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“That parsimonious rector had no business as a man of the cloth.” Mr. Darcy almost growled the words. “He is a favorite of my aunt, Lady Catherine, because he emphasized deference and respect.”

“She sounds like a true proficient in such matters.”

Darcy’s chuckle was low, and the sound sent a thrill through Elizabeth.

It was not long after that the dancing resumed. Unfortunately—or fortunately, depending on how she looked at the situation—Elizabeth had no further opportunity to converse with Mr. Darcy. She did, however, have ample time to observe Jane and Mr. Bingley. Anyone with a bit of sense could tell they were completely in love.

Mama is correct. She will be engaged before Christmas.

The Bennet carriage was called last, and by the time everyone was inside, Elizabeth wished only for speed on their journey so she might take to her bed and sleep until noon. Even Mrs. Bennet was too tired to speak incessantly about their night, something she was sure made her father very happy.

In the small hours of the morning, Elizabeth nestled down under her covers, perfectly content. Her thoughts drifted lazily as she nodded off, and the last image she saw before sleep claimed her was Mr. Darcy.

7

Snow

Snow came early to Hertfordshire. The first week of December saw a generous blanket fall overnight. Cries of delight from Kitty and Lydia woke Elizabeth earlier than she would have liked. She was warm beneath her coverlet, and the maid had already stoked her fire. It crackled merrily in the fireplace.

“Lizzy!” Her door burst open, and Lydia tumbled in, her nightgown tangling around her legs. “Did you see? Come to the window.”

The girl yanked Elizabeth’s coverlet off and pulled her from the bed and to the window.

“Oh, how beautiful!” Elizabeth loved the snow.

“Is there enough to play in?” Kitty asked.

“I hardly know—you have dragged me from my warm bed, and I cannot tell unless I go outside. I would say any amount of snow is ‘enough’ to play in.”

“Let us go out after we break our fast.” Lydia bounded from the room, Kitty right behind.

They are still very much children, Elizabeth observed. She rang for the maid, who appeared expeditiously and helped her don a warm gown. Elizabeth did not believe she would be able to escape her sisters’ insistence that she join them.

Jane declined to join them out of doors, citing her belief that Mr. Bingley meant to call.

“He must join us!” Lydia declared. “How are we to judge his worthiness unless he is called on to defend damsels in distress?”

“Who is causing distress?” Mr. Bennet asked.

“I shall, if we can go outside to see the snow,” Lydia replied.

“Then go to it,” their father responded, going back to his tea. “Mary, did you mean to come to my library this morning? I believe you wished to discuss the book you were reading.”

“Yes, Papa.” Mary despised the cold. Everyone knew it, so no one protested when she declined to join them.

It gratified Elizabeth to see their father taking an active interest in Mary. She had been ignored for so long and was deserving of a little attention.

In the end, Lydia convinced Jane to join them outside, and four of the Bennet sisters trekked out to the walled garden on the side of the house. There was more snow than was usual for this time of year, and it crunched under their feet as they walked. Soon, their cheeks and noses were red, but they were happy.

Elizabeth stood admiring a frost-covered tree when something hit her in the back of her head. Her hair was protected by her bonnet and the hood of her cloak. She turned to see Lydia scampering off with Kitty.

“It is war, then!” Elizabeth cried. She scooped snow into her hand and packed it into a ball. With aim borne of years of practice, she flung the frozen ball of snow directly at Lydia. It hit her in the shoulder and broke into pieces.

“I shall avenge you!” Kitty cried, making a ball of her own. She was not fast enough, and Jane hit her in the chest before she lobbed her own volley at Elizabeth.

Soon snowballs flew back and forth. No one was safe as they all attacked each other. Elizabeth and Jane stood against Kitty and Lydia when something hit her from behind. She whirled to see Mr. Darcy brushing snow off his gloves.

“Ladies, I see we have a mutual enemy,” Elizabeth cried. “Attack!”