Page 149 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

Anne watched them. “She asked permission.”

“She always does when another person gives the signal.”

“Lady Catherine would say an animal ought not to require negotiation.”

“Lady Catherine requires a surprising amount of it from people.”

Anne’s laugh came more readily this time.

They set out across the lawn, Bingley and Jane several paces ahead. Georgiana walked between Elizabeth and Anne, asking about Sarah’s work at Longbourn. Mrs. Jenkinson kept near Anne but no longer interrupted each answer with concern about the air or the damp.

Hurst joined them as they reached the first turn.

Louisa looked at him. “I thought you meant to remain inside.”

“I feared that staying behind would require me to hear an account of the walk later.”

“That is your objection?”

“It is my experience.”

Caroline walked beside Louisa, though twice she looked back toward the house.

Elizabeth noticed because Louisa did.

“Have you forgotten something?”

“No.”

Caroline looked ahead again.

The lawn sloped toward a belt of yews that divided the open ground from the older part of the garden. Beyond them, the path curved toward the stable road. Elizabeth had walked there once before with Jane and Bingley, though she remembered little beyond Caroline’s complaints about the original planting.

Bingley slowed until the others caught them. “The path divides ahead. We may take the longer way by the woods or return along the terrace.”

“Anne should not be tired,” Caroline said.

Anne looked at her. “I am not.”

“I did not say you were.”

“You continue to answer for me.”

Caroline’s mouth tightened. “I meant only to consider your comfort.”

Anne gave no reply.

They walked on.

Caroline looked back toward the house. “I must speak with Mrs. Nicholls before luncheon.”

Louisa watched her. “Now?”

“It will take a moment.”

She turned toward the service path before Louisa could answer.

Sarah had remained near Georgiana, accepting her signals when Elizabeth approved them and ignoring the ones given too late. As they approached the yews, the dog lifted her head.