Darcy stood beside her. “Would you care to return inside?” he asked.
She shook her head slightly. “We may go back to Netherfield, if you like.”
A faint smile touched his expression. “I was hoping you would say so.”
He soon located Bingley and Jane, and within a short time the four of them were seated in Darcy’s carriage, beginning the journey back.
Elizabeth glanced behind them. “What of Miss de Bourgh and Lady Catherine?”
“They brought their own carriage,” he replied, with a hint of amusement.
She laughed softly. “You have arranged matters very neatly.”
“I thought it prudent,” he said, meeting her gaze, “to secure your company while I might.”
Elizabeth felt a small, unexpected warmth at his words. She did not answer immediately, but her smile lingered.
***
When they returned to Netherfield, Elizabeth glanced at Darcy. “I intend to change and ride over to check on Mr. MacDonald and the progress at Longbourn.”
Darcy smiled. “If you are asking whether I would wish to accompany you, I would.”
She smiled in return. “Then I shall meet you at the stables in thirty minutes.”
Darcy inclined his head. “I will be there.”
A short time later, Elizabeth entered the stable. She had changed into another riding habit, this one a rich ruby red, though she wore the same black hat.
Darcy looked at her a moment longer than was necessary. “You look very beautiful.”
Elizabeth smiled softly. “Thank you. Shall we go?”
He nodded and led the horses out, assisting her into the saddle before mounting his own.
Soon they were cantering toward Longbourn. Fallen leaves crunched beneath the horses’ hooves, and the air carried a sharper chill than the day before. Elizabeth drew in a steady breath. She would be glad to see the work progressing. As they approached the gatehouse, a dog began to bark, its tail already wagging in recognition. Mr. MacDonald stepped out to greet them.
“Mr. MacDonald, how are you today?” Elizabeth asked as Darcy helped her dismount.
“Very well, miss. They’ve been busy carting away crates all morning.” He nodded toward the wagons, stacked high with furniture and boxes. “Several loads yesterday, and more today.”
The dog approached Elizabeth, sniffing her briefly before sitting at her feet, its tail sweeping the ground in contentment. She reached down to pet him.
“I am sorry I did not bring a treat.” She glanced up. “What is his name?”
“Patch,” Mr. MacDonald said, giving the dog a fond pat. “Good watchdog, he is.”
Elizabeth nodded. “That is reassuring. We shall continue to keep guards here for the next few days. I would like the house fully emptied. After that, depending upon whether we rebuild, we may simply board it up.”
She paused, studying him. “Would you be uncomfortable remaining here alone? We will, of course, ensure you are supplied with meals, but I would not wish you to feel isolated.”
Mr. MacDonald grinned. “I am not alone, miss. I have Patch. I shall be quite fine.”
Elizabeth returned his smile. “Very well. Do let me know if anything changes. The stables at Longbourn will remain staffed for now.”
She turned to Darcy. “I would like to see the house before we leave.”
He assisted her back into the saddle, then mounted Atlas. They waved to Mr. MacDonald and continued on.
