Bingley looked at her in mild surprise. “Fortunate?”
She lifted her teacup lightly. “Only that Miss Bennet need not venture out again tonight. One might almost suppose the evening arranged itself in her favour.”
Darcy settled the log more firmly into place. “She could not have reached Longbourn safely in any conveyance. Even my own would have struggled upon that road.”
Bingley turned toward him. “Do you suppose it will clear by tomorrow?”
“That depends upon the rain,” Darcy replied evenly. “If it continues, I would not expect the roads to improve before the following day.”
Miss Bingley looked up quickly. “Surely it cannot persist so long.”
Bingley smiled. “We shall see what the morning brings.”
Chapter six
Elizabeth entered the dining room early the next morning, dressed in her dark green riding habit. She took a muffin and a cup of tea and seated herself at the table. Soon after, her father entered.
Observing her attire, he lifted a brow. “Off on another adventure, are we?” He went to the sideboard and helped himself to sliced ham and eggs.
“The coachman says the roads are still too muddy for the carriage to fetch Jane,” Elizabeth replied. “Harris and I will ride over and take Jane’s horse with us.”
Mr. Bennet sat opposite her. “And will you be off to London this week?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “The wagons will go, but I am not needed there this week.”
Mr. Bennet smiled slightly. “That is well. I much prefer it when you are at home, Lizzy. Then I may be assured that all is taken care of.”
Elizabeth paused, then returned his smile, though it did not linger. “I had best be on my way.” She rose, crossed the room,and kissed his cheek. “We shall not be long. I mean to make a brief stop in Meryton on our return.”
The sun was shining, and a gentle breeze stirred the hedgerows as they rode. The steady rhythm of the horses’ hooves was almost soothing, and Elizabeth felt some of the tightness leave her shoulders. She glanced toward Harris, who led Willow behind him. The journey took longer than usual, for the ground was slick in places and the horses could not safely do more than walk. Soon Netherfield came into view, and Elizabeth straightened in her saddle.
At the house, Harris assisted her down. “We shall not detain them long,” she said quietly.
The butler admitted her at once. “Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bennet has just come down for breakfast.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth replied. “Pray take me to her.”
He led her to the breakfast room and announced her before withdrawing. Elizabeth observed Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and Jane at the table.
Mr. Darcy rose immediately. “Good morning. I gather you rode over. The roads are still most disagreeable.”
“Our coachman thought so as well,” Elizabeth answered. She turned to Jane and lifted the small bag she carried. “We have brought Willow. You may ride back with us.”
Mr. Bingley stood and gestured toward a chair. “You must join us. Pray take a seat.”
“Thank you. A cup of tea would be most welcome.”
Darcy rose and drew out a chair beside his own. “May I serve you?”
“I have already breakfasted at Longbourn, but thank you.”
He inclined his head and resumed his seat.
They had conversed for several minutes when Miss Bingley entered. She paused upon the threshold, her gaze taking in the arrangement at the table.
A faint frown touched her expression as she observed Elizabeth seated beside Darcy. “Miss Elizabeth. What an unexpected pleasure.”
“Good morning,” Elizabeth replied evenly. “I came to bring Jane home.”
