***
Darcy and Elizabeth entered the drawing room, where the others were already gathered. Elizabeth seated herself beside Georgiana.
“We were planning to visit the Gardiners.”
“Oh! May I join you?” Georgiana asked.
“Of course,” Elizabeth replied with a smile.
Anne rose at once. “I should like to visit them as well.”
“And I,” Mary added.
Mrs. Bennet shook her head. “I think I shall remain here.”
Jane glanced at Elizabeth. “I will stay with Mama.”
Elizabeth gave Jane a pointed look but made no comment. “Shall we go, then?”
At the front door, the servants assisted them with hats and coats. Elizabeth turned, then paused, surprised to find Lady Catherine among them.
“You wish to visit the Gardiners?” she asked.
Lady Catherine regarded her calmly. “Is there a reason I should not?”
Elizabeth considered her. “They are not people I should wish to see you addressing with your cane.”
Lady Catherine inclined her head. “You may be assured I shall behave with propriety.”
Elizabeth studied her a moment longer, then continued on.
Inside the carriage, Elizabeth sat beside Darcy.
He leaned slightly closer. “Is something amiss?”
Elizabeth glanced toward Lady Catherine. “I am not certain.”
The journey passed mostly in silence, the carriage slowing often through the crowded streets. At last, they arrived. Darcy stepped down first and assisted the ladies from the carriage. The door was opened before they could knock.
In the drawing room, Mrs. Gardiner sat with her four children, who brightened at once at the sight of their cousins and visitors.
Emily approached Lady Catherine. “Are you a queen?” she asked, reaching out to pat her gown.
Darcy coughed. “Pray excuse me.”
Elizabeth glanced at him, smiling.
Mrs. Gardiner frowned. “Emily, we do not touch other people’s clothing.”
Emily pouted. “I am sorry.”
Lady Catherine smiled. “No, I am not a queen, though I thank you for the compliment.”
She bent slightly. “And you are Emily? How old are you?”
Emily considered this, then held up four fingers. “I was three, but now I am four,” she announced proudly.
The nanny appeared in the doorway, looking uncertain. “Shall we postpone our walk?”
