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One

So Mr Darcy knows only six accomplished women, Elizabeth mused with a broad smile as she left Netherfield behind and took the path that led in the direction of Oakham Mount. She did not plan to go too far as Jane might wake up at any time, but since her sister had just fallen asleep and her fever had finally dropped slightly, Elizabeth had taken the opportunity to clear her mind in the cool autumn air.

The breeze was crisp and invigorating, carrying with it the faint scent of dew-kissed grass, while the land around her was painted in rich shades of brown, red, and orange.

For several days, Jane had lain ill at Netherfield after her mother’s thoughtless plan to send her on horseback in the rain to have tea with the Bingley sisters. No, the plan had not only been thoughtless; it had been a ridiculous and embarrassing attempt to throw Jane into the path of Mr Bingley. As much as she knew their mother loved them and wished the best for them, Elizabeth often wondered how she could be so foolish and imprudent.

Mrs Bennet never accepted criticism for her breaches of decorum; nor would she ever admit she had been at fault, even when people smiled superciliously and exchanged pointed looks around her. Just as Mr Darcy had done the day before, when her mother had visited Netherfield. No, not just Mr Darcy but also Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst. Except that, for some strange reason, Elizabeth was mostly hurt and bothered by the former’s response. She should not have been surprised by his rudeness, though. He had had no scruples in calling her tolerable at the Meryton assembly and refusing to invite her to dance, so why would he refrain from openly expressing his disapproval of her mother?

At that thought, Elizabeth gave her own wry smile. While her mother was not always liked by everybody, Mr Darcy — despite his situation in life, his fortune, and his excellent education — was undoubtedly disliked by everyone in the entire neighbourhood. Well, almost by everyone; Caroline Bingley clearly worshipped him and considered him the perfect image of a gentleman. One without faults. How desperately that lady tried to gain his attention. How seriously she had offered to mend his pen and how harsh a refusal she had been met with at every attempt. Mr Darcy certainly did not consider poor Miss Bingley to be among his six accomplished acquaintances.

At that, Elizabeth let out a peal of laughter. As impolite as Mr Darcy had been to her at the assembly, she should be grateful that he had not singled her out; apparently, he was rude to everyone, especially women, and even to his friend’s sisters.

Charlotte was the only one who had declared Mr Darcy had every right to be proud and arrogant, considering his fortune and connections.

He might be as proud and arrogant as he wishes, as long as his pride does not affect mine, Elizabeth mused with another broad smile.

While staying at Netherfield, she was forced to spend quite a lot of time with Mr Darcy as well as with the Bingley family. More than once had she struggled to keep her tongue under good regulation and to not respond as she was tempted to, for Jane’s sake.

Mr Bingley seemed to admire Jane — an admiration he openly displayed — but Elizabeth was well aware that his sisters and his friend did not approve of his feelings. Just as she was well aware that they — especially Mr Darcy — had a strong influence over Mr Bingley. Therefore, Jane’s future happiness might well depend on three people that Elizabeth disliked, even despised. At least Mr Darcy’s arrogance and haughtiness were easier to bear than Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst’s insincere pretence of friendship and civility.

The sound of a horse neighing startled Elizabeth from her reflections. She glanced about, realising she was close to the foot of Oakham Mount, but an autumn morning mist surrounded her, curling through the trees and obscuring the view. She had been lost in her thoughts and not realised how far she had walked.

The neigh came again, this time joined by some indistinct voices, and she called out, “Is someone there?”

Surprisingly, a female voice answered, “Yes, we are here, but we cannot see you!”

Elizabeth stepped towards the sounds, her attention split between her footsteps and her surroundings. A male voice called out to her, and finally she spotted through the haze a carriage, horses, and some people.

“I can see you now,” Elizabeth responded, scrutinising the strangers with interest and curiosity. There was a young woman, exceedingly pretty and obviously fashionable, a young gentleman, tall, handsome, and elegant, and two other men — likely servants — bent over one of the carriage’s wheels.

“Miss, are you from around here? Are you familiar with the neighbourhood?” the gentleman enquired.

“Please forgive my husband. His impatience has affected his manners,” the lady interjected with a trace of a smile in her voice that contradicted her serious words. “I am Lady Cecilia, and this is my husband, Lord Dunnroy. We suffered a little accident and are quite lost, I am afraid, so we would appreciate any assistance.”

“I am pleased to make your acquaintance, your ladyship. I am Elizabeth Bennet. My father owns an estate a few miles from here. I would be glad to help you in any way I can.”

The gentleman bowed politely, looking slightly uncomfortable, and Elizabeth replied with a curtsey.

“As my wife mentioned, we suffered an accident — the wheel hit something and seems to be broken. We were on our way to Netherfield Park, Mr Charles Bingley’s residence, but I believe we missed the turning in this mist.”

Elizabeth’s smile broadened, while her curiosity increased.

“What a coincidence! Yes, you passed the main gates to Netherfield about half a mile back. I am actually staying there myself at present, attending my sister who caught a cold while visiting Miss Bingley. Nothing too dangerous, though,” she added in haste.

“You are staying at Netherfield? This is a most fortunate coincidence, indeed,” Lady Cecilia replied. “So we are not lost, after all?”

“No indeed. If this mist cleared, you would be able to see Netherfield in the distance. The track I took joins this road farther on and approaches the house from another direction, but it is too narrow for carriages.”

“Well, it seems we were fortunate in the timing of this little accident, or we may never have come across you,” Lady Cecilia stated, glancing at her husband.

“Miss Bennet, did you walk here alone?” the gentleman questioned her.

“Yes. These grounds are very familiar to me, and I regularly enjoy long walks. In fact, I shall hurry back to Netherfield and inform Mr Bingley about your presence. I am sure he will send help immediately,” Elizabeth offered.

The couple glanced at each other.

“The truth is, they do not know we are coming. We wanted to surprise Bingley and my cousin Darcy. You must be acquainted with him too,” Lord Dunnroy explained.