Page 130 of A Question of Character

Her answer came without visible ambivalence. “Yes.”

Mrs. Bennet scarcely noticed their departure, being fully occupied in recommending several local families whom Mr. Bingley absolutely must know.

The late summer garden still held much of its color.

Roses climbed warm brick walls.

Michaelmas daisies had begun to bloom.

Bees drifted lazily among the flowers, paying little attention to gentlemen burdened by impossible conversations.

They walked several yards before either spoke.

Elizabeth folded her hands behind her back.

“I dislike secrets.”

“So do I.”

“You carry them badly.”

“I have had little practice.”

She smiled faintly.

“I do not believe that.”

“No?”

“No. I think you have spent your entire life carrying responsibilities no one else saw.”

He regarded her in surprise.

She had arrived nearer the truth than she could possibly know.

“I promised honesty,” he said.

“You did.”

He stopped beside an old stone bench shaded by an elm.

“What occurred this summer concerned my sister.”

Elizabeth’s expression softened. “You need not tell me anything that would violate her confidence.”

“I believe she would rather you knew than continue thinking me unreasonable.”

He gathered his thoughts carefully.

“My sister was in Ramsgate with her companion while I remained briefly in London on business.”

Elizabeth nodded.

“I intended to join them within days.”

“When I arrived...” He looked away toward the orchard. “I found Georgiana greatly distressed.”

“What had happened?”