Page 45 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“And decreases without it?” she asked.

“No.”

“Then we agree that work does not become shameful because it falls to someone who owns less.”

“I did not call it shameful.”

“You called it work I should not be required to undertake.”

“Required,” he repeated. “Not permitted.”

She studied him. The distinction was real and convenient. He had chosen the word and now expected her to accept its better meaning because that was what he intended.

“Your concern sounds more like disapproval, Mr. Darcy.”

“And you consider my explanation a retreat.”

That stopped her.

His tone had not risen, but the sentence held enough force to make Sarah lift her head.

Elizabeth let out a breath. “Perhaps we have both suffered from poor phrasing.”

“Perhaps.”

She had offered him an escape, but he accepted only half of it.

Darcy turned toward the bend, then paused. “You should have the gate secured before evening.”

“I shall tell Thomas.”

“Will he see it done?”

“He will, once he is told the sheep have reached the lane.”

“That fact should command attention.”

“It tends to.”

The corner of his mouth moved.

Elizabeth saw it and disliked the small satisfaction it gave her.

They walked together as far as the bend. The horse watched Sarah but did not shy when Darcy approached. He untied the reins and ran one hand along the animal’s neck.

“It looks like he has recovered,” Elizabeth said.

“He will remember the dog longer than the sheep.”

“Sarah will resent the distinction.”

Darcy looked down at her. “She appears capable of surviving neglect.”

“She remembers it.”

“Then I shall apologize when we are better acquainted.”

Sarah sat beside Elizabeth, watching him.