Harris was just coming out of the house with another crate as they approached. He set it into the wagon before walking over.
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Harris, how is the work progressing?”
He wiped his brow. “We should have most of it cleared today, miss… everything but the attic.”
“That is excellent progress.” She paused, considering. “I would like two men to remain here each night for now. They may take turns. And if there are no cots already here, have some brought before this evening.”
Harris nodded. “We will see to it, Miss Elizabeth.”
She turned, then glanced back over her shoulder. “The dangerous areas remain roped off?”
“Yes, miss. We have been most careful in those sections.”
Elizabeth’s expression grew more serious. “I do not want anyone injured.”
“We are taking every precaution.”
She gave a small nod. “Good. Inform me if any difficulties arise.”
She turned to Darcy. “Is there anything I have overlooked?”
Darcy smiled slightly. “Nothing that I can see.”
She laughed lightly. “Then we may return.”
They mounted and set off again, the pace easier now.
After a short distance, Elizabeth glanced over at Darcy as he rode beside her. There was a steadiness in his presence she had not expected to rely upon, and yet she found that she did.
The realization pleased and surprised her.
***
Caroline sat in the drawing room with Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, her gaze drifting again to the clock.
“I do not know what can be keeping them,” she said at last.
Mrs. Hurst looked up with a hint of amusement. “They all went to the wedding. You saw them leave.”
Caroline gave a small huff. “Yes, but that was this morning.”
Mrs. Hurst shrugged lightly. “Then perhaps you have not considered the custom of the wedding breakfast.”
Caroline waved her hand dismissively. “I did not expect them to attend.”
Mrs. Hurst raised her brows. “It would be considered quite rude if they did not.”
Caroline sighed, clearly displeased. “Even Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh attended, and they scarcely know anyone there.”
Mrs. Hurst allowed herself a small, knowing smile. “They know Mr. Darcy, and Miss Elizabeth.”
Caroline’s lips pressed together. “It seems everyone is determined to make a spectacle of it.”
She rose abruptly. “We may as well go into luncheon.”
Mr. Hurst, who had thus far remained comfortably silent, rose at once at the mention of food.
***
