“A wise decision. People perform best when they know their efforts are valued.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Yes. They should be.”
Darcy gestured ahead. “We have nearly arrived. Does the hill bear a name?”
“None that I have ever heard. I have always thought of it as Goulding Hill, though I doubt anyone calls it so.”
They turned onto a narrow path and made their way up the rise. The carriage halted below, and the footman assisted Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst to the ground.
Miss Bingley looked up the path with evident doubt. “I do not see why the carriage cannot take us to the top.”
The footman inclined his head. “The path is too narrow, miss.” He gathered a blanket and the picnic hamper and began the ascent.
Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst followed, picking their way carefully up the slope.
***
When Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst reached the top of the hill, Miss Bingley's gaze fell at once upon Elizabeth arranging the blankets beside Mr. Darcy. Her expression made her disapproval plain.
Miss Bennet stood nearby with Mr. Bingley, assisting him as he unpacked the hamper. Sandwiches, cold ham, cakes, and fruit were soon set out with cheerful efficiency.
Elizabeth looked up as they approached. “Are you thirsty? There is wine and lemonade.”
Miss Bingley's lips parted, her expression sharpening, when Mrs. Hurst stepped forward. “Wine would be very agreeable. Thank you.”
Miss Bingley glanced at her sister, then moved toward the group. “Miss Eliza, how very domestic you are. Quite… quaint.”
Elizabeth met her gaze with an easy smile. “May I offer you some refreshment?”
Miss Bingley hesitated, her glance flickering toward the wine before she said, “Wine will do.”
As the others settled themselves, Miss Bingley cast a critical eye about the hilltop. “I had supposed we might have brought chairs.”
“No chairs,” Bingley said cheerfully, gesturing toward the blanket.
She examined it as though it might object to her presence, then seated herself with great care, arranging her skirts to their best advantage.
Jane leaned toward her. “Would you like a sandwich? There is ham or chicken.”
“Chicken, if you please.”
Meanwhile, Elizabeth had turned her attention to the surrounding countryside. “It is very pretty here. I am glad we came.”
Darcy inclined his head slightly toward her. “Would you care to walk a little and take in the view more fully?” He had no wish to remain where Miss Bingley might claim his attention.
“That would be very pleasant.”
He rose and offered his arm. Elizabeth accepted, and together they walked to the far side of the hill.
Miss Bingley watched them go, her expression hardened. Mr. Darcy appeared entirely at ease. She looked away at once, as if the sight offended her.
“There is the Gouldings’ house. The prospect is quite lovely from here.”
“Yes,” Darcy said quietly. “It is.”
He was not looking at the view.
Elizabeth turned toward him and, meeting his gaze, coloured slightly before smiling.
