Page 102 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“Then we shall continue searching until December twenty-first.”

Elizabeth studied his face.

“You truly do not think me mad, sir.”

“I asked to join your research, Miss Elizabeth. Learning its purpose does not alter that.”

Her eyes filled, but she continued, “And what of Georgiana, sir? If I could return far enough to prevent what happened to Lydia, perhaps I could prevent Wickham from harming Georgiana as well.”

For a moment, Mr. Darcy said nothing.

“If there is evidence to be found, we shall find it, Miss Elizabeth. For both our sisters.”

Her eyes filled again. She no longer felt alone.

“Thank you, sir.”

The light had strengthened while they spoke. She looked across Arbor Low.

If there was a road back, she intended to find it.

Chapter 36: Jim’s Story

The following morning, Elizabeth found Dr. Wynn in the Radcliffs' breakfast room with a cup of coffee and a newspaper before him.

“Dr. Wynn, may I ask you something about Arbor Low?”

He lowered the paper. “You have asked me a great many things about Arbor Low, Elizabeth. I cannot promise I shall know the answer to this one.”

She laughed.

“Yes, sir. Tell me, do you know anyone who claims to have witnessed something there that defied explanation? I do not mean another story handed down through a family. I mean someone who was present when it happened.”

Dr. Wynn considered the question.

“I have come to know you well enough, my dear, to trust you with this story. There is one man.”

Elizabeth waited.

“Jim Fletcher. He lives near Monyash and is eighty years old. I treated him for many years before he became too stubborn to admit when he needed a physician.”

Laughing, she asked, “What happened to him, sir?”

“That depends upon whether you believe him.”

“I should like the opportunity to decide, Dr. Wynn.”

He folded his newspaper. “Then I shall take you to him, my dear, and let him speak for himself.”

* * *

Darcy and Georgiana joined them after breakfast, and the four traveled in the Radcliffs' carriage toward Monyash.

They found Jim Fletcher in a modest stone cottage outside the village. He was thin, with white hair, broad hands, and shoulders bent by age. He recognized Dr. Wynn at once.

“I told you the last time you came that there is nothing wrong with me.”

“And I told you that one day there shall be, and then you will regret having insulted your physician.”