Lydia laughed. “I prefer society.”
Elizabeth, who walked a little apart, met his eyes then.
The look was brief – no more than an acknowledgement – yet not indifferent.
The path narrowed slightly, obliging them into closer proximity than society would otherwise dictate. The horse snorted softly as they walked, and the gravel shifted with each measured step.
For several steps, no one spoke.
“I trust you are well this morning,” he said at last to Elizabeth, the tone measured and formal.
“I am, thank you.”
Another step passed in silence.
“The dinner was much admired,” he added, with quiet deliberation.
Elizabeth glanced at him. There was no irony in the remark.
“You are generous in your assessment,” she replied.
He inclined his head slightly, as though he might answer further – but Kitty turned again, curiosity undiminished.
“What is your horse’s name, Mr. Darcy? Is it a she or a he?” She cast a cautious glance at the animal.
“It is a he. His name is Bramble.”
“Bramble?” Kitty repeated.
Elizabeth’s brows lifted before she could prevent it. “Indeed?”
“Yes.”
“That is not what I should have supposed,” she said, unable to conceal the faintest note of surprise.
“And what would you have supposed?” he asked, one corner of his mouth threatening a smile.
“Hercules, perhaps. Or Caesar.”
“Caesar would require a temperament I do not possess,” he said dryly.
“And Bramble does?” she returned.
He glanced at the horse, whose ears flicked mildly at the sound of his name.
“He was found in a hedgerow as a colt,” Darcy said. “Thoroughly entangled, thoroughly indignant, and determined to blame everyone but himself. The name seemed… appropriate. It remained.”
Elizabeth’s expression softened despite herself.
“And is he still indignant?”
“Only when crossed.”
Lydia laughed at that, though she had missed the subtlety of the exchange.
They had nearly reached the church gate now. Voices carried faintly across the yard – Mrs. Bennet’s among them, rushing toward the girls when she saw them arrive.
Bingley’s carriage stood already before the entrance. Caroline, having descended, was surveying arrivals with interest.
