Oliver jumped, the sound of that name so grating on Caroline’s lips that she might as well have raked her nails down his back. He looked up warily from his book, regretting doing so the moment he met Caroline’s gaze. “You must walk with me! Come, join me.” Oliver cringed. “Oh, I think I better not. I—” “Nonsense! Walking is really so important, we mustn’t allow ourselves to sit all day. Join me.” It was more of a command than a request, but when no one else spoke up to save him, he reluctantly closed his book and stood. As he did, Darcy glanced up, something like curiosity in his gaze as he
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