“Yet family influence can be considerable,” Jane replied with the practical wisdom that often surprised those whomistook her gentle nature for naivety. “Particularly when fortune and social standing are involved.”
Georgiana stopped walking entirely, turning to face Jane with unexpected determination. “You must not allow such considerations to govern your happiness. As someone very wise recently told me, those who would judge you harshly for your affection are hardly worth impressing.”
Elizabeth recognized her own words from their conversation about Georgiana’s coming presentation, though hearing them repeated gave her a curious sense of pride mixed with responsibility. Had she really offered advice with such confidence?
“That sounds remarkably like counsel I have heard before,” Jane said with a meaningful look at Elizabeth. “Though I notice the giver of such wisdom sometimes struggles to follow her own recommendations.”
Before Elizabeth could respond to this pointed observation, Ambrose’s delighted squeal drew their attention to a most unexpected sight. A bedraggled terrier, clearly a stray by its matted coat and cautious demeanour, had emerged from behind the baker’s shop. The dog appeared friendly enough, its tail wagging tentatively as it approached their small party.
“Oh, the poor creature!” Ambrose exclaimed, immediately dropping to his knees despite his fine clothes. “Look how thin he is! May I pet him, Lizzy? Please?”
The dog’s appearance provided welcome distraction from both Jane’s romantic concerns and Elizabeth’s growing unease about their unknown observer. She knelt beside Ambrose, extending her hand slowly for the animal to sniff.
“Gently now,” she instructed as Ambrose’s small fingers tangled in the dog’s matted fur. “He has likely known harsh treatment and needs patience.”
The terrier submitted to their ministrations with grateful dignity, its tail wagging more enthusiastically as Ambrose shared pieces of his precious lemon cake. Elizabeth felt her heart squeeze at the boy’s natural compassion—how could anyone doubt that such a child deserved the tenderest care rather than Miss Francesca’s rigid discipline?
“We should return to Netherfield,” Georgiana said eventually, though her voice carried reluctance. “Fitzwilliam will wonder at our extended absence.”
The walk back proved more pleasant than their journey into town, Ambrose chattering happily about his new canine friend while the ladies discussed the various purchases they had made. Yet Elizabeth’s relief at leaving Meryton’s streets was considerable—the sensation of being watched had never entirely dissipated, though it seemed to lessen as they gained distance from the town centre.
Netherfield’s elegant facade came into view with welcome familiarity, its windows glowing warmly in the afternoon sun. Mr Bingley greeted them in the entrance hall with his characteristic enthusiasm, immediately enquiring about their expedition’s success while relieving them of parcels and pelisses.
“I trust Ambrose has not bankrupted us entirely?” he asked with mock severity, ruffling the boy’s dark curls.
“Not completely,” Ambrose replied solemnly, producing his remaining sweets as evidence of restraint. “I saved these for after dinner, just as you taught me.”
As the others dispersed to refresh themselves after their outing, Elizabeth hesitated in the hallway. Her unease abouttheir mysterious observer gnawed at her conscience—surely such concerns warranted mention, yet she feared appearing foolishly imaginative.
Her decision was made when she encountered Mr Darcy emerging from the library, his arms full of ledgers and correspondence. Despite her reservations about his character, his position as head of household made him the appropriate person to address such matters.
“Mr Darcy,” she began, then paused as he turned his full attention upon her. His dark eyes held the same intensity she remembered from the card game, though today they seemed more assessing than disapproving.
“Miss Bennet. I trust your expedition proved successful?”
“Indeed, though I confess something occurred that gave me some concern.” Elizabeth chose her words carefully, unwilling to appear hysterical yet determined to voice her observations. “Throughout our visit to town, I had the distinct impression we were being watched. Not casual observation, but deliberate surveillance by someone who took care to remain hidden.”
Mr Darcy’s expression shifted slightly, his mouth tightening almost imperceptibly. “Did you observe this person directly?”
“Only glimpses—a man in a dark coat who seemed to disappear whenever I looked in his direction. I cannot be certain, but the sensation was quite unmistakable.”
She waited for his response, hoping for either reassurance that her concerns were groundless or acknowledgment that her vigilance was warranted. Instead, Mr Darcy merely nodded with what appeared to be mild interest rather than the alarm she had expected.
“I appreciate you bringing this to my attention,” he said formally. “Such observations are always worth noting.”
The dismissive tone stung more than Elizabeth had anticipated. She had expected either worried questioning or immediate action, not this polite but clearly perfunctory response. Did he think her given to feminine vapours? Or worse, was he simply too proud to consider that danger might touch his household?
“You do not seem particularly concerned,” she noted, unable to keep a note of criticism from her voice.
“I am always concerned for the safety of my household,” he replied evenly. “Though I confess I require more concrete evidence before taking drastic action.”
The rebuke, though gently delivered, was unmistakable. Elizabeth felt her cheeks warm with embarrassment and irritation. Here she had swallowed her pride to approach a man whose character she questioned, only to be treated as if she were an overwrought female conjuring phantoms from shadows.
“Of course,” she said stiffly. “I merely thought such information might prove useful. I shall not trouble you further with vague impressions.”
She turned to leave, but his voice stopped her.
“Miss Bennet.” There was something different in his tone now, though she could not identify what. “Your concern for Ambrose’s safety does you credit. I assure you, all reasonable precautions will be taken.”
