Page 55 of A Question of Character

“That sounds a matter requiring immediate investigation.”

“It certainly does,” Georgiana replied. “I have counted them three times and arrive at a different number each occasion.”

Elizabeth laughed. “I believe the ducklings are moving.”

“I do hope that is all.”

Georgiana slipped her arm through Elizabeth’s with easy affection.

“You must help me. My brother always counts correctly.”

“I’m afraid that places me under considerable pressure.”

“It has always been so,” Georgiana declared with complete confidence. “Even when we were children.”

Darcy offered his sister his arm.

“Then I suppose I must preserve my reputation.”

Together they rejoined the others near the water’s edge. Georgiana scarcely paused before leading the little party a few yards farther beneath the shade of a willow.

“There,” she whispered, though there was no one near enough to disturb.

A mother duck drifted close to the bank, followed by a line of tiny ducklings whose determination far exceeded their size. One lingered behind, distracted by every ripple in the water before hurrying to regain its place.

Elizabeth smiled.

“I believe that little one has inherited an adventurous spirit.”

“He is forever losing his family,” Georgiana said with complete certainty.

“You have watched them before?”

“Twice already this week.”

Darcy folded his arms.

“I begin to suspect this family has become part of your morning routine.”

“I wished to see whether there were still eight.”

“And are there?”

Georgiana counted under her breath.

“One...two...three...”

The smallest disappeared behind its mother.

She frowned.

“Seven.”

Elizabeth pointed toward a clump of reeds.

“I believe your eighth has merely discovered better cover.”

Swiftly, the missing duckling emerged, paddling furiously after the others.