Page 151 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

Caroline released the broken frame and pushed herself upright, one hand braced against the floor. By the time she reached her feet, color had risen on her face.

“Sarah frightened me.”

The dog stood beside Elizabeth without moving.

Darcy stepped out of the summerhouse and put distance between them. “Your sister entered as I finished examining the room. She closed the door and attempted to prevent me from leaving.”

Bingley looked from him to Caroline. “Why were you here?”

“The steward sent a message asking me to inspect a crack above the window.”

Bingley frowned. “My steward?”

“Yes.”

“I gave him no such instruction.”

Caroline recovered enough to lift her chin. “You spoke at breakfast of inspecting the repairs.”

“I spoke of coming myself.”

“The steward may have misunderstood.”

“He did not,” Darcy said. “I met him near the tenant road after I received a note about a cracked window. He knew nothing of it.”

His eyes narrowed as he looked at Caroline. "It seems he wanted both of us to look at the same problem. Convenient."

Silence returned.

Georgiana moved to her brother’s side. “A maid told me that the drawing room had arranged refreshments here.”

Bingley turned toward her. “A maid? Which one?”

“I do not know her name. She said Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth were expected to join us.”

Jane looked at Elizabeth.

“No one said anything to us of refreshments,” Jane said.

“Or of meeting here,” Elizabeth added.

Louisa shut her eyes and sighed. “Caroline, what have you done?” she whispered.

Caroline heard her. “Do not pretend you understand what happened.”

“I understand that you told us you needed to speak with Mrs. Nicholls,” Louisa said.

“I changed my mind.”

“And came here by the service path?”

“The shortest path.”

“After urging Anne to remain near the house.”

“I considered her comfort.”

Anne stepped forward. “No. You considered where each of us would be.”