?”
Darcy bowed slightly. “I must beg your pardon, madam. The fault is entirely mine.”
“Well, I dare say it is,” said Mrs. Bennet, though not displeased by his civility. “Lizzy, you must go upstairs immediately and change. You will certainly catch cold if you remain so. Hill! Hill!”
Elizabeth attempted to protest. “Mama, I assure you…”
“No, no, I will not hear of it. You are quite damp, I can see it plainly. And after such weather! It is most improper. Hill will bring you something warm. Pray do not delay.”
Elizabeth, who knew resistance to be useless, inclined her head. “Very well, Mama.”
She glanced once toward Darcy, and for a brief moment their eyes met again. There was something in his expression – half amusement, half concern – that made her turn away more quickly than she intended.
“I shall return presently,” she said, and left the room.
By the time Elizabeth returned, the house had resumed its usual order, though the sound of steady rain against the windows lent everything a quieter tone.
Darcy was no longer in the parlour.
“He is with Father in the book room,” said Jane, as Elizabeth entered. “Mama thought it very proper that he should not sit idle.”
Elizabeth felt a slight, unaccountable awareness at this. “Indeed?”
