Page 75 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

Louisa turned away to hide her amusement. Hurst made no attempt.

Darcy stood near the mantel while the ladies settled themselves. Jane took the chair nearest Bingley. Mrs. Bennet chose the sofa beside Caroline and began an account of Kitty’s complaint, Mr. Bennet’s obstinacy, and the poor state of the road between Longbourn and Meryton.

Elizabeth sat apart from them with Lydia. She listened while her sister whispered, then answered with a look that ended the conversation. Lydia folded her arms.

Darcy knew that look. Elizabeth had used a milder form of it on him in the lane and a sharper one when he tried to defend his judgment of Longbourn.

He had thought her manner impertinent and it was, but it also worked.

A footman entered with the tea tray. Sarah followed before anyone could stop her.

Mrs. Bennet cried out, Caroline drew back, and Lydia laughed.

Elizabeth rose. “Sarah.”

The dog stopped and looked at her.

“Come.”

Sarah crossed the room and sat beside Elizabeth’s chair.

Bingley smiled. “There you are, Sarah. I saw you on the drive and wondered if you would join us. Welcome.”

“She has better manners than most people I know,” Lydia said.

“Lydia,” Jane murmured.

“It is true.”

Elizabeth rested her hand on Sarah’s head. “She should not have entered without an invitation.”

The dog remained still despite the tea, the voices, and Mrs. Bennet’s repeated assurance that Sarah never caused trouble at Longbourn. Elizabeth gave no second command.

“You have trained her well,” Darcy said.

Elizabeth shook her head. “Sarah knew her work before she came to us.”

“She obeys you.”

“Because she trusts me.”

Darcy nodded. “Yes.”

Caroline looked between them. “Obedience is the purpose of training.”

“Not with a working dog,” Elizabeth said. “Sarah must judge distance, movement, and danger without waiting for every instruction. Obedience alone would make her less useful.”

Darcy glanced at the collie. Sarah’s attention was on Elizabeth, but her ears moved toward every sound in the room.

“She understands what you require,” he said.

“And I understand what she can do.” She made the distinction without hesitation or any attempt to please him.

Caroline asked Lydia about the officers.

“Mr. Denny says Captain Carter may remain another fortnight,” Lydia said, “though Kitty believes he will leave sooner because he dislikes Colonel Forster’s horse.”

“I am sure Captain Carter discusses all his plans with Kitty,” Elizabeth said.