Page 147 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

Kitty looked at the note, then shook her head. “Miss Darcy did not invite me.”

“She would not object.”

“I would.”

The answer held no anger, only a wish to avoid a house where every conversation might remind her of what she had believed. Elizabeth did not press her.

An hour later, she and Jane crossed the fields with Sarah ranging ahead and returning whenever the path narrowed between the hedges. The morning had cleared after an early mist, and the remaining damp darkened the grass without softening the ground beneath it.

Jane walked with unusual quiet.

“You have not mentioned Mr. Bingley once,” Elizabeth said.

“I did not know I needed to keep count.”

“You manage without instruction.”

Jane smiled but kept her eyes on the path. “I am pleased to see Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh.”

“And if Mr. Bingley happens to be present?”

“I shall try to bare it.”

Sarah stopped near the stile and looked back.

“Yes, we are coming,” Elizabeth said.

The dog crossed first and waited on the other side while Jane gathered her skirt.

Netherfield appeared beyond the last field, its windows bright in the morning sun. Movement showed at several of them, evidence of a household enlarged without preparation. A maid crossed the upper gallery carrying folded linen, and two footmen passed through the front hall before the sisters reached the steps.

Bingley came out before the servant could announce them.

“You walked. I hoped you would.”

“You invited us to,” Elizabeth said.

“Yes, but people often resist excellent advice.”

Jane accepted his hand as she climbed the last step. “Then you are fortunate we recognized it.”

Bingley kept looking at Jane after she entered.

Georgiana and Anne waited in the morning room with Mrs. Jenkinson. Georgiana greeted Elizabeth with warmth, then looked past her toward the hall.

“Did Sarah remain outside?”

“She is near the east steps.”

“She may come in if she wishes.”

“She does not wish. Your carpets are missing their sheep.”

Anne laughed, and Georgiana smiled with less reserve than Elizabeth had seen from her before Lady Catherine’s departure.

Louisa sat beside the fire with embroidery resting in her lap. Hurst occupied the end of the sofa and appeared to have been placed there by accident. Caroline stood near the window.

Her greeting was faultless.