Page 88 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“Only when I am not certain of the first one.”

“That must be exhausting.”

“It often is.”

Kitty almost smiled, but the smile disappeared when Sarah entered behind Jane.

The dog crossed to Elizabeth, pushed her nose beneath Elizabeth’s hand, and lifted it, asking for affection. Then she turned to the hall, her ears shifting before the front door opened.

Mr. Wickham’s voice sounded from the passage, and Kitty stood so fast that the ribbon fell to the floor. He entered with Denny and greeted the room. Sarah remained beside Elizabeth. She did not growl or retreat, but her body stiffened when Wickham approached.

He stopped. “I believe I have offended your guardian.”

“That is not easy to do.”

Wickham held out his hand for Sarah to smell, but she turned her head away.

“She was friendlier the first time we met.”

“It seems she has changed her mind.”

“I am not accustomed to losing their favor.”

Sarah moved behind Elizabeth’s skirt when he bent toward her.

Elizabeth placed a hand against the dog’s shoulder. “Do not press her.”

“I would not dream of it.” He straightened and gave Kitty the book she had lent him in return. “Miss Catherine, I believe this belongs to you.”

Kitty took it with both hands. Lydia entered in time to see the exchange.

“Another secret book?”

“There is no secret,” Kitty said.

“Then let me see it.”

“No.”

Lydia laughed and reached for the volume. Kitty pulled it against her chest. Wickham intervened with a lightness that spared Kitty embarrassment.

“Miss Lydia, you cannot demand every book in Hertfordshire.”

“I can demand Kitty’s.”

“Then I must lend you one of your own.”

Lydia accepted the diversion, but she did not forget the preference. During the next half hour she mocked Kitty’s choice of ribbon, her seat, and the way she held her teacup. Wickham corrected none of it. He spoke to Kitty when an opening appeared and laughed when Lydia demanded it.

Elizabeth saw Kitty mistake each return of his attention for proof that she had won something.

Sarah remained near the door.

The officers stayed a while longer. When the grooms brought the horses around, everyone moved into the hall to see them off. Lydia protested that they were leaving too soon, while Kitty stood behind her holding the returned book against her waist.

When one horse shied at a loose shutter striking the wall, Wickham caught the rein and pulled the animal’s head around. The movement was sharp enough to make the horse throw up its chin.

“Stand still,” he said.