When Lizzy went down for breakfast, the relaxed atmosphere of the previous evening was gone. Mr. Darcy fairly sprang out of his chair to greet her, and there was a nervous intensity in his manner that reminded her of Magic, the family terrier, who jumped up and down in front of the door whenever she wanted to go outside. On the other hand, Georgiana and Anne looked anxious. What was the reason for such a change?

After pleasantries were exchanged and the previous night’s entertainments commented upon, both ladies excused themselves, stating that they “hoped” to see Lizzy later in the day.

“What a curious thing to say. Why would I not see them?” Lizzy asked Mr. Darcy. “Surely, they will be here when we return. After all, we are only going for a walk in the gardens.”

“I think they meant to say that they hope you will want to see them after our walk. So shall we go?”

Lizzy found that statement to be even odder. What could possibly happen during a stroll in the park that would make Lizzy not want to be in Georgiana and Anne’s company, and she felt a queasiness growing in her stomach.

The pair did not walk alone. David and Goliath, Mr. Darcy’s whippets, were at their master’s heels. They were as lively a pair as Lizzy had ever seen, and they loved to run just for the pure joy of the exercise. It was truly a sight to behold when they went all out.

“You like dogs, don’t you, Elizabeth?” Darcy asked, following her gaze.

“I am very fond of dogs. At one time, we had as many as five of them in the house, but after each one died, Papa asked that they not be replaced. Since he now requires the use of his spectacles, he found that he was always tripping over them. The only one remaining is Magic, our little Scottie.”

“Do you know that dogs are descendants of wolves?”

“Yes, I did know that, but it is hard to imagine Magic running with a pack.”

“Yes, that would be hard to imagine because pack animals are not selfish. But it is true that dogs are domesticated wolves.”