Page 154 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“Move the animal.”

Elizabeth gave the signal. Sarah rose and stepped aside.

Caroline walked through the yews alone.

No one followed until she emerged onto the open lawn. The distance to Netherfield offered no shelter, and every window faced her return.

Bingley waited until she reached the terrace before turning back to Darcy.

“Do you still have the note?”

Darcy drew it from his coat and handed it to him.

Bingley opened it. “This says the steward asked you to examine a crack near the roof before we brought the ladies here.”

“There is a crack above the window,” Darcy said. “That gave the message enough plausibility to bring me this far.”

“You doubted it.”

“I did.”

“And came anyway.”

“The request concerned your house.”

Bingley refolded the note. “She used that.”

Darcy did not disagree.

Georgiana described the maid who had approached her after breakfast. Louisa supplied a name before Bingley finished asking.

“She has served here less than two months,” Louisa said. “Caroline has given her several small favors.”

“And the footman who carried this?” Bingley asked.

“I do not know.”

“I shall.”

Jane touched his arm. The gesture checked his anger without diminishing it.

“The servants may have believed they were following ordinary instructions.”

“They may have,” he said. “I shall hear them before deciding what follows.”

Elizabeth looked toward Sarah. The dog had entered the summerhouse and stood near the table, sniffing neither ribbon nor floor. She appeared interested only in the voices.

Darcy followed Elizabeth’s gaze.

“She heard us.”

“She heard something she disliked.”

“Was it my voice?”

“Not at first. She heard someone inside when I had not sent her ahead. Then she heard Caroline.”

Hurst stepped past them and examined the crack above the window. “Since we have gathered for the purpose, the plaster appears sound.”