Page 124 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“I make light of Mr. Collins when the occasion permits.”

Georgiana looked down to hide a smile. Anne made no attempt.

Caroline saw both reactions and lost patience. “Miss Eliza has a wit that some find diverting.”

“Darcy among them?” Lady Catherine asked.

The question struck Caroline harder than Elizabeth. Her eyes moved toward the door, as though Darcy might enter in time to deny it.

Elizabeth answered before she could. “You must ask him.”

“I intend to.”

“Then you have not wasted your journey.”

Jane rose. “We should return home.”

Caroline rose. “You have not finished your tea.”

“We have stayed long enough.” Jane’s voice held no reproach, but Caroline heard it.

Elizabeth turned to Georgiana. “I am sorry our meeting has taken this form, Miss Darcy.”

“So am I.” Georgiana rose. “I hoped to meet you.”

Lady Catherine’s cane struck the carpet. “Georgiana.”

The name carried warning, but Georgiana did not withdraw the words.

Elizabeth’s expression softened. “I am glad we have met.”

Caroline stepped between the exchange and Lady Catherine’s response. “I will have your shawls brought.”

“They are in the hall,” Elizabeth said.

Louisa walked with Jane and Elizabeth to the door. Georgiana followed before her aunt could forbid it without making the command plain before the servants.

Sarah stood when Elizabeth appeared. She crossed the drive, stopped beside her, and looked past her toward Georgiana.

“This is Sarah,” Elizabeth said.

Georgiana came down one step. “My brother has written of her.”

Sarah approached, sniffed Georgiana’s glove, and accepted a touch upon her head.

Elizabeth watched her. “He was generous, I hope.”

“To Sarah, yes.”

The answer brought a smile to Elizabeth’s face.

Lady Catherine appeared in the doorway. “Georgiana, come inside.”

Georgiana removed her hand from Sarah’s head. “I hope we shall meet in better circumstances.”

Elizabeth glanced toward Lady Catherine. “I hope so, too.”

Jane and Elizabeth turned toward the path. Sarah followed, looked back at Georgiana, and ran ahead.