Page 51 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“So she did.”

“It is kind of her.”

Elizabeth did not answer. Miss Bingley’s kindness was often visible only after careful examination, but Jane had turned toward the window with the expression she wore when determined to think well of someone.

“She says Mr. Bingley has had the south walk cleared,” Jane continued, “and wishes to know whether we might come tomorrow afternoon.”

“Then Mr. Bingley has removed every excuse for staying indoors.”

Jane looked at her. “You will come?”

Elizabeth smiled. “I have no objection to seeing whether Netherfield’s south walk deserves the attention.”

Jane’s relief was immediate enough to make refusal impossible even had Elizabeth intended it.

The following afternoon brought pale sunlight and a wind strong enough to stir the leaves above the drive. Jane and Elizabeth arrived at Netherfield just after three. Caroline, Mrs. Hurst, Bingley, and Darcy greeted them in the drawing room.

Bingley crossed the room before the servant had finished announcing them.

“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth. I feared the wind would discourage you.”

“It takes more than that to discourage my sister,” Elizabeth said.

“And you?”

“I am discouraged by very little when Jane wishes to go somewhere.”

Jane colored, and Bingley looked delighted.

Caroline came forward and offered Jane her hand. “My dear Miss Bennet, we have been longing for you. Louisa declared the room too dull this morning, and I told her all it lacked was agreeable company.”

Her sister smiled from the sofa but did not deny the charge.

Caroline turned to Elizabeth. “And you have brought Miss Eliza. How fortunate.”

Elizabeth accepted the greeting without attempting to decide whether Caroline considered her presence fortunate or useful.

Darcy remained near the fireplace, his attention on Elizabeth when she looked toward him.

“Miss Bennet. Miss Elizabeth.”

“Mr. Darcy.”

His coat showed no trace of dust, and she wondered whether he had ridden that morning or now kept to wider lanes. The thought almost made her smile.

“How is the gate?” he asked.

Caroline’s gaze moved between them.

“Hung and fitted with a latch,” Elizabeth said. “My father’s man repaired it yesterday.”

“And the sheep?”

“Disappointed by their loss of liberty.”

Bingley laughed. “Darcy said they were troublesome.”

“He said little,” Caroline said. “We were obliged to question him as though he had returned from some secret campaign.”