Page 170 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Mary followed, but Elizabeth soon left her behind. The path climbed sharply as it approached the mount, and by the time Elizabeth reached the top, Mary was still struggling up the lower slope.

Lydia was there.

So was Mr. Wickham.

He stood beneath one of the oaks, watching Lydia approach him. At the sight of Elizabeth running toward them, his expression changed.

Elizabeth went directly to Lydia and caught her firmly by the arm.

“Lizzy! What are you doing here?”

Elizabeth ignored her and faced Wickham. “Sir, I can put no good construction upon your intentions toward my sister. Lydia is but fifteen years old and may not understand the danger of meeting a man alone, but you are a grown man and know precisely what you are doing.”

Wickham's easy expression disappeared. “Miss Elizabeth, I assure you that you have misunderstood the situation.”

“I have misunderstood nothing. You arranged a clandestine meeting with a fifteen-year-old girl upon my father's estate.”

“I arranged no such thing. Miss Lydia mentioned that she sometimes comes this way, and I happened to be taking a walk.”

Lydia pulled against Elizabeth’s grip. “He knew I would be here because I told him. And what is that to you? Let me go, Lizzy.”

Elizabeth tightened her hold.

“Ow! You are hurting me.”

“Then stop struggling against me and act with propriety.”

She faced Wickham again. “You are trespassing upon my father's property, sir, for a purpose that can hardly be called honorable. Leave us at once.”

Wickham did not move.

“You may also be certain that Colonel Forster shall hear that one of his officers arranged a clandestine meeting with a fifteen-year-old girl.”

His frown deepened, and his jaw tightened.

“Miss Elizabeth, I would advise you to be very careful before making accusations that you cannot prove.”

“And I advise you to leave my father's estate immediately, Lieutenant.”

For several seconds he stared at her. Then he inclined his head and started down the opposite side of the mount.

“Wickham!” Lydia cried. “Where are you going? You are not leaving! Do not listen to Lizzy. She is only an old maid with antiquated notions.”

She struggled harder, trying to pull free.

“Let me go! How dare you interfere? Wait until I tell Mamma!”

Elizabeth slapped her.

Lydia fell silent, staring at her in astonishment.

“Be quiet. I will not stand here and allow you to bring ruin upon yourself and every one of your sisters. I do not wish to spend my days hiring myself out as a governess simply because you decided to throw yourself away upon a worthless man who has not a shilling to his name.”

“You know nothing about him!” Lydia's hand covered her cheek. “You do not want me to be happy.”

“I want you to reach your sixteenth birthday without destroying your life. We are going home.”

Elizabeth tried to lead her back to the house. Lydia planted her feet and refused to move.