Mr. Wilson, unfortunately, had become neither.
The day was cold but bright, and after luncheon Mrs. Bennet proposed that anyone who desired it might walk in thegardens before tea. Jane remained indoors with a headache. Kitty accompanied her willingly, armed with a new fashion plate and every intention of discussing trimmings. Mary retired to the music room. Lydia disappeared with the twins under circumstances that inspired no confidence whatsoever.
Mr. Wilson turned to Elizabeth.
“If you are not otherwise engaged, Miss Elizabeth, might I have the honor of your company?”
His tone was perfectly proper.
Mrs. Bennet glanced toward her but offered no signal beyond the same calm inquiry she always extended.
Elizabeth nodded once. “Certainly.”
They set out along the south path, where the winter roses had given way to bare stems and damp earth. The sky hung low and pale above the fields. For several minutes Mr. Wilson confined himself to observations on the weather, the condition of the lane to Meryton, and the practical difficulties of transporting machinery in frost. Elizabeth answered politely, though the formality of his manner only honed her anticipation.
At length he stopped near the small stone bench overlooking the lower meadow.
“I hope you will forgive my directness.”
Elizabeth’s stomach tightened, knowing there was nothing she could do, and resolving to get this over with as soon as possible. “There is nothing to forgive.”
Mr. Wilson drew a breath and clasped his hands behind his back. For once, his habitual ease deserted him.
“When I first came to Longbourn, I behaved with more enthusiasm than judgment. You were patient with me despite ample cause to be otherwise.”
Elizabeth raised a brow. “You have improved considerably.”But I feel nothing for you.
He laughed, grateful for the attempt at levity. “Then I owe much to your example.”
The words hung between them.
Elizabeth lowered her gaze to the gravel path.
Mr. Wilson took one step nearer, though still at a respectful distance. “I esteem you very highly, Miss Elizabeth. Your intelligence, your affection for your family, your practical turn of mind—”
From somewhere beyond the yew hedge came Lydia’s voice, pitched to carry.
“Lizzy! Lizzy! Where are you? It is an emergency!”
Elizabeth closed her eyes.
Mr. Wilson stared toward the hedge.
A moment later Thomas and Toby burst into view, both flushed and out of breath.
“Duke is missing!” Thomas cried.
“No one can find him,” Toby added. “He may have been abducted.”
Thomas seemed fearful. “Yes, by smugglers.”
Lydia appeared behind them, her cheeks pink with suppressed laughter and her bonnet slightly askew. “Mama said you were to come without delay.”
Elizabeth turned slowly toward her sister. “Mama said so?”
Lydia batted her eyes with extraordinary innocence. “Without delay.”
Mr. Wilson’s jaw tightened, though he made an admirable effort to conceal his disappointment. “Perhaps we should return.”
