Jane leaned forward. “Is it safe to continue?”
“I fear it is not, ma’am. The axle would not bear the weight.”
Elizabeth glanced toward the road ahead and then back to the servant. “How far are we from Netherfield?”
“Less than half a mile, ma’am.”
Jane met her gaze. “We may walk the rest with ease.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Certainly. There is little reason to wait for assistance when we are so near.”
The footman hesitated. “I could return for help—”
“And leave us here?” Elizabeth said, with perfect good humor. “No. We shall proceed. You may attend to the carriage.”
Jane had already gathered her cloak.
Elizabeth followed, stepping down onto the road. The ground, though damp in places, remained sufficiently firm beneath their feet. Overhead, the clouds had drawn closer, and the light was dimmer than when they had departed.
They commenced their journey without delay.
The distance, as the footman had said, was short. The path curved gently between hedgerows that would offer little protection should the weather finally break.
Jane walked steadily, though a faint flush had risen on her face.
“You are not becoming overheated?” Elizabeth asked.
“Only a little. The air is close.”
Elizabeth glanced upward.
“It will rain.”
Jane smiled slightly. “It appears likely.”
They continued.
The first drops fell just as the house came into view.
They were light at first, scarcely more than a warning. Then, without further ceremony, the rain came in earnest.
Elizabeth drew her cloak more closely about her, though the effort was of little use. The water fell steadily, soaking through fabric and hair alike.
Jane laughed once, the sound brief and surprised.
“We must run.”
They did.
The remaining distance passed quickly, though not comfortably. By the time they reached the door, their cloaks were heavy with water, their gowns damp beyond recovery, their hair no longer arranged with any precision.
The door opened. A servant ushered them inside, his surprise evident though well contained.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth—pray come in.”
The warmth of the house met them like an embrace.
Miss Bingley appeared in the hall, her expression shifting from polite welcome to something more complicated as she took in their condition.
