Page 35 of Companions of Their Youth
Elizabeth glanced sideways at him in surprise. “Do youwantto take orders or go into government? What about Longbourn?”
He laughed. “No, I shall leave the church to our cousin William. And as for the other—well, being the master of an estate, supervising tenants and dealing with neighbors is a lot like being a politician.”
“That is very true,” she concurred with a giggle.
“And what has it been like here, with William back?” he asked, pulling a blade of grass and twirling it between his fingers.
Elizabeth sighed. “Bearable. He dines with us most evenings, when there is no society event. But I am grateful he lives near the rectory instead of here. He can still be pompous—quoting sermons before he has written them.”
Mark barked a laugh. “That sounds right.”
“Mr. Sanderson has been patient. I think he is trying to smooth William’s rougher edges.” She smirked. “I believe it is the most difficult job in Hertfordshire.”
“At least he is devout,” Mark said seriously. “More than half the students at school are preparing to take orders, but not because they are called. It is mostly second sons who are too soft for the army and too dim for the law. But they behave just as men of society do with their vices, and some of them can barely recite the Lord’s Prayer without tripping over themselves.”
“That is appalling.”
“It is the truth.”
"It seems our father's decision to educate you at home before university was wise."
"Indeed. I am grateful for the foundation it provided."
They reached the crest of the hill. Wind stirred Elizabeth’s skirts and flattened the grass in waves. After admiring the view that stretched out past Netherfield Park for some time, Elizabeth turned her brother and tilted her head. “It truly is good to have you home. Longbourn is never quite the same when you are away.”
Mark looked down at his hands. “I miss it. More than I expected. More than I let on.”
Elizabeth reached for a light tone. “Well, you always were a bit sensitive. Now, if Cambridge would allowmeto attend…”
“Please. You would not last a week there.” Mark guffawed.
“I could manage lectures.”
“You would slap half the fellows before term ended.”
“Only half?”
They both laughed, and Mark put his arm around her as they began their descent. Before they made it very far, however, the sound whoops and hollers caught their attention. Elizabeth looked down into the valley as two riders tore across the far field between Longbourn and Netherfield, kicking up dirt and shouting challenges at one another.
Elizabeth shaded her eyes. “Who on earth—?”
Mark grinned. “I might know them.”
“Youknow who they are? Tell me!”
He smirked. “No.”
“Mark!”
“You will find out soon enough. It will be more fun that way.”
“Infuriating creature,” she muttered, and gave him a shove with her elbow. He stumbled dramatically, clutching his chest.
“I am wounded. Cruelly betrayed by my twin.”
“You are insufferable.”
He gave his most charming grin. “But you love me anyway.”
