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“You must be Mr. Bingley’s friend.” The lady hopped down from her rock but did not approach.

Darcy dismounted and wrapped the reins around an obliging tree limb. “Fitzwilliam Darcy, at your service.” He bowed and straightened to look at her.

Goodness, she has such fine eyes!

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn,” the young lady replied.

Bennet. Why did the name sound so familiar? Darcy did not dwell on it. “Can you help me find my way to Netherfield, Miss Bennet?” he asked.

“That title belongs to my sister. I am only Miss Elizabeth. And yes, I can help you find what you seek.” Miss Elizabeth beckoned back down the path. “You did not go far enough before turning off. Meryton lies between Longbourn and Netherfield, unless you go over the fields. I am not averse to leading you the short way.”

“Any assistance you can offer would be much appreciated. I rode ahead of my carriage. At this rate, Jones will beat me to Netherfield and Bingley will believe me dead on the road.”

Her laugh tinkled merrily, sending chills up Darcy’s spine. “Yes, I believe him capable of that! Come, we shall have you at Netherfield in half an hour.”

She set off at a brisk pace. Darcy followed, leading his horse behind him.

“You have come to visit your friend?” Miss Bennet reiterated. “I understand you meant to come earlier. Congratulations, sir, you have been spared the speculation of the neighborhood Mr. Bingley experienced.”

“Indeed.” Darcy was no stranger to such things. Since his father’s death, he had been plagued by gossip and whispers. Everyone wished for his good opinion, his largess, and more.

“I fear your first public event is to be a ball, however. Mr. Bingley has spent some weeks planning it. I understand it is to be on the twenty-sixth.”

“That is but a few days away,” Mr. Darcy replied. “I confess, I am not fond of dancing, but I shall partake, if only to please my host.”

“I am sure Miss Bingley will be pleased.”

Darcy noted the irony in Miss Elizabeth’s voice and glanced at her. “Miss Bingley will undoubtedly be thrilled with my arrival. Bingley informs me that his sister expressed her disappointment when I could not come as originally planned.”

“I am certain your appearance will help her feel more…comfortable among our rustic country society.”

Darcy read the meaning behind her words. So, Miss Bingley has made her belief in her superiority clear to Bingley’s neighbors. I had best behave the opposite so as not to reinforce her erroneous manners.

“I am sorry she has presented herself poorly,” Mr. Darcy replied.

Miss Bennet looked startled at his understanding. “You are observant, Mr. Darcy. That will suit you well here. We take great pleasure in sketching characters and taking delight in the follies of our neighbors.”

“I have known Bingley for some time. His sisters are predictable ladies of society.” So very unlike the entrancing sprite before him. Miss Elizabeth was lively and genuine, and Darcy had never felt so comfortable speaking to a woman…not for many years.

“Your addition to our society will prove diverting, I am sure,” Miss Elizabeth continued. “We have a militia quartered in Meryton as well. The ladies are all happy for additional dance partners. There has been a dearth for far too long. Too often I am required to sit out so others may partake of the amusement.”

“You enjoy dancing, then?” Darcy pressed.

“I do. It is an excellent way to become acquainted.”

“I do not dance as a rule, but I shall endeavor to partake.” Darcy recalled how often rumors sprang up when he danced with any lady and shuddered.

“You mentioned you were not fond of the activity, not that you did not prefer to partake.” Miss Bennet eyed him curiously. “Will we poor females be required to watch you stand by a wall all evening?”

Darcy chuckled. “I did say I would participate to please Bingley. Since you are the only lady of my acquaintance beyond Bingley’s sisters, perhaps you would grant me a set.” He said it impulsively but did not regret it.

Miss Bennet nodded agreeably. “Yes, I shall accept if only to ensure I am seen dancing with the newest member of our little society. The distinction will be enough to set my mother up forever.”

He could tell she was teasing and responded accordingly. Miss Elizabeth was witty, and he liked that.

“There is Netherfield.” They had come over a small rise. Miss Elizabeth pointed at a handsome building made of yellow stone. “There is Oakham Mount. It stands halfway between Longbourn and Netherfield Park. I shall leave you now, unless you think you will lose your way.”

“I thank you for your assistance, Miss Elizabeth. Your aid has been invaluable.” Darcy mounted his horse with the aid of a stone protruding from the ground. “Until we meet again.” He touched his hat and rode off, unable to resist looking back at the beguiling beauty watching him.