Page 186 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“She believes she caused it.”

Darcy looked at her. “Because your mother became ill after learning what happened?”

“Yes. Lydia knows how badly she frightened Mamma, and now she cannot separate that from the apoplexy. She has scarcely left her bedchamber since the funeral and eats very little. We have all told her that she did not cause Mamma's death, but she does not believe us.”

“She may need time before she can.”

“Yes, I believe so. She is only fifteen, Fitzwilliam. A fortnight ago, she was determined to prove herself grown, and now she has discovered how frightening the consequences of a foolish choice can be.”

Darcy was silent for several steps before asking, “Has your father spoken to Colonel Forster?”

“He intended to, but Mamma suffered the apoplexy almost immediately afterward. From that moment until the burial, there was no opportunity to think of anything beyond her illness and then her death.”

“Wickham has had an undeserved reprieve, but nothing more. Peter and Robert Miller have continued to watch him.”

They had gone a little farther when Elizabeth asked, “Did Peter and Robert tell you about Lydia's assignation?”

“Yes. Peter sent an express as soon as he was able. He told me that you and Mary had followed Lydia to Oakham Mount, that Wickham had been waiting for her, and that you and your sister returned safely to Longbourn.”

“I never saw them.”

“They are very good at what they do, Elizabeth. When I received his express, I was greatly concerned, and I began making arrangements to return ahead of the others when your letter reached Georgiana. It was reassuring.”

“I wanted you to know that Papa had taken charge.”

“When I understood that Lydia was safe at Longbourn, and knowing that Peter and Robert were still watching Wickham, I believed I could do more for you by completing my business with the investigators in London before returning. Had either protection failed, I would have come immediately.”

“I have longed to be with you, Fitzwilliam. I only wish we could be married so that we need no longer be separated.”

“I am also impatient for the day when we need never be separated again, but we must allow matters to progress as naturally as possible. To everyone else, we have known one another only a short time, and you are now in mourning. We must give our courtship sufficient time that no one will question the haste of our marriage.”

“Yes, but knowing a thing to be right does not make waiting any easier.”

“No, it does not.” He looked ahead to where Kitty and Georgiana were climbing. “Shall I offer to accompany your father when he speaks with Colonel Forster, or will he consider it an intrusion?”

“I think Papa will welcome your help. He has changed since Mary, and I brought Lydia home. He knows now that he should have acted sooner, and everything that has happened since has made him more determined to protect us.”

“Then I shall speak with him before we leave today, if you think the time is appropriate.”

“I think he will welcome your assistance.”

“Then he and I shall decide together what is to be done.”

Kitty's voice carried down the slope before Elizabeth could answer.

“We are here!”

They had reached the grove.

Kitty and Georgiana stood beneath the oaks near the summit, both a little breathless from their race. As Elizabeth and Darcy approached, Georgiana's attention moved from the view across the valley to the trees surrounding them.

The path passed beneath the grove before emerging on the other side. Below them, the valley stretched beyond Meryton, with fields and estates scattered across the countryside as far as the eye could see.

Georgiana slowly looked around.

She looked at Elizabeth, her brow raised.

Elizabeth gave her a small nod of confirmation.