Page 149 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

She stood close behind her sister, looking over her shoulder as Jane bent over the letter with a pencil.

For a moment, Elizabeth could only stare at her.

Jane glanced up. “What is it, Lizzy?”

Elizabeth lowered her eyes to the letter lying on the desk. Aunt Maddie’s familiar hand covered the page. At the top was the date that had troubled Elizabeth at Arbor Low.

April 27th.

Jane was drawing the blossoms.

Today was May first.

Tears filled Elizabeth’s eyes and spilled down her cheeks.

It had worked.

Papa was alive. Lydia was safe at home. Georgiana had never gone to Ramsgate.

And Fitzwilliam?

Elizabeth drew her handkerchief from her pocket and pressed it to her eyes.

“Lizzy?”

“I am well, Jane. Do not mind me.”

She kept her face lowered while she wiped away her tears.

Beside her, Jane added another tiny blossom to the cluster in the corner.

Elizabeth remembered everything that had followed.

And somewhere, Fitzwilliam might remember too.

Jane finished her drawing and regarded it with satisfaction. “There. Lydia said the hawthorn means there will be a wedding, did she not?”

She gave Elizabeth a mischievous look. “Perhaps I shall find a husband at Aunt Maddie’s this Season.”

Elizabeth looked into the face of the sister whose wedding she had witnessed only weeks before. Jane had not yet met Charles Bingley. She knew nothing of Netherfield or the man who would love her.

“You seem very certain of yourself, Jane dear.”

“Certain enough to make a wager. When I find a husband in London, you shall owe me a new pair of gloves.”

Elizabeth managed a smile. “And if you do not?”

“Then I shall buy yours.”

“Very well. I accept.”

Jane pushed the letter toward her.

Elizabeth stared at the little blossoms.

Jane’s amusement faded. “Lizzy?”

“It is nothing.” Elizabeth passed a finger lightly over the drawing. “I was thinking of Mamma this morning and all her talk of misfortune. I know it is only superstition, but seeing the hawthorn again unsettled me for a moment.”