Page 81 of Twice Chosen

Darcy knew it too.

Lydia did not become prudent merely because one dangerous man was kept at a distance. She still wanted Brighton. Still loved officers. Still believed admiration was proof of importance.

When Mrs. Forster's invitation arrived in the spring, Lydia exploded with joy.

Elizabeth felt sick.

The old road opened beneath her feet.

That evening she met Darcy near Longbourn's back garden. "We cannot forbid her."

"No."

"Papa might."

"Would he?"

Elizabeth looked away.

Mr. Bennet had improved slightly since their conversation. Not transformed. People did not transform because of one speech.

Darcy rested a hand on the low stone wall. "Forster already knows Wickham."

"Wickham may not be the only danger."

"No."

Elizabeth paced twice across the path.

Darcy watched. "Stop."

She glared. "You hate when I pace."

"You are wearing a path."

"I am thinking."

"You are panicking."

She stopped.

He was right.

Infuriating.

Darcy held out his hand. Elizabeth took it.

"We cannot make Lydia wise in six months," he said. "We can make the circumstances safer."

"How?"

"Mrs. Forster is barely older than Jane. Colonel Forster knows it too. His widowed sister lives near Brighton. She is sensible, respectable, and apparently likes young people."

Elizabeth frowned. "You have investigated?"

"Of course."

"Of course you have."