Page 44

A note lay beneath the saucer. Lady Catherine required both Elizabeth and Darcy at tea. Their experiment in avoiding one another had acquired a deadline, courtesy of the woman most opposed to their meeting. Elizabeth put the note aside. They might at least last until afternoon.

"So," Charlotte said. "Did the narrative force another rainstorm, or are you just naturally attracted to puddles?"

Elizabeth choked on her tea. "Charlotte!"

"What? It was perfectly clear from the parsonage windows. Then suddenly—" Charlotte made a gesture like a bucket being overturned. "Deluge. Very dramatic. You and Mr. Darcy ran for that convenient gazebo that definitely wasn't there earlier."

"You saw that?"

"Everyone in the parsonage saw it. Mr. Collins thinks it's proof of God's power. I think it's proof the narrative has a limited toolkit." Charlotte's eyes were knowing. "So. Did you have your philosophical discussion?"

Elizabeth stared at her friend. "Charlotte. Are you aware?"

"Aware of what?" Charlotte's expression was perfectly innocent. "That you and Mr. Darcy are conducting some kind of experiment involving weather patterns and contrived proximity? Yes, I'm aware of that. You're not subtle."

"No, I mean—" Elizabeth struggled for words. "Do you ever feel like someone else is controlling your actions?"

Charlotte was quiet for a long moment. Then she carefully set down her teacup.

"Do you mean," Charlotte said slowly, "like when I said yes to Mr. Collins's proposal even though everything in me was screaming to refuse? When my mouth said words I didn't choose? When I walked down an aisle feeling like a passenger in my own body?"

Elizabeth set her cup down without drinking. "Charlotte..."

"I've been aware since the proposal, Lizzy." Charlotte's voice was calm, matter-of-fact. "The moment he asked, I suddenly knew. I could see the whole story. Practical friend marries the fool for financial security. Stock subplot."

"Why didn't you tell me?!"

"Because what was the point?" Charlotte met her eyes. "I was already engaged. The narrative wouldn't let me break it off—I tried. My feet walked me to the church. Being aware didn't change anything except making me conscious of my imprisonment."

"Charlotte, I'm so sorry⁠—"

"Be sorry, if you like. Only do not tell me that my practical reasons made it a choice." Charlotte reached for the pot, missed its handle, and set her hand flat beside it. "I had reasons enough to accept him. I was not allowed to weigh them at the moment they mattered."

Elizabeth moved the pot nearer, but did not pour for her. "What can I do?"

"Stay my friend. Write about something besides your experiments. And do not make me explain this every time I am content for an afternoon."

"I can do that."

Charlotte poured at last. "I shall decide what this household becomes, if I have to begin with which room I sit in. Yesterday I moved his writing desk away from mine. He thought I wished him to have a better light."

"Did he?"

"He has a better light. I have a door that shuts. We both improved our circumstances."

Elizabeth smiled, but reached across the table before Charlotte could turn the whole matter into household management. Charlotte caught her hand and held it. They sat that way until the tea grew too strong.

At last Charlotte released her hand. "I am glad you have someone who understands. Only remember that your friend is still here when you have finished discussing the universe with him."

"I shall remember."

Charlotte stood and collected the tray. Elizabeth reached for the empty cup, helping her rather than asking one more question she had already answered.

"One more thing," Charlotte added at the door. "You told me about the rainstorms before I married, and then in your last letter you said you were 'documenting atmospheric anomalies.' I assumed it was code for something romantic, but knowing you, you probably meant it literally."

"We did mean it literally."

"Of course you did." Charlotte's smile was fond. "Get dressed. My excuse will not serve with Lady Catherine. She will send her physician and instruct him herself. Then you will have to endure a lecture on the proper way to be ill."