Elizabeth curtsied, her amusement barely concealed. “Then we are fortunate indeed. Few things are as improving as bad weather in good company.”
Before Caroline could reply, a familiar voice carried through the soft drizzle.
“Miss Bennet. Miss Elizabeth.”
They turned to see Mr. Darcy striding across the forecourt, his greatcoat darkened by the rain, droplets clinging to his hair and shoulders. Apollo paced at his side, the greyhound's sleek coat glistening with moisture, every inch of him alert and graceful despite the weather.
Elizabeth's breath caught. Her heart gave an absurd little skip.
She pressed her lips together, mortified at herself.What nonsense. The man insulted you in public and never apologized. He is engaged to his cousin. You do not even like him. This feeling—whatever it is—is entirely inappropriate and will be ignored.
“Mr. Darcy,” Jane greeted, her tone composed. “We did not expect to find you abroad on such a morning, sir.”
“The rain eased for a time,” he replied. “I thought a short walk would do Apollo good before the clouds gathered again.”
His gaze dropped to Pippin, who sat bright-eyed in Elizabeth’s arms, her ears damp, her tail giving a hopeful flutter. “And you have brought Pippin.”
Elizabeth steadied her voice. "I could hardly have prevented it," she said, managing a smile despite the drizzle beading onher bonnet. "She would have broken free and followed if I had tried."
A rare softness touched Darcy's expression. "Then she is a creature of admirable resolve. I do not confine Apollo either, but he is content to remain when I leave. He does not insist on following."
"Then he is more biddable than Pippin," Elizabeth said, brushing a raindrop from the dog's ear. "She cannot abide being left behind and will not be reasoned with. Stubbornness, not resolve. We share that failing, I fear."
Pippin squirmed to be let down, and Elizabeth obliged her. At once, the spaniel bounded toward Apollo, who sniffed her politely before joining her in a lively run across the lawn. Their easy play seemed to please Darcy, though Caroline’s sigh of disapproval was not lost on him.
“I hope they will not soil the terrace,” Caroline said with delicate concern. “Our servants have just finished sweeping it.”
“They will remain on the grass,” Darcy replied, his tone mild but unyielding. “Apollo knows his boundaries.”
Elizabeth’s eyes danced. “And Pippin will surely follow his example. She is an excellent judge of company.”
Caroline’s smile faltered. “Indeed.”
Inside, the ladies were shown to the drawing-room, where a low fire burned to chase the damp chill of the wet afternoon. The scent of rain drifted in each time the door opened, mingling with that of polished wood and freshly brewed tea. Mr. Bingley looked up from his place near the hearth, his whole countenance brightening the moment Jane entered.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth—how very kind of you to come out on such a day! You have brought sunshine with you, though the sky will not oblige.”
Mrs. Hurst arranged herself upon the sofa with practiced grace, her gaze fixed upon Jane with an admiration that did notquite conceal envy. “I must say, Miss Bennet, the weather has done you no harm. The country air agrees with you exceedingly well.”
“It does, ma’am,” Jane replied serenely. “We are fortunate to live where even the rain has its beauty.”
“Though,” Caroline added smoothly, “I suppose too much quiet and too much rain must sometimes weary you. There can be little diversion near Longbourn in such weather.”
Elizabeth’s smile was light. “We contrive to be entertained, Miss Bingley. A large family provides variety, if not silence.”
Darcy, seated nearby, looked up from his cup. Though his expression remained composed, Elizabeth caught the faintest gleam of amusement in his eyes.
Mrs. Hurst leaned forward with polite curiosity. “Charles tells us you have a cousin visiting, a clergyman, is he not?”
“Yes,” Jane replied. “Mr. Collins.”
Caroline’s brows lifted. “Indeed? Just visiting, I suppose, or has he come for something more permanent?”
Elizabeth understood at once. Her father's lack of a male heir—and the entailment of his estate—was common knowledge.
“Perhaps visiting, perhaps more,” she said lightly. “Either way, we like to think family is always welcome at Longbourn, whatever their purpose.”
“Of course,” Caroline agreed with false sweetness. “Family is everything, Miss Eliza. Where does Mr. Collins hold his living?”
