Lydia caught Thomas and Toby in the upstairs corridor shortly before noon.
Both boys froze instantly, which alone guaranteed guilt.
Thomas stood half inside Mr. Wilson’s chamber holding one boot beneath his arm. Toby clutched the other while attempting unsuccessfully to look innocent.
Lydia stared. “What,” she demanded slowly, “are you doing?”
Neither answered promptly.
Toby recovered first. “Nothing.” His deliberate nonchalance made Lydia frown.
“You are carrying a man’s boots through the hallway.”
“Temporary boot relocation,” Thomas corrected.
Lydia’s eyes widened. “You are tormenting Cousin Wilson.”
“We are saving Lizzy,” Toby declared.
That captured her attention promptly. Lydia stepped closer. “From what?”
“Marriage.” Toby scowled.
Thomas nodded grimly. “He wants to marry her.”
Lydia appeared scandalized. “Already? He has not been at Longbourn for more than a few days.”
“He follows her everywhere.” Thomas twisted the boot in his hand.
Toby nodded vigorously. “And he talks endlessly.”
“And keeps trying to walk alone with her,” the other added.
Lydia considered this. “That does sound tiresome.” It was rather romantic, if she were honest with herself. How she would love having a man give his attentions to her!
The twins exchanged encouraging glances.
“And Darcy likes her,” Toby added.
Lydia wrinkled her nose. “Mr. Darcy?” The severe, handsome man liked Lizzy?
“Obviously,” Thomas said.
Toby grinned. “He watches her constantly. And he apologized.”
“Properly.” Thomas sounded rather pleased.
Lydia leaned against the wall, fascinated now. “So, what does this have to do with stealing boots?”
“We are delaying him. Mr. Wilson, that is.” Toby cackled. “So that Lizzy can spend time with Darcy instead.”
Lydia’s grin spread slowly. “This is wicked.”
“This is necessary,” Thomas corrected.
“And romantic,” Toby added.
Lydia tilted her head. “What is in it for me?”
