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"Add it to the list of meteorological impossibilities." Darcy made a note in his book. "Rain duration: about twelve minutes by my watch. Just long enough for one Meaningful Conversation."

"Your data is going to be very useful."

He helped her up from the bench. "Then let us try one more thing. Tomorrow we shall not meet at all, if we can help it. We may discover whether the next encounter can be delayed."

"Very well. I shall do my best to miss you." She found she did not care for the experiment as much as she had expected.

Before they left the gazebo, a loose chart slid from the notebook and curled beneath the bench. Darcy knelt to retrieve it and came up with three wet leaves as well.

"A further cost of research," she said.

He placed them on the bench with a care which made her want to laugh, and then stopped over the last one. "I thought if I could measure it, I could prevent the worst of it."

She left the next joke unsaid. His thumb had worn a gray mark along the edge of the paper. This was how he had spent the evenings when she could not see him: making neat columns against something that might take his voice away.

"Then we shall keep what is useful," she said, holding the paper flat for him. "And allow the leaves to remain unexplained."

He looked at her before he reached for the pencil. She had offered no solution. It seemed, for that moment, enough that she had not laughed at the need for one. They walked back toward the parsonage together.

Rainstorm #18 Assessment:

- Rating: 9/10

- Duration: 12 minutes

- Shelter: same gazebo; examined against drawing

- Breath catches: 1 (below average for this scene type)

- Agency level during rebellion: 3/10

- Agency level during compliance: 7/10

- Working hypothesis: cooperation eased this scene; not a law for every choice

CHAPTER 13

Elizabeth woke to Charlotte poking her head through the door.

"You're alive. Good. I was starting to worry."

"What time is it?"

"Half past ten. You missed breakfast. Mr. Collins wished to read you a sermon approved by Lady Catherine, but I told him you were recovering from a chill and required quiet."

Elizabeth sat up. "A chill?"

"You came home dripping." Charlotte entered with a tray and set it down carefully. "He has been able to report your imprudence to Lady Catherine instead. I believe he considers that almost as useful as a sermon."

"I'm perfectly well."

"Then I've preserved your health. Be grateful, and drink your tea before he comes to inquire after it."

Elizabeth took the cup gratefully.

"You're terrifying."

"I'm practical. There's a difference." Charlotte settled into the chair.