Free All Hallow's Eve by Wendi Sotis Page B

—not even for a moment . Once the time grows near that we expect Wickham is in town, your family will move to Netherfield — ”
    “ I do not believe that would be necessary,” she interrupted. “ My sisters, my father and I can— ”
    “ Excuse me, but I am afraid it is necessary , for several reasons . Not only does your father agree, but so do the Otherworlders — your family will not be enough to protect you. Besides, t he Olc will expect you to be at Longbourn . T here is also not enough room there to house all of us . ”
    Elizabeth stared at him for a few moments . “ Miss Bingley and the Hursts? They must not be place d in danger’s way . ”
    “ I am certain that Bingley will send them away as soon as possible. Once they have gone, we can train indoors at Netherfield. We shall move what we need from the armo u ry beneath Longbourn during the night. ”
    El izabeth arched her left brow, “ Y ou honestly believe that Caroline Bingley will do as her brother tells her to ? ”
    “ Her brother controls her funds ; she must comply or be cut off , ” William answered , his s urprise that Elizabeth w ould question this part of the plan evident on his face .
    Elizabeth laughed, recovering some of her usual colo u r. “ I doubt that it will be that simple. She seems the suspicious type and not one to willingly follow another’s directi on without knowing the reason behind it . ”
    “ Do not worry yourself about these details—allow Bingley to take care of his sister. ”
    “ I predict we will be renewing this conversation in several days, and I shall attempt to refrain from saying that I told you so. ” She could not completely hold back her smile. “ I will allow you to come for me in the morning, Mr. Darcy. Meet me at the gate behind the house. I know of a path that we can use where there is little chance of our being observed. ”
    He closed his eyes momentarily as his relief was displayed on his features. “ Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. ”
     

C hapter 4
    Nov ember 3 , 1811
    Elizabeth met William at the gate as planned. As she approached , she gesture d for him to be silent while gla ncing behind her at the kitchen wh ere the soft glow of candlelight could be seen through the window . She smiled a little as she unwrapped the muffins that had been pilfered from the cooling table on her way out th e kitchen door , offering him one that was still warm from the oven, thereby informing William that the servants at Longbourn had long since begu n their day . They walked to the meadow in comfortable silence , the moon still close enough to being full to light their way , the only sound being the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot accompanied by the occasional hoot from an owl that seemed always close by, perhaps even following them .
    As they moved through the trees that surrounded he r meadow, Elizabeth’s skirt caught on a sticker bush. A fter requesting permission, William assist ed her in freeing the cloth from the thorns that were trap ping her there , and it occurred to William that she would most likely wish to remove her dress and don trousers on ce they arrived in the clearing. Distracted by the thought of how thankful he was for the trees blocking the majority of the light of the rising sun , in turn hiding his reaction to th e thought of Elizabeth undressing , a moment later he realized that whil st her skirt was still caught on the bush, Elizabeth was no longer in it . He straightened and looked around quickly in confusion as he heard a stifled giggle behind him. Turning quickly toward t he sound , he saw that she was already wearing trousers.
    At his shocked mien—for he knew it would have been impossible for him to dress himself as quickly as she had seemed to have accomplish ed — Elizabeth broke into laughter . “ I was wearing the trousers under my skirt, Mr. Darcy! The ladies in my family have found it necessary to fashion a few skirts that fasten at the waist and can be worn with a