“I have.”

“Then you do not know my sister, Jane, was taken ill during dinner yesterday, and I have come to visit her.”

“On foot?”

“As you see,” she answered, looking down at her dirty hem. “Because we have had so much rain, chores on the farm have been neglected, and I did not wish to ask my father for one of the horses. Besides, after dancing and teasing, walking is one of my favorite things to do.”

Although his eyes were drawn to her muddied hem and soaked boots, Darcy had also noticed her rosy complexion and that her eyes were brightened by the walk, and because of the humidity, her beautiful dark, curly hair was trying to escape from beneath her bonnet.

“I can see you are looking at my boots, Mr. Darcy. I successfully avoided every puddle, except one,” she said, laughing. “However, you need not be concerned; I promise to stay off the rugs.”

“Please allow me to go ahead and secure dry shoes for you. I believe you are about the same size as Mrs. Hurst.”

“Please do, and warn them that I am coming.”

“I am sure they will be pleased to see you again,” Darcy said, knowing that Louisa and Caroline would be anything but pleased.

Lizzy thought that Jane would definitely be happy to see her. Mr. Bingley, highly likely. Mr. Bingley’s sisters, not very likely at all.

In the foyer, Lizzy was greeted by Mr. Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley, Mr. Darcy, and Mrs. Hurst’s maid, who handed her clean hose and shoes. After removing to an anteroom where she changed her footwear, Mr. Bingley escorted Lizzy to her sister’s suite. Although Jane had asked that he not send for the apothecary, Mr. Bingley, in exercising an abundance of caution, had done so. The diagnosis was that she had a bad head cold and needed to rest and recommended some draughts specific to her complaint.