Page 46 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“You may begin now,” Elizabeth said.

Darcy smiled at the dog. “Miss Sarah, I regret having mistaken your intentions.”

Elizabeth laughed before she could prevent it.

The horse shifted at the sound. Darcy steadied it with one hand, though his eyes remained on her.

Something had changed. Not much, and not enough to overturn her opinion of him, but enough to complicate it.

Then he mounted, the ease irritating her. No adjustment, no search for balance, or need to gather himself once seated.

“Good morning, Miss Bennet.”

“Good morning, Mr. Darcy.”

He rode away at a walk, Sarah watching until he passed from sight.

Elizabeth remained where she was. Darcy had helped without hesitation, followed her directions, and handled the sheep with sense. Even his objection was not what she had first believed. He had not said the work was beneath her, but that she should not be required to do it.

The difference deserved recognition, though she resented it.

Sarah trotted ahead and inspected the rope. Elizabeth tightened the knot, though it was not loose.

“Musts you look so knowing?”

The dog sat.

“He thinks Longbourn is not well managed.”

Sarah’s ears rose.

“He may be right about the gate. That does not give him leave to judge the rest.”

Sarah looked toward the lane where Darcy had disappeared.

Elizabeth turned toward the house.

The lower field lay bright under a pale sky. The sheep had returned to grazing, their escape forgotten. Sarah walked along the fence, checking the boundary with the seriousness of one entrusted with the estate.

At Longbourn, the back door stood open. Hill crossed the passage carrying folded linen and stopped when Elizabeth entered.

“Miss Lizzy, your skirt is wet.”

“Only at the hem. The sheep found the lower gate.”

Hill closed her eyes.

“They are back,” Elizabeth said. “The gate needs its latch.”

“I gave it to Thomas yesterday.”

“Then Thomas has forgotten it.”

“He forgets anything that he cannot eat.”

Sarah slipped past them toward the kitchen.

Hill looked down the passage after her. “Did you manage them alone?”