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Mrs. Westcott accepted another cup of tea and asked about the trees damaged in the storm. Darcy answered.

When Reynolds appeared at the door, he excused himself and joined her in the hall.

“They are ready to go, sir.”

“I shall see them out.”

In the parlour, Darcy held Anna while Martha and Ruth put on their cloaks. When Ruth was ready, he settled the child in her arms and took the blanket.

“Would Thursday be a reasonable night to try the nursery? The fourth. Only if you think she is ready.”

Martha looked at Ruth.

“She has slept there on two afternoons this last week and woken quite content,” Ruth said. “We might try it.”

“I should like to stay until she sleeps,” Martha added.

“You may stay the night, if you wish.”

“I think I should prefer it for the first one. Ruth knows her best when she wakes, but I should be near if wanted.”

“Reynolds will have a room ready across the passage,” Darcy said. “Bring whatever she knows from the cottage.”

“And if she cannot settle,” Martha said, “we shall do as we agreed before?”

“Certainly.”

Martha’s shoulders eased.

“We shall take her back to the cottage in the morning, then,” she said. “Thomas will be waiting to hear how she has done.”

“Yes. I shall come with you if I may.”

“You know you may, sir.”

The carriage waited at the door. He returned the blanket to Martha and accompanied them outside. Ruth settled with Anna while Martha took the place beside her. The child looked toward the lamps, then at Darcy when he wished her good night.

She opened one hand against the window as the carriage began to move.

He watched the carriage turn onto the drive, thinking of Thursday, then returned to his guests.

As he entered the drawing room, Caroline asked whether the next piece might begin.

“By all means.”

She went to the instrument. Elizabeth moved aside for her and came to stand near Jane, leaving a place where Darcy could join them.

He did.

Chapter Forty-Three

ON WEDNESDAY MORNING Caroline announced that a quiet house would be an improvement for everybody.

Elizabeth looked up from the little sleeve she was mending. Jane sat beside her, with her feet upon a stool and a letter from their mother open in her lap. The Hursts had gone out with Charles to inspect something which Mr. Hurst had been assured would require very little walking. Mr. Darcy was with his steward.

“I thought yesterday very agreeable,” Jane said.

“So did I. But you must not suppose every day can be arranged for company in your present condition.”