Page 136 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

He offered his arm. “After you, wife.”

* * *

Richard was waiting in the entrance hall with Georgiana when they descended.

Georgiana wore a heavy traveling cloak, and Richard carried another folded shawl over one arm.

“I have been informed that this must accompany us because Darcy requires that we pack sufficient wool to clothe an infantry regiment.”

“I heard that,” Fitzwilliam said.

Georgiana stood unusually quiet as Richard draped the shawl around her shoulders.

The servants believed the family was beginning their journey to London. Their luggage had gone ahead that morning with James Reeves and Jenny, and Mrs. Reynolds came forward as Fitzwilliam helped Elizabeth into her gloves.

“I hope you have a pleasant journey, Mrs. Darcy. We shall have everything ready when you return.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. You have been very kind to me since I came to Pemberley.”

“It has been a pleasure to have you here, ma’am.”

Fitzwilliam’s hand settled at the small of her back, and she moved toward the door.

He helped Georgiana into the carriage before handing Elizabeth in. Richard followed, and a few minutes later the horses started down the drive.

Elizabeth watched Pemberley through the window.

The great stone front disappeared first, followed by the sweep of lawn. For a little while, she could still see the upper windows through the bare trees.

Then the road curved.

Fitzwilliam found her hand beneath the carriage rug and threaded his fingers through hers. She leaned against his shoulder and continued looking through the window until even the trees surrounding Pemberley were lost from sight.

* * *

Dr. Wynn was waiting when they reached Arbor Low shortly before noon. His horse stood nearby, and the physician wore a heavy coat, his hat pulled low against the wind.

Richard climbed down and greeted him. “Dr. Wynn, you came.”

“I considered remaining at home and pretending none of you had lost your senses, but I knew I would spend the rest of my life wondering if it worked.”

Fitzwilliam helped Georgiana from the carriage, keeping hold of her until she was steady upon the uneven ground.

Dr. Wynn had learned the whole of their intention the previous afternoon, and his objections had been persistent. He had argued most strongly against Georgiana attempting the crossing while carrying a child until she quietly informed him that she understood the risk and would go nevertheless.

He offered her his arm now. “Since you insist upon this travel scheme, I shall content myself with insisting that you sit when you become tired and tell me at once if you feel unwell.”

“Yes, sir. I will.”

The coachman had been told that the family wished to spend several hours at Arbor Low before continuing south. After setting them down, he drove on to Lambton, where he would wait at the coaching inn while the horses were rested and fed. He was to return shortly after sunset.

Elizabeth looked across the earthwork.

She had first come here searching for an explanation for three people who had vanished. Before the day was over, she might be one of three more.

* * *

They settled near the large flat stone where Jim Fletcher had last seen Samuel Grange.